Kid Comedy, Sweetness and Sadness

Zane

While snuggling in the chair for bedtime:

"Mommy, will you get the dragon off my ear?"

Snuggling in the chair after a long crying spell:

"Mommy, will you wipe the sadness off my eyes?"

Snuggling for naptime while I had a good cry...

"Mommy, Let's wipe away your sad face."

Zane informed me one day, " Jesus got me from the library."

Max

(I overheard Max telling Zane to stop flushing the toilet.)

"Zane, stop flushing the toilet.

Zane, stop flushing the toilet!

Zane, stop or you will fall in and if you fall in I would be heartbroken."

"Hey Mom, I'm so glad you're my mother. I love your voice."

Soon after we began studying History Max wanted me to read him a certain story.

He told me I could find it in the "label of continents."

While building legos with Zane, Max became more and more upset.

When I asked him what the problem was he replied,
"He is building a bad design!"

Said to James:

"Mommy vacuumed over there so there aren't any more dead spiders."

(After a thoughtful pause.)

"I think that is why you married her.

So she could take care of me."


When James asked Max if he would read a verse in our Book of Mormon stories, Max replied,
"I can't. My mouth is dry. My throat hurts. My penis itches and my pants are falling down."

When seeing the first snow...
" When I saw the snow I BURST with surprise!"

For awhile Max was a little obsessed with the idea of death. One day he was asking question after question and despite all our reassuring answers he ended up sitting in the hall in James' lap, sobbing and saying over and over, "But, I don't want to die!" We tried telling him so many things...that he wouldn't die until he was really old, that he would be with Jesus, that we would be with him. But nothing seemed to comfort him. We just all sat in the hallway crying together until he felt better.

James

Max has discovered 'how to draw' instructions on the internet.

After finishing his drawing he began typing in other things he wanted to draw.

James said to me, "He is typing in searches. I'm not ready! I have to delete the internet!"

November 2013

Kara vs. the Pole

I was out shopping; thinking that I had been out too long and was a bit shaky because I needed food. I headed out of the Target parking lot thinking of what to make for dinner. I glanced in my rear view mirror and was momentarily blinded by the sun glare. I was thinking about what to make for dinner and then suddenly there was a horrible noise, crash, a terrible smell and I heard myself screaming. I stopped screaming, looked in the mirror, saw my nose bleeding and screamed again. Then my door opened and a man asked if I was okay. I had driven right into a pole and the air bag had deployed.. A wonderful couple stayed with me for two hours while I called James and my insurance and waited for a tow truck and then they drove me home.

I was very shaken up and my neck hurt but was so very blessed. Blessed that I was alone and the boys weren't with me, blessed that I had my seat belt on, blessed that I was mostly unhurt and blessed that people were in the right place to help me and were so willing to do so. 

(I also called Tiffany to tell her that I would not be able to teach the lesson in YW's the next day. I was looking forward to teaching and was disappointed that I didn't get to give the lesson I had prepared. But I did not feel up to it. During YW's the next day the girls wrote me cards and brought them over to me along with some fuzzy socks.)

(I was also blessed to have a great chiropractor and to have insurance that covered the cost.)

Max's ALP Aircraft Project

For his ALPS project Max chose ships as his subject. After reading several books about all types of ships, he narrowed it down to Aircraft Carriers. He constructed several models with legos, drew many different types of ships and then finally worked with James to build a cardboard model.

THE LEGO CONSTRUCTIONS

BUILDING & PAINTING

THE FINAL PROJECT

PRESENTING

He presented his project to the class; reading his report, showing his model and all the parts of the carrier and then shooting an airplane across the room using his homemade rubber band catapult. I was so proud of his successful first school project and presentation!

We celebrated with ice cream!

Father's Blessings

For FHE James gave the boys blessings. It was the first time he had done it and he admitted he wasn't sure how to go about it. I printed out some basic instructions from lds.org and jotted down some ideas of things he might focus on in the blessing. He said it might just be him repeating those things but we both felt it was important to let the boys know that their Dad has the priesthood and can use it for them.

