Mischief Anyone?

Where do I begin.... I believe there is usually one child in the family who is all about mischief and right now in our family, it appears to be our sweet little Benjamin. While he is the most loveable little boy he also likes to "explore" if you will and drive Mom nuts! Today was one of those days. Now I must admit, I wasn't the happiest Mom today (still trying to figure that out) but it was one thing after another. For starters...the kids and I were outside painting and playing. I was playing and they were painting. Just kidding! I was trying to finish some touch-up painting to the house while they were playing. To set the stage...we have a dog, named Sage, and she has a potty spot in the back corner of the yard which has sand and flat bricks around it. Unfortunately, Sage is not the only one attracted to this spot! Yes, you guessed it, while I'm on the step stool painting, Benjamin sneaks off to the potty pit. He likes to play in the sand. So, I go chase him out and try to explain to a two-year-old he can't play there. He then wanders off a little towards brother and sister. He did this a few times and knew he was in trouble when Mom got off the step stool and starts running. As time goes on, Ethan and Alys had been rolling the trash cans around and next thing I know, Benjamin is rolling the empty trash can over to the potty pit. Here we go again...as Benjamin sees Mom coming, the trash can has fallen over so what does he do? He climbs in it to try and hide! I must say, while I'm almost at my wits end, I couldn't help but laugh at the same time. At 3 we had him out of the trash can, in trouble again. Meanwhile, I still can't get my painting done. We do have peace for about 30 minutes or so. I had moved to working on the back door and was just inside the house. I had opened the paint can outside and set the lid upon this mini-fridge we have just outside the door and thought things would be fine. The kids were in and out, but I was right there. I mean c'mon...what could possibly go wrong now? Oh yes, I hear this "Mom, Benjamin's got the paint stick and lid and he's got paint on himself." Aarrrrgggghh! I couldn't believe it. So, we cleaned up and I was ready for bedtime! I'm almost sure he tried a little dirt today too. After all this action, I am happy to report that we all made it through the rest of the evening without killing each other and now I hear those nice, quiet sounds of sleeping children. All this so we can start over and do it all again tomorrow. And just in case you were wondering, and I know you were, our children do have real toys to play with. Who knows, maybe next week we'll try dumpster diving. Just kidding! Ya gotta love it; it's just been one of those days.

Little Known Facts about the Sun

On Monday for Treyschool/Kinderschool we talked about the sun. I wanted to share some simple facts about the sun with the kids and I decided I would ask them what they thought the answers were. Here's what Alys and Trey had to say during their science lecture about the sun:

Q: What is the sun made of?

Alys - "Orange, blue and yellow."

Trey - "Orange and popcorn.

Q: How big is the sun?

Alys - "This big!"

Trey - "This big!"

Q: How heavy is the sun?

Alys - "Hmmmm?"

Trey - "Cotton ball."

Q: How hot is the sun?

Alys - "Really, really, really, really hot."

Trey - "Ouch hot!"

Q: How old is the sun?

Alys - "10"

Trey - "4"

It's always nice to know that they learn something! Now that we've heard from our experts, I'm sure you know a little more about the sun now than you did before. But did you know the sun is really a star?

The Land of Make Believe?!

A few days ago things were going well...I was getting some things done and enjoying the fact that my kids were getting along. Benjamin was playing by himself with the trains, which he loves to do. Ethan and Alys were pretending and sounded like they were having a good time. I decided to check in and see what they were really doing. Much to my surprise...today's theme included dress up and there stood Ethan in a purple princess dress! We both thought it was funny for about 10 seconds. However, as a Mom, I couldn't resist a picture which I'm sure will come in handy in about 10-15 years! :)

Happy Birthday Woody!

Woody's birthday was yesterday and we had a few celebrations to remember it. On Saturday, we had a Wii little tournament with some of Woody's family members. We all had our Miis and had a Wii bit of fun...those of you who have this console understand. We had two tournaments with a single elimination. The winner of our sports tournament was none other than Bryan, winning by a homerun against Claire in a few innings of baseball. In our Brain Academy tournament, Woody beat me by a hare. (I think we had a little bit of an edge because we've played it before.) Ethan was right in there with the pack trying to compete and have fun. The Honorable mention however goes to Amy in a game of bowling. She not only almost scored a strike, but almost struck out the TV! It is true...those Wii controllers do fly! WE LOVE YOU AMY! I hope your leg is okay. The fun also included some yummy brisket, baked beans and lemon cheesecake.

The kids and I had a mini celebration yesterday so that we could give him our gifts. I must say I got lazy for this one and bought a cake, but did make one of his favorite meals; meatloaf and baked potato. The kids enjoyed celebrating Dad's birthday and I think Woody enjoyed it too. It's hard to believe how fast the years go by. You're how old Woody? We love you!

A Day Full of Love

This year Valentine's Day was a full one, but definitely one full of love. We started our day with some Valentine pancakes and raspberry jam. That was yummy! Then we whisked Ethan off to school. He was excited as his school was having their Valentine's party. Needless to say he returned home with a bag full of sweet cards and candies. Alys & Benjamin also had school that day here at the house with Trey. We had fun making Valentines, eating red Jell-O and talking about the things that we love. While the kids napped I worked on my Valentine projects (why isn't there ever enough time in a day). Once we returned home the kids received their Valentines from Mom & Dad. A few sweets are always a big hit and they also received some coupons that they can turn in for storytime with Mom or Dad, a favorite movie or game, favorite meal, etc. As you can see they enjoyed it and it was great to see the joy on their face and hearing them share words of "Happy Valentine's Day" to each other.

