Coolest Day Ever

When Stuart and I were dating I knew that he wanted to be a teacher. It was always what he wanted to do. Teach and coach. He went to SUU, got his degree in History and a minor in PE. Instead of finishing his certification to teach, we made the decision to return to the world of construction. Construction has been good to us. It has kept us alive for several of our married years, and I am so grateful it was always there, but it didn't ever take very long before Stuart would get restless and fed up with the entire business, and we would find ourselves on our way back to school. Life always seemed to get in the way, and choices always kept us from actually biting the bullet and sending him back to school. About two years ago Stuart had some really hard, but really awesome experiences in the Police Academy. The big lesson: he didn't want to be a cop and chase after bad guys, he wanted to be a teacher and inspire kids to be better. It was hard for him to walk away from a great job with a great paycheck, but I always knew we were doing the right thing. He resigned, and a few weeks later he was accepted into the Graduate Licensure Program at UNLV. It took him just over a year to get licensed to teach, and after a long and nerve wracking summer he was able to get a job teaching middle school PE back home. I was curious to see how he would like working with middle school age kids, but he loves it.
Here he is on his first day of school.


It has been amazing and wonderful to see the light return to his eyes as he goes to work every day doing something that he loves. We have heard from so many parents that are grateful he is there! I'm so proud of Stuart and all of his hard work. This truly has been a long time coming, but I'm so happy that he has work he can be passionate about and be excited to get up and go to work in the morning rather than just going through the motions to put food on the table. I love you Stuart, and we are all very proud of you!

Oh, and since I didn't get it on here when I should have, here are the kids on their first day of school. They love it here. They love the smaller town and the greater sense of freedom they are allowed by living here. It's good to be home.

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving was AWESOME this year. It did have one flaw: Jeff wasn't here. We missed him dearly. It was a Humes year, and all of the siblings were there, but Jeff. It was a par-tay as usual! The fun all started on Wednesday. I planned turkey day dinner, but forgot about the fact that people would need to eat on Wednesday night when they showed up. OOPS! Spaghetti to the rescue! I was quickly forgiven, and the fun was underway! Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend.


Cousins!!! The kids LOVE playing with their cousins, and don't require any attention from me when the cousins are around (which is good because I'm usually busy visiting!)

Food, food and more food! Seriously people, what is better than an entire holiday dedicated to food.(Oh, and the gratitude part, I can't forget that!) Oh, and PIE! I LOVE PIE!

Wiffle Ball. A great time, and exercise to boot!

Harry Potter 7. Good movie, Great company!

Apples to Apples. In my opinion no Humes party is complete until we have laughed hysterically through a game of Apples to Apples.

Having most of the family stick around until Sunday. I love a holiday that lasts for 3-4 days!

Spending a few hours with some of my family. I love my family, but we don't spend enough time together. We missed those that couldn't make it, but it was great to see those that were there! Oh, and my great nephew is the cutest! We love baby Parker!

The worst part of the weekend? When it was over!
(sorry, no pictures, my camera was on strike!)

Hello there!

Where to start, Where to start? It's been so long that I don't know where to start! I have some serious repenting to do, but we'll save that for another day! Since we moved I had a hard time locating the cord to the camera. I just found it a week ago so it only took me 3 months. Oh, and I hate my camera! In the last month I have gotten it out several times to take pictures of my cute kids doing cute things, but I can never get it to work. It says dead batteries when I put in brand new batteries. However, Stockton found the camera and was able to take 47 pictures and 13 short videos on the same dead batteries. Someone explain this to me please! The good news is that our photographer has figured out which direction to hold the camera. At least something good has come from it. Here are some of his latest gems.

Here is our really awesome back yard. The kids have spent HOURS out here since we moved it. It has been so great to watch them run and play outside again. They spend hours on bikes and scooters, and that equals one happy mom! Oh, and if you can find it that is a cute little play house that the FIL built a few years back! LOVE IT!

Here are some lovely leaves. I also had several pictures of doors, my closet, the carpet, the tile, the couches, and all other non exciting things to have photos of!

Ah, the Nativity. Stockton loves the nativity. When we come home he loves to point out each of the characters. He is especially fond of them because he "helped" Grandpa put them up! He carefully carried the cow all the way around the house. I was quite sure he would drop it but Grandpa had confidence that he could handle it, and he was right! I'm not sure I've ever seen Stockton so proud of himself!

