Merry Christmas 2012

 It has been a long time since I have blogged.  And sadly, once again, it is also taking the place of my Christmas card this year.  I thought for sure I would be on the ball with a card.  What the heck happened?  And where did this year go? 

Life has been busier than ever.  Sometimes I feel as though I can hardly breathe because of it all!  And John and I truly go to bed each night physically and mentally exhausted.  I know people that do a heck of a lot more than I do and I gotta hand it to them because I feel like I might die every night before going to bed.  I usually have a million things during the day that I want to talk to John about after the kids are in bed and I can finally speak to him without interruption.  And then I lay there...on my bed...and I can't think of a single thing.  Until the next day, when he's gone and I can't get a hold of him.  Sigh.  'Tis life. 

John and me
July 4th, '12

Zions National Park.  St. George Trip
May, '12

John is still serving in the bishopric.  I sort of look at it as a death sentence.  A blessing to our family, and a curse all in one.  A happy death sentence, if you will.  :) How has he only been in it a little over two years?  It seems like it's been a lifetime.  Between work, church callings and family, John really has a lot going on.  I'm afraid those days of watching the game on TV and playing Fantasy Football may be over for him.  Poor guy.  Every once in a while, he'll try and tune in to something and I'll say something like, "Oh, there's a game on?  I didn't know that!" and he'll just sort of give me a look.  And not a good look. 
John does so much for our family.  And though we miss him terribly when he's gone, his presence when he is here is all the more sweet.  It just isn't the same without him and we all fight over who gets to sit next to him on the couch.  You'd think I would just cave and let the kids, but I'm just as selfish as they are.  I want him all to myself! 

Levi at Jr. Posse Summer, '12

Levi, 10,  started the 5th grade this year.  He also started  Jr. Posse this past spring and really loved it.  By the end of the season, he had improved so much and we were astounded at his accomplishments and confidence.  We are so proud of him.  Levi helps me immensely.  I was actually quite sad when school started and I had to send away my helper.  He is sweet with Gray and though he and Faith do fight, he is working on it and making strides in dealing with her and his reactions to her drama.  And he's working on teasing less too.  :)

Gray and Faith, Lagoon
Summer '12

Levi also started piano lessons in September.  Levi has a lot of musical ability and we've had people notice this about him from a very early age.  He has taken to the piano quite naturally and I'm really happy he can take from one of the best pianists I know; my sister.  Every morning without fail, he sets his alarm at 6:30 to wake up and practice the piano.  He certainly does NOT get his ease of early mornings from me!  Then he comes home from school he practices again and does his homework and reading.  He really is a bright child and he's very responsible.  I think it's easy to take it for granted sometimes because we certainly expect a lot out of Levi and he never ceases to make us proud.  He is currently asking for contacts.  I never thought I'd purchase them for him this early, but he has proved to be responsible with braces and his retainer so I think we may bite the bullet some time early next year and get them for him.  Especially with his second phase of braces due to go on in January.  Being a kid is hard work! 

Faith's dance recital
June '12

Faith, 5, started kindergarten this year.  Faith may as well just start her budding acting career right away.  Her dramatics are over the top! She gets away with a lot because of her beautiful dimples, cascading honey colored hair and twinkly brown eyes.  But she might just deserve at least a tiny drop of coal in her stocking.  She keeps us on our toes and exhausts us quite frequently.  Picking clothes out and being happy with them are one of her greatest challenges. 

Faith with her pediatrician, and the finished product after words. 
Yay for smiles!
August '12

Faith started dance last year and we put her in it again this year.  I don't know if you remember her dancing at the top of my stairs, but Faith has always been one that loves to perform.  Dance is the perfect fit for her and she loves it.  She frequently puts on family dance shows where she will make us all tickets to her production complete with lighting effects, several costume changes,  and audience participation.  She lines the chairs up at the bottom of the stairs and introduces her song and blasts the music.  One time she asked us if we could pay her some 'dollars' for her performance. 
Uh, not good. 
John and I made sure we put the kibosh on that one. 
Faith begged for months to have her ears pierced.  I promised her that if she was good for her kindergarten shots, she could have them done then (since they pierce ears in the Pediatrician's office) as part of her 5th birthday present.  Though it was a semi-traumatic experience (The shots, more than the piercing), it was worth it and she loves them. 

Gray, in high heels and funnel head. 
Summer '12

And then there was Gray.
Gray is the true reason I have probably not been blogging.  And, hey, when all else fails just blame the baby.  Right?

