Little Muddy Feet

Recap

2011-02-15T21:50:00.003-05:00

For Thanksgiving we ate Turkey legs at two houses...

TWO dancers!!

A beautiful Angel for the Christmas story.

Some sheep and a shepherd.

The Christmas season went by quickly. We had a piano recital, a dance recital, Relief Society activities, Christmas parties, and in between it all I was visiting my grandmother who wasn't doing well.

Blur

2011-02-05T14:59:00.003-05:00

Seriously? I haven't posted since November? The only thing that helps me feel better is the fact that some of my friends haven't updated theirs either.

Our last few months have been a blur...I'll try and catch up soon!

Here's Lena on Christmas morning. I love this picture (taken by Mr. Mud). Isn't this the life of the youngest? Her siblings unwrapping her gifts and she just sits there.

Bet Your Bottom Dollar

2010-11-17T23:55:00.004-05:00

For our family Back-to-School Dinner my sis, Jeannie was in charge. Her theme was "Practice Your Talents." We had Mexican food and the kids did a little talent show followed by a fashion show of their new school clothes. Here is Nay's rendition of Annie's "Tomorrow." She actually knows the whole thing, but was slightly distracted and wanted to sing the Beatles at first. She's hilarious.

Little Man and Boo

2010-11-17T23:33:00.004-05:00

Little Man--

Had a mini-golf + McD's birthday, had an awesome season of soccer, and caught a big fish.

Boo--Ate a turkey leg, rode a donkey and went to Cox Farm

The last few months

2010-11-17T22:59:00.004-05:00

You know how you get so behind, that you figure instead of catching up you'll just not do it at all? Like with a journal?
I'll try and do a brief synopsis of the last couple months...

Le Le--took her first plane ride, can't sit in any sort of baby chair/swing or she can flip out of it, is super cute and smiley. Seriously. Best. Baby. Ever.

Nay ate Fried Macaroni and Cheese on a stick at the Renaissance Festival, started ballet and a co-op preschool.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

2010-09-16T12:53:00.001-04:00

Over the past couple months I've hosted two showers for two individuals that I really admire. One was about to have her second child, a boy to go perfectly with her sweet little girl. The other? She married my awesome brother-in-law, Jacob. And she is just as awesome. We are so excited to have her in the family. I wanted to document the parties so I can remember for future showers (and maybe you can use some of the ideas).

Shower #1: Baby Boy Shower--"Blue Skies"

Decorations:
Helium-filled blue balloons w/ stars
Tealight candles
White tablecloths/blue napkins
White and blue serving dishes

Menu:
Rice Spring Rolls w/ peanut and sweet and sour dips (provided by Kristen)
Coconut Chicken Skewers (and plain for those who didn't like coconut)
Mango Salsa
Green Beans with Garlic
Rice
Edible Flowers (provided by Kristen)
Chocolate Mousse (provided by Kristen)
Berry Tarts (Provided by Wendy)
Mint Limeade
Raspberry Lemonade with Fresh Raspberries

Games:
Guess the sex of the baby in the picture
Baby Memory Tray

Shower #2--Bridal Shower--"Birds of a Feather"

Decorations:
White, White, White
White Origami Cranes hanging from the ceiling (provided by Michael, age 8, and groom and anyone else around who knew how).
White Orchid

Menu:
Vegetarian Eggrolls
Chinese Salad (with Chicken on the side, b/c the bride-to-be is a vegetarian) (made by the amazing Reb)
Fresh fruit (provided by Mom Mud)
Peanut Noodles with Peppers, Carrots, Snowpeas
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Pavlovas
Lemon Curd Creme-filled Cream Puffs

Game:
Ask the groom questions beforehand on video and compare answers with bride.

Just wanted to say I couldn't have done this shower without Rebecca!

After looking at the pictures I realize I need a good camera. These don't even give it justice. Hmmm, I have a birthday coming up...

WHAT?!?!?

2010-09-07T23:46:00.006-04:00

We have TWO kids in school?!?! INSANITY.

What in the world did we do all Summer? Maybe, just maybe I will post some pictures. But, I ain't promising anything :).

ps--do you like L's mosquito bite in the middle of her forehead? That's because yesterday was BEEEAUUUUTIFUL and we were outside most of the day. And she's super sweet.

Happy Birthday to Boo

2010-07-30T09:36:00.005-04:00

We had a musical birthday back in June. Seven-year-old Boo decided on a musical theme (very fitting for such a musical girl).

Activities:
Design homemade tambourines
Play musical pictionary
Decorate piano and musical note cookies
Make necklaces with musical notes
Learn the macarena and dance with tamourines
Play "Pin the Note on the Staff"
Make jingle bell bracelets/hairbands
Eat pizza
Eat piano cake and ice cream

Decorations:
Hanging notes
Black tablecloth
Backstage entrance sign on front door
Hanging black curtains they had to walk through

Favors:
CD with Boo's favorite songs
Lipgloss
Musical silly bands
Fingernail polish
Pack of gum
Ring pop

May 1st-July 4th

2010-07-06T22:51:00.006-04:00

Where have you been?!?! I've been here the whole time. We had a new addition born a week late, and now she is 2 months! Man, time flies. I will write down the birth story so I can remember and fill in the blanks in between then and now. But, for your viewing pleasure here is the cute little baby girl who has stolen all FIVE of our hearts! Happy Fourth!!

Baby pic by the amazing Reb

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-02T22:43:00.004-04:00

We are enjoying our Spring Break--We went to House of Bounce, picnic and hiking at Walney Pond with cousins, Downtown D.C. for a picnic with Mr. Mud and to see the Cherry Blossoms, and today had a picnic and egg hunt at the playground. I love when there is no school. Give me Summer already!!

Here are also some belly pics for those who have been requesting them...I am bigger than I've been with any of the kids! Maybe, just maybe, it has to do with all the burgers, fries and milkshakes I've had from Elevation Burger the past 9 months.

ps--that shirt is a XS (non maternity) from Anthropologie. I love buying clothes that fit me pregnant and not!

The Coolest Parents on the Block

2010-03-18T22:27:00.005-04:00

Here's why we are the coolest parents on the block:

1. We have a HUGE moonbounce with a slide in our LIVING ROOM (This SAVED us during the blizzard)!! I leave it deflated and the kids go turn it on when they want to bounce. It takes 2 minutes to inflate. It is used every day!

2. We took our kids to the Big Apple Circus for getting good grades/reports from their teachers.

Sure, we only let them play 30 minutes on the wii a day, and they only watch TV on Movie Night (Friday) (with an occasional Little Einsteins or Magic School Bus during the week). They don't use the words "Mean" or "Hate." Man, they are some good kids. Rules are important, and fun is, too!

Guess Who is Two!?!?!

2010-03-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

Please excuse the pizza sauce on her face.

I love how happy her brother and sister are when they are with her.

Nay celebrated her 2nd birthday! We had a last minute birthday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa A's house after piano lessons. Some of the cousins were there (other local cousins were off tubing in West VA), Aunts and Uncles, and both sets of Gparents. I made the Elmo cake that has been made for every child's 2nd birthday.

Some things we love about Nay:

She is hilarious. Seriously. She has personality.
She sings (including the instrumental parts on songs).
She dances--she goes into Boo's ballet/tap class and pretends she is one of the 6-8 year olds.
She laughs. A lot.
She puts on her own shoes.
She picks out her own outfits (okay, this can actually drive me crazy. Especially with 9:00 church)
She is a good hugger.
She is a good tackler.
She is an awesome snuggler (the other kids were not at this age).
She loves to dress up.
She loves her brother and sister.
We are so glad she is part of our family!

Crazy Snow Storm 2010

2010-02-06T19:58:00.005-05:00

We've been enjoying some time in the snow. It's been a crazy few days! Last night when we were shoveling at 11pm it was snowing with lightning and thunder!!! How crazy is that? I've never seen that before and it was so cool!

Today consisted of shoveling, making a snow fort with a tunnel and slide, making graffiti in the snow with colored water, shoveling, hot chocolate with whipped cream AND marshmallows, digging out the car half-way, naps, and movie night. Maybe tomorrow we'll be more productive!

Who else is ready for SPRING?!?!?!

Haiti kits

2010-02-03T09:35:00.006-05:00

When something devastating happens in the world--do you tell your kids?

We told our kids about Haiti a few days after the initial earthquake. We showed them some {edited} pictures, and the moving video about the woman being found at a bank 6 days later. We donated some money the day after it happened, but didn't bother telling the kids. Then Awesome Gma had an idea to put together some hygiene, first aid and newborn kits to give to those in crisis-situations like this one. The kids would be involved. It was a good teaching opportunity. My eight-year-old niece observed that there was MINT toothpaste she said how she didn't like mint and "what if they didn't like it." We talked about how whomever received this was just going to be so happy to even HAVE toothpaste. Our children need to be more grateful. They need to see how lucky they are. They aren't living in tents outside broken-down buildings. They have food, toys, clothes, warmth. We pray for those in Haiti everyday.

Here's the info for making the kits. If you are LDS and live near a Bishop's Storehouse you can also take the made kits there.

Hygiene Assembly Instructions

2 unbreakable combs (no sharp handles)
4 toothbrushes (packaged)
1 tube of toothpaste (6-8 oz., no pumps)
2 bars of soap (approximately 4 to 5 oz.)
2 hand towels (new towels, approximately 15" by 25". Please do not use dish towels or washcloths. To sew towels, serge or zigzag the edges of terry cloth to make a 15" by 25" towel.)
Place items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag. Remove all air before sealing. Place hygiene kits in a cardboard packing box.

Newborn Assembly Instructions

1 double receiving blanket (see receiving blanket guidelines below)
4 flat fold (single thickness) cloth diapers (100% cotton Birdseye Cloth or 100% cotton diaper flannel), approximately 25". Please do not use pre-folded or disposable diapers.
4 diaper safety pins
1 pair booties or baby socks
2 regular-size bars of soap (Ivory or other non-allergenic brand)
1 newborn layette gown (please, no footed sleeper
Place items for the newborn kit in a heavy-duty, two-gallon sealable bag. Remove all air before sealing. Place kits in a cardboard packing box.

You mail them to
Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center
1665 Bennett Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Rocking New Year's Eve

2010-01-10T21:11:00.007-05:00

The original A-team
2008+2 = my mom doesn't throw things away too often!
Welcome 2010!!

