Happy 5th Birthday, Taylor!

Our Taylor turned 5 on April 23rd! It is so hard to believe that she is 5! Taylor has been an absolute joy to have in our family and brings so much fun and love into our home. She is constantly seeking ways to make others happy. She is very artistic, loves the color pink, loves to dance and play dress up (occassionally I will find her in my make up drawer putting on lipstick and eyeshadow she even did my make up the other day. She said she wanted me to "look pretty for daddy." I ended up with 3 layers of different colors of lipstick on that went up to my nose and tons of blue eyeshadow on--ooh la la!), she loves to play with her brothers and friends, she is very loyal, sometimes,very, dramatic (but aren't all girls?!), very sweet and kind, loves to watch the Berenstein Bears, loves to play computer games (especially Dora the Explorer), she is a great helper, and the list could go on...

Her birthday this year was very dramatic! Blake suffered from another ear infection (his ear drum burst, again!), exactly 1 week after the previous one had started, and Luke came down with a high fever, the day before, that continued throughout the week. She woke up in the morning telling everyone what day it was (her birthday!) and just couldn't wait for the birthday celebrations to begin. Her Grandma made tutu's for her friend party and Devon made her a special t-shirt for her birthday, so she wore both around the house all day. That morning, I took Blake to the doctor to have his ear checked and to have Luke looked at as well. Blake is on more antibiotics (I think we're going on 30 days straight, now) and has an appointment to see the ENT, about having tubes in his ears, in May. Luke, just had a flu virus. I think we are going on 6weeks straight of illness in our home--aaahhhhh! We still made sure Taylor's day was great! We made cupcakes for her to take to preschool for her birthday. She had a blast putting the sprinkles on them. I think I am still finding sprinkles on the floor, oh-well. Devon brought home a special ice cream cake from Baskin Robins, which we all loved!

Since Luke wasn't feeling good, Taylor thought it would make him feel better if he helped her open her presents. She put a pile of presents on her lap and some on Luke's. That was very sweet of her to think of Luke and try to make him feel better. She got, as she said, "just what I wanted..." clothes! She's such a girl! Both her grandparents sent her clothes for her birthday and then she got a Belle princess polly pocket from Luke.

Saturday was her friend party. It was a Dancing Princess party! I made her a special Barbie cake, which she loved! It is so fun having a girl because I love to do all of the girly stuff for her! She woke up that morning so excited and then an hour later started crying that her stomach was hurting. I thought for sure I was going to have to cancel the party, but then gave her some motrin and a half hour later she was jumping around again, ready for the party to start.

Luke's fever was finally over on Friday, and he was ready to have some fun! You can tell he still looks a little pale in the picture, but we were glad he was feeling better. He didn't seem to mind the "princess" theme, he was just excited to play with and tease all of Taylor's friends.

We invited Taylor's best friends Abby and Abbie. These girls are always so cute together

And, we couldn't forget Avery, Taylor's favorite friend from preschool last year as well as a couple of other good friends from church.

We had each girl decorate a treasure box with a princess crown, rhinestones, glitter glue, and flowers. They loved them and turned out so cute! Blake woke up from his nap halfway through the party and was so excited to see all of the kids. We also had the girls go on a treasure hunt where they collected tutu's, headbands, batons, stickers, candy, rhinestones, and rings. They all had a blast. They thought it was so funny when I cut into the cake. They kept joking around saying that the princess had a hole in her dress. It was a very fun party!

Once everyone left, Taylor had a meltdown. I think the motrin wore off and she was worn out. She collapsed on the couch and fell asleep. When she woke up she had a fever. Oh, yes, she now has what Luke had. Today is Monday and she still has a fever. Blake has a small fever too! This last week I had my carpets cleaned and washed all my windows inside and out. I am determined to get whatever bug is lingering in our house out and get everyone well. I register Taylor for Kindergarten on Wednesday--unbelievable! I can't believe my baby is going to Kindergarten! It's hard to imagine that there was ever a time in my life that she wasn't around. It feels as if she's been a part of my life forever! Happy Birthday,Taylor, we love you!

Nothing Like A Pedicure!

