The Parke's Space

The tale of two kitties

2011-04-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

If you are a faithful blog reader (smirk) then you know Grace had a kitten named Lurlurr who died. A few months later we decided to get two kitties to see if we could increase our odds for survival. Matt had a friend at work who talked him into it. They were "free". Grace got Garfield (an orange, long haired tabby) and Bella got Tigsy (an orange, short haired tabby). Brothers. I'm not sure exactly how I get talked into all these pets. Except that I love my "animal loving" children and husband. And also, I hate mice. A few days after we had them Garfield got an eye infection. (Not uncommon in kittens, apparently.) Then one day we came back from taking the kids to school and Garfield was limping, not putting any weight on his leg. Sweet. A $350 vet bill later.... Well, what were we supposed to do? Tell our daughter ( who had come back from Disneyland, months earlier, to find her first kitten had died) "Sorry sweetie, We were hoping to send you to college so..." Free cats indeed. Oh and did I mention that Bella put Tigsy in a diaper bag and dropped him out of our upstairs window while were out of town? He, of course, was fine. You gotta be tough to be Ramona...I mean Bella's pet.

It's like we live at the zoo.

Lost Cat found

2011-04-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

Our cat Tigsy went missing this week. Matt called, "here Kitty, kitty..." in a soprano voice for hours.

I called the animal shelter and all three vet clinics.

We assumed the worse.

I saw our neighbor walking her dog the second morning Tigs was gone.

I just had a feeling I should.

She brought Garfield (our other non missing cat) home to us that night when Matt and McCade were out searching for Tigs.

Then the next day she carried Tigsy home from way up the hill the next night. We are lucky to have such nice, long suffering neighbors. (They also saved Toby from drowning last summer. Seriously.)

But back to Tigsy. I haven't properly conveyed how sad we were. I'm just not feeling very dramatic today as I write this.

I really just wanted to post this cute poster that Grace made. I even scanned it onto the computer. (Gasp, that is huge in case you don't know how completely tech challenged I am.) I thought I should tell the story that goes with it.

17 months old

2011-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Riggins finally started walking after he had tubes put in his ears (January). He is such a busy little body, I forgot how they are into everything at this age.

He loves balls. To distraction. The only word in his vocabulary so far. Ba? He has a good arm on him and so far throws food and balls both with his left arm, much to the delight of his Dad and Uncle Val. (Something to do with sports, I think?)

He does sign language for "more" and "all done" and he makes a gurgly noise in his throat when he wants water. Other than that he is pretty quiet, content to sit back and watch.

Oh, and he has a mullet.
Yes, a business in the front, party in the back...mullet.
I don't know how to cut baby hair. It freaks me out.
He climbs up on things and also can open doors. I started locking the garage door because he loves to play out there. In the dog and cat food. Gross.

He is still super chubby even though he is a picky eater. The boy loves his carbs. And dairy. Loves the dairy
He is still a cuddlebug and squishy....yum.

Back on My Meds

2011-03-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

Seriously-

you should totally have some of what I am having.

What am I having you ask?

Well... (you know you're in for a story when you see the well, followed by the ...)

First, let me start by saying... I almost didn't tell this story because it is sort of personal. But... I am not exactly one for privacy (my own of course, I respect other people's privacy. FYI) (And I respect Matt's privacy so I hope this won't embarrass him. ...oh, who are we kidding. He doesn't even read my blog.)

SO...I obviously haven't blogged for awhile. I can't say exactly when my "funk" started but I (in hindsight) noticed it had been going on for awhile.

I was still functioning pretty well, (helloooo, we ran a half marathon. Does that seem like something a depressed person does?)

But it started getting worse.

I started reading books.

A lot of books.

A couple books a day. (Loved Vampire Academy, hated the last Hunger Games; Mockingjay).

I didn't feel depressed (sad), more like... apathetic.

Toilets...who cares.

Blogging...Does anyone actually read it?

Kids fighting... shoulder shrug.

Being creative...maybe later.

Talking on the phone...hmmm might cut into my book reading time. (Red flag, anyone?)

Thoughts in my head...mysteriously absent.

Three different "interventions" from three different friends in one week finally got my attention. (I say interventions kind of joking, but kind of not.)

So I made an appointment with my BFNP (Best friend Nurse Practitioner). She told me that postpartem can occur for up to 18 months after a baby is born and she put me on Wellbutrin. (I took it for a while after Bella was born too.)

I began taking it and I started ... I started creating. I started couponing again. I started shopping.
I started cooking. I got excited about decorating. I let my library membership lapse. (ha, that is so not happening, I was just checking to see if you were still paying attention.) ... you get the picture.

Anyway, it's been a couple months and I am off them now. But doing great. I think I just needed a little some'n to get me back on track.

That is the story.

Sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable.

And now... back to your regularly scheduled programing.

Redemption

2010-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

So, I signed up for the "Main Treat" for Grace's class for the Halloween party. I made some cupcakes.
They were... (wince) cute. They had orange frosting and a sucker poking out of the top. I took them into the class and what was already there but the cutest spider cupcakes with licorice legs, red eyes, and chocolate sprinkles so they looked hairy.

Argh.

My friend Mindy pointed out that I should have signed up for paper products.

Good Point.

WELL, my friends, today is Grace's ninth birthday (It's true, We have reached the half way point of the time we'll have her full time. Sniffle.) She asked me to bring in cinnamon rolls for her birthday treat. And I did.

Take that all you cute cupcake bringing moms.

They look good, no?

P.S. This post reminded me of the part at the end of Dumb and Dumber when the one says to the other, " Just when I think you can't possibly be any dumber you do something like this..... and totally REDEEM yourself." Funny.

Totally

2010-11-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

shout out to my BFC

2010-08-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

You know Best Friend Cousin... like a BFF, only blood relation.

She texted me last night to "update your blog already." So here it is.

This is Lyndi. She is my BFC. We've been friends forever. When we were little we were pen pals and I would eagerly await her letters. When we were in high school I lived with her family for a semester. We could carry on entire conversations without words. We had sleepovers Friday and Saturday nights in her room and we had hundreds of inside jokes, that only we found funny. There's nothing quite like a BFC. If you have one, you know.

The problem now is that the only time we see each other is if someone dies or gets married. Sad. Well, not this summer. The kids and I took a little road trip to see her family. So fun. We stayed up way too late talking and it's like the time has never passed.

My sister, Wynn; me; my cousin, Lyndi; and my other BFC, Cassie. It really doesn't do any of my gorgeous girls' justice...but after a long day of shopping and so many shots...we took what we could get.

So...Lyndi Lou... I love you! (Sorry it's taken me so long to update the ole' blog.)

Later... Deep thoughts

2010-07-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

When Val showed the video of their family pics at the reunion I had some thoughts:

I miss Matt's parents. I cried when I saw the pictures of them set to the song, "I believe." I always do. I miss Val Sr. I miss Matt's mom (who I never even got to meet.) I think if I could know Matt's mom, I would have the missing piece of the puzzle that is my husband. I thought about posterity and the importance of family. The rich legacy of faith that can be left behind. The legacy of faith I want to be part of and my children and time.

How quickly it passes.

Family Reunion Season

2010-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ah... Family Reunion Time. We never have McKittrick reunions unless someone dies. (No offense guys, but it's true.) But the Parke family... they know how to reunite. This year all of Matt's side (Uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.) got together in Carey. The highlight was Val's slideshow. He really has that down to an art. I love watching all the pictures and getting a sense of people when they were young. (I have deep thoughts about this but this doesn't seem like the time to share them.) (Maybe later.)

After the big shindig some of Matt's family came back to our house. We went to the ice show. We stayed up too late watching funny you tube videos and laughing. "Twilight, what have you done with my wife?" It was great fun.

This is my niece Ashley. I {heart} her a lot. We used to cheat at Masterpiece.

OK. We still cheat at Masterpiece.

I {heart} this picture of my cute nieces and my favorite brother-in-law Val in the background.

At the water park

2010-07-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

(To the tune of 'At the carwash" )

B. O. A. T.

2010-07-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

April 2007- Yes, that is snow...and our new boat. Happy Day. . .

Bail Out Another Thousand- Did you know that's what it stood for?

Or how 'bout this one,"The two happiest days in a man's life-

The day he buys his boat... and the day he sells it."

For my birthday (July 5th) we decided to take the boat out. We thought it would be perfect since my mom was here and could help wrestle kids etc. (Also she's never been out on our boat since there is a small window of time here in our neck of the woods to actually use the boat.) (A pitifully small window.) (Have I mentioned how small the window is...)

So...We spend hours loading up with towels, snacks, etc. (I don't know why it always takes us so long, but it does.) We finally pull away from the busy gas station. The whole drive to Magic Resevoir it is Windy. Capital W. And I've lived in Rexburg... so I know wind.

We get there. Matt backs down. I park the truck and boat (straight shot, just like I like it.) (I get super antsy if I have to do any boat/trailer backing.)

I get Riggins out of his seat and walk to the dock where Mom is on the dock and Matt in the boat holding it steady. I jump in the boat. Matt "yells" at me because he wasn't ready for me to jump in the boat. I "yell" that I didn't know. (It's good to get the yelling out of the way straight off.) When we're all in the boat Matt sits in his his captain chair and turns that baby....over. But not on. The boat won't start. Awesome. We try a few things. They don't work.

Matt backs down the ramp. I strip off my warm cozy sweatshirt down to my swimsuit and get in the water. So. Cold. Matt and I guide the boat onto the trailer while my mom drives up while we yell at the kids to stay to the side while I shiver and try to be helpful. After mom parked it we all got back into the boat and hung out for awhile. Seriously. The seven of us just chillin' in the boat, eating snacks, getting windblown, watching 7 other boats pull out. Then we went home.

Good times.

Usually so free with words...

2010-07-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of a good (enough) title. I love these guys.

Turning four

2010-07-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

I won't bore you with a lot of details. Suffice it to say.

This is Bella.
She is four.
She is cute, sassy, determined, funny, loud, and an animal lover (among other things).
She is my third child and I love her.

The end.

McCade "graduates" from kindergarten

2010-07-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

For the record. I am not entirely sold on all the "graduations" BUT I'm clearly not opposed to it enough to boycott photo ops.

Here is McCade with his BFF, Luke and Mrs. Boatwright, (I'm a card carrying member of the Mrs. Boatwright fan club.) Anyhoo.
"My name is McCade Matthew Parke and I want to work at SunValley when I grow up."

If only cats really did have 9 lives

2010-07-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is a story of a kitten. It doesn't end well (as foreshadowed by the title.) But the story must be told.

Grace had been begging and we had been promising a kitty for months. The day finally came when we couldn't hold her off any longer.

Matt took her to the shelter where they found this charming little fellow. He was adopted, brought home, and Grace promptly changed his name to "Lurr Lurr." (Yes, there is a story behind the name; when Matt was a wee lad he had a cat too. He like the way it purred all the time so he named it Lurr Lurr. The kids love Matt's animal stories.) So....Grace was very responsible with the kitty, feeding, watering, giving it a little nip of milk here and there. And Lurr Lurr was a great kitty. No excessive scratching or crying. Bella loved to carry him around like a baby (under his "arms") and he would patiently hang out until she put him down. It seemed to be the perfect match.

When we went to Disneyland and my mom was home with Riggins she backed over him when she was leaving the garage. When she found him she put him in a shoe box and was going to bury him out back but she didn't want to leave Riggins alone in the house. Michelle A. and her son, Alec stopped by. When my mom told Michelle the story and asked if she would stay with Riggins so she could bury the kitty Michelle said, "Alec will do it." So sweet, strapping Alec dug a deep hole and the pet cemetery in the field had another beloved addition.

