Random Pics

Sometimes just the pictures tell the story...and give a quick update. Lane loves to wear sunglasses and sport a mohawk. I don't know why. He used to like his hair "spikey." I don't argue with him. He is so OCD that it is useless. Everything has to be a certain way.

The kids love to hang out at home in their underwear. Probably get it from their Dad who does the same thing. What can you do? Join 'em I guess.

The kids are at a stage where they want to help me with everything. Sometimes it is more trouble than it is worth. Why is that when they want to help, they aren't much help, but when they are actually big enough they don't want to help? Hmmm....

I took some pictures of the kids outside when they thought winter was here. I think it was 71 degrees outside. Lane put on a down jacket but still wanted to wear shorts.

Porter and the people

Porter told me that he knows Jesus is very happy with him, because he has been taking care of Jesus' people. I said, "Hunh?!" He informed me that he takes care of those who are sad, lonely, or don't have friends and those people are Jesus' people. Wow. I've got nothing to say...except maybe he's not really my kid. Where did he come from? Okay, so I do have something to say...just a little stunned at his non-stop compassion for people. I admire it.

Madison and the friend-boy

Madi and Porter have been such a joy to watch as they go through the routine of kindergarten. They really think they have a "job." They say they have the day off on Saturday and Sunday. For some reason they are very concerned about who their best friends are. Apparently, you can have more than one best friend.

Madison is enamored with a boy named Xander. He started school with a 4-inch mohawk and sits at her table. She has said for some time that they are best friends. She was very upset one day when Xander told her he didn't want to be her best friend anymore because she didn't color very well. And, to put more salt in the wound, he added that he was now going to be best friends with Amy because she colors better than Madison.

I thought, well it won't change much when you get older. The boys will want to be "best friends" with the girls that do something better than you. Rejection should be embraced early in life. I did kinda feel bad for her as this was her first "dump." I tried to talk to her about to see how she was feeling. Apparently, she wasn't upset that Xander wasn't her best friend anymore. She was upset because she KNOWS she colors better than Amy. That's my girl--forget the boy--be right and know you color better.

Needless to say, the next day Porter had a talk with Xander and told him he had hurt his sister's feelings, he needed to quit teasing her, and apologize. Xander apologized and he and Madison are best friends again. Aaah....the trials of young love. (We can't call him boyfriend or Madison gets really upset.)

Catching the last days of summer

The kids have been itching to go outside and do something. We just want to come home and relax and lay in bed after our day. Brant was working a gun show a couple weeks ago and I was off. So I took them to the water park since we were still having 100 degree weather. We ended up be surrounded by a group displaying a banner that read, "St. Padua Parrish Welcomes You." The more the merrier, right?

They were very friendly and the group soon surrounded the small table I had staked out earlier in the day. Someone came and offered us extra corn on the cob; a boy invited the kids to play soccer; and from there they were pulled into the cotton candy line.
I couldn't get them to want to leave. If we ever decide to leave our church, I think we will visit the St. Padua Parrish. Nice group of people.

Madi....my Mini-me

Madison is so much like me...it is frustrating at times. She will argue with you over anything. Loves to prove that she is right...and she usually is. Thinks SHE is the boss of the family. Corrects Brant and I if we do things wrong. Tells me to keep two hands on the wheel while driving. Tells me that drinking soda is likely contributing to my weight problem. Asks questions about serious things--wanted to know the difference between a vaginal delivery and a c-section. Also, asked why people drink alcohol; why people drink and drive; and what a field sobriety test is. Also...loves to read on the toilet.

Cleaning maniacs

Hope this keeps up for the next 15 years...

More on the road trip

Lane had so much fun in just the few hours he got to spend on the farm. Funny, the Mount Pleasanters think they live in the city as they consider the people on the outskirts of town out in the country. I think if you can see a cow from your front porch, you're in the country.

Lane loved his horse ride with Lynsey more than anything. He tromped around with Grandma Mimi and Aunt Dona feeding animals and milking goats.

He had a hard time holding still while we listened to Grandpa Lane practice his speech for his Silver Star Ceremony.

We went to eat at the local Horse Shoe Restaurant. I don't know what the name of it is--it's a new restaurant every time I come to town. It was a Mexican theme this time. Of course, Lane opted for mini-corndogs instead of Mexican food. He invited Lynsey to play with his super heroes. I think he felt an attachment to her after their horse ride.

When we went to bed, he noticed a crib in the corner. It's an old one Mom has has for years. He said, "Grandma got me my own little bed to sleep in." I thought he would change his mind after we went to sleep. But he insisted on nesting in it. It was right by the window and he could see the stars.

I was so tired after getting up early and traveling all day. He had slept a little in the car and would not go to sleep. I could hear him in the crib saying, "I wish upon a star." He kept asking a million questions and I kept falling asleep. Finally, I gave him my phone and told him to play games on it.

