So a very interesting thing happens when I answer the telephone at our house. I don't know if a similar thing happens to other mothers, but as soon as I utter the word "Hello?" the children come like a Moth to a flame.
One child starts pulling on my shirt saying over and over, "Mom! . . . Mom . . . Mom!"
Then the other children after hearing the first child's "Mom" yells and not wanting to lose the competition of who can say "Mom" the most . . . decide to join in as well.
I'm serious . . . this happens all the time!
So last night after an attempted conversation with my sister on the phone the children began their "Mom" chorus and it brought my conversation to an quick end.
Frustrated, I then had the children gather around me and I said, "Oh my heavens! It's as if whenever I get on the phone you guys start singing a Mom chorus!" Then I started singing, "Mom" "Mom" "Mom" in different notes extremely loud, and the kids started laughing.
So I decided we had better make an official "Mom" song. I taught them how to follow a conductor as we sang our song entitled, "Mom!" It is dedicated to all women in the world who ever try to use the telephone with young children at home.
When Lamon got home we had a performance for him, and Lamon was quite impressed. Okay, so not really. But he thought it was funny. I'm sure he was wondering what and if we ever do anything productive at home . . .
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Guatemala
Lamon kept a journal while he was there and for anyone interested in reading it you can find it here: http://feedthefirefamilies.blogspot.com/2012/03/guatemala-lamons-report-of-fabulous.html ! It was a wonderful experience. I am so proud of Lamon for being willing to sacrifice and provide that wonderful service.
A lot of people after hearing that Lamon was gone for 10 days, and that I was alone with the kids said, "Oh Mary, You are amazing!" And although of course it was a sacrifice . . . and I will never reject a compliment of amazingness . . . to be completely honest, we pretty much played the entire time. Lamon is definitely the more responsible parent. If Lamon weren't around to keep me grounded . . . who knows what kind of chaos might be going on in our family.Anyways, I sort of wanted Lamon to think it was really hard for me while he was gone, but I guess I'll just let the cat out of the bag. We weren't exactly helpless and melancholy (or responsible) the entire time. We may or may not have done 1 or all of the following during those 10 days:
- Had two or three days in which there were 8 or more children playing at our house. (It was a party!)
- Built two pathetic snow forts (which melted in a day) and engaged in a huge snowball fight with the neighbors (in which I lost pathetically) In my defense . . . It was sort of me against . . . everyone.
- Had Cold Cereal for dinner once or twice.
- Ate way more popcorn than we probably should have
- Built a fort out of blankets downstairs that we slept in almost the entire time. Yes . . . even on school nights! I know . . . terrible. . .
- Went to Karls Junior and played at the Playplace. (This is not a regular at our house)
- Visited the Red box.
- Played Just Dance 3 on their Wii day which I pretty much rocked at (okay fine . . . I could only beat Hayden)
- Read and told stories.
- Laughed and played and giggled (a lot!)
- Had Beyblade tournaments
- and lots more . . .
Ya . . . obviously I had it pretty bad. How could Lamon sleep at night after his 15 hour days knowing that we were subject to this kind of torture? Just kidding. Lamon did have time for play and enjoyment while he was there, but for the most part it was hard work. I was so happy to remind the children what an awesome thing their Dad was doing.The kids weren't perfect the entire time. On the contrary. There were plenty of crazy opera singing moments . . . but it was in no way unbearable. Heavenly Father blessed me the entire time. I was able to get the kids to school, help them with homework and piano, take them to church, do scripture reading and family home evenings and all other parenting tasks all on my own with no problems. It could have felt hard, but it didn't. I think I was blessed. It was fun, and I was excited to see Lamon at the end of the 10 days . . . Not because I was ready for him to relieve me of the children, but because I missed him and was so excited to see his face! What a great Daddy we have. I love him and am proud of him. What an experience!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Drew the "Professional"
I love this spring weather! We unplugged the Wii and are taking a break from t.v. and video games for three weeks, and the weather has been cooperating!:) The children have been outside playing every day and they can't get enough.
And of course since it is fifty degrees outside the kids think it's time to shed their shoes and turn on the hose. As soon as I hear the water being turned on I rush outside and tell them to turn the hose off because it's not warm enough to play in the water yet; but not before they have already turned the big dirt pile in the backyard into mud.
So a couple days ago I made a cake to take to Lamon at work. I yelled to the kids, "Come on guys! Time to get in the car! We are going to Dad's work. Let's get our seat belts on!"
After a couple times of yelling this (they don't exactly come the first time) Hayden and Ada came up, but no Drew.
"Drew? Where are you? It's time to go!"
I looked around and then I saw that the patio door was open so I peeked into the backyard and Aha! I found him. And what was he doing? I'm still not sure. He was in the middle of this huge pile of mud balancing on a rock with one foot. His arms and other leg were in the air.
"Drew, what are you doing?!! We need to go, and I really don't want you getting all muddy!"
Then Drew looked up at me and said, "Mom, don't worry! I am a professional!!"
And what mother wouldn't be proud to have a one legged rock balancing professional in their family?