(An aside here... we have all kinds of friends in our lives; Friends to laugh with, shop with, eat with...etc. But it is important to know which of your friends will bury a body. . . I'm just sayin')

My mom told me on our way home from the airport. She cried. I cried. Grace cried. Bella didn't (surprisingly). McCade told Bella (with all the tact of a 6 year old boy), "Lurr Lurr is dead. Nana ran over him." Grace said, "It's not Nana's fault. It was an accident." I was proud of her. She cried and cried but forgave Nana without a second thought.

One of the most important and hardest lessons in life is that it is uncertain. And short. It's best to show the love and affection we feel with no hesitation. And no regrets.

MWF seeking balance

2010-06-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a hard time balancing all the things I need to do, have to do, should do... with the things I want to do. Then throw in the things I need to buy, have to buy, should buy.... with the things I want to buy.... On top of that there are the things I need to eat, have to eat... well you can see I am buried in my need for balance. I confessed to my friend, Jill, about a winter coat I bought {$!$} because it was 1/2 off and I needed a new winter coat. She said, "You have to spend money to save money." Then the absurdity made us giggle like little school girls.

Part of the problem is summertime. There seem to be no punctuation marks in my day like there are during the school year. Matt feels the lack of structure and when he gets home from work it makes him grumpy (heat+matt not running after work=grump dogginess). Anyway. What's a girl to do?

We have been doing good with chores. Amazingly well, actually. But somehow this isn't giving me the sense of order I thought it would. I just can't ...quite...put my finger on it. I guess I'll go see if it's hiding in the freezer. Behind the ice cream.

Disneyland

2010-06-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

We {heart} Disneyland! So does Matt's brother, Val and his wife, Tami. They are experts and showed us the best way to experience it so we would be assured a great trip last time. As a result we all love it. We had no trip plans on the horizon but a few weeks ago we were dreaming about going...soon. Matt got a sweet deal on rooms, throw in some affordable airfare. DONE! We were on our way.

Here are a few highlights (and "lowlights".) *My mom stayed with Riggins:) *Our Alle-giant flight was two hours late getting us to CA:(*The kids first airplane ride and the escalator @ the airport:) *Bella, "When we gonna blast off?" :) *Finally getting to our sweet hotel room (warm cookies anyone?:) *Tami, "If you thought the escalators were fun..." *Walking on to Pirates & Splash mountain as soon as we got there (Grace, sopping wet, we had to buy her a new shirt.) *Fantasmic *Bella, sound asleep, on Matt's lap *Yummy breakfast *"Hitting" Splash and Pirates every day. *Good times @ the airport.

*Bug's life baby!

*At the Pixar Parade Grace blew Buzz Lightyear a kiss, he pointed at her and drew an air heart. PRICELESS!

Splash Mountain- we love it!

*Bella wasn't tall enough to go on Grizzly River :(even after I folded granola bars in half and stuck them in her shoes) *But she was loving Brother Bear :)

*Lunch at the Blue Bayou:) -Not being by the door (double:) *Magic Morning * Bella's giggle on Thunder Mountain:) *Fast passes *Holding hands with the kids *Bella, (about Tower of Terror) "That ride frrrreaked me out" *Standing in line for Alladin:( *The Alladin show:) * Val carrying Bella around and her kissing him on the cheek all the time. *When we finally got a stroller for Bella, "The mauler." *The kids eating oatmeal and going straight to bed every night *Room service:) *Swimming at the hotel pool (Why do kids love swimming so much?) *Standing on the side of the road waiting for the bus back to the airport:(!

I'd clone him if I could

2010-06-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Maybe I already have...

I really would clone McCade even when he is missing a front tooth and the other one is all snaggly ... and he has a red kool-aid mustache. I'd love a clone of him that I could freeze at each age. Like the age when he said "hephalant" or the age when he said cute things about seeing the jet's breath outside at night.

I'd for sure clone the 6 1/2 year old McCade who loves to surprise me by making my bed a few times a week.

Who doesn't love animals but loves his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Boatwright and obsesses about how tall Mr. Boatwright is.

This little / big McCade who loves his brother so much and keeps his room clean.

I'd sure like a copy of the boy who is so sweet to his mom and sisters but tore the head off his robot when his dad got after him one night. Then he came out with his headless robot and asked me to hot glue his head back on and started doing karate kid breathing so he would be calmer next time.

Since the whole cloning thing isn't going to work out, I'd settle for him to just grow up slower. ALOT slower.

AOADD

2010-05-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Adult Onset Attention Deficit Disorder. That is my (self) diagnosis.

I fear my symptoms are getting worse. By. The. Day.

It appears to be a genetic disorder. My Mom suffers from a fierce case as well.

It seems to be exacerbated by multiple or long to do lists.

Example #1 It was after lunch and we were going to have some ice cream. Scraping the bottom of the carton I offer to get more from the freezer in the garage. On the way out I see a box from Costco, "I'll just put that in the recycling." I broke down the box and wrestled with it, trying to get it to fit in the bin.(Approximately 5 minutes later) I gave up and was kneeling in front of the freezer when Matt came out to see if some horrible accident had befallen me. Alas, no accident, just my faulty brain.

I could go on and on but... that would be focused and not at all what this post is about. Instead I want to share this funny poem I found in one of my organizing books;

One morning I woke and began resolutely

To work till my tasks were done absolutely

I decided I would not waste even a minute-

In the race against time, I determined to win it.

I started all right, first clearing the dishes,

Then saw it was time to clean the bowl for the fishes,

As I reached for the cleanser, I thought that I'd better

Grab soap flakes as well for washing a sweater.

As I went for the sweater, I saw that the bed

Needed straightening, so I stopped to do that instead.

Just then the phone rang, and while I was answering it,

I saw plants on the sill that needed watering a bit.

So went my day, and I worked till bone tired;

Then happy and proud, I sat back and admired.

But taking stock of my home, my joy was diminished;

Everything was started, but nothing was finished.

-Donette V. Ockey

10 things I love about Grace (in no particular order)

2010-05-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

1. I love that when she decided she wanted a new American Girl Doll she earned half the money to pay for it by reading books (penny a page) and doing extra chores.

2. I love that after she was so diligent about cleaning her ears after she got them pierced and after all that there was still one point when she was willing to let them close up because she was having such a hard time switching earrings.

3. I love that even though she is afraid of things she still does them, often by herself, i.e. pulling out her own teeth, switching her own earrings (she kicked me out of the bathroom while she did it.)

4. I love that she reads (especially if she is saving up for something.)

5. I love how much she helps me with Riggins.

6. I love that she likes to wear cute clothes, cute shoes, and matching accessories.

7. I love that she can keep up with me shopping...

8. I love that she really listens to Matt so he can talk to her about the tough stuff.

9. I love that in the car the other day she asked me what the f- word was. When I was hesitant to answer she said, "Mom, I need you to tell me. At school I will hear it and I need to know. I might spell something bad while we are doing word chunks." So matter-of-fact. (That's gonna come in handy when Matt has the birds & bees talk with her.)

10. I love that even though she is often emotional and occasionally irrational, she wants to do the right things and I can try to appeal to her logical side. If that doesn't work I can just wait until the sun comes back around, as it always does.

Here is Grace with her American Girl doll she named, "Sallina." Sallina is pictured wearing an original "Grace design" made from paper towels and ribbon from my scrapbooking stash.

It's been a month since my last confession

2010-05-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to say that.

In so many ways a blog is like a confessional. Me the confessee and you, sitting on the other side of the curtain in anonymity listening (reading), making the occasional comment. It feels good to get all the things rattling around in my head out there.

So for today's confession; I have a favorite child.

I know, horrible, right?

What can I say...

He never complains if the other kids get something and he doesn't. He NEVER complains that he has nothing to wear. He has yet to utter the words "That's not fair." (Could there be three more annoying words in our vernacular?) (Could someone {Michelle?} confirm that I used that word correctly.)

He doesn't make us all late looking for a Boise State hat for 15 minutes when we should be walking out the door to school. Throwing a fit, when he left it in his dad's truck all along.

He doesn't whine to get his way or bring three changes of clothes, a blanket, a stuffed animal, a lunch box, a mini chalk board, two coats but NOT a single PAIR OF SHOES when we are going out to a restaurant for lunch.

He doesn't do any of those things.

He plays in his bouncy thing. Looks up and beams when you throw a smile his way. Only cries when he's hungry, tired, or wet. Stops crying immediately after being picked up, regardless who does the picking up. And then when you do pick him up his little chubby body is so cuddly and soft. And that is why I can say without reservation that he is my favorite child...

...for today anyway.

Next month's confession might be a whole different ball of wax.

24 things I've learned since becoming a mother

2010-04-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

1. Yelling is not sufficient motivation to flush the toilet after each use. Nor is identifying the perpetrator.

2.There are things/ questions only a dad can answer and do. That is good. It in no way threatens our usefulness as mothers.

3. I'm so glad when daddy comes home.

4. Nothing sucks the creativity out of children faster that television first thing in the morning.

5. It doesn't matter all that much if others think you are a good mom. The most important thing is what you think about yourself. This can be a blessing and a curse.

6. What your kids wear does not determine if you are a good mom or not. (See # 5)

7. Pick your battles... carefully.

8. Sometimes "I'll think about it." is a really good answer.

9. Sometimes "Sure" is an even better answer.

10. Worse case scenerios should be avoided.

11. It's ok to eat the chip that is laying on the counter but be prepared just in case all the salt has been licked off.

12. Life isn't fair. If it was fair we wouldn't have or need agency.

13. Outfits on babies are over rated, I'll take one piece jammies with feet any day. Simplify.

14. A shower is an important part of the success of any given day.
15. Shrieking is lame.

16. There can be a spot for everything i.e.: a "naughty" spot; a "happy" spot; a "reverent" spot; a "talk to me with a little more respect" spot... you get the picture.

17. Nothing is as sweet as when a child does something without being asked...

18. ...except maybe an "I love you" when nothing is wanted...

19....or playing with a sibling without coersion.

20. Sometimes we just need a bit more sleep.

21. Yelling will not get anyone out the door faster. (But it could start the day out real bad.)

22. Repeat after me, "It's going to be oookaaaaay."

23. Breakfast isn't the most important meal of the day. Dinner is.
(And I'm not talkin' 'bout the food.)

24. I won't ever be the perfect parent. I will make mistakes. I can only hope that my kids will know that the mistakes I've made were mistakes made out of love, not neglect or hurt. Just love.

Family fun

2010-04-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

HMMM... what to do when it's cold outside.

Our kids have no problem finding fun (albeit dangerous) things to do.

It looks more dangerous than it actually was.

McCade fully rotated and landed every time.

So did Grace. And Bella... she believes she can fly.

Bella's bangs

2010-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting Val & Tami this weekend my niece Kaitlyn did Bella's hair for her, she swept Miss B's bangs over to the side.

Bella became obsessed.

She carried a comb around for the rest of the day wetting and combing the bangs to the side. She has wanted them swooped over ever since.

Yesterday I saw her spitting in her hand and wiping her bangs to the side. She did it three times before it registered what she was doing.

That is some sweet styling product.

Rolling with Riggins

2010-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

As you can see, Riggins is starving nearly to death.Wasting away...

He is rolling all over the place, front to back until he gets himself stuck against something, then he puts up a racket until someone comes and rescues him.
He is delightful with his smiles, easy laugh and chubby cheeks. Now, if we could just get him to sleep through the night...

Profoundly Grateful

2010-03-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

I read the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" on the recommendation of my friend, Michelle B and my cousin, Lyndi. I got done and felt a little changed and ...profoundly grateful.

