Roberts Buttons

Man OVER-Board

2011-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Being an OVER person myself, I thought it was so funny when Beck walked into the bathroom (obviously replenished by one of the girls) and in disapproval exclaimed, "Mom! This toiletpaper goes up before it goes down!"

A boy after my own heart.

If you have no idea what I am talking about this should help.

Would the Real Doll Please Step Forward

2011-01-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

Ever since Kendall got Kit, over a year now, she has been wanting a haircut "just like Kit." I finally gave in. It's adorable.

I have a feeling Kendall bald would be adorable too.

Star Wars Invasion

2010-05-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Beck after we got home from Target on the day he got to pick out a toy for being done with his Potty Chart. He was so happy and so sure this is what he wanted as we walked up and down the isles.

Little did he know an alternate alien race was about to invade. You would think being a Star Fighter Jet from Star Wars, you would plan for such an attack. However, I don't think anything could have been prepared for what happened next...Duh, DUH, DUUUHNNN!

Attack of the Kendall and her Polly Pocket posse. While you nap they will take over your Star Fighter Jet garage and turn it into a master wardrobe closet.

Careful, they take no prisoners.

Speed Racer

2010-05-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Aunt Kimmy for getting new brakes on your car so we could enjoy the Long Beach Grand Pri!

Kim got the tickets and Scott and Beck took advantage. Having a boy obsessed with cars, speed and turning everything into a race (he has to be the one to flush the toilet so he can watch his poop race down the bowl), how could you not? Maybe I should mention I am talking about Beck here. And of course, Scott was happy to oblige.

The first day Scott and Beck took their good buddies Dave and Adam.

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There were lots of cars, Beck had to stand by the green one, his favorite color. Everything has to be greet these days.

Here Beck is not striking a pose, instead he insisted he be touching the tire for the picture. Nice.

The next day our family went. The girls enjoyed it just as much.

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This was too cool.

Even with all the real racing going on outside, the kids seemed to really like these remote control cars racing inside the convention center.
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As a parent, you know they've had a good time when they are dead-dog tired.

Reality Check

2010-04-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

What happens when you get to go to your friend's house and have your first sleep over that's not with family? What happens when your friend who is really nice and your Mom really likes her, but your Mom also sees how your friend acts with her Mom and your Mom knows that your friend could probably get away with murder at her house? What happens when you hang out with that kind of attitude ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT and you come home thinking you could act that way too?

TIME OUT, that's what happens.
I don't care if you are seven.

Watch Out Calvin Klein

2010-04-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Have I possibly changed my last poopy diaper? It really sounds too good to be true. So I'm not going to say it. I hate to even think it. Although, I have to admit it is bitter sweet. Okay, way more sweet than bitter.

The following is more for journaling purposes. No need to read on if you don't need the details of potty training...if you know what I mean.

Spring break I decided to give it a real shot. We have been talking about it and getting him used to the idea for a while. And when naked after a bath, before getting a diaper on, if he had to go he would come to me in a panic saying either he needed to go in the toilet or, "I need a diaper! I need a diaper! I need a diaper!" Which I took as a good thing.

Day one of spring break. Started the day with no diaper, no underwear, shirt only (I felt like the underwear would only confuse him in thinking he had something there to "catch" whatever was coming). He did great, 100%. I was afraid about #2 though. Hadn't cleared that hurdle yet. Later in the afternoon Morgan said, "Beck, did you have an accident? It stinks!" Ugh! Not what I wanted to hear. Beck denied the whole thing. As I was making my way down the hall dreading the clean up I hear, "Hey Mom! Beck pooped in his toilet!" Apparently Beck went in the bathroom, did his business, and was out. Didn't even tell anyone. Woo-hoo! Turns out the worst of it was teaching him about needing to wipe! I'll take that over the other, any day.

We made him a "Potty Chart". Every time he went he got a sticker. Every time he filled up a row (5 stickers) he got a toy. I figured the money I would have spent on diapers for the month could go to that fund. A truly worthy cause.

Of course there has been a few mishaps, but for the most part we are foot-loose and fancy free!

Really the hardest part about training Beck was not calling them panties.

Can't Think of a Clever Title

2010-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago I decided on a whim to make homemade focaccia bread.
I can't believe it actually turned out! (notice there are no pictures of the homemade biscuits I attempted that could have won a Guinness Record at a rock skipping competition)

Too bad for you Willy Wonka hasn't invented smellovision yet.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

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I love when Easter falls on General Conference. The spirit of Easter seams to hold on that much stronger when you have just listened to a prophets testimony of the Savior.

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. We started at home with each kid getting an egg. Inside that egg is a clue that leads to another egg with a clue, and so on until the final egg leads to their basket.

Morgan caught on right away, as to be expected. Read her clue out loud, "Go to where you will find the stuff that you like to sprinkle on your Rice Krispies," and new exactly where to go.

It took a while for Kendall to catch on that she needed to pay attention to what she was reading in order to find her next egg and not go for the obviously "hidden" egg (one of Beck's) right in front of her.

Beck was funny. He didn't have clue's written out. Instead had hand drawn pictures of an object to go to. After watching the girl's open their eggs, read their clues, then go find, he followed their examples exactly! He opened his first egg and saw a picture of a fridge (I have to pat myself on the back for my drawings, given he was able to tell what they were), he saw the picture, looked intently at the picture and said out loud as if he were reading something, "If you are hungry and you need some food, go to the fridge." He totally made up all the words! Of course if you ask him he was reading.

Next we went to Grampa Dave and Gramma Faye's for great food, even better company, and another egg hunt.

But first we had to take a slow walk, so the eggs could hide (good thing they weren't hidden any sooner or they would have been washed out to sea from the tsunami that the earthquake caused in the pool).

Noticed Beck changed his clothes. He was so upset when he had to put on his tie and "church shoes." He needed to where his "big jet" shirt and "running shoes" so he could be fast when he played with Ethan. The only way Scott and I could get him to dress up is if we promised he could change after he took some nice pictures. I hate when they start getting ideas of their own!

Finally the hunt was on.Mitchell and Scott counting their loot, comparing who got the most "adult" eggs.Beck was so happy when he found all of his eggs first. This is him finding it and declaring, "Yes! I won!" No one new it was a race until this declaration. I'm sure it was the big-jet shirt and running shoes that made all the difference.

Dinner for Dessert

2010-04-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Spaghetti with peas & carrots anyone?

Morgan's teacher's birthday is on April Fool's Day so she thought it was a riot when we showed up with these cupcakes to celebrate. The kids were afraid to try them and only did so when PROMISED it was all candy.

Hole In 16

2010-03-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

What would you do if your big sister got to go to Idaho with her Grandma and see all of the Idaho cousins and your parents promised you a special weekend of whatever you wanted?

First, painting your fingernails a bright red is a must. Makes the whole weekend that much more fun.