We had our annual New Year's Eve bash at (my bro) Craig and Jodi's. The theme this year was American because Craig, being the kid that he is bought a cotton candy machine. Seriously. An industrial-size one. It is awesome. Maybe someday I will buy one because I LOVE cotton candy.

Here's the menu:
Homemade Root Beer
Hamburgers
Hot Dogs, Brats
Corn Dogs
Chips
Salad
Fruit
Hot fudge Sundaes (and homemade caramel, reeses pieces, and bananas)
Jackie's b-day cake
Funnel cake that never got cooked because we were too full.
COTTON CANDY

Craig working his magic
All the kids got their very own!! What a dream!

It was a fun evening with Beatles Rock Band, talking, playing, food and the countdown to midnight with balloons falling from the sky (okay, ceiling).

Last year we set New Year's resolutions as a family. Our kids all accomplished theirs, but Sam and I were lacking (mine--learn to sew and improve my Spanish--umm, I sewed Boo's Halloween costume, does that count?).

Here are some new goals. Maybe if I post them I'll actually follow through:

Sew 3 things--including a dress
Exercise 3 times a week (seriously. I am only 6 months prego and I've gained 25 pounds. Awesome).

I of course have a long list of goals in different categories--Health, Spiritual, Relationships, but these are on the family goal list.

Did you hear?

2010-01-02T09:48:00.003-05:00

We had over a foot of snow two weeks ago (and it's ALMOST gone). So, we enjoyed it for a couple days till it was black and nasty and then we headed to Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy a little summer in the middle of winter. Four of my siblings and their fams went and we had a fabulous time. I even rode some of the slides (shhh--don't tell my Dr!).

And for those who haven't heard...IT'S A.....

GIRL!!!! Luke slumped his shoulders, but got over it pretty fast!

Doesn't it feel good?

2009-12-19T09:07:00.005-05:00

When you get a strike? Some reactions from a recent (okay, try over a month) bowling trip.

Sometimes you can't even believe it!

After his 1st strike

This one just ran around the whole place and tried picking up the balls.

Sometimes they had a little help from this contraption or

From daddy.

Fall Fun

2009-12-09T08:43:00.001-05:00

Seeing as it snowed here, I figured I better post these pictures from our Fall fun. S. played hooky from work and his bro, Jesse joined us for our yearly Cox Farm trip. We met up with the A cousins and had a fun time on the slides, corn maze, hayride and of course eating kettle corn.

Christmas Surprise

2009-12-05T21:58:00.002-05:00

Did you know...

That I'm pregnant? Yep, 20 weeks and we had the ultrasound last Monday. I'm sure you're wondering what we're having. You'll (and we'll) have to wait until Christmas. There is a special envelope hanging in our tree that has the secret. I feel like a kid waiting for that Christmas surprise. So, if you happen to come to our house--NO PEEKING!!

Any guesses on the sex? S thinks it's a girl. I think it's a boy (and Little Man does, too).

Remember and Respect

2009-11-18T21:44:00.006-05:00

We started a new tradition in our home this year. I got the idea from Nie Nie. Every year she has a special Back-to-School dinner for her kids. They have a theme for the year. I think it is a wonderful idea and helps the kids get excited for school.

Our theme this year is "Remember and Respect." I wanted to emphasize the fact that they need to remember what WE have taught in our home. That we might make different choices than our friends. That we have different rules and expectations. I also wanted them to remember to respect their classmates and teachers and themselves.

We invited all the cousins (and Grandparents on both sides and aunts and uncles). We had apples as our centerpieces, we had a big poster with the theme that they helped decorate and hats with the theme and their names. We ate dinner, had the grown-ups tell stories from their school days and talked about the theme. We all ate at one long table. No "kids' table" for this party. Even though it was a little crazy with 11 kids I think they still got some good out of it.

After dinner (Indian Food--homemade, of course!)--we had a fashion show with some of their new outfits, and then dessert--A rice krispie treat school bus and some chocolate cream puffs and coconut-creme cream puffs. We decided to do the party that morning so Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike could come, too, so there aren't many pictures since I was running around doing things. But the table looked really cute!

Trick or Treat Smell My

2009-11-01T20:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween!! We've had lots of events this Halloween season (that's right, it's not just a day, it's a WHOLE SEASON)! Starting with an adult-only Halloween party, 2 parades, 1 school party, 1 school function cancelled because of too many sick kids at the school (sick with what, you ask? H1N1 and other flu-fun), 1 church Trunk-or-Treat, 1 trip to Elevation Burger in costume to get free milkshakes, and one night of Trick-or-Treating + Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. Here are some pictures to prove it all.

S and I decided to be Mary Poppins and Bert instead of JFK and Marilyn or Jackie O so the kids would know who we were.

The kids? Star Wars. Why? Because they are OBSESSED with Star Wars Wii. It's going to kill me. At least we have a 30 minute a day limit (plus none on Sunday). Hopefully that will keep me out of the funny farm. S. dressed up as Darth Vadar for Little Man's b-day (I'll eventually post pictures of that) and I was Leia, but we liked our Mary Poppins and Bert better.

The costume low-down: I love saving moolah on costumes!

Mary Poppins: total cost $3.75 for flowers and berries on hat + black spray paint. Had shirt, skirt, ribbon for bow tie, used my 101-year-old gma's hat and spray painted it and glued flowers and berries. I had S.'s g-ma's white gloves and the parrot umbrella from Mary Poppin's on Broadway that was my sister's (this isn't pictured).

Bert: Total cost: $2.
Had jacket, shirt, pants, boots. Spray painted wooden bar we had around the house and cut cardboard for the chimney sweeper. Bought face paint and red material for scarf. Used my dad's hat.

Princess Leia: Total cost $1.49. Made the dress from an old kitchen curtain that had shrunk in the wash. Used no pattern. Found belt at a second-hand store. Used her real hair.

Luke Skywalker: Total cost $0. My mom made his vest for his birthday party a month ago (Carrie--I got the idea from you!). Had pants, shoes and light saber.

Yoda: $0 Borrowed hat and jacket from a friend. Had green face paint.

And there you have it! You can do Halloween for 5 people under $10!

Little Man's school parade

A picture with all the cousins after piano lessons.

Mary, Bert and the Star Wars gang.

After our Adult-only Halloween party. I think this might be a tradition! I'll do a separate post on this--oooh, maybe even on the FLOG that hasn't been touched in over a year!

Back to School, Back to School

2009-10-26T13:04:00.001-04:00

To prove to dad that I'm not a fool (Billy Madison).

School is now in session and I miss my kids (okay, so Little Man is only in 3 days a week for 3 hours, but he told me he wants to be with me instead of at Preschool. Now come get another hug).

So, here are some pics to prove it. I'm pretty sure I'm the last mother on the planet to post first day of school pictures. What was up with all you crazy moms posting it on Facebook like 5 minutes after your kids were in school? Didn't you have breakfast to clean up, laundry to do, errands to run, jobs to go to!??!

ps--

I'm going to TRY to catch up on our events, but wow, this might take a while--I haven't even posted Boo's Baking Party from JUNE!!

Our 2nd Honeymoon

2009-08-21T09:00:00.004-04:00

There is a book that our kids like to read, "The Berenstein Bears' Weekend at Grandma's." It talks about how Mama and Papa Bear go on a second honeymoon while the kids stay at Grandma's. We did that. But there were 3 cubs, and well, it was more like 2 weekends + the week in between.

Some highlights:

Being with Mr. Mud for 11 days straight without the interruptions of work, kids, housework, tv, internet... It was pure heaven.
Staying with Mark and Aimee and their fam (this definitely helped with me missing my kids. It was nice to play with their three)
Boat ride on Lake Geneva
Eating fondue for Aimee's b-day in Geneva
Glacier in Chamonix, France, Mer du Glace
Driving from Geneva-Barcelona
Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona--this place was AMAZING!! I totally recommend it. The streets, plazas, architecture, tapas, beach...
Mark and Aimee's Navigation system aka "Watson"--totally saved us!
Tapas, different types of Orangina, Chocolate Croissants, pizza (in Spain!)
Everyone thinking S was Spanish
The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell--Goooo Gaudi!
Las Ramblas
A girl asking me for directions (to a bar because clearly I'm so hip!) in Spanish--What's up. That's right, I'm a native (or something).
The Font Magica--the water dances to the music. I thought it was hilarious the modern music was in English.
Montserrat--hiking around, tram up mountain, delicious goat cheese
The cool beach in Callela de Palagrugell--the only Americans there!
Pont du Gard
European driving
Gruyeres, Switzerland
Riding the Maxximum w/ Aimee
Le Relais de L'Entrecote

But, really I don't want to bore you, so I'll just show you the pictures to make you jealous.

Basically, I now owe my in-laws not only for raising such an incredible son that I am married to, but for watching my kids for 11 LONG days. I think the only way I can thank them (and Uncle Jacob) for watching them is to let them know that we will take care of them in their old age (which is far, far away), you too, Jacob if you want... THANK YOU MOM AND DAD MUD!

If you click on the slideshow you can make it bigger (click upper left after that for full screen).

2009-07-20T23:09:00.002-04:00

She finally took off walking just before we headed to SC!! Almost 16 months.

They're so lucky to have such cool Uncles. Thanks to Uncle J. so S and I could be in the ocean at the same time!!

We went to Charleston, SC a couple weeks ago for S.'s cousin, Molly's wedding. We arrived to town on Friday, went to the beach with Uncle J. and hung with the relatives that night. The next morning we woke up ready to go see Fort Sumter or some other interesting attraction when we received a phone call. Our babysitter's(from 3 days before) mother was on the phone. She said, "I feel it is my motherly obligation to tell you that my daughter has the SWINE FLU!!" She then proceeded to tell us that her daughter had gone to the doctor the day after she was at our house, thinking she had strep, but was informed that she had H1N1.

We told her our kids were fine, but that we would watch them. 20 minutes later, Little Man was acting lethargic. I felt his head and he was on FIRE. S. and I decided we wouldn't go to the wedding, but that we wouldn't freak everyone out and tell them our babysitter had swine flu. We got out the handy iphone and got on the CDC website. It said "studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick." Awww, crap. We left the bride's family home to drop off the flowers at the chapel with Grandpa M. in the car. On the way over, Little Man tossed his cookies. Doh. Now everyone knew. I was quite impressed with the mother of the bride. She showed no outer signs of panic, though I'm sure was cursing our names in her mind.

