Why is my water making me sleepy?

Today, I asked Aidan if he would please get me a cup of water. He jumped up and a few minutes later came back with a full cup of very cold water. He then asked if he could change his pants because he got "turkey water" on them (our turkey was defrosting in a sink full of water). I told him, sure, then stopped mid-guzzle. Ummmm. Aidan, come to think of it, I didn't hear you turn the faucet on, and you can't reach the faucet, can you? Nope. Is this turkey water that I'm drinking? The blank stare was the only answer I needed.

This Thanksgiving will be spent nursing my salmonilla wrecked body.

I'm thankful for a boy that keeps me on my toes, and always keeps me laughing (or barfing, in this case).

Happy Thanksgiving, and it's good to be back!

Mia's 10 top buty secrets for girls

No, I didn't misspell. I've been so busy, I don't have time to blog. But, lucky you! I came across one of Amelia's many self-made magazines, and this is one of the pages, misspellings and all:

Mia's 10 top buty secrets for girls
1. allway's were scarve around your nek or waist.
2. allway's were earring's that mach your outfits.
3. were you...Don't try to be in the "Gang" if you're a girly-girl were a pink dress
4. were confotable cloths
5. were confortable shoes
6. were neaklazes
7. were bra celets
8. were rings
9. were nailpolish
10. were sunglasses (if you can)

There you have it!! Perhaps that's why I'm lacking in the 'buty' department. I don't have enough bra celets.

Crawl on in!

Once again, I'm trying to attach a picture to this. I'm not sure why I keep trying. Probably the same reason my kids keep asking for a horse- just maaaaaybe.

Sorry that today's blog will be a little 'all over the place', but after a long hard day, I just can't seem to get them neatly organized (or get anything neatly organized, for that matter).

- Aidan decided to buy the game, Operation, with his birthday money that grandma sent him yesterday (can you believe he actually made it to 5!? I thought if something else didn't get him, I might have!). So, we took the game out of the box, and I'm noticing that here is a picture of this TOTALLY NAKED man lying on the operating table. Of course, because his belly hangs over, it's still considered modest. Then I realize that it looks a lot like me!! What a horrific thought!! I have turned into the Operation guy! Granted, he's cleavage-less, but, all the same. Which, in turn, got me to wondering how long I can claim 'this is baby fat'. I'm hoping it's sometime into their teens. At least that's how long I'M claiming it for!!

- I'm so glad that my kids don't know any of the "popular music" that their friends do. I just listen to some of the lyrics and cringe. I keep them supplied with plenty of entertaining kids songs (like: Dead Skunk In The Middle of the Road, Pea's Make Me Vomit, and The Stale Cigar Song). As far as they're concerned, 'Oops, I did it again', still refers to the drops on the toilet seat.

- What is that stench that crawls on kids and dies there when they play outside? Our kids were running around at a friends house, and Aidan comes and sits on my lap to rest his head on me. I ask him if he's been playing in the hose, and he replies, 'no.'. That lovely stream of water dripping down my shirt is good 'ole nasty boy sweat. Then I realize that awful smell. I can't imagine why we wouldn't bottle it up somehow to use in germ-warfare. Or just, gross-out warfare. Surely, you could clear an entire city just trying to get away from it. On our way home, we loaded all 3 balls of ick into our van (and 1 sweet smelling baby), and had to keep the air blowing so that none of it settled and accidentally ignited. A few bottle of comet and bleach, and they were as good as new. (Just kidding. SOS pad scrubbers work well, though.)

More crawling into my mind later.

Trust me....

As most of you know (or don't know) Scott and I are in the process of trying to buy a 116 yr old home in NE Indiana. Well, today we had our inspection on the house before we finalize our offer. We had contacted the listing agent to let them know when we were going to be there, and that we would need to have access to the garage. Well, when we got there, neither of the keys they told us would fit the garage, would. I called the agent, and he tells me that they should fit. I informed him that, indeed, they did NOT fit any of the doors. He told me "The garage is in pretty good shape. You can see it through the windows (in the garage doors)." I told him that we really needed to get in to look AROUND. He gave me the phone number of the seller's daughter and said to see if she could come over. Of course, she wasn't home, so I went digging through the house. I came up with a large coffee can filled halfway with keys (probably around 100-200). We eventually came up with the correct key to the doors, and now we know why they didn't want us to open them. The garage roof is COMPLETELY caving in on one side. Long story short- the garage will need to be torn down. In addition to the broken A/C, the lack of a chimney liner, a non-working water-heater and furnace (and a few other things) the house is in perfect condition! It's still a possibility, we just need to get in touch with our realtor and "work something out". Say a prayer for us!!

A Royal Slip-up

Sorry this is so brief- it's another one of those 'What would I ever do with my day if I didn't have to do ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING?!?' type of weeks, so you'll have to enjoy this little Enoch funny:

Enoch proudly announces to the living room:

"I AM THE KING OF HIDE-AND-SEEK AND YOU ARE ALL MY PHEASANTS!!"

"Uh. I think you mean peasants, Enoch."

"Whatever."

Tip of the iceburg

Okay, occasionally we find "tip of the iceburg" objects laying around our house. These are items that, inevitably, lead to much larger, greater 'issues' if you will. I thought I'd share some of our "tips of the iceburg" and let your imagination take you to the larger issues.

-the lid to a recently purchased (therefore full) bottle of super glue

-a trail of dirt and dead rolly-pollies

-trimmed (not shed) cat hair

-the eye to a baby doll

-an opened bottle of baby oil and baby powder (these two items DO NOT mix well, might I add)

-6 packing boxes, eight pillows, 3 blankets, and a baby gate propped against a doorway to "make sure Mom doesn't get in"

-an empty box of food coloring

-residual of cat litter, milk, and dawn dishwashing liquid in the bathtub

-a 4 year old who comes in, hugs you, and says, "I love you Mom"

Black and White

Today, while playing on the bed with Ava, Kate looks at me and says "Ava sure is a lot darker than us." I explained that, yes, indeed, Ava is much darker than the rest of our fair-skinned brood. "But, she isn't black." she replied. To which I appeared to ponder for a moment (when, in all actuality, I was containing my hysterics). "You know what, you're right! She isn't black." At this point, I almost thought she was joking, or pointing out the obvious or something. But no....she asks "Do you think we'll ever have a black baby?" I told her that probably not, unless we adopted one.

I guess it's time for that whole 'birds and bees' talk.

I wish everyone could see the world in shades of grey, like kids do.

What was that?

Things overheard in the Hepworth house:

"One time, I liked Katie" -Aidan

"Can anyone nurse a baby?" -Amelia

"Mama!" -Ava

*sound of flushing* "Uh-Ohhhh!" -Amelia and Kate in unison

"You know that last piece of cake that's not there anymore. I didn't eat it." -Aidan

"I can really put a spell on you and turn you into a turtle, so you'd better not touch my stuff!" -Enoch (to Aidan)

"I could climb in the cage, you know." -Aidan (at the zoo)

"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!! Aidan's going to look at me again!!" Kate

"Enoch, you can be the king, I'm going to be the queen, Kate you can be the princess, and Aidan.....you can be the dog" -Amelia

"How many more days until school's out?" -Enoch (the first week of school)

"How big of a dog do you think Daddy will notice?" -Kate

How do you spell success?

A successful day

As we’re getting ready to go to the zoo, I notice that I haven’t accomplished anything on ‘Mom’s To-Do’ list for today (mainly attacking the pile that we refer to as the ‘Master Bedroom’ Aptly named because it is our master, and we are mere servants scrounging in it to find what we need).
I got to thinking “What constitutes a successful day to me?” And this is what I came up with.

A successful day:

- has no unscheduled trips to the hospital or doctor’s office

- ends with everyone still alive

- requires no more than 1 clothes change (for me), 0 changes for Enoch, 0 changes for Kate, 1 change for Amelia, 2 changes for Aidan, 6 changes for Ava-(now the whole laundry blog make sense, doesn’t it?)