Next, you need a picnic at a new park, complete with chicken nuggets and apples with caramel.

Then, that night a new adventure through a miniature golf course is always fun.
His swing may not be on the Tonight Show at two years old, but his determination should get him somewhere...

The next night you get to choose ANYWHERE to eat. The only request asked of Mommy and Daddy was that it didn't have drive-thru services. Where did she pick?...Souplantation!

I'm guessing she liked her weekend because I got the best sign ever.

Oh yeah, don't forget the marathon coloring project to welcome big sister home.

Theodor S. Geisel

2010-03-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

We thank you Dr. Seuss for red fish and blue fish, for zizzer-zazzer-zuzzes, and Sam-I-Am. We also thank you for giving us a day to wear our pajamas to school.

Happy (Late) Birthday!!

So Sweet She Gave Me A Cavity

2010-03-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

What else could you want for your 95th birthday besides friends, family, good food and self portrait cupcakes?

HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY HELEN!

And A Half

2010-02-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

How do you celebrate your birthday at school when you have a summer birthday?

1. First you make some really cute cupcakes.

2. Next you get a really cute carrier.

3. Then you celebrate your oh-so-important 1/2 birthday.

4. Finally you have to get embarrassed while your classmates are not allowed to take a bite of their own cupcake until you have the ceremonial first lick.

Seven-And-A-Half. They grow up so quickly, don't they?

What I Did On My Summer Vacation ,Part 1

2009-10-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

We went to the beach. I kept meaning to all summer and for one reason or another could never make it. When we finally did we had such a good time I resolved to make sure we go more often next year.

We jumped over the waves.

We ran from them.

Then when we got brave enough we stood in them and felt the sand wash out from under our toes.

We dug and made ramps in the sand.

And when we got tired we took a nap (with real waves lulling us to sleep instead of the sound machine at home).

We couldn't leave without collecting a bucket full of shells...

...and even catching a sand crab or two.

Yeah, we are gonna do this lots more next year.

Blessings that Bite

2009-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

(I got the hint, Mom)

I realize it has been a while since I've posted but I have a very strong feeling that I need to document the following for future reference:

Last Monday Kendall received her first ever official homework assignment. That night in her prayer she said, "...and thank you that I can finally have some homework..."

I have a feeling that will come back to bite her one day.

"I pincess, Mom."

2009-07-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

Dress up is fun for all.

He begged and I surrendered this battle. I think the saving grace is that he used the pom-pom as a weapon.

I Pledge

2009-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

I pledge allegiance to my blog

of the Roberts Buttons of Blogspot.

And to the web for which it posts

One family, under God, preserving
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with photos and journaling for all.

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As you as my witness, I will start posting again.

Five? Who's Five?

2009-05-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yep. Believe it or not, K-dog is five. Five years of her brightening our rooms with her sunshine smile. A few things about my favorite five year old:

She is very fashionable and needs to know, "why does it ALWAYS have to match?"

She loves to do her hair and her favorite is rocking the side ponytail.

Favorite thing to eat is "yellow cheese cut up" (that means grated). Just plain in a bowl is best.

And it's kind of funny because she has got a really good whine to go with that cheese!

She is very concerned about learning "how to be a mom" and already knows she wants to have three kids when she gets there.

She can tease her little brother like no one can.

She loves to help in the kitchen and already can make waffles and brown the meat (not together of course).

Kendall is moved by music and loves to dance accordingly.

When she's tired, get out of her way.

But when she's happy you can't help but be happy right along with her. She has the most contagious laughter I know.

(Here would be the part where I insert all the fun pictures I took at her "underwater" party. You know, the one of her smiling huge under the blue tulle and fish hanging from the ceiling. I'd show you how we played pin the leg on the octopus and had mermaid jumping relay races. Next I'd show you a picture of her blowing out the candles on her mermaid cake. There would be one of her and all of her friends holding up five fingers. Yeah, this would be that part...if I didn't somehow delete all those pictures! I'm completely heartbroken over it. Thank you to Aunt Kimmy who happened to take some pictures of the food on her cell phone!)

The kids' menu was octopus hotdogs, sea-shell pasta, goldfish crackers, and a fruit salad.

The mermaild cake that was big enough to feed an army.

Boi-cee

2009-04-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

"I'm going to Boise, Idaho!!" I have found even more reason to love that line from the movie Singles Ward. In fact my mom, Austen, Morgan, Kendall, Beck and myself were all shouting that very thing just a few weeks ago. Then 17 hours, 900 miles, 3 tubes of Pringles, 1 pack of Oreos, limited amounts of liquid (stops were kept at a minimum), countless episodes of Little Einsteins, a word search book, 2 cookie-sheets turned into magnetic lap trays, 1 75lb tortoise, throw in some Jack Johnson and John Mayer (oh yeah, and a $75 speeding ticket) and we were there!

It was such a great visit. The Makaafi's were gracious enough to host us and truly gave us our own home away from home. We spent all of our time hanging out with the three families there--Makaafi's, Schultz's, and Messina's. It was perfect. Making up for months being apart but reconnecting like they were never away. We had fun cheering (and freezing) at baseball games, singing into spring at school performances, finding a truck-load of eggs at Easter, figuring out the best system for separating the nine sets of state-quarters, training a new puppy, squirming at the reptile shows, painting fingernails, doing heart-braids, making cookies, completing homework, making pictures for Aunty Beth's closet, riding scooters, jumping double-dutch (Gramma included!) and like I said, just hanging out. Doing the same kind of stuff we would be if we lived close again.

Beck did really great with people's names. Some of my favorite interpretations are Anela="Wuh-Wuh", Fo'ou="Ho", Chip="Twip", Aunt Tracy="Aunty Beff" (I don't know what he would call her if he saw them standing next to each other).

Gosh, I miss these girls!

F.R.O.Z.E. at the baseball games.Beck loved to wear Jack's "fingers."I have to say, Easter Sunday was beautiful and we were outside enjoying it!Beck, to no surprise, enjoyed his Easter candy.I just think this is the funniest thing!! I like to imagine what brought the owners of this Mexican restaurant to post these at the ordering counter.

The one scary moment was at the very last day. We were enjoying our last night with the Makaafi's. Beck was having fun with a flashlight and accidentally dropped it on his big toe. "Momma? (sob, sniffle, sob)" "Yes Beck?" "Toe hurt. (more sniffles and sobs)" was what I heard for the next hour as he sought comfort on my lap. After some pain medication he fell asleep. But not very well. The plan for the ride home was the same plan as the way up - get a couple good hours sleep then leave at three in the morning. Between Beck's wincing all night and my coughing (I was fighting a cold) neither myself nor my mom (lying in the next room) were getting any "good hours sleep." My mom poked her head in around 12:30 am to bring me some water. It was then we discussed our lack of sleep and decided to pack it up and just go for it. There was no reason not to get any sleep there when we could be getting no sleep on the road, at least making progress towards something. Once the decision was made we were scared and emotional. However, I hope to always remember the peace and comfort I felt as Fo'ou offered a prayer. In the car Beck was able to settle down and fall asleep. I was able to drive for a couple hours, then my mom. And we did it. The drive went by surprisingly fast. I couldn't have asked for Austen to be more helpful and my kids to be more pleasant. Our prayers were answered and we made it home.

