A-Door-able Toothless

On Saturday, while Nathan and I were out on a date, we received pictures, from our friends watching the boys, of Daniel with another tooth missing. He's had a few loose teeth for quite some time now, but none of them seemed ready to come out, so we were a little surprised. It's kind of funny because this time a sweet little girl knocked it out for him! I guess she opened a door right into his smile. I'm told it was pretty traumatic for everyone--especially Daniel (no surprise), but it worked out great for Nathan and me because by the time we made it back, Daniel was just excitedly anticipating a lucrative visit from the tooth fairy. The play dough lid was responsible for expediting the last removal. It just makes me wonder what will take care of those other 2 loose ones?

Forts

Nathan got tired of the boys knocking the plug out in the living room (connected to the TV etc.)while playing their forts behind the couch so he helped them build a fort under the kitchen table. They draped blankets over the chairs surrounding it to make walls. They built it Wednesday and I think I should get gold stars for letting them keep it up, so they could sleep in it over the weekend. I am looking forward to taking my kitchen back tomorrow, but it was fun to see them playing.

Leprechaun Traps

This year the boys got ready for St. Patrick's Day. They wanted to catch a leprechaun so they could ask him for a pot of gold. They tried to make boxes into traps. They decorated the traps with a leprechaun's favorite things....rainbows, 4-leaf clover, and green. They even baited their traps with Lucky Charm marshmallows.

They set their traps up underneath the kitchen table. The next morning they ran out to check their traps and found a note from the leprechaun. He said they'd have to try harder next year. He thanked them for the marshmallows and left them each a gold dollar for their trouble. Caleb helped me make leprechaun milk and green french toast. I guess it was a lucky day since I usually don't make big breakfasts unless it's on the weekend or for dinner.

Mommy, Are You Stinky??

Usually, I am the one asking Caleb if he's stinky. So I guess it's only fair that he asked me today. Actually, I wasn't even offended. I had just gotten back from running. (Running may be a loose term for what I do, but I'm trying.) Yes, I'm sure I did stink. The last few weeks my friend Clara and I have been trading off kids so we can get our exercise in. What prompted this craziness you ask??? Well, I was reading an article about PCOS (which I have) and it talked about the increased risk for diabetes. That made me worry because I already have a family history of diabetes. So I decided to try to make exercise a bigger priority (again). I have been doing Jillian Michael's workout videos, but I am so tired of them that I actually wanted to run. (I think that qualifies me as clinically insane.) It has been so nice to run away from the noise and kids for a few minutes and enjoy the nature along the river. I have seen lots of falcons, rabbits, squirrels, wild turkeys, geese, and lot of other birds that I can't identify. One day I saw a squirrel hit a bike...I know you'd usually say that the bike hit the squirrel, but really it looked like the poor biker was caught totally off guard as the squirrel ran out across the bike trail and b-lined into his tire. (Don't worry, the squirrel then jumped up and ran off the other direction.) While I'm running I make up metaphors about life. A little strange, but without the kids' distractions or the house, my brain has a little longer range for thought... I've noticed that those who are the best runners aren't thunking their bodies around like I do. The best runners concentrate their energy on just their legs. It isn't a big motion. Most of their body is barely moving. It's small and focused. They expend their energy on the motion they need to go the distance (blowing right past me) without wasting it on unnecessary efforts. Their stride is consistent. I, on the other hand, (desperate to reach my goal and return alive) seem to flail my entire being around. (Actually I don't think I'm doing so poorly until another one passes me and I see, by contrast, all of my out of control movements.) So how is this life, you ask? Well, I think the ones who really have things figured out aren't the ones doing all of the big stuff. Sometimes we try to make things into too big a production. I think the ones who are possibly going the greatest distance aren't burning themselves out. They are conserving their energy for what is most important. I think they are consistent. The have set a nice pace for themselves. They aren't trying to impress anyone, but they seem to inspire us to lengthen our stride just a little. At times I wonder if my body/life is capable of such fluidity. I guess I'll never know if I don't get a little stinky.

