Friend Egg Hunt

Man I feel lame - I pouted like a baby (that's what we always tell the kids) and then happened to have a fabulous day.  Kids napped, I read and sun bathed.  When all awoke, we headed out to swim with friends.  Andi didn't want to go at first but man, can you tell she changed her mind!?!?

 After swimming we came home to help Andrew finish getting the desserts ready.  I hope you appreciate the centerpiece among the cupcakes - he was frantically trying to find our Easter stuff because there was a hole. When he couldn't find anything, he decided to take flowers from the front and dig up some grass just to make the cupcakes "a little more festive".  Interesting, huh!  Oh, and a new twist on nests - I thought today, yum, chocolate covered pretzels.  Divine.

Fran had us all over for dinner and believe me, I enjoyed every bite.  The men were then sent to the park to hide all the eggs - the kids were so very excited and it again reminded me of how much more enjoyable holidays are through the eyes of children. 

And they're off.... seriously they all had so much fun.  I was shocked Jackson didn't hoard too many, Ryan didn't whine or cry, and Andi didn't suffocate Kenna.  It was a good hunt for everyone.

Mr. Cole especially enjoyed any free handouts he could get.  And of course his BFF, Fran, gave him the good stuff when she realized his parents gave him empty eggs.  Yes, love at first sight for this little man. 

 The Loot!  (Cole, back off!)

When we got in the car the kids couldn't stop talking about how much they love their friends.  Andi said, "My friends hug me; Kenna hugged me."  Yesterday and today they keep mentioning how it's just "a great day".  I am happy they are so happy.  There's nothing better than knowing your kids are truly loved by those around them.  

Pt. Dume

Spring Break week - oh man, what was once so liberating and exciting is now daunting and exhausting.  Jackson needs school - it makes him a happy boy.  Ryan needs outings and a lot of them so without school, that's a lot of pressure.  Andi and Cole also need to do something at least once a day.  Considering this, it can become expensive and draining.

Monday I decided we would take it easy because at the start of the break, no one would be going crazy just yet.  We cleaned and organized and hit up Costco.  Simple and pleasant enough.  Success!

But then that afternoon, upon realizing how beautiful Tuesday was supposed to be, I decided to try to get some people together to go to the beach.  Most couldn't make it on such short notice, but Michalle and I decided to go anyway.

Tuesday morning Andrew decided to join us and plan on working late that evening.  Just before we left, I called my mom and she jumped in the car to join us.  The kids were so excited and quite helpful getting ready.  I mean really, every girl needs a styling pair of heels to go to the beach - accentuates the calves!

We haven't been to the beach since January and so I wondered if there would be an adjustment period once we arrived.  NOPE!  All were happy and at ease.

The most at ease was Mr. Cole - which is quite frightening with how quickly he crawls.  I mean seriously, this kid is fast and fearless.  He was in above his waist and still wanted to go further.  Let me just say that the water was ICE.  Seriously chilly.  It was gorgeous and hot outside so the shivering didn't last too long once he was out of the water.

What was adorable was how concerned Ryan was with Cole getting too close to the water.  He tried to stop him and then looked up at us like, "Uh, seriously guys, is someone going to get him?" and then he'd go back to block Cole.  

Once the novelty wore off, we got the kids to hang out closer to our "camp".  I love the beach because it requires very little from me.  We all have a blast effortlessly.

The best part about having dad with us is having someone to bury the kids.  I hate doing it and getting all that sand under my nails - call me what you will, but I seriously can't stand it.  Maybe I should learn from Allie and use a baby spoon to help bury my children!  Awesome!

After two SHORT, blissful hours, the two whities wanted to head home.  Yes, I have already informed Andrew and my mom that this was their last invite.

Last night I got bummed out by something.  Then today I got more bummed out when I realized we were going to have to miss out on a Magic Mountain adventure with friends.  As I moped around I decided to play some worship music.  Then I decided to read some Conference quotes.  Then I decided to stop and watch my children play outside.  Look at them, not a care in the world. 

 They have no clue what they're missing and quite frankly, they couldn't be happier inventing adventures together, in their backyard.  We are so blessed and yet I allow outside influences to bring me down.  Why is it so easy to become discouraged?  It's shameful, really, just how blinded of our blessings we can become.  It's so easy to dwell on the things of this life instead of dwelling on the eternal perspective.  Because the fact is, the second we are faced with a real problem, none of that other crap even matters.  Do I really want some tragedy to occur to remind me how blessed we are?  No.  I messed up and now I'm fixing it.  To start, I'm throwing on my swimming trunks, as Andi likes to call them, to lie on a blanket and read in the sun.  Oh yeah, and I'm putting the youngers down for a nap and grabbing my tanning oil.

