Sea Food

A few Saturday's ago I decided to something creative for the kids lunch. We were all a little tired of the routine sandwiches, mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. So we settled on hot dog octopi. Which were actually just hot dogs cut in half with spaghetti 8 spaghetti noodles stuck in the bottom. We boiled them til the noddles were soft them stuck them on a plate with ketchup and relish.

The best part was watching their faces when I called them up for lunch. ( Don't mind that we were still in our jammies at noon.)

I think it was the fastest they have ever eaten their lunches. We should make hot dog octopi every day for lunch!

Amazed

This post is not full of fun pictures or updates. It is mostly all the thoughts that have been swimming through my mind the last month regurgitated into blog form. This is more of a "Journal" entry and doesn't make for fun reading. You have been warned. :)

No pictures for this post. Strange, I know. It is not that I haven't taken any, because if there is anything I do well it is document every moment in these little kiddo's life's. But I have not the time energy or desire to transfer them to the computer and do the other work it requires to post them on the blog. :D Lazy? Possibly. Yes. But strangely satisfying as well. Even without pictures there are some many WORDS floating around my head lately that I felt I should write them down.

Life around our house has taken on a routine. A slightly boring and predictable routine but one that we can all live with and usually end the day in a mostly happy state. Incredibly enough I have found a way to get all 3 of my children to take a nap at the same time. It was not nearly as hard a I imagined it to be. I am anxious for it to be summertime, or even spring time, actually any time when it is warm enough to spend the day playing outside. (The way our weather has been lately who knows when that time will be.)

Addison is thriving, and starting to put some substance on her little bones. I bet she is weighing in at a solid 12 lbs. I know that seems very small for a 7 month old baby, but for her it is big. I am still pinning some of her 3 mo. old clothes with safety pins so the pants don't fall off of her. But she is filling out most of the onsies perfectly. She started physical therapy last Monday. Our hope is that we can get her sitting and rolling soon. She doing well and has already made huge improvements. She is lifting her own legs while she is on her back and she is SO CLOSE to rolling over her right shoulder. ( She has been rolling over her left since she was 4 months old.)

Taycee is such a pill. She is my daughter through and through. Chris often reminds me exactly where her stubbornness and sass come from. Although for the record my mom did say "I don't think you gave me near the grief that she gives you." So it can't all be my fault.... right? As much as she makes me pull at my hair, she also makes me smile and laugh. She is smart, way way way too smart. She is growing up way faster than Kaden did. She puts her backpack on daily and begs to go to school. Princess dresses are daily attire, her purse equipped with lipstick and hair things are a common arm accessory. She uses phrases like "Ok, alright, calm down" "Mom, from now on I will listen." and "Um, no I don't think so" the other day we had a LONG talk about listening before I dropped her off at the "supervised play room" while I donated plasma. When I got done and we were back in the car she said "mom, I did NOT listen to that girl. She wanted me to wear a tag and I didn't want to wear it"

Back during Christmas time when the elf on the shelf was visiting us ( who is magic and can not be touched or he can no longer fly back to Santa) Aunt Cass was over. She went to touch Jimmy (our elf) and Kaden cried out in a panic "NO! Don't touch him or his magic will go away!" After Kaden had walked away Taycee tapped Cass on the back and said in a whisper "I touch him all the time." Like I said WAY WAY too smart.

Kaden is still the sweetheart of the house who is full happiness pretty much all day long. I never know what will come out of his mouth. He new favorite saying is "you are the bestest _____ I ever had" depending on who he is talking to their name goes in the blank, grandma, mom, dad, sister, etc. The other day after scripture study he said " Mom, I think I need a rocket." I asked why and he said "because then I can just fly to see Jesus! But I will probably need a helmet to keep my head safe." Another day while we were playing in the snow he was laying on the ground looking at the sky and said " Mom, I can see heaven! And my Jesus is moving the clouds" I often smile at how simple life is through his eyes. And might be a tad bit jealous.

