Fireworks

We went to fireworks for the first "real" time with the kids. We've seen some from our house, but the kids used to get scared of them. We went with our neighbors over to Barker park. It was a perfect spot, and the kids could play with Amanda (so I got to visit.) It was great fun. Jacki slept through all of the fireworks

It's been a while

The title says it all. I have a ton to update. Ty has been very busy with scouting this year. He was called to be the scoutmaster in our ward in June. They are trying to go on monthly camp outs. This one was in Mantua. The kids and I went up there to take Ty eggs and a few other things he forgot on his first trip as scoutmaster. Wes opened the door and scraped a car next to us, which is when I decided to get a van....until the kids are old enough to open the door without hitting a car next to them.












As soon as Ty got home from the scout campout we headed to Bear Lake with the Murrays. We had the Murray games.










The most memorable part of the trip was the excursion to Bloomington Lake. The gate was closed, but the not locked, so we opened it and went in. There was a huge snowbank in the road. We knew the Ford wouldn't make it, but Aaron got in the driver seat of the Suburban and drove into it. The car got stuck. We put sticks and rocks under the tires trying to get traction. Ty tried to use the jack, but it kept sinking in the mud and snow. He found a rock (that he kept) that he wedged in between the car and the jack that gave it enough leverage to lift it up, put sticks under the tire, and drive out. Then we hiked for about half an hour, and we never made in to the starting point of the hike.
Jackie and Wes went to the city Little Tykes camp.  Wes wanted to leave and go to grandma judy's to get ice cream.

strawberry harvest









We needed a headboard. I didn't want to buy one until we could afford a matching set, which is way down the list. So, I posted on facebook to see if anyone had one, and a girl from high school said they had a king sleigh bed we could have. We got a marker to fill in the scrapes, and here it is.

Library book search

My big goal for today was to find a library book...Berenstain Bears, Baby Makes Five. It's been lost of about a month. We renewed it the maximum amount of times in order to buy us more time to find it, but time was up and the fines had started charging. I said that whoever found it got fruit snacks. Ty found it about a minute later- so he's the big winner. I had already looked over the whole house, but he knew Wes likes to hide things in the piano (not the bench- in the actual top where the keys are) and there it was. They aren't grounded from the library anymore, so Jacki and Tommi and I checked out some more books today. Thanks Wes for always keeping our life wild and crazy.

Some Pig

The kids are playing with the big punch balloons. Wes just hit Jacki and she got upset. We are watching Charlotte's web and were just at the part where the spider Charlotte spun "some pig" in the web. He asked, what does some pig do. She said, "It's not what you do, it's who you are." I thought that was pretty profound, as a mom, I don't love my kids for what they do (some of the things they do make me put myself in timeout so that I don't lose it.) I just love them. Tommi is climbing on top of me right now....I love it.

Catch up post

At nursery, the leaders gave the kids plants. It lasted longer than they thought it would, so I let Wes hold it and we took the picture. It has since died.....may have been due to over-watering, not enough sunshine, but Wes loved his plant while it lasted.

We dyed Easter eggs for the first time with the kids. They had a good time and insisted that they do the stirring. (Wes got upset with me when I put the egg in his cup and tried to help him.) It was hard to get a good picture. They do the cheesiest faces, and then Wes looks away at the last second.

I need to post some pictures from awhile ago. The kids and Tyson had a fun time making a snowman this Winter. Ty let him borrow Ty's gloves.

About a year ago Jacki cut all of her ponies hair, so I thought that she got that out of her system so to speak and wouldn't do her own. The other day she woke up with a really bad hair day (or that's what I thought when I saw her hairdo, but then I saw the pile of hair in her room and realized she cut it. She took out the whole right side, so we were forced to go short or have a super mullet. She likes it short, and I love that I don't have to dry it.) I'm still getting used to her new look (It's been two weeks, but it is so different.) Here's the before and after shots.


Tommi turned one on April 7th. He's started take a few unaided steps and doesn't mind crashing. As soon as he stands up, he claps for himself. He's our happy baby (now big boy.) Dad was at Woodbadge, so we celebrated twice. The kids and I gave him a cupcake, which he enjoyed throwing everywhere. The kids helped him blow it out. He tried to touch the candle. Then, we had family and friends over and sang to him. I made his cake (that's what you get from a Wilton cake decorating school drop out.) He loved it though.

