Antics...

My kids often amaze me with their sense of humor. I actually often overlook some of the things they do because I'm too busy to pay attention. Then I find something that they've previously done that cracks me up. Like last night. I had ordered pizza for the kids and went to pick it up. When I walked in the door Kennedy said "Now I can wear my name tag". I just kept doing what I was doing and didn't pay attention. Today on my way into her bedroom I saw the name tag lying on the floor, so I picked it up. I laughed out loud. It read "Hello. My name is I'm hungry for pizza". Crazy girl. I wish I could go back to last night and enjoy it in the moment. She is actually a pretty clever girl and comes up with things like this all the time.
Landon has some pretty crazy thoughts in his little head. I wish I could be inside his mind for a few minutes just to see life how he sees it. Yesterday I was making lunch for everyone. Landon said (these are his words, not mine) "Kennedy can cook a little because she has little boobs. Mom, you can cook a lot because you have big boobs." Apparently there is a correlation between chest size and the ability to cook. And notice that all males are eliminated. Hmmm. I guess that shows who does most of the cooking in this house.

Days...

I'm blogging upstairs in my bed. Yep. I said in my bed. Shawn got a laptop for Christmas and we are now wireless. I feel like we are finally catching up to the rest of the world technology wise. All that is left is to get a texting plan on our phones. Not until June. By then there might be something even more ingenious than texting. Who knows. I love the portability of wireless. Who would have thought.
I haven't been blogging a lot lately because I don't really feel like anything I've done has actually been blog-worthy. I've kind of been in a rut. I actually would go as far as saying that I have not been enjoying my life. I've felt a lot like Bill Murray in Groundhogs Day, only the stuff I was repeating was feeding, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, washing, and wiping. Day after day. Feeling like I'm alone raising my kids is hard. I didn't sign up for this. Then the Saturday before Christmas Shawn sent me out of town shopping without kids. He had the weekend off and let me take a much needed break. I came home ready to conquer this week with school being out of session. Only Shawn has actually been around a lot. Surgeons aren't really doing elective surgeries and there haven't been too many emergencies, so he's been home. I forgot how much easier it is to be a parent when the burden is shared. It's actually enjoyable. When I feel frustrated because so and so did this, he's there to evaluate the situation with me. Nice. I can actually raise these people without raising my blood pressure. Or being committed. It has given me a glimpse of what life might actually be like when he is done with this residency and has a real job. I can't wait. But first I have to get through the next 3 months. They don't get any experience with cardiac anesthesia here, so he needs to leave. 3 months. He won't be home until April. Bleh. We might be able to see him some weekends, but it's still unknown if that will be a reality. I know I'm capable, I've made it this far, but man. Life sure is much better when there is a Dad at home. If you call and I don't answer, it's because I've locked myself in the closet and forgot to bring the phone in with me.
Presley rolled over today. Stomach to back. I was giving her tummy time (apparently required now) and she just rolled over easy peasy. Like she'd been doing it for years. After 4 times I got out the video camera. Of course that is when she decided she'd rather be on her stomach. So no video of this one. Maybe I'll catch her in the act some other time. She is laying beside me and now thinks she needs some attention. I don't think the portability of this thing is going to make me Mother of the Year.

Kennedy's Two Babies....

I often think Kennedy thinks of Presley as her toy. She has a doll equal in size that even cries when it isn't being treated properly. Now she just likes to lay them together and watch. Sometimes Presley just holds the doll and amuses Kennedy.And other times Presley looks at the doll like this:I think it's funny that Kennedy has this take on her sister. I have to give her credit for being a good Mommy. She actually enjoys changing Presley's diaper, and even requests to do so. Nice. She is also very good at putting her in her pajama's when necessary. I can't wait until Presley is old enough to leave Kennedy in charge. Oh the freedom that will present me with. One day, one day.

Catching Up....

