A Little Peek

Sometimes I wish I were a fly on the wall in someone else's home. I'm always wondering if my family is normal or if we are a little abnormal? I thought I'd blog a little peek into what life was like at the Trezise household tonight. We didn't have dinner until after 7 because Xander & Ben had scouts until then. Ian helped me cook and we made omelets, bacon and cinnamon toast. It's a meal that everyone will eat and in my house that is HUGE! After dinner I gave Evan a bath and then got him dressed for bed. I played with him a little then ran around cleaning the kitchen, sorting laundry, etc. I start to wonder where my shadow (Evan) is. I call his name. Usually that's all it takes and then I hear his little feet running toward me. Nothing. I find him in one of his favorite haunts - the master bathroom walk-in shower. He is crouched in the floor, sopping wet (Ian had taken a shower after work), chewing on a wet wash cloth. I wish I had my camera. His face was hilarious - it looked like he was thinking, "Stupid! She found me..."

Ian gets Evan ready for bed for the second time and I put him in his crib. Since it's Wednesday, it's one of Ian's work-out nights and he needs to leave soon. I get the kids together so we can do scripture study. We all take turns reading - when it's Max's turn I whisper the words to him so he can say them. Ben is naturally the slowest reader and he always seems to get the longest verses. This drives Ian and Alexander a little crazy, but I can see a real improvement in Ben's reading since we've started. After scriptures we kneel for prayer and here's where it becomes interesting. Ian leans forward to say something to Ben, Max simultanously jumps on Ian's back and throws his hands over Ian's eyes. Ian then acts like he grabs Max's beating heart out of his chest, holds it in the air and then shoves it back in Max's chest, stitches him up and then uses the paddles on him to revive him. The boys are laughing hysterically at this point. After a few more shenanigans, they finally calm down for prayer.

Now Ian is gone and the boys (except for my other shadow -Max) are in bed. I look forward to this time with Max - he says the best things. He just told me that polar bears dig holes to sleep in when they are tired. I wonder if it's true.

6 inconsequential things

Jenifer tagged me. Normally I try to ignore "tags" but I kind of liked this one...I'm not going to do it right so technically I am ignoring part of the tag, which keeps in line with my way of thinking. Truly a dizzing intellect...

1. I am a bit O.C.D. I get if from my mother (hello - stalking Jaclyn Smith). Years ago I was obsessed with an English woman in one of my wards at church. I think I drove Tiffany and Ian crazy talking about how cool this woman dressed and how much I loved her accent. It was a bit of a let down when I finally met her. I randomly become obsessed with something but it eventually wears off. I am right now coming of a Zuma high.

2. I love flip-flops. What can I say? I have these big sausage feet that don't enjoy being confined to shoes of any sort. I'm o.k. with running shoes but nothing can come between me and my flip flops.

3. I HATE surprises. I don't know what it is I just hate being surprised. Even if it is a good surprise. I like knowing things, preparing for things. I don't even like presents - they stress me out. What if I don't like the present? I've never had a good poker face.

4. I have a hard time sitting still. It's hard for me to sit down and watch a t.v. show or a movie. This drives Ian crazy. I feel like there is always something else I should be working on or doing. I do like actually going to the movies though.

5. I hate my hair & fingernails. I can never grow either of them to the length I would like. It annoys me.

6. I love music. I love most all kinds of music. The other day I was driving my mom's car and the music from The Phantom of the Opera (the movie) came on. It made me sooo happy. Ben, Max and I sung "Wishing You Were Here Again" at the top of our lungs.

I choose to tag: Michelle, Becca, Teresa, Tina and Laura. Please blog 6 random things about yourself...I look forward to learning more about you.

Oh yeah, and whoever can tell me the title of the movie and the line that I quoted - I will make you cookies or brownies (your choice :))

J

This is one of the smartest, coolest, talentest (is that a word?) kids around. He also happens to be a little bit stubborn but that's beside the point. He is my nephew and I've had the joy of watching him grow up (he'll be 16 in July). Ever since he was little I've had a soft spot for him. By the time he was 2 he could speak clearly and use a computer. When he was 3 I told him that I knew everything so he would call me with random questions like, "Where is my Star Wars toy?" to which I would answer "Grandma's backyard" and usually he'd find it there later.

Jared is also one of my kids' favorite babysitters (Adam being the other favorite :) He makes them popcorn, lets them watch movies and talks to them like they are his age (which makes them feel soooo coool). I pick him up from school 3 days a week and love riding with him in the car and getting a heads up on cool new bands (although I am still trying to squish his love for "hair" bands). I have also been begging J to teach Alexander to play the guitar. Hopefully he can put his expertise to good use.

