Salad

I am not the biggest fan of taking my children out to eat in public. In fact, I myself have become very particular about eating out, so it has been a long time. I've just started thinking about some stranger preparing food for me and then another serving me that food. I know nothing about those people. I don't know their character, their hygiene habits, if they hate their job and so try to sabotage any food prepared or served, or if they've had the worst day of their life and so go on a destructive path of ruining/contaminating the food that I and my family are about to eat. I know, it's a little paranoid, but I can't really help it. Plus, I'd rather not spend the money on a meal I'm not even sure I'm going to like. Then there's my children who 8 times out of 10 will not touch the meal that THEY chose to order. Plus we're normally the freak show while waiting that everyone likes to stare at. I'd just rather avoid the whole situation.



Anyway, I put on a brave face and we went out with the kids for a little family meal. The Oh Gee. At Olive Garden I always order the same thing. If I ever decide to branch out and eat something else on the menu, I always regret it later when I'm sick. So it's always the soup, salad and breadsticks for me. Of course I discovered once I got the bill that they upped their price on my meal of choice. It went from $8.95 to $11.95! Okay, not panicked yet. I also found out that I could take the soup home with me in a take-out bowl. I never knew that before! Yeah, I'll be taking full advantage, thank you very much. When I asked Dillan what he wanted, he told me nothing. He then asked if we were going to get salad. I told him yes and he said that's all he wanted. I tried to talk him into some mac & smack or spaghetti, but he was set. Fine, I decided, he can teach himself a lesson here.



Much to my surprise he ate salad. A couple plates full. What?!? No ranch dressing was involved, and he still ate like a champion! We got Leah a little personal pizza. She ate one piece and then moved on to the salad. Seriously. My kids normally eat salad at home, but I figured being out and choosing what you wanted would change all that. Oh the joy! My little green eaters! Munch on!

6 cheers for us!

The other day I was talking with some friends about those good ol' days of newlywed-hood. Someone mentioned how glad they were to be past that time of tiny one bedroom apartments, hand-me-down furniture, college classes, dollar theater date night, etc etc. It was also brought up how much in love you were with your spouse, you never saw any fault in them and you were always on a high newlywed bliss. But you know, as I remember that first summer we had together, it gives me zills all over my body! We lived in Provo, Utah, in the thick of married student housing. We had 2 new pieces of furniture: a small TV Chris' dad had bought for us, and a mattress, from my parents. The TV sat upon a stool someone was getting rid of covered with a blanket. Our headboard and pedistol were the same my brother had slept on for many years. We had a kitchen full of new small appliances and cookware. Of course, the only things we used were two plates, two forks and two cups. Okay, and occasionally a pan.
But life was great! Stress didn't really exist back then. We both worked like crazy and I was taking a few classes, but it was so nice. I taught swim lessons and lifeguarded the whole day-pretty much my dream job-and every evening we couldn't wait to come home to eachother! So many fun times we had that first summer, I miss the simplicity of it all.


You really don't have to say it, I can read
your mind, remember?

But of course, we must continue to move forward and grow and mature together. Thank goodness Chris keeps me young and grounded where I need to be. He's my constant reminder of how much I am loved and blessed. He does so much for me and our family. We'll be officially celebrating next weekend, but this is still our special day and I want him to know how much I love him.

So yes, I spent many years studying the french language and I got pretty good at it. While I've let it slip quite a bit, it will always be a special bond that we share. This one's for you babe, Happy Anniversary!

On s'envolera du même quai
Les yeux dans les mêmes reflets,
Pour cette vie et celle d'après
Tu seras mon unique projet.

Je m'en irai poser tes portraits
A tous les plafonds de tous les palais,
Sur tous les murs que je trouverai
Et juste en-dessous j'écrirai

Que seule la lumière pourrait...

Et mes doigts pris sur tes poignets,
Je t'aimais, je t'aime et je t'aimerai....

Happy Birthday Uncle Datch!

Since November of last year, Dillan has understood the true order of birthdays. "First, Roxy's new baby; Second, Grandma's Birthday; Then, MY BIRTHDAY!; And, after MY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE CHAD'S!"


The one in the yellow Mickey shirt

Oh how we love our Uncle Chad! Some of our 25 favorite things about Uncle Chad are:

• He's very health conscious and works out a lot,
• But he also loves to bake yummy desserts!
• Some of his favorite movies are chick-flicks
• His high-pitched laugh
• He is one of the happiest people you'll ever know
  
• He can tear it up on a wakeboard
• He's a great soccer player
• He has a Y-shaped scar on the center of his forehead
  
• He's a hard worker and a good helper to his aging parents
• He LOVES his mother
• He's always seeking wisdom from his eldest sister
• He's committed to living the Gospel
• He wore a blue leotard playing dress up with his sister (he was a little younger)
• He's a lot of fun to play games with
• He's the kind of guy any girl would want to marry
• He only picks the best girl to date
• He's such a romantic
• He used to not like spaghetti
• He makes me laugh like no one else can
• He has a nice singing voice
• He's one of Leah's favorite people, and she doesn't like anyone
• He's fiercely loyal, as a friend and family member
• He rode his bike without training wheels when he was 2 1/2
• To some in our home, he's Scaaarrry!
• He always puts others before himself, and brings a smile to everyone's face

Really, she's a big fan

Just wanted to give a little shout out to our most favorite uncle on the planet!
We Love You Chad! Happy Birthday!

