Time with Cousins

We went to Ann's for 5 days so Ga and Papa could participate in Grandparents' Day with the second grade, we hung out at Ann's house during those festivities. We saw little D play baseball, saw Beebe and Tyler's new house, went to the Train Museum, went to church, had a Spring Birthday celebration (4 birthdays in a week and Little A's is 3 days later but his stuff was in So Cal), played Ticket to Ride, ate at Chipotle (my first time, pretty good), Big A "fell down the mountain" and hurt his right foot. Spending time at Ann's house is always great, she is so relaxed about everything that you have to be relaxed too and my kids go to bed easier- which is always fantastic- because they are constantly on the go with their cousins and running to see the "choo-choos" every 30 minutes. We love being able to spend time with family and are glad they are willing to have us. I hope we can get up there again soon (or she can send a kid or 2 or 3 to visit me for a few days/week).

Cute Big E holding Little A's hand to get to Little D's baseball game.

Big D is having a great time playing with Papa's Apple Photo Booth. Little A just wanted in the picture and Ann & Little E are checking out Big D's funny photos.

Little E loves the outdoors, especially the swing. Ga loved taking him out to "calm" him down.

I left my camera in the car so this is after going to the Train Museum and Old Sacramento.

Beebe with Cousin T playing with the ball-sticky-catch-thing Little D got for his birthday from Ga & Papa, which was a hit with all the kids. We are excited that Pay & Mary & kids will be joining us at Bear Lake this August, Cousin T is fun and his sister is so cute.

On our way back to So Cal we stopped by Kim's house to meet up with Bryan, switch the stuff Bryan had borrowed from Dad and our stuff, and had a BBQ. Kim is a fabulous host and provides a fantastic meal anytime. Plus, I got to show Dad some of the things in Kim's house that they should put in their new house (bathroom night light, spice drawer, shower size, guest suite for me, the trees in the backyard for their current house). I just like Kim's house, Mom says she just has an eye for decorating and I think you feel at home there.

Here are 2 pictures of Big A's foot one week after "falling down the mountain" at Ann's house. There is also a small bruise on the bottom of his foot that I have not pointed out to him, which is why there is no photo of it. He is such a trooper about it, he even let Big D put his shoes on just two days after the accident. And hey we had to try to keep up with Big C's "accidents" but there is no way that is going to happen in just 5 days, sorry Beebe.

"Finished" Kitchen

Counter-top with stove

Close-up of tile

New sink

Here are the pictures of the "finished" kitchen. Just the back splash and painting of the walls is needed, but the sink, stove and dishwasher work and really that is what is important in a kitchen right.

So I made to it Mom & Dad's to take these photos for all of you (Beebe, Ann, Ali) wondering what the counter-tops look like now. We went with Papa and Uncle Mike to see Shrek 3. The boys loved the popcorn and the movie was good, just not as good as the second. I have decided that we can "go to the movies" in our own living room. I can pop corn just as good and there aren't annoying people talking on their bright cell phones and I know how clean my floor and seats are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEEBE!!!

This is from Yosemite and if anything were to happen to Ann & Pie and Bryan & me, then this would be a Monson family photo missing 2 boys. Well, nothing is official but that is what Beebe wants. Aren't they a cute family?

31 things about Beebe:

1. Cleanliness
2. Photography
3. Hilarious
4. Elementary School Teacher
5. Talks
6. Loves Being Con's Mom
7. My Boys Love Her
8. I love her
9. Little People
10.Cooks
11. But eats out more
12. Likes to be involved
13. Likes to be in charge
14. "little" is one of her favorite words
15. Not afraid
16. To speak her mind
17. Afraid of funny things
18. Worries about her baby
19. Loves Disneyland
20. Likes to play games
21. Settlers
22. Fondue
23. Likes to be around me
24. I like to be around her
25. ALWAYS on the go
26. Bathroom office
27. Convinced us to move into the garage
28. So she could have her OWN room
29. Cruises
30. Packs wonderfully
31. The OLDEST

I love you Beebe and I think that you should move to wherever I am living. How is C-Rad suppose to be best friends with his cousins that he doesn't see? How will Tyler coach Little A in wrestling?

Working on the Kitchen...

Bryan and Tyler during demo and reconstructing the bar/counter-top.

Bryan working on the counter-top where the stove is now.

Little A throwing a fit during the construction (I can't remember why he was throwing fit but he is so CUTE!)

The cousins watching a movie (I think it was Nemo) during construction.

