Swim Lessons- Take 2

I signed up for another session of swim lessons down at the local swimming pool. I was excited because Kent was going to be taking them with Caden. I thought it would help Caden want to participate better.

The first day turned out disastrous. I should have known it would because I was running late. I knew that should have implemented Melissa’s 20 minute rule sooner. We got there, and I tried to coax Caden into the pool. The events that followed were…well lets just say that it involved a lot of screaming, hitting (I was not hitting), crying, and ultimately ended with us leaving without attending the lesson.

The next day I tried to prep Caden a little more. Our conversation went like this.

Me: Okay Caden, what happens if you don’t get into the pool?

Caden: You will take my hand and we will go home.

Me: What happens if you go to class, and listen to what the teachers tell you to do?

Caden: I get to pick a prize from the box (yes, I bribe my children with a “surprise” box), and then I will get to play with Kent afterwards.

We went over this a couple of times (or should I say one hundred!) so that he would understand the consequences. I made sure we were a little bit early, and things went much more smoothly. With Caden being the stubborn child he is, I think he wanted to make sure that I knew that he wasn’t having too much fun (even though he was!). I laughed when I saw this…my boy sure has a mind of his own.

By the end of the week, things were much better. I think he really is enjoying doing the class with Kent. I am so thankful they are such good friends.



One thing is for sure, the 20 minute rule really works! It helps me be on time, and my children (more specifically Caden) have much better time with the transition. I am trying to make it a habit, and never be late again....heres to hoping!

Thursday Thirteen #1 - Birthday Gifts

My birthday is coming up in less than a week! Yes, on July 3rd I will be 28 years old! It is strange to think that I am that much closer to being 30! I always thought that was so old, and now I realize how naive I was. My life has barely begun!

My husband always has a hard time figuring out something to give me. With this being Thursday, I thought I would give him Thirteen ideas of things that I like in order to help him out!

1. A Laptop: I have been asking for one for a few months now. I think it would be really nice to have one so that I won’t be stuck at a desk. Since I started blogging I have gotten so many wonderful recipes, and instead of printing them out…I can have them stored on my laptop and bring it to the kitchen! Besides it will also help me keep a better eye on my children when I do want to blog, and could prevent things like this from happening!

2. A Card/Letter: Yes, something as simple as a card or letter. There is something about the written word. I love looking back at old emails and letters. They really capture the emotions of the moment.

3. A Flatbed Scanner: This is another one of those items that I have been wanting for some time. I have recently gotten into digital scrapbooking. I have always wanted to be a scrapbooker. I mean I have lots of supplies to accomplish that, but my pictures and keepsakes just sit in boxes in our office. I would love to just scan everything in and toss the junk. Digital is the way for me!

4. A Cool Picture Frame: I love cute frames. It is always something that draws my attention when I go to peoples houses. I don’t have many of them, but I would love to start putting up more candid shots of my family around the house.

5. A Gift Certificate to get a pedicure: Shawn got me one a few years back, and I absolutely loved it. I would/should go more often, but I haven’t. I would love to have that experience again.

6. Jewelry: I like jewelry, but I am not good at choosing it. Because of that reason, I don’t really wear a lot. But I would love to have a nice set of diamond earrings, and a necklace to match. I also really like those chunky beaded necklaces that are in style these days.

7. Concert Tickets: I love going to concerts. There is something so fun, and amazing to hear an artist in person. I actually got Shawn tickets to a Snow Patrol (they sing Chasing Cars) concert later in July! But you can never go to too many concerts right?

8. A Trip: I have always thought it would be so cool to be whisked away on a surprise trip. I think it speaks volumes because of the planning that is involved.

9. Books: I love to read. It is something that I really enjoy. Shawn hates that I read a lot of “self-help” books, but I also like great novels too.

10. A Bombay Chest: I love the look of a Bombay Chest. There is something so elegant. I have always wanted to get one to put in my front entry way. I think it would look so beautiful, and also provide some storage.

