What goes around comes around....

They say what goes around comes around and I have to agree with that in regards to parenting. When I was a girl my sister and I used to stay up all night long playing, laughing, and even sometimes fighting. My mom used to come down and get mad and tell us to go to sleep. It usually took four or five times before we finally listened. Usually we ended up being separated and one was put on the office floor where my dad was working so that he could keep on eye on us. These past few days my boys have started doing that. After I put the boys to bed they do the same thing. They will stay up for hours just playing and talking. I have to go in and threatened them several times before they listen. It is so fun because they really play cute together and talk about the craziest things. Then they each take a turn making a mad dash to the playroom for a toy and then back before mom can see them. They go one at a time to be sneaky, but little do they know that I know exactly what they are doing. I used to think that I was so clever as a kid and could sneak things past my mom, but now I realize that parents know everything. So I guess the jokes on me. I am getting exactly what I gave my mom when I was young.

Also, I want to wish a very happy birthday to my wonderful sister Jamie. Love you Jam! And also I missed my sister Brooke's birthday on the 11th so here is Happy Birthday to you too. Love you Brookie! My sisters are amazing and I am so glad to have them in my life.

Christmas 2007

I am pretending that it is snowing outside and really cold. I am not used to these Las Vegas winters. Although I am really liking the fact that during the warm afternoons we can still go to the park and play outside. We had a great Christmas, even though we miss all our family and friends back home. Ethan was so funny. Every time he would open a gift he would say, "I have wanted this my whole life." He was excited about everything and so cute. Cole just ran around in all the craziness following Ethan everywhere, and my sweet Liv had lots of fun also. She especially enjoyed all the wrapping paper, garbage, and left over boxes to chew on. We have Lego's coming out our ears. Shawn and I spent the majority of the day putting together Lego's. Ethan and Shawn didn't think that I could put Lego's together very well, but we had a race and I won (although Shawn's had more pieces, but I don't care-I WON). So, I proved my expertise in Lego building and now maybe Ethan will let me build with him. I tuckered out, but Shawn (with Coke in hand) continued into the early evening.

Last night we tried to read the nativity story in Luke, but the kids really weren't that interested. We missed the Nielson Annual Christmas Story Pageant and the kids were sad. Shawn remembered that we have this great DVD made by the church about Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection-so we gave that a shot. It was great. The kids sat and listened and I really enjoyed it. Earlier that day Ethan told me that he didn't really like Jesus that much because he doesn't give gifts like Santa. We talked about the gifts that Jesus did give and I tried to explain how he gave his life for us and that is an amazing gift. Ethan didn't really buy it, but during the movie he watched as the mean people hurt Jesus. Ethan was touched by this and concerned about Jesus. When I took the opportunity to explain further about Jesus gift to us and that he sacrificed his life so that we would not have to endure those kind of pains and suffering. After our little chat he proclaimed, "well, I think I kind of like Jesus now." It was a sweet moment for Shawn and I to watch him start to understand the ultimate gift that we have been given. Truly the real meaning of Christmas. After the movie we got ready for bed and put some cookies out for Santa. Ethan was upset because he didn't think Santa's reindeer's should eat all that junk (those were his words, I would never classify cookies as junk). So, we got out some vegetables for the reindeer and he seemed happy with that.

Now it is the end of the day and I am just about ready to put the kids to bed. We had a great Christmas and we hope all of you did as well. Here are a few pictures from the day.

And have you ever heard of a Scookie? Well, you basically cook cookie dough or a brownie mix in the bottom of a cast iron skillet. Take it out of the oven and cover it with ice cream (we used peppermint) and cover with chocolate sauce. It was delicious and fun! We all dug in with spoons and shared.


Also, Livy broke her first tooth today. It's about time so this is great, but it also makes for a cranky baby. Oh well-life goes on!

Transformers

The boys are a little too into Transformers. I think we watch the show twice everyday and last night we drove all over the Las Vegas valley looking for this one transformer, which we couldn't find. If anyone finds "bonecrusher" let me know! Needless to say the boys are transformer crazy. Ethan even has the first few minutes of the movie memorized. In the first clip Ethan says it cute, but in the second clip Cole mimics everything. It is really cute. For those of your who are familiar with the Transformer movie you will recognize what he is saying.

Almost Standing

Livy has graduated from crawling to standing. She can only make it for a few seconds before she falls, but she is getting closer. She manages to maneuver around the room holding on to the walls and chairs and whatever she can get her hands on.

Another day at the hospital...

Last night Shawn was on call at the hospital. About midnight my cell phone starting ringing. It was Shawn and I immediately got worried because why would he call at midnight unless it was urgent. When I answered no one was there, but I could hear blood curdling screams in the background. I was so confused and then my imagination started running away and I was sure that he had been abducted by aliens or something like that. I sat and listened for a good five minutes trying to figure out what was going on. All I heard were screams, but they weren't Shawns. Finally I hung up and waited until morning to call Shawn. When I called him he had no idea that he called me and told me the screams were from a patient. I asked him what he was doing to the patient, but it was nothing unusual. I felt so bad for the patient. He was screaming like he was going to die and I was sure that my husband was causing his pain. But in the end, Shawn was not abducted by aliens and he was not torturing his patient. I was so shaken by these screams, but for Shawn it was just a normal day at the hospital. I hope that my children will never have to experience going to the ER for serious injuries. Although with Cole I am sure it is just a matter of time.

