Just Another Day in Paradise

Tonight I'm tired.  Physically exhausted.  But I'm also emotionally spent.  In circumstances like these I know I do this to myself but I can't help it...in the last few weeks I've experienced two people--TWO--commenting in a negative fashion about my having 4 kids.  Today I had one of those experiences.  It makes me all sorts of crazy mad and I have a hard time letting it go. 

I checked out a while ago.  Marc has put the kids to bed while I sat here looking at pictures of my kids.  They make me happy. 

 

{this photo doesn't look like much, but I see my whole family in it.  we must have lounged the morning away sometime when ella was teeny tiny because here we are in bed, me behind the camera, christian with marc's hand on his shoulder, ella's baby head, anderson smiling down on her and carter watching the tube at the foot of my bed. i'm betting that was a lovely morning}

{can you not help but laugh at this one---3 boys in swimming goggles ready for the pool.}

 



 

{i follow nienie's blog.  everyday she posts a picture of her chubby baby girl and everyday i envy those chubby baby cheeks.  but this picture reminds me that once-upon-a-time, even if it was ever so brief, ella had chubby baby cheeks.}

 

{christian is a silly silly boy.  case and point: the above two pictures. i guess the stairs were a perfect sized blanket snuggle spot for this two year old one day.}

 

{and this picture has been my phone screen saver for so long.  it makes me smile every time i see it.  it's an old picture, she is certainly much more shaggy and un-kept these days but look at that brown eyed girl.  she's a beautiful blessing.}

 

 

I guess instead of being mad at those people I should thank them for allowing me these moments of affirmation. 

Remember When...

Yesterday I spent the afternoon going through the lengthy process of the phone photo dump. 

I determined there probably was an easier way to do it but for now it's done.

Hopefully I don't wait two more years to do it again. 

Today's post is made possible by all my "hard" work though. 

So without further ado:

 

Remember when Anderson broke his arm and was hospitalized for croup in the same month?
And that doesn't include the trip to the ER we made for an x-ray of his stomach to make sure the dollar coin he swallowed wasn't lodged in his throat.  Great month I tell you!

(August 2010)

 

 



 

 

Remember when we announced to our parents that we had a surprise on the way? 

They were as surprised as we were!

(October 2010)

The numbers were wrong on one of the ultrasounds because we didn't know the other Phillips brothers wives were also expecting. 

They were all born within a week of each other! Ella was the youngest.

Grandchild #22 for Grandma and Grandpa Phillips.

 

Remember when on the final stretch home from a great trip to California and Disneyland my poor pregnant feet looked like this?  YIKES!

(March 2011)

 



 

Remember when we celebrated RaeAnn's life by "hiking" with the whole family at Greenland Open Space? Christian was thrilled to be riding on daddy's back.  What isn't pictured is my 8 month pregnant belly moving slowly!

(April 2011)

 

 

Remember when I experimented on Christian with the bows I got at my baby shower for Ella?

(May 2011)

 

 

Remember when Ella was born and looked like an alien? 

Luckily she's growing into a beautiful little lady.
(I still wonder why my only girl was also my only bald baby!)

(May 2011)

 

 

Remember when Christian was the cutest Ewok you ever did see?

With a toothbrush cleaning all that candy out no less!

(our dentist friends would be proud!)

(October 2011)

 

 

Remember when Ella got away from me during a diaper change? 

 There's something about a cute baby girl bum that I'm still getting used to!

(Spring 2012)

 

Everyday Monday

Yesterday I witnessed a very tender moment between my two oldest.  I'm SURE they didn't think it was tender but I did and I'll let you, my fellow mothers be the judge:

It was the fourth day of school.  I decided instead of walking the boys to school, I'd get a jump on the day by dropping the boys off in the Kiss-and-Go lane, then head straight to the gym.  I asked Anderson if he was comfortable with this.  Since it was his first time getting to school this way it was important for me to know he felt secure with this plan.  Carter's been doing this for 2 years so I wasn't as worried about him.  Both felt fine so off we went. 

Side note:  This summer, Marc's parents brought him a few boxes filled with sentimental things he had collected as a child.  He got rid of a lot of it and consolidated his old baseball cards into one box because he's convinced they are worth money.  I'm skeptical.  Carter was at his side as he sorted and sifted through his things and became attached to a few items, one of which is a bead necklace.