Good thing I looked in the oven

I've realized I always need to look in the oven before preheating it. I've shared a few of the kids oven stories. I just remembered this weeks story. I turned the oven on and then checked it (even though there hasn't been anything in the last few times.) There was a sand pail and two cars. I'm glad I checked it. Speaking of the sand pail, yesterday Wes put a bunch of olives in it. Then, he put the olives in his strawberry yogurt and ate it. Whatever!

41 miles

This has been a big week for us. We just got back from a bike ride with the neighbors- Jill & Brent Staker. Jacki got to ride tandem with Brent. We went to a park, saw ducks, went to the fairgrounds, saw horses, birds, and a cow. With that bike ride, I have exercised over 41 miles this week, and I just have to mention how much friends mean to me. I have never gone that far and would never think I could, but I have gone with friends this week -more athletic than me who have been kind enough to help me and push me. It makes such a difference having that. Thanks to all my friends over the years.

I found a quote this week I liked, "When you meet a man without a smile, give him one of yours." Big Jim Danielle. As we were biking today, I thought about how we have to keep our pedaling speed up, even when it gets hard, your legs start shaking, and you are thirsty, and it helps so much to encourage you when you are with friends and the road is hard. I'm sore because I went so much farther than I ever have before because of friends.

I'm trying to implement punishment for the kids that fits what they did. Wes hit Jacki five times, so he had to give her five hugs.

Tommi is a big boy and dove out of his bouncy walker car. He got a bruiser on his forehead and refused the ice I tried to put on it.

Jacki prayed for the kids she'll have one day and told me, "I'll be married."

We're trying to be good. "You can do more good by being good than any other way." John Woodsen. I'm a good person, but I'm not always good, so I loved how he put that.

Marie Ricks said, "It's hard to be organized, but it's harder to be disorganized." (I struggle with organization, and that was inspiring.) "Progress....not perfection." Fly lady. I loved this one too.

We rode past Ty's work today and said hello. Jacki showed his her bike she got to ride. She told me she saw a bike at Walmart that she wants to save up for. She also tells me every day that we're going to Disneyland when we pay off her house. (She doesn't quite know what that means, but she says it all the time.)

Peter pan

I've been getting ready for the day, which is hard to do if all the kids are awake, so I made sure Tommi was securely and safely fastened in his chair and figure the others would be fine for 5 minutes. I came down, and Jacki and Wes each had my two biggest knives. They were playing Peter Pan and Captain Hook Jacki told me. Wessie did end up with a cut on his toe, although no one could tell me how it happened.

We spent the day working around the house. Ty took down the Christmas lights. I ran with my neighbor Lisa 5 miles.

I went to the laundromat to wash a big blanket that is too big for our washer. I am sooooo grateful to have a washer and dryer in my home so that I only have to make the annual trip to the laundromat. It would be very inconvenient for me to wash all of our clothes at the laundromat. I don't remember being grateful for a washer and dryer. I do remember noticing that they were leaking and wanting the new front load washers. I am grateful for the laundromat reminder of luxuries I have in my life.

Tommi still loves peek a boo, and I love how hard he laughs when we play it. Wes has been talking non-stop. We're working on potty training. He said "yucky poop" when he pooped in his diaper.

Jacki likes to say, "really mom." Today she asked if she could cuddle while we watched a movie.

I gave the kids popcorn while I was doing the dishes. Wes poured some one the floor, so instead of keeping him busy so he wouldn't make a mess, he made a mess with it.

Helmet Removal

Lately I've been thinking about how perfectly we are all dependent on each other to receive help from our Heavenly Father. More than every before, lately I have realized that when we let others help us, we are often given the chance to help them also and see God's hand in all of it. For example, today I went biking with my neighbor. She knew that I had to take all three kids down to primary children's hospital to have Tommi's head checked. She offered to watch the kids. I didn't expect it at all, but I was so touched that she would do that for me. She said her daughter would come help when she got out of school. She had wanted to start babysitting but "no one had asked her." I realized that this was an opportunity for her to get experience and get to know the kids under the help of her mom. I felt like they helped me more than I helped them, but life is not about measuring details like that, it's about realizing that God cares about all of us- the mom with 3 young kids, the young woman wanting to babysit. It doesn't matter how small our contribution is. He uses us all if we let him by "not contending with the spirit" but "receiving it" (Alma 34:38).

