Uh Oh!

Ellie wrote Nate a letter yesterday..it said this-
"Dear Dad..you are sweet. And you are cool. Dad you are sexi. You are even the best dad in the world. I like you so much. And you are my favorite boy in the world. Love, Ellie"

Nice letter until you get to the "sexi" part. That got an eyebrow raise from me. So here is our conversation-

Me- "Do you even know what sexy means?"
Ellie- "no- what does it mean?"
Me- "Uh it means cute and nice"

We left it at that..then today

Ellie- "Dad you are so sexy."
Me- "Ellie I don't want you saying that."
Ellie - "Why do you say it then?"
Me- "Because only grown-ups can say that word."

I think i am in big trouble with her.

Decoration Dilemma

So I always told myself, that I would let my kids put their own touches in decorating their room (ie..trophies, pictures they have drawn, things they have made) and for the most part I have. Although, sometimes I secretly hide or toss stuff. I have issues..I like their rooms to look nice and a certain way. I know. I already told you I have issues. Anyways, this is the latest piece of decor in Connor's room. You see he went on a lovely field trip and came home with this. He's fascinated by this duck/fowl poster. SOOOOO ugly. Really Connor? Ducks? So my need for control has been replaced with the desire for my kids to feel empowered and surrounded by things that they want and not what looks nicely decorated. My mom never complained with the endless amounts of dead corsages, boy calendars and other knic-knacks that I seemed to collect. And it made me feel like it was my space and nobody elses. Hopefully, my kids will feel the same. As for the poster, I have a feeling it might get "lost" in the near future :)

Mother of the Year!

This was Sophie's breakfast the other morning...Chocolate milk, Chocolate pudding and Coco Puffs...I deemed myself Mother of the Year that day! She was yelling out orders and I was tired and giving in. Hey isn't chocolate an antioxidant :)

Six Whole Months

It's hard to believe that only 6 months ago this sweet, chubby baby girl came into our world. She is absolutely amazing. She is the biggest grinner...and it just melts your heart...

Facts about our 6 month old Maggie Jane-
* She has her two bottom teeth (and is cutting the top two as we speak)
* She weighs 21 lbs and is 27 inches long (hey all i do are big babies)
* She rolls and rolls all over the place.
* She sits up
* She loves her mommy (and her mommies boobies)
* she has the most contagious smile...it's like she is trying to win the biggest smile contest
* Her legs do not fit in the bumbo chair we have...you think I'm kidding but I'm not. I have to pry it off her chubbo legs!

We love this little girl and are amazed at the joy she has brought with her into our lives. Love you Maggs!

Delish!

I know, I know...you are wondering why the heck I am posting about this amazingly tasty candy bar when my last post was all about doing better, exercising, yada-yada-yada...well I still mean all that but these little wonders are about the best thing in the world. They are a little piece of heaven if you ask me. The lady at the gas station warned me that they were good. Man was she right..so beware...and enjoy!

Wake Up Call

So I was watching an old DVR-ed episode of Oprah (I know, I know, I don't know why I still DVR her when I'm really in love with Ellen..old habits die hard I guess) Anywho, the show was on diabetes..which I was only mildly interested in at first.

You see, my mom has diabetes...type 1..which is genetic. So I get to see first hand how she has to monitor EVERYTHING she eats...how she has to give herself shots of insulin everyday...how she much she loves to cook, but can't eat much of it...how she has crashed down to a blood sugar of 20 and should have died...how hard she works and getting everything right so her kidneys don't fail...so her feet don't ever need amputation...it's just SO much! I NEVER want this consuming disease...It is such a huge part of her everyday life...It makes me sad.

So it was a wake up call. I think I sort of thought in my head that even though it is genetic and I'm not hugely overweight, that I would be passed by. But watching this show, changed my mind. Here are some statistics that shook me hard..
1. 5.7 million people in the US have diabetes and don't know it
2. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure
3. If you drink 1 soda a day, your chances of getting diabetes increase by 83%! 83% people!! That's ridiculous
4. Eating white bread is like eating a candy bar
5. If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your chances are extremely high.
6. 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week can lower your chances of getting diabetes by 63%..big number there too.

I feel like I'm doing OK..I eat whole grain bread and I'm exercising and I don't drink pop, but I love my candy and fair share of unhealthy foods..so it was a good reminder for me to recommit myself to better eating and more exercise. I don't want my life consummed by needles, sugar levels, and a shorter life span. This is a disease that is preventable (type 2) and reversible but I never want to be diagnosed in the first place. So here's to doing and trying better. I want a happy, healthy life and it starts with me and the choices I make.

