Sunday meetings today started off at 7am. I had to take Crate with me and he was pretty good. Got a little fussy but then fell asleep in my arms towards the end. Had a presidency meeting this afternoon, made German pancakes for dinner and topped the night off by playing a game with the boys. It was actually a pretty fun game and would be fun to play with adults. Now I'm ready for bed.

Last day of soccer for this season. I'm kind of glad it's over. I'm looking forward to open Saturday mornings for awhile. The boys were SO excited to get their trophies, especially Boss. It is his first trophy and I'm pretty sure he was feeling like a million bucks. It's pure joy to watch your own kids be so happy about something. Especially simple things.

Shortly after soccer I took the boys to Chuck-E-Cheese for Daegan's birthday party. Braving that place by myself on a Saturday afternoon with three children in tow was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. The boys had fun and I was able to win quite a few tickets for them. Again they were very excited. Once again my wrap that I carry Crate in was a life-saver. He was in that thing the entire time and even fell asleep for about 30 minutes in it.

Once we got home Pops was home and we played some basketball out back as a family. Pops put Crate in the backyard swing and I think we found something he loves. As we were pushing him back and forth he was literally giggling with excitement. I'm thinking I'll have to install one hanging from the ceiling in the kitchen. Then maybe he wouldn't need to be held ALL DAY LONG like he does now. He stayed in it for about 45 minutes while we played. I love AZ winter weather. I love good quality family time. It's really not the quantity but the quality.

Tonight I went against my will and fixed a real dinner on a Friday night. I really wanted to stop and get a box of crap on the way home from Mesa today but I resisted. I put boneless skinless chicken breasts in a baja chipolte marinade for about 90 minutes then grilled them to perfection. I also steamed some fresh green beans and then sprinkled garlic powder over the top. Pretty simple but considering I hate cooking on the weekend it was a big deal. It was just me and the little boys tonight for dinner and even though the marinade had a kick to it they still ate it without complaining. Then once Pops got home and ate it he commented that it was the best grilled chicken he's had in a very long time, even better than restaurant chicken. I was proud of myself that I used the grill and it actually turned out non-blackened!

Tonight I let the boys play a video game while I went through the 6-12 month clothes I had. I got them all washed, folded and put away. I can't believe Crate already is in this big of clothes. The newborn stage went way to fast. He's growing like a weed. It's amazing. Not to mention he's so chubby my cannibalism desires have kicked in again. I want to just eat that ball of chub up. He's irresistible.

On the baby note... Alyssa had her baby yesterday. Ellinor Marie (Ellie). I hoping to get to meet her tomorrow!

I finally finished my book tonight. It only took me about four months. It is Sarah Palin's book Going Rogue. Wow! She is interesting. I admire her all the more. Politics are screwy. Good honest people in the political arena are hard to come by.

I let myself be offended today, twice. Two totally separate situations. I started to go off to Pops complaining about both situations. Then I remembered my goal about not complaining so I stopped myself. I also remembered a talk given I believe in general conference about being offended. Being offended was my choice.

A. The persons whom offended me, I'm sure, didn't mean to. I would really hope no one is that low that when they say or do something their intention is to offend another. I just took it that way.

B. We are all entitled to our own opinions and our own way of seeing the world. Just because one might see the world one way doesn't make it right for everyone else to see it that way. If they choose to see a situation that way that's their choice. I can either ignore it, complain about it, make drama out of it, walk away from it or forgive and forget. It's my choice.
I'm willing to forgive and forget.

Pops taught me a great lesson recently about creating drama where there really is no need for drama to begin with. I don't think he knew he was teaching me at the time. It made me wonder how many times I've read between the lines and created drama when there were no lines to read between. I must remember this lesson in the future. Again, being offended is a choice and a complete waist of time and energy.

On another note in Sarah's book there is a quote by Aristotle:

"Criticism is something we can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, being nothing."

I think now I'm ok being criticized.

On a completely separate note again,
This is Crate having to be all bandaged up from his cradle cap creating open wounds on his head. It's finally looking like it's clearing up!

His biggest brother loves him so much!