And at last, the mom. Such a great picture! No really, if you had seen the other 12 he took of me, you would think this was a great picture too. Man alive does that kid know how to capture me in the most unflattering light.

Hopefully this won't be my only post for the next 2 months (again) But I make no promises. I have lots to share and so many memories I want to keep for forever! I've missed blogging. Oh, and I've asked Santa for a new camera for Christmas so that I can stop mumbling curse words under my breath and just capture all the great moments that I'm currently missing. Its good to be back!

Seen and Heard

This morning Stockton came in to lovingly wake me from my slumber. He climbed up on the bed, laid down on top of me and whispered "Mom, I'll just lay here while you wake up." Did you catch the part where he was laying right on top of me? I love that boy.

Preston had his first lawn mowing opportunity this morning. Of course I took a picture. On the way into the house after his chore was done he said "Mom, that was awesome, and fun!" Oh if only I could make it last a lifetime!

Emma came in begging "Please Mom can I wash some windows?" Um Yes!

I love that my kids are so eager to help. How do I keep this alive? I don't want to squelch their desire to help but it is oh so hard for me to be patient while I teach them new things!

Still can't find the cable for the camera. I spent 30 minutes looking this morning, but decided to forget about it when I was getting frustrated and anxious! You'll just have to wait!

Small town Love its
I only hear sirens once every couple of days rather than once every couple of hours.
No police helicopters circling over head-ever.
I love the slower pace of life in the small town. I have to get used to it again, but I love it!

Not so much:
Flat tires. All the time we were in Vegas I never got a single flat on my jogging stroller. I now have 2.

The love its, and not so muches

Well, we made it. We are safe and sound. Stuart loves his job, and everything is going good. The kids have adjusted to yet another new school, and are making friends fast. I need to find my cable so I can download pictures, I need to set up the old computer to get all of the older pictures off of it. The to do list is still longer than I am tall, and I'm sure I will never get it all done. That being said, I need to start embracing life in this small town again. I need to stop living in denial and embrace where I am today. In an effort to do so I'm hoping to start a recurring theme for this here blog of mine. I want to talk about all the great things, and not so great things about living in a small town. Here goes nothing

Love it:
A back yard
Dirt under my kids nails
Hours spent outside instead of bored inside

Don't love it so much:
The fact that my car will NEVER look clean again-seriously!
Having only one small grocery store with a very limited variety

Don't worry, there is MUCH more to come! But for now, the Love its are winning out and that gives me hope. ;)

Dear Blog,

I would like to write to you today to apologize for my neglect. It has been weeks since I last wrote to you. You are a good friend to me, and I should have never treated you this way. That being said, I would like to let you know all of the reasons you have not been a priority to me:

1. The in-laws returned from Brazil at the beginning of July. Serious family togetherness time and just enjoying having them close again.

2. A family reunion to Duck Creek. I was busy having fun, getting dirty, and letting my children wander all over the mountain with cousins they don't always get to spend time with. Oh, and I didn't take one single picture while we were there, so you'll just have to believe me!

3. Uncle Jeffy got to come home on leave for about 3 weeks. He surprised the in-laws. They didn't think they would get to see him until October. It was fun and I'm sure they have forgiven us for keeping a little secret!!

4. The kids and I spent a few days in Panaca. I went to my niece's baby shower! Holy moly, I'm going to be a great aunt even before I'm 30! I'm so excited!! This is the kids at a parade while we were there!

5. Preston got Baptized. On July 31st, Preston was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The day was beautiful, and special and filled with the spirit. Just one question, how did I get so old? I don't know where the time has gone, but I do know we are proud of him, and are so happy that he is ours!

6. My children spent most of the summer going to school. Darn that year round school. It has its perks, but during July, it really stinks! Here is Emma after Kindergarten Graduation with Mrs. Jacobs-who was an awesome teacher BTW!

All of her little friend that she talks about all day every day! Angelee, Mayson, Arie, Emma and Nina.

7. When they finally got done (last day was August 5th) we were so excited that we have been playing at the pool, partying with friends, and enjoying not having to be on a schedule! Again, not taking pictures, just playing and having fun!

