Little Miss Muffet

Taylin's kindergarten classes have been learning through nursery rhyme themes. They each picked a nursery rhyme and were to bring props. They would later recite them in small groups. Some were soloist. What a good job they all did. Taylin chose Little Miss Muffet. She had it down right away. We practiced at home. Since she was so confident in the reciting, I encouraged some acting. She kept assuring she knew what she was supposed to do. She did tell me she was going to run away like Miss Muffet does. I thought that is what they all would do. As I watched so many nervous little bodies on stage, I quickly realized this was a big enough to do for some of them to be dressed in their costumes and props. Then they did well to remember and recite in front of so many people. Any kind of acting wasn't on their agenda. One sweet girl was a big fluffy Humpty Dumpty. She could barely walk up to the stage, but the fright got the best of her. Taylin's group of Little Miss Muffets got up. I wasn't sure why she was the only one sitting on the floor...no where near the microphone. I then realized, she was the actor.

P.S. I had leggings for her to wear underneath, but she didn't think she needed them. Her teacher tried to encourage them, insisting that it was cold. She didn't think it was a necessary part of the costume.

Family Date Night

I had felt overwhelmed and pulled in many directions at the beginning of the month. I had several meetings that had taken me away from the family and David's schedule started Q4 (call/30 hour shifts every fourth night) beginning December. It was the first Saturday of the month and David's only day at home off...the other weekend we were going to be in Utah for a wedding, so one day of wedding and not traveling. I had been baking and doing other preparations for primary and Taylin's class. There was a primary leadership party Saturday evening. I kept feeling guilty for being away from my family and then feeling guilty if I missed the party. Well, I felt I had attended meetings that I should be at. Although the party would be fun, I felt my family needed me more or I needed my family more. We didn't have anything pressing. We just needed simple time together.

Taylin had a playdate with a friend from school. After dropping her off, I proposed we go to a drive in movie theater. David put no pressure on me either way. I dropped the cookies off for the party. My primary presidency was very understanding. We picked Taylin up, had time to pick up some sandwiches from the grocery store and on to the drive in we went.

This was a first for us. We had wanted to go to one for some time. It was a cold night for Arizona and an outdoor movie, but we came prepared. The kids did great. Kennedy was so excited about the transformed vehicle that it took her a while to find a comfy place, but she did. Teague slept and the rest of us enjoyed "Planet 51." The movie wasn't anything to go down in history, but the event as a family was a memorable one. We could have stayed for the second feature while the kids slept, but David was tired too and had to be at work the next morning. This will be a repeat!

Dress up with Dad

The kids love to play with Daddy's work everything. When the kids hear the garage door open or the keys in the front door they run to the door screaming "Daddy!!!!" Kennedy promptly says, "Nan, nana boo-boo," with a little dance ready to play chase or hide-and-seek. Taylin wants to show in tell all her work from school. Cohen asks David where his i-touch is. Teague's arms and legs are flailing with a persistent growl/grunt that says, "Come to me Daddy, come to me!!!" Depending on David's energy some of those things get done. The kids also promptly go through David's bag of goodies and his work apparel. This day they dressed up and played doctor:Taylin is ready to take serious action!

Maybe listening to his food digest ;)

Mom's Closet

Note: This was in July!

The girls have an assortment of their own dress ups, but this day they wanted to go through my clothes. I did't think I had dressy things to entertain them for too long. We worked with what we had and they had fun. They enjoyed dressing up in Mama Jer's (my mom) jewelry as well. They knew to be careful and it helped me go through and organize it. This is what they came up with...even Cohen found something to wear:I even let them have some of my makeup. Note to self...mascara is a bit much! It is much harder to get off someone else.

I couldn't get anything done, so I tried Teague forward facing in the sling. He was comfy and I was productive. Thanks Katie for this sling. I still use it soooo much!

Happiness at 7 Months

It doesn't take much to make this little guy happy! I finally caught his smile on the camera. He usually just stares at the camera wondering why he should smile for a cyclops. He is seven months now. I cannot believe it! He loves his independence as a sitter and army scooter. Not quite crawling, but he can get where he wants to within an eight foot diameter.

He makes me smile and loves to cuddle!

My daily medicine...

