Where in the World is Lucky?

This is the question we ask ourselves twice a week as we search the house for Luke's new sleeping spot. I think we have broken the pattern, but we got some funny pictures anyway. I missed a picture-- one when he fell asleep under the red wing chair in the front room.

Luke is asleep completely under our bed!

Luke is alseep on a mound of clothing in our closet! Please don't look too closely at my mess :)!


Luke fell asleep 5 ft. in the air on a wire shelf in my closet behind my hanging shirts!

As if the last one wasn't dangerous enough...Luke fell asleep under the blankets with only a head out on the landing of the stairs. I went to get Rob to take a picture and he moved to this position with his head hanging off the top step! THE HORROR! One slight move and he could've fallen down the stairs!

Any advice? I can't just lock his door every night because he kicks the door all night. I am hoping he will heed my warnings that it isn't safe to sleep just anywhere. I even pulled the "Mommy wants you safe in your bed. What if there was a fire and I had to look all over the house for you so we could leave? That would make me scared." So far so good, but I would love some suggestions for keeping kids in their beds at night.

Words of a wise three year old

Two funny things Luke has said today...

#1: "I wish I had a talking dog, Mom. Then we would know what he wants to eat."

#2: I was cuddling Carys and said to Luke, "aren't you glad mommy had a baby?" "We sure do love her." Luke replies, "Yep." I further the conversation by asking him, " Do you want mommy to have another baby? Maybe a baby brother?" Luke says, "No, I don't want any babies in the house. I want a big boy like me." I thought that was pretty cute...of course he doesn't want a baby in the house...duh! He wants a play mate, since mommy stinks at it these days.

72 words

Touch Typing

Caffeine the Wonder Drug!? definitely not, but I like it.

So, I am probably the only "Mormon Mom" who will briefly endorse Coca-Cola! Just hear me out. I have terrible pain in my face and teeth with this sinus infection. Nothing has really taken away the pain until....my McDonald's Coke this afternoon. I called Rob and asked him to look up if caffeine can aid in pain relief. He found some articles that say when paired with Tylenol or Advil it can help with pain. He also found some articles that say it can increase inflammation and pain. Naturally, I am totally disregarding the fact that I am on my fourth round of antibiotics and my fever has basically broken. I want the validation for my vice, is that so wrong?! Yes, it is. Anyway, I really think it helped. I made the realization when I shook my booty to the Backyardigans on TV with my kids...I felt better! YEAH! Today, Coke is my hero. Tomorrow, I am back to trying to kick my one a day habit. (which really isn't that bad, but we all have to feel guilty about something)

Like Father Like Son

Luke is at the impressionable age of 3 1/2 and lets just say he picks up on everything. Today after a long day of not feeling well. I was drying Luke off after his shower and he says, "I loooove Johnny Cash!" "WHAT," I reply. "Yep, that's the new music me and my dad love. We listen to it in the blue car," explained Luke. This is just one of Rob's questionable influences. (sorry if you love good old Johnny)

A few weeks ago Luke had a friend over and the two boys chose what they wanted to be when they grow up. The little boy said, "an Astronaut!" I thought, wow that is cool for a nearly 4 year old to choose. Then Luke says, "I'm going to be a tiger hunter!" SCREEECH! Hold it! ROB!!!!!!! Rob has been really interested in taking up the seasonal sport of hunting. We have tried hard not to mention or discuss it around Luke as I do not want to devote too much conversation to killing animals, guns, etc. We have been to Bass Pro Sports Shop and Luke did see the quarter machine shooting range and thought it looked cool. But, I guess we haven't done a good enough job at explaining that we aren't aspiring to be hunters as a profession. Since then, we have ceased using trigger (excuse the pun) words and he hasn't really shown any further interest. Too bad I can't say the same about Rob's interest in taking up hunting :).

I won't go into any more detail about the various disgusting boy habits my son has picked up from his father. I know the good ones out weigh the bad, but man... MEN!

I'll bet he needs to clean his mouth out with soap!

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=BzjLlqIuVhI

Think healthy thoughts!

Please! All of you who read this PLEASE think healthy thoughts and send the vibe our way! I am dying! I think I have a sinus infection and once home from church began to claw my face off and pull out my teeth because of the pain. The line of sinus pressure to severe pain without any medication doing the trick has been crossed. Yes, I will be at the doctor bright and early tomorrow...antibiotics here I come! Anyway, I write this partially in jest, but mostly in tears as I plead for good health vibes for me, Rob, Carys and Luke (who are still not 100%). Hey, it may not help the pain or illness, but it couldn't hurt, right?

So, do you feel sympathetic yet? Or have I sucked you dry with the pink eye pictures and emails?! I spared you a picture of my gross eye, but some friends can attest to its nastiness. Hence, my nickname, "Pinky!" It's sad when I have nothing else to post about, right? I guess it is true what they say...misery loves company! Just kidding, I wouldn't wish this on anyone! Again, I say, STAY HEALTHY!

Did I miss the spring weather report?

Why? I repeat. Why?? Why can't I go shopping and find anything appropriate for the season we are in? Namely winter. This has been bugging me since I went shopping for some winter dresses for Carys right after Christmas. I went to Target, Babies R Us, and another store and couldn't find one single long sleeve dress! There were sleeveless dresses with spring flowers, lilac sashes, and white satin ribbon! Easter?! I do realize that in many parts of the country winter has been in full force for quite some time now, but we are just getting started. Shouldn't retail companies base their inventory on the location of their individual stores and the needs of the local customers? I am not a business woman, but it doesn't make me more eager to buy spring clothes. I don't even know what size my kids will be in the spring! Do you feel me or am I just a whiner?

