My Little Kingdom

A DAY IN THE LIFE

2009-09-25T20:17:00.001-07:00

RANDOMNESS
I walked into the bathroom to find Hudson rubbing deodorant all over his tummy.

DEBONAIR
The boys have three styles of hair: flat, pokey and spy hair.

CRAVINGS
Hudson wanting a snack asked me for some 'bagel butter' aka cream cheese.

KITCHEN HELP
Everest helping cut slices of cheese for sandwiches, carefully carved a half pipe out of the cheese block.

WHEN IN DOUBT
The boys love using my dishes to bug hunt. One afternoon they gathered a Tupperware full of ants for pets.
Isaac: look at Jack.
Mom: which ones Jack?
Isaac: they're all Jack

TRUE BEAUTY
Isaac(5yo) to Hudson(3yo): oh look how cute these ants are, aren't these ants cute?

WHO KNEW
Isaac while running across the grass at the city park slipped in a huge mud puddle. Quite unhappy he declared, “Great! now, I‘m going to smell like a gorilla. This is my worst day ever!”

VERSING
The boys love to watch football with their dad. He explained that the vs. means verses as in opponents or one team playing against another. They always ask who’s “versing” who and when playing together such as when the wii or chess they’ll say, “Wanna verse me?”

OK 
Hudson came in from playing outside and announces, “I’m gonna put my flip flops on so my toesies don’t get cold.” and dashes back outside.

SLACKER
At the park one afternoon quite unexpectedly Isaac blurts out, “Push me woman, push me!” Apparently I was slacking off at swing duty.

FLUFF
That time of year when the cottony fluff that makes so many of us sneeze and wheeze was floating around in the sky, we were playing outside and it was quite heavy. Isaac delighted, shouts “look, pieces of the clouds are falling!”

NO DUMMY
Isaac not pleased with something I wouldn’t let him do packed his pillowcase and headed out the door. Over his shoulder he informs me “I’m staying outside for a few days but not for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”

BIRTHDAY WISHES
In response to what he wanted for his 4th birthday Hudson replied, “A power miner thunder driller Lego set, Lego cake and meat.”

ROBBERS EAT TOO
Eating out at the Olive Garden while passing the time until the food came the boys tied their dark green napkins around their faces and pretended to be robbers. It was such a hit that they kept their disguises on while they ate, laughing and demonstrating “Look I’m a robber eating”.

MORE FLUFF
Every once in a while we’ll buy Grandma Sycamore’s White Bread. Isaac asked if we could get some and I said, “white bread makes you soft and fluffy” as I tickled him. He giggled and said, “I’m already soft and fluffy” (he’s really not, but it was cute to see him blush)

OUCH
Isaac: Mom you lived in the old fashioned. Dad lived when it was old fashioned so that means you did too.

REALITY
MoM: the perception of age changes with… well… age.

CALL EM LIKE YOU SEE EM
Mom to Hudson and Everest: I think you’re tired and he’s fiesty. And when tired and fiesty get together it’s a disaster.

OH REALLY
I received a call from school, Edison insisting his throat was too sore to stay. So I go and pick him up. Later upon walking into the room he exclaims, “I’m playing cause it’s just my throat, the rest of my body is ok”.

BODY GAURD
Hudson came running into the kitchen wedging himself in between me and the cupboards as he locks his arms around my legs. Everest taunting him from the other room, “Hudson, come and get me”. Hudson unable to resist, “I have to go get him, can you come with me?”

ENOUGH
After watching the movie KungFu Panda the boys liked to mimic one of the lines, “enough talk, lets fight”. So we heard all kinds of versions such as ‘enough work, let’s play’, ‘enough play lets sleep’ and ‘enough talk, let’s eat’… I overheard Everest telling his brothers that his teacher stepped out of the class and instructed everyone to quietly work on their assignment. While the class was chattering up a storm. He chimed up and instructed the class, “ enough talk, let’s write.”

WISDOM OF A 4 YEAR OLD
Hudson: You’re not the boss.
Mom: Sure I am.
Hudson: No. You’re not.
Mom: Then who is?
Hudson: Daddy
Mom: Oh yah? Why’s he the boss? Hudson: He’s the tallest.
Mom: Well, then who am I if he’s the boss? Hudson: The King. And the king tells the boss what to do.

PUTT A’ROUND
On my way out to some stores I commented to Cameron, I’m going to go putt around for a bit. Isaac overheard and blurts out, “I wanna go golfing with you!”

WORTH A SHOT
The boys will try anything for ice cream such as: “I’m too skinny, I need something to put the chubbies on. Like ice cream...serious, I’m too skinny.”
or
“It’s hot out there, I need something cold… I know, ice cream... Really I’m sweating.”

Summer Sno

2009-08-18T19:23:00.001-07:00

The other day the boys minus one and I headed out for an evening of our own since one of our sons had a special evening lined up with his dad. As we headed to the city park I spotted a sno cone shack and held the vehicle in a hard left turn through the round about. The boys all piped up this isn’t the way, what are we doing, where are we going…. It didn’t take long for them to spot the sno cone shack either and their hopeful excitement got the better of them. After they each picked out their flavors we made our way back through the round about and to the park.

As we filed out of the car the boys all jabbing their ice with their plastic straws panic filled the air, “Moooooooom, I poked a hole in my cup!” Overwhelming disappointment washed over his little face as flavored syrup began trickling out the bottom. I had to act quick or the evening would be left to ruin. Rummaging through the console, AH! a band aid. Of course. I could tell the boys were impressed with my quick fix as we chuckled and joked mom pulled a MacGyver. And off we went with not another thought of the near devastation.

It was a gorgeous evening. My favorite time of day in fact. The sun's rays filtering through the sea of emerald leaves as they gently swayed back and forth in the evening breeze. The sky a flawless clear blue overhead framing the soon to be setting sun. The sound of water babbling over pebbles in a nearby brook. With sno cones in hand we made our way to a relaxing little spot to finish off our refreshing treats.

The boys still each jabbing their ice while mixing their syrup, after all this is how you eat a sno cone. Casually talking and enjoying each others company. Pure bliss. Until. “Moooooom, I poked I hole in my cup!” For some reason I happened to have another band aid on me. Another disaster diverted. Our chattering, playing and jabbing ice resumed. Only moments later to hear the earth shattering “Mooooom, I poked a hole in my cup!” Unbelievably I had yet another band aid on my person. Seriously I am not a walking first aid kit. Even though I like to think I’m ready for anything and we really do have a first aid kit in the car, I honestly never walk around with band aids in my pockets. It was like a magic trick and the boys thought it was great in fact I was just as astonished as they were.

Three sno cones, 3 holes, 3 band aids, 3 happy boys thank goodness for 1st aid kits. And 2nd aid kits. And 3rd aid kits.

Though summer is winding down here in our neck of the woods sno cones will never be out of season. They are a year round treat in our house. Last winter our boys invented their own sno cones. Our freezer was full of them all season long until the sno shacks started showing up. With a natural ‘sno’ maker outside the boys took advantage of the snow and would bring cups full inside then pour various liquids over the top. Some they’d eat, some they’d offer me to eat while some remained in the freezer to admire. My favorites (not for taste but for creativity) were the o.j. sno cone, the gatorade sno cone, the milk sno cone and the mystery mix sno cone.

Saved by Creative Inspiration

2009-08-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today I awoke in a funk. Wallowing in pillows clambering for something to pull me up and into the day. Slumped in a heap on my bed my eyes fixated in the corner of the room still dim from the early morning hour. There in the corner of an already undersized out grown bedroom is a space. A space Cameron cleared just for me. Placed in this space is an enormously gorgeous easel that spans well above my head. Upon it’s poised frame was a canvas to match it’s beauty. It had sat there pristine white for weeks as I lay and gazed at it’s beauty. Endless images running through my mind’s eye of the possibilities. Until one morning I covered it in blues. Again it sat in the corner as I scrutinized it’s color.

But this morning while sitting on my bed in a mood a spark of creativity took light. Staring more intently at the canvas held in it’s grandeur the vision was coming. Out came my palette and oils and brushes. Creative inspiration quickly replaced the mood I was in and emotion began to expressively engulf the canvas.

To sum up my day I awoke in a funk, was rescued by creative inspiration which led to an enormous canvas filled with expressive emotion and a really great day.

Days Later...
The other morning I found myself stir crazy. Not wanting to delve into any of the usual or not so typical chores. Only 11am and I was feeling compelled to take a nap. I refused after all I hadn’t even had lunch yet. There’s just something about taking a nap in the morning that seems strange to me, unless I’m ill or recovering from childbirth. Looking for something to do to keep me occupied, rebelling against any chores or ‘to do’ items. I do those every day. I craved something that would challenge me, something I could find growth in, development, improvement, progress, expression. Something to send me spiraling along my own personal path.

There it was resting waiting calling from it’s easel. The oil painting I had started weeks ago. I’ve been letting it dry before I began phase II. It’s time I thought, even if it’s still tacky it’ll add to the texture giving it the character I want it to have. But it’s in three pieces the large canvas sits in the corner of our bedroom approximately 2’x4’ and the other two canvases rest down in the basement on my art table each approximately 2’x18”. I started racking my brains. I have two large art tables but neither could accommodate all three canvases. And I really needed all three pieces to be lined up beside each other to complete this phase. Our poor little rental is too tiny and the floor plan quite poor. There was no where to paint. Do I dare take it all outside? Frustration was really beginning to set in.

When suddenly the creative inside me took over. Or maybe just desperation. I removed all of the dinning room furniture and shoved it all into the front entry. What are the chances someone is randomly going to stop by to visit anyways. Piled the dishes into the sink, I know they’ll be kind enough to wait there.

 The boys all begin to pop up one by one watching and wondering. When they see the art supplies come out they all exclaim, “You get to paint?! Aw can we?” Of course they can paint. I wouldn’t have it any other way. So I spread my canvases across the dining room floor and spread newspaper across the dining table that is now in the entry and set them up along side me. And for the remainder of the afternoon we painted side by side. We would check each other’s art out and ask for opinions while literally rubbing elbows. I still have the paint on mine to prove it.

Lunch proved to be an obstacle but we managed through and back to painting we went with little paint footprints tip toeing through out the kitchen and dining room. They were thrilled and Isaac was so excited he commented, “Wouldn’t it be great if our whole house was an aquarium? Could we make our house an aquarium?” I guess he could see the thought process in my eyes because he went on to explain, “you know where we can hang up all of our art work for people to look at.” “Oh a museum, you mean an art museum, of course, I think that’s a great idea”.

When they were really young, like all of about 3 years ago. I would post all of their art work on colored paper as if on a frame and then hang them in the laundry room. It didn’t take long before my entire laundry room was filled with their bright cheerful imaginations. It made me smile every time I went in there and became one of my favorite rooms believe it or not.

That evening a request came in, Everest has requested we paint in the park like we used to. I have forgotten about all of the art opportunities I used to expose them to. I love that they enjoy it so much and that it’s something we can do together. Next adventure will be at the park with our paints. I think it’s time to redo my laundry room too.

Molls on a Mission

2009-07-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

A last minute trip to the store arose the other morning. I knew this was the last place my little troop would want to spend a gorgeous summer morning like this. It certainly wasn’t what I had in mind either. However, creative inspiration struck and I was minus a couple of supplies to carry it out plus running short on milk. I know from experience that the later it gets in the day the harder it is to get them in the car. Not to mention I wanted as much time as I could get to unleash my creativity.

“Where are we going, what are we getting, why do we have to”, sang the chorus. “We’re on a secret mission” I informed them. That got their attention. The questions then shifted to curiosity with me replying with “I’ll tell you when we’re all in the car”. That was my elbow grease for getting them in with minimal hassle. Not being able to keep them at bay any longer I announce, “Silly faces, we’re looking for silly faces”. Bewildered this only brought on more curious questions. With fingers crossed I pulled up to the nearest dollar store and in we marched. With a personal sigh of relief, thank goodness they had silly faces. I had been banking on it. If they hadn't have had what I was looking for I would’ve really needed a creative streak to come up with a back up plan. The boys went bonkers picking out which pair of thick black glasses and big noses with mustaches they wanted.

Now masked with humor we were ready to tackle my errands. This was just the distraction we needed to get us through a few unplanned errands that had pulled us away from summer play. We giggled and snickered our way through the grocery and art stores trying to act as normal as possible. Not only did we liven up our own errands but we cheered up a few long faces and left a wake of chuckles in our path. I’m just really grateful that no one mistook us for holding up any of the joints.

I'm pleased to report that our mission was a success and then some. Please be aware this memo will self destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2...

Euphoria

2009-05-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

I had the sheer and utter thrill of off-roading today while riding shotgun with my son behind the wheel of his rugged well used jeep 4x4. It was spontaneous and exciting. I had barely stepped outside to see what was going on when he asked if I wanted to take a ride with him. How could I resist!? Barefooted, I hurdled the side of his jeep throwing all caution along with dinner preparation to the wind. I could feel the adrenaline rising with the thought of my hair blowing circles around my face. Not to mention a wild rush of excitement coinciding with the precariousness nature of our expedition.

Pleased as I could be I nestled in as best I could as it was a rather tight fit. Did I mention my son is 4 and his jeep well… with my knees up to my chin, grinning from ear to ear, my backside resting on the back of the seat stretching my arms behind us I gripped either side of the jeep. He lurched into reverse to back us out of the front walk and then paused. Leaning into me he kindly whispered, “um I might not be able to go too fast cause your too big”. He had a point as he looked up into my eyes with me towering over him. I must admit I felt like and most likely looked like a giraffe squeezed into a tissue box.

Nonetheless, it didn’t deter his enormously adventurous heart from giving his mom the ride of her life and off we went. Simultaneously as he floored it the front wheels lifted up off the ground high into the air, we popped a wheelie! A surge of giggles erupted from the both of us. My mother’s heart melted in his little sparkling eyes filled with pure joy. Needless to say I quickly discovered how to anticipate and maneuver in order to keep us from flipping his jeep.

Oh the thrill as we drove through thick green lawns catching air over curbs, speeding through bark filled landscaping leaving a wake of wood chips in our tracks, dodging and clipping all sorts of obstacles. What a rush! I can’t remember the last time I roared with such uncontrollable delight.

The Great Salt Blog

2009-02-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

So a very small few of you know this and I’m only blogging about it because it was such a bizarre and somewhat humorous experience. For the past 2 years we’ve been trying to discover the cause of a couple of odd symptoms one of which is high blood pressure. Yes, I have high blood pressure, really high. I’ve been to four different doctors, five if you include the nephrologists. OK, make that six including the cardiologist. I’ve undergone all kinds of lab work and wonderful tests including an angiogram. I even have my very own blood pressure monitor gizmo. The first thing I hear from each new physician accompanied with a puzzled look is, “You are too young, fit and healthy to have high blood pressure. If you were overweight or older, yes, but this isn’t right. Something isn’t right.”. To make things even more fun the last two visits with two separate doctors I was told, “You are a mystery” in fact one called me a “mystery girl”. Um, mysterious is OK. But “mystery girl”?! What am I a character on PBS’s Word Girl? Not what I want to be dubbed as in the land of medicine and health.

We’ve pretty much ruled out any problems with the heart and now we are looking at the kidneys, hence the nephrologists. He is conducting some more extensive labs in hopes of avoiding having to put me through more invasive testing. As part of these labs I was required to take sodium chloride. Yes, table salt. He said that he could just send me home and tell me to pour salt on everything I eat until it tastes bad for three days or he could give me tablets. I opted for tablets. Especially since he said that every one who has opted to over salt their own food had not poured on enough salt and therefore was required to redo the lab work.

Salt tablets, I can do that. Simple enough. Not so, just finding the tablets (we’re talking table salt here folks) in and of it’s self was an ordeal. I couldn’t find a pharmacy that carried salt tablets, which are mostly used by marathon runners I am told. The one pharmacist suggested I go home, take my saltshaker, measure out the proper amount of spoonfuls of salt and shovel it down. Hmmm, that is unthinkably disgusting! I can’t even imagine taking a spoon full of salt and eating it! Let alone multiple spoonfuls.

Rehearsing all of this to Cameron (he's always able to see the humor), he jokingly said, “Well you know, the feed store down the road carries blocks of salt.” Yes, I can see it now, a big giant salt block in the middle of our dinning room table. Neighbor kids asking, "dude, what is your mom doing?". While throwing a waded up napkin and laughing at him I responded, “Well then don’t be surprised when the neighbors mention they saw your wife down the road fending the cows off for their salt lick”.

Finally I find it at a specialty pharmacy. Thank heavens, I was getting worried I would have to face those cows. However, they are out of the tablets and will have to order some in. So a few days later I have the coveted salt tablets. I thought the worst was over. By the second day I was miserable, I couldn’t eat anything. My appetite was ruined. Nothing tasted right, foods I normally loved I couldn’t eat. A perfectly wonderful batch of chocolate chip cookies I had made, couldn’t even get through one cookie. I kept double checking everything I ate because it didn’t taste anything like what I had put in my mouth. Anything salty like tortilla chips and salsa sent me into a down hill spiral of endless nausea. I could see the look in my boys eyes, their expressions said something like “uh, there’s something wrong with mom”. One even asked, “Have you thrown up yet?”

If any of you happened to see me around town and wondered why my mouth was gapping open like a frog with a fly stuck in its throat, well now you know. It was the salt. No amount of water or other liquids helped either. In fact the more I drank the more I felt like the Dead Sea was churning within the very depths of my belly. If you’ve ever been to the beach and caught an unexpected mouth full of salt water you’ll understand how it burns inside your throat and nose, your stomach feels ill and your lips and tongue are so salty you can’t stop smacking them together. Well multiply that by the Pacific Ocean. It was literally uncomfortable to close my mouth, as this seems to produce more saliva, which was saturated with salt. I constantly felt like I swallowed a wave right out of the Gulf of Mexico. I’d say the Great Salt Lake, however, there are no waves in the Great Salt Lake.

Seriously I was so overly saturated with salt I made sure to stay clear of any cows. A human salt lick is what I was. I highly don’t recommend it unless of course your doctor does. And if you are unfortunate enough that he does, you now know what to expect.

Friday morning I anxiously went to the nephrologists to finish the lab work. As I left his office with a skip in my step singing rapturous melodies I couldn't help but to think it was a grand day indeed not only was the sun shining but no more salt tablets!

A Day in the Life

2009-02-03T15:13:00.001-08:00

Grocery shopping with Hudson: we found ourselves on the cracker/cookie aisle and he asks for Oreos. Now we are really not an Oreo family however they had a cool limited addition NFL packaging that really caught his eye, the power of marketing in play. I told him I’d like us to pick something healthier. I could see the wheels turning in his head and then he quickly came back with, “If you dip them in milk like this then they are healthy”.

Isaac was saving up money to buy the Lego Batman Wii game. He was earning money by doing his chores. Hudson in anticipation to play the game too, was losing patience in how long it was taking his brother to earn the money. One afternoon Hudson came to me begging, “mama can you please go do Isaac’s chores so we can play Batman Wii?”

Cameron was complimenting the boys at the dinner table and expressing his appreciation and love for them. He made a statement about how important they each are to us. Isaac, immediately responds with, “say it again, a hundred times”.

Discussing the levels of maturity one afternoon Edison declared, “I can tell I’m getting old, I’m having trouble remembering what it’s like being a kid”.

I don’t really remember what Everest and I were talking about. I think I was trying to encourage him to do something out of his comfort zone when he innocently made the comment “yah but you’re old”. Even though it was meant in the sense of me being the experienced parent. I teased him and my eyes got big, he instantly replied with, “bold, I said bold, You are bold”.

In response to watching safari animals stealing food from people on TV one night, Hudson exclaimed, “Dude, that’s just not nice.”

The first sounds of Christmas as Cameron and I lay in our bed listening to the wrestling of blankets and jingles of the boys discovering their stockings lying next to them on their pillows. We hear Edison exclaim “Holy Moley!” from out of the predawn darkness.

Sloshing through an ankle deep ice-y parking lot Hudson clinging to my side seeking shelter from the frigid bone chilling wind Hudson remarks in all seriousness, “we should be in Florida already”.

Isaac wanting to be excused from the dinner table while patting his tummy, “my tank is full”.

Taking the boys out to a burger joint called Five Guys Burgers and Fries one evening, the name quickly transformed to Five Guys Boogers and Flies on the way there. Our youngest grew worrisome and adamantly exclaimed he was not going to eat there. I had to reassure him it was called Burgers and Fries and we were not going to eat boogers and flies. Upon realizing his brothers’ joke he was all over the boogers and flies chant.

From the other room I hear Hudson struggling with something. I hear him muttering something about his fingers. Just as I’m about to inquire he comes to me holding his hand. I ask him what happened thinking he pinched them in a door or something. Uncovering his hand there is a gold ring on his pointer. He found a gold washer in his brothers’ room. It was not going to budge from his chubby little three-year old finger. I scooped him up. Went straight to the kitchen. Set him on the counter with his hand over the sink. Poured extra virgin olive oil on his finger. Lubricated it real good. Spun it off. Good as gold. Gotta love EVOO.

Halloween in December

2008-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

Halloween in December
Yes that’s right. First, I’m late posting about our Halloween and second, if Christmas decorations can sit side by side Halloween decorations in the store then I most certainly think it acceptable for myself to write about Halloween at Christmas time.

Halloween always begins with one question. “What do you want to be for Halloween?” And I usually ask this question months in advance so that I have time to piece together costumes especially if there will be much creativity and making involved. So there I was asking my boys the question. In which they already had put much thought into. Everest immediately replied, “Indiana Jones”. Edison followed with a quick, “ a scientist”. Isaac exclaimed a “clone”(Star Wars) and Hudson concluded with, “a little character”. I chuckled inside thinking, well that won’t be difficult. But I was still a little confused. I inquired a little more and he remarked, “you know, a little character guy”. I leaned over to Everest and asked quietly what he was talking about. Everest then explained it was a Lego character. And they proceeded to show me the specific character on the front of the Indiana Jones Wii game. Sure enough there was a little character in the background. Wearing a ball cap and holding a wrench.

I began to figure out in my head how to make Hudson look like a Lego Character guy. I started saving small boxes that I could use for the Lego legs and so forth. And we started saving and gathering things to use for the other costumes as well. Hudson came into my room one afternoon and asked if he could dress up as the Character Guy. Yes, of course I told him. He darted off and soon I heard him so pleased with himself that he got all dressed up by him self with a ballcap, grey pants a button down shirt and a wrench. He danced and sang throughout the house, “I’m a little character, I’m a little character, I’m Character guy”. Yes, indeed you are a little character I smiled.

To my dismay as Halloween neared and he saw his brothers clone outfit he changed his mind and wanted to be a clone too. However, that did not deter him from dressing up as character guy for weeks to follow.

Pumpkin time came and this year we picked out the biggest pumpkin yet. It was a beauty and we had to put it in the front seat secured safely with the seat belt. Each of the boys picked out another small pumpkin so when it came time to carve them all, oh my! We set up an assembly line. Everyone drew the face they wanted and we began one at a time. First cut each top off and so on.
My little pumpkin carving knife was futile when it came to our big beauty. The blade bent in at least two places and was pretty much useless after that.

Time for the innards, I pulled out a massive fist full of pumpkin guts and seeds. Edison sickened exclaimed, “EW, if I see that stuff again, I’m gonna throw up”. It really was rather disgusting and the smell of all those pumpkins quite overpowering. My hands and lower arms were stained orange for what seemed like days. But the final products were incredibly delightful and frightening.

Halloween night we set up Cameron’s computer and speaker so that we were able to talk into the mic and it would change our voices. We blackened the front window except for a little peephole so we could see those approaching our door and talk to them. It was absolutely the most hilarious thing ever. The boys had a blast. Sitting there with their headphones on talking into the mic to the trick-o-treaters, it was the most fun.

Some other little tidbits of our Halloween include the following:
2 impromptu stories:

Written and illustrated by Everest Moll
Title: The Haunted House
Introduction: Once there was a haunted house it was very haunted. I went in.
Characters: Me, ghosts, spiders, monsters, skeletons and bats. There are others.

Chapter 1
When I was in I got scared. Then jumped out a spider. It almost landed on my face and scared me to death.
I fell!

Chapter 2
I landed on a skeleton. I got very scared.
“AAAAHHH!”
I saw something green. It got closer and closer until I saw it was a bat. Thank goodness!

Chapter 3
I saw an eye. Not just an eye, an eyeball! It was walking towards me!
A ghost kept swirling and twirling around me! I got so scared I fainted just for five minutes.
When I woke up the ghost was gone but pumpkins were dancing around me!
HEELLLPP!

Chapter 4
I went out of the haunted house and saw a whole bunch of skeletons coming out of their graves!

Chapter 5
I went in, I was trapped. A monster came bounding up to me! It grabbed hold of me and saved me from all of them. Yiipeee!

I’m Saved.

A Scary Halloween Night!
Written and Illustrated By Edison Moll
Live Narration by Edison (in the most seriously suspenseful voice ever)

Pg.1 On Halloween night I saw a haunted house. Then suddenly a ghost appeared.
Pg.2 And then I ran into the haunted house and when I got inside I saw a spider.
Pg.3 And when I walked farther into the haunted house then suddenly a bat flew down in front of me.
Pg.4 And when I walked even farther into the haunted house I saw a skeleton.
Pg. 5 And after that a monster jumped out of a closet right in front of me.
Pg. 6 Then I saw a pumpkin alive.
Pg.7 And after that I saw a live eyeball!
Pg.8 I saw a sword a spider was on it.
Pg. 9 FFeeeewww he’s on my side.
Pg. 10 I saw snakes, the spider bit them all and they died.

I did find out a lot more about witches this Halloween. These things I did not know and maybe you didn’t either.
Facts about Witches
*They are only females
*They have blue spit
*Their pupils change
*They wear gloves cause they have claws
*They don’t have toes
*They can smell a child from across the street on a pitch-black night
*They have wigs (they are bald)

Molljokes:
Why’d the apple cross the street? To get to the other cider.

Why’d the skeleton go to the movies? He had no-body to go with him.

Post Halloween
Mom to Hudson: What are you doing?
Hudson quiet.
Mom: Are you eating your candy?
Hudson: yes
Honesty pause
Hudson: I’m eating all my candy gone.

Game On!

2008-11-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

What do you do when it’s been raining all day? Play baseball, of course!

The first official day off track, no school, and not only is it supposed to rain all week but it is. Never fear though, even the most extreme of weather can not keep us from playing ball. Itching to get a game on, the boys could wait no longer for a break in the rain. They put on their mismatched uniforms that consisted of various jerseys, shorts, short sleeved T’s, cleats and topped with ball caps and batting helmets. While I put on a heavily insulated ski jacket and snapped it up around the lower half of my face pulling the hood down over the upper half of my face. The rain still coming down at a steady pace we marched outside with glove, bat and ball in hand. Although, it was more of a rain-slush-snow-hail kind of rain. We braved it none-the-less.

There we were out in the yard our bases more puddle than plate. Hudson hit his heart out until his fingers were too cold to hold the bat and then he and Isaac set up camp in the mouth of the garage with their blankets and pillows dubbing themselves as referee and commentator.

Making up for short numbers we had to bend the rules a little. I was now pitcher. Everest up to bat and Edison took outfield.
The ball was hard to hold and would often slip out of our hands prematurely making it rather comical, especially when pitching. Wiping the rain from my eyes I threw the ball, Everest hit it square on with a splat, water spraying out from between the ball and bat, sending it over our heads. Edison with ball in hand and wet grass and leaves flying up from under his feet and sticking to his bare legs ran as fast as he could chasing his brother who was looping around bases, dodging and darting, trying not to be tagged out. He had to make home, there was no one to bat him in if he didn’t. One or the other or both would inevitable slide across the slick wet ground as if on a slip-n-slide piling up at home plate.

By now Edison too was feeling the cold and ventured inside to warm up. Everest and I were left to ourselves. Between the rain and the hood over my eyes I couldn’t see the ball to hit. We resorted to playing catch which wasn’t any easier but just as comical. Everest threw the ball high and as I jumped up to catch it with both hands well over my head, my right handed-ness overreached my left, which meant I made an unbelievable catch without a glove. A wet ball on a wet hand stings! Everest cheered and rallied himself with each pitch and catch as if we were watching the World Series in slow motion. He dove and somersaulted and leapt, dramatizing each catch.

He threw a hard high one at me. I didn’t notice him bend down to tie his shoe I was too busy getting a running start. I climbed the air like stairs. Reaching well above reach. Amazingly I caught the ball behind me as I twisted around backwards and landed solidly on the ground with the ball in glove. “Did you see that?!”, I exclaimed in mid victory dance. Still tying his shoes and with a “huh” expression shook his head no. “D’oh!” “You just missed the greatest play ever!” (No one will ever believe me. sigh)

We reluctantly headed inside, really the only reason we came in was because I had to get dinner going. It was probably a good thing though as we entered into the warmth of our home our faces began to sting and the nose-cicles began to melt as we began to thaw. No wonder we didn’t think it was that cold and played for so long. We were numb and half frost bitten.

AH but it was fun.

A Day in the Life

2008-10-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

(Everest 8, Edison 7, Isaac 5, Hudson 3)

I was reading some nature facts with the boys that were rather puzzling to my three year old.
Mom: …wolves prey on…
Hudson (interrupting): How do wolves pray?

Hudson has figured out that if he’s sick he doesn’t have to do things or that he gets special privileges.
So whenever he doesn’t want to participate or do something he says with a forlorn look, “ I can’t cause I’m sick”.
Or when he wants something like a popcicle or to eat down stairs in the armchair again with a sad little expression, “I’m sick so I can”

Edison attempted to use the restroom down stairs until he noticed an ant. Making his way upstairs he went into the master bath and again attempted until he saw a spider. In a huff he then went into the boys bathroom and on the third attempt exclaimed, “ I’m only using my bathroom, it doesn’t have any wild animals!”.

Edison does not like Mondays at school due to Monday Miles and will do anything to avoid going if possible. Sunday afternoon, he casually asked, ”Is it time to go to the dentist again?”. “You can call them and we can go tomorrow if you like, we’d have to miss school all day, it’ll takes a long time.” Then whispers, “I don’t really wanna go to school anyways.”

At the doctor’s office Hudson notices a water dispenser in the waiting room. He studies it for a minute looking intently at the blue and red valves and then asks, “Which one is the milk?”

Trying out something new we've asked that no one be excused from the table until mom is done eating. Tonight Isaac leaned over and whispered, “Can you please be done?”.

As we’re driving along Edison spots a dog and declares, “Look guys a Chihuahua!”. Isaac exclaims, “A what what?”.

Taking out the trash I was greeted with an unusually foul stench, I commented that there must be some rotten meat in there. Hudson yells out, “yah or COW POO!”

More favorite words to add to my list:
Mousemints = announcements
Smarsh smallows

Random Quote
“Before I was married I had six theories on raising children, now I have six children and no theories” John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

Quote of the day: This one given to me by a complete stranger while waiting in line with all four boys,
“Are you going to have any more? Oh just one, you do such a great job.”

Jokes from the Moll household
Everest: Why’d the spider get on the computer? He was looking for a new web page.

Safety Tip of the Day:
Everest: Never run on ice! Why? Your head will fall off!
(Everyone in Everest’s class was asked to make a poster of a safety tip complete with illustration. His included play by play sequence of a stick man slipping/flipping upside down (now headless) with the caption "thump" and a bowling ball for a head shooting into the air.)

Mountain Tigers

2008-09-11T13:44:00.001-07:00

While the boys are off track I’ve been trying to make the most of our time together. Such as trips to the park, fun with art, dinosaur museums and so forth. I had been planning on taking them on a hike this morning, one of our favorite things to do. I usually save the hikes for when dad can come not only so he can enjoy in the fun but also, if something were to happen I’d have another adult with me. Feeling our summer slip away I decided to just go. Thinking we wouldn’t go far.

So this morning we awoke and dove into chores and piano lessons and off we went. The boys were so excited they packed their backpacks with water bottles and snacks. Once we reached the trailhead that is just at the foothills south of the Draper Temple nestled in a lovely neighborhood we piled out of the car. I noticed that their backpacks were rather full and sagging. So I asked if any of them wanted to lighten their load and leave some of their stuff in the car. We could have a picnic when we came back down from the mountain I mentioned. I chuckled as bottle after bottle of water was emptied out of their backpacks and huge boxes of crackers and goldfish were pulled out. After we modified our lighter load we headed up the trail.

There was excitement in their step as they bounced up the trail leading the way. A little ways up the trail I reminded them to stay close to me as we meandered up the switch back trail. The sun was still coming up over the mountain, it’s rays of light were filtering through the foliage above. It was peaceful and nature’s beauty encompassed us on our little journey. We rounded a corner and came out of the densely clustered trees. The trail bringing us out onto a peak that over looked the valley. I pulled out my camera and took some pictures while the boys took the opportunity to sit in the dirt and eat a snack. As I put my camera away something tugged at my thoughts. I began to think, “How would I fight off a mountain lion? What would I do?” And those were not comforting thoughts. I began to grow increasingly uneasy.

As the boys bounded down the trail ahead of me, I called them back to my side. I was trying to decide just how far we should go as I scanned the terrain around us when I felt an intense impression to pray for safety. I could see homes close by in fact we could see into their back porches, how much danger could there be? But, I felt it. The trail cut into the steep mountainside and was only about 2’ wide, there was a steep drop to our left although it was buffered with dense shrubs and trees. While to the left the mountain shot straight up above us and was thick with overgrown shrubbery. The path however was fairly smooth and clear and we were used to such hiking. The feeling was persistent and it consumed my thoughts. I halted our progress, the boys only a couple yards in front of me I asked them to come to my side and just as I was prepared to inform them that we needed to head back. A loud but low deep growl came from behind my left shoulder. I knew immediately what it was and I could feel the heat from it’s growl on my bare neck. Instantly I put my arms straight out to protect my boys I told them quietly and firmly, “Go! Go quickly” pointing back down the mountain and to “stay close together”. I stood there with my arms out creating the only barrier I could with me in between the mountain lion and my children as I ushered them past me. I had slightly turned my head to see for myself, to look eye to eye with this creature. But at the last minute I thought better of making eye contact. Who knows why, I just knew I better stick with my instincts at this point. I had turned just enough to see and know that it was there in the bushes that were pressed up against my back.

As my last son carefully passed in front of me I turned and followed them close like a mother and her ducklings with my arms still outstretched. Down we quickly went. The boys still didn’t know why we were headed back down the mountain or why we were going so quickly. Or why their mother was singing hymns so loudly and really badly to boot. Everest asked what was going on and when I felt we were far enough away I quietly said, “mountain lion” and we quickened our pace. His eyes grew wide and asked, “is that what that was, I heard it.” I’m so proud of my boys, in that moment, the moment I needed them most to quickly obey without any question they did. Now we were all singing and we were flying down the mountain. Every so often I would glance back behind us or up above as the path zig-zagged it’s way back down. Coming across some loose dirt Edison lost his footing and tumbled. A cloud of dirt circled about our feet and rocks scattered under his knees but he jumped right back up without missing a step. I scooped Hudson up onto my hip as I knew his little legs must be tiring to keep up but remarkably he had been doing an incredible job. Upon making it down to the trailhead Edison asked “Wow, how’d we get down the mountain so fast?” I quietly replied, “I think we had a little help” knowing we had never ran that we had only marched a steady pace back. Isaac chimed in, “Yah we flew down!”.