8. We've been stressed. When I'm stressed, I can't seem to write clearly. You see, Stuart is getting close to being done with school. He is now certified to teach, and has 3 classes left until he has earned his Masters in Education. Unfortunately we have spent the summer being told that there are no jobs, and no contracts. This has lead me to being very stressed out, eating lots of ice cream to cope, and ignoring things that need to be done and instead doing fun things to distract myself.

9. About two weeks ago we started on a very interesting journey. Things began to unfold and events occurred making it possible for Stuart to be interviewed, offered a job, accept a job, and hopefully in the next couple of days, actually sign a real contract for a real job! All of our prayers have been answered, but not in the way I ever imagined they would. You see, the job is at W. MLMS in O-town. Yep, you heard my right. We are moving back home. How did this happen? I'm still not sure, but I know its right, so here we go. We are so excited and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have an actual contract. It's been a scary summer, but life is looking up.

So, there you go. I have 9 good reasons for neglecting you, and not showing you the love and respect you deserve. I know that there is no such thing as a good excuse, but maybe having a few will help you forgive me. I truly love you, and hope that once this move is behind me I will get back to writing more often and documenting the fun things that happen. Give me 2 weeks.

All my love,

Heather

Sun Screen

Yesterday was AWESOME! I took the kids to a free movie here, then we spent three hours swimming here! Such a great day. The kids had a blast, smiled all day long, and didn't want to go home. When we did get home, they were so worn out they acted like slugs until bed time! It was awesome! So, I have a question for anyone that still reads this crazy, ill-kept blog of mine. When we were swimming, we took a break for a minute to snack and re-apply sunscreen. Then when we got back into the water, our faces were all stinging. Why does that happen? And, is there a sunscreen that won't cause that to happen? It really ruined the fun for about 20 minutes while the kids got over it! I grew up with a mom that was allergic to the sun, which causes me to be a crazy woman when it comes to sunscreen, and it is a must, ALWAYS! But I can't convince my kids to keep wearing it if it hurts! If you don't have the answers for me, I suppose I'll have to ask google! Anyway, here's to summer fun!

P.S. Stockton discovered the video of himself on the blog yesterday. He must have watched it 18 times, and laughed everytime he saw himself fall! I guess that means I'm not a bad mom for laughing myself?

Stockton plays baseball

Stockton loves his big brother, as any little brother would. He wants to be doing all the things that Preston does, and doesn't usually understand that he's not ready for some things. Take the day when I walked into Preston's room to find Stockton putting on big brother's baseball clothes. He was doing pretty good on his own, and me, like a dummy, discouraged him because it was almost nap time. Luckily Daddy was home doing school work, and came to the rescue. He jumped in, helped Stockton get all geared up, cleats and all, and took him outside for a little one on one baseball session. The pictures are priceless, and the memories are even better.
He rarely makes contact, but every now and again he'll hit the ball, and his face will just beam with joy!

He loves his daddy, and wants to be just like him too!


And for your viewing pleasure, here is a video of the little man in action. If you are patient enough to watch to the end (its only about a minute long) you will see his pitching. So funny. He hides his face behind his glove, pulls back, foot off the ground and lets her loose. Where do kids come up with these things? I know he has seen Preston do this very thing, but what made him think to do it himself? Who knows, but its hilarious!


I know you want to be big, but don't grow up too fast my little man!

Stuart's Coaching Experience

Written By Stuart: I finally got around to scanning this picture in so I could blog out my experiences as a coach. It was just how I imagined it would be. For those of you who know me, basketball has always been an important part of my life. Spending time with these young men has opened my eyes quite a bit.

As you can see my team was very diverse culturally. The diversity didn't stop there. The socio-economic scale had dots on it at each end and everywhere in between. Each had a unique background which can make a coaches life very tough. I did not have an assistant so handling 15 freshman on my own was a challenge. We were very successful during the season. We went 13-3 in our division but could never beat Bishop Gorman! This was each of my boys' main goal. If you ask them how they feel about Gorman they are not shy about telling you! I grew to love each one of these young men and I will never forget the fun we had during the season. I also got to coach baseball which was a very rewarding experience. The Sierra Vista program is second to none!

