Fieldtrips and Ponderings

Sometimes I feel like most of my energy goes to Max. The other boys get the short end of the stick alot. Yesterday I had an opportunity to go on a fieldtrip with Ben. I think I've went on 90% of Alexander's fieldtrips but I'm sad to say I've never been on one of Ben's. For some reason it was important to Ben that I go on this one so I did. I really enjoyed it. The highlight for me was when Ben grabbed my hand as we were walking to see an exhibit. I almost teared up! He and I have been a little at odds lately. Something to do with him being incredibily stubborn. It was nice to be with him and just enjoy it. He would consistently look for me and mouth things to me. It was also fun to see him with his friends. They are such a great group of boys.

I had a friend tell me the key to having a good relationship with your teenager is to start earlier. I know Xander and I have a pretty good relationship but with Ben it's more difficult. He isn't as open and he's so sensitive (and I'll admit it - whiney). I'm going to make more of an effort to do things one on one with him. I get so caught up in everything I need to do for work, church, the kids school, Max, etc. that sometimes I let the important things slide.

More than anything in this world I want to be a good mother to my children. I want to be able to guide them, teach them, have fun with them, learn with them. I want them to know that they can trust me and come to me if they need anything. I just want to be the kind of mother they deserve.

Some of my favs...

Max has had it in this picture Max was upset he couldn't hold Evan

This boy has plans
This pic captures all of my boys personalities perfectly!

I love how Max is leading us

Look at that shiner!

Lady Killer

Watch out girls!

I could've posted atleast 10 more pictures I loved. There's a hilarious one where Max and Ian are having "words". I also decided against posting the one which will be our Christmas card (duh!) and the white trash Christmas ones because really - that's not very p.c. Kudos to Kim - if you even knew the mood Max was in...well the fact that she actually got him to look in the direction of the camera is a miracle.

P.S. Kim is for hire and she's cheap (in a good way)

P.P.S. Yeah, I know the rule about one post per day but I like to live dangerously.

My sister Kim is so talented in so many ways. Thank you so much for taking our family pics!

George is getting very upset...

Did any of you ever watch Seinfeld? You know the episode where George refers to himself in 3rd person. A little while ago I heard my sister Kim say, "George is getting very upset..." I knew exactly what she meant. So I borrowed the phrase from Kim (who really borrowed it from George). Funny, but it really puts things into perspective. Like when Ben broke one of my favorite snow globes on Sunday. Or when Max broke yet another ornament off the tree yesterday. If I say, "George is getting very upset..." it doesn't seem so bad. I also use it as a warning. If my kids are getting out of hand, I'll say it and they know that their mother has reached her limit. If they push me any further I might explode. And then they'll have to run for the hills or feel the wrath of my hot spewing lava all over their faces.

P.S. Tiffany - didn't we see the guy that plays George once? Wasn't it on one of those Mission Beach trips? Didn't Clay R get him on video? Am I insane? Maybe it's all of my anger building up...

Holiday Tradition #1

Thanksgiving weekend last year we went to Mattas and to see the Temple lights. In keeping with tradition, we decided to go again this year and the Ganems came with us. Things are always much more fun with the Ganems. We got to Mattas about 6:30 and had to wait for a table for about an hour. That's right. An hour. You do the math - 8 hungry kids and 4 grumpy adults. Have you ever been around Jason when he's hungry (just joking - Jason was actually very pleasant).

The kids were surprisingly well behaved once we sat down to eat. Christian kept asking what was for dessert - could we go to Dairy Queen? Even after he proclaimed he was "stuffed" he still asked to go to Dairy Queen. He must share Jason's philosophy about ice-cream (there is always room for it and the world would be a happier place if everyone was holding an ice cream cone).

After Mattas we headed over to the temple. We didn't stay very long as we are from Arizona and not used to anything below 60 degrees. The kids all got along well. The highlight was the manger with the baby Jesus in it. I think Max thought we were actually going to see a real baby in the manger - he was a little disappointed. It was a fun time and a great way to kick off the holiday season.