- is when all of the diaper contents stay IN the diaper

- includes less screaming and more laughing

- is when my husband can tell a difference (positive, preferable) between when he left home, and when he arrives. Extra bonus points if he actually SAYS something about it!!

- requires no toilet plunger

- means all of the kids had three meals- doesn’t matter what, as long as they’re fed food meant for human consumption

- needs no fire extinguisher

- contains no blood

- doesn’t include for the fifteenth time why we don’t say ‘that’ word, or point that finger up in public

- is when I run out before my deodorant does

- doesn’t include “UH-OHHHHH”

- is one where everyone is wearing underpants- extra bonus points if they belong to that person!

- doesn’t require getting anything out of anyone’s hair except what is supposed to be in there

But, let’s face it. The most successful day is the one where all of this happens, and you don’t run away from home.

Furry High Chair

Perhaps I'm just not feeding my child correctly, but every day her high chair (which has a very nice cloth covering) is saturated with goo (specifically all of the days foods ground together and mixed with spit, juice, milk, and, dare I say, might be even a little "leakage" now and then). We're not just talking every couple of days- EVERY SINGLE STINKIN' (oh! did I mention the smell if left on longer than 24 hours? I'm pretty sure it's toxic.) DAY!! I'm wondering if I'm actually supposed to sit her ON TOP of the cloth, or if I should take off the beautiful outer cloth- revealing the ugly, black, plasticky, sparsely padded thingy underneath- and sit her on that? Then, let it get all gooey, and use the pretty cloth covering to hide everything underneath. That only leaves me with one problem. That disgusting gooey stuff seems to be her favorite appetizer while she's impatiently waiting for me to get her real dinner (which, I must admit, on more than one occasion, is whatever cheerios I can dig out of her car seat until I get our own dinner made). I don't know if it's the texture of the goo that she likes? I know it can't be the smell, and if it's the taste she likes, I've got the easiest kid to please in the world! What was that? Avacado and strawberry omelets for dinner? Mmmmmmmm, my favorite!!
It had been several days since we looked too closely at the high chair (both Scott and I figuring if neither of us stared at it directly we could claim ignorance, thereby forfeiting our parental obligation to CLEAN it), and it was one of the kids that pointed out how disgusting it looked. I figured 'Here's a kid who doesn't think a 4 month old rotting sandwich at the bottom of his bookbag is gross, and HE noticed it' I realized it must be pretty bad. I had to drag the encrusted equipment into our shower and blast it with hot water for about 20 minutes to loosen the cemented goo mixture, before spraying it down and scrubbing. It just about glistened when I was done. I washed the beautiful outer covering, and placed it on top. What a beautiful sight (I had even used a knife to get into the cracks where sludge was hiding). I vowed to be more careful when feeding Ava from now on. So, that evening, I carefully placed my SQUEAKY CLEAN daughter into her nice SQUEAKY CLEAN high chair for dinner. I carefully put a mumu style bib on her, and turned around to get her dinner ready. The rest is a blur. All I know is that when I turned back around a few minutes later, there was my still beautiful daughter, covered in potato/mandarin orange/soggy cheerio/milky/sludgy GOO! I checked the ceiling- nothing. I looked at the other kids- they were as amazed as I was. Perhaps Ava had something hidden in her pocket she dug out, perhaps it was the goo fairy, perhaps the high chair oozes the sludge as a protective coating for teething babies. I DON"T KNOW. All I know is that the next step is simple.

It's time to get a dog.

Bubble, bubble, Boy, is she TROUBLE!

They say this picture thing should work. Well, we'll see!

Trashy clothes

After doing 1,456,835,365,001 loads of laundry this weekend, I've come up with the following reasons why trash bags should be worn instead of clothes:

1) No washing machine necessary. If they need cleaned, toss them into the shower with the kid. Remove and let air-dry. If you use the black ones, you can't even tell when they're dirty!

2) Stylish. Black goes with everything. If you don't like black, there's always white (but I would suggest layering unless it's thick enough not to be see-through.

3) Cheap. Where else can you get a new set of clothes for everyday of the year for only $3.99. Also inexpensive to replace.

4) Fashion. If everyone wears them, there will be no competition for style. We'll all look silly together.

5) Fun! In the winter, you won't need a sled to go down the hill. In the summer, you have your very own built-in slip 'n slide!

6) Disposable. You can just throw them away at the end of the day. Even better, you can throw other stuff away in them, too!

7) Sometimes self-cleaning. Baby barf slides right off of them.

8) A great cover-up. Who cares if you lose weight! With a trash bag, no one will ever know!!

9) Portable. You pack for a weeks vacation for 6 in Disneyland- all in a gallon sized ziploc baggie.

10) Did I mention no more laundry?

Chapsticky

Another Aidan funny:

Aidan got into my purse and had put on a bunch of purple chapstick. Only thing is, I don't have any purple chapstick. Turns out it was a glue stick I had put in there for Mutual earlier in the week. When he tried to rub his lips together and seperate them, the glue just left behind a million little gluey strings holding his lips together. Too bad it didn't stick better!!

No home yet

Well, the dream home will be just that...a dream. Someone outbid us.

Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He lets the storm rage and He calms His child.

Climb on the ark

Happy Field Day! Or, not happy field day for those lovely parents who volunteered to sit in the sweltering heat, tossing a hulla-hoop to kids who would rather be chasing each other. I, however, was not one of them. I did eat lunch with Enoch and Amelia, though. After joining Amelia outside for her recess (I was talking to some Mom's while Aidan played on the playground and Ava sat in her stroller), I went inside for Enoch's lunch time. About 30 minutes later I realized, hey! I'm missing a kid!! Yep! Aidan, how could I possibly forget him! Two minutes of quiet time should have alerted me that something was amiss. I ran back outside to the playground, where he wasn't, of course. Then tried to wade through the100 million school kids, siblings, parents, grandparents,long lost uncles, and the occasional kitchen sink to try and find the little red-headed boy, before he bacame a little burnt-red headed boy by the sun. I found him playing with the kindergarteners at the field day events. He didn't even miss me. Big surprise.


Here is a brief synopsis of each of us:

As most of you know, we put an offer on a home. I don't want to jinx anything, so 'nuff said. I'll tell you after we find out Friday afternoon.

Our darling Ava has perfected saying 'Nana'. Good for her. Good for Nana. BAAAAAAD for Mommy.

Enoch is anticipating the end of school. Several times a day, in fact. He is still wondering why he has to bathe regularly if he can't smell himself. Knock knock. Who's there. Hygeine. Hygeine who? Hygeine (Hi Gene!) you'd better shower 'cause you stink like a pack of dead camels.

Amelia wrote a letter to her school principal voicing her disappointment in both the new school playground and field day not being accessible to everyone. Haley specifically. You go, Mimi!!!

Poor Kate is going through hair-twirling withdrawl. But, in spite of that, she is still counting down the months until she can cut her hair for Locks of Love again.

Aidan got his finger stuck in the shower drain and basically skinned it yanking it out. It has to be medicated and bandaged twice a day. I guess he thought I was running out of things to do, and since he's already jumped off the couch with the blind cord around his neck, what else was there?

Sorry the update was so long coming. I'll try harder. Replies would be nice and encouraging, though. It may keep me motivated to write more if I know someone is actually reading this. I wish there was a way to track how many people are. Or maybe that would just be more embarassing to know who all knew what went on in this house.


PS I forgot the whole "ark" thing in my title. Some I-D-I-O-T (I have to spell it or the kids will get me) blocked up our drain, and we had a massive downpour. We had a lake almost 3 feet deep in front of the entrance to our parking lot. No one could drive in or out (except by motor boat). I sent the kids out to swim. They had a blast, of course. Okay, okay, so maybe I joined them for a bit, too. Who can resist? Oh, yeah, Scott can. And did.

Technical difficulties

My brain is experiencing technical difficulties. Please stand by until I regain my sanity and blog some more. Hang in there, I'll be back soon.

