Kitchen and Bikes

Go Boston! Cheese ball!

Our comedian! Grumpy!

Poser!

Well I can't have a project just staring me in the face, so at 10:00 last night I started my cakes. I didn't finish till midnight and finish means just the plain cakes. I still had to decorate them. I didn't even clean the dishes I used, which is unlike me, but I was ready for bed...until I got there. I didn't end up falling asleep until 1:00, so Ben let me sleep in, after I fed Sophia her 6:00 a.m bottle. Don't fall over, but I got another work out in today. Not that it matters much for my weight. I'm beginning to wonder if my scale is broken b/c it's stuck on the same number every time I get on regardless of what I eat or don't eat and whether I work out or not. Oh well, there are more things in life to be worried about.

I spent my morning in the kitchen. I had to make the "real" cake that we are actually going to eat (I make all my fondant cakes out of Styrofoam b/c I refuse to eat fondant...YUCK!), then I had to make a dessert for someone , and then clean up, so it just seemed like I was cooking till about 10:30. That's when Sophia woke up, so I took her and Ethan swimming till lunch time. Swimming always makes Sophia tired, so she took a good 3 1/2 hour afternoon nap. Guess I should take her swimming every morning, ha!

The kids took forever getting their responsibilities done today, but luckily it was all done by dinner so they could have some play time. They decided they wanted to ride their bikes.....do they not feel the heat?? Anyway, they had a good time and went next door to our semi-new neighbors to invite their 7 year old boy out to play. They are from Poland, but speak very well English, and so their boy doesn't know anyone. I thought how sad that was and how they have been living here for a few months now and he could have been coming over to play this whole time. I kind of felt guilty that we hadn't been over there sooner to welcome them to the neighborhood. I'm just happy that the kids thought of him and invited him over in the backyard for a little bit. I think that really meant a lot to him.

Well, tomorrow is picture day for the kiddos. Aubrie wants to wear a headband. I'm not to thrilled about that b/c we all know what headbands on kids look like about 10 minutes after their in....awful! I don't think I 'll win this battle, so I guess I'll send her with a hairbrush and tell her to brush it out before. Guess we'll see the outcome a month from now! Guess I better get to bed, looks like another late night for me. Don't think that will ever change!

I did what?

Today Sophia did great! She seems to be back on schedule. Of course, now that I say that she will have to prove me wrong. I was finally able to work out today and it felt great! I found my Shuffle so that helped distract me. It still had the songs on it from when I worked out pre-Sophia. Obviously it's been a long time.
Today is one of those day's where I can't think of what I did, but I felt as though I was busy all day. It seemed like I was picking up the house all day, which doesn't make sense b/c it was pretty clean to begin with. Funny how meaningless things add up so quickly. I guess by the time I worked out showered and picked up upstairs, it was time to get Ethan from preschool. Then I only have a few hours before I have to get Aubrie and Boston. I did spend some of my time trying to figure out what kind of wedding cake I'm going to make for YW on Wed. It's going to be a wedding/marriage theme, and since Erin knows I've made cakes, I got the job. Unfortunately, it has been several years since I have made a "Wilton" cake, since I have opted to do the ice cream cakes for birthday parties. I sure hope it turns out alright.
Oh, weird thing. I was thinking I wanted to put flowers on the cake, particularly yellow roses. Ben called me from Sams and I asked him if they had yellow roses there. He said he wasn't sure. He then came home w/ yellow roses. I asked him if he got those for my cake and he said "No! I had them in my hand when you asked me and I started to look around to see if you were in the store." He was way weirded out!
For Family Home Evening we had a lesson on gratitude. Our neighbors, Bailey and Andrew, brought over a lot of their old books on Saturday and gave them to Aubrie and Boston. Aubrie received about 12 Junie B. Books along with some others, and Boston received about 10 books, also. We made some cookies along w/ a thank you card and delivered them next door to show "thanks"! We also took them to our new (not really, but we haven't met them yet) neighbors on the other side of us. We also took them to a few other families on our block. The kids had a good time and were anxious to get home for the left overs.
We ran a little long and so it was crazy trying to get the kids off to bed and me out the door. I had to get to Micheal's ,for the cake stuff, before it closed. I barely made it. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt the cake. I'll take a picture, if it's not too horrible. Luckily it's not for a real wedding or anything.

mud pie

Mud pies are what I got to eat yesterday. We had a combined, YW and YM, activity at a farm out in Surprise. They call it mud soccer, but it's basically just a huge mud fight. I came prepared, wearing some old clothes, but was hoping to come out of it unscathed. The leaders tried to look busy making sandwiches but we couldn't do that the whole time. Some YW came and grabbed Erin and after seeing her get attacked with mud pies from every direction, I decided to hide behind the other leaders. Erin wasn't going to allow herself to be the only YW leader out there, so she readily volunteered my name when they all were asking "Who's next?" As the YW were dragging me out on the "field" a huge stick went up my pant leg and scratched me pretty bad. I had a huge welt all day. Luckily I was distracted from the pain as I was trying to defend myself from the attack of the pud pies! At one point, one of the YW attacked me from the back and put my face right in the mud. I have to admit that it was fun. Luckily they had plenty of water to rinse ourselves off. Of course, I was welcoming our pool as soon as I got home. It was sure nice to feel clean again. Here are some pictures. I'm hoping to have another of Erin and I real soon.

