Happy Anniversary to US!

Thirteen years now, since we have tied the knot for eternity. And no better way than to have celebrated in Hawaii! We laughed a lot, we were free to do what we wanted, and when. We looked at beautiful views, and we took it all in. I tried really hard to be in the moment wherever were went. How fast time flies and how much more we have to accomplish together. I love you, Eric.

Happy Birthday February Boys!

Oh man, you know I have let some things start to go when I can't even give proper happy birthday wishes to my 2 youngest boys. Here is a catch up attempt. Ethan, now 5, had a great birthday. I let him pick all of his meals on his birthday, but we didn't have his party until Saturday at the gym where the boys could play games, have cake, open presents and then use the gymnastics equipment for an hour.

Ethan is such a LOVING boy. Lately he has been saying something that makes me laugh. I get many many splits on the ends/corners of my fingers in the winter months. Too much washing them, cleaning, etc. The cuts hurt so bad, especially when you accidentally bump one or when I have to re-split them open by pushing the buttons of the car seats to get the kids out of the car. Ethan has been very sensitive to my "cuts". And lately with a very sympathetic voice will say to me, "How's my mom doing with her cuts...?", as he is patting me or giving me a hug. Even Eric had a little fun at Ethan's party!

Now for Bronson. Poor little 2 year old didn't get a proper celebration. In fact, we were so over Ethan's birthday, and valentines day celebrations, that I literally forgot his! (I know, that is not going to go over well in the future). It was President's Day, I was so happy to sleep in, the boys were up and ready for a fun day on the ski slopes with Eric, all was going well, even the birthday boy didn't feel like anything was missing. As Eric came into the kitchen to eat he said, "Are we remembering Bronson's birthday?" Oh my gosh! I felt like a no good, horrible, rotten, scum of a mom, ...but then I looked at that little cute 2 year old and I thought, he is very happy, so all is well in the world. Luckily I was ahead of the game and had bought him a birthday present weeks before when I was buying one for Ethan. The boys went skiing, and the little boys and I stayed home, baked a chocolate birthday cake, and I gave the cute little mister a hair cut. Here are the before and afters.
BEFORE:
AFTER:

Then, I gave him a nice bath, dressed him up all sharp and we played for the rest of the day. Easy.


So happy birthday to Bronson and Ethan. Disclaimer: I may forget your birthdays from time to time, but no matter those kinds of brain lapses, just know how much this mother loves you! I mean, an intense love that I have never in my life experienced before your lives began.

My California Trip

My time in California last week was very rejuvenating to put it mildly. I was able to reconnect with my long lost dental hygiene friends. We had so much fun, and Dannette and I even completed a few continuing education hours! I had to work so hard to rid myself of the guilt I felt while relaxing and socializing the whole entire time. Guilty that my MIL was watching my 4 active boys, guilty that I had endless hours to spend with old friends, guilty that I had leisure time all to myself, to ride the beach cruisers for more than 10 miles and not worry that someone needed me. I didn't even worry about my food while staying with my sister, Leslie. She would hand me my meals and snacks. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before, really.I also had the chance to be there right after Elise had her baby! He was born just about a year after her little girl, Kori, who many of you know only lived a couple of days. She was due for a very good/easy labor and birth experience which is what she was blessed with. He is a healthy baby boy- and I was so happy to get to meet him! Holding Caden at Elise's house was so fun- he is so little but so "filled out". My babies are always so scrawny and wrinkled. Not this one. He is little, but already has some fat under that new skin- when I kissed the top of his head it felt like there was some padding covering his skull. He is a very calm baby, very enjoyable. We are so happy for them!

