Why I know I am a child of God

A winters day
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I’ve built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
Its laughter and its loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don’t talk of love,
But I’ve heard the words before;
It’s sleeping in my memory.
I wont disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.

-Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

I have always loved this song. When I was young I wondered what it would be like to feel as this person in the song does, making oneself completely isolated from the world.

Today I have had this song running in my head. Potty training stinks. Cleaning up pee stinks. Getting your baby to take naps on his own stinks. Weaning your baby, who really likes to nurse, stinks. Stepping on Transformers and Legos stinks. Loosing your patience over and over and over again really stinks.

Finally, I have a moment for myself, to process my anger and impatience, and this song is going through my head.

So again, I think about what it would be like to be completely void of human relationships and interaction. What would bring a person to feel like this was a positive alternative to life?

Today I wished I was alone. It’s less messy, it’s quieter, and it’s certainly easier to only worry about my own welfare and Love only myself.

Relationships are hard, every single one I have ever had required a lot of work. The ones that are really worthwhile, even eternal, are the hardest and require the most attention. Sometimes my efforts are rewarded, and sometimes I find myself cleaning up pee, literally and figuratively.

Then I think to myself, the one relationship that is ALWAYS rewarding to me is my relationship with my Father in Heaven. The times in my life when I have chosen to nourish this relationship, I have found myself happier. The circumstances around me have not changed; I’m sure there will always be pee to clean up. (Literally and figuratively) But I can now look at my life with a different perspective. Heavenly Father is aware of me.

This is a lesson that I have been learning for awhile.
I’m quite certain the tutelage will continue in 2009.
And for the rest of my mortal life.
I’m OK with that, because I know I am a daughter of God.
Now I have been reminded of that and I feel much better.

Happy New Year.

Naughty or Nigh?

Merry Christmas from the Jacobs Family!



Yes, Ian is on the potty. No Apologies, we spend a lot of time there!

And one more...

Mt. Vesuvius

When Gabe was about 5 months old, we were visiting some of our family.
During this visit I entered the master bedroom with the lady of the house. (let's just call her "Jembee")

There resting on her lovely queen-sized bed was something that resembled this:



It was all clean laundry, not folded, just mounted in a heap on the bed.
Forgive me Jembee, but to myself I thought, "How does one knowingly let the clean laundry pile up like that?"

Fast forward 4 years. I now find myself with three young boys, who are particularly messy if I do say so. My husband is particularly clean, which means he frequently changes his clothes that become dirty because of our messy boys. I usually hang out in what some may call "grubbies" because I know that if I change the next thing will just get dirty and then I will be the one washing all those dirty shirts. Gross I know, but it's survival.

The phrase, "compelled to be humble" comes to mind.

Just in case you didn't get the full scope of my clean laundry pile, here are two more pictures from different angles.





Eventually the laundry was all folded, some of it put away, the rest still waiting on the bed there to annoy me and Nick so we have to put it away before we can sleep. Jembee, I am a changed woman! I will now bow at your feet and worship.

Oh, and Gabe helped me fold! He's a good egg that one...

Thanksgiving sentiments...

I am feeling sentimental tonight; I would like to share with you Six things that I am most thankful for (in no particular order).

My marriage

I am so thankful for the marriage that Nick and I share. I am truly happy to be his wife through the good and the bad. Quite frankly I am thankful for the bad, because we have worked through it together and become closer because of it. Bring on the Bad! I look forward to an eternity of good and bad and even sometimes quite perfect with him.
Which brings me too…

My Temple Covenants

Where would I be without them? I shudder at the thought. I am thankful that through these covenants I am sealed to my family, immediate and extended. I am thankful that my Heavenly Father is willing to make personal covenants with me, little old me! I am thankful I can commune with my Heavenly Father in his house and learn more about my covenants. More specifically I am thankful for the proximity of the Bountiful Temple up on the mountain. It is like a beacon of hope for me on many days, it reminds me what matters most.
Which brings me too…

Gabe

Where do I begin? This boy lights up my life. I love his stream of questions, his vibrant energy, his desire to do good and be kind. There is no doubt in my mind that Gabe was meant to be the eldest boy in our family, he has a beautiful spirit!
Which brings me too…

Ian

From the day Ian was born he has been content. He wants nothing more than to be happy and make others around him happy. This manifests itself in many ways, which always keeps things around our house fresh! Ian is so silly, so happy, so loving. He is eager to learn and do everything that his older brother does and loves to give his baby hugs.
Which brings me too…

Simon

Last but certainly not least, our baby Simon. He is now 9 months old and can’t wait to crawl and bounce around the house with his brothers. Simon is rarely seen without a smile. He is a beautiful, sweet, loving baby. He gives the best hugs, especially in the middle of the night. Sometimes I think if he could speak he would have wonderful things to tell me, soon enough he will.

