How do you know?

You know you have a good daddy when -

He responds happily when receiving a teal body pillow and Goosebumps video from his children - 

gifts they picked out all on their own.

And when they crawl all over him to assist in reading his Father's Day card.

Finally -when the 2 year old insists that the pants his father opened are really his - and then the dad obliges to try them on the toddler -

You know you have a good daddy -

We love you Dear -

thanks for being the amazing man that you are.

P.S. the teal pillow is not a replacement for cuddling with your wife.

P.P.S. the teal pillow must be placed underneath our bed during daylight hours -

for some reason it just doesn't blend with the surrounding decor.

Teachings

8:00-10:30 a.m.

Little C engulfed:

a bowl of cereal,

two German pancakes, and

lumpy mush.

He's still begging for something to eat.

I told him to drink more water -

half the time when you're feeling hungry you're really just dehydrated.

Plus, I said, I can't feed you anymore. You are growing up entirely too fast for me and I want you to stay little for just awhile longer.

That earned me an, "Oh Mom!" - I love him :)

.

Later on when I was running on the treadmill down in our storage room, I looked back and noticed Little C playing quietly with his toys. I had already been pondering the music I had recently downloaded on to my MP3 player - a little JayZ - I love his new song -which had lead me to downloading some of his old songs - one in particular "Dirt Off Your Shoulders".

Oh my word!

That one is going to have to be deleted.

I remembered that, that must of been a song I enjoyed in my "past life" :) but there's no room for it in my PG (once in awhile PG13) life that I love.

....life that I love -

it's true-

and at that exact moment I looked back at my handsome  seven year old and felt ultimate happiness.

Happiness that comes from repentance, change, and being valiant in living the gospel.

I know that my Heavenly Father loves me -

which enabled me to change-

and now Little C knows that his Heavenly Father loves him-

From the teachings of their fathers, right? -

 how many times does it say that in the scriptures?

(a sign that is hanging in our storage room by his "club area" - I couldn't be more proud :) )

I've been graduated from high school for ten years now, and though I won't be attending the reunion since I live so far away, I've often thought,"Oh I could never go back there. How embarrassing/humiliating to be around people who knew the old me. People who witnessed some of my most horrible decisions -

no thank you." -

but, an ever increasing thought has been coming to my mind lately about Alma the Younger -

How he went forward and never looked back. 

Going forward, having faith in the future, sharing what you know about Jesus Christ -

displaying that change is possible -

that's the way to live.

Ten years ago I know I hoped for the life I have now but didn't know if I had the self discipline to attain it.

Luckily the "teachings of my fathers" were supreme -

and have not only blessed my life,

but will also bless the lives of generations to come.

So a big shout out to the "fathers"... and mothers :) in my life.

Thank you.

Scenery

This is where we live.

It's easier to forget the mountains don't exist out here when the trees go on for miles upon miles. The first time I drove to a ward playgroup I was surprised to find that all of the parks are located within forest preserves. I felt like all of a sudden I had been transferred to the mountains and had forgotten my tent to go camping. We love being able to drive a few minutes away and play in the woods.  It is so beautiful and green, which is obviously due to so much rain fall and we have completely fallen in love with it. If the rain doesn't fall for a couple of days we miss it.

The humidity is heavy but it doesn't have a negative affect on me. (at least in the warm seasons :) )  It reminds me of Hawaii or Mexico and everyday I step out on my back porch I feel like I am on vacation. And who can complain about that? 

I must admit the winter was harsh, snot freezing cold, but the spring, summer, and fall make everything worthwhile.

Still Thought I'd Share -

The Mother's Day

Photos -

Here are my men hard at work preparing me a wonderful feast.

(The Beloved really is a happy man... I'm pretty sure:) )

All of my wonderful surprises-

Somebody trying to steal my surprises :)

When The Beloved prepares a meal it usually turn out perfectly -

and this one wasn't any different. It was delicious.

And now I must proudly display the Mother's Day pin Little C made for me -

exceptional -

I love it.

And he reminds me to wear it everyday :).

Snippets of our lives -

Do your kids ever act so ridiculously naughty that it's cute?

Our two year old has hit a stage where he hates, hates, hates eating dinner.

And so he has started putting himself in time out because he knows he will end up there eventually.

But he doesn't drag himself there alone - he grabs his older brother saying,

"Come on Little C. Time out."

Then when they're released from putting themselves in time out they celebrate.

And I laugh.

I can't help it. My kids are too cute. I am doomed.

I try and remind myself, "You are the parent - be mature - stay strong."

But somehow my past memories of my own naughtiness override and I can understand why what they're doing seems so absolutely hilarious to them.... and to me.

Proof of the cuteness:

Pirates are extra loveable right?

These next photos are a little sad -

Here's the cool Little C, busting out awesome poses in his masculine Spiderman robe -

Here's the little brother trying desperately to outdo his older sibling not realizing that it's just not as cool when you're wearing your mom's pink robe.

