Loving, Laughing & Joy. . .Through Editing

Romance Meets Cold, Hard Cash

2012-02-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a bit of a challenge. I woke up and made coffee cake for the kids with some special hot chocolate. So far, so good. But then I got on the Internet to do my 'site scan' where I quickly check my work account, personal email, facebook, and blog pages.

I got stuck on Facebook. There on Facebook I found lots of entries about Valentine's Day. Local ladies posted pictures of their morning surprises: roses, chocolates, cards, it was all there.

I was not jealous of the stuff. I knew that my Valentine would bring home great surprises after work. What threw me for a loop yesterday was the background of the pictures -- all those clean kitchens! Those clean counters, those spotless and empty sinks. All in the background but what a lovely background! My kitchen is usually functionally clean, meaning that it is clean enough to use and get around. But it is almost never spotless. After seeing all those pictures, I figured that it was time to up my game.

A few hours later, I still felt overwhelmed and inadequate. Luckily my Valentine did not bring home roses to take pictures of and post. I got a few boxes of chocolates and cold, hard cash. Apparently that is the gift that keeps on giving!

One day when I have all the kids in school, my kitchen will stay clean, too. And it will be awesome. I'll have to take a picture.

Out Of My Comfort Zone

2012-02-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

I truly consider it a tender mercy that when I was having a really hard time with writing for that law firm I was receiving great feedback from my other two writing jobs. I have been sent more work recently, and, honestly, it's for the best that I do not have that job anymore because I just do not have time for it.

Writing for the Intermountain Commercial Record in particular has placed me far outside of my comfort zone. I am not a big phone talker. Okay, I can and have talked to Stephanie for hours at a time, but that is unusual. I always assume that I am taking someone away from something that they would rather be doing and talking on the phone is just not my thing.

But now, I have to call complete strangers and ask them to talk to me. On the record. As I take notes. I have had to call attorneys, state congressmen, state senators, mayors, business owners. It's been a challenge for me.

I hope one day I can make a phone call like it was no big deal but for now I am definitely out of my comfort zone.

I Guess It Really Does Happen

2012-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

The other day I watched Emma get off the school bus. I noticed she was talking to a boy that is four years older. He seemed to be yelling something at her from across the street, and I could see that she was none too happy about it.

I asked what was going on, and she said that he was telling her why Santa did not exist.

I was not happy with that boy. Why did he care, in January, whether or not my daughter believed in Santa? And why did he, in January, feel the need to enlighten her?

I heard that this same boy was having problems in school and was being expelled. My Macey is good friends with his little sister, so I asked her if she had heard whether he was being home schooled after getting into trouble.

"I don't know" she told me. "No one has said ANYTHING about it on the playground."

I laughed so hard. She had just repeated a popular pun, but she was really serious! That truly is where all the information is dispersed, so if people are not talking about it on the playground, it probably is not happening.

I love Macey.

Hate To See 60

2012-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

From my calculations, I was a "business professional" for seven years. Maybe a little more. During that time, the best thing in the world was casual Friday. We got to wear jeans to work. Woohoo!

But I have realized that jeans are almost my dress up pants now! During the day I usually choose to wear lounge pants or yoga pants or stretchy pants, whatever they are called. I only change out of them when I leave the house. Then I "dress up" in my jeans.

Which means only one thing. By the time I am 60, I am just going to prefer to be naked. So if we still know each other when I am 60, just remember to call before you come over.

Resolution

2012-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

The problem with the law firm has resolved itself. We have parted ways.

I told Garry and my sister many times in the short three weeks I had that job that I was going to quit. I even promised Garry that I would quit. The very next day. So you would think that I would be relieved.

But I'm not.

For the last seven years I have been working from home. Even though I worked as a piano teacher at home and at the College of Southern Maryland, and then had various jobs out here in Utah, I have the amazing daily luxury of just surrounding myself with people I like and that like me. It's hard to not be liked, to not be good enough. Even if it is for a stupid job that did not pay nearly enough for an area of law I HATE (personal injury law).

I must learn to get a thicker skin. This time in my life is a luxury; Molly will not always be around everyday to tell me that I am her best friend.

The sad thing about this is that I felt when I applied for that job that I should not do it. I can write. I always have something to say about something. But when I did the writing samples for that stupid job, I had a complete stupor of thought. It took me forever to write just a few paragraphs and I could not figure out why I should not pursue this job. I have a three year old that prays daily for "monies to go to Disneyland". How could I not try to pick up another little job?

I should have paid attention to what I felt. The last few days have been hard and it did not work for my kids, either. I had Macey crying last week because she only got to swim at the pool for 30 minutes because I was working and I heard Molly play with her toys and Snow White told Cinderella she could not play because she was working.

So I've come up with a compromise that I think will work for everyone. I'll work on my job for the newspaper from 8-10 in the morning while the big girls are at school, Braden is napping, and Molly just wants to watch Snow White for the 100th time, and I will do my business plan writing job after 8:30 when the kids are in bed. See, I could not fit a third job in there anyway! It's all for the best.

It Cannot Be Worth It

2012-01-22T21:27:00.001-08:00

Since moving to Utah, I have had a lot of little jobs to bring in extra money. I have been an adjunct professor (which I loved!), a patent researcher, a legal blog writer, a business plan writer, a freelance writer and most recently a legal blog writer again.

I still write business plans and write articles for a small local paper in Salt Lake City. But, I also accepted a job with a law firm in Virginia. For $18 I write a blog, about 400 - 600 words. I have to send it to one of the lawyers for approval. Once I get approval, I post it on their site, I tag it, I include the correct header and footer, and then I write a "teaser" on another blog site where I write about the article I just wrote about, include a link, and include tags and a footer. When I am done, I send out an email to the lawyers and other bloggers about what I just wrote and include links to the main article and the teaser. Each article must include two sources: one external and one internal. And when I finally get done, I get $18.

It might be worth it but for one attorney who has given me a hard time. You send the articles to a rotation of attorneys. There are six. Five think I'm fine. One does not. Apparently I lack proper blogging skills, I do not understand what they are trying to do as a law firm, I need to be 'mentored' through the process, I'm not taking it seriously enough. . .and a few more things I am trying to forget.

So why am I blogging about this when I clearly lack proper blogging skills? I guess I am looking for approval to tell this attorney to take his $18 and take a flying leap. With a tight economy, I have been trying to just be grateful I have something that I can do from home. But for the last two weeks, I have felt really bad about myself and trying to figure out how to please him. And I just don't want to do it anymore.

It's Tough Being #4

2012-01-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

Braden started crawling on New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to me! Okay, it is a little more work when they start moving around but I was not too disappointed that he was finally crawling because I was hoping that he would be happier because of his new freedom -- I was hoping that he would not be as frustrated and not cry.

I have learned that it is tough being #4. I should have guessed this since I am #7. But Braden does not crawl around and get into things (much). He just kind of follows me around. And when I pick him up, he does not shove and scoot to get back down. He just appreciates the attention, knowing it is short-lived.

I must remember to hold my baby more for the days are going way too fast.

Best Morning of the Year!

2012-01-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better than Christmas morning when you have kids young enough to be super, super excited?!?! I don't think so.

This year I tackled the new challenge of matching pajamas when you have three girls and one boy. But I did it! (Thank you, Children's Place).

We spent Christmas Eve with my sister and her family. We had the traditional fabulous crab dinner. Just crab leg after crab leg until we could not crack open another leg. We read Luke 2 together and the kids acted out the Christmas story and opened one present.

When we got home we made cookies for Santa, read The Night Before Christmas, and I got to watch A Christmas Story, a favorite of mine. I love the Mom! She's so smart, but so kind.

We said our family prayer and were ready to call it a night when I caught Molly trying to eat one of Santa's cookies. I guess she figured the list was in and a little naughtiness at this late hour was not going to hurt anything.

The kids went to bed and the girls all slept in Molly's room. Emma came downstairs, really drowsy, saying that she saw a light. I think that she was hoping for the Polar Express and was wishing so hard that she thought she actually saw it coming. Poor thing.

The girls were excited to see their presents from Santa. While they were distracted with their toys, Macey was scooping up all the candy Santa left on the floor and putting it all in a pile for herself. I laughed so hard. That girl is a thinker!

