Puppies in the Living Room

So, I think our kids miss having a dog (FYI: Cocoa ran away about 2 months ago)…

Aubrey started it all. She was hiding under the coffee table this morning. She crawled out and said, “I dog!”  Then, she started panting and crawling around.
I played along saying, “come here puppy,” and “good girl,” when she came to me. She even let me pat and scratch her head.
The boys were getting a kick out of watching her and Josh suggested that I record it. She stopped when I pulled out the camera, so Seth got down and joined in to coax her. Hence, the video…

Aubrey Dog

When she was all done, she stood up and said, “I me!” I guess she was telling me that she was herself again. Pretty cute and funny for a 19-month old. We can already tell she is going to be a hoot when she gets older.  :P
P.S. This is the first time I’ve uploaded video. Did it work?

I love to see the temple

"I love to see the temple I'm going there someday.

To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young; This is my sacred duty."

The words of this children's song put in simplest words how special temples are to the LDS faith.  (If you would like to know more about what temples are and why they are special to Mormons, follow this link to a wonderful article all about LDS temples.)

Today, I wanted to remind our kids of that specialness and help them feel the spirit. So, we took an impromptu trip to the temple. We are lucky that the Houston temple is within a half-hour drive of our home. So after church this morning, we grabbed a quick picnic lunch and the camera and headed to the temple. The temple itself is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the temple grounds are open to visitors to visit and walk around. So we sat down by one of the fountains and enjoyed the beautiful day and the peace we felt. I remembered hearing somewhere the idea that if we want our children to grow up and live worthy of entering the temple we need to have it as a daily reminder and goal. What better than a personal picture of the temple to see on a daily basis and be reminded of that goal. So, I took a picture of each of us with the temple. I edited them online with Picnik (which I love), and I want to hang them in our bedrooms.

Later for Family Home Evening, (which we do on Sunday because Aaron has a late night class on Monday) we talked some more about temples and why they are special. I used this lesson for FHE and bore my testimony about temples. Seth told me that he loved being at the temple this afternoon and wanted to go back. That is so great that even at a young age, he can feel the spirit there and wants to return often. We just might have to make this a more frequent family tradition.

It was really neat that Saturday night's session of  Stake Conference was all about temples and temple service. It is probably what sparked the desire to take my family to the temple today. For anyone who wasn't there Saturday, this article sums up what was shared at the adult session at Stake Conference.

Let me finish with a quote by President Howard W. Hunter (from the article). “Let us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship....If we can pattern our life after the Master, and take His teaching and example as the supreme pattern for our own, we will not find it difficult to be temple worthy."

Bubbles and Colored Milk

Almost 2 years ago, I was complaining to Aaron about how hard my day was at home with the kids. All about how so and so did this and it took me FOREVER to do that because so and so was whining and so on. (In my defense, I was transitioning back from being a working mom to a stay-at-home mom.) Very seriously, he looked at me and said, "All you do is complain. Do you even LIKE being at home with our kids?" My snap reaction was "Of course! I love our kids." But it got me thinking. 

I do love my children and love being at home with them.  I also know that it is best for them that I am at home, but somewhere along the way all thar joy and love was missing and I felt negative by the end of everyday. Among many realizations I had that day, one of them was that I was being negative. All day long, I would say no. "No you can't do that. Stop that right now. Leave him alone. Not right now, maybe later." Plus, I was looking at my day from the view of all the things I wasn't doing or couldn't get done because of caring for my children. So, I first made myself look at all of the positives of my day, including but most especially all of the moments I was spending with my kids. I also promised myself that I would say "yes" at least once a day. "Yes, you can eat that with your fingers. Sure, I'll read you that book right now (instead of wash dishes).  Let's have a picnic in the front yard." Gradually, the days got better, and while we still have tough days and tantrums, everyone seems to be more positive. (Well, minus the brotherly "love" fights. I don't think those will go away anytime soon.) If I feel like I'm having a bad day, I try to think of something the kids might enjoy, like a story and cuddle session, a picnic at the park, or a dance party, and it usually makes our day better. So today's "yes" was colored milk and bubbles...

One day, I thought it would be fun to add food coloring to our plain milk. Now, whenever the neighbor kids come over to play I hear, "Can we have colored milk?" (Yeah, I'm the cool mom.) :) So day it was turquoise colored milk with straws. They started to blow bubbles in their milk and my gut reaction was to stop them But instead, I set the ground rules of "no spilling or overflowing," and then let them have fun. They loved it and I feel so much better...

(Plus, won't this be fun for them to remember when they are older?)

Happy Father's Day

So, since it's Father's Day, I thought you might like to hear from my other half, Aaron. His contributions to the blog are usually, "Marissa, you should put that on the blog." So in an effort to elicit more from him, and feeling inspired by Simple Modern Mom's week of dad blog interviews, I borrowed these questions from her (and added a few of my own) in an effort to dig into his dad psyche.

