A Solution

Sean doesn't sleep, still.

Apparently I have been going about it all wrong. I am now trying the jump till you can't jump anymore technique.

Because Crawling is Not Enough

Sean has discovered he can stand up. What is the hurry with this kid?

My Mother Juggles

As like many, I have thought of my mother a lot today. She is a great woman, but I have concluded that one of the best things I learned from my mother is the art of juggling. She is and will remain the master, but I like to think I am getting as good. With 6 children, one with special needs, a husband that is a little old fashioned and likes his dinner hot, and a family business, no one did it more smoothly, and while looking better, then my mom. When we were young, none of us went with out a creative Halloween costume, an event was never missed, and we all felt the love and attention we needed. There were always creative activities, home made play dough, and yummy treats in the house. I like to think it was all easy for her because she was so convincing, but I am sure there were times when her faking skills were in full swing.

Now that I have my own family and my own juggling I can see how hard it might have been for her. She never gave the impression she was yearning to escape, or in need of time for herself. I know all of us felt like we were the center of her world and we are better adults for that. I think of this as I sometimes yearn for a break. There will be time later to slow down. For now, I will keep moving forward, juggling, stressing, enjoying, and basking in the moments of complete joy I get as a result of the juggles.

I have enjoyed watching Tom take over the juggling today. I got breakfast this morning, lunch after church, and the yummiest dessert. All the kids are sick, including Tom yet I still got to sit and read my book, blog a little, and have food served abundantly. He did a great job with the juggling, but I can see in his eyes he is glad it all ends tonight.

Blue Footed Boobie

This is our current favorite animal in the house. Mainly because it is an excuse to be able to say the word Boobie.

Star Testing

The kids did STAR testing this past week in school. Kira especially takes this very seriously, bless her heart, and she always does excellent on these tests. She has been getting good sleep, eating protein in the morning and chewing gum to help her focus. I remember taking these state tests in school. I was the kid just filling in random bubbles so I could be done early to do the word search, while everyone else finished. I was not so serious about it.

Last week Kira came home with the word hyperbole written on her arm several times. When I asked her about it, she said it was the word hyper bole and she didn't know what it meant. I told her that it was hyperbole and she was quick to say, no hyper bowl. I paused and asked her, are you sure it is not hyperbole, and she was quick again to say it was hyper bowl, so I left it at that. At dinner, Tom saw her arm and asked, why is the word hyperbole on your arm? Kira then said, it's hyperbole, oh.

This is more evidence that my children think Tom is way smarter then me. He could tell them the sky is falling and they would believe it. I tell them what time it is and they have to go look at the clock to make sure I am right. Someday, they will wake up and realize which one of their parents really is the smart one.

A Friend You Wish You Had

Meet Nancy Hanaike, my friend.

The friend that I call when I am in labor in the middle of the night. The friend that picks up my kids from school when I can't. The friend that baby sat Kira and Andrew a lot when Tom and I were dating. The friend that bakes the best chocolate chip cookies and leaves them at my house. The friend that feeds Tom's cat when we are out of town. The friend that cleans up Andrew's puke when he gets sick at her house. The friend that can always keep a secret. The friend that I can always get on the phone, and the friend that will always go see a "girly" movie with me.

Even though I think my kids like her better then me, I don't mind that they tell me, "Nancy does it like this" all the time. Nancy makes her own pizza dough. Nancy bakes, Nancy throws the coolest parties, and Nancy has the best movie collection. I know I can't measure up but I can only hope and pray that I am the same kind of friend to her.

This afternoon, she yet again saved me by calling to remind me I had committed to do something with Relief Society. Yes I had forgotten, but because of her call you would never know, until you read this blog that is.

Sorry I cut you out of the pic Reggie.

Piano Recital

Tonight was Kira and Andrew's piano recital, and both of them played brilliantly. It makes me so proud to see them practice daily and have it pay off. I often reflect on the many pairs of designer shoes I could be buying with the monthly piano money, but I am glad I have chosen the lessons. They both keep getting better and better, and Kira has recently started playing the prelude in church. I told her the other day that this officially makes her a pianist. Andrew over heard and got a strange look on his face. He reaction was, "I don't want to be a private part."

Regardless, they are the amazing kids and I love them tons and tons.