We took Little Man to an urgent care center where he fell asleep on me while waiting (never happens), was woken up to get a chest x-ray and a q-tip stuck up his nose. The results...NEGATIVE. Hallelujah! Could the timing have been ANY WORSE?!?!?

S and Boo enjoyed the beautiful ceremony while I napped at the hotel with Little Man and Nay. I wish Molly and Chris all the best in their life together. I'm glad they didn't start it off with having the swine flu.

Boo with {one} of her beautiful Aunt Mary{s}

We had a birthday celebration for Boo as well. Even with spending hours at the Urgent Care with her sick brother she said, "I think this is the best day ever" at the end of the day. What an optimistic child. I love her.

Look how miserable Little Man looks...

Accomplishments

2009-06-29T10:53:00.013-04:00

Ballet Performance (with a duet dance!! She is such a star! I'll post the video later...)

Joy School Graduation

Kindergarten Graduation--Straight As and A+s!!! She is an amazing reader now. She can ready any word. Her teacher said she could read the dictionary.

King's Dominion

2009-06-22T10:58:00.004-04:00

He stopped at all the red lights and stop signs. He is a TOTAL "car seat driver" (S. coined that phrase) now. He always tells me to "change lanes" and "go." Takes after his mom's backseat driving.

On the Ferris Wheel--Gma/pa, Uncle Jacob and Joshua

Crazy picture with the iphone.

"Look, Ma, no hands!!"

Look at all those Muds!

We had a fabulous time at King's Dominion for Mormon Day. Boo is a fan of roller coasters, Little Man went for the car rides. Extended family made it a memorable day (and of course we closed the park--10:00pm, baby!)

Easter--Rewind

2009-06-03T10:59:00.004-04:00

We were so busy on Easter that we didn't take pictures. About a month later I made everyone wear the same outfit and "pose."

Warning: Do NOT attempt to take pictures of your children after 4 hours of church+40 minutes round-trip driving (we have choir an hour before church. I direct. And yes, you can cry for me).

Our Animal:

2009-05-28T18:21:00.004-04:00

Eats a lot.
Makes LOOOOOUUUUDD noises.
Crawls on all fours (yes, STILL).
Makes messes wherever she goes.
Climbs.

I like this bear cub. I think we'll keep her. I'll just have to take down this ladder.

Butterfly Beauties

2009-05-26T18:11:00.004-04:00

2 beauties. She makes me happy. My perfect first child.

(Taken when visiting the NC Muds at the Science Center).

Man, I miss those curls. I was informed the other day that they probably won't grow back. Crap.

The City That Never Sleeps

2009-05-19T23:09:00.002-04:00

I was once told that you should leave your husband every year: overnight, with the kids. Just so he knows what you do. Well, I have finally done it, and he passed with flying colors. I don't think they even missed me. Granted, I did take boo, so he only had 2 kids. Boo and I rode the bus with Auntie M, Auntie J., Grandma A, and Cousin E and graced the city with our presence. We walked forever and my 5 year-old NEVER complained! She was born for the city.

Some highlights:

Afternoon tea at the American Girl Cafe (and Boo got an American Girl Doll--YOWSERS $$$)

Rockefeller Center

Shopping

Mary Poppins on Broadway

NY Pizza

Shopping

NY Public Library

Shopping

Ann's Bakery--yum.

Can't wait until the next time!! And a special thanks to Adri, Mom Mud and my hot husband for watching the younger two so we could go!! Happy Mother's Day to me!

Hi Ho Cherry (Rewinding our life)

2009-05-15T23:16:00.004-04:00

The perfect picnic--Orangina, sandwiches, chips and homemade cookies + the Cherry Blossoms.

Just one of the things I love about D.C. and S. working downtown.

**Paid for by Orangina

Waiting in line at the soup kitchen at FDR memorial

Thomas. Again?

2009-05-14T21:44:00.004-04:00

Losing 5 Thomas trains=going to see the REAL Thomas.

We went to Baltimore with Little Man's best friend, Ry and rode Thomas. Okay, so it was Thomas attached to the MARC train, but they didn't know.

My battery died so I am waiting for better pictures from my friend. More to come.

REALLY?!?!?

2009-04-24T14:01:00.003-04:00

And this is the portion of my blog called, "REALLY?" (From Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update).

We went to the park today. Little man got out of the car with 5 Thomas the Tank Engine trains unbeknownst to me. REALLY? We stay for 1 1/2 hours. As we are getting in the car he tells me he needs to get his trains. REALLY? He informs me he brought the 5 trains on the playground. REALLY? So when a little girl asked me if some trains were mine they REALLY were? You left them near the slide? REALLY?

We go back to search the playground. We search for 30 minutes, ask some moms if they have seen them, but no luck. REALLY? Some parent let their child STEAL someone's Thomas Trains? Because surely they aren't anyone's. REALLY? What kind of parent/Nanny would let their kid go home with 5 THOMAS TRAINS, in good condition, which clearly weren't left out in the rain we had yesterday. REALLY?!?! Are we teaching our 2 year-olds to STEAL (it was during school hours, so no big kids were even there)??!?!?! REALLY?!?! I mean, "Finders Keepers" at 2? REALLY??!!? Are you blaming your lack of honesty on the ECONOMY, too? "If the kid has 5 Thomas trains they must be rich, they won't miss them."

I'm going back after naps to post a "LOST" sign. Although, I really wanted to write "STOLEN" or even "TAKEN." Because you don't ACCIDENTALLY take FIVE THOMAS TRAINS.

Sorry. I just had to vent. The corruption in this world.

Love

2009-04-08T14:12:00.004-04:00

My five-year-old has shown her inner beauty. She gave away 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. I remember her Aunt Amanda laughing at how little hair she had a three, and now, almost three years later she is making someone happy with curls. I miss her beautiful, long, curly hair, but she seems just fine. It makes me get a little teary-eyed when I realize what a great person she is. Here's the new Boo:

**The curls WILL grow back, right? RIGHT?!?!?

Equals 52 days since my last post

2009-03-29T22:35:00.005-04:00

8 days of watching

7 children under age

7 (by myself--S.'s work hours were crazy. Including Church by myself--with a little help from a visiting teacher and the Bishop's wife)

2 one-year old birthday parties (Nay's)

1 snow day

2 choirs I directed

1 night out with my husband for Restaurant Week

1 stroke of my 100 year-old grandma

1 Valentine's day party at Boo's school (I am the room mom)

3 kids at the dentist=a CIRCUS (especially when they don't want to be there)

2 wisdom teeth out (with a possible infection--I am going to have to go back in tomorrow)

9 hours of driving in

2 days to N.C. Mud's for Owen's blessing

2 ear-infections

2 days at Great Wolf Lodge with the fam (treating ourselves after S.'s crazy hours and my stint with the 7 kids)

2 St. Patrick's Day dinners (one by mom mud, one by me)

_________ (Equals)

52 days since my last post

**Note--these are only SOME of the activities that were in addition to the usuals--ballet, piano, Joy School, Kindergarten, my not-for-profit work (which has really picked up recently).

p.s. Boo recently dropped our camera on the hard-wood floor, so we have to get that fixed...

p.p.s. Sorry if I haven't commented on your blogs. I have been reading them when I get the chance.

Finally!

2009-02-05T21:42:00.001-05:00

The first snow day has come at last!!Sam even played hookey from work in the morning and we went sledding. The camera's battery died just before I came to sled with them. Nay LOVED sledding! We even went down as a whole family on one sled. And horray for the 2 hour delay the next day, too!!!

Prangstgrup - Reach! A Lecture Musical Prank!!

2009-02-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

I've always wished my life was a musical. Why didn't I do something like this at BYU? Watch the WHOLE thing. It is hilarious.

Things I love

2009-01-30T20:08:00.014-05:00

about the Birthday Boy (in no particular order):

32. His Princess I. and Prince L. stories

31. His compassion

30. His humor

29. His wink

28. His chocolate eyes

27. His singing voice

26. His guitar skills

25. His CRAZY laugh

24. How he yells at the t.v. during a Wizards/Redskins/D.C. United game

23. How he will give someone his tie right off his neck

22. His intelligence

21. His love of other cultures and travel

20. His hard work in his career

19. How he is a connoisseur of fine sodas (Jones or Orangina anyone?)

18. The way he honors his Priesthood

17. The way he is friends with ALL the staff at his job (in the lunchroom, janitors...)

16. His taste for fine foods

15. How he looks good on my arm (my trophy husband)

14. His knowledge about current events

13. How he will let me have the remote (okay, sometimes)

12. How he brings out talents in me

11. How he wants to get Nay out of her crib when she wakes up

10. His sexy Spanish voice

9. How he gets after the kids if they talk rudely to me

8. His calves and biceps (seriously, like 5x's the size of mine)

7. That he beats me in Dance, Dance Revolution EVERY time (well, I love to hate it)

6. That he loves me even with my imperfections

5. How he loves his family, my family and respects his parents

4. How he doesn't care if the house is a mess

3. How he gets me Pain le Quotidien croissants or flowers for no reason

2. How he builds forts and "jumping things" with the kids

1. That he chose me for eternity

Rocking in the New Year

2009-01-16T19:22:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

Ingredients for a fabulous New Year's Eve Party (Switzerland Theme this year):

1. Fondue (Cheese, oil, broth, Toblerone, Orange Chocolate)

2. Kids (okay, debatable)

3. Rock Band (Eye of the Tiger, Baby, and can they come out with the Beatles Rock Band already!?!?!)

4. Noise makers (see, #2)

5. Apples to Apples

6. Family

7. Awesome brother, Craig and sis-in-law, Jod, to host even when they're going out of town the next day.

Is St. Nick Santa?

2008-12-28T19:49:00.005-05:00

In the states St. Nick comes to your home if you were born/lived in Belgium (or some other European countries). Lucky for us, I was. We were good this year so we got some loot instead of switches. St. Nick Day confuses the kids a little bit, but they still love it.

Mary, Joseph and an A. I mean donkey.

Two of the Wisemen (apparently I missed taking pictures of the cousins--only sis, Jeannie's kids. Granted, we had to do the story three times so all who wanted to be Mary could be).

Gazing at the loot.

Still happy on Christmas, even with double ear-infections.

Boo is the Dancing Queen

2008-12-20T23:39:00.002-05:00

Here is Boo's latest performance. She is AWESOME! She is seriously better than the older girls. Her stage presence is amazing.

Note: When she is just standing there she is waiting for her solo. Mr. Mud just focused on her for the whole time so you don't see the other girls doing their solos.

