Bunny Prints and Harry Potter

The Easter Bunny came to our house Sunday morning and left some powder-white footprints in our living room and stairway. Cameron and Jenny were so excited about it. Cameron came into our room and whispered, "Mama, Daddy! The Easter Bunny came and he left footprints!" They got flashlights in their baskets so they shined them on the prints and investigated. "It's so mysterious," Cameron said. Jenny was more focused on her little baby that she got in her basket along with some candy. Cameron got a truck and Eric got a digger. They all seemed pretty happy. Even though they were excited about the Easter Bunny, we still talked about the true meaning of Easter- that Jesus Christ died for us so that we may live. It's really hard to get it into their heads when they're having candy thrown at them from every direction, but I think they got it.

We went to my sister's house Saturday to celebrate Easter with her. My dad came up with a new nickname for Eric- Harry Potter. You see, Eric has this obsession with straws. He will hold on to it for hours at a time, switching hands if necessary. My parents were amazed that he held onto this straw the entire day- approximately 8am to after 8pm. So my dad calls him Harry Potter with his magic wand. Eric's been really moody today and the only way I got him calmed down earlier was with a straw. I don't know. Cameron's obsessed with his blanket, Jenny with mommies and babies, and now Eric with straws. To each his own I guess.

Eric at 14 Months Old!

Eric is wearing his "My First Colorado Shirt" t-shirt that Nana Wahoo got him. Isn't he adorable?!

Happy Spring!

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful day it is! I told the kids this morning, "You'll need to wear your jackets this morning, but by the time I pick up Cameron from preschool, you won't need them. That's how warm it'll be." Well, they really didn't need them in the morning either. It had to be over 70 degrees. I was sweating in the sun! Can you believe it? It was snowing not even two weeks ago! So we spent a good part of the afternoon outside playing on the deck because it was still too muddy to play in the yard. Eric got bored in his exersaucer though. I didn't want him to crawl all over the deck because it was wet (from all of the toys that were filled with water that we had to dump out) and dirty and there was junk on it that I didn't want him to get into. Plus, it's hard. So I'll have to think of other things for him to do outside while the others are playing. Jenny is totally tuckered out. She's passed out on the couch right now.

Eric is 14 months old today. In the past month, he has mastered the art of crawling, said "uh-oh", and gives us high fives (actually low fives). He amazes me everyday. He is so intelligent and observant. He may be slow with crawling, standing, walking, etc., but I really think he is wise beyond his years. You know that phrase,"he's an old soul?" Well, I think that applies to Eric. You can just see it in his eyes and with the different looks he gives us. I have totally enjoyed the past 14 months with him. Watching him grow and develop and change has been so rewarding. I have definately savored every moment with him in his short life so far. And I can't wait to see what is to come in the next month.

Baby Shower and then some...

Ok, so I don't have any pictures yet (I was busy doing other things- I didn't have time to take pictures), but once my sister sends them to me, I will post them. The shower went well. Everyone had a good time and mostly everyone showed up despite the snow storm. The cake, you ask? Well, the cake was a disappointment to say the least. It was a double layer classic white with lavender frosting. That's the part I did. Because I ran out of time and patience, I had to have Scott write "Anna and Eva" on it and decorate it with two binkys and some candy. It did not come out as I anticipated. But it tasted good! My sister got a butt load of gifts and even more yesterday at her New York shower. I don't think she'll be needing anything for at least 6 months. And only then will she need bigger clothes for the girls and maybe some formula if she's done breastfeeding by then. Congrats Angela! You made out well.

Eric is officially a crawling monster. I knew he had to grow up eventually so I'm not too sad about it. It's extremely cute watching his little butt as he manuevers down the hall into Cameron and Jenny's room. He's so excited about it too. And so is Scott. As soon as he gets home from work and Eric hears his voice, Eric crawls over to the gate at the stairs and greets his beloved Daddy. It's adorable and maybe someday it will happen to me when I get home. If I ever go out without the kids.

