Little J turns 6!!

Not only did the Groundhog see his shadow last Monday, but Jarom turned 6!!! He was so pumped to say goodbye to 5 that he woke up at nearly 5:30 A.M. I wish I could find a way to emphasize the early nature of that wake-up call!! It was hard not to give in and let him tear into his gifts. Around 6:30 a.m. Jason came into the bedroom and gently nudged me to get up and I went downstairs to find one jazzed kid, so waking up was more fun seeing how excited he was. Jarom got a Nintendo DS, Mario Party game, and Michael and Sam also got him Star Wars Legos. He was so happy to get a DS. He has been begging for once since before Christmas. I was put off by the price, but then I started to think about how awesome our kids have been these last few months with Grammie's cancer, and we haven't had the same amount of quality time, so he won me over with good behavior. There is also a bonus for me, if he happens to have bad behavior the DS is the first to go. Let me tell ya that gets him in line FAST!!! He also got a suit for church from Grammie, money from my parents, a card filled with stickers (thanks G&N family :-)). He was a walking live wire ALL day. It was really fun to watch him beam! On saturday Jason took Jarom and five of his friends to the bowling alley. I couldn't stress over a party this year so thankfully the bowling alley was available. At the last minute we allowed Michael to go and he brought his friend E with him. She actually has a "real" name, but told me yesterday that she is just going to go by "E" when she goes to real school. Kids are to funny!!
Anyway, Jarom and his friends had a blast, and Jason had a good time too. I can't say enough good things about Jarom. He is such a bright child, with his fathers sensiblities. I thank God everyday for blessing me with him. I couldn't have asked for a better child to usher me into the world of Motherhood. I remember distinctly the moment he was placed on my chest after he was born. He lifted his head and his eyes were wide open as they made contact with mine. I felt a rush of fear, anxiety, and then the most calming sense of gratitude that I could be trusted with such a being. I wondered in my heart if I could really teach him anything. What did I have to offer something so perfect? I was blessed shortly after his birth to be able to put my newfound devotion to the test as Jason and I carefully attended to our sick newborn. For days Jason and I held him, never putting him down for more than 15 minutes. We rallied as his Bili levels climbed dangerously high, and celebrated as they finally fell below 15. It was in that time that I learned my love for Jarom was in its infantcy as well. As he grew I KNEW my love for him would flourish. It has. I think the bigger he gets, the bigger my heart gets. I hate to think of him ever getting to be to big for me. So for now, I will cheer him on as he takes on the world and cherish every kiss while its still okay to kiss mom good-night.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my number 1 !!!

This is for my Ute loving Neighbor!

I am a little nervous about this post since my Ute loving neighbor also happens to be my dentist, and anyone who knows me understands that I hate the dentist more than a colonoscopy :-) Thats okay I'll just pay for more nitrous oxide if he doesn't find this pic as funny as me. Bawh!

Thought For The Day

The joys of motherhood are never fully experienced until the children are in bed.

Thanks Aunt Kelly!

Firday's Funny-Late but not forgotten !!!

So, I know that I have been really lazy about posting my "Friday's Funny" posts, but truthfully as my boys get bigger they are increasingly funny and picking just one moment or statement is getting really hard. Then I worry that my blog will turn into a blog fest, whats a blog for, right? Anyhoo, this one was too funny and MUST I repeat MUST be recorded for posterity.

Michael (the source of most of my funny moments) decided that it was okay to throw a toy, wait strike that, he dedcided to chuck will all his might a toy across the family room and it landed squarely on my new keyboard. Now, we have an unwritten and highly spoken rule about throwing stuff in the house. I have a totally rational fear of things flying around the room and hitting me in the face. That is a whole other post though.
So, the known punishment for throwing toys is time on the "Naughty Step". Michael is no stranger to the step and frankly tries to use his cute to get out of it. Well, this time he conned us into believing that Jarom did the crime. After a few minutes on the step Jarom started to cry out that an injustice had been heaped upon him. This started a whole trial, so to speak, as to the guilt or innocents, of Jarom. Finally, Michael looked at me and we had this conversation:
Me: Michael did you throw that toy
Michael: No!
Me: Michael are you telling me the truth? Remember, you get in more trouble for a lie than you do a truth.
Michael: I didn't throw it (flashing cute nearly tearing eyes at me)
Me: Is that the truth?
Michael: No, I threw it.
Me: Michael you know the rule go to the naughty step. You do the crime you do the time!!!
Michael: (without missing a beat) No! I do the crime! YOU do the time!
Then as if he had practiced in front of a mirror he flashed me the sweetest face like he was too cute for hard time. Too bad I don't play that. Save it for the big house captain!!!!!!

New Years Day

Happy New Year to everyone reading!! I wanted to post this pic of our little fam on New Year's Day. Its our family tradition to wear pjs all day long watch an endless array of movies and eat endless amount of junk food. There is something in there for everyone ;-). This year we decided that it would be more fun to go and see a movie at the MegaPlex 13 at the Junction in Ogden. Orginally, Grammie was going to be our honored guest, buuuuut at the last minute she decided that her days of going out to the movies are over. It was a little sad, but we opted to honor her wish and not pressure her. We had a blast!! The theater was packed to the gills with movie-goers and the movie we picked "Bedtime Stories" was hilarious!!! As far as Adam Sandler movies go this was up there with Happy Gilmore. Clean humor, funny little guinea pig, and some serious throw back 80's tunes. Jason and I took turns holding Sam in the far aisle. He was pretty well behaved considering the sound was beyond normal theater loud. The movie is about believing in your dreams and making your own dreams come true. We are all our own heros. Pretty basic Disney formula, but none the less very cute and the boys loved it. The grown-ups were laughing too. This is one Edwards tradition that will be honored year after year.