Then last night at work we started talking movies which somehow led to the movie "Boy in Striped Pajamas" which led to the Holocaust which led to a horrible/ true story of how a Cambodian girl escaped death. (I'll tell you if you ask me.) As I drove home from work in the dark I felt... profoundly grateful.
I've been thinking about it all day long and I have to try to put it into words...Not that I will be able to do it justice but...

First, being born in the USA; millions/billions of people just unlucky enough to be born into a different country. Countries where my very existence as a female would be enough to bring my demise. Countries where I may not get to choose who, when, why I'd marry. Countries where I would live in constant fear, for my own life, health and (worse yet) constantly fear for those I love. I could spend all night just on this alone.

Second I was born to parents who wanted and deeply love me. Wait... back up, I was born to parents (plural). My parents never raised a hand to me, seldom even raised a voice (that my own kids should be so lucky.) They raised me to believe that I could be and do anything I wanted. Raised me to believe I am smart, beautiful, talented, wonderful, funny... It's hard to doubt yourself when surrounded at every turn with such love and faith.

Speaking of faith... To be born into a home where I learned of a loving Father in Heaven. Taught that I am a daughter of God. That mistakes are made and recovered from, hurts healed, broken hearts mended with the help of a loving Savior. Taught to pattern my life after great men and women who are full of integrity, honor, courage, compassion, and faith. Taught that there is life after this. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to consistently learn things that bring me closer to my husband, family, God, and the person I want to be.

And that's just being born... The safety and peace I enjoyed growing up cannot be taken for granted.

The opportunity I had to go to college and choose for myself what I wanted to be and who I wanted to marry. Both great choices.

Matt. A good man. A responsible man. Hard working and smart. Funny and athletic. Spiritual and strong. Handsome and forgiving. A fantastic dad.

Our kids. All healthy and fun and easy to conceive (I had to throw that in... I feel grateful all the time for that.) Grace, McCade, Bella, and Riggins. Each individuals and blessings to me.

My family. My mom is wonderful. She comes to my rescue and never criticizes me. Always loves me and buys me things I wouldn't buy myself. She helps me start and finish projects. She stays with the kids so Matt and I can have time. She's happy and full of faith. My two younger sisters.

Matt's family. I love them like my own.

My friends. I have the very best friends.
A girl could not dream of better friends.

My job.
Matt's job.
A beautiful house and three car garage.
My shoes.
A queen sized bed and down comforter.
My mini van.
A garage. (I thought it worth mentioning twice.)
My new facial cleanser from Arbonne.
My hobbies.
My Ipod.
My new red laptop.
I could go on indefinitely.

I should never have a sad or discouraged thought with a life as rich and full as mine. But I'm even grateful for the gray days. They make the sunshine that much more glorious.

I am blessed.

I am profoundly grateful.

FF-Remodeling part uno

2010-02-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

I know you might not want to see these pictures but I think we've established that I don't care. Just kidding.
This used to be a hallway, from the dining room into the back hall. It was destined to become a bigger bedroom, bathroom, and closet for Matt & I.

Such good little helpers! Can you believe I painted so much. This was about 2 weeks from my due date. PS. I wanted to burn my paint clothes but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

This shirt used to be my dad's.

It says, "Take a hike." on the back.

I got it for him the summer I worked at Sgt. Leisure up in Sun Valley.

I still love it..

Garbage day

2010-02-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday is garbage day.
Last Thursday the garbage didn't get taken to the curb.
We have alot of garbage.
Sometimes I put garbage in my neighbor's trash cans. "Nothin' wrong with that," I say.
When I went to put the garbage in my neighbor's can (before taking the kids to school) I decided the snow was deeper than I thought, I changed my mind.
So, the two bags of garbage rode in the front seat.
To school, the "coke store", Albertsons, and then back home again.
I lead an action packed life.

Hello, my name is Toby

2010-02-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am a Newfoundland.
I weigh about 16o lbs.
I love people and people love me (albeit in a "Please keep your distance and don't stick your nose in my crotch sort of way.")
My dad, Matt, thinks I am the greatest thing since sliced bread. I think he is great too.
We like to play tricks on Mom. For instance, in the morning instead of going out the nearest door from the garage, Dad and I walk all through the house. Mom hates it. We think it's hilarious.
My mom, Tana, thinks I am ok. She doesn't like me in the house much. But I heard her admit that she can't imagine another dog who would be so good with such little training. I think it was a compliment.
The kids like me pretty well too, especially that little Bella.
I have a strict code of moral conduct.
One of my rules: the smaller the person, the more gentle I am.
I'm a bit of a celebrity at the vet clinic in Bellevue. Those girls love me.
It's understandable, really.
I chase cars. I ditched my shock collar a while back, it's been awesome. The freaked out look on people's faces when they realize the damage I could do to their cars, (chuckle) that just never gets old.
I love long walks. I sit at the end of the drive way and wait for people to be walking by. I will go with almost anyone.
I am good at making new friends.
I like to run too, but mostly just with Mom, she's not fast.
I shed ALOT.
Mom and I both love it when I get my hair cut in the spring. (Except that one time the lady cut my hair like a poodle. Man, that was embarassing.)
ALSO I love milk bones. There's not much I won't do for a Milk Bone.
If your ever in the neighborhood, look me up. We'll go harrass some cats.

FF- Potty training

2010-02-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

'Nuf said.

Sunday night call

2010-02-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

I worked from noon until 10:30.
The problem was, I didn't get to leave the hospital until 1:30 AM.
Bella had been sick and when I got home she threw up.
I changed her.
She threw up again.
I assured Matt I was fine... up already.
I bathed her.
I fed Riggins.
I laid my weary head and prayed that I wouldn't get called back in. Thank the heavens above I didn't. I was still hammered the next day.
I hate call!

What the world needs now

2010-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

sweet, love.

(It's the only thing that there's just too little of.)

Is that a frog in your pocket?

2010-02-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

Matt was changing Riggins and noticed something hard by his chest. .. oh, just a little plastic frog.

a gift from McCade

and you wondered why baby clothes had pockets.

Mystery solved.

FF- The pregnant version of myself

2010-02-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Since I was computerless for most of my pregnancy I thought I would post a few pics of myself in a gestating state.

This was right near the end, Matt was a little bugged that I made him stop and take pictures of me before church on Sunday but I 'm glad I did.

My sister Wynn was pregnant at the same time but farther along than I was. I think she might hate this picture but it was the only other one I could find and I don't know how to crop her out. I do pregnancy really well, not the first part of course.

But even the first part of my pregnancies are far better than so many women that I wouldn't dare complain.

(By "wouldn't" you know I meant "wouldn't if the aforementioned sicky chickies were around.")

I know this is a rare blessing and I do not take it for granted, I promise.

Strong girl

2010-02-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

Bella was helping me move furniture while I vaccummed the other day.

She flexed her muscles and said, "I am weely strong."

I said, "Bella, how did you get so strong?"

"My dad showed me how."

Missing more than teeth

2010-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Grace has lost plenty of teeth but for some reason when McCade started wiggling his I was sad.

Really sad.

Matt didn't understand it, it's not like he's the baby of the family, he's not...

...but he is my sweet little McCader man, and his little teeth were beautiful, all straight and perfect.

and bad enough that he didn't just let them fall out by themselves, oh no....

he had to wiggle and wiggle them. That top one was barely even loose when he set his Dad on it. Matt said when he was pulling it out all McCade said was one, "ow."

Now McCade likes teasing me about it because he knows it makes me melancholy. He gets that mischievous look in his eye.
After this last one he said to me, "Don't worry, Mom, soon my big teeth will grow in."

Yeah, a lot of comfort that brings me.

Flashback Friday-

2010-02-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

I decided that since I was computer-less for so the summer and didn't post pictures or posts for that matter I would dedicate some Fridays to the space between.

Plus I think "Flashback Friday" has a catchy title.

So...Halloween. 2009. To tell you the truth, these are the only pictures I have. Too sad. My friend Christa would be so disappointed. She's the one who sent me this cute costume for Riggins.

Jenn provided the costume for Bella, cute little striped witch dress.

Mindy let me borrow a Batman costume for McCade. (It had muscles, I just love costumes with muscles on his skinny little body.)

Grace wore her cat costume from last year. I did a better job on her nose this year.

Not my finest Halloween moment. What can I say? "I get by with a little help from my friends."

Although there was no pumpkin carving this year, our whole family went trick-or-treating together downtown. It's a great event because it is light out and not too cold. It was lovely.
I know Riggins doesn't look happy, but how cute is his little costume? It even glowed in the dark.

Happiness is a choice

2010-02-03T09:05:00.001-08:00

Last night my friend Amy, www.thewondertwins.blogspot.com spoke at the church about some of her experiences with her son, Dawson. I got a lot of different insight and inspiration but one of the things that hit me and that I chose to apply today was;

Happiness is a choice.

This morning we were running late (again). This is something I battle on a daily basis. I know, "Be on time" it should be easy but so should...eating right, spending less money, & on and on. For some reason I hate this particular weakness, which, for the record, is genetic (on my mom's side.)

Today was no different; The kids ate salt & vinegar chips for breakfast. Grace's pigtails were crooked. McCade didn't get a comb through his hair. It was gloomy out. I was in my pink pajamas.

Normally this makes me cranky and I feel so ... inadequate. I yell, my heart feels heavy. I feel like I am never going to get it together.

But today, I'm okay with it. I'm okay with my shortcomings, my weaknesses, my strengths, my pajamas on the way to school. . .

Because today I choose happiness.

....and tomorrow I think I will get up earlier:)

Our affectionate child

2010-01-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

This little cutie has always been a cuddly bug, even when she was a baby. She is always giving kisses and hugs. If I give her something she likes she says, "I love you, mommy." with a hug. Bella loves to sing, dance and put on a show, she is such a performer. She sings her heart out, mixing different songs together. It's dang cute!

Whenever she's driving me crazy she does something so cute and irresistable I would forgive her anything (even purposely dropping the plate from the tea party set I've had since I was a little girl.)

Raising a foodie

2010-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Grace made brownies today. She has done this a few other times, with no interference or help from me (well, I did open the oil for her, that lid was on tight!) Anyway, she does a great job, even cleans up her mess. Tonight as we were all eating brownies for dinner she informs me she put a little cinnamon on one half.
Me, "Why did you do that?"
G, "I thought it would taste good."

a little later... "I just know what will taste good together, I can taste it in my mind"
And that, my friends, is how a foodie is born.(I'm pretty sure at least.) This is the cookie Grace made me with a heart shaped sugar cookie. Cute, eh?

I'm baaaaaack

2010-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

For reals (As Bella would say) I'm back! Matt got me a sweet red laptop for Valentine's day (early). I am beyond exited. Let's start with some pictures of Riggins, shall we? I flipped this on my computer but it wouldn't upload to Blogger flipped, just turn your head to the side a little, sorry, but it's too cute to omit. (Yes, I know I'm "special", I'm surprised you're just now figuring it out:)

oh, is he yummy or what?

. . . Continued

2010-01-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

. . . I had my feet up but the mysterious pains continued. We went to bed in the front room but the pains continued. I said a prayer that labor (if it was indeed labor) would stop... but the pains continued. I couldn't sleep so left our living room mattress, took a bath/shower, did my hair and makeup (wait till you see our photos right after the birth, it was totally worth the effort.) THE PAIN CONTINUED. I called the hospital to see what they thought I should do, "Listen to your body." The nurse told me when I told her this was my fourth child. Finally I woke Matt, "You can probably shower or whatever before we go (2:30 AM)." He apparently thought I was really in labor because he tooke a really fast shower. I woke my mom who was sleeping upstairs (without carpet, poor thing.) Matt gave me a wonderful blessing and we left for the hospital. I was dilated to 7 cm when we arrived. Oh my, could this be happening? They called the anesthesiologist before the doctor. (I just knew I liked that RN when I talked to her on the phone.) It was the very best epidural of all time. (Imagine a chorus of hallelujahs right there.) Then we hung out for a little while.
Finally the nurse came in, "Do you feel like you need to push?"
Me, "Nope, I'm good."
Marty (RN), "Hmm, I think you're ready,"
Me, "Nope, I'm good, can't feel a thing."
RN, "Let's just do a practice push."
ME, "OK."
Marty, "Oh, we better get the doctor in here."
ME, "OK."
3 pushes later an 8 pound 4 ounce Riggins came into the world.