On Saturday I was up taking a shower and he woke up and came straight into the bathroom. He said, "HI MOM! I slept so good, and now I am going to poop in your bathroom."

He just got accepted into a nearby charter school, and it has finally sunk in that he is that big. He is big enough that I am researching kindergartens and worrying about what school he should be going to. I never thought I would be that mom who thinks about home-schooling, and doesn't like public school. But, I am. It all seems so strange to me, because part of me still feels like I should be the one in school riding the bus in the morning and passing notes to friend ( haha notes, that just shows how old I am.)

How does life go by so quickly?

How did I go from the freshman in college so certain about everything, living on my own for the very first time and ready to take on the world... to the mom with 3 kids who second guesses most of my decisions, and feels like there are few things I will ever be certain of again.

I still remember the very first time I met Chris, I remember where we were standing in the institute parking lot. I remember what I was wearing, the name tag I had on for "meet your bishop night", the first words he said to me...and..... his roommate standing next to him who I dated for the next 2 months. haha. Now I look back and I can't remember what it was like to NOT love him so fiercely. And I am amazed, and humbled, at the plan our Heavenly Father had in place for us even back then.

I have come to realize my "plans" for life are rarely what is best for me. As I sat watching my 4 year old child (who I was determined not to have for at least 5 more years) tell his hot dogs about the awful and excruciating death that surely awaited them inside his mouth. I was overcome with gratitude for a Father in Heaven who knows what I need and is willing to give it to me.

The other day in Sacrament meeting we sang the song "I stand all amazed" and I was overcome with amazement, certainly for the love and sacrifice so freely offered me by my Savior but also by so much that surrounds me.

I am amazed that Chris chose me. I am amazed at the man that he is, the work he puts in, and the kindness he shows. The goodness of his heart is admirable and the amount of support and help he gives me is unmatched. I am amazed at how comforting his arms are and the reassurance his presence gives. I am amazed at the father he is, and the energy and time he has for our kids after endless hours at work.

I am amazed.

I am amazed at how blessed I am, it seems every day I find something new to remind me of just how rare it is to have a truly happy home filled with love.

I am amazed at the evil that plauges our world and the hold that Satan has on so many hearts.

I am amazed at how truly Christ-like children are.

I am amazed at the love I have for each of my little ones and feel I have a glimpse, however small, into the love our Father in Heaven has for each of us.

I am amazed that 5 years ago I passed out at the smallest needle prick and now I give plasma twice a week and calmly read a book the entire time! hahaha

I am amazed that we are nearing the end of this journey through the PHD program. I am amazed that in a years time we will be looking at jobs and making plans to leave this state that is so comfortable and familiar and so HOME.

I am amazed at the kindness, love and support that surrounds us.

I am amazed that no matter what I try to tell myself I CAN NOT stop wanting another baby. RIGHT. NOW. (Not happening though, I promise)

I am amazed at the power of the priesthood. I read my patriarchal blessing today and was so touched by the personal guidance tailored especially to me that could have only come directly from a Father in Heaven who has known me throughout the eternities. Then I read Chris's patriarchal blessing and bawled like a baby amazed at the great man he is and can become.

I am amazed at what a precious gift it is to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The light, knowledge, truth, hope and peace that it gives can not be found anywhere else.

I am amazed that so few have it in their lives.

I am amazed at Satan's determination to do all he can to tear people away from it.... I am amazed at how easily people let him.

I am amazed at the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

I am constantly bombarded with things that amaze me and I am left filled with gratitude and love for a Father in Heaven who sent me here. I know life will continue to amaze me. A phrase I read today keeps rolling through my head "this life is a time of trials and testing". It is true, we will all be tested and tried, our plan will rarely be the plan that is best. Yet somehow I know that when it is all over we will look back and be amazed at just how perfectly it worked out for our good.

SNOW!

