Funny Girl

Gavin sure thinks his sister is funny. They did this for about a half hour. I filmed it towards the end, so the laugh isn't as strong. He was laughing so hard, it gave him hiccups. Cute.

Sleep Baby Sleep

When did you start letting your baby cry themselves to sleep? My baby will be a year in a few weeks, and he is a terrible sleeper. It is hard, cause it seems like he was waking up so much because of his ears. Now he is so used to it that he doesn't know how to sleep through the night. I know I need to let him cry, but the problem is that he is in our room. We only have a three bedroom house, so he's with us. This week, I want to put him in with Ellie, then I'll let the crying begin. I am so ready for a full night sleep.

YIKES!!!

This week is a big milestone for Gavin and me. We are weening. COLD TURKEY! I am so sore. Most people gradually reduce their output so when the day comes, it's a breeze. Well, not me. I am a push over. Whenever he wanted it, he got it. He is so used to getting what he wants because I'm a doormat, that I've sent him to stay with my parents while I try to dry up. I hope it only takes 2 nights. I know I will really miss him. My Mom reports that he is doing great. You wouldn't know anything was going on with him. Me, on the other hand, I'm seriously considering a job in the adult industry. Yowza!!! For the next few days, its me and my ice packs. So fun.

We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

Tonight we were at a fireside about Temples, when we found out about President Hinckley's passing. I was very overwhelmed, but what an atmosphere to hear the news.

Our bishop got up at the end of the fireside and said "what a fitting subject we are talking about. We go to the temple to unite our families for eternity, and have reunions with our families in the hereafter. Tonight, there has been a wonderful reunion. President Hinckley has reunited with his wonderful wife."

We then all stood and sang, We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet.

What a wonderful way to pay tribute to his passing. He was a great man. He will be missed.

Checkmate

Isaac had a chess tournament today. He did awesome!!!

He was winning so many games that in the middle of the tournament, they moved him up a category. The higher rank pitted him against 7th and 8th graders. They proved to be a little tougher, but he hung in there.

We were very proud of him, but more importantly, he was really proud of himself!

About Time

Jackson came home from school today, announcing that he had a new accomplishment. He learned to tie his shoes. Finally!!! How old were you when you learned? Jackson is almost 8. Hey, better late than never. We are so proud.

Farewell Heath

I was running my errands, when on the radio came news that Heath Ledger was dead. I was shocked. This is the same Heath Ledger that I saw at the zoo this summer. I remember it like it was yesterday...

I was with my family at the monkey exhibit looking at a baboon, when my sister nudges me and wants to know if she is seeing who she thinks she is seeing. I look over and make eye contact with him and know for sure. It was Heath Ledger.

I really wanted to go up to him and get a picture. I also wanted him to know that we knew he was going to be Joker in the new Batman, and wanted to tell him we were the REAL Batman's. Instead I inched my way towards him and stood as close as I could while still staring at the monkeys. Leigh was able to snap a picture with the both of us in it.

After the picture, we were leaving the exhibit and trying to get out the door, when Heath himself came and held the door for us so we could get the stroller out. We thought he was so nice.

Anyways, I can't believe he is gone. Sad he left a daughter behind. Now my zoo experience is even more special.

Calgone. Take Me Away!!!

I am so tired. My baby doesn't sleep anymore. Things are almost worse than having a newborn. I even tried to get to bed at 8:30 last night, and if you know me at all, you know I must be stinkin' tired to go to bed before 11. I don't know why I bothered though. Gavin woke up at 10:30, 1:30. 3:00, and now 5:00 which is what time it is right now.
I plan on letting him cry himself to sleep, but he needs to get rid of this cold. He has a really bad cough and runny nose. Maybe next week.
Until then, if you find that I can't put two sentences together, forgive me.

VP

Well it is about time.

After years of hard work, we are finally receiving the fruits of our labors, or Andrew's labors.

Andrew was just made Regional Vice President. The title included a pay raise. Hooray for us!

Here is a copy of the email sent out.