P.S. Okay, this is Heather now. I couldn't let it go without adding my two cents right? I just wanted to say what a good experience this was for our whole family. The kids loved going to watch Daddy's games, and would wait patiently for him to wave hello to them. It was interesting and good for me as a wife to watch Stuart deal with the different challenges that came with coaching this team. He truly did love these boys, and care about their well being. Here's to life as a coaches wife, because we've only just begun!

Meet Bob

While we were playing this weekend, my Nephew Dakota who is 15 now, was talking to Stockton. Apparently they were talking about what his name was. If you know Stockton, you know that he will ask you what your name is and usually like this: "Hey Emma, Whats your name?" Yeah, so clearly he already knows your name, but wants to ask anyway. Apparently somewhere along the way, Dakota told Stockton that his name is Bob. So that's what he called him all weekend. Later when we showed up to his house I was sure to let Dakota know that it will be his own fault if he is known as Bob for the rest of Stockton's life. We couldn't convince him that his name was Dakota and not Bob. And to add the icing to the cake, Stockton loved Dakota so we heard a lot of "Mom, where's Bob?" or "Hey Bob.....". And here's where I really wish I had taken a picture of Bob to post. Instead I had to steal one from my sister's blog, but really, I wish I would have taken the picture of him when he looked like Justin Bieber, only taller, and cuter! We love you Bob!

Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Warning: Picture Post! This past weekend we decided to get out of town! It was so nice, and so needed! As we were driving out I did the math and realized that I haven't left Las Vegas for 5 months! On Friday we headed to St. George. We kicked of the weekend at a patriotic concert. It was so beyond fabulous! My mom sings in the Southern Utah Heritage Choir, and they were putting on a Memorial Day concert, and it was amazing. It was nice to start the weekend off with a special reminder of what the holiday is all about. It was amazing as they sang and honored those who serve our country. It was also a really great teaching moment for the kids and helped them to figure it out! Before I go on, I want to say Thank you to all those in the armed forces who sacrifice so much for me, and for my family, especially for Jeff. We love you, we are proud of you, and we miss you!
On Saturday we got to hang out with my mom, her husband, John, and my brother Ryan and his family. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures! The kids had SO much fun playing with their cousins all day on Saturday. We hardly saw them! Emma and Sadie spent the day in the hills getting dirty. Preston and Jake went on a few walks, and played a baseball game with their Dads, Grandpa, and cousin Dakota. Stockton and Will became best buds! I remembered why I love family! It was so good to see them all and visit, and the time went too fast!
Sunday morning we headed to Panaca to see Melanie. This is what Emma and Stockton did for 24 hours straight I think!

Do you like how she is watching me to make sure I hold the kitten right?

We also had the honor of meeting the pet chicken Rex! Only my sister Melanie can go to Rexburg, Idaho, and come home with abandoned baby chickens! Rex has become a pet of sorts, and loves to eat from the kids hands!

The kids thought it was pretty cool to feel the chicken pecking for its food. Emma was brave and jumped right in to feed him. I thought she was going to be a chicken herself (no pun intended), but she proved me wrong! Once Aunt Melanie showed him how, Stockton wasn't afraid either.

There is a new unwritten rule in our family: You don't go anywhere without baseball stuff! There is ALWAYS an assortment of bats and balls in the back of the van in case the boys find a time to play, and you would be surprised at how often they find a time to play! I love to watch my boys doing what they love, and doing it together!

There's Stuart, doing what he does!

And my little baseball man is always the first one to find a reason to play ball.

Hunter preferred to watch. I didn't get a picture of Dakota and Dyllon in on the fun (because I'm a horrible photographer, and don't think of these things in the moment!).

Here's Aunt Melanie snuggling up to Stockton! He sure did love his visit to Panaca!

And this is what Emma did the entire time we were there. If she wasn't eating or sleeping, she was with the kittens. She named them all, and even had time to find a favorite. This little gray guy is named Meow. She would hold him/her and love on it, and only put it back with its mom when she was told to. Stuart was going soft on me and almost wanted to take it home with us. Luckily for me, it isn't quite old enough to be away from its mom yet! I love watching my kids interact with animals, but I don't want the responsibility of one myself. Call me a scrooge, but that's the way it is!

