The Talk, Little Strippers, The Monster Truck Rally, and Pooh Pooh

It has been a while since I have posted so here it goes. I am sure that Rachel is cringing somewhere worried that she has not reviewed this before it goes out. This past weekend was Aubrie's first dance competition. Rachel was up at the butt crack o dawn to get Aubrie ready for the show. 5:50 a.m. was the wake up call and the curlers were flying and makeup was being applied. I tried to sleep as best I could, but the light got the best of me. I finally rolled out of bed around 6:15 a.m. and we were off for the competition by 6:45 a.m. We had a great time chatting. Aubrie looks up at me and asks if A S S is the same thing as S E X! I almost drove into oncoming traffic! I knew that this little talk was coming, but figured that Rachel would surely get to field this question and have a nice little chat lady to lady. I cleared my throat, said a quick prayer and then let loose. It was actually really cool. The spirit really helped to guide me in what to say. I explained the whole process without getting too graphic and I think that she really got it (I think I said PRIVATES 300 times!) At the end of the chat Aubrie looked up at me and said, "That sounds wonderful!" Again, I almost plowed into oncoming traffic! I went back and explained that it was a very wonderful thing, but made sure that she understood that it was for a married man and woman. I swear what little hair I have left is either grey or looking to join the rest of my hair!
We pulled up to the event and Aubrie was ready to go. I could tell that she was nervous as this was her first time. We got inside and settled in. Aubrie took off to be with her group and primp and do whatever else 8-year-old girls do. I sat back in my chair and pulled out my PSP and started to watch movies, play games before the event started. The announcer came on and welcomed everyone and the show got under way. The first group came out and did their dance and everyone thought it was wonderful. The next group came out and I finally understood what it felt like to be in a strip club. Little 8 and 9-year-old girls dressed in next to nothing strutted out onto the floor and started shaking and gyrating. I guess I forgot to pay the cover charge. I felt very uncomfortable and did my best to not watch and not make a scene. I was glad when that act ended. The next act came out and what do you know? Little strippers! I was blown away! Seriously! What in the world are these parents thinking? I heard some moms saying how cute their little bodies were and how well they danced?! All they were missing was dark lighting and stripper poles! I am so glad that Aubrie is in the studio that she is. If she had come out in a little stripper outfit I would have had a heartattack and then pulled her off the stage and left. I was glad to get out of there! Aubrie's team ended up winning high gold, whatever that is. They were all very happy.
That same evening the boys and I went to a monster truck rally at Chase Field. It was quite the event. The boys thought that we were going to see a "shooter movie". When they found out that we were going to a monster truck rally they got excited even though they had no idea what it was. We got down to the stadium with Marco and Alex Lorenzana and started to make are way in. Those trucks are loud. You could hear them clearly two blocks away. As we got into the stadium the boys had a panicked look in their faces and the noise was very loud. I got the ear plugs out and put them in. The plugs kept falling out and the boys weren't very happy. We got down to our seats and were on the front row. The event started and the boys were pretty scarred. Ethan kept telling me that his heart was going beep beep. I had to take him up and into the concourse to settle him down. He eventually calmed down and enjoyed the show. I don't really understand the appeal of the whole Monster Truck Rally. It was fun and the boys enjoyed watching the big trucks smash and crash. We ate Nachos and got sick on candy and headed home. We got home around 11:00 p.m. and they had not trouble getting to sleep.
This has been a crazy couple of weeks. Work has been keeping me very busy as I am working to get caught up and then ahead as I get ready for this new company. I am very excited for the new company and know that it is going to do very well. Sophia is really starting to grow. It is hard for Rachel and I to watch her start to do things since she will be our last baby. This week she really started to throw out words. Among them of course is the family favorite....Pooh Pooh! Everytime she says it the kids laugh and she gets a big kick out of it. She still loves to walk around the house saying MOM and DAD. She loves me very much and that makes me so happy. As soon as I get home from work she runs to me with her little arms wide open squealing! It is the greatest thing in the world. I am very fortunate and blessed to have the wife and children that I have.
Rachel is doing well. It is amazing what a difference good friends make. Rachel has some wonderful friends that are really helpful and uplifting and I appreciate all that they do for her. Rachel has started to run regularly and she is becoming quite the athlete. She is now running at least 3.5 miles 3 times a week. She will get up MWF around 6:00 a.m. and head out. Sometimes they will leave from our house and other times they will leave from other locations. I am so proud of Rachel and the dedication she is showing toward running. She is a great example to me. Now if I could only follow her lead! I think that she is planning to run a half marathon sometime in the future. She is awesome!
Life is crazy, but good. I know that Satan wants us to spend our time dwelling on our weaknesses, but we are supposed to focus on the positive and improve on the areas where we need the help. Hopefully I did not embarrass anyone with my entry! Seriously though....Little Strippers?!

