Somedays

A great friend of mine called last night, and she was having a similar day as mine. Irritating! We both have young kids, and had a long frustrating day. She made the comment that blog surfing can accentuate those frustrations, because everything is coming up roses on blogs. You rarely see a "bad day" post, or "I'm exhausted" post. So I decided to break the mold, and hopefully voice what all of us are feeling.

Somedays I don't want to get out of bed. I don't want to change poopy diapers, endlessly pick up toys, or listen to "I'm the map!". Somedays I just want to stay in bed, and not worry about grocery shopping, doing dishes, laundry and homework. I just want to sleep. Somedays I don't want to cook. Because the more I cook, the more dishes I have to do. The more I cook and the more dishes I have to do, the more toys are pulled out while I'm distracted. Cooking = Dishes = Mess = Unhappy Mom. Somedays I don't want to read the same book over and over again. Somedays I want to read my own book, uninterrupted, from cover to cover. Somedays I yell. Somedays I expect too much from my 6 year old and 2 year old. Somedays they fight. Somedays I spank. Somedays are just down right exhausting.

Actually, most days are exhausting. Most days my feet hurt from the minute I wake up and more so the minute I go to sleep. Most days my joints feel covered in sandpaper, and liquid lead instead of Synovial fluid. Most days my back hurts, even picking up Brooklyn. Most days my hands ache, and I can't open things or turn things I usually could. Jars. Bottles. Turning on or off our shower. Most days I am reminded of the side effects of my medicine. Clumps of hair in the shower, bruises on my arms and legs, uneasy stomach. Most days I wish I could have my 19 year old body back. But there are somedays, that I feel normal again.Not quite 19, but closer.

Everyday I tell my kids I love them. Everyday I have something remind me of all the blessings I have been given. Everyday I realize I married above myself, and that all of those somedays would be ten times worse if he wasn't here with me. Everyday I have those bonding moments with each child that I try to burn into my memory, to remember when they are driving me crazy. Everyday I am grateful for my life. But somedays, are challenging.

Easter Photoshoot???

I got Brenna and Brooklyn their first matching outfits. Brenna is growing out of the "toddler" clothing section (5T) and Brooklyn is just growing into it (6-12months). So I have a small window to get them matching outfits. And it turned out SOOOO cute!

And I didn't do it justice! My camera doesn't work fast enough, and Cannon doesn't work slow enough! So I didn't get one perfect picture, but I am happy with the few that give you a glimpse into my life!

Cannon had his own Easter outfit. But he didn't want to pose. But he did give his sisters lots of LOVE!

Here are my beautiful girls! I am very excited for spring!!! Bring on the warm weather!

Random Spring Snow Storm

Oklahoma has had crazy weather. Every Saturday has had some storm of some kind. And the weekend closing out our Spring Break, came a very almost historically late snow storm. Friday afternoon, my kids were playing outside in shorts and t-shirts, then by morning there was about an inch on the ground. And by lunch, about half a foot!

Cannon is only interested in eating. Eating snow. And it doesn't matter where it is. He will eat it. Or just sit in it and throw it around.

Brenna made 5 snowmen, and a little puppy snow-dog. She could have been out there all day, if we had waterproof snow clothes! We loved our little snow-sculptured family portrait!

Our Sweet Brooklyn

Brooklyn is an EATER! She loves to eat. We have a little baby food grinder, and she loves mixed veggies, peas, sweet potatoes, and just about anything we give her. I was curious what she would do with the mango pit. She went CRAZY! She kept leaning forward, and nodding her head, which is a sign for "Give me THAT!" She loved it, and could have sucked on that all night. She is so sweet! My little mango!

Hi Chocolate!

Today I was shopping at our local grocery store with Cannon and Brooklyn. I was almost done, just had to stop by the butcher for some pork roast and ground beef. Cannon had been asking for a variety of items throughout the trip, including M&M's, donuts, gum, fruit snacks, etc. I had given my order, and was standing in front of the counter waiting. Cannon started pointing towards the counter saying,

"Chocolate. My chocolate!",

and I brushed him off saying, "No Cannon. There is no chocolate."