A Mop-Less Life ? What?

So for my birthday last month, Nate gave me this Shark. I know what your thinking..lame-o gift right? But let me tell you a little secret. I have yet to use it. And my floor has been mopped...a lot. You see what happens, is that Nate gets all excited about gadgets, gizmos, electronics, etc. He's a true boy. So he buys this for me but he loves using new stuff..so much so, that he has been mopping my floor for a month. I love it!

Sadly, I know this will come to an end..just as it did with the washer/dryer..the vacuum, the lawn-mower and everything else that eventually looses its luster. So don't be too quick to pat his back. It will end and then the task will fall to me...boohoo :( But for now, I will enjoy a mop-less life!

O to the Ya

So since winning Nate in anything is a rare feat for me, when it happens, I get bragging rights..deemed by me. So we went bowling on Saturday and I was on fire. First let me tell you that I am horrible at bowling..really bad! I rarely break one hundred..so if you take a look on the bottom line of the score sheet and in the middle you will see three (that's right..count em') three strikes in a row. What!? Nate tells me that's called a "turkey." I totally kicked Nate's trash and not by just a couple of points...by 24 points...and it will never happen again so I'll rub it in just this once. I even asked the guy to give me my score sheet so i could hang it on my fridge..which is where it is. I'm not lying! So I say O to the Ya for my once in a lifetime bowling score.

It Won't Last Forever

Most nights we try to persuade this little princess to sleep in her own bed. But as you can see, our tactics fail each time. She has that dad of hers wrapped around her finger as she only wants to sleep in his arms..not mine (which is fine by me..I have the 5 month old to deal with...who is finally sleeping in her crib..for a while there, that king bed was a godsend...sleeping 4 of us). We try to tell ourselves that in 20 years when our kids are all grown and gone that we might miss these nights. Which seems unlikely but very possible. So we try to remember that this won't last forever. She won't always want to sleep with us. So for now..in this moment of time, we will try to love it and the less than perfect sleep we get.

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/

I Feel Pretty...

I'm not sure what it is about a good hair cut and color, but I sure do love it. It makes me feel pretty and that's a rough one to accomplish especially since...

a. I have a yucky cold
b. I have a zit on my chin (seriously I am gonna die an old lady who still gets zits)
c. I have a hole in my jeans right at the crotch (dang fat thighs)
d. Still have 20 lbs. of baby weight to lose and
e. I am really sleep deprived due to baby and cold

So thanks Julia for making me feel pretty for today because I never can get it look like you do...although I try and I try. So yeah for hair stylists who work their magic and make people like me feel pretty!

Savings

We've been planning this vacation to Disneyland for a while so I set up this "Disneyland Savings Jar" on the counter for the kids to start saving some money. (More a matter of principle) Any loose change, dollars, etc that were found, went in..although sometimes car washing quarters came out. The kids loved it and were faithful in contributing. So yesterday we went to the change exchanging machine at the bank and they all watching as it quickly counted a heavy bowl filled with change. End result $172.70. Not to shabby. So they will each have some spending money and we may buy an ice cream or two before it's gone! Good job kids...and Dad...who was the main contributor :) Now onto another savings jar...Hmmm, I'm thinking Hawaii!

Blog Overhaul

Anyone out there know how to change format slash layout of blogs? And can explain it to a computer idiot like me? I am ready for a blog change and I'm not talking just backgrounds? Advice?

Here's What We Did

Yesterday was a day filled of the perfect snow for building snowmen..so out we went and here is what went down. Although if you drive by today, you'll notice that Nate kicked the snow bucket and Ellie's face went through a rough patch of snow surgery. But it was cute while it lasted.
Our snow family..I especially love my hair-do

Question

So Nate and I are trying to plan a vacation to Disneyland and we are wondering whether to book a 3 or 4 day hopper pass. We are wondering if 4 days is too much..will the kids have Disney burn-out? Has anyone been recently or have an opinion on this matter? Please give us some feed back.

On another note, I am patting myself on the back today for a great deal I found. I bought 12 boxes of Golden Grahams for $.53 ..that's 53 cents people. ..not each box for all 12. What a deal. Found it by luck so we are set in the cereal department for a while.