Yesterday we swam for a long time and then the kids played outside on the trampoline and in the playhouse. I think they were out a little too long because Aubrie swore she had a fever (I think she was just suffering from some heat exhaustion), and Ethan broke down much earlier than normal. We ended our evening with a movie Ben picked up from Target, Black Beauty. I had never seen it and still haven't. I was busy preparing my lesson for Church on Exaltation. I really enjoyed preparing that topic. There was so many great object lessons, I had to narrow them down. I finished up my lesson around 9:00 b/c I wasn't feeling so good. I guess rolling around where Cows hang out could be a potential problem:) Of course, by the time I laid out clothes, prepared the church bag, read scriptures, etc...it was past 10:00.

This morning I wasn't sure I was going to make it to church. My stomach was turning, and my allergies were acting up. I laid in bed thinking "I'll just go for YW". Something said "Rachel, get out of bed. You'll be alright!" I'm glad I did. It was a GREAT sacrament. The spirit was strong! It ran a little over, but the kids did so well. I didn't even have to take Sophia out! Sunday school was great too, again Sophia did great.

The YW lesson went well. The girls and leaders are always so good at participating and making great comments. I love teaching the Laurels. They are such a great group of girls who KNOW the Gospel. I feel lucky to teach them.

Now we are just enjoying a relaxing Sunday. The kids are playing "babies" right now. They set up a fort in the boys room and basically pretend they are a family. A few minutes ago I heard Aubrie say, "Come on let's go to Chuck E Cheese". The boys started to follow her downstairs. Ethan called to Boston, "Come on Daddy!" I asked him if Boston was the Daddy what he was. He said he was the son and Aubrie was the Mommy. Aubrie was holding a doll and I said is that your sister, and Aubrie said "yes she is the sister and she is sick today". I love when they play like this. I hope it stays that way. I definitely need to rest! I need to feel better for another week of LIFE!:)

Lazy Day

Today Ethan and I just chilled. I was recouping from a 3:00 am wake up call from Sophia. I made her cry it out, but probably should have just fed her b/c she woke back up at 4:30. She took two really short morning naps, which was really frustrating, but at least she was happy when she was up. Ben picked the kids up from school, so I didn't have to wake her from her third nap, which lasted over 3 hours!! Wish she could do that when Ben wasn't here!
Once she woke up we took the kids to the Outback. They were really well behaved, so much so that the server told me "your kids are so well behaved" as we were walking out. I just smiled and said "thanks" and was thinking if only they were like that all the time. I have to admit that going out isn't as crazy as it used to be. The kids are content to color and when the food comes we don't have to bug them to eat. I remember the days when even thinking about taking the kids to a nice restaurant made me cringe. Of course its a trade off, having an enjoyable dinner means that my little babies are growing up.
After dinner we stopped by Ben's parents new house. They have been wanting us to see it. So we got that out of the way. We then had to get home so Aubrie and I could go crash a birthday party. Kayleen Brazelton turned 18 today and her parents threw her a surprise party. It was fun! They had a dunk tank. Aubrie got in it and was dunked 3 times. I had a white shirt on so luckily that exempted me from going in there:) I did get in on the water balloon action. It was a little risky with the white shirt and all, but I just couldn't resist! Besides that I just stood around and talked, while Aubrie had fun doing everything. Aubrie had a blast and she wasn't intimidated by the fact that she was surrounded by a bunch of teenagers. That's my Aubrie.

play date

Today went well, considering it was a full house. I watched Erin's girls so she could eat lunch with Eliza. Libby and Ethan played well together, while Ellie did her own thing, mainly playing with Aubrie's dolls. Hattie and Sophia just laid on the play mat and grabbed at toys and each other. It was kind of interesting having the two babies. I never have watched two babies at the same time. Luckily they are both really easy, so I didn't have to do much. The only tricky thing was timing their feedings just right. I had to make sure Hattie was fed before Sophia started screaming for her bottle. I was getting a glimpse of what my Mom had to do with her twins! After about and hour, Kristina dropped off her son, Andrew, so she could go to her Dr. Appt. Still, everything went smoothly. When Erin got back ,one of our friends came over and brought her son and we all went swimming. Sophia only slept for about and hour, so that wasn't so great. But beside that, all was well!