Vegas Girls Trip

The Hotel gave me 50 dollars in slot credit for booking. I was laughing as the floor attendant was having to show me how to use the "card" and how to bet, etc. I think he also got a kick out of the fact that I was printing out a receipt every time I won! I had about 5 receipts in my hand ranging from 2 dollars to 10 dollars by the time I used up the 50 dollars. I think he was getting a kick out of all of us grown girls, not having a clue! LOL

In front of the Bellagio and too many cameras! LOL

Dinner at Maggiano's

Inside The Pallazzo

The Vegas Girl's trip came much faster than I thought it would, and boy was I ready for it! A great show, "childless" shopping, and girl talk was just what I needed! Kristen picked me up at 7:30 AM, and after getting Michelle, we headed over to Brooke's where Cherice met us! We then headed out about 8:00! The drive went fast, with all the girl talk there wasn't a silent moment! We rolled into Vegas around lunch time, and tried checking in to the hotel early. We stayed at the Pallazzo, the new hotel that is connected to the Venetian. They let us check in early, and for a little extra they gave us a room facing the strip, on the 46th floor! The view was amazing! Definitely worth the upgrade! Right across from the hotel was the Fashion Show Mall, a mall that has about every store imaginable! We got a bite to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. I had my favorite, the Sicilian Pizza! After lunch we did some shopping, and then got MAC makeovers at Nordstorms! It was so fun getting all made up for the night! Everyone looked GREAT! I was even daring enough to wear fake eyelashes. They looked great when they did it! It was a little hard to get used to my made up face, because I'm used to no more than some mascara and sometimes a little eyeliner. Perhaps I'll attempt what they did when Ben and I have a fun night out! After our makeovers, we went back to the hotel and got ready for the show! Did I mention the show was "O" at the Bellagio! I have been wanting to see that show since before Aubrie was born, and was so excited to finally see it! We grabbed a quick bite to eat at a Deli type shop right outside of the theatre. Most of us got Sandwiches, which were big enough to split, and since we couldn't take food into the theatre, most of us had to throw half of it away! I hate that! It was a great BLT, though!
The show started at 7:30 sharp! The show was AMAZING!!!! Worth every cent! Just when you thought they couldn't do anything more daring and unbelievable, they would! I didn't want it to end! I defiantly plan on taking Ben to see it sometime! After the show we were thinking of seeing Blue Man group, but then opted to check out the Hotel and some of its venues. We ended up back at our room for some more chatting, and was in bed around midnight! The beds were heavenly; I'm surprised I didn't sleep in longer!
Saturday was such a relaxing day. We took our time getting ready, and had a nice relaxing breakfast at a wonderful European type restaurant at the Venetian. The Waffles were so delish! After breakfast, we headed to the Premium Outlets! They had such awesome shopping! I couldn't escape from there without a new purse, and I am LOVING it BTW! It's just the right size, and I LOVE the color! I also made some purchases for the kids, at the Gap, and picked up a shirt for Ben at Banana! I have to say that I executed a lot of restraint, since there were so many other cute things at my fingertips! The nice thing about shopping was that we had all day, and we just all took our time and didn't feel rushed. I LOVED that! I always feel rushed no matter when I go shopping, always feeling like I have to be somewhere, or get back to the kids! After we got our feel of the outlets, we went back to the strip to have a nice dinner at Maggiano's! The helpings there are so big, so I ended up splitting a few dishes and a salad! I got the Tiramasu, which I wouldn't recommend, at this restaurant anyway! I love that dessert, just not there! After dinner, we headed back home! I was so tired, but stayed up the whole time talking to Kristen, who was driving! I was the last "drop off", and walked in the door close to 1:00am! Ben was excited to show me a surprise he had been working on for me, and then I discovered his new purchase (it can be dangerous when I go out of town!;); a new IMAC for his office. After showing me the stuff, we stayed up talking for about 30 minutes......what a long day, but totally enjoyable, laid back, and relaxing! Thanks girls for a great trip!

Disney pics

Some fun posing!The last hours of day two! Is Sophia trying to wink here? LOL
The Teacups! Sophia's Favorite ride! The lights are making the kids look like they are sunburnt! If only it was warm those two days!
We got to meet up with the Hendrickson's both days! Aubrie had fun visiting with the girls and the boys were also a great match! Thanks Lou for the tortilla suggestion!
Fun times on Thunder Mountain!

Sophia and her Minnie ears!

A little Space MOuntain Action! (My favorite ride as Disneyland!)
Deck the Halls in the "It's a Small World"



Woken up by Fireworks!! Can you tell?
"Disney Snow"
Given up!

Some Utah pics, finally, for my non- Facebook friends!

Hellewell's House in Heber!!

Sledding at Rock Canyon!

As I was putting the boys down tonight we were reading about sealing power in the scriptures and I asked them what that meant. Boston said it was "how we can be together forever". I asked, "raise your hand if you want to be with your wife forever?" Boston raises his hand and Ethan pipes up and says, "I don't want to kiss her! I don't like kissing!" (If only I could hear that 11 years from now!) Anyway, I told him that he would have to kiss her, and he asked if he could just kiss her on the cheek! I thought that was the end of that conversation. Then Boston pipes up and says, "Your going to marry Emmy, I just know it! You know you can't marry that girl from baseball because you don't even know where she lives!" Ethan said it was someone from preschool and that it was a secret. I then mentioned someone from preschool and he hit his head with the palm of his hand, sighed and said, "MOM! GIVE ME A BREAK!" Seriously how old is this kid anyway! This is the same kid who combs his hair before he goes to bed, and who I caught putting his cologne under his armpits and on his pecks! He also pushed a stroller with his stuffed monkeys to the bus stop to greet the kids, and who I found dressed up in Aubrie's old cat outfit, and drew whiskers on his face with a marker! (Ben would kill me if I posted that picture!) He then turns around and throws rocks, does karate kicks around the house, and makes everything a sword or light saber! He is well rounded to say the least! He is always putting a smile on my face, or making me laugh out loud! LOVE that boy!

