8 thoughts for the New Year

1. 'Baby Roof' is 3 months old. 15 lbs of complete joy. When she is on a schedule, she is an angel. Tonight after I fed her, she kicked on the floor for 1 hour, then I changed her diaper and wrapped her up like a burrito. I placed her in the cradle wide awake and turned off the light. Did I mention she sleeps through the entire night? I feel so blessed. Paul calls her a 'smiling fool'. She LOVES to smile and coo at people.




I literally giggle whenever I hold her. Only Heavenly Father could create something this precious.

2. My Before and After project this week. I love white paint.

3. Andes de Menthe cookies are scrumptious. They are perfect for dipping in hot cocoa, frozen or nibbled right out of the box.

4. Christmas cards are wonderful. I don't want to take them down. It makes us feel loved and connected to all of you. 5. Eden playing with Nicolas. She has grown up so much this year. These two are so fun.

6. David in the cutest coat. What a beautiful child. I am so happy he has green eyes like me.

7. Hoping in 2010 Eden can respect Ruthie's personal space.

8. My 2010 New Year resolution is to be more POSITIVE.

Merry Christmas

Make a Smilebox greeting

Having a very merry day. Thank you for all your Christmas cards. They are beautiful, we LOVE them. Promising next year to send one in return.

New Orleans

Things we only do on vacation...

1. Walk back 8 blocks just to get our picture taken with a Jester statue.

2. Ride the transportation ferry because our kids want to go on a boat and we are not about to spend $50 for the cruise ferry.


3. Argue with Paul for 3 minutes about whether this is a statue or a real man. Of course I was right and he is a real man...amazing!

4. Pig out at Cafe Du Monde and other yummy southern cuisines.

5. Forget our swimming suits. Spend $23 on a swimming suit for Eden. Put David in underwear. Then muster all the courage I have to put on a sports bra, undies and an oversize t-shirt and jump in the pool with my kiddos. They had a blast.

6. Let David ride the train 2 times because he was so darn cute trying to reason with Paul. He told him: "One more time dad, ok? Just one more time."(as he holds up his little pointer finger )Other highlights:

- Having a drunk, homeless man laugh at Paul who is trying to take a picture of Eden & David smiling.

-Listening to a really gross, stinky old man tell us his family's secret for crying babies...peppermint & spring water.

- Paying $56 in parking...have you ever?

- Riding the trolley just for 3 blocks because David kept blowing kisses and begging us to ride it.

-Watching people try to calculate our kids...twins?...How could they possibly have 3?

-Eden loving being the big sister. She is such a helper.

* Being together as a family. We did it! Paul and I feel accomplished and exhausted.

4 years old

Today has finally arrived! The past week you say every morning, "I can't wait until my birthday."

You love doing your hair...your way. You will spend several minutes in the bathroom fiddling and then come out and say, "how do you like my hair, mommy?". You still love dresses and have perfected some ballet moves. You absolutely love baby Ruthie. You beg for me to let her sleep with you. When talking to her, you use a sweet, high pitch voice. You usually copy whatever I say: " hi sweetie, give me a smile...you're so pretty."

You like to tell me: "I have an idea..." or "how about this idea..." or "Here's an idea...". You are very conscience of phrases and words. You correct Dad and others who say "oh my gosh" to say "oh my goodness". I smile inside because you get a serious face and say, "Mom, we can't say that." When someone says stupid or shut up on TV. David teases, pokes, tackles and throws things at you. I think he does it because he likes you :). Recently you guys have been hitting each other. You are maturing and sometimes understand that he is younger and learning.

You like to whisper things in my ear. You also enjoy cooking and baking. You like to stand on a chair and help measure, pour and stir.

You are particular and like to have things a certain way. If you had it your way, you would get ALL of my attention. Daily you say: "mommy, watch me...with two eyes!"

You have so much of your father in you. You have the same pouty face.

You are my first baby love. You have been with us for 4 years and we have loved every minute. You are so tender and precious to us. We love you Eden Beaden.

3 years old

Today you woke up crying so I crawled into bed with you and we snuggled. You went back to sleep and I stared at you. Three years ago you were born. You were the perfect baby. It seems like so long ago. The last 4 months you have really grown up. You are speaking clearly. For lunch we went to your favorite place of ALL time..."the chicken place" (is what you call Chick Fil A). Your prayers sound something like this: "Heaven Father, umm...mumble, mumble...Church, go to chicken place, Jesus, mumble...Eden, David, Mom, Dad, Roof...mumble, mumble, AMEN."

This picture describes you perfectly. I can never keep you clothed, playing with trains or cars and smiling big for the camera. You always 'over do' your smile. You like to chomp your teeth and chase Eden around pretending to bite her. Eden screams and it usually ends in tears because someone has thrown something. I would be scared too...look at those pointy teeth.