My first thought was, "Those ears are huge." Then, "I can't believe he's here."

Still no pictures, but sit down, I will tell you a story

2009-12-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

Back before I started blogging I used to send out a newsletter via e-mail every month. It was a great way to keep track of our lives from month to month. Since our laptop died I haven't been posting because it is so lame to post without pictures... but I don't know when we will replacing the laptop so... I have to start somewhere, I feel so behind. Let's start in September, close your eyes and picture this... OK open your eyes now, you have to keep reading.

September was the last month of my pregnancy, there I was, big and pregnant, bossing everyone around. Calling the electrician and plumber and wearing maternity clothes so there was no doubt... this addition must get done... the sooner the better. It was a flurry of activity, everyday. I was feeling great and trying to get as much as I could done each day. I would stay up late painting, listening to my Ipod. Matt was also doing alot of painting but he was using a paint sprayer so he was getting ALOT more done than me, but with more profanity (just barn terms) because the paint sprayer kept breaking. My old rolling method never failed but took about 10 times longer.

We knew the cold weather was supposed to come so we (when I say we, I mean me) were pushing hard to get the outside of the house painted. Matt painted the whole outside of the existing house in a day. There was still SO much to be done. I was in denial about my looming due date (more about my severe case of denial later.) That Saturday my mom called and said, "What are you doing?"
Me, "Just trying to get all this painting done." heavy sigh.
Mom, "Are you washing the sheets of the guest bed?"
Me thinking, "no, mom, I just told you we are painting."
Me, "No, why?"
Mom, "Because I'm on my way."
Me, (I may have squealed with delight because she was coming days earlier than she planned.)

So the next day, after church (hey, the ox was in the mire) we painted the trim on the whole house (Jenn even came and joined us.) It was sunny and lovely but the next day, du, du, dun. It got COLD and might have even snowed a little, I can't remember the snow, just the cold.

So all week I called emergency girl's days in which my friends came and wielded paint brushes, caulk guns, and sanding blocks. (My mom is a stickler for sanding in between coats.) We taped, we caulked, we primed, we sanded, we painted, we sanded, we painted. In that order. It was so great to have the help. On Wednesday night a crew of people decsended on our house. It seemed news of our plight had gotten out and the young women and men had taken pity on us and made us a service project. Matt directed while they swept the garage, moved heavy stuff (treadmill anyone), taped stuff off, ate the pizza sitting on our counter (teenage boys will eat anything), we even had a few trusted individuals painting trim. It was chaos. Tom, the carpet guy was there until 8:30 laying carpet in what would be our new bedroom. All our bedroom furniture was in the front room, including our bed, in preparation for more new carpet the next day. At about 9:00 we were in the front room visiting with the last few stragglers who had come to help. I felt a twinge. "Hmm, " I thought to myself, "I better get my feet up and stop these pains, there is sooo much to do tomorrow." TO BE CONTINUED....

The Home Stretch

2009-09-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are... on the home stretch. I am a week from my official due date and hopefully about the same from having the house mostly completed. I don't know about all this. I keep hoping the house will get done and the baby will wait. I just want to be able to enjoy that baby and some naps without all the distractions and interruptions. I feel like our lives have been on hold all summer while we did this project. I guess we haven't been completely on hold because a sweet baby boy has been growing inside...my kids keep growing outside. It has been a learning experience but I cannot wait to be done.

So here I am, 39 weeks, I can't bend over anymore without either a fierce case of heartburn or a Braxton Hick (contractions seems like too strong a word). But nonetheless, we keep making progress. Matt painted the house Saturday (it looks fab) after we (I get by with a little help from my friends) taped all the windows on Friday. I have had lots of drop-in/ much appreciated help. A few delicious meals here, a little painting there, some caulking around the edges... It adds up and I am so glad for friends who are willing to help.

Saturday, my mom surprised me by driving over (I wasn't expecting her until Monday.) I love that she still comes and rescues her kids when she knows we have reached our limit. She is sleeping on a mattress in the front room. I am so grateful for how amiable and happy she is. She always goes with the flow of our family, whatever that flow may be at the moment. I have come to appreciate her more all the time.

Somewhere in my random reading I came across the mantra "finish strong". That is what I hope for. On all fronts.

Back to the OR

2009-09-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

No, don't worry, it wasn't me that had to go back to the OR... Bella was the latest member of our family to have the surgery experience. Bella had her tonsils and adenoids last Tuesday. She did so great. I was amazed because she hates shots and everything related to Dr's (she even hates the ear scope thing.) I wanted her to be premedicated, like 3 days before, when she had her bloodwork done. Oy vey. That wasn't fun.

The morning of her surgery she woke so early with Grace. 6:00. That is early for us. She and Grace were playing with little glow in the dark bracelets and were so cute and happy. It was a peaceful way to start our day. (Matt said it sounded like a parade.)

When we got to the hospital she started crying, "I want to go home." I thought, "Oh, no, Here we go." But as soon as we got up to pre-op she saw Jenn it was like a switch got flipped. She was darling, so sweet and cooperative. They took her away in the little red wagon happily chatting away. She did fantastic. She ate lots and drank plenty the rest of the day. She has been doing pretty well. I love her little squeaky voice but could totally do without the nasty breath. (That's coming from me, and we all know I don't smell that well. It must be bad.)

Now that we are a week out from surgery she has been having a little bit of a rough time the last few nights, crying but not wanting to swallow the good stuff (Tylenol with codeine). She does pretty good if I keep the Tylenol in her every four hours but if I get behind, I pay for it. (Lots of drama.) All in all I would have to say she has done great. Probably bad timing but...c'est la vie.

stop the madness

2009-09-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I went to Twin to pick all the light and plumbing fixtures for our new addition/ remodel. I can tell you something, honestly. At this point, I don't care. I don't care if the finishes match (Well, we have brushed nickel in the existing house but I really wanted rubbed bronze in the new spaces, does it all need to be the same etc. etc.) I don't care. I don't care how much things cost (until I tell Matt how much I spent and he's like, "What?!" and I'm like, "I'm 37 weeks pregnant in Twin Falls, it's 91 degrees and I have shoes, socks AND jeans on, I've been dragging around a three year old everywhere I go." (I didn't say that but I sure thought it.) It kind of makes me sad because I have spent so much time and energy (not to mention $) on this project and here we are at the end and I can't bring myself to spend 200 dollars on a faucet. (I also can't bring myself to have different finishes in the same room...) so I guess I still care... a little. I am tired of making decisions. I should not have attempted today without a good Diet Coke on board. What was I thinking.

The crying episode

2009-09-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

There I was, a 22 year-old Senior in college, only one semester left and only 1 chemistry credit standing between me and my bachelor's degree. Matt had already graduated and was working at Sun Valley, coming back to Pocatello on weekends.

I had dropped the 3 credit chemistry class in favor of a 1 credit chemistry lab I had convinced my advisor to accept. It was a week into the semester; I had missed the first day, never had a chemistry lab before, but... how hard could it be. It was only one credit after all.

I walk into the lab and people (students) are busy, wearing appropriate, protective eyewear and moving about carrying glass containers full of colored liquids. The teacher hands me the lab notebook and shows me to an empty seat. The objective of all the labs was to take an unknown substance and go through a series of steps to identify the aforementioned unknown substance. But all I saw were busy people, in protective eyewear who looked like they knew exactly what they were doing.

I started to read the lab notebook. It was written in a foreign language. Words I had no comprehension the meaning of like beaker and vial blurred in front of my eyes.

I started to cry. Quietly but unceasingly.

It wasn't just the protective eyewear, of which I had none, or the words I didn't understand. All I kept thinking was, "This 1 credit is going to keep me from getting my degree, I have worked for 5 years and this one credit is going to keep me from getting my degree."

The professor (who was the sweetest old man, typical tenured professor, complete with ear hair and cardigan sweater) kept trying to comfort me and explain things to me.

I was beyond comfort. Every time I would stop crying and think I had pulled myself together I would look around at the bustling, protective eyewear wearing students and the waterworks would begin anew.

I couldn't stop crying.

I took my leave of the class, cried the whole way across campus, started crying again as soon as I had Matt on the phone, cried myself to sleep on the couch while I waited for him.

My knight in shining armor with his own set of protective eyewear, drove 3 hours to Pocatello. I awoke in the dark, wrapped in Matt's fuzzy blanket to the sound of the door opening. We sat hip to hip on the couch as he carefully explained the lab, complete with pictures of a beaker vs. a test tube etcetera. He found me his old safety glasses (so much better than the safety goggles they had in lab that left that unsightly ring around the eyes and on the forehead.) And left the next morning at 5:00 am to get to work.

Well, needless to say, I walked into the next lab, confident in my own glasses with notes in the margins of the first lab assignment. The teacher was very kind (and probably a little afraid I might cry again.) I did so well that when I found out I was pregnant later in the semester the teacher pro-rated the remaining labs because he didn't want me around the chemicals. I got like a 97 percent.

And so I learned more valuable lessons:

#1 Personal protective eyewear can be very intimidating on other people and empowering on oneself.

#2 Sometimes we can't do it ourselves, no matter how strong our will we lack the knowlege we need to be saved. We need help from a higher power, one that knows far more that we do.

This is also a good life lesson. That day (and many days since) Matt was my rescuer. But what we all need in a Savior, someone who can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. And we have one. But only if we choose to give Him our burdens can He take them.

The wrong bus

2009-09-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

When we move to Montreal when I was 15, Chase and I would have to take a (public transportation) bus from our house to the school it took about 30 minutes which felt like forever since we had moved from Billings, MT where our school didn't even have buses because everything was within just a 6 or 7 block radius. So. One afternoon I don't ride the regular bus home because I am at a friend's house. At about 5 or 6 (it's dark out) I get on a bus to go home. After we have been going for awhile I realize I had gotten on the wrong bus and I had no idea where I was. So. I got off the bus, not wanting to go further and further from wherever I was supposed to be.

I figured out a few things quickly; #1 My tears were not helping, best to stop crying, I was drawing attention to myself in a big city. #2 Even if I called home, (no cell phones in those days) I had no idea where I was so I couldn't even tell them where to come get me. #3 I could figure this out, I could do this (A little pep talk in my head). After the mental pep talk I started walking until I found a bus stop that went to a metro (subway). I rode the bus to the metro, got on the metro, (and off again if you want to know the truth because I was headed the wrong direction) I knew I shouldn't go to the Park metro which had a bus that went right by my house at night because I heard the missionaries say it wasn't safe after dark, so instead I got to the metro stop closest to my house (still kind of far). And I walked home. In the dark. In a strange city.

I was so glad and also proud of myself when I walked into the welcoming warmth of the mission home with all the lights on and my mom and dad anxiouslywaiting for me to return home. It was scary but I learned a few life lessons:

#1 Always look at the number on the front of the bus, it might be the right bus stop, but the wrong bus.

#2 Even if they don't speak great English, bus drivers are very sympathetic to tears. Tears are a universal language.

#3 Standing in one place crying is ok as a temporary solution, but not as a long term fix. Sometimes we have to believe in our own abilities to think and reason and then... we need to make a plan and then start moving in that direction.

