Merry and bright

I've finally put my finger on it...

Having this baby girl

makes EVERY day feel like Christmas.

Odds and Evens

I am the 4th child in my family of four. Growing up, I always thought that I was the most like my brother (Mark) that is the second born. My sister and other brother (#1 and #3) seemed to be similar to each other as well. Maybe even the fact that #1 and #3 had red Christmas stockings, and #2 and #4 had green stockings was a subtle influence to me. I'm not even talking just looks or height/build here (although it is true), but certain personality traits just seemed to be shared among the "odds" and the "evens."

I can't help but begin to see the same pattern in my own children. Although each one is completely unique and different for many reasons, I am seeing some similarities and will share a few:

My "Odds":
Burke and Tosh are both generally loud. They talk all the time and have a hard time whispering. They are bright and have amazing memories. They were both very happy toddlers and it was always easy to make them smile or laugh. They are also both skinny-skinny (Tosh still wears a 12-month swimming suit at 2 and 1/2, and I kid you not that just last year Burke was able to squeeze into a 6-12 month size Halloween costume. We both laughed so hard we were crying!). Because these guys are both so verbal, I can use logic to reason with them and when I explain a situation or why we shouldn't do something, they generally comply. Burke has always been very helpful with Tosh (he thinks that everything Tosh does is "hysterical"), and they are very good buddies and nice to each other.

My "Evens":

Granted Liv is still a baby, but Hewitt and Liv are "quiet" and also observant. They are able to entertain themselves instead of relying on me to entertain them. They were more solemn babies and cautious of strangers. I'm sure I've mentioned that they have similar coloring and I think Liv will be strawberry-blonde too. They are my "chubby" babies. I swear that Liv gained a few pounds just yesterday...it's like I put her down for a nap and when she woke up she was so much thicker and heavier. Hewitt had the cutest rosy cheeks as a baby and I am so happy that Liv is filling out more too. Hewitt and Liv are also my snugglers - I love it! These two have such a special little bond and love each other so much. I hope that Hewitt will always look out for Liv and protect her like he does now.

Mid-life musings

My Rob turned 35 last week. Still young by most standards - yes, but as a kid I remember thinking that 35 was officially "old." I am only 6 months younger than Rob, so every year I have the six months between our birthdays to get used to the coming age. Surprisingly this "35" mark has been especially thought provoking for me. I mean, although 35 doesn't exactly mean mid-life anymore (most people live well past 70 these days), I am feeling like I have reached the point in my life where I am past my prime physically. And I admit, it's sort of sad in a way.

The much younger me:


Aging is a strange thing. I believe with all of my heart that God's plan for His children is perfect. I think in His wisdom he intended for us to focus on the more important things as we age...the things that are honest and true, and really mean more to put it simply. There is a reason why the physical beauty of youth is intended to fade. Through this process, the focus on outward beauty shifts inward. Infatuation is trumped by a more selfless, unconditional love, and even impulse, risk and thrill-seeking endeavors are often replaced by serenity, consistency and peace.
Aging and wisdom should go hand in hand, but don't always. I think it is really hard in today's age not to buy into the world's idea of beauty to some degree. Don't we all own some sort of face lotion/eye cream to not only keep our skin healthy, but looking as young as possible as well?

Two examples from the media got me thinking this week and I believe they are both relevant to this topic.

1. The Biggest Loser: A wife of one the contestants (Danny) worries that things will change in their marriage as her husband loses dramatic weight. Will he leave her for someone better looking and let's face it, skinny?

2. Tiger (Cheetah) Woods: Rumor has it he started having affairs when his wife was seven months pregnant. Now, that is just wrong on so many levels.

These examples may be extreme cases, but I have to admit to feeling some frustration over my aging and increasingly aching body. Rob and I had a big discussion about this the other night and I admitted something to him,

"I'm sort of glad you are balding. It makes me feel better about my body and the weight I've gained."

Neither one of us is the person we married. And to be honest, I'm glad. We are better people now, even if we don't look quite the same. It's sort of wonderful and like magic that I love him more and more all the time. I'm lucky that he feels the same way.


So here in my 35th year, instead of freaking out that I'm no longer young and cute, I am going to try to focus more on wiser things, and not about the things I can't control. In addition:

I am going to try not to worry so much about the new wrinkles on my forehead/face. They are mostly hidden by my bangs anyway (A ha! The real reason for the haircut).