The car was in sight and I couldn’t get the doors opened fast enough. At this point we were safe and that’s when my nerves of steel turned to trembling. We climbed in and locked the doors and caught our breath. Not that mountain lions can open doors but it felt safe. I called Cameron and told him what just happened and as we were backing out Hudson asks, “can we go to a different hiking place, one without mountain tigers?”, my little outdoorsmen.

Who knows how long it had been watching us. Or if it was merely napping in the cool shade from the rising sun when we came upon him. I know that that lion could’ve attacked us if it wanted to. Instead it chose to give us a warning that we weren’t welcome there and we were too close. Rather polite of him, when you think about it. I find it interesting that it didn’t growl until I came up in front of it. Maybe the boys weren’t threatening enough. I have always had a powerful testimony of prayer and this only strengthened it. I know with out a doubt there was divine intervention. That was too close for comfort.

It took the rest of the day for the adrenaline rush to wear off. The boys have been drawing mountain lions, even my three year old has perfected a ‘mountain tiger’. In fact I found his life-sized masterpiece of one drawn in blue marker on a beige carpet canvas. Hudson asked why the mountain lion growled at us and if he wanted to bite us. He said that they shouldn’t be there where we’re hiking. I told him that mountain lions don’t have homes like us that they live in the wild. So actually we were in it’s home. He giggled at that.

A Heart Filled with Stone

2008-08-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the cool grass under a splendidly blue sky listening to the water trickle over the pebbles in the brook nearby, the boys laughing and exploring the grassy banks for water snakes and snails. I couldn’t soak it in fast enough as I was studying high up on the bank. Anxiously wanting to join them as they kept calling out, “Mom are you done yet? When can you come play?” My surroundings and their pleas got the better of me. Kicking off my sandals I climbed over the wood railing and tiptoed through the wildflowers down the slopping bank. Through the brook, across the smooth pebbles they waded in search of fantastic finds. Ah, to have children is to be young and alive.

Just a few moments earlier Isaac ran across the wood plank bridge gently tossing a rust orange colored stone at me. Tumbling across the sun filtered grass perfectly halting as it reaches my side he yells out while turning and running back across the wooden bridge, “ this will make you feel good inside!” It most certainly did. He brought a smile to my heart and laughter to my lips.

The rusty orange colored stone now proudly rests lovingly upon my kitchen window seal with the others. Yes, there are others, many others. In fact my window seal is beginning to look a lot like a sea wall or the foundation of a castle being built with tender love in each perfectly picked stone.

I adore my kitchen window as odd as that may seem. My kitchen window is the only window in the entire house that I can open and still have privacy. It frames a beautiful mature shade tree that provides a sea of green leaves that sway soothingly in the breeze. In the winter it provides shelter for a variety of little feathered friends, which brighten my soul to watch on a cold dreary winter’s day. I am fond of the tree as it brings me something with every season. As I am fond of the window as it shares things with me.

But, most of all, the window in my kitchen is a very personal very special very meaningful place for me as a mother. For this is were I stand day in and day out as my boys run in and out and all around me. This is where I stand with aching feet and tired back and dinner roasting by my side. This is where they burst in through the door racing to throw their arms around me beaming from ear to ear with a flower picked from the neighbors yard, a uniquely shaped piece of wood or stone. And so very often lined upon my window seal and along my sink are little cups of flowers, twigs and stones. More permanently are the stones up on the window’s ledge. One in the shape of a surfboard another as a heart, some even sparkle. Each and every one possesses some characteristic or quality the boys found worthy as a gift for me. Visitors might scoff and think of me as a little peculiar with all those rocks piled in my window. Little do they know those are treasures rare. If they knew how my heart valued these little tokens of love they’d surely want some of their own. For these little treasures represent my children’s love and adoration for me, their mother. These little tokens touch my heart and tell me that I’m in their thoughts even when I’m not in their presence. These little random acts of kindness spread a smile inside out and I know I am loved and someone is thinking of me. Yes, Isaac it certainly does make me feel good inside.

Backyard Olympics

2008-08-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

I love the Olympics, who doesn’t? I think everyone at some point has imagined or dreamed of being an Olympic star. Whether it’s for the awe inspiring self-discipline, the optimal physical form or even if it’s the pure desire to win, to feel what that’s like at that level is what we long for. It’s in each of us, that kind of personal drive and potential. Tapping into it is another story. At any rate, I’ve always enjoyed the Olympics, when the winter Olympics were held in SLC Cameron and I were able to get in on the action and what excitement it was. I only wish they’d hold them here again so that our boys could be apart of it. Not wanting to wait for them to come back this way, I decided to do something about it.

Even though the Olympics are on the other side of the world with modern technology not only are they in our living room they’re in our car, on the subway, in the elevator, at work, well you get the point. However, I have something even better than all of this splendid technology has to offer. I have them in my very own back yard, no really. The Olympics are literally in my back yard and it doesn’t stop there! We were so lucky as to have had the opening ceremony held there too! Seriously, it was an incredible affair to behold.

It went a little something like this. The excitement building as the countdown grew shorter, schedules left open, Olympic embellishments began to garnish the halls and the Olympic spirit was alive and thriving. We gathered together downstairs. Olympic rings hanging above and with great anticipation we held our opening ceremony. A description and background of the Olympics was given. The Olympic motto being “Citius, Altius, Fortius” Latin for ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ (1894 De Coubertin) and later he added “The Most important thing is not to win but to take part”.( I love that. Some of the greatest Olympic stories don’t always come from those who place but from those individuals and those countries that rise against all odds to be a part of the Olympian experience. And it sure fosters good sportsmanship.) Then the boys each picked out their favorite of the Chinese mascots.

We held our Olympic torch high and set it on the mantle as we all marched out the back door into the cool of the evening for the grand events. The weather was perfect a glorious blue sky, golden rays of sunlight setting the mood. Lining up were the highly favored Olympians Everest, Edison, Isaac and Hudson. Everest known for his fierce competitiveness, Edison for his agility, Isaac for his vivacious energy and Hudson, don’t let his size fool you.

Now what we’ve all been waiting for…

“First event to kick off 2008 backyard Olympics is the relay race. Mom sounds off and the race begins, Everest is off like a rocket. Amazing, look at that kid run. He makes it around the house in lightening speed time. Edison in position, bent over one leg in front of the other, head down and hand stretched behind him for the passing of the paper towel baton. Everest slides the baton into his hand flawlessly and Edison snatches the baton up while taking off, rounding the first corner effortlessly and with legs of phenomenal speed. Isaac now waiting for the baton to be placed in his hand you can see the excitement in his face. He is in his element. Edison comes tearing around the final corner of the house and lands the baton square in Isaac’s hand as Isaac tears out of there and off he goes. Little Hudson takes a deep breath steps up to the mark with confidence and waits. Isaac is flying, he’s got sparks under his heels as he comes in behind Hudson and passes the baton dead center in Hudson’s hand. Hudson wraps his fingers tightly around the baton and just as he accelerates slips! Oh my, landing smack on his belly. But, wait he’s up! With no hesitation this kid is up and back in the race. Wow! This kid’s amazing. Look at him go, he just might have a chance at a medal. Oh, wait… he’s taking the lead. Look at those legs go! He’s going for gold….and he takes it! What determination! The Moll team wins the gold! What a team effort, purely unbelievable.”

"With little time to cool down they are in place for the next race, it is a tough line up of events for the evening. However, the Moll boys are up for the challenge, if anyone can pull it off it’s these four young men right here. Next is the 40' sprint to the slide and the 80' sprint to the slide and back followed by the 200' marathon. Then moving into the standing long jump followed by the running long jump (or hop for some). The rest of the night’s lineup proves to deliver excitement and entertainment. What thrills, chills and spills. It doesn’t get any better than that folks. This is athletics at it’s best."

There was a hush among the dandelions as they stepped up to the podium to be awarded their gold medals that night. They stood tall and proud, after all they earned this gold.

World records were broken as each Moll boy took home a dozen or so gold medals. Never before in history has anything remotely come close to what was experienced.

Atferwards, we went inside for a treat only worthy of an Olympian and to relax while watching the ‘other’ Olympic Ceremony kick off. Absolutely stunning in it’s own right but not nearly as exciting or entertaining as was what we just witnessed here in our own backyard.

The Olympic rings still hangs high on our wall. As for the Olympic torch it disappeared somewhere but the Olympic spirit is still burning strong. It’s a race to see who can stay up the latest watching the Olympics every night.

I DID IT!!!

2008-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I did it! I did it! I did it!
I am diaper free! Well not me, literally. But, our household, our bank account, our boys! It just happened out of nowhere unexpectedly. I’ve been dreaming of it for what seems like forever and even bought little undies in anticipation months ago.

So this is how it happened. One morning a couple months ago I was cleaning up breakfast dishes or sorting laundry or something of that nature when Hudson, the youngest comes in the room and announces he has to go. I paused, more like froze as I tried processing what this meant. He said it again and I promptly ushered him to the bathroom and he went! A couple hours later he said he had to do the other kind so I proudly and excitedly escorted him to the bathroom again. But, that was it. He was no longer interested in it after that and wanted his diapers. I didn’t want to turn it into a battle so I obliged. Every so often I would ask him if he wanted to wear underwear today or if he wanted to try the potty again. He’d answer with a ‘no’ and shrug of the shoulder. Bummer, I thought.

Then the other morning the boys were all out on the lawn bright and early helping their dad load up and head off for a high adventure camping trip. As I emerged through the front doorway I saw a hilarious sight before me. There was Hudson running around with his diaper so full it nearly touched his ankles and knocked against his knees as he ran. Quickly changing his diaper. I didn’t think much of it until Cameron had left and things had quieted down.

The next diaper change I asked the question again, not expecting a positive response. BUT, he shook his head yes and asked for the transformer underwear! He’s never gone back! Having the right underwear is key in pottie training. He also liked the idea of surprising daddy with his new ability as well.

Okay secret’s out I am a professional diaper changer (it’s true there is such a thing)after four boys, an estimated 14,000 diapers and 8 consequtive years I think I qualify. I know a thing or two about diapers, diaper changing and well everything else having to do the subject. I can change with the best of them and have been exposed to it all as well. I can change an explosive diaper on an airplane on my lap in the midst of high turbulence, alligator rolls – bring it on, any position – not a problem, in their sleep w/o waking them up, speed, discretion…

So here are a few of my tips for the diaper stage and the transition to the non-diaper stage as I feel a sense of duty to pass them on to all diapering parents.

1)If at all possible don’t skimp on quality diapers for obvious reasons. It’s worth the extra little bit.
2)Don’t skimp on wipes either. The higher quality ones are tough, durable and don’t rip in the middle of their job and they are the multi purpose handi do all cleaning tool for everything in the home to the car and of course in regards to the bum.
3)A+D or Butt Paste are THE best diaper rash ointments. They don’t sting, not that I’ve tried them personally on myself. However, my boys don’t scream bloody murder ‘it burns, it burns’ with these brands as they do with say, um Desitin and the like.

1) Like I said underwear is key
2) Incentive is also helpful, such as a reward, a pizza/movie night, storm trooper…
3) Praise, praise and more praise, build the confidence
4) Never turn it into a power struggle or associate going to the bathroom with negativity
5) Timing is everything. Every body is different. Talk to your pediatrician if you need. My pediatrician told me (after I had already gone through three) that white males are the last to learn. So don’t rush or push you will only be met with frustration and resistance.
6) Involvement and exposure: let them pick out their underwear, toilet seat, casually and randomly discuss the topic
7) Patience

A method I used with my first two:
‘boot camp’ which is anything but boot camp. Just something I dubbed it as. It’s more like block-out-a-week-with-no-appointments-or-dinner-dates-and-stock-up-the-pantry-we’re-ditching-the-diapers-this-week-camp. It’s low key, friendly, no stress and they can run around the house and yard in their underwear.

Whatever method you find that works for you, it’s good to prep them. Shop for underwear, toilet covers and so forth letting them choose the ones they want. If they don’t want to start when you get home, it’s something they can look forward to. Bring out the toilet seats and training potties making them visible and accessible, sparking interest. Accidents happen, never make your child feel bad for that. It takes a lot to get the hang of it. Relay that thought to them, they’ll be more relaxed and unafraid wanting to try harder and will be more confident. After all they are new to this and shouldn’t be made to feel bad about or punished for something they’re learning. So teach them and teach them tenderly.

I’m still in the clouds somewhere, NO DIAPERS! There’s more room in my shopping cart, more money in my pocket, space under the bathroom sink, no more smelly packages. We’ve officially graduated to another phase in familyhood. No more cribs, no binkies, no bottles, no cumbersome diaper bags, no stroller/infant carriers, no diapers….

WAIT, where have all my little boys gone!?

The Big Bang

2008-07-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

The Fourth is a favorite in our house. The patriotism, the Red White & Blue, the Stars & Stripes, flags swaying, freedom, independence, grilling, staying up late, fireworks-hello!....

When Cameron and I were first married we could see the Stadium of Fire display from our front lawn. When we moved south to Springville we could still see them from our front lawn, although distant they were still a spectacular shown to watch. When are boys started coming along we bought a few firecrackers to light off in the road and it literally exploded from there! It was such a hit, not just with the boys but also with the neighbors. They all brought theirs over and lit them too. It turned out to be quite the party. The next year there were so many people spontaneously joining our little front yard gathering we ended up bringing a table out and setting it up on the lawn. We loaded it with our left overs from our BBQ for everyone to snack on. Others added too. We had quite the buffet of goods and assortment of fireworks. That’s how is started. Good friends, good food, good fun all in honor of our freedom and those who pay the price for it.

I remember Edison’s first 4th of July. Every time a firework was lit he would tremble and shake. But, he loved it, he refused to go inside and wanted more. Yet it never failed, one would be lit and he would tremble uncontrollably. That’s where his love for fireworks began.

He waits all year and while he waits all year he talks about the last Fourth of July and plans for the next. This year he ‘made’ his own fireworks out of household items and then begged that we light them. Very creative, he’d take toilet paper rolls or empty juice boxes fill them with string, tissue and so forth and then wrap them with tape leaving a piece of string out for the wick. We did light one for him, which had a Lego man inside and boy did that stink up the place. Little brother Hudson was not happy a Lego man was sacrificed.

Edison made lists. A list of all the fireworks we had and a list of all the fireworks we would still need to get. He gave me a copy more like a calendar counting down the last two weeks. On each day he wrote instructions as to which fireworks I would need to buy. As he explained very seriously what was expected of me he then said, ‘Can you store that in your brain?’

Everyday we had to drive by the fireworks tent to see if they were open yet. It was a glorious day when they finally opened for business. Oh did we buy fireworks. He spread them all out, organized them, and stored them carefully for the big day.

Finally the Fourth arrived and we were busy getting ready for our gathering. Not as many neighbors joined us on our lawn this year. Still being in a new neighborhood and many had prior plans, yet quite a few were out and we all had fun together. The kids were the real entertainment. We gobbled down our food and set out the chairs lining them along the curb. Everest got a fierce game of soccer going and we mingled as long as we could hold them off. Edison was about to burst. So we broke out the sparklers and a few others we could do in the daylight hours. Trying to pace our selves as not to run out of fireworks. Finally twilight arrived. Dark enough for the real show to begin.

Edison never stopped moving with anticipation and sheer excitement as each firework was lit. The night air shimmered with explosions of firelight, smoldering wisps of smoke danced playfully across the pavement along with all of the little feet skipping and jumping with delight. It was magical and captivating.

And it ended all too soon. Clean up began, sticky melted otter pops and singed cardboard boxes plastered the pavement. I had forgotten about the neon glow bracelets I had for them and pulled them out. As we swept the streets the boys and their friends adorned themselves with fluorescent glow in the dark tubes making all kinds of wearable designs. Isaac looked like a little island boy dancing in the streets with his ankles, wrists and neck cloaked with colors against the coal night backdrop. Too tired to climb into their beds there was a string of boys curled in balls all the way up the stairs. Hudson never made it, he was at the bottom and conked out cold. The rest we wiped down with wet wipes and tucked into beds, falling asleep before their heads rested on their pillows.

No wonder we love this holiday. No doubt the greatest gift of all, freedom.

(The planning committee is already hard at work for next year’s celebration.)

A Day in the Life

2008-06-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Everest(7) Edison(6) Isaac(4) Hudson(2)

Spooky Monday
A particularly windy day the boys come running in the house with their neighbor friends. Very seriously they exclaim “it’s Spooky Monday”. Spooky Monday? “Yah! It’s Spooky out there”. Why is that? “Cause things are moving and no body is around them. Like the swing is swinging by it’s self, look!. And the dumptruck in the back yard, moved and nobody touched it! It’s Spooky Monday alright.” And the little pack of boys ran back outside.

Lesser of Two Evils
Hudson has been picking his fingernails. At bedtime I came around to check on everyone, with his hands under the blanket he says, “I’m not picking, mom”. So I lift the blanket and tell him he’s a tease. Then I ask why don’t you find something else to do with your hands, before I could make any suggestions such as play with your hair or a stuffed doggie he immediately sticks his finger up his nose and with a little smirk says “pick my nose?!”

Isaacisms
Isaac:“Did you know if you have bigger feet you run faster?
Yah the bigger feet you have the faster you run”
This after his brother Edison started layering on the socks, I lost track (after 20 something) of how many socks they had on each foot. The boys looked like they had casts on their feet or at least like something off of Super Mario.

Do you know how to make snow?
Water and fluff, not the fake fluff, the real fluff.

Makes Sense
Edison and Everest made signs and taped them above their beds. Edison is always looking for things to invent including ways to make money. The signs read, 1c for me to read to you. Hudson comes running in, “Where’s my money, where’s my money? I need my money!” He had just received some birthday money. I handed it to him and he darted out of the room. I was pretty sure I knew where he was going. After a moment or two I moseyed on in to their room and there they were, Hudson sitting next to Edison listening intently as his big brother read to him. I smiled and smiled even bigger when I noticed Hudson’s $3 sitting in the bowl next to them. I casually commented ‘wow, you already have three dollars’. Edison chimed up, “Yah, Hudson didn’t have any cents”. I couldn’t stop chuckling.

Off the Beaten Path
While hiking back down the mountain the boys resort to the road less traveled. As they meandered back and forth through the rugged terrain intersecting with us on the path occasionally, Isaac announced, “Look, we’re taking the ‘long cut’ “.

Words to Love
Yesternight: Remember yesternight when we stayed up late and rode our bikes?
Panpakes & Cattipitters (Hudson)

Thoughts to Think
Sand in my sheets is much more welcomed than shivering in my sheets.

Personal Challenge: Changing diapers in the midst of an alligator roll? Try putting on soccer socks over shin guards on not one but eight little wiggly legs.

I can still close my eyes and see azure skies and crystal blue water, the two meeting at the horizon becoming as one canvas of calming blue.

Cast Away(Tom Hanks): Just keep breathing, the sun will rise in the morning and you never know what the tide will bring in the morning.

Vacation Fun!

2008-06-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

While on the airplane, Isaac noticed a distant factory far off on the horizon.
Isaac exclaimed, “Look guys, the cloud factory, I see the cloud factory!”

Cousin Vanessa giving the boys a 101 on how to catch lizards. They are all following her around watching her every move.
Hudson comes running up to us: I saw a lizard!
Mom: Did you catch him?
Hudson: No
Mom: Did you talk to him?
Hudson: No
Mom: Why?
Hudson: They don’t talk.
Mom: They don’t?
Hudson: No, Only de little ones talk.
Mom: Really? What do they say?
Hudson: Spanish.

On the way back from the pool I picked a gorgeous tropical yellow flower and tucked it behind my left ear. A few moments later Hudson asked with puzzled eyebrows, “Why you have flowers growing out of your ears?”

I noticed Isaac was taking a longer than usual amount of time in the bathroom, he comes out asking, “do you smell me? Do I smell nice?” He found the febreeze and was rather proud of himself.

Dad asks Edison, “Do you want mom to fish with you?”
Edison’s reply: “Super Yah!”

My sister-in-law had a dream about me. It went something like this:
Suzanne: Emily, I want to show you something. (I then lead her into an opera house and reveal my secret as I begin to belt out opera.) Little did she know it’s always truly been a secret desire of mine to be able to sing like an angel.

One afternoon we took the boys to Orlando all for Legoland. We instructed that they could pick one big thing or two small things. Isaac was having a difficult time narrowing down his choices and coming to a decision. I attempted to help him out by giving him examples and showing him what fit into the category. You can get this or you can get this and this… as I was doing this he promptly interrupted me saying, “Stop telling me all those things, it makes me want to have three.”

After Legoland we stopped at CA Pizza for lunch and ordered their carne asada pizza. We went outside to eat it. Cameron opened the pizza box and it looked and smelled scrumptious. Upon seeing the pizza
Eidson exclaims, “ew! There’s bark on it!” ( it was the moist chunks of shredded carne asada)

In the car the boys would pat their legs and chant “pat pat pat” so dad would drive faster. A Little Einsteins thing.

Grandma explains how my brother Justin looks just like his great uncle. She had pulled out a picture and was amazed how it was the spitting image of him. Then went on to say, except he(great uncle) was short and square and bald. Justin replies, “so I look like Spongebob?”

Everest: If we don't move to FL, I'm moving without you!

For days after returning home, Hudson would repeatedly ask: “When are we going to our beach house? I wanna go to our beach house.”

Fun in the Sun

2008-05-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hudson can't resist relaxing in the cool soft sand.

Cameron shore fishing early one morning.

Everest at one of our fishing spots, seawall at north bridge to Siesta Key.

Edison and one of their many finds.

Morning view from our beach house, look close and you'll see a bunny. He and his friend joined us every morning for breakfast.

Isaac, the beginning of another great day.

Me swinging Hudson over the waves.

Just a few pics of many to come.

Take a Break Already

2008-05-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Come with me, spend a day with us. Come on…
Ssshhhhh, can you hear that? It’s the sound of the palm fronds swaying in the gulf breeze, the waves caressing the shore, laughter mingled with sea gulls and tranquility.
Sshhh Can you smell that? It’s the smell of sea salt soothing your senses, fragrant aromas of exotic flowers, a hint of coconut sunscreen and hamburgers being grilled in the distance.
Ssshhh can you feel that it’s the combination of the suns rays warming your soul, the powdered sugar sand underfoot, a smile spreading across your face, stress and worries melting away.
Can you see that? The flawless azure skies and crystal clear water, soft white sand, an array of brilliantly colored flowers framed against lush green foliage.

It’s early morning, I have no idea what time, I haven’t bothered to look at the time since we arrived at our beach house which boasts of only one clock. There’s a reason for that. If you really need to know it’s in the kitchen I think. The sun is rising, the sky is a pale blue and I take in a deep breath filling my soul with all the goodness that surrounds me as I slip out of bed and outside onto the back deck. Cameron is already up, of course. I join him with a bowl of cereal and some quiet conversation as we watch a couple of rabbits come out from their maze of tunnels among the sea oats and nibble on the more tender shoots along the path that leads from our deck to surfside. Come join us. It’s quiet and calm and you can hear the ocean calling as we watch the waves come in and out from our little oasis on the beach. I steal away a few moments for myself along the waters edge as I take a walk in those undisturbed hushed moments of pre dawn. The air is alive, the ocean speaks to me, the sand is cool and soothing, there are new treasures on the shore from the night’s tide. The day is beginning and I know little ones are stirring, I must get back to the beach house, for excitement and adventure await. I hope you will stay. Soon we’re all on the back deck eating our cereal and witnessing the day awakening together. We’re packing our beach bag with essentials and putting on our swimsuits that pretty much don’t come off until bedtime.

Racing down the path, the bunnies scurry back into their burrows, we slip off our flip flops as we reach the powder soft sand. The boys run on their tip toes in the fine sand relishing in the squeaky sound it makes and discover with glee that they’ve made bear tracks by running on the fronts of their feet and not letting their heels touch the sand. They delight in themselves as they run circles, criss-crossing one another and exclaim, bears have been on the beach. Try it! It’s fun and now there’s been a papa and mama bear on the beach as well.

Drop your towel next to ours, here in the sand and don’t dawdle. The water draws us in. Quickly we sum up the tide. If it’s going out we’ll have the sand bar to play on, if it’s coming in the water will be deeper and we won't be able to drift out so far. The water is choppy, not too rough for swimming though, just right for boogie boards and kayaks. Grab one, there’s plenty to share. Cameron is teaching the boys how to kayak by themselves. I’m going to savor just a moment in the sun on the sand as I soak it all in before I grab a boogie board myself. The waves look perfect for an exciting ride. Look! Look at all the fish, there are schools of them swimming in and around us. You know where there is a fish there is always a bigger one to follow. ;) Those are mullet I think, but that’s a red snapper that just swam between Edison and I! The pelicans are busy this morning. Those two are inseparable. They mirror each others every move. They’re amazing, they’re beautiful. There is something splendid about the way they glide along the surface and soar through the sky and the sheer force and power they use as they dive, plunging into the sea. Did you know that they have airbags built into their shoulders to protect them from the impact? Did you know that pelicans are my favorite bird? Wow, look at all those fish over there, way more than usual, thousands. They’re tearing up the water, something must be chasing. Look at all the birds coming in from everywhere to take advantage of the feast of fish. Word travels fast. Whoa! Did you see that? Over there! A tarpon just came screaming in over the sand bar to get in on the action. It looked like a torpedo. He disappears just as fast. Wow, how exhilarating.

It quiets down and we play away the morning, again no one knows what time it is, do you? We brought waters and snacks, our stomachs will tell us when it’s lunch time. A morning of playing in the sand, swimming, riding the waves and soaking in life really worked up our appetite. We’ve cleaned out the supply of granola bars and wheat thins. Let’s head back up to the house. While we eat our lunch on the back deck, we sigh at the beauty before us and around us for that matter. Edison’s been asking to go fishing, why don’t we go now? Let’s try the north bridge of the island. We gather our gear and are on our way. Just a couple minutes of a jaunt and we all pile out and head for the seawall that stretches all the way under the bridge and around. The boys are catching pinfish like crazy. I love saltwater fishing and haven’t fished in years. I didn’t want to pry the pole out of Edison’s hands but couldn’t bare it any longer. Thankfully he thrilled in the idea of his mom fishing and gave me a turn. I was hooked again.
Here goes, my first cast in years, whooops. You weren’t watching were you? It just went sailing up over the bridge. I know it had to have landed on someone’s windshield. So much for my live bait, it isn’t now. Let’s slow that down and try again. Ah, that’s more like it. I think I’ll have better luck catching something in the water. It’s relaxing and fun even if nothing is biting except for the little pinfish. That's enough to keep the boys enthused. It’s hot, maybe too hot for the fish. I just saw a sheepshead swim out in between the piling! It’s deeper and cooler out there. We should probably try again this evening or in the morning. I’ll start taking things back to the car. What? What’s that Cameron? He’s waving at us to come back. Oh, look! Dolphins! A pair of them. How incredible, I've been waiting to see them. There’s something magical about watching dolphins.

Back at the beach house, we fuel up and head back to the beach of course. Wanna join us? There’s still time before dinner. In fact there’s always time. Don’t mind them, people are always stopping to watch the boys play in the surf. Often they’ll conjure up and share stories of when they were a kid and reminisce with us. Some will congratulate us or compliment us on such a fine family. Everybody loves a family at the beach. I’ll admit it brings me great joy to watch my boys out there having so much fun and to be experiencing it with them. Makes me feel youthful and alive again. Watch Isaac roll in the sand, he’ll cover himself from head to toe, face included. I love watching him love life. Everest has really gotten the hang of the kayak. He has a few scratches from when that one wave rolled him, but that didn’t stop him. Edison too. I think he’s enjoyed the fishing more than anything, if we’re not careful he’s going to turn into one. I can’t believe Hudson let me cover his body in sand all the way up to his armpits. He was made for this. We all were. The visibility is fantastic for snorkeling. Look, they found a sea urchin and a starfish. How cool, look at that, you caught a pair of crabs too. Sweet. Good thing you brought your buckets down. Look at that, the starfish is trying to crawl out.

Someone is waving from the beach house. Dinner time? Ok, I guess we should go in. Don’t worry we always come back down after dinner. Someone fired up the grill and it smells good. The boys and all their cousins are busy exploring, hunting down lizards and seaside treasures while the adults set the table and lounge in the chairs over looking it all, catching up with each other. These are the days you remember as a kid, The perfect days that last forever. Mmmmm dinner is great, did you have enough. Oh, you’ve got to have room for dessert. It’s the famous Publix chocolate chip crème cake. Absolutely sinfully scrumptious.

Who’s going back down to the beach? I’m going! Bring the football and Frisbee. This is my favorite time of day. I love it when the sun begins to lower and everything is a sun kissed gold, a heavenly honey hew, so warm and inviting. Everything within the reach of the sun's rays is made flawless. As if seen through Heaven's eyes. The boys have really picked up on sand sports. The diving into the soft sand is the best part. Funny how sand and surf slows down the world, it can even make a game of football relaxing. It doesn’t get much better than this. What a sunset, a soft palette of pastels perfectly smeared across the sky. The intense oranges and purples often accompany summer sunsets, still remarkably beautiful. You can’t go wrong with a sunset at the beach, even in a down pour.
The boys are enjoying a few more runs with the boogie boards before it’s too dark to see. They'd stay out here all night, me too. Hey who’d like to walk down to the Big Olaf for some ice cream. The Village on Siesta Key is a fun little place, outside music and what not. We always like to just sit out front of the ice cream parlor on the purple benches and eat our ice cream enjoying the atmosphere and each other. I think we got more ice cream on our tummies rather than in our tummies. Ah, well. We enjoyed it all the same.
Back at the beach house we’ll start to wrap things up for the day. I’ll tidy up the deck while the boys chase lizards in the moonlight. I love that we can hear the ocean. Evening on the deck is so relaxing. Not that the day hasn’t been. I’m glad you decided to come along and share a day at the beach with us.

We’ll be back, will you?

(pictures, funnies and other anecdotes coming soon)

We're Not Coming Back

2008-05-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's snowing!
Cameron put it best this morning when he said, "We can't get out of here fast enough."
We leave for Florida bright and early Saturday morning. OK, Maybe not bright, but early indeed.

Here's a few funnies til I get back. When I will undoubtedly be saturated with entertaining material from our vacation.

Edison thrives on science experiments, creating and discovering. He's been making all kinds of clever things out of household items. The other day he raided my shelves and closets and made his own 1st Aid Kit, last night as I tucked him in for bed he exclaimed, "look mom, I made my 2nd Aid Kit". On the outside he inscribed 'Edison's 2nd Aid Kit' and placed it next to his '1st Aid Kit'.

After an already busy day and an even busier evening ahead of us, I announced we would have to stop at the store on the way home. A resounding sigh echoed throughout the car, AAAHHHHH! I don't want to, do we have to....
I tried to get them excited by telling them we had to get airplane food. HUH? was the expression on their faces. "yes, we have to feed the airplane don't we?", "naw". "Sure we do, it needs energy to get us to FL." Giggles and snickers rippled through the car.

Isaac was exhausted and upset after our long day and wanted to rip up and shred all my computer paper. I nonchalantly asked him if he knew where paper came from. Trees. He stopped, 'nuh, uh.' "really" I said as I continued to try and convince him. "Yah, they cut it down, slice it up and put it through a special water chemical solution". "nuh, uh" came his reply again with a grin. "Yah, it's skinny wood", I exclaimed. He burst into an infectious roar of giggles."

See you in a couple weeks for lots of good stuff. That is if we come back to this harsh climate.

The Head Trauma Continues

2008-04-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day, the weather was finally perfect. Sun was shining as we rejoiced with exclamations of, “Let There Be Light!” the sky was blue, it’s true it was blue. Something we have not seen here in UT for a very long time. The boys spent the entire day outside in the sprinklers, riding bikes and gathering up families of rollie pollies. However, that came with owee after owee. Everest had so many band-aids on when he took them off before bed he had polka dots on his legs from the sun and dirt. He also acquired a cut in between his toes, which we hope will heal so he can wear his new flip flops in FL next week. Oh, yes FL, moving on up in our bumps and bruises, yesterday Hudson collided with the pavement and landed on his forehead, right smack on top of his last injury that required industrial strength super glue and a plastic surgeon. Ah, yes. And so the afternoon went, scratched knee after scratched knee, scrape after scrape, bonk after bonk. There was no slowing anyone down. Not on a gorgeous day such as this. We had to soak it all in and cram in as many sports, activities and adventures as possible. After all the forecast for the rest of the week is grim.

It doesn’t stop there Cameron and I decided to take advantage of the weather and took the boys up the canyon for a picnic that evening. We brought a couple balls and thought we’d hike a little too. The boys were so excited they couldn’t sit still long enough to eat. Finally they pulled us away from our sandwiches and up the mountain. They knew exactly were they were headed. We had been up this way a couple times, straight to the stream. After all it is spring and there is fresh snowmelt so the river bed actually has water in it.

We hiked and climbed and made it to the little mountain stream. We spent the next 30 minutes climbing over river rocks, over and across as we made our way up the little river exploring as we went. The water too irresistible the boys gave up climbing the rocks and gave way to wading the ice cold water. Again, accumulating scratches and scrapes all the way. Including a nice big scratch on Edison’s face from the outer corner of his eye all the way to his ear, thanks to an over hanging branch.

The big family pictures are in 5 days. We will wear our wounds proudly. As they are a symbol of our adventurous and active family and all the fun times we have together. Besides, a picture without at least one of us mangled in it would be misrepresentation. There we will be polka dot legs, scratched faces, skinned knees, banged up heads with cuts, knots and scrapes.

Family Portraits & Head Trauma

2008-04-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

I’ve come to realize and even unwillingly accept that family pictures and head trauma go hand in hand. Maybe it’s just our little family but why is it that whenever someone schedules, plans or mentions family pictures we are headed to the emergency room?

We will be going to FL shortly for a family vacation and reunion. Of course we decided to take family pictures, isn’t that what you do at family reunions? Not to mention we haven’t all been together for years and years and well years. Once it was unanimous that pictures were a must and arrangements were under way, I tried really hard to put the bumps, bruises and gashes out of my mind along with the urge to strap football helmets with face guards on their heads. I tried consoling myself with all kinds of reasons why this time would be different. However, On Wednesday evening shortly after Cameron left to take the young men from our church to a Jazz basketball game in SLC it happened. I was finishing things up in the kitchen when I heard it, That Cry that isn’t quite a cry or a scream or even a whine or whimper. But I knew exactly what it was and I raced up the stairs after it. There coming out of my room was a woozy Hudson holding his head looking as though he was about to collapse. I scooped him up and started talking and comforting him to keep him from passing out. He had his hand on his forehead and I placed mine on top of his. I knew I had to assess the wound, I was dreading having to make the call if he’d need stitches or not. When I saw that he wasn’t going to pass out on me I removed our hands from his forehead and blood just started gushing out. I couldn’t contain it, I was trying to keep it out of his eyes and then blood started going down the left side of his forehead and then the right. Now I was trying to keep it out of his ears while pressing my hand on his wound and yelling out instructions, “get a washcloth, get the phone, bring me my wallet!” Once we finally got the pressure back on and the blood stopped I called the pediatrician to see if they were in that night. There was no doubt he needed stitches.
The receptionist told us to come in right away. I’m passing out orders left and right as clearly yet as urgently as I can, “ get your shoes, I don’t care what kind just get some shoes, Everest grab a box of crackers and some waters, Get your jackets, everyone in the car now, right now…” I was able to get a big oversized bandage on Hudson’s head and whipped away most of the blood, grabbed his blanket and then frantically was looking for my keys, they are always in the same spot, running through the house unable to find them, I go outside to see if they’re in the car. THE CAR?! Where’s the car? Cameron took my car so he could fit all the young men in it! So back in the house I go to search for Cameron’s keys, we’re throwing in the car seats and boys and off we go. On the way, we go through our checklist, who’s wearing shoes? Who brought books? Who got the snacks? Does everyone have a jacket? Meanwhile I’m forcing myself to take long deep breaths.