Thumbalina

2009-03-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

It all started here, at 3 1/2 months, she officially became a thumb sucker.This is a few days later, we knew it wasn't going away for a long time.Soon after discovering her thumb, she also always had to have something soft and warm, something cuddly to keep her cozy. In the beginning any blanket, burp cloth, even dishrag would do. But at nine months Daddy used the one blanket and she would have nothing to do with anything else, it had to be "Sodee."

Soon the three were inseparable -- Kendall, thumb, and Sodee (later to be known a "Cozy"). While one thumb was being suckled the other had Cozy between it and the attached pointer finger, rubbing the softness of Cozy's material. Feeling the fibers between her fingernails while the rest of the world and it's worries melted away. One time she even told Gramma, when Cozy was left at home and Gramma was desperately trying to find something to suffice, "It needs to be as soft as Cozy. Cozy is a sixty-six and it needs to be that soft." She ended up settling for a faux-suede-like button-up shirt of Grandmas. It was close enough.We had made a few comments here and there about it being time to separate the trio but never really enforced anything. The latest attempt was bribery. She could pick out anything at Target (that could get me to do almost anything) and it seemed to motivate her for a bit. Until...Dun.dun.duuuuun...we lost Cozy! Oh, we had lost cozy before but it always turned up with a good thorough search. We even left it in Idaho! And had it overnighted home. Not this time. Where could it be?? For two days the search team, well, searched. We hadn't gone anywhere, it had to be at home! And for two nights, no Cozy and no thumb. The thumb just wasn't as good if Cozy wasn't there with it. Then, finally, on the third day EUREKA! We found Cozy! Wedged between the side of her bed and the wall and the comforter. Cozy had returned! But the funny thing is the thumb didn't!! Who knew all we had to do was lose the blanket? The trio is now a duo. And I have a feeling the duo is here to stay for a very long time.

One month shy of turning 5 she went from this...to this... she totally made me hold up my end of the deal. Anything in Target...

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2009-03-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Why hasn't the Roberts Buttons blog been updated for so long? We have been very busy with some very important tasks...

...creating underwater bedroom dioramas...

...perfecting the heart-braid...

...untangling ourselves from our Twister knots...

...creating life size chalk pictures of ourselves...

...cleaning bowls with our tongues...

...reading with our sunglasses on (trust me, it's hard and takes a very long time to do).

Lewis Robinson

2009-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

They say when people are with each other long enough they can start to look like one another. The same can happen with people and their pets. Do you think it can happen if you watch a movie enough times?

iHeart iRobot

2009-01-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

People have tried to give us pets as gifts before. Okay, once. For my birthday. It was a kitten. Unfortunately the giver of the gift didn't know much one of us don't like pets living in the house. Fortunately the giver asked the said one of us first before giving the gift. She was informed of the dislike and was able to find the kitty a new home (her own) before the other one of us could fall in love with it.

It is now Christmas and we've been given another pet. Not a cat but another animal of sorts. Some how the one of us was won over this time. You see, this pet you don't have feed and comes house trained in more ways than one. It lives and thrives on the scraps you leave behind. It also eats whenever and where ever you have trained it to. It even finds its food where you don't know you've left it. When it's full, or tired it wanders around until it spots its home you've set up and parks itself there to rejuvenate.

He's so cute. Every time he's about to go out he sings a little "doo-doo-doot-doo" kind of as a little tail wag, excited to see what he can scrounge up. Then, after he's devoured all the crumbs and dust bunnies he returns and sings another little song. He gets so proud of himself and looks for your praise. He just loves when I turn him over, scratch his belly and give him a little cleaning.

He's so cute too and can do tricks! He speaks, spins in circles and sometimes plays dead when he can't find it's home. He is so faithful, just the pet one of us, and the other one of us, always wanted.

His name is Roomba. Isn't he adorable!

Boy Genius

2009-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

There is only one explanation...he gets his smarts from me.

So what if he thinks his macaroni bowl is a hat!

More From Kendall

2009-01-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

When looking for this one lady:

Kendall: Mom, what does her clothes look like again? Because that will help me remember.

Me: She had blue pants and a black sweater with a colorful shirt sticking out underneath.

Kendall: Oh yeah, oh yeah. I remember now. And I already know what her head looks like. It's round. Like everybody else's.

Disappointment

2009-01-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not supposed to want to disappoint my kids but I kind of get a kick out of doing it to Beck because I get this reaction (learned from his older sisters).

It Ain't Mr. Roger's Neighborhood

2008-12-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, we all have that neighbor.

When we do Christmas with my side of the family, it's become an annual tradition to walk down and see the Santa Babes (aka the Ho-Ho-Hos). Some of us go thinking it was all a dream last year, and the year before, and before that...and couldn't have been real. Others went because we had a new person who had never seen the house and wanted to see his reaction. I went because where else can you see Santa being pulled by eight flamingos?

(Yes, flamingos, you read it right)

What do you think for next year's Christmas card?

Mee-YOW!

2008-12-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Grandma Dolly's, friend's, daughter who had tickets to CATS and couldn't use them! They were amazing seats--four rows back, dead center. For some reason Scott didn't want to go (not really a people-dressed like cats-dancing on stage kind of guy) so I was very happy to take Morgan. We both thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Will This Be An Exchange Or Return?

2008-12-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

WARNING: Cheesy post to follow. Some side effects may include gagging, dry heaving, and or saying to yourself, "Come on now, really?!" Should any of these symptoms occur stop reading immediately.

We have a new tradition this year. Actually, can you call it a tradition when you have only done it for one year? Let me start again...

We've done something new this year. We are enjoying it so much I hope it sticks and turns into a yearly tradition. It's sort of a twist on the "Draw A Name" gift exchange. The gift is the part that got twisted. From last Monday until Christmas each person has come up with something they are going to do everyday for the person they drew.

It turns out everyone is having such a good time giving their gifts sometimes it's hard to tell who is the giver and who is the receiver!

Scott drew Kendall. The gift: Do math.
When you are four, this is a very cool gift.

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I drew Morgan. The gift: A chapter a day.
This is on top of her own 20-minutes of reading a day-she is a total nerd.

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Morgan drew Beck. The gift: Reads a book. (or points out pictures to)
Which is also a gift to Mom and Dad since he is always bringing us books.

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Kendall drew Me. The gift: Helps with dinner.
This is the biggest one where the giver is also the receiver. She LOVES to help in the kitchen. And I am enjoying the company,

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Beck drew Scott. The gift: A back rub.
Beck stands, walks, jumps, sits, climbs, and bounces on Daddy's back. Scott says it would be perfect it he was twice as heavy, but is happy to take what he's got.