We had a great Christmas!

Freezing Our Lights Off!

2012-01-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is our third Christmas in Utah, and our third visit to Temple Square in Salt Lake City in freezing, freezing temperatures. I have to admit, this is one tradition I am willing to let slide for a year, or two, or three. It's just so darn cold! We bundled up as best as we could but then, of course, someone needs to use the restroom. If we go again next year, I am cutting off all liquids for 24 hours before we go.

But the kids were excited to see Mary and the manger scene outside of the Visitor's Center. They are very into Mary this year. We have a nativity, and Molly steals her and takes her on trips to WalMart and Target.

We walked around and ooohhhhed and aaaawwed at the lights and then called it done! It's lovely, but have I mentioned that it is cold??

All Aboard!

2012-01-14T12:43:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed to have a house of believers at Christmas time. No sulky teenagers. No difficult kids telling their little siblings that Santa is not real. Just a house full of Christmas magic.

So we are trying to take advantage of this small window by doing fun things together. One thing we loved last year and was even better this year was riding the Heber Creeper "North Pole Express". You journey to the North Pole, pick up Santa, sing songs, eat cookies, drink hot cocoa -- a little piece of heaven for 90 minutes. We love it!

Sketchy-Claus

2012-01-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite events in December is attending Garry's work party for the kids. They do such a great job! There are crafts for all of the kids, great food, and each parent brings in a present for Santa to give their children so the kids think that they are getting a present from Saint Nick himself.

We were afraid that they might not have it this year and were so relieved when they announced the date! Wahoo! I dressed the kids up, made sure their hair looked nice, and we were off!

Okay, but one thing. . .the Santa. His beard kept falling down. He had to hold it up with his hand. Even the little, little kids knew something was up. But they were excited to get their presents anyway!

Dragon Leader!

2012-01-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

How lucky am I to have such great kids?!?! This year the Elementary School started a program where two kids a month from each class were recognized for being great students and great leaders. Macey got the award in October and Emma got recognized in December. The parents get to come to a little breakfast and all of the kids get a certificate from the principal. Emma is a great kid, and she is a great student. We are so proud of her!

Good Enough to Eat

2012-01-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

For the last few months I spent a lot of time in doctor waiting rooms -- with Braden's ears and then Macey's ear and then Braden's eczema and even Molly's well visit -- we've been there a lot.

So I've had some time to peruse the magazines in the waiting room. One suggested a cute craft that I let the kids try -- you take ice cream cones, frost them, and then decorate them like Christmas trees. A lot of crafty food (like gingerbread houses) are fun to make but not to eat. Even sugar cookies can be a little dry and bland. But these were YUMMY! Fun to make, fun to eat!

Reindeer Remix

2012-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas Macey was in a dance show with her new dance studio -- Elite Academy. They are known around the area for their cheerleading groups, but I signed Macey up in a ballet class and a hip hop class.

Her ballet class did not perform -- they do not perform until they are older. I was a little surprised when Macey came home in her uniform as it seemed a little tight and a little short for a five year old. I am not ultraconservative, but I was a little surprised, nonetheless. They were dancing to a song called Reindeer Remix and were supposed to be dressed like elves.

We went to the dance show and oh my! I had never seen anything like it. I was there 45 minutes early and every seat in the auditorium was taped off or had coats draped on it. I wondered why the show was 25 minutes away. It was because they had to find an auditorium large enough for all of the families coming to watch. The only seating available, 45 minutes before the show, mind you, was up in the balcony. I finally begged a few seats away from a few people and was able to fit in our family and my sister and my niece way in the back but still on the main floor..

She did well! There was a whole lot of booty shaking going on in a little tight costume (read: I'll probably look for a new studio next year) but Macey did great, and she had FUN!

The Story of the Tree

2012-01-03T08:39:00.001-08:00

Now that Christmas is done, I guess I should blog about the tree.

It didn't start off well. And it didn't go well in the middle. But the end was fine!

It all started off at the tree lot. I did not think that I was picky about Christmas trees. . .until this year. Early this fall we went to a tree farm to pick out a tree. Unfortunately, the farm only grew Blue Spruce trees, and I decided that I did not like Blue Spruce trees. Who knew that they were so . . so . . blue!

We went to a lot after Thanksgiving, and it was FREEZING! I had Garry go screen out some options, and I was supposed to make the final decision. We decided pretty quickly that one tree was "fine" -- did I mention we were freezing?

It was not until later that I discovered I made a horrible mistake. After Garry was able to pick the tree up and get it into the house by himself (something he could not do last year) we discovered that it was smaller than last year's tree. The girls noticed it, too. Instead of getting bigger and better, as was our tradition, it was smaller. And skinnier. I think that the girls were a little disappointed. I know Garry was.

Decorating the Christmas tree is always a little chore. I know I should delete chore and insert joy. . .but, no, it's a chore. Garry is allergic to Christmas trees. When he gets in there and starts wrapping the lights in and out of the strands, he gets sick. For this reason, it can take a really long time to decorate the tree. The light process can take awhile and after that we still have all of the ornaments.

This year we tried to push through it, and Garry got the lights up in one night. A Christmas miracle! But then disaster struck. Half of the lights on the tree went out! Garry hates, hates, hates putting up lights to begin with and now we had to figure out what was wrong?? It did not look good.

After much searching and not a little sap, we found the strand that we thought was the problem. We removed it, and I inserted a new strand the next day. But then it happened again! And we noticed that one strand in particular was getting really hot. Christmas tree fire for Christmas, anyone? I took that strand off and put in a new one. Due to the light debacle, we still did not have any ornaments up.

For one reason or another, we kept blowing fuses. We decorated the tree, and Garry would just replace the fuse. We finally got down to just a few fuses and the days before Christmas we kept the lights off.

I am ready to throw in the towel and just get a nice, prelit fake tree. But Garry is not very convinced. Maybe we'll just have one more year with one more great big tree and try to space out the lights a little better so we are not blowing fuses ;)

Taking It Literally

2011-12-23T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here in Utah they have been playing Christmas music on the radio since November 1 on some stations. It's been a little crazy, but I have enjoyed it.

The other day I asked Macey what she was listening to. I guess she heard two Christmas songs that she wanted to tell me about. One was about a lady who needed to go home but it was too cold to go (Baby, It's Cold Outside) and the other was about a woman who wanted a baby for Christmas (Mariah Carey -- All I Want For Christmas Is You).

I had to chuckle. I love Macey. I love seeing Christmas through her. She's great.

Big Time

2011-12-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

Molly was invited to a birthday party! Her little best friend is two days younger than she is, and he had a little party. He is a big Wonder Pets fan, and so we got him a little Wonder Pet, wrapped it up, and went to a great party with his family. They rode lots of rides together and had a great time!

Good Golly, Miss Molly Is Three!

2011-12-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

A few days after Thanksgiving, my Black Friday baby turned three!

To celebrate, my sister came over with her family on Sunday night for a Snow White Party and Princess cake and ice cream. On Monday, her actual birthday, we met Garry's brother and his family at Chuck E. Cheese and Molly's best friend came as well. She had a great couple of days! I also took her to Barnes & Noble and we had a hot chocolate and a big chocolate chip cookie and she picked out some books.

What can I say about Molly? She's adorable. She's feisty. She likes to talk. She really likes to get her way. She likes princesses, especially Snow White. She loves Disneyland. She likes to play with Macey. She's a great big sister to Braden -- he loves to play with her. She's stubborn. She's tiny! Just a petite little thing. She loves to sing. She's brave -- she went on the Matterhorn Ride at Disneyland and giggled the whole time.

We love Molly!

Now Pass That Pie!

2011-12-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving many members of my family came here to South Jordan. Nine of us decided to participate in The Human Race, a race to benefit the local Utah Food Bank, but I wish that they would pick a different name. It sounds too much like The Human Fund from a Seinfeld episode. My Mom participated in the 5K walk and did great!

My friend Shauna joined us on the 5K race. I am glad that she was there as the rest of my family is much faster than I am, and it would have been a lonely 3.2 miles. Shauna and I improved our Halloween 5K time by 30 seconds. Go us!

After the race, I headed home and started on some pies! And I did not feel the least bit guilty about eating a lot! I had run off a lot of calories and looked forward to taking them all back.