Although Ruthie has taken your spot as the baby you don't mind. You can buckle your own car seat and have gone pee in the potty once. You like to say, "I can't do it" when we ask you to do something. I know you can do them, you are strong and capable. You have an understanding of what is right and wrong. You heed to my voice in danger. Without you, Dad would be so sad. Yesterday you two watched videos of airplanes on YouTube, it made Dad so happy and he commented "I'm so happy I have a son". We love you forever, Day Day.

On the camera

The only thing on my camera is Ruthie's precious face. Eden and I have been trying to get a picture of her smiling. She has no future in modeling.

No smile...but look at her watch David eat that chip.

Today Ruth is my favorite child because she doesn't talk back, hit her brother, steal the Christmas tree ornaments and hide them under her bed, splash all the water out of the tub, spill the milk down the wall, refuse to eat anything besides marshmallows and hot chocolate for breakfast, empty every article of clothing out of her drawer, take off her poopy diaper and run around with a poop bum, lock all the doors upstairs or pick her nose. This house is crazy...no wonder her face always looks like that.

Paul's Birthday

Take 1

Take 2

Happy 34th Birthday. I have 34 plus reasons why I love him. Reason #1: among all the craziness he laughs. I am starting to see why having a December birthday is so crummy. Especially for Paul who has exams next week. He spent the day in the library. Although he did take a small break to enjoy a homemade German Chocolate cake. It was delish. Recipe HERE. I am a believer. Homemade cakes really ARE better than the box.

2 months

We wondered why she was sleeping so long in her car seat...



Our pirate is 63 days old.


Ruthie is smiling and turning her head at sounds. Her hair is now a dark brown with faint golden strains at the scalp. I can't decide if she loves milk or sucking more. She has little fat rolls down her legs. She is almost sleeping through the night (a 7-8 hour sleep stretch). She must be wrapped up tight when she is tired.

I love to put my face against her soft cheek and smell her. Even if it is the baby throw-up smell, I still sniff. I want to relish every moment. She is a little butterball. She is our baby girl, which makes her too adorable to explain.

Thanksgiving 2009

We traveled through Louisiana until we arrived in...

Dallas, Texas where our FAVORITE Doctor lives. Enjoying the perfect weather before our Thanksgiving feast. Nick's pride and joy. Jamie's sweet potatoes are amazing. I have a new standard for Thanksgiving dinner.We have a Knight, a Sargent & a Cowboy to keep things in order.
Ruthie meets her Grandparents for the first time.

Carson Richard was baptized.

During the baptism program Ruth started crying. I rocked her in the hallway and silently sent a prayer to heaven asking her to stop crying so I can see Carson baptized. When I hear the baptism doors open she starts screaming. My prayer was not being answered the way I wanted, then I look up to see a sweet girl offering to hold Ruth so I can go in. I made it just in time to see Carson in the font. There is ALWAYS a moment right before the prayer starts when I feel the heavens open and the spirit is poured down. I love that moment. Carson is so special. Thank you Jessica for answering my prayer.

Celebration lunch We love our cousins!

I am Thankful for

love,

this stud,
suspicious babies,

and eating grapes on the stairs.

I wonder what she's dreaming about

I get by with a little help from my friends. -Lennon

The Yamniks came in town last weekend.


It was like old times. Paul got mad at Marianne (those two are like nitrogen and glycerine ), the kids climbed all over Patrick, we talked, we ate, we laughed and we cried when they left.

We love the Yamniks.

Sacred

The whole point of my blog is to print it. To have a copy for generations to come. I found this entry I wrote. What am I saving it for? To be printed and read by my children. To be a testimony of my thoughts and experiences as a young mother. For the sake of sharing a little bit of Cyndi:

May 7, 2009

Tonight at work I had an interesting conversation. I found it more sad than interesting. While rolling silverware Trey said to Mike, "could you ever date a Mormon?" (both knowing I was Mormon and including me in the conversation). Mike said "no", then he went on to say he has different beliefs. He likes to drink and I quote: "the whole pre-martial sex thing, I don't see what's wrong with that. Especially now since we have safe sex." Both guys went back and forth and I stepped in saying something to the effect of: "you're not looking at sex from the right point of view. Sex is the power to procreate, it is a wonderful gift that Heavenly Father has given us. It is the most intimate thing between a man and women. It is sacred. "

To that Trey responds: "Well, that's the thing. I don't consider sex sacred." I didn't have a come back. I guess I didn't need one. What more could I say? Then Mike referred to the fact that guys...HAVE to 'relieve the pressure'. If you're 24 years old w/o having sex you will start to twixt. I smiled and said, "my husband was 29 years old when we got married. It was important to him. He views his body as sacred and the power to procreate as sacred. It is possible".

The conversation was light and friendly. I wasn't going to get into a debate, especially when I knew they really didn't want to listen. They don't want to change. They don't WANT to find out if it's bad.