Kendall Quotes

2008-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

After taking a bike ride:

Whoo! It's hot. They need to change the weather!

Hippo-ray!

2008-11-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

About a month ago our family took a trip to the San Diego Zoo. I have been meaning to post these pictures for a while but haven't because I'm totally drawing a blank and can't think of anything clever to say about them. Just look at the cheesy title. Can you come up with something better?...Enjoy!

Gnomeone Mourns The Wicked

2008-11-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what a garden gnome does when he's not busy greeting the passerby?

First he finds his two best friends to hang out with for a while...until he gets tired of being mistaken for a munchkin.Glindaand Elphaba.

Afterwards he's usually hungry and hits up the ladies for some food......where he then makes an old family recipe, "Candy Soup."He gets thirsty too.He sometimes helps out the trolls and mans the local bridge.He volunteers at the dog training center. Dogs like them because they see eye-to-eye.He finds time to catch up with his buddy, Superman, while playing with a whoose-it-whats-it.He enjoys his time out of the garden so much, he sometimes throws a fit when he has to go back...or his mom won't let him have a sucker.

Saturday

2008-10-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Why we like our Saturdays...

We get to see Kendall's fish-face.

(It's her concentra-tion face)

Oh yeah, she totally scored right here.

We get to see Austen so cool under pressure. Just look at the guy charging him!

This is the one day when the "highlighter pack" gets together.

Grandpa brings out his pink parasol.

And finally, we get to run through tunnels.

Who wouldn't love today?

Halloween Action

2008-10-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween is in full swing at our house. Although Kendall is a bit confused -- we put up our decorations because "it's Halloween" but we are not going trick-or-treating today because "it's not Halloween yet". So, here is what we are doing to pass the time until the Halloween Halloween is here.

Kendall first came up to me and said, "Mom, I know how to make a ghost." So naturally I asked her to show me.

She's also been having fun with Play-Dough. We've been making lots of ghosts and jack-o-lanterns.

Morgan was given an assignment to help Clifford decide what to be for Halloween. All she was given was an outline of Clifford on an 11 x 17 piece of white card stock. What else would he want to be but Elphaba? Doesn't everybody?

Soccer Babes

2008-09-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Soccer season has begun and I think I was born to be a soccer mom. I really do enjoy my Saturday's at the soccer field. Maybe it helps that Kendall's games are only 20 minutes long and Morgan's are 30. It helps too that my own kids thoroughly enjoy it. Scott is enjoying being a coach and I a Team Mom. The other day Beck spent Kendall's entire 45-minute practice by himself, literally dribbling a ball and wandering all around the grass. I am happy to say I think we have many a Soccer Saturday's to come. Soccer is in our blood.

Frockly T-Shirt Giveaway

2008-09-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

You can try, but just so you know I'm totally going to win. Still, you should try, I love competition...

Frockly T-Shirt Giveaway

BTM

2008-08-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

I made a little reference a bit ago that I have turned into a bean...meaning I have started working part time for Lymabean. Here is a little background on my coworker...

Pre-Practice Practice

2008-08-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

So, are you as excited for soccer season as we are?

It's Kendall's first year playing, we had to work in her new cleats. And it's Scott's first year coaching (Morgan's team) we had to work in his new cones.

Before we could officially hold practices the cleats and cones were just begging to be used so we went to the park and had a pre-practice practice. It turned out to be lots of fun. We had some friends meet us there and had a good time running some drills and playing a scrimmage.

The cleats and cones work perfectly.

This Is What's Up

2008-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

For all of my readers (all two of you) who have been wondering what we have been up to lately and why I haven't been able to post, I give you these excuses...

I recently turned into a bean working part time for this guy...(he's totally going to be in GATE)

I've been doing laundry. I truly loathe it.

I've been to the market with these little piggies a bunch of times.

I did some more laundry. Have I ever said how much I loathe it?
I've been hanging out with these guys...
...and trying to get them out of the house before they go crazy.

I went to a Hawaiian festival to see my cousin dance. She dances as beautiful as she looks.

Yep, more laundry. Unadulterated loathing.
Thank goodness for all my distractions from the you know what. It's what keeps me sane.

Happy Something Today

2008-07-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Why is Fourth of July my favorite holiday? Because of a day like this...

First we attended our niece's softball game. She is an awesome pitcher. She lead her team though this tournament qualifying them for State Championships!
Morgan and Kendall have fun with their cousins at the softball games.After the game we headed over to Gramma and Grandpa's for a dip in the pool...
...and a popsicle.
Then over to a friends house for the real celebration. Morgan helped her friend sell some lemonade. This little boy is a true entrepreneur (just like his father). He created a mobile lemonade stand, genius! If they won't come to you, go to them! (he made bank!)

And of course the fireworks. I love today! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the food! We had a great spread, including the best ribs made my this crazy guy.PS - When saying goodbye to Gramma, Kendall said, "Bye! Happy...uh...Mom, what is the 'happy something' called today"

Less Is A Lot Less II

2008-07-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Stud-Muffin.

Yes, it was time. I just wasn't ready to part with his curls until I realized I already had my girls, now it was time for a macho-manly haircut.

Here is the before, the during, the distraction, and the after of the first official haircut.

And They All Had Fun At The Ladybug Picnic

2008-07-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Who wants to have a ton of fun with their little girls? Okay, ready? This is what you do...

First, you let the Grandma's plan it (they always know how to do things just right). You get matching dresses for all the girls, again all the Grandmas' doings. These dresses came with matching outfits for their dolls too!

Then, you have to serve tea and crumpets (and by tea I mean peach soda water, and by crumpets I mean heart shaped pb&j).Now don't forget the "decorate your own cupcake part". Kendall can make a mean cupcake.

Grandma Dolly was lucky enough to get a Kendall creation.(There really is a cupcake underneath all that)And Grandma Dolly didn't disappoint the chef. What a sport!Finally, the party isn't complete without a bucket full of ladybugs (bought at your local home improvement store). It was my favorite part.They loved Morgan's hair. Can you spot all five?And Alli's eyebrow.
Thanks Grandma Dolly, Ya-Ya, and La-La.

KT And The Flower Girl

2008-06-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Want to know the new hot couple? It's my sister, Kelley, and her now husband, Tyler. They mesh so well together that from now on they will have the combined name of "KT" (Katie). Right up there with Branjelina and Tomkat.

They were married on 06-07-08, a perfect date (if you are into numbers), on a perfect day (if you are into weather), for a perfect couple (if you are into love), with a perfect flower girl (if you are into all that is cute).

Thanks Grandma Dolly for making her dress. It had an awesome spinning factor.
Kendall was in her element on the dance floor. Watch for her favorite move: the kick while clapping her hands under her leg.

