11.15.2010

Listening and Seeing

I had a moment of clarity yesterday.  In Sacrament Meeting, as I listened to the hymn and watched my three children coloring with crayons, I felt very calm and happy.  It was like things came into focus, literally, and I could see each of my children more clearly.  I rubbed Canon's back a little and felt in my mind the words, "This is where I am supposed to be."    

11.12.2010

Not good

I'm a big pregnant jerk.  I'm just overflowing with grumpiness and it's spilling over onto those around me.  This morning's victim was Benjamin.  He's probably thrilled to be at work now, surrounded by men.

Keller wants me to hold him all the time lately.  I can't.  And I can't just be ok with him climbing all over my stomach, elbowing the baby.  But still he follows me from room to room, and I have to tell him no again and again.  It makes me feel like a big pregnant jerk.

Today I am going to try to work on laundry and maybe make the dessert that Canon requested.  There are a lot of "To Do"s bouncing around in my head.  Mostly, though, I think I should just focus on not biting anyone else's head of.  I'll still be big and pregnant, but maybe less of a jerk.

11.11.2010

Fake Labor Story

It was almost time to pick up the kids from school and I was kinda dreading it.  It's just a lot of work for me, physically.  Keller and I needed our shoes on, but as I set Keller on the couch to begin, he got mad.  Don't really understand why, but he decided it was a really good time for a tantrum.  So I left him to get my own jacket and footwear.  Time was ticking, though, so I had to get him ready.  If it wasn't so freezing outside I would have just left him barefooted.  Bummer.

So I wrestled a crying, kicking Keller into the van.  As I buckled him into his seat, a really painful contraction took my breath away and I had to stop for a minute.  I closed his door and hobbled over to my side.  The two minute drive to the Elementary was fine, Keller sucked on his binky and calmed down.  We found a parking spot and I turned off the engine.  But trying to get the stroller out of the trunk was tough, my stomach hurt, and I needed to use the bathroom.

The wind blew my scarf off.  I bent down to pick it up and felt another sharp ache.  There's no way I'm going into labor right now, I thought.  My cell phone wasn't even charged.

Kel and I made it inside, slowly, and I signed Canon out of his pre-K class.  His teacher looked concerned; she's a really sweet lady and she always notices how I'm feeling.  She offered to get Taesya from her class, while Canon's other teacher stayed with the class.  I sat on the rotunda steps and breathed as deeply as I could.  Keller was strapped into his stroller and Canon stayed by me.  When Sini (Canon's teacher) returned with Tae, I asked her if she could call Ben.

It was the craziest situation and there were kids everywhere, but I did my best to just handle the contractions.  "When are we going home?" Canon asked.  "Soon, buddy," I replied.  Oh man, I wanted to get out of there so bad.  I mean, who goes into labor at their kids' school?!?  It felt like forever, but finally Benny came...

*This story is fictional.  While I'm waiting for Jovie to come, I imagine up all kinds of labor situations (not on purpose) and I thought maybe I'd write them up.*

*Update: I wrote this right before I went to pick up the kids for real and it made things seem so much easier than they usually are.  I guess if something in life is hard, but then you picture yourself doing that thing while in labor, it makes real life seem like a piece of cake.  Interesting.*

11.06.2010

Just a letter

Dear Jovie,

Hey, remember me?  I'm that voice you hear all day.  I know usually I'm telling your siblings to stop being naughty, or I'm complaining about the mess, or telling Daddy how much things hurt.  But I hope you hear those times when I'm being nice, too.  I'm a nice mommy, I promise.  I love everyone in this family and I will love you so much, too.

Is it cozy in there?  Are you warm and snug?  I don't want to make you leave somewhere comfortable; I know how rare a feeling that can be.  But I sure am excited to see you.  And I know Daddy wants his turn to hold his little girl.  Being pregnant has been hard on the both of us, but we really try to think of what a beautiful baby you will be.  Having you in our arms will be the greatest thing.

You have a big sister and two big brothers.  They're really fun kids, once you get used to how noisy they are.  But hey, you've been listening to them for months now, so you should be fine.  They give lots of hugs and kisses; that's just the way we are in this family.  You get to sleep in Taesya's room and hopefully you two girls will become very good friends.

I love you, Jovie.  I'm doing my best taking care of you.  I sure would like to see you, though.  As soon as you're ready; the very second that you are.  You're going to be a very special member of this family and you will do great things on this earth.  I can tell already that you're a blessing, that you will touch lives.  I can't wait to see all you will become, my sweet little Jovie.

