My Passion

Recently Phoebs and I rocked Scottsdale on a girls long, extended, whatever you want to call it, weekend.  The staff at the resort we stayed at are required to list their "passion" on their name badge.  We were fascinated by peoples' passions, my favorite being the friendly hostess at the restaurant who's passion was butterflies.  She wore butterfly hair clips, jewelry and even a butterfly belt.  One morning, Phoebe asked me what my passion was.  At that very moment, my passion was sitting by the pool, enjoying free drinks, sun soaking and spending time with the besty. Upon further reflection however, my passion is being a wife to Kel and a mother to my four children.  Being a mother is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I'm passionate about nurturing, caring for, entertaining, teaching, guiding and inspiring Lizzy, Rosie, Max and Drew. Being their Mom occupies my time, mind and energy. I can't think of a passion I'd rather have. Happy Mother's Day, especially to my sweet Mom, Mom-in-law and Grandmothers who have made my passion possible and have taught me so much about how to be a great Mom.

4 Month Fun

Before My Drew turns 5 Months, I need to celebrate the month of Four. Much happened to Baby Drew this last month. He has stopped using a Binky and replaced it with his two middle fingers...it's to die for. He's our first baby who actually likes "tummy time". Our home is filled with that sweet baby babble which for Drew always begins with a long sigh. He prefers Mommy at night, and I'm loving it. Drew has also decided that the car isn't so bad, and has made new friends with the many toys that are offered to him regularly. He is starting to sit up unsupported for a few seconds, and the girls are positive he will be an early walker because of the continuous kicking motion his legs make. And, by the way, he's huge. At four months, he weighed in at 17.4 lbs (85 %) and 27" long (93%). Okay and one other minor detail, he now has 2 teeth. Yes, just like Rosie. WE LOVE this happy easy going baby boy!

Nesting & Me

One of Max's (and the girl's before him)favorite books to read is "Best Nest". In it, a Mother bird decides she needs a new nest....RIGHT NOW. Father bird is quite content with their old nest, but since Mother bird insists, he has no choice but to oblige her demands and sets off to find a new "Best Nest". After trying to find the perfect new nest in some peculiar spots, Mother bird realizes that "The Best Nest" was her old one all long. She so wisely sums it up at the end by saying: "There's no Nest like an old Nest for a brand new bird".

Recently I have been admiring the bird. The care and time that goes into building their nest is simply amazing. So inspired am I, that I've found myself buying bird artwork, bookends, push pins and table linens as to surround myself with a positive symbol of mothering. Nesting has become top priority, I've given Father Bird a long list of things we must get done before May. It's been exciting to watch as our nesting efforts have taken shape; a rewarding and bonding process for Mother and Father. As I reflect on the past 5 months of pregnancy, I realize how my life has changed.....I think for the better. I've enjoyed, in fact, crave my quiet afternoons spent in my cheerful and relaxing bedroom. Friends make comments about me not being "out and about" or as "social" as I once was. It's true! I have enjoyed peaceful, quiet days at home, feathering my nest and pondering on the miracle of growing a baby. Introspection has lead me to enlightenment on things I can do better and things I must enjoy. All in all, I'm loving this experience called pregnancy and would gladly join Mother and Father bird in singing: "I love this house, I love my nest, In all the world this nest is best".

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

Oh What a beautiful Day........

Today I choose to be happy. I have loved riding Lizzy to school every morning. The cool Autumn air awakes my still groggy senses and I'm able to more fully appreciate the beauty around me. We live near majestic mountains, the eastern morning sun cascades the most glorifying light off their peaks, and I feel lucky to enjoy it. Max notices all matter of animal life behind me in the bike trailer and loudly makes everyone aware of their presence. Rosie tries so hard to keep up with big sister, while still telling her to watch out for cars and look both ways. Lizzy appreciates her morning entourage and makes up super hero names for us as we bike (I'm Magnificent Mommy, then we have Lizzy the Leopard followed by little Robin Rosie-who can really fly). I enjoy seeing neighbors out enjoying a perfect fall morning. Although life isn't perfect, and I have had a stressful September, I choose happiness through morning bike rides and the hope that 'everything's goin' my way'.

