A Little R & R

It seriously amazes me how babies and kids can sleep in all kinds of random positions. I found Eden like this in her crib the other day, fast asleep with her legs up by her head. I have a picture of Brynn as a baby in nearly the same position.

Relaxing with a little popcorn and a movie!

Thanksgiving, Part 2

Brynn, Collin, and I went to my Grandpa L and his wife Bertha's for a delicious Thanksgiving lunch today. There were a few other members of my dad's family there as well, but the group was rather small. We missed those who weren't there (I was especially sad that Eden spent her 1st Thanksgiving being sick, and that Dave wasn't able to come with us either, because he stayed home with her), but we had a fun time! Of course, I forgot to pull out my camera until shortly before we left, but I did manage to get a few snapshots.

Collin and Brynn with their Great Grandpa L


Someone asked my grandpa if he needed someone to tickle him to get him to smile for the camera. Collin quickly ran over to help.



Not sure why this one is uploading sideways, despite 3 attempts. I still had to include it though. Can you tell how much my kids love my mom and vice versa? (By the way, my mom wears a patch type thing over one eye to help strengthen each eye. She rotates the patch every 2 weeks or so, and then measurements are taken periodically to see if her vision continues to improve since her stroke. My mom hates wearing the patch, but since her vision has continued to improve slowly, she does it any way. )
My Dad (bottom right) with his dad and his brother Scott. His other brother Mike lives out of state.

Me with my parents and my two oldest kids



My Grandma Bertha just finished this amazing oil painting of my Grandpa. She takes painting classes every week, and their home is filled with her paintings. Each time I go over there, I love to see what recent ones she has completed or begun. This one is my favorite though. It looks just like my Grandpa and the details of the background are incredible. She is so humble with her talent too. She has inspired me to set the goal of getting back into painting when my kids are a little older. I want to fill my home with such personal and original artwork too. Doesn't my Grandpa look so handsome?

I am so sad about this next picture, because I am not sure what happened, but it was totally overexposed. This is my Grandpa and Bertha, the gracious hosts. I love these two so much! They are always thinking of other people and make everyone around them feel like a better person just by knowing them.
My parents--also huge influences in my life.
My Uncle Scott and Aunt Margie and their daughter Crystal. (We missed their other daughter Corrina who was with her new husband and his family on Thanksgiving.)
I contributed the rolls and green salad for our meal. I had to get a picture of the rolls, because a) I haven't been cooking or baking much lately, so I might as well document it, b) Brynn and Collin had fun helping me make them, and c) Dave's dad taught me how to make them, so I think of him whenever I make them. I have to say, they really are good. I'm sure it has everything to do with the fact that its a great recipe, but I won't turn down the compliments I get whenever I make them. Thanks for the recipe and baking lessons, Ralph!

Of course, I had to get a picture of my other 2 cuties today. Happy 1st Thanksgiving, Eden, and thanks Dave for being on dad-duty so much today!

Thankful

Obviously with today being Thanksgiving, I have been doing alot of thinking lately about all the blessings I have. I really do have so much to be thankful for this year. Here are some of the things I am grateful for:

*Dave. I have an amazing husband who makes me laugh on a daily basis, and who is always helping with the kids. We are so different in some ways, but we are a perfect balance for each other.

*my 3 beautiful kids. A doctor once told us that it would take a miracle to have any kids on our own. Despite lots of fertility procedures/meds and getting certified to adopt, we did have all 3 of them "on our own" (well, you know, with some major help from Heavenly Father too). They each bring so much happiness to our family, and I honestly can't imagine being without one of them. I still get so humbled and emotional when I think about all that led up to having them. I never realized that you could love someone so unconditionally and so immediately. To feel that 3 times is a blessing I can't even describe.

*a Heavenly Father who knows me enough not to always give me the things I ask for. Or at least to answer my prayers in the timing that He knows is best for me. (See previous "gratitude"). I am a better mom now than I would have been when I thought I was ready. I have been able to see His hand in my life so many times, and I really truly know that He is aware of every single one of us as individuals. That knowledge (although I may forget for a moment) has helped me through some things I would never have thought I could go through. I love the gospel! I don't know where I would be if I had to question what this life is all about.

*my family and Dave's family. It is a blessing I took for granted when I was growing up to have a family who will be there to love and support you when you need them. To be so different from each other, but to support each other in those differences, is an awesome thing.

