Christmas Pics

This was the best we could do for a picture. I couldn't get them all to hold still, look at the camera, and smile at the same time. You can't see him, but Taylor (Travis' son) is off to the right ready to put Lane back on the bench each time he would jump off. Which would happen as soon as he sat him down. I guess this is what you call a reality shot. I still love it even though it's not perfect.

Twins have that "something special"

Those two melt my heart sometimes. They can be little tigers, but it's moments like this that make me realize they really do have a little something between them. Porter loves his sister and Madison loves that he loves her. I can't wait to see what their future relationship will grow into. Of course, when I think about boy-girl twins I also think about the twins on Saturday's Warriors. :0

It'll grow back

Madison, Porter, and Brant all got their hair cut on Friday morning. It was a first "real" haircut for the twins. Madison had an adorable A-line from her Aunt Bobbi about a year ago, but that has since grown out and had my Mom-trims done to it. Her hair was so cute! It went to the top of her shoulders and was a cute little bob, with swooped bangs. I was so glad she had finally started to get longer hair. She has taken nearly three years to grow anything. Her hair is baby soft, but so fine.
Apparently, getting her hair cut inspired her to pick up a pair of scissors and do some more. Only hours after her cute new do, she found a pair of scissors slashed through her hair. She ended up with one side looking like a mullet. I was devastated. More so than anyone else. Travis even told me it was just hair. Instead of Madison crying, I had tears falling. I took her back in on Saturday morning to get it evened up. The best they could do was give her a very short cut. Even so, it still has to many short pieces. Honestly, it looks horrible. But what can I say, except that it'll grow back.
P.S. She also clipped a chunk out of Porter's hair in the front. He at least has thick enough hair that I can cover it up with a little manipulating of his hair.

Thanksgiving

I have many things to be thankful for this past week. I am especially thankful for Brant is also Super Dad and Super Husband. I was required to work this weekend--with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. Brant had Thursday, Friday, and Monday off. So he packed up the car and kids and brought them over to Travis and Haley's for the 4 days. It was so awesome. Even though I had to work, it was nice to come home and spend the evening with my family. I cannot wait until they can come over here full-time.
We had a nice Thanksgiving with Travis and Haley and their family. Some of Haley's family also came over. I really enjoyed getting to make the whole meal. I know that sounds funny to some people, but I love to cook. I spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning cooking. It was a lot of fun to me. Plus, Haley bought everything--which was very nice of her. We played baseball after our early dinner. We ate at noon. The next day we were sore from playing. How sad. They just went back a couple of hours ago. I'm back to my bachelorette life--but I'd rather have them here.

The Rest of the Story

I guess I should have explained the rest of the story behind "Two Truths and a Lie." My mother-in-law has scoliosis like I do. She has recently been experiencing severe hip pain. I had the same thing happen to me when I was pregnant. It feels like someone is stabbing a knife into your hip. And, you don't want to take a step because you never know when a sharp pain is going to shoot through your body. It's awful. My brother would adjust my back and massage my muscles, it hurt so good! Anyway, I volunteered to help ease her pain.

And about the FBI agent...I feel so important that I can say an "FBI agent called me." It's actually an old friend from Page who called to pass on some information. He has a friend who's daughter has the same thing that Travis' daughter Ari has. So, it was totally un-FBI related, but still sounded mysterious.

About the two pounds...that's not happening this week. Maybe next week.

2 Truths and A Lie

Yesterday, when Brant came home I played 2 truths and a lie with him. I told him he had to guess which of these two things were real and which was not true.

1) I got a call from an FBI agent today.
2) I gave his Mom a butt massage.
3) I lost two pounds.

He quickly says, “I know you didn’t lose two pounds.” I couldn’t believe it. Seriously, the two pounds seemed more far-fetched than the other two? I thought for sure I had him. I guess it just makes me mad he can tell when I’m lying. With a face like this… Who wouldn’t believe me?

Am I blogging too much?

I really didn't think so, but I just heard Madison telling Porter "I'm going to put these stickers on my blog." He said, "That's cool. I don't have a blog."

I don't ever want to close my eyes again!

That's exactly what Porter said to me when he woke up Monday morning. I said, "Why?" He said, "Because, I hate to sleep, Mom!" Which is funny, because he is the last one to wake up in the morning. He never wants to go to sleep at night, either. I think his personality is such that he doesn't want to miss out on anything. He thinks that sleep robs him of that.

I love his happy, go-lucky attitude. Madi and I, we tend to be uptight when everything doesn't go right or we feel like we're losing control. Porter already senses that in me and he'll say, "It's okay, Mom. It's okay." He says that to me all of the time and I always smile, because I realize I am taking something way too serious and need to chill out.

* * * * *

When I had to leave on Tuesday morning, Madison was feeling very sad. She said, "Mom, I am feeling sad." I said, "I know, honey. This is really hard. It's hard for me too." I said, "Do you want to cry?" She said, "Yes." I said, "It's okay, so do I. But it will only be for awhile." She hugged me and said, "Okay, Mom. I love you. I will call you so you don't miss me so much." I don't know how she is so grown up for only being 3. I am sure every parent thinks this, but I look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in life and how much more they are going to teach me.

Belated Happy Halloween

I wasn't home in time for Halloween...so Brant took care of everything. Even, the costumes. I had the idea and he dressed them. They had the wrong shoes on, and he put a long sleeve white shirt under Madison's cheerleader shirt. And, a pair of red sweat pants. It didn't look very cool...especially with her white church sandals. But...I can't complain he did everything. Plus, I didn't get to take pictures because I wasn't there, so this is about it for picture quality. P.S. The referee shirt was made out of a white turtle-neck and black duct tape. Very clever, Brant, very clever.