...a dose of laughter!
I started by playing animal sounds and the kids had to guess the animal by acting it out. That was fun enough. Then we got silly:

Happy Halloween

Wow, I think I finally recovered from Halloween. The only thing still haunting me is the occasional melt downs, because I won't give another piece of candy.

We enjoyed another batch of pumpkin seeds. We barely got our pumpkin carving in this year.

Taylin wanted to be Tinkerbell this year. I think she has wanted to be this since last year. I had originally planned the girls be Tinkerbells or fairies and the boys were going to be Peter Pan. Well, Cohen really wanted to be a robot he saw in a book. I tried to talk him out of it. Peter Pan would be so much more comfortable and I wouldn't make him wear tights! I was able to convince him one day, but it didn't last. Silver and red still danced in his head.

After much research and shopping for materials, the costume making began. I didn't plan on making costumes this year. With two weeks until Halloween I decided I would make them. I originally thought me making them would be cheaper. Sooo wrong, but once I started, I had to finish them.

Taylin was able to wear hers to school, an evening festival, trunk-or-treat and a resident party. She got lots of wear out of it. Very worth my efforts. She even was picked as a finalist for the costume contest. Dorothy was the top pick, but again, it was worth it. Taylin wore her costume for two straight days and parts of it on other days.We will probably not all go to the festival next year. It was not little kid friendly. Her school PTA put it on. Most of the festivities were outside and it was very dark. The golf game was only lit, because of the camera. I took a day off after finishing Cohen and Taylin's. Kennedy's costume was finished just in time for dinner and on to Trunk-or-treat. Kennedy is the fairy in training and might get wings another time. I knew she wouldn't keep them on and after hot gluing thin tulle and bias tape, my fingers were a bit worn. Teague was complete two weeks prior. He was simply the remote control for the robot. It just slipped over his clothes. (No pictures...he barely wore it with all the running around we did.) It was obvious the remote wasn't all together, because our little robot had a mute malfunction. We couldn't get our robot to say trick or treat or much of anything. I barely got him into his costume. We carried it to the festival on Thursday, but never got him in it. I then told him if he wanted to get candy he had to be in costume. After passing out some candy himself, he warmed up and we went trunk or treating. I forgot a tie, so I held one side of him together and was the voice of the robot as we walked around. I was dressed as a pink and white bunny. No pics and none necessary. David was a nerd.

After a mom/wife missing in action for two weeks, I was banned from making costumes next year or the next three years. I already have costumes for next year that I bought at a costume shop the Monday after...50% off. Costumes for next year are already complete (only a few touches I will add) and sooo much cheaper. Maybe time to figure something creative for David and I. I had to swallow some pride to buy their costumes instead of putting them together myself. Gulp! I did it! We are ready for next year!

David and Residency

See for yourself:

Just listen

Last week the kids participated, and mom in the church primary program. Taylin and Cohen both had parts that they memorized and recited often. Taylin: "In the Proclamation to the World we learn that our homes can be and should be a refuge and sanctuary from the troubled world we live in." She said her part perfectly. Cohen had perfected his: "I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth." Come performance time...he was shy and timid. I would be too! He has many opportunities ahead. They sang so sweet and bore great testimony of the blessings of an Eternal Family.


A few weeks prior as we were practicing, I discussed with them their parts and what they meant. I think it is easier to memorize something if you know what you are saying. Little did I know I would learn so much myself. I was talking to Cohen about his part. I asked him if he believed he lived with Heavenly Father before he came to earth with our family. I elaborated how Teague was just there and how we wish he could talk, so he could tell us about it. I asked him if he thought he was excited to come be with our family. I did a little impersonation of him not meaning to be rude or make fun, just showing excitement to be here. I said (pretending to be Cohen tugging on Heavenly Father's arm): "Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father...can I go now...can I go now...Heavenly Father can I go with my family now...can I, can I?!" Of course Cohen had a response, "No Mom, not like that...Heavenly Father listens to me." I just broke. I pulled him to me and told him how much I love him. I apologized for not always being such a good listener. I told him he could pull me aside whenever he felt ignored. I told him I would do better. What a sensitive soul and he has such a great love and testimony of our Heavenly Father. I knew he understood his part well...whether he said it when it was time or not.





Taylin's part:

Kennedy didn't really have a part, but she joined in the moment. Taylin and Cohen translation, "Heavenly Father lives."

