Days of Dandelions and Deseret Industries Disasters

So this hasn't been my week as a wife and mom, alright? It didn't start off bad, but let me tell you, by Saturday, I'd officially begun spiraling downward in flames of embarrassment. Let me explain: So first of all, Kelsey's opera is next week, and she will be playing an old lady. I've been wondering what to do for her costume, and low and behold, her teacher, Mrs. Moss sent home a beautiful, black shawl for Kelsey to wear in the play. Only Kelsey didn't tell me about the shawl when she got home. She dumped it unceremoniously on the couch and went outside to play. I'm talking right next to the pile of dress-ups that were bound for DI. Within minutes, I had bagged up the final bag of my massive dejunking clothing purge, and quickly set off for the DI dropoff point. I was so proud of myself for getting rid of so much, truly excited for our family's impending minimalist existence. Until. Until Kelsey told me at dinner that Mrs. Moss sent home the shawl she should wear as part of her old lady costume. My eyes grew wide and my family undoubtedly wondered at the deer-in-the-headlights expression on my face. While they wondered at my reaction, my poor brained quickly processed images of dress-ups being flug quickly and without prejudice into the black trash bag. I wish I could've reached into my memory's slow-motion and hazy videography and somehow grasp that delicate shawl, somehow saving it from its tragic end...

I finally gasped helplessly then confessed to my darling daughter, who was sitting there, wide-eyed with concern. She then rewarded me with the exact same look that she received from me the day she emptied an entire bottle of Vaseline...on her head. Pure exasperation. "But Mom," she started, obviously trying to control her emotions. "Why would you send it to DI?" And like Kelsey's Vaseline explanation, mine too fell on deaf ears.

So, I spent several days looking for an appropriate shawl. First searching every square inch of our local DI store (including a Maguiver-esque jaunt around the back while no one was looking), then shopping multiple locations, calling friends, considering making my own (yeah right), and finally deciding on a dumb baby afghan.

But here's the thing. I still haven't told Mrs. Moss yet. Even as an adult, somehow the whole idea of "telling teacher" somehow terrifies me. What if I get in trouble? So anyway, this was one episode of many that colored my week of dumbness.

And yet another...Tyler and I had a discussion on Wednesday night about just how much he has on his plate right now and how on Earth he would be able to get to it all, what with his two jobs and many church responsiblilities. Many of these tasks involved yard work that needed to be done. So on Thursday, I got the idea of taking care of the clusters of dandelions that freckled our front lawn. I recently saw a commercial on television about a husband who oops! accidentally killed the lawn by using the wrong brand of weed killer (RoundUp). Then, the next year he redeemed himself by using the correct solution (Weed B Gone), which "kills the weeds, not the grass." So swiftly, I drove to Wal-Mart and with all four kids in tow, purchased a large pump bottle at Wal-Mart that looked just like the one I saw on the commercial. Unfortunately, it was the wrong one I saw on the commercial. Also unfortunately, I did not read the label well, for alas, it read "RoundUp Total Weed and GRASS Killer." To make a long story short, I sprayed, then read label, and prayed and prayed and prayed. It felt funny at first, praying for my lawn, until I remembered the scriptures somewhere which advises us all to "pray over our fields." Hey, we're supposed to apply scriptures to our lives, RIGHT?! So anyway, if you'll now join with me in prayer...

Brown Sugar Chicken (From crockpot365.blogspot.com)

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. lemon-lime soda
2/3 vinegar
dash garlic powder, or 3 cloves, smashed
2 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. ground black pepper

Plop the chicken in your CrockPot. It can be frozen =) Cover with the brown sugar, then the pepper, then garlic, then soy sauce. Then cover with vinegar, and finally the soda. It will bubble, which the kids love to watch. (See who says you never do fun science experiments with your kids?)

Cover and cook on low for 6-9 hours or high for 4-5. If you cook it on low, it will be more moist and tender. Serve with brown rice and broccoli. My family loves this one and it's relatively healthy. Enjoy!!!

Whazzup?

Many of you may not know, but Matthew's third word when he was younger was "WHAZZUP?!" courtesy of Uncle Trevor. (His first two words were 'more' and 'ham' which were usually spoken in quick succession). Anyway, 'whazzup' in our home is as common as any greeting, so don't be surprised if you call some day and you hear the term growled lazily from our side of the line. So here's WHAZZUP with our family these days:

Tyler is working not one, but TWO jobs, in our further attempts to be "DEBT-FREE AGAIN by 2010!" He is now working one or two shifts at Triumph Youth Services here in Brigham, mentoring and caring for troubled youth. He enjoys it and our family is so grateful to him for his willingness to pick up more hours in his already HECTIC life! What a guy! yes, he's still at Nucor, but recently decided to head back from Estimating to the Detailing department, at least temporarily, where they are in desperate need of leaders and trainers. In his spare time he enjoys...wait! He doesn't have any spare time. Scratch that! Well, he can't wait to get to stacks and stacks of home-improvement projects and video games when and if things ever slow down for him.

