Summer or not...here we come!

On Monday, the forecast for Tuesday was predicted to be a nice, toasty, 80 degrees. So my friend, Amanda, and I came up with the grand idea of getting together at her house and letting the kids play on the slip-and-slide while we laid out in the sun to soak up some rays. The kids were so excited. So Tuesday dawns...and its not so sunny and definitely not toasty. The day proved to be overcast, only vaguely warm, and crazy windy. We still headed over to Amanda's to enjoy some lunch and good company, but all the kids had their heart set on the slip-and-slide. So we decided that if they were crazy enough to do it, we'd let them. I wish pictures could convey how truly non-slip-and-slide friendly the weather really was.

Here's the kids all lined up and ready to go.



And here's some video of the actual event. I think they were a little timid to get started once they felt how cold the water was. But they went through with it...crazy kids.



Here's the cute kids, Savannah, McKenna, Owen, and Mathew, all bundled up after realizing how cold it really was.



While the older kids were out having fun with the slip-n-slide, here's what the babies were doing, all warm in the house.

This is Amanda's baby, sweet little Felicity.



And though you can't see him, Nathaniel is sleeping soundly, hidden under the blanket. I'm sure he's just the poster child for SIDS, but the kid will not sleep until he manages to pull a blanket over his face.



Then I just had to share how I found him once he woke up. I love his little peepers.



Though sometimes hard and overwhelming, having kids is so much fun.

Life as a single mom

So these last 3 1/2 months without Brandon being around much have been busy and difficult. I can't believe how big of a mess my house is, and it seems I can barely keep up with everything sometimes. However, I have been informed by this strange man who hangs around our house every now and then (I think he may or may not be my husband) that he has finals this week and then I will have him back for a wonderful two weeks before he'll disappear for the summer semester. Having to actually find a way to make it financially in this world bites.

My endeavour to become more of a runner isn't going very well. My hip joints ache, I have shin splints, and there's a large bruise under my left big toenail. I really hope it doesn't fall off. (Oh how I wish I was just exaggerating to be funny.) Its discouraging. I keep wondering if maybe I'm not meant to be a runner, but then I remember that I've only been trying for less than a week and I have to remind myself to think realistically. I've been reading the most hysterical book about training for a marathon. Not that I'm training for marathon, I just wanted some humorous tips about running for beginners, and boy does this book offer them. If ever you're looking into training for a marathon, or just wanting to start running, I highly recommend this book. The woman who wrote it truly understands me.

So due to Brandon being completely consumed with studying for finals, we've really had nothing going on to speak of. But I do have a couple of cute new pictures of Nathaniel. Enjoy!





He's my sweet little blue eyes.

The Huffin' Puffer

I am such a wimp. I have been trying for years to lose the baby weight I gained with McKenna...and the even more weight that may have come after that. I'm actually quite the weight-loss expert. I have read book after book and countless magazines, and my exercise DVD collection is quite impressive. In regards to all my knowledge on the subject, I really should have the rockin' body of a personal trainer. Really, why don't I? Well, imagine my surprise to learn you actually have to apply that knowledge and participate with the DVDs. Who knew?
Well, in an effort to help me with this reoccurring New Years Resolution of mine, my bff Katie (I use the term bff to reveal my hip, 13-year-old persona) has talked me into training with her for a 5k race taking place in August. Yes, I realize most people don't need 4 months to train for a 3 mile race, but most people aren't as horribly out of shape as I am. So for the first time in over a year, I went running and Katie was good enough to accompany me. (I need accompanying because I know if I went alone my "run" would last all of 5 minutes before I would come up with some lame reason why I had to return home immediately.) Holy crap. I cannot express enough how much effort this took for me. Poor Katie probably felt as though she was out for a nice leisurely stroll while I was panting heavily and seeing black spots. I also could taste blood at the back of my throat...is that bad? Katie is a great sport and has -- for some strange reason -- agreed to meet me twice a week for her leisurely stroll and my half hour of torture. I'm really hoping to not be on the verge of fainting sometime in the near future.

Betcha can't tell we're brothers...

So I really have nothing exciting or witty to say. Just wanted to post a cute picture I took of my boys a couple of days ago. They're just too cute.

My Little Laughing Nater

I simply cannot believe it! I finally figured out how to add a video and have it actually work. My little boy recently started laughing and I firmly believe it is the best sound in the whole world. If you have kids of your own, you may think their laughter is cuter -- whatever -- I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinion.



I don't have much to report for this week. I painted (ok fine, my friend Brianne painted) the dividing wall between my living room and kitchen. I couldn't be more excited about this. I've been living in this house for nearly 5 years (give or take the 5 months we tried renting it out) and my walls are still boring and beige as can be. I am not good at decorating and I really dislike painting. So a big thanks to Brianne for trying to help me do something interesting, and when that didn't work, for doing it for me. Here's Bri painting my wall.



