Me again. . . finally

How to mess up Christmas organization and nearly halt blogging: Get called in December as the Primary president with NO counselors for two weeks and only three teachers for seven classes. Things are getting together, but my Christmas cards are sadly still unaddressed (I gave up the notion of a letter four days ago, but am still getting around to them). At the rate I'm going, I'll likely eat all the caramel I made (which gave me caramel's elbow, by the way) before I get it delivered.

I will post more--with pictures. Soon, hopefully. I know you all are waiting with baited breath. . . .


(Okay, "no counselors" is a dramatic exaggeration--after one week I did get a counselor sustained, and she even helped me the week before when I had no counselors. I can't disrespect her for that week, even though it sounds better to say none for two weeks. As an interesting side note, her name is Sara R., so now I have two Saras who have been my counselors. Must be something about the name.)

Family Photos and Christmas Cards

Two things on which I am behind. Again. Even though this year was supposed to be different. Last year's lateness wasn't for lack of trying. Here we are, all dressed up for our nephew's blessing.
Not terrible, except I'm giving orders and Dan looks like he's on happy pills (he's not, by the way). We can do better.

Nope, now Nate's losing it.

Yep, he's gone.


Now everyone else checks out. See why we opted for this picture last year?

We're planning on trying for this year's photo this Saturday--wish us luck.

New Italian Dish

Our dinner of raviolis sparked a discussion on Italian food (Jacob loved them, so we suggested he might serve a mission in Italy--his heart is set on Mexico, no idea why). We told the boys that raviolis, spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza were all types of Italian food. Gabe, ever ready to find fault in his parents' logic, was quick to point out that Italians didn't eat chicken. Mom and Dad quickly sang out chicken parmigiana, chicken cacciatore . . . then Nate piped in "Don't forget chicken dinosaur-y!" Yep, the dinosaur chicken nuggets from Costco. Our kids are soooo cultured.

Going to the chapel

Driving to church today, Gabe asked me if I had died already. Apparently, his understanding of the resurrection needs a little clarification too. I assured him I intended to stay alive to be the Nana to his kids.
Gabe then informed me his was going to name his little boy Jack. He's a bit upset because he can't decide on a name for his little girl. (I suggested Laurel, to many hoots and giggles?!) Maybe he won't have any little girls either.


Jake decided he would name his little girl Ava (not surprising considering his preschool love interest). His little boy's name? Knucklehead. Of course.

Help! I Need Ideas!

So, I'm noticing that many people I know are finished with their Christmas shopping. Mine is going well, for everyone except my children. I have no ideas for the boys' presents. Seriously, they got bikes last year, and this year I've got nothing! Since there are three boys, we have nearly every Thomas piece ever made and hot wheels galore. Help. I need to make a decision so I can order whatever it is they are getting--this is not something I can be late on! Gabe is 6, Jake is nearly 5, and Nate is 2 1/2. Please give suggestions.

Snow Days Past

Reading blogs of first snows of winter makes me jealous. Today it tried to snow all day, but never did more than light popcorn snow that melted right away. So, since there is no snow in our upcoming forecasts, I'm reminiscing with the last big snow of last winter.

Mom pushing Jacob down the mountain.

Zoom, zoom.

Gabe doesn't need a sled.

Nothing beats a Nevada blue sky!

Racing brothers.

Note the airborne snowball.

In case you're wondering, Nate was in the heated car eating granola bars and singing with Frank Sinatra.

The Return of Nacho Libre

Once upon a time, there were three little boys: Gabe, Jake, and Nate.

One day, their Uncle Steve came to visit. From Texas. And you know what they say about Texas. . . . No? They say that everything is BIGGER in Texas.

When Uncle Steve came to visit, Gabe, Jake, and Nate looked up, and up, and up. You see, Uncle Steve is big, big, big. He stands 6 foot 6 and weighs 246 (give or take a lie or two). He has big, big hands and big, big arms, and big, big legs and big, big, BIG feet. He has blond hair and when his hair is standing straight up he is one half inch taller.

When Uncle Steve came to visit in the morning, he gave Gabe, Jake, and Nate big, big donuts. (Not the teeny tiny bite-sized donuts Mommy always buys.) Gabe, Jake, and Nate ate the big, big donuts until their tummies were full, full, full. And Gabe, Jake, and Nate cried "Thank you Uncle, thank you Uncle!"

When Uncle Steve came to visit during the day, he played video games with Gabe, Jake, and Nate for a long, long, long time. Finally, when Gabe, Jake, and Nate had numb brains, and numb eyes, and numb fingers, Uncle Steve put away the video games. Gabe, Jake, and Nate numbly cried "No Uncle, no Uncle."


When Uncle Steve came to visit in the evening, he wrestled Gabe, Jake, and Nate.
He used his big, big arms and his big, big hands and lifted Gabe high up in the air above his head until Gabe cried "Uncle! Uncle!"


