No Camera

Now that summer is here, I'm not in the habit of having my camera on my person! Blah! To document our day, Hannah said some hilarious things today. First off, in our scripture study this morning I was explaining what the word "afflictions" means, such as something hard to deal with; a trial, etc. To which Hannah responded (in all seriousness mind you), "like Nathan". It did get a chuckle out of me and I told her, "no, not like Nathan".

We had a fun filled day today. Picnic in the park and then off to a most FUN splash park in Alpine. After leaving the picnic, on our way to the splash park, Hannah said, "I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father gave us these fun parks." She went on and on about how thankful she was for all the beauties He's given us and just how thoughtful He is. Goodness sakes my kids sure teach me a lot.

The splash park was beyond fun. I'm so bummed I forgot my camera. I said to my friend I was with, "mom's get to have all the fun. Poor dad's who miss out on all this fun!" Seriously, Aaron would have been the only adult playing in the water, I'm just sure of it. We will be returning many times this summer. I've got to snag some of my neighbor friends to come next time. Blast! Blast! Blast!

We're ending the day with popsicles, ice cream, and stickiness from head to toe! Perfect!

(Thanks Suzanna for these pictures)

Father's Day

I think this may be the first year ever that I really have recognized just how important fathers are. Sad to say that I think I've always just taken advantage of being raised by a great man and that my children are being raised by a great man as well. Recently though, I can really see just how fundamental dad's are. I can sure say that my kids adore their father and long for him to be with us. Aaron carries so many qualities of my own father. He takes his responsibility of provider so serious. Our children learn and are grateful for his hard work to support us. They say just how thankful they are every night in their prayers. He is the perfect combination of silly/goofy/serious/sponataneous/fun that we could ask for. Father's day morning, the kids and I took breakfast into his bed. Hannah colored him two pictures, and we quietly left him to eat it all alone.

That evening we enjoyed dinner with my parents and siblings. My dad is so good. There are so many memories. So many lessons learned by this great man. After dinner he asked each of us to go around and say one thing we have learned by our dad. It was so fun to hear what my in-laws and nieces and nephews had to say about their fathers. I loved to hear Aaron talk about his father as well. There is an ache in my heart that I never knew him. Aaron always talks so highly of him and with so much love for him. I'm so grateful that he was raised by such a good man who has taught my Aaron so many great things. (could I say the word "so" just one more time please!)

After all was said and done, I didn't get one.single.picture of Aaron with his kiddos. Blah! just a lousy picture of the breakfast and one of the pictures Hannah made for him.

Prayer

One of my favorite mile stones my children make is when they learn how to pray by themselves. Can there be a sweeter thing ever??? I say no. Abigail has learned to pray and it is darling to say the least. For lunch she thanked Heavenly Father for everything. EVERYTHING! her plate, the cheese on her sandwich, the banana, her house, her sister, daddy's work,  the pears, and on and on and on. I may open my eyes when she prays just to see her look around at what she is thankful for. Sheesh, my prayers need to be more simple and grateful like my children's.

p.s. Our strawberries are divine this year!

Quite a Day

Day Starts:

7:30 wake up
8:00 piano man comes to tune the piano
8:35 piano man finds an old mouse nest inside our piano. lovely.
9:15 kids wake up (it is beyond me that they didn't wake up to him banging on the piano, but they didn't) feed kids, dress kids, dress myself, wait for piano guy to finish
11:30 piano guy leaves, we head to the park for our picnic
12:30 hang out with Nikki and girls
1:15 leave Hannah and Nathan at Nikki's, run to Home Depot and IFA
2:30 high tale it home to build (myself mind you) some kind of cage for our chickens. they are driving
me batty. well.....their poop everywhere is driving me batty.
4:15 finish my ridiculous, makeshift cage for them. try to catch those blasted chickens to put in their new temporary home. guys show up to work on a leaky window in our backyard. notice they are laughing at me trying to catch the last chicken. (it was beyond a joke)
5:15 start dinner
5:45 eat dinner
6:15 head back out to work on the garden. plant some new seeds, mulch, water, etc.
9:15 gather my wild, FILTHY children inside for a much much needed bath.
10:00 prayers said, hugs and kisses, lights out!
10:17 clean the house. Ugh!