Emma was happy that our chocolate pie was devoured first. She thought that it was a competition between the Moms and her Mom won. It's awesome having a cheering section.

Leaving. . .

2011-12-14T15:38:00.001-08:00

We were at Disneyland for three days, and it was hard to leave. When we walked out the gates, I realized that we would not be back in the morning. I was sad. I looked down and Emma was crying and crying, she was so sad.

We've been home for almost a month and every night Molly prays that we can go back to Disneyland. Tomorrow. I told her that it is expensive and we have to save up all over again, and so periodically she'll take pennies from the coin area in the van and give them to me "for Disneyland". If Molly was in charge of the world, it would be a much better place.

Good & Bad

2011-12-11T18:09:00.001-08:00

In June of 2009 , the last time that we went to Disneyland, Emma was selected in the Jedi Training Course. She and her cousin Trey were selected this time, and they did a great job! In 2009, Emma was too scared to battle Darth Vader, but this time she took him on! And won!

Macey did not get selected, and it made her cry. Kids should never cry at Disneyland; it broke my heart because she's such a good girl. That's why this is a good memory and a bad one -- excited for Emma, proud of Emma, sad for Macey.

The Cunningham Boat

2011-12-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

On our third day at Disney, Garry's brother and his family joined us. I love it when they come with us because Amber, my sister-in-law, is a Disney expert, having grown up in California. She knows where all of the bathrooms are. She knows the best places to eat. She is the best guide ever.

With the four of them and the six of us, we got our very own boat on Its A Small World. They redid everything inside for Christmas. It was great!

Sensory Overload

2011-12-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

When we went to Disneyland, Braden was 7 1/2 months. He took each and every day in stride, even though he never got a good nap and never really got fed when he wanted to be. No fits. No screaming. Just his normal perfect self.

I think that he was overwhelmed by it all. So much to see; so much to hear. Even in line there is music and things to look at. When we finally got back to the hotel each night, he would just babble an kick his legs -- like he took everything in all day and now could relax and let you know what he thought about it all.

I love this picture with Belle taken when we were at Ariel's Grotto. Braden obviously likes brunettes. Good boy.

Worlds of Color

2011-12-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Garry and Molly as we waited for Worlds of Color. It turns out that the same guy who did the fountains at Bellagio in Vegas also did the Worlds of Color show at Disney.

It is AMAZING. Favorite Disney clips play on the water fountains along with amazing colors and music and it's just a great water and laser show. Over and over again I saw that Disney does not do anything "small". They truly go all out. They also show clips from Pirates and in that part they used fire flames. That was the best part. It was a great show!

This picture also represents Garry's main memory of Disney: carrying Molly everywhere. Luckily she is the lightest little thing and maybe he'll listen next time when I suggest we take the double stroller. Just sayin'.

I Know Flynn. . .And You're No Fylnn

2011-12-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

While I was taking the girls on the carousel ride at Disney, I saw a huge line forming over near the Snow White ride. I told Garry to go investigate -- I bet it had something to do with Rapunzel.

Sure enough, it was the line to get to go in the tower and meet Rapunzel. I stood in line while Garry took the girls on the Dumbo ride and through Sleeping Beauty's castle. One lady walked up and asked the line attendants what this "ride" was. She answered it was to meet the characters from Tangled. "What's Tangled?" she asked. And I thought, 'wowzer lady, you and I lead very, very different lives".

Rapunzel was very nice to the girls, but I was disappointed in Flynn. He was a little short. And hairy.

Macey gave Rapunzel a flower. It was fun.

And then there was Disney. . .

2011-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

So I admit that I have been slow to blog lately because I have been overwhelmed by how to blog our Disney trip. Egads! Too overwhelming! So instead I am just choosing my favorite pictures and sharing my favorite memories. Starting with this.

Molly's favorite princess is Snow White. She calls her "Snow Wipe". It's so cute we just cannot correct her.

While we were at Disney, on the second day there we had lunch at Ariel's Grotto -- the character dining place with the Princesses. Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Snow White are all there. They are introduced one at a time and they come to each table for a picture. Molly saw Snow White enter the restaurant and she stood on her chair yelling, "Snow Wipe! Snow Wipe!" and waved her hand furiously. She was so excited! It was a good moment.

Pawn Stars!

2011-11-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Being a fan of the History Channel show Pawn Stars, I really wanted to stop at the pawn shop and look around. They are technically on the strip, down the street, kind of in a sketchy neighborhood. And no, none of the workers were there. But I got a great t-shirt! I expected to go in and see all of this cool stuff for sale because that's what you see on television. Instead, it looked . . .like a pawn shop.

Bellagio

2011-11-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

Being an Oceans 11 fan, I really wanted to see the fountains at The Bellagio while we were in Vegas. I loved the end of that movie where they walk out and calmly walk over to the fountains and watch them go off and then walk away, one by one.

Okay, the fountains are viewed the strip, and there is no serene beauty on the Las Vegas strip. There were people EVERYWHERE. It's beautiful in the movie. And only in the movie.

The show was fabulous but quick! The fountains go off for about four minutes -- about the length of a song. Still stuck in my Oceans 11 fantasy, I expected something classic and beautiful and serene. Um, no. It was loud. But powerful and still fun to watch!

M&M World!

2011-11-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

On our way to Disneyland, we spent the night in Las Vegas. We took the kids to see the lions at MGM Grand. The hotel/casino was CrAzY because they were getting ready for a big boxing match that evening. But we meandered our way through to see two lions. That were sleeping. I have to say, I was disappointed.

But then we hit M&M World. Hooray for chocolate! You would think that I went crazy and spent a ton of money there, right? Well, normally, I might have, as they had a wall of M&Ms in different flavors and colors, all there for the picking. But I realized that I would shortly be in Disney and would want all of my dollars, quarters and cents to spend on something meaningful. . .like Star Wars bath toys for Braden. (Some day he will thank me).

I did, however, buy a Christmas ornament and Garry got the girls each a bag full of M&Ms. Heaven.

Her Big Day Out

2011-11-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

While I was taking Macey and Braden to the doctor, my friend offered to take Molly with her and two of her kids to see the witches at Gardner's Village.

Molly was so excited for her outing with her little best friend. I took out her booster and put it next to the door. While I was getting things ready, Molly was also getting ready. I went back to the door and saw that my little two year old had packed a purse, gotten her bunny ready and drawn a picture for my friend to say "Thank You". She did all of this on her own.

Molly is my little pill sometimes -- she likes to get her way -- but I am always so impressed by her!

Surgery Siblings!

2011-11-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

Braden has had ear infections since this summer. It's been hard as he has not been able to sleep well. Or nap well. I finally got an appointment with an ENT. I joked with my friends that I was going to demand tubes the next day. So when I took him in and the doctor said that he needed tubes soon and I said that tomorrow worked well for us and he said fine, we'll put you on the schedule, I was ECSTATIC!

While we were in the office, I also had him look at Macey. She had tubes put in at 14 months. And one never came out. The doctor said it was stuck and would require surgery to take out and she could go on the schedule the next day as well.

The next morning Garry took the two to the surgery center and I got Emma ready for school. I went and picked up Braden when he was done, and Garry stayed with Macey. They did well! Braden still has the congestion I was hoping would clear up, but Macey feels good!

The "Fun" Run

2011-11-09T10:42:00.001-08:00

When Braden was over three months old, I headed back to the gym. I had some serious weight to take off, and, honestly, probably had not lost the weight from Molly.

My friend and I decided that to motivate ourselves we would run in the American Fork Fun Run right before Halloween. You run a portion of the race through a graveyard and many people dress up. It's fun. Especially when it's over.

It's just a 5K, but I was very anti-running for a long time, preferring to speed walk on the treadmill while reading.

I will never love running. It's just not me. But I do like the effects of running. So that's something!

I ran the race with my friend and my brother in law and my nephews. I have a nephew who is a serious runner and came in 6th overall. He's awesome. I came in 10th for my age range. There are some smoking fast 29 year olds out there!

I am running another 5K at Thanksgiving with my sister and seven other family members. They will all beat me, by a lot, but at least there will not be any guilt when I eat a whole pumpkin pie by myself!

Player of the Game!

