No wars please.

Happy Memorial Day!!! I have visions tonight of having a family home evening where we learn about our country, memorize the preamble to the constitution, learn about the wars that have been fought on home soil and away and learn about the hero's that have fought in those wars and died to keep our freedom. Then we make a cake and on top use blueberries and strawberries to decorate it like an American Flag then we hold hands and sing, "God Bless America"...OK, maybe not the holding hands part but you get the picture. My only concern is that once the word "war" is mentioned the learning will stop right then and we'll have to reenact a "war" with our fake swords and guns, then the boys will get wild and crazy, the spirit will be gone, phrases like "surrender or die" & "retreat! retreat!" will be heard the rest of the night, I'll be the only one making the cake, a huge mess will arise in the kitchen, I'll be the only one cleaning it up, Pops will have "just a few work calls to make" (famous last words)it'll be time for bed and the war will still be going on, Crate will be crying to milk me, I'll get tired and loose my patience, then the paddle (A.K.A. wooden spoon) will make an appearance and we'll have have totally forgotten the reason why this all started was to have FHE to bring the spirit into the home. You get the picture? I'm thinking tonight for FHE we'll review Article of Faith #12: We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.Talk about how America came about and call it a night. No need to mention the word "war" or "battle" or anything of that sorts.

Are pigs flying? I think they might be because today at our house the man of the house fixed the master bedroom ceiling fan. Folks, it took all of 30 minutes and has been broke for well...a long time...like 2+ years. He bought the part about 1.5 years ago and it has been sitting on our dresser ever since. I'm not sure if he's suffering from a fever or what but my beloved ceiling fan is now fanning again and I can't wait to sleep under it's dust covered blades tonight. The most amazing part is that I didn't even remind him to fix it...he did it all on his own!!! I think I'll count that as my anniversary present this year. It's the simple things in life that make me happy.

We headed over to Ashlee's house for a BBQ and swim with other friends. Red meat + a hot sun ='s a perfect afternoon. Thanks Ashlee!

Now on to FHE. Wish me luck.

Poor Crate.

Today started off at 1:30am when I was contemplating a trip to the ER for Crate. Poor guy was wheezing so bad and sounded like he was gonna cough up his guts. I'm not one to run to the hospital at the drop of a hat...actually we've never had a trip to the ER with kids so once I woke up Pops and told him he knew it was pretty bad. He gave Crate a blessing and what a powerful moment that was. The Lord answered our prayer. Immediately Crate settled down and slept another two solid hours before waking up again to eat. He hasn't felt good all day but it's not nearly as bad as last night. Then today at church he puked on me...not just a little spit up, full on puke. And I had to stay the whole time at church because I brought some neighbor kids with me and I had to take them home. We both smelt lovely the rest of the day. Then I heard that Boss announced in Primary that he doesn't pray. Nice on Boss. We really have taught him to pray. Thankfully the family got naps today and even Pops got a quick nap before he ran out to teach his Missionary Prep class. We had German Pancakes again for dinner, or as Boss likes to call them germy pancakes and I was out tonight taking care of YW stuff and picking up a breathing machine for Crate from some friends. I'm going to bed now in case Crate has a rough night like last night. I did feel another tooth today on the bottom right next to his first one. I can't believe he already has two!

Seriously?

Today was going great. We had a great day hanging out as a family. Tonight I learned something that really ticked me off. Whatever. I know it's my own problem and I will get over it but really...? Seriously? I wonder if I'll ever get the guts to say anything or if I should just let it go. Luckily I have a great husband and great boys and that is what matters most.

Date night

Awwww Friday. As I was fixing dinner for the fam to night (Chicken nuggets and salad) I was reminiscing about Friday nights a few years back. It was before kids. Friday night always meant date night. I think we would go somewhere every Friday or Saturday or both and go on a date. Those were good days. Our date tonight is a borrowed movie from the neighbor and homemade popcorn. It's 7:30pm and the kids are in bed so it's almost like a real date but without makeup on. Not to shabby. Sometimes I miss those regular weekend date nights but I wouldn't trade my boys to have them back. They'll come in those retirement years.

