Once in a while... Griffin grabs a hold of his own bottle and holds it there for awhile.
Sometimes he likes to multi-task and play with his toys while he drinks his bottle.
Jesse & Mindy with our passel of children...
Friday, May 31, 2013
Griffin: Multi-tasker + Holding His Own Bottle
(May 10, 2013)
Once in a while... Griffin grabs a hold of his own bottle and holds it there for awhile.
Sometimes he likes to multi-task and play with his toys while he drinks his bottle.
Once in a while... Griffin grabs a hold of his own bottle and holds it there for awhile.
Sometimes he likes to multi-task and play with his toys while he drinks his bottle.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Fathers & Sons
(May 10, 2013)
Jesse does not like camping. He likes his own, comfortable bed. When he told me he wanted to take Lincoln & Parker to Fathers & Sons (ward campout), I was pretty surprised. He said he would just take them for dinner & then return home the same day. That was more Jesse's style. Camping... without camping.
It was in Pinto this year. Jesse said once there, Lincoln was pretty disappointed that they didn't bring a tent to set up. He also kept going around asking everyone where the marshmallows were. (I had built that up for him, because what kind of campout doesn't have s'mores?) Well, Lincoln never found any. I guess he didn't ask the right people. Jesse also said that once it was pretty late, Lincoln kept asking to go home. He finally just found the car, got inside, and buckled himself into his car seat. Asleep in 2 seconds. No pictures of the actual campout...
Jesse does not like camping. He likes his own, comfortable bed. When he told me he wanted to take Lincoln & Parker to Fathers & Sons (ward campout), I was pretty surprised. He said he would just take them for dinner & then return home the same day. That was more Jesse's style. Camping... without camping.
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| Ready to go! |
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| Lincoln (L) & Parker (R) |
Monday, May 27, 2013
Mellow
(May 7, 2013)
Earlier in the day, we decided to visit Mimi. She offered to watch the boys since she was going to be home anyway. Thank you!!! All morning and even at Mimi's house they were all little angels. They were ALL so mellow. When I picked them up, they were happy to get in the van. When we got home, all but Griffin had fallen asleep.
Fast forward 30 minutes later.............
I don't want to relive that hour + so I'm not going to tell you about it.
Well, here it is anyway... All 4 children sobbing/crying/screaming. Nothing I did helped any of them. I said a prayer and was able to stay calm. I realized I could only help one at a time, which I tried, didn't work, so I thought I would just wait until Jesse got home so he could help. I played with the babies. I held Parker. (I didn't try TV... I totally should have!) Jesse walked in and I said a silent prayer of thanks. Such a sweet, helpful husband he is. He is my super hero. Thank you, Jesse. I love you. We eventually got them all calmed down, but it really wasn't until their bedtime we were able to finally sigh a breath of relief.
I am VERY thankful this only happens once in a while.
Earlier in the day, we decided to visit Mimi. She offered to watch the boys since she was going to be home anyway. Thank you!!! All morning and even at Mimi's house they were all little angels. They were ALL so mellow. When I picked them up, they were happy to get in the van. When we got home, all but Griffin had fallen asleep.
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| Griffin |
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| I transferred Parker to the couch. |
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| Oliver |
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| Lincoln |
I don't want to relive that hour + so I'm not going to tell you about it.
Well, here it is anyway... All 4 children sobbing/crying/screaming. Nothing I did helped any of them. I said a prayer and was able to stay calm. I realized I could only help one at a time, which I tried, didn't work, so I thought I would just wait until Jesse got home so he could help. I played with the babies. I held Parker. (I didn't try TV... I totally should have!) Jesse walked in and I said a silent prayer of thanks. Such a sweet, helpful husband he is. He is my super hero. Thank you, Jesse. I love you. We eventually got them all calmed down, but it really wasn't until their bedtime we were able to finally sigh a breath of relief.
I am VERY thankful this only happens once in a while.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Petrified Dunes Hike in Snow Canyon State Park
(Apr. 27, 2013)
The next morning after the carousel & splash pad, we got another babysitter for the babies and took Lincoln and Parker out again.
