A-B-C, 1-2-3

Rhonda has been home schooling the kids and working so hard with them. She is amazing. I can't take credit for any of their education. They can both write their names (see example). Lane can write an "L" but he's not as proficient as the other two. Rhonda has been taking one letter a week and helping them learn it. She sings songs, studies the Pledge of Allegiance, and is having them memorize Articles of Faith. I am amazed at how much they learn. The twins start school next month! Aaah! I am freaking out. My babies...going to school. Just crazy.

Jayley visits

Due to Jaden's unexpected seizures we were able to have Jayley spend almost a week with us. She flew in Monday and was supposed to have her parents pick her up. But, they were a little busy attending Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Madison wasn't sure what to expect as she has heard alot about this Jayley girl that used to be her Dad's favorite girl. She questioned us quite a bit about her. We assured her that since she Jayley had her own dad, that Madison was still Dad's favorite girl.

Lane was so cute with her. He took to her right away and wanted her to do everything with him. Maybe it's because Porter already has his partner, so he figured Jayley could be his. He started calling her his "chookie." Jayley was awesome with the kids. She played with them and read stories. Jayley helped me take them on the bus--something they have been wanting to do--and we went to McDonalds.

Brant wants to keep her. He tried to come up with a million excuses why she should stay with us. The best he could get from her was a consideration to go to UNLV in a few years when she graduates from high school. Brant was so excited for her to come. He really does have a soft spot for her. He loved taking her out and going to her soccer games when the Taylors still lived in Las Vegas. Whenever she would do really well, he would take her to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. He took her there when she first got into town. And, sweet Jayley, wore her soccer necklace that Brant bought for her years ago.

Jayley was such a trooper. I know this couldn't have been the most fun part of her trip, but she didn't complain. When I was home, I didn't have a car so we would have to walk and/or take the bus. We made it to Old Navy for some shopping and went out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. It is so fun to have a teenager around that is sweet and helpful and nice to your little kids. We loved her! And, we're still throwing in our hat for taking in her while she goes to college.

The Bus Stops Here

My car broke down several months ago on the way back from visiting a close cousin. Because of the high cost to repair it, it’s been sitting in a shop ever since—and probably will for another four months. So, for the time being, I am officially vehiculess. (A term Tracy actually coined almost 20 years ago. I think she cursed me.)

But I haven’t let it get me down. I’ve fully embraced public transportation as my new way of getting around. And yes, there’s plenty to complain about when it comes to riding the bus. I could write paragraphs. But that’s not what this is about. What I’ve realized is that this unexpected inconvenience has been quietly teaching me—and I’m genuinely grateful for the lessons.

Today, as I sat on a bench in the hot sun, waiting, I was thankful for even the smallest breeze. I tilted my little droid phone into the shade to double-check that I was, in fact, at the right stop to get home.

While I was sitting there, a man in a suit approached and asked how far away Lake Mead and Rainbow were.

“Quite a ways,” I said. “I wouldn’t walk it.”

I pulled up a map on my phone so he could see where we were. He nodded and said he might walk it anyway, but I told him the bus should be arriving soon—it might be worth the wait.

Now, I may not be the most outgoing person in the world, but I do carry the Lane family gift for gab. As we waited, we got to talking.

He told me he was from El Salvador. His wife and six-year-old daughter were still there. He was on his way to look for a second job—trying to save enough money to bring them to the United States legally. In order to maintain his path to citizenship, he had to stay in the U.S. for six months and one day out of every year. That meant he couldn’t go home for long and couldn’t take on permanent jobs if he wanted to visit his family. He could only afford one trip back per year. Back and forth wasn’t an option.

He didn’t have much in terms of possessions, but he spoke with unwavering gratitude. He told me how thankful he was to Heavenly Father for his health, for work, and for the opportunity to build a better life. He believed—truly believed—that God was taking care of him.

He was one of the most genuinely grateful people I’ve ever met. And one of the happiest. No surprise there—those two things often travel together.

When the bus finally came, we boarded. A few minutes later, another man who had paid cash for his ride turned to my new friend and offered him the rest of his bus pass.

“I won’t be needing it anymore,” he said, and handed it over.

That quiet kindness nearly undid me.

We see people struggling and feel sorry for them—and yes, many of them carry more weight than they should have to. But in moments like this, I realize they often carry something else too. Something I envy. They’ve learned how to be happy.

And maybe that’s the real secret: happiness doesn’t come from having everything—it comes from being grateful for what you already have.

Miss Marissa

(I don't have your updated email, but know you stop here occasionally.)
What's up? I haven't talked to you in so long? do you still have your blog--I can't find it if you do. I miss reading it. How is everything in your neck of the woods?

We in Vegas again. :( Oh well, life is treating us good and we can't complain. Hope all is well. Would love to have an update.