2011-11-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

You would think that with her Daddy as the coach, Macey would be Player of the Game early in the season and often. Well, maybe not often, as each kid only gets it once, but still. . .

Macey and soccer are an interesting combination. It's just not her thing as she is not aggressive and so would never try to take the ball from someone or beat them to the ball. It's just not her style. But she likes being part of a team, and she likes to compete with the team. And she likes the snacks that are passed out at the end of the game!

At the end of the season in October, it was her turn! Player of the Game! Since it was the last game and she knew it was her turn, she really put her heart into this game. She had a lot of touches and really hussled. I was proud of my Macey!

Starting Off Four Strong

2011-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

This year, I have to admit, I was really looking forward to Garry taking the kids out by himself and getting some alone time. Just me, a bowl of candy, and the remote control. Yahoo!!!

But it was not to be. Garry called me after about five houses to come and get Braden. And then Molly came home. And then Macey straggled in. Finally Emma came home with her Dad.

But I have great hopes for next year!

My Little Pumpkin!

2011-11-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

We let all of the kids pick out a pumpkin this year and a pumpkin design. They got to pick eye shape, nose shape, scary face? smily face? teeth? no teeth? After they decided, Garry would start cutting.

I washed all of the pumpkins and got them ready to be carved. Emma said that she was excited for the day when she would get to wash pumpkins for her kids. Just to prove to her that girls can do more than wash, I took over Braden's pumpkin and carved a fun little BOO! design. Girls can do it all, Emma. Just remember that.

Boo at the Zoo!

2011-11-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

When we lived in Maryland we would participate with friends in the "Haunted Forest" in Southern Maryland. We would walk down this beautiful garden path and there would be booths with businesses passing out candy, coupons and flyers. It was fun, and we loved going, even in the rain.

I did not think that we would find anything as great here, but I did! We decided to try out Boo at the Zoo! We heard that it was crazy crowded, as most events in Utah are. So we made a goal to be there early. We arrived at 9:30 -- a 1/2 hour after it started. Already the parking lot was full, people were parking on the street and in the back parking lot. CRAZY!

But instead of little businesses in Southern Maryland handing out coupons, the Zoo had huge names there: Chick-fil-A, Red Robin, Wendy's, Chuck-a-Rama, Chipotle, Village Inn -- we came away with so many coupons for free kids meals -- it was great!

One awkward moment -- while waiting in line at the Verizon booth, I got stuck in the middle of a flash mob performing to Thriller. I tried to get out of there fast with three kids and a sleeping baby in a big old stroller. Oh dear. I am sure that it's on Youtube somewhere. . .

Searching. . .

2011-11-02T12:06:00.001-07:00

Remember last year when I took the kids to the fundraiser in Riverton and it was a borderline debacle experience?

This year I tried again! Once again we went out to the "Search for the Great Pumpkin". But this year I knew what to do! We brought good flashlights. Not great. Just good flashlights to help us find the candy on the way to the Great Pumpkin. Last year we had wimpy Princess flashlights and could not see anything and did not find anything. Nope. Not a single piece of candy. I kept telling Garry that we needed really strong flashlights and maybe even a lantern. He had never been and so did not understand the importance of a strong light. But I think that now he has gone through the experience, next year we will be even more prepared!

This year Garry was there. Which helped a lot. Last year he was in Washington, D.C.

This year the kids were older and so I was not anxious about losing them and demanding that we all stay together. I told them to go for it and I would find them later. They did great and found lots of stuff!
And we found the Great Pumpkin! Hooray!

We went with our friends from down the street. We have kids the same age who are good friends. This little boy is Molly's best friend so I thought it was cute that she was a Princess and he was a Frog.

Cruising

2011-11-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

We went with some friends down to Provo to go on a Halloween Cruise on the Provo River. It was a really short trip down the river where we were able to see about 100 elaborately decorated pumpkins on the side of the river and there was a pirate who jumped in our boat and passed out candy. Macey was terrified of the whole process. About twenty minutes after it was all done, she finally talked and asked that we "never do that again." Molly, however, asked about the pirate for DAYS. Where was he? What was he doing? Were we going to see him again? She thought that he was awesome.

By far, I think that the best time of the night was when we went to Krispy Kreme for donuts and hot chocolate. The kids watched the donuts get made, and the adults hung out and talked. It was fun.

Kind

2011-10-28T11:04:00.001-07:00

Last year Emma won an award at school called the "Dragon Leader Award". It was a year long commitment with various things that we had to do all year long. It was a little intense for Kindergarten.

So I was relieved when they announced this year that the Dragon Leader Award would be given out monthly instead. Every month two students from each class would be invited with their parents to a breakfast ceremony to celebrate the accomplishment of the student.

Macey was chosen for her class. We went to school, ate donuts, and she got a certificate from the principal. I teared up when I saw what her teacher wrote on the certificate -- that she was chosen for working hard and being kind. There's no question that Macey is a rock star when it comes to reading. But I love that her teacher acknowledged her kind heart.

Goodbye, Old Friend!

2011-10-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Garry asked what kind of family we were going to be. At his work and in the neighborhood, there seems to be families that go boating frequently. They are boating families. Then there are camping families. The families who would go three wheeling. The cabin families. What kind of family were we going to be? What was our thing?

Apparently this year we became a soccer family. Garry coached Emma's and Macey's teams and Emma would also attend Academy Soccer and Goalie Training. It became quite a commitment.

But Macey's last game was Monday and Emma's was yesterday. We are all done with soccer until March! Woohoo! Goodbye, old friend. See you in five months.

Second Annual!

2011-10-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

The best part about being settled here in Utah is the ability to develop family traditions. This year we returned to a great pumpkin patch about 1/2 mile from our house. The pumpkins are great and sold at a fair price and there's lots for the kids to ride on and do! Braden really liked this tractor. Grandparents: be on notice for Christmas. They also offer free tractor rides. My favorite part.

And they have a little free corn maze.

And pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins.

I keep thinking about growing pumpkins but then we'd miss out on all of this!!

Someday. . .

2011-10-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I take pictures so that I can laugh about it later. Much, much, much later. Molly!

A Bouncy Beautiful Day!

2011-10-18T10:20:00.001-07:00

This year for her birthday Emma had a family party a few days before her birthday with some yummy chocolate cake that her Daddy made for her, brownies and a pie. On her actual birthday she was able to hand out candy to her class and then she had a big birthday party at Jump & Bounce. 14 happy and excited girls ran around for two hours -- glad it was not in my house!!

We love, love our Emma. She tries so hard in all aspects of her life. She is a good athlete, she enjoys her singing/theater classes, she gets perfect marks at school. Everything she tries, she just gives it her all, and we think that she's beautiful, too!

Six Fabulous Months!

2011-10-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Braden is now six months old! To celebrate, we let him go at a cupcake. He liked the frosting. A lot.

Braden has been a great joy. He loves his sisters. Emma can make him belly laugh. She's the only one with that skill. He likes Macey. He trusts Macey. She can hold him and he does not immediately freak out. Molly. Now, Molly he loves. And Molly he fears. But mostly loves. She gives out tough love sometimes.

Braden is my most content baby. He loves to be held. We have never had to take him out of Sacrament Meeting. And when I take him out during Sunday School or Relief Society it's usually just because he is babbling so loudly!

He has a lot of hair which I find I want to arrange into a ponytail -- old habits die hard. And he is tall! He's 90th percentile for length and only 40th for weight.

He is sitting pretty well now. But I doubt he will walk as fast as Emma and Molly did. He may be on the Macey-track.

He is my worst sleeper. On 'good' nights I still get up with him three times a night. Bad nights, well, I lose track after seven. Last night was a bad night and I stopped counting when I got up with him three times in one hour. I know I should let him cry it out, but I think it's because his ears cause him a lot of discomfort. After we see the ENT, we're going to have to renegotiate his sleeping habits.

We love our boy!

Jump In!

2011-10-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

Our gym has a really nice indoor and outdoor pool, and I love taking the kids there, especially in the winter, because it's a great way to play and burn some energy. This summer I would take the girls quite a lot but make Braden stay in his stroller where I would try to convince him to take a nap. Usually I was entirely successful. He's such a good boy.