I used to hike for a spa out in Ivins (25 minute drive from where we now live) so I know a ton of hikes in the area. I'm a little rusty since I haven't been hiking for them since January of 2010, but I knew the perfect hike to take our kids on. A short hike with giant mountains! So we did the Petrified Dunes hike in Snow Canyon State Park - about 30 minutes away.
They keep telling me they want to go back to the mountain and climb like spiders again. You boys are so cute. You are not allowed to grow up.
This time I wore out Jesse.
The next morning after the carousel & splash pad, we got another babysitter for the babies and took Lincoln and Parker out again.
I used to hike for a spa out in Ivins (25 minute drive from where we now live) so I know a ton of hikes in the area. I'm a little rusty since I haven't been hiking for them since January of 2010, but I knew the perfect hike to take our kids on. A short hike with giant mountains! So we did the Petrified Dunes hike in Snow Canyon State Park - about 30 minutes away.
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| Lincoln climbing "like a spider"! |
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| Parker climbing "like a spider", too! |
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| Lincoln (blue shirt) & Parker |
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| A cactus in bloom. "Don't touch it, Parker." Immediately following... he touched it. At least he touched the petals and not the spines. |
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| Found some shade! |
This time I wore out Jesse.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Carousel & Splash Pad
(Apr. 26, 2013)
I can't remember where I learned this, but when children are acting up and being little stinkers, it usually means one of their needs is not being met. That need is usually the need to feel loved and be heard (as long as they are not hungry or tired, that is!). When Lincoln (it's usually him...) is being a stinker, and I am somehow able to remember this and stay calm, I will stop what I'm doing and ask Lincoln to come talk to me. I usually give him a hug, tell him I love him, sit him on my lap, and ask him what is wrong or if there is anything he wants to tell me. Almost immediately he will calm down, tell me something that happened (which he's probably been trying to tell me for the last 45 minutes), and give me a hug back. Then he goes back to play and is so much happier and no longer a stinker. Don't fight fire with fire, right?
Lincoln and Parker had been acting up and being little stinkers the last couple days, so I knew they needed a little extra time and attention with Mom & Dad. I also had a burst of energy over this weekend and planned to take Lincoln and Parker on some adventures. We got a babysitter for the babies, so that way we could focus on the big boys (and join in the fun... and relax...).
Friday evening, we met up with Nathan & Audrey and their kids, Flora, Lola, & Ezra downtown at the carousel. We finally synced up with when the carousel was actually open! (Sorry, again, Rachel!) It's a fancy carousel that is semi-new to the area. All the kids were pretty excited to ride the "horseys"... all except Parker. We rode once, changed horses, and rode again. The first time we had the whole carousel all to ourselves.
The splash pad and lazy river are less than 100 yards away. I was a little silly not to bring their swimsuits. But at least we had some pajamas for them to change into afterward.
I have a little anxiety when I bring my kids into crowded, busy places. I worry I will lose track of them and they will be 2 blocks away by the time I find them. Is that a normal mom-feeling? Anyway... when I can plan ahead a little, I try to put my kids in bright colored clothes when we will be going to places like this. It makes it even easier if they are similar colors. Like green, for example:
They had so much fun! Plus, I love to wear them out. They tend to sleep better.
I can't remember where I learned this, but when children are acting up and being little stinkers, it usually means one of their needs is not being met. That need is usually the need to feel loved and be heard (as long as they are not hungry or tired, that is!). When Lincoln (it's usually him...) is being a stinker, and I am somehow able to remember this and stay calm, I will stop what I'm doing and ask Lincoln to come talk to me. I usually give him a hug, tell him I love him, sit him on my lap, and ask him what is wrong or if there is anything he wants to tell me. Almost immediately he will calm down, tell me something that happened (which he's probably been trying to tell me for the last 45 minutes), and give me a hug back. Then he goes back to play and is so much happier and no longer a stinker. Don't fight fire with fire, right?
Lincoln and Parker had been acting up and being little stinkers the last couple days, so I knew they needed a little extra time and attention with Mom & Dad. I also had a burst of energy over this weekend and planned to take Lincoln and Parker on some adventures. We got a babysitter for the babies, so that way we could focus on the big boys (and join in the fun... and relax...).