*my mom. I have to make a special comment just for her. After nearly losing her from a stroke in June, I am just so grateful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with her. She has been an incredible example of faith and a positive attitude to me. Even through the difficulties of the past 6 months, she continues to be strong in her faith and she rarely complains. She continues to be a strong force in our family and is the glue that holds us all together . I love her so much and am thankful that she has made such an amazing recovery. I am also thankful for my dad, who has made any sacrifices necessary to be there for my mom and the rest of our family. He has proven countless times this year what his priorities really are. He is the rock of our family, and has filled various roles that I'm sure he never thought he'd have to fill. I am so blessed to have the parents I have.

*friends. I have some pretty great friends, and I am thankful for each of them. I am grateful for their examples and for all that I learn through their strengths and talents, and for their willingness to share their difficulties and experiences. Sometimes as a woman and a mom, I feel so much pressure to excel in so many areas of life. Sometimes it feels like the world expects so much from women these days that there is no option but failure. It is great to have friends who have realistic expectations of each other and who don't really care about the unimportant things. Those who will admit that they aren't perfect, and who support each other in good and bad times.

*my church calling. I was just released as a Beehive advisor in the Young Women program, and I will really miss it. I have had the best time getting to know the girls and just love them all so much. With the world the way it is, it is hard not to get discouraged thinking about how things are going to be for my kids as they get older. However, these girls have so much faith and are so thoughtful, talented, and strong. It has been a blessing to see that teenagers can retain all of those things despite the temptations around them. It has also been a blessing to serve with all the wonderful leaders I have had the opportunity to serve with these past 2 years. I have learned so much from each of them and will miss seeing them on such a regular basis.

*talents, hobbies, skills, and opportunites to learn. I love the "high" that I get when I am creating something. It has been fun to see Brynn start to get interested in doing some of those things alongside me as well. Although I don't have alot of time to devote to hobbies, I have had so much fun doing different projects for our home, sewing, painting, decorating, etc.

*the internet. It is a great way for women with similar interests and goals to support each other and exchange ideas. It is a fun way to stay connected to family and friends whose schedules or distance make it hard to keep up with. It has also saved me a doctor's copay or two.

*our home. I have gotten discouraged lately that I've never been able to finish decorating our house or that there are features I wish our house had. However, I am so thankful that we have a house that really is perfect for our family. Since someone always seems to be sick during the fall and winter months, we spend alot of time at home. I am thankful that it provides a nice place for us to grow together as a family, learn, and feel the Spirit. I absolutely love our neighborhood! It is the best place for walks, going to the park, and playing outside. I am thankful for our floorplan. It is perfect for Dave to work at home, for each of us to get decent sleep, for the kids to have their own space and a little indepence, etc.

*Arizona winters. After a long, hot summer, I am loving the cooler weather. I don't think I have ever been so excited to wear sweaters. This time of year is the payoff for enduring the summers here.

*Target. Hee hee. I am thankful that I have a place to go when the kids are sick and I only have 30 minutes to get random groceries, pjs for the baby who just had another blowout in her last clean pair, an inexpensive piece of jewelry to make me feel put together when I haven't been able to get a shower that day, and potty training prizes.

A Week of Celebrating

The past week has been so much fun! Yesterday was my birthday, so some friends from church and I had a Girls' Night Out on Friday to celebrate. We went to one of my favorite restaurants, Cantina Laredo. I absolutely love our ward! There are so many wonderful people I have become friends with. I am so happy that we decided to move into the home we chose almost 5 years ago.

On Sunday, we went to Dave's mom's to celebrate Thanksgiving with his side of the family. Everyone is so busy these days, so it was great to see everyone (minus his sister Laurie and her family who live out of town). Cheryl is an amazing cook, and she and her husband Jerry are great hosts.

On Tuesday, Eden got really sick with croup, so we have been spending alot of time at home. Poor girl spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday (night and day) just wanting to be held. Her fever got up to 103.5 at one point, so all plans were dropped and I just spent my time taking care of her. She did much better yesterday afternoon and last night, so I think she is on the mend. Dave has been so helpful! He has taken hours of the night to take care of Eden, so I could get some sleep. He has also willingly picked up takeout for us almost every night lately, and even made a run for gelato for me. I am so fortunate to have a husband that is so involved in our family, and who makes sacrifices to be there for us when we really need him. Which leads me to Wednesday...

