You are my Sonshine

Grateful Sunday (way overdue)

2011-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

So let's not talk about it. I just don't want to talk about it!!! Ok, I'll mention it once, but never is it to be brought up again. I have fallen off the face of the earth for the last, ummmm... 2 years. Lots has changed in my life in the meantime. Some of which I'd prefer to forget, but much more that I'm profoundly grateful for.

1. My brothers and sisters, their spouses and children. They say blood is thicker than water? That friends are siblings God forgot to give you? I don't know about all that, but I do know that if given the option, I certainly would've chosen mine.

2. Adam Levine. What! Come on. Have you seen him? Better still... have you seen and heard him? Then you know what I'm talkin about.

3. David. Yup. Probably weren't expecting that one. Well, how could I not be grateful? His hard work has allowed me the enormous blessing of staying home with my boys. T & C adore him, and he is another influence for good in their lives.

4. The smell of Christmas in my house. It's about to get torn down and dragged out to the curb, but the smell instantly floods dozens of wonderful memories to my mind.

5. My health. And healthy boys. With the exception of a few minor colds and breathing treatments, we have been blessed with the gift of health. I fully understand the significance of this gift, and I'm grateful to count this among my many blessings.

6. Weekend at Bernies. Complete with Floppy roast beef. I you know, you KNOW. If you don't, you probably never will.

7. Summer. How many days of rain have we had this year? Summer's gonna feel SOOO good when it finally arrives.

Grateful Sunday

2008-12-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

1. My cell phone. I don't know how I ever survived without texting capabilities. (except for this morning when a text came in on FULL volume seconds after the opening song ended in Sacrament meeting - argh...my own fault).

2. My girls - you know who you are. Where would I be without you? My life exists as it is because you have loved me. Through laughter and tears, you have stuck with me. You endure my endless phone calls and drama galore. And all without judgment. What more could I ask? Love your guts, girls.

3. Tess Paskey, my wonder-stylist. I've been with this amazing woman for nearly 10 years. She has become such a good friend, she knows what I want without even needing to say it. Besides, I change my hair every 2 months. I need a superhero to keep up with me...

4. The New Testament. I have such a love for the scriptures. I am currently reading the New Testament, and it is amazing to me how much closer I feel to my Savior by reading about his life. In Matthew, then Mark, oh yes, and then Luke. I find something new every time I read, and it brings such peace into my home.

5. The snow. Have I mentioned how much I love snowboarding? I know, it's been a while, but how I love to feel the wind stinging my face as I race down the slopes on a beautiful sunny day. I have yet to enjoy LIVING in the snow, but I enjoy visiting just fine.

6. Christmas songs. I have always had a passion for music. I learned the piano and flute as a young child and I've always loved singing and dancing. Especially at this time of year, I love the song Silent Night. It moves my heart every time I hear it.

7. My piano. How could I mention how much I love music without a nod to my out-of tune, scratched, chipped, hand-me-down piano. I don't care. I just love the way the sound that emanates from the dusty coils vibrates in my ears.

8. My fireplace. How I love to sit on cold, rainy nights, right in front of the flames for an instantly gratifying heat. I don't have to wait for my own body heat to fill the surrounding area, I can just relax, and most often, fall asleep enjoying the warmth.

9. President Monson. Is it weird to say that I have looked forward to him being prophet since I was a little girl? I have always been drawn to Thomas S. Monson. His demeanor draws me in and I'm captivated by his stories and sincerity. I have such a special place in my heart for this man, especially as a prophet of God.

10. Faith. Yes, I'm grateful for faith. Because there are times when life is tough and it seems like things never going to get easier or better. Faith gets me through. When I feel overwhelmed and discouraged, I'm reminded to have faith, and a simple perspective change alters my existence. I'm grateful for faith, and also that we can pray for faith, and it comes.

More Christmas cheer

2008-12-12T11:40:00.001-08:00

Last week I took the boys to the Christmas Train to see Santa. Santa only comes after 5, so it's a chilly adventure in the middle of December, to say the least. The temperature makes no difference when Santa is waiting for you at the end of the windy train ride, though. We waited in line for about 20 minutes, enjoying the lights and music, building the anticipation to see the big guy!

The train and trees are dripping in little twinkling lights. They really make the park look magical.

We finally arrive, and my camera decides to act up. In my anxiety to get the camera working and not make the gobs of people behind me wait, I forget to flip up the flash. Nice.

That was fun, but I sooo need some hot chocolate 'bout now!

Once Upon a Disney Christmas

2008-12-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Christmastime at Disneyland is one of the most magical sights I've ever witnessed. Fake snow dons the top of the castle, It's a Small World is a whole new holiday wonderland, and there are Disney characters running amok sporting santa hats and scarfs.

We got very lucky recently as we walked in the park to find the Christmas Mickey photo line very short. We hopped right in line, and lil C immediately objected to anything involving a camera OR Mickey Mouse. The whole tantrum routine, you know. I bribe him to stay in the stroller with a sucker until we get all the way up to the front. As I'm readying my camera to capture the holiday moment, I look down to find my stroller flipped backwards on the ground, and Caleb snuggled so deep in Mickey's arms I could barely see his little body. He has this magical moment with the sweetest Mickey I've ever seen. Mickey holds his (or, more likely, her) hand out for Trey who has his reservations, but captivated, tentatively creeps in for a photo.

Christmas Mickey rocks.

Haven't we had enough 8 already?

2008-11-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

8 Fave TV shows:

1. Amazing Race (the only reality show I've ever considered subjecting myself to applying for)

2. Lipstick Jungle (representin' for Cashmere Mafia too. RIP)

3. Man vs. Wild - and boy is he.

4. The New Adventures of Old Christine - LOVE Elaine, and laughing so hard it hurts. Perfect combo

5. Extreme Makeover Home Edition : my weekly dose of happy tears.

6. Survivor - STILL can't get enough

7. The Office - how could this not be in your top 8? What's not to like?

8. Pushing Daisies. love love love

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. CPK - cause we'd wither away and die at our house without Kids Curly Mac and Cheese.

2. Chipotle - been a faithful follower since the Irvine conception. Yumm-o.

3. Beach Pit - little slice of heaven in Newport Beach.

4. El Cholo - Only the originals in LA. Something happened when they moved to Irvine.

5. BJ's - never in my life have i been willing to surrender body parts for dessert b4 BJ's. Pizzokies are a life experience everyone should have.

6. Northwood Pizza - Just call me wt. i don't care. How many of you can walk 2 minutes for hot, fresh, yummy pizza. AND have a cute boy smile at you while he hands you your call-in-order cheese pizza?

7. Benihanas: many happy memories...

8. Hali'imaile General Store: on the road to Hana. Amazing gourmet oddity in the middle of the jungle, in the middle of Maui. I'd buy a plane ticket just for a meal here.

8 Things that Happened yesterday:

1. Sat inches from a Clydesdale horse's butt for a ride down Main Street, Disneyland. I felt like an ignorant tourist...but kinda liked it!

2. Watched my kids polish off their 900th plate of DiDi pasta. Gag. Don't know why they still fancy the stuff after this many years.

3. Took a bath. With fabulous grapefruit bubble bath from Origins (i could die a happy woman in that store). Had to wash away the smell of horse butt.

4. Fed our newest addition to the family: Aladdin, our blue/black Gourami fish. Caleb's cannibal Gourami (Tigger) killed and ate Trey's previous fish, Genie Blue Train.

5. Wasted like 3 hours on Facebook.

6. Got my boys' clothes out for church and thought how huge they are. Why do they have to grow so fast?

7. Didn't do laundry (I was on Facebook, remember?).

8. Walked across the street to Northwood pizza where a cute boy smiled as he handed me my call-ahead order of a large cheese pizza. Pretty good end to a pretty good day!!

8 Things I am Looking Forward to:

1. Christmas. I LOVE seeing my kids faces when they open their gifts. That's my favorite Christmas gift.

2. Caleb being at least 40 inches tall so we can FINALLY ride some decent rides together at Disneyland!!

3. Trey being 46 inches so he can ride Indiana Jones already and stop asking me every day if he's tall enough and please measure him again to be sure.

4. Summer - I miss the warm beach and Wild Rivers. Flip flops, sunscreen, tan little backs, shorts, and sunhats. Everything that is summer in Southern California.

5. Going to the temple. Doesn't get any better. Well, it does, but not here.

6. 24 Hour Fitness Group Expedition. We get new choreography, and I really need something new. It's been WAY too long.

7. Twilight Monday with the girls. Giddy giggle...

8. NO MORE DIAPERS!!

8 Things on my Wish List:

1. IKEA kids round table.

2. Own a home (don't care where).

3. New couches (11 1/2 years and still counting).

4. Weekly date nites.

5. Snowboarding this winter. And being able to take Trey with me. I think he'd rock the slopes.

6. Vacation with the whole fam. It's been quite a while...

7. The people I love to know how much I love them.

8. To finish the New Testament b4 2009.

8 People I'm tagging:

1. Randi m

2. Lea - you need an update, darling (almost as bad as me...)

3. Michelle

4. Karlea

5. Wendy Frenchy

6. Whit

7. Nicki

8. Judy

Five Alive

2008-10-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

My sweet Treyden,

How I pray each day I can show you how much I have loved you for 5 amazing years of living. You are so easy to love! You are always right there with a smile, hug, thumbs up, high five, or a kiss on the nose. Your sense of humor is unrivaled. You bring a laugh to my soul each day I have the privilege of spending with you.