11. A case for my new phone: We recently got new phones. I actually wanted to get The Chocolate because it looked sooooo cool. Instead we went with the LG VX8300. It isn’t as pretty, but it has the capability to play MP3’s. I am really excited about that. In the past my phone has been really trashed because my two little monsters like to play with it so much. In the process it gets thrown onto the ground A LOT! I think a case would help extend the life of the phone.

12. Money to buy some new clothes: It is not like I can’t go out and buy clothes for myself. The problem is that I don’t. I feel guilty because sometimes money can be spent better. But because of that guilt, I don’t have much variety in my wardrobe (I am seriously waiting for the day that Stacey and Colin from What NOT to Wear pop out and tell me how bad my 'style' is) If I had an amount to spend specifically on clothes then I would be able to get a cute outfit, without the guilt!

13. A Big Kiss and Hug! Affection is always a good thing. There is nothing better than knowing that you are loved.

Head on over to the Thursday Thirteen HQ for more participants!

Wordless Wednesday - Ice Cream!

For more participants visit the Wordless Wednesday HQ or 5 Minutes for Mom!

Photoshop comes in handy when your children can't both smile in the same picture. :)

It is not a perfect match, but pretty close!

What is Your Favorite Quote?

I have been lurking on this fairly new project called Woman to Woman. It is hosted by My Many Colored Days and Morning Glory. They create a topic and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday woman bloggers everywhere post on that subject. I have enjoyed reading others insights on things, but have yet to actually put in my two cents. This week they asked:

"Share an Important quote and what it means to you."
I have come across many quotes in my short lifetime, but there has always been on quote that has stood out for me.

"Every person God puts into our lives, Every Experience that He gives us, Is the perfect preparation for the Future only He can see."

I can still remember the day that I read it. I was a sophomore in high school, and was going through some tough times. At that point in my life I was really struggling with the direction that my life was going. Home life was hard, and I was just trying to gain some footing in my new life as a high school student. I had gone over to my Aunt's house to try to clear my head, and spend some time with my cousins. Right beside their front door, hung this quote...it was exactly what I needed to hear, and is now ingrained in my mind.

It helps me to realize that all the trials, and things that happen in my life really do have a purpose. It doesn't really make them any easier, but it helps me to have a different perspective as to why some things are happening. As I look back on my life, and see many trials that I faced...there are many that NOW I understand, but didn't at the time. It helps me to be stronger because I know that whatever "experience" He is giving me is going to help me someday.

The other aspect of this quote that has changed my perspective is "Every person God puts into our lives." I now look at people in such a different way. It doesn't matter how small the acquaintance...they have come in contact with me for a reason. There is something that I must learn from them. It gives me a little bit more patience when I encounter someone in who I do not mesh well. Everyone comes from a different background, and can teach you something.

More than anything this quote gives me a feeling of peace because it shows me that God is aware of me and my life. He knows me better than I know myself, and is doing his best to take care of me. Just like I am trying to be the best mother to my children by making them do things that they sometimes don't want to do. My Heavenly Father is doing the same. I know without trials in my life...I would not be the same person. They make me who I am. I am thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who is not afraid to help me grow.

To read other insightful quotes head on over to My Many Colored Days. If you decide to participate...Let me know! I would love to collect some more wonderful quotes!

Dora?

My friend Meg brought this to my attention the other day. Shawn and I laughed till we cried. If you have ever seen Dora the Explorer...you will understand why. Enjoy!

July 4th Giveaway!

I don't think that I can say enough about 5 Minutes for Mom. Those girls really know how to promote things, and they are doing it yet again! In honor of July 4th they will be having multiple giveaways. Just click on over to this post and it will give you the lowdown on what you need to do!

Their first contest is for a Krups GVS1 Ice Cream Maker and a 4 piece set of Rosanna Sweet Dreams Bowls courtesy of SplendidLife.com. I am a sucker for homemade Ice Cream, and would love to win this.

