Memorial Day Weekend

Holy Moley we've been having quite a bit of fun. We went from our packed Memorial Day weekend right into packing and making preparations for our Utah trip, which is why this is post is a little delayed.  

The weekend started with our ward's father/son campout. This is Ryder's second campout and he gets soooo excited (mostly, because I know Phil makes it something to be very excited about). It's becoming a very special tradition that Phil and his boy get to share together. Pen and I also enjoyed a leisurely girls night at home. 

Saturday, we joined some friends and the Jones Beach Airshow on Long Beach--with the Blue Angels. We had a terribly fun time playing on the beach while the coolest entertainment flew over our heads. Kids and adults alike had a blast.  So much fun, in fact, it was so much fun that I'm going to spare you the details about our  hideous drive home that involved getting stuck in the middle of Manhattan during rush hour. Where a regularly 1 1/2 hour drive turned into a 3 1/2 hour drive. I know everyone who ever has anything to do with NYC just thinks it the bomb-diggity-bomb, but as I was sitting there staring at it for 2 hours, overrated kept coming to mind. Sometimes I think its just a giant black hole for lost souls. I'm sure my current circumstance had nothing to do with my opinion at that time. I have a complicated love/hate relationship with that city...anyway! Back to the airshow:

 Us with our friends, the Robinsons

 Yay for the Blue Angels!

All my cute people...plus a couple of random people watching the air show :) (for the life of me I tried to photoshop them out, but couldn't figure out how if the person I wanted gone overlapped onto the people I wanted there...do any of you know how?)

 Becky Becks and me:)

 Ryder and Mariah

 What our backseat looked like before we even pulled out of our parking space.

On Monday, we went to our wards annual Memorial Day BBQ and good times were had by all.

However, it was a little hot 

 Whoosh!

 Luckily, there was ice...

...and a lot of baked goods.

It's been so great to kickstart our summer off with so many fun things. Which is good because after we get home from Utah and I start to enter my final 6 weeks of pregnancy, things will start getting a bit more laid back...like all we do is "sit in front of an air conditioner" type of laid back. Hooray for summer!

Excited for Summer!

I can't help but wake up every morning with a lilt in my step and a sparkle in my eye because fun times are ahead! Besides a packed Memorial Day weekend we plan on spending with friends doing fun things, we take off next week to Utah to see the fam! Oh, how I love being excited for things...it may not be half the fun but the anticipation is a good chunk of the fun.

This summer will also bring a cute baby girl, who I am dying to meet. I want her in my arms, not in my tummy. I'm even ready for those sleepless nights. Let's get the party started, I say! But alas, that one is still a few more weeks away (9 and a half to be exact, but who's counting?)

Another thing that the beginning of summer means, is that school comes to an end (I know not for most people, but it does for a relaxed preshcool co-op!) We sure did love Ryder's little preschool group this year. Penny, especially loved being involved when she could as well. Here are some fun photos I got of their last "official" day and at their "end of the year party".

"Say Cheese"

We were learning about cameras that day...

The Party!

We went to a park and had a very fun scavenger hunt made by one of the other mom's. 

 (Natalie reading a pirate story and the creator of this very fun activity)

 Can you tell Ryder LOVES his little preshcool group? We'll definitely miss it and our friends this summer. 

So Close, Yet, So Far

You see what that is over there in the distance? I think it might be a vacuum and some sort of mop-like contraption...I can't be sure.

Those puppies are seeming a little farther away than I'd like them to at the moment, but... I'm feeling better today than I have all week and although I'm embarassingly behind schedule, I will get this house cleaned today if it's the last thing I do!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day every one! I am priveledged to know many great, amazing, kind women who do the title and meaning of "Mother" much justice. I'm grateful for their examples and wish them a very happy day!

And as for my own mom...well, what can I say? She is perfect. As far as support, love, advice, humor, wisdom and friendship, my mom has been everything I've needed to navigate this life (and many times still is).

Lately, I've been pondering a lot of things regarding our personal choices and the things that influence them as well as where those choices will take us. So in tribute to my sweet mother, I thought I'd put on record a few of the things I've learned from her that have left a huge impact on me and who I hope to become.

1.

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes."

"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others."

--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness"

I know I've mentioned this before, but if I could sum up one of the greatest lessons my mom has ever taught me, it's to "be kind and nice".  To this day, when I'm not sure what to do regarding a sticky social situation, the words, "be kind and nice" echo in my mind. Not only is my mom a generally very nice person to those she comes into daily contact with (don't even get me started on her ability to charm difficult people), but I saw her put these words into practice in some of the most difficult, unjust, and hurtful situations, where choosing to act something other than kind and nice, would have perhaps been the easier, more deserved way to behave.

