Life at 169

The opposite of "scraggly"

2012-02-07T18:57:00.004-07:00

Thanks, Aunt Kayli

2012-02-06T08:42:00.002-07:00

Aunt Kayli made Lady Harriet a hat.
I love it.

It matches this dress perfectly.
Unfortunately, I had this dress hanging up and forgot about it. This is the second time Lady Harriet has worn it--and the last. Size 18 month just doesn't fit around her--adorable chubster that she is.

Thanks for the hat, Aunt Kayli! It's delicious!!

Eli is macho.

2012-02-04T15:51:00.003-07:00

Eli to me: "Mom, if you cut me open you would find so many way big muscles!!"

Startling!

2012-02-02T00:06:00.001-07:00

I french braided. Don't pass out from the shock. Miriam wants her hair really long so we had a discussion centering on the word "scraggly." As in, "If your hair looks scraggly every single day then it will be chopped off." And so, I have to learn how to do hair. Sigh. And she has to learn how to let me without weeping and/or wailing until she can do it herself. When will she be able to do it herself????

Lady Harriet has RSV

2012-02-01T20:04:00.002-07:00

Harriet is doing better today. Yesterday she was MISERABLE and when I took her to the doctor they couldn't get an oxygen reading over 86, so they did a breathing treatment in the office and sent her home when her reading hit 90. (I'm putting all that in for the medically inclined. I don't really understand what it all means except she's having a hard time breathing.) Yesterday, any time she was in a resting position she fell asleep--so listless--plus a fever. Oh yeah, she also has a double ear infection. Yeah.

Last night I woke her up at midnight because her breathing sounded so labored, and cleaned out her nose. We put her to sleep in a playpen in our room so I could listen to her and around 3:00 her breathing seemed to get a little easier.

She's felt a lot better today. Her fever is down and she actually drank two bottles (yeah!). She's still spending most of her time sleeping, but she looks better and acted happier. We're giving her medicine for the ear infections and doing breathing treatments every six hours.

Eli and Emeline also have ear infections and pretty much everyone is GRUMPY.

And that's my update.

Wupatki Pueblo During Our Phoenix Trip

2012-02-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we took a trip to Gilbert, AZ the week after Christmas for my sister Amy's wedding. We had a lovely time. Since we don't vacation much (ever), we wanted to do something to make it feel more like a family vacation so we took the trip in two days and on one of the days we stopped at Wupatki Pueblo National Monument and Sunset Crater. Good times.

The above picture is looking down at what archeologists think is some sort of sporting arena.

Miriam, the ruins, and some strangers.

Eli.

The above pic is Emeline walking into what archeologists think is a place where the pueblo peoples held religious observances.

The above picture pretty much captures Cowen's attitude toward life.

Eli.

Harriet Loves Eli

2012-01-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

I recognize, Dad, that many of these pics are almost identical. I know, I know. However, each expression is so perfect I just couldn't help myself.

Love these two.

Best Pic Ever Taken

2012-01-29T18:23:00.003-07:00

Tim is A Man

2012-01-29T12:35:00.002-07:00

We give our kids an allowance once they turn 3. Today I gave out the allowances, helped kids pay tithing, etc., and they all begged to go to a store to spend their moula (sp).

I ended up taking Cowen, Emeline, and Eli to Toys-R-Us with me and Timothy took Miriam and Harriet to Lowe's (Miriam was in trouble for dawdling during her chores *surprise* so wasn't allowed to go to the toy store). Eli and Cowen learned pretty quick that they didn't have enough money for anything they wanted. This was Eli and Cowen's first allowance spending trip because Cowen spent all of last year saving up $50 to buy a mountain bike (we paid for half and he paid for the other half). Emeline is a veteran campaigner and held onto her money so she could get what she wanted next month, but Eli and Cowen decided to pool their resources to buy this pack of 4 little nerf guns that shoot three bullets apiece.

We brought the guns home and I opened the box and put in the bullets but couldn't figure out how to get it to shoot (I would have eventually), so I said to Timothy, "Do you know how to work these things?"

To which he replied, "Yes. I am a man."

Uh, right. You can prove it to me later tonight, big boy. I mean, man.

Poor Cowen

2012-01-28T14:11:00.002-07:00

On Friday I took the kids to Megan's house. Lindsay was there babysitting when I first arrived and Megan got there a little while later. The kids had a great time. They went sledding, they played with the new castle toys, they dressed up like Vikings, and played Dance Revolution (not as Vikings).

Before we left, Megan cut up apples for all the kids as a snack. Cowen was downstairs when the apples were eaten so he didn't get any.

When it was time to go and I managed to get my children into the van, Cowen noticed that Miriam had snagged three apple slices on her way out. He and Emeline were both outraged, but while Emeline eventually let it go, Cowen did not. He cried (loudly--as only passionately outraged 6 year old boys can), he stomped his feet, he in general made himself unpleasant. I tried to jolly him out of it then gave up on that and stopped the van and threatened to whack him with the ice scraper (if it worked for Uncle Denver . . .).

Cowen stopped crying, but as I started the van again he said, "Fine, I'm just the useless boy that no one bothers to feed."

If you'd ever hefted this kid you would question the veracity of his alleged starvation.

Christmas in Pictures

2012-01-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Christmas morning stockings--2011

Santa brought Harriet a doll. She really liked it.

Santa also brought a bunch of those balloons with elastic. They were a huge hit.

Miriam is holding up a mini horse (Schleich) but with Ruth's head in that spot, it is hard to tell.

Eli was super excited about his mommy and baby horse.

I gave Kami a shoebox full of costume patterns. I'm a good sister. Plus, I got them for free.

Santa gave all the kids a big red barn and a tub of animals. They've played with it pretty much non-stop since Christmas morning.

Still has her doll.

All my children, except Eli, have a book featuring their name. I'm still working on Eli.

Dad and his books. And bow.

Merry Christmas!

More Christmas Eve

2012-01-22T17:32:00.004-07:00

Lady Harriet with Uncle Ethan.

Nice hat, Leo.

Elena really wanted to be a sheep for the Nativity but she was sad that she didn't have a costume. Grandma came up with cotton ball idea and everyone was happy.

An angel proclaiming the good news.

The laughter in the above picture is because we failed to procure an appropriate baby Jesus for the Nativity so Grandma picked up a random toy (not humanoid), wrapped the toy in baby Ruth's blanket and handed the package to "Mary."

Mary and Joseph.

Dad narrated.

Isabel and Emeline were the angels. There were a lot of comments about irony when Isabel was given the part of angel.

Ana was a wise woman.

Cowen was a shepherd.

Lovely time.

Random Pics

2012-01-18T13:21:00.004-07:00

See that bookshelf? The one above the dresser? I bought that at Ikea yesterday.

It is supposed to somehow, magically, solve the problem you see in the pic below.

Tonight I will spend a few hours rearranging and with the help of some magic fairy dust, maybe I'll be able to find everything a place. Off the floor, preferably.

Below you will see a few pics of my new glasses. You're welcome, Kayli.

I'm still hoping I'll be able to wear contacts again and my glasses will decorate my shelf.

There has been a definite lack of "greatest snow on earth" around here. My kids do what they can with what white stuff they can find. And yes, Miriam is in short sleeves, but really, the weather around here has been downright balmy. Marchish, even.

Word-of-the-Year

2012-01-10T23:31:00.003-07:00

(Lady Harriet is perfect.)

I was reading a friend's blog and she posted "work" as her word-of-the-year. I shuddered. Different people need different words. My word of the year: grace. Kami Sue was just telling me, again, today that I am too hard on myself and I think she is right. When I go to bed at night I review in my head all the things I did wrong and all the things I left undone. I rarely celebrate or even acknowledge the things I did right. President Monson said, in his ABC article in the Ensign, that A is for attitude and C is for courage. I need to change my attitude. I need to let myself be human. I need to remember that every once in awhile I do okay.

I also need courage--courage to keep trying, like President Monson said. Also, courage to let some things go. Courage to simplify.

But what I need most is to give myself some grace, and to remember that the Savior gives me grace because He knows I can't be perfect right now and it doesn't bother Him. Maybe I won't be able to cut down on the responsibilities that I have (and maybe I will), but either way I need to cut down on the stress and I can do that by not expecting to be perfect in all things at all times. So, grace. My word-of-the-year.

Christmas Eve Pajamas

2012-01-08T21:55:00.005-07:00

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas at Grandma Rasmussen's with baby bro Ethan (pictured below), baby sis Lindsay and her family, and Kami Sue and her family. It was a lovely time.

Isabel, Elena, Ana, Sebastian

Cowen, Eli, Miriam, Harriet (don't miss her--she's camouflaged), and Emeline

Miriam loved her pajamas so much she jumped for joy. Flower power, baby.

Eli's Observation

2012-01-06T16:56:00.002-07:00

Today Eli said to me, for the first time, "Mom, you're weird."

And I said, "Me??? Jack Rasmussen's daughter weird???? Oh contraire, little man, contraire." Or something like that.

As for the other kids, they call me weird on a routine basis. I have no idea what they're referring to. None.

And if you haven't started listening to the pandora station, "Children's Folk Songs," you should. It promotes good things. Like dancing around and singing and Eli running around the house to find me and tell me that he knows this one.

In other news, while I'm rambling along, I declared today a cleaning day. I put Miriam in charge of taking all the books off our billy budd bookshelf and dusting and replacing the books. What a mistake. She's read the back cover of almost every book on the shelves and approximately 8 hours later she's not finished. However, she does have a great little stack of books to read. All of which I approve--they are mine. The ironic thing is that I put her in charge because I have felt a magnetic pull to a certain book for a few days now and I thought if I avoided the bookshelf I could restrain myself. Odds are that despite our dissimilar appearance, Miriam and I are related.

Cowen has been in charge of numerous projects. He's currently cleaning out the garbage can in the tub. It's fun to watch a 6 year old boy sans shirt and socks, with his pants rolled up to his knees, attacking a garbage can. There are a lot of "hi-yahs!"emanating from his direction and rag slapping sounds. He's thorough, if aggressive. He's making some Indian war cry sounds now--it is hard to type and laugh.

Emeline has officially graduated to dish washer. She's taken over lunch. Lovely. She's a pro already.

As for me, I washed all the walls in the kitchen, washed the oven and oven racks, and scrubbed the walls in the hall. I also cleaned the top of my fridge (I was thinking of you the whole time, Lindsay Ann). I'm pretty much amazing. That's why Timothy is bringing ice cream home. We need to celebrate our general awesomeness.

Have a lovely Friday and the rest of the weekend. Go do something weird. Or turn on pandora and dance around. Or clean your oven. Or have your young son clean a garbage can. All these activities guarantee a good time. Hi-yah!