We swam today at Ashlee's house. That was fun, again I love the sun. Then I did the dreaded thing today and cut the boys hair. After tears and bribes they finally sat down. I don't get why they hate it so much when I cut their hair. Every time I do it I tell myself...just take them to a place and have it done. Oh well, I'm getting quite good at cutting their hair if I do say so myself.

OK now it's time for that date.

Naps Anyone?

This afternoon we took the boys to Mesa for a fam BBQ and swim party to celebrate Uncle Travis' HS graduation. The boys had fun swimming and we all got our dose of Vitamin D. I'm thinking naps tomorrow. I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can have just the boys and I. As much as I love extra kids, family or not, it's nice to have just us. Although I'm sure they'll both ask if they can have a friend over. Am I not fun enough? I'm thinking we'll play army men tomorrow.

I'm gonna hopefully get up in five hours and work before the boys wake up and before it cuts into my day. Like I said...I'm thinking naps for everyone.

Things are getting done around here.

How 'bout this for a productive day...

exercise
Piano lessons
Swim in Peoria
Extra kids
and more extra kids
sick baby
de-junked playroom
rearranged playroom
cleaned and de-junked guest room
washed and dried all bed sheets
vacuumed entire house
dusted ceiling fans
fixed dinner
worked
read scriptures
fed sick baby
held sick baby
played army men with Boss
one-on-one talk with Buster
sent Pops off to a church meeting then BB for the night
had YW meet here for Temple baptisms
cleaned out van
organized boys movies

I feel like a lot got done today. Now I'm ready to sit down and read.

Poor Crate must either be teething or he has caught a bug. Fever, runny nose and whiny. I feel for him.

I hoped to go with the YW tonight to the Temple but just couldn't leave the boys with a babysitter especially when Crate doesn't feel good. I was so thankful one of the moms was able to take my spot. Not to mention that would be something totally cool to do with your daughter. I love it when moms are involved.

This family is amazing. I know them personally. It's times like this I once again realize how blessed I am. Please keep little Caden in your prayers.

Our dinner conversation tonight focused around 24. I shared my thoughts on why I thought it should have ended different. Pops liked the finale and shared his point of view. I could see his point of view but I still thought the writers could have written a more exciting ending. Oh well, it was still fun to watch this past season. And if Jack was running for president I would vote for him.

I still have five kids. It's going good. But I'm realizing I'm happy with my three. Feeding five kids is busy and expensive and they're not even teenagers. Yikes.

Sometimes I think about getting out of here...like leaving this little town. It has many great things about it but change is always fun too. Then again, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I'm thankful for this house I have to live in, I'm thankful Pops can work from home. I'm most thankful for all the people that live out here that have referred him business or have used him themselves for their real estate needs. I think I would be refreshed after a little va-cay. It's coming, I know it is.

I ready to move the boys into the guest room and put Crate in their room. He's almost eight months old and is still on our bedroom...I'm thinking he might sleep better if he was in his own room. I feel like every time I walk in the room when he's asleep he can smell me and he wakes up wanting to eat. Oh, but he's so delicious I just want to eat him.

I really wish I was better at keeping in touch with people when we've moved away or people have moved away from us. I'm really bad at that and that is one thing I want to work on. We've met some really great people over the years.

I really wanted to post yesterday. I remembered it once I laid down to go to sleep and by then I just didn't have the energy to get out of bed, turn on the computer, wait for it it boot up, wait for Internet connection to be received and write two sentences about the day so I just skipped it. It's kind of like cheating on a diet...sometimes it just happens.

24 ended tonight. 8 seasons. Of all the things on TV this is the only one that really kept my interest. I'm kind of bummed it's over and I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It wasn't as exciting as I would have hoped.

Today I took three kids swimming and came home with five. Captin and Saige were more than excited to come home with us. They have all played together very well and tonight after family home evening Saige said "Can't we just go to bed already?" So by 7pm everyone was in bed and almost asleep.

