The Wild Wild Westenskows

Miss Eva

2012-01-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

Eva just went and got herself a new set of acrylic nails for her little 6th grade fingers. She pays for them with her own money and TOTALLY thinks they are worth it. I thought she got it out of her system before, but not so! She cracks me up and amazes me at the same time. We think so differently, but I love her independence. She also has the most generous heart and I will learn so much from her. This December when the Christmas tree was finally put up, she walked upstairs that very hour and put out 4 wrapped and ready to go gift bags underneath for each person in the family. She had been to the store with a friend a week or two before and had spent her babysitting money on gifts for each of us. I never would have done that as a kid. She's always been good about that kind of stuff and I'm so grateful for her.

One funny thing she said to her Sunday school teacher was that her parents were trying to not eat sugar and were buying all of them "wheat candy" for Christmas! Just for the record...no wheat treats were purchased and force fed to the kiddos. Not yet anyway....wahahahah

ETHANISMS

2012-01-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

"Mom, the Tower of Babel was a total waste of wood and nails"

And...

While sleeping over at his cousin's house in the basement he woke up the next day and told my brother in law, "Last night all the blankets came off of me and we were sooo cold, we almost had to cuddle!"

The Nurturer

2012-01-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

"Ok, Mom. I love you. Come home in 1 piece."

Beckham's goodbye hug and words to me as I left to visit a neighbor 3 houses away.

Clarification

2011-12-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ethan and Beckham were putting dishes away today, when Beckham decided to start sword fighting with the steak knives. Because I was facing the sink I didn't see this and Ethan told me that I should get mad at Beckham for being so dangerous.

I turned around and told Becks that he could never play with knives, and for the scare factor I told him that if he ever took a knife to school they would throw him in jail.

Ethan reinforced that by telling him I was right. And then he thought for a second and said, "Unless you are a sword performer doing tricks for an assembly at school. Then it's ok."

Beckham got a great big Lego set for Christmas. Kerry told him he was doing such a great job - in fact, the box says that it's for kids 7 and above, and Becks is only 6. Beckham irritated says to him, "Don't you mean, 7 and UP?"

Bon Voyage!

2011-11-05T12:14:00.000-06:00

Kerry received some parting words from Beckham just before he left for the airport the other day....

"Dad - Have fun. I hope your airplane doesn't get shot down. And I hope it doesn't self destruct while your up in the sky."

Warm fuzzies from the mouth of babes.

Oh blog, how I've (sort of) missed you....

2011-10-14T11:08:00.000-06:00

I think I'm ready to get back in the proverbial blogging saddle again....
I needed a break, and a break I took. But I love being able to look back and see the things the kiddos are up to, and I absolutely don't trust my memory to recall half of what goes on. So here goes the old college try......

Narration of family photos by Becks.

2011-10-14T11:00:00.006-06:00

Beckham is home sick from school today, so I pulled up some of our family pictures through the apple tv to keep him entertained. The slideshow that was playing was of the first day of our family vacation in California last month.

He decided to narrate a few of the photos for me, and I wanted to share what he said. But before I do, just note that Nacho Libre is one of his favorite movies and the boys are constantly quoting it, especially when I make corn for dinner. Without fail, they repeat in their best Mexican accent

"Hey Mom, save me some of that corn for later."

And now on to Beck's narration:

"Hey Pirates! Save me some of that gold for later!"

"Hey Pelican! Save me some of that fish for later!"

"Hey Ethan! Save me some of that ugliness for later! "

"Hey Ocean! Save me some of that mist for later!"
(I didn't realize he knew the word "mist" 'til today)

2011-06-04T22:02:00.000-06:00

Beckham told me tonight that he loves me more than an old lady loves chicken.

Wow! I think that's a lot.

Hey Everyone.....

2011-05-30T19:51:00.005-06:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR RAIN!

hahahahahha.. I'm so funny :)

Seriously rain, you are making me crazy. Please leave. Today.

Legos and Self Expression.

2011-05-19T13:42:00.002-06:00

Ethan has always been very vocal about his feelings. Many times he feels like life is very unfair to him and he will let you know, in one way or another. I can definitely say he is not passive aggressive. He'll tell you straight out what he is frustrated with and many times guilt you into his logic.

Well.....

yesterday he was an unhappy camper. After spending time with him all day at his field trip, he came home grounded from all "electronic devices." The field trip was great until the end when he slammed into a girl and refused to understand why "you don't hit girls", even when they are the one who started it. Life's unfair, little Dude. And that happens to be one of the many things he'll need to learn.

So to make a long story short, I took away his lifeblood video games. Indefinitely. This was a source of much anger and he was telling me why. He came home, went down to his room, and didn't surface for a while. I went down and talked to him and when I came back, he was sound asleep. Ahhh. All tuckered out. They look so sweet and innocent when they wear themselves out and are slumbering away.

But no...

I peeked into his room and saw this creation along his window sill:

I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. I told him later that "it is very inappropriate to say things like that and very disrespectful". However in my mind I wanted to add, "But I really like your artistic take on the matter. Very impressive!"

As I was tucking him in bed last night, I talked to him again. "You know, that wasn't a very nice thing to say to your mother. It's pretty neat that you can make letters like that out of Legos, and you are really creative, I'll give you that. But when God gives us talents, we can either use them for good or use them for evil. I hope you learn how to use your talents for something better."

This morning he spent some time in his room before leaving for school. I went downstairs and found this waiting for his friend that was coming home to play with him after school for the first time:

Much Better, Lil' Dude.

Ninja's in Training...

2011-05-06T15:20:00.001-06:00

Becks buddy Danny is the one whose eyes you can see. Beckham is a little more covert apparently, adding tape to cover his eyes. I wonder if he realizes that could be problematic once he has to start looking for the bad guys...

Deep Thoughts....by Dooders, Becks, and Eva

2011-04-15T09:26:00.005-06:00

At breakfast today, in between bites of toast and a pre-test, Ethan said to me out of nowhere, "Mom, it really isn't a good idea to trick astronauts. Because if you tricked them and told them the wrong time, they wouldn't be able to make it to their rocket before it left. And it might be a long time before we send up another rocket."

Earlier this week:
Beckham had his kindergarten round-up at his new "big kid" school. After it ended, most of the people had left the cafeteria, but I stayed to talk to the principal for a minute. We got talking and apparently Becks was ready to go. He came over to me, puts both hands up in the air like he just can't believe he is having to deal with this, and says to me in his most incredulous voice, "WELL! I GUESS YOU'RE WALKING HOME!" and with that, he turned and walked out of the room without even waiting to see my reaction. I think he was mid-hall when he realized that
1: he didn't have the keys to the car, and
2: he didn't have a driver's license and wasn't going to have access to one for a while.

And yesterday:
Eva has convinced her mommy to let her get acrylic nails. Seriously, really? I found out many years ago that I had to be very very picky with my battles that I chose with her. It just wasn't worth the destruction to the relationship unless it was going to make a difference. So, after trying to talk her out of getting the nails for the last 2 weeks, I finally relented. I could see that this was a big, huge, deal to her. All of her friends at school have them - and that is the truth. I watched, almost laughing out loud, as her friend was talking to me and was gesturing glamorously with her acrylicly- clad, french manicured fingernails while she was explaining what to do on her homework. These girls are 11.
Eva has to pay for them herself, so I'm hoping that she will see the work required to maintain them and get it out of her system for a decade or so.

These are the deep thoughts going through my children's heads this week. Love them!

Gooooood morning, Sunshine!

2011-04-07T09:09:00.001-06:00

This post is coming to you from my phone, in my bed, at home, after 12 hours of sleep. 12 hours! Life is good. Just had to relish in the moment because it may be some time before I am able to partake of this much shut-eye again.

According to Becks...

2011-03-27T20:40:00.000-06:00

Beckham and Kerry went to Home Depot yesterday while doing some man work in the yard. (I was off recreating...suckers! But I digress..
So Kerry tells the Becks that they need to get some fertilizer and some tree pruners. Becks says matter of factly, "Loppers".
"What?" asks Kerry. "Loppers." repeats Becks.
"Fine - we can call them Loppers but you just be in charge of reminding me to get them."
As they walk down the aisle to get the tree cutters, Kerry notices the sign in front of the tree cutters that says, of course, "Loppers".
"Becks - how did you know they were called Loppers?"
His response was that he learned about it on Curious George. Who knew! I wonder if Curious George could teach him how to clean his room and do windows? I'm going to write in to the producer...

Some other Beckisms lately:
Frustrated with his older brother, Becks asked if we "could ground Ethan forever". After I told him no, he asked me if we couldn't do that, if we would just kick him out of the family.

A few nights back we put all the kids to bed in the basement. Kerry and I were watching tv and heard the telling steps of a little 5 year old coming up the stairs. We asked why he was upstairs and not in bed. He says to us with a big sigh, "Well, it's not really working out for me down there."

And just so you know, Beckham informed me that "It's not called a 'mango', mom. It's a 'flamango', but you can call it a mango if you like."

You wanna piece-a-me?

2011-03-25T10:49:00.002-06:00

We are dealing with a few bullying issues....how do you handle them as a parent? I am confident that this will be taken care of, and it is not extreme, but it is hurtful nonetheless. Part of you wants to jump in to save your child and the other wants to beat up the bully(s) yourself (but that may require jail time) and the other part of you knows you need to teach your child to stand up for themselves and to learn the artful skill of diffusing the situation.
This particular situation involved toilet papering personal property at school. We gave all sorts of advice, but really we were laughing by the end. We came up with some funny comebacks....none that were actually appropriate outside of our kitchen table. Just to share, I told our child, "Why don't you ask them if they would like any of this toilet paper back so that they can wipe their buttface?"
Good, eh? Fantastic parenting at its finest!
I'm here all week, folks.

Oh No He Didn't!!

2011-03-16T22:34:00.001-06:00

(Pronounced: o no you dit-ten) A colloquial expression of incredulity, voiced upon witnessing another's action or statement.

In the car today:
Beckham: Mom - Watch! I can put this lid back on by myself.
Me: Why don't you give it to me so I can put it on tight for you.
Beckham: Mom. I can do it by myself. You probably can't do it because YOU'RE A WOMAN.

Nothing, Nothing, and then all the sudden...BOOM! Extra long post..

2011-03-15T10:55:00.002-06:00

No pictures. Lot's of words. This post was my own personal challenge. I said to my self, "Self, just see if you can post *something*, ANYTHING really, to keep your blog going. It doesn't really matter, just break the long silence.

I really need to post all the kiddos things that are going on, our fun cruise we were able to do, other trips from last year that were supposed to be blogged, and life's going ons that really only me and my family and doting aunts and uncles care about. But sometimes it seems like a lot of work to retell life..... I wish there were a way to record it as it was happening. I will get to it - that is my next goal. Until then, these are a few random and completely unrelated things taking up space in my noggin:

I realized the circle of life once again yesterday while doing my kiddos hair. Instead of them standing on the stool in the bathroom so I could do their hair, the person standing on the stool was ME. I couldn't get my hands high enough above Eva's head to curl her hair, so I stood on the stool. All 5'4'' of me. Weird. My kids are getting older and taller and I am just getting older.

I also noticed as I looked in my cupboards that, because my kids are getting older, I am close to getting rid of those awful plastic colorful plates that I picked up at the dollar store years ago. They are the ones we use for the kids and their friends. "How fun!" I thought, as I picked out all different colors. What it really turned out to be over the years was a fight every time between siblings and friends as to who got what color, and many times tears were involved. Lesson learned: Only by 1 color.

I made a killer dinner last night. Curry shrimp and sweet potatoes. Let it be known that occasionally Makell can pull one out of her bag of tricks.

I have a new life strategy that my friend Kristin and I came up with. If we get our chores done, we get to play the next day. Treating ourselves like we were 7 really worked! We both had projects around the house we were just dreading or procrastinating. Organizing a room, cleaning a certain area, etc. Things that I used to not mind doing just seemed so boring and I had absolutely no desire to just get it done. Everyday things get done, but anything that can be put off, usually does. A day turns into a week turns into a month or maybe 12. We both stated our project for the day and then if we finished we would reward ourself the next day. Having to be accountable to each other and knowing that you would have to answer when you are asked how it is coming along is what I need. A lunch and a quick trip to Z Gallery did the trick. Today, it is cleaning off my dumping ground that is the basement ping pong table and organizing that area. Tomorrow - play time~! It totally works - anyone is invited to join if you need a little motivation. We hit the Whole Foods store, lunch, furniture shopping....it doesn't take much to get your butt in gear with a little self bribery..

Over the past month I have read some really fantastic books. It's either feast or famine with reading and lately I've been able to fit it in like I always wish I would.
One of my new favorites and what reminded me of why I love to read: The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton. A mystery with 3 generations of women that goes back and forth between these different time periods. I loved this book. I find that I start to read slower as I get to the end of a favorite book. The thought of not seeing what was going to happen next to the new character that has become my new best friend makes me not want to get to the end. This will be a re-read.