Our Christmas Vacation cont...

****Long post with no pics! Pics will come once I find time to download them!!!
So...back to our vacation! Wednesday morning Ben woke up early and took Sophia to urgent care while we were still sleeping. She was still coughing and he was concerned. What a great Dad!!! They said she had mild bronchitis and that she only needed a humidifier and rest! It was so mild, the Doctor said she would be alright to go sledding, so our minds were put at ease! When he came back, we had breakfast and then I put Sophia down for an early nap, while Ben ran to the mall to pick Boston up a new jacket (since Ethan's was like a half top, we handed down Boston's, and Boston got a new one!). Ben was a little sneaky while he was at the Mall and got me a cute apron from this place.. http://www.flirtyaprons.com/cart/ (sorry there is no link...Firefox is not letting me do it! ugh!)

I mentioned it the day before when I ran in there to get some boots for Sophia. I just told him there were some cute aprons in there, and he picked the one I liked! He really knows my taste! What a thoughtful husband! He also got one for Aubrie! For lunch we met the Hellewell's at a great sandwich shop in town, that we always have to hit when we go there. Too bad Ethan had to throw a tantrum, which resulted in me eating lunch in the car while he sat there in time out! Who knew he didn't want mayonnaise on his sandwich. Kids! Then we headed over to a great sledding spot by up by the Provo temple. It is a huge bowl, and the hills are just long enough to get a good run, but not too long that walking up is a pain! When we got there, it took us about 20 minutes just to get all our snow gear on! Just our luck, it was a nice sunny day, so we ended up shedding a lot of it once we got to the top of the hill. The kids had fun sledding, even Sophia. Ben picked up these "sledding snow boards" and Aubrie was getting very brave, until a sled of 3 heavy girls plowed right over her right after she took a fall. I thought for sure she would be injured after that, but she was fine, but decided to stick to sledding! About 40 minutes into the sledding, Ethan just melted down and I had to take him to the car again. I was so frustrated, thinking what is wrong with this boy! Why does he get so angry, besides the fact he has Pribyl blood in him. Five minutes after driving to our next destination he was asleep! I then realized that he was up late the night before, was up early, and had been walking a hill for 40 minutes!! Funny how we get cranky when we are sleep deprived, but don't think of that when our kids get that way! I felt bad for being so hard on him (I took his favorite monkey). He slept for 2 1/2 hours in the car...that's how tired he was.
For New Years Eve, we stayed at the Hellewell's cabin in Midway! Well it's actually a house, but for some reason we always call it a cabin. Anyway, we fed the kids early and tried to get them down early. Of course, our kids were wired for some reason. Maybe they sensed how badly we wanted them to go to bed. Sophia even got out of the pack and play for the first time! Ugh! Anyway, once they went down, we played games, ate take out and watched TV! For some reason, the new year isn't as exciting as it was when I was younger. I like the whole, "making new resolutions" part (even though I haven't written them down yet), but there just isn't the appeal there once was. Just glad we got to share it with friends!
Well, New Years Day was one big road trip for us! For some reason I thought the trip to Cali, from Utah, was 7 hours! Maybe it's because I would drive over 100 miles an hour when I was in college! Anyway, the trip ended up being 11 hours!!! Of course, we had more stops than we have ever had before, which also included a stop at McDonalds where boys (not mine!) were swearing up in the play area, and in the rush to get out of there, we left the ONLY pair of shoes we brought for Sophia! The funny thing is that the trip was not miserable. Sophia was well behaved, and so were the other kids. We took one of my favorite roads to my brother's house, which is miles and miles of "dips"! I call it roller coaster highway! The kids had fun with that! We arrived at my brothers at 8:00 and we went to bed around 11:00. All his kids were there when we got there, and we had fun hanging out and catching up! I'm glad we had a chance to see them!
We left Danny's house at 10:00am, and after making a stop to get Sophia new shoes, headed out to Disneyland. It took us under an hour to get there. For those of you not familiar with California, when the Navigation system says it will take an hour , in California it will take 2! We were thrilled that there was no traffic, and could get to Disneyland before Noon! As we were walking onto the premises we were shocked at how crowded it was! The lines just to buy tickets looked to be at least 2 hours long! We were so glad that we had passes already, but nervous about what the parks would look like inside! At first it was a little frustrating, because we were used to no lines, no crowds, etc....last time! Also, it was FREEZING, and we only had light jackets on! I was dying for some gloves! We left Disney and headed over to California Adventure to meet the Hendricksons, and that park was much better! We had a great time over there with them, and the night ended up being very enjoyable! Sophia cooperated most of the time, even though she would cover her eyes, or close them on the dark rides! She loved the Carousel, which we road 5 times while we were waiting for the others to ride Screamin California! After the Hendricksons went home, we headed to Disney for a few more rides and the firework show!