Yesterday, Wednesday, was my actual birthday. Since Eden was still sick, Dave stayed home with her and Collin for most of the day, so I could get some time to myself. I surprised Brynn by meeting her for lunch at her school. She introduced her friends to me, showed me how the lunch and recess time go, and had me push her and her friends on the swings until the bell rang. She had a huge smile on her face the entire time I was there. At one point, all her friends were running to the playground and I told her she could go with them and I would find her when I got there. She didn't hesitate in telling me that she would rather be with me. It melted my heart! I know the days of her preferring her friends over her family will come all too quick, so I am trying to soak up all the love and attention she gives me now.

After walking Brynn back to her class, I headed off for some me-time. I decided to do some shopping at the stores I usually avoid when I've got kids in tow. I started with Anthropologie and then hit a few other fun little shops and some home decor stores. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), nothing jumped out at me, so I went home empty handed. I still had so much fun having some time all to myself! Then I picked Brynn up from school and took her out for frozen yogurt. I loved getting to spend so much time with her yesterday, since she is gone at school so often now. After a few more errands, we headed home and Dave brought home some Mexican food for dinner. I went to bed early, and Eden had a good night, so I was happy to catch up on some much-needed sleep. The day also included lots of phone calls, texts, facebook comments, etc from friends and family wishing me Happy Birthday. I definitely feel so loved and blessed to have so many great people in my life!

Today Dave has offered to stay home with Eden again, so that the rest of us can still go to my Grandpa L's house for Thanksgiving. (See what an awesome husband he is!) It is also my brother Brian and Dave's sister Kim's birthdays today, so hopefully we will get to talk to both of them today. (Happy Birthday Brian and Kim!!). What a fun and busy week it has been!

The Kids' Rooms (aka Works In Progress)

Brynn's bedroom was the 1st room we finished decorating when we moved into our home. For some reason, I can't find the pictures I took of her room then, but I thought I would show the "during decorating" pictures of Eden and Collin's bedrooms. Unfortunately, Eden is almost a year old, and I still haven't finished her room. Frames still need pictures, furniture still needs to be repainted, and the finishing touches need to be added. Hopefully I finish before she is a teenager.



And Collin's bedroom:
Again, there is alot to do in his room. I am about to completely redecorate his room though.

Right Now

If drool, smeared pumpkin-apple puree, mushy bananas, and a runny nose make you nauseous, you may not want to look at the rest of this post.
But to me it is adorable!
In the second picture, she is making that face, because she was trying to copy me saying "boo!". She ended up making more of a "vuh!" sound, but I was pretty impressed.

The younger two kids and I are homebound today, since they seem to have colds. That hasn't seemed to slow them down any more though. Collin has spent the past 20 minutes giving us karate demonstrations, and Eden is in her usual stealth mode, roaming the house for things to get into. She is an amazing walker. She took her 1st steps a couple months ago, and has been walking as her main form of transportation for a few weeks now. She's so little, its funny to see other people's surprise when she suddenly gets up and walks across a room. Its quickly coming back to me how much they are suddenly into when they can walk. She loves to open any cabinet or drawer and throw every. single. item. onto the floor. She also loves climbing onto things. We have already found her on the top step of the kids' bathroom stool and on top of the box of diapers in our bedroom. Whenever she gets caught, she just smiles with pride.

Eden also tries to run. When Dave was trying to sneak into the other room for a nap the other day, Eden apparently realized his plan and tried to run after him. She also likes to try to run away from us when she knows we are trying to keep her out of or away from something. I say "try to run" because it isn't the most graceful movement, and she usually falls after a few steps, but it is so cute!

In other news, Collin is mostly potty-trained. Potty training is a long, drawn out process in our house, but he is finally doing pretty well. He is only day-trained, and he does still have an accident every 2-3 days, but I am just relieved for the progress. I'm already praying that its an easier process when its Eden's turn.