So I'm finally giving the update from our President's day activity. Speaking of which Boss heard me asking Buster if he was excited that he didn't have school because of President's day. He thought I said "presents day" so when he woke up on Monday morning the first thing he said was "Where are all the presents?" I asked him what he was talking about and he retold the conversation I had the night before with Buster. I explained that he had misunderstood me...let's just say he was VERY disappointed to not be getting any presents.

Anyhow, we decided at the last minute to drive up to Prescott and take the kids on a hike. Pops had some appointments but was able to switch all of them out for a different day except one so after starting the day off with am basketball (heaven forbid he misses a game of church ball) he came home and worked for a little while as I got the youngins ready then we headed out for the 90 minute drive north. We arrived about lunch time so we stopped at the grill first before heading off for our hike. It was a beautiful day. The weather was perfect! Pops and I made a bet at the kids would last 15 minutes before we heard things like "I'm tired or I'm hungry or my legs hurt" so we weren't really planning on hiking to the top. However they proved us wrong and did awesome the entire way up. Not one complaint out of Busters mouth and Boss said he was tired only about ten minutes from the top. It's an almost two mile hike and it's not an easy walk Here are some pics of the journey

This is how we started off...pulling Crate in the backpack that also converts to a little stroller. This is one of my best finds at a second hand store. The thing is awesome.

Then the terrain became to rocky so Pops carried him on his back the rest of the way and Crate loved it.

The boys found walking sticks to help them along the way.

This is the view from the top! Beautiful

Pops with the kids on the bench at the top of the mountain.

Me and my gentleman.

I'm glad we went we all had a fun time. The boys especially enjoyed the snow on the top of the mountain!

On another note...Boss is really into working out so he's always flexing for anyone that will look.

Today was a busy day...I'm not writing this sentence to have a pity party. Again, this is my journal so in 27 years I want to recall what a typical day was like in 2010 cause I'm sure my days will be different in 2037.

Workout...Plyometrics again. I really do like this workout. Really. I think I like it so much because I sweat like a pig and after I get done doing it I don't feel like a pig cause I have burned more than a few calories. I always walk away feeling powerful because I stuck with something challenging. It's like a good happy pill.

I was supposed to have James today but got a cancellation call this morning. I decided to take Boss to the library for story time. Crate was there to tag along and seemed to enjoy it almost as much as Boss. Seriously Boss had a smile on his face the entire time. I'm not sure if it was because he got to sit on the train square on the rug or if it was for all the fun music that was played. Whatever it was, it was successful. I was grateful I threw on some makeup because I saw many people I knew and I didn't scare them off. Of course we had to rent a few movies before leaving. Is it sad the kids enjoy getting movies rather than books at the library? Whatever. Anyways I go to check out and can't because my library card is declined. Embarrassing. I make my way over to the not-so-friendly librarian who proceeds to semi-yell that I had a $34.67 balance from past due fines. Are you flippin' kidding me? $34? This was supposed to be a free day. I tell Boss we're not getting anything but that didn't go over so well. So to not cause a bigger scene than I already had I play the penalty (which I'm sure is more than if I went out and bought the library new books altogether) and proceed to hand her my unsigned debit card. I've had this debit card for 3 years and 4 months. NEVER had I had any problem using it somewhere due to the back of it being unsigned. But here at the local library she WON'T accept it because of no signature. I hand her my drivers license and she says that's not good enough I have to sign the card. I proceed to oblige and start to write "see ID" and she tells me she can not accept it because "see ID" is not a valid signature. Do I really look like a criminal? I sign the flippin' thing and take my now very restless children out of that money/bad service/unfriendly pit and move on with life.

Our next stop was to the lake to feed the ducks which happens to be right next to the money/bad service/unfriendly pit so we didn't really move on that far with life. Anyhow, we feed the ducks all the popcorn and bread we had brought and as we were giving them our last handful the beast of all geese comes over blabbing his beak asking for his own 7 course meal. "To late buddy," I tell him but he would have nothing to do with hearing that. He proceeds to bite Boss on the shoulder then on the stomach and then right on the peck. Boss (the family animal lover) freaks out and bursts into tears which scared the ba-gee-bers out of Crate so he starts wailing away also. And here I am, the loving mother, busting-a-gut because the absolutely terrifying look on Boss' face was SO funny. It really was a priceless moment. Anyhow I shew the beast away and we sprint back to the van hoping the beast stops following us.

