thirty-seven

...sun-kissed cheeks...

I am so not winning the mother of the year award. we were enjoying the last days of summer at the pool with friends and I neglected to thoroughly apply the sunscreen. you could say Jack's face got slightly toasted. He reminds me everyday of my bad parenting skills when he looks in the mirror and says, "my face hurts mom". sorry buddy. If it makes you feel any better my back and shoulders are paying the price also.

but, don't write me off completely for mother of the year...I've redeemed myself... potty training is almost done! Jack has overcome his fear and has been pooping in the potty on a regular basis (even when he has a diaper on), and we've ventured out with only one accident. just need to tackle naps and night-time and we'll be diaper free. I'm really dreading this part. waiting until after our trip to Jackson Hole/Yellowstone so I don't have to deal with a wet hotel bed. maybe I can convince Aaron to tackle this while Kate and I are in Tahoe.

any suggestions on wet pads?

thirty-six

...Timp... ...already missing this view...

I'm spent.
but in a good way.
have returned home to 106* after 10 wonderful days in Midway at my parents. we enjoyed cool weather, lots of help/entertainment from grandma and grandpa, and a beautiful view of Mt. Timpanogos from the back patio every day.

festivities included:

• my grandma's 80th surprise birthday party where her 5 children + spouses, 22 grandchildren + spouses, and 18 great-grandchildren were present.
• 4th of July, complete with a breakfast up Milcreek Canyon with said extended family, BBQ in Midway, swimming, and fireworks
• a trip to the Kennecott Copper Mine
• attended the Oqurrih Mountain Temple open house
• rode the Heber Creeper
• played ping pong, swam, biked and fished...a lot
• savoured delicious meals at local restaurants
• shopped amazing deals at the outlets
• ate lots of snow cones and ice cream from Granny's
• enjoyed the company of family, which included my new nephew Ryan
• blessed Kate
• and got lots of rest!

photos to follow after bags are unpacked, laundry folded, and the fridge is stocked. hopefully I can keep it together and get through my first real day as a mother of 2 without a meltdown. can guarantee it'll involve lots of daydreaming, wishing I were still on vacation...

thirty-five

...sandbox love...

I did it...I finally caved in and got Jack a sandbox. it took a lot of deep tho't, prayer, and numerous pros/cons lists. okay, maybe not that bad, but pretty close. I have a HUGE dislike for sandboxes, and it has taken me some time to finally let Jack be a kid and get a little crazy and dirty. Jack's only real sandbox has been this. it was great when he was smaller and more controlled, but once he started dumping out all the peas, they began sprouting and became more of a headache to clean up than sand.

what finally solidified the deal for me was when I took Jack to Stacie's last week while I went to the OB and he did not cry. that's HUGE. all they way over to her house he couldn't stop talking about Riley's sandbox. so the next day, Stacie was kind enough to take me to Sam's (b/c I belong to that other "big box store") and we got Jack a sand and water table. all the way to the store, Jack kept saying he didn't want a sandbox (kind of like the swim lessons...hates it but once there he enjoys it. which by the way, we had a HUGE breakthrough at Friday night's lesson-he didn't cry! I was at the temple, but Aaron said he did really well and is a good little swimmer. yea!). now that the sandbox is up, I can't get Jack to come inside. and, he doesn't mind getting dirty (I'm warming up to this idea...I realize I can strip him down and hose him off. but I still cringe when he mixes the sand with the water...ugh!). I'm hoping the sandbox will be a good distraction for Jack those first few weeks we are home with baby girl.

thirty-four

...the challange...

this month, our church mission leader has given us a challenge to distribute 70 copies of the Book of Mormon within our ward boundaries. each family received a book at the beginning of the May to hand out. I'm embarrassed to say that ours has remained within our home and has become Jack's personal scriptures. He LOVES to "read" it and look at the pictures. The other day he said to me, "Mom, this book is fun.". he never let's us forget to read from the Book of Mormon Stories every night before he goes to bed. It is my favorite time of the day. We all cuddle up in our bed and listen to Aaron read these great stories. Jack is always asking questions and pointing out different characters in the book.

I have a testimony of the gospel and the Book of Mormon, but don't feel the need to stand every month and proclaim it to the congregation. It is hard for me to share the gospel with others-partly due to my lack of personal study/confidence, lack of missionary experience like my husband, and feeling of embarrassment (don't want to be that weird/religious neighbor). but with so many tragedies affecting those close to me, I feel compelled to accomplish this challenge before baby girl is born. I am truly grateful for the gospel and the strength and peace it gives me and hope I can enrich another life with this simple gift.