Nothing like a cold one after all that dancing.

All eight of us together for the first time in three-and-a-half years. We love you KT! Thanks for such a great day!

Less Is A Lot Less

2008-05-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Bob.

A Barrel of Monkeys

2008-05-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Beck, how old are you?"

I know what your going to say, "Beck is one already?! That went so fast. I can't believe he's one, ALREADY!" I know, I can't believe it either. My baby had his first birthday and a party to celebrate.

We did a monkey theme.We had a water gun fight (heat wave that day) a banana pudding eating contest, color your own monkey beach ball and who is your vote for the best monkey face?And of course no first birthday is complete without the honoree having a piece of his cake.

He tested it...I think he liked it.And was finally, "ALL DONE!"

SA-Wing!

2008-05-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to an Angel game the other day. Funny how a baseball game brought out each of their personalities so clearly:

Morgan had to know e-ver-y-thing about the game. She had to know how many strikes? How many balls? How many outs? Was that an out? Is it the the other team's turn yet? Why do we need to 'make some noise'? Who's picture is that on the screen? Why do they put the players pictures up there? What is an inning? What inning is it? How many innings are there? Why are they hitting a beach ball around? How did the beach ball get way over there? Why don't they want the beach ball to go on the field? Why are they getting a new pitcher? And on and on and on and on and on...

Kendall loved "TO MAKE SOME NOISE!!" -- CLAP! . . . CLAP! . . . CLAP! CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP! Duh-nuh-nuh NA-TUH-DAAA! CHARGE! She was just having a good time. Except she didn't understand why we wanted the rally monkey to come so bad. My favorite was when she asked, "Why are those players sitting down?" After a while I finally figured out she was talking about a couple of fans wearing jerseys sitting in front of us.

Beck was doing one of three things: 1)pulling the hair of the girl in front of him, 2)squirming to get down and walk while holding onto my fingers, or 3)he would be very still and listen while everyone cheered then about two seconds after everyone stopped is when he felt it was a good time to join in with a "AAYYEE!" and a couple claps.

I enjoyed watching my family more than watching the game.

Hooray for Four!

2008-05-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kendall turned four last week and apparently, when you are four you need a day to celebrate each year you have lived.

Day 1 - The celebration started on Thursday, it was the closest school day before her birthday. We had a small party after preschool with all of her little buddies. Actually, it was the best thing ever - there are a set of twins who's birthday is the day after Kendall's, so us Moms got together and planned a party together. It turned out to be the best idea ever. One party with half the shopping, cost, and stress! And I just love these pictures with all her little school friends.

These are the twins she shared the party with. Their mom was in charge of the cake. So cute!

Kendall and James. According to James's mom, he's got a bit of a crush.

Day 2 - Scott was able to get us all signed in to Disneyland so how could we pass that up?! It turned out to be a really big day. Kendall was exactly 40 inches tall and was able to ride the "BIG" rides - Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, etc. Before she went on each one of them we warned her it would be fast or bumpy and each time she made sure, "But my shoes won't fall off, right?" And when the ride was done she immediately would say, "I want to go again!"

I don't think Beck was digging the cage.

Birthday bonus - Daddy was there to spin them really fast. Double bonus - they got the pink teacup.

Day 3 - Well, day three was her actual birthday. We couldn't skip it! We celebrated with Scott's side of the family and the Peterson's were so kind to let us come over and swim and swim and swim. She hit more big milestones that day - she went down the slide BY HERSELF and swam (in the spa) without her vest! Who knew turning four would make her such a dare-devil?

Day 4 - hasn't happened yet. But she gets one more day to celebrate with all the other April birthdays on my side of the family at Gramma Faye's. And who knows, with all this new found braverism maybe she'll pet Shadow?

Communication Is Key

2008-04-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick demonstration of *Beck's three most favorite words.

*Beck is the one with hair in the black jacket.

FOOD (he makes the sign when hungry or sees someone else eating and would like them to share)

MORE (usually made when not being fed fast enough)

ALL DONE

Rubadub

2008-04-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Beck's absolute favorite thing is taking a bath. When he wanders off I usually find him in the bathroom standing up at the tub. If I didn't know any better I would think he gets so messy on purpose so I didn't have any other choice but to throw him in the bath.

Identical Cousins?

2008-04-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Scott's second cousin, Pat (probably short for Patricia), from back east just got married. We don't know them very well, I have actually never met that part of the family. The only reason why I have really ever heard of them is because they say it's a little freaky how much Scott and his second cousin look alike. I hear it was a nice wedding, I guess the weather could have been better. Her mom sent pictures. They make a cute couple!

Congratulations!

(Morgan's not the only one that wishes April Fools would last all month long)

Crazy Hair Day (for reals)

2008-04-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today is "Crazy Hair Day" at Barker. Morgan was very excited to participate, she's reminded me every day this week. As we were styling her hair this morning I found myself laughing out loud as I remembered a story of a sister of mine in which I would like to share with you. Since I have lots of sisters I'm fairly confident her identity will remain anonymous. In fact I will give her an alias, lets just call her "Stella".

Stella works as a kindergarten teacher. Her school was having crazy hair day. That morning she was having so much fun getting her daughter, a kindergartner too, ready for school with a crazy hair-doo. I think the "doo" was one ponytail braid up high and another way down low, or something like that - an obvious crazy hair style. When the hair was crazy enough my niece gets sent off to school. Now this is the part I'm not sure of - I don't know when my sister realizes that her daughter's school, different from the one my sister teaches at, is NOT having Crazy Hair Day! What did she think, spirit days are district wide or something? I don't know. Poor Eden, I mean, poor niece. I hope she has recovered.

A Perfect 10.0

2008-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Scott and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary over the weekend. We went out to Palm Desert and had a fabulous time. Our attempt to take a picture together resulted in sort of a sum up of the last ten years: harder than expected, some good, some not so good, always something to learn, continually getting better, and a whole lot of fun.

Oh yeah, this guy came too...
Dear Scott,

There are billions of people in the world and for ten straight years in a row you have been my favorite person out of all of them. I know looking from the outside in it doesn't seem like it's all been perfect. But when I can honestly say I wouldn't change one thing, by default doesn't that make it, well, perfect? Happy Anniversary, Babe! I love you and here's to a perfect 10.

Miss Smarty Pants

2008-04-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

When Morgan was 18-months old, going into nursery and could identify all the letters of the alphabet, we used to joke, "Oh yeah, she's totally going to be in GATE." Fast forward four years later and she totally is going to be in GATE. We received a letter from the school that she can start the program next year when she starts the first grade. We are so thrilled. She totally NEEDS this. Kindergarten has been a bit of a struggle trying to keep her interest. Congratulations Morgie!

(Oh come on! I'm allowed a boast about my kid once in a while, eh?)

