Taggart Times

On Time???

2012-01-25T17:03:00.002-07:00

I have found a miracle way to get the kids to school on time! It’s so simple no one would ever think of it unless they came upon it by accident as I did. Here’s the trick: do not be involved in the “go to school” process. Let them take care of themselves. Ha! There it is.

We were getting the truck fixed and I had to drive Steve to work after dropping the truck off at the shop. I told the kids to leave when the timer went off. I was able to get back home fast enough that I could have driven them and they still would have been on time. But they were already there, standing out in the cold with their noses dripping and their ears bright red from the cold. But they were there.

I told them to zip their coats, but they are too cool for that already. I walked over to them in the line and started zipping for them. By all appearances their mother was dutifully caring for them that morning. They all had their hair combed and wore shoes that matched and were weather appropriate. Miracles happen. Sigh.

The real miracle was that I got organized and dressed them before I left. They walked around the house for a full 45 minutes waiting for the timer to go off. Then they ran to school hoping they would not be late. Whatever. It worked!

Now, here I am a day or so later, running behind schedule. I decided to shower after the kids were in school so I wouldn’t make them any later. I can’t find my shoes. I can’t find a hair brush. Time ticks away as I search endlessly. I must comb my hair within the hour! I continue searching. Giving up at my wit’s end I finally look in the bathroom drawer. Oh. I put the hairbrush away where it belongs. Ugh! I never look there! Why would anything be where it belongs? How can I blame or punctuality problem on the kids when I can’t handle myself and they are all at school on time without my help?

I begin counting the many ways I waste time. At least I don’t have the television begging for my attention like we have in the past. Sometimes we were ready “on time” but turned on the TV. It made us very late. TV is a weird thing; so fascinating, yet such a waste.

Someone I know was telling me about their fabulous television that they bought this week. It was such a great deal! It used to be over $1000 and now it sells for $800. I said, “Next year it will only be $500.” She didn’t think that was funny. I should be congratulating her on her find and spending savvy. But seeing how we loved our hand-me-down TV’s for the first 16 years of married life, she was talking to the wrong person.

The television we got for Christmas is the first TV we have ever bought. Last year I had one with me as I stood in line at Wal-Mart for Black Friday. I stressed over it all night long but bought it anyway. After I got home I continued to stress over it. It was not a need. It was not in the budget. Hubby would be so surprised! But I was too self conscious and guilty. The thought of how many meals I could buy for the same price haunted my night mares until I finally returned the TV. I took it back!

Yes, I am crazy. That’s been well established before right?

So, she was raving about this TV and telling me how bad she felt for spending the money but that it was such a great deal. Wrong person to ask for moral support.

Then I went home and found the coupon I have. Oh NO! It expires this weekend! I better go buy something! Do I need it? No. Do I have the money for it? Not really, especially since I have to buy new tires today. Yet, I still “need” to buy the stuff that will be on the fantastic sale!

That wonderful “budget” thing we had going has so gone out the window. We almost made it one whole month before I realized despite my patching the holes in the pants, there are kids with holes in the bottoms of their shoes, the truck needed to be fixed and have new tires, and the kids STILL want to eat all the time. Sheesh. Sometimes it would be nice to live in ignorance and not know that we didn’t pass the safety inspections and just carry on with life.

On the other hand, what fun would it be if we actually got everything we wanted? Boring. Predictable. Expected. Life with kids is not any of those. For that matter, life without kids is not predictable.

Brenden has told me that when he is older, like 110 years old and an adult, he will still not understand girls. Some things never change, and some things never stay the same. I am cherishing the time I have with family today, with or without a functioning budget.

Reaching towards the goals

2012-01-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here I sit in my pleasantly comfy home while listening to the sirens of yet another accident – I hope – related to the recent snow storm, feeling like superwoman!

For the first time that I can remember, perhaps ever, we have made a budget plan and it worked out to equal possible. There was enough money on paper for everything I could think of with ten dollars left over. Could it really be possible? Could we actually save ten dollars a month towards having a vacation or something? Perhaps when the next vehicle breaks down we will have money to cover it? The truck has been getting a bit moody lately. But my mind screams no! There must be something missing! Did we remember to feed ALL six children? We can’t possibly have a positive balance in the budget.

We decided to sleep on it and wait for the revelation to present itself. Low and behold, it did! This weekend as I was counting the pairs of pants with holes in the knees (eleven!), I looked at the bank account and decided that no, we do not have enough money to clothe all of the children. Feed them, yes. Clothe them, maybe not.

If I could find jeans for ten dollars each, I still have over a hundred dollars sitting here with holes in the knees. So, I decided to begin mending them. I unstitched the leg seams of a few pants. It took forever! I had to keep reminding myself, this will save me one hundred dollars. This will save me one hundred dollars. After the third pair, I was done for the night.

This morning Stephen was walking around in his underwear. “I have no pants that aren’t wet or have holes in them!” (Wet from playing in the snow yesterday.)

Aha! I have a pair ready for repair. I managed to complete it, with it being wearable and the kids were still on time! Apparently the most difficult part is the seam splitting and winding the bobbin. (My machine requires careful taping to wind the bobbin correctly) I even combed their hair before they left. The rest of the day can be rotten and it will still be a great day because of my great morning!

Otherwise, I wish I had the dedication and drive that my children often do. Stephen saw an ad in the paper for yarn. Last year he learned how to “knit” a hat. He completed one with my help and began another on his own. The second was still waiting for him to complete it. When he saw the sale, he asked to make a deal with me. “If I finish the one today will you take me to choose my own yarn tomorrow?”

Sure, what would it hurt for me to say okay to that? It has been incomplete for months. Well, he finished it and the first thing out of his mouth the next morning was, “Remember what we’re doing today?” followed less than an hour later with, “Remember our deal?”

When I told him he had to do a chore first, he did it! Then he wanted to leave right away. “Don’t you want lunch first? I am cooking it right now. It’s almost done.”

“No. Let’s go get the yarn!”

Needless to say he took his time trying to choose the very best yarn. (Since I limited his options to less than the 25 he wanted. I allowed him to get three since they were on a good sale and I am saving hundreds of dollars by mending our pants.) He now has about 7 inches of a scarf.

Dallas is mad that knitting gets in the way of playing. I wish it was easier to get him to eat dinner. And Marek sits patiently next to Stephen watching and “helping” him knit by slowly pulling the yarn out of the bundle as Stephen needs it. Evan and Brenden are oblivious to the knitting issue, but Lily can’t wait to try it on.

Who is it for? “Whosoever might need it.” That’s right. He is simply making the scarf and hats for the sake of making them. He tried to choose gender neutral colors so that he could give them to the homeless shelter or the Festival of Trees (the local children’s hospital charity)

I want to be like my kids when I grow up.

Does physical exercise equal brain power?

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks the third day in a row that I have officially exercised, as in gone to the fitness center and worked out. Whew! I have heard that exercise is good for your mood and brain as well as the rest of your body. More exercise is supposed to result in better sleep and increased memory functioning, so I’ve heard. Well, here are my results so far. I have had less than 5 hours of sleep each night since Monday. I was getting closer to six before that. Although I must admit I probably have a better attitude, I cannot for the life of me remember what day it is!

Monday I was frantic trying to get Stephen’s homework project (major project) complete. Our printer is broken so I emailed stuff to hubby at work, begging him to print it. I called to be sure he got the message and everything was turning out fine. After dinner we settled in to face the long night, planning to stay up till midnight if necessary to complete the project. Then Stephen said, “Oh, yeah. That’s not due till next week.” Well, goodnight!

Tuesday I rushed home from the grocery store. I had taken too much time shopping and the older two kids were home from school alone. I didn’t know if they had a key or not since our last visitor borrowed it. She left it here, but I don’t know if it actually got back into the backpack where it belongs. I was also concerned we were going to be at least ten minutes late for cub scouts.

I pulled in the driveway and the neighbor girl was there waiting for us. “Can they play?”

“No.” I said, honking the horn. The boys had not even tried to go inside. They both came running from the back yard. I hollered, “Hurry get in!”

Girl says, “Why?”

“Because we’re leaving. Hurry! Get in boys!”

Girl: “Where are you going?”

“Bye, hurry up! Close the door!”

“But, where are you going? Can they play later? Can’t any of them play?”

“Goodbye!”

I start driving down the street before they had their seat belts on, leaving said neighbor standing in our driveway. I felt bad for being rude, but we were so late! Wasn’t it obvious we were trying to leave? My frustration was curbed by the boys' happy demeanor. They didn’t seem to care about anything at all. Then they asked, “Where are we going Mom?”

“We’re late to cub scouts.”

“That’s not until tomorrow.”

“Oh, well, I guess we are just driving around the block.”

So, when the PTA called and asked, very apologetic for the short notice, if I could help at the school “tomorrow” I thought who in the world can help with less than 24 hours notice? Well, I have no idea what day it is or what other obligations I have “tomorrow” so I may as well. Who knows if I would be busy “Next week”?

This might be why my husband got me a giant desk calendar for Christmas. I have heard that your projects are only as good as your tools. Well, I would change that to how well you use your tools! Yesterday the kids reminded me that you are supposed to check off the days of the week as they pass. We checked five days and discovered that today is Lily’s second day of dance lessons. It might also help if I wrote a few more things on it. (Happy birthday to all those in January! Sorry if I missed it, hope it was great!)

After three days of exercise I can say, yes! I feel much better, much healthier. But do I have a better sleep experience? No. Can I think more clearly? Absolutely not. Am I bored of the tread mill? Completely.

Luckily we have an X BOX Kinect. I was playing Dance Central with the kids and discovered you can track your calories burned. The kids asked about it and Dallas was real excited, “You should do that Mom!”

Afterwards we sat to watch a movie. (We got a new TV and games for Christmas so it was the thing to do.) Evan sat on my lap and said, “I can feel you getting skinnier already!”

Kids are awesome! I highly recommend them when moral support and brutal honesty are required. Exercise is great, but the XBOX is much more X-citing. Will exercise improve memory function? Time will tell. Maybe you need to work more than three days to see the results. Otherwise, we are meeting our deadlines and being punctual much more lately.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

For Christmas we received a bunch of games (like card games or board games, the old fashioned kind) which lend themselves perfectly to our tradition of playing games all night on New Year’s Eve. (We also took our kids downtown for the Salt Lake City’s EVE) So far we still have all the pieces, which is more than I can say for any games that we had previously. It’s a great beginning to the year!

After we walked around down town, nearly lost Lily in the Bouncetown, decided that the idea of “art” really is subject to interpretation that may or may not be appropriate for children, and complained about it being too loud (imagine that, we complain about noise? Ha!) we found ourselves in the famed “Ball Room”. This is a giant room filled with 2012 beach balls of varying sizes. No, I did not count them, nor did my children. They just advertized it that way.

Last year the giant balls, about 8 feet in diameter, were silver and the person rolling the ball had no idea what was on the other side. Brenden was rolled over several times. We expected the kids to be bigger enough to move out of the way this year. However, the big balls were clear this time. Apparently that makes them less intimidating and we still got plowed. Even Stephen was complaining about the big teenager kids rolling him over!

So, while I had one kid crying and another was approaching with tears down their cheeks I decided it was time to enforce a rule. Stay near the edges of the room! The center near the DJ is full of older folks, most of the balls, and throbbing darkness. (Yes, Lily almost got lost there too.) The new rule only took the edge off the pain. We took it for an hour or two and found ourselves home before 10:00. That was perfect timing to get the tired ones to bed and the others could move on to playing our games.

One of the games is called “Would You Rather”. It gives you questions that each player votes on and if the votes match, it determines how many moves you get to take on the board. When Steve read this question, he showed it to me to prove that he was not making it up, “Would you rather have the power to fly or poop rose petals?” Of course since it has the “p” word in the question, we all knew what Dallas would choose. But he is smart enough to know that we all knew what his answer would be. He tricked us and won the game!

Although I was struggling to stay awake, these questions had us laughing loud enough to keep me awake. Questions like: Would you rather hear every cell phone ring in your neighborhood, or smell every fart in the neighbor hood? Would you rather have a car that runs on happy thoughts but leaves poop, or have a car that runs on poop and leaves negative thoughts? How about having your face on the ten dollar bill or your butt on the one dollar bill? My personal favorite; Would you rather belch green mist or fart confetti? Fart confetti please.

I thought this would be an interesting game but I had no idea it was so kid friendly! All the things I keep trying to get them to stop talking about… sigh. I can kiss all those “manners” I’ve been nagging them about goodbye. This was a great game, but I know MY mother would never approve of it.

So far all my resolutions are working out. Day one (officially since there was no school before). It would be better if I would write them down, so here they are. Of course number one for most of the USA is to get in better shape. I would like to be early to everything and beat all deadlines. I want to blog more and to be more reliable. Spend more time with the kids and family, and get the house organized. (As my husband says, make every room in the house “usable”) That’s about it for now. Let’s make it a great year!

Merry Christmas, year end progress.

2011-12-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

Good intentions only get you so far, but my ultimate goal is to have the newsletter and Christmas cards mailed out before Valentine's Day! My mom reminds me of the year they were Valentine's letters often. We laugh every time. But, still I say better late then never. Just because I can not keep track of what day in no way translates to me not caring about family and friends. I simply can't keep up with time.

So, although I have had the letters printed for weeks now (on festive green paper with a hand drawn tree in the bottom corner) and I have bought a gaggle of festive stamps (from Costco) and I rushed and stressed over getting a nice picture of the kids to include in the cards, they are still sitting here waiting for me to put them in the envelopes and mail them out.

I was contemplating how we get onto a person's Christmas card list. There is one person who faithfully sends us a card every year, more faithfully than any other it seems. Every time we open it, my husband and I look at each other and ask if the other remembers who it is. Neither one of us can. It's been several years now. I wonder if I should tell them we are mistakenly on their list, or start sending them a card and pretend we are the best long lost friends ever. We think it might be someone "famous" according to the pictures they send.

Anyway, here is a copy of our newsletter for 2011. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Happy New year! (and Happy Valentine's)

Taggart Times Christmas Newsletter 2011

I don’t know how long it has been since we have written a newsletter, but regardless or how many years it has been, we are only going to cover this year. This year, like every other year, has been busy for us, as I am sure it has been for all of you! At last we have time to ponder what has happened and look forward to the next year.

The four have started kindergarten this year. Lily has been reluctant to learn her letters and is being “watched” for a learning disability. We wonder if she simply lacks motivation. She loves to color, paint, and color. Did I mention that Lily likes to color? If she could do nothing else all day she would be the happiest kid in the world. She also reports chasing boys at recess is a favorite pastime. Like her brothers, Lily also enjoys helping Mom in the kitchen and any other way she can.

Brenden has a great sense of humor, but needs to practice when to use it and when not to. He has had a challenging beginning to school learning to wait his turn and not speak out. Oh, he also had a tough time remembering that the teacher is the teacher, not him. “But they were doing it wrong!” was his response. I did not know that kindergarteners who don’t follow the rules could loose their recess privileges. Hmm. The computer class teacher (not affiliated with the kindergarten) was very upset when I asked her if she had problem with Brenden. She clearly does not have any problems. I believe her words were, “The sun rises and sets with that boy!” He is learning quickly but also forgets or has a better idea just as fast.

Marek is very self motivated and top of his class. While I have to pester Lily and Brenden to show me their work and hound them endlessly, Marek is the opposite. He will pester me, “I have to get my homework done!” I will say, “Don’t you want to eat lunch?” Usually the answer is, “No. I need to get this done first.” Marek is just as enthusiastic about getting his chores done.

Evan is less vocal but just as motivated, unless there is anything else going on. Whenever he is reminded he works hard and well. He is also at or near the top of his class. He shares a class with Lily while Brenden and Marek have a different teacher.

Evan is still a charmer and loves to meet knew people. He especially loves to read to anyone who will listen to him.

In January, Dallas turned 8 and was baptized the first week of February. He always encourages us to choose the right and do our best. He is a fabulous journal keeper. Dallas is in third grade this year and is doing very well, as usual. We seem to have uncovered some of his problem with itching and rashes. We think that to some degree it’s related to stress. Since Lydia has completed her schooling his skin has improved drastically. We are also using homemade soaps and lotions and rinsing all the laundry in vinegar. Gluten free foods have also helped some.

Some of Stephen’s favorite things this year are joining Webelos in scouting and making new friends at school. His teacher was transferred after school began, causing more anxiety than we needed. Since then we have been working on making friends and getting back to other basic social skills. We take it one day at a time, but honestly, he is so well behaved it is easy to overlook him. Especially since he enjoys being alone. We are all making progress.

Some other exciting things from this year were visits from family members and Steve’s being able to go to Florida to visit family. We camped in Moab and went caving in Nevada. In February, we had a fundraiser for Lydia’s brother Bryce, who has advanced stage four colon cancer. We were ecstatic to have over $14,000 raised at the event to help with their expenses!

June and July were stressful as Lydia crammed for the last deadlines and earned her bachelor’s degree from BYU. (General Ed with and emphasis in family life and a minor in Psychology) She finished just in time for kindergarten to begin. The few weeks in August were filled with swimming lessons (for everyone) and violin lessons (for Stephen and Dallas)

Since then, people often ask, “What’s Lydia going to do now that the kids are in school and she has her degree?” Well, if there were ever a day when homework, lunch money, or sick children were not needing her attention we would let you know. She spends time volunteering at the school weekly and driving around crazy the rest of the time.

Steve has a new calling at church, Cubmaster. That is helpful since both Stephen and Dallas are in the program, and soon the rest will be too. Steve still has time with the older boys as the ward’s Eagle Scout Specialist. Work has brought him changes and although he has had many responsibilities added without a pay raise or title change, he is happy contributing in a vital way at Varian.

Steve has enjoyed going to the Grand Canyon again this year. It’s fast becoming his favorite place to visit.

Some less than exciting events of the year were saying goodbye to both Grandpa Bell and Grandpa Paulsen (both were Lydia’s grandparents) We fell blessed to have known them for so long in this life and were reminded what really matters is our relationships with family and friends. We hope this finds you well. You are in our prayers, always.

Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!

With Love, The Taggart Family

A completed gift!

2011-12-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

I have officially completed a handmade Christmas gift this year! Well, close enough to count I think. It will definitely be finished by time the party begins tomorrow night. Here is a picture of me wearing it. The apron also has the green spotted fabric for the ties that matches the pocket. There are two buttons and two button holes for adjusting the size. I am very pleased with the results. I think that if I like it as well as I do my sister in law should love it too. She has gorgeous red hair that would look great with these colors. She is taller than me and I think it will look better on her. This picture just reminds me how much more exercise I need.

Here is the one I made for her daughter. She is a cute naturally curly blond. She's about the same size as my kids so I know it will fit her, but all my models went to bed before the pictures were able to be taken.

And now that I have successfully completed two gifts AND posted pictures to the blog, I am going to bed! Have a great weekend! Only 9 days left till Christmas!

Faithful, Fit and Fabulous book review

2011-12-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my experiences reading this book:

Faithful, Fit, & Fabulous Get Back to Basics and Transform Your Life in Just 8 Weeks by Connie E. Sokol

As one of my personal obsessions, I was excited to be offered a book to review regarding setting goals and being organized. (Of course it’s one of my favorite hobby topics, having six children born within four years)

Right away I knew I would love this book. It is easy to relate to and filled with bits of humor while being completely scripture based. There are references to conference talks and other church approved materials like lesson manuals as the basis of her research.

The layout of the book is simple and easy to navigate. The author suggests that you read through chapter one and two then you can mix up the other chapters according to your desired focus such as fit and fabulous, joy in womanhood, or get organized.

Chapter one is very inspirational, guiding and reminding about topics of the Spirit. The author warns or the two week bomb that usually accompanies all good intentions, saying just plow through and be as consistent as possible. I did have a two week bomb, just as she warned.

During the second week I got stuck in chapter 2 when she suggests that you begin with the end in mind and write your “life paragraph” consulting with the Lord regarding your talents and purpose in life. This was major stumbling block for me, trying to receive personal revelation regarding what my purpose in life is.

I went to my husband and said, “I think I’m supposed to…” He just looked at me for a moment. In that moment I thought he was going to tell me I was crazy for thinking such a thing. When he finally spoke he was thinking I was crazy, but for different reasons. He said, “Haven’t we talked about this before? I thought that was a well established fact already!”

I have since been reminded that there are two ways to receive revelation, as a light turning on or as a sunrise. When we receive as the sunrises it is barely noticeable until the daylight is upon us. I obviously had the sunrise experience.

After speaking with my husband I finally went back to the book and did as Connie Sokol suggested; set a timer and just write then set the timer again and just get it done. It’s meant to evolve as you grow and change. I wish I had taken her advice sooner. In later chapters the topic of talents is addressed further. Don’t get stuck in chapter 2 with the two week bomb!

Everything you need to succeed is included except the action on the reader’s part. There are examples of life paragraphs and other goals that would have been fine for copying if your sunrise was not noticeable. The author's website is also a great resource for ideas. http://8basics.com/

I highly recommend reading this book. I thought of giving my copy as a gift, but I will have to purchase another copy and keep this one. Here is a link if you are interested.

http://www.amazon.com/Faithful-Fit-Fabulous-Basics-Transform/dp/159955903X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322626630&sr=1-1

Holiday Countdown

2011-12-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here we are getting nearer to the Christmas holiday every second. The tree is finally up and "decorated" by the children. We finally have an idea of treats to make for the neighbors and friends. And our shopping list is near what might be called complete. I posted earlier about my art supply dilemma. Let me expand on this exciting gift giving

The one item I thought for sure to keep for Dallas was his hot wheels track. He has “hot wheels track” written on notes hanging around the house and several letters to Santa that I mysteriously loose. It’s listed on his white board with a star next to it **Wanted most**. For sure this would be a great item to purchase for his present. Until he complains that his sister has told him that she is getting him a hot wheels track. She never keeps a secret. Well, I guess I could return that and exchange it for something more exciting.

I know he will appreciate the Nerf guns! I have been hearing about the need for a Nerf gun for months it seems. I have two of them with refill bullets that have suction cups to stick on the walls, windows, and fireplace. Well, that was a great idea until we went to the party at my husband’s work place. They always have “Santa” there. He gives out one gift to each child. We now have five… Nerf guns. At least now we also know the suction cup bullets also stick to the ceiling. The refill bullets will still be nice.

Sigh. I can return those too, or better yet, I can give them to my husband. They had so much fun this weekend shooting at each other! It was difficult for Brenden to pull his trigger or load it or something so Daddy just had to help. I can’t count how many times I heard “These are the best Christmas presents ever!”

I knew they would like them. So, what did they ask Santa for? I leaned as close as I could with my pencil secretly perched on my notebook so I would get the one thing they really wanted. The kids smiled for the camera and started to wave goodbye. I heard nothing! I missed it!

“Wait! Did you forget to tell Santa something? Did you say everything you wanted to when you were with Santa?”

“Oh, yeah! Thanks you!”

That’s right. All I heard was thank you. “Is that all?” No. Brenden had to be sure Santa knew he was allergic to cats. No gift requests made. On the way home Dallas was telling me why Santa gave him a Nerf gun instead of the Hot Wheels track he really wanted. Of course, Lily was giving it to him already.

