I just had to write about a couple of funny things my kids said to me last night. After I arrived home from work, Jaxson asked me if we could go to Books and Noble because he wanted to get a journal. I asked him why he needed a journal and he told me because he wanted to write about his private life. I told him I didn't know he had a private life and he went on to say he wanted to keep his secrets in his journal.
We did end up going to Barnes and Noble because I needed to pick up some books for my nieces 1st birthday. While we were there Reagan (who is obsessed with Mickey Mouse) found a small Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and carried it around with her while I looked for books. As we were preparing to leave, she told me I need to buy it. "Mommy, you buy Mickey Mouse" as she put Mickey in my hands. I told her to put Mickey back and we would go get some dinner. She listened, which surprised me. We proceeded to the check out so Jaxson could purchase his journal (With his own money) and the books for my niece, when we were one person from the counter and there was a big line in back of us, Reagan bolted for the back of the store. I contemplated going after her, or losing my place in line. I could she her go into the children's area and I assumed she was playing with the train, so I decided to pay and them go back and get her because it was a straight shot back to the train. Before I knew it Reagan was at my side with Mickey Mouse and she placed him on the counter. She actually went back to get Mickey and told me to buy him again. I couldn't resist, we walked out of the store with Mickey in her arms.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
HOMEWORK SUCKS
As a mother I can say I am really looking forward to school ending next week. I have spent the last week doing homework with my kids and I thought I had already graduated. The sad thing is I know this is only the beginning and I don't think I can go through Algebra again. I didn't understand it the first time around and in a couple of years I'm going to have to help my kids understand it.
Madi has been working on her state report for the last several weeks in school. It was a tough go around at first because every state she wanted, someone else had already picked. So her teacher said she could do Utah. When she came home and told me she was doing Utah, I wasn't pleased. I told her the purpose of doing a state report was to learn about something new, not the state you already live in. (I think her teach was just trying to do something nice, because she ended up being the only person who did not get one of her top three picks) After much debate, research and some tears, Madi agreed to do her state report on Kentucky. They started this major project in school; however we were responsible for making a miniature float about the state and finishing up anything they didn't get done in school. Well that ending up being a lot. Madi and I came up with a plan to do her float centered on the Kentucky Derby. It was well planned; however took a lot of work. We spent hours one Sunday afternoon putting it together; in addition to some late nights. The crazy thing about this report was we thought everything was due on Friday the 26th, but on Monday the 22nd Madi came home from school telling me that she had to give her oral book report on Wednesday; which meant everything had to be completed by Tuesday night. So we spent Monday and Tuesday evening finishing up her poster, oral speech and float. Both nights we were up until 10:30 or 11:00 working! By Tuesday evening I told Madi I was done with homework! By the time everything was complete it looked fantastic and we both had a great time learning some new and exciting facts about Kentucky.
Next came Jaxson oral book report. I was informed a week prior that he had to give a book report to the class. This included being in costume and using props and making it fun for the child not stressful. (How about stressful on the parent). So over the weekend we purchased a book on sharks and I had Jaxson read it every day so we would know all the facts. Thursday night I put Dan in charge of helping him. They didn't get far because of Jaxson lack of focus and the Dan's lack of knowing what to do. So I stepped in to assist, I decided to print some pictures of different types of sharks, so Jaxson could tell detailed information about all the many kinds of sharks. By the time we got around to this it was after 10:00, so we sent Jaxson to bed because he wasn't retaining anymore information. Dan told him we would get him up early in the morning to finish. What he meant to say is that mom will get you up early because I will be out of town.