You have such a contagious passion to run and jump and play. You exude such joy and love of life. You love to laugh, and are rarely found with a scowl or tears on your face (and if so, not for long).

Caleb has adored you since the day he was born, and it's no question why. You care for your little brother with such dedication and sincerity. He is your best friend, and you frequently tell (and show) me so.

You have the most obedient spirit. You make me look like such a great mom, and yet I know the secret: you came this way. No matter how many mistakes I make as your mother, no matter how impatient I am, you give me 100%, and you ALWAYS forgive. You have such a gift for forgiveness and meekness of heart. And always with sincerity. I see so much of my Savior in you. And don't ever forget: you came this way.

You accomplish the impossible by being inherently obedient and having a free spirit at the same time. You will try anything once. You love most anything quirky, unexpected, or out of the ordinary, and you have a WICKED memory. I have to be vigilant in my conversations with you, because you'll remember I promised you a Pump it Up Party a year ago, and you hold me to that promise.

I cannot help but smile when I see your adorable dimples. Your smile is impossibly contagious.

You have developed such an affinity for superheros, and the reason is simple; the greatest strengths you possess are superhero worthy. You are definitely one of my personal heros.
When you are sleepy, you can and will fall asleep anywhere, and arousing you from sleep is not possible. On the other hand, when you wake in the morning, you are bright and bushy tailed from the word go.

Your gorgeous brown hair is the envy of any coif-savvy adult. And you love your long hair, even in the dead of summer. It is your trademark, and I love it, even when it takes 5 minutes just to rinse the shampoo out of your hair.

You LOVE the water, and this last summer you taught yourself how to swim. The lessons you took after you had learned this skill only built your confidence in the water. I can't keep you away from any body of water, no matter how small.

You aren't the best eater, but you have a love for chocolate like I've never seen before. There are days I look at the lunch I've packed for you, and every food group involves chocolate.

You have developed a love for rollercoasters this year. As your increasing height allowed you access to more and more attractions at Disneyland, you have braved them with admirable courage, and it kills you that Caleb isn't able to join you.

You have touched the hearts of so many in your 5 years, most of all, mine. I love you more than any mother has ever loved her child, and I thank Heavenly Father every day for your love. Happy 5th Birthday, T!

May I please please please beseech you?

2008-09-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm an Oprah junkie. I promise I don't belong to any Oprah religion, there is no Oprah shrine in my home, I just connect with many of the causes she stands behind.

I was horrified as I watched a couple of recent episodes. The first focused on Elizabeth Smart and the story of her strength and how she has overcome unthinkable obstacles in her horrendous ordeal of being kidnapped from her SLC home, IN HER BED in the middle of the night. She was kept captive by 2 monsters for NINE MONTHS and repeatedly raped and molested. I felt so moved by the strength of her spirit, but i also felt my boiling blood coursing through my body, motivating me to want to DO SOMETHING to somehow...even amidst my feelings of helplessness...somehow make a difference to help STOP THIS ATROCITY happening to the children of our nation.

I was still emotionally charged as I watched (more like experienced) another episode on child predators. As Oprah shared EXPLICIT details on the evil actions of child predators, I was consumed with emotion. I wanted to scream STOP!! I DON'T WANT TO WATCH OR LISTEN TO THIS!! I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FORGET THIS IMAGE IN MY HEAD!! Just tell me how to make a difference and I'll go on my way. As I continued to watch, I began to understand the purpose for her candor. By the time I had heard an hour of gut-wrenching stories of vulgar exploits on innocent children, even INFANTS... I couldn't NOT get off my couch and run right to my computer to take a stand.

SO , the purpose of my post is to inform you of a bill in the senate that will help protect our children. It's a bi-partisan bill that will provide more funding for child predator task forces and law enforcement to investigate and apprehend child predators. It is scheduled to be up for the senate's vote at the end of September, so action needs to happen NOW. Please please please take the time to call, email, AND/or write your senator to STRONGLY URGE them to pass this bill.

It is senate bill 1738 - Protect our Children Act. You can either google it yourself, or read about it on oprah's website: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20080911_tows_predators . On this site they have more information about the bill, as well as links to your local senators, and how to contact them by phone, email, or snail mail. Please, take the time to take a stand for something that is important to ALL OF US!! Spread the news, tell your friends and neighbors, there's NO REASON this bill shouldn't pass.

If you are interested in the Oprah episode that has me up in arms (it takes a force of nature to get me this upset), go to Oprah's website, and you can read about it.

Go Go Go Coaster

2008-09-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

I love to laugh. It's probably my favorite past-times. I got a fantastic giggle out of these photos, and I thought I might share. All is status-quo as the miniature rollercoaster situated in kid-crazy Toon Town begins...

Maybe you think I'm a mean mommy for torturing my sweet 3-year old on this seemingly horrific rollercoaster. For your information...he BEGGED to go on it again. 2 more times, in fact. I guess there's no surprise Caleb is certifiably an adrenaline junky.

First day of the last year...

2008-09-15T22:32:00.001-07:00

Because Trey is an October birthday, he has had 2 wonderful years of preschool at ECLC (Early Childhood Learning Center), and one last one to go. He absolutely LOVES school. The only thing that he struggles with is not being able to take his newest toy to class to show his friends. This year, his teacher is Ms. Erin. I'm so proud of my preschooler!!

I know I may be entirely biased, but is this not the cutest little preschooler on the planet?

Here's to one last year of preschool. The last homework-free year in the Wheeler household.

Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip

2008-09-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Treyden and his sweet A, have been friends for what seems like always. Soon after we moved here, nearly 4 years ago, T and A discovered chemistry that's undeniable, even at the age of 2. You call their relationship what you want, yin/yang, girl meets boy, or simple friendship. Look and see for yourself.

Since the unfortunate event of A's parents dragging her away to Chino Hills, Trey has seen much less of his dear A. Trey was beside himself last week when I told him A was coming to the Lagoon. They played as if no time had ever passed.

Ahhh. Young love...

Mommy surfer hero

2008-09-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've lived in Southern California roughly 90% of my 3 decades on this planet. I've had a love affair with the world-famous coastline appropriate to it's majesty and allure. I grew up body surfing, sunbathing, and boogie boarding on the beaches of this beautiful state, and I've also learned a healthy respect for the power and intensity of the surf. Nonetheless, my dream of learning to truly surf has remained alive without realization all these years. My good friends, beautiful and amazing Eva, and her abnormally wonderful hubby Mat, helped make my dream a reality. Mat was generous enough to bring a foam board for me to learn, AND take on the responsibility of my boys. Eva risked humiliation and embarrassment galore as she accompanied me out into the surf amongst a dozen or so much more experienced surfers. My body didn't leave my board, but I was able to overcome my fear of wiping out enough to catch a handful of waves into the shore. Thank you, my dear friends for the experience which wouldn't have happened without you.

As I walked freezing and exhilarated back on shore to relieve Mat of bbsitting duties, my 2 screaming children came running towards me. "MOMMY!!! YOU DID IT? Were you scared? Did you have fun? Mommy, you cool surfer mommy. You my best mommy, you beautiful giwul." They were even more excited and proud than I was.

Wow. A notch in my belt for a memory I'll never forget.

Are you kidding me?

2008-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall me posting about the adventures of being Caleb's mommy. We just returned from an afternoon visiting the doctor AND dentist. Let me flash back to about 3 1/2 weeks ago...I was getting ready for the day while the boys played in the family room. As is so typical with 2 little boys, they started chasing each other around the house. Well, this particular morning, again, like most others, I hear KK start to scream. You see, Caleb has no volume control. His trademark scream is the same volume and intensity whether Trey has just touched his balloon or shut his hand in the front door. Because his hand HAS been shut in the door and I am embarrassed to say I ignored it thinking Trey had just touched his balloon again, I went to check on him just to make sure. Unfortunately Caleb had plowed face-first into the CORNER of the family room wall. I could see immediately the point of contact going from the top of his nose, all the way down to his already-swelling chin. He was starting to bleed, but I couldn't really tell the significance of the injury because he wouldn't let me look in his mouth. I tried giving him popsicles, but he said they hurt, and even Spiderman ice packs were terrifying to him. His little face swelled up to the point he was almost unrecognizable. I called his pediatrician to see if we needed to come in, but they told me that if his nose were broken, it would be crooked (which it wasn't), and if his teeth weren't loose (which they weren't), there wasn't much they could do. The next morning I could better see the extent of his injuries. He would let me barely lift his throbbing lip to see what was going on in his mouth. He had pushed one of his front teeth completely up and in, and his gums looked like hamburger. He was even still occasionally bleeding even 2 days later. This photo was taken the next day, and if you look close, you can see the lovely red line down his sweet face.

