When I Grow Up...

(Lance, after church in mid-June)

Oh, the endless possibilities!

In preschool last year, Lance's teacher asked me if he's really tidy at home because after helping clean up the toys, she found him lining up all the boxes of toys so they fit nicely. I had to tell her that, yes, he really is, and I don't know where he gets it from. (I'll just leave it that, you can ask my parents about my room while I lived there.)

Lance's favorite chore in the world is dusting the piano. He gets so excited when the dust has collected again. And so there it is. He doesn't want to be a policeman anymore. He says that when he grows up, he wants to be a piano cleaner. Today, I asked for help cleaning the kitchen before we went outside to play. I expected to have dishes cleared from the table, but he asked excitedly if he could sweep the floor. So I said, "No, you may not sweep the floor." J/K, how can you turn that down? When he was done, he showed me all the wonderful stuff that he had swept into the dustpan and was so pleased with himself. He said when he grows up, he wants to be a cleaner, a piano cleaner, and a sweeper.

Well, I'm glad one of us likes to clean.

Lance stands proudly by his accomplishment

6 Months!

I can hardly believe it myself! Look at this little 6-month-old beach baby. She enjoyed Bear Lake to its fullest! More pics to come.

Happy 9th Birthday, Jace!

Surrounded by his cousins (all boys!) as he reads his cards and opens presents

On top of the world. Before going to Bear Lake, I asked him what he would like to do for his birthday. He wanted a big shovel for digging in the sand and one extra hour at the beach. This beach bum's easy to please! We probably didn't even need to buy him a present! This is what he did all day; his cousins played with the water basketball hoop that he got.

Here is a moat that he dug. Pools, reservoirs, you name it, he dug it.

He also requested a Dutch oven Pineapple-Upside-Down Cake. Jared made two.

Let me share the highlight of today. Jace has wit. Here it comes out again, and I'm glad I have pictures to remember this by.

I forgot the candles and so we used wooden matches instead. I was kicking myself for forgetting and hoping he would be okay with this. Before lighting the candles, someone asked Jace how old he is now. He told them, "Two."

It was difficult to keep all 9 matches lit at the same time, and when we finished singing "Happy Birthday", he quickly blew out the only remaining 2 matches that were lit. Look at him above, trying to contain his laughter.

Then he quickly exclaimed, "I told you I turned TWO!"

So silly! I love my Jace so much who brings laughter into our home often. He is a joy to have. Happy Birthday, Jace!

Happy July 4th!

From us at Bear Lake!

Mission: Simultaneous Smiles

Accomplished!

Fishin' and S'mores...

It doesn't get much better than this! We escaped to the cabin for the weekend after Memorial Day.

Jared, Jace and Lance took a trip to Strawberry Reservoir. Lance got the First Bite! Jace caught the only fish of the day! Had to be luck, he was looking to earn his Fishing Belt Loop and you have to catch one to earn it!

Kyle went with them the first attempt, but there were many rocks and sticks to be thrown into the water, resulting in NO fish, but still a good time for the boys... until they got cold... and hungry. They came home and enjoyed hotdogs cooked on the fire and...

Mmmmm! Yummy S'mores!

What could be better than that? Cami's got an idea: She's contemplating..... Zzzzzzzzzz

Let's Make Music Together

One of our summer chores this year is to do a service for a sibling. Thank you for the idea, Sherrie! It has been a wonderful relationship builder for these guys. So the older sibling has to play whatever the younger sibling wants to play, as long as it is safe. I have also asked them to watch the other guys face and see if they can make them smile or laugh more. It has been a great tool for helping these super-energetic boys to calm down and think about the other guy... plus, the idea of just getting along is great, too.

These photos were taken a few weeks before we started this new chore idea, but it reminds me of what it's been like when the boys are purposefully playing together with a goal to have fun, together. Ah! Music to my ears!

5 Months

I wish time could stand still when we ask it to.

(L) Taken 3 days before her 5 months birthday. I love this age!

(R) Taken ON her 5 month's day. Gramma and Grampa Tilton came from CA to visit this last week and met Cami for the first time. We had a wonderful time together, as always. Here, Gramma and Cami are sharing one of those moments that I wish could stop time. Perhaps Cami will treasure photos of her being held by the Gramma she was named after.

Morning Chorus

Ready for the primary program?

We practiced this for family night once, and I was amazed at how fast they learned it! This hymn ("How Firm a Foundation") has become a favorite. They sing it every night before bed, among other times and places throughout the day, including, but not limited to, the bathroom.

Here, Kyle and Lance are on their way to Lance's preschool, starting their day out right.