22 years...and counting

That's how long Tracy and I have known each other. Wow! I can't believe how fast the time goes by. And now, she's moving to Kentucky soon. So, Tracy and her family drove over to St. George. She took me out for lunch. It was nice to visit and catch up. I told Brant I was so sad, I would probably never see her again. He simply said, "Liz, 'never' is a really long time."

I know my ABC's...all 24 letters

Madison has learned her ABC's. I'm not sure where she learned it. I haven't worked with her that much on it. She usually doesn't forget the last letters. Porter could care less about learning them.

Getting Used to Things

I am kind of getting used to the new schedule of leaving home for 5 days and then coming back. It's still alot of stress being away from the family. I don't know who has MORE stress...me or Brant. He has to work a physically hard job and then come home and take care of three little kids. I have a fairly easy job and when I get off work I have all the time I need for myself. I'm just all alone. It's always too much or too little in life. I guess we just have to enjoy what we have and be greatful for the have's and forget the have not's.

I love reading the Jackson Family Blog It keeps me so inspired. I don't personally know this woman. I came across her blog over a year ago. Her daughter died unexpectedly on a Sunday morning from a freak accident . I guess her story her story struck me at the time that it did, because her daughter passed away the day after my baby was born. For every day I have had with Lane, she has had without her daughter. Her story, her writing, her testimony, and definitely her personality inspire me in the struggles I have in life. So many times, when I feel like I am struggling with the things I don't have and want, I realize it could be a lot worse. That keeps me grateful for my challenges.

Getting another year older...already!

Where does the time go? I was really hoping that if no one remembered my birthday I wouldn't have to count it. But, too many people remembered so I can't pretend I didn't get another year older. Travis and Haley put together an all-out surprise party. It was really fun to come home and be surprised. Plus, I got some really cool outfits and boots thanks to Haley. Kim bought me some awesome jewelry--I totally need it for work. My parents took me and Kim out for a birthday dinner at Chili's. It was fun.

I also got lots of texts, emails, and facebook love. Thank you to everyone. The kids called me and sang Happy Birthday to me over the phone. It was great.

When I got back to Vegas, Brant had gifts that he and the kids got for me. He is the best gift-giver. He always gets the coolest stuff. This year, I only got two gifts from him, but they really counted. He gave me a silver heart locket with "I Love You Mom" on the inside. He put pictures of the kids on one side and a picture of me and him on the other.

He wouldn't tell me what he got me all week long. He kept telling me that he already had me "fitted" for it. I could not figure it. Finally, I got to open the gift--it was a pair of orthodic insoles. Several months ago, he had me stand on the Dr. Scholl's machine that tests your feet. I have really flat feet and all of the discomforts that go along with that. We didn't buy them, because they were too expense. But, he remembered what style I needed and got those for me. I love them.

Please stop drowning me

This week seems to be exceptionally hard, at least emotionally for me. This is the fourth week at my new job. On one hand, I can't believe how quickly it has passed. On the other, I dread leaving my family each week. The weekend goes so quickly. I have always beens such an emotionally sensitive person, although most people don't know that because I hide it so well. I guess as sort of a protection, because emotions can be overbearing to me.

I honestly think that I would have a nervous breakdown if I were in Travis' shoes. I'm not exaggerating. Which is horrible, because my kids would have a mental case for a mom. I just don't know how they do it. Vicki is experiencing so many problems with Jaden as well. Listening to them both this week, and then struggling with my own separation from my family has overwhelmed me. In fact, I keep telling myself, my situation is not that bad. I should not complain. But, then thinking about that, I feel guilty because I do feel so sorry for myself. I miss my kids terribly, I want to be in our own house (we've lived with people for 3 and a half years), and I want just a little extra money.

I found a story by Elder Wirthlin on http://www.lds.org/. It was titled Press On. One of the most powerful points in that story is to not ask Why Is This Happening To ME, but What Can I Learn from This Situation. It all makes sense, but sometimes it's really hard when you feel like someone is pushing your head under water and all you want is a couple of breaths. Here I am, trying to save money so we can get enough for a down payment to rent our own house. But, with all of the money I am spending because I have a job, i.e. gas, travel, food, work clothes, and daycare, there's not much left to save. It's frustrating. Hopefully, the three months will pass quickly.

Although, I do know I really have a learned a lot from this. I go home on weekends and just play with my kids. It's fun. The house (our little room and loft) is trashed. I mean, I would have never let it get that dirty when I was staying home. There is so much laundry it's all over our bedroom floor. The bathroom--oh my! But, I just don't care as much, nor do I want to spend my two days cleaning. So, I let it go. I make sure I say all of the things I want them to know before I leave, like how much I love them and how important they are to me. I enjoy just holding them and don't always tell them I can't play, read, or whatever my excuse used to be until I get chores done. I ditched part of church on Sunday, to go home and spend time with Brant. I mean quality time--alone. And, I'm not talking about any hanky panky, just some good quiet time. I would have never done that before.

I guess if I have learned anything, it is to put things in perspective. My value system has altered. Not much, but rules and life don't have to be just right. I'm still tired, and sad when I'm away, but I know we have made a choice to sacrifice so that we can have our own place, move to a safer town, and give our kids some of the things we think are important. I guess everyone has their own trials. It makes me want to be nicer to people too, because I don't know just how crazy their life might be.

Da' Boys

Rough and tough and tumble. That's what they love to do. Typical boys. I asked Porter if he missed me when I'm gone. He said, "I miss Dad." Thanks, Porter.