**The guys are all wearing coordinating track suits. I know it sounds dorky, but they looked so cute and it really added to the family togetherness theme we were going for :-)

Our Christmas!!!

This is a really late post! Christmas is almost two weeks past, buuut in our defense we have had a ton of family stuff going on. More on that later. However, our Christmas was really nice. We tried to show our boys that Christmas isn't just about gifts and gimmie, but about Jesus and all the beautiful symbolism that Christmas ushers in. We had some special family home evenings where we made treats and shared them with neighbors. I will say that this year brought us a record number of neighbor treats, and some really creative Christmas cards. One family home evening we talked to the boys about giving of our substance to the poor. Then we had the boys go through and collect things that they could give those that are less fortunate. Our family adopted a little girl for Christmas, and all she wanted for Christmas was a warm blanket. How sobering is that!! We selected a Disney Princess blanket, and I can't tell you how nervous I was to give a blanket to someone for a gift, I felt like I should have given more. Her father was beyond grateful and was teary in his acceptance of all the gifts for his family (the family was adopted by a co-worker). I don't blog this to make us so wonderful or better than anyone, but to display that there are simple gifts that we can give that make a difference in the lives of others. For this family it was the mere thought that someone else was thinking of them, and wanted them to receive a gift. It made me think, "how thankful am I for the simple things that I have?" When you stop to look around you really have more than you imagined. Even the poorest person on this earth has something to be thankful for.
Our many experiences this Christmas have also brought me to a better understanding of the tender mercies of the Lord. On Christmas Eve, Jason's grandma, a woman I consider to be my own grandmother, told me that she had a lump in her breast. Now, being a mammographer I examined her and felt a sick in my stomach that I NEVER want to feel again. Crying all the way home from her house I couldn't help but think why God would give her breast cancer at her age, given her circumstances. The same script ran through my mind, "the God I know and love is caring, tender, and understanding this is NOT real" or "I am going to wake up". As my mind raced to a fever pitch a very gentle feeling came over me and in my ear I heard, "peace be still". John 14:27 a scripture that I am sure all Christians cling to in hard times, "Peace I leave with you , my peace I give unto you, Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart, neither let it be afraid." Has come to play in a very real way. In this past week and a half we have discover, diagnosed, and generated a treatment plan for her breast cancer. So as you can imagine it has been a very incoherent passing of days. The Lords tender mercies have been expressed in the loving actions of our neighbor Margo who took our boys for five hours so that we could drive down to Ogden and be available to Grammie during her surgical consult. My co-workers who stepped up and covered me when we were beyond over booked so that I could make sure that Grammie was properly diagnosed and understood what was to come. His mercy was definitely upon us when my doctor that I work with decided that she would rearrange her schedule so that Grammie could be seen first thing instead of having to wait for her scheduled appointment over a week later. Everything has echoed the mercy that God has for His children and the gentle care that he provides when others listen to His spirit.

Needless, to say that we believe more lessons will be forthcoming in this year but we/I am very thankful that as the year ended I was given a sweet reminder that just as the Lord was mindful of a young virgin in Bethlehem he is mindful of this mother of three in Tremonton. Please take a moment to remember Him. The season has passed but the wonderful feeling we get from helping His children lasts throughout the whole year.
Have a Happy, Healthy, and Loving New Year!!!!

That Explains A Lot ! ! !

Check out that beautiful Thyroid!!! It isn't mine. I forgot to ask Wendy to print mine, but this little gem is what I had scanned on Thursday. I guess I should back track a little. Since about September I have been experiencing dizziness, fuzzy thinking, headaches, and some other things. Finally, after my 30th b-day I decided that I should get this checked out. I went to the doctor and he ordered several tests. I later got a call from his receptionist that he wanted me to come back in. I went back in only to be told that I have no thyroid function and that my doctor wanted to rule out cancer. He suspected cancer, and I am happy to report that there is NO cancer. When I had my thyroid scanned they found two adenomas (clinically silent tumors). The largest measures 2mm so a biopsy isn't necessary at this time. I am feeling really good about my physicians plan of treatment. Currently, I am on meds and I will have my TSH checked again the beginning of February. The best part is that actually having a diagnosis explains why I have been having all these crazy symptoms that nothing seems to touch! I really LOVE modern medicine!!

Get Well Soon !!!

We are posting a Get Well message for Grandma Mary who is in the ICU. Hopefully, by the time that this is posted she will be moved to a regular medical floor. The boys send their love and well wishes as do Jason and I. You are loved and we hope that you know it. For those that have extras to go around a few well placed prayers would be appreciated, not only for her but for her family as well. Thanks friends, and Get Well Soon Mary!!

Happy Birthday NaTaLiE !!!!

HaPpY bIrThDaY nAtAlIe!!!!! I wanted to post to a happy birthday to someone totally special. Natalie, you are a fantastic friend and I am so glad that your mom gave birth to you ;-) I am even more happy that Glenn found such an amazing person to bless our family with. I am lucky to have such a friend like you. I hope that you have a day filled with fun, sweet memories, good food (lots of good food that is 2 pts. or less), and many best wishes!!! I love your sweet, skinny face :-)

Bye Bye Bratz!!