P.S. I totally get nervous for her.

HSM 3

2008-12-13T22:51:00.002-05:00

So, I followed my friend, Vanessa's advice and got myself a five-year-old (and a 10, 8, 7, 6, and 4 year-old) and went to High School Musical 3 over the Thanksgiving holiday. I LOVED it.

Singing. Check.
Dancing. Check.
Cheesy. Check.

After watching it I wanted to sing and dance and felt I could be ANYTHING I wanted to be (Doctor? Sure. Basketball player? No problem. Broadway? Here I come...).

After the show we were in the lobby and Boo thought I was a little weird when I started dancing some of the moves from the movie. Oh well, won't be the first time she'll be embarrassed by me.

P.S. Is it a little weird I got misty-eyed during the movie?

Thanksgiving Happiness

2008-12-06T00:03:00.003-05:00

I didn't take many pictures of Thanksgiving, but this picture pretty much sums up the day.

We hung with the Muds and then headed to the A Team to close up the day. Always good to have two Thanksgivings.

For Mr. Mud

2008-12-03T15:19:00.006-05:00

Just so Mr. Mud doesn't miss us too much when he's working, and something to make him smile amidst all that boring law stuff.

We love you (and miss you)!

ps--this is why I want another, and another, and another.

100 Years Young

2008-11-23T10:43:00.003-05:00

Grandma is 100!!

Some highlights from the Bash:

*My cousin (she was Police Chief of Arlington) contacted Gma's old student (she taught at Washington and Lee), Warren Beatty and he sent her a picture and a note.
*DVD of photos of her life by my sis, Mary
*Delicious food
*Stories
*Crossword puzzle about her
*Boo singing "My Favorite things" (she only practiced for 2 days before!!)

Gma always taught me when you celebrate birthdays in your aging years you just switch the numbers: i.e. 63=36, 93=39. You can't do that with 100 so, Grandma, you're going to have to accept that you've made it to a century!

Hopefully some day I can be the type of anchor she is to my own family.

Why I love my kids Reason #157

2008-11-17T10:03:00.005-05:00

Because when they see a cool toy they say, "I think I might like that." Instead of, "I want that! I want that!" in a loud, whiny voice like a little girl I took recently to Target.

And I think I might like these:

I really want to do the crazy colored tights-look. I think yellow or blue would work with this dress (above)...

Sad thing is, I'm sure the calf-size is too big for me. Why do they not make knee-high boots for skinny-legs?!?!?!

I love me some Anthro.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2008-11-12T22:06:00.005-05:00

Recycling costumes:

Little Man=Flying Monkey: Homemade, hand-me down monkey costume from my sis-in-law, + Boo wore it three years ago, +fairy wings from Boo's 4 year-old b-day party, + red vest from Oakton Stake's Gifts of the Heart=Free

Boo=Dorothy: Dress from Consignment shop in Reston (S.'s childhood friend's mom's) Wig=free. hahaha. One of Boo's friends asked if she was wearing a wig!

Nay=Lion:okay, okay, so I was going to make her lion costume, but got too busy so I bought one for $9 at Kmart.

Me=Glinda: My mom's prom dress circa 1962. Boo's crown from cousin's Libby Lu party 2 years ago.

S=Scarecrow: Jeans, plus old shirt+old plaid material and raffia.

Maybe I'll recycle the candy for next year's Halloween.

Halloween events:

Church Trunk or Treat

Town Parade--SSSOOOOO COLD!

Trick or Treating the night of Halloween+Charlie Brown (so don't like it for my kids' ages. Too many "stupids.")

Jack 'o Lanterns designed by the kids.

I don't think so

2008-10-24T22:30:00.003-04:00

Recently Boo told me she likes school days better than Saturday and Sunday. WHAT?!?!?! I asked her why and her reply was that "We do more fun stuff."

I'll show her.

I took her out of school last Friday after her only being there for 1 hour. We went to Cox Farm with Gma/pa Mud and cousins. That will teach her to say I'm not fun.

Saturday we went to Fall Days at Mt. Vernon. Have you ever tried roasted apples (over a fire--like s'mores)? Delicious.

And leave it up to Uncle S. to use all of our Annie's Honey Bunny's to bring the seagulls to the back of the boat.

Little Man and his cousin, Noah looked like fraternal twins running around. And "No, they're not all mine."

C-ville Mini Reunion

2008-10-22T22:40:00.001-04:00

The Brintons came to town which gave us all an excuse to get together. We opted for a picnic by the WWII memorial instead of causing a scene at a restaurant with 7 children and 1 pregnant mama (not me). It was so fun to catch up and for the kids to be reunited. Two and a half babies have been born in those 2 years since we left. We ain't slow.

Shabby Apple Code

2008-10-16T23:32:00.005-04:00

So, I hosted a Shabby Apple party tonight. Good food, good friends, a couple of flaky friends, who RSVP'd and didn't come (Looks like I'm picking up some of Emily Post's Etiquette books for Christmas presents...), but so it goes. The last ones to leave the party got to take the leftovers (mmmm, Chicken Empanadas with Corn Salsa and Cilantro-Avocado Sauce, Mini Apple Crostatas, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Lemon Curd-stuffed Strawberries, Black-bottom Cupcakes).

If any of you too far away to come want to get a dress (or a dress for a baby girl), shoes (the green bow ones are mine. Dude, I totally found the same ones at Anthropologie for $32 more!) use this coupon code for free shipping for three days (the 19th, I think is the last day).

www.shabbyapple.com

CODE: MudrickNeedsDress

ps--email me if you do purchase something.

To go or not to go

2008-10-11T21:29:00.002-04:00

To the E.R.--that is the question.

Luke was at a friend's house, tripped and cut his eyelid open on their coffee table. After consulting with Dr. Moms I didn't take him to the E.R. We put a butterfly stitch on and I found some steri-strips from when he busted his other eye-lid open 2 years ago on Gma/pa Mud's rocking chair. When we got home he told me he couldn't shut his eye to pray because he had a band-aid on it. Just an excuse? I think so.

Oh well, Chicks dig scars, right?

Well, fast forward a week and two days. I had a fabulous birthday (later post on that). I was getting ready to go to my first PTA meeting, I put Nay down on her play mat and go into the kitchen (20 feet away) to start getting dinner ready. I hear a weird cough-cough, run in and she is fine. I look at her head and something is missing.

I question Little Man, "Did you take her barrette out?"
"No."
"Did you see her barrette fall out of her hair, did she put it in her mouth?"

I look around, but of course the floor is clean. Meanwhile, Nay is just laughing and acting completely normal. I called S.

"I'm 99% sure your daughter just swallowed a barrette."

I called the pediatrician and they told me since it was metal I needed to take her to the E.R.

I called S. and told him I had to go to the E.R.

"Do you want me to come home?"

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Do I want to go to the E.R. with three children at 6:30pm on a Friday night, a hospital that I have to travel on 66 West, again... ON A FRIDAY NIGHT?!

So, he headed home and my mom came over to watch the kids till he got home.

After hanging in the E.R. for 3 hours...
Diagonsis: A barrette in her stomach.
Dig through poop.
Find barrette.
If it doesn't come out in 72 hours? Call.

Success. It was found just under 45 hours later. The kids thought it was pretty funny.

On the Things to Do List: Put away ANYTHING smaller than a toilet paper roll.

Oh, and I guess I will have to deal with people calling my baby girl "He" for a little longer. (The nurse in the E.R. was taking us back to take the x-ray and she kept saying how cute "He" was. Finally she looked down at the chart and saw it was a girl--purple and flowers didn't give it away) and apologized. I wanted to say, "Lady, it's because of people like you that got us in this mess in the first place!" Okay, not really, but COME ON!

A boy? Really (say it like Jason Bateman does on Arrested Development)?

See how small it was?!?! If I hadn't been a "good" mom it could have just passed and I would be $100 richer (stinking E.R. copay!).

Happy Birthday to a Rockstar

2008-10-04T22:02:00.002-04:00

The Little Man has turned 3.
B-day consisted of:
Diego cupcakes
Saving Baby Jaguar
Jumping over snakes
Eating salmon-shaped PBJ sandwiches
Joy School Friends
Presents
Monkey Bread for breakfast
Gma Mud coming over to bring his one request for his present--Diego car
Potbelly's (I have done something right--he chose Potbelly's over McDs)
and...
DISNEY ON ICE!

It was a fabulous day and he was so proud to finally be turning 3 (all of his friends already are--ahh, the life of a fall birthday. I could do a whole post on that). As we walked out of the Patriot Center I chanted, "Whose birthday, whose birthday?" He'd yell, "Mine!" Then I'd yell, "Who's 3? Who's 3? And he'd yell, "Me! Me!" He was so happy. And can I just mention CARS on ice is awesome?

A daily occurrence:

Me: Little Man, I love you.

Little Man: I know.

I'm so glad he knows. He has such spunk. He is so loving, funny, smart (he is already sounding out some words), athletic, and a great helper. I love watching him learn and grow.

ps--his sweatshirt reminds me of his Uncle Jesse

Awww Man...poop, again!

2008-09-28T21:56:00.001-04:00

It is the beginning...

Nay has started solids. She wasn't so sure what she thought of them at first, but after the kids fed her she is starting to dig them. Surprisingly, peas are her favorite.

ps--Thank you Care, for the fabulous HOMEMADE bib!!

Summer Wrap-up

2008-09-22T14:48:00.000-04:00

Swimming Lessons with Aunt Mary (Daddy's Aunt Mary--that is how we distinguish between my sister, Mary and S.'s sister Mary).
Thank you! Thank you! The kids had a great time and we loved having an excuse to visit Gma/pa, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Josh, Uncle Jacob,and baby Stella.

Crab Fest at the Mud's. I think Joshua enjoyed it the most.

Labor Day at Lake Anna.
We thought, "a nice day at the Nuclear Lake (it is PERFECT temp and there is a nuclear power plant nearby--coincidence?), relaxing (even without S.--he had to work--Boo)." So, we're enjoying a nice ride, wind blowing our hair, when we hear a weird sound (water gasket broke, I think) we head for the shore, and then the boat dies. Seriously. There we are, middle of the lake, 7 kids, 5 adults and the hot, hot sun. We flagged down some help and it happened to be some novice boaters with 6 month-old twins. Doh. They started to tow us in, and the rope broke. Meanwhile, the boat is smoking (it's coming in from every crevice), I am making the kids breath into towels so they don't get high. Plan B: We transfer those 7 kids and 3 lovely ladies to the other boat. They take us to shore and go back for the boat and the men. We decide to go to the beach of the lake while Craig and Uncle P. get the boat out of the water and into the shop. The kids ended up having a great time playing in the sand and water.