We had to get up at 3:30 (my time) to make it to Salt Lake. On the way there, he said the days of the week, the months of the year, and the alphabet for Grandpa Lane. (They were sharing the back seat. Grandpa kept telling him he was so smart and he would respond, "No, I'm just a wittle bit smart."

I tried to sneak a bag of Cheetos and opened them quietly. I was driving and stashed them on my side. Grandpa started to notice a smell and thought my car was burning something. Lane said, "No, it's Mom's Cheetos." I was ratted out.

Lane was so much fun to travel with even though it was a quick trip and a lot of time in the car. He would slide my credit card every time we stopped somewhere. One lady said, "You are really good at spending Mom's money." He said, "Yes, I am!"

He enjoyed seeing all of his cousins, but kept saying he wished Madison and Porter were there.

Road Trip with Lane

I have had no time to write so I am throwing these pictures on just to document our trip. I went to see my Dad's Silver Star Ceremony in Salt Lake. Brant stayed due to financial constraints and the twins were in school. So, it was just me and Lane. An average of 8 hours in the car per day--and all on my only two days off--Monday and Tuesday. I needed a vacation from the trip. Poor Lane was sick of being in the car, but I think all of the fun stuff he did in Mount Pleasant was worth it. The pictures tell it all. I'll have to fill in more later.

First School Days

Took the kids to kindergarten Monday. Porter said, "I'm a little bit nervous, Mom."
I know Madison was anxious too, she just hid it better. But, because they went to the "meet and greet" on Friday, I think they were a little bit more prepared. They have gone two days and are doing fine--so am I!

It's been fun spending the time they are in school with Lane. He is a character already, and when he has my full attention I am laughing most of the time. He is so fun to hang out with. He doesn't seem to be bothered at all that he's left alone. He still gets his backpack together though--just to take them to school. His nickname of "Tookies" for the twins has stuck. He makes up words all of the time and thinks it's hilarious.

Madison has been very insistent and particular about what she is going to wear and how she wants her hair done. Her second day she wore all hot pink--her favorite color. She went in head-to-toe pink--literally. I tried to talk her out of it, but was not successful. I did manage to convince her that she couldn't wear her dress to school every day. That was her first choice. I also talked her into the rainbow necklace--to break up the color a bit.

The kids think their teacher is nice and amazing. And, they said they haven't gotten in trouble at school. For some reason they thought they were going to get in trouble at school. Porter has been proud to report that he can sit still in his seat. We were actually worried that he wouldn't be able to. The kids sit at different tables so they can make new friends.

Madison though they were being separated so that they don't fight. We were trying to explain to them that we wanted them to have the opportunity to develop separately from each other and not be compared or competed with. I guess we didn't explain it very well because I heard her telling Porter that if they got caught fighting she would deny it--so they don't in trouble or have to get separated. Little allies. I'm on to them.

The chalk drawings were made my their teacher for the first day of school. She wrote everyone's name on the ground. Because Grandma Rhonda has been working with them they immediately found their names. They thought that was pretty cool. They also got to wear clip-on name tags.

Last night Madison told me that "now that she knows school" she really likes it. She said she wasn't sure if she would like it or not before. That's exactly what I told her was going to happen. She's just like me.

Porter likes making new friends and comes home with a new name everyday. They love school. Yeah! Hopefully, it will stay this way for let's say the next 19 years!

Back to School

Yes, I am a nervous-nelly about my kids going to school. I realize I am not the only mom sending kids to school. And that I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. But, hey, that is what I am good at!

I keep trying to get some kind of sense of how nervous my kids must be too, but they just laugh at me. Porter told me yesterday, that he was 5 and that is really, really, old. I told him that there are kids who come from homes that are, let's just say, not as healthy as his. (i.e. they use bad words, and do bad things!) He just said, "Mom, if there are any bad kids I will just be their friend. Even if they are mean to me, I'll still be their friend." And as if a final reassurance he said, "You know I am really good at making friends."

I told him that mom, dad, or grandma won't be there to help him make decisions or to protect him. He said, "Mom, Jesus will be there and I know how to pray."

Okay, I guess he passes. I didn't know Jesus was starting kindergarten, but I sure am glad he's going to be in Porter's class.

***

Madison is already a mini-mom. I really could let her take over. I caught her outside yesterday pointing a finger at the boys and telling them what they weren't supposed to be doing. They were all in swimsuits--well Porter was in his underwear, but the other two had swimsuits on. (At least he wasn't naked.) They were playing in the pool and running on the slip and slide.

I peeked out at them. When I saw Madison, I stopped her and bent down to her level. I cupped her face in my hands and said, "Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you just have fun and be a kid for once?"

She looked up at me quizzically and said, "Why?"

****
When Lane gets tired he turns into a little passive-aggressive monster. He wanted more popcorn. We were watching a movie and eating popcorn. He picked up the bowl full of nothing but corn kernels and slowly poured it onto the ground while he looked at me. I was furious. I told him he had to pick it all up by himself.