Snuggles

My sweet little Livy is such a snuggler. Anytime I hold her, or Shawn or anyone else, she just curls right up into you and nuzzles her little head into your chest. Neither of my boys like to snugle at all and maybe that is why this is so fun. I wanted to document this so that someday when Liv is an emotional, drama crazy teenager I will remember these special moments between she and I.

Livy's Entrapment

This is the only way the I can keep Livy off the stairs-I lock her in. At first the boys would just rip the gate down because they couldn't' get by, but they have figured out that they can climb over it. Which probably isn't safe, but it keeps Livy out. I gave her the bottom two stairs to climb on and practice. She just stands at the gate and shakes the bars like I have put her in prison.

Check out these guns!

Ethan wanted me to take a picture of his muscles. Don't they look HUGE! Well, at least he is cute. Do you like the big hunk of pumpkin bread in his hand? He went over to the counter and ripped off half the loaf. As long as he is eating I don't care how he eats it.

Grocery Shopping with Cole

This morning after I dropped Ethan of at school I took Cole and Livy and we went to get some groceries. As we were standing in line waiting Cole decided that he wanted to help give the groceries to the cashier. He was too far back to put them on the belt so he started throwing them. The nice man in front of us got pelted with a box of baby rice cereal in the head. At first he was a little ticked off, but then he realized it was just a cute naughty little two year old and started to smile. I was so embarrassed. I apologized as I picked all my groceries up off the floor. Maybe I will leave Cole home next time.

Christmas was almost ruined...

This morning the kids found some of their presents from Santa. They came running into my room saying, "Santa Came." I couldn't believe that they found them-I thought I hid them well. I didn't start looking for my presents until at least 4th or 5th grade. Ethan isn't even in Kindergarten. I told the boys some big story about me buying these gifts for a little boy whose family couldn't afford any presents for Christmas. They totally believed the story and I was so relieved. Christmas was almost ruined. I guess my lie saved Christmas. But, boy that was close. I guess I will have to be more careful next year.

My Little Helper

I was doing some dishes earlier today while Livy was playing on the floor. The next thing I noticed was that Livy had climbed into the dishwasher and was playing with the silverware. What a good little helper. I know that it probably isn't good for my dishwasher to have her playing on it, but it was cute. It is a good thing I am only renting!

Ethan and School

Last night while I was trying to put Ethan to bed he started crying. He said that he didn't want to go to school because he missed me. While that sounds sweet it was breaking my heart because he was crying hysterically. I kept telling him that when we get big we HAVE to go to school. He said that he didn't want to grow up, he just wanted to be a kid. I tried to explain to him all the fun things that grown-ups get to do. But as I was doing this I am thinking, maybe it would be better to be a kid. Ethan continued crying for a long time and I finally got him calmed down. Than it got me thinking...am I doing the right thing, should I be saying something different to comfort him. Anyways, this morning as I dropped him off for preschool he did the same things again. He cried and cried that he would miss me too much and didn't want to go to preschool. We had a good talk in the car and I got him reluctantly go to preschool. I talked with his teacher about it so hopefully she can help a little. I just hope this is a phase. Up until yesterday Ethan has LOVED school and always came home so excited. It is so hard as a parent to make your kid do things that make them cry. I feel so horrible, but I think (at least I hope) that in the end he will be grateful that I made him go to school.

This morning at breakfast it was so funny. I handed Ethan and Cole their chocolate milk and Ethan said, " Cole, let's do this. This is what people do when they have dessert." I looked over to see what they were doing and they were raising their glasses and hitting them together just like they were giving a toast or something. I asked Ethan where he learned that and he said on TV. Even when you think your kids aren't paying attention they pick up the craziest things from TV. And right after the kids toasts with chocolate milk Cole dropped his plate on the floor and it shattered all over. The fun was quickly over.

Livy HATES baby food. Every day it is a constant struggle to get her to eat baby food. All she wants to eat is grown up food. Maybe it is the gross mushy texture, which I can't blame her, but she is such a stinker. Every time I put something to her lips she sticks out her long tong and licks it first to see what it is. If she doesn't like is she won't open her mouth, if she does than she opens up. I have tried cramming it in her mouth, but she just spits is out and then I end up covered in sweet potatoes. And one too many times she has grabbed her bowl of food and thrown it on the floor. I always think I leave it far enough away, but she pulls up her leg and kneels up in her high chair and she can get almost anything. But I am learning and each time we do a little better and make a little less mess when she eats.

(as I am sitting here typing Cole is trying different hair bows on Livy and a few on himself. He looks so adorable in a pink headband )

He's Fat

This morning Shawn and I went to renew our temple recommends. We were sitting there waiting in the foyer with the kids and a large man came out of the office. Ethan pointed and yelled, "That man is fat." We were totally embarrassed, as was the man, but Ethan is only four and hopefully that makes what he said funny and not rude. I think all kids at one time or another say something, most likely many things, that will embarrass their parents. Today was one of those days.