Fast forward 3 weeks later... The tooth that has been displaced is now gray and dead. I remembered that his dentist had told me if this happened, we would need to pull the tooth to prevent infection. I call the dentist and they don't have openings for 2 more weeks. Argh...this tooth is quite ugly inside his adorable little mouth. I don't want to wait 2 weeks, but even more pressing, he's developed a cold which I'm nervous could be a secondary infection from the tooth. I decide to err on the side of caution, and I take him into the doctor. She sends me right downstairs to another pediatric dentist AGAST that my dentist wouldn't take him immediately. After spending an hour at the doctor, poor KK isn't thrilled about walking right back into another waiting room. Well, after x-rays (and another gasp as I mention my experience with previous dentist), Caleb's injury is apparently MUCH worse than even I thought. The tooth is obviously dead, but he has actually BROKEN a bone inside his mouth. The bone that holds the root in place on his front teeth has been cracked. I about started crying. My poor baby has been walking around with a broken bone in his MOUTH and I didn't even know. They told me to put him on a soft food diet for the next few weeks. After the bone is healed - about 8 weeks - they'll basically do a root canal without taking out the tooth (the only good news of the day).

This humbling experience brings back horrible memories of spending a Sunday in the ER with Caleb nearly 2 years ago. He wouldn't walk, had a fever, and we were nervous he had another urinary tract infection. After a few days of tests, we were referred to a orthopedic surgeon who does x-rays of KK's leg and tells me he's cracked his knee cap. This is at least a week after his injury. I felt like such a horrible mommy. Most kids break arms and sprain ankles, mine breaks his mouth and knee.

Needless to say, today was a very sobering experience as a mother. After we got home and I checked my messages, I notice my house is dead silent. Those of you who are parents know - this is NEVER a good thing. I walk into the entry hall, and here I find Caleb right where I left him when we walked in the house. Poor Caleb. Trey at least found his bed to crash in...

Grateful Sunday

2008-08-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

I love how a particular day of the week, Sunday - in fact, can elicit a sense of gratitude and perspective in my life. God has blessed me with so much, I can't help but thank Him.

1. My job. It's not often people have as much passion as I do about what I get paid for. I honestly I believe I would still take the time and effort (I'm not making any promises) even if I didn't get paid to do what I do for a living. I love my students, the music, and how it makes me feel to make others happy (and in pain at the same time :)).

2. My sweet Lucas. You changed the shape of my heart in just a few short months. You'll always be my little coconut. Memories of you send a smile to my face.

3. Like many un-ashamed, fully-grown women around the country - I'm grateful for the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. She's proof that even us (LDS) stay-at-home moms can have wild and vivid imaginations worth putting down on paper and selling for (lots of) good money.

4. Burke Williams Day Spa. The things a good deep-tissue massage can do for the body is so powerful, it seeps into the soul.

5. Jenna Byers. I love this girl beyond measure. She has been the one to catch my fall many times in my life. She has been present with me during the darkest, as well as happiest moments of my life. Please forgive me, dear friend, for the photo. This happens to be one of my happiest moments - a bright shining light cutting through the dark fog. The sock slide...

6. David Mark Wheeler. I'm grateful for the love. I'm grateful for the smile that always reminds me how deeply I love him. I'm grateful for the journey no matter what the cost; the reward outweighs all else.

7. My car. I know, so profoundly materialistic in the midst of the loves of my life, but still. One doesn't understand the benefit of remote ignition, until you have it. Or a back up camera, or GPS, or so many other features I love about my precious car.

8. The 2008 Beijing Olympics. I have just relished watching history in the making. I've loved the stories of true heart and passion and dedication to a craft. I never am so vocal in my tv-watching as when the olympics are on (except maybe while watching The Office).

9. How could I remember so many bright shining lights in my life without mentioning my Treyden. How I love this face. I have a song for each of my children that reminds me of their arrival and how I felt about them at their birth. Treyden's song is so befitting, "I Knew I Loved you Before I Met You." Nothing could be more true. He's so perfect for me, he reminds me why I love being a mommy. T has the best monologues, and makes me laugh and smile every day. My favorite phrase (and probably will be for a long time), is, "mommy, you beautiful guwil". He always knows how to make me feel loved.

10. Last, but NEVER least, Caleb. You challenge my notion of reality and the way life should be. You teach me so much about love and patience. You love me with a passion I've never felt before you, and I don't know if I'll ever understand, and maybe I don't want to. You are such a great example to me of conviction and persistence. I know Heavenly Father sent you straight to my arms (with your thumb in your mouth).

Yo Ho Yo Ho a little boy's life for me...

2008-08-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

Can I just proclaim my love for little-boyhood. I love to live life through the eyes of my preschoolers. The passion they find for the little things in life is mesmerizing. What an existence to live for a new Star Wars toy, or a trip to Sea World. How simple life seems when the worries us adults carry are put into perspective by a child without a care. It makes me realize how truly foolish I can be as my biggest worries usually turn out to be nothing at all. And what does worrying accomplish anyway? Children place importance on the things that we cannot live without: laughter, family, love, sunshine, care-free play, friends, good food, hugs and kisses (a hi-five must always accompany every hug and kiss in my house), and saying, "I love you".

Caleb's latest boyhood obsession is pirates.

Trey has turned into my resident fish. He loves the water and lives for any opportunity to wear his "oggle-globes" (even the bathtub). He's so smart - he is teaching himself to swim and I'm so proud of him!!

I remember when...

2008-07-26T21:08:00.001-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, just about anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you!"...misty water-colored memories, of the way we were...."

200 Have and Have-nots

2008-07-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

200 Have and Have-nots

So I pulled this from a friend's blog. All of the items bolded are life experiences I can say I've had thus far in my life. Looks like I have some adventures to go on. If you feel so inclined, copy and paste into your own blog.

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't (should I admit this?!?!)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover(does the Book of Mormon count?)
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school (still haven't finished yet, but have been back)
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one (Does mini-golf count?)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Commented on a friend's blog.

I Love you to the moon

2008-07-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Caleb, KK, Cakers, Yoda.. Happy 3rd Birthday!! My sweet little Firecracker born on the 4th of July.

My life changed the day you were born, and there's no going back. I'm officially smitten with you. You've taught me so much, well beyond your allotted offering in your 3 short years. You love to laugh and to cry and very little in between. Everything about you is big, except your stature. You certainly make your presence known when you walk into a room (especially Sacrament meeting).

Everybody who knows you loves you. In fact, you had a Caleb Fan club by the time you were walking. You have charisma and charm. You are witty and clever. You're smarter than I often give you credit for, and where you lack knowledge, you make up for with persistence and effort.

You have such a zeal and zest for life. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and you're not afraid to show it. You are persistent, stubborn, and downright difficult sometimes. At the same time, you love with your whole heart, you are kind and generous, sensitive and independent.

You are adventurous and live with vigor and without fear. You are a fast learner and there is no end to your curiosity. You have a thirst for knowledge well beyond your years.

You've had a special love and admiration for your big brother since the day you were born. Perhaps you decided in the life before this to come to our family as brothers. The 2 of you have a bond that's eternal and love that's everlasting.

You're a momma's boy thru and thru. You still love to lay your head on my chest and suck your thumb. You have a passion for climbing and high places - often much higher than is of comfort to your mother. You care only for your own opinion of yourself, never that of others. You've always had your own secret agenda, and only the lucky ones are invited into your circle of trust.

Your beautiful baby blues can melt my heart and curdle my blood within the same moment. Your emotions are unpredictable, and yet so sincere and true, there is never a moment that I wonder how you're feeling.

What a blessing it is to be your mommy. I love you to the moon and back again.

Happy 1st

2008-07-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

To my angel boy, Lucas. You will carry a piece of my heart with you for the rest of your life. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to give it to you, and to take a bit of your soul with me. I pray you are happy and healthy. I love you forever my sweet Lucas. Happy First Birthday!!

Let's get this party started!!

2008-06-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying that I love summer and everything about it. I love the sunshine - it has such a magical power to make me happy. I love being in the water and going to the beach and warm, balmy evenings. I love not wearing shoes and walking in the grass and sand in bare feet. I also love seeing my kids participate in all the fun activities summer has to offer. We have already had so much fun at Disneyland and Wild Rivers. I haven't been to Wild Rivers since I worked there, oh...15 years ago! What a BLAST!!

Trey is such an adventurer. He has no fear in the water and loves to experience it all. There is a little kiddie wave pool basically INSIDE the bigger wave pool made for boogie boarding. The waves wash over a concrete barrier and into the kiddie wave pool. Trey had such a great time just getting washed over by the walls of water.

There is a great waterfall that Trey just loved to walk and stand under. He was mesmerized by how the water looked as it fell and splashed.

Caleb is a little less adventurous, but still without fear in his activities of choice. He loves to go down the slides head first.

This is a frequent place for Trey - underwater. The first time we went, I put him in a non-descript navy bathing suit. I had such a hard time spotting him among groups of people, especially since he loves to go under water and hold his breath. The second time a red suit was a little more spottable.

We also were sooo lucky to hit up a new ride at Disneyland called Toy Story Mania. As passholders, we got a reservation to preview the ride before it opened to everybody else. This ride is the bomb!! If you love the Buzz Lightyear ride, multiply it by 10 and you've got this Toy Story Mania ride. It's 3-D with lots of interactive games and is waaay cool. We went on in 4 times within our reserved time slot, and it just wasn't enough.