All,

Andrew Batman has been promoted to the position of Regional Vice President. As you know, Andrew has done a tremendous job growing his territory and we expect great things from him in 2008 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Jason

Romance

Last night Andrew took me to a very nice dinner at Salty's. I have to say I felt really spoiled. It was such good food, but I wasn't used to paying that much for it. Andrew said I needed to not pay attention to that, and remember that we were celebrating and we don't do things like this very often.

I Love You. Bye

Last night, we came home from a night out, to have a voice mail for Miss Ellie Bellie. Let's just say that Ellie has a fan!

Synchronize Your Watches

This week was the start of basketball season, and the beginning of a very busy schedule for us. Mondays are gymnastics for Ellie and bball for Isaac. Tuesday is my choir and bball for Jackson. Wednesday is cubs, Thursday is bball for Jon. That doesn't include all the after school things the kids have like chess club and writing group. Game days are Saturday, so the only free day we have is Friday. This makes me tired just typing it!

Now I know how my Mom felt chauffeuring us around everywhere. Gavin is gonna grow up in a car. Poor kid.

New Calling

Last night, Andrew got called to be 1st Counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency. Now he will be released from Den Leader of the Webelos.
I hope that means I get released from the Webelos too. I already teach 4th Sunday in Relief Society.

I really don't enjoy Cub Scouts, and my kids should be taught from someone other than their parents. I'm with them all day!!!

Favorite Spot

Every since the big fall from the back of the couch, Gavin has not acted interested in trying that again. Now he just climbs up on the couch and sits there being all proud of himself. It really is very cute. I don't worry about him falling, cause he knows how to get down himself. Lets just hope that I don't find him on top of the fridge like his mommy used to do!

No More Sword Fighting

So yesterday I'd had it. Anyone who has boys, knows what I had a fit about. I went into the kids bathroom to find, yet again, pee on the floor and wall. Now, all my kids are potty trained, so I ask myself, how can this be? How is it that my boys have such terrible aim?

The answer. Group peeing, while pretending the urine stream is a light saber. I know, I know. I do not joke. SO GROSS!

Being the mother who hates to clean, especially bathrooms, I gathered the kids around the bowl, handed them each disinfectant wipes, and taught them how to properly clean the toilet and surrounding area. I also bribed them to see if they can keep the area fresh and dry for a whole month, I'd get them a new game. I have sunken this low!

I really hope I have to buy a new game next month.

Oh, and I lectured on going to the bathroom in private and how it is not a game!!!

Mother of the Year

Today Gavin received his first shiner. He got it while performing his new trick, climbing up on to the couch and going up and over the top. We knew it was coming, and have tried to take precautions from it happening. One way was to make sure he always has socks on. That way he can't get a good grip and pull himself up. Another precaution was to take down the barricade that kept him in the room with the couch. Well, neither one of them worked.

Today I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher, and Gavin was in the room behind me. He had his socks on, so I wasn't worried. But then came the crash. I can't believe how loud it was. He cried so hard. I am pretty sure he landed on his face, cause his eye is a little puffy and turning a nice shade of purple. My poor, beautiful baby.

I feel so bad. But I hope that now he has done his trick, he has learned his lesson. Here's to hoping!

Shopaholic

Today Old Navy had all their clearance an additional 50% off. I walked through the whole store, going through racks and racks of clothes, when I realized. I shop too much. My kids didn't need any thing there, either did Andrew and I. I really wanted to buy all the inexpensive clothes, but I could not talk myself into it. So I left Old Navy, spending $2.00 on a pair of slippers for my sore feet. Pathetic. They are cute slippers though.

Let's Play Catch!

Today I discovered that I have a future baseball player in my family. He may only be 11 months old, but Gavin is sure good with a ball. If he sees a ball, he will play fetch with himself. He throws it, than crawls to it and does it again. So today I tried to see if he'd throw it to me. Sure enough. It was so cute. I think we played catch for a half an hour. I don't remember any of the other kids doing that this early. He's already a jock.