Back to the drawing board. They already have everything they want except for art supplies which I foolishly returned thinking they didn’t want them. I have extras of what they already got or are getting. I guess I will just plan on going back to get what I returned. I think I will drive across town so they don’t recognize me. At least the kids are happy with what they have.

In other news, I began making a gift yesterday; a homemade gift for a family member. Maybe it will be completed in time to actually be given this year. Stephen saw it and asked, “Are you making those to sell them?” Not the plan but perhaps a possibility. Enter the neighbor girl, “Oooo! Who are those for? Will you make me one too? How much are they?” I will have a picture posted for that on Friday.

What is crazy?

2011-12-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

I took the four with me grocery shopping yesterday while the older two were at school. Will I ever learn? That is an exhausting experience to say the least. We only had five things on our list fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, and medicine (for me, bronchitis. The doctor told me to rest. Ha, ha!)

When we were at the pharmacy the woman on the other side of the counter said, “I still don’t know how you do it. I would go crazy! My one kid drives me crazy.” I smiled and bid farewell as usual, but I started thinking.

What makes a person crazy? Isn’t being crazy defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? Well, here I was in the store with the kids again expecting them to behave and not ask for much just like I have so many other times. Nearly every episode ends with my vow to never take them to the store with me again.

Yet, I continue to repeat it even though I don’t have to. I could go shopping while they are at school. I would rather read or do laundry else while they are gone and deal with the chaos of trying to shop with the kids. That is crazy! Why does everyone say, “I would go crazy”? Don’t I look like I am crazy? There is certainly more than once that I have felt crazy!

I take them with me in hopes they will learn how to plan for a meal, save money for what is on the list, put things on a list for future purchases, and keep a budget. (Don’t worry about them learning how to do laundry. There is never a shortage of laundry!)

Yesterday, Marek asked for Chinese food. Letting them be involved in our routine of life brings new and unexpected experiences. I wouldn’t expect my kids to eat Chinese, but since he asked for it we got it. The kids all helped make dinner and then they actually ate most of it!

We had a great evening! Homework was done before Daddy got home from work, dinner was finished right on time, and three of the kids had haircuts while watching a movie after dinner. Everyone was bathed and ready for bed almost on time. Then we tried to agree on what type of cookies to make for Christmas. Needless to say, we did NOT end up going to bed on time, but everyone was happy.

At the store earlier the pharmacist was trying to figure out which of the kids are identical. (none are) I had them stand close together and smile for her. They are so adorable! They melt my heart. They were actually sitting in the waiting chairs being good! Maybe I’m not so crazy. After all, the results do seem to be changing.

I have heard more than once, accompanied by a sigh and look of pity, “better you than me.” I say, “That’s right!” I am so glad to have all my little miracles. They really do make life more exciting.

Artful Regrets

2011-12-03T22:43:00.001-07:00

My husband and I took our children to the Festival of Trees. This has been a great experience for us for the last several years as we have donated a tree every year since my father in law passed away, with one exception. (the quadruplet year) We enjoy our effort to remember his generosity and help the hospital in their efforts to raise money for those who are not able to afford their hospital bills, and so forth. Our kids have been dragged along each year to take a picture and end up in the boutique or kid area to spend a dollar or two of their own.

This year our finances are a little leaner and my patience was a little thinner. We did not attempt the kid area; we skimmed through the trees, skipped the gingerbread houses and hurried over to the boutique. Of course, we saw the quilts on our way. Since I have all the time in the world now (ha ha.) I told the kids that, although we did not have $500 to buy a quilt and most of them were sold already anyway, we could take a picture and I would try to make one for them later (meaning perhaps by the time they were getting married).

After what seemed like ages of arguing, pushing, and whining about being to tired, hungry, and poor, we ended up in the boutique. When trying to agree on one blanket we could buy and SHARE a little one ended up on the floor crying.

I was done. I picked him up and headed for the door. My brood came screaming and crying behind me. “I want to buy something! I thought you said we could get a blanket! Waaa!”

I wondered why I cared if we learned about loving others and being generous at all. Outside we began to unravel. I asked, “What was it about the blanket that was so wonderful? Are you cold at night? Is it because we want to give money to the hospital? Are they just so soft and comfy and beautiful that we really want one?”

Of course the answer was they are just so beautiful and soft. I reminded them I said I would try to make one for them.

“But what if the store doesn’t have the right fabric? *sob*”

So, off we go to the fabric store to feel different types of fabrics and tell me, not what they want but rather what feeling they like the best. (I know, I am asking for trouble here. Taking all six kids out again? Crazy!) No one chose silky. Denim was not their favorites either, but Stephen, the one who was making the biggest fuss over it, said he couldn’t decide and I could just surprise him.

Well, making a quilt would take a functioning sewing machine and probably one that was not borrowed for months on end. We walked past the display of machines just to price them out and wow! They were right across the aisle from the art section! I could hardly pull the kids away from it.

It was a solid 15 minutes of: “Wow! Look at this!”

“I could use this!”

“Hey, did you guys see this!?”

“Whoa! Check this out!”

When we finally left every one of the kids were dancing their way out the door singing, “This is going to be the best Christmas ever!”

Still grumpy from the festival I said, “Why? Because you went to a store?”

“No, because we are going to ask for art and learning time supplies for Christmas!”

I moaned and called my mother. “Mom, have you bought presents for the kids yet? They really want art supplies.”

After a short pause she said, “You mean like the ones you just returned yesterday?”

We both broke out in laughter when I said, “YES!”

Who would have thought that they would prefer paint and paper over an X-Box game?

Revenge of the Turkey!

2011-11-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

Here we are, recovering from the busiest weeks of the year. Happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and almost Merry Christmas! Our last week was especially busy this year because not only did we have a turkey to eat, but also had a funeral to attend, and some vomit to clean up, times six. Boy am I ever glad we got those flu shots! What has been for us a day or two (each) is reportedly a week or more for others.

I remember when the kids all got sick at the same time years ago. None of them were old enough to get to a toilet or big enough to carry a “barf bucket” around with them so we covered the floor with layers and layers of towels and blankets. Rather than trying to keep the house (which was actually a rented basement while we were doing the addition) we just rolled up the top layer and set it aside until the washer was available again. Ahhh, sweet memories… I wish it were that easy now.

This version of stomach flu apparently has very little warning. (one in the truck while driving, another in the hallway at school, and two in bed!) I wish we were able to just roll back the top layer from the truck. I thought I cleaned it, but I don’t think you can ever really get the vehicle clean enough after such an episode, down the seatbelt cracks and so forth. There was so much Fabreeze in there that I thought I would be nauseous from the yummy cleaning up scent.

The next morning I cheerfully take my well children out to drive to school and nearly get knocked over by the wave of sick odor as I open the door and it hits me.

“Mommy, I thought you said you cleaned it up?” said one while holding his nose.

“Yeah, me too.” I reply while gagging.

“When are you going to clean up the truck?”

I suppose I should check on U-tube. There seems to be a cure for just about everything there. Meanwhile, I am very happy to welcome in the wind storm tonight so we can have some fresh air!

Flu shots and other renewed commitments

2011-11-08T14:23:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing like a commitment to do something on time to prove to yourself just how much time passes while nothing gets accomplished. Here I sit with my forever long to do list wondering where to begin, and the next book I have agreed to review arrives in the mail. It is a get things done inspirational book. Very timely. It arrived moments after my kids were working on their journals, which means I was working pretty hard. Filled with guilt for not regularly keeping a journal of my own, scraping my brain for a memory of the week, and then being inspired to better myself… yeah. I decided it was time for blogging.

My kindergarteners have been given the assignment to keep a “journal”. Each week they are to draw a picture of something that has happened that week and write a simple sentence about it. Lily just wants to draw pictures of monsters dancing with purple and pink hats while Brenden would rather not do anything at all. It baffles me to see the variety of children born in the same house, same rules, same everything. Needless to say, Marek is my “good” student and is always the first to finish his work. He usually reminds, no, make that he begs me to do his homework. I had to try to help them decide what to draw.

I could not get further in my memory than Saturday. First thing in the morning we went for our flu shots. That was hilarious! The kids got mad at me for laughing, but how could I not? Stephen wanted to be first so he would get it over with and not need to be nervous anymore. After mentioning how that was a great idea, they all began fighting over who got to be first. Then when the shots were ready we had to force them into the room.

In the end, Stephen needed both Daddy and Mommy to hold him down for the nurse to get his arm. (That’s a job that must be fun. I hope all the parents are as fun as we were and allowed her to laugh with them at their kids too.) As soon as she stuck his arm Stephen stopped fighting, near tears. He smiled almost began laughing with us. It was not as bad as the other kids apparently made him think it was. They all fought except for Evan who simply whined, but they were all small enough for me to hold down while Steve just blocked the door so no one could escape.

In search of the perfect Christmas gift for our cousins, the door buster deal was already sold out. It was on sale as a super deal at Toys r Us for one day only. The first store didn’t have it, but they took the time to locate it at another. They put it on hold for us. By the time we found and bought the super gift, it was lunch time. (Yes, it took hours! Imagine taking six children to a toy store and looking for Christmas gifts! Hey, I know some people who are already finished with their shopping!)

The rumble in our tummies and the fact that it was payday and we had promised the kids a prize for getting their shots took us to Wendy’s. Little did I know it would be snowing when we agreed to ice cream. Wendy’s just happened to be across the street from a great park. After lunch we went to play in the snow. After about an hour there we took our freezing troops home to dry off and ventured out for scones. (Note to self, take gloves next time.)

The kids had earned a free scone at Winder Dairy for doing well on their homework. Poor Brenden thought that he would be able to milk a cow but it was just a country store. No cows around for miles and miles. Other than Brenden’s disappointment it was great, but I couldn’t figure out why we were so grumpy. Hello! They had flu shots that morning. Duh. (Note to self, flu shots make for a great stay at home and watch movies day.)

Sunday meant singing in the choir. The choir is practicing for December. Steve and I both enjoy singing and the kids now enjoy taking themselves home without us. They are so excited to be big enough to go home alone for the half hour. Our neighbors follow them and make sure they get there safe, and I don’t worry much because our back yard bumps up against the church’s yard. It’s not far at all.

Steve also talked me into singing in the women’s choir for stake conference. I am glad he did. It is so different from the ward choir. Wow. It is going to be great. The real reason I sing in the choirs is because I feel the spirit so much when I sing. I don’t as much when I simply listen to the music. To really feel the spirit, it needs to be sung. Christmas just is not Christmas without singing in the choir.

Enter Monday, wonderful Monday with all the expected Monday grief. Five hours of homework for the kids and by the end of the night I was sick with more than the usual Monday-itis. It seems like everyone is getting sick all the sudden around here. Dallas said his substitute went home sick and they had a sub for the sub. There was no homework done by that boy last night! This morning, the kindergarten teacher was missing, and our exercise buddies are ill. That’s just the start of it. The problem is we have spent lots of time with all the sick people. Hopefully we got the flu shots just in time.

Today I will be staying away from as many healthy people as possible and drinking lots of tea. Stay well, have a glass full kind of week, and try to remember something from this week. Good luck!

The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson

2011-10-19T23:33:00.000-06:00

I know what to do with my time now that the kids are in school. I just finished reading this book! It’s actually the second book I have finished, by personal choice, since the kids began school. (I will post a review for the other one a different day)

The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson is a good read and I would recommend it for anyone who likes a clean magical adventure.

This creative story takes the reader on an adventure when two wolves chase Jacob away from his home. While attempting his escape through the forest, he discovers he has actually left planet earth. The creatures, many similar to humans, as well as the humans on the other planet need Jacob to rescue a stolen key from the evil Lorkon.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

“When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed. He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon—evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn’t know he possesses—powers they desire to control.

The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, his life will be at risk. But if he chooses not to help them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key—and Jacob's special abilities.”

It took a few chapters of me to get used to the writing style. Honestly, I had a difficult time with the journal entries that began each chapter. I felt like I was reading two different stories at the same time, which made it a challenge for me to connect with the characters at first.

One story emerged about half way through when Jacob is given the journal to help him on his quest. The imagination involved and the level of brain power I used to try to figure things out while reading (like how did the humans get on more than one planet?) made it worth the effort.

Andrea Pearson skillfully blends her own ideas with images of Harry Potter and Peter Pan to create a unique new world where even the vegetation and landscape are exciting. And I really enjoyed the ending. I say this because I often will enjoy reading a book but hate the ending. The author’s writing improved as the book moved along.

I expect the next book in the series to be easier for me to get into as many of the characters and plot have been laid out and explained so clearly in this first book. I look forward to reading the next book.

If you would like to purchase the book you can click this link:

http://www.kilenyaseries.com/p/purchase-information.html

(I was invited to offer my opinion on this book and received a free copy in exchange for my posting. No money was involved and my opinion is my own.)

Knowing when to quit; An adventure in discipline.

2011-10-14T09:33:00.001-06:00

Disciplining details get fuzzy after a long lecture. Sometimes you just need to know when to quit. We usually end the “discussion” by asking the child who made the bad choice if there is there anything he or she wants want to say. That way it can be called a “discussion”.

This particular time, Evan was having a difficult time admitting that he had done anything wrong. His teacher gave him a “red ticket” meaning he was in trouble. He was not listening to the teacher and chasing the other kids around the classroom during show and tell. This happened at the end of the day, so she didn’t have time to address the problem completely.

Evan handed me his red ticket with tears in his eyes. The other kids wanted to show me their work for the day. I planned to talk with Evan about it more, but life happened and I didn’t address it completely either.

The next day the mother of the other child involved asked me if Evan got a red ticket, like her son. Then she asked, “Do you know what it was about?”

“No. Just they were running around chasing.” I said.

She informed me that, “It was a booger.” We laughed in secret. Oh, to be in kindergarten and be chased by a booger!

Knowing that Evan has a booger picking problem, I could envision him chasing the other kids easily.

Later that night my husband and I ran through the typical lecture, reminding him of the importance of honesty and the consequences for lying. At the conclusion of the interrogation we asked, “Is there anything you want to say?”

He responded with a miserable, “Yeah.” His lower lip hanging down far enough it could almost touch his knees.

I thought, okay, here comes the confession. We got through to him and now we can make it all better. Perhaps he would say sorry along with the confession.

He didn’t say anything for a while so I asked, “What is it?” I was ready to get out my parenting badge and put a fresh coat of polish on it.

The same miserable voice said, “Goodnight.” Then he kissed both me and his father on the cheek and slunk his way down to go to bed.

I was glad he left quickly so he couldn’t see me laughing. I guess my parenting badge will sit in the closet a while longer.

Back to School, Back to Life

2011-09-12T11:27:00.000-06:00

You’d think that with all my children in school for at least part of the day I would be able to resurrect my blog a little easier.

The quads are in kindergarten in the mornings now. I chose morning thinking that I would be a morning person, get them all moving and out the door so I had the rest of the day while they were gone. I had so many things dreamed up for the glorious three hours each morning. I have finished my schooling and can now call myself BYU alumni. Hooray! That’s one thing I won’t be doing during the time kids are at school.

When my kids are in school I will clean the house. You will never find laundry sitting around waiting to be folded or put away. Certainly there will not be any piles of it blocking the walkway to any room or hallway! I will always have clean dishes and a hot home made meal on the table for dinner every day. I will get to grocery shop alone price check and use coupons! I will even have plenty of time to read the labels and avoid the unwanted additives.

That can’t take that long, maybe a week. I do have three hours every day after all, well only two on Fridays. What will I do with the rest of the year? I will paint the house, reorganize and get everything that is not wanted out to DI or good will. I will have the closets usable, even the floors will be used for the organizing of shoes. Bottling the food and harvesting the garden.

I will read books, write, and create all sorts of amazing things! Look forward to a homemade something or other for Christmas. They are coming! I’ve got time for sewing, quilting, painting, nailing, hot gluing, and inventing. In my spare time, I will have to take on a few charities to avoid boredom.

Oh, perhaps it is time I let my body recover from having all those kids. Months of bed rest and birthing quadruplets has done a number on me. Not to forget the countless hours of doing homework to get the degree. I now have plenty of time for ME! Exercise and meal planning her I come! No, wait. A nap! I might take a nap. There’s so much to do I can’t decide. I better make a plan first.

So here I am two weeks into the kindergarten thing. I thought I would work in the walking and exercising while getting the kids to school. It’s not that far to walk. That happened once. Only one time. Instead we are running late looking for homework that has mysteriously disappeared. Why do they send so much stuff home with kindergarteners? What can I do to convince them that I will look at all of their things if they would just wait their turn? Will they ever learn that if you take it out, it has to go back? Maybe if we can find a pathway through the laundry we will find the missing homework. I decided that it didn’t really matter. How much trouble can a kindergartner get into for losing their homework?

We have been driving everyday. I tell them, “Hurry get in the line the classes are going in to the school now!” Then I look at Lily. “Lily, where are your shoes?”

“I don’t know. I can’t find them.”

“You can’t go to school without shoes on.”

“Oh.”

I guess I should have been looking for shoes instead of homework. We have a sharp learning curve here. The next day when I was waking them up for school they said, “We did that yesterday.” And another said, “Again?”

Needless to say, you can not find the floor in our house yet. This is the only thing I have written since my papers for school were turned in. We have not been on time. We have not been walking. We have not been eating homemade delicious and nutritious meals every day. (But dry cereal counts right?) The house is not painted. And none of the Christmas gifts have been completed yet. I didn’t even take a nap yet!

What do I have to show for it? I have been exercising, other than the crisis run for the door to get to school. Friendships have been reconnected. Two blankets have been crocheted around the edges (that charity bit I told you about) A great book is halfway read. Along with the lost shoes, I have lost two pounds and what little of my mind was left.

I am so excited to get on a routine someday in the future. I am much wiser now knowing that three hours is still only three hours, even with no kids around.

Silent auction/fundraiser

2011-01-31T11:38:00.001-07:00

In regards to my brother's cancer (which is now stage 4) and the fundraiser we are holding in his honor we are opening the silent auction for anyone who wants to participate.

Please email or let us know in some other private manner (this is a silent auction) if you would like to make a bid. The bidding will end at the dinner (mentioned in the previous posting) on February 5 at 7:30PM with winners announced by 8:00 PM.

When bidding on an auction item please refer to it by listed name (A, B, 16, etc.)

A) Cater your event for up to 100 people with the best Dutch oven style dinner (or breakfast) this side the Mississippi! Options include BBQ chicken with potatoes and cobbler, BBQ ribs with potatoes and cobbler, Lasagna and vegetables with cobbler, or Mountain Man breakfast. Valued at over $1000. Starting bid: $500.00

B) Experience the adventure of a lifetime on a trek in the beautiful Grand Canyon, The Tetons, San Juan Mountains, The Lower Paria Canyon, High Uintahs Wilderness, or top Mt. Whitney! Have somewhere else on your bucket list? Your guides will take you and up to four of your friends there during the 2012 season, after the coaching, training, guidance, and support needed to be prepared for such a backpacking trip. Make sure you take a camera! Valued up to $2,000. Starting bid: $300.00

C) Fly over the city in a helicopter with your sweetie, or if you’d rather a buddy. The winner of this auction will enjoy an hour of riding in a helicopter with up to three adults or two adults and 2 children. (Based upon weather conditions and availability. Good through May 31, 2011) Valued at up to $700.00 starting bid $200

D) Wrap yourself or a loved one in a fabulous hand stitched heirloom quilt. Valued up to $500.00 starting bid $50.00

E) These tickets will take you and someone special to the Sarah McLaughlin concert February 14, 2011. $25 towards dinner at Braza and a week of tanning are also included. Valued at $300. Starting bid: $150

F) Take a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Beaches, shopping, history, restaurants! This bid will get you 7 nights and 8 days for up to 4 people in a one bedroom unit at Raintree’s Club Regina! Valued at $2079. Does NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. Starting bid: $300.00

G) Three days of that new car smell will be yours with this rental certificate from Budget Rental Car. (Must be over age 21. Some restrictions apply.) Valued at Starting bid: $50

H) Take a three day weekend with shiny new wheels! (You have to give it back after the weekend. Some restrictions apply.) from Budget Car and Truck Rental of Utah Valued at Starting bid: $50

16) 2 tickets to the Hale Center Theater “A Tale of Two Cities” 3/15/11 at 7:30 and $25 to Salt City Burger starting bid $25

17) Repertory Dance Theater tickets to Dancing the Green Map 3/31/11 at 7:30PM, $40 towards a dinner at Madeline’s Steakhouse, and 2 Log Haven Signature Desserts Value: $100+ Starting bid: $25.00

18) Two tickets to the Utah Symphony, $50 Tiberon Fine Dining, and 2 Log Haven Signature Desserts Valued over $100. Starting bid: $50.00

19) 2 tickets to the Hale Center Theater “A Tale of Two Cities” 3/15/11 at 7:30 and $30 to Asian Star Starting bid $30

20) 2 tickets to the Hale Center Theater “A Tale of Two Cities” 3/15/11 at 7:30 and $50 to Temple Square Hospitality (The Roof, etc.) starting bid: $30

21) 2 tickets to the Hale Center Theater “A Tale of Two Cities” 3/15/11 at 7:30 and 2 free dinners at Rodizio Grill Starting bid: $30

22) 2 tickets to Ballet West Bolero with Chaconne and Sinfonietta April 8th and 9th and April 13th-16th, $25 to Ruths Chris Steakhouse and a pound of Sees Chocolate. Valued at $95.00 Starting bid: $60

J) Want to explore this beautiful state but don’t want to get lost taking a hike in the Wasatch? The winner of this auction will have two guides to help them (the 2011 season between May and September) along with up to 7 friends, and one 3L hydration pack made by Platypus. Valued at over $100. Starting bid: $25.00

K) Want to explore this beautiful state but don’t want to get lost taking a hike in the Wasatch? The winner of this auction will have two guides to help them (the 2011 season between May and September) along with up to 7 friends, and one 3L hydration pack made by WFS Element Gear. Valued at over $100. Starting bid: $25.00

L) $1000 worth of orthodontic work! WOW! Starting bid: $200

M) Need some entertainment at your next kid party? How about an hour of face painting? Valued at $65.00 starting bid: $25

N) A day of pampering awaits you! Eyelash extensions, a color weave and cut, and gel toes valued at over $150. Starting bid: $50.00

O) Feel like a new do? Here’s a hair cut and gel toes for you. Valued at $40 starting
bid: $15.00

BIG raffle prizes ($5):

Romance basket includes: a night at the Holiday Inn Presidential Suite, Dinner for 2, Breakfast for 2, a photo session (unrelated to Holiday Inn) 2 Signature Desserts at the Log Haven, a pound of Sees Chocolates, Sparkling cider and glasses.

The family basket includes: 4 tickets to Bees games during May and June this year, Scales and Tails (Bringing the zoo to you, reptile class with petting worth $150) $25 to Smashburger, $25 to Boondocks, $10 to Leatherby’s, $25 to Fazoli’s, 2 free appetizers and 2 free desserts at Wingers, and a family photo session!