Letter of the Day....

P.

A dear friend and mentor once taught me a valuable lesson. Ms. Peck, a fine educator and an even better teacher begins her 3rd grade class the same way everyday. During roll call, her students answer with a "PREPARED" or "NOT PREPARED" reply. Why not the traditional "Here" you may ask? I asked the same question. Her response: "Because I expect my students to come Prepared to school everyday. We need to start the morning Prepared and ready to begin the day. Students don't want to answer "Not Prepared" so, they are more likely to (on their own) Prepare for school." BRILLIANT, I thought, so I tucked that away in my mothering memory bank, to be used at the most perfect time......which happens to be now.

I obsessed about what our Family Back to School Goal would be. Looking back at last year's morning routines helped me see where there was definite room for improvement -for all of us. Reading Nie Nie inspired me to 'step-it-up' in my own mothering abilities and responsibilities. I realized that our family needed a good lesson on 'Being Prepared'. So, thanks to Ballet Amy and Family Fun, I was able to 'plan my work and work my plan'. We made "Be Prepared" place mats for FHE, and developed better organizational strategies. I have made it a personal goal to be more prepared in all aspects of my life. Already, it has paid off for our family. Hopefully, with a little luck, and a lot of thinking ahead, we'll be able to answer "PREPARED" to life's roll call this year.

Sands Through an Hourglass, part 1-

PART 1-

"Rosie, do you know what you would you like to be when you grow up?"

"Yes!", "What?"

"A FANCY LADY!!"

"Like Sands Through an Hour Glass,
So are the Days of our Life"

(Who didn't watch Days in their teens?)

I must confess, the days of my life have been pretty sweet over the past 9 months of school. How did they go so fast? We celebrated with Rosie as she and her preschool classmates entertained us with song and poem at her preschool promotion. Rosie knew every song, preformed every move with incredible stage presence. We were so proud of our little Rose. She enjoyed it and I could tell really loved her classmates and her dear teachers. She will now advance to another year of preschool, but will it be the same?

Both Rosie and Lizzy attended Ms. Lorie's preschool. The same preschool my younger siblings went to, in my home town. I love Ms. Lorie's curriculum and educational philosophies. Rosie attended preschool with my two good friends' children, promising to marry one...."DABE" (Gabe). Seems perfect. I spent those Tuesday and Thursday afternoons spending time with my close friends. Sometimes the park, sometimes the mall, sometimes McDonald's, many times Target. We shared a year together. I cherished those days. I looked forward to those times with just Max. What a different boy he was as a 'singleton'. I learned so much about my son, I learned so much about myself.

Now, Rosie will go to a new preschool near our home, for the convenience of her Mother. I look forward to carpooling with my favorite carpool buddy. But, I can't help but wonder if I'm making the right call. I love Ms. Lorie and Mr. Avery (her father). I love Rosie's friends, which are my friends' children. I'm sure the new preschool will be fine, but will it ever be great?

Cami expressed the feelings of remebering the moment so beautifully in a poem written for my birthday. I don't normally share this sort of thing, but it seems to be the perfect ending for this post and so, I shall:

REMEMBER WHEN

“Remember when” That’s what we will say,

That is what we say

We eat salads
The sun on your face

The freckles on your nose

The “theme” for the day.

Your eyes like chocolate

From one mother to another

A gift only given in a space

Created, nurtured

By the power to relate

A space forever occupied

You with your perfect-ness

I forgive you for that

Me Not so much.

You forgive me for that

We apply sun-block

We wipe noses

Lizzy and Monet

With their missing teeth

Gabe and Rosie

With their hidden kisses

Max with his Trains

Tea with her thighs

“Remember when” we’ll say“Remember when”

7 Wonders

Lizzy kicked off her birthday festvities with some glow-in-the-dark bowling.




She was excited about her new bike, which took her hours to pick out.


My Grandfather Paul and Lizzy have always enjoyed a special bond.