As we headed into the park, we changed our minds for a second and started to walk back out! We realized Ethan wasn't with us! I ran and retraced out steps, which wasn't far, while Ben stayed back with the kids! After a few minutes, I started to panic! I said a quick prayer and about 30 seconds later I saw him with some guy, who had taken him to a food stand worker, and I could hear him crying and saying he couldn't find his Mommy! I ran over there and swooped him up and started crying and hugging him! A small group of people on the corner saw me and him and started cheering! I seriously have never panicked like this, not knowing where one of my kids were, EVER! It was only about 5 minutes....but it was the longest 5 minutes of my life!!! He has always been my wanderer, but after that, he got much better at sticking closer!

So back to our night! We stuck around for the firework/snow show! The kids enjoyed it, including Sophia! She had fallen asleep in her stroller (AMAZING) and the fireworks woke her up! She didn't cry, but was excited and had her eyes glued to them the whole time! She was also loving the snow! We ended up getting back to the Hotel around 9:30 and ordered pizza (since the only thing at the park that didn't have a 30 minute line was churros). Boston fell asleep before it arrived, and so we ended up having a whole pizza left over!
The next morning Sophia woke up at 7:00 and I was not ready to get up! So I brought her in bed with me thinking I could get another 5 minutes or so. She ended up falling asleep in our bed (something she has never done) until I woke her up at 9:00! Ahhhh...the extra sleep was nice, even though my arm was asleep (she fell asleep on it) and I had no room in the bed! I'm not being ungrateful though! I'll take sleep anyway I can get it!
Saturday was much better! It was a lot less crowded and we were able to get all the good rides in! Ben took Sophia back to the hotel for a good 3 hours, while I took the other three kids on all the rides! I then met up with the Hendricksons (minus Jon) and we went and did a lot of the big rides together! I got switch rider passes on all of them, so when Ben got back he got to go on all of them and take a kid with him! By the end of the night the lines were thinning out even more and we basically walked on Thunder Mountain and Pirates! We were there late enough for the fireworks, and the spot we ended up that night was much better! Over by the Fantasmic show if anyone is wondering! Sophia fell asleep, AGAIN, in the stroller and slept all the way to the hotel, and half way through getting her PJ's on! She then woke up and was completely wired! We went to bed at 11:00 and woke up at 8:00 the next morning!
Sunday the drive seemed so much faster! I guess 5 hours is half the time of our other drives! I slept a little and listened to my ipod half of the time! We only made one stop at Quartzite, and the kids were all good! So overall the trip was a success! (Minus Ethan's tantrums and him going missing!) Sophia did three things I didn't think she would do...slept in the car with no problems and didn't cry, fell asleep in the stroller, and fell asleep in our bed! I think our baby is growing up! Is it normal to be feeling a little sad about that now?!

The apple of our eye

So today Boston came home all excited because he got "The Apple of Our Eye" suitcase. It literally is a small roller bag! I was happy for him, until I finally got home, after dropping Aubrie off for dance, and realized all that was entailed. For tomorrow, he had to fill in this huge poster that included his "favorites", a picture of him, etc. There was also a guessing jar, that had to be filled with something so the kids could guess how many things are in there. I also needed to gather photos and things that represent Boston, and fill out a miniature book where we talked about Boston. That is just for TOMORROW! Wednesday he has to bring a show and tell, Thursday he has to bring his favorite book, and Friday I have to bring in one of his favorite treats! While its a real great idea to spotlight a child and make them feel special, I have to admit that I had the worse attitude when I read all that was entailed! I was thinking about how much I had to get done tonight, and "why did I get this the first week after Christmas? I still have Christmas stuff to take down for Heaven's sake"! Now I am repenting. It has been great to have to sit down tonight and write down things that make Boston special. It made me think about how much I love him, and what a great kid he is! He has always been the "obedient" child! Always trying to please. My biggest heartache with him is the fighting with his siblings, but beyond that, he is a great kid. On this last trip Ben and I were realizing how old he is getting. It's hard to believe that he will be baptized this year, but he is so mature and ready! Anyway...thanks Ms. Kohler for this project. I think it's more for the parents than the kid!:) I don't usually post mushy "brag posts", but I figured since I took the time to write it for his class, I might as well post it for the future!!! We love you Boston!
Boston is a very enthusiastic, happy boy! He has been happy since the minute he born. When he was born he didn’t cry like most babies, but instead his eyes were wide open observing everything around him. It was at that moment that I knew that there was something special about him. (He loves to hear that story!) Boston has always liked to make people laugh and smile. He started dancing for us when he was one year old, and hasn’t stopped. He can’t resist a good song, and we often find him jigging to music when he doesn’t even realize it. He is very talented when it comes to music. He is very good at the piano, and he can sure belt out a good song on Rock Band, with much enthusiasm. Boston is very smart! He learned to read quickly, and all school subjects come easy to him. Boston is also very athletic. He was swimming by the time he was 2 and is a fast swimmer and excellent diver. He is also very good at tetherball, baseball, and kickball. Boston is very obedient. He always does his chores when asked, and often when not asked, and does them to perfection. His Mom likes that! Boston also has a tender heart. He loves to make people happy, and gets very upset with himself when he knows he has disappointed someone, or hasn’t done something right. He is a great friend; always up to do something fun. He always has a lot of friends wherever he goes because he is so fun and friendly. He also has a funny streak in him that keeps those around him laughing. He is a great big brother to his baby sister. Always doing something to make her laugh, and giving her hugs and kisses. He is very affectionate. His Mommy likes that, too! Most important, Boston has integrity. He stands up for things that are right and true. He is a great follower of his faith and does all he can to choose the right! He is a shining star in our family, and has the most perfect original name to go with his originality! Boston you are awesome!
***I'll resume blogging our trip at a later date!:)

bbrrrrr!!!

