Fruits of our Labor

A couple months ago, I posted about the little (2' x 4') garden that we started. I thought I'd show how it looks now. We planted 4 zucchini plants and 4 tomato plants, along with another tomato plant in a pot on the back porch. I wasn't expecting much, since I don't know much about gardening, but I knew it would be worth the experience for Brynn and I. Each morning, we have faithfully gone out and watered our little plants, and today we finally got to pick our first vegetables...two huge zucchinis. Apparently, we should have picked them before they got so big, but they should be fine in some zucchini bread or something. Brynn was so excited to gather our little harvest. There are more zucchini and a few tomatoes that are growing and should be ready to pick in the next few weeks. I'm thinking next year, we can get a few more grow boxes and try some more vegetables.

Big Boy Bed

Last night marked Collin's 2nd night in his "big boy bed". I figured he is getting old enough to tackle some of those transitions from babyhood. Since I was too chicken to take away his pacifiers (he has to sleep with one in his mouth and one in his hand) and I'm still scarred from potty training Brynn, I figured we would start by moving him from his crib into the twin bed that is in his room. Oh yeah, plus I caught him trying to climb out of his crib the two previous nights. I was/am pretty scared of this transition, because he is a notoriously bad sleeper. He didn't start sleeping through the night regularly until he was 18-24 months old, and it isn't uncommon for him to wake up during the night even now.

On Friday, I had decided that was the big day, so I put a rail on the side of the bed, and arranged all his blankets, pillows, and stuffed dogs on it. We talked all day about how big he was now, and how exciting it was to move to the big boy bed. When I put him in bed that night, he didn't even cry. I waited for the freak out, but it never came. Yeah! Once during the night, he woke up crying, but it was quickly solved when Dave found his pacifiers wedged between the bed and the wall. The next morning he even slept in late. Huge sigh of relief. Yesterday he decided he wanted to take his nap in his big boy bed. As he put his head on the pillow and closed his eyes, I was thinking how easy this all was. After half an hour of peace and quiet in the house, I went to go check on my sleepy little angel. Except the bed was empty. That's when I saw him sitting in the dark looking at one of the books he had piled around him. He had one paci in his mouth and the other safely nearby. I had been fooled. So, needless to say, he did not get a nap yesterday. Last night, I was thinking he would be so tired that he would probably fall asleep before he even got to his bed. Nope. He decided he didn't like the big boy bed, and threw several fits to prove it. At 10pm, we just put the gate up in his doorway, and let him cry it out for awhile. After the screaming had gone on for quite awhile, and turned into him crying out "Mama! Mama!", I told him I would lay next to him for a minute if he got in his bed. Two minutes of that and he was out. He woke up again during the night, and I had to lay next to him for a few minutes, but that was it. We'll have to see how tonite goes (said while only slightly shaking in fear)...

So, any suggestions or advice on the situation? My kids are so different from each other, that I feel like I'm doing this for the first time. Brynn was always so scared to get out of her bed (and usually still is until morning), that it was a fairly easy milestone for her.

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day. Since having my own kids, it is always a bit of an emotional day and in some ways a little bittersweet. On one hand, I am so deeply grateful to be able to celebrate the day as a mom myself and reflect on the blessing that my two little ones are. On the other hand, I know there are people out there who find the day difficult because of circumstances they are in (wanting children but not experiencing motherhood yet, the loss of a child or mother, a strained relationship with a child or mother, etc). During the 6 years that we were (not-so-patiently) waiting to be blessed with children, I remember Mother's Day as being one of the most painful days, because it was an all day reminder of what I wanted but could not have. I loved today at church, how the focus was not only on mothers but on womanhood. I think women are given qualities that allow them to nurture and help those around them. I've found that even those who do not have children of their own are often mothers in their hearts, as they use those nurturing qualities to uplift friends, family, children, etc. I just love to hear the way the prophet and our church leaders (I'm LDS) talk about women. There is such a tone of admiration and respect, and I know it isn't only directed towards the mothers.