Chef Liam is 5!

Liam is my little chef. He loves to help me cook. So he decided that for his big number 5, he wanted a cooking birthday party. It was really fun. My mom helped me make chef hats for each of the kids. I love the way they make Liam's ears poke out. Like a little elf. Each chef got to make their own pizza, just the way they wanted it. They worked hard to flatten their dough. I put a little dish of flour on each table so they could add a pinch to prevent the dough from sticking to their little hands. A few ended up with a quarter inch of flour on top--yuck! Liam, Zak, and Daniel turned the flattening of the dough into a drumming session. It was pretty funny, but pretty dusty! It was fun to see what they each thought was a perfect pizza. Daniel and Liam went cheeseless (can they really be related to me?). Caleb put extra cheese on his, no meat (that's more like it). Liam insisted on olives and pepperoni. We also had mushrooms, pineapple, and canadian bacon. We had 2 kids choose to make pizza without sauce. In fact, one just had dough--I guess they just wanted bread. While the pizza cooked (in our oven as well as two great neighbors') we played some cooking games. First the kids had to carefully get ingredients (marshmellows) to the bowl without spilling them (if they fell off their spoon, they had to start again). We had a good laugh watching some kids totally competative, some who could care less, and lots cheat (mostly holding the marshmellow on with a finger). We also played a tossed salad game, where the kids had to throw food (Liam's play food) into salad bowls.

The kids all seemed happy with the way their pizzas turned out. When the meal was over we sent the kids on a treasure hunt. The treasure was a bag of treats that each of them used to decorate their own cakes.

Liam had a lot of fun with all of his friends. Since the kids all decorated their own cake, our traditional family birthday cake had to wait. Usually, we cut the cake into a shape of something that the kids especially like. This time when I asked Liam what he wanted he told me a 'chef cake'. I asked him to clarify for me (a cake in the shape of a chef??). He explained that he wanted a cake that was tall...the kind a chef makes. He also said it had to have strawberries on it and a dinosaur. What!?

We ended up having the missionaries over for his birthday dinner. He asked for mashed potatoes, salad and lemonade. He didn't want the chicken, but I told him it was mostly for the missionaries. What a crazy kid. We love you Liam.

That's My Daniel...And So Is That!

Last night Daniel saw a news story about the children suffering in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami. It really concerned him. He included those children in his prayers before bed. This morning he came to me and said he thought he needed to fast. (A six year old!!!!) I explained that we start and end a fast with prayer. Daniel again asked Heavenly Father to bless those children who don't have food or homes in Japan. Later, I reminded Daniel about fast offerings. I asked him if he'd like to contribute to the Humanitarian Aid so he could help the church get food and supplies for those people in need. Daniel was really excited to help out. He got out his bank and pulled out a handful of his coins. Liam and Caleb saw what Daniel was doing and wanted to contribute as well. Daniel's fast lasted only a few hours, but I was so impressed that he was willing to give up a meal as he considered the plight of those children clear across the world. All three boys proudly took their little coin-filled envelopes to the Bishop before church. In Primary we talked about the Holy Ghost. I was so proud of Daniel for being in tune to the Spirit this morning. I realized that often when we act on a prompting from the Holy Ghost, as Daniel did, we allow others an opportunity to feel the Spirit as well. I know I felt the Spirit and Liam and Caleb felt some measure also as they contributed.

What a proud mom I am of such a special 6 year old. But Daniel is also a normal, funny kid...

Just hours after the incident above, Daniel said to me completely out of the blue... "Mom what if you had boogers and they were in your mouth...And what if a stealer (thief) was in your house? Could you spit them at him??" Gross. I assured him that he could, but he'd better get away quick. I laughed pretty hard. Where does he come up with this stuff? Nathan, tells me that he asked him if he could spit them (the boogers) into the stealer's eyes. He told him that was the best place to spit them.