Student of the Month

This morning I received a call from the school, letting me know that Isaac was picked to be student of the month. This month the focus was on kindness. I'm not surprised he was picked for that character trait. He is very kind and sensitive.

Tomorrow they will announce the student of the month in an assembly. He has no idea it is him. Andrew and I will be there to take pictures. I'm very proud of him.

Future Olympian

Yesterday, Ellie went to her first gymnastic class. Boy is she limber. She can put her nose to her knees. Her back bend was great. Now she needs to work on keeping her legs straight and pointing her toes. I think she is gonna be good.She is lucky. She didn't inherit our big bones. She looks like a gymnist. Lets see if she wants to do this for a while.

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

So today I booked our vacation to go to Disneyland. We go on April 21 through the 25. Hooray! We have said we were going to go for 4 years. It's about time we planned it. Can't wait.

They say it's your birthday...

Today is my birthday. Yeah! I had a wonderful birthday week, and can't believe all the people that remembered.

Andrew took me to get my favorite dinner at Macaroni Grill and gave me a new jacket, (I really gave that to myself), and a new camcorder.


My mom's best friend Julie, got me a new hot cocoa maker, and boy do we love it. Yummy.


Mom and Dad got me a new TV stand to hold my huge TV.



My best friend Katie got me these cute ducks and a new pitcher. I've been wanting a large, red or orange pitcher for a long time but haven't been able to find one I like. Katie found the small green one, but she doesn't really like it, so she gave me her orange one to have, or until she finds one for me that she likes better. Lucky me.


Leigh wrote me an awesome letter on her blog. Go to the LEIGH DIDDY'S DITTIES link on the side of my page. http://leighdiddyditties.blogspot.com/



I am very blessed and loved. I just want to express my gratitude to everyone. It has been a great week.

Don't Pass Out

Leigh just sent us this cute clip of the kids opening their XBox 360 on Christmas morning. They were so excited but Jon's reaction is classic.

Jonathan and the Inn

Every year we tell the story of the birth of Christ. During the story, we like to ask the kids questions, so we know that they understand. Jonathan was asked what an inn was. Here is his answer. Hilarious.

Hi Amy!

We have such a smart little 10 month old. We're trying to teach him to say "Hi Amy". I think he says it spot on. What do you think?

The Birds and the Bees

While Gavin was taking a bath, the kids were calling his "boy parts", the wrong word. So I took it upon myself to educate them in the correct terminology. This is the conversation that followed.

Emergency Pants

So last Sunday we had a bit of an emergency. Gavin overshot the diaper and spread the joy to his pants. In desperation, we pulled off his new Christmas sweater and inserted his legs into the sleeves. Fashion statement, or fashion faux paux? You decide.

Say No To Drugs

Here is Gavin all drugged up before the surgery. He was so cute and funny. He could barely hold his head up, but he was determined to stay awake.

Gavin's Surgery

Today Gavin got tubes put into his ears. It went really well. He is already crawling all over the house. You wouldn't know anything had happened to him.

The End of 2007

The favorite gift of the day. The XBOX 360. They were so excited. I was excited about the guitar hero.

Gavin with Grandma and Grandpa. They look so festive.

Handsome Isaac and our favorite Santa.

Gavin and Grandma. Doesn't my Mom look pretty?

Jon and Gavin with their Aunt Leigh.

Here is Jackson and Betsy, hamming it up in their Christmas red.

Here is Gavin with my cute cousin Katie. Aren't they cute?

Twelve Days of Christmas

This year, while doing the family sing along we sang the 12 days of Christmas. I wanted to document what awesome singers we all are. Our little cousin Evan was the best Partridge around.

Christmas Pajamas

Every year, the kids open new pajamas on Christmas eve. This tradition has been going on since I was a kid. We decided not to do identical pajamas, but to coordinate. Don't they look cute?

New Years Resolutions

For my new years resolution, I decided to start a blog. People have been egging me on to do it for a while now. So tonight I was tossing and turning in bed, nervous about Gavin's surgery in the morning to get tubes in his ears, and I thought, why lay here doing nothing? I can start that blog.