Another find: Sarah, by Orson Scott Card. This one took me by surprise. I generally stay away from church fiction books - they all seem so cheesy to me. ( I know that is a bias, there are some really good ones out there..) But this was truly fascinating, because you already know the story and how it ends and the author fills in all of the details that bring it to life. I have the sequal - Rebekah that will be on my next list.

A book I picked up at the airport leaving for the cruise: Little Bee. Not sure about this one. It was eye opening and horrific and charming at the same time. There is one chapter in particular that was extremely hard to read and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get that out of my head. At the end of the cruise I started reading "Water for Elephants". I'm still getting into that one.

And finally, two books given to me by a new friend and favorite person of many, a skier extraordinare and a genuinely smart and funny woman affectionately known as Rabid. We swapped books last time we skied, and she gave me a book that is a quick read that she thought I'd enjoy. It is written from a runner's perspective as she braves life alone as a new widowed young mother. "The Mourning Run" It was written by a local author and I literally balled all the way through it. Yes, hormones played into it, but still. I had puffy eyes and had to read it all in one day, because I couldn't have 2 days in a row with puffy eyes. It is based on a true story and a great read.
This same friend sent me a words of wisdom book as a gift in the mail after a good conversation we had. Incredible. Words to live by.
"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Lovely and Transforming.

This is why you can consider yourself lucky if you are blessed to have good friends. To help you get to be the person that you are supposed to be, not the person that you would be from your own self-destructive ways if left on your own.... or unproductive ways, or boring ways, or sit home and do nothing ways... Many of you out there are these friends & sisters to me, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Inept.

2011-01-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

I went in to volunteer in Ethan's class today expecting to do math. But when I walked in, his awesome teacher who I would do almost anything for, asked me to help her by putting up some bulletin boards. I wonder if she saw the color completely run out of my face as I said, "Sure!" I truly am inept when it comes to this. Long swathes of butcher paper, measuring lengths whilst standing on a chair in the hall, trying to hold the stapler and scissors at the same time....and then to have to make it look cute! So not in my skill set. If you want it to look like you asked a student to do it, then have me do it. If you want it to look 'pulled together', well, you may want to wait for another mom to come in tomorrow. It ain't gonna be pretty.

Girls Already. Heaven help us.

2011-01-26T22:17:00.001-07:00

Beckham's preschool teacher told me today that Beckham said he loves his mom's long hair (random!) and then she said that everyone in class knows that Beckham and Ava are together. As in, they 'like' each other. I asked Becks what that meant. He said it's like when someone asks you to do a favor for them and you say yes because they are your friend. Ok. That works for me right now.
I should have been on to this, because a few months ago Beckham came home with her phone number. The little dude is getting girls' numbers already! He told me to call her and then we could just go pick her up and bring her to our house to play. He said she could play with Eva's dolls and that I would know which house was hers because it has a black door and it is just down the street 'that way' as he pointed in some obscure direction.
They are 5!
In a conversation with his buddy Danny this week I found out just how much they hear their older siblings. While playing with trains Danny asks Becks, "Do you like Miley Cyrus?" (now just imagine that this little buddy of his can sometimes not say his 'r's, so it's extra cute) Becks says, "No. I like Demi Lavato." Danny asks, "Who's Demi Lavato?" to which Becks replies, "She sings better than Miley Cyrus." Danny, not quite convinced yet, asks totally matter of fact, "Well, is she hot?"
I think Becks just mumbled that he didn't know but that she could sing. Danny seemed content with that answer and the went on playing trains. Danny also has a 15 year old older brother - can you tell?

My little secret..

2011-01-23T19:20:00.002-07:00

I guess you could say I'm in a bit of a blogging slump right now. Life is moving and grooving and things are busy and fun and chaotic and happening. Just like they should be. The problem is that I can't seem to get the desire to right them down. It's like making someone eat cabbage soup again after the 7th day of the wretched diet. I. Just. Can't. Do it. Bottom line, I can't seem to find the desire. However, I'm coming to realize that there may never be a time where I am caught up on family albums or kids journals, and that is why I am so glad to have written a lot down in posts. That is until the last 6 months or so, when it gradually became less. And less. And less - it's like a slow death.

Well No More! I need to start somewhere, so why not start with a little secret of mine? Just to break the ice and end the blogging slump.

I. Love. Chocolate. That is not the secret....

The secret is that for the past year or so I have continually kept one of these chili pepper-infused-dark chocolate-maddening goodness-Lindt bars by the side of my bed, inside my nightstand, for immediate access, where no kids will touch it, allowing me to nibble from any time I want. And I go through a lot of them.

If I had to choose something for the rest of my chocolate eating days, it might be this. Seriously addicting. Auntie and I snuck them in to Wicked and Chicago in NY to eat during the show. I managed to get my Vegas Ragnar buddies all hooked. (antioxidents!) And I'm wondering if anyone else out there has become addicted.

The only person I know who doesn't like them is my 6th grade long time bff Lori, who told me they were disgusting when I offered one to her at Women's conference a couple of years ago. This is the same friend of mine, who in junior high went to a Utah football game with me and my dad and was the only one who didn't have a pile of sunflower shells at the bottom of her feet, because she didn't know you weren't supposed to eat the things whole. Also the same girl who shaved off her bangs with a razor in 6th grade because she thought that would get rid of them for good. I think I've proven my point.

This is also the same girl who served a mission in Argentina, speaks fluent Spanish, traveled through Europe and Jerusalem, got her degree at BYU, taught high school English in Virginia, knows how to get what she wants, and has a beautiful brood of 5 that all follow after her and call her mom all day and she does a spankin' job of it. But that last part isn't really helping my case much, so just remember her as the sunflower seed shell girl and try the chili pepper Lindt...

Getting the mail in December...

2010-12-20T09:15:00.003-07:00

I love to get Christmas cards from family and friends. I'm sure I'm like most people during this time of year -anxiously waiting to see what new greetings were delivered that day. I love getting them from friends and family that I don't get to see that often, to see their kiddos, and feel the love.

So it is probably only fair that I reciprocate and finally get ours sent out after sitting here for 2 weeks. Officially, our Christmas card is in the mail. This year is really interesting. After searching the database for a usable family picture, I came up completely empty handed. Usually they only included 4 out of the 5 of us or one of the kids was gazing off, but the majority of all of our pics this year have this annoying yellowish tint or they are blurry.

I really tried to find a decent one, but finally decided to just use individual pictures of all of us. The only card options (because I'm cheap) for a 4 picture card were very, very slim. There was one choice. So...the card is out, photography and aesthetics are less than desirable, but ultimately I still like the card because we are all happy in each picture and I think that's important.

The complete upside to all of this is that we got a killer new camera. I guess I complained enough that "our camera sucks!" as I was looking through all of the pictures for the year. We'll keep our little digital point and shoot, but it's probably not going to get much face time anymore. Hopefully we'll have better luck this year with all the photogs and have a bounty to choose from next year. I'm excited to learn how to use our new toy- we have a nice dsl camera already, but the problem is that it uses that stuff our kids will only see in museums in a few years.....film. It's funny how used to technology you become and what once was the norm now seems simply archaic to use. Not having unlimited shots (either 24 or 36....you pick) or being able to view immediately what you just took, needing to have film on hand, dealing with negatives if you want to reorder. It's sort of funny to think how much it has changed and how our kids will never know the excitement of wondering (and waiting) to see what is on that forgotten roll of film that you are finally taking in to get developed. I'm excited to experiment this year, take a few classes, and become the awesome self-appointed Westenskow family photographer that I always knew was somewhere deep down inside of me, just bursting to break free!

Becks singing Bieber

2010-11-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

I found this recording on my phone...

When You, I feel, Because....

2010-11-11T16:57:00.001-07:00

Ethan has learned the art of making his feelings known while still being pleasant through writing. Here are a couple of notes he's given me.

Dear: Mom I love you so so much. You just don't like anything I make you. Like the plant I gave you for mother's day. Don't worry about it. It's dead.

and then

Dear: Mom I love you so much. You are so cute. You can be rude some times. I'm going to hide Don't try to find me at home.

love: Ethan

Out of the vomiting mouths of babes...

2010-10-27T12:09:00.001-06:00

So instead of school, today we are sitting here on the couches watching Cartoon Network, all 3 of my kiddos and I, because they all are throwing up. Together. It's awesome!
I said to them that tomorrow was Grandma Cherie's birthday, to which Ethan says, "Man, they sure do grow up fast!"

Mision Cumplida Chile!

2010-10-13T19:58:00.002-06:00

As a self-proclaimed news junkie I have been extremely unproductive today watching the 33 Chilean miners being rescued. I love this stuff! It is about time we see something that is bringing so many people together, thanking God for the miracle, and everyone giving thanks and credit to others for making it possible. People showing leadership and ingenuity and above all humility and support and working together. I love this story for that reason alone- it shows what can be accomplished when people work together for the betterment of those besides themselves. Working as a team, unified and with faith.
I am completely inspired watching the reunions of the at-once-thought-dead miners with their spouses and loved ones. It makes me want to be better. To remember that nothing else in life is more important than the relationships we have with others. Awesome!

Doin' the Dew!

2010-10-05T22:38:00.013-06:00

Today as I was checking-out at the necessary evil I like to call Walmart, I heard a lady behind me walking with a little boy as she was chanting out these words to a catchy little rhythm ....
Graamma-needs-her-Mountain-Dew.......Graammma-neeeds-her-Mountain-Dew......Grammma -needs-her-Mountain-Dew. And they raced over to the little mini fridge at the check-out, and Gramma got her Dew.

Classic!

Grandpa Hair

2010-09-30T20:55:00.000-06:00

"Dad, you have grandpa hair. Because it's silver. It's not REALLY grandpa hair. It just looks like it."
- Beckham, age 4 driving in the car with his daddy

Belly Ache

2010-09-26T22:46:00.002-06:00

Beckham told me yesterday morning that he wasn't feeling well. He said his tummy hurt and that he needed to lay down on the couch and watch Curious George. So we did. He asked me to lay by him, so I did. Then he said, sort of nonchalantly, "Mom. Last time when Ethan was sick Dad bought him a box of doughnuts and they didn't make him throw up. Actually, they made him feel BETTER!"
Honestly, the kid must be losing his edge because he couldn't even finish the sentence without smiling. He could see I was onto him. But Mom is no sucker. Dad is usually no sucker, either. But if doughnuts are involved, all bets are off and he would have been out the door asking the 4 year old if he wanted cream filled or jelly. Good thing Dad was out playing golf that morning. Good thing! (ok, so maybe I AM the sucker after all...)
I'm really not a jaded golf widow. He's pretty darn good to me, and I know it.

What you do in New York at 1:00 am if you aren't clubbin' it.

2010-09-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

New York was completely fabulous. But one of my favorite memories is of my sis-in-law Kirst and I coming back to the hotel, completely exhausted, and yet staying up to watch Antoine on you tube, laughing 'til it hurt and hurt some more. I'll post more about our trip, but enjoy this first!
Just for the record - if you haven't already seen it, this was an actual news story. The remake they did at the end is just for more fun if you can take it, home boy.

Change of Subject

2010-09-14T22:01:00.001-06:00

After coming home from church one Sunday, I asked Beckham how his day was. I said to him, "Becks, how was primary today?" to which he replied, "Don't you mean, Don't you want to make me some cake?"

Today he told me that I was so lucky that I got to go with Auntie on my own trip to YOU NORK. That's right, You Nork or bust this weekend, baby! Wicked tickets all booked and I can hardly wait...!!

For all the moms out there....

2010-09-03T18:50:00.003-06:00

This video was on MSN's home page today. As a news junkie, I love to come across stories like this. Stories that remind you of what is important and that God is wanting to help us and will deliver miracles sometimes.
Teary eyed for me. Enjoy!

Click here: Mom's Hug Revives Baby

This is what is capturing my attention right now...

2010-08-26T20:49:00.000-06:00

I keep trying to steal away a half an hour or so before the kids get home from school or before I need to get dinner or before I shower in the morning to read another chapter of this book. I'm only 100 pages into it and it is as horrifying as much as it is inspiring. I am shocked at how little I knew or was ever told about what took place during the cultural revolution in China. I was a little hesitant to start it after my mother in law had lent it to me - I knew it would be difficult to read because of the nature of the material. But it is filled with hope and perseverance with these stoic women at the core. It has made me realize how much I take for granted. Being able to have opinions, rights, and general safety. Unbelievable book.

Back to School...

2010-08-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

Look at the smiles on those faces..... If only that would last all year! I came home from a run and we usually get the kids up at 7:00 to get ready. It was 7:07 and Ethan was upstairs, eating breakfast, clothes on, backpack firmly attached and buckled on, and ready to go. Eva is excited to go back, too. She had accessorized, had her 50 lb backpack all ready, and magnets and stuff for her new locker. They got to meet their teachers at Back to School night the week before and they were ready.