What do you now do that is something you would never thought you would do but have done since becoming a dad?
Touch poop...cleaning up a child who is being potty-trained is horrible

What is your favorite thing to do with your children?
Camping is my favorite way to spend time with my children because we are separated from all distractions. I can concentrate on developing my relationship with each of them.

In your family, what roles or tasks do you have as a father? What are your daddy duties?
work, finances, yard work, and disciplinarian

When it comes to parenting, what are your strengths and weaknesses? What about your wife’s?
 My strengths are providing my children with security, structure, rules, and discipline. Marissa's strengths are providing our children with knowledge, love, kindness, service, sacrifice, and creativity.

What is the best parenting advice you have received?
The best parenting advice I have received came from President Monson, "Don't let the problem to be solved become more important than the people to be loved."

What are your hopes and dreams for your children?
My ultimate hope for my children is that they are strong, righteous, and temple worthy, with a love of God and life.

What do you love most about each of your children?
 I love Seth's creativity, imagination, desire for learning, and sensitivity to the spirit. I love Josh's wit, sense of humor, strength, and the way he challenges the reason for things. I love Aubrey's smile, laughter, and the way she looks at me when I dance with her.

What would your ideal Father's Day be like?
 Yummy breakfast, clean house, and a whole day to spend with my family.

What is something you learned from your father that has helped you as a father?
 My dad was always there for me when I needed him and I will do the same for my children.

What is some fatherly advice that you hope to impart to your children?
Take pleasure in the small things

Thanks Aaron! We love you and we know that you love us. I am so thankful to be married to such an amazing man. You are a wonderful husband and father. We are also thankful for all of the other great fathers out there, especially our fathers (a.k.a. Grandpa P. and Grandpa C.). Thank you for all you do for all of your children and grandchildren. Happy Father's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

I love Mother's day. Not only because my incredible husband likes to make breakfast in bed and take care of other "motherly" responsibilities for me, but because my two normally wild and crazy little boys like to be extra sweet on Mother's day. Seth made me an incredibly cute thumbprint coaster at school. Josh drew me a picture of the two of us together. When I asked why my hair was standing straight-up he said "We are swimming and your hair is all wiggly in the water," as he waves his arms in the air, imitating my "hair." So cute!

After church, my boys presented me with two worksheets of "All About Mom," which they apparently did during Primary. Whoever had this idea, I thank you. It was hilarious reading these. So funny that I want to share their responses with you. Before I told the boys what my real favorites were, Aaron also took the "test."

All About Mom
1. How do I show Mom I love her?
Josh: Play games with her
Seth: By kissing her
Aaron: Tell her how pretty she is, that I love her, and kiss her

2. My favorite thing to do with my mom is:
J: play games
S: play games
A: date night, going to the temple, and sharing books

3. Her favorite color is:
J: Green and black
S: Purple
A: Purple
*Everyone's right--purple, green, and hot pink/fuschia

4. Her favorite food is:
J: waffles
S: pizza
A: baked potato, and Chick-fi-la
*Aaron's right on this one. I love potatoes in any form and Chick-fi-la nuggets and sandwiches.

5. If she had extra time, she likes to:
J: play games
S: sleep
A: sleep, scrapbook, craft, read
*All of the above

6. When Mom grows up she wants to be a:
J: Doctor
S: Supermodel
A: Teacher
*When my kids are older, I'd love to go back to teaching again.

7. Mom's favorite book is:
J: Superhero
S: Cooking
A: Harry Potter
*I have lots of favorites including the Harry Potter series, but Seth hit it on the nose. 90% of the books I check out from the library are cookbooks and I usually read them cover to cover!

8. Mom laughs when:
J. I tickle her on the leg
S: I'm silly
A: Our kids say funny things
*All of the above

9. Mom is ____ years old.
J: 18
S: 28 (He wrote the 2 backwards and the teacher thought he wrote 58!)
A: 27*

10. What Mom loves the most is:
J: video games
S: me
A: fun time with family & girls' night out
*What I love the most is my family!

I love it! These were so much fun to read. Apparently, I love to play games and sleep! Also, I am so flattered that Josh thinks I'm only 18 and that Seth thinks I could be a supermodel. It's great to have your kids tell you that you're young and beautiful. It probably won't last forever, but I can bask in the glow for now. :)

To all you mothers, including my own, Happy Mother's Day!  Thank you for all you do. Your quiet daily acts of service and love for your family make the world a better place now and in the future. No one can take your place. Thank you!

Halloween and Thanksgiving (a.k.a. catching up on the blog)

Okay, Okay,...I know. I'm way behind on the blog. So here is a brief catch up before I blog about Christmas.

We were all skeletons for Halloween this year, well...except for Aaron, who decided he would rather be a pirate. So when anyone asked us, Aaron said that we were (get this) Captain Jack and his "skeleton crew." (Actually, my idea...)

I made most of our costumes. Using some old and new pieces of black clothing, I painted the bones with white acrylic paint on the clothes, (fairly easy--just time consuming). I actually found Aubrey's outfit (our inspiration) at Wal-mart for a few dollars. I made the bow and headband and added some black tights.  We bought Aaron's pirate gear at the Dollar Tree.  I was able to deck out the entire family for less than $20!