Momma loves you so much,
XOXO

11.04.2010

I am Strong



I am strong and brave and I can get through tough times.  What are you?

10.31.2010

Shamelessly Proud


I know it's bragging and some people might find it annoying... but my daughter is an adorable genius, and that's really all there is to it.  I love that she's confident and she's so into reading; Ben and I are amazed on a daily basis by these children.  Tae is rocking Kindergarten -- and that is an adorable giraffe.
Tae got to feed bread to a real giraffe.

10.29.2010

October's Close

Canon turned four this week.  Rather than guilt myself into writing an entire post about my son, I would just like to mention that Canon is really great.  He's the toughest boy I know with the softest heart.  I'm glad he's mine.


Also, I am going to have an awesome day with my witch, ghost, cowboy, and marshmallow.  Oh, and my good friend Chocolate.  :)

Vampire Cowboy?
Trick or Treating at Benny's Office

10.28.2010

Car Quotes

1.  As usual, we were in the car, and Canon was telling Keller how to write a letter O.  "Over, around, and close," he told him.  But when Keller tried to repeat it back, incorrectly, Canon got frustrated.  "You ruined my appetitie, Keller!"

2.  Dancing and Singing in the car, the kids really like Enrique Iglesias' "Baby, I like it."  They were all jamming out.  Then "Tonight's Gunna Be a Good Night" by The Black Eyed Peas came on.  I could hear Tae singing.  Then she really got into Fergie's solo and exclaimed, "Oh yeah, girl!"  I laughed out loud.

My kids must say funny things at home, but I never remember them to tell other people.

10.26.2010

Side Note:

Can I just say that formatting in Blogger makes me want to pull my hair out!  The post I just added appears in my "Compose" window to be all Times font, normal size; but that's not what appears when I publish.  Ben says Wordpress is better and he has plans to design me a custom site (since I am technically married to a web designer) but I worry that blogging will always be a formatting headache for me.

Pictures, too.  The three pictures of my kids appeared in one horizontal line before I published.  Sigh.  Does anyone else have these troubles?  Or am I just too picky?

The Early Bird

This morning, I am choosing to blog.  It wasn't a tough choice, since sleeping was becoming impossibly painful, and my prenatal yoga DVD is lost.  So, good morning!  I am pleased to report that there is no snow on the grass, unlike yesterday.  When Ben informed me of that unfortunate precipitation, my heart fell.  Fall just can't be leaving me that fast.  

But my boys were excited.  And I dutifully bundled them and sent them out to explore.  Lacy, as well, seemed super curious about this new wet stuff in our yard.


 

By the afternoon, the sunshine was back and the sidewalks were dry.  I got to enjoy a little more autumn loveliness as I picked up my kiddos from school.  Speaking of kiddos:


It feels like Keller and I are always in the car lately.  We make a lot of trips to the elementary school for drop-offs and pick-ups.  It's gotten so I just smoosh the two older kids names together now and tell Keller, "Let's go in the car to get TaeCanon (or CanTaesya.)"  "Go Car," he says, "CanTaesya school."  He and I are always always together.  So it's a nice change when he has a happy day, rather than a crying/tired day.  When he's not throwing a tantrum, that little boy can sure be cute.


It's good for me to take pictures of the smiley moments in life.  When I post these images, I remember how much I love my kids.  I forget about being oh so very pregnant, for a little while.  The happy times in motherhood can sometimes be few and far between, but if you look, you'll see that they are there.  I have photographic evidence.

Still a half an hour till the fam wakes up.  I was thinking of reading about the pre-existence today.  Hope your day is great, or that you find at least a moment of greatness to hang on to.

10.22.2010

Lovely song about Love

Makes me happy and smiley about that guy, Benjamin.  

10.19.2010

And then HE said...

1.  Driving in the car, where most interesting conversations happen, "Dad wears glasses so he can see.  When he takes off his glasses, everything turns invisible."

2.  Canon points his Nerf ball-gun at his brother, "Try to kill me, Keller."  Very boy.

3.  Keller is playing quiety, and then I hear, "Buckle up for safety, buckle up."  Glad to know he's listening when we get into the car each day.