Ward Christmas Party

Tonight was our ward Christmas party. It seems like every time there is something fun going on Shawn is on call, and this was the case tonight. Shawn was at the hospital and I debated going by myself with three kids, but I knew it would be fun. So we went and had a good time. Ethan and Cole were a little crazy running around the gym, but not that bad. Livy just crawled around on the floor playing with the plastic cups. Who needs toys when you have plastic cups?

The primary kids sang and Ethan got up and walked up to the stage. I got my camera and walked up to the front, but I couldn't see Ethan anywhere. Finally half way through the song he came walking in the gym door. I guess someone was standing where he wanted so he decided to leave and pout. I panicked for a minute when I couldn't find him, but it turned out fine. There was a funny little skit, a saxophone playing Christmas songs, and my friend Natalie played the violin. It made me wish that I was musically talented. The kids were so excited for Santa and he came at the very end. When we left Ethan was really concerned that he couldn't see Santa's sleigh in the parking lot. I told him that Santa has to park on the roofs and he bought it. Ethan has also been really concerned that our house does not have a chimney.

Gingerbread Houses

Today we made our Gingerbread houses and they were a lot of fun, but a major disaster. They boys just wanted to eat all the candy and we lost our roof a few times and one of the walls. Cole would suck on the candy and then put it back on the house so it was covered with slobber. Shawn and I just laughed the whole time. Shawn retired from Gingerbread house making and shorty after Ethan and Cole left, leaving me with sticky hands and a crumbling gingerbread house. What a mess, but oh so fun!

Earlier today we did some Christmas shopping for the boys and I wanted to get this Lego set for Ethan. On black Friday this set of Lego's was on sale for 45.00 (regularly 79.00), but I didn't go on that day. The sale tag was still up so I went and asked the manager if he would still honor that price, even though the sale was over. He said that because the tag was still up they had to give me that price. So, I saved almost $40.00-I am so proud of myself.


A quick story. I was upstairs with Shawn and Livy and the boys were watching Polar Express, or so I thought. I went downstairs and the first thing I saw was an empty box of eggs with a few egg shells on the ground. Cole was busy running around the kitchen. I looked all over and couldn't find where the eggs had been cracked, so I finally asked Cole. He opened the cupboard where I keep my pans and Cole had cracked all the eggs right into a pan. What is amazing is that he really did get all the egg in the pan, nothing was on the floor. The kids cook with me often so Cole just must have felt right at home.

Christmas Time

I couldn't help myself. I got the Christmas bug yesterday and even though I told myself I wouldn't get out the Christmas stuff until December, I got it all out yesterday. We had a fun time getting out the tree and all the ornaments. Each year we let the kids pick out their own ornament, so needless to say we have a tree covered in superheros and cars. But this year we finally got a cute little fairy ornament for Livy. The boys had so much fun getting out their ornaments from the last few years. We had hot chocolate and of course danced to Christmas music. Shawn thinks that I am mighty corny with all the Christmas craze, but I just love it. Christmas was such a fun time of year thanks to my mom, and I want to do the same for my kids. I am looking forward to making gingerbread house with the kids on Friday-that is our next project.

In the process of decorating we couldn't see Livy and we started to panic, but we finally found her hidden under a big box. She was having such a great time with all the ornaments and lights. While we were decorating Shawn said something to me and called me "baby". Ethan said,"Dad why do you call mom baby?" Shawn responded that he called me that because he loved me. Ethan said, "Well, if you love her you should give her flowers. Why don't you give her flowers?" Shawn was speechless and I was waiting for his answer. Ethan finally said, "I give mom flowers all the time (which he does-he picks them from parks and peoples lawns and gives them to me). That is because I love mom." I just laughed. Ethan is so sweet.

We had a great day yesterday getting into the Christmas spirit, but now my kids think Santa is coming right now. They are going to be sadly disappointed for the new few weeks until Santa really does come. Oh well, it is fun anyway.

I didn't have a picture of Livy helping with the tree because she wouldn't hold still, but I had this cute one from the other night.

Crazy Cole

(notice the cut across his nose. Ethan hit him with a book. If these two don't kill each other I will be surprised)

Cole is so crazy. It is a good thing that he is adorable or I might kill him. Last night after I put the kids to bed I went downstairs to watch dancing with the stars (yes, I know I am corny but I think it is fun. You just wait, someday I will be dancing like the stars). I hear Cole at the top of the stairs talking to me. I went up to see what was wrong and he said "Ethan say bum bum, he needs soap in mouth." Then he started laughing and ran away. I just laughed it was so funny. Almost every night Cole comes and tells me these things, even when they aren't true. He thinks it is his ticket out of bed and that maybe just once I might let him stay up with me.

