Events and Mental Chatter.....

Forgive me my faithful clickers....My muteness is not usually a characteristic I'm known for. I'm trying to pin point the reason and I've come up with: Too many changes. Here's a list and I did say reasons but I really mean excuses.


The first thing: The Boy is now mobile. He's rolling and skooching everywhere. Blogging is hindered because I have to sweep (not really) so much more so his belly doesn't do it for me. He's just like a dog--finding scraps on the floor--'ohh a snack for me?'.... Here's the bottomless pit after taking on a cookie.






The second thing: Season change. So the flower beds that I've ignored for the last two years are my latest obsession. I'm out there ever night deciding which volunteer flower/weed can stay and what goes. My inner wannabe gardener is emerging. Plus the wee ones want to be outside too and at times they go unchaperoned but other times I leave blogging on the computer to look after them as well--especially when there's a cougar in the area.



The third thing: Paige is chattering away. She used to do this airy Allison Kraussy babble that had intonation and meaning but was completely undecipherable--and then all of a sudden--she's says stuff like--"Stewy's eating that" "I want a gink" "I want open the gate" And so I have to get up from blogging and do whatever she orders because I can finally understand what she's saying and I'm only too happy to pacify her, and well, she knows I understand her too. She just got her first hair cut--here she is with cute Ryleigh. I got my hair cut too and it's been rave reviews all the way around so Thanks Brynn. Hope you had fun on your trip!





The fourth thing: Addie is going through a million milestones a minute and I'm in awe daily.

1. picking up her bike and just pedaling and riding. How about that? Of course I have to take pictures and tell her I'm going to blog about it...

2. She's reading books too... real ones--like Dr. Seuss and writing long sentences and lists. The kindergarten program was a week or so ago and I watched the top of her head sing and say poems.

3. Friends and friends and more friends. We live in an older area so we haven't experienced a lot with that because it has always entailed arranging play dates or groups....Well, with a bigger kid--kids just show up to play. How about that? We're bringing in the entertainment. It's wonderful -- just keep it outside, and of course I go out to monitor those flowers/weeds at the same time.

4. She's doing hair now too, her and Paige's. And as much as I want to say--oh let me just fix that right there--I just smile and tell her how adorable it is. I'll post some pic of that when she does it again.




The fifth thing: Benjamin regressment--now that sounds really bad but the kid has peed at every one's house in the neighborhood and in every bedroom in our house and especially on the floor RIGHT IN FRONT of about 10 different toilets! I realize it's a phase and I need to be understanding but this is always the test of my day--if I can keep my cool during these events. And this equals laundry and that equals less time I'm monitoring my monitor. Other times Benjamin needs more stories and attention so he doesn't test his bladder size....his favorite one..."Mom, (or Dad) can you count to 100 with me?"

The final thing: The Boy is weaned! And with that my new exercise plans have been implemented. I've been doing some classes, and swimming but it's so early--I'm whining now--so I crash about 9:30 or 10:00 at night, an optimal, blogging hour. I'm doing a swimming blitz at the moment -- my pool just set up the long lanes and I can swim forever before coming to the end and deciding to: swallow a ton of water with freaky flip turns or, take-a-longer-pause-than-I-need-to-catch-my-breath break. It's super fun. Anyone out there want to join me?


We went to the zoo for James' second job, wink, wink. We had a great time and ran into Vanessa and the Suttons and also Dave Michelson's mom and dad. This is us at the bird show.

So, there you go, a mega post with a bunch of excuses. Thanks for not giving up on me. If I can commit to anything: it's to post at least once a week during the summer.


Oh and my thoughts on growing kids? I've reached a point during the last couple of weeks where I can no longer fit all 4 kids in the tub at a time....I know it was a push to begin with, boys, girls, babies, kids, but really--do they have to grow up? Addie now loves to to soak all by herself--lucky gal. She's living now.

