The Ministry of Angels

So, my life is a little challenging right now for me.

On Tuesday a member of my Relief Society presidency called and asked me to substitute teach Relief Society this week, as in 2 days from now. She had a sub fall through and was very apologetic, she was reaching to the bottom of the list of people they usually don't ask because we have small children in the house and don't want to burden us. I, of course, said yes, not in any way, shape, or form because I wanted to teach, but because I wanted to show my father in heaven that I would accept what was asked of me and try to do the best I could. The only good thing about short notice is there's less time to stress.

So, add to the list that my parents are coming into town tonight and actually staying with us, so there's the whole house to get ready also, not that there's much of a house, but with 6 people crammed in here the mess tends to build up.

Now, this is not meant as a complaint AT ALL!

I'm beyond thrilled and excited for everything that is happening this weekend and in a small way for the opportunity to learn and to grow and to teach.

I tried to talk to Andy about ideas for my lesson. The material is fabulous! If it was just a talk, no problem. My problem is interaction. How do I get the ladies involved? Andy's advice was great, if I was teaching Elders Quorum, but apparently Relief Society and Elders Quorum operate very differently. My problem with teaching is I can't seem to get people to respond, except in Primary. I guess I don't ask the right questions. So I'm asking for help.

This is a shout out to all my girls. There is a little homework involved. Please read from the November 2008 Ensign the article "The Ministry of Angels" by Elder Jeffery R. Holland and help me with what questions will invoke a response. I worked on it last night and came up with some ideas, but I would really love some input.

Please help me ladies!

For Deb

I love scrapbooking!

No, really I really really love scrapbooking!

I usually don't enjoy scrapbooking shows though.

Just too much!

It's beautiful, but I have 4 kids, so not enough time to be so fancy.

Plus I like things simpler.

My best friend Debbie (who shares my love) and I came across the "blocking" technique on one of those scrapping shows.

We both tried it and fell in love!

Part of the joy of scrapping is showing it to those who appreciate it, not husbands, they're sweet about it (at least mine is) but they don't appreciate it.

So, Deb, tell me how wonderful I am!

First Popsicle

Thanks Kids

Last night we had a pizza and movie night. Savannah was at a slumber party. So, after dinner Mason, Delaney and Willson all piled onto our over sized comfy chair and sat in a row.

Then Mason said

"Now our butt is as big as Mommy's."

To which I replied "What?!"

Then he said "See, our butts go all the way across the chair, just like yours does."

Me "???!!!!"

Thankfully Andy came to my defense and told them that my butt absolutely does not go all the way across the chair. My butt is big, I'll be the first to admit that, but it's not THAT big. Darn kids!

It's worth it

My parents are going to be visiting us soon and staying with us for the first time. They were going to purchase an air mattress, when they got here. So today I as going through the ads, to throw away, when I came across an add for an air mattress for $29, Queen size, at Big 5. It was 3:15 and Savannah had a Birthday party that started at 4:00. I tossed the kids in the car and we ran to our local Big 5. I was very disappointed to find that they did not have what I needed. They called a different store and asked them to hold one for me. I raced Savannah home for the party, made it just in time, grabbed the GPS and set out for the other location. Now it's Friday afternoon and I'm facing traffic. I get to the store, without too much trouble, having never been there before. They immediately go to the back to get my mattress. The clerk comes up empty handed. He then goes to the shelves and once again comes up empty handed. I'm starting to get really upset now and preparing myself for a hissy fit that I'm convinced is now unavoidable. Thankfully, another clerk was able to find the item and I made my purchase and happily headed home. Crisis averted. I was once again faced with traffic and it was way worse! I merged with a Septic truck and after reading the back of it, the whole trip was completely worth it.

Now, it's a Septic truck, and it says on the back...

"Caution: May Contain Political Promises"

Nap time

Our cat, Sid, loves to sleep in every one's bed. I've wondered/suspected he has been sleeping in Willson's bed while keeping us unaware. Well, I got my answer yesterday. I went in to change Willson's diaper before his nap and didn't even notice Sid making himself at home in Willson's crib. When I discovered him I used him as leverage to get Willson into bed. He was trying to run and hide from me, but as soon as I asked him if he wanted to take a nap with Sid, he was all for napping! Now Sid is not a huge fan of Willson. So I giggled in anticipation of the showdown when Willson would join him in the crib. Serves the cat right for getting in there when he knows he's not allowed. Much to my surprise, Sid did not move. Willson was calling out "cuddle, cuddle" while I was still changing his diaper. I put him in the crib and the two of them just looked at each other. I didn't understand the problem. Willson was looking at Sid with a look that I couldn't figure out. I finally placed it. It was the "um, how can I lay down if he's hogging the pillow" look. I scooted Sid over and they both settled in for a nap. Yes, our cat uses a pillow as it's intended, constantly, this isn't a fluke caught on camera. He's so weird.
When Willson woke up I went in to get him and Sid hopped out of the crib as I got Willson up. Guess he was done sleeping.