Tommi "graduated" and got his helmet off. I packed up his baby clothes the other day, and this made me realize again that he's growing up. We asked Wes what was different about the baby, He replied, "Naked-butt-head." Ty calls the kids "naked butt" after they have their baths, so he figured that since his helmet was gone, he had a naked butt-head. I can't even think about it without laughing. Thanks Wes.

I stayed up waiting for Jacki. She went to a play with Grandma Judy. It was weird to be waiting up for my 5 year old to come home. She loved it and got to see Aunt Lauren who helped on the stage crew. She's been counting down and singing, "Hello dolly" around the house.

Sleeping during time out

Does time in time out count if you fall asleep? Wes & Jacki were fighting yesterday and had to sit down on the high chairs because they were fighting. I told them they could get out of time out and clean up the mess in the front room. Jacki had her head down, and she ignored me (or so I thought). She had fallen asleep. Maybe she still does need naps. I know I do!!!

Ordinary miracles

So, the other day I forgot to say that Wes flushed their toothbrushes down the toilet. That wasn't the first time, but I've been trying to pay attention to those blessings and ordinary miracles that we have that I don't notice until they are gone, like the car running, indoor plumbing, and vacuums, especially carpet cleaners that clean up 80 oz. of bubble solution. I'm really glad Ty didn't have to take apart the toilet this time too. (He had to do that a couple of weeks ago when Wes plugged up the toilet.) I can't help but share all these crazy stories about my kids, but really they are the biggest miracles of all in my life and teach me all the time!

More from Disneyland

Jacki is already wanting to go back. The last time I went was 10 years ago, and that was perfect for me. Ty wants to do a lot of camping and other things, and I want to pay off debt. We told Jacki we'd go in about 10 years - or when the house is paid off- whichever comes first. She told our neighbor "We don't get to go to Disneyland again for forever....10 years." Haha poor girl!!

Disneyland fun

We had fun at Disneyland. Wes made a lot of friends and hugged a lot of characters. He also taught Cinderella how to do knuckles. Jacki said every ride (except for Space mountain) was her favorite. Ty and I had fun watching them and seeing all of the detail and thought that went into Disneyland. The water show was amazing.

We've had many "ordinary miracles" I want to mention. I've been thinking about all the little services people do for me that help me feel God's love. The baby was fussy in Relief Society, so I moved to the back of the class. Ty had to get the kids ready and to church without me because I had a meeting and didn't have time to feed Tommi and bring the diaper bag, so Tommi was hungry. Stacy Mackley was back there, and her son is just a month older, so she had snacks and shared. Little thing, but it made us able to get through. Then, yesterday I prayed that I could serve someone along the way that day.

Well, the battery has been struggling, and when I picked Jacki up from school we stopped at Walgreens and it wouldn't start. Right then I saw a friend drive through the redbox and ran over to ask for her to help me start the car. I was so grateful Heavenly Father sent help. My moms neighbor also stopped to help. Ty had taken out the jumper cables but left a jumper that has a battery attached and doesn't need another car, which was lent to us by our neighbor, who has been another help sent from God. So, it started, and my friend left. Her son was sick and she asked me to pray for another child. It was a small thing, but I went home and prayed for them and for a friend going into surgery this week and started a fast, and the spirit made me cry for how much Heavenly Father is involved in our lives.

We had a full day yesterday. Wes started by dumping out a garbage can full of shredded paper. As, I cleaned that up (it clogged the vacuum. I had to change the bag and the belt.), he flooded the sink, so I had to clean up that mess. Then, he dumped out 80 oz of bubble solution on Jacki's floor. I need a carpet cleaner to clean that up, so I haven't done that yet. He did something else, but I have blocked it out....overload.

Kid Stories

Jacki corrected me again when I said sucker. "It's not a sucker mom, it's a lollipop." I have plenty of Wes stories, but I'll take a break today on tornado Wesley. Tommi was laughing hysterically when we were poking him in the belly like the Pillsbury dough boy.

Ty gave me a blessing to have strength to do what I need to. We've been focusing on the "small things....including the kids." I read "Acres of Diamonds" today by Conwell, and he said too many times we look for wealth (diamonds) and happiness in far off places. When, the real treasure is right under our nose where we are. I loved that. I felt like we need to focus on being self disciplined and truthful.

