Ivy

Marlee and Luke welcomed little Ivy into their family last Thursday!

 

Doesn't Marlee look so great?? 

On Friday, Kevin and I took the boys to meet their new, beautiful little cousin:

Taylor could not get enough.  He wanted to hold her, and see her fingers, and touch her toes.  He was delighted with everything about her!  And who could blame him?

Marlee is doing just amazingly well.  I feel like I was a huge baby about everything after Jack was born...it was not an easy adjustment for me and while I adored my little Jacket, I was a mess.  Marlee is surprisingly tough.  I guess in a way it isn't surprising, but her mantra has long been "I do what I want" and, well, babies tend to make that suddenly impossible.  I guess I expected more resistance, or...something.  But no.  She's upbeat and just doing it like it's nothing.  Amazing.

They even joined us for dinner yesterday, and I couldn't get over how cute little Ivy is!  

 I love her dark hair and dark eyes!

So far, she's handling the whole "coming to earth" ordeal much like her mother is facing her huge new role...

taking it in stride like it's no big deal.=)

Congratulations, Little Ivy.  You've got a great life ahead of you!

taylor's got talent

Taylor loves to eat.  a lot.  He's done this before, and I think it's absolutely crazy.  

He really doesn't chew at all.  I'm both amazed and horrified=)

happy times

Austin turned 3 on Sunday!  We had some beautiful strawberries and he was eating one.  He declared it to be his "burday fwaberry!" so we took it a step further and added a candle.

 Later, he decorated his cake with Easter candy.  Taylor helped and they had a grand time.  There was a little "lick off the frosting and put it back" going on, but it was only eaten by the boys....and kevin, but he's been a dad long enough to mind too much, right honey?

 Our wonderful Birthday boy!

 It was time to go pick up Jack from school, so I went to find the boys.  I'd been working on school stuff, but I could hear them playing in the garage.  When I went in, here is what I found:

 It's nice that our sleds are getting some use this winter, ha!

 Our swing set has only 2 big swings, and this has been the source of much contention lately. Last night the boys (and I) enthusiastically recruited Kevin to help make another one to go up in place of the baby swing.

They all love it when their dad uses tools to do anything and he is very patient and I think he mostly loves it when they crowd around to see every move he makes and ask him why he's doing this or that. 

 And I can't leave out Adam, my sweet little man.  I have yet to figure out how to cut his hair without butchering it, poor fellow.  But as raggedy as he looks, he sure is loved!

I feel like I am going through one of my most rewarding times ever as a mom.  The boys are all somehow in really great places.  I know that this, like all phases, is temporary but I keep waking up day after day to find that things are still wonderful and I'm breathing it in as deeply as I can.  This may have something to do with being in the 2nd trimester, and coming out of a very mild winter, and having a really great husband.  But whatever the reason, I feel so grateful to be where I am right now.  I've been through some big lows on this journey, and I know I will again, but times like these are here too, and that's worth mentioning.

taste of things to come

Today felt like Spring and we couldn't get enough.

Kevin took Jack and Taylor golfing with him.  They were thrilled to ride in the cart and find abandoned balls.  When we tucked them in tonight Taylor said spontaneously, "Dad! Do you know what the best part of my day was?  Going golfing with you!" 

When they got home we hung out on the porch and did a little weeding while the boys pulled every last riding apparatus out of our garage and joined neighbors, zooming up and down the sidewalk.  

Later Noah joined me at the store where we purchased all of the essentials for a backyard hot dog roast.  We nearly forgot the graham crackers, but he remembered them at the last minute and saved the day.

We came home to a well-built fire in our well-built little fire pit (good job, Kev) and although the smoke was pretty awful, causing lots of tears and whining, we had a grand time and I ate four s'mores. Adam won the little piggy award, though.  I gave him a big marshmallow and he shoved the whole thing in his mouth.  They boys couldn't stop laughing at our chubby bunny.  So cute. 

Then it was baths and beds for all, and they were sleeping soundly within minutes, as little boys do when they've had a busy, sunny day.  

And so, Spring, I just wanted to say thanks for visiting and we want you to know that we're ready for a long-term relationship whenever you are.

sweet jack

Yesterday I asked Jack to run a book over to a friends house for me.  He'd been squirrly and was happy to get out of the house.  Adam was sleeping and Noah and Taylor were playing in the basement.  Ausin, however, was right there and wouldn't hear of being left behind.  I put coats and boots on both and sent them on their way. 