Despite the difficult years that Dave and I had while waiting for children, I have always felt incredibly blessed to have the mom that I have. I can't even explain just how wonderful she is. She is always there for me when I need her. In fact, just this past week, she dropped everything when I called her early one morning to tell her that I was so sick that I couldn't get out of bed, and Dave had to go to work. She came over and watched the kids most of the day, so that I could rest and get better. My kids were probably wishing I could have been sick even longer, because they absolutely adore her. She gives the best parenting advice. OK, she gives the best advice no matter what the topic. She has such strong faith, and there has been several times that I just have to think of what my mom would say and I find more peace and comfort in the middle of a challenging situation. She isn't the kind of person who has to be the center of attention, but she is a quiet source of strength to those around her. She has this way of making people feel better about themselves. She also has a good perspective on things. Whenever I go to her with something that's troubling me, she shares a perspective on it that always eases my mind enough to feel like I can get through it. She is the best example I could imagine having of a mom, and I hope that one day I can be even just a part of the mother that she is.

I am also fortunate to have other wonderful mothers and women in my life. I am so thankful for Dave's mom, and the relationship I have developed with her. She is always so much fun to be with, and has me laughing every time I am around her. She is so good with my kids, and will spend hours reading to them and playing whatever little games they want to play. She was at the hospital nearly every day when Collin was going through his heart surgery. She also came over to visit Brynn several times while she was recovering from her tonsillectomy. She has also been there for us many times when we've needed her.

We are also so grateful for Ida, Dave's dad's wife. She has been in our prayers the past couple weeks as she recovers from knee surgery. She, too, is so good to us and to our kids. Since they don't live nearby, we always love when they visit or when we get to go see them. She is so talented and fun. She is seriously the most gracious hostess, and she makes everything around her more beautiful. She is a good example to me of loving family members regardless of differences and being sensitive to those differences. I feel lucky to have 2 mothers-in-law.

I also have grandmas that have been a big influence in my life. My Grandma B is an amazing example of living a Christ-centered life. She fills her days with service, and always has a smile on her face. She is loving and welcoming of everyone into her home.

My Grandma L passed away quite awhile ago, but her influence is still felt in my life. She had so many wonderful qualities and talents, but was always so humble. Whenever I would go visit her, she would make me feel like being with me was the most important thing she could be doing. My mom always talks about what a good mother-in-law she was, because she treated them all equally. In fact, for Christmas she would give all of her sons the same gift, all of her daughters-in-law identical gifts, etc, because she wanted them all to feel equally loved. I miss her, but am so glad that I got the opportunity to live so close to her growing up and to know her so well.

I am also grateful for "Grandma Bertha". She has never tried to replace my Grandma L or be offended at the love and memories we have of her. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and an amazing heart. When we were sharing the news of our pregnancy with Brynn, she was so completely excited for us that I don't think I will ever forget her reaction. I feel blessed to know her.


This year was the first time that Dave and I celebrated Mother's Day without our moms around. They were both out of town this year, so I wasn't sure what the day would be like. I did miss getting to spend time with our moms, but we are going to be celebrating with them next weekend. Dave really went above and beyond to make it a special day for me. He had spent most of last week sleeping down the hall with the kids, because the master bedroom was the designated sick-area (both Brynn and I had the stomach flu during the week). He had been sleeping in a little twin bed by the kids' rooms, so that he could get up with them if needed. Well, by Friday everyone was well, but he gave me Friday and Saturday night of uninterrupted sleep. He slept by the kids' rooms again, so that I could have uninterrupted sleep and not even be awoken by the monitors (it isn't uncommon for Brynn to wake up with nightmares or Collin to get up in the night). It was probably the best gift he could have given me! Then, I got breakfast in bed yesterday (Mother's Day). Yummy french toast with strawberries and whipped cream, scrambled eggs, and my favorite juice were served with special attention to presentation. He informed me that I was not to cook anything all day. Um, OK! He made us all grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and then informed me that I was to stay out of the kitchen as soon as we got home from church. That meant that I got to have a few hours to myself. Sounds good to me! He and Brynn worked away in the kitchen, and then came and got me when dinner was ready. He made the most delicious filet mignon I've ever had with corn, broccoli and cheesy mashed potatoes. We let Collin take a later nap than usual, and Dave, Brynn, and I had a quiet meal together. Collin woke up just in time for dessert though. It was shortcake with fresh strawberries and kiwi, and a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries and kiwi. It was delicious! Brynn was so excited to help out, and to be a part of surprising me. She would randomly come up and hug me and tell me Happy Mother's Day throughout the day. Collin was especially generous with his hugs as well. It was such a great day, and my family really made me feel like a princess. I am so thankful for Dave and the efforts he went to to make me feel appreciated. I am also thankful for my two sweet little bundles of energy--Brynn and Collin. They challenge me in ways that I never could have imagined, but I love them in a way I also could not have imagined. I love that I get to be their mom!

