Emmett is one

My baby boy is one. As cliche as it may sound time really does go fast. It feels like we haven't had him that long; which is a good thing. I guess we really like him HA HA. The morning was very hectic. I hosted a baby shower in the morning. My mom came and stayed with him during the morning. I usually spoil my kids rotten the whole day. I totally rationalized it by saying he wouldn't know the difference. I was right, like most one year olds Emmett didn't even know it was his birthday. I returned to very clean home. My helped clean up the huge mess I made trying to get ready for the two partys I planned for the day. I organized everything in time to get it outside and start the shin dig for my big boy. Unfortuntely, he was asleep and I had to wake him up. My friend Ashley gave him an adorable shirt that said it was his bday, he looked so good in it. I suppose I should have scheduled the get together for a later hour as he was not wanting to be awake. Emmett refused anything to do with cake or ice cream. I put a cupcake to his mouth and he let me know that it was not okay. He is so good about voicing his opinion, thru grunts and glairs. The boy is so stinkin smart! Sometimes, to smart for his own good. He received lots of presents and I can honestly say he is beyond doubt spoiled. Lots of fun and adorable clothes, toys, and books. He took to them all. Ev helped him celebrate by taking a truck someone had given him and put it to use right away. Everett is a great big brother; everyday he teaches Emmett the importance of sharing by taking things from him. The upside is he almost always says please by the time the toy is removed from his little brother's hands.

No more!

For some unknown reason my boys decided to cry and become attached to my leg. The weather is dry and hot, everyone is a little uncomfortable. Perhaps that is the reason for their random outbursts. As I tried getting dinner made Emmett had to be held and see what was going on. Everett pulled a chair up and insisted he had to do everything. Yes, anything he touched ended up half in the bowl and half on the floor/counter. I am all for letting my children help and learn however it becomes very difficult when I have only one arm. I am very proud of my 2 yr old. He basically made banana bread, almost, all by himself. I was directing him on what needed to be done and how and he listened. Maybe we have a future Daniel here, he really enjoys cooking. He has his own apron. It is orange with a little frog on the front, it is one of his prized possessions. Every day Dan and I are amazed at how Everett's vocabulary is jumping. He not only says things clearly (most of the time) but grammatically correct as well. Today, however, he was saying things that I preferred he not say. About every ten minutes he was yelling at Emmett or myself. Telling everyone they needed to go on time out. Or he would simply tell you what you wanted to hear and then do the complete opposite. My baby has mastered the art of manipulation. I was telling Dan about how Emmett has been a little more clingy and wanting more attention, he called me into the room and asked me to feel inside his mouth. The poor little guy, who hates to have his mouth touched, is getting some really large teeth. Dan thinks they are molars. The funny thing is he has started sucking his thumb. I have started taking the pacifier away and only giving it to him at night or nap time, maybe it is to early. It is really cute when he puts his thumb in his mouth because it is as though he is surprised it is in there. Instantly he looks at his hand and gives a quizzical look as if saying what is going on here. He too is starting to speak. I hear no, yeah, what, momma, and dadda on a daily basis. We will be celebrating his birthday this Saturday. I have told everyone no presents I just want them there so I have proof he is loved when he gets older. I am all about the pictures. This Thursday we have Taylor (Dan's niece) graduating from high school. Friday I help someone clean homes to earn a few extra dollars. Saturday I am throwing a baby shower, having a party for Emmett's birthday, and then a birthday party at night for a friend. Sunday we will go to Noah's (Dan's nephew) birthday party. This week is and has been crazy. I think there might be something wrong with me b/c I actually prefer it that way. I have to register for school and am not sure what I am going to take. It is getting harder to take classes. I need to plow through it and get it over with. One day I will be done, one day!

Should I laugh or try to keep a straight face?