Poor Landon. Being the youngest of older siblings is hard. They all get into bed at 8 pm, but nobody really goes to sleep until after 8:30. Some read in bed until well after 9. Landon tries so hard to keep up that he fights sleep until the last possible second. Everyone gets up for school by 6:45. Sometimes he'll sleep through the hubbub, but he usually runs squinty eyed into the living room so he doesn't miss anything. As a result of this, the boy is tired. Ridiculously so. One morning I passed him in the living room on the floor while putting away clothes. Apparently his early wake up left him too exhausted to even come into my room to let me know he was awake. Sunday after church he wanted to watch "Word World" on my TV in my bedroom. I told him to wait a few minutes while I finished putting the meatballs together. I found him like this when I finally made it in to turn on his show.

Yesterday he fell asleep every time we got in the car to go somewhere. He is seriously lacking sleep. If only he'd take a nap. By nap I mean in his bed on my time schedule. Maybe one day he'll completely catch up and be the happy boy I once remember. Or, maybe he will just turn 4 and leave this 3 year old phase far behind him.

Unusual Laxative....

It seems that every time I come downstairs to use the computer, and perch Presley on my lap just so in order to use the keyboard, she poops. No joke. Depending on how many times I use the computer varies her bowel movements. Uncanny. Except for the one time today when I was at Kennedy's 2nd grade program. Just as the singing started she leaked through her clothes, up her back, down her leg, and all over my leg. Nice. I was wedged into a corner and trying to keep Landon from causing a ruckus. All while covered in my little princess' digested lunch. Motherhood. Not for the weak stomached. Since I'm on the computer I now must head back upstairs to change the little one. Should this be considered a talent?

Blessing Day...

We blessed Presley on Sunday December 7th. I need to document it here since she doesn't have a baby book. (Remember folks, this is #5. She doesn't get one.) Shawn gave the blessing and the people in the circle were Bishop Eric Jewell, Bobby Fields, Brandon Jenson, Bryan Stringham, Ed Kemp, Bruce Coggins, Steve Salt, Evan Davis, and I believe that is all. She was beautiful in the gown she wore. My mom made it for Kennedy so I got to use it again.

Photoshoot....

This year I ordered the kids matchy matchy Christmas clothes. I've always wanted to do it, but never justified the money it would take. This year I had all these coupon codes for % off and free shipping, so I couldn't resist. And I'm so glad I didn't. Getting all 5 looking at the camera at once is tricky. The older 4 are great, but when you add the baby in the mix it throws something out of whack. We did get a few of them together that are okay. I was more pleased with the individual shots. I think Ethan should be on the cover of GQ. But that is just a mother's opinion. Shawn doesn't do too bad. And I am a great holder of the white sheet for the back drop. Nice.

Gifted....