But at the end of the sumer, I let Braden explore the pool when we stopped at Lava Hot Springs. He liked it! I think. At least he did not say otherwise. I'm not sure if I will take him again soon -- it's a challenge to get everyone dressed all at the same time! But hopefully as the weather cools down and soccer ends, we'll hit the indoor pool often.

The Day The Plague Came To Stay. . .

2011-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Garry is convinced that our house is under the influence of some plague. . .and I am starting to believe him.

We struggled over the last two weeks to get Macey feeling better after battling croup and then pink eye.

During the same time Braden has been battling a little congestion and an ear infection. He is on his second medication to make the ear infection go away -- it has been slow to clear. It has been a challenge as some nights he is up over seven times a night.

This weekend Molly got a really bad cold and pink eye and Emma developed a pink eye that was not reacting to a prescription and so Garry had to take her into the doctor this morning for a different prescription.

And on Thursday Braden goes in for tests because the doctor is concerned that he has a strong left hand preference at a time when he should be using both hands equally.

The plague has landed. . .there's not enough Clorox in the world. . .and we're only in October!

There's A Whole Lot Going Around

2011-10-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Emma and Macey are both, well, not required, but strongly encouraged by their school to read 20 minutes a day. At night time, there is a whole lot of reading going on in our house. Molly hates to be left out of anything and will flip through books often throughout the day. I'll find her like this a lot at night, chilling with a book and her pillow pet.

What Do You Mean They Aren't FABULOUS?

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at Down East Outfitters, I saw a pair of pants and thought "hot dog! the 80s are back!" I tried them on and though they were super comfy, I was unsure of what to wear with them, especially shoe wise. Reluctantly I put them back.

Then I saw on Facebook that they were 50% off! I was so excited! I logged on to see more information and was shocked, shocked by the comments people were making on Facebook, essentially making fun of my 80s dream pants. I sighed, and closed my laptop.

I still think they are kind of fabulous.

In Celebration. . .

2011-09-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

This year I am participating in Garry's Fantasy Football league. So far I have demolished both his brother and his Dad with my Redskins-led roster. The day after draft day, I celebrated by taking this picture of Braden. You cannot see all of the shirt, but it reads "Mommy's 01 Draft Pick." I love him.

Tiptoe, Tiptoe. . .

2011-09-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Braden will usually wake up before 6 AM, and therefore he is usually ready for a nap by 8:30. Wish he would just sleep until 8:30 instead. . .

This morning I did not get Molly dressed before I put Braden down. Since their rooms are next to each other, I asked Molly to please tiptoe upstairs so we could get her ready. I wanted her to be quiet so that Braden could sleep.

We walked up the stairs and Molly whispered "tiptoe, tiptoe" all the way up the stairs. I was proud of her for being so quiet.

Until we reached her room and she screamed out, "I did it, Momma! I did it!!"

Maybe I should have explained the reason behind the tiptoe, tiptoe a little more. . .

Sometimes I Think About. . .

2011-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been exposed to everything but the plague. Macey was sick a little last week and then on Friday I heard her wheezing after she woke up. She also had a deep cough and a raspy voice. I took her into the doctor where she was treated for croup.

Braden has not been his normal, happy self. He has been waking up a lot at night, some nights he would wake up 7 times before 2 AM. Not that I counted. I took him to the doctor where he was treated for an ear infection.

This morning I woke Macey up and she complained about 'stuff' on her eyelashes. I looked at her red eye, surrounded by gunk, with a thick eye lid, and I realized that she had pink eye. Back to the doctor we go. . .

During all of this, I have been battling my own cold symptoms: a sore throat, a cough, congestion. . .

In times like this, I think about:

Sick Days. Remember sick days? Remember calling into work sick and hanging out on the couch in pajamas, watching Oprah? Remember not having to get off the couch for anything except to maybe go to the bathroom? Awesome.

Sleep. Remember when you could go to bed at night and know that nothing, nothing would wake you up before the alarm went off? Awesome.

Good thing I love being a Mom. Good thing I love watching Emma score in a soccer game, watching Macey run to the school bus with her bookbag swinging from side to side because she's so excited to go to school, hearing Molly tell me "Oh, shanks Mom! " when I give her a sippy of chocolate milk, and hearing Braden laugh for no apparent reason. Good thing because sometimes sick days sound . . .well. . .awesome.

Where Did She Learn THAT?

2011-09-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

While the kids' MawMaw and PawPaw were visiting in June, they were asking Emma, who is really good at math, some math questions. They then asked her some harder questions, and Macey started answering. The next day, we asked her the same questions and got it on tape. When I read with her, I can never figure out how she has learned so quickly. As for how she figured out math, I have no idea. She's just smart.

They're GREAT!

2011-09-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Garry was not exactly doing cartwheels when we decided to move here. But one thing that he was excited about was being closer to his grandparents. The kids get excited to see their great-grandparents, though the great grandparents might be overwhelmed by the noise when they come over. We have not seen them nearly as much since we brought home #4!

Kickin' It

2011-09-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

To say that Garry and the girls have been busy this summer with soccer would be a sad, sad understatement. Garry and I decided that we wanted Emma and Macey to be on separate teams for soccer instead of making Macey play up with Emma's age. We wanted to see if Macey did better against kids her own age.

So Garry decided to coach both teams. And he decided to put Emma into Soccer Academy -- kind of like a soccer camp. A really long soccer camp. And now she's in a goalie class.

Right now in the Cunningham house, it's soccer, all the time, nearly every day. But it's good to have the girls outside and running and playing. Winter will be here soon. Too soon. So we'll let the girls be active while they can. Not sure what we'll do in November when it's done -- wait, oh ya, there is school. . . .

The Day Alicia Beat Garry. . .By A Lot

2011-09-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

In our efforts to go out and have fun with the kids, even though the lawn may need mowing and heaven knows the front yard needs weeding, we took the kids bowling. They had little stands for the girls to put their ball on and then push off. And of course they had bumpers. So the girls great!

I did even greater and actually beat Garry on the first game. Woohoo!

But the best part of the night was seeing Molly sport her Size 7 bowling shoes. They were ADORABLE and she rocked the alley with her cuteness.

Mad Skills

2011-09-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

When he wants to, Braden can hold his own bottle. He's got mad skills. He does not do it very often, and I have to say, he is the slowest bottle drinker I have ever seen. He loves to be snuggled and held while eating-- really, two of his favorite things all at once!--that he TAKES HIS TIME. He only drinks about 4 ounces at a time, and he takes 15-20 minutes to drink it if he's being held. It's rather ridiculous, but he's so cute, we'll let it slide.

It's All About the Effort

2011-09-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Some mornings, to motivate the kids to get going and get ready, I conduct what is called "Line Up". They line up and tell me all the things that they did that morning: brushed their teeth, made their bed, got dressed, brushed their hair, ate their breakfast all gone, stayed in their bed the night before....For each thing they get a small candy -- like a piece of taffy or a M&M.

Molly always struggles with the "making her bed" category as she is little, little. But the other day she really tried, and I had to take a picture and reward her mightily. I know it's not perfect, but it in a lot of ways, it's absolutely perfect.

The August That Was

2011-09-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I, the superblogger (at least that's what I call myself ;) only posted three blogs in August? It got so bad that even Garry hinted that he uploaded new pictures onto the computer and so I could take a look at them. . .maybe blog about them. . .

August was busy. I started teaching again at Neumont University, and I still do a little work for my brother-in-law. And somewhere during the day I take my kids on an outing to keep them from going a wee bit stir crazy. Days have consisted of kids and work.

I have also had family members get sick and family members going through hard times. I have discovered that I am not a heavy-hearted blogger. But I have great hopes for September!!!

The First of Many. . .

2011-08-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Macey lost her first tooth! It was quite an experience watching her struggle with this tooth. She tends to stay far, far away from things that might cause even a little pain, so she was not too excited about someone reaching in and grabbing this tooth out.

But eventually, it did come out! We wrote a letter to the tooth fairy. She left Macey $2. Woohoo!!

The Games We Play. . .

2011-08-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today I find myself in a very odd spot. . .with not much to do. I do a little work (usually 2-5 hours a day) for a small company here in South Jordan, and I do a little work for a law firm (usually 6 hours a week) and I am teaching Intellectual Property Law again. But I have not received much work this week from the small company, and the person who sends me work from the law firm is on vacation, and I finished up a lot of the details for Intellectual Property Law last night. . .so, here I sit.