A Child's Prayer

Every night as I listen to my boys' prayers I think, "I should write that down." But it comes and goes and I forget. So here's a little insight into my boys' conversations with their Heavenly Father. Caleb nearly always tells the Lord about the time we saw a Diesel train and the man on the back dropped a flare on the road. We've all had friends that tell us the same story over and over again. I know there's the thing about vain repetitions...But shouldn't we all talk to God like we talk to our closest friend? We should strive to bring him closer and closer. I remember one prayer Caleb gave a few weeks ago and he said a knock knock joke. He even had a good laugh over it (as did I). The Lord must have a great sense of humor. That prayer must have been so refreshing. Tonight Caleb included, "No Dementors" in his list of things he's thankful for. (I had to giggle a little.) I do like Harry Potter. Today we were trying to do some potty training. Caleb hates wearing 'big boy underwear'. I tried to bribe him with treats, but he wouldn't be persuaded. I tried forcing them on, hoping I could distract him and he'd just forget he was wearing them--he pulled them off 3 or 4 times. Finally, I told him he could watch some Harry Potter if he'd wear them...BINGO! He put them on. (I might give thanks for Harry Potter in my prayers tonight--and you know what I'm asking for help with.) Caleb also talks to Heavenly Father about Jesus' owies and his own. I hope that he will continue that conversation and begin to realize that our Savior has felt all his pains and can heal them. Caleb remembers to bless Liver--Rubeus Hagrid (our beta fish--amazing that he can remember the whole name/nick name that his brothers gave it), the snail and Khuli loaches (in the tank with the beta). What 2 year old prays about Khuli loaches???--not just 'fish'. I guess that answer to that question is, Nathan's son. He gets that from his Daddy. Lately, Liam brown noses a lot in his prayers... "We're thankful we have the best mom and dad ever! I'm thankful that our family is so fun. Bless us to be obedient." I'm not complaining. Maybe if he says it a lot he'll believe it--or we will. Tonight Liam's prayers were all about Leprechauns. In December I remember a lot of prayers that included Santa. Kind of a funny mix. Actually, I was thinking today about a certain religious group that likes to knock on my door. I feel so bad for their kids, because they don't get to celebrate like we do (they seem to show up while I'm baking birthday cake or decorating for the holidays). We are told, "men are that they might have joy," right?? I believe that includes kids. --Besides there is no greater joy for a parent than seeing joy in their child. Liam and Daniel both like to tattle in their prayers... "Bless Daniel to stop eating in the prayer." "Bless Liam to close his eyes and fold arms." "Bless Caleb to stop making noises." Daniel and Liam have become more thoughtful in their prayers. They often remember those (especially the kids) who don't have houses or food to eat. In the last week or two Daniel asks Heavenly Father to bless Jesus. Tonight he also asked him to bless the Army of Helaman with the 2000 stripling warriors. I know those prayers have been answered! I think it's insightful that he asks the Lord to bless others. Sometimes as an adult I get too stuck on myself and everything that I need. He also asks that everyone will be righteous. (Sounds like missionary material to me!) They always pray for good dreams and a fun day. I keep saying it over and over, but I will say it again. I learn so much from my boys. I'll publish this now, but I may add to it as I remember more that's been said. Daniel: Bless that no one will get in car accidents, except stealers (robbers, thieves). A six-year-old's charity only goes so far. ;) April 1, 2011

Logan-Let it Snow!