The bowls are also the cutest thing ever! They come in four different shades and have writing on the inside. So I am crossing my fingers, and toes...hopefully I will win.

Hurry and go check out the details! Don't forget they will be adding additional items until July 4 so keep checking in to see if there is something you would like to win. Good Luck!

Fever

My poor little Caden woke up at 2 am this morning. I didn't really think much of it when he came into our room. He does this periodically, and I will just go back with him to his room and lay with him until he falls back asleep. He didn't really say anything, but continued to toss and turn in his bed. I reached over to try to console him, and that is when I realized he was burning up! My poor little man had a fever. I have tried to get him to take some Tylenol, but he is refusing. I could try to force it on him, but in the past that just makes him more upset. He then ends up gagging and throwing up. I just don't know what to do. His temperature has gotten as high as 103, but right now it is at 100.4. I hate it when my babies are sick. I feel so helpless. He is so miserable, but I can't seem to convince him that if he would take the medicine he will feel better. It is frustrating. He doesn't seem to have any other symptoms so I have no idea what has brought it on. I sure hope that it doesn't last too long. Looks like we will be laying low today, and catching up on some movies.

Show them your trash!

I will be the first to admit, and I think I have probably said it before. I am not the best housekeeper in the world. I really wish that I could say that my house is neat as a pin, and everything has its place, but it doesn't. Sometimes it can get discouraging because I feel like I am constantly cleaning, but never making a dent. Or whatever I clean is immediately trashed once my kids come storming through. So when I read my friend's, Meg of Bowman Family Blog, post about the "association" that she and my other friend Karyn were "forming" I just had to laugh. They call it "MOM'S WITH TRASHED HOUSES, BUT THAT'S OKAY BECAUSE WE HAVE GOOD KIDS - CLUB"

I think we can be really hard on ourselves because we think we are the only ones that have the problem, but I think there are many of us moms out there that have a hard time 'keeping up'. So Meg and Karyn are calling all Mom's to "BRING IT ON", and show them your dirty houses. Meg posted hers here, and Karyn here.

I just cleaned my house a few days ago, so I have nothing really worthy of posting...but give it a few days. I will surely have pictures soon. :) Yesterday, I was playing with my layout. Shawn has always complained that my profile picture never contained him. He said that it looked like I was a single mom. So I made a new header that included him. I thought the color scheme is appropriate for the upcoming holiday...overall I am pretty happy with the outcome. I get bored real easily so I don't know how long I will keep it, but that's okay. Anyway, while I was playing with the Layout, I should have been playing with my children. This is the result of my negligence and blogging addiction! (And don't let this picture fool you! Sydney was NOT the only accomplice. Caden was the instigator, but could not be photographed because he had stripped himself of all his clothes, and was running around in his 'birthday suit'...yes I am THAT good of a mother!)
For those of you who may struggle, remember you are not alone! Join the 'call' and SHOW THEM YOUR MESS! Let me know if you are brave enough to do it! (Like I said it won't take long for me to have proof that my house is trashed) I would love to come take a look and know that I am normal!

Wordless Wednesday - Tired?

For more participants visit Wordless Wednesday HQ or 5 Minutes for Mom!

Yes...they were that tired...here is another view...hee hee

Happy Father's Day! *late*

We started out early in the morning when Sydney woke up at 6:30. I wanted to wait for Caden to wake up so that he could help me make breakfast for Dad. He ended up not waking up until 7:30 am. I had to rush to try to finish breakfast before Shawn had to leave for his meetings @ 8 am. He ended up having to scarf it all down, and was a little late for his meeting...sorry hun.

I got him the book A Mormon in the White House. I think that he will really enjoy it. He saw it at Deseret Book a while back, and really wanted it...but didn't want to pay full price. I found it on Half.com for alot less, and was so excited to get it for him. Shawn doesn't read a whole lot of books, but loves politics and has been really interested in Mitt Romney's campaign.