Let me not forget my wonderful family and friends. I love you all, you have no idea how each of you enrich my life on a daily basis. I have learned so much from all of you, and look forward to the moments when we are together. Thank-you for your love and friendship!

So there is my Thanksgiving bounty. I know that each of you who may read this blog have as much if not more to be thankful about.
It feels so concrete when you put it on paper (or E-paper), you might do it too!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Tiny Awkward Ninjas

Ok, let me give a little background on this post. Nick has been involved with a campaign at work for Western Family products, the generic food brand carried at Associated Food Stores. Their most recent ad campaign has consisted of 13 "webisodes"about a fictional Western Family that they shot over the summer. Side note: the jingle for the webisode was written and preformed by Nick and his buddy at work JR.
Anyway, the last webisode, episode 13, ended in a cliffhanger because Western Family is running a contest for people to submit their own videos of what happens next. The contest has two categories, one for employees of Western Family and AFS with a prize of $500, another for the general public with a prize of $1000. Nick and JR wrote this awesome webisode and we shot it a couple of Saturdays ago. Win or not, we had a lot of fun doing it and even more fun watching it completed!

First click HERE to watch the 13th episode that AFS made (it will help you understand our webisode a lot more!)

Then click HERE to see our FABULOUS webisode!


The Cast Includes:
Nick as Grant and Mamasahn
JR as Papasahn
Emily as Kathy
Sherrie (JR's wife) as Meghan
Gabe as Bob (who is Japanese) and Tiny Awkward Ninja #1
Ian as Tiny Awkward Ninja #2

Enjoy!

Dialogue between Ian and Gabe

In an effort to get some time to vacuum my family room floor and start dinner, I turned on a movie for the boys. Ian picked out The Little Mermaid. Here is the conversation that occurred while I was getting the DVD turned on.
Gabe: Ian, you'll have to keep an eye on me.
Ian : (says nothing, patiently waiting for movie to start)
Gabe: This movie is a little scary for me so you'll have to keep your eye on me.
Ian: It's just a movie Dabe. (translation = Gabe)
Gabe: It's a little scary, will you just hug me while we watch it?
Ian: It's not scary Dabe.

The movie has now begun and I look over to find Gabe curled up right next to Ian, obviously in need of a little comfort for this scary show. I wonder where he gets it?

Halloweenies!

So here are some pics from Nick's team at work. If you couldn't tell, their theme was Harry Potter, I'll leave it up to you to guess who Nick is dressed as.



They came in 2nd place in the company-wide contest. Oh well, there's always next year!



Here are some favorite pictures from our ward trunk-or-treat as well as from Halloween night. Yes, we did trick-or-treat despite the Chicken Pox, we just made sure to try not to breathe on anyone and only went to houses without little kids. Hope you had a good Holiday at your house.

Pre-Halloween

So here at the Jacobs household Halloween lasts for the entire month of October. Gabe and Ian have been both wearing their costumes every day, which is fine with me because I always felt that one wearing was such a waste of a good costume. Last week we did the trunk-or-treat at our ward, we went to the Boo at the Zoo and zoo-or-treated. Then of course we carved our Jack O Lanterns. Fun Fun Fun! Here are some pics from the pumpkin carving. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Gabe and Ian have the Chicken Pox, and yes, they were vaccinated. ARRGH! Simon has not had the vaccine yet, so here's hoping he get's a mild case very soon. In the mean time we are shut-ins. Stop by if you dare!

The events of the day

Well, today can be summed up in five words:
Head Cold...Chicken Pox...Mice
I'm going to bed.

Happy Happy Birthday Nicholas Dear!

In honor of Nick and his birthday, here is a "tag" all about Nick. I love you hon!

