A moment to brag....

Sometimes, as a Mom, it is so hard to watch our children grow up. Part of that is it just makes you feel so darn old! The other part, for me anyway, is knowing what is coming up next for them. Seeing them still so young, good, and relatively pure is such a blessing. Teenage years scare me! I think of myself as having been a pretty good, mild teenager, and the thought of my kids as teens even acting like me makes me want to have them cryogenic-ly frozen and thawed out on their arranged wedding days, or the day the boys are to enter the MTC. Since that isn't going to happen, I just have to fortify myself to be able to watch them go through the process of growing-up.

So far, our kids have made us very proud. While they have moments of selfishness, poor judgement, and of just being plain stupid; the majority of the time, they are very loving, kind, selfless and giving children.
Yesterday was one of those days that makes me think that perhaps it just might not be as bad as I am dreading. Kayleigh made a decision that impressed us all!

Kayleigh has been growing her hair since last year. Lately, it has gotten harder and harder for her to care for on her own. It had gotten so long she couldn't brush the back without help. And washing and drying it was difficult too. We have been talking for a while of getting it cut. She did not want to go short, as she likes having long hair. She agreed to get it cut to her shoulders.

Yesterday was the big day to get her hair cut. I mentioned to her yesterday that there was a program called Locks of Love, that takes hair and makes wigs for kids who are sick and have lost their hair. She thought about it for a minute and said she wanted to give her hair to Locks of Love. I told her that she'd have to get it cut WAY shorter than she was intending. She said she didn't want it cut that short.

A few minutes later, she came and asked how short she'd have to get it cut. We got out a ruler and measured 12 inches up from the bottom. It was going to be SHORT. Right at her hair line. For a minutes, she wasnt going to do it. I am not sure why, but then she came in and said she wanted to cut it all the way and save the pony tail for Locks of Love.

We went to get the cut....There is a place by WalMart that Blake has gone to several times, and the boys have gone too. I took her there, and signed in. The lady came to get us, and I explained we needed her hair washed and dried before cutting, as she wanted to donate her hair to Locks of Love. There were about 5 stylists and a couple customers in at the time, and everybody kind of stopped to listen to find out what was going on. They stylist explained that they would have to cut her hair REALLY short. She (the stylist) was concerned Kayleigh would be upset with such a drastic change.Kayleigh smiled, and quietly told her she knew and that she wanted to do it. The stylists were all very encouraging and told her what a great thing she was doing. One stylist told her she had a lady who was growing her hair for Locks of Love and got to where she couldnt stand it anymore and came and got her hair cut at 9 1/2 inches! She was ALMOST there! They did the cut. It was hard watching them saw through that big, thick, ponytail. It almost felt like she was suddenly growing up before my eyes! I know it grows back, but just seeing how proud she was of herself, knowing how hard the decision was for her.....and to see her follow through!

The cut was over, the new "do" unveiled, and she LOVED it!

She had played with her new hairdo over and over! Parted it this way and that, flipped it, curled it, twisted it.......She said it makes her feel grown up, and I have to agree. I see her turning into a young lady, right before my eyes, and one that makes me proud!

I am the mother of a graduate....

I am the mom of a graduate! :)

And I still look so young! :) Ok, maybe not....dang those brows need some wax! Love the nasal upshot....thanks Bryce..... But, yes, my nose is really that big!

Ok, so it is only kindergarten! But hey, 3 down 2 to go! Then I am home alone, all day! (assuming the husband has a job by then!)


It does seem like just yesterday Bryce was born. He was such a quiet, sleepy, sweet baby.....for the first week. Then it all changed....until he was about 15 months old he was the crankiest, clingiest, fussiest baby! I felt horrible when we found out he had food allergies, and evidently had not felt well for oh....15 months! Changing his diet and treating his allergies made a world of difference, (thank goodness to because when he was 14 months old, Drew was born!) and he is now one of the funniest, happiest, most "spirited" and creative children!

Bryce and his teacher!

The kids performed, of course, after the PTA meeting. I hate that trick. The gym was packed floor to ceiling with over-proud parents, grumpy old grandparents, and siblings running amok. They sang, we sweated (it was like 100 degrees in there.) Then we went to their rooms to do their "graduations" in each classroom. Here he is with his great teacher! Hopefully Drew has her next year! Bryce has come so far and learned SO much this year! The transformation in kindergarten is always so fun to watch! Becoming a reader is such a neat thing to watch! He isnt quite the book worm that his siblings are....yet! He'd rather be outside being a total BOY!
The school year is finally ending, and now I get to have all five home with me! Woo hoo!!! Iam so looking forward to summer!

Things the Mom of Boys should know....