Every Christmas since we've had kids, Shawn and I have always struck the same deal. No gifts for each other, let's just use the money on the kids. Only I always get him something and assume he'll do the same. On Christmas morning after he opens his gift from me he kind of looks at me with confused eyes and says "I didn't get you anything because we agreed." Then I'm secretly angry because he was supposed to get me something anyway. That's just the game I play. For the last two years I've introduced the idea of stuffing each others stockings. This is also my way of actually making him get me a gift so Christmas won't consist of me feeling neglected. I thoughtfully fill his stocking with all kinds of goodies---gift cards, candy, etc. Last year I got vanilla tootsie rolls and pistachios in my stocking. Those are two of my most favorite things. But, I guess I wanted more. I admit, when it comes to Christmas I can be pretty selfish. I am grateful for everything I'm given, but expect a lot out of Shawn. I really can't explain that. If my parents got me nothing I'd be fine (ignore that Mom), but not Shawn. The poor guy just can't win. He tries. He really does. So this year I straight up told him I wanted Uggs. He told me to order them. I mentioned that I wanted them for Christmas, so he needed to secretly get them for me. His response? "I don't know what style, size, or color." I retorted "Classic short, chocolate brown, size 10". He didn't respond to that. I know he didn't respond because he is already overwhelmed with life and ordering a simple pair of boots completely sends his blood pressure through the roof. Trying to be understanding, I went and ordered them myself. That very day. A few days later he wandered into the kitchen while I was cleaning up dinner and said, "Jayne, I'm going to get you Uggs for Christmas. So, could you write down all the stuff you already told me once so I can actually order them?" I smiled. "Already ordered them for myself". You'd think he might be a little put off. Nope. I have never seen a better representation for what relief would look like than I did at that moment. It's not the giving Shawn has trouble with. The man is generous. Often times more generous than he needs to be. He has trouble with the whole "giving because it's expected" thing. He wants to give gifts to people because they mean something to him, not because he has to. Valentine's day is his arch nemesis. I often get roses in June or some random month because he feels they have more meaning. I've been trying so hard all these years to make him conform to society and love giving when it is expected. I would love Uggs in June, but I really wanted them this winter. So, I've decided rather than playing these silly Christmas games with such an adorable man, I'll just order what I want myself. I'm happy, he's happy. My Uggs showed up today.Even though it isn't Christmas yet, they will be worn well. I'm foregoing the whole wrapping thing since it isn't a surprise. Besides, my feet are cold now. When you see me around town sporting my new boots, just know that there will be no hard feelings come Christmas morning. Merry Christmas sweetheart. You did well this year.

THE day....

Yesterday Ethan turned 9. Yep, I'm officially the mother of a pre-teen. With the academic standing of a Jr. High School Student. No joke. It's crazy his intellect. But, he IS only 9. And I love it. I learned a few things yesterday as I toted him and 3 of his very best friends 1 1/2 hrs away to play at Bonkers.

1. Always bring extra money to play in the arcade. It will make you "the best mom ever!". It's not about the games themselves, but how many tickets one can accrue.

2. The choosing of the prizes can prove very tricky. Just the right object for just the right amount of points. You would need to spend a bazillion dollars to get the really cool prizes...

3. Good kids that aren't spoiled rotten are happy with sharing points so everyone gets something fun. (And decided to do so on their own accord). Little bouncy balls and fun dip are a hot item with 9 year old boys.

4. As long as there is food, nobody complains. These boys probably wouldn't complain even if they were hungry---they are that good. But, they still come with their messes.

5. Being 9 does not make you to old to say "watch me" and seek for the Mom's approval. My book was neglected after 30 minutes due to this. I watched them swing, and master the swing over

and over again. (Not your typical swing, so this was enjoyable to see).

6. 14 year old girls are drawn to a small group of good looking boys. And this one was sassy. I was actually shaking after speaking my mind on her vocabulary and expressing concern over her choice of words when speaking to these boys. Problem eventually resolved and the boys decided she just wasn't raised in a loving home and was never taught how to treat people with respect. (I told you they were good).

7. No matter how intellectually gifted a 9 year old boy is, burps and farts are still hilarious.

8. I feel a little bit lighter on my feet and smile more when I'm given the approval of my son and his friends.

My very favorite part of the night came when it was almost over. Ethan's friends and already headed back to the swing, but he stayed back for a minute. He had pizza sauce on his cheek, and his lips and tongue were green from fun-dip. He looked at me and said with complete sincerity, "Mom, thank you so much for bringing me here tonight. This is the best birthday I've ever had. I really appreciate you bringing me here with my friends." Melt my heart. The lady behind me heard the exchange and turned around to say "I don't know that I have ever heard a child say that to his mom. Especially a young boy." Lucky lucky me. He's mine. And I'm proud to be his Mom. Thank YOU Ethan for being the boy that you are. I appreciate YOU for being the appreciative kid that you are.

Baby Love....