Friday morning we got off to a fabulous start. Reagan woke up at the crack of dawn and with a bloody nose; in addition she cried over everything little thing including not having a Capri sun and a sucker for breakfast. (We didn't have any Capri Suns and I wasn't about to give her a sucker either) Having her is such a pleasant mood put me behind schedule because when she is grumpy, she wants me to hold her. Next I woke of Jaxson to him wetting the bed. I told him to jump in the bath and take the quickest bath of his life because we needed to complete his book report. As he is bathing, I am finishing up my hair and doing Madi's hair as well and pulling off sheet to put them in the wash. Next I found Jaxson down stairs watching TV instead of brushing his teeth or eating breakfast. At this point I completely lost it because we had less than 15 minutes before the bus. I started yelling and Jaxson, asking him why he was watching TV when he knew we needed to hurry. I also asked him if he knew what he was going to say during his report and he told me no. I continued on my rampage, by blood was thick and knew I was having a melt down. I told Jaxson I wished he just wouldn't act like a kid all the time. I contemplated calling my office and telling I couldn't come to work today because I couldn't pull it together, all while Jaxson was crying. I finally took some deep breaths and asked Jaxson if he was ready to do his report. We spent the next 20 minutes practicing. Obviously he missed the bus and I took him to school. I turned around 45 minutes after arriving at work to go back to the school and watch him give his report. He did an AMAZING job! He pulled it off and I had other moms comment to me how well he knew his subject matter. I was so proud of him.
After the report I went back to work and turned around 2 hours later to visit the fifth grade state fair. Madison had one of the best presentations and floats in the class. She even completed a word search for everyone to do on the state of Kentucky for extra credit. After the fair I went back to work for the third time that day.
Needless to say I am ready for summer break!
TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
We took Madison and Jaxson through the Oquirrh Mountain temple last week. On the way there we sang I Love to See the Temple. It gave me chills to hear my children singing that song as we drove up to the temple grounds.
We also had a quick lesson and the importance of temples. I asked Jaxson if he knew why we had temples? He told me, with question in his voice "To get married?" I told him he was correct; however there were other reasons we had temples. We talked about how there are many people who have passed away that did not get the opportunity to be baptized, or married in the temple and they are waiting up in Heaven for someone to do the work for them. So they could become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and live with their Father in Heaven forever. We talked about how important it was for us, to do this work for them and how special temples are.
As we walked through the beautiful temple, Madi told me how excited she was to turn 12 and be able to do baptisms for the dead through temple work. I am so proud of her and her desire to do what is right and serve the Lord.
My favorite things in the temple were the beautiful, star shaped chandeliers hanging in the Celestial Room and Sealing Rooms. I also loved the etched windows. On the top floor as you are exiting the sealing room you can see a picture of Jesus Christ through every small circle in the glass. It was amazing!
There is such a peaceful feeling when you go through the temple and when you know it is the house of the Lord. I am so blessed to live in a city where we have two temples within minutes of our home. I am also blessed to be able to give my children the opportunity to go through the temple so they can understand the importance of temples and so they can look forward to entering the temple as they grow older and prepare themselves for missions and marriage.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
After church we all sat around the counter doing arts and crafts and making fun treats. Madi and Jaxson both made candy ties with Hershey kisses for all the Dads in our family. They turned out really cute. We attached a cute poem about their Papa and Uncles being sweet!
We had dinner at my Mom and Dads house and had such an enjoyable time, we danced and sang songs with the kids. We also played games, including BINGO. In addition we had several different kinds of pie, including fresh strawberry, key lime and chocolate. Everyone had to had a sample of each. The evening went by quickly as we enjoyed each others company.
I grateful for my Dad in my life, he as always been an example to me and I love him dearly. I am also grateful for the relationship he has with my children, they all have a special place in his heart and you can tell by the love they have for him.
I am also grateful for the wonderful and caring father my children have. Dan is so involved in the kids lives and loves spending time with them (Don't get me wrong, he has his moments) however; he has special bond with each of our kids. They all light up when Daddy is home. He is so much nicer than I am, it must be why they love him so much. Actually I'm sure the love they have for him is because he runs around and plays with them, he takes them places, spoils them and loves them.
DANCING PRINCESS
Reagan had her first dance recital 2 weeks ago, wow this was an experience! At two years old, I guess you can't expect a whole lot.
Reagan started dance in March with her friend Kate Bentley and has really enjoyed going and dressing up in her tutu and ballet shoes. Her teacher is literally "Giselle" from enchanted and is absolutely darling with the girls. It is amazing that she gets them to follow her at such a young age.
Regan loved putting on her costume and wearing lipstick for the first time (I know have to watch my make up drawer because she thinks she gets to wear lipstick now.)
Right before the performance Reagan's class practiced and she did the entire dance, once on stage it was a different story. She did the same action for most of the dance, I don't know if the bright lights threw her off, but she was in her own little world. It was hilarious and we laughed and laughed. I hope this is the beginning of a long dance career. I love watching me kids perform.