Tomorrow's To Do List

1. Update the Blog (for sure)

2. Apologize to the blogging world that Addie's Lazering as been spelled wrong for 2+ weeks. (done)

3. Make bread (might get done)

4. Shine the toilets (50/50)

5. Shop (not a chance)


Sorry for the long break folks--If if makes you feel any better, I've been blogging in my head. I'll post tomorrow guaranteed! (maybe)

Addie's Lazering

Here's Addie right before the zapping. You can tell she's a little freaked.

Here she is right after.

The cool goggles I got to wear. Her webkins too had to sport some. I'll post some after picture later too. It looks so faint. We're glad it was taken care off. Addie still asks about cancer though.

Chuckle....

Le Leche League look away

Hormones...intense food consumption...poor time management (being late)...busting out...All these have one common factor...nursing the boy. And these really haven't been factors at all over the last 8 months. I have enjoyed immensely my piled dinner plate and chocolate covered creamies. I've also enjoyed snuggling with Stu as he relished his feedings. Until Wednesday. I decided I was done. I'm pretty sure I'm done forever even if I have more kids...

It has not gone smoothly. Those of you nursing look away--I'm not the example.

He caught a cold on Friday and was miserable and hungry. But I was resolute. I had skipped too many feedings to go back anyway. It's been two, almost three days and he'll drink 2 ounces at a time of formula or whole milk or a mixture. Can you believe me? He's such a fourth child--I'm giving him cow's milk before he's one... He could care less what it is--it's not me--


Mother's day was sweet though. Both Stu and Paige had high fevers the night before so I was up a bunch--but isn't that what mother's day is all about? Also chocolate, flowers, a new camera and breakfast in bed. What was nice too, was having James home on Sunday morning. My Sunday School class was even civil. I couldn't have asked for a better day (well the sickies weren't fun).

I'm up for another focus week. Yoga on Wednesday morning and only an hour of computer time a day! (glutton-I know) I'll report how I did. I just have to set a timer or put on an hour show and hold my self to it. What's every one's focus for the week?

I'll post some pictures from my new camera later. I can't quite figure out how to get them onto the computer yet.

I have been so useless these last two weeks. I started reading Gone with the Wind again about two weeks ago and met with my book club to discuss it this past Wednesday. One of the gals there was joking about the length..."Why is my house so dirty?".... Oh GWTW. I can relate. Especially the last 300 pages, I could do nothing else but read. I finished it on Friday and I'm still concerned and worried for Scarlett and Rhett and the whole clan. Why? If I knew them in real life, I wouldn't like them, I would think that they were morons. It's a classic and Margaret Mitchell is a genius--It's also a huge time commitment.


Addie had her lip lasered last week. Many people asked why --they had never noticed a birthmark below her nose-- or they did and thought it was a dry skin from a cold. We had a pediatric dermatologist look at it and she said when Addie gets older, the port wine stain can thicken making it a risk/concern for skin cancer. That was the ticket for the insurance to cover it and BAM. Painless and a little daunting the whole procedure took about 11 seconds. Ahhh modern technology. It's been almost two weeks and the bruise is almost gone. So this is the question Addie asked this morning . "Will my birthmark still be there?" I told her it will fade away. She was concerned--"I won't have it anymore?" I said, "nope" She asked why? I wanted to launch into -- you know so people don't think you've got a runny nose all the time and believe me, when you're older, you'll thank us. I just mumbled the cancer bit and reviewed the whole birthmark thing in my head. All the Kindergartners have known about the birthmark this whole year and ...it was kind of special and unique to her. A bit of her identity was zapped away. Oh what have I done? She'll be glad right? Well I can't go back. But what of that? It's considered a fixable flaw by Dr. Vanderhott, when 6 year olds don't see it that way.

I've been away awhile- Vanessa told me about thepioneerwoman.com blog. I have been lost in a world so removed from my own. I think this is why Marisa wants to move to the country. If you have and extra 10 hours to read her romance with Marlboro Man, it's so drippy and full of words--you'll love it, or hate it. And the recipes..... So easy and pictures, pictures, pictures. I want to make the chocolate sheet cake so bad. I'll eat the whole thing myself though. Anyone, quick, invite me to something and I'll bring it.