Brynn's Special Day (aka Her 1st Dance Recital)

Brynn had a dance recital Saturday night. She is really shy, and I wasn't sure how she would do at the recital. We decided to proclaim the day "Brynn's Special Day" in the hopes that she would get excited about the extra attention, and not focus on being scared of dancing in front of everyone. During the rehearsal that afternoon, she stood with her class on the stage for a minute, and then started crying and froze. After she collapsed at her spot and was crying into the mat, I motioned for her to come sit with me instead. She stayed on my lap for the rest of the rehearsal. Needless to say, I was not expecting much from her for the recital. I was wrong. After spending the entire day telling me she wasn't going to dance, it only took her a few minutes at the recital watching the first group perform before she was asking when it would be her turn. She kept looking for her dad and grandparents (they came to watch, but were sitting in a different area than the dancers and their moms were) and waving at them excitedly like she was a little celebrity. When it was her turn to go up and dance with her class, she did it without hesitation, and did such a good job. I was completely shocked! I was also so proud. I seriously had to choke back a few tears, because I knew what a big deal it was for her to get up there. She was proud of herself as well. She had such a good time performing the 3 dances she was in, and also watching all the other girls during their dances. Afterward, 4 of her grandparents and Dave and I went out for ice cream and we gave her a balloon and a rose. Her special day also included dinner out with Dave and I before the recital (Collin stayed home with a babysitter during dinner, the recital, and ice cream--she loves her brother, but I think she enjoyed not having to share us for a day). Thanks to Miss Sheri, the dance instructor, for putting together such a cute recital. Brynn was LOVING the costumes!


A few pictures before the recital:

She thought it was so fun that her costume had a tail:
Performing their 1st dance (Brynn is on the left in the back row):

Finishing the 1st dance (Brynn was so excited that her partner for this part was her good friend Holly):
The 2nd dance they performed (Brynn is still in the back row on the left):
The finale--all the dancers combined for this one (Brynn is in the front in this picture with both hands raised):
With her Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Jerry, who came to see her dance:
And with her Grandma and Grandpa L:
And her proud parents:
Smiling big with her ice cream, balloon, and flower:

We love you Brynn! You did such a good job overcoming your fear. You are a brave girl! I really couldn't have been more proud of you that night! I am excited to see all things that you will do in your life, and the person you will become. You are already an amazing little person, and you have taught me so much! Love ya!

April Randomness

Here are some of the highlights from this past week.

A girls' night out with some friends to celebrate Katie's birthday.
Kathryn, me, Katie (Happy Birthday!), Sheryl, and Rhonda


Dave was so sweet to take the kids out for lunch last weekend, so I could stay home and get a much needed nap. He even loaded up their scooters and helmets, and let them ride around the courtyard of the shopping plaza. He got these cute pictures of them.
They (more specifically, Collin) are obsessed with wearing their helmets. They wouldn't even take them off for the car ride back home. It's Collin's new favorite accessory. (And everytime I see him wearing it, I think of the short Darth Vader character in Space Balls).


On Monday, Dave's friend Nate was in town. While the boys did the real estate thing, Nate's wife Rori and I took her 2 kids and my 2 to the zoo.

Collin and Brynn in the petting zoo...They LOVED getting to brush the animals!

After Brynn kept yelling "That guy is sweeping up poop!" really loud in front of a zookeeper, the nice WOMAN zookeeper came over to "introduce the kids to the goats.
Collin noticed that a goat was nibbling on our diaper bag, and was yelling for him to stop. Brynn, on the other hand, proclaimed the goat eating my bag to be the best part of the zoo.

Having fun in the splash pad...
Brynn and Collin...
Rori's cute little boy Brayden...
Once the temperature got a little too close to 100, we decided to head back home. We all went to dinner together, and then Dave had to introduce them to his newest addiction of gelato. Somehow during the day, I missed getting a picture of their son Joey, but Brynn and Collin loved playing with him. They are still asking me when he can come over again. In fact, on the drive from dinner to gelato, Brynn thought she wouldn't get to see Joey again. She kept telling us how much she already missed him, and how she "wanted to keep him." We had a fun time with their family, and are looking forward to another visit from them in the future.

