Hayden Makes Me Happy

Hayden is smarter than me. He's been smarter than me since he was three. He should be a lawyer when he grows up. We call him "The Negotiator". He can talk himself out of anything, and he does. He has logical arguments about why he shouldn't go to bed, or get the mail, or eat what I just made for dinner. He knows so much about computers, it's scary. Pretty soon, we are just going to send him if Grandaddy needs help with his laptop instead of Brandon. He loves to read facts, not fiction. He reads to learn, not to be entertained (with a few exceptions like 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'). He talks all the time about the fact that he wants to own his own company when he grows up. He asked me the other day if brothers can work together. Now he tells Jake, "You can work with me when we grow up. That will be fun!" Jake raises his fist in the air and yells, "Yeah!"

He is the best big brother. I'm not just saying that. He is. He fixes Jake's tracks on the train table when the long line of engines fall off the bridge. He lets Jake put his straw in his milk. He says hi to Jake first when we pick him up from school. "Did you miss me Jake? How was your day?" Cutest. Thing. Ever.

He's getting older. I don't get to hold his hand as much or kiss him. He doesn't sit on my lap. But he does sit next to me, with his head on my shoulder. I'm allowed to kiss the top of his head, but only sometimes. He forgets sometimes when we are walking across a parking lot and he'll grab my hand. But only for a little while. I will take what I can get, even if it's only for a little while.

Jake is Great

This kid is so full of it. Full of energy and smiles and evil plans. Lately he makes me wonder how I'm ever going to survive being his mother. His new trick is doing some costume changes during nap time. I put him in his room (with the child lock on the inside so he will stay in there and possibly get bored enough to sleep) and twenty minutes later, after I can't listen to him kick his door anymore, I go in to check. He'll be in a completely different outfit, inside out and backwards. "Hi Mom", he says with a cute smile. He's always so proud of his new ideas about how to get my attention.

Next check in, he'll be naked.

One day, I called nap time finally after he was quiet for twenty minutes.

Those were a very tense twenty minutes. I just listened and waited until I thought he had finally calmed down and slept.

After the twenty minutes were up and he was calling me ("Mom, all done!"), I opened his door to see all the books he owns in piles all over his room. Even if he is ready to give up nap time, I'm not. I'm holding on to the hope that he's just tricking me and he'll go back to his nice long sleepy time.

His new favorite thing to say is, "Check it out Mom!" I love it.

His new favorite thing to do is spit at Hayden when he doesn't get his way. This, I do not love so much.

His favorite way to 'sneak' around the house is by standing underneath is art easel and walking it around. He wouldn't make a very good spy because dragging around a giant plastic easel across tile is loud.

He loves to eat 'choc-lick' and loves picking out his little candy from the advent calendar. Hayden showed him how. It's the first thing we do in the morning.

I see no problem in starting every December morning with chocolate. Maybe this is why my children hate vegetables.

Jake does everything big. If he's going to play in the dog's water bowl, that water will cover two hundred square feet of my house. How those 24 ounces of water can multiply like that, I'll never know. If he decides to try eating Redi Whip out of the can by himself, he will include the dog's back, the coffee table and his blanket. No kitchen counter for his experiments with food, oh no. When he runs away from me outside the dentist office after the first major snowstorm of the year, he doesn't just run, he tries to run onto the Van Winkle Expressway. Go big or go home. I think that is his motto.

But he also loves in a big way. He kissed me while we watched TV yesterday for a full five minutes. If he didn't approve of how I kissed him, he told me to "more kiss Mom". He runs screaming at visiting grandparents and aunties and climbs up for hugs and loves. He loves to spin around in the office chair while he listens to music with his eyes closed. His love of yogurt is so intense that he will lick the bowl clean and laugh. He is a joy to have in our family. He is a good example of how to live your life. Eat what you love, kiss whom you love, and close your eyes and pay full attention to the things you love.

A List For Monday

Things I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say

1. 
   
   Don't put cheese in your pocket


2. 
   
