Happy Birthday, Ryan

cupcakes for preschool

preschool buddies

Wednesday after school, Andrew picked up Ryan and his closest buddies to hit up Chuck E Cheese.  I figured in the middle of the day, middle of the week, there wouldn't be too many people or too much chaos.  They had a blast - now Jackson's saying he wants to do the same thing for his birthday.

Ryan felt so loved and so lucky that he got such fabulous gifts from his friends.  He was one happy boy.

2012 Questionnaire an included in parentheses...

 How old are you? FIVE (Four with excitement)

What is your favourite color?  orange, green, blue... and black, too (Blue and red)

What is your favourite animal?  Crocodile  (Hmm, giraffe.  I like the ocean.)

What is your favourite food?  dinosaur nuggets (Tofu and tofu sauce, chicken nuggets, and rice)

What do you want to be when you grow up?  construction worker  (A firefighter)

What is your favourite book? Ummm, about dinosaurs (Pirate ones with a ship)

What is your favourite song?  A Jesus one  (My Jesus song)

What is your favourite TV show? Third and Bird  (Cinderella (oh boy, he spends a lot of time with his sister) and I even like our new shows that grandma got us (grandma shopping bought some VHS's for their bedroom))

What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas  (Halloween)

Where would you most like to go for a holiday? the hotel  (Las Vegas) 

What is your favourite thing to do? play with grandma shopping's game  (go to the sushi place, go to the beach with my friends and I like something special for me that Corinne and Missy won't get it)

Where do you like to go for dinner? Sushi!  (Sushi, sushi, sushi)

Who is your best friend?  Brandon, Carson & Gagey  (Gagey and Gunner and someone else I don't know)

What do you like doing at home?  play with Jackson, Andi and Cole  (Play my football game)

What do you love about your sister?  hug her  (She plays with me)

What do you love about Jackson?  play with him  (He helps me to get all the water in the hole at the beach)

What do you love about Cole?  hugs  (I like him to color)

What do you love about school?  painting  (um, paint)

What do you love about church?  the class  (don't play)

What do you love about mom and dad?  hug them and kiss them   (kissing, I just like pretend kissing (it's hit and miss, sometimes he likes affection, sometimes not so much))

We had a road trip planned for this holiday weekend and so first thing that morning, we met up with Grandma Shopping and Grandpa grandpa and Bri for a birthday breakfast.  I loved seeing this boy so happy and feeling so special. 

It was quite fitting that this road trip just so happened to begin on Ryan's birthday because he's always asking to go on a road trip and to stay in a hotel!

It was a lousy drive to Vegas and we were so ready to get out of the car once we arrived.  But even more so, we were grateful to arrive.  The car was driving horribly most of the way there and by the time we exited the 15, we were putting along and we're sure we're make it much further.  After checking in, I took the kids to the pool so Andrew could get the car fixed.  Amazingly enough, he did.  A spark plug change and we were good to go.  Man he's come a long way!!
The kids and I had a blast waiting.  It was a bit chilly and at first, they were apprehensive in the water.  Thankfully they became little fish once again.
I'm not sure which was more exciting:
1- learning Cole was not quite afraid of the water, but much more cautious than he was last summer
2 - Andrew going out to fix the car without arguing with me about the need for dinner first... and the fact that he actually fixed it.

That night we wanted to take Ryan out to a fun dinner where he could have endless dessert options.  It was such a nice family night and really, by the end of the evening, we were all on cloud nine.  Who wouldn't be with endless crepes!

As the kids passed out, we realized that we really are blessed and so very grateful for our little Ryan.  He has been sick a lot during his five years but it seems as though that shouldn't be for much longer.  He is so kind, loving, and giving.  In fact today while waiting to pick up Andi from preschool, my friend Jenna told me about a day that Ryan was so kind to her son and he offered to share his play-doh when no one else would.  That's Ryan, for ya.  I've always said, the boy will give you the shirt off his back.  And now, he's not just the loving one, he's also the big jokester.  Ry, we love you and are so glad you had a wonderful birthday!

*PS - I think we're going to have to start rethinking our hotel set-ups... these kids don't fit too well on a double bed!

Happy Valentine's Day

Each kid did their own Valentines which meant they were simple, but perfect. 

I'm assuming that when Andrew got home from Basketball around midnight or so, he made me heart shaped oatmeal cookies because they were ready and presented first thing Valentine's Day morn.  So thoughtful and simply perfect.

Jackson made a box for his Valentines that were passed out in class - it seems as though he  "lovs" Zuri - say what!?!?  When I called him out, he was so embarrassed and told me no one was supposed to see it.  Andrew's just glad to hear Jackson has good taste!

I just love my mini Valentine's!