MY New Earth

2008-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall me raving about this book in a previous post.

I've read the book through twice now, and I continue to be amazed at how revolutionary the ideas and perspectives taught in this book are. Especially since many of the ideas are basic and fundamental principles of the gospel, just presented in a more left-brained kinda way. I've been brought to such an awareness and enlightened state by this book, I can't keep it to myself. Although I feel that I understand the concepts taught in the book, I'm certainly not perfect in implementing them. I do know this, when I am successful in implementing the principles I've learned in this book, I'm able to recognize and become fully aware of the enormous happiness and peace in my life that was already there to begin with, I just closed my eyes to it.

I understand that some of these principles may not make total sense without reading the book, but some of my favorite points include:

First: definition of the ego. Everybody has an ego, it is basically the power within you to cover up or mask the true happiness and joy that is within us all. It craves and creates conflict, suffering, anxiety, and unhappiness. It's purpose is selfish and limiting. It exists to make you feel sorry for yourself, create excuses, create fear of the future and hold on to pain of the past. It is basically walking through life with your eyes closed - in a state of unconsciousness.
You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that's already within you and allowing that goodness to emerge.
Sometimes letting go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.
Resentment is the emotion that goes with complaining and the mental labeling of people and adds even more energy to the ego. Instead of overlooking unconsciousness in others, you make it into their identity.
Sometimes the "fault" you perceive in another isn't even there. It is a total misinterpretation - a projection by a mind conditioned to see enemies to make itself right or superior.
Nonreaction to the ego in others is one of the most effective ways of going beyond the ego in yourself.
Somebody becomes an enemy if you personalize the unconsciousness that is the ego. Nonreaction is not weakness, but strength. another word for nonreaction is forgiveness.
A grievance is a strong negative emotion connected to an event that is kept alive by compulsive thinking, by retelling the story in the head or aloud. While you think about and feel your grievance, it's negative emotional energy can distort your perception that is happening in the present or influence the way in which you speak or behave toward someone in the present.
Ego takes everything personally. The truth - in any case - needs no defense. The light or sound does not care about what you or anybody thinks. You are defending the illusion of yourself, or rather, the mind-made substitute.
All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it, since awareness and ego are incompatible.
The underlying emotion that governs all the activity of the ego is fear. All it's activities are ultimately designed to eliminate fear, but the most the ego can ever do is to cover it up temporarily with an intimate relationship, a new possession, or winning at this or that. Illusion will never satisfy you - only the truth of who you are, if realized, can set you free.
Don't seek happiness. If you seek it, you won't find it. Freedom from unhappiness is attainable now, by facing what is rather than making up stories about it. Unhappiness covers up your natural state of well-being and inner Peace - the source of true happiness.
One of the ego's many erroneous assumptions is, " I should not have to suffer." Suffering has a noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness, and burning up of the ego. As long as you resist suffering, it is a slow process because the resistance creates more ego to burn up. When you accept suffering, however, there is an acceleration of that process that is brought about by the fact that you suffer consciously.
In the eyes of the ego, self-esteem and humility are contradictory. In truth, they are one and the same.
The ego cannot distinguish between a situation and it's interpretation of and reaction to that situation.
Unconscious thoughts that feed the feelings of discontent or resentment: "there is something that needs to happen in my life before I can be at peace, and I resent that it hasn't happened yet. Maybe my resentment will finally make it happen"
Often the unconscious beliefs are directed toward a person and so "happening" becomes "doing": "you should do this or that so that I can be at peace. And I resent that you haven't done it yet. Maybe my resentment will make you do it."
The extent of the ego's inability to recognize itself and see what it is doing is staggering. it will do exactly what it condemns others for and not see it. When it is pointed out, it will use angry denial, clever arguments, and self-justification to distort the facts.
The body cannot tell the difference between an actual situation and a thought.
"pain body" is an accumulation of old pain we carry with us.
Nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now, and if the past cannot prevent you from being present now, what power does it have?
Your sense of who you are determines what you perceive as your needs and what matters to you in life - and whatever matters to you will have the power to upset and disturb you.
You may ask, What are the things that upset and disturb me? if small things have the power to disturb you, that who you think you are is exactly that - small.
You might say, 'peace is all I want", until the phone rings and BAD news comes. Something becomes more important to you now than inner peace. If peace mattered to you more than anything, and if you truly knew yourself to be spirit rather than little me, you would remain non-reactive and alert when confronted with challenging people or situations. You would immediately accept the situation and thus become one with it rather than separate yourself from it.
The more limited, the more egoic the view of yourself, the more you will see, focus on, and react to the egoic limitations, and the unconsciousness in others.
Who you are requires no belief. It does not even require your realization since you already are who you are. But without realization, who you are does not shine forth into the world.
Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation for all abundance. Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world.
Whatever you think people are withholding from you - give it to them. You don't have it? Act as if you had it and it will come. Soon after you start giving you will start receiving. You cannot receive what you don't give.
The decision to make the present moment into your friend is the end of the ego.
Nonresistance, nonjudgement, and non attachment are the 3 aspect of true freedom and enlightened living. They have deeper purpose: to make you aware of the fleetingness of every situation. When you become aware of the transience of forms, your attachment to them lessens, and you disidentify from them to some extent. Once you see and accept the transience of all things, you can enjoy the pleasures of the world while they last without fear of loss or anxiety about the future.
Whenever you are upset about an event, a person, or a situation, the real cause is NOT the event, person, or situation, but a loss of true perspective.
If you take credit for what you accomplished, the ego has returned.
Anxiety, stress, and negativity cut you off from the greatest power. The illusion that you are separate from the power that runs the universe returns. You feel alone, struggling against something or trying to achieve this or that. But why did anxiety, stress, or negativity arise? Because you turned away from the present moment. And why did you do that? You thought something else was more important.
The conventional notion of success is concerned with the outcome of what you do. Don't let a mad world tell you that success is anything other than a successful present moment. What is that? there is a sense of quality in what you do, even the most simple action. Quality implies care and attention, which comes with awareness. Quality requires your presence.
let's say that you are a businessperson and after 2 years you finally manage to come out with a product that sells well and makes money. Success? In conventional terms, yes. In reality, you spent 2 years polluting your body as well as the earth with negative energy, and made yourself and those around you miserable and affected many others you never even met. The unconscious assumption behind all that action is that success is a future event, and that the end justifies the means. But the end and the means are one. If the means did not contribute to happiness, neither will the end.
When you want to arrive at your goal more than you want to be doing what you're doing, you become stressed. When there is stress, it's usually a sign the ego has returned.

Tell me the Stories of Jesus (as told by Treyden)

2008-05-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Remember me telling you the story of how my Treyden blows my mind (see #7) by singing all 3 verses of the primary song we learned in primary that Sunday? Here you go...

FYI...fishie mask.

2008-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

My little Caleb has run into more random injuries, illnesses and conditions than I thought a healthy little boy could eek out in his measley (not quite) 3-year existence. We've run into a NASTY urinary tract infection, which was apparently due to a condition called urine reflux. He had a procedure about a year-and-a-half ago to take car of that. He has cracked a knee cap (don't ask, I have NO - honestly - NO idea how it happened), multiple black eyes, speech delays, and I've performed the Heimlich maneuver on this little one half a dozen times. The current issue is viral asthma. The poor kid has had "bronchiolitis" 5 times in the last 4 months. We do breathing treatments (fishie mask) every 3 or 4 hours and they seem to eventually go away, sometimes sooner than others. EVERY time he gets sick he has trouble breathing and coughs incessantly. We just came back from the allergist today and there was good news and bad news. Good news: he doesn't have any allergies. Bad news: he has viral asthma - not bronchiolitis. That means that every time little Caleb gets sick, it goes right to his lungs and his asthma kicks in. He coughs so much at night I'll sometimes go in while he's sleeping and do 2 or 3 breathing treatments. You'd think, especially knowing my Caleb, he'd fight tooth and nail to prevent this inconvenience. Amazingly, it works so well, he ASKS me for fishie mask.

I wish I had known more about allergies and asthma to understand my options months ago so we weren't fumbling through this condition. If your child coughs and coughs every time they get sick, he/she may also have viral asthma. I wouldn't have found out if I hadn't asked my pediatrician about asthma (moms know WAY more than doctors). So, there's your fyi...

Punk Baby

2008-05-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

We've tried the faux-hawk successfully for about a year now. It has totally fit Caleb's personality and looks adorable on him. Well, my baby is going to be 3 in 2 - count 'em 2 months. I thought it was time to graduate to the real mccoy. My philosophy on hair: It'll always grow back. I'm somewhat embarrassed to say that when our trusty Kathy pulled out those clippers and they vibrated my baby's blonde tresses away, I was nothing if not eager to see how it would look. I had no fear about the prospect of having to pull out my own clippers when we got home to "fix" mommy's poor choice. I'm quite happy to say - I couldn't be more pleased with my punk baby, and OH YEAH - it's real. No faking this hawk. AND those of you who know my sweet Caleb, can tell, this coif fits my punk baby like a glove. I loved the looks I got from the teenagers as I walked through the mall. Especially the ones who also pointed at his black vans.