10.16.2010

Tender mercies

Tonight I wanted to do a little scrapbooking of Jovie's ultrasound photos.  Ben and I watched an episode of Chuck on hulu while I worked.  I did ok for a little while, but then my back felt the all-too-familiar pain of sitting in a chair.  Lately it seems that I can't sit, stand, or walk without pain and discomfort of many kinds.

It frustrated me that I am capable of so little, physically, right now.  I can't bend down to take good photos of my kids, I can't walk around Target and enjoy shopping, I can't sit in a chair without crying inwardly about the ache in my back.  It's really hard for me that I can't do these things; I miss having a body that is functional in the ways that I am used to.

I'm down to one pair of pajama pants that still fit me.  The second to last pair ripped right down the middle, which always makes you feel super attractive and good about yourself.  So my only remaining pair is in the wash with muddy dog prints on it/them (not sure.)

So I was sitting on the couch, crying about my physical limits, and wishing I had pajamas to wear.  A thought popped into my head to try on some of Ben's.  He has this one pair of pj pants that someone gave him for Christmas years and years ago, a bajillion sizes too big, but we never got rid of --- I pulled them out and as I put them on you could almost hear the angels singing.  I have a brand new pair of flannel pajama pants to wear tonight and the phrase that comes to mind is "tender mercies."

I'm reminded that although my body is not excelling in a lot of areas, it is doing something amazing right now.  It is a functional and good body.  While I feel this pain and ache and exhaustion, a tiny new body is being formed.  I guess that I'm giving up my ability to walk in comfort so that Jovie can have the ability to run someday.  My body is doing great.  I'm grateful for what it can do.

Heavenly Father is mindful of us.  He cares about our lives and even small things like whether or not we have pajamas to sleep in.  I feel super blessed tonight.

10.12.2010

Am I growing?



These two pictures are a month apart.  Do I look one month closer to holding my baby girl?  

Taesya's Kindergarten teacher, who I see every single day, didn't realize I was pregnant until Taesya told her last week.  Granted, the lady's a little busy... but I'm pretty sure anyone who looks at me... Don't you think?

We took a tour of the hospital we will be delivering at.  And I made some lists and plans; I called to pre-register for the birth.  I actually feel a lot better about things this week.  I'm not as nervous about Jovie coming.  I can see a baby at the end of all this--a really pretty one.

10.08.2010

Darndest

Taeysa, in the tub, as her bathwater is getting cold: "Umm, Dad, we have a situation here."

Tae and Cano in the Paper Today



Read the article Here.

10.07.2010

Beauty all around

Things that make my heart melt into a big puddle of goo:

1.  That look my dog gives me through the fence, as I drive away and leave her at home.  "I love you," I say, "I'll be back."

Cutey Lacey
2.  My children's adorable sleeping faces.  And the interesting positions they sleep in; Taesya has always been one for hanging halfway off the bed, while Keller prefers to stick his butt in the air.

Keller at the Peck reunion.
3.  Sweaters and tiny corduroy dresses at Old Navy in fall colors.  Just imaging my new little daughter all snug in comfy clothes makes me very joyful.

I bought this dress for Jovie.
My Mom borrowed my Keller for the day and I was so glad.  What does a young mother do when her youngest is missing?  She does her hair and makeup!  I actually took the time to make myself look nice and boy oh boy, I felt pretty as I dropped my son off at Pre-K.  One question, though, for all you regular make-up wearers out there: do you just learn to never touch your face during the day, or what?  I go to rub my eyes or something and then say, "Dang it, I forgot I had make-up on."  Is there some magical way to rub your eyes or scratch your face that I need to learn?  I know I sound silly, but I'm really quite a novice at the make-up thing.

I filled up my van's gas tank yesterday and I realized something quirky about myself.  For once I actually filled the tank up to Full, which sounds like the normal thing to do, I know.  But I guess I usually stop it early, because it's hot outside, or the gas is pumping slow, or I don't have that much money in my budget.  So I got back into my car and started driving to the grocery store with my childrens.  I glanced at my gas gauge and it bugged me a little.  Why?  It was on Full.  Like all the way Full.  "Why does that bug me?" I pondered.  "Am I a weirdo or something?"  

Minutes later, I decided it's a cash flow thing.  When that amount of gas is sitting in my car, I no longer have access to that money.  I can't decide to spend $20 of that on something else that I might need more.  A Full gas tank feels like I'm driving around with a car full of money, money that's stuck and I can't get.  