As I was driving home I thought of my children. I want Eden and David to know that Satan is the one who makes people think they can't control themselves. Satan turns sacred things into fun weekly activities. The Lord gives us commandments so we can control ourselves. The problem with this generation is their response to immediate gratification. To selfishness. If they want to...they do. There are no boundaries, no rules or guidelines...as long as it feels good. It makes me disappointed to hear people say that sex is not sacred. I am not surprised though. I am well aware of what my children will be faced with. It will only become worse. My children: Eden, David and baby girl: I want you to know that Heavenly Father knows who you are. You are created in His image. The choices you make do effect others and will effect you. It IS possible to remain worthily and pure and find someone who is too. The covenants and blessings of the temple ARE worth it. I love you and pray that you will gain a testimony of your eternal nature at a young age so you will stand tall and strong during the storms of temptation.

Hair she is

Ruth is 6 weeks old.

• The best thing about Ruthie : her hair

• Nicknames: "baby Woofie" (because that's the way the kids say it) and "Rufio" (from Hook...you know when they chant Rufio, Rufio, Ruf- e-oooo)

• What scares Ruth? Nothing, she fits right in and doesn't seem to mind all the noise.

She is a classic baby. Eats, burps, sleeps, poops, cries. She nurses and will also take a bottle. She grunts and makes elephant noises. The only unusual thing is her diaper rash. She has had a diaper rash for over a month.

Besides the obvious solutions (creams, change diaper often, blow dry bum, etc) does anyone have any suggestions?? It just stays the same...red & blistery. I haven't taken her to the doctor because it doesn't bother her; plus I don't want to catch swine flu in that office.

love, love, love her

*Her hair honestly does that...I did not poof it.

Oprah's fat

I spend a lot of time on the couch. Hugging the boppy with Ruth attached. What do you do? I tried reading...but hello when you are already tired that isn't effective. So I watch TV. I have been watching a little bit of Oprah. Thanks Oprah for that great Payless coupon.

Last Sunday was our primary program. I was all geared up to attend 3 hours of church. I had my outfit hung and pressed. Sunday morning was insane. I could NOT zip up my skirt. What? The skirt I wore 3 weeks ago now does not fit? Do I live in opposite world? I am gaining weight after child birth!

So...I started the South Beach Diet that day...no carbs, fruit or sugar for two weeks. I was going to loose 8-13 lbs (that's what the books saids :) ) YEAH RIGHT. I lasted about 14 hours. At 4am I laid in bed thinking about those homemade chocolate chip cookies from Jen. I forced myself to stay in bed. The next morning I was grouchy and really didn't care if I was skinny (I have no perspective).

Last night I decided I cannot be obsessed. The more concerned I am about my weight the more weight I gain. Does that make sense? It's a complicated issue I'm sure Freud can explain.

Plus, Oprah is fat. She is. She is the richest women in the world. She has a personal chief. She can BUY anything to replace refined sugar. Yet, somehow she is still fat and claims happiness.

What I have and Oprah doesn't:

-3 beautiful children (I'm sorry...dogs are not children)

-An awesome husband who doesn't care about Oprah.

-A 1980 condo that I can clean in 2 hours...and also be destroyed in 10 minutes.

-A sure knowledge of the plan of salvation.

*I know you are going to tell me to give myself a break. Ruth is barely 6 weeks old. I know, I know...but it still is hard when you don't fit into your clothes!

Happy Halloween

From the superhero ballerina, baby skelton and a boy who didn't want to wear anything but his spiderman shirt (so his costume is...a spiderman fan).

Let's take a closer look at this skelton...

compliments to Aunt Amber for her adorable baby legs and the cutest socks ever!

What it has been like with three children

Everyone wants to know how I am handling three children. I would also like to know! I don't feel like I am in my body. I can't remember if I am wearing my pj's or the outfit I choose for the day (they pretty much look the same). I feel squishy and sticky. I am constantly sweating...it's the nursing. Having a bundled newborn attached to you 8 hours a day is extremely hot. I think week 4 is harder than week 1. I start getting cabin fever...but it's still too soon to introduce Ruth to the big world. We have kept the children in and away from sickness. So far we have been extremely blessed with excellent health.

The kids LOVE each other. They ALWAYS want to get their picture taken with Ruth.

Aren't they adorable!

The biggest difference is INDEPENDENCE and MESSES. The kids have taken the liberty of helping themselves. This is a classic example. Before nursing Ruthie I cut some apples w/peanut butter for them to snack on. When I came back downstairs I found this:

-Popcorn popped (notice Eden even put them in separate bowls)

-Gummy worms

-Rootbeer (David broke the fridge lock)

-TV on watching Little Einsteins on their "couch kitchen"

All this leads to messes! Unsupervised kids make HUGE messes...especially mine.

Never mind that milk has been spilled on the floor 345,0543 times. Never mind that we no longer have anything glass in the house. Never mind that every basket gets emptied and transformed into a step stool. Never mind that David ripped the couch with a knife. Never mind their bedtime schedule has gone out the window.

Isn't she just too cute to care?

Cotton field

and

Look whose holding her head up (for at least a few seconds)! What a big girl.