I dreamed that I told someone how much we like our ward. I've been able to start playing the violin again with Liz Putnam, and Pauline accompanies us and lets us go to her house (since it's quiet.) Then, I was thinking about a lot of our neighbors that have made such an impact on me and blessed our family. They are family in a lot of ways.

Reindeer, cookie monster, and muddy pants

Yesterday I put Jacki's hair in pigtails. She said, "Mom, I look like a reindeer because I have antlers." Her hair is so thick and dense that one ponytail sticks up like a turnip, and pigtails stick out like antlers. I put this one in because it shows off Wessie's cheesy smile. I love it.

Today Jacki corrected me when I told her that she dumped something. she said, "I didn't dump it. I threw it." She and Wes started the day fighting. They were saying that the other one was a dog and then got upset.

My visiting teachers dropped by cookies. Wes was outside in the back playing and didn't see them. But, he found the cookies later, took them to his room, ate all but one, got crumbs all over the floor, and he put the last one in a bag and put it behind his dresser. Speaking of playing outside, he got his pants and shoes all muddy (which he's done three times this week.) Then, he went back out, and was swinging in a shirt, diaper, and pants. It still doesn't bother the kid to be poppy. I have to check him often. He would walk around all day in a poop diaper. I made him clean up his cheerios that ended up on the floor . I had to help him.

Tommy went down the stairs the right way yesterday. He's rolled down them several times. I fell up a stair today by catching one foot on the pant leg of the other leg.

Ty worked a long day. He said it was super busy. He is really supportive of me and works hard so I can stay with the kids. I really appreciate him. I feel like if I never got another blessing, having him to go through life with is enough.

We have great friends too. The Clarks surprised us with dinner on Valentines and the Rhoades with dessert. Mom brought me a new mop which I had been needing. I had been up since 3:30 that day and was dragging by afternoon and that really lifted me up to feel their support and love. We had a couple of days of nice weather, so Elise and I got to go walking with the kids.

Sunday outings

I love my family. Looking at these pictures makes me emotional. We had a great Sunday. Paula suggested taking pictures of the temple since it will be closing, so we took our camera to stake conference. It was a warm bright day, and the Clarks had the same idea, so we took turns taking pictures, and Mason and Chandler played with the kids. The first picture was at the duck pond. Wessie loves the duck pond. He says "duck pond" every time we drive by it (which is twice a day on the days we take Jacki to preschool.)

Really???? stories

Well, I want to write everyday, and my kids definitely give me something to write about. I have to start out with all of the "really?" stories- those things that my kids do that I just can't believe. I learned a while ago to check the oven before I heat it up- even if I didn't see Wes put anything in, so I checked it, but when I went to put my food in, the tray wouldn't go in- shoved at the back were two bunt pans (one tucked inside the other) and there was a golf ball sitting on top. I guess the bunt pans were serving as the tee. The golf ball was melted- well at least the outside, the inside was an not melted - so now I know what a golf ball looks like inside. I know a picture would help visualize.

Earlier that day, all the kids toothbrushes were missing. Jacki said Wes flushed them down the toilet, which means she watched him do it, but they both had to share the one toothbrush we could find. We've had to move the toothpaste out of their reach. It looks like the toothbrushes will have to go with them.

I'm sure I'll have at least one really???? story a day because unless I have both eyes on Wes, he is up to something. I sent them out to the playground for a few minutes. That was a nice break for the house, and Wes found his Buzz lightyear shoes, which have been missing.

Tommi pants like a little puppy. He is a mommy's boy, which is good and bad. I love it except when I have to get something done or when I need someone else to hold him. He bonked his mouth on jacki's bed today and had the saddest look on his face. He doesn't sleep anymore, and I really miss sleep.

Jacki and Wes play together well but are competitive.They love to race to get ready, which makes them hurry, but one ends up crying when they lose. I try to make them both winners. ("You won getting clothes on, and he won getting shoes on."

Ty did fhe on geneaology, so Jacki prays for "the people who have died."