School shopping on the other hand is about 75% done. I fear buying pants for Ethan and this is why:

These are Ethan's pants from school last year. He has a favorite soccer move - the slide tackle - that he does whenever he gets the chance. Everyday I'd pick him up from school and he'd have a new pair of pants with big holes ripped in the knees and grass stains all over them along with a guilty face, knowing he was going to have to deal with mom. 2 months into the school year, almost every pair we had bought looked like this. What do you do? He's a boy. That's what boys do, according to his father.

This pair of pants is quite extraordinary. They were a little long on him so I rolled the cuffs up. They were brand spankin' new to replace one of the torn knee pants we had bought a month earlier. The first day...FIRST DAY...the damage had been done. It was rainy and when his cuffs rolled down, he just kept-a-walkin and sheared away an inch of the hem. Do they make disposable khaki pants out there? Ya know, to last a day or so and then throw them away? I'm gonna google it.

Here's a little ditty for you...

2010-08-20T10:10:00.002-06:00

After sorting through both of my son's rooms with them, I am almost ready to tackle Eva's with her. She is her own girl and has her own ideas of how her room should be. Occasionally, we need to intervene. When we were reading this morning, Becks grabbed this book on manners called Are You Quite Polite? by Alan Katz and David Catrow. All of the poems go along with familiar songs and remind me a little of Shel Silverstein. Anyway, here is one of the songs that is dedicated to all of the mom's that are scared to go into their children's rooms for fear of being swallowed up and lost forever. Enjoy!

Try Being Neat

(to the tune of "America the Beautiful"...much funnier if you sing it....especially opera style)

Look in your room
Is it a mess
'Cause cleaning's what you dread?
And does it take a
Bulldozer
For you to find your bed?

Try Being neat
It's quite a treat,
And the best news is this:
Under that clump
Of clothes, that lump
Could be your baby sis!

Check your backpack
For last week's snack
It's prob'ly hiding there
Don't touch it, though
Because you know
Pudding should not have hair!

Try Being neat
It's quite a feat
It's good to show you care
So organize
Al-pha-bet-ize
All of your underwear!

(Angie - those last two lines are for you! I know you read this once in a while......)

RRrrrrrruuuufff!

2010-08-19T11:54:00.001-06:00

With all of the kiddos back in school, my little Becks Man is on my heels all day. Today, he is literally on my heels because he is crawling around the house on all fours acting like a new puppy and only responding by barking or whimpering. It was funny for a few minutes - but I think this kid could go on for hours. Let's hope something else sparks his interest!
Speaking of sparking his interest - Beckham declared to me his future occupations yesterday.
When he grows up, he is going to be: a dog trainer, a train engineer, and a singer.

Interesting mix, but it seems to incorporate all of his favorite things. Shoot for the Stars kiddo!

Chris Isaak. May I swoon for a minute here?

2010-08-12T22:48:00.001-06:00

Ok. I have a little crush. Kerry and I had tickets to see Chris Isaak at Red Butte Gardens Tuesday night. One of this summer's highlights, hands down. He put on an incredible show. He is all sorts of retro-cool and full of absurdities with a fantastic live band. He is almost impossible to classify or describe. He had me at his bright yellow sequined suit he wore as he walked out on stage for the first time. Not many people can pull off a suit like that, but he can. I could have listened to him play all night and woo us all with his wit and charm. Smooooth like buttah, this boy. I started listening to him in college and I love his voice - the high falsettos and the low low baritones. But I had no idea what a great performer he was in the flesh or how devilishly, genuinely funny he was.
Fantastic venue, too. Red Butte is one of my favorite places to see live music because you are right up in the foothills. It's low key and a little more of an intimate setting. The place was packed...completely sold out.
Kerry originally wanted to see his "girlfriend" Natalie Merchant who played last week. He's always had a little thing for her when she was with 10,000 Maniacs. Well, I dragged him to this instead. But he'll be the first to tell you he completely underestimated this guy. His voice was phenomenal. Kerry and I had so much fun. Mr Isaak and his band looked like they were having so much fun. Maybe that was what was so great about it -cool and confident, charmingly delightful Mr. Isaak knew how to put on a good show and make it look easy....and totally rocked. Rockabilly, baby!
Kerry doesn't believe me, but the other guy that is similar in take-you-by-surprise-understated-charm is Lyle Lovett. That man puts on one amazing show with his 'Big Band' in tow. The full sections of the drums, brass, and strings - you get it all. See him once and you'll become a fan. Better yet, see both of these shows and you can thank me later :)

REAL MEN...

2010-07-30T08:53:00.001-06:00

Real Men, according to my 8 year old, don't wear shirts to bed. They just don't. He's also got the 4 year old on board as well, and we now lovingly refer to them as The Shirtless Wonders. Formerly, Ethan was also known as The Toothless Wonder - 4 years of missing front teeth needs a special title from their father.

However.......

Did you know that Real Men also carry purses? Yep. This one in particular was a clever attempt to disguise a toy train that the 4 year old knew his dear mother would not purchase for him at the store. He asked for it, begged and pleaded for it, was repeatedly told no, and then told me that he would walk down "this aisle" and for me to walk over on "that aisle" and that we'd meet at the front of the store. Upon our meeting, Little Man is holding a new little gold purse and says, "Ok. Let's go!"and he looks at me wondering if he was just about to pull off the biggest heist in his 4 year history.

But being the supersmart mom that I am, I am not easily fooled by his trickery.
"Becks, You know that if you take that train out of the store that would be stealing and they'll put you in jail?" "Do you want to go to jail?" I say sweetly.
No response. This picture from my phone was captured just seconds away from total destruction. I saw his little fingers begin a death grip onto the bag. His face shows the dilemma he is battling. But apparently he's not afraid of going to jail, because at this point he was fixed and immovable. Nothing was going to get that train out of his hands.
After all attempts at negotiations had failed, I told the sales clerk that it was about to get ugly and that I was just going to have to hand her the looted train and grab the 4 year old in a football hold and head for the car. (I've done this before, you see. I knew exactly what was coming. I know any mean mom can relate.)
He began what was truly an amazing tantrum. One for the books. I didn't know he had it in him! It's been a couple of years since I have seen something so well executed - I was almost wondering if he had passed that phase. But this must have been his last stand. He kicked, screamed, stomped his feet spinning in circles at the same time wailing like a maniac while I was trying to open the car, and basically put his best effort into escaping from his car seat.
After an exhausted 10 min, we finally left the parking lot and he began his verbal threats.
"Mom. I am not living with you anymore!!" He screamed, to which I sugary sweetly replied, "But Becks, I'll miss you! Can I at least come visit you?"
"NEVER!!" He yelled ferociously. This kid was ticked.
"I'm going to mess up your room!!" "I'm going to break your bike!!" The threats continued for almost an hour before the little guy finally tuckered out and fell asleep back at home. When he woke up, he was all loves and kisses.
Real Men and Little Boys simultaneously co-existing in the same little bodies.

2010-07-25T21:30:00.000-06:00

Easy Parenting 101:

Summer Baths for the kiddos

I'd Like You To Meet My Mysteriously Misguided and Mischievous Mini Me, Myrtle.

2010-07-16T07:35:00.003-06:00

Mini Me Myrtle is driving me nuts. She won't leave me alone this summer and she has completely messed up my M.O. It's like she is a dark rain cloud that keeps following me around and is rather quite stubborn and obnoxious. Very annoying. Let me tell you why.
This has become the summer of Bad Habits. Mini Me Myrtle has a simple strategy. Destroy any and every good habit that I have worked so hard to develop. Quite evil, yes?
The idea was planted over a year ago. I was at a friends house one morning around 10am. Her daughter was just coming upstairs and my friend told her good morning. Good morning? It's 10 O Clock. My kiddos are all up by 7am every morning. How I would love to have a few hours in the morning to get stuff done! She said that because the rooms in the basement were so much darker, her kids sleep quite late. Wow! We were finishing our basement at the time and I couldn't wait to test this out this summer. Well guess what? It totally works.
In fact, we started sliding a little on bed times at the beginning of the summer. What once was 8:30 or 9:00pm, became 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30......Crazy late, but we knew that they would sleep in until 10 or so the next day. That's still 10 hours!! So I let it slide, and slide it did.
As the hours got later and later, I was going to bed later and later. Instead of waking up ready to run, I woke up really unmotivated. Although my kids were sleeping later, I wasn't getting much accomplished in those early hours. It was as if I needed their driving force to get me going.
So 10am wake up turned in to 11:00 breakfast, 12:00 finally getting out of pj's and then the next 2 hours playing the mean chore mom. The day was half over and we're just getting started! Simple fix was to get them to bed earlier. This has become the most evasive task yet. It had become a habit. A bad habit that was not easy to change. It's kinda like when your car is stuck in a rut, your wheels are spinning and you're trying to get out, but you don't move anywhere. You keep thinking, "Just gain some traction and kick in, you dumb tires! This isn't rocket science!" You finally get agitated enough that you call in for some help and have others give you a push. But the whole process is not quick - and therein lies the frustration.
Kids not getting enough sleep is nightmarish. They fight, whine, and complain. Which makes Mom extremely unpleasant. So unpleasant, that Mom had finally had it with the 8 year old whining when she told him to "Get off the wii!" for the millionth time and ultimately unhooked the entire system and told Ethan he was done with it for the summer. The ENTIRE SUMMER! It has been 4 days, and I am happy to report that the said 8 year old is still alive and the earth did not stop spinning. Who knew?

This has just become my summer so far. Everything I've done to create a healthy, mentally stable me over the years has been replaced by Mini Me Myrtle's masterminded ideas. I used to get up and run every morning or go to the gym. I've been doing this for years. I can count on my 2 hands how much this has happened this summer. I've woken up tired, decided I needed to sleep more than to run, and every day this just got easier and easier. I've been a little unmotivated to blog. Not sure why, because I really like having this connection, but the desire just hasn't been there. Gardening? Not quite wanting to anymore. Cleaning my house? I need to, but really don't have any drive to do it. Doing the daily dishes? Biggest task ever. Reading? Usually love it. Can't seem to get interested in any book. Traveling? Eh..don't really feel up to planning anything. But the really weird thing that Myrtle has done to me is mess with my water skiing. Everything seems off-kilter and that was not left off her list. Up at Bear Lake last week I tried, unsucessfully 10-12 times to get up out of the water on a slalom ski. I've waterskied for the last umpteenth years, usually getting up on the first try. But now, Nada. It was like my body had forgotten how to do it. Kerry was sort of laughing and a little confused, wondering what in the world was wrong with his wife in the water. I started to wonder if I was done - if 35 was the magic number that would be the end of doing something I really love. I never got up that day. It was like riding a bike but getting on and falling over everytime. So I'd say to myself, "Wow, that was weird. Must be a fluke." And get on again and fall over. Repeating 15 - 20 times.
I tried again the next day. No go for about 5-6 times. Finally I broke the curse and was up on top of the water and was skiing again. I yelled out in a mighty Hallelujah and told Mini Me Myrtle, "In your face!!"
This post was really for no other benefit than my own, but I appreciate being able to rant a little. I've got to address this issue and start making some changes around here, and usually writing it out gives me some accountability to stick with it.
I'm happy to report that Mini Me Myrtle has plans to be leaving, quite quickly I hope. And that's a good thing, because I'm sick of her.

Firework Safety

2010-07-06T09:28:00.000-06:00

Growing pains.

2010-06-13T20:50:00.001-06:00

Today at church Becks' teacher, Sister Stuart,told me that the usually well- behaved- answer all the questions -child of mine was a real stinker! She said it was like he traded places with one of the usual troublemakers, but he was entertaining her so she decided to let him live. She wrote the word "reverence" on the board to which one of the little girls, the usual troublemaker, says, "That's not a real word" Beckham looked at his teacher and said with more attitude than I can write, "Yeah, that word means Blah to me." or rather Buuuulllllaaaahhh. He then said ,"Sister Stuart..are you smiling at me? I see a smile"
Turkey.
He makes me laugh every day, but lately I feel like he has turned a little corner that I am not too happy about. It's the 'I'm going to be a total rebel and do anything and everything you don't want me to do and look at you like 'what are you going to do about it' corner. He told Kerry the other day, "Yeah, well you can ground me, but you can't catch me!"
(I'm trying not to fast forward 10 years to see how this behavior might repeat itself..)

As I look back a month or so ago, I can almost pin point the day he decided to take his life into his own hands. He told us he was tired and the next thing we knew he had put his jammies on and put himself in bed. When I went in, I couldn't believe what a big kid he was turning into. He asked me to close the blinds and said matter of factly, "Good night mom." I kissed him goodnight and let him sleep. Later that night I went in to do a quick check on him before I went to bed and noticed the all too familiar smell of urine. I followed my nose to the garbage can by his door and saw that he had decided to pee into his bedroom trash can rather than making the long walk to the bathroom 3 steps away. He flat out denied it the next morning until he couldn't keep from smiling.
Total turkey.