13 Months

Today, on your 13month mark, you have decided you're brave.  FINALLY!  You have been able to stand for months now and yet you are terrified.  But this afternoon when I got home (running), dad told me he "caught" you standing while holding a bowl of tofu in one hand and a spoon in the other.  Naturally I assumed it was because you thought you were holding onto something.  But then after dad left (basketball), you and I hung out out front and you were "gardening".  Then, all of a sudden, you decided to lift both arms into the air and stand freely.  Of course you sported a huge grin and demanded an applause but believe me, that was coming free of charge.  We so badly want you to walk because you would have so much more fun with everyone.  Besides, you're tired of crawling which is why you bear crawl everywhere.  Tonight was so very exciting because now I know the walking should come soon!

In other news, Andi and Ryan had a blast last week with their BFF Corinne.  I think it was Friday when I went to pick up Corinne and brought her back here without Andi knowing it.  When Andi discovered Corinne, Andi came running to me saying, "Mom, why did you bring me Corinne??  Thank you mama!".  Seriously, I truly brought her a wonderful and unexpected gift.  So I suppose it's only natural that they asked for a picture together.

My abuelita thinks Andi looks like a little teenager and well that too is fitting considering that little 3 year old going on 13 decided to make herself an egg the other day.  Luckily she hasn't yet figured out how to turn on the flame.

Tuesday I went to see Hunger Games with some girlfriends and oh my, that 2.5 hour movie kept me enthralled the entire time.  I also had a date night planned for Saturday to see Hunger Games and it was so exciting anticipating Andrew watching the movie.  He enjoyed it - but hey, who hasn't?  The highlight really was getting out without the kids and enjoying a nice evening with friends and my BFF.  I don't know who was more excited for that evening, us or the kids.  From 9am on, they all kept asking when they were leaving for grandma and grandmpa's and Ryan kept ordering me to start packing.  When I decided to pack, Andi, Ryan and Jackson all helped.  Yes, we were all eager for the night ahead!  And get this, we got home shortly after 10:30pm, made the bed (because I did a million loads of laundry that day) and I passed out immediately until 8:45am (and that was because my dad texted saying they were on their way).  INSANE!  I am so grateful for the chance to get out, so grateful that my kids love their sleepover at grandma and grandpa's (Ryan was asking to go again tonight), so grateful for sleep, so grateful that despite everything that is stressing me out big time, I'm still able to get out and forget it even if just for an evening.

Ward Conference

Matching Easter 2011

Matching (2 wks before Easter) 2012

I never knew what all went into Ward Conference - it's crazy how much the leadership in the church does for the ward family.  It is overwhelming but also rewarding to sit there and think about the needs of those around us.  Another benefit of Ward Conference is having a chance to sit and chat with the Stake regarding the issues or concerns you have within your particular auxiliary.  I received a lot of answers - for instance, when the Article of Faith is shared in opening exercises, the child is then to turn around the poster and ask the Primary to, "please repeat".  No one says it with enthusiasm or love, nor are they saying it in unison.  I despise this tradition but didn't want to eliminate it without having something with which to replace it.  The trusty Stake Presidency suggested using music.  Brilliant.  Music is the best way to learn anything.  I can't tell you how much this has bothering me - ok, I'll move on now....

I was nervous before our meetings on Sunday, but that's because I'm lame and stress when I shouldn't.  All I had to do was conduct but this was our second week with the new schedule and I wanted everything to run smoothly while the Stake was there.  It did!  We had no lights for the majority of Primary and yet it went very well.  I am so impressed with my counselors, teachers and even more so with the children.  We struggled with some senior boys, as always, but overall I was pleased.  It was also my friend, Jen's, first time teaching Sharing Time EVER, and it was fabulous.  I am grateful to those that are prepared and allowed us to borrow the "oil from their lamps" - aka, their flashlights!  I didn't get a picture of the kids because they were being reverent and I didn't want to disrupt.

The storm was so bad that afternoon that I didn't want to drive to Acton for dinner BUT, when I called my mom and found out it wasn't bad out there, we decided to make our way over.  It actually turned out nice because the kids were able to watch the snow.  We ate and lounged and the kids photographed it all from their perspective.  Let me tell ya, it's a shock they tell me I'm beautiful considering the view from where they stand.  No wonder we're counseled to be like little children!  It was a great day and the kids were so happy - they didn't want to leave!

Mr. Evans' Mustache Bash

Laurel and Cory were one of the few to really befriend us when we moved into the Solemint Ward.  I will always feel that we owe them for all the love and compassion they showed us during a rough transition.  The girls and I discussed wanting to throw Laurel a shower for this surprise baby #4, and I can't believe it has already come and gone.  Crazy how time flies when you're not the one carrying the belly!

A party at the house is always a great motivation to get things clean, organized, and functional - I love it.  Mowing and cleaning the lawn brings back vivid memories of my childhood with Uncle Fred, in Hawthorne, CA.  It's so great that my kids can now get out there and enjoy this as a family.

Because we have four little ones, the cleaning had to wait until late Friday evening and early Saturday morning.  These blocks are going to be the end of me!