***update***

06/08/2009: we distributed our Book of Mormon to a cute new family down the street last night

thirty-three

...carousel...

our great weekend:

started Thursday night with a night of pizookies with the girls and SYTYCD

then Friday morning we headed out to the new playground/splash park (Jack refused to play in the water). that evening we enjoyed a free outdoor movie and popcorn with these friends, these friends, and these friends. our evening was complete with a picnic and carousel ride. surprisingly, Jack LOVED this. he told Aaron it needed to go faster. but, he was freaked out by the movie (Kung Fu Panda), and cried for the first 15 minutes. we own it and he has seen it multiple times. go figure.

on Saturday, Jack attended his little friends pool party/birthday, where he refused to get in the water. no surprise there. then it was home for a nap for mom and Jack (which didn't happen), and resulted in me calling Aaron home early from his UNLV PT golf tourney to rescue me. being a good husband, he came home and took care of Jack the rest of the evening.

Sunday, we attended our old ward for a missionary homecoming of one of Aaron's young men (is my husband really old enough to have young men returning from missions?). then a lovely afternoon was spent at a friends house, where I was given the afternoon off from kitchen duties, and we enjoyed good food and conversation while the kids jumped on the trampoline (Jack LOVED this-really, is this my kid?)

not one thing was done in preparation for baby girl and now I am freaking out. only 17 days!

thirty-two

...shy guy...

my little man never silent at home, often giving me a play-by-play of everything he is doing. always humming, singing or making some sort of noise. he very curios and is constantly asking questions. his favorite is "whooooo was that?" after I get off the phone, being sure to emphasize the "who" (recently learned the difference b/c who and what). he begs to talk on the phone, even to the insurance lady. sometimes I have to call up Aaron or my brother just to satisfy him.

but, when we are in public, he is the opposite, unless we are at the check-out line at the store. then he is never fearful to ask for a sticker. the ladies at the grocery store/Target know us by name and have stickers waiting in hand. he kind of demands a sticker and often forgets to say "please" and "thank you", embarrassing me and my parenting abilities. I promise, we have taught Jack to use good manners. so dear Target and grocery store lady, I apologize in advance for my child's manners. we are working on it.

thirty-one

...captain jack...

he found a button yesterday and with sad eyes said "mom, play fun game?". broke my heart. he had been clingy all day, wanting me to hold him, sit with him, read to him, just be in the same room as him. he has been playing a solo part for the past few days while we scramble to get the bathroom completed before my mom and sister come tomorrow. so I stopped what I was doing, and we played and played with that one button. and for awhile. such a simple "toy" but he loved it. when I snapped this photo, we were pretending to be pirates...arghhhh matey...Captain Jack Sparrow to be exact. Playing dress-up/pretend are some of his favorite things to do lately. It is so fun to watch his imagination come to life and see how creative he can be.

Jack is at a fun age right now. I only wish he would stay like this forever. give it 4 weeks and a brand new baby and I'll be singing a different tune. I can't believe he is going to be big brother. he is growing up too fast, already lying about his age and claiming he is 3. he won't be 3 until the end of August and I am debating whether to place him in my friend's pre-school for a few hours a week (she is even willing to take kids who are not potty trained so the pressure is off. bless her heart). we have decided (80% decided) that Jack will start kindergarten a year late b/c of his late birthday (on advice from my 1st grade teacher sister and b/c of sports/his size). so if I enroll him this year, he will have 3 years of pre-school before kindergarten. My reasons to start this year are many: 1. to give me a break and some alone time with baby girl; 2. all the friends from church will be starting this year and I want him to be in the same class; 3. to socialize my child. He knows colors, shapes, letters/sounds, some primary songs, numbers, etc. I am not looking to have him be a great novelist or read Go, Dog, Go by the end of the of the year. After all, he is only 3. I really want him to go and gain a social experience, sans parents; to spend more time interacting with kids his own age, learning to share and having fun together.

so what would you do in this situation? did you put your 3 y/o in pre-school? is it just a waste of time and money? do tell...

day thirty

...pretty in pink...

finished...3o days of everyday photo assignment has been completed. for the most part, I enjoyed the challenge. although it got old carting my camera around everyday, it made me slow down and look at the world around me, and improved my photography and editing skills. I was forced to really look at the subject and be selective in choosing just one (sometimes two) photos rather than plastering up a lot of just okay shots. I think I will continue to post an everyday photo periodically (and dream of a new camera).

day twenty-nine

...sunday walk... mother's day was great
Jack went to nursery (crying, but he stayed)
Aaron made dinner, cleaned the house, and did the laundry I had neglected all week
I was given a few hours to myself to take a nap
then we went up the canyon for a little walk

and came home for ice cream and a foot massage
my boys are what make it all worth it

day twenty-eight

...mother's day...

baked and packaged 200 cookies yesterday for mother's day handout
ok-didn't really cook them. I cheated and went to Costco
it was either the typical carnation or something sweet
and since this actually fell to the pregnant wife of the EQ President, of course I chose something sweet
next year I vote another auxiliary is in charge
* * *

happy mother's day to my wonderful mom, who leads by example
my mother-in-law who raised an amazing son
and all the other women and mother's who inspire me
enjoy your day!

day twenty-seven

...buzzed...

