good kids

Last week on Friday I picked the boys up from school and didn't want to go home. The house was clean and I wanted to keep it that way. Plus I didn't want the arguing and tv watching that inevitably come from the boredom of being cooped up inside now that the weather's getting colder. I tried to think of errands we needed to run or easy places to go. Brenden suggested we should go to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy which was a rather random idea but they were excited about it and it sounded somewhat cultural or educational or of redeeming value, so I said OK. It was rather out-of-character for me to agree to an outing such as this without more consideration and procrastination and putting off, which caught the kids off guard and made them rather giddy and super nice and cooperative. Of course we've been to some fantastic aquariums and this is no Long Beach/Monterey/Sea World. But it was quite nice and we had a really great time together. I especially loved seeing the octopus up close and the kids loved the shark tank. But mostly I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I really like my kids and really enjoyed spending time with them and being all together.

Today I informed the kids we were doing errands all day, which was met with the usual round of moans and groans and complaints. We promised a trip to In-N-Out for dinner at the end of the day, as well as a few treats along the way. We went to the knitting store, the bank, the landscaping store, to the upholsterer's store, to home depot, all 3 kids got hair cuts, to the consignment store, and to Ikea, and managed to cross off all but one thing from my todo list. It was a remarkably productive day. But the most remarkable part about it was how nice and pleasant every child was all day. There were very few tiffs or complaints. They got along quite well, were helpful, and were really nice company to have along. Again I was reminded of what good kids we have and what a blessing it is to be their mom and get to spend time with them.

One day this week we were at the mall (looking for a lava lamp for Brenden) and as we were leaving around 6pm the scene wasn't pretty -- June and Huck both screaming as I fastened them into their car seats, cold, hungry, you get the picture. At that moment a disheveled looking man came by and asked for a dollar and I kind kind of snapped at him and he walked away. Once I got everyone settled into the car I felt bad so I pulled out a dollar and drove over towards him. Brenden looked at me with confusion and shock in his face and asked, "are you giving him a dollar?" and I told him I was and then he paused as if he didn't know what to say and finally stammered out "that's so.... NICE!" We handed him the dollar and as we drove away Brenden was all giddy and told me in that silly voice 10-year-old boys don when they're feeling good inside "now you can add a warm fuzzy to your jar" (a reference to that talk by President Monson in Conference where people did good deeds for his birthday present). I realized that me snapping at and dismissing the man didn't phase my kids, but me turning around and doing something nice really shocked them, and that perhaps this wasn't the best example to be giving them. So I really need to work on being nicer to strangers more often. Lesson learned.

The other day I was reading my SIL Ana's blog and she was describing some experience she'd had with her 3-year-old son. He is her little buddy and they share everything - go places together, tell jokes to each other, know each others likes and dislikes, etc. It made me a little nostalgic for the period in my life when Brenden was my only child and he was my little buddy. With one child I didn't necessarily feel like I had to completely change my life around - so he'd tag along with me to band shows, to work, to church activities, to lunch with friends, as well as the kid stuff we added - touring construction sites, story time at the library, walks around the neighborhood.

Now he has become my most helpful right-hand-man. He's smart and capable and willing and funny. He can carry the baby when I need to carry June. He can google an address on my phone while I'm driving. He can work any DVD player anywhere. He can buy things all on his own. He can cheer anyone up. And he surprises me all the time.

I've shared my thoughts on school pictures before. I don't put much stock in them. We don't dress up. I buy the cheapest package. I know they'll be bad and posed and boring but they do act as a chronicle of sorts. Brenden brought these pictures home the other day and excitedly showed them to me and said, "Look, I finally took some good school pictures!" Who knew he noticed or cared or knew what good pictures look like?! I think it's a sign he's getting older and more self-aware, which is exciting and a bit sad.

Yesterday he rode his bike to the BYU Creamery and then said he was going to his friend's house. Without me suggesting it, he bought sodas and chips to share with all the kids who he knew would be there with his own money. Wasn't that so thoughtful?!

Then at 5pm he stormed in all mad and ran right up to his room. Apparently there had been some hurt feelings at the friends house and Brenden was really upset. I tried to talk to him, told him I'd talk to the friends mom -- wanted to help him feel better. A few minutes later he came downstairs all cheered up and ready to re-join the family and he told me he had called his friend to tell him he had hurt his feeling and the friend had apologized and said he'd never do it again. I was so impressed at how he handled that. I know most adults wouldn't confront it head-on like that (myself included!). We'd let it fester and take root and end up making a bigger deal of it than necessary. But he cleaned it up within the hour and has moved past it now.

