What a Day

You know how some days just don't work out as planned?

Tom got called in to work.

No husband to help at church.

(I lead the music and played my flute in sacrament meeting)

Sam got in the toothpaste.

and rubbed it in her eyes.

Erin got in the mini-m&m's.

and got them all over her Sunday dress.

Brooke's new dress doesn't stretch at all.

She couldn't move.

So we unbuttoned the top and called it good.

Did anyone notice that Alix had on two different black shoes at church?

I didn't.

Until we got there.

Oops. Burned the leftover pizza.

A stray cat ran into the house when the door got left open.

Did I mention I hate cats? (sorry Brenda...)

Oh, and Erin got swallowed by the bean bag.

Could have been worse, right?

Quote of the Day

I was dressed up to go to the adult session of Stake Conference and mentioned to Tom and the girls that I would stop by the store on my way home (we were down to wheat for dinner...).

Brooke- "Wow, mom. Aren't you going to be embarrassed going to the store looking so nice?"

Perhaps it's time to teach her that sweat pants really aren't clothes. I should maybe look a little more human, a little more often...

Who Says That?

You know those comments that some people make that you just can't believe they really said? Here's one from Sunday...

I was talking to a friend and when she walked off a man (who shall remain nameless) came up and asked if my friend is pregnant. I told him that was the rumor I'd heard and he said "Well she's either pregnant or has gained a bunch of weight... And what about you? Are you pregnant?"

What! So you're implying that I look like I've gained a bunch of weight? Luckily I didn't have to go and bury my head in the sand as I've actually been losing weight, but still... Who says that?

Here's another... I was pregnant with the twins and a woman at Walmart mistook me for someone else and I just said "I get that all the time..." And the lady who was about to take our picture said "Yeah. Us fat blondes all look alike!" What? Fist, she had gray hair. Second, I was pregnant. With twins! Who says that?

Here's another... A woman (who shall also remain nameless) told my best friend at church "You really look a lot better as a blonde." Right after she colored her hair dark brown... And the same lady later told her, "Your hair looks way better today without all the stuff you usually put in..."

Who says that?

I'm not sure if people are just not smart, or just plain rude, or just plain thoughtless... What have people said to you? I think it's funny. You gotta laugh or cry sometimes and I choose to laugh!

Quote of the Day

Erin and Alix came downstairs all ready for the day. They'd gotten themselves dressed and even had matching headbands and shoes. So I said...

"Wow. You girls are really grown up. Look how pretty you look!"

Erin - "Sadly, we don't need you anymore..."

Alix - "I need you."

me - "Oh sweetie. I'm so glad you still need me."

Alix - "Yeah. There are just some things I can't reach!"

But aren't they cute? They still sleep like this probably a third of the time. It doesn't matter that they have their own beds. Or beds at all. They'd rather sleep snuggled up together on the floor. Some days I go crazy, but looking at pictures of my (sleeping!) children really makes my heart just ache I love them so much. Even if they don't really need me anymore... :)

Quote of the Day

For once this is a "serious" quote of the day. Brooke was asked to give a little talk in sacrament meeting yesterday (scary at 7...) and we found this great quote by Thomas S. Monson

"One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one."

Brooke did a really great job. She was really nervous sitting up on the stand, but gave her quote with confidence when it was time. It was a special part of a great mother's day.

And I know this isn't a great picture of either of us, we just goofing around, but it kind of fits how much fun Brooke and I have together. What a sweet girl!

Scream Like A Girl

Brooke came in from school the other day and the first thing I hear is screaming. Then running feet. Then, "Mom! Mom! There's a huge spider web with eggs all over it!" Ho hum. Whatever. Then this, "Mom! Mom! It's in the house!" Suddenly I care. A lot...

We were going to have a garage sale, but it was raining (of course) so we just put the stuff in the living room to wait for a sunny Saturday. One item was a table that we usually keep outside. Apparently a spider made an egg nest on it and it hatched whilst occupying space in my home. It really was a huge web covered in BABY SPIDERS. Not eggs.

Luckily I think they must have just hatched (do spiders hatch?) because they weren't really moving yet. In my heart I was screaming like a little girl. But Tom wasn't home, so I had to be brave. I unhooked the web from the surrounding surfaces and then carried the whole table out. Only three or four baby spiders came off and then I got to go on safari and hunt them down. I swear that web was NOT there that morning... Can I really be that oblivious? It only took Brooke 5 seconds to see it...

The Great Debate

There are truly important questions that must be answered in this life... Where did we come from? Where are going? Does Santa Clause really exist? Which is better - Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise?

Albert (Tom's dad) made potato salad and instead of his usual Miracle Whip, he used mayo. Tom (who usually LOVES it) wouldn't eat it and Beth didn't like it either. I, on the other hand, for the first time, really liked it. Albert didn't think you could taste a difference... So which is it for you folks? Mayo or Miracle Whip? We've been fighting over the answer to this serious question for years now. There's a poll over on the side, vote and lets settle this for good...

Fright Fest

Looking for something fun to do with your kids on those gorgeous spring days when you are out running errands? Here's your answer...

Roll down all the car windows. Pull up to a red light and check for any other vehicles with windows open. Whisper to your children "1... 2...3..." And then you simply let out bloodcurdling screams. It's awesome. Then all the girls smile and wave. Just smile and wave... Try it sometime. Your kids will love it!

disclaimer- no accidents have been caused by this extremely obnoxious behavior, but I would recommend it only be used at red lights...

Goooooo M's!

Tom and I took (just) Brooke to a Mariners game last Friday. She is such a great kid and sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, so we made it a special night for her. It would have been more special if we would have actually gotten a bobble head - but alas, they ran out before we managed to arrive. An hour early... No bitterness here...

The three of us

Brooke didn't get bored at all. And start taking pictures of her shoes.

A little cotton candy fixes boredom pretty quick

Especially when you turn it into a mustache!

Music to my ears...

Are they magic vitamins? Just maybe. Last night Sam was laughing - for no reason at all. She was just laughing. Until she couldn't laugh anymore. For the first time ever. She's been laughing since she was 11 months old, but it always takes work. And possibly a small circus... It was so great last night to have her laugh like a normal kid.

One of the greatest things about having a baby that is "special" is that the little things are SO amazing. You take nothing for granted. Which turns every day into something special. Man, I love that little girl so much!