1. Where did you meet?
The Westminster "Caf" (Cafeteria), a place where dreams do come true!


2. How long did you date before you were married?
Um...Six months. We were engaged after three. However we pretty much spent every waking moment we had with each other so I consider them "condensed" months.


3. How long have you been married?
8 years, two weeks, two hours and 20 minutes, to be exact.


4. What does he do that surprises you?
Changes diapers with out being asked. He is such a hands-on dad. I don't know why this surprises me, it really shouldn't. Nick really is an equal partner in our marriage and with our children, we rely on each other for a lot. I guess it surprises me because his dad will admit to changing 6.5 diapers in his lifetime. Really, Craig and I were just joking about it yesterday, he watched me change Simon and said that now he had changed 6.5 diapers in his lifetime (I guess watching it counts as .5!)

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His eyes, I love his eyes! He has a very expressive eyes that are always smiling. He also has great hair, so thick and full of volume and the perfect amount of texture, ooh I covet his hair.


6. What is your favorite quality of his?
His ability to always laugh and have a good time. No matter what. He is really good at keeping things in perspective and remembering what is most important in life.


7. Does he have a Nickname for you?
Em, Hon, and a few more...


8. What is his favorite color?
He has many, it depends what we are talking about. He is an artist after all. I think he fancies green a lot.


9. What is his favorite food?
Anything Italian, a really good Hamburger and of course Cherry Chip Birthday Cake!



10. What is his favorite sport?
He does not enjoy watching sports on TV, but he loves to play Baseball and Golf.


11. When and where was your first kiss?
On the balcony of my dorm in college. We had been dating for about 2 months and we were out sitting on this old chair just talking, it was raining and pretty much perfect.


12. What is your favorite thing to do together?
We love going to the park with our Kids. We enjoy attending the Temple together (it is our date that we can take alone). Before we had kids we loved to travel, go on road trips, see movies, and talk! Sometimes we still get to talk! Pretty much just anything as long as we are together.


13. Do you have children?
Um, yes. Three awesome boys who we love a lot, they keep us busy and take all our energy.



14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He has many hidden talents. He is quite good on the piano (self-taught) and he is really good on the drums (self-taught). He is really good at decorating (not in the quilted-bear kind of way, more sophisticated) he pretty much decorated our house and he also is good at picking out clothes for me. He is great with kids, he cleans a mean toilet. Pretty much the perfect hubby, if only I could get him to cook...


15. How old is he?
31 today! Hooray!



16. Who said I love you first?
Me, but it had been unspoken for a while by both of us. He coerced me into saying it first because he knew that I would never say it if he didn't. (Something about this missionary I was waiting for...)


17. What is his favorite type of music?
Oh, if I could pick one kind! Nick really loves everything except for Country music and most Rap. His favorite band is Muse.


18. What do you admire most about him?
His work ethic, he is such a hard worker. His dedication to the Lord and our family.


19. Do you think he will read this?
Only because I tell him to!

I tag anyone who wants to think about how much they love their hubby!

I have a confession

I really love to dance. I am not what some may call a great dancer, being 5'11" and only slightly coordinated saw to that. Still, I have always LOVED to dance. Some of you who read this blog have been privy to some of my best work. I can really let loose in my living room with my boys. It ain't pretty, but it sure is fun! I have always felt a affinity to Carlton for this reason. P.S. I also love Tom Jones.

Ask me how!

All of the above items were purchased at my local Albertsons for a grand total of..... $52.52!
That includes Enfamil Lipil formula, and Pampers diapers. No, I did not "lift" anything from the store but I have discovered a Grocery/Coupon program that really works! Everything I buy is name brand, and to be totally honest, this week's purchases were just average in terms of what I have saved in the past few weeks. If you are interested in finding out what I do and how I do it, please comment. I am going to be hosting a class at my my house in the near future and would love to know which of you would like to be invited.

Corn Bust...or Bust!

Here are some pics from the Jacobs Corn Bust. It was a great little family reunion, I wish they did it annually! The Briant Jacobs clan wore green, and Grampy brought us all a little green apple to put on our shirt, because we are, "the apples of his eye". We love Grampy and are proud to be a part of his family!

Preschool!

September 3rd. Foxtails preschool. Tummy butterflies and tears.

