Four?

I think my daughter is aging mentally and emotionally faster than she is physically. There is no way she acts four! More like 14. As a mom, I didn't know that I could be pushed to limits like she is pushing me! It is a daily struggle. I actually think I need to take some sort of class on how to be a good mom to her. I try, but fall terribly short. Patience has never been one of my virtues, and that definitely doesn't help anything! She is such a passionate girl, so that can be really good, but can also make things really hard. Her emotions are so strong, which leads to really dramatic breakdowns at least sixty times a day. I feel guilty looking forward to bedtime at 10 am! It just reaffirms to me that I was not meant to have 14 kids like I said I was going to when I was younger :)

Easter '09

Mike had to stay home cause his back has been killing him

This year, the Easter bunny made a stop to our house while we were at church. Lyric was anxious to see what he left, and Paxton was just anxious to get his hands on the candy! I decided to have the baskets waiting after church rather than before, because Sunday mornings already push my patience without adding in candy covered church clothes!

After church, my dad had us over for a delicious dinner. He made BBQ'd chicken, garlic bread, salad, and lots of steamed veges. Jamie and her family were in Utah, and my mom drove down to my grandma's to spend Easter Sunday with her. We had a fun, casual time eating and playing.

Spring Break

This past week was a fun, relaxing week. It was Mike's spring break, so he decided to also take work off. We headed to Monterey for a few days. We took the kids to the aquarium and walked around Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
The weather was decent. There was a mixture of a little sun, rain, and coldness! We took Lyric and Paxton down to the beach a few times. Paxton literally cried whenever a wave came a shore. It was actually a little funny. He eventually got somewhat used to it. He loved climbing the rocks with Mike.
Within 2 minutes of getting there, Lyric fell completely in the water. It actually felt like ice water. I had to go across the street and find an inexpensive sweater so she didn't die from hypothermia! The next day, she was actually intentionally going into the freezing water.
We enjoyed trying about twenty types of clam chowder. Every little shop would hand out samples. I think that was Lyric's favorite part. Every place we ate at, she requested clam chowder.
You may wonder why I wouldn't post pictures from such a fun trip? Well, a ghost decided to steal my camera while we were gone. I think the hotel we stayed at was haunted. Either that, or our hotel room got really hungry and ate it. It makes me feel really sad and crazy that it literally disappeared into thin air! I tried to not let it ruin the rest of our trip, but it was really hard. Oh well!

We DON'T Like Soda

As you can tell by this picture, we don't drink very much soda ;) I gave up on my "soda fast" a while back. I came to the conclusion that the caffeine is what doesn't mix well with my body. I must be ultra sensitive to it. So, I now drink diet caffeine-free Pepsi. Something that never interested me before, but I'm actually quite grateful for the stuff now! I drink it without feeling one yucky side effect. The only downfall is that diet caffeine-free doesn't come in any "fun" flavors. Oh well, totally worth it.

By the way, this is from three separate Target trips, it was in my trunk and finally got it out tonight. Whenever there is a good sale, I like to stalk up. Especially now that they come in the rip off eight packs, I will only pay a really good price for it.

Green Day

This morning, I spontaneously made Lyric, Peyton, and Paxton green eggs, in honor of St. Patrick's Day. How festive of me :) They actually turned out more of a teal color, but close enough for them! I wasn't sure if the color would be a turn off, but they gobbled them right up!

Shoes

Paxton is absolutely obsessed with shoes. As soon as he gets up in the mornings or from a nap, he finds his shoes for me to put on. He actually gets irritated when I take them off for naps or bedtime. Whenever Mike gives him a ride on his shoulders, Paxton doesn't like him touching his shoes! With the warmer weather coming I'm going to need to find some shoes his feet won't sweat in, so he can wear them around all day!

My Three Daughters

On Tuesdays, we have Peyton over. Lyric and Paxton enjoy playing with their cousin. She does quite well with either Lyric, who is about two years older, or Paxton, who is about 8 months younger. I try to make it my cleaning day, so I don't typically venture out with the three of them. The very few times I have, I typically get comments about "my three daughters."
I was at SaveMart a few weeks ago, and this older man leaned over to me and said, "You'd better stop at three girls, I've got five!" I smiled and gave a courteous answer. Now, this might sound confusing, beings that I actually only have one daughter. The other child is my niece, and the other child is my SON stupid.
I cannot tell who how often Paxton is referred to as a girl when I am out. I typically don't even correct them. For some reason I don't feel like saying, "actually, it's a boy." Maybe I should, but I normally feel so irritated I just ignore it. I know that if I shaved his head, that would quite possibly solve the problem, but I'm not willing to get rid of his curls, therefore, I will keep getting the mistake about my other daughter.
I'll hold your place in line so you can go get her, she'll never need a perm when she grows up, look at her curls, and about six billion other comments get made to me at least twice a week. I mean, I don't dress him in skirts and dresses, or girly colors! I actually feel I do the opposite. Oh well! Maybe I'll start having him wear a blue bow in his hair so people know he's a boy :)

Birthday Boy

Delicious cake made by Jamie

Mike posing for a birthday picture with Lys and Packy

Photo courtesy of our four year old, Lyric.

Yesterday was Mike's birthday, 28th to be exact. No, I didn't forget, we celebrated in some fashion or another for three days, so I decided to blog about all of them tonight.

First, Friday night we went to dinner, just the two of us. Lyric and Paxton went to Jamie's house to play with their cousins. Then, Saturday was the "Big" day! Lyric and I decorated while Mike was still sleeping. He woke up to lots of fun birthday decorations. We didn't do much, just hung out. Then, today we went over to Jamie and Tucker's for dinner and a little celebration. Since our birthdays are nine days apart, it was for the two of us. There was really good food, and of course, a really good cake! Thanks guys!

