Big long blog, but worth a read if your kids do this, too.

So today is wear your costumes to school day. I am looking out the window at all the little kids dressed like devils, robots, and princesses running around the school grounds, and it is adorable. Gotta love Fall. Only thing, my little princess refuses to wear her costume (which is an adorable pink princess dress complete with hoop skirt) to school. Is she missing out on all the fun? Will she regret it once she gets there and be sad? I don't know. I hope not.
All my kids seem to have this freakish thing that I just don't get. I don't even know what to call it. It is that they can't go to primary activities after school WITHOUT ME. Or they can't go to school if the bell rings and they are late. Or they don't want to go to school at all because someone will see them. Or they can't wear their costumes to school. Or they can't sing or speak in the primary program. Weird. Random.
Kate went through it until kindergarten. She couldn't even go to preschool. I had to be there every day. Dance? One year of it until we discovered she wouldn't perform. AAAHH! Scott was even more severe. His lasted until he was 8. He wouldn't go to school. He was afraid of being struck by lightning on a cloudy day with no rain. He was simply terrified of the most random things. He wouldn't go to anybody's house even to play. He does now, but when he was 7 he wouldn't even play at his cousin's house unless I was there.
Now it is Kara. The bell rang and she was late yesterday. Instead of running to school she ran home. I being very familiar with this crap didn't let it go down. We went kicking and screaming (I carried her all the way) to school, and I had to put Kara's thrashing hand into Mr. McKinney's hand and quickly explain. Bless his heart. Sometimes if we have guests over, and it can be ANY visitor for even a little bit, she hides and won't join the rest of the family in the visit. Even if we are playing duck duck goose together. Today it is that she won't wear her beautiful costume to school.
Well, I have had enough experience in this situation to know that you let things slide, and if the temptation of "but what if they feel sad later" comes you just ignore it. Because that is what they can do right now. And later when they get bigger, they will have built courage line upon line. And when they are fifth graders like Scotty, they will wear their princess costume to school, go to other people's houses to play, and will participate in all the things that seem to come so naturally to everybody else. i.e. all the little kids in costumes running around the school ground.
Sometimes things are what they are. Like Katelyn will have to have surgery on both feet in four years. It is what it is. In the doctor's office was a vinyl lettering on the wall that said something like, " The most happy person knows how to float along the river instead of trying to push it back unnecessarily." something like that. But it is true. I could fight and have her wear the costume. But it is NOT worth it. Sh e would be unhappy and wouldn't enjoy the gamefilled day to the best way she can. I could fight a lot of battles, but there is some absolute truth to the saying," YOU PICK YOUR BATTLES" I think they should add "AND DON'T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT, EITHER. PUNK!" I just added the punk thing for fun. Happy Halloween.

The ARM Pit

Skyler was telling Jozet, his 4 year old cousin, about how he went to the gymnasium to play in the ARM PIT and how fun it was. Piqued my attention. Turns out it is the foam pit at the gymnastics place. I giggled a little.
"Yeah, Jozet, we got to go to the ARM PIT!" It must have been fun.

Random

That was random. hydroponic lettuce leaves! Whoah. Somebody bettah shut me down.
shut up

That was so funny

I just have to say that sometimes I crack myself up. I think I am so clever for thinking that last poem up. Ha ha. I thought it was funny.

I am sick

I am sick. I need to write a poem about it....think think think


I know how sickly I are.
I know my face aint no star.
But I do not mind it cause I am behind it
and you folks out front get the jar.

No no no. Scratch that. Beginnnn againnnn.

Cough, cough, cough. My head hurts.
My cheeks are all stuffy and full.
Sniff sniff sniff, sound and light hurts.
There's throbbing so strong in my skull.

Nice hot bath. Soft dim lights.
tylenol helps with relief.
Bright warm fire. Kids in bed.
Now I will catch me some sleep.