We went to Target today for some winter PJ's for Livy. I guess I didn't have realistic expectations for Las Vegas because I didn't think she would need them, but it gets cold at night. We were cruising target with the whole clan, which is a sight to be seen, and Cole starts throwing a fit. He wanted to sit where Ethan was sitting. We continued through the store with Cole yelling. We got many weird looks, but Shawn and I just kept going.

At bath time tonight the boys were in the tub and Livy was sitting down on the floor. I ran to get the boys pajamas and when I got back Livy was drenched. Cole was laughing and so was Livy. Cole had a cup and was dumping water on her and she thought it was so fun. Liv loves the tub and this was a close second. After the tub we were down watching TV and Cole kept hugging Livy-except for his hugs are really aggressive and rough. Livy didn't like it and was crying. I said to Cole that if he touched her again he would have to go up to his bedroom. He got the cutest smile on his face and walked over to Livy and touched her with his finger on her shoulder. He said, "Ha Ha I touched Livy." The little stink is so cute, how is it that a two year old can be so clever?

After the boys were in bed they were talking and Shawn went in to check on them. They were talking about what they wanted for Christmas. Ethan said he wanted the Underwater Lego's and Cole said that he wanted a turkey. Really, a turkey. I have no idea where that came from.

Cole is just so unique and fun and naughty all at the same time. We just love him so much and couldn't imagine a day without him in my life.

On a side note. Livy almost crawled out of her high chair this morning. She somehow got up onto her knees and slithered through the seat belt. I caught her leaning over the edge. She is crawling all over the place and has started up the stairs. I will have to keep a close eye on her.

Thanksgiving Week

We have been in Utah for Thanksgiving this past week and so my blog has been a little boring, but we are back. We had a great time in Utah. We did so many fun things I don't know where to start, and can you believe that I hardly took any pictures (that is not like me). When we got there Shawn and I went to a play with my family called Once on this Island. It was fun and then we went out for dinner with Shawn's family at the Kyoto, which is Shawn's favorite place in the world to eat. He devoured so much sushi I think he should turn into a fish. And I am so proud of myself, I tried my first piece of Sushi. It really wasn't that bad, maybe next time I might have two pieces. We visited with all the grandparents and cousins and relatives and everyone else who lives back home. On Tuesday night I threw a surprise party for Shawn. I had been planning it for over a month and I totally thought he figured it out, but he was so surprised. He had no idea, even when I got a text from my friend asking what time the surprise was that night. He got the text and just thought it was a wrong number. The van's air conditioner was broken (that is a necessity in Las Vegas). So we took it in while we were home. We had two Thanksgivings. One with my family on Wednesday night and then with Shawn's family on Thursday. We ate way too much turkey, stuffing, and pie. Actually I think all we did all week long was eat. The worst part of the vacation was when we all got our flu shots. It took Shawn and I both to hold Ethan down for his shot. I am such a mean mother to torture my child like that! We had 12 people all staying in the house together. It was way fun and way crazy-just the way I like it.

Now we are home and looking forward to Christmas. I think I just might get out the Christmas tree this weekend!

Traditions

I love family traditions. The traditions that my family did while I was growing up are some of my fondest memories. Now that my kids are getting a little bigger I am looking forward to starting my own traditions. I started a little small tradition on Monday night for family home evening. Every year at Thanksgiving time we have a family home evening on being thankful and all the things we are thankful for. I had the boys make a list of all the things they were thankful for and I will keep so we can read them at the Thanksgivings to come. I think it might be a fun experience to see how things change over time. Anyway, the boys came up with their own list without any help from Shawn or I. The lists are cute so I thought that I would share them.

Cole: Turkey, Cheese, Hot Dogs, Tacos, Bob the Builder, Lightening McQueen,Dad, Jesus, Family, Food, Bike, and Cars

Ethan: Jesus, School, Boost, DJ, and McQueen, Friends, Home, Daddy, Dog (which we don't have), Sister, Bed, that my daddy can work, all my Lego's, and family.

Shawn: Student Loans, Coke, when Livy is happy, when Ethan listens, when Cole is alive (because he is such a maniac), Jesus, home, family, Mercedes Benz, and Lego's.

Like I said, they came up with those all on their own.

I look forward to each year when we get to think about all the things we are grateful for. I always forget to stop and be grateful and it is nice for this time of year when I get to do that. We have been blessed with so much happiness and love and I am so grateful.

Morning Events

I was at the park this morning and Livy fell asleep in my arms. So, I put her down in the stroller to sleep. As we were going to the car I lifted the stroller down over the curb and Livy fell right out onto the ground. Can you believe it, I dumped my little girl out of her stroller onto the parking lot ground. She was crying, but I think more because it woke her up than hurt her. She didn't have a single scratch or bump on her body. I guess I got lucky, but it really scared me. My kids always pawn food from total strangers at the parks, and this morning was no different. A nice mom gave all the kids treats. I really do feed my kids, but all Cole wants to do when we go to the park is eat. Maybe we should go on a picnic or something.

Last night Cole was having nightmares and kept screaming. I couldn't figure out what was wrong and I went into his room multiple times. One time it was really funny because he was screaming (that wasn't funny), but all of the sudden he starts yelling "Chocolate Milk, I want Chocolate Milk." I guess I should give him more chocolate milk.