It's Not that Easy

2008-09-13T22:41:00.003-04:00

Nay blowing raspberries--it is one of her many talents.

Being Green...That's right, we went to the Jim Henson exhibit downtown today. They had some funny old commercials he made that the kids thought were hilarious. Something about using the product or I will blow you up. Little Man hogged the Elmo puppet and loved watching himself perform the puppet show on the t.v. My favorite part was when a kid was in front of the television and Little Man used the Elmo puppet to relay the message that he could no longer see himself.

We played the role of cool parents and let the kids ride the carousel afterwards and then grabbed dinner at a Creperie in Georgetown. Nay had her first ride on the carousel and growled the whole time. I think that meant that she liked it. I have a lot more to post about, but I had to post pictures of Nay. EVERYWHERE we went people would comment on how cute she was. A man from Japan kept taking pictures of her. I don't know if he was taking them because she is chunky, or just because she is so dang cute, but a little weird, in my book, to take pictures of a stranger baby. And some homeless men in Georgetown went off about what cute kids S. had, and then added that his wife wasn't too bad, either.

Can I just say that this 3rd child is AMAZING?!?! She was perfect all day. Wait, she's perfect every day. I look at these pictures and actually miss her even though she is just sleeping in her crib upstairs.

Back in Time

2008-09-10T23:44:00.002-04:00

Meadowlark Gardens

Lunch and pool fun at Gma V.'s

Kyle and Nay

Now that things are "slowing down" (um--Kindergarten, Joy School, Soccer, Ballet, Playgroups...) I thought I'd catch up on some Summer activities I never posted about.

One of my BFF's yearly visit, or maybe I should say Boo's top pick for her future husband, and Nay's new prospect...

Withdrawals

2008-09-07T23:21:00.001-04:00

Nay 4 months and Stella 2 1/2 months

Nay about 5 1/2 months Stella 4 months

Nay is in withdrawals from her favorite girl cousin, Stella. She misses sucking on her feet. She wanted me to post these pictures to help her remember the good times they had together--sharing the bottle, screaming together, and causing all sorts of trouble. Nay is excited to be roommates with her at BYU in 18 years.

First Day of School

2008-09-06T23:30:00.004-04:00

I love how little man is standing behind her.

Dread. Mixed with a teeny bit of excitement. That is what I felt on Labor Day. It's what I felt every Labor Day for years of my life. The realization that Summer was over and the school year was beginning. Now, for the next 18+ years I am going to be subject to the public school year. Ugh. No more fun vacations mid-September (Remember how we went to Disney World last year at this time?), no more late nights during the week.

Full day Kindergarten is in full swing. Boo went cold-turkey on her naps (although she still had one today since it's Saturday). The night before school started she asked what we were doing the day after Tuesday and I told her, "School." "And the day after?" "School." I guess I hadn't told her that school was EVERY day.

S. walked her in as I ran home to get her lunch I forgot. Hopefully that is the first and last time. I am still scarred for the times I forgot my lunch.

The only tears shed were those from the mom.

George's Crib and other exciting places

2008-08-18T22:21:00.017-04:00

We've been doing lots of weekend jaunts with S.'s sis, Mary, her talented husband, Josh and beautiful baby, Stella, Mom and Dad Mud, and Uncle Jacob (S.'s bro. who is loving the summer off from BYU to grow his beard).

We visited Mt. Vernon. They have added TONS of new films and exhibits. The kids had a great time.

Turned the 4 1/2 hour drive to Chapel Hill into 7 hours to visit the N.C. Muds (more to come on that).

Went to Luray Caverns after showing up at the Route 11 Chip Factory (DO NOT try the Mama Zuma's Revenge chips--serious steam coming from ears) only to find it to have moved. Turns out we made a fabulous mistake and were able to see a part of the Caverns that is only open one day a year! It was also the Cavern's 130th anniversary so they had candles lit throughout the cave.

And of course, what is a summer without going to the National Zoo?

Truth be told: There is never a dull moment with the Muds and we do things on a whim!

Utah 1

2008-08-15T08:57:00.007-04:00

I have to catch up in my posts. We're doing too many fun things and I am getting too far behind. I need some pictures from my sis for a lot of the activities, but I thought I better start...

The Atk Family Reunion in Utah was busy, busy, busy. Some highlights:

+ 100 birthday party for my Grandma who flew in for the occasion from D.C. (Her real b-day is Oct. 30)

+Family pictures

+Lunch with Lisa--longtime friend that used to live with us!

+Dinner w/ Gardners. Man, I miss C-ville friends!

+Extended Atk Family Reunion

+Rock Band, Sing Star, Dance Dance Revolution

+Rafting on the Provo River

+Granny's Drive In Milkshakes

+Park City--Alpine Slide, Coaster and Zip Wire

+Tour of BYU (Man, that has changed! May I please go to college again?)

+S. went w/ my bro, Steve, and Bro-in-law to grand opening of Soccer Stadium

+Tour of Conference Center in SLC by my Aunt and Uncle

+VA reunion party (Nay checking out her future prospects)!!!

+Seeing my beautiful roommate, Tracie!! Staying at her parent's house in Park City (Umm, Michael Jordan's anyone?)

+Dinner with Jaime (so sad she moved from VA)

+Hanging with Gma and Gpa Bruford and their amazing house

+ATVing

Drawbacks from the trip:

+Getting my stinking first ticket in HEBER!

+About 1/2 the family getting sick w/ a 24-hour virus

More pics to come of the VA reunion...

Rewind: Rochester

2008-07-25T22:19:00.004-04:00

We went up to Rochester July 4th for a visit of our newest nephew, Ethan (oh, and his parents, too). We finally celebrated "Baby Fest Spring 2008" with all the new babies. For anyone who says all newborns look the same check this out: three kids who are related and look NOTHING alike.

We saw some impressive fireworks downtown Rochester on the 4th and on Saturday went to Niagra Falls with the whole Mud/Bru crew. I have been to the Falls many times, but hadn't ever been on Maid of the Mist. Gma and pa Mud and Uncle Dan watched the three babies so we could go. It was awesome. Sunday was Ethan's blessing at church and then we headed home stopping for some delicious BBQ on the way. The kids did great in the car and a shout out to Uncle Jacob for helping retrieve fallen toys (that's right, we didn't use a DVD player for the 8+ hour trip one-way).

Rewind

2008-07-22T23:22:00.003-04:00

It's been a whirlwind of a month. We'll start with the B-day girl back in June. Her reaction when she came down the stairs and saw the decorations, "It looks just like a castle!"

Enchanted birthday party for the big 5.
Activities:
Coloring Giselle and Edward
Decorating tiaras
"Cleaning" up flowers and pebbles to the Clean-up song
Princess Bingo
Eating heart pizzas and fruit
Hitting the Step-mother pinata
Cake and Ice Cream
Eating Poison Caramel Apples

Boo, we love you. You are so kind, smart and talented. We love watching you grow everyday.

Lucia

2008-07-02T20:41:00.001-04:00

The kids were playing while I was getting ready. This is what I discovered. Boo had "done" Little Man's hair, or should I say, Lucia's hair. They had also done bunny, cat, and mommy bunny's hair (fur).

When I was younger we used to dress my brother, Stephen, up in a dress and do his hair. We used to call him Stephanie after the make-over. Thankfully, he has turned out pretty normal--well, that is debatable. He is pretty hilarious, actually. I will note that the only pictures we have of this were from when he was around 2. He is now MUCH taller than me and would probably give me a noogie if I tried anything like that.

Camping

2008-06-29T22:42:00.005-04:00

I can vividly remember my worst nights of sleep (not including newborn stage). Most of them include camping. Uncomfortableness, cold, snorers, sharing a broken sleeping bag with a roommate (remember that, Sare?)... Our ward at church had a camp out last weekend. I joined for dinner, but left S. with two of the munchkins. I like my friends and wanted to keep them. I didn't want to torture them with a 4 month-old waking up. So, I hopped in the non-kid mobile and took a nice drive home listening to what I wanted to. I woke up about 3 am to a thunderstorm and dreamt the rest of the night about them coming home soaked (we have had the tent almost 8 years and never actually used it over night). They made it until the morning with Little Man only waking up at one point looking for Bunny. Oh, and S. discovered that he is longer than the tent. Looks like we'll need to buy another one for next year.

Meanwhile, I got to play with the Chubbers.

Happy Belated Father's Day

2008-06-23T22:23:00.005-04:00

I have clearly been a slacker. I haven't even given a shout out to the Fathers in my life. Poor S. He didn't get much of a Father's Day. The Saturday before was INSANE--cleaning the church, a ballet performance, hosting an Open House for some REALLY good friends who are moving to Beaver, Utah (and you know for my "hosting" includes lots of grub), and a wedding reception of one of my really good high school friends. I was BEAT by the time Father's Day rolled around. Plus, S. is the Ward Mission Leader and has meetings at 7:30am on Sunday ("What?" you say? "Isn't he the Seminary teacher?" Well, the Sunday after seminary ended, he got this wonderful new calling. I had gotten one a few weeks earlier to be choir director--yipee). I just couldn't do breakfast in bed before then. After church we had family dinner (yea! With both of our dads) on Sunday, but S. had work to do afterwards so we couldn't relax as long as we would have liked.

S., don't let my slacking make you think you are not an amazing father and husband. You make us happy every day and we love you. When S. was little and was asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" His reply was, "Be a Dad." If that isn't the sweetest thing ever! Well, I can say that he is one of the best (More to come on his most recent adventure with the munchkins)!

Happy Father's Day (x3) to you. (Remember when life was so simple with only 1 child? It's so much more fun now. Right? Right?) We'll have another celebration when you get your present---the iphone.

**The Black and White Photo is courtesy of the Fabulous Rebecca.

Adios, Man Poop!!

2008-06-09T23:34:00.001-04:00

It is official. The little man is potty-trained. It was almost overnight. And to all those who say pull-ups don't work, they were actually a good transition for him. He was attached to his diapers (but he would make me change them right after he peed), we finally convinced him to wear pull-ups, and he actually regressed and wouldn't tell me to change him right afterwards. One night S. had a good talk with him, he went to the bathroom around 10pm (it was a late night) and S. took him (and Boo, of course) out for a treat. After still peeing in his pull-ups a couple times after that he went days with being dry. Then he suddenly was ready for underwear. He didn't want it off for bed, so he has even been sleeping in it with no accidents (and going in public). I have to say it's easier than with Boo because he can just do it himself and I don't have to do anything. He just stands up and makes his bubbles.