Tonight was very laid back. The kids didn't have homework and Aubrie didn't have to study for tests b/c she got 100 on both her Math and Spelling pre-test! I love when that happens b/c we don't have to spend Thurs. night studying. After they had their snack, they went upstairs to do chores. I was downstairs lying on the couch, while Sophia was playing on her mat. I dozed off for a little bit. I realized I hadn't heard any noises from Sophia for a bit and when I opened my eyes to check on her she was gone. I thought for a second that Ben might have come home and taken her. I called for Ben and got no response. I then called to Aubrie to see if she had taken her. She came in and closed the blinds and put a blanket on me and said "Mom, I put her in her crib so you could get some rest. Don't worry, Ethan is playing with her while I finish my chores and then I'll watch her". Sometimes she can act so grown up and then other times....well you know!
I really couldn't sleep, so I got up to help Aubrie finish up her piano practice. She was practicing with it turned down really low (while yelling up to the boys to be quite in the meantime) so as not to wake me:) When Ben got home he let Aubrie pick dinner b/c she did well on her tests. The truth is we didn't feel like making dinner, so we made it out to be a "reward" for her good grades!:) Aubrie picked pizza, and was very specific as to what kind she wanted...Papa Johns! We love their pizza, but hate driving that far. We wish she would have chosen Sardella's. Oh well!
Ben took Ethan with him to get the pizza. Sophia was sleeping and Aubrie and Boston played video games, so I had about 40 minutes of quiete time...it was nice!! I got all my journals out yesterday and they were calling my name. I started to read one from the end of my Sophomore year of college. I love reading my journals, but rarely do b/c it's so addicting. I can't ever put them down. There is nothing like reading your own story. I'm always amazed at how I have changed so much while still staying the same in so many ways! I also get a kick out of the things I thought were so important, that really weren't. I was able to get in about 6 months of my life before Ben got home. That is pretty good, b/c back then I wrote almost every other day!
After dinner, we went swimming. It's so nice swimming after a storm. It was nice and cool outside and the hot tub was enjoyable. While we were in the hot tub we were asking the boys what they wanted to be. Boston always says he wants to be a missionary. It's very sweet, but he doesn't understand that he has to do something after his mission. Ethan said he wanted to climb mountains, drive race cars and do "other worker stuff"!

Running Around

Yesterday I ran a few morning errands. Ethan really wanted a cupcake, and I told him he could have two if he was really good. He did great! He held onto the cart the whole time we were in the grocery store and didn't get into trouble at the book store. We got home in time for lunch, so he could have his cupcakes ( he didn't let me forget!) While I was at the grocery store, I went down the baby food isle. I usually start my kids on baby food at 4 months, but since Sophia is bottle fed I haven't really thought about it. I decided to buy some and try it. I started w/ some carrots and she wanted nothing to do with it! Oh well, its more of a hassle anyway.
After I put Sophia down, Ethan and I sat down and painted. I usually just let him go for it on his own, but he asked me so sweetly I couldn't deny him. I actually enjoyed it! If it weren't so hot outside (yes we did it outside on the table, I just cleaned my floors! ) we probably would have done it longer. Things were crazy once the kids got home. I had to be out the door by 5:15, so I was hurrying to get dinner along and trying to make sure Aubrie finished everything so she could go with me. We went with Erin and her daughter ,Eliza, to drop off a birthday gift for one of our Young Women, and then we went to Mountain Ridge high school to see another YW play volleyball. It was a fun time chatting and partially watching the game. It's been a long time since I have watched volleyball. It just reminded me of the good ole days of YW volleyball and summers filled with pool volleyball:( Oh, this was weird. When I got home Ben and I were watching the news and they did something on high school sports and the heat. They realized they were filming at Mountain Ridge while we were in the gym. I went outside to make a call the time that they had stamped the footage. I didn't even notice the news trucks!

Today I felt like I was running all over the place, and poor Sophia got the brunt of it. Sophia slept through the night....till 6:45! I tried to feed her and put her back down and I thought it worked, until I heard her talking to herself about 20 minutes later. She was on her back kicking around. I knew I was in trouble b/c I knew she would be ready for bed again at 8 and Ethan had preschool at 9. So she got in 45 minutes of sleep until I had to wake her. Then she got back to sleep at 10:15, only for me to wake her an hour later so I could meet Boston for lunch. Boston was excited, but wanted to know where his McDonald's Happy Meal was. I told him I was just there to visit and if that was good enough. He got the hint! He showed me Emma again, scarfed his food down and played with Sophia a little. I stuck around this time to see Aubrie for just a second, she has lunch right after him. I let her hold Sophia for a second and then I had to take off to get Ethan from School. We came home and Ethan picked out a movie while I went through some journals, trying to find something for my lesson on Sunday. Sophia didn't go back down till 1:00. I had to wake her up at 2:15 to pick up the kids and take them to piano. I came home and tried the solids again, cereal this time, but she wasn't really interested. I decided to try when she is 6 months. I then had to head back out to drop a gift off to a friend and pick up the kids from piano. Sophia was being so quiet. I looked back and she was OUT!! I was able to transfer her from the car. I think she just had enough.
Tonight Aubrie and I downloaded some pictures for one of her projects while Ben and the boys swam. Sophia went to bed before 7 tonight. She needed to catch up on sleep, I guess. She is sleeping well in her crib at night. I started putting her back in the potable crib for her naps. She seems to like it that way, and it's not a big deal, so why mess with it!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I bought Boston another Book of Mormon action figure while I was at the Bookstore. He was excited to get it. He wanted to take them to school, but I told him toys weren't allowed, and I definitely didn't want to push that issue with religious toys! I let him take a few in the car, but told him he had to leave them there when he got to school. Well when I picked them up and was on the way to piano, I noticed Aubrie and Boston were playing some type of game in the back. After listening, I realized Aubrie was holding up the figures to "quiz" Boston on how fast he could tell her what figure they were. I was thinking "how many kids are spending their time memorizing BOM characters right now?" Too funny!