While pointing his finger at me, wrinkling his adorable little nose, and furrowing his brow Ev tells me how I need to do something. Once he realizes that doesn't work he runs to my thigh and hugs it tightly. While he shoves his face into my leg I can catch pieces of a please and whatever he wanted. I must have sucker written all over forehead. He decided to sneak into our car while I was getting Emmett ready to leave and locked himself into the car. After trying to show him what buttons he needed to push for 20 minutes, a few neighbors came out and laughed and attempted to help. I think what really brought them out was me yelling at Ev to stop putting coins into the CD changer. All that threatening of going on a time out didn't do much good. All I got was big smiles and a grin that said "lady, go ahead. You can't even open the door". Dan wasn't too far away so he came home with his keys and my sweet little 2 yr old went into the house. My car had a fuse go out yesterday, I think the coins might be the reason. Currently we don't have power locks, radio, a clock, or any other dashboard thingys. Thanks a lot Ev. We have been playing on the slip and slide a lot lately. Chris and Kaleb came down and we are playing with them pretty hard. Emmett crawls out to the slide and slaps the water so hard it splashes unto his face. It takes a sec. for him to adjust to the cold water but once he does we can't get him away from it. He is starting to verbalize things he is wanting or saying no. I never thought I would see the day when he turned food away, but he actually has become a fussy eater. He is very good at turning his head and shaking it back and forth. Today he did his first adult thing. He had my phone and put it to his ear and acted as though he were talking on it. Ev started walking about this time and Emmett doesn't seem interested in it at all. I guess it doesn't help I don't work with him on it. If he were to walk great, if not whatever. I don't feel like it is very important right now, talk to me again in a few months. He is such a serious baby that it cracks me up. He refuses to smile sometimes; however, if you get the camera out a whole different personality emerges. It is hilarious to see the drastic change. My babies are so sweet and precious. They are both changing drastically, physically and mentally. I used to laugh and roll my eyes when the older ladies would tell me enjoy it know b/c it goes all too fast. I totally understand what they mean and it kills me!

Are we there yet?

 
 
Last weekend we packed up our car and headed to Zion National Park. We try to go every year around this time. I tried to explain to Ev what we were getting ready for and what camping is. He did not show any excitement about sleeping out in a forest or under the stars. As I was preparing our gear I somehow rolled my ankle and could not walk for an entire day. The list of to do's kept getting longer and all I could do was just sit there. I started to freak b/c I needed to get babyshower invitations done for one I am hosting in a week or so. I had to get them out before we left. At one of my weakest moments Heavenly Father answered the prayer of my heart. My friend Rosario came to my door just to say hi and see if I needed anything. The woman is a saint. If I believed in canonization I would totally nominate her; or however it works. The invite's turned out so cute and way better than anything I would have done. The night before we were to take off I get a call asking if we were available to cater a party of 350 ppl. the following Saturday. Another blessing and stress releaser was simply put in my path. It is a lot of work, nor easy, to prepare for this event. However, it is something I am very grateful for and I will do my best to make it work. After I got the babies bathed and in bed I went and delivered the invitations. Because I talk way too much I didn't get home until after 1. I laid in bed working on somethings and finally began to feel tired. As soon as I laid my head on the pillow I felt prompted to get out of bed and check on the kids. The promptings of the spirit are something that I can not ignore, had I ignored it this time Ev would have choked on vomit. His head and pillow covered him as he threw up in his sleep. The coughing was more like a gag and I worked hard on getting him to the bathroom w/o waking Emmett. I failed! The baby heard us and began screaming. Quickly I stripped Ev down and sat him on his step stool. Ran to the bedroom woke Dan up and told him what was happening; he got Emmett out of his crib. Everett refused to get in the shower and was so very mad at me for making him take one. Once he was washed and dried I laid him down in my bed where he watched The Backyardigans; as he says it backigans. Emmett was still crying through out everything. I entered the room and picked him up and it ceased instantly. He only wanted his mommy. I was tired and a little nerved but managed to smile when he stopped crying only for me. FINALLY we loaded up the car, got the 2 tired little boys buckled in, and drove away. We were caravaning with other people; after waiting for them for almost an hour they were ready to go. We hadn't even hit the freeway and I was exhausted. Ev continued throwing up the remainder of the 8 hour drive. He didn't do much the first day. His spirit was good and for the most part loving being out in the wilderness yet he wasn't the same fun loving spirited boy I know. I thought he initially threw up b/c like almost every other time he does it is because he sticks his fingers down his throat and the remainder b/c he gets car sick. The funny thing is that he only threw up after drinking water. He could eat anything he wanted and he was fine. It is totally mind boggling. Everett played in the river. Watching him jump and throw rocks was a great sight. He was very proud of himself each time he made a splash. I put Emmett in a blow up boat and he loved it. The kid loves water, in fact he leaned over so much while trying to hit the river water that he almost fell out. Ugh my stomach gets a huge knot when I think about it. It was cold but both liked sitting in it and playing. The current was so strong I could not walk to the other side of the river. Dan literally had to hold me. At one point two little kids around the ages of 10 were swept away. Like that in the movies they were screaming and trying to stay above the water. Our group was at our site and preparing lunch when we heard the terror coming from the water. Dan and Jake Partridge dropped what they were doing ran barefoot across the graveled ground and jumped into the water. They were prepared to act and saved their lives. The kids were under the water and were heading towards an isolated area; no other campgrounds existed within the next mile. My sweet husband acted selflessly and brought me to tears. After that he gave a blessing of health to Everett. These two events reminded me why I married my husband. He puts our Heavenly Father and His plan first. He understands the importance of priorities. The next day Everett was healthy and his old self. We chilled in the shade and made sand castles, rivers, waterfalls, and hiked emerald pool. I ran into a friend from Tustin that I never get to see anymore. We made plans to go to the beach sometime this week. It is weird to think about making plans for the beach in Utah. Time passed more quickly than the time I had to prepare. Not literally, but it felt like it. Ev started to get sick but in a different way. We loaded the car and headed home. The return home was taking 3 times as long, probably because it was a Sunday w/ Vegas traffic RRRrrrr. Emmett started vomiting in the car. Seeing as he is only 12 mo old he wasn't getting the concept of holding a cup. I never moved so quickly into the back seat when I heard any type of sound as I did that day. Everett thought it would be funny to try and make himself sick because he was feeling left out on attention. He wasn't seeing that it isn't cool. Shortly after Emmett started with his little moments of sharing with the car I got a migraine. And shortly after joined my children with holding my very own cup. My poor husband was driving white knuckled from Barstow to Tustin. Overall, the little weekend get away was great. I really had a great time. We met new cousins, siblings, and relaxed.