Things I Heard Today

2012-01-06T15:46:00.002-07:00

Cowen was refusing to eat a tuna fish sandwich today. Emeline said to him, "Cowen, try it! Maybe you forgot what they taste like. They are delicious!"

Eli was looking for his buddies when he woke up from his nap. He found me in the kitchen after searching the house and said, "Where are the rest of our kids?"

Lady Harriet has a stocking

2012-01-05T21:51:00.001-07:00

The little elf girl cost me a fortune but it sure turned out cute!

Eli Turned 3

2012-01-04T22:13:00.006-07:00

Eli really likes dinosaurs, so he got a dinosaur birthday cake. He really liked it.

I really like Eli. I smooch him all the time.

Yes, he is left-handed.

Eli got a book about a brave cowboy who does all sorts of awesome things. He opened the book first so I could read it to him before he opened his other presents.

The book talked a lot about the brave cowboy's two-holster belt.

And the brave cowboy's horse.

It did not, however, mention the brave cowboy's mama. An oversight.

Sibling Presents

2011-12-29T08:35:00.004-07:00

He saw me at the last minute and instead of a natural picture I got an "expression."

This year, the kids all made each other presents instead of buying them. We chose a maniacally busy year to try it, but Timothy and I were both very pleased with the results. Mainly, the kids put a lot more thought and time into the presents they gave.

Cowen made Miriam a string art thing.

What would a blog post be without Cowen posing like this?

She's too fat for the chimney (or crawling, apparently).

Harriet's still the happiest baby I've ever been around. She didn't participate in the gift-giving, but she loved the wrapping!

Miriam made Eli a cape aka Ranger cloak. If you STILL haven't read the Ranger's Apprentice series, for heaven's sake do so.

Eli made Emeline a cage--for bunnies especially, but also for whatever other small objects she wishes to enclose.

Emeline made Cowen an airplane.

Timothy did a lot of the prep work, so to speak. He's the man. Or, the dad, rather.

I think this is a tradition we'll be continuing. However, in the future the kids will draw names at the beginning of November instead of December so we can simplify our December a little bit. How long do they call RS presidents???

Random Assortment

2011-12-28T11:05:00.003-07:00

Annual Nutcracker outing.

Eli has been weaning himself (unsuccessfully) off his nap. I find him in the oddest places totally zonked.

Hair growing-out update. This pic is actually a month or so old, and while it looked not-too-bad in these pics, it is currently terrible. Why do I continue to torture myself when I look so cute with 2 inch long hair? I don't know. Yet I am.

In other self-deprecating news, my hair is awful, my skin has freaked out this winter and I have irritated red patches all over my face AND I gained back the ten pounds I lost so now my outfit for Amy's wedding no longer fits. Grr.

Someday I will conquer stress eating.

In the meantime--what to wear to the wedding??

Hanging Out

2011-12-27T10:57:00.002-07:00

Love.

Belated Halloween

2011-12-26T09:18:00.003-07:00

Harriet was almost too big for our traditional "first-Halloween" costume.

Eli, appropriately enough, was a clown. Beckie made this outfit for Timothy and he wore it when he was 2. Love the history.

Miriam read the Harry Potter series during the summer so it wasn't surprising that she wanted to be Harry. I kept trying to get her to be Ron because of the hair and I like him so much more, but Miriam would have none of it.

It is a well-known fact that Timothy is in charge of costumes. I think Halloween is a waste of effort--but Timothy loves costumes (I was going to say dressing up, but that sounded all wrong).

Okay, yeah, I put Emeline's ballerina costume together. I had tights for her but she said she wanted to be warm. In capris. Hmm.

Cowen' costume is all Timothy. Notice the footwear. Apparently ninjas wear special shoes. Heaven forbid Cowen should have inauthentic shoes for a Halloween costume. Timothy made them.

Happy Halloween--next year. Or something.

Emeline: A Study

2011-12-22T22:18:00.004-07:00

Medical Personnel

2011-12-17T21:36:00.003-07:00

When someone is bleeding it is always nice to have medical personnel on hand. Now, in the normal run of things, I consider people like my mom to be medical personnel. Basically, anyone who knows how to clean a minor, kid-type wound without gagging or passing out. I can do it, mind you, but I prefer to not do it whenever possible.

However, when your daughter heads out to the van from a party and then comes back in a little while later sobbing (loudly) and limping and basically acting like she is dying (she's a touch dramatic--have no idea where she gets it from) and then you notice that her wrist has a very strange looking bump underneath the blood, there is something very comforting in the words, "Myles, go get your mom." Soothing to the soul, I tell you. Because my sister Megan is serious medical personnel.

Upon first inspection Dr. Megan thought Miriam's wrist was broken, but after Miriam finally consented to try to move all the parts of her hand, the general diagnosis (by then Aunt(ish) Heidi and Uncle(ish) Matt were also evaluating) was that there was just a lot of swelling. She had gouged a bit of skin out of her hand and her knee had a pretty fantastic scrape--but no doctor-that-requires-monetary-payment was required. Yeah.

When we got home, we put her to bed and put some ice on her hand, as per our medical personnel's instructions. Thank you, Megan and Heidi!

PS As a sidenote, after the whole incident Cowen decided (on the way home) that he wanted to be a doctor. Guess he's a blood and guts guy.

PPS The other day was Miriam's Book Club. Usually I drop Miriam off and then the rest of us go hang out at a park until she is done. When I told Cowen that we weren't going to a park this month, but were instead staying at the lady's house and playing in a toy room, he was upset.

Cowen: "Why can't we go to a park?!"

Me: "It's too cold."

Cowen: "It's not that cold!!"

Me: "You're right, but it is too cold for Harriet."

Cowen: "Why?"

Me: "Because when you are at a park you run around a lot and your muscles get all warm from the exercise and you don't get cold. But Harriet doesn't do that." (Forgive me medical people--I'm sure it is something like that.)

Cowen: "Then why don't you run around with Harriet?"

Me: "Because she still wouldn't be using her own muscles."

Cowen: "Then why don't you eat her?"

Me: ????

Two Funnies

2011-12-01T07:52:00.004-07:00

After dinner the other night, Timothy and I happened to pass each other while carrying things to the kitchen. Timothy kissed me as he passed and Emeline, who was still at the table, said, "Mom is so lucky."

Timothy's adoration of Emeline has always been reciprocated.

Last night Miriam gave the lesson for Family Home Evening. She, and the other children she rounded up to help her, performed three skits about how you can remain faithful. The first skit involved a bookstore where Miriam and Emeline noticed that Cowen was stealing a book so they beat on him until he agreed to not steal it. Then, in true Christian charity, they gave him the money to buy the book. I loved the beating part.

The second skit got a little out of hand because Cowen didn't want to be the bad guy again (Miriam had cast him as the bad guy for all three skits) so Timothy was the bad guy. Very, very funny--but not quite as the director wanted so some contention arose.

But the highlight of the evening, for me, was Miriam's closing prayer in which she said, "We are grateful that I had such a wonderful lesson prepared." Amen, little sister.

Parental Rights

2011-11-29T13:08:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure where I am with this. Anyone with an opinion? I do think all the stories they tell (and the ones they put in the video are just the icing on the cake--I've been following this movement for a few years now) are scary and I do think the UN treaty is a terrible idea. However, in general, I am pretty much against amending the constitution. So I'm torn. Any thoughts?

Kids Are Funny

2011-11-23T22:18:00.002-07:00

Eli ran to me, in tears, and said: "Emeline pushed me down when I pushed myself down and I bonked myself." This illustrates why I don't get after kids for things I don't see happen.

Eli says a lot of very cute things but the cutest is when he wants a hug or kiss. He says, "Mom, I want a kiss of you." Or, "Mom, I want a hug of you."

Lady Harriet has discovered standing. Her favorite place to stand is on her changing table, holding onto the bunk bed rails. (No, she can't pull herself up and yes, I stay right by her.) I've never seen such a self-aware baby. It is clear when she is standing that she not only thinks it is fun, but that she is quite pleased with herself. Even Cowen noticed. He was watching her standing there and growling happily and said, "She thinks she's a rock star." Astute observation, Cowen.

Other Harriet tidbits. Harriet now weighs 21 lbs at 9 months old. She's by far my chubbiest baby. To think she started out 5 lbs! She's in the 50% for height (so she's grown taller since her last visit) and in the 80% for weight. With the chubby factor on top of her being in cloth diapers because she's allergic to disposable diapers, she's in 18 month and 24 month pants--just to get clothes that fit around her. Then we roll up the legs a half dozen times.

Harriet shows no interest in crawling, mostly, I think, because she rolls wherever she wants to go. She loves to walk with us holding her hands. That makes her growl like crazy--a sure sign she's enjoying herself. Her other favorite activities are clapping and playing peek-a-boo. Eli is her favorite person--he comes into sight and she starts to belly laugh. She rarely cries but growls (a lot), giggles, laughs, and says da-da.

Eli is hilarious. His personality reminds me of his Aunt Kayli as they are both a bit on the spastic/hilarious side. For example, when we went as a family to the dino museum Eli was quite scared of the skeletons and robotic dinosaurs inside. I was worried that he would be even more scared of the statues outside because they look more real. When we walked outside he went over to the first statue--a t-rex eating another dinosaur. He looked at it for a second then suddenly he looked terrified. He stuck out his arms in front of him and sort-of crouched backwards and yelled, "They gonna get me, Mom! They gonna get me!" Then he started laughing so hard that he fell over.

The other day at lunch he asked for a drink, so I filled up a cup and started to give it to him. Then I started singing about his cup to the tune of "Hello, Dolly." You know, along the lines of, "Here's your cup, Eli. I filled it to the top, Eli," etc., and I kept handing it to him and then taking it away again for more of my song and dance routine. He was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe. So funny.

Cowen and Miriam played a Lord of the Rings game with their dad and when Cowen was telling me about it later I was very confused. He kept saying one of his friends was a "dorf." I finally figured out he was saying "dwarf." Very funny. He is meeting with a speech person next Wednesday. Do all mothers feel a bit sad when their little guys have to learn to speak normally? I miss Cowenese (Cowen's first language) and I will miss words like "dorf."

And lastly, I have to brag a little bit about how well Cowen and Emeline took care of Eli today. I was in the kitchen making a pie and listening to my favorite pandora station (choral music) when I glanced out the window to check on the kids. They were in the garden. Eli had his pants around his ankles and Emeline was very kindly helping him pee outside (apparently she didn't think he'd be able to aim on his own). Then Cowen pulled his pants up for him. Hilarious, but still tender. (Miriam was at the Nutcracker with her dad--more on that when I can post pics again.)