When we arrived in Logan, at Grandma and Grandpa Growly Bear's, the boys ran in the front door, gave everyone hugs, and ran out the back door to play in the snow. There wasn't a lot, but there was enough for Nathan to help them shovel into a wall of snow a few feet high. They made snowballs and then used this snow fort to hide behind. When grandpa came riding by on the snowmobile they jumped up and launched their snowballs at him. It was really fun to watch. Not to worry...there was lots more snow on the way. One afternoon we realized the kids had disappeared from our view (we were enjoying warm conversation inside, watching them through the window). Nathan ran out to investigate and found them. Daniel, Liam and their cousin Conner were busy at work, rolling a giant snowball for a snowman. Another cousin Mikayla, was pushing a middle section. It totally amazed us to see what they had done entirely on their own. Grandpa and Nathan helped stack the sections and a head was also rolled. Grandpa donated a hat and milk lids were scrounged together to make buttons and eyes. Grandma pulled out a carrot for the nose. The kids even found some tree branches for arms. Wow! I'm so glad my boys got to build their snowman. They did a better job than I would have done if they'd recruited my help. They all stood in front of their snowman and sang "Once there was a Snowman"--of course! It's funny how you can live somewhere and never visit the places near you, but when you move far away you come back and go those places. This time we decided to try out Hill Aerospace Museum. We were totally impressed. They had planes, jets, and helicopters to walk through outside (it was freezing, but we endured for a while). They also had two huge indoor areas. Nathan and the boys love to watch "Heavy Metal" on the History channel and learn all about the different jets and planes used on military missions. Nathan made a good tour guide, explaining what was neat about each one. I have to admit, I am hopeless when it comes to recognizing planes or jets flying overhead--but they are fun to watch. A shot of the girls. Heather we miss you!

One of the best parts of the museum turned out to be a hands on children's section. They had flight suits for the kids to try on, flight simulting programs, a cockpit where the kids could press all of the buttons. And lots of hands on fun. We'll be coming back here again. My little astronut Caleb. Surrounded by airplanes and fascinated by spinning pennies! The museum was free, but worth a good donation. We took this picture after a sleepover with Conner and Mikayla. Everyone was getting ready for church the next morning. Can't you just hear the hymns they playing and singing? Ok, ok--they were goofing off and having a great time! I love family dinner when we go home. My mom is the best cook. Besides, with my fun family you're sure to laugh a lot. I love swapping stories with my brothers and sisters. On Friday and Saturday Nathan went snowmobiling with my dad and brothers and brothers-in-law. Friday was a perfect day for riding. Saturday was a good one. Nathan was very sore when he returned. If I'd gone, we'd be riding slow enough to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. The guys on the other hand..... It wouldn't have been fair if only the big boys got in on the snowmobiling so they came back and gave lots of rides to all the little guys.

When they weren't riding snowmobiles, they found plenty to do in the outside. Did I mention they love the snow?!!! Grandma is the greatest. She called us months ago, when the snowclothes were all on sale, to check my kids' sizes. Since we don't have need to buy them out here, she makes sure she has boots, gloves, coats, snowpants--everything for everyone. Thanks Grandma. You made our visit so fun. The pictures of Caleb walking in the snow totally remind me of Ralphie in the Christmas Story. "I can't put my arms down!" Getting Grandpa Growly Bear is always fun. They like to shoot him and he does his dramatic death scene ("Oh, you got me!"--tongue hanging out the side of his mouth) and then they tell him to play again. He jumps back up and it begins again. What a good sport. One night my parents got us a babysitter and we all (my parents and all of my brothers and sisters and their spouses) went to a Brian Regan Comedy Show. He is definitely a family favorite. Nathan enjoyed the show, but tried not to laugh because he had a horrible cough. Talk about torture. It was hilarious. Brian Regan's brother opened for him. He had a similar sense of humor and so it was great all around. We ended our adventure with a trip to Ti Pan, a home decorating superstore. My mom and sisters and I could spend a long time and a lot of money there. It helped that Nathan was a really good sport about the whole thing. (He got to watch the boys for me while I played.) It was really fun. I was specifically looking for something to put over the couch in my living room. I found some really pretty red pots and some greenery to fill them with. I remembered some iron brackets that I had at home and decided to paint them and a board black to make a shelf. I'm pretty happy with how it all came out. (I may still change up the things on the shelf and I need to fill a lot of old nail holes, but it's an improvement. The couch looks a little strange, but considering it was Nathan's grandparents, then his parents and then ours-for the past 12 1/2 years, I think it's not too bad.) Every time I try to decorate my house, I wish my mom and sisters were able to come over and help me. They are really good.

We love our visits to Utah. We love being with family. If only we were closer and could do it more often.