May I introduce you...

2008-05-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

...To Genie Blue Train...

...and Tigger.

We have a brilliant (thank you Jenna) system in our house to elicit positive behavior. It is called the "black rocks". Whenever the boys demonstrate positive behavior (sharing, eating well, no fighting while mom's in the shower...you get the idea), they earn a black rock (or 2 depending on HOW good the behavior). Once they earn enough black rocks to fill up their treasure chest, they get a treat. In the past it's been a trip to the zoo, picking out a toy at the toy store, but this last black rock treasure chest went towards 2 very finicky, shy fish. Trey and Caleb were beside themselves as we walked into Petsmart this week with some minor criteria in mind; Trey: HAS to be BLUE, Caleb: feeshee!!, mom: no filters, no heaters, no lamps. Now that our beloved Tigger and Genie Blue Train are home safe at last, we're battling a new set of criteria: mom: DON'T TOUCH THE FISH!! DON'T FEED THE FISH! DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN THAT TANK OR THE FISH GO BACK TO THE STORE (or in the toilet - depending on what it was and how long it was there).

Grateful Sunday

2008-04-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have so much to be grateful for in my life. My top 10 at the moment:

1. Being a mom. I'm so grateful that I'm blessed by the love of my children. They give love freely, and most often, I'm the recipient. Parenthood has taught me so much about selflessness on so many levels. I try to savor every moment with them as if it were my last.

2. The temple. It is such a miracle to me to be sealed to those I love most in this world. I'm so grateful for my testimony of eternal families. I love the spirit I feel when I enter the temple and the peace it gives me to be in the house of the Lord.

3. Disneyland. I've created some wonderful memories here with my family. I'm grateful for the way it brings me closer to my children.

4. My Friends. I'm blessed to have the most caring, giving, loving friends a girl could ask for. Most of them will never know how much they have blessed my life forever. I love you!!!

5. A book entitled A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. This book has brought me such a deep spiritual understanding. It has helped me understand life in way I never thought I could. It has changed who I am. It helps me understand how to attain peace and happiness in a very deep and permanent way. Go Oprah!!

6. The Atonement. It is such a blessing to know that I don't have to do it all by myself. The feeling of knowing I'm never alone brings such security and joy. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for the Atonement.

7. Primary songs. I'm the Primary chorister in my ward, and there is nothing sweeter than hearing the 5th ward primary sing "If the Savior stood Beside Me". Today I told my primary that hearing them sing is music to my ears. I told them if they sang really well, I would thank them for the music to my ears with a treat that was sweet to their tongue. I've never heard them sing more beautifully. (hey - I'll take what I can get - I don't care if I have to bribe with sugar). I also love to see my beautiful boy as he silently sits in the front row - too embarrassed to sing. Every night before bed, he blows my mind by singing the whole song - all 3 verses. My Treyden inspires me.

8. Yoga. This is triangle pose - one of my favorites. Yoga is my sanity. It gives back 10 times what I put in. Even teaching I feel a peace and stillness at the end of an hour of practice that I struggle to find anywhere else.

9. Prayer. Heavenly Father is just genius. He gives us a line of communication that's always open, always free, always connected, and he always gives us the answers if we just ask and then listen. I gained a testimony of prayer when I was 14, and I've never lost or forgotten what a powerful tool prayer is if you use it correctly. I truly consider prayer one of my greatest gifts.

10. My bed. No explanation necessary.

Knocker Farms

2008-04-25T15:27:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous time with our friends at Tanaka Farms last week. We rode the tractor around the farm and tasted broccoli, carrots, onions, snap peas, and OF COURSE strawberries. I couldn't get Trey to taste anything, but as you can see, he at least sniffed the broccoli.

So we left the farm to go to lunch at the Spectrum, and Trey says, "mom, we go to knocker farms again tomorrow?"

50 interesting facts about moi

2008-04-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

Most of my posts entail a cute-fest of my chitluns. I decided it was time for a more grown-up post. (kind of)

I love bubblegum ice cream. I HAVE to save the gum for last and by the time I'm in a sugar coma I swear I'll never eat it again - but I just can't stay away for long.
I have a dream of learning to surf. I've always had a decent excuse, but I'm not getting any younger. Anybody want to join me?
I hate wearing skirts and dresses. Maybe it's just cause I'm not very lady-like, but I can't stand having to worry about flashing a beaver.
The smell of Kettle Corn makes me want to vomit. I'm a total ying/yang lover, but I just can't handle the Kettle corn ying/yang.
I LOVE plain air-popped popcorn - no toppings. Maybe that's why I hate the smell of Kettle corn.
I hate the sound of nail clipping. I used to work for a guy who would spend about an hour doing it every day in the next room and it made me want to pull my hair out.
I'm scared of the dark. There are night-lights all over my house, and as soon as it gets dark I turn on every light in the house.
I love musicals. There's just something about singing to communicate that works for me.
I have a bodily fluid phobia. I cannot kiss my kids without wiping their mouth first. As a personal trainer I was (and still am) brought to anxiety having to touch somebody else's sweat. EWWW!
I love kick boxing. There's just something so teenagish about being able to kick and punch to a Fergie song.
I take my pillow with me everywhere I sleep. I have a contoured pillow - without it I wake up with tension migraines so bad they make me nauseous and I can't see straight.
Yoga has changed my life.
I miss Ali McBeal desperately. Why did she leave? Where did she go?
I love making out in a hot tub...
My left kneecap dislocates and it's the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life.
Angelina bugs me.
I played water polo in high school and have probably accidentally grabbed more packages than I care to remember. Back then there were no girls teams so we played with the guys.
My first kiss was on Tom Sawyers Island when I was 13 to a boy named Brent (not my first boyfriend).
My first boyfriend was named Adam and he played the flute in the band. My guy friends used to always tease me that he played the skin flute and I had no idea what they meant back then - I'm glad I didn't - but that's probably why he wasn't my first kiss.
I played the piccolo in my high school marching band.
I hate bananas.
I love the feeling/smell of a freshly washed car.
Halloween is my favorite holiday - my birthday is the 1st of November.
If I could live in Hawaii, I would. Maybe someday I will.
My first job was at Wild Rivers, need I mention how much fun that was? Or how many cute boys I got to help down the slides?
My favorite restaurant is the Beach Pitt. I normally don't even like pork, but their pulled pork sandwiches are to die for.
I'm fascinated by biomechanics (the study of forces on the human body - like physics for the body). I went back to get my masters because I was so enthralled by the study, but Cal State Long Beach fell way short of my expectations. Lucky for me Trey was born after I was half way through my course work. I CANNOT WAIT to go back to finish my degree (somewhere other than CSULB).
I hate going to movies. My knees ache after about 30 minutes, and I have to keep moving so I don't get a head ache. At home I lack enough patience to make it all the way through a movie. Unless it involves Johnny Depp.
I have had a crush on The Fonz, Luke Skywalker, and Officer Jon Baker from CHiPs since I was a little girl.
I'm a sucker for a good reality tv show. I love Bachelor, So you think you can Dance, survivor, and The Amazing Race.
Oprah makes me cry almost every episode. So does Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
I love a good food fight - way more than I should.
I have BAD arachnaphobia. I have to regularly kill black widows in my back yard and it never gets easier. I use the hose to dislodge them and stomp on them 92 times until they're unrecognizable. I've actually woken Dave up to kill a huge spider in the shower one morning.
My favorite flower is a tulip. Poppy's are a very close runner up.
I love to golf. Especially with my husband. Even more especially in Hawaii.
In my field I have a specialty with Pre and post natal women. I found out after I'd developed that specialty and I'd been teaching a pre/post natal exercise class for 3 years that I couldn't have children.
My heroes are the birthmothers of my children. I thank Heavenly Father every day for these women that have changed my life in countless ways. I love them like sisters.
I love to country dance. Haven't done it in a while, but I hope to again someday.
My most embarrassing moment was in Jr High ( as if Jr high isn't embarrassing enough). I was sitting in a lecture and had the urge to sneeze. Little did I know my body had a bum bubble in the que at the same time. The sneeze caused that bubble to surface at mach speed. On a hard plastic chair, it could be heard down the hall.
I love to kiss my kids on their cheek chub.
My second most embarrassing moment was when I was kissing my boyfriend when I was in college. It must have gone on for a while, or I must have been irresistible because he couldn't pull away fast enough before burping right in my mouth.
I love doing laundry - I hate doing dishes.
I don't think my husband has ever heard me pass gas.
I love to put potato chips in my ham and cheese sandwiches.
I love turtles. Before my kids were born I rescued 3 baby turtles being sold on the street in the garment district in LA. Their names were Torpedo, Elmo, and Peso.
I live for chocolate chip cookies and a glass of cold milk.
I lost my first wedding ring. It makes me cry just thinking about it, even to this day, nearly 6 years later.
My husband can tie a bow better than I can.
My hands and feet are always cold. I HATE being cold.
I'm the grumpiest mom in the mornings. I'm SOO not a morning person. My poor kids.