The boys hopped out of the van, backpacks in hand, and took a few steps towards the school. Then they stopped and here's the moment:  I saw Carter hand the necklace to Anderson and turn around exposing the back of his neck.  Anderson, who is shorter than Carter by about half a head, wrapped the necklace around Carter's neck and twisted the clasp for him.  Then they caught me watching them, I would have already been gone on a normal day, so I waved and drove off.

Tender, right?  It made my heart swell. 

Then, I flipped radio stations.  Darius Rucker's It Wont' Be Like This For Long was on.  Needless to say, I had to wipe a few tears away before heading into the gym. 

Everyday Tuesday

At Walmart this morning, I saw a mom with 2 little ones, 3 or 4 years old walking in front of her cart in the butter isle.  I thought, "Wow, could Christian be in that position this time next year, able to walk in front of the cart and stay with me without a hand to hold? Maybe." Then I saw she had another little one sitting up front in the cart, maybe 18 months old or so.  I sighed inside.  This woman has her hands full.  And then I noticed her infant carrier inside the cart, holding a beautiful baby with a head full of dark hair.  A girl, I think.  Her hands aren't just full, they are REALLY FULL.  And immediately I was grateful that I am here. Where I am right now.  Not back where I was last summer with a 7, 4, and 1 year old with a brand new baby. 

Last summer, I managed okay but the days were long and hot and sometime I felt done before I even got out of bed.  I didn't have a handle on anything, I don't think.  We were simply surviving.  At least that's the way I remember it. (And I might just be ready to sit and cry thinking of how overwhelmed I was back then.)  A year later, with an 8, 5, 2 and 1 year old, I feel in control. Don't get me wrong, things aren't easy.  I still have my hands very full, (just peak in my window at just the right time and you might see Ella and Christian physically duking it out over a coveted toy or how about tomorrow morning when back to school madness begins.  I'm sure there will be some tension in the air, maybe even some yelling?) but given the choice, I would take this difficult over that difficult every.single.time.  Thank goodness I don't have to go back there.  And it's only forward march from here.  Cue a big sigh of relief. 

On my way out of Walmart this morning I saw our pediatric physician's assistant that I truly just love.  I'm beginning to not enjoy some of the policies they have at her office but I'm sticking it out just for her.  She is amazing and when I leave her office I feel like a superhero.  She is a great mom-cheerleader.  For example, the last time we got croup, I took my sick kid in and instead of giving me a small bottle of steroids, she prescribed a huge bottle and wrote down each of my kids' dosages for me to keep in case any one else came down with it that week.  Practical medicine she calls it--saving me at least one trip to the doctor and money, too.  She has also given me her cell phone number.  I've used it a few times, especially when I was nursing Ella, since she is also a lactation specialist, but I also used it last month when Ella had hives every morning for a week for no apparent reason.  Seriously, I love her!  This morning, she was on her phone, so we just waved but immediately I was grateful that I looked like I had things put together.  Ella was safely buckled into the cart seat, Christian was holding my hand as I guided the cart from the front, and Carter and Anderson were close by behaving well.  Whew.  I was also grateful she couldn't see what I had in my cart--2 boxes of sugar cereal for the babies to snack on when we walk to school starting tomorrow and frozen corn dogs and sweet potato fries--the boys' last-day-of-summer dinner request.  Double whew! 

Girls Camp

I spent last week at Girls Camp.  It was the first time I've been since I was 18.  It just might be more fun to go as a leader!  I got to hang with my friends and see a side of my Young Women that made me love them MORE!  It was a perfect week, the highlight being when our Stake Young Women's leaders revealed their top secret project :

If the young men in my stake are this awesome, I'm sure you can imagine how awesome my young women are. And even I, a 32 year old grown woman, smile and maybe even giggle when I watch this.  I just can't help it!

Everyday Monday (Odds and Ends)

What the heck!  I had TWO bad Mondays since I started this Everyday Monday thing on June 12.  I don't think that usually happens but I guess we'll find out.  Before the day slid down hill yesterday I was talking to a friend who is a grandma.  Her daughter and 3 grandchildren had visited and then gone back home leaving her to wonder how on earth we moms do it these days.  When someone asks me that question my typical response is to let them know it's not always pretty.  Last night was another one of those 'not so pretty' times.  Sigh.  It leaves me wondering how do we do it when our husbands work 55 hour weeks for weeks and weeks on end and we have small children.  We are constantly feeding our children, trying desperately to keep up with the laundry for a household of 6 and the toilets.  Oh the toilets!  And then there's my eight year old who since turning eight has had a few people see his behavior then look at me and say--"Yep, he's eight."  It's infuriating!  Not that they say that but that he behaves that way.  He mouthed off plenty yesterday; I went to bed last night feeling alone and like a failure.  With a husband whose work schedule is less than ideal right now, I do certainly feel like I'm parenting alone and it feels like I'm doing a miserable job.
If I did notice any everyday special moments yesterday, I forgot them during my meltdown last night so it's a good thing I sat down on Sunday to note some odds and ends that certainly do make me smile.

