Currently watching...

America's Best Dance Crew. It's no So You Think You Can Dance, but it's still good. Shane Sparks is a judge. I love that little guy. And this season Hok and Dominic (although they are calling him something different) are on one of the crews - Quest. Dude, they are AWESOME! You should really check it out.

Lost. If I could only remember to watch it. I saw part of the season opener - wooeee was that good! But forgot to watch Wednesday night. We don't have DVR so I guess I'll wait for re-runs. Darrel said Wednesdays episode was the best he's seen. Thanks for rubbing salt in my wound, Darrel.

I used to watch Grey's Anatomy and The Office, but these days I don't have the time or inclination to sit down and watch. Plus my house is super loud at that time and I hate screaming, "BE QUIET!" every two seconds.

Tuesday nights we all watch Biggest Loser. That show is changing lives. My boys love it. Last night I stayed up late watching Top Chef. It made me hungry for shrimp. Wait, I'm always hungry for shrimp. And Elmer's bean & cheese burritos. Mmmm, Elmers. Anyone want to go?

What are you watching?

Trucks, Bare Butts & a Million Dollars

Saturday Evan had Joshua over to play.

They played trucks in the dirt.

Joshua thought Evan was funny.

They had a grand time. It would've been perfect if Ro had been there. Maybe next time?

Speaking of Evan. For a while now he has been doing a charming little thing. He takes off his pants and diaper and then pees wherever. We call it "marking his territory". Luckily, he has only peed on the tile (so far).

When I catch him, he'll either hide in the corner or drop to the floor and start crying. I don't even yell or scold. He knows he's in the wrong. Yet the behavior continues. I need Ian to pick up some duct tape the next time he's at Home Depot.

Every now and then Evan will say, "I want million dollars" out of the blue. I don't know where he learned it, but we never get sick of hearing it. That boy's a crack up (except when he's peeing in the floor).

Magic Hands

Last night was horrible. Evan has a cold and was up every hour. He has a horrible cough and stuffed up nose. I'd just get back to bed and I'd hear, "Mom! Mom! I need wa-ter!" So I'd get him some water. 15 minutes later, "Mom! I watch 'Cars'!" or "Mom! I go Tiffany howwwsss!" Fun times.

So today I am tired. After family prayer this evening I layed on the carpet on my stomach and asked for a back massage. Xander quickly complied. Ian has trained him well. It was one of the best back massages. Meanwhile, Ian layed on his stomach and asked for a massage (hoping Ben would oblige). Max came running. And hysterics ensued. Seriously. Some of that boy's "massage" techniques were hilarious. Ian kept looking over at Xander and me saying, "Max, you need to show mom your skills." "That's o.k," I replied, "Xander is AWESOME!" Ian gave me the evil eye.

Later Max refused to massage me because I wouldn't take my shirt off. It was the perfect excuse so I didn't have to endure his techniques. All I can say is that when I saw Max pull out the chopsticks to "massage" I was counting my blessings.

Xander could have a career in massage therapy. That boy has magic hands.

Dad

Tomorrow my dad will be 61 (sorry to out your age, Dad). He is one of my favorite people in the world. And he is the best dad. As a kid, I didn't realize how lucky I was. He would take me snow skiing, camping, four wheeling, horse back riding and pick up me and my friends for lunch at least once a month (or whenever we asked). He taught me to live life and not be afraid. And he always made time for me. So I shouldn't be surprised when I see him doing a puzzle with Max, swinging Evan outside, riding the Ranger searching for wildlife with Xander or playing Wii with Ben. His grandchildren have him wrapped around their fingers. And he loves it (I love it when he cuts their hair for free!).

My dad has always been someone who I can depend on. I have called him at 3 am (when Ian worked nights) to bring me medicine for a sick child and he didn't hesitate. He is always there for me no matter what. And I love that my dad is a sucker for my mom. He will do anything for that woman. ANYTHING. He just can't say no to her. And isn't that how it should be?

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you!

Blowing in the wind

Depressed after I squashed all hopes of peeing outside at the zoo

In highschool I briefly dated a guy who looked for any opportunity to pee outside. We'd be outside my house and he'd say, "Excuse me" and walk toward our orchard. 5 minutes later he'd come back. I'd ask what he was doing and he'd answer, "Watering some trees". It didn't really bother me, I just thought he was a little weird.

Being married to Ian for almost 13 years, I have learned that boys love to pee outside. Atleast all my boys do. Including my husband. In fact, he's the ringleader. He will walk outside at night just to pee in our dirt yard. Why is that? He walks past the bathroom to go outside. Is he trying to save water? What is it?

Now my boys love to do it too. The other day I got home from picking Max up at school and he ran over to the front of the house and started peeing. "What are you doing????" I yelled. "Peeing." he nonchalantly replied. Like it is an everyday occurance (maybe it is, I don't know). And Friday when I got home from getting the other boys Ben did the same thing. They do it like it's second nature. No big deal.