The bus melt down

2009-09-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason Grace occasionally has meltdowns over things. She has since she was very little, like when she was about 3 she cried in the car outside her music lesson. I tried everything, being nice, being stern, sympathetic, ... you get the idea. That day I had a dentist appointment or I would never have left her (more out of love and respect for Shalece who was teaching the class then for Grace who clearly needed to stop crying) Anyway to top that story off, after I had taken her into the music studio and left her (in hopes she would settle down with just a little distraction) another woman came in and said to Shalece, "The reason she is crying so hard is because her mom was yelling at her." Well.... Shalece defended me but I felt like saying to that woman, "you didn't see the 10 minutes I spent talking nice before I resorted to yelling" but.... sorry that was a whole other story. All I am saying is meltdowns run in her veins (Pretty sure she got it from me but again... another story.)

SOOOO, the 2nd day of school the kids are all set to ride the bus home. I am at Mindy's with her sleeping baby while she is picking up her kids from school when I get the dreaded phone call

"We have Grace in the office (I can hear Grace sobbing), she didn't get on the bus, can you come get her?"

"Yes, but it will be a few minutes." (Remember I'm at Mindy's with her sleeping baby.) "Would it be possible to pull McCade off the bus too."

"jfkhsdfjklhajklfh" I can't remember what she said but suffice it to say there was some radio static and I wasn't sure if she was too late to get McCade off the bus.

MEANWHILE... Sydney (Mindy's daughter) had seen Grace crying, had informed her mom, who had called me to see if I needed Grace picked up.

GRACE didn't want to get in the car... FINALLY I talked to her sweet teacher (who I will love forever because of her TLC of Grace) and Grace got in with Mindy.

IN THE MEANTIME while they are en route from the school, I get another dreaded call from the school;

"We have McCade in the office to be picked up, you told me to pull him off the bus."

yes, but remember, you never really got back to me about if it was too late to pull him off (Only spoken in my head, of course)

"I will be right there to get him" As soon as Grace arrives I hightail it back to the school to get McCade, who is standing outside with Grace's teacher Mrs. Mark (I hug her whenever I see her now, I can't help it, I feel like we have been through some kind of war together.) McCade is crying because he WANTED to ride the bus. Oh please, will this day just end already.

Maybe homeschooling should be a more carefully considered option, disregard that I lack the patience and diligence to do it and also that I can barely add or subtract without the use of an electronic device. If we homeschooled this would NEVER have happened.

At the end of the day all I can say is that we learned some valuable lessons;

#1 Mrs. Mark is SOOOO nice.

#2 Apparently there no longer is a bus #28 like it said on the paper they sent home.

#3 Also, apparently the 2nd day of school is soon enough for them to know where they are going. (Silly me, I thought they would still be getting a little help.)

What happened was, Grace got down to the bus line, didn't see the number she was used to and went back to her classroom, where her teacher took her to the office. SO the next day I walked her from her class, to the bus line, to the bus. But still.... why does life have to be so hard? Anyone? I guess this is how we learn those life lessons.

(P.S. remind me to tell you the story about the wrong bus I got on and one of my crying episodes.)

I miss blogging (with photos)

2009-09-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have been catching up on all my real friends (i.e. people I have actually met and like) vs. my "would-be friends" (people I have never met but like anyway and I'm positive we "would be" my friends if we ever met or if they didn't live in places like Oklahoma and Provo. ) Anyway, all the checking of the other blogs and reading the comings and goings etcetera etcetera... made me wish I did have a computer that was working and that I had taken pictures...what pictures would I have taken? I'm glad you asked...

#1 We (Matt, Bella, and I) drove to Twin today to pick up cabinets and tile. I wish I had a picture of all the tile, weighing down the back of the truck, the cabinets, stacked inside each other and the back seat so full that (Christa, stop reading this) Bella had to ride in the front (no air bags don't worry). The backseat was full of tile and.... du du nana (kind of sing it in your head) a shop vac... Many of you probably own a shop vac and don't think it's a big deal. BUT it is a big deal because to own a shop vac you need.... a shop aka a garage... which we now have! YeeHaw! ( I would take a picture of the shop vac too, I named it C3po).

#2 Bella's greasy hair. She has gotten into Grace's makeup 4 or 5 times in the last 2 days, finally I threw it all away. But even though she has had 3 baths in the last 2 days, I cannot get the (obviously) oil based makeup out of her hair. Or the pink off her scalp.

#3 McCade and Grace getting off the bus together and walking home. I love those two hoodlums.

#4 Our sheet rocker; Byron. If I had a picture I wouldn't need to explain anything.

#5 My 36 weeks and 6 days pregnant self. I am praying I don't go early (that is why I feel the need to stretch it out and not just say 37 weeks, which feels so much closer to 40 weeks.) (Feel free to join me in this prayer.) But I would take a picture and post it for you all.

Since I didn't take pictures of the aforementioned things I hope you can try to picture them in your head. Love ya, miss ya. T

Back to School

2009-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

So sorry this post won't have accompanying pictures because we still have no computer. (I am posting this at work.) Grace is in 2nd grade, McCade is in kindergarten (all day, wow.) My favorite thing leading up to school starting is all the sisterly advice Grace has been giving McCade. Last week I heard Grace telling McCade all about how the lunchroom works and where to stand for line and not to worry if he has ANY questions all he has to do is ask a teacher. But my favorite thing happened today after I picked them up (Grace went to McCade's class to get him and then they came outside.) While we were driving to McDonalds for our "debriefing" and they were telling me all about their day Grace said, "McCade I just couldn't stop thinking about you all day. I thought about you and worried how you were doing." (I'm pretty sure she worried more than I did.) Just the sweet way she said it and her expression were so ... priceless. Then she proceded to tell him that he really needed to pay attention whenever the teacher was talking. "I did." was his reply. Then she says, "No, I looked in the window one time and you were looking at your pencil and not listening to the teacher." It's true, not much gets by Grace. I really have to mind my p's and q's around her, as do the other kids. It's a good system, I like it.

Where to begin?

2009-08-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to start. Our Computer is officially dead (RIP) Sadly I haven't even missed it that much except that pictures are piling up on my camera which always makes me a little nervous. I don't even know when we will get a new one because there are so many bigger and better things to spend money on...

Bigger and better things... Since we bought our house 7 years ago we have dreamed of a garage and possible living space above it (translation: Matt dreams of a huge garage, I dream of a little more living space.) We have spent countless hours in the car discussing what we would love vs. what we can afford. (We never seemed to tire of the subject, going around and around.) WELL, this year we refinanced (rates were low, time was right) and started the process for a remodel/ addition (again, with the endless chatter; "If we replace the siding we really need to do the windows at the same time... but what about the roof, it leaked all winter and spring.... what to do? what to do?") So we met with our contractor/ friend Brian, drew up a plan and started getting numbers back in... oh my! Everything came back way higher that we could afford. Sniffle, sniffle, I thought our dreams had been dashed again. BUT WAIT... we started asking around and got some new bids.... Ahahahaha (you have to kind of sing this last part in your head to get the full affect.) Alas, we couldn't use a contractor (it was the first expense to go.) so Matt and I became co-contractors.

The first backhoe marks into the green grass were thrilling for me. (Honestly, not so much for Matt, he has been real worried if our yard would ever recover from all the lumber, tractors, digging etc.) I have never understood people who take pictures of the building every step of the way. Who wants to look at those boring pictures of holes in the ground, then concrete slabs and then a bunch of two by fours... I understand now. There have been times when I felt like this project was a boulder and I was pushing it ... straight uphill... by myself... pregnant... in flipflops. Other times I have basked in the loving support of my co-contractor. Still, so many hours of the wee morning spent worrying, second guessing decisions; if things would work out, supplies arrive, workers show up... etc. I had a dream that there were like 5 men walking around in the yard who I had never laid eyes on before, and in my head I said, "Oh no, I have no idea who they are and they've come to work on the house." It turned out they had just seen the mess and the huge dog and thought they would bring their dogs to say hi. " Weird, I know, I only tell you this story to illustrate how all consuming it has been for me. Another, really illustrating and true story: I am sitting in the kitchen with Val and Tami and I said something like, "So many people have told me that "If your marriage can survive building a house it can survive anything," but I just don't know what the big deal is, so far Matt and I have pretty much been on the same page." (I kind of shrug my shoulders like, "What's the big deal?") Then from the other room Matt pipes in, "That's because we've been on your page." Classic.

There has been some time for fun this summer; the kids have had fun collecting nails for a nickel each, they have enjoyed climbing on the pile of rocks in front of our house, and watching the cement truck pour, they loved climbing the stairs that went nowhere (it kind of stopped my heart before we yelled for them to get down.) You know, just the usual summer fun.

But seriously we had a few "summer type" fun days at Redfish with Matt's family. When they pulled up to the house before the fun began, there was a huge trench from the power pole to the new addition, it was kind of like a moat around the house, there was only a little spot to get to the house, nothing says 'Welcome" like a trench and no front porch lights. It all worked out though and the kids had a great time with their cousins.

Before all the madness and ripped up yard started we visited my mom and sisters in Billings, MT. I think it was the best drive ever, the kids did so awesome (Can you say Redbox?) Nana has a pool at her condo and there is nothing that spells fun like "pool". Matt had driven from Arizona to Idaho with our nephew the week before and then he drove to Billings. It was a lot of driving for him but it was fun to have him with us in Billings for a few day.

My cute niece, Meghan, visited from AZ so she could check out BYU-I. I got to go with her and take the tour of campus (alot has changed since Matt and I met and fell in love there.) The anat & phys classroom look the same and the lab where we use to flirt and get dark looks from the lab assistant (who clearly thought he was so mature.) was the same. I could almost see us sitting in the back of the class passing notes back and forth. Meghan and I checked out apartments and I drove her by where Matt lived when we were dating and the basement apartment we lived the first year we got married. I love that place! I wish it had been a four year school when we went there. I don't know if the trip was all that fun for Meghan but we enjoyed having her and can't wait until she is back in Idaho in January.

I am still gestating nicely, growing another little fantastic human being like the three we have. We have his name picked, some of you already know... Riggins Val Parke, if you don't like it, pretend you do. It shouldn't be hard since you are just reading this and not talking to me face to face and making comments like.."It sounds like a disease." And if you need further convincing call us and I will have McCade and/or Bella say it for you in their sweet little voices and you will be less wary if not completely convinced. I have felt really good the last few months (thank goodness) and I am loving the feeling of the baby moving and the kids laying their heads on my big belly asking if Riggins is moving and can they feel. I love being pregnant and hope I stay this way for the next 8 weeks as nature intended, I wouldn't even mind going a wee bit over since I am sure there will be lots to finish up. (so many projects, so little time.)

I know this has been a freakishly long post... but it has been a freakishly long time since I posted. Sorry about the lack of pictures but...you didn't really want to see pictures of the holes in the ground and two by fours. Did you?

It's been a long time

2009-06-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

More than a month since my last post... sad. First my mom was here and I thought it might be rude to spend a bunch of time on the computer, then one of the kids tripped over the cord while it was still plugged into the computer so now the computer has no power unless I sit there and hold the cord with one hand, (I love blogging but, not that much.) So, I just wanted you to know... in case you care... I have a call into a computer repair man. Until then... Happy summer. (Kind of a joke since it has been raining for weeks, but don't even get me started on that...)

Bella's Halloween

2009-05-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bella has a navy blue velour skating outfit that she calls her "Halloween" (pronounced How-een). I don't actually know why she calls it that, she's never worn it for Halloween, maybe she is planning in advance for next year. She wears it all the time.

She loves it.