Quick shout out cuz I'm tired..

2010-06-07T07:33:00.001-06:00

I think I took 3 pictures last night from Kerry's party, and they are on the old 35 mm film....long story. Anyways, I'll have to post them later. But just wanted to send out a big Thank You to all of you who came by- we had so much fun and Kerry 'Stick in the Mud' Westenskow felt very loved.
We had a great time and wish you all could have stayed longer! We ended up on the deck talking with friends until almost midnight (and let our kids fend for themselves, running amuck in the neighborhood playing night games all hours of the night) and then Kerry and I watched his gift from me - the movie of his fam and friends roasting him any way they could. It was gut busting and he loved it. Thanks for all of your help!! We stayed up way to late - 1:30am is killing me and I now need to get ready for Monday fun and I really just want to go back and sleep. But had to send out lots of hugs for all who were able to be there or sent emails or videos. We love you all! Thank you :)

Y.E.S. is starting the fun early....

2010-06-04T09:06:00.001-06:00

Kerry 'old man' Westenskow walked into this as he opened his office door this morning...

All of you in the office rock! That's pretty funny - nicely done!

Dinner at 4:30. In bed by 7.

2010-06-04T08:55:00.000-06:00

This week is baptism and 40th week. Ethan is getting baptized and Kerry is turning 40. 40! I'm still trying to come to terms with both of these...the fact that I have another 8 year old and that the 40th party I am planning is for my husband, not for my dad. Aging is interesting. It's like you are the last to know you are getting older. I used to listen to people say "I really can't believe I'm 30/40/50/60/70....I still feel 20" and I would think they were just being dramatic and making conversation. But now I get that they were dead serious - that they were really trying to process and come to terms with their age in their own minds. In fact those are the words that are now coming out of my own mouth..."I can't believe I'm blah blah blah."
So anyway, we are celebrating big time again this week. It's like the fun never ends around here - I just want someone else to be in charge. Any free party planners out there?

Let. Me. Eat. Cake.

2010-05-22T19:51:00.000-06:00

This week/weekend has been crazy busy, just like the entire month of May. But it's all good stuff, so I want to do it all.
Schedule:
Wednesday: all day field trip to the Uof U
Thursday: kids soccer tryouts 5-8
Fri: Ethan soccer / Kids Primary Activity / Ethan Scouts Family bday party for Ethan
Sat: Ethan soccer game / Brooke's baby shower / Eva's tumbling exhibition/ Ethan Party for Friends
Sun: Dad's b-day celebration

All of the above (except the soccer and field trips) included rich, sugary, chocolatey, sprinkly, gumballed, yummy delicious cake and/or cupcakes. And all of the above also included rich, frostingly, chocolatey, cold-from-the-fridge delicious leftover cake and/ or cupcakes.
I have no will power. None. None! I've had cake for lunch and dinner and a late evening snack.
Just had to get that confession out there. It wasn't like a dainty piece of cake here and there, either. It was like 6 cupcakes and a big fat piece of chocolate cake eaten with a spoon out of the tupperware. And that was just this afternoon.

I've analyzed this before - the lack of will power issue on sweets. I think that what I am trying to do is eat the cake/chocolate that I am craving to an extreme so that I will eventually make myself sick to stop me from eating it. Heaven forbid I use a little discretion or conscious eating practices! Actually, now that I think about it...hormones could have something to do with it. Yep. It's not me. It's the hormones, dang them!
As soon as I get out of my sugar stupor I'll have to post some of the fun stuff going on. But until then...
I'm going to lick the batter from the beaters and from the spatula I used for the frosting, thank you very much.

US History

2010-05-16T17:19:00.005-06:00

Watch it Sunday Night!

I think this is one of the best shows out there right now. If you have seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about. It is a great way to learn basic US history and quite entertaining. Fascinating, really.

It is so well done and I look forward to it each Sunday night. I could do without a few of the celebrity interjections, and I'm sure there is a political slant to it. But I like the basic overview it gives. It is a series of 6 episodes and goes through American History from the first colonies up to the present day. My kids were completely captivated by the Revolutionary and Civil War episodes, especially Ethan who has an affinity for World Wars and US Presidents. Ethan told me about a dream he had the other night of George Washington: Ethan was fighting for him and it somehow also incorporated our Tahoe as an escape car....go figure. Anyway, the point is, this kid really is intrigued by history and all things military.

I never liked history growing up. It wasn't until after I had graduated from college that I found the correlation between God and Country in the Revolutionary War. This fascinated me. The British Army, the most powerful army in the world at the time, being defeated by a bunch of farmers loyal to their desire for freedom. It wasn't supposed to happen. It never should have happened. But it did, and God's hand was all over it. This changed everything for me and I had a desire to learn more. Kerry's parents are extremely patriotic and over the years it has been amazing to hear the stories that his dad has told from his time of service as the chaplin for the state of Utah in the National Guard. I loved reading 1776 by David McCullough because it goes into so much detail about the role of divine providence and the leaders who knew that they were called to such a time as this. Good men. Honorable men. Men I want my kids to know.

With everything that is going on with our country today, Kerry and I were talking about how we could study parts of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence with our kids for family night. It really is being diluted and I'm afraid that they are going to need to know it, far better than us, to maintain the freedoms we have in place. We haven't been great at family nights, a little sporadic, and we could definitely be better. But I like the idea of teaching them about God and country, freedom and agency. I want my kids to understand what they have and all that is at stake. And to know the sacrifices so many made on our behalf. And to do what it takes to preserve these freedoms.

Just Google it!

2010-05-10T13:34:00.001-06:00

Technology is amazing. Really, our kids are going to think we sound as ancient as the pioneers when we tell them how life was 'pre-internet'. How we actually had to go to the library and look up subjects in large wordy books called Encyclopedias and sort through micro films to get articles from past newspapers. If we wanted to take a vacation somewhere, you had to write to the local tourist bureau and have them send you informational brochures, then call a travel agent to see about what hotels to stay in and what they cost. They'll think we are archaic when we tell them about the first time we had a 'car phone' (not a cell phone yet, it had to be plugged in to the lighter) that was as big as a brick. How we actually had to make sure we were home or up at a certain time if we wanted to watch a specific show on TV, and that we used to actually write letters to see how people were doing.
In the world they live in, information is just a few keystrokes away. To prove my point as to just how powerful and all knowing the internet is in their minds, here is a google search that Eva put in to look for a new toy our family is getting.

Google search:
every trampoline in the whole world for sale

Eva's Substitute Mom

2010-05-06T15:55:00.000-06:00

So while I was at Women's Conference learning how to be a better mom, I missed Eva's Mother Daughter Activity Days Date. The irony here is killin' me.

So just wanted to say thanks to my super duper sister Britter Critter who saved the day! She was Eva's "stand in MOM" for the evening, and I think Eva was happy as a clam.

Thanks Little Sister!

This Just In.......Breaking News

2010-05-06T15:54:00.001-06:00

Prepare for like, really annoying tweenie talk:

Oh. my. gosh. Oh. my. gosh. Oh my gosh! Don't be, like, totally jealous, but I just found out that
teen heartthrob Justin Bieber has the same birthday as, yours truly. March 1. Eva.Can.Not.Believe.It.
She found out while reading his unauthorized biography. So it must be true. So totally awesome!! It must be a sign!

Aaaaagghhhh! Are we really to this phase already? She's got the Bieber Fever like every other girl in America and would love to become a tweenie groupie for Justin Bieber, Justin Bieber, Justin Bieber. She just spent her reading tickets to buy a JB book and a JB CD. The fantastic thing about this is that it also came with a free poster of the beloved Justin Bieber that she can plaster all over her walls. Heaven help us! And it's not just her. Oh no. It is every friend from school, in the neighborhood, etc. She and her friend Elisabeth just made a JB fan club poster. It's pretty exclusive.

I guess it was about this time (4th grade) that I had a HUGE crush on this guy Michael Jackson. You may have heard of him. My first love, really. I specifically remember on my birthday getting a pencil box with his face plastered all over it and a large MJ poster that would hang in my room for subsequent years. It was the pure Michael. Pre nose job(s), skin lightening, Neverland) The Thriller Days.

I'm sure my parents were just dying when I begged and pleaded for that poster. But they gave it to me anyway. Maybe they remembered how they felt about Elvis? haha So I am going to try and remember what it feels like to be a 10 year old with a crush and let Eva just 'be'.

2010-05-04T15:44:00.020-06:00

'Sup Homies.'

Jack The Dog wants to tell you about a cool new website for your chitlans.

commonsensemedia.org

It allows you to check by age and reading level for good book suggestions and other media, like movies, websites, etc. It's a great resource for finding new books for the kiddos this summer. You can add your kid's ages when you register and then it personalizes the picks for you. Handy little tool, Fo Sho.

Peace Out.

Part Deux: Speaking the Lingo......Again.

2010-05-04T09:18:00.046-06:00

Compare and Contrast:

What is different about these 2 pictures - that should look exactly the same because they were taken only an hour apart?
Just after the weeding that the little 4 year olds decided to do to my garden, I went back inside and watched as they played in the sandbox and did little boy things. All was well. Broccoli was dead, but all was well.

2 hours later

Becks mentions in the car as we are getting kids at school that he picked some flowers for the moms in Honduras. I asked what flowers he had picked, to which he quickly said, "No. I mean I DIDN'T pick any flowers." Hmm.. Suspicious

Next Question:

Why is there a red bucket hanging from my tree branch?

Answer:

To keep the tulips safe that they picked to give to the moms over in Honduras. All of them. Each and every tulip that decided to light up my yard with color as the only sign that the bleak winter was coming to an end.

We have been making little bead bracelets for Kerry to take on his trip to Honduras that they hand out to all the kids, and I guess Becks wanted to make his own contribution.

Honestly. How do you get mad at a kid when he tells you he's picking flowers to take to the moms?

One year, all too soon, I am going to have all of my tulips blooming beautifully in my yard and wish I had a little 4 year old that would come back to pick them and hide them in a bucket for safekeeping.

Speak the Lingo

2010-04-28T14:49:00.005-06:00

So when your 4 year old and his little buddies explain that they just weeded the garden for you, that is little boy code for: We just went out and pulled up all of your new broccoli plants that you finally got in the ground yesterday and threw them all over the sidewalk. Can we have some cookies?

The Money (eating) Tree

2010-04-23T14:42:00.002-06:00

This tree in our yard was pulled out a month or so ago.

This was an expensive tree.

This was the subject of an important lesson.

This post may sound a lot like your mother. Or Grandmother. Or some other wise person.

When we moved in 10 years ago, there was this wild, itsy- bitsy, cute as a button, little tree that was only 5 feet tall growing too close to the fence. Adorable, really. It started to grow a bit. And a bit more. And a bit more. Oh the shade! The privacy! The lush greenery!

At the time, I could have reached over and plucked it out with my bare hands - like a lumberjack.

But instead....

We ignored the neighbor that said, "One day that tree is going to have to go, it's too close to the fence!" To which I thought seemed pretty certain, but still YEARS away. Chillax, lil' neighbor!

So throwing caution to the wind, time went by.

Well 10 years happened. It arrived. Dang tree took us hostage.

It demanded payment in full. And if not, it promised to rip up the fence, the neighbor's fence, and lift the cement foundation of the shed in the other neighbor's yard.

This tree removal process is not easy.

Or Cheap.

This cute little tree required us, my Uncle Mike, and a good friend to give up an entire Saturday to rebuild the fence it had broken up.

This itsy bitsy tree required us to break through the fence of the next door neighbor to get the huge bulldozer in.

This big, destructive bulldozer held a man in its claw as someone else raised it up and down for him to cut branches.

(This would have been a great commercial for workers comp on "What NOT to do.")

So here is the lesson ....

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Or in other words, Nip it in the bud! Now. While the nipin' is still good.

When someone advises you to 'Nip it in the bud', then nip it! Nip it like it's goin' out of style.

That's it. That's the lesson. In any area of life. Do it.

Tree removal : $800

Fence boards: $200

Lesson learned: Priceless.

(an oldie but a goodie)

As Seen on TV - Tomatoes and Trysts

2010-04-12T23:59:00.004-06:00

WARNING: TMI
It happened upon a recent Sunday afternoon that Kerry and I came upon a rare, fortuitous moment that allowed for a little romantic tryst. (Anyone with kids knows, Ya gotta take 'em when you can!)
With the kids completely enthralled in a movie, we headed into the bedroom, made sure the door was locked, and yada yada yada.....
Moving into the yadas, we heard a frantic pounding on our door. It was the precocious little 4 year old, Becks. "Mom!" (knock knock knock) "Mom!" (knock knock knock, knock knock knock)
Not knowing if we should play dead and see if he would scamper away or to try to appease him with the tried and true "we'll be out in just a minute, sweety, go watch your show" response, Kerry decided to oblige the persistent toddler.