Miriamism

2011-11-16T20:34:00.002-07:00

I told Miriam that I had signed her up to perform in a children for children benefit concert. She waved her arm artlessly and said, "That's good. I have been on the stage more than Cowen."

Where does she get this stuff?

Boys Say Funny Thing

2011-11-11T16:57:00.003-07:00

Cowen to me: "My eyes hurt. Probably because I had to look so much [at the dino museum]."

Eli came storming into the house and slammed the back door. I said, "Eli, what's the matter? Did Patsy jump on you?"

Eli replied, "No, she wouldn't answer me!"

I'd be upset too.

Things I've Heard Today

2011-11-08T18:26:00.002-07:00

We painted pumpkins today. Well, the kids did. I was making dinner. They had a great time and I had fun listening to them. Then I heard this:

Eli to Timothy: "Dad, look at my scary pumpkin. It so scary I go jump out of my seat and run away from my pumpkin!"

I've made artwork that scary too.

Later that night I was in a different room from the rest of the family and I heard this:

Timothy to Miriam: "What if there was a country called Outlandia and the people there were Outlandish."

Then Timothy chuckled, but Miriam did not. A few minutes later Miriam found me and said, "Mom, what if there was a country called Outlandia and the people there were Outlandish." Then she paused for a minute with a hopeful/confused/embarrassed look on her face and then she said, "It's a joke."

Are you sure?

Lady Harriet

2011-10-31T12:10:00.000-06:00

Lady Harriet is a confection in pink. Yes, this is what she's wearing to Aunt Amy's wedding. She will steal the show. Or, as Kayli says, she'll be the Pippa.

Emeline, Cowen, and Eli

2011-10-31T06:30:00.000-06:00

Emeline was fantastic. The boys . . ..

Eli at the ER

2011-10-30T23:04:00.002-06:00

While we were at Grandma Young's house today, Eli found some excedrin. He had no trouble opening the bottle and he came and found me, his mouth open and tongue hanging out, gagging on a chewed up pill. Not so tasty.

We weren't sure how many he'd eaten (if any) so Timothy called poison control and they said to take him to the ER in 3 hours to get his blood tested.

I took him--but the ER doc said you test the blood in 4 hours so we were there a. very. long. time.

Eli was a champ. He and I read books in the waiting room (which was hilarious because he was totally getting into the Birthday Monsters and kept saying loudly in his new, weird, monsterish voice--"oh, those monsters!"). We investigated the patient room. He played with the buttons on the ancient tv in the room. We sang some halloween songs. And we distracted him from the poke in his arm by showing him the "goblin blood" coming out. He thought that was cool. He thought the blue bandage around his arm was even cooler.

Glad he's okay. Hope the prediction he made when I was buckling him up in the van doesn't come true. Eli: "Now it Emeline turn go to hostipal."

No, no, and no.

Miriam AKA Poser et al

2011-10-30T18:40:00.003-06:00

Timothy and I are two months shy of 10 years. We thought we'd celebrate by taking a pic.

Then we decided there are better ways to celebrate.

Then we smooched Harriet.

Miriam thinks she's America's Next Top Model.

Family Picture Attempt

2011-10-30T17:07:00.006-06:00

Attempting family pictures with five kids is . . . courageous.

My FIL gave it his best but we really needed another person to attract the children's attention. Still, despite that, some of the kids looked cute some of the time!

Things I've Heard Around Here Lately

2011-10-27T23:35:00.002-06:00

Eli to me: "Mom, where my brother to kill? We play bad guys and house."

I'm still confused about the house part.

A very exasperated Cowen to Patsy: "Wilson remembers why I come out here every morning. Don't you remember why I came out yesterday? I fed you!!!!"

I think Cowen was a bit tired of Patsy attacking him with a frisbee in her mouth wanting to play fetch. He sounded . . . a lot like I sound when I get after my kids. Strange.

Montage Of Pics That Have Nothing To Do With Each Other

2011-10-23T14:53:00.004-06:00

Eli wears underwear on his head a lot. He calls the underwear his "helmet."

Timothy turned 32 in August. We did celebrate, I'm pretty sure. It is all very vague. I do remember, however, that he wanted a banana bread cake with a layer of nutella and cream cheese frosting. Tasty!

Coming home from somewhere after we ate his birthday cake. Where did we go? With whom did we party???

Present excitement.

Harriet and Baby Ruth (Lindsay's baby girl--a brown-eyed redhead)

Harriet hardly ever cries--usually only when Eli is nearby--so sometimes I forget all about laying her down for her naps. And then I find her looking like this.

Napping on the big bed.

I like this picture because Timothy looks so uncharacteristically mean, or sullen, or something. He's weirdy-eyed. Watch out. Actually, I like the picture because Timothy is holding Harriet.

And now I think I'm all caught up on the pics I've been meaning to post on the blog. Maybe. I'm going to go through them one more time just in case, but I think I'm all caught up.

Miriam

2011-10-21T19:16:00.001-06:00

This week Miriam quoted Margaret Mead to me. Something about not judging people. Last week she said, "Well, you know what Benjamin Franklin said about curiosity," and proceeded to tell me what he said about curiosity.

I think Miriam is a bit of a curiosity.

Young Family Bike Ride in Park City-2011

2011-10-17T06:51:00.000-06:00

When Timothy were first married, Timothy's dad, Kenny, planned a family bike ride in Park City. I loved it. It was so lovely. We went through fields full of cows and it was all very scenic.

I've been harassing him ever since to take me again.

As you are all aware, a family bike ride when the youngest participant is about 10 (Tim's baby brother, Eric, was around 10 when we first got married) is MUCH EASIER TO PLAN than a family bike ride with 5 children age 8 and under.

Kenny pulled it off though.

Kenny borrowed several bikes, including one for me (yes, I do have a bike but Timothy stripped all my components because they were nicer than his--I didn't mind as I don't care much about the differences between bike components) and two bike trailers for Emeline, Eli, and Harriet. We put Emeline and Eli together, despite a little squishiness, and kept Harriet in her car seat in the other one. I can't believe we didn't get a pic of her--she looked adorable.

Cowen rented this bike for $5 for the day from his parents. We bought the bike at the beginning of summer and told Cowen he could have it as soon as he earned half the money ($50). We gave him some earning options, but he's elected to just save his allowance. He'll own it by Christmas--just in time . . . for next summer.

Amelia came. She's Timothy's younger sister. We tried to get Bryce and Eric but Bryce races bicycles and he has races constantly in the summer. It just didn't work out. :( We were happy to have Amelia along, though!

We experienced technical difficulties by this tree. The children were thrilled. It is some sort of child paradise, ie junk dump.

Me and Miriam in a tunnel.

Some weird birds. Anybody know what those things are?

When we got to the end of the ride we went to a park and ate a lovely lunch provided by Tim's mom, Beckie. It was a lovely day. I can't wait to do it again next year!!!!

Emeline Had a Birthday (Some Time Ago)

2011-10-16T16:19:00.005-06:00

Emeline turned FIVE on Sept. 25. I can't believe how time flies and how big she's getting. I also can't believe how behind I am on this blog. Or how lazy I was with her birthday. She wanted a carousel cake, but it didn't quite get there (the kids picked into the animal crackers). She was still pretty happy with her day.

Happily, Emeline is a genius when it comes to food. She asked for crepes for her birthday supper with strawberries and whipped cream. Yum! We also had chokecherry jelly with cream cheese. Quadruple yum! Last Sunday we had crepes (it has become a bit of a habit on Sundays) and we tried cooked apples with caramel sauce. Also yum.

EMELINE:

Favorite Color: "Pink, blue, red and then green. And yellow." I'm also shocked that yellow has been displaced.

Favorite Food: "Macaroni and cheese and cold cereal."

Favorite Thing to Do: "Wash stuff." (She is currently washing the bathroom sink for me while she answers my questions.

Favorite Holiday: "Easter."

Favorite Song: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Favorite Book: "A bird book."

Favorite School Subject: "Discovering dinosaurs."

Miriamism

2011-10-12T21:29:00.002-06:00

Me: "Miriam, clear off the table before you start doing something else."

Miriam, pensively: "Sweet sorrows are nothing."

Huh?

Namesake

2011-10-11T23:27:00.002-06:00

Lady Harriet Franceszka with her great-grandmother, Franceszka Rachel, on Great-grandma Frances's 85th birthday.

Flying Poodle and Mr. Wilson

2011-10-08T22:46:00.007-06:00

This is Patsy. Patsy loves frisbee. It is her favorite game.

This is Mr. Wilson. He loves me.

The end.

Funny Miriam

2011-10-07T21:42:00.002-06:00

Miriam: "I wish we had a fireplace."

Me: "No way! I envision kids burning themselves and getting soot everywhere."

Miriam: "But then every Christmas we could light it and we wouldn't have to curl up by a vent."

This conversation was extra amusing because it took place while Miriam was, indeed, curled up by a vent.

2011-09-27T21:31:00.002-06:00

Kayli--here's an update on how my "growing out my hair" project is progressing.

Now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

And Kami--do your kids sleep in their underwear "helmets" because if not, they can't really call themselves hard-core underwear-on-head-wearers, now can they.

Weekend Down South

2011-09-21T23:35:00.006-06:00

This past weekend we headed south--to Provo and Aunt Kami's cheese fondue supper. I mean, to visit Kami because we love her (and her cheese fondue supper).

We had a glorious time.

Harriet was a pirate.

A rather drunken pirate. Makes one question how she was brought up.

After supper and trying to convince the children to sleep (without much success), we played Settlers Rails and Trails. It is a great game!

The competition was fierce.

Some players stooped very low to gain an advantage. (I still won though-ha!)

Some players managed a better poker face than others.

The next morning, after feeding and herding the numerous small people running amok, we split ways with Kami and her family and headed to Timp Cave in American Fork Canyon. It was my first time and I loved it! So did the kids.

The hike is a little steeper/longer than we usually do with the kids but they were troopers. Eli was the most unpleasant--he was not impressed that we stuck him in the backpack as he is used to walking.

Harriet got fussy while we were in the cave. The echoes were loud. I resorted to nursing her while we walked around (it was a guided tour so stopping and nursing her wasn't an option). Is that white trash or a logical choice? Whatever--it made her happy for a little while anyway.

Emeline was overcome with the happiness of the day and started doing a crazy Emeline dance. The girl has some moves!

The best part is that nobody died. People do, with some regularity, on that trail.

As for Tim's mustache--let's just say he and a certain Colombian entered into a 'stache growing contest (the only facial hair allowed by said Colombian's school) and the Colombian lost. Miserably. Go, Tim!

Fortunately, the contest has now officially ended and Timothy is growing back his beard. Yum.