I will miss my Monday nights watching 24 with Pops. It was almost like a mini date night.

Tried something new.

Weeds, weeds and more weeds. Today we got them all picked and now the backyard is clean again. Buster was much more helpful than in the past. Boss...not so helpful. Every time I turned around he was sitting, "taking a break." He mentioned that his arms are tired or his legs are tired about 86 times. I told him his body parts were tired from not being used. He didn't get it. At last though the backyard is back to normal and ready for summer.

Missionaries for dinner tonight. I tried a new recipe and made homemade Alfredo sauce with fettuccine noodles. It was REALLY good. REALLY fattening but really good. I've always been to scared to try a white pasta sauce cause I heard they can get scorched really easily and taste burnt but it was easy to make and like I said REALLY good. I'll have to try that recipe again in the future. And because of it I finally know what heavy cream is and where to find it. I had never bought it before.

There is a senate bill that passed recently in AZ regarding illegal immigrants. After studying the bill I find nothing wrong with it and I'm not sure what all the hype is about. And I think the federal government should stay out of the state governments business.

Had a fun date with Pops tonight and of course Crate got to come along. We got dinner at Claim Jumper (I got a salad with no dressing...I was pretty proud of myself) then we headed to Dick's to look at golf clubs for Buster's birthday. Pops thinks it would be fun to get him some and start taking him golfing. Whatever, I guess it's male bonding type of stuff. We spent an hour looking at all the fun/cool stuff and then headed back to pick up the boys from the babysitters. A big thanks to Stacy for watching them. It was really nice to just hangout tonight.

Crate's back to a crazy sleeping schedule...the last few nights he's woken up at least every two hours sometimes more often. I think it's because of his teeth coming in. All the nursing is making my girls very sore. I'm not sure what to do about that. This little boy though is one ball of chubby happiness. He's so sweet.

The boys had friends over to play today. I went visiting teaching then worked for about two solid hours while they played. Did laundry. Played light sabers with the boys. Wrestled and even took a 20 minute power nap before going out. I put Buster in charge of everyone and he did a great job babysitting. I'm not sure what they did but there were lots of toys out around the house in just 20 minutes.

More yard work tomorrow and the missionaries are coming our way for dinner. I'm still trying to decided what to make...leaning towards shish-kabobs.

I love my naps and when I take one it helps me to show greater love to my boys

I must be tired.

OK, note to self. NEVER put the boys to bed at 11pm again. They will still be awake by 7:30am and you will pay for it the rest of the day.

Today has been a long and tiring day. I still remember the days when I didn't care if there were long days because I knew that
1. I was getting paid for it
and
2. I could go home and do whatever I wanted because I didn't have any responsibility but myself.

Now when my days are long I'm not getting paid for it and the "work" responsibility never goes away. 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I do my best not to complain because this is the life I choose however, the next person that mentions or even hints that staying at home is the easiest job I think I might use some karate skills on. Seriously, I know when people hint to that idea, they've never been a stay at home mom for any long period of time. I was just asked about two weeks ago..."what do you do all day?" My reply was "Hang out and watch the maid clean the house, the chef cook the meals and the nanny tend the children. Sometimes I file my nails and when I'm bored I go get a pedicure." Funny thing is I think he thought I was serious.

Sometimes I think about writing my political opinion on here. I also try to figure out why I'm to timid to do so.

I must be tired.

Last day of school!

Yeah!!! I don't have to drop anyone off at school tomorrow!!! I made the mistake last week of telling Buster he could stay up as late as he wanted on his last day of school. Well, he remembered that and is still awake and so is Boss. I'm thinking about going to bed and having them wake me up when they finally get to bed. It's looking like naps tomorrow.

I can't believe Buster is done with first grade already. I now have a second grader? Oh man, where did the time go? He past first grade with flying colors and was sad that today was the last day of school. At least he didn't cry today like he cried last year on the last day of school. I guess since this is my Blog this is my opportunity to post about my son. Buster is the best first child a mom could ask for. He's obedient (most of the time), helpful, an awesome example to his two younger brothers, smart, kind, always wanting to do the right thing or choose the right. He's one of a kind. I'm feel privileged to be called his mother.