Gray with Gus the guinea pig
Guinea pig babysitting
Thanksgiving, '12

Gray, pantless with a stick
Summer '12
Wild, outdoorsy boy

Gray is busy.  And I mean BUSY.  Remember how I used to think Faith was busy?!  HA!  He beats all of them combined.  He is the sweetest, most loving, happiest little tornado of destruction you'll ever see.  I really can't get enough of that baby.  I want to kiss him and pin him down and snuggle him all day long.  And he is suuuper snuggly.  And warm and sweet.  And talking up a storm.  He will repeat anything you say with a question or a disagreement.  For instance:

Gray with the water house. 
Wet and freezing
Spring '12

'Gray, are you poopy?'
'I not poopy.  YOU POOPY!!'

'Gray, do you want to put your toys away?'
'we put toys way?'
'Yes.'
'awwwlight (alright) we put toys way (away).'

Gray and a goat at West Haven Days Rodeo
Summer '12

He is especially hating getting in the car more than ever these days.  He hates the cold and will complain in the backseat saying, "Mommy, I so cold.  Mommy, sun in eyes! Mommy, I wan go HOME!"  After his bath one of the cutest things he'll say is, "I feezing.  I wan get warm and cozy on yo bed!" 
Gray really lights up our home right now.  And he's dancing a lot too.  All my kids have loved to dance at this age, but Gray is something else.  He has some SERIOUS moves.  His favorite song to dance to is 'Supermodel' by Ru Paul. 
We are so proud. 

Gray at Lagoon on the 'bock bock'
Summer '12

Gray is currently obsessed with both his binky and his blankie.  This is new territory for me.  I've never had a baby obsessed with either item.  And I never thought I'd be the type of mom who let my baby drag his blankie everywhere either.  You see, I just don't care anymore.  He's my baby and he can do whatever makes him happy.  Because with three kids and feeling like a single mom part of the time, it's really about keeping everyone quiet!  And as peaceful as possible!  The binky is a plug, people! 

Holly post 1/2 Marathon.  Bawling my eyes out from
exhaustion and seeing my adoring family. 
May '12

 Besides being busy with the kids and volunteering at the school for the first time in my whole life, I keep my sanity by working out.  This past May I participated in the Ogden half marathon and beat last year's time by 17 minutes.  It was a huge accomplishment for me.  I also ran Ragnar on a team with my cousins.  You wouldn't think that running in a stinky van with only one person you know with no access to showers or public restrooms would be fun.  But it was!  So fun, in fact, that I'm already signed up for next year.  Getting a workout in has been incredibly therapeutic for me.  I recently signed on with a personal trainer who does crossfit/circuit training-type workouts at her house.  She is amazing and I've really noticed a difference in my confidence and athletic ability.  I never thought I'd be able to do 40 pullups or deadlift 152 pounds.  But I can! This is from the girl who was in the band in high school, people (not that there's anything wrong with that)!!  No athletic ability whatsoever and I am doing this!  And I'm not bragging.  I'm just so amazed that I'm able to do it that sometimes I want to shout it out to everyone I know.  We really can do hard things. 

My cheerleaders. And proof that John is the best Dad
and husband in the whole world. 
Ogden Marathon May '12

 

Ragnar with my team
Stinky and post race
(I'm third from the left, black hat, purple tank)
June '12

I'm still serving in the Primary in my ward and have been for quite some time.  A few years.  I'm happy there, however, and I'm always telling John to just leave me in there.  It's comfortable for me  and I have a great team teacher to work with.  I teach the 7 year olds who are working towards baptism and it's really rewarding to see how much they grow in a year's time. I love them all so much. 
As usual, my siblings and I went to visit my Dad in Washington.  This trip is a huge highlight of the year for me.  When else do you get waited on hand and foot and served delicious food the entire time?  I love to visit with them and pretend I'm a kid again with zero responsibilities.  We go there without any plan whatsoever and it's just so nice to relax, see a movie and just enjoy being with one another. 

Richey kids sibling trip, minus Grant
September '12

Sadly, John's father passed away this year on February 15th.  He was 83.  Jack had been suffering for quite some time and we are relieved that he is no longer living with so much chronic pain.  However, losing him has been harder on all of us than we had expected.  I have a hard time containing my emotions with it all still and I'm sad for my kids (especially Gray) that they may not remember him as much as I'd like them to.  I felt very flattered to be asked to sing 'How Great Thou Art' at his funeral with  my sister, Joyce.  Though it was incredibly hard to get through, there is a line in the song that has brought me enormous comfort: 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                            
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Jack with baby Faith '07

 

Jack was a very outdoorsy person and those lyrics spoke to me and still do.  It makes me happy to think he is in heaven and enjoying all the beautiful nature he wants. 
With all the bad things going on in the world and with recent unspeakable tragedies, This song reminds me that this world really is a beautiful place when you stop and take a look.  Appreciating that is easier than ever when I look at my home and my children and we're all safe and protected.  We truly have so much to be grateful for.  