It's a wonder to me that I have been a mother for 7 years. Elizabeth turned seven last week and we joyfully celebrated her birthday. Not knowing what to expect, I remember pondering on the thought of being a mother during the days before her birth. Happily I smile to myself and give thanks to Heaven for sending us our close to perfect oldest child.

Lizzy was born in California. My dear mother flew in for nearly 3 weeks to help with her first grandchild. She came a few days before my due date to assist with last minute preparations. In fact, we spent my early labor walking the mall, getting some last minute essentials (at Baby Gap of course). I had no appetite at dinner that night and became somewhat discouraged. I was having mild contractions off and on during the day but they didn't seem to be leading anywhere. After a warm bath, my wise mother told me to go to bed. I asked if she would be going to bed too and she informed me that she knew I was going to have the baby that night, so she would just stay up and wait for me. Well, she was right! Not soon after I fell asleep I was awaken by what child birth really feels like. My mom was right there, all knowing, and together the three of us drove to the hospital to meet our Elizabeth only 6 hours later.

We hadn't picked out a name for our daughter before she was born. Kelly had always loved the name Elizabeth (a family name) and I agreed that it was and still is arguably the most feminine, beautiful name for a little girl, girl, teenager and lady. It seemed to suit her instantly. Diane is my mother's name and both Kelly and I felt overwhelmingly that this should be her middle name. As we have gotten to know Lizzy more and more, we see why she was named after my mother. They are one in the same! The nick-name "Lizzy" came naturally after the name choice of Elizabeth as it has always been a favorite of mine. Our Lizzy has grown into her name quite nicely. Her femininity, grace, poise, sweetness, politeness and sensitivity pairs well with the name Elizabeth. Her curiosity, creativity and humor make her our "Lizzy D".

I marvel and wonder at the joy motherhood has brought me. Thank you Elizabeth for 7 wonder-filled years as our first born. We are so proud of you, we want so much for you, we learn so much from you, we love our darling Lizzy.

Go Green!

In celebration of Earth Day/Month the children and I enjoyed some earth friendly activities:

We took in the beauty of Mother Nature's greatest Spring Masterpiece:

THE TULIP! (red being the Fav)

The Official Earth Day found us on a LONG journey into the

"CITY" on Public Transit, making many

new and colorful friends. I still think of "Captn" and LuLu, wondering how

he's doing with Bladder cancer and if he still has his eye-patch.

We walked more, and learned that Dad is pretty smart when he tells us NOT to walk

in flip-flops.

I also picked a beautiful tree for our backyard, a clump mountain ash. I love our earth and am becoming more GREEN with each passing year. "Captn" was explaining to me that there is no need for a car in this town; public Transit is great. I agreed but asked if it ever bothered him that it took so much longer than driving. His response was simple: Isn't life about the Journey? Yes "Captn", I believe it is.

Sweet Dreams

When you're so lonely lying in bed
Night's closed it's eyes but you can't rest your head

Everyone's sleeping all through the house

You wish you could dream but forgot to somehow

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Sing this lullaby to yourself (Jack Johnson)

MAX has always enjoyed co-sleeping. As a baby, he would fall asleep smiling if we were holding him. We understood each other, as one of my favorite things to do is to hold a sleeping baby. As he has transitioned into toddlerhood, it has been an "adjustment" for him to sleep in his own bed. He is now free to roam around at night, making visits to anyone who will accept. We have found him in strange places; the stairs leading to our bedroom is my personal favorite. Feeling like he would never learn to be happy in his own bed, I almost gave up. Lizzy gladly volunteered to let him sleep with her, which I actually started to consider. Then out of know where, Mr. Froggy came on scene. A soft cuddly frog prince, origins unknown, has been our hero. We know not where he came from, how long he will be with us, or who exactly he belongs to. It doesn't matter! All that matters is that his magic power has made it possible for Max to sleep in his own bed happily, with Mr. Foggy. Thank you Mr. Foggy, who ever you are!

To Everything...

