Josh-ism

Situation:

In the car.

Layla had just spit up and some of it landed on the tiniest edge of Josh's booster.

(Josh has had a morbid fear of spit up ever since a certain Christmas incident!)

Josh: Mom, Layla just spit up on my booster.

Me: Here's a wipe, can you clean it up?

Josh: Yep. You know, Layla is cute, but she needs to remember to stop spitting up because she's not little anymore.

Time Flies...

...when you are having fun, right? I can't believe it, but I have now been a full-time SAHM (stay at home mom) for exactly ONE year!! So, I'm gonna reflect on that year.

(feel free to log out if this seems uninteresting!)

First of all, I need to express just how blessed I know we are to be able for me to even be at home. We made goals last spring to only make purchases with cash versus credit, even large ones, and have been successful thus far. I am proud of us.

*small sacrifices= NO concerts and NO travel  for a year-ish (both things we LOVE)

I also made the decision to keep Josh home from preschool for 2 reasons: 1- he doesn't need 2 yrs of preschool, and 2- I wanted all of us to be home together for this last year before school does come and separate us a bit.

.  I think he's doing just fine!!

I have come to learn and appreciate different "home-making" skills that I had no time for while I was teaching. I already loved to cook and try new recipes, but it is so much better when I have time and energy to do it!

 

Oh, and now we only eat my homemade bread and jam. YUM!

 

Sewing was one of those skills I never thought I would even want to learn. I rarely replace buttons with thread and needle, let alone pull out a machine. But, when I was in my 3rd trimester-craziness, I did sew Layla's quilt and curtains. I then went on to sew baby Gracie's, baby Owen's, and 2 other quilts in the last year. 

Needless to say, I am burned out for a bit!

    

And of course, we added our baby girl! 3 KIDS!

Josh was also in a speech therapy class from fall-spring, and I am SO proud of his progress and accomplishments. His quarterly progress reports showed consistently decreasing # of speech errors. There was a lot of at-home work to be done, and I know that being home with Josh all year really made a difference with how quickly he progressed. We held each other accountable; me with the homework, and Josh with his speech corrections.

    

We have been able to experience new things all together, or just with me and the kids. Currently, we are doing some hiking around the valley or in nearby canyons. I was raised very much to love the outdoors, especially our own state's "backyard," so I am excited to share it with my kiddos.

(anyone is welcome to join us... just let me know)

 

But, there have been many days when we just hang out. I love watching the boys' creativity at work, as well as listening to their hard-to-understand conversations. (not hard to them, though) Those have been some of my favorites, as well as some of the most trying. Winter is just plain hard with little kids. But I survived the cold weather with all the crazy and endless energy the boys have. 

Here are my favorite time-fillers:

COOKIE FRIDAYS * playdough * watching Backyardigans * Laird Park * Tanner Park * Liberty Park Canyons-fountain * walks to Gramma Goates' house * SILLY SINGING * playing with friends * NAP TIME! * gym time * zoo trips

    

So, here's another summer with all the adventures it holds for our family. You will find us trying to keep cool, entertained, and happy! 

I am happy at home.

As Long As it Lasts

This is our daily afternoon nap-time routine:

Layla - 8 1/2 months old

Well, she just drifts right off on her own... for now. BUT, my main concern is her love for this very, very thick and fluffy blanket. She can't relax without it... we've tried with similar, thin-fleecy ones with no luck. I just have to make sure her room stays cool enough so she doesn't sweat while she sleeps. But it's so cute that she is already so attached to something, right?!

Josh - 4 1/2 years old (yes, he still sleeps about 85% of the time!)

(taken today: notice his 3 favorite items)

Josh and I have a deal. It was the same with my mom and me when I was little: "Quiet Time." This allows Josh to choose some favorite toys/books and play with them in my room, alone. But he MUST HAVE his animal blanket, pillow, and King. (his stuffed dog named for our former Labrador) He usually drifts off after 45 minutes and sleeps for 60-90 minutes. He has been "napping" in my room since he and Jack started sharing a room because otherwise, their room would quickly turn in to a frat-party!! 

Sometimes I have found him asleep in the middle of a "nest." (all of our pillows in a giant circle, surrounding Josh) So cute! My goal is to continue this routine for him as long as possible, also hoping for AM Kindergarten next year to allow for that.

Jack  - almost 3 years old (this is my favorite routine)

Jack knows it's nap time as soon as I say that I have his "gummy." (aka: gummy vitamin) He then runs downstairs, hides in his closet, (EVERY time!) and jumps out to scare me when I reach his room. I always scream! He always giggles.

