Brothers have good toys

Nathan loves playing in Spencer's room. Of course he knows it has the best toys. Spencer has more of a toy collection now, but Nathan knows they must be the best since they are kept up high on a shelf just calling his name. He sneaks in every day when the boys are at school and yells, Mom, Mom, while pointing until I give in and hand him a toy. Nathan loves playing with his brothers. He is obsessed with Beeeeeeeeee! That is short for bumblebee. He prefers him in car mode to robot mode. Too cute.

This never looks like This

Ok, maybe it does. But why? Why? Why does my family room always look like this? I have tried so many different organizing tips. It just doesn't matter how well I organize or store things. They dump it all out. They love pulling the couch cushions off. This drives me crazy. CRAZY!

The costumes

I do need to showcase Jeremy here because he made that Captain America shield from a kitchen pot lid and painted it. Fantastic. Also, Sam's costume ripped after the first Halloween event and I stitched it back together. That's practically like making his costume, right?

Corn

So, in case you noticed I got a little behind on my blogging. Everything got crazy when school started, but I feel like we are finally settling into our routines. Except here come the holidays, so whatever. Anyway, the other excuse is that my computer lost it's ability to download pictures from a memory stick thingy and we can't find the plug for our camera to do it that way. But Jeremy finally tackled the problem for me, and there you go. Now I have a few blog posts I want to get out of the way. We did not have onions in "our" field this year. Whew. They planted corn, which was lovely. Although they still haven't harvested it and now it all looks dead. The whole situation has become down right perplexing. Jeremy thinks they are growing popcorn. What do you think? Is that how we get popcorn, they grow it? That seems very strange to me.

Happy Halloween!

Passion, you got it?

Things I'm passionate about.

Being Passionate. Seriously. Get excited about something, really excited. Get mad about something, get seriously bummed out. Whatever, just feel something!

Bold Statements. I love these things. I make them all the time. They get me into trouble sometimes. But in general I believe if you feel something, say it. If you say something, stand behind it. Be Bold.

Being a Dancer. In my mind. I am awesome!

Food. There are no words.

Music. In my soul. Deep, within my soul, love, need, crave music. There is a soundtrack to every moment in my life, not just the big ones.

My Faith, my Religion.

Jeremy.

I am Flawed.

I am sooooo flawed. Doesn't that word sound weird when you say it a lot? Flawed, flawed, flawed. Remember how I told you how much I love a good pity party? Well, you are all invited. I am feeling the weight this month of a lot of responsibility to be a good Mom, Wife, Sister, Friend. And of course, I seem to be coming up short. A lot. Now remember, a good pity party does not require you to make me feel better. In fact, you are uninvited if you feel the need to tell me how awesome I am. I know, it is tough to hold back. If you want to come to my pity party, you need to tell me why you feel you stink too. Because you do. We all do. Ha, ha, ha. I feel better now. Thanks for coming!

Questions with some Answers

Well, I feel like it is time for another post about my son Spencer, who has autism. I had some interesting discussions with family members this summer and realized there are so many questions and relatively little knowledge about my son's condition. Which stems mostly from the fact that the medical community feels the same way. There are so many unanswered questions, they don't even know the cause of autism and why it is spreading like crazy. And every child with Autism is completely unique. The saying goes, If you have met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism. So, here is my update about my son.

Spencer is starting 5th grade this year. He is in a regular classroom, at a public school. He does very well academically, which is becoming more clear as his brothers have begun school as well. He is the most amazing speller. Maybe some of you parents can appreciate this, but we basically have never gone over his spelling list with him through all the years, and he aces his test every week. Lets not talk about vocab, but if you say any word to him, he can probably spell it. Fun, huh?

We have the highest hopes for Spencer. The FAQ's I get all the time, will Spencer go on a mission, will he get married, will he do well in college? I understand why these get asked, I ask myself these questions all the time. But really, can you answer these questions about your 5 year old, your 7 year old, your 10 year old? I'm sure he will do all of that, and more, or maybe not, because you know things happen in life and don't always work out the way you plan or dream. I am learning to roll with things. This is hard for me, but he is the most amazing kid! Spencer is our best job kid. Maybe its his age, maybe not. You give him a list of jobs, and BAM, they are done. Done really well. Spencer goes to scouts, he has gotten all of the awards, no thanks to his Mom that's for sure. Spencer plays the piano, he skis, he swims, he is the best older brother. Spencer loves babies. Thanks goodness my sisters are keeping that going because he is loving it! He cooks, he cleans, he asks to have sleepovers.

He may not always answer your questions when you ask them, but keep talking, keep asking. He is not ignoring you, he doesn't always know how to respond in social situations. And the truth is, if he doesn't find the conversation interesting, he just won't participate. He is not great at social small talk, but that's ok, right? He doesn't really understand vague questions like, how are you? How was your day? If you ask specific questions, you will get a lot more answers. Spencer loves to talk about all that stuff that 10 year old boys love to talk about. Start that conversation with him, and you are golden. If you don't know what that is, take a look around his room. It is all Spencer.

Chalk Art

So, sidewalk chalk art is the thing now. Did you know that? It is. All the rage. Get on board. We did for family night. Each family member was given a sidewalk square. There were prizes involved. I wanted to go for the graffiti look. I won the most emotional and passionate award. Spencer decided to make his about symbols. He won best effort because he was into it the most and really tried to be creative. You can also see Spiderman made an appearance. Very cool.

Sam finished first with his tic tac toe board. He won for best use of space and lines. Matthew drew me watching fireworks. How can you not win a prize for that?

Jeremy drew our house. And of course wins the prize for most artistic. Nathan made contributions to all the drawings. He really liked to use his feet to blend the colors.

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.