This Christmas

My aunt Laura posted a picture on her blog of me, my siblings and cousins as children getting ready to Christmas carol. It brought back so many good Christmas memories. Every year all the girls would fight over who would be Mary and apparently I won that year. What little girl doesn't want to be a mother? Especially to the baby Jesus! As a child Christmas seemed magical. I remember peeking down the hall where I could see the edge of our Christmas tree - hoping to see what Santa brought. I remember family parties, church parties, filling sack lunches for the poor. The smells of fresh pine or a crackling fire. I loved the music - Silent Night was and still is my favorite Christmas song. Watching "White Christmas" while wrapping presents. So why is it that I now dread Christmas?

I hate the thought of spending hard-earned money on some trivial gift. I hate asking my kids to make lists of what they want. I hate buying, buying, buying, but always feeling like I've never bought enough. I hate the thought of my husband working until 9:00 pm some nights. I hate that he will have to work Christmas Eve.

This year for Christmas I'm going to try and concentrate on what I love about this season. The baking, the lights, the decorating and especially remembering that for me, Christmas is about Jesus coming to this world. The most wonderful gift I could ever receive.

Thanks - Giving

Tricia's "rules"

Alright - here's my mandatory Thanksgiving post. In the morning Ian and Alexander played the annual game of flag football. Ben & Max went over to Jared & Tricia's while I took Evan and ran the Turkey Trot. I think I would've ran it in a reasonable time if it wasn't for the 2 flat tires on my jogging stroller :( I checked ahead of time and they were fine but when I got there they were flat as pancakes. I still wanted to run it because if I didn't then I wouldn't have an excuse for all of my gluttony later on....Anyhow, I ended up running it 10 minutes slower than usual but I think that was pretty good considering my knees were really bothering me by the end of the 3rd mile. It must've been from me leaning forward to push the unwilling stroller and consequently putting lots of pressure on my knees.

When I got home I felt like I was going to barf. Seriously - this stomach flu is getting old. I had to make mashed potatoes - I started but got too sick so Ian finished up for me. Ian also had to get the boys ready because I couldn't get it together. We went to Jared & Tricia's first. Ate a little bit there then headed over to Ian's parents where we ate ALOT. Especially Alexander. I don't know where he puts it all! Then we went back over to J &T's to watch to ASU game. It was a relaxing but exhausting day.

I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There's no pressure of perfect-gift giving - just getting together with family & friends, eating yummy food and counting your blessings. This year I find myself being most grateful for my family, my health (as I feel much better today) and disposable diapers.

The kind of pushing I like

Look at Evan - he's thinking, "Sheez, do I have to do all the work around here?" He pushed Ben around for a good 5-10 minutes. I couldn't believe he was that strong!

ERUPTION

There's two sides to every story...

I recently noticed, Sheri decided to mention me driving off and leaving her stranded as we took the family to church one Sunday. Hmm...Interesting that's all that was mentioned. Who knows how she got out of the car. It sounds like I may have pushed her out as we were travelling down Willis Rd. Or... I don't know, maybe a large predatory bird swooped in and snagged her. I like how it's just me driving off leaving the wife in the dust. Now I will give you a more complete version. It just so happened that the day before a kid on a scooter was hit by a car. This was on Willis road near the Cornerstone church. I have always noticed on Sundays that many officers help with the traffic around this church. This intersection was going to be so filled with cops, that you might think that a Krispy Kreme Donut shop was having a grand opening. So Sheri decides to drive her normal speed (60 m.p.h.) heading west on Willis towards Alma School. It is actually posted SPEED LIMIT 35 all down the road; so I calmly say "you might want to slow down, sweetie." No joke! Ask her if that is what I said, and how it was softly spoken. She then slams on the brakes and fish tails in the dirt on the right side of the road and says "That's it! I'm done!!! YOU DRIVE!!!!! She then gets out of the drivers side and walks around to the back of the Sienna-AKA loser cruiser. I think this is a perfect time to do what she asked of me, so I drive...OFF. Folks, let me tell you that this was one of the worst decisions I have ever made. I learned that each one of my kids not only loves MOM more; but, they have learned quite a few choice words in their short little life spans. It was the loudest eruption of DAD slander I have ever heard. It all meshed together violently with even EVAN joining in shrieks of pain. YOU..kill!!!..Stooooopid..HATE.no!.WHY?..Freakin!.don't leave.JERK..please..Idiot!!..POLICE..argh..MOM...noooooOOOO! Yeah, something to that effect. My little science experiment of driving off and teaching Sheri a lesson did not work. Oh yes... the volcano did blow up, just all over me. I did pull into the Cornerstone parking lot to turn around, and when I came out to pick up Sheri on the side of the road there was a police car directly behind me. I know he was set up for a speed trap off of Willis and we would have been snagged, so this was one lesson that could have been costly. And we did make up with each other before we got to church. I told the kids it was a stupid joke, and that I would never leave momma. We eventually laughed at it and I again told them that I was very Sorry. In our household sorry means you'll never do it again. At least, that's what we always say.

