Happy Birthday Lana

On my twelfth birthday my mom picked me up from school (this was a special treat seeing that the bus dropped us off a mile from our house). My mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Knowing I would never get it, I said that I wanted a baby sister. LeNae, who was 5 at the time, perked up and looked at my mom. My mom raised her eyebrows then informed me that she was pregnant! I was so excited. She told me not to tell anyone, but I couldn't help not telling my friend, Camille. On August 31, 1995, I got what I had wanted, a beautiful baby sister.

Today is Lana's 13th birthday. I hope it's a good one for her. She is such a great sister. She is always sensitive to other people and their needs. One time, a few years ago, she had gotten some money. Todd, joking around, informed her that he needed new shoes. Later that day she pulled me aside and asked what size of shoe Todd wore. I reassured her that Todd was only joking, but I never forgot how sweet and unselfish that act was, especially at such a young age.

My kids just adore Aunt Lana (who wouldn't). She plays with them, and they think she's marvelous. Lana stayed with me for a week this summer, and she was tons of help. I had many friends asking where they could get their own 12-year old sister - even if they could get one, she would never be as great as Lana is.

Lana is such a great girl and I am feel so blessed to have her for my sister. We miss you Aunt Lana, hope you have a good day!

Run Forest Run

Todd has been running the last couple of weeks. Today Todd ran his first organized run. It was put on by the hospital, and was a 5.2 mile run. I was so proud of him. He did it in 46 minutes!!! I was a little disappointed because I didn't get to see him run. Because he had left his car at the church the day before, I had to drive him to the race - but not wanting to make my kids suffer the entire time he was running, I ran home for a bit and got them ready for the day. When we got back to the race, Todd had already finished. Oh, well. He said it was really tough while he was running, but 5 minutes after he was done, he was thrilled that he had done it.There were little festivities going on, so we ate and the kids danced to the music that was being played (so cute). There was a Kid's Fun Run, so I signed Mikey and Roger up. At first they were a little frustrated to have the number tags pinned to their shirts, but after Todd showed them how cool it was, they calmed down.

Todd ran with them, and it was super cute seeing them run. They each got a trophy (just for finishing, what kind of behavior are we supporting?) but they were really excited for the little key chains they received.

The key chains have a pirate skull on the end. Roger was insisting to Mikey that the key chains were pirates, but because of the things Mikey has seen Todd handle, he kept on saying, "no, it's a doctor".

It's a Sad Day

6 weeks ago, Liz came to us, looking like this:

Today she left looking like this:

What is it that we did to her?



This afternoon Liz left us. I tried to convince her to stay, that staying with us and our 4 boys was much more fun than going back to college - but surprisingly she wanted to go back to school. I know, very puzzling.
We really are very sad to see her go. We have had such a good time with her. She was such a great help. The only time I ever had to ask her to do something was when it involved doing a project, like touch up painting the walls. She saw what needed to be done, and did it - very well too. She made her own lists of chores she needed to do throughout the day. She even watered my plants! (talk about an ideal girl) After each meal she immediately went to cleaning up - which was my dream come true - I get to cook but not worry about cleanup!! It really was great because I got to spend more time with the boys and not worry about having to cut play time short so I could clean.

Here she is cutting up apples for me to make into applesauceHere I am spending time with the boys while she peals the apples

She also was great with the kids, and she truly does love them. She read books to them, played games with them. She couldn't handle hearing any of them cry, and would often hold Grant when she was all done for the day.

The boys will miss her so much. They call her "Bam" and they play with her and compete for her attention. She plays with them well and even gave them some stupid sticky man toys (I stay stupid because my kids kept on having a difficult time with them, causing many tantrums - nice thought Liz...but don't do it again).

But as much as I am going to miss the help that Liz was, I am going to miss Liz. She was so much fun to have around. She loves to tease me - She teased me about how I would say "Would you like to" then ask her to do a chore. Why I wouldn't just say "Liz, do this" I don't know, maybe it's because I viewed her more as a friend than an employee. But she likes to be teased in return, she has a very good sense of humor. Her timing is unmatchable. She is pessimistic with her humor, but she is actually optimistic (don't tell her that I told). She's sensitive to others (this may suprise those that know her - she puts on a great front) She's very smart, there isn't much I had to explain to her.

Having someone live with you can be difficult, but it was never frustrating with her, she was pleasant to have around. My only complaint is that there were a lot of nights that we stayed up late just talking - but I had fun doing it! We are so very sad to have her leave, but I know that what she is doing is the best for her (and it's the only reason I'm allowing her to leave). I do know that one day she will be an awesome mother, like her own mother before her. And I hope that her experience with us won't cause her to never have kids of her own. Good bye for now Liz, we love you.