Anyway, it was an AWESOME weekend, and just what I needed!

Big Brother

Preston is an awesome big brother. This is how I found my boys the other night.
Stockton wanted a book, and Preston was more than happy to read to him. These pictures make my heart happy. His helpfulness doesn't stop at reading though. He is (almost) always willing to help out with his brother and sister when needed. He helps find shoes and retrieves balls that have been thrown over the fence. He sets a good example, and runs little errands for me. I don't know what I would do without my big boy! I love it when he leans down to Stockton, hugs him and says "I love you buddy, I missed you." I get to hear it every day when we pick the older kids up from school. If I could freeze Preston at this age I would. I want to keep him sweet and kind and helpful forever!

Stockton still LOVES to be the baby brother. He loves to see the kids after they have been gone, and he makes you feel like a million bucks just for showing up!

P.S. I love it when Preston wears thermals as pajamas! Hilariously tight and cute!

P.P.S. The book is called "My Name Is Bob" and its about a boring bear. My family was mad when I took it back to the library. They all loved reading it-including the dad!

The Photographer

77. That is the number of Photos that have been downloaded from my camera since March that have been taken by Stockton. Of those 77 photos, 9 of them resemble this:

The other 68 resemble this:

I would love to see what he would capture if he learned to turn the camera away from his own face! It is hilarious to hear him say "Say Cheese", smile really big, and then blink and stagger as the flash hurts his eyes!

Another Season Come and Gone

This was our third baseball season, and one thing I know for sure: Preston Loves Baseball!!! It has been really fun watching him practice and get better. He's learned to keep the ball in front of him, and to use his body if he has to. He knows when, and how to back up the other players and he is always hustling to make a play! Most of this season he spent playing second base, and unfortunately the only pictures I have are when he played catcher.

He made some memorable plays this year. One time when he was playing catcher a kid hit a dribbler not far from home plate. While most kids that play catcher wait for the infielders to get the ball, he stood up, ripped off his mask, got to the ball and was able to tag a kid out at home plate! It was a game saving play for them because it got them out of the inning. He also got his share of outs at second, and participated in a few double plays, and during the last game of the season he caught his first pop fly for an out!

We are grateful for his coaches, Joe, Dustin and Mike for all they have done for Preston this season. He loves practices, and games, and playing catch, and anything that has anything to do with baseball. Unfortunately, all my trying has been in vain because it looks like he is turning into a Yankee's fan just like his dad.

Oh, and when we weren't at practice, or a game, and dad was actually home for the afternoon, you can bet he was talking him into playing catch out front. Preston is sad to see the season end, and the good mom part of me is too. It is fun to watch your child grab on to something, work hard at it, and have success. We love you Preston, and we love watching you play baseball!

Oh, and baseball hat make for horrible pictures!

Emma's Funnies

Emma has been Full Of It lately. Her moods have been happy, and her personality silly. There are some things I want to remember. First, she is obsessed with wearing my robes around the house. Why? I have NO idea. But she loves to throw them on over whatever she may be wearing at the time. Here is my proof. This is from this morning. I think when you have a daughter, she needs to come with a disclaimer, like this one
WARNING: Now that another female has entered your life, nothing you own will ever be JUST yours again. She will feel that everything that belongs to you, by extension belongs to her as well. When you find every one of your lip glosses in her top drawer, do not over react, because this is typical girl behavior. When your favorite heels go missing, check her closet first. Those sun glasses you just bought do not belong to you, they are hers, and will go missing any time you take them off your head. Don't fret when the necklace you wore on your wedding day gets broken and all the beads are throughout your kitchen, and mostly under the dishwasher, because this is to be expected. When she came into your life anything pretty, or girly, or silky, any make-up, jewelry, clothing, or shoes you own, now belong to her also. This means she will not ask, she will just take. Good luck, and don't buy anything costing over $20 for yourself for the next 20 years!
Okay, so that is so beyond the point of this post, but it is how I feel on a daily basis having a little girl in my life!

This is the sign that is hanging on Emma's door right now.

When you ask her what it says, this is what she will tell you: "Do not come in Boys. Only Girls and Dad and Stockton." Quickly followed by "I couldn't keep Stockton out because it's his room too." Considering the fact that Preston is the only one left, I think this must have been a nice way of saying: Preston, stay out of my room!