I have to say that little girls are fun. Especially to dress. I can't wait until Presley can walk because then the wardrobe options get even better. I've always liked my newborns to be dressed in what I thought was comfortable. Probably because I would hate to be laying around all day dressed up with nowhere to go. Shoes in the past have been hard soled and just didn't seem to be cozy. They look adorable, but not practical. Until now. All kinds of soft cushy soles are out there awaiting my purchase. Only there are very slim pickin's where I live. Lucky for me my good friend has a little girl that happens to have grown out of all her adorable finds. Today Miss Presley will be seen wearing these ballet style beauties.She is just so cute to me. Unfortunately, I don't think pictures do her justice. Or, my photography doesn't do her justice. I need Shawn to get the fancy smancy shots that portray her real adorableness. These shots will have to do for now.


Another good friend bought this most adorable little polka dot dress. This picture is horrible, and I already took off her black Mary Jane's, but you get the idea of how cute the princess was at church.

And who can resist these legs. The thing that kills me every time I undress these chubs are how her calves roll out over top of her ankles like a cuff. Too cute for words

Kid Stuff....

Yesterday Landon was tapping my leg furiously and clasping his hands begging-style while he asked, "Can I have some chocolate milk? Please? I'll be your best friend!"

Last night we had french dip sandwiches for dinner. Kennedy pulled off part of her meat and said, "I really don't like the sinew on this meat." Then, of course, Ethan and Kennedy got in an argument on how to pronounce the word sinew. What happened to just calling it "the yucky stuff"? Who are these people?

Boogers....

When you have 5 kids you are going to run into an occasional booger. Or, a lot of them. When Jack picks his nose he at least understands it is socially un-acceptable so he covers his picking hand with his other hand. I'm guessing he doesn't think anyone knows what he his doing behind that hand covering his nose. Hmmm... All these nose picking, germ touching, kid playing hands and their reluctance to soap up and insistence on touching their sister resulted in poor Presley getting her first cold. I was awoken at 2 am listening to her snorting and trying to breathe. Poor girl. She was up a lot because of all her snot. The bulb syringe and her are doing some serious bonding time. Lovely. And right when she was actually sleeping through the night. I'm talking 9-5. Glorious hours that my body needs to produce cortisol---the belly fat fighting hormone. Which I'm in desperate need of. My pants are still gathering dust on my closet shelves. I'm tired of wearing the same 3 outfits repeatedly. I've changed a lot of things in my life to remedy the situation. In fact, I've found 2 new addictions that I couldn't live without. I could, but I'd just be really hungry.

I wish my body back to it's pre-pregnancy state instantly. Unfortunately my fairy godmother seems to be on vacation so I'll have to continue with this whole diet/exercise regime. Bleh. I'm hoping by springtime I can emerge from this cocoon I'm contained in and turn into my regular self.

Here's one of the booger culprits:

Now that he's going on the toilet by himself (and refuses help) I'm afraid of what germs he is going to start spreading next. Thank goodness for the Rotovirus vaccine given to Presley. Don't get me wrong, he washes his hands after he uses the bathroom. But He does it, without help. Maybe I should invest in a Costco size bottle of Germ-X.

Lando Bando...

Where the heck does time go? Just yesterday we were moving into this house and I was birthing this little man. Now he's 3. And potty trained. (All by himself.) For his party he wanted to take his very best friend and her older sister (to entertain Jack) to Burger King for happy meals and a little play place. Then back to our house to just play. Easy enough. Taking 5 kids all under the age of 5 to a restaurant seemed kind of daunting at first. I'll admit, I was a little afraid. Then I remembered how easy these kids are when they get together and all my fears abated. We had a great time with only one incident. It was minor. Landon's chocolate milk fell off the table and instead of just spilling it splashed up and out like a geyser. Presley and I were the lucky ones to be caught in the explosion. Both of us were covered in chocolate spots. Minor. Especially compared to the other little girl occupying the play place that was throwing the most impressive of tantrums. My little group stood in awe of her display. I'm sure glad I was over my group and not over her care.