I read this today and I couldn't be happier!!!



"LOS ANGELES (AP) - Shares of Mattel are soaring today after a
big court victory for the toy giant that could leave a lot of young
girls upset.
Yesterday, a federal judge banned rival toy maker MGA from
making and selling its hugely popular Bratz dolls.
The pouty-lipped dolls with almond-shaped eyes appeared in 2001
and were an instant hit. MGA took the original four dolls developed
by designer Carter Bryant, and spun them into a line of more than
40 characters, complete with accessories and related lines,
including Bratz Boys, Bratz Petz and Baby Bratz.
MGA has made millions in profits, while sales of Mattel's Barbie
have slid.
But yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson ordered MGA to
stop making Bratz after a jury found that Bryant developed the
concept while working for Mattel.
The toy maker will also have to get the dolls out of stores, but
not until the holiday season is over. "


There are sooooo many reasons that I am glad to see these dolls go. The first and foremost reason is that I am so tired of seeing little girls having only unrealistic images of what the mainstream believes is acceptable dress for a little girl. The target audience for these dolls is between 6-10 years of age. Now, I only have little boys so I doubt my children will ever ask for a Bratz doll. However, I do have nieces and I wouldn't want them to emulate the appearance of these cheap looking dolls in any way, shape, or form. How many girls in that age range should be wearing make-up like that? If you saw a little girl with that much make-up on or even dressed that way what would be your immediate thought?? I know it may sound trivial but I think it sets a tone for behavior. Now, I know there are plenty of dolls that don't depict women in the most correct light, and there really isn't enough time to go through them all. I believe that Bratz dolls are the worst offenders on the "doll" list. Anyway, I am glad to see them go, and I won't shed a single tear this year as they are yanked from the shelf.
I will step down from my soapbox now. Thank you! for your time :-)

Comments

So as a few of you have mentioned the comments on my blog were somehow disabled. I have worked on it and you should be able to post comments if you want. Sorry 'bout that!

Thanks,

Managment

Major Tom to Poison Control!

How long have I been a parent now? Something like 5.75 years, 70 months, 2125 days, and so forth, you get the point right. Well, NEVER have I had to call Poison Control! Unnnnntillll today. Michael decided to bite on a glo-stick, and whaddya know, he bit right thorugh it. I didn't realize it until I saw all the glowing stuff on my carpet. I called poison control and Sandy was very nice. She offered to send me a packet on teaching my children not to drink yucky things...um...thanks! She added that the packet had stickers and of course I changed my tone. I was told that the stuff inside a glo-stick is a lot worse looking than it actually is harmful. I was advised to have Michael drink 4 oz. of fluid and all I had around was Diet A &W so that should teach him to never drink nasty stuff, right?? In the end all was well, but my streak of good luck in the Mr. Yuck department has been altered!

Hello Thirty!

On Saturday, I turned the big 3-0 !!! It started with a call from my mom, which always makes me feel good. Its not your birthday really until your mom calls, right? After she called my sweet Nat called! My boys gave me their gifts, flowers, sweet huh? Jason made me my favorite breakfast, Maple-Brown sugar Life. He gave me the best gift, sleeping in until 9 am. My mom gave me a really cool scrappin' gift. I also got some really cool handmade frames from a local craft boutique. I'll post some pics later. As a family we went to Ogden to have lunch at Rubio's. I highly recommend the HealthMex on whole wheat tortilla. Anyhoo, the best part of my birthday was the indoor skydiving experience that Jason got for me. I am seriously afraid of heights and this had my palms sweating. I don't EVER, I reapeat, EVER, doing anything that could possibly result in bodily harm. This had me signing a waiver of death, accident, or dismemberment...ummm okay! I figured what better way to greet this new phase in my life than with something that I would have never normally done. I can't explain how awesome this experience was. You aren't falling your floating in 160 mph winds as every ounce of fat or loose skin on your body is sucked back and flapping in the wind! At one point I was tandem flying with my instructor and we got about 20 feet off the "ground". I was going up this large metal tube and all I could remember was the part of the Willy Wonka movie were they drink the fizzy-lifting drink and are faced with sure death by fan blades. Yikes! At that moment I was so happy that I went to the bathroom BEFORE I got into my flight suit. I had a seriously silly perm-a-smile on my face in the video of my flight, but I can only maintain that it was from lack of oxygen. I was having so much fun I forgot to breathe! I can't wait to fly again. After, indoor skydiving our family went to see Grammie Hazel. She was happy to see us, and the boys were excited to do puzzles at her house. We got back to Tremonton around 6 p.m. and Jason started dinner. He made my all time favorite food, Penne Rustica. He got the actual recipe from Romano's Macaroni Grill from topsecretrecipes.com. It tasted just like Macaroni Grill's!!! Good work Jason! I took my picture with my boys and had a super time trying to get them all to smile and cooperate that we just stopped trying after four shots, and I just figured that it truly represents their stage in life! Once the picture was taken we put the boys in bed and watched "This Christmas", the Tyler Perry movie, it was sooo funny!!
Truly it was a full day! I was a little nervous about turning thirty. In my mind thirty was the age in which I considered no longer "youthful". I know its dumb. I have had that stuck in my head since high school and it just stayed. My twenties were so filled with growing experiences, wedding, graduations, moving, births, home ownership, new cars, new jobs,more births and everything else that life has thrown our way. I can't even imagine what thirty even has to offer me except enjoing all the things that twenty gave me. I really am so blessed and happy to have my life! I couldn't ask for a better life to enjoy during thirty!! Now, forty will be a whole other story ;-)

Goodbye 20's!!