He used his big, big arms and his big, big hands and lifted Jake high up in the air above his head until Jake cried "Uncle! Uncle!"


He used his big, big arms and his big, big hands and lifted Nate high up in the air above his head and then he flipped Nate over and over until Nate cried "Uncle! Uncle!"


He used his big, big legs and his big, big feet, and he pinned Gabe, Jake, and Nate in a scissor leg-lock until Gabe, Jake, and Nate cried "Uncle! Uncle!" and Jake tooted.

When Uncle Steve had to leave to go back to Texas, he gave Gabe, Jake, and Nate big, big hugs and big, big noogies on the tippy top of their heads.

Gabe, Jake, and Nate looked at Uncle Steve with big, big tears in their eyes. And Gabe, Jake, and Nate cried "Uncle, Uncle, please don't go." So Uncle Steve bent down, down, down, and he used his big, big thumb and wiped away their tears. And he said "Remember boys, my love for all y'all is so big, big, big, you can feel it all the time--all the way from Texas."

Smiling big, big smiles and blowing big, big kisses, Gabe, Jake, and Nate said "We'll miss you Uncle! We love you Uncle Steve!"

Just Bragging

Dan made this trike rack for the top of our Yukon for the family reunion in July 2006.

Yeah, my husband is that cool.

An Uplifting Experience

On Black Friday, I bought a new bra (now you know why this is another post without pictures). Not the typical day after Thanksgiving purchase, but it was an additional 40% off. (I swear, the phrase "additional percent off" is like crack cocaine to me--not that I've ever used crack. . .)

In addition to the high from the sale price, this bra changed my life more dramatically than anything in recent memory. Honestly. It didn't just uplift my bosom, it literally lifted my spirits. The girls were lifted and separated. I felt like I'd lost 10 pounds--instantly! I was perkier and had more energy. I flaunted my new and improved ta-tas to my husband. I wondered why on earth I'd been wearing useless, ordinary pieces of fabric for months. In general, I felt fabulous for four days. Until last night while getting ready for bed, with said bra on, my husband noticed a hole in the back strap. Horrors!

After the initial letdown, I'm still undeterred. I will find a replacement, and soon. See, I've been converted. I am a believer. Next time I need a little pick me up, I'm passing on the Dr. Pepper and even, possibly, the chocolate. I'm buying a new bra. And I sure as heck am getting this model again!

All The Way

Some of you may have read the news article online a couple days ago about a woman who aborted her baby because she was an environmentalist. Here's the link:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312779,00.html

Apparently, these women believe that having children "pollutes the planet." As one of them stated: "Every person who is born uses more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels, more trees and produces more rubbish, more pollution, more greenhouse gases, and adds to the problem of over-population."

My first thought when I read this was "Good luck explaining that one to the Big Guy." But as I considered their position, I became more and more disturbed. What really bothers me it that there are some people out there who likely commend these women for their extreme commitment to their beliefs. These people are probably proud that these women have the courage to do more than just talk the talk.

I disagree.

There is nothing courageous about their decision. In fact, their actions are decidedly half-ass. I mean really, if you truly believe every additional person on earth merely pollutes the planet, why stop with birth control and abortion? Why not go to the source--take it all the way. Seriously. What better way to reduce your carbon footprint than to reduce yourself. Why not? You're just sitting around wasting valuable oxygen with every breath you take. Every additional day you are on the planet, you use more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels (even if you don't fly airplanes, I'm guessing you still benefit is some manner from the global economy--ever ship anything FedEx?).

So, go ahead, get really committed. Stop donating money to earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, etc. relief and start throwing parties celebrating Mother Earth's efforts to shake off the excess pollutants. Oh wait, no parties, too much that can't be recycled. Again, let's get back to the source. The ultimate in recycling. Start getting those who are truly devout together for a compost making party.

But then, I guess people might think you were crazy.

The Shine

I'm thinking Jake might have the shine.

Judge for yourselves.

See it?
January 2006

Still there.
January 2006

Again.
August 2006

Still.
January 2007

Now, I don't know whether he really sees "dead people," but he does have some pretty definite opinions on it for a four-year-old. For instance, he understands the resurrection as literal and immediate. When doing burials at sea for our goldfish (flushing), he sends them off with a "Have fun coming back alive in the ocean!"

He also does not respond appropriately when warned that a particular activity will result in serious bodily harm or even death. "That's okay, because I'll come back alive again."

And he wasn't satisfied with the answer "in heaven" when he asked where his great nana's great papa was. That night he prayed: "Bless all the dead people to come back to life. Tonight. And to sleep warm in their beds." Sooooo, if you feel a bump in the night, thank Jake.

Is that so?

The other day while we were driving, Gabe asked if the building we were passing was the hospital. I told him yes, and he confidently explained "That's where my wife is going to pick up our kids."

Birds and bees talk--check!

(Yes, my other kids say cute things too, just not recently.)