Kerry: ( yelling loud enough for him to hear out into the hall) "What do you need Becks?"
Becks: "Not you, Dad. I need Mom!"
Me: (yelling loud enough for him to hear out in the hall) "What do you need, Buddy?"
Becks: "Come out here. I need to show you something."
Me: "Okay Becks. I'll come see it in just a minute. Go watch your movie."
Becks: (frustrated and yelling so we can hear him) "MOM! You need to get this. It's an upside down tomato plant grower. You need to get it. It's on the T.V. right now. It grows tomatoes. You put the tomatoes in and then add garden soil and it just grows upside down. You Need To Get It!"

Sure thing there, Becks!

Coming Home

2010-04-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

Little road trip to Las Vegas last week with lots of sunshine made it really, really difficult to come back to this wintery wonderland. I was digging in my heels, wanting to throw a tantrum, so I wouldn't have to come back to January. It was a last minute decision, but perfect timing on Kerry's part - to get us out of Dodge just before winter decided to come back. Nice, wonderful break with Auntie and the family, and our dear old friend, The Sun.

We stopped at In and Out Burger on the way home in St. George and ran into (almost literally as we pulled up behind their car and laid on the horn for good laughs) my dearie friend Kristin and her family. She had already offered us the couch at the condo they are staying at before she left - we should have taken it. All 5 of us, Kerry and I and our little chitlans, all sleeping on the couch together a few more nights sounds completely do-able. Maybe a little hellish, but it would be worth it for a little more of Spring.

But alas, it looks as if the sun is going to show its face today. Melt, snow, melt! This is the only time you'll hear me say that, as I usually am a big supporter of the snow. I like winter, love to ski, and try to enjoy it. But I am ready.

Autocorrect

2010-03-30T17:54:00.001-06:00

I was just putting in a calendar appointment and I had a good little laugh, all by myself. So I thought I would share.

What I typed into my phone was supposed to say :
11:30 Appt. with Dr. Yeates.

But what it actually says, because the smart phone autocorrected the word 'Yeates' is:
11:30 Appt. with Dr. Testes.

I wonder if I should reschedule?

Psycho Analysis

2010-03-28T21:51:00.036-06:00

We all have odd behaviors. I'm the first to admit that I drive myself crazy. However I do, in good faith, try and make an effort to systematically think through it to figure out WHY I do what I do. If for nothing else, I think human behavior is interesting.

But this one is hard for me to identify as to the mentality or reasoning behind it. Here is the issue:

When reading articles - be it on the internet, in a magazine, informational booklets, etc, I find myself starting at the end of the article. And if I like what I've read, I'll move to the next paragraph above it, and so on and so on. Many times I'll almost read 3/4 of the article backwards and wonder why I didn't just start from the beginning. This happens almost 9 out of 10 times.

Anyone else out there with this little irritating eccentricity?

Or better yet, anyone else out there that can tell me the psycho analysis behind it? Is it because I'm impatient? Untrusting? Arrogant - need to make sure it is worth my time? Just extra cool? That's probably it. Any wise (or sarcastic) insight is gladly welcomed. Any other weirdos out there? Don't be shy.

p.s. I also ritually crack all of my toes before I fall asleep, among other things. But that's just a bad habit - no analysis needed.

2010-03-23T22:06:00.006-06:00

Beckham did a little decorating in his room.

(enlarge photo for full details)

For all you do-it-yourselfers out there, the only materials you'll need to get this same look for your own home are:

*scotch tape

* a used Pencil

* and a little watercolor paintbrush.

All of these items can be found in your kiddos backpacks or desk drawer.

Very minimalist, straight lines, very modern. He has excellent taste.

Ruprecht the Monkey Boy and I Are Tight.

2010-03-19T10:59:00.000-06:00

Ruprecht! Don't take the cork off the fork!

My conversation with the receptionist at the after hours clinic last night at 6:45pm:

After looking at my finger and grimacing, she asks: How long has it been since your last tetanus shot?

Me: Oh, a few months ago when I came in to get my other finger stitched up from losing a fight with the toilet. Yeah. I'm covered.

Tonight I am feeling a close kinship to Ruprecht. I, too, should have kept a cork on the end of the knife I was using to de-pit an avocado while lovingly preparing the yummy black bean/red pepper avocado quesadillas for dinner. I held the halved avocado in my hand, and (I think my blood sugar was running low, because, really, this is not the smartest thing I have ever done) with my large paring knife drove the tip of the knife right through the skin of the fruit and jabbed it straight into my finger. It was supposed to go into the pit and pop out, but instead it slipped on the pit and I de-fleshed myself, right there in the kitchen.

Because it may have nicked a tendon, I am now beautifully ordained with this lovely "head gear" looking brace on my hand for the next 2 weeks. Oh, for the love!!

I know. I know. I should have ordered out. I agree. Cooking is much too dangerous. I'll remember that next time!

Now for some enjoyment, enjoy a little Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on me.

Oklahoma! Oklahoma! Oklahoma!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P5qJAI9BIc

If you were a fly on our wall this week you would have heard this:

2010-03-17T10:51:00.002-06:00

Sunday we were talking about horses and Ethan mentioned that when a horse breaks a leg, they have to shoot it. Eva then said to us, "They don't really shoot the horses in the movies, though. They just tie them up and then shoot another one."
Oh my - we rolled and rolled laughing so hard. She then clarified, saying she meant that they would "shoot the other way, not another horse." But we thought it was pretty funny the first time. She will be really mad if I pass this along, so don't bring it up with her. She's just so great and we love to tease her.

"It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you knowowow... " Recognize this Lady Antebellum song that is playing almost non-stop on the radio right now? I love it, so my kids have heard it a few times. Well Ethan was singing it the other day and continued on to the second verse that says, "It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you knowwooww." I thought, wow, the whole drunk thing is really not what I want my kid singing about. So I said to him that maybe we shouldn't be singing that song. He looked really confused and asked, "Why is it bad?" And then started to sing it again, "It's a quarter after one, I'm a little TRUNK and I need you knowwowo.... A trunk mom, ya know, like a box or a treasure chest. Why is that bad?"
Oh, you're right, Dude. Just keep singing about that little trunk.

Last night we had family prayer and it was my turn. Becks lookes at me and asks, "Mom, do you want me to help you say the prayer? I'll help you, ok Mom? Ok. You start." He then walked me through our family prayer word-for-word, including blessing us that we can let our dog in the house who was barking and that we could all play together in the back yard. When I was done he was so excited and said, "Good Job Mom!! You did a good prayer!!" and gave me a big hug. Those are the best ways to end the night.

2010-03-10T16:18:00.003-07:00

Spring is trying!

The first signs of life again... I swear these little guys shot up overnight.

Grow! Grow! Grow!

Smoochie Patrol

2010-03-07T21:51:00.003-07:00

We have moved into a new phase in our family. The phase where dad takes mom and gives her a big kiss, deliberately in front of the kids, just to get them to hide their faces and cry out, "EEWWW!!" My parents did it to us as kids, Kerry's parents did it to him and his siblings, and here we are fulfilling our parental obligation to pass on the love.

Eva had the camera and snapped this great photog just as Ethan was running in the room, full speed to break us up. Ethan has taken it upon him to proclaim himself as the "Official Smoochie Patrol." When any display of affection occurs, the kids sound the alarm, yelling "Smoochie Alert! Smoochie Alert!" . Ethan runs full speed from any corner of the house that he is in and barrels himself right into us, saying, "Alright. Break it up. Break it up". Using as much force as he can muster, he attempts to break us apart by squeezing himself between us. All Ethan needs now is a clipboard and an orange vest leftover from the elementary school's hall patrol.

We are such law brakers! We are total Rebels. Breakin' the law, all day long. Laughing danger in the face of the hall patrol.
We. Are. So. Incredibly. Cool. One day our kids will know that, too!

Morning Chores

2010-02-24T10:20:00.003-07:00

I am really trying hard to keep my kids consistent on their daily chores before school. So this morning as I was telling Ethan he needed to stop putting his papers in his backpack and come wipe down the bathroom, he gave me some sage advice. He said, "Mom. Maybe you don't know this, but a clean bathroom isn't as important as learning."

Dude, just get in here and wipe down the dang bathroom!

2010-02-23T21:44:00.004-07:00

Here's the latest installment of "Bed Hair Gone Wild"

Starring....

Ethan Westenskow

Why Sunday was a perfect day for Valentines...

2010-02-21T19:01:00.009-07:00

For moms that always seem to need an extra day or so to get it all in, having a holiday on a Sunday is fantastic! I usually have grand plans but end up running out of steam or not being prepared enough to pull it off in a day. So that is why this weekend was so great. It let us spread out the love over 4 days and we were able to do the things we wanted to do. We started out celebrating on Friday with some beautiful flowers being delivered to our door "from the boys" to Eva and I, and we had them all weekend to enjoy. Friday night we had a valentines couple's dinner for our recipe group and Saturday we spent relaxing, doing cookies, eating cookies, and then Kerry and I had a sitter that night while we went out for dinner and had a couples massage. Bien. By Sunday, we were going strong, so we had heart shaped muffins for breakfast and a Valentines dinner of lemon garlic tilapia, asparagus, and a red smoothie-punch- a- majigger that we rigged together.

Monday was a holiday with kids out of school, so there was no Sunday evening pressure to pull everything together for Monday morning and we watched movies and vegged. Monday I took the kids up skiing and had a great day with them, while Becks and Kerry had their own day together looking at golf clubs and going to McDonalds.

The whole weekend was just fun, and I loved that it was spread out and unchaotic feeling. That is the hardest part sometimes - to actually relax and enjoy it for what it is.

Here are some pictures of the kids and their creations.

Happy Valentines Day!

And The Little One Says It All

2010-02-16T08:57:00.004-07:00

Beckham's primary teacher pulled me aside Sunday to tell me what Becks had said in class. She was telling them that if they are reverent and quiet they can feel the Spirit. She told the class to be really quiet, and then when a couple of girls weren't cooperating, Becks stood up in front of the class and put his finger to his lips and said, "Shhh. I want to feel the Spirit. Everybody Be Quiet."

Then he went over and whispered in his teacher's ear, asking her, "If we are really quiet, will Jesus come down here so I can sit on his lap and tell Him how much I love Him?"

This made my heart so happy to hear. The little ones seem to understand more than we know.

Last night, Beckham came upstairs after we had put him to bed and told us he had a nightmare, which means, he never fell asleep and he wants to watch TV with mom and dad. So we let him cuddle on the couch with us and then I told him he could sleep in my room with me while Daddy finished watching his show. He was so cute and sweet, saying things like, "Mom. I love you so much. Come lay down right here by me on the pillow, ok mom?"

As we were falling asleep he says to me, "Mom. I don't ever want to have to get away from you." I said to him that we would never be away from each other to which he replied, "I don't ever want to have to get away from you and take you to the dump. You are so much better than garbage."

Man this kid has a way with words.

Maybe you just had to be there......

2010-02-09T22:58:00.003-07:00

Kerry and I had a laughing fit tonight as we were watching the pajamagram commercials. Just as Kerry was sarcastically narrating the words that he thought should be in the already cheesy commercial, it announced it's hottest new product.....

wait for it....

The Hoodie Footie! An all pink fleece hoodie one piece footed pajama for women. It's hot!! And especially for Valentines Day coming up....

Yowsa! Picture the kid on The Christmas Story that gets the homemade pink bunny pajamas from his Aunt Martha, and then put that on an infomercial blondie trying to be seductive for her significant other. It IS hot!!

I guess it was late and we were both in that kind of a mood already, but I about peed my pants laughing so hard.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm the next lucky gal to hear a 'ding dong' at my doorbell on Valentines Day with a special delivery from Pajamagram...

Random January Wrap Up

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of people don't like January, but I really quite enjoy it. The craziness from Christmas is over and I finally feel like I have some time to get things in order and to play a little bit more. Here are a couple of things we did this month: (thanks to having a good camera phone!)

Visited the Ogden Treehouse museum with Kristin and Lori's kids when they had a teacher's comp day. The older kids are gone at this point - all run off together and pretty much entertain themselves. Becks hung back and decided to start the day out as a fireman.

This is what you do when you are waiting for mom to get your hair combed before church. Precariously hang all of your Lego Bionicles from the cliff of bedroom death.

Sledding with Daddy,Uncle Steve and Devyn. It took Steve an hour to get Dev ready, and she was done after 1 time down. Been there before.... Now the boys couldn't get enough of it.

Skiing with friends up at Brighton. Eva with her friends Lauren and Chloe. Later that night we all had planned to go to our church and had a pot-luck and pizza and played dodgeball. Some of our kids are getting older now and they were the one's that the parents ended up playing over and over to try and beat. It's those 9th grade boys that are turning into men and have a lot of energy and skill, unlike their has-been dodgeball champion parents.