It's a great day to tackle cleaning the house. But, I also have a book I'd like to read. So I break it into a game. I read a chapter, I clean a room, I read a chapter, I clean a room. It works for me.

My visiting teachers told me about little games they play to get the job done. My friend Danielle pretends that someone is coming over and so she cleans before they come. My friend Desiree cleans thoroughly once a week and she calls it her "House Blessing" day.

Because just tackling the house can be a little overwhelming.

How Do You Like Me Now?

2011-08-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

A few months ago when I was very pregnant, Emma told me that a neighbor girl said that she never comes over to our house because it is always so messy. Now, that is not true. She never came over because she just was not invited over. The girls usually played with some other girls down the street because they were sisters the same ages as my girls. So it was just easy. Everyone got someone to play with and these girls are very well behaved and kind. In the stress of pregnancy, I took the easy road.

But here's the thing. I cannot forget that that girl accused us of having a messy house. She is an only child living with her parents and grandparents, and so of course her house looks nice because she is outnumbered 4-1. It's the opposite over here. I am outnumbered 4-1.

But wouldn't you know it, everytime that girl has come over this summer, my house HAS been a mess. She comes in the no-man-land time of 3:00 -- long enough for most of my kids to have been home and not late enough to start cleaning before Garry comes home.

But when the house is clean, I almost feel like calling that girl and telling her to come over RIGHT NOW. Lookm it's clean! How do you like me now?!?! But come quick. Because you know it will not last for long ;)

Pioneer Day!!!. . .A Little Late

2011-08-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

A few days ago. . .okay, it might almost be 'weeks' now, we celebrated Pioneer Day! The actual "day" was on Sunday, and so we celebrated on Monday. We took the girls up to This Is The Place Monument and tried to explain what Pioneer Day is and why it is important.
We spend most of the day in Park City. I took Macey down the Alpine Slide. The attendant was giving us directions at the top and he warned us (since there were clouds threatening rain) that if it started raining, we had to pay attention and get off the slide because the brakes did not work in the rain. Macey looked at me and asked, "Momma, you'll pay attention, right?" She did not have to worry, I am a huge wimp on this thing traditionally. But this time I did pass two people on the mountain. Go Me!
Garry took Emma on the roller coaster. They had a great time, and Emma could be heard to scream for miles around. The coaster does not come off the track and so you can just let it ride and hold on!

Molly was able to ride the carousel. Braden rode his stroller.

Next year we will have to try to go to the parade. The girls loved watching it on TV and so I can only imagine that they will love seeing it in person even more.

Flashback Friday

2011-08-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

On Fridays, my friend Tina will sometimes publish "Flashback Friday" blogs where she will post old pictures and discuss memories. I do not have access to a lot of pictures, and I have been jealous of these posts.

But, today we bought Emma her second bike. It's huge. 20 inches. It even has hand brakes. Just this week I found pictures my friend Kiersten sent me from Emma's "Trike A Thon" in 2008. Look at how small she is!!!

Looking at this picture, I miss this little Emma. She was a good girl, so happy, so eager to do the right thing. Luckily she is still fabulous.

Her Big Day

2011-08-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Macey has always been my little buddy. From the minute that Emma was born, she and her Dad were best buds, so when I had Macey, I was excited to finally have a little buddy of my own. My favorite memories of her are from when Emma was just barely three and going to Preschool down in Waldorf. Macey and I would drop off Emma at 8:00 (crazy early, what was I thinking, especially considering it took 15 minutes to drive there?????) and then we would go to Target for a little while until the gym down the street from Emma's preschool would open.

I would be in my workout clothes, and I would take little Macey in her little sweats. So cute. She was always so good and never had any problems in Kids Club -- unlike a certain little sister who screamed her head off for the first 18 months we went.

Then it was time for Emma to go to another Preschool called First Flight. During orientation, Emma and Macey both played in the school area. I expected Macey to be overwhelmed and a little scared. She LOVED it and I signed her up, too, four months later. She loves to learn. She loves to play. So it makes sense that she loved all things preschool.

I realized this week with Macey starting Kindergarten, I was losing my little buddy. So I decided to go out with a bang. She was able to play her favorite Wii game for far too long, she had a popsicle, we went to McDonald's where she got a Smurf Happy Meal, we went to Target where she picked out a toy, and we went to the bookstore where we had a hot chocolate and a piece of chocolate cake and then she got to pick out a book. We declared it her "Day of Fun".

At the bookstore, she picked out a Cars 2 book. I winced a little and then bought Little Women, Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables behind her back. They are small little versions called "Classic Starts". Love them. And one day, so will she.

Upon leaving the bookstore, Macey hugged me and thanked me for "the best day ever". But, easy come, easy go as when her Dad asked her how her day was, she answered "Fine". And then she wondered how her friends "Day of Fun" was because surely all Moms did this. Sigh. Sometimes, you just cannot win.

Meet the Teachers!

2011-08-02T14:07:00.001-07:00

Before Emma and Macey started school, we met the teachers!! We met Emma's two teachers first. Her morning teacher, Miss Timothy, has a reputation for being strict but good. Her afternoon teacher, Mrs. Bringhurst, is from Taiwan and is Emma's Chinese teacher. Emma spends the morning in English and since she was accepted into the Chinese Immersion Program, she spends the afternoon immersed in Chinese. Mrs. Bringhurst only speaks Chinese to the kids and they are not supposed to know that she can understand English. It's just not an option. Thus the "immersion".

I could see that Miss Timothy runs a tight ship, and I think that Emma will be fine in that environment. She's pretty resiliant. When Mrs. Bringhurst walked into the room, I teared up. It was a silly/embarrassing reaction, but I just knew that Emma was in good hands with this teacher and even though the process would be a little confusing, Emma would be fine.

The next day we met Mrs. Mueller, the new Kindergarten teacher. She was a student teacher last year and had a really good reputation coming in because she received a perfect score during her student teaching, something that had never happened before. So we were excited to meet her.

Sometimes when I meet someone, I associate them with someone I already know and place all of my feelings/prejudices upon that person. Sometimes that serves me well, often it does not. When I met Mrs. Mueller, I instantly thought, wow, it's Sarah. I've known Sarah since college and she is the kindest, most elegantly dignified woman. Again, I just immeditately teared up. Again, I was embarrassed, but I knew that she would take care of my Macey Grace while she had her for three hours a day.

Hiking With Dad

2011-07-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Garry heard that it was the peak time for wildflowers in the canyon, and so he took the girls hiking. I stayed home with the baby and my allergies.

Unfortunately, since the spring was so cold, the wildflowers were not there. But they still had a great time hiking with Dad!

Have Fun!

2011-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Growing up, Saturdays were busy work days. My parents worked very long hours during the week. My Mom would leave the house a little after 7 and not be home until 5. My Dad would be gone even earlier and come home even later. So Saturdays were a day to get things done.

Living in suburbia, I had started thinking the same way. It's Saturday. We have stuff to do. There is always a room that could be painted and, oh, laundry. Always laundry. And we have an area of the front yard that desperately wants some mulch, some plants. . .anything other than dirt.

But Garry feels very strongly that Saturdays should be fun. At first I thought that this was his way of getting out of the work that really needed to get done around the house, but he said that he wants the kids to have fun family memories.

So I think that we have struck a compromise between working hard in the morning and playing in the afternoon. On one of our 'fun' Saturdays, we took the girls golfing and then out for sno cones. I enjoy mini golf because it is one of the few sports I can beat Garry at.

Remember When?

2011-07-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

Remember when I used to blog about things right after they happened? Yep, me too. Not sure what happened, but I think it might have something to do with four kids and working from home. . .that might be it.

Can we pretend that it is June and we just had Father's Day? I hope that Garry had a good day. He loves all things associated with Father's Day. He loves his Dad. He loves being a Dad. And he got to pick out his own present (a BYU hat) so surely the day was perfect!

Field Day!

2011-07-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Before Emma starts First Grade tomorrow, I better finish blogging about Kindergarten. She had a Field Day before the last day of school. Garry volunteered and was put in charge of the Tug of War. Emma is in pink, third one in, pulling with all her might ;) She had a good day.