We finished up at BK and headed back home for some more fun. Later that evening we had chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate ice cream. Landon's requests. The boy loves chocolate. Some neighbors were over playing so they joined us in our festivities. Earlier in the week when I asked Landon what he wanted for his birthday he said "presents". I knew he'd be happy with whatever he opened as long as he got to open something. A bike is the traditional 3rd birthday present in our family, but it being so cold outside we decided to hold off until the spring for that purchase. Besides, he couldn't unwrap something like that and might have been sorely disappointed.

Happy Birthday little man. You are the sweetest little boy I know. Everyday you tell me you love me, over and over again. It melts my heart. Your big chocolate eyes make me want to squeeze you and smother you in kisses. Thanks for being such an easy going little guy. You are very much loved in this family. Thanks for being you. I love you too.

No Go...

Today was the primary program at church during Sacrament meeting. So, we needed to be on time. We were all completely ready and loading the van 15 minutes early. Shawn is on call so we needed to take both vehicles to accommodate. Only the van wouldn't start. We thought the battery was dead but now we think it's the starter. Ethan and Kennedy didn't want to miss the program so I drove them over in the car and dropped them off. We can't all fit in the car, and I can't go alone because if Shawn gets called in he would need the car. Dilemma. Shawn could go alone but I (being the mean woman I am) said no way should he get to go sit in peace and quiet by himself while I'm home with the 3 hardest kids. Now we 5 are home, and we'll have to go pick up the other two when church is over. Now is when the real dilemma begins. How in the world am I supposed to do all that I do in a day without my van? I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Breakthroughs...

Tomorrow Landon will turn 3. A big milestone. Except he is still in diapers. For the last 6 months or so we've been talking up the toilet. Letting him know that only big boys wear underwear and babies wear diapers. A few weeks ago I said, "Landon, don't you want to wear big boy underwear?" His response? "No, I just like to wear my big diapers." Nice. Because of the recent addition to our family and my lack of desire, I haven't pushed the issue. I've learned from stubborn kids in the past that it's easiest just to wait until they are ready. Three days ago Landon was about to poop in his diaper. I knew it, because he told me that is what he was going in his room to do. I suggested he maybe go on the potty. Surprisingly he agreed. Voila. Poop in the toilet. I made a big production, gave him 4 pieces of candy, and put the diaper back on. The next day he came to me and said "I'm peeing". I again suggested the toilet, he sat, he went, and then claimed his delicious prize. He didn't pee in his diaper that day. Only on the toilet. Again, I have not suggested underwear, just kept putting that diaper back on. I don't want to spoil his excitement, and I really don't want to clean up urine all day yet. I'm not ready to go that far. Yesterday he went on the toilet every time he needed to go. This morning he went. A little while ago I got in the shower and he was watching TV. When I came out of the shower he wasn't in my room anymore, so I called to him to see where he went. He came running up the stairs holding his diaper in one hand and his pants in the other yelling, "I peed on the potty! I called to you to help, but you were in the shower so I did it all by myself!" I went and found a pair of underwear for him to put on. He decided it would be easier to take that off and on than his diaper. Nice. Being the mother of 5 I realize that I can't possibly be done. I foresee accidents in my future. Probably right now as I'm downstairs typing. But, going from only wanting to keep the "big diapers" to going on the toilet without even the suggestion is a huge breakthrough. Now maybe he won't have to be the only kindergartner who needs his mom to come half-way through the day to change him. That's where I thought we were headed.

Tricks..

For Halloween we went to our friend's get-together. Shawn and I went as Surgeons. Apparently this is only funny to an Anesthesiologist.Presley was a pea-pod. I wasn't going to dress her up but then found a super reduced priced costume at Old Navy (online of course). She was adorable. And hated wearing it.

Kennedy was supposed to be Hannah Montana, but last minute changed to a cat. Jack was a frog in a way to small costume. He insisted, so I relented. Landon was a spider. Ethan was Mario as in Mario Brothers. He isn't with us at the party. I guess he's "too old" or something. He went with a friend to the college dorms to get some major loot.