Same day skiing, this pretty much summed it up for Ethan, until the last hour or so. Angie and Kristin stayed with Ethan back at the lodge so I could get a good run in - off the groomers. When I came back, he was sawin' logs. On the lift earlier he said his ear hurt. Then he got off the lift and in the bottom gully of a hill, he said that he was afraid of heights. By the end of the day, he said his fear of heights was gone. I think he just needed a little nappy-nap.

Dooders long lost buddy Harrison came in from VA for Christmas and was able to get baptized here. Ethan's big day is just around the corner - crazy! Angie put together a fantastic dinner afterwards...would we expect anything less? :)

Playing fetch with the dryer balls.

Surf-n-Swim with the neighbors. Becks loooves Jacob. Older, cool kid that totally pays attention to him. He is such a cutie. Maybe he'll still be around down the road after his mission when Eva is starting to notice the boys....

A little bit of everything in a Utah winter....

Skiing the Wolf

2010-02-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Martin Luther King Day found us at Wolf Mountain with Greens, Walls, and Elinkowskis for a kiddos ski day. This was a pay-off day for me. All of the work involved in taking the kids skiing -sans Dad -is starting to pay dividends. Equipment management is the name of the game for this sport, and with extra kids in tow it can take a lot of effort just to get from the car to the ticket counter. Boots (x4) buckled and rebuckled, gloves tucked in to coat sleeves until just perfect, helmets adjusted, carrying the skis and poles only to find yourself taking everything off again so that they can use the bathroom before they hit the lifts.

Now I'm finding that Eva is pretty much skiing all over the mountain with her friends, and really doesn't need mom there anymore. Ethan is riding the lifts by himself, looking for jumps (teeny tiny) and is able to wreck completely on the hill and put his own equipment back on himself. I'm beginning to see the light.......!

The great thing about Wolf Mtn. is not only the price, but the small size and proximity of everything to the lodge. The magic carpet and practice hill is perfect for beginners and first timers, and the there is a terrain park right off the bunny hill that the kids love.

Ethan's first attempt at a jump :)

Generally I don't take a lot of pictures skiing. But today I was able to get a few because I wasn't skiing. I had decided to take Becks up for the first time and just walk up and down the practice area with him.

He loved the magic carpet and eventually was able to get on and off on his own.

Unlike his brother and sister, Beckham ONLY wants to do French Fries - ski's straight forward. He has no interest in learning how to do the pizza snow plow. He would not do it for me, so we really never figured out the stopping part.

Jewelia with Amanda on her first day. She did awesome!

Becks was tired of this dumb baby hill and wanted to go on the BIG lift. I hadn't purchased a ticket, so I just kept telling him no.... .

Until Brandon saved the day! He asked if he could take Becks up on the lift for a quick run. The look on Beck's face shows how ecstatic he was!

Jacob, Brandon, and Beckers. All survived.

Tricia :)

Eva and Anna - 2 little ski bunnies looking for trouble.

See Ya, Mom!

Becks at home

2010-02-04T11:00:00.004-07:00

Yesterday Beckham told me to stop whatever I was doing and watch what he was going to do. As I watched him, he lifted up his one leg and bent forward with his arms out to the side like an airplane, balancing on one foot. (an arabesque) After I told him how incredible that was, I asked him where he learned how to do that. He told me he learned it at "balancing class". I asked him where balancing class was. He told me that the class was waaaaayyy over the mountain, far away. I wouldn't know where it was.

In church on Sunday, I looked out as he went to get a drink. He is always very good to come right back, arms folded. But he never came back. I leaned back and saw this little kid doing summersaults in the foyer, over and over, where everyone in the back could see him. As I went to retrieve him he was quite upset because he said he needs to practice for summersault class.

Beckham said the prayer for lunch yesterday. Amongst other things, he asked that we could all try and be good and do the same things that superheros do.

And just now he asked for the use of an empty box and wanted the tape. He said he was putting all of his toys in it and taping them up, because he has a mean friend that steals toys. This mean friend's name is Abba. (like the singing group....only it's a boy) and he is mean and steals all of his toys and that he lives (motioning with his arm in a big half circle) waaaaaayyy far away in the Island of Sodor.

At dinner I asked Drama Boy to finish his food or he wouldn't get to have a treat later. He said, "Mom, does it look like I care?" I told him he better not talk to me like that and he said, "Well, does it? Does it look like I care on my face?" He really wanted to know.

Bella....

2010-02-01T11:40:00.006-07:00

I'm not sure how I missed this one in theaters. The story was beautiful and elevating and human. One of the most powerful films I've seen. It's a rare film nowadays that can leave such a positive message and really touch your heart.

It was complete chance - Nothing else looked good on the Redbox screen, so I thought we'd try this for a Saturday night movie. One of my all time favorites. It made me cry, but it is such a great story.

And the main character, well, you won't be disappointed ladies....

2010-01-30T09:59:00.005-07:00

40 and Fab!

My friend Kristin, who has also been the voice of reason in my head ever since we moved here, just turned 40!! Happy Birthday Sister! The girls took her out for the day Wednesday. Not that she didn't have other options..but we wanted to sort of dominate her day. :) Lori and Tricia started early am by putting up a friendly neighborhood announcement on her garage, in the form of a large poster, that said: ......And the princess gracefully turns 40! So fitting. Earlier that morning at the gym, Jewelia's husband - not a slight man (picture ex-BYU football player) climbed atop the locker ledge at the gym and made the announcement that his friend was turning 4o today and lead them all in Happy Birthday. That morning we took her to Sanctuary Day Spa at the Gateway for lovely lovely pedi's and then had a fabulous lunch at The Dodo. Ron paid for our lunch....since he was out of town....Very nice.

Angie - We missed you!!! Wish you could have flown out from Virginia....:)) Susan, you too! And Nannette...next time :)

Ogden is calling me...

2010-01-28T22:10:00.010-07:00

Growing up in Davis County gives you options to enjoy going about equal distances north or south to find a unique, quaint little place to eat. Up until a few years ago I would always lean to go south. Call me a snob, but Ogden just didn't have the pull for me. Well I'm here to say that I was all wrong. Ogden really has a lot to offer and I think it has become my favorite place to eat out. Here are a few of my favorites up that way and in different parts of Weber County:

Carlos Produce on 31st and Washington

This is my favorite and most recent find that I stumbled across after driving home from skiing a few weeks ago. I stopped at this little produce store that looked like a farmers market still operating in the middle of the winter. Not only was the produce big and beautiful and fresh, they had all things any true mexican food afficionado could want. All of the great spices, fresh herbs, drinks, tortillas, hot peppers, big dates, tamales. I was in my mecca. I bought a bunch of stuff to make for dinner that night. That is a good way to spend a Saturday in January: skiing and a great little market and homemade mexican food. I found out that Sacco's Produce in Clearfield is a sister of the owner of Carlos and it is pretty similar. My friend Kristin has been telling me about Sacco's for years, and now I know why.

Tony's Pizza

My dad took us as kids to this 50's pizza parlor that he used to take my mom to when they were dating - it's been around THAT long! Your typical little hole in the wall-turned fabulous eats-inside on 39th street, down near the Ogden Country Club. I remember we loved it because they served all of the sodas in the smaller glass bottles just like back in the day. The pizza is fantastic - my favorite being the green olives and mushrooms. Salads are great as well. Once I convinced Kerry to make the drive for pizza with the kids, he was sold.

Tona's

A temple night out with friends landed us here. Our friend Jonathan took his doctor clients here all the time and had talked it up for awhile, but we always voted it out "to do next time" - it is a little pricey. But let me tell you: EXCELLENT sushi with the owner being the real deal straight from San Francisco. Very very good. We ordered off the menu per J's recommendation. The mochi ice cream is also fantastic. Yum. A good splurge. On historic 25th street.

Taggerts

Heading up towards Morgan you pass a little tiny town called Taggert. Just off the Taggert exit and under the overpass is a hidden little gem called Taggert's Grill. This may seem a little far, only until you've been there and tried the food. Then the drive is seen as a pleasure. It is great in the fall with the leaves changing and the restaurant is tucked up next to the river and the mountains which is really a beautiful little spot. The blue corn enchiladas are my standing order and their bakery window is complete temptation with all of the giant cookies and desserts anyone could ever ask for. One time my sister Annie and I decided to ditch skiing because it was too windy, left the resort, and headed over to Taggarts for lunch. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Roosters

A brewery pub in a great location on historic 25th street. Great food - a little bit of everything. Awesome salads, hummus, ginormous onion rings. mmm... A little slow on the service. Don't go if you have an impatient husband...

Union Grill

Downtown Ogden. Another favorite by the train depot. French onion soup is delish.

Sandy's Fine Diner

This is a favorite of another friend of ours that we were introduced to on a temple night. This is your good old fashioned family diner on Washington Ave. They are famous for their pies and the meatloaf rocks.

Utah noodle

Again, one of my parent's favorite places to go for Chinese food from years and years ago.

The Oaks

Heading up or down Ogden canyon you can stop at this place for a great burger, salad, chicken. We usually like to go in the warmer months when you can sit outside next to the river on the tiered patios.

The Sonora Grill

Brand new and a little bit pricier, but the tortilla chips and salsa alone are divine. Right across from the new Solomon Center, so it's a great spot to go before catching a flick.

The Spring Chicken Inn

This is at the bottom of Trappers loop when you drop into Huntsville. Actually, it has been a long time since I've eaten here, and it may have moved. But it was this great little white farmhouse set back off of the road where I tried escargot for the first time in high school. I need to find out if it is still there....

Well that is a quick food editorial from a complete amateur that just loves good food. The weekend is here, so a great opportunity to head up north.

Bon Appetit!

2010-01-24T21:41:00.004-07:00

So I have this whole thing with New Years Resolutions. I don't do them. Well, I think through them in my head, things I want to work on for the year, and I am all for setting goals and pushing to achieve greatness in our lives. But the whole New Years thing sort of makes me crazy. I think all it really is is a date thing. Like the idea of starting on Day 1 - Jan 1 makes us aware of exactly how many days we have been working on something, which creates the pressure of keeping a perfect record going until we finally CRACK! Then we look back and think I made it x number of days this year...and that particular goal seems to quickly fade away into last years wish list. Why set yourself up like that?

So I just go about it a different way. Like this year for instance, New Years Eve we stayed out with friends until 2:30am, got to bed by 3am, and slept in until 11am. I don't think that has happened since high school, but it sure felt good. As I woke up, we had this terrific cake dessert from the night before sitting out on our counter. So, Jan 1 2010, 11 am, I had cake for breakfast. Delish. I really just wanted to push the whole healthy eating goal out the door from the beginning, which took all the pressure off, and allowed me to start when I wanted, without all the pressure. I eat pretty good 80% of the time, and that is good enough for me. Some days it is only 30%, but in the end it averages out and I still get to eat my chocolate.

Last year, I set a goal to learn how to use chop sticks. Guess what! I shot for the stars and can use them like a champ. This year it is to start violin lessons and pick up where I left off years ago. That is the goal, not the resolution. I'm getting around to making the phone call pretty soon..... It's about time. It's been on my list of NY resolutions for the last 10+years. By mid February, I'll probably be ready.

2010-01-21T20:56:00.002-07:00

No Toys For You!

These are Jack the Dog's chew toys and they are on top of the mantel, tauntingly, out of Jack's reach.

Beckham told me that they were put there because Jack was grounded.

I'm sure it hurts Beckham more than it hurts Jack to punish him like this.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

2010-01-14T21:28:00.004-07:00

Kerry showed the kids an email of a golfer who had reached into a pond to retrieve his golf ball and had his entire arm bitten off by an alligator. It almost looked fake - you could see the entire arm in the jaws of the gator, and then when they caught and killed the gator they pulled the arm - completely intact- from the belly of the predator to see if they could reattach it. I don't know what happened to that unfortunate man, and I don't know why Kerry showed our young, impressionable children the pictures, but Becks sure has an opinion on it.

On the way to pre-school today, he told me the whole story as I just told it, only he added his two cents at the end. He said, "That alligator wasn't being very respectful. And that man should have just let the alligator keep his golf ball."

Good Advice, Kiddo.

I just have to comment on this...

2010-01-14T20:46:00.009-07:00

As a news junkie, I have been watching and reading all of the information coming out of Haitie, and it is so heart wrenching and unbelievable at the level of pain these people are going through. Seeing a young father carrying the lifeless body of his little 3 year old daughter and to see the expression on his face of the most painful agony. I can't even imagine. I just want to hug my kids and husband and never let them go. I am so grateful there are good, skilled people who are able to go into that country and help. I know there are ways to help from over here - probably mostly financially.