. . .

As far as our Summer Bucket List goes, we've accomplished a lot so far and logged about 20 hours of pool time.  It certainly feels like it might be our best summer yet.

. . .

Last Monday, Ella fell out of her crib.  There's a first time for everything and she's my first kid to do that.  Silly girl.  It was quite a shock to walk into her room thinking I would see her across the room standing and crying in her crib.  Nope, she was sitting by the door, blankie in hand sobbing.  She is also quite self motivated--last Monday while the boys were at baseball practice, she stood up all by herself with a bat in her hand.  She hasn't stopped there...she will take a few steps by herself after standing up, too.  My boys have started walking only after countless packages of fruit snacks opened and distributed as a reward for crossing the room on foot between Marc and me.  Nope, not her.  I bet she is walking for good in just a few weeks and we haven't even used a single fruit snack yet!  And what they say about girls talking well before boys--yep!  She says bebe for blanket and baby, mama and tetu for thank you.  Oh how having a little princess brings a smile to my face everyday.

. . .

Speaking of talking, Christian is talking way more than my other boys did at two.  Among my favorites are the sweet way he says Tay-too every time I put some food in front of him or give him a sippy, when he says whoa if I take a corner too quickly or go over a bump in the car, when he says WYATT!! or OP IT! or shhh! (with his finger in front of his lips) to the boys when they are bothering him, or when he has boogers in his nose or on his finger he comes to find me and whines booder either pointing to his nose or holding his finger out to me.

. . .

These boys of mine certainly do love each other.  Even if I don't see it very often, when I do, my heart swells.  Like last Tuesday when we were driving to Marc's work for lunch (before the fire came down our mountain) we had this conversation:

Anderson: There's a boy at the gym that's mean to me.

I asked him some details and found out that this boy approached Anderson saying he had the toy Anderson was playing with first.  When Anderson looked at him and told him that wasn't true, he lied to one of the child care workers and told him that Anderson had taken a toy away from him so Anderson was asked to give the toy back to the boy.  In Anderson's opinion, the boy was aggressive and that combined with the lie, he was miffed to say the least.  I explained to him that those things happen and to just stay away from that boy and other kids who behave that way to try to avoid those kinds of situations.  Carter listened to this and as the conversation closed I heard Carter say, if that happens again, come and get me.  I won't beat him up or anything but I won't let it happen. 

On Sunday, Christian was in meltdown mode all afternoon.  He went down for a nap right after church but woke up prematurely and never snapped out of his funk.  He cried and cried then stopped then cried some more.  It was horrible.  At one point in the afternoon he wasn't crying but I could tell he was feeling fragile.  He was laying on his blanket on the basement floor next to Anderson who I noticed was rubbing his back whispering sweet comforting words to him. 

I love little moments like those that keeps my hope alive that my boys will be best of friends someday.

Burning

Last Tuesday wasn't at all ordinary.   I don't have words to describe what happened in the foothills just a few miles from where I live so let these pictures speak:

view from Chapel Hills Mall courtesy Danielle Mortensen

 a different vantage point courtesy of Colorado Springs Gazette

 evacuees courtesy Paula McInaney Woods

 homes burning (including that of my dear friend's in-laws pictured in the center)

courtesy Kevin Kneble

 cadets evacuating the Air Force Academy

courtesy Eric Lescarbeau



What remains



*In 1996 when my family moved here and I was a 16 year old girl we drove into town in the dark of night.  When I woke up and stepped outside our hotel room that first morning I saw these foothills and was immediately drawn to their beauty.  There was hope in my sad heart that I might love this new place afterall.*

Needless to say, tears have been shed.  Prayers have been said.  And my heart still hurts.  You can read different accounts of this fire here (from a friend in my ward), here (from a girl who I met in the mother's room at church but has since moved a little further south from me) and here (from a girl I went to high school with).  My friends have words that I simply do not. 