Anyway I just wanted to remember some of those experiences and celebrate the fact that we are blessed to have such great kids. I am so proud of the people they are growing in to, and so lucky to be their mom.

accessories

Here's June getting ready for church on Sunday.

Here's June doing some dancing this morning.

As you can clearly see she's honing her accessorizing style quite nicely.

And for the ultimate accessory...

Halloween & stuff

We had a mostly fun Halloween. There was great preparation and anticipation for the day, but when it came right down to the main event, we did have a few glitches.

Glitch #1: First there was the costume parade at school, which Oliver refused to participate in. He did want to wear his costume, but sat with us in the audience while we watched the kids file past. Not too big of a deal. Brenden looked great as Johnny Napalm from Guitar Hero (a recycled costume from 2 years ago, but never before worn to school).
Glitch #2: Brenden didn't like all the face makeup this costume required, so the next day at about 2pm he decided he'd rather be Slash (you know, from Guns N' Roses, but also from Guitar Hero) and being the accommodating parents that we are Scott and I are driving around town from store to store calling each other to report "ok I found the glasses did you find the wig?" type progress. But ultimately we found it all and he looked great and was quite happy with his getup.

Oliver's the guy who gets the Halloween catalog in the mail 2 months early and spends hours and days pouring over every page, circling the ones he likes and then ranking them with a star system to ultimately select the perfect costume. This year it was a black & red ninja. He loved it.

June didn't get the concept of Halloween so I got to pick for her. I tried to make it something practical that she would have fun using for dress-up so we settled on a princess. I still feel great guilt that for my only daughter's first princess Halloween I didn't sew her something special. But I have to accept my limitations at this point (read: 3 month old baby).

Glitch #3: Saturday afternoon the boys were killing time until we could go trick or treating by driving their big remote control car in the cul de sac. It was Brenden's turn and, as one might have expected would eventually happen to an RC car driving down the middle of the road, it got run over by a car, and got totally demolished. Both boys came running in the house completely hysterical as if they'd just seen their lives flash before their eyes. It took quite a while to get them calmed down.

Glitch #4: Scott found one of those videos where they lull you into a false sense of comfort and then pop up something startling and scary when you least expect it. He thought it would be funny to share it with all of us but the gag went a bit too far when both boys again ended up completely terrified and hysterically crying with many proclamations of "this is the worst Halloween EVER!"

It was at this point that we canceled the pre-trick-or-treating family BBQ and shifted focus to just doing something fun. So we got the kids ready and headed out to do some trick or treating. That was mostly fun, although Scott was a little disappointed at the boys lack of drive for candy. They were both satisfied and ready to be done when their pumpkins were only half full.

June fell asleep.

A dentist once advised me to just let the kids eat all their candy at once (in 1 or 2 days) and then be done with it. So I tried that this year. No limits. Just get it over with. It got pretty scary there when I woke up to this sight -- June begging me to open the full-size candy bar with her face already completely covered in chocolate. I like Becca's idea (trade candy for small prizes and toys) so maybe we'll try that next year.



















In other news, Huck is 3 months old now! He's smiling a lot, starting to figure out how to use his hands, and is a real snuggler. June is super sweet with him, so now we're trying to figure out how to transfer some of that sweetness to her treatment of her older brothers. She can be pretty rough with them. Brenden and Oliver are both super helpful with holding him or entertaining him when needed. Huck is *starting* to *sort of* * sometimes* figure out what the pacifier is for. We still all dread driving in the car with him.

The boys both picked out new winter school shoes. Brenden picked these crazy multi-color semi-high tops. I don't get it, but he sure loves them. So there you go - just like that I'm the out-of-it mom who doesn't understand kids today and their crazy fashions. That's bogus.














What else is going on?

We've had workmen in our basement for 2 weeks now. I really hope they'll be done by Christmas. I'm excited for some great storage spaces, guest rooms, craft corner, play house, and a family room where the toys and TV noise can (and will) stay. I really hope we'll use it and we'll all get over our sense that it's far and disconnected. In an effort to be economical and do the renovations in a phased approach, we're not doing the bathroom right now, which I'm sure will be annoying for a while. Hopefully we'll be able to do it soon enough.

I've started back to work this week. So far so good. Mom has been helping a lot during the days which is just so great, and my work load is quite manageable and hours very flexible. I'm actually rather excited to work on some new projects and exercise that side of my nerdiness again.

We still haven't nailed down our holiday plans but I'm getting into shopping mode. I'm determined to get it done early (and then stop). I'd really like to find some good service opportunities that we can do as a family. I think we'll try this one recommended by Bethany.