Oh the joys of motherhood!!!

Today I took my geometry final and felt such relief. It felt as though a load was taken off my shoulders. I have no responsibilities now, oh wait just kidding. Ha yeah right. The best part of today is that Everett went poop on the toilet. I never imagined this being such a big deal. He ran and hid in a corner. I started to tell him that wasn't okay and that we had to go get cleaned up (again). Then I realized he hadn't gone yet. We ran to the toilet and he did his business. I told him he could have whatever he wanted. So he got a small bag of Cheetos, one chocolate candy, and chocolate milk. After that he peed in his underwear more times than I can remember. We start preschool tomorrow. I am happy and excited and hesitant at the same time. I feel it is great Ev is going to get more social interaction and learn more; hesitant because he will become only more independent and quickly grow up. He can make me laugh so hard at times. Lately he insists on saying "I said no" or "yes". When he says it his nose wrinkles and his brow furrows. It is so stinkin cute. Just like when the boys sit in front of each other and make each other laugh hysterically. They clap their hands, hit each other, and throw their heads back in delight. I feel so blessed to have these boys! Emmett has been moving more freely and faster. He stands up on everything and hates to be sitting still. He is usually covered from head to toe in dirt almost everyday. His poor legs/feet need to be scrubbed, not just cleaned, daily. He is getting bigger and loving life. Today I walked into my parents house after my exam and saw him sitting there slouched on the floor. He was whimpering and starting to cry then he looked up and saw me. His whole continuance changed. A smile quickly emerged, he gave one yelp, and crawled as fast as he could to me. He grabbed unto my legs held on tight. My 11mo old was elated to be in his mommy's arms, it was evident by the grin he had ear to ear. This week has seriously been a long one.  My mother in law called around 2:30 on Monday saying we needed to get to the court house because she was going to get married. Scott and Deborah have been dating for about 3 weeks. He has 6 or 7 kids and 11 grandkids. He has been widowed twice. He teaches math at a local high school. That is all I know about him and his family. This next chapter in our lives is going to be interesting, even more. It is crazy to think about. Dan really is hitting it off with his new step brother, Jay. They are so much alike it isn't funny. Actually, it is nice b/c Jay will talk about all the stuff I don't care to. We might meet his wife next month. They have 2 little boys that are the same age as ours. We went to Islands Restaurant afterwards; we sat, ate, and talked for a good hour or so. I can't wait to meet this new family. Finally, I get a sister in laws that want to be a part of our lives. It has been hard watching Dan's siblings want nothing to do with us b/c we aren't "real" family. I think majority of his kids are girls and about my age. Jay's mother in law lives in our complex and ward. Overall, Scott seems like a great guy. He goes to church, wants the best for his kids, and is only wanting to be happy. I hope they are! I signed up to go to the temple to do a session and clean and had a hard time getting a babysitter. So I called my visiting teacher. She said yes and was a huge blessing. We didn't end up getting home till late but it was worth it. It isn't easy to actually get there but so very worth it. I learn so much each time I go. It gives me strength and helps me remember who I am. It reminds me of my purpose here: bring and teach my children and love/serve everyone. Tuesday evening Dan came home with news that he would most likely be laid off. He is working so hard and not seeing much come of it. I feel bad for him. I pray that I can support him and help give him strength. Honestly, I don't know what else I could do. We might take in exchange students, we might move in with my parents, we might be okay. Who knows. All I do know is that Heavenly Father has a plan. He loves us and will help us/bless us if we do our part to help Him in his work.

