Vacation from a vacation?

Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after a vacation? You know, with the kids and everything, you get so worn out that it didn't really FEEL like a vacation, so you get home, and wish you could take another vacation to recover from that "vacation" you just took? Did that make any sense?

Well, last week the boys and I headed down to San Clemente for some fun times with my mom, my sister and her kids and my brother & sis-in-law and their kids. Brad stayed home to work, and so I was on my own (relatively speaking - my mom and sister were big helps!) for 4 days.

We had a blast at the beach and I loved having my kids there to bond with their cousins -- fun times with my cousins are some of my favorite memories!

But, the yucky 24-hr stomach bug was circulating and I thought we were going to make it out unscathed, but no, it got us. First it was Drew...he puked twice and had some pretty nasty diapers, but was overall a pretty happy kid. When it came time for us to pack up and go home, I was actually feeling hopeful that he would be the only one who got sick. Nope.

We got home sat. afternoon and about an hour or so after we got home, Jakob puked. AHHHH! Then I knew there was no hope. We had carried the bug home with us. Saturday night I started not feeling so hot, so I went to bed quite early, but spent most of the night in the bathroom puking or...well, you know. I think I got it the worst. Needless to say, we all stayed home from church (well, Brad made it to sacrament mtg.) and I stayed in my pajamas all day and felt, well, pretty gosh darn crappy.

It wasn't until about 9pm last night that I really started feeling a little better...and that's when Brad said he wasn't feeling very good. COME ON!

So...I was prepared for another bad night, with Brad being sick and possibly Joshy since he was the only one who hadn't been sick yet. But thankfully there were some angels up above watching over us as we slept, and I woke up feeling about 88% better. :) I actually had an appetite! Brad slept in all morning, and thankfully felt better as well...

So far, Joshy has been the only lucky one. But I feel like it could pounce at any time..so I don't feel totally reassured that he's safe.

And that folks, is why I feel I need a vacation, from that vacation.

pictures coming soon...NOT of us being sick...but of fun times in San Clemente!

Thanks Grama!

When we were up in Utah, Brad's mom gave us a few costumes that her boys used to wear...and today, Jakob came down wearing the cowboy shirt and vest. So of course the playful side of me kicked in and we embellished it with his sherriff's badge and his cowboy hat that he got from my Grampa Roy. Then he said he wanted to be a bandit...that is SO like him...and well, I just happened to have a black bandana...so we tied it on and he grabbed one of the VERY few toy guns that we own, and he became a full fledged BANDITO! I thought it was very ironic that he was wearing a sherriff's badge, but was also a bandit...and so I loved this picture and it just needed to be turned into a WANTED poster...

I took a few pics of Joshy in the basball player outfit (which I believe is about 50 years old!) and some of those turned out really cute too...but there's not time right now for that...so stay tuned!

Comments...

I guess I changed my settings for comments, and it wasn't leaving a link for anyone to actually leave a comment. A friend of mine just commented on my Good Grub blog because she couldn't leave one here! Sheesh! Sorry about that...IF any of you out there were trying to leave a comment. ;) Now, you should be able to.

p.s. I love comments...even just a "hi" so I know who is actually reading my blog!

Now all I need is a BIKE!

We recently downsized to one car to save money...and I for one would actually love to be riding a bike most places (if I had one, AND a trailer for my kids!) and have even suggested that Brad start riding to work (he works locally) and he just laughed at me...sorry honey, but you did! -- and was talking to a friend about this a few weeks ago. She mentioned that there were quite a few people from my old ward who were doing just that...riding their bikes even to church! I thought that was so cool!

Later that week, as I was driving, I passed two people on bikes with flags sticking up off the back that read "Old School Fuel" -- I was thinking to myself, "That is SO cool!" and laughing at the same time - and since I passed them going the opposite direction, I didn't really get a good look at who they were.

Well, yesterday at the park, my friend's neighbor showed up on her bike with her two boys, and said that since they saw my friend walking with her kids, that they felt like riding instead of driving. So I mentioned to them that I had seen some people with these cool flags, and they just laughed and said, "That's the "M" family!" (I don't want to put their name on here just in case they aren't cool with that.) So...tonight I got an email from my friend (from the "M" family) with a link to their website and blog...check it out here!

Anybody know where I can get a cheap but reliable bike & trailer? Oh yeah, and my 5-yr-old would love to upgrade from his big wheel to a two wheeler...so if anyone has an old beater that he can learn on, we'd be really grateful!