Shades

While in New York, William found a pair of sunglasses that my sister had gotten from "Build a Bear" years ago. They were the perfect fit, and he was thrilled with them. He would not take them off - for anything. It didn't matter if it was so dark that he couldn't see, he would just continue running into walls so that he could look like "hot stuff" in his shades. The other boys wanted his glasses too, maybe that's why he realized he had such a prized possession, and the rule here is once you put a toy down, it's free game for the others.

He left them on to brush his teeth

He left them on at night
He left them on while boating (these are actually glasses that his brother convinced him to trade for a short time)

He left them on while bathing
He couldn't eat without them (notice the noodle on his head)
But he did look quite cool with them on

The W says...

Here's a video demonstrating how smart my little William is. I'm sure he knows more letters, but I think the tongue incident has delayed his speech and sounds.



Now, don't get too impressed with me. This is not the result of my great mothering skills (they are great though), it's because of Leap Frog Letter Factory video. I highly recommend that video if you're wanting to teach your kids their letters and sounds. Mikey and Roger now know them all!

Liz, Liz, Liz

Unknown to me, Liz has been keeping up her own blog of the torture she is going through being with us. Let me just say that Liz is torturous herself. She is a handful and loves to mock me. But she is starting to see how my life is like. She use to be pretty smart - senior class president, finished a year at Y-daho, etc etc. Then, the other day she turned on my stove top (which is gas) and because she didn't wait for the flame, gassed us out. When I showed her what the problem was I noticed that she had already put the spaghetti noodles in the water. "Aren't you supposed to wait until the water boils to add the noodles?" I asked her.

"Freakin' A [it's actually the term she uses, I guess it's better than using the real words] I've had it - it's been a long day!" ...it was only lunch time. She now understands why I get so ditzy and forgetful, or why it takes me so long to understand something.

Anyhow, her blog is actually pretty funny and it's interesting to see her view of my children. If you want, check it out.

Here's a picture with Liz and her mom when she dropped Liz off at my house. I should have seen the red flags when her mom hadn't seen her for 7 months, only spent 3 days with her, drove her almost 4 hours, got here , spent 3 minutes unloading Liz's belongings, and drove off. There is a reason her mom doesn't want to spend much time with her.

And the Gold Medal goes to....

We have finally done it!! Roger is Potty-trained!! This is huge for us. For those of you that potty-training your kids was a cinch (PS I HATE YOU) or for those whose children have not reached the age of potty training, it is not fun. My sister-in-law once said that she would rather go through labor (and she does it natural) than potty train a kid. I would have to say that I agree with her, but when you go through labor, you are just popping out another kid that will some day need to be potty trained (vicious cycle, I know).

You look around and see how many people are potty trained - most everyone - so you figure it can't be that difficult. Everyone is doing it. Everyone will learn. But, while potty training - during the hopeless stage - I look at the old people in their Depends and ask "what is the point?" The child will grow old and be in diapers again, so why even try?

I have to admit that changing diapers really does not bother me. This is probably because I've been changing at least one child's diapers for the last four years, and at least two children's diapers for over three years, and have over a year of experience changing three children's diapers. As weird as it is, you get quite use to it, you almost enjoy doing it, look forward to the smell (well, not that far, but you get the picture). Diapers are actually quite convenient. With diapers, you don't have to constantly ask someone if they have to go potty. If you are out somewhere, and your child needs to go to the bathroom, he just does - there's no running around searching for the nearest bathroom or at least a hidden bush. And when the child has an accident in his underwear, it is a mess. He's now wet and smelly. Unless you have an extra change of clothes, he will either stay that way, or everyone will go home. But, in order to function in this society, it is expected that you will be potty trained (sad, I know).

Learning how to put your pants on correctly can be difficult, and painful

I will draw a picture of my experience of potty training, and you should see why I dislike it. - Your kid is showing all the signs that he's ready, you get prepared, you buy all the right stuff, you read all the "miracle workers", you introduce the potty and underwear to the child. He is excited. You sit with him, you sing potty songs (I know a lot of them, like "If you pee-peed in the potty shout hurray"). He is trying. You are having a great bonding time (in the bathroom - kinda gross). You are feeling hopeful. But then, he starts playing with his toys. He no longer is interested in the potty. In fact he will scream, and fight you when you suggest he sit on the potty. You do not want this to become a bad experience for him, so you don't force it, you just keep encouraging him. The first couple of accidents, you play "good mom", you hug him, talk to him, explain what had happened, encourage him to come to you next time. But he keeps on having accidents, and instead of coming to you when he needs to go, he runs away from you, so he can hide in the corner and get the mess everywhere. After a few days of this, all havoc breaks out and in comes "bad mommy". You start forcing him to sit on the potty, he doesn't like it, but you don't like him too much at the moment. You're a grump to all the children - even the potty trained ones. This seems to go on forever, with no end in sight. You start wondering if your child has a learning disability or if you have a teaching disability. He will produce a great "stayed dry all day" day. You get hopeful, but the next day your hopes are shattered with six dirty and stinky pants.