I am still working on my little photography biz, still practicing hard and I actually have several bookings this month! I also joined Weight Watchers about two months ago and have lost 16 pounds in that time! I LOVE going to my meetings and I feel healthier and happier that I have for a long time! What a great program!!! Other than that, I am just one INSANELY BUSY SAHM lving in the most wonderful chaos ever. I wouldn't have life any other way!

Kelsey is preparing for her class opera, "Dirty Water, Clean Water," in which she will be singing a solo. She will be playing an old lady. (Help, Mom! I don't do costumes!) If anyone wants to come and see her, there will be two performances on April 30, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Katie is one busy little girl. And smart!!! She loves preschool and despite Mommy's most sincere efforts is bored out of her mind at home. Oh, how kindergarten will be a good thing for this little girl. Katie also LOVES to sing, just like her Momma.

Matthew is one silly little guy! He randomly shouts out "BOOYAH!" throughout the day, and loves to tell everyone what a rooster says. His best friend in the world is "doddy" which in Matthew means "doggie." Doddy goes with him everywhere and is carefully buckled into our spare car seat so "he won't dit durt if we dash the dan." (Won't get hurt if we crash the van).

Macey is smiles and giggles all day long, sleeps through the night, still takes two naps a day, and is now FINALLY eating solids. Sorry to brag, but well, she's pretty much perfect.

So, for tonight, I am done blogging, but I will leave you with our family cheer:

To GETH er, for EVER,
For all eternity...
WALTON, WALTON,
WALTON FAMILY!!!

MY "WOW! Is It April Already? Resolutions"

Here are my "New Year's" resolutions, which I really meant to post long, long ago...back when 2009 was actually a novel idea.

Spiritual: Read the Book of Mormon, Give the Book of Mormon to someone
Intellectual: Read at least 50 full-length books this year, then review on goodreads.com
Physical: Lose 30 pounds (I'm already more than half way there! Woot!)
Personal: Be more positive and optimistic AND further develop my interests in photography
Financial: Pay down $15,000 in debt (DONE!!!! WOOOOOOOOT!!!!)

Now, I wanna hear yours!!

OUR KIDS' SONGS

Each of our children have two songs that are their very own, composed (sort of) by yours truly. The first is a "love song" that is sung to express love and the second is a "spelling" song to help them learn how to spell their names. Here are their songs:

KELSEY'S LOVE SONG (To the tune of "Help Me, Rhonda" by the Beach Boys)

Kelsey Baby, Kels, Kelsey Baby,
Kelsey Baby, Kels, Kelsey Baby,
Kelsey Baby, Kels, Kelsey Baby,
Kelsey Baby, Oh!
Oh, we love you so much!

KELSEY'S SPELLING SONG (To the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")

K-E-L-S-E-Y
Kelsey, Kelsey, Cutie Pie!
She's my sweetie and I love her,
I just can't get enough of her,

K-E-L-S-E-Y
Kelsey, Kelsey, Cutie Pie!


KATIE'S LOVE SONG (To the tune of the "Elmo's World Theme Song")

This is the song, la la la la,
Katie's song...
This is the song, la la la la,
Katie's song...

Katie loves her family,
We love her too...
That's Katie's song!!!

KATIE'S SPELLING SONG (To the tune of "Bingo")

There was a pretty little girl
And Katie was her name-O...

K-A-T-I-E, K-A-T-I-E, K-A-T-I-E,
And Katie was her name-O!


MATTHEW'S LOVE SONG (To the tune of the "Batman Theme Song")

Na na na na na na na na,
Na na na na na na na na,
Matt Man...(Continue on...you get the point!)

MATTHEW'S SPELLING SONG (To the tune of your local courthouse or grandfather clock's chime)

M-A-T-T-H-E-W,
That spells Matthew
How we Lovva You

M....A....T....T....H....(See how many letters you get out, depending on the time of day)

MACEY'S LOVE SONG (To the tune of "Sweet Pea")

Oh! Macey! Come on and dance with me!
Come on, come on, come on and dance with me!

Oh! Macey! I want you to be my girl!
Won't you, won't you, won't you be my girl?

MACEY'S SPELLING SONG (To the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")

M-A-C-E-Y, M-A-C-E-Y!
She's our little cutie pie,
M-A-C-E-Y!

M-A-C-E-Y, M-A-C-E-Y!
Love that baby! Me oh my!
M-A-C-E-Y!

And to finish off this post, here are the kids' nicknames:

Kelsey: Kelsey Welsey Puddin' and Pie, Kels, and/or Kelsey Wels
Katie: Katie K, Katie Lady, Kate, and Katie Bug
Matthew: Matthew Man
Macey: Macey May, Mace

There! Documented! Goodnight!