So there you go Brett, Rachel & Annee -- there's your update. Now it's 1:30am and I should probably get to bed.

Good night.

Dear Rachel,

Can you please come over to my house and dance with me up in my room?



That would be great. Thanks.

Love, June

bumbo baby

He hates his carseat.
He hates his swing.
But he loves his Bumbo!

p.s. At 3:30pm today I dropped off my bribe cookies. At 5:00pm I got the call that my pants were ready. Nice.

How to Grease the Wheels -- BYU Style

Here's a little story for you...

I recently bought myself a new pair of jeans. (That is NOT me in the picture.)

I'm in this awkward in-between postpartum size right now and between that and the change of seasons I have basically nothing to wear and no desire to buy anything which makes getting dressed every day a real chore. I finally broke down and got a new pair of Gap Long & Lean jeans -- my old standby. I have a pair of these jeans in every size from 8-14 just to cover all the bases in and out of pregnancy and various other bodily fluctuations. These new ones are so comfy -- they feel like wearing butter. But they were too long so I took them to get hemmed.

I took them to the BYU laundry because it's cheap and close. But it is not fast. I waited 10 days for them and was so excited to finally pick them up and wear them today. When I slipped them on they were so soft and stretchy and comfy I was in heaven. The new hem looked good and I tried hard all day to convince myself it was the right length. But finally I had to admit they'd hemmed them too short. How disappointing.

So I took them back and they agreed they were too short and said they'd fix them for free since it was their mistake. I told them I don't care about paying the $6 again, but I just don't want to have to wait another 10 days. Was there any way to get them done faster, I asked. The girl told me about how her boss was sick and they were short staffed and busy and I'm back at the end of the line.

But, she said, maybe if I would make them some cookies, they could get them done sooner.

I laughed.

She did not.

She was dead serious, and proceeded to tell me how and where to drop the cookies off and make sure there's enough for all the seamstresses and make sure the guys in drycleaning don't eat them.

So tonight, I'm baking cookies.
I really need my pants.

more catching up

I hate doing catch-up posts, and yet it seems that's what this blog is full of lately. Believe it or not, I actually compose blogs all day long in my every day life. I'll be doing something mundane and imagine the picture and the caption in my head. Wouldn't it be great if I actually published those little snippets regularly. I should try that. In the mean time, here is a photo essay from the past couple of weeks.


Scott and a bajillion other insanely talented local musicians spent 5 days straight recording hymns. It was amazing. (I got to sing too!) Stay tuned for more info as we figure out what to do with it.


Much to our chagrin, we had to say goodbye to Aunt Rachel who has moved away from college life here in Provo and into grown-up working life in Virginia. It doesn't seem real yet. I keep expecting her to just drop in any day and go upstairs and dance with June or play guitar hero with Brenden. We've been spoiled, but I guess now we have to share with Steve & Ie Li.

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!

with Grandpa Z at Ashley's wedding

Huck sucks his thumb when he's on his tummy
(it sure would be nice if he figured out how to do that while in his carseat)

Daddy

The kids carved pumpkins with Grandma & Grandpa Z the other night. It's possible the boys did some designing and directing and that Grandpa had to do all the dirty work.

Grandpa Wiley came to visit last weekend. We had a really great time hanging out with him and Huck was so excited to meet him for the first time.

Did you want to see his cute outfit up close? Here you go:
We went up to Park City to see an art exhibit all made out of legos

Webb's trip to Utah wouldn't be complete without a visit to our favorite hobby store. Then shooting rockets was the activity of choice on a perfect fall day!

Of course they had to get the "big one". Here it goes for the first time:



And to cap it all off, some general silliness.

self-timer sister pics

I found these old pictures on Christine's camera and they made my heart smile and hurt all at once. I love my sisters and love the times we get to be together. This was from last summer, when I was obviously still GREAT with child. I don't remember what prompted such a photo shoot, or why, if we were going to be so dedicated about it (3 locations!) we didn't do more to beautify ourselves (hello ponytail & shiny gray shirt!), but it was fun.

Pinewood Derby 2009

BEFORE

Oliver's car
(keep in mind he is only 6 and this is his 3rd pinewood derby car already)

Brenden's car

DURING

AFTER

Needless to say Brenden was quite pleased with his 2nd Place ribbon at the end of the night, and Scott was happy to realize he might get a break from the pinewood derby next year.