My hands are definitely full. I heard a quote that describes how I feel, "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart." Wes has the most contagious laugh. I don't remember what spurred it on today, but I just love it, and Tommi's blue eyes light up when he smiles. He has a toothless, happy smile Jacki is starting to learn to read, she will pretend to read my memorizing, and add in her own few words to the story. I really feel that my kids give me more and teach me more than I give and teach them.

Pres. Eyring gave a talk that really impacted me. He said, "When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day.... I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.....I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family." Along, with all of the funny, sweet, and frustrating things we have happen in our little corner, I am going to include the things that happen that touch my heart to realize God is watching over us.

Today's is easy. It's an experience similar to the one he shared. As background, lately I've been feeling less overwhelmed and adjusted to having three kids (although I do miss sleep - Tommi:-).  I wanted to get at the store. On Monday, my mother in law (Paula) watched the kids at last minutes notice and we talked about these great sales going on. Well, today she called me about something and asked if I had made it to the store. I told her know. I had thought about going today but it just overwhelmed me to think of taking all three. She said that she'd be happy to go with me and "had nothing on." We had an outing to WINCO. The kids hadn't been. Jacki especially liked seeing all the treats and the pinatas. Paula just knew how she could help me. It wasn't a big deal. I'm sure there more important things Paula could have been doing, but I just felt heavenly fathers love fore me as she served us, and she really enjoys it. She lives to help one of the family members.

I've been trying to budget and spend only what I have, and getting those on sale items helps with that. Paula also let me use her coupons that she wasn't using. I hope that my kids read this someday that they are overwhelmed to know Heavenly Father will help them too. Along living within a budget, Ty and I decided to not get a loan for a car. We are driving the Ford Taurus on many prayers, which makes me pray harder, but everyday that it takes me where I need to go I am grateful. I remember my grandparents giving it to me upon graduation- my grandpa knew I would need it, and although it's been on it's last wheel for about three years, it keeps going and buying us time to save for a car.

Jacki made me a "surprise" at preschool today. It was a Robot. I almost didn't take her to preschool because she watched t.v. instead of getting dressed. I was so frustrated with her and had to realize that she doesn't know how frustrated I get. Then, on to Tornado Wesley. A few of his latest storms include trying to put my phone in a sink of water, dumping toy story shampoo on his floor and on Jacki's bedroom floor, and pulling all the books off the shelf. He also put all my serving spoons in the garbage and tried to vacuum up one of our eating spoons. You can't but help but love our vampire boy- blue eyes, pale skin, and sweetest little voice (when he wants to be sweet. "1 book, man." Tommi likes to be in charge. He screams when I put him in the car seat, and he is a lot more active than the other kids.

Parties, snow caves, and birthdays

Wesley is sitting next to me with ice cream over his face and said, "me, Jacki." We heard about a family game night at the library, and Jacki was so excited. They played bingo, made these masks and tried to throw their bean bag in the square. Ty took them while I was visiting teaching. They had a blast and even got a treat bag. The library is one of the kids favorite places anyway in the wintertime, but this made it even better, and I'm surprised that the masks didn't scare them.

It's that time of year....Klondike. Ty helps the scouts make snow caves and they have a camp out in the snow caves. Ty had a good time, even though it was "a little chilly" (10 below), and his cave was a little short for him. The kids and I rented movies. Jacki picked out strawberry shortcake, and Wes picked out Clifford. I made the mistake of getting the movies before we cleaned the house, so it was a struggle getting them to help me. Ty came home and got Wes to have a nap before he went klondiking (Wes takes a nap better for Ty.) Jacki and I spent the afternoon cleaning her room and kept finding "stashes". I finally had to walk away for a time out when I found the clean clothes I had asked her to put away stuffed under her bed.

Grandma Hope turned 90 and we went over and listened to stories from my aunts and uncles. It was great!

The final picture is of Wes making the baby some formula in his cup- wasn't that thoughtful and helpful. I'm just glad I got to it before he shook it. Once again he pointed and said, "me, mommy." And with his bright blue eyes, long lashes, and dimples, I just have to smile as he pushes buttons on my keyboard.

Jacki just prayed that Santa Clause would bring her a unicorn next Christmas. (The kids have been watching Despicable Me a lot ).

Wes wanted the blue dishes for lunch. That is the color to have. They fight for it every meal. He got really mad that I changed his diaper- it was so stinky. Tommi finally gave in to have a nap.