I tag Jenna, Carrie, and Mitch

Boys Gone Wild - Wheeler Style Spring Break Edition

2008-04-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Disneyland

a few of our faves - "Dinosaur Train" , Teacups, and Snow White

Sea World

What is it about Shamu that ALWAYS makes me cry?

San Diego Zoo

...yeah, I also had those thoughts when I approached the Hippo tank. The moral implications of exposing my children to the activity that the photo suggests were unknown to me. As I got close enough to witness the true nature of their interaction, the guilt for the filthiness of my thoughts consumed me as I realized they were just cuddling. (trust me - I got close enough to be sure)

California Adventure

If you haven't seen the new Pixar Play Parade - it's worth a trip and 30 minutes holding a good spot. Way cute. While you're there - you HAVE to see Aladdin. It's a Broadway-ish musical in the middle of amusement park USA.

Pump It Up

Why didn't they have these when I was growing up? This place is so much fun, we visited on 2 different days. We were lucky enough to meet up with Trey's good buddy, Matthew.

Wild Animal Park

Not as good as the zoo, but the nostalgia of coming here as a child keeps me coming back for more.

Need I say more?... yes, one thing - I'm exhausted.

Home of Brotherly Love

2008-04-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

It's June 2005, and we're eagerly awaiting to be picked by another birthmother for our next child. I'm sooo hoping for a little girl. As much as I love my Treyden and everything that boyhood had brought to our home, I wanted an excuse to visit the more feminine (and WAY cuter - might I add) section of Baby Gap. I can remember the phone call when our caseworker, Todd informed me that we had been picked. I was standing in our family room and I had been playing with Trey. I could hear the tone in Todd's voice as the excitement built. "you've been picked by a birthmother. She's due July 2nd and is having a BOY." I could not contain my emotion. I grabbed my little boy and we danced around the room for about 30 seconds before I clamored to the phone to make David's day...

...fast forward nearly 3 years later...I thank Heavenly Father for unanswered prayers. I have 2 of the most loving sons a mother could ask for. They have loved and adored each other since the day Caleb was born. Even as a newborn, Caleb would literally watch Trey as he played around the room. As he got older, but not yet mobile, he would cry when Trey would leave the room. Trey would try desperately to pull Caleb out the back door to play in the backyard with him, but crawling was still a hope for the future.

Even today you can see the closeness these special boys have with one another. Trey laughs at Caleb's mischievous little pranks (even when they're directed at Trey), and Caleb wants to be just like his big brother and do everything he does. They help each other when they have a chore to do. They comfort each other when they're sad. They even share their ice cream and chocolate (if you knew Trey - you'd know what a big deal this is). Trey looks out for Caleb with big-brotherly maturity way beyond his years. Caleb is so quick to apologize to Trey even if he wasn't the offender. They get in trouble together, they play together, they sleep together. Never have either one of them slept better than when they've been in a room together. I'm so grateful for my boys who teach me so much about love.

I think I'm in love

2008-04-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

So I've officially fallen in love with a man named Tyrone. He has the most amazing voice, and his songs ring so true - with sincere emotion. He's my current favorite (just like I change my hair color - I change my musical favorites).

Our sweet Lucas

2008-02-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to my sweet Lucas. I'm so very sad to report that our Lucas's adoption fell through. I'm heart-broken by his departure, but I know Heavenly Father will take care of him as well as our family as we grieve.

Luke is the happiest baby I've ever encountered. He brought smiles to everybody's face. He slept and ate like a dream and rarely cried - never without cause. He has a special soul. Even though I miss him terribly, I'm forever grateful Heavenly Father sent him to our home for a short time. He has a sparkle in his eyes that gives away his special sweetness.

Here's your test, see if you can look at some of my favorite snapshots of our time with Lucas and not smile.

First sight of snow

2008-02-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

I took the boys to Salt Lake for their first glimpse of snow. The boys ooh-ed and awe-ed at all of the gorgeous mountains and snow I've learned to cringe at as we make the long trek to Utah. We stayed with our good friends, the Rowe's who were such great hosts. Trey became fast friends with Jackson, and Caleb and Laila co-existed in their strange and feisty similarities.

We decided to hit up Hogle Zoo and brave the 15 degree weather. What a great choice! Although the delicate elephants and giraffes were inside during the inclement weather, the indoor facilities allowed my boys to come within inches of deadly predators.

Does something look wrong here? I didn't think it snowed in Africa - apparently zebras are more cold-tolerant than elephants. You can see for yourself what happens when they leave the elephants out in the cold - they turn to wood and their ears turn orange.

Our first crocodile sighting.

Dinosaur discovery

2008-02-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Another great Salt Lake find is Thanksgiving Point's Dinosaur museum. Being boys, Trey and Caleb were in their element as they gawked at huge dinosaur skeletons and played in the sand and water play area.

They even got to dig for dinosaur bones!!

Bet you didn't know sharks were dinosaurs too!!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2007-12-16T00:20:00.000-08:00

"Mom, where's my presents? You broke my heart. Don't want to go, stay here." These are the heart-wrenching pleas of a misled 4-year old boy as we leave our first Santa visit of the season.

Our ward Christmas party was tonite. I went with hopes that my 2 oldest boys would have an amicable Santa -lap-sitting experience, but never expecting both of them to actually enjoy the experience so much they wouldn't want to leave. Both Treyden and Caleb stood patiently (pushing the boy in front of them only once) for about 15 minutes as they waited in the long line to see Santa. Once in front of him they BOTH jumped right up and eagerly explained to Santa what they wanted for Christmas. After they took their turn, they received their candy

cane and jumped off the stage. Trey stood at the bottom of the stage for a moment as if still in awe that he was in such close proximity to a man that could make his wildest dreams come true. When I announced that we were leaving, he hit me in the leg and told me NO! I was a

little shocked considering he had been quite good the whole evening and actually ate some dinner with all the chaos surrounding him. As I packed the stroller, Trey continued to argue with me about staying, so I decided it was time for a kid chat. I got down on his level and asked what was the matter. He frantically explained that he had told Santa what he wanted and where was his present! I told him that Santa doesn't have his present and that he needs to go back to the North Pole to get his present ready and that he would deliver his present on Christmas. Trey still wasn't convinced. I pointed out that none of the other kids were getting presents as they left Santa's lap. Still no trust. I then asked him if he saw Santa's sleigh or a bag of gifts that Santa had to pull Trey's present out of. He said, "yeah, green present under tree." Sure enough, there was one lonely green rectangle under the Christmas tree that sat next to Santa. One of many times in my life I had no response for my very clever Treyden. Caleb sat very contentedly in the stroller devouring his candy cane through all the drama.

Choo Choo park

2007-12-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

Next to Disneyland, one of our biggest loves is the choo choo park. Now, we must be clear. There are 2 choo choo parks, one MUCH cooler than the other. One is a community park that has toy trains to play in, the other is the WAY awesome Irvine Park with a real miniature train that takes you around the park. My boys love it when the conductor bellows, 'BOARD! They sit more still for those 15 minutes than I think they do when they're sleeping soundly in bed. We decided to enjoy the sunshine today at Irvine Park with the Phelps. After we rode the preview of the Christmas train and saw where Santa comes to visit (we'll have to go back when the big guy is actually there) then we went and played at the jungle gym and, in true boy fashion, played swords and banged on innocent cars with big sticks.

This is the Polar Express

2007-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

So, I've had a lot on my plate lately and blogging has been one of the sides I haven't been able to fit.

Trey has finally caught on to the spirit of Christmas. He understands that Santa comes to our house and that he can actually ASK for what presents he wants. The other night the boys were restless, so we decided to go on a Polar Express run. We dressed in our jammies (boys only) and hopped in the car. We drove around the neighborhood and looked at lights and then we made the trek to "the North Pole" which just so happened to be Krispy Kreme for donuts and hot cocoa. The photos are from when we got home, right before they went to bed.

iMac

2007-11-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

I've gotten quite a few complaints about my stale blog. Ok, ok. Here it is. I just got an iMac for my birthday and it's taking me a while to transfer all my junk as well as learn the completely-different operating system. Not that I'm not in total love with my new computer, but it's tough to teach an old dog new tricks.

So I've recently been going through some personal reflection and I've found a lesson that is helping me through my struggles. I know it's a little long, but worth the read.

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?" Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself". Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath.
Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls."! "Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite." "That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper." "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy, this is for you." With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just
waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.

So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. Isn't God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing.

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

My Treyden

2007-10-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today marks 4 years that I have been a mother. My sweet, special Treyden was born this day 4 years ago. I love my oldest little boy beyond measure. He is such a sweet presence in my life, I'm so grateful to be his mommy. He is shy, and yet he loves attention in the right way from the right people. He has a tenderness about him that's rare in this world. He is such an amazing, mature big brother and I'm brought to tears by the way he loves and looks after his baby brothers. He has a fiercely contagious smile that is reserved only for when he's truly happy. He is sincere in a way that humbles me. He loves to make others laugh and is very good at it, too. He hates to eat unless it involves chocolate or pasta. He hates being around large crowds of people, and is terrified of strangers. He loves big hugs, even in public, and is generous with his kisses. I love to take naps next to my Treyden. I love his dimples and his gorgeous hair. I love how he is so patient with me and always forgives my imperfections. He is full of love and compassion. I love how he never gives up and always tries his best. I love his obedient spirit as well as his wild heart. Treyden loves to run, I wish I had the energy to run with him. I love how he is drawn to anybody who is willing to simply sit with him on the floor and listen to his stories and show interest in his passions. I learn so much from him, I'm indeed grateful Heavenly Father chose to make him mine. Happy Birthday sweet Treyden!!