Top 10 for 2003

Here is a list I wrote 2 1/2 years ago, that was supposed to be sent out as late Christmas letters. Notice how everyone got a copy? These are the top 10 lists for everyone (but Scott, which is why we never sent them out. We kept waiting for him to do his. We're still waiting, by the way). Keep in mind, Aidan was 2, Kate was 4, Amelia was 6, and Enoch was 7. You can just imagine some of the stories behind these.

The top ten things I learned in 2003:

Aidan
-You have a better chance of getting what you want if you use real words instead of just saying “tah”.
-There’s a lot of comfort to be found when someone else you love has a tube just like you.
-You don’t get candy every time you say “trick-or-treat”.
-Little girls are cute, but they sure can hit hard-and scream loud.
-If you’re strapped in too tight, sometimes you have to take your pants off to get out.
-Not everyone can have good hair.
-You have to try on everybody’s shoes to see how they feel.
-Mommy doesn’t think it’s funny when you play hide-and-seek in the hotel elevator. Neither do the security guards.
-There’s no substitute for Mom, but Nana’s Grandma’s and Mimi’s come close.
-You can never have too many blankees.

Katarina
-Cats don’t always like to be kissed on the nose.
-Even if you don’t like your curly hair, you really shouldn’t cut it.
-Little brothers can be nice, but they can REALLY be annoying.
-When you listen really well in Primary, you can tell your stories in Family Home Evening.
-Looking cute doesn’t always get you out of trouble.
-Heavenly Father always hears us pray, but sometimes He says, “No.”, or “Not yet.”
-Dish soap can make dishes clean, but it sure does taste awful.
-You can go a lot faster on a bicycle than you can just walking (but it hurts worse when you fall).
-When you say something and everyone laughs, they aren’t being mean. You just made them happy.
-Sometimes you have to wait for Heavenly Father to get your house ready before you can move in.



Amelia
-Not everyone wants you to be their Mommy.
-Just because you’re loud, doesn’t mean they’re listening to you.
-You can spend the whole day in your room if you have a mirror and karaoke machine.
-Not all babysitters know how to change Aidan’s tube if it falls out. Sometimes you have to calm them down and just do it yourself.
-When your Mom’s the Brownie leader you get to help do a lot of fun stuff. You also get told to sit down a lot.
-Eating dinner standing up isn’t as much fun as sitting in your chair quietly.
-When you know how to read, your little brother and sister think you’re pretty cool (and bring you lots of books to read to them).
-Everyone spills.
-You may be bigger than your brother, but you’ll never be older.
-Beautiful comes from the inside first.

Enoch
-All the SpongeBob in the world doesn’t make being in the hospital fun.
-Just because you went to school for a long time, and you’re a doctor, doesn’t mean you know what you’re talking about.
-If you break your little pinkie in enough places, they’ll give you a great big cast that goes all the way to your elbow.
-Sometimes you have to scream and cry while you’re praying.
-You feel a lot bigger with the Holy Ghost inside of you.
-It feels nice to let your little brother take care of you for a change.
-It’s harder to make your own decisions, than it is to have Mom and Dad just tell you what to do.
-Being on the top bunk doesn’t get you much closer to God, but falling off of it can.
-You don’t have to know how to play the game to have fun playing it.
-It’s hard to be a good example.


Tanya
-There is no such thing as too many childproof gadgets.
-If you have the time, do it now. You never know where you’ll be tomorrow.
-Every life is precious. Each moment with that life is even more. Make it count.
-Walls can be painted, carpets can be cleaned, but you can never undo what you’ve said.
-Family will always be close, no matter how far away you are.
-Make the time to do service and the blessing will appear.
-Leading a troop of 6 year old Brownies is more difficult than giving birth. And there are no drugs.
-Miracles are found in unanswered prayers.
-Sometimes God brings family members together by taking one away.
-“Just hold on, the light will come.”/ “Faith precedes the miracle”

Racing Stripes

Uuuuggghhhhh! I think I'm going to stab my eyes out. I've been online looking at houses on Realtor.com, and I swear, if I see or hear the words "potential", "bungalow", or "needs some TLC" one more time, I'm going to explode! But, I must remember, we ARE looking for a house- YIIPPPEEEEEE. Which reminds me, I need to re-pack all the boxes we just finished unpacking. NOT yippee.

Apparently, people have been a little peeved that I haven't been keeping up my blog. To them I say, if my sad life is what you have to look forward to, I apologize. No more guilt trips, please, I'm doing this solo. I keep trying to get Scott to type, but he does as much typing as he does talking (except when it comes to the kids). Maybe he should vent his frustrations towards the kids on the blog- now wouldn't THAT be a hoot to read (not).

Rand McNally called me today. Seems they've gotten some anonymous tips and they would like to map out my stretch marks and vericose veins. Apparently things have gotten out of hand. I, personally, like to think of them as "racing stripes". Sounds better, at least. Why isn't being exasperated at your kids considered a work out? I mean, I sweat, I grunt, my heart races- everything I would be doing at the gym, and yet- not a pound drops off. Perhaps its the gallon of ice cream I eat after they go to bed. Got milk?

We ran out of milk yesterday, and Scott and I played the "we need milk" game until midnight. We both lost. The kids, however, won. Leftover cake for breakfast- the breakfast of champions.

Well, there you go people. I think I've been spoiling you by writing every day. Perhaps if I wait a week, you'll be happy with every other day. For my sanity, I'll try and keep up as much as possible.

One of these kids is not like the others

Happy Garage Saleing Day! The sun finally peaked out today to let us sale a bit, even though it was a tad chilly. As you can tell by the pictures I forwarded to you, I'm desperately waiting for Ava's hair to grow a bit, but still decided to force it into two antenna. Cuuuueeeeeewwwwwwwwwwt!

When I picked the kids up from school today, a Mom came over to me and told me that Ian would be able to come to Kate's party. I said 'Great!' After they left, I asked Kate if she only invited girls'. She told me that she did, but she also invited Ian. I asked if he was the only boy, and she proudly said "Yep!" "Does Ian know he's the only boy coming?" I then replied. She didn't think so. When I asked her why she didn't invite any of the other boys, she said (matter-of-factly) "He's the only one I like." This should be fun! I decided to give Ian a different goodie-bag then the purse-shaped ones we have.

We got a chance to go to the zoo for just a little while after school (dumb place closes at 5pm). We saw a giraffe up-close and personal! We also saw a daddy goose standing guard in front of his lovely bride and brood that nestled nearby.

I found some babysitting handbooks for Amelia at some yard sales today. Enoch was mad that they were just for her, since he's done some babysitting also. I decided that it would be a FAMILY book, so everyone could learn from it. (Who would've thunk it?)

I also found two pair of shorts at a yard sale that fit Enoch perfectly. Funny thing is, they're a size 6. Poor, skinny, buttless Enoch. I feel the need to share some of my over-abundant abundance. Too bad it doesn't work that way. (I still think that Ava should be sucking the weight right out of me, but that isn't working either). It must be all those darn cucumbers I eat!

It works, by golly!

Great news! A few weeks ago I picked up a $5 radio for Scott's car at a garage sale, then found a 6-CD changer at another one for 50 cents!! Yes, you read correctly- 50 CENTS!! Scott and Enoch spent a couple of hours in the car tonight putting it together (and Scott also continued the "birds and the bees" talk a little more in depth than we did when he turned 8). And everything works great!! Now the stereo system is worth about as much as the car is!

Today, while driving around with Aidan, he was singing along to the Primary song "Scripture Power" and after he sang "Because I want the power His word will give to me, I'm changing how I live. I'm changing what I'll be." he stopped and said- "You know, I really am, Mommy!" I don't doubt it for a minute.

I got Ava out of bed this morning and she was standing up in her crib again. This makes the THIRD time!! My baby's growing up!

Well, today's was short but sweet. I hope everyone has a great day! Saturday is Kate's party, I'll let you know how that goes!