Mommy and Madi Time

I worried about Madison feeling left behind, but it was all for naught. She has such self-esteem I believe she thinks the boys had to go away so that she could be the princess for a day. I let her choose what she wanted to do. Friday night, we painted finger nails. Then, took a bus to McDonald's. We could have walked there faster, but she was insistent on taking the bus. She thought public transit was the coolest thing she has ever discovered.
We rode the bus back home--even though I tried to convince her to walk. She talked to everyone on the bus and even shared her cookies. She would giggle when the bus would start moving because she was so delighted being on it. That night, we watched a Barbie movie we had previously rented from Netflix and saved for this night. She wanted to do more, but I told her the night was over (I was pooped) and it was time to go to bed so we could have another fun day tomorrow.
In the morning we went yard-selling with Grandma. I french-braided her hair into two pigtails. It was the first time I have ever done that for her. She thought it was awesome. She got bored of yard sales easily, though she scored a free Hello Kitty mirror compact and got a Lai Hawaiian necklace for only ten cents.
We got home--and again she wanted to ride the bus--to Chuck E. Cheese. After getting there she ran around and played, but decided it wasn't as fun without her boys. Not that she wanted to leave, just didn't spend nearly as many tokens. After trying several flavors of soda, she decided rootbeer is her favorite. A guy there was encouraging kids to follow him for free tickets. When they all gathered around them, he told them to do the dance he was doing. Madi did it for awhile, then abruptly walked away. I caught up to her and said, what's the matter? Why did you quit? She said, "It's not worth it." By the time got home, the boys were bathed and tired. They all shared stories about each others adventures and both wanted to do what the other did. Dad and I were tired. Tired, but content. Our children are beautiful.

More Pics

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Fathers and Sons

What a great plan to have all of the dads and boys go on a campout! It gave me treasured time to spend one-on-one with Madi...but I'll talk about that later. This is all about the boys. All of what I am about to tell you is hearsay, as I was not actually there. So, I'll do the best I can to document the tale.
They left on Friday afternoon. Brant actually took the whole day off work so that he could get prepared. He is way over-compulsive sometimes, but if they would have gotten stranded at the campground for a week--they would have lived well.
The boys spent at least a week before talking about the camp out and how excited they were to go. I think that started the momentum. They set up the tent all by themselves. And though Brant was prepared, he forgot to buy "D" batteries for the pump, ergo, no air mattress. They roughed it on the ground. Needless to say, Brant didn't sleep much.
The boys immediately made friends with a group of older boys. Brant said the kids thought our boys were so cool. (I have to agree and totally get their cool factor.) They fish in Lake Lindsay--which is a catch and release--so they took pictures to prove their work. Worms weren't doing much. The boys suggested hotdogs, simply because that's what they would want if they were fish. Surprisingly, it worked remarkably.
They swam in the lake and were carefully guarded by the Bishops daughter, who was serving as a life guard. It's the first time in their lives they were speechless. As soon as she tried to talk to them, they clamored behind Brant. He said they thought she was too pretty to talk to. How do they already get that at their age?
They roasted hot dogs and marshmellows and had a grand time. They told Brant they wanted to move there and that their grandma, mom, and Madi could come and visit them.
The flashlight fashioned around Lane's chest is because he is Iron Man. (Iron Man has a light on his chest.)




What

I am not a girl

I was telling all of the kids yesterday that Jake and Amber had their new baby girl, Ashtyn Arianna Lane. When I said the name Lane said, "What! That's my name and I am not a girl." I tried to explain to him that my name used to be Lane before I got married. He said that it couldn't be my name because it is a boys name--he is a boy--duh! Then I told him that everyone in my family had the last name Lane and that is how he got his name. He said, "They can't have my name. That's my name and I am not a girl." As Lane would say, "He is so much funny."

Ouch, exercise hurts!

I so loathe everything about exercise. Needless to say, I am trying to get into better shape. Like I am a square shape and want to look more like the shape of a triangle, with a few circles on top. Anyway, I talked Brant into playing racquetball with me this morning. Big mistake. Mr. Gold's Gym is a raving maniac--okay, not really, he's just 12 years younger than me. He would not let me stop to rest, drink, or die. We put in a good 30 minutes and I was ready to be rolled home. He insisted that I hop on the treadmill for a "few" minutes. Apparently he thinks few and twenty are the same thing.
Now I am home and can't move. I think rigor mortis is setting in.

3 is here, 2 is gone!