We started with a simple lesson talking about types of blessings, how you should act during a blessing and then Father's blessings. I read a little story about a girl who was nervous going to school and received a blessing from her Dad. Then asked Max if he would like a blessing from James. He said yes.

I cried. Of course I cried. Seeing James give Max a blessing was so sweet. I was worried that Max would be restless or Zane would interrupt but they both sat so quietly and listened. James did follow very closely what I had written but also brought his own spirit to it.

The blessing...

"As Max starts school he will be excited to learn, he will listen to instructions and understand what he learns. That his brain will be smart and his body will be strong and he will have energy. And that he will enjoy learning."

I was a little ashamed that I hadn't thought about Zane getting a blessing as well and was humbled as I watched him walk to the chair, climb up and look up at his Dad. He was ready for his blessing! More tears as I watched him sit so still and quiet while James put his hands on his head and gave him a blessing. James did great with the unexpected and blessed him with similar things such as "that his brain and body would grow strong" as well as, "that he would be friends with his big brother."

I am so grateful that James was willing to do something that is so far out of his comfort zone; something he did not grow up experiencing. He wants his boys to have the gift of the priesthood as they grow up.

It was a sweet touching experience. I hope there are many more moments like this one in our home.

Max Goes To Kindergarten

Max was so excited when all of his school supplies came in the mail.

He had fun playing games at the UTVA school orientation.

 At the "Back To School" pizza party Max was introduced to Aislynn.

They looked at each other, finally said hello and then took each others hands and ran off to play.

They were instant best friends that would be together the rest of the year at every event.

Pantry Makeover

BEFORE

"PROFESSIONAL" PAINTING

AFTER

I have hated the nasty wooden pantry for years and finally just did it. I tore out all the nasty boards (and they were even nastier than I thought) and then had lots of help from the boys painting the walls a soft blue. The final touch was the new white wire shelves. 

A Sanity Trip to Kimber's

July 18th-21st

During a phone call with Kimber, she spontaneously invited me to bring the boys for a visit and I spontaneously decided to go. For sisters with the same plan-ahead-and-over-organize-everything paranoia this came as a wonderful surprise to both of us.

I have been feeling so worn-down, exhausted, snappy, emotional, overwhelmed and impatient. Part of the appeal of going to Kimber's was getting away from home and the routine, knowing she would take care of me a bit and knowing I could get in to see Relda. I was so grateful that Kimber mentioned her and suddenly things fell into place and it felt so right. My visit with Relda was so theraputic! I cried and laughed and unloaded as she read my eyes and told me several things affecting my health and emotions and gave me several herbs to take home. I felt so much better just leaving her house as I had a plan for getting better and knew that there was an end in sight for this feeling.

Of course, Kimber and I had a great time together but having our boys have fun together is an additional bonus.
And, have fun they did!

Max and Zane are all about "vehicles".  They know the names of nearly every construction truck and train car and when we pulled out the car mats they led the way.  The car mats haven't been out for over a year but once they got started their imaginations took over and they zoomed around together on those mats. The ping pong table added even more driving space and a perfect runway for the planes.

In the garage they were entertained by the basketball game, both for shooting balls and for monkey climbing.

During the hottest hours of the day Max, Nathan and Hyrum relaxed in the house with games, videos and Netflix . . .

and Zane was entertained by the sink.

On Sunday morning they looked like mini-missionaries and since we had them all suited up early we put the 

Book of Mormon video on for them.   It gave the mom's just enough time to finish getting ready.

After church they had a picnic on the porch and then waited patiently, catching every last

minute together, while the truck was loaded.



We tried to get a few age/height pictures of our adorable little men but that just led to silliness

So, to the sound of their laughter, having had a great few days together, we were off. 

July: Young Women's

YW Secretary

I got a call for James and I to meet with the Bishop. James was just called as the Elder's Quorum Secretary so we figured it was a calling for me. A few nights before our meeting I was out riding my bike and ran into Tiffany (Parkin). We got talking and she told me that she had been called as the Young Women's President and asked if I would be her secretary. I was super excited. I loved being in Young Women's before and I enjoy working with her. I was glad to have the head's up (always am) and was excited to say yes.