We went out last night with our good friends, Amanda and Lance and their son Gavin, to our favorite polynesian restaurant, Da Kitchen. The teriyaki chicken and mac salad are to die for. I, actually, had unthawed some steaks, had potatoes baking in the oven, and the barbeque heating when Amanda called to see if we wanted to go out with them. We can never turn down Da Kitchen, so I turned off the oven, the bbq, put the steaks in the fridge, and loaded up the kids to go. While we were out, Amanda and I decided that we both needed some pampering. We planned to meet up this morning for pedicures. While we were out, Lance dropped by the house with donuts so he and Devon could hang out and have some "guy" time. It was definitely some well-deserved pampering that we both needed. Don't my toes (the pink ones!) look so cute! It's been, at least, a year since my last pedicure. I forgot how much I enjoyed having them done!

That's A Bummer!

Yesterday Devon stayed home from work sick. Today, now that he is back at work, Luke has constantly been asking me, "Where is Daddy?" I keep telling him he is at work. All day, he has been asking me "why?" "Why, why, why, why, why?" I tried to explain to him that Daddy has to work so we can pay our bills (why?), so we can buy food (why?). Then the conversation turned to "why do we need food?" I told him we need food so our bodies can grow. Finally, more questions about why we need food. So, I finally told him that our bodies would die without food. That ended his questions and he said, "Oh, that's bad. That would be a bummer." I thought that was so cute.

Elder Hissong

Last night the missionaries came over to visit with our family. It has been a while since the missionaries have come to our house. Taylor and Luke love the missionaries and get so excited (or should I say wild?!) to have them over. We met Elder Hissong who is from Nashville. When we discovered he is from Nashville, we told him my parents recently moved there. He asked what part, we told him Brentwood, and as the conversation continued we discovered that his home ward is my parents ward. He doesn't know my parents since he left for his mission as they arrived in Nashville. However, he was so ecstatic to meet people who had a connection to home. It was cute to watch him reflect on Nashville and to describe the streets you would take to get to his house from my parents house. Now that we have met him, we will keep an eye on him and pass along reports to my parents to give to his parents. I guess his mom is the R.S. president in my parents ward. Mom and Dad, you can tell his parents that he has a lot of contacts and seems to be experiencing a lot of success in this area. He was very genuine, kind, and sweet. You can tell he really misses his family and Nashville, but loves San Diego. What a small world, huh!

Beary is Saved!

For those of you who don't know "Beary," let me introduce you. My senior year in high school, Devon gave me this adorable bear with our Homecoming picture on it as a present for Christmas. I remember opening the gigantic box with this huge bear inside wondering what the heck I was going to do with it. Then, I graduated and went to Ricks. I made my parents pack the big bear in the car with all of my stuff. I'm sure my parents were secretly rolling their eyes thinking this was the most riddiculous thing to have to pack and take to school. But, I was so in love with Devon that I wanted everything I owned and that reminded me of him with me. At school, I perched the bear up on a shelf in my room (Carol, do you remember that?) along with all of my pictures of Devon and I. It's hard to believe I still have this bear, but the kids love it! Taylor has used this bear as her sleeping pal for quite some time now. She named him "Beary." Not too long ago, Taylor was really sick and threw up, during the middle of the night, all over him. We thought that might be the end of Beary. Luckily, Devon rushed him outside (during the middle of the night) and sprayed him off with the hose. We didn't know if that would save Beary or if he would forever wreak of throw up. Taylor has been so sad and missed sleeping with Beary at night. Now, after what has seemed like forever (maybe 2 months), Beary has aired out, no longer smells like throw up, and is saved! HALLELUJAH!

Top 10 Ways to Survive Having 3 Kids!

I recently had a friend ask me if I had any advice to give her on preparing to have her third child. She went on to mention that she thought I really seemed to be coping well and have my life all put together. I am flattered, but, if only she really knew... No, really, the times that I am not screaming in a pillow and ready to pull my hair out, I think I have found ways to cope and survive.

10. Bath Time
The kids love the bath and would play in the bath for hours if I let them. I often put Taylor and Luke in the tub in my bathroom so I can watch them while I fold clothes or just sit and watch t.v. They are so content in the bath that it gives me some time to re-group and have some time to myself.

9. My Kids Clubhouse
This is an indoor play place that goes beyond McDonalds. I often go there with a friend or by myself and the kids play and play and play for hours. I can sit and talk with a friend or read a book or magazine while they play. It's great!

8. TOYS!
I keep some toys upstairs and downstairs. When they are tired of certain toys I rotate them and it's like having a new toy all over again. I have even swapped toys with a neighbor. This is an easy way to get new toys without breaking the bank. I do admit, however, when it seems they have lost all interest in the toys they have I do (sometimes) buy new ones. Is it possible to have too many toys?!