Carys "Pinkeyes"

I thought this picture was funny because it looks like a mug shot! She actually took another one smiling so she isn't feeling as bad as she looks. I can't wait until Carys wakes up with her face back to its normally beautiful form. We have not been lucky in the illness department this year. It has been VERY frustrating for mom as she has to rearrange schedules, take them to doc appointments, and basically become slave to the laundry and snotty noses...not fun at all. It is true that you do crazy things for the ones you love. Needless to say, I will be happy when this winter season is over!

Why is it never enough?

Now, don't worry, this isn't going to be some big negative rant and rave. :) I was simply thinking about my day. Today, I went to the NVCC bookstore to buy a textbook and then went major grocery shopping for the week and some. Then, I proceeded to go home and feed both the kids lunch, unload the $150 worth of food, and get them ready for naps. Oh, yeah, I ate somewhere in that time too. This was not a crazy day at all, but I made a conscious decision not to do housework this afternoon before I took the kids to their babysitting co-op at 4. Instead, I browsed a book order form for Luke's school, showered, and hung out with Luke watching a movie. I was laying there enjoying Luke's company when I felt this overwhelming feeling of...GUILT! Now, you moms out there know the feeling. Why couldn't I just feel good about the two big errands I ran that took up my entire morning? Wasn't that enough? Why did I feel lazy or neglectful of my duties? I mean, so what if I was going out to dinner at 5 and got a 4 hour kid-free break tonight. Couldn't I take a break with the kids around? Is there some commandment that is unstated, but known, that moms, "shalt never see let their families/kids see them stop?"

Sometimes I wonder if the message I am actually sending is that perfection is essential or that to be a good parent you must kill yourself every minute and you better act like you enjoy it! My house may be messy today but it isn't everyday, right? What is my problem!? Maybe I'm afraid the mom police will arrest me for my short-comings? :0

OK. This is beginning to sound like a rant, but I am saying most of this in my most sarcastic and jovial blogger voice. I found it amazing that I had to talk myself out of feeling guilty about nothing! "Julie, you had a productive day. Julie, you are allowed to sit still for 1-2 hours while your kids do too. Julie, enjoy it and work on the house tomorrow or Monday...after all it will still be waiting for you." (Am I the only one who has conversations in their heads about guilt?) Well, it worked! I lounged luxuriously in my disaster of a bedroom with my kid and my pillows! I then went out to dinner and ate yummy food with a good friend! I think today I believed what I accomplished was enough for me and my family! I consider this a break-through! Woo Hoo!

Eating me out of house and home and Carys' other new tricks!

Many of you know that I am fond of food! I make no secret of my love of fast food, particularly McDonalds sausage egg biscuit and hashbrown breakfast meal. (I have cut back to 1-2 times a week...woo hoo!) Well, my daughter is no petite petunia, but she isn't hefty either. Man, can she throw down some food! Tonight we went to the Old Country Buffet with my family. Luke, who has been having 2 lunches every day this week, only ate macaroni and cheese and fruit. All of the adults ate ourselves sick, but Carys really gave us a run for our money! I couldn't believe the amount of food she ate. She out ate Luke by three and she downed odd foods like mushrooms and zucchini. The dish of ice cream was by far her favorite though. I better come up with some better meals to serve at home because I have not yet inspired such an appetite at home. Probably says something about my cooking?! :)

Other notes on Carys:

She has been so talkative lately! She is adding words like crazy! Now she says, mama, bye, hi, up, down, go, poop, cheese, co co, dad dad, mom mom, shoes, socks, book, blanket or something like it, cracker, and some others I can't remember right now. I love it that she is copying everything and learning new things everyday. Today she tried to play rock paper scissors and use her fingers to do 1 + 1 like emom and Luke were doing. She dances like a rock star... stomp stomp shake your bootie! She cheeses for the camera and protests loudly when she is offended. My favorite thing lately is that I feel like I really have a little girl. She made me put makeup on her cheeks and eyes (empty makeup brushes) and then looked fondly at herself in the mirror! I about died laughing!

Kids say the darndest things!

Well, as usual, when my family is around Luke picks up some new sayings or games. My mom in particular is a big kid when it comes to Luke. She is often found playing "giant hide and seek" where she is simultaneously teaching Luke his "F" sound as he practices, "Fee Fi Fo Fum!" as he searches throughout the house for his hiding "Emom." She also teaches him odd songs and games like rock paper scissors, which he loves. She has a way of turning everything typically mundane into a fun toddler game. At times it leaves me feeling oddly exhausted for her...I can barely keep up with the kids let alone play hide and seek! I guess that is what grandparents are for, right?
So, here are a couple of Luke's cute quotes some of which can be attributed to my mother.

Luke: Emom?
my mom: Yes
Luke: Carys' blanket is a disgrace to humanity! (speaking of the nasty blanket she carries everywhere and most likely needs another washing)


While playing his leapster he tried to go to Level 2 and I tried to tell him to go to level 1...
Julie: Luke, go to level 1...that is your level
Luke: No, I want a bigger challenge! (he proceeded to level 2 and yes it was a challenge, but he did allow me to help at that point.)

New lyrics to a song I was taught as a kid and emom has passed on to my kids:

Ooh Eee Ooh AH Ah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang! Ooh EEe Ooh Ah Ah Ting Tang Walla walla bing bang oh baby!

I will try and get it recorded because it is pretty cute to hear him try to say these correctly!

I took a dog quiz...I thought it was funny!