Sometimes waiting on the potty causes drowsiness

Now, as painful as potty training is for me, I do not understand why my children don't just hop on board with using the potty. Do they enjoy having their feces smashed up on their bottom? Does having a wet crotch bring a comfort to them? Can they smell themselves?

Roger has conquered potty training. I am so happy and proud of him. He's happier about it too (less "bad mommy"). The ironic thing is the method that worked was when I would keep showing him an out-pouring of love, especially when he had an accident. Now, I only have two in diapers! I never thought I would be celebrating that I only had two in diapers.

When emotion enters the door, good sense often flies out the window

We had gotten Joey from a lady - let's call her Karen -off of craigslist in March. When she was dropping him off, I got a little nervous because she was so anxious to get rid of him...made me think that I may have gotten a rotten apple. Well, he turned out to fit in our home almost perfectly - he's great with the boys and very obedient. When we had gotten him, we were going out of town the next weekend, so while viewing him, I asked Karen if I could have him stay with her for that weekend. She was happy to do it. When we picked him up, she showed us all of her other dogs (Joey's parents and siblings) and told us that if we ever went out of town again, to call her - she would love to watch him.
Fast forward to the beginning of August. We were going to California to be with my parents. Karen calls me a couple of days beforehand, asking how Joey was doing. After talking to her for a bit, I ask her if she wouldn't mind watching him while we were in California. She was thrilled to do it. So, the day before we left, Liz drove Joey down to Karen's house (which is an hour away). I had told Karen that we would be getting back really late the following Saturday night, so I would be coming by Sunday after church to pick him up. She was excited about that because she had moved since we had seen her last and she wanted us to see what a great situation her dogs were in now.
Sunday Todd and I were going to go pick up Joey while the boys took their naps. Before we left I called Karen to let her know that we were coming. I only got voicemail, so I left a message. After driving 10 minutes, Karen called back. They were in Sandusky for the day, and wouldn't be back until really late. I told her that was okay, then asked what time on Monday could I pick him up. She didn't know. She had no clue how long she would be working, nor when her sister who lives with her would get off work. I asked her to call me when she had a better idea. I then asked how Joey was doing. She tells me that he's having a great time. He's loving being with Pebbles (his "twin"), he loves the new yard and house, this is really going to be difficult to have him go. After our conversation, I turned to Todd and said, "I think she wants to keep Joey."
The next morning I received an email from Karen. In it she said that when she gave up Joey, they were having issues with him, and was happy that he went to a loving home. But now, he has blossomed. He loves Pebbles and should be with her. She has been so sad that she ever gave Joey away, because he is one of her own children. Joey and Pebbles and all the other dogs were meant to be together. It would be like separating my boys, and giving one of them another home. She asked me to find it in my heart to let Joey be happy.
Because of my conversation the night before, I wasn't surprised. I did understand that Karen loves Joey, but so do my kids and I. I wasn't going to let her keep him, so I called her up. I was as sympathetic as I could be, but I also let her know that we wanted him back. I kept asking her when a good time was for us to come pick him up that evening. She avoided those questions and kept on asking me questions about how we treat Joey and what we do for Joey as if to determine if we are worthy to have him back or if there were any reason that she could keep him. She asked if I had taken Joey to the vet. I am an honest person, cannot lie, so I replied that I hadn't. She thought that was terrible - but what she doesn't realize is that my 2 month old baby hasn't been to the doctor - I just do not do well baby ...or dog check ups. At one point she said, "Well, I don't know what my rights are". I tried to explain to her that when she sold Joey to us, she lost her rights to him. After trying to convince her that Joey was taken care of in our home, and trying to let her know that I knew it was difficult for her, I finally just told her that Todd and I would be coming after he got off work, to which she hung up.
Monday evening Todd and I are driving to her place. Halfway there I look at my phone and realize that I missed a call, it was Karen and she left a voicemail. In the voicemail she informed she just can't let go of Joey because her heart wouldn't let her do it. She said that if we came down it would just be a waste of time because we would not get Joey. "So, get your lawyer or whatever 'cause you are not getting him!"
I wasn't totally shocked by this. I knew that it was going to be difficult to get her to return our dog, but we were still going to be friendly and sympathetic. But she just drew the line in the sand. We called the police department in her area (they were excellent by the way) and Todd told the officer about our situation. The officer laughed many times in disbelief that someone was acting this crazy. He then told us to stop by the station and they would have an officer go to her house with us.