Mommmm???? I have a bloody nose.
Mommmm???? I wet the bed.
Mommmmmm??? oh nothing. I just wanted to wake you up.
Ha ha ha. :)

Utah Trip

We took a trip as a family to Utah over the weekend. What a fun time! First stop: the Finlinsons. I had a sister missionary friend from Brazil whom I haven't seen since I was actually a missionary IN Brazil, and I found out she married an Americano and was living in Sandy. So on our way down to Provo, we stopped at her house and met her family. Our kids instantly felt comfortable around each other and played and played. Thelma made coxinhas, brigadeiros, suco de maracuja', and pudim for us! Talk about heaven. In English, that is coxinhas, little chicken thingies with dough then deep fried in olive oil. Heaven! It was exactly like my memory. So crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside. I think I am going to make some today. Secondly, brigadeiros (or little warriors) are these fudgy chewy little balls of chocolate, about as expected at birthday parties as birthday cake. Definitely a Brazilian traditional favorite. Then the suco de maracuja' or passionfruit juice. No mixture of pineapple and strawberry garbage. Just pure Brazillian passionfruit juice. Que delicia. Pudim is like flan, and super delicious when Brazilian makes it, so so when Kirsten makes it. But even more delicious than all the food, was reacquainting myself with Thelma and her beautiful family. They are so interesting. He furnishes temples for his living. So you can imagine that their home was very tastefully decorated. And it was. The children were lovely, the time spent was one of the highlights of the trip for everybody, and we'll definitely go back. Next stop was visiting the Bickels, some friends of ours that go back to college days, and even further for Dave and Roy Bickel, who were friends in Indiana. We stayed at their lovely home in Orem and woke up to blueberry pancakes. Next, we took a hike up to Bridal Veil falls, a super little easy hike even for the four year olds, and played at the bottom of the falls in the water. The kids hiked up the rocks of the falls a little bit and we had such a great time in the nature. After the hike, our hungry bellies found ourselves at Golden Corral. We were loading up our plates, and I teased Scott to be careful of his food choices (he just got braces) because his Dentist would FIND him. Well how about this? HIS DENTIST AND ORTHODONTIST WERE BOTH THERE IN THE RESTAURANT! How funny is that? We chatted with them to find out they were brothers and they wer.e there for the BYU game. We thought that was funny. After lunch Dave and Roy went to the game (we only went to the tail gating games and the kids all won BYU towels They love them!) and we walked back to the van to go check into the hotel. As Dave was at the game we went swimming and then off to bed. Sunday church was lovely and aside from our ward, they were the sweetest ward I'd ever been to. And I've been to a lot of sweet natured wards. They were exceptionally accepting, and cared for us like we were so valuable to them. It was awesome. After a barbecue at the Bickels, it was then time to come home. Driving on the highway was no big deal, smooth sailing, until the blowout. We were nervous, but were protected from the oncoming traffic. It was dark and all, but prayer definitely kept us safe and then eventually on our way. It was an awesome trip. I loved all of it.

I've hit forty, but not yet over the hill......ha ha

I have hit the forty mark. Forty pounds lost. Yay me! I am not over the hill, though, as I haven't even gotten to the halfway point. But I am in no hurry. Dave is dieting with me and we have found it isn't nearly as hard as we thought. I think a lot of that has to do with my life as it is right now. No sick babies,(that one is for Becca and Emily), no mid night feedings, a lot less intense. Life isn't boring, it is still busy busy busy. Just not intense. I also feel a lot of heaven's help. So, one day at a time and not being in any kind of hurry, it seems to equal success. Plus I have had a lot of inspiration. So, yeah. Forty pounds. What is funny, though, is that my clothes that I was wearing when I was so overweight, are now fitting. Ha! Dang. I am glad I am not there anymore.

I'm surrounded!