Jiffy Lube

I took my car in for an oil change this morning at (not so) Jiffy Lube. I was the only one there, when I pulled up, but it still seems like they took forever! If you can really call 20-30 min. forever. But isn't being "Jiffy" their whole claim to fame? I used to take my car into our local Jiffy Lube in CA and they were always so fast, the office was so clean, and the workers so friendly. Here, not so much. The waiting room was gross and I wished I didn't have children with me because of it. They had this nasty rock station blaring in the waiting room too. The workers were so slow and not very friendly. So my question is this, to those of you who use Jiffy Lube, was my CA experience the "norm" or my WA experience the "norm"? I think I know the answer and I don't think that I'm going to like it, but I would love your input.

And for the Californians that read this blog,

the Cameron Park Jiffy Lube rocks!

Pocket

This last week Andy showed Willson where his pockets were and how to put his hands in them. Now, I've showed them to him before and he was always impressed, but I guess having Daddy show him made a bigger impact.

He is now completely obsessed with pockets.

Unfortunately he doesn't quite grasp the concept because the last few days every time I hold him, which is a lot, he's my baby,

he shoves his hand down my shirt and says "pocket"

Stop it

Willson has a new phrase. "Top it" (Stop it). Savannah came running out to the Living Room last night to tell us. She was tickling him and he started saying it. She was so excited. I thought it was cute and laughed. I must say that to him a lot. He has been pretty naughty lately. So this morning I heard him yelling from his crib while I was getting breakfast for the kids. There were a few "up" and lots of yelling to let me know he was awake. So I went in to get him out of bed. He's a little obsessed with "cuddle" right now, he'll even grab a blanket to cuddle with you, but I digress. Anyway his routine when I come in is, I flip on the light and say "Good Morning Baby Boy!" to which he used to reply "Morning" but now lays back down and says "cuddle cuddle". So then I say "Do you want to get up?". Usually he scrambles up and waits for me to get him out. This morning he looked at me, still laying down and said "top it". So I asked him again if he wanted to get up and again he said "top it" of course adding his own little dirty look. So trying not to laugh I waited through several more rounds of do you want to get up and top it. Finally he agreed to get up and we went on with our day. I think his response is indicative of his mood today, he's been walking around finding things to cry about this morning. Thank goodness the sun is shining and it's playgroup day!

Scratchies

My sweet husband, Andy, is a lover of all things scratchies. He could have his back scratched 24 hours a day and it still wouldn't be enough. Me, not so much. I do enjoy the occasional back scratch, but often only last for all of 5 minutes before I've had enough. The burden of keeping my husband well scratched fell on me for the first several years of our marriage before I tired of it. Since then, he has turned to out children in his hour of need. They however are rewarded for their efforts with treats, which from Andy always involves some form of chocolate. I have asked him several times not to bribe them because I want them to learn to do things out of the goodness of their hearts, not be of the what's in it for me mentality. In Andy's defense that is the only way he gets scratched anymore. I guess if I was willing to alleviate some of the burden my children might do more things out of the goodness of their hearts.

So, today after cuddling with Delaney for about 20 minutes I asked her if she would be willing to scratch my back.

Her response was "for treats?"

To which I replied "No, just to be sweet."

Then she says "Uh, I was already sweet to you."

Thanks so much Andy.

I eventually talked her into it and after about 2 swirls she let out a big sigh and said "When am I going to be done?"

I let her off the hook then. I wasn't going to get quality scratchies out of her now.

No scratchies for the itchy.

Nap time

Yesterday Delaney and I did a rare thing.

We took a nap while baby was sleeping.

The most amazing thing happened!

We went to sleep with gray skies and clouds

And when we woke up it was beautiful...

Sunny & Windy & Blue Skies

Oh, how we miss CA windy days!

So, we picked up Brother & Sister from school

And we felt the Sun & Wind!

We woke today to gray skies once again.

Over breakfast I asked Delaney if we were going to nap today.

She replied in the affirmative

And decided we should sleep till it was a nice day.

If only it were that easy!

A nap & blue skies?