I'm Back!!

It's been a looooong 4 days, and since Scott won't blog, I guess you just had to enjoy the silence. But, not for long!

I'll update you on the last four days.

Sunday, Mother's Day: I awoke to kids not arguing (what I asked for for Mother's Day-as apposed to a GIGANTIC bowl full to the brim of Grape-nuts, which is what I got last year for breakfast). Everyone did a great job getting ready for church, and the kids sang in sacrament meeting (always a tear-jerker). At the end, the bishop recognized each mother BY NAME without any prompting! Quite a feat! I can't even get my five kids names straight! After church, I got my 2 hour nap, then the kids and I made frames for Monday, and Scott made dinner- yummy roast and potatoes!

Monday, The Day After: I awoke to the kids arguing (what happens every normal day). I can't remember much of the daytime, same old stuff, I guess. In the evening we went to the Hamilton House (Retirement/Old Folks/Resting Home) and delivered some cards and our photos in the homemade frames. The kids were so excited, I thought they were going to explode! When we first went in, we recognized a few of the people (Doc, Corky, and Helen Keller- who could forget those names!) then went around to the rest of the apartments, knocked on the door, and went in when the said we could. On one of the rooms, they said 'Come in.' and we went in and the kids gave her the stuff, and talked for a little while. Luckily, they didn't notice that she didn't have any pants on. Her PJ top came down a little lower, and she was bent over (good thing we weren't coming in from behind her!) so you could hardly tell. Well, I decided, that I would do a little 'clothing check' before having all the kids come in. I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father gave me that lady as a warning, because just a few doors down, poor Rita Redman was as naked as a jaybird when I walked in. She needed a little help getting her PJ's on, and since it took as long for Scott to get someone and them actually GETTING there, I just helped her out myself. She asked me if I was new there. New to this, I thought! I gave her her things and a hug and left. The kids weren't very happy that they didn't get to go in and see her. I sure was, though! There were a few other funny moments, like when one of the ladies met us for the first time, several times that night. The guy who was certain that Scott's mom was Rita, and the lady that told us that there was a 2 month old baby running all over the place yesterday. It just reinforces why I love going there. It's almost as if they're an innocent child again, with all the child-like wonder and love. And boy, do they ever love the kids- almost as much as the kids love them.

Tuesday "The world's worst day"- I was going to re-hash everything, but then, that's just depressing. The day was SO BAD for EVERYONE that we had chocolate cake and ice cream for dinner. 'Nuff said.

Wednesday (Today)- I went on a field trip with Kate's class to the Botanical Conservatory. They have a butterfly exhibit which was wonderful! We all had a great time! I was a little startled to see all these little first graders doing little hand-clapping thingy's talking about "shaking their booty". Yikes! I told Kate that that was a word that better not leave her lips unless she found hidden treasure somewhere. Tonight we had a "mexican fiesta" for Mutual. The guys were in charge and we played a few fun games. They had some girls bring salsa, but the guys were in charge of bringing the chips. You guessed it- no chips. Spoons, anyone?

Tomorrow Enoch and I are attending a "Bodies in Progress: for boys" class. I had them forward me a copy of what they were talking about (no sex or other controversial stuff), to decide if I was even going to have him go. I'm still trying to find a crate to put Aidan in while we go. For some reason, I don't think Aidan would get much out of it, except embarassing things to talk about during Primary. Ava, I'm not so worried about. They are going to talk about girls' "cycles" so I'm wondering if me going would embarass him to death. Any thoughts?

Tomorrow is also Aidan's official last day of school. They are going to the zoo. Unfortunately, I have a meeting for the first hour across town, so I hope we get there for at least the last part. We'll let you know how everything goes!

Thanks for tuning in!

What my Mother's taught me

Contemplating tomorrow's Mother's Day, and knowing that I publish these too late at night for anyone to read it, I thought I would get a jump start tonight. Here are some thing's my Mommy has taught me. By: Tanya

My Mom taught me:

1. If anyone is ever in need, be the first to help. Not only help of your own free will, but enjoy it, and do it until they don't need help anymore. She taught me that by serving others, you strengthen your own spirit. That is the first thing I realized about my Mom. I don't think she could have taught me anything more important.

2. Keep your negative comments to yourself. Don't indulge others in pessamistic conversation. Anger breeds contempt. No one wants to be around someone who's unpleasant. Make sure that person isn't you.

3. Too many perms is a bad thing. A really bad thing.

4. When you behave badly as a child, your mother will pray for a child that behaves the same way for you. Mother's have a tight bond with God, and God has a sense of humor. She will get what she wants.

5. When everything is falling apart around you, you are still a shelter to your children. (No matter what happened in our lives as kids, my Mom never made us feel as if anything was wrong. If there was any financial or other sorts of problems- we never knew it)

6. You can make the most deplorable shack a beautiful home.

7. Children's artwork should be displayed everywhere, and for eternity. She still hangs up a "kitchen witch" I made out of an old sock, some yarn, a piece of felt, and flour&water for glue. I'm still proud of it everytime I see it.

8. As a child we never realize the extent our parents have gone through for us. It isn't until I was grown with children of my own that I realize what a difficult life she had, and how much she sacrificed for us. A lifetime of 'thank-you' could never repay. I suppose that's why we give them grandchildren.

9. Sometimes the farther apart you are, the closer you get.

10. Being a Mother is more than just a title, or a job. It is a crown of honor that we wear upon our heads for everyone to see. Each child, a precious stone upon that crown. It is knowing in your heart that you will forever be spiritually connected to an endless cirlce of love, that goes far beyond what you can even comprehend. It's knowing that your responsibility far extends that of presidents or kings. You are called to prepare these young children for their eternal calling, both here on earth, and in heaven. You are given no monetary reward for your efforts, but it doesn't matter- what you offer is priceless.

Mom, I want you to know on this Mother's Day how very much I love you. I want you to know that I see you performing the ultimate sacrifice for your own Mother, and pray I can be as good of a daughter as you are. You are my strength, and my example to live by. You are my lighthouse when the storms darken around me. You have taught me that struggles only require more strength, and that we can receive that strength from Heavenly Father and those around us. I would not be who I am today, if it wasn't for you. Thanks Mom.

Good night. I love you. See you in the morning. I'm going to rest my eyes.

Today's Insights

1. I've figured out that it's easier to just throw the cheerios on the floor and have her eat them off of there, then waste my time putting them on the tray, where they end up on the floor anyway. And it gives her something to crawl towards.

2. Kate spent the evening at a friends house. She was appalled that they didn't pray at the restaraunt before eating, but she ensured me she said a personal prayer before she ate. I'm grateful that she didn't insist on the family joining her. You know, just having one of them gone for the evening seems like a huge relief. One less fight to have to refree (or in Kate's case, 10 less)

3. We went to our local 50% off book sale at the kids school. We're suckers when it comes to books.

4. Scott and the boys went out for a Mother's Day present. I let Scott know that Kohl's was having a sale on the charms for my "children's birthstone" necklace-HINT!HINT! Apparently he had already thought of that. Just want to make sure he doesn't forget.

5. We found out a few days ago that someone is going to help us get a loan for a house. We are officially looking- HARD. We will put our 60 days notice in to the apartments at the end of this month, so we should be in a home by Augast 1.

6. I'm very grateful for strange sayings that have been passed down to Scott and I, that we, in turn, are passing on to our children, namely: "hunka-munka" (hamburger), "We're going to Bangums to get our bums bottomed" (I'm not going to tell you where we're actually going because you'll probably just throw a hissy-fit about it), "Skinny Rabbit!/Skin the Rabbit!" (said while taking off someone's shirt. Not a good come-on line to begin a romantic evening with, though.), "A-one-and-a-two-and-a-boop-boop-be-do" (said just before turning off the light switch), "I see your heiny, all fat and shiny" (said while changing someone's diaper or giving them a bath. Again, not a good come-on line), "Good night, I love you, see you in the morning, I'm gonna rest my eyes" (said by the child going to sleep, followed by the parent saying "Good night, I love you, see you in the morning, rest your eyes- this is directly followed by the boop-boop-be-doop thing)

So if you didn't think we were strange before, I hope this settles it.