That evening, Wendy came to watch the kids and Woody and I had a few hours to spend together. We went to this little Italian restaurant in Bedford called Cafe Sicilia. We've dined there before and absolutely love it. I would highly recommend it to anyone. The food is wonderful, the people are real nice and it's just a quaint little place. After dinner, we should have gone jogging but we went to the movies. I don't remember the last time we did that (where I didn't fall asleep). We watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Woody also gave me some beautiful red roses. As we returned home to our family it was wonderful to reflect on those things that we love about each other and our little ones. I'm grateful for their sweet little spirits and the opportunity I have to watch them grow. I'm also thankful for a loving husband who works hard for me and our family and for the moments we are able to share together. I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's Day than being surrounded by those that I love. I hope that all of you felt loved on this special day because if you're reading this, then you are.

Will Work for Food!

I love this mom!
Can I paint the whole thing?

I really do want to paint,
but do you have to take my picture?






As we prepare for our move we have some items to fix up around the house so that we can rent it out. Giving the outside a facelift is one of the items on that list. So every time it's a warm day outside that's the project of the day. The kids are always asking if they can help and eager to give it a try. So, Ethan & Alys helped me paint part of the front. They did a great job and I would hire them any day. The great thing about it is FREE LABOR! If I would've known it would be this exciting I would have them painting the whole house. Benjamin had the best job of all though...napping. I'm sure he would've done a great finger-painting job though.

Mom's Blooper Week?

Okay, I'm really beginning to think it's Mom's Blooper week! Yesterday, Alys, Benjamin and I stopped by Lowes to get some paint. I had parked the car right next to one of those grassy medians near the front of the store. We wandered around, got our paint and headed out of the store. I try to keep Benjamin real close because he likes to wander off. Well, I let go of his hand and thought he would be fine while I opened the door and put two cans of paint in the car. He headed towards the other end of the median, so drop everything and try to catch the little one before he's in the middle of the parking lot. I caught him and was holding him by the arm walking back toward the car. Things were fine until I somehow TRIPPED over Benjamin and landed face down on the median! My foot was a little sore but otherwise, Mom must go on! I realized I was grateful for two things: 1) I'm glad it was not Saturday afternoon in front of Lowes. 2) I'm glad I didn't fall on the treadmill while jogging at the gym that morning! So, maybe next week I'll just stay home. :)

Leaving His Mark

Today was a full day, but the definite highlight was Benjamin's doctor visit. We went for his annual well-child exam with Dr. Drake. I picked up Ethan from school, stopped to get gas and the three kids and I went to the doctor's office. We arrived about 30 minutes early, which we all know is unusual for me. I thought, Oh, this will be great, maybe we'll get done early for once. The kids were playing in the little playroom on the side and I was sitting there trying to listen to the Animal Planet show that was on the TV. The next thing I know, Benjamin goes by pushing a dump truck full of blocks. There, on the backside of Benjamin was this lovely picture of a diaper explosion! Yes, this was real. Then, of course I had to get the toy back in the playroom, grab Benjamin and the two other kids and try to get the receptionist to buzz the door so I can go try to clean up the mess in the bathroom. Was there a changing table in the bathroom I chose? Oh, no! So, laying paper towels on the tile floor and trying to get a squirmy two year old cleaned up was just great. I'm sure listening from the outside of the door was even better! My next dilemma was whether I had a spare shirt or something for Benjamin to wear vs. just a diaper. Fortunately, that was an answered prayer! It was old and had paint on it, but it still fit. I tried asking the receptionist if there was an outside trash can to throw away the evidence so that other patients didn't pass out when they used the restroom, but they weren't much help. So, I had it wrapped up and carried it through the doctor's office until I could throw it away outside. She had also told me that they called our name while we were in the bathroom; isn't that convenient! As we were leaving, I knew I needed to check the playroom to see if any was left behind. Sure enough, Mom, your job is not over! I did the best I could and let the receptionist know that they might want to have someone clean it better. She just gave me this big smile. This was probably our last visit to the doctor's office there since we will be moving, but hey at least Benjamin left his mark. Needless to say, a 20 minute appointment took 2hrs! I'm HAPPY to report that Benjamin is doing just great! He did get one shot and his leg was sore by bedtime, but a little Tylenol and he's sleeing like a log! Thank goodness I don't have a picture to post!

Kinderschool/Treyschool

My good friend and I take turns getting our young children together who are not in school and try to teach them some basic things and just them play and have fun together. Alys likes to call it Treyschool and Trey likes to call it Kinderschool. So, get your kids together, let them make up the name and have some fun! Anyway, this month is my turn to teach and I decided to talk about weather. So, today we talked about clouds and I thought I would capture them playing a game of blowing clouds. It's always fun to watch our kids learn! Benjamin likes to participate from time to time as well and Alys enjoys telling Ethan and Dad what she learned at school today.

By Small and Simple Things...

On January 27, 2008, our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley died at the age of 97. What a wonderful man and example. I will miss listening to his talks, reading his messages and enjoying his wit and humor. I have always marveled at how short and simple his talks have always been. He always gave us wise counsel, counsel that is not always easy to follow, but it was never fluffed up or presented in a grand way. Though for me, it was always a short and simple talk, there was something to learn and/or be reminded of. As it says in Alma 37:6 "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." Farewell, beloved Prophet.

Newbies

Thanks to my good friend Launa, I decided I would join the world of blogging. I always enjoy reading her blog and feel like I should be better at recording all those moments in time that pass by so quickly. In addition to that, Woody has been telling me that he's the only one that writes down things. He has a website in which he records things, shares pictures, tells stories, etc. at www.woodwardfamily.org. I can use this site as well, but for now I'll start here and see how it goes. Wish me luck!