"If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, He's going to ask for a glass of milk.
When you give him the glass of milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw." - Laura Joffe Numeroff

While we love all of Numeroff's books, I can't help but reflect on how my children are like the mouse, pig & moose. This week we have enjoyed wonderful spring weather. I've felt a need to be outside, enjoying the 'lamb' days of March. Yet, at the same time I have struggled with balance.

If I were to write a book about Max, it would go a little something like this:
If you take a Max to the park, he's going to ask you to push him on the swing.
When you push him on the swing (for 30 minutes) he'll want to get off the swing and roll down the hill (with Mommy). Once he rolls down the hill, and Mommy feels nauseous, he'll want to do it again (with Mommy) and again. When he rolls over a rock, he'll probably want to stop rolling and start sliding. When he climbs UP the slide and is very proud of himself, he will want you to clap for him (which you gladly do because you are so proud). When he slides down the slide, it reminds him of how he loved rolling down the hill, and he'll want to do that again (now that his head is better) with you. When you tell him you can't roll down the hill again (for fear you may loose your lunch) he cries and cries. To make him feel better, you push in on the swing. After he swings for awhile, he'll want to go down the slide. When you tell him it's time to go (because you have to pick up Rosie from Preschool) he’ll be very mad and will try and run away. When you run after him, he’ll think it's a fun game and will run around the park. Finally you will stop him on the top of the hill, where he will gladly roll down again.

The same could be said about each of our children. I love having fun with them. I hate telling them the fun must end. Frustrated by all the tears when a particularly fun day had to end, I turned to Nana. "Am I not spending enough time with them Mom?" I asked. "No!" she replied. "That’s just the nature of children. They don't understand balance" she explained. "It's up to you to teach them that there is a time for everything."

I think she's right. But, when I explain to them about time, will they then want a new watch to go with it? Just wondering.

Twist of Fate

Kelly: I want to take the kids sledding today!

Sarah: Awesome! I'll stay home and get "Things Done"

Kelly: O.K., but are you sure you don't want to come?

Sarah: YEP! Have Fun!

Picture it:

We get all three children dressed and bundled from head to toe, they are getting in the car, I am in the kitchen preparing to "get stuff done" when I hear.....

Kelly: AHHHHHHHHH!! CRAP!!

I run to the garage and see Kelly grabbing his nose while blood is streaming down his face.

Kelly: I think I'm going to need stitches!

Lizzy: DOES THAT MEAN WE CAN'T GO SLEDDING??

In my mind I hear the theme song from Indiana Jones........

Sarah: Don't worry Lizzy....Mom will take you while Dad goes and doctors himself up!

And The Crowd Goes Wild!

In the end, I think I had the most fun sledding! I don't know what I was thinking wanting to stay home. It was much more rewarding watching my girls shred the sledding hill and cuddle with Max as we went "Fater" (Faster) down the hill. Of course our super hero Dad joined us at the end, band aide and all. It was Time Well Spent! I love January!

2009.....

IT"S ABOUT "TIME" (literally)

As for a recap on my 2oo8 goals, I gave myself a report card:

Resolutions of 2008:

Be On Time to Church!- A!!!

Drink More Water- B-

Go to The Temple Monthly- C

Speak Kindly- C

So what would my GPA be??

Now, onto a better New Year:

I feel like I need to be better with TIME.....

1- Be Prepared!! My most important one, this is KEY in my desire to have better control over my TIME

2- Spend more Time playing with our Children

3- Be on Time

And for fun:

1- Learn to Text, also a Time saver

2- Collect more hip Sunday Music (Please send me any suggestions!)

3- Learn how to cook a few more yummy meals, for happy TIMES around the dinner table

Making our Life Rosie!

Is it all in her name?

Is it not the name, but the lady she was named after?

Her nurturing spirit?

Her fun-loving personality-rarely a complaint?

O.K., how bout' the fact that she will eat ANYTHING?

Her sweet raspy voice?

Or her big blue eyes & chubby cheeks?

No, it has to be those blond curls!

Whatever the case maybe, ROSIE is a delight to both her Mother and anyone else that knows her. She casts her charm spell and suddenly I find myself willingly under her power.