Labor Day?

Today was Labor Day; never really understood that! Shouldn't it be Non-Labor Day, since people take off work and rest from their labors? Go figure?! I guess I didn't really rest from my daily labors. Hmmmm... I still made dinner, cleaned up messes, went to the grocery store, changed diapers, etc.... Guess I got some help from Ben, so it was a partial relief.
I'll take it!

Today we really did take things easy. Ben fed Sophia this morning, but I still didn't sleep. I was wondering the whole time whether he fed her the right amount and whether he knew to put her on her stomach, and if he even realized she went right back down. When he got back to bed I was still awake and the sun was out, so I climbed in Aubrie's bed (she has those awesome room darkening shades...Ahhh). I finally got up at 8:30. Ben and I made breakfast and got the kids to hurry through chores and piano practice, so we could head to the store.

For some reason I always feel like we are more of a circus show when Ben is added to the mix. I don't know if it's b/c there is one more body, or if the kids know my routine and don't try to pull anything when it's just me. Check out was the craziest! Sophia started to fuss b/c she was hungry. Aubrie and Boston each paid for a toy on their own, which takes FOREVER! They have to get their money out of their wallets and figure out the change etc. and then putting their change back is so hard for some reason. I think the receipt always throws them off. When Aubrie and Boston were done, I took all the kids to the car while Ben checked out.

By then it was lunch time so we decided to stop at Wendy's. It was actually pretty calm, until the end when Ethan said the funniest thing that set us all into a goofy mood. The kids were talking about the movie Underdog and their favorite parts. Ethan, out of the blue, said "my favorite part is when Underdog died." I just stared rolling and couldn't stop laughing b/c what the heck?!!! He doesn't even die in that movie anyway, I think, and the way he said it was so nonchalant. After that we all started laughing at the silliest things. I'm sure people were curious as to what was in our food. LOL
When we got home Ben watched some golf while I rested. We then swam for 2 1/2 hours!! I actually treaded water for 30 minutes. Not that I'll notice anything when I get on the scale!!
After that Ben made some of his famous Carmel Corn and he and the kids delivered it to some church leaders today to thank them for their "labors". We then had dinner, a short lesson on gratitude and accountability. Then it was off to bed for the kids.

Oh, I forgot to tell of my great misfortune yesterday. So I was putting clothes away in my room and I accidentally kicked my coffee table/chest that sits at the end of the bed. I have done this before and it hurts like the dickens!! I ran out of the room not wanting to wake Sophia, who was sleeping in our closet, as I let out a yelp of pain. Once I got out of my room I looked down and my toe was bleeding BIG TIME! It split my nail right down the middle and ripped the right half of that sucker right off. GROSS I know!!! My kids were worried and were all trying to take care of me. Guess that 's one way to get some attention. Hee, hee! Now, how am I going to explain this to the lady who does my pedicures? LOL

Weekend Update

Thursday was normal...thank Heavens!! No news is sometimes the best news, right? The kids had a normal day, and that evening my Mom and I were able to catch a movie. She has been begging to see Becoming Jane, a movie about Jane Austen. I didn't realize that was who the movie was about till the very end. It was slow and sad, but good to know her story. Her life was a lot like her books!

Friday I did a lot of organizing, part of a project I'm doing for PP. I have been putting it off since we moved here. I have been conquering closets...getting them ready for food storage. It felt good to purge myself of all our junk! Ben finally went to the doctor for a tetanus shot and the spots on his back. He then had a round of golf with Sione. We didn't have our normal date night. My Mom left for Texas around 4:00, with my brother Joe, so we didn't have a sitter. As soon as Sophia woke up from her afternoon nap, I surprised the kids and took them to Chuck E Cheese. On my way there I was thinking how I would have never attempted that place by myself when it was just Aubrie and Boston. Now I'm not even flinching to take all four kids by myself!

Right by Chuck E Cheese is one of my favorite Mexican spots, Mixteca. I told them that's where we were going. There was actually no complaining, and Boston actually said "Oh, I love those quesadilla's!" What?? Oh ya, Aubrie new about the secret b/c she keeps the coupons in her room (how funny is that?) and I had to ask her for one. As I started to turn into Mixteca I made a quick turn toward Chuck E and the kids were all ecstatic. The promised to be good and listened to everything I said. As I was in line and getting out my coupon and Chuck E. Cheese cups, the couple behind me said "Look at you! You have four kids and you are still organized"! I just laughed thinking inside that they should have seen my life a few days ago as my child was running away, and my baby didn't want to sleep all day.

