Regan in Ohio

It looks like Regan had a wonderful time in Ohio with my sister, Stefanie, and her family while I was in Utah. I say that because she can't tell me if she did, but from these pictures she definitely looked happy. I imagine that Myra still misses Regan (maybe Ben and Todd do also). Here are some pictures that Stef sent from Regan's stay. There are so cute and I particularly wanted to share them with Andrew. Thanks again, Donnie and Stefanie, and Ben, Todd & Myra for making Regan's stay so fun!!!

Too Much TV & Ear Wax

You know you're kids are watching too much tv when they start advertising for products in your home. Today, Jesse was painting in the kitchen and he got some paint on his t-shirt. He was very saddened by this fact and came to me all teary-eyed. I told him not to worry, it'll wash out. Aurora, from across the room, said, "Yeah, just use some OxyClean. If it doesn't work you get your money back." (jaw drops) HUH? Yes...too much tv.

As we all know, Jesse has a fascination with everything that his body creates....boogers, toots, etc. Now it's ear wax!!! What am I going to do with this boy? He takes his finger out of his ear and says, "Mommy, here's some ear wax for you!" No thank you, I say, to which he replies, "Okay, more for me then." Gross....I don't know where he gets these things! But he says it with such innocence that all I can do is laugh, and that gets him going even more. Someday, hopefully, he won't be as interested in all these things.

Snacktime for Regan

Regan FINALLY has enough teeth to start eating some "real" foods. She loves breakfast cereals (especially Reese's Peanut Butter and Chocolate Balls....who doesn't?)! But she's also gotten really excited about graham crackers. She could devour a whole package of them in no time at all!! My little baby is growing up!!! Now if she'd only walk....haven't I said that before?

A Family of Fans

Andrew and I got some BYU clothes for the kids when we were in Utah. The day after I got home they both decided they HAD to wear all the clothes. In fact, Jesse sleeps in his hat and is STILL wearing it 2 days later. Like father, like son! They look really cute and they love it that they look like Daddy....

Trip to Utah

My trip to Utah was a blast! I got to spend some time with Andrew and we were able to do some really fun things that we'd never get to do with all the kids there. My favorite part was probably going to Music and the Spoken Word Sunday morning. There was an orchestra there with the choir and it was so wonderful to hear them both together.

The big surprise for Andrew was a stay at the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake City. This inn features themed rooms, such as: Romeo and Juliet, Swiss Family Robinson, Mysteries of Egypt and the Italian Gondola Suite. Check it out at http://www.anniversaryinn.com/. We stayed in the Dodge City Room and it was lots of fun!! It was really warm underneath the wagon though. I never realized before how energy-efficient canvas is. If you're in Salt Lake City, Logan or Boise you should check out these rooms!! We'll never forget it.....

I guess most of you have been reading about the adventures my family has been having this past week while watching my kids!! :) I am officially humiliated by some of the things that have come out of the mouths of my "babes," but I'm ever-so grateful for the attention and love that my family showed my kids while I was gone. I'll be hearing about all the great things for weeks to come. A big thanks goes out to them!

Snow, Snow, Go Away

Well, I wasn't expecting all this snow! I found out yesterday at church that we were going to get a lot. Good thing I didn't need any milk, etc. No wonder I saw people buying shovels when I went shopping Saturday. I thought there was just a big steal on shovels or else everyone was just crazy to be buying shovels in March...NOW I understand.

Of course, the kids just HAD to go out and play. They didn't stay out very long though. Jesse kept falling down and at one point just decided that it was easier to crawl instead of walking. The snow was still coming down and blowing around everywhere and he kept yelling, "Mommy, help me! I can't stand up!" as he tried one more time to stand up and fell over. I just stood inside the warm house laughing.....I know, call me mean, but I wasn't going to go out in that stuff. He was the one that insisted. Aurora had more success, but even she said that she was freezing after a few minutes. So, after all that work to get them ready to go out in the snow, they spent a total of 5 minutes tripping and freezing. Ahhhh...the memories!!

A Boring Mommy

I usually pack some treats, like Life Savers and Dum Dums, for the kids on Sunday. I haul them out at the end of Sacrament Meeting when the kids start to get restless. Works great for that 10-15 minutes right before the end...you know, when all the adults have fallen asleep.

So, today I gave Jesse the "mystery flavor" Dum Dum and it ended up being one of his favorites - Cherry! He was so excited, especially because it matched the sweater he was wearing. "Look, Mommy, I match my sucker. Isn't that awesome? And Regan matches it too with her red dress," he said excitedly. This was very cool! Then, he looked at me and said, "Mommy, and you're wearing (he said still excitedly) ... uhhh (not so excitedly now) .... black (sounding grossed out now) .... and it's .... boring." The couple behind me, who have witnessed my exhaustion during Sacrament Meeting for months, couldn't contain their laughing. Gee, it's so nice entertaining the natives! I'll have to remember to wear cherry red the next time.

Next Clue for Andrew:
4. Come join the James Gang at their speak-easy headquarters.