Happy Harriet's 7 Month Photos

2011-09-20T15:45:00.004-06:00

Harriet really is the happiest baby. She smiles all the time, giggles and laughs, and is so much fun. Her favorite game is peek-a-boo and she likes having her diaper changed because her legs are so ticklish that she giggles the whole time. What a darling.

A Conversation

2011-09-14T21:44:00.002-06:00

Me, addressing Eli who was naked from the belly-button down and sitting in the bathroom sink washing his feet: "Eli, what are you doing?"

Eli: "Washing my feet."

Me: "Why?"

Eli: "Because I have stuff in my pockets."

?????

Things

2011-09-11T22:05:00.003-06:00

I burnt my bread mixer/bosch. We had huge stacks of dishes (much like right this second--didn't we just do dishes???!!!) so many were on our stove. I know, you aren't supposed to do that in case accidents happen. Like turning on the wrong burner and burning two holes through the bottom of your bosch.

I tried to take it in stride, like Aunt Thelissa talked about Great-grandpa Wilford doing when she broke the same window in his truck three times in one summer (twice on the same day) and he didn't say anything. But it is hard to take it in stride when it is your bread mixer and you make bread weekly.

In other news, Eli is adorable and almost 100% potty trained. Awesome. I'll potty train boys any day over girls. Not that my girls are potty trained. Never mind.

Today I saw Eli walking (in his big boy suit) from nursery to primary. He glanced a me casually and said, "I going to singing time, Mom."

I wanted to cry. He's too big. He didn't even stop to hug me or anything. In our ward they have the kids who will be going to primary in January practice by going to singing time. I CANNOT believe Eli will be in primary next year. Waaa.

After church the nursery leader delivered Eli to me (I forgot him . . . again) and told me that he likes having Eli a little extra long because Eli is so funny. Today they were chatting about babies because his wife just had a baby (named Hazel). Brother Barnhill asked Eli if he liked his baby sister (yes) and what her name was (Ruth). Brother Barnhill said, "Her name is Ruth??" Eli started to laugh, "No, I joking. Her name Harriet." What a funny boy.

Eli demanded this afternoon that he talk to Isabel on the phone (Kami's little girl--she is one of Eli's very favorite people). Kami wasn't home when we called, but she called back and put Isabel on the phone. It is so hilarious when little kids try to sound like their moms. They did pretty well at sounding just like us. Isabel didn't stop talking the whole time and Eli periodically tried to break in by saying, "So . . .", "So . . .." Then he handed the phone to me and said, "I done. Bye, Isabel." Adorable.

I'm off to bed. With the dishes left undone. Shhh, don't tell my mom.

Sim City: Timothy and Andrea Version

2011-09-05T22:52:00.010-06:00

I'm dreaming again.

Dreaming about houses and space and money to decorate.

Dreaming when I should be cleaning. Or doing a host of other things.

Oh, well. I'd rather dream.

Especially as Timothy and I, a few days ago, were imagining a house with a coat closet and a place to put the dog food outside. Dream big, I say.

So I started looking at lots in Liberty, Utah. It is beautiful there. And expensive. We found a lot that borders national forest property. No neighbors in your backyard except deer and an occasional moose. Glorious. Here is one of the pics.

You can read more about it at http://www.utahrealestate.com/report/public.single.report/report/detailed/listno/1033281/scroll_to/1033281.

Then I needed a house plan. Not much fun to camp in Liberty over the winter. Remember Utah's slogan--best snow on earth.

I found the best house! Timothy even likes it, although we are in agreement that blue is not our color and we'd want the outside of the house to be brown/green. Tim says brown, I say green. Olive green. We could definitely find a compromise color. There are plenty of greenish browns out there.

It looks like this.

You can go here for more pics and the actual plans. (The pics are okay--the decorating is too busy.)

Our house would have lots of gorgeous extras, like the pic above. Don't you want to rest your elbows there and stay forever? Love. Miriam could gaze out with a "far-away look in her eyes" all day. Don't hate the couch either--though too many cushions.

Our furniture would be lovely as well. Everything would, of course, be ultra-modern, minimalist, with 70s flare.

The couch is pretty much perfection--except it needs to be olive green or orange.

Cool stuff.

Love built-in bunk beds. The plan is a three-bedroom house. I like that idea. Timothy and I have often said we wanted a boys room and a girls room, with only beds and dressers to encourage the kids to spend more time in the rest of the house--bonding. Or gabbing late into the night, bonding. We want to encourage a great deal of interaction.

Another pretty.

We'd also have lots of art--like the Mark Rothko print above. Timothy just finished hanging that print in our stairwell. Rothko is my favorite painter and "Untitled 16" is amazing.
Gorgeous.

We'd also have lots of paintings (or fine art reproductions, rather) by Walter Rane, my favorite LDS painter. He painted Christ walking on the water and a copy was printed in the Ensign. As soon as I saw it I knew I had FINALLY found the picture of Christ I wanted in my home. Unfortunately, it is not available yet as the original was just sold to a private buyer. According to Peter Rane (who responded to my email about it), "they" are working on making it available.

No hurry--I can't afford it yet anyway. But when I can, it will be a center stage sort of item. Just glorious.

I saw the original (or a masterful copy because it looked original to me) of the above painting in the Bountiful temple and I can't describe how it makes you feel. The use of light. Well, I'll stop there. I don't know anything about art. I just know I love Rothko and I love Rane.

The above picture of Moroni is the one I want hanging in Cowen's room with a vinyl sign that says, "Cowen--soldier in God's army."

I digress (art does that to me).

You already know I want this bedroom (make sure you click on "room picture").

And this kitchen.

Ahh. Wasn't that fun?! Now I can go to bed and sleep a short time, while visions of counter space dance in my head.

Sinead Revisited

2011-09-05T22:32:00.004-06:00

Remember her??

She's back.

My favorite little bald elf.

Some Things

2011-08-29T23:02:00.000-06:00

Harriet now has two teeth! Both her bottom, middle teeth came in last week. No fevers or fussiness at all--just a lot of chewing on 8 fingers at a time. Adorable.

Eli climbed on top of the toilet yesterday (with the lid down), poked out his chest and said, "I'm the man." Yes, you are.

In fact, Eli is practically potty-trained. He has started telling me when he needs to go and he'll go on his own entirely sometimes. Well, he still needs help getting his underpants back on. I'm pretty pleased. By the time he's three, I think he'll be like Cowen and be 100%. I'm feeling positive.

Why is it already this late?? Why aren't the dishes finished or the bread put away or the two pee incidents cleaned up or the glass vacuumed or the two people I absolutely had to call for RS called? Why? WHY?? I need a nanny. And a maid. And a private tutor. And more hours in the day. Or less time on the computer (ha!).

I'm going to go put the bread away, give up on the rest, and go to bed. Tomorrow is another day.

Miriamism

2011-08-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

Miriam to Cowen: "Did you notice that I have a far-away look in my eyes?"

Lady Harriet's Six Month Photo Shoot

2011-08-19T15:29:00.000-06:00

I cannot get enough of her!

If I Could Dress Myself and My Sisters From EShakti

2011-08-18T16:45:00.013-06:00

I am in love with this dress. Love it, love it, love it. Dream about it.
I want to wear it every day for the rest of my life.
It was basically made for me.

Unfortunately, I have no money.

Since I cannot own it, I thought I would share its magnificence with all of you.

Then, since I was sharing my favorite eshakti dress, I thought I would share some of my other favorites. Then I got carried away and started picking dresses for my sisters and mom. This website, eshakti, customizes their clothes so you can make EVERY SINGLE THING on their website 100% modest. Awesome.
This is my other favorite dress. Yes, I want the pink. I love wearing pink--I just have to be really, really, really careful about the shade. I think I could pull this off. I especially love the neck tie thingy. Love it.

So here are my picks for the rest of the girls.

First, our little black numbers for a night on the town.

The first dress I picked for Mom. She would say she has too much hip after birthing ten children, but don't believe it. She'd rock this dress.

Next dress I picked for Megan. She'd say she has too much pooch for this dress after birthing 6 children, but don't you believe it. I think she looks best in really tight, fitted clothes. She'd look stellar.

I picked this dress for Kami because there aren't enough options at eshakti under "little black dress" to fully outfit all my sisters perfectly. This isn't really what I'd pick for Kami--who tends toward glamour. However, I think she could make it work and she'd look fab. Maybe do her hair really retro to offset the mod? Regardless, she looks fabulous in straight skirts. Her hips rock.

Me, because I like it.

Amy, obviously. She'd pair it with some amazing shoes that she found for $2 at some clearance sale and accessorize perfectly. What am I saying, Amy's whole outfit would cost $10 and she'd look amazing.

Kayli. I can hear her now--what's with the sleeves?? But the sleeves, dear Kayli, are the point. Your clothes are sometimes . . . boring. Black, gray, and possibly, if you're feeling adventurous, navy blue. So here you can stick with the black, but add just a touch of pizzazz. It would totally work.

Why no black dress for Lindsay? I didn't think any of them were really her. Sorry Linds--I think you could wear any dress I picked, but if I was forced to pick one, I'd put you in the one I picked for Kayli.

Now, day dresses or day-to-evening dresses, my two fav categories on eshakti.

For me. Love. Tim would hate. Sigh.

Amy.

Kami (and me--I really love this dress).

Kami. Can you imagine the hat she'd wear with this and the gloves??? And the red lipstick???!!!

Kami. This is really my favorite for her. She'd wear red shoes, bright red lipstick, and some AMAZING hat and we'd all bow to her awesomeness.

Megan (another one I want for me). Because it reminds me of her and the flowers are pretty and it is blue.

Lindsay. Because it reminds me of her (also on my want list).

Kayli--she'd pair it with some tan boots or something equally cool and look awesome. Because she has a boy figure, and can get away with stuff like this. I especially love the neck on this dress.

Mom. Picture it. Perfect. I know, not her normal style, but she could pull it off. Okay, really Kayli would pull this off best but she'd never wear it so I assigned it to someone who would at least think about wearing it. I would wear it except it totally would not work with my figure. Sigh.

The end.

Lady Harriet is Six Months Old

2011-08-18T14:36:00.004-06:00

I tried to get a few good pics of Lady Harriet in honor of her turning 6 months. I'll be posting more later, but for now, please examine my favorite of the pics.

She reminds me of a Newfie puppy--squat, squishy, and completely irresistible.

More Things I Heard

2011-08-14T21:35:00.003-06:00

Eli to Mom: "I'm going outside to shoot dinosaur bones."

Miriam, singing to herself while she did dishes: "You raise the kids and I'll get a massage. You raise the kids and I'll grow a beard and mustache." What????

Emeline: "When I grow up I'm going to be the fastest flyer in the world."

Tim: "What are you going to fly?"

Emeline: "A cape."

What I Heard

2011-08-12T09:06:00.001-06:00

Eli to me: "Mom, let's kiss ourselves together."