And last but certainly no least, last week Emma and I were just hanging out, when she says to me:
"Mom, sometimes when I'm at school and I need to toot, I try to hold it in, but I can't so I just let it out."
Heather: "So, do your friends laugh when you toot in school?"
Emma: "Yeah, and so do I!"
Oh, my sweet Emma, as tooty as you are, you better learn now to have a sense of humor about it! Someday you will hate me for documenting this moment of your life, but your Dad and I agreed, it made us laugh to hard to forget about it!

We love Emma, and life is more beautiful and full with her in it! I can't wait to add to her list of funnies!

Story of Service

My friend Janet has an awesome blog that keeps me laughing and crying and feeling like I'm not alone. She is having her first ever giveaway, and in honor of it I'm going to participate in my first ever giveaway. She has great prizes, so if you are interested go here.

I've spent some time thinking over the past week. I really wanted to remember an experience that touched me, changed me even. I've been given a lot of service, and as I spend time thinking about it, I realized how blessed I am, and how grateful I am that so many people have chosen to give to me when I really needed it. My prayers have been answered through others too many times to count.

Rewind three years. We've just moved back to Nevada, working construction again, three kids in tow-ages 4, 3, and 3 months. As is always the case when you move, you have to get your vehicle licensed and registered, which means that dreaded trip to the DMV. I kept putting it off hoping that Stuart would have a slow afternoon when he could stay with the kids and make the trip a little easier, (or go himself making it so I wouldn't have to) but that day never came. So here I was, the last day of the month, headed to the DMV with my three kids in tow. Just the thought of taking three kids to the DMV makes my skin crawl. We got there, and were flying through the snacks I'd brought to keep the kids happy and quiet, I'd nursed the baby, changed his diaper and luckily he was content to chill in his seat. Things were going fairly well, and the numbers just kept ticking by. We were getting close to my number when the kids started to lose it! I had no choice, I had to stick it out and get it licensed that day or pay extra fees. Finally they call my number. I'm in the middle of all the paper work and documents when the lady informs me that I'll have to go out to my car, remove the plates, turn them in to them, and then put my new ones on before I'll be able to get out of DMV hell. Okay, I didn't know that-the last time I registered my car that wasn't the procedure. Here I am with three little kids at the end of April-it was probably 90 degrees outside and all I can think is how I don't want to have to drag my semi-stable crew out into the heat and find a way to keep them happy and cool while I do the back and forth. Even as I type it, it doesn't sound like that big of a deal, but I know on that day it felt huge. I'm in public-my first real public outing with three kids-its not going great already-they've been climbing up and down the rows of chairs for the past 20 minutes, and I've been letting them because at least they aren't screaming, or crying, or fighting. I beg the lady "please just let me have my new plates and let me get out of here". She couldn't care less about my situation-probably because she'd get in trouble if she did. There is no way around it, I have to go get the plates. Just then, a kind man shows up to save my day. "I would be happy to go out and get your plates off for you, if you'll show me which one is your vehicle."

"Really? You would do that for me?"

"Yeah sure-lead the way."

And he did. I walked out with him, showed him my van, and went right back in to the DMV to finish up. When he was done, he brought me the plates, and then waited with me while they issued the new ones, ran out to my van, put on the new plates and sent me on my way. I must have said thank you 1000 times during that 10 minutes of my life. I'm sure it was an easy thing for him to do, but for me that day, it was a mountain that needed to be moved, and he was there to move it for me. I remember praying and thanking Heavenly Father for sending a kind man my way when I needed one. That one small event changed me. I've thought of it countless times in the past 3 years. It was a small act. It didn't cost him anything but a few minutes in the heat, and being in his 40's and alone at the DMV, it was probably no skin off his nose either. I'm guessing he hasn't thought about what he did for me since he did it that day, but I'll never forget how his simple act changed me forever. Since that day I've tried to look for the opportunity to give small acts of service when I can. I can't tell you how many grocery store clerks I've caught off guard just by saying "Thank you, Have a wonderful day!", and the times when I've tried to smile at a stranger, or given a small common courtesy to someone. We can do so many small acts of service through a day, and that day I realized that you have NO idea what a small act will do to for another.