Wonderful Milestones

Well, Ava finally learned to roll over from her back to her tummy. Only six months behind, but, oh well. It got my thinking of some other wonderful milestones in our children's lives that they don't put in the baby books:

-When you are able to send the kids in for a shower/bath and they are able to get reasonably clean without your constant supervision

-When the kids are old enough to tell you what the babysitter was REALLY like

-When you don't have to wipe, or 'check their bottom' anymore

-The first time they're able to 'read' (recite) their favorite book to you

-Can stand on his own, so you don't have to hold him on your lap when you go into a public restroom

-Is self-burping

-Can pick up food and eat on their own

-Can actually blow their nose (and know to do it only when there's a tissue in front of it)

-Has figured out what it feels like just BEFORE throwing up

-Can change a baby coll/barbie doll/GI Joe's clothes without help

-Can give you more than 15 seconds notice that they have to go to the bathroom

Am I a moron?

Did these work?

Let's see if I can post a picture

We're going to give this a try. If not, I'll have to find out from Clark how he added a picture.

Have you met my ugly daughters?

What a way to begin a blog, eh? (my Canadian roots coming out) Tonight was book club. We reviewed a book called the Persian Pickle Club. Very good book, 1 1/2 thumbs up. At any rate, during our discussion we got to talking about kids, puberty, sex, and all things unpleasant when you're the mother of young children, who would never possibly be involved in any of these things. After hearing horror story after horror story of unwed mothers, and a declining morality despite proper upbringing, I have come to a conclusion. I wish my girls were as ugly as sin for at least the next 15-20 years- I'm talking buckteeth, acne, frizzy hair, 'sweet-spirit' ugly. So ugly that no boy would ever think to even look twice at them, much less think to take a gander below her neck. Oh, Yeah, and no breast development AT ALL until they had their first baby. I would take these years to develop their stunning personalities, and faithful, selfless spirits. Then all of a sudden (when all of the boys their age have decently matured- say 30 or so), when the time was right, they would transform into these beautiful, stunning women- both inside and out. The Ugly Hepworthlings. But, no. We get stuck with these georgeous little girls, with beautiful blue eyes, and curly red hair (and straight). It's a good thing they know how to burp, that's for sure. What a sin it is to be burdened with these beautiful children, but I guess I'm preaching to the choir now, aren't I?

Today Ava officially crawled. yip. pe. Not very excited. I figured out she learned how to crawl while I was on the phone with my Mom and she almost pulled the white grandfather clock on her. How I love this stage. Not. Yesterday, she also spoke her first non-mama/dada/baba word. While waving at people at the store, I kept saying "Hi!" and she would repeat it. In this sing-songy voice she'll say "Eye!". Well, actually more like "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!". Very cute.

I caught Enoch wearing his Sunday socks to school today. Don't think they've been off his feet since Sunday. We learned a song on our trip to Kansas that says, "Black socks, they nevery get dirty the longer you wear them the stronger they get. Sometimes, I think I should wash them, but something inside me keeps saying-'not yet, not yet, not yet, not yet'". Fun song, huh? Someday I'll tell you about the one called "Fish Guts".

As most of you know, we're expecting our sixth child sometime around the end of December. Yes, a blog/birth announcement. For those of you who didn't know, don't worry. I'm just kidding. Scott's having his tubes tied, and I'm thinking of getting a vasectomy. Until those procedures are completed, we'll just keep the kids locked in the house tormenting each other. That should work. Or maybe I'll have a birthday party and invite all of Enoch's class. That would work, as well.

4th Grade Camp Potawotami trip (Long!)

Last Thursday and Friday, Enoch and I (dad) got to attend Camp Potawotami's Outdoor Adventure (or whatever they called it) program with Enoch's 4th grade class; all 120+ of them! I went as a chaperone and didn't have a clue what was going to happen until I got there. Oh, I knew that there would be some "classes" and hands on activities. I figured I would end up playing baby-sitter to a bunch of 10 y.o. boys for 2 days.

"A bunch" turned out to be only 3 boys: Enoch, his best friend Ross (Enoch's book-loving-easy-going-separated-at-birth-twin) and Taylor, who nearly talked my ear off when he wasn't tripping over his own feet. He's a nice kid, but I'm glad he doesn't live with me!

We arrived at camp late Thursday morning, had an orientation meeting, lunch, then an orientation meeting for the adults only. This is where I first learned about "The Underground Railroad" (i.e. runaway slaves, Harriet Tubman, etc.) Camp staff asked for parent volunteers to play some parts in this underground railroad skit. I did NOT raise my hand! I don't act. Ever. More about the Underground Railroad (UGRR) later.

The kids and adults were split into 5 groups and then we began attending our classes. These turned out to be great fun for the kids. Every group got to attend all the classes. The classes were: Eggbert; build a container to protect your raw egg from a 10' drop. (with a twist: all the building materials had a price associated with them, and the winner safely protected his egg with the lease expensive container!) The Climbing Wall; looked suspiciously like a rappeling tower converted into a "rock wall" for climbing, generally ranked as the second most memorable activity at the camp by the kids. Native American Games; fun group games that didn't require anything more than willing participation and a little imagination. Wilderness Survival; learned that the first rule of wilderness survival is to NOT get lost in the wilderness!

Earlier I said: "I don't act." But, (you knew there'd be a 'but' didn't you?!) a parent had to back out of her part for the UGRR and I got stuck with it at the last minute. "Peg-leg Joe" was now my responsibility: an older, freed slave working in the south helping those setting out on the underground railroad. After dinner and free time, those of us playing parts in the UGRR met to get our costumes, go over instructions and ask last minute questions. My part turned out to be pretty simple. Something to sweat about, not lose my dinner over!

The kids (and remaining adults) played the slaves. The parent volunteers and camp staffers played the parts of various people the runaway slaves would encounter as they traveled from the South to Canada. As darkness fell the 'slaves' were introduced to their 'master'. This was a camp staffer who had some experience playing this roll and was able to get the 'slaves' in the proper mood pretty quickly! From my location I could hear lots of shouting: "On your knees!", "You think this is funny?", "Eyes on the ground", "What are you looking at? Eyes on the ground!" etc., etc. The 'slaves' were out in the grassy commons area at camp, on their knees, picking dandelions!! The 'master' spent about ten minutes getting the 'slaves' in the proper frame of mind and then gave them a break from their work. My part was to approach the 'slaves' while they rested and give them some friendly "advice" (escape while you can, things are about to get worse for you; follow the north star to Canada, etc.) After their 'master' cut short their break for talking to a freed slave, the 'slaves' get their opportunity to escape. They now are following an unknown trail in the dark with no idea where they are headed or what will happen next (the adults, though playing the part of slaves, were actually given some instructions as to where to go so that they didn't end up wandering off in the wrong direction) As the 'slaves' wander into dense woods, they encounter the 'sheriff' who has just been told that a group of runaway slaves is in his neck of woods. The sheriff's part also required a lot of shouting and intimidation but his was the one part I didn't get to hear. The effect was to further scare the kids and enhance the illusion that their lives were in danger. After a lot of questions and threats, the 'sheriff' eventually lets the group go and they continue deeper into the woods. Next, they meet a UGRR 'guide' who gives them specific instructions on where they will find a safehouse, the password they need to get into the safehouse, and gives them a lantern (it has a single candle in it, the first light they've had in about 30 minutes). The 'slaves' continue their journey a little less frightened until they meet the 'bounty hunter'. This guy is the scariest of all. He shouts at them, questions them, and is convinced the 'slaves' are runaways and has no plans to let them go. In fact, he's about to put them in chains and haul them off to auction when he gets "distracted" and the 'slaves' are off again (but not before being chased down the trail by the 'bounty hunter' yelling at the top of his lungs!). Finally they arrive at the safehouse, give the password, and are let in by a kind lady who promises to get them safely to Canada. Just when the 'slaves' start to relax, a 'nosy neighbor' lady comes knocking and wants to know what's going on. When the neighbor discovers runaway slaves in the house, she decides to go get the sheriff. The 'safehouse lady' can't let this happen so she chases the 'nosy neighbor' outside with a 14" cast iron skillet (which, when slapped against the outside of the cabin that this scene was stagged in, sounds similar to a gun shot!). Now that her neighbor is dead, the 'safehouse lady' must quickly escort the 'slaves' to Canada, making them step over the body of the 'nosy neighbor' in the process!