Thank you, Robin for the perfect post title.  You came up with it first but there is simply no better!

Menu

I love to cook.  Except when I don't.  And I don't when I'm pregnant because nothing sounds good.  Or when I have small children because the task is too overwhelming: think about it. Dinner time is cranky time.  Those tiny mouths have got to be fed and fast!  And cooking takes time.  Not to mention the dirty kitchen that needs cleaned afterwards.  Now lets talk about heat...no one wants to spend time in a hot kitchen next to the appliances that are only making things hotter.  But cooking is so satisfying for me.  I love eating good food and I love when my children say this is the best you've ever made.  It happens occasionally! So today, even though I have small children and even though it's nearly 100 degrees outside and 88 degrees in my house (we don't have AC! can you believe it doesn't come standard in houses in this area yet?) I'm spending time in the kitchen and here's what is on the menu.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Steamed Green Beans

Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

And for dessert:

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

1 large package instant chocolate pudding

1 pt. whipping cream

1 qt. half and half

2 c. sugar

Mix ingredients in a bowl, pour into chilled metal ice cream mixer.  Add whole milk up to the fill line.  Layer ice and rock salt outside the container and turn on machine.  Takes 30-40 minutes.

The ice cream almost didn't get made...the ice cream maker we bought Marc for Father's Day last week didn't work at all today.  We successfully made a batch of vanilla last Sunday and I had a gut feeling that the machine only worked as a tender mercy so my Father's Day Celebration for Marc wasn't a bust.  Thanks to a borrowed machine, we enjoyed this sinful dessert.  Seriously.  Look at the ingredients.  I haven't had the guts yet to calculate the calories...even though I'm trying to get back to my calorie counting so I can loose those last pesky 5 pounds.  This homemade ice cream is definitely not helping!



Thankful 2011

Last November, I taped a large piece of brown paper to our wall and declared it our Thankful poster.  We were to write something we were grateful for on it everyday. Obviously we weren't successful everyday but it sure did help (me) to remember to be grateful for everything I have.

Anderson:
I am thankful for toys.
Heavenly Father (a picture)
Squirrel at family pictures (a picture)
Jesus (a picture)
play Wii with Jake
I like frends

Marc:
delicious dinner
a beautiful daughter
to have a good job
a patient gorgeous wife (ha--neither of which I am!)

Carter:
I am thankful that we have sports
I am thankful that I am mom's helper
I am thankful for our parnets (parents)

Me:
preparing a Relief Society lesson
the Savior
prayer
good friends who feel close like family
my 3 smart boys!
Christian WALKING!
Ella's patient temperament
an adoring husband who talks me down from the ledge multiple times every.single.day (must have been a bad one!)
boys who bring in the groceries
babies who behave on a marathon shopping trip

Everyday Monday

Yesterday was the type of day summers should be made of.  I got up for an early morning run.  Came home.  Started laundry (because even on a perfect summer day, there are chores to be done). And then the kids and I headed to the pool. We stayed, played, caught up with some friends and ate.  After a few hours the babies were DONE so we came home, napped and vegged, folded laundry (see above statement), ate dinner and went to the gym and baseball practice.  It doesn't sound like much but it was the type of summer day I have been dreaming about for 2 summers.  There are many challenges about having babies back to back but having babies born in May back to back means that the last two summers were not necessarily spent doing what my big boys preferred.  We did a lot of staying at home doing nothing.  Well at least they weren't doing much.  I was nursing and changing diapers. I don't think they will ever resent it because honestly they will probably not remember, but I had so much mommy guilt because I couldn't engage in the things that would be best for them.  But this summer is different...we don't have a newborn! Determined to make the most of it, a few weeks ago we sat down and made a Summer 2012 Bucket List: 
*swimming lessons (check)
*Rockies game (July 14)
*remember/learn how to ride a bike
*go camping (Sand Dunes?)
*picnic (tomorrow 6:00 pm Wolf Ranch Summer Concert--join us if you can!)
*hike the incline
*Denver Zoo
*Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
*pool (check!!)
*play dates (had one, more to come!)
*pillow fight
*dance contest
*Pictures on the Promenade
*see BRAVE
*see Madagascar 3 (check)
*run the Color Run (August 11)
*America the Beautiful park
*get a pet (doubtful--this is Anderson's #1 request all the time)
*make pretzels
*make chocolate milkshakes
*Grandma sleepovers (tonight!!)