7. Bubbles, Sandbox, Chalks, Bikes, playdoh, arts and crafts, and Books
These are all activities that can be done at home! I think the difficult part of having 3 kids is going places. So, the more we have to do at home, the better. It also gets them outside to enjoy the fresh air, which is good too!

6. "Quiet Movie Time"
When Luke stopped taking naps, I invented this as a secret way to get him to sometimes fall asleep and let me sleep as well. I put Blake down for a nap and then tell them it is "quiet movie time." We all head up to my room, I put a movie on, and we all lay down to "watch" the movie. More often than not, Luke (and sometimes Taylor) will fall asleep and I get a nap too! I love quiet movie time.

5. Avoid Target, the grocery store, and other shopping as much as possible
Loading 3 kids into the car, all in car seats, and dragging them around to do shopping is so much work! I always break a sweat. Now that Blake is older, it is a lot easier, but at the beginning I just told myself that we wouldn't go anywhere, so when we did I was really proud of myself!

4. Tivo
This is a magnificent invention! It records all of mine and the kids favorite shows and they are always available with the click of a button. Later afternoon is when all of the cartoons are over for the day, so if the kids are whining or if I'm trying to make dinner, I just turn on a show! I never miss any of my favorite shows either. After the kids go to bed, Devon and I spend time watching some of our favorite shows. If it wasn't for Tivo, I would always miss American Idol! I love Tivo!

3. Learn to let go!
Of course, this is something that I am still working at! But, the days that I relax and let go, I am much more calm and happy. Even though a messy house and dirty laundry still drives me crazy. I have to remind myself that one day the kids won't be little anymore and I will have time to get all of these things done. So, I should enjoy them while they're young...they're already growing up so fast! So, put off housework and laundry occassionally and laugh and have fun!

2. You Time!
I find that Exercising with an ipod with all of my favorite songs is what makes me the most happy. Devon recently reminded me of a quote from my favorite movie Legally Blonde where she says: "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill their husbands." Well, this is so true! The days I exercise and find time for myself, I am a happier mom and wife and don't feel like "killing" my husband or kids!. Working on my blog fills that too! Some songs that I really enjoy to listen to that help me escape, while exercising, doing dishes, or whatever (to name a few) are:
1) Irreplaceable--Beyonce
2) Dierks Bentley (I love him)
3) Every Time I Hear Your Name--Keith Anderson
4) Red High Heels--Kellie Pickler
5) Kenny Chesney (I love him too)
6) Mr. Mom & Front Porch Looking In--Lonestar
7) Just Another day in Paradise & In a Real Love--Phil Vassar
8) The Taliban Song--Toby Keith
9) Hot Mama--Trace Adkins
10) The Sweet Escape--Gwen Stefani
11) Don't Matter--Akon

1.!!! Keep the Romance Alive
Devon thought this one was hillarious and thought we should definitely do this one more often. However, his and my idea of "keeping the romance alive" are totally different. I told him that keeping the romance alive includes all of the little things that keep you connected. So, now, whenever we do little small gestures for each other (like me ironing his shirt in the morning or him taking the kids in the morning so I can sleep in) we say "now that's keeping the romance alive!" So, this one's for you, Babe, thanks for keeping the romance alive!