   Yes, Blanket can come with us to Petco


3. 
   
   Well, we can't get new carpet anyway until the dog stops puking all over it


4. 
   
   New Rule! You can't ask me where your shoes are until you've looked for them at least once!


5. 
   
   We don't put money in the treadmill


6. 
   
   Did you put all those coins in the treadmill?


7. 
   
   They don't have to tell you they are hungry. You feed them dinner anyway. It's not the kids' job to tell you to feed them.


8. 
   
   Did he put rocks down his diaper or did he just poop gravel?


9. 
   
   I don't care if we have Dish Network or Directv as long as it has Nick Jr.


10. 
    
    Hayden, I don't know if Avast is the best or not, but please don't install anything else.


11. 
    
    Stop using the voice recognition software to talk to me remotely! Come down here and talk to me Hayden!


12. 
    
    Because you can't remotely clean the basement


13. 
    
    Thanks for helping clean up the backyard Baby Bear, but we don't pick up dog poopies with our hands.


14. 
    
    Yes, sprinkles are fine on your yogurt, but you can't have sugar on it.


15. 
    
    Please stop using that penny like a spoon.


16. 
    
    Thanks for letting me sleep in. I think it the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me in my entire life.


17. 
    
    I can't put just on piece of bread and a Capri Sun in your lunchbox. The school will think I don't take care of you.


18. 
    
    Yes Hayden, they do take back babies at the hospital when they start being bad. You just take them to the back door and say, "I need to return this baby. His name is Jake. He just crushed an entire tube of Pringles into my carpet." They will understand.

Here's to surviving until Tuesday!

Park City 2010

Last month we celebrated Hayden going off track at school with a trip to Park City (with the help and generosity of Grandaddy). We love staying at Westgate. Our rooms are more like apartments than just regular hotel rooms. Second on the list of things we do when we first get there, after pool, is a nice bath in the giant bathtub. This year we were on our vacation for Hayden's 9th birthday. He's nine. I have a nine year old. Creepy. I don't know if I'm grown up enough to be in charge of a nine year old. Too bad for him he has no choice.

The boys went on the Alpine Coaster while I waited safely with the camera at the bottom. I'm deciding if lately I'm a chicken, or just lazy. Scary things just aren't interesting to me at the moment. Both boys loved it. Grandaddy took Jake. Thanks, Grandaddy, for making it possible for me to be lazy/scared.


Here is a shot of Hayden the Brave rock climbing. He started out a little bit concerned....

......but then he climbed like a freakin' monkey.

We found a park to play in with a fence. Genius. A fence to keep kids in and dogs out. I was very impressed. Oh, the kids liked it too.

More of Hayden the Brave a.k.a Monkey Boy

When Jake is doing anything intense (playing, painting, chasing the dog, drawing on walls) he sticks his tongue out. I have lots of tongue pictures lately. He's very intense most of the time.

While Hayden was swinging, I stole his shoes and hid them in a tree. I don't know why I did that. Sometimes I realize that I'm that weird mom, you know, like the creepy mom one of your friends had when you were growing up. I'm like that mom that gave us raw Ramen noodles as a snack when we were over playing with her kids. Except I just steal shoes and play "Plants vs. Zombies" all the time.

We had a BBQ dinner of hot dogs and chips on the roof of the hotel lobby. We had a great view of the waterfall while we charred up those dogs. The bottom of that waterfall has more large animal sculptures. One is a very large male deer. And he is anatomically correct. Um... I did not take a picture. That's all I'm going to say.

Hayden's birthday was lots of fun. I mean, serious fun. More fun than lazy/scared Heather usually has. We gave Hayden his gifts and giant balloon.

Couldn't you just kiss him? He's so cute. Don't try to kiss him though, he's quick. He will escape all forms of affection.