I know his parents have been hounding him to cut his hair...I think if that's the worst thing they have to go through with him then they should count their lucky stars! YOU ROCK J!

On another totally unrelated note...Evan just saw a picture of Max and said "Mac!". It was the cutest stinkin' thing.

The Upside

I still have the big stressful situation in my life but I am trying to be a glass half full kind of gal. So here is my postive spin on the week:

Evan broke my flat iron - but I got it for free from Tiffany and I hear curly, frizzy, unmanageable hair is in...er....right?

Max screamed at me in the Target parking lot and some guy across the way screamed, "Stop yelling!" really loud and that shut Max right up.

Alexander was grounded quite a bit this week but I got to have some great conversations with him as a result. And he met the neighbor kids and they all played wiffle ball out in front.

Ben refused to do his homework, so while he was grounded to the house he cleaned his room and kept Max occupied.

Cold Stone has dark chocolate ice-cream - Jill treated me this week :)

Alexander needed to do a "Survival Math" assignment for school so my parents took us out to Olive Garden for dinner so that he could track the cost, figure the tip, ect.

I am the Nursery Leader at church which really wears me out - but it's only a Sunday calling, I get to play with kids and eat snacks and I never have insomnia Sunday night.

It's winter so I don't have to shave my legs.

Evan broke the remote for our family room fan but since it's winter we don't need it.

It has been overcast this week and is supposed to rain tomorrow.

Lost starts this week!

See - there's always something to be happy about.

Zoo Day

As I previously mentioned, we went to the zoo on Tuesday. Marcy had invited us to go with her and Bremen (Kevin had to go back to Slovakia on the 18th). Marcy also brought Ryan and her mom. It was a beautiful, fun day. We all rode over together which was fun (it's always nice to have some adult conversation in the car). We went in the morning, which was good because most of the animals were awake and being fed. The boys even got to a chance to throw some raw fish and shrimp to the stingrays - although Bremen was the only one brave enough to touch them :)

We also saw the baboons being fed. It was fun to watch and learn more about them. The boys were fascinated. On the monkey walk, the monkeys were so close that we would've pet one if they'd let us. It was so cute to see a mommy monkey carrying her baby on her back. It was the same with the orangutans. The baby orangutan jumped off her mom's back before I could get a picture.

It was a fun day! Now that we have passes we will be going a lot - Max is already asking to go again. If anyone wants to come I can get another adult and up to 4 kids in for free :) Just let me know.

60!?!!

My dad turned 60 years young today. He is such a great guy. I was talking to him yesterday and asked him if he felt 60. He said, "Mentally I feel 20 but physically I feel 90". Physically my dad is in pretty good shape but ever since he broke his back building our house (yes, you read it right) he has not been the same.

I have so many great memories of my dad. He is such an adventurer! He was the one who took us 4-wheeling (Darrel - remember when you were driving down the mountain and the 4-wheeler fell on your head and dad kept on video taping? Good times!), took us camping, took us skiing, took us over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. He taught me to ride a horse, ride a bike, mow and edge a lawn. To this day, he is the first person I go to when I need advice.

I love that my dad loves being a grandpa. He is such a sucker for his grandkids. I can remember calling him in the middle of the night one time (Ian was at work) to help me take care of a very sick child. Even though I woke him up he didn't hestitate to come over and help me. For a while there, he was Max's best friend. No matter how busy he is, he always has time to take a grandkid to lunch, fix their bike, take them on a 4-wheeler ride, swing them on the swings...When I mention going to see grandpa Evan smiles and runs to the door.

In the 60 years my dad has been alive he has accomplished much. But I think his greatest accomplishment is that all of his children love and respect him. He is my hero and one of the greatest men I know. I love you dad! Happy Birthday!

*zoo pics tomorrow

Complaints

I don't really have time right now, I just want to say a few things.

Firstly, Heath Ledger died. They're pretty sure it was a drug overdose. What a waste of tremendous talent. "A Knights Tale" is one of our favorite movies. I'm a little sad about it...

Secondly, I'm getting irritated with all of you who have fancy scrapbook paper blogs. The look is cute, but it takes forever for your blog and pictures to come up. It's irritating and alot of the time I just give up and go blog stalk elsewhere.

Thirdly, I purchased an annual pass at the zoo today. It's great and all but why doesn't it include the stingrays? Aren't they a part of the zoo? I do get $1 off, but still - times that by 4! On another note, I'm going to post a whole slew of pics tomorrow from the zoo.