We still have remnants of this candy around, and I imagine we will until after Christmas when I can safely dump what's left because it's finally been forgotten. Or all my kids teeth rot out. Whichever comes first.

For Grandma...

Presley---9 weeks old

Little Fish...

My kids all love the water, but none of them can swim. Last summer we frequented the 2 foot wading pool and if we were ever anywhere deeper they wore life jackets. As mentioned previously, this summer we went to the aquatic center. I wasn't aware life jackets were allowed so my kids swam without. Due to their new found freedom, they learned how to swim. Ethan and Kennedy were both jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side, and Jack jumping off the side and swimming to me. I was amazed at how fast they picked it up. Then came the summer Olympics. Ethan was enamored by Michael Phelps and all that gold that he racked up. I noticed that when we'd venture to the aquatic center Ethan would swim more in the indoor pool. He told me he was swimming "laps". I was pretty skeptical as to the fact that he was truly doing anything resembling a true stroke. One day I watched. He actually taught himself the backstroke, freestyle, and breaststroke. And he was swimming them the length of the pool. I was amazed. I gave him a few pointers and he picked up his pace. I discovered there was a local swim team called the Aquadogs, but one needs to pass level 5 swim lessons in order to join. So, we signed him up for lessons. The teacher was amazed at his ability and mentioned that he was far surpassing the others in his class. Would I mind if she gave him private lessons to speed up the whole process of him joining the swim team? Would I mind? Did she really have to ask? After 6 lessons he was deemed ready to join the swim team. He's gone from life jacket to swim team in a matter of months. His favorite stroke? The butterfly. I'm glad he found something he really enjoys doing. He practices 2 to 3 times a week and loves it. He comes home worn out but fulfilled. This kid sure does have some kind of determination. Watch out world----here comes Ethan!

Little Me...

Jackson has been a little troublesome as of late. He missed me. And he misses his dad. When we got back late Wednesday night he was in bed. Shawn was on call Thursday and then left for a long work week. He was on call yesterday too, which meant Jack really hasn't seen him for over a week. I can tell a noticeable difference in behavior when Shawn hasn't been around. Last night Shawn was baby-sitting an epidural and had a free hour before his next surgery so the kids and I took him dinner. When it was time to leave Jack didn't want to go, of course. Shawn, being the loving man that he is, suggested I leave Jack with him. He said he would set him up in the OR lounge watching TV. I was hesitant at first, but the thought of only having to put the easy kids to bed made me quickly depart before minds were changed. We had a lovely evening at home. I told Landon to get his sippy cup of water and climb into bed. I went looking for him 10 minutes later and he had tucked himself in with a book. Nice. A 3 year old that tucks himself in. After all 4 kids were asleep I started to worry about Jack. It was 9:30 and I hadn't heard anything. I paged Shawn and he said they were headed home. When they walked in Jack had a grin the size of Texas on his face. He was also wearing a surgical cap. He ran to grab the picture he drew. I was a little confused. Shawn said that as he was setting him up in the lounge the surgeon walked in and said "Oh, we got a little guy with us tonight?" He was then given the okay to suit him up. Jack donned the doctor garb and sat next to Shawn throughout the surgery. He even drew a picture of what he saw. (I'll add it when I can load it on the computer.) Shawn said he was very appropriately behaved for a surgery setting. Wide eyed and entranced by the whole procedure. He was especially fascinated with the blood. Anyone that knows Jack knows that he loves the body and anything "skeleton". He's always said he would be an orthopedic surgeon one day because then he can do surgery and use tools at the same time. Insightful. Looks like he's a boy after his dad's heart. Only, dad anesthetizes the patient instead of operating. I'm so happy that Jack got to spend this time with Shawn. It was good for both of them. One of the docs took this picture with her phone:

Jack woke up and said "When me & Dad go to surgery tonight..." It's going to be rough explaining that that was a once in a lifetime experience. At least until he's old enough to go to Medical School himself.