We finally got a little bit of snow to play in. I never thought I would hear Chris complain from LACK of snow, but even he has missed it this year. The Day after New Years we went up to my moms house. They had a light dusting of snow on the hill across from their house and we took advantage. Kaden was thrilled to be sledding.

The tube we brought lasted about 2 seconds before it was flat. So we switched to Hunters sled.

Taycee didn't want to go down the hill unless Daddy went with her. Chris was such a good sport and climbed on. Mind you he had no snow clothes on and was soaking wet by the time he made it down the hill. Good Daddy.

This last Saturday we got our first big snow storm. We had all of the Clayton Family plus Jenny and Pete at our house, so at 8 oclock at night we decided to all go out and build a couple of snowmen. The kids were in heaven. Many snow ball fights occurred. Ben climbed up the tree in our front yard and created our own personal snow storm, and after all was said and done we had 2 awesome looking snow-people.

Check out the sweet nose on this guy.

Yea for finally being able to play in the snow.

A Sunbeam!

Taycee is now a sunbeam! She was so happy to be with the big kids and out of nursery. She (literally) marched right in and to her chair and didn't look back once.

I said "okay lets take a picture for your first day of Sunbeams" and she started singing the sunbeam song. I caught her right in the middle of a "beam!"

I think the word that more accurately describes Taycee is a FIREBALL not a sunbeam. :D She is full of energy, naughtiness, sass, determination, spunk, attitude, and every once in awhile she throws in some cuteness.

She is still singing lots and lots of songs. They are getting quite entertaining. The other day she was being a stinker and I grabbed her by her arms and made her sit down so I could get her pants on. She layed down and started singing ( in the same sing song voice she sings everything in)

"Sometimes my mom is mean....my mom use to be nice.... what happened to my mom?"

Another night we had broccoli for dinner and she didn't want to eat it. After lots and lots of arguing about it she went silent for a minute and then started singing. "Every one should share, it is good to share, we should share our broccoli. Mom and Dad, you can eat my broccoli."

She keeps me on my toes. She is obsessed with Addison still. We thought it would wear off as she got older. If anything it has gotten worse. I say a million times a day.. "Taycee just take one step back from her" She is always right in her face and kissing her hands. It is totally out of love... but man she can give rough loves.

Taycee Lynn Boo,

Mommy loves you. Despite our daily battle of wills I wouldn't trade you for anything. You are going to be a strong independent woman who knows what she wants and does whatever it takes to get it. I just hope I can point you in the right direction and hang on for the ride. :D You are a great big sister and I hope you always try to take care of your little sister the way you do now. You are excellent at helping me unload the dishwasher. :) You can keep that up too.

Don't grow up too fast. But feel free to grow out of this super naughty stage any time ;)

Love,

Mommy.

New Years Eve in a minute

This New Years Eve we had a "minute to win it" game at my moms house. The Claytons came back a little earlier than planned so they got to come with us. It was A LOT of fun. We divided up into four teams and battled out each round. 2 teams would play each other and then the winners of each round would play each other to determine the final champion. We kept track of points on a board and when all the games were over the team with the most wins got prizes.

I tried to get pictures of all the games but failed. I did get pictures of most of them though. They are all pretty blurry because we were in a room with terrible lighting and people were moving pretty fast.

Fishing game:

The player had to try and hook all of their candy canes onto their "hook" they were holding in their mouth. No hands could be used.

Marble Tennis Racket Game: Holding a tennis racket in between the knees the player must roll a marble around til it lands in the center square marked in blue. (no hands)

Straw Feather Game: The first player to blow the feather off the opponents side of the table wins.

Dice Stack Game: The first player to dice stack all 5 dice (and keep them there for 3 seconds) on the end of a popsicle stick held between their teeth wins.

Cliffhanger: The first person to blow a card to the edge of the table and have it hang without falling off wins.

Marshmallow Toss: First player to catch 5 marshmallows in a container on their head wins. Or the most marshmallows in a minute.