Jazz Basket includes: 2 tickets to a Jazz game, blanket, umbrella, autographed memorabilia, collector Jazz coke bottles, and a family photo session with your family, not with the Jazz. (Sorry.)

$2 raffle tickets can win tickets to just about everywhere such as Log Haven, Hale Center Theater, Utah Symphony, Bees Baseball games, Heirloom Restaurant, Café Rio, Rumbi Island Grill, Miller Motorcross, Beans and Brews, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Ballet West, Tiburon Fine Dining, Brighton ski passes, Texas Roadhouse, The Nail Room, Landis Salon, Iggy’s, Homemade sock monkeys, watches, hats, scarves, and more than we can list!

Everyone's Invited!

2011-01-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

To raise funds for the my brother's fight with cancer we are having a dinner ($10 each) of dutch oven lasagna, veggie, salad and garlic bread with cookies for dessert.

A silent auction including but not limited to:
A one hour helicopter ride for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults)
two guided hikes in the Wasatch,
one guided back country trek for up to 5 people,
a catered dutch oven dinner for up to 100 people,
quilts, handmade watches, and more.

We will also have a raffle for great prizes donated from Subway and others. Raffle tickets $2.00 with bonus large item raffle ticket after 20 purchased tickets.

Feel free to invite your friends! We really appreciate any help or donations!!! Thank you!

Saturday, February 5 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm
________________________________________
Location: West Valley Fitness Center Upstairs rooms
5415 West 3100 South
________________________________________
Date: February 5, 2011
5:00 – 8:00 PM

Curtis Bryce Howard Cancer Benefit Dinner

Since you were able to make it through that business, I will give you the funny for the week.

"I wish I had a time machine to go back in time before you gave my pizza away!" Stephen said through his sobs.

"But Stephen, you said you didn't want to eat it. You told me I could give it away." I said to him after about 35 minutes of trying to get him to eat. I took the remnants back from Evan and Marek, they were sharing. Sheesh! You'd think I had teenager boys eating me out of house and home already!

"Here you go Stephen."

"But there's no pepperoni on it! I will not move until you put the pepperoni back on my pizza so I can eat it! I asked for pepperoni pizza!" Followed by loud sobs and tears. There's the kicker. He asked for it but wouldn't eat it.

"They ate them though. I can't get them back. You can eat this or not eat it. Don't cry anymore though okay."

"I won't stop crying until I get my pepperoni back! I won't eat this! I don't want it!"

"If you don't want it, give it back to the other boys to eat."

"NO! I'm hungry! But I don't want to eat THIS!"

He ended up eating it without the regurgitated pepperoni and the other kids just sat quietly listening, hoping they might get the pizza but not complaining when they didn't. For heaven's sake, don't ask for something change your mind and not want it anymore then get mad when you don't have it. It makes it too hard for the mom not to laugh when you're crying.

Back to work, goodbye summer!

2010-09-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to the school year crazies! My new Tuesday/Thursday schedule goes something like this.

6:30AM switch laundry and start breakfast wake up all kids and get them all dressed. Can't say what the estimated time for this is as it has not been accomplished successfully yet.

8:00 AM missed the bus. Drive Dallas to school by 8:35 (estimated drive time 25 minutes)

9:00 Stephen's school starts (estimated drive time from Dallas's school 25 minutes.)

9:10 AM return home to have potty break and pack a sack lunch for the four. (time:20 minutes)

9:30 leave for computer class. (Estimated drive time: 28 minutes)

10:00 The four's computer class begins.
read a book for my homework - 55 minutes available
11:00 class concludes. Be sure to have potty break! Time: 15 minutes

11:15 feed kids and drive to Grandma's house so she can tend while the rest of us go to the dentist (insert variable here - doctor/dentist/whatever could possibly come up)

get Dallas and Stephen from their schools (refer to drive times mentioned earlier)

Dentist appointment is at noon. Arrive only 15 minutes late :) appointment lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Feed us lunch. Time should now be 2:30 if on schedule, but it is really 3:00.

Drive back to Grandma's house to pick up kids. Wish there was time to say hello, but it took 45 minutes to get in the truck and drive there. Take potty break! leave ASAP.

Remember to pick up prescriptions and a frozen pizza for dinner.

4:15PM Arrive home. Say hi to hubby - give instructions for kids homework and food.

4:30 PM leave for my school pray to be on time to class that starts at 5:00PM.

10:00PM go home (estimated drive time 30 minutes)

10:30PM try to convince Dallas to go to sleep.

11:30PM fall into bed

Goodbye summer. I will miss you!

Another mystery solved!

2010-08-09T23:07:00.000-06:00

Come on! We're late! Hurry. Hurry. HURRY! Oh, wait. Where are the keys? Does anyone know where the keys are? Hey! I can't find the keys! (little to know response from children.) They are all finally in the vehicle, but the keys are missing and they won't help find them. Just as well, they would be making a bigger mess and start playing again instead of helping find them. Then I would have to get them in their seats again. I know I had them just a minute ago. I used them to unlock the door! What in the world could I have done with them?

I search the house, the yard, and check under the truck to see if I dropped them there. No luck. Nothing else is lost - except my memory. Kids are still in their seats waiting patiently. A miracle.

I return to the house and find the back up spare key. We leave - only two hours behind the desired schedule. But we didn't have a set time for meeting people so it doesn't really matter too much. Run errands for a few hours, talk on the phone several times to explain we are late because we couldn't find the keys, and so on.

Three hours later I am telling the kids how I wished we could find the keys. Little to no response from children again. They are relatively nice in the back seat so I figure they really don't know what happened to the keys.

Two hours later I am telling Daddy the keys are lost. Lily laughs and says she found the keys. I turn around just in time to see her enormous grin and her sticky little fingers pull them out of her pocket! She was so proud of herself. Now, if I could just find my purse...

Time flies!

2010-08-05T21:10:00.000-06:00

So much has happened since the last post nearly a year ago. Stephen and Dallas are eager to return to school. Stephen's birthday is on the first day of school this year instead of during the summer. I should try to talk to the teacher about that before school starts. Stephen will be nine and has earned (almost) his wolf badge in cub scouts, along with several silver arrows, and one gold arrow. The pack meeting awards "ceremony" will be the day after his birthday. Not just another day for him this year!

Dallas has been doing much better after we found out he has an allergy of sorts to wheat, including products made from wheat like chicken nuggets. He has adjusted to being weird pretty good. I guess that is all he will be doing for the rest of his life - weird kid with a weird family. *sigh*

The kids are not going to kindergarten this year, thank goodness, because their birthday falls after the deadline. Brenden is a little awkward with taking directions and listening to teachers, although he can read small words like bus and stop.(He wrote stop all over the walls and his bed when he learned how) Evan and Marek would do great in school. Both have good attention spans and ability to take directions but Lily would not be ready yet.

She is not very interested in learning her letters, or anything else for that matter. When I wrote her name she started screaming and yelling, “NO!That’s not a flower! Then she promptly scribbled over her name.Yes, she is a diva. Just the other day her brothers were trying to tell me that I need to stop calling her “princess”. (Of course I was not the one who started this. Daddy did.)I asked the boys why.

“She thinks we are her slaves because she thinks she is a princess and you just need to stop calling her that so she will stop thinking she is a princess!” There was one voice speaking but they all agreed, loudly. When I reported to Daddy that night he turned to Lily and asked, “Lily, do you think you are a princess?”

“Yeah” giggle and a grin.

“Does that mean your brothers are your slaves?”

“YES!" Big smile and a laugh.Did Daddy correct her? No. Did I correct her? Not really. It’s hard to discipline when you are busy laughing.

I tried extra hard to be strict today. We have finicky eaters that won’t eat much if they don’t want to, and then they are hungry five minutes after we put the food away. (I am sure I am not the only one with this problem, or this reaction when such strictness is involved.) I made blueberry oatmeal pancakes for breakfast. Yummy, hearty, easy, quick, and wheat free. They had a bit of color in them from the berries.

“EEEeewww! What is that?!?!” Came the first voice.

“Oh Gross! I am NOT eating THAT!” Came voice number two. And so on and so on till voice number six agree that the pancakes were not edible. Around 11:30 they started getting hungry enough to try it – almost. I told them every time they asked for food there were pancakes on the table. If they would eat one bite they could also have a banana, etc. This was easy for me to monitor today since I was working on food storage and tamales.

Brenden won the stubborn war again and did not eat anything until about 3PM when I gave in and let him have apple sauce. The others tasted the “Miracle Pancakes” as I decided to call them. It would be a miracle if they ate them and hopefully with the extra oats in them they would miraculously not be hungry until lunch time if they ate them.

Dallas said, “Wow Mommy! How did you get something that looks so disgusting to taste so good? Make these every day!” My lesson for the day – don’t give up, it might turn out good. The tamales I made today were good to me. I left for school before they were tasted by anyone else. They are sure to look disgusting too.

There's so much more going on but my class is starting. I really should tell about our summer adventures. Hopefully it won't be so long between posts next time. Thanks for reminding me to post Karalee!

FOUR YEARS OLD!!!

2009-10-04T20:30:00.000-06:00

As the dreaded birthday neared, I decided they don't make diapers for four year-olds. The end has come. We are in potty training mode now. We will have no more diapers on any bum in this house again. Since Friday, I have had four naked four year old kids going on the floor ten times a day, each. I have been getting my exercise for sure! Of course they all want to go at the same time. No, I didn't think to get the little potties all in a row until the first day was over. I thought they would take turns. Ha ha ha ha! We have four toilets, luckily. Not so luckily they are spread out over three floors of the house. I have been running - literally running- up and down those stairs every 20-30 minutes! Whew! I need to catch my breath just thinking about it....

Who would have known I needed to explain better than, "Put the pee pee in the potty or you will be wet. Stink goes there too, okay?"

"Okay mommy!" They all cheered in excited unison. "We're big now!"

Day two Brenden comes to me and says, "These pants are broken! They have a hole in them. I need new pants!" I change his wet clothes and we practice sitting on the potty again. Some time later he returns. "These pants have a hole in them. They are broken! I need new pants! I get wet. I need new pants!" I finally get it and tell him all the pants will have holes in them. He will get wet if he doesn't use the potty. He says, "I need a diaper. I don't want to be wet." (Insert picture of lower lip curled waaaayy out here.) Well, after we figured that out he has done much better. He loves to get treats!

The other kids are progressing alright. Evan is really good and will go without asking or telling me now. I just need to remind him he needs to put his clothes back on when he is done. I will find him running down the hall in the buff. "Evan! Why are you naked?" Thinking oh, no! Where is the mess he got himself out of? "I put pee pee in da podee" then he leads me to it and smiles! I would say he is about done. He doesn't needa treat everytime anymore. Marek can't figure out how to get there in time yet, at least not for the most important part. Lily is still content to sit in the yuck. Eeew!

I thought we had laundry before, ha! I am just glad we have enough toilets to have a spare!

Oh, their birthday was good too. They got lots of books, a great soap mold kit like playdo for the tub, and some puppets. Even though I said we didn't need any gifts. It wasn't too much though. Thanks everyone!

Steve has the day off work tomorrow to help finish off the potty training (hopfully it will be finished after one more day!) Stephen and Dallas have been helping remind the kids and taking them to a far off potty while I was with another kid already. What a lucky mom I am to have such good helpers! Of course, they got just as many treats as the kids did, after all, they went on the potty too!

8 years old and baptized!

2009-09-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

This weekend my oldest son turned eight years old. We had Grandma Taggart fly in from Arizona for the big event - his baptism. She will be staying until Monday afternoon. It has been good for the boys to see her again and the little ones got to meet her and remember who she is. It's been about 2 years since we saw her last. Stephen was so excited to be baptized. I was sad it was on a holiday weekend and the bishop, his primary teachers, and others had other plans so they were not able to attend.

When we walked into the room for his confirmation it was just our family. I looked around and realized that there were no, none, nada, zero men there to assist in the priesthood blessing, confirming Stephen with the gift of the Holy Ghost. With only one member of the bishopric there, our circle of priesthood was nearly a circle of two. Then the other baptism from our ward came in with her family. They had the biggest group of people! WOW. We had a few of them help us, they were our friends too. I was sad that none of my family were there. But I am ever so greatful that they all have jobs!!! They all were at work. I am glad Stephen was happy and he knows he is loved anyway.

Where did the summer go?

2009-08-14T22:22:00.000-06:00

Well, We have been so busy that I haven't blogged much. I have thought of it often though, believe me! Our summer has included fun things like having a visitor from Germany stay with us for 5 weeks. We went swimming, drove to the arches national park, hiked a bit, camped in mountains, went to Lagoon (local amusement park), saw a natural geyser, went to the zoo, the dinosaur museum, lunch at the park (many times). We attended the free movie almost every week, had playdates with friends, went bowling (yes, all of us - well, not Steve he was working) and more.

Here is a picture of Goblin Valley in Southern Utah Sabrina (German friend mentioned earlier) is in the background. I finally have a decent picture to put on facebook, if I can figure it out.

Here's a picture of Steve with some of the kids in Goblin Valley

Yet, when someone asked Dallas if he had done anything fun this summer he said, "mmm, no not really. But we ordered a swing set!" We have indeed ordered a swingset, but what about the entire summer? Oh well. It will get here in a few weeks.

This is what happened today. Of course they saw the camera coming and got their smiles on. I can't believe Lily was still clean even when I dressed her in a white shirt today!

Brenden was in on it too, but you can't tell because it's all on the back of his head. i took the pictures, then hosed them off outside, stripped them to their diapers then let them in the house. Then I decided that Brenden was still too dirty and took him to the shower. He still got a bath at bedtime for, as he said, "I am a dirty boy! I need a bath." He speaks the truth!

Whatever will I do next week without a vehicle? I guess there's enough dirt to keep us busy...and that ever elusive potty training... nah, why waste time for fun? Besides, we wouldn't want Daddy to miss all the real fun! He will be going to Colorado for high adventure mountain climbing. Wish us all luck!

Swimming?

2009-06-24T08:06:00.001-06:00

How about taking six kids ages 7 and younger swimming, with one adult? Even better sounding when four of them are three years old right? Well, my sister called me yesterday morning and suggested we go to the pool. Would she help keep track of the kids? yes? Ok, but how much would it cost me? I never did find out and we didn't end up at the pool.

I spent hours looking for Lily's swimsuit. They were interrupted hours, but still, she has been carrying her princess suit around nearly every day since we bought it in May - just before the rains started. Now when the sun shines I can't find it? You've got to be kidding me! So My sister, Lacey, decided to buy her a new one - only $7, cute blue and pink striped with a flower and butterfly- so that was nice. Between this and trying to get all of the kids in their suits with sunscreen on, waiting for so and so to be able to go, call them to see what's taking so long/what time they are available- oh! They decided not to go. Thanks for telling us, blah, blah, blah - our attempt at going to the pool at 1:00 turned into running through sprinklers at 2:30. This wasn't as exciting as Lacey had planned (kids were still looking for snails and bugs. You should see our collection!) so she went to the store and bought a slip and slide.

We waited for the set up and waited for our turn. While Lacey was out shopping, she got more kids and we ended up with ten kids there. Boy were my kids mad at me when I said it was time to get dry and go home for dinner! This process took me close to an hour. I can not believe how time consuming this simple fun was. I feel like I wasted a good amount of day trying to figure out what we were doing - oh, the pool ended up being closed for maintenance when I called to get the cost. Then we drove by the pool, and it really was open. The kids could see other people in there playing and I was in trouble once again.

I refuse to be in trouble today! I will clean the house: dishes, laundry, bathrooms, vacuum the floors, get the guest room ready, take the kids to the park for lunch, do some homework (I finished a class yesterday except for the final), pull the weeds, harvest some strawberries, mow the lawn, read with the kids, have an art project with them, take them to the library, make a batch of cookies.... well, maybe I won't do ALL of that today.

But I will not give the kids expectations that can't be met today. We will most likely spend the day watching TV while I clean up and get ready for our visitor. We will got to the park because it is chicken day. I found out yesterday they are cutting back their menu options because of the economy. This means they have five things to rotate through the entire summer. Major bummer since my kids will not eat three of them EVER, and the other one they are 50-50. They like the chicken sandwiches.

Thursday our visitor will get here from Germany. Sabrina will stay with us for about a month. We are very excited! She is 17 years old. She teaches swimming at home and will help us learn while she is here. Maybe after she leaves I will feel better about taking my kids to the pool. What is American that we should share with her? We are thinking of taking her to the Arches and Zions national parks, a BBQ, fireworks and parade. Any other ideas?

Definitely a TV day. Dallas just came and told me he doesn't feel well today. I will not be in trouble today - no expectations to let down!
We love each other and we are sick today - Oh wait! Was that the camera?

What can I say, they take after their mother.

Bryce and Shannon's Wedding

2009-06-17T10:40:00.000-06:00

Here are some fun pictures from my Brother's wedding on May 30th. It is quite a chore to get a good picture with all the kids looking and being happy with us. This is the best one Taken.
This one not so good.
Lily was the flower girl.
She was such a pretty princess.
Evan ended up being the ring bearer. Tavner was suppose to do it, but he was having a hard day and wasn't so cooperative. Evan stepped in and was great!

Hot Water!

2009-06-15T08:51:00.000-06:00

(Sang to the tune of I wish I were an Oscar Myer Wiener)

Oh, I wish I had hot water in my kitchen!

Oh how happy, joyful I would be.

'Cause if I had hot water in my kitchen

All my many dishes I would clean.

Oh, I wish I had hot water in my bathroom!

Oh, how happy, joyful I would be.

'Cause if I had hot water in my bathroom

I could take that bubble bath I need.

This is the song I was going to leave on the plumber's voice mail today. I have been leaving messages all last week. He came and did some work and we thought it was fixed but it wasn't. Then he went out of town. He is a friend so I haven't been too upset about it. I guess he just got back to town this week.

I thought singing this would help him remember me. Alas! He answered the phone instead! He said he will be coming over today. This is good news, but I was looking forward to my fun.

Steve just rolled his eyes at me this morning when I sang it for him. I said,

"Aren't you going to comment?"

"I chuckled."

"You know I am a verbal person."

"I have to go to work now."

"Are you ignoring me and avoiding the topic?"

He just grinned at me and asked for his keys. "Will I embarrass you if I sing to the plumber?" "No. You can sing the first verse." I got permission to make a fool of myself and then the plumber answers the phone. The nerve!

What can happen when mom sleeps at night?

2009-06-12T09:41:00.000-06:00

A successful day

Yesterday was such a success, very productive. With the exception of telling the boys we won't go to the park today, everyone was generally happy all day. Thanks to my darling hubby for letting me sleep.

I completed a homework assignment with 95% correct. I was able to practice the piano and convince the boys to practice. I vacuumed two rooms, gave all six kids haircuts, harvested the cherries and thinned the peach tree. We went to the park for lunch. I found the kids that were chasing the seagulls, then disciplined them intensely. I had story time with the kids, made dinner then had pizza instead (it didn't quite turn out the right way. I am so glad there is a $5 pizza place on the way home from work. Thanks Steve! You are my hero again.)

I also made it to my teaching class at church and visited a few minutes with friends there. I was uplifted and inspired. I squeezed in a good hour phone call with my dear friend, exercised for a while, found bugs and worms, and got soaked in the rain with the kids… It was a great day!

Anything can happen with a good night's rest. You know you are loved when your husband says, "When Dallas gets up tonight send him to me. If Lily gets up send her to me too. You sleep tonight." Thank you Steve! You are the greatest!

Today the sun is shining. The only day the sun shines for a week is the one day we are not going to the park (part of that intense discipline yesterday) This morning I hear nothing but loud angry voices. "I am not going to get dressed! We aren't going to the park today so I am not going to do anything you want! There's no reason for me to get dressed! I want to go to the park!" and so on. Does it matter that I want to go somewhere else? Come on! The sun is shining today! I guess I will mow the lawn.

Cookies with Grandpa!

2009-05-29T08:04:00.000-06:00

My brother is getting married this Saturday! That's actually tomorrow. Grandpa Howard is here from Ohio and he's staying with us for a few days. Yesterday, he made cookies with the kids while I mowed the lawn. Stephen was at school and Dallas was outside finding bugs. He must not have noticed the call for cookies.

Grandpa was a little more lenient with the kids than I would have been. That's one reason why grandparents are more fun than parents. I came back in the house just as they were getting the cookies in the oven. He was offering the kids a taste. "Go ahead, eat it. Clean the bowl." Unfortunately for Brenden, he fell asleep and took a once in a lifetime NAP!

Lily had been sampling and helping from the beginning. Raw eggs, sugar, a bite of the butter cube... She didn't take the offer to taste the completed dough. She got some water to pour into the bowl. Evan was too busy at the sink washing the dishes. Meanwhile, Marek was trying to taste it. He got a bit that was soggy and said, "Eeww! Yuck! This is disgusting!"

Don't worry though, all the cookies were eaten!

Then we went to the Great Salt Lake to collect some sand as a souvenir. It was great till the bugs started eating us. We ran away in a hurry!

A day off!

2009-05-22T07:17:00.001-06:00

This is what I woke up to find in my bed. I guess I was tired enough not to notice the boys getting there. This is a great start to the weekend! Steve has the day off work today too. After Dallas gets home from school we will go camping. My friend invited us to go with them. She laughed and said, "That's the same look that Steve gave me when I asked him! There will be lots of adults there and we miss you! Let's do something." So we agreed, for one night not the whole weekend. We will test it out to see how the kids do, and how well we can handle the idea ourselves.

So I am finally forced to empty some of my camera, as the memory is full. You know I am not very good at this posting pictures thing. They are a bit jumbled, and I couldn't get everything here that I wanted to. I don't have all day for this! So here they are. Good luck figuring out who is who. We have been experimenting with Lily's hair-dos, playing soccer (both boys, not a once a week commitment!), piano recital, weeding our yard (Some of it), the older boys went to a car race, we "rescued" a butterfly, and just been plain silly. Some of the pictures are missing/doubled. sorry. Now I am off to our next adventure, Camping!

Oh no! Don't spill it!

2009-05-19T23:20:00.000-06:00

This must be a brag about Lily month because the last post just happened to spotlight her too. Oh well. She is my girl after all!

She will be the flower girl for my brother Bryce's wedding in a few weeks. We took her to the rehearsal - so cute!- then we went to a dinner. The restaurant was on a street with construction going on. They were actually doing the work, not just the equipment sitting there. While we were waiting for the rest of the party to arrive we watched some of their work. What can I say, she has brothers right? So that being said I was surprised to hear her telling the dump truck, "NO! Oh no! It's dumping out! He's spilling it!" Heaven forbid someone other than Lily could make a mess.

Spring is here

2009-05-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

My injury to the finger is healing well and I can type now, but time doesn't permit for all my thoughts to be here. School is nearly over for the year. Like most things lately, it came suddenly for me. I have nearly missed all the holidays this year until Stephen insists we decorate for whatever it is next. With spring here he is taking up catching butterflies, along with the bugs. Marek is afraid of flies - deathly afraid of flies, and Lily is afraid of ants.

We did some weeding and planting in the yard yesterday and we found a worm. Lily was so pleased with HER worm, "It's cute! It's cute? It's so cute! Look! Mine worm! Mine worm! Look, it's cute? It's so cute!" Then she went over to Daddy and pulled his arm. "Yes, Lily. I saw your worm."