When we are at parks or anywhere outside, the boys look for any opportunity to pee in a bush. Yesterday at the zoo I caught Ben looking for a tree to pee on. I had to explain the term "indecent exposure" to him. I understand going outside when there isn't a bathroom around, but that doesn't seem to matter to my boys. I don't understand it.

Do you?

Cleaning out my closet

I used to store my clothes in two closets. I just can't throw out clothes. No matter that I haven't worn a shirt in 10 years. I can't throw or give it away. It means to much too me. I am emotionally attached.

I don't think Tiffany knew this when she suggested we help each other clean out our closets. Friday night she came over to help with the purging. Surprisingly when she saw the heaps and mounds of clothes in my room she didn't even bat an eye. She immediately started sorting and order me to start trying on. "Too baggy" "Too short" "Too ugly" and "You wore that shirt in college!" were oft used phrases. And my give away pile got bigger and bigger. I tried to talk her into letting me keep my 10 year old Abercrombie jeans but she wouldn't even give an inch on those! (Something about them being out of style - as if!) And she quickly vetoed my pink JCrew camp shirt. I was so sure once I tried that on she'd see why I've held onto it all these years. So what if I never wear it?

The worst were all my JCrew skirts. I almost cried when I added my tartan knee length JCrew skirt to the "throw away" pile. That skirt and I have had some great times together. I did rescue my peasant JCrew skirt though. I looks good baggy! Who cares that it's 2 sizes bigger than I normally wear? I saved up for that skirt! And waited until it went on sale. I'm not parting with it...EVER!

2 and 1/2 hours later I packed up 6 garbage bags full of clothes. SIX! And it felt so good, I've got to admit.

And I feel even better knowing now it's her turn :).

Mini Milestones

One of the best things about being a mother is watching my children learn. Max was so excited to start kindergarten this year. I, however was nervous. He's the only kid in his class going 1/2 day, so I thought he'd have trouble keeping up. Turns out, he was ready to learn and has no problem keeping up with the rest of the class.
Recently his teacher has been sending home writing assignments. Parents are instructed NOT to help kids spell words. The kids are supposed to sound them out phonetically or remember the word from their "sight word" list.

This stresses me out. But Max has no problem with it. He had to write a sentence using the sight word: do.

He came up with "I do like candy". The only word he spelled wrong was candy. And he still came pretty close. I was impressed that he remembered how to spell "like".
Great job, Max!

Now, if I could only get you to remember to wear underwear...

Higher Ground

A while ago, Anniepants did a post about her love of high heels. At the time, the feeling I could most identify with high heels was PAIN. I have since seen the light.

A year ago, I would've never purchased something like the red heels at the top of the page. However, one night a few months ago Tiffany and I were at Dillards end-of-the-season shoe sale and she talked me into those. I believe they were $14.00. And I still thought of taking them back atleast 10 times. I don't own anything red, they are really high and more froo-froo then I usually like to go. But let me tell you when I put those suckers on, magic happens. My legs look longer, skinnier and sexier (not to toot my own horn). And I get compliments every time I wear them. Every time.

I needed a brown shoe for church and I found these on sale at Kohls. I love that I can wear them with jeans or with a skirt. I used to make fun of girls who wore high heels with jeans. It turns out, they were (are) much smarter than me. Wearing heels with jeans elevates and enhances your butt. So my ghetto booty doesn't look so ghettoish. And they lengthen my legs. I don't wear heels with jeans alot, but when I do I feel put together. You know?

I had to post this last pair. Jill had to talk me into these at DSW. They were on clearance for $12.00. She looked at me like I was insane when I told her I didn't think I was going to get them. They don't match anything I have. I am all about matching. Tiffany is trying to break me of this. But old habits die hard. Once I put these on, I knew they were (still are) my favorite. They are artsy, fun and high enough to make me look good. And they are comfortable. Enough said.

I have learned that the pain of the heel is way worth the benefits you get in return.

Do you have a favorite shoe?

Happy

Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be a mother. I admit it, I mostly thought about having little girls whom I could dress up and pamper. But in no way am I disappointed with my 4 healthy boys. They complete my life. And make life worth living (btw, remind me of that when I am dealing with a sick, screaming baby and a disoriented, tired 5 year old who had a bad dream at 3 am)

I love that my boys can play together. When Xander started school I was introduced to the world of "playdates". Since he always had cousins he could play with, I never felt the need to invite other kids over. But once he hit kindergarten I found myself dropping him off at other kids houses (praying the whole time that the parents weren't mass murderers) and entertaining the kids he invited over. I found myself obsessing (just a little) about whether he was getting invited over to others houses enough - was he a good kid? Did other kids like him? I went through the same thing (although on a lesser scale) with Ben.