Jenny is obsessed with babies and mommies. There is this mommy and baby girl at church that she just has to look at and be with. Then there's my friend, Devanie, who just had a baby girl last week. Jenny has to look at pictures of them at least once a day (usually more) and is determined to hop a plane to visit them. It's pure craziness. I mean, it's cute, don't get me wrong, but it gets a little annoying at times. I love her though.

Cameron had some trouble readjusting to preschool after our trip to Jersey, but he seems to be back to normal now. He's got his own little friends and makes cute crafts and pictures. He's so proud of himself and I am so proud of him. He's also been doing really good with going poopy in the potty. He had an accident today, but besides that, he's been doing very well. He's had such a hard time with this poopy in the potty thing. I'm so proud that he's finally getting it. I think my patience has payed off on this one. Now I have to work on Jenny...

Jersey Pic

The frozen canal behind my sister's house. You can't really tell that it's frozen from this picture, but it sure is pretty.

It's Snowing!

I love the snow. It is so pretty outside right now. Snowflakes of all shapes and sizes dropping from the sky. Life cannot get any better than this. However, my sister's baby shower is tomorrow so this lovelyness better stop soon. At least I have the whole day to stay home and prepare for party and bake the cake. But I am a little concerned about my hair appointment tonight. I haven't had my hair done in months and I really don't want this appointment cancelled. So I guess we'll see what the weather brings.

My trip to New Jersey was nice. It was great spending time with my sister and seeing and feeling her belly (it's really weird to see your sister pregnant), but it didn't help my foot much. I was probably better off staying home. At least at home I would've been able to stick to a routine and the kids would've had all their toys to play with and their beds to sleep in, etc. My sister tried to take care of me, but she's pregnant and she has her own life and her own things to do. It did snow, though, so that was nice. The canal behind her house was frozen which I had never seen before. So this week I've just been hobbling around the house, taking Cameron to preschool, and getting some shopping done for the shower. If I hold on to a shopping cart or a stroller, it helps my balance so I can move a little bit faster. The biggest pain? Having to take off the boot to drive and put it back on when I get out of the car. Picking up and dropping off Cameron is annoying as well as getting gas. Errrr. But this too shall pass and I'm dealing with it a lot better as I get used to being disabled.

So I'll let you all know how the shower went. I'm planning on baking an incredible cake, so I'll make sure I post some pictures.

My Aching Foot!

Isn't this boot sexy?

So my foot has been hurting me for about two weeks now. I don't remember doing anything to it- it just started hurting. I put off going to the doctor because I thought maybe it would just go away on its own. Plus, I didn't want the doctor to tell me there was nothing wrong, which is usually what happens to me. Anyway, the other day I just couldn't take it anymore. So I called the doctor and made an appointment. I dropped Cameron off at preschool this morning and Scott met me at the orthopedist's office to watch the kids. The doctor took x-rays and examined my foot. The diagnosis: a stress fracture. What?! How could this have happened??? I have no freakin' idea, but now I have to wear this huge boot for a month and use crutches. I have to stay off my foot as much as possible. Yeah right. I'm a mother of three little ones! How am I going to do this?! My wonderful, pregnant sister offered her services by inviting me to stay with her in Jersey. I'm considering it. Her house is one level unlike mine and she would be home with me more than Scott would if I were to stay home. Plus, she could make meals too. I just feel bad cause she's pregnant with twins. If I go down there, she's going to have to take care of me and my three kids as well as herself and her growing belly. What to do, what to do. Meanwhile, I still have things to do for her shower. Namely, shopping, which I must say is very difficult with crutches. Errrr. I know this has happened for a reason and I can't wait to figure out what that reason is!

Snow!

Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that I loooooove the snow. So far this winter, we gotten two dustings and one ice storm. Not very impressive. However, last night we got a real snow. Nice white, fluffy, covered the grass, snow plows came, schools closed real snow. I love it! Scott is cursing me now. "Of course you love it...you don't have to go out in it," he tells me. Well, yeah! Duh! So what should I do today to celebrate? With 2 out of 3 kids sick, I really don't know. Maybe I can bake cookies. But then the kids are going to want to help and I really don't want them sneezing in the dough. We can watch a movie, but it'll probably end up being one of the kid's movies that I have seen a million times. Or I can make a cup of hot chocolate and curl up with a good book by the window. That sounds good. I know, I'm a nerd. But that is really my idea of the perfect day. Onto other things, my sister's baby shower is in less than a month. I can't really get into details about it since she may check my blog. She knows the date and that's about it. I still have to get some prizes for the games. Any ideas? I have a few more favors to make and lots more shopping to do. Other than that, I'm just waiting for RSVPs. They are not coming in as quickly as I thought they would. I hope I don't have to start calling people. I guess we'll see. And I have another question...why are girls so dramatic??? Every time Jenny sneezes and boogers come out, she totally freaks out. And everything is exaggerated cause she's sick. So every little thing that isn't perfect just sets her off. Now Cameron, on the other hand, just kind of lays around and wants to be left alone. He likes the attention when I give it to him, but he doesn't go looking for it like she does. She's just really irritating me right now, but I love her and I do feel bad for her cause she's sick and miserable. I can only hope Eric doesn't get this sickness because he's miserable enough now that his two bottom teeth are coming in. I must go mediate between the sick ones now...

It's Official!

Eric on his 1st Birthday!

Eric got his first tooth! Yay! It's about time, really. He is almost 13 months old. And he is still not crawling or walking yet. I'm not really worried though. He scoots around and has his brother and sister bring him everything he wants or needs. I'm enjoying his babylike behavior. Besides, the faster he grows up the faster I'm going to want to have another baby. And, no, I'm not pregnant. I thought I was, but I'm not, which is fine because I'm totally not ready yet. Cameron started preschool and that has been wonderful for all of us. However, until Jenny gets potty trained and starts preschool herself, I can't even think about having another baby. Plus, we need to purchase a minivan. I love my SUV, but it's getting ridiculous in there! Nothing else new here. Scott's working, I'm homemaking, Cameron's in preschool, Jenny's psychotic (I say that with all the love in my heart), and Eric's our slow child (again, I say that so lovingly). I know I have been neglecting my blog, but once I get used to my new schedule, I should be a little more loving towards my cyber-friend. Til next time (hopefully less than a month away!)...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a pretty good day for me actually, except it didn't snow. I got some phone calls and e-mails and was serenaded by the missionaries from church and then by my dad. My kids were pretty good to me most of the day. Scott brought home Subway for dinner and then gave me my gifts: a lighted cow (like the reindeer that go on your lawn at Christmastime) which I wanted really bad last month, a beautiful cake pedestal with a cover, and a book that I really wanted. My sister came over the night before and brought me a cake and a gift card. And tonight we're going out to dinner with my parents. I think Scott has something planned for tomorrow night too. We'll see. So on the kids' birthdays this past year, we took them to get their pictures taken. Yesterday, Cameron said to me, "Today is your birthday and you're gonna get your picture taken and go to the store (like he went to the toy store on his birthday)." I was like, "Really? I get to go to the toy store?" I didn't go to the toy store, but I did take a late night trip to Stop and Shop to get dog food and some other stuff we needed to get through the day. So I picked up a soap opera magazine that I wanted and some chocolate. Happy Birthday to me!

Paninis and Princesses

I got a panini maker for Christmas and I absolutely looooooove it! Last week, I made turkey paninis with bacon, cheese, tomato, and avacado ranch dressing on sourdough bread. It was sooooooo yummy! Tonight I'm thinking about making Reuben paninis with corned beef, swiss cheese, saurkraut, and thousand island dressing. Or maybe a prosuitto and mozarella panini. I don't know. You can also make desserts too. So much fun!!! Onto other things...last night we took Cameron and Jennifer to see Disney on Ice. It was amazing! They were mesmerized, especially Jenny when the princesses skated with their princes. Mickey and Minnie were there with their gang, Nemo, the Incredibles, Toy Story, Pinocchio, and more that I can't remember. It was such a good time and such a good family experience too. I wish we could've taken Eric, but it was kind of late and he may not have enjoyed it as much as I hoped he would. So he stayed at my mother-in-law's and played with her. He missed us though. I think he's going through a separation anxiety thing now. He goes on a hunger strike whenever we leave him with a sitter. Poor little man.