Here she is at the park...in her Hoween, I forgot to put sunscreen on her back and she got a little circular tan/burn on her upper back. See- here we are at the store, Bella is in her Hoween, I did insist that she put on some pants..this time. Going to the store with mom is fun. She will let you eat a big sugary donut.

Ok, she did have shoes on too, but they kept falling off,

really, she had shoes. I promise.

Same outfit, different day.

If you come to our house Bella will put her Hoween on and do a beautiful dance for you.

Happy Birthday Matt

2009-05-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday! Thanks for being a great husband and dad! We love you so much and appreciate all you do for us.

Today is a crazy day

2009-04-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Woke up to snow falling outside...more snow. How delightful, we surely haven't had enough.

This is a bright spot on this cold, damp morning a cheery pot of flowers in my warm, cozy kitchen while the big fat flakes fall outside.
Bella was naked in her crib when I woke up this morning. Then she put on her swimsuit. As you can see, I just went with it.

My tulips are covered in snow, Matt was all, "Oh goodie, more moisture. This will be good for the yard." (Of course he didn't say "oh goodie" but he might as well have from the delighted expression on his face.) I'm thinking... I know what else would green the yard up...they're called sprinklers. I'm a little bitter this morning, can't help it. I long for warm, sunny days.

Spring in Idaho- ya gotta love it. It's 10:12 and I'm still in my pink striped pajama bottoms. That's just not right.

Our baby boy!

2009-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

That's right, we are having a boy! We are so exited.

I know sometimes it's hard to tell what your looking at on ultrasound pictures. This picture is a little leg, in side profile, labeled for your convenience. I think the flex of the little tiny foot is so amazing. He was all over the place when we scanned him last (I guess I should have held off on the ice cream.) We didn't get a good side profile picture of his face, but I thought this was still pretty cool.

What are we having?

2009-04-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Can you tell from this ultrasound picture what the baby is?
Can't tell? (Seriously?!) Stay tuned...

Glorious Easter

2009-04-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Easter. The weather was beautiful, Matt's sister Pam and her kids came from Twin Falls. The food was yummy ( I love ham.) We had plenty of time to do everything because Pam ussually runs at least an hour late. I even had time to get my Easter decorations out.

Here are some fun pictures of the kids enjoying the day:

Bella got to fly (with cousin Travis).
Bella got a ride with Aunt Pam
The Easter Bunny brought Grace this cool fairy kite.

The wind kicked up enough for McCade to fly his dragon kite (with help from his cousin Candice).

Bella was adorable finding her eggs and putting them in her bunny purse.

Grace's Bunnies from The Bunny.

The Easter Bunny brought Bella wings...so cute!

It just wouldn't be Easter without dyed countertops..I mean Easter eggs.

It was a great day. I love celebrating this holiday that represents the literal breaking of the bonds of death for all mankind. Easter has more meaning for me personally since my dad and father-in-law have died. President Hinkley said, " These simple words—“He is not here, but is risen”—have become the most profound in all literature." I agree. Those simple words fill me with hope and peace as real as the feeling I get when I feel the first warm breeze on my skin and know Spring will come, no matter how long the winter has been.

Matt's rehab: update

2009-04-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

The boot:

Matt had another doctor appointment and an appointment with his physical therapist. He is now mostly wearing shoes but with a lift in the heel, he only wears his big boot when his leg gets sore. He got exercises to do. The best thing is that he got the go ahead to start on the exercises bike. He and McCade drove to Pocatello yesterday and bought an Airdyne (the bike that has the arms that move) they found on Craigslist. McCade was so cute getting ready to go with him. He packed himself his lunch box full of snacks and water for the road (and assured me he would share with Dad.) He told me when he got home that he didn't even get bored. (5 hours in the car).

Matt is building up his time on the bike and was so happy to be sweating again. I don't entirely get it because I'm perfectly happy without getting my heart rate going, but clearly Matt has a little more stress than I do on a regular basis. I mean seriously, probably my biggest stress is what we are going to eat for dinner and what book I am going to start next (Ok, the book thing doesn't stress me out at all I just said that to get my point across about my relatively stress free life.)

A battle worth fighting?

2009-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bella has always needed a special something to get her to go to sleep. When she was a baby she HAD to be wrapped tight as a burrito. When she got stronger and started busting out of the burrito (and waking up) we put her in this fleece snowsuit. Just like that, habit formed. It was fine, our nights get cold here but my in-laws all thought I was nuts when she had to have it even at naptime in the car, in Arizona. Well, she obviously outgrew the suit. So now... she has a blanket. She LOVES it. That's ok, right, lots of kids have blankets. But now she wants it all the time. Watching T.V. (fine), long car rides (fine), short trips into the grocery store , church, (whoah, hold the phone, we have to draw the line somewhere) (don't we?)
Today she wanted it when we were driving Grace to school.

I said no.

She cried almost the whole way to school.

When it was time to pick Grace up from school, I caved.

So my question is... does it really matter? Obviously she can't take it to Kindergarten. I need to decide if this is a battle I'm going to fight. Otherwise she just keeps winning these skirmishes. That is no good.

Have you an opinion on the matter? Do tell.

March

2009-03-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

My favorite flower is the crocus. They are the first to bravely peek their heads out of the frozen ground, the first hopeful sign that winter may possibly end.

March has gone by so fast, I can't believe it. Not to be rude, but March and February have to be the worst months here. It is a lovely, sunny day out today but everything is so brown and muddy it makes me want to crawl back in my bed. (Granted, it doesn't take much to make me want to crawl back in my bed, I'll give you that.)

Matt is healing well, his incision is healed and he has been able to get around with just his walking boot. That is so nice.

I have been doing ok. Good days and bad days. I finally broke down and bought some Unisom and B6. For those of you who don't know this trick for morning sickness, it really is the best. I love it because I sleep great and don't feel sick the next day. I don't know why I waited so long. The upside of being sick is that I haven't gained any weight yet. Silver linings and all that.

Matt and I were both feeling a little stir crazy from all the time we have been in the house so yesterday during Sunday school we decided to skip the rest of church and drive over to Eastern Idaho (Shelly) to see Matt's brother Val (& Tami, Katelyn and Sadie). We all loaded up, exited to get going. It started snowing about Arco. Snowing Sideways! Not to be deterred we kept driving. It was like a full blizzard by the time we got there. It snowed the whole time we were there, one of those nasty snowstorms that you say to yourself, "I'm so glad we don't have to go anywhere." Except of course we did. Right when we drove out of Shelly it stopped snowing. The roads were crummy for while (I take for granted our awesome snow removal here in Blaine County) but then we drove out of it and into a beautiful sunset. All's well that ends well.

New calling

2009-03-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

I have a new calling, well I got it over a month ago but I haven't made any comments about it here so...new to you right? I am the Primary chorister. When I was sustained Matt leaned over to me and said, "You don't know anything about music. Do you?" I shook my head happily, "no". I love Primary songs, how hard can it be. Well... factor in an amazing pianist that knows every song but sadly follows the chorister (WHY? For the love...Why are you following me, isn't it obvious I'm just flapping my arms around up here?") and a little morning sickness, then throw in a round or two (FYI, rounds: way harder than they appear when someone else is leading them.) It's a recipe for a disaster. So what can I do? I just keep bringing chocolate every week and hoping for some kind of miracle.

Daylight Savings

2009-03-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

We (Me and Grace) are having a hard time adjusting to daylight savings time. Grace does not want to go bed at her usual bedtime (8:00) but then she is like a hybernating bear the next morning. So one night last week I told her that for Spring Break we would pretend Daylight Savings didn't happen, she could go to bed an hour later and wake up as late as she wants in the morning. She liked that idea, even told her teacher about it the next day.

So...a few days later her friend Dani (Merrick) is over. I am asking her if she is exited about going to Hawaii for Spring Break, (she is.) etc. etc. Grace pipes in excitedly, "Guess what we are going to do?" "We're going to pretend Daylight Savings never happened. "

Hey. Some kids go to Hawaii. Some kids get to pretend D.S. doesn't exist. I guess attitude really is everything. (Also, I think it helps if you've never been to Hawaii so you have nothing to compare it to.)

PS. I have decided since Carrie likes D.S. so much not to be such a hater.

Clarity and Insanity

2009-03-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

In case you hadn't heard or didn't believe it because I hadn't posted about it yet, I'm pregnant. In a moment of clarity and insanity we decided to have another baby.

You know those brief moments in life when it seems the stars are aligned just so and time slows down just a bit and in that instant when everyone is calm and happy you see a glimpse of eternity, realize what is really important, like family. Perhaps say to yourself, "I can handle this, I can do this. Our family is clearly not complete." Clarity.

In the next instance things are spinning wildly out of control, children are whining, Matt is on crutches, the sight of food is nauseating, the only comfort is the thought of sleep, sweet sleep... I think to myself, "What was I thinking?" Too late now. Insanity.

I am so grateful my first trimester yuckiness doesn't last my whole pregnancy like it does for some of my friends. I have emerged a little early (knock on wood) feeling good, slightly tired, and ridiculously optimistic.

Fully clothed

2009-03-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

So, I'm in the tub, reading a magazine, enjoying the peace and quiet.

McCade comes in, leans over, starts playing in the water, goes and gets my plastic gloves so he can play without getting wet. Pretty soon his whole front is soaked. (Big surprise.) Then he says, "Can I get in with my clothes on?" Why not? I'm clearly done with my relaxing soak. He wanted to be sure I got a picture with his floating pants (He thought that was hilarious.)

I think he is hilarious.

I know, that is a really full tub.

A handicap sticker AND a minivan

2009-03-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but seriously things have been painfully boring around here. (Get it, "pain" full.) Matt has been hobbling around on crutches. We found out the the walking boot he gets today isn't really for walking...yet. He will be on crutches a while longer. Still, it could be worse.

We have gotten into a new routine with his injury. Like... I have to let Toby out in the morning and put him in his kennel at night. I have to take out the garbage. I am finding that Matt did alot more around the house than I thought. When I was really sick, he took care of everything: he worked, cooked, fed the baby at night, bathed the kids, kept the house clean, took me to doctor's appointments. I don't know how he did it all. That is so him. Alot of times I think of us like a team of oxen, no matter what, Matt always pulls his weight, alot of the time he pulls mine too. I am more interested in side trips to meadows full of flowers. I tell myself life would be so boring without me.

The thing is I have been reading alot of books lately. And when I get into a book, I am beyond boring. Don't even try to talk to me. Well you can but I will just respond with noncommittal sounds like, "uh huh" and "in a minute" which even my kids know means "you should try to do it yourself, it's gonna be a while."

We went to Twin last week and left the kids with Matt's sister Pam while we went to dinner (Jakers = so yummy) and Costco. When we got there his brother-in-law, Tom, said, " A handicap sticker and a minivan? Travis (my 19 year old nephew who has always looked up to Matt but hassles us endlessly about the minivan.) will love that." Yeah, that pretty much sums up our life for the next little while.

I'm sure once the sun starts shining again and the kids stop coughing it will breathe new life into our little corner of the world. But until then... have you read any good books lately?

Recovering nicely

2009-02-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Matt's surgery went really well. I think he might have set a record for how fast he got out of there post op. He was highly motivated. Now we are just kicken' it around the house. Matt is a good patient, he's staying on top of his pain meds and doing more than he probably should (moving around, not doing more drugs... just wanted to clear that up). It's making him a little crazy having to stay down so much. I have noticed a little extra naughtiness with the kids, maybe they think dad doesn't have what it takes to lower the boom. (He's still got it, they found out the hard way.)

OUCH

2009-02-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last night while Matt was playing basketball at the church he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Darnit. It hurt really bad. He is having surgery tomorrow to have it repaired. I am at work right now. He took care of the kids tonight with a bum leg and crutches. I am actually looking forward to taking care of him for a change.