On our way home we do a little grocery shopping then get home just in time to fix a quick lunch, feed Crate, put the groceries away and head off to pick up Buster from school then pick up our friend Barbara then switch out lock boxes on a few properties for Brando then go to soccer practice for Boss where Crate craps his pants then home in time to put a fresh yummy pizza in the oven for dinner then showers then scriptures then bed. Then Pops gets home eats the leftovers and goes back on the phone to work. And here I am blogging before I start taking care of YW stuff.

Today I was thinking...everyone can find something to complain about at any given moment in their life. And complaining accomplishes nothing. So starting tomorrow me and the boys are going to start a complain-free day. I'm hoping it'll turn into a complain free week which will turn into a complain-free month which will turn into a complain-free year which hopefully will turn into a complain-free life and they'll direct their energy into something more productive than complaining. Ultimately leading to a constant positive attitude in life. Boys that always look on the bright side of things or find the blessings amongst the trials.

Sometimes I wish I could stay up for 24 hours and take care of stuff while the kids are sleeping.

I officially think I got hired today by Brando...this should be interesting. I was twiddling my thumbs lately looking for something more do. NOT. I think a full time assistant for him is in the near future, until then more 80+ hour work weeks. I'm looking forward to a vacation in the next 5 years. I love when people say "your so lucky he owns his own business" or "your so lucky he works from home." Ignorance is bliss. Our goal of 4 hours a week for family time is quickly diminishing. Yet this is what we choose so again...no point in complaining. I'm more than thankful he doesn't rely on anyone but himself to feed the family. No one can fire him, cut his hours or cut his pay except himself. It may be a lot of work but it is where we're supposed to be right now. This I know.Sometimes I feel like a single mother but then I remember I'm not and for that I am very thankful. The boys have an amazing dad and they know it.

On another note...Seriously? Come on.

Today Boss gave his first talk in Primary. He did a great job, it was fun to watch him.

As much as a love a rainy day every so often I hope it doesn't rain during soccer this morning. I washed and blow-dried my hair last night and if it gets wet it'll be ruined. I need it to last for another week. Speaking of soccer the boys have games at the same time today on different fields and I am a single parent this morning since Pops is at the stake service project. This should be interesting...watch today will be the day each of them score a goal and I'll miss it because I'm crossing between the fields!

Hard am workout. Visiting teaching appointment. Had visiting teachers over. Laundry. Feedings. School work with Boss. More laundry and feedings. Then time to pick up Buster. After school I took the boys to a park they've been wanting to visit the last few weeks. (I'm pretty sure we've visited 98% of the parks at least once within a 8 mile radius). It was a neighborhood park near the post office. It started off blissfully...boys playing, Crate sleeping and me reading my book enjoying beautiful weather. After about a page in a half into my book Boss slips off the monkey bars and face plants in the nasty sand. He came up eating sand and bleeding out of his mouth and nose. Obviously we left right away, came home and cleaned up and then I put the boys to work. (No time for rest...you gotta shake off the pain.) They were in charge of cleaning the play room all by themselves. I promised a trip to McNasty's if they got it all done within 30 minutes. The timer worked like a charm and they finished with 6 minutes to spare. I took the boys to McNasty's to play in the play land. Nothing beats free entertainment. Pops had to work late then he had to work on his talk (blessed 3rd Sunday) so he wasn't able to go but it was fun none-the-less. I realized again tonight how fast time is flying by and I must not say "I can't wait until..." I must live in the moment and enjoy it. Even the tough parts. For I know I don't get to do this over again. I enjoyed spending time with all three boys just watching them enjoy being a child. Mother-sons dates are fun.

As of this morning Boss officially knows how to ride is bike without training wheels! Way to go Boss! It only took a few tears and two band aids and a lot of sweat from me running up and down the street beside him. But he did it and I'm so proud of him. He can't wait to show his older brother!

Crying baby, tired mother finishes off the day.

Since I've had Crate I read blogs a lot less now. Sometimes I miss it.

Never got a chance today to write about yesterday. Maybe I can tomorrow. I spent to much time on the phone today. School stuff...it's interesting. Once again the phrase "ignorance is bliss" can be applied here.