Matchy Matchy

2008-03-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Just as we wore our "Sunday best" on Easter, I think Heavenly Father saved his Sunday best for today too. The day was BE-U-TI-FUL.

Here is the traditional family picture taken at Easter.

(Next year remind me to take the picture as soon as we get here, before all the laborious egg hunting.)

Even the dolls had matching dresses (thank you Grandma Dolly!)

Here is Beck. I don't know if he is cheering because the picture taking session is over or that I couldn't find a white or black vest for him to wear to match the girls. Next year buddy, next year.

30 X 30

2008-02-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

The goal: to loose 30 pounds by my 30th birthday. It gives me six months. Then, I will be so thin that my pants will fall off when doing the Marine Crawl over some couch pillows.

Red, White & Blue

2008-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

A Ganswer

2008-02-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

Alright, I know you have been up nights wondering what the little "face-cup" is. If you don't know what I am talking about and would like to participate in the guessing game click here.

Otherwise, continue on...

IT'S AN EGG SEPARATOR!

A Gander

2008-02-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Any guess to what the lovely Morgan is modeling below?

It was a birthday gift (thanks Dave!) last August. And since then the kids and I have had a lot of fun putting it to use.

Any guesses?
(no fair if you were there when I opened it)

Kendall's Announcement

2008-02-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Beck, Kendall and myself were in the car, driving to Big 5, when Kendall made the following statement.

And I quote:

"Mom! I like (counting them off with her little fingers) one - School, two - Idaho, and three - Home. I like everything in the world. Except for naked trees. Actually, I do like naked trees because they are funny. I like everthing in the whole entire world. Even the light."

B-Mobile

2008-01-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

Uncle Chip will be happy to see Beck has mastered his training in The Marine Crawl.

And here it is from the other angle. Watch his little legs go!

2008-01-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

Then he has this other way of getting around. Not as quick, not as pretty, but still effective.

Air Borne

2008-01-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

First we had the ride that you saw Kendall do in the second video of the post below. Then we decided to add a ramp. And that's when it got really fun!

By the way, Chip's ride across America was really just part of his training so he could make the final run of this day (see bottom left corner).

Back to Idaho

2008-01-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

So I know Idaho was a month ago but I couldn't let it go without another post (or two).

Be looking for Kendall in the X-Games 2025.

Totally Wicked

2008-01-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

Some of the most fun I have ever had. My Mom and four sisters went to see WICKED THE MUSICAL last weekend. I can't say enough about the play itself. No matter what I say I won't be able to give it all the praise it deserves so all I will say is that at more than one point Mom, Tracy, Beth, Ellen, Kelley and myself all had tears streaming down our faces not because of a sad or extremely happy part but because the music was so powerful! Something that will be remembered for a very long time.

Since I can't express the joy I felt over the play, I want to recap a few of the highlights from the night itself:

Dinner at Super Mex. Next time Tracy will order the Jr. burrito.

The chit-chat in the car on the way out there. Loved the company I was in.

Walking up and down Hollywood Blvd. looking for a bathroom.

The African American boys commenting on the "white girl with bootie" as we walked by (twice). We are convinced it was directed at Mom.

Getting six girls in and out of the bathroom of Popeye's using the one token received by purchasing an apple pie-ish dessert.

Taking many group pictures in order to find the best back ground (you would have thought we were from Idaho or something).

The play starting and all of us realizing what we have been looking forward to for 9 months was finally happening!

The "fresherizer" girl in the bathroom at the Pantageous.

Beth dashing out of the play as she was choking on the peanut.

Recanting every funny line and spoiler and "did you notice when" together on the way home.

First picture: "Look there's the Pantageous, we have to take a picture!"Second Picture: (said in high pitched voices) "THE WICKED SIGN!! Quick, take another picture!"Third Picture: "The 'N' is working on this side, lets take another picture."Fourth Picture: "We have to have one of us inside! Let's take another one."

(thanks for the pictures, Mom)

The Real Thing

2008-01-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Our kids got their first taste of snow, literally. They ate it, stomped, rolled, played, smashed, sled, tumbled, wrestled, and just plain old had fun in it. Morgan and Kendall really had a good time experiencing this thing that up until today, they thought was polyester batting in Grandma's village.

We're Ba-aack!

2008-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

I know many of you had bets on whether we would come back from Boise or not. Yes, we are back, back to stay. Returning unsuccessful in getting any to come back with us.

Our trip was wonderful. I could not ask for anything to have gone better. The kids got along, the adults got along, and with 10 kids and 6 adults living in the same house, that is saying a lot! In fact, it was more then just getting along, we enjoyed each other's company immensely (or they did a good job faking it to our faces).

We had to eat in shifts. Usually the kids ate first. Us moms had quite the assembly line when dishing the food out. How many gallons of milk did we go through in a week?

Morgan (with a "breath-right" strip, thank you Uncle Fo'ou), Hannah and Eden -- Seemed there was always a game being played somewhere in the house. Apples to Apples was a favorite. Beck, Ilai and Jack -- Beck learned there are other things to do besides dress-up like princesses.
One of my favorite, if not the favorite was the last day when all the kids stood around the piano and sang Primary songs while Tracy played. You would have cried too.
Lots more to come! There are so many pictures I need to do it in shifts!

Happy New Year To You!

2007-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

Having too much fun in Boise.

Will post soon!

Elf, Elf, Baby!

2007-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

So I had to elf my babies. Click here!

A Morning Ritual

2007-12-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what it is like to be sung to by a choir of angels every morning as you get up?

All right, so maybe the "choir" is more like a trio and "angels" are a Mom or Dad (oh yes, Scott likes to sing too) and a couple of little girls who sometimes have some not so angelic tendencies, but I don't think you hear Beck complaining! In fact, he usually "sings" along with squeals of happiness. As Scott has pointed out, "He definitely doesn't get his morning personality from me."

Oh Christmas Tree!

2007-12-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

I learned that beauty on the inside can apply to Christmas trees too.

This year was the first year I turned the decorating of the tree completely over to my kids. Yes, most of the ornaments are placed from the waste down. And yes, you will find four ornaments clumped together in some spots and big empty spaces in others. But every time I look at our tree this year, I can't help but smile because in my mind these happy faces adorn the tree too.

I Married The QB

2007-12-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine in the ward sent me these videos of Scott at this year's Turkey Bowl.

Ah yes, the Turkey Bowl. Where the youngsters wish they were ten years older and twently pounds heavier. And the oldies wish they were ten years younger and twenty pounds lighter.

He totally scored a touchdown there.

A Kindergarten Production

2007-12-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

"Welcome to the Kindergarten Production. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!"

"The best Thanksgiving play presented by the kindergarteners."

26 letters, 26 words for each letter, 26 lines for each word for each letter.

Morgan followed the kid who shouted " 'B' Big". Her line was, "They sailed on a BIG ship called the Mayflower."