Primary Program

So we survived the Primary Program yesterday. Shawn was at work, so it was just me and the kids again. I think people at church are starting to feel sorry for me. I had so many people offer to help. The relief society president took us as her charity for the day and we sat with her family so that she could help me with the kids. But, my kids ended up being scared of her and wouldn't even look at her. Livy is a total mommy's girl and Cole just won't look at anyone or even smile at anyone he doesn't know. There is really not much anyone can do to help me, but it is sure nice to have people try. Ethan was sitting up on the stand spinning in circles, bouncing he head, climbing around the chairs, pulling faces and giving me a thumbs up the whole time. He wouldn't sing any of the songs, even though I know that he knows them because we have been working on them for the past month for family home evening. It really wasn't too bad until he decided to run up and down from the stage to say hi to me. About the fourth time I got mad and told him that he couldn't go back up. Don't worry, that was after he said his part and he did such a great job. He marched right up there and grabbed the microphone and said his part. He did great! If I could just teach him how to hold still and be reverent we would be perfect.

Happy Birthday Shawn!

Today is Shawn’s 29th birthday and he is stuck at the hospital, but I wanted to wish him a happy birthday anyway (and embarrass him a little).

25 reasons why I love my husband
1. He is an amazing father, husband, brother, friend, uncle, and everything else.
2. He is the smartest (and most good-looking) doctor I know.
3. He has a great smile and always makes me laugh.
4. He refuses to fight with me, even when I try really hard to pick a fight.
5. He loves cars and always keeps mine clean and looking nice.
6. He loves to watch movies with me and often lets me choose chick flicks.
7. He is willing to sacrifice everything for the happiness of his family.
8. His faith is unshaken and his testimony is strong.
9. He eats the food I cook, even when it is disgusting and loves to cook with me in the kitchen.
10. He will help me clean the house if he is home (as long as I don’t ask him to do the toilets).
11. He calls me everyday at lunch time to see how I am doing.
12. He is goal driven, hard working, and honest.
13. He has great taste in music and always knows the coolest bands.
14. He loves to golf and wants me to learn so that we can go together.
15. He always brings me home treats from work and indulges my sweet tooth.
16. He hates singing, but will sing at family home evening just for me.
17. He always does the dishes after dinner.
18. He is a great example for our boys and a softy for Livy.
19. He tells me I look pretty when I actually put effort into doing my hair and getting dressed up-which happens very rarely.
20. No matter how long it has been since he last slept and how tired he is, he always makes time for me and the kids when he comes home.
21. He listens to me rant and rave about irrelevant thing acts like he really cares.
22. He is the best driver and can park a car anywhere.
23. He loves high thread count sheets, Dove soap, and cleans the shower every morning after he showers.
24. He is such a family man. He loves being home and with his family.
25. He loves me no matter if I am ornery, ugly, mean, or tired.

Shawn is my best friend and companion in life. He lets me think I am the boss and puts up with my crap and is so amazing. I love him more than I ever thought possible. Now that I have embarrassed Shawn a little I will stop, but I wanted everyone to know what a great man he is. I love you babe!

My Soap Box

Here is my soap box for the day (this one is for you Natalie). On Wednesday I was at the park with my friends and the kids for playgroup. Ethan and one of his friends were playing in the sand. They were playing like boys -throwing sand, pretend fighting (don’t you know they are superheros?), and all that good boy stuff. A mom, who we did not know, walked over and said, “Whose boys are those in the red shirts?” Of course, that would be mine. She continued to get mad and say that they were throwing sand at everyone. I felt like she basically said I was a bad mom and should get over there and yell at my bad kid. My kids are not bad and I am not a bad mom, my kids do get out of control sometimes-as does everyones, but they are just kids. The boys were throwing sand on each other, and as long as they were both fine with it-I DID NOT CARE. I know that might not sound like such a big deal, but she was very rude and this was not the first time that day someone else had gotten mad at us for the way we were parenting our kids. This mom’s child might have gotten in the mix a few times, but maybe her child should stay out of the way if she does not like sand! Anyway, the part that makes me really mad is that this mom felt like it was her responsibility to tell me how to parent my kid. This is so annoying. Why do mom’s think that they can tell other peoples kids what to do when the mom of the child is right there? If you have a problem with my kids, let me deal with it-You just take care of yours and if you don’t like something that is going on around your kids -LEAVE. When you take your child to a public place, like the park or McDonald’s Playground, you expose your child to things that might not be the best (just wait until they get into school). I figure that my job is to teach my kids how to deal with things, including mean kids and if they are behaving inappropriately-which I don’t classify as throwing sand with two willing participants. So, it really does not sound like that big of a deal at the park on Wednesday, but this happens frequently and not just to me. Almost all of my friends have had a similar experience. Now that I got that out of the way, I feel much better. I am really not a rude person (or I might have said something back to that mom) but I just wish people would mind their own business. Let me take care of my kids. Believe me-they don’t get away with much, I am a strict mom and have my eye on them all the time.