So began Gabe's career as a student, he looks ready to conquer the world, don't you think?
Gabe was so excited! He has been looking forward to this day for months!

Here he is after school with his Beautiful teacher, Ms. Lindsey.

This is a moment I will treasure forever!

Ian was a wreck when Gabe left for preschool, he and I both had a good cry together, then we went and bought donuts and had a great time playing and talking. Simon was as happy as a clam, but then again he usually is!
Ian was so happy when we went to pick Gabe up, we all were!

This transition in life is bittersweet for me. On one hand, it marks the beginning of a new pathway for Gabe, one that involves making lots of great friends and growing and learning in so many ways. On the other hand, it marks a change in our many happy days together at home, growing and learning together as a family and for the boys, as brothers. Change is good, this I know, but I hope some things will always stay the same.
My prayer is that my boys will always be this close and love each other
unconditionally, as they do now.

Lastly, here is the commentary on how preschool went...

Let's play Tag!

Tag I am it...
20 years a go: (can't believe that 1988 was 20 years ago!)
1- Was way taller than any of the other kids (some things never change) and planning my life as a supermodel.
2- Telling everyone my name was Millie. (See comment on last blog post)

3- Totally LOVED New Kids on the Block.

10 years ago:

1- Just had my first Kiss, and crushed because the boy moved to Spain the day after (not because of the kiss I might add :)
2- Finally had my own bedroom for the first time, it was on loan from Heidi who was on a mission.
3-Got my braces off and my boobs in! (not implants, just a late bloomer :)

5 years ago:

1- Starting my last year of college, getting a 4.0 GPA, and biological clock ticking away at 23!
2- Singing, singing and more singing in two school choirs.
3- Looking forward to teaching school soon.

3 years ago:

1- Happily teaching at Salt Lake Music together.
2- In love with being a mom to Gabe.
3- Thinking about adding a little Ian to our family.

1 year ago:
1- Throwing up EVERYTHING in my 1st trimester with Simon.

2- Beginning to Learn how to really have Faith.
3- Feeling like a square peg in a round hole.

This year so far:
1- Learning to be patient with a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and a baby and how to make time for my husband.
2- Still teaching at Music Together and still loving it!
3- Still learning how to really have faith.

Yesterday:
1- Celebrated my Mom's birthday!
2- Learned that our ward will be split again!
3- Watched a Japanese Anime show called "Spirited Away" with Nick, and really enjoyed it!

Today:
1- Played He-Man with my boys.
2- Went to Ikea (ack! it was soo busy!) for garage shelving, came back with two step stools, one shoe horn, two plastic storage bins, some kids sized clothes hangers but no garage shelving!
3- Ate dinner at Famous Dave's with friends, took the whole zoo with us (six kids all under 4).

Tomorrow:
1- Play He-Man with my boys minus Nick.
2- Walk and talk with my girlfriends.
3- Playing at the park with my boys.

Next year
1- Working toward quitting one of my jobs thus learning more and more how to have faith.
2- I hope to have our 1 year supply of food storage complete.
3- Let's face it, I will probably be thinking about another baby! (I said thinking)

Ok, now I tag 3 people…Rachel Evans, Lindsey Montague, and Sheila. (If you don't have a blog you could always email it. Just be sure to email it back to me too so I can read about you!)

?????????

Renesmee...really?

The Status Quo...

Yes, that is Breaking Dawn background on my blog. It has a deeper meaning than simply a need for a blog face lift. I decided to mess around with the look of my blog, so I checked out the cutest blog on the block site for some free background. There it was, Breaking Dawn wallpaper! Two thoughts entered my mind: BLECH! and, "Oh I want to start reading that."

This is the story of my life. I don't feel like I have ever done anything against the norm as far as white/Mormon/Utahan goes, well except I did attend Westminster instead of BYU. Really that is as crazy as it gets! So I guess to make myself feel a little bit different, I have these little battles or rebellions, so to speak, that go on in my head. You will notice that I never follow through with the entire rebellion. For example: I boycotted getting married right out of High School, until I got married when I was 19. I boycotted moving back to where I grew up, till we moved back last year. I boycotted Stephanie Meyer and everything written by her...till last fall. I boycotted hosting a blog, till I began hosting a blog :) I boycotted owning a minivan, till this spring. Really, The list could go on for days...