I remember Field Day growing up. We had a Tug of War. And a picnic with our parents. Good times.

And One More

2011-07-24T16:21:00.001-07:00

While I was pregnant, there was a night when the moon was the closest to the earth than it will be again in. . .in, well, a long time. News report after news report suggested that we go outside and enjoy it. I was excited. But, being very pregnant, I was exhausted. I forgot about it, went to bed, and missed it.

I was really upset and so the next day Emma put all of these pieces of paper together and drew me a big, big moon. I love it. Sooooo thoughtful. She's a good girl.

My Favorite Drawing

2011-07-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

Macey drew me another picture a few weeks ago. It's a picture of us, together. I love it. She's so big, she can already take me or leave me most days, depending on whether there is someone more interesting around. I understand it because I was just like that -- but I don't like it. So I treasure things like this.

Long Wait Over

2011-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about how Macey did a self-portrait for her Pre-K "yearbook" that included very large pockets. Bless her heart, here's the picture. Man, I love this kid.

Happy Birthday, Granny!

2011-07-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Garry's grandma celebrated her birthday a few days ago. Garry and the girls took over a yummy chocolate creme dessert. Yummy. She has not been feeling well lately and does not remember us from visit to visit, so I am glad that the girls get to spend time with her and that Garry is always there with a camera so we can document it and share it with them when they get older!

A Few Words. . .

2011-07-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

A few words but a lot of pictures of Braden. Oh, I love this boy. He's growing so fast that I have started worrying a little bit and trying to get pictures of him and each outfit so I can remember when he was small. Because with kids, time is funny. Days last forever but years go by so fast. He got the above stylin' outfit from his Aunt Rachelle. The onesie is designed to look like a tie.

Garry got him this when we were in Park City. So cute.

Garry's boss got him this little outfit he wears often to church. Okay, let's be honest, Garry's bosses wife. . .I used to be her visiting teacher.

Mr. no neck. Braden is a calm baby. Just a mellow fellow. He is not anxious to do things like roll over or sit up. He's taking it all in.

A polo onesie from Grammy. So cute in blue, of course!

Another outfit from Grammy. He's stretching. . .not threatening to punch out the camera if the flash goes off one more time.

My dear friend Shauna got him this. I love it. It says Dirt Magnet. It reminds me of my Dad ;)

Last Day!

2011-07-15T08:42:00.001-07:00

Before Emma starts first grade in a few days, I thought I would post her last day of Kindergarten. She loved Kindergarten. She loved recess, she loved the bus, she loved learning to read and writing in her journal. She loved her teacher, Mrs. Rowberry. She just loved all of it.

I am so proud of how well she did and how hard she tries to learn.

In the next little bit I will have TWO kids in school, though one for just a 1/2 day. My life is going to really change, and though sometimes that might be sad, I am excited for it. I think that I will be a much better Mom if I can just get a chance to catch my breath.

Am I A Trophy Wife Yet?

2011-07-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

My good friend Tara has a blog where she outlines how she does amazing things around her home -- like remodeling her entire kitchen for $5.00 using only a gum wrapper and a pair of tweezers. Feeling inspired by her downright craftiness, I decided to tackle my porch.
My porch was sad and lonely and clearly said that someone uncrafty lives within.
I started by finding this little storage bench at Deseret Industries. Sadly, I spent more than $5. But I thought it was cute.

I spray painted it black and I found flowers at WalMart (I know! WalMart?!?!) and a cute little container that says "Welcome". I also spray painted the star black. And I cleaned the door for good measure.

Here's my after photo. And here's my complaint -- the black really shows the dirt and dust that land on everything around here. But, I think it's an improvement. So, Tara, am I a trophy wife yet?

The Week of Emma!!

2011-07-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

This year Emma attended Sunshine Generation once a week. They learned songs and dances and would have a show every few weeks. The end of the season ended with a bang and it was "The Week of Emma"!!

She sang at a Friends and Family show.
They later performed the same show at the Country Fair.

She was able to be in a parade. That's her on the far left in the sunglasses.

She also volunteered to sing a solo and was able to do a solo performance twice.

I say it all the time, but my kid was honestly the best one up there. She actually learns the songs and the dances and she enjoys performing. I was a little disappointed with the Sunshine Gneration program here in South Jordan. The other kids do not seem to sing or learn the words, and so they are dancing and basically lip sinking. It's frustrating.

Emma loves to sing, she loves to dance, and she loves, loves to be on stage. So we are thinking about taking her out of Sunshine Generation and just putting her into Community Theater.

She Did It!

2011-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

While Garry's Dad and Stepmom were in town visiting, we took an afternoon and went up to Park City.

After hitting the outlets and Garry's favorite Mexican restaurant in Heber (Heber? Go figure. . .) we went to the Alpine slide.

Braden, Molly and I stayed at the bottom on the mountain and paid way too much for a hot chocolate and a candy bar. But Emma went with her Dad and Macey agreed to go with her Grandpa.

Macey is scared of most things, even normal slides have her a little worried, so I was very proud of her for tackling this and then asking to go again!

Grandpas!

2011-07-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

The beginning of June was action packed with soccer games, my niece's baptism, Macey's dance show and Braden's blessing. Because of everything going on, my kids were able to enjoy having both grandpas in town. How fun!!

The Progression

2011-06-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

After we finished the Discovery Zone, we took a walk through the Gateway Mall and stopped at an outdoor fountain. It was a COLD spring, and I was surprised when the girls jumped in and started playing in the water. They seemed to be really happy and having a great time!
They played, they danced, they laughed, they splashed!
It was fabulous fun!
But then reality hit with a bang. They were wet. And cold. And really, really sad. Luckily Garry's Stepmom had bought them new shirts. We were able to get them at least partially dry pretty fast. Well, it was fun while it lasted!

Discovery!

2011-06-29T15:13:00.001-07:00

While Garry's Dad and Step-Mom were in town with us, we took the kids to the Discovery Zone down in the Gateway area of Salt Lake City. Okay, it was no Rochester International Museum of Play which was AMAZING, but it was still really cute and nice.

One of the attractions was a newsdesk and a screen where you could talk about the weather. It is similar to the one the Newseum used to have when it was in Rosslyn.

I love, love this picture. My little news anchors.

Thanks to the Coach!

2011-06-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Garry's second season of being a soccer coach is at a close. His first team was unstoppable and they won each and every game by a landslide.

This team was a little more. . .well, they gave the competition more of a chance. Lots of chances. And sometimes they even let the competition win. By a lot.

They were the green lizards, and they got better during the year! They ended the season with a win -- hooray!

Garry's next soccer season will be more of a challenge. He's coaching Emma's all girl team, taking Emma twice a week to Soccer Academy, and coaching Macey's team as well. Since Macey will be playing with kids her own age next season, we have great hopes!

Did I Ever?

2011-06-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Did I ever blog about Mother's Day? Ah, well, here it is. Lots and lots of homemade pictures (lovely), Macey's hand flowers that she made at school (fabulous) a box of chocolates (probably the best part of the day) breakfast (yummy) and a chocolate fountain (still have not used it).

Being the Mom to four little, little ones is a challenge. But I am so blessed. Emma really cares about what is right and what is wrong, and she tries to do the right thing 95% of the time.

Braden is the best baby, and I fear he gets ignored a lot because he is so low maintenance. Oh, he is fabulous.

Macey is smart and beautiful. If only she would always use her power for good ;)

Molly is smart and independent and willful and loud and she does what she wants, when she wants. This one we'll just have to watch and hope for the best!

Dinosaurs! At The Zoo?!?!

2011-06-23T16:25:00.001-07:00

While Grammy was here we renewed our membership at the Hogle Zoo. Every year they have a different special exhibit and this year it was. . .wait for it. . .wait for it. . .dinosaurs!

They have a couple of moving displays throughout the zoo. This is the T-Rex. Very cool. Emma and Molly stopped and looked and we took a picture. Macey is not in the picture. I may or may not have said something about how the dinosaur looked hungry to Macey. I know, I know, call Child Protective Services already.

Meeting Grammy

2011-06-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

This spring (with the weather, I just cannot call it summer) we were blessed with a lot of visitors. Grammy, Garry's Mom, was one of the first to come. Emma was so excited to see her that she made her a crown several days before she even came.