"It's cute! Dare he is. I found it." Then Lily carried it over to Daddy in a shovel to be sure he saw it. When he still lacked enthusiasm, she picked it up with her fingers and shoved it close to his eyes. "It's cute? Mine worm!" Then she ran over to show her brothers. They were moderately interested but not as excited as she wanted them to be. About 3 minutes later I hollered, "Boys! Look at Lily. She is trying to show you her worm." Of course they had seen it but she was too excited about it to stop shouting.

The boys were devising a race course for the curl up (potato?) bugs. Using extra pipes from an old Christmas gift they were getting ready to study them as scientists to see who was faster. Lily's worm joined the races. She had to tell her worm (long dead by now) good night, night night worm! After she was into her bed she wanted to get out and check on it. "Mine worm! He's so cute! Night night worm!"

warning!

2009-04-17T15:00:00.000-06:00

They should have a warning label on potatoes: "Slippery when wet! Use caution!"

I shredded a piece of my finger yesterday. It looks worse than it is. I got out of making dinner last night, dishes are not for me, and Darling hubby made enough waffles last night that there were some for breakfast this morning! He told me not to make a habit of this. I got a great large red bandage on the appropriate finger (middle tall one) a tetanus shot, and a two hour break from the house while I waited in the doctors place. (wish I thought to take a book with me) I will have my finger's bandage checked on Saturday and I think we will all live through this, but my typing is suffering. I will post pictures soon. I have several from Lily's dress, the new beds for the kids, making our own lotions that seem to be doing great for Dallas' super sensitive skin, and there's more to be said about gravity and how many times must we test the theory that when we pour salt/cereal/water/etc... it will really cover the ground/table/etc.... and how many times will we be able to get away with responding, "Um, I forgot." when a parent reminds us we know not to do that?

Sick, sick, sick!

2009-04-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

We have been so sick here this last while. Dallas is finally feeling better, but the rest of us (not me thank goodness!) have had or still have the sickness. Lily had it the worst, but Dallas had it the longest. Hubby got it the other day, missed two days of work for it. UGH! I was enjoying the loves and no yelling for the first few days, but after a week I am ready to get some more work done! We are still recovering. Stephen has been a big helper. He did not get sick until a few days ago. He helped take care of the other kids while Steve was at work. I will post more about that later. I would rather talk about Stephen.

One day he walked out of class with a girl whose mom tends for me on the days I volunteer at the school. She offered to drive him home and he didn't want to until he asked his mom. He walked himself home that day, but after getting permission to go with them he has walked out of class with her often. Then they stopped at the park on the way home to play (the other mom called me to ask if it was okay first) and yesterday, she whispered to me that her daughter might want to marry Stephen. They are so cute! I can't believe he is getting old enough for crushes! He hasn't said anything about her other than they are friends. I am so glad he has friends! The mom says that everyone at school likes Stephen.

Well, that's all I have time for today. Hopefully we will be getting the beds for the kids this weekend along with our shipments of plants for the garden (Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apple trees, and a peach tree to go along with our other peach tree and the cherry tree we already have. I had better get learning how to bottle things!) In a few weeks we will be shopping for tomatoes and other such things to be determined later.

Happy Easter!

How long till Christmas?

2009-03-31T21:45:00.000-06:00

I have pictures of Lily in her new dress, but I can't post them just yet because we have the sickness going in our house and I don't have enough time to figure the camera out today.

Yesterday Marek was sick. He suddenly burst out crying and would not be comforted or tell me what was wrong with him. He fell asleep while we were driving – a nap! A NAP! There must be something wrong! He woke when we pulled in the driveway, I thought maybe he would be recovered and happy, but no. He started screaming again, went into the house and mumbled something about a blanket. I got one, not his but he didn't care. He laid on the couch and stayed there. After a few minutes, the other kids came and turned the TV on. Marek left the room. He slept in the front room for a while then moved to the kitchen floor where I was attempting to cook dinner. He moaned a few times to make sure I knew he was there.

As soon as Daddy got home he jumped up with the rest of the kids shouting, "Daddy's home! Daddy's home!" Marek was cured instantly. Today Dallas is sick. I thought he would be cured the same way, but I was wrong. He didn't scream like Marek did, but he knows more words like, "Pick me up", and "Carry me"

As we cuddled on the couch, me attempting to comfort the sick child, he turns to me and asks, "Why don't you clean your room very often?" Good question! Could it be that I am too busy trying to clean the rest of the house and take care of the kids that as soon as I see the bed in there I fall into it and stay there? I surely could not think for a minute that it is because I don't want to, or "gasp" perhaps I am a bit lazy!

I don't want to say it's the kids fault, after all, he is sick and I am trying to comfort him. I tell him I don't know, you know I do clean it sometimes… He then informs me, "You better get it all the way clean before Christmas because Santa won't like it if it's not ALL the way clean, ya know. It has to be AAAALLLL the way clean. Before Christmas."

Well, thanks for giving me enough notice, seeing how it's just barely April! Kids are so sweet. The other noticeable announcement that I somehow have to deal with is, "Hey, tomorrow is April Fool's Day!" Hmmm, wish I had more notice for that one.

domesticated

2009-03-27T13:19:00.000-06:00

I feel so domesticated today! This week I have been able to get the kids to where they need to be close to on time every time, I gave Stephen a haircut, made a few meals at home, put in an hour or so at Stephen's school, finished some of the boys homework, took the kids to the library, made a feeble attempt to grocery shop, and finished sewing that dress for Lily. The one I started back in August last year. I was so glad to see that it fit her and she liked it! She wore it all day and was mad when it was time for jammies. Hopefully she still likes it on Sunday! I also looked for my desk under that giant pile of papers and finished reading two books for my homework! WOW! But, alas, the dishes are NOT done and the toilets are excited for me to clean them today. Other than finishing the dress this week has been pretty much a normal one, but wow, I finished sewing the dress!!! I will post a picture soon, after she wears it Sunday... I hope.

Would you like blueberries with that flood?

2009-03-19T12:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day! It was the first day in over a week that we did not have any clogged toilets. Stephen won a contest at school for the cutest and the smallest green thing for St. Patrick's day. Of course the smallest thing is the cutest thing according to him. He is so wise. I should have known that.

Steve got home from work and went into the bathroom. "What's this? Why are all the towels in here?" I sigh and say, "We had a flood in there today. I didn't get to finish the project. Sorry."

"Oh. Okay." He says with a roll of his eyes. I am sure he is thinking it's another toilet problem. Then he askes, "Where's the toilet paper?"

"It's in the sink!" Yes, we have moved on to bigger and better more difficult to fix problems. Hooray for progress, and teamwork!

I explain to Steve, I had a phone call from out of state family and took a moment outside to hear better. When I went in to check on the kids they were all in the bathroom, "Not me!" Says Evan. Right. You are dry. It was not you. There were three crowded around the sink, water on, splashing, flooding...

I get them out of there and Brenden starts to cry. Is it because he's in trouble? No. He sobs, "I'm wet! I'm wet! Aaahhhh! I'm wet!" Sniffle, sniffle, snuff. And wet he stays until bedtime, or until he air-dries. Whichever comes first. I ask Dallas to get me a towel. In his better mood moment he rushes back with the entire cupboard and throws it at me. Thanks for helping today Dallas! Next time just bring one.

Dallas has been on a good streak. He has been having learning time with the kids. Yesterday he taught them the letters, today he taught them numbers. He has a treasure box for them for being good. He has also covered gravity. I wonder what will be next. I think he is trying to teach them cursive. Such a good creative boy. I have been better at not speaking all my thoughts and it is more peacefull around here today.

For example, Dallas said he would not eat breakfast today (big surprise) because it was not chocolate chip muffins it was blueberry. He tells me after about an hour, "okay mom. Here's the deal." I wanted to shout, "No! Here's the deal. I am the mom! I made you food, and you will eat what I made you!" But I didn't. I listened for a minute. "Here's the deal. I will eat 6 bites and you will let me eat something else with it." Sounds reasonable. Okay. He ended up eating three muffins, including a few blueberries, and forgot to ask for the something else to go with it. Here is the biggest shock: He is still alive after eating what I made!

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T10:27:00.000-06:00

Sorry I forgot to add the picture for the last post. Here it is, my excited sweet Stephen.

Pickle juice pranks?

2009-03-17T10:07:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!

When I was a kid, I remember the leprechauns would bring a treat to us if we were good. They would leave a trail of green footprints, glitter, or sprinkles (something green) leading to a treat that was, of course, green: a green apple, green frosted sugar cookies perhaps. I thought it was similar to Christmas, if you are good you get a treat. Little did I know the true story of leprechauns being naughty and mischievous. Well, last year at the school Stephen and Dallas were at, they taught them the "real" story and leprechauns messed up their classrooms while they were out playing. They came home worried that our house was going to be messed up, not to get treats. Hmmm. I told them our house was already too messy for them to do any damage and they wouldn't have fun messing up our house – afterthought: it's good to have a messy house to keep leprechauns away.

We have had tricks played on us by changing our food colors. This year I was a little behind and barely got the milk green in time. We had green pancakes, and I planned on having eggs with green flecks of chives in them. However, I was not fast enough with the eggs.

Stephen was on the trail searching for any other tricks the little green fellows played. He took out the eggs. They are white, normal. I was able to sneak a few chives into the pan while he wasn't looking. "Oh! The trick was on the pan this time!" He scans the fridge further and finding nothing else different he announces, "I think the leprechauns turned our pickle juice green!" I like his thinking.

Enter Dallas: "Mom! Why did you make green food! I am not going to eat today if it’s going to be green! Why do you always do things I don't like?!" I say, "Dallas, it's St. Patrick's Day." He responds, "I don't want green food! I won't eat it! This is the worst day ever! I wish Leprechauns were never invented!"

Stephen tried to calm him and loved eating his green stuff. Brenden was resistant like Dallas, but he eventually tried it and ate, as did the other kids.

The next argument is about school. Dallas doesn't want to go to school at all this week because it is spirit week and you have to dress up. Yesterday it was sports day and he hates basketball because it is too loud. Today is crazy hair day. He doesn't want to have crazy hair and everyone else will then they will laugh at him for not having crazy hair. "Do you want crazy hair?" "NO!" "Okay that's fine" "But they will laugh at me!" "Do you want crazy hair then?" "NO!" And so on….

I like Stephen's school better than the one he went to last year. If you don't wear green you get kissed and the leprechauns lost a shoe in one kid's desk last year. No messes mentioned. At Stephen's school, they have a contest for who has the biggest, smallest, funniest, cutest, etc… green stuff. Here is what he looked like when he left today. He is so sweet and excited for fun. I did remind him the pickles were green already. He took the news okay.

How many toilets?

2009-03-10T23:01:00.000-06:00

How many toilets?

So tell me, how many toilets do you think are necessary in one home? I say at least 2 if there are more than one person living there. I have wondered how frivolous my four toilets are from time to time. Today though, I was wondering if I needed more.

Dallas announces early in the day that the toilet in the basement has been clogged. Since we are busy trying to get to school I let it go till later. Then, of course, I forget about it as life continues. Then Dallas reminds me, after he used it again and it still didn't work. Yuck. So, then I go to the one near the kitchen. That's where the plunger is. Kids in the kitchen distract me again. I hear the door close and turn to see Evan standing there with a grin on his face, yup. The bathroom door is locked. Plunger? In the locked room.

Oh well. I will just unlock the door. Where is that key? Hmmm.. I will try a screwdriver. Nope doesn't fit. How about this nail? It worked yesterday. No, it's not working today… Hmmm… nothing else seems to fit in there.

Hey! Get out of the bathroom! I run upstairs to find a clogged toilet in the hallway. It keeps running so I jiggle the handle. Whew! That was a close call! Oh no! I am going to be late for getting the kids from school! Let's go! Out of the mud! Out of the snow! Into the truck!! Evan! I said stay out of the mud! Let's go!

From school pick up to an attempted grocery trip.
"Do you have to go to the bathroom before we go?"
"No." "Are you sure?" "I said no!" "Okay."

Inside the store, still getting the kids into the baskets.
"Dallas, what's wrong? Do you have to go to the bathroom?" "No." "Are you lying to me?" "Yes." UGH! Race to the back of the store. He is afraid of going alone, doesn't want anyone else going but me. I can't fit everyone in the little back room of the grocery store…. Dallas decides to be brave and goes alone, with all of the rest of us standing as close to the hallway entrance as we can. Hooray!

Now let's get those groceries. No, no, no, no, no, that's not on the list. That's not on the list. We have that at home already. No, we don't need that… Oh no! We are out of time! A half way done shop and late to get Stephen from school!

I think we will just collect him and return, but when we get home, our dear friend is outside in our driveway waiting to say hi. I let everyone out of the truck for "just a minute", which ends up being a big minute. I have a flashback of our friend that watched the kids last week asking if we were able to unclog the toilet. The kids got together when she was watching them. This seems to be their favorite game this month. I told her, "Yes, but now the one in the basement is clogged." As I remember this, I shout out for all to hear, "Do not use a toilet if it is not working!" Then I visit our friend, unload what few groceries made it home with us, start making dinner…

Steve gets home and I tell him, "If you need to use the bathroom you have to use the one in our bedroom." "Okay" He goes upstairs and hollers, "What's this?!" I inform him the hall bathroom is clogged, the basement bathroom is clogged, the kitchen bathroom is locked and I can't get it unlocked. He says the hall bathroom looks really stuck and flooded into the hallway. What?!? They must have gone in there again when I wasn't looking! He asks, "Where's the plunger?" I am sure he thought I was just not interested in doing that fun job. "It's in the locked one!" My hero hubby to the rescue! He reminds the boys of the four wipes/courtesy flush rule, "I'm not saying you did it. I am saying this rule applies to everyone."

He magically unlocks the bathroom and has all bathrooms restored to working order within the blink of an eye.

So, how many toilets are enough, needed, too many? In this house, today, we need four! And half of us are not even potty trained yet! I am so glad no one was sick and needing to use it at the same time. Hooray for my hero hubby and his magical door unlocking, toilet unclogging skills! Afterwards, we all went to the grocery store. What a great day! Useable bathrooms and food in the house too. Wow!

Sorry no pictures today!

It's all Marek's fault!

2009-03-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

That would be a ridiculous thought if it did not make so much sense from Dallas' point of view. "Marek broke it because he is always eating stuff! If he didn't eat my pants my zipper would not be broken!" I try to conceal my laugh, and remember the episode from the other day, the one of the pants soaking from Marek's drool last week that disrupted our day. The day the only pair of pants that Dallas had clean, he went to put them on and found wet spots on the legs. Dallas exploded yelling, "Marek! Did you eat my pants!?" "Yes." Dallas says surprisingly calm, "Well, it's just a little wet. I can still wear them." Then not so calm, "Oh NO! They're wet here too! Marek! Why did you eat my pants?!" Followed my more yelling and crying about not having any pants to wear.

I quietly put them in the dryer. When he was done screaming, I handed them to him dry. Yes, he was upset by wet pants long enough to have them dried in the dryer. I admit they were not soaked, but much more wet than I would expect from a mouth. Today I can't even tell him how the zipper really broke in the wash. I just get him a new pair of pants.

This scuttle doesn't bother me though because I started my day receiving a compliment from Stephen. He said, "I like your hair Mom." Then he proceeded to help me fix Lily's hair. She had at least twenty "pretties" in her hair. I don't think there will be a problem keeping her hair out of her face or food out of her hair today.

2 hours later, I am proven wrong, on both counts.

Stephen had no school today, but Dallas had the usual Friday run around. We dropped him off at school (On time hooray!) had a lunch with Daddy, rushed back to get Dallas (Late, boo hoo!) then we all went for an adventure to the library. We returned the gobs of books we had, collected the ones I had on hold, picked up a few new videos to watch, and watched the kids go crazy but luckily not lost while Dallas got his very own library card!

We made it safely out to the truck and decided that we were being good enough to go back in for the "event" of the day. As if that wasn't enough event yet! We watched a magic show, a good one. Stephen was chosen to be a helper. They were doing spoofs of the Dr. Seuss stories and Stephen was king from the Bartholomew and the Ooblek story. Then Dallas was chosen to help as a lion for a Horton story, from before he was "famous". I wish I had my camera! They were great! Nevertheless, as soon as Dallas sat down he started saying he wanted to go home. No much more embarrassing than when you have a kid participate in a great thing and yell loudly he wants to leave.

Tonight we had a double date with some friends and I tried sushi for the first time. Better than I thought it would be! Nice to try new things with seasoned "professionals" And our sitter said we have good kids. They were all in bed sleeping when we got home. It's been another great day of crazy!

communication breakdown

2009-03-03T06:46:00.001-07:00

Last night we went to the Utah Museum of Natural History. They have one day a month with free admission. It was really cool! They have real fossils there, not just the copies of them, an awesome kid area with puzzles and little pebbles to "dig" for dinosaur bones in, and there was a bug collection display that the kids just loved! We ran into some friends there that also like the word "free".

All ended well, but there were challenges along the way. A later than expected start for our journey was buffered by Evan actually eating some dinner. He told me it was delicious! A real compliment coming from him! He even asked for seconds!!! WOW!

We get on our way and Steve starts to turn the truck into a parking lot. "This isn't where we're going." "What? Oh. Where are we going?" We get to another parking lot. "Is this it?" "No. It's the Utah museum of Natural History. This one is for art." "Oh! The one clear over there!?!"

We finally get there. After looking for a parking spot (I guess I am not the only one who likes "free") I say to the kids, "Okay. We are here. I'll get the strollers out." Steve says, "Strollers? I didn't know you wanted them."

We had a great time though! The kids were well behaved and didn't get lost at all. I think we will be doing this again and not worry about the strollers.

The question for the day: How do you make friends if you are not supposed to talk to strangers and everyone you don't know is a stranger?

brief run down of the last week...

2009-02-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

If we can be brief, ha ha, here we go!

The audition last Saturday was a great kick. I don't think anything will come of it unless they are looking for demonstrations of mirror licking. "STOP LICKING THE MIRROR! LEAVE THE MIRROR ALONE, PLEASE!" (The auditions are for commercials, and marketing stuff, like IKEA's catalog.)

Sunday Lily and Marek were invited to give a talk and prayer next week. Good thing the talker, Marek, was asked to talk.

Monday, I called about getting Dallas tested for a different school program. Tuesday we went. He was nervous thinking he wouldn't do well and complaining that he doesn't know everything. He ran out so happy. He said, "It was so easy! I think I got all of them right!" I am sure he probably did. Then I was able to spend time in his class to help his teacher. Tuesday we also processed our taxes and closed our refinancing on our house.

Wednesday was a long day. After the usual morning at Waterford and getting the boys to school, I collected Steve's autograph for the taxes. Then I was crazy brave and went to the bank. We needed to get a certified check for the refi loan. I drove to the window. They would like people to go inside for that particular service. I said, "Really? Really? Ooookay!" I found a parking spot and unloaded the four. We made a nice entrance and behaved rather well inside. I could have had Steve do the job on his lunch break on on his way home, but where's the fun in that? From there we delivered the check to the title company. All of us went inside again, successfully! But, it was not to last. Lily thought she needed to play chase in the parking lot, winning herself and the boys a stay in the seat belts when I went to deliver the signatures for our taxes. Too bad. My aunt does our taxes. That would have been the best place to get out. Oh well. I was able to get back in time to get Dallas and our carpool. Hooray for me!

Good thing I was crazy brave. Steve worked late, helped a friend tow his truck to a fix it place, got home in time to help clean up the glass and leave for the weekly youth activity. His dinner was around 9:00PM.

If you ever wanted to do an experiment on how far Pyrex glass mixing bowl will spread when broken I can tell you it fills a 10x14 foot space easily. Yes, Evan was spanked that night, and no I don't know how it ended up in the front room in his hot little hands. There is no damage to the floor tile and no lasting damage to the boys seat. I was more mad when he tried to charm me when I was mad at him. He knows how to work that smile! Everyone got a bath and into bed close to on time. We haven't been very good at being on time to bed lately.

Today I was able to volunteer for a few hours in Stephen's school. He was V.I.P. this week, which meant more work finding things for him to take each day to show about himself. Today he took some piano books and his teacher asked if he would like to play for the class. He agreed and the class all took a walk to the auditorium and he performed for them, Row, Row, Row your boat and something else that I don't remember. Then they asked him questions. He was so cute and brave. His teacher is completely thrilled at his progress socially. Stephen has also been invited to his first birthday party! It's on Saturday for a girl he walks to school with. She also has Asperger's.

Dallas had a less than desirable experience at school. He was walking to the truck after school with the girl we carpool with. She said, "Hi Ms. Hansen." Ms. Hansen said hi and gave her a chocolate. Dallas sees Ms. Hansen for his advanced reading group. So he, naturally in my opinion, held his hand out waiting for a treat too. She crossed her arms over her chest and told him she doesn't give treats to people who ask for them. How rude! Maybe he shouldn't expect one, but he is in her class and a kindergartner! If a kid brings something to school they are expected to have enough to share with everyone. Shouldn't the same be true for teachers if it's not class time bribery?

Today we got some homework, of mine, worked on and that laundry monster is loosing the battle today. I do wish I would remember to lock the water button on the fridge. Will I ever learn? Lily likes being wet.

Who's who?

2009-02-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a great time deciding who was going to school. I said to Stephen, "Get ready for school." he says, "No! I'm sick. I can't go to school!" Then I turn to Dallas and tell him, "You are sick and will be staying home today." He says, "No! I'm not that sick!" In the end they both ended up at school. Good thing, because we had auditions to go to and the older kids would not enjoy waiting. We waited for a VERY long time for our turn, about an hour and half. The boys did a great job, but Lily froze up. She is so adorable and didn't want anyone else to know. She wouldn't look at the camera or talk to them or anything. Oh well.

We had fun making new friends in the waiting room. I don't know why no one else brought anything to entertain their kids while they waited. We were the only ones with a bag, books, etc. I think some brought a snack, but I was reading to lots of kids that weren't mine and other moms borrowed my books. Stephanie was a wonderful sister and went with me. She also brought a bag for entertaining the kids. Good thing Grandma was able to get Stephen from school too!

The funniest part was when I showed Stephanie the pictures. (It's okay I told her I was going to blog about this. But in her defense, I apologize I can't post the pictures today.) She looked at the first one and said, "Oh! I didn't notice before, he's got a bit of Evan in him. Look at his eyes." I said, "That is Evan."

A step back

2009-02-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I am able to take a small step back and just watch the family in amazement, or humor, or both. Today I had a moment. During dinner, this is what I saw.

Brenden was sitting to my left, painting with his soup on the table. I said, "In your mouth Brenden. It's for eating." "Noooo, ha ha, no!" His artwork spread and I did not stop him. He was happy and the table was already dirty.

Next to him Evan was saying, "Ook Mommy! I eat it!" Followed by a bite with sound effects - ahummummumm! Neither Brenden or Evan were sitting in their chairs, they were kneeling, but close enough.