So, where does this leave me? Am I an individual with my own unique thoughts and feelings? Or am I simply a bi-product of my race/religion/socioeconomic status? (I guess the word "crazy" may be coming to some of your minds)

Doesn't matter does it?

Meanwhile, I will slap on my "Mom jeans" and read Breaking Dawn, I will continue to try and be a good wife and mother and fulfill all my callings, and I will most likely always torture myself about things of little importance.

But most of all I will continue to be happy despite myself.

Fantastic News!

Nick has been promoted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nick is now officially a Senior Graphic Designer at Associated Food Stores.

Needless to say we are all very excited because this means less late nights, more money (40 cents an hour more baby!) and of course the best part is Nick is no longer stuck with the weekly grocery ads!
It really is a glamorous and much desired job in the Graphic Design world, here is what Nick has to say about it: " I don't do grocery ads any more. Now I work on store decor, brochures, pamphlets, and other stuff. Now I actually get to be creative." (Taken directly from the designer's mouth people)
I am so proud of my hubby, he works very very hard and he absolutely deserves this!

Now onto other cute things, here is a video of Simon I just stumbled across. It is from the end of May but it is so great that I just couldn't resist posting it. For the record, Simon wasn't rolling yet, but he is alarmingly close to the edge of my bed. I promise no babies were injured in the making of this film. Enjoy!

Rachel, Happy Birthday!!!

Rach,
Some of my favorite memories of you have to do with music. Choreographing dance numbers in our family room, playing keyboard in Debbie Gibson's "band" (you were the best Debbie) and hanging out in your room listening to Belinda Carlisle, such a privilege!!! So in honor of the big 3-0, I have compiled a few songs on my blog that really remind me of you . I think that when you hear them you will understand why, so turn up the volume and dance!
I love you, thank you for always making everything so much fun!
Happy Birthday Sis!!!
Love Em

Wonderful talk!!!

Please take a few minutes to watch and listen to this entire talk. It is awesome! Mom, thanks for sending this my way, it's just what I need to hear just about every day of my life. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snAjZ8mfoYw

Happy 2nd Birthday Ian!!!

Ian turned two on June 23rd, and boy does he live up to the age. Ian is such a great boy, he loves to laugh and make others laugh. He is such a sweet heart, he loves his big brother and emulates him in every way, and he is so sweet with Simon. He get's the whole "big brother" role an is always trying to help Simon, to hold him and to calm him down and especially loves kissing him and blowing raspberries on his belly. Ian is such a great part of our family! Here are some pictures from his birthday party. Sorry they are sort of blurry, I don't know what happened, Nick took the pics and he is usually so great. Oh well!

Ian is so proud to be "2"

Ian got a tricycle for his birthday, he really rocks the helmet!

He picked out the dino cake himself, he was so excited to eat the chocolate cake!

Goofy Gabe, always ready for a party!

And of course, a great picture of Simon, he loves a party too!

T-ball!

Well t-ball was quite the adventure! It was very time consuming but Gabe loved it so it was worth it. Gabe really enjoyed the experience as a whole but he says that his favorite part was hitting the ball. He didn't like being in the outfield but as you can see below he found a way to entertain himself. Here is Gabe trying for the first time to hit a, "coach-pitched" ball...he came close!








He had much better luck using the "T".



















Look how handsome and focused he looks!
(This was his very first game, and his very first experience in the outfield)













In contrast, this is his last game. He loved the dirt! There were a couple of times when someone would hit the ball right to Gabe, he would contemplate dropping his mitt full of dirt, then most of the time decide against it and let the ball roll on by. It was funny! I think that next year he is going to archeology camp at the museum of natural history.






Here Kalli is on first base. She did a great job, she really is a natural on the field! I love this picture because off to the side you can see the 1st base coach hugging what I am guessing is his daughter, while Kalli is instructing his player to run on to second. Of course in T-ball there is no outs or score-keeping, otherwise she would have him our in a second. Kalli we love you!




The best part of all to Gabe was getting the trophy after his last game. The night he got it he kept saying, "It's my first trophy" because of course it is the natural progression in life to get trophies after anything organized. He shows it off to everyone that comes to our house. We are proud of him!

Get ready to rock!