Finally at the pediatricians we take a deep breath as they take us back and phase II begins. The nurse has me peel back the bandage to see if we really need stitches without saying a word she secures the bandage back on his forehead and goes to inform the doctor. Meanwhile we are all piled into a little room, the boys spread out their books and pencils and their shoes and jackets are now strewn all over the floor. They’ve found a toy car and have made ramps out of their books, seeing who can make it jump the highest and farthest. The noise level is climbing and as I’m catching my breath I realize how messy I am. That’s my other big question, why is it that you always look your worst in an emergency? I had been cleaning all day. I had sweats on and my hair was a mess, any make up that may have been on my face wasn’t anymore. Then I look around, oh, the boys don’t look much better after an afternoon of playing outside either.

The doctor comes in and introduces herself, we hadn’t met this one yet. She just so happens to specialize in plastic surgery. Finally something is going our way. She recommends super strength super glue. Since the cut is straight and clean, plus he is so young he wouldn’t have to go through the trauma of the shots and stitches. She reassures me that if she thought stitches would leave less of a scar she’d recommend them. I was fine with the super glue route, it would be quicker and less painful and frightening for Hudson. However, he’d never be able to boast about how many stitches he had in his forehead. Glue just doesn’t sound as cool or manly as stitches. In no time they were rinsing out his wound and holding the gash together while trying to super glue it without gluing their own fingers to his head. I, the boys, the nurse and the pediatrician all huddled around Hudson’s head with a bright light above while Edison paced the floor. Hudson didn’t flinch not even when she used pointy tweezers to pull a side of the skin closer for a snug fit. I even thought to myself, ‘ouch, that’s got to hurt’. He just watched all the commotion going on above him and then it was over. They raved about his bravery and they each got a little prize from the prize machine. And back home we went. It was much nicer and quicker than the ER not to mention less expensive. But it was still head trauma and we’ll have the scar and pictures for proof.

Top Ten

2008-04-16T12:09:00.001-07:00

You know spring is near when the snow, all the snow suddenly melts and your basement floods.
Luckily the basement is unfinished, not so luckily all of our unpacked ready to move when we buy our house boxes are down stairs. Cameron brought up a good portion of the boxes and we tried to contain the water. However, the snow kept melting and the rain kept coming so while he was at work the next day I and the boys brought up the rest of the stuff. It was more than we had realized. I was trying so hard not to be grumpy, I kept reminding myself this is one of those bonding times with my boys where I can make the most of the worst.

So what do you do when your basement is flooded, your garage is now in utter disarray and your house now looks like a storage unit.

Top ten things to do with a flooded basement:

#10 Put your snow boots on and slosh and splash around in the basement.
#9 Get out the boogie boards.
#8 Invite the neighbor kids over for a pool party.
#7 Become a wild life refuge and let the local ducks enjoy a warm swim.
#6 Test everything that says ‘waterproof’ or ‘water resistant’.
#5 Make sail boats out of house hold items and see whose floats.
#4 Play adventure, where you can’t touch the floor or you’ll get eaten by sharks and alligators.
#3 Have a contest to see whose shoes are the most water repellant.
#2 Add bubble bath and run around in circles as fast as you can.
#1 Throw a Flood Party!

Despite the utter chaos not to mention mess our home had become over night the boys were loving it. They had become flood experts over night and would go down and check the status then come up and report just how much worse it was getting. They were rooting through stuff, digging in boxes and getting into all sorts of things. They had come across my storage box of wrapping paper. At this point I had thrown the towel in a long time ago. It was still too cold and miserable to be outside and they needed something to do which was really hard with so much storage in the way. And I needed a break so I gave them the green light and let them have what they wanted from the wrapping paper box. They began to wrap things and give them to each other. They went to bed that night wrapping away and in the morning we had gifts to open. Wrapping stuffed animals, old hot wheels, balls… That morning they went back to the box to sift through what was left and to their astonishment not only was there wrapping paper and ribbons in the box, but there were balloons and silly string, a boys delight! Their imaginations were running wild with creativity. Seeing I needed to quickly channel that creativity I mention they should focus their efforts on Dad and throw him a surprise party when he gets home. They spent the rest of the afternoon wrapping with duct tape, masking tape, string, ribbon with all sorts of papers. Piled neatly on dad’s bed were their lovingly wrapped packages. Anxiously waiting for the sound of dad’s jeep they paced the floors with excitement. When is dad going to be here, they’d repeatedly asked. Finally, when they heard his jeep pull up they ran to their positions and when he came through the door, they ambushed him leaping out yelling surprise while spraying silly string all over him. Chasing him through the house and up the stairs and backed into a corner we laughed ‘til our bellies hurt, our faces were red and we were gasping for air. Now it was time for presents and they took him to his room. He opened them one by one, finding all kinds of thoughtful personal and meaningful treasures even a wipes box full of loose change and allowances. They had taken such care in their wrapping and had planned and waited all day and now it was all paying off. It was a grand party indeed. Actually, it was the perfect party, I couldn’t have planned it better myself.

A Day in the Life

2008-04-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Are Your Smarter Than a 4 Year Old?
While checking out at the store a woman began speaking over the intercom. She was making an announcement for the store clerks and asking certain departments (which was an amazing amount of them, I didn’t realize how many departments there were) to come get their pick ups at customer service. She began rattling off numbers of departments something along the lines of, ‘…13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 37, 38, 39, Isaac leans into me and whispers, “she can’t count very good". The woman continues to rattle off department numbers 44, 46, 47, 53, 61, 62, 63, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 75, 77, 78, 83, 87, 88, 90, 91, 96, 97, 99. " giggling he whispers she’s doesn’t know how to count does she?”

Why Is That?
While waiting for Edison to get out of school, I started thumbing through a magazine the usual way, backwards. I realized I had caught Isaac’s attention as he watched me intently for a moment and then when he could bare it no more he informed me, “You’re reading that wrong, you’re supposed to start from the front.” He then showed me how you begin at the beginning of a book. “Like this mom”

Improvise
You can always tell when it’s spring around here, one sign is the sudden outbreak of cuts, scrapes and bumps. Edison did just that, his scraped the skin right off of his knee and elbow and obtained a few bumps and cuts in between. After the sting had subsided and he was feeling good enough to give into the temptation of warmer weather calling, he joined his brothers outside. Only a minute later did he bounce back in the house asking for packing or duct tape. When I couldn’t find any he said, that’s ok, this will do as he proceeded to tape up the hem of his shorts with scotch tape. He taped the whole hem a good three inches up his thigh to keep it from brushing against his scrapes and cuts. He’s a strong disbeliever in band aids.

Call It Like It Is
Isaac: Ding bell is what Isaac calls the school bell at the elementary school.
Another saying around here: “you took my flavor”
Hudson: Panpakes (pancakes)

Headroom
Isaac pronounced the need for a new bigger car because when he stands up inside ours his head brushes against the top.

A New Holiday
While driving home down a certain stretch of road, we came upon a ‘construction zone’. The road was lined with an absurd amount of cones. Isaac gasps, “HOLY COW! Look at all those cones! It must be cone day.”

Cannon Boy
After making popcorn for the boys, Hudson sat down with a big bowl and dove in. He took a humongous handful, tilted his head back and shoved in the popcorn. Suddenly he let out this strange little whine that didn’t let up. I kept asking what? Checking in his gums and teeth to see if any kernels were stuck. He kept his persistent somewhat panicky whine going. Lost, I asked what one more time, with his head tilted back again he pointed to his nose and revealed a small piece of popcorn in one of his nostrils. Trying not to laugh or make a big deal about it, after all I didn’t want him to inhale and suck it up further. I told him to breath out his nose really hard and fast. He blew and boy did it shoot across the room. His brothers thought it was cool and we all laughed hysterically.

Hudson: I love you mom
Mom: you love me?!
Hudson: noooo (pause) I love you SO much

Isaac: Having a rough morning, I sympathized with him and said, ‘you’re having a rough morning aren’t you?” he nodded. 6:15pm that night, he says “ I’m still having a rough morning”.

How Much Is the Horsie in the Field?
Mom:I see Horsies.
Hudson: ah, I wanna buy one
Mom:Where are we gonna put it?
Hudson: In a cage.
(Hudson loves and adores animals, as long as they stay out of his comfort zone)

Road Trip
Literally a short jaunt down the road, maybe 1.5 minutes and
Isaac sighs as he opens the door: ah, man it’s so good to get out of that car.

A Family Poll
Edison: All I wanna do is eat dinner ‘N’ get in the pool.
Isaac excitedly casts his vote for the evening: Aw, that’d be so fun to eat dinner in the pool.

Ski Day

2008-03-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Me and my boys just arrived at Snow Basin

Cameron and boys after lunch, storm rolling in

Hudson pressed against the glass
Hudson on the gondola
Boys braving the incoming storm

I’ve never been skiing a day in my life. I’ve never even had the urge. Some might consider this a sin, living here in one of the world’s or at least nations top ski spots. Never, say never isn’t just for the big screen. Every month or so Cameron’s team at work participates in a team bonding/growth kind of thing. He always comes home from these excited to share what they talked about and the experience with me. I love hearing all about them.

One of the most recent ones was a day at a posh ski resort. He went on and on about how spectacular the resort was and how awesome the restaurant at the top of the lift was. He wanted to take us so bad, that we canned our weekend trip to St. George in hopes of finding some warmer skies. We spent the next week searching through end of season clearances and snatching up apparel. I nor the boys had any appropriate clothing to keep us warm and dry on the slopes.

Though I was excited for some adventure and to experience what he had just a week before, I had to conceal my panic. He wanted to share this with us so very much and I kept having visions of Everest whizzing uncontrollably past everyone at lightening speed unable to stop, Edison catching air and landing mid way up a fir tree, Isaac doing cartwheels head over skis down the mountain leaving a trail of knocked down skiers in his wake, the wind blowing in Hudson’s hair with his arms wrapped tightly across Cameron’s face while clinging on to the back of his dad as he chases after everyone and me spinning 360’s wildly before I face plant into a snow drift. How in the world was he going to take four first time skiers out by himself? Not that I doubted my husband, I never doubt Cameron. If he sets out to do something, by golly he does it and he does it in style and with flare exceeding expectations. I was in wonderment not doubt.

The end of the week came and the morning of, the car is packed the boys are ready, I’m dressed and Cameron comments on how good I look. I reply, ‘That’s my plan, to look like I know what I’m doing, then I just avoid the slopes and talking to anyone and no one will ever have to know’. It was a really nice drive and then we arrived at the top of a mountain that I had never met. Snow like you wouldn’t believe. A skier’s heaven. We piled out and headed to the heart of the resort. While Cameron went inside to get the passes we huddled together and soaked it all in. Just then a guy comes up wearing a rescue vest and has a litter of golden retriever pups. Apparently he and his kids were training the dogs for search and rescue. Hudson was ecstatic. Snow Buddies is his new favorite movie and if all we did that day was see the ‘snow buddies’ as he called them he would’ve been just fine. He couldn’t take his eyes off of them. But alas, it was our turn to get on the ski lift and up we went to the top of the mountain. It was amazing, it was beautiful, it was breath taking, it was really really high. We shared the gondola with a veteran ski couple. They knew the mountain inside and out. My plan was unraveling as we the conversation deeped. But they were a delightful pair with many fascinating experiences to share. The restaurant at the top was cozy and warm and huge. It was every thing you’d picture a resort lodge being. Beautiful wood and rock, rustic, huge fireplaces, panoramic views and the food was divine. If we called it a day after that I would’ve been just fine. It was as though we were in a completely different world up there, that we had left ours behind down below. It was just us and the mountain.

Tummies full, back down the mountain we went as we watched the skiers and snowboarders below us. Hudson with his nose pressed against the glass. Storm clouds began to roll in over the mountain. A sense of urgency began to set in as the sky grew tumultuous. Trying to organize everyone and get the skiing started. We decided I’d stay at the ‘base’ of the bunny hill with the boys while Cameron took one at a time up, we hadn’t figured out how I’d get my turn we’d figure that out when the time came. Cameron and Hudson headed out first. There was a conveyer belt that took them to the top of the bunny hill and then they would ski down. While they were gearing up and making their way up I decided to bring the boys out to watch. There was a covered area with chairs and some snow the boys could play in. The other three boys are playing around on their skis while I’m lugging all the boots, skis, what have ya’s from one side of the building to the other and it starts snowing. Not thinking much of it, it’s a ski resort, it’s the top of a mountain, it’s the middle of winter. But the sky kept getting darker and darker and the snow heavier and thicker as it came alive. We huddled behind a huge pillar of stone under an outside covered area. It didn’t provide much protection.

Cameron and Hudson finally made it back down the mountain and Hudson was laughing the whole way down. Edison’s turn is next but he had taken off his beanie and some protective layers so he’s a little wet and very cold. At this point he’s done and let’s Isaac go in his place. Just as Isaac geared up they shut down the bunny hill, the conveyer belt is turned off due to the heavy snow, so they try the next hill up. They hop on the mini lift and up, up and away they go. Cameron and I have our walkie talkies and have been communicating that way. He gets to the top and tells me they’re shutting down that lift as well, that he might have time to take Everest if they’re fast. The snow keeps coming, Hudson is stiff as a board in his snow gear lounged back in a patio chair and is falling asleep but those pillow sized snowflakes keep landing on his eye lashes. Isaac and Cameron zoom down the hill we swap out Isaac for Everest and off they go. At this point the snow is blinding while the wind has really picked up and Edison is screaming ‘I wanna go home, I hate this, I never wanna ski again’. I scoop them up and head for the entrance to the lodge, kids in tow. I abandon all the equipment put Hudson on one hip grab Edison’s hand and keep calling for Isaac to stay close. We’re doubled over trying to keep the snow out of our faces which doesn’t help, cause we still can’t see where we are going. I see the entrance and pull the kids through the large wooden doors. I headed straight for the oversized fireplace and sat the boys down on the hearth. Peeled off their layers and let them snuggle up in the warmth and glow of the crackling fire. Ah, that’s better. While thawing out I look around, the lodge is packed, everyone is finding refuge from the storm and I hear they’ve shut all lifts down and people are still waiting for friends and family to come down off the mountain. The boys are beginning to get sleepy and are mesmerized by the fire dancing beside them. Cameron and Everest make their way in and they too warm up by the fireplace before Cameron braves the storm to gather up all the abandoned equipment.

While making a plan for our next move a gentleman came to stir up the fire and began talking to the boys, he then introduced us to the nice elderly gentleman sitting in an oversized overstuffed chair next to us. He just so happened to be the man who envisioned, built and owned the ski resort. It was pretty cool and we told him how much we loved the resort and thanked him. Then we gathered up the boys and with an arm across our face, heads bent and a boy or two on board we made our way to the car. Where we peeled off outer layers, cranked up the heat and dove into the stash of snacks while Cameron braved it back to the lodge to collect the items left behind.

It was crazy weather. A real blizzard, I’ve loved having 4 wheel drive but never as much as I did today. We slowly made our way down the mountain lined with cars stranded or stuck on the slick icy roads. I never made it out onto the slopes, but I did get some good use out of my attire and at least looked like I knew what I was doing for a day.

And that was our first day of skiing ever, would I do it again. Surprisingly enough Yes, as long as I get to eat at the restaurant at the top of the mountain.

A Day in the Life

2008-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Turned Tables
One afternoon Everest was making a snack for him, his brothers and their friend. He was slicing apples when the phone rang on the counter next to him. He called out to me, “Can you get that? My hands are all juicy?” His friend started giggling, ‘you just asked your mom to get the phone’.

Modern Conveniences
Edison & Isaac were showing granny the new washer/dryer. When asked if they knew how to use it
they replied, “you put the oil in and push play”.

I Cannot Lie
Edison: I smell donuts
Everest: That’s my bum

Tech Support
Cameron closed his laptop, set it on the floor and ran upstairs for something.
Seconds later I entered the room to find Hudson laying on his side nose to nose with the computer. One little finger ever so carefully lifting it just enough to peer inside with one eye. He heard me and turned around.
Hudson: What? I’m not doing anything, I’m just checking to see if it’s not working.
Mom grinning.
Hudson: Go upstairs, don’t look at me.
(BTW Hudson is very tech savvy.)

Turning Back Time
Edison: Mom come here, I have to show you something, it’s really strange!
I follow him down stairs and Edison and Isaac are standing in the kitchen.
They exclaim simultaneously : “It’s going backwards, time is going backwards!
I was using the kitchen timer on the microwave for some St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes.
They exclaim simultaneously with jaws dropped, eyes bulged, a happy dance and a loud cheer.

Hudson’s Accent
De instead of the: Open de door.
Mine for my: Can’t find mine binky.
I bonked mine head on de door.

Being silly I asked Who likes peanut butter sandwiches?
Hudson: I do, I do, I always like peanut butter, ever since when I was born I liked them my whole life.

Last One Up Is A...

2008-03-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

It’s always a good idea to be the first one up. That’s hard to do in a house of early risers. And with four still very young boys odds are I’m up at least once every night, soothing fears, chasing away bad dreams, rubbing leg cramps or a needy back, tucking in for the umpteenth time, tending to an upset stomach or a zillion other reasons a mother is needed in the middle of the night. So those wee hours of the morning are when I finally hit my REM sleep and it’s oh so hard to get up at 5, 6 or even 7 am. I have deeply considered just staying up when I’m crawling back into bed and the clock is starring at me with a big 4 a.m. Think of the head start I’d get, think of all the things I could get done and then think of all the time I’d have during the day to get other things done, I really should just stay up. And about this time I’ve drifted back to sleep. And suddenly to my alarm it’s 7a.m. and I’m sprinting out of bed and racing through the house getting up any other late starters. Do I dare take time to jump in the shower? There’s breakfast to fix, there’s lunches to be made, school packs to be checked, boys to be dressed, combed and brushed…. Nope, my shower will have to wait, now why didn’t I get up at 4 a.m.?
By now Cameron’s been up for hours getting a jump on his day while Edison and Everest are usually up as well watching PBS cartoons. They must get a kick out of their mom tearing through the house like a mad woman on a torpedo.

This particular morning, the same happened, Hudson awoke upset from a dream and I went in to comfort him. He ended up in our bed and I stared at the clock staring back at me, 3:30a.m. I might as well just get up, I’m somewhat alert and when my alarm goes off at 6 I won’t be. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a jumpstart on my day rather than the day getting a jumpstart on me? And then I found myself drifting off in slumber while Cameron is stirring, itching to get a head start. When my alarm did go off, I fumbled around to turn it off and managed to squander away another 30 minutes of sleep when I finally yanked myself out from under the covers and into the shower. I can’t wake up without a shower, a long hot shower, a really long hot shower.

Upon emerging from the bathroom I was met head on by Edison who had been up since 5am. Which is no surprise Edison usually beats me to the day. He met me with a pleased grin of accomplishment as he held up high his creation. “Mom, look what I made. I got up at 5 and have been making them for my animals.” There in his hand was a small stuffed animal, a bunny rabbit to be precise. And on the bunny was a small white sweater. The bunny was wearing a sweater, made out of socks! He had been cutting up his socks into clothes for his dear stuffed animals.

I didn’t even flinch even though inside I was thinking “socks!!!”, I couldn’t bare to see his enthusiasm, hard work and pride shattered to pieces. I smiled with amazement and in fact I was rather very impressed with his little creations. How carefully they had each been thought through, fitted, cut and then carefully clothed on the animals. He had been very resourceful and even well eco friendly in recycling his socks. How could I be mad? I mean after all, the little bunny even had a matching beanie to keep his head warm.

Spies In Our Midst

2008-02-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Edison: Mama when I’m 8 I’m gonna be a spy. I’m gonna really miss ya ‘cause I’m gonna be gone a lot.
Mama (smiling): OK
Edison: I’ve been wanting to be a spy my whole life. When I’m a grampa I can’t be a spy, because I’ll be too old.
Edison: Really, I’m gonna be a spy.
Mama (smiling and nodding): OK
Edison: Really, mom, I’m gonna be a spy and be gone a lot…
Mama: OK, if that’s really what you want I’ll support you.

Edison finally satisfied with my reaction walks away with his shoulders square and his head held high to tell his brothers. Edison gives his brothers the low down; Isaac especially is intrigued and decides to join his brother. After some debriefing from his older brother, Edison, Isaac then inquires of me.

Isaac: Mama when I’m eight can you sign me up for football and a spy?
Mama: Sure sweetheart.

I hear some more discussion going on about becoming spies, being gone a lot and fitting it into their busy lives. Especially with sports practices and games.

Edison commented: “I’ll sure be busy. I’ll have to go to the football game and then go home, change, get ready and go spy.”

There was lot more talk and planning going one the rest of the evening and apparently some misconceptions before bed.
As Edison came in to clarify some things and asked me, “ Mom, what do spies do?”

Dinner Anyone

2008-02-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

It all began when I gave in to their pleadings and let them have straws at the dinner table.
It was a matter of seconds before Hudson calls out, “look guys, gooey!” And of course we all look and there hanging down from his nose is his straw.
And that’s all it took, 101 Ways to Use a Straw at the Dinner Table, was in the making. Look for it in stores this spring.
FIRE IN THE HOLE! Edison yells as he blasts spaghetti noodles through his straw.
A grin of buck teeth spread from ear to ear on each of the four boys with straws attached on their two front teeth.
Isaac is proudly displaying an arrangement of straws in between his toes.
Cameron with a semi smile and an I give up expression nods in the direction of Hudson.
Slowly I look over to see Hudson with his head tilted back glugging down a bottle of parmesan vinaigrette salad dressing.
Isaac has resorted to apple art and has sparked a competition as he punctures holes through his apple slices with his straw and exclaims, "Swiss cheese!”
Everest tiring of the pasta cannons is inspired by Isaac and begins to create art of his own, meticulously carving a man’s face out of his apple slice and other fine fruit sculptures.
Soon everyone seemed to be getting into the sculpting.
At least we were focused now.

Christmas Eve

2008-01-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

It’s Christmas Eve and you can taste the excitement in the air. Company has arrived, final preparations are set into place as all the special touches are beginning to shine.

I began to gather things up and get the boys ready for our family Christmas Eve dinner. Looking for Edison I begin to panic, he’s no where! I looked three times in his room, I was even just in there tidying up. He’s not up stairs, not downstairs, not in the basement, not in the garage, not even outside, I can not find him anywhere. I quickly enlist the troops and I’m running around calling his name like a mad woman and Everest calmly comes down the stairs, “he’s in his room, mom”. “What?” I reply dead in my tracks with a blank stare, this isn’t computing. “He’s in his room” he repeats. “What? I just checked there three times, are you sure”. I run up there and there in the ‘made’ bed if you look really hard, hard enough to make your pupils fuse together while connecting the wrinkles and bumps in the blankets you can make out the possible form of a child. I go sit down on his bed and pull the blanket back and there he is. I ask him if he’s sick and what I can do for him. He doesn’t really respond with much more than a little shrug. Then I ask “what kind of sick? or, are you tricking me?” A little smile creeps from the corners of his mouth and I give him a tickle on the sides of his neck. He then tells me, “ I just want to take a nap”. “OK” I say. Quickly he clarifies, “a really long one.” “OK, I won’t wake you”. “I want to sleep until tomorrow, all the way until Christmas morning”, he instructs me. I complied, tucked him back in and quietly left with a smile. He tried soooo hard all afternoon to go to sleep. Squeezing his big blue eyes as tight as they’d go. Frustrated he’d sigh, “mom, I just can’t go to sleep no matter how hard I try”. “I know sweetheart, it’s still pretty early in the day,” I comfort him. After all it was only 1 in the afternoon and he was saturated in excitement for the coming morning. He didn’t give up, he tried over and over again. Even during dinner, he’d remind us, “ I’m sooo tired, I need to go to sleep”.

At last bedtime came and no one was sleepy. The giggles and wiggles had all taken over as they anxiously waited for the coming morning. It’s really our fault, we spent the day making sugar cookies for Santa, squeezing in a few more service errands, dropping off more plates of goodies and gifts, visiting with relatives, re-enacting the night of the Nativity, opening gifts from relatives, singing carols and looking for Santa in the blizzard as we inched our way home while they shouted ‘Faster dad, faster! We’re gonna miss santa!’, setting out cookies and carrots for Santa’s snack and reading Christmas stories as we tucked them in bed. One word sums up their state, WIRED. Bouncing in beds, singing songs, sneaking out of beds and peeking around corners, footsteps racing back and forth, excited whispers echoed through the halls... Cameron and I sat exhausted from the day and the thought of what was left to do that night. Luckily I had started wrapping presents three days earlier this year and all we had left were the individual big presents for each of them. Still we waited and waited and finally giggles began to quiet and sleep began to take them one by one. It was 10:30 pm before they were all out and 11:30 before we went to bed ourselves, not too bad after all. I didn’t sleep well at all, I kept thinking ‘it’s time!’ expecting them to burst in the room at any moment. It was 5:30am when they stormed the bedroom, Edison leading the way. They carried their stockings high and shouted a chorus of excited phrases. Edison and Isaac leaped onto our bed, Everest stumbled quickly behind rubbing his eyes and bumping into things while Hudson drug his blanket and kitty squinting in the dim light trying to figure it all out. It didn’t take long before they were all on our bed tearing through their stockings. Hudson would pull out a present and gasp, “ooooooooooh” with each one. I had wrapped a bath fizzy ball for each of them that was heavily scented. He pulled his out and before opening it exclaimed, “ ooooooooooooh, that’s really nice” as he held it to his nose and inhaled the fragrant scent.

Then we all scampered downstairs and were met with presents galore. Within seconds we were swimming in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbons. Trying to keep afloat amongst all the chaos we did our best to keep up and soak it all in. Hudson would carefully rip the paper off and open his package following his, “oooooooooooh” he’d humbly ask, “want one more, mom”. Soon all the gifts had been opened and now we were tearing into the boxes and putting things together. Legos, Dino Robots, Star Wars ships, Diego tree houses, Football gear, kitchens… busy little boys were everywhere. Trying to re-coop from the tornado of paper we realized our tummies had been neglected and we commenced in making a huge breakfast feast to celebrate this glorious day in honor of our Savior.

The Christmas Party

2008-01-12T14:27:00.001-08:00

We had all finished ‘eating’ and now were just sitting around trying to keep the kids entertained. However, they were doing the entertaining. Everest’s creative scientist side came out and had resorted to making ice creations, dams(yes, dams), concoctions such as peppermint candy lemonade and trying to see just how full you can fill a cup before it will actually spill over (thus leading to the dams of napkins) on top of the table while under the table Hudson and Isaac were hiding rather loudly and sliding around on the floor. Edison kept busy by introducing us to everyone. He knew more people there than I did. He’d lean over and tell me someone’s while pointing to them and then insist I go over with them to talk to them. Time kept passing the clean up committee started, well, cleaning up and people started going home, I thought maybe Santa wasn’t going to be there. I was worried and panic began to set in. That was the main reason to come to this thing and why we stuck around to provide entertainment. I knew how much the boys had their hearts set on it. Especially since we had been talking about it all afternoon. They had been thinking about what to ask Santa for and telling each other what to say to him. Such as, “You ask him if he’s real, OK?” What would I tell them? How would I explain that Santa wasn’t going to be there?

Finally santa arrives and somehow we are the end of a very long very slow line. Filled with excitement and nerves the boys engage in some friendly youthful wrestling off to the side and soon all the other little boys are joining in while the moms and dads keep their place in line. Sweaty, red cheeks and exhausted they scramble back in line to finalize what they’re going to ask for as their turn has finally come. After all this is a huge deal.

Edison goes first, he hops up on Santa’s lap and immediately dives into a conversation with Santa. When Santa asks him what he wants, with confidence Edison delivers his wish list: “a cell phone, a laptop and legos”. Santa wasn’t expecting that one and a father in line calls out, “Cameron you start ‘em out young” and a wave of chuckles washes over the parents (everyone knows we’re a high tech family & that Cameron Moll is a household name in the web & creative design industry).

Everest then climbs up on Santa’s knee and picks a candy cane out of Santa’s basket. And when asked what he wants for Christmas he replies with specifics: “a REAL TV, a REAL phone, a REAL dog and a REAL bird”. Santa looks at him and says, “you start out high don’t you, There’s no starting out small for you is there? Straight to the top.” That’s Everest, no fooling around when it comes to what he wants, no substitutes, no gimmicks, just the real genuine stuff, none of that kid stuff. And he can handle it too.

Next Isaac crawls up on Santa’s lap and strikes up some dialogue. Isaac’s legs are swinging with anticipation waiting for the question of the year. When Santa finally pops the big question, “and what would you like?” Isaac grins from ear to ear and his eyes sparkle: “a kitchen set with a phone”. Santa asks “a kitchen set and a phone”. Isaac corrects him, “a kitchen set with a phone”. “Oh,” Santa says,” you boys know what you want don’t you?” and promises to deliver.

Finally Hudson is placed on Santa’s lap and glances up at him only once. Hudson twirling his candy cane with a sheepish smile, Santa asks him what he’d like and Hudson’s smile deepens without looking up says: “Yoda.” Santa exclaims, “Yoda? Are you wise enough for Yoda? You do know that your parents are the wisest of all don’t you?” Then Hudson quickly slips off of his lap with a candy cane in one hand and smile growing bigger by the second as he holds it up for all to see and whispers in my ear, “I’m getting Yoda”.

Headed for the exit Isaac exclaims with sheer excitement, “I’m going to get a kitchen set with a phone! He said, Santa said”.
Edison informs us, “He’s not the real Santa”
“Oh, did you ask him?” I reply.
“No, his beard is fake. I felt it, it feels like string.”, he said.
Hudson grins the sweetest of grins, “sat in Santa’s lap”.
The boys hop down the hall to the door and Everest leans in: “I think it was the real Santa.”
“Why is that?” I ask.
“He knew all of our names.” Everest had been paying close attention.
Hudson shoves another piece of peppermint candy into his mouth and we all make our way to the car on this bitter cold winter’s night.

You Better Watch Out...

2007-12-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

You better watch out...what you say at least.
On the way to pick Everest up from school the boys were a little rowdy. Trying to calm them down a bit I started talking about the Christmas party we were going to.
It went like this…
Me: Do you know where we’re going tonight?
Still ruckus in the back of the SUV, again I ask: Do you know where we’re going tonight?
A little louder: Where are we going tonight?
Boys chorus: CHRISTMAS PARTY!
Me: And who’s going to be there? Do you know who we’re going to see? Who are we going to see?
No answer lots of arms and legs flailing and noise, I enthusiastically say: The Easter Bunny, We’re going to see the Easter Bunny.
No comment just commotion: The Easter Bunny comes when we’re sleeping and leaves presents and candy canes and rides in a sleigh.
Finally a response: NNNNoooooooooo that’s Santa
They insist: That’s Santa
Me: No Santa hops around with a basket and eggs.
We pull up to the school and are distracted with other things.
The bell rings and out pour all the kids.
Everest climbs in and we head home.
He asks me: Mom, is Santa real?
I couldn’t help the smile from spontaneously spreading across my face, I’m not sure why it did.
He bursts: He’s not, I knew it, you smiled and that means it’s not true, he’s not real!
Me: Noooooooooo, I’m just smiling cause you’re cute.
Back paddling and trying to cover as he persists.
Me: Parents and Santa sort of work together.
Everest disbelieving yet hopeful: You mean you get to see Santa? You seeeee Santa?
Me: Well no, we don’t see Santa, we just help out a little.
Everest challenging: So you just SEE presents floating around the room?
Me: No….(thinking)
Everest impatient and determined to find out for himself sits back in the seat and declares: I’m staying up this year.
When we arrive back home everyone piles out of the car while I unbuckle Hudson.
He exclaims confused and not wanting to get out of his carseat: Christmas party, Go Christmas party mom.
Me: Yes we are going to the Christmas party tonight and we're going to see Santa!
Hudson: and bunnies!
Me: What?
Hudson: and bunnies mom, see bunnies.

(Oh, yah I did say the Easter Bunny would be there didn’t I)

HIKE!

2007-11-20T13:44:00.001-08:00

Hiking is a life long love of mine. I love to be surrounded by nature and it’s great for a number of reasons but most of all and especially for bonding as a family. And it thrills me that all four of our boys are really into it. I have many fond memories of hiking deep into the woods with my family as well the beginning of a wonderful collection of hiking memories with my own boys already.

We set out kind of late this last time. It was already 4pm. But with a Saturday already full of To Do’s and knowing this was one of the last great weather Saturdays we were determined to make it happen. Not to mention dad was going out of town to speak again and it was the only way we could unplug him from the computer and his preparations for his speaking engagement. The sun was already setting leaving long shadows in the crevices of the mountainside and we hadn’t even had dinner yet. Hudson is pointing and yelling HIKE at every vacant lot and tree along the way. Before Cameron could shift into park Hudson is yelling “HIKE, HIKE” and tugging at his seat belt franticly and they are all piling out of the car in all different directions up the mountain. It was like a shopping spree in a toy store with a sugar buzz. I’m stuffing a few packs of crackers in my sweater pockets and the boys are half way up the mountain while I’m squinting to see who has their sweaters and who doesn’t. We’ve been trying to teach them if you pack it in you pack it out. To preserve nature and to keep mom/dad from instantaneously turning into packhorses. I noticed they had grabbed their miniature backpacks and stuffed them to the rim with all kinds of treasures earlier that morning when there was a rumor we might be going on a hike. I smiled as they packed everything but what they needed. You know little stuffed animals, reading material and Legos, all the important things. Luckily they did leave them in the car, except Everest who emptied some stuff out and kept a water bottle and a few small things. He never once asked anyone to carry his load. I caught up and was trying to tie sweaters around their wastes as their little legs continued to march full speed ahead when I noticed Edison was thumbing through a Christmas toy catalogue that came in the mail that day. It was just far enough that no one wanted to go back and there wasn’t anywhere to put it. So he had to carry it. He pawned it off among his brothers but it kept coming back to him until he finally convinced Everest to roll it up and stick it in his backpack.

We weren’t up the trail too far when Dad asked if we should think about turning back. Immediately Everest chimes in “You say you like hiking, if we go now, you’re not hikers.” I’d say that was a challenge. We were letting them call some of the shots this hike such as which fork to take, the rugged one, the straight one, the steep one, when to rest…. So we let them make the decision to go on too, taking the opportunity to teach them about planning ahead, we did mention that we had to think about the time, being on the mountain in the dark, the cooler temperature setting in, and that we hadn’t eaten yet either. They took all of this into account and led us in an enjoyable evening of hiking.

It was a really pleasant evening for a hike, clear sky, nice weather. Most of the leaves had already changed color and were now muted browns but there were a few brilliant oranges and deep reds enough to compliment the brown. There weren’t many animals to spot not even a chipmunk or a single bird. (Something I really miss from our FL hikes, we’d see everything from wild turkey to wild pigs and everything in between and beyond.) Even though we didn’t see a single animal we did see plenty of signs of wildlife. We saw some really interesting bird nests and we stopped to try and figure out what kind of bird made them. We saw footprints, mostly deer, horse and dog. We’d determine the animal and try and track them down. No luck though. All of this was quite fascinating, however the most fascinating of all our signs of life ended up being poop. Yes, poop. Someone (most likely Hudson) would yell, “POOP!” and we’d all squat hunkered in a circle around some wild poop. We’d guess what kind of animal had been there. Deer, fox, rodent, bird, horse, dog…Some were easier than others, obviously. I’m sure it was a strange sight to behold, a pack of people running up and down the mountainside yelling “POOP!, I see poop!” then squatting on their haunches in a circle scratching their heads.