I want to hang up all my pictures and my shelf before I post the finished product. Also, here's a cute pic of McKenna, Bri's daughter Sydney, and their friend Savannah, hanging out in the kitchen while we paint. They're such girls, it makes me smile.



I also experienced an exceptionally bad and annoying hair day over the weekend which caused me to take immediate action and have all my hair chopped off. Well, 7 inches of it anyway. I would post a picture of this fabulous new haircut (given to me by the talented Julie) but I don't have a picture. I would take a picture of myself with the haircut, but....well, I just don't want to. Again, I prefer to be behind the camera, not in front of it. In other haircut news, last week Brandon surrendered to the battle of hair loss and finally buzzed all his hair off. It's just never quite grown back quite as full after the chemotherapy. But he still looks as handsome as ever. I also took Mathew into Julie and he's now sporting a proper haircut after the hack job we gave him a few weeks ago. McKenna is dying to cut her hair short too now that her friend Sydney (in the above picture) has a new 'do. She has her appointment all set for the middle of next month, after her big dance show. Wow, there's a big boring paragraph about our family haircuts for ya!

That's all. Stay tuned!

Bumps and Bruises

My poor girl. Last night I took McKenna to dance. As we were waiting for the previous class to get out, McKenna started dancing around in her tap shoes on the slippery floor when she slipped and landed smack on her forehead. It was so sad. She was absolutely inconsolable. Here's her battle scar, though you really can't see it very well. She obviously didn't feel up to smiling for the camera.



All the other parents who witnessed her fall were so helpful and friendly. Someone immediately went to get her some ice and I was bombarded by advice and information about watching for a concussion. I must look to be quite the naive mother as everyone assumed I had no idea what symptoms to look for. Fortunately, other than being very tearful, complaining of a headache, and sporting a nasty, swollen bruise; she was and still is perfectly fine. Mathew however has been suffering greatly from "I-can't-stand-my-sister-getting-all-the-attention-itis". The symptoms including: whining, crying, tantrum-throwing, and extreme neediness. If anyone knows a cure for this annoying sickness, please let me know.

My New Favorite Movie

I just got done watching what I think has become my new favorite movie. It's probably the single most cheesy movie I have ever seen, but dangit if I still didn't absolutely love it all the same.
Anyone seen this?? The movie started out with such lame lines that I fought to control rolling my eyes, but in the end the music made my heart nearly pound right out of my chest, and I was completely won over -- cheesy lines and all. I hopped right onto Amazon.com and spent money I don't have
to buy the soundtrack which I will be playing non-stop until I'm so sick of it I can hardly stand it. Well, maybe not that much, but I did feel very moved. I'm a far cry from musically talented, but I do greatly appreciate all kinds of music just the same. If you feel the same, you should check the movie out. Though you may not love it like I did. While I was nearly sobbing as the credits ran, I asked Brandon what he thought and he replied, "It was pretty good." So there you are, a movie review from not exactly the most professional movie critics.

This week and weekend have been pretty uneventful. Mathew had his 4 year check-up and his pediatrician informed me he's doing wonderful and that I'm doing a great job, always good to hear (though I'm certain he says that to everyone). I attended my nephews wedding today (Congrats again Gary and Amy!). And other than that, we're just devoted General Conference listeners this weekend. See, this is proof that my life is so action-packed that I resort to blogging out my movie reviews. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Happy Birthday Mathew!!

Today my little guy turned 4. I can hardly believe it. I know its such a cliche, but they really do grow up so fast. We celebrated the day with my good friend Julie and her two boys. One of which shares his birthday with Mathew and also turned 4 today. We spent the day at Classic Fun Center, which was a fun experience for me. I haven't been there since the Friday night dances of my Jr. High days. It was actually a lot of fun now that they let the kids ride scooters and such on the skating floor. They also had a fun bounce room that the kids loved.

McKenna and Caden posing on their scooters


Mathew, barely willing to stop long enough for me to take his picture


McKenna and Jared making the daring climb to the top of Bounce Everest


Jared, Mathew, McKenna, and Caden


McKenna and Mathew shootin' hoops



After that excitement during the day, Mathew was treated to a raging birthday party including honored guests such as myself, Brandon, and McKenna. I'm afraid I'm not much of a party thrower.



Mathew received for his birthday a V-Smile game system with the games Toy Story 2 and Go Diego, Go.

Nathaniel watching Mathew open gifts....or so that's what we're pretending he's doing.






And last but not least, my messy-faced boy after enjoying his cake and ice cream.