So we are all snuggled up in our nice Hotel room in Provo, Utah right now. We are enjoying the heater and our blankets! Yes, we are totally "Phoenicianized" for sure! Temperatures in the 30's and our thin blood do not mix!! Why do we always come up to Utah in the winter?? I guess it keeps us from every getting the crazy idea that we should move here. I'm sure if we came in the summer, we would be thinking differently, knowing we had temperatures in the 110's to go back to. This time, before we came, we hit Sport's Chalet and bought some nice snow coats, bibs, gloves, etc. We also picked up some sweet sleds, and sled/snowboards at the Walmart here. So we are hoping for a great sledding experience!! That is what's on our schedule for tomorrow.
Yesterday we left our house at 12:30 for a long 10 hour drive to Utah. We were supposed to leave Sunday, but our suspension on our car went bad Saturday night, so we had to get it fixed on Monday. Luckily they quickly fixed the car, so we were able to leave and get here before Midnight! The trip went well. Sophia hardly cried. She mainly cried because she had an awful cough that kept waking her up. I think we are finally past that awful "traveling with baby" stage, or maybe she was so sick it just took the fight out of her. She coughed all last night, and she was in my room, so I didn't get much sleep. Luckily she was doing better today!!
Today we filled our day with as much stuff as possible! We started off visiting Ben's Grandparents, who are probably the greatest people I know! Unfortunately, the kids had colds so we made our visit very short, and the kids only came in for a quick "hi"! We then visited Ben's Aunt for about 30 minutes, and then headed to pick up a few essential items at Walmart...including snow boots! We were able to get the boys boots there, and they were really good ones!! Only at the Walmart in Utah do you find quality boots! They didn't have anything for Ben, so he went to Sports Authority in the mall. He came out with boots for me and him! Mine are cute, but I really didn't need them. He is in the spoiling mood lately, so I guess I should just learn to enjoy it! I'm now styling in my new fur boots/coat! Funny I'm only going sledding....not skiing or anything!! I then ran in the mall, and was able to FINALLY find some boots for Sophia...so now we are all ready for tomorrow!
After our boot purchases, we met the Hellewells (great friends from the College Days) at Cafe Rio! Yep, Cafe Rio is within walking distance (not that I would walk in this weather) from our Hotel. I would eat there for lunch and dinner the whole time I was here, but I don't think my kids would like me very much if I did that! After lunch we all headed to the BYU bookstore. Eight kids (our friends have 4) running around in the bookstore wouldn't be my number one choice of activities. They all were running around, and bouncing the basketballs around the clothing department. I'm not one for cramped spaces either, so I was ready to get out of there. Boston used his money to buy a BYU basketball, so the kids took that to the Commons area by the Cougareat and played keep away for about 20 minutes while Kristen waited in the long line to purchase some things. I'm sure the college student's were ready for us to leave!
We all went downstairs to go bowling, to find out that everyone else must have had the same idea. It was packed! It was about a 45 minute wait, which we spent playing air hockey, pinball, Galaga/Ms. Packman, and any other thing we could waste quarters on. Amber had some free time, so she met us and got to bowl with us. The kids had a fun time bowling and Ethan scored better than me, even. Of course, I was a little out of sorts after I took a fall. Sophia started running down the lane and I RAN after her. Apparently they WAX the lanes, which I wasn't thinking about. So running and waxed floors really don't' go together. I wish I had the fall on video. Apparently my legs went over my head, and Ben said the whole place was watching. The ironic thing is that Ben had the video camera out only a few minutes prior! Too bad, or we could have made some good money from America's Funniest Home Video! I'm sure I'll be feeling my fall tomorrow! It hurt so bad when it happened, Ben had to come get Sophia from me and I was crawling off the bowling lane! It was pretty funny though.
After we left BYU, we headed towards Salt Lake, after having dinner at Wingers. The kids did well...even Sophia. Sophia actually has done very well on this trip. She has accommodated for naps, etc. Of course, she always wants Ben, but that's nothing different. All my kids do that at this age, and then it changes when they are about 3 years old! After dinner, we went to the Salt Lake temple to see the lights! It was so cold, we all had to bundle up in our snow jackets and gloves. We discovered that EThan's jacket is about 2 sizes to small. Apparently Boston was much smaller when he was 4! Ethan loved it though, and insisted it was perfect! The lights at the temple were beautiful! I LOVE going to temple square. It reminds me of my wedding day, and how much better our lives have become with each year. I think of how little we really knew each other then, and how we now finish each others sentences and read each others thoughts! Marriage is definitely not a one day event, but a life time event, which becomes sweeter with each year!
Ok...sappiness over...after the lights, and a quick stop at Krispie Kreme, we came back to the Hotel so Sophia could finally go to bed. She was so tired she didn't' even take a bottle! (No comments on the fact that my 20 month old takes a bottle!) Ben took the kids swimming, while I cleaned up the hotel room! (Yes, I have to be organized or I go crazy!). Now we are watching Jumanji at 11:00 at night...we are definitely on vacation. Hopefully Sophia sleeps better tonight!