10:11

Hannah came out of her room tonight (9:45ish) and was sobbing. I quickly went to see what was wrong. Ok, I need to back track. Last week was her piano recital and her teacher encouraged all of us families to participate in a donation for a women and children's shelter. Of course, I didn't prepare to take anything until the night before. I was scrambling to find things we might donate. Fortunately I had some crayons, folders, binders (all needed) that I bought last year before school started. I quickly grabbed those. The foundation also needed slightly used children's books and stuffed animals. Well.....I looked through the children's books and took 5 that I didn't think would be missed, and one little stuffed bear that hadn't been played with in months. The problem is, I didn't ask Hannah and I really should have. (lesson learned) She was sobbing about one of those books she saw me give away, saying it was her most special book ever and helped her to not have bad dreams. We hadn't read that book in a year I swear! Then she proclaimed that the bear I gave was really special to her too. Bah! think quick Melissa, think quick. "But sweetheart, those things went to children who have nothing. Doesn't that make you so happy to give someone something who has nothing when you have so much?" It didn't work. She cried even harder and asked me if I would give her away too? What??? No! No! Ok, so I need to make sure never to do this again. Always include my children in deciding what they will donate. I cradled Hannah for sometime. Told her many things I absolutely love about her. Told her what a special girl she is and most importantly, promised I would NEVER take any of her books, toys, stuffed animals without talking with her first. She is now sound asleep. Phew!

Nathan's Birthday Party

I had soooo much fun planning Nate's birthday party. I really debated whether or not I should throw him a party, but when I thought about a Safari theme.....there's was just way too many fun things to do for him!

When Nathan's 10 little friends arrived, they made little binoculars to take on their Safari hunt. Aaron was the PERFECT guide. All dressed up and spoke in an accent the entire time. The kids crossed a treacherous bridge over crocodile/frog infested waters, encountered countless wild beasts, and barely scathed the crazy monkeys in the trees.

After they made it safely through the Safari, it was time to lighten things up with a musical safari animal game (is there another name for musical chairs?).

And just look at this cutie-patootie! (the other cutie-patootie was napping and missed all the fun)

Now that the games were over, Nathan could finally have fun (he was a little crabby for his party). All he wanted to do was open his gifts. Seems like that really is the most exciting part for all of the kids. I wish I could have captured his expressions. He was SOOO excited with every gift.

We wrapped things up with some cake and popsicles, silly string, jumping on the trampoline, and playing with Nathan's new presents. 

(Judd, Kamryn, Dallin, Hannah, Alex, Caleb, Gavin, Lucas, Isabel, Grace, Brett, Nathan, Lydia)

And there was NO escaping an old smackaroo from his mama! I sure love you little boy!

Nathan is 4

Happy Birthday, Birthday Boy!

-The birthday boy has been sick with allergies/sinus infection for two weeks
-The birthday boy is completely potty trained
-The birthday boy got a very very needed haircut today
-The birthday boy had the hugest banana split ever
-The birthday boy got spoiled with lots of gifts and attention
-The birthday boy has his first birthday party this weekend and can't wait!

Things you do that make me smile:
- still say "debroom" for bedroom as well as "turnappear" for "disappear" and "ooze" anytime he means to say "use".
- you will sneak into my room late into the night and quietly ask if you can sleep with me. It is my favorite!
- you love movies, just like your daddy and would watch them ALL day if I would let you. And I don't.
- it's no secret that your third year was a challenge for us both. I think we are behind most of those challenges and boy are we both glad!
- you want to be with me always. you always cry if I have to go somewhere that you can't come. it tears my heart out every time.
- you still prefer your blankie to almost anything or anyone.
- you love to be sung to at night and the ritual goes as such: "popcorn popping on the apricot tree", "jesus wants me for a sunbeam", "do, rei, me", and "go to sleep Nathan".
- you are sandwiched between two sisters, but you are ALL boy.
- your birth story is my favorite and it was love at first sight.....and still is. I love you sweet boy!

