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.
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.
(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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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?
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."