Sounds totally strange.  I don't drive a lot, really, as far as distance goes.  So I can make a third of a tank last a week usually.  And if I need milk or bread, I'd rather that money be in my checking account, rather than my gas tank.  I'm quirky, so sue me.

Ben is quirky, too.  He has a pillow, but he doesn't sleep on it.  I've been awake often at night and I shake my head as I see his pillow propped up against the headboard, with him flat on his stomach or back, arms spread wide at his sides.  "Why do you have a pillow?" I wonder to him.

This has been kind of longish.  Hope I didn't bore you too much.  It's been a good day.  If you want to comment and share something that makes your heart melt into a big puddle, I would love to hear.  

10.05.2010

Loudy loudness

I need to blog, but I am hesitant to do so.  Why?  Because life is full of crying and it's wearing on me.  So if you don't want to hear about small people who cry at me, please discontinue reading.

I spend the majority of my day with my two little boys and they seem to be constantly unhappy with the job I am doing as a mother.  Canon, thankfully, has only one real source of complaint: he is always hungry.  So our relationship consists of, "Mom, can I have something?" and "No, Canon, you just had breakfast."  Then the "crying" ensues.  It's phony, whiney crying.  I don't like it.

I can't really put my finger on Keller's reasons for grief; there are so many.  It's a tough phase of life, I've been told, because he's learning to communicate and is struggling when he can't find the words he needs.  Most things are out of his control and that makes him upset.  But truly, Keller cries 70% of each day.  He cries because he's constantly bumping into things as he runs to and fro; he cries because his older siblings exclude and pick on him; and he cries because Mom just doesn't understand what he needs right when he needs it.

It's difficult to feel successful and happy right now.  Because every time I turn around, someone is giving me a bad review.  I wish I didn't care so much, was impervious to their critiques -- my skin is not thick enough for this job some days.

Weeks like these make me really grateful for my dog.  It's nice that if she's fed and has had a walk, she is quiet and content with life.  Good girl, Lace.

9.30.2010

My favorite song: Bruno Mars "Just the Way You Are"

This song makes me think of Ben, who is in love with me, and it baffles my mind.  This week he's working an insane amount of hours and I miss him.  So it's good for me to remember that I have a sweetheart who adores me, despite my most convincing arguments.


Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day

Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so
Sad to think she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think its so sexy

She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day

Oh you know, you know, you know
I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for
Then just stay the same

So don't even bother asking
If you look okay
You know I'll say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

The way you are
The way you are
Girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are


Listen to the song here.  Makes me smile.

Quotey

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on."
- Carl Sandburg

9.27.2010

Preschool Year #1


Because Taesya made such a good impression on her former preschool teacher, Canon got the opportunity to attend this year.  He's technically not four years old until the end of October, but they made an exception.  So he'll be in this class for two years before he starts Kindergarten.

I love this preschool class.  It's at our local elementary school and the teachers are wonderful.  Yes, my son has to wear uniforms, but he's excited about his new "school clothes."  It's so nice for me to have both kids at the same school.  They even see each other in the halls sometimes.  I need to figure out what time Taesya has lunch, so we can all eat in the cafeteria together one day.

He's learning new songs, making new friends, and feeling like such a big boy.  What a sweetie.

Can you find:


1.  One child actually trying to say, "Cheese," for the photo.
2.  The food item that we buy every week.  Sometimes two boxes.
3.  The Halloween costume that one child plans to wear every day.  Hint: it comes with a pointy black hat.
4.  A scratched nose.
5.  Healing stitches covered with "Steri strips."
6.  Three stuffy noses.
7.  One child with combed hair.  (This is a trick, there aren't any.)
8.  One child wearing shoes.  (Another trick.)
9.  Three kids who just can't resist sitting right next to each other at all times.

9.21.2010

The Wisdom of the Chinese


It was pay day yesterday, so we splurged and ate dinner at Pei Wei, which we love.  Ben and I always share the Honey-seared Chicken and the Lettuce Wraps.  We order Chicken Lo Mein for the munchkins.  The kids each got a fortune cookie and Keller's made me laugh out loud.  

Tae:   Investigate new possibilities with friends.  Now is the time!
Canon:   That special someone loves to see the light in your eyes.
Kel:   You have a charming way with words and should write a book.  (I can't agree more.  With words of wisdom like "No want it!" and "Okidokee," his book would be a hit.)

Mine was great, as well:   You'll have more to give if you take some time for yourself.  Profound insight from a cookie; don't you think?