"Fa ra, ra, ra ra!"

This Christmas will definitely will be an unforgettable one, for many reasons! Part of our Christmas Eve wasn't the most pleasant experience for our family, so I was determined to set the tone for Christmas morning. We still had a chance to do a few of our normal traditions which included putting out Reindeer food, and leaving out a plate for Santa!!!

Aubrie putting out Reindeer food! Boston getting the plate ready!

The kids woke up very early this year, and we made them go back to bed for a few more hours. When we finally did get up, we gathered the kids in the loft and had a quick Family Home "Morning", which included singing Christmas hymns, prayer, and reading the book "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" retold by President Monson. The book was about a family who received a Christmas miracle and the joy that service can bring to both the giver and recipient. It really set the tone for the rest of the day!! Especially when the next thing to do was to open gifts! The kids were much more appreciative, thanking us for every gift they opened. Also, because we decided that we would no longer be rushing over to Ben's parents in the morning, to open their gifts, we were able to casually open our gifts and just relax the whole day. It was so nice!! The kids hung out and played with their gifts, watched their new movies, etc.
The kids had a good Christmas and got what they wanted, except EThan (who asked for a DS the last minute). We told him that Santa doesn't give DS's to kids under 5! Hee Hee! Boston asked for the Hulk DS game, so that was easy. He also got some new Callaway golf clubs, a lego set (that Joe ended up putting together), and a some clothes. Aubrie got 4 little kinz and tonz of clothes!!! Ethan got a new bike, a shuffle (it's so cute watching him walk around with that thing), Indiana Jones and Iron man dress up, and some other random clothes and toys. I got Ben a new video camera, and clothes! I had no clue what Ben got me this year. I suspected he got me a new purse, a vacation, or some new "bling". I was totally wrong! He got me some random things, like boots, running clothes, a year of free car washes, and he saved one particular box for last. Inside was an apple. I immediately thought and said it has something to do with TWILIGHT!!! He said to go look in the butlers pantry where I keep the cream of chicken soup. I thought for sure it was tickets to Washington, since I have been hinting that I would love to go to Forks! When I opened the cabinet I was shocked to see a new Macbook! I never asked for a computer, and I have always said I wouldn't want an Apple, so I was seriously shocked to see that he got me one. It is loaded with tonz of software, including all the photoshop and stuff. Stuff I don't seem to have the time for. Lately all I need my computer for is blogging, email, and Facebook! I'm am starting to like my knew computer though, and I'm sure when I find time to be "creative" will appreciate it even more.
So the morning was great....full of the spirit, kids being thankful and loving, all happy with their gifts. Their was a point in the day when the Christmas Story was on TV and it was the part where they were eating in the Chinese Restaurant listening to the Chinese waiters trying to sing Deck the Halls!!! I was laughing, and said, "Even though things didn't work out as planned, I bet that was one of their most memorable Christmas'!" (Like that family is even real or anything!) Well Heavenly FAther must have heard me!!! Our dinner plans didn't go "as planned" last night, and we all hopped in the car looking for a place to eat. The first place we saw open was McDonalds , and there was no way we were going to eat there! As we were driving around we realized that only Chinese restaurants were open. We were all laughing as we were pulling up there to eat, and the kids were asking if the waiters would be singing to us! I knew that this was going to be a Christmas we would never forget. We didn't get a Christmas song, but the kids had fun looking at the Chinese Year calendar and seeing what they are "supposed" to be like. Ethan wasn't feeling well, so he practically fell asleep in the booth, and Sophia was tired and cranky, so much so that someone asked to move as soon as they were seated by us. As I was walking around the restaurant with her, I realized that it was full of Jewish people! They were with their families having a great time, like it was just another day on the calendar. I realized they probably love Christmas night because they have restaurants all to themselves. I'm surprised they didn't start all singing Hanukkah songs! It would have topped off our experience for sure! They were all very friendly to us, except the ones who moved! Definitely a memorable night! When we came home, we put Sophia down for a bed, and the kids and Ben watched Kung Fu Panda while I talked to my Dad for an hour.
What I learned this Christmas is this....First, the best way to make sure you have a wonderful Christmas is to serve someone who couldn't have a "Christmas" without you. Secondly, if you simplify Christmas it will actually Magnify it. Lastly; no matter what Christmas day, or Eve dishes out, you have control to make it into something memorable rather than miserable! Christmas is about Love, giving, and most importantly our Savior. If we aren't focused on him, how can we feel the spirit of HIS day...his birthday!!

All I want for Christmas is HER two front teeth!

First of all, I would like to thank all those who commented on my last entry. It really helped to know that my kids weren't abnormal, and that they wouldn't be ending up in Juevie! With that said, I might have Social Services at my door because of poor little Sophia.
On Sunday, Ben took her out by the pool and she was climbing on the lounge chair and fell. She scraped her forehead pretty good; definitely makes for great Christmas pictures--NOT! Then today, after my 3 mile+ run (yes..a little props for me!) , I walked in the house and Ben had Sophia in his arms. He asked if she took a fall yesterday. I told him, not that I knew of, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. He got her to open her mouth and showed me that her two front teeth were chipped. Her top lip was also a little busted up. I was so shocked and so sad! I instantly started thinking about all her pictures, especially her kindergarten. Isn't that superficial?! Now she is my cute little girl, with busted up Chiclets!
When Aubrie woke up, I asked her if she remembered Sophia falling. Apparently Aubrie had her in the stroller and tilted it forward and lost grip of the handles. I tried not to make Aubrie feel bad about it, but inside I was thinking, "Haven't I told you a MILLION times to be careful with her when she is in the stroller!" (Definitely progress on my part!...not yelling and blaming!) Aubrie started saying she made her sister ugly, etc. I told her she would be fine, and if it looked that bad when she got a little older we could have them capped. What is up with my kids and their teeth?? Each one of them has some cosmetic issue! Luckily they're not their permanents!
I would post a picture...but I have to hold her down and lift up her lip to get a look at them! BTW...the "shipping the presents to Santa" has worked wonders in this house!! It comes highly recommended!