Woof woof! You're a Bernese!

No bones about it, you're a good-hearted, people-loving Bernese Mountain Dog. Down-to-earth and loyal, no one works or plays harder than you do. You put your nose to the grindstone when it really counts, but you never neglect your social calendar. Simultaneously strong and sweet, you're very tuned-in to the feelings and needs of the other dogs you run with. Without having to be asked, you always have a helping paw to lend and a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. "Communication" is your middle name, and when that's paired with your unswerving devotion, you get a breed that everyone respects and trusts. Woof!

Yep, I am joining the political blogging bandwagon

How do I compete in this political world of double standards and judgments?

Before I address my question I should give some background. I, by nature or should I say by nurture, should be a staunch conservative and very charged at every election time. Just to paint a picture, my mom even went to a Bush Rally and was partially photographed in the paper during the "miscount" in Florida. My grandparents religiously listen to Rush Limbaugh and swear by FOX NEWS. While, I share most of their political views, I have really tried not to be as emotionally into politics as a whole. Then, I went and married the son my mom never had, who is very diplomatic and researched and up to date on political issues. Rob's love of politics began at a ripe early age and hasn't really stopped. In many ways, I feel inadequate among my family and friends to even air my views for fear I haven't researched both sides enough to spew facts to back my opinions. I also don't care for the stress it would bring to my life as I am unable to half care about something. I would research and therefore defend my conclusions much too passionately. Honestly, I can talk and armed with the right ammo/research would most likely win many a debate. Perhaps that makes me politically lazy.

My real problem lies with the ugliness surrounding politics, politicians, and citizens during these times. I have a problem with the expectation that politicians should be super-human and without flaws. They are expected to never change their minds and to also change the world we know. We don't elect government officials to play God. (Maybe that is societies' problematic view..too much power in government.) I hate the judgment we pass daily on every word, deed, and ill-timed smirk a candidate says or does. What do we really want? How unrealistic can we as a people be? One person will never change it all and expecting them to say so leaves us with empty promises of perfection. Doesn't anyone get tired of the personal discussions about these men's personal lives? Doesn't anyone grow weary of analyzing them with a fine-tooth comb and a magnifying glass?

I guess in conclusion to this rant, I just wish the people of this country would rise to a taller stand and truly stop watching debates to watch other humans flounder and stop laughing at the men who are actually stepping up for a job none of us could/would do. Does that excuse their immoral actions? No, but does judging them excuse societies' immoral actions? It is amazing the lack of sincerity and over-all lack of forgiveness that exists in our political world or world in general. In fact, it is sadly telling of how our society has taken a nasty turn. Also, what is this business about not allowing these human candidates to change their minds ever? Who do you know that has never made a mistake, changed their mind on a topic or issue. How do we expect these men to be all-knowing. It is no wonder our presidents are getting god-complexes. We give them to them. I am sure the elections in Washington and Jefferson's times were heated and controversial, but were they concerned with how they prayed? whether they were appropriately intimate with their spouse? how they cooked their eggs? or combed their wig? I mean really!

I do not shun political debate and discussion. I merely think we should chose our candidate or favorite based on good and realistic standards. I believe in freedom of opinion. I believe in freedom of choice. I just don't like the ugliness this whole business brings out in normal, educated, and usually reasonable people.

I will probably feel differently tomorrow. So, please don't take my blog post as gospel on Julie's views or hold me too accountable for this "freedom of speech." :) Just laugh as I am right now. In the end, I usually turn off the news and say, "what will be will be." Thank goodness I have a government/gospel to raise my kids with.

And yes, I am definitely a republican and I pretty much choose my candidates based on the moral issues, which to me, are black and white. Sadly, that is getting harder to do as the moral line is getting
less and less clear for the candidates. I don't agree with gun control, abortion, gay marriage, raised taxes, increased government interference or control. I don't like the idea of socialized medicine. I do like the Federalist views in having state governments. I hate the idea that our government is "supposed" to give us our "deserved" handouts. I hate the idea that government is supposed to save all...where is our responsibility and accountability. This is what democracy is about...self choice, independence, and freedom. Not being held under the thumb of government or taking from their hand our food, medical care, money, businesses, etc. what do we deserve?...to work hard and make our world happy and teach our children to be honest and to have integrity so they don't perpetuate the cyclic problems in our country.

Crazy kids!

My kids have been really fun lately! They have also been sick a lot...but that aggravation is a whole other post. (luke has double pink eye as of Monday morning...watch out Church friends he got picked it up on Sunday!) Anyway, Luke is a difficult sleeper. He fights it tooth and nail. Even when he goes to sleep, he tosses around like a crazed kid. What more do I want from a kid that I had to swaddle until he was 1? One night Luke treid to hide from us and wait until we found him to put him back in bed. Well, we didn't hear him and thought he had gon eto sleep. We didn't go upstairs until much our bedtime. I was messing around in my room when I see soemthing move on the floor. It was Luke's foot. He fell asleep under our bed! It was so funny. Carys has been a spit-fire as she learns to assert herself. All my angst about barely meeting her needs because she was so easy going was worthless. She has no problem letting me or anyone know her desires or disgusts! Girls and Boys are different. Luke couldn't care less about messes or matching clothes. Carys, on the other hand, already wants matching shoes to play in and sort of organized her toys. She is much more systematic in her approach to her toys. She also seems a little more obssessive. ANyone who knows her knows her attachment to her blanket. There is no touching that blanket...it is undoubtedly hers. She decided to play with the game Cariboo (cranium brand) and she literally spent an entire day dropping the balls in the holes and using a key to open each slot until she found all the balls. It took very good fine motor skills so I was very proud of her, but all day? What stamina! Luke would never have lasted that long! Speaking of doing things all day...Luke has been SIR KNIGHT LUKE MORGAN all day fighting dragons and goblins! Here are some more PICS! OK no more after these!