Me from A to Z

A- Attached or single: yeah, he's pretty much my soul mate, so I'd say we're attached!
B- Best Friend: Tori
C-Cake or Pie: um, can I have both?? chocolate cake from Maggiano's and Blueberry Sour Cream Pie from Marie Callender's
D-Day: Saturday (it's a special day...it's the day we get ready for...SUNDAY!)
E- Essential Item: chapstick or lipgloss
F-Favorite Color: baby blue, bright grass green and red (but not all together)
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: worms definitely - especially when you take them to the beach, and they get really soft and just dissolve in your mouth -- but not after the kids have stuck their grubby, sandy hands in the bag. melty, sandy gummy worms are not good.
H-Home town: Spring, TX
I-Indulgences: chocolate, chocolate, ANY kind of chocolate! oh, and COKE with lemons!
J- January or July?: July baby!
K-Kids: 3 Boys - Jakob, Joshy and Drew
L-Life is incomplete without: LOVE, LAUGHTER and SILLINESS!
M- Marriage Date: December 29, 2001
N-Number of Siblings: 2 sisters, 3 brothers
O- Oranges or Apples: Gala Apples
P- Phobias or Fears: Spiders and that something terrible will happen to my kids
Q- Quote: "It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice."
R- Reason To Smile: my kids...they may drive me crazy some times, but I LOVE 'EM!
S- Season: Fall - i love it when it's sunny but crisp outside!
T- Tag Four: Kristen, Sara M., Sara C., and Carrie
U- Unknown fact about me: I do a fabulous Mitch Gaylord impersonation (well, according to my sister!)
V- Very Favorite Store: I don't have one...so I guess I'll say Target
W- Worst Habit: procrastinating - I SUCK at planning ahead!
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: I have had both multiple times in my life - and I've been in pain with both of them, so unless it's to look at a baby, then I don't want either!!!!
Y-Your favorite food: Waldorf Salad from CPK, DC Chicken Sandwich from Corner Bakery - and their Tomato Basil soup - DELISH!
Z: Zodiac Sign: Aries - oh yeah, WATCH OUT!

Sweet Land of Liberty

Listen

By Teresa Bateman

Listen -

Can you hear it?

That soft whisper in the trees?

The sound of honest cotton

Reaching out to catch the breeze?

Unfurling in the gentle winds

Red, White, and Blue it flies -

The flag of our great nation

Standing crisp in freedom's skies.

Listen -

Can't you hear it?

That soft flutter in the wind?

A touch of martial music,

A soft-sung, distant hymn?

The weeping of a war bride,

a wounded soldier's moan,

The sound of distant cannon,

A bugle's lonely tone.

Listen -

Can't you hear them?

Those who struggled valiantly

Through years of war and hardship

that their children might be free?

The winds of change are blowing.

Can we stand before the test?

Have you noticed it's the strongest winds

that make the flag show best?

Listen -

Can't you hear it?

That soft whisper in the trees?

The sound of honest cotton

reaching out to catch the breeze.

Unfurling in the gentle wind,

Red, White, and Blue it flies -

The flag of our great nation

Standing crisp in freedom's skies.

Remember what it represents -

The cost behind the vision.

Look up -

Can't you see the way it beckons to you?

Listen.

Can you tell what this picture is? Yes, it is an army tank. And on it is written the title of liberty. This picture is on the back cover of a book called "Faith in the Service" by Chad Hawkins. It is filled with short, inspirational stories about those serving in Afghanistan, and even some in Iraq. Brad and I have both really enjoyed reading it - and most of the stories give you chills and even bring tears to your eyes. It has really made the war more personal to me, by being able to read such personal stories. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone! (If you're local, I will totally let you borrow it!)


Last week during our combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting, a brother in our ward was talking about what he thought patriotism was. He pretty much defined it by the Title of Liberty. I really liked that thought, and it has stuck with me all week. It inspired and buoyed up Captain Moroni's army, and it can do the same now - whether we are actually serving in the military or not. We should live our lives that way. With honor and dignity. We shouldn't be afraid to stand up for what we know is right - especially as parents. We do our children a disservice when we are lazy, irresponsible and cowardly. For the next generation, we must fight for what we believe in, or what those before us fought so hard for, will have been in vain.