Then he continued smiling, pointing and now waving.

"Hi Chocolate. Hi Chocolate!"

I pointed at the ground beef and asked, "Is this chocolate?"

Cannon shook his head, and said "No. That's pink, mom. Hi Chocolate!"

Then I look up, and see a sweet and smiling black man waving at Cannon behind the counter.

I'm embarrassed, say "I'm sorry!" The man says, "That's OK! Whats up little man?" He hands me my pork and hamburger meat and asks, "Anything else?"

I smile, and say "That's it!"

I then head to the front, and the only soon-to-be-empty lane is being worked by a beautiful black woman. I sigh, knowing the upcoming embarrassment. Cannon quickly asks for gum, which I get, hoping to distract him. He looks over his shoulder and smiles. As we pull up closer, she smiles and says, "You are such a big boy!"And Cannon, of course, responds:

"Yes, I big boy! Hi Chocolate!"

The lady kindly laughs, and then I recount our previous incident. I try to emphasize I have no idea where he got that! She assures me that the butcher is still probably laughing about it, and then she asks Cannon where his nose is. He points, then she asks if she has a nose. He points to hers. She continues with eyes, ears, hair and smile. Then she says, "See, you're just like me!" I doubt Cannon understood her intent, just enjoyed her game. I was grateful she didn't take offense, and found the humor in Cannon's childlike innocence. But, I was REALLY embarrassed! How do you explain that to him? I don't think I'll try just yet.

Fondue Friday!

It has been a LONG time since we cracked open our Fondue pot. Ryan suggested trying a cheese fondue. I found the MOST basic recipe, got some asparagus, zuccini, pigs in a blanket, popcorn shrimp, etc. It was delicious and the kids had a blast. I don't know if I want to do Fondue Friday every Friday, especially while they are so little and don't completely understand what "thats hot!" means, but it we had a great time doing it. And hopefully it won't as long to pull it out again.

Attempt #1

Plan A:

We made the one hour trek to Cushing Regional Airport. The weather was overcast, but not horrible. We were informed that they were most likely not going to let anyone make a jump. So we decided to go to Plan B.

Plan B:

March 13th was Leif's birthday. And since his mom, Heather, and his uncle Ryan weren't going to be able to celebrate his birthday by throwing themselves out of an airplane.... so, we went to Mexico Joe's. Yummy Mexican food.

Leif didn't want to wear his birthday hat, so Heather did! Fabulous!

Agent Bushman

I racked my brain trying to think of a creative way to tell Ryan what his 30th birthday present was: skydiving. So I decided to use the theme of a secret agent. So here are pictures of documents I printed off, placed inside a Top Secret Folder in a black briefcase.

Cover sheet: If you notice, the letter head says, "US Department of Homeland Security: Bureau of Customs Enforcement (Birthday customs that is!)

The letter said: "Agent Bushman: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is strictly confidential and requires utmost concentration and discipline. Achieving this goal will require the ability to control trepidation, master disgorgement and adapting the suspension of gravitational forces. You will report Saturday, March 13 at approximately 12 hundred hours at the Cushing Regional Airport".

Here was the information about the jump, a map of where the airport is, and a description of the company and experience. You saw the video of him reading this, I just wanted to include the actual documents. It was great!

Ryan's Surprise Gift

I succeeded! Ryan ALWAYS guesses his birthday, Christmas, anniversary gifts. And not just his, he is renowned for spoiling other's surprises as well! I had this in the works for over a month, and was more excited for him to open it than he was! The documents had U.S. Department of Homeland Security letter head and seal with "Top Secret" stamped on it. It looked very official! Hence the black briefcase. His reaction was priceless. Hopefully the clouds will part, and he can actually skydive next weekend!

Big Day!