I'm not doing any spring cleaning except kids clothes: the season sort. There are a few closets I've contemplated organizing. I should do before and after shots so I really do it. Laurie, your whole day of cleaning and organization had me so inspired. Just go as fast as I can and get it all done right? Maybe when it rains this week.

I've been digging into the front flower bed last week. The poor thing has been ignored for two babies now. The Irises and lilies were so overgrown. I had the brawn (James) do some major cutting back. We planted some strawberries last week too. And then it snowed. We ordered them through some distributing connections, 25 plants. It came with all the plants together and it was the size of a pound of sausage wrapped in wet newspaper. Let's hope they make it. The raspberry "bush" was a stick the width of spaghetti and about 2 feet tall. Fingers crossed. Berries, because it's a garden item that no one gets sick of eating.

I'll try to post some pictures from Addie's procedure visit, right now the camera card is not being read. Blast.

Also--if you want a free 12 year old Sunday school class to teach, you can have 'em. I'm looking for any tricks or gimmicks that make them listen and not hit each other with various scripture bag items. I know...pipe dream... Oh, maybe a pipe......

Cost of gas and wheat and .....kids clothes!

Last week we did a stint at the cabin. It wasn't a true vacation because James commuted to work everyday but with a vacation spirit we: stayed up late, slept late, ate wonderful food, watched High School Musical more that we'll admitt, and enjoyed visits from the outside world. Michelle came with her kids and Marisa visited as well. Wonderful discussion developes at the cabin so thanks for coming and you're kids' are great hikers.
Cousins just hanging out.




We did celebrate Addie and Julie's birthday. Heather made delicious chocolate square cupcakes and we sang.
Isn't this an adorable picture?





Tom did a fun photo session. He does good work. Christmas clothes you wonder? Well I'm just getting around to it. Plus with the snow and rustic backgound.....
I could not love a picture more than this with Stuart's smile and Paige's look of wonder...

Now on to the title of this post...I filled up the tank, once the gas light went on, at the Kamas Food Town Sinclair and I thought...$3.45 for a gallon..man the price has really on up..but with all the world worrying about it, I don't need to. Last week I bought my second bag of Red Hard wheat to make Vanessa's heavenly whole wheat bread and the cost was $29.95 for a 50lb bag--just $16.00 more from the last time I bought it--in January. That's up more than %100? in a couple of months!

While up at the cabin, Kim (my SIL) and I went to the outlets in Park City. We took all 7 kids so we knew we weren't looking at anything to try on--we hit the kid stores. We started at the Children's Place and all clearance was 50% off, my kind of sale. I showed restraint and left with only 2 outfits ($16) for Addie for school next year--or to wear the next day because it was so darn cute--butterfly camo--and it matched Emma. I went back later for shirts and pants for the boys and Paige got a full meal deal at the Gymboree Outlet. Our kids were somewhat done after about an hour so I stuck them in the over-the-top-Pilot with a movie and fishies. We then tagged team shopped for another 2+ hours but our price points were warped. If it wasn't two or four dollars we put it back to evaluate cuteness, necessity, everlasting happiness.... not really but the point of this narrative is to tell you there is one thing left that has not gone up in price. Kids clothes. And because of our friends in China it's cheap, and because of the need to cover ourselves there's lots of it, competition and all. I'm remembering and referring you to my experience of a jogging suit in 4th grade. I saved and saved and with about $20 went out shopping with my mom. Well the pickings were slim and at Sears (not all that Grand then) I finally found one and it was around $33. I worked out the difference with my mum. That was 25 years ago. Now with the math from the aforementioned wheat and gas, to outfit a kid should be $60 - $70. It's not. It could be if you're particular (I've been known to be) and the cost doesn't factor cute for you like it does me, but it's not. With all the talk of rising prices, let's talk about what hasn't. Anthing else come to mind?