* The yellow on the left is Shawn, the right yellow is both the patient and surgeon. The red on the right is blood coming from the patient sucked into the tube leading into the suction canister full of blood on the left. The blue is the bone clamp the surgeon used. Apparently he got really close up to this surgery to draw that kind of detail.

Punishment...

Whenever I leave my kids for an extended period of time, I always expect to be punished when I return. Usually in the form of bad behavior. But, I returned just after midnight on Wednesday and Thursday the day was smooth. Friday was even fabulous. I thought I was out of the water on this one. Until today. They were waiting until I felt comfortable enough to let my guard down to dish out the punishment. Jack is the main punisher. Kennedy has shed a few tears, and Landon has been kind of a bully, but Jack is the reason my shoulders are tight and my head hurts from frustration. 7 time-outs. In a 2 hour time span. I finally left him in his room for 1 hour with instructions to fix everything he destroyed in the first 10 minutes he was left alone. We forgave each other our trespasses, cuddled a little, and left it that we would get along the rest of the day. Until 5 minutes later he went back on his promise and had Landon in tears as well as the neighbor boy. Am I just never supposed to leave so I am never punished? It would probably help if Shawn were home to take some of Jack's actions, but no. It's just me left to deal with him. Lovely.
Pictures have been scant as of late. We got a new computer and don't have the software loaded to enable me getting them off the camera. And when the laptop crashed we lost everything we haven't taken time to back up yet. Including everything since Presley's birth. Sad day. Good thing it's the 5th child and we can use that as our excuse.
Landon just came in crying due to Jack something or other. Looks like it's finally time for bed.
When Shawn returns and I can safely sit here for sometime I'll dish about our trip to Washington.

Grateful....

We are officially in the market for a job. Man it feels good to be able to say that. After 13 years of marriage it's finally time for Shawn to become fully employed and no longer accountable to any professor or training physician. He'll be in a group where he will be equal to the others in that group (after he proves himself for awhile and shows them his stuff I'm sure). Nice. We've been discussing for the past 3 years where we'd like to live when we finally grow up. Idaho and Utah were kind of given due to the close proximity of family. However, jobs around those parts are scarce. Unless he does a fellowship, which at this time sounds painful to me. One more year of training. Blech. If he truly wanted to do a fellowship I would support his desire, but I can tell he's antsy to not be once again under someones tutelage. So, there are 48 other states to choose from. I told Shawn I was open to anything. With a few exceptions. If I can't live close to family then I need to live close to an airport. I would also like to have a few options as far as shopping goes. Walmart is great, if you choose to go there. I would just like a few more choices. After turning down about 30 places he mentioned where good paying jobs were open, he told me to start looking. I found myself looking only in Washington State. I've always loved it there. I lived there for 8 of my growing up years. Bothell and Moses Lake. Loved them both for different reasons. It wasn't until I started thinking about the possibility of settling there that I kind of got excited. Shawn contacted a few recruiters and set up an interview in Richland, which is part of the Tri-Cities. I used to go to the mall there when I was in High School, so I've been there before. He's also in contact with various recruiters throughout the entire state. A few in Central Wa, and some in SW Wa. I'm so excited at the prospect of going back there. That is, if we even end up in that state. Anything is possible at this point. The truly crazy thing? Katherine and Bobby agreed to come watch 4 of our 5 kids for a few days so I can travel with Shawn to Richland. They are so awesome to do this for us. I'm so grateful to have a friend like Katherine. Let's just hope she is still my friend when we return....

Going Solo....