In talking with my mom and dad, they shared a little experience with me. They told me of how they took a drive to pine basin and back, hoping to see the fall leaves changing color, and how they decided to come into town to try and catch a sale at Smiths Food King. When they pulled in and parked, a very important part of their axle system fell off the wheel. Thunk. Now the important part of the axle system is important because without it, the wheel will go any direction spontaneously and could, hypothetically, cause one to flip a car going high speeds. Anyway, that is what I would guess it would do. They thought it especially noteworthy that this part would decide to thunk down on the ground when they were safely stopped in the parking lot, as opposed to during their trip, next to steep cliffs and high drop offs. I also thought it interesting. They felt that heavenly helpers had so much to do with this, because the part actually could have fallen off the car at any time. so why the parking lot?
Well I related to their story. I lived it. On my way home from Green Canyon last March I had a similar experience where we blew a tire. it was midnight, in the middle of a snow storm, without my husband, in the middle of nowhere, with five children in the van. Could I be any more blessed? NO. You see, I had just recently taken a trip to Utah, and we traveled at very high speeds. No blow out. Because it was snowy, I was already going slow. And because I was at the ward swimming party, all the priesthood was behind me and took care of us within 15 minutes. Heroes. I completely felt and absolutely know now that I was watched over, and that silly tire blew at the best possible moment. Although midnight, in a snowstorm, in the middle of nowhere, with five kids and no husband doesnt sound like the best scenario, it was. Sometimes it doesn't look like the best scenario. But it is in God's hands. We are best off to trust in Him I think. Also, I have never felt more surrounded by God's angels.
I think we are surrounded by seen and unseen both. My dad reminded me of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants, which speaks about how He will go on our right hand and on our left. He will go before us. We are so not alone. That scripture is very true.

I like being a mom. I was sitting in the van waiting for a kid to come out of the house so I could chauffeur them to karate, and I watched Skyler ride up the side walk on his tricycle. It was so cute. Those are fun little moments. Another fun little moment was Kara telling me about how in first grade today, they wrote a letter to a real live shark named Red, and they put it in this giant envelope, and she thinks maybe he will write back with a great big teeth mark on the paper.
Those are awesome fun mom moments. I like being a mom. I like my little chickies being little still and at home. I also like taking a nap right in the middle of the day because everybody was at school. Mwahahaha. Life is pretty good.

Worm to ya muthah

Tonight we were doing the normal song before bed thing, and I started singing to Michael. I did a rap version of "this little pig went to market" it was a fun little beat and I guess Skyler liked it too. Because as I finished with, "This little pig went Wee. Wee. Wee. All the way home." he added his own ending touch by folding his arms with both hands in the peace sign and in his homeboy voice said,"WORM!" I laughed so hard.
For all ya'll who aren't from da 'hood', he was trying to say, "WORD!" Soo so funny. I am still giggling over it.

planting the flowers and picking the rocks

This morning was supposed to be filled with catching up the chores inside. But instead the sunshine was too tempting, and the boys and I worked on the flower bed instead. We dug together, "buried the flowers" as Michael called it, and picked all those darn rocks that never elude us. The skies were so blue, and we soaked up the sun while we worked together and talked about preschool. We found out from our conversation that Skyler likes the eating part best, (snack time) and Michael likes the playing with people part best. All in all it was much better than doing dishes.

goodnight Skyler.

Tonight's bedtime song for Skyler was chosen and created by him. He told me he wanted the mom song. "Oh? And what is that?" I asked him. He sang the superman theme but instead of singing, dum dum dum..... he sang mom mom mom, mom mom mom mom moooooooommmmmmmmm. So I felt pretty cool. I get the entire song dedicated to me AND sung in the superman theme. I am supermom.

Lady bug Lady bug fly away home....

The little boys and I sent the bigger ones off to school today in the beautiful morning light, and as we watched them all either enter the playground or be scooped up by the school bus, we decided that it was a much better idea to stay out on the sidewalk searching the weeds nearby for ladybugs than going back in for breakfast. We found a couple, but not many, as I had just sprayed for weeds and they were pretty much dead. But then two dandylions had been found and wished upon which changed everything. Skyler's dandylion wish was for a kiss and hug from mommy. Michael's dandylion wish was that he could find a whole bunch of ladybugs. After Skyler got his wish, we decided to walk up the way a bit to the still living weeds off the side of the road. Boy oh boy was it ladybugpalooza! We luckily had our little tupperware box that was currently holding the various morning glories and dandylion variations that the boys picked for me. They made a perfect house for all the ladybugs.
One thing's for sure, though. Those who wish for something and believe they'll get it, will.