without a moments hesitation, Aaron grabbed the clippers and buzzed Jack's hair last night. I had mentioned that he needed a haircut and maybe we should just buzz it since summer was coming. Aaron didn't even give me a second to think about it. now look at my little fuzz head.

day twenty-six

...shale blue...

spent the day yesterday painting the bathroom walls this color. looked good in the store and on the paint sample, but it dried darker. I was aiming for something a little lighter and with a little more gray than blue. the end result I am trying to achieve: dark java cabinets with dark java mirrors, white accessories (shower curtain, towels), and a zebra print rug...my mini-spa. I am afraid the shale blue just makes everything too dark and closed in. Aaron's going to kill me, but I think another trip to the hardware store is how we'll be spending our Friday night.

day twenty-five

...miniature... aren't these single serving size bottles of ketchup so cute?
I don't like ketchup, but they were in the $1 bin at Target and I just had to grab a few
perfect for a little neighborhood BBQ
and is it ketchup or catsup?

day twenty-four

...birthday...

fragrant aromas from numerous birthday bouquets
+
too much cake
+
a day spent with my boys
+
many kind birthday wishes
+
a broken mirror and painted walls
+
a delicious Cinco de Mayo meal
+
one great date night watching an amazing show
(it gave me goosebumps. I want to go again and again)
=
one happy, very pregnant, birthday girl

day twenty-three

...mi cumpleanos...

my birthday celebration is in full swing. as tradition has it, on the Sunday before your birthday, a meal of your choice is made and we celebrate you with just the family. my birthday menu this year: steak with sauteed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, sweet potatoes, sparkling pomegranate juice and ice cream cake prepared by the grill master himself.

for my birthday, Aaron has taken the day off. we are going to work on the bathroom remodel and then get all dressed up and have some grown-up time...going to see The Lion King. what a great surprise!

day twenty-two

...LOTOJA...

Aaron has been riding his bike to work the past few weeks (gives me anxiety every time), in hope that he got a jump start on training and would win the lottery for LOTOJA. on Friday he found out his team will be racing in September. he has worked so hard building his bike and can't wait to get it out there in it's first race. and I can't wait to see him sport the spandex. haven't decided if I am going yet. I'd like to. maybe I'll drop Jack at G&G's in Midway and take baby girl with me since she will only be 3 months and nursing.

p.s. don't you love that Jack is wearing the same shirt everyday. it is the article of choice: "the pirate patch shirt". it's a stuggle to get it off at night to wash it.

day twenty-one

...olives...

I wish there was some nutritional value in olives

he prefers them over candy

* * *

in other Jack related news:

today was the first day he went to nursery by himself. I was officially released as his nursery leader a few weeks ago, but have been helping the new leader transition. Jack was a little distraught, crying and clinging for the first 5 minutes, but was beaming that he was a big boy by then end of church. it was the first time I had gone to Sunday School and RS in 6 years! honestly, I kind-of missed being with the kids and the chaos. sitting for more than 15 minutes at a time is really hard and my stomach is growling for snack time come 11:15.

day twenty

...swollen... TED hose have become a part of my wardrobe

jealous?

7 weeks and counting

* * *

I don't like feet.

they gross me out (with the exception of baby feet-I want to eat them up).

I don't let Aaron rub his feet on me.

and I don't like my own. I am cursed with the McGrew big toe and stubby little toes. and they are spread apart from years of swim team and not wearing closed shoes. I rarely get color on my toes b/c I have short nail beds (last week I was feeling sassy and decided to go red at the salon...I'll return to my trusty old standby next time: OPI's let them eat rice cake). I especially dislike my feet when I am pregnant. they become fat and swollen and I get plantar fasciitis. luckily I am married to a PT who gives great massages.

day nineteen

...camping...

he may be smiling there, but once the sun went down, Jack transformed into a terrified child, crying to go home to "Jack's bed". all day yesterday he talked non-stop about camping and couldn't wait for dad to come home. it was his first experience in the great outdoors and he loved every moment of it (as long as the sun was still up). searching for the perfect marshmallow roasting stick, throwing rocks, and jumping around inside the tent provided endless hours of entertainment. but the dark...didn't love it as much. he kept us awake until midnight and rose with the sun @ 5 a.m. a deflated air mattress + a restless toddler + a full bladder (I refused to make the hike to the restroom @ 2 a.m.) = an exhausted mom and dad. luckily we only planned to go for one night and were 20 minutes from home, so we packed up and drove out of camp @ 7 a.m. overall, I think a good time was had by all...blackened hot dogs and marshmallows by the fireside seem to make everything better.

day eighteen

...airplanes...

yesterday, I asked Jack: "what would you like to do today?"

his answer: "airport mom."

he has been talking about going to airport for the past 2 days; ever since I told him grandma, Jonna and Taylor were coming to his house on an airplane. so we packed a lunch and and went to watch the planes. he loved watching the BIG planes and was sad he didn't get to ride one. he kept saying, "buy ticket. go on airplane". sorry buddy-no flying. doctor's orders.