Lily was walking around the table trying to find water, which was really milk. She brought her cup to me and burst into tears when I said, "I don't have it. Daddy does." I think all she heard was I don't, translating to no for her.

The next spot at the table was for Stephen, but he was busy dancing to some tune left over in his head from the T.V. show that ended just before dinner. He got his groove on next to the table, coming back now and then for a bite.

Dallas was being a trickster, trying to tease and move dishes around. His dinner ended up not being touched at all until bedtime.

Daddy was getting whines from Marek, with his big lower lip. Daddy told Marek he needed to have more of his sandwich before he could have whatever he was asking for. He took a bite so small that if it were a crumb a mouse might not be able to find it.

At this point, Brenden starts to cry and jumping to the floor whines, "Mine hands! Mine hands are dirty! I ave soup on mine hands! AAAhhhhh!!!" Sob - sniffle. Off he runs - Hurry catch that boy before he touches something! My moment is over, but it was a fun one.

Wrestle Mania!

2009-02-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the Blurry pictures, but these were taken from my cell phone. This is Shelly again, these are the wrestling pictures from the crazy photo shoot day. I think the winner is Lily!

Here are the Crazy's!

2009-02-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is Shelly, Lydia asked me to post the pictures from our wild outing getting the Quad's pictures taken. Brenden is such a cutie, he doesn't look wild here, and he was probably the calm one in the bunch that day.
Evan Lily and Shelly. Dallas wanted to take the picture for me.
Don't let this sweet innocent look fool you, she has a wild side to her. She even tipped over a tree that was in the room.
Dallas and Marek were probably the craziest ones that day. They were showing me how to shake your butt the right way...(Did you know there was a right way to shake your butt?)

This is just cute pic of the boys.... they look innocent right? Just remember looks can be deceiving....

Ok, I have to say that the kids were a little wild on this particular day, but they are not and were not terrible kids..... Of course I get to give them back when I am done with them!:) I am a very proud aunt, and I love all 6 of the Taggart kiddos.

Learning Tact Honestly, Dallas

2009-02-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

My brilliant 6 year old son, Dallas, was 9 pounds 13 ounces when he was born. In all his wisdom he asked me, "Mommy, if I was such a fat baby and now I am skinny, how come you're still fat when all the kids are out and they are skinny? I mean, sort of a little bit fat. Not that you're fat, but you aren't very skinny... and why was I so fat when I was a baby?" The only answer I could think of while we were rushing to our wherever we were going and trying not to be late was, "Just because. That's the way it is for now. I should exercise more."

That same sweet boy, with all his intelligence, has been a part of a study group. At Waterford they are trying to see how learning is affected by different arrangements, such as math first then reading, reading alone or combined at the same time with learning math, and so on. They are using the computer primarily in Dallas's group. A while ago Dallas started saying he didn't want to go and it was boring. I told the "teacher" Ms. Marg. (- who we totally love by the way.) She said she would watch him and maybe move him ahead in the program. Time passed and we discovered he was in fact clicking at random and not paying attention to the activity the computer was asking for. She had Dallas read to her and she moved him ahead a level, saying it was still probably not on his level but she couldn't really move him more at the time.

She has been great at watching him and asking him how he likes things. She moved him again to level three. Then she asked him, "How's this one Dallas?" "Oh, fine." "If you didn't like it would you tell me?" "No." Then Ms. Marg told me that they really couldn't do anything more for him. That was as high as their program went. She still thinks it is not on his level.

We just finished reading a great book. "Frindle" is a chapter book about a boy in the 5th grade who learns how words are made and get into the dictionary. He decides to test it out and creates the word frindle, which means pen. His English teacher opposes him and every kid in the school misses at least one word on the spelling test each week. They spell pen: F-R-I-N-D-L-E. Dallas cracked up laughing "They spell pen, frindle! Ha ha ha ha!" He loved the book until the very last part where it mentions "5th grade" again with only a few pages left. Dallas was furious, "This book is only for Stephen! It doesn't have any kindergartners in it! It's just for old kids!" Never mind that Stephen is only in 2nd grade. Dallas makes me laugh every day.

Lastly, today our great big three year old Brenden and Evan are in a primary class together and will be giving their first talk/prayer next week. I can't believe they are old enough for this public speaking opportunity already! This most likely will translate to me giving a brief talk while they stand next to me.

Here's to saying things in a polite way!

Free event!!!

2009-02-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

I love free stuff! Here is a copy of what was sent to me. Wish I checked my email more often.

* Everybody know??
This Sat, Feb 7, 10am to 1pm
FREE family fun and fitness/Go RED day. Boondocks inflatables, Hollywood connection mini golf, My Gym tumbling, Young Chefs cooking, Grizzlies Hockey, Big 5, Utah Olympic Oval speed skating, Redwood Rec wii, Axis Dance performance, Martial Arts World Demo, Global Skooters, Origami Lady Crafts, Jugglers---and more. Everyone is setting up games for you and yours to come play. Tons of prizes, $150 plush/stuffed animals, year family pass to olympic oval, kiddie kandids portrait package, nothing bunt cakes $$$, whole foods $$$....it's going to be tons of fun. Scavenger Hunt, 3k Walk, I'm so excited.

Invite tons of friends/families, pass along this email, put it on your blog.....We want a huge turn out.

too bad I won't be there this time, but I thought everyone should know about this FREE event!
Here is their info. This is not me, it's them.

Contact Us

info@utahkidsclub.com

683-7323

busy week, pictures and getting kicked out?!?!

2009-02-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a busy week! So busy it's turning into more than a week. We had pictures taken of our four on Thursday morning, scheduled on Wednesday. A great planner I am! I am! They were early in the morning so we enlisted help from friends to let Stephen over before school started and sister Shelly met us there. We rushed to get Dallas to school after, and then Steve and I took all the kids back with us after work to choose the best ones. Shelly offered to stay longer, but it was good that she didn't. It took us nearly 2 hours to look at all of them and pick just two for each child. They are so stinking cute! I saw Lily make faces that I haven't caught on her at home before. Even Brenden was pretty good at it. While they were waiting for their turn, they played in another room while Aunt Shelly took pictures of them. I am sure she can add some here for me, please???? They now have updated portfolios, just in time for the next "audition" which will be in a few weeks. That was a day!

Friday we got ourselves invited to not return to a place that will remain nameless no matter how much you pry. "Unless I can come with out the kids. Won't my husband get home from work in time?" No. He never will, unless they extend their hours of operation by a few. Lives were threatened, but the kids still ran in the parking lot. They were so out of control! I thought we just TOLD them we would not be able to go places if they didn't behave! I found out today that the person who invited us to leave is no longer with the company. I still don't know if I feel like going back. Now I just feel bad for getting her fired.

I asked if I was over reacting. "No. I just don't think it's that big of a deal." So, I would like to know what the difference is.

In other news, I now have two clean spots in my house. One is on top of the bookshelf where I have finally taken the Christmas pile of stuff down and put up a nice fake tree with a porcelain doll my friend made. It's up high and un-disturb-able as far as I know. It looks great! The other is the floor in front of the refrigerator. This is where the water keeps getting "spilled" and mopped. I can't count high enough to get to how many times we have "mopped" there this week! A nice un-sticky spot. It looks great too!

And now, we are off to our next adventure at the park!

sweetest kids ever???

2009-01-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

I took Stephen and Dallas to the dentist the other day. As a reward for being good, our dentist always gives each kid a free ice cream and free hamburger coupon. Stephen was especially good, so much so that the assistant asked what happened during the last 6 months. He also had some of his teeth sealed - time consuming. After our visit, we stopped for lunch at the free place. We ate and while Stephen was finishing Dallas and I went to order our ice cream. They were so excited! When we got there the lady behind the counter asked, "What flavor?" Flavor? I didn't know we got to choose. What flavor is free? I sent Dallas back to ask Stephen, chocolate, vanilla, or twist? He answered "Caramel." He settled on twist. On our way back with them, an older gentleman said, "You should ask them to put caramel on it for him. That's what he wanted." "Oh, can the do that?" "Sure they can. Go ask." I take the cone back to the counter and ask if there is any way for them to put caramel on it. "No. I can dip it in chocolate if you'd like." Stephen settles for the cone with a magic chocolate shell with no complaints. He seems happy to me. We sit down. I thank the man as we pass by again. We eat our ice cream. Everyone is nice and happy, everyone means Dallas, Stephen, and myself. Then all the sudden, a new ice cream in a cup with caramel sauce on top is put on the table. The nice man says, "Here, that's what you ordered." I thank him again, and again. Stephen puts the spoon in and holds it out to me. I get the first bite. How sweet is that? It gets better. I tell Stephen, "That sure was nice of him to give you that ice cream!" Stephen says, "Yeah, I want to take it home and share it with Daddy." "But he's at work. It will melt before then." "Well, then we can put it in the freezer until he gets home." And that is what we did. First thing he did when Daddy got home was get that ice cream out and share it with him. How sweet!

Here it comes!!

2009-01-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as we sat parked in the inversion, which has lasted more days than I can count, I was reading my book when all the sudden I heard the kids shouting. "It's coming! Here it comes! I see it!" At first I thought they we scared of something, I asked what was coming. "The sunshine! Look there it is!" Sure enough, there was a peek of light breaking through in preparations for the storm we got today. We saw that sunshine for about 2 minutes. Today we are having a "water blizzard" and the weather forecast said, "I hope you like rain... 3 days, then snow..." Clean air! Hooray!!!

happy days

2009-01-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

First, I guess I need to apologize. My Hubby told me that yesterday's posting looked like I was complaining. I suppose I was a little. Sorry. Can I help it? Doing dishes is not my favorite thing and after having the kids home from school and being inside all weekend because of the inversion, I was worn out last night!

Here is some of our blissful day off from school yesterday. (Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

"How about eggs and toast for breakfast?" Kids all respond, "Yeah, hooray, yum!"

"Breakfast is on the table."
"I didn't want cheese on mine!"
"It's not cheese, that's egg."
"But I don't want cheese! I'm not going to eat it!"
"That's not cheese. It's egg."
"How come you put cheese on mine! I didn't want cheese! I'm not going to eat anything all day if you don't make what I want!"
"No one has cheese. It's egg."
"You're supposed to ask me what I want before you make it! I'm not eating breakfast because you made it wrong! I don't want cheese! It's touching the bread! I'm not eating!"

Time passes. "Mommy, can I have a snack?"
"Breakfast is at the table." "NO! I am not eating anything today. You just want me to starve! You don't love me, you don't care about me because you won't make me what I want!"

"Are you hungry?" "Yes." "Then go eat your breakfast." Does any of it get eaten? Of course not! Amidst all this yelling, Stephen gets too close to Dallas and they hit each other. Dallas goes to quiet time. I ask Stephen to gather the PAPER plates from the table and put them in the garbage. I hear, "NO! How come I always have to do a job! You just want me to do all the hard work!" By the time he gets around to doing the job, it takes about 30 seconds. Dallas emerges from time out and asks for food. Ugh.

"I want tilapia for dinner!" "Okay, if you eat your and stop yelling at me I will make you tilapia for dinner."

I convince them to go play. Then Dallas realizes that Stephen got to do a job. "How come you never let me help? You never ….." And so the day continues. I try to get the kids dressed. Unsuccessful. During the attempt, conversation turns to food again.

"What's for lunch?" "Does it matter? I know you are just going to be mad at me for it. It will be disgusting."
"I didn't ask what it would taste like! I want to know what it is!"
"Noodles and spaghetti sauce." "SPAGHETTI!?!?"
"Well, not spaghetti noodles, different noodles with the sauce."
"I don't want that!...." Followed by very similar yelling as the earlier one. "I don't want sauce!" "I will not put sauce on your noodles. Which box of noodles do you want?" He smiles and chooses a box of wheel shaped noodles. I think I am in the clear. He chose the box, he smiled, no sauce. Good to go? Wrong!

"Lunch is at the table."
"Eeeww! What is it? I said no sauce!"
"There is no sauce. It's the noodles you chose."
"NO! I am not going to eat that! It's touching…." Repeat above conversation again.
Switch to Stephen's yell. "Stephen, lunch is ready. Do you want sauce on your noodles? … Stephen? Stephen, do you want sauce on your noodles?" Repeat three times.
"Huh?" "Do you want sauce on your noodles?" "Yeah."
"Did you say yes you want sauce on your noodles?" "Yeah."
"Okay, lunch is on the table."
"Why did you put sauce in my noodles!?! I don't want sauce!"

"Okay, I am not making you tilapia for dinner because you boys keep yelling at me. I am sure you meant to say Mommy, thank you for making me lunch. I don't feel like eating it though."

Dallas says, "Mommy, thanks for making me lunch. I don't want to eat it. See, I am saying the same thing as Stephen but I am not yelling. Did I earn my tilapia back yet?" "Did you eat yet?" "No." "Then the answer is no." This is followed by more yelling.

I figured for dinner we should have something I know they like – burrito casserole with tater tots. "What's for dinner? Hooray! Can I eat it now? When will it be done?" Peace? Not yet. Now they had to fight over which plate was whose. Then the fight was over who had more tots, why weren't there more tots, why didn't we buy more…. And once again, "No! I'm not going to eat and it will be all your fault for starving me because you never make me what I want!" I bribed them with ice cream, but even still I had two kids that refused to eat because it was not tater tots with more tater tots. Ah, the joys of motherhood.

Somehow, Dallas snapped out of it, ran to the kitchen timer, set it and announced, "The timer is going. Let's get cleaning! Hurry before the timer goes off!" Sometimes he confuses me. Today he is officially six years old. Happy birthday Dallas! I will make him tilapia for dinner today.

the downside

2009-01-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to hear the answer I was hoping for when I asked sweet hubby, as we were prioritizing our goals, "Is it more important to you to feed the family at home or save money?" He said, "If we feed them at home won't it save money?" This meant I would be buying lots of paper plates and pre-cut carrots, frozen pizza... Of course I already routinely purchase the pre-cut carrots and pizza, but it was a matter of - if I cook I don't want to clean. There's not enough time for that!

Imagine my dismay when I realized this weekend after cooking all meals at home and being healthy, our garbage can was full. (We also did some "spring cleaning") The garbage doesn't get picked up till Thursday. What are we going to do with all those smelly diapers now? The other downside, I still have all the pans to wash!

Luckiest ever, again

2009-01-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

I must be the luckiest mom ever again today. You would think after being left home alone Thursday and getting lost Friday would not find Stephen quite so affectionate towards me. Oh, I didn't tell you about Friday yet. We took the family out for free family skating night at a roller skate place that allows scooters. The kids were excited and had lots of fun, for a few minutes. We were there kind of early and thought it looked like a good enclosed place. You just go around a circle together in the middle of a room. What could happen?

Evan pulled off to the side for a break so I stopped with two other kids, Steve had the fourth and the two older ones seemed to be holding their own. I guess Evan didn't realize I was standing behind him. He all the sudden turned around, as if he thought he had left me, which he had. He took off running though the circle with a terrified look on his face. Luckily, I was standing next to a person we knew, asked to look after the other two for a second. Steve pulls up at that same second and asks where Evan is. I caught him quickly, not too stressed.

We decided it was time we should be going home. The boys were still riding fine, waving when they would pass. Steve took the scooters out with him while he brought the truck to the door for easier loading. Dallas came to me and I told him to get Stephen, go around two more times and be ready to go. I thought I would get the four out and be back no problem to catch the other two. Fine idea if I didn't get myself lost. I found an unknown hallway leading to a bigger play area instead of the exit.

Well, Dallas decided to leave Stephen and could not find me. I found him right as he was starting to tear up. Whew! Stephen on the other hand was nowhere to be seen. I run Dallas and the four out and start looking for him. I found him rather quickly, but he was scared and crying. Every second feels like eternity when you are lost. He said he was never going to stop crying and Dallas started getting mad at him. When I told him he was okay, it was scary and he should cry as much as he wanted, he stopped crying instantly. So, a fun outing had four people lost, Evan, myself (even though I just couldn't find the door I count that as lost), Dallas, and Stephen. We stopped for ice cream on the way home.

So back to today and my good fortune. We all went shopping at Wal-Mart. Not exactly according to the original plan of splitting up, I take three grocery shopping while hubby takes three shopping for clothes. Stephen just won't stop growing and seriously needed more shirts. As we were looking, Stephen kept wandering off. I was starting to get quite mad inside when I couldn't see him for the third or fourth time. Just then, he comes running up to me holding a necklace. I didn't even know we were anywhere near the jewelry dept. He says, "Look!" "Oh, that's pretty." I said, looking at a simple silver chain with a plastic diamond. He tells me, "I saw a show on the history channel about this rock and I think you should have one! It's only $6.97! Can we get it for you?" How sweet is that! What could I say other than yes? I directed him to Dad for approval, who in turn asked me for approval, saying, "he picked it out all by himself"

So, back to today with my good luck.

You know it's going to be one of those days when...

2009-01-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

You try to encourage your son to do his homework but not worry about it since it's not due till the following day. He responds, "There's no school tomorrow." Oh, and that means today is early day, school gets out at 1:30 instead of 3:45. UGH!

This turns a well thought out and simply planned day into being late, late, late, and long, long, long. We had to finish the homework, being late to school. That's okay though. We don't really need to get the kids all dressed because sweet sister is coming to tend them while I drop Dallas off at school.

What's that? Oh, she can't find the keys. Can I bring them over to her house instead? Sure. What? Oh, bring food for them to eat too? I guess I should feed them. That translates to packing a lunch, changing clothes including getting shoes on all five other kids, loading them in the truck (catching the runners and dragging them away from the snow fun kicking and screaming) and driving Dallas to school within 15 minutes. Get him to school and then take the kids to be tended 10 minutes the opposite direction, drive to trade vehicles at hubby's work (the suburban is difficult to park down town) get to BYU Salt Lake Center to take a test.

Ahh. I have arrived in plenty of time. A friend calls and as we chat, she asks why I didn't just call her to tend. I have no idea why I didn't think of calling someone near our house… Ooops! I forgot that Stephen has early day! Argh! Hurry in to take the test. I should be fine. I have about 30 minutes to take a 60 question test. I think I can probably finish within 20 minutes. What?!?! It's not 60 questions. It's 95!!! And there is a survey about how the class was since it's a final? AAAAHHHhh!

Oh, another afterthought: Travel time to get back home! There's 30 minutes till Stephen gets out of school! Well, since I have already sat down to begin the test, there's only one thing to do – take it in a hurry!

I finish the test in record time, probably not my best work though, and start running to the car. Instead of stopping by the store quickly and trading the car/truck again before getting the kids, I attempt to rush home. I discover that they have closed the freeway exit to one lane, down the road all the way to my neighborhood! What would usually take ten minutes is all one lane!

Panic sets in. I call neighbors, first one - no answer, two is in bountiful and not available today, three- no answer again. What other numbers are programmed into my phone? AAAAHHHH! Did I leave the door open or is he locked out? I can't remember! Do we have a plan of what to do when you get home and no one is there? Of course not! That should never happen! I call one more time and Peggy has just walked in the door getting home from the airport. HOORAY! Someone is home! She saves me! Peggy walks across the road and checks to see how Stephen is. He is home and inside. Of course, with our history and being asked to help, Peggy just walks in and remembering that some of the kids are very fond of her dog, she brings Winkie with her. Stephen is, unfortunately, not on of those kids.

He was hiding in my bedroom because he was afraid a bad guy would see him through the windows. Then he was afraid of the dog. Peggy called to let me know he was there safe, but he didn't come downstairs again. I had to coax him to say "hi". Then we need to visit and thank Peggy profusely before going back to trade vehicles back.

Oh, I almost forgot the store's brief stop. Stephen is well mannered enough to come with me. There was a darling old lady in line ahead of us who had fallen, or somehow gotten hurt and was bleeding from her leg. We gawked as we waited our turn to check out, and then traded the car and truck. Oh no! Now we are going to be late to get Dallas! Good thing we have a car pool and it's not our turn today! When we finally get home, down that one lane road again, they are in the driveway waiting for us. They said they had not been waiting very long, but still I always wish I were not late. We chat for a while about the benefits of baking soda taking odors out of things, and life's craziness in general while I wait for Dallas to change out of his school uniform and get ready to go.

By the time we get back to pick up the other kids from my sister, it's after 4PM. By time we get the kids diapered and into the truck, kicking and screaming again because they love cable which we don't have, then because they love snow, which we must not spend all day in, it's nearly dinner time. I check to see if darling hubby is ever leaving work. He already left me a message and is going to be home before me. Oh, what a day!

When we get home, I am surprised to see that Steve made dinner for us, actually chose something to make, found a recipe for, cooked, and fed us! As if that weren't enough to make my day, he also cleaned the kitchen afterwards! This really made my day because we had company coming in the morning and the dishes were the same ones that were there last time they were there. Do you ever have a day when you try to tidy and clean before company arrives and you find that same pile of laundry that was embarrassing you last week when company came? My sweet hubby to the rescue!

SHAKE IT!

2009-01-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is dying to know how Sunbeams went for the kids. Here is the summary: Lily totally and completely hates it, Brenden doesn't like it much but he deals with it. Marek likes it lots and Evan... well, Evan just goes. I don't know if he likes it or not. The funny part is the first week they all fought it so much (Except Marek) that they changed their minds about splitting the class. At first they were planning to keep everyone together, now they will separate to two classes. I know it's not just because of my kids, but Lily cried the WHOLE time again yesterday. :) Ah, that's my girl.

In other news, we have entered a new phase. I call it the "shake your butt" phase. At least, I expect it to be a phase. How many ways can you use the phrase, "Shake your butt"?

1. During punishment: "Dallas! Are you listening? Did you hear what I told you? What did I just tell you?" (Yelled very loudly, full of anger.) The answer: "Shake your butt!" (Followed by difficult attempts to control my laughter)

2. As a yes or no in response to requests: "Dallas, do you have your seat belt on yet?" "Shake your butt"

3. As a nickname: "I'm the shake your butt!"

4. A greeting: Open the door to a neighbor, run away dancing and singing, "Shake your butt, yeah, shake your butt, yeah! Shake your booooodie, yeah! Shake your butt!" (This one was by Marek, very cute! Good thing it was someone we already knew at the door. They said, "Oh, this is the fun house!")

5. As an insult: "Mommy! Dallas called me a shake your butt!"

6. A to do list item: "Today is Monday. That means we are going to school. Let's get ready and not be late." "I'm going to shake my butt!"

7. My personal favorite, as an embarrassment: "Dallas, it's prayer time. Please be reverent." (During sacrament meeting at church.) "SHAKE YOUR BUTT!"

How many more can you think of? I may be adding to the list as the kids progress through this phase. How long does a phase usually last?

Fan Club

2009-01-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Dallas has his own fan club going. We went to the Primary activity this morning where the kids get to meet their teachers. The teacher Dallas had last year paid him a compliment, again, saying, "Dallas is going to be the next Bill Gates. He's so smart!" I say it's just more obvious than other people's smarts because he is so wordy. Today he was mouthy!

