Future Engineer?

My little Ezra's mind is so interesting. I love how I get more peeks into it as he gets older. He is constantly keeping me on my toes with his seemingly endless questions. I love this particular question he asked me yesterday about Jack who jumps over the candlestick: "Mom, why does he always jump over? Why doesn't he ever walk around the candlestick?" Good question. I think Ezra should go ask his father.

A Trip to the Aquarium

 

Today Ezra, Evy, and I ventured out to the aquarium--just the three of us. It felt like old times with Abby and Will when I would create, explore and discover way more often than now with the two little ones. It was so much fun to see the wonder and excitement in their faces, and it reminded me to have more outings like today with Ez and Evy.

Also, it wasn't too shabby for me to try out my new camera (Eric surprised/spoiled me) and see what "she" could do in the low-light atmosphere. I had her cranked up to her highest ISO, 6400, so the pics are a bit grainy, but I still think she did a great job. With my old camera, these pics would look grainy at ISO 800. A major improvement for sure! All these photos are unedited and were created with Picasa's photo collage feature. I love my new soon-to-be best friend!

Especially for Mom and Val

I have always loved taking pictures. The now tens of thousands of pictures on my hard drive and piles of older 4 x 6s prove it. I have also loved fabric. From the time my mom would make me homemade dresses and Barbie outfits to the times Val has helped me along on some basic projects to my quilting class I took when preggers with Will, the love of fabric and creating has followed me throughout my life, too.

It seems like Abby may have acquired that same interest in sewing as well. She has taken a few sessions of sewing and has enjoyed every bit of it. Seeing her come home with darling little projects inspired me to finally learn how to sew/read a pattern. So I looked into sewing classes and found a cute little place called The Finishing School. I love it. I also enjoy my teacher and the fact that she is from the Palos Verdes area and knows quite a few of Eric's relatives in that part of So Cal. Such a small world!

I wanted to post some of the projects I have completed--not to boast for sure--but so my mom and Val can see what I've been up to. It's so exciting to learn a new skill that I can hopefully bless my family with! And if I can sew, anyone can!


My first project was this apron.


I then made pajama pants for Ezra.


I was so excited to learn how to make jammie pants that I went home and made some for Will all by my little self. Crazy!


I then made this skirt for Evy.


This is my last completed project--a purse for Abby.

I'm now working on a tiered ruffle skirt for Evy and hope to finish it this week or next. All in all it's been a blast learning a new skill and shopping for fabric of course! Also, I'm learning I now need to invest in a serger. I'm keeping my eye on this one.

February

Top row:
1. Will working on one of his comics about a plankton who turns into a hero. Very cute.
2. We received a Valentine's gift package from Lynn and Val. It was such a fun treat--all the way from the cupcakes to the little cupcake toppers.

Bottom row:
1. This is how Ezra rolls when building Legos: he builds crazy towers with all the same color, repeats with all other available colors, and then gets frustrated when crazy towers begin to easily fall apart.
2. Abby made it to the six week mark of having her ears pierced on Valentine's Day, so she celebrated by wearing dangly earrings for the first time.
3. Evy + Mommy + silliness + chocolate = war paint, of course!

Warning: There is a monster at the end of this post.

We had a busy but great weekend. Besides talking about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington and reading up a little on the latter, we also seemed to fit in since Friday: a swim meet, a haircut for me, a date, a family dinner, sledding, another family dinner, and almost five hours at Classic Skate. I also managed to fit in 11.2 miles of running and an Obsidian workout. Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty drained right now!

Here are pictures from our weekend. (And don't forget the monster at the end of this post!)



Eric's favorite Chipotle meal (And, yes, he can eat it ALL.)


Abby swimming the 25m freestyle


Abby after her first race


My new cut and color (Shawna at Brio is the best!)


Boppa sledding backwards with Evy


A sweet crash and burn


This kid loves to sled--the faster the better.


Workin' the shiny shades


Val shreddin' up the hill


Will workin' on his front flip


Evy and I sliding down one of those huge bounce house slides


Pretty much this is what I saw of Ezra all day. That kid can climb!


Abby workin' the sweet blue and orange skates


The monster

It's Finally Done!

