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