I was hoping to post some pictures but Blogger won't let me right now.

Is it bed time yet?

Tonight I grilled chicken and I didn't even burn it. I think I'm getting better at this. It's only been almost 11 years.

Buster had piano lessons today and seems to be doing really well. I'm grateful he has the opportunity to learn. Chicks always dig guys that have musical talent. I keep telling him that but he could care less. Which I guess is a good thing at this age.

It's still bright outside but I've been convincing the boys it's bed time. Two late nights in a row and it's really starting to show. I've been praying for patience all day.

We had FHE tonight because we were gone at a Suns kickoff party last night. I'm praying they'll beat the Lakers and take it all the way this year. That would be awesome. I really hope the boys remember these FHE lessons and scripture reading because sometimes it's not so fun dealing with attitudes...or tiredness. I told them when school is out we're switching to a morning schedule for scriptures and piano practice. Only four hours of school left! I can't wait!

The First Tooth

This little guy woke up with a stuffy nose & goopy eyes. I knew this could only mean one thing. His first tooth. And yes folks I myself felt it today. Bottom right side. It's poking through. I must brace myself for what inevitably lies ahead...his first, second, third and so one times of biting me. Yikes. They have each taken a bite out of my headlights and I'm sure this one will do the same. OUCH. Pain like no other.

I didn't sleep well last night. My huge blister popped and is making my toe throb. Who new it would hurt so bad that I would loose sleep? Anyhow I didn't wake up for my normal workout so after I got Buster off to school I begged Pops to go for a brisk walk with me. After much begging and pleading he finally agreed. My toe hurt so bad by the time we got back that it probably would have been better if I skipped the walk altogether.

Today I had a babysitter and I made a make-shift office in the guest room. I got A LOT done. The babysitter would do what any 21 year old male babysitter would do. Put the baby in bed and play video games with the four year old. At this point and time in my life I really didn't care. There was work that had to get done and it did get done. That's all that matters. I think Boss was in heaven having Uncle Casey here to babysit. By lunch time Pops knew I had been working hard to get things taken care of and Uncle Casey had to leave so as payment for him we all took a trip to Paradise Bakery for some lunch. We got back just in time to get Buster from school. I think Paradise is my favorite lunch spot. I think it would be fun to go there with girls on a Saturday afternoon after shopping all day. Maybe someday I'll have to try that.

Now I must get back to my "normal" work. Remember the bachelor pad I was living in on Saturday night? It hasn't left yet and it's driving me crazy.

Sunday Pancakes

I think I'm gonna start giving a title to each post so I can find it easier if I need it.

Pops had a busy schedule today. It went like this:
7am Stake Meetings
9am Sacrament meeting with the family
10:15 he left for Mesa to be in a sacrament meeting by 11am
12:30 leaves Mesa
1pm Monthly speaking assignment in another sacrament meeting
2:45 comes home for lunch and prepares his lesson for the missionary training class
4pm leaves for the stake center for his missionary prep class from 4:30-6pm.
6pm stays at stake center to help set up for seminary graduation
7pm seminary graduation starts
9pm we should see him about this time.

My schedule went like this

9am church
1pm home and fed lunch to the kids
2pm fed Crate
2:15pm Me and Crate go down for naps
4:30pm I woke up and read books to the two older boys
5pm Crate wakes and we all have a dance party to "church" songs.
6pm The boys tell me they want German pancakes for dinner. We all make it together. They are cooking right now and smell delicious. That's always a fun dinner when Pops isn't around.

I defiantly got the better end of the schedule today. I'm thankful to support Pops and not complain because I'd rather be home with the boys than the one out and about.

Tomorrow starts the last week of school. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Today in YW's I was reminded that if I want to teach the gospel to my children I must know and live the gospel myself. Actually, If I want to be a missionary to anyone I must know and understand first. This was a good reminder of always being an example to my children and those around me. I really need to work on this.