Too much joy in that!

My Day

This year the Mother's day gifting began on Saturday. Andy went out shopping, with the kids. for the food for Sunday and came home with these beautiful flowers for me. I was a little nervous that he wasn't going to stick to the "no money" thing. After being woken at 9 am (yes, 9!!!) to smiling children and husband with a plate full of french toast and bacon, so yummy, I was presented with gifts from the children. Andy purchased a card for me that was recordable and had the kids wish me a Happy Mother's day. It was so sweet, totally made me cry. Then Savannah gave me her gift. Her class made beautiful jars with 30 strips of paper inside, each containing something they love about their mothers. A gift I get to enjoy for a whole month!

Mason's class made so beautiful pottery with dried decorative flowers in them. Mason was quick to not only point out, but pull out and show me the one that smelled good. He then replaced it and I found a spot to hang it in my room.

After attending church, we came home and ate yummy Papa Murphy's pizza Andy had picked up on Saturday. I went to read in my room and promptly fell asleep! When I woke it was Cheesecake time! If you've never tried the Costco Key Lime Cheesecake, try it, you won't regret it! Andy having fulfilled the first 2 Mother's Day wishes then attacked the third while I read some more in my room...

Here's my vacuumed floor!

My clean kitchen! Complete with wiped down counters and swept floors.

And best of all, no dishes in the sink!!!

Perfect Day! Best Mother's Day Ever!

Summation of Today

I never thought I'd use Spongebob to sum up my thoughts,

but what do you know, he fit today. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQXNi9d1WvE

Mothers Day

Andy asked me the other day what his gift budget was for Mothers day. I told him it was nothing. He bugged and bugged, in favor, me against, gifting until finally I said $20. He was so not happy with that. Not that he sticks to ANY gift budget EVER! I guess he could have worse faults, but he's married to a cheapo. I am totally and completely cheap. Someone once told me "You're not cheap, you're frugal" to which I replied "No, I'm cheap." I'm not ashamed of it.

I do however enjoy it when Andy breaks the budget.

Shh, don't tell him!

This year I decided I don't want any money spent.

I told him I want 3 things...

1. I want to sleep in.

Now I probably won't sleep past my normal getting up time, but I want to sleep till I decide to get up,not because someone wants me to make them breakfast or get them out of their crib.

2. I want to hide in my room after church, if I so choose.

I've had a rough couple of days and would like to reserve that right.

3. I want to wake up to a clean house on Monday morning.

Number 3 is probably the most important, because I could do numbers 1&2, Andy would let me have that, on a normal day. But, I would feel bad asking for number 3 on just a normal day,

not that he doesn't do that for me, but because I feel bad if he does. So, my yummy breakfast, which I've chosen in lieu of dinner, (I picked Papa Murphy's for dinner...I heart pizza!)

I will enjoy so much more knowing I don't have to do the dishes associated with it. So, here's to yummy French Toast, Bacon, Orange Juice and Papa Murphy's without the mess.

Mothers Day Rocks!

*I'll let you know how it really works out!

Booty Song

My Brother-in-Law made a CD for Andy and this song was on it.

I laughed so hard!

This song was sooo written for me!

Andy had the girls shake their booties for me while he played it.

And I shouldn't have to remind everyone how cute they are!

There's no video with it, but he does say booty a lot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdOstVSouao

Try to identify your own booty!

I'm a double wide, discount, buffet booty!

Haircuts

Outside Fun

The weather was so beautiful last week that we spent so much time outside!

The kids love to ride!

I think someone ate some dirt.

Uncovered treasures.


My cute little man.


All Savannah did was ride!

Mason is famous for his digging!

I don't know what Delaney was doing here.

Willson picking "flowers" (weeds)

This is what he gave me.

So much fun last week!!!

Check this out

Delaney is making figures from the game Clue dance. Notice Willson in the back dancing.

I've no clue why Willson was in my face for this one, but it was so funny!

Just Because

Baby Boy No More

Willson got his first haircut last week. It took quite a while for me to convince Andy that he needed one. So, I tried a couple of times to put his hair in a pony tail to prove my point. Willson did not like that at all, such a boy. He LOVES hair, so I thought I would be able to talk him into it somehow, but no such luck. I did manage to distract him once long enough to do it, but he noticed it and pulled it out before Andy got home. When Andy finally agreed, Willson and I hopped in the car and took off!