Popsicles and Blue Hair

It was Crazy Hair Day at Dillan's school. Unfortunately, he had been buzzed just over a week ago, so there wasn't much that could be done for it. We tried some temporary Spiderman tatoos, but he would not leave them alone, and they didn't show up so well on the hair anyway. I pulled out one of my swim caps and let him color it. Then I placed it on his head. He liked it, but the markings ended up everywhere, and didn't stay on the cap too well. So I finally pulled out the Halloween tote to see what we could possibly use. I found blue and white hair color. I told him I could do a really cool design on his head, either Spiderman or BYU, and he would look the craziest of all. He was, of course, just fine with that. So we went outside and I started my masterpiece. He was NOT a fan of the spraying. Don't really blame him, though, that stuff had a horrible smell! It was only my second time dealing with the stuff, and I didn't know what to expect from it. We only got one coat of blue on his head and he was finished. It was time to go anyway. It made me nervous in the car, I didn't want it everywhere.


GQ all the way

So he ended up with some blue hair, but loved it. He got the "Mr. Smurf Hair" award. I don't believe he's ever seen an episode of The Smurfs, but oh well. Such a fun day!


Love at Home, with Popsicles

We have also initiated the start of summer with the first popsicles of the season. Daddy doesn't think they're real popsicles. They're OtterPops. That's as real as we need! We've got a freezer full now and loving our daily dose of OtterPop goodness!

Cuz I'm FOUR-R!

Mommy, I have to have 4 crackers, because I'm 4!
It's okay Mommy, I can take my shirt off all by myself because I'm 4!
I get to sit in the very back because I'm 4!
I'm soooooo smart, because I'm 4!



Dear Dillan,
I can't believe that you are 4 years old! I remember waiting and waiting for you to be born and you were so stubborn, you waited until you were ready. I remember Daddy telling me that your breathing was a little weak and so they put you in the NICU for a week giving you antibiotics. You were so BIG compared to all the tiny little babies in that place. They were all so sick and weak, but you were so strong and healthy, you just didn't belong!



You have always been so expressive and good at making so many faces. You have kept us entertained since Day 1. You started pushing around boxes and chairs when you were ready to get moving, and then took off running. You haven't stopped since! Then you started speaking.

You have always surprised me with all the new words that come out of your mouth. You have always loved books and have always done well with learning your ABCs. Singing and music have always been some of your favorite things. You sing so well, and with excellent pitch!



You are such a good big brother to Leah, she loves you so much and wants to do everything you do. You are a good example of how to make good choices and being obedient to Mommy and Daddy. You are so fun for her to play with and are always careful with her.
Your family loves you so much, ALL of them. They all love it when you are around and make everyone smile. We love to play baseball and soccer with you. We love playing games, riding bikes, reading books, coloring, cooking, playing with cars and trains; all the things you love to do.



We love to listen to your testimony of Jesus and Heavenly Father, and how much you love singing primary songs and learning about Nephi and the gospel.Everyday we thank Heavenly Father for sending you to our family. You bring us so much happiness and love, we are never without.
We love you Dillan, our big 4-year-old!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Birthday Weekend, Day 3...the finale.

The invite-a great success

Learned a great lesson today. Never Ever EVER plan a birthday party the day after going to Disneyland. Too much to do, no time to do it. I thought I had carefully planned everything, but ended up running around crazy stressed in the morning trying to make it as nice as I could. It's over. Lesson learned. I will NEVER do that again.

The set-up

Luckily it was a nice day and we had the park to ourselves. It was hot and our water balloon supply went way too fast. Hours of filling them up for 10 minutes of fun. It was too hot to play on the toys, so I had a lot of kids without much to do. Looking back, I should have brought out the squirt guns I had so carefully placed inside goody bags. Dillan got a lot of presents. Serious present overload. The store-bought Spiderman cake was great. The food turned out fine and everyone went home with a goody bag. Ahh the things we do for our kids.


Some birthday cake


Some great presents!


Just keep smiling away!

Birthday Weekend, Day 2

Disneyland. Not sure how the kids would be, but hoping for the best. I was up with the sun, decorated Dillan's room a little, and got everything together as quickly as possible. Leah got up shortly after and we were all set to go by 7:30. Of course, the boys in the house were all still snoozing away! Patience, patience. Finally they all SLOWLY emerged from sleep and got ready. We dragged Papa Rod along for the ride and headed out.


Crazy Driver!


We beat you Mom!