Thanks Janet for the opportunity you gave me to share my small experience, but more than that for causing me to spend so much time thinking about how blessed I've been!

Monkey see Monkey climb

To say that Stockton is fearless is the understatement of the year. My other kids had healthy fear, they would wander, but only until the couldn't see me any more, and then they would run back to safety. If I wanted to leave someplace, and they wouldn't follow, all I had to do was say "okay see you later" and they would come running after me so they wouldn't get left behind. Not this kid, he'll say "See you later Mom" and let me walk off without ever thinking twice. He will also full on launch himself off the end of the couch, headfirst without ever considering that this might not be a good idea. Somehow, he's never gotten hurt doing this!?! I know there are more examples that I will have to come back and put in later. None of the regular rules apply with Stockton. The more I talk to other mom's about this, the more I wonder if it is a 3rd child thing. My other two kids would have thought about climbing the tree, but they wouldn't have gotten very far before that healthy fear kicked in, and they climbed back down, or fell from a short distance and gave up on the idea. NOT STOCKTON! Stuart was outside with the kids and came in yelling for me to grab the camera and come see. This is what was found.

Yep, that is my Stockton, perched in a tree like he was born to climb it. Granted, this tree isn't very tall, but he is still up at least twice as high as he is tall.

Emma never misses out on a photo opportunity! Love those smiles!

What I didn't get a picture of is how he got himself out of the tree. He would lower himself down, grab hold of the branch he is standing on, inch his feet back, and let himself free fall. He was literally swinging in the tree like a monkey. I love him, and I really hope I can get him to adult hood in one piece!

Happy Valentine's Day

I feel loved and appreciated, and even though its late, I can't let the year go by without remembering this one! In the 8 years we have been married, Stuart has never once acknowledged Valentine's Day. I'm not telling you this to throw him under the bus, its just a fact at our house. He doesn't want to do something special because someone told him to (he's stubborn like that). I knew this before we got married. While we were engaged I came down to his place to spend V-day with him, and he acted like it was any other day. I was not happy, and to be honest, it took a few years to get past my Valentine's Day disappointment, but I did get over it eventually. I don't see the point in over priced flowers, and while I've never met a chocolate I didn't like, it just seems too predictable to be romantic (just my opinion, don't hate).

This year, V-Day was on a Sunday, and on this Sunday, I went to church by myself because all three kids stayed home with hacking coughs. When I got home I walked into my room to a very pleasant surprise!

All over my bed room, and at other random places through the house were hearts with reasons my husband and kids love me! I couldn't believe it! Stuart planned it and once he had told the kids about his idea, they were excited to get started. I'm even told that they came up with their reasons all by themselves!

Some of my favorites:

From Preston

• You read with us
• You make me pizza
• You help us with homework

From Emma

• You give me Kesses
• You wash my cloths
• You love me

From Stockton-I'm told that once Stuart asked him why he loves Mommy, this is what he blurted out:

• Pizza and Movie Night
• gives me a bath
• You give me candy

From Stuart:

• Your Competitive Spirit!
• You gave me 3 beautiful Children!
• You go to games with me! (even when you know your team is going to lose)

This is definitely my idea of celebrating Valentine's day. I felt so loved and it felt good to have my hard work recognized and acknowledged! Yay for V-Day 2010.

Baby bum

Yes, I know that Stockton is no longer a baby, but he's still my baby. Since being potty trained there have been a few regulars in our house. As is always the case with a newly potty trained child, the mother is over occupied with thoughts of the potty. We hope and pray that they will make it through each day dry, and that if they do need to go, they won't decide that then need to go while we are in line at the checkout stand, or in the middle of story time. When we leave the house we wonder if this will be the day we have to come home early because of a potty accident. I have to admit, we had a few rough months, but I was a chicken and always made him wear a pull-up when we went out of the house. Now that he is wearing underwear, he is doing great! (as soon as I post this, I expect him to start having accidents again) So far we are accident free when out in public, but we have had our share of close calls. One thing I have LOVED about him being potty trained is that his pants and underwear fall down a bit, and our house is once again filled with baby bum.