The new presidency was called just two weeks before Girl's camp and there had been little planning done. The other two counselors (Erroly & Stacy) both had obligations so were unable to attend camp or Youth conference, which was scheduled the following week. So, Tiffany and I took over the majority of the planning. Along with Chantel, the camp leader, we spent hours meeting, emailing, talking on the phone, planning and preparing. The day finally came and we were off to camp.

Girl's Camp
I didn't know any of the girls, Chantelle the camp leader or Patrick from the bishoprick when we left for camp. By the end of the week I felt like I had built relationships with all of them. A very late night in a tent with Tiffany and Chantelle turned into a hilarious confessing and instant friendship forming night.
It was SO SO SO cold! Most of the girls had a miserable night and we had leaders bring up more bedding for the next night. We didn't have to worry about sunburns as much as staying warm.

Tiffany, Sarah, Heather, Kienna, Chantelle, Kaity, Emily, Sarah, Malerie, Abbie, Patrick

The Hike
We started out walking on the path, the on the road before we got to the mountains to hike.
Several of the girls asked if we were done when we were still on the road. It was about a mile hike and beautiful.


Crafts and Games
Chantelle had such cute things like the pillowcase and bag with the theme and fun craft activities like the rock and frames. The girls enjoyed joining with the entire stake to make the cute handkerchief bag and theme hanging. They went home with many fun and useful reminders of their week.

The Skit:
Tennis Shoes and Faith Among The Lamanites

Two girls are reading the story of Abish, one with reverence, one with boredom & sarcasm. They are transported to the scripture time and watch when Ammon tells the Queen that King Lamoni is alive. She believes him and he tells her she has great faith. King Lamoni, his Queen and Ammon are "overpowered by the spirit." The girls see Abish, who runs to gather the people to see the miracle. Abish trips because of a broken sandal. The girl lacking in faith gives Abish her tennis shoes and says that someday she hopes to have as much Faith. The Lamanites gather & begin to murmur. Abish takes the queens hand to raise her up. The Queen thanks Abish & then says, “I must have some of those foot coverings of curious workmanship.”

(Our skit was definitely the most fun and thought out.)

 Delivering Goodies to other Wards/Build Your Own Trail Mix

 The Stake had a fun picture taking setup.

Youth Conference
Just six days after returning from Girl's camp we headed out again for to the Manti Pageant for Youth Conference. We set up tents for yet another night of camping and then had a nice dinner at a nearby church. We found seats and settled in to wait for dark. I haven't been to the pageant in years and it was enjoyable despite how tired I was! The boys made quite the racket and Tiffany and I stayed up reading, "Edenbrook" out loud to each other until they quieted down around 2 am. Far to early the next morning we had an easy breakfast of muffins and cereal and headed to Seven Peaks Water Park. I had absolutely no interest in getting in the water but after walking and hauling lunch in the heat the water felt wonderful. It was tiring but fun to have another big event and spend time getting to know the girls.

Back row: Kienna, Lisa, Heather, Tiffany, Anna's cousin, Anna
Middle: Kaity, Emily, Abbie, Ashley
Front: Malerie, Me, Kennadi, Erin

Zane Turns 2!

Zane helping decorate his Mickey cake. He chose purple icing. :)

The presents and blowing out the candles.

His airplanes. Little one from big brother Max.

His book from grandma and his Dumbo.

What Happens in Vegas Starts in Utah

What Happens in Vegas

Starts in Utah
April 19-21

Our cousins weekend was held in Las Vegas at Robyn's house but before we could party with the cousins we needed a night to party at Kellie's.  She was unable to come to Vegas with us so she hosted a sisters party while we were all together.

Kellie - Kate - Lucia - Kara - Cami - Mom

Kellie had a full snack buffet set up with all of our favorite, and some soon-to-be new favorite, treats.  The night couldn't have been better with a chic flick, blankets and pillows, munchies, and each other.