"This is so ridiculous! It's so embarrassing! ….. This is the worst day of my life and it's all your fault! You're the worst mom ever!" At least I know I am not alone in my quest as Steve was nominated for the worst Dad ever moments later. What could cause this display of early teenage-hood? You probably did not guess it was because I got the wrong color of snowsuit for him to wear. Yup, my 5-year-old boy is seriously fashion conscious. Wrong color, doesn't fit right, feels "funny" when he walks. Ah, the rant lasted a good 20 minutes. When the other kids went out Dallas was ready with his boots on and everything. Did he go with? No. When they came back in and I started taking their suits off, there was a brief pause in the yelling. Upon the second kid becoming near naked Dallas asked, "Is outside time over? I MISSED IT!!!?!?!" And the lecture continued, complete with tears. Wow. I had to ask myself what will happen when he actually is a teenager? Seems to me the only thing missing is his amount of sleep! I was looking forward to this much later in life, from my daughter! Could this possibly be the same kid that was so sweetly reminding me that I needed to apologize a few days ago? Hmmmm….

We ended the day late, but on a good note doing sand art that we got from Christmas.

Tomorrow there is a time change and class change for the new year at church. All kids are old enough to attend primary for the first time. Starting at 9AM! Let's hope we feel like being morning people in eight and a half hours from now!

GO UTES!!!!

2009-01-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

We have never kept our kids out quite this late before, but tonight was a special occasion. The Utah football team was playing in the Sugar Bowl. The commentators were saying stuff like, "Utah will be lucky to keep it close" HA! We smoked them! The University of Utah has a 13-0 record this year, the only team in the nation to go undefeated this season. WHOOHOO! Utah 31, Alabama 17!

We went to a friends house and let all the kids run wild in their basement, and we saw some other friends that have moved, great time! The other girls there were hiding in the basement bathroom because they didn't want their dads to see that they had taken their clothes off to be in their princess outfits (their mothers had told them to put the dress ups on over the clothes they were wearing) Lily was happy to find a pink car and some really cool dinosaurs. That's my girl! Stephen got into the game a little, but had more fun playing. No one was scared by all the yelling and hooting. It was great.

Something Sweet

2008-12-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

We had a terrible time trying to get Dallas to bed the other day. He was just too tired to get it done. We had an argument. He eventually ended up in bed and all was well, so I thought. Yesterday, out of the blue, he said to me, "Mommy, I'm sorry I wouldn't get my pajama pants on when you asked me to." I thought, oh, how sweet. Before I could respond he said, "And I'm sorry I didn't apologize last night." Say it with me now, Aaaw! I told him it was okay. A few seconds later, while I was still thinking what a sweet adorable kid he is, he says to me," Well, aren't you going to apologize for yelling at me?" Put me in my place! Of course I did. There is nothing like having kids to make you a better person!

Successful Christmas defined

2008-12-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today was a successful Christmas. The kids liked their gifts, not one of them mentioned a thing about not getting something else they had asked for, although, the dolls will go back into the re-gift pile once again. These include the one that Lily got for her first Christmas, which I left in the box thinking, "What will she do with a Cabbage Patch doll this year?" This same doll was given to her for her birthday when she turned two years old. They boys got puzzles though, and they are much more fun. So, back into storage it went. Christmas last year, not a hint of interest.

This year we have noticed a major shift in her "girly-ness" When we walk down the aisle at Wal-mart where there are pink things Lily thinks they all need to be hers. She even wrote a letter to Santa with my sister's help asking for a doll. She brought me the paper and announced "DOLL!" So, I bought her another doll this year, making two for her to have. Lily looked around at the gifts under the tree. (We had about three for each that were not wrapped – towels, pillows and pillowcases that I actually finished with mom's help…) Her dolls were not wrapped. One of the boys brought it to her. She completely ignored him. I took it and tried to hand it to her. She yelled, "NO!" and ran away from me! I tried later after the wow of everything had worn off a bit, same response. Two dolls into the re-gift pile. She was very excited to get a car trailer with cars on it like the boys have though, just as excited as they were. At least she likes pink, pretty hair (though she seldom lets me fix it), and being called a princess in her dresses.

Less really is more! Christmas was scaled back a lot this year, as I am sure many were. The kids each got a scooter and helmet, not wrapped, except for Stephen because he got a scooter for his Birthday last August. He got a racecar track for hot wheels. Super cool, especially when Daddy will let the kids touch it. (He really enjoyed it too.) This kept everyone busy for an hour or two.

This year we had planned to open a new playroom in the basement where some of our toys have been taking a vacation. We were going to put up shelves and paint the walls; we got some maps and letters for decorating. Really all we needed to do was unlock the door. Alas, this was not to come to pass. During our dinner last night Evan got sick, multiple times, and though the night too. We decided we had enough stuff and put the play room off until maybe Valentine's Day. This was very good. We had just enough, not too much. In years past, we have felt as though we were forcing the kids to open more gifts when they just wanted to play with what they had already opened. We finished opening in record time- well, a lot faster than we have in recent years. We began around 8AM (another little miracle – the kids waited for us to get out of bed) and finished around 10:30AM. Steve was reminding me how long it took us in 2005.

The first year the kids were home Christmas 2005, we took the kids to church for the first time, just for sacrament. We came home to relish in the first day as a family, with no help from anyone. (Like the word "relish"? Ha, ha, ha, ha. We didn't want to impose on anyone's holiday plans.) Anyway, church was at 9AM, after which we came home, ate and fed, started opening presents. We had so many interruptions with feeding, diaper changing we were still working on opening our gifts, which were mostly boxes of diapers, at dinnertime. It took us close to 6-7 hours that year. Ahh, sweet memories. We had the diapers and sick kid interruptions this year, but wow, so much faster!!! I do think it was louder this year….. can't imagine why….. maybe because Brenden has decided he can make siren sounds for his fire trucks…. The possible reasons are near endless.

Last thought for today: The kids got these "Mack" trailers from the Cars Disney movie that have cars ride in his trailer. The three younger boys got them a few weeks ago from Steve's work party Santa. The older boys "needed" them and they all had to have Lightning McQueen ride inside. We only had one McQueen. This is the first time they have ever had an ongoing disagreement. They usually figure out how to take turns or something. So, we went and found a few more of these, including the one for Lily. We also got 11 more McQueen cars hoping it would end the arguing. Low and behold, Marek comes walking in the room some time later with ALL the McQueens in his trailer. It is only built for three! However, no one else complained. They have such unique talents.

So, enough but not too many gifts, at least one project gift completed, kids letting us get out of bed too, not too much vomit or arguing, only one ornament broke, and a good start on next years Christmas gifts. (who knows, maybe she will want a doll next year) A successful Christmas!

Singing Bananas

2008-12-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at church singing in the choir on Sunday. Almost all the pieces turned out better than the practices. There really is just nothing quite like singing to feel the spirit! I am finally starting to feel in the spirit of the holiday. Steve also sang a piece as a double quartet. Very good! I was able to see the kids from a distance – a chance to look at the forest and not be too close to the trees so to speak. I thought they were good. They were not near as loud as I thought they were. They only went between the row in front of and behind where they were supposed to be. One of my friends said she was watching them and they were little "angels" (Yeah, she is a grandma herself) When I got back to the family (thanks to Mom, Shelly, her kids, and Lacey!!!) Lacey said, "Your kids are out of control!" That goes to say a lot about perspective.

Now, here comes the Monday. Kids out of school – yes. I am out of school – yes. Laundry to clean – yes. Dishes piled high – yes. Paper plates to cover the gap – yes. Parties to attend- yes. Sick kids - Yes, yes, yes. Gifts to take – yes. Wrapped? No. Projects being attacked? No. Christmas cards mailed – now, really where did this month go?

The kids have learned how to open the bananas all by themselves while I am not looking! Yes! Feel free to use your imagination here, but it wasn't that bad really. Lily was the only one that felt like painting the boys ate most of them. Runny diapers? HOPE NOT! (Our attempts at potty training were less than fun for me and we will try again in several months. Lily, sweet Lily is not at all interested, although she was very excited to get her new "socks", it will be a while before she gets the idea.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

what will Santa do?

2008-12-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

I think Santa will have to decorate our tree for us. What few decorations we have that are not broken or in safe keeping have migrated up to the top and off of the tree. At least we have colored lights on this one so it kind of looks decorated. I can't believe it's almost here already!!! The boys have started the official countdown and I am out of time! AAAUURAUGFH!!! (that's a scream of anxiety/frustration/fear/exhaustion/etc....) It will be a miracle if Dallas doesn't firgure out who really gets the gifts this year. He is so observant! Stephen is too but he doesn't tell me about it and ask more questions. UGH.

Sunbeams, here we come!

2008-12-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

For anyone wondering what to do for the nursery kids as they approach the age of three and prepare to join the older kids as sunbeams in the primary, it is not waiting until two weeks before the end of the year to talk to them about it! It is probably much better to talk to them about it in October, and then have them join just for the singing part, and then come for the entire time.

There are two weeks until our kids join the big kids in real classes at church. Their class will be called "Sunbeams" I have heard the nursery leaders mention before that the kids in there just have a really short attention span and the lessons need to be kept short. I have seen several children that fit that description, but I believe we should be teaching them what will be expected of them, not catering to their current level. By this, I mean trying to get them to sit in the chair a little longer each week instead of saying, "Oh, they can only handle it for about 5 minutes so if we have a lesson that is four minutes long it will be good enough." I am not saying this is what the teachers in their nursery class have been doing, I really do not know. I am also guilty of not teaching them better at home myself. This is a mistake!

They were introduced to primary today. I have been asking for a month or two now when this will occur. I learned it was today when I heard Evan's screaming protest from the other side of the building. He did NOT want to be there! The other kids were okay for a few minutes, but it was a very few. When I heard Evan, I went in to help and sit with him. Didn't help much. Steve came too. I left to teach the R.S. class. I heard Evan more. I eventually left and brought him to class with me. I have not had a kid in class with me since they were about 19 months old! My friend eventually took him out and stayed in the hallway with him until it was time to go home. Someone in the primary asked what was wrong with my kids. They were all a bit rowdy today.

Earlier in sacrament meeting, I leaned over to Steve and said, "I think we have a few ADD kids today." As they were all climbing over each other and bouncing off the chairs (Lily and Marek), singing ABC's repeatedly (Dallas), blowing raspberries in the air (Brenden and Lily), trying to escape and run out of the chapel (Evan and Marek)... The good part here is that we have learned not to take anything hard that could hurt a neighbor when thrown. Steve said to me, "Ya think?!?!" Evan did manage to escape, made a new friend who flagged him down. I ended up taking Dallas out, with Lily. This does not happen often since it causes more work than it is usually worth.

While we were out having our "time out", Dallas managed to trip me. I twisted my ankle, landed on his head, which pushed him into the wall. And since I was holding Lily, I banged her head against mine. Dallas laughed of course. We were really on one today! Maybe it was all the parties over the weekend full of sugar. Maybe it was lack of sleep. Maybe it was the stress of their mother rubbing off on them. (Finals this week!) Maybe it was just our turn to be crazy. All I can say is I hope those teachers are ready for the new sunbeams class!!!

After church, we went to choir practice. While we were there, the kids gave Grandma a run for her money! They have new toys from Santa that cause many problems, more on that another day. They got paint out and painted a few things, washable, some bubbles took over the kitchen thanks to Stephen. Marek broke a baby Jesus Dallas was painting. Stephen decided to disassemble my bulletin board and make one of his own…. Luckily, the exploding diaper happened when I was home this morning!

And Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest. We had a great choir practice followed by a sing a long. I thought this was just when everyone went and sang along, but it is when each ward choir in the stake performs a piece and the rest of the people there sing a verse in between while the choirs trade places. It was nice – we were the best, in my opinion. Other people had their kids there. I was glad ours were not today! A boy in Stephen's class gave us some chocolate fudge as a gift. His mom said he was excited about it. It was nice. Thanks for tending for us Grandma! Now that I have that out of my system, I will attempt to study for a final or two.

Where is everyone?

2008-12-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hi again. Here we are watching the snow falling, possibly turning into a nice "blizzard". It was difficult to get everyone back in the house today after taking the older boys to school. The snow is too much fun!!! Even though yesterday we stayed home from church with illness,we are rearing to go today! My neighbor drove by this morning while we were out and asked if we were okay. She looked in the nursery yesterday and asked the nursery leaders, "Where is everybody?" It seemed kind of empty there. The Taggart's were missing. Yup, we fill a room.

Here is a funny for the day: Friday we went to the Festival of Trees, fund raiser for the children's hospital. We stopped by the little office where they can tell you how much the tree you built sold for. (We were pleased with ours. There were still quite a few that hadn't sold yet and they were not selling for as much as they have in the past because of the economy.) And the lady there said, "Five boys and one girl? Did I count that right? Five boys and one girl?" I said yes. Then she asked, "So how long did it take you to get your girl?" I thought this was pretty funny. I thought it looked a little obvious. I said, "she's third, but there was only three pregnancies." She looked for a second then said,"oh, did you have two sets of twins or something?" When we explained they were quads the shock factor set in. It was so funny! I haven't had that question before. There's a first time for everything!

Sweet memories

2008-12-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have been reminded of something I wanted to post when it happened but I didn't get around to it yet.

A while ago when we were all sick we lined the kids up around the tub instead of the toilet to aim their vomit. I know it sounds gross, but it was so much easier and now it's sort of funny. Then a few weeks ago Marek said he didn't feel well. I said, "Oh, okay." Steve asked him if he felt like he was going to barf. Marek gave no response so I thought nothing of it. Some minutes pass and I don't see him anymore, so I start looking for him. I find him up in the bathroom just standing there. I wonder, is he trying to go potty without me? Is he trying to take a bath? What's he doing? I get there and ask him, "Marek, what are you doing?" He leans closer to the tub then looks up at me with these terribly sad puppy eyes, like he has a huge concern. He pouts his lower lip out and says with a little whimper, "My barf's broken."

Apparently Lily didn't remember that you are supposed to go to the tub for those kinds of things, or that I have finals soon. She emerges from her room tonight saying, "Oh no! A mess! A mess!" and she is covered from head to toe in her "dinner". We have gone through all her clean jammies. She chose to wear her Sunday tights with flowers on them and a t- shirt, but now we are moving into regular day clothes. I am grateful that we have a brand new 4 pound box of baking soda that "eliminates odors on contact" and I am very glad we had rice for dinner instead of the spaghetti I was considering! I to wonder though, why didn't I get that plastic cover for her mattress yet, and why did it take me three times to decide that she was sick enough to have her hair up in a pony tail for bed time???

happy everything

2008-12-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Thanksgiving came and went and Christmas is on the way!!! Happy everything to everyone! We had Thanksgiving dinner here at our house. The boys were excited that grandparents were coming. When I told them MY grandparents would be coming Stephen gave a delighted squeal. Dallas was concerned. He was worried because they are old. He said, "but Grandma Bell can't leave her house! She's too old. We're supposed to visit her! How will she get here? She can't drive!" Funny, cute. When my mom was telling me they were coming there was a similar conversation between Grandma Bell and my mom. "How will we get there?" "I guess you could walk." "Oh, we're pretty slow." "well, you better get started now!" My mom went and got them and drove them here.

The next couple weeks will be spent trying to prepare for my finals! Therefore, I may or may not get a chance to update for a while. Here is some good new though: My sister Lacey passed her state licensing exam for massage therapy! HOORAY!!!

More later, make it a great day!

what do you get?

2008-11-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you take one husband out of town on business, one curious 3 year old girl, five young boys with need of haircuts and a small budget? *insert picture here, but we have to pretend because I didn't actually get a picture. But it was great! The house is total disaster. Lily found the other scissors while I was trimming the boys hair. Luckily she missed her own hair - a miracle. But she got her shirt. She was quite proud of herself! There was a nice pattern. You'd think I would notice since she was standing right next to me, and the scissors never actually left "my sight" but it didn't register to my brain that she was decorating her shirt. ha ha ha!!! How many holes in the shirt? about ten. No skin, no hair, just the shirt. What a sight! Wish I got a pic!!!

What a man/pure hearts of children

2008-11-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

We are almost late to church today. We set the timer and actually started to leave soon after it went off. Steve opens the door and the kids start running. I am still getting my shoes on and we have one straggler that is still trying to nibble a lunch. I convince him to go out the door but then he realized he forgot his tithing! (the bible says 10% for tithes) I am impressed that he wants to pay so we go back but the door is locked, so we open the garage. He then announces he doesn't remember where he left it. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew is rounding the corner at the end of the street. Good thing we don't live far from the building!

I found some change in the truck and we are off on our way. As we near the church, I can see over a fence. What I see is one cute five year old and four absolutely darling three year olds in matching striped sweaters with a handsome, brave man opening the church door for them. What a turn on! I am the luckiest person on this planet to have such a man! We were on time too!

Sacrament meeting was great. The speakers talked about not having excessive holidays and living within our means/budgets. Something we all need to remember this year! They also spoke about having faith that the Lord will take care of our needs when we are choosing the right. I actually kind of got to listen this time. No kids being crazy, even Dallas was good!

Dallas paid his one penny to tithing and Stephen ended up with 13 cents. He owed 7 for tithing but had a hard time deciding what to do with the rest. The result: 7 cents to tithing one to a fast offering, one for building temples, one for the perpetual education fund (a load type set up for third world countries to pay back after they go to school. They get a loan. We give the $. They pay back the fund, not us.) one penny went to missionaries, and one towards …. I don't remember all of them but you get the idea. He was so sweet and cute. I am sure the bishop will get a good chuckle out of our kids pure hearts. 

Have a wonderful day!

What did I wish???

2008-11-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Did I really need another lesson in "Be careful what you ask for?"

Here is the quick run down: Dallas sick on Thursday. No one else seemed effected. Dallas fine by Thursday night. Must have been something he ate... Friday trick or treating - yay! Oops. A sick one - Brenden, home with Grandma and vomiting. Okay. Take us home, but Sister - wonderful sister Shelly says, "don't punish the other kids because he's sick. I've already been barfed on. It's ok." So we stay, and he empties his contents a few more times. He is recovered by Saturday afternoon. Stephen gets ill Saturday night. I get it Sunday morning. By this time, I start to wonder and ask OUT LOUD, why can't we just all get sick and get it over with? Duh! Don't ask for that until I am not sick anymore - note to self.

Within hours everyone else is sick. We get about 3 hours of interrupted sleep. Steve misses work Monday, yadda yadda yadda. hits us hard, quickly, but also leaves quickly. What did we learn? don't ask for things!!! Plastic bed covers are a good thing - get more bed sheets - more baking soda.

Blessings of note - glad we have a shop vac! Best husband there could ever be is mine - yup- sorry he's taken - mine! And I have a great family that let's us be sick. Shelly also got it. Thanks! Now we are trying to figure out how to catch up on laundry/housework and the week is almost gone!

Oh, we went to Kiddie Kandids Tuesday for the free picture they get for their birthday. Great to do if you don't know about it yet. Anyone/everyone, not just us cause of our quads, gets a free 8x10 for their birthday. My mom helped with it on Tuesday. They are so cute! I wish I new how do post pics quickly. Sorry. Maybe over the holiday weekend I will have time to...

Um, yes. I am planning that far in advance for this event. Have a great day!!! Happy November!

Your wish is my command!

2008-10-30T08:04:00.000-06:00

Man! This going to school with the holiday deadlines and everything is killing me! I could really use a day off. I wish I could have a day off.

WOOHOO! I have a sick kid! We don't have to drive to/from school today. HOORAY! My wish has been granted. I get the day off!

No, wait... is that right?

For Entertainment's Sake

2008-10-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the primary program at church. This is when all the kids between the ages of 3 and 12 participate in singing and each has a small speaking part. It is always one of my favorite Sundays of in the year. As if our church attendance isn't entertaining enough with our kids, they all decided they wanted to go up with Stephen and Dallas, but since their birthday was not before January last year they aren't in a class that participates in this yet.

We were not quite early enough to get a large space for us, but didn't worry too much because the kids go up after sacrament is passed. So, Evan decided he needed to leave more times than I can count. A sweet grandma Martha saw and let him go sit with her. Lily went too. They just kept going back and forth across the aisle. Funny, until Evan grinned at Martha, she beckoned him he giggled and started going to the opposite direction. I caught him and chaos pursued. It was just about this time when Dallas got up with his class for their parts. The teacher knelt down near them and whispered for them to remember. It sounded like, "Whisper whisper." "Mumble mumble." Next kid, "whisper whisper." "Mumble mumble." Then came Dallas. The teacher stood and backed up away from him. He was the last in his class. "If Jesus were standing next to me I would try to be good." Good job Dallas! Then we hear some laughter. I wondered if it was because of the idea that Dallas would try to be good. I found out later from someone else that an older sister to some other kids was down front trying to make her family members laugh. She was doing air guitar, singing in the mic, being real exaggerated and fun. Good to know.

On the way home a neighbor was out and stopped me to let me know she was just laughing at Dallas, as she was listening to the other kids and thinking, What? What? Oh! Dallas did it! He seemed so mature. We of course already knew he was mature for his age, but where was the real humor?

Steve went Home teaching later - this is when the men in the priesthood go to check on the members in the ward, be good friends and see if they could use any help with anything. We try to visit every month. Anyway, one of the families made a point to thank him for the entertainment in church today. I think she was referring to the continued chaos that was followed by me giving up and deciding to take two that were so eager to escape. When I got to the hall to give them a good talking to, all four of them were there! I took Brenden and Marek back in and told Steve, "I'm only taking the naughty ones out!" So, of course they all began a big display of naughty to get out of there. They love going to their class and think that if they get out of sacrament meeting they get to go to class sooner. I missed Stephen's part during all this confusion, but I heard that he did it and was good.

The funniest part for me: I forgot until Saturday morning that the primary program was this week. I had lost Dallas's part. I asked him what he was supposed to say and he told me. I said, okay if you say so. Good. That kid amazes me.

Later at night, Steve said to me, "You realize we will be sitting on that bench alone next year…" My kids are growing up! Sigh.
All in all an entertaining day, just like every Sunday.

Test, test, test!

2008-10-21T23:11:00.000-06:00

When are these college professors going to realize that "test" is a four-letter word?

After a long week of not being home because of movie production day, a day to the doctor's, a surprise change in the school schedule (Dallas was getting out of school before Stephen, but the night before it changed to Stephen was getting out first. This changed our car pool possibilities.) The only thing I remember about Thursday was being in a class taking a test. Friday I remembered why I took statistics as an "in-person" class verses an online course - UGH!

Saturday was fun filled from 10 AM until nearly 3PM as we had a great party at Steve's work. A big "hoorah" for the good fiscal year! There are pictures for next time I can figure it out. We had fun with a giant blow up slide/bouncer/clown balloons/tours/lunch/popcorn/cotton candy/and more! All for "free", you just have to give your life to the company each day of the normal workweek. :) Steve became an impromptu tour guide, and he was in the right place at the right time to help with the candy toss! I won a "guess how much candy is in the jar" game and we missed the magic show. We ended up walking away with full tummies, tired legs, and about $25. There was money with the candy toss and in my jar of candy! WOOHOO!

After the party, we went pumpkin picking again, since we "NEED" more. I was not able to get good pictures there unfortunately. We were getting to the end of our fun meter. Dallas smashed his finger after having fought with Stephen over who got to pull the wagon the whole time. He got his turn in the last half walk through the parking lot. Got to the truck and the weight of the pumpkins carried the wagon further than he wanted, smashing his finger between the handle and the bumper. He is fine, but it was a loud ride home.