I've gotta know!

Here is a recent family photo! Everyone seems so happy, loving, etc....right! If only it was always the case...but life isn't "picture" perfect!

So here's the deal....I'm kind of like an only child in the fact that my brother is 12 years older than me and my younger brothers are 7 years younger. We really weren't close enough on either end to have any type of sibling rivalry, kick down dirty fights, or problem's using each other stuff. Maybe my parents were on to something? Anyway, so as I try to understand my kids and their relationships with one another, I'm constantly bewildered at how they treat each other with such kindness and love one minute and then with such disgust another. Is this normal? Is the term "sibling rivalry" a common one because it's just a fact of life? Anyone out there fight nonstop with their siblings as children and drive their parents crazy? Ben said he did, but I need more proof! How about your kids? I've gotta know! I'm just wondering if I'm raising a bunch of hoodlums who are never going to grasp the term, "love your brother as yourself"!
What has spurred this outpouring of feelings onto the pages of this lovely blog!? Well here it goes.
Thursday night was supposed to be a great night with our friends the Lorenzana's. Our plans were a nice Ham dinner, movies, a gift exchange and some gingerbread cookie making! Sounds like a great night, huh? Something they should be so grateful for and on their best behavior for.....NO! NO! Before we even got there, the boys earned themselves 10 minutes of time out on their couch! Luckily the kids behaved themselves through dinner, gifts, the movie, etc. It was quite the enjoyable evening...the babies asleep upstairs and the kids and adults enjoying each others company! Then the Wii came out! Of course there was bickering about who was going to play, and complaining that it was their turn, etc.....then while the adults were getting ready to play a game in the kitchen, there was a huge blow out, that turned into Aubrie full on punching Boston in the face! REallY??? Who does that??? Kicking, pushing, hitting....I've seen that plenty of times, especially in my days of Nursery leader...put punching!
I hate when punishing my kids punishes me. But that's what I had to do! I packed up everything and told the kids we had to leave. Aubrie was screaming and freaking out, and Boston did his pitiful, sorrowful cry! When we got home I started taking Aubrie and Bostons presents out from under the tree, telling them I was going to give them to kids who deserved them. (The crazy Mom was totally surfacing!) Boston, being the sweet boy that he is, was whimpering saying, "Mom, please don't' take Aubrie's presents". Aubrie was in hysterics, screaming that her Christmas was being ruined, and was going to be the worst Christmas EVER!!! As I was packing the presents in the back of my trunk, she started to walk away from the house, pretending she was going to run away? We finally rallied everyone into our living room for a family council.
Ben was very good about doing this. I was so livid I just wanted to go lock myself in my room! Ben and I had a good talk about the meaning of Christmas, and how we needed to treat each other with love and respect. Ben gave the kids blessings, while Ethan tried to stay awake! I told the kids that I was going to mail their gifts to Santa, and on Christmas Eve would give him a call to tell him, A: To bring the gift back and put them under the tree, or B: Give their gifts to other children. I dropped them off at the Lorenzana's for "hiding" the next morning!
So....the results...They have been ANGELS these past two days.
Yesterday Boston was sick and Aubrie was taking care of him. Getting cold wash clothes for his head, making get well cards, etc. Today was the same....them trying hard to get along. These past two days have been so peaceful.....I'm just wondering how long it will last!
Oh wait, I take the two full days of peace back. I did have 20 minutes of panic yesterday. The kids (Aubrie and Ethan) asked if they could ride their bikes. After 10 minutes of not seeing or hearing them out front, I went looking for them. I couldn't find them on our street or neighboring streets. I thought they may have tried going the back way to the Lorenzana's. As I was pulling on our street, after I went looking for them the second time, I saw them scootering up to the house with get well cards for Boston and cookies in their hands! It was hard to be mad at them. We just had a good talk about the fact that not only do they have to be able to see our house from where they are at, but that I have to be able to see THEM from our house, too!

Christmas is coming...therefore my blogging is lacking!

I seriously don't remember where I left off, and I'm too lazy right now to check (I know... it's just a few clicks to find out....remember I said LAZY). I think a part of me doesn't want to see how far behind I really am, because I don't have the time to play catch up! So I'll start with last weekend, briefly. Last weekend was our Ward Christmas party. Thirty minutes before the party, we quickly met with Erin for some quick shots of the family for a Christmas Card. (BTW Olivers what's your address?)