Update:

Little C is almost done with first grade. When he grows up he wants to me an American Idol/Exterminator. He is reading so well and like to read every sign he sees. Girls chase him at recess everyday and scream out that they want to marry him. He tells us he thinks this is so gross while trying to hold back a smile. I must proudly relay that he cleans his own bathroom, vaccuums the floors and stairs, helps with dishes, makes beds, and cleans walls and door handles wonderfully. He tries to get his chores done as quickly as possible and then rushes outside to play for the rest of the day. His skin is so dark from the sun he doesn't even look related to my pasty white self.

Gadashio is working on his public speaking. This desire was discovered by his parents when we heard his voice on the microphone last Sunday (I swear two seconds earlier he had been standing right by me).You would imagine a two year old scaling the chapel podium (since there was no stool in sight) after the fifth Sunday lesson would be obvious. Apparently you don't notice them until their voice is booming over the loud speaker.

When we asked the only witness, Little C, why he didn't stop him he said,

"Because it was too funny."

And I, understanding this sentiment, Laughed in My Head or LIMH if you will.

Side note - I am so anti acronym - LOL - dumb, I think that is the first time I have typed it in my life and at this very moment I am feeling quite repulsed. So, since I hate them so much I have decided to invent my own.

Makes sense right? Nope, not really - but I am now introducing you to LIMH. So enjoy and remember who to give the credit to.

The Baby is adorable and very in tune with letting you know how he feels. He rolls around the house from one end to the other but is very uninterested in crawling or walking. If he doesn't know you he'll give you the stink eye but smiles at those he loves. He laughs and laughs at his older brothers but starts screaming when they get too close because he knows danger could possibly be closing in.  He loves to wrestle and throws out a few growls while he's caught up in the mix.

I must admit - I was born to be the mother of boys.

They are right up my alley.

If We Have a Job -

   We were "safe". We knew it. Getting paid through the FCC - they would never dare cut back on funds to a vital company who helps Americans with disabilities - HA! Right.... safe.
   Have you ever thought about how a deaf or hard of hearing person makes a phone call? Have you ever thought about a deaf person at all? I don't mean these questions to sound emotionally raw or unkind, I just know that before I met The Beloved my answer to both of those questions were no.
   Since marrying him my eyes have been opened to a world that I had before unintentionally ignored. A fascinating world that has its own culture, language, and thriving community.
   The Beloved is employed by Sorenson Communications where he manages a Video Relay Service (VRS) Call Center. VRS allows a deaf person to call in using their own language  - wait, they have their own language? Yes - American Sign Language (ASL). In my past life I thought how hard can ASL be? Just learn the signs and then perform them to coincide with the English sentence. Not so easy my friends. ASL is its own language - completely different sentence structure.  - So, the deaf person calls in over broad-band and communicates with an interpreter, who speaks to a hearing person.
   VRS companies get paid by the FCC per interpeted minute. The FCC has recently made a proposal to lower this rate by 40% leaving Sorenson and other VRS companies no option, but to go bankrupt before the end of the year.
   How many times a day do you use your phone? Why do you use it? How would you feel if someone took it away? If the FCC follows through with their plan the deaf community loses the only functionally equivalent communication system they have to a hearing individual. Also, hundreds of jobs will be lost. Jobs held by hearing and deaf employees alike.

Here's a link to an awesome YouTube video that was put out by some of those in the deaf community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IUHLYnc1LI

In this economy nobody  is "safe" but at least we can have a voice. The FCC is accepting comments re: this proposal until tomorrow.
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=03-123&filedFrom=X

Here is a link to Sorenson's Save VRS website:
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/savevrs

Here is the link to the local news report My Beloved was on. Isn't he CUTE...
http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=12496764
The video is on the right side.

Until the 1st of July then :)  .... we'll let you know what the FCC has to report.

The Communication Tool -

FOR A STRONG MARRIAGE -

This past weekend I discovered the benefits of having a full water gun nearby.

For those of you who don't know The Beloved very well he may come across as shy or a man who keeps to himself. FYI: This is a lie that he portrays only at social gatherings or in other various large group settings.

The sad truth is - The Beloved has been cursed with a lack of knowing how to be serious the majority of the time. He is the KING, let me say it again, the KING of teasing, and of making up unharmful stories, out of the blue, that are completely untrue.

Example, up until the day we were addressing our wedding announcements I thought his mother's maiden name was Jones.

It's not.

Why did I think it was Jones?

Well, typically when you ask a person what their middle name is and they say Jones, you believe it. And then when they go on to say that they were named this because it is their mother's maiden name, you say okay.

Never say okay.

Question everything perfect and normal coming out of The Beloved's mouth. :)

Let's just say his middle name is definitely not Jones and he wasn't even named after his mother.

He thought I knew he was kidding...

because people kid about that?

With every marriage you have to learn how your spouse communicates. It is the key to avoiding contention and having a strong partnership.

I never knew communicating with my spouse would require accessories.

But, sometimes -

a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

Here's how it plays out:

Me: Beloved, what do you want to do today?

Beloved: I don't believe in doing things.

(I pull the trigger on water gun)

Me: Do you want to go hiking?

Beloved: I don't believe in hiking.

(I shoot him with water gun)

Beloved: Yes, I would love to go hiking. 

Me: What time should we leave?