The train expo!

Luke, Dad, Dad Dad, and I went to the local train expo. It was a fun outing. I don't know who enjoyed it more...the grown men or Luke?! They had the coolest race tracks. I had no idea how big the train hobby/interest was. I guess you could really spend some money on the elaborate trains and tracks. It was really neat. My favorite display was a coffee table that had glass panels and encased a train track/city on a smaller scale. It was awesome! Kids would think it was the coolest...too bad I can't take a second mortagage to buy one ;)

Christmas Eve Pics

Luke was an angel/shepherd!


The yummy dinner minus kids!

The crazy wolves have spilled on their shirts and now need a break!


Mary (Carys) on her donkey! (BEN) HA HA!


Joseph (DANE) wants a ride too...forget that prego!


We also got to meet our dear friends for breakfast the weekend after Christmas. Morgan is Luke's best friend, but do you think he'd pose for a picture with her? NO! Carys did though. They exchanged gifts and it was nice to see them for a short while.

Christmas Fun!

The Santa spread!


So, I know that I have MIA for a little while. Sorry. I am going to bore you with my Christmas update and some extra stuff we've done lately. Plus, there will be lots of pictures, too!

Christmas was wonderful this year. Luke really understood Santa and so after asking three different ones for a pirate ship you can imagine what a believer he became when he got one! Carys was a little nervous about all the new toys. She immediately made a bee line for her old toys on the shelf. I think she was a little bit overwhelmed and wasn't sure what to do next. Luckily that only lasted a few seconds and she caught on that those toys, namely that kitchen, was for her! She had a blast with her new baby and disappearing milk bottles too. We tried to make the race track a "family gift." I didn't want to referee between the kids. Well, our idea was great, but the kids don't care and they still go at it at times. Carys surprised us by loving the race cars! She shakes them up and watches them race around the track like a pro. My favorite gift this year was a bread maker from my grandparents! I have wanted one for a while. The best gifts are those that you really didn't' think would come and from those that couldn't possibly have remembered I mentioned wanting it a year ago. I was truly surprised. I also love the leapster Luke got. He actually drove in the car playing his game all the way to Waldorf, MD! He never asked for a movie once! Woo-Hoo!

There must be a separate paragraph discussing the food surrounding Christmas. :) To start off, I have been on a cooking spree. The holidays do it to me every year. We had tons of goodies and our butts are reflecting as much! WE spent Christmas Eve with our friends the Sorensens. They made a beautiful and delicious dinner. The kids played (aka screamed and ran around) while we ate and laughed about our attempt at a fancy dinner. IT was the best! The kids opened PJs and Brynn made Nativity outfits for the kids to do the Christmas story. For some reason, I have made it through my entire life without ever doing this or even seeing it done. I know, I know, did I live in a hole? Hey, I never missed the Christmas lights and I know all the Christmas carols, doesn't that count for something?! Anyway, it was tons of fun and thanks to the Sorensens for putting up with our motley crew for the evening. Our next big meal was Christmas brunch complete with the classic egg strata casserole, muffins, and juice. It is just about my favorite breakfast! (I should freeze some year round.) Christmas dinner was ham and my FIRST HOMEMADE PIE!!!! Yes, I made the crust, the filling, the everything! IT was a lemon chess pie and it was perfect! Flaky, sweet and tart, set just right and Rob approved...he is the biggest pie critic I know! He was so proud of me and it made it so worth it. We also made the standard Christmas cookies and I tried some macaroons dipped in chocolate...they were sinful! Alright, have I devoted enough to the food? Christmas Rocks!

On a more humble note... I felt so much love this season. It was as joyous as it should be. Thanks to all who spread the spirit. Thanks to my family who made this Christmas very special for us!

iq test fun

Fed Ex from Miami!

It all started with a phone call from my mother just as we were walking out the door to go to the dreaded mall. She said a fed ex package was overnighted and was due by 10 am. So, we decided to send me to the grocery store while Rob and the kids waited for the Fed Ex truck. My mom called back and said it was already in route and would be there by 9. Since, I was already in the car on my way, I just ignored that and said I won't be long and we will resume our Saturday plans. Considering I bought the store, I only took about 35 minutes. I thought that was a short trip. I got home and started up the front steps to get Rob, who was already meeting me to help with the groceries. We were chatting with our neighbor when Rob announced, "Well, the Fed Ex just pulled up." I look up and see a regular SUV. I respond, "What, is Fed Ex using regular cars now?" Then, Duh! The car is my grandparents car! It didn't even click until their mini-dachshund got out of the car and ran up to me! I didn't even recognize their car! I am LAME! My mom and grandparents drove up to surprise us for Christmas! My mom got out of the car with "Fed Ex" written on her hand and a check in her fingers from my step-dad and her. They were waiting for me to get out of the store...they practically followed me home! Sneaky sneaks! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! I mean US! I was so shocked I nearly cried! I couldn't stop laughing as I recalled the zillion phone calls I made to my mom and vice versa yesterday while they were all in the car secretly laughing at their elaborate lies to throw me off their scent! Anyway, what a fun surprise! Christmas day will be so much fun with them here...lets hope we don't all get sick again this year!

Do your duty with a heart full of song!

