A Mother Is Always A Mother

Today was Olivia's birthday party, and I will display all the fun of the party another day, but I saw motherhood in action today. We had the birthday party at "Kangaroo Zoo." This is just a big room with bounce houses, two-story slides, all things that slide and bounce in giant proportion. Some mothers stayed and some mothers dropped their children off to run errands. As the party-goers ran liks maniacs all over the place, mothers play with all the children. One mother carried children on her back up the two story slide, slid down with them, and then carried them back up. And mostly not her own children. I was humbled and the way all the mothers talked so sweetly to each child. Each mother took a moment to come up to my child and give her a hug and wish "Happy Birthday." What a blessing it was to interact with those mothers today. I thank each one of them for their good example to me. I thank all mothers, we wouldn't be where we are without you! Thanks Mom!

Kitchen Renovations and Thanksgiving Dinner

Is it legal to say them in the same sentance? Well, I'm afraid I am. We are having 25 people over for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. How can I have my kitchen looking like it is (brown and black doors)? It took five months to finish the first third of my kitchen cabinets and I have three days to finish the last two-thirds. You do the math! That doesn't include the birthday party for nine three-year-olds tomorrow (and all the loot bags and errands to get ready), Olivia's birthday on Thanksgiving and seven kids with nowhere to go but home for five days straight! Why do we do these kinds of things to ourselves? Plus, I have started Weight Watchers! Maybe this is a good week to start because I dont' have time to eat anyway. A prayer of thanksgiving to Marie Callender and Costco for their help with pies and rolls. I couldn't do it without them. And good luck to all of you at this holiday season

Something About Me

I got this little post from my cousin-in-law. She tagged anyone that was interested. I decided to try it. One thing I have really started to enjoy about blogging is the information, more like fun-facts, I have started to learn about family and friends. I hope you learn something fun about me through this post.

I am: a Grey's Anatomy fan.
I know: the church is true.
I want: a housekeeper.
I have: no idea what my natural hair color is.
I dislike: eggs, beans, peanut butter, and day-old tuna.
I miss: Mark.
I feel: tired most of the time.
I hear: radios playing all night long!
I smell: boys!
I crave: Diet Coke.
I cry: when the Primary children sing.
I search: for quick and easy diets on a regular basis.
I wonder: if I'll have anymore children.
I regret: when I yell.
I love: my family.
I worry: late into the night.
I remember: cutting down Christmas trees with my Dad.
I dance: with the Backyardigans and my girls.
I don't: like to wear socks to bed, it drives me crazy.
I argue: with Olivia everyday about buckling up in the car.
I write: in my journal once a year, if I'm lucky. I'll never make it to heaven!
I win: things all the time. Just kidding, I've never won a thing.
I lose: my keys all the time.
I wish: I still used my french.
I listen: but I'm more of a talker.
I am scared: of haunted houses.
I need: a date with my husband every week or I go insane!
I forget: Korey's birthday sometimes. I really have to think about it.
I tag: anybody but my siblings. I tagged them last time and not one of them responded!

You Might Not Know This...An Ode to Scott

You might not know this, but Scott turned 31 today.

You might not know this, but Scott was called Butch when he was little.

You might not know this, but Scott pee'd on his glove after cutting down our Christmas tree when he was 2.

You might not know this, but Scott was always holding himself in pictures taken of him until he was about five.

You might not know this, but Scott loves Christmas.

You might not know this, but Scott loves candy.

You might not know this, but Scott had red hair when he was little.

You might not know this, but Scott use to lay on the floor and say "Tickle Me!"

You might not now this, but Scott loves "The Highlander."

You might not know this, but Scott has to have all his movies in alphabetical order.

You might not know this, but Scott is good at all sports.

You might not know this, but Scott hurts himself everytime he plays sports.

You might not know this, but Scott use to want to look like Tom Selleck.

You might not know this, but Scott gave my boys his X-Box for Christmas one year, with all the trimmings!

You might not know this, but Scott speaks Haitian better than most Haitians.

You might not know this, but Scott loves being a Dad.

You might not know this, but Scott is a yellow.

You might not know this, but Scott is also a peacemaker.

You might not know this Scott, but your family loves you more than words can say.

Happy Birthday!

Turning Three and Going to Primary!

Olivia turns three on Thanksgiving! I can't believe it! I swear I was just in the hospital...and then I blinked. I had Olivia at 7:00 at night and my heartstrings are still pulled on when I drive by UVRMC at night and look up to the 4th floor. All the feelings of that night come flooding back. This is what happened yesterday when I visited the second session of Primary singing time. An inside source told me that the nursery kids would be in singing time. I snuck out of Young Womens and found peace and joy in the blessing of Primary. I was so proud of my baby who sat with arms folded (except to wave at her Nana) and sang her sweet testimony. It took my breath away. All evening long she sang "Hosanna," the new song they are learning for Christmas, and revelled in her newfound "bigness." Only big kids go to Primary, you know! She also had a sweet conversation with my mom during sacrament meeting. Our bishop was "resting his eyes" during the high councilor's talk when Olivia asked her Nana:

"Nana, what is the Bishop doing?"
"He is listening quietly to the talk."
"No, I think he is praying to Jesus."

Yesterday was such a nice day...even though Korey had to work. I hate going to church without him. And just before I left for church Hannah found a fruity menthos on the floor and decided to swallow it whole! I couldn't get her to cough it up, and for a moment, horror ripped through me. I was unexpressibly (if that's a word, I don't think so) grateful when that terrible little candy finally popped out of her mouth. All candy has been banned from our house! Just kidding, but the thought crossed my mind. Anyway, church was pleasant. Not in the way some might think, but here are a few things I was grateful for:

1. Hannah slept through Sacrament Meeting
2. Livy went to Nursery without a melt-down
3. Some of the boys were on major doses of NyQuil for colds, so our total-family-energy-level dropped
4. My mom sits with us, so she took Olivia under her wing
5. Marshmellows, a favorite treat right now
6. Gum, to keep empty mouths full

I am certainly grateful for little blessings in my life!

Our Little Nose Picker

Today Olivia and I went and picked Nick and Nathan up from school. On the ride home I overheard this little conversation between Olivia and Nathan.

"Nate, pick your nose."
"No, why?"
"Because it's yummy."

We were all disgusted and laughing at the same time. Why do kids pick their nose and eat it? Is this just a phase or will this go on into her teenage years? LOL!

Happy Halloween!

Here are the little girls.


At Morgan's Halloween program.

Here are some fun Halloween pictures! Nic, Nate and Josh didn't trick or treat this year. Korey told tham they were too old. They had Hannah's candy. Hannah was a chicken, Livy was a butterfly and Kaden was a martian. We had a fun time and Livy asks everyday when we are going trick-or-treating again. I said when she's three....I hope she doesn't remember that in a couple of weeks when she turns three.

Pumpkin Carving

We had a great time carving pumpkins with Grandma and Grandpa, Bryanna and Tama. We had pizza and soda. Grandma makes the best "cotton balls" (to everyone besides Olivia they are popcorn balls.) We had candy and cupcakes, and lots of pumpkin guts!

Everyone carved a pumpkin but Josh! He decided he was too cool this year. I think he talked to Jake on the phone most of the time!
Livy carved he own pumpkin this year, with Grandma's help. Thanks Grandma!

Kaden loved the guts!

Livy loved the treats!

Hannah just had fun!