Fourthly, Evan has the worst teradactyl scream you have ever heard. People keep looking at me like I'm torturing him but it's just all part of his charming personality. I. hate. the. scream. It. makes. me. want. to. scream.

Fifthly, why is it when Max stays all night in his own bed he pees it? Would I rather have the crud kicked out of me or scrub his peed mattress and do laundry?

Sixthly, can I serve my kids cold cereal for dinner? What if I cut up some oranges too?

Ben's Day

Yesterday Ben was baptized into our church. This was quite a big deal. He has been preparing for this for a long time. It was so cute on Friday (the day before his baptism) Max said, "Ben, after today you're always going to have to share your toys because that's what Jesus would do and you have to do what Jesus does once you get baptized." Ben was so nervous - but excited too. I bought him a snazzy new suit and my mom bought him his own scriptures for the occasion. He took it all so seriously and was excited to wear his suit and bring his scriptures to church today. I hope he always remembers the special spirit he felt at his baptism. I was so thankful that all of my family was able to attend and that Ian's parents came (even though they aren't members). Tiffany even braved it with all of her kids plus one more (thank you Tiffany :))My grandmother and Aunt Laura were also able to be there. The amount of support was awesome.
After the baptism we had everyone over to my parents house for a BBQ. It was a lot of fun hanging out and eating :) Later we went hiking up South Mountain. Not everyone went - just our family, Kim & Joseph, Michael and Tricia, Anna & James. I'm sad to say I didn't make it to the top because Evan was being a pill. In his defense he has a super bad diaper rash so I had to hold him just under his knees. Tricia was such a big help. She helped take care of him at the baptism, at my parents and hiking - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TRICIA!!!Friday night Ian's mom called us with the sad news that Mattas is closing. You read this right - no hoax this time, they are definitely closed. Yesterday was the last day they were open so we all headed over there for dinner. John & Betty (my in-laws) got there at 5 and put our name on the list. We got there a little after 6. At 7:15 we still weren't seated with no end in sight so Ian went and talked to the manager to see if we could split up our party. They seated us right away in 2 booths right by each other - yea! We were all starving by then. We all were a little teary-eyed as we ate their yummy chips & salsa and cheese crisps. Ian's family has been going there since it opened in the 1950's. It was really sad to see such a landmark close. Good, cheap food that all of my family likes is really hard to find. It was a bittersweet way to end our day.

Is that so much to ask?

I need 8 hours of solid sleep. No interruptions. Max and I have an appointment every morning at 3:30 am. Our conversation goes a little like this, "Mom....will you come lay by me?"

"Huh?"

"I'm scared - will you protect me from my nightmare?"

"Max, I'm asleep, just climb in".

You'd think that he'd skip the formalities and just climb in our bed, but no....he has to wake me up first. I guess it doesn't matter because then he usually kicks the crud out of me the rest of the night.

As long as I'm going somewhere to get 8 hours of solid sleep, I'd also like atleast 10 hours (5 before said sleep and 5 after) where I am child free. Actually I wouldn't mind if my children were with me as long as the word "Mooooommmm" (you know that whiney tone that goes with it) is banned. How many times do I have to hear "Moooommm he has more Honey Comb than me" or "Moooommm he ruined my game" or "Mooommm he took my seat". Jeez! Since when did "referee" become part of my job? I try to ignore it but that just makes it louder.

I feel worn out. It could be that my baby cannot and will not sit still unless he is sleeping or strapped into something. I was so sure that Evan was the calm, laid back baby that I feel I definitely deserve. He is INSANE! And he's a little punk. He's favorite things to play with (actually try to destroy) are phones, cell phones, staplers, Nintendo DSs', calculators, the computer mouse and any kitchen utinsel that will do him harm. He will go up to the kitchen drawer, reach in and start chucking random utensils across the room until he finds the fork, cheese grater, knife (you get the picture) that he is looking for. I'm worried about the amount of times a day he hears the word "NO!".

Evan can also climb just about anything. It's frightening. The other day he climbed up Ben's chest of drawers. Max's theory is that he was trying to get to the top bunk of the bunk bed (since we took the ladder down). I do my best but he's like the Energizer Bunny. HE DOESN'T STOP!

Just 8 hours of sleep. I'd settle for that. Just enough to get my breath back and gain a little sanity.

Most days I run around trying to get lots accomplished and as a result my house suffers. I try. I really do. I almost always have a clean kitchen. But I live with 5 extremely messy people (yes, Ian I am including you!)