P.S. Here's the recipe for the German Pancakes:
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Flour
6 Eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
With a beater combine milk, flour, eggs & salt. In a 9X13 pan melt butter in the oven while it's preheating remove pan when butter is hot and sizzling. Pour batter immediately into hot pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with powdered sugar, syrup or fruit on top. (The boys love these because they "grow" in the pan. They'll puff up really big!)

Here's a visual...

One more thing...

This is what I discovered when I took off my church shoes after being in them all day. Oh well, style over comfort.



A fat 'ol blister. I had to crop the picture a lot to hide my nasty feet and toe nails. A pedicure is way overdue.

I'm back home safe and sound and thankful I have boys. Just kidding.

I think the trip was a success and the girls kept saying how pretty they thought the Temple was and how excited they were to go back someday. I hope and pray they remember the feelings they felt today. I saw many families there and wished mine was with me so I could let the boys have the experience. I will make sure and take them when the Gilbert and Phoenix Temples are built.

Crate did good on the trip. He slept til the half way point, woke up and cried for a solid 40 minutes. There wasn't any good spot to pull over so I had to let him cry it out. I don't think the young women appreciated listening to it. Poor Crate cried himself back to sleep and slept until we arrived there. We stayed with Aika's in-laws and had a great nights sleep. Woke up and drove the whole 5 minutes to the Temple. They were expecting over 8,000 people just today so I'm glad we got there early. They said so far over 83,000 people had taken the tour. I'm glad the YW got to be apart of it.



Here's our group. Small but mighty.


The house looked like a bachelor pad when I got home. I guess it was a movie/video game/ice cream night last night. The boys had the best time with Pops and he let them stay up til 11pm. Then he woke them up at 5am and took them to basketball with him. However, the outside of the house was a different story. They worked hard and trimmed all the bushes and trees and filled 8 large garbage bags full of clippings from all the trimming. I have to admit it looked like a professional did it. I was so sad I missed out on the yard work...especially with two very tired boys. NOT. Pops rewarded them for their hard work by taking them to Castles and Coasters to play games. That is the highlight of their lives right now. $10 buys them three hours of non-stop fun. So sad I missed that too. NOT. I was glad to see everyone was happy when I returned. Now on Monday we'll all work on the house.

Crate fell off the couch yesterday and has a nice bruise on his head and cheek to prove it. No more sitting on the couch for him. I remember the first time Buster fell, I freaked out and contemplated a ER trip. When Crate fell the thought didn't even cross my mind. It's nice being more relaxed now as a parent. You learn how resilient their little bodies are.

I must post early today since I know it'll be a busy day. I'm headed out this afternoon with the young women to go to the Gila Valley Temple open house. Three hours one way with jabbering young ladies. This should be fun. I'm excited to see the Temple and I hope they remember the feeling of peace and the spirit that is felt there and set their standards high, making that the only place for marriage. And of course, Crate gets to tag along with us! I'm gonna try to push is nap time back really late today so he'll just sleep in the car. Wish me luck.

And just because pictures are fun...

Another day, another dollar. Not to many exciting things going on in our neck of the woods. The boys did try white bread for the first time today and thought it was amazing. They're still wondering why they're not lucky enough to live in a house that eats white bread. Sorry to disappoint sons, I'm trying to keep your bathroom time on a good schedule, hence all the fiber and wheat. Hopefully one day you'll thank me.

I thought I had posted this earlier but I must have it saved in a draft somewhere...but a big Congratulations to Aunt Julie on baby #4! Jefferson was born almost a week ago and I'm more than excited to meet him!

Today I rediscovered it's really hard to work at home with little children around. Especially when you're trying to sound like a professional on the phone and you have a four year old yelling to come wipe his bum. Pops has another long lists of tasks for me to take care of. I try to do a few hours everyday so I don't get to backed up. I think I'll have to switch around my workout schedule and start working the phones before everyone wakes up then workout once their awake. I do have to admit sometimes I wonder how it would be to be a "full-time" stay at home mom and not have extra jobs on the side. Then I remind myself of the options that could be and realize I don't have it bad. Actually I'm really blessed and I recognize that. Pops works really hard to provide for the family and I need to be happy to do my part and help out. We knew when we started this business it would be a solid investment on both our parts and we knew this was right for us. It will all work out.