Busy work, Happy work

Too busy in the joy of raisin' these boys to give a quality post. I am knee deep into Valentines Day parties and treats, thinking about what to give to Eric to express my love for him, thinking about 2 boys' birthdays and parties, busy working out and counting every calorie in my every bite (I am in a new neighborhood weight loss challenge), I am fighting the nasty cold virus that is thinkin it's welcome in my home, am headed to CALI alone next week for my sister's baby to be born on Sunday and also for some continuing education for my long lost profession that I am looking for, and you know what? Hawaii is on my mind. In 3 weeks Eric and I will be going to Kauai. Alone. I bought the tickets while he was in Germany! So much going on and SO much to be thankful for. It's busy and I am loving it. Happy, thankful, busy. Very busy. To be clear, I am not complaining. I love this even though Eric just called to tell me he won't be home until after 8. Now baths and dinner- it's salmon, salad, and bread. The joy of it all- and it's ALL in how you look at it- it's all about the perspective one holds while doing it all. Tonight I'll try to do my best.

What's On Becky's Mind?

When to say NO, when to say YES, and when to think it over...

Lately, I have been thinking about how often I say "no" to my children. "Mom, can I have a piece of gum?" Immediately: "no". (Often times the timing of their gum requests are awful, like right before dinner or right before they head to their primary class at church, thus deserving a "no".) "Mom, can I (this), can I (that)?" It's always a quick "auto-pilot" negative answer. I was feeling like "yes" was not being given a fair chance around here anymore- starting to feel like a "No Mom", all the time. So, I started thinking, and wondering why I do this. It's not rocket science. I lay there and realized that it's much easier to say "no" while I am thinking about the real answer and then change it to a "yes" in a few seconds, than it is to do the opposite. If you say "yes" and then realize it's a really bad idea, the "no" is not going to go over very well. On the other hand, if you take too long to think about it, without a quick answer, then here comes the begging and wondering and hoping that you'll say yes. It's just a thought and I don't have a real concrete solution, but I am going to either have to think faster or just say "yes" more often. Afterall, what's it gonna hurt, anyway. They are just too darn cute. Period.
Germany

Germany turned out well for my travelin' man. He took a few really cool pictures, none with him in it of course, cuz he wouldn't dare to ask a stranger to help him, right? So, next time he goes to Germany I guess I will have to go with him to get some proof that we were there. But, here are some cool German architecture pictures and one of the Swiss Alps. He loved the opportunity, but soon became very very lonely after the conference was over, traveling all alone with no one to say, "WOW! Check that out!" Or "YUM! Isn't this food fabulous?" I personally like the extra appreciation I feel when he gets home to the people he loves. It's almost worth all the time he was away from us. Almost.






What Do A Few Lonely Beans Mean?

A few lonely beans in the bottom of jar means: that I haven't yelled at my kids for a few days now, that the boys are being kind to each other and helping one another, and that overall there is a newfound sense of love in our home. There is a little incentive that is allowing our family to practice love in the home. Those few beans mean that we are well on our way to filling up that jar and heading to Disneyland when it's full, like say, ...next year. Is it wrong to use incentives to get us to love one another? Not in my book. Here is the way I look at it. If that is what it takes to get us to form some good habits and be more loving, then, GREAT! Afterall, we would probably go to Disneyland next year as a family anyway so we may as well earn it somehow! On a more sincere note, I have to say that my knowledge in the effectiveness of prayer has grown some this week as I have been praying about how to be a more patient and loving mom. I have put in the work and have received some awesome blessings. I know we can get answers and help from our asking for what we need through prayer. It's not a coincidence and it's certainly not a change of mental attitude. That doesn't work, heaven KNOWS I have tried that over and over.
Child updates

Landon 5th grade: Busy boy. swimming, cello, piano, debate, cub scouts.

Camden 1st grade: Wants to start swimming, just started piano, reads so well, has the best writing for a first grader,...very neat!, loves being home, LOVES treats (more than me), loves to play outside, loves to run, jump, and ride his Rip Stick.

Ethan preschool: Loves playing video games, always tells me he loves me, learning how to unload the dishwasher by himself, hangs out with me and Bronson during the day, learning how to read.

Bronson (23 months): Speaks very well, very funny, loves his "blankie", loves loves loves books! And this photo was no set up. He will carry around any book he finds (be it a cub scout book, a kids' book or other) then sit down and thumb through the pages.