It was this example that made everytime I went to her with a frustrating situation (admittedly, after some good venting) I would ask her what to do, she would respond, "Be kind and nice, that's all you can do". And I would know from her example that was not only the best option, but the only option.


2.

"...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

--1 Timothy 4:12

You know those people who you never have to question their values or what they think, but at the same time you're drawn to them and desire to be around them? My mom is one of those people. My mom has never been the type of person to "cordially" laugh at a dirty joke or pretend not to notice offensive acts out of fear of offending or not fitting in. Yet, it has been my observation that it is such stances that only seem to draw people in. It's a combination of goodness and love (I don't think one works without the other) and that's who she is, and well, who doesn't want to be around that?

I feel she has also been a huge example of this to me in regards to motherhood. She was always my mother first before she was my friend. She never shyed away from telling me exactly what I needed to hear out of fear of losing our relationship or offending me. Which is ironic, because it is how her first priority to be my mother made it my first priority to be her friend.

I pray to be this type of example and mother. I don't know if I'm there yet but I hope beyond all hope I'll have the same relationship with my children that I have with her.

3.

"Some people look for a beautiful place--others make a place beautiful"

--Hazrat Inayat Khan

 Oh, I love my parents' home! The little haven I had the pivilege to grow up in! My mom has an innate creative ability to decorate and make her surroundings beautiful. Growing up she stitched hundreds of thoughtful, uplifting and inspiring messages and images that were placed throughout our home while turning our yard in the summer time into a colorful oasis. Do I think these qualities are required to be a good mom? No. But oh, how I love this about my mother! Not only was it so very fun watching her and helping her do these things growing up, but making my home a beautiful place where my family and I want to be is one of the biggest things that brings me joy and satisfaction as a wife and mother. 

Mom, I could go on and on about how wonderful I think you are. I consider you to be one of the greatest blessings I have in this life. Happy Mothers Day! I love you!

Bronchitis & Potty Training

As it turns out, it seems as though that silly bronchitis that I had almost a month ago decided to make a come back. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated and that if this bronchitis had a face, I'd punch it. Not to mention I'm not exactly jumping up and down about how great I've been feeling this pregnancy. I'm always surprised how depressed it can make you feel to be in discomfort and not really being able to see the end in sight or knowing it will only get worse before it gets better.

However, the better part of me knows, I really don't having anything to feel sorry for myself about. In the grand scheme of things, this is embarrassingly minor. I also know growing this little baby will be worth every ounce of pain or discomfort felt in the next three months. So in a small attempt to keep the grumpiness at a minimum, I thought it might be fun to list all of the things that I so desparately want to happen, that WILL happen all in due time:

1. I looking forward to a time when I can clean out and organize my car.
2. I dream of a super organized basement.
3. I would like to purchase a label maker (I could get a lot of use out of it super organizing my basement)
4. I'm excited to feel attractive again.
5. I can't wait to have a regular energy level and want to do things after 7 pm.
6. I want to want to decorate, because I know I really do love it.
7. One day I will get around to doing fun projects, because I know I love those too.
8. I know this probably won't happen, but I'd like to never take good health for granted again and feel grateful for times I get to workout. (Bawhahah, hee-hee, haha)

It's all gonna happen! One day. Just you wait and see.

Oh wait! Wait, wait, wait.  How could I forget--I (we) have been crossing something pretty major off our list these last couple of weeks...#2 is potty trained!

And according to these photos, you would think that the whole experience was nothing but one huge par-tay!

And for the most part, it was pretty easy going and now she's doing great and has even woke up with a dry diaper the last 4 nights (although I hate to say so, because I don't want to jinx anything:)

Way to go Penny!

Dinosaur Museum

A couple of weeks ago, our little preschool group + siblings all went to a little museum to specifically see their dinosaur exhibit. We had been studying dinosaurs in preschool for a couple of months and after a couple of them caught wind that we were thinking of taking a field trip to "The Dinosaur Museum" we were expected to deliver.

The boys checking out the teeth.

 The dinosaur museum in this particular museum was a bit on the smaller side, but the company was great and there was a lot of other cool things for them to look at.

The girls in the dinosaur nest 

Penny was SO excited she got to tag along. She pretty much participates (as much as she can) any time  we have preschool at our house, so she thought she was quite the big girl to be hanging with her preschool friends.

R & P doing their best to make dinosaur faces for the camera 

R & P playing with the train at the train exhibit 

Me with my besties in front of some raptors!