Nearer: A New Collection of Favorite Hymns

Scott's latest Deseret Book project, Nearer: A New Collection of Favorite Hymns, just came out and it is another great album, in my completely unbiased opinion. It is a collection of favorite hymns done in a modern style designed specifically to appeal to a younger audience. The arrangements are beautiful, the collection of singers unique and interesting, and the whole album is overall inspiring. Really. It gives me the chills.

Listen to a great behind-the-scenes interview with Cherie Call.

Read another nod from Orson Scott Card here.

I'm so proud.

more fun stuff

Last weekend was nothing but action packed family fun, and I have virtually no pictures to show for it. (I think Rachel & Mom might have some so watch their blogs.)

On Friday after school we went to the Wasatch Elementary Fall Festival. As parents, this is not necessarily an event we've looked forward to or enjoyed in years past. But this year the boys were old enough to take their tickets and go off on their own to play games, and June was tired and fell asleep in the stroller, which left me free to spend as much time oogling the silent auction items as I wanted. (We got a super-cool DC backpack, dessert at Rooster, and Crest refillable mugs out of the deal.) Plus it turns out that after 3 years of staying at the same school we actually know people and have friends we run into at events like these, so that was fun.

Poor Scott, though, didn't get to enjoy the Fall Festival. He launched into the daunting and overwhelming task of emptying out our basement -- sorting stuff, throwing things out, giving things away, and carrying boxes and boxes and shelves and junk up the stairs. Sore back. Oncoming flu. No fun.

Friday night I got to go (I mean, we got to go) to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus! It was awesome. Elephants, tigers, trapeze, clowns, people shot out of cannons, dogs doing tricks, cheesy ringmaster, creepy mullet roadie crew, the whole 9 yards. Grandma & Grandpa and Christine & Nate came too. Mom made the point that although the circus is a regular and common part of our vernacular, a relatively small percentage of the population actually gets to go and see a real circus.

Saturday we (and by "we" I mean "Scott") did lots more work on the basement and now he can't park in the garage anymore.

Then on Saturday afternoon Ken invited us all to use his first-rate season BYU football tickets (2nd row, 50 yard line) so we went and watch BYU slaughter Colorado State. It was fun to be in the stadium and feel the energy there, although it would have been nice if the energetic students sitting all around us would have sat down a little more. Grandma was happy for the excuse to not sit and watch the game and took the kids out for snacks. Huck slept the whole time. We should have worn blue.

Sunday was Huck's blessing day. After much deliberation and preparation, Huck was well outfitted from head to toe, including beautiful custom-made-to-match-his-outfit booties from Great Grandma Z. Scott's blessing was absolutely beautiful, and he made the switch from name-on-the-records "Harrison" to nickname "Huck" very well. Gratefully Dad made it in time, and thank you to Paul & Darin for coming too.

Unfortunately the 4th baby and XXth great-grand child doesn't get quite as much of a todo as the older ones did. But his blessing day will not be forgotten, since immediately after the blessing, and before the sacrament, the conducting counselor got up and said there was smoke in the building and we were to evacuate immediately and canceled the rest of the meetings. So, grateful to get out of sharing time and YM lessons, we moved the party over to Mom & Dad's for an early supper and dessert with cousins Justin Hale and Davy & Janie Widtfeldt.

Between all the special events, we're just trying to keep up with with regular life. We did finally get our new dishwasher this week (gotta love RC Willey for their free hotdogs and good return policy). I made myself some delicious bruscetta using tomatoes and basil from the garden. Grease was on TV yesterday so of course I had to watch that (one of the only movies I can watch over and over - that and Sound of Music). Tonight is the Pinewood Derby (more on that tomorrow) so there has been much preparation for that going on.

Huck went to his 2-month appointment yesterday and weighs 12 lbs 4 oz -- 64%tile weight, 72%tile length, 30%tile head size. He's strong and healthy and still doesn't like riding in the car or taking a pacifier, and has just in general decided he'd rather be held than ever be put down, so as you can imagine I'm getting a lot done these days. He's starting to find his thumb, which is cute and helpful. He is just starting to smile, which is the ultimate payoff.

Of course there's been plenty of twirling to do too. And Oliver went for a couple trial Karate classes. I've tried to get him interested in karate for years, but finally after a guy came to do a demo at school he was eager to go and break a board himself. It was cute how into it he was and enthusiastic and precise he was with his punches and kicks and "ay-a"'s. Of course now he says he doesn't want to go back.

Hopefully next week I'll actually be able to help Scott empty out the basement, as well as get the baby announcements done, work on Halloween costumes, and start knitting Huck's Christmas stocking. Does that sound realistic? I'm exhausted just thinking about it.