I just finished reading the last post. That was such a good day. And now the grass is growing in the back yard as I write. So awesome. I had a couple people make some comments to me how they were worried about me and stuff. And that is so awesome because I know they care and love me. But no worries. I am fine and was fine. It is okay. It's okay if your life is hard for a time cause it molds and shapes you. It strengthens you, and I wouldn't change any of it. Somebody once said that "Life isn't hard. It is really about your attitude, and whether or not you think it is hard." Well, to that I just have to stick my tongue out and blow raspberries.
My life was hard there for a while. Dang hard. And I think it surprised some people close to me to read my last post because they just assumed things were fine and dandy. And they were, but marathon it was. and hard it was. It still is a little, but not like it was.
One time I was in stake conference and we were in the back with our 1.5 year old boys and our 3 year old girl and our 7 and 9 year old. We struggled with noise, toys, cries, and little ones being bored. It wasn't anything we didn't expect, but nevertheless it was stressful to us. Eventually one of the sippy cups which was entirely full of milk got entirely poured out onto the floor. It was more than I could handle emotionally (you know, the last straw sort of thing) and yes the mom and child left the gym to go stand out in the hall while dad took care of business. I guess the combination of sleepless nights (waking up with three different babies two times each can do that to ya) and stressful situation made me emotional and I began to cry in the hall.
Some wise man came up to me and said,"little ones now, little problems now. Big ones later, big problems later." I guess he was trying to tell me how that since my babies were little that my problems were little. He then went on to counsel me on the subject and I politely nodded. But I thought to myself, you sir, don't know as much as you think you do.
He did have some big problems. His problems required him giving up his life to care for a very sick person in his family round the clock.
Hmmmm sounded familiar to my situation. I too was trying to care for three little ones devotedly, and my life also was consumed by the caring for somebody else situation. I don't think he should have been counseling me on how my problems were just little, and that I should just wait til I was older. Then I'd really deal with some crap. Age doesn't matter.
But here is the point I want to make. I believe that all of us have at least one big test that they are to go through on this Earth. I also think that we are all going to end up learning the same lessons, but that the teaching situation will be different. One thing more that I know, is that mine might happen at 32, for another person it might occur at 69 and still another's might happen at 14. You see what I mean? It isn't necessarily chronological like entering kindergarten and exiting twelfth grade. One might have their lesson occur at a different age than someone else.
I don't ever want to see somebody in the hall of life crying, and tell them that their problem isn't that big. Just wait til they are older. I want to say, it is gonna be okay. And you are going to get through it because you are Father in Heaven's child. You are special and made of some tough stuff. Plus He is right along side you right now. Just look up.
All of the tests we go through are bigger than we are. Or else they wouldn't be tests. And we can be grateful for them. And I am. Am I blessed for having gone through an intense time in my life (and not only related to little ones, there are other things)? I am so blessed. would I change any of the experiences? No. I might change my reaction to them of course, but that just shows that I have learned from them. The things I have learned and the spiritual muscles I have gained are invaluable. I'd never go back. So hard life marathon, yeah. I was given heavenly help during the entire time. Yep. I learned from it and came out on top. YES! Is it okay to have life be hard for a while? Yessir. Does it mean I have a bad attitude? Please. My problems easy compared to some? Probably. Less difficult for me? Nope. I guess that is all I have to say about that.

Holy Grass

I can hardly believe what I am about to write myself, so please pardon the complete shock, amazement, and wonder that might seep through onto this page.