So, the dreaded duty of attending the holiday work party on a Thursday night was here! Why do I dread this so much? Aside from having to find something fabulous to wear and feel thin in, I have to get ready and not be frazzled on a weeknight. There really isn't an option whether we attend. It is the nature of working your way up in an office. Rob has to be known and respected. This means going to these events with his wife. I wasn't thrilled today and this was my nasty attitude this morning. (I'll admit my error in having a nasty attitude about it.) I was struggling not to call Rob up at work and send him stag to his shindig. What changed by 6 pm you ask? Keep reading.

Well, I had already found my dress and the perfectly matching shoes, I had a free babysitter (thanks, Brynn), and I talked Rob into coming home to give me some semi-alone time to get ready without burning one of the kids with my curling iron. It is amazing how an uninterrupted shower and freshly shaved legs can make it all seem worth it! All of the sudden, I was ready and willing to schmooze with the best of the wives and significant others. The honest truth is the thing that changed it all for me was when my son looked at me in my underwear with my hair and makeup done and said, "Mommy, you look marvelous!" Yep, that's right, "marvelous." It was so sweet it even made up for the 7 tearful fits he threw today because he was tired and unreasonable. He continued to shower me with compliments until he got to the babysitter. Who needs a hubby to think I am gorgeous when my son is so obviously in love with me...should that be a little scary? Isn't there an actual complex about this...Oedipus something or other? Whatever! I will drink up this love and affection until the day that he slams the door in my face with a loud, "mom, get out!" or when he shrugs off my arm from a side hug. It makes me sad to even think about it...so I won't!

All in all, the night was a success! It was great as usual to meet the people Rob works with and to see him in his element. Rob and I had a lot of fun and the food was great. We, sadly, didn't win a $200 gift prize to a spa or mall in the raffle, but we had great conversation and got to feel like a real couple out on the town. So, I did my "duty" and my heart is singing. It's funny how it no longer feels like a duty. Hopefully, I can hold on to that for the next office party! :)

It's been a long hard day...

Carys couldn't take it anymore and this is how she fell asleep. Her face is tucked into her coat perfectly. Luckily I had my camera with me. Mean Mommy should have taken her home for her nap sooner. Just a word on my daughter. Carys has been so much fun lately. She is beginning to talk up a storm. She is deathly afraid of Santa. She even refused a lollipop he gave to Luke to give to her. All Luke had to say was, "Here is a lollipop from Santa, Carys!" Carys screamed and vehemently shook her head no. She will pretend to be Santa and give a whole-hearted, "ho-ho-ho!" I love how she works so hard to express herself and boy can she eat! Anyway, she is my smoochie and I love her! Enjoy the funny picture.

I give these cookies two thumbs up!

So, I am the crazy mom that, according to Rob, spends frivolously on Christmas crafts for kids.
Well, I will admit that some are not worth the money and are more frustrating than they are worth. Not this "color-a-cookie Pre-Baked Cookie Kit!" I originally bought this kit to do with some friends and their kids, but I was so glad I waited to do them with Luke and Carys...not that it wouldn't have been satisfying to do with my friends. :) There are nine cookies in the box that have pictures on them to color. There are food coloring markers/pens that you use to color the picture in and create your edible cookie art. My kids loved it and the kid in me loved it! The markers were really smooth and easy for the kids to hold and use. It does require some monitoring since it would most likely stain a couch or carpet being that it is food coloring. There are different themed kits and we chose Rudolph. We worked for a while and colored all 9 cookies. The only down side was they weren't my favorite cookie to eat. I am sure the crunchiness of the cookies just added to the adventure for the kids. The best part was that Carys kept focused eventhough she stole a bite from many of the cookies before we were finished. I am going to share the cookies. I thought Carys did a great job coloring her cookie...her scribbles were concentrated in the reindeer area. My final note...I give this cookie kit my mother seal of approval! *I got it at Michaels on sale!

I can't figure out how to add picture comments so #1-carys'cookie #2-Luke's cookie #3 kids #4-all of our cookies

Christmas tree part 2

I was very disgruntled about my tree sniffing experience and was regretting not buying the perfectly large and full tree from the local tree lot on that Saturday of Home Depot Horror. The good news is that I am at last pleased! Last year was our first real tree and I spent a lot of time trimming it. I was eager for my family to see it and have a homey holiday for our first year staying here. This year didn't seem to be starting off quite as well. (I know I am ridiculous about the tree, but it is one tradition I carry from my childhood and it means a lot to me that our kids know the joy of searching high and low for the perfect tree.) I thought this tree was going to pale in comparison to last year's tree and that made me sad. Anyway, when this tree was all said and done it was great! I actually like the smaller version and it takes up less space in my living room. Now, I just need the perfect train set to go under it and it will be my mom's tree to a T. (Anyone know where to find one?) Some of my happiest memories are of the Christmas traditions we had as a family. I guess that is why I obsess a little over the season. :) Hey, I can admit that I'm a little nuts! What made this year especially great was that Luke was my little elf and he really trimmed the tree with me. In the end, I know the Christmas spirit is not about the tree. I just find it hard in the hustle and bustle of the season and finals and shopping to keep that jolly joyous feeling. A beautifully lit Christmas tree to sit by and plan your next day of craziness brings me back to the reason for the season and provides a little calm in my life. Anyway, here are my finished products...they aren't perfect by many other's standards, but it is perfectly the way I wanted it. I'll even throw in a picture from last year so you can see the giant tree I compared to. Also, Rob, I forgive you for making me get the tree by myself. I am fully planning that next year you will be merry and willing to "sniff" around for our family tree. :) Love to all and Merry Christmas! Send me pics of your tree as I love seeing everyone's unique style and traditions.

breakfast with santa

Oh to be young again!