We rented four wheelers from a company who met us at the base of some trails. I can only give you an approximation of where we were because I was all turned around. The base of the trail was near a golf course in Heber. That's all I've got. Oh, and after we went over the mountain while we looked for the trail that would take us over a creek, we saw Cascade Springs. So those of you Utahans will probably know where we were, even if I didn't. Oh my gosh we had so much fun. That's only the second time I'd ever been on a four wheeler, and now I want one. I want a couple. I want one like the lady I saw who tied down a crate on the back and drove her dog up the mountain with her. I thought it would be a good spot for Jake. I kid, I kid.

Hayden was a little worried/excited at first.

He ended up having a great time. Here are Hayden and Brandon riding around. I was stung by a bee while I took this picture. What the..?!

Jake rode with me for a while, until he got tired. He fell asleep with Brandon driving over some really intense trails. That baby is weird. Really cute though.

Hayden drove for a bit. Shhh, don't tell his grandma.

It was really beautiful there with all the leaves just starting to turn. The weather was great.

Sleepy, dirty Jake.

Okay, so I love this picture of Brandon and I. I have a huge head and my face is all squishy in the helmet, but my teeth look so white next to my filthy face. And Brandon is doing this funny little smile with something on his teeth. He smiled too much while he was riding behind me I think.

All in all, Brandon and I had more fun than the boys did. We went back to our hotel, washed our clothes a few times, and reminded ourselves how lucky we were not to have to clean our shower. Boy we were filthy. The rest of the evening was spent swimming, eating cake, eating pizza and struggling to keep awake because that much fun is exhausting. I hope all of Hayden's ninth year is as much fun as his ninth birthday.

The Real Terror

I love Halloween. Love it, love it, love it. It's the only holiday I truly enjoy decorating for. Our first house had a huge window in the front room with a covered porch/walkway leading to the front door. We hung bats from the porch roof, glued spiders to the screen door, made entire scenes in the window, and dressed up. Below is a picture of a one year old Hayden checking out the window decor.

My new house (okay, not so new since we've been here for five years, but whatever) has no porch, just steps and the window isn't as much fun to decorate. I finally found a better way to spook up my house without the window. I've made a graveyard with the help of my boys. All we need to do is buy a floodlight or something so you can see the cool graveyard in the dark. Now I'm happy. I've let the cute/easy/spidery window go and found something cool.



But while the boys and I were decorating outside, the real terror began. Look what was by my front door! Praying Mantis! His name is capitalized because Praying Mantis' have evil plans and more brains than most bugs. I understand that they are beneficial bugs and it's good to have them around. But this Praying Mantis is always on my screen door, or right next to it so I can never leave my house without fear. He/She just looks at me, quietly judging me. Waiting for its chance to quietly climb onto my back and come inside, where it will wait patiently for me to fall asleep, then BAM!!! it'll take me down. I'm sure of it. My long standing phobia of Praying Mantis hasn't gone unnoticed by my husband. Check out the next picture.


This is the souvenir he brought home for me from San Francisco. A Praying Mantis enclosed in a clear coffin. Now I can view this two ways. First, it's a joke and my husband is evil (most probable), or second, it's a warning to all Praying Mantis' everywhere that they are not safe near me (not as likely).


So yeah, Praying Mantis by my door, just look at what happened to your friend here. Take a good look.

Miracle Tomatoes

We were very observant and patient the first part of the summer, being very careful with our veggie garden. Towards the end we just let the whole thing run itself. Without water. But somehow all these tomatoes survived (plus three jalapenos). I haven't got a clue what to do with all these tomatoes. I guess I'll figure out how to make homemade tomato sauce or something.

Here are a few important lessons we learned with our first garden

1. You don't need three tomato plants unless you also have a plan for A LOT of tomatoes
2. Earwigs are the enemy-they must be stopped
3. Giant sunflowers are cool until you realize all those yellow jackets and birds are only in your yard because of it
4. Birds poop on the rest of your garden while they attack giant sunflowers
5. One giant sunflower is enough
6. Did I mention that some sunflowers get huge? I mean like "Jurassic Park" huge
7. Roma tomatoes get really, really creepy black bottoms when you don't water them regularly
8. Pumpkin plants can also get "Jurassic Park" huge
9. Don't get impatient and pull up a couple of carrots to check on them, then think you can push them back in the dirt to keep growing when they are too small to eat (I know, I know. I just really wanted a carrot)
10. Get the really big tomato cage

I enjoyed my garden experience. I think next year will be much, much better. The fence will go up before the planting begins, hopefully preventing the dog from getting to it. I will either plant one tomato or buy a bunch of canning supplies. If the tomato sauce works out, I'll show you pictures.