The boys had navigated us well up the mountain, they chose some rugged paths and some steep ones, some winding ones and some scenic ones. They loved the little patches of ‘forests’. There were scattered about little clusters of trees. Not very large trees, they seemed to be orchard type trees. They’d yell “forest, I found a forest, can we go through the forest?” And off they’d go like a bunch of field mice scurrying through the woods. Fall leaves kicking up behind them as they clambered through, in and around the tightly knit trees. Out they’d pop and come bounding back to the trail. We’d carry on to the next cluster of trees or forest that is.

We came to another fork in the trail and it was at a nice clearing and overlook. We stopped and wandered over through the tall grass and sat down to gaze across the valley and take in the view. It was my favorite time of day. The sun setting and there was a haze that filtered the sunlight covering every thing in it’s reach with a golden honey hew. It was quiet and peaceful, it looked like a painting. And then someone yelled, “POOP!” We all jumped up ran over and squatted around some poor animals poop and debated what it could be when Dad gasps, “look at this guys!” We shift and realize there is a little burrow carefully shaped out of some of the field grass, a little home or safe resting place for some little creature. Inside is an egg! Something had hatched there or had been eaten there. This was the great mystery of the evening. And then we began to look closer around us and noticed other little tunnels and burrows and of course, “POOP!” lots and lots of poop in this little open field.

Alas, despite all the good times we needed to be headed home and the boys led the way. Hopping through ‘forests’, climbing over boulders, leaping fallen logs and squatting around poop we made our way back down the mountain with the evening shadows racing us to the car. There’s nothing like some fresh air, exercise and some family bonding. We picked up some dinner on the way home and continued to let the good times roll with laughter the rest of the evening. And the lesson learned here is that if you look close enough there is always something to see on a hike.

A Day in the Life

2007-11-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sleepless in Salt Lake
It was one of those restless nights where I made the rounds not once but continually through the night. It must have been something we ate for bedtime snack. I’d just get under the covers only to jump up and run to another stirring boy calling out in the night for comfort. As the morning approached I dared hoped for just an hour or two of uninterrupted sleep before the alarm clocks and rays of light along with little ones climbing into bed begun. I flipped the cover over me with my feet sticking out anticipating another plea for their mommy and sure enough I heard my name ring through the still of the night. As I yet again rustled the covers back and hoisted my tired body up and out of bed Cameron mumbled, “Don’t worry I’ll take care of things in here” and then rolled back over deep in sleep.

You Know Who
The doorbell rang just as I finally got everyone in their bed. I bellowed, “NO body move, I’ll get it, everyone-stay-in-your-beds. I ran down stairs wondering who in the world it could be. It was “the guy we rent from”. He had some papers for us. When I shut the door I heard a little voice come around the corner and down the stairs.
“Who’s that mom? Who is it?”, Everest asked.
“the guy we rent from”, I replied with exhaustion.
“Who”, he asks again.
“The Guy We Rent From, now go get in bed, I'll be up in a minute.” Came my reply.
I hear an echo of curious whispers “Who was it? Who was at the door?”.
“Riley Wrench Brown”, Everest whispers.
“who?”, the brothers asked puzzled.
“Riley Wrench Brown”, Everest repeats as if they should know.
Wondering myself, who’s Riley Wrench Brown? Then I chuckled when I realized mumbled and muffled with exhaustion ‘the guy we rent from’ translates into Riley Wrench Brown.

Self Diagnosis
Cameron and I were going out of town and the boys were going to stay with their grandparents. The plan was that they’d go to school and then granny would pick them up and take them to her house. Neither school age boys liked the idea and were already scheming up ways to stay home. While I was finishing packing my bags, Edison staggers into the room in his ‘jammies’ with a hand clasped over his forehead. In a poor pathetic voice he manages to sputter out, “I don’t think I can go to school, I have a hot temper”

Road Manners
On our way up the mountain for a family campout, we were all packed to the brim in our car. Driving up the hot, dry, desolate and winding road, Isaac politely inquires, “may I be excused, I don’t like this so much?”

What's a Boy To Do?
Hudson in desperate need of something but couldn’t figure it out himself let alone anyone else know what he wanted. Every time he asked for something he would request something different. Edison amused at this looked up at me while giggling and said, “he keeps trading his mind”.

A Jedi Can Do Anything He Wants
Trying to get all the boys in bed. Cameron said to Hudson, “ Hudson show us how good you are at getting in bed”. He likes knowing he’s a big boy and can get in and out of bed himself. He replied, “no”. I asked him if he was a little boy, he said, “no”, so I asked, “well then you are a big boy?” . Knowing he’d have to get into bed if he were a big boy insisted, “no, not a big boy”. “Well what are you then?” I asked him. “Yoda!”

What's in Your Wallet?

2007-09-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

I’ve always thought it would be so cool to have a bag like the ever popular Mary Poppins. Who hasn’t? What ever you want, when ever you want it. No wonder she was always cheerful and floating around. Nothing ever weighed her down. Yet she had access to the universe at her fingertips. Now, she had a good thing going. Or did she?

Much to my amazement I’ve stumbled across one of these bags( make that a couple over my 7 years of motherhood). Now I don’t know if my bag would qualify quite the same as Mary Poppins’. But it does rank right up there even if in it’s own league. After all she didn’t have 15lb+ infant carriers, 35lb diaper bags and 55lbs of toddler paraphernalia to lug around nor did she have the cheerios, sippy cups and umpteen zillion varieties of transportable snacks. Come to think of it she only had two timid slightly older (than mine) children, where as I have four younger and much more adventurous lads to sweep from one adventure to another. I’ve begun to wonder if her bag would even hold up to my lifestyle.

As far as bags or the like go mine is a marvel and a mysterious entity in and of it’s self. It’s a modest little thing. Only boasting an existence of 6”x8” at most. Yet at any given time I carry the universe within the safety of it’s mystical sage pink cloth panels. Despite its meager appearance I too have found that I have access to the universe. I just haven’t quite figured out how to harness it yet.

At any given moment I can pull out of my bag(please remember the size is a mere 6”x8”) an air freshener, ½ lb of crushed graham crackers, unwanted abc candy(usually the soar kind), a plethora of toys all shapes and sizes, a soggy grocery list, old stray tic tacs, a spare diaper, $28 in loose change, camera, 3 binkies, a dozen snack wrappers, screwdriver, a bouncy ball, a hand full of rocks, picked flowers & weeds, screws, nails, bolts, bottle caps, 10 different to-do lists, pop cycles stick, tissues (some used, some well…), a sock, band aid (unused or not), sippy cup, puddle of milk, cell phone with a call to Madagascar in progress, family photos, a highlighter with a missing cap, a small but extensive library of books, coupons I’ll never use, lunch for 4 on the go, movie stub, glasses, assortment of game pieces, left over foreign money, flashlight that doesn’t work, ice cream scooper, an earring, floss, a platoon of plastic army men, a diaper & wipes, the unidentified… If I’m lucky my wallet & keys.

I know I’ve really wowed someone with my ever so talented bag when I’m standing at the check out and the cashier is watching me intently as I reach in my bag to pay. As I pull my hand out eyebrows raise, including mine as there is a foreign sticky substance slimed over the tips of my fingers. And this would be one of those times when I can’t find a tissue or wipe so of course this is when I wrinkle my nose and twist my face with all my might trying to harness those magical powers that my oh so marvelous and mysterious bag possesses. To no avail, yet somehow I manage to gain control over the situation. I’m feeling pretty impressed with my MacGyver like cleverness at getting out of a ‘sticky’ situation and I pull out my wallet. At this very moment I begin a sigh of relief only to wind up with a furrowed brow as I open my wallet to pay the cashier and wouldn’t you know, there’s that ½ lb of graham cracker crumbs spilling out & sprinkling over everything like pixie dust.

So, being the owner of one of these magical bags of the universe isn’t quite what it seemed at first. It’s not exactly what I had hoped for or even remotely close. Or is that the real magic? The ability to grin & bare it. I’m going to go rent Mary Poppins and look a little closer, maybe just maybe I missed the grape jam on her on her fingertips.

Now where do you pick up one of these bags? I got mine on clearance at Target.

(The day after writing this I was sitting in a meeting with my husband and a mortgage lender talking terms when I realized my lap was wet. I looked down and noticed an opened Capri Sun had been slipped in my bag and was leaking out the bottom as my youngest son bounced away without a care in the world. The receptionist was so kind as to supply a drink and some popcorn for the boys while we talked business. Needless to say, I’m retiring my bag. And I can hardly wait to see what the universe of hand bags has in store for me and what I’ll find within it at any given moment.)

Where Have all the Stands Gone?

2007-09-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

Blue skies, bare feet, bike rides, fishing poles, sprinklers well they all go hand in hand when it comes to summer fun. But, where have all the lemonade stands gone? Apparently to little boys every one.

I don’t remember really having a lemonade stand, it’s sort of foggy. I think I did, I must have attempted it, isn’t it a requirement for childhood? It seems familiar, but so long ago. None the less, it seems the sweet tart, cool refreshing zing of a cold glass of lemonade on a sweltering hot summer day is still very much a part of human nature. And they haven’t gone out of style nor have they been retired to scrapbooks and memoirs of generations past.

In fact it’s been brought to my attention that lemonade stands aren’t so uncommon in the realm of childhood these days and such was the case with my young children. I’m not sure where or who they got the idea from but the dream of standing behind a lemonade stand handing out ice cold drinks and raking in the dough emerged from within them and it wasn’t going to go until they had tasted of the experience first hand. I was envisioning building a little stand and having it all set up picture perfect. But, there was money to be made, no time for such trivial things. But my boys had other ideas and are so very persistent. Especially Edison, He had been wanting to set up a lemonade stand for a while now. One morning he couldn’t think about anything else. He and Isaac kept concocting all kinds of concoctions of water/soda/popcicles/juice/ketchup and whatever else they could get their hands on. And then asked, begged and pleaded if they could sell their home invented mixtures as they offered me a glass of the greenish bubbling swill. Politely declining I kept saying it wasn’t a good time, everyone is at work or school, we don’t have lemonade….. It didn’t deter him and suddenly I caught myself and said, what am I teaching him by telling him he can’t and stopping him from trying! So I said sure, go for it. His face lit up and he shot of like a rocket taking his younger brothers with him. He took out some laundry buckets and flipped them upside down, drug out an assortment of chairs and made a sign out of computer paper and markers. Lemonade 98 cents , cookies 19 cents. He carefully drew out a picture of lemonade next to the etched numbers and then thoughtfully drew some cookies next to their price. There on top of the upside down laundry baskets was a plate of my m&m cookies and a variety of drinks canned and bottled that they had rummaged out of the pantry. There behind the laundry baskets, sign and refreshments were three boys beaming with excitement and confidence, so proud, pleased as punch(or lemonade).

Edison was disappointed that droves of people were not lined up at his stand. I was beginning to feel that pain mothers feel when they see their children experience heart break. Just then he ran in “we made 2 dollars!” and ran back out. I peeked out the front door to witness their excitement when I heard Edison say to his brother ’go to their house and ask them’ and off ran Isaac up the neighbors drive way and onto their front porch. They had determined that if the people weren’t coming to them they’d go to the people. That afternoon when the kids started coming home from school they were running in and grabbing stuff off our pantry shelves. Everest was so excited when he came home from school and saw the money they were making. That he rolled up his sleeves and jumped right in. Things were flying off the shelves, anything and everything from boxes of raisins to popcicles. They cleaned out our cupboards but they made well over $20 at the end of the day. I went out to check on them and there they were the proud owners of their long awaited lemonade stand. Surrounded by kids, neighbors and friends all sitting in the shade enjoying an afternoon treat and each others’ company.

Edison’s sales pitch: if you don’t have 98cents you can just give us $1. What little entrepreneurs they are. I am always so impressed with their ingenuity, enthusiasm and their drive. Next time I won’t be so hesitant to let them ‘go for it’, after all now’s the time to empower and encourage them. There is nothing sweeter than a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day than the sweet taste of success.

GUM BUM

2007-09-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

WARNING! Not for the faint of heart or weak stomach.
Having four boys, I have had my share of diapers, of every kind imaginable and even some unthinkable. There’s been everything from the Savings Plan(deposited pennies), Lumber Jack, Soup Poop, Not Your Every Day Garden Variety(loaded with popcorn seeds), Grab the Gas Mask, Blue Pooh(swallowed some food coloring) and almost every other color visible to the seeing eye for that matter including fluorescent, The Health Nut (chucked full of nuts and raisins), the ah so famous Mystery diaper, the You Do It I’m Not Going Near it Diaper, which is just shy of the Run for Your Life kind, just to name a few.

But the most recent and I must say most unexpected of them all is what I like to call Gum Bum. Spearmint in fact. If diaper changing could ever be considered pleasurable this would’ve been the one. Hudson found a pack of chewing gum and ingested half the pack. Luckily I intercepted before he could finish off the other half. I had wondered what that was going to do to his system. Later that afternoon I found out, as he ran past he left a waft of mint in his wake. Naw, it couldn’t be so. Sure enough as I followed the minty fresh smell it led straight to the little package on his backside. It was a refreshing surprise, in an odd sort of way. I almost hesitated to change the little air freshener, almost.

And to think my diaper changing adventures are coming to a close. My little Hudson is already training himself. What will I ever do when I don’t have diapers to change? Maybe my sense of smell will return.

A Day in the Life

2007-08-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

My Mistake.
Ok, so I’ll admit, as parents we sometimes say or do dumb things. Our two year old cannot drink some juices yet. They just run straight threw him. He saw the OJ in the fridge and was pleading for some. He wouldn’t be distracted or even convinced to opt out for something else. I consented and without thinking I said something about the juice giving him the runs. As soon as I had said it I wished I hadn’t and hoped it slipped by. Not so. From then on, whenever he wants OJ, he asks for Poopie Juice. Not good when you’re at IHOP and the waitress asks what everyone wants to drink. Needless to say we aren’t buying OJ for a while, until this too passes.

When the Stakes are High, let it Rumble.
It was late afternoon and well tension was beginning to run high. It was in between snack and dinner, it was in the triple digits outside and not much cooler inside, mom’s attention was now on dinner and well they had had enough of each others’. Just as I was gearing up to help them cool off one of them let out a nice big belch. The squabbling stopped, it was quiet for the slightest of moments and then they started giggling and laughing, rolling on the floor and off they went brotherhood restored. Nothing like a big burp to bring brothers together and restore the peace.

‘Imaginate’
Isaac, whispering with shoulders hunkered over secretively- when it’s dark at night and we’re asleep everything comes alive. Later during a family outing we had just parked in a parking garage and were piling out of the car. Isaac leans in to me and informs me that when we leave the car will come alive.

Our Little Ham
Having recently just returned from a trip to Seattle. A highlight for the boys this summer. Hudson was relishing some attention by being silly. Dad asks, “where’d you come from?”. “Seattle!”, Hudson responds.

Safety First
We were over at a neighbor’s for a yard party. They had a trampoline and the boys made a beeline for it. Bouncing and flipping to higher heights with out a care in the world. A little later a few other kids made their way over too. I whispered to Everest to be more careful there were more kids now. He quickly responds over his shoulder as he boings in the air, “I always never do that” A father next to me, chuckles and comments, “very well stated”. Indeed, nicely put.

Sweets for the Sweet
I was nibbling on a cookie and offered Hudson one, ‘no, mom, no mom…’ while backing up and shaking his head. Upon making eye contact he changes his tune, ‘yum mom, yum cookie, mom.’ My only question is, what in the world did he think I was eating in the first place?

But of Course
Edison trying to convince me of something sincerely states, “ Really, I’m true”.

Mutts in the Pantry
Hudson skips into the kitchen and asks for a snack. “Nack, mom, nack”. He points to the jar of nuts on the shelf and I comply giving him a small bowl with nuts in it. Shortly he hands me the bowl and spits the nuts out in my hand, “yucky mutts, mom, yucky mutts”. They must have been old mutts.

Attention Grabber
I love casually listening to the conversations of my boys. Some make me smile, some make me chuckle and some make me jump to my feet. Such as when Isaac quizzically asked, “Edison come here, this is really mysterious”.

Forecast for the Day
Hudson is our thermometer. In fact he’s always keeping us informed. Recently with all the heat, his most common phrase pared with bright red cheeks and a swipe of his brow, “hot day, mom, hot day”.

Blindsided

2007-08-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

I parked in line along with all the other parents waiting for the bell to ring. Little did I know I was about to be blindsided. I immersed myself in a book when I suddenly realized there were kids whizzing by the car. I looked up and was searching through the mass of mothers and kindergarteners looking for Edison. There he was racing straight for me when he leaped up into the opened window he exclaimed, “Guess what I got today?!” I’m clamoring for answers, “ahhhh sticker?, ahhhhhh book?, aaaaaaaan award?”. He couldn’t take my feeble attempts any longer, “A GIRLFRIEND!!!” Oh, wow, I wasn’t expecting that one. “A girlfriend”, I respond, “what’s her name?”. ”I don’t know”. “Well, what’s she look like?”. Expecting a vague description, Edison whips out with a full blown detailed report, “well she has on this white skirt and purple polka dots on her shirt with a tie that goes around the front like this and ties in the back and it has little dots on it….. her hair does this pokie thing like this(flipping his hand up to show me) in the back …” Wow, she’s really caught his eye. In fact he told me that when they were lined up at recess he walked by and said to her, “You’re my girlfriend”. It was adorable they way he told me, with a confident macho look and hip hand gesture. I am so in trouble. Big trouble. She’s all he talked about for the rest of the day; in fact she’s been the star topic of the week. As soon as we got home he ran down stairs and told his dad and again reported to his brother upon his arrival. In which Everest said with a no fair expression, “what, you have to be 16.” Then the two brothers submerged themselves in guy talk.

Later that night, still on cloud nine Edison confides in me, “mom, we were sitting on the carpets at class and I was looking at her the whole time and whispered to myself, she is sooooooo beautiful.” Almost confessing Everest comes up quietly and says, “I kind of have a girlfriend too, mom. I haven’t really talked to her yet, but she’s in the class next door. Her class comes in to do stuff with ours and when I saw her I whispered to myself, I hope she sits at my table.” “Did she” I asked. With a sweet little smile he shook his head yes. Oh my I’m so in trouble. Everest has been quieter about girls, that’s his nature but now he and his brother talk constantly about them. What they should say and do. It’s really cute but my goodness I was hoping for a couple more years.

In the dark of their room past bedtime they talked quietly about what they should say the next day to their girlfriends, Everest giving his younger brother advice. Edison comes out with a hopeful grin, “I think I want to write my girl friend a message.” “Well that’s a good idea, what do you want to say in your message?” “I don’t know I just want to write her a message.” “Well why don’t you think about what you’d like to say while you lay in your bed and go to sleep.” Skipping back to his bed he went.

Little tidbits and updates keep coming. Like he even mentioned the “M” word last night as I was tucking him into bed. Yes, marriage. Did I mention I’m in trouble? I told him he’s a little young for marriage let’s just work on the friendship part for now. I’m expecting a phone call from her parents any day now.

I had mentioned I wanted to meet his girlfriend or at least see who she is. So, yesterday I waited in the same line of parents waiting to pick up their little socialites. I spotted Edison and I started over to greet him. He was floating and beaming from ear to ear. I honestly don’t know what was keeping him from floating away because his feet were at least three feet off the ground. I knew the little girl beside him was ‘the’ one, because he was trying so hard to walk right beside her. Not go too fast, nor too slow and he was frantically searching through the mom’s, cars and kids for me with a proud look ready to show her off. I had a sudden flash-forward, seeing my little 5 year old as a 22 year old bringing home his fiancé. Smitten with love. My they grow up so fast.

Today he jumped in the car and excitedly reported his progress; “she talked to me more today”. On the way home he says, “I love school!” I don’t doubt it one bit, but I’m curious as to just what they are teaching them. Sitting in the back seat of our expedition he tells his younger brother Isaac, “When you go to school you get to have girlfriends”. Isaac’s face lights up. We might be switching to an all boys school by next year.

A Day in the Life

2007-06-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

What Makes a Man?
The boys were engaged in a deep conversation about the relativity of age. It was interesting to listen to their perspectives on aging. Wrapping up their theories Everest commented profoundly: If a dad is forty then a grandpa must be 125. Knodding, they all seemed to agree and ran out to play.

Feeling His Age
Hudson thought turning 2 was pretty cool and was really getting into this birthday thing. Our favorite question to ask him was: How old are you? “OOOOld” he answers tilting his head to the side with a forlorn look upon his face.

Only the privileged
When you tell Hudson “ I love you”, he kindly replies, “Welcome”

To Be Seen or Not to Be Seen
Isaac is very conscious about what’s hip and what’s not. One Sunday morning I decided to curl my hair. Upon exiting my room with curlers in my hair I met Isaac face to face. With hands on his hips he said, “ mom, you don’t look very cool,” Taken off guard I stumbled for a response. Apparently he took this as a protest from my part and reassured me with a “really, really mom you don’t”. On another occasion I was freezing and Cameron lent me his suit coat. Isaac leaned over and whispered, “Mom you don’t look so cool, really”. Wanting me to take it off. I assured him I would, just as soon as I warmed up. On the flip side, I do get it right every so often. Ready to go out and waiting down stairs at Dad’s desk. Isaac bounces over and hops into my lap. “You look really cool, mom, really!” he exclaimed with a big grin.

The Talented
Cameron had been introducing a few fun magic tricks to the boys. So they’ve jumped in and tried out a few of their own. While making my rounds at bedtime one night, Isaac sitting there in bed with a washcloth says “Mom, Look at my magic trick!” I sit down beside him and he tosses the washcloth on top of his head, patting it he exclaims, “Look, no hair!” Then with slight of hand he quickly removes the washcloth and again exclaims, “Look hair!” Beaming the whole time with an ear to ear grin.

Weightier Matters
You know you’ve got problems when you’re too heavy for yourself. When ever Hudson is tired of walking he slumps his shoulders over and with a pathetic little face and even more sad little whimper looks up at you with an even more sad little whimper, “heeeaavy”. Hoping to get someone to swoop him up and put him on a hip or pair of shoulders. I’m thinking he learned this little trick on our hike up Stuart Falls last month.

Anything for Attention
I was trying to do a quick mop before dinner when Edison ran in the kitchen and grabbed me by the hands. He yelled, “ mop the floor with me! Mom, Mop the floor with me!” Wanting me to swing him through my legs and back across the floor.

When Reality Hits
I bought a couple of kids’ cookbooks in an effort to encourage a broader palate in our boys. They’re full of color and pictures and really creative dishes. Some simple and healthy and some just silly and fun. There was one that really caught Edison’s eye, the potato mice. Twice baked potatoes made to look like mice with radish slices for ears and other garnishing. He kept digging through the pantry and asking if we had everything to make it. No, we’d have to go the store for radishes. Once at he store I showed him a radish and he was so excited. I quietly mentioned that he had to eat his potato mice not just make them. He stopped in mid bounce with an “oh”.

A Get Away Gone Sour (for some)
I accompanied Cameron on a business trip to CA. The boys were excited to stay at their grandparents for a few days until it was bed time. Having trouble getting to sleep Edison commented, “I knew we shouldn’t have come here” and Everest followed with an, “I’d rather sleep in the wild”.

Good Things Come
When a neighbor boy ran down the street waving his t-ball trophy in the air for all to see. Everest and Edison looked at each other quietly. They had one more game to play before their season was over. When their little friend headed back home Everest leaned over to Edison and said quietly consoling his brother, “in T-ball it’s easy to get a trophy. In coach pitch it takes a lot longer.”

Time for a Break
It was one of those days where dad was working away on the computer the entire day. Edison was helping me make sandwiches when dad came up for a snack Edison asked “dad do you like pickles?” Dad said with a glazed look (what we call computer head) “No, I don’t like pixels”.

Whoopie!
Isaac went to the arcades with his dad for some ‘one on one/man to man’ time. Upon their return he came bouncing up the stairs bubbling with excitement. “MOM, I got two surprises, come down stairs and I’ll show you!” Down we go as he leads me by the hand bouncing all the way. He exclaims proudly as he holds up, “Two Stinker Pots!” , “you sit on them and they go pppPPPPPppppbbbbbbbbbbbtttttthhhhhhh !” he explains with hand motions like a lightening/thunderstorm he shakes his hands in the air.

One Interpretation
Isaac was the only one left awake to see the space craft zoom across the air. We all ran out and looked in the sky, sure enough there it was speeding along while Cameron explained to Isaac that there were people on board as it orbited the earth. “Really?!” he replied, “Really?!” with a beaming grin and twinkling eyes that lit up the night’s sky. The next day he was excitedly telling his brothers what they missed, “Last night we saw a space ship! That had creatures on it, Really!”

Less is More, Right?
In preparation for a trip to Seattle I was telling the boys about the hotel we’d be staying at and the restaurants as well all the people we’d be meeting. I took the opportunity to promote good table manners and casually mentioned we could practice our manners right now at dinner. Barely ending my suggestion Everest pipes up, “But, I already have a manner”.

Straight to the Source
Wrinkling his nose while swiping at it Isaac obviously bothered cries out, “Moooooooooooom, I have something in my nose again, really, I can smell it.”

A Day in the Life

2007-04-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

March 3, 2007

Get it Right
A couple of Sundays ago the primary chorister (who happens to be our neighbor and friend) noticed that all the boys were having a hard time keeping their shoes on during singing time. She’s a fun natured gal and teased them a little about their stinky feet. When music time was over she started walking to the back of the room when she noticed Edison with both of his shoes off. She stopped and jokingly said, “Edison, not you too! I don’t want to smell your stinky feet either.” She told me Edison just gave her this scowl and then lifted his feet up in the air and said, “These are not stinky feet, these are stinky socks.”

Come again?
At lunch we were talking about healthy habits and dad proudly announced that he was up to a certain amount of pull-ups. Isaac exclaimed, “Pull-ups!? Naaaaawwwww” and then started giggling uncontrollably. I didn’t get it at first, but once I did I started giggling uncontrollably as well. Pull-ups to a three year old aren’t the same to a grown man.

Space Cadet
I was reading an article in the Time magazine about the shuttle and travel to space. Usually when I get a moment like that it’s while I’m standing in the kitchen sorting through the mail. My mom happened to call while I was skimming through the middle of the article and I answered the phone after one ring or maybe even in mid ring for that matter, it was on the kitchen counter next to me. Surprised she exclaimed, “that was fast!”. I responded with, “Oh, I was just here in space.” We got a good laugh out of that.

10 kids, 3 orange slices
Edison and Isaac were playing store the other day. They built big rigs out of sprite boxes and were shipping everything up from the pantry to the their room upstairs. They had everything lined up in an orderly fashion ready for purchase. They then brought in their toy pick up trucks and action figures. Soon they were buying up the shelves of food taking it to the room next door, they were camping. As I listened to them play I noticed they were now storing away food in case of a hurricane. My ears began to listen more intently when I heard Edison begin to tell his brother that these 3 orange slices could feed 10 kids if they needed too. “Really, if there are ten kids who need food and we don’t have anything else these 3 orange slices will feed them.” Edison has always been one for faith. I was impressed and touched as I heard him relate the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitude with only five loaves of bread and two fish to his younger brother. Then he came around the corner enthusiastically to enlighten me of this miracle. ( He often will blurt out facts and information randomly as he remembers them. He’s always been one for learning, he likes the history/science channel and books alike. As do his brothers too, it’s always fascinating the books Everest will bring home from the school library. )

The Real Problem
Our family caught the flu and we were dropping like flies. I was upstairs wallowing in my misery when I heard the following. Edison who had just moments before manifested himself among the ill came in from playing baseball out front. Edison comments to his dad , “Dad, I don’t feel so good.” Dad replies, “Edison you were just throwing up, you’re sick, you need to be resting. I don’t want you outside playing baseball.” With out skipping a beat Edison replies, “But Dad, baseball isn’t the problem”.

X Box Fanatics
Our boys love Xbox. I’ve consented to a very select selection of games that they are allowed to play. Sports, racing and some lego star wars. At 6, 5, 3 and even 1.5 they are pros, they put me to shame for sure. On a list I had been making there was an X for some reason or another. Our three year old looks at it and says with excitement, “I get to play Xbox today, see it says so right here”, pointing to my list.
The boys had resorted to referring to the Xbox by spelling it out, ‘can we play X-b-o-x’. Thinking this was really hip until their brother came home from school and said it wasn’t any shorter to say it that way.

April Fools
April Fools day was hilarious this year. It was the first year that the boys have begun to comprehend it. First thing in the morning Cameron made some silly comment and all the boys’ spoons froze mid air as they sat around the table eating breakfast starring at him not knowing whether or not to believe him. When he exclaimed April Fools! So, the rest of the day they would run around making up stuff like, ‘It’s your birthday today!, APRIL FOOLS!’, I think my favorite one was from Isaac (3), ‘ Mom, I’m gonna help you clean up! APRIL FOOLS!’

Before You Know It
I love this stage. Hudson has been rapidly building his vocabulary daily. At first he referred to the car as ‘go’ every time we would say it’s time to go, or let’s go, he’d jump up yelling ‘me me me’ and run to the door associating go with car. Gum is yum referring to anything yummy. He called Cameron and I ‘guy’ for the longest time and now we are finally daddy and mommy. We’ve always found great entertainment in trying to get our little guys to say words bigger than life. Like octopus, ridiculous, Gatorade and so on. We all roll in laughter for hours at the adorable pronunciations. And somewhere down the road in a blink of an eye or maybe just over night he’ll start talking nonstop comprehensive sentences and carrying on lengthy conversations and we’ll stop and wonder, wow, when did that happen, where did all of those precious pronunciations go? They grow up all too fast.

Dinner & A Show

2007-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yup, it’s another night at the Moll home. Ok, so I gave Cameron a Mexican cookbook for Christmas (among other things of course). Why, one may wonder. He lived and served among the Mexican people for two years. He grew to love some of the dishes they served down there. Any time we go to a Mexican restaurant (which is often) he tries the Chile relleno. He tells me how authentic the place is from the way they make their refried beans ,guac and their chips and salsa. I’ve always had a liken’ for Mexican food myself so naturally it became my quest to learn their ways of cooking it. I’ve already mastered the guacamole. A recipe Cameron brought back from Mexico himself and taught me. I will be honest I never touched guacamole until Cameron made it and it’s the only guacamole I will eat.

Today I braved it. It was grocery day and I bought for the first time ever an aneheim chile. Ok, two of them. The recipe called for six, but I know we wouldn’t eat six and I’ve never really eaten one. So, I bought two. It felt pretty cool. Especially since those peppers are always sitting high on their shelf in the produce section taunting me. Laughing at my tried and true dishes that I can make blindfolded with my arms tied behind my back.

In case you didn’t know dinner making time at our home is a bit chaotic to begin with. My oldest is just home from school and all that energy that he’s had to keep pent up all day well you guessed, it’s being unleashed in monumental proportions. Everyone is looking for pre-dinner snacks and has the late afternoon fidgets. My youngest times it so that everyday at this time he reeeeally needs me to carry him and hold him and right now. So trying to make dinner is like trying to win the Olympic’s triathlon with one arm tied behind my back, a cement block secured to one of my legs, a 25 lb octopus clinging to my side and don’t forget to spin me in circles until I can’t see straight let alone think straight. Needless to say trying something new, something I’d actually have to follow a recipe to, that doesn’t happen very often. And that’s what I dared to attempt today.

So, the boys are creating their own recipe of fun, Hudson is clinging on to my pant leg pulling me down to sea level and I have ingredients all over the counters, floor and me. Now where did I put that cookbook, it was just right here? I haven’t used a cookbook in who knows how long. Come to think of it, it was kind a fun. Now, that’s not to say I can’t cook, I just stick with what I know it’s easier and safer that way, under the circumstances. Ok, so there is a fruit salad being made to the left of me, guacamole directly in front, ingredients for taco salad to the right, a homemade chile relleno sauce bubbling behind me and the big chiles in my grip. First I learned that you really do need to char the whole pepper pretty good to be able to peel the tough outer skin off. You live and learn and now we’re down to one chile. Good thing we’re having taco salad stuff to go with it. I continue juggling Hudson from my hip to the floor, to the counter and back around while finishing up the other items on the menu. I stuff the chile, batter and swing it goes into the hot popping oil for a quick golden brown fry and into the oven. I hate popping hot oil and that’s what I was doing to avoid getting splattered by it’s sting. Ah, what a relief the chile relleno was in the oven and I had ten minutes to finish getting everything on the table when I realize I forgot the refried beans. A close call, but I slid them in too.

Sitting down to eat in a very un-orderly fashion I think I let out a sigh and we began our meal. Cameron loved the Chile Relleno. It was a homerun! I scored big time. He said it tasted just like the ones he had in Mexico, along with the beans (I used my secret method of preparing for an authentic flavor), double whammy! Not to mention the authentic guac and homemade lime aid. It was a pretty darn good meal, for him at least. The boys managed to pick at what ever appealed to their taste and doused the rest with ketchup. Cameron enjoyed it so much that he complimented, “we don’t need to go out for good Mexican food when we can get it right here.” Well, maybe. It was no easy task all for ONE chile relleno.
So not only did I dare to attempt, I conquered with loud roars of approval.

Ok, so you thought that was the show, not quite. During dinner our oldest was picking through his dinner plate taking bites only a flea could see while whencing and seizuring with every ‘bite’ while at the other end of the table his brother had his pant leg pulled up to his thigh making the cut on his knee (which was in the shape of an angry face) talk in a grouchy voice and say, “look, I’m angry”. We’re not done yet, on the other side of the table yet another brother was rolling around doing summersaults in, under and around his chair and on the very far end in the highchair the very youngest who is the next greatest magician managed to somehow get his shoe off and in his salsa, get out of his seat and was hunkered over like an old man doing some strange little dance humming some strange little tune with his diaper and pants down around his knees.

And there you have a dinner and a show at the Moll home. And for those of you wondering what’s on the menu for the next showing, it’s best if you just show up unannounced to enjoy talent in it’s greatest and rawest form.

Home for the Holidays?

2007-01-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

“A Happy HO HO HO to You!” was a welcomed sight and sound this Christmas season as our Isaac slid across the floor while singing out the lyrics to one of his favorite Christmas songs. As this year was everything we hoped for and no where near what we expected. The year brought change after change after change. So much so that we gave up on unpacking our bags. Thankfully we landed before the holidays did, barely. And what a whirlwind it has been. Not just this Christmas season but the entire year. More like a tornado. You can read all about that in Mom’s blog journal.