Mealtime maladies to Deceptively Delicious

2007-10-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, most of you who know me know about my Treyden's eating aversions. He has been in Occupational Therapy for the last 2 years to deal with his oral sensory aversion to many food textures and flavors. The poor kid has a physical reaction to textures or tastes that are aversive to him, so he basically lives on pasta and chicken nuggets. With the exception of breakfast, I loathe mealtimes in my house. I become giddy when I can get my kids to eat PIZZA, and I bribe them with trips to Sea World and the movies to eat 3 measly corn kernels. It's a CONSTANT struggle within myself to achieve a balance of peace and healthy eating at mealtimes. Having a degree in Health Promotion, I understand the risks of eating poorly. It goes against every fiber in my being to let my kids get through the day without the recommended daily allotment of fruits and vegetables, but who has the energy, and for mercy's sake, the constitution to fight with their kids every time they put something in their mouth. The most tragic thing of it all, being that Caleb idolizes his big brother, he has now adopted this wayward way of eating. Caleb was once my garbage disposal, now my cantankerous copy cat.

I heard about this revolution a few weeks ago, but didn't understand the magnitude of it's life-changing ability until I just (literally - 15 minutes ago) watched the Oprah spotlight on this fabulous woman and book. Jessica Seinfeld (yes, she belongs to Jerry) has also fought the good fight and although she stopped fighting, has won. She has discovered a way to sneak healthy foods, no not just apples and bananas - we're talking spinach, broccoli, and beets, into her kids IN EVERY MEAL!! Any fool can get their kid to eat apples, or most fruits for that matter. She has revolutionized the way we can view mealtimes with our children to make them more peaceful on all fronts.

Are you ready? She puts veggie purees into her kids favorite foods, and the beautiful thing of it all, they CAN'T EVEN TELL!! She has elected to share her brilliant brain child with the rest of the world in the form of a cook book entitled Deceptively Delicious. Some of the shockers include beet puree in decadent chocolate cake, WHOLE chickpeas in chocolate chip cookies, and my personal favorite (or should I say Treyden's), butternut squash in Macaroni and Cheese.

So, I had to share my exciting discovery with you. I plan on putting to good use as soon as it's in my precious possession, and I'll keep you abreast of it's success. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Last but certainly not least

2007-10-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I've posted a lot today, but I experience very little adult conversation, indulge me. Besides, Trey and Luke have both been spotlighted, I can't leave out our little firecracker, Caleb. My gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy. The only one of my 3 children who looks like he belongs to me. He is almost always the boy who puts me over the edge, and he's almost always the one to pull me right back onto earth. He can always sense when I need that extra snuggle, and also when I have that hair-trigger button he can push with so very little effort on his part. My new favorite word is oofee. Can ya guess? Yeah, it took me quite a while too - and he was blatantly pointing at the tv in the front of the car. MOVIE!! I distinctly remember pre-children days, discussing with a friend the evils of using tv as a babysitter. How naive I was. If a movie prevents a screaming kicking fit in a closed, confined space on the 5 hour...I mean 15-minute drive home, I'll be that evil mom.

Heads up

2007-10-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, Lucas (aka coconut) has monopolized the video section of my blog, but I realized there are very few pictures of him. I do take pictures of my "Dream Child" as Amy Phelps calls him. He's at an age where he changes so quickly, he is almost unrecognizable within a couple of weeks. He's smiling constantly, still laughing at his brothers who become giddy when he touches them, and sleeping 10-11 hours at night. Unfortunately his daytime naps are lacking in frequency and duration, but to cease night-time feedings at 2 1/2 months is a miracle to be grateful for regardless of anything else.

Luke is also holding his head up and checking out the world. He'll roll from tummy to back as well. He holds his huge noggin up so high that if he gets slightly off center, the weight of his disproportionate head pulls the rest of his tiny body to the side and gravity pulls him the rest of the way to his back. His acid reflux is somewhat better. Feedings seem to be improving and he's doubled his ounceage in the last 3 weeks since we took him off the Zantac. I know, huh! We took up his dose because he was still crying and fidgeting between feedings. By his second feeding after increased dose he was scream inconsolably, not sleeping AT ALL, waking up every hour at night, and not eating. When I called my pediatrician, the nurse practitioner was the only one available and she informs me that it's highly unlikely that the Zantac is causing the discomfort, but of course take it back down and slowly increase his dose. Over the next week I try 2 more times to increase his dose very slowly, and I get the same result every time - no sleeping or eating. I swear moms know more than doctors. At Luke's next visit, I ask his pediatrician about his dosage and he tells me that Zantac is made with small amounts of alcohol that can sometimes irritate some kids. Shut the front door!! How is this not printed on the HUGE list of side effects on the dosage instructions from Costco Pharmacy. How is it that nobody informed me of this when I put my child on this drug in the first place? And why in the bloody you-know-what did the lame nurse practitioner make me feel like a neurotic mother for suggesting that the Zantac was to blame for worsening symptoms? FYI: ASK more questions than you think you have to before you put anything into your child's mouth or before ANY procedure done on your child, don't EVER question your instincts as a mother, and lastly, even the best doctors aren't God- they don't know everything.

Pancakes please!

2007-10-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

So last week I come into the kitchen on a Saturday morning and witness my sweet husband standing over my adorable Treyden perched on a stool washing dishes. Dave tells me he first helped unload the dishwasher and then proceeded to scrub every dish in the sink. We were both amazed by not only his interest, but his persistence to finish.

As such, I decided I would run with this help-out-in-the-kitchen thing. I decided to introduce him to the wonderful world of cooking. What a better way to ease him into it than have him help prepare one of his first loves, chocolate cupcakes.

We talked about the 4 ingredients and Trey had to remind me that eggs come from chickens, don'tcha know.

Trey kept smelling the batter begging me to let him eat it.

Finally enjoying the fruits of his labors.

Trey: Mom, have pancakes?
Mom: Babe, you had pancakes for breakfast. You want more?
Trey: yeah, pancakes. Trey make pancakes.
Mom: OH! You want CUP cakes?
Trey: yeah! More pancakes!

Trey even helped (and loved it!) with clean up. I don't know how long this willingness will last, so I had to document it!

Skimping vs Splurging

2007-10-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Splurge:

1. My hair. This is a part of my body I can change with the season (and readily do), so I need a good stylist to keep me in check.

2. Shoes for my kids. I know what a great pair of comfortable shoes can do for my attitude and outlook on the day. I can only imagine the same goes for my kids who pound their little soles into the grass/pavement/carpet/tile at lightning speed.

3. Date nights. How I love that time alone with my sweetie. Since that time is so precious to me, I don't want to return to Souplantation or Taco Bell that we frequent with our clan. My current obsession is PF Changs and their fried rice. (it's even good the day after for lunch)

4. Cleaning Lady. How did I EVER live without her?

5. Car seats. Does this really need an explanation?

6. Disneyland passes. Dave hates the beach, park, and any other activity that kids typically enjoy. Thus on Saturday mornings we live at Disneyland and the only pass that allows us to attend Saturday year round is the $330 pass. Ouch.

7. My car. I love my car. My favorite feature is the remote ignition. When it's 95 degrees and we're heading back to the car after it's been parked in the sun long enough to create a human oven, being able to turn on the car and the A/C from even 50 feet away makes putting my soft white tushie on the scalding black leather seats much more manageable.

8. iTunes. Music makes my world go round. Good music can change my mood from bad to good in seconds. It forces me to move my body and use my vocal cords. My current favorite is Imogen Heap.

9. Target. I don't know what the addiction is. Ladies, help me out. I just HAVE to have that stupid trinket from the $1 spot that I'll never use. My kids HAVE to have a toy to get them through what should be a 10 minutes trip to get the can of formula I need, but becomes a 45-minute perusal.

10. Christmas. For mercy's sake - I have 5 younger brother's and sisters, Dave has 4, not including one brother-in-law, 2 sister's in law, 2 nephews, 1 niece, and 3 birthmothers. We need to come up with a better system.

Skimp:

1. My clothes. It just makes me cry to throw away a top that I've spent any more than $40 on because one of my sweet little boys just puked all over it or grabbed it with raspberries all over their fingers. H&M fulfills my trendy-without-spendy needs.

2. Furniture. It's sad, but our pathetic couches have lasted us through about 10 years of very happy times, and they are dying a premature death. I've grown quite tired of IKEA furniture, but I hate to spend more money on furniture for a "rental".

3. Vacation. What's that?

4. Housing. We love our house we rent. We have been so fortunate to have such a wonderful landlord who gives us a bargain deal on a great house. I'd love to not have wash-me-out white walls, but I can't complain at the rock-bottom price we pay.