A Little Peace on the Home Front, Please?

I catch myself yelling, "calm down in there", as I listen to 3 boys in the bathtub, one choking on the water, and 2 arguing. I am on the computer for a break...to pass a little more time. It's been a full day. It's carried on though without a hitch, all my driving, and Sam's Club-ing. Well, there was one hitch. I was out of gas, ...I barely made it (so I thought) to Sam's Club. Go to get out of the car and fill up, ...no wallet. Camden said a prayer that we could make it home and back without running out. 9 minutes back home, 9 minutes back. I made it and filled it up with 19 gallons (20 gallon tank I assume). Whew. Close one. No raising my voice all day today. Until dinner,...I exploded over the boys making pig noises into their cups. On and on and on. I don't know where the explosion came from. I even surprised myself. Repent later. I really am working on it.

I am about half way through the week of Eric being gone. He is in Germany. I know. I did just buy a rotisserie chicken for their dinner (chicken, guac., salsa in whole wheat tortilla, strawberries on the side) to ease the work load for tonight. All in all we are doing fine, but...right now,...they need to be nice and cozy in their beds. All of them. Really soon, but it won't happen unless I stop typing.

I have 2 shows to watch tonight and I am looking forward to the peace knowing that my children will be in the right place,... bed. For those of you who know me, I don't watch TV. UNLESS, it's American Idol and now I have "The Biggest Loser" on DVR. For motivation's sake. And I might eat a Skinny Cow ice cream treat while watching, if I can only have just one.

About Germany. Eric went to follow a really great older spine surgeon there. He has come up with quite a few techniques in the field. It's a great opportunity for him. After the conferences and surgeries, etc., he is driving over to Switzerland to do some skiing in The Alps. I know. Pretty cool. Then he'll visit a really old castle, (something I know nothing about) then drive back to Germany for a couple more cool castles, ...and back home to us by Saturday night. Skyping is a miracle of a technology. We could see him on the computer! And talk...for FREE. Why use a cell phone at $2/minute if you can skype??? I couldn't get a word in with 4 boys on my lap, but hey, ...I could see him. Can't wait to see a lot more of him. Saturday. This has been Becky on a crazy Tuesday night. My peace is just around the corner- patience. Patience. The challenge is invigorating.

Life Experiences

Here is a fun and easy post that I got from my friend Jaimee. Sure, why not, right?

A LIST
Instructions: Take the following list and bold the items you have completed or experienced.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (tried)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (hey, that's personal...)
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (tried to)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (does the replica at Forest Lawn count?)
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been on television- (only walking into Sam's Club)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (home movie)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (I just eat them, selling is too hard)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (are you out of your mind, people?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (irresponsible!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (mother threw away my blanket)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (tied one, though)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job (I'm too valuable on the job)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem (a fake one in Burnett, TX)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (did my darndest)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own
(just now)

So, go ahead and bold your own experiences. I tag you. Clearly, I don't get out much, I am not a world traveler, and I don't take many risks. Is that what happens with lots of kids and no money during our education years? Or maybe, truly, that is just part of how and who I am.

Oh, you'll see. I will make up for lost time starting soon. This has inspired me to be a bit more interesting. Hmmm. What kind of crazy thing can I do? I don't know, but for now I will stay home, lay down and read a little before bed. That is always easy and safe.

I Like Winter

I do. I like warm fires, I like snuggling with my husband, slippers, hot chocolate, blankets, and sweaters, snow and skiing...But, sometimes, every now and then, it makes me want to go to a place that looks a little something like this.



I have to admit, it's been on my mind, a lot.