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than with Blue-Steel. Thats for you Elizabeth!!!

** I just realized that I look kinda sad in this picture. More sad puppy than blue-Steel! LOL! Anyway, good-bye twenty you served me well!

Cute Pics of Sam !!

I just wanted to share some cute pics of Sam. He turned 5 months on our 8th anniversary. We are all still so smitten with him. What a wonderful personality. I really look forward to seeing how he develops and finding out who this emergent little being that looks out from behind those crystal blue eyes really is!

Thanksgiving Day !!!

This photo is of Sam and Grammie Hazel. Samuel really loves Grammie as do all the boys. Thanksgiving was really great! This was the first year that I didn't feel one ounce of stress over the food, cleaning, or anything. Nada! All was wonderful. This has to go down in the books as the most stress-free holiday of my lifetime!! Our Turkey Day started with me sleeping in, wahoo!!, and Jason cooking the traditional Edwards holiday breakfast food. His dad always made Egg McEdwards on holiday mornings and that pretty much how you knew it was a holiday ;-) . After breakfast we played games with the boys and they helped us clean up, which was nice considering that 99.9 % of the messes that we were cleaning had their root in our kids making them. I had my turkey in the oven by 10 a.m. and pretty much it was smooth sailing from there. Grammie Hazel and Auntie Barbara came up at 1 and brought with them not only food, but games. Lots of games! B brought Guitar Hero, and the Nintendo Game Cube bongos. I am so glad that Uncle Ben is a gamer, we really benefit from that. The boys were so excited that B was coming they asked ALL ding-dongin' morning when she would get here. Then at one point they started pretending that she was in the driveway so they could look out the door. Mind you it was 30 deg outside today and I was not a fan of the door being open, and shut, and open, and shut!! I am glad that they love their auntie though. Anyway, we had a great time eating, playing games, and talking. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Every year I should admit! I and very thankful for my family and all that we have been through this year. I am thankful that my mom made it through her surgery well. I am also thankful that her ward took care of dinner for her. What a relief for her to not feel obligated to make Thanksgiving dinner for her family!! Get well Mom!

I know this post is a little scattered, it could be all the tryptophan talking! Anyhow, I hope that everyone had an AWESOME Thanksgiving and that you had a second to think about all the blessings in your lives. If you start to count them you'll find a reason to smile!

Mom said there would be days like this !!

See that face? He's cute, right?? Yeah, that's my lovey Michael. Have I ever mentioned that he is the source of my GREATEST joy. He is such a happy little fellow most of the time, and he REALLY enjoys bringing a smile to others faces. He is a lot like his mom in that he enjoys making others laugh. Well, my little comedian decided that he had a new favorite word, and Sacrament Meeting was the appropriate time to debut said word. So as loudly as his tiny little voice could muster my child, my shinning star, yelled, "PENIS!!!" for the ENTIRE congregation to enjoy. Oh! wait! you were about to think he did it only once, right? No, not twice, yep! THREE TIMES!!! The story only is enhanced by the fact that our family traditionally sits behind the Bishop's. Luckily, for us they are down to earth people and realize that it is in fact an anatomically correct word. Needless to say, Jason removed Michael from Sacrament and gently reminded him that while the word is, in fact, correct there is a more appropriate place for this, and as the Sacrament is being prepared is not the right time.

Oh! The joys of motherhood swell in my heart at this moment :-)

* I should add that our good friends the Tacketts were more than amused and well what are we if not accomadating to good friends in need of a laugh ;-)

Just a Reminder

Sometimes I need a reminder as to where my focus should be. Personally, I get caught up in all the "work" that is life. I forget so easily that God's plan for me is truly simple. Love Him, teach His children about Him and His son, and just enjoy the blessings that He has given me. I love this time of year. The change in the trees. The smell of the air. The gentle way that God trasitions from season to season reminds me that in my life He has placed many quiet reminders as to how He would have me transition from one event in my life to the next.
I loved Julie Becks address to the women of the LDS faith. I truly believe inspiration lead her to this topic and inspiration will lead us all our ultimate destination of happiness and a fullness of joy. Take a moment to enjoy the transitions in your life, that is where I am learning the true lessons of the Spirit are given.

Happy Halloween

This was our delicious Jack-O-Lantern pizza. It was yummy, thank you Papa Murphy's ;-)

Jarom and Michael were so excited to get out and trick-or-treat that they could hardly sit for pics!

Jarom as Raphael, Michael as Handy Manny, and Samuel as our favorite little Skeleton.

We had some early trick-or-treaters, our friends the Tacketts. They were our first little spooks to knock on our door. Our family had so much fun trick-or-treating this year. All of us went down 1 west in our town, which a pretty long drag, but there were lots of people that wanted to see Sam in his costume so I obliged. Once our tour down 1 west was done I came home to pass out candy to our trick-or-treaters, which was fun to see all the kids from our neighborhood all dressed in their full costumes. Jason took the boys around our neighborhood, and then when they said they were tired of walking they came home. I thought that they would be out longer but they are still little and haven't quite learned the joys of running your parents around town ragged, thanks guys!! We really had more fun this year than we have ever had in the past, and I LOVE watching my guys really get into it. I know that for some people Halloween is a silly tradition, but I think it is a fun holiday that really rewards kids for their creativity. Long live Halloween in our house!!!