Utah State Fair

I go to the State Fair for the food. I'm not going to lie about it or gloss it over in any way. Funnel cakes, fried mystery items(fried dill pickles on a stick, anyone?), roasted corn, lemonade, cotton candy, chocolate dipped bacon, I could go on and on. We decided last night would be the best time to go because kids got in free and there was an ice cream festival from 3-9. Then we walked in and Hayden saw the rides. Then my dreams of gorging myself on unlimited ice cream flew out the door. He wanted on every ride, more than once. Jake wanted to do everything Hayden did, but alas, he was too short for most of the rides. It was a good thing that the ride wristbands were buy one get one free. I would have been bummed out spending that kind of money on Jake to go on four rides. So we spent most of the night chasing Hayden from one ride to another. The boy's Auntie Shilo and her(our) friends Ash and Anthany met up with us. In between rides we did manage to get in a few treats.

Pork Chop on a Stick! Everything's better on a stick!

Jake also enjoyed the meat on a stick
Hayden is so fearless and friendly. He went on rides by himself, and asked strangers if it was okay for him to sit by them. He paired himself up with any kid who was in a group of three to get on the 'no single rider' rides. He's like his grandpa's-people don't' intimidate him. I'm glad he turned out like that. It must skip a generation.

I told Brandon that next year he should take me on a date to the fair. That way we can get sick eating fried Twinkies and Coke without the children. I'll be able to pet the bunnies and see the giant butter sculptures. And maybe, just maybe, I'll get to eat all the ice cream I want next year from 3-9.

It's Hot In July, In Case You Have Forgotten

Last week we did a few activities because Hayden returned to school yesterday. We wanted to cram a bunch of stuff in before he became a third grader. Third grade. Hayden is old now. He didn't want me to walk him into his classroom for his first day, "Drop me off at the curb." Questions about how his first day get answered with one word, "Fine". So I've got nothing else to say yet about third grade because I'm not in the loop. Maybe I'll get to learn more on Back to School Night.

We took the boys to the Children's Museum at the Gateway. If you've never been there before, be aware that the play balls with the tubes at the beginning of the museum are so freaking awesome to toddlers that you'll never get them to check anything else out. Pick up a ball, throw it down a tube. Or up a suction tube. Or steal some other toddlers ball, make them cry, then throw it down a tube. Tube, tube tube! Mental note-bring a book next time. Wait, that wouldn't work or he'd make all the other kids cry. Mental note-learn to love tubes.

Hayden did explore the rest of the museum though. He always likes to be a cashier at the grocery store and sit in the helicopter. Too bad it was 158 degrees outside (helicopter got a little hot). Because of the heat we thought we'd take them to the fountain down a little way from the museum. Hayden was brave, but Jake didn't want anything to do with it, not even when his cousin tried to show him it's not scary.

We also went swimming at Jen's pool (thanks again Chloe). We got to see some of my cousins there by pure luck (Hi Richmonds!). My favorite part of swimming day was the Einstein's Brothers bagel sandwich I had for lunch. Tasty Turkey on garlic, no sprouts, add honey mustard and onion. Best.

Sandwich. Ever. My favorite things are usually edible.

We also recently learned another valuable lesson. When you go to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, do not eat in the little cafe just outside. It is also the concession stand for the movie theater so you end up paying 147 dollars for a sandwich and chips. Oh yeah, and don't go to the Children's Garden when it's the hottest day of the year. Especially when the fountains aren't working. And when you have a toddler with you. You will spend your entire time at the garden discussing the broken fountain. I do recommend going to all these places though, just call ahead and make sure the water is on and have another plan for lunch.