We did a night hike for mutual tonight. It was combined with the YM and it turned out to be pretty fun. After the hike we made homemade ice cream in baggies and got it hard by tossing it back and forth in a t-shirt. It turned out really good. I haven't taken the boys to that hiking spot in a long time and I think we'll start going regularly once school is out. It will be an even better workout with Crate on my back and Buster seems to really like hiking. The older he's gotten the better trooper he is.

I was reminded again today of the blessing of having three healthy children. There are so many trials in life we haven't experienced and I feel blessed. I feel like this week as turned into a pretty hectic week. The one good thing about working is while I was on hold on the phone today with several different banks I got seven loads of laundry folded and put away. How did anything ever get done before the days of portable phones?

I had to write this down before I forgot.

Last night for Family Home Evening Boss was in charge of the opening song. When we asked him what we were going to sing his reply was "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer." He was totally serious, put his hand up and started to sing it while he directed us. Where in the world did he learn that song and how does he think that is even remotely appropriate for FHE?

OK we found the source of the Internet problem. Our modem is dead. Pops is on his way right now to get a new one. I had been working on a post with pictures but because of the broken modem it's taking forever. I shall finish it tomorrow. I'm feeling "off" again. I'm hoping it's just sleep that's needed. I'm also hoping to catch up on some 24 tonight. It's been three weeks of missed episodes. I so thankful no more homework for the rest of the year...I also can't believe Buster only has 7 days of school left. I'm looking forward to summer more than anyone else.

On Sunday for Mother's day Pops gave me this corsage to wear to church. Honestly, I was a little embarrassed to wear it at first but quickly got over it and was thankful he would think to do such a thing.



When we got home from church we had lunch and Pops took the boys while I went to take a nap. I planned on napping for 30 minutes but I woke up 90 minutes later to a hungry baby. I realized everyone else was asleep so I myself went back to sleep for another 90 minutes. Three hours of rest was incredibly blissful. Actually I can't think of a better mothers day present. I think I'll ask for sleep every year.

When I arose from the dead I came out to find this taking place...







and some great steak was marinating. I love a good steak and potato dinner. There was also a salad and strawberry lemonade to accompany the meal. He was smart on dessert and got my new favorite "skinny cow" ice cream sandwiches.

It did tucker the poor boys out though. After dinner this is how I found them.



I also got some great gifts that the boys made in primary. I was so excited to hear the boys sing the mothers day song in sacrament meeting, especially since it would have been Boss' first time singing in front of everybody but the poor little boy fell asleep before they went up to sing. Buster, along with the other primary children did a great job as always.

All in all it was a wonderful day.

Mothers day was glorious. A three hour nap.(interrupted by a feeding but blissful nonetheless) A dinner fixed by the males in my house. Delicious. I've got pictures that documented the day but even after a long nap I must call it a night. I hope post the pictures tomorrow.

So when I got home last night I could barely get myself from the car to bed. I was so tired I passed on posting.

Me and the boys left at 6:30am and headed out to Mesa to Grandma's house to help with the garage sale and hang out by the pool. Pops was gonna catch up with us around 11am or noon cause he had to work. He wasn't able to get out til about 3pm but he helped take one of the loads to D.I. and then came back to swim with us. The boys defiantly love swimming with their Pops. They must have asked 67 times "when is Pops gonna be here to swim with us?" Some times it was nerve racking keeping on eye on all three boys and Kaesen by myself but everyone was safe and sound and had tons of fun.
I got burnt pretty badly and was so tired from going to bed late Friday, waking up at 5am Saturday and being out side for about 10 hours on Saturday. I had to go to bed.

I've taken pictures to commemorate Mother's Day. I'll get to those tonight.