Last October I decided I needed to finally do Evy's blanket. I've made one for all the other kids, so I kind of felt obligated to make one for Evy. And plus a little bit of me wanted to make one for her, too. :-)

It took me a while to choose the fabric. I like the end product but visualized more of just pinks, oranges, and blues in the beginning. Since I couldn't find any fabrics that had just the right feel, I settled on this cute line. (I can't remember the line they are from.)

I tried to get it sewn in a month before she turned two. I got most of the quilt top done but hit some snares with all the finishing work and took a much needed break until last Friday when I decided to finish the darn thing once and for all. So, it's finally done--albeit is majorly "jimmy rigged." Hopefully it doesn't fall apart when it gets washed for the first time (a little fear I have with all my sewing projects).

Even though the binding caused me some headaches, it was all worth it when I see how much she loves her blankey. And yay for me as I have one less project to worry and stress over!

January

I saw a great idea on a darling blog I like to follow. Rebecca Cooper creates a photo collage of each month and reviews her month with just five pictures. She even has the month photo template available for download. Easy-peasy. I thought I'd implement this monthly photo review for my blog and keep going with my end-of-the year family review books I make as well. There is something I really like about reviewing and doing it with photos.

Top row:

Abby started swim team at the beginning of the month and loves it.
Eric and Ezra during our snowshoeing outing at the Nordic Center
Celia pushing Evy in the doll stroller over MLK weekend.

Bottom:

Holden and Evy drawing with chalk on Evy's easel.
Will waiting patiently to hold the new dwarf hamster he got last week.

How do you spell love?

At the beginning of the month, I was reminded of a talk Pres. Uchtdorf gave last fall during Conference. When I first heard this particular talk, it was in my thoughts for quite some time. Since being reminded of these words of wisdom, I have not been able to get a certain thought of his out of my head. I'm so thankful it's been embedded in my "mommy brain" as I have applied its wisdom with my children. More car playing. More games. More talking. More outings. More rough-housing. More tickle monster. More fun. More memories.

I have wanted to make a document to display in my home of this ever important formula. With some guidance from Eric, I finally made, printed, and framed it! And it's perfect for the upcoming Valentine's holiday--although I see myself leaving it up year-round for a constant reminder.

How does one spell love?

A Tween

Last week we celebrated Abby's ninth birthday. Now that Abby is nine, we officially have a tween in the house. One more year in the single digits! I'm really looking forward to this stage in Abby's life even though a friend cautioned me on being careful for what I wish for! But I truly think this is going to be a great year for her. In the last six months, she has become more patient, respectful, responsible, loving, and empathetic. Of course she continues to live her life OUT LOUD and has the gift of making others feel special. I can't wait to see what this year brings for this crazy cute munchkin of mine!

My Evens

I call Will and Evy my evens since they are my second and fourth-born children. They are also my more even keeled children, and from my last post, we all know I need more of that in my life!

My evens and odds had a great day today resulting in more brotherly love and less sibling rivalry around my crazy castle. I love it when the stars align and everyone is happy. Happy, loving children plus fantastic ambient light equals great photo op. (Too bad I forgot to "turn down" the ISO. Oh well.) Just had to post.

Fiery and Intense

(above picture taken by Silverscape Photography)

My little intense fireball is four today. I'm somewhat sad to see three go. It was a very hard year, but in the last six months I have made huge strides in learning what works and doesn't work with my trick-or-treat boy. We've bonded even more, and I'm actually proud of myself for keeping it together as much as I have because boy, has my patience been TRIED!

Although times can be rough and stinging with my little Scorpio, the times that he pours out his sweetness are unforgettable. I wish more people were able to see this side of him! Maybe they will during this supposed "fantastic" year of being four. Here's to a safe, healthy, fun, and learned year for Ezra.

Before I forget, I want to write down a few things that characterize him and a few quotables as of late:

* Loves to hide under his covers and have Eric find him when he comes home from work.
* Prefers to use the outdoors for el numero uno. Just caught him doing said action off the FRONT porch this afternoon.
* His excuse for not wanting to use the bathroom instead of outside: "There's bacteria in there."
*Detests loud noises--especially ballooons popping. A huge meltdown happened yesterday while at Zurcher's as three balloons popped. Not good. Such an ironic characteristic about Ezra as he is my loudest child! (I think. They're all loud.)
*Would love to go "commando." Asks if he can also go "commando on his feet."
*Has a sharp memory and wonderful vocabulary.
*Would love to play everyday with his cousin, Ben.
*Said, "Put a cork in it, Evy."
*Knows how to cut some rug!
*Loves to help cook.
*Completely needs to have Swedish pancakes every Saturday morning.
*When being secretive he hides whatever he has taken under his covers or pillow.
*Has a desire for everything to be clearly defined and in place.
*Still likes to make an almost nightly appearance into our bed.
*Lately his "I love yous" have far outnumbered his "I hate yous." Progress.