It's odd to think that Hayden is already back in school because it feels like summer has ended. But it's still hot. My poor traditional school elementary background has made it hard for me to wrap my brain around school starting in July. I have to remind myself that just because school started, fall is not really as close as I'd like to think. It'll be hot for a while. My lawn will still be thirsty and dying for a while and I can't wear my cardigans for a while. And I'll still have one lonely toddler for a while. Jake does miss his brother. And don't tell him, but I miss Hayden too............

Garden Update

So, it's now day 60 something for our garden of veggie wonders. You have to wonder how it survived the dog attack, Jake's watering techniques and the awesome late May snowstorm. But most of it did. My only previous veggie garden experience was 15 to 20 years ago when my dad planted one in the backyard. That garden kicked butt now that I think about it. We had big old crazy pumpkins and more peppers than one family needed. I also learned to love those little round, flower shaped squash. Patty Pan? Is that a squash? Anyway, lots of fun but Dad did most of the work. So our garden this year has been trial and error.

Check out this first shot of where the corn and carrot seeds ended up in the "oh my gosh did Bandit just dig up those seeds?" bed. There is also an intentional sunflower at the rear. At least they are growing in spots.

This is the front bed. It's much happier to be alive. Happy little tomato, pumpkin, pepper and cilantro plants..........
The only thing Hayden is interested in about this garden is the corn. So far so good. Not a lot of corn, but some. I hope it works.

And here is the lettuce. Ah the lettuce. Other than cilantro, it's the one thing we've eaten out of the garden this year. It was fun going out and getting a salad from my yard. I can't wait to see if everything else works out. I really want some of those carrots.

California Baby!

We spent last week having a blast in California. We visited my sister and her family (thanks guys!) and had a great time. We took Hayden to Magic Mountain without Jake and spent the day on roller coasters. I'm getting too old for roller coasters. They almost killed me. Hayden, on the other hand, wasn't afraid of anything. He had a great time. Driving to California with a toddler was an adventure on its own. By the time I got home I realized that our day at the beach was the only time I took pictures. It was Jake's first time meeting the ocean and he loved it. Here are just a few shots of my cute kids loving the beach.............

Happy Birthday!

(right now, Jake has this exact haircut)

34 years ago today, my best friend was born. I'm lucky I found Brandon because I really, really like him in addition to loving him. He is my favorite person to be around. I love you honey!

Bring on the cake!

What the.......?

I now have officially given up trying to defend this garden. Whatever survives this freak snowstorm will be all I grow this year. #%@&!!!!!!!!

Ode to a Slipcover

Oh how I love my slipcover. It hides the red dry erase marker from the "Bob the Builder Activity Book" incident of 2004. It covers the round stains on the seat from many, many tipped over sippy cups. My slipcover is easily removed and washed to eliminate the mysterious purple/brown/sticky mystery smear my kids, or dog, left on the seat.

What would I do without you slipcover?

Mother's Day Picnic

For Mother's Day this year, the boys took me for a picnic in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It has taken me so long to post pictures because May is a very busy month at my job. I don't really own any patio furniture myself partly because I get so tired of selling it at work. And loading it. Good gravy, I hate lifting patio furniture. Anyway....... back on subject.

Hayden and Jake like this particular picnic spot because of this cave. Hayden checks for bears whenever we come. He didn't find any animals, but he did find beer cans. Awesome.

Jake did a very good job of walking near the water, but not in it.

Hayden set up our lunch.

Isn't Hayden handsome? I'm sure now that, even if they weren't my children, I'd still think they were super cute.

Hayden did some rock climbing. Jake tried to follow. Daddy had to hold him back. He really thought he was big enough to go with his brother.

That's their cave in the background

Doesn't he look old? Where did my baby go? And please ignore his dirty face. Or I suppose you could just accept it too since that's just the way he is. He likes it that way.

Thanks boys for taking me out! I love you