It's going to be a summer to remember!  If you live here, you are welcome to join in the memory making!

Everyday Monday

I've been reading A Girl named Gay for a while now and a few days ago this post of hers inspired me.  I've been looking for something for my blog that might resemble Taco-Tuesday on the dinner menu for quite some time and I think I found it.  And the bonus is that I'll be paying more attention to those everyday things that I sometimes tend to miss because lets be honest, it's overwhelming raising children. Period.  Let alone 4.  With the last 2 still being quite small--I like to call them babies and hope I grow out of that by the time they are 18!  Time will tell.

So I had every intention of starting this yesterday.  Except for I had a major meltdown (over a DVD remote that couldn't be located when I was going to do my pilates).  It wasn't pretty and then I hated myself for the rest of the day for getting so angry over something so inconsequential.  It was the perfect way to start Everyday Monday since I wasn't paying much attention to anything except how some days I hate myself.  Then, ironically someone I don't know re-posted and commented on one of my pinterest pins: President Monson's quote, "Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, I'll try again tomorrow." I couldn't quite hear that last night and even though I was still raw this morning, I heard it ever so quietly.  So here I am.

Even though it was a fairly dark day yesterday, Ella was one little glimmer of light.  While the big boys were at baseball practice I pushed her in a swing at the park a few feet away.  The way she sat in the back of the seat with her legs attempting criss-cross applesauce in front of her and her hands holding on to the seat, her red hair blowing in the wind and her 5-tooth smile looking at me...that was enough for one day. 

different day, different swing, same girl with the same windblown red hair.

But right before I crawled into bed, Marc pulled out the souvenir he got me from his weekend in California--a hoodie from a Newport Beach surf shop that initially I thought would be too small but fits just right.  I love it.  (And it might be the very first thing in all the years we've been together that he's picked out all on his own that I wouldn't return even if the store was down the street. And that's saying something because I am the queen of returns.  For real.)

"Father I Promise to Walk in Thy Ways, On This My Baptism Day"

(I can't get the picture to fit as it's original size which is the only way it's not blurry...boo!)

Today was a truly lovely day.  My oldest got baptized.  Surprisingly I didn't shed an ugly amount of tears...just a few.  I am so lucky to be raising such a special boy.  

Thank you to all our friends and family who attended in support of Carter's decision to be baptized and made the experience that much more memorable.  We all feel so blessed. 

Eight years ago I was laboring with this child:

 

(He was born at 3:11 am on May 25 after approximately 38 hours of excruciating back labor...a morphine shot helped with that at the beginning and an epidural put me to sleep for the last 8 hours.)

 One year ago I knew she would arrive in only two days: 

This is how I felt about that but you can read her story here.

Let the celebration begin:

Balloons are hanging.

Pizza Night tonight.

Slurpees afterwards.

(because I drank a few in the last days of Carter's pregnancy)

Birthday pancakes and presents in the morning.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Donuts to share with classmates.

Maybe a special lunch (if the parents can fit it in with all the packing for--)

"Cabin"ing with friends.

And we're just getting started!

I'm so excited.  I've been waiting for this for a whole year.

(Ella is getting her first doll but I can't say a peep about Carter's gift because a. I don't know what it is yet and b. he can read.)



I just bought these for Ella. I simply couldn't resist. 

(And surprisingly Marc likes them, too!)

The Beauty

I can hardly believe this little beauty is 11 months old this week.  She is cutting her top two teeth right now and is a bit of a mess but I got her prettied up so I could show her off (to Jamie who asked for pictures if to no one else since she might be my only reader now that I've all but abandoned my blog) Even when she's a mess she's my little princess and I adore her to pieces.  I've noticed the other day as we snuggled and I smelled her blanket that she smells different than my boys. I really think boys might just come out stinky! Which is fine because I love 'em anyway but having a sweet and a sweet smelling girl has been a welcomed change.  She is a little emotional which I just laugh about and of all my children, she is threatening to be the busiest.  She loves climbing the stairs when I'm not looking! You can't tell in the pictures but her hair is auburn and I'm in love with it.  I hope it stays.  And while her brothers all had blue eyes (Carter's have since turned hazel) she is my pretty little brown eyed girl. 

