Not My Baby Anymore

After four years of looking under the crib in the middle of the night for the all-elusive pacifier...we are free! I fully believe in binkies because I have a great fear of my children sucking their thumb or fingers, which I did until I was about ten and it took some mighty fine looking head-gear to fix the damage. With the other boys the day they turned two we took the paci away and put them in big boy beds. Last week I put Luke down for a nap and forgot to give him his bink, and he just went to sleep. So ever since then he doesn't have one. And he already sleeps in a big boy bed... so I am officially out of the baby stage. He isn't two until December, but he is definately big. I don't even carry a diaper bag anymore. I think I am growing up too, I had the job of washing the Relief Society table clothes after Enrichment this week, and it somehow felt like a huge responsibility, something my mother-in-law does. (PS. I don't know what they make those things out of, but every stain seems to just disappear. I need to clothe my boys in the stuff!)

The "Mommy Zone"

There have been a few times in my short career as a mom that I have got into what I call the "Mommy Zone". This is the place where I am playing with the kids, or watching them play and just stop and marvel at how amazing they are and how blessed I am to have them. I realize in that brief moment that this time is precious and will be gone so fast and that I want to savor every second. Its that place where I want to freeze time.
My Moment Today:
Lukey was sleeping and Ben, Jeff and I were laying on my bed sharing "Bubble Tape". We each had a big wad in our mouths and I started blowing bubbles. They were facinated, I was suddenly the coolest person in the world. I threw caution to the wind and let them use their grubby little fingers to pop the bubbles over and over again and they loved it. Ben tried his best to master the bubble blowing art and kept spitting the gum out and concluded that he had to be ten to do it. After popping bubbles got old, Jeffey said: "Mom hold my gum while I jump, don't eat it kay!" I gladly held the slimy chunk of pink goo in my hand and watched my boys jump off my headboard onto the mattress. Then I got up to make dinner and it was over.
I love these special moments that recharge me for all the "other" moments that motherhood brings. Like, later on this evening when Lukey left a "treat" for me to clean up in the tub! I had a brief frustration attack, and then just let it go, left the tub, sang songs, said multiple prayers, told the fourth Star Wars story this week to the boys and kissed my sweet little men goodnight. Today I think I might be getting the hang of this mother thing...today. Now off to find the slotted spoon and the bleach!

September Catch-Up

I feel like I took a deep breath and while waiting to exhale, September was gone. It started with my birthday trip and the rest is pretty much a blur. Our weeks fly by traveling to school and back, keeping up with my callings and being a full time mom, while Brian endures a grueling work and school sheduele. Jeff started school in the classroom right next to Ben and loves preschool. I love volunteering at the school on Tuesdays in both their classrooms and watching them interact with their friends. Lukey and I have enjoyed having one on one time on Thursdays and we love seeing our cousins and Grandmas so much. I am so excited for fall to be here and can't believe it will be Christmas soon. I love this time of year! Can't wait to see what October brings. My surprise birthday cake from the boys.

The following few posts give the details of the month. Enjoy!

While Daddy Is Away...

I once read that Sister Hinckley always tried to make it fun for her kids even when Pres. Hinckley was away at church meetings or work so that they never resented either one. As much as it really it tough when Brian is gone for school or out of town for work, I have tried to adopt the same philosphy. So here is a little record of some of the things that kept us busy this month.

Getting ice cream with cousins on the last day of school before fall break. I think that I am most excited about two weeks of not commuting to and from school.

We hang out a lot in the van right now, and sing a lot of silly songs to pass the time. Check out "Snack Time" by the Bare Naked Ladies if you want a hilarious kid CD that make you laugh also. (Thanks O'Loughlins!)

Ben never wastes a moment and is always observing something. He told me this cloud looked like a whale at a stop light. Luckily the camera was right beside me to capture the moment. Ben also told me this day that: "Yesterday was our lucky day mom, we had no red lights from the freeway to my school." How he recognizes and remembers this stuff, I have no clue!

Eating dinner at Souper Salad, a new favorite and a great deal, all my kids eat for FREE! (Although using the word "eat" is always a stretch for my kids.)

The boys loved playing in my closet and Lukey is getting quite skilled at walking in heels. Definately a "Daddy is away" activity.

Making Daddy posters for when he comes home.

Sleeping over at Grandma and Papa's house. Lukey in the middle again.

Jeffey being a tiger at the preschool party at Peter Piper.

Ben playing his all time favorite Star Wars game with his buddies from school.

Little Boy, Big Messes

There are few things cuter in my world right now than my little Lukers. However, his increased demand for independence has equalled many more messes for me to clean up.

The "Before" shot of breakfast.

The after shot of breakfast!

The after shot of Daddy's Canada treats.

The after shot of being left in the kitchen alone for five minutes with a half full bag of wheat! (And yes Kim the door had a so-called child safety knob!)

All Safely Gathered In

I'm officially done canning for a while. These babies put me over the top on Monday and Aubrey and I decided to take a little break. (Until there is some other wonderful sale on produce) A little known fact: You can preserve pears with the skin on, quite tastey and WAY easier!

The boys loved painting the empty pear boxes and making them into race cars.

The first place Lukey tried to wash his hands after the painting was done. (This one is for you Tiff)

Lukey loved being one of the big boys and getting to paint for the first time. I loved watching him enjoy and then had the pleasure of cleaning up little blue handprints off of all surfaces from the table to the tub.

Our Budding Olympians

While Ben is at school on Fridays and because it is way too far to go home, we have had to find fun things to do. Open gym at a local gymnastics center is out current hot spot. Every week we play, run, jump, and swing like monkeys until we are worn out and ready for naps...mom too! Jeffey was built to live here and him and Lukey both love every minute. Ave got to join us last week in the foam pit. Great times had by all.

Jeff loves to do his "tricks" into the foam, finding the highest thing to jump off of.

Using every ounce of energy to be monkeys. This place was made for my boys. (Lukey was trying unsuccessfully to make it look effortless)