DUET PIANO RECITAL
Madi had her first duet piano recital last week. She was paired up with Kenzie Maylett in our neighborhood and they played two songs together during the performance. This was a really fun recital for Madi to participate in. We have been so impressed with her progress over the past year, she has really taken to piano and never complains about practicing. I hope she keeps it up for years to come because it is such an amazing gift to have.
YANKEES TEAM NUMBER 1
The team was chosen to be the Yankees and they started practices in March. Jaxson had three coaches that were so involved with the kids in helping them develop into better players. The most important thing they stressed was having fun while playing.
Jaxson loved going to every practice and every game! He always looked forward to baseball each day. He would practice with his friends and wanted to be the best he could be. He told me that he wanted to play baseball every year. I love that he loves playing ball because I love seeing him light up when he plays the game.
Our team happened to go undefeated for most of the season, we lost one game and tied two games, taking first place in our division. (I think the parents were more stressed out about the loss then the kids were. We were all so competitive).
After each game, the coaches would sit the boys down and talk about the great things they did during the game and would give out the game ball to one of the boys. As parents we enjoyed listening to these speeches. Kody was always positive and Coach Scott was a riot. He would buy candy for the kids after the game because he would get so excited. He would also have anxiety before the games because he loved the game so much. It all made us laugh.
Jaxson became a great hitter during the season. Half the season was machine pitch and the other half was kid pitch. Jaxson had a streak for quite a while where every time he got up to bat he would hit and get a single, most games this would happen three times. As a mom this was so fantastic!
The coaches sponsored a team BBQ at the end of the season and the boys had a ball, they all became great little buddies. At closing ceremonies the team accepted their 1st place trophies with honor! We only hope next season will be as good as this season and that we can keep the team together another year. I was sad to see the season end; however look forward to next spring.
Monday, May 25, 2009
MY LITTLE BOOK WORM
Reagan got glasses a couple of weeks ago. We thought this was going to be a big challenge considering her crazy personality and the process it took to pick out her glasses.
Getting fitted for glasses was not an experience I wish to remember, it didn't matter what Dan and I bribed her with, she did not want to try on more than one or two pairs of glasses. Because she is so little we had to find a pair that wasn't too big on her face. I think it took an hour just to hold her still long enough to find a pair. As soon as we found one Dan and I both agreed that was the pair.
Day one: Reagan put her glasses in her trike bin and we couldn't find them anywhere. After about a 30 minute search we located them.
Since then she has actually done quite well, we just have to watch her and make sure she doesn't take them off in some random place. I guess she has decided she can see better with them. Three weeks and counting as we still have them!
Hopefully the glasses will correct her lazy eye; otherwise we will have to start patching her good eye like we did with Madison. This process will force the bad eye to work. We picked up on her being cross eyed because of what we went through with Madi. Lazy happened because you are far-sided and your brain stops using the bad eye because it can't focus. Glasses should correct that; however sometimes you have to do a little more to fix the problem.
I think she looks stinkin' cute and older too!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
EVERY BODY LOVES A VACATION
We started out the trip by almost missing our flight out. Dan was working and got home 2 hours before our flight left. Because he was gone all day I was behind and still packing. By the time we got the car loaded and headed to the airport we had under 90 minutes before take off. I was stressing out the entire way there, Dan pulled up to the curb with 50 minutes to spare. I told sky cap that if they could get our bags on the flight and get us checked in, I would pay him a really good tip. Dan then left to go park our car in short term parking because we really didn't have another choice.
Once on the flight, I was able to relax. The one mistake I made was not letting Reagan take a nap in hopes she would sleep on the plane. That idea backfired and she was over tired and grumpy throughout the flight. (Plus she didn't sleep at all).
W spent the first day hanging out at the hotel and soaking up the sun at the swimming pool. It was fantastic being in the warm weather. The rest of the trip, was spent going from park to park. We had intentions of going to the beach and relaxing a little more this time around; however we found ourselves wanting to do it all again.
The kids wanted to go to Sea world, so off we went to try a new adventure. we started the morning off right by going to the Shamu show and sitting in the splash zone. Dan purchased a towel for the camera prior to the show starting and to help shelter Reagan from the splash. I don't think the towel helped us much once Shamu decided to make his splash, unless you can call wringing out a towel helping. Reagan and Madi were both bawling, Madi swallowed a big mouthful of seawater, everyone was soaked head to toe and the camera stopped working. If was a great way to start out the day. After the show the family was able to laugh it off and Reagan loved Shamu after it was all said an done.