Just Playing Around

This is a picture I took of Livy. I have a new photography editing program that I am trying to learn, so I am just playing around. Isn't she cute!

Ethan and his Girlfriend

Ethan: Mom, I have a girlfriend.

Mom: What is her name?

Ethan: Rylee (Yes Kelly, that is your Rylee)

Mom: Why do you want a girlfriend?

Ethan: Because they are so beautiful, just like you mom.

Even in preschool he often talks about his girlfriend. His teacher told me that one day he said, "I am special because I love my girlfriend", and his class is all aware that Ethan is unavailable. Maybe I should be worried. Isn't he a little to young to call a girl beautiful? He is really sweet and will often come up and tell my hair looks pretty or he likes my jewelry or clothes. For some reason he is really observant to those things. So watch out ladies!

Enrichment Craft

My sister wanted to see a picture of the craft I made at Enrichment the other night. Here it is, I think it turned out pretty good.

Crazy Sunday

What a crazy Sunday. Shawn was on call today so it was just me and the kids at church. I really don’t mind when Shawn is gone during the week nights, but Sunday’s are especially difficult. Me and three kids (none who know how to be reverent) at church trying to be quiet. Usually the do okay, but today was an off day. After wrestling with my kids for an hour during sacrament I thought I would get a break, but I was wrong. We were practicing for the primary program in Primary and Ethan continued his terror streak all through primary. I was so embarrassed! When we got home I decided that I needed to do something to help Ethan understand that he CAN NOT act like that in church. So, I put him on a chair and made him sit there reverently. I told him that since he did not know how to sit reverently at church he was going to have to practice at home. He did not like that and started screaming hysterically. Cole was very traumatized by Ethan’s screams and he ran over to Ethan and grabbed on to his legs and started crying, “No mommy, no mommy”. So both of them were crying and I almost broke into tears to see Cole defend his brother (the one who picks on him and takes his toys all the time) like that. It was just one fit after another ALL DAY long. But, they are all finally asleep in their beds. It is nice and peaceful. I think I just might go watch TV and finish the Halloween candy-that should make me feel better.

High Fashion Cole

What is it with little boys and their moms shoes. I have taken several pictures like this, but usually they are in my high heels. I really like this one with the boots and undies-very high fashion!

Yummy Treats

As most of you know, I am a total sucker for a treat. It is my moms fault. Shawn and I recently found the two cutest stores in Las Vegas. They are called Nothing Bundt Cakes and Mad Hatter Cupcakes. They are way to expensive, but every once in a while it is okay. With the cupcakes you can create any kind you want with whatever filing and frosting you choose. They all have a filing inside and TONS of frosting on top with a candy. Shawn and I actually got half way through the cupcakes and couldn't finish-they are so rich. The bunt cakes are way too good also (and probably my favorite) and you can choose any kind you want with mounds of cream cheese frosting on top. Those of you Las Vegas girls check out these stores, if you already haven't, and for those who live away-come and visit and I will take you! These are actual pictures of the cupcakes and bundt cakes. Don't they look delicious!

Eating Healthy

I finally know how to get my kids to eat their fruits and veggies....it's called Carmel Apples! Aunt Brookie and Uncle Max spent the night with us last night and they brought some Carmel Apples. My kids loved them-Thanks Brooke. So I guess I just need to dredge all their fruits and vegetables with carmel, sugar, chocolate, and candy. I wonder what the Pediatrician will think of that?

Do you know the Heimlich Maneuver?

Two out of my three kids had a choking incident today. This morning I did some grocery shopping and when I got home I put Livy in her chair at the table so that I could put away some groceries. A few minutes later I look over and Livy is totally choking and gagging on something. I couldn't see anything in her mouth, but I noticed on the floor was a shredded paper towel. Livy LOVES to eat paper, so I figured she must have ate some of the paper towel. So I did the old finger sweep in her mouth and I felt a piece of something in the back of her throat. I grabbed on and pulled out this huge 6 inch piece of paper towel. It came all the way back up her throat and she gagged as I pulled it out. I couldn't believe how much she got in there. Then, at lunch time, Ethan decided to shove a whole peanut butter sandwich in his mouth. And you know the rest of the story, sticky peanut butter stuck in throat. So, he starts gagging and again I did the good old finger sweep. Gross, a large mass of chewed up, saliva contaminated sandwich. I am starting to think that I need to take a refresher course on CPR, First Aid, and the Heimlich Maneuver..what do you think?

Ethan was building with some Lego's earlier today and he said, "Mom, I am a great Lego builder." I agreed and asked him how he learned to build Lego's so great. Seriously he replied, "In high school."