Later in the evening we went and made our rounds. I made these cute things for all of our "Grandpa's" for Father's day. I found this set of stickers that looked like labels for food, but had everything to do with grandpa's. I thought they were pretty funny, and everyone got a kick out of them. Then I used Photoshop to make the front label for the jar. I think in the end they turned out pretty well. I tried to get a good picture of the kids with the jars, but as you can tell...they were not cooperating. :) Sydney was too interested in trying to stuff her face with a banana. Oh Well!

I really feel like my kids are so blessed. I grew up with no grandpa's because they had both died before I was born. I always wished that I had one. When I married Shawn, it was so great to meet his grandparents, and I have really grown fond of them. My children are lucky enough to have 3 grandpa's and 1 great-grandpa. I have loved watching them with each of them and know that they love them all sooo much.

They are also lucky to have one great Daddy. Shawn really is a great father. My heart melts every day when Shawn drives into the garage. I watch as my kids excitedly greet him, and can't wait to jump into his arms. They adore him, and love to be in his company. I hope that he knows that we love and appreciate all that he does for us.

So to all those great boys out there. I hope you had a wonderful Father's day.

Worth the Drive

On Friday, we made a last minute phone call to our friends the Ashton's. Shawn and Mark share the same birthday so we are bound to think of them atleast once a year! hee hee. We really enjoy their company, but since they live on the other side of town we rarely get to see them. We thought it would be nice to go out for a late "birthday" dinner for the two of them. Unfortunately we couldn't get a babysitter on such short notice, and decided that we would put it off for another time. Shawn and I were talking after I had gotten off the phone with Cindi. Because of different conflicts the next time we would be able to get together would be a month from now. We decided that we would make the 45 minute drive out to their house, and Cindi's sister could watch both our kids while we went out.

It was a long drive, but I am so glad that we decided to make it. We went and ate at Famous Dave's....and ohhhh my....that was good food! I have never eaten there before, but I am so glad that Mark recommended it. We got Famous Dave's Feast, and shared it between the 4 of us. They even gave Mark and Shawn these huge Sundae's for their birthday. I left there stuffed, but man was it worth it! I highly recommend this restaurant!

Afterwards, we were debating whether or not to catch a movie. We decided to opt out, and go back to their house to hang out. We went back to find that our kids had had a blast playing together. It didn't click until the way back to their house that it was as if Cindi's sister was having to watch two sets of twins because our children are the same age! It was probably a little chaotic, but she did a great job. They did some face painting, and I left my camera so she could take some photos. Sydney looked so cute as a little cat (try to ignore the fact that she is trying to pick her nose!). As usual...Caden did not want to participate...so there are no fun pictures of him.

While we were there Caden got a hold of the camera. He loves to take pictures, and whenever he finds the camera he starts snapping away. I have to say that I was so impressed with one of the shots that he got of Lanah. I may have a budding photographer on my hands!

Over all it was such a fun evening. I am so glad that we took the time to go out there, and I actually thought it was nice that our kids got to play together. They really had a lot of fun, and so did we. I am so thankful for our friendship with this family. They are great people, and so much fun to be around. Mark and Cindi always have a way of making me laugh until I cry. That is a great thing. I thought about what we would have missed out on if we would have not gone. I think there are many times that we decide not to do something because it is "so far", and don't want to "waste" so much time in the car. Some things are just worth the drive...I need to remind myself this more often!

Here is some pictures of Caden, Sydney, Lanah, and Payton. They surely are a cute bunch of kids!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yesterday was Shawn's birthday! He is now officially 29 years old! WooHoo!! Shawn had to work on his birthday (like many adults do...I think it should be a mandatory day off! :) so we weren't really able to celebrate until he got home. We decided to eat dinner over at Joe's BBQ in Gilbert. It is a cute little restaurant located in old Town Gilbert. Their food is really good, plus they give you a free meal on your birthday! Nancy and her kids met us there, and then afterwards we went swimming at Nancy's. It was a nice relaxed evening spending time with our favorite Man! I hope that Shawn had a great day. We really do love him...our lives would not be the same without him in it!