We lined our pumpkins up in front of the house. The boys were so excited we were finally decorating for Halloween! The orange globes were only there one night. Yup, stolen. They were so considerate and left two pumpkins. Grrrr, not my favorite people. Why does anyone have to steal things from kids? We will not be purchasing more this year. There is one for each boy, good enough.

Anyway, this week is looking like another crazy one. There was a test tonight in history, statistics reminded me we have a test this week, and I had a test last week in geology! I expect to take my final for cooking class sometime soon. I still have five more things to cook. You'd think I have to feed my family, but no, this doesn't make it easier for me to cook the class requirements. Here is a funny note - Dallas loved the fish I made last night. I have never cooked fish before. He was upset we couldn't have it for breakfast this morning and also asked for it at lunchtime. I made chicken for dinner today. I asked if he liked it. He said, "Yeah, it looks kind of like fish!"

credit given

2008-10-17T07:05:00.000-06:00

okay, I need to give credit where credit is due. My mom tended the other kids until Steve ot home from work on Tuesday and then she helped them pull weeds. THANKS MOM!!! Another tidbit: Wednesday we went to the Dr. for check ups - all great and in the proper growth range now, even Breneden. We came home with 3 kids on antibiotics and the other was called in a prescription yesterday. I missed my statistics class, but made it for some of my history class. AND... LACEY HAS GRADUATION TODAY!!! She is graduating from the Utah College of Massage Therapy. Good Job Lacey! Thanks again Mom!

really really long post!

2008-10-17T05:40:00.000-06:00

Good morning! As I begin this blog it is 4:30 AM Friday morning. There is nothing better for me to do other than sleep and that is just not happening today, so here I am. Yes, this really is the only time I can do this! And yes, I have been interrupted by kids three times already!!!

We were chosen to be in the movie called "Waiting for Forever" on Tuesday. I didn't want to post anything about the auditions in case nothing panned out from them. Anyway, it was a great day! I didn’t want to short change the blog, but I am going to summarize a bit anyway.

In the movie biz they trade kids out for the parts of children. Kids get tired and grumpy; they can't work them as long because of labor laws and stuff. Therefore, they take views from a distance or different angles to make similar kids look like the same kid. That is why we were all going to be in this movie. Our boys look enough alike to do the trick.

When we first got there, they said stuff like, "Let's have one of the triplets." And, "It's time for another one of the boys." Evan was closest to the door, and he kept trying to escape our little waiting room. I thought he would enjoy it the best so he went out first, and second, and then they started asking for him. "It's time for Evan again"

The day started around 9 in the morning. My sister Lacey went with me. I told her it would be at least 6 hours. She was not able to stay the entire day, but she was there for most of it. We waited for long periods of time while they did other scenes, practiced with the adult parts, changed the camera angle and lighting, and other stuff. They would take Evan for a while and bring him back, take him again, then bring him back.

The suspense was killing us! What were they doing with Evan? What was he doing? After the first couple of times, we started talking about watching. So I asked the people, Rachel was the name of the person who came for Evan most of the time. She let Lacey watch the next time. When she returned, she reported that Evan was so good! So Cute! They are moving the camera because the sun keeps moving, some of the people are really rude, but Evan is so good!

Around noon, I took a turn to watch. I thought the people were really nice though. The director let me sit in a corner where Evan couldn't see me. I watched him on two screens and listened on a head set. He was SOOOO CUTE!!! He was really good at this and he was having so much fun! They would repeat the scene over and over. Lacey said I was out there watching him for about an hour! The director would tell the actors something like, "That was good. This time do it more like______" and they would repeat the scene. The person next to me asked how long he had been taking acting lessons. Ha ha ha ha! This was our first of anything like this!

At this point, remember this is around noon, they were asking me how I chose him and what he was like at home. This is Evan, what you see is what you get. They told me that by this time they usually had to switch kids 2-3 times. Evan was the best kid they had ever worked with, and "I've worked with a lot of kids."

Long summary, I know. When I was watching Evan, they were interacting with him. He was responding exactly the way he should. I thought we were going to be background while the adults acted in the front. I was so wrong. Evan was center attention. The lead actor was asking him questions and he was nodding his head or saying things to him. He was so adorable! (Sorry I don't do well with celebrity names. I know I am an oblivion. More on this topic in a minute.)

The other boys meanwhile were getting grumpy. Marek kept wanting a turn to "play." We went outside a few times. There was nowhere for us to go really, just a parking lot that was kind of roped off. They had a food trailer with chairs outside. Marek and Brenden lined up three chairs like a train. They kept asking where Evan was and said he had a spot there. They put a bag of chips in the chair for him. They are so cute too! They spent some time going around the barricades. They pretended it was a hot dog stand.

Rachel came out and asked us how we were doing after Lacey left. I told her I thought we were getting really tired. I knew I was done! She went in and talked to the director. When she came back she said, "I'm sorry. I tried to tell them but he just really loves Evan. He wants him to be in another scene." Long story a little shorter, Evan went in again and again. The last scene they brought him out and said he needed a diaper change. Rachel stayed with Marek and Brenden while I went in. I was able to watch a little more. I watched three takes and decided I needed to check on the other two. I wish I had stayed a little longer. Evan did the entire part by himself! They only thing the other two got to do was for a bonus feature. They were interviewed with Nikki Blonskey. Brenden called for his mommy and picked his nose. Marek tried to get away and Evan was adorable and talked with her. They tried to sing a song, but the boys just sat there and smiled. They are so cute. I know I already said that.

One of the directors came out soon after me and asked if I had seen what Evan did. Apparently, they all gave him a round of applause. He looked around at everyone and threw his arm in the air, "YEAH!" Turns out the director gave him a speaking part! He was asked to say a line and he did, at the right time! I wasn't sure what this meant, but all the people there were so excited for him! It means he is now eligible for SAG, the screen actors guild. I am told that is what all actors live for and some wait nearly their whole lives to be given a line. It also meant he would get more $ for the day. Other than that, they told me I would be getting a lot of mail from them in a few weeks about it. IF ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT THIS PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW!

While I was inside that last time, someone went out with a camera taking still shots. Marek started posing for him. They are just so cute I can hardly stand it! All three boys were happy the entire day, except when Marek wanted his turn. They were so tired that Evan was falling asleep before I was able to get him in his car seat to go home. They did not nap at all the whole day. We left around 7:30PM. However, some of that time was spent trying to get our own clothes back on again. I was alone at that point and my kids get a little more active when they are tired. I think they try to convince themselves they are not tired when they are.

We had lunch "with" all the actors. I asked for autographs for Shelly. She would be so upset with me if I spent the entire day surrounded by celebrities and didn't! They said yes, but I did not have a pen or paper on me. Yeah, here is the duh moments. I was not prepared at all on my part. We were late getting there, of course. They told us we could leave our things in our trailer. They just wanted to see us on the set and we would be right back. Well, that minute turned into the whole day! After a few hours, I asked Rachel if we could get the diaper bag. She sent someone for it! I had no wipes, don't ask how they ended up next to the diaper bag instead of in it. I had no book for myself to read, no camera, not even my cell phone! It did not help Lacey be less bored either. They loaded us into a van and took us to a place set up for lunch – not at all delicious; the boys did not want to eat. Probably because they just wanted to run and not be in that little waiting room and they had been snacking like crazy all morning. The lunch lady was so nice. She kept coming and asking if we would like anything else. They had a table set up near the back door with snacks. Every time we would pass by Brenden would grab another couple bags of chips. And lunch was not until 2!

Anyway, the moral of this story is NEVER, I repeat NEVER leave the diaper bag when you go somewhere, keep the phone in your pocket, take the camera with you where ever you go, a lunch for yourself and do not be late!

Here is a copy of our invitation. I hope the pictures transfer okay. Sorry this story has no names in it. Not my greatest strength.

PROJECT: WAITING FOR FOREVER
PROJECT TYPE: Feature Film
CASTING DIRECTOR: Cate Praggastis
SHOOT DATES: Filming begins September 29, 2008 – October 30, 2008
SYNOPSIS: It is a cute - romantic story. Being produced and directed by James Keach (Blind Dating and Walk the Line) - starring Rachel Bilson and Tom Sturridge
CHARACTER: GABE - but the baby needs to be a part of twins or triplets. There will be some flexibility with the age.. 1 - 2 or so... the babies will be part of Nikki Blonskey's family... (Hairspray)

Nikki Blonskey

Nelson Franklin

These are pix of mom and dad to baby GABE

Oh, I guess the pictures won't go here. You can look them up by their names if you want. Sorry. Have a great day!!!!!

big news

2008-10-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

Hi! We had a marvelous day today! I will tell you all about it ASAP, but not now. We had a long day, very, very,long. But some great blogging to look forward to! I have to find some pics to post with the story. Hopefully it will be on tomorrow!!! I am sure Shelly will remind me if I forget, but how could I? No, we are not pregnant! And it's not about the weather being crazy. I think they said it should be up in the 70's again this weekend...

until then! :)

okay, okay! I can't keep it all a secret! We - meaning some of my boys, meaning mostly Evan - are going to be in a movie! More later!

Ahh, memories...is that snow?!?!

2008-10-12T23:02:00.000-06:00

Hello again! This morning brought with it a fresh blanket of snow. I don't remember it snowing this early in the year here before. I wonder what this global warming is... but the kids sure were excited!!! I was happy that I did not procrastinate for once and trimmed a few roses yesterday. Here is a picture of what I ended up with.

Here is what I saw in my yard today.

Since it was my turn to teach Relief Society today I was preparing my lesson and not paying all the attention that I should to everything else, and since we have been under the weather lately, and since my brain just doesn't work right sometimes, I glanced out the window. My heart skipped a beat as I got ready to grill the kids on who threw the laundry off the deck again. Then I realized what I saw was the melting snow with toys, mud, and grass poking through in the back yard. Ahh, Sunday the day of rest!

pictures

2008-10-11T07:59:00.000-06:00

Been pretty busy lately. Too much to report on in a simple blog. Here are some pictures to cover my not posting them very often. Simply put my school is great, kids are incredible, hubby is amazing, we are all doing well.

2008-10-11T07:58:00.000-06:00

Oblivions?

2008-10-04T22:48:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's my turn to be an oblivion. I went to school the other day, got out of my first class early and decided to get some dinner at the Subway across the street. It is a cozy place with only 4 tables in it. Of course, they were all taken. An older gentleman saw me looking around and we caught eyes. He started moving his things off the table and invited me to sit. I said thanks and sat down. We chatted a bit. "Are you native to Utah? How long have you lived here? The commute from ??? for 20 years as he has worked where he does..."

Another man waked in and ordered a sandwich. They knew each other and the man I was sitting with stood to visit him a while. When he sat down again (the other man was getting it to go) he asked if I recognized the one that left. I said no, but he did look vaguely familiar. Well, that would be because he is a news anchor that I see, or should see more than once a day for I don't know how many years! Oh well.

We chatted some more about the work he has been doing for the last 20 years. He works for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, just down the street in that great big building. I ask, "Oh, what do you do for them there?"

Umm..This is where he tells me he a full time employee, what is called a General Authority of the Quorum of the Seventy. Yup, a leader of the church that I belong to that has probably been on TV many more than one time, who I am supposed to pay attention to and has his picture posted at least twice a year in the conference session issue of our church publications. The conference that is this weekend! Ugh! So what do I say in response? He is most likely thinking that I am not even a member of the church according to our conversation. "Oh, I guess they wouldn't be hiring in your department then." DUH LYDIA!!!

This is a lifetime calling from on high, not a real job! Here is the real kicker though. If I did see him on the television as we are watching conference this weekend, I do not think I would remember what he looked like and I don't remember what his name was. As we parted after more stupidity revealed by myself, he said, "That's okay. I like the anonymity." I can relate to that.

On another note, yes, my kids had a birthday this week. They are three years old now. My sister has posted a few pictures on her blog if anyone wants to look at them. Here is her site http://clarkcharacters.blogspot.com For today I am still in denial that they are growing up. Maybe I will address it tomorrow. And yes, they are way too cute!

Another day survived!

2008-09-28T21:36:00.000-06:00

Wow! Time sure flies, unless you are sitting in a meeting at church with six kids crawling all over the place, fighting over who gets which book to look at, who is touching who, when we will get to go home, etc. This is a really, REALLY long list if I wanted to write it all out. Use your imagination.

We were on time today, but that translated to late anyway since there was a baby blessing today. We were able to find a whole bench open and available just for us. The problem was that it would have been better suited for a family with only five people, not our eight. So, amidst all our fun, Evan sent to the row behind us. I was very happy to find our friend sitting there, and I wondered who the other gentleman was that was so incredibly tolerant of crayons being thrown at him. I looked over to the other side of the room and caught the eye of some friends watching us. I smiled. They waved. I found out later that they watch us every Sunday, with a "vested interest". I think that was what he said. Come to find out, many people watch us "every week". No kidding! Probably ten or so people commented to me today about how nice it is to watch our kids. I think they are really just trying to make me feel better about their embarrassing 2 year old behavior!

Well, we are all friends here! We, (Steve and I) were discussing again how wonderful our area and friends are. We truly must be in the "true ward". In our church, one Sunday out of the month is for fasting and giving testimony. Anyone, everyone is invited to share their faith building experiences at the pulpit on this day. This is the day that babies usually are blessed. This was today. So, I was sitting there listening to a dear sister (all women in the church are sister, men are brother) I was listening to her tell how she loved our people helping her with her five kids, how prayers were answered, and so on. I got that funny feeling in my chest as I thought, "ME TOO!" I leaned over and whispered to Steve, "I'm going up." He said, "What?!" I repeated, "I'm going up." He said, "You're crazy!" I repeated again. He just rolled his eyes. He is the best husband!

I was brief, actually said "ditto" and a few other things, but I really was brief! Lily followed close behind, ended up being there with me. Brenden cried the whole time screaming, "Mommy! I want Mommy!" Repeatedly and when I got back to my seat, Marek was in the other row with Evan. Lily also decided it was really her turn to talk, and she jabbered right along with me. I don't know what she said but the bishop found me after and said he enjoyed both our testimonies. ha ha ha.

Today was especially exciting since we let all the kids walk with NO strollers. It is not very far, just around the block luckily, but an adventure just the same! I suggested to Brenden after a fall that he walk instead of me carrying him. He replied, "NO! RUN!" And he did. We also got compliments on what a sweet boy Stephen is turning into. Dallas is just crazy. I asked Steve if he was feeling all right. He had a headache named Dallas. I was very glad that he sat next to him, and I didn't!

Final thought for the day comes from President Uchtdorf's talk to the Relief Society yesterday. He said we should all be trying to be more like our Lord, who is a creating and compassionate God. Therefore, we should be creative. The word "create" means to make something that wasn't there before. There are many ways to be creative, for example, how many smiles can you create? We often don't give ourselves the credit we deserve. Find the happiness around you, if it isn't there, create some.

A day late and a dollar short

2008-09-22T22:27:00.001-06:00

A picture of a window with our new blinds in it! I only have one picture, but there are somewhere close to 20 other windows just as beautiful in our house. Someday we will maybe get curtains too.

Dallas playing the part of the vampire. Behind him you can see a bit of our weekend project. Here is a better view.

Yes! We spent the day canning! It was great. I should be more descriptive in my requests to my darling hubby, and follow through with my friends better, but it all turned out great! I had talked with a friend a few days before and mentioned getting together and canning. Nothing set, but I asked Steve if he might like to watch the kids for me on Saturday. This turned into him saying something to Amber (the friend)about her coming over "today". She says, Oh, okay! We quickly get on the same page, she has her older kids able to watch her younger kids and we head off for the farmers market. Wonderful experience! If you have never been to a farmers market, I highly recommend it.

We got some tomatoes and peaches. This is what we ended up with. We also made some peach pit jelly today (Monday) as it had to sit for 24 hours. I do know how to count and know that after 24 hours it would have been Sunday, not Monday, but this is what our schedules would allow. WE are looking forward to canning some more soon. Perhaps apples, grapes, .... ? We are going to get together every year now I think. Hooray!

After our hard work her family came over for pizza and socializing. When they left, I asked the boys if they had fun with our friends. Of all the possible answers, I was surprised to hear not, "I had fun because..." or "I hated it because..." or even the option of "Who were they?" No. I heard none of these.The response I heard was,"How come there's no bones in our stomachs?" I decided to send them to bed and forget analyzing the day further.

I do have one question though. Why do they make stoves out of melt-able parts? Canning creates a lot of heat!

two left feet

2008-09-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

Aren't they cute! I was once again trying to find where the quiet was coming from and found the boys at the piano. They were just sitting there reading a book. Lily has decided to be more girly all the sudden. She follows me around a lot more and wants to be with me. Still, she doesn't prefer dolls or stuffed animals yet.

I thought I would take a picture of all our black dress shoes to go along with this next story, but I can't wait long enough to figure that out. Tomorrow I will for sure be posting pictures. I have too many to wait much longer! So, imagine a giant pile of shoes, they are all black, they are all similar style and size... got it? okay. I am sure this has happened to most people, if not everyone sooner or later, but it's the first time it has happened to us. This was actually on Thursday, but I wanted to get picture to go with it. Next time I will post about our weekend, with pictures!

"DALLAS! YOU"RE LATE!!! HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!!! JUST GET SOMETHING ON YOUR FEET LET"S GO!" I yell as everyone has been waiting in the truck with their seat belts on for near five minutes already. We are late to school again today. Why is this time? Well, I made the wrong thing for lunch. Ramen noodles are what he wanted yesterday when I made mac & cheese. Today he wants PBJ sandwiches. I convince him that it is okay to eat it. Dallas inspects his lunch and discovers that some pineapple juice has touched his noodles. The world may end over this you know. We negotiate. He gets a new plate but the noodles are all distributed and the only noodles for Dallas to eat are on the plate with juice.

This attitude spills over into "I'm not going to do anything you say or want toady, especially get ready for school." I finally just shout his directions and go out to wait with the kids in the truck. When Dallas emerges, his feet look not quite right. I see he is wearing his shoes on the wrong feet. Nope, that's not it...he has two of the same foot shoe, not a match! "Let's go in and find one that matches." So, in the house we go. He is wearing a size 10 and a size 12. The next one is size 11. They are all the same foot shoe! Does it matter that we have assigned shoe cubbies? Apparently not. I guess we need to give the old ones away and go back to that old rule of get the clothes ready before you go to bed at night, and get dressed before you eat breakfast in the morning. He was only about ten minutes late.

I have been talking about Dallas a lot lately. He is just the most amusing for this week. The other kids are doing great. I was trying to get them all out to go one day this week. Marek and Brenden were not out yet. I went back in to find them coming down the stairs holding hands. They are so cute! Stephen has adjusted to school well so far. We are talking with his school about loosening his help and direction while there, letting him be more independent.

There was a shooting in our neighborhood the other day. Not anyone we knew, but still unnerving. It was a domestic dispute. Life light more or less landed in our back yard, the park that is behind our house. We were pretty tired yesterday because of it. Dallas came up from bed to talk about it, but Stephen didn't. I don't know if he just didn't notice, or it didn't bother him, or if he is keeping his feelings inside. He seems fine though.

Here are a few more final thoughts for the day: A double stroller, although built with extra wide seats and a weight limit of up to 50 pounds each seat, is still going to break if you put four kids in at the same time and hit a curb with gravity's help going down a hill. Our wheel broke. It fell off with a crack. Hmm. I thought I heard something when I hit the curb, but it didn't actually fall off until Steve was taking the kids to the school activity last night- while I was at my school. He is wonderful. He was able to get everyone home with out a wheel.

When asked how I look yesterday, Dallas replied, "Like a mom, that's already married." I guess I don't need to impress anyone. Thanks for the compliment.

Friday?

2008-09-17T12:41:00.000-06:00

So, I know everyone is dieing to know what really happened on Friday. Sorry to keep you in suspense for so long..... is that long enough? Okay.

I spent the day Friday making a Vampire costume (this translates to cape) Dallas is so excited to be a vampire for Halloween. He thinks they are funny because he saw a show of pink panther that had one sound: "bloah, bloah, bloah!" accompanied by the tongue sticking out each time. It is a good cape! I was quite proud of myself finding the scraps in the basement and using Velcro to stick them together! (Pictures on the way, I promise!)

Well, when we finally got to the party after driving past at least three times and missing it, Dallas ran off hardly saying goodbye to me. He was happy to play. I had stuck my cell number in his pocket and told him that he could call me for any reason. Was this a mistake? On the outset, I thought it was wise since he did not really know who the birthday kid was. Just a few minutes after I drove away, the kid's mom called me. Dallas was crying and needed me. I tried to talk to him, but he was too busy crying. I turned around and went back to collect him.

When I got there, he was not happy. I apologized and took him away. They gave him a goody bag, which he opened in the truck on our way. He found he liked the things in there. Come to find out, the other kids think vampires are scary. Go figure! They all started running away from him. Dallas thought they didn't like him and that is why he needed to go home. Then he told me that his friend Tayton was there. When I asked with surprise why he didn't want to stay, even though Tayton was there, he changed his mind! Another go figure!

I turned around again and took him back. This day turned into a lot of driving! Meanwhile, I was planning to help and my parent's house. That turned into dropping the kids off and having hubby meet me there. I cut a few tomatoes, cucumbers, and a pepper. I went back to get Dallas from the party. I think I was "helping" all of 10 minutes. Oh well. When I got back to get the kids, my parents were leaving. They were feeding about 100 people at the church - Dad's little hobby?

Over the weekend, we had regional conference. This was a great treat that we were able to go downtown to the conference center and see the prophet and other leaders of our church in person. Steve was privileged to go on Saturday morning, I went on Sunday morning and Stephen went with me. Steve, my darling hubby, tended the other kids. Saturdays have also turned into the major-try-to-catch-up-on-cleaning-the-house-day. This is great, since we have so much else going on during the week. Ugh.

Friday! Friday! FRIDAY!!!

2008-09-11T23:27:00.000-06:00

Yes, today, tomorrow, but really today by time this will probably be read, is FRIDAY! We have survived the week again. Friday night I have arranged a "girls night out" that means I get to have ice cream with a friend, no kids! My hubby will tend our kids, and her mom will tend her kids. Wow. That was easy. I should try that again in a few months.

On Monday Dallas was invited to a birthday party for a new friend at school. I asked him who he was, and he said, "Umm, well, he's in my class at school. I don't know what he looks like. How come my name isn't on the envelope?" And thus we are thrust into the all too humorous and all too dismal life of parties that invite the whole class. This party is tomorrow. Short notice, fine. This party is a costume party. Not so fine. When I called to find out more details on the event, I learned that like private schools, charter schools may have anyone attend from anywhere in the state. A bit of a drive, fine. As the week has progressed I tried to figure out weather or not Dallas really should go, if he really knew who this person was. He is so excited to be at this party it is almost hilarious. Not only is it a costume party, it is only for boys! No girls will be there at all, except for his mom. That is so AWESOME! (As Dallas says) This is quickly followed up with, "I hope Taden will be there." This is his new found "best" friend, not the birthday boy.

