Crazy-ness!!

Yesterday, I lost my mind around 8 a.m. as Joseph and I were playing "Star Wars swords" with a butter knife and a Mickey Mouse light saber. He said, "Mom, let's go see BuzzLightyear (all one word) at Dineyland (Disneyland)." I was feeling rather energetic and the weather was beautiful (and we have So. Cal. Disneyland annual passes)...so, why not?!!! I lost my mind (obviously) because I picked my girls up from school an hour and a half early (please don't report me) and headed south to "Dineyland"...ALONE!!

I knew it was not such a good idea when we pulled up in the parking garage, and everyone was excited and ready to get out and play...and Erika was ready to nurse. So, here I am with two toddlers, an infant, a child that could ride on fast roller coasters all day, a child that is terrified of anything remotely fast (I had to practically shove her on the It's a Small World ride a couple years ago without causing a scene and without causing her permanent emotional damage), and a child that would be satisfied to stand in line all day to meet and take pictures with all the Disney characters (mainly princesses). When Adam called me, "Hey! How are you?...(pause-listening)...where are you?" Oh, I'm just in this terribly long line that is taking forever, Erika is screaming and I'm nursing her while standing up and making everyone around me feel awkward and uncomfortable, and trying to corral two toddlers who have no idea of the value and importance of waiting in line. "I'm at Disneyland," I replied with a laugh like a maniac. "Well," he said calmly, "I got your message, but I didn't believe it." You're married to me...remember?! Spontaneity runs deep in my genetic make-up; however, we never seem to think it all the way through. Hence, the craziness!

But, the silver lining happened (and there definitely is some silver shining through) when we watched Joseph become completely involved (answering the bird's questions, dancing with the flowers, etc.) in the Tiki hut show while savoring some delicious pineapple ice cream, when we had a nice, calm, friendly conversation with a Disney employee from Australia, and when enjoying the incredible TULIPS!! They were everywhere...and they were lovely.

A word to the wise. Go to Disneyland...but, never alone. Have a zippity-doo-da weekend!

Getaway

Arizona is not a place that ranks on the top of my husband's desitination list; however, seeing that we have such amazing friends there, it became our destination of choice for this past four-day weekend. We met our friends, David and April Price, in Minnesota during our graduate school days. David is also a hospital administrator and take a good look at him...does he look like anyone else you know?! Eerie. April and I were astounded the first time our husbands were together. To me, they look closer than just brothers...doo doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo. Adam seems to think it's their common ancestor, Brigham Young, that's the connection...hmm. We just love these people. Last year, our girls became fast friends and ever since then, Annie and Savannah talk frequently of their Arizona friends, Olivia and Savannah. It's a sweet friendship of American girl dolls, giggles, and sparkly nail polish. They spent most of the weekend enjoying each other.

Our other Arizona connection is the Mask family. They are dear friends that used to live here in Oxnard, but have since moved away. Thankfully, we have a beach five minutes away that is a surfing destination for Jeff--we get to see them a little more often, but not as often as we'd like! Their son, Dallin, and our Kate have been little buddies since they moved to Oxnard. As you can see, it must be true friendship to get Kate to build with Legos. We just love these people.

The two pictures below are before and after pictures of my kitchen in the morning before school. I had to document it. In 20 minutes flat, my kitchen is total chaos. After sending my little darlings off to school, I walk back in and...oh yea. However, I told my husband I'll wash dishes and wipe noses all day, instead of dealing with irrate doctors all day. No thanks. I'll take cuddling my babies and reading good stories like Little Bear, Make Way for Ducklings, and If you Give a Mouse a Cookie--and listening to Joseph say, "I need a piece of water, baby."

The Golden Birthday!

Today Annie turned 10 (10 on the 10th)!! I can't believe it. All of a sudden my little baby isn't such a baby anymore. Our little Annie, Nannie-girl, Nie-Nie, Annie-Bo-Bannie is growing up and there's nothing we can do about it, but just watch and enjoy the moments (which are many)...and smile.