INSOMNIA

So, does anyone know why it's 2:13 AM and I can't seem to get to sleep? Here are a few clues: I am starting my own photography business in the next few months and have been going over and over and over ideas for my next two practice shoots. I'm also trying to decide what to buy at the Smith's caselot sale tomorrow. Then, I can't stop reliving the moment when I found out I'd lost six pounds this week at my Weight Watchers weigh in. WOOT! I keep thinking about baby names, which is something I often do at night and is a common insomnia culprit for sure. (Nope...no announcement there. Just an obsession I have). I also keep thinking about whether or not I should've tried the advanced poses in today's yoga workout. (My behind and left hamstring think NOT). Also on my mind: my next young women's lesson, along with various upcoming activities. I'm also running through my mind everything I want to go over at an enrichment night workshop I'm doing next month about coupon shopping and bargain hunting. Geee...what else. I'm certainly trying hard not to think about the Utah Jazz's HUMILIATING loss to the Trailblazers last night. Grrr... I'm also so excited to try the new braid I just saw at www.babesinhairland.blogspot.com tomorrow morning when I get Kelsey ready for school. Anyway, my fingers and brain are losing connectivity, which is a sure sign that sleep is eminent. SO...back to bed we go. I talked with a friend of mine today who said that for April Fool's she put Orajel on her hubby's toothbrush...LOL! On nights like these, I wish I could squirt some into my ears and numb my mind! I read somewhere that when you are having a hard time falling asleep you should get up and write about everything on your mind, so hopefully it's done the trick. Nighty night!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

I am so in love with my little family! My husband's the best guy around, my girls are so beautiful, and Matthew is a little charmer. This week has been great and full of surprises. For example, this morning as I walked Kelsey to the bus stop, I realized how big she's getting! As a mother, you have some days that seem like they will never end, then suddenly your child looks all grown up and starts conversing more and more like a grown-up. It's bittersweet. Yesterday she was trying to get me to let her play her favorite game on the computer. When I told her no, she responded, "But Mom, I don't often get to play it." Often!!! I'm sure that was a milestone, right?

I read somewhere that the thing about parenthood is at first you hate waching the fingerprints from the wall, then they get higher and higher. One day they're gone. My kids are growing so quickly. I resolve to love every minute of it. (Or almost every minute, anyway)

I've posted some new pictures of Macey for all of you to enjoy!

Kelsey's Joke of the Day:

Why do penguins carry fish in their beaks?

Because they don't have pockets!!

Today is a good day. The kids are back in school, everybody's healthy, we got approved for our 15-year refinance, and Matthew "made a poo-poo" in the toilet. How much better can it get? Parenthood is again becoming somewhat predictable, now that our previous schedules are settling back into place. Ok...now everyone know on wood for me!!!

I'm still learning...this blogging thing is probably not really as hard as it seems, so hopefully I will figure out what I am doing with time.

Life is crazy! The past two weeks have been full of colds, then ear infections, then antibiotic allergies, complete with hives. This is not even to mention the wonderful (and ridiculously messy) world of potty-training. But, never fear...I have discovered the solution to all my potty-training woes. I will now be embracing hypnotic suggestion. Matthewwww...you will not pull the sheet and mattress protector off the bedddd. You will not pee on the mattresssss. You will only go in the pottyyyyy. See! Problem solved...if only!

Macey's colic seems to be settling a little and we are able to truly enjoy an emerging sweet, and smily baby. She is still not quite sleeping through the night, but Mommy is trying to be just a little tougher about training her. She is trying to use her little tummy muscles more and more and loves to stiffen up and stand straight and tall, holding somebody's hands.

Katie has discovered the hard way that she, like Matthew, is extremely allergic to amoxicillin. On day 9 of her 10-day dose, she began developing a rather impressive case of hives. If you ask her about the hives, she'll tell you matter-of-factly, "Oh, yes. I am allergic to hives, but not to the bees." She continues to do well at the district preschool, where she is in an intensive speech program to help her with her 'k' and 'g' sounds. She loves preschool and now knows all her ABC letters and most of the sounds they make.

Kelsey is doing great in school and recently took second place in the school for literature in the Reflections competition. Her reading is really taking off and she also does well in math. Her favorite subject is spelling and she can increasingly spell more difficult words such as snowman, monster, and even iguana. She has a delightful little personality and loves to make friends with everyone. Her best friends are Sariah, Andrew and Brinley.

Tyler has changed departments at Nucor and is now an Estimator, which he is very excited about. He likes the new job and responsibilities and is excited to learn all he can, which is a good thing, since they highly operate on the sink-or-swim training method. He enjoys working for Nucor. He is still the YM Basketball coach as well as Sunday School President in our ward.

I am a very, very busy SAHM, and is loving every minute of it. I'm serving in the YW Presidency as Second Counselor, which has to be the best calling in the world. I love the opportunity to get out for mutual and feel like a teenager again once a week and I really love the girls in our ward. They are so GOOD, and teach me a lot about life. I am also still the ward webpage administrator, which is a pretty cushy calling.

LIFE IS GOOD IN OUR HOOD!!!