Any time, little man.

Little Lesson

2011-08-04T12:13:00.004-06:00

Much screaming between Eli and Emeline.

Mom enters the scene--ascertains that Eli has stolen some of Emeline's building thingys.

Mom to Eli: "Eli that isn't nice. Tell Emeline you're sorry."

Eli to Emeline: "Sorry, Emeline" (extra cute with his lisp).

Mom to Eli: "Now ask Emeline if you can play with her."

Eli to Emeline: "Emeline, can I play with you?"

Emeline to Eli: "No."

Another little lesson gone awry.

Miriam's Baptism

2011-08-02T16:37:00.001-06:00

My crew.

Miriam on her big day.

Miriam with the worthy Priesthood holder that lives in my home. I'm so grateful.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

After the Baptism and confirmation we all went to a nearby park and played softball, kickball, and steal the flag. On the last play of the last game, Kam (Amy's beau) tried to evade Amy and slid right in front of me, causing me to try to jump over him without injuring him, thereby injuring myself. Ouch. Double ouch. A lot of ibuprofen and a good night's sleep later, and I was mostly recovered.

So worth it. We had such a great time.

After the park we went back to Mom's to open Baptism presents. I regret not having a picture of Miriam with her Great-grandma Marcielle Lewis, her Aunt Amelia, or her grandparents Young, who were also all there. I will know better for Cowen's Baptism.

Miriam opening her scripture case. She got a maroon quad with a matching maroon case and some scripture marking crayons from her Mom and Dad, a necklace and journal from Grandma Rasmussen, and a bracelet from Aunt Amy.

Some of the folks in attendance.

Lynnaea

Garrett with his scriptures. Speaking of pictures we SHOULD have taken--I don't have one pic of Garrett and Miriam together! Here the cousins (11 days apart--or is it 7??) have their Baptism day together and I don't even have a picture of them together. Grr.

Kieree

Reading what Grandma Rasmussen wrote in the super adorable journal.

Eli was naked most of the day. He had a nasty, explosive sort of diaper incident and I didn't have spare clothes. No problem--the other team made Eli the mascot of my team and when Eli's diaper came off during the course of the afternoon several people made comments like unto, "Your mascot is having issues!" and "Your mascot gets better all the time!" I later found out that Kam asked Amy if she thought I was aware that Eli was naked, to which Amy said, "I don't know, I mostly just focus on my kids at these kinds of events."

It was a gorgeous day. I try not to envy Mom for where she lives but it's hard.

Garrett's first lesson from his new scriptures.

Cowen.

Isabel.

Ridiculously cute Lindsay Ann.

I know, not the best pic of me--but it is proof that I was there.

Devaney, Sebastian, Emeline, Leo, Kami, Lindsay, Lindsay Ann, Little Megan, Olivia, Headless George.

It was a lovely day and I was glad so many of Miriam's family members could attend. It was also really neat to have it with Garrett. Thanks everyone for coming!!!

The Wounds

2011-08-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

Any great reunion includes great wounds. Of the three major wounds that took place during reunion week 2011, two happened to my children. Neither wound was major, though still the worst wounds my kids have had (so far).

See--once it stopped hurting so much, he was fine.

No, he did not incur the wound from a fist fight. I was trying to take a pic of the 7 stitches, but he wasn't cooperating.
That's better. He fell against something harder than his head at the South Ogden splash pad (a park with water toys).

I took Cowen to the after hours clinic on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning was spent at the regular hours clinic. Cowen smashed Miriam's finger in the door. Like in most explanations given by children, the details were fuzzy.

The orthopedic surgeon thought there was a very small fracture under the nail, but the treatment was the same as if there was no fracture--a splint and instructions to keep the nail on the bed as long as possible. Miriam did great after she was assured nobody was going to take the nail off.

Good times.

My Calling Is Official

2011-07-31T13:48:00.004-06:00

Today I was officially set apart as the Relief Society President.

If I was going to get a time-consuming, challenging calling--I'm grateful it was in Relief Society. I love Relief Society.

Charity Never Faileth.

Our Karaoke Song

2011-07-28T08:12:00.001-06:00

4th of July Parade and Sparklers

2011-07-27T18:58:00.001-06:00

I told Timothy to look normal for the camera as I thought a shot against the pretty night sky would look cool. Yeah--trying to get a normal shot of Timothy is tough. Notice, I didn't even ask for a smile. Just normal.

Hailey and Cowen. Sparklers are a very serious business.

Unless you're Emeline.

That's Dad training a horse (Rio??) and Timothy and Eli riding Maggie with Dandy (Apache--name depends on the person you ask) following his Mama.

This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows my mother well, but she stayed there with the kids the whole parade--coaching them on proper parade etiquette--ie, how to properly cheer, yell, and wave like a maniac.

Miriam's getting the hang of it.

Dancing in the streets is always acceptable as well.

Sebastian wasn't as taken with the parade as the other children.

Eli was very preoccupied with eating any candy he managed to get before the hordes of older children descended like vultures.

Elena had the princess wave down.

Cowen charms me. All. the. time.

Synchronized waving--it's the newest parade thing.

Mr. and Mrs. Expectant.

Lindsay doesn't always get Kami's humor, but at least Sterling tries to be polite.

A Study: Candy with Girl (Isabel)

Timothy, are you trying to hint at something???

Timothy's sister used to date this dude, so Timothy took a ton of pics of him. Duly catalogued in our family journal.

This little creature flew right onto Timothy's finger, so the next few minutes Timothy played with the macro abilities on our camera.

The rest of the 4th celebrations included eating lots of yummy food and playing ultimate frisbee in the flooded horse pasture. Nothing like manure to bring us all together and truly celebrate the country's greatness.

I had so much fun.

Thank you, Ethan, for donating clothes for me to change into. Thank you, Wyatt, for all your great ideas. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for letting us come hang out at your house.

Lady Harriet--Five Months Old

2011-07-26T18:40:00.001-06:00

Yes, she really is that beautiful. Yes, she really does have that blue of eyes. And yes, she really is big enough for a saucer. *Wimper*

Last of Miriam's Birthday Pictures--the Presents

2011-07-26T16:12:00.004-06:00

All art stuff--a wooden puzzle to paint, a wooden treasure box to paint, an oil pastel set with paper and instruction booklet, a paint by number.

2011-07-26T15:53:00.002-06:00

So I'm a little behind on this blog. Like EXTREMELY BEHIND, will-never-in-a-million years catch up behind, and curse it--with my new calling I really might never catch up. Let alone school my children or make supper or keep up with the laundry.

I am going to try though. My little ole bloggy is important to me. It makes me feel like I can check family history off my list (not entirely--maybe just journaling).

So here are the pictures from Harriet's blessing day. Yes, that was months ago. Thank you for pointing that out.

Kiersten with Harriet.

Kiersten and Lindsay Ann with Harriet.

Grandpa (smiling!!!!!) and Grandma with Harriet.

Great-grandma Marcielle and her new hubby, Gene, with Harriet.

Danica with Harriet.

I was waiting to post about the blessing until Timothy had put together a video montage of the awesome dancing that took place. However, with Timothy's new "moonlighting" job--he might not have time to do little fun things like that for me.

Let it be duly recorded for all my posterity: Harriet was blessed and officially welcomed to the earth by the Church and her family. We love our baby!

A Gazillion Pictures from Miriam's Birthday Gathering

2011-07-12T15:45:00.000-06:00

Harriet Frances with her namesake, Great-Grandma Frances.

Miriam doesn't like sweets. Isn't that weird?!! Her favorite food is strawberries with cream. This year she asked for angel food cake so she could have strawberries and cream. I think she even ate a little cake. A very little cake. :)

This is on the deck at Great-grandma Young's house in Ogden.

Great-grandma was bringing out Miriam's present and Cowen didn't want Miriam to peek.

Best pic of the night. Great-grandma was reading stories to the kids. She's hilarious. She used to teach elementary school and then she volunteered at a local elementary school for years. She knows how to read with expression.

We had a lovely time. I recorded some of Great-grandma reading Olivia to the kids. A memory to treasure.

The only glitch was that I forgot Miriam's presents at home. Oops. Miriam was a good sport about it though.

Grandpa Wilford Came to Tune the Piano

2011-07-11T12:16:00.005-06:00

All children adore Great-grandpa Wilford. He tells great stories, he writes on their fingernails with permanent marker, he makes up songs to play/sing. He's awesome.

He's also pretty famous around these parts in music circles. He played in the symphony for years. He writes music and plays numerous instruments--my favorites being the piano and accordian. And he's famous, randomly, in other places. For example, there was an article published about him in a national welding magazine because he does some "unique" welding in pianos.

There was also a write-up about him because a very expensive piano broke and the owners (a theater or university or something) thought they would have to get rid of it until someone asked if Wilford was still alive. When it was ascertained that he was alive, they hired him to fix it. He is the only person that people around here know about that could have. Sweet.

Eli is named after him. And his 5 greats grandpa Wilford Woodruff. A good legacy on both sides for Eli to live up to.

I Call This Photo . . .

2011-07-10T21:14:00.004-06:00

Girl Talking to Man.

Following the Leader.

Two People in a Garden.

Kept Out.

Pregnant person with baby.

Brothers and Baby.

Boy sticking head into picture.

Different boy sticking head into picture.

Confused Infant.

Cowen

2011-07-10T15:11:00.002-06:00

I had Cowen memorize a section of President Monson's talk about missionary work. I plan on having him re-memorize it every year. During the memorization process we sat in a different place than usual at church and I heard a man in our ward sing. It was lovely. Logically, I put together a musical number where Cowen could say what he had memorized (motivation) and I could hear Brother Gardner sing. But then I got thinking about how nice it would be to have Cowen sing with his dad and eventually what happened was 6 little boys about Cowen's age (including Cowen) sang "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission" then four men (including Timothy) sang "Called to Serve" and then the medley ended with all the males singing the first verse and chorus of "Army of Helaman." It was pretty awesome. Cowen messes up a little in this video, but when they sang in church he did it perfectly. Awesome.

PS--Notice Miriam at the end. Perfect.

Cost

2011-07-08T11:10:00.004-06:00

Timothy had today off so we enjoyed a little lie-in this morning. The children woke at their normal time, but we held them off by giving them quick baths and putting on a movie.

I heard the fridge open and close a few times but assumed the kids were getting into the grapes that were in plain sight. My children are obsessed with grapes. In fact, I was grateful the grapes were there--yet another way the children could keep themselves occupied and happy. Grapes aren't very messy.

When Timothy and I emerged, I caught sight of Eli. His hair was coated with . . . something. As was his clothes. I couldn't quite figure it out until I cornered him and smelled.

Bacon grease.