However, he is still adjusting to the lack of cushion when he falls.

Ahhh, life is good being free of man poop...for a few months until Nay starts on solids.

Go away, need sleepy

2008-06-06T22:55:00.003-04:00

Didn't Chris Farley put that nicely? When I was a freshman in college my roommate, Tammi and I would hang a sign on our door when we were napping that said, "Go away, need sleepy." The neighbors of our dorm room, Sarah and Chelsea hated it. They'd come to knock only to find the 1 1/2 foot by 1 1/2 foot sign hanging.

We're tired around here. Everyday, somewhere between the hours of 1 and 4pm, you will find four sleeping bodies (sometimes 5 on Sunday). If we don't get our naps we are 1) Grumpy, 2) Can't go in public for the rest of the day because of our grumpiness, and 3) We will probably fall asleep somewhere if given the chance--or not.

My kids RARELY fall asleep anywhere besides their car seat or their bed from about the time they are 4 months old. I can count on one hand the times they have fallen asleep other places. Two of those five have happened to Little Man in the last month.

The first was after a friend had her daughter's b-day party at our house. The kids didn't get a nap because by the time things were cleaned up and everyone left it was too late. Little Man fell asleep on the floor.

The second was yesterday. The kids played in their room instead of taking a nap. Occasionally they will play for a while, but I will usually end it after about 10 minutes if they haven't already fallen asleep. Yesterday I was on the search for the keys to our firebox (The little man had moved them) so I could get Boo's birth certificate to sign her up for Kindergarten and I didn't take a nap myself, so I didn't enforce. After I FINALLY found the keys and they had been playing for the length of their naps (2 hours) they wanted a snack. Here is Little Man with a full tummy of peanut butter, apples, and crackers. He just couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. Boo and I were cracking up at him and he didn't like it, but he still succumbed. I ended up letting them run in the sprinkler BEFORE cleaning their room so he would wake up (that is why he has no shirt on. They had changed into their bathing suits and were supposed to clean their rooms first). He did, and he had a major breakdown at dinner because he was so tired. So, no matter how crazy my friends think I am that my 2 1/2 year-old and almost 5 year-old take naps--they need it. So if you happen to call between 1 and 4, leave a message, because we're home, but nobody is awake.

May Fun

2008-05-27T22:54:00.007-04:00

We have been having a fun time around here. Here are some pictures from a few recent activities:

May Day at Boo's Preschool

Viva Vienna Fair--On the Slide--we tried to have the kids go on themselves. Little Man chickened out at the top and S. had to save him. He still has a red face from crying.

He was much happier on the train.

Cotton candy anyone? I can not eat it without getting my hands sticky, but not THIS sticky.

Nay is 3 months old! She scoots like crazy on her back--she will be in a completely different position when I come back in the room. She has a cute belly laugh and she loves to watch her crazy siblings. The outfit she is wearing was mine when I was a baby. I'll find a picture of me in it and post later.

Mother's Day Wishes

2008-05-11T22:49:00.004-04:00

I wish:

I had no other responsibilities around the house so I could play with my children all day without worrying about the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, bathrooms...

Nay would sleep through the night.

Little man would potty-train himself--now (I am sick of man poop).

The kids could keep their room clean.

I could be on vacation with my family now.

We were rich so S didn't have to work.

None came true. Maybe next year?

It was a fabulous day full of cards, breakfast in bed, family, singing, and lots and lots of hugs and kisses (and the promise of Wii Fit).

Here are three important mothers in my life right now. Each has helped shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you for your sacrifices, love and examples (Each is holding one of my children--can you guess which child is which?).

2 months and counting

2008-05-06T22:20:00.006-04:00

Time is flying. Nay is already 2 months old. She really reminds me of her big sis.

All of our kids have had freakishly strong necks from the time they were born. Nay rolled over (front to back) a couple weeks ago. Maybe it's just their big heads that help them tip over. Here is a picture of her just before she rolled. And then a pic of the ladies.

I'm loving the smiles, coos and squeals of delight. Now just give me some sleep!

Tagged again!

2008-05-02T09:35:00.001-04:00

I have been putting this off. My long-time friend, Lisa tagged me a couple weeks ago, and I am just getting around to it. Lisa is one of those people who never went through an awkward stage. I always looked up to her for her amazing voice and beauty (and we met when we were around 11). She lived with us for a year when we were in 8th and 9th grade. She's pretty dang funny, too (scrunchies for sale?). So, here you go, Lis:

I had to take the letters of my middle name and use words to describe me.

A--AFFABLE: Here's dictionary.com's definition:
1. pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite: an affable and courteous gentleman
(woman for me).
2. showing warmth and friendliness; benign; pleasant: an affable smile.

When I am out and about people are not shy to talk to me. I like to think that is is because I'm affable. Usually they are just commenting on my beautiful children, especially Little man's eyelashes. However, I like to think they feel they can approach me because I walk around town with a smile on my face (unless my kids are being super crazy).

N--NOT NAUGHTY: I hate breaking the rules. I can't even handle it when S. pays the money on a toll road, but still makes the buzzer go off because he went too fast through it. I try to do all in my power so the lifeguards don't blow their whistle at me even though I am twice their age--why would I even care? I hate when I get chastised for doing something I shouldn't. Oh, and on a side note: I can't take criticism very well.

N--NOISY: It has been said that I am the noisiest of the Atk girls. S. likes to especially shush me when I'm on the telephone. And I apparently laugh loud.

We finally got a new camera. Ours died and that's why I haven't posted here or on my flog. Look forward to some pics of the growing (but not sleeping well) baby and some grub.

Cherry Blossoms

2008-04-12T22:26:00.006-04:00

One of the top 10 reasons for living in D.C.
(Check out Boo's cherry blossom jeans, too!)

I recently read an article in Newsweek, "Liar, Liar Parents on Fire" that talks about how we lie to our kids (the article was written after the author's 7-year-old asked why it was "embarrassing that former New York governor Eliot Spitzer was involved with a cowgirl ring"). Basically according to the pros it is okay to lie to our children (Santa, Easter Bunny, etc) and to teach them to lie to spare someone's feelings. It is a "developmental milestone" because they have empathy. Well, here is our little white lie about this statue of Einstein--he is the Little Einstein's great-grandfather. Hopefully our children won't be in therapy in 20 years after that one.

Blessing Day and Easter

2008-04-09T22:42:00.005-04:00

Our camera has been sporadic in functioning, so I relied on my sister for some pictures of Flaca's blessing. She was blessed during our 9:00am church, and EVERYONE (three of my siblings + spouses+kids, 1 of Sam's siblings + spouse + friend, both sets of g-parents, Great G-ma, Uncle P., Cousin K.) made it on time (Well, family was. A friend+daughter were a little late). It was a beautiful blessing and she didn't even cry. We pulled a "Utah" (no offense, Utah friends) and skipped out after Sacrament meeting (hey, Ben and Amanda had to drive back up to NY) and everyone came to our house for brunch. After naps we headed to my parents' house for Easter Dinner (the third picture is the same day there).

We don't have pictures of the kids finding their Easter baskets because they found them just before we headed to church early to save seats for everyone. S. started a great tradition where he hid the baskets and left a note for the kids about where the basket was with a hint incorporating Jesus.

P.S. Thank you Easter Bunny for my Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii.

Ode to the Wrap Dress

2008-03-28T19:28:00.005-04:00

Oh, wrap dress. How I love you.
You treat me so well...
You fit when I am skinny,
You fit when I have a baby in my belly,
You are the ONLY dress I can wear when I am nursing.

Thank you for being so good to me.
I will pay lots of moolah for you to help me disguise my post-baby body.
And thank you to sisters-in-law with discounts.

(Thank you Banana Republic for making this fabulous one I wore for Easter--I didn't have the cute clutch, but I did have my yellow shoes!)

Confessions of a new mother of 3

2008-03-12T22:07:00.006-04:00

I didn't take a shower yesterday.
I cooked for the first time in at least 16 days tonight.
I got 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night, 2 1/2 the night before.
I haven't cleaned my bathrooms for 3 weeks (hey--you try 9+months pregnant).
I ate 20 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies yesterday.
I lost 20 lbs in less than a week without doing anything (well, see above).
I haven't gone to ANY store in 16 days. I have only been to the Dr. and the playground.
I love my newborn even though she doesn't let me sleep.
I love my mother-in-law for taking the older kids and playing with them so I can sleep.
I love my two older kids who play so well together and are patient while I have a baby attached to me.
I love my husband who handles my overtired tears and helps me keep my sanity.
In spite of it all I am happy and it is so worth it!

One talented Auntie

2008-03-06T21:39:00.002-05:00

The talented Reb came to town (made a 4 1/2 hour drive each way w/ three monkeys--in two days) and took some pics of the new addition as well as a couple of her cute siblings. Check out Reb's photo blog to see the older kids, but here's a sneak peak.

Reb is going to be in Boston and Utah in the coming months if you want to schedule a session (I'm allowed to advertise here, right?).

Naomi Jane

2008-03-01T22:47:00.005-05:00

Yeah, I know it's late, but it took this long to persuade Julie to hand over her password. -Sam

On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at 5:20 A.M., Julie was dreaming of a getaway in Hawaii when she was awakened by the literal "pop" of her water breaking. 13 all-natural-no-epideral-I'm-serious-she-didn't-use-any-drugs hours later we welcomed Naomi Jane into our family. Naomi weighed a slight 7 lbs. 14 oz. (Julie was visibly disappointed not to have broken the 8 lb. threshold) and was 21 inches tall/long. I use the past tense because she has lost a few ounces since, which she is steadily gaining back, and because we opted to get her legs "lengthened" to prepare for what will surely be a record-breaking career in the WNBA.

Julie was AMAZING throughout the entire labor and delivery. Her strength and calm have only deepened my love and respect for her. She even managed not to scream "GET IT OUT OF ME!", like last time. As she recovers I'm sure she would appreciate comments here and emails of support.

For everyone who voted "girl" on the poll, we'll be sending out autographed used diapers within the week.

No, STILL no baby.

