Oh, they say it is the little things

I sat scrubbing dried hot chocolate splatters off the floor and wall this morning. Scrubbing little dry brown dots with my thumbnail wondering how a 2-year old, flinging his Sippy cup could reach almost every nook and cranny of our wall in a matter of seconds (and yes, the valve was in place). After which I swept the huge pile of crumbs off the floor that accumulates approximately 6 times a day, meanwhile staring at the books and toys strewn all over the floor, in an endless tornado storm that keeps going while the house is being cleaned.
In my vigorous scrubbing I sat wondering how other moms do it. How do they seem to have so much energy, perfectly clean houses, perfectly kept hair, blogs caught up, and delicious meals every night. I almost got lost in that 3 second thought, and then realized, this is my life and I love it!
My hair is pretty much a mess every day, except on Sunday because I’m actually leaving the house, as you can tell, my blog hardly ever gets posted on, and dinner? It’s hit and miss. But I love my people. I would gladly (ok, maybe not gladly, but willingly) scrub hot chocolate off the walls everyday, if it means I get to keep my 3 cute, busy, and angelic boys. I wouldn’t have my life any other way, and am grateful for my answered prayers…a life full, of everything that is meaningful to me. Cheers, to energetic boys!

Introducing: Our latest in the James Clone series-Austin Thomas

This little guys couldn't wait to come, he came 8 days early at 3:09 in the morning. We knew he was breach but hadn't scheduled the C-section yet, but alas, it was all pretty text-book. And yes, he looks just like James, just like the rest of my kiddos...I LOVE my life!!!! (except for getting up at night of course, the rest is bliss ;)

Yes, it is that time....back to school

I've so enjoyed our life together as a family, as things have dramatically slowed down after our move here to Bel Air Maryland. I've found that I've had more time to do things that I haven't had time to do in years, and it feels good to catch up (such as blogging, which I'm terrible at!). The most rewarding thing is being with my sweet little kids, whom I've loved from the start, but my love gets deeper everyday-sappy I know, but true. Jonah has been to Pre K for the last 2 years, but this new school schedule is killing me!!! He doesn't come out of his school for me to pick him up until 3:45, and we are home by about 4 p.m. Am I the only one that thinks this is crazy for a little 5 year old kindergartner? On top of that, he only gets 20 minutes of outdoor recess. Besides that, I just miss him at home, and poor little Joshua is without his best buddy. He about goes berserk every time we pick Jonah up. I love my little boys to pieces.
Nothing feels better in life than the calm before the storm (of course that is when you don't realize there is a storm coming). Or maybe it is the calm after the storm. With the craziness of our last year, things feel really peaceful and settled right now, and I'm just soaking in that sun. Things I've learned: 1- When you stop trying to escape the natural hardships that result from the good things in your life, and immerse yourself wholeheartedly, your love deepens...such as motherhood, embrace it (whatever your love most), and enjoy it. 2- "Don't dance naked in other peoples' garden," as sister Cordara from my mission once said I did, I've gotten in more trouble over that in my lifetime than needs be. And 3- Live quietly conscious of those around you, always seeking to understand more...I wish I'd always done that, and that I still didn't forget to do sometimes. O.k., pondering is over, for now anyway!

Halloween 2009

Nothing makes holidays better than sweet little children who soak up every ounce of festivities and tradition, and who are young enough to be pleasantly surprised by just about everything! It just gets better every year! This year we went to 2 "almost" real pumpkin patches (yes, that is Jonah feeding a calf a bottle!!), a school Halloween party complete with a pony ride, the ward trunk or treat, and then neighborhood trick or treating on Halloween night. Seriously, can you ever get enough candy? Not in my book....which, actually could use some revisions because it's killing me!!

Oh, Ooh I'm an Alien, I'm a Legal Alien, I'm an Alien in Bel-Air (sing to Sting to get the full effect)

I thought for sure something was wrong with me at Walmart. Either my zipper was down-which I quickly confirmed was false. Or perhaps I was dressed funny (which actually isn't all that unusual-I put together weird things when I go out, out of laziness), but that usually doesn't get me overt stares. I thought maybe I looked strange, like a foreigner. I really couldn't figure it out. When I went to check out, I had Jonah and Joshua both in the cart. The cashier went on for what seemed ages, acting as my cheerleader, telling me over and over again that I was going to make it, and if I was lamenting going shopping without my husband there to help. She kept telling me, "You can do it! You're almost done!" and as I was leaving I heard a distant, "You can do it!" I thought she was really weird.
Then I went to a store called Shop Rite, because the Walmart I went to wasn't a Super Walmart. I got the same kind of reaction. People looking at me, then I realized, they are all looking at each other. People are people watching everyone to a much greater degree than I have become acustom to in Atlanta. I counted the cashiers words per scan. He averaged about 10 words per scan, and for a first time pantry stocking in a new city, it took a looong time to check out! He spent much of his time talking about paper and plastic and politics. It was interesting.
That's a small town for ya! I've never been much of a chatter at the check out stand, but I do like people watching! In all seriousness, it is fun to try out different places and ways of life. But we sure do miss ya'll there! We'll be happy to see your bright shiny faces in August, but don't get freaked out if I am people watching and not realizing it!

typo in our title?

All this time, our title said, "Who wears the pants, I means diapers," and I never realized it until someone pointed it out to me! That's like having your zipper down for 4 months and nobody saying anything! OK, maybe it's not quite that bad!