Jack with baby Levi '02

 

Sometimes my kids stress me out and I get frustrated!  It's easy to lose sight of all I have and instead focus on all I am encumbered with. Raising kids isn't easy.  But was it ever?  I'm happy that I'm not alone in this process and I can draw from so many other's experiences and learn from my horrible parenting mistakes (ya know, if there were any).   I know that these are the years I'm going to look back on with immense fondness.  It's a precious time of life and I want to enjoy it and soak up every second.  After all, we all want the same things, don't we? 

 

 Happy kids & obedient kids. 

 A happy home. 

Love.

 

A small example of what it's like in real life
Brigham City temple open house
September '12

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!!
We love you all!
 

The loves of my life
Brigham City Temple open house
September '12 



It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!

This year we failed to get out our Christmas card. A whole string of events happened that led to it not happening, but basically it's John's fault. It's a lot more fun to blame him than to take any responsibility myself. That would just be crazy.

What's most sad about us not getting our Christmas card out is our inability to share gratuitous photos we had taken this year. So what better opportunity is there than to share that now... with what... maybe a whole three readers I might have left?!



Photo by Camilynne Photography
The addition of Gray in the family has brought its share of challenges and also triumphs! At 17 months old this week, he is by far my busiest baby. He's very good natured, however, as long as he has free reign of the house or ya know... the entire WalMart superstore. Having John in the bishopric is a truly joyous experience for me on Sundays. Getting everyone up at the crack of dawn, dressed, hair done, clothes ironed, an array of snacks packed in various baggies and be out the door by 8:45 is so delightful. I especially love planning last minute primary lessons the same morning and bask in joy when it's also a hair washing day and having nothing to wear. I like to dance around the house and sing primary songs to get everyone in the mood for church. The children are always well behaved and I'm always organized!

But in all seriousness, having him gone for hours on end really does bring its share of blessings. Though I miss him immesely, I can see the tender mercies that have taken place in our lives. Like, when I backed out of the garage in a hurry and missed hitting John's car by mere centimeters. Or the other day when I made 33 neighbor plates full of treats and the glass bowl I was using shattered right on Gray's head; and not a scratch or drop of blood was shed. And it's the not so obvious things too. Our relationship is closer and all in all, our children are happier. It's my ability not to overlook the little things that pass us by so regularly. Things like all my babies getting older and me wanting to stop time and just live in the moment.

I truly do miss blogging and journaling about my kids and the daily goings on of life. I want to find time to do it more, but I don't feel a rush or pressure to keep up with it like I used to. Once I let go of that, I found a lot of relief and peace. I also got off facebook recently. It may or may not be permanent, but I haven't missed that time-suck for a second. I don't think I ever went to bed wishing I'd spent more time on facebook that day. I do love the relationships I have with family both close and extended, however, so I may get back on in the future. It was mainly the need for a Christmas break, if you will.

One more blessing of John's calling, is not taking for granted those moments I DO get to spend with him. He is my rock. I truly love being with him more than anyone I know. I love his dry sense of humor and his willingness to continually put up with me. Whenever it's time for us to have 'date night', I go willingly like a giddy teenager. He is so much fun to be with. I can't get enough of him. I think we're a great match, he and I.


Photo by Camilynne Photography

Levi is doing great in school. He makes friends easily and he's a happy kid. He helps out with Gray and he'll go along with most things most of the time. Some favorite past times are: Reading, dancing in his room, going to scouts, teasing Faith and playing hide and seek with the baby.
For Christmas, Levi literally cannot think of anything he wants besides a video game and the new 3DS. He already has a regular DS which will become obsolete if he has another one. By these wants, you'd assume he plays video games all day long. But he really doesn't. He's only allowed to play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And even on some of those days, he'll forget he's even allowed. Levi is a kid who doesn't want a whole lot. In Christmases past, he's gotten toys and games only to have them sit unopened in his room month after month. He does enjoy reading, however, and for that I'm grateful. Any awesome reading suggestions you'd like to send my way for him, I'll gladly take. I think Levi wishes there were 100 books in the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series. That would surely be his dream come true.