With only one stop to fill up the van and change Brooklyn, our trip to Vegas seemed to go quite fast.  When we got to Robyn's house Fawn and Sandra had a delicious lasagna with an Olive Garden type salad all ready for us.  It was just what we needed after the junk we had been eating for the last twenty-four hours.

The first thing we noticed when we walked into Robyn's house (besides the welcoming smells wafting from the kitchen) was the tall, Alice-in-Wonderland type chairs.  Evidently, Kody thought he couldn't live without them.  Sitting on them made us all feel like little kids and really made for some funny pictures.

Mom - Tara - Kara

We stayed up late visiting and reading up on what our birthdays say about us.

We laughed at the truths in it and rolled our eyes at some of it but mostly, it was a good starting point for conversations.  There's always that awkward moment of "hey, we like you but we haven't seen you in a year so we aren't really sure what to talk about" and then we quickly get to "wow, we are all so much alike and really like hanging out together!".

The next morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast of waffles, eggs, and bacon provided by Mom, Kara and Cami.

The first shopping stop was at Charming Charlie's.  Jewelry and bags, scarfs galore and hats enough for all of us.

 They've always been the cute cousins!

Lunch!

We then spent the afternoon wandering home decor stores and when our energy was spent we headed back to Robyn's for dinner.  It's now sounding like all we did was eat on this trip but it's nearly impossible to put in writing all the hours filled with conversations and girl time.

A quick change to our jammies, bedtime for the kids, and silly time began.

We played a couple of games that had us making complete fools of ourselves and laughing hysterically.

Game #1 - A paper lunch bag was on the floor and with hands behind our back we had to bend down and pick the bag up with our mouth.  Those who didn't fall through round one went on to round two where about 2 inches was cut off the bag.  Repeat until there is only one person left (winner) which in this case meant that there was only the flat bottom of the bag on the ground. Some of these girls have major flexibility! The pictures show very strange positions with heads down to the floor, lips stretched out trying to get the bag and booties high in the air.

Game #2 - We each wrote down three animals on separate pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.  We  divided into two teams and took turns trying to get our team to guess as many animals as they could before the time ran out.  Round one we could use any actions and verbally explain as much as we needed.  Round two we could act it out and say one word.  Round three we could only act it out.  Imagine the creativity used for dragonfly, cheetah, manta ray, monkey and our all time favorite, thanks to Sara, the seahorse.  There were moments during this game that we all sounded like we were gasping for air while tears were running down our faces.

Game #3 - Put a cookie on your forehead and without using your hands, only facial movement, get the cookie to your mouth.  Actually, Sara and Aurora were the only ones who did it and the rest of us just watched and took pictures.  By then, my face hurt to bad from laughing and smiling to try to get my facial muscles to work together enough to get a cookie to travel like that.

After a very fun, late night we zonked for a few hours and then.....ate again.  Sandra and Alice made a fantastic breakfast of stuffed french toast, eggs, juice and fruit.  Once we were all showered, dressed, and ready to head out the door for our long ride home Sandra surprised us with pineapple drinks in fancy glasses.  We got a few more pictures, settled down for our drinks and ended up talking for another two hours.  We left significantly later than we had planned but I had no regrets about that.  I love these girls!

Back: Cami, Alice, Trudy, Sandra, Kimberly, Kate, Robyn
Front: Kara, Fawn, Tara, Sara, Maya

I loved having this four day weekend break with my sisters and cousins.  The weekend was such a blast and I can't wait to do it again next year! 

March

Zane loves to play behind his rocking chair. He will stash toys and books behind the chair and after naps and bedtime can usually be found playing behind the chair.

Usually at bedtime I rock him until he falls asleep. I am holding on to those baby moments for as long as I can! Tonight he was just not going to sleep so I finally put him in his bed. He cried of course but quieted down pretty quickly so I assumed he had gone to sleep. Half an hour later I heard some little noise and said to James, "I wonder if he went to sleep or if he is playing behind his chair." Mother's intuition I guess; when I checked on him I found him asleep behind the chair. 

I love it that he took his cup and his little blue elephant (which he calls Elly or Baby Dumbo) with him.