So, let’s start with Thanksgiving…Or maybe Halloween since it was on the road. For that matter we might as well start with the Fourth of July, which was on the road as well. The morning of the 4th we were celebrating at my parents’ annual church pancake breakfast. When the wild idea of, ‘hey, let’s go down to FL and check things out’, crossed our minds and the next thing we knew we were on the road and headed south. We watched the fire works from the interstate, or at least what we could since we were also passing through torrential rains that night as well. We drove straight through only stopping for four hours so the adults could get some rest. We crashed at family’s that night and dove into a home hunt marathon first thing in the morning and left for AR by 4pm that afternoon. Another long hull back the way we came. We did manage to shoot off some fire works at my brother’s home while there. A real treat, since we were used to big 4th of July bashes at our home. Everyone would come, family, friends, neighbors even strangers would join the fun on our lawn as we had tables of treats to eat, chairs to lounge and fireworks to entertain. Though we missed the big bash, the excitement of running for cover on multiple occasions as well as a poor bat’s near miss as he spun dizzily off into the night more than made up for it. I hadn’t laughed that hard in who knows how long. Even the men were doubled over and had tears of laughter rolling down their cheeks.

Skipping forward to Halloween, well we made it to FL and were ready to buy but for reasons unforeseen we were headed back to UT. So on the road we were for this fun filled holiday as well. I had goody bags with treats and prizes and Halloween coloring books all lined up for the days drive. We decorated the car with homemade bats and ghosts and headed for grandma and grandad’s, home which was half way to UT. We arrived just in time to carve a pumpkin, eat dinner, put on our costumes and race from house to house in search of treats. Everest, Edison and Isaac were motorcycle racers while Hudson was Dash from the Incredibles which was perfect because he doesn't walk he darts. Unfortunately I didn’t make the costumes this year, too much going on. After the mad dash we sat on grandma’s kitchen floor and sorted through our loot, trying out as much as we could of course. We had a heavenly nights sleep, piled into the suv, and were headed down the highway again.

Fast forwarding to Thanksgiving. We made it to SLC, Cameron started his new job and we were staying in a Marriott Residence Inn for a couple weeks. Cameron’s parents were going to be out of town for the holiday so we moved into their home until our rental was ready only to wake up Thanksgiving morning with the flu and strep. Needless to say no one was talking turkey. It took about a week for us all to cycle through it, making trips to the pediatrician, walk-in clinic and even the ER. After all what would a holiday be with out a trip to the ER? ;)

And now for The Moll Christmas 2006 version…
Finally after some delays our rental was ready a mere 17 days before Christmas. Moving in we had an early Christmas. The moving truck brought all of our belongings from storage to us. We hadn’t seen these things for six months. It really was like Christmas the boys ripping open the boxes with their names on it and waiting eagerly for their bikes and skateboards to be unloaded. Everyone was dancing and prancing around with glee. The next week was packed full of unpacking and setting up house in preparation for the holidays. We wanted it to look and feel like home. The decorations were up and the gifts were ready, all seemed calm. Christmas weekend came and it was filled with family gatherings and excitement. One such gathering on Christmas eve we had read and acted out the Nativity story. Everest, Edison and Isaac were wise men, we had spent the day before making cool crowns to wear upon their heads and searching through our closets for something to double as fine looking robes to clothe themselves as wise men and of course we had to wrap gifts to take to the baby Jesus. Hudson was Joseph and Mary was his arch enemy and cousin Elle. He was determined to keep her out of his comfort zone and she was determined to get in it. In awe-some wonder they reconciled (even if for just the moment) and brought the spirit to our humble version of that wonderous night. We spent our down time in between, snowboarding, sledding and playing with Christmas gifts. Christmas had come and almost gone without a glitch this year. It was on the way home from his parents’ home that we were all cheerfully and snuggly settled into our Expedition our tummies full and thoughts of sugar cookies dancing through our heads. I was turned around in my seat helping one of the boys when Cameron let out an exclamation of some enormous proportion. I whisked around in time to see in our headlights a deer flying through the air. And I wish I could say it was a reindeer. We were in the center lane and there weren’t any other cars on either side of the road nor street lights, making it impossible to spot. It darted in front of us so fast Cameron didn’t even have time to apply the breaks before hitting it. I’m surprised our air bags didn’t go off. However they were thinking about it, the light was blinking. We pulled over and called the police so they could take care of the poor deer, which was still in the middle of the road and write up a report for insurance purposes. We got out to assess the damage. The entire front was missing. The entire grill was gone, obliterated all over the road, I’m glad it was the grill because I had thought it had been deer parts that were flying all over. The headlights were busted out, the bumper cracked in two and smashed inward, the radiator damaged severely. I can’t imagine what would have happened if we had been in anything lighter or smaller than our Expedition. I don’t even want to go there. It would have come through the windshield for sure. But, I’m not going there. So we got everything taken care of, calmed our nerves, explained everything to the boys and headed home. Limping down the street in our poor decrepit suv. Once again the normal pace resumed, I turned around in my seat helping one of the boys when Cameron lets out another exclamation of enormous proportion. I again whisk around thinking, ‘not again!’. However, I was shocked to be faced with sheer and utter void. It was solid black, apparently we had driven off into an abyss or black hole. Ok, so it was just the hood of the car that had nothing to latch down on and it had flung up covering the entire windshield! Cameron safely pulled over and rigged it shut and again we began limping home, this time I didn’t turn around in my seat to help anyone.

One Family To Go, Please

2006-12-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

Yes that’s right, one family to go and make that super sized. I wouldn’t necessarily claim that as our family motto but it was an ongoing theme for our family for the past six months.

We sold our home in May and headed to Florida. However, it wasn’t as simple as that. We stationed ourselves in Arkansas for a couple of months to visit family. This way I would be able to accompany Cameron to Europe on one of his speaking engagements while they graciously watched our four boys. As well, we could then plan the next leg of our trip. Making whirlwind trips to Florida to scout out possible sites of residence and narrow down neighborhoods. When finally we crammed everyone and everything we needed into the suv and jeep we pulled behind us and moved to sunny FL leaving the rest of our belongings in storage in AR.

At last we had arrived. Things slowed down a bit while we were there. We enjoyed the beaches and the weather and the family immensely. However, Cameron’s traveling didn’t slow down. Everyone was extending offers to present at conferences as well as job interviews. Companies that carried clout and that held high prestige all were knocking on our door. We weren’t even seeking to go corporate again. But, we had to at least explore the opportunity to see if it led to anything we might not have figured in. And they all did.

While trying to make sense of it all we continued researching and searching for the perfect home. We knew the city like our own back yard. We had a couple of homes in mind and the market was in our favor and we were prepared to make an offer and play some hard ball. When Cameron flew out to SLC to meet with a client only to be offered an in house position that was just too good to pass up. Everything came to a screeching halt. We stayed up for hours past the boys talking ourselves to sleep for nights. We both knew the answer. Even though that meant leaving behind the powdered sugar beaches and crystal clear blue tropical water. Leaving the warmth and the lush green. Packing away the boogie boards and suntan lotion. It was hard, oh so hard for everyone.

Needless to say we struggled for several days, wrestled with accepting the offer. After all we just got to Florida, we were ready to buy a home, we were loving it and accepting would mean we would have to turn around and go write back where we came from. Cameron was doing great on his own. He’s extraordinary at everything he does, he’s always been a miracle worker. And apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so. ;) At any rate we decided to accept. As strange as it sounds it was a good move for us even though it meant leaving behind people and things that we loved and moving back into the dead of winter, which Cameron and I hate. And so here we are but now the home search starts all over, along with everything else.

So the last six months we have been living out of hotels, relatives’ homes, vacation rentals and more hotels with only what we could cram into our suv and the jeep we pulled behind us lest a remind you. After a while we couldn’t tell a difference between the crackers or the sand on the floor. I resorted to homeschooling until we could settle down to lessen the stress of frequent moves and we were pretty much a one man band so to seek.

So even though it is unbearably frigid and everything is dead here it has been nice to finally get our lives back from storage and it was like Christmas for the boys to open up all of their toys and bikes again. It felt good to hang a picture of our own on the wall and place a memoir on top of our piano. I truly believe that home is where the heart is, but after awhile it’s nice to have roots. I must put a plug in for the boys who were remarkable. They were amazing at how well they held up to the traveling and all of the changes. They are my heroes.

I wish I could say that when all the dust settles I could make sense of it all and explain our reasoning. But I know better, the dust will never settle. We still have to remind ourselves what we’re doing back here, there will always be questions and what ifs. There might not always be a one correct choice or even a wrong choice. I’ve come to accept that we will always be on the rise and that countless opportunities await us. Life will always have opportunities to offer, challenges to give, trials to suffer and experiences and adventure beyond measure. It’s how we handle what we’re given. As Cameron and I have reminded ourselves countless times, as long as we get through this still holding hands with our heads held high, knowing we did our best. I will say, that we’ve been greatly blessed and we have everything we could ever hope for right here under our roof in arms reach, just a hug and a kiss away.

A Day in the Life

2006-12-29T17:48:00.000-08:00

Too Much of a Good Thing
The boys are always asking what different foods help your body do. So when Hudson was indulging himself with cranberries Edison piped up ‘you shouldn’t give him anymore cranberries, he could run really fast into the street.’

On the Spot
Passing the time while gassing up. Dad says, “watch this.” Cool and confident as he attempts to throw a bag of garbage from the drivers seat through the window into the bin. He missed. Everest says cool and confident, ‘you didn’t make that? I could’ve made that.”

Sure Thing
Grandma looking for boys who needed snacks asked Edison, “Are you hungry?” Edison replies with an affirmative nod. Grandma probes a little deeper in search of something more concrete, “would you like a sandwich?”. Edison gives a shake of his head to decline. “What would you like?”, asks Grandma. ‘Uh…probably bread’, he answers. “Bread?, with nothing on it?”, she inquires. “Yep” with conviction comes his response. “OK”, grandma concludes as she turns to fulfill his appetite’s desire. As she walks to the kitchen Edison calls out, “and take the skins off”.

Boys’ Play
The boys were excited to end the cross country trek and immediately headed for the back yard of their grandparents home. Within seconds they had located the wagon and a giant cardboard box and were headed for the hill. Now you think rolling down the hill in the wagon at lightning speed would be thrill enough. Not, for these boys. They jumped in the wagon threw the cardboard box that covered them and the wagon on top of themselves and proceeded with a big shove off the top of the hill. Not knowing what to expect or where they were headed the shrill shrieks of pure boy glee sounded through the air as they whizzed down the hill at speeds beyond comprehension. Now that was the ride of a lifetime and with out hesitation a way they went back up the hill for more.

Where next?
You know you’ve been in transition long enough when your three year old now refers to finding a home as this: we sat down with some ‘homes for sale’ magazines and some MLS listings. The boys love looking through them and picking out which one they’d like. Our three year old points to one he is enthralled with and exclaims, ‘I wanna borrow this one!’. And when your children now play hotel and travel all the time, you know you’ve been on the road long enough. It’s time to plant the roots in somewhere.

Pasta Anyone?
We went out to the Olive Garden one night and Isaac ordered spaghetti. He was comically slurping the long sticky strands up one by one as they flung from one side to the other slapping his cheeks. I presented him with the idea of twisting his fork making a spaghetti ball to try and tackle the beastly meal. Seconds later he proudly exclaimed, “Look, I did it!”. With astonishment he had managed to twist the entire bowl of spaghetti onto his fork for one gigantic, make that enormously huge ball of spaghetti. Unfortunately, I don’t think that made it any easier for him to eat. But, it was rather impressive.

Keeping ‘em All Straight
Approaching our home in FL Isaac thinking we had past ours and asks, “how come we’re not going to the ‘three and the four and the one and the three’?” It took me a minute but I quickly realized that was our house number. He had become very aware of numbers and with all the moving had started associating them with our current home or hotel room depending the leg of our adventure.

Come Again
After driving for days on end the endless white lines on asphalt can really get to you. While driving along Route 66 Isaac asked me a very inquisitive “Why mom, why?”. I turned with the answer ready to roll of the tip of my tongue. Only to have been broadsided with the unexpected, I burst into boisterous laughter. There he sat with the most genuinely puzzled face, for he really wanted to know why, with a green crayon hanging out of his nose. Needless to say I don’t remember the question.

Brilliance on His Own
Edison hadn’t been interested in practicing or learning letters and numbers. I decided not to push, we were already under a lot stress with the moving. When out of no where he handed me a piece of paper and proudly exclaimed, “Look it says bugspray!”. I read the word OFF. He was right, he had remembered the can of OFF we took to the park with us the night before. A month or so later in downtown SLC we were walking to a restaurant when he again exclaimed, “that’s the credit card place!” On top of a tall high rise building in bright bold letters it read CHASE. He had remembered it from the commercials.

Tell It Like It Is
In the battle of what to do’s a frustrated cousin remarked, ‘Well I’m not going to play with you ever again then’. The reply, ‘It’s ok, you always change your mind anyways’.

Heavenly

2006-10-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

As Isaac exclaims every morning: “It’s wake up time!” Not doubt about that, it was Saturday! No work for dad, time to go have fun at the beach with the whole family. We jumped out of bed, threw our swimsuits on, threw the cooler in the back of the suv and grabbed our towels and boogie boards. We were off to the beach in the midst of another gorgeous FL morning. It felt like Christmas there was so much excitement in the air. As we scurried around hopping over and around each other to get in the suv you couldn’t help but to slow down and take in all the senses. They’re just too heavenly. The sky was a soft clear blue with a bigger than life ball of sunshine creeping through and up over the tree’d horizon. Surrounded with lush greenery, an endless assortment of vibrant and fragrant flowers and an abundance of wildlife. We were greeted with the melodious songs of various birds. The local frogs and lizards awaited us on our doorstep as usual and as we left the drive way we were ushered out by a peregrine falcon. As we turned the corner there over the big lake was the morning sun in all it’s glory. It’s brilliant light glistened and sparkled across the calm mirror like water. A lovely variation of water fowl were out for their morning breakfast along with an alligator or two who gracefully glided across the calm surface of water. It’s all you can do to take in a deep breath of life, as it is all around you in abundance.

Though the drive to our favorite beach is a little further than liked it is still soothing to take in all of the scenery and wildlife. Not to mention stroll down memory lane as these parts are my old stomping grounds. I have such fond memories of fishing, hiking, canoeing and enjoying Florida’s beauty and wildlife to it’s fullest. What’s even better than taking that stroll down memory lane is seeing my boys enjoy and love it as much as I do. It brings a smile to my heart to share a little bit of me with them.

This morning we had a mission. All trips to the beach are like Christmas morning to us, however, this one was even bigger. Yes, bigger. Cameron found boogie boards on clearance!!!! The boys had been playing with them in the pool for two days now and were itching to get to the beach. So today was the big day. Upon arriving at the beach we hoisted the boards out of the back and darted to the surf. As the boys raced up the board walk without slowing down or missing a beat they noticed and pointed out the beautiful canopy of sea grapes. Then as we walked out from under the shaded canopy a boisterous thunder arose all around as their eyes beheld the beach before them. There were cheers of excitement as they ran across the white powder, boogie boards under arm and in tow. Hair blowing in the wind, faces a glow with the morning sunlight, twinkles in their eyes and a look of determination as they were about to master the wave and tame the ocean.

Oh what joy and sheer satisfaction, for all of us all around. It doesn’t get much better than this. Even on lookers stopped to smile and steal a moment of their youthful pleasure. Some even telling me a story or two of ‘back in their day’ as memories of their own were conjured up. They spent the entire morning mastering their boards and learning the ways of the waves. They even shared the fun with their baby brother. As they showed him how to lie on the board while they pulled him across the shoreline. He was just as thrilled as his brothers to ride the waves. I’d pull them along and race them through the waves taking sharp turns while they hung on shrieking with glee until my legs were as jelly. They couldn’t get enough of it, just like their mom. I never could get enough of the beach, never will. In fact my mom has stated more than once, ‘You can take the girl out of the salt water, but you can’t take the salt water out of the girl’. The beach will always be apart of our family, Florida will always be in our lives. There is something special about it, it arouses the senses and awakens the soul.

And that was our most heavenly morning.

The Force Was Here

2006-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

It was that time of day again. The shadows were beginning to creep up onto the back patio while the sun’s rays were turning more golden giving everything within it’s touch a sun kissed honey hew. There was that late afternoon heavy feeling in the air. The one that seduces you into stretching out on your back and lulls you into a peaceful evening slumber. Just as I had that very notion a wild herd of boys with super capes and light sabers came running past me. With tummies growling and in search of food they quickly swarmed around me along with their buzzing. Ah, yes, it was that time of day as well, dinnertime.

So into the kitchen I ventured after having been entrusted with a super secret mission while they continued on in their own quest as Super Jedi Knights. Finally after great care and thought I threw something together. However, I was unaware of the evil plot against me as I was intently focused on trying to keep the delicate balance of keeping dinner warm and fresh while setting the table out on the back lanai and finishing up the last minute touches I was suddenly surrounded by not one, not two, but THREE Jedi Knights! They had come to not only inform me but to rescue me from the evil emperor. Who was apparently on to my plan and I was in great need of their protection. With no further ado they whisked away the highly top secret maps (napkins and place mats) from within the clutch of my hands and transported them to the new space station. In a moments notice they returned only to now take turns guarding me from the evil emperor and his robots. While some of them carried the newly created super secret most powerful defense weapons (eating utensils) and safely secured them at our new location along with the highly explosive flying discs (plates). But, not before giving me a demonstration as to how they work and a tutorial of their capabilities. Now the ever vital energy sources (dinner itself) had to be carefully transported as not to disrupt the delicate motion of energy. After all without our energy sources all would be lost. After defeating a few bad guys who attempted to thwart our plans they then proceeded with their mission and the energy sources were placed very methodically and carefully using only the force of the Jedi. Oh, and we can’t forget our highly flammable and precious fuel (drink of course) for our space rockets. I was so impressed with their ability to give and take commands as they cooperated and worked so well under the intense pressure that was upon us. I must say it was a real adventure and an honor as well as quite a relief to have these three brave Jedi Knights at my side. For what would I have ever done with the evil emperor in my pursuit? I’ll be forever grateful for the force and for their heroic actions. Because of them we were able to safely and peacefully partake of the energy sources in our new high tech space ship.

Isaac's Ordeal

2006-07-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Two weeks before we packed up our home and moved our family across the nation our Isaac fell off the slide. When I arrived to pick him up he was being cradled and comforted. I watched him the rest of the night as it was already late and there didn’t seem a need to go to the ER. I kept an eye on him the next day and the days that followed. He never showed a sign of pain or discomfort. He didn’t baby or favor it. It wasn’t until the day after we arrived at my parents new home (2 weeks after the fall) that I became suspicious. The boys were wrestling playfully letting out some pent up road energy when Isaac tumbled. I’m not sure how or if he landed on anything. All I know is that he screamed so loud I thought a siren went through my head. It was numbing, deafening in fact. Once again it was late in the evening and he jumped back up as if all was well. This time however I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and I took him in. Thankfully my dad was able to pull some strings and work his usual magic and get us in first thing in the morning before the other patients arrived. Being out of town this was a real blessing.

Early that morning he and I ventured over to what would be one long day. The doctor came in and checked him over. Squeezed his arm up and down, moved it all over in all different directions. He looked at it from afar and up close. He even held both arms and just sat there pondering as if he were weighing them. He then said he couldn’t feel anything but, he thought that it might be just a bit swollen. That it looked a little puffier than the other. So he sent us across the hall for an X-ray. The radiologist took the x-rays and then hung them up to see if they had turned out. She gasped and told me to come and look. I didn’t have to! I looked up from my chair across the room the room in horror and could see the break! It was obvious he had clearly broken the bone straight through. We’re not talking about a little hairline fracture. This was a break in every since. As she filled her lungs back up from gasping in shock, she then exclaimed that she had never seen anything like it. She couldn’t believe that he had let her manipulate his arm like that for the x-rays without even batting an eyelash. Or, that the doctor could have done the whole exam without him showing any signs of pain or discomfort. Well we were the big news for the day, the talk of the town, the whole office was up in a roar. Everyone had to come and see. Isaac wasn’t amused at this point.

Needless to say they sent us over to an orthopedic specialist. After reviewing the x-rays he informed us that the bone had actually already started healing itself quit nicely when he fell on it and re-broke it. Yes, RE-BROKE it! So he had a fracture on top of a break. Right when I thought that sinking feeling couldn’t sink any lower, it sunk about another ten feet. Despite all of this it was truly a blessing that both times were a clean break and that they didn’t have to go in and re-align things or break things up some more. So we simply cast his arm in a lovely shade of blue and headed home.

I felt so horrible for multiple reasons. One of the biggest being that he wouldn’t be able to enjoy the summer in the sprinklers or the pool. I knew it was hard on him but he never complained. Nor did he complain about the itching. One day I asked him if it itched, it had been so hot and everyone had been so sweaty. I knew it had to be miserable. He replied as if it were no big deal, ‘yup’ and went right on playing.

The big day arrived. We all had talked about it, made plans about it, made a huge deal about it. Only to find that huge sinking feeling return when they re-x-rayed him and hung the pictures up to view. I sat there puzzled with one eyebrow higher than the other. Obviously that is not healed and if I hadn’t witnessed the whole process I wouldn’t have believed it was his x-ray. The bone had only partially healed. So I wasn’t surprised when the doctor came in and said we’d have to re-cast it. Being that he is so active and so young, we’d have to protect him from himself. Three more long weeks, that must have seemed like an eternity to him. I don’t know who felt worse at this point, he or I. He sat on my lap as they started wrapping the bandages around his arm yet again and he buried his head into my chest I could feel his heart sinking. He quietly with a quiver in his voice told me that he didn’t want them to use the noisy tool again to take it off. It was then that I realized he had been worried and even scared by it. I had prepped him for it and he sat there so brave on my lap not even flinching or whimpering. He even laughed a little as he showed his brothers what they were doing, mimicking the noise and the tickle of the vibration. I was impressed with his bravery, but I guess for a three year old it’s still terrifying. Nevertheless, he showed no signs of being afraid and masked his fear. Later he commented that he never wanted to take the cast off, to leave it on forever, because he didn’t want them to use that tool again.

As we left the office with heavy hearts and shoulders that hung, all hopes of a pool party that night were dashed, shattered to pieces. We slowly made our way to the parking lot when he stopped. I turned around to see my Isaac standing on the edge of the curb with the saddest longest face I’ve ever seen. His shoulders slopped until his fingers almost touched the ground, his head hung deep into his chest, his eyes drooped with heaviness and his lip stuck out so far you could’ve sheltered the entire midwest from the heat wave. You could see the weight of the world on that little boy. I put my arm around him and he whispered “I don’t wanna go home with a cast”. He hadn’t complained the entire time, not once and this was supposed to be the big day of celebration. He was supposed to be loosed from his shackles. He knew what he would have to face, the itching, the discomfort, the sponge baths and all that. I don’t blame him three weeks really must feel like an eternity to him. Well, he took a nap on the way home and it was all behind him. He was refreshed, renewed and hasn’t complained once. But, I know it’s driving him crazy.

August 9th is ‘take two’ day. We will once again attempt the removal of his cast. I can’t imagine it will need to be put on a third time. However, just to play it safe we are not making a big deal of it. And if all goes well we’ll come home and have a huge surprise celebration both for him and his brother’s birthday at the water park.

Here’s hoping, for a brave little boy who has waiting patiently long enough.

A Day in the Life

2006-07-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

The wanderers we’ve become. No place of our own. Cameron is right we’ve been on the road or abroad more than not this summer. And it’s not slowing down. As he is flying out on Friday back in on Sunday and right back out the following day. Along with a long list of speaking engagements and meetings that all require travel booked through the remainder of the year. So basically as we stand right now we are living in AR out of UT through various locations throughout the world.

I hardly get a moment on the computer, as mine is in storage until we find a home. And when I do get a moment I’m frantically scouring realtor.com or researching neighborhoods and schools.

So in this rare moment I’m going to forgo the house hunt and jot down some fun little tidbits from the past few weeks.

Sweets for the Sweet
Cameron is the milkshake man. After trial and error he has mastered the fine art of milkshake making. He has carefully calculated the delicate balance of ingredients that make up the exquisitely divine dessert. We have become accustomed to him spoiling us with his heavenly refreshment. One such evening upon Cameron announcing he would be making milkshakes. Everest asked if he could have a milkshake and a bowl of ice cream. His reasoning: “The milkshake is the drink and the ice cream is the food.”

The Inner Beast
After gulping down a cold glass of apple juice, Isaac’s tummy gurgled. He giggled with a grin and asked, “Did you hear that?, that’s my bee in my tummy!”

No Room for Rubber Necking
One evening we were all congregated in the same bathroom in front of the same mirror brushing teeth and getting ready for bed. Everest far on the inside trying to make his way out commented as he wiggled and squeezed his way through, “It’s like a car crash in here”.

Optimism of a 3yr Old
My heart ached for Isaac as we drove home from getting his cast put on. I told him how sorry I was and without hesitation and with great optimism he said, “It’s ok, mom.”, trying to reassure and comfort me. What a sweetheart.

Don’t Bust His Bubble!
We were trying to get all the boys gathered around for our evening scripture study. Earlier Cameron had impressed the boys with his gum blowing abilities. Edison was still fascinated and insisted his dad blow another one. While Cameron was insisting now was not the time. Isaac seeing his brothers’ disappointment came to the rescue. “I can, watch this!”, he exclaimed proudly. He then proceeded to blow the biggest spit bubble ever known to mankind.

1st Things 1st
For Isaac’s birthday he received a little superman action figure and a motorcyclist with a helmet among many other cool things. In no time he had the motorcycle helmet on superman and it remained there for sometime. You can never be too careful, even if you are a superhero. After all what kind of role model would he be if he didn’t set a good example. (Nice to see the safety lessons are sinking in.)

A Matter of Time.
We were wrapping up dinner when Isaac started asking for ice cream. I told him in a few minutes and he quietly disappeared. I looked up from the table to see him starring up over the stove at the clock. Very intensely was he studying it with fixated eyes and a furrowed brow. He then turned towards me, while pointing at the clock with one hand and his other positioned on his hip he informed me, “ That clock says I need an ice cream”.

Battle of Witts.
The boys were playing a guess what I’m thinking of game when it turned into competition. They were boasting about how hard they were thinking when I heard one say, “Well, I’m thinking so hard my brain is going to break”.

Road Trip.
The morning of our trip to Europe Edison comes in and asks “are you going to Adam’s and Londyn’s today?”. Adam and Londyn being neighbor friends we left in UT.

Westward Ho

2006-06-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, wait make that east. Our trek across mid-America wasn’t all that bad. I had had visions of endless brown fields as flat as the eye could see and then some. And while that was mostly true for a good portion of Kansas and Oklahoma, Colorado as far as we could tell had some mountainous scenery. However we drove through it in the dark. That’s not to say that the golden seas of grain aren’t beautiful as the sun is setting upon them, it just gets monotonous hour after hour. The blades of grass begin to look alike after awhile. Being that we were in somewhat of a hurry we didn’t dare venture off the beaten path too view the three-headed snake, the five-legged bull or even the world’s largest prairie dog. That’s what we get for taking Route 66. However, whatever the scenery lacked in visual stimulation the boys more than made up for in the form of entertainment. The boys were so good through the entire trip and provided more than enough comic relief. Of which I tried my hardest to write down every spontaneous outburst. Some of my fondest memories are as follows.

Moving Day.
The boys had spent the previous day and night at their grandparents as to not stress them or us out during our final moments of packing and prepping. The morning of the big moving day they all came back to our home one last time as we did a few last minute things. Isaac burst through the laundry door and stopped dead in his tracks to find the washer and dryer missing. As he scanned the barren room he exclaimed, “Holy Cow!, How’d you do that?” Then he proceeded to run through the entire house and around every corner and through every door as he was faced with what used to be familiar and home and was now barren waste land I could hear him exclaim, “Holy Cow!, How’d you do that?” (way cute and heart breaking at the same time)

Jingles all the Way
Isaac sang for, well, the entire trip. He hummed away and made up jingles from his heart to whatever caught his eye. A few lyrics went something like this…
’all the way up the mountain, that’s where we went today, lotsa rocks, rocks, rocks, Little ones and big ones…
‘Homie, Homie Home, I’m going to my new homie today, gonna pick which one I want, chicka chicka hmmm hmmm hmmmm…
‘I’m on the road, roady road, We’re on the road, roady road…
He’d sing about everything from scenery, noises the car made, the weather, feelings, even not being the baby in the family any more.

Dance Fever
We tried to liven things up by trying the local hotspots for food rather than the usual fast food joints. Which meant we spent a lot of time in little diners and cafes. The previous night in the hotel we watched part of the dance version of American Idol. The boys felt the groove and danced the night away with a mix of ballroom and break dancing. Apparently they were still feeling the groove the next day when we stopped for some grub along the way. We entered a little diner that was boasting some old school B-boppin’ tunes. We sat down to order and Edison and Isaac jumped out of their seats and began twistin’ and shoutin’. Well not shouting but they were gettin’ down. There were a few other stragglers in the diner that were captivated with these two little boys and their fancy foot work, which received a boisterous round of applause at the end of their show.

To Reserve or Not to Reserve
Isaac had a huge bubble of energy burst and he was just full of himself. I commented, ‘Isaac you have lots of energy’. Everest chimed in, “I do too. But, I’m saving it.” ‘For the hotel tonight’, I asked. Everest responds proudly, “Yup”.

Nice Try Mom
We were in the middle of Kansas and the boys were getting a little restless. We were stopped at a gas station and had let the boys get unbuckled. They were bouncing around and being silly. After looking at wheat fields all day I began to give them this educational sermon. ‘Do you know where we are? We’re in Kansas! Do you know what they grow here? Wheat! Do you know what they make out of wheat? Bread, cereal….’ Isaac grabs the back of my seat and pops his head up and says as seriously as he could through a great big grin, “Is that funny?” And then after a brief moment of silence a roaring rumble of giggles comes rolling from the rear of the car.

Road Rage
Ok, so there were just a couple of minor moments of tension on the road. At one point in my are we there yet mode I became a little edgy. I don’t even remember what happened; however I do remember it was my fault. Being tired and all I snapped at Everest without reason. And he sat far in the back feelings trampled and heartbroken. I sat far in the front feeling like the biggest and lousiest lowlife that ever lived. He wouldn’t talk to me let alone look at me. So I took out a piece of paper and wrote ‘I’m sorry, I love you’ on it. He passed it back up with the words, ‘I do too’ written underneath. This began a long series of uplifting notes that improved our morale and saved the day.

Fishin’ Fun
We tried to pack light but were still packed in pretty tight. Hudson loves the game of throwing his binky. So when you need it, it’s nowhere to be found. I brought about eight binkies that I had stashed in the console of the car. We still seemed to always be scrambling to find one when he had had enough of being confined in his car seat. So Cameron engineered the most ingenious piece of ingenuity I’ve ever seen. He tied a binky to a strap on the car seat. So every time we were in need of a binky, we’d go fishing. And sure enough every time we’d pull that rope up there was a binky on the end of it.

Rest Stop
We made yet another pit stop to get some gas and I made the rounds asking if anyone needed to go to the restroom. When I asked Edison he said, “No, I wanna wait”.
‘Are you sure you don’t want to try?’ I plead.
Edison quite sure, “ No, I wanna wait to go in the bushes.”
‘There won’t be any bushes for a while, do you wanna just try?’, I persuade.
“No, I’ll wait for a bush!” he insisted. (He being our little outdoorsman.)

Manmade Marvel
Edison’s eyes widened as his jaw dropped, “Whoa, momma, I have hair on my legs! And when I’m a daddy I’ll have lots and lots of hair.”

Needless to say the trip overall was rather enjoyable. We splurged one night and stayed a fancier hotel and slept in and enjoyed the pool and luxury pillowtop mattresses. We bonded under pressure, inspired one anothers' creativity and expanded our minds especially our imaginations.

Cameron and I took a speed demon cross country road trip with some friends shortly after we met. Upon our return home Cameron and I were the only ones on speaking terms and well, we're still talking. I always said if we could survive that we could survive anything. There's nothing like a road trip to bring ya closer or to break you up. I'm pleased to announce the Moll troop is closer than ever and continues to grow that way.

Coming Soon! (or later)

2006-05-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Moll’s travel log and crazy antics of our cross country move with four fun lovin' energetic boys, a large neurotic hound of some kind and two exhausted parents all behind one wheel. Are we insane? We’ll soon find out…. Stay tuned for the best comedy of the year.

The Silent Friend

2006-05-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

This move has been anything but easy. After five plus years we have finally perfected our home and well, it’s perfect. However, It is much deeper than that. It wasn’t until we actually signed papers that other things began to reveal themselves to us. Causing us to rethink ourselves. Is this truly the right thing for us, is this really the right time. It is truly bitter sweet, as we have so much awaiting us as well as so much right here. While taking down walls and wrapping what seems to be our very selves in bubble wrap I am immersed in deep thought and feeling. As I pack ourselves into towers of cardboard they begin to grow into soaring skyscrapers. I wind my way through the lofty columns that now make up our cardboard fortress that is our home looking for misplaced packing tape and binkies, my mind begins to meander on it’s own down familiar paths.

My heart swells as I take in the beauty that my eyes behold. I have been blessed by an abundance of young mothers and their families while living in this little neighborhood. At times I have had the great desire to entertain and to socialize longing for those deep friendships yet I have always had a more earnest business to be about, that of my family and raising four boys. In which I place above all else as the most precious and sacred of all my charges and relationships. Though I could not help but feel a little sorrow for those missed opportunities and friendships when suddenly my heart then turned a corner, my eyes opening to realize that those friendships were not missed nor lost. Yet instead as I have served them, as we have served along side each other and as they have come to serve me in my time of need our friendships flourished. I realized and can see now that a friend doesn’t always have to be someone you go to lunch with, shopping with on a girls night out or someone to chat with on the phone for hours. A friend is someone you connect with. Someone you can relate to even though through varied differences and lives. I have grown to love and admire each of these amazing women as I have watched them about their own business and as I have witnessed the beauty of each of them. They each have been a gift touching my life and a source of strength.

I am reminded of the majestic red woods of California, how they grow so tall reaching into the heavens as though they are returning from whence they came. And as they do this, underneath the earth, unseen, quietly their roots twisting and tying themselves together for strength and support. Interconnected forever in their journey. I am truly and forever grateful for the influence and the powerful impact they each have had on me in their own way. Even if but nothing more than a simple smile of mutual understanding.

Here’s to all the silent friends that walks the paths that I too walk. Here’s to the beauty that they radiate in their families and their surroundings. Much like that of the sun. As it’s rays reach forth, all things in it’s path are kissed with the heavenly honey glow of it’s warmth and light. I will carry their light with me as I venture on and I will be better off because of them. Holding a treasured place in my heart for their kindness and friendship.

Here’s to the silent friend that walks the paths that I too walk.

Proud MaMa

2006-05-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

(May 19th, 2006 Everest’s Kindergarten graduation)
Kindergarten Graduation, an experience like no other. I pulled up into the parking lot early so that we would be able to get front row seats. As I began helping boys out of the car, they began to fuss and whine about who going to sit in the stroller. We only have a double stroller at the moment, so one seat was Hudson’s and the other was in high demand. However no one was going to budge and no matter what options I provided no one was happy. So I loaded the stroller back into the back of the car and began to lug baby brother along with all the gear into the gymnasium with the other two wailing behind me. Time rapidly slipping away. Finally everyone was calm, not very happy but calm.

Everest and the kindergarten class began to shuffle into their places. Everest taking head count to see who had made it. While his Granny and great Grandma joined us with the newest little cousin. All were there for his big day. A pleased look came over him and the program was commenced. Each class had a little song or poem to recite. He did not look so thrilled to be up there when it was his class’s turn. For my boys are manly men and this was anything but manly. And when the entire kindergarten class did a little song and dance number he looked oh so painfully miserable. I could just imagine what was going through his mind. ‘do I really have to do this, why do I have to be up here, this is sooo ridiculous…’ I felt for the little guy and yet he stuck it out with excruciating effort while slowly sliding behind the girl next to him. Possibly hoping to disappear. When it was over and he was finally able to sit down, I chuckled as I had never seen him so happy to actually sit. Now if they had given him a football or a bat, now then there would’ve been a real performance.