Painted Pumpkins

So this year I decided, oh yes and executive decision, that we would PAINT not carve pumpkins. It seems like EVERY year the boys want to carve pumpkins and then the majority of the work goes to Jason or I. Sooo in an effort to make this more hands-on for them, see how I spun that, I thought painting would be more fun. It was a huge success and the boys had sooo much fun. I on the other hand was a little nervous about all that paint going everywhere. You can tell that just by looking at the picture. I made the boys paint without shrits on so that they wouldn't get pain on them and I was so careful to wipe their arms when they crossed over the paint plates. Well, all my efforts paid off beautifully in the kid dept. but somehow I got paint on MY favorite shirt. Duh Mindy! Change your own shirt! I hadn't even thougth about it, lol! Anyway, it was a lot of fun and we are sure to rinse and repeat next year ;-)

Need a pick me up? Here ya go :-)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,our presence automatically liberates others."

Friday's Funny

This weeks Friday's Funny comes to us from our favorite Apostle, L.Tom Perry. Okay, I should say that we don't really have a favorite, but Michael loves L.Tom Perry. On wed. we decided to get out the pictures of the 12 Apostles along with the First Presidency so that we could brush up before conference. The boys lined up the pictures in their respective orders and then decided it was more fun to play with the Apostles. So Jarom chose a few, Richard G. Scott, Pres. Monson, and he refuses to let Pres. Hinckley go as a Prophet so he was kept in the batch. Michael chose, of course, L. Tom Perry and Elder Wirthlin. As they were having conversations with their pictures and playing pretend games I say to myself, "hey now would be a good time to start the dishwasher". Everything was peaceful, and then I hear the loudest scream coming from Michael, "GIIIIIIIIIIIIVE MEEEEEEEEEEE L.TOM PERRY". I could hardly hold back the laughter. I mean honestly we have had minor disagreements about toys before. One person has a Lightning McQueen car that the other wants, or a Batman toy. Never and I repeat NEVER have my children fought over Apostles of the Lord. Finally, they settled on Jarom could have Pres. Monson, and Michael could retain possession of his beloved L.Tom Perry. On a side note, it was funny to hear my two year old tattle that his brother had, "Stolen his prophet so he wasn't talking to him anymore." Gladly, all was settled in the end and happy children resulted, but I found the whole thing more than funny. Another parenting moment I thought I would never have had- Fighting over Apostles. I'll file that one with the others namely, Don't put your brothers fish in the toilet and the classic Stop touching your brother :-)

Fridays Funny

Okay, I know that this is a tad late but man oh man we have had a busy weekend. This weeks Fridays Funny comes to us from the far corners of Jarom and Michael's room. It is the nighttime ritual that after scriptures the boys go upstairs brush their teeth, and then go to their room where they sing the bedtime song (a special song written for each of the individually by Jason). Well, the other night Jarom decided that not only did he want to sing his song but he wanted a joke as well. The joke goes as follows:

Joke: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Answer: To get to his Chick



I know that some of you are probably looking at the screen and thinking, what? I don't get it or is that all? I however, laughed my buns off and then my future home in the Hollywood Hills flashed before my eyes. I am sure that when Jerry Seinfeld was a small child he started with chicken crossing the road jokes. Now look at the man $10 million to star in commercials for Windows Vista. Of course, if you are looking for more reasons why the chicken crossed the road look no further ----> http://philosophy.eserver.org/chicken.txt

Friday's Funny

I am introducing a new segment to my blog called, Friday's Funny. For my first installment I want to share a Michael Funny with ya'll.
So Michael and I were sitting on the couch. He turned to me and this was our "serious" conversation.

Michael: Do you want to touch my red hair?
Mom: (holding in laughter) why yes, sir, I would love to touch your red hair.
Michael: Its really cute
Mom: (full gut busting in progress) Yes! it is!
Michael: (Super cheesy grin)

This was the funniest thing, since he was so dead serious about the cute-a-tude (made that up special for ya) of his lovely red locks!!


Stay tuned for more Friday's Funny :-) With my boys there will be no shortage of hilarious moments.

First Day Back

After three months off for maternity leave, I went back to work today!! I was a little nervous since I wasn't sure how I was feeling about leaving Sam. He is still so little! However, he did awesome at Dixie's and the boys told me that he was really great for her, and that he was happy. Knowing that he was with someone that we trust left me free to do my job. Speaking of, I had a serious moment of forgetfullness as I was working with a patient. Its a great thing that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with the gift of gab, because I was able to get the patient talking until I remembered what the protocol was. How embarassing :-S!! The ladies were great and we stayed busy ALL day. I have decided that if I can make it to lunch I am so set for the day! It usually all downhill after that, right? Jason picked the boys up and I got home shortly after he did. It all went so smoothly that I think i'll go back tomorrow ;-)

I can relate

DELETED to spare offense!

Someones gettin' Married!!