It was a journey I could see from my window. Jack held Austin's hand and they waited, and waited for a slow car to come and then go before crossing our street. Once across, Jack let go and started along. It was SO cold though. The wind was blowing and Jack quickly put on his hood. He then turned back to Austin who stood still so Jack could pull up his hood too, and fasten the velcro under his chin. It was such a sweet moment and I raced to grab my camera, but missed it. They continued down the sidewalk, Jack slowing his pace so Austin could catch up.

 When the book was delivered, I watched them return and it took me a minute

to realize what Jack was doing.

 He was walking backwards, creating a barrier between Austin and the wind that they were now walking against.  They chugged along this way until Jack took his hand to cross the street.

As they approached the door, I came out with camera in hand, wanting to get one last picture of the two of them together.  But when I asked them to stand still for a second, Jack said

 "But Austin is so cold mom, I think he should get inside."

And I've been a sortof girly emotional sap with this pregnancy, so I couldn't help but think of these boys, all of these boys, growing up, having eachother...and get a little choked up.   

school update

So, I have already started an online class.  It is just the 1 credit little intro class that every online student needs to take before anything else.  The trouble is, it takes quite a lot of time and it's really not necessary in my case.  Its purpose seems to be three-fold:

1. Introduce students to "the Spirit of BYU-Idaho" and the foundations upon which it was built.  I attended classes there for two years, lived by the honor code, went to every devotional, and really did come to appreciate the unique atmosphere and purpose.

2. Prepare students for online learning, BYU-Idaho style.  The program they use is not hard to figure out.  It's actually really easy.  And I get that in this school there will be a lot more "interaction" between the students via discussion groups and that classes are structured in a way to keep everyone progressing at the same pace.  I know how to email questions, keep up with assignments, buy books, etc.

3. Help students prepare a "graduation plan" and revise that plan several times.  My plan is simple:  2 classes.  5 credits.  1 Summer.  I'm not sure how to revise that six times. 

I wrote to my advisor, trying to plead out of it.  I'll take it if I have to, but it really is just a lot of busy work for me.  However, I AM very excited to be on my way, even if it has to start like this. 

Sorry to continue whining, but I also don't love their online learning model for their classes.  I would rather go at my own pace. They only allow you to see one section each week, and it's due within that week.  I would rather get a lot done when I have time, and not worry about it during the week we'll be on vacation.  Also, I would rather not have to interact with other students.  In this class, it feels really forced.  We read something, write our thoughts on it, then have to respond to other people's thoughts, then respond to the responses left on our thoughts...If feels a little like:

me: I really liked how it said "......"
response: I like how you pointed out how it said "....."
me: yes, I liked that part...

I'm grateful for the opportunity to finish, I just wish I could do it quickly and quietly. =)

hooray for snow!

Austin kept saying: " I wuv deez.  my shoulder pants!"

Marlee's pink and green baby shower

It was a busy weekend!  I should have taken more pictures, and worked at getting better lighting. But, because it's taking me FOREVER to actually post this, here we go:

The Food:

Soups

Creamy Tomato Basil

Cream Cheese Chicken & Vegetable

Coconut-Curry Chicken Noodle 

 Salads:

Wonton Chicken

Strawberry Spinach

And Fresh Garden

Fresh Veggie Cups with Dip

Hard Rolls

 Red Velvet Cake -thank you Brittney!

Mini Lemon Raspberry cupcakes

Lime Bars with Macadamia Crust

Button Shortbread Cookies

Aside from many, many other contributions, Kristen made this tree - we had the guests write well-wishes on leaves to stick on.  And Gavin very strategically hung these balloons:

The art supplies were for an alphabet book we made for the baby.  Marlee doesn't like games, so we did this "activity" instead.  Each guest could choose a letter page, draw a letter-appropriate picture, and sign it.  It was so cute!  Idea found here.

And we had such wonderful guests!  I stole some of these pictures from my Aunt Terri, though she managed to stay out of all of the ones I took, as did a few others, sadly.

the guest of honor opening some of the cutest pink things I've ever seen.  I'm not going to lie, I was almost as excited as she was because I'll be getting some darling hand-me downs=)  I mean...right, Marlee?

 Cousins! Marlee, Brooke, Jill, and Destenee

 Mechams (Cathy, Claire, and Abbie there in the back) with Kristen

 Mikelle, Ashley, Brittney

Jill's gorgeous baby Ellie

 wonderful Brittney

 Ashley and Aunt Julie working on their drawings

 Marlee chatting with her prettier-than-life work friends

My cousin Brooke, the example of all things beautiful in motherhood, with Will - the happiest baby ever.