He'd got my cup full of bacon grease out of the fridge and smeared it all over my downstairs couch, toy horse, carpet, and a few walls.

WHY?????

Sometimes the cost of a little hanky panky is very high.

Favorite 4th Quote

2011-07-06T19:10:00.004-06:00

A bunch of us were hanging out in Mom's kitchen, talking about past reunion karaoke contests and the best songs. Kami's purple number was mentioned several times (and parts of it were sung), Megan's family's pirate number came up, as did Timothy jumping around as Larry the Cucumber.

Then I said, to Sterling: "Aren't you so excited for the karaoke contest?!!"

To which, Kami said, "Yeah, way more exciting than your baby being born."

To which, Sterling said: "Well, a baby being born happens 7 times a year in this family but the karaoke contest only happens every two years."

Hilarious.

PS--Lindsay's baby is due a little after the reunion.

PPS--No matter what smack talk has been going around--our karaoke number this year is pretty much unbeatable. After all--Timothy and I wrote it.

Happy 4th!!

2011-07-05T08:13:00.001-06:00

We partied hard. Very hard.

It's Been a Day

2011-07-01T15:48:00.002-06:00

Advisory Note:

The following post is not me whining. It is just me recording this day for posterity. It may sound like whining--but it's not. Really.

6:30 am: Andrea gets up with Lady Harriet. While Harriet nurses Andrea starts to hear noises downstairs as the other children awake.

6:45 am: Miriam and other children come upstairs. Miriam informs Andrea that Eli had possession of glue and that he and Emeline and Cowen poured it around. Andrea sends Miriam to the bathroom for a bath and Eli to Harriet's room for a diaper change.

6:50 am: Andrea takes off Eli's diaper, wipes him down and puts him in the tub with Emeline who got in when Miriam got out.

6:55 am: Andrea goes downstairs and sees Elmer's Glue all over everything in Miriam's room. On the floor, on the walls, on the ledges, on the bookshelf, on books, on bedding, on beds, on the window. Andrea has a small meltdown.

7:00 am: Andrea's conversation at the children wakes up Timothy.

7:03: Andrea goes in bathroom and finds Eli dumping copious amounts of water into the kitty litter. Andrea moves kitty litter box outside and gets Emeline and Eli out of the tub, dressed, and seated at the table (Eli locked in his booster). Cowen gets in the tub. Andrea mops bathroom floor and then fills up a bucket of water and starts to clean up glue.

7:30 am: Andrea finds poo on the carpet in the closet of Miriam's bedroom while she's looking around for more glue. Andrea investigates the beds and finds . . . well, I'll keep that part to myself. Andrea goes upstairs and confronts a certain child. Sheets are thrown away, children are all crying, Andrea is also crying while she cleans up the carpet.

8:00 am: Andrea puts some laundry in the washer while certain child starts vacuuming--the first of several extra chores. The rest of the children (except Harriet) are still crying.

8:30 am: Andrea nurses Harriet on the other side while other children cry for breakfast. Or because they have to continue sitting at the table.

9:00 am: Andrea finally gets breakfast on the table.

9:30: Breakfast ends. Andrea changes Eli's wet pants and encourages oldest children to clear the table and start morning chores. Certain child gets a spanking for dawdling while redoing vacuuming because of poor execution the first time around (poor execution on the vacuuming--the spanking was well-placed).

10:00: Andrea hides in her room to eat a truffle Timothy had purchased for himself.

10:10: Andrea sends children outside to play.

10: 12: Andrea catches children in the garden eating raspberries and engaging in mass rule-breakage.

10: 13: All children receive a general scolding (loud) and are told to exit garden immediately.

10: 14: Emeline sent to her room because she is caught trying to reenter garden as soon as Andrea's back is turned.

10: 18: Emeline allowed to return to the great outdoors.

10: 19: Emeline sent back to her room for trying to sneak into the garden yet again.

10: 30: Certain child finally done redoing extra chore and is kicked outside.

10: 31: Eli uses the potty and goes number 2. Yeah!

10: 40: Andrea finishes washing off the table, sweeping kitchen floor and switching laundry over.

10: 41: Andrea changes into gardening clothes and heads outside with Lucille held protectively to prevent any accidents. Patsy goes crazy.

10: 42: Andrea encourages three oldest children to enter garden and start weeding. Andrea also encourages Eli to not enter the garden and step on all the plants.

10: 42 continued: No children comply.

10: 43: Major tongue-lashing commences.

10: 44: Cowen starts weeding furiously. Miriam lays on the ground and protests that it is too hot to do work. All she can manage is harassing Lucille. Eli tramples some plants.

10: 46: Miriam starts weeding due to fear of great bodily injury. Eli and Emeline are banished to the swing set.

10: 47: Andrea reminds Miriam to keep working.

10:48: Andrea reminds Miriam to keep working.

10:48 and 30 seconds: Andrea threatens bodily injury.

10:49: Miriam weeds for approximately 1 minute, stopping every 2 seconds to ask when Grandma Young will arrive.

10:50: Andrea's blood pressure approaches dangerous levels.

11:30: Andrea notices Emeline and Eli enter the house. Decides, foolishly, to finish one last row.

11:32: Andrea has to jump up and save Lucille from certain death because Miriam has "accidentally" let her get in the tree and Patsy can leap very high.

11:33: Andrea inquires about the inner workings or non-workings of Miriam's brain.

11: 35: Andrea gives up, puts away gardening things, gives Cowen a few final watering instructions and goes inside.

11:37: Andrea finds Emeline and Eli drawing on the walls in Cowen's room with markers Miriam had failed to secure after her recent crafting.

11: 38: Andrea generously allows Emeline and Eli to wash walls.

11: 42: Lady Harriet demands attention.

12:00: Grandma Young picks Miriam up for her birthday outing.

1:30: Andrea finally gets children put into their rooms for quiet time.

2:00: Andrea forgoes washing off table, sweeping floor and changing laundry over for reading her favorite blog.

2:15: Andrea wonders if this day is early retribution for daring to plan a date with hubby for first time in months. She also remembers she has to take a shower some time today.

2:18: Andrea reads novel while eating celery sticks with peanut butter.

2:30: Andrea does the Firm--the most brutal home workout known to mankind. Andrea's legs turn to jelly. Forcing her to sit down and blog.

The end.

Except it isn't the end. There is still folding laundry, getting Cowen to wash dishes, supper to feed children, decision to be made about whether or not to take Harriet on date or leave her home with babysitter. Shower to take, hair to do, hubby to impress.

As they say, the days are long, but the years are short.

This has been a very, very long day.

Welcome Lucille!

2011-06-29T16:20:00.002-06:00

Lucille is about 10 weeks old. She's adorable. I love the orange highlights. Timothy got her to keep birds out of the garden. Whether this is a plan that will work or not--we are all smitten with her.

Timothy went and picked her up last night and got home around 9:30 pm. I couldn't help myself and went and got Eli to show him the kitten (yes, he was still awake--grr). I told him we were getting him a drink. At the top of the stairs I set him down and it only took a few seconds for him to notice the kitten racing his way. His face was priceless. He looked at me and said, "Mom, there a cat in our house." Then he stared at it for a little longer then said again, "Mom, there a cat in our house!!"

It was awesome.

Equally awesome was Cowen's introduction to the cat. We hadn't told the kids we were getting one and Timothy didn't leave to pick it up until the kids were in their rooms for the night. We tried securing Lucille in the dog kennel but she didn't care for the smell. Instead, we put her in the bathroom for the night. You can see where this is going.

At about 5:00 am our house was rocked with Cowen's panicked shrieking: "Get out, get out, get out!!" followed by his frantic exit from the bathroom. Timothy got up to calm Cowen and introduce him to Lucille.

And that was when we realized our mistake with not introducing the kids to the cat earlier, or not hiding it better. On the baby monitor (we're trying to train Cowen to stay dry at night--hence the monitor) we heard Cowen wake Eli up to tell him about the cat and then head for the girls' room. Timothy leaped out of bed to stop him, but the children were up horrifically early despite Timothy's efforts.

I managed to stay in bed until 5:30 am when Harriet woke up, but when I tried to go back to bed the kids were up and I didn't want them left alone with Lucy. Instead, I made everyone go outside and I managed to weed 5 rows (yeah!) of the garden while Timothy worked on securing Lucille's "habitat" (Timothy's word).

Wilson seems curious but chill about Lucy. Patsy on the other hand . . .. So many reasons this plan might end badly.

One last thing about Lucille--besides the fact that I love her and she took a nap with me this afternoon and I found that I enjoy listening to purring as I doze in the sunshine.

I took Harriet downstairs with me to help the children fold laundry but I failed to notice when Eli returned upstairs. Then I heard the van horn. I rushed upstairs, got Eli out of the van, and started searching the house for Lucille. She was nowhere to be found. The kids and I each grabbed a walkie-talkie and started searching around the neighborhood. With no success.

I pretty much gave up and figured we'd seen the last of Lucille. I didn't want to have to tell Timothy that I lost his cat. He's smitten with her. Plus, this whole cat plan is his baby.

The story ends happily, however. About an hour later I sent Eli in to use the potty and a few minutes later the kitten waltzed into the kitchen like she hadn't just caused a great deal of trouble. She had been in the tub. We don't know if she got herself stuck in there or if a helpful child put her in there (Eli), but Eli got her out. Yeah!

And that's the end of my Lucille stories. Don't worry--I'm sure I'll have more; we haven't even had her 24 hours yet!

More of Miriam's 8 Year Old Pics

2011-06-27T09:05:00.004-06:00

All the tragic faces are because Miriam put her hand on stinging nettle. Ouch.

I'm including the pics because Miriam rocks tragedy. It thrills her dramatic soul.

Does she remind anyone else of the girl in Labyrinth or is that just me?

By our neighbor's rose bush. Rose dress, rose bush--it felt appropriate.

Miriam Turned 8

2011-06-26T19:39:00.004-06:00

I know I haven't said much about Miriam's birthday. It's because I'm still in shock. Eight is big.

Amy needed some pictures for Miriam's baptism (I don't know why), so Timothy took her out today and snapped a bunch. More will follow. For now--here is some info about Miriam as per our conversation at supper.

Favorite color(s): pink and purple

Favorite food(s): strawberries and taco salad

Favorite book(s): Hardy Boys and Trixie Beldon

Favorite song: I Am a Child of God

Favorite toy: Chelsea (her stuffed dog)

Favorite activity(ies): playing games with Dad and going on outings with Grandma Y.

What Miriam wants to be when she grows up: an animal rescuer like Diego

I'm always surprised by how little changes. Her favorite colors, song, and food has been the same since she could talk. Crazy.

I love that girl!

PS Yes, that is the dress Kami made Miriam. I keep meaning to take a bunch of pics of all the girls but haven't done it yet.