If you have ever wanted to see what I do for a living, look no further! Recently Darlene, my boss, did an appearance promoting our company, Imagination Place on KJZZ. She asked us to come as well as some other families that we teach there to show everyone what we do. So here is a clip of our family doing our music thing. Most of you know that Nick and I are always feeding our passion for making music and we have three boys who would be hard pressed not love music too. I am lucky enough to combine my passion with my career and have taught music and movement classes through 3 pregnancies really until right before I gave birth to each of my boys. When you watch the clip you will see what that does for kids, especially an infant! For the record, Simon is drumming his own instrument, there is only one short moment where Nick assists his hand. I hate the idea of making my friends and family into potential "sales", but this program is so worthwhile and soooooo much fun! Our family has taken weekly music classes together since Gabe was born and while it may seem pricey, we have so many great memories and a hobby that everyone can enjoy for a long time to come. So if any of you want more info about Imagination Place or Music Together (one of the awesome programs I teach) please email me or better yet check out our website! We have something for every age and developmental stage starting from birth.

http://www.kjzz.com/entertainment/hometeam/tuesday/25825599.html

www.imaginationplace.com

Last Day of June...

So I realized that today is the last day of June, and I have only posted one time in the entire month! It may be narcissistic of me to think that anyone cares, but I like to think that my small circle of blog friends and family (are there 5 or 6 of you?) wonder what we are up too. Well, I have been busy working nights, pretty much every night from my computer at home. It's hard to justify blogging when I could be working. Anyway, I have pics from Ian's 2nd birthday, and from Gabe's 1st T-ball game that I promise I will post within the week. Speaking of T-ball...that is another reason I have no time. T-ball consumes our life! I decided to sign Gabe up for T-ball in Murray with his cousin Kalli, which is fun for them but not for us. We are in Murray Monday and Wednesday evenings for Games, and Tuesday nights for practice (which were canceled due to lack of interest in practice and too much interest in dirt and grass by the kids). Whew, sports are very consuming! The world says that boys should be in sports, and I want to give my boys opportunities to try everything, but secretly I would be happy to have a chess player or a book worm, Nick says I am going to ruin them! For the record, I have also decided that none of my boys can date till after their missions. I really want to make all three of them socially inept. (Please note the sarcasm.....)

Simons Blessing Day!

This post is a long time coming, we waited until Simon was 3 months old to bless him. It was not intentional, however it ended up being perfect! Simon was so cute when Nick carried him up to give him the blessing. Simon looked over Nick's shoulder with his big blue eyes at everyone, it was really cute! Nick gave a wonderful blessing, it was so full of love. Anyway, it was a great day and here are some pictures from the brunch afterward. We love you all, thank you for supporting our family!

Grandpa and Ian having a moment

The blondies!

Some of our favorite people!

He's like a deer in headlights...just like Gabe used to do.

The Muellers, Oma and Opa, and Grampy.

I guess they are related, look at those grins!

Sisters!

Dan and Dee get the award for always being so much in love!


The Keithleys and Cort...oh and Simon too!

Suburban domesticity

I have become something I never imagined I would. Someone who starts crying with joy at the announcement of Foxboro Elementary finally breaking ground in two weeks, scheduled to open Fall of 2009 (when Gabe starts kindergarten!). Someone who relishes in being at home, in my house that is not near anything remotely cool, except the Maverik. And finally, someone who dances around the house like an idiot when we sell our youthful,sporty,unpractical-for-kids-two-door Honda, because that means we can finally get a mini-van I've been dreaming of for months now.
All of these things may seem ordinary, possibly even boring to many of you, but I have to say I have never been happier! Not because of the things I just mentioned, but because all of these weird things I am feeling and doing represent 3 happy, stressful, LOUD, and sometimes annoying boys (and one husband who often falls into these same categories). I love them all so much and cannot believe I have ever been happy without them in my life. And let's face it, having a mini-van however dorky it may be, will make my life infinitely easier!

Thanks Candace!

Read my earlier post entitled "ABC's" and you will see why I love this you tube link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkYZ6rbPU2M

Mom jeans!