Easter

I have to start out by saying that this Easter was one of the most stressful Easter's ever! Friday night I finalized my lesson and talk for church since I knew Saturday would be hectic (they always are). I spent the earlier part of Saturday cleaning the house and running errands. Later that day, Devon mentioned that he would like to take me shopping for a new outfit to wear to church. I jumped at the idea and so we piled everyone into the car and headed to the mall. I needed some new face wash, so we went to Nordstrom first. Luckily, we were in and out of Nordstrom very fast. Once out of Nordstrom, Devon asked me where I wanted to go. I remembered my mom had bought my sister a really cute skirt and top from Forever 21 and thought we should go there. Devon thought that was a bad idea because, as he said, "it's not the place to shop for church clothes." But, I couldn't get the picture in my head of Robyn's cute skirt and shirt out of my head and pictured myself finding something really cute like that. Forever 21 was on the complete opposite side of the mall and probably took us 15 minutes to get there. We stopped in Express, but didn't find anything. I think my problem lately is that I don't feel like I know what to buy for myself anymore. I'm not 20 and I'm not 40. I want to look hip, but not too young or too old. It's complicated. Once inside Forever 21, we started our search, I found a few things, but it was so chaotic in there (as it always is). I finally made my way to the dressing room when Taylor face turned bright red and told me she needed to go potty. I didn't like anything I had picked out anyway, so we headed to the other side of the mall to take the kids to the bathroom. By this time, an hour and a half had passed since arriving at the mall and everyone was tired of shopping. We finally decided to go to Sears (not my favorite store) because there is a play area for the kids right outside. Devon stayed out with the kids while I shopped. I thought I was going to start crying when I walked in the store, but then started looking around and found a few things that I thought would work. I called Devon on the cell phone and he came in and I had him approve of what I had picked out. Then he said I probably needed some new shoes too, so he bought me shoes. What a great guy! By this time, it was 7:30 and no one had eaten dinner, but I really, really wanted to get the kids new Easter clothes. I promised Devon that I could pick out something really quick. We headed over the the Children's Place that was round the corner. I immediately found something for Taylor and something for the boys. I was so proud of myself. Then, just as Devon was checking out at the register, Luke, who was pouncing around the store, all of a sudden fell off of his feet landing flat on his face on the concrete floor! When he sat up, he had blood coming out of his mouth. I thought for sure he had knocked his teeth out or something. I grabbed a blanket off of the stroller and started to put pressure on the bleeding. Luckily, all of his teeth were still in tact! But, he had bit his lip when he fell and cut a huge gash in his bottom lip. For a second I thought we might need to go to the E.R. for stitches. Just what we needed, another trip to the E.R. But, after applying some ice and pressure, it looked fine. Now he just has a fat lip. So, we left the mall and went to get something to eat. By the time we finished eating and were home, it was 9:00. We hurried and gave the kids baths and put them to bed. I still needed to go over my talk and gather things together for my lesson and do the Easter bunny. I finally went to bed at midnight. At 4am, Blake woke up crying. I didn't go in to get him right away, hoping he would just go back to sleep. He didn't, so I brought him into my room and nursed him hoping that would do the trick, but it didn't. In the meantime, Taylor woke up crying because of her cough. We finally got her back to sleep, but Blake was still awake and crying. I discovered later that day that he, finally, cut his other bottom tooth. (Poor guy, he really doesn't do well with teething). All I could think about, during this time, was that I had to be to church at 9:00 to give a talk and I was soooo tired! Devon offered to take Blake a little before 6:00 so that I could go back to bed for an hour. We all made it to church on time and my talk and lesson went great! The kids had fun with their Easter baskets and when we got home, we all crashed! I was planning on doing a nice dinner for Easter, but totally spaced the whole thing and forgot to get the meat out of the freezer to unthaw. So, we ended up eating corndogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for dinner. I am still craving a traditional Easter dinner with ham and funeral poatoes. I'll just have to do it later. This was truly an Easter we will never forget!

Bad Week!

I have not posted anything new in a week--yikes! This has been quite the week. It all started conference weekend when Blake was up crying until the wee hours of Sunday morning. I just attributed the fussiness to teething until Sunday afternoon I noticed that Blakes ear was filled with puss and liquid. I knew immediately that his ear drum had burst! This has happened once before, so we immediately called the doctor and took him to the emergency room. Yes, two visits to the E.R. in one month, not fun. After a three hour wait, we discovered that his ear drum had most definitely burst and were given a prescription for antibiotics to help him get better (yay!). This is Blake's third ear infection this winter and the pediatrician told me this week that if he gets one more, we will need to consider tubes. We are just praying that it doesn't happen again! I had been struggling all weekend with a sore throat and Monday morning I woke up with serious pressure in my sinuses. I knew it was a sinus infection and made myself an appointment to see the doctor and get some meds. Everyone in the house has a runny nose and cough, which ultimately means no one is getting any sleep--especially me! So, on top of Blake's ear infection, my sinus infection, Taylor and Luke's runny noses, mutual on Tuesday night, writing an Easter talk and preparing the combined YW Easter lesson, and babysitting my cousins daughter all day Friday, I have had absolutely no time to do my blog (boo!) or keep my house clean or do laundry (double boo!). Finally, tonight, after the kids went to bed, I was able to finalize my talk and finish my lesson, and, best of all, I am not blowing my nose every 2-5 minutes (yay!). Devon and I are both hoping for a relaxing weekend with lots of rest. Is that even possible with small kids? Well, the least I can hope for is a nap!