Yesterday I asked Ben & Max to clean their room about 1000 times. But they ignored me and just kept playing and I ignored them and kept working on what I was doing. I finally went into their room and was really horrified to see legos everywhere, books, toys - basically EVERYTHING on the floor. Then I glanced over and saw Ben and Max laying on a pillow discussing "plans" for their fort that Alexander was building on the bunk beds. It was so cute I had to take a picture - Alexander wanted to be in it to. Years from now I won't remember that their room was chronically messy but I will remember them leaning over, whispering their"plans" to each other.

I'm sure Evan was off wreaking havoc somewhere - but that's a whole other post.

College - here we come!

Gotta love the blurry, freaky picture. My camera has been acting up lately - could it be that I've dropped it one too many times maybe?

Alexander opened a savings account today. He did it for an assignment for school but he's wanted to open up a savings account for a while now. It was such a cool experience for me as a mom. We went into the bank but forgot his social security card. Technically you can't open an account without your social security card, but Alexander started to get a little emotional so the assistant manager kindly did the paperwork for us using a fake s.s. # (I called her with his real one when I got home). He deposited $40.00. He was so excited. As I've said before Alexander is very worried about paying for college. The other day he asked what would happen if he didn't have enough $ to go to college - I told him that I don't care if I have to work 3 jobs, he's going to college :) I also told him that with his brain he should be able to get a scholarship. He's so excited to be earning interest. For as long as I can remember, this kid has been obsessed with $ and making $. Good job Xander - I can't wait to see your money grow!

STRESS

Have you ever been so stressed out about something you feel like you are going to explode? I am in the midst of an incredibly stressful situation. One minute I'm fine, the next I'm crying. It's something that I have been trying to resolve for over a month with no results. I finally cracked (a little) and confided in a friend Saturday night. It felt good to unload on someone then but here it is Monday morning and I am in knots again. The worst part is that when I am stressed I take it out on those around me. I hate being grumpy and out of sorts. Maybe I need to do a little yoga. Ian keeps telling me it's going to be fine - I don't know. It feels good to vent a little. So if you see me and I ignore you - don't take it personally. I have a lot on my mind.

He can play well with others!

Today Bremen came over to play. Max was soooo excited - every 5 minutes it was, "Is Bremen here yet?". They played so well together. First they "exercised in the back yard" (pretty hilarious - this consisted of them pretending to lift weights and punching our punching bag), then they got their weapons and exterminated all of the bad guys in the house. They played downstairs and Bremen got to meet Roxy, our elusive chinchilla. They ate marshmellows and cheetos and watched "Land Before Time". Max really wanted to watch Spongebob but Bremen pointed out that he was the guest and should get to choose :).

It occurred to me that Max is getting better at adapting to playing with different kids. He and Addy used to fight alot (o.k., FINE! he picked on her relentlessly). But now they can play really well together. He does best with boys who are as energetic and curious as he is (I really want to say "hyper and destructive" instead but I am trying to think of Max in positive terms). Good job on a successful playdate, Max!

Happily Ever After

I love movies with happy endings. There is enough sadness in real life - I don't need to see it at the movies. The other night my mom and I saw "P.S. I Love You". I cried throughout the whole movie. Although it didn't have a wonderfully happy ending I loved how Holly the main character grew and changed. And I loved how everything didn't end up perfect but she ended up all right.

It got me thinking about my life. About the decisions I've made. I always marvel that one little decision can have such a huge ripple effect. While there are some decisions that I regret - for the most part I wouldn't do anything different in my life. I'm not rich. I'm not super educated. But I'm happy. I love how Ian and I can always laugh together. We totally get each other's sense of humor. I love how Ian balances me out. I can get completely stressed out about something and he can calm me down. I love being married to my best friend and taking this journey together. Don't get me wrong sometimes I get frustrated, annoyed and down right angry but as the song says, "love will come through".

P.S. I will make cookies for the first person who can tell me the name of the song and the artist.

You know how some men are meant to be dads? They love being with their kids, always want to play with them and seem to have endless energy. My cousin Kevin is one of those men. He is such a great dad and just loves kids in general. Kevin is here for a month (he lives in Slovakia) with his wife Marcy and their son Bremen who happens to be Max's age. Yesterday Max got to go with Kevin, Bremen & Ryan (Kevin sister Charlotte's son) to set off rockets, jump on the trampoline and to the park. After Max came home he said, "you know that guy who is friends with David (Kevin's dad) and who plays with Bremen?" "Yes" I say. "He's really cool". That sums it up.

It's the thought that counts?