Thanksgiving was an interesting time for us this year.  On Thanksgiving Day, we went to Victoria for a "family reunion" with some of Aaron's cousins. If I understand correctly, they are his mom's cousins. I think. Anyway, it was fun to get to meet them and visit.

Joshua enjoyed himself when he was offered a WHOLE turkey leg.

He dug right in and ate at least half of it. Everyone was laughing, taking picture of him, and cheering him on. We all thought it was hilarious that this little 3 year-old was devouring a turkey leg (although I wasn't too surprised that he could do it--he's always been an eater).

The next day, we went to see my sister in East Texas. I woke up that morning not feeling well and half-way through our 4 hour drive, I realized I had food poisioning or some sort of stomach virus. Let's just say it was not a pleasant drive, nor a pleasant day. Aaron went hunting with his Uncle Len, while poor Rachelle was doing her best to take care of me. Saturday, I felt much better and was able to spend some time with Rachelle and Carlos before we had to leave.  We ended our trip with a game of Putt-Putt golf. Like I said, it was an interesting time...  :)

Bows and Bums

Some of the women in our ward at church meet together for a creativity group. We get to make things and learn new skills. Last time I went I learned woodburning, which I enjoyed and did pretty well.  This week Lisa taught us how to make boutique hair bows.  I was so excited because I now have a daughter that I can make girly things for! Lisa, if you read this let me just say "You rock!" I am so glad I learned how to do it but it is hard work. It will definitely take practice and time before my bows are "boutique-worthy." So here is my first attempt. Drum roll please...

Ta-Da! I'm proud of it.  Although, looking at it now in some of the pictures it seems to be a little bit sad.  As I was wrapping the bow, the top loops fell a little flat, so it kind of looks like a butterfly. But, it's not too bad for my first bow.  It is a dark purple ribbon (even though it looks blue in the pics) and I just clipped it onto a stretchy headband so Aubrey could wear it. (My poor baby has nothing but fuzz.) Maybe if I make a bunch of these she'll look more like a girl. When, I put the bow on her, she just started grinning. Then when, I pulled out the camera to start taking photos, it was almost like she was posing for me.  It was so cute! I think she likes it!

Meanwhile...Joshua is using the bathroom while I'm taking pictures of Aubrey. He finishes and comes out into the living room. He gets this puzzled look on his face and says "What?! My pants are wet?!" We confirmed that it wasn't an accident and that he must have set his shorts down in a puddle from the bathtub. So, he grabs a stool from the kitchen and turns on the living room fan. Then, he positions himself underneath the light/fan like this...

"What in the world are you doing?" I asked.  "I'm drying my butt," he replied matter-of-factly.  Oh, I love my children.  The funny thing is that after about 5 minutes of holding this pose, he butt was indeed dry!

Dennis the Menace

We never know what is going on in Joshua's little brain. For example, I sent him to his room to take a nap one afternoon. After a period of silence (which could be good, but usually it's bad), I went in his room to find him like this... He had taken off his underwear and put it on his head, put both legs into one leg of his shorts, and had his arm around a random diaper (I have no idea where he got it). And that is how he fell asleep!

When Seth was little and into everything, we joked that he was a little Dennis the Menace. Boy, were we clueless as to true mischief! We have decided that Joshua is truly our "Dennis the Menace." "Dennis the Menace" is even one of his favorite movies (probably a bad idea to show him that one), he loves to say "Hey, Mr. Wilson!", and he even looks a little like Dennis. He's always into something or doing something crazy. He can open nearly any child-proof lock, including medicine. He is just a boy through and through. I always have my hands full with him. My favorite picture of Josh is when he was two, we found him under the kitchen table (still his favorite hiding spot) with his hand in a jar of peanut butter, PB all over his face and this devilish grin. Little did I know it was a foreshadow of many incidences to come. Heavenly Father definitely blessed me with Joshua to keep me active and to enjoy the fun and curiosity of childhood. I'm sure it was also to teach me true patience. At least that's what I keep telling myself...

In Mommy's Words

Aaron and I had a good laugh, last night. We had just finished family home evening and it was time for the boys to go to bed. Joshua kept telling us that he couldn't go to bed because it wasn't dark yet outside (it was about 8:15). Aaron looked at Josh and in his most serious voice said, "Joshua, it is time for bed. That's it. This is not up for discussion or debate. What Mommy and Daddy say is final. It's law." Joshua just looked at him, completely puzzled and said, "What did you say?" We both started laughing and realized that our three-year-old probably had no clue what any of what Aaron just said meant. So, I turned to Josh and said, "Daddy said that it is time for bed. No arguing allowed." You could see the light go on in Josh's eyes and he turned to Aaron and said, "Say it like that, Daddy." So, after we stopped laughing, Aaron repeated himself in "Mommy's Words." Then, Josh said, "Okay," and willingly went and got ready for bed. Sometimes mommies just say it better. :)