I got so mad, I announced time out for myself. I didn't want to yell at him, although I really felt like it. I went in the other room and sat on the bed. Madison came in. I said, "Okay, miss Mom. How am I supposed to handle this."

She said, "You need to apologize to him first."

Exasperated, I said, "I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't yell at him. That's why I am in here. Because I don't want to lose it on him."

She stopped and thought. Then said, "Then just pray until you're done being angry."

My kids are fine. I'm the one that's nuts.

Monday blues

I always want to post something uplifting and life-changing on my blogs so that I can change the world...but that really never happens. I don't even anything special to report. In fact, it's mostly anxiety and challenges. Allbeit small challenges. My car is still in the shop, but I should have it by the end of the week. How happy and thankful I will be to have transportation again. It has been six long months.
School starts for the twins--college for me--on the 29th of this month. I am so eager to finish my degree, but have to do it one slow semester at a time. I don't know why I am anxious about the kids going to school. Maybe because they leave the safe protection of being watched only by people who love them enormously. I don't know that their teacher can love them as much as we can. I also don't like the milestone of kindergarten....because at the end of that road is graduation. At after graduation, they are gone. I wish we could keep them small forever. Oh the heartache and happiness of your children.
I started at a new store this past week. It has been a great source of anxiety for me. I do not like the new boss. He seems snide and insincere. I was so loved at my last store, I hate not feeling valued. I am also getting too old for rude customers.
I really want a desk so that I don't have to type sitting on the floor. I will get one soon, just have to finish paying for my expensive car! Oh well, such is life. I'm off to start the week.

Back to the grind

I am currently enrolled in college again. I really want to keep going even though it seems like finishing is so far away. I am only taking two classes this semester. I took last semester off because of so many distractions going on in my life. I guess one class at a time until I can finish!

Little Lane

He is such a cute little stinker. I often get told by people that he is their favorite of my three kids. I think because he is so sweet and genuine. And, he is extremely polite. He says thank you to everyone for everything.
Yesterday, was his first day of half-primary. Many of you may already know that when they turn three they spend the last half of the year going to one hour of primary. The the last hour they go back to their nursery class. This is to prepare them for January when they will begin as full-time Sunbeams.
He fell asleep during Sacrament meeting so he was a little groggy waking up. I actually took him to class with me, but when he woke up he really wanted to go to his class. He loves going to church.
Once I got him to class, they informed me he could go into Primary. He was so excited that he got to go to the "big" primary. The same one that Porter and Madison were in. He's quite into music, so he really loved all of the singing.
I ended up staying with him....mostly because he was a little groggy from waking up at first...and okay, let's me honest...because he's my little baby. I loved watching all of his excitement. I will have to go to my class next week by myself. I think I will be okay without him.
The singing teacher did an activity where the kids got to get called up by drawing their names out of the glass jar. Lane was so disappointed that he couldn't go up and volunteer. I told him to go ask the lady if he wanted to do it. He walked right up to her and said, "Can I do it?" She told him next time and was nice enough to call him up to the front.
He had to wave the stick with a ribbon on it and yell "Yee-haw." She tried to get him to say it, but he got really quiet. So, she asked everyone to be very quiet so he could talk. When he finally said something, it was very quiet. But he clearly said, "Giddyup."
I am thankful to all of those ladies who put so much time in to make primary fun. My kids love it. Lane tells everyone that he is practicing to be a Sunbeam. He is so proud and happy to be in with the big kids.

Happy Birthday...5 years old already!

The twins turned 5 on Sunday, July 17th. And...I haven't had time to write about it. We were so busy this year that I feel like we weren't able to focus on them that much. Sharing one car, until my gets fixed, was also an added stressor. We celebrated on Saturday, because I was working Sunday night. We bought them each their own tiny cake...because no one ever eats all of the cake. Porter said, "I was expecting a much bigger cake." I said, "Are you disappointed?" He said, "No mom, I was just expecting it to be bigger."
They shared time opening presents while Lane acted as the garbage man. He would collect their wrapping paper as it was taken off. He was a really good sport. I always feel bad because with only three kids, he is the only one not opening presents on their birthday. Of course, they shared all of their candy and toys with him. They are such sweet siblings to each other.
They got loads of stuff, cards, and money from all of their grandmas and grandpas. They have four sets of grandparents on Brant's side and only my parents on my side.
As a last minute idea, we took the three of them to Chuck E. Cheese--by far their favorite place to go. We had a blast following them around. I think Lane's favorite thing to do is to put tokens in the machines. He rode one ride six times in a row.
They birthday landed on Sunday and one of the things they were so excited about was to get up in front of the primary and get sung to. When they came home, they said that they forgot to sing to them. They were both so sad. Of all of the things they were looking forward to that was a big one for them. I thought they would forget about it, but they brought it up again yesterday. So before primary I talked to the president and asked if she wouldn't mind singing to them. She felt so bad they were missed. She was actually out of town last week and of course, it was an innocent mistake. She was so gracious and even brought cookies over to them last night. They were very delighted.