"You're still the one:  If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.  Through the twists and turns of life, you have always been there for me, my constant partner and friend.  Our love only grows deeper and more beautiful the longer we're together... And as we celebrate our journey, keep your hand in mine and I'll be by your side forever"
**The best part about my card is that he told me he found it two weeks ago and has been saving it in his truck.
"I love you more now that ever.  You are everything I ever wanted in a partner.  You make me a better person each day by your love, patience and example.  Love always, Spike."

Good Times

Marci's baby shower was so beautiful and simply perfect for her and her baby girl.  I am grateful for the chance I hang out with these girls and to help out a bit - even though I lost the giant steak knife in my car....

Bunco has taught me that I can't count and talk at the same time, I truly am a social eater, I can have fun after 9pm!

Relief Society Valentine's Day with a Twist - Speed Dating

Milestones

Jackson

It was a scream I had never heard before.  Immediately I envisioned Cole, passed out in the shower, and Jackson helpless.  But no, instead I found Jackson, shrieking for joy over losing his FIRST TOOTH.  For weeks he has anticipated this wiggly tooth falling out at lunch like it did for one of his peers.  This of course made him nervous because he is no fan of blood.  Or the unknown.  We discussed the Lord's "tender mercies" and in his prayer on the way to school, he thanked God for allowing his tooth to fall out in the shower so he didn't get freaked out by the blood.

Ryan

This four, ALMOST five year old, attended his first birthday party without us or his siblings.  He's getting so old but more importantly, he has become so polite and obedient that it doesn't really worry me to send him off on a journey such as this.  But as Marci pointed out, we really do need to work on his volume control so the adults can actually hear him.  

Classic Ryan story.... upon arrival he asked them if he could get the inflatable snake.  After Ryan's earnings and Jamie's jackpot, all the kids were actually able to get this coveted snake.  Of course, Ryan's didn't even make it home before it was fatally wounded.  Yep, it's always happening to Ryan.  Indeed we are grateful that he doesn't throw fits over things like this and we're also grateful for Cameron's sacrifice in giving Ryan his snake.

Andi

"Blue pants" are all the rage these days.  Believe me, I get it, a good pair of jeans, or blue pants, can change a girl's world.  But really, a 4 year old's world!?!?  The fights are out of this world and we must find a compromise SOON!  But I suppose if you're old enough to hit up the mall with a girlfriend, you're old enough to throw a fit over a good pair of "blue pants".

At least she WANTS to do homework!

Just another day hangin' at the mall with a friend.

Cole

It has been a BIG week for this little man... big man... soon true man!  One month before his second birthday the boy has moved to a toddler bed and has been potty trained.  

He decided he wanted to be potty trained a couple weeks ago.  Things went well at first and although I never attempted to take him out of the house without a diaper.  But then he got sick and reverted; of course.  So four days ago I decided to hit it hard.... nudest toddler for two days and next thing you know, he's fully trained.  The child had no accidents for three days in a row even with being out and about in the car and other places.  Well, except for that one time I told him to wait and well, he couldn't.  Go figure, it was the one time I had forgotten a change of pants and yeah, that mistake cost me $22!  Rip off.

This week he also graduated to a toddler bed simply because his lovely siblings taught him out to climb out of his crib.  He is our climber so we have been shocked he never tried on his own but there ya have it, it happened anyway.  Considering we live in a tiled home, the urgency to move him out of the crib was at an ultimate high.  I took it upon myself to dig out our old crib and take it all apart and put it all back together.  Andrew came home and called me crazy but hey, every woman knows if she wants it done......

I absolutely love seeing him passed out in his "new" bed.  I equally loved getting rid of our last crib - say what!?!?  Crazy but so exciting.  No more diapers (well, pull ups for sleeping) and no more crib.  Ahhhh this is so exciting!

Cole is also now old enough for play dates and he's loving every moment!

I truly love watching these four (five) grow up!

The Best Gifts

I really have come to love Valentine's Day - in a different way is typically stressed.  I look forward to creating many more traditions as the kids get older.  For instance, I wanted to write something I love about them for 14 days and place that on a heart that you then tape to their door... or put in a mailbox, but I dropped that ball.  I'm thinking I'll start small and do one for each of them on the morning of Valentine's Day.  But I love that the kids are into the spirit of the holiday - Jackson has made me many "gifts and cards" and they're simply perfect.

Friday we were all over the place; but in a good way.  Ryan had the chance of joining his buddy and his family at Chuck-E-Cheese after preschool.  So super cute and so super excited for Ryan's birthday celebration this coming Wednesday.

Happy Birthday, Carson

Wednesday I received some great encouragement from Brooke, to attend the Stake Temple night Friday.  So after picking up Ryan, I took all the kids to Acton which took about 50 minutes due to the lame California drivers trying to drive in the "snow".