Feather Blow: The team to keep their feather in the air the longest (by blowing it) wins.

Marshmallow Jump: The first player to empty the bucket of marshmallows strapped onto his/her back my jumping up and down wins.

hahah. Does anyone else have a grandpa cool enough that he would do this??? AND WIN??? It was awesome, and a tad bit frightening.

Hanger Hang: The first player to hang all five hangers on each other without them tipping wins.

Sticky Nose: The first player to transfer all their cotton balls from one plate to the other by dipping their nose in Vaseline and then sticking the cotton balls to them wins.

Other games we did that I didn't get pictured.

Noodle Carry: The first player to transfer 6 penne noodles onto a plate on the opposite end of the room wins. No hands can be used and the noodles must be transferred by a spaghetti stick held in the mouth.

Marble Roll: The first player to knock down a pencil at the end of the hall by rolling a marble into it wins.

Peanut Butter Ping Pong:Two pieces of bread covered in peanut butter are laid at the end of long table. The first player to bounce a ping pong ball and get it to stick on their bread wins.

Hex Nut Stack: 6 hex nuts are put on a pencil. The first player to stack all the hex nuts using the pencil wins.

We ended the night by making home made ice-cream using liquid nitrogen. We made 2 different flavors. Oreo and Banana Caramel. They were both delicious. Jenny was super excited about the whole thing.

The quote of the night went to Kelsey who saw the can of cashews getting hit by the liquid nitrogen fog and handed them to Ben saying "Careful, this is going to freeze your nuts!"

It was a super fun night, and a great way to welcome in 2012!!

6 month stats

Our little miss is 6 months old. I hate saying that. When people see her they always say, oh you have a little new one there and I just smile and pretend like they are right and that she is still my tiny little newborn. However she seems to be trying extra hard lately to remind me that she is getting bigger and older and is not a tiny newborn.

She is now rolling both ways.

She reaches for and grabs toys now.

She eats quite well off of a spoon.

She is a drooling queen, I think she must be cutting her first tooth.

She has great leg muscles and loves to stand.

She loves baby Eisenstein.

She still isn't sitting at all. She has very little muscle in her core area. The Davis Learning Center came and did an evaluation on her and she is testing at about a 3 month old level for most of her skills. They said that is not too bad considering the early and rough start that she had. We are going to start having someone come to our house and work with her to see if we can't develop some more muscle tone and motor skills.

We went to the doctor last week and she weighed in at a WHOPPING...

11 lbs. ha. She is still below the 5th percentile. The doctor said he was hoping she would start to catch up a little but she seems to just be following her own curve. A lot of that is due to the fact that she doesn't eat much. She averages about 24 ounces in a day. ( 4 ounces every 4 hours) Dr. Silas said that is what a lot of newborns are eating. He would really like us to feed her more but with her acid reflux if we feed her more than that she spits most of what she eats back out. So we stay at the 4 ounces and she stays content and doesn't spit.

She is 21.5 inches long. Which is actually tall for her weight. She is in the 10th percentile for height. Head Circumference was 16 in. 5th percentile

All in all she is a little tiny thing, but she sure takes up a BIG place in our hearts!

Taycee 6 months old

Weight: 16 lbs

Height: 26 inches

Kaden 6 months old

Weight 20 lbs 14 oz

Height 30 inches

haha every time I look back and see how huge Kaden was I think, "HOW in the world did I carry him around everywhere for 18 months?" He was such a HUGE baby. Fat and Happy.

Little Miss is 6 months old

It's true... she is 6 months old. (A moment of silence please) Will someone please tell me how to keep her this little forever???? Or at least til I can have another little one.

Here are some of her 6 month pictures.

Doctors Stats will be posted soon.

We struggle daily to keep her safe from all the love her sister gives. I have a new understanding of "kill them with kindness"

She is tiny. She is precious. She is LOVED.