Cuddling Brothers
Both of the boys had been sick with colds, runny noses and fevers.

James captured a sweet never-before-seen moment as Zane cuddled up next to Max.

Then Zane started rubbing Max's head. Max who loves to have his back or head or legs or arms rubbed let him do it. Zane must have just really needed some physical comfort.


Max's First Primary Talk

Max gave his first primary talk. The topic was Jesus is our Savior. We asked him to tell us about Jesus and then wrote down all the things he said. I added to that a scripture and there was his talk. I wrote it all down for him and read through it several times. He even added "In the name of Jesus Christ" to the end of the paper so he would remember to say it. He read it off the paper and did awesome in Primary. Later that day he told us he could do it without the paper and recited the whole thing from memory. He has absolutely no fear of speaking in front of people.

Zane's New Ka-Chow Bed
Zane has recently discovered the movie Cars, or as it is known at our house: Ka-Chow! He would watch it every day if I let him. So when I came across this cute toddler Cars bed at Kid-to-Kid for a great price I just had to buy it for him. The thing is I wasn't actually ready to put him in the little bed. It was another of those steps that would make him seem so grown up; not my baby anymore. Plus, I wasn't sure if Zane was actually ready for the change. But, while I was out running some other errands James brought it in the house and put the mattress into it.

Zane seemed a little nervous so James put the bed in the living room and let him watch Cars in his new bed.

Then while he was occupied James took apart the crib/toddler bed and moved it out of sight.

Zane and I just had to make the change. 

Zane did great! He was so excited for his new bed and slept great.

When I looked in on him I felt a little sad to see how grown up my little boy looked.

My boys adore their cousin Hailey. I am so grateful that the Boyds live close enough that we can see them often and my boys know their cousins.

We kept Shadow while the Boyds were in Disneyland. The boys had fun having a cat around although they both learned very quickly that she does not like to be pet. I remember how much I enjoy the warmth and purr of a cat sleeping with me.

Max's 5th Birthday

Max was SO excited for his birthday. So excited that he tried to convince us to open presents and have cake the day before. How I wish I had done that! He threw up the first time at about 8 the morning of his birthday. He still seemed energetic and happy so I hoped the rest of the day would be better. Unfortunately it just got worse. We started in the morning opening a gift and he was pretty excited. James found him a Thomas lunchbox with a puzzle inside. After building the puzzle we started decorating the cake. After stopping a few times for him to throw up he asked if I would do it. Then he spent most of the day on the couch watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. He decided on his own that we should save the cake for tomorrow. His nap was interrupted with more throwing up so he didn't even get to sleep. He wanted to open his other gifts so we started with his art paper roll. We knew he would be super excited about this and on a normal day he would have been drawing for hours. We could tell just how miserable he felt when he just said thanks and asked if he could lay back down. :(

He wanted to open his last gift but didn't want to get out of bed. It was so sad to see him laying there trying to open his new book, "Mickey 5 Minute Fairy Tales." After reading for just a few minutes he said he wanted to close his eyes. He kept asking me to cuddle him and take care of him so I propped up some pillows and sat and read while rubbing his back. 

He felt much better the next day and thoroughly enjoyed his cake and ice cream. He always knows months in advance what kind of cake he wants. The last two years he wanted a fire engine and a train. This year he wanted a shape cake. I'm not sure where that came from but when asked he wanted a circle and a square. I let him pick out the cake and icing from the store and even the special Cars candles. I also made a heart cake to put on top. It was a pretty simple cake which was nice for me and he (and Zane) liked it.

It was great timing that his gift from Grandma Fullmer came in the mail the day after his birthday.

He got to celebrate with cake and open another gift.

He cracks up laughing at this book! And of course, anything about fire engines is always a big hit.

It is sad to see him so miserable on any day, but especially on his birthday. He did tell me the next morning that he likes his art paper SO MUCH. He carries his lunchbox around with him eating imaginary snacks like bell peppers and blueberries. (Things which he refuses to even try in reality.) And we read from his new fairy tales book several times a day. It wasn't the perfect fun day I had hoped. But he likes his gifts and is excited to be 5!