Throwing the towel in

All seven of them that I used to clean up 2/3 gallon milk off the kitchen floor and living room carpet. Just bought it. Just got home from the store. Yep...it really was spilled milk and a lot of it!!! I jinxed myself!

Truck Driver Cheer

I was looking for those rose colored glasses all day today. I can't fully blame it on my lack of sleep last night. Although I didn't expect much. Each time I get frustrated, upset or anything of the sort...I am reminded of a bit of "advice" that was given in a talk, basically: your reaction is your choice...if you are angry, you choose to be angry. I think it is a feeling that is the reaction, but it is my choice as to how I express those feelings. I have a long way to go before my initial feeling is so kind hearted. After getting a visit at least once an hour, every hour, until 3AM last night, I was a bit fatigue today. I was frustrated with all the things I had to do, but I knew with my energy I should do only what had to be done. It was a rough day. By the end of the day I was feeling a bit selfish. Some of these things went through my head (I realize this blog is becoming an antidote for me to share things in my head. Thanks for still baring with me and reading on. I apologize for the open book I am becoming.): "No one appreciates what I am doing. I feel like I am at work and no one notices my work. If I could only afford a nanny. I just might quit my job today, ha. You are why I am so upset today. Grrr! Where can I hide...okay, they really need me."

The list goes on. A few of my Grrr's might have actually sounded out. I really did feel under appreciated today. This is something I do everyday, but I usually get a few more smiles or positive experiences to out weigh the rough spots. I just couldn't find my rose colored glasses...they were smudged today. David is also on call today, so I won't see him until tomorrow after lunch or near dinner. No break!

Around 4 or 5PM...more bickering, more demands, more tears I couldn't seem to comfort for were thrown my way. The feelings of inadequacy and lack of endurance were also weighing me down. I was feeding Teague some cereal that I couldn't make fast enough. Taylin turned from her coloring to tell me something and almost tipped her chair over. She looked at me...I looked at her. We both knew I was going to bark something. I took a deep breath and asked her with all the kindness I could muster to be careful. She said, "Mom, I want to share a cheer with you." She has all the cheers and hand signs for things they do in school. I can't keep up with them. I was a little annoyed, but I preceded to do my best to sound interested. Then she said, "Mom, this is for you...this is for being a great mom: 'honk! honk! Good job, little buddy." (Hand gestures and all.) Tears filled my eyes very quickly and I thanked her in my exhausted, choked up voice. (When I was a cheerleader, I don't think I moved anyone to cry ;))She then was taken back and got a little teary as well. She is so sweet and very sensitive to others. I told her how much I appreciated that and that it was a hard day. Needless to say, the rest of the kids were silent either out of awkwardness or a little concerned as well. Cohen came and stood next to me, but wasn't sure what to do with that. I rewarded them with dinner that was created out of the few items we had left in our pantry and fridge due to the lack of energy I had to go to the store today. I really should go soon or all we will have left is disinfectant wipes in place of toilet paper. That is bad.

I tried my best to make it through the next few hours before bed. Which still wasn't glorious. I don't remember what happened, but I remember saying again..."Today was a hard day, tomorrow will be better." After the kids were tucked in bed, for the most part...Taylin spoke up again and said, "Mom, you are my B.M.F." She cracked me up the other day when she came home talking about her B.F.F. I was not thinking at all and I asked what it meant, "Best Mommy Forever." She gets the gold star for the day. I don't know if she believed that or knew that is what I needed to hear. It is nice to know she loves me unconditionally, even after I made her lunch this morning and put it back in the cabinet where we store her lunchbox instead of in her backpack. That my friends is why she has a credit on her lunch account. She has an absent minded mother at times. Taylin has always been so observant to what is going on around her and to the spirit. Again her sensitive soul! Again another day...blessed!

spilled milk...and...and...and

I won't cry over spilled milk, but all the additional clean ups I have been doing. I finally shed a tear when I thought I could finally go to bed. The list starts with the regular crumbs under the kitchen table, no biggy...the puddle of pee I cleaned up off the carpet after celebrating a full potty chart...spit up...spit up...spit up...a busted bag of amish bread starter (flour/sugar/milk)...buttons and beads...a bloody nose...going to bed now...nope, Teague's last feeding...I knew Cohen was tired and had a drink closer to bed time than we usually allow, so I was going to take him to the restroom...too late. Now waiting to change the wash! David had a busy night last night. He said if he could count the times his pager went off, probably 70. My pager is still going off. I need a vacation, just to sleep!