Baby Blue

... was the color of [his] eyes... I was playing around one day and used Kyle's eyes to make the background color. Unbelievable! ('til you see it.)

Ahh! I love this handsome little man.

Ballet Slippers

When I was just a little girl

I asked my mother, what will I be?

Will I be pretty, will I be rich?

Here's what she said to me.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be.

When I was young,

I fell in love

I asked my sweetheart

what lies ahead?

Will we have rainbows,

day after day?

Here's what my sweetheart said.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be.

Now I have children of my own

They ask their mother, what will I be?

Will I be handsome, will I be rich?

I tell them tenderly.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be...

Today, I was doing one of my favorite daily routines, changing Camille's outfit, when I looked down and noticed her feet posed like this:

... She took another step and made another cute pose:

(photos courtesy of Jace)

(...and darling cute camo booties, from Jeni R.- I love them!)

It's almost a curtsy! I think she likes being on her toes. Will she be a natural-born ballerina? Only time will tell... Que Sera, Sera...

For today, I will enjoy this sweetness...

...as will some brothers of her's...

Winner Recipes from my Mom

Tonight I made a Couscous salad for a BBQ and a few people asked for the recipe. Thanks, Mom! It was a hit! Here it is:



Black Bean, Corn, and Couscous Salad

(I doubled this)



1 (10 oz.) box dry plain couscous

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen white or yellow corn, thawed and drained

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

4 medium green onions, sliced (white and green parts)

1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced (I doubled this, too, but it was a little spicy, so if you double it, I would keep this amt. the same unless you're into spicy)

Juice of two lemons (I didn't have 2 lemons and used lemon juice from the bottle - but I added the juice of a lime I happened to have)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt ( I didn't measure this out, just sprinkled to taste)

Coarsely ground black pepper

cilantro (Optional)

1. Prepare couscous according to pkg. directions. To cool quickly, spread the couscous on a large baking sheet in a thin layer and let stand for 10 minutes. (I just stuck a bowl of it in the 'fridge for about 1/2 hour)


2. Combine cooled couscous, corn, beans, green onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a bowl; Mix gently. Add lemon juice and olive oil; toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 12.


3. I added cilantro, and the recipe also gives these ideas: To enhance the flavor, add a bit of grated lemon rind, minced jalapeno chili, or cilantro.

Also, this is the soup my mom made for my birthday lunch for those that wanted it (Also another hit, thanks, Mom!)



Taco Soup


4 chicken breast halves 1 bunch green onions 1 green pepper
2 cans tomato soup 2 cans enchilada sauce 1 can corn
2 – 4 c. cooked rice 1 c. sour cream 1 c. milk
¼ c. taco seasoning 1 c. grated cheese bunch cilantro
1 can black beans 1 can kidney beans 1 can pinto beans
1 tsp. each chili powder, black pepper, powdered garlic


Stir-fry chicken with sliced green onions & chopped green pepper (or use canned chicken). Cut up cilantro. Combine all ingredients (including liquids in cans) in large pot & simmer on low ~ an hour. Top with tortilla chips & additional cheese.

A First

Today I got a phone call asking if Dr. Martin was available. I told her he was not, and that he is not a doctor. She laughed and told me she had him written down as a med. student, but she knows that he is a future doctor. She was with some job placement company that is sending info. about their program for Jared after he is finished with his residency. Man, they must see something I don't because that seems like forever away! (Jared met them this week during his 4 day trip to Chicago for a medical conference where he met with several residency programs.)
It was fun hearing Jared be called a doctor, even if he isn't. Yet.

4 Months Old!

Taken today for kicks and giggles

It doesn't seem fair that time travels so fast. I'm sad that Cami is already out of the first sizes of her clothes (They were so cute!), and almost is grown out of her 3-6 mo. clothing!

But I'm delighted at how much she is growing. She has gotten strong! She rolls over from her stomach to her back, and almost back to her tummy; Also enjoys sitting up and standing with support. We got the walker out, and Kyle and Lance enjoy playing in it almost as much as she does... when she's awake.

Taken tonight, I guess I didn't realize it was her bedtime already

The sounds she makes when she cannot contain her happiness is so sweet! She is delighted when she is looked at and talked to - loves watching mom talk on the phone. Her big brothers give hugs to her every night and love holding her. She enjoys hearing us sing our bedtime songs and probably can't wait to join soon.

Sweet baby, Camille

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

We celebrated Cinco De Mayo for Family Night last night. Did you know that it actually is the celebration of winning a war against the French that Mexico didn't think they would win because their army was smaller? And I always thought it was their Independence day! (That's actually on Sept. 15th)
So on this night we had Tacos for dinner (Jace shredded the cheese and Lance broke the lettuce into pieces.) and Mexican wedding cookies for desert. The boys loved taking turns chopping the almonds and shaping the dough. Here, Kyle is showing the boys how it's done. It was my first time making these and they were SO YUMMY!