However, if you watched her, she mouthed every line of the play and was the only one who knew when the 'G' boy got his line wrong.

Later she recited the entire play for me again, and again, and again. She just walked in on me writing this post and started it all over again, and again, and again.

By the way, if you want to know the line is "They GATHERED seeds and berries to eat." And it was Zachary, "not my Zachary but the one in Mrs. Ucker's class" who got it wrong.

So Good, It's Dreamy

2007-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Some might say my cooking is boring. I like to think it is so good and they have eaten so much, it puts them in such a state of yummy bliss that they need nothing more than to fall asleep.

My Comment Picture

2007-11-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Buttons Are Thankful

2007-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

In no particular order

That we are a family . holidays . the park . glitter . food . Jesus didn't die . work . daddy . girls . us . napkins . my mom that cooks food we can eat. toys . a bed so we don't have to sleep on the floor . school . spring . baths . showers because they are fast . teachers . restrooms so we don't pee on the floor . play with toys at school . Beck . cups . Jesus . jackets . my clothes don't fall off . jewels . healthy bodies . Holy Ghost . my reading buddy . animals . salt . bubbles I can pop . cozy . Ms. Jeanette . fruits and vegetables . house . drawers and cupboards so our house doesn't look messy . halloween candy . that Jesus made the earth . spoons, forks, and knives so we don't have to eat, cut, and scoop with our hands . holiday decorations . Thanksgiving . friends . Christmas . my birthday . pumpkins . Fourth of July . dinner . nail polish . knives so we don't have to cut with our forks . pictures so our house doesn't look sloppy .

Rice Cereal. YUMMM!

2007-11-11T20:00:00.001-08:00

Tricks and Treats

2007-11-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

A bumble-bee, his favorite flower, an indian, and a bride walk into a bar....just kidding! (that's my little trick) Actually, they had a great time together at all the Halloween festivities.

Ellen and Kelley came with me to the ward's Trunk-or-Treat. They said they were coming to help because Scott was out of town, but really I think they just wanted an excuse to dress up.

When it came time to trick-or-treat we went with some very good friends of ours. My favorite part of the night was watching the little yellow duck. Being the youngest he was trying to keep up with the big kids all night. Almost always a house behind he would get his candy and as he was running away to the next house he would yell, "THANK YOU!!" Sometimes he would see the older kids two houses ahead, wanting to catch up he would skip a house, then realizing he just missed out on a piece of candy he would go back.

Disneyland With The Schultz's

2007-11-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, after you haven't seen someone for almost two and a half years, the first time you see them you expect it to be maybe a little awkward at least until you warm up to each other. Well, not with the Schultz's. After the screams of excitement died down, the hugs hello let go, and the tears of joy dried up it was like they had never left. We were so lucky to be able to spend so much time with Schultz's on their jam-packed trip. I loved how the cousins played so well and got to know each other. I don't think our visit could have been any better. I loved having my sister around, her four kids, and of course Chip. We had such a great time!! The only bad thing about having our time together be so wonderful is you miss them that much more when they are gone again. We love you guys!! And here are just a few memories from our day at Disneyland together.

Gimmee an 'M'!

2007-10-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

Morgan participated in a week long cheer leading camp at her future high school. She practiced with the high school girls for three days, two hours each day. Then, she got to cheer at a varsity football game. Morgan had such a good time. My favorite was instead of yelling, "GO MARINERS!" she was cheering for "GOOD MANNERS!" Hey, I'm glad she is such a fan of good etiquette.

THE PRACTICES

THE PERFORMANCE

The cheerleader's cheerleaders.

This is her doing her toe-touch, and after every cheer they have to show "spirit".

Kendall's Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Kendall had a fieldtrip with her school to the pumpkin patch. And from the rides to face painting to the bounce house, she had the most fun!

I love this picture. She was so excited to go through "the pumpkin graveyard" all by herself and came out yelling, "I did it!"
"So Beck, what did you think of the Pumpkin Patch?" "I liked it, but...
"...you've seen one pumpkin, you've seen them all."

It's All About Beck

2007-10-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sure these are things only the mother appreciates but some of the little traits in this video I just love about my baby. I love how he sucks on his two fingers. I love how he almost gags himself doing so. I love when he spots the camera he gets his "got to have it face" including big eyes and pursed lips. And my favorite part that makes my frown turn upside down any day is when he looks over the camera, sees his mommy, and grins from ear to ear. I just love him.

And below, are the many faces of Beck. This is for all but mostly for those of you who aren't able to see him as often (or at all) as we would all like.

I love him. Have I said that yet?

Superman Sews!

2007-10-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

What? Superman Sews? What did he sew? I can't imagine him sewing anything!

No, Superman doesn't sew. But just as you were amazed to hear Superman sews, you should be equally amazed to hear my sister Ellen sewed! And she made two adorable baby "cozies" and matching burp cloths. I am just so proud of her for sticking with it I had post it!

Wedding Plans

2007-10-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Kelley and Tyler!

My sister, Kelley, got engaged last weekend to her boyfriend of five years (five years, right Kells?), Tyler! Everyone is so happy for them as we could see it coming and were just waiting for Tyler to make the move. Sunday morning he popped the question at "the duck park" where they had spent their first date. Right now it looks as though it will be a May 2008 wedding and just yesterday Kelley asked, "Is it too early to start looking for a dress?" I am excited for her too!

Feliz Cumpleanos Madre!

2007-10-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

You may ask, "Why are you all wearing Groucho Marx glasses for your Mom's surprise birthday dinner party?"

And to this I answer, "Why not?"

Some favorite "Mom-isms":

The only reason why babies wear shoes is to keep their socks on.

It's only Angel drool.

This too shall pass.

The whole fam-damily!

(when taking a picture) Six, seven, eight, nine ten! (instead of the traditional 'one, two, three')

It happened sixty-eleven times!

(come on the rest of you, I know you can think of some more...)

"Do you think these mustaches make us look old enough to get a bite of one of those cupcakes?"

Like Father Like Son

2007-09-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Both of them, just as content as could be. I don't even know what they were watching. I don't think it really mattered to either one of them. I think they were just happy to be.

In Kendall's Words

2007-09-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's about time! I have been waiting and waiting for my turn. Every day for the last week as we walked Morgan to school I would remind my Mom, "Two more days till my first day!" Man, those were the longest two days of my life! And finally it was MY turn.

My turn to pose for a first day of school picture.

My turn to say all the words wrong to The Pledge of Allegiance.

My turn to spell and count the letters in my name. There are seven by the way.

My turn to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider, I make a really good spider.

My turn to color as an assignment and not just because I wanted to (I did want to, but I liked that I had no choice in the matter).

My turn to be the big helper and pull the wagon in and out during outside play time (I had seen Morgan and Eden do it so I instructed the boy pushing what his job was).

And as a side note, in this picture I am telling my mom to get out of the way because she had the nerve to stop in front of me and take a picture!

