My Girly-Girls

So here are my adorable girls ready for church in their "Easter" dresses...never thought I would be one of those matchy-matchy moms, but here I am doing my darndest to make them all match. I'm not sure why I never thought of curling Sophie's hair..turned out super cute and boy was she in love with it. Kept on saying, "don't mess up my hair dad." Ahhh I love these little girls!

Dear Mother Nature

Listen...I have tried to be patient and thankful for all the moisture..blah..blah..blah. But the truth is, I need warmer weather now! My kids are tired of being cooped up and so am I but even more important than that is the clothing situation. Meaning, the kids are growing out of their winter clothes and I'll be darned if I am buying another warm outfit. And by all this, I mostly mean for Maggie. She's growing like a freakin weed and I have tons of spring clothes that will fit her from her sisters. Now all I need is your cooperation. Please help! Her onsies cannot be stretched any more.

Thanks,
Me

The Big 30

Today I leave behind my twenties and enter into the year of the big 30. But I'm not scared. It's only a number. Ok I'm a little scared..but only of the fact that time goes by so quickly. When I was in high school, I remember thinking how old people were that were my age now. And now that I'm here, I don't feel old at all. I feel good. I'm in a good place in life. I have much to be thankful for...four amazing kids and the best man around! So I will celebrate this day...reflect on this day and maybe give Nate a little lovin! You know what's the weirdest part. I have now been with Nate for half of my life. HALF OF MY LIFE!! Now that's crazy. So here's to me today. Happy Birthday to me.

Stop and Stare

We've all been taught that it's not polite to stare at people..so why is it that when we see something out of the ordinary we can't help ourselves. For example, I started going to the gym a couple of weeks ago and my first class was Zumba..very fun. But there was this girl..cute girl but she was wearing light colored pants and a nice BLACK thong..don't worry it gets better. So I notice the thing cause it's Zumba and she's shakin' her thang but the best part was that right smack in the middle of her left butt cheek is a wadded up pad that had wiggled it's way out of place. Very far from home. I couldn't help but stare. Didn't she feel some lump on her butt! Should I tell her, should I pretend not to see it? Yep I played dumb and kept on shakin my own thang. Sorry cute "pad girl" (that's my nickname for her)

Another example. Apparently, if you go to California with more than one or two kids, you are a circus act. I mean there were occasional glances from people at Disneyland but that was nothing compared to a stop we made for gas and lunch in Baker or Barstow..can't remember. Anywho, we walked into a Panda Express, and you would have thought we were all naked by the way people were staring at us. Good grief! I know 4 kids is more than average, but seriously you can't peel your eyes away from us? I mean I CAN see you looking at us..there seemed to be no shame. Happened again on the way there at Burger King..where Ellie did some staring of her own and asked me why so many people were black. Another time I was nursing Maggie at Disneyland..completely covered with a blanket and this lady had eyes that were glued to me. So I stared right back at her, thinking she would divert her eyes..oh no..she kept on a staring. I thought maybe she was a statue..if I would have had a dart gun or something, I would have given her a thump! It's only nursing for crying out loud! I swear. So I was glad to get back to my sheltered life in my little bubble of a world where 4 kids is normal and nursing is how mothers often feed their kid.

I guess our curiosity just gets the best of us and although our minds may be telling us one thing, our eyes just can't seem to break away from the different and unusual things we may see.

Dear Disneyland

Dear Disneyland,

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful week last week while my family came to visit (although you really should be thanking me for spending so much money at your resort...I mean $7.00 for a mini pizza and $4.00 for a pretzel...don't you think that's a bit much??) Anywho, we had a great time. Our favorite ride was Midway Mania in California Adventure and we met lots and lots of Characters. We also loved the Pixar Parade. Job well done. I did however learn some great lessons while I was there. Here are a few.

Lesson #1- You should always go for comfort over style when at Disneyland. I wore my tennis shoes and never once had feet issues. Unlike exhibit A..(see below)




Nate says I should not make fun of people on the Internet but this is simply an example...(ok maybe a little bit of making fun) But seriously..what was she thinking....Hmmm what should I wear to Disneyland today. Oh yes..the 4 inch high boots and my tight leather pants. That should be way comfy! What!! And you should've seen the front..Holy Boobage! Model mom! Ok that's enough making fun.

Lesson #2- Some people who are grown-ups come seriously for themselves. Which is ok but when you come with your husband and are in line to get Princess Cinderella, Belle, and Snow White's picture and autograph is where I draw the "little bit crazy" line.

Lesson #3- About 80% of the Disneyland population does not know how to dress themselves appropriately. I am not excluding myself. But comfort does not always mean leggings and sweaters. Most of us are in need of Stacy and Clintons help from "What not to Wear." Take for example exhibit B

Lesson #4- The month of February and days Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday are perfect days to go. Not to busy and the lines were really short. We rode everything we wanted, watched both parades and went to a couple of shows. I highly recommend the "Aladdin" show. Extremely funny!

Lesson #5-Parents and children are all alike everywhere...it's always comforting to hear another parent telling their tantrum throwing, screaming toddler, "please don't do this to me..it's only 10:00 in the morning. You can't start this already."

Lesson #6- You can totally spot LDS families at Disneyland and they can spot you and there's like this eye contact, smile and nod like "ya I know your LDS and we are too." The garmmie line, and BYU or U shirt help too.

Lesson #7- There are seriously some crazy people out there..crazy bad and crazy good. The first guy was a dancer in the parade and crazy good about his job. He should get a raise just for his facial expressions. The second picture is of a lady so into the "High School Musical 3" show...like insane. At first I thought she was part of the show but oh no..just way too intense fan. She was like 60 years old and totally jamming out. People were taking pictures with their phones..she's probably on utube by now. crazy good

crazy not so good

Lesson #8- Four Children, 12 +hours in the car, five nights in a hotel room, 4 long days at Disneyland = a much needed vacation from our vacation for Nate and me!

So all in all, we had a great time. The kids loved it. Sophie would have ridden all the rides if she had been tall enough. We had to practically drag Ellie onto most of the rides and Connor tried most rides once. Maggie was happy to be along for the ride. She even cut her second tooth while we were there and I was desperate to find some infant Tylenol. Paid 9 bucks for that but was totally worth it. Here are some pics of the glorious 4 days!

A Family in Need

There is a family I know who is in great need of our prayers. The brother of my sister-in-laws hubby, found his 2 year old daughter not breathing and without a heartbeat last night. She is now at Primary Childrens on full life support. As a parent, I can't imagine the horror they must be feeling. The unknown. What will happen? Will she recover? Who can even begin to comprehend these thoughts about your own child. My gosh this world seems to be ending...so much heartache and sadness. Earthquakes, tsunamis, children dying. It's almost to scary. I am terrified of the fact that life can change so quickly and with events so life-altering. It happens in an instant. So what we have is our faith and prayer. We are blessed. I am blessed. I have knowledge that is my saving grace. So please prayer for little Sage and her parents who would die for her..who would trade places in an instant with her...who would take away her pain. Just as any parent would. Pray. For more info click here http://bartonfamilyco.blogspot.com/