The following day we went of to Blizzard Beach, one of Disney's awesome water parks. (This was the beach my kids decided to go to). I thought Reagan would love the water park, I was however mistaken, for some reason or another she was terrified of the water slides. Blizzard Beach has a fantastic kids area and we got up bright and early so we could get to the park and set up in the kids area for her. She couldn't of cared less about it. She enjoyed watching the older kids come down the slides more. The rest of us had a blast! We enjoyed the toboggan slides, the family raft ride and the wave pool. Jaxson and Dan even went on the 2nd tallest water slide in the world. I cant believe Jaxson was brave enough to do this.
Tuesday morning we had breakfast at Chef Mickey's. This was great because all the characters come to your table and you don't have to wait in long lines at the park to meet them. Reagan had been watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse prior to our trip so she was very familiar with Mickey and the gang. When Goofy arrived, I saw the look of fear in her eyes for the first time in my life. She grabbed me, screamed and wouldn't let go. As long as he was in her sight, she had a firm grip around my shoulders. As she watched him and we talked about Donald and Mickey, she loosened up a bit; however still holding on to me for dear life. we were able to get a few pictures and then Pluto arrived and kissed her on the nose. By the time breakfast was over, Reagan was trying to get Mickey Mouse to come with us. She kept saying "Come on Mickey."
We spent the remainder of the day at Magic kingdom. I think this is the first time we were able to get all through the park. Lucky for us it wasn't very crowded and we were able to enjoy everything. Dan and I took turns taking Madi and Jaxson on rides and then would do the stroller pass and go again. It was fun to see Jaxson brave enough to try everything. I think we scared Reagan by taking in the Haunted Mansion, and other dark rides. She was not fan of much other than the Merry-Go-Round and the Disney shows around the park.
Wednesday we headed over to Hollywood Studios and the first thing we did as ride the Tower of Terror. Jaxson told us he was going to face his fears and he went. He got off the ride and said he wouldn't be going on that again. Madi said the same thing the first time she road it; but now loves it! One of our other favorites was the Aerosmith Rockin Roller Coaster, Madi and Jaxson both loved this ride and we went on it several times throughout the day. We also loved the High School Musical show, The American Idol Experience and Playhouse Disney live on stage.
On our final day we played at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We hit Toon Town first thing and got soaked on Rip Saw Falls. This happens to be my favorite ride at the park. After which we enjoyed the Jurassic Park land and played around the park and caves. We attended a magic show and 30 minutes later ended up with $80.00 worth of magic tricks thanks to Dan. (the kids were happy about that) One of our favorite parts of Islands of Adventure is Dr. Seuss Land. We hung out and the kids got their faces painted. Reagan enjoyed herself on the Seuss-A-Cal and on the train. She didn't enjoy 1 Fish 2 Fish because we got wet. Next we headed over to comic strip land where the Hulk roller coaster awaited us, unfortunately Jaxson was too short to go on the ride to Dan and Madi took off with out us. We did however get to met all the comic book character including; Wolverine, Captain America, Spider man and other X-Men characters, which made up for not getting to ride the Hulk.
It is amazing how fast a week can go by when you are having fun! the next morning we headed back to the airport and back to reality. I am so glad that we got to spend this quality time as a family and with our kids. THESE ARE THE MEMORIES!!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
MAJOR PAINS
Let me tell you a story about a man and his need for a dog...
For those of you that know me I am not a animal lover to say the least; however a few years ago I gave in and decided to get our kids a puppy for Christmas. This didn't turn out so well and the cute, expensive puppy was gone six weeks later.