We sat in our car while the officer went to the door. He was in there for a while. So we just sat there hearing a lot of dogs barking, and a woman (Karen) yelling. He came out once to tell us that Karen offered to buy the dog back to which we refused. Try telling my boys that we sold our dog back to a woman that had six other dogs in her home. The officer tried to reason with Karen, telling her that even though he couldn't force her to give up Joey, we would file a theft report so he would just have to come back later and arrest her... and we would still get the dog. She wouldn't give him up, now the reason was because we abused him (not that her heart won't let her). The officer gave us a card letting us know that a detective would be getting a hold of us in a couple of days and we went home empty handed.
Sure enough, Wednesday morning I got a call from the detective. He had me tell my story. He then said,"I know you love your dog and everything, but the law sees him as a property" - thank you. Afterwards he asked me if I would still want to press charges if she returned the dog within a certain time. I told him that I had no desire for her to be arrested, and would prefer that she wouldn't so I would totally be up for that. He said he would be calling me back in 10-15 minutes.
45 minutes later he called and said, "I just got off the phone with Karen and her sister...um.. very interesting people." He then informed me that they were claiming that I couldn't handle Joey anymore, so I had returned Joey but now wanted him back -- what happened with the abuse story? I told him that Karen was just very emotional, to which he said was a very good way of explaining her, and that she was just trying to get anything she could. Karen had asked why they couldn't just keep him and have a civil trial for him. He told her that it was because they were breaking the law. After awhile (bless the detective's heart) she finally agreed to drop off Joey at the police department at 3 PM. The detective then recommended that I do not have any more contact with Karen, which I didn't need to be told that.
Up until that time, Karen tried to call me several times. I had nothing to gain by talking to her, so I let it go to voicemail. Now, if you ever want to have a good laugh you will want to listen to these voicemails. In one she goes on for a minute and a half crying, asking us to love Joey and take good care of him. She will be praying for us every day and please pray for her everyday because this is really hard on her. Then the next one, which is just minutes later - no joke -she goes on for two minutes in an anger rage. She tells me that she was planning on returning the dog, but she just wanted to see my kids with him (no way, not now) but we were the ones who had to be nasty and get the cops involved, but now she knows what kind of people we truly are (did she forget all about the lawyer comment). She knows that Joey isn't going to be happy without Pebbles. "Pebbles... she'll be okay...but Joey..he won't be okay without Pebbles....Joey's the real loser in this deal...the only reason you want Joey back is because you're greedy" [who has the six dogs?] Then, minutes later I got the next message. "Ummm, Loni, ....since you viewed me as a kennel...umm...I need compensation....because kennels are expensive....and especially after what you put me through" - now, had we picked him up on Sunday and she expressed a desire to be compensated, we would have agreed, but after having to travel an hour away -twice - and with the gas prices, and having to go through all of this there was no way - besides, we're "greedy people".
Because I had plans to take the kids swimming with my friend, I had Liz go pick up Joey. She was 45 minutes late because she got lost. She was only a mile away, but she kept on driving the same couple of blocks over and over - she use to be quite bright. After she got Joey she called me. "I've got him...I think"
"What do you mean you think"
"Well, he looks bigger....'Joey'.....he responds to his name .....no... I'm pretty sure it's him" It was him. Liz really use to be smart, I think being around my kids has made her ditzy. Hope she gets better before she starts school next month.
We were all happy to see Joey, and he was thrilled to see us. We really do love him, and I really do feel badly for Karen. I know she has some screws loose, but I still hate to think that she's so terribly unhappy. I hope that she can deal with this. Now, the only problem is that Joey smells better than I have ever smelled him but I can't call Karen and ask her what shampoo she uses.

Sleepy Mealtime

We have decided that the reason William is so small is that he cannot stay awake long enough to finish eating. Of course after displaying so many pictures of my William falling asleep during meal time, it happened again tonight. The only difference is that he is through with the high chair. While in New York we didn't have a high chair, so he learned how to deal with the stool. He now loves it, and refuses to go into the high chair - he feels like he's been demoted when we try. So, as safe as it is, we let him. There haven't been any casualties yet.

The boys think it's hilarious and love watching him. "Thats too funny" is what they say.

Here's a little clip of what happens:

You Tell Me ...

Am I a bad mom?