I ordered everything and got a good spot right in the middle of everything. Aubrie helped me get my salad and fill the drinks and the Ethan stayed close since I only gave him one token at a time. He and Boston played air hockey, that was right by our table, for about 10 minutes. They both were having a good time, and Ethan gave him a pretty good game! The pizza came and I made the kids eat a piece before they played more games. Ben arrived half way through eating pizza, just in time...as Sophia started to fuss! After the kids ate their first piece they got to play another game. After that, Ethan was so cute. He would get a token, play a game, bring back his tickets and put them in his cup, take a bite of pizza, wipe his hands and mouth, take a sip of soda, and grab another token. He did this routine the whole time. Aubrie and Boston scarfed their second piece down and collaborated at getting the longest ticked chain ever. Boston would run and grab tokens while Aubrie fed them in the "Chance" machine. They ended up with a ticket chain of 175 tickets. The girl at the ticket counter was so cool. She didn't even add up the tickets and basically gave me the look that it didn't matter. I didn't want to take advantage, so I told the kids to pick two things each. After Chuck E, we came home swam and watched Robin Hood, with some home editing. The kids loved it!

Saturday Ben cleaned out the small garage and I cleaned out the pantry...only a few bedroom closets to go!! Yeah! Aubrie spent the day at Alexis' and the boys went to Home Depot for their "kids" Saturday. The boys came home and painted their projects and swam. When Aubrie got home, Ben took the kids to Target and they picked up a Slip and Slide and some steaks for dinner. They had a great time sliding on the slip and slide, reminded me of the simple day when I was a kid! After the steak dinner, we swam (do I really need to say that anymore? LOL) ,and watched National Treasure. We totally forgot that we had that. We are always trying to find movies the kids can watch and can't believe we forgot about that Disney movie! The are excited for the new one to come out.

Today was church. Things ran pretty smooth until it got out and Aubrie's teacher told me she left the group and went to the bathroom w/ out permission. I was so furious since this just happened. She said "but Mom I didn't leave the church". She then said her earring was coming out and she had to fix it. I had to explain to her that her teacher is responsible for her she can't leave the group without her permission. She said " I was so good in class Mom, I just needed to fix my earring". It's so hard to explain to her things that are not appropriate for her to do at her age. She probably sees the Senior Primary kids doing something like that and thinks "I'm sure that's alright for me to do". So INDEPENDENT she is!! (My Star Wars coming out there, ha!)

When we got home I made her spend a few hours in her room, reading! She then tried to suck up big time by recruiting the boys into making an indoor "tea party"! (Herbal tea of course:) They set up the tea set on the upstairs table, had bowls of applesauce, grapes, and miniature marshmallows on our saucers. It was very cute! I can't believe I forgot to take a picture!

After dinner we did our normal ritual, Funniest Home Videos. Sophia had a hard time going down, again, so I finally decided to give her a cereal bottle and she seemed much happier. After her last appointment I stopped giving them to her b/c the doctor said they didn't really make a difference. I don't think I really agree with that b/c her naps have been worse and she hasn't been falling asleep as soon as I lay her down. Of course she is rolling over on her back now, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I'm still going to try the cereal again and see if it gets better.

Wow! That was a long entry. That's what happens when you don't write for a few days!!

Runaway!

Whoa! It's been one of those days. Funny how one day can run so smoothly and be so peaceful and the next feels like you hit a truck dead on! Today was the "truck" day! First Sophia woke up earlier than normal, and then tired quick. I knew I couldn't make her last until the time I had to take Ethan to preschool. I quickly tried to think of the best option, and luckily I was able to arrange a quick carpool. I figured Sophia would sleep for a few hours and it would work fine for me to do the drive home. Ethan wasn't very happy about me not taking him, there goes that shy side of him again, and apparently was very grumpy and disobedient at preschool. I thought I found a great solution, oh well...strike one for the day.

Well it turned out that Sophia only slept an hour,whats up with that, and so my whole ride thing backfired. She was tired an hour before I had to do the pickup, so she only got 40 minutes of sleep, and so it carried on that way until I picked up Aubrie and Boston. Poor thing was in for a day of no sleep. Strike two!

Ready for strike 3? You know that's where I was going? This will be quite lengthy! I picked Aubrie and Boston up from school and all appeared to be normal. The day was salvaged! Boy was I in for a surprise. Before I drove them to piano, I had to stop for some gas. Ethan was complaining that he was thirsty and wanted some water. Aubrie had shared hers with me, and so when I told her to give some to Ethan she complained that Boston should share w/ him because she shared with me and Boston had more to give. I was a little frustrated because she still had 3/4 of her water bottle, and I can't stand when they try to do the even Steven's thing. As I was driving away from the gas station Ethan started to cry asking when he was going to get water. Aubrie never gave him any and still complained. So I told her she was on yellow for not listening and to give him the water. She gave him the water and I told her to get in her seat and buckle. As I was pulling into traffic, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw her kneeling next to Ethan. Again she didn't listen to me. She said she was waiting for her water, but I again explained that b/c she didn't listen she was putting herself in danger, and that she was now on red. Well she was not happy with that at all.