I know its super late to announce this milestone, but I forgot to mention that we officially became a pacifier-free house in May. Eden had never really been interested in a pacifier, and we finally ditched Collin's in May. I had told him that I would take him to the toy store and he could pick a big boy toy and then we would throw away his pacis, since big boys don't use pacis. He agreed and talked for days about the toy he wanted (I can't even remember what he wanted). We gathered all his pacis and put them in a ziploc, and headed to Toys R Us. We searched that store up and down and of course, they didn't have the toy he wanted. He decided he only wanted to get rid of the pacis if he could have this one toy. Ugh! Then we realized that he was no longer carrying his little ziploc. Oops! We spent another 30 minutes combing the store for that bag of nasty, used pacis. We finally gave up, and after a few tears, he decided a light saber would be an adequate big boy toy. He would still cry for his pacis for awhile, and he actually ended up getting sick the day after we lost them. It was a tough few days, but I have been so glad to be rid of those things from our house. I definitely had a major love-hate relationship with them!

A quick Brynn update:
She is absolutely loving school! She has made lots of friends there, and she has a great teacher. I try not to get offended on the weekends when she talks about how much she misses school. I am so proud of her! She has always needed me to take her by the hand and basically hand deliver her to her teachers (at preschool, church, dance, etc), but she will now walk from the sidewalk where I drop her off and up the walkway to school. She has grown so much since she started school. She is learning to read, and can read and spell quite a bit. She loves to write little notes for us, and sound out the words she sees when we're driving in the car. She just made the 100 Club at school, which means she can count to 100 by herself. She also asks tons of questions, and won't settle for the answers until she understands each detail. I am already afraid of all the deep questions I know are in our near future. That girl will keep me on my toes!

I feel so blessed to have these 3 little ones in my life! There isn't a day that goes by that they don't make me laugh and smile with something they say or day. It is the funnest thing to get to experience the world all over again through a child's eyes. They are amazing little people!

Halloween 2010

Each year, our church ward has a Halloween party followed by trunk-or-treating. It is so much fun, with booths, a spook alley, food, etc. It is usually a day or two before Halloween, so the kids always love getting an extra opportunity to dress up and eat candy. We got a few pictures of the kids in their costumes before we left for the party. Collin was excited to be a ninja, Eden was a fairy princess, and Brynn was a witch. They looked so cute!
The young men and young women in the ward are usually in charge of the booths at the Halloween party. Since I am a Beehive leader (the Beehives are the 12 and 13 year old girls), I got to help with the face painting booth. The girls actually did all the face painting themselves, and did a great job, so all I had to do was set up and do a little supervising. Brynn requested that one of the girls paint a rainbow on her cheek.


She loved it!

While I was helping out at the booths and watching our older two kids, Dave spent most of the night with this little fairy princess in his arms.
Collin ran into one of his nursery leaders from last year. She always talks about how cute she thinks Collin is, and I think he has a little crush on her.


Brynn had fun running around with her friend Ellie (who also happens to be in her kindergarten class too).


Most of Eden's costume was off within the 1st hour of the party, but she looked adorable anyway.


On the actual day of Halloween, we decided to let the kids dress up in their costumes (except for Eden, who sported her comfy jammies), and they got to pass out the candy. The kids already had plenty of candy from their school parties and the ward party/trunk-or-treat, so they didn't really care about staying home that night. In fact, they had an absolute blast handing out candy! They set up their little chairs on the porch and would run toward the sidewalk yelling, "Come get candy! Get your free candy!" It was hilarious! After they scared a few kids with their enthusiasm, we had to instate a rule that they had to stay on the porch and wait for the kids to come up to them. Here are Brynn and Collin in action:



As you probably noticed, we had to keep the gate up at the front door, because Little Miss Eden wanted to run down to the sidewalk with them. Maybe next year!

More Things He's Said...

Collin is our little entertainer. He is always cracking us up, whether intentionally or not. Once he gets a laugh out of us, he will continue to do whatever it was that first elicited the laughs. Totally reminds me of Dave! Here are a few funny things he's said lately:

*Collin broke his light saber awhile ago when he tried to use it as a bridge. A few days ago, he got a sudden look of excitement and pride as he announced, "I know who can fix my light saber--Tom!!". Tom is Dave's handyman that has probably completed more of Dave's "honey-do" list than Dave has.


*To me when I was climbing onto the dryer to reach something on a shelf above: "Be careful up there! If daddy sees you up there, he will not like it!"


*Collin, in a voice of complete disgust: "Something smells poopy!"
Me, somewhat jokingly: "Did you poop?"
Collin (after a slight pause, a sudden look of realization, and a mischevious smile): "Yeah."


*"I'm thinking about...(insert any random thought)." Last night it was "I'm thinking about Incredible Hulk drinking my milk." Ok, buddy.