Haircut

Wednesday William had his First Haircut!!! He's over 18 months, and this is all he has ever grown. Even though it has taken him awhile to grow, I felt that it was looking stringy, and not attractive. So, here he is moments before. He was excited to be sitting up on my bathroom counter, but that didn't last too long.















He got quite upset with me. He did not like the clippers one bit, I think it was the noise, it couldn't have been that I wasn't gentle enough. Notice my poor baby's tears.









He was quite upset, but after it was over, he forgave me.

Now, we can't decide if his haircut makes him look older or younger. With his head shaved, I think it makes him look more like a little man, all tough and active. But at the same time, I think with him being bald, he looks more like the baby he was 6 months ago. You tell me what you think.

Don't mess with the Brothers

Yesterday Liz took the boys to the park as I went to an unproductive doctor's appointment. While at the park, she looked over in time to witness Roger pulling back and attempting to swing the hardest punch on a seven year-old kid. She immediately called for him to come over. He was quite upset. She asked Roger what he was doing and he answered, very passionately, "Don't hit my brother!" Liz was slightly confused but right then Mikey came over crying about his shoe. She looked down, realized he didn't have it and just as she was asking him where his shoe was the mother of the seven year-old brought it over to her. The mother explained that the kid had taken Mikey's shoe and thrown it.

I do feel really badly that Mikey was bullied by someone almost twice his age. No parent ever wants to see their child hurt. But I am glad that the mother took action. According to Liz, the boy got punished quite justly. I hate it when situations like this occur and the parents stand around, supporting that kind of behavior.

The thing that I am the most happy about is the fact that my boys defended each other. Todd has often said that if the boys get in trouble for fighting, but it was in defense of their brother, instead of punishing them he would take them out for ice cream. Of course Dad was super proud, and I have to admit that I was thrilled that Roger stood up for him (Mikey tends to be too sweet, and just complies with his surroundings). We will just warn you now, there will be three brothers in high school together, and one in 8th grade - if you want to mess with one, you will have three others on your back.

Two Weeks in New York

Tuesday night we got back from our two week vacation in New York. Todd had two weeks off to study for Boards (which he takes tomorrow, so remember him in your prayers), so we decided to go to a family house on the St. Lawrence river. Todd was able to do a lot of studying, and when he wasn't studying, we had a lot of family time.
On our drive up to New York, we made a half-way stop in Palmyra, New York. The boys were definitely excited to see Hill Comorah - I think because they were finally out of the car.
Then we stopped at The Sacred Grove. It was so pretty. I definitely felt the Spirit there, not sure my kids did. The did really enjoy the Christus at the visitor's center. Mikey looked at it and said, "It's Jesus, He loves a liddle children".

In New York we had a lot of fun and relaxing time. The place that we stayed at doesn't have any TV, phones or Internet. So dang it, we were pretty much cut off from the rest of the world. We played on the boat a lot. Todd even learned how to water ski.
The boys loved to ride the boat, to jump over waves and feel the wind on their faces. We would also just stop and shut off the engine and drift a little bit, enjoying the weather and maybe a lunch. The boys liked to climb on the back and soak their feet in the water.
They even would go swimming with Daddy. Roger loved this the most, and he did a good job "saving" Dad.

We brought Joey with us. He loved it, except for the part that he fell off the boat. We hurried and rescued him, but we weren't too impressed with his doggy instincts nor his doggie paddling.
We went tubing. It was fun. Roger didn't like staying on it too long, but Mikey wanted to stay out in the tube all day. During the times that Todd was studying, I did a lot of scrapbooking. The boys played around. I worked with them on learning the alphabet and each letter's sounds. I had them painting little projects. They loved it. William loved eating the paint. He's Todd's child.

We also went bike riding. Because Grant's car seat takes up so much room in the trailer, we decided to have William ride in "a death trap" (a baby's bike seat on my bike). William loved it, and it was fun because I was able to "talk" to him. He thought it was fun to rock side to side causing the bike to sway. Not a smart move William!

We also worked on Potty Training Roger. He's done a really good job. Stays dry during the day and night. Now if we can get the other issue... I've told him he could go pee on a bush outside. Well, we would catch him opening the outside door and just letting it go on the deck.

By the end, we were quite exhausted. We had played played played. We definately needed some rest time.

On the way home we stopped at the temple. Liz watched the kids on the grounds while Todd & I did a session. It was really nice. Afterwards we stopped and seen Todd's grandparents. They are always so nice and inviting to us and our crazy boys.
We were glad to get home, but were thrown back into a panic when we discovered that our refrigerator had leaked water all over the floor, causing the wood floor to warp. The water dripped into our basement, ruining some patches of the ceiling. But, let's not focus on the bad.