Meanwhile Hudson is tired and getting crankier by the moment. Edison and Isaac won’t leave my side and are begging me to hold them. How I don’t know, they most have noticed a few extra arms that I was unaware of. And I was trying to take pictures on top of it all. As well as sweet little miss Ella (our new cousin) who was now getting her two cents in as well. So we are all running in and out and up and down and putting on our own show to say the least. I gave up apologizing for the interruptions. Finally a little peace but at the expense of my mother-in-law who was out in the hall with them.

Afterwards we all let out a huge sigh of relief and headed back to the parking lot. Making our way home.
We then sat in the living room chatting. Everest was excited to show his dad his classroom crayons that his teacher gave to them to take home. He proudly pointed out his name written in permanent ink on the box. A moment later he snuggled up tight next to my side and whispered he needed a marker. I told him where their washable markers were and he again drew near to my ear insisting while he whispered “no, a big black one”. I looked at him and seeing sincerity in his eyes and even though I knew he meant my permanent marker, my mother’s intuition told me it was ok. So I told him where it was and he quietly retrieved it and disappeared upstairs. Moments later he came to the bottom of the stairs and motioned for Edison to come over. The two of them disappeared up the stairs. Realizing they were armed with a permanent marker I still felt that mother’s intuition that all was well. So I left them, not saying anything, though increasing in curiousity. Another moment went by when Edison came down the stairs beaming holding the little box of crayons. He held them out with a huge grin as if someone just gave him the world and said, “Look, Everest gave me his crayons!”. I looked down and what I saw brought a lump to my throat. Everest had crossed out his name with the permanent marker and wrote his brother’s name in his place. Oh, I love my boys, I’m so proud of them.

Superhero Sidekicks

2006-05-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

The boys have been into superheroes lately. After running through the house with towels and blankets tied around their necks I finally gave them superhero capes for Valentines day. They love The Incredibles and Sky High. In fact as we pile in and out of the car they often climb behind the wheel and say buckle up were going to Sky High. If not capes then I’m rolling paper into rocket boosters and taping them on their backs or to the back of their bikes.

In the mornings Edison likes to tell me about the dreams he’s had. This one particular morning he called me in and I sat on his bed next to him. He had had a dream about superheroes this time.

Impressed with himself he said, “I fit them all into one dream!
‘All of them’ amazed I was.
He grinned and then he informed me, “the superheroes came out of my dream, mom”
‘They did?’ smiling.
Not thinking much more about it I gave him a piggyback downstairs to get some breakfast. While setting the table he exclaimed, “don’t forget the superheroes!” So I set a few extra places at the table that morning. While pretending to pour cereal for his superhero friends I asked if I had missed anyone. We wouldn’t want to send a superhero off to save the world on an empty stomach, now would we?

That morning he was taking a bath alone and I asked him if he was bored because his brothers weren’t with him. He replied, “ I’m not lonely, the superheroes are taking a bath too and they all fit!” ‘Well tell them not to splash water out of the tub, ok?’

Later as we were piling into the car to go pick Everest up from school he again exclaimed with much urgency, “don’t forget to buckle the superheroes!”. So again I catered to his superhero sidekicks and we managed to buckle everyone in.

My boys have never been much for imaginary friends so I got kind of a kick out of indulging him for a day. And that’s how long it lasted. So far we’ve only been visited by giant ladybugs and superheroes.

A Day in the Life

2006-05-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

(formerly known as the Sunday Comic series)

Tummy Teasers (Everest 5yrs old)
I recently bought a t-shirt with a Reese’s peanut butter cup logo on the front of it. While getting everyone ready for bed and herding them in the direction they needed to be in Everest popped out of his room. At first I was ready to march him right back in but before I could say or do anything he confronted me with hands on his waist saying, “Every time you come by with that Reese’s shirt you make me hungry.” I stopped in my tracks, we laughed and I gave him a big hug and kiss.

All in a Day’s Play(Isaac 2yrs old)
Spring brings the wackiest weather of all, sunshine and blooms one day and a fierce blizzard the next. On one of the warmer more promising days the boys made sure they made the most of it. They played hard all afternoon. It was so good to see them all outside having so much fun together. Hesitating to put an end to the fun I reluctantly called them in for dinner. Isaac came in and plopped down in his chair laying his arms across the table and then resting his forehead on them with a thud. He let out a long sigh and said with a very exhausted voice gasping to catch his breath, “My head hearts, I did too much running, too much jumping and too much sliding.”

Just One… (Edison 4yrs old)
Whenever I make cookies I go all out, out of necessity. Edison and Cameron will only eat the chocolate chip ones and Everest will only eat the peanut butter ones. So I make a batch of both and freeze a couple baggies of each for later in the week. Edison absolutely loves them, he could devour the entire batch all by himself. One afternoon Cameron came down to raid the freezer looking for the stowaways. Upon finding that their weren’t any reserves he inquired of us, “Who ate all the cookies?”. Puzzled, I was sure there were still some in the freezer. Edison pipes up innocently, “I ate just one…(hesitating)….bag”. Cameron and I laughed, not being surprised at all.

Withdrawals
We decided to take a break from the television. I told the boys that if they go one week without t.v. we’d have an ice cream party. And if we could go another week without t.v. I’d take them to the bookstore and they could pick out any book they wanted. Eagerly they agreed. To my surprise they had no trouble at all. Never once did they whine or complain. In fact it was more painful on me than it was on them. Needless to say they received their rewards triumphantly. Since then we’ve let them watch sparingly and after one little episode of t.v. watching Edison comes to me while rubbing his head, “Mom, my brain is mushy.”

Through the Eyes of a Child
Fire works look like green raindrops

Gotcha covered?
I needed to run upstairs really quick and asked Everest to keep an eye on Hudson for just a minute. Edison piped up “who’s gonna keep an eye on me?” uuuh Good point.

A Positive Note
At bedtime I make the rounds tucking in each boy. As I stroke their hair I whisper positive thoughts to them. I thank them for things they did that day such as their jobs, or helping their brother or just making me smile. I’ll tell them how proud I am of them, how much they are loved, or talk about all of their many talents. This one particular night I whispered to Isaac that he is such a good helper and always so happy. I whispered, “You are going to help lots of people through out your life”. Sleepily with his eyes shutting he asked, “where are the people?”. “All over the world”, I whispered. As he drifted off he instructed me, “then we’ll need to go pick them up.”

Food For Thought
Isaac loves pasta. For dinner one night I piled it high onto his plate and he dove in. He was lost in his pasta while the rest of us were immersed in the noise and chaos. Suddenly he exclaimed, “look a jelly fish!”. He held high in the air an enormous fist full of pasta with the tentacles dangling down below.

More Food For Thought
We went out to eat the other day and Everest ordered a plate full of pancakes. When the waitress set his plate in front of him he sat puzzled. Picking up a sausage link between two fingers he held it out in front of him and asked quite frankly and with disgust, “WHAT IS THIS?”.

A Guy Thing
According to Edison, everything is handsome. We do not say pretty in our house. We are a house of men and there is nothing pretty about it, he says. Luckily I’m the only one or thing allowed to be referenced as being pretty. (i.e. rainbows are not pretty they are handsome)

Put in My Place
Isaac tromped out the front door in my big pink sparkly flip-flops. With his hand held out behind him in a stopping gesture he called out, “you stay inside, shut the door and make some eggs.” And then he hurried off to play with his brothers. Well ok then.

The Power of Reassurance

2006-04-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago one Sunday evening the boys were a bit rambunctious, a little more so than usual. I had just sat down with a long sigh when I heard what sounded like a stampede along with shrieks and shrills of giggling boys following. With great effort I motioned for Cameron to stay put and told him that I’d go up. Just as I stood from my oh so comfortable seat a loud ear piercing shriek echoed through the house and I quickened my pace as I now flew up the stairs. Edison had tripped and landed face first into the doorframe. He met me at the top of the stairs with his hands holding his mouth while blood trickling between his fingers along with a few bloody handprints on the wall and door behind him.

After embracing him and quickly assessing the situation we determined he’d need stitches. His top lip was spit open. So I wrapped him in a blanket and hurried out to the car. Off to the emergency room we went.

We had fallen asleep while we waited to be seen so they gave him a smaller dose of anesthesia. He was still interacting with us through out the procedure. I held his hands while they called in two strong men to help hold him down. Apparently he wasn’t ‘out’ as much as they had hoped. As the two hospital workers strained and sweated to hold him still. I held his hands and talked to him trying to comfort him. I reminded him of the green rocket he built with dad and when they launched them off and gave him other words of comfort and encouragement. He began to relax a little as I did.

I must say I hadn’t expected to get a front and center seat. It was a little surreal watching them stick a long sharp needle through my sons wide open lip and sew him back together. But duty as a mother comes first and he needed the tender touch and soothing sound of his mom. I wasn’t about to let go of him leaving him alone through this.

They finally finished and I was able to hold him in my lap. The anesthesia began to wear off and he mumbled that he was still having bad dreams. I told him everything was all over and that I wasn’t going to leave him. As I stroked his hair I asked what he dreamt about. He told me that the police were chasing him, but he was faster and got away. After a pause he said that I was in his dreams and that I was happy. I asked him if there was anything else and he said he dreamt about one green rocket and being with dad.

So my presence had made a difference. It’s amazing how powerful the soft spoken word and gentle touch is. They can turn away anger and overcome fear in an instance changing an ill mood from night to day.

A few moments passed and he looked up into my eyes with all sincerity and much concern asking, “Mom, do I have a new nose and lips?” Holding him closer I reassured him they were still his very own nose and lips. Just as handsome as always.

An Easter Rocket

2006-04-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Every night the boys test my creativity forcing me to stretch my imagination to the very ends of the universe. Each night they flood Cameron and I with requests for stories. Usually about their latest interest or things that have intrigued them as of late. Last night was no different. I was bombarded with various topics. Edison wanted a rocket story, one that talked about rockets being built. Often I start off sputtering and staggering until I get some direction and an actual storyline develops. One has to be quick in their thinking when telling them a story. For long drawn out lulls just aren’t tolerated. As I am not a rocket scientist I began to sputter through the beginning of the story.

So uuuuuuuhhhh long time ago they were trying to figure out how to build a rocket. They tried all kinds of things, but nothing was working. So there was uuuuuuuuuhhh bunny rabbit(bunnies being a hot topic this time of year) that was watching all of this. And one day he had an idea, “I bet I could build a rocket”.
So he planted a seed and a carrot started growing and growing and growing until it was as big as a bike. He then carved a hole in the carrot and hallowed it out. He crawled inside to check it out as he pondered how he was going to get this thing off the ground. Then he remembered something his neighbor had in his barn. He hopped inside his barn and rummaged around until he found an old box of fire works. He picked out a few and hopped back to his workshop. He stuck ‘em in the back of his carrot and lit ‘em up. Quickly he climbed inside his rocket while shutting the door behind him he braced himself.

Suddenly the carrot began to tremble and then shake and then SWOOOSH! “We have blast off!” he shrieked. That rocket zoomed straight up into the sky. The bunny rabbit circled the earth well, “it must have been a zillion times”, he thought, until he landed back on his front porch. He hopped out of his rocket and he bounced up and down and all around with glee. He was so excited. He stopped mid hop in mid air, something caught his eye, “I have an idea!”. As he had been hopping with sheer joy the bright colorful eggs he paints were sparkling through his workshop window. See this is no ordinary bunny rabbit. This bunny paints eggs. He paints them all different colors and decorates them with the most beautiful pictures. He’s an artist bunny. But they were piling up in his house and his workshop he had so many. His great idea was that he would deliver his prized eggs to each of his friends as a gift. So he filled his rocket up with eggs and hopped back into the barn to pick out some more fireworks. But, this time he left some of his special painted eggs in return. And away he went. Up up and into the sky. He zoomed all over the barnyard and through the meadow and into the forest. Leaving his little treasured eggs on the doorstep of each of his friends home. Then he landed his rocket back inside his workshop just before the sun started coming up. He curled under his blankets with a smile on his face.

When he awoke he exclaimed, “ that was so much fun, I want to do it again, I have another idea!”. So he began painting more eggs and he painted and painted the most beautiful of all the eggs ever. He filled his carrot full and hopped back to the barn for more fireworks. Leaving the most spectacular egg of all for the farmer. He climbed in the rocket braced himself and SWOOSH! Up up and away he went. This time he delivered his hand crafted eggs to all the boys and girls through out the entire world.

When he returned home he had the biggest smile ever and he hopped right to work. “I’ve got to get started on my eggs if I’m going to have them ready.” He spent the next year painting and preparing his special eggs and from then on every spring the puzzled but pleased farmer would always leave a box of fireworks in the barn in return for a most spectacular egg. Not only is that how the Easter Bunny came to be but, that’s how he gets around so quickly, a rocket made out of the biggest carrot ever.

Ladybugs

2006-03-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

After the usual bedtime routine of snacks, teeth, family prayer, hugs and kisses, pj’s, stories and books, potty, drinks, wiggles and giggles I was finally left with one little boy out of the four awake. Beyond exhausted at this point, I had the choice of laying down in his bed with him or inviting him to lay down in mine. I knew I’d fall asleep before him so I opted for my bed.

Patiently I waited while he fiddled around down on the floor next to my bed. Trying not to get frustrated with this so very not sleepy little boy who still had all the energy in the world I patiently continued trying to get him to settle down.

When all of a sudden, he pounced into bed next to me yelling, “HURRY, the ladybugs are coming!”

‘Ladybugs!? Are they mean?’, I ask.

“Yup, they’re gonna get us!,” replies Isaac very seriously. “I’ll go get my blue light saber, that’ll get ‘em!”

Seizing the opportunity to finally get him in bed and under the covers, I join in, “NO!, Wait!, They can’t get you under the super shield blankets’.

“Oh, Yah!” as he excitedly slides under the covers pulling them up over his head.

Curious about these ladybugs I ask, ‘Sooo, what color are they?’.

“The mean ones are pink,” he replies with a deep stern voice.

‘Are there nice ones?’, I inquire.

“Yup, they’re blue” he informs me.

‘That’s good to know’ thanking him.

Some how I muster up enough strength to help fight off the ladybugs and continue hiding from them for a while. His eyes begin to grow heavy and he’s fighting to keep them open.

He sleepily pipes up, “I wanna go to granny’s, she doesn’t have monsters”.

Reassuring him, ‘Well we don’t have monsters either.’

“Yah but we have ladybugs,” he reminds me.

‘Oh, that’s right’, I smile. And we both drift off.

(Since then I have come to find out that ladybugs have very big sharp teeth, ten feet and two eyes and they’ll eat you and any bees that might be in the vicinity. They live under my bed but venture out to fly around from time to time. So keep your eyes peeled in case any wander your way. Oh and if you don’t have a blue light saber or super shield sheets, throw beans at them. That seems to repel them just the same. However, I do recommend the pretend kind.)

Stay Tuned

2006-03-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

Due to multiple requests for more articles I will be resumming my regular posts.
I have often said that it takes me an entire year (after having a baby) to get myself back to normal, hormones, physically, mentally and so forth And I'm not just making excuses my doctor will back me up on that. I once asked him how long it took for all that to settle down and resume back to 'normal', and he said a year. Not to mention there is a lot of adjusting with a newborn, even though we've been through it before.

Having said that I will do my best at trying to get a regular post out at least monthly for now. I still have three months before I hit the year mark. I've jotted a few notes down over the past months so all is not lost. Besides with four boys I have new material daily.

At any rate, thanks for the encouragement and don't give up on me.

One Call That's All

2005-11-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

The time had come. I needed to return a phone call before I put it off any longer. Everyone was relatively quiet and content and I figured now’s my chance, it’ll be real quick. Ok, get right to the point, accomplish the task and hang up. Upon hanging up I turned around to find that my 2 year old had decided to make his own bagel using the microwave. Smoke was billowing out from it. I scooped him in my arm surveying the situation as I darted out front with him. I set him on the front porch and went back in to open all the windows and doors and turn on the fans. I peeked inside the microwave to see what I was up against. One last billow of smoke came pouring out and there in the middle of the microwave was a mostly melted partially petrified pile of black goo. Yes, melted, sticky, eewie gooie goo. I think it was the raisins that contributed to the goo factor. After getting that under control I went up stairs to check on the boys who were unusually quiet. The oldest had exercised his creativity and had taken down all the hangers in his closet and made a 3-D sculpture in his bedroom. Insisting that I leave it up to admire. While the other brother had decided to go camping and set up camp in his little brother’s room. With sleeping bags, blankets, books, toys and all those really important necessities piled up around him. He was a very proud camper, after all he did set up camp all by himself. All of this in under three minutes probably more like two. Cameron came down wondering why it was so cold and smelled like smoke. I told him I had returned someone’s call. He responded with an ‘aah’, turned around and went back upstairs. Needn’t say anymore. It’s taken over a week of scrubbing and deodorizing to get the stench of burnt bagel out of our home and the microwave still gives that aroma in a gentle but pungent waft when you open it’s door.

Now for those of you who know me, we have four boys. What was the littlest little brother doing during all this? He was bouncing on my hip through the entire ordeal. And people wonder why I love email sooo much.

Who We Are

2005-10-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Everybody has them whether they want them or not. Quirky little behaviors that make us uniquely our own person. Some of us seem to have more than our share while others seem to just be more obvious than some. While I like to think of myself as being laid back enough as to not to have to claim ownership to any quirky little habit. I’m sure I have one or maybe two.

I’ve come to witness the quirkiness in my own children. Some of which has been inherited by default and some strangely and uniquely their own. For instance, some of the quirky little habits we cherish and at times endure include things like:

Every door/drawer/lid/top/cabinet…. Must be shut. C-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y shut. There is a sixth sense in our home, the ability to sense a door that is ajar in an entirely different room. And every thing must come to a stop until it is closed securely. Once, a disgruntled little boy in an effort to show his mother how much he disapproved of her at that moment, went through out the kitchen opening every cabinet, and drawer as wide as it would go. I was in the laundry room listening to the stomping of feet, the huffing and puffing along with the swoosh of each door and clang of each drawer. Trying to conceal a smile I peeked around the corner just in time to see him stomp out of the kitchen with a furrowed brow. I knew how much it bothered him to have one door the slightest bit ajar so I knew how miffed he was with me when even the dishwasher, fridge and oven were open. He got his point across.

Socks and Seams. I’ve never thought twice about the seams in my socks. However, there is one young man in our home that is obsessed with them. And now I wonder why do we have to have seams in our socks, is there any possible way to make socks without seams? I’m even searching the stores for the sock that has the least seam. The seams have to be aligned just so across the toe. The seam cannot be positioned in anyway that may bring notice to it as the shoe is placed over the sock. Seams and socks…need I go on?

Dinner and the bathroom, or maybe it should be dinner in the bathroom. Since, every time we sit down for a meal we have to suddenly out of no where go to the bathroom in droves.

Sleep overs. One of our boys is a tosser and a turner when it comes to sleeping. he has a double sized bed and he makes good use of it, in fact he still often ends up on the floor. Whenever he stumbles into our room at 2 in the morning and climbes under our covers he's only there for a short little while. Long enough to snuggle in the warmth and then he gets up on his own and goes back to his bed where he has room to roam the mattress the rest of the night.

Toe Jam. Another sweet child of ours has a favorite blanket. This particular blanket was handmade with lots of love. It is woven with big fluffy soft yarn that he loves, I mean loves to jam his little fingers and toes through the loops of yarn. He has done this since he was a newborn. And to this day you can still find him asleep with his toes and fingers poking through the little holes. It's fun to watch him as he drifts off to sleep while weaving himself into his blanket.

A humdinger of a habit. When this little guy begins to grow tired his timer goes off. He begins to hum. And the sleepier he gets the louder he hums. Not only does he hum himself to sleep, but he hums himself awake. It's not a bad little set up alarm.

A hug and a kiss is just that. It is a hug and a kiss and must be delivered in that order and in the proper way, not backwards, not at the same time, not slightly off centered or altered in any way but simply a hug and a kiss.

Then there are the countless quirky little smiles and giggles that we adore. So I suppose having a quirk or two isn’t so bad. After all, it is who we are.

Sunday Comics IV

2005-09-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Come again?
We had been keeping Isaac from taking naps because he’d stay up til 11pm or later if he did nap. So this particular evening he couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer. He fell asleep at 5pm and didn’t wake up until 7am the next morning. After a 14 hour sleep I figured he could go through the day without a nap no problem. However he came in and grabbed his soft blanket and began to wrap himself in it and roll around on the floor. Looking suspiciously sleepy. We then engaged in the following conversation:
Mom: “Isaac, you’re not tired.”
Isaac: “yes, I am”
Mom: “NO, you’re not”
Isaac: “YES, I am”
Mom: “Isaac, YOU are NOT tired”
Isaac: “YES, I AM”
Mom: “you’re not going to sleep, do not go to sleep”
Isaac: “Yes”
Mom: “don’t go to sleep”
Isaac: “yessss”
Mom: “OK, then, go to sleep”
Isaac: “No, don’t want to”

Peanut
We were surprised at Hudson’s size when he was born. None the less a healthy boy and cute to boot.
In fact the nurses nick-named him Peanut, because he was the cutest little baby in the nursery. He liked to curl up into a little ball and snuggle, still does. Our little bundle of boy was a real hit. One nurse would always sneak in the nursery to see if he was there and if he was she would scoop him up and snuggle him in the rocking chair. She said it almost made her want to have another baby. Almost.

Time for Sleep
The boys were in bed. Not willing to give into slumber just quite yet, Edison had found a toy to play with. It would make an obnoxious noise every time he would squeeze it. While this amused Edison it didn’t go over so well with his brother. After hearing enough Isaac calls out from the other room, “Be Quiet”.

Premeditated?
Wanting to check on the boys I opened the front door. As I stepped out side I was not greeted with a very warm welcome. In fact Isaac with his brow furrowed and pointing me back inside with a low stern growl told me, “Go back inside mom, go inside…now!” A little bewildered it soon made sense when I realized he had the hose in his hand. Earlier I had told them not to turn the water on anymore. Obviously he did not want to be caught turning it on.

Grammar 101
Rather than using my or mine Isaac refers to himself and his possessions as “my Isaac’s”. For instance: “I hurt ‘my Isaac’ “ or “I want my Isaac’s blanket”.

Hall of Fame
Play of the year! The ball popped back and up over the fence, hit the metal roof behind us, rolled down and bounced through the bleachers of fans and was making it’s way to us. Cameron stood with baby in one arm, reached out over the seats in front of us and caught the stray ball single handed! What a play! Yup, that's our dad!

Sunday Comics

2005-07-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Stairway to Heaven
After putting the boys down to bed Cameron and I noticed the beginnings of a beautiful sunset. Upon further investigation we discovered a rainbow. We hollered up the stairs for the boys to come down and look. The two oldest jumped at the invitation. While calling for Isaac he responded “no, don’t want to’. After insisting he come down to see the rainbow, he then exclaimed “OH!” and ran down too. All three boys were jumping excitedly on the front walk in their pajamas as they traced the enormous band of colors from one end to the other as it stretched across the sky. They were naming all the colors they could see and then Edison shouts out with great joy, “it goes up into heaven, now we can walk to Jesus!”

Negotiations
Everest was playing with his cousin Austin while at their Granny’s house one afternoon. They were trying various imaginative methods of getting the cat out from under her bed. After exhausting their creativeness they got desperate. Austin piped up, “ Let’s make a sign that says, ‘Come Out Buster’ and show it to him. That will make him come out.”
Everest ready to give anything a try at this point, “ I don’t think that will work, but we’ll try.”

Close to Home
When we decided to make the leap from Cameron’s two hour commute to work everyday to working from home I mentioned it to the boys. I started out by asking them how they would like it if daddy got a new job and didn’t have to work so far away anymore. Their bright blue eyes sparkled and Everest jumped up and shouted, “yah, he can work at Walmart!”. (Being that there is a Walmart down the street from us and Walmart is the answer to everything in their eyes.)

Enough Already
The boys and I were running errands for dad one morning. I was trying to entertain them as they were growing bored from being in the car. I busted out into a silly made up song when a very serious lsaac (2yrs old) abruptly stopped me mid rhyme. A deep low voice came bellowing from the back of the rover, “That’s enough. Mom.”

Sail or Sell!

2005-07-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

The day finally came to sail or sell. We inherited a small sailboat a few years back and it’s been sitting in our driveway ever since. A sin, yes indeed. So the time had come to get rid of it or use it. It being a smaller sailboat made it too dangerous to take the boys out on, so Cameron found a good deal on a motor and off we went.

The weather had been exceedingly hot. We’re talking low 100’s for weeks. A trip to the lake sounded refreshing however, the morning of the big event we awoke to major cloud cover and wind. As we loaded up we felt several drops fall from the sky. Not very promising. Nevertheless we were determined to take the boat out.

It didn’t take long to get the boat launched and filled with overzealous little boys. I stayed on shore with the baby and the dog while the others headed off to sea. While I waited back on land I let Maurie (our dog) loose to frolic in the tall grass along the shoreline. I’d swear she’s half otter. The way that dog loves water is unreal and rather entertaining.

After a few outings with the boat, the gang grew hungry. We snacked and played in the water ourselves. Cameron and I engaged in a brief conversation only a few feet away from the boys. When all of a sudden in slow motion I noticed Edison rolling over in the water. And then I yelled “he’s under water!” Cameron made a mad dash to his aid and pulled him out. It was only seconds and he was fine. But still, a mother’s nightmare. I had just been telling Cameron how becoming a parent changes things. You’re not so fearless. I worry about safety where I’ve never given it a second thought in the past. And for good reason, there’s too much at stake.

That didn’t slow anyone down. The boys kept playing and took the boat out a couple more times and then we headed home. It was a much needed Saturday. Just family and fun.

So, I guess this means we’re sailing and not selling.

The Best Mistake Ever!

2005-07-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Let’s go camping! Was the spontaneous cry for the weekend. Ok, so we weren’t really roughing it. But with a newborn it seemed a little much to actually camp out. So, our family campout to kick off the summer was a bit different than those of last year. None the less we loaded up the car with sleeping bags, bug spray and the usual camping gear. However we were missing one minor or maybe major item, the tent. Yes, we purposely left the tent at home on this campout. We packed the boys in and told them we were going to be staying in a camping lodge (camping being the operative word here) and proceeded to sell the idea with hope that they’d buy it.

After having to turn back a couple of times to fetch forgotten items and a few pit stops we were finally on the road for real. The only thing keeping us amused at this point was the underwear that Isaac insisted upon wearing on his head. Whizzing down the highway, homes and businesses disappearing in the background as we wound our way up into the canyon. Shedding ourselves from the stress as we soaked in the mountain fresh air and beautiful scenery. All of a sudden Cameron realizes that we should have reached the summit by now. We call the lodge and he then quickly realizes that in our mad dash out of town we went up the wrong canyon. It would take at least two hours to turn around, go back down the canyon and up the right one. What else could we do? Go home? Not if the boys had anything to do with it. So we turned around and began our trek back down the canyon. When luckily Cameron spotted an old small sign that said To Strawberry Reservoir. We took it. Hoping it would cut over and through the mountains rather than having to go back down and into town and around. Sure enough it did. So we went off roadin’. It was so bumpy we had to give the boys gum to cushion their teeth. It was breathtaking as we climbed all the way to the top of the mountain. We were literally on top of the world. Our vision skimmed across mountain tops and into the endless blue sky. Wildflowers of every heavenly color were rampant and ground squirrels were plentiful. Again the stress quickly disappeared as we absorbed nature’s beauty into our souls. Suddenly it didn’t matter what time we arrived, it was worth the stress and detour just to experience the higher road. Finally after bobbing up and down like apples we rounded a bend and saw the setting sun glistening on the dark blue lake just in time for dinner. It felt like coming home as we neared the lodge. And soon we found ourselves sitting down for some grub. We had made it, was the mutual sigh.

Now for the next chapter of our excursion, dinner. With three very tired and hungry kids who had been sitting in the car for the past several hours and who were anxious to ‘camp’, a newborn that was hungry and tired of sitting in his car seat as well, along with two grown ups who were a bit on the frazzled side as well it was bound to be an adventure in and of itself. It didn’t help that the waitress sat us front and center. I mean dead center for all to witness the chaos. I guess they had mistaken us for the entertainment that night. After quickly gulping down dinner as fast as we could we headed back to our campsite.

The boys quickly made themselves at home and spread out their sleeping bags on the floor. Then checked out their private porch that opened up into natures backyard along with the fireplace and all of the knobs, dials, switches and gizmos the room had to offer. Marshmallows didn’t follow far behind. It’s not a real campout without marshmallows. So the boys pretended to roast marshmallows by placing them up against the protective glass on the fake fireplace. Once that wasn’t exciting anymore, they became airborne and soon the marshmallows miraculously transformed into baseballs. While all of this was going on something caught my eye. Something outside up against the trees on the other side of the open field. Deer! Look guys! Deer! We all dropped marshmallows and ran outside onto the little porch. Sure enough there was a small family of deer. The boys thought that was soooo cool. This really was almost camping. By now the sun had pretty much set and the deer had meandered into the forest of thick aspens. So we herded our own little ones inside too. Funny, only Isaac slept on the floor in his sleeping bag. The others claimed their spots in the overstuffed log beds.

The next morning Cameron took the boys to the pool and had a massage lined up for me. After we were all relaxed and ready, we packed up camp and set out for the day. After a hearty breakfast we found a fun place to stop and throw rocks in the river while goofing around before heading home. It wasn’t long before we were back into complete civilization. Already missing what we left behind.

Needless to say one of my favorite parts of the trip ended up being the best mistake ever. And who says you need a tent to go camping?

Sunday Comics II

2005-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Drive
One lovely Sunday afternoon we piled the kids and the dog into the car and headed up the canyon for a drive. After a little off roadin’ on some back roads we decided to stop and let everyone stretch.

It only took seconds for them to discover a little stream that was only
about a foot wide. Everest was having a blast jumping across it and then
fell in after a limb broke. Soaking him self. At the same time Edison in a panic yells “I have to go POOH! RIGHT NOW!”, drops his drawers and goes right there. No time to look for a stump or privacy of any kind. Meanwhile Isaac is sliding down the ‘riverbank’ leaving his entire backside covered in mud. While Maurie is running wild down the middle of the stream and then rolling in the water and leaping off the steep banks. Yes, Cameron and I just laughed and laughed we felt we were watching the three stooges (4 including Maurie). Good times, good times.

The Petting Zoo
A couple of years ago upon bringing home our third child, Isaac, I sat on the couch and the oldest two piled up next to me to get a close up view of their new baby brother. Edison without hesitation reached out his hand and started gently rubbing his baby’s head. Everest immediately piped up “I wanna pet him, I wanna pet him!” Apparently the petting zoo is still open. As we recently brought our fourth son home we still ‘pet’ the baby. And are open for business.

Who’s Teaching Who
As I was putting the groceries away I figured I might as well use it as a teaching moment. Upon pulling the bacon out of the bag I informed Edison, who was ripping through bags and tossing items across the floor, that bacon comes from pigs. Edison responded instantaneously with a long drawn out “nnnoooooo, silly you”. Now looking up at me with his bright blue eyes and an ear to ear grin as he is wrapped around my leg like a cement shoe. Well, then were does it come from? “Bacon comes from Walmart!” he informs me. (DUH) I guess I’m the one who needed the lesson.

True, True
Dad: Hey, Edison will you shut the door? Or the flies will get in and then they’ll eat your hair and your nose and…
Edison: Naaawww, they like Pooh!

Latest Trends in Dialect
Swap'em: swat the the fly
Swapper: fly swatter

Sunday Comics

2005-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Delivered hot off the press and straight from the Moll Metro.

*During a lesson in Sunday school the teacher made a remark in reference to a scripture that said something about it being time to go. Isaac (18 months old) jumped up from busily playing on the floor and excitedly shouted ‘Go…GO…time to go’ grabbing his crayons and his dad’s hand as he headed for the door. (I find it reassuring that he was listening to the lesson at least.)

*After a long and busy day we were herding our boys into bed. I gathered up what pajamas I could find. Since I hadn’t had time to finish the laundry they didn’t all match. As we were helping them get dressed Edison exclaims, “but, my jammies don’t rhyme!”.

*On another occasion Isaac once again was coloring quietly next to me during a class at church. While two women sat down behind us. One kept leaning over to the other making comments. Yet again she leaned over with a funny remark when Isaac stood up and looked her in the eye and let out a loud “SSSSHHHHH” with slobber and all. She stopped mid-sentence, stunned. Everyone got a good chuckle out of that, including the well humored woman.

*During primary Everest was extended the invitation to give a short talk during the opening exercises. He readily agreed and practiced all week what he was going to say. Sunday came and it was his turn to get up and deliver his message. Being overwhelmed (even with dad right by his side) at standing in front of 100 or so kids he didn’t say much, nothing in fact. Later that evening his grandmother asked how his talk went and he reported enthusiastically, “Dad gave it all by himself!”. Obviously, very proud of his father.

*As we prepared for a last minute excursion Everest took charge and did his own packing. He ran upstairs with a large plastic shopping bag and soon returned with his entire drawer of underwear stuffed inside. Announcing that he was ready and headed out to the car. Saying something about just in case he needs them as he waved the bag of briefs high in the air. Now there is a well prepared young man with his priorities straight.

*Upon arriving at Cameron’s aunt’s house we toured her home admiring her recent remodeling and Christmas decorations. Everest particularly was fond of the large beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the living room. It was tall and heavily adorned with delicate and priceless keepsakes. We took a moment and pointed out all of the different things we saw on the tree. When at the end of our inventory of crystal, lace, delicate ribbon garland and other sparkling ornaments he exclaimed, “And deer poop!”. Huh? We all did a double take at the tree. Apparently the mauve clusters of grapes carefully placed throughout the tree’s branches were a perfect replica of deer poop. Everest is an expert on deer by the way.

Braggin' Rights

2005-04-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it’s no secret testosterone is running rampant in our household. We have blue bedrooms filled with sports paraphernalia and rockets. A backyard filled with sports equipment right next to a giant mud hole filled with construction trucks just right for afternoon baths. A garage crammed with bikes, scooters and other items that increase the motion of being propelled through space in one form or another at great speeds. Not to mention cupid brings rubber snakes and toy lawn equipment.

So it’s no shock that we eat, breathe and sleep baseball around here. My three year old’s life is baseball. In fact all of their lives revolve around it. The all time favorite movie is The Rookie, runner up: Angels in the Outfield. They don’t just sit and watch The Rookie, they get up right next to the TV and mimic every move right down to the hand twitching and raised eyebrows. They have the moves the lingo, all of it down. They not only know how to throw a fast ball, a curve ball… they can recognize the pitch. My 18 month olds favorite phrase: “Hit da ball”. We can be anywhere and these guys will start up a game. Just the other day I was at the deli counter ordering some ham and there they were in baseball mode. Swinging the pretend bat over his shoulder, leans in with intense focus…taps the floor twice with the bat. While the catcher squats behind delivering the play with secret hand signals and the pitcher digging into the mound, winding up and then throwing the most perfect pitch ever thrown by man
and then he SWINGS! He runs, rounding the imaginary bases around the bread isle and slides into home for an amazing play all around! On lookers clapping and cheering as they witness this remarkable event.