Today I find myself envious of my kids, specifically Luke. What would life be like to find fun and games in all you do? It doesn't matter the setting or the tone of what is going on around him, he builds a whole imaginary world of his own. Those of you who have known Luke for a while have heard how he used to make his feet talk to each other in the car to create role play. It would be unsettling except that he is very social and outgoing. I wish I could find the motivation to sit in a basket and laugh while I pretend I was bathing. I wish I could be a "motorcycle hero" and pretend the laundry basket is my car to save crashed bikes that slid on the deck of cards he spread all over the floor to create a slippery terrain. Truly, he can create a world with nearly anything.

Although envious, I can't seem to forget my adult ways and take part too long in his made up world. Maybe it my inability to turn my mind off and rid it of the running "to-do list." It is like having one foot in his world and one foot in mine...I am avoiding mine and not succumbing to his. Boy, wouldn't it be great to turn my chore of vacuuming up Christmas tree needles into a secret mission to suck up the poisonous ants that are invading my house? Then I could stealthily, with acrobatics, move the suction wand to create a clean floor.

My question is when does that ability to imagine and play stop? Teenagers don't really do it. We definitely don't stop enough in life to do it. So, how do we get it back? My goal is to pick a day and just imagine and play all day no matter what adult jobs are to be done. Perhaps it will give a new name to the things I call "chores." It is this innocence and imagination that makes kids unique in this world. It is also one thing that keeps us young as moms of toddlers. I pray that even when Luke is older he will retain some of his creativity and zest for life. It will make the growing up chore much easier. Oh to be young!


-Pic#1: Luke 11-07 Pic #2: Luke 02/07

I hate finals!

Just a quick rant about husbands in school...

I hate finals! I hate them. Truly. I have endured 7 years of finals and I am tired of them. Rob is a bear during this time each semester. Lucky for me one semester's finals usually coincide with Christmas and all the prep work that entails. Let me take you on my journey for the perfect tree! actually, I won't. To sum it up, I ended up going with Luke, my Christmas elf, and got a tree. Would you believe the one guy at Home Depot wouldn't even help me carry it to my car? I even loaded it in all by myself. Needless to say, by the time I got home with the tree I was not a happy camper. I most likely will not be going back there for a tree next year. Going back to my rant... If Rob wasn't studying for finals, I would have had my big strong man to help me with that tree. (in his defense he tried in the morning, but hurt his back after the 2ND tree he lifted...likely story ;) ! ) This is one among many things that are altered during this time in each semester. I won't bore you with my complaining and really would regret it tomorrow if I went on too much. All I can say with certainty is I am glad it is nearly over! Whew!

Bee Movie

Well, since Rob can't take me on a date, due to the insurmountable piles of notes and outlines for finals, Luke did! We went to see the animated "BEE MOVIE." It was great! I really enjoyed it. The only part that almost had Luke running for the doors was when Barry (Jerry) was nearly flushed down the toilet. Luckily he ended up surfing the waves on a nail file and I was able to spin the scare into a cool trick the bee did...Whew! (Luke has had a few nightmares about mommy going down the drain and so he has some fear when watching that sort of thing. Oddly enough he still enjoys bath time.) Afterwards we walked around the mall and talked to Santa. He loved telling him what he wanted for Christmas and it was a good low-key (the mall was empty) way to reintroduce St. Nicholas before we attempt pictures with him.

I have to say, Luke was a great date... He held my hand, said thanks, and didn't hog the popcorn! The down side is that I was a little sad that the day will come when he is too cool to sit alone at a movie with his mom. (Sigh) I think it was time we both needed. I loved spending the quiet time with him. We actually talked and I was in love with his personality which as many of you know can be a source of my impatience on an ordinary day. It just goes to show you how easy it is to get caught up in life and other kids and spouses and friends that you miss some of the simple joys. Hopefully, I will find more opportunities to tune into Luke and have our special time again.

Anyway, here is my plug to go see the movie! It was cute and funny! There isn't even a true villain or evil one which is nice for a change.

Chinese Water Torture!

I had to share this witty metaphor from my friend, Kristi. As a disclaimer, she is one of the most patient moms I know and has the sweetest little girl, too! We were discussing our kids and how these three year olds are relentless when they want something. She proceeded to compare their whining and nagging for stuff as, "Chinese Water Torture...slow and painful!" I died laughing as she continued to say, "I want a candy cane. Can I have a candy cane? I want a candy cane? Can I have a candy cane now? " in her best three year old voice.

Oh, isn't it the truth? You moms out there know the sheer stubbornness of a toddler. I am regularly amazed by it. How can their will power be stronger than ours? We literally are worn down and cave to their pleas and bargaining (water torture) just so the nagging can stop. (I wonder if that is how my husband feels when I remind him frequently about the trash going out on time...) Thank you, Kristi, for bringing humor to what so often beats us down as parents and getting me to laugh about it!

You know the saying, "if Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy," well, I think it should really read, "if the toddler ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Maybe that would explain why we go to all ends to keep them from having fits so they can smile and coo at us. At the end of the day, we love them and we please them the best we can..."Yes, you can have a candy cane!!" (the dripping stops)

Dear Santa...

This year I would like one relaxing Christmas holiday please. I am desperate for feeling the reason for the season and seeing Christmas light displays. I love Christmas and all it has to offer. Last year was our first holiday home and we all got the flu for Christmas. This year we've made the decision to stay home again and I pray we have zero incidents of illness. I want to read the Christmas story with my kids, make Christmas cookies galore, drive by houses with lights, sing carols, and sit in the dark admiring my Christmas tree handy work. Oh I forgot watching all the Christmas movie classics! Luke has already been picking out stuff for Santa to bring like crazy.