There are a million reasons to love Annie. She is laughing when no one else "gets it" , she's the first one out there introducing herself (like she did as a 4 yr. old) "Hi, I'm Annie. I'm four and I'm really fun!", she is such a support to me and her 5 siblings, she never minds how I like to play with her hair, she is intense and interested--as her teacher told me, "The class will get rowdy. And then, I look over at Annie and she is zeroed in...totally focused." The picture of her looking at the flannel board is so "classic Annie." She is a learner and observer and doesn't miss a single beat...I love that about her. I love how she draws, giggles, and likes to be a part of the action. She is definitely one in a million. Most of all, she opened my world to motherhood...my heart and life will never be same.

I love you sweet Annie. Happy, Happy Birthday! (She has actually been sick for the last few days. We had a movie marathon today. We hope to enjoy her dessert tomorrow when she's feeling better!)

(I couldn't resist taking a picture of this jar filled with rocks left on the kitchen counter...cracked me up. My kids have been using these rocks for all sorts of "props" lately. Childhood...there's nothing like it!)

And I'm feeling...good

Ahhh...Erika is doing so good. It's a miracle really. I took her into the dr's this week and he gave her a clean bill of health; however, I'm still pretty careful not to go into any major germ-infested places which happens to be merely impossible...seeing that our home is one of them. I've tried to have a strict code of hand-washing around here. We'll see how long it lasts. Savannah lamented, "I'm getting a little sick of washing my hands so much." Sorry sweets.

We had a great weekend! Adam was actually gone for most of it, but the kids and I had fun with a movie night and a full day at the Santa Barbara Zoo on Saturday. I just love that place. I have a million memories there. I hadn't realized how much Adam has been gone until I was reviewing a picture of our family with Austin, asking him to point out the different members, "Austin, who's that?" "Kates" "Who's that?" "Mom" "Who's that?" "Daddygo" (all one word) hmmm. I got a good laugh...Adam wasn't nearly as amused.

Joseph has been picking up some new phrase-ology lately that leaves me...speechless. "Joseph, are you ready for breakfast?" "Yea baby" Joseph, "I need some ketchup baby." I try to correct with, "Buddy, I'm Mom." ... it's a little tricky trying to keep a straight face. He's too cute for his own good...

I had the privilege of hearing Sister Julie Beck (General Relief Society President) speak this past weekend at our church stake center in Camarillo. She was nothing less than amazing...a fountain of incredible wisdom and insight. After her comments, she opened it up for questions. Something that stuck with me (among many things) was that she spoke about a mother's many shifts--the night shift, morning, day, afternoon-evening or the "swing shift." A mother works all the shifts; however, the most important and impacting shift is the afternoon-evening "swing shift." This is when our kids get home from school, they are hungry physically, spiritually and emotionally. She said, "Don't become so busy during the day that you are wiped out during the most important shift of the day." Isn't that interesting? Usually that is the craziest time of the day in our home. I need to make preparations, so that it won't be so anymore. So that I can FEED my children. I took tons of notes, so if you are interested, I would be happy to send them your way. I am always looking for good advice...I need all the help I can get!

Have a super week! I hope our week isn't foreshadowed by the crazy morning we had today. Adam finally said, "Please, let's keep the weeping, wailing, and nashing of teeth in outer darkness." I can only agree. I think it will be different because I'm sitting here watching Austin play and he is just so irresistible...

A Special Place

I've never understood why my husband loves hospitals so much. This weekend I finally understood.

Erika was admitted to the hospital Friday afternoon after being diagnosed with pneumonia, RSV, and bronchialitis...oh, my baby. I'm always a nervous wreck when there is anything wrong with my little chicks...it's the mother bear in me shining through. In no time at all, she was hooked up to an IV and some other monitor that always sounded off--especially in the middle of the night. I was in awe at how loving and encouraging, tender and caring each one of the nurses were...well, all the staff really. Eventhough she was very sick (we came home today and she is a new girl), I could feel a special peace there. I guess you always feel that as people are helping other people.