Brenna has asked me for a VERY long time to teach her how to tie her shoes! I've sat down and showed her, used an interactive book that we have with laces, etc. I haven't been consistent or pushed too hard because I wasn't anxious for this milestone. But she was persistent. Finally she asked Ryan, and he sat down and taught her his method, and literally within 5 minutes she was tying her shoes. And the next morning (and ever since) she has been tying her shoes. She is so very smart, and learns quickly. And of course, Ryan is very patient and a great teacher. But I am so proud of her!

Happy Birthday Babe!

So my main (and only!) squeeze turns the big 3-0! I can't believe how old he is.... wow... but I still love him in his geriatric state! In honor of the big day, I made a big list of the top 30 reasons I love him.

30. His soccer obsession. He even makes a World Cup Soccer spreadsheet, with Macros, the whole enchillada!

29. His problem solving skills.

28. He can go from awake to almost asleep in one blink. Literally!

27. That he can laugh about having a sinus infection for 15+ years.

26. He notices my insignificant quirks, and points them out...often!

25. He goes to any length to save money, including forcing me to cut his hair from day 1 of marriage!

24. He gets the kids excited for family stuff (home evening, prayers, outings, etc).

23. His sweet tooth. It gives me an excuse to induldge!

22. He has great taste! Home decor and even shoes! He is my best shopping buddy.

21. He becomes the kids playground when he comes home from work and lays down on the ground.

20. He doesn't mind manual labor, even if it means putting up an entire fence by himself.

19. That he holds my hand when I give myself my weekly shots, even though he hates needles.

18. Kids of all ages love him.

17. He loves to play games! And usually wins....

16. He isn't into 'toys'. Every guy is into 'toys'. Whether it is electronics, cars, etc. He isn't! And I LOVE that!

15. He sits with Cannon and watches America's Funniest Home Videos, and laughs everytime there is a NASTY fall!

14. He is extremely creative and thoughtful, especially in gift giving and date planning.

13. He is very giving and generous.

12. He can play any sport, and excels in the random sports: ping pong, racquetball, fluff tennis?

11. His laugh (especially when I do something embarrassing and catch him off guard!)

10. He has the most random thoughts. I learned to be prepared when I ask him, "Whatcha thinking?"

9. His dancing skills (and willingness to dance!)

8. How handy he is around the house!

7. He is eternally optimistic.

6. His gorgeous eyes!

5. He loves to work, especially for Chesapeake.

4. He is one of the happiest straight-laced people I know. He has always been very good, but quietly so.

3. He has unwaivering faith in our Savior.

2. He is a fabulous dad, and the kids scream with joy when he comes home! (So do I!)

1. The way he loves me!

Happy 30th! I love you!

To the Rescue!

I am not sure where Cannon got this, but he has been doing an arms-in "To the Rescue" cheer with the whole family. And if you don't do it exactly right (as you wil see) he will freak out. It is really cute how he tries to rally the family. And we don't always have to cheer "To the Rescue!" he doesn't mind if we change it up, especially if it is describing the dessert we are about to eat: "Go Cookies!" He is too fun.

My beautiful girls

Brenna on our date. We went for sushi, then went to our high school's play "Singing in the Rain". It was so much fun, she is so grown up! And she didn't stop talking the entire time.

Brooklyn loves her big sister. And pays close attention to her when she is around. I love seeing the bond that they are developing.

Such a happy girl! I love seeing that gorgeous smile squished between those chubby cheeks. When I pick her up after a nap or in the morning, she grabs each side of my face and then pulls her face to mine. And smiles a HUGE smile.

Here is the before, and no after! Sunday morning doesn't allow for a photo session, to capture her beautiful "after" shot! She was an adorable updated version of Shirley Temple. She is so full of life, and smart and happy!

Music to my ears!

If we need Brooklyn to be occupied for a certain amount of time, we put her in front of the piano. I'm not sure if it is the black and white keys, it makes noise, or Cannon can't take it away from her!

Sushi Fools

Why is it that my kids devour sushi, but avoid BBQ chicken pizza? I don't understand it, but I love that they inherited my eclectic appetite.