HeeHeeHee

I am married to a genius. Really. G.e.n.i.u.s. Dave took the kids out by himself this past Friday, so that I could have a girls' night out to celebrate my friend's birthday. It was a fun night, and when I got home, the kids were sleeping soundly. I asked Dave how it had gone with the kids, and he told me about a little trick, I mean parenting tip, he had come up with. Brynn was acting up a bit, and he told her that whoever was the most well-behaved during the day would get to go to bed first. She got all excited, and when bedtime came around, she "won". She was so excited the next morning, as she told me how good her behavior had been, and how she got to go to bed first. I did so good keeping a straight face, while she told me how she was going to do her best again, so she could go to bed first again. This is the same girl who quit napping when she was barely 2. The same girl who has had sedation 2 times for dental work and hasn't taken a single nap afterwards (despite the dentist's insistence that EVERY kid takes a nap the day they had sedation). The same girl who is often up until 9 or 10 pm every night and still wakes up before most kids her age. I know she will catch on to Dave's little contest soon, but I have to admit it has been nice for the few days it has lasted. And Collin has been going to bed better too, because now he feels like he has gotten to stay up late. (Really we have been putting him to bed at his usual time or earlier, but since he's going to bed after his sister, he assumes its late). Love it!

While I'm on the topic of Brynn, I have to share a few more funny things she's been saying. A few phrases we've heard lately: "What in tarnation?" (no idea where she heard that one. It wasn't from me, that's for sure. I don't even know what "tarnation" is, so I'm pretty sure she doesn't either.), "It's all part of the plan", "Dolts (adults) have to keep trying" (she was watching me do a project and it wasn't going how I was wanting) and "This is the best day of life". The last one I have heard alot lately. All day on Easter, she would repeat it. Candy and bubbles seem to precede that sentence. It is cute, and I love it each time she says it. Of course, I also hear alot of "I'm having a really bad day" plenty as well. I guess everyone does have their good and bad days. One of her favorite things to play/pretend lately is gardening. Her and her friend were burying pinecones in the sand at the park last week, and then "watering" them and digging them up (harvesting their veggies). Since we planted our little grow box (which is actually still alive and green!), she thinks she is a master gardener. She informed me a few weeks ago, that I did the garden wrong, because you are supposed to plant seeds, and we planted plants. She has been saving seeds from her apples and different nuts/seeds that she's found off of different plants, so that we could put them in the garden. I love seeing her learn and absorb information, and even use what she has learned in her playtime. That, to me, is one of the best parts about having kids. Getting to see the world all over again through their eyes.

Easter

OK, I am cheating and backdating this, since I am slightly embarrassed that it is the end of April and Easter seems like forever ago now. Oops. I am definitely not a very good blogger. I also realize that I have become a very lazy photographer, and am always disgusted with the pictures I've been taking lately. Oh well, I have been trying to be more "in the moment" than all about the pictures, so you will just have to overlook their terrible quality.

This year, we celebrated Easter with Dave's family the Friday before Easter Sunday. We had a delicious dinner of tilapia and lots of yummy fruits and veggies. Nice and light and healthy. The kids on the other hand left their Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Jerry's in a near sugar-coma. They hardly ate any dinner, but when Grandpa Jerry busted out the cake with a 1 to 1 ratio of cake and frosting, the kids were suddenly starving. Brynn requested the piece with the purple frosting flower, and Grandpa obliged. Not to be left out, Collin got the yellow flower.


As soon as they stuffed their little bodies with as much sugar and food coloring as they could take, it was time for the Easter egg hunt. Grandma Cheryl helped them find all the jelly bean-filled eggs that had been left around her house.
Their buckets were full, and somehow they still had room to consume some of the jelly beans right then and there (I guess all that frosting had provided a soft place in their tummies for the jelly beans to land. Mmm.)

Sunday morning they awoke to their baskets filled with goodies from the Easter Bunny.

Brynn's favorites (besides the candy--yes, my kids both have a serious sweet tooth) were the collection of lipglosses and the bubbles.

Collin was excited for another basketball to add to his collection.

And of course there were Peeps.

Collin was not a Peeps fan.

The Easter Bunny thought that since the kids loved making gingerbread houses at Christmas, that they would love these little candy castles as well. Too bad the castle walls were more like thin sheets of styrofoam. Nasty. And they didn't seem to fit together right, so they weren't too kid-friendly. This was about as far as Collin got with his castle building.

Brynn's castle came together a little better.
This was Collin's expression after tasting his candy castle (he's saying "nasty" as he's making this face). I would have to agree.

After church, we headed over to my parents' house for dinner with my family. The cousins loved seeing each other.

MaJesta and Brynn
Bubbles...
It was another nice Easter, and I was thankful for the extra reflection on Christ. It is so humbling to think about all the blessings that I have in my life, and the sacrifices that He has made for each of us.