9.19.2010

Tae makes me smile

Taesya came in from playing and her loose tooth was finally out.  But we have no idea where it went.  So she's leaving a note for the tooth fairy under her pillow.  This is her very first lost tooth, by the way.  We'll see what happens tonight!



I only helped her when she asked.  I think she did a great job; made me smile anyway.  Oh, and for my little sister, Courtney, Taesya drew a picture of you in a crown.  She said it was for the "Draw Courtney in a crown" contest.  I hope she wins.  :)

9.16.2010

Another one bites the dust

Bit of a goose egg, as well.
Well, she set the record.  Taesya, at age five, will go down in history as our child who lived the longest without stitches.  Canon blew his chances when he bonked his nose on the footboard of Taesya's wooden bed; he was only 15 months old.  Keller just recently sustained a trampoline injury at just shy of 18 months.  And now Tae, who was hit by a large rock while swinging, has joined the Peck Child Head Wound Hall of Fame.  

(The rock, by the way, was thrown by Taesya's dear brother, Canon, who has done his fair share of apologizing.)

Taesya was a tough girl and didn't shed a tear while the doctor patched her up.  The Urgent Care nurse was really great and made Taesya feel like the biggest girl.  I told her how cool she was to get 5 stitches and that she should tell her teacher all about it.  She sported a lovely Barbie band-aid to school this morning.   Seems like she'll be just fine.

I just sort of shake my head at this point.  It was quite the afternoon.  Being a mom and dealing with bloody injuries -- yeah, sometimes this job is not my cup of tea.  Everyone is in one piece today, though, and we're hoping to keep it that way.  If my younger brothers are any prediction of the life my kids will lead, I have plenty more injuries to look forward to in my career as a mother.  

My brother-in-law, who is currently in medical school, ought to specialize in Family Practice and move into my future neighborhood.  Don't you think so, Ash?

Canon was so little and his ouchie was front and center on his face.  He was jumping off his mattress on the ground and his head ran into his sister's bed.

He's healed up, but Canon's scar is pretty much a part of who he is now.
We don't have an initial picture of when Keller got hurt.  He was jumping on Grandma Debbie's trampoline and fell onto where the spring meets the bar.  But here he is with his bandages.
The teens in our Sunday School class say he has a Harry Potter scar.  We've yet to discover any special powers, though.
Note:  Both boys were injured from jumping and falling.  Taesya's was a little different.  Poor Jovie.  Also, this is the first accident to occur while I was in charge of the kids.  Ben jokes that people always get hurt when Daddy's watching.

9.14.2010

Tummy Time


I'm kind of embarrassed to post a picture of my pregnant self, but at the same time, I really want to acknowledge that I am accomplishing something in my life.  Making an entire person inside of you takes a lot of work, and I deserve to be proud of that.  So here I am at 27 1/2 weeks; so close to the third trimester. Little Jovie is a jumping bean, for sure, and I enjoy that she keeps me company.  I'd be a lot more comfortable if she was just a squooshy baby, but when I try to bend over, I can tell she is definitely built of bones.  Ouch.  Some mornings Taesya greets me with a, "Wow, Mom, your baby is sure getting bigger."  I'm feeling bigger.  But how many other achievements are this visible?  I'm growing a baby.  What a job.

9.10.2010

Incubating



Hope you have a good day today.  Personally, my only goal is to remain conscious.  I am beat.  It seems like this baby inside of me might be going through a growth spurt.  It'd be nice to be a chicken and just sit on my egg all day; but who takes care of the other chicks while Mrs. Hen is chillin'?  At least it's Friday: countdown to tag-team parenting.

Stay awake and finish of the week on a happy note.  My best to you and yours.

9.02.2010

Kindergarten



Tae's officially going to school all day.  Which means that my most helpful, independent child is gone... to be helpful and independent for someone else.  Bummer.  Canon had a pretty emotional day yesterday; having to make his own decisions was tough on him, as he is used to just doing whatever Taesya does.  But me and my little boys will adjust.  Keller will learn to copy Canon and I will teach them both to become helpful and independent in time.

She had a great first day.  She was most excited to tell me about quiet time when they all slept.  And they colored; she mentioned that as well.  Back to School Night was basically just a review of all the paperwork they'd already sent home to read, but it was nice to see her in her little Kindergarten environment.  Tae's the kind of kid that absolutely loves school; learning new things and having other kids to talk to--it's her perfect set up.