,

And one hysterical little pucker face from our Easter dinner:

PS: I bought her a pink convertible car seat and Marc calls it her throne because since it's still backward facing it seems like a monstrosity compared to Christian's that faces forward.  Ask anyone...I am loving this daughter thing. 

Quote of the Day (Animal Lover Version)

Every February our ward (church congregation) heads up to the mountains for a little winter wonderland activity. There's an iced over pond for skating, broom hockey, and ice fishing. Given enough snow you can sled, go snow shoeing or just play! And some choose to stay in the lodge and play games and eat. Truth be told, I've never been. There's always been something going on that I have to stay behind but Marc has taken the boys the last few years and he along with some families even stay the night in the cabins up there. I hear it's so much fun!

Well, February is once again here and as we were discussing our family plan for February and reminding the boys of the fun they had on that outing last year, we tried jogging Anderson's memory by telling him of the ice fishing he did. He adamantly stated (and was nearly crying) that this year there would be no ice fishing for him--because he would be hurting an animal. I had visions of a newly proclaimed vegetarian in the household for a split second but thankfully, the conversation didn't lead in that direction. At least not yet!

He also stated on the way to church last Sunday as he watched an owner walk his dog out the car window that he would gladly get rid of Ella so he could get a dog. (So far babies have been our excuse for not getting a puppy...we'll see how long that lasts as the babies grow up!)

List

Here's a list of chores Anderson did to earn back the Christmas gift he broke and lost the privilege of having for awhile. As part of the learning experience I wanted him to be able to look back and see how hard he worked to earn his gift back. And he never once complained because that was part of the deal, too!

Exploratory spelling is a new thing for me since Carter didn't really try it. It's an endearing process I don't want to forget! The list isn't inclusive since after the 2nd or 3rd week of the "earn back" period I started to forget to have him record his chores.

bathrooms
bathrooms papr (restock toilet paper)
wacyoom
rsiclen (recycling)
slvrwar
diprs
diprs
diprs
mop
diprs
diprs
slvrwar
slvrwar
grosres
grosres
mop
clen up the basmit
slvrwar
loury (laundry)
cuttig vevbdls (cutting vegetables)
rsiclny (recycling)
slvrwar

Highlights

My Relief Society president asked me a few weeks ago if I was able to find joy in my life. Yes, of course I can. And it usually comes in one of four forms: Carter, Anderson, Christian or Ella. It's funny how our children can be the source of so much joy and on the other hand bring us some of our darkest moments, too. Don't you think? Here are some recent highlights:

Literally minutes ago, Carter stepped through the front door and announced he has a new kid in his class: Matthew from San Antonio. In his very next breath he said he had already asked the new kid if he had ever been to a Spurs game. Sometimes his passion for basketball drives me crazy like when he tirelessly writes out every. single. team on a piece of paper daily and then leaves said paper in some random spot throughout the house. I find them everywhere. I say tirelessly because I asked him yesterday if he ever gets bored or tired of writing out the teams. Nope. I'm not sure what purpose it serves but on the bright side, he's practicing his writing, right? Love that boy of mine.

Two days after Christmas, Anderson was mad at me. He had been in time out for breaking one of Christian's new toys. And he wasn't allowed to eat lunch until he talked to me about that incident but he had moved to the table anyway. When I told him his choices were between talking to me and eating or sitting in time out longer until he was ready for a chat, he got really worked up and ended up hitting me when I tried to remove him from the table. I sent him directly to his room and told him to come talk to me when he was ready. It took him a while but he approached me in my bedroom a little later. We plopped on the bed, had a good chat and he ran off to play. I commenced with cleaning up the basement a little and came across his brand new Christmas present broken to pieces, and in some places shreds. I went from calm and loving to raging in 2 seconds flat. Seriously. He spent the rest of the day in his bed and lost all of his stuffed animals including his brand new pillow pet and 2 angry birds. He was devastated! This animal lover of mine had a serious broken heart but I wasn't going to relent so easily. Being a parent was hard that day. He has since begun the long process of doing any chore when asked without question. If he does this he can earn each gift back by the end of the month--1 per week. Last week he got his pillow pet back and he's currently working on one of the angry birds. Next the cage and then the last angry bird. I feel like we successfully navigated that difficult situation and I'm hoping he won't be so destructive in the future. There's almost nothing I tolerate less than destructive behavior. This mama has 0-patience for that sort of thing.