I heard something in a story just after the earthquake from a reporter that said

"Today, a lot of important things suddenly became unimportant."

I can't seem to get that out of my mind. It is true - the amount of time we spend on things that really have little or no value when it is all said and done. We all know it but seem to fall back into that trap until something like this happens.

As hard as it is to watch and to see, it inspires me to see the fight of the human spirit when catastrophes hit. To see people coming together and searching, working, and fighting to find and help their most cherished possessions - their babies, children, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and friends. That's really what it all comes down to when it is all said and done - the relationships we have with other people. God bless them all and the people who are working to help them.

Convos with Becks and Eva

2010-01-07T15:01:00.002-07:00

Beckham stood on the chair behind me as I was working on the computer. He wrapped his arms around my neck and started to tell me what my new name was going to be. "Mom. Today your name is going to be Fluffy. Tomorrow it will be Good. The next day it will be Starlight, and the next day it will be Word World. And your name on the very last day will be George."

Over the break instead of Eva saying, "Oh yeah, I went there!" (with attitude) she said to her father, "Oh yeah. I'm good at went'en there!" Kerry totally called her on that and she quickly reworded her sentence.

Becks was sitting at the counter crying because Kerry told him to finish all of his cereal. Kerry looked at him and said, "Becks, we do NOT cry over cereal!" to which Becks, who knew he was in trouble, answered, "I'm not crying over my cereal. I'm crying over my friends."

Christmas 2009

2010-01-05T08:20:00.013-07:00

We had a wonderful Holiday and Christmas 2009!

Hope you all did as well!

All dressed up in their Sunday Best

And the boys are all looking quite dapper

Eva Girl looking lovely in her Christmas dress

Eva made this notebook for Beckham so he would have something to open before Christmas. He could barely handle waiting - it's good for him! She wanted him to have his own drawing book and he was so excited. She is thoughtful and loves to make things for people - I love this about her.

Auntie's Gifts Arrive!!!

They can barely contain themselves and we let them open them a few days early to spread out the love a little. It is so much fun to receive packages in the mail from Auntie. Not just for the gifts they bring, but they always arrive put together so nicely - all wrapped up inside a box that contains all sorts of treasures tucked away.

She also gave us some boxes of our favorite Fralingers treats from back in Atlantic City, NJ. Love this stuff - she totally got us hooked.

Jammies left by the sneeky little elves.

Kerry's patience finally ran out and he told Eva as she ran in and threw her coat on the couch that he was charging her $1 if she wanted it back since she didn't hang it up.

(This was about the umpteenth time we've asked her to.)

Tears broke out she was all the sudden a very sad little girl on a magical night. I wasn't very happy that he chose that moment to do it for the very reason that all of her pics from Christmas Eve would be her with big red eyes. But I have to say, it worked. I don't think it has happened since. I guess it will always be memorable!

New Ornaments on Christmas Eve.

This year I found some really cool glass blown sea creatures to remind us of our Aruba trip: a great big puffer fish, a lacy octupus, and a gecko for Becks. Ethan got a glass baseball because that is what he wants to start playing in the Spring.

Earlier that night we met my family for our traditional dinner at Sssssizzzler and then a movie. The sacrifice of the year: my entire family sat through Alvin and the Chipmunks..since it was about the only show out that worked with our kids. Oh boy that was painful.

The rest of the night, however, was very fun as we spent time at my parents eating and playing games. The biggest news of the night came when Jonny and Brooke announced that they were having a baby!!

Kiddos with their puppy - excited and ready for Santa.

Christmas morning!

We followed up with a Christmas Brunch at our house with my family. We have the famous Armstrong Mansion baked french toast along with bacon and juice and a big fruit salad that everyone adds to. Always yummy and easy.

This year we had Jonny and Brooke, Grandma and Grandpa Darrohn, Steve and Devyn, and Britter. Naps followed and lots of movies and toys and relaxing that day.

Later we decided to go out for dinner with our kids and Uncle Mike. The ONLY places open - at all - were Chinese restaurants. It was hilarious. We ate at a Chinese restaurant and had our very own Christmas Story moment. Classic!

2010-01-03T21:53:00.010-07:00

72 Hour Kits

I have had this recurring nightmare scenario playing out in my head for the last 5 or so years. It is me frantically running through my home trying to get my family out during an earthquake. In the middle of the chaos I glance at the fridge and notice my "to do list" held up by a magnet. Blaring out at me, as if to say, "I told you so", I see the uncompleted, neglected item:

"Get 72 Hour kits together".

The words are hard to make out because our house is crashing in around us and the earth is moving, but I sickeningly know all too well what it says.

I would think about the irony of that scenario all the time.

It has been on my list for years. It just never got taken care of.

1 year food storage - Done. 72 hour kits only wishful thinking.

Well Not So Any Longer! Goodbye to that nightmare. Hello to peace of mind!

This year we did not get Christmas cards sent out, or any lights up outside. But we did get these kits D.O.N. E. in the middle of December at a busy time. I'm glad we took care of it. It feels good. Now I pray we never have to use them.

Darlin'

2009-12-27T22:44:00.003-07:00

Grandma Darrohn:

Ohh Becks. You are just my little Darlin'!

Becks: (scoldingly)

Grandma. Don't call me 'Darlin'.

Call me Sweetie.

Well...Just call me Beckham.

4 Eyes Plays the Piano!

2009-12-27T21:50:00.002-07:00

Eva started piano a couple of years ago and had her recital earlier this month. She did a great job! Her 1st teacher left this year to serve with her husband as a mission president in Thailand, so we found another great teacher for her to keep taking lessons. I think Eva was wishing that we had let her take a break for about 10 years or so, but being the mean parents that we are, we didn't go for that.Her new teacher is Michelle Gibby and she is really good with her. We are also grateful to her teacher for noticing how much Eva was squinting as she looked at the notes and suggested we have her eyes checked. One appointment and $300 later, Eva is sporting new purple glasses. We found out that she is farsighted and these should help a lot with her reading and classwork. She was so excited to get them - she couldn't wait to wear them to school and show her friends!

Grandpa wanted a picture of the two 'Twinners' in their new glasses after the recital.

Kerry just keeps calling her four - eyes. She knows better than to fall for that, so she just rolls her (4) eyes at him and gets back to being a 10 year old tweenie.

Birthday boy

2009-12-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

I remember looking out the hospital window as I was bundling up my new little baby boy to come home and seeing nothing but white covered cars, buildings and streets. It was a wintery, white, wet, stormy day and we brought him home to our cozy Christmas-ready home. It was perhaps the only year I was, or ever will, be ready for Christmas by mid-December. Our neighbors, The McBrides brought over a 5 course unannounced dinner, complete with homemade cherry pie. I loved that day and I love my Little Mr. He has been so much fun to have as my right hand man all day while the kids are in school. He loves to talk and direct, learn and ask questions, and get into anything he can. He makes his older siblings laugh and giggle and we can't imagine life without him. Happy Birthday Becks!!

4 Years Old

We spent the day with 2 of his buddies, Ricky and Danny, at McDonalds for lunch and then we took him to pre-school where he was able to have his special day. A special day at pre-school means: Line leader, All about me poster, treats, a birthday crown, and a treat from his teachers. What more could a 4 year old want!

First thing that morning he got to open his present from Auntie - a new Trio building set that has kept him busy ever since. We received the package from Auntie a few days before and it was all we could do to keep him from opening his presents. Every single day he would beg us to let him open his birthday presents. We held out.

Auntie also added a tiny electric train that everybody wanted to play with.

Last year Becks asked for a Thomas cake. The year before, a Thomas cake. This year, he chose to have another Thomas cake. Easy enough! We've got this one down.

Uncle Mikey, Grandma and Grandpa Darrohn, and Aunt Britter all came over for cake and ice cream.

We love you Becks!

This is why I love little boys....

2009-12-22T10:36:00.003-07:00

Brothers.

Ethan has transferred his love for Legos, trains, Star Wars, and anything "building and fighting" related to his little brother. Becks is just as enthralled in it all as Ethan is and they have their own little world they fall into quite often. I'm always baffled at how they can go from "wishing they never had a little/big brother" to being best buddy co-creators of their own universes.

This particular universe included a combination of all of the different toy sets they have - Legos, abc blocks, trains, Star Wars guys, wooden train tracks, large Duplo blocks, plastic army guys and plastic cowboys and Indians. Enlarge the picture for all of the gory details. Plastic loin cloth covered indians atop Thomas the Train roundhouse shooting out R2D2 and a one of a kind space invader star ship. I was impressed at how they brought all their resources to the table to set up Toy Room World War III. I worry all the time that video games are taking over my boys , so this is comforting to me when I see them playing like little boys should. It seems to be an all out battle for their attention from the electronics.

......After being given the grand tour by Ethan, it was requested that I take a picture of the 'secret hidden lair' they had built. Exclusive photos only seen here!

Lub Dub Lub Dub Lub Dub Lub Dub

2009-12-17T09:01:00.006-07:00

Becks asked me this morning if I could hear his heart. I bent down and listened to his chest and told him excitedly that I could hear it! He was thrilled that I could, and then told me that he has a glowing heart. I asked if he meant a 'growing' heart, but he said, "No. A GLOWing heart. It glows in the dark."

"Really?"

"Yeah. When you turn off all the lights, it glows."

I was pretty impressed with the idea of such a thing, so I asked him where he got his glowing heart. He told me that you can get it at The Brain Store, which apparently is somewhere in Idaho by Grandma Westenskow. He also mentioned that they come in pink, blue, purple, and yellow.

How is that for a last minute gift idea?

Feel the love of the season.

2009-12-12T10:50:00.003-07:00

This morning I slowly opened my eyes and realized how cozy and comfortable I was lying in my bed. It seemed so late in the day already, but still so quiet outside. I could hear what sounded like the neighborhood snowblowers plowing around outside, and I thought that it was just a perfectly peaceful snowstormy white fluffy covered Saturday morning that had allowed me to get an extra hour of sleep. I love those days!

Until thanks to a text from a friend driving by, I realized I'd been.......

Y'd!!

What the What??!!

To my friendly Max Hall loving neighbors: if you will keep plowing my driveway I'll be a Y fan all winter long!! :)

thanks for the love. Go Utes!!

Will Work For Snacks

2009-12-08T14:54:00.005-07:00

Becks likes to help mom out.

This week as it snowed, Becks shoveled the walks..

and finished up by shoveling the grass, too. Best part - he's free! We pay him in meatballs and cheese sticks. Lucky kid!

Presley's Baby Blessing

2009-12-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

While we were in Idaho last month, Kerry's sister Brittany blessed her beautiful baby girl. They named her Presley, which I think is adorable.

Eva wants to keep her as her baby sister. She was such a good babysitter!!

Brit, BJ, Colton, and Presley on her blessing day.

Auntie Kirst bought this incredible dress in Italy for Brit's little girl. I think it cost more than my first car :) It was all hand made and I won't do it justice to try and describe it. Exquisite!

Eva was mad at me because she doesn't have a sister. I told her that if she had a new little sister, she would also have a mom in the crazy house - only able to visit me on weekends.

Auntie Kirst and Brittany - lovely sisters -o -mine

A month or so before Halloween Eva asked me if she could go to the store with her friend. She took her own money and I sent her off with a warning to please not spend it all on 'crap', because she needed to save it, too. Usually it is lipgloss or some earrings, but all she came home with that night was a cute little Halloween outfit for her new cousin, Presley. She was so excited to give it to her - sweet tiny black leggings, a cute purple beanie hat and a Trick or Treat Tee. We mailed it up to her and Brittany put her in it for Halloween night.

I wanted to post this, because Eva is really a pretty special little girl. I say that because I admire in every way her ability to be generous and thoughtful. I think she was sent to me for that purpose - to help lead me along in a better direction. She and her Daddy are the same in this regard, and that is one of many reasons why I love them!

Eva, Katie, and Presley on Halloween

Aunt Brittany with her perfect little baby girl

On this same trip, Eva and her cousin Katie were able to go to Jackson Hole, WY for the afternoon with their Auntie and Kunal. Two excited tweenies~!

Going out for burgers in Jackson.

The 7 legged dog and how to 'jridle' the ball.

2009-11-23T15:06:00.006-07:00

Jack the Dog.

By: Beckham Westenskow age 3...almost 4.

How to Play Soccer

By: Ethan Westenskow Age 7

Lucky 13

2009-11-21T21:34:00.012-07:00

Kerry and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend. 13 Years....!!

..... and I have never been the same since.

He is an incredible man. I feel extremely blessed to be by his side.

Happy Anniversary Baby.

So I have about a million things I should be doing..

2009-11-19T12:58:00.004-07:00

other than watching this, but my sister sent this to me this morning and I think I am now this girls biggest fan!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BVvNE78lyc

WARNING: Do not watch if you are going to tell me I'm mean. I think she has quite the following on you tube. I just felt I should share this with the rest of those who may not have had the opportunity to hear her! It made my whole day!