Cutest pics EVER!

If you want to see the cutest pics EVER of Tiffany's family - go to my friend Jill's (from waaaayyyy back) photo blog. I love that the pics don't look staged - ADORABLE! Here's the link: http://littlejillsmemoir.blogspot.com/

P.S. The post is titled: Back Alley

In sickness and in health...

Yesterday stunk. Literally with the smell of puke. Ian had a migraine in the morning so he stayed home from church. When I got home I was a little nauseous. The stuffed crust pizza I ate didn't help. I promptly threw that up. Let me just say that I am hardly ever sick and I am NEVER so sick that I can't function. Except yesterday. My stomach burned and I spent most of the day praying to the porcelain god (translation: throwing up in the toilet). Therefore Ian had to take care of the kids. It is common knowledge around the house that I am the most loved person (really - ask anyone). This was confirmed a few weeks ago as we were riding to church and Ian and I got into a little argument so I got out of the car and Ian drove off (o.k. pleeez - you know you all fight with your husbands). While he was driving off the kids berated him so much that he said he felt about the size of a pea. He turned around, picked me up and said, "It's official - the kids love you best." But I digress....

So I was extremely sick yesterday and Ian had to deal with the kids (who still came in every few minutes to ask me for something). Every once in a while I would call Xander into the bedroom and give him a list of things to tell Ian - you know: feed the baby, tell Ben to finish his homework, etc. I can hear Ian barking out orders and becoming more and more frustrated...I can hear Evan crying for me so after the 7th time throwing up I attempt to come out and help. I give Evan a bath and get him ready for bed but then I feel another wave of nausea about to hit and book it for the bathroom. Meanwhile Ian sniffed freedom and went out back to lift weights. Evan is screaming because I abandoned him suddenly. I pull myself off the bathroom floor and hobble over to the sink to make him a bottle. I can see Ian through the windows. I give him the dirtiest look I can muster (which really wasn't very nice considering everything he had been doing all day) and head into the bedroom to feed Evan a bottle and then promptly rush back into the bathroom to throw up again. By the time I get out Ian has Evan asleep.

My point is that I married a great guy. Not only did he take care of the kids, but he tried to keep them away from me. He also brought me a bowl to throw up in so I wouldn't have to keep running for the bathroom and got me a glass of Sprite (even though I threw that up too - it's the thought that counts). He rubbed my feet and back too. Yup, definitely a keeper!

Chew Toys

Our computer desk has extremely sharp corners so Ian, in an effort to protect Evan from continuously running into the sides, McGyvered the corners with paper towels covered in electrical tape. Perfect baby-proofing! Except that Evan loooooves to chew on them. He'd chew on one then say "what's that?" and move to the next one to chew on it. He meandered back and forth for atleast 5 minutes.

Bad News is Good News

So apparently I jumped the gun. Laura says the article saying Elmers is closing is a hoax. I took the Elmers post off the blog (so as not to alarm other unsuspecting people). I will further investigate and get back to you. Sheez, I'd never make it as a newscaster.

I enrolled Max in "Apples to Zebras" through the city. I thought it would be good for him to attend pre-school before he went to kindergarten (he's pretty darn smart but lacks social skills). Yesterday he "graduated". It made me remember when Ben graduated from pre-school and he had to wear a pink octopus hat (don't even ask) and couldn't say his part because he was laughing hysterically. Max had to wear the pumpkin hat but he didn't laugh - he actually looked pretty peeved about it. But he did it. When the kids came out Max looked pretty sad. I knew that he couldn't see us and that he probably thought I left (he has separation anxiety). I had Ben go up in front and get his attention. After Max saw that we were still there he was grinning from ear to ear. He sang all of the songs, although he didn't hold the girl's hand when he was supposed to, he still participated more than I thought he would. I was sad my mom and Kim missed it - I know they would've loved it as much as I did. The graduation was short and sweet. It was nice for Max to get a moment in the sun, sort of speak.