I got all my goals done today and enjoyed the 90 minutes in the pool with Boss and Crate. Thanks A. for inviting us over. I just might take you up on the everyday offer!

Pops and I did the unthinkable tonight...we went on a date! After scrambling around we found a last minute baby-sitter...one of the YW (when I got home the boys were asleep and the house was still standing. Success) We took Crate (does that still count as a date?) and headed to Gilbert to meet up with some old friends. Dave & Felicia and the Whitmore's. We went to some Sushi place that was absolutely delicious! We've never been to a place like this before and it showed me we need to branch out more often. Besides great company it was really cool to watch them cook our meal right in front of us. The chef was amazing at how precise and fast he could chop all the meat the veggies up. Not to mention it was nice hanging out with Pops and getting dressed up. I even tried shrimp and liked it. OK I liked the taste but the texture still throws me for a loop. I had a bite of a sushi roll and thought it was pretty good. It even had eel in it. That was a new thing for me. Again, it was fun doing something different. I'm gonna look for one of those types of places closer to home. It had been several months since just Pops and I (and Crate)enjoyed a peaceful moment. We must do that more often.

Tomorrow starts an early day. Off to bed.

Tried to post last night but Internet wasn't working and I was to tired to mess with it. So I gave up and went to bed.

Yesterday I enjoyed the splash pads with all three boys. The water was great and everyone loved it. It was so fun to watch Crate splash around and the two older boys had a blast trying to punch the water each time it came up. They also managed to build a fort on the splash pad with all their backyard toys. It was really nice just hanging out and playing with them. I wanted to take pictures but Pops had the camera out and about with him.

I also made lots of phone calls for work yesterday. Pops has given me a long and extensive list of things to take care with the business. It wasn't the most pleasant thing trying to keep the boys quiet and happy and be on the phone for hours at the same time. I need to get a better schedule down. I started yesterday at 6am but by 6:15 I had already been interrupted. Oh well...at least I'm still here with the boys. I'm thinking about hiring a YW in the summer time to play with the boys while I work. I could get a lot of it done quickly if there were no interruptions.

Now it's time to start the day. Goals for today:
Fold laundry
More calls
clean kitchen
Get it all done in time to go swimming!!

Crate slept all night last night!! It felt so good to wake up refreshed. I woke up to work out and had to wake up Crate to feed him because I was so engorged. Then he slept til 8:30am. Maybe he's turning over a new leaf! I hoping for the same tonight.

YW's was a success tonight. I think the girls and moms had fun playing the game. The fruit pizzas for dessert turned out really good.

Suns won tonight...that always puts Pops in a good mood. He always talks about how he can't wait til Buster can shoot basketballs with him and play some one-on-one games. I know he's really looking forward to the day all three boys can be out on the court playing.

Awww...so much in my mind but I must go to bed.

It's only 7:40pm and I'm not sure if I'll make it awake past 8pm.
I've been feeling off all day and I think sleep would really help. Pops is out with the missionaries, hopefully I can stay awake until he gets home and then if Crate is still awake he can take over.

Buster started piano lessons today. He seems to be really excited. I'm really excited to hear his progress. OK...maybe I won't be saying that in a month when I've heard the same song played 53 times a day. Luckily our piano is digital and has volume control. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to buy it. I remember what piano practicing sounded like with 5 kids taking piano when I was a kid.

Dinner swap tonight. I felt like I was in the kitchen for a long time today. But totally worth it considering I won't be cooking the rest of the week.

Boss, Crate and I have been at the school the last two days to help out with teacher appreciation. When we got home today I was thanking Boss for being so good and obedient. I asked him why he was so good today and his reply was "Because I didn't want to sit in my room or go to bed when we came home so I was obedient." Finally, I think he's starting to get the picture of consequences. It's a good feeling.

Looking forward to our mother daughter activity tomorrow night for mutual. I think it should be a lot of fun!

One thing after another today.

Crate only slept a total of 40 minutes today. 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the late afternoon.

It's been a long day.