2008-02-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

Ugggghhhh. I am officially past BOTH due dates and the end is no where is sight. I dread answering the phone--do people seriously think it's funny to tease someone who is OVER 40 weeks pregnant about still being there? Especially when they have been having contractions that haven't GONE anywhere?

I have decided to get on with life and pretend that I am still only 35 weeks pregnant. It just makes it easier. S. is going to make a sticker for me for Sunday that says, "Yes, I'm still here. I am ____ days overdue." Then maybe I won't end up in tears by the end of church.

I have to say thanks to S. for helping out with the kids a lot lately and for taking me out to restaurants to eat spicy food (no luck there).

Maybe this baby doesn't want to come because we haven't decided on a name yet. By the way--the poll is closed because it's past my due date. Girl won--S. cheated and voted 2 or 3 times for boy. We can't wait to see!!

BTW--I love how the babystrology ticker doesn't know what to do when you go over your due date. If you click on it it says I still have a week and three days to go, and then it also says I have three days to go.

HILARIOUS!!

2008-02-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

S. showed this to me and it is hilarious. 207 people froze for 5 minutes in Grand Central Station. You HAVE to see it!

Super Friday

2008-02-08T08:36:00.000-05:00

Here's a place to vote no matter if you're Democrat, Independent or Republican. Since it doesn't matter if I vote or not on Tuesday because of a certain someone dropping out of the race and Republicans are only left with the Lollipop Guild member and Huckleberry, I figured I would have my own sort of poll.

VOTE ON THE SEX OF THE BABY ---------------->

Ugly Phase

2008-02-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Last week in Seminary I taught about when the Israelites wanted a king in 1 Samuel because "everyone else was doing it." As an introduction to it we discussed fads and fashions over the past twenty years or so. I talked about things that were cool when I was in elementary-high school: peg jeans, SIKE, LYLAS, and big glasses. I let down my pride and showed some HIDEOUS pictures of myself. When I told S. my lesson plan the night before I told him I needed some pictures of him, but then I remembered...he didn't have an ugly stage. How is that fair? How could I have married someone who went through such an easy adolescent period where even girls 5+ years older than him thought he was so attractive (I'm talking he was 12, and they were 17). So, just know that while the rest of the world (or maybe just me) was struggling with big bangs, pegged jeans, huge glasses, and terrible clothes, there was S, just looking cute.

In honor of his recent birthday, I will show you some pictures from his youth. But seriously, I couldn't find a single embarrassing one. What child of the 80s doesn't have an ugly stage? And is it just me or do kids not even go through an ugly stage these days?

Happy Birthday, Funny Man. Thanks for working so hard, making me laugh, playing with the kids, and being so dang handsome.

Oh, Yes, it's Ladies' Day

2008-01-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

We had a Ladies' Day Out last Saturday. A few hours of delicious food (yea for Restaurant Week!!), good conversation, and a fun show. And a break from being a mom. Why does it seem that the men get these chances more often than the women? S. helps out tons, but it just seems that it's easier for him to get away with his friends--to a Redskins game, Wizards game, just to watch some random game, or even go to a movie. It seems hard for the wives to coordinate a time when their husbands are home to watch the kids. Anyone have a solution?

We saw My Fair Lady at the Kennedy Center. It was really well done--I liked the dances, loved the costumes, but it left me with an entirely different feeling than Wicked. Wicked just made you want to be a better person. Although, "Poor Professor Higgins" developed into a tolerable character, it still didn't give me that warm fuzzy feeling.

I think it will be a while before I have another Ladies' Day Out with this third one coming...

Barefoot and pregnant

2008-01-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, here is a picture of my big belly (35 weeks and counting). I got a couple requests for it, and after looking at Lisa's, Amanda, and Brooke's blogs I figured I better join in the pregnant ladies' party.

I have often wondered about the phrase, "Barefoot and pregnant." I know why it is used now--because it is so stinkin' hard to put your shoes on. I painted my toenails the other night and almost stopped mid-painting to wait for S. to come home so he could do it for me. Only 5 or so more weeks to go and I can wear tie shoes again. Oh, and I can't wait until I can clean up my house without a big belly. I keep telling the kids they need to pick their toys up off the floor because by the end of the day my back is killing me.

After seeing my belly--any guesses on it being a boy or a girl?

Our discussion last Sunday on the way home from church:

S: Do you think the baby is a girl or a boy?

Boo: Boy!

Little Man: Girl!

S and Boo: Boy!

Me and LM: Girl! '

We seriously shouted it back and forth for a couple minutes. We'll see who's right soon enough...

Happy New Year--LATE

2008-01-14T18:23:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd post a couple pictures from our New Year's celebration at my bro's house (Our camera's battery died, so we don't have any good ones). We have started a tradition where we celebrate "New Year's in (insert country)" to help us get the kids to bed earlier. Somehow we still end up celebrating at 12:00 our time (the kids miraculously hold it together, too. It's like it's 6:00 pm). But, it's a fun excuse to cook different cuisines anyway.

2006: New Year's in Paris: Crepes, pate, etc.
2007: New Year's in Italy: Chicken Parmesan, Pasta, bread, proliferoles, etc.
2008: New Year's in Greece (the Mediterranean): Kabobs, hummus, pitas, etc.

Corrupting our child

2007-12-30T20:43:00.001-05:00

Just a fun holiday moment with Little Man boxing with his cousin, M. (It's M.'s Wii. Or should I say it's my brother, Craig's?) The Wii is seriously the ONLY video game I would consider letting into the walls of my home because you actually have to DO something.

Note: I STINK at Guitar Hero. I'll just add that to my list along with Dance, Dance Revolution. Maybe if I actually spent time playing them I would get better. (Don't worry I didn't do Dance, Dance Revolution 7 1/2 months pregnant. That would NOT be a pretty picture).

It's a bird, it's a plane...

2007-12-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

No, it's BUNNY-BOY! The little man will run around like this and yell, "Bunny-boy!" Sometimes I even become "Bunny-mom." Sorry, no picture for that one.

Bunny-boy's special powers:

X-ray vision (those eyes have to do something!)
Super-fast running (he goes around and around our dining room table)
Can make a huge mess in less than 1 minute
Can clean up a whole basement in less than 10 minutes when bribed with Little Einsteins
Can spill his drink 5 times during 1 meal
Can tackle his sister in 2 seconds (it helps that he is only 1 pound lighter than her)
Can make you laugh at his antics all day
Can give the best hugs

Banana Feet

2007-12-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

I have been searching for the perfect yellow heels for months. About a month ago S. found THEM in J.Crew. A little too pricey, but thanks to patience, sales, plus extra 20% off sales, plus the wonderful internet where you can find codes for free shipping for your favorite stores, they are now mine. Good thing accessories still fit with my growing belly. Merry Christmas to me.

In the Spirit of Christmas

2007-12-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

Boo: "When I grow up, before I even become a mom, instead of wasting my money on cars I'm going to give it to people."

Two weeks prior, we were driving to Grandma and Grandpa Mud's and we saw a Ferrari and after pointing it out to the kids S. said he would never waste money on that. The kids do listen sometimes.

Snow=Sleep

2007-12-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Ahh, the first snow. I don't think I have appreciated snow this much since 1996. I got up at 5am this morning to check if there was a delay, and SUCCESS!! A two hour delay=no seminary!! I feel like a high schooler again and finding the joy in no school.

S. came home early yesterday to take the kids sledding. They bundled up and had a great time while I made dinner and some hot chocolate. I remember back in college S. came and knocked on my window and woke me up with the first snow. He had walked all the way to my house in the snow just to let me in on the excitement. Glad to see not much has changed.

P.S. Happy St. Nick Day!!

100-1=

2007-11-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

99!!! Can you believe it?! My grandmother is 99 years old. I can only DREAM of living that long! I probably won't make it because of my lack of exercise, use of pesticides in our food, living in Provo, UT with the pollution of Geneva Steel, living in London and having black boogers--that can't be good, or living in Mexico City and all the pollution there. I think I need to do some research on what the cleanest city is and try to earn some years back on my life that I have lost.

If I were to learn from my grandmother what the keys to living to 99 are:
SALT. Seriously. She piles on the salt AND butter.
Don't eat out.
Do your floor exercises everyday.
Read the newspaper.
Keep your brain active.
Be selfless.
Be a hostess of the Southern kind (She is from Kentucky).
Laugh.

I am constantly amazed at her memory. She can recite poems and tell stories like she is 16.

She was an English teacher for years at Washington Lee High School and even taught Warren Beatty and Shirley Maclaine. Whenever she reads about them in the newspaper she just says, "Oh, Warren." She's almost famous.

We lived with her and my grandfather for about 1 1/2 years (before and after Mexico). She is an avid reader, and keeps up really well with current events, even though she has never used the internet and keeps all of her cool whip and country crock butter containers. One of my favorite questions that she asked us after reading the newspaper was, "What does "Dubya" mean?" After having a good laugh we told her that it was talking about George W. Bush.

What takes the cake? She still lives in her own house, and even took care of my grandfather until he passed away in May. She is COMPLETELY with it, minus some hearing. We love her, and my kids ADORE her (as she does them).

Fall Fun

2007-11-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

S. played hooky from work so we could go to Cox Farm. We met up with my sister, Jeannie, Mom and some friends. It was about 80 degrees and this pregnant lady was not dressed for that! We had a fabulous time riding the slides, hayride, eating apples and drinking cider. It was pretty funny to see the kids running around yelling, "Bees!" when we were getting the cider.

Little Man's first time down one of the many slides was a little crazy, so he was apprehensive for the next couple and had to go with S. He got over it soon enough and was his usual dare-devil self. Love these moments. Why can't we play hooky everyday?

All Hallows Eve

2007-11-02T17:58:00.001-04:00

I am a preteen trapped in a 30 year old's body. S. and I still have that 10 year-old mind-set that the one with the most candy wins. It's quite funny, because I can honestly say our kids haven't had one ounce of their trick or treating candy since All Hallows Eve (I have only had some of our leftovers). But the sheer joy of getting free candy makes my heart palpitate and my blood-sugar level rise. I think the baby in my belly even did a little dance as we walked around the neighborhoods.

The kids had a great time getting the treats, but not appreciating the few tricks they experienced. We went around our neighborhood for a little while and then headed to Gma and Gpa Mud's house for some hearty soup, homemade rolls and Hocus Pocus (well, the kids didn't watch it, they just went trick or treating some more). One of the Mud's neighbors dresses up every Halloween like someone who died that year and acts like them. It is always entertaining. Last year he was the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin (moment of silence) and this year it was Robert Goulet. The man even sang us "If Ever I Would Leave You." Boo didn't want any candy from him afterwards--I don't know if it was his white zombie face or his singing.