Recent Afterschool Conversation with Gabe

Gabe: Mom, I want more kids in our family.
Mom: How many kids are you thinking, Gabe?
Gabe: I think 5 more kids.
Mom: [Swallowing hard] Why do you want more kids Gabe?
Gabe: Because I'm tired of playing with Jake.

Note to self: Find more friends for Gabe.

A Tire Party

For Gabe's sixth birthday, he requested a "tire party." Seriously, the kid loves the smell of tires.
I used the whole bottle of black food coloring in the double batch of chocolate frosting (note to others: black food coloring looks gray when frosting is wet, it dries darker). The kids looked like they were eating TAR!






Dan took his responsibility for making "gasoline" labels for the rootbeer very seriously. The kool-aid is nitrous (I actually suggested "radiator fluid," but Dan vetoed that as "not even funny").

Kindergarten

Gabe's first day of kindergarten. Those of you who know Gabe, know the story.

Yesterday's News

Here are the highlights from our family's fun-filled summer vacation (or "baycation" according to Jacob).


1. 7 hour car trip with three kids under 6. Becomes 11 hour trip when stuck in Olancha, California for 3 hours because 395 is closed for fatal accident. Bonus of having three boys--they can pee on the side of the road; bonus for mom, there's "The Ranch House" restaurant (where I was forced to eat greasy diner food with my family every trip south while growing up) within walking distance. Also noteworthy, a dried and mummified coyote carcass hung over the barbed wire fence, which we never would have noticed at 65 MPH. But wait you say, 7 plus 3 only equals 10 hours, how did it become 11? Well, about an hour after we started moving again, Jake says his throat hurts. Hmm, the parents say, he must be thirsty. Ten minutes later, Jake says, "I just threw up, three times." While we are trying to make our turnoff and find a place to pull over, he asks, "Is someone going to clean me up?" So, Dan flung vomit onto the highway and cleaned Jacob with baby wipes while I dry heaved behind the Yukon (one of the lasting benefits of pregnancies--I am relieved of barf duty when spouse is present). Hence, an additional hour. Also worth noting, Jake threw up four more times and never missed or spilled from the plastic cereal bowl I gave him. He slept half the night next to the toilet at Dan's aunt's house, but saved us from having to clean up after him there too. Also, she had a washing machine--much better than packing pukey clothes around in plastic bags in the car for a week.














2. Discovered Gabe and Jacob love the beach in Carlsbad and boogie boarding. Also discovered Nate is not so much into the beach just yet. He sat and screamed under the umbrella for a good hour--he was not going in the water. Final straw was throwing handfuls of sand all over mommy--he earned a dunk in the ocean. Compromise--Nate threw sand on himself and quit screaming.





























3. Saw aircraft carrier in San Diego. Learned boys don't like to walk when pedal-cabs are around.

4. Boys visited temple grounds where mom and dad were married. Interesting conversation overheard:
Gabe: "I just don't know how I'm going to find a girl to marry. I don't like girls."
Jake: "No girl is ever going to marry you Gabe!"
Dad, interjecting: "Gabe don't worry, you'll get married, just keep asking until someone says yes."

5. 15 hours at Disneyland. Jacob loved rollercoasters; he rode Big Thunder and Star Tours. Gabe preferred rides he could see where they were going. Entire family did Pirates of the Carribean; Nate is not a pirate. Dan saw David Hasselhoff while Laurie waited in line for a churro (he was not drunk). Gabe and Jake do not like fireworks overhead. Apparently, in our mad dash away from the teacups and fireworks and into the Disney merchandise store, we overlooked the fact that Nate did like them. Every night in his prayers, Nate blesses the fireworks and Disneyland.











6. Kids are happy 95% of the time at Disneyland. The next day however, is a different story, especially when you take a 9 hour car trip. DVD players are worth their weight in gold.

The Virgin Blogger

Well, here I am posting my first blog ever. Some of you may have found the blog Dan started several months ago, but I vetoed that for me personally, mainly because I'm not entirely comfortable posting under the description "what more could a man want?" (even if it is apt).

Several things have held me back from blogging:
1) Access to computer time--our archaic computer cannot handle wireless, so I must wait for spouse to come home;
2) Indecision over the title--spouse's suggestions tended toward paragraph length and everyone else already has the cute titles; and
3) Fear of sending a daily Christmas/bragging card to all my friends (let's face we don't have that much to brag about!).

Apparently I've overcome these concerns, and here's why:
1) I'm angling for a new computer. I figure if I stay online enough, my CPA spouse's fear that I am exceeding his "incidental personal usage" will outweigh his hesitancy to charge a new HP to our Costco AmEx (hey--we 'd get rewards);
2) I came up with a title. I settled on this because, well, we do love "The Office" and because I'm the lone female voice in our family of three young boys; and
3) My sisters want to see more pics of my kids, and let's face it, we do have quite a bit to brag about!