I told her things were changing and I was going to start enforcing the color system again, b/c I have noticed them not behaving as they should be. She then went on to tell me that she wanted a new Mom and a new family that wasn't strict, etc. I told her that if she had a family like that they probably would care about other things that were important either, etc. She kept going on about how she wanted out of the family, and she hates it....the typical teenage thing (hopefully when she is a teen she'll be over this, ha! ). I kept her in the car when we got to Piano and let Boston go ahead while we finished our discussion. I guess we weren't really done, more at an at impasse, but I was done talking about it so I sent her into Piano. Something told me to stick around, but Sophia was crying of hunger, and I brushed the feeling off as guilt. Now I know better. As I was pulling out I saw Aubrie sneak out the door, like she wanted to say something to me. I had her come over. I told her I loved her and we hugged. I then told her that if she really wanted a new family we could look on the Internet and see if there was any she liked ,"hee, hee", but that I really wanted her to be in our family. She got out and I pulled away as I saw her walk back towards the door.
Twenty minutes after I got home I got a call from the Lutheran church by where Aubrie takes Piano lessons. They were calling to let us know they had Aubrie, and wanted to know where we lived. Ben had answered the phone, thankfully, but he told them West Wing. I was thinking "no! Don't say that! Tell them we live down the street, it's true and it sounds better!" Anyway, we rushed over there, calling Jessie (their piano teacher) on the way to make sure she isn't panicked looking for her. Luckily she just thought I had taken her with me b/c Boston told her Aubrie was in trouble.
When we got Aubrie home I asked her what she could possibly be thinking when she decided to leave. She told me she was sad that she had made me so sad and that she was trying to walk home to tell me she was sorry. Apparently she was hot and thirsty and stopped at the church for some water. Good thing she stopped b/c I don't know what she would have done when she got to Lake Pleasant Pkwy. Good thing she knows her phone number too, b/c then the police would have been involved....dodged that catastrophe!

I told her that was way too long of a walk and she told me that it wasn't b/c she was planning on taking the short cut by the church. Guess she had it all planned out, except for the fact that it was 114 degrees outside, there was a major road to cross, oh and that she is NEVER to leave to go ANYWHERE without permission. We took away her privilege for gymnastics in the Fall, and now we told her we have to walk her to all her friends houses until we can trust her again.
Well, there is the novel. Mainly for Aubrie's benefit. So Aubrie...when you have a daughter someday and she does something like this.....you know where she got it!!!! The scary thing is that I see so much of me in her....just magnified!! Watch out world!

A New Cook!

I finally got a new cook, and her name is Aubrie. I started getting the ingredients out to make Aubrie's favorite dinner, and then I thought "I should have her try and do this". I've heard many talks at church about how we need to teach our daughters how to be great homemakers. Teaching her to do her chores, check! Teaching her how to take care of babies, check, check! Teaching her how to make small food items, check! Involving her in dinners....umm, not so good! I have this thing about messes, and if a kid can make a mess out of something I would rather not do it. That's why I'm not big on play-doh and paints. The kids are in Heaven whenever I pull those things out.

Anyway, I decided it was time to fight my neurotic behavior and let Aubrie dabble her hands in some meatloaf. She actually did very well. I got all the ingredients out for her and gave her the recipe and let her go for it. I did stand there in case she had any questions, but I didn't do any of it for her. She actually had fun mushing the meatloaf between her hands, and I actually enjoyed being able to keep my rings and watch someone else do it! Funny girl, as I was doing it she said, "Mom take some pictures for the blog." Guess she want's this documented for a future marriage resume, ha! Anyway, she made almost all the side dishes too and helped set the table. I made sure to mention to the family that she made the dinner, and it made her feel pretty accomplished. Ahhh, I'm envisioning the day that she can do it all on her own. How nice that could be.

The rest of the day was much more productive than yesterday. I actually sent the kids off to school this morning and got a work out in before Sophia woke up. After her long morning nap I ran to Walmart to get some groceries and containers for organizing. I went through my cabinets and closets figuring out what I needed to do to finally get them in order. Hopefully I'll find some time to follow through.

I picked the kids up and they had chores, homework and piano done before Ben got home. It's nice when that happens, that way we have more family time. Boston is actually getting some homework now. He started getting books sent home yesterday. He enjoys the reading and the spelling...but he HATES writing!!! I basically weed out anything that I feel is just busy work...for him at least. While Aubrie was doing her homework she said the sweetest thing. BYU radio was on, that's why I think she said this, she said "I can't wait to see Jesus again. I don't think I'll be able to sleep when I see him again". That made me realize that playing that music really made a difference. Her comment really couldn't have come at a better time b/c as I was turning it on today I was wondering if they really noticed it anymore. Guess I got my answer. Ben also said that the kids haven't been fighting as much on the way to school ever since I put my Young Women CD in the car. I am gaining a testimony of the importance of good music!