My turn to clap and dance to The Number Rock. And it really rocked!

And finally, my turn to have a younger sibling wait for something of mine to be over.

Yeah, I'm gonna like school.

When 5 and 3 Year Olds Play

2007-09-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Morgan: Mom, me and Kendall are playing "family". And I am Ariel and my husband is Eric. And Kendall is a little girl named Serena that we found. And me and Eric are going to take care of her because her parents died.

Me: Oh, I'm so sorry. That is very nice of you though. Is Serena okay?

Morgan: Yeah, her parents died before she was born.

Cotton Candy Kickers

2007-09-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Morgan had her first soccer game last Satuday and I have to say she is a soccer stud! First play of the game Morgan kicks off, then keeps dribbling and BAM! First goal of the game. Next couple plays, BAM! BAM! Two more goals right away! She did awesome.

It does help that with the way the age cutoff works, she is one of the oldest out there. And she has been to lots of her cousins' games so she already gets the general idea (which is saying a lot for these girls). But never the less, whatever excuses you want to give her, there is no denying she shined on Saturday and had a smile from ear to ear (matching the one on her dad's face).

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

2007-09-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Who is the fairest one of all?

According to Beck, it would be Beck.

Actually, you can see below he got his hand stuck behind the mirror and was trying desperately to get his fingers in his mouth and not really trying to make-out with himself.

O.M.E.H.

2007-09-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law, Chip, is currently doing a "Sea to Shining Sea" bike ride. He is litterally riding his bike from New York, NY to Huntington Beach CA. Chip is doing this to raise awareness for his non profit organization OMEH. He started on Labor Day and is keeping a journal on his website at omeh.org. I am facinated by his journey. Check it out and tell all your friends to check it out too!

GO, CHIP, GO!!

First Day of Kindergarten

2007-09-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

Barker Lions! Barker Lions!

We're the BEST around.

We study hard, we do our best

to make our teachers proud.

RAW! RAW! RAW!

Barker Lions! Barker Lions!

Spirit is our rule.

Three cheers for the BLUE and GOLD

at Baaar-keeerr Schooooool!

Thumb Sucker

2007-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Did you hear it?

At about 1:00 this afternoon, didn't you hear it?

The cha-ching! at every orthodontics's office as Beck soothed himself to sleep this afternoon with his thumb for the first time.

The Sweetest Little Old Lady

2007-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Forget the weather, forget her own mother, forget her two brand new nephews, forget her daughter's best friend and cousin, and forget her favorite sister (ME of course!). If this doesn't bring Beth back to California, nothing will!
Beth! Did you forget about Sister Evans' birthday cake!?!

I know the sweetest old lady. Now I'm sure everyone thinks they know the sweetest old lady, but my lady is by far the sweetest. She is in my ward and when she makes the announcement for the blood drive you would think she was sending us to Disneyland. She is the only one who could make giving blood sound like so much fun! And all of her sweetness goes right into her cooking. She bakes a chocolate cake, with some sort of cream cheese / chocolate chip layer for EVERY WOMAN IN THE WARD and delivers it to them on their birthday! And it is soooo tasty! Don't get me started on her home made dinner rolls!! I have kids just so she'll bring me dinner and some of those rolls.

True story: When the sign-up sheet got passed around to bring me dinner after having Kendall it was full before Sister Evans could sign up. She expressed her disappointment to my visiting teacher and my visiting teacher said no problem and bumped someone else off the list so Sister Evans could get on!

Beth, really, what were you thinking?!?

Family Portrait

2007-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to get an updated picture of our family ever since Beck was born. Naturally, I could only go with the best. We had to sit for a very long time while a well known artist in the area sketched out our portrait. The kids were surprisingly patient during the whole thing! I think it is a great likeness. My only regret is I should have dressed the family in more natural colors like tans, black and white as opposed to the pinks, reds and green we went with.

From left to right, top to bottom it is Scott, Jody, Beck (with stick-up hair), Kendall and Morgan (Her words were, "It's okay that Morgan is little." We trust her judgement). The artist's name is Kendall and you would never know by looking at the picture but this was her first attempt at drawing people!

Double Date

2007-08-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

There is this family that we just love to hang out with. They have three boys (the youngest not pictured) who Morgan and Kendall call their Soldiers (when playing with princesses, they don't want to be the prince, they want to be soldiers). For the most part they all get along although there have been some lovers quarrels, mostly with the younger two. We went out to dinner and it just worked out better to have the kids at one table and the adults at the other (turned out to be a win-win situation). It's kind of funny how the kids sat themselves.

Looks like Kendall's "date" isn't going so well. And it looks like Morgan's is going a little too well!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!

2007-08-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Makaafi Memories

2007-08-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a best friend move away? Ugh. That is what we are experiencing at our house, times five!

(...sigh) They're gone. And I'm happy for them. Truly, heartfelt happy for them. But I have to admit, I am sad for us. So, I hope you will bear with me as force myself to take the advice of my wise older sister and be thankful for the time when we had it so good.

Easter when Beth and I coincidentally bought matching dresses for Eden and Morgan.

Vegas baby!

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of them.
Sweet Anela.
Who is going to make chicken bones for Beck?
Funcle-O was always her favorite.

And we will always have this everlasting uma from Anela.

Hamburger Plant

2007-08-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Whatcha doin' Morgan?

Planting my seeds.

What seeds?

From my hamburger.

Your what?

My hamburger. I picked off the seeds from the top of it and I want to grow hambugers.

Oh. Good idea!

A Blessing

2007-08-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

I remember when our first child was blessed, she was one of two babies being blessed that day. The other was the youngest of three. The other father went first. Then it was Scott's turn. I can't say exactly what he was feeling but as he began he was over come with tears. I can only imagine it was feelings of being surrounded by the men in that circle of whom he held the utmost respect and gratitude for. Men with such strength all delicately holding his tiny little baby who herself is a gift so recent from her Heavenly Father's arms. I'm sure there is so much more to it that I could never do proper justice in words. Later the father of the other baby came to me with congratulations and said how neat it was to hear Scott's overwhelming joy and how he remembered feeling the same way with his first. I smiled and when I reflected on it later I could only hope that if and when our third one came, their blessing will be just as joyous as it was for this one.

Fast forward five years later and I can happily say it was. The circle of men was slightly different. Some of the hands the same, those who couldn't be there were missed, and some new friendships produced new hands. But the spirit was still there, just as strong and just as overwhelming as it was with the first.

I am thankful for the blessings I was given yesterday. Being surrounded by family and friends is almost too much to handle when I stop to take it in. And of course the blessing of three beautiful children and a wonderful husband who couldn't be a better husband and father if he tried.

A Must See!

2007-08-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, you've got to check out what my good friend's, Mindy, baby can do at only THREE WEEKS! http://www.dahmerfam.blogspot.com

Mindy, I just think it's so cute, and amazing!