A sweet "before" shot.All of the ladies were so in love with Willson! They kept talking to him and playing with him. There were no other customers, at the time, so he got all their attention! They gave him a sucker when he was all done, so then Willson really thought they were great! It was so cute. The only bad part was that I couldn't get a clear shot of his new haircut because he was having too much fun and wouldn't stop to look at me for long enough. I got a couple of shots of the top of his head, him running away, etc...

Willson flirting with the ladies.

I was finally able to get a good shot after his nap the same day. That's why his hair is fwoufy on the top. It just changed his whole face!
My baby boy is now a little man.

I did it

I did it. What you may ask have I done? Let me tell you a little bit about my day yesterday. It started off well. I got all the kids off to school, totally on time, without any fuss. Baby boy was cranky, so I put him down for a nap. He's at a weird stage right now with naps. We're still in transition from 2 to 1 nap a day, so about once or twice a week he takes 2 naps. It was definitely a 2 nap day. I changed his diaper dressed him in a one piece outfit, thinking that was the safest for my little stripper. He can now undo ALL onsies. Crazy? I know! Never had one of those before. So, I get him put down. Laney and I pulled out Sorry to play(by far my favorite) and all was quiet in the boys room. After our game I was getting ready to get in the shower when I thought I heard him playing in his room (sometimes he doesn't go right to sleep). I poked my head into the room and found him, you guessed it, naked. And happy. I thoroughly reprimanded him, put the diaper back on him and put him back into bed. This time he immediately fell asleep. Next I take you to when he woke up. Apparently I didn't hear him awake because he was once again naked, even though I rushed in the first time I heard him stir. He did not sleep that way, I checked. We get him up and listen to a little music and dance a little and since the kids had early release that day we went to pick them up. I decided to pick up Papa Murphy's for dinner, so we went there straight after getting the kids, I'm not loading and unloading children anymore then I have to. While I was ordering the pizza, the kids were supposed to be watching Willson. I say supposed to be because I ended up having to chase him almost behind the counter. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but he's actually made it past the pizza making to the register before. The little stinker is fast! So, after that experience, the kids were supposed to be watching him that time too, I thought they would be more vigilant. Come on, there's 3 of them and 1 of him. So, I got him on a bench and told Savannah to sit with him and to not let him up. I finished ordering and paying and went to take over Willson dutie. As I was going to sit down I noticed that 2 of the 4 snaps were undone. As I crouched down to fix it, he started yanking on his diaper. He already had one strap undone and was trying to yank it off, in Papa Murphy's, before I could fix it. I was not about to let my baby drop his drawers in public. It's bad enough at home, but no way is he going to do that in public. We go home play outside, ride some bikes in the court and then when it's time to go in Mason invited a friend over. I was getting the boys settled, they wanted to listen to music and dance, when Willson runs out into the Living Room naked, again. I whisk him away before Mason's friend can see him in all his glory (he's an only child, so probably doesn't understand the whole naked baby thing). I went to put him down for his afternoon nap and within 5 minutes he'd tossed his diaper out of the crib. This time I pulled out the camera. With how much he strips, it's getting scrap booked. I've refrained until now, but it goes both ways, he's pushed me too far, he gets to live this one down. Unfortunately I can't post any nude pictures. He was laying down naked when I first walked in, but he quickly stood up to laugh and be excited about how clever he was. All the shots are noodle bearing, so he'll just get them in his album! HEHE! I had had it! I was all done. I went to the hall closet and grabbed a roll of duct tape. Yep, duct tape. And I duct taped that freaking diaper! Oh boy, he was not happy about that.

Then I took a picture of it. Enjoy! *when Andy put him to bed last night he duct taped the diaper again (it works, btw) and then he duct taped the zipper closed on his sleeper (wish I had a pic of that).

Foot Phone

This is Delaney and Willson's new trick. It started in my room. I was trying to get ready for the day and Willson was cranky, so I brought him into my room to stop the crying and tossed him on my bed. That usually cheers him right up. Of course Delaney then had to join us. I couldn't decide what to wear, so I was taking longer then usual and Willson was getting crankier by the second. The bed thing didn't work that day. So, I plopped down on the bed. He loves it when I get in his face. Don't ask my why. If I was irritated the last thing I would want is someone in my face, but hey to each his own. I got in his face and since he loves phones and is still incredibly flexible, I grabbed his foot (he was laying on his back) and put it up to his ear. He immediately grabbed it and said "hello". Laney thought that was fun and since she's not as flexible anymore (she can still get her own foot up there, so amazing, but not terribly comfortable) I told her to grab Willson's other foot. Will like that even more, so then he grabbed Laney's foot. It's now one of their favorite games!