In case you are wondering, this picture is not staged. He spends a few days of each week looking just like this, and I love it! It makes me smile! The lack of shirt comes from the fact that any time he gets his shirt wet, its coming off. He does not like to wear wet clothes. They can be dirty and smudged with peanut butter all day long, but more than a drop or two of water, and its time to change.

My First Turkey

I took advantage of the Thanksgiving sales, and landed a cheap turkey. This meant that I had to at some point cook that turkey, and eat it. It only took me a few months to talk myself into it. I don't know why the thought of cooking a turkey was so overwhelming to me, but it was. I went all the way with this one, and I brined it and everything. It turned out great, and tasted YUMMY! It was moist and delicious. I was proud of myself. We had friends over and had an entire thanksgiving feast at the end of January!

Me with my prize bird. I have no idea why I feel like this is some kind of accomplishment, but I do.

Now that I can cook a turkey, I'm off to conquer the world!

Tender Mercies

Today in Sacrament meeting, my bishop said something about recognizing the "tender mercies" that we receive in our lives. I don't know exactly what he said, I just remember hearing the words "tender mercies". I experienced one of those today, and I have to write it down before I forget it. I've spent the past two and a half weeks in pain. I have a lot of tension in my upper back and neck, and it's creating headaches. They last all day long, and I usually wake up feeling worse than when I fell asleep the night before. I'm not really sleeping much, and it is affecting everything in my entire life. I'm not able to cope with the things going on around me because I'm not sleeping, and I hurt, all day long. Last night I was frustrated and exhausted. When Stuart asked me what was wrong I told him that all I wanted was to not feel pain for 5 minutes. Exhaustion overtook me early, and I fell asleep faster than I have since the pain started. The last thing I thought of before I slept was that I was thirsty, and that today was fast Sunday, and I had forgotten all about it, but that I would fast in the morning. When I woke up just after 7 I realized that I had slept, and slept well for the first time in weeks. I still didn't want to get out of bed, shower, get three kids ready for church, wrestle Stockton through Sacrament meeting, and attend to my secretary duties for another two hours. I really just wanted to stay in bed! I didn't. I got up, got ready, and went off to church, if only to be obedient and set a good example for my children. On my way to church I realized that I wasn't in pain. I wasn't hurting! It felt wonderful, but I didn't have much time to think about it. I sat in Sacrament meeting, and realized that my heart was full, or rather, it was being filled. My Father in Heaven was speaking to my spirit. He loves me, he cares about me, he understands my grief and my pain, and he listens when I pray. I bore my testimony, and just like my bishop said, I felt it being strengthened by sharing it. On my way home from church I felt the pain returning, and realized that I had just spent almost 5 entire hours not feeling pain. All I asked for was 5 minutes, but he gave me 5 hours. I know God loves us. I know he lives. I know that he knows me personally and he understands the struggles that I face, and he won't leave me comfortless.
As I sit here writing, I'm in pain again, but I'm grateful for the 5 hours I was given. I also have an appointment with a chiropractor on Tuesday, and I'm praying for relief.

"Playing" Chess

Being the "little" kid in the family can be hard. Just ask Stockton. There are lots of things that Preston and Emma do that he just isn't ready for. Like homework (he wants to do homework everyday, and when he gets bored with the coloring I give him he usually resorts to doing the kids homework without permission), and rinsing the dishes (he will pull a chair up next to the kids when it is their turn, or at any point during the day, and the end result is ALWAYS a large puddle on the floor, and the counter, and everything within reach getting wet), and playing the big kid games (he loves Buzz Yahtzee, and Candy Land, and even Pretty Pretty Princess, but can't understand why he doesn't get to play chess with Daddy, or Pay Day with Mom.) After a frustrating day of being "Too Little" to do may activities, he set up his own game, and Daddy even played along. They had a great game of "Chess" and in the end they were laughing and launching pieces across the room (the kid should be on a wrecking crew someday).

Here he is giving a full explanation of how to play. Notice in the Stockton version, you only need half of a playing board. He set all the pieces up by himself, and then pulled Daddy over to play! It was awesome!

The concentration. It must be a well thought out move!

I dare you to tell me that isn't cute! Stockton is definitely one that marches to the beat of his own drum! Thanks for proving that there is a way for "little" kids to play chess too!