Ya know that saying, 'The squeaky wheel gets the grease.'? Well, that would be Faith. She has a lot of ailments she likes to complain about.
Some phrases I hear several times a day are:
'I'm tired.'
'I'm hungry.'
'Wipe my bum.'
'I'm bored.'
'I just still don't know who I'm going to marry.'
'Wipe my bum.'
'I'm itchy.'
'I just love Dad so so much.'
'Gray doesn't love me.'
'It hurts right here. I think I need a bandaid.'
'I just... I just...I just don't know what to do.'
'Wipe my bum'.
And there are lot of sighs and whining to go along with those things too. However, I find her fairly easy to communicate with. I never have to guess what she's feeling, that's for sure. She can find anything that's lost too. She likes to be out and about and loves being my little buddy all day long. Sometimes she gets so close to me that I trip over her. This happens several times a day and usually on Sundays as we're getting ready for church. Some hobbies include: going to the gym with me, playing with the baby until he cries, telling me how much she loves me, being a tattletale, enjoying preschool, learning dance, playing with friends and singing. She's a social butterfly and her little friends really love to be with her.
Oh, and let it be known that she is currently growing her hair out like Rapunzel. She's convinced that if it reaches her toes, I will no longer have to comb it out for her.
Uh, okay.

Gray is a handful. He's happy, but he's a handful. Just today he dumped an entire bowl full of toilet water on himself and then shortly afterward, found John's toothbrush and dipped it in the toilet and then sucked off all the deliciousness. It was so cute. Do you think John would notice if I didn't tell him? Remember that Seinfeld episode where Jerry accidentally drops his girlfriend's toothbrush in the toilet and doesn't tell her? Ha ha. That's so funny! Maybe I'll try it.

Gray knows several little signs. I have a friend who taught her little girl the same age a few signs and I went along and did the same thing. I've really loved being able to communicate more efficiently with him. Faith was my talker, but so far, my boys are a little slower on that front. And that's fine by me! The longer he stays baby-like, the better!
Some signs he knows are:
Eat
Milk
Juice
More
All gone/All done
Treat
Help
Thank-You
Please
Sorry
Play

He also loves to shake his head 'no' for almost everything.
He's talking a bit and can say the following words:
Mamma
Dadda
Wow
Bubba (for brother)
Uh Oh
More
Grays hobbies are:
Putting things in the trash that aren't supposed to go in there, eating snacks, giving loves and kisses, blowing kisses, cuddling, squirming out of people's arms, rockin' out to music, freaking out at any sign or picture of wildlife, sleeping and pooping. He also loves books and the show Oobi on Nick Jr.
We love him and he fits right in with the family!


Gray also really enjoyed seeing Santa this year!

Between work and his church calling, John keeps plenty busy. He always has a good attitude and he blesses our lives with his service and hard work ethic. I'm so proud of him and grateful for all he does for our family and for others. He is a really wonderful person.
I keep myself plenty busy running kids around, cleaning the house, making and cleaning up meals, enjoying time with friends and working out at the gym. Sometimes I even find the time to shower and brush my teeth! I finished my first half marathon this past summer. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I love pushing my body to limits I never used to and love how I feel when I'm finished. I signed up for another half marathon next year and also a Ragnar race. I'm excited, but full of nerves too. I guess that's what makes it fun!

This Christmas season, even in the rush of it all, I've really tried to center my thoughts on the Savior and His sacrifice for us. Heaven knows He has blessed our lives in numerous ways. Gray has recently been pointing out pictures of Christ in our home. He seems to remember Him and know Him. It makes me so happy to see the love in his eyes for Jesus and it reminds me to stay ever close to Him.


Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!


Photo by Camilynne Photography

Ashley is DULL, DULL, DULL

Okay, I was looking for a photo for my blog post and came across this picture. Who in the heck is that? And why didn't we see it on the episode? What in the world? Is that not the most random, weird pic ever? Someone please explain it to me!

Okay, first of all you have to know that this has been THE MOST boring season of The Bachelorette ever. Ashley is snooze fest. I don't think there has ever been someone who has acted as disinterested in all her suitors as she has. She's cute, but the least cute out of any bachelorette we've ever seen. I'd be willing to forgive that fact if she was at least remotely interesting.
She's not.


A few things I noticed from last night's (and previous) episodes:


Ashley is totally and completely bowlegged. Skinny jeans accentuate this fact.


Ben and Constantine are both greasy, unshowered looking guys with the exact same hair and face. They are basically the same person. It has taken me up until now just to be able to tell them apart.


Last night I felt like I was watching 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. I was waiting for one of the aunts to tell about the 'twin' from the lump she found in her neck...with a spinal column and hair. Nice music to match, Bach producers. Even the Dad was just like the Dad in the movie...minus talking about Windex cure-all's.


Ben and Ashley kissing each other is odd and gross and ... weird... and noisy. With lots of stops and starts.


Ashley is boring.


Ashley is boring.


It's a good thing Ben's mom doesn't have long, wavy, greasy hair parted in the middle. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to tell she and Ben apart.


Is Ben's mom Martha Stewart's sister? They talk the same. Exactly. "It's a good thing".


I can't handle anymore of Ashley's white, see-through, boxy tunics.

JP is clearly the frontrunner. Most chemistry, best fit.