These are just a few of the memories we had the first weekend of "The Construction Zone." I was planning on taking a few pictures of the "finished" kitchen but I left my camera in the car...

**The tiles are laid, stove and sink are in and working, I just need to get up there to take pictures to post. I don't know when that will be, so please be patient. I am still recovering from being gone and my hubby being home alone for a few days (laundry and grocery shopping with the boys kicked my butt and now Big A has a cold & getting in bed with us in the middle of the night and then at about 6 wants to go back to his bed.

Jill is the Favorite Aunt

Big A wearing a Durr boy's glasses (I wasn't there during this so I am not sure which one), he is too cute with them on. It almost wants me to want him to need them but I have corrective lenses so the longer he doesn't need them the better.Little A loves getting attention from basically anyone but Jill does it whenever he wants and has started giving the boys Root Beer when she asks "Who is your favorite aunt?" and they SHOUT "JILL!!!" So of course, she has moved up on the favorite aunt list. It has been fun to be able to be around non-student Jill, she is still really busy but it is more social busy, not so stressful.

**I have decided that the boys' "favorite aunt" is whoever is around. They love Ann's house because of the train, cannot ruin the floor upstairs (sorry Ann but I hope it stays that way for a while longer), and the playroom with all the Little People to line up. Beebe has Con (I could go on but really that is most important thing and I think it is the same for Con). Kim can get Adam to give her kiss every time we see her (yes, she does bribe him but my little boy who only gives kisses when he thinks you don't one, gives Kim one every time). Katie takes them to the doughnut store, up to the park and Wal-Mart. Laura has made CDs that Adam loves to sing along to and we are working on having him allow the rest of us to sing along and dance too. They LOVE when they can see pictures/video clips of their cousins/kids on the computer, so those of you that do that, just keep doing it. I know that being the "favorite aunt" is not as important to you as it is to me. I love that everybody loves my boys, do things to "be the favorite" and really it is just because you love them (just like I love your kids and like to do things with/for them). Oh, Faunties (faux aunties) have a place with the boys' favorites too.

Some of big A's Favorite Things

big A loves Wal-Mart, "hambergers" and his aunts.

Katie and Jill came down for lunch a week or so after we moved into our apartment in RSM. We went to lunch at In-N-Out. Jill was sitting next to little A at lunch and pretty much lets him do whatever he wants. She let him eat ketchup, yes just ketchup. He started with fries but stuck his hand in and had a great time. There was a video clip of it but I can't seem to find it now. There weren't any pictures of big A at In-N-Out because Katie took him to the bathroom, what a great aunt. After lunch we went to Wal-Mart to get things for Katie's trip to Nebraska and the ladies' clothing department is right when you walk in, so of course we had to look for stuff for us. We found wrap dresses and Jill found this lovely shirt, which I convinced her to try on and we snapped a photo quickly. I love when the girls (and boys) come down for lunch, it gives me an excuse to go to Pei Wei's, maybe next time I convince them to take me to Chipotle for my first time.

*Anybody else is welcome to come, visit and give me excuses to go out to lunch (I am loving the eating out again- at least occasionally).

The Happiest Place on Earth -AGAIN

My Mom (Ga) with Little A waiting in line in A Bug's Land in California Adventure.

Little A on Casey Jr train ride, they love it so much they refuse to even look in the general direction of the camera. It was pretty warm that day and Little A's nap time.

Big A refused to look at ANYONE even my mom who was sitting next to him, this is a serious ride folks.

Little A on It's A Small World, I think this was their first time on this ride (Aunt Beebe doesn't really like this ride) and they really liked it. Little A was almost asleep at the end but then the sun was shining bright and no more sleepy.

Big A on It's A Small World. He is getting really good at the fake camera smile.

We had a wonderful time (as usual) last week with my mom and brother Mike at Disneyland. The longest line we stood in was for Autopia at 45 minutes, which was good because it was HOT (like 90 degrees-crazy I know). Big A still loves the Buzz ride and just seeing the castle makes the trip worth it. We shared a soft (not the ones prepackaged in the cup), frozen raspberry lemonade, which was perfect- thanks again Mom. I think we will wait until people visit before venturing to the happiest place on earth again- or September, whichever comes first.

barely 3 & almost 2

In the parking lot of Wal-Mart, I was trying to get Big A excited about riding in the basket. Aren't they ADORABLE?

I have been thinking for a little while about the things that make my boys special to me. I love them unconditionally and ALWAYS will but there are some things that make me smile almost daily.