Okay, i need to apologize for the pic to start! This was taken last summer when Elizabeth had just gotten bitten by a mesquito, and her forehead swelled like a carnival balloon! This is sadly the most "recent" pic I have of my sweet, smart, beautiful, talented, loving, and now totally unavailable niece Elizabeth. You see readers she is getting hitched tomorrow, and I couldn't be prouder of her. She isn't neccesarily someone who conforms, she plots her own course, and follows her heart. All are qualities that I admire in a person. Not only is she an independent thinker she is also an honest and warm person. She is genuine in her love for others and has a desire to make others happy. When Elizabeth was little I use to pretend she was my little sister. I LOVED when she could come over. A memory that is always recounted whenever we get together is the time that I thought it would be REALLY fun to do her hair. I was so excited that another person would let me style them gooorgeous (sounds better if you say it with any accent). I placed one loving curl on her forehead she has beautiful red hair. Then proceeded to take my pik, oh yes I said pik, and with all the artistry I could muster gave her GIGANTIC bangs. The kind that would make any monster band of the 80's proud. Hey it was the 80's and I was a product of the times. I sprayed my masterpiece with attention to EVERY nook and cranny that human hair possess. After I was done her hair was so stiff it could have withstood any natural disaster that had ever wreck havoc on the earth. I later learned that my sister was not so supportive of my creativity and neither was my brother-in-law. Couldn't they see that a budding artist has no rules, lol!

Anyway, I have always thought of Elizabeth as a kindred spirit. I wish her and Matt the most luck, success, and personal fortune (however they value it) that any two people can have. I hope that they will always love and honor the people that they fell in love with, and grow together in love as they take on their new life. May they always find happiness looking back through each others eyes. Never let a night fall without cherishing the gifts each other has. If Jason and I have learned anything in our mere eight years of marriage it is that what we are as a couple is only enhanced by what we bring into our marriage as individuals. Yes! Elizabeth he will do things that you thought no man was capable of doing after repeated admonishments, but those will be the quirky things that will make you smile in quiet moments. As you add children to the mix, in your own time of course, you will see reflections of each other that only add to the many dimensions that is your love. Lots of love and kisses and most of all CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Houston..we have a Smile !!!

I don't have a lot to post on this except, how frickin' cute is HE. He just started smiling, like really smiling this Sunday. We have been getting these adorable little smirks, but now we are getting full on smiles, and we have heard a few giggles. This is the best part of being a mom! Bar none!!! These make all those middle of the night feedings worth the blurry vision in the morning. I live for moments like this in my childrens lives it reminds me that life has a lot of simple joys. I look forward to enjoying all of his milestones with him.

Kindergarten is the BEST!

Jarom started Kindergarten yesterday! He was soooo excited, he could barely sit still. He woke up super early and immediately wanted to get his school clothes on. He has pm Kindergarten so I had to nix the put your school clothes on at 7 am thing pretty quick. I folded however and he got all dressed at 8 am. We are talkin' shoes and all. He was then ready for me to take his first day pictures, with the backpack, he kept reminding me. I took several pictures of him and Michael (who thought he started Kindergarten yesterday too). Frankly, those pictures were taken before the sun came up so they were too dark to post :-) Finally, time came for us to go pick up a friend who is carpooling with us and Jarom could hardly sit in his seat he was so excited! They practically ran into the classroom. I nearly missed this shot above since they were so anxious to get to class. His teacher is a wonderful teacher, and she is newer to teaching so she still has that excitement for teaching Kindergarten herself. When I picked Jarom up he said his favorite part of Kindergarten was recess, of course, and making new friends. I asked him what his new friends names were, and he told me he couldn't remember. Jarom did set some goals for himself this year, and one is to write better and the second is to make lots of new friends. Jason and I are really pleased that he likes school so much. He has always be someone to ask a lot of questions and likes to read up on things, so we are hoping this attitude follows him throughout his academic pursuits. We hope that everyone has a fantastic first day!!

Back from Vacation!!!

We had a BLAST on our family vacation to Texas! I love to visit family especially when that family includes all the cousins. My boys were in hog heaven with all their cousins to play with, joke around, swim with, and learn a little Karate (thanks Uncle Wade!). We started our journey on Friday the 8th . We left from Auntie B's house in West Jordan. We drove to Gallup, new Mexico and stopped at what I can only call a "charming" motel 8. The bathroom lacked the charm of a toilet brush but we were so tired we didn't care. Early the next morning we were on the road again driving through ABQ, New Mexico and my favorite city in Texas Amarillo. We made it to GranMary's about midnight, and it was a blessed time to get into the guest bed and sleep. On Sunday we went to church with Auntie Carla, she goes to the nicest ward I have ever visited. I would move to McKinney just to go to that ward, honest!! People remembered my sil and I from May when we went out for the funeral. So nice. Monday was family day. We had a talent show and man our J's relatives talented!! One brother played the trombone while his daughter sang, and danced. His other older brother demo'd some Karate for us. Neat! His older sister's family did a fun little "dance/interpretation" of a song. Man are her kids cute. His brother Glenn sang a song with his wife and did a great job. Glenn's kids did the Flamenco. Sooo darling. Our family sang and did some magic tricks, well I should say J did the magic and little J helped. Auntie B sang a song that she wrote with her husband. It was such a fun song. Tuesday, we blessed Samuel and it was a really great moment for our family. I was nervous before but had a wonderful confirmation about J's blessing for him. We were very fortunate to have my dad come down from Missouri with my sister Karen, and nephew A.J. That made this special day for us even more special. We had family pictures taken and that was a trip and a half. For anyone who doesn't know this already getting a picture with 10 kids under the age of eight is nearly IMPOSSIBLE, but we tried none the less. I know you think we would know better but hey, its for posterity :-) The rest of the week was just chillin' with the fam, and that is where some of the funniest moments were. I mean nothing in specific, but lots of kidding around, talking, and playing games. Oh! and who can forget all the time we spent watching the Olympics. Good times! On our way back from Texas, which we hated to leave :-(, we stopped at Four Corners. It was good times, got the obligatory photo of everyones foot in another state. We left there and drove straight throught to our house in Northern Utah. It was a great vacation and we already miss our cousins, Aunties, Uncles, and GranMary. The one bonus to not traveling though, sleeping in our OWN beds...ahhhhh....! I never new that I loved my bed that much but apparently my body knows better, and really enjoyed the jersey sheets a little extra! I also loved that Utah has like zero humidity, and in TX in was like 85% ...eek! Not good for the 'do, if ya know what I mean . In the end we love our family even more and are glad that we can share special moments with them. Next family renunion is in Utah, ummkay!