I am going to embrace my slowing metabolism and be grateful for the opportunity to learn the value of hard work and persistence that is exercise and eating healthy.

Then there's the gray hair. I can't think of any benefit here... maybe an excuse to get out of the house to get my hair done once in a while? (I actually would really like to be white/silver some day. It looks so distinguished I think, but not while I have a baby for Pete's sake!)

And finally, I am going to take my sore back, neck, and knees as a (not always gentle) reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride!

Thankful

Tonight was our "2nd Annual Gratitude Night." We've been talking about gratitude and "being thankful" during family home evening all month, but tonight we made our "gratitude lists" and topped off the evening with a chocolate (pudding) pie.

Burke chose to illustrate his list:

Burke is thankful for:
Dog, ice cream, soccer, family, Legos, water, trees, happiness, friends, church, temple, home, country, George Washington, candy, cookies, Wii, clothing and the capitol.

I was "scribe" for Hewitt. Hewitt is thankful for:
Parks, cookies, clocks, rocks -"Hey! That rhymes!", Lego Star Wars, Liv, Dad, Burke, Tosh, Mommy, all my family, windows, wind, Tosh's Bear, rainbows, teeth, Liv's toys, trophies, Beckhem, coloring, Uncle Zach, jumping high, teachers, going to school, Ninjas, turkey, cows, celery - "I don't like it, but I'm thankful for it.", chicken, ice cream, hands, colors, crayons, pencils, lights, dark, bedrooms, toys, play, everybody, walls, ceilings, bears, ducks, animals, lying down, church, the microphone you talk through at church, faces, friends, shirts, pants. clothes, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, dolphins, water, the sea, oceans, lakes, TVs, soccer, watching soccer, trampolines, pillows, sleeping, walking and running.

Rob was "scribe" for Tosh. Tosh is thankful for:
Mommy, Liv, Burke, Hewie (Wee Wee), Daddy, Me, Bear, Zach, Sue, Dina (?), Daddy, Mommy, "I'm thankful for Bear.", Zach, "How 'bout, Sue?", Burkie, Hewie, Daddy, Me, Wiggles, Mommy, Daddy, Carter, Mommy, Liv, Daddy, Bear, Toshy, Burkie, Hewie, Liv, chicken, Hewie, Mommy, Bear, Burkie, Mommy, Me, Bear, Burkie, Mommy, Daddy, Bear, What else?, Mommy, "How 'bout Wee Wee?", Zach, Sue, Grandma, Grandpa, Daddy, Me, Daddy, Burke, Bear, Liv, Daddy, Mommy...

Rob and I are grateful for our little "turkeys" among many, many other blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dodgeball

Last night I played dodgeball for the first time since ummm, sixth grade maybe? It was a combined activity for the young women and young men at church. Being one of the new leaders, I wanted to show my enthusiasm and good attitude (cough, cough), so I dressed for the occasion. I raided Rob's drawers and found a "70's looking" numbered basketball jersey, headband and wrist bands. I arrived slightly late and so I missed the rules, but was given a quick rule re-cap which included that if you hit someone in the face then you would be out.

Before I had a chance to do much watching I was thrown into play and this is what I was playing against:

Seriously! Sometimes I wonder if some people could get any more intense when it comes to sports and winning. A couple of 16 and 17 yr-old boys were so into it and quite relentless really. One kid smacked his younger sister in the face so hard (and at a very close range) that I tried to get him pulled from the game. Later, I attempted to explain to these guys that they didn't have to throw the ball as hard as they possibly could, and that how they treated the girls would eventually come back to them. It was a little interesting since just last week I was sitting with these same guys and talking about dating etiquette. The girls were pretty good sports about it, red, swollen faces and all. I can tell you that had I been there at age 15, then I probably would have been out in the hall texting my friends instead of playing for sure.

Anyway, I made a mental note as a "Boy Mom," that I need to teach my boys that games (such as dodgeball), are meant for fun and that taking things too seriously will ruin it, AND make you look lame in front of the ladies in the process...

To be fair, I've seen a lot of recent examples of poor sportsmanship in women too. Maybe you've heard about the women's soccer player from New Mexico (Have you seen these highlights? Crazy!): http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2009/11/new-mexico-womens-soccer-player-elizabeth-lambert-suspended-for-physical-play-vs-byu.html.
And then there was the embarrassing display at my son's soccer game where one mother got upset at an "elbow" to her son and started yelling at the refs and and then at her son to "take out" the opposing player...seriously? My kid is seven. They only thing I'm teaching him to "take out" is the garbage!