Rosie celebrated her 4th birthday tonight with high holiday style. Friends and Family alike traveled long distances to create gingerbread houses and wish Rosie a Happy Happy Birthday.

As I read her well though-out cards and watched people greet her and want to spend time with her, the thought came over me once again: ROSIE IS SPECIAL, people gravitate to her. She has been blessed with a sweet nurturing spirit that naturally makes people love her and want to be near her.

"Rosie, you are such a sweet, curly haired Great Granddaughter, and we sure do love you very much" "Ba Ba" and Grandma Rosie

"You Make our lives "Rosie" and we are happy to have you as our Granddaughter". Grandma Sylvia

Well said, wise ones. Happy Birthday to my beloved Rosie. Now please stop growing, I can't bear the thought of not having you by my side, my little curly haired girl.

C E L E B R A T I O N!

When Max looked like this, I feared he would never be able to play like this:
Now we celebrate the fact that he is a very healthy, energetic, mischievous & SWEET
2 year old boy!

A boy who loves trains, so much, that my dear, dear Kelly created a completely edible train cake,just for him! Complete with Jr. Mints (just for Mommy right?). Max loved it and his ear to ear grin was thanks enough to Kel for a job very well done.

Delighted by his presents, Max lovingly thanked each person with a hug & a kiss.

One last shot at the cake.....sorry.....I'm just so proud of Kelly, I can't help it!

My heart is full with thankfulness to a loving Father in Heaven who heard my desperate prayers 2 years ago. I must continue to remind myself that Max's zeal and endless energy is exactly what I wanted and exactly what I got. I enjoy being his Mother for so many reasons. At times I feel overwhelmed by the amount of attention that Max demands; but relish in the love our boy has for his Mother. Tonight I celebrate answers to prayers, sweet little boy chatter, love of life, trains, cars, balls, hoops, running, jumping, swimming, swinging, laughing. Tonight, I celebrate our Son. Happy Birthday Max!!

Cha-Ching!

It happened!! Elizabeth lost her very first tooth....literally. I remember far to well when she was cutting that tooth and it wasn't pretty. Now, it's gone, Forever!

The question now: the tooth fairy. So, how much does the tooth fairy bring your little tooth-less kidlets? What do they put their lost teeth in? Growing up, we put ours in a plastic bag and the $$ always varied. I think it depended on how much 'coin' the fairy had at that particular moment. I however feel the need to 'start as I mean to go on' (The Baby Whisperer) and set a price point NOW. So fess' up ya all.......what's a fairy to do?

The Same, But Different

Rosie has been waiting a lonnnnngggg time for this moment.......PRESCHOOL! I know we aren't suppose to compare children but, this time I must. When I took Lizzy to the exact same Preschool, she ran for the door and I had to physically pull her back to snap a quick (and I mean quick) picture of her. Rose on the other hand enjoyed every minute of me dotting on her. I loved the feeling of her warm, still chubby hand grabbing mine and wanting me to walk her to the door. They were totally different experiences but, I found myself loving both for different reasons.
Now as I look at pictures of these 2 little girls, both wearing the same dress, both standing in the same spot, I am reminded of how unique they truly are. I am learning to appreciate and love them for their differences. I am learning to enjoy the moment and I am so happy to have a preschooler once again!

Happy Mother's Day

"My Greatest Blessings Call Me Mom"

Day 11- Took a very long afternoon NAP

Then enjoyed time spent with my sweet family.

Birthday Par-Tea {Day 2}

A sweet friend once told me there is always something special about your oldest (http://storheimstory.blogspot.com/): your first baby, your first 2 YEAR OLD, your first Sunbeam, the first to go to School, etc. Not that they are your "favorite" but that everything with them is new.

I think she's right! Thankfully, our oldest has been such a joy! She's sweet, thoughtful, kind, witty, well mannered, bright & surprisingly obedient. She has made Kelly and I realize how fleeting this time of having young children is. I think we treasure our younger children more as we continually experience how quickly time flies with Elizabeth; yet can't help but be excited to see her grow-up and do new things.

And yet she still remains a fun "little" girl who enjoys being pampered and knows all about the fancier things in life like holding out your pinky when sipping,


Fancy Tea Treats & Fablous Hats!