Friday evening, we met up with Nathan & Audrey and their kids, Flora, Lola, & Ezra downtown at the carousel. We finally synced up with when the carousel was actually open! (Sorry, again, Rachel!) It's a fancy carousel that is semi-new to the area. All the kids were pretty excited to ride the "horseys"... all except Parker. We rode once, changed horses, and rode again. The first time we had the whole carousel all to ourselves.
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| Parker & Daddy (I could not get a good picture of him since he was almost crying the whole time!) |
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| Flora riding with me, Audrey & Lola on the right in the back |
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| Parker with Daddy again |
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| Lola |
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| Audrey & Lola, Lincoln |
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| Nathan & Ezra |
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| Parker (finally happy after he was off that thing!) & Lola |
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| Jesse with Flora. She was very upset that we had to get off and kept saying "Horsey! Horsey!" |
The splash pad and lazy river are less than 100 yards away. I was a little silly not to bring their swimsuits. But at least we had some pajamas for them to change into afterward.
I have a little anxiety when I bring my kids into crowded, busy places. I worry I will lose track of them and they will be 2 blocks away by the time I find them. Is that a normal mom-feeling? Anyway... when I can plan ahead a little, I try to put my kids in bright colored clothes when we will be going to places like this. It makes it even easier if they are similar colors. Like green, for example:
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| Easy to spot, right? |
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| Parker was much happier with this activity! |
They had so much fun! Plus, I love to wear them out. They tend to sleep better.
long night's rest = well rested kids = good break for mom (& dad) = happy mom
"Flower Splinklers"
(Apr. 26, 2013)
I love it when Lincoln pronounces words with an extra "L"... like "splinklers" and "blanklet". As long as he grows out of it eventually... right? He is getting so good at talking. I can actually have a conversation with him now - if he's in the mood, anyway...
I love it when Lincoln pronounces words with an extra "L"... like "splinklers" and "blanklet". As long as he grows out of it eventually... right? He is getting so good at talking. I can actually have a conversation with him now - if he's in the mood, anyway...
The night before, when I took Parker on a little "day out", I saw this little hose attachment:
We went over to visit Mimi and show her the new flower sprinkler, but we got there right as she was leaving on an errand. We stayed anyway and tried out the new sprinkler in her backyard.
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| Getting a drink |
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Parker's Day Out with Mommy
(Apr. 25, 2013)
I love taking one of the big boys (yes, we call our children the big boys and the babies) out with just me on a little "day out". I let them pick what they want to do (with some strong suggestions... ahem) and incorporate it into some errands. Last day out was with Lincoln (clothes shopping + picking out a toy at Old Navy - he picked out little rubber ducks) so this time I took Parker with me.
First we went to Smashburger for a milkshake (ummmm... my favorite....).
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| Waiting for our shake... |
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| Cute haircut, Park Stone! |
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| Hiding... |
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| Parker was done with the camera and dug into his shake! |
Afterwards we went to TJ Maxx to get some hair products (if you like expensive hair products, try finding them there first... cheap-o compared to Target) and pick out one toy. Never buy a RC car from there. Piece of junk. I couldn't talk him out of it, though.
I love individual time with each of my boys. It helps me focus all my energy on them and helps me get to know them better and feel like they are the center of the universe for a night. I usually try to get Griffin and Oliver on the same schedule so life is more predictable (who am I kidding... so I get a break!), but sometimes their naps are off and I am holding one baby ALL DAY. But then I get to spend individual time with that baby, which is also nice. My house quickly falls apart and becomes a complete disaster... but who cares? When I spend quality time with my kids, and we all have a fun day together, who cares if all the clothes and towels in the whole house are [clean, but] heaped into a big pile in my bedroom?
Sunday, May 19, 2013
"Dog Poo on Mommy!"
(Apr. 24, 2013)
When Jesse or I lays down on the floor, we are asking for it, right?
By asking for it, I do not mean dog poo. The kids always twist my words... I meant dog pile, boys!
The funniest thing Parker does, however, is when one of us lays on the floor. He comes up and sits directly on my (or Jesse's) face. Thankfully, he's never had a dirty diaper and done that!