Beautiful Kristen and me.  We both got ready about 30 seconds before the guests arrived =)

I feel like I'm standing funny because Aunt Terri said she wanted to get my pregnant belly.  Well, there it is. 

All in all, SUCH a fun day.  All of my sisters, brothers-in-law, Kevin and Abbie spent hours with me to get it all together, but even that part was fun and maybe even more memorable than the actual event.

And in just a few weeks, I'll have a new niece! 

on kissing and valentines day

When Jack got in the van today after school, he showed me the little box of chocolates Mia had given him.  Mia is his best friend...and then some, as I learned from our conversation today:

Me: So what did you say when she gave you those chocolates?
Jack: I just hugged her....but sometimes we kiss.
Me:  Really?  Well, we shouldn't kiss people who aren't in our family.
Jack: But I love her so much.  And it isn't long, it's just a quick one like *makes pecking sound* And Nathan told me to kiss her so he could see, but we didn't have time at recess today.
Me: how many times have you kissed her?
Jack: Lots of times, but not today on valentines day.
Me:  When do you kiss her, just at recess? 
Jack: No, mostly in the middle of the day, like at centers.
Me: Does she kiss you, or do you kiss her?
Jack:  I kiss her.
Me:  What does she do? 
Jack:  She starts kissing me a lot.
Me:  What does Mrs. Anderson say?
Jack: She doesn't see us, so she doesn't say anything.  But I only kiss her on the cheek.  Not on the lips.
Me: Alright, but we only kiss people in our family, so no more kissing okay?  Just hugs.
Jack: Okay...but I think I might forget sometimes. 

Ah, the thrill of kindergarten love! I remember kissing tag was one of the highlights of my first grade year.  The boys would chase my friends and me and we'd "run away" but sort of half-heartedly, so we would soon be caught and kissed (on the cheek of course.)

As it turns out, I didn't ever actually kiss anyone until college, and that was a hilarious disaster that I'm a little embarrassed to remember. 


Ah well, here we are, years later, and everything has turned out fine=)  I was at the store with Jack last night, buying treats for his valentines.  I loved how busy it was, with flowers and candy in every cart.  I know there are some who don't like the holiday, but I think its nice.  I have no expectations personally, though I've had some good ones in the past... usually very low key, but nice.  I just like that people think about those they love.  I like being in a store surrounded by people who all have good excuses to buy roses and balloons and greeting cards. I got caught up in it and bought tulips for Jack's teacher and strawberries so I could make Kevin crepes this morning.  And I even bought that aweful strawberry syrup so my boys could have pink milk with their breakfast. they loved it of course. 

I think I may make this for dinner.  It is quick, a little fancy, and so good.  I usually double the cream (sometimes using half and half, or whole milk in a bind) so we'll have extra sauce.  And, yes, my healthy reader, that DOES sound like an awful amound of fat, and it IS.  But the sauce. is. to. die. for.  So, we make this meal about twice a year and never regret it. I make it with mashed potatoes and sop up the sauce with them. At the beginning of this paragraph I wrote that I may make tonight.  After thinking about nothing but this meal for the past few minutes, I don't think I can't make it.  It's that good.

happy valentines day!  I hope it's a little better than your average day, as I expect mine will be=)

uncharted territory

He said it without any build up.  It was just a fact.  He said "It's a girl" as he might have said "It's a baby."

 It didn't process in my mind.  I waited, knowing he must have missed something and would at any moment say "oh, look at that, a boy."  But he carried on, pointing out how it was certainly a girl and I finally said, "but, are you sure?" In my mind, he just couldn't be telling the truth.  He said he was "200%" positive.

Kevin and I looked at eachother.  Kevin believed him, I could tell.  His eyes were happy and said "aren't you so excited?!" I was excited! but is it real?? The man was nice.  He patiently showed me again and again "see, nothing there" he'd say.   A girl!  Really. A girl.

As we walked through the mall my eyes took new interest in The Childrens Place, and Baby Gap.  I saw twin baby girls and thought "I'm going to have one of those!" I had dreams about it all night and woke up thinking it was just a dream.  But no!

 We didn't think we cared, we really didn't. Six boys sounded like a lot of crazy fun and I was ready for that.  But we are both SO excited!

I have a feeling life will never be the same.