I do have to say that holidays spent with family are wonderful, though. I think this year it will feel weird to have no grandma's houses to visit or other peoples yummy food to taste. We just had the entire Morgan family visit for Thanksgiving and it was fabulous. We truly had a nice time. I will post pictures soon.

I go a little crazy over the holidays with spending money and shopping. I love to give gifts! I really do. I love buying for the kids in my life and I love buying for my loved ones. This year we are trying to scale back and really stick to the basics of the holiday. I want my kids to know how important and meaningful this holiday really is because of Christ, not the gifts. Then I can go crazy on their birthdays! So, if anyone has any good holiday traditions and local events that are worth doing please share!

personality quiz

you are blueviolet #8A2BE2

Your dominant hues are blue and magenta. You're the one who goes to all the parties but doesn't quite fit in at every one... you know what you want, but are afraid of what the world might think of it. You're a little different and that's okay with them, and if you're smart it's okay with you too. Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Pushing our kids to do our best

For those of you who don't know, my son, Luke, is getting speech therapy through a free county program. It consists of a great little home visit for about 45 minutes each week. Lucas has incredible language and reasoning skills, he just needs some articulation modification. His articulation makes his language difficult to understand, especially in conversation. Anyway, I have noticed that Luke will not practice for me and rarely for Rob, but during his sessions he is awesome. One thing I have learned about my son is that he responds to correction and critique much better from others than from me. I even try to sneak my corrections in so he doesn't realize they are changing his way, but it didn't take him long to grow wise to my tricks. Therefore, I am glad he is making progress with his teacher, but I can't help but wonder if I am too pushy.

Pushing our kids is healthy as long as their self-esteem doesn't suffer from feeling like our love depends on their successes. With that definition in mind, I don't feel Luke is suffering. I do think he has an objection to authority and anything that reminds him who is the boss, who knows more, or who can ultimately trump his control or his decisions...namely, ME! Luke is a walking contradiction. He wants so badly to show off for me, but won't allow me to help or model in anyway. He is a prideful and independent sucker! Like so many of his qualities, this will prove to be valuable in the future, although I worry about how hard I should push to teach him that criticism is OK and valuable to learning.

I realized the other day that Luke does understand some of what we are trying to do in parenting. He was trying to talk to Rob about a "Mask." Rob couldn't understand him because of his speech, so once Rob figured out the word, he tried to model the correct way to say it. Luke responded with, "No, Dad! I want to do MY best, NOT YOUR best!" As long as he fixes and corrects behavior for Mom and Dad, he feels he is doing "our best." I suppose that right now his best is the best. That is my new motto!

How many of you can actually say that what you teach your kids is completely unselfish...isn't part of it to reflect what a wonderful mom you are? Aren't you secretly proud of yourself when your child is exemplary in manners, speech, academics, etc? I know I am. We are human, and for most of us this is our most important and all encompassing job. In any other job we would have some sort of external benchmarks to determine our success. What are our benchmarks for being a good mom? Hence, the question...are we pushing our kids to do our best or theirs? Boy, my son sure did give me a new perspective to consider! And that is what being a parent is...I love that kid!

My hubby gets mega-points for...

1. getting up in the morning with the kids this weekend because I was sick with the flu.
2. laying down with Luke to get him to sleep (which worked) so I could take a nap.
3. cuddling up close to keep me from shivering as I had a 102.8 fever and couldn't warm up.
4. feeding the kids breakfast Sat-Mon so I could get up slowly.
5. getting up with Luke 2 times last night to clean up minor puke and get him something to drink because I was back with a fever and sick as a dog... I didn't even have to ask.
6. making up ridiculous bedtime stories for Luke who is demanding them every night for bed.
7. telling gospel stories to Luke at bedtime.
8. kissing and hugging all of us as we are doing our best to get him sick too!
9. bathed Carys before bed.
10. doing all this and worked on a school paper and baked a pecan pie.

Wow! I have a wonderful man, don't I? I love you, Rob. I am sad he went to work today, but I am sure he was happy to go. We really have been pretty miserable this weekend. Hopefully we will be on the mend soon. Luke is showing signs of getting better. We will reemerge soon!

"You can't have a normal life!"

Well, today what I always suspected was made crystal clear to me.

Rob and I were talking and I sarcastically said, "I just want a normal life."

In response to this statement Luke said, "You can't have a normal life!"

I was holding back both my tears and my laughter and said, "Why can't I have a normal life, Luke, what is stopping me?" (a guess it was a leading question.)

My brutally honest son said, "I am and my daddy are stopping you and you can't have a normal life."

AHA! I knew it wasn't a figment of my imagination...the feeling of running on a hamster wheel and getting nowhere! J/K I thought that was pretty funny especially because I wasn't complaining about my life and he has no idea what a normal life is. He just thought I wanted to change something and he didn't like that idea. Kids say the craziest things!

Disclaimer: It is true that the normal life I once knew doesn't exist, but the new normal is one I would never exchange for anything else in the world. OK, well I guess I would prefer meals without food on the floor and not waking up to whines and cries, but other than that, I love my normal life.

Help! Indulgence is my vice!