When Jesse or I lays down on the floor, we are asking for it, right?
By asking for it, I do not mean dog poo. The kids always twist my words... I meant dog pile, boys!
The funniest thing Parker does, however, is when one of us lays on the floor. He comes up and sits directly on my (or Jesse's) face. Thankfully, he's never had a dirty diaper and done that!
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Climbing into the Cribs
(Apr. 18, 2013)
Sometimes we get as far as hanging out in the babies' room. I think this day we played in there a good two hours. And they were, in fact, good. Lincoln discovered he is able to climb in the crib all by himself. And Parker, too. Then Lincoln wanted help getting out. Ha. Like that was going to happen. "You got yourself in there, now get yourself out." All his movements are with purpose and always very safe. So this was a challenge. It only took him 10 minutes to figure it out.
Parker was ready to semi-fling himself out, so I had to keep correcting his movements. He's my daring boy. He will stand on the armrest of the couch and jump to the floor. No hesitation. Jesse will sit him on top of the fridge and he will just giggle. I guess that explains why he's been in for stitches twice (two more times than Lincoln).
If I have the babies on the floor, I have to watch them. One minute they are happy and playing separately...
They are rolling around and spinning on their bellies. Only a matter of time before they are both crawling!
Sometimes we get as far as hanging out in the babies' room. I think this day we played in there a good two hours. And they were, in fact, good. Lincoln discovered he is able to climb in the crib all by himself. And Parker, too. Then Lincoln wanted help getting out. Ha. Like that was going to happen. "You got yourself in there, now get yourself out." All his movements are with purpose and always very safe. So this was a challenge. It only took him 10 minutes to figure it out.
Parker was ready to semi-fling himself out, so I had to keep correcting his movements. He's my daring boy. He will stand on the armrest of the couch and jump to the floor. No hesitation. Jesse will sit him on top of the fridge and he will just giggle. I guess that explains why he's been in for stitches twice (two more times than Lincoln).
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| "I'm sleeping, Mama. Wah, wah." |
If I have the babies on the floor, I have to watch them. One minute they are happy and playing separately...
...the next minute one is tackling the other.
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| Griffin (left) & Oliver (right) |
Monday, May 13, 2013
Found Some Pictures from Last Year (from Jesse's phone)...
(May 13, 2012)
Last Mother's Day weekend (a year ago: notice the date), Jesse had to be in SLC for a meeting on a Friday, so we made a trip out of it - one last trip before the babies were born. I'm not quite 4 months pregnant with the twins. We left Lincoln & Parker with Jesse's mom, Janet. How nice was that?! Babysitting over Mother's Day??! She's amazing. We went to the new City Creek Center (mall) Saturday. Sunday we toured the Conference Center & visited Temple Square. Crazy it's been a year!
_________________
(May 19, 2012)
Last year (2012), Jesse & I were called to be leaders of our ward Youth Conference. It turned out really well, with tons of help from our amazing committee, of course! Youth Conference was in June, when I was 5 months pregnant. Here was our itinerary:
· Thursday (June 14th)
o 3:30 – 4 PM: Arrive & Settle In
o 5:00 PM: Dinner
o 6:00 PM: Finish Settling In / Games
o 7:00 PM: Fireside (Michael Bedard)
o 8:30 PM: Movies
o 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Games / Pool
· Friday (June 15th)
o 5:00 AM: Wake
o 5:30 AM: Leave for Hike
o 6:00 AM: Start Hike
o 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Hike & Program
o 8:30 AM: Breakfast at Vernon Park
o 9:30 – 11:15 AM: Cemetery Scavenger Hunt & Service Project; Back to Santa Clara
o 12:00 PM: Lunch; Rest & Relax
o 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Workshops
o 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Games / Relax
o 5:30 PM: Dinner
o 7:00 PM: Fireside (Missionaries); Bishop Salmon; Testimony Meeting
o 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Games / Pool
· Saturday (June 16th)
o 9:00 AM: Breakfast
o 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Clean up and Shuttle kids home
We actually held it at Jesse's parents home in Santa Clara. I was in charge of leading the hike (yes, they knew I was pregnant with twins). First, I made sure I remembered the hike by leading a few ladies from my ward.