I couldn't figure out how to share this video clip directly on my blog, so click on the link below and see the funniest SNL short ever! It's not bad I promise, just really, really funny!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/10333/saturday-night-live-mom-jeans#s-p1-st-i2

Legalized pot

Tee Hee! Here you are thinking I am going to talk about marijuana, but really I just wanted an interesting header. So, this post is to show you my mothers day present, this beautiful dutch oven...something that I have wanted for a long time. It makes the best slow cooked meats, pot roast, stews, and so on. It's cool because you can start on the stove top, then it is meant to be transferred to the oven at low temperatures...slow and low! (Wow, that was a quote from the disney movie Cars by the way) A dutch oven of this type is an absolute must have for every budding home chef. :) Interestingly enough, this pot is illegal in 48 states (including Puerto Rico) Ha HA! Now I really think I am funny, obviously I need some adult interaction......

ABC's....tag

So, I guess that you read my ABC's and then post your own version on your blog. Have fun!

A- Attached or single: happily attached
B- Best Friend: Nick
C- Cake or Pie: both please!
D- Day of Choice: Friday
E- Essential Item (s): Ice cold North Salt Lake tap water (it's GOOD! probably has something that causes cancer in it...)
F- Favorite Color: green
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: bears
H- Hometown: Bountiful, UT
I- Indulgence(s): at the moment, Rice pudding
J- January or July: July
K- Kids: 3- Gabe (4), Ian (almost 2), Simon (2.5 months)
L- Life would be incomplete without: music, family, and friends!
M- Marriage Date: October 12, 2000
N- Number of Siblings:6, Five sisters, 1 brother
O- Oranges or Apples: depends on my mood, love them both.
P- Phobias or Fears: spiders, bugs, heights, small spaces, all motherly fears (children hurt or worse)
Q- Quote(s): No one can make you feel inferior without your consent (I wanna say Eleanor Roosevelt, but I'm not positive)
R- Reason To Smile: My family
S- Season: Spring
T- Tag Six: Nick, Lindsey, Candace, Rachel, Mom (Ila), Mom (Sheila)
U- Unknown Fact About Me: My fondest wish is that our world would be turned into a giant rollerskating musical! (As in break-out-in-song-at-any-given-moment sort of musical)
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Oppressor of Animal
W- Worst Habit: overstressing about stuff
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: ultra sound
Y- Your Favorite Food: A really good steak

Finally Four!

Gabe turned four on April 13th and we had a swashbuckling good time at his pirate themed birthday party! Let me preface this post by saying that last year when Gabe turned 3, he literally began planning his next party, which was to be a pirate party. Well, the kid just didn't forget or change his mind and so Nick and I ran with it, we all had a great time!
The party began with costumes (Gabe now thinks that every party involves costumes because Nick's 30th Birthday party was a costume party around Halloween). Grandma J brought a load of pirate-y costumes for the kids. Captain Nick then led the kids through a crab stomp (the crabs being big long balloons) I wish I had pictures or video of this game but it lasted all of 10 seconds, as we had the Brownings there to help. It was hilarious!
We then played pin the sail on the pirate ship, here is Ian with a little assistance from Nick.
Gabe was terrified of being blind-folded, so he opted out this game. By the way, this next picture is Matty, she looked great, a little weird, but really fit the bill!
After that, the kids were led on a treasure hunt with the last clue leading them to the kitchen for cake and ice-cream and of course party bags!

Empty plate, empty cup, big smile... I love my Ian!

After the treats, we opened gifts. My family holds the tradition of doing the "Heavy Heavy hangover" song before each gift. (If that sounds weird you will have to ask me to explain what it is, it is quite a weird song, and a weird tradition, but we still do it) Here is a pic. and me and Nick in our pirate-y garb. No, Nick doesn't wear a bandanna and captain Jack Sparrow just every Saturday! I was a little more festive with a scarf tied around my hair, dressed as a pirate wench, but the scarf was freaking Ian out so it came off.

Here is one happy four year old with his present from me and Nick.

It may as well have been Ian's birthday too, he loves the bike as much as Gabe, and will be getting one for his birthday in June!

I have to say Nick made the party great, he did a great impression of a very loud pirate which took the games from ordinary to really really fun! Everyone in our family thought it was just second nature to have Nick being loud and weird, but Gabe's friends were fascinated and maybe a little scared of the big pirate.
All in all it was a great party and now Gabe is planning his fifth birthday...