Kitchen

2011-06-26T00:54:00.001-06:00

My friend is redecorating so I've been following her progress via her blog and it got me dreaming about my own perfect someday house.

Here's the kitchen. So yummy. Although, in truth, I'd change the gray for brown. Still . . . pretty much perfection.

http://interiorcomplex.com/kitchen-dining/mood-flat-line-olive-green-grey-oak-kitchen-design/

A Little Song for Your Sunday

2011-06-19T15:40:00.001-06:00

Lady Harriet's Official 3 Month Pics

2011-06-10T20:10:00.003-06:00

. . . now that she's almost 4 months.

Some Girls That I Like A Whole Bunch

2011-06-07T19:32:00.005-06:00

Patsy Performing

2011-06-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

Yes, that is Patsy jumping the fence we put up to keep her OUT of the garden. Timothy is redoing it with taller fencing. Patsy is a pain--but very entertaining and cute!

A Story From Miriam

2011-06-06T15:49:00.002-06:00

This story was told to and recorded by Timothy on 10/2/10, when Miriam was 7.

One day Miriam was going for a walk and there was this plane right before her suddenly and she didn't know it was magical and she got on it and flied off and she came to a magical world. It's name was Blooberblubber Blub and first she got bloobered, then she got blubbered, then she got blubbed. She went home all wheezy. The end.

I love that story.

Another funny thing. On the way home from Ogden on Saturday, Cowen complained, "The kids always make a ruckus!" Cowen, man, did you just use the word "ruckus"???

On a side note, I've been trying to jump start losing the baby weight by following the South Beach diet and going off carbs for two weeks. It is terrible. I don't recommend it. However, I did learn about cauliflower rice. You cut up your cauliflower really small or put it through a food processor and then microwave it for 5 minutes or so (DO NOT overcook--then it tastes like mushy overcooked rice) and use it as rice. I've been eating it a lot lately under stir fries, and it really does make you think you are eating rice. Tastes great!

Family Walk

2011-06-01T22:01:00.005-06:00

A few days ago we took a family walk to take advantage of the *rare* sunlight.

When we got home I wanted a picture of sleeping Harriet. The other kids were excited to see the camera.

Yes, I did take him on a walk in his pajamas and cowboy boots. And we liked it.

He's getting weirder all the time.

Yes, I did take Emeline on a walk in her pajamas and then let her slide around on the muddy hillsides of the park. And we liked it.

Awwww. She's such a darling.

Not sure why the sad face.

That's more like it.

Miriam has stopped hiding from the camera.

Can you believe she's turning 8 this month???? Neither can I.

Best friends.

Yes, I did let Cowen wear his shirt backwards to the park. And you guessed it--we liked it.

The last few days we've been focused on the garden. Our garden is pretty much a disaster every year (except the one year my mom planted it for me . . . hmm). Last year we gave up and just kept everything dead. We can't seem to beat the goat's heads. This year, there weren't nearly as many prickles, but we have one weed variety that is resistant to Round-Up. We spent the last two days pulling weeds. Tomorrow I will borrow a roto-tiller and Timothy will roto-till and fix the fence (Patsy has been jumping it--sigh). Hopefully we'll have the garden planted by Saturday night.

Hopefully.

GIVEAWAY

2011-05-31T21:26:00.001-06:00

Crazy stuff is happening in the blogging world.

Specifically, the blog Simple As That is hosting a giveaway for my homeschooling blog!!!!

Check it out and enter HERE.

Catch-Up

2011-05-24T14:17:00.011-06:00

First some pictures, followed by a few funny stories. This will be a long one!

Oh great--here she comes with the camera again. I'll act grumpy to throw her off.

Then I'll make this face to make her laugh.

You're not going to post that pic on your blog are you? Mother! You'll ruin my image!

Cowen is such a good looking boy. The kids have had swim lessons this week and last, and yesterday a lady I chat with while our kids swim asked me if Cowen was in gymnastics. I said no and she said, "Well, does he have that muscular build just naturally?"

Yes. It is genetic. From his Grandpa Rasmussen.

Emeline has started looking less and less like a little kid and more and more like an older kid. I know she's halfway to 5, but I'm still protesting.

I hosted Miriam's book club this month. The girls read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler so our activity was "sculpting." If you haven't ever sculpted using Ivory soap and a butter knife--I recommend it. I also recommend that you do it outside or lay down newspapers.

If I am not super-vigilant, Cowen's starfall.com time usually becomes Miriam's starfall.com time.

Cowen wanted me to post a better pic of his missing tooth.

Lady Harriet has the best smile but it is hard to get a baby to smile and capture it on the camera at the same time. Don't mind the spit-up--she has reflux.

Doesn't she look so big sitting there??!!

Miss Patsy. She's a cutie.

Yes, we are still having numerous issues with Eli's sleeping habits. Why do you ask?

Now for some funny stories.

The other day Miriam did something to Eli that hurt him. It was an accident. Later I heard her talking to him. She said, "I'm sorry Eli, I just wasn't using my head!" I LOVE it when kids say the things you say; like, "Use your head!!!"

Aunt Megan took Miriam on a special outing the other night. Miriam had a marvelous time. Here at home, Cowen was trying to adapt to the vacuum her absence created in his life. After bedtime he came upstairs and said, "Mom, Emeline and Eli are out of their beds. Since Miriam is gone, can I be the boss for awhile?"

Boy howdy, Timothy and I laughed at that one.

In other news, the roofers are officially done. The rain derailed the original finish date. I am so glad they are done because they weren't very careful about opening gates. Plus, we had to leave the gates unlocked so the roofers could get into the backyard. Between those two things, I ended up chasing our dogs too many times. One of the days I found someone to take Patsy so she wouldn't have to be in the travel kennel all day.

On Monday (looooonnnnnnggggg day), I had finally managed to get the children in the van for swim lessons (we'd been frantically looking for Miriam's swimsuit that we finally found--at the swimming pool's lost and found) when the dogs ran out from the back yard into the van (thank you, roofers). I didn't want to leave and possibly have the dogs escape again, so I went and knocked on a neighbor's door to see if we could leave the dogs in her backyard. She opened the door in her bathrobe and I felt pretty silly for arriving unannounced to ask a favor. But, she did let the dogs stay. Mr. Wilson was not impressed (according to the neighbor) and acted sad all day. Timothy said Mr. Wilson was very happy to see him, so maybe he felt deserted.

Today was a better day.

And now you are all caught up.

An Update List

2011-05-16T20:17:00.003-06:00

1) The roofers will finish our roof tomorrow. Yeah!!

2) I miss my mom. She's in Denmark.

3) I miss my camera--it is away getting fixed.

4) I found a bunch of mold growing in my blanket closet. Hence, I need my Mom.

5) Sunday afternoon I spied a mouse creeping out from under my piano. I shrieked, called Patsy, and hoped the mouse would get eaten up posthaste. A cat would have been a better choice. The mouse is still at large. Timothy is headed to Target for traps right now.

6) The kids started swimming lessons today. There are only three kids in Cowen's class, three in Miriam's class (only two were there today), and seven in Emeline's class. During the summer there are 8 children per class and it is a zoo. I am so glad we homeschool so we can take advantage of things like out-of-season swim lessons.

7) Eli does not like having to watch the other children swim. They don't offer swim lessons for the under three crowd.

8) I can't remember if I posted this or not but Emeline said to me: "Mom, when I grow up I want to be Chinese." Me: "Why?" Emeline: "So I can eat bamboo." Hee hee.

9) Timothy and Eli had an interesting conversation tonight. Timothy: "Eli, what is our baby's name?" Eli: "Harriet." Timothy: "Where did Harriet come from?" Eli: "The library."

10) My favorite thing Eli says right now: "It spilled!" The reason this is charming is because he says it whenever Harriet spits up. Which is often. He often calls her "It." "It crying, Mom." "It sleeping, Mom." But my favorite is still the hilarious, "It spilled, Mom!!"

Cowen

2011-05-10T22:05:00.002-06:00

Last fast Sunday, Cowen told me that he wasn't eating breakfast because he was fasting. I said fine and didn't think much of it.

That night in his prayer Cowen said, "Please help me to stop breaking stuff." Oh, sweet boy.

I went upstairs and told Timothy what Cowen had said and Timothy said, "That's what he was fasting for."

I love that he wants to get better at a problem he has and that he knows fasting can help him. Such a sweetheart. He says the best prayers--meaning he really thinks about what he is saying and doesn't ever just say the same thing, even when he blesses the food. He also says really thoughtful things when he bears his testimony. Love my boy.

Some Recent Pics

2011-05-01T14:30:00.003-06:00

Derek and Brooke were here this weekend--visiting from Canada. It was awesome to see them. And school them in Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? (well, Timothy schooled Derek--but I get a lot of the reflected glory).

Another highlight was comparing the kids. A sport beloved by parents everywhere, but extra cool with Eli and Ashlee because they are only four days apart.

They are both so adorable.

Eli was a little taller but Ashlee was a lot happier. Sigh.

We also spent a lot of time oohing and aahing over our babies--Karlee and Harriet are ALSO four days apart. Consistency thy names are Andrea and Brooke.

Karlee was heavier and longer--but they were equally sweet and kissable. (We didn't plan the matching outfits, we're just good like that.)

Beckie made my girls matching dresses and got the boys matching ties. So cute! My camera is broken (the cover won't open all the way--hence the black covering the corner of each picture) so I haven't taken a ton of pics. Yet.

But here is a taste of Easter Sunday.

And to end this blog post--I give you a picture of Cowen without one of his top teeth. It is even harder to understand what he's saying now. But it sure is fun to listen to him!

As a sidenote--Dad saddled the horses for the grandkids on Saturday. Cowen and Eli were in heaven despite the cold. Thanks, Grandpa!!

Blood

2011-04-26T15:06:00.002-06:00

Eli had his blood drawn today. I cuddled him close and held onto his free arm while a really sweet nurse held the arm from which they were drawing blood. Then the lab person got his arm ready. I started to feel woozy before they even poked him.

He didn't even cry. He just watched, very interested in the blood going in the tube. He loved his fancy green bandage and his primary concern was whether this earned him another sucker.

And yet, it was still awful for me.

If any of my kids ever get really hurt, I hope Megan or Mom is around.

Thinking about when Derek pulled his impaled leg off the metal pole or Ethan's leg twisted to a grotesque angle from being stuck in a bike wheel is bad enough. But my own kids. I can't think about it.

Proud of my boy, though. He's tough.

Timothy's FHE Lesson

2011-04-25T21:45:00.003-06:00

Timothy's lesson tonight was on the light of Christ. First he took the vacuum out of the closet, then sent Cowen inside the closet. The children were immediately hooked. Then he handed Cowen a towel with one of our magnetic letters wrapped inside. When the door was securely shut, Timothy had Cowen open the towel and tell us what the letter was.