After all the 'slaves' arrived safely in 'Canada', we gathered around a fire for s'mores and a debriefing. I expected a mamby-pamby, politically correct, "why can't we all just get along" speech but it was actually a very thoughtful discussion. They started by bringing 10 kids to the front and pointing out that if this had been the real UGRR, these 10 kids would have been the only ones of the group to make it safely to Canada. We (well, the kids and camp staffers) discussed each of the characters, their possible thoughts and motivations with regard to the slaves, and how people act in a similar manner today. They ended the discussion by encouraging the kids to remember this experience the next time they think about treating someone badly just because they are different.

It was a powerful and moving experience. We adults compared notes later that night and the following day. There were kids who actually trembled with fright each time they were approached by one of the scary characters (the sheriff or bounty hunter) and more than one adult reported having to calm one of the girls who started crying. All the next day as we finished up our last two classes, the kids kept talking about their UGRR experience. From what I heard, having to step over the body of the 'nosy neighbor' on their way out of the safehouse seemed to make the biggest impression on them. (at least it got the most discussion!)

What I thought might be an interesting trip (at best) turned out to be a fantastic experience for the kids AND adults. I wish every kid could have the opportunity to travel the Underground Railroad!

Dracula lives at our house

Well, beautiful, sweet, lovely Ava got three new teeth today. Yes THREE- 1, 2, 3. Count them. I sure do. If weaning wasn't on the agenda before, it sure is rising to the top now! I was really trying to hold out to make it to the 'official' 12 month mark for nursing, but, hey, I've got higher priorities. For example, making sure I don't have to get prosthetic nipples because she "just couldn't help herself" while nursing.

Today was a WONDERFUL day in church. Mimi got up and bore her testimony in sacrament meeting. It was short and beautiful. If I remember correctly, it went like this- "I'd like to bear my testimony. I know this church is true. I love my family. And......(about a 13 minute pause) I know that everything I'm taught is true. (45 minute pause) I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Okay, so maybe I exaggerated the pauses a bit, but I'm sure that's what it felt like to her (I know it did to me). Yes, I cried. What mother wouldn't.

We took Aidan back to the hospital yesterday, because he's been having some severe abdominal pain around his bellybutton incision. It's gotten worse over the last few days, so we called his surgeon down in Indy who thought it might be a hernia and advised us to bring him in to the ER. Since we didn't feel like driving down to Indy (go figure), we took him into the local (quack) ER, who thinks his pain is just from some constipation. Funny, they said that about his appendicitis. They did do an x-ray, which they said wasn't very significant, except for the stool. (Again, they said the exact same thing about the x-ray when they missed the appy). At this point, we may just let Aidan self-diagnose. Hey, he couldn't be any worse than the dorks at the hospital. (Do I sound bitter?)

Enoch and Scott were supposed to share some of their marvelous camp out adventures, but it looks like they may not get to it until tomorrow (we'll see). If it doesn't involve Scott's SPAM radio (my 'loving' term for his HAM radio), the priority isn't way up there for either Scott OR Enoch (who would have loved for Scott to haul his giant radio to camp with him).

Until tomorrow..

Games Babies Want to Play

If I had enough time, I would write my own, but for tonight, you'll have to read a little excerpt from The Diaper Diaries:

Games Babies Want to Play:

Month 1- You'll never guess when I'm going to spit up!

Month 2- Let's see how long I can cry.

Month 3- Where have I rolled to?

Month 4- Who will pick up what I throw on the floor?

Month 5- Guess what I just put in my mouth!

Month 6- Which way will I tip when you sit me up?

Month 7- I'll bite your nipple and you try not to jump.

Month 8- What common household item will I be afraid of today?

Month 9- Bet I can reach what you think I can't!

Month 10- Guess what strange Transitional Comfort Object I'll be dragging around this week!

Month 11- Lean over so I can grab your fingers and stumble around!

Month 12- Call me and I'll run and hide!

Show me the money!

So, did you hear that a stay-at-home mom (dumbest name I've ever heard of) would earn around $134,000/yr! Is that supposed to IMpress or DEpress me? I'm not sure. Why would they even figure that up? Is it like we can use it against something? I know. The next time I go to get a job, and they ask me about my previous salary, THAT's what I'm putting. I'm sure that'll get me far.

Well, Scott and Enoch are off on a school over-night field trip to Camp Pottawottamie. I can't wait to hear about it. Enoch's best friend, Ross, and his dad are going also. Oughta be a hoot and a half! I'm pretty content staying here at home.

After school, I took the rest of the gang out to eat chips and salsa, then to see the Curious George movie. I loved it!! We were the only one's in the theatre, which worked out since Ava was a little vocal. The kids thought it was cool because they could switch seats whenever they wanted (almost).

I tried to get the kids into bed early since they were up until 11pm last night, so we started wrapping things up around 7pm. I think most of them were asleep by 10. I know Aidan's been asleep a little longer than that judging by the circumfrance (is that how you spell it?) of the drool stain he's leaving on my pillow.

I went garage saleing today. Honestly, I wish these subdivisions would get together and try and space out there community sales. There's about 15 community ones this weekend. Then, come the middle of the summer- nothing. Not to mention, if I could, I would take a loan out to get me through the next few weekends worth. I did find Amelia some clothes (size 14, or an XXS adult-YIKES!! Save those clothes, Suzie), but I'm still desperately in search of some capri's for her, size 7 slim pants for Kate, and size 5 jeans for Aidan. That's what I'm LOOKING for, unfortunately, I tend to find TONS of other stuff. I'm really a sucker for books- especially if they're $.25 or less. Enoch inhales them, and Amelia is finally catching on. I did find a trunk for Enoch, so he can put his 'special' things in it and lock it up so Aidan doesn't get to them. Oh, the joy's of sharing a room!

Kate's reading the second Harry Potter book. They didn't have the first one at the library, and she wanted to see one of the movies. The rule at our house is, they have to read the book before they see the movie (unless we deem the movie inappropriate or rated above PG). She keeps asking how we'll know if she's really read it or not (not a promising sign), and I told her we'd ask her questions, and we could tell by her answers. Then she panics, and says 'What it I don't get the right answer?!' I told her we'd just have to wait and see. For some reason, I just can't see Kate getting through Harry Potter- but, just you wait. She'll do it just to spite me.

Well, time to dry the pillow off and get to bed. I have plenty of cleaning to do tomorrow (dang fairy still hasn't showed up to do it). I'm pretty certain that our clothes are getting together in the dryer and multiplying (and yet, every morning no one has ANYTHING to wear!). I shouldn't be going garage saleing in the morning, but we'll see how the 'ole 'strong will' is holding up.

G'night and good luck!

ZZzzzzzz

Too......tired.........to..............blog................More.........tommmorrrrr ..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzz


(Baby screams)

5 Great Things About Today

1. This morning was really humid, and when I got back from taking the kids to school, Ava had two little curly "horns" sticking up on top of her head. Will she be a little girl who has a little curl, too? (As long as she's not 'horrid')
2. I actually sat down and paid most of our bills (until we ran out of money). Am I the only one who tends to pile the bills up? I figure maybe they'll just disappear. Not much luck with that, though.
3. I found out that Aidan will be able to go to a little camp this summer (sponsered by our local PBS station!)- YIIPPEEEE!! Enoch, Amelia, and Kate also qualify for a scholarship to a summer art camp, also!
4. Ava had a terribly gross, messy, diaper that was leaking all over, and I managed to clean her off without getting ANY of it on me!!! Quite the accomplishment! She also said a new word today! No, not mama- baba.
5. I went to a girls night out tonight and had some grown-up conversation. There may be some very exciting news that comes out of it, too. I'll keep you posted if there are any further updates.