Big A:
Announces when he toots now (thank you Bryan for pointing it out every time he did previously)
Gives/gets HIGH FIVES whenever he uses the bathroom or when Ga goes to the bathroom
Always looks out for little A; if he gets anything he expects his little bro to get it too
Talks in such a cute voice with cute words; for example when he says "tiny" he says it in a high pitched voice and he calls his binky that is cut "my broken one"
Loves to sing in the car and to be the only one singing or dancing but we are working on the fact that EVERYONE can sing and/or dance
Eats everything we give him (he went through a non-eating stage for a LONG time)
Best friends with Little A
Very Friendly, tries to talk to everyone (and I mean everyone)

Little A:
Says the first syllable of words (even though I have heard him say full words)
Hugs and Kisses (he puckers up across the room) - especially when I NEED it
Repeats "HI" or "BYE" at check-out counter until we are out door of store
Gets so excited about things: Blue's Clues, Bryan coming home, Backyardigans, choo-choos, coos (cookies, crackers), snac (fruit snacks), B (binky), drinks, bo (books)
Concerned about others- he can tell when Adam or I are upset/sad and gives a hug
Acts like a puppy
When doing something questionable gets a look in his eye that makes you wonder what he is thinking and up to
Best friends with Big A

There are more reasons that my boys are special but I really have a limited amount of time (Backyardigans is already half over).

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Our church starts at 2PM, so Bryan got up with the boys and woke me up when my French Toast was ready (and had a cold Diet Coke next to my plate). Then I helped with putting lotion on the boys after their shower and then I just got myself ready for church: painted my toe nails, showered, straightened my hair. Church was nice because we actually sat on a bench instead of the chairs in the back (we were 15 minutes early- the week before we were 10 minutes early and were still on the chairs). The speakers were great, especially the Bishop's wife, and then the Primary children and YM/YW sang. Relief Society was nice too. I sat next to a new girl, the YW were invited to RS (so we got to say the theme which is different than when I was in there), the lesson was on influential women and a YW & 2 ladies were asked to speak a little on the most influential woman in their life. In Nursery, the boys made "finger flowers" for me, they used their fingers for the petals.
Bryan cleaned up: dishes and vacuuming. Bryan made dinner and a cake with the boys. EVERYBODY came for dinner: Mom & Dad, Mike, Matt, Jill & Andy, Katie & Ryan. Yes, there was 12 people in our apartment. It was nice, I am glad they were all able to come. We gave Mom her presents, which she liked for those of you that contributed but were not here to see. Then Dad and Mike stayed to watch the Basketball game with Bryan and everyone else went home. Bryan got me a duvet cover and something is coming, maybe on Wednesday. I will post a picture when I get the something else and when my bed is "complete." The boys got me this book, I am really excited to read it (I will let everyone know how wonderful it is). How was your Mother's Day? I am really wanting to know, please post.

Style?

Heather posted about her love of pink and what style she likes, it made me think about my style- or lack of. I thought that I did NOT like Contemporary but apparently (I learned this a little while ago but I am still in denial about it) I do. Everything I WANT is Contemporary. For example, this dining room set: CONTEMPORARY, I WANT it. I love the idea of not having a head of the table, I love the non-fabric seats (Austin would ruin fabric) and the clean lines- nothing to fancy for this girl. I just need a place to put this lovely table.

I would love a bed frame along the same look as the chairs. My night stands and dressers that are in storage are great, not too ornate but not bleak. I really like dark wood. I hope to one day have a big enough kitchen that I can have cherry cabinets and it won't make the kitchen look small. But I would love just to have my own kitchen that I could paint the walls or change the counter-tops. My parents are in the process of changing their counter-tops and they are looking great. I am really glad that Bryan gets to spend his weekends working on their home projects because by the time we have our own house, he will be a pro. I will try to post a picture of the "finished" kitchen soon. I know Beebe and Tyler are anxious to see what it looks like, they abandoned the project after the first day. So that sounds a little bad, but really I feel abandoned by Beebe, not the project. I wander around the house, go online multiple times to see that NO ONE has posted since I checked last- 5 minutes before. I hope that by me posting, others will feel inspired to post. BUT that hasn't happened yet, so maybe everybody has started other blogs and are posting there. Please just entertain me while I am bored because my kids are entertained by "helping Papa" and Bryan with the kitchen (or just playing in the water from the tile saw) and every other adult is working (either on the kitchen or at Loma Linda) or at Beau's house. If I don't get entertainment then I will be forced to spend money that I should be saving for that lovely table (and house to put it in).