P.S. Don't watch it if you have already put mascara on.

Lookin' good for the ladies.

2009-11-19T08:53:00.002-07:00

In the morning with Becks:

He takes a bath. Usually it is not blue water, but if you'll notice that half empty bottle of bubble bath you'll see that Becks decided to add additional bubbles while I was not paying attention. That was a brand new bottle.

He decided to pull all of the tools out to do his "do". It was an intoxicating amount of gel.

Hmmm....where to start.

He has a secret weapon called the Pat Riley look. Smooth.

And a man is only as good as his Thomas knee high socks and velcro boat shoe loafers.

He figured out this secret very early on.

Let the swooning begin! Or maybe not - maybe in like 16 years or so.

Smokin' Hot!

2009-11-16T11:24:00.004-07:00

How do you know you have friends that love you forever and ever? You go on a weekend retreat and show them pictures of your "got hit with an ugly stick" years - and instead of saying, "They're not that bad!" they laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh.. And try and catch their breath because they are doubled over and in tears. Then they recruit everyone else in the room to come over and see these pictures, where people who don't even know you say, "Is that really you?" To which I would reply, "Yes. It was kind of like walking around for a year with your zipper down before anyone ever told you." And then comments would follow such as, "Wow. Kerry must REALLY love you!" or "You look like a 12 year old boy that just gave birth!" or "Don't worry. As long as we are friends you'll never look like that again, sister." To which started a whole new round where they would laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh...

Kristin told me she now feels closer to me than ever.

Just picture a cute, short short short Annette Benning haircut that was hip before you add 75 pregnancy pounds to your body - the majority in your face and boobs, that is no longer cute because you now look like a pre-pubescent boy with freckles, no makeup, and no sense of what you really look like, and 24 hours of labor, along with a new nickname from your own siblings, "Ralph" that has stuck for the last 11 years. Then, just for fun, add an amish looking denim jumper and pleated pants. It is hot. Smokin hot. And I have pictures to prove it. And No, They will never EVER be posted. Just use your imagination and try not to get too jealous.

Catching up with Becks

2009-11-12T09:36:00.003-07:00

Today Becks told me that he loves me soooo much that he loves me MORE THAN 5!!!

So to all you mom's whose kids only love you more than 4......Sorry! Maybe next time :)

Oh yeah. Yesterday he told me that he hated me because I wouldn't do what he wanted right that instant and he was so mad that he was going to" wear out your battery" in the desk lamp as he pushed the on/off switch a thousand times a minute. I tried not to laugh, because that really was a good effort on his part and quite a creative revenge.

This morning Becks got himself dressed - all buttoned up and everything!

This morning Becks also made a picture for pre-school of a 7-eyed crazy turkey.

And last night he asked me quite sincerely if Jack our dog was a genius? And then he asked me what a genius was.

Really Becks? You think our dog that eats his own POOP is a genius? (I know, it's disgusting and we are doing everything we can to stop this poo eating habit)

And I think I'll end on that lovely note!

Eva's Party at the Lion House

2009-11-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Eva's 10th Birthday with her friends at the Lion House. 10 Years Old~! Honestly, when did that happen? I am seeing my kids getting older faster than I ever imagined. Eva is quite the girl. She is generous and loving, independent and decisive, creative and loves to do things for her family and friends. She takes good care of her brothers and is definitely the first to say she is sorry, which is a fantastic trait. I am so proud of her and love her so much. Happy Birthday Eva Deev!

We had Eva's party the day before her actual birthday. This was something I really wanted to do for her. I went to my cousin KC's party at the Lion House when we were just kids and had always wanted to have a party there . It was fun to see her looking forward to it this year!

Playing the hide the thimble game. Eva called her friends and asked them all to bring their dolls. This was something she planned on her own - it was really cute to see them all.

This is one of my favorite pictures of her cousin Katie. I love the expression on her face after the girls finally found the thimble on top of Eva's crown.

Pulling Glycerin Taffy and later having a ribbon sandwich tea party.

My mom came with us to help and to spend time with her first grandchild. The Lion House lets the birthday girl where a crown and pick out a porcelain doll to take home. She was so excited about this. There is something about having a porcelain doll when your little...

This is Betsy, our party host. She took them on a tour of the Lion House, taught them etiquette at the tea, and told them stories about growing up as a daughter of Brigham Young in that big house.

Eva with Kaitlyn, Elisabeth, and McKall

Eva and Donnell

Eva with Amanda, Natalie, Anna, Aspen, Katie, and Amy.

Happy Birthday Beepbop. 10 years old!!! I love you!

2009-11-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Eva had a great birthday weekend, starting with her party at the Lion House and ending at a REAL Salt Lake soccer game. Kerry was in Honduras, so it was just mom and the kiddos. Eva received cards in the mail from her Grandma Idaho and her Auntie - who STILL included birthday cash even after she already bought her a doll in N.Y. I tell ya...

After Ethan's soccer game Saturday morning, her Grandma Darrohn and Aunt Britter took her out for lunch and shopping. Eva was so excited for this part of the day to be able spend time with them. Eva got to pick out her white puffy vest at Justice from her grandma and wears it every single day.

We had great tickets from Dave at work for the final REAL game, so after the school Halloween carnival we headed down to the stadium. They had a blast watching the players, getting hot dogs and watching REAL make it into the playoffs!

Our little brood on our way home after a jam packed birthday weekend.

Update:

2009-11-08T21:44:00.004-07:00

I just have to clarify something from a previous post. I have since changed my feelings on the whole Miley Cyrus Party in the USA song. It is NOT a party when you are jammin to the CD on the way home from Idaho and get pulled over by the Idaho State Police. I must have been a little too excited to get home to see Kerry after missing him for a week. I was going 75 in a 65, saw the lights, yelled, Oh Crap!, and my kids then asked me if I was going to jail.

When the cop walked up to my window Beckham yells out, "HEY! You're Nice!"

After waiting 10 minutes, he comes back to the car and hands me a roll of Idaho State Police badge stickers and says, "These are for the kids so they'll still think I'm nice after I give you THIS!"

It's been a good run for over a decade of no tickets. But alas, that time came to an end somewhere around mile post 133. I blame it on Miley, but I'm not sure if the judge will agree with me. Maybe he's a big fan and he will totally adios the ticket?! Yeah. Uh huh. I'm sure that's what will happen.

Between this and my loverly stitched up toilet/finger incident, Kerry is calling me a train wreck. But I'm HIS train wreck and that's all that matters.

Ode to Halloween

2009-11-06T08:57:00.016-07:00

Four score and seven years ago......

Ethan was Abraham Lincoln

Eva was the original Peace Sign Pajama Girl

And Beckham was Thomas the Train. Again.

We traveled up to Rexburg while Kerry was away, the kids hung out with cousins every hour of every day.

Cousin Colton transformed into Batman with his trusty side-kick Abe,

and Eva and Cousin Katie were Peace Sign Pajama Girl Babes.

"Bad to the Bone" was Jack our little Dog

Beckham was the candy Nazi, saying, "Only ONE piece! Don't hog!" (ok, he didn't say don't hog, but I had to make it rhyme.)

Grandma Westenskow fed us ham and rolls to get ready to go..

Mom wanted to get in a picture with them all, but she was too slow!

"Canvasing EVERY neighborhood" was the strategy they had in mind,

I took them for hours, so chocolate in their bags their mother could find!

WAhh Ahh Ahh Ahhh.

The End.

P.S.

Only 2 days before trick-or treating was here....

Eva told Ethan that going as a soccer player was lame and quite weird, So out of his mouth it flew like a flash, "Then I'll be Abraham Lincoln. Let's go find a beard!

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that

all men are created equal.

Today I was attacked by a toilet. And the toilet almost won.

2009-11-03T22:44:00.010-07:00

Here are all the details:

One daughter helping us change closets over at our new church.

One daughter left to use the bathroom and returned to get help with a broken toilet handle.

One mom who went in to help get the toilet to flush.

An attempt to manually flush the toilet by lifting off the porcelain top and pulling the chain.

Inadvertently pulling off the water hose and unsuccessfully reattaching it...not to my knowledge at the time.

Lifting the chain, hearing it flush, and then realizing the joy of being sprayed with a powerful force of water by the now unattached, posessed hose that looked like a loose firehose.

One frantically freaking out mom getting sprayed all over her face and clothes alone in a church bathroom.

Same mom reacting by grabbing the porcelain lid to cover the spray and realizing that it wasn't stopping.

Same mom lifting the lid, getting sprayed again as she reattaches the hose.

Relieved, puts the lid back on and notices red spots all over the place.

Looks down and sees a large gash in her finger - porcelain lid chipped and guilty as charged.

Travels home and is told by 2 different people that this one was a stitcher.

Mom who was attacked by the toilet is now sporting her new blue finger splint and 3 lovely stitches, and a new tetnus shot.

Mom 0. Toilet 1.

One husband gone to meetings. 2 awesome friends that helped watch my kids.

Both friends fed my kids. One of them even saved some salmon, squash, and bananas with dark chocolate for when I got home.

One awesome doctor/family friend who stayed late and bypassed me through the huge waiting list at the after hours clinics.

One very grateful mom.

So IN YOUR FACE, TOILET!

The other night at Wal-Mart....

2009-10-28T23:23:00.000-06:00

(be ready for the run on sentence..) I found myself looking for change to use a payphone, to call home, because my phone was dead, because I had to use it as my main camera at Eva's party earlier that day, because my brand new camera had died at the party, because I had to return it to the lovely afore mentioned Walmart, because I needed to get a new camera for Kerry to take on his flight that left in 2 hours, and because when I got home I realized that yes in deed the new camera did not work either, and promptly and frantically raced back to that lovely place and picked out a new camera, and barely made it before the electronics department closed and Kerry had to leave for the airport in 8 minutes.

It was an awesome night.

But really, the only reason I thought this was post worthy is because I felt as if I had gone back in time. I don't know when the last time was that I used a payphone. Maybe a decade ago? I think it was when calls were 10 cents. Now it is 50 cents for 2 minutes!

I had to ask Kerry a question before I could leave because he had tried to call to tell me to pick something up for his trip and my phone died while I was talking to him. My only option was the shiny blue and silver payphone in the corner by the arcade and drink machines. I found the coins, made the call, and then as I hear who I thought was Kerry answer on the other end of the line it started clicking and I yelled out, "NO!" thinking it had cut my call. I grabbed at the receiver and accidentally hung up on him. Crap! No more quarters. I just had to sit there staring at the phone hoping he would know to call me back. I felt like I was 14 years old at Lagoon calling my mom to come pick me up. Completely helpless and totally at the mercy of the payphone. After a minute the phone rings - I pick up the phone and hear a voice that sounds not at all like Kerry saying, "Hello - this is Randy. Did someone at this number just try and call me?"

"Dad? Dad? Did I just call you? This is weird. I'm trying to get a hold of Kerry but I must have dialed your home number instead. Can you do me a favor. I'm out of coins and my phone is dead. Kerry has to leave for the airport in a half hour. Will you call Kerry and have him call me on this number? Thanks Dad."

So then I find myself waiting - again. Leaning up against the brick Walmart wall watching weird people walk past me and wondering if I may have to use my martial art training that I don't officially have.

Waiting. Waiting. Geez - what could be taking him so long! Are they talking golf? C'mon!!

And then Ring! Finally. I get to my husband and ask him the ever so important question and am on my merry way.

I just thought that it was interesting that I would dial my parents at my old home number from growing up. Almost as if when I picked up the payphone my brain reverted back a decade or two. It was like hearing an old song on the radio that you danced to at your first Stomp. Bizarre.

Now I just realized that what I just said was a lie, because I remembered something funny we did this summer with a payphone. (So I have in fact picked up a payphone recently) Something that is really fun to do to your kids that are under 5 or who still might fall for it. My Becks loves to pick up the payphone receivers and pretend he is talking. They always gross me out and I tell him to put it back and get over here. But one night at Cherry Hill my little brother Steve saw Becks playing with the payphone and decided to call the payphone from his cell phone.

So the next thing I hear is this shrill riiiinngg and Beck's eyes light up and he picks up the phone. I ask him who it is.

He yells out almost hyperventilating..."It's Thomas!! Thomas the train! Thomas the train is on the phone, mom! It's Thomas!" My brother does not sound a thing like Thomas, yet the conversation ensued for another 5 minutes.

It's so much fun to play with their minds when they are young and impressionable. If you are trying to teach them to not talk to strange people on the phone, this might not be a good idea for you. But we found it quite entertaining. I did it to him a few weeks later while we were waiting at the TRAX station. He fell for it again. Give it a try - you could always tell them it was an astronaut calling from the rocket and was looking down at him trying to find a good place to land, or that it was an elf calling to let you know they were checking up on you for Santa or that, by golly, it was actually Santa on the other line! The possibilities are endless.....