Lunch with Boston

Well today started off blah and then went into hyper drive. I had a hard time getting up AGAIN!! Sophia is still getting up around 4:30- 5:00...just late enough to make it hard to go back to sleep, but too early to stay up. I am trying so hard to get up early and exercise and get the kids off to school and I try to commit to it every night, but then the morning rolls around and I CAN'T do it! Of course here I am typing at 11:00 at night, so that doesn't help matters. I'm just not tired this time of night, so what can I do?!

Anyway, this morning Ethan had school so I surprised Boston by showing up for lunch. When I got there the kids hadn't arrived at the lunchroom yet, so I propped Sophia's car seat on the table so I could kind of hide and see how Boston behaved and interacted w/ the kids without knowing I was there. He is still the funny boy that we all know. He was waiting in the milk line, and while he was standing there he was singing a "chocolate milk" song, and was doing a little dance. I was laughing so hard inside. He will defiantly be the class clown growing up. I'm sure that is what all our teacher conferences will be about, if we ever have any...fingers crossed! Anyway, after he got his milk I ran up and surprised him. He was so happy to see me. He kept kissing me and hugging me and thanking me for coming. I was thinking how all that will probably change in about 5 years, so I was totally taking it all in. He then kept asking me when I was coming again...already planning our next visit. He said something cute too! He said "Mom this is like one of our dates". I guess it kind of was. He then pointed out his "girlfriend" who looked nothing like I expected. For some reason I expected some little blond girl, but it was nothing like that. She actually looked very wholesome and innocent....you go Boston!!! Hope he keeps that taste up when he is 16!!!

Before I ate lunch w/ Boston and was waiting in the lunchroom, Aubrie happened to walk through the lunch room on her way back from Music class. I gave her a big hug and told her how much I loved her, but didn't think to tell her that I wouldn't be there to have lunch w/ her because I had to pick up Ethan. When I picked her up from school today she asked me why I didn't have lunch with her, and that she was crying all through lunch b/c I wasn't there. I felt so bad, and promised to get a sitter sometime so I could have lunch w/her.

After lunch w/ Boston I picked up Ethan and planned on starting dinner and some chores. That didn't happen. After I put Sophia down for her nap, I got a call from a good friend. I actually called her earlier in the morning, and she was returning my call. When I was taking a shower this morning something told me, more like yelled at me, to call her as soon as I dried off. I'm glad I listened to that prompting. Find out, she was having some marital problems, and we had a good hour and 1/2 conversation. I hope I was of some help. I'm just glad I could be a listening ear!
Our conversation went right up to the time for the kids to be picked up...so I didn't get much done during the afternoon. Oh, I forgot to mention how I noticed that Ethan was being so quite, playing cars in his room. After talking on the phone for about 45 minutes, I peeked in his room to find him asleep on the floor by all his cars! It was so cute , and a much needed blessing since I really needed to be on that phone call.
Luckily, well not for Ben, Ben's golf game fell through and he was able to run Aubrie to dance, letting me get all the things done I couldn't do this afternoon. Sophia took a great evening nap, and I was able to get things back in order. We had our FHE on Happiness through Obedience. It started off by me hiding messages w/ candy attached to them and me giving the kids directions to find them. Afterwards, Boston hid candy in the backyard and attempted to do the same thing....it was cute. We then made oatmeal raisin cookies, together, and then it was off to bed. What I need to do now! Goodnight!

Tagged...not really!

As you can see Ben has caught the spirit of blogging. I just want you to know I am not responsible for what he writes. It is nice however to have two points of perspective in our journal. It will probably catch things I have forgotten to mention. Since he has covered the past few days and has left me nothing to write about I decided to do this get to know you thing Erin would have tagged me with, but didn't want to give away my blogger identity, which I'm sure will be blown soon, as Ben will surely want people to see what he has written!:) So here it goes...

Jobs I've had:
1. Book of Mormon Teaching Assistant
2. Anatomy Lab Teaching Assistant
3. Teaching Assistant at Midwestern University (see a trend here?)
4. New store trainer for Chili's

Favorite Movies
1. Star Wars (any of them)
2. Count of Monte Cristo
3. Overboard
4. Sound of Music

Places I've lived:
1. California (lots of places!)
2 Las Vegas, NV
3. OKC, Oklahoma
4. Provo, Utah
5. Holly Springs, North Carolina
6. Peoria, Arizona

Favorite TV Shows:
1. House
2. ER
3. Scrubs (another trend, huh?)
4. Lost

Favorite Dishes:
1. Fish tostada's
2. A nice cooked fillet,
3. Alfredo, w/ penne noodles
4. tamale's

Websites I visit:
1. Lds.org
2. armls (Arizona real estate listings)
3. friends blog spots
4. southwest.com

Places I'd like to be
1. Hawaii
2. Italy
3. Hiking on a nice cool mountain trail
4. A day spa!

Play Ball

It is every father's dream to watch his kids play ball. The other day we were outside and the boys grabbed the tee and started hitting balls off the tee. It was fun to watch them play together.

They took turns and each smacked the ball. I am very impressed with them and most impressed with how they encouraged each other and worked together.