Happy Birthday my little buggy!!

What a night!

So last night we experienced, not for the first time, one of the inevitable parenting moments...yes, some of you have been there...the midnight puke all over the carpet moment. I had just fallen back into a deep sleep after being up feeding Nathaniel, when I woke up to McKenna standing by my bed crying, trying to tell me something. Through my foggy sleepiness, I finally heard her say, "I'm gonna frow up!" And my first thought was, "Well, what the heck are you standing here talking to me for?? Go,go,go!" So I jumped out of bed and started rushing her to the toilet, but unfortunately we only made it about half-way out of our room. After she was done I helped her shower really quick and spent the whole time dreading the cleanup process. But then I turn around and notice our bedroom light on - Brandon had got out of bed and started the cleanup process already. I don't know why I was so surprised, its not like I have a deadbeat husband, but it was sure nice. So I handled the bathroom and McKenna cleanup and Brandon scrubbed the carpet. Which reminds me, I have to go to the store today for more of the parenting staples: Lysol wipes and Resolve carpet cleaner. When cleanup was done and we headed back to bed, I thanked Brandon for his help. His reply?
"I'm cashing that one in later for foreplay."
And truthfully, it really is the best kind.

Happy Easter (and other tidbits)

Well, our Easter is winding down and I can't say it was very eventful, but we did get some cute pictures. The day basically consisted of the kids finding their Easter baskets, going to church, and me actually cooking dinner for a change.



McKenna was quite excited about her basket. She got the movie "Enchanted", a Hannah Montana book, and her favorite...a High School Musical 2 Gabriella doll. Immediately after freeing Gabriella from the 5 million rubber bands and plastic ties that were attaching her to the box, McKenna put on her soundtrack and Gabriella was able to re-enact all her songs from the movie. It was a good morning for her.



Mathew received the "Curious George" movie, a Thomas Train book, and a Superman doll-excuse me, action figure-that can break a wall apart!! Awesome! He also received a plastic egg filled with quarters and exclaimed with excitement, "Wow, one MILLION dollars!!" Oh how I wish the Easter bunny was rich enough to give him that kind of money.



Baby Nathaniel received (not that he cares) a new Baby Einstein DVD to add to our ever-growing collection, the book "Guess How Much I Love You", and a nifty new teether toy.

Once we got through the materialistic side of Easter, it was time to get all dressed up and remember what Easter is truly about at church. Don't my kids look snazzy??







In non-Easter related news...I was pulled aside by the 2nd counselor of the Bishopric and asked if he could meet with me for a few minutes after the 3 hr block. We all know what that means! I was asked to serve as a Primary teacher to the 6-year-olds. And even though I've had this same calling at least 2-3 times before, I'm actually a little excited. There's something beautiful about the innocence of those young kids that fuels my testimony every week. And studying the simple lessons really helps me remember how to love and accept the gospel for its basic principles. I know this is probably what I need right now.

We also had my sister's dog, Rufus, for the weekend. My kids were in heaven. They keep begging and begging for a dog of their own, but I am far from a dog fan. I do love Rufus because he's my "nephew", but I'm not looking forward to the day when I am overruled (since Brandon eventually wants a dog too) and we'll end up with a hairy little beast ourselves. Here's McKenna and her friend Sydney, with D'Ann's dog Rufus. They had a great time with him.



Well, that's about all the excitement we've had over the last few days! Never a dull moment.

My Preschool Marine

My poor child, Mathew to be more specific, has been born with the craziest hair that only gets accentuated by his abnormally large head. He endures us quoting many lines from "So, I Married an Axe Murderer." We should probably quit doing that before he's old enough to realize what we're saying and suffers from self-esteem issues. Anyway...his hair just grows straight up and out and he looks like a mad man/little boy unless we keep up on his haircuts. Unfortunately, our good friend, Julie, who normally takes care to keep him looking normal for us, has been crazy busy and I haven't wanted to bother her to give him his normal cut. So this weekend we decided his hair was just getting too out-of-control and we took matters into our own hands. Since neither Brandon nor I know how to cut hair, we just gave him the classic buzzed look of a marine. So here's our handiwork. I started out shaving his head, but Brandon soon took over, insisting in not so many words that I wasn't doing it right.

Mathew Before



Mathew After


Needless to say, Julie does a much better job. I'm thinking Brandon and I shouldn't quit our day jobs.

Introducing...

So now that I have this figured out enough to make posts and actually add a picture or two, I think I will finally officially introduce ourselves and give you a little background. *yawn* You obviously don't have to read it all if you don't want to. Also, please excuse my grammar. I am not great at knowing where periods, comas, and the like belong.