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. Ethan had a fun party at school with costumes and treats and then we went to the ward Trunk or Treat that night. They had kind of a ward party with chili and games before the trick or treating. It reminded me so much of when I was a little girl and we used to have those big ward parties at Bishop Anderson yard (Jam, Brooke, Mom-do you remember those?). Can I just say how glad I am that people have Trunk or Treats. It is one thing to go trick or treating in your neighborhood when you know all your neighbors and that they are good decent people, but in Las Vegas it is a little different. Maybe it is just the street we live on, but there are a lot of weirdo's. The last thing I would do is let my kids go romping down the street at night in this neighborhood. It is not really a bad neighborhood and we spend a lot of time out there during the day, but it is just different. The weirdo's come out at night. Anyway, we had a great time at the ward trunk or treat. Ethan hardly even acted like he knew we were there, he was so busy playing. I actually had to ask him several times to leave and go trunk or treating, he was just having so much fun. Cole was a little scared at all the costumes and wouldn't leave Shawn's side. Liv was just plain old cranky all day long. I think she just wasn't feeling good from her shots yesterday, but as you can tell from the picture-she was not happy! Now I just have a big bowl of candy to finish.

My Super Hero's

Black Spider man

Batman

Sleeping Kitty Cat

Flour Mess

I was making rolls this afternoon and had to run upstairs during the middle to change the wash. Ethan came running up a minute or so later saying that he had made a very big mistake. This got me a little nervous because he does naughty things all the time, but doesn't usually admit to them as being a mistake. So I went downstairs to find flour spread all over the kitchen. I saw hand and foot prints all over the floor with flour. As I was looking at the flour hand prints all over the floor I asked Ethan if he played in the flour. His response was, "No". Do I really look that dumb! He had a really guilty look on his face and the guilt must have got to him because a few seconds later he said, "Okay, I did play in it, just a little." So, Ethan and I cleaned up the mess and boy is flour messy to clean up, especially when it gets wet.

Ouch

This morning I packed all the troops in the car and we went to the doctor. Livy had her six month check-up....and that means shots. Out of all my kids, she does the best with shots. Ethan is totally out of control with shots. It took three people to hold him down for his Kindergarten shots. Cole isn't too bad and Livy is usually fine. Livy did fine today for her normal shots, but for some reason for the Rotateq shot, which is just a liquid immunization given orally, she totally freaked out. Out of all the immunization to get all worked up about, this is NOT it. She was hysterical, but maybe it was just because the crazy nurse was right in her face. The boys were crazy and all over the office. It is a good thing it is a pediatrician's office and they are used to kids. Now I have to get the courage to tackle the flu shot for ALL of us. That is bound to be a disaster.

A quick funny story. Yesterday morning Shawn and I were sleeping in until about 7:00am. Yes, that is sleeping in around our house. Shawn usually is up and out the door by 5:00am, and the kids don't let me sleep much past 6:00am. I woke up and I could hear the boys downstairs. I walked down and found them both on the couch watching cartoons and they each had a bag of chocolate chips in their hand munching away. They must have gotten into the fridge and pulled out the chocolate chips. They just took care of themselves. I should have walked right back upstairs and went back to sleep, but I didn't. I attempted to take the chocolate away, after all it was only 7:00. A chocolate high first thing in the morning was not what I needed. Even though I frequently eat cookies or whatever dessert I have left over for breakfast, I am at least going to try to have healthy kids. (at least while they are young).

Caesar's Palace Fun

Shawn had the day off today so we decided to go to hang out at Caesar’s Palace. They have some awesome shops. The kids really enjoyed FAO Schwartz, and of course we had to go to the exotic car place for Shawn. Did you know that you can rent a Lamborghini for $250.00 a day? We watched the fountains and the roman statues that come alive and talk. It also has a little laser light show, but that kind of freaked Cole out. He snuggled up to Shawn and said that he wanted to go home. There is a neat big aquarium that we saw, and Ethan kept thinking that we were outside because the ceiling is painted like the sky with clouds. I wouldn’t let Shawn leave without getting some Gelato from the cute little restraunt. It was delicious, but cost $8.00 for the smallest cup of ice cream I have ever had (and I used to think Cold Stone was expensive-not anymore). It was a fun afternoon and it is always fun to have Shawn with us. He works so hard that it is nice to see him getting a break, and the kids love spending time with him. Maybe I will try to convince him to taking us out for dinner tonight. He is a sucker for good food.

A little progress on crawling

Here is a little clip of Livy trying to crawl. Does scooting around on your head count as crawling? She gets pretty frustrated (as you can tell in the clip) because she can't move around like she wants to, but she is getting closer.

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Yucky motherhood things

It has been a full day of poop and puke! Ethan threw up all last night and the majority of today. Liv woke up covered in poop and has been fussy all day. Needless to say it has been a long day. I got up and washed Ethan's sheets this morning because they were covered in throw up and shortly after I made his bed he decided he wanted to lay down. He took a nap and then decided to throw up again. So, I have washed his bedding twice today. (You are probably wondering why I don't have him throw up in a bucket or something, but he refuses to. The second I put anything by his face to catch the throw up he freaks out). But, by the end of the day he acted like he was feeling a little better and Livy hasn't exploded out of her diaper this evening-YET. I think we are on the upside of things. I am always amazed at how mom's can stand to clean up throw up, without actually throwing up themselves. It grosses me out every time, but somehow I manage to get through it. The Lord must bless us with some kind of crazy motherly love to deal with all these gross things.

I should be at church right now...