So, we have been talking about birthdays at our house and discovered that WOW the four will be turning 3 in a few weeks! Marek tore a paper cup apart and put the pieces on his head. He turned to Evan and said, "I's my birftay. Eban! Say happy birftay to me!" Way to cute!

In other thoughts, I love "oblivions." These are the people that are oblivious to their surroundings. Usually I really enjoy not being the center of attention everywhere I go. It makes me feel somewhat "normal". So, here's the story. We have been to Waterford for a little more than a week now. Granted we had a holiday in there and we didn't take all the kids in one day (see posting called late again) but we had been there. I dress my kids all matching, generally speaking, when we go out. It is easier to keep track of them, they are just so darn cute that way, and it cuts down on time to sort the laundry. So, when we have been there we were cute.

In addition to this possible obviousness, there is a boy going to the class that was in the same class with us last year. I chatted with his mom. She introduced me to a friend or two. We went through the whole "Wow! That's four? All at the same time? You must be busy! Did you have tons of help? How did it happen? Were you surprised?" The whole bit.

Fast forward to Wednesday. I am there with all the kids in their cute matching outfits. I sit on the floor and play with them. We read books, build with blocks and sort toys. They come to me and call me "Mommy". It is not really that big of a room. After a while my ear catches a conversation that included, "tree skirt" and "$5" followed by a store name. Since we do a tree for the festival, I go to the mothers and apologize for butting in and ask for clarification.

After we talk for a few minutes, the kids keep coming to me with a bumped head, stolen toy, whatever. All the sudden, one of the moms gets that shocked look on her face as she starts putting things together. "Do you have triplets? Are they twins?" I answer, "No, they are quadruplets." Her reply, "Oh! You should write a book!" Of course, the usual questions followed, including when do I get a break. I get to brag about how wonderful my husband is and tell them I am going to school. If they had a look of shock before, amplify it about one hundred times. When they ask what class I am taking, I list three, they are completely amazed. I tell them there is another one that I can't remember. Boy! I forget that we are so different. Yeah, I like oblivions. They make my life more fun.

Needless to say, I have seriously thought of writing that book, in my free time of course. :)

LATE AGAIN

2008-09-08T23:09:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed how when you are late for one thing it topples everything else off the schedule? We had that problem today. We couldn't find Stephen's lunch box this morning. Then my keys were lost. UGH! I finally remembered that we have an extra copy in the firebox. We were ten minutes late! This, in the minds of my little ones, is like an eternity late.

We were late to pick up our carpool friend, late to school (Dallas only, Stephen was on time), late to get Dallas from school (Waterford - computer class) late bringing our carpool friend home. (Luckily, his mom wasn't too worried) Everything was ten minutes late until we were taking Dallas to his other school. He was only two minutes late, and the teachers had not taken the class inside yet. This translated to "on time" for Dallas. Hallelujah!

I start for home and my phone rings. My mother is inquiring weather or not I remembered the family reunion tonight. Um, no. I didn't. What? Mom remembered something that I didn't? And I was the one sending out the reminder email last week? Yes.

From there we hurried home, made some cookies, scoured the house looking for the keys, almost on time to get Dallas home. I sat in the pick up line for almost 30 minutes, thinking I was on time, but he still says, "Mommy. I was the last one to go home again." Followed quickly, luckily for me, by, "But there were lots of kids missing today." From there we were late to get Stephen from school. He was happy though because he found his lunchbox! Yup. At school. No wonder I couldn't find it.

We were on time to the reunion though. We had a great time there! Everyone said our kids were so cute, even though I am sure most of them were really thinking something more like, "Man! Those kids are so grumpy and whinny! What spoiled brats!" I thought that a few times. We stayed way too late, of course. They were over tired, late all day, feeding off their mother's stress, etc. However, there were bubbles and more importantly DIRT! They did have fun.

Stephen's biggest problem was that other kids sat at the table that he wanted us to sit at, after I decided we were sitting somewhere else. Hmm... Maybe he should say the words ALOUD before he tells me he already told me. He was sweet and had set up some cups of water on a table and I didn't notice. The repercussions from this lasted around 45 minutes.

All in all, it was a wonderful day! My hubby is marvelous with the kids, and let me gab with family. My cookies turned out great. I completed a homework assignment for my cooking class, and I did not have to eat them all by myself, which of course I would have if they were in my house still. And, I found my keys. Oh, what was that? Where were they? In my purse.

Success??

2008-09-06T22:26:00.000-06:00

I am back. I will make this short though since there is another day waiting for me tomorrow. This morning my niece was baptized so we all got dressed up and went out for that. We stopped at a few ward sales along the way. I scored a bench seat for our deck, $10, and loads of blankets, a few leap pad books, and a little doodad for the Festival of Trees 2009. (Oh, we got our spot for this year - A9 in case anyone wants to check it out. Fund raiser for the Children's Hospital, hint hint and let me know if you are bored or lonely and want to help with the project this year. That sounded wrong. You can want to help even if you aren't bored or lonely, and I don't want any weird-o people following me around. I have enough of that already.)

We came home for a "quick" change of clothes and lunch, which actually took way too long! We didn't get back out again until almost three o'clock. The plan was for around one o'clock. We went to the state fair. The best part for me was watching the reactions of those around us. We are not very obvious anymore when we go out to busy places like that. We take one double stroller and two singles. Stephen is a great big brother and helps push one. With this arrangement, we are separated often. One time I was a little behind and the people going between us were laughing at. I was laughing at them. I wanted to shout, "Yup, that's my boy!" But they were having too much fun. Dallas was screaming about wanting to go home - RIGHT NOW! His feet hurt, etc, etc.... I guess it's funny to watch a small person with such a large vocabulary who knows how to use it. We stopped for dinner on the way to the Stake Anniversary Celebration. I decided to let Steve take the boys while I put the other kids to bed. Yeah, right. They could see the party from our windows (It was at the park behind our house. Dallas came home via over the fence.) They didn't want to go to bed. Lily kept carrying blankets to the window and calling for her brothers, "a bed! A bed! Teeben (means Stephen) Dallas! A BED!"

When I was attempting my earlier post, I was sitting on my new bench out on the deck, listening to the live band, wishing I could be down there dancing, but enjoying the distance. I was watching the kids go down the big blow up slides and bounce on the bouncers. The sun was barley glowing behind the mountain as it had just set. The breeze was cool and gentle. I was a great minute.

Now I am inside sitting on floor without a breeze, smelling old laundry and diapers. The music is gone. All I hear are a few cars going by on a road in the distance.

Anyway, Steve got a picture of Stephen doing an "air guitar" at the bottom of the slide. Our batteries are out on the camera now. Someone remind me to post the pictures! Also got a good one of the kids on a boat at the fair.

Sweet success...

2008-09-06T21:02:00.000-06:00

Okay, so today went kind of like this, with a lot of other kid interruptions in it. Wake up late (of course, by this I mean it was already 7 and the kids were out and about the house before me.) Late start to breakfast, meaning it ... oh this will have to wait longer. There are more kid interruptions.

Another day, another miracle or two.

2008-09-03T21:45:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of our new blinds! Just kidding. Sorry no time for taking pictures and waiting forever for them to download to the computer. I am sure there must be an easier way! We DO really have our blinds up though!

They only took three days, one new tool, and one persistent husband to get them up. Amazing! They are so beautiful I can't believe it took us so long to get them. Our home is much more cozy now. The kids have endless fun with the boxes. They are building a shed for Daddy, since it's so expensive to buy one. They are so thoughtful and smart! Yup, this idea came from Dallas.

We have had these other blinds over our sliding glass door up for about a month now. They are still ALL up! Another miracle, I know! We get so many miracles! The packaging they came with that is perfect for racing cars down, see previous post, is still entertaining the kids.

In other news, school is going well so far for the boys. They have not been late yet! Miracle number... um, I've lost count. But that is a big miracle! I was late to my class yesterday. Go figure. Taking all the kids, we are on time. Taking myself alone, I am late. hmmm.

I did manage to get a picture of the four today. They are having a big celebration in our stake for a 30 year anniversary something. Since we were a big service project they asked me to send a picture of our kids for display. Here is one of my attempts. They were getting pretty tired of me and although no one is really smiling, this actually has all four kids in the frame. Next time I will have a helper, like a professional or something. I ended up finding an older picture from before the kids were old enough to run away for the display. :)

Marek, Evan, Brenden, Lily

Who needs to buy a gift?

2008-08-25T13:49:00.000-06:00

Here are the kids playing nice together. Yes, ALL six kids are playing nice together!

Another miracle for our day! We got these blinds for the patio door put up a few weeks ago. The kids have not broken them yet! Miracle number two for the day. These car ramps are the packaging for the slats. They are perfect for cars! No expensive toys needed around here. (Miracle number three.) Although, I hear it is common during Christmas time for the kids to play more with boxes, I didn't think it went to these old ages. And here is another picture of the kids playing. Evan is on the chair, Marek is behind Stephen who is holding Dallas. It should be easy to know which one is Lily. Brenden can't be seen in this pic. Sorry.

And now, it's time to gather Dallas from his first day of kindergarten! He was more than happy to see me leave and be at school. We got a new backpack for him this morning. (He is in afternoon kindergarten)
We have a crazy schedule. I am not sure how it will work, but so far the kids are cooperating, and my mom was able to tend them this morning while I took Stephen and Dallas to their classes. So, here is what is in store for our future.

Daily, Stephen's school starts at 9am. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting in September Dallas has Waterford starting at 9 AM. We have a carpool set up that I think will work for those mornings. This research group has classes for one hour from September through April. Dallas was in the class last year and loved it. Then, Dallas has kindergarten from 11:30 to 2:35 every day. We get Stephen from school at 3:45. Some how dinner should get made and lunch should be eaten. Next week, my school starts! I will have classes starting at 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays!!! Wednesdays the boys will also have piano lessons, and there is scouts for Steve. If that wasn't enough, the kids have all decided they want to go on the potty. UGH! They just want a treat really, but whoever told them they could?!?!?! This of course takes TIME!!!!

It was super funny when Evan had his first "success" on the potty. I will have to write more about that later. Time for Dallas to be brought home. Why didn't I just put them in the same school and let them be "normal"? Oh yeah, they are not normal. Hmm.

I must be crazy! (miracle number four for the day?)

Me, Myself, and I

2008-08-20T07:29:00.000-06:00

Today Me, Myself, and I were able to enjoy a sunrise together with a cup of warm cocoa. (Note to self: 30 seconds in the microwave does not make it warm enough.) I was up "on time" which is before the chaos begins with everyone else being awake. I exercised, showered, dressed myself, and went to the deck with my cup. As a mother of five boys and one girl, the oldest almost 7, a 5 year old, and almost 3 year old quadruplets, I must say

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

And, it's all thanks to Dallas for being sick in the early morning. Of course, I was not able to get back to sleep so I was ready for the day today. Thanks Dallas! I tried to take a picture of what I saw, but I think I was a little late for the best part. I didn't think of it until after my cocoa was gone, but here it is. We have a great view from our deck!!!

In other news, today is the last day of free lunch at the park. I plan to be there early today and stay late. We have really, really enjoyed making new friends and playing there. I will miss visiting with adults on a regular basis, although, we have arranged a probable carpool or sorts with one family. There is potential for real talking still.

Let's not forget that I will also be starting my classes again in September! In these cases though, I tend not to talk about my life too much. It is generally a big distraction from the class topic.

Yesterday I completed a homework assignment that I started in March. HOORAY! Yes, it took me 5 months to do. Good thing it is a class over the internet and I have a year to finish the class! Yay me!

As for the kids and how they are doing? Dallas and Stephen are getting excited for school to start. The four have no idea what is about to happen to their "schedule". And, everyone is still asleep!

Good morning!

2008-08-15T22:32:00.001-06:00

Today I was so excited to have the blinds up in the front room windows! Thinking of the cut in cost for air conditioning tickled me pink. The late afternoon sun comes through the front room straight onto the thermometer. Now, our new blinds are not only light filtering, they are dark, heat absorbing, and light blocking. I could tell early in the morning what a difference it was going to make. Little did I know what would come to pass later on.

The kids found a new "light switch" that turns on the fireplace. Hmm. There go all the happy thoughts from this morning! The A/C did not get a break. Oh well. Brayten was here to be tended today. Marek learned many new things from him today, like that switch that he never noticed before and every one wants a turn on the potty. Talk about time requirements!!! Brayten is their cousin and basically the same age as our four. He is already potty trained.

Yes, I am completely crazy. I had five (5!) two, almost three year olds all day, starting at 5:30AM, until about 4:40-ish. We have fun though. We went to the park for lunch again. Stephen and Dallas are such good helpers! They really make my work lighter, even if I did push three kids in the stroller up hill on the way home.

I should be seeing these pounds come off more than they are....go figure. Maybe it's because I don't get enough sleep? Goodnight!

another little miracle

2008-08-13T22:32:00.000-06:00

Today we have blinds to hang in our windows!!! Finally, after nearly two years since the remodel we are going to hang blinds. Of course, this will take more than one day, maybe more than a week. Hopefully not longer than that! We have waited this long, what's one more day? ha ha ha! Our security system will be gone now though. Brandi was the first to term the sheets in the windows as our security system. You know, the rif raf that might want to break in and do some damage will see the sheets and think, "Hmmm... reminds me of home. They probably don't have anything here that I would like to take."

You might be wondering why we took so long to get something in our windows. Well, we wanted to paint before we hung them and time just didn't work well with us. Then, when we painted - silly me- I thought you just go get the blinds from the store and hang them. That is not how it works. You have to measure, in our case we had to special order, and then it takes weeks to actually get them! So, we have had nothing at all in some of the windows because we didn't want to make extra holes in our wonderfully painted walls. Of course, as time proves, cars being thrown, crayons with out paper, kids in general made plenty of their own holes and marks on my beautiful wall. I should have put the sheet back while we waited. Oh well.

Now Steve is out buying a drill from Wal-mart because we can't find our pieces in our garage, which has also suffered from the remodel procrastination.
We started to put them up with a normal, hand-held screwdriver. Yeah. He went to buy a drill.

In other news, I took a final today! Hooray! No more school.... for two weeks. We have decided to get the required on campus classes out of the way. This should get me back on track to complete everything in time to graduate in 2010. Nothing like good old procrastination everywhere I look! But, hey. My kids are happy and we have fun. So what if the laundry doesn't get done every day. We have clothes to wear, and we wash them when we run out of clean ones, usually.

Well, Steve's back with the drill. I better get back to work! I will post pictures of our blinds when they are up. :)

Chocolate days

2008-08-12T23:29:00.001-06:00

Here area few pictures of the kids and our activities.

A day at the parade. I wish I had better luck with this picture, or had more of them. The bright orange shirts say "E=mc2 I'm the smart one" I thought this was too funny since they are all the smart one. LOL!

Later that same day we went to a picnic at the church park. Brenden was able to reach the dessert table. I was worn out and chose not to argue or fight with the brilliant tike. His dinner therefore consisted of chocolate cookie, chocolate cookie, and chocolate cookie! He was offered other things, but who would choose anything else when there is a cookie within reach?!?!

Chocolate is as chocolate does!

Steve DID win the pie eating contest!!! Although the tough competition was mildly interested, Steve was very serious about winning. There was one man that Steve talked into playing and the rest of the eaters were young-uns, under the age of 12. BUT HE WON!!!

A day at the zoo was free courtesy of our friend's yearly pass having extra space for a few of us, and the fact that kids under three are free!!! Hooray for free!!! Hooray for generous, kind friends!!!

Here is Dallas feeding the geese at Liberty park. It was hilarious when he threw a piece of bread on the backside of one goose, causing his "bum to get bit".

Of course we spend time at the park on a regular basis. Here are the swings.Our sweet boys like to help each other. Aawwww! Right after Marek pushed Brenden for this picture, Brenden came back and knocked Marek over.
Aren't they just too cute for words?!?!

Summer stuff

2008-08-10T23:53:00.000-06:00

Wow! I can't believe how busy we have been lately. As I am studying for my finals this week I noticed we have a ton of pictures from this summer! We were going through some to send to Steve's mom for her birthday gift. There are over 500 that we took since I last posted!!! Needless to say, they will be posted, in part, this week! We have been to the zoo, a birthday party for a friend, the ward picnic/water party, we were in the parade, found a giant butterfly in our yard, played in the rain, played at the park, went to grandmas, Wheeler Farm, Westfest, aerospace museum, and the dinosaur museum. We forgot the camera for the dinosaurs though. We also saw the Riverton Days parade at Grandma Bell's. Whew!

This is the only picture I have of Lily with her hair actually "done". This is at Hunter Park near our home.
Here are the four on a ride at Westfest, with another boy we have no idea who is.
This is the butterfly that was in our front yard. We have had lots of new creatures in our yard including butterflies and hummingbirds.

Another funny thing; I noticed that all the outfits seem to be the same in all the pictures. I guess I wanted to be able to spot our lot easily in a crowd. I unknowingly dressed them in their brightest orange shirts each time we "went out". I knew I was dressing them bright, but I didn't realize it was the same bright shirts every time! Ha ha ha ha. I will have to label them well. This will be another day.

Until next time!

Parade Day!!!

2008-07-18T21:51:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow we will be walking in the youth parade for the Days of 47!! Whooohoo!! Again, what in the world am I thinking!!??!?!? We need to be there by 9am and the parade starts at 10. A whole hour waiting to walk for a mile or two??? (I don't really know how long the route actually is. That could be another issue....) Then there is a carnival - free - to thank the kids for their participation. They will have 50 cent hot dogs and cotton candy blah, blah, blah. We are excited, and I am tired thinking of it. After the carnival I plan to have a slow, possibly long drive home so they will rest before we go to the neighborhood BBQ/family night. They will be having three leg races, water balloon toss, and more fun, fun, fun! The part Steve is looking forward to most is the pie eating contest. Hopefully someone will get some pictures of us.

2008-07-03T23:57:00.001-06:00

Well, here's what's been happening here this week.

Steve, my darling husband, took the kids - all of them, by himself- to watch a parade that goes past my grandmother's house. I had school but class got out early. None of my family were there, other than grandma of course. She was so excited to see them she called earlier and asked if they were still coming. She made them dinner and Grandpa washed the driveway and the area of the road in front of their house.

We have painted and moved the big boys to a room in the basement. Tonight is their first night down there. They are excited and I am nervous. My babies are growing up.

Earlier today before it got too hot, the kids played in a little blow up pool the neighbors gave us. They filled it with dirt. We emptied the dirt and got new water. They filled it with dirt. We emptied it and refilled it again. And, then they filled it with dirt, shoes, and a winter sled that somehow is in our back yard. Then we sent them back in the house to watch a movie while we attempted to find the garden.

We had some success in weeding the garden, and found that most of the plants we planted were still there! We just couldn't see them under all those weeds! There are even a few tomatoes on the plants and some yellow squash. The ones that have died are cucumbers, melons, and a zucchini. I couldn't believe that a zucchini would die! But Steve reminded me, that is what will happen if your daughter plucks it out of the ground.

I have changed my school schedule around. I was going to have two classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. They canceled my second and I signed up for another. That one was also canceled since I was the only student that showed up. At this point I thought it must be a sign. I am not supposed to go to school so much right now. I went the the first week and was happy. Then I discovered that they would be charging me the part time student rates if I only took one class. This basically meant that I would be loosing about $200. I signed up for another class that was not canceled and have a ton to read to catch up for missing the first week. It is a wonderful class, though it is on Monday and Wednesday. Now I have class Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 5 pm till about 7:30. Not including drive time. My only solace is that it is a condensed summer session so I will only be gone for dinner and bedtime until August.

The only other news that I think could possibly excite anyone would be that Dallas has lost his first tooth! He was so incredibly thrilled that it came out! The new tooth is already coming in behind where the young tooth was. I almost got into big trouble because the tooth fairy forgot to come, but Stephen, that wonderful big brother, told Dallas that the tooth fairy couldn't see it because his tooth was on a cloud. His bedsheets have stars and clouds with moons on a blue background. Dallas moved the tooth to a darker part of the bed. Then we double checked to see if the tooth fairy came. I just couldn't believe she wouldn't come, and she had in fact came. :)

2008-05-30T21:56:00.001-06:00

Today a friend announced her toddler, younger than our kids, has been successfully potty trained, mostly. That seems so far away for me, especially since they flooded the bathroom twice yesterday. Today my watch and a comb were in the toilet, but not flooded. Hooray for small miracles! And, another good thing for today, my laundry stayed in the house instead of being strewn all over the back yard for who knows how many hours, after being flung from our bedroom deck. I just love that we have a park behind our house so the whole world can see our underwear and shoes! Who was the culprit? Lily of course, on all counts! Today she decided to fill the tub with our clothes, turn on the water and fill a cup which was then dumped onto the beds. Happy for me it was mostly on her own bed and she missed ours, getting the floor in our room instead. Lily also pulled some of our plants in the garden. The boys were very docile in comparison. Nothing really to report other than they are sick, once again.

But, the older boys were the ones that filled the sandwich bags with water and then put them into the drawers throughout the kitchen. What was I doing when this occurred? Thanking them for helping with the dishes, of course! No wonder they didn't tell me I was welcome.

Sorry I have no pictures of this for today. :)

Lily LOVES Dogs!!!!

2008-05-29T09:42:00.001-06:00

Ok, so we were at my sisters house awhile back, and Lily loves her dogs. Maggie (the dog) was shaking Lily's hand. Lily decided she needed to feed the dogs.

It was so cute watching her play with the dogs.

Cousin Meghan

2008-05-29T09:33:00.001-06:00

Last week Meghan Babysat the kids for me. It was quite an experience for her. She is always saying she wants to babysit, but then she realized it was harder than she thought. She still loves babysitting!The babies were tackling Meghan. It was hilarious to see.

2008-05-28T12:59:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken by my darling hubby - Steve, last night while I was at school. He is on a business trip today. This is a glimpse of our crazy life. Don't ask me why we keep adding more to do. It must be a requirement for having quadruplets that you are insane.

I have started some classes this Spring and Summer terms at the BYU Salt Lake Center. I attend every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 - 10 PM. A big rush right after Steve gets home form work at 4:30ish. ON Wednesdays, unless there is a trip in the way, Steve goes to scouts as he is the second counselor in the young men's presidency and over the boys that are 12-13 years old. He has planned some big trips for them. In a few weeks they will be going to Paria Canyon, a 50 miler backpacking trip. Every two weeks I have a "mini relief society class" that centers around cooking. This is in my home, I coordinate and remind people to come, teach or arrange for someone to teach it, and so forth. I am also attending a mini class about sewing. I have learned why nothing fits me since our first class was about measuring and fitting patterns. Somewhat depressing, but that must be why this class is only once a month.

Well, hooray for me I posted something.Now I am out of time and headed for Stephen's speech therapy class. Enjoy the pictures!
Stephen has started writing his name "Steve" on his schoolwork, but it is still hard for me to call him Steve. He does look like his father!

Here is Dallas doing what he does best: reading and being silly!
Scrubba dub dub! The kids in the tub, Marek, Evan, Lily, & Brenden