She's really grown up!

Here's a quick look back. Six years of Addie Jo, as she is called sometimes around here.


This was one of the happiest days of our lives and our family can attest how glad we were after our heartache with Charlotte.

Halloween at about 6 months.

On her two year old birthday. James bought her an Elmo and she was so scared of it when it danced--it took her a while to warm up to it.

A pink party when she was three.

Robyn made this cake for Addie when she was four. Two days before we moved.

At five with cupcakes and candles.

With friends shading her eyes-- she's six....

Flower Fairy party planned in two days!

Addie had a friend party last year so in my mind I thought I was off the hook for this year. But I caved because they are so fun! and who doesn't want cake, ice cream and all the presents?

In the top photo they're playing pixie pixie fairy, (duck duck goose).

Fairy princess Paige looking some what put together. My record in the past with kid parties is plan all day and all the other kids look completely bedraggled by the time it starts.

The treasure hunt.

Party fairies ready to head home. Will I be off the hook next year? I really like the two day time frame though. I called all the moms--so no invitations. Addie and I went to Dollar Tree, Saturday morning, and found stuff for the wands, wings and "petal" skirts. Ya, they were from the aloha section--I just whacked them off. Birthday happiness...Does it get any better than this? Cake anyone?

Speaking of cake. You gotta love Dollar Tree for the toppers. And I put ice cream in the middle of it and the kids loved it. It makes it so easy to dish up--I got the idea from my good friend Jennifer H, who has parties mastered. Frosted with cool whip that they loved as well, also a JH trick. Addie loved your special picture, by the way, Elise. Thanks for sending such love. And Sharon, Addie loved the High School musical card--it's still on the fridge being hung up by the magnet it came with. So cool.

Conference and our Shining STAR

One of the most fun things that the girl cousins do when they get together is dress ups. Princess Paige in pink.

Now I've been working on my photos with my old (relative term being the digital age and all)big as a dinosaur point and shoot and natural light. I'm a fan. Now if only I had washed off Stuart's face before I did the work..... He's now seven months!

Too close. I should have switched to close up mode. This is a cute one of Addie and Reggie. He's spending the week with us because it's Addie's birthday on Saturday. Yea, not a real connection but a compromise why Reggie doesn't live with us any more.....

Here is Addie giving Reggie a seed. We took him to her Kindergarten class because this week she's the shining star. We were going to let him fly around because it's so entertaining--but there was a ceiling tile missing and we didn't want to chance an attic bird.

So we spend conference week end up at the cabin and as always it was a blast. I don't have any boy pictures because the boys are off playing as usual. Ben won't open his eyes for pictures because "the light hurts them". I thought Ali's and Paige's expression was really cute.

We love Donna and Bevan. Donna, the girls loved the pedicure--so thanks. No Settlers though... we'll get to it, we promise.

Donna told me to snap this because this is so "Afternoon Session". Dad how is that even comfortable? Thanks for the great times, Mom the enchiladas were delicious, and the chocolate fountain was divine.

Digital Scrapbooking

I'm looking into a new hobbie--darn it's one that's on the computer. What do you think?

Easter picnic and baby blessing

This weekend we went to Allen and Missy's for the first picnic of the season. It was a little cold to be at the park so we invaded their house. The hunt was great for the kids. Mine are finally catching on.

Stuart's mental process-- "How do I get this goodness in me?!?" Give it to your mother...

Paige showing off her goods.

On Sunday we drove to Pocatello to see baby Macie's blessing. It was so much fun and the spread of food Vanessa laid out was wonderful. Thanks for hosting us all.

Yea a family shot. It seems the more kids there are the more impossible it is to get every one looking at the camera at the same time. This is the best of about 7 taken. Scary. Tom's taking family shots of us in a few weeks--good luck Tom.

Here is Vanessa and the most adorable Macie Marilyn. Addie is also loving Macie.
Not to upstage the new one--Stuart enjoyed the visit with Grandpa and Grandpa Allen too.