American Idol & theTop 4

So I love Tuesday and Wednesday Nights of TV because of American Idol. I never watched as consistently as I am right now. Normally we just watch the auditions but this time we watch, have favorites and get upset when they are voted off. Katie (my sister) insisted on watching after auditions, we protested and now I even vote - Bryan already tells me I am a teenager for voting- but honestly I don't care. And I know that me voting 10 times out of 45million (Ryan just announced that) is really insignificant but then I can't complain when they get voted off. I am in the middle of watching it right now, Jordin and Blake are my favorites. Bryan predicted who would be going home. I had a hard time not getting teary with LaKisha, her going home was the most touching for me. I hope she has a career past AI because she really does have wonderful voice and she is a mother (yes, I am biased).

What is Mom Worth?

In honor of Mother's Day, which is quickly approaching, the discussion of the worth of a mom is very appropriate. Bryan sent a link to an article telling me he couldn't afford me. Being a stay-at-home mom is challenging but worth it (even without my huge salary). I never realized how hard it was for my mom to stay home with 8 kids - and even more with friends and day care- until I was a stay-at-home mom with 2 kids under 2 years. I still can't understand fully and never really hope to. But I appreciate everything my mom did and continues to do for me and now my family. I think Emily can attest to this now, being a new mom and having just had Mom at her home for 10 days.

I think moms talk about the hard things about being a mom because it sounds like we are bragging when we talk about a great day or when a child does something really cute or smart or loving. I find that it is easier for me to talk about the bad things with others than to celebrate. Celebrating with my boys, of course, is easy; Adam gets a high five anytime he goes potty and Austin ate chicken last night (I know I am still in shock) so we went to the Baskin-Robin 31 cent night and he actually got to have his own scoop, instead of not being able to have any because he refuses to eat the dinner we are having. I love telling Bryan about the great things of the day because then it helps me remember why I WANT to stay home- and maybe make him a little jealous.

I am glad that whenever I sit down on the couch, Austin HAS to climb on my lap and give me a big hug. I love when Adam knows that he is doing something cute, he gets a little smile and mischievous eyes. I love how both of my boys love to spend time with each other and look out for each other. I love how excited they get when Bryan comes home or calls on the phone or how they cry when we leave him at work after going to lunch with him. I love that Adam calls Austi a "puppy" and Austi gets on all fours and follows Adam around. I love how anytime there is a train or train tracks both of the boys get very excited, tell me about the train for a few miles and Adam asks "where'd da train go?" I used to tell him Ann's house because there are train tracks practically in her backyard but now I ask him where he thinks it went and he says "Ann house." I love that Austin says very few words (or syllables) and then surprises everyone (especially Papa) with "oh boy." I love that my boys LOVE to read books and have books read to them. I love that my boys like to go places and enjoy riding in the car; there are hills everywhere here and anytime we go anywhere (especially with the windows down) they put their hands in the air and yell "woo-whoo" and want us to put our hands in the air too. I love that they can be entertained with a box. I love when they ask for "cheese" they wave their fists like Wallace (from Wallace and Grommitt).

There are so many more things that I love about my boys and about being a mom. I just hope that I have inspired all of you to post on your blogs (hint, hint) and if you need a topic "Mom."

Rest Is For Slackers

Instead of napping one afternoon, Austin climbed out of bed, shoved his binky under the bedroom door and then pulled it back to himself using the Pooh clip that is attached (that doesn't clip). He did this several times, until I pulled it through and opened the door and being the mean mom that I am, put him back bed AGAIN.
On the same note of Austin refusing sleep; last Wednesday, while Bryan and I were trying to watch American Idol, Austin climbed out of bed several (probably 10) times and then woke Adam up around 11pm. So after putting them in their beds around 8:15pm, I had 2 boys up at 11pm. We tried to put them in bed with Bryan but Austin just climbed over them and kept Adam awake. So Adam wanted to sleep in "Adam Bed" (that is what Adam says) and Bryan went to bed in our room and Austin tried to wake them both . He finally fell asleep, after many attempts of getting to Bryan and Adam, with a pillow and blanket on the floor with me tickling his big belly at 1:35AM- that is not a mis-type, he really fell asleep at 1:35AM! I watched the clock as his eyes shut and didn't open. SO much for me staying up "late" to have time to myself. The good news is that he hasn't done it again, I just hope it NEVER does.