Then Jack and I both roll in to his bed and he lays on his pillow, while his tummy turns in to my pillow. I might tickle him a bit, or pretend to try to eat his gummy... never succeeding at this, of course. (this next part is my favorite) Then I lay down on Jack's tummy, and each time I lift my head, Jack very authoritatively states, "Go wheep." (Go to sleep) After the 3rd or 4th time I start laughing because of his seriousness in bossing mommy! Soon, we end this mom-Jack time with a snoring contest.

And kisses on his squishy cheeks!

Every day. As long as it lasts.

Father's Day

Any guy can father a child...

... but it takes a real man to be a dad!

We love you Dan!!

(aka: Dad, Dadda, Daddy, Dadda Daniel)

8 Months

Our beautiful baby girl is 8 months old!

Layla brings a smile to anyone's face, just by looking at her because she always gives it right back. Her big, blue eyes and long, black eyelashes are quite the attention-getters. One cousin is convinced that Layla needs her own talent agent! 

When asked who she looks like most, I will tell you my opinion. She has Jack's round eyes and cheeks, while she has Josh's hairline. But, her personality is SO similar to Josh's as a baby. She LOVES attention, making happy noises, and being involved in any group... just like Josh did. She does have a very sweet and quiet side, which is more like Jack was as a baby. So, just as I have said all along, she is a perfect mix of both of her brothers.

Right now, she is showing a stubborn side when it comes to sleeping. What I mean is, she has a favorite blanket, just like Josh did, but hers is SO thick and fluffy... And now it's summer and I don't want her sweating during every nap! It's sweet that she loves something already. (besides her brothers and dad!)

I have also decided that this age of Layla's is my favorite. She is on the verge of crawling, but still stuck in one spot. Yet she is so interested in everything. This is why she eats from a bottle during the day-feedings. She can't miss one thing! 

I feel like I have truly been able to enjoy Layla's baby-hood. I am home full time, and the boys have been so responsible about being good during those times I need to be with Layla. (well, for the most part!) I almost feel like I am experiencing things for the first time, again, but in a much more relaxed way. Well, she is the 3rd. 

(no, I am not a pro, so don't suggest having more just because it's been a good run)

So many changes are coming our way: scooting, crawling, cruising, walking! AAAGH! Oh, and her 1st b-day is speeding upon us. But we just love her so much and will enjoy every moment. I can honestly say she is all of our favorite girl ever!

What do you do...

...when Bountiful Baskets gives you 21 heads of baby bok choy?

You make a yummy stir fry, of course!

 

(yeah, baby. Shrimp!)

Recipe here:

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/shrimprecipes/r/shrimp_stir_fry.htm

This only took me about 20 minutes last night. (with reading, and prep) Today for lunch I used the rest of the shrimp and mushrooms, and it took me 10 minutes! Easy.

SO YUMMY!

(this recipe only used 6 bok choy heads, then 3 for lunch... So I still have 12 heads left!)

Hiking Season is Here!

We spent our Memorial Day in City Creek Canyon. 

Josh was our fearless trail-leader, Layla slept on Dan's back, and Jack... well, Jack will learn to love new experiences! Even with all the little legs involved, we ended up going pretty far before deciding to turn back. (of course going down took 1/2 the time as going up!)

So, for any local mom-friends at home with other little-legged friends, I am going to try for a hike 2x each month while it's warm. Anyone is welcome, just let me know. OR, tune in for my reviews of our adventures: kid-friendly, trail condition, tips...

If you drive in City Creek Canyon, you will see this duck pond just before the turn to the small parking area that leads to the paved canyon trail. Our chosen trail was on the right of this duck pond. The boys had fun throwing rocks in the water after the hike. 

(no ducks were harmed!)

We were on the lookout for any wildlife! We found beetles, ladybugs, and tons of birds. Nothing bigger... but we did have fun finding lots of deer prints.

Dan was a champ. He carried Layla and kept up the rear when Jack would lag, all while not feeling well himself. Good thing you are only as slow as your slowest hiker. We were not going fast at all!

Of course the boys' favorite part was their snack bags: Capri Suns, Goldfish crackers, Laffy Taffy. All the good stuff!

I was proud of my boys. (even sick dad!) It was such a gorgeous day and we loved being together.

Seriously, I will post on FB when and where we will go next. Let's get out there and enjoy the summer!