Yes, it is true. I am sluffing church today, but I have a good reason. I am home with a sick kid. This morning Ethan complained of a stomach ache. I thought he just didn't want to get ready for church so I ignored him. About 30 minutes before we were going to leave, Ethan was rolling on the floor complaining his stomach still hurt. So I went over to talk with him and as I put my hand on his head it was burning up. So, I guess he is really sick. Cole did this last week and had a fever for a couple of days with a stomach achce and diarhea. I just hope Livy doesn't get it. Shawn is at the hospital today. He called this morning and said that he saw a celebrity at the hospital with a sick kid. I can't say who it was (dumb HIPPA laws), but it was a musician-rapper. Anyway, last night we watched the Transformer movie. It was actually a lot better than I was expecting. Cole wouldn't go to sleep last night either. The previous night I woke up to Cole screaming at 4:00. When I went to see what was wrong he was hiding under his blanket while the alarm clock was beeping. The boys often play with the clock, but I guess this time they turned it on. Cole was terrified of the alarm and again last night when I asked him what was wrong he said he was scared of the clock. I hope this doesn't turn into an issue.

Just a boy thing

I apologize for the content of this post, but it was too funny not to post.

Ethan got up from the dinner table to go to the bathroom. A few seconds later this is the conversation that took place.

Ethan: Hey Dad, can you smell my poo?
Shawn: No Ethan (laughing)
Ethan: Cole, can you smell my poo?
Cole: No
Ethan: Wow, it is so nasty.

a few seconds later
Ethan: Cole, you gotta come here and smell my poo. It is so nasty.

Not wanting to miss out on this once of a lifetime opportunity, loyal Cole goes running in the bathroom and you here the boys smelling and then laughing.

I hope this is just a boy thing!

Almost Crawling

(don't mind the sleepy face. She just woke up)

Livy is just barely six months old and she already is pushing up getting ready to crawl. I might be in big trouble with her. It looks like I will soon need to buy a gate for the stairs.

New Names

I saw this on another blog and I thought it was so funny. So here it goes...

Jenn and Shawn’s New Names
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) –
Jenn: Jack Odyssey
Shawn: Snickers Accord

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor &favorite cookie)
Jenn: Fudge Brownie Peanut Butter
Shawn: Vanilla Chocolate Chip

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name &first three letters of your last name)
Jenn: J Ree
Shawn: S Ree

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color & favorite animal) –
Jenn: Blue Monkey
Shawn: Blue Tiger

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name & city where you were born)-
Jenn: Jo Salt Lake
Shawn: Cory Phoenix

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name & first 2 letters of your first) –
Jenn: ReeJe
Shawn: ReeSh

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color & favorite drink put “The”)
Jenn: The Green Fanta
Shawn: The Fushia Coke

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)-
Jenn: Gary Norman
Shawn: Buddy Lester

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne & favorite candy)
Jenn: Pink Sugar Rolo
Shawn: Eternity Popcorn

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Jenn: Rudd W
Shawn: Ann Scott

Ethan Moments

Just a few random things that Ethan said yesterday that were funny.

Ethan came into my bedroom yesterday morning and I said, "Ethan, how did you sleep last night?" His reply was, "I slept with my eyes closed." That wasn't exactly what I meant, but such a true reply.

Ethan and Cole were building a fort with the couch cushions, as usual, and I walked over to them. Ethan said, "Stop, you have to be sixteen to enter." What does he know about being sixteen.

Last, Ethan had turned on the TV while I was upstairs putting Livy down for a nap. When I came downstairs he was watching TV. As I looked closer, he was watching Days of our Lives (the soap opera). He was so involved in the show and he said, "Mom, you need to come and watch this. It is so sad. This lady has lost her son and can't find him." Ethan was seriously watching and was concerned that this lady couldn't find her son. We quickly changed the channel to something a little more kid friendly, but not before I could laugh that my four year old was enjoying a soap opera.

Is it backwards day?

You might think by looking at these pictures that it is backwards day or something, but it is just a two year old who thinks he needs to dress himself. Every morning, without fail, Cole gets up and gets dressed all by himself (which is great). But he always puts everything on backwards. It all starts with his undies, which he thinks are supposed to go backwards so the picture is in the front where he can see it. You can't really tell in the pictures, but his shoes are also ALWAYS on the wrong fee. But for the positive he always puts them on himself. He is just so independent and wants to do everything by himself.

Livy and the Fridge

While I was making dinner tonight Livy sat down by my feet. She was playing with some toys and then all the sudden it got quiet. When I looked down I realized Livy's face was smashed up against the fridge. As I looked a little closer I discovered that she was licking the fridge. She was having a great time and it worked for me to because she was entertained so that I could finish dinner.

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What's up with that tongue?

One way to tell if Shawn is concentrating is to see if he is sticking out his tongue. It is an unconscious habit, but he always does it. As you can tell, Shawn was really concentrating.

I think it must run in the family because Livy has a thing with sticking her tongue out also. All she wanted to do was lick the pumpkins.

This is her going in for the kill. At first it was cute, but than I started to worry about what she might lick of the pumpkin...gross.