Lovin' It

Today I am loving:

1. Chocolate Chips

2. Diet Dr. Pepper or if I'm getting really crazy - regular Dr. Pepper

3. Tiffany (such a lifesaver)

4. My car

5. Overcast skies

6. Baseball - GO A's!

7. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

8. My swivel sweeper

9. Tracy (my lifesaver #2)

Conner

Max's eye looks a little funky in this photo. Oh well. This is Max and Conner. Conner has a pink shirt and is supposed to be a girl (I think) but Max quickly stripped Conner of all clothes and decided she was a he. Before Max was born Ian really wanted to name him a Scottish name. Ian wanted the name Conner and I wanted Ethan. My mom came up with Maxwell Fraser (which is her maiden name and my mil's maiden name). It's Scottish and Ian loved it. I tell Max this story alot so I think that's where Max got the name Conner from. Anyway, Max found this baby at my mom's and has been taking care of it all day. I had to set him straight when he tried to nurse the baby, but other than that he's a pretty good dad. He's changed Conner's diaper, swang him on the swings, fed him and cuddled him. It's been great entertainment for me all day :) Uh, oh Conner just hit Evan so he has to go in "time out".

Big kid in little shirt

Because heaven forbid Evan should have anything that Max doesn't.

Are you INSANE?

A few different parents asked me that when I sent out an e-mail to some of Alexander's friends inviting them over for some lunch and football today. Since the boys didn't have school I knew I wouldn't be able to get much done anyway. I've let Ben have group playdates before but never Alexander. It was actually alot of fun - for me and for the boys. They kept the arguing down to a minimum (this was largely due to the fact that they decided not to keep score) and had a blast tossing the pigskin around. Thomas & Brandon were here early so they helped Xander with a science experiment for school. The boys had fun making "goop" or whatever it's called. The rest of the boys got here about 11:30. We had pizza and then went out to the middle grassy area to play some flag football. I am soooo grateful to Elliot (Brandon's dad) for lending us the flags & cones - Ian had me ask if we could also borrow them for Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving and Elliot graciously agreed :). The boys worked up a sweat and then ate some cookies & rice krispie treats (thanks Mitch!). It went so well I might just let him do it again..

Everyone was really nice and let Max play for a little while. What a great group of boys! I know I've said it before but my boys are so lucky to have such great friends.

No Fear

Who's going to visit me when I have my heart attack? SERIOUSLY!!!

Lambson Lodge

My mom really needed to go to Vernon last week and I decided at the last minute to go with her. I just didn't like the thought of her driving there and back in one day by herself. So I took the kids out of school for the day - I know! I'm crazy - I NEVER let my kids miss school unless they are dying. It was so fun seeing the cabin. I am beyond excited for it to be done. There are 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. I am already making lots of plans for trips up there.... Here is a picture of one of the inside doors. Beautiful!

Grandpa & Ben on the balcony of the room that will be ours :)

My dad has and is working so hard to get it done! My mom hopes it will be done by Christmas.

Happy Birthday!

Last night we had a little celebration for Evan's first birthday. I made cupcakes and the boys and Ian decorated the house. Kim came early (thank goodness) and helped me frost the cake and cupcakes. Evan was really cute. He liked playing with the cake more than eating it. Ian finally took the cake away when Evan started flinging pieces on the floor. Max opened all of Evan's presents for him. Evan received: a vacuum, a shopping cart, a Mater truck, church shoes and vest, a steering wheel toy, a ball toy with a hammer (those were all from grandma & grandpa!)an ASU shirt from Kim (go Sun Devils!), a shark & fish bath toys from the Cazares' (which he played with that night) and blocks from us. He also got a card with $ from my grandma. Anyway, I think Max & Ben like Evan's toys more than he does :). We all had a great time!