Needless to say, there is never a dull moment with Ezra around, and I'm so thankful to be his mother! Happy Birthday, Little John.

P. S. Scorpio traits:

determined and forceful
emotional and intuitive
powerful and passionate
exciting and magnetic
jealous and resentful
compulsive and obsessive
secretive and obstinate

Happy Birthday to Kerri

So Kerri and I have been sisters now for over fifteen years. I am so thankful for her positive influence in my life. I haven't met many more people who are as outgoing and bubbly as she is. (I still remember the first instant I met her. Eric and I went over to Dave and Kerri's small Provo apartment to play games. We knocked/rang the doorbell. I was so nervous. The door opened and this darling, petite, red-haired girl with THE BIGGEST SMILE exclaimed, "Oh, Eric. She's so pretty!" The nervousness melted away and ever since I have felt nothing but acceptance from her.) She has been a true friend. She sees the best in me. She has patience with me. She loves me. I've learned a lot from her, and I can't imagine my life without her being in it. Happy Birthday, Kerri! Love you!

Celebrating Brent

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Although it's hard to believe, it's official: I have been a married lady for 15 years. I got married at the ripe old age of 20 (three weeks before my 21st birthday). I thought I was so old. Now I just look back and laugh at how naive I was. Naivety aside, it was the BEST decision I ever made. For 15 years I have felt unconditional love and patience with my faults. I have been protected. I have been cared for. I have been complimented. I have been fed. I have been courted. I have been so LUCKY!

I'm such a visual person. Every year around our anniversary, I flip through our photo albums/scrapbooks and take a long walk down Memory Lane. Here are some traditions/themes that are so evident in the many photos we have taken these last 15 years:

1. We love our family.
2. We love to laugh and be silly.
3. We love to travel.
4. We love to visit California.
5. We love to go out on dates.
6. We love to eat.
7. We love the outdoors.
8. We love our sleep.
9. We love to learn.
10.We love the beach.
11.We love holidays.
12.We love to shop.
13.We love learning about remodeling, home decor, etc.
14.We love the bookstore.
15.We love animals.

I'm thankful I have had 15 years to spend with Eric and his family. I can't wait for many, many more!

540 Days

It has been my pleasure to be this little girl's mother for the past 540+ days. Having four children is hard work, but I like myself as a mother much more this fourth time around. I think it's a combination of her cute little personality and the fact that I've learned to slow down, relax a little more with each one and enjoy the ride as it goes by too fast!

Alive and Well

Today makes it 18 days that we've had sickness in our family. Poor little Evy is the only one still with cold symptoms. It all started with her and seems to be ending with her. She seemed to turn a corner today though. I'm so thankful. I was truly getting worried about her (and my sanity).

Today my new lens came in. Thank you to Brent for getting us a smokin' deal! WAY better than the Amazon price! Thank you to Eric for funding my new toy! I LOVE it. I used it to take pics of the kids in the backyard before bedtime. I realized as I was scrolling through the pics that they are visual proof that the kiddos are all on the mend (although Abby never did get sick--lucky girl). It's great to see smiles and pink cheeks again. So, so grateful that a totally healthy family is on the horizon. I will now go find some real wood to go knock on!

Brave Me

I did it. I braved the swimsuit try-on session, and I did it with the two little ones in tow. Poor things. I tried to be as discreet as I could by saying things like, "Look over there. Did you see that__________?" I guess I wasn't 100% discreet as Ezra said (loud enough for all to hear in changing room), "Those big things are weird." I couldn't see myself blush as my skin is darker due to some "base" tanning and an experiment with a spray-on tan.