A little background first: Honestly I have been having an overwhelming period of my life. A time where there seems to be less hope in my life and not enough positive things to balance it all out. There definitely is good in my life, and great people. But have you ever had a point in your life that the struggle has lasted so long that you just sit back and resign yourself to the fact, that perhaps this is just simply the way life is? And that as I further progress into adulthood, that the stresses and pressures really don't let up, but keep mounting heavier and heavier, even if it is just one grain at a time? I am at that point.
There used to be a time when I would say, "Yes, this is a difficult time, but I am baseline happy. It will pass after a time, and then I will breathe the warm summer air in again and plant a flower or two. I will resume my generally sunshiny life." Well, after several years (not just four or five) I have come to a stage,( as I have decided all do eventually), that life is TOUGH and that it is supposed to be that way. That the pressures are simply heavier now. And they are longer lasting. Kind of like the difference between a sprint and a marathon. Sprints are definitely hard. But marathons are definitely hard and longer lasting. I figure we need these marathons because they mold us and shape us into literally new people.
We all have our marathons of life. I am not unique. And I don't really believe we know when they start nor when they end. But we do know when we are in them. That is when the little thoughts and inspirations begin that something good is about to happen.
Yesterday, after a remarkably difficult day, which occurred after a series of semi difficult days, we got a knock on the door. Dave went to answer it, and there stood the Idaho Sod man in the doorway. The man certainly must have been so pleased to announce, that someone had donated enough sod to fill the lawn and then he asked if he could please go back there and measure. Well I sat at the kitchen table holding my head and crying. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Was it true? Well I don't know what happened next because I was passed out dead on the floor. Just kidding. But I think it took me an entire day to have such a thing begin to sink in. My heart was bursting for joy. (Insert video clip of Old Faithful erupting, a representation of the magnitude of happiness I was feeling) To think of what it would mean to a family to sacrifice that much, is something that leaves me with complete reverence.
I, I still shake my head in amazement. In awe. In gratitude, happiness, reverence, love, and gratitude, gratitude, gratitude, happiness, love, joy, excitement, gratitude. It has been like that ever since I got the news, swirling around in my head. Never ending. Humility, gratitude, love, thankful, excitement. I can't stop. But who would want to, right?
Dave and I both bawled over the table as the man was measuring the backyard. Do you know what it means to win the lottery? I do now! Except I know that it came from God, to one of His children, to me. Then I think about what kind of a soul would be so prepared to do such a life changing thing. And it is life changing, not only because of the gift part, and the relief, and ability to continue my life now, the freedom and peace it will allow me, but also because of the example it is. Such a deep and profound example of sacrifice and love.
Once I was blessed to get some sod from the church and we jokingly called it the "Holy Grass". Well, now I truly know what it is to have holy grass. Because it was such a gift, it is sacred to me. It is the holy grass.

I am HUNGRY!
I want a bloomin onion. No, nachos made from Frito Lay scoops. No wait. I want some buffalo wings from Chili's. CURSE YOU FOOD CHANNEL LATE AT NIGHT!

Katelyn and Scotty had their first karate tournament today. It was really fun! We practically had a family reunion. And Trent's family had a double family reunion. They had cousins there from both sides. So I must say how impressed I am with my family and their karate skills. They gots karate skills, bo staff skills, nunchuck skills, and sock a kid in the face with their foot skills. It isn't his fault that his opponent had his face there.....I know I am not supposed to think it is cool to kick some kid in the face. But it was. IT JUST WAS!
This is how it went down. Nephew was fighting some kid in a sparring match. Let's call him "Johnny". Johnny was overzealous and wanted to spar tough nephew although tough nephew could totally leave him in a gourney being loaded into an ambulance. So Johnny has large ego although he is only about fifteen and several belts lower than tough nephew. He totally tries to be aggressive (reminded me of yippy dog next to the bull dog) but instead ran into Nephew's foot with his face. Just as Nephew happened to be kicking. Seriously. But since he was trying to go forward, he took the full blow with his nose. I guess that was my favorite play of the day. Sorry Johnny.