But who the crap is singing 'I can't fight this feeling anymore' on their cheesy rollerskating date? Quite possibly the worst rendition ever. I kept looking for a karaoke man in the corner or something, but there was none to be found.

Okay, Ames...


I know there are a lot of people who think he's strange, but even though I don't think he meshed with Ashley, I think he is quite possibly the nicest guy who's ever been on the Bach. He's handsome, charming, and a gentleman. Okay, he's a little unique looking and he has gigantic teeth... but I still think he's nice. Did you see his poor face when he got eliminated? He was so confused! (Maybe he never recovered from his head injury in the pink shorts, boxing match) Poor Ames! And he still smiled the entire time. It was a strange smile, but still... I wondered for a second if he just can't close his mouth over his large teeth, but then he did in the limo so I wasn't worried anymore. Seriously one of the saddest exits EVER! He deserves someone classy and nice just like him.


Ames and Hercules look like twins, no?


I can't wait for next week because it looks like it might not be as boring. A little drama, maybe? JP has a hidden secret? Ashley's tatooed-all-over sister doesn't approve? Lots of tears!!!

Don't hold your breath, but I might actually be excited to watch next week! Quite possibly the most dramatic ceremony ever!!

Thoughts?
Something to make this less boring for me maybe?
DO SHARE!!

Faith Turns FOUR

photo by camilynne photography

Oh, Faith. Where do I begin?

You started as just a little dream in my head. And for a long time it seemed that is all you'd ever be. We prayed and we waited. And waited. And waited some more. And your Daddy got sick and yet we both knew we had to keep trying to get you here. We KNEW we had to. And then it happened and I was finally pregnant. And just as your Daddy finished chemotherapy, we welcomed you into the world. You are truly our little miracle girl. And you are ALL GIRL, that is for certain.

You've always had an awareness about the world around you. You're older than your years! And even at two days old, as I was holding you against my chest, you pushed your little body up on your arms and you looked right at me almost as if you were telling me, "Hey... I'm here now! And I've got a big life ahead of me!"

You're gorgeous. You sing. You dance. You tell funny jokes. You've got amazing dimples. You're Daddy's little girl. You're a little bit 'drama'. Okay... maybe A LOT. You're an actress. You're nurturing. You're smart. You're funny. You've got spunk. You're strong. You're precocious.

And you have the best hair. Is it possible to be in love with hair? Because I have a little love affair with yours. Sometimes when you actually let me lay by you (because you ALWAYS prefer your Daddy), I like to play with your beautiful hair and find the perfect curl and pull it clear down and then let it bounce right back into place. I love to look at your little mouth and your cute little lips and soft face.

Did you know you've got each and every one of us wrapped around your little finger?


You're changing by the day and I don't want to forget a single second of your sweet little childhood. I want to tell you to slow down and quit acting so big all the time, but then I remember that's just 'YOU'. And I have to let you grow.

I've loved you from the start. And that love just gets deeper and stronger the older you get and the more you grow.

But you're always going to be my baby girl.

My beautiful little miracle with a beautiful spirit to match.

I can't wait to see the wonderful woman you're going to turn into. You're bright and shiny and your future is going to be amazing. I feel it when I look into your twinkly brown eyes.

You, my little darling, are a blessing in our lives.
And you are loved so so much.

Levi turns 9

I can't believe it's been a whole other year since Levi was baptized last year. How time seems to drag so slowly as a child and fly by so quickly as an adult (especially when you're a parent), I'll never know.

Dear Levi,
I remember when you were born 9 years ago and the doctor held you up and I grabbed your teeny little left foot. I was officially a mom. You were mine! I think if someone would have told me then that I could have loved you more than I did in that moment, I wouldn't have believed them because right then and there my heart was so full! And here it is, nine years later and I love you each day more than the last. You're such a fun boy to have around.

You're smart. You're talented. You're musical. You're energetic. You dance! You sing... loudly! You giggle. You're clean. You're independent. You love school. You love your family. You smile lots and you love lots.

You're growing up.

The other day I was noticing how the shorts that were well below your knees last year are actually above your knees this year. And here I thought I had another year in those things! You've officially hit your growth spurt. And with your 17 teeth lost and your braces on, you're looking older by the day. I'm happy that you're getting so big and so mature. But I'm sad too because where did my little boy go? The little man who'd crawl up and 'shnuggle' with me on the couch is long gone and is replaced with the long, lean boy who graces me with occasional hugs now and then when I'm lucky.

But there's something about you, Levi. Something special. You have a way with people and other children. You're a peaceful presence and I've been told by many a person how well you play with others and how fun it is to have you in their home. You never complain if you are playing with someone older than you, younger than you, your same age or even girls (gasp!). You're just happy to be playing! You love being social and you love everybody.