Swim Time

Last year Caden took lessons from a girl that lives around the corner. This year I forgot to get him signed up, and her classes filled up. So instead I enrolled them with the public schools. Yesterday was their first day. As if I didn't already know that Caden and Sydney are polar opposites...this solidified it.

Caden is old enough that he was able to go in a class of his own. I sat and watched as he refused to participate. Since this was the first day they were real easy on them. They played some fun games, and tried to get Caden to blow bubbles in the water. He would have nothing to do with it. He is as stubborn as they come. He hates being told what to do, and in fact will try to do the opposite. I hope that he gets better as the days go by.

Sydney was a whole different story. Since she is only 21 months, I have to take the class with her. She absolutely loved it! She was laughing the whole time. She made bubbles, kicked, and didn't even cry when I put her under the water. It was so fun to see her having so much fun. The instructors got a kick at watching her.

It still amazes me at how different their personalities are. People always say that no two children are alike, but I never thought that they would be as diverse as they are. It makes me fear what I will have to deal with as Caden gets older. I sure hope that he realizes that I am just trying to help him become a responsible, independent adult!

Good Mail

This past weekend I got some "Good Mail" from So Grateful to Be Mormon. She had a contest last month for "The funniest post." I submitted Caden's Prayer, and was awarded runner up! The kids were so excited when the package came. It was a lovely Precious Moments cross-stitch, and some stickers for the kids. As you can see they absolutely love stickers! You can't really tell in the picture, but they are all over the side of Sydney's face! This one is for you Kathleen! Thanks so much!

Cathy is Home!

Cathy was finally able to come home on Thursday. She still has some time before she is really better, but she is on that road. After Danny's wedding we went over and visited. The kids really loved seeing "Baby Dylan." He really is such a beautiful baby, and thankfully a good one for Cathy. She is adjusting to everything quite well. Her bedroom is upstairs, so right now they are camped out in their guest room until she is able to climb the stairs. It was really nice to hang out for a bit. I am so thankful that she is home.

Last Minute Weddings

Last Friday (June 1st) I got a call from my mother. She was so excited because my oldest brother, Danny, had decided that he wanted to get married to Christal (his currently pregnant girlfriend.) I have to say that I was excited for him. He has had a pretty rough life due to choices that he has made. Over the past few years things have gotten better for him. I was/am glad that he found someone that he can be happy with. The next part is what got to me. Here is the conversation that followed.

Mom: They went and got their marriage license, and they want to get married as soon as possible....before the baby is born

Me: Uhh...before the baby is born? She is due on the 12th of June! That is less than two weeks away! When are they wanting to get married?

Mom: Well...I don't know...tommorrow?

Me: Are you kidding me? (I seriously thought she was joking) Cathy won't be able to be there because she is on bedrest, and Nancy is still on the cruise until next Wednesday.

Mom: Yeah, that is true...I will have to talk to Danny about that. The other thing we wanted to know if we could have it at your or Nancy's house. It is going to be a small wedding...they don't want anything big.

Me: (At this point...I really didn't know what to say.) Nancy probably wouldn't want to have it at her house giving that she will just be back from vacation. So I guess we can do it here.

This conversation went on for a while. I don't know why I even agreed to have it at my house. They later decided that they wanted to get married on Friday, June 9 @ 4:30 PM. This past week I have spent alot of time being very frustrated. My mom was very hurt because my sisters and I had alot of stuff to say about what we thought about the whole situation.