This post is an ode to Texas and the motto is "go big or GO HOME!"

What does yours say?

Not to be a Debbie Downer (see photo at left), but my mil made a statement that got me thinking. She said, "Everyday you write your eulogy." Now to me there is no more depressing thought then to ponder your own death. However morbid it may sound it has crossed my mind. Especially, after the death of my fil I have actually thought about death, in abstract terms. I know there was a period of about two weeks that every time I would look at my dh I would wonder if this was going to be the last time I looked at him. Mind you I was eight months pg when my fil passed away so I wasn't in the most emotionally healthy place ;-). I do believe that most people don't like to think on their impending demise for fear that it makes it real. Well, newsflash we were born already knowing that we would , eventually, die. Okay, so you can see where the Debbie Downer part comes in. This is not a post about dying, but rather what does your life say about you. What do you want it to say? More importantly, because its my blog, what do I want my life to say about me? While I don't think that I can answer that question in just one blog entry I can say that I have a few things that I would like for my "eulogy" to say about me.
When I leave this life, a loooooooooong time from now, I would like to be remembered as someone who served others. Someone who learned from her mistakes, and then used that knowledge to better others. I would LOVE to be remembered as someone who really LIVED life to the fullest. I know that my closest friends say that I am funny, and I am okay with being remembered that way. I think that humor does so much for the soul, and not only the soul but the waistline, a good belly laugh burns 3 calories. Anyway, what I am trying to get at is that everyday I am trying to be better than the next in the hopes that my life is more full, and meaningful than any eulogy could ever do justice to. I know this is an odd post for someone who hasn't even turned 30 yet, but maybe its a good thing to have an eye-opening experience such as a death or a well intentioned statement to bring our minds back to our center, what is really important to us. I know that a little re-adjustment is vital to optimum performance in a vehicle, why not in our lives as well?? I hope that as a member of my blog audience that you will take a second and think, what does my life say about me?

Hercules, Hercules !!!

I cannot even begin to tell you how psyched I am that big J fixed the sink. I mean it I am seriously giddy, like a little school-girl!! The old faucet was not only installed wrong in the first place, but it broke right when we had a house filled with guests..ugh!! Happily, that old ugh-faucet is in the garbage, and in its place sits a wonderful, fully functioning faucet in Stainless Steel.

During the course of tenure here, 19 months, J has learned to drywall (thanks Sam), texturize said drywall (again, thanks Sam), install lighting, fix our sprinkler system, and now we can add PLUMBING to that ever growing list of things he's learned. Granted, he did have to make a trip to Ace Hardware, okay make that 2 trips. The first trip was in J's words, "because I didn't have the right tool, like my dad always says 'Have the right tools before you start a job' !" I think that the job turned out beautifully. So wonderful in fact I dirty my hands just to wash them in my new, non-crappy faucet!! Oh, I am so a simple person when the joys of a new faucet fill my heart to the brim with gratitude.

Thanks Big J, your my heeeeero (said swooning)

A Sad Day

Little J awoke this morning to find his pet Goldfish, Lightning, dead and floating at the top of the bowl. In Lightning's defense he lived a long, and full live, and was really beyond his years. J was very upset about his fish's passing and we had a "Nemo" burial , i.e. he passed to the next life on the Kholer Express. There were more than a few tears shed, and leave it to his little brother to remind him throughout the day that we had flushed his beloved pet down the toilet!! I even overheard J making up a song about him and his fish. It was an odd little ditty about a fish that goes away and cannot play. He has asked that I buy him a new fish, but I figure that since I just got him a second little brother maybe we could hold off on getting him something new for a bit. Feel free to email any condolences to my gmail account. I would be happy to pass them on. In lieu of flowers we ask that you hug a fish instead.

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'

I love this picture, it really captured the essence of little M. Please take a moment to look at my child's feet.... I am not sure if my 2 year old realizes that it is 100 deg. outside and he is wearing snowboots. Correction, he is ALWAYS wearing these snowboots. He maintains that they are his "power boots". When M wears said boots he has superhero powers and is able to jump over a building in a single bound. You will also notice that he has captured the red PowerRanger in his hand. For all you PowerRanger fans, you know that the Red Ranger is the leader of the Rangers, and has the most power so its no far stretch of the imagination that my son also believes that he is a ninja master. The most common sound out of M's mouth is "hee-yah", this is accompanied by several sharp karate chops and a couple of well mastered round-house kicks! He is the funniest little person I know.

* Disclaimer: My house is not nearly as filthy as this picture makes it appear :-)

big J's havin' a BIG b-day!