My boys know what it's like to live in Alaska

Tonight my boys laid in bed and the sun was still shining brightly. I felt bad, however, knew it was time for bed. It was harder than I thought it would be to send them to bed early. I was simply exhausted and needed to rest. They were so cooperative and ready themselves. I guess it didn't hurt to have Beauty and the Beast playing. That is Ev's fav. video this week. Not surprisingly Woody still is in the #1 spot. Mother's Day is an interesting day. I have mixed emotions about the day which gives focus to women with children and helps those who don't have any remember just that, they are without. I am grateful for my two boys b/c they really make me feel so very loved. They give me so much happiness and help me grow and have the desire to be better. I want to be the best I can be for them. Daniel made a delicious breakfast for about 15 people, mainly his side of the family. Church was great because I had the opportunity to sub. the girls I had taught 2 years ago. It was a lot of fun. Ev gave me a pot of fake flowers with a picture of the two of us; the nursery put it together. It was adorable! I like it a lot b/c I actually looked good in the photo and both of us were looking at the camera when it was taken. That is a miracle in it's self. Dinner was great and my boys were being special through out the whole meal. Ev woke up right as I was about to take my first bite and cried for about an hour. My cold Mother's Day dinner was delicious, seriously. The best present was that Everett went poop in the toilet. First time he had done that and by the reaction of Daniel and myself you would think we won the lottery. To say we were excited is an understatement. Going #1 has been a breeze, somewhat. #2 that's a whole different story. I finally got the booster seat out for Emmett. He now sits in it to eat and loves it. We made fried rice the other day and he loves it; however, rice is very messy. B/c he is strapped in the mess is in one area & can be cleaned up easily. I use my vacuum and cut the cleanup time in half. The other day Everett wanted "his" iphone. We didn't have it on us and he wasn't to happy about that. After asking for the 50th time and us saying no for the 100th time he shouted "well, go get it". Since when did he start listening to me? That is something I would say. I will start to be a little more cautious when speaking to or around my 2.5yr old.

I am outnumbered

I guess I should have figured it would be this way. The boys totally gang up on me. Tonight while trying to get them to stop playing in the bath I was laughed at. Both my 10mo old and my 2yr old laughed at me to my face. I thought for sure that wouldn't happen until they were older. As I laid Emmett in his crib he gave his signature smile and from the look in his eye I knew I wouldn't be spoiled again. He usually goes into his crib takes his pacifier and rolls over. I place a blanket on him and he closes his eyes. That didn't happen tonight. He stood up quickly, threw his pacifier, and began to laugh at me. Of course Ev hears his brother laughing and joins in. I lay Em down to turn around to my toddler standing up. They thought they were so funny, the best part is they thought I would do it all night. I laid them down in record time, said I love you for the millionth time, and closed the door. For the next 20 minutes I heard Emmett crying. Of course, being the sucker that I am I went in there with a bottle and picked him up. Everett saw me holding his brother and wanted to be held as well. I told him I couldn't, as my back went out on me a few days ago; he then asked for his dad. I figured Dan would be home soon so I said go to mommy's room and watch The Backyardigans until daddy came home. The three of us laid there wide awake and very tired. Dan was a little later than normal getting home and he, undoubtedly, had no fights from the kids when he put them to bed. Easter came and went quickly. We had Daniel's gpas and my parents over for breakfast. Absolutely scrumptious. Oma Frieda made her German potatoes and Dan made a spinach, feta, omelette mix for everyone, with maple sausage. It was simple but so very good! Everett is eats about 3 eggs and a yogurt or 2 each morning. Emmett isn't too far behind. He only eats about 1 yogurt, 2 eggs, and a bottle of formula. Later that afternoon we went to Julie's (Dan's sister) for a get together. I was bummed I didn't get to take many photos but I tried. Ev walked around during the egg hunt saying "I found one" or "there's anuder one". Emmett slept a good portion of it. Week 1 of potty training has been going well. Everett gets the concept and for the most part does not have a problem going pee in the toilet. He goes on his own quite often. Going #2 is whole different story. He goes and hides in a corner and does his business. I only ask him about every 20 minutes if he has to go. I usually pay closer attention between the hours of 12-3. He is pretty consistent, sorry TMI?!? I can hardly believe how much the boys look alike. Dan and I were looking at pictures of Everett when he was about the same age as Emmett. They are so much alike it is crazy. They are so stinkin cute, good thing I am not biased. Dan's work hasn't been going too well. He may need to start looking for or start making a back up plan. His field is hard and inconsistent. It wears him down and I try to lift him up. We are trying to keep our heads high and smiles on our faces. But then again, that isn't very hard when our boys greet us everyday like we are the most amazing people ever.