5. Pedicures/manicures. How I wish I had the time.

6. Shoes. I live in flip flops and Rocket Dog tennies. How expensive can that be?

7. Underwear. Those of you who know, know. Those of you who don't, won't.

8. Makeup. Since it only gets used about half the week, why bother?

9. Movies. I don't have the patience to sit and watch a movie at home, and I don't have the time to go to a movie in the theater.

10. Long Showers. I know this doesn't involve money, but it's a splurge I desperately miss. Yes, I shower daily, Lame-o, but I have to gate my 2 older boys in the playroom so they don't ransack the house, lay Lucas down in Caleb's room away from over-affectionate big brothers and right about the time I have lathered up my hair, I hear Caleb scream bloody murder and Trey urgently yell, MAAAAAAAAAHM! Go Pee Pee!! I normally last no longer than 7 minutes and I can only afford one leg-shaving a week. Pathetic.

Thanks Nicki for the challenge!

First laugh (no really - first!)

2007-09-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ms Kay

2007-09-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

(Wednesday morning - right before we leave for the first day of school)
Mom: Trey, do you remember what your new teacher's name is?
Trey:.............I don't know.
Mom: don't you remember, we've been talking about it for a few days now?
Trey: (no eye contact - fidgeting), .....Ms. Kay
Mom: That's right, are you excited for school?
Trey: No. No go to school.

(Wednesday afternoon post-first day of preschool + 1 hour bus ride home)
Mom: How was school? What did you learn?
Trey: (after falling asleep on the bus) PIRATES!!
Mom: You learned about pirates at school?
Trey: (pulls paper pirate hat out of backpack) Yeah!! PIRATES!!
Mom: What was your teacher's name again?
Trey: MS KAY!!

I love Ms Kay.

Swift passage of time

2007-09-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

My sister Michelle and her adorable kids came to visit last week. I realized how the swift passage of time makes me miss my sister, nephews and niece more than words. I so wish she lived closer and I could share more in her life.

Things I wish I knew before kids (that I probably wouldn't have believed anyway)

2007-09-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

1. There is no such thing as "normal"

2. Just because you think they can't outwit you, doesn't make it so

3. They remember that you promised them chocolate 10 hours ago

4. It doesn't get any easier, just better

5. You learn to live without sleep and still love your children at 4am

6. It IS possible to lose count of the dirty diapers you've changed in a day

7. Permanent markers are still visible on white walls even through 4 coats of paint

8. It's impossible to repress a smile while listening to your 3-year old's belly laugh

9. They are born knowing what candy is

10. You'll never figure out how they got out of their carseat by themselves

11. You'll never figure out how(or why) they got inside the grill

12. They each have a special "quick, mom's not looking" toy

13. They always wake up earlier than normal on days when you can sleep in

14. They learn at a very early age which parent to ask for permission

15. You love them from the instant they're yours

16. Boys can love princesses too

17. All boys love light sabers and once exposed, any straight object over 2 inches long becomes a light saber

18. They won't believe you when you tell them that shaving cream tastes nothing like whipped cream

19. They won't believe you about the sand, either

20. They'll think they can do everything that you do, just in a different color

21. "I love you mommy"will always make your day

Ode to summer

2007-08-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

There is no better time in a little boy's life than summertime. How I love to see life through my boys' eyes. They're so eager to share their excitement, I try so hard to relish those moments while they last. I may have to hose off the patio (and Caleb) every other day, but aren't pictures like these worth it?

Trey had so much fun at Adventure Playground. He was scaling a obstacle course intended for children 6 and older with no trouble at all. Just look at the concern on my face, I was having a harder time than Trey was. The mud pit was the epitome of boyness. Trey wanted desperately to experience more of the mud, but there were a lot of older kids who were playing quite rowdy and it was a little intimidating for him. We're so excited to try it again next year.

Have you ever wondered what a 2-year old would do if given free-reign with a 50 ounce cup of soda? Drink ALL of it. I wonder no more. Dad was given charge over Caleb and decided that cooperation was the top priority as we sat in 90 degrees of full sun waiting for the well-worth it Shamu show. Treyden's favorite part of Sea World was the penguins. He still talks about those cute penguins in the dark scary room.

Head above water

2007-08-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

Being a mother to 2 very active (plus one I'm sure to soon be) boys, I realize the value of journaling. I've been so blessed through adoption to experience the wonderful world of journaling the lives of my 3 beautiful boys to share with their 3 beautiful birthmothers. I've come to understand the amazing sense of content there comes with recording and cataloging not only the events and lives of my children, but also my emotions and reactions to those events. I'm able to relive those spectacular moments in which my life has been changed forever and I don't have to rely on my somewhat unreliable memory.

This week marks the 4th week that I've experienced what it feels like to fight to keep your head above water. David no longer shortens his days coming home to rescue me from the daily tornado of 3 boys, and Treyden has been out of school for these 4 long weeks. This also marks the 7th week we have been a 5-Wheeler family, and how amazingly grateful I am for most of what that entails.

Lucas David was born on July 4th, exactly 8 days after we were introduced to the fact that we had been selected by a birthmother. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever conceive of having 3 boys, 3 children under the age of 4, or 2 of those beautiful children born on Independence Day. My prayers have certainly been answered, just not in the way I envisioned they would be.

Treyden and Caleb have been wonderful brothers to Lucas. They are so sweet and loving with him. They light up when he's awake, and constantly want to hold and hug him. The relationship between my children is such a magical discovery that I didn't anticipate before I experienced it. Watching them find brotherly love in the instant they meet their new sibling is such icing on the cake.

Treyden has discovered the art of comedy. His unwittingly organic discoveries and ironic conclusions never cease to amaze me. This week a car cut me off as we were driving home from therapy. As I slammed on my brakes, the silence was broken as Treyden impatiently yelled, "Mommy, HONK!" I replied that it is rude to honk and since the car was well behind us, it wouldn't do any good anyway. He then logically argued, "Daddy honk!!"... I had no comeback. Today I took him to a heaven for boys called Adventure Playground. They have a castle, rope bridges, pirate ship, and great big mud pit. When I informed Trey that we would be going to play in the mud, he again logically argued, "mommy, pigs in mud. No kids in mud!" Who thought a 3 1/2 year old could be so logical? His language continues to improve like I hoped but never thought would be possible so quickly. This proves hillarious and problematic at the same time. He reminds me all day long that he is a big boy, and yes he certainly is.

Caleb is engrossed and completely enamored with his little brother. He has no clue that he has been usurped as the baby of the household, and continues his ritualistic thumb sucking and cuddling as I feed Luke on the couch. He has been a momma's boy through and through all 25 months of his little life. He tries so hard to keep up with Treyden. Some tasks prove very difficult, but this kid NEVER gives up. He is the most persistent child I've ever experienced in my life. I believe a synonym for persistent is stubborn. He is undeterred by the 19 times I've removed him from the countertop in the last 4 minutes. He continues to grip the rungs of the toy shelves with his chubby toes as he climbs to the top of the world only to find the candy he was so desperately aiming for is an empty wrapper. Luckily he also considers bananas to be just as tasty as candy and will also settle for a bottle of Pediasure as consolation for no candy. His naps are like gold, all 3 - 3 1/2 hours of them. How Heavenly Father understands the limits of our earthly patience and tries us accordingly. He also understands how the kisses from my Caleb melt the frustration away and make me fall in love with him all over again.

Lucas has discovered how to smile. Need I say more. A child's first smile is like a glimpse of redemption. Such a small yet monumentally significant reward for sleepless nights and endless worries just in the first 6 weeks of loving a child. Luke is amazingly patient and sleeps like a dream. Even through the pain of acid reflux he withholds his cries and accepts the comfort of my shoulder in place of tears. He is such a miracle, I'm grateful beyond measure that his sweet birthmother Jenny continued to listen to the spirit telling her that little Luke was meant for our family.

You are my Sonshine

Grateful Sunday (way overdue)

Grateful Sunday

More Christmas cheer

Once Upon a Disney Christmas

Haven't we had enough 8 already?

Five Alive

May I please please please beseech you?

Go Go Go Coaster

First day of the last year...

Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip

Mommy surfer hero

Are you kidding me?

Grateful Sunday

Yo Ho Yo Ho a little boy's life for me...

I remember when...

200 Have and Have-nots

I Love you to the moon

Happy 1st

Let's get this party started!!

MY New Earth

Tell me the Stories of Jesus (as told by Treyden)

FYI...fishie mask.

Punk Baby

May I introduce you...

Grateful Sunday

Knocker Farms

50 interesting facts about moi

Boys Gone Wild - Wheeler Style *Spring Break Edition*

Home of Brotherly Love

I think I'm in love

Our sweet Lucas

First sight of snow

Dinosaur discovery

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Choo Choo park

This is the Polar Express

iMac

My Treyden

Mealtime maladies to Deceptively Delicious

Last but certainly not least

Heads up

Pancakes please!

Skimping vs Splurging

First laugh (no really - first!)

Ms Kay

Swift passage of time

Things I wish I knew before kids (that I probably wouldn't have believed anyway)

Ode to summer

Head above water

Boys Gone Wild - Wheeler Style Spring Break Edition