Of course, once Cowen was shut in the closet everyone wanted to be shut in the closet. When it was Eli's turn, he'd watched two other kids first so he knew what to do. Timothy shut the door and asked Eli what the letter was. Eli yelled out, "B!" Then he paused. Then he yelled, "2!" On his second turn he yelled, "5! 6!!" I was proud. The boy knows a lot of things. :)

Eli loves music. I mean LOVES music. I sing to him a lot. At the end of every song he immediately demands, "Do all again. Do all again, Mom!"

Which reminds me--if any of you want to teach a music loving child how to count to three, I highly recommend "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." You should hear Eli yell, "One, two, three-you OUT!" Awesome.

One of my favorite things right now is listening to Eli with Harriet. Today she had on a new outfit as I switched out all the 0-3 month clothes for 3-6 month clothes. The overalls have little orange fish all over them. Eli was entranced. He oohed and aahed and looked at all the fish, the whole time declaring, "Harriet so coot, Mom. So coot. I kiss, Mom, I kiss." (He wanted to kiss Harriet, not me.) Love it.

One funny thing about Cowen--he doesn't like his reading lessons anymore, but he doesn't mind writing lessons. So, we do a lot of "writing lessons" to improve his reading. However, he only wants to write things that he thinks are funny. The other day I told him to write, "Dad sat on a cat." But he thought that wasn't funny enough. So he wrote, "Dad sat on a cactus." Then he laughed like a six year old boy (there really is nothing adequate to compare it to) for the next 10 minutes. Boys really are a different species. But I don't mind--the boy can write cactus with ease. Now, if you showed him the word cactus in a book he would act like it was written in Chinese. Totally different learner, is my Cowen.

One last thing about Eli. He's being potty trained. Timothy and I decided we spent too much money on diapers so now only Harriet is allowed to wear diapers (and Eli at night). I figured my children are all potty training failures except Cowen and I trained him at 2 (because he begged and pleaded in Cowenese that he wanted to be like Miriam).

Anyway, Eli hates going potty. Every twenty minutes I insist that he sit on his froggy potty, despite his dislike of the process. The second his bum hits the potty, he leaps back up and says, "Good try, Mom. That good try," and tries to start pulling up his pants. Ha. Yeah, exactly Eli--good try.

I'm tired. When do you start to get your mojo back after your fifth baby? Anyone?? I'm going to bed now because tomorrow I have to "do all again."

Lady Harriet is Ill

2011-04-19T21:40:00.002-06:00

I took our Harriet for her two month well-child visit today only to have it confirmed that she is not well. She is ill. Ill is the opposite of well.

Apparently, Harriet has RSV, an ear infection, reflux, and a yeast infection.

Sigh.

I had considered taking her in last week because of the wheezing, but she was breathing okay and her nose was clearing up, so I figured she wasn't sick enough to justify a visit. I cannot be held accountable for not guessing at the ear infection. Like Miriam, Harriet did not give me any indication of an ear infection. No fussiness, no fever. Besides, with the boogers streaming out of all my kiddos noses the past two weeks, I figured she had a bad cold and possibly a little bronchial something or other. Ear infection didn't even cross my mind.

As for the yeast infection, I guessed at that too. Her poor bum was in worse shape than even Miriam's got. I struggle to keep my sensitive-skinned children's skin healthy. I change Harriet's sheet every three days. I use special laundry detergent and rinse everything that touches her twice. I use all fragrance free stuff.

Her bum was still looking awful--even with faithful application of cornstarch--my favorite magic cure. A few days ago I purchased pampers' outrageously priced hypoallergenic diapers. Her bum has gotten significantly better since then. I'm hoping the medicine our ped prescribed will clear it up completely and I'll be able to switch back to cheaper diapers. I realize Harriet is a Lady, but there is only so much refinement we can afford to indulge.

The doctor still gave her the vaccinations (well, the nurses did), so now we have sore legs to add to the mix of Harriet's other ailments. She was sad earlier today so I gave her some infant tylenol, and she's been sleeping since. Poor darling.

The doctor also checked Eli's head. No fungi in sight. The doctor had me schedule a visit to check his thyroid and iron level. Anemia causes hair loss in children. I didn't know that. I make smoothies with spinach every day for him--he shouldn't be iron deficient, but that would be a simple fix, so I'm hoping it is that. We'll find out next week. I don't want him to lose any more of his beautiful hair. I also don't want him to yell, "DON'T TALK TO ME!" during sacrament meeting either, but we don't always get what we want.

Eventually the weather will warm up and the children's noses will dry up and Lady Harriet's lungs will clear up and Eli's hair will grow back. And that will be good.

PS Harriet is now 11 lbs 6 oz and 22 inches and is just as sweet and soft and yummy as she could be.

Church History Museum

2011-04-18T16:19:00.005-06:00

The new Book of Mormon exhibit at the Church History Museum is AWESOME.

Kami, nine children, and I all went to check it out last Thursday. First there was an exchange of goods conducted on the low down in the parking lot.

Then there was the organizing and distributing of children.

Then there was the ever exciting "get the children across the busy street without anyone getting hit by a car" attraction.

Then we made it into the museum itself. There is an exhibit there presently about Emmeline B. Wells (I would like to point out for those of you who are a little slow that my daughter's name is Emeline B. for a reason). I would have loved to explore the exhibit, but with so many littles it was impossible. I did point out a picture of Emmeline to Emeline. That was fun.

The children's section of the museum used to be an exhibit called I Am a Child of God. It was really nice and my children really liked it. The new exhibit is like the old one x 100. There is so much for the children to do and explore.

For example, Emeline and Ana put on a nice puppet show with two freaky puppets--a lobster and clam. (Ana was not in a 'smile for the camera' mood during this trip, but I enjoyed her face nonetheless.)

Cowen stole my camera out of the front of my baby carrier without my noticing. Clever, clever. He took this shot of me, Kami, and Ana with her little Clam friend in the boat Nephi built.

Since the exhibit has a Book of Mormon theme, many elements of it are about South America--including this tortilla toss. It was my favorite part. I wasted Kami once and Ana once. Sweet.

Notice the tortilla hovering near the red bucket. I am so good at action shots.

One of the more pertinent questions this exhibit raised was, "How in the world did Sebastian get in the barrel?" Only Eli was anywhere near him and I don't think Eli is strong enough. I know Sebastian is a good climber, but still. Strange. Maybe the force was with him.

Another action shot.

We have no idea why the car was involved in this exhibit. Anyone, anyone? Bueller? We do know that Eli LOVED it and stayed there for most of our visit. In the back were some stellar stuffed animals. Eli latched onto the llama and goat and did not let them go for quite some time.

Another favorite section was the "learn to dance" section. There were two large screens with a female Latin American dancer on one screen and male Latin American dancer on the other. They cheerfully invited all passers-by to join them in a dance.

Eli thought the girl costume was more exciting than the boy costume. Can't blame him.

All of our dancers. Ana had to be coerced. I kept telling her to channel her Colombian roots, but she agreed to put on the skirt for a picture and that was it. And that was it. At least she was more cooperative than Cowen who flatly refused to put on a vest. Children these days.

The boat section was pretty fun. Notice the boards on the far side. They come apart, allowing you to "help" Nephi build the boat. There were several large art pieces on the wall depicting different parts of Nephi's story. There was a rudder and fishing poles with a collection of fish you could try to catch.

Emeline steering the ship.

Great times had by all. Especially me. There was a huge original Walter Rane painting right outside the children's section that was gorgeous. Walter Rane is my favorite Mormon painter. There was another painting portraying Peter's reaction when the cock crows and he realizes what he's done. It was very powerful. And another painting with Christ wrapped in a purple robe with the crown of thorns that was also particularly well done. (Not that I know anything about art--I just really, really liked it.) I ducked out of the children's section for a few minutes to take in a little of the art. Timothy and I need to go back sans children very soon.

And maybe I'll get to play with the chicken puppet again. I scared a young boy (10 or 11) who walked by me holding a frog puppet with a wooden package of bologna in its mouth. I said, in my best chicken voice as I was being a chicken puppeteer at the time, "A frog eating bologna--now that's weird!" The kid jumped a foot, looked at me, noticed the chicken making faces at him, kind-of grinned, and moved off rapidly. Oh well, the five and under crowd loved me. They brought me, aka The Chicken, lots of fun food to eat. Good times.

Go visit the museum. It's fun!

Sunday Picture-Taking

2011-04-12T20:49:00.004-06:00

On Sunday I whipped out my camera to take pics of Emeline with Harriet. Emeline is a little mother. Once I told her she couldn't get any bigger because she had to stay my little girl and she said, "But then how could I be a mom?"

I have to point out that in the above pic, Harriet's cheeks are utterly kissable. I want to go kiss her right now. But I won't because she's asleep and I want to finish this blog post so I can go to bed. But the urge is there every time I see the pic.

Since my camera was already out, I decided to document what the rest of the family was doing. Miriam was picking her lip--again! They are often a bloody/scabbed over mess. Children these days. I told her to stop picking--hence the smile.

I kept harassing her. This pic is the result. Doesn't she look old in this pic?? Way too big. She's not allowed to get older, I can't stand it.

All the next day she played robots. That's what comes of her searching through her Dad's collection of sci-fi to find something to read.

Cowen is as good looking as ever. He was "riding" on the couch, which is strictly prohibited. Children these days.

Eli, even with his unfortunate hair malady, is just as cute as ever.

Sometimes I forget how beautiful Emeline's eyes are because I tend to focus on her mouth when I watch her. I love her mouth. So expressive. So pretty. So like her dad's.

The other day I showed Emeline a picture of me when I was about five. I asked her who she thought it was. "Me," was her unhesitating response. I agreed. I had no idea how much we look(ed) alike until I saw pics of me at the same age. Her mouth is so different from mine that it throws me off.

My funny monkey. I played "shoot" with him today. He loves that game. It involves me sitting on the couch and Eli running by yelling, "Shoot me!" So then I shoot him and he does a dramatic death fall. He loves it. He's quite the actor. When we read stories he acts them out. The boy has flare.

Astute

2011-04-11T17:05:00.002-06:00

I buzzed Cowen's hair this morning before his bath. He opened the buzzer bag thing and was playing with all the different parts/accessories.

He excitedly told me that the mini-buzzer was working (it usually isn't).

Here is a transcript of our conversation about it.

Mom: "Dad must have changed the batteries."

Cowen: "Maybe you changed the batteries and forgot."

Mom: "Nope. I didn't change them."

Cowen: "Then it was either Dad or witches."

Yep. One or the other.