There vs. Here

Andy along with my father, brothers, and brothers-in-law are all together on their highly anticipated journey to Sin City.  (In case anyone in the future ever wonders, Las Vegas happens to be one of my least favorite places on planet Earth.  Andy has mentioned we could go for a little get away and leave the kids with his parents but . . .  to Vegas?).

So, while he is there basking in the warmth of the sun, sporting new swimming trunks (he forgot to account for the hot tub factor), shooting baskets and hoping to watch some intense basketball games where BYU is crowned champion, I am home with our children.

Kyler was busy today creating with Legos.  They are his current passion.  He recently got his Lego magazine in the mail.  This inspired him to create this masterpiece.  He had me take a picture hoping to have his creation published.

I'm glad Andy is having fun.  I'm extra glad to see the above picture of him.  Shaped in an "S", the exact same position he claims I always stand in.  Our children have no chance for good posture.

Morning Reflection . . .

Andy wakes up first in our home.  He will usually shower, get dressed and ready, wake up the girls and commence scripture study.  I regretfully admit I am not always in attendance.  Morning is still my least favorite time of the day and sometimes when it has been an extra rough night with Aysen the bonds of the bed hold me captive.

Aysen and Kyler join in on occasion.  Aysen sleeps quite well as long as there is a body he can curl up next to.  When he realizes he is on his own he awakens and voices his plea for rescue.  Kyler sleeps and sleeps unless he has something he is looking forward to and his internal excitement alarm goes off.

This morning Aysen joined the morning routine.  He may not say one word but he communicates quite effectively.  You know what he wants and how he wants it as long as you pay attention to his guiding finger and grunts.

Today he had a need to wear socks.  As I watched his dad's crew (mid-calf) socks reach the top of Aysen's thighs I was amazed.  He is so little but has also grown so much.  My thoughts raced to the future when he will be the same size as his father.  The years of schooling, scouting, athletics(?), other interests, a mission, college and marriage?  This was way more than my mind wanted to embrace.  He is only 21 pounds.  He doesn't say a word.  But Taylei was this small eleven SHORT years ago.  Time flies to swiftly.

Today as I complain about the cupboards he empties I need to remember this phase won't last long.  My dishes will stay where they belong and our hygiene items won't be strung all over the bathroom floors.

He will be able to eat on his own without requiring a call to hazmat to clean up the aftermath.  He will grow and someday fill his daddy's socks.

I need make a note to self to enjoy the hear and now, to embrace all the stages of life.  To smile and enjoy the journey especially after I find the 'splashing in toilet water' mess.

I also need to try and embrace a quote I once heard, "Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning Satan says, "Oh, %#*$! She's up again."  Right now I'm quite sure he just sits and smiles as I sleep away my morning . . .

All Things Seuss

In honor of Theo LeSieg a.k.a Theodore Geisel a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, a birthday celebration was held at Mona Elementary School.

This is one of my children's favorite days.

They are allowed to dress up as characters from his books.  

Taylei coordinated with her friend, Darian to go to school as Thing 1 and Thing 2.

I was told how much they looked alike except Taylei is a brunette and Darian is Blonde.

I'm glad they are friends.

Keanna dressed as a Who.  A Who who was celebrating the arrival of spring. 

Lisa drove the kids to school today.  Zeak and Jake came in for a quick picture.  They all looked awesome.  Lisa used acrylic paint to color Zeak's hair and face a Grinchy shade of green.  I would have never thought to use acrylic paint in a million years.

I'm so glad our school has these extra-curricular activities.  100 years ago when I was in school, we also got to dress up and I still remember how much I loved it.