During the school year, you'd wake up on your own every single morning, get dressed, have breakfast, brush your teeth and make your bed all without being asked. You missed one day of school this year (none last year) and you were so upset! There was never a boy who loved school more than you! After school, you almost always saved your school reward from class to give to Faith. I don't know many brothers who'd do that for their little sisters. You'd come home, do your reading and homework all without being asked. This happened Every. Single. Day. It was amazing.

I have faith in you that you'll continue the same traditions throughout your life and your years of schooling. You're a responsible boy and also a great help with your new baby brother, Gray. You're very willing to take him off my hands and play with him so I can get some things done. One of your favorite things to do is play with him in your room and keep both Faith and the baby happy. You're such a loving older brother.

You're such a wonderful son. The son every parent dreams of having.

I'm so happy that you're mine, buddy. Sometimes, when you're asleep, I go into your room and look at your black eyelashes closed against your handsome face and soft skin. I take a deep breath and say a little prayer.

Wishing I could freeze time.

I love you!!

More Favorite Things!

Mariel so sweetly invited me to post on her blog again. Check out my new faves!

CLICK HERE!

The Much Needed Update. 8 Months Postpartum Isn't Too Late, Right?

I used to be resentful of my mom for not having an extensive picture collection of me or a baby book like my other siblings. I think I need to repent (especially since for my recent birthday, she made good and made me a baby book). She had seven kids and I only have three and it is HARD to be organized with pictures and journaling and blogging and laundry and meals and 'me' time and date night and... and... and. I will no longer commit myself to a blogging schedule or apologize for not posting for a while. It if happens, it happens, ya know? And there will be great celebration and joy, and easy sleeping... yada yada yada. Ahem. It sort of lost its 'FUN' for a while. Actually it's STILL not fun. Loading the pictures, mostly. What a pain. When will blogger create a click and drag option? That would make my life complete. Maybe Mac should take over the blogging world. Overall, things are really good at the Evans household. I try to smile through John's countless bishopric meetings and he tries to ignore my bad attitude and straighten his halo on a little bit tighter. It all works out in the end, right? I keep busy with my workouts and with the mundane every day tasks of cleanup, pickup and 'didn't I just WASH this two days ago?' sort of stuff.

Faith, me and Gray

I've grown to love running and try to work in as much as I can throughout the week with cardio and weight classes in between. Doing this is a huge sacrifice because it means I get less done at home, miss out on some free time during one of Gray's naps (one nap is usually at the gym) and come home sweaty, tired and hungry all the while scheduling Faith's snack, Gray's breastfeeding schedule, a bath for Gray and a much-needed shower for me. Just ask Faith. She reminds me all the time how much I stink after we get home. Although it's a sacrifice for me, it's really worth it for my sanity. And my waistline. I've lost all the baby weight! (And there was GREAT REJOICING IN ALL THE LAND!!! ) I get one hour of 'me' time in and seem to be able to focus on the kids and the house the remainder of the day without feeling resentful of what I didn't get to do. I feel like it makes me a better mother and wife so I'm going to keep on doing it as long as I can. Hopefully the shin splints stay at bay!

Faith, Gray and Levi on Gray's blessing day

Gray, 6 months

Gray is the most blissful, content baby you ever did meet or get your hands on. He's sweet and snuggly, smells yummy and grows a perma-mohawk that just adds to the rest of his endearing qualities. He will be nine months old next week (the 22nd) and I can't believe how fast it's flown by. He's been my best baby overall. He is sporting 7 teeth with one more on the way making him nearly identical to Levi's lightning fast teething process. Yay me. He started crawling about three weeks ago and loves to cruise his chubby little bum around the house. He's a human floor mop. And if there is some sort of teeny tiny paper fragment or dangerous item on the floor, he'll be sure and find it and put it in his mouth. I guess this means my vacuuming schedule needs to be improved. Oh goody. I love adding to my list of things to do. Today he started to wave which was extra sweet consindering he's presently sporting a 102 degree fever. He stays happy through it all and I am continually grateful for his little presence and spirit in our home. I haven't forgotten how fortunate I am to have gotten him here. I think that's why Heavenly Father sent me one of his sweetest souls. If only I could freeze time because this stage is definitely one of my favorites.

