Jared is One Month Old

But doesn't he look like a sweet balding old man in this one?

Yesterday was the day of the blue sweater vests at church.

I was buying these Easter outfits when I went into labor with Jared.

I was at the mall trying to get some regular contractions going, and when we got to Carters at 7:00 pm. I had a contraction that "got my attention"; trying not to get my hopes up, I kept casually browsing while timing them. Five minutes apart and lasting 30 seconds... I was checking out at 7:45 and had a contraction that had me leaning on the counter and my eyes watering. It was time to go. (You should've seen the look on the young cashier's face- "Uh... they didn't train me for this." She was worried.)

Boys... a sigh of relief

Parker's been couped up a lot, he needed to burn some energy and it's too hot for the park ... all my excuses for filling my waffle fry and lemonade craving. Little did I know, I would be so intrigued by the happenings within the Chick-fil-A play place that I haven't been able to stop thinking about our lunch outing all afternoon.

A set of three siblings entered the play place and I smiled when I saw them because they. looked. good. The boys had on boat shoes, plaid shorts, collared shirts, were sporting faux hawks (admittedly, the hawks are cute on little boys but I do have opinions on standards of modesty for boys so my boys will never have them.) Their older sister had gold blingy sandals, rolled up denim shorts, and aviators propped up on her head. She looked like a diva and had the sass to match.

She made friends with each girl that came in, and then moments later each new friendship dramatically ended. I couldn't help but relish in the fact that I had two boys. Ah the ease... I was quite the bossy, emotional filled little girl myself. And I imagine having a daughter who is the same way will only bring out that side of me. I think I'm a better fit for sons.

So as I'm thinking of all the reasons I'm glad Heavenly Father gave me two boys, this said little girl walks by and I notice she's not a natural blonde! And those are some quality highlights! Professional, for sure! When her nanny walked out of the play place I asked her how old she was. "Six". I about fell off the bench. No worries though, I played it cool.

"You're hair is really pretty."

"I straightened it today."

Really? Really! Really?. Who's teaching this girl about beauty? It's terribly sad, that she's six and she woke up thinking, "I need to straighten my hair today. Are my roots showing?"

When/if I have a daughter how am I going to convince her beauty isn't highlights, bling, and aviators? Especially when I myself smiled and took note of how adorable this girl was when she walked into the play place completely owning it.

I'm totally spooked by these six-year-old's highlights. Please tell me my boys will be ignorant to this definition of beauty until they're at least 25. I don't want them being seduced in grade school by highlights and trendy clothing.

.

Jared and Parker- may they always be this easy

An Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for sleeping on my stomach. Standing up without the need for leverage. A bladder that holds all night. Slouching. No more congestion. Non-maternity jeans. Wearing shoes other than my tennis shoes. No more weekly appointments with midwives or chiropractors. No more small talk with every person I meet with all the same questions. And so much more.(Picture taken by Jana- 36 weeks)

Some people love being pregnant. I am not one of them. Nine months is entirely too long. The anticipation kills me. I hate surprises. Once I decide I'm ready to have a kid, I am ready to have it. I don't want to wait.

I am definitely grateful not to be pregnant anymore. But I am most grateful for a body that is able to create and sustain life. (Seriously... think about it. That is AMAZING. We're all little miracles.) I am grateful for the strength I have to endure labor and delivery. I am grateful that both my pregnancies and deliveries have been complication free with no room to complain... except for that the anticipation KILLS me.

Some humor for you-

Every time I caught a glimpse of myself this day I thought I looked like the latest wife to join the show Sister Wives.

I will not be saving this maternity shirt or pairing plaid with this hair style ever again.

I was 39 weeks in this one.

For Arizonans

Last night I had a good discussion about nurturing the rising generation while visiting teaching. Considering the amount of time I spend every week teaching families how to nurture their own children, I could not narrowly focus on my responsibility to only nurture my child(ren).

A mother and father teaching, living, and modeling the gospel is a family's best defense against the ills of the world. But I can not ignore the sad realities of children all around me in my community. Or be ignorant to the fact that what they are being taught, or not being taught, will effect my family. I don't follow a belief system that encourages you to only protect your own. I feel a sense of responsibility to all of the rising generation- not just to those who call me Mom.

Have you seen this video?

"Investing" as the video calls it can have many faces- parenting, teaching, babysitting, volunteering, etc. But we (Arizonans) have an opportunity staring us in the face to continue to serve the littlest among us. We will decide if we want to repeal our 2006 decision to use a tax on tobacco to fund early childhood programs. Lawmakers seek to attain this money to help remedy the state's budget shortfall.

I admit most of my political convictions are emotion based BUT a lot of thought on this proposition has taught me that this isn't (just) an emotional issue. This is about a government's ability to bully voters, and repeal decisions that they make. In 2006 voters, thru their vote, said, "Early childhood is important to us." And now our legislator is asking us to put the funds that we set aside for early childhood into the black hole that is the state budget. (Mark, not being one for emotion based politics, also has thoughts on if the money isn't going to be used for the original intent- then it should be returned to those who spent it... in this case the smoking tax payers. But my simple mindedness has not quite wrapped my head around what he means. Mark's got A LOT of opinions on taxes -which are constitutional, which are not, what they should or shouldn't be used for, etc, etc, etc,- most of which I dont understand.)

Because of my passion for serving children and families it is also about a government's willingness to sacrifice the future generation. Since Feb 2009 2.1 billion dollars have been cut from the state budget, 1.6 billion of that has been to health, human services, and education.

Now I've spoken my peace for the day.

For more information on Proposition 302 go here: http://www.no302.com/

Worms

Parker can do the worm!

Or just look cute trying.

Advice Welcome

I need help! Go easy on me, because I'm ashamed that I am graduate level educated but can't figure out my grocery budget.

In the last 2 weeks I have spent $320 on groceries (madness, I know.) Our usual budget is $450 a month. (Including diapers, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, etc.) This 450 has worked for our family for a LONG time. I used to be able to stick to it. Last 2-3 months... not possible. And there's only 3 people in my family!

Menu planning used to really work for me. But that also has led to my downfall. When I plan menus I get more intentional about what I'm making... and that leads to planning intriquite meals. I need simple/cheap dinner ideas to mix in with our more exciting meals. I also need help with lunches! With Mark and I both working 9-5:00 and neither of us enjoying preparing lunches, I find myself buying expensive pre-made things for us to just grab and go. (That are still cheaper than eating out and a little healthier.)

Kids snacks are expensive too!

How do I avoid filling my family's belly with either boring tasting foods or foods that are chalk full of pesticides, corn syrup, or refined everything but not spend a small fortune doing so??What works for your family?

The Things

I love :

how he says, "Bye dog. Love you. Have a good day." Everytime we leave the house.

how every farm animal says "moo" or "roar".

how he says "night cars, love you" just before he pushes them out of his crib to go to sleep.

I could do without

"no". "mine". "don't". "stop it". "go away".

This language thing really is a blessing and a curse.

The donkey licking all up on his ear, never got a "stop" or "dont".

But when I try to get close to the bowl of popcorn I'm quickly met with a

"no, don't, stop it, mine!"(in that order- every time- without fail.)