Aubrie also gets in on the act occasionally and I love to watch them all play. Aubrie right now is more into her Heelies and Hoola Hoop. It is amazing to me to watch the kids grow up so quickly. I am always worried that they are going to start picking up my bad habits and doing what I do. I see some of the things that they do and I cringe. I need to keep working hard to not let them fall into the same traps that I did. I need to be a better example so that they can be better than I was. Ethan is really starting to come into his own. He is speaking very well and can express himself very well. The other night he was saying prayers and I thought he was finished. I was getting ready for his closing when he stopped and proudly said, "thank you for letting me hit my balls!" I almost died. I tried so hard to maintain my composure. He obviously did not get what he said since he is innocent and pure and I am jaded and rotten. I love the kids and they are so fun. They always get me when I am not ready. They say the funniest things and really follow our lead. Ethan's favorite expression is "this is going to take 2 ever" instead of take for ever. He is a very sweet boy and is the biggest daddy's boy in the world. When he gets hurt I am the only one who he will go to. I am the only one who can get him out of the car seat. He always tells me that he loves me. It warms my heart when my kids tell me that. I am so lucky to have each of my children.

I pretend a shark is trying to bite my butt!

This will be my first foray into the world known as blogging. I am never bashful and I am sure that Rachel will do her level best to review and edit this before it is posted! We are slowly getting back into the groove of school. I hate it. The worst thing in the world is waking a sleeping child. I guess it is payback for all those early mornings that they gave us. The biggest bummer is not having enough time with them at night. I usually get home from work around 5:00 p.m. and the kids are headed off to bed at 7:00 p.m. The usually don't get to bed until 8:00 p.m. but it is just not enough time. The kids are all doing very well and seem to like school. Ethan also enjoys preschool and talks about playing on the swing set and new friends that he has met. I am glad that he can have something in common with Aubrie and Boston. He loves to go in the car with us every morning as we drop Aubrie and Boston off. He gives them each a squeeze as they crawl over him to get out of the car. He would like to get out and go with them but he understands that he still has a couple of years before that will happen. Boston is doing very well and two years of preschool have served him well. He and Aubrie also had a great deal of exposure to the Waterford Early Reading Program. They are more comfortable on a computer at 5 and 7 then I was at 17. It is crazy how technology changes.
The other day we were out swimming. Rachel was gone with the youth to a temple trip and I had the kids from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Needless to say I was spent. Women have a reserve for patience that men will never attain. The kids were very good for the most part. They tried to take advantage of dad once in a while but I was on to their tactics. I put Sophia down for her mid-morning nap and then we hit the pool. We had a great couple of hours splashing and sliding. During the festivities I looked up to see Boston literally flying across the water. I had no idea that he could swim that fast. I mean he was moving! When he got to the wall I looked over to him and asked him how he swims so fast. He looked over to me and said, "dad I just pretend that a shark is trying to bite my butt!" I started laughing and couldn't stop for a couple of minutes. He is a classic and always keeps us on our toes.
My grandparents were in town for a funeral and I was excited to see them. They are getting older and won't make too many more trips down here so I want to spend as much time with them when they do make it down here. After the funeral and dinner they came over for a visit. The kids ate it up and had a great time showing them the house, the pool and their sweet piano skills. Grandpa Jenkins really loved watching the kids play on the piano and I had to go back into the house as they were leaving to retrieve Grandpa who was instructing Boston. It is always nice for the kids to see their great grandparents. I vaguely remember meeting mine. I was 5 when my great grandfather passed (I think). We were able to get some sweet photos of the kids with them. Rachel got home about 30 minutes before they did and helped me to straighten up the house before everyone got there. Once everyone left we had to get dinner on the table and then get ready to leave for the ward activity. The ward activity consisted of jamming 16 pounds of refined sugar into every small child and then send them home with their parent's! I honestly think that Ethan had 4 or 5 small ice cream cones and 4 cookies. He is a sweets eating machine. Boston looked up at me and said that his stomach didn't feel so good. At the time he was holding a bowl of m&ms. We did our best to monitor the sugar intake, but we were no match for the spread that the activities committee placed before us. 3 or 4 sugar cookies found their way into my stomach before I realized what had happened. They are so good....how can they be bad?! This time I actually stayed behind and help clean up. Usually the kids are acting up and we need to leave anyway. This time I stayed behind and helped clean up. I looked around to see many others doing the same. This ward is so awesome and we are so lucky to be a part of this family. Rachel and I got the kids home and sedated them the best that we could. I think I heard buzzing coming from their rooms as they started to settle into bed. Last night was fight night! Once a month we all congregate over at the Jarman's home to watch carnage. Last night was a great fight and we got to watch as Randy Cotoure retained his title. It is always fun to get together with the fellas. I brought over the chili cheese dip while others brought brownies and other healthy snacks. This was not such a good idea coming on the heals of the ward party. Of course I did not let this deter my crap food intake and pounded more chili cheese dip and candy and soda. Sleep was not very sound last night. I woke up late and missed Ward Council and Sacrament Meeting. We did make it to the last two hours of church and managed to save our Sunday. We spent the rest of today swimming, coloring and having lots of good, quality family time. I love Sundays. This is truly the one day that everything we do is together.