We have to get in the routine of drop-offs and pick-ups.  Then Canon will start preschool next week and add two more car trips.  I hope this just becomes natural after a while.  My big belly isn't really helping, though, with the ins and outs--it's tiring.

My oldest child is in Kindergarten; I am proud of the sweet little girl she has become.  I hope she brings joy to everyone around her, like she does to me.  I love you, Tae.

8.27.2010

A Moment




We bought this wonderful book from the distribution center that is full of gospel images.  And each has a scripture referenced in the front.  So we are going to use this as a springboard for our family scripture study.  Tonight Taesya picked the picture of Isaiah writing of Christ's birth.  We talked about what we saw in the picture, then read the three verses to go along with it.  It was nice.  The kids all get really excited about pictures of Jesus or the temple, even Keller.  Ben took this video of Keller while we were "reading" the book afterwards.  

(Kel just snuck out of the bath, by the way, and came to ask me "What doin'?"  He's getting so smart.)

8.25.2010

Happily Ever After

This is the part of the story when a fairy godmother sweeps in to make my toddler happy again. His crying is over, his whining is done, he has no desire to follow me around and ask for endless things. Poof, suddenly he is smiling and content. Wonderful!



Waiting.



Waiting.



K, who didn't tell the fairy godmother? Dang it.

8.24.2010

A few items we need to go over

Item #1:  My head hurts.  I'm getting a lot of headaches lately; I think I need to better hydrate myself.

Item #2:  This week looks like a Deceptively Delicious week.  We've just gotten to a nutrient deficient state of being, it seems like, so it's time to sneak in some veggies.  First on the agenda is Frozen Yogurt Pops, since my kids go through popsicles at an insane pace.  Today I gave them ice cubes, since we had no other cold and fruity alternative.  Tears were shed.  I really love Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook, but I dream of the day when I will have a food processor to simplify things for me.

Item #3:  The ice cream man just drove by, but the $10 in my wallet just went to our babysitter.  Dang it.  Honestly, though, it was totally worth it to pay the babysitter.  She's a senior in high school and she does an amazing job.  I wish I could adopt her.

Item #4:  Fall is coming.  Best news ever.

Thanks, Nicki



My friend, Nicki, shared this fun little ditty on her blog.  Good times.  (Called Pomplamoose.)  Y'know, let's just make this a two-fer:



Now watch them again and dance around your house!  I am chair dancing as we speak.

8.23.2010

The Boys got Haircuts

My Family is Silly.

8.20.2010

Hot and Cold

After a borderline frustrating trip to Smith's today with all three kids, I pulled into my driveway and felt the air conditioning on my face.  Should I even go in?  I thought.  It was so hot outside and I still had to unload the groceries.  But I wasn't alone in the car, the kids were there, and anxious to get out some energy.  So I gave a big sigh and announced my usual, "We're home!"

Now they are in the backyard with popsicles and sidewalk chalk.  They're crazy for wanting to be out there; even the dog knows it's much cooler in here.  Not as cool as the car, though.  I got the groceries in the house and now I'm just waiting, melting, for Ben to get home.  I'm going to a family gathering for females only tonight; Tae and I are going.  I know it will be nice to see everyone and it's good to get out of the house, but I'm going to miss Ben.

I can remember feeling this way since we first got married.  I just want to be with him all the time.  He makes everything better and easier.  He's like the whip cream on top of life and I love him to bits.  Work's been really busy this week (his "real" job, and his side work as well) so he's pretty occupied.  I miss him.  I want to watch a movie with him and hold hands.  But it'll have to wait until another day.

Oh, how slowly the minutes tick by when you are waiting.  I should have a popsicle.

8.19.2010

No interesting title

It's a Thursday and I am feeling shlumpy.  So I thought, what the heck, let's post some pictures and write some random nothingness.  And by "let's" I obviously mean just me.  So behold Thursday thoughts.  And p.s. formatting in Blogger gives me grief; oh so much heartache. 

  

Canon is having a tough life right now.  Every time I say he can't have or do something that he wants to, he cries and whines and it's the end of the world.  He thinks he can convince me if he tells me, "But mom, I really really wanted a drink of juice."  Oh, I think sarcastically to myself, if only I had known that you really really wanted that thing--my decision would have been so much different.  The picture above in the carseat was after he cried himself to sleep over some issue.  25 minutes later, he woke up crying again,  picking up his argument exactly where he had left off.  