About two seconds later . . . SPLOITCH!! Our professional lost his balance and landed right in the mud. It's a good thing he is an "Expert" "Professional" "Pro" and "The Best" at so many things. :) Drew I love you.
And of course since it is fifty degrees outside the kids think it's time to shed their shoes and turn on the hose. As soon as I hear the water being turned on I rush outside and tell them to turn the hose off because it's not warm enough to play in the water yet; but not before they have already turned the big dirt pile in the backyard into mud.
So a couple days ago I made a cake to take to Lamon at work. I yelled to the kids, "Come on guys! Time to get in the car! We are going to Dad's work. Let's get our seat belts on!"
After a couple times of yelling this (they don't exactly come the first time) Hayden and Ada came up, but no Drew.
"Drew? Where are you? It's time to go!"
I looked around and then I saw that the patio door was open so I peeked into the backyard and Aha! I found him. And what was he doing? I'm still not sure. He was in the middle of this huge pile of mud balancing on a rock with one foot. His arms and other leg were in the air."Drew, what are you doing?!! We need to go, and I really don't want you getting all muddy!"
Then Drew looked up at me and said, "Mom, don't worry! I am a professional!!"
And what mother wouldn't be proud to have a one legged rock balancing professional in their family?
About two seconds later . . . SPLOITCH!! Our professional lost his balance and landed right in the mud. It's a good thing he is an "Expert" "Professional" "Pro" and "The Best" at so many things. :) Drew I love you.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Lamon is 32 and I kind of like him!!
Was Lamon irritated when he came in? Dissappointed? I don't know. Because Lamon is pretty much awesome and would never tell me if he was. Lamon walked in cheerfully and took one look at the kids with their ice cream faces and playfully said, "Ice cream for breakfast?" I then told him about my intention to make him a fabulous birthday breakfast and how it didn't really work out. He just said, "That's okay!" He came over picked up and cuddled a whiny sick Tilson and took him upstairs to take a shower with him. We were running late, but the kids and I hurried and made some French Toast and juice, and when Lamon came downstairs he acted so surprised at the breakfast on the table as the kids all yelled "Surprise!"
This is something I love about Lamon. No matter how many times I "fail" at being a perfect wife/mother he somehow treats me like I'm fabulous. If he knows I want to "attempt" being a Martha Stewart, he will somehow help me to do it . . . not for his benefit, but for mine. He could have cared less, but he knew I wanted to make him breakfast, and he took Tilson with him so that I could do it. 
Thank you Lamon for loving me with all of my faults and making me feel like I'm great.
Thank you for eating Grilled Cheese and Marshmallow Sandwiches and Pancakes until I learned how to cook.
Thank you for laughing at me when I've tripped down stairs, run into screen doors, wet my pants while pregnant, fallen off bikes, tripped on sidewalks, locked the keys in the car (a lot) or spilled paint on the carpet.
Thank you for all of the trips, hikes, and walks.
Thank you for all the "Mary are you there?" looks that I hold so dear. :)
Thank you for your Energizer Bunny attitude that has prevented all of us from ending up in a veggitative state.
Thank you for listening to and trying to understand me on those RARE occasions that I have been completely irrational.
Thank you for trying to explain how to splice and do the wiring for light fixtures and not beating me when after many "uh huhs" I start laughing uncontrollably because I have no clue what in the world you are talking about.
Thank you for making me feel beautiful.
Thank you for making me feel smart.
Thank you for making me feel like I am a great mom.
Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad!
Thank you for making me love every moment I get to be with you.
You make me so happy!
I love your guts!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Sometimes it's so easy to say no!
I tell ya . . . I feel bad for some parents. Some people have the hardest time saying no to their kids! Not me of course. :) I only give in when it is really important !. . . J/K
There are times that I find it very possible to say no. I mean my children can make it so easy for me! I've had a few people comment on how cute Ada is and say something like, "It must be so hard saying no to her." And I just reply . . . "NO . . . not really . . . at all" You see, they obviously haven't witnessed one of Ada's temper tantrums . . . . She is really talented at those. She uses her whole body and all sorts of different sounds ranging in octaves. It's incredible. And when that happens . . . it is quite easy to look at her and confidently say, "Uh . . . No."
Oh boy . . .
"Uh . . . No."
See? Easy! I don't know why other parents have such a hard time! :)Oh . . . I love my kids!!!!!
There are times that I find it very possible to say no. I mean my children can make it so easy for me! I've had a few people comment on how cute Ada is and say something like, "It must be so hard saying no to her." And I just reply . . . "NO . . . not really . . . at all" You see, they obviously haven't witnessed one of Ada's temper tantrums . . . . She is really talented at those. She uses her whole body and all sorts of different sounds ranging in octaves. It's incredible. And when that happens . . . it is quite easy to look at her and confidently say, "Uh . . . No."
Sometimes it's easy to say no because it's pretty much impossible to say yes. I love it when that happens! For instance, yesterday Drew came up to me, looked down at the ground and said, "Mom, I want to ask you something but . . ." He then shook his head like he'd been defeated already. "Oh . . . I don't even want to ask you. I don't know if you could do it."
Wait a second. . . . I'd seen this technique used before. Where had I seen it? Oh