I'm not going to get all political on here...but I will say that I believe it is important for us all to become educated in what is happening in this country, so that we can vote accordingly. The power of democracy comes from the people, and if you aren't aware of what is going on, how can you vote? And if you don't vote, you're basically forfeiting your power! So, I for one am going to learn as much as I can so I can prepare for the upcoming election. I hope you'll do the same.


On a lighter note (sorry I got all serious for a moment...) I was reminiscing about my favorite 4 of July memories...


In Colorado, our ward would do a pancake breakfast...and I know I looked forward to that every year! Then our neighbors would all get together to do fireworks...it was always chaotic but so much fun! I remember once being chased (or so I thought) by one of those crazy Flowers - you know, the ones that buzz and kind of jump all over the ground? Yeah, it was quite frightening!


In Texas, we decorated our bikes and did a little parade in the church parking lot...kind of cheesy, but actually really fun!


A lot of my summers were spent with my grandparents in San Clemente, and I always loved watching the fireworks from their balcony...


Most of all, I think the thing I remember the most, is just spending time together as a family. So, I'm looking forward to having Brad home from work, and doing some fun stuff together.


Tonight when I was tucking the boys in, we sang some patriotic songs (which Jakob learned at school), and it's pretty hilarious hearing Joshy sing along to "You're A Grand Old Flag" -- maybe tomorrow I can catch it on video. I know they have no idea how blessed they are to live here, but I hope to be able to teach them to always be grateful and not to take it for granted.


I hope you all have a wonderful 4th -- be safe and have fun!

8 Months Old Already!

I can hardly believe how fast time has gone by. Some people have said, "It's because he's such a good baby..." and well, yeah, that's part of it I'm sure...but it's also because he's #3 and life is just busier and seems to go by in a blur sometimes!

Drew is such a happy kid...a little fussy due to teething, but other than that he's usually mellow and such a sweetie! He is such a good sleeper - THANK GOODNESS - and I hope it stays that way! He's actually our first baby that has slept in his crib the longest. Jakob and Joshy were total swing babies. They just didn't seem to want to lay down flat in a crib -- Jakob until he was about 5 months old I think, and Joshy, until about 8-9 months. (SHEESH!)

I think I wrote that he started crawling on Father's Day...well by the end of that week, he was trying to pull himself up on things...the couch, his crib, the pack 'n play, etc. Ever since he figured out he could move around, he has been on the go and I can see trouble brewing in his eyes! Maybe he won't stay so mellow after all? We'll see. I took a few pics of him today trying to reach some toys on the train table...and then chewing on a bubble blower that he spotted and crawled to...he was a man on a mission! It's so cute to see him growing and developing and I love to hear him babbling, "Ma ma ma ma ma..." Yep, the first one to say "mama" first. The other boys said "dada" first. He's 100% Mama's boy! :)

Be Of Good Cheer

Lately I've been thinking about how it really is my choice to be happy. Yes, circumstances can affect my attitude, therefore making me unhappy, but ultimately, it is MY CHOICE to be happy.

As a mother of 3 energetic boys, I sometimes find myself feeling pushed beyond my limits of patience, hope, and my own energy. I often find that when I step back for a moment (in my mind) and think that, "This isn't really that important to freak out about..." then I am able to stay calm, and usually results in everyone being happy.

We've all heard that "the mother sets the tone for the family." Well, I know that is so true...and at times feel like that is a big burden for me to bear because I am not always happy! But I've seen things run more smoothly at home when I am feeling happy, optimistic and hopeful. Even when other things are crappy, if I choose to overcome those angry feelings or depressed feelings, then things always seem to work out. I know that goes hand in hand with just having the simple faith that the Lord will stand by us as he promised:

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you;" (D&C 68:5)

This promise is made many times throughout the scriptures, and we all know that we learn by repetition. So at this time in my life, I guess I'm supposed to be re-learning how to choose to be happy. Of course I know it isn't merely a mental choice that will make me happy, it's physically doing those things that are in accordance to God's will that will ultimately bring me the happiness that I seek.

I googled "be of good cheer" and found a blogger who actually posted something that I found quite interesting. Here is part of what he said:

"The idea of “good cheer” is derived from the Greek word tharsei, and the meaning of “cheer” is very different from what we associated today with that word. Tharsei meant “to dare to be bold,” “to take courage,” “to replace fear with hope.” The word tharsei is so old, it can even be seen in Homer’s Odyssey.

With all the crap going on in the world right now, and with the knowledge that it will continue to get worse until the Savior comes again, thinking of "good cheer" as was described above definitely helps me see why the phrase "be of good cheer" was used so many times in the scriptures.