Baby Smartie Pants

I know he is growing up, but I was blown away by something Bronson said last night. I had sent 2 boys for a bath, one boy down to do homework and was washing Bronson up after dinner but decided his shirt was so dirty I would just take it off right then. I had him standing up on the kitchen counter (I get so tired of bending down),...and as I took his shirt off, both he and I noticed how big his tummy was. I guess he had eaten a lot. I said, "wow, look at your tummy!" He was quiet for a moment before pointing to his stomach and saying, "baby unnner dare" (translation: a baby under there). I didn't understand what he was talking about and then it hit me. I started laughing and turned around to Eric. "Did you just hear what he said?" Last week while my family was here, we told Bronson that there was a baby in Elise's pregnant tummy and pointed to it. I guess he figured that there is a baby in EVERY big tummy, including his own. Kids are so smart. My baby is so smart. (Cuz he is still a baby, you know).

Oh yeah, ...and for all you out there that are about my age, you may enjoy taking a listen to the song I have playing first on my blog. (it has a really long, silent intro...fyi) There is not a song that could remind me MORE of my childhood, driving around in the summertime, in our big yellow station wagon, with NO seat belt, and green chlorine dyed long blonde hair. Memories. For all of you that are not my age, go ahead, listen to it anyway. See what I mean? ...his high voice is rad. And HELLO 70's!

Saying A Sad Goodbye to Christmas, Family, and 2008

We sure did have our WHITE CHRISTMAS. So much snow fell right on Christmas day- (what a perfect display for all of our Californian visitors!) Every day last week just flew by, I couldn't even keep track. Our Christmas was so fun! The boys were so cute and happy, ...we got lots of video footage, but no pictures of Christmas.

Then 2 days after Christmas all our family visitors showed up. As fast as they arrived, now they are all gone. All 11 of them. They took off driving with my boys frantically waving to them from the back deck- goodbye family! To make it worse, Eric went back to work today and the very last thing I want to do is start taking Christmas down. We had 17 people in our home for almost 7 days. We had every room full of sleepers- and all the carpet space too, full of pillows, blankets, and clothes. The mud room was stacked with snow gear and shoes, higher than I have ever seen it. The pantry was stocked full to the brim with all our food for the week and the only thing we needed? A pot (thanks to my neighbor) and some cream of tartar (did fine without). It all flowed very well. I had such a good time that I forgot to take more than a few pictures. I will wait patiently for everyone to share their pictures with me. Here are some of the things we fit into our time:

1. Reading books. Mom read a huge one in like 2 days. Jason, Rod, dad, Elise and I all had books to leisurely read.
2. Watching movies, movies, and more movies on the big comfy couch and the bean bags.
3. Going to the temple
4. Going skiing (very huge adventure for us all, and no broken bones)
5. Board games in the basement (Hullaballoo was a hit)
6. Playing air hockey
7. Video games, video games, video games (loving Mario Cart, Guitar Hero, and the ugly rabbits game)
8. Playing outside in the snow and sledding (sorry about your nose, Syd.)
9. Building a snowman (with the sad, drooping licorice mouth)
10. Working out at the gym and running, jumping rope, and playing tennis in the "bunker"
11. Going to the mall
12. Playing Wizzard at night (Jason as the new champion)
13. Baking cookies (found out that without doubling the recipe there are just NOT enough)
14. Sitting by the fire getting warm
15. Piano playing (I let Connor and Landon go for it, even though I had just put Bronson down to bed)
16. Ringing in the New Year, Listening to good music, watching the Rose Parade, the football game
17. Eating good food. And lots of it.

The food menu/cooking schedule worked out so well. I assigned all the meals to the girls, they told me what they would be making and then I gathered all the food before they all got here. It worked out better than I thought it would with not many left-overs and only one trip to Sam's Club for bananas, juice and milk. Not bad. It was most gratifying when everyone was full after each meal and we used up all the food. I love that.

Couple things we failed to do:
1. Get a family photo. What happened and why is that always so hard to get?
2. SNOW SHOE-ING! Darn. I wanted to suggest it, but I was so lazy on the last day. We should have done that on Thursday, but maybe the skiing day was still a little too "fresh"?

So, goodbye mom and dad. Goodbye sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews. Thanks for spending your Christmas break with us...it was so much fun and the memories will stick forever! Now that we have made beach reservations, start gearing up for July. Here are a few pictures I remembered to capture. Oh yes, and HAPPY NEW YEAR.