Friday the kids were out of school due to parent teacher conferences. I decided instead of sitting around all day we'd head to Columbia to go to Bonkers. It's 1 1/2 hours away. I guess I've adjusted to this whole new baby in the house thing because the thought of traveling that far with 5 kids didn't seem to phase me. We met some friends in Bonkers and played for awhile. The kids got hungry and we decided to leave for lunch. My kids are obviously children of a resident because when I asked where we should eat the response was "Sam's Club!" It was unanimous. Funny. Can't beat 3 pieces of pizza, 3 pretzels, one hot dog, and 2 drinks all for 11 bucks. My kids are awesome. We picked up a new computer in Sam's. Our old one is doing all kinds of funky things since we started letting our kids use it. This one is for mom & dad only. The box was ginormous and could only go in the front seat because we are officially full to capacity now. Shawn called while we were in Sam's to let me know he locked his keys in his car. His other set was with me in the van. That was 1:45. I checked out, drove to the mall, went to Target, then to the play place to feed Presley, changed 2 diapers, 3 kids went to the bathroom, and we headed back for home all by 3:30. Pretty impressive if you ask me. The computer up front made for an interesting drive. Every time I would turn a corner it would fall into me risking an accident. I used my right elbow to hold it up. Man, my biceps hurt by the time we pulled into the driveway. Shawn grabbed his keys and headed off for a long work weekend. Hopefully we'll see him tomorrow night sometime as he is on call here tomorrow. I now feel like Presley is just another part of the crew. It helps that she is sleeping better so I'm functioning at a more normal level. I'm sure glad we all figured this out because I'll be going solo for another 8 months. Then this phase of the journey will end and hopefully we'll see more of the man I love.

Laughter...

A friend from High School just found me on Facebook. She posted on my wall and asked me if I still laughed as much as I used to. She said she could almost still hear me laughing. Wow. I had to think for a minute before I replied. I think I used to laugh a lot more than I do now. I guess my laughter is just different. In High School the only responsibility I had was to myself---make sure I got good grades, make sure I had my college applications in, make sure I was doing everything I needed to do to succeed in life. That was it. Just me. Life is different now. I have a lot of people counting on me for food, comfort, and everything else to help them succeed in life. Laughter just isn't an all day, every day event anymore. Every once in awhile when I go out with the girls that laughter just swells up inside me and I can't contain it. Like when I was in New York with my Mom and Katelyn. I was laughing so hard at one point I literally almost peed my pants. I still have my "2 o'clock in the morning" laugh that too many people have witnessed. It's uncontrollable. It happened to show itself one time around Kennedy and she was afraid I'd lost it. She almost seemed scared as she watched the tears stream down my face because of it. After I was able to catch my breath between laughing outbursts I assured her all would be fine. My laughter has definitely changed. I used to think shows where kids make ginormous messes were funny. Like the scene in Cheaper By The Dozen when the frog gets loose at the kitchen table. I don't laugh at those things anymore. I live those things. Trust me, they aren't funny in the moment. I do laugh at my kids though. Like when Landon always says "actually". What 2 year old says "actually" in the right context? My kids are always saying something worth a good chuckle. But the good, hard, belly laughs aren't as frequent as they were in high school. They still show up every now and again, but I don't think that people that know me now will remember me for my laughter. I'm okay with that. But, I do want to laugh more. So, thanks Cindy for the reminder of how much I used to laugh. Laughter is one thing everyone could use a little more of. Especially me.

The Other Mother...

Kennedy is so fun with the little boys when she wants to be. Last Sunday morning she came and asked if her and the boys could have a tea party. You want to entertain the boys? Who am I to say no. I heard a lot of commotion and when I went into the dining area to see what they were
doing, this is what I found:

She had cut up string cheese, hot dogs, and Doritos and placed them all in serving bowls. For dessert they had marshmallows and yogurt. I went back in my room to feed Presley. I heard them doing the dishes. Then Kennedy said, "It's arts and crafts time." I documented this occasion with a picture.

Awesome. Then yesterday after school her and Jack came into my room with a notepad saying they were solving a mystery. They were both wearing detective badges. They had this scenario all worked out about a car found in a lake and they were gathering clues to solve the mystery. I later told Kennedy how much Jack idolized her and how he lights up when she lets him play her games. Who needs me when you have a Kennedy in your life?