Photography Notes: I have yet to master any sort of photography skills in regard to shooting indoors and "on-the-fly". I find the group or model dispersing by the time I figure out what settings will work best. As you will notice there is no sort of consistency with the lighting. That's why I never take my camera on outings--because I'm so slow at capturing real life and I get easily frustrated:) need to start working on that...

Trying

 Ryder and Penny trying to learn to ride their scooters :)

One of the hardest things I find about being a mom is never really feeling like a live up to the mom I hope or want to be. In my head I create a list of things I hope to get accomplished that day. Everything from chores and working out to one-on-one time and family prayer. And here's the truth: I honestly don't think I've ever had a day in my life as a mother where I've checked everything off that list. If we went and played at the park, that probably means the laundry is still sitting in the dryer. If I got my house clean and appointments made, then my kids have most likely been couped up in the house all day watching too much TV.

My brain is constantly trying to work through ways to make the cleaning more efficient, to find interesting ways to do the things I find boring all the while trying to teach my kids the things they need to know to be the people I hope they become one day. It's exhausting. And the sad thing is if you were to look at my house or my daily actions, you'd have no idea that I was trying so hard! {said with a whine}. 

I know I'm pregnant, which tends to slow me down quite a bit these days, plus today is one of those more frustrating days (I can't be sure, but there's a small possibility crazy hormones may or may not be involved) but that doesn't take away my want to be the mom I hope to be, which is perhaps why I'm finding this whole thing a bit more frustrating than usual. 

Luckily, I'm a huge believer in "I'll try again tomorrow". I don't ever get too bothered in getting caught up in the guilt of it all because tomorrow is a new day. A clean slate. A fresh start. Etch-a-Sketch. I'm pretty sure it's my belief in this philosophy of mine that keeps me sane. And even though I don't really see much progress day to day or even week to week, I do think I've seen enough improvement in the last four and a half years that makes me feel like I'm at least headed in the right direction. And that's all that matters, right? That we're trying. 

Which sometimes makes me think how very important "just trying" is. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who can see our desires. Even though he sees my messy house and my bad moods, He can also see what I reeally, truly want. I strongly believe even when our actions can't always measure up to the desires of our hearts, those desires certainly count for something. Actually, I think they count for a lot. And well, on a day like today...or rather, throughout the next few months, I find that rather comforting. 

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

Doctrine & Covenants 137:9

Essential

I posted these photos on Facebook, so sorry if you've already seen some of them, but I found my mom's comments to be all too perfect that I had to make sure I had it recorded on my blog for safekeeping. (Just in case anyone is interested, I've started recording the old blog in a book on Blurb. So far, so good. Right now I'm just doing from 2006-2007...I've got a ways to go :)

The following photos were taken while Penelope was talking to her Nana on the phone. The comments were provided to you by Nana herself:

It was a wonderful conversation, we exchanged pleasantries...

We both did a little venting...

We had some good laughs...

Shared some intriguing secrets...

We both talked until we were both worn out. I am a very lucky Nana...

Thanks mom, for your insights. I feel very lucky my kids have you.

If you're wondering about the state of my couch, I was in the middle of cleaning one of the cushions...I'll ignore any stains underneath your couch cushions, if you ignore mine :)

Sick, No More!

The two items that I must have near me at all times. 

Tissues, you say? We're hard core around here. TP all the way. 

Currently, Ryder and I are awake at 6:30 this quiet morning, snuggling under a blanket watching cartoons while we take turns coughing up a lung.  I gave up trying to sleep around 6 a.m. and figured it would be better to get my early bird (Ryder) and I out of dodge so our other partial sickies could finish up on their much needed sleep.

Essentially this little family of mine has been involved in a nasty game of cold ping pong for the last week. I'd like to think I'm the MVP who has managed to not only remain the most consistant with my cold but somehow turned it into bronchitis. It's talent people, sheer talent.

I did make it to the doctor yesterday, so thankfully, I'm now armed with some of the good stuff (wink, wink) to help me get over this nonsense. I keep hoping every morning I'll wake up feeling monumentally better than I did the day before, but I just don't think it works that way when you're pregnant. However, I'm sick of all the sickness! And I'm really sick of not being able to taste my food. My lost sense of smell has left me dibilatated as a mother (dirty diapers???) and my lost sense of taste (which technically is still my sense of smell, right?) has made me realize what it's like to only eat when you're hungry. Shockingly, it's not that much and not to mention utterly boring. There is no joy in food {enter heavy shoulder sob here}.