Luckily, though, he does still have moments of happiness.  The other day, he was so proud to show his little brother how well he could get dressed, which then inspired Keller to follow his example.  It was a wonderful brother moment.  Those two are so goofy together at the breakfast table, by the way.

     

We went to a Peck Family Reunion in Heber last weekend and had a good ole' time.  The kids loved being outside and getting dirty.  This is the swing/ripcord thing that all the kids spend their time on.  It was real camping, apparently, because when I held Taesya that night, I realized she'd wet herself at some point earlier in the day.  "I dried all off, though, mom," she said.  Oh well.  Our dog, Lacey, loved roaming free with all the other Peck dogs.  She scared some of the other kids, though, since she was the only dog larger than the size of a cat.  


Keller tasted a pinecone, which was not as delicious as the watermelon that he spent most of his time eating.  Keller is learning to talk currently.  It's adorable, for sure, but it's getting exhausting for me.  He thinks that he has to report every thing that he sees, does, or wants, to me.  ALL DAY LONG.  It's great practice for him.  I'm encouraging him to go tell Taesya and Canon about things sometimes.


Canon hugged my baby belly yesterday.  It was cute.  I rocked Keller to sleep last night and felt that big boy next to my tiny little girl; it was a nice moment.  I love my kids and I feel truly blessed in life right now.  Daily life is beyond redundant right now, but I'm doin' my best.  Kids start school soon!  That'll be a change.  Ch-ch-ch-changes.

8.11.2010

Cooking with Chef Tae

She dictated this recipe to Canon in the car and he careful mixed up (pantomimed) all the ingredients.

5 cups peanut butter
2 cups sliced radishes
4 cups olive oil
4 cups deoderant (which they removed after I laughed)
2 cups chocolate chips
3 cups cat hair
2 cups frog slime
2 more cups olive oil
(I may be forgetting one or two ingredients)

Mix it all up and put it in a pan in the oven to cook for 6 minutes.  Then cut it up or decorate it.

We all had a piece and Keller thought it was quite delicious.  Yum.

8.06.2010

Let's get Physical

The good news for today is that my exercise routine is working.  I have gained less weight this time around than I have any of my previous pregnancies.  Boy it was great to hear that, because working out is like pulling teeth right now.  It is tough to get going, but I feel proud afterward.  And today I feel especially proud: 12 pounds instead of the usual 20+ is a definite improvement.  Yay me.

I've been trying to do something active every week day.

Mondays:  Walk on treadmill while Tae's at tumbling
Tuesdays:  Prenatal yoga DVD at home
Wednesdays:  1 hour workout at the gym, half cardio, half resistance
Thursdays:  Water aerobics
Fridays:  Pregnancy exercises and stretches from What to Expect

Plus I walk the dog every other day for as far as I can handle.

I think exercise is nice during pregnancy because my motivation changes.  There's no way I'm going to lose weight, so I think a lot more about getting my heart pumping, working my muscles, becoming more healthy.  It's like I'm putting money into a bank that will eventually make this baby that much better off in life.  Why I suddenly care about being active, considering that this is my fourth time doing this?  No idea.  Weird.  I guess it was just time.

Anyways, I just wanted to share that I'm doing something good and it's paying off.  So glad.

8.05.2010

Snapshots of a Thursday

A man was walking across the street in the direction of Walmart.  He wasn't old, but he had a pot belly.  He was pulling behind him an oxygen tank and smoking a cigarette.  Slowly he made his way to the curb.

A hispanic-looking teenager was riding his bike away from the grocery store.  It was one of those smaller bikes that guys like my little brother ride to be cool, I think.  His hair was spiked; he was handsome.  He carried a red rose, packaged in the usual grocery store wrappery.  He carried it low at his side as he rode.  I wondered who the flower was meant for.  

A tall dad carried his little girl on his shoulders.  Holding his hand was his son.  Both children were younger than seven, I would say, and blonde.  The little boy looked like he was getting a little tired of walking, but Dad encouraged him on.  It was sweet.

8.01.2010

The three blonde bombshells of my life









These were all taken with my new.... yes, you guessed it -- DIGITAL camera!  Nothing fancy; but I now have the option to capture a memory and share it the same day.  I'm excited.  Still have my trusty SLR for better quality photos, which I intend to use for some fun kid portraits soon.  I'm thinking I'll pick a different location and time of day for each kid, try to capture each of their personalities.  Should be fun.