Going Postal

So the other day I almost went postal. I was so tired from being up all night with Eric, who was coughing like a maniac. I was so tired of being puked on by two of my three children. And I was so tired of Scott having a headache and staying in bed all day while I took care of sick kids. So I left. I told Scott ofcourse, and then went to Target to get some stuff on clearance, went to Staples, and then went to my parents house where they fed me and made me feel better. I'm better now. My kids are done puking (at least I think they are), and Scott isn't mad at me anymore (at least I think he's not). On a lighter note, yesterday Cameron told me that when he gets as tall as me, he's going to help me clean the bathroom. I was like, "That's awesome buddy! I'm gonna hold you to that!" Seriously though, Cameron is a great little helper. He would just rather help Daddy outside than Mommy inside- unless I'm cooking. I can't believe he's going to be starting preschool soon. It seems like yesterday that he was snoozing on my chest in the hospital. Now he's a little man. ::sniffle sniffle::

Happy New Year!

Oh have I missed blogging! One of my many New Year's resolutions is to blog more regularly. School, Christmas, and illness have taken up so much of my time. So school is out until the end of January, Christmas is over (thank goodness!), and everyone seems to be healthy (at least today they do). I was thinking today about how this year was really boring for me and realized something- only the second part of the year was boring. In January, I had a baby (that's pretty exciting, I must say), I had a really cool baby shower where I got to create bonds with new friends, I went to the temple for the first time and was sealed to my wonderful family, I got a new-used car, took trips to Virginia, New Jersey, and Colorado, and started teaching the nursery class at church. I'm sure there are some great things that I missed, but that was an excellent start, huh? Some things to look forward to in 2007: my birthday (in 10 days), Eric's 1st birthday, the birth of my twin nieces, planning an awesome baby shower, more school, another trip to Colorado and many more to Jersey, the possibility of moving south, a new minivan, Cameron starting preschool, and many other things that I can't think of at the moment cause my kids are bothering me. I also plan to finish writing the novel I started. Any babies this year for me? Probably not. I'm not ready to be pregnant again and I'm sure as heck not ready to have another newborn in this crazy house. Plus, I want to enjoy watching my sister go through the trauma of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting X 2. I think this will be a fun year. And I shall start it off with a medium rare steak, baked potato, and shrimp cocktail. Yum! Well, I'm off to the kitchen. Happy New Year!

::SCREAM::

I want to scream right now! I am so frustrated! Eric is so tired and and is crying non-stop and won't fall asleep. Cameron and Jennifer have been fighting all morning and I am trying to write a paper for school! I just want to put the three of them in a bubble for a while- just until I get my work done. Then we can go back to crying and fighting. Do you think that is possible?

Jennifer's Wedding

My Little Bride!
Today, Jenny saw a picture of Scott and I at my sister's wedding. She started talking about her wedding at the temple and her husband. Then she wrapped her blanket around her and called it her wedding dress. It's amazing what kids know. I asked her where her husband was now and she said he's at school, so I guess he's older than her. Then I asked her what his name was and she said "sister" and when I asked her again she said "babysitter." What that means I do not know, but it was cute. So plan for a summer wedding (note the sandels) to an older man in about 20 years or so.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with my sister-in-law, coincidentally named Kristina as well, and her wonderful family. We all had a great time except two of her kids were sick and rather lathargic. They, too, got the Fever-Coughing Virus and have now returned it to my kids who are all sick yet again. It doesn't seem as bad the second time around. Thanksgiving was great though. Kristina made yummy food. She barbecued the turkey, made delicious stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean cassarole (from stratch), really yummy sweet potato cassarole, and gravy. We also had an array of pies to chose from at dessert. Pecan pie, apple pie, pumkin cheesecake, and my pumpkin pie. All of the cookies I made were pretty much gone before dessert. They held us all over while dinner was being prepared. The next day while watching the food network, I came up with a yummy day-after-Thanksgiving samdwich recipe. Everyone seemed to enjoy my concoction. Overall, we had a really good time. We just wish we could've spent more time with Kristina and her husband without the kids. You know, like go out to dinner or something. But I got to go to Target twice- once with Kristina and once with Scott and Eric. I love Target! It has to be the best store around. So Cameron and Jennifer have been talking about going back to see their cousins ever since we pulled out of their driveway. I think they are bored now. I'm trying to give them a lesson everyday to teach them their letters and numbers. They seem to like it. It gives them some structured time in the day. Eric likes it too because I always read a story. I'm a very animated reader and he gets a kick out of it. He'll probably have his letters and numbers down before he can speak. All of a sudden he'll just start reading at like 18 months or something. He's a smart little lad. A crabby one lately, but very smart and very cute. So now we all prepare for Christmas...