This was by far the easiest shower to host because so many volunteered to help with anything and everything.  Honestly, I can't even take the credit for hosting because it was a group effort for sure.  I couldn't have done it without them all and I am so grateful to each and every one.

 Sadly some of the ladies had left before the picture, but I am glad we got most of them because these people have really touched my life and I am so blessed for all they have taught me.

Laurel was stunning and the envy of every woman that has ever been pregnant.  She has the "glow" for sure. Congrats to the Evans - we can't wait to meet him!

Exciting

Reading in school with your best friend...

 Waiting to be picked up for a play date...

Eating lunch (enchilladas, beans, banana, shredded wheat, grape juice) with mama...

The Little Ones

Sure wish he'd walk!

 Need to do each year!

 Need a re-do (Note: Andi still needs practice as a photographer) THEN do each year!

 He loves to clean and cook; Cole that is :)

He's doing much better!

Came & Went

I just realized my grandparents were here this weekend and I didn't get one picture.  That's awful - so not like me!  Last week was just crazy as I had something every single night.  Does it not always work that way??  All or nothing I feel.  Card night was great fun even though my oh so simple cards turned out to be quite time consuming!

Funny thing is Friday night was a different type of card making night but just as fun.  I'll have to post those later.  Earlier that day I took Ry into the doc because he had started wheezing around 2am.  The doctor was shocked at the sound of his lungs because they sounded so clear.  She was also shocked we had not been in there for two months.  Essential Oils???  I'm really starting to believe so.
Saturday Andrew went paintballing with some crazy boys!  Seriously, the wind, the rain, it was out of control but that didn't stop 'em; most of 'em.  The kids and I stayed indoors - I cleaned and they vegged.  I wish they folded the laundry they're cuddling!  Luckily for me I got to go out that evening to celebrate a friend's birthday.  GNO's can really get a mom through her day!  That and being able to meet up with family for a delicious and enjoyable linner (Jackson totally doesn't get the linner idea!).  Again, no picture - ugh, what's my problem??  A sick Cole, probably.

Sunday morning during my typical Primary chaos, I realized Jackson was assigned to give the talk that day.  He and Andrew worked on something but that boy was set on what he wanted to say.  The most important thing he thought was, "God loves us even if we do something wrong."  And you know what, it wasn't on topic but yes, that is the most important thing.  In fact during my sharing time I randomly came to a point where I had the need to stop, and really testify to the kids that God knows each and every one of them and knows when they are struggling.  He loves them each, individually.  You know you think of all these kids that have taken their life because they feel so alone, so lost, and it just breaks ones heart!  But anyway, back to Jackson, he did a great job, all on his own, despite the fact he has a lame mother that forgot until 10am.

Jackson discovered one of Andrew's strategy games on the computer last week and I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I can use it to get him to do things, like clean his room in 10 minutes, but he's obsessed.  He walks in and sits down to play.  When I told him it was enough yesterday, he kept complaining that there was nothing to do.  I tried explaining to him he has spent the last 5 years figuring things out to do and now that he has this game, he suddenly can't think outside the box.  I want to get some educational games, although I know these strategy games are helpful too, I just get so frustrated with how obsessed he is.  I much rather see him make believing (the king) than sitting at the computer.

Dry Eye

Jackson you asked, "Mom, why are your eyes red.  Why do they have red in them?  And they're leaking.  Is it because they're dry?".  The fact that I am even admitting they were tears shows how much I value documenting the little moments with you, my children, because if it were up to me, I would down in history as the girl never known to cry!  Why?  I don't know.  I really don't.

But what I do know is that tonight I learned what I am in your eyes.  A rock.  Certainly not capable of crying.  Is this good or is this bad?  I want to be a comfort to you; to you all.   I want to be that support you will so desperately need in life.  But I do not want you guys to think you can't get sad, or discouraged.  I do not want you to think that to cry is to be weak.

Jackson you are me.  No doubt about it.  I watch you and see just how hard you are on yourself.  To the point where you work yourself up and can't perform to your ability because your nerves have gotten the best of you.  You don't want to let people down.  You don't want to disappoint and you will do what it takes to make sure you don't; you will make yourself sick doing so.  So, I hope that on those days when you feel you have reached your limit, I hope you know you can cry.  I would even venture to say to cry is to feel, and to feel requires strength.

John 14: 17-20  17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 18 I will not leave you ^acomfortless: I will ^bcome to you.

 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

P.S. I would prefer to never speak of this again... :)

Youngstars School Pictures

I have always been grateful Grandma K began preschool just in time for my kids.  I am grateful that Ryan loves school.  I am grateful that I don't have to worry about a single thing when he's there.  Today as I was running late at the doctor's, I was thinking about this very thing and it put me at ease.  And now, looking at these pictures, the joy in their faces reminds me just how very blessed we are to have Grandma K and Grandma B in our life!