Gray, 6 months

Gray, 6 months

The picture above is of Faith during a recent bout with Scarlet Fever. It is definitely the sickest she has ever been. Thank goodness for antibiotics. Her skin has still not recovered. Still patchy and dry with the leftover peeling caused from the rash. But lucky for us, she snaps back to her regular sassy self pretty quickly. My mornings with Faith usually consist of bartering with what hairstyle to wear for the day (a topsy tail being her style of choice), what outfit to wear (she'd prefer to wear the black long sleeved Halloween shirt every. single. day. and making sure the line on her socks is completely straight and perfect. All of those things have gotten a lot better as of late, however, and she'll let me pick her hairstyle occasionally and even her outfits as long as she gets to wear her crappy shirt and topsytail at least once a week. I figure that's a pretty good deal I can live with. I really do enjoy her company. She's fun and entertaining, pretty dang hilarious and let's face it... cute as all get out. I beg for hugs hourly but she insists she 'only has one left and she's saving it for Daddy'. I sort of thought the Daddy's girl thing would have run its course by now but it seems to just intensify as she gets older. Hopefully it stays the same when she's a teenager with drama. Because when she shakes her hips and head at me, I'm pretty sure there most definitely will be good times coming up in her teenage years. Have fun with that, John!

Miss Sassy Pants, Faith

Levi is just good all around. He's peaceful, easy to work with, helpful and exceptionally loving and kind. My main struggles with him are things I should probably just let go anyway; like his incessant desire to roll up his sleeves, his inability to blow his nose or tie his shoes like a normal person and the raiding of the pantry after school. He comes home, does his homework and reading without being asked and helps with the baby and getting Faith settled all the time. In the morning, he sets Faith up on the couch with her blankie, a show and even hand delivers her chocolate milk. And he's sooo nice to her and rarely gets the same reception back. But Faith misses him dearly when he's at school and is thrilled to pieces when he gets home. Especially when he earns a prize in class and saves it for her. This happens at least a couple times a week. What a kid! His teeth are straightening up really nicely with phase one of braces and he just lost his 16th tooth the other day. He's not even nine and that kid has lost more teeth than most 12 and 13 year olds. Babies keep you busy. I don't know how people have multiples! And it really is true what they say about the third child making things more crazy. Even though he's an amazing baby, it's just really CONSTANT over here and I'm constantly running around from one event to the next, helping Levi with homework, with the baby on my lap and the noodles boiling on the stove and dealing with Faith's tantrum or need for assistance in the background. Just a couple weeks ago, John caved into my whining and bought us a new car. Well, new to ME anyway. Now we don't have so squeeze into the Honda Accord and deal with mono-leg-inducing situations. And bonus for mom, the kids are several inches further away from my head... and my ears. We love our new Ford Explorer. How delicious is this baby??! I love to nibble his soft neck and smell his little baby smell!

Gray on St. Patty's Day '11

And sometimes....

We use him for target practice.

Gray and the Little People barn set, 8 months

Isn't it gorgeous where we live? The sunsets here are incredible!

Bachelor Brad Recap #2

DISCLAIMER:
You are about to read another Bachelor Recap. If you hate the show, but are still finding yourselves unable to stay away from my hilarious updates, please keep the following in mind:
Yes, this is reality TV, but everything about this show is staged, etc. Think of WWF--World Wide Wrestling... and then think of this show. Sorta the same concept. Also, everyone knows the girls get made fun of. That's what makes the show fun. If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen (or the blog). This concludes my final disclaimer.

I really did not expect do be doing two weeks in a row of updates, but after last night's drama for your mamma, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Here are my thoughts in no particular order:

Okay, Brad gets a one on one date with Ashley and takes her to a the creepiest carnival EVER! I don't know what was more off-putting, the psycho horror/carnival music in a minor key or just the whole 'carnival in a field with no one around' thing. Either way it was So. SO. Weird.



Oh, and Ashley has a huge forehead.

And she talks like a Valley girl which is totally annoying.

But besides those two things I like her. And really, you can't hate someone because they have a huge forehead.

Or can you...

Michelle the tramp from SLC. I could do this entire post on her and spew forth all my annoyances, but I don't think she deserves my time. Girl has some serious birthday issues. Serious. Can't stand her. Totally annoyed by her idiotic questions about Starbucks and who-knows-what to Brad and she's totally needy and starved for attention. Oh, and did you know it was her birthday? Pshaw! I think she mentioned her BIRTHDAY about as many years as she turned--30.

The Melissa and Raichel fight.
This fight was so ridonkulous I don't even know what it was about, but I did have to agree with Melissa that Raichel was dissecting everything she said. She was, yes... but then Melissa decided to follow Raichel around the bachelor house defending herself which, let's face it, makes you look guilty of something. And pathetic. Also, Is Melissa Vienna's sister? The resemblences is uncanny.



Lindsey mentions in her recap (read it here) the annoying TV spots and I couldn't agree more. Come on, Bachelor producers! It's lame. Lame. Lame. But definitely funny the way they paired all the girls with their outfits. Emily in the cute maid costume, Marissa in that black leather getup, Rockette chick, Keltie, in that HIL-ARIOUS neck brace and overalls. Oh my gosh. Poor Keltie. Except every time they showed a clip of her in her neck brace, I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. So sadly funny!