I think I need to be put into a remedial mothering class. There are certain things any mother should know. Then there are certain things a mother of boys should certainly know. Some of these things you want to learn from others experience, not your own. (one would be wiping that "chocolate" smudge off with your bare hands thinking it is pudding, only to realize pudding DOES NOT ever smell like that!)

I also have a perpetual problem with the word YES. I can't seem to stop saying it. And I have a heck of a time saying NO. For instance.....playgroup was to be at a park this week. Logically, that is where 12+ toddlers should gather. When asked if my house could be the back up in the event of rain I said......YES!

Problem 1. What was I thinking??? The school year is winding down and I have something going on literally everyday! 2. I just hosted playgroup not to long ago....change is good. 3. My house was a bit out of sorts, and by that I mean messy as all imagination. So, i had to clean the kitchen floors, de-toy the living room, clean the hardwood floors in the entry and dining room, make sure the hall bathroom was clean (vs. boyified....and moms of boys KNOW what that means....little puddles of pee), and clean the boys room. OH MY HECK! What did they do in there? It looked like Toys'R'Us vomitted in their closet and into the bedroom floor. And what's that....oh, that is clean? laundry mixed in with toys of every kind! It was the literal noah's ark of toys and laundry!
Now, mind you, I was already in a somewhat (very) bad mood. I get in there knee deep, garbage bag in hand, attitude on my shoulder. The boys had been banished to go bug their dad, and Iwas on a mission. This place was going to sparkle and shine.....or at the very least prove that we had carpet and not fisher-price flooring. I get to work....sorting blocks into this container, legos into that one, star wars men, nerf guns, balls.....and on and on!
Now, one part of me was pleased with the progress i was making. Another part of me was getting madder by the minute. All the laundry I had done.....none of it seemed to make it to those cool regtangular contraptions on tracks that are meant to hold clean, folded, laundry (we call them drawers...). Why? If they can bring them as far as the room, can they not dump them in a drawer instead of the closet floor?
I start refolding the clothes....habit, as I know they will stay folded about 5 seconds. Then I notice there are some dirty clothes mixed in.....this is where it's gonna get fun! The things Andrew wears, shirt wise, I can spot as "used". He wipes his mouth on his right shoulder. So there was food on the shoulders of the shirts. Pants/shorts were a little harder, had to look for signs of wear...dirty knees, food...etc. Now mom is getting mad.....
The smart woman in me sees a pair of underwear. By all appearances, they look clean. No "pudding marks", no signs of pee. They must be clean. So, I decide to sniff them. YES I DID> Can you say DUMB DUMB DUMB?
Now, another thing a mom should know is that deep whiffs are NOT needed. Boys are courteous enough to make sure you can tell from about a 2 foot distance if the offending article has an odor. I guess I somehow missed that clue. Because, I leaned into said Fruit of the Looms and took a DEEP inhaling whiff. Why I continued to inhale after the first hint of putrid air hit my nostrils, I don't know. But I got a good, deep lung, nose assaulting whiff. And now mom was REALLY mad. But this time at myself. Cardinal rule number one of motherhood is DON'T SNIFF underwear! I mean hello? Am I really THAT Stupid....the answer to that fine question is Yes! Yes, I am!
I have learned a valuable lesson. Any underwear found in the closet floor WILL BE ASSUMED TO BE SOILED WITH URINE! Just not worth the risk!
Now, I wont even go into WHY? were urine soaked (and dried) underwear left in the closet floor. In fact, I didn't even asked. I figured the answer was as good as dumb as me sniffing them. Sometimes, you just get what you deserve!

Inventive Frugality

Andrew was needing some new shoes. Since the economy is so bad right now, we are trying to reserve every penny we can. The fact is, he is only four and will need many more pairs of shoes before he moves out of our house.





I think we found a solution that will work. The result offers great toe protection. They may not prove to be the best in rainy weather, so I may have to work on another solution, but for now.....

Andrew's New Shoes!!!

So, do you think it will catch on?????Are these the new crocs?

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

I have spent the day being pampered by my kids! Their father is training them well! He got up at about 7am yesterday (Saturday) and took all five shopping! My parents were up for a visit, so mom, dad, and I got up around 9 and headed to the commissary! Blake took the kids to do the prep-work and shopping for mother's day.



This morning Grandma and I were treated to homemade waffles, eggs, juice, and milk. At church, we were served caked and punch. The guys headed home with the kids as soon as church was over. I had to help Relief Society clean up (though I didn't....I abandoned my duties! Sorry Pam!). Mom and I got back to the house, and they already had the food nearly done! For lunch we had grilled steak (was very good!), green beans, corn, and hot rolls. For dessert, we got to choose from a variety cheesecake! Also VERY good!