For me personally, the most important reason to be of good cheer is for the benefit of my family. Because I love them and want them to be happy also, I must first be happy myself.

Father's Day

I have always had grand ideas/high hopes/big expectations/or whatever you want to call it -- and because that is part of my type-A personality, I tend to get frustrated easily when things aren't quite going the way I envisioned them... Well, after attempting to get some pics of the boys as a possible Father's Day gift for Brad, I seriously almost blew a gasket. (Look at Drew in the last one, and that's pretty much a mirror image of me "throwing my hands up" and giving up) But...in all honesty, this kind of captures their true essence:

Jakob PROMISED me that next time we take pictures, he will smile and look at the camera... Joshy on the other hand, couldn't care less. In fact he was kind of dazed throughout most of this. Drew...well, he's just a little bundle of joy!! He is easy, he just sits there! (Well actually, he just crawled for the first time at church yesterday!!!!!!!!!!)

So, for Father's Day, we had a yummy breakfast, with french toast (made with that delish cinnamon swirl bread from Costco), bacon, cantaloupe and OJ. Brad got to sleep in until almost 9am -- so I hope he enjoyed his relaxing morning. Jakob was so excited to give him his gift that he made at school. It's a frame made with popcicle sticks and seashells, with his picture in it. So cute! I gave Brad the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt DVD along with some hand weights. He's been saying he's wanted the weights for a while now, and when I saw the DVD I thought it would complete the gift perfectly! I can't wait to work out together! (For any of you in FV3, we will be competing in next year's Triathalon!) :)

After church we had some delicious dinner made by me -- ha ha -- nothing special, really. But then I had fun putting together a fruit pizza -- and even cut the strawberry in the middle into a heart shape. (Brad didn't notice...he just ate it!) So, we tried to get a few pics of the big boys with Daddy...and here's what we got:

It was a busy, but fun weekend. My brother and sister-in-law (Matt & Sheri) came in town and were staying with us. It was cool to get to spend more time with Sheri again...that chick rocks! I'm so glad she's part of the family. Brad got to go golfing with his brothers, and I know that was really fun for him. If you know the Hansons, then you know they love to play games...so we stayed up late every night playing games, and Todd even brought over his Wii -- Mario Kart Rules!! Anyway...I am pooped. I went to bed at 2am last night (this morning?) and it is seriously taking it's toll right now! But I really wanted to get some stuff posted about my honey...the daddy of my boys...and love of my life.

We all love you so much...and are so blessed to have you!!!

J is for Joshy

Joshy is an especially funny boy. He is SO enthusiastic about things and gets so excited when he talks, which usually means he talks very loudly! I know it sometimes makes people a little uncomfortable, or annoyed even, and so I've kind of gotten into the habit of sssshhing him and asking him to talk quietly please. When this happens, he usually replies with a whisper, "Who's sleeping?" :)

I love how cuddly he is, and always has been...I know there will be a time when he outgrows it, and will no longer want me to lay next to him (on his tiny toddler bed) and run my fingers through his hair. I know there will be a time when he no longer comes down in the middle of the night, or very, very early in the morning and stands next to my bed saying, "Scoooooot. Mom, scoooot!" He likes to snuggle and loves to wrap his arms around my neck while we're laying down (as if I could ever fall asleep like that!) -- and sometimes just grabs my face with both hands, squeezing my cheeks.

I hope I never forget how sweet his little face looks when he catches me smiling at him - and he shyly giggles and turns away...only to peek back at me a second later to see if I'm still smiling. I love how blue his eyes are with long black eyelashes.

I love how ever since I told him I wasn't a piggy (when he asked for a "piggy back ride") that he asks for "mommy back rides" -- usually at bedtime when his legs supposedly don't work anymore and he can't walk up the stairs.

This little ball of energy running, jumping, climbing - and everything in between - all around my house, is such a sweet little boy. I look forward (with a bit of sadness) to see what an incredible man he will grow into.

This morning, after my walk, we went to the park and went on the swings together. He just squealed with glee whenever our swings were in sync...eyes squinting, nose scrunched up, head thrown back, laughing. I was wishing I had my camera...but memory of that moment will suffice.

I love spending one on one time with each of my boys...I love to smother them with kisses and hugs and make them laugh and be silly. I hope and pray that they will always remember those fun special times that we have together...and know most importantly that I will love them always.