Snap shots Ben took before we took our pictures! After our pictures, we raced to the church and had the kids change into their PJ's in the car (the "dress code" for the kiddos). The party was fun. We made gingerbread houses, and wrote letters to the missionaries. Santa was there, also. The "Santa room" was decorated so cute, and the whole process of visiting him was way more organized than any other party I have been to. He was much better than the Santa we saw earlier that day, at Walmart! He seriously didn't say a word to the kids and never smiled. They just talked, and he would nod his head once in awhile. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was drunk! Afterwards the kids said, "that must have been one of Santa's helpers". I was laughing so hard inside! I'm so glad that "Santa" was redeemed at the Ward Party. Even Sophia sat on his lap!

Aubrie on Santa's lap asking for Webkinz. Boston asking for a video game he had never mentioned before (hate when they throw us a curve ball like that!) Ethan asking for a DS game (yeah right! He's getting a bike!) Ben asking for some more money to buy it all!Boston still didn't buy he was the real Santa. I guess the kids at school have been telling him that there is no such thing. He came home the other day, telling me that he knows we drink the milk and cookies and that we listen to what they want when they sit on Santa's lap and then we buy the presents. Luckily, a few years ago, the kids saw a guy at Sams who looked like Santa. The kids went up to talk to him, and we mouthed their names and ages behind their backs so he could call them by name, etc. They really thought he was the real thing. I brought that up to Boston and it made him think a little. It's funny how Boston stopped believing before Aubrie. He is just too smart and logical! I'm still hoping that he won't be in complete denial for another few years!! Ok...sorry for that tangent...back to the week that has flown by! So, since we don't' already have enough going on with the Christmas season, the kids both had a field trip over the past week. Aubrie went to the Nutcracker, and enjoyed a nice lunch there. Boston went to see the Polar Express at the IMAX theatre, and they wore their PJ's. It was weird sending him to school in them. I realized he didn't have PJ's that weren't mix matched, or high waters, so I broke open him Christmas PJ's and let him wear them. He was excited for that. They both had a great time!

This weekend we had our annual Christmas Party. Ben was in charge of the invites this year, and he accidentally made it for the wrong day. When he corrected it, the e-vite said Friday- Saturday. It became a joke that it was a sleepover. He mixed things up this year, and we had several new couples. It was a great mix of the "oldie but goodies" and the newcomers! We had a great time! It's always fun to have an "adult only" party. No distractions!!! We catered Olive Garden and did the White Elephant gift exchange, again. The playboy PJ's were a hot item, and there were 3 Batman DVD's that made it around until they were "closed"! After the gift exchange, a few stuck around for some Rock Band and socializing. We had such a great time, we forgot to take pictures! Oh, I forgot to mention that he kids had a cousin sleep over at Ben's parents that night....it worked out quite nice. So the only one here was Sophia, and she slept through it all!

The following morning, I woke up for an early run/hike. Several girls met at my house and we ran to the hiking trail (about a mile) and hiked the mountain by my house. We than ran back home (another mile) and did some sit ups! Even though I hate getting up, I'm actually starting to feel a little addicted to the running. I never thought I would say that. So if there is anything you think you would never do, all I have to say is "never say never!" I have to thank my friend Susan for pushing me into it! ( I should say forcing since she convinced my hiking partner to run instead)

Saturday night Aubrie had her Glendale Glitters performance. Her team finally got all their jewelry that they are supposed to wear at their competitions. Aubrie was so excited to put all of it on. She looked so old with all the make up, costume jewelery, and done up hair. I'm so not ready for when she does that on a consistent basis! (12....at least!:)

Here is a picture of her performance. It turned out really dark, but I had to give her some props. She had a type of "mini solo" part. She did a leap through the middle and did this cool rolling thing and popped up from the ground. She is the one in the middle:) We are so proud of her hard work and enthusiasm for dance!

The boys at Aubries performance!

After the performance, Ben surprised Aubrie and took us to her favorite restaurant, Ah-So! The Kids enjoyed watching the "cooking show" and Ethan finally tried and loved the rice! yeah! Boston said he liked the Japanese Steak house better by Disneyland. I asked him if it was because we celebrated his birthday there and he said, "No because I like Mario better." I was confused to who and what he was talking about. He told me Mario was the cook! How in the world did her remember that? Kids have room for so much of that type of information, while mine is filled with, what's on my grocery list, whose birthday is coming up, and if I'm caught up on my blogging and facebook!

Today Church was a little crazy. The kids kept going back and forth to Ben's parents during Sacrament meeting. I decided I'm going to have to nip that in the bud. It's too distracting. Sophia fought the nursery the whole time, and so I missed Ben's awesome lesson. I love his class, whenever I get the chance to go. The spirit is always so strong in there. There is so also so much unity in that class.

After church we had tithing settlement, and we played games with the kids. We then took our left over Olive Garden to the Lorenzana's and had dinner there, and they shared their yummy left over ice cream cake from Devyn's birthday. The kids had a fun and we sat around and talked. Ben had to pull me out of there, cause I was getting ultra comfortable on their over sized chair! Sooooo comfy.

I can't believe that there is only one more week of school before Christmas break. I'm actually feeling pretty good. My stress level is amazingly low this season, due to my little epiphany! I am loving feeling this way! Of course, the fact that all my Christmas shopping is done, minus a gift I have to pick up for my Mom and Aubrie's teacher, and I'm not hosting Christmas, might be helping. Hopefully the lack of stress will aid in a sick free Christmas...my only wish for the season!