We ate while watching 27 Dresses. The kids did an excellent job keeping our glasses full, and making sure all our needs were being met! We were truly spoiled! What great kids I have!



After dinner came the gifts! The kids gave us both handmade cards, some with seed packets tucked in a little pocket. I guess I'll be trying to grow some flowers! We gave mom (grandma) her very own webkinz! Now she can log on and play with the kids over the net! The kids picked her a Collie, and named her.......Lassie! Go figure. The kids are super excited they can mail and chat with grandma on Webkinz now. We also gave her 2 games for her Wii! Ofcourse we tested them out before they headed home! She got Big Brain Academy, and Game Party. We tried Game Party and it was fun. I SUCKED at everything I tried....SkillBall on the Wii is NOT the same as in the arcade.





The kids (and Blake) totally spoiled me! I got my own wireless guitar to xbox 360! Now I can really Rock it like a Star! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!That is just too funnY! THough I did complete Roxanne on Expert! I even got 3 stars! (yeah, I know it is easy!) They also got me a great gift certificate to the new Spa in town. I get a haircut, pedi, mani, and a 60 minute hot stone massage. Not sure how I feel about the massage........I dont like people touching me, plus, I am not on the skinny side of heavy! :P There is a lot of me to massage! Plus I usually laugh anytime someone rubs on me....so this could make for a very interesting time at the spa! Boy do I need the mani/pedi though!





So a great mother's day! The gifts are great, and I know I'll enjoy them. The real beauty and blessings of the day come from my kids! We have really been blessed with such wonderful kids! Not a day goes by that I don't think how blessed we are, and look forward with wonder to what lies ahead! In a few short months, Jonathon will get the priesthood, and in a year and a half, KK will go into young womens! Drew will start school this year!.....They are growing up so quickly right before my eyes! Sometimes I feel like I am in the movie, CLICK, and things are flying by and I just can't get the time back! I am really feeling grateful to have such a wonderful husband and fantastic children, not to mention the wonderful mother and father I was blessed to have!

I have blog block.....

I have started about 4 or 5 entries and shelved them all. I guess I have blog block.

I am neck high in field trip forms, teacher appreciation sheets, and end of year stuff for three kids! By the time evening rolls around, my brain is little better than bland mashed potatoes.

One exciting thing has happened in our home recently. Sam has crossed the threshold from baby and toddler into full-blown miniature boy! How is that you say? He is only two, is he not? Certainly he isn't to boyhood yet! Oh, but he is! My proof.....that child cannot hear a "poof" (that is how he says poot) without belly laughing. He thinks farts (did I just use the F-word!) are the funniest thing! Unfortunately for us, Jonathon tries to make him laugh, and our noses are being assaulted in some rather unthinkable ways. It is like a hurricane of putrid air rushing your nose! I certainly hope this amusement is a passing one.....or rather one that stops passing? Oh, and who knew 11 year old boys could do that on demand??????????

Why do my posts seem to always make their way to body functions????? Oh, I have four boys....that's right!

A funny little story....Sam has a very sensitive bum. We learned that there is one product that works well for him. In some ways, it has been a miracle cream for him. The only problem....the products name! So what is it already?????

http://www.buttpaste.com/BLButtPaste.php

Now here is why the name presents a problem. Sam has learned to say "butt paste" (and he has learned to say his own version of Andrew). Anytime he needs a diaper change, he will bring you a diaper, wipes, and butt paste. Shortly after Sam started saying "butt paste" and asking for it anytime he had a stinky. He loves his butt paste. It makes him feel better when he has (as we so crudely call it) BUTT RASH. One day not too long ago I was cleaning the kitchen floor (and NO this inst fiction!:P i do actually clean sometimes!). The tile gets VERY slick when wet. Just as I was warning Drew to be careful, he slipped and fell and bumped the back of his head on the floor. He was crying and saying he was hurt. I immediately went to him and was comforting Andrew when Sam walks up. As serious as he could be, Samuel looks at Andrew. Tilts his head off to the side, obviously concerned about Andrew's head. I am rubbing it and kissing his head where it hit the floor.

With all the sincerity of a two year old who LOVES his big brother, Sam says to Andrew: "DooDoo, you need Butt paste?" I about died laughing! The fact that Sam calls Andrew DOO DOO just makes it all the more funny! He just wanted to make him better, and he knew that in his world, butt paste made him feel better! Through my tears of laughter, I had to explain to Sam that while that was sweet he wanted to offer his paste to "Doo-Doo (that is how he says Andrew!)", that it wouldnt help his head feel better. Sam just couldnt believe it. Butt paste makes everything better in his world! He said, "No, you get butt paste, feel better."

If only life were as easy to fix as putting something on it called "butt paste!"