Also, you have to admit the Red Cross commercial was actually pretty funny.

Brad's Ginormous black cross tattoo on his back is Fugly.

The date with Jackie:


Jackie is a doll. I thought she was an odd choice for the date (It suited someone like Emily more), but I like Jackie a lot. I love how when Raichel looked at her for reassurance during the Melissa and Raichel spat, she said (while waving her arms), 'I don't want to get involved'. Smart girl. I loved her dress she picked by the end of the night, but I SOOO would not have picked that dress out of all the ones she had to choose from. Did you see that adorable mauve one with the black bow? No? Just me? I got the vibe that Brad really likes Jackie a lot by the end of their date.

The guest spot by Ali and Roberto. I have one thing to say. Did Ali go outside in the RAIN with super hairsprayed hair and then come back inside and it dried? Cuz that's what it looked like. And was it gray? Oh Ali, I thought all the fame you had would have at least gone to your head... or hair... It's sad, really.

And finally... the most HORRIFIC MOMENT OF THE NIGHT??

Brad says 'IRREGARDLESS'!!!

NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD. Irregardless is NOT a word!

Other than that I was happy with Brad (minus the weird stare off in space looks and slow jock drawl speech) and his choices. He was so smart to get rid of Melissa and Raichel. Get that drama OUT of the house!

Thoughts? Can't wait for next week?

Me neither.

Bachelor Brad Recap #1

Disclaimer:
You are about to read a Bachelor recap. If you don't like the show or better yet, if you hate my recaps, it's best to stop reading right about now. I realize that my adorable family including the cute baby are way more important then this stupid TV show, but because I'm so behind on updating about said family, this Bachelor recap will have to suffice as the blog update until my brain goes back to normal and I have the energy to blog about my adorable family. Ahem.

Moving on....



I didn't watch the Bachelor season with Brad Womack. Shocking, I know. So I'm sort of behind all the drama with Deanna and that other chick. All I know is that he seemed sincere and that I was really forgiving once they showed promos of him walking on the beach shirtless.
Brad, it's okay. We forgive you. But could you please look into the camera more? You sort of have this really weird sort of way of looking off into space instead of making eye contact with those you're speaking with. It's super distracting. Stop it.

This season is proclaiming to be the 'most controversial season yet'. And with the vampire teeth chick, I'm not entirely surprised.

Are her vampire teeth actually ON in this picture? I'm thinking not. I can't tell.

Instead of being really weirded out about the vampire teeth (because seriously, who isn't?), I couldn't stop thinking about if they were real or fake. Like, can she take those babies out at night time sort of like a vampire retainer? Did she pay real money to have someone put those fangs in? Does it hurt to chew meat or is it easier? What about apples? Is she obsessed with all the Twlight books? Okay, duh... of COURSE she's obsessed with the Twlight books. That was a stupid question. All I know is if I were going to invest in some freaky vamp. fangs, I'd want to make sure they were removable because ya never know when you might bite your tongue or something. Ow.

This is Chantal. She's the chick that slapped Brad after she came out of the limo.

Who does that, really? My guess is they showed Brad all the girls and said to him, "Which of these girls are you going to FOR SURE keep?" And Brad pointed to her and then the producers asked Chantal if she'd slap him for 'Good TV'. And then it went further by Brad adding to the drama and suspense by giving Chantal a rose dead last.

Or... maybe I'm just speculating and Chantal realy IS that ballsy.

Maybe.


And then we have our local SLC gal, Michelle. Ugh. Michelle, I hate to judge early, but it's sort of looking like you might give SLC a skanky bad name. With that dress you were wearing and your super vain intro, that's my prediction. Just because you're a baby mamma doesn't make you classy and wholesome. Lucky for us it looks from previews as though you're staying till the bitter end. I'm hoping you show a teense bit of class by then. Fingers crossed!

Then there is Emily, our little southern belle...

Could she be anymore perfect looking? Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect skin, perfect makeup, perfect body. Perfect, perfect, perfect. I feel a little like throwing up from it all. But maybe that's just a little bit of jealousy coming through.

Maybe.

If you saw the promo for the upcoming season, however, it looks as though Emily may not be as perfect as we may think. Or... maybe she's one of those people who expects complete perfection out of her mate and can't commit to Brad. Commitment phobe, maybe? I dunno.

All I know is that whenever I watch the promos for the upcoming season, that's when I'm hooked. They got me!

Monday nights will now be my favorite night of the week!

I can't promise weekly updates, but I promise I'll try to do a few throughout the season. Comments help, ladies! Keep 'em comin'! And thanks for pushing me to do an update. Three kids keep me hoppin'!