So, after visiting hospitals on dates, etc. I can see why Adam loves being in hospitals so much...there are people helping others...and that makes anyone happy. And, we had a nurse, Howard, that was the spitting image of Bob Marley. That cheered me up too.

Thank you for your prayers. We could feel them all the way over here. And, they are working.

(p.s. I found my camera)

The day is done...(sigh)

Some days I would love to play a real stirring rendition of "taps" to close the day in triumph. Yes, the day is done...and we made it. Today was a very good day, just a full and busy (and noisy) day. I'm always astounded at how much volume six little people can produce...it's amazing really. Even though the house is silent now (Adam is giving the finishing touches of tucking in our little darlings), my ears are still ringing from all the chatter and chaos of the day...wow.

And, I lost my camera. What's new...rats! I need at least five brightly colored lanyards to string around my neck, to dangle the things that I'm always losing...my keys, my cell phone, my camera, my checkbook, etc. Well, I should gather a little confidence in knowing that I haven't lost any children (at least, not this week).

So, I don't have pictures of the lovely evening we spent on Friday, with Adam's fabulous Aunt Shauna and Uncle Tom, visiting from Idaho. After they drove away, Annie muttered, "I miss them already." Or pictures of the wonderful weekend we shared with our dear friends, the Masks, visiting from Arizona...playing at the park on the beach, while watching the beautiful sunset...mmm. Or watching our new President inaugurated and crying at the breathtaking music performed. I have to say, google "Air and Simple Gifts Inauguration 2009" (I, of course, would love to provide you with that link, but again, I am not that techno-saavy--yet) and you will be enamored as I was. I have always been a fan of Yo-Yo Ma and John Williams, but this was...incredible. All I could visualize was our forebearers, dedicated to God, to their families, and to building up this great nation of ours. (And, I would be amiss if I didn't mention Aretha Franklin. If I could have any singing voice, I would want hers...or Ella Fitzgerald...it's a toss up). Watching all those happy Americans gathering to support our new president...well, my heart did swell with pride. Although, Joseph looked over at me part-way through the ceremony and said, "I don't like this show."

So, it's been a great week. I have a lot to be grateful for and right now, it's that I made it through this day...happy and healthy and married to the man of my dreams.

A Brand New Year!

We started our new year with a running start...beginning with our trip out to Utah to spend the holidays with our family. We had a blast (as always) visiting with Adam's family and mine. Erika was blessed. She was surrounded with people that are so important in our lives, that we love--the perfect setting...a memory I will cherish.

Adam is keeping true to form. He has already completely mapped out his new goals for the upcoming year and has them outlined in every planning tool that he owns (Franklin, palm, etc.). He says he uses them all and I believe him. I, on the other hand, was not born with a smidge of organization talent. Every year, he buys me a new insert for my Franmklin, and every other "calendering" method he can think up. However, after using this method for about a month, my simple ways get the best of me, and I am back keeping track of my family on a cute, little Mary Engelbreit calendar on the wall--that I love. I'm sure he just sighs with hopelessness...oh well. I'm sorry, my love.

The girls are back to school. Annie's class has been preparing and performing a "wax museum." Every child was assigned a person to research and present a presentation on. Annie has been studying Christa McAuliffe. She has presented her memorized speech to the rest of the school. It's been a fun project for her. Also, her dear friend, Kali, came in town from Colorado Springs this week. They took Annie to see the broadway play of Annie tonight. She got home late and said what a great time she had; however, "they didn't do the movie scene." She listed off all the songs that they did do from the movie. If you haven't guessed, Annie is a crowd pleaser around here. Maybe it's because we are familiar with the name of the main character, or maybe because my children like to sing, "It's a Hard-knock Life!" when doing chores around the house...It's a toss up!

Hope your new year is off to a fabulous start!