Why?

Why would I post this picture? I would love to know what you think and then I will post later about I posted this picture.

YUMMY CUPCAKES

We made cupcakes the other night, the rainbow chip cake mix and frosting (Bryan's favorite). Austin sucked all the frosting off the top of his cupcake (notice the second picture), most if it ended up on his face, and then he (look at last photo) shoved the whole cupcake in his mouth.

*I should include that the cupcakes they are eating are from a mini muffin pan.

43 Things

So when people I know don't post and I don't get emails, I read strangers' blogs. On one stranger's blog there was a link to 43things. I found it interesting and got thinking about 43 things that I want to do or accomplish. I probably won't participate on the website but I think I might do it on the blog.

1. Be more motivated to read scriptures- daily.
2. Learn to sew- better.
3. Plan meals AND follow through with the plan.
4. Save money.
5. Don't buy everything I want for the boys.
6. Control my temper.
7. Go to bed earlier (not early, just earlier).
8. Visit Grandma Schakel (she recently moved to HI) every other year.
9. Visit Grandparents in Utah every other year (preferably opposite Gma Schakel year).
10. Be a supportive wife and not a nag.
11. Go on bi-monthly dates with Bryan.
12. Play with the boys more.
13. Get BA
14. Decide what career I want when my youngest child is in school.
15. Go to park at least once a week.
16. Go to temple at least once a month.
17. Scrapbook
18. Buy a house- that I love.
19. Be happy
20. Be more child-like, not childish
21. Go on family vacations every year ( I would prefer more but #4 would be need to be removed from the list) #8 and #9 would qualify for this one too
22. Get new contacts and glasses.
23. Go to regular doctor appts for me (I sometimes think that I go enough for the boys and I am fine but you need to go regularly).
24. Be excited about living in So Cal.
25. Call friends and family on a REGULAR basis; I know that I horrible at calling people but I justify why I don't and I do think about everybody ALL the time but then I have a million reasons why not to call- #1 I bet they are already in bed (which is usually true) #2 they are getting their kids to bed #3 Bryan is right here, I should talk to him #4 their husband is home from work already #5 they are eating dinner #6 they are taking a nap #7 JUST DO IT
26. Get organized- I HATE paper


I am going to have to finish this later, Austin has climbed on me probably 10 times since I sat down and I really should work on some of the things I just wrote down. I may or may not record my progress (that is something on the website, which is why I don't want to do it there) here. I would hate to say that I have made progress on say calling friends and family and I haven't called you. Don't worry, if I just call one person that is progress for me, so if you don't get a call within a week, I am a procrastinator (I think I found my #27) I will call eventually and you could help me along and call me (I can email my home phone and I still have my Waco cell number).

27. Don't procrastinate.

Gummi Bears Opening Theme

Ali posted her favorite theme songs from the 80s and while checking one of Phil's (3-2-1 Contact), this was "Related." I used to watch Gummi Bears with Jill (I think before school). I also really enjoy eating gummy bears and have become one of the boys' favorite treat. In fact, we each had a little bag for our FHE treat while watching Happy Feet. I recommend the movie, funny and entertaining.

Addition to Yosemite

I finally am getting the pictures from Mom & Dad's camera. I am so glad I got these because I probably would have forgotten about all of these great things if I didn't have the pictures to remind me. Thank you to the photographers of these pictures, since I am a slacker and didn't take any pictures this whole vacation.

Overlooking Yosemite Valley

Adam leaning on a rock at Lower Yosemite Falls

Katie was great and carried Austin for about 2 hours and 45 minutes of that he slept. He is giving her a hug in this one.

Adam eating gummy bears while riding on Ann's Sit-n-Stand stroller.

Adam reading the signs along the trail to Mirror Lake.

All the "older"(Drew, Dean & Adam) boys had walking sticks on our hike to Mirror Lake.

Pie was filling the cap of a water bottle with water and throwing on the kids in the back of the truck.
Beebe got a Bubble Maker on SALE for $8.88 (instead of $9.99) she was bragging about the great deal she got and the kids loved it (notice Bryan in the background sticking his head out of our master suite).

Upper Yosemite Falls

Remember Matt was on the wrong side of the railing to get photos. Bryan told me he didn't go over the railing which was good because he has 2 little boys (and I will leave it at that). There was also a sign posted that stated if you fall there is no 2nd chance (my brother Mike has a picture of the sign, I hope he posts it to his blog).