At least next year the baby will let me pick out his/her costume! So much for me deciding what my kids are going to be. Apparently the kids had a theme this year--red. Boo is Gabriella from High School Musical (but she is nothing like the actress in real life--scandal), and Little Man is of course his favorite character, Elmo. He talked for weeks about how he was going to be Elmo.

My latest obsession

2007-10-25T07:23:00.001-04:00

Love, love, love this new show on ABC. It is a dark comedy with characters that you want to be (can I please have Chuck's clothes and hair?!). And a sitcom that breaks into song? A pie shop called The Pie Hole? Now, that is right up my alley. Watch the first four episodes online at abc.com and I bet you become addicted like me. I told S. it was a sacrifice for me to go to bookclub last night and not watch it at the regular time. He told me that was ridiculous--that was like saying it was a sacrifice to miss dessert to go to a movie (Thank goodness for DVR/Tivo so it wasn't too much of a sacrifice). Just shut your pie hole and watch. See you next Wednesday at 8:00.

Columbus sailed

2007-10-19T08:14:00.000-04:00

Who gets Columbus day off? A lot of the counties nearby didn't get it off school. But, S. got work off, and we didn't have to teach Seminary! Any holiday is welcome here! We had a fun day going to Glen Echo Park, even though the Carousel was closed for the season (Who knew? It was 80 degrees that day!)

One of the {MANY} benefits of being a Virginian--Great Falls. Not really a benefit of living in Maryland--the view is not NEARLY as good from their side (can you tell I am a Virginia Snob?). For Columbus Day we went to Great Falls after picking up some cuisine at La Madeline. We were a high class family eating at the picnic tables. The kids loved climbing the rocks, but I have to admit I was a little paranoid seeing all the signs for how many drownings there are each year. I haven't been to Great Falls in years, and they have blocked off a lot more places so risks HAVE to be lower. I love how in the pictures we are holding our children in someway so they don't fall. Call me overprotective.

Candy Crack Corn

2007-10-18T09:16:00.001-04:00

I love this time of year. The air is crisp, leaves start changing color, you can wear cute jackets, and I can TOTALLY rationalize eating tons of CANDY CORN. I love it. I know only a few who can join me in my obsession (Mary!). What is it about those little nubs that are so scrumptious to me and leave me longing for more? That's right. All that SUGAR and COLOR.

How to eat a candy corn:

1. Buy only Brach's. Those other might LOOK fine, but nasty.
2. Don't go for those pumpkins or even the "chocolate" candy corn (and don't even get me started on the "Christmas" candy corn).
3. The three flavors DO have different tastes.
4. Never eat them in one bite (unless they are on a cupcake or a cookie).
5. You must hold one in your hand, and take small bites starting from the white part, up.
6. Don't think that Jones Candy Corn soda will actually taste like the real thing--it doesn't.
7. For best results, eat only in the fall.

We have a decoration with candy corn in it on our front table in the foyer. The kids always ask for them when we are getting ready. I give in a lot, but they sure are fast at getting those shoes on!

Sing us a song, you're the piano girl!

2007-10-11T20:11:00.001-04:00

We finally have a real piano!!! About a month ago Kitt's music was having a piano sale so my mom and I went to check it out. I called S. at work to have him help me decide. He basically gave me the go-ahead to get the one I wanted. It took me a while to decide, but I finally went for the nicer of the two I had narrowed it down to--a Kawai upright. It has the sound of a baby grand, and basically the only way up is to a grand piano. S.'s only comment was, "Do you really need a concert piano?" My reply, "No, but Boo might" (Seriously, she is amazing. Yesterday she played Ode to Joy by ear).

A couple features I love about it--the middle pedal you can move to the left to make it quiet. Unfortunately, Boo has figured out how to take it on and off, but the Little Man hasn't. I still have SOME sanity. And it has a slow fall cover for the keys--no smooshed fingers like on my mom's baby grand. For a few days after getting it S. would joke about getting his plasma tv now, but I clearly pointed out that something to develop a talent came before entertainment. We have a rule that you have to wash your hands before you play it. Boo is so good about it, and she always makes sure I have washed mine when I'm playing, too.

I think I can start to get over my bitterness towards my oldest sister getting my mom's upright. Here's the story: My mom used to tell us that the best pianist would get her upright after she got her baby grand. I practiced, and practiced and waited for the competition (okay, not really, but I still was up for the fight). Enter oldest child: the one who told my mom her secrets, the one with the big mouth (yes, Jean, you, but you never read this so why am I writing it?). She gets married, owns a house in Atlanta, and gets a calling at church to be the primary pianist. No more competition. Oldest child wins out--she gets the piano. My other sister, Mary and I are thinking, temporary, right? We are the ones who can actually play (no offense, Jean). Jeannie moves up here, and Mary now has a house (so it took us a little while to have a house), strange thing happens--Jeannie gets to KEEP the piano. First children always get the best stuff. Maybe parents do love their first a little more...(not me, Little Man, I love you both).

3 Decades Old

2007-10-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

It's official. I am 3 decades old. No longer will I say my age in years--What? How old am I? I am three decades. This is a milestone than many of my friends and siblings have already reached, so it doesn't feel like a big deal. Besides, 30 is the new 20, and life is GOOD. Here are a couple pictures from my past three decades, and a few moments.

Ages 1-10: Florida--(no, I was not born here, but I don't remember anything from my birthplace, Belgium, and we left when I was 3! I hope Boo remembers her good friends in Charlottesville!), snakes under our swing set, our "yellow brick road" of dandelions in our backyard in Ohio and how they ruined my favorite Cabbage Patch Kid outfit.

Ages 11-20: Walking 25 miles in white KEDS when I was 12, Girls' Camp, silly card games with "kings" (who knew I would marry one of my "kings?"), Oakton Stake youth conferences and dances, silliness, crushes, being wild and crazy, getting my license, tping, swimming in the resevior, singing at Disney World.

Ages 21-30: Craziness at BYU, London and graduation, marrying the man of my dreams in 2000, Mexico--teaching, living right behind Cartier and Louis Vuitton, 1st child, 2nd child, fabulous friends in Charlottesville, "real life" in D.C and loving it.

I can't wait to see what the next 3 decades hold!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

2007-09-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

Wow, a lot of things have been going on, but I am going to start with one of the most important--MY BABY IS TWO! The Little Man turned 2 on Wednesday and we had a relaxed celebration (with another one with cousins in a week) with his two sets of Grandparents. It's so nice when you can decide what they do for their birthday. Okay, well, I THOUGHT I could decide, but the man of few words was INSISTENT on an Elmo birthday cake (as he is that he is going to be Elmo for Halloween. How does he even KNOW about this stuff?!?!?!). His wish came true, as did his wishes he didn't even know he had--he got a basketball hoop. He's got skills.

This Little Man can seriously crack us up. I just want to squeeze him and stick him in my pocket, but due to his size (he weighs as much as his sister that is over 2 years older than him) I can't. Now that his is officially over his screaming stage (my apologies to all those who beheld that), he is so cute. Here are some things I love about him:

1. His LONG eyelashes and big eyes.
2. His word for Okay, "Duh."
3. His excellent t-ball skills (he bends his legs and actually takes a step when hitting the ball--before he was even 2).
4. How he puts on his shoes by himself and has since he was 17 months old (so, their crocs, but still it makes my day easier).
5. How he SLEEPS! He is a dream. We read books, read scriptures, pray, and when I sometimes TRY to just hold him and rock him he says, "Night, night" and points to his crib. I consent and put him in and he doesn't make a peep.
6. How he says, "money"--"num-uh-num"
7. How he listens and obeys---seriously.
8. How he sings (and laughs when Elmo laughs, or say "Ahem" when one of the characters does) to Elmo and the Orchestra, and always requests it first thing in the car.
9. His silly laugh when he's with Boo, how he just LOVES her.
10. How he is just so HAPPY, kind and fun!

He is going to be a great BIG brother! We love watching him grow and learn new things. We are so glad he is part of our family.

Disney

2007-09-11T07:29:00.000-04:00

What I learned at Disney World:

1. It is perfectly acceptable for 55 year old men to wear Mickey Mouse Ears.
2. All Disney characters wear wigs--including those that are just dancers.
3. Ariel is stacked.
4. Disney World is TOO expensive.
5. Every girl can be a princess.
6. Chuck E Cheese is where a kid can be a kid, but Disney World is where an adult can be a kid (a kid that makes money, that is).
7. Disney actors are CHEEEEEEEESY (and this is coming from someone who would LOVE to play Belle on Stage)!
8. Apparently it is cool to go for your honeymoon and wear Minnie ears with a veil.
9. Disney World rides are just a big ad and all the same (the ones you can take kids on, anyway).
10. Why ever go anywhere else in the world when you can see it all at Disney? Safaris, China, Norway, Mexico, England, Germany...it's all just the same at Disney World (I hope you know I am kidding).

We did have a fabulous time--the kids were great on the plane, and we didn't have any breakdowns at the park even though they didn't have naps and we got home late. We ate breakfast with the princesses, met the Little Einsteins, rode TONS of rides, and saw a plethora a shows! Boo's favorite rides were the White Water (she got the wettest both times she went on) and Goofy's Roller Coaster. Little Man wasn't so sure about the roller coaster (he only wanted to ride once--no crying he just said he didn't want to go again), but he loved everything else. Thanks to Disney World, our son has his first sword. He carried that thing everywhere. What are they TEACHING him?

Now, it's back to reality, and on to teaching seminary at 6am. What a shock to the system.

New Beginnings

2007-09-05T21:38:00.000-04:00

Today was Boo's first day of Preschool. Yes, it was a little hard for me and it's only 3 hours MWF!! I'm just trying to prepare myself for full-day kindergarten next year. The picture was actually taken AFTER school. I had to wake up BOTH kids (8:40) in order to get her to school at 9:00.

Boo had a great time and played with all of her friends that were in her Joy School class last year. I think Little Man loved the fact that he was King of the radio, toys and shopping cart. We head to Disney World tomorrow, so she'll be missing Friday, but I don't think she'll be too upset.

S.'s bro, Jesse entered the Missionary Training Center today in Provo, Utah. In November he'll be heading to Taiwan to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are very excited for him and know he will pick up the language quickly and do a great job.
The kids will miss Uncle Jesse!