Here is an update Skyler's funny choices for "security blankets". This morning I found next to him as he woke up, his cowboy boots, pants, shirt, and fresh underwear for the next day. And they weren't just in bed with him. They were in a specific pile, on his pillow under his arm. He must have been so excited to wear them the next day!
Today Kara had a little birthday party for her little stuffed animal pals. She and I made little birthday party hats with curly ribbon coming out of the tops for each one. Then she and I taped them on the stuffed animal's craniums and then arranged them all in the doll house for the party. They had a great time, I am sure.
Katelyn and Scotty are going to have their first KARATE competition on Saturday. We are hoping for them to KAIYAHHHH some hineys. They are expected to do well according to their most honorable senseis (sensays) ((I don't know how to spell sensei in plural. Or singular for that matter. Back to the blog.)).

Hmmm, what am I gonna write?
Okay, so Destin told me to write. Don't know what I will write. So I am just gonna start writing and see what comes out.
Destin is a blessing to me. I think Heavenly Father gave me a friend like him, cause he wants me to see myself as He sees me. Destin helps me do that. I am thankful to have a friend like him, cause he reminds me of what I forget sometimes--the good stuff about me.
It is easy to forget that sometimes. Destin inspires me to be better, and although he doesn't know this, (I guess he will now), he is teaching me to use the Atonement. He made a huge impact on me through a tiny little example. An example of forgiveness. I am going to follow it, and I know in return I will receive freedom.
I am thankful for Dawn. Dawn is a blessing to me. We drove around for like, two hours, talking about spiritual stuff last Wednesday. She teaches me. She says I teach her. We felt the Spirit, and both of us grew so much that day. We talked about stuff that had been on our minds. And since the Spirit was there we received answers to stuff on our minds, and we hadn't even been expecting that outcome.
I am thankful for Heavenly Father's patience and mercy while I am learning to be more like Him. It seems that it takes me a really long time to learn stuff. So I am grateful that He waits for me. I really love Him. My goodness, does He love us. He does. He really does.
Speaking of the Savior and His mission here on Earth, can you imagine what it would take to let your child suffer, so so very much? Wow. I have a hard time wrapping my tiny little brain around that. Once again, thankful for his patience and mercy whilst waiting for me to grow. Tiny little brain and such.
I am thankful for Susan. I think she has so much to give. I think she does. She thinks she doesn't. She does have and does give. She is a beautiful lady. I like talking to her, too.
I like talking to a lot of people. There are a lot of people who are important to me. Very important. I guess maybe these people just need to know today that I love them. I am thankful for them. And in a very, very real way, I know they are gifts in my life. I would be less without them. I really would.

Here is one for Michael:
Tonight in the bathtub, the boys splashed around quite a bit. Since I didn't want the water on the floor to seep into the baseboards and discolor them, I began to mop up the splashings with a blue shirt that was already on the floor. I just took my foot and began to mop when Michael says, "Hey! That was my special shirt when I was little!" Dave and I looked at each other and giggled. So here is the question: How old is "little" when you are only three and a half?

Hooray for SKyler!

I am so grateful for Skyler! So here is a blog for him. Here is a funny little thing he did. (there are a million) A little before Christmas, he decided that playing with the little doll strollers was pretty great. He loved his and toted it everywhere. And at night time, when he went to bed, was it his stuffed cookie monster at his side? Oh no.
I bent down to kiss him goodnight, when I saw two little handles poking out of his comforter . I lifted up the blanket to reveal---dum da da dummmm! The stroller! He had it all folded up and it was lying lengthwise next to him. BUT that is not all. Next night, guess what we found next to him: a toilet paper holder that had broken off the wall! (it is kind of shaped like a goal post). Can you believe it? Totally awesome. So funny. I can just picture it now.....snuggly bear, fuzzy blankie, boo-boo keys, funny muffler, sweetie stroller, and kiki toiletpaper holder. (from spongebob)