Home work then soccer practice again tonight. Another one tomorrow night. Easy dinner tonight (crap in a box labeled "$5 pizza) baths, scriptures and a quick stop by a baby shower rounded off the night.

First day of the plyometrics workout today. Tough but I finished the whole thing and didn't give up. I'm just surprised I didn't pee my pants with all the jumping around. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and I know a burned a ton of calories. That never hurts.

So my goal of reading from the Book of Mormon every single day in 2010 is going good. I have not missed one day yet. Some days I have more time to read than others but I always read at least a chapter. I'm learning so much and I'm really starting to have a yearning to read more. My desire to learn from the Book of Mormon is growing and I can see how it's blessing me personally. It really brings a sense of peace to my heart. I think I was inspired to set this goal for myself at this time in my life and I'm grateful I listened and heeded the prompting.

Tomorrow I must find time to post about today's activities. It was a very enjoyable day spent together as a family.

Ahhh...the day of love. Valentines day.

Today we were alone at church since Pops had meetings and then he attended the ward he's over. Boss was a punk during sacrament meeting. We've haven't brought snacks to church for over a year and he must have said 50 times "I'm hungry, I want a snack." Why do we have to go through this every Sunday? Not to mention Crate would only be quiet if I was standing up holding him so I spent most of sacrament meeting in the back bouncing Crate and keeping an eye on the boys until a friend to Crate and then I went and sat back down with the boys. She was a life saver.

I fixed the most delicious dinner for the males in the house tonight. I bought some high-end steaks yesterday and seasoned them to perfection then grilled them on the barbie. I also made some mean mashed potatoes with a recipe I found on all recipes dot com along with some asparagus grilled with Cajun seasoning. Yummm. And to top it off I made the Oreo ice cream cake for desert. That was tasty.

Then tonight we invited the youth over for ping pong and games. They were loud and crazy but we all had lots of fun. They are good kids.

No school tomorrow due to presidents day. Yeah, I'm excited!

Saturday is a special day...

Soccer games and cousins play,

to the park, luckily it's not hot like May.

Marmie came over and to us treats she gave,

easy dinner, baths and boys in bed to lay.

Now to bed I must go so I don't feel like I'm a slave.

A few weeks ago I bought the CD of the new primary songs for this year. We listen to it every time we're in the car. It's precious to hear a 4 & 6 year old sing:

"A Long time ago in a beautiful place, children were gathered around Jesus, he blessed and taught as they felt of His love. Each saw the tears on His face. The love that He felt for his little ones I know he feels for me. I did not touch or sit on His knee, yet Jesus is real to me. I know he lives! I will follow faithfully. My heart I give to him. I know that My Savior loves me."

I absolutely love listening to them sing this song and the others on the CD.

Laundry, cleaned kitchen, polished stainless steel appliances, emptied all garbage's around the house, cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed tile, more laundry, fed baby, fed baby again and again and again and again and again. fed Boss again and again and again, practiced riding bike with no training wheels (not me, Boss) dusted, folded laundry, cleaned towels, hung up laundry, played army men with Boss, finished homework with Buster, thought about taking a nap, put together 30 valentines for his party tomorrow, fixed beans and rice for dinner...family favorite...NOT, but everyone was full nonetheless, did a dreaded thing...cut the boys hair, said goodbye to Pops as he headed out to a meeting, baths for everyone, read scriptures with boys, bedtime for boys, shower for me at 7pm, blow dried hair, fed baby again, took care of PTA stuff, answered emails, read scriptures, wrote on blog. This was my day today.

ahhh...Wednesday.

Today Pops asked if I wanted to go on a brisk walk instead of getting on the treadmill. It's always a treat to go on a walk with him. Probably more for me cause I think he hates going. There is something that is just so energizing about waking up and spending the first 45 minutes outside enjoying the fresh brisk air. We each pushed a stroller with a kid in it. Luckily I got the lighter kid.

I had my day planned out in my mind but then life happened.

Buster had a half day so Boss was more than thrilled to hear that. I went to the post office and mailed out a package of valentines cookies the boys and I made yesterday. They wanted to give some to all their cousins...ALL of them. Plus to Aunt Katie on her mission and Uncle Trent in the army so I sent off seven packages today. Each family would have received more cookies if I hadn't burnt the last pan yesterday. Oh well.