Here is Brandon and I. This picture is a few years old, but the most recent one I have of just the two of us. I'm not often in front of the camera. I like to be behind it if I have a choice. Brandon and I met on my 19th birthday at what else but an LDS church singles dance. He got my number and didn't call me for 3 months, by which time I had forgotten who he was. I actually thought he was a different Brandon and we had several minutes of a very confusing and awkward conversation. Once we got things cleared up, we dated for a couple of short months before I knew without a doubt, I did NOT want to spend the rest of my life with this guy. The feeling was mutual and we let the feeble relationship die. A full year later, he called me up for another date (after trying every other girl in his little black book and finally trying me out of sheer desperation) and I begrudgingly agreed to go out with him again. Surprise, surprise, things worked out the second time around. Nine months later we were married in the Salt Lake Temple.

Brandon is currently in nursing school and working full time as a surgical technician, which means his rare appearance at home is a pleasant surprise. When he gets his free time, he likes to watch and play basketball, surf the Internet to look at houses we can't afford, and stay up late watching lame movies on tv.

I just do the mom thing, and try to keep a clean house and cook dinner, although I'm not very good at either. When I have...well, I never have free time, but when I say "screw it, I'm taking some time for myself!" I love to read and can be a bit obsessive about it. I also like to sleep...a lot. Really, and I wonder why I never have shed any of my baby weight. And...that pretty much covers my interests, how depressing. Brandon and I have 3 wonderful children. Let's move onto them, shall we?



This is McKenna, fake smile and all. You have to catch her off guard to get a good real smile out of her. She's 6 years old and her interests include dance, (thus the outfit in the picture above) playing with friends, and watching movies and tv. Her favorites being High School Musical and Hannah Montana. This blows my mind. I thought those shows were more for the preteen crowd, not for my little girl. I'm quite certain I was still watching My Little Ponies and The Polk-a-dot Door when I was in Kindergarten. Now my daughter is too cool for Disney Princesses and Barbies. Not sure when that happened exactly. She's such a little mommy, which most times is a good thing. I can always count on her to help me with the boys, but usually have to remind her that she's not authorized to issue punishments. She loves her Kindergarten class and already comes home every day informing me who her latest crush is and every interaction she had with him that day. I'm already in trouble.



Meet Mathew. His interests are basically making as big a mess as possible and watching the same three movies over and over and over and over...you get the idea. Those movies being, Cars, Toy Story 2, and Meet the Robinsons (in case you wondered). Oh, and he LOVES playing with his big sister, and driving her crazy, which I believe he thinks is the same thing. He's cute as can be and always knows how to melt my heart whenever I start to get mad at him. He'll turn four at the end of the month and he can't wait to start preschool. He's so jealous every day when McKenna gets on the bus for school and he's stuck staying home with boring old mom.



Last but not least is our new little Nathaniel who was just born in December. His interests so far strictly include eating, pooping in a diaper that has just been changed, sleeping at the most inconvenient times, and smiling at anyone willing to talk to him in funny voices. I love him more every day and he has us all wrapped around his little finger. He has even recently won over Mathew, which is not an easy task.

So that's us! If you made it through all that, I hope you'll come back later to read some more.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to me and my sweet hubby! Today we've been married 8 years and I can hardly believe it. We celebrated this weekend by traveling the long distance of 20 minutes to stay at the exotic Fairfield Inn in Draper. I tell ya, we do know how to live life to the fullest. My dear mother offered to keep all three of my kiddos for two nights. I was so excited get uninterrupted sleep for two nights straight, I could hardly contain myself. So other than seeing a couple of shows and going out to eat (a lot), all we did is sleep and sleep some more. It was fabulous. Who knew someday that would be my idea of a great time. So here's Brandon and I on our wedding day, looking much younger, and myself looking a lot thinner. *sigh* I suppose having children was worth the 40 extra pounds. After 8 years, 3 babies, and countless hardships, I still love you baby!

Figuring This Out

So, I'm just now taking some time to get this thing figured out. I consider it a huge accomplishment that I figured out how to add a picture. Really, I can't emphasize enough how computer illiterate I am. So if my new little blog is lame for awhile, or forever, please forgive me. The first thing I'm learning, is that I really need to dust off my camera and get some recent pictures taken. Hopefully we'll get some fun ones this week and I'll start posting some pics and updates of my little family and our many adventures...if you consider making it out of the house for a trip to the grocery store and maybe a restaurant or two an adventure. What can I say, we live life in the fast lane! I'm thinking I'm not giving the link out for this blog for a long time. It will be my little secret until I can spice it up a little.

A big HEY to anyone who happens upon this page before I get a chance to figure out how to work it. Stay tuned! I'm sure it won't take too long...or really it might. I'm horrible at this computer stuff.