J's having a birthday shout hooray. We want to sing to you today. One year older and wiser too. Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Today is a big day in our house. Big J turns 30 today, gasp! I have been teasin' J about this birthday for quite some time now. My mil is still in town so we loaded up the mini and headed out to J's work to bring him this surprise b-day cake. He was really cute when little M put the traditional b-day hat on him. The hat needs a little explaining. Its our tradition to wear this hat on our respective b-days. The birthday person MUST wear the hat ALL day unless otherwise instructed by their employeer or teacher. It really is great fun and garners the wearer lots of "happy birthday" shouts from random people. The hat has also been know to inspire some singing from strangers too.

I am so glad that J was born he is the best thing that ever happened to me. I know that I am a better person for having him in my life. So, big props to his mom for having him !!!

Enjoy your special day love !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <-there are 30 of 'em

Jumping Monkeys

Okay, so J and M have a special love in their lives. I wish that I could say that I am that "special love" but nay I am not. They LOVE. LOVE, LOVE to jump on the guest bed with their sock monkeys. The boys Texas Grandma made them these adorable sock monkeys, and it seems that whenever mischief is found so too are those monkeys (the sock and boy monkeys).

Texas Grandma is coming for a visit so we needed to change the bed linens and there is no more perfect time to jump on the bed than when it is linen free :-) It's a little hard to see in the first photo, but J's feet are actually off the bed, oh yes he is airborne. Secretly, I love watching my boys jump on the bed. They are soo cute. They say the funniest things when they are playing together and listening to them giggle and laugh when they land makes my heart happy. They truly are delicious little beings.

Blog Repentence

So as a friend of mine, we'll just call her "Jenn" mainly bc thats her name, mention to me that I have been less than diligent about updating the ole blog-a-roo! So, here is the updated and this update comes with a promise that I will be updating and adding to this blog with more consistency, ummmkay ;-)

Welcoming Our New Little One !!

We are soooo happy to FINALLY announce the birth of our son "S". On June 24, 2008, at 12:17 p.m. we welcomed our newest addition. The birth was quick and emotional, but pain-free so mom was very happy :-). S was by far my smallest birth weighing in at a mere 6 lbs. 14 oz. He measure 19.5 inches long, which give his weight makes him a smidge lanky, but he is an Edwards and they build 'em big over there ;-).
The boys LOVE him, and have to be remined, frequently, that kissing him on the face should be limited to less than one hundred times a day. Jason and I are relieved that the boys are so interested in making S feel loved. Adjusting to three is an ongoing process, but I think that I might just be getting the hang of it. Now, if I could only get the boys to behave during Sacrament meeting my life would really be smooth sailing.

Merry Christmas, Ready or Not, here it comes

"Are you ready for Christmas?" I have heard this question about 5,837 times in the last two weeks. I am pretty sure that is an accurate number, just in case you are wondering ;-). The answer, however, is a resounding NO!!! I'm not ready, even though I started shopping in October. Good intentions, right? The last real shopping day is tomorrow and I still have one gift for little J, and stocking items to purchase. I am at the point where I feel like I am buying just to "have" and not because it is something that they will LOVE. This year was suppose to be the year that we focused on the real meaning of Christmas. My goal was to give each child three gifts to symbolize those given by the Wisemen. Now, we wouldn't be giving them myrrh or anything, just keeping it simple. Well, the actual number of gifts has risen a tad, but I still don't feel "done". I haven't gotten that one gift that will be "the one". You know the gift that in 20 years they are still saying, "I remember the year I got ___! Boy that was a great Christmas!"

I still remember my most favorite Christmas ever! It was 1983. I got a girlie, Hot Wheels style big wheel tricycle. I remember waking up at around 5 a.m. and my sister and I tried to keep really quiet. We weren't allowed to open presents until EVERYONE was up, and in a house of 12 people that can be difficult to accomplish. I remember the tree was glowing with what seemed like a million lights. There was a sea of presents. They stretched from the tree in the corner of the front room all the way to the middle of the room. In the midst of all these presents were three trikes. One for Adam (black and yellow, with some red on it), Michael's was exactly the same, and a pink one for me. Oooooh! I was in LOVE! I couldn't read well, but man, I recognized my name on that big wheel from across the room, no lie! There was such a warmth in that room as we opened presents and laughed. As the excitement over who got what grew more and more vocal, remember there are 8 kids opening gift-we were pretty loud, I looked around and for some reason I tried to burn those images into my mind. Even at 5 I was a pretty serious being. I am really glad that I did etch that into my brain. It has served me well when Christmas spirit was nearly non-existent. The Christmas that my dad lost his job, and we were told there was going to be no Christmas I cherished the "big wheel" Christmas memory. I longed to be 5 again. Amidst a sea of gifts and the warm glow of that gigantic evergreen with the million glowing bulbs. Then again when I was eight months pregnant with my first son. I was bound to the state of Utah, and unable to travel out of Provo for Christmas. The memory of the "big wheel" Christmas metamorphasized into what was really great about Christmas in my house growing up. It really wasn't about the sea of gifts, or my dads boots by the tree in a failed attempt to make tweenagers believe Santa really was real. It was about the tradition of love, joy, and remembrance of the Savior's birth. Knowing that the one who came into this world without a place to lay his infant head, would be the Savior of all mankind. He would give all he had so that we would could have life eternal. Selflessness. This is what I want my children to remember about Christmas. Of course, if it starts with a "big wheel" type of memory and evolves to something more I will be thankful. They are still children after all.

So, I guess I am ready for Christmas. As a matter of fact, bring it on!!!