Well, Aidan's waiting for me to read him a book and snuggle. Since I didn't get a shower before 5pm today, I'd probably better call it quits early.

G'night!!

Can you still nurse when you're 80?

Today was certainly an action-packed day! I got up (and yes, even showered before 8am- no applause, please), dropped the kids off at school, went to my meeting for my new Young Women calling (excellent!), went to get Ava's immunization's, discovered I left her shot record at home, went to Wal-Mart to get a new battary for my watch, took Aidan to school, stopped by Aldi's for some cheap flowers, came home, called 8 different florists to see if they would donate any wilting flowers (nope), called some nursing homes to see if we could come and deliver flowers to some of the residents for May Day (today), got a 'yes!', agreed to babysit and bring along 2 other girls, found the kids' shot records, picked up the kids from school, went to Aldi's to buy more flowers, picked up Aidan from school, went to Parkview hospital to get Ava and Aidan shots (thought I'd throw him in there too, since he's due for his kiddie-garden shots), found out that they only do shots on Tuesdays and Thursdays (of course, this is after I have unloaded everyone and we're inside), found a different place to do the shots, sat on Aidan for his shots, was baffled by Ava when she smiled through all of her shots (didn't even flinch! Just kept that big toothy grin!), drove by the Hamilton House where we would be delivering the May day baskets, made it back just in time to see my friends pulling up to drop off their girls, Scott threw some fish sticks in the oven, I gave the kids the assignment to write some cards, I folded up 18 papers for baskets, cut up and arranged the flowers, wrapped them in wet paper towels, and put them in plastic baggies, put everything in containers for the trip, gathered our brood into two vehicles, delivered the flowers (the place and the people were outstanding!!), dropped the girls off at their house, got the kids into their jammies, said our family prayer, ate some dinner, called my Mom, filled out some camp forms, called Toni to beg some Ava babysitting out of her (okay, I didn't really have to beg at all), and sat down to write this blog.

Believe it or not, after all that was said and done, while I was gone no magic fairy appeared to clean my house and do my laundry! In fact, it looks just like it did this morning!!! Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I don't do much anyway!




End note: When we told Aidan we were going to a nursing home where there were lots of Grandma's and Grandpa's, he wanted to know who they were nursing!! It's a good thing I wasn't drinking milk, or it all would have come out my nose!

A good day for birth control

Last night Ellie and Savannah Beckett came to spend some time with us. Luckily, our kids were asleep when they came last night or there would have been giggling for hours!! They did REMARKABLY well going to bed ( Paul had not brought a "tag lovey" for Ellie, but luckily, I had two). This morning, we actually got up and got all 7 children, not only ready, but to church 10 minutes early. Unfortunately, it's hard to find a row to fit all 9 of us, so we were relegated to the front row. And the fun began. I think I know why I've never seen the Beckett's on the front row. Both the girls thought all that space was just MARVELOUS to play in- so much room to spread out, lay around, roll around, and have fun in. Poor Scott, I don't think he knew what to do (although if it were one of ours, he sure would). So I gave him Ava duty, while I managed the pew monkeys (well, we don't actually have pew's, so they'd be chair monkey's). I must admit, I was happy to sneak out and nurse Ava, but it didn't take as long as I would have liked. I got back to Ellie making certain that the entire Bishopric saw she had Dora underpants on, and quickly sat her on my lap where she let it be known that she wasn't really interested in being there (on my lap, that is). The one great thing, is that they were quiet- no arguing or fighting. After sacrament, I took Ellie to her nursery class (for those of you who have recently potty trained a little one, you will notice that I skipped something VERY important), and the other kids to their classes. I was in the hall talking to the YW Prez, when the nursery leader came out leading Ellie by the hand. One look at her standing there in wet shoes was all it took. Apparently the rain wasn't the only thing making puddles that day. We washed her up (I felt HORRIBLE, realizing that I should have taken her to the potty before class), and had to borrow a diaper from the Clegg's. I tried to reassure her that she wasn't a baby, I was just fresh out of little girl underpants in my purse. When we got home, Kate gave her a pair of her's to borrow, but they hung down to her knees. So poor little Ellie went home wearing a pair of Aidan's tighty-whiteys.

There was lots more, but I will just sum it up by saying that 2 adults + 7 children + 1 small apartment = 1 Jar of Prozac, 7 straightjackets, 2 muzzles, 4 earplugs, and a lifetime supply of birth control.

Ten things I love

1. The smell of a baby right after a bath.
2. When a whole day goes by and the baby's diaper doesn't leak all over. Of course, if it does, I still get to look forward to the above mentioned #1.
3. Aidan's accent. Not certain where he picked it up, but I love to hear it. ("I hov a new botmon shot!" translation: I have a new batman shirt!)
4. Going garage saleing with Amelia, and watching her mull over things for an eternity, making certain that she comes home with something for everyone.
5. Getting books for Enoch at a garage sale and knowing that he will read all 30 of them in the next week.
6. Doing Kate's hair (when she's in a good mood).
7. I loved knowing that Scott was out with the boys last night bonding over an open fire. I also loved the smell of smoke when they got home (camp, not cigarette).
8. I love it when my kids hear someone say the word 'stupid', and they collectively say "OOOHHHHHH! That's a bad word!" I also love it when they interrupt any tv show or movie and point out everyone's immodest clothing (bet you never realized how immodest they are on Lawrence Welk!)
9. I love spending time with my grown-up girlfriends. Sometimes you need someone to talk to, someone to listen to, and someone just for YOU. Not someone who HAS to rely on you, but someone who CAN rely on you (and you, them).
10. I love that my husband sees things in me that I often forget are there. And I'm grateful that he overlooks the things that I know are there. I love that he loves me.

Have a great evening!

Girls' night out!

The boys are out of the house!!! I'm not sure who was more excited, Enoch or Mia and Kate. I think Scott and I were pretty equal, but after I snuggle down in my nice warm bed, and he hunkers down on the cold hard ground, I think I may have the better end of the stick, per se. Scott took Enoch and Aidan on the annual "Fathers and sons campout", even though this is only our second year. Since all of our camping stuff was lost in the mold house, they are sharing a tent with someone from the ward, and took a whole bunch of blankets and comforters. I hope it works for them! I'm sure they'll have a blast! We invited Mark and his boys (our neighbors/friends), but I got the feeling that Mark doesn't quite "do" camping. When I asked Toni if he wanted to go, she just laughed and told me I needed to ask him myself. Oh well. I imagine that they'll enjoy this WONDERFUL new hammock Toni picked up at a garage sale today- $30!!! It was in such great shape!! I think I may be getting someone else hooked on this. Does that make me the dealer, or the pimp?

Well, the girls and I decided that if they boys are away, we needed to play. So, we went to O'Charley's (kids eat free), then the Dollar movies (saw Aquamarine- no comment), then got some Dilly Bars from DQ. Quite the date night. A girls night out for 4 for under $20. Can't beat that. Okay, maybe microwave popcorn and the Princess Diaries (for the millionth time) at home with Ben&Jerry, but what fun would THAT be?

Well, I'm going to try and get to bed early- tomorrows a pretty big garage saleing day (5 different neighborhoods). I was out today from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and still have 2 1/2 neighborhoods I haven't been to!). I did find Scott a stereo for his car. We're really hoping it works. Thanks for listening!!

A peak into the past

Wow! What a great meeting!! I don't know where I would even begin, although in the car on the way home I didn't seem to have a problem. It's probably a good thing that my mindless blabbering isn't all recorded. We opened with our Stake President inviting us to leave our problems and worries at our feet, while we attended our seperate leadership meetings. It was remarkable. Talk about opening our minds and being enlightened. I'm certain it will help with my new calling.