It was a warm and beautiful day. Dillan was given a badge to wear the whole day (but it came off early) and we met so many people throughout the day also sportin' the "It's my birthday!" badges. Our first ride was the Jungle Cruise. Dillan loved seeing the alligators, lions, and rhino. Then there were the hippos. He loves hippos. I knew they were coming, so I set him ready to see them wiggling their ears and everything. Then of course the final hippo has to ease out of the water and open it's gigantic mouth like it's about to swallow us, then the gun, I completely forgot about the gunshots. The gun goes off, Dillan hits the floor, tucked in a ball, bawling his eyes out. He wouldn't let me touch him. He now HATES hippos and NEVER wants to go on that ride AGAIN!


Dumbo


Nemo

Pirates he liked okay, Haunted Mansion he really liked (not expecting that!), Dumbo was good, the two trains were great, Nemo-fun, Cars-a big hit, and then there was Splash Mountain. I told him over and over how it was Roxy's favorite ride, I thought that would satisfy. I end up in the front of the boat, Dillan behind me and Chris behind him. He loved it at the start, trying to get the "stick" to move quicker to catch the "stick" in front of us. Then there was a drop. Not too bad. Then we were inside with silly singing animals, then another drop. I got drenched. I turned around and Dillan was in tears and his face soaked. I realized too late that I should have acted as a shield for him, but I ducked away to avoid the soaking. He was not loving it. Then another drop. More soaking. He was done. Loud crying, he was not happy. But we still had the big one. Then it came. Knowing it was the last one seemed to help. Plus then the ZipADeeDooDah song and more fun singing animals. Then we got out and he was happy. He was excited to see me soaking wet. I think it was just the splashing in the face that bothered him. He said he would go again with Roxy. Whew!


Waiting in line is HARD!


Buzz Lightyear

By the end of the day Dillan was getting more and more into it and wanted to go on more rides. We didn't get everywhere we wanted, but we'll be back this summer to get it all in. I think it was a great experience, even Leah had fun on most of the rides. She danced along with Pirates and sat wide-eyed on every one. Nemo was her favorite. She can say Nemo and recognizes him from the movie. Five minutes in the car and everyone was out cold. Good way to end the day. Great way to turn 4 years old.

Birthday Weekend, Day 1

How we ended up with 3 days of birthday celebration? I don't know. But it's here. My baby is turning 4. He's independent, gaining confidence, becoming coordinated, speaking his mind, it's like he's a real person!

This morning Dillan and I made cookies for him to share with his friends at school. They had to have green icing.


They're number 4s, if you can't tell.


These kids are too cute!

When I got to school, the kids were all seated at the table and all wearing cute elephant hats (it's safari week). Dillan got to sit at the head of the table with the stuffed birthday bear that sings "Happy Birthday to You." He had the honors of pressing the paw for the song to start.
The cookies were a hit. Thank you Miss Carol & Miss Melissa for making school special today for Dillan!


Birthday Heaven!

When we got home we found a package waiting for us. It came all the way from Tennessee! Dillan was so excited to open it and see what was inside. It was a wrapped present! That took him over the top. He tore it open and...tadaa!...Soccer Stuff! An official size 3 ball, some stylish socks, and a practice net! Wow! He set it down and got to kicking. He didn't stop all afternoon. It will be perfect for when soccer starts in the fall. Thank you Roxy (and family)!


What could it be???


Basking in soccer pleasure.

Later on that night the doorbell rang. Papa Rod is here! We're so excited to spend the weekend with him! It was tough to get to sleep tonight, lotta excitement round here!

Bike Shopping

I'm in the market for a bike. I want us to become a bike riding family.

Found this one, so why not try to win it? I don't know how it would handle over rough terrain when we're off-road, plus I don't think my kids would last sitting in the back bucket.



Here's hoping for a first time win!
MADSEN Cargo Bikes

Weekend Fun!

We have been waiting all week for this weekend. First off, we got our Grandma Donna and Papa Bob with us! Saturday we went to the Wild Animal Park, a first for everyone. We were so excited to see elephants, tigers and giraffes. Dillan's favorite park was riding the train (tram) ride through Africa. It was a beautiful warm day and we had so much fun we couldn't even stand ourselves by the end of the day! Seriously.




On Mother's Day I got a lovely card decorated with lovely colors and Dillan wrote Daddy's, Leah's and his own name on it. I was also surprised with my favorite perfume that I hadn't ever replaced since I came home from France. This perfume holds something special to Chris, so I should really try to make more of an effort to smell better--for him. Dillan sang his heart out at church, thankfully, for his first sacrament primary sing. BooYah!



We finished off Mother's Day with good food and lots more family fun. Grandma and Papa gave Dillan a new Thomas Race Track for his birthday and new Thomas skivvies. She's always been the "Thomas Grandma" since day 1. Talk about fun!



It was so nice having two of our most favorite, specialist people in our lives with us this weekend. It always seems to go by too too fast when everyone goes home again. Hopefully we got our fill of hugs and kisses to last us until next time we're together! Thank you Grandma and Papa for coming to see us this weekend, we had so much fun being with you and can't wait to do it again!