I would have to say said tan is one reason why trying on swimsuits wasn't as bad as it has been before. Another reason: I've been working out hard (minus the last two weeks or so) for the past seven months. Yes, there are places I would love to shrink and stretch flat again but overall I'm happy with where I am and I'm realistic about where my body should naturally be after having four children. The last reason the session went well is because I discovered Hapari online. Turns out they are a local company down in American Fork. They had raving reviews on their site, and I just had to see for myself. They make some modest swimsuits that SUPPORT and don't look frumpy. Good quality materials. Good design. I'm so glad I supported a local company and can now go to Costa Rica and feel cute and covered up. (My motto is to be comfortable in what I'm wearing around Val or the prophet!) :-) I'll be a returning customer Hapari!

Here is the suit I chose:



I also liked this one:

They had me at orange, but it wasn't as supportive up top as I had hoped.

What Sunday Spawned

To chase some blahs and boredom away while waiting for bedtime, the queen of Crazy Castle spontaneously grabbed a pull up and stretched it over her heeeed. She then proceeded outside to the backyard and pretended to be the pull up ghost for the royal fam. Slowly but surely more pull up ghosts appeared. The pull up ghosts began to chase each other--with baby pull up ghost being the scariest! Some of the pull up ghosts even got creative with the placement of their head gear so that no two looked alike. The ghosts got sillier and sillier and their heads got warmer and warmer until the magical hour of bedtime arrived. And now Crazy Castle has once again survived another Sunday and all is well in their kingdom! Now don't you feel normal! The End.

Meg

A couple of days ago, our Meg died suddenly. It was a shock to our family. It still is. One minute she was running around outside and the next she was dead. The vet thinks it was either a heart attack, stroke, or brain aneurysm. I think it might have been the aneurysm because I noticed an unrecognizable red fleck in her eye when trying to "wake" her up.

She was ten years old. Next month she would have been part of our family for ten years. Even though she was ten, I just didn't expect her to die for a few more years. No decline in health at all. Just our regular ole Meggers. Running, playing, barking, sneaking food, etc.

I'm grateful she didn't suffer. I'm grateful she died doing what she loved best. I'm grateful I didn't have to watch her decline. I'm grateful she has been released from her tripod of a body. (I picture her running like she used to when we lived in Cali. Maybe she's playing with Ellie?) But it's dang hard that I didn't get to say good-bye, throw her one last ball, and give her one last hug. The last two days have been tear-filled. Today has been better, thankfully. I know it will get easier, but the emptiness our family feels right now is difficult and knowing we won't ever find another sweet dog like Meg is difficult as well.

Yesterday I spent over an hour looking through pics of Meg. (Thanks Kerri for watching Ezra.) Tons and tons of her until Ezra was born. A major decline after his birth. I guess three children did throw me somewhat of a curve ball. I'm thankful for pictures and how they have allowed me to process her life and remember her impact on our family. I have been reminded of the good and the bad. Let's start with "the bad" first.

I will not miss:

*her stinky bloopers.
*her poop.
*her propensity to chew on things. When she was a puppy she chewed on parts of our brand new table and chairs (and more) and recently would chew on the kids' toys.
*her barking at the doorbell.
*her sneaking food off the kitchen counter. Too many times to recount.
*her bad breath.
*her whip of a tail.
*her digging. Yes, even with only one leg in front she could still dig.

I will miss:

*her companionship. She was there for me when times were so tough only Eric knew. Eric asked her to take care of me, and from that day on she did. If I was severely depressed she somehow knew and would come from nowhere and be by my side. I'm really going to miss that feeling that even if no one else cared, Meg did. I guess I have an extra guardian angel now.
*her sweet demeanor. Aside from her tail, there was not a mean bone in her body. I never worried about my babies crawling on her. They would pull her tail and fur and she would remain patient with them.
*the sense of safety she gave to me. Even though she didn't have a mean bone in her body, I felt safe with her. If a stranger walked by or she heard a strange sound she would bark her deep bark in warning. I felt safer when Meg was with the children outside. She loved them and seemed to keep "tabs" on their whereabouts.
*playing silly games with her.
*her "frapping."
*her love of the water.
*her soft ears.
*her sweetness.
*her head tilting to the side when we said, "Do you want to go on a walk?" or "Do you want to go see Ellie?"
*her resilience.
*her unconditional love.

Meg was a great dog and deserves to be mourned over. I miss her terribly and am thankful to the unconditional love she gave to our family.

LOVE AND MISS YOU, Meggers.


One of the first pics taken of her after Eric brought her home from the Santa Ana Animal Shelter when she was two months old.

One of the last pics taken of her less than a month ago at age ten.