I was always "encouraging" my boys to invite kids over. When the reality is that they didn't need to. Or really want to. Most of the time they are happy just to be together. Sometimes Xander gets restless, but luckily Michael lives 2 doors down and Joe comes over quite a bit.

I think we've only had a couple of kids over this school year. Because I don't make the effort unless they ask at least twice. And that rarely happens.

Of course they fight. And annoy each other. But mostly they play. This morning I eavesdropped as Xander, Ben and Max took turns telling each other jokes while Evan played trucks on the carpet.

A lot of things make me stressed, worried or sad but nothing makes me happier than having a family.

Sometimes...

Photo by Dallin

when I'm running really fast I yell, "Run, Forest, RUN!" but only in my head.

I think about taking my children to Disneyland instead of school.

I make up scenarios in my head. Sometimes they involve famous people.

I think about writing a book. All about Max.

I want to find a place to crawl in and hide.

when I hear "Mom!" too many times I scream, "WHAT???" at the top of my lungs.

I am a sucker for Evan.

I wish that chocolate consumed in large quantities was as good for me as broccoli.

I check on my kids 10 times at night.

I am scared of the dark.

I want to move somewhere where no one knows me.

I have the best kids in the world.

I wish I worked at Target. Or the movie theater.

I want to have an all-night dance party. But only if I get to pick the music.

Un-caring

Lately I've been in a bad mood. Like for over a week. If you see me I might bite your head off. Or start crying. Either one - so watch out. So today when Max wanted to wear a t-shirt and shorts to school, I didn't argue. I just told him he'd be cold. And he said he didn't care. End of conversation. Because you know what? He's old enough to know he'll be cold and if he doesn't care then why should I waste my breathe arguing with him about it? Answer me that! I spend most of my day arguing with Max. I've learned to pick my battles.

Anyhow, when we got to his school I did make him put his hoodie on. And for some reason he thinks if he's wearing the hoodie he has to wear the hood. So he put it on - hood and all. When we got to his class he quickly took off the hoodie and handed it to me. "How's my hair look?" he asked. (Grandpa gave him a haircut yesterday and he is extremely proud of it). "Looks handsome" I replied (btw, do NOT make the mistake of calling Max cute - EVER. I did once and my ears are still ringing). He ran into his class.

And then his teacher turns to me and says, "You know, the kids have PE today and don't you think Max will be cold without his jacket?" I like his teacher. I really do. She's awesome. Great. Stupendous, even. But boy did she say the wrong thing at the wrong time. "If he doesn't care, then I don't" I replied. Then I left. And didn't look back.

And do you know what? I really don't care.

What the world needs

I played Rock Band for the first time on New Year's Eve. Rock Band, where have you been all my life???? Seriously.I did try guitar, but liked vocals much better. I think that has something to do with me having no pride. And not caring how horribe I sounded. Because dude, I got to sing Drain You (Nirvana), The Middle (Jimmy Eat World), Today (Smashing Pumpkins) and Whatcha, Whatcha Want (Beastie Boys). I even won an award. A good one (I think). I was so bad, but man I felt like a rock star.

Brian took over after a while - Evan and Rowan were getting into too much trouble unsupervised. I think Brian was in heaven singing all those Pearl Jam songs.

Jared and his friend Taylor rocked!!! They did expert with no problem. They are my idols. I'm thinking about asking Jared for Rock Band lessons. (We had it set up downstairs and upstairs so lots of people could play at the same time.)

That was one of the funnest New Year's Eves EVER. Even though I went home early with the little kids, I still had a blast. And I owe it all to Rock Band. I'm saving up to buy it. Because a family that plays Rock Band together, stays together.

Or didn't you know?

Happy Birthday

One of my favorite days of the year is Dec. 31st. The biggest reason is because it's my sister Kim's birthday. Kim and I are only 14 months apart - and because of that we were really close growing up. Mostly I think she tolerated me. And was my conscience when I wanted to do some crazy things.

Kim has always been one of my favorite people (I think most people feel this way). She's talented at everything she does. She's an artist - both in photography and drawing. Because of that Ian and her get along really well (that and she loves The Cure). Growing up we shared clothes and music. Whenever I hear Creedence Clearwater Revival or Queen I think of Kim. She's definitely expanded my taste in music. For the better.

One of the best things about Kim is her love of children. Specifically my children. If anything ever happens to me the kids are going to her. And she knows it. She is the "fun" aunt. Max is constantly begging to go over and play with her :). She loves them unconditionally and they feel the same.

I love you Kimmy, Happy Birthday!

Dear Grandma & Grandpa,

Thank you so much for my garbage truck. It is one of my favorite Christmas presents. I love to play with it and hear all the sounds that it makes. Sometimes I like to sit on it and ride it around the house.

I can go fast. You should come over and see.

Soon I will be too big to ride it. But that's o.k.

I can still use it as a chair.

Love,

Evan (#15)