Ian is not the best gift giver. Usually I get something that he likes (like the stack of DVD's I got last year - all ones he'd been wanting). It's the same with the kids. He only wants to buy them something if he can get some enjoyment out of it also (legos - yes; action figures -no - wait Stars Wars or G.I. Joe action figures are o.k. but no to everything else). When we were first married I used to get my hope up that I would be getting some wonderfully romantic gift but those hopes were quickly squashed. Maybe he just thinks I got everything I could ever want when I married him? Anyhow...there are a few gifts that he has given me that I have loved: my KitchenAid mixer, the best pillow in the world(which he is constantly trying to steal) and running shoes.

On Christmas Eve we always open one present and it's always p.j.'s. Well, this year I knew that Ian has pajama pants galore, so instead I got him an ASU shirt (which he loved). The kids were so excited for me to open up my p.j.'s. I was a little skeptical because I don't even think Ian knows what size I am (I once had to return XL maternity p.j.'s - not kidding - two of me could've fit in one of the legs). I open the box and first pull out pink pajama bottoms. Pink is o.k. for shirts but not for pants (this is only an opinion and only applies to me). The design is also a little too cutesy for me and I can tell right away that they will not fit. The second thing I pull out is a gray long p.j. shirt that says "Candies" in silver - complete with a hood and little pom poms on the end - and oh yeah underwear. Huh? The boys eagerly search my face to see if I am happy. I am TERRIBLE at pretending that I like something when I don't. "Err...thanks" I say. "Go put them on!" The boys yell. "Yeah, thanks but no."

So the boys are all really upset because I don't like the p.j.'s. I finally try them on - the pants are way too big and the top fits a little too snugly for my taste (Ian loves it though). They all go back to the store. Maybe next year I need to post a list?

On the plus side, sometimes Ian writes me really sweet, beautiful notes which are better than any present I could ever receive.

Are We There Yet?

Yesterday we decided to try another hike. Jared read about a hike in the Superstition Mountains where there are hyrogliphics on the rocks and a small water pool at the end. We decided to try it. It was so beautiful - I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera! Hopefully Kim will send me some of the pictures that she took. Kim, Joe, Jared, Tricia & kids, Darrel, Trina & kids, Ian, me and kids all went. There was quite a group of us. This hike was steeper and rockier than the last one but much more beautiful. It was 4 miles total and the kids did great! I was so proud that none of them complained. Next time I think I would do it without Evan. He got a little heavy :). Towards the end, Anna kept asking, "Are we back at the car yet?" Ben and I discussed how nice it would be to be able to apparate like Harry Potter.

Resolutions

I have never enjoyed making New Year's resolutions. I like making goals for myself but it always seems like the resolutions are definite. Like if I don't get them accomplished within a year I'm a big fat loser. Ya know? As I am thinking about what I want to do better at/change this year there is alot of stuff, but realistically only a few things I might actually make the effort to change. I feel like I have made a lot of progress in the last year. I am in the best shape of my life. I am cooking more meals at home. I attempt to squeeze in some "alone" time with my husband atleast once a week. So now that I have patted myself on the back a little, here are my resolutions:

1. Eat more healthy (I'd like to kick the soda pop habit all together). This one applies to me and my kids.

2. Spend more time individually with each one of my children.

3. Have more patience - yell less.

4. Show more love and affection to my husband.

5. Read my scriptures daily.

6. Have family scripture study and FHE.

7. Spend less, save more.

8. Have a garden.

O.k. I'm now realizing that I can write alot more but I think I will leave it at that so as not to overwhelm myself. Wish me luck! Believe me, I'm gonna need it :)

Happy New Year

Ian has this week off work which is nice (nicer for him then me since he is currently snowboarding). Since Ian didn't have to work New Year's Eve we decided to go for a hike. We piled the kids in the car and headed for South Mountain. As we were driving up the mountain Ian says, "Wait - didn't we used to come up here when we were dating to make-out?" Fond memories...Anyhow, we did about an hour hike. It was slow going since we had a bunch of kids with us and it seemed like every 5 minutes someone needed to go to the bathroom. It still was a lot of fun. My favorite part was Addy. Her little pink backpak was stocked with Hershey kisses and almond M&M's. Yum. I knew we were hiking for a reason...

That night we headed over to my parent's house for Kim's annual birthday party celebration. We decided that next year we are going to have a 80's party - I'm super stoked for that. I had won the New Year's Eve party stuff on Merilee's blog so this year we rang in the new year in style! Actually I went home around 11:45 because Max was tired. The highlight for most people was Rock Band. Paul's sister brought her X-Box 360 and Rock Band game. Ian and Tricia were in heaven. I had to pry Ian away from it to play some games. Good times. Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully I can get it together and post my New Year resolutions...we shall see.

P.S. Tiffany and I saw the movie "Juno" yesterday. Hilarious (although not for kids) and a little bit of a tear jerker.