A peaceful Sunday afternoon. Crate is asleep, the boys are playing quietly in the playroom, Pops is in the office preparing for his missionary prep class he teaches on Sunday afternoon and here I am.

I started reading this book, I think it's called "Mothering with Spiritual Powers." I'm only a few pages into it but so far so good. I'm hoping to read it this afternoon.

The lesson in YW's was on Temple Marriage. D & C offers a lot a great promises to those who marry in the Temple and keep their temple covenants. I learned more today of the great need to be married in the Temple. I defiantly didn't understand all the reasoning's when I got married but I've learned a lot since then and am still learning. I hope my boys set the goal of a Temple marriage in their sights and don't stray from it. I also think a Temple Prep class is vitally important to those preparing or to those not sure why the Temple is a necessary place.

The house was totally picked up until about 5:30pm yesterday when the menfolk arrived home. I'm wondering why I have to pick up again. Sometimes this gets ridiculous. I don't enjoy a cluttered house, but especially on Sundays.

Wow! Not a typical Saturday afternoon. It's 4:38pm and the house is quiet.
Crate is asleep and the boys are on their way home from the father's and sons camp out. I heard it snowed. Burr. I can't wait for them to come back.

I just checked on Crate. He's sleeping so peacefully. I left his shorts off and his thighs are hanging out from his diaper. Once my eyes caught a glance my mouth started to water. Munch, munch.
Lately Crate loves to give kisses. Open mouth kisses that is. They're wet, slobbery, slimy and sometimes even buggery but they are the best kisses in the world. I cherish each one, knowing he won't be giving me those much longer. When the baby stage is all done...I mean no more babies ever, there are some things I won't miss (sleepless nights) but somethings I really will miss. Things like sitting in the recliner and falling asleep with a two day old baby on my chest. Hearing their first little giggle. Watching him smile in his sleep, knowing he's remembering where he was sent from and relishing in those sweet memories. Smelling their little bodies right after a bath. Setting up the crib and washing all the clothes in anticipation for the birth-day. Holding them right next to me as they receive their life sustaining nutrients from me and me only.(that sometimes can be a curse and a blessing at the same time.) And who can forget the munching of the thighs, belly and toes. Wow. What a complete and total privilege motherhood is. I wish I could recall my Heavenly mother. Oh, the things I could learn from her.

oh, the sweetness


I've been thinking a lot about the spirit. I really don't comprehend how it would be to go about life not having it. And I know how easily it can leave me if I'm not careful. The scripture found in Mosiah 4:30 says "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God..." I been thinking about the need to avoid even the very appearance of evil. I know I have said & done things before that are not in line with this scripture. Sometimes to be funny, sometimes from being immature and sometimes just cause I didn't have a backbone or the confidence to stand up and say something or leave. I hope I can teach my children different. There is nothing or nobody that is worth being with when you're in a situation or place that the spirit can't dwell. I need to teach them this and without them being prideful or thinking they are better than someone because of the decisions they make. The last thing I want is boys who have big heads or are self righteous. For pride is a sin too. As soon as one thinks they are better because of the way they live their life they are no better off than the one committing the sin. I hope to NEVER be considered self righteous. I've got my own weaknesses and I KNOW I am far from walking on water.

Back to the mothering thing. On Wednesday during personal progress we read a scripture found in D & C 45:57-59. This scripture along with the discussion that took place made me realize the promise given to people who live worthily in this life and have the opportunity to raise children or more children in the life to come. For in the life to come children will be raised without temptations, "...children shall grow up without sin unto salvation." Imagine how much sweeter parenthood will be when you don't worry or fret about losing your children to the ways of the world. If the Lord blesses me with additional children in this life that will be great. However, if not, I hope to keep myself worthy to raise children in the next. This life is literally a blink of an eye when looking through it with eternal glasses on. If my child bearing years are over, I shall not fret. I will have an entire millennium to be a mother. And the world will be a different place then. A much better place. A place worthy of a new bore babe. Have hope. Have faith.

The scriptures are true. This is know. The boys are back safe and sound. Back to reality.