I’ve had to give in and let them play in the house. That’s right baseball in the house. The winters are too cold and miserable to send them out in the bitter cold to play. So we compromised with soft, very soft balls and padded bats. (Good thing too, I’ve been nailed in the face too many times with a ball.) They had to work to earn their helmets and gloves. Man can they hit, catch and throw. They’ll be the only little leaguers not using a tee in T ball. In fact at this rate they’ll be the youngest rookies rather than the oldest. The way they connect with the ball on a consistent basis and not only that but, the force and power behind the hit is just remarkable. I’m in awe.

Now that the weather is warming up we’ve been outside and still have to use soft plastic balls as they frequently bounce off the windows of not only our home but the neighbors. I took them to a local park that has some ball fields. They were in heaven. The red dirt, the green grass the pitchers mound, hello, it doesn’t get much better than this. Then a high school team arrived to practice on one of the fields and they all stood there. Gazing through the chain link, watching them practice in their uniforms. Dreaming of the day they would be.

Cameron and I surprised them and took them to a college baseball game on Saturday. Their faces lit up and they marched in with their helmets on, looking like little bobble heads dragging their bats behind them in one hand and their glove in the other. We had front row seats right behind home plate and we were ready. Except they were a little bummed that they weren’t allowed down on the field, they wanted to play too. So in between each inning Cameron would take them to an open area behind the concession stand and they’d play ball. Running back to their seats each time with all of their personal stats: Mom, Mom, I hit the ball over the fence two times, and we had to go get it…..Mom, I caught the ball dad hit!…Mom…

It’s just fun, a whole lot of fun. I love my boys and their larger than life enthusiasm.

(and that’s just baseball, I haven’t mentioned golf or any of the others)

SXSW

2005-03-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

An Outsider’s View

I was recently privileged to spend a week in Austin, TX with my husband. He was one of the panelists speaking at the SXSW conference.

The trip started out early, very early as we had to catch a 6:30am flight. Apparently we should’ve set the alarm for 2am rather than 3am. However we arrived at the airport with just enough time to take care of business. Except, we ended up at the wrong airline counter and to make matters worse it was in an entirely separate building. So, now we are hurdling over medians and barricades with luggage in tow(I’m 7 months pregnant let’s not forget), in order to make our flight, which starts boarding in 20 minutes. All hope of making it in time is quickly demolished as the security check comes into view. The line was incredibly long, it turned and twisted through ropes and down in and around into the baggage claim. Yes, we were just going to have to catch another flight. Miraculously though we actually made it to the boarding gate just as they opened the doors to board.

Things smoothed out after that in fact we received not one but two upgrades in our rental car and that night we received the royal treatment from Cameron’s Uncle and Aunt. We stayed the first night with them in San Antonio. They served up a mean BBQ Texas style and then took us sight seeing. The river walk down town is a must see, however we went by boat rather than walk. Then we strolled over to the Alamo. Much smaller than I imagined, but impressive none the less. There was a feeling of reverence and awe as we walked the perimeter. Word of advice though: Do not, I repeat DO NOT park in the parking garage at the river walk mall on a Friday night. Unless, you plan on spending the night. It took two hours to get out of the parking garage and they charged us for the wait.

The next morning we awoke to blue skies, birds chirping and green, lots of green! After a home cooked breakfast and a visit we hit the road to enjoy the SXSW conference. Making it just in time to catch the last half of the opening kickball tournament. Where I was introduced to many of my husband’s fellow designers and bloggers.

Cameron jumped right into the thick of things while I dove into a nice afternoon nap. That night I was able to meet up with Cameron and some of his friends while we enjoyed a healthy bite to eat. Afterwards we went for a stroll downtown to check out the nightlife. We had the pleasure of being joined by another accompanying spouse who was there just for the weekend. So the next morning she and I hooked up and went sight seeing through out downtown Austin. While our husbands were busy at the conference we were busy hopping transit busses. Honestly I didn’t do much sight seeing after that. I enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the hotel room and lobby. Boring, maybe? But, that’s what I had been looking forward to. I little quiet and me time. And in between my reading and napping I would join Cameron and other SXSW goers. Which more than filled my quota for entertainment and amusement. What a fun and impressive bunch of guys.

Monday I did have an all day pass and was able to catch a first hand view of what was taking place. The entire trip I had tried to stay low key and out of the way. That all changed though as I set foot in the convention center. It was obvious that I was an outsider. I was the only one there with out a laptop or any other electrical device for that matter. Nevertheless it was just exciting to be amongst all of the energy. And the Design Eye panel was way out of this world, if I do say so myself. Well worth the entire trip. Entertaining and informative even for a non web guru such as I.

I love watching my husband in action and it was thrilling to see him in his element. To witness the world recognize in him what I’ve already known and saw in him the first day I laid eyes on him.

A Wish Fulfilled (Edison's update)

2005-02-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Our church held a Christmas party with everything from the birth of Jesus to a personal appearance from Santa himself. The boys were excited about talking to Santa this year unlike years past. They waited patiently in line for what seemed like hours. Once reaching Santa's knee they both crawled upon his lap. Everest then asked for a Great Big Book of Everything (from the Disney cartoon Stanley) and handcuffs. Edison then very sincerely asked for blessings. Yes, blessings. Maybe he sensed what awaited just a few short days away.

While I was unable to produce the magic that the Great Big Book of Everything possesses in the Disney series I was able to locate an acceptable stand-in (D/K Animal Encyclopedia). Everest's face lit up when his Christmas wish came true.

As for Edison (though his wish was a bit out of my humble league) his came true as well. He received blessings beyond imaginable. As we just returned from Primary Children's Hospital to have the stitches removed last week. And yesterday we had the follow up exam. It went much better than expected. The injury only left a tiny scar just off centered in the pupil. Glasses are not necessary and it's not expected to effect his vision in the long run either. Nor was there any disfiguration of the shape of the eye. In fact the only thing left now is a little therapy to strengthen his eye. His vision is 20/40 in the injured eye and 20/20 in the other. So we are patching his 'good' eye daily in order for his eye to regain strength. After a week or two of this he should be home free and be able to put all of this behind him.

He is truly blessed. If this had been a ball point pen rather than a felt tip or if it had been slightly punctured in any other direction in the slightest it might have been an entirely different outcome. The angels heard his Christmas wish and watched over him that Christmas Eve.

A special thanks is in order to all of the doctors and medical staff who acted so quickly and professionally in his behalf. Especially to Doctor Martel and staff of the Martel Eye Medical Group. In which we will be forever grateful for their personal attention and interest in Edison. They truly are miracle workers. Also many thanks for all of the prayers and words of encouragement given by so many of you.

oh-boy, oh-boy, oh-boy, OH-BOY!

2005-02-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right four boys, we are expecting our fourth boy! Some aske if I'm disappointed. How on earth could I be disappointed or why for that matter? Boys don't come any better than these. True, a little girl would be welcomed. But, I'm certainly not disappointed. Besides we have a good thing going here, we're in a groove. Why interrupt the boy thing? (Plus Cameron and I are secretly obsessed with recreating our version of the Globe Trotters.)

Although we have put ourselves ina bit of a predicament. We have established a reputation of sorts when it comes to naming our children. Each child has a reputable and meaningful name that is uniquely his own. Even my OB/Gyn is on pins and needles awaiting the arrival of the official name. This being our fourth boy we are exhausting our resources and references here.

Needless to say despite the how in the world are we going to fit another car seat in w/o purchasing a minivan we are excited and eager for this little guy to join our family. My oldest has been saving items and making room for the baby for months now. He's saved fruit snacks, skittles and parts of peanut butter sandwiches. And is constantly dividing things between his brothers including the one yet to arrive. He is also planning ahead where the baby will sit at the table, in the car, kneel for family prayer... We even have a toothbrush in the bathroom for him. I can't wait to start getting the room ready for the baby, then Everest will really have fun getting ready for his brother's arrival.

FOUR BOYS! WOW!

The Incredibles

2005-01-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

I absolutely loved The Incredibles. In fact I have a favorite scene, the dinner table. Now I never thought of myself as having super powers and surely not as a super hero. But, I sure could relate to the Incredibles family sitting down to eat a meal together. After that I was almost convinced that I too had super hero powers. Thankfully my children don’t fight and squabble with each other. However, just trying to get them to the table and to sit in their chairs long enough to serve their plate to them is a mighty super task in itself. Then the enormous endeavor to keep the cups from spilling, the plates from flying, the food out of the dog’s mouth and the dog’s mouth out of the food. Holding on to the table with amazing stretch ability as to keep it upright while holding on to my chair with all my might, mind and strength all while keeping my youngest’s fork from missing my mouth and gouging out an eye as he insists I try a bite of his food. Now, if by the time this event has come to a close and I or anyone for that matter has been able to ingest as much food as there is on my lap or tabletop then I feel victorious in that I have conquered the impossible.

The after math is a sight, the true remains of a battle well fought. No, ground left untouched, literally. After their tiny little hands clear their places their little feet carry them away at lightening speeds off to other adventures. And it was all just one big blur as I gasp for air and wipe my brow. Now the insurmountable task that only super human powers could take on…clean up. And as I’m rolling up my sleeves and putting on my waders I’m informed that the young men’s presidency is meeting at our house in an hour. So, I kick it into high with some of my own lightening speed reserves and yes it all gets done in time even with a quick swipe over the dust on the piano.

After viewing Mrs. Incredible with her family at dinner I was sure I had super hero relatives somewhere in my genealogy. I must have traces of their powers in my blood. In fact it made me think about the other extraordinary tasks faced daily such as bath time (a complete story in itself), changing a dirty diaper while your infant is in the middle of an alligator roll or better yet streaking across the room. And yes, bedtime, now that takes super human powers saved up in your reserves in order to face at the end of the day. Oh, and what about all of the out of the ordinary yet still extraordinary happenings that lurk in and around the corner waiting to pounce out at any moment with a great big KAPOW, BANG and BAM!

And I know my children have inherited super powers from somewhere. Powers such as their super fast lightening speeds, their ability to disappear in a moments notice, the ability to with stand being restrained in their car seats, ear piercing levels of volume, force fields that deflect sound as well as the ability to pick up on the unhearable, amazing flexibility allowing them to wiggle out of any predicament (especially their clothes while you are dressing them)… the biggest one of all the ability to melt your heart without notice.

So, I am truly convinced that there are super heroes living among us (big and small). Who knows maybe you are one or at least have some link to one. Here’s to all the supermoms, superdads and superheroes of the universe who make our lives a little better.

Update on Edison

2005-01-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all of the comments, concern and support. It is much appreciated and comes as welcomed and added comfort.

As for Edison he is doing well. If you were to watch him bouncing around the house and rough housing with his dad and brothers you'd never know his story. The doctors are amazed and pleased with how well his eye is recovering. He will have a scar but, thankfully due to the location of the puncture (just off centered in the pupil) it should not hender his vision. There is a chance of a stigmatism. As well as being so young he may develope a lazy eye since his eyes are still growing and learning to track. However with proper medical attention and some eye therapy he is expected to have his eyesight almost if not entirely restored.

Children are just remarkable at what they are able to endure and at how well they are at bouncing back, setting aside any disablities or discomfort. He's done much better than I would have that's for sure.

I think that one of the more difficult struggles I've had with this accident is the fear that he may not be able to explore certain avenues as an adult if his eyesight is obstructed. Will it keep him from fulfilling dreams? Such as his love and talent for baseball. He has an amazing pitch as well as he can tell me all of the players in his baseball book, Ty Cobb, Barry Bonds, Mickey Mantel, The Rocket, Babe Ruth..... We always want the best for our children and even accel at everything. As parents we have our own dreams and desires for them as to what and who they are. I realize though that it's not the end of the world if he doesn't become a pro baseball player. He is an amazing young man at the age of three with a huge heart and the world is full of opportunities and ways that he can fulfill any dream or desire that he has for himself. As a parent I realize it's my responsibility to encourage the desire, set an example and offer lots of support allowing him to explore and find his own dreams. Rather than pushing him down the path I think he ought to take.

Just some personal insight I've gained from this experience and from an incredible little man.

Apollo 13 of Christmases

2005-01-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

My husband couldn't have summed it up any better than that. The Apollo 13 of Christmases. It was no where near what we had hoped for nor any where near what we expected. In fact the reason for my delinquent blogging is due to my recovering from the holidays desasterous happenings and trying to piece back our lives to what is normal for us.

At the last minute we decided to join family in CA. We scurried about frantically trying to pack up the car with presents, necessities, electronics and kids while trying to tie up loose ends, drop off the dog at the kennel and leave the house in somewhat of an orderly manner for our return. In doing so we were pumped, we were ready to tackle the 12 hour drive across the barren, not to mention boring desert of NV in hopes of a fun filled get-a-way for our little family. And a reunion of family we haven't seen for sometime. Finally with not an inch to spare in the car we were off and on the road. Only to stop for lunch a short ways away.

And this is where it all begins, the unforseen. We were happily eating our burgers and downing our shakes quite pleased with ourselves. When all of a sudden out of no where our youngest, Isaac, barfed. Yes, we had become every parents nightmare. We were the reason so many moms take Lysol to Walmart and spray the shopping carts down before placing their own child in them. Luckily it all managed to get on the floor and him. We quickly contained the toxic spill and tried to avoid eye contact with on lookers while managing to maintain calm, cool and collective. We gulped the rest of lunch down and hit the road as fast as we could. We were too far into the trip and had put too much into it to turn back now. Trying to put aside thoughts of spending Christmas with the flu we enjoyed the ride for awhile. Much to our dismay in the middle of no where he erupted again all over the inside of the motorhome(we were carpooling behind Cameron's parents). Once again, we quickly turned into the toxic spill crew and yes, Lysoled everything and everyone down.

After a long and wearisome journey we pulled into our destination around 1am. Were we were so graciously ushered to our beds and we all collapsed til morning. I was shang-hied into going to the chiropractor with my mother-in-law and her sister. I hadn't even showered or changed yet, but off we went. I didn't notice too much because I was in heaven: the sky was blue there was greenery everywhere and a slight bit of humidity. Then we entered the office to find three tables in the middle of the lobby with chairs lined up around the walls. We took our seats, I innocently thinking I was there to observe and we ourselves observed the chiropractor work away. A nice bit of banter bounced around the room from the chiropractor to patient to observer. Then all of a sudden I was up! Whoa, wait a minute this wasn't in the plan. However, he took it easy on me banter wise and I did receive confirmation as to why I hurt so.

The day seemed to unfold effortlessly and we began to settle in with a sigh. Then it hit again. Isaac, unannounced threw up again. Out came the crew and the Lysol. We were trying to keep him contained as much as possible but with an 18 month old in a house of a dozen or so people it was on the verge of impossible. OK, it was impossible. I was dreading that we were all going to wake up Christmas morning with the flu. It lingered in the back of my mind and I couldn't think of anything more miserable. However, I was highly entertained. My mother-in-law and her sister saw to that with a live broadway reinactment of It's a White Christmas (or one of those classics) as they sang and danced across the kitchen. Later we had a real live shepherd grace us with his presence as someone had forgotten to tell him they decided against the Nativity scene that night.

Christmas Eve arrived and we found ourselves around the table with turkey and trimmings chatting away. The conversation seemed to revolve around bodily functions to body types. And apparently my in-laws have quite a variety of both. The boys realy felt at home there and warmed up to distant relatives quickly. Everest finding his match with an Aunt who could hold her own. Edison tickling everyone while singing 'jingle bells, jingle bells all aroun' town'. And Isaac was feeling much better and all seemed to be ok. We began to sigh a sigh of relief and were emmersed in the holiday spirit once again. With nativity flannel board stories and songs and other little thoughts shared by family members. Afterwards we broke out the pies and commensed in indulging ourselves with treats of all kinds.

You may say this sounds no where near an Apollo 13 experience. Well it's not Christmas quite yet.

Cameron motioned for us to come back to the bedroom where we finished some cards and a few gifts for family in preparation for Christmas morning. And once again the unforseen. Edison, after completing his artwork/signature attempted to take the cap off the back of the pen and then close it up. Only the cap was on too tight and it slipped and went straight through the eye, puncturing the cornea and pupil. I had seen him struggle and reached to help only I was too late. He screamed and I grabbed him, Cameron was able to look into his eye and we both saw what we feared. The pupil was disfigured. I motioned for my mother-in-law to come back to give us directions to the hospital. The very hospital that Cameron had been born in. We scooped him up and rushed off to the ER. There we were greeted by utter chaos. There were no hospital workers of any kind, not a security guard or a receptionist, no one except a whole lot of bewildered people in pain or oozing something or another. One oozing, coughing bystander pointed to a stack of paper and informed us we had to fill it out and slide it in the slot in the door. I was in disbelief and grew angrier as we waited there with no sign of medical help. Finally someone came and called him back. Because it was an eye injury they put him in a separate room and they had to call the opthomologist. It's now 11pm and we are rushing him over to the specialists office where he informed us he would need surgery right away. Except he had eaten a rather large dinner and had had several treats. They were afraid of aspiration during surgery(food coming back up and into his lungs). Since the iris was plugging the hole blocking anything from coming out we opted to wait in pediatric care until morning.

I couldn't sleep, I sat there by his bed the entire night and watched him. Wishng it was me and not him. Feeling hopeless and as if we had lost all control of everything and anything. I turned to prayer, it was all I could do. I hung on to the words Cameron said in the prayers and blessings he gave Edison. And then I felt impressed to count my blessings. I did, starting with my family. Then the nurse came in to check vitals. She had brought in a fire truck and a homemade baseball quilt. She had heard me say he loves baseball. He lay there peacefully and quietly as if nothing had happened.

The sun wasn't even up and we were preparing for surgery. Edison awoke to find the gifts at the foot of his bed. It helped take his mind off of his surroundings. And then we wheeled him down to the O.R. He had been so brave and so mature through this entire ordeal. Never complaining or fighting with the doctors. He just sat there while they dropped drops in his eye and shined lights at him. And now he began to grow a little worried as we stopped outside the O.R. he just held my hand close. The surgeon had been impressed with him through it all and was commenting on it when he asked Edison what he wanted to be when he grew up. Edison answered without hesitation a very profound, "ME". Which impressed us all.

A Christmas narration came over the intercome and it took me a minute and then I realized 'oh, it's Christmas, isn't it'. Everytime a nurse or doctor said Merry Christmas, I would have to remind myself, it's Christmas, isn't it.

Then they wisked him out of my arms and through the doors. Edison with his arms reached out and very heart breaking quiet innocent voice saying, "no, please...no, please" That was heart breaking. His only signs of protest that entire night and I couldn't go to him.

The surgery went quickly and well and we were reunited with a very disoriented and groggy little boy. Finally we were able to go back to the pediatric unit and wait til he fully came out of it. It had been a 4mm v shaped puncture to the cornea. He had been very blessed or lucky as they stated in regards to location being just off centered in the cornea and the iris blocking the hole... Yes, it could've been way worse but it was hard to imagine.

We packed up and headed back to the house to find that Everest had come down with the flu and had been rather sick all night. Not very many presents had been opened and no one was in a hurry to open anymore. When Edison finally came around we sat down as a family to open gifts to find that my gift to Cameron had fallen out of the car on the way to the ER and had been run over a couple of times. However, the boys managed to feel the magic of Christmas morning, gifts from santa that they had asked for, the love of family and the celebration of the birth of Christ.

The next morning we awoke to more devasting news from loved ones afar and rather than throwing in the towel as we had experienced so many trials not only in our own lives but as we witnessed it througout the tragic events around the world such as the tsunami, we all grew a little closer. The love and support that was around us was pretty powerful. So, to answer my own question in reference to Christmas,"did I miss something?", No, I still experienced the power of love and family and prayer. If anything my thoughts were turned more towards the Savior this Christmas than in any year past.

I'm proud to say that despite the Apollo 13 events that occured in our lives during those few short days we were able to walk away hand in hand, our family intact and with a smile that we did it. We made it through and we can hold our heads up high in the manner in which we did.

So to sum it up that is the CONDENSED version of our Christmas, please add turbulance, and shake well.

uuunn...hoooo....reeeee

2004-12-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

uuunn...hoooo...reeee...pcchhhhhuuuu
is one of my favorite phrases around here. For those of you with out a clue it's also heard as one...two...three...(3-2-1) blast off! It's most often accompanied by an 18 month old who has backed himself up against the farthest wall possible and then upon blast off he races through the house. It's no secret my boys love rockets and are either pretending to be rockets or shoot them off. We are making paper rockets all day. I think I've used up an entire Christmas tree lot worth of paper, just this morning. Other items will do too, such as kitchen utensils, Christmas ornaments or even graham crackers in the back seat of the car. When nothing else is handy, a finger will due just nicely. uuunn...hoooo...reee...pcchhhhuuuuuu...

That's not the only favorite phrase that gets a smile around here. We have many frequently used favorites in fact Cameron and I even use them on occassion and here are just a few.

Bubble Bum: bubble gum

Warkosh: car wash

Peeky Boo: peek a boo

Pooter: computer ( Our favorite is 'watch monster on dad's pooter, watch monsters on dad's pooter! refering to watching Monsters, Inc on dad's laptop.)

Beep up: back up, deriving from the beeping that big trucks make while backing up.

Beat me: you beat me or won ( It's always great when you enter a store and your three year old is exclaiming 'you beat me up, you beat me up' because you beat him to the entrance. Or worse he's distraut because you are 'winning' and he's crying don't beat me don't beat me. We're never sure when we are in a race around here, so we have to stay on our toes.

Peck a roni: pepperoni, one of the first favorites along with

Ock tock cock apus: octapus, which was pronounced different every time

Abra Ka Dabra: Please and Thank you, say huh? (when my mother-in-law handed a treat to my at the time three year old, Everest, she asked what are the magic words. Expecting to get the automated reply of Please and Thank You. She was surprised and amused with the response Abra Ka Dabra. She couldn't argue with him there, those are the magic words.

And then there are the Luv ooouuu hooos and luv hoo much....

I'm sure there are plenty more I'm not remembering, maybe I'll add them on as I do. Any others out there, I haven't heard? Send 'em on in.

Santa Uses the Bathroom

2004-11-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Since dragging out the boxes of ornaments and lights along with picking out a tree is a long time tradition for many on Thanksgiving I felt it appropriate to drag out this little fond memory along with the others boxed away this weekend.

To sum up last Christmas:
Our Christmas tree is stripped down to the nitty gritty. Luckily it's a beautiful tree all by itself. If the cat is not climbing up it the boys are throwing her in it. And when Senta (our late German Shepherd) comes in she's trying to get in there too. So it's been knocked down twice and that's when I decided to close the ornament E.R. for good and take the ornaments down. Before anymore were broken.

Everest and Edison are really into Christmas this year. Especially Everest all he wants are presents, presents and more presents. We draw tractors full of presents all day long. I think he believes Santa drives a dump truck instead of a sleigh. And I never knew there was a tractor song in amongst the Christmas carols. But there is. He showed it to me. Edison loves the Christmas music and dances and jumps with joy when he hears it. I take turns dancing the boys around the room to Harry Conick Jr.'s Christmas CD and to the Brass Symphony Christmas. Isaac just watches it all with a twinkle in his eye and smiles with delight as I twirl him around the room too. They all are enchanted with the lights and run from room to room when night falls. Not only to turn on our lights but to look out the windows at all the lights around the neighborhood. They won't let us go to bed without reading a scripture and putting a star on the advent calendar. Everest reminds us every evening. They dance with glee whenever a neighbor brings treats over and love even more dropping them off. When it snows the boys beg to go build snow tractors and dumptrucks and snow sharks. The tradition of snowmen has been abandoned in this generation. So we are having fun and it's a joy to watch them learn about Christ and the season. Their little spirits soak it up and are so enthused with the Christmas stories of Jesus. And of Santa too.

Which brings us to Santa:

Apparently Santa was here! Everest comes running out of the bathroom yelling, "Mom, mom look what I found in the bathroom, come look, hurry, hurry!" I knew right away what he had found behind boxes and dresses.

Quickly I whisked him up and said what is it? Did santa leave that? Luckily it was still mostly covered by the bag. Out we went and I locked the door. Later I snuck in and re-hid the presents. And later he noticed the door was open and went in to take another peek. But, they were mysteriously gone. He came to me puzzled. And I simply said, Santa must have come back to get them so he could wrap them and bring them back on Christmas. 'How'd he come in?', was the question on young Everest's mind. Crouched on the bathroom floor with my arm around him I pointed up. We both looked up at the crawl space door on the ceiling.

That seemed to be sufficient for his curiosity, at least for now. Later that night I was asking him questions about Christmas and Santa. I asked him what Santa drove: 'reindeer' he said. Well, where does he put the presents then: 'in the stockings' he said. Then how does he get in: 'Through the bathroom' he replies.

It seems a little weird leaving a plate of cookies and milk next to the toilet. But, then again Santa has needs too. :)

Someone's To Blame

2004-11-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

This one is for my mother-in-law. The other day we were talking on the phone and she was telling me(in good humor) how every one had been blaming her for everything under the sun. For instance she just got back from a trip visiting her parents and upon her return she was informed how one of her grandsons had missed her so very much, and that it was her fault because she made him like her so much. And just before leaving her parents home they jokingly told her how they were going to be miserable now since she had pampered and spoiled them. We were joking how everything is somehow linked to her, being her fault some how in some way.

So as we were talking my youngest came upstairs with damp pants, I didn't think much of it, they were in the back yard playing with the dog and it had been drizzling on and off all morning. I wasn't on the portable phone so I dared to let the thought slip away that something might be going on. Then Edison comes bounding half way up the stairs, "MOM, Mom come see what we made!". "What'd you make sweetheart?" "Puddles!" "Puddles?!"...

"Uh, they're making puddles, I better go." My mother-in-law agreeing freely and willingly took the blame. She said 'since I called and you were talking to me, then you can blame what ever they did on me'. Well mom, it's your fault! :) They flooded almost the entire back yard with water. Mostly in the mulch border that encircles the grass area. Since it had been raining so much the past few days the ground was already saturated and it didn't take much at all to make giant stompin' puddles. The boys were in heaven and the dog was jumping and splashing too. oh, what a sight. But, yah know I remember making puddles and mud holes as a kid too. So I couldn't be upset. Some of my fondest memories come from filling giant lawn/garbage cans with water and dunking ourselves in them, coming home covered in sap and scratches, digging fox holes and playing army... Being dirty and making messes is all relative isn't it. It's in the eye of the beholder. One man's heaven is another man's mess. No I didn't jump in with them, they were cold and wet and ready to come in anyways. We cleaned up, warmed up and had snacks while watching some cartoons.

Our yard is still sopping wet. In fact as I opened the back door to let the dog in she stood right in the deepest muddiest part by the grape vines, where there wasn't any bark or mulch. And as I called her in she looked right at me and layed down in the mud as if to say make me. Well she got a bath and came in.

Needless to say it's your fault mom, you said so. With love I dedicate this one to you!

Here's to Looks!

2004-11-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

A super thumbs up, high five, and thank you are in order for my husband for my new look. It's just the beginning of new horizons for this site. And with Cameron behind it's design it can only get better from here. So thank you honey, I appreciate your time, talent and love.

Thanks Ray for noticing and I believe Cameron set up an email link for those wanting/needing to contact me other than for comments. So have it at it folks.
I'm looking forward to big changes in the next couple of months.

Meanwhile I'll keep writing and enjoying feedback as well.

A New Addition in the Moll House

2004-11-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, their is a new addition to our family. Saturday we adopted a dog. The boys have been begging and both Cameron and I always had dogs and pets of all kinds in our homes growing up. So it wasn't a hard sell. I've been researching and searching carefully. I decided to look through Petfinder.com and try and adopt a dog. Maybe an older one to avoid the puppy stage of chewing and housetraining. I found a couple of really good picks but, was too late. Then I came across one that really caught my eye. I inquired and she was still adoptable and sounded very promising. I waited a few days trying to decide if now was the right time. Then I decided to go through with it. After about two weeks of exchaning emails with the shelter and talking it over with Cameron and the boys I decided to go and meet her with the intentions of bringing her home. We were able to arrange to meet half way since the shelter was two hours away. They were showing other dogs at a petsmart in a city closer to us so we met there. I still had reservations but when we arrived I saw a truck out front with her in it, the bond was already attaching us. We went inside to find the woman we were meeting and there were dogs in kennels lined up everywhere. the boys were in heaven. Isaac couldn't wait to get down as he wiggled and stretched to get to the floor. He knelt down on his hands and knees and then his belly nose to nose with the dogs through the cages. Crawling along the floor blowing kisses (pptha pptha ppptha) as he would say 'Ha-Wo, Ha-Wo' to each one. (I did ask if they were kid friendly) It was so cute and heart warming. Then I found the lady and she took us out to the truck. When she pulled her out, thd dog was a little nervous, I knew it was a done deal. She was skinny (from being on the street for a while) but so beautiful and so sweet. You could tell she was well tempered and so loving. The woman let us have some time with her and she let the boys hug her and kiss her and she nestled up to us. And so the bond was made and the weight of added responsibilty faded to the background.

She has yet to bark, whimper, growl or bay. (She is a large hound about a year old) On the way home as soon as the car started she layed down and we never heard from her. We kept asking, we did put her in didn't we? She is the sweetest, gentlest, mild mannered dog. She has had no problem with being in the house or being left alone. The first couple of days she mostly lay in a corner she felt safe in and now she is making leaps and bounds in feeling at home and being more social. She comes to us on her own now to play and be petted and today she ran and ran and played chase with the boys in the back yard. So it's exciting and wonderful for us all.

There is one problem though for some reason Everest has his heart set on naming her Maurie (and he wants a cat named Ralph). Her name is Uintah or at least that's the one she came with. So we are in negotiations or so I thought. Today I called out Uintah's name and he stopped, looked at me and said, "her name is Maurie, and I don't want to hear another word about it." Well, ok then. I wonder if he got that from me?

I would recommend petfinder.com to anyone. They have you and the animal's well being at heart, making the perfect match for anyone.

Halloween 2004

2004-11-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know what I will ever do when all of my children are out of diapers. Not only do the wipes come in handy for multi purposes from cleaning bums to fingerprints on Dad's office desk.... but I would be lost with out them when it comes to Halloween costumes. Yes, that's right, Halloween costumes. It all started last year when I asked Everest who was three at the time what he wanted to be for Halloween and he replied a backhoe, what does Edison want to be: a dumptruck, and what about Isaac: a traffic light. (Can you tell what this little boy's passion is? He lives for trucks and big ones, It was his first word) OK, since I have never actually ever seen a backhoe or dumptruck costume I can tell I'm going to have to be creative. So my mind went into overdrive and my creative side kicked in. I slowly began to piece it all together. I realized that if I cut a whole in the bottum of the jumbo diaper boxes that I buy that the boys would fit perfectly inside with their legs poking out. Then I began finding smaller boxes around the house to form the backhoe scoop with extende arm and the front shovel along with a nice dumper for the dumptruck. Not to mention I cut out bolts from cardboard and added styrofoam bumpers and large cardboard wheels with tread. I was really getting into this, I used a plastic cup painted orange for the contruction light on the backhoe and bicycle reflectors for head lights and brakes on the dumptruck. Spray painted it all yellow with chrome spraypaint for the bolts and bumpers. Then cut tiny holes next on top and used my old black nylons for straps to go over their arms so they could walk around and it looked like they were sitting inside driving. The front scoop on the back hoe and the dumper on the dumptruck was made to hold their Halloween candy. It was way cool and way fun to make. They loved 'em and even won the contest at Cameron's office party. A gift certificate at Toys'R'Us. Isaac on the other hand, I didn't use any diaper related products other than the one he was wearing. I found a cute sweatsuit with matching hat with earflaps and mittens and then took red, green and yellow felt cut into circles and loosely sewed it to the front. So I could later remove the traffic lights and use the suit during winter. According to Everest, dad was supposed to be a stopsign and I was supposed to be a construction cone. I thought of making giant signs that resembled construction signs that said, Under Construction and Caution Curves Ahead. However, all my energy went to the boys truck costumes.

This year they were pirates. Alright that shouldn't be too hard. Once again what would I do with out the diaper thing. I went to the local thrift store and yes bought my boys girl clothes. It will never happen again. But, it was the only place I could find the perfect pirate jackets and shirts. And perfect they were. Shoes were a delima, I couldn't find boots. Until I came across black snow boots at Walmart and I snatched 'em up before they were gone. They came up almost to their kneew and made their pants kind of puffy, close enough to a pirate look when put together with their long white shirts with big collars and cuffs and 'pirate' jackets. I used some old dark maroon fabric I had stored away for a sash to tie around their waists. Found pirate hats for $4 at PartyLand and cool swords for $1 at the local grocery store. But something was missing, yes this is where diapers saved me again. No pirate is complete without a treasure chest. So my brain really went into overdrive now when it dawned on me, the Huggies box! Hello! I used masking tape to cover the boxes making it look like slats of wood and then a light coat of my brown acrylic paint. (Someday I will paint masterpieces again.) And I happened to even have a tube of gold acrylic paint that sparkled a little. So I used it for the bolts or brackets along the sides of the boxes. They were perfect even though I ran out of time to make handles for them they still made my pirates complete after we drew mustaches and soul patches on their little faces.

We went up to Cameron's office for their office party and the boys had a blast, running around saying AAARRRR! When ever anyone spoke to them. But, then again my oldest says that anyways. They went to all of the offices and cubicals and filled their treasure chests to the brim. Isaac, not being able to get him in costume still was in the Halloween spirt. Every time someone would hand him a piece of candy he would hand it back saying 'uck' 'uck'. They looked surprised and said 'yuck?" I had to interpret for him and tell them he was saying 'stuck', he was asking them to open it for him. Cute, cute. He would set the candy down as soon as he would get anohter piece leaving a paper trail. He never really ingested that much candy it was either disgarded or smeared all over his face. I did however use a whole lot of wipes as I followed him around. After it all the boys layed down on the floor by their dad's desk and checked out their 'booty'. They tore through several pieced mostly tasting and setting aside for the next piece. When they grew tired and both complained of tummy aches. Edison with one hand on his tummy and holding up a sucker with the other hand asked 'will this make my tummy feel better?' I said 'no, sweet heart, it'll taste good but it won't make you feel better.' He immediatly held up another and asked "will this one make me feel better?' I replied the same and he quickly came back with a 'yes, it will, this one will, mommy' very determined.

The next night was our church's Trunk'o'Treat party. Every one decorates the back of their car at the church parking lot and the kids go from car to car. It was perfect, because it gets soooo cold by the time it's dark, too cold and usually snowing. So we went and had a blast the boys filling up their treasure chest once again. AAARRRRR Matey! It all ended just as the temperture was dropping drastically and we went home ending our Halloween extravaganza. A very fun and fullfilling weekend.

Cameron usually dresses up as a Mariachi guy. He has an authentic mariachi suit from Mexico that is way cool. So I'm going to look for a matching costume for next year. Maybe a spanish dancer, flamenco dancer or something. I did find one online that I like, but it was over $200. I'll keep looking around.

I don't have to worry about lack of diaper resources for a couple more years though. Most would be depressed, but me? No, I'm excited to have the multi-purpose uses available at my fingertips. I wonder what the boys will be next year?