During the last month Dan decided it was time for a new family dog, after much begging and pleading I gave in again on a trial basis only. You see we were up in Park City shopping at the outlet stores, when I asked my kids if they wanted to go the the pet store (this is something we always let them do during our shopping excursions as they love to go in and see the animals and it keeps them happy during our shopping trip). Dan for some reason thought this meant let's get a dog, it was your idea to go to the pet store. While in the pet store we found a boxer named Major. Dan of course fell in love and wanted to adopt him on the spot. During the remainder of our shopping trip he kept repeating let's go back into the pet store and adopt major. (He was almost like a little kid, because I kept telling him no and that I wasn't ready for a dog and he kept asking)
We left Park City without the dog; however as the week went on, Dan continued to ask about the dog, he even called the pet store to find out more about him. Every time we had a moment, he would bring up the dog. He told me how Major was abused and was such a mellow dog and that he was house trained and this would be the perfect dog for our family. He even went on to tell me how the pet store would allow you to take the dog home and foster him to see if he would be a good fit for our family and if we did foster him he came with everything, including food and a kennel. Finally a gave in and said we could foster him. So over Easter weekend he went up to Park City to get the dog and brought Major home to surprise the kids. Of course he didn't come with a kennel, so off to the pet store we went to get supplies for the "foster dog." After which the kids took him out on walks around the neighborhood and were so excited about their new dog!
This is where the "Major Pains" began... After having the dog for about 5 hours, Dan and I left for the Hale Theater while the kids were at home and Lexi Pike came over to babysit. Jaxson was outside with the dog, who was tied up, when the dog got out of his collar and dashed off. Lexi went chasing him down the street, all the way to the model and couldn't catch him. She came back to the house and called her parents, called my parents who were out for the evening so ended up speaking with my brother who was in town for the weekend. All of them went out in different cars looking for the dog. My brother called me just as we were walking into the theater to give us the news of the dog being lost. We then called Lexi, who started crying along with Madi and we decided to come home to look for the dog. By this time it was raining and starting to get dark. (Although I am not a dog person, I did feel bad for the dog being lost and not knowing where to go). Dan continued to look for the dog for hours, even in the dark with a flashlight.
The following morning Dan went out again looking for the dog and posting lost dog flyer's all around the community. He called the pet store to inform them the dog was lost, and they were not pleased. The manager of the store even stated she would be coming down that afternoon to help look for the dog. While in church Dan received a phone call from the pet store stating the Riverton Animal Shelter had the dog and that he was picked up last night. Because is was Easter, they were closed and we could pick him up tomorrow. They were able to figure out who he belong to because of his micro-chip.
After paying a fee to get the dog out of the shelter, Dan brought Major home again that evening. We decided to keep him a couple extra days because we really didn't get the chance to get to know the dog over the weekend because he was in the shelter. Dan worked late both Monday and Tuesday evening so I tried to befriend the dog by sitting next ot him and petting him. When Dan would get home he would take the dog for a walk and I would be in bed by the time he came home.
Major didn't bark or climb, but I was never really comfortable him Major in the house. After a few days Dan could tell I wasn't adjusting very well to the change and said he would take the dog back because he would rather have a happy wife then a happy dog. I hadn't made a final decision on the dog (although in my heart I had) when Major decided to bolt again.
Thursday morning when kids were leaving for school Major pushed his way out of the house through the front door and started running. I was late getting off to work because of a bad morning and happened to be leaving at the same time as the kids, when Dan ran out the door chasing the dog. Before I could get in the car, Dan was yelling at me to give him the keys. He asked me which way he went and he drove off in a panic after the dog. Madi was crying because she thought it was her fault and I told her it was OK and that Daddy would find the dog, not to worry and to go to school. After several minutes, Dan came back with no dog. He knew I needed to leave for work, so he came back for Reagan and his car. Needless to say tensions were high and I started yelling at him, to just get rid of the stupid dog and that I was done!
Dan called me on my way to work to tell me that Reagan was so worried about me and just kept saying in the car over and over "Mommy sad, mommy crying," apparently I really upset her because my emotions were definitely on the surface when I left.
Dan continued to look for the dog for hours when he saw him on Redwood Road. He followed him with his hazards lights on and he created a line of traffic behind him. Every time he would get out of the car and call for Major he would run off again. So he called the South Jordan Animal Control to assist him in catching the dog. By the time they arrived with two vehicles a South Jordan police officer decided to help as well and they eventually caught the dog by cornering him with all the vehicles.
Later that day Major almost ran out the door again when our nanny was leaving for the day. Needless to say the dog went back to the pet store the following morning.
I'm still not a dog person and I don't think Dan can talk me into it ever again. What a crazy, wild and time consuming project Major was over the past week.
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