The Chickens

Are getting really big! We are in the process of building their permanent home outside. Yes, that means they have been living inside all this time. They live in the basement, in a 2-1/2 by 6 foot home. They hate it. I hate how they smell and the mess they are making in my house, even if it is confined. However, if you ever are kinda down, low, depressed whatev....buy some chickens. They are hilarious! And quite frankly a great family pet. Definitely a perk that they give so much back too.

 Jewels- Mom's (the sweetest)

 Bo-Hannah's (the leader of the pack)

 Trixey - Abigail's (perfectly named as she is very tricky)

 Ninight - Nathan's (2nd sweetest)

 Pepper - Dad's (the prettiest)



The Piano

Hannah has been practicing her piano piece of "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" for weeks! She had that piece down pert near perfect! She had ample audiences to practice in front of, including an opportunity to play it in her primary at church on a Sunday a few weeks back. Today she played it in front of a much more intimidating audience, if you can believe that! She is still Ms. Leslie's youngest student and those "big" kids can sure play well! With nearly 40 students who performed, Hannah was somewhere in between. When her teacher announced her turn, Hannah was just putting on her last bit of lip gloss. She kills me! :o) I'm so proud of her. I do believe she may have inherited her mother's fear of playing in front of others, but she still completely melts me...mistakes and all!

Ms. Leslie is such a wonderful teacher for Hannah. I am so grateful we found her.

It's not everyday that you get to perform twice in front of a large audience. We had our Church talent show tonight. And boy oh boy, does our ward have some great talent! This time Hannah and I played her song as a duet. I dare say she does better without me, but duets with her may be the only time I will play in front of a large group of people so I hope we can get better at it.

I let Hannah wear masscara for tonights performance and wowzers! her eyelashes are sooooo long! Pretty girl!

Children who Graduate

Goodness Gracious......they are preschoolers, not high school graduates, but I cried anyway. So weird I think. I never thought I would cry at things like a preschool graduation, but I sure did. I know there are others who cry at these, but I find myself embarrassed when I cry here. But the tears are sincere and they are tears of excitement of what the future holds for my kids. Ok, and it could also be that I think Hannah had the most incredible preschool teacher out there! Tecia has a gift and she has found a way to share it with so many people. She is inspiring. The very first day of school, when I took Hannah I got all choked up watching Tecia with the kids. Blaw! I did not want to cry, but I couldn't help it. She is just amazing! And then tonight was Hannah's little graduation and I cried off and on during the program. Since I know the majority of those little kids, it was incredible to see the great changes for good, in the 9 months they've had Ms. Tecia.

Hannah had a little solo part that I promise she had down perfectly at home. Who knew that she gets nervous in crowds? I sure didn't because this girl doesn't seem to have a shy bone in her body. We learned something new tonight about Hannah. Sure was proud of her though!

And here she is with the lady of the hour, Ms. Tecia. I was so touched by the gifts she gave each student including a copy of the Book of Mormon engraved with their name on it.

There are so many pictures, so many videos that I will have to archive elsewhere. I'm so happy that Nathan will go to Tecia next year and thrilled with Hannah's excitement and readiness for Kindergarten this fall.

(all of Tecia's students this year)

We also celebrated Nathan's joy-school graduation today as well. This was such a fun little group of kids and I really enjoyed participating in teaching them. His was so much more casual, but still lots of fun. We had a picnic at the park, awarded them with certificates and caps, sang the abc's one last time together, gave them each a book, and blew bubbles for them to walk through. I may have mentioned it a time or two, but I sure am grateful for the great kids that surround my kiddos. 

 (someone was a little sad that she didn't get a cap and certificate. Next year my dear. Next year.)