The evening wasn't exactly what I envisioned, but I am still glad we went and I really do hope to make a better habit of going.

I hear the kids had a good night, though!!

The next morning Andrew left early for work and I headed out to pick up the kids.  We of course had to first play in the "snow".

The best part of this entire experience, was the card Jackson made for us while we were apart.  It stated that he loves us so much and hopes we can be together "forever".  That right there I thought was a perfect ending to our Temple trip.

Soliloquy

doctor

lawyer

pediatrician

judge

therapist

teacher

social worker

interior designer

wedding planner

yoga intructor

student

professional organizer

photographer

the occupations in which I have always dreamt of accomplishing...

Where's "mom"?

Well you see, that's just the thing.  I knew I'd be a mom one day, but I don't recall ever being that girl that said, "I want to be a stay at home mom, when I grow up."  I wanted to be identified as many things, but that wasn't one of them.

Four months after we married, I wanted children.  Oh man I'm glad Andrew was scared because five months after we were married, I realized I wasn't ready.  Whew - close call.

But then a couple years passed and Andrew was ready.... I still wasn't.  8 months later I realized, in the shower, that I was ready; I was ready to be a mother.

At this point in my life I had decided many of my desires would not become a reality.  "Teacher" fell into my lap due to the current state of our life and the opportunities placed before us.  At the time, I was ok with that - more than OK, actually.  I felt I would teach for now, and then one day go back to school for my MFT license.  In fact, that's still the plan.

But there I was, in the shower, where you think and sing best, and I knew it was time.  One week later, I found out I was pregnant.  We were thrilled - I was thrilled.  I knew I could do BOTH.

And I did, for years.... until I started becoming uneasy.  Driving to work one day I knew stronger than ever that it was my time to be a "full-time mom".  It was time to shift my identity and I wasn't ready.  It was as clear as the day in the shower, but I was not as ready.

Still, I did it - I resigned, I would not longer fill in the box "occupation" on any form.  Weird.

Why am I reviewing these life choices, yet again...

Well because sometimes being a "mom", is HARD.  I mean the hardest day EVER - harder than any other day in school or in the working field.  Hard to believe, but oh so very true.  With Andrew gone so much lately, I'm having more hard days.  You see, when "working at home", you are still facing the trials and struggles of your personal life.  When you go to work, it's a bit of an escape from your "life trials".  Makes sense in my head, anyway.

And so, here I was, Wednesday night, on the verge of packing up my bags and running away.  OK, not really but I imagined it so.  Even good 'ol Harry Potter couldn't put my mind to rest.

I begrudgingly came out here to watch some Bible Videos.  They were good, but I needed something else.  An hour and a half later, I realized that the Mormon Messages were just what I needed!

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

Daughters of God

Saving Your Marriage

Opportunities to do Good

Expressions of Love

Unselfish Service

Continue in Patience

Parenting: Touching the Hearts of the Youth

"Are you in there - Mother Father, are you there?"

Oh man... no, not always.  I try - I really do try, but sometimes I check out.  It's true - I'm guilty.

Some days I want to go back to work.  I know I was a good teacher.  I reached those kids and I know it.  As a mother, you don't always KNOW you're doing a good job.  You're reassured less frequently as a mother in comparison to that in which you gain in the work field.

So yes, Wednesday I was rather selfish.  I wanted to fast forward time.  I wanted to get back MY life.

But the fact is, this IS my life and it IS the life I want.  I was just tired.  I was just exhausted.  I look into the faces of these kids and I realize time will pass all too quickly.  Today I was rather excited that they are growing and could clean out the car, start the laundry, and organize the living room.  This indeed will help to save my sanity.  But in time, they will want to hang out with friends all weekend, go out on dates, leave for college, serve a mission... in time, they will leave me.  Hopefully only in body and not in spirit, but at that time, I will look back on these crazy days, the days I want to pull out my hair and run away, and I will miss them.  This I KNOW.  I KNOW this to be true and in knowing this, I am grateful for these out of control days, house, kids, schedules, life.  I do want to be a mom but I just pray I can be better at it so I won't get so discouraged.  Luckily, I am blessed to know many amazing mothers and I have the opportunity to take what I learn from them, and implement their skills into our lives according to the ways in which my children and I need them.

Truth be told - I'd be devastated if I was ever fired from my "mom" job!

"You're Gonna Miss This"

who knew The Piano Guys would be so entertaining

after looking at this picture, some may think I should be fired... but here's the deal.... Ry wouldn't stop complaining and I told him if he kept it up, I'd tape his mouth shut.  Well, he complained and although I did not hear it, Jackson did.  I was going to give Ry another chance until I heard it, but he said he wanted the tape.  Odd boy - but a much more peaceful one with tape over his mouth.  The living room is now clean and Ry never complained again.

 I love my little pills!