It is golden weekend this weekend. David...we are going on a date, please, oh, please...do I have to bat my eyes? There isn't much energy left to lift and close them...I will just close them and get some zzzz's, pleezzz!

A little bit kidding! (Natural History Museum in Mesa: jail house).A girl can dream...at least reminisce the good times to get me through the bumps.
***
Now through Rose Colored Glasses
"It looked like spilt milk" (from a great children's book), "but it wasn't."
***

• It looked like crumbs all over the floor, but it wasn't. It was the children enjoying their snack together at the table.
• It looked like another puddle of pee after celebrating pee going in the potty, but it wasn't. It was a happy girl playing with her new prize. So happy she didn't want to interrupt it to go potty.
• It looked like spit up, but it wasn't. It was a relieved little five month old after a good burp.
• It looked like a big mess of goopy amish starter, but it wasn't. It was a sweet five year old eager to help her mother in the kitchen.
• It looked like a mix of buttons and beads all over the floor, but it wasn't. It was a curious two year old experimenting with her motor skills and enjoying all the colors and textures.
• It looked like a bloody nose, oh but it was...but it was more. It was two very concerned daughters for their mother and lots of extra love.
• It looked like another feeding, but it was MORE. It was another chance to cuddle my sweet boy that grows just as fast as the others.
• It looked like a bed wetting, but it wasn't. It was a very tired boy, who played hard with his frogs and lizards today and enjoyed his brownies and milk for family home evening.
• It looked like another late night of laundry and less sleep, but it wasn't. It was a chance to sit and ponder the blessings of my day. To take another look with a glass of milk that is half full. I love you, sweet kiddos...now off to cuddle with my hard working husband!

A new perspective

I don't know exactly how to start this or how much is going to be too much. We will just see how much I can type before Teague wakes to eat.
***Fore-warning: you might want to stop reading if you are in a public place.***
I haven't been sick...knock-you-out-sick...in a long time...or ever. I had the stomach bug when Cohen was nine months, but that wasn't anything compared to the flu I had two weeks ago. Tuesday I was feeling a little icky. I thought it was something a good night rest (as good as I can get) would help. The fever kicked in over night and I was worthless the next day. Thank goodness David was home. Even though he had to work that night, he was able to be with the kids. I was not allowed to be around little ones, Teague especially (Dr. Hubby's orders). Taylin was home from school too, because she had a fever the day before. She was fine that day, but they are supposed to stay home 24 hours. I fed Teague once and the doctor sent me to bed. I slept four plus hours. I woke up coughing. Taylin and Kennedy were so concerned. I am not sure if it was due to my cough or the fact that mom was gone and out for so long. Then I tried to get up for a while. I was still pretty worthless. I was lacking a lot of energy and still had a fever and other symptoms.

While I was sitting at the dining room table watching my family "lively" functioning around me...I was awakened to a new perspective that I have never thought of or felt I could relate one bit. I thought about my mom and how she was sick for two years. I know she had her highs, but I know she had little energy or strength. I was sad I couldn't be there for my kids just a few days. My heart just broke. I couldn't imagine the heartache my mom had when she had to stay at home and in bed while we were all going about our lives. My mom was so upbeat and positive. She is much better than I! I have so much to learn. I remember the numerous basketball, softball games and powerlifting meets she still made it to with her oxygen and wheelchair. How can I forget the mask she wore with the lips she drew on them. Oh, Mom, you are such a hoot! I also remember my Junior prom. We were all out taking pictures and my mom was inside in her bed. I am sure she didn't mind or would rather have not...but I regret that I didn't go inside and get a picture with her.

I am amazed at how much more she suffered than my lousy flu. Far from a comparison, but a glimpse of what Mom endured for so long. David and Taylin were in the kitchen and dining room while I was thinking about this, so it became an open discussion. David is wise. He said, "I am sure she had strength when she needed it." I know she did. Taylin was so sweet. We discuss Mom often and she is fully aware of who she is and her illness. Taylin asked if I helped Mom when she was sick. I told her we were older kids and the biggest help we were was to take care of ourselves, so Mom and Dad could focus on Mom and hopefully not worry about us as much. I do remember bringing Mom meals and helping with other things. I also remember cuddling up in bed with Mom throughout the days. Looking back, there is always more I wish I had done. Mom is still such an amazing example! I can't believe it has been over twelve years. I still feel very close. Some of the hardest days are when I need her parenting advice or just for her to say the experiences I am having as a mother are somewhat normal.