Memorial Day

Memorial day always seems to be the kick off for summer fun. We have been lacking the sunshine here, which has made for a very gorgeous, green spring, but I'm here to tell ya, I'm ready for the sun! It did grace us off and on over the weekend. Nikki and Dave invited us to go fishing with them to a very well hidden pond, not far from our house. It may be Utah County's best kept secret as it has a park, picnic areas, and a pond stocked with fish. Is there anything better than fishing and eating s'mores? I think not! On the way to this hidden goodness, I took the opportunity to tell the kids why there were so many flags out lining the streets. As I told them about all the brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms and who still fight today for us, I could tell they were really thinking about that. Even more so when I told them that it's also a day we remember ones we love who are now in heaven like their Grandpa Lombardo and Great Grandpa Eyre. Those little minds really get thinking. You can see it in their eyes. 

Nathan was beyond giddy about his fish he reeled in.

Abby caught one too, but she was slightly less interested in it.  

Hannah had a few bites, but no takers. She thought the fish were slimy and disgusting anyway.

This is truly one of my favorite things to do. Although this is the first time we've taken the kids fishing, (kind of a shocker really) I just love camp fires, going on nature walks, being with family, watching the kids play hard with their cousins, spending time outside, looking at all the beauty around us. I could go on and on. The pictures say it better.

When we had our fill of fun for the day, we took the fish home with us. I made a great big salad, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and Aaron prepared the fish the kids caught! It was DELICIOUS! and the kids thought it was so cool that they actually helped with making our meal that evening. This may be the life I've always dreamed of.

Book Club

The much anticipated night to discuss "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother" was last night. Boy oh boy, it was not disappointing! We had a record attendance and the night will go down in history as our very lives were at risk when my ceiling fan decided to wig out and drop, while in full mode, to the floor. It was exciting to say the least. Katie Hellewell saved us all and caught the fan (it had stopped spinning before it fell so no one was hurt). Crazy! So we carried on with only the light from the kitchen and a little lamp. Kind of set the mood really. When I chose this book a couple months ago someone said, "you would choose a book that is so controversial". I had to laugh at that. I didn't intend to be controversial, but some know that I don't hesitate to offer my voice, especially if I feel strongly about it. I simply chose this book because I thought it would be an interesting read and a great discussion. And I was right. Motherhood can be a touchy subject to discuss, especially when one is in it full force. There were lots of opinions of the book, and I think for the most part, all of us were on the same page. There were moments where the level of excitement  over one of her parenting tactics, got pretty intense. She is a mother of force, no choice, idle threats, little to no affection, and unrealistic expectations. That said, I couldn't help but to agree with a few of her thoughts, such as this one, "Western parents worry a lot about their children's self-esteem. But as a parent, one of the worst things you can do for your child's self-esteem is to let them give up. On the flip side, there's nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't." That really rang true to me.

I think we could push our kids a little more than we do. I think we could expect a little more of our kids than we do. I think we could provide healthy situations for our children that will help them to grow and stretch a little more than we do. And I think we can expect our children to show and be respectful. The discussion was summed up with the thought that there really needs to be a balance. A moderation of all things. What Amy Chua lacked was balance.....in a really bad way. She was so extreme and being extreme in either direction can be a great mix for parenting failure.

I think it's fair to say that I am a bit of a tiger mother. I want to push my kids a little out of their comfort zone, so they can reach their potential. I think my own mom was the best kind of tiger mom out there. She was kind and loving, but she wasn't always willing to come to my rescue. She would not always pull  me out of situations that at the time, I wish she would have. But I grew from those experiences and learned how to stick up for myself. Man alive though I could not understand why she would not come to my aid and be my voice to defend me, but what I realize now is that she did defend me. She was and is the world's BEST listener. She taught me to turn the other cheek or to stick up for myself if necessary and now I'm forever grateful for her. And I know she would have come to my aid had there been a real necessary need.  Honestly, I think my parents had a great balance raising us and now that I'm in the thick of it, I don't know how they did it. Actually I do. They were on their knees often, praying for guidance and without a doubt, they were lead to do what was right for each of us individually.

Ok, this is long enough. It was a book worth reading.....I thought anyway, and I think most thought so as well.