Today was my stake conference. Rob went alone and I attended last night. Today he filled me in on one speaker's talk on indulgence. Overall, I do agree that we, as a society, are incredibly indulgent. I have a really hard time admitting my own indulgence. Do I feel entitled? I know plenty of people that have what I call the "entitlement mentality." I don't feel that I represent that type of person. However, I do treat myself to any food, treat, or "indulgence" that I see fit as my little reward for making it through my day.

I like to think I am more a creature of habit than an indulgent one. For example, shortly after Carys was born I discovered Chocolate Dipped Sundae Cones. For every day that I made it through when Rob was gone late, I got my ice cream treat as I unwound on the couch or in bed. I did see it as a reward. I looked forward to it during the day and planned when I would buy more so never to run out of my treat. Well, my adjustment to two kids finally got easier and I didn't need the reward, but I did begin my ice cream habit. (I gladly state that I no longer am slave to the chocolate dipped cones.)

This same cycle has occured with fast food, shopping, movies, tivo, or whatever I decide I "deserve" for the day. I paid little attention to the expense. I paid little attention to the fat calories. I paid little attention to how much time my kids are in the car. Perhaps it was my escape? Who knows, but as Rob and I discussed the problem of indulgence in lives and families, I felt guilt. My friends know that it doesn't take much to make me feel guilty, but in this instance it was well placed. It is healthy guilt and I truly need to reassess my life. Am I teaching my kids the same cycle of indulgence and rewards. Am I being short-sighted rather than looking to the future? My husband would answer with a hearty, "yes!" Most of the indulgence brings immediate joy and really doesn't bring too much long term happiness...just ask my thighs and disorganized house that have both been neglected. Actually, I can happily say the changes have already begun this fall, so I can rest easier knowing I am on the path of least indulgence...well, maybe after I eat my chocolate for the night! :)

Walkin' and Talkin' little shadow

So, we've had quite a week with Carys. She is walking everywhere finally. Yesterday she was in her skunk costume and it was adorable to watch her wobble with her tail swinging back and forth. For those of you who know me, you know I have long awaited the moment when I can just put her down! She is a load! Of course along with this wonderful new skill comes the shadow phase. You moms out there know this feeling. The supposed independent walkers latch to your leg or follow you wherever you go. Hence, your little shadow has appeared. :)

Now that Carys can walk she has to find a new way to get me. Last night, she yelled, "MAMA." I was thrilled at her little attempt to make me come back as I was speedily walking away, leaving her with Rob. (all the while knowing she wouldn't be that happy with my departure) Of course, I did turn around and make a huge deal about her calling me. She could tell I was happy and I was.

Not only is this a breakthrough for her, but it is a big one in my mommy world. Luke called me, "Ba" until he was nearly 2. Carys has been calling me, "da." I know the books say "da-da," is easier for babies to say, but who is the one nurturing these kids practically 24 hours a day? Can't I at least get a "mama?" Seriously, Luke called my mom, "emom," my grandmother, "mom mom," grandma was ,"ammom," and I was,"BA!" Let's just hope Carys keeps up the MAMA and I can bask in the glory for a while until she is talking up a storm and you wish they never knew your name! (But, Mom, I want to! or Mom, please can I...?)

Another first for Carys was the lollipop! A nice mommy at church gave her the first tootsie pop she's ever had. It was sticky. It was red. It tasted like watermelon, with tootsie roll inside. It was all over her face, hands, and clothes. It was all a lollipop should be. She LOVED it! We loved watching her savor every last lick. She even "Mmm"ed while she sucked on it. It was great and it kept her quiet. I'd say her second Halloween is off to a yummy start!
(thanks Alysia!)

I am giving this blog thing another whirl!

Ok, so it has been over a year since I attempted a blog. Lately, I've had the itch to try again. My update is pretty much the same. Rob is still in school, but it is his last year! Carys is 16 months and finally starting to walk with some confidence. Luke is an amazing toddler with so much to say. He is in preschool and loves it. I have turned over a new leaf and have begun to work-out. Those of you who know me, know that this is no small feat. My only problem is that my eating habits aren't willing to change. :) We have a new addition to our family...Captain Hook. He is a big shaggy golden-doodle puppy with tons of enthusiasm. Sometimes that is wonderful and other times, I want to lock him outside with the scraps of my chair or paper towels he shred while I was out. I am still blown away by the cute things my kids do and I love how new life is for them. One of Luke's cutest sayings is, "I am possibility Luke, that means I can do what I want, Mom, I am possibility Luke." I will use this blog to store these cute things and my HMMM moments as a mom, wife, woman, friend, and just plain old Julie!

You know you're a mom of a toddler when...

your best argument for humming in the car when your three year old tells you to stop is, "I was humming first!"

I am often puzzled by the immature comments that come out of my mouth when I am dealing with my kids. I don't know if it is the exhaustion talking or that the majority of my conversations are with a 3 year old and 1 year old, but sometimes I sound like I am 3! Today I literally argued like my son does. The other day, I found myself telling Luke, "I don't want to, Luke!" in a really whiny voice. Do I think he will understand better if I speak and sound like him? It is like that commercial with the mom that talks baby-talk all day long and then goes out for the evening with her hubby and accidentally speaks baby-talk to him.

I just hope I don't start behaving like a 3 year old. My friend, Kristi and I often laugh at the possibility of throwing fits and crying like a kid when we don't get our way or get angry. In some ways it is so simple and may even bring some relief from our adult ways of keeping things pent up. Just imagine it...a little screaming, a little kicking, a lot of crying and stomping, maybe we could even go to time-out to cool down, but darn it if we wouldn't get that little black dress we want or the nice house with a garage. And boy those who ticked us off would know they did so!

Maybe these little toddlers are on to something.