Time goes so quickly. My baby is already 3. I told him I don't want him to grow up. He said he doesn't want to grow up either; he will just turn three and stop. He is such a sweet son and is a total momma's boy. No complaints here. He is a peace maker and very thoughtful of others. He loves to hang out with his big brother and sometimes listens to his big sister. All three of them are very close. He is really into super heroes now and Flash is his favorite. He thinks he can run as fast as Flash. He loves going to Nursery every week and talks about being a Sunbeam so he can go to Primary with Madi and Porter.
We still act out our scripture study. The kids really get into it. He always volunteers for the biggest part. He was Abinadi, King Noah, and Alma--as he kept stealing the show. When I told him he was going to be burned at the stake, he said, "I don't wanna die, Mom!" So, he wanted to change the story.
He was very lucky to have a birthday party on Friday before his birthday. His Grandma Smith organized a party. In addition to my three, there was their cousin Bella and their friend, Jarius. The kids made cupcakes with grandma and she took them all to the dollar store buy him presents. Friday night we took the family to St. George and stayed at Travis'.
My kids think "Uncle Travis'" house is like Disneyland. They love it there. I am not sure if it is the big house, the cousins, or the pool. But, they always ask to go to his house. On Saturday, we had an informal day long party. The kids all went swimming and the adults looked on--it was too freakin cold to jump in. But, we couldn't convince the kids of that. Travis and Haley (who are partially insane) jumped in later. Haley with her clothes on...let's just say our family doesn't need any alcohol to get crazy. (For the record, there was no alcohol.) We ate pizza for lunch and then opened presents.
Lane went crazy over the superhero cape his Aunt Haley made for him. He got way too many gifts from all of his cousins. Later, they set up the slip n' slide he got on the side yard. The kids spent the rest of the afternoon sliding across the lawn, and being sprayed by cold water.
We decided to vote on our favorite 80s movie and have an adult slumber party. Footloose won--however, we couldn't get it on Netflix. Brant, who was pulling hard to watch Bloodsport, ended up getting a few new movies at Redbox. The kids had no problem falling asleep after a long hard day of playing with cousins. It was great. Lane kept saying, "I am 3. Three is here! 2 is gone."

Feeling like a drowned rat

We moved into our new place a couple of days ago. And of course, are slowing moving in and getting all of the utilities set up. Our gas wasn't scheduled to be turned on until today. But, I was really dying for a shower. I have an appointment later today and did not want to be sticky and stinky.
I called the gas company--hoping to get an estimated time of arrival--but got the standard "sometime this afternoon." I spent an hour talking myself into toughing out a cold shower. I had everything ready and decided to go for it. At 12:04 I jumped in and took the quickest shower of my life. At 12:08 the doorbell rang.

I'm not a "chew-kee" and other isms

Sometimes I want to just wrap up everything the kids say and save it. They are so hilarious. I am going to try to remember some of the things that have made me laugh recently.

Lane told me, "I'm not a chookie! Mom, tell Porter to stop calling me a chookie!" I asked him what a chookie was. He wouldn't tell me. Finally, later in the day he said a chookie was a twin--and he's NOT a twin--Porter and Madison are. Do not call him a chookie--he doesn't like it.

Madi asked me what Kindergarten was...I explained the whole school system of K thru 12. Then I said, after that you get to go to college. They teach you whatever you want to be. For example, if you want to be a teacher you go to teacher school; if you want to be a doctor, you go to doctor school; and if you want to fly planes you go to pilot school. She said, "Do they have Princess College?"

Porter and Lane like to watch the Ironman cartoon series. One day Porter was singing the theme song to me..."I'm a man on a mission..." We turned it on the TV so they could watch it. When it started singing, "I'm a man on a mission," Lane said, "That's what a mission is! I want to go on a mission!" The boys are both very excited about going on missions now.

When Lane thinks something is really funny he says, "That's so much funny!"

Belated Happy Mother's Day

I'm a little late talking about Mother's Day, but at least I missed the blog rush. Rhonda helped the kids paint the cutest little pots and they planted daisies in them. It was very sweet. Our ward in Summerlin is so amazing. I really have missed it. Every year for Mother's Day they make a huge brunch that is so delicious. We had homemade bread--the really good kind--that tastes soft like rolls. They made sandwiches, fruit platters, lettuce salad, and desserts of every kind. It was awesome! We watched church videos on Mothers. It was very cool. And, after Sacrament Meeting, they gave all of the Mothers Utah Truffles. It was fun!
In the morning, I called my Mom to wish her Happy Mother's Day. The kids got on and talked to her too. She said she missed all of the breakfasts she used to get for Mother's Day. Funny how those were so silly--and I don't think we made that good of a breakfast for her--but that is what she missed. I can totally understand now that I have little ones. They are so sweet and innocent and love you so much. The best part of being a mother is knowing that you are number one to your little ones. They love so much and unconditionally. I do believe they are here to teach us more than we teach them. What sweet little angels.

Me Madi, Me Strong

Vicki and I used to joke that if the two of us could be one woman, we would be the perfect woman. I am starting to think Madi may just be that girl. She is a nerdy intellect like me that loves to talk to large groups of people. But, she has this athletic side that certainly does not come from me. I can't believe how tenacious she is at such an early age. She loves to run--and run faster than everyone else. She loves to be strong. Recently, she made it all the way across the monkey bars and has been so excited to show everyone. She wanted me to come and see so we walked to the park. However, she had showed her Grandma Smith how she could go across four times in a row earlier in the day. By the time she showed me she just couldn't get all the way across.

Think you can sleep anywhere?

The balmy Vegas weather has given ample opportunity for nice walks. I took the kids to McDonalds--we walked. It was a mile and a half away. They took turns walking and riding in the stroller. On the way back, they were all tired and didn't want to walk. Lane crawled in the bottom and Madison and Porter climbed in the front. I don't know how he managed to do it, but Lane fell asleep.