As I got to thinking about our youth, and as the Bishop and I discussed the troubles with our ward youth in particular, it got me thinking back 15 years ago....(fuzzy dream clouds and mystical music)

...I had just turned 18 (or would be turning in a few short days). When you hear the term "troubled teen", you could probably picture me and you wouldn't be too far off. I was the poster child for birth control, and probably the reason my mother should be bald by now. I did what I wanted, when I wanted. I lived for the moment, and only THAT moment. I didn't care about tomorrow or the next day- heck! I barely cared about today. I sought the approval of people I didn't even know, and who didn't even care about me. I wanted attention in the worst way, and got it- in the worst way. Life was just about existing, not about living. I felt I had no begining, and couldn't care less about the end; sometimes I figured the sooner the end, the better. Do most teens feel like that? I don't know, but I sure did. It had nothing to do with what I was taught. My Mom certainly instilled morals and values in me, but they just didn't seem to stick.

Then, the opportunity came to be a nanny in New Jersey. Why not? I figured. It would get me out of my small town blahs, and into the great big, wild, wonderful world. Emphasis on wild. Then came the day I left.

As I borded the plane, and casually entered the world of "on your own", I sat down and looked around me. Everywhere, people were seated, actually DOING something with their lives. And, here I was. So I decided. The thought came to me as clear as any thought ever has. 'You can be whoever you want to be. No one knows you there. No one knows who you were, or what you did. You have a clean slate. This is a once in a lifetime chance.' I remember those lines exactly, and will until the day I die. On that plane ride, I decided who I really wanted to become. I made a mental plan, starting with the longest goal I could think of. I wanted Heavenly Father to be proud of me. I wanted my Mom to be proud of me. Most of all, I wanted to be proud of me. Then, I started to break things down- I wanted to be married for eternity. I wanted it all- the family, the husband, the temple marriage that would ensure we would live together not only in this life, but the next one. I had studied tons of religions during my "rebellious" days, and although I would have never admitted it to my Mom or my Bishop, I always knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was true. I always say that I know it is, because at one time, I doubted it was. By doubting, I had to delve deeper, to search with more meaning, to open up my mind and heart, and to decide. You can't just assume with religion. Who wants eternity based on assumption? So, I decided that I would be the most faithful Latter-Day Saint I could be. I stopped swearing completely (and for those of you who might have known me before, you would have thought that I didn't know any other vocabulary), and focused on making my life WORTH something. To live to BECOME something. To SERVE without thought of gain, and to DEDICATE without thought of recognition. And today? Well, I am proud of me, and I would hope that my family is proud of me as well. I know that Heavenly Father is proud of me, because he has blessed me far beyond my ability to comprehend it all.

What a powerful gift I was given. I probably don't think about it as often as I should, or give it enough credit. But, I wanted to share this with those of you I love most. It was far from easy to pull myself out of the muck I was figuratively covered with. It took months of work, and years of repentance. But completely worth it. I hesitate to think where my life would be without that plane ride. I know it wouldn't be here with all of you. We talked about how our youth struggle with their testimonies. I, too, struggled. But like that chick that must struggle to hatch from the egg, it will build their spiritual strength. My testimony has grown each day that the sun has risen again, whether I could see it or not. There was a time in my life that I didn't understand why I was given this path, these hardships, this much stuff to struggle with. I wrote a poem, properly entitled "Feeling Sorry For Myself".

When I open my eyes and all I want to do is close them again,
When I wake to a day that holds nothing but struggles and pain,
When I long for the peace that I felt so very long ago,
I stop and I wonder where have all my prayers gone?

It seems as though life has forgotten me here by the wayside,
It seems as though good fortune has lost its way here,
It seems that when things can only get better, they don’t,
And I wonder where is the God I once knew?

As a child I believed that the world would always protect me,
As a wife I believed that my husband would always be there,
As a mother I knew that my children forever could trust me,
But now I wonder, If I even know who I am.

They say that the scriptures always will lead and direct us,
They say that the prophets will guide us to comfort and peace,
They say that He knows and He suffers beside us,
But where can I find Him when nothing inside me feels real.

I’ve searched for Him here by my bedside at nighttime,
I’ve searched for His comfort in hospital rooms,
I’ve searched for His healing power in my children,
But struggle to find the power I thought I knew.

Does He feel me struggling each day to get up?
Does He hear my cries out in pain?
Does He know how cruel I think this life is?
Does He care that one of His children longs to be with Him again?



I never did finish the end, although it's good and depressing just the way it is. Sometimes I feel bad that I wrote such a good poem about such a pathetic subject. I still read it every once in a while to remind me where I once was, and where I never want to be again. I figure God is kind of like an anti-biotic. Stay with me here. A lot of people take it really well at the beginning, but as things start to get better, they figure they really don't need it any more, and start to slack off. Sometimes, nothing happens, and things just go along. But what happens more often, is that the pain and infection are even worse. Okay. So not the best scenerio, but I figure people go to God when they are at their worst, and He comforts them. Well, they figure that things just got better on their own, and God had nothing to do with it, so they slack off. Then things get even worse than before. What's my point? Good question. I think it's that Heavenly Father is not only there for our problems, He is there for our triumphs. And for goodness sakes, a little "Thank-You" to Him every once in a while (daily, hourly perhaps?) wouldn't kill you.

I didn't get to my crumpled superhero tonight, but I'll really try to tomorrow.

Wow, do I ramble on.

Home and Deranged

Weeeee're baaaaack! So I actually did get my shower in before I left this morning! (Big plus for everyone who had to come in contact with me!) We had a little bit of a slow start, but after finally finding the shuttle parking (which they moved from last month), we were there only 20 min late. Hey, the way I figure it, we've waited for them for at least 4 1/2 months, if you total up all of our wait time for them. They still owe us 4 months, 14 days, 23 hours, and 40 minutes- but, who's counting? Aidan had the surgeon remove his band-aid that we couldn't, and - low and behold- NO INFECTION!! Of course not. It'll wait another three days, so we have to drive all the way down there again.
We took Scott's car- it gets much better gas milage at 80 mph- but, his radio has issues. The main issue being it doesn't work. So....on the way home, with too much time on my hands, I came up with this song (sung to the tune of "Home on the Range)

HOME AND DERANGED

Oh, give me a home
Where Mrs. Brady can be cloned,
Where the kids do their chores everyday.
Where seldom is heard, an argumentative word
And the dinner's prepared everyday.

But, no! I'm home and deranged
Where I babble incoherantly all day!
Where the baby smiles at me,
'Cause a lunatic she sees
And my family thinks I'm a nutcase!

Speaking of babbling incoherently, you can imagine the fun in the car. Perhaps THAT's why my kids are the way they are.

Well, I'd better go prepare something for Scott (Tater tot cassarole, I believe. That probably makes the cooks out there shudder with mouth-watering glee). Tonight I get trained for my new calling in church- 1st Counselor in Young Women!! I'm VERY excited! I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a warning of what's to come with my own girls. We'll see!


Stay tuned...later tonight I will try and give you my top ten thoughts for the day. One of them involves a crunched up superhero.

'Till then!

Another Hospital Trip

Wow! I actually did something on the computer that may work!! We'll see.
I'm not certain where exactly to begin. I really just hopped on to see if I could really start one of these. I guess it worked! I'll slowly introduce you to my life (trust me, it'd be like getting hit in the face with a bat if I gave it to you all at once). Tomorrow our 4 yr old has another trip to the hospital, so his surgeon can make sure his incision sites (from an appendectomy) are healing. One of them is infected pretty bad, and I know they'll have to re-open it. Sounds like it's going to be a barrel of laughs tomorrow!! who-pee. I'll try and introduce you more to my life tomorrow. At least I know I'll get a shower before 3pm since I have to leave for the hospital at 8am!