I love you, Mom! Thanks for being there rain or shine. You were so full of charity and so unselfish. You were with us and still are even though physically it wasn't and isn't always possible.

The Zoo

We went to the Phoenix Zoo for our second Golden Weekend and Kennedy's birthday...yep, that was a month ago! ER happened since...crazy! This is a great zoo. We will have to go again to see the rest of it. The first stop was the carousel. The kids enjoyed it. They each picked their ride. Unfortunately for Cohen they weren't all together. David stayed with Kennedy and Cohen held on like this the entire ride. They begged to go back. He is such a cautious little guy...sometimes!
My favorite animal. We could have watched this area forever. There were several animals in this area. My friend Justin touched up the Giraffe picture too. Thanks! Love it!
We tried to go early enough, so we didn't get too hot. Many of the animals were already napping or hiding in shade areas.

We ended with the splash pad...very smart zoo!!

Look into my window

The first tooth came out! I was just kidding and got the tongs out to pull Taylin's tooth. It was so loose. Taylin didn't even budge. She was ready. I wasn't going to get it out that way. I was sure it would be out over the weekend (this was Friday night, Sept. 18th). I told her she should eat something hard. Taylin then took it upon herself to get an apple and went to munching away. I was doing dishes and David was giving Cohen and Kennedy a bath...Taylin, "Mom, my tooth!" With no effort or pain and a little blood her tooth was out. Cohen was very concerned for her...to tears. Taylin and Cohen said their good-byes to the tooth and slipped it in the tooth fairy bag. The tooth fairy, Twinkle, left her a dollar, a teeny-tiny note and a fairy dust path to wake up to.

One more thing

So a while back Cohen commented, "I can't hear you mom, my ears aren't working." Something like that.
Tonight upon falling asleep in his homemade tent on the couch he said, "Ellie, can hear her mom from far away. When I get big...when I turn 21...I will be able to hear you from far away...when you are at meetings." Good to know all that I teach him will be with him when he is gone. Seriously...we have the best conversations!

Cohen says the darndest things!

On the way home from picking up Taylin: "Mom, I think I have webs in my body that I can get out."
***

While putting tent poles together: "Mom, those red and green lines look like your legs are cracking." My response, "Thanks Cohen." His response, "It's okay, it just looks like they are cracking, but they really aren't."

***
Building blocks,"Mom, you know why I am so strong, because my heart is strong."
***

David left (maybe five minutes ago) with the girls to a Daddy/daughter camp out and I was feeding Teague: "I miss Dad." My response, "Dad, just left." His response, "I know, but he is not here, so I miss him."
***

Love this kid. We get some one-on-one (with cuddles from Teague) time while daddy and the girls are away. We will see what else he comes up with.

First Golden Weekend

(our almost at max capacity ride)

Back in July, David had a Golden Weekend. This means he has a weekend, which is few and far between.

We decided we wanted to do something out of the triple digits. This was a nice relief. It is very nice to know we are only a couple of hours from cooler relief when it just is too hot (most of our time here so far...summer, ahh!). David asked me several times if I was sure I was happy that we chose Arizona. I guess I was a bit excited as we drove into the green mountains and more green and oh, it was lovely!

We headed just outside of Flagstaff for Williams. There we visited Grand Canyon Deer Farm. The kids loved it...after they warmed up to the fact that these animals larger than them weren't going to eat them...just the food.
Teague was just fine in the sling.

They absolutely loved the goats! And the goats loved them! Cohen's love of tractors...he was very happy!There were other animals too, reindeer, miniature horses, miniature bulls, camel, baby wallaby, donkeys, and more...and some llamas. I know they are one of God's creatures. I still think they are rather odd and rather unattractive. My post, my opinion.

We stopped by Montezuma's Castle with free admission fee weekend. It was very interesting...mostly for David and I.We felt the heat rising as we got back into town. Yep that is PM...yes, night!

This cracked me up. Teague didn't know what to think. He makes this noise too. I guess it was comforting.