P.S. Tell your husbands that stretching was important when they were 16 and it's just as (way more) important now.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Will you be my Valentine?

Grace (for the moment)

2009-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Grace is such a contradiction. On the one hand she is so helpful, kind to others (especially those younger than her); smart; obedient. She takes care of Bella and other babies. She comes up with fun activities for the kids to do; she eats what I give her; she sits reverently in church for the full sacrament meeting.. Other times her moodiness makes me want to scream. Yeah, she is really helping me clean, not just posing for this picture.

Other things about Gracie Loo- She is saving up for a Nintendo DS; she has decided she wants to collect Pet Shops (they are so darn cute.); Has been waking up early so she can watch T.V. before school (I know, bad huh?); loves to do projects with me and go to Enrichment meetings with me; loves rice with her favorite dressing on it ("You did put a little too much dressing on this mom, but that's ok, I love this stuff so much I could drink it."); Wants to grow her hair to her bum and then cut it for Locks of Love.

She is my favorite seven year old in the entire world.

Bella- this month

2009-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Kids change so much from week to week, day to day; their obsessions, their greatness, their naughtiness... Just yesterday I was reading some notes I had written about Grace at this age for her scrapbook. I use to write a newsletter that forced me at least once a month to record the kid's quirks. I am going to attempt to keep doing it on my blog. So here is Bella- for now anyway.

She is talking and is so much easier to understand now, but occasionally we still have those words that I have no idea what she is saying ( I love her voice so much I wish there was a way to keep it fresh in my brain forever). She is such a cuddler especially with with grown-ups (sometimes when the kids try to give her hugs she pushes them away with a mean face) (it makes me mad.); her blanket; string cheese; her "ooh ahh" jammies (they have monkeys on them, she calls them that because that is what a monkey says); sitting on the vacuum while I am pushing it; playing with "Tay Tay" (Taylor); dressing up in a leotard and dancing; wrestling with Matt; she loves juice and tells me all the time "My tummy hurts" because I drink Gatorade when I have tummy problems and she thinks will get juice. She still has to sit in the "happy girl" a lot. She hates it when anyone tells her no (she crosses her arms and "humphs")and when people (McCade or me) tell her she is "grumpin".

She had to get a couple shots and started to cry when she saw the nurse who gives them. When we were done her leg hurt so she wanted me to carry her everywhere for the next few hours. ( I obliged of course) After her nap she came walking out of her room and said (very excitedly) "I can walk!"

While she was on the phone with my sister, Wynn, last week I told her to say "love you, bye." She said, "I love you, Uncle Val!" (It sounded like, "Wa you, unco Bow." She does love her Uncle Val a lot.)

She is my favorite 2 1/2 year old on the planet.

Where do they learn this stuff?

2009-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

It's a mystery.

McCade- currently

2009-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Direct quote (I couldn't make this stuff up...even if I wanted to.) " I'm a pancake chef, I can make anything in the whole world...even Satan, even Jesus, even Heavenly father, even eyeballs, mouthes (pronounces mouth-es), even teethes, everything in the whole entire world!" Seriously, where does he come up with this stuff?

Has a full set of jammies under these clothes.

McCade-for now... is such a fun, happy, helpful boy. He rarely whines; gets himself dressed in the morning and makes his bed; says the cutest things; is tough; worships his dad; loves to dress up in "boyish" costumes (Power Rangers & dragon suits); is sad almost every night that he has to sleep alone without a baby brother; loves his friends Luke and Dallin; is noisy and wild at preschool when he gets around other little boys; points out what a good boy he is being when the girls are "grumpin"; came up with the term, "grumpin"; wants to know what is real and what isn't i.e. "Mom, are bad guys in real life?" "Are dragons in real life?" "Are_______ in real life?" Just fill in the blank, I'm sure he has asked it.

After a walk with Matt at night he told me, "We could see the planes were shooting stars and we could see the plane's breath." (The jet stream.)

He is my favorite boy in the whole wide world.

The dryer is making a thunking soud

2009-02-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

I wonder why? Could it be there is a Bella in there.

*No actual Bella's were harmed during the making of these photos.

Organizing Toys

2009-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

When I am feeling very sluggish (January, February, March, April) and I need a pick-me-up, I organize. When you think about it. This is the perfect time of year to organize your house top to bottom... 1. The holidays are over, nothing to do 2. You are stuck inside 3. The walls are starting to creep in on you. 4. Better to do it now so once those warm months hit you will be ready to play outside!
So, in light of these observations I have decided to go through step by step organizing. Most of my closest friends are already very organized and therefore not in the need of my services. So...do you want to be my friend? Do you need me to organize something for you? Please.

Lets start with toys. If you are at all like me the toys have exponentially grown over the holidays and are threatening to take over you life and your sanity. I have a plan.

First: gather all the toys in your entire house to one central place for the sort. (It is optional for your kids to be there. I find it helpful if they are NOT. After all, I know best what they play with and what they just scatter around for someone (me) to pick up.) Dump them all out and start sorting into piles: blocks, legos, dolls, tea party, dress ups, trucks, Pet shops, etc. *Don't forget another important category: Garbage/ Donate.

Some categories will be obvious and some will be "to unique to classify" (Like the Micky mouse ears that light up) or if you only have a few of something then they can be clumped together.
Sorting is great because it puts things together the way they use them. For example: My kids love to play with their dogs, they put them on leashes, they play vet, etc. So instead of keeping the dogs in with the stuffed animals I put them all together in their own tote. *Don't be stingy about getting rid of things. If your kids don't play with it anywmore or it's broken, or it came from McDonalds or the dollar store, etc.

A repectable pile of garbage

One of the most important things I do with our toys is store half of them... This serves two purposes; it cuts down what is in circulation by half and it gives the kids a chance to see what they have and play with them, when they are tired of what is out, we switch them around. You would think it was Christmas morning when we open the toy bin up. (I guess that was 3 things.) They could be stored high in the kids closets, in the garage, in a spare room...

Our toy space is in our main living space so I like it to be neat and tidy. I took pictures of each of the groups of toys while I had them out (before putting 1/2 in storage) to go in the front of the canvas totes. Since Grace is the only one that can read, this works well so all the kids can help with the cleanup.

There are lots of different ways to store toys; in big plastic drawers, on shelves, even in bags for each category if everything gets thrown in a big toy box. The reason it is good for each thing to have a 'home" is that it gives a defining space where it should be and makes it easier for the kids to play with and pick up when they are done.

Pretty neat huh?

Any questions?

I love Bags

2009-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love bags, I collect them the way some people collect shoes and . . . well, the way I collect scrapbook paper (but that is another post for another day.) I love them so much that I thought of a little poem, my own "Ode to bags." Bags, Bags! Of every kind

the more I love,

the more I find.

Big bags, small bags,

sizes galore

I sew them, I buy them-

it's bags I adore!

What could I possibly do with them all?

Why, one for Winter, Spring,

Summer and Fall.

Church bags and book bags,

beach bags and more.

Who cares - if they're cute bags

I can always use more!

Cousins = Fun

2009-02-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Matt's cousin, Darin and family (Jessica, Dallin, Owen and Kora) stayed overnight with us (They live in Carey.) The adults went out Friday night to Cowboy Cocina, my favorite but they were out of sweet potato fries (gasp) and we had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated (very unusual) Still it was fun and I was glad they were so busy because that means they will stay open which means I will be able to continue my addiction to SPFs. When we got home we played cards.

The funnest thing about Darin and Matt is that they have been friends for so long they have so many hilarious stories from growing up. I have heard most of them but every once in a while there will still be a new one. Darin was still single when Matt and I started at ISU. He used to come over to our (cold, dark, depressing) basement appartment and sit on the floor (the only furniture we had was a little rocking loveseat). And we would get to laughing so hard. Sometimes when Darin would side with me on an issue Matt would say, "Darin, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." It became a joke. Darin would usually side with me for the sheer fact that it bugged Matt so bad. I, of course, didn't mind. I remember one time it got so bad that Darin said, "I think I'm going to have to ask myself to leave." Good times.

Matt drove his snowmachine around the backyard pulling the kids on the tube.
McCade and Dallin

Grace is facing backward while the boys faced forward. I love is how tight she was holding on to both of them. She is so protective.

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs

2009-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

... Signs of the small, busy beings that live here, messes, collections, horses with rubber bands around them, toys in the tub, toys in beds, toys everywhere. And socks, Bella's discarded socks everywhere.

I see it as proof. Proof of busy, blessed, & creative kids.

Adventures in sacrament meeting.

2009-01-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have told this story a few times and every time I tell it I feel better and less like I need therapy. Thanks for "listening" and not charging me.

So, last Sunday, Matt has a ward conference and I am flying solo at church (just a little shout out to all you women with husbands who "sit on the stand". I don't know how you do it without medication, for both you and your children.) It starts out , pretty normally, with us running late (even though Matt was still home and helping herd at this point.) I hate that feeling on the way to church when I'm all "Aurghhhh" so grumpy, not a good way to start the Lord's day. I dropped the kids off at Primary (1st in our ward), make an Enrichment announcement; get to R.S. late, make my way to the front to make an announcement, discuss with Kathy (at the front of the room) times and places, organized, real organized... two hours later. The kids and I are in our usual row (which is against one wall and across the chapel from the door. What? It's important for the story.). They are climbing over each other, moving around, asking in loud voices when they can have a snack, just usual stuff. After the sacrament is passed Grace is "soooo thirsty" and McCade has to go the bathroom. Fine. "Grace, stay with him. Be reverent." (first trip across the chapel in front of everyone.) A few minutes later Grace is back (2nd time across), "McCade needs you to wipe him. I need to go too." Grace, Bella (I couldn't leave her on our bench by herself.), and I traipse across the chapel (3rd time across) and down to the bathroom. Where I have to wipe not one but two poopy bums, (At this point in the story you might be asking why I am still wiping a 5 and 7 year old, Good question, I ask myself almost daily the same thing. ) So, we all go back to our row (4th time) A few minutes later...Bella says, "Poopy" with a stressed look on her face. Me thinking, "I cannot walk in front of all those people again." BUT she wasn't poopy, she had somehow peed out the side of her diaper, all over her tights and the back of her dress. What could I do? I took off her tights and we stayed put until the end of church. Painful. But worth it in the end. (Especcially if the end includes my happily married, temple attending, scripture reading, RM children calling to tell me of their adventure filled sacrament meetings with my sweet grandchildren.)

Dragon Tales

2009-01-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

It always amazes/ amuses me what things my children become enamoured/ obsessed about. This day it was the dragon costume at his preschool. He wore it from the time I picked him up until he crawled into bed that night (in his Kung Fu Panda jammies, which are another obsession, a gift from my mom, he absolutely loves them and begs me to wash them when they are dirty. He says he sleeps "SO good, I didn't even get up once." ...I digress, so sorry) So today, he was a fire breathing dragon. ...

...at one point a very pregnant fire breathing dragon.

Dear...

2009-01-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Matt,
Thank you for starting my car this morning when it was -18 degrees and also for getting all the snow off and for my studded snow tires. Oh, and also thanks for always remembering to take the garbage out to the street on Thursday mornings. There are lots of other things I'm thankful for but in the interest of time and space I mostly want to thank you for rescuing me this morning when my car wouldn't start at the school. You are my knight in shining armor, but instead of a white horse you drive a white F-150 (an older model so I can have a "reliable" vehicle) and instead of a sword you carry jumper cables. Thanks again. I love you. Tana

Dear Michelle,
I was wondering if Eric might be able to bring me back to Hawaii in his suitcase. I don't think I can lose all the weight required before his next trip back but I will try my hardest. After all, food is nothing compared to sunshine and flip flops.
I miss you (but in a "I wish I was there", not an " I wish you were here" kinda way. Tana

Dear Al Gore,
Global warming is a myth. If you don't believe me you obviously haven't been to Stanley, Id, like ever. If the polar bears need somewhere cold to live they can come live here.
Sincerely and I mean this in the nicest way. Tana
P.S. Just in case it is not a myth I will be leaving my car running for approximately 1/2 hour every morning and spraying my hair with aerosol hairspray before I take my kids to school.