Questions of the Universe

2004-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been consumed by an unanswered question. Questions about physics, pyscology, the universe or maybe you've always wondered how much chocolate syrup it would take to cover the kitchen floor. Well we deal with these inspiring questions on a regular basis. And luckily I'm surrounded by little Einstiens who are not only capable of thinking up such awe inspiring ingenious questions of the universe but they are willing and able even compelled to find the answers. This particular one occured on a Sunday morning. Cameron was gone from 9am to noon as usual with his many auxillary meetings. While it happened to be my Sunday to teach. I teach every third Sunday of the month at our church. I missed my shower before Cameron headed out for his meetings so I had to slip one in while things were calm or at least seemed as such. Upon my resurfacing from the shower I came to find that the boys had decided that they needed to know how much scotch tape it would take to cover the sofa downstairs. And they did, they found out. It took the entire roll. And they also found out how long it takes to clean up.

A short while later I put Isaac down for his nap and it being 'calm' I thought to myself, I'll just go over my lesson while things are quiet. Things remained quiet as I skimmed through and made final notes. That should have set off an alarm right there, but by this time I was on a roll and was determined to get through my reviewing. I heard Cameron pull up and then heard frantic footsteps coming up the stairs. Now, the alarm set off. They were not rushing out the door to greet their dad with open arms they were running up the stairs. I quickly put my notes and books down and met my oldest on the stairway. In his hand was a bottle of Hershey Chocolate Syrup. I froze not wanting to know what awaited me down around the corner. Cameron came in with a smile for everyone smelling the chocolate he thought I had been baking. Sorry, honey not this time. His smile faded as he laid eyes on the kitchen and I knew then there was trouble. Apparently the forces of the universe had once again been tugging at the boys ingeniousness and they were over come with the desire to know how much chocolate syrup it would take to cover the kitchen floor. And without hesitation they set out to find the answer. They had used the entire bottle which was brand new.

How do I know this was a quest for knowledge. Well for several reasons. The fact that the chocolate actually stopped at the end of the kitchen floor. It was up to the very edge of the carpet, but very methodically it never went beyond the hardwood floor. The fact that they left evidence of their first intentions of simply trying to make chocolate milk for themselves. Opened sippy cups on the floor. I can just picture them hunched over with the chocolate barely dripping out when they wondered to each other just how much chocolate is in this bottle and then proceded to experiment with the science of liquids and measurements. The fact that even though at first glance it looked as though they had skated through the carefully squirted strands of syrup upon further noticement I realized that there was not one drop of chocolate on their socks or anywhere on them for that matter, not to mention there were no chocolatey footprints. This along with a few napkins wadded up in the middle of the floor covered in chocolate, Trying to clean up after discovering their answer. And the final fact that instead of running for cover knowing they had done something wrong they ran to me in order to plead their case. This indeed was an act of science.

Well, they were required to clean it up. And I in my dress already was tiptoeing around trying to figure out where to start. Cameron supervising the boys and I with a cloud over my head not needing this this morning. In my logical thinking I thought I'll just use a rag and water to clean it up, no soap. Soap will leave a residue and I'm going to mop it after the chocolate is wiped up anyways. Cameron in his logical thinking thought that you always use soap to clean up any mess and proceeded to ask, 'aren't you going to use soap'. or something to that effect. Not the thing to ask me at that moment. I lost what little control I had and snatched up the dish soap and then squirted a long streak of soap in what I thought was a rather artistic pattern if I do say so myself. However, in my deliberate act of frustration I managed to squirt the dish soap across his nice new and stylish black dress shoes and up the pant leg of his suit. Needless to say I stopped right there and quickly regained control avoiding the urge to burst out into laughter (mostly to relieve the tension of course). The boys frozen watching the events, Cameron not knowing what to do and I waiting for the worst. Which wouldn't be all that bad from my wonderfully loving and understanding husband. He quietly and calmly sent me to my room. I declined, needing to work out my frustration by scrubbing the floor. There we all were hunkered over with cleaning rags wiping and scrubbing. And I did have a whole lot of soap residue to mop up, but that was my fault. Later he informed me of what the boys punishment was and I quietly asked with a small smile 'and what is mine'. In return he replied with a little smirk 'I'm not sure yet.'

So there you have it, the all consuming questions of the universe and the process of how they come about and how they are answered. Not to mention how they effect us all. :)

Rocket Boys

2004-10-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

The newest and latest craze in our household is the mighty rocket. Cameron as a boy loved and built rockets. And has kept them along with some of his airplanes all of these years. One evening for the guys night out Cameron pulled out his rocket and took the boys to the park. Later that night they burst through the front door excitedly jumping up and down and talking as fast as they could, demonstrating with their bodies how the rocket shot into the air. We had little boys blasting off all night. And they’ve never been the same since. When Cameron mentioned we had a rocket movie(October sky) it was all over. That is now their favorite movie, replacing The Rookie (baseball). I fast forward to all of the rocket scenes for them. Everything is now a rocket as they place blast off all day and all night, jumping behind tables and chairs to cover themselves from the exploding force of the rockets blasting off into space. Our home has literally become their launch pad and at times I have to run for cover.

One evening we took them to the hobby shop and bought them each a small inexpensive rocket kit. And as Cameron was paying I took Isaac out to the car to keep his busy little fingers out of their merchandise. Edison and Everest came out excited and jumping all around. I asked them ‘what do you say to daddy?’ expecting the usual response of thank you. However, without hesitation Edison pipes up, “GET HOME”. He wanted to get those rockets together and in the air.

They had a blast building them. And then that Saturday they took them to the park. Edison chose a safe distance to watch the rocket launch and Everest was right up in there pushing the button with Isaac at his heels. There was a little bit of wind so when Everest’s rocket launched not only were we surprised at how high it went but how far it drifted. Instead of coming right back down as usual it went a couple of blocks and landed on our friends house. We waited for the wind to die down and tried it a couple more times. The boys just as excited with each launch.

And so it continues, rockets, rockets and more rockets.

Cub Soccer?

2004-10-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well not much progress has been made in regards to cub soccer, though, Everest has become a rather fine negotiator in the process. He still will not go on the field alone nor without a whole lot of coaxing and convincing. One night Cameron was unable to attend the game due to some last minute crunches at work. I loaded the boys up and took them to the game. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I was already sick and the cold wind was not making matters any easier. Every one was bundled up in jackets and blankets and the boys were more interested in finding sticks. My mother-in-law came down to watch her grandson play and to help out. Or maybe it was more of to get some good laughs in for the day? At any rate, I was finally able to get Everest onto the field with me coughing and hacking as we raced up and down the field. ( As I raced pulling him along side me.) I was trying so hard to get him involved that I almost kicked the ball. That’s when I decided this was useless and if he was more interested in sticks then let’s go find some. Team pictures were that day too. Yah, right! If I can’t get him on the field, do you think he’s going to sit for pictures? And I really don’t think the parents want me in their kids’ team picture. So, I declined and we went hunting for sticks.

A week or so earlier we had attempted another game. This time it was all about Edison. He was out there dressed in full uniform kicking and running with his fancy foot work on the side lines when all of a sudden his concentration broke, by none other than the coaches little girl who plays on Everest’s team. She was sitting on the side with her ball and Edison’s eyes were fixed on her. He then began to slowly meander his way closer and closer never losing sight of her. Then he grabbed some of the treats (it was our turn to bring team treats) and then sat down beside her a foot or so away and began to inch his way closer and closer, until he was right up beside her rubbing elbows. I believe the plan was to share his treats but, she was called into the game. A little disappointed he got up and started working his ball again. Although this time he kept an eye on her. I asked him, “she’s cute isn’t she?” and he replied with a big grin and a very affirmative nod. He’s not even three yet! And that little look of star struck, head over heels kind of thing was so evident. Oh, do I have my hands full with my big blue eyed, long eyelashed, poutty lipped heart throbs, and they’re not even teenagers yet. All three of them are so lady’s men already.

Well, that ended quickly when a wasp flew up out of the grass and stung Edison in the eye. It was all over. I couldn’t figure out where it stung him until a saw a little drop of blood surface just below his eye. We were able to calm him down and get a cool rag on it and then the swelling began. Cameron was on the field with Everest and I was back in the distance doctoring Edison and suddenly the game was over and everyone had gone home. We took ‘em out for ice cream afterwards with grandma and grandpa, part of Everest’s negotiating.

That was another adventure in itself. They took pictures for proof. By the time we were done, Isaac looked like he had just steam rolled the table he was covered with ketchup, mustard, chocolate ice cream... Drinks were spilling, shirts were dragging through French fries and ketchup, Isaac was using french fries to eat his ice cream, the boys were stripping themselves of shin guards and soccer gear, Isaac was painting himself and styling his hair with condements…it looked like a battle zone. We faired rather well without too many casualties. We were pretty successful in not coming into direct contact with the weaponry. Only a few fingerprints here and there. But, we were glad to be done. Needless to say it wasn’t one of the calmer more mild mannered meals we’ve experienced. Maybe the excitement of the day was just too much to handle. So we cleaned up our mess, cleaning them out of napkins and loaded ourselves up and went home. It was exhausting and we were all ready for naps.

Edison’s eye had gone back to normal by the next day with medicine and careful attention and Everest still wants to go to his games. He loves the idea of going and being on a team. He just wants to sit and watch though. You know that doesn’t sound so bad to me.

2004-10-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Camp Out II
Well it was the end of the summer and after the begging of our boys we decided we better slow down and squeeze in one more campout. This time we went with Cameron’s sister and her family. So we had reinforcements. Our campsite was nestled up against the steep incline of the base of the mountain. A rather cozy campsite with plenty of space to roam and beautiful towering trees. Speaking of roaming it didn’t take long for the boys to do so. They discovered a path that led half way up the steep mountainside and Everest was the first to make the trek up the steep slippery slope. The dirt was thick soft and powdery. He made it up to a small tree that acted as a anchor for him and was pretty high up there. Then it began, he slid all the way down. Edison and their cousin Austin were right behind him in this brilliant adventure. Isaac was right there in the thick of it as well. All of them sliding, skipping, slipping, bouncing, rolling, belly flopping, tumbling and scooting up side down, side ways, backwards, feet first, head first… you name it they did it and then some. Clouds of dirt filled the air along with the thunderous laughter of them and us. By this time the sun had set and Uncle Jason had built a roaring campfire. We couldn’t see the boys anymore. Their faces and clothes were so covered in dirt that they blended in with the night air.

It was a tragic moment but it needed to come to an end. We called them over to the fire and Aunt Karissa had attempted to warm some water but the mountain air had cooled it too quickly to do much good. At least it took the chill out. So there we stripped them one by one doing our best to wipe the dirt out of every nook and krany of their little bodies. They had a dirt layer over their entire body. And once we cleaned that off we discovered another layer of dirt. We were dumping dirt out of their shoes, underwear and diapers and shaking it out of their hair, scooping it out of their ears, I saw the biggest dirt boogers I’ve ever seen. And we discovered it’s possible to have dirt wedgies. (In the morning we still found yet another layer of dirt) After we had stripped ‘em and sponged ‘em down we bundled ‘em up in warm pajamas and then sat them next to the campfire to roast marshmallows. There is just something so mesmerizing about a campfire, it appeals to all of your senses. The crackling and popping, the dancing flames and smoke as it draws up into the heavens. The smell of the wood burning and warmth radiating from the circle of flames is so comforting. It’s all so very soothing giving you a sense of security and peace.

The boys didn’t care too much of the idea of putting a flaming oozing mass of goo in their mouths so they just stuck to the pure enjoyment of watching the marshmallows roast, burn and melt in the flames. Cameron was determined to make the jiffy pop popcorn work. I found the kind that came in foil with a handle. Except we learned that they don’t make them for fires any more. We tried it on the grill and when that didn’t produce any popcorn Cameron tried the flames being careful not to melt the container. When all was said and done there were a few edible kernels amongst the burnt ones. It was a valiant effort though and the few small edible kernels were a reward in itself.

It was bed time and I knew Everest hadn’t gone to the bathroom since arriving. That boy is like a camel, it’s amazing the capacity his bladder has. However, I was determined to get him to go before bed. Wanting to avoid any possible midnight runs to the latrines in the frigid night air. But, he refused to go into the stinky, ‘ol facilities. We brought his old training potty just incase. However, he would not use it even when I demonstrated how I could cover and shield him for privacy. So finally after many words of negotiating and talking turkey he consented to take his port-o-potty into the ‘outhouse’ for privacy. I don’t blame him, though the thought of sitting on (and possibly falling in) a huge hole of disgustingly foul smelling poo is a bit much for a four year old to accept and agree to. Meanwhile we oohed and ahhed at the kabillions of stars out that night. The boys were really impressed the magnificent sight.

That night went rather well compared to our first campout of the summer (see Whhheeee, a previous blog). Isaac actually slept much better with only a couple of bumps through the night. The other two were so excited to be in the tent they did their happy happy joy dance for a good twenty minutes while they ran circles around the tent. Finally after sheer exhaustion and a story or two they fell fast asleep. It was rather warm in the tent with all of our bodies acting as a heater, it wasn’t as cold as I was expecting. Thankfully.

At breakfast we had another warm fire and sat around relaxing and watching the boys melt leaves in the campfire. We went down to the creek to float their boats that Cameron had widdled for them the night before and then we started packing up camp. When I realized it was diaper duty time. I took Isaac to the car to change him and in doing so I didn’t realize he was still chewing on some food. So as I laid him on his back and started changing away, he started to choke a little. Quickly I scooped him up, pants down and all, put him over my knee as I was kneeling beside the car, and began to gently whack on his back. Just then a woman was walking by on her way to the latrines when she looked up at Isaac screaming as I’m whacking him. By the look of horror and shock on her face she must have wondered what this poor baby could have possibly done to deserve a spanking on his bare bum either that or man, that mother sure is tough when it comes to discipline. Probably more like what an abusive mother that is. Though it was awkward at the moment I can now chuckle a little.

Once we were done we all went for a hike. It was pleasant and enjoyable but, too close to nap time. So we headed back to the campsite and loaded every one in the already packed car and headed back down the mountain. Asking ourselves, why haven’t we done that more often?

2004-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Thank You
Thank you for all of your comments. I've enjoyed reading them and am amazed there are other people who read my posts. I thought that I only had a hand full of family members checking 'em out. I'm glad, so keep coming back and please keep sharing your comments and experiences. Hopefully in a couple of months or less my site will be even better once my husband works his magic on the layout and design.

I've been a bit under the weather this week and haven't had time to post. But, I have lots to share so hang in there.
Thanks again!

2004-09-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Big Question
The other night after getting up to comfort Isaac I couldn’t get back to sleep. As I lie there in bed a question popped into my head, a frequently asked question. “How do you do it?”, referring to raising three boys who are so close in age and still so young. Many people, especially when dressed alike, ask if they are twins or even if they are triplets. To me it doesn’t seem so strange however, once while going for a walk a lady came out of her house to the edge of her drive way and stared and kept staring. Finally upon our return as we walked by her house again, she, still standing and staring asked ‘are they all yours?’. Yes, they are all my mine and I couldn’t be more blessed.

Back to the question, “How do you do it?”. I’ve had family, friends and even strangers look on with awe and ask this question. Maybe it’s not so much as ‘how’ but ‘why’ and maybe it’s not so much awe as it is pure amazement that someone could keep up with three little tornadoes such as my three little boys. And that’s what Sunday dinners are like. My mother-in-law will testify to that.
My usual answer is ‘one day at a time’ or ‘prayer, lots of prayer’. While these are both very true as I lie there unable to sleep the answer came differently. Love. That’s how I do it, pure love. Love is one of the greatest motivators. We make sacrifices for love, we put ourselves in danger for love, we climb mountains for love…
When you love someone or something for that matter, the sacrifices you are willing to make may be great but they are worth it(in this case). It’s amazing what we will do for love.

I understand and know each of my boys. I know who they are and who they are capable of becoming. And it’s part of my responsibility as a mother to help them reach their potential. Some my shake their heads, but I knew my boys personalities before they were born. The nine months of ‘incubation’ gave me a great deal of insight as to their personalities. One never stopped moving, kicking, never slept and would even poke back when he was poked, he I even knew he was a picky eater. Another was more quiet and calm, and would draw away from being poked inside my growing tummy. While yet another was more in the middle a little of both. And so on. Knowing my children, their divine little spirits is key in understanding and getting through the rough moments. That they’re not bad they’re just curious, bored, frustrated, tired or they’re just past their limit. And knowing them helps me know their limits. I’m not always on top of it, but I try to be. And so when they are crying, screaming, bickering, getting into mischief… I think to myself, ‘this too shall pass’ and then do what I need to do. Remembering this is just a moment of many many moments, mostly good and mostly happy.

The good outweighs the not so good. I’ve learned it’s the bigger picture that makes or breaks the cake. I can either look ahead or I can be swallowed up and consumed in the mass hysteria that is swarming around my feet. Most of the time I am able to look ahead and solve the situation and return matters to a more pleasant state. I will admit that sometimes I am swallowed up and consumed in the mass hysteria that swarms around my feet. And I always regret it and realize what I should have or could have done better.

The great thing about love is that it is exchangeable. We love to be loved and we love to be loved. (in other words: we love in order to receive love, and we love being loved) There is nothing more sole satisfying than to look into your child’s eyes and to see that innocent pure love shining from within them. It makes it all worthwhile. I love my good morning angels, they sneak in and crawl in bed next to me pull the covers up and snuggle up as close as they can. Trying to be as quiet as they can as not to wake me just waiting for me to wake up and when I peek an eye open I’m greeted with the most beautiful sight ever. Their sweet smiles beaming from ear to ear and their sparkling eyes and the love is there, it’s pure, it’s visible it’s even tangible. Those are the mornings I savor and remember, not the ones where they are squabbling before I can get out of bed and I am the one pulling the blankets over my head.

I’ve found that having that love with me helps me see through their eyes, it helps me see the humor and the imagination in the moment.

So that is my answer, Love.

2004-09-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Cub Soccer.
Yes we have entered into yet another phase. A couple of weeks ago Everest started going to soccer practice. He never really got into it. In fact the coach tried to get him to join in and Everest points to the sky and says “LOOK, a dragon fly!” And that about sums up soccer practice. He wasn’t too keen on doing stretches and warm-ups. I tried to sit down and do the stretches with him but he leaned over and asked if I could go now. Ooops, my mistake, I guess that was embarrassing for him. Edison on the other hand really was getting into it. And when the coach had them all break out into a game of “Sharks and Minnows” Everest just stood there with a puzzled look on his face as if too say ‘I don’t know what you guys are playing but this isn’t soccer”. He was expecting to play soccer and this was anything but soccer. He wanted to get out and kick some ball. However, by the end of the third practice Cameron and I began to share that same puzzled look with Everest. Not once had there been any mention of the actual game of soccer. OK, I know this is cub soccer, how technical can you get. But, there was no let’s practice kicking it into the goal, no mention of what to expect at their first game, nothing. Just Sharks and Minnows. As he just stood there on the side while all the others where busy running around, I got up and went out there. As I approached him, he turned and whispered with his hand out in a stopping motion, “Mom, what are you doing out here?” Ok, I get the point this is embarrassing you. But, I took a moment to explain he needed to practice with his team…. it wasn’t happening.

So when game day arrived Cameron and I were anxious to see what he would do. That morning I asked if he was ready and excited to play. He said very concerned and thoughtfully, “I’ll have to think about that, I’m a little worried”. Apparently he’s gone to one too many of his dad’s soccer games, because he was worried the big kids would knock him over. And then there is Edison who is so excited to play and even has his own soccer gear and has to be included in it all or his heart is just crushed. Because his birthday falls in the month of October not in August he will not be able to play for another two years. And that breaks my heart. But, he is such a good sport about it and he comes all dressed and ready to play and he sits on his ball on the side lines and watches and waits.

Well the time had come and he wanted nothing to do with the field. He didn’t even want to go near it. While Edison is dying to get out on the field. Once they started he wouldn’t rotate in. Just as I reassured him that it was safe and no one was going to get hurt, a girl got nailed in the face as the soccer ball was thrown in. After some convincing we were able to get him on the field, with Cameron right by his side. So there is Cameron running around the field with a bunch of little four year olds and Everest is trying desperately to stay clear of them while trying to hang on to Cameron’s hand. He was so relieved when his turn was up. I gave him a hug and told him how proud I was that he tried. And asked him if he was ready to go out again, Shaking his head no as we witnessed two players running into each other and falling down. This wasn’t helping matters. Despite the minor mishaps he did go out two more times (with his dad right by his side avoiding the ball and all the little cub players). It was still a Victory!

After the game was over everyone packed up and left. We stuck around and Cameron and the boys practiced kicking the balls into the goals. Everest came alive and was kicking them in left and right, running his little heart out. Maybe by the end of the season he’ll be comfortable enough to play like that with his team. But, for now we’ll take the victories as they come.

Cameron and I have been learning a lot about parenting as Everest has entered into this new stage of life. Not only about parenting but we’ve been learning more about Everest and his personality and needs and more about us. It’s a delicate balance and there are many fine lines that need to be discovered and highlighted as we try and help him discover himself and become comfortable in the world around him. Over all I’m pleased with how we handled the game. We didn’t baby and pamper him nor did we force or shove him onto the field. We lovingly coaxed and encouraged until he was willing and ready to give it a try, even with his dad by his side. That’s ok, that’s what dads are for. And it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play next time, I think the real goal here is that this frightening new horizon becomes positive and is a stepping stone for him.

2004-07-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Life
(This actually took place in February, an email to my friend)
Here's what you missed today. It started out the norm. However, the battle between breakfast and cartoons rapidly escalated into an all out war. And that's when I knew today was going to be a day of days. In fact everything seemed to be a battle today. We somehow were transported and awoke this morning in the middle of a battle field. My husband wishing me luck skipped off to work while I stood there at the bottom of the stairs calling out, "Are you sure they don't have daycare at your office?". We had a few minor squabbles and then I began to sigh a little with relief until I noticed a rather disturbing odor. Just as we were heading out the door to the post office. It was so disturbing that I began sniffing the air to track the source. Soon I was on my hands and knees with my nose in and on everything. I did determine it was time to wash the bathroom towels which led me into the walk in closet. Which is where I found it. Another hidden pee spot from our former cat. Which is why she is our former cat. Back in the corner on a plastic bag(thank goodness) among my husbands shoes. Good thing she was already gone, that's all I have to say.

I began to clean up and headed down stairs to find the cleaners and sprays when I came face to face with reality! I HAVE KIDS! I forgot that I was headed out the door and for a moment apparently had forgotten that I had three little boys all of whom where very quiet. And I in my odor sniffing rage had come face to face with the day once again. My jaw dropped open. LIterally. I gasped and was utterly speechless. I didn't know what to do yell, scream, cry or just collapse in a pile of "I give up". There were my two oldest sitting on the couch scooping out Isaac's formula. And there was Isaac rolling in it on the floor. And when I finallly sputtered out a "NOOoooo", the oldest of the three quickly dumped out the rest to finish the job. At least he's thorough, I'll give him that. I put them in their room and went about stomping through the house. To make matters worse, we were out of vacuum bags so I couldn't even vacuum it up..

We finally made it to the post office and to the store for vacuum bags. Then back for lunch with a huge helping of tantrums. At last I threw in the towel, put the baby to bed and sat on the couch with the other two watching cartoons and sipping milk. I placed an arm around each of them giving them each a kiss and whispering, "I love you, I really do." Now they are all three asleep. Have I won the battle. Oh, no the day is still going and I'm fearful there will be an extra force of grumpies on their side tonight. However, I am hopeful and grateful for this moment of peace and quiet to catch my breath and get my head on straight.

It has been a day. Luckily these only come so often, sometimes in batches and sometimes alone. But, thankfully they go away and we are again one on the homefront.

2004-07-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Water Under A 'Bridge'
It's all about perspective. Viewing life through someone else's eyes. In this case my chidren's. I've mentioned how I love being a parent and seeing the world through their eyes, how it brings back memories and reminds me of what's truly important. Well, I've come to realize another important aspect of seeing and understanding someone else's perspective. And yes, my children were the ones who taught me.

Now my children have done some pretty crazy, imaginative and even unthinkable (or so I thought) things. Such as when when my son decided to feed the dog and carefully spread handfulls of dog food on the floor leaving a trail through out the laundry room, kitchen and into the living room. Because that's how Grandpa feeds the deer. Or the time my oldest (all of 18mths at the time) tried to help and do the dishes for me, using my shampoo in the dish washer. And of course you have to feed the cat by dumping the entire bag of cat food into the tub and filling it with water. Why didn't I think of that myself? Oh, and what about the time I walked by the living room window with a basket full of laundry in my arms when something caught my eye. Toys, lots of toys all over the front lawn. Not just any ordinary toys, the toys we keep upstairs. In horror I race upstairs to find my children tossing every toy they can get their hands on out the window. The man installing our highspeed internet on top of the roof(the reason for the opened screen) must have been getting a good laugh out of that one. I'm surprised he hadn't rolled off the roof laughing as I had to crawl half way out on to the roof to retrieve the toys that hadn't making it over. And it goes on, and will continue to as long as I have children. And I almost look forward to their little ingenius plots.

Thank goodness, somewhere in between Stopping dead in my tracks, popping my eyes back in their sockets and pushing my jaw back into place, I am able to get ahold of my self and then act instead of react. And I'm thankful, that that is the case more often than not. It allows me to get things under control, get the real scoop and teach them a lesson, not to mention my kids won't remember me as a raving lunatic (screaming, ranting and raving and foaming at the mouth). And best of all I'm able to see life through their eyes, they always have a logical (to them) reason, if not it's at least an amusing one. Most of the time they are genuinly trying to help.

Some may think I must not keep an eye on my three little boys. That is so not the case. They are just extremly fast.

However, today tops the cake. We live in a quiet neighborhood in the middle of some cow pastures and crop land. There are lots of children who play outside especially next door. So, I have become a little comfortable in letting the boys play outside without me(at times) as long as I have a window or two and the doors open so that I can keep an eye on them and hear them as I clean and get things done. This morning was one of those times. When I realized it was quiet and then heard the hose. I figured they were soaking the lawn and the porch as they usually do. So, I quickly finished my task at hand and went out to tell them to turn off the water. As I came down the stairs I could see straight out the front door. Yes, I stopped dead in my tracks, my eyes popped out of their sockets and my jaw dropped to the ground. Except this time I had no idea what to do, no idea where to begin.

They had taken the hose turned it up as high as it would go and filled the jeep with water. Yes, they filled our jeep with water. They had opened the doors soaked every inch of the jeep inside and out. The dashboard, the console, the seats were sopping wet and the floor was filled to the brim with water. Water was pouring out of the sides and trickling from beneath the undercarriage. Speechless, in shock, I led them to the laundry room and instructed them to take off their wet clothes handed them some dry underwear and told them to go upstairs to wait for me.

Meanwhile, I was still trying to decipher what had just happened and what I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to punish them. I went out to get a better estimate of the damage. Upon returning I must admit I did give them each a good swat on the bum and then a short lecture of why we don't do that. Telling them they were not to go outside for the rest of the day along with no playing with friends, they were never to turn the hose on ever again without asking first and no tv for the rest of the day either.

Just then the door bell rang, it was a neighbor boy asking if now was a good time to mow our lawn. I'm sure the boys thought so. And upon inquiring about the jeep, he thought it was rather amusing, hilarious infact. I told him it would be in a few days. He didn't seem to understand.

There I sat bailing out buckets of water from the inside of our jeep in the middle of a desert. Yes, we live in a desert. It was an odd odd site. I know the UPS man was thinking as he drove by very very slowly 'wait til I tell my wife what I saw today, she'll never believe me.' It literally looked as though the Jeep had just been pulled from a lake.

Now how was I supposed to tell Cameron. I emailed him, my first words being I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry and then gave him the options of I can email, I can tell you over the phone or you can come home and see for yourself. He opted for email, wise choice. This way he could let it soak in (no pun intended) and hopefully find some humor in it all before coming home tonight. He took it rather well and eased my worries. Reassuring me that Jeeps of this age were made pretty tough and he was confident it would still run.

Once things were under way I sat the boys down for lunch and then asked them "WHAT were you trying to do?" Everest's response was simple, straight forward and honest. "We were trying to clean out the car, it was dirty and it's easier to clean out with water." ah, but of course it is. Apparently they do listen, even at ages three and two. Cameron has been on a real clean car kick lately, and for good reason. With three toddlers the cars sometimes get a little messy even though I try to keep them cleaned out. So they took to heart their daddy's pleas to keep the cars clean. And sincerly wanted to help their daddy. I thanked them for their thoughtfulness and explained that next time they needed to ask for help and then had to explain why they needed to ask for help (being the independent little boys they are).

No use fretting over it, it's all water under a 'jeep' at this point.

So, never underestimate the endless possiblities of imagination, the lure of curiosity, the power of independence, the speed of a three year old, a two year old and a one year old(who was not involved, I must clarify). And most of all don't overlook the perspecitve of the other party.
(Oh, and never get too comfortable)

2004-06-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

WWWHHEEEEEEEEEE
Yes, that was quite a ride. Two weekends ago we gathered up our courage and took the boys camping, all three of them. (3.5, 2.5 and 1 yrs old) It was a whirl wind trip. We went up Friday aternoon and back Saturday morning. It was at a close by campground up one of the nearby canyons, only about 20 minutes from home. But, this was our first attempt or trial run, we weren't about to go too far from our comfort zone. We set up camp and the fun began. We realized we had forgotten the baby stroller and decided we better get it. Cameron took Isaac back with him and I stayed at the campground with the other two. See, it proved wise to be close to home. I sat in my chair and looked up toward the sky. The sunlight was filtering through the rustling leaves of the tops of the tall narrow aspens stretching for the heavens. I took a deep breathe and took it all in. A quiet moment. Then I was pulled away to go explore a nearby dried riverbed. Which was just as pleasurable.

The older two boys had a blast with the bugs. In fact they collected a colony of snails and adopted them. Later that afternoon upon returning from exploring my oldest son was quite upset to find that they were broken! Some how some one (most likely several some ones) had stepped on them. Edison (2.5) insisted they needed batteries while Everest (3.5) was very saddened that his new camping companions were disassembled and was distressed that now he had to go and find new ones even though he really liked his old snails.

Once Isaac (1yr) figured out there was a road leading up to our campsite he was all there and only there. He had plenty of romping room to explore around the campsite but only wanted to play on the little paved road. So finally we caved in and took them for a 'hike' on the paved road. No animals to be seen, just snails. Although Cameron promises he saw deer and squirels. Apparently they saw us before we saw them.

Dinner proved that it's better to be over prepared. As I was preparing the hamburger before the trip. I thought three will be plenty. They boys will split one. Well maybe I should bring an extra one, Isaac can eat an entire hamburger by himself. Well there's only a little meat left, might as well just bring the rest. By the end of it all we had six total and only two survived the fire. It all worked out, the boys were more content to eat pickles and cheetos.

As night began to fall upon us a few other campers pulled in and set up camp around us. At first it made me nervous then I was releaved as they pulled out baby strollers and toddlers too. Now I won't feel so bad if our children stay up all night. Which brings us to the real ride of the trip. It was past Isaac's bed time so we just laid him down in the tent and zipped it up real fast. He can never go to sleep if we rock him, he likes to be left in his bed. So it was the closest thing we could do for him. The rest of us sat around the fire and listened to him struggle on and off. Surprisingly it didn't take that much for him to settle down and go to sleep. Meanwile Everest was poking the fire with his large walking stick and wondering why we were afraid he was going to start a fire as he waved his smoldering red hot tipped stick around.

Well it was that time, we all brushed our teeth camping style and got ready for bed. Just as we got in our sleeping bags Everest informs me has to go to the bathroom. So we tromp off in the dark to the latrene. EEEEEuuuuuueeeeee it STINKS! was his reply. It took some convencing and I had to demonstrate how to cover your nose go pee and run like the wind. He decided to give it a try and back to the tent we went.

Finally after many stories and running around the tent with sheer excitement we were all fast asleep. Well most of us that is. I was pretty sure I was on a slant and that my feet were hirer than my head. Sure enough I had to keep scooting my sleeping bag back down. Soon Isaac was awake in the middle of the night and realizing he wasn't on his turf couldn't go back to sleep. It took some time and adjusting. We tried changing his location and rubbing his back, and talking to him. Finally after flopping around and fussing for quite awile he settle down between Cameron and I and was back to sleep after he groaned and moaned. Thank goodness. However, a short while later I was awakened by a rock beneath me and found that Isaac had managed to take over the entire sleeping pad and I know was wedged literally between a rock and a hard spot. "Is it morning yet? Are we there yet?" were my only thoughts. Not to mention my mothering instincts kept me awake as I was worried about the boys being warm enough. I had to keep checking on them and covering them up. Some how by some miracle I managed to get some sleep only to be awakened yet again by Isaac sitting inbetween us all waving his arms up in the air as if on a roller coaster chanting WWWHheeeee! WWWWhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeee! whhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!. However, this time there was light outside the tent. Yes, that was quite a ride, Isaac, quite a ride.

2004-06-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Puddles at the Park
My sister-in-law and her little boy dropped by for a visit. We decided to take all the boys to the park down the street to break up the daily routines a little bit. So we loaded up the strollers with yes, bikes and scooters and other toys and then they wondered where they were going to sit? hhhmmm. When we finally did make it to the park I realized the sprinklers must have been broken, because they were on last night and on again this morning. Sure enough we were up to our ankles in water before even reaching the playground. The boys were in heaven. Before I could say 'Everest, please (too late) don't get your shoes wet. He was already running and stomping in the massive puddles. However he did very thoughtfully take his shirt off and hand it too me, asking me to keep it dry.

At any rate Karissa and I just sat down on a bench and let the boys be boys. They are just at that age where it's really begining to bring back memories. I love it, I love viewing life through a child's eyes and I love remembering what it was like to be a kid. Isaac (who just turned a year old last week) was right out there in the middle of them splashing and kicking and laughing. He didn't miss a beat. They ran and slid and jumped and stomped. Edison and Everest even played a little game of soccer in the marsh like bogs. I actually had a hard time restraining myself and now that I think of it don't know why I didn't just go jump and stomp and slide with them. I didn't want to break up the fun, but knew they would be getting sun burned with there bare little backs and tummies running around.

So, despite the loss of enormous amounts of water during yet another drout season the boys made sure the water was put to good use. And I did call the city about the broken sprinklers. It was fun while it lasted.

NEVER NEVER!
Somewhere in the Big Book of Rules to Live By I'm sure it says NEVER place bottles, sippy cups or the like in your purse. Truthfully I have not had a purse for years, at least four or so. I've just used the diaper bag, it is like a limb to me. it goes where ever I go. Obviously I have other things to worry about than fashion statements. More like I just don't want one more thing to keep track of or hang on to. However a few weeks ago I tried purchasing something and the casheir insisted I take advantage of the "buy one get one free" sale. I had what I wanted I just wanted to go. Yet, I saw the purses next to the check out and asked if it included them. Yes, well then I guess I'll take that one. So it's come in handy on those rare occasions when I do make it out on my own. I'm not juggling a wallet, a cell phone, keys.... Until one afternoon when I thought I could just slip the bottle into my purse run in the store with my kids and not have to lug a diaper bag in behind me. Think again. When we got home and I unloaded everything my purse was leaking. LEAKING! I must have missed that page in the Big Book of Rules to Live By. I ruined the check book and the purse but managed to save the pictures that were ready to be mailed to my parents. The purse stunk so bad it smelled like something died in it. I don't know why I thought airing it out would save it. So, now I know from experience Never, NEVER put bottles, sippy cups or the like in your purse.