The Fever-Coughing Virus

Here is Jenny passed out on the couch during her fever-coughing virus. One time she actually fell asleep while sitting up. It was cute, but we felt really bad for her. She was miserable. This virus was evil. It passed though the house leaving its mark on every member of the family. I shall go around the house with a can of Lysol. Out darn virus, out I say! One, two! (Macbeth, anyone?)

Teeth, Santa, and Cookies

Eric got his first tooth on the 16th! He's almost 10 months old and just gettting his first tooth. All of my kids got their teeth late, but I think he is the latest. It's OK though. He's my baby! Jennifer said something cute the other day. She told me she wanted the Little Mermaid Beauty Salon for Christmas and I told her She'd have to see what Santa would bring her. So with all the seriousness in the world, she said, "Mama, I'm going to go to the North Pole and talk to Santa." Then she went on and on about the reindeer and the snow and everything else. It was very cute. Right now we're making pumpkin cookies. Since we're going to be guests at my sister-in-law's house this Thanksgiving, I figured we'd help out a little by baking a whole bunch of goodies to bring with us. Pumpkin cookies today pumkin pie tomorrow and maybe some oatmeal cookies as well. Ahhh, I love to bake. And so does Cameron. He's pretty good at cracking eggs, too, especially for a four year old.

Yeah, I know I haven't posted in a while. I apologize. We have all been so sick. I cannot get rid of my cold, Scott was on death's door, and now my poor Cameron and Jennifer are miserable. Even Eric is starting to get a little cough. I can't take this anymore! I've also been busy with school too. And Mary Kay. And the election. And with all of us sitting home being sick, there hasn't been much to write about. Last night, I went out with some friends from church and had a really good time. Whenever I'm out with them, I forget about all of the stress at home. The spirit is so strong and I am at peace with myself. I also get so inspired to do things too. I am so grateful for such wonderful friends! Unfortunately, one of them is moving away next week and I'm really sad about that. All of my friends keep moving away from me! Is it something I said?! I know it's hard living in this expensive state of ours, so I understand everyone's decision to relocate, but it's still sad. :( I miss you too! I will post more in the coming days.

Yay!

The parties went very well. My Pampered Chef party was lots of fun and the kids' birthday party was wonderful. My house was packed with family and the kids got lots of clothes and toys. Then, I got sick. I had and kind of still have a chest cold with a really annoying cough. Now Scott has it, but worse than I did. And Eric is sneezing with a runny nose. He has his 9 month check up tomorrow and I don't think he is going to get his shots. We are also going to get Cameron's picture taken cause it's his 4th birthday tomorrow! I cannot believe that 4 years ago at this moment he was in my belly. And now look at him. It's amazing. It makes the 30 hours of labor worth it. So...onto bigger and even better news- my sister is pregnant, which is awesome cause I'm going to be an auntie and now we can be mommies together. She had her ultrasound yesterday and guess what? There's two babies in there! Twins! That's just so freaky to me. My sister is pregnant with twins. Wow! I already started shopping for stuff for the baby (when I thought there was just one) and planning the shower. Now I have to start buying two of everything. Devanie, I'm going to need your help! You're the best at getting the most for your money and at planning baby showers! Help!