Christian is the funniest 20 month old I know (but I should qualify that and say he's the only one I'm around much!) On Christmas Eve as the boys, my in laws, Marc and I toasted over our dinner of clam chowder and rolls, Christian learned to toast as well, with his sippy cup full of milk. As we went around the table giving thanks Christian would not be left out--he wasn't satisfied until everyone had clinked his cup, too. And I wish I had a picture of his satisfied grin each time.

On Saturday night we mopped the floor (why does that always come up in my blog posts?) as a family. We had finished the living room and moved into the kitchen when we noticed that Christian had grabbed a drying rag and joined the big boys in drying behind Marc's mopping and my rinsing. Seriously, he does the cutest things EVER!

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen today. On my list of things to make was a batch of baby food for Ella. I know I mentioned it last year but I gain so much satisfaction from making her food. Especially now that I don't nurse her anymore. Today's batch was a recipe of potatoes and spinach. When I tasted it, it made me think of scalloped potatoes. All I have to say is girlfriend better like it...we have to balance out all the squash and sweet potatoes that are giving her that baby orange glow.

And even though this has nothing to do with the children, one of the brightest spots of my day was this morning at 5 am when in the dim light of the bathroom I stepped on the scale before heading to the gym. And the number said I'm down 3-4 pounds. Woot!

Escapade

***Interrupting my current blog hiatus to report the boys' latest escapade***

Today was a little crazy; the older boys who are typically pretty well behaved...above average for their age, I would say...were not that great. Was it overstimulation because of a completely booked Saturday? Was it because they are so excited to have nearly 3 weeks off of school for the holidays? I don't know! They just wouldn't listen to any instruction or direction from Marc or me. At one point in the evening Marc sat them down on Ella's blanket and told them in frustration that everything he was saying was going "in one ear and out the other." Not moments later Carter told us that something we said had finally gone in one ear and stayed. And we thought the humor would end there. Nope.

At around 9:45, after they had been tucked into their beds in their basement bedroom for almost 2 hours, Marc and I finished watching the latest episode of The Mentalist. Marc noticed the red light on our DVR box indicating something was recording on the TV in the basement. Curious, we checked to see what was being recorded. Sports Center. But then Marc noticed that Wild Kratts was playing downstairs, too. Hmmmmm.

I snuck downstairs to see if in fact the boys were up. I snuck back upstairs giggling. Yep, the TV was on. I didn't know if I could handle this without laughing but Marc was busy doing paperwork he's behind on for work so I snuck back down and watched the boys for a few minutes. They had no idea I was watching them.

Me: Do you know what time it is?

Them: No.

Me: You are in so much trouble (stiffling a laugh). Go upstairs and see your dad. Let's go...March!

Once upstairs, I wondered what Marc would do. He was so calm. Here are the highlights:

Marc: Why aren't you in bed like you are supposed to be.

After a bunch of I don't knows:

Anderson: I wasn't tired.

Carter: It was Anderson's idea. He wanted to watch cartoons and went out first but after a few minutes I did too. I didn't want him to be alone.

Me: You didn't want your brother to get in trouble by himself?

Carter: Yah.

Marc: (at Anderson)Why didn't you just come talk to us?

Carter: He was being a problem solver!

After a few outbursts of laughter, Marc gave them high 5s for being problem solvers and sent them back downstairs to continue to be problem solvers since Anderson "still wasn't tired." Cool dad, yes? Well, punishment comes in tomorrow.

Nursing Matters

Two weeks ago, I realized my milk was drying up. It was such a complicated (because Ella refuses a bottle) and emotional situation (because I don't think I'll ever live down the guilt I feel about those sad two months last year when I was starving Christian and I didn't realize it). The only option I saw was to increase my supply so I started pumping after EVERY feeding and taking Fenugreek and thankfully, things are looking up at this point. Last Friday, I found Christian holding the motor to my pump. He was looking at the on switch and the frequency wheel and then, what did he do? Yep, he pulled up his shirt and placed the motor on his belly button. What a smart boy.

In other nursing matters, Ella has started biting, or rather pinching me since she doesn't have teeth yet. I flick her, just like I did the boys when they would do the same thing. Since she is still so young, I started out giving light flicks. But she would giggle at me, clearly not getting the point. So last time she "bit" me I really flicked her. Guess what, she still laughed at me. I truly am so grateful for such a good natured baby, but really?

And by the way, Christian started walking last week...just days before his 18 month birthday. It was a joyous day.