I tried to get Jace to do a Mexican Hat Dance, but he wasn't all that for it.

Wanted: A Neighbor...

Must be able to do the following:

• Holler out the window (from the 2nd floor) when we leave or come home, "Hello!", "Good Morning!" and "Where are you guys going?" even if you're in the middle of brushing your teeth. Those windows are too dark and quiet these days.
  
• Call and ask if my boys can come play with your only son so you can "get things done" :) Never mind that it does at least that for Jenny.


• Quote from scripture how natural my feelings are when I share my trials in life.


• Make dinners with me and teach me quick and easy ideas. Also tell me what I can make for dinner with the ingredients that I see in my 'fridge.


• Make an April Fool's dinner with me. Show by example how laughter brightens the day in any situation.
  
• Be pregnant and due at about the same time as me so we can share the experience.


• Help me survive the winter by letting my kids and I come hang out in your huge living room when it's too cold to play outside.
  
• When you come over, exclaim to Lance, Kyle, and Jace: "Hello, my favorite people!"


• Make cookies for us just because you love us, and you know that cookies ARE MY FAVORITE THING!


• When my water breaks at home, be able to come right over and stay with my two napping boys so I can get to a hospital. In the mean time, explain to your sweet, inquisitive son why Jenny is laying on the carpet in pain while enduring another contraction and also while reminding Jenny to breathe! If Jenny doesn't get to the planned hospital in time, call Jenny's doctor yet again to inform him of the last minute change of hospitals. Oh, my goodness! That was crazy!

Please give me my neighbor back!

(Our housing unit is changing some of their rules. One is that they no longer let medical residents live here. Mandy, along with another resident wife that I know and love, has been evicted from her cozy, comfortable apartment. She moved her stuff, including a newborn and 5 year old, in a matter of 2 days across the playground to a smaller apt. on the 13th floor of another housing unit. Her husband was unable to help due to his very busy schedule as a resident. Neighbors came together to help Mandy with this situation. I don't think there is a woman around here that doesn't absolutely love Mandy. I think she would have made a great pioneer traveling across the plains. For me, she was, without a doubt, an answer to my prayers and worries of how to survive Jared's 3rd year of medical school.)

I miss you, Mandy!

Lance's Favorite Song

and Kyle.

Let me sleep!

Mom, please, just let me sleep!

The Boring Place

Yesterday, when I picked up Lance from preschool, I explained to him the plan: We would go home and get some snacks, books, and small toys to prepare for an errand (We had to take paperwork in to get recertified for insurance. I had already gone earlier that morning, but they needed more paperwork so I had to make another trip.)

"Where are we going?" Lance asked.
"To a boring place." was my quick, preoccupied answer. Better not get his hopes up. I think I have a talent for giving non-well-thought-out answers to Lance. Gotta work on that. I should at least try to be positive and give my children a better outlook on life.

Once we got there, Lance and Kyle sat down by me and set out to enjoy their snacks and things they brought. I was so impressed with how good they were!

Today, when I picked Lance up from preschool, he asked, "Are we going to the 'boring place' again?"

"Nope." (Thank goodness!)

A bummed Lance said, "Why not? I want to go to the 'boring place'!"

I think I've been blessed with children that might be able to create their own great outlooks on life, despite their mom.

Pinewood Derby 2009

Jared began his Family Medicine rotation in Heber this week, and it also happened to be Jace's Spring Break, so we packed up and headed out to a place just 30 minutes away from work... The Cabin!
Here, the boys watch Dad... Ooops!... drill a hole all the way through the car. Meant to just make a hole for the weight. We'll have to fill that in. Probably one of the funniest parts of our cabin trip besides when I found Kyle outside in the snow with nothing on but his diaper!
But that's another story. Back to the Derby car...

Anticipating the next step...

Melted metal pouring into the car - fascinating!

Dad's helpers. Elmer's glue seemed to be a good idea to fill that darned hole in.

Jace trying not to smile as he does a paint job.

Finished product. Model name: LAVA

Let the games begin! Lance and Kyle were awesome cheerleaders, yelling, "Go Lava!" each time it was Jace's turn.

Jared was so funny. Between each race, he added graphite to the wheels. I guess it's s'posed to make the wheels go faster. But Jared's not a competitive kind of guy.

Not that it matters, but the ending results? Jace got 3rd place! He was so pleased! Way to go, Jace!