I don't know about you, but for me,
Poor Sportsmanship (obnoxious behavior) = Not Cool!
Can't we all just play nice?

Six months of Sunshine

...and I'm not talking about the weather.

Our sweet baby girl is six months old (already?)!

Here she is modeling her signature moves; crossing her ankles (she crosses them while she sleeps even), and doing the "Spidey" with her fingers:

We love you, Livvy!

Help a girl out

Rhetorical question: When you think back to your early dating years, do you:

a. smile
b. laugh
c. groan
d. cringe
e. all of the above

Rob and I are going to be speaking about "dating" to a group of 16 and 17 year-olds next Wednesday. I think we have a pretty good plan in the works, but I would LOVE a little help from you:

Would you be so kind to tell me about a favorite "fun" date that you went on in high school or even college. Please note that I am not interested in the most romantic date you have ever been on (remember this is for 16 and 17 yr-old kids. Hopefully they won't be experiencing their most "romantic" date until they are well into their 20s...).

It would be easy for me to do an internet search and find a list of "fun" or "creative" dating ideas, but I want REAL ideas/examples that you have actually experienced (an e-mail is fine if you aren't comfortable posting a comment). Thanks!

For part of our presentation, I plan on showing these funny photos of what Rob and I looked like back in the spring of 1991. This was Rob, just before prom (look out ladies):

This is me "pretending" to be picking out a dress for the prom (this photo was taken for a local magazine). I didn't really go to the Prom that year as it was 3 weeks before my 16th birthday, and the guy I really liked had a girlfriend anyway... (is anyone else sooo glad to be where they are today instead of 16 again?!)

Learning to jump

Tosh has always been rather coordinated, especially for his age. He is quite fond of jumping off of things (much to my dismay) and I'm continually having to pull him off of couches, counter tops, tables and so on.

We set up our trampoline a few weeks ago and thought that Tosh would be thrilled that we were finally allowing him to have a try at it. Ironically, this child (that I fondly call "Monkey") was afraid to try at first, but he has now taken off! As you might expect, he loves it.

Step One: Tongue out. Essential for any "sporting" event
(a family trait from both sides).

Step Two: Launch (again and again).
Step Three: Enjoy with pure delight.

Step Four: Post-jump rest (and snuggle) with bear.

Creativity

Creativity often looks like this:

Deep in play, with the ability to make a game, story, or friend
out of just about anything.

Creativity often looks like this:

Deep in thought, focused and quiet.

Creativity may also look something like this:

An awesome book titled, "Crewitt Wrestles the Donut Robbers."

What it looks like when creativity is achieved:

A message from Bob and Tammy

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Our family dressed up for a Halloween party tonight. I decided to dress up '50's style and convinced Rob to go along with the theme. I've joked with Rob for years about how funny it would be if we were to start going by "Bob and Tammy." I mean no offense to any Bobs or Tammys out there, but it just doesn't really seem like us, although it does fit the "1950s" us, don't you think? This is really the only pic we got of the two of us tonight, but if you look closely, you will see that Bob (going to stick with this name for the entire post) shaved the top of his head leaving only the sides longer for a really *good* look and had a skinny tie, short pants, white socks, a briefcase, etc.

We took home the prize First Place Trophy! This was made by one of the judges (welded metal) and it's actually pretty cool.

The victory was sort of hollow though as we were the only adults that really dressed up. (This reminded me of winning my prize water bottle.) Sometimes it feels exhausting to be the "new girl." (Sigh.) I assumed that since they announced that there would be prizes for best "adult" costume that there would be others in costume...no just Bob and me and a handful of teenagers. I sort of felt a little nerdy tonight, but I kept reminding myself that feeling nerdy (and a little lonely) was just adding to my character.

Anyway, regarding the costume, I decided to be as authentic to the time period as possible. The earrings were Bob's grandmother's. The pin was my grandma's and the shoes and scarf were ones my mom wore in the 50's. Having bangs also came in handy for completing this look. And, yes, I was going for more of a maternal look (thus no poodle skirts or Letterman's jackets...).




The kids had fun at the party too (until Hewitt got a terrible nose bleed that cut our night a little short). My photos aren't the best as I was losing my light but here are the cute chillins...