So, no Snow White Dress this time, but, a tea party none the less! Lizzy wanted her shot at a birthday Tea after observing Rosie's success. I was more than happy to oblige. So happy in fact, that I most certainly am going to repeat what you see above tomorrow! There will be a Class Birthday combined Tea Party with her good friend Eden, who's birthday is May 3rd.

Elizabeth didn't want her other friends who aren't in her class to feel left out. What was a Mom to do? Well, with the help of my wonderful Mother, husband, Mother-in-law and friends, we are having two birthday tea parties. Luckily, the next one is at Eden's house (more pictures to come)!

As for Day 2: I enjoyed decorating my house, dressing up in my favorite "par-tea dress" and spending time with Lizzy on her special day!

Two Cool Peeps & One Very Sick Baby Bunny!

Easter was not as I had hoped this year. Our baby Max was and still is SO So sick. No Easter parties, not matching outfits, just cuddle time with a sick Max. True Confesstions: It actually was kind of nice staying home that evening, we had such a busy week the R&R was very appreciated by Mommy.

Lizzy being an experienced egg hunter felt it important to truly appreciate EVERY egg one at a time....

Rosie didn't want anything to do with that kind of time wasting! She had eggs to find,

Candy to eat...

And eat, and eat!

She loved Easter this year and thought it to be so thrilling.

Yes, the girls had a great time on Easter (and the three Egg Hunts before that). Lizzy gave an Easter talk in primary and read it all by herself!

Unfortunately there will be no Family Picture on this Easter since Max is so very sick! But, I am hoping for next week, so stay tuned! Now I need to run since I am suppose to be writing FHE lessons for our R.S. group....due tomorrow! Happy Easter!

I live in a Toliet!

So, most of you know Max has had an awful case of Diarrhea for the last 2 1/2 weeks. According to our pediatrician (who we love) he will get better, it's just taking a LONG time to resolve. At this point I am wondering if it will ever go away and if I will ever stop smelling like bleach and poop. I hit the wall tonight and thought I can either laugh about it while blogging or cry myself to sleep. I choose to smile in times of utter desperation:
I was battling the evening alone tonight as Kel had a meeting (famous last words). Things seemed to be going smoothly until I noticed on my arm that Max needed another diaper change because he obviously had blown-out. I am sure you can imagine what his little bum looks like after such a long stint with diarrhea. Because of the diaper rash, he screams and tries to crawl away every time he needs a change. I find myself crawling after him as he his rolling around with no diaper on and smearing poop everywhere he goes. Finally, after I have to hold him down to get him cleaned up, the thought occurs to me: "Maybe I should take the doctor's orders and let him crawl around naked to "air" out a little bit; surely he won't go you know what since he just went." Thinking that I can watch him and throw a load of dishes in, I begin to clean the kitchen. I don't even think I cleared the table by the time he was going all over the kitchen floor and crawling around in it. I grab him, put him in the kitchen sink and start rinsing him from head to toe. As I am washing him, I notice different but equally gross smell. I turn around and see Rosie at my side asking for help with wiping. She looked like a mummy wrapped in used toilet paper. Quickly taking Max out of the sink and putting Rosie in, I start hosing her off as well (I figured I had to bleach it anyway, might as well get some good use out of it). No sooner than me taking Rosie out of the sink I hear "Mommy Max is going poo-poo's all over in here!!!!". I was so focused on cleaning Rosie up that I had not put a diaper on Max. MY MISTAKE. So, I repeated the sink bath and this time put a diaper on promptly. By this time I was ready for bedtime. I sent the girls up to their room while I got Max in p.j.'s. As I am walking up the stairs, to my utter disbelief and horror, I hear these words "Rosie went to the bathroom all over my bed Mommy!". I am thinking NO WAY!! But, sure enough Lizzy's bed and pillow were soaking wet. At that point I officially lost it. I called my Mother in tears wondering what I had done to deserve this night. She assured me that it's just motherhood and that every thing would get better soon. I hope so Mom because I don't know how much more I can take!