Mike informed me that he wishes he would have married someone with a birthday in July so that he wouldn't have to share with me :)

Happy 28th Birthday!!!!!! Wow, you're getting old :) We love you!

Good Times

After dance class today, I took Lyric and Paxton to SaveMart. I was pushing Paxton while Lyric was pushing her beloved "little cart." SaveMart is literally more exciting to Disneyland for her, because of their kid sized shopping carts. If she ever finds out that I've gone without her, she breaks down into tears!

So, we were going up and down the aisles decided what to make for dinner and she tells me she needs to go potty. I tell her to hold it, but she keeps insisting. I turn around and see her crossing her legs and I know she's serious. Before I can do anything she starts peeing on the floor! I wanted to get mad, but I knew it was purely an accident. So, I go tell an employee, and off we go to the car! Experiences like this are very humbling for me. Yes, that is my daughter's fluorescent yellow pee in the middle of the aisle that you have to walk around :)

Compliments to the Chef

Tonight I made lasagna for dinner. This morning I was watching the Today Show and there was a recipe that looked really yummy. It was my first time, so it was a bit time consuming. I dished up Lyric's plate and set it in front of her. She looked at it, and then smelled it and said, "Mom, it smells like throw up." Wow, that sure made me feel good about my cooking!

No Holding Back

Today I was at Costco with Lyric and Paxton, I seem to be there at least once a week. I was looking at the strawberries when this lady came by and commented on their price. I told her they were a little expensive but really tasty, plus if my kids will eat them, it makes it worth it! That was it, and as she started to leave I hear Lyric repeatedly saying, "Mom, why is her bottom so big?" I quickly started walking away hoping she hadn't hear, and explained to Lyric that people come in all sizes! I know that won't be the last time I'm put in that situation!

Talk Time

Yesterday, Lyric gave her first talk in Primary. For weeks, she had been bugging me about giving one. She was so excited and fearless! I don't think I had quite the same attitude as a kid! Jamie happened to have her camera, so she snapped a cute picture.

Kids

Last night Lyric was talking about various Primary songs and asking some questions about Jesus and dying, she's been trying to understand a little more about that lately. Then she asked me a question about Joseph "Sniff." I chuckled to myself and said, "Oh, you mean Joseph Smith." I love the innocence of children!

Nights Like This

Mike has started a new semester, so Monday through Wednesday I go into "school mode." Sounds kind of silly since I am not the one actually going to school, but that's what I like to call it. On those days, I just know that I am it from sun up till sun down. He goes to work and then goes to school till about 9:30. When I put myself in that mode, I actually do fine. I don't have unrealistic expectations and I really try to muster up a little extra patience, something I don't have a plethora of :)

So, tonight was one of those nights where I felt like I had a brand new puppy in my house. First, I hear Lyric calling from the kitchen, "Mom, I peed on the floor." I was confused because this isn't a normal occurrence. She had her dance class clothes on, which made it hard to get them down in time, it also doesn't help that she likes to wait for the very last second before she runs to the bathroom! I went in there and helped her to the bath. Paxton came in and stepped in the pee, so I decided to throw him in with her.


I went to the kitchen to start dinner when I hear, "Mom, Paxton pooped in the bathtub!" Ok, so I go in there to see Lyric standing outside of the tub, and Paxton sitting in a tub of poop! Not my favorite thing to clean up! He looks at me and says, "poo poo," and "eck." Both words he uses to describe the situation. So, I get him cleaned and get him out. I am washing Lyric when Paxton runs in and says, "poo poo" again. I go look, and thank goodness it was just pee on the carpet. Dumb me for not diapering his butt right away, but sometimes I like to let him air out.

Lyric gets out and gets her jammies on and they are in the kitchen dancing to High School Musical. She looks down and gets grossed out by a puddle she steps in. Dumb me has not yet diapered Paxton so he's peed again! I didn't think he'd pee two minutes after his first time! After cleaning up four pee incidents and one tub poop, I was ready to call it a night! But now I have a few hours to exercise and veg out all to myself!

One Month

Friday marked one month since I started my "resolutions." My mom told me it takes thirty days to make something a habit, and I do believe this. I have mixed feelings about the results I've seen, or haven't!

I went the first 3 1/2 weeks with no soda. The first few days were quite hard, and then I really didn't have a problem. Then, we were out eating and I decided to have one cup. I actually was more curious to see how it would make me feel. Of course, it tasted oh so yummy, but I didn't like how it made me feel afterwards. The rest of the evening I felt so jittery and yucky. I just don't think my body handles caffeine very well. Then, last week I decided to have soda one more time. So, in one month I did have soda twice, which I do consider to be better than every day! I still plan on keeping on the track of no soda, but I won't beat myself up if I have it occasionally.

I also have been faithfully working out for a month. Now, I by no means expected to loose 50 pounds, but I also didn't expect the scale to not move!!!!!!!! It doesn't help that I weigh myself everyday, but still! Not even two pounds! I work out at least six days a week. I do anything from the treadmill, the elliptical, the recumbent bike, free weights, and various workout videos. So it's not like I just walk up and down the driveway and call it a workout! I do notice a difference in how my clothes fit, so at least something is happening! Also, I truly feel like it energizes me. I think it is just my nature to feel tired a lot, but I do feel so much better mentally. My house has appreciated the extra effort I've given to it! I keep reminding myself that even if I don't lose a pound, the other ways it has affected me so positively are worth it!