Heart Piggies

2009-01-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

When I got done doing Bella's hair I said, "Do you like your piggies? (our word for pigtails.)"
She said, (while nodding her head up and down) "Heart Piggies!" She is already an artist, seeing the beautiful in the everyday.

snacks

2009-01-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

In church, after the sacrament was passed, McCade says in a loud little boy voice, "I'm still hungry."

Kinda missing the point... but funny, nonetheless.

The Prosperity of Living

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

In the daily reading in the book "Simple Abundance, a Daybook of Comfort and Joy" for yesterday their was a quote taken from an issue of Ladies' Home Journal in October 1932.

"The return of good times is not wholly a matter of money. There is a prosperity of living which is quite as important as prosperity of the pocketbook...It is not enough to be willing to make the best of things as they are. Resignation will get us nowhere. We must build what amounts to a new country. We must revive the ideals of the founders. We must learn the new values of money. It is a time for pioneering-to creater a new security for the home and family...Where we were specialists in spending, we are becoming specialists in living."

Perhaps because I am a specialist in spending, this quote hit me hard. Even though we still have our jobs etc. It gave me something to think about.

4.5 minutes

2009-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

4.5 minutes, that is approximately how long my beautiful floors stay clean after I wash them. Even though it is such a short amount of time, I can't help but admire their warm glow for the entire 4.5 minutes. I also can't help but think that someday my floors will stay clean for days at a time and then... I will probably be missing the 4.5 minute countdown. Or not.

Workin' out

2009-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Occasionally Matt will take a break from the treadmill and guilt ( did I say guilt, I meant talk) me into working out to a video with him, (a little Jane Fonda) (totally kidding). It gets comical when the kids decide they want to do it too.

McCade- really working those arms with the resistance band.

Bella also working her arms, but with a sweet outfit, I have one that matches (again, just kidding)

Now close your eyes and imagine Bella on my back, laughing, while I am doing push-ups. She moved to fast to snap a picture. (OK, I wasn't even close to actually doing a push-up with her on my back, I can barely push myself up.)

Deep thoughts

2009-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic lesson in Relief Society last Sunday about Unity. My friend, Melody was teaching and she related a personal story from when she was on a trek with the young men and women her (last) ward. She told about the part of the trek called the "Women's Pull" which represents when the women had to pull the handcarts themselves because the men had left (Mormon Battalion).

She said that some of the girls didn't help pull the carts up the hill, but walked along side, either because they were too scared or tired...

I thought to myself, "I could never watch my "sisters" pull a handcart up a hill and not help them.

Then she asked the question, "Are some of us just walking beside? Because we are too busy, too tired, too burnt out, too whatever."

I started to cry.

I know that I "walk" sometimes. When it comes to the gospel I push and pull the handcart if and when I feel like it or if and when I am asked.

I show up, but sometimes that is all I do.

For some people that is it's own victory (most days, just showing up is a victory for me too.)

But for those days that I have more than just "showing up" energy I think of President Hinkley's counsel to "Stand a little taller." Surely I can do that. I know I can. I must.

A first grader's backpack

2009-01-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

2 crocs (shoes)
4 pairs of gloves
1 stuffed penguin (Webkin)
2 sweatshirts (hoodies)
1 winter coat
1 hat
1 sample lotion from Nana
2 dead glow sticks
5 worksheets
9 photographs
1 book from school
1 scarf
4 Halloween pencils

This is not a joke. I actually emptied all this stuff out of Grace's backpack. (Please note, I empty her bag regularly) I took a picture too. But couldn't get it on my computer...so I added this pic of Grace at the beginning of the year, of course she looks nothing like this now, she's much more grown up (sniff, sniff). Still, I thought the post should have a picture.

Snow days

2009-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

When they cancelled school the Friday before Christmas I was like "WoHoo. let's make some cookies." (I was trying to think of something fun since it was still too dark to go out and play in the snow, but it felt like we should be havin a "partay") And so cookies we made, 4 different kinds. It was a cookie-ball-athon. I like to just put the cookie balls in the fridge so we can have warm cookies on demand. And I like to triple my batches (it drives Matt crazy).

While making out sugar cookies, the kids were rolling them out and making their own. McCade comes up with the idea for me to cut around his hand. The others followed suit. Cute huh?

My little helpers hung with me through 3 of the 4 batches of cookies, but then had to abandon me for the freshly fallen snow.

McCade was snitching cookie balls.

The fox and the hound

2009-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

A crazy slash funny thing happened tonight. I watched Toby take off like a shot from outside the window. He wouldn't come when I called him so I went to check it out (in case he was harassing the neighbors.) He was in the field next to our house with a fox. I know the pictures aren't great (can you say hybrid lens for Valentine's day?) but I had to try and ... I have to share.

The small dot is the fox, the big black dot is Toby.Notice how close the small dot (fox) is to the big dot (Toby)? Yeah, Toby is stuck in the snow and the fox is prancing around, getting closer and closer to Toby until...

Toby makes a lunge and frees himself from the snow, the fox scampers out of reach again as Toby takes up the chase. It was so funny because the fox was totally on top of the snow and every step Toby took, he sunk in. He chased him all the way down the street, we followed in the van. At one point Toby turned around and headed back our way. The fox followed him, until Toby couldn't resist and and chased it again. It was hilarious to watch.

Our brave protector; he also jumps up and chases magpies when we pull into the driveway or if he knows we are watching him.

Fun Weekend

2009-01-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago we had Val (Matt's brother) & Tami and their girls over for some sledding and games. Matt's sister Pam (whose family just moved from AZ came up from Twin for the day. It was COLD but sunny when we finally headed out to the hill. I have no real pictures of the action but I do have a good story to tell.

Pam and Bella getting all dressed in warm clothes.

While we were sledding Sadie was in a collision and ... broke her ankle. Poor little thing. We have way to much medical experience in our family; Tom (brother-in-law) (ER nurse), Val (angiographer) (I think I just made up that word, but Val never checks this, the point is, he does angiography), Tami (NICU nurse) and me (x-ray). The reason this is a bad thing is that we didn't take her to the ER for hours (she seemed fine, {Tom checked her foot out} just sitting with her leg propped with some ice, a little pale,maybe but... it is January in Idaho.) Anyway, about 9:30 we (Val, Tami, and I) took her to the ER. I took her x-rays and the Dr. splinted her up. She was tough. Once she realized she wasn't going to get a shot for pain she didn't utter another cry.

Bella commiserating with sweet Sadie, don't they look commisserable. (yeah, I made that up too.)

I spent most of the time in the van with Bella, but I did manage to snap this cute pic before she started crying uncontrollably because she was so cold.

Sunday, the girls made cupcakes, gotta love my big counter, there is room for everyone.

Kids say the funniest things

2009-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

In church they were talking about ancestors and one of the kids said, "I have two grandmas and two grandpas." McCade said, "I have one grandma but I have more dead grandpas than you." His teacher said she couldn't stop laughing. Irreverent, yes. but also, funny and so McCade. Val would have thought it was funny.

My dad too.

Better late than never

2009-01-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Some pictures from Christmas:

My sister, Bre, and my mom

Me and McCade ( he was so exited about every present he got, even this Pirate Christmas ornament from Disneyland that said, "Yo Ho Ho Ho"

Matt, making good use of Grace's gift

My youngest sister, Wynn and Bella Boo

My brother-in-law, Tim with Bella (I was teasing him that his yellow shirt wasn't going to go with any of my Christmas scrapbook paper. I guess I will have to buy some.:)Grace was also thrilled with her presents (but bummed she didn't get a DS)

My beautiful Grandma with Bella, I know she is in a lot of pics, but she moves around.

Our Merry Christmas in a nutshell.

Gotta start somewhere

2009-01-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

A bit like my scrapbooking, with pictures on the shelves in chronological order and thousands (did I say thousands, I meant hundreds, Matt) of dollars of scrapbooking supplies in my new little nook... I feel overwhelmed. I haven't blogged in three event filled weeks. I haven't scrapped in . . . So... lets start somewhere.
Christmas was fantastic. My sisters; Wynn (Tim) and Bre (David, Gage, and Chayce), my mom, and my grandma were all here. They (besides my mom, who was here for a few weeks) were only here for two days because they were worried about the roads so they left a day early. But while they were here...really fun.

When we're helping we're happy

2008-12-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Maybe I would have fewer children or there would be bigger gaps in between if my "helper girl" hadn't been born first. Grace helps me with so much, especially her siblings. I know it made a few (maybe all) of my friends nervous that Grace used to carry Bella around when she was tiny. But ever since then, she has been helping me with Bella.

Grace is quiet around most other adults so not everyone gets to see her personality. She is not only my number one helper, but she also; loves to shop; is into clothes and house stuff; has a great sense of humor; notices when I get my hair done; usually minds well; and is so kind to Bella and McCade.

McCade's gift

2008-12-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

I was getting ready to come to work and I was looking for the laptop, I couldn't find it anywhere. Really, our house isn't that big and there are only a few spots we keep it. So the longer I look the more I am thinking, "When was the last time we used it? Could someone have taken it? Horror, gasp, (what about all my photos?)" Then we asked Grace. She says, "McCade wrapped it up for you for Christmas, it's in Nana's closet."

Good wrapping job, eh?

McCade's birthday festivities

2008-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Instead of just a birthday party, McCade had two days of fun filled festivities. (Even though at the end of his "party" he said, "This wasn't a very fun party, Mom." a knife through the heart. On his birthday we took brownies to his preschool, his choice. Then after school, his friend Luke came over and they built a sweet fort with every blanket we own and opened Luke's present. Then we had "Arizona dinner" (tostadas). Later that night Don, Tracy, Hunter, Kassy, and Emma arrived from Boise so we had cake.... The story behind the "tractor cake"... Last year at WalMart we saw this cool cake with a tractor on it. McCade has been talking about it ever since. I had this great idea to dye coconut green for grass and do Oreo dirt and a hill. But no. McCade just wanted a tractor on his cake (well actually he wanted 10 but we limited him to his two favorite.) So there it is, the tractor cake. Pretty funny don't you think? Then the next day we had eleven kids at the house at different times during the day. We did the pinata and opened presents and ate more cake. I guess we should have played "duck, duck, goose", then maybe McCade would have thought it was a fun party. A full view of the "tractor cake"

Five years old, I can't take it.

Dallin hitting the T-Rex pinata. Those kids went crazy when it broke. Talk about mob mentality.

What is it about that chocolate covered boy that is so darn cute?

Bella and the black beast

2008-12-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

You would think that Bella, being the smallest of us all, would be the most scared of Toby. But no, she loves him. (And not just because Matt is holding on to him.) She loves to get his bones out of the drawer and take them to him.

Mighty hunter

2008-12-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Matt got the "draw of a lifetime". He drew one of 10 tags for area 48, a trophy deer hunt. He was so thrilled and made sure I cleared the calender for the two weeks of the hunt. Small problem, I had a girl's 24, (That is 24 hours) I was invited to. He was supportive and I did my thing, the next weekend Don came over and they brought home this fine specimen. (It took them 5 hours to drag it off the mountain.) I am grateful that Don goes with Matt on these adventures. I don't worry when they are together. I am also glad Matt is such a good shot. We have all the organic meat we can eat. He's always bringing home the bacon, one way or another.