The girls love, love their Grammy! They met her at the airport with a big sign, and we had a gift card and coupons left over from Easter and so we headed off to Build A Bear right away since no visit would be complete without a stop there! Actually, I thought it best to get it out of the way since I knew the girls would ask, and ask, and ask. That and my coupons were going to expire.

The girls showed Grammy their new trampoline and their new baby brother. Not sure what they are most excited about.....

Macey Graduates!

2011-06-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Macey! She finished her little Pre-K school and had a graduation ceremony at the Play Place (an inflatable jumping place).

She received a blanket from her teachers, Miss Brittany and Miss Anno, as well as her journal for the year where she practiced her writing.

All the kids also got a 'yearbook' where the teachers copied all of the self portraits that the kids drew and put them together in individual books.

Macey's picture was. . .interesting. She drew pockets on her shirt. Big pockets. So, needless to say, I could not tell if she was drawing a picture of herself or of her teacher, Miss Anno.

Glad that there are 13 copies of that picture floating out there somewhere in Salt Lake County!

Just In Case You Were Wondering. . .

2011-06-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were wondering, this is what handsome looks like.I love this onesie. So funny. I still need to get him the one from Target that says "I Still Live With My Parents".

There's Something About Braden. . .

2011-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

There's something you should know about Braden. . .he is a Momma's boy of epic proportions. It is rather odd because he's such a laid back kid. He hardly ever cries, and he is just really mellow.

But after a certain time at night, he just wants to be held by Mom. And our little mellow guy will erupt into cries.

I have been told, however, that all good athletes are momma's boys. So I look at this stage as the first step of his fabulous football career.

Braden's Big Day

2011-06-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

We blessed Braden on Sunday, June 5th. We were very blessed to have over 45 family members come and participate in his big day. A special THANK YOU to my amazing friend Tara for making his little outfit.

Macey's Dance Show. . .Continued

2011-06-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

I recorded Macey's Dance Show on my little camcorder but the file was too big for blogger to handle. But, I was able to upload it onto Facebook so check out my page to watch her ballet dance. She was fabulous!

Macey's Dance Show

2011-06-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. She just looks so happy. And so darn cute!

=

Run Girl Run!

2011-06-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Emma's school had a fundraiser called a Fun Run this year. All of the sudents were supposed to collect donations and then run a course around the school yard and community. It was about 1/4 mile.

I sent Emma to school with her donation and permission slip and since Garry had the day off and his Mom was here visiting, I suggested that they go and watch her run, especially since the school had asked for volunteers to cheer the kids on and make sure they stayed on course.

Now, Garry has always expressed concern over his soccer kids saying that they complain that they are tired and will sometimes ask to be out of the game. Thy lack endurance and stamina. Sometimes even Emma and Macey are happy to sit it out on the sidelines. So I was not sure how Emma would do with an actual race and called Garry to see how it went.

"Did she do okay?" I asked.

"Define Okay," he answered.

"Did it look like she was having fun?" I asked.

"Because if you define okay as having won the race, she did okay."

That's right! Emma won her first race and even beat those yucky boys. Go girl!

All Together Now. . .

2011-06-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Garry's Mom came to see the kids over Memorial Day and so I thought it would be fun to dress the kids up in color-coordinated outfits before we went to the airport. Because I apparently have way too much time on my hands. . .Anyway, I snapped a picture before we left. It's really hard to get good smiles from four kids all at once. Bring out the Photoshop!!

Practice Makes Perfect?

2011-06-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

For Macey's Pre-K graduation, they had a 2.2 second program. Her teachers told the class to practice, and Macey took it to heart. I'd hear her practice in the bathroom and finally convinced her to let me hear her little song in person. Love this kid. The song is called "Kindergarten Here We Come!" Practice makes perfect? Nah, she's already perfect.

The Fieldtrip

2011-05-30T08:53:00.001-07:00

Before Macey finished up her Pre-K year, they had a fieldtrip to a historic farm. True to the weather this entire Spring (it's official -- it's been the wettest spring EVER), it rained on the day of her field trip. But, she really really wanted to go! So, I bundled up all four kids, since Emma was off-track, and off to the farm we went! Um, it was wet. Really, really wet. The kids all had jackets, but we still got soaked.

Here are Macey and Molly listening to the blacksmith. They also got to take a wagonride, feed the ducks, look at the horses and cows and pigs and chickens and turkey, play in the tree house. . .they had a great time.

Braden blissfully slept through the adventure.

Did I mention it was raining? Here's Molly where she spent most of the afternoon -- in a puddle.

I'm glad that Macey had a good time, and I think that I should get extra credit mothering points because less than half of her class actually came! Wimpy parents.

Raising Them Right

2011-05-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

For her birthday, Macey got a doll house. Molly has actually played with it more than anyone, but sometimes all three of them will sit down and play with it.

While I was hanging up their clothes, I listened in on their play. The doll house has a mom, a dad, and two babies. One baby apparently asked the other, "Where's Dad?" To which the other baby answered, "He's in the kitchen making dinner."

I had to laugh. Obviously I am doing something very, very right.

Emma's Big Day

2011-05-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

This year Emma has worked really hard in Kindergarten to qualify for what is known as the "Dragon Award". To get this award, she cannot miss many days of school, her grades have to be really good, she has to attend a Fine Arts event (we went to her cousin's ballet performance of Swan Lake), she has to participate in the Reflections program, she had to do a few posters on leadership, and she had to read 20 minutes a day.

It was a lot, but she did it!
She got her picture taken with the school mascot and with the Principal.

Only three kids in Emma's class got the award, but there were still a million people at the ceremony. An amazing amount of Second Graders got the award. There must have been something in the water that year. When Emma's name was called, she was just supposed to wave to her parents and then the actual certificates were handed out later.

I joked with Garry that I was going to go up there and accept the award with her -- because I put a lot of work into it, too! Oh, I do not even know how many books we have read. Every single Junie B. Jones, a lot of Magic Tree Houses, every single Friend magazine we had in the house, every single Green Light Go series. . . there's a lot of reading going on in the Cunningham house!

Talking In Circles

2011-05-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

When people ask me how the girls are adapting to having Braden around, I laugh, and then I kind of groan. They are adapting a little too well. Especially Molly.

Oh, how she loves to sneak up on him while he is sleeping and yell "BOO!" It's apparently the best gig around. She also loves to force his pacifier (lovingly called pinky) down his throat. Yesterday, while I was washing the dishes I caught her feeding him an old, old bottle. Still not sure how he did not spew after that experience.

She loves to wake him up and when I scold her for waking Braden, she looks at me with her blue, blue eyes and says, "Mama, baby awake!" In other words, I did not do anything wrong, he's clearly awake.

To which I respond, "Well, he is NOW."

We have this conversation sometimes 10 times a day.

Braden is a mellow, serious lad, and I desperately need him to smile, for my own benefit and also I need feedback on the "Molly Situation". Does she stress him out? Or does he find her hilarious? I cannot tell yet, but I know that she's stressing me out. Good thing she's so darn cute or I would be looking for a boarding school that accepts two year olds.

The Verdict Is In

2011-05-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

My kids are suckers for commercials. They see something on television and absolutely believe everything that is pitched their way. So after seeing a Frosted Flakes commercial, oh how they begged for this cereal. In fact, I think that they begged for well over a month.

Finally Garry bought it for them and they were able to eat some yesterday for breakfast.

I asked them what they thought. The verdict? Too many flakes and not enough frosting.

I thought that was a fair assessment, and I think that they have a bright future in food criticism.

Change The Definition

2011-05-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Momma said there would be days like this. . .but I feel like I have had days on top of days.

Over the last year and a half, I have had five part-time jobs. I have done a little work for two different law firms, I have taught at a university, I did some patent research for a local inventor, and I did some writing for a local business. But nothing has really taken off.

Two weeks ago I was just buried with work. And then it all dried up and things got cancelled and postponed and here I am. Lately I have been praying for "success". I am frustrated that I am not teaching as much as I would like and I am not writing as much as I would like, and I would love to find predictable success. Or at least a predictable paycheck.

And everytime I pray for success, I keep getting the answer that I need to change my definition of success. So maybe I need to stop checking my email to see if new jobs are coming my way and instead just hold and kiss and love my babies.