Obi Wan Kanobi

Indiana Jones


Superman (notice the curl on the forehead)

Little flower girl

Mommy magic

My kids just pulled out our "magic wand" and top hat that they haven't seen since the move. They've been taking turns doing various magic tricks. I thought I would give it a try and said, "Abracadabra, alaka-ZUP. When I open my eyes these toys will be cleaned UP!" My kids then scurried around the room picking up toys as fast as they could saying, "Don't open your eyes yet, we'll tell you when to look Mom, etc."

They were so cute about my request that I just had to take a second turn. "Aracadabra alaka-ZEET. Now it is time to all have a treat!"

I highly recommend this. Amazing what a little magic can do, isn't it?

Oh and p.s., my favorite singer/songwriter has some stuff up on itunes now. Feel free to check it out if you'd like: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=332952439&s=143441

Looking back

One year ago today I was very sick, in bed with a PICC line/IV in my arm (while my husband was in Costa Rica on business). I've thought a lot this month about where I was a year ago and what a difficult time it was for me and our family. I sort of "missed" autumn altogether last year as I was in bed for most of it.

I still get emotional thinking about the service given to our family during that time and how much I depended on family and such wonderful friends. I will love these women forever! I am pretty sure that this experience (though really a "small" trial compared to many) has made me even more grateful for our sweet baby girl that is, well, the result!

On what may seem like a random note, I'm guessing that many of you have seen the "JK Wedding" video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0
Watching this video (and seeing the entertaining take-off on Jim and Pam's "Office" wedding) gave me the strangest sense of nostalgia and made me teary. I first heard this song ("Forever" by Chris Brown, and sorry that he turned out to be lame in real life...) on SYTYCD and loved it. Anyway, I listened to this song over and over while I was sick last year (thanks again to my sweet 80's clock radio) and it made me so happy and helped me to forget about the constant vomiting and discomfort of pregnancy. Anyway, hearing this song again after not hearing it for so many months made me feel really happy again as well as thankful for such a great family that I plan on keeping forever.

The "Ramones", aka Fun with a wig

So what do you do when it's Fall break (no school for two weeks), and the chores are all done?

Liv is such a good sport. The boys thought that this was hilarious. And yes, her eyebrows looked bright red in contrast to this hair color...

Oh, the simple things that entertain my children and make them giddy with laughter.

A look at five

Five things to help celebrate the day:

1. A trip to the store with Dad to pick out "birthday breakfast." Hewitt's choice: A box of Corn Chex. (Rob also bought donuts)

2. Setting up the trampoline in the backyard (it's finally down in the 80's, yea!).

3. Hot dogs for lunch, and pizza for dinner (Hewitt's two favorites).

4. Family "movie" night.

5. Presents, cake, and ice cream of course.

Hewitt requested a "Star Wars" theme this year:

Happy Birthday Hewitt! We love you.

Dear Rob

Today is becoming one of those days. And it isn't even lunchtime.

If you are reading this, please take note that today would be a good day to bring home flowers.

On second thought, flowers are pretty useless. Bring home a nanny. A nanny that can also act as a referee when necessary.

Now that I think about it, I'd rather have a housekeeper. A housekeeper that not only cleans but picks up, puts away, and does laundry too.

Unless I can have both. Then I'll take both.

While we're at it, throw in a chef, a landscaper, a fix-it guy, and a personal trainer.

Did I miss anything? I'm sure there is something I've forgotten.

And just so you know, I still think the flowers are a good idea.

Love, T.
p.s. Or, you could just come home early.

Deal breaker

Tosh and I made a "deal" this morning:

If he would be happy (and stop whining), then I would make him some chocolate milk (what he was whining about and relentlessly asking for).

and it worked...


...for about as long as the milk lasted.

My girl

I really like the little girl in this photo. I mean, a lot.

It's sort of like when I was a little girl and carried my "baby doll" all around the house kissing, and squeezing, and loving "Baby" more than my mind and heart could comprehend. It's pretty much the same today...well, times a million.


Today was the first time that I really saw myself in Liv. Most people thinks she looks like her father...

What do you think?

This is me with my big brother:


Yup. Same bald head. Same *darling* ears. Similar lips...
(only she's cuter).

Cheating

Some people cheat on their taxes.

Some people cheat on exams.

Some people cheat their employer.

Some people cheat on their spouse.


This morning I cheated on my "resolve to make healthier choices" (better term than diet, yes?) with this:




And wouldn't you know that I didn't even really enjoy the bowl of sugary goodness because I was scarfing it down while the baby fussed and fussed wanting me to pick her up.

Double guilt.

Confession over. Moving forward...