_________________
(May 29, 2012)
_________________
(Nov. 5, 2012)
Mom's always take pictures of their husbands sleeping with the baby, right? They are 3 months old here (finally newborn-sized).
_________________
(Dec. 11, 2012)
Our ward has a tradition of having a Christmas Party in the culdesac over on Kennedy Place. Chili & cornbread. It's cold, so the scouts are in charge of the fires. Lincoln (pyro) was fascinated with the fires and kept adding wood to the cans. Stinker.
_________________
(Mar. 24, 2013)
The day after Amelia's funeral (Sunday) we all decided to show up at Ashley & Kurt's ward. Since everyone from Jesse's family that doesn't live in St. George was returning to their homes, we had a quick lunch at Kurt & Ashley's home. We brought everything and mostly cleaned up (I hope!). While I was helping get lunch ready, Jesse held the babies. I still think it's funny to see someone holding two babies. That is a lot of babies!
Last Mother's Day weekend (a year ago: notice the date), Jesse had to be in SLC for a meeting on a Friday, so we made a trip out of it - one last trip before the babies were born. I'm not quite 4 months pregnant with the twins. We left Lincoln & Parker with Jesse's mom, Janet. How nice was that?! Babysitting over Mother's Day??! She's amazing. We went to the new City Creek Center (mall) Saturday. Sunday we toured the Conference Center & visited Temple Square. Crazy it's been a year!
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| Temple Square on Sunday |
_________________
(May 19, 2012)
Last year (2012), Jesse & I were called to be leaders of our ward Youth Conference. It turned out really well, with tons of help from our amazing committee, of course! Youth Conference was in June, when I was 5 months pregnant. Here was our itinerary:
· Thursday (June 14th)
o 3:30 – 4 PM: Arrive & Settle In
o 5:00 PM: Dinner
o 6:00 PM: Finish Settling In / Games
o 7:00 PM: Fireside (Michael Bedard)
o 8:30 PM: Movies
o 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Games / Pool
· Friday (June 15th)
o 5:00 AM: Wake
o 5:30 AM: Leave for Hike
o 6:00 AM: Start Hike
o 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Hike & Program
o 8:30 AM: Breakfast at Vernon Park
o 9:30 – 11:15 AM: Cemetery Scavenger Hunt & Service Project; Back to Santa Clara
o 12:00 PM: Lunch; Rest & Relax
o 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Workshops
o 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Games / Relax
o 5:30 PM: Dinner
o 7:00 PM: Fireside (Missionaries); Bishop Salmon; Testimony Meeting
o 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Games / Pool
· Saturday (June 16th)
o 9:00 AM: Breakfast
o 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Clean up and Shuttle kids home
We actually held it at Jesse's parents home in Santa Clara. I was in charge of leading the hike (yes, they knew I was pregnant with twins). First, I made sure I remembered the hike by leading a few ladies from my ward.
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| (L-R) Sunnie, Jandee, Sandy, & me |
(May 29, 2012)
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| Lincoln (nervously) holding a lizard |
(Nov. 5, 2012)
Mom's always take pictures of their husbands sleeping with the baby, right? They are 3 months old here (finally newborn-sized).
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| Oliver on left, Griffin on right |
(Dec. 11, 2012)
Our ward has a tradition of having a Christmas Party in the culdesac over on Kennedy Place. Chili & cornbread. It's cold, so the scouts are in charge of the fires. Lincoln (pyro) was fascinated with the fires and kept adding wood to the cans. Stinker.
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| Parker (left), Daddy (middle), & Lincoln (right) |
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| Mommy with Griffin (L) & Oliver (R) |
(Mar. 24, 2013)
The day after Amelia's funeral (Sunday) we all decided to show up at Ashley & Kurt's ward. Since everyone from Jesse's family that doesn't live in St. George was returning to their homes, we had a quick lunch at Kurt & Ashley's home. We brought everything and mostly cleaned up (I hope!). While I was helping get lunch ready, Jesse held the babies. I still think it's funny to see someone holding two babies. That is a lot of babies!
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| Oliver (L) & Griffin (R) |
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