So I'm done. We're all done. We're tired of playing this game and so I'm just going to will it to be over. Mind over matter, the power of positive thinking...whatever. We're done. Today I will make Penny walk around all day with a sippy cup of O.J. strapped to her hand. Today, Ryder will master the art of coughing into his elbow as I start sanitizing this house from top to bottom (or until I get too tired). Today, I'm sending Phil back to work, because after working two days from home to help me out, even Phil (our healthy phenom) is starting to get congested, and so getting him out of this contaminated environment is probably the best thing I can do for his survival. You will be missed, my love. And as for me, today, I'm going to do the laundry, even if it kills me. Because today we are getting back to normal, and normal people need clean underwear.

That's the plan. And it's gonna happen...well, until we all end up under blankets in front of the TV.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

The kiddos have been busy attending Easter Egg hunts and eating LOTS of sugar. There has been more than one instance this weekend where I've wondered where Penelope was and why she wasn't making a peep, only to find her stuck in some corner with her Easter loot going to town.

All of us ended up catching some sort of cold this weekend, which didn't slow down Ryder and Pen's fun, but of course managed to render me useless. So like a lamo, I ended up staying home from yesterday's Easter egg hunt and from church today:(

All the fun began on Thursday when we had Easter activities during preschool, which was held at our house this week. I ended up making these chocolate candy nests I found on Pinterest, which although look really cool...

 ...aren't the most practical treat in the world...

Friday we had an Easter egg hunt at the church and then on Saturday had the community Easter egg hunt that Phil took them to while I loafed around the house with a roll of toilet paper attached to my hand.  Luckily, Phil took the camera to document their cuteness for me.

(Isn't this Easter bunny cute? So many I've seen lately are really quite scary looking)

And then the Easter bunny came to visit

 (I apologize for the snotty nose...but they're just so easy to come by around here lately)

But like any good parent made them put down their goods so I could dress them up in their Sunday finest and put copious amounts of gel (elsh as Ryder calls it) and hairspray on their heads.

And then what would this Easter post be without my "kiss your sister, dang it!" photo.

 All in all, a very pleasant morning. I'm SO very grateful for this Easter season and everything it means to me and my loved ones. This morning we were watching the You Tube clip about the resurrection that's been flying around on Facebook and when they were crucifying the Savior, Ryder said, but this is supposed to have a happy ending.  How relieved and happy I was to tell him that it did! I don't know if that and the end of the video clip left him satisfied, but I hope one day he'll fully understand about the happy ending we all get to recieve because of what our Savior did for us.

A Really Boring Blog Post

 I'm going to ask you to prepare yourself for possibly the most boring blog post of all time. I know this, because I can even envision my own mom glazing over the text, scrolling down the page, only hoping to get to a new picture of her grandchildren, which is exactly why I've placed random photos of my children here even though they have nothing to do with what I'm talking about.

This blog post is about what to blog about.

Don't say I didn't warn you about it being boring!

While I was doing the redesign, I came to a harsh realization: there's is only so much room one can take up, mostly in the form of pictures. I found out because I hit that limit. Luckily, there were some photos I had downloaded that weren't being used, so I deleted those and granted myself some more space before having to purchase more Gigs? Bytes? Space? What, for now, we'll just call gigglybytespace.

THEN, the other day in scripture group we were having a discussion about journaling. How pretty much the reason we have the scriptures is because people and prophets kept records of what was going on during their time. Obviously, there is no discounting the blessing that has been to nations. Not to mention records kept by ancestors and the impact they can have on their descendants. We further discussed the content of our journaling and I couldn't help thinking what is going to be the most valuable for my posterity to know about my life? 

I've always told myself it's okay that I'm horrible at keeping a journal because I have a blog! But after some thoughtful consideration on the point of journaling or record keeping, I think in some ways my blog is the same thing as my journal and in other ways it's not. So I'm wondering how to make it so it is. Not only in regard to content, but in how I choose to save/print/store it.

As far as the content, I feel can easily be decided when I ask myself, who am I writing to? Who are my words going to really matter to? When put that way, I know the asnwer is my family and my children. And if it so happens I can affect others along the way, well then, it's a win/win.

So then, I ask myself, what do I want them to know? Number one, my testimony of Jesus Christ and my efforts to navigate this world while trying to be like Him. I want them to know my thoughts, happiness and hopes about being a mother.  And last but not least, I want them to know what I love and why. From people to hobbies, everything I love. (I think it would be so fun to see what sort of decorating style and fashion thoughts my mom had at my age)  Obviously, there are some things too personal to share, which I will end up having to type or write down elsewhere.

I'm a little more at a loss when it comes to the sav/print/store portion...how do you do it for your blogs? Do you have them made into books? And if so, what company do you use to print your blogs and how often do you do so? Should I just transfer it to a work document and save it with a backup? Or a combination? I just don't know. Am I the only weirdo who thinks about these things!?!

So there you have it. The most boring blog post about what to blog about.