Beloved: Does it require leaving?

(I shoot him with water gun)

Beloved: I'll be ready in 30minutes.

So,

if you see a man or woman walking around with a loaded water gun - try to immediately push the thought aside that they may be a little crazy. What you are really witnessing is simply an individual who is trying to successfully communicate in their marriage - and that is a beautiful thing.

I love you honey. You now have permission to blog about me.

Wait,

that's entirely not true.

But, I promise I have never lied to you about my middle name. And that says a lot - because I hear it happens to people all the time :).

It's the strangest thing.

***The Beloved isn't a liar per say. But once he gets to know you... joking about everything is fair game. You've been warned.  I suggest you purchase a water gun. *** 

It's Been a Year -

Good Morning Birthday Boy!

Today I got you all dressed just to have you decorate yourself soon after.

You were a little bit afraid of your birthday cake. Sorry about that.

Look at you, opening your very first b-day card!

Wow, you're going to look handsome in that.

Watch out  for that arm coming in for the toys :)

I've never seen a more perfect "preparing to devour cake" pose.

There was no holding back for you buddy. 

Happy 1st birthday! We can't believe you're one already. You still feel  so much like our little baby. We love your silly toothy grin and your big gray eyes. Thanks for being a cuddle bug. Your daddy especially needed one of those. He could hold you for hours.

We adore every piece of you!

We love you Baby!

A Day Late -

Mom, I am sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday. I was caught up in the spoiledness of the day -

But, I wanted to let you know that I need you for more than just bug killing reasons. Even though - I must say you are unnaturally talented in this area. Yesterday at church our Bishop spoke about a few things his mother had taught him when he was growing up. Later, this lead The Beloved and I into a discussion about things our parents had taught us. The list in my brain went crazy, as memory after memory flooded my mind. Which really heightened my self esteem because I thought my memory had all but deteriorated. :)
And though I mean this as a thank you, I want everyone to understand that in no way have I mastered my mother's abilities, but only that I have a supreme example to look up to.
1. Hard work.
Cleaning down in those utterly disgusting window wells must have had a positive affect on me even though I'll deny it to your face :). You are one of the hardest workers I know.
2. If you're going to do something do it right.
3. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. You don't speak ill of people. You are not a gossip. And although at times I would love for you to share the dirt. You don't. That's the type of friend a person wants. If a friend is talking bad about someone else you can almost guarantee they're talking bad about you (not you, but in general :)). I thought every adult was like you. Now I realize you're the exception. Thanks for being the exception. 
4. Be dependable.
5. Be honest.
6. If you notice something needs to be done then do it. Why should somebody else do it and not you? 
7. Being valiant in the gospel. Choose the right no matter what. The Lord will bless you. Plus, it just feels good. Say your prayers every night. Read your scriptures. Accept church callings. Have family home evening consistently even if your two youngest daughters are driving you to the brink of insanity.
8. Don't forget to have fun. Once in awhile it's okay to have a water gun fight in the house. Never hold back from playing a hot rook game.
9. We all have to do things we don't like.
ex - dishes, laundry, changing poopy diapers, giving a talk in church...
10.You can get by on good looks for a minute but then you better have something to say. 
Education, education, education!
11. Think before you speak.
12. Forgive
13. Take a day out and read a good book.
14. Laugh at yourself.
15. Don't let your husband take your name in vain :).
The Beloved is not allowed to say, "OH Domestic Goddess!" when he is frustrated with me.
16. You taught me how to enjoy a cold drink :) which you may regret. But, it sure is soothing to drink a Pepsi at the end of the day, or at the beginning, or whenever.
17. Unconditional Love. I know you'll love me no matter what. And I can be quite the stinker.
There is nothing quite like a mother's love.
I miss you when I'm sick because you spoil me to death and I am not afraid to whine to you.
I miss your Sunday dinners, and so does The Beloved :). You even let me skip out on dishes once in awhile which is such a treat.
I miss knowing that when The Beloved and I go out on a date our children are entrusted into somebody's care that loves them as much as we do.
I miss exchanging neck and foot rubs.
So... yes Mom I do need you.
A mother always needs their mother.
18. You taught me how to be a mother.
Thank you!
I am so extremely blessed to call you mine.

Blogging -

Normal Brain vs. Blogging Brain

Normal brain: Never would have taken a picture of a gallon of milk.

Blogging Brain: "I dropped the milk. Oh, my precious milk. It is all over the floor. It cost a whopping $2.89. How in the world am I going to pour out of this container? Aghhhhh. I bet other women would empathize with me. I should blog about this. I better grab the camera."

Blogging Brain: "Oh that picture didn't turn out very well. They need to truly understand how warped this gallon is. Let me try again."

Normal Brain: Would have taken care of crying baby in the background.

Result of listening to Blogging Brain:

Gave the two year old time to play tattoo parlor,

made the hungry baby cry, and gave me more than enough photos of milk to treasure for eternity.

Mom I Need You....

That gross big bug that never dies is back.

My technique of running around and screaming isn't working.

My brave Little C stabbed it with a pencil

AND IT STILL SURVIVED.

You can see how much we need you. :)