This was a very tough thing for me to deal with. You see, my brother and I don't really get along that well. He made my childhood miserable. So many of the choices that he made in his life has effected us greatly. I love him because he is my brother, but there are things about him that I just don't get. I don't know why I even agreed to let them have it at my house. If they had planned a month ago to get married 5 days before their baby is due...great...fine..(I would still think it was crazy) but atleast we could all plan for it! I just thought it was inconsiderate to do something so fast. Cathy still wasn't able to come because of her condition (although she is home now, and getting better! Yippee) and my Aunt Lori wasn't even called until 2 hours before the "wedding." Nancy's husband couldn't come because he didn't have time to request to get off early.

I also didn't understand what the big rush was. My parents were so "pleased" because they were wanting to get married before the baby was born. "They are trying to do the right thing." I think it is great that they are wanting to get married, but why did they have to rush things....besides they have had 9 months to figure this out! I guess I should be more understanding, but I just didn't get it!

I should and am trying to let this all go, but it sure irked me...and I am having a hard time. In the end, everything worked out okay. My mom came over in the morning, and helped me clean my house. They got married, and then we had a family potluck. I think they were happy with it...so I guess that is all that matters. Caden took some pictures of the ceremony...so sorry they are not the best.

How do you think you would have reacted if someone wanted to have a "small wedding" (which nothing that involves my family is ever really small) at your house in a weeks notice?

Looking for a great gift?

Have you ever found yourself wandering the aisles at Target trying to choose something to give to that friend of yours who is slowing growing a baby in her belly. I know that I have. I love all the cute clothes, but there is a part of me that wants to give something that will last. Something that the baby will cherish, that won't be put in storage within a few weeks of wearing, and will remind them of me whenever they use it.

My cousin, Karma, helped to solve that problem. When she started having kids, she began fiddling around with different designs for blankets. She wanted something that her girls could cuddle up to. Something that was soft, smooth, and silky....but not heavy. She finally came up with a pattern, and stuck with it. Her daughters loved her blankets so much, Karma figured that her friends would too. She would make them for shower gifts and close friends. Before you knew it, people left and right were asking for her blankets.

That is when KooKoo CaChoo was born. I know that she is my cousin, so I may be biased, but these are some of the cutest, and best blankets that I have ever laid eyes or should I say hands on. She takes much care into making sure they are the highest quality fabrics, and they are sewed to last! I just had her make me one for Sydney, and that girl has fallen in love. These blankets truly are a keepsake, and something that your child or friends child will treasure forever.

So do me a favor, and go check out the unique designs that Karma has come up with. She also makes matching burp cloths! If you look through her designs, and still haven't found one you wanted she even does custom orders. She really makes the effort to help you be satisfied. I promise that you will not be dissapointed! I also added her button to my sidebar so that you will always be able to find it. And if you are looking for great jewelry...don't forget about Beauty Queen Boutique!

Teeth

Caden got to go the dentist yesterday. He had gone one other time around the time he had turned three, but they didn't really do a whole lot. This time they did a complete cleaning. I was so proud of him because he did such a good job at keeping still, and doing what they had asked. I had debated whether or not to take him to my cousin who is a dentist (and who Shawn & I go to...he is fantastic!), but ended up taking him to a pediatric dentist office.

I figured that Dentist's can be intimidating anyway, and I want him to have a pleasant experience when he goes. They do a really great job. Their waiting office is set up like a train depot, and there are train tracks all along the ceiling. The light above the chair has clouds on it, and they gave Caden sunglasses to wear while they were working on his teeth.

They said that Caden's teeth look great. He has no cavities. This is a good thing considering that I don't do the best job at making sure they get brushed everyday. I try...it just doesn't always happen. He does have a crossbite because his top part of his jaw is narrower than the bottom. We don't have to worry about that now, but when his permanent teeth start to come in we will have to keep our eye on it. Thankfully we have an orthodontist in the family.

Do you take your kids to a regular Dentist or to a Pediatric Dentist...and why?