I headed off to the ultimate worst store ~ wal-mart ~ with four kids to get Buster valentine treats for his class. That place is a joke, I never know why I bother to go. We came home and made a mess of the kitchen doing the valentines stuff and not cleaning it up because I had to race out of here to go to the school and help out with the uniform exchange. Pops took the two oldest boys with him to run work errands while I was at the school and then I had a PTA meeting followed by mutual.

The kitchen is still a mess but I'm tired and I still have to read my scriptures.

I wonder if I'll ever watch a family member experience a trial like her or her. I hope not. These people are in my prayers. Once again, I'm reminded of my many small and large blessings.

Today Trisha had her baby. I'm excited to meet her this new baby. Babies are a piece of heaven. Tonight Crate fell asleep on my arms and I must have kissed him 117 times before I laid him in his crib. I'm sure Trisha will be a great mom. Becoming a mother is speechless.

I hoped to post about the past weekend today but time slipped by. Dinner didn't cook like it was supposed to while we were at the soccer practice that was actually canceled but I didn't know that so it was a cereal night. The boys were in heaven. Crate still doesn't like sleeping. He didn't get that from me, I love sleeping. Sometimes it's not very fun or convenient to post every day but it's my goal so I'll stick with it.

Today Boss, Crate and I hung out while Buster was at school. We played trains, did preschool work, picked up, Boss helped with the dishes and helped fold the clothes (he's really in this helping stage right now) and just enjoyed being home together. After Buster got home I took the boys on a bike ride and fixed all different leftovers for dinner. It was a simple & enjoyable day with no extra kids.

Crate is in this stage of not sleeping longer than 30 minutes at a time and waking up more at night. Hopefully he'll get back into his sleeping 8 solid hours in the night routine.

Happy birthday to Julie and Saige!

Today Buster bore his testimony in church for the first time. I was out with Crate so I didn't even know he was going up. It was the sweetest testimony. I felt so pleased that he did such a good job and didn't have any help. There is something so sweet about a child's simple and pure testimony.

Also tonight I had crepes for the first time ever. They were delicious. Stacy invited us over for an awesome desert night with friends. I think I could become addicted to those. I want to learn how to make them sometime soon.

And today ended Pops and mine 90 days of the workout P90X. It's been an intense 90 days but I feel so good that we stuck with it...working out 6 days a week for 90 days ain't easy. I only missed maybe 4 or 5 workouts all together. Pops is down 20lbs and I lost all my baby weight plus some. We'll take a week off and then start it up again. It's been really good having a workout partner the last few months.

So I guess today was a day of "firsts"

Ready to hit the hay and fall into dream land. More about today tomorrow.

Successful day. Successful date tonight. Successful in finding a pair of jeans.

Time for bed.

Today I woke up early to pick up the house. I'll have to do the same thing tomorrow morning.

My to do list looked like this today:

*Exercise
*Shower
*Clean out Car
*Bathe Crate
*Make shake for breakfast
*Put bigger diapers in diaper bag
*Chop veggies for chili
*Brown meat for chili
*Drop off chili and sour cream to Erin
*Spend 30 minutes practicing writing name with Boss
*Clean up kitchen
*Check mail
*Pick up Buster early


All this needed to be done prior to 11:30am, along with nursing,picking up, nursing again and picking up again, since Buster had a half day and we we're headed to Mesa. I think using a list works well for me...then I don't forget anything and I stay focused.

I fixed the chili for the Dinner the PTA was putting on for the teachers during parent/teacher conference. I have never fixed chili before but I think it turned out descent. Next time tomatoes go on sale I'll roast them myself and I'll think ahead and use my own fresh beans and try to make it completely fresh and mix up the recipe just a tad to add a little more spice.

I switched up my workout today and ran on the treadmill. I was in the mood to watch the morning news so I watched it while I ran.

I got the gas bill in the mail...$97 cheaper than last month. Huge savings....thanks to figuring out our pump thing is not running right last month we turned it completely off to see if that would cut some cost and it sure did! It make me wonder how much money we've wasted over the last three years. The down side is we don't get hot water to the master bath so we've been using the boys bathroom the last month. That's kind of a pain but not worth spending $100 each month just to use our own shower.

I dropped Pops off at the Temple (I look forward to when I can go again when Crate stops nursing, actually I'm craving anytime ALONE...but again this is what I choose and this is where I'm at so there's no need to complain. But that's a post for another day) while I ran errands in Mesa. Our main stop was the book store so I could check out some YW's stuff. I was so irritated when I went to walk in and the door was locked at 3pm. The sign read "closed Thursday Feb.4th at 3pm for inventory" What the? Who shuts down in the middle of working hours to do inventory? Every other retail sight does it after hours. I was peeved. Whatever. Then we headed to Grandma's house so the boys could see the new 4 day old puppies. I'm not sure how many times I said "No boys, we're not bringing one home." Got home just in time to finish homework and have dinner (chili) then I was off to drop a birthday gift off for the YW's instructor with the presidency, got home just in time for Pops to run and pick up the oil for the cars so he can change the oil tomorrow on both cars, put the boys to bed, put the boys to bed again, put the boys to bed again with the wooden spoon in my hand, nursed Crate and here I am.

For some odd reason tonight I have a massive headache. I NEVER get headaches for no apparent reason. I decided I'm scumming to Tylenol tonight then I'm off to bed.

Tonight I am tired and ready for bed.

The tender mercies of the Lord today included Crate falling asleep in the car when he was really hungry and continuing to sleep while I grocery shopped. It would have been hard to hold a crying baby and push a cart full of groceries at the same time. I have been out of milk and many other things for two full days. This was a big blessing for me. Another blessing, I didn't have to wait in line at the store so I could quickly get home and put most the groceries away before everyone came over for young women's.

Today we took off #2's training wheels. He was much more hesitant than I anticipated. I think within the next couple of days he should have it down. I was hoping that would happen today but maybe not. It'll be nice to have him ride his bike while I push Crate in the stroller to go running.

I had a choice tonight at 8pm...sit down and watch TV or clean without being interrupted. I choose clean. Now I have two of the three bathrooms cleaned. Three loads of laundry folded and put away. The house vacuumed. Bathrooms mopped and everything picked up. Pops came home from his appointment and asked what he could help out with. I gave him a list. I think he regretted asking. It was nice to have the help. I figured if he was dumb enough to ask...I was gonna put him to work.

I remember thinking at one point and time how easy stay-at-home moms have it. I was wrong.

Too many kids today and not enough chocolate.

I went to Busters parent teacher conference. That was a success. She said she's noticed a big improvement on his reading. His confidence is boosted and he got all E's or 100% on everything. It looks like he'll be moving on to 2nd grade when the time comes!

I was thinking a lot today, that must be why I have a headache. Anyhow I decided that one of the trials in life we all face is learning to be happy for someone when they have that "thing" we most desperately want. Like... Watching someone get that job that we want. Watching someone get married while we're still living the single life. Or watching someone live the carefree single life while we ache for a happy, successful marriage. Watching someone have children while we long to feel the movement of life within us. Watching someone have that body with no effort while we work our tail off just to avoid that "obese" line. Watching someone buy that lavish house while living in your own tiny apartment. Hearing about that dream vacation that family went on while having to slave away just to pay for food. Looking on at someones "ideal" children while watching your own child go through tough struggles and wondering where you went wrong as a parent...forgetting children have their free agency. The list could go on and on. I think those who can truly be happy for others despite their own struggles is an example of the Christlike attribute charity. For charity IS the pure love of Christ. I hope to work on this throughout my life. For being envious only drives the spirit away. And jealousy only hurts the person who is jealous. And if we're not careful we could let our whole lives pass us by wishing for something more...forgetting all our own, personal boutious blessings.

On another topic...I love having a Bumbo for Crate. He'll sit in it for about 20 minutes at a time. Just enough time to have him by me when I am doing the dishes, folding laundry or writing on the blog. It's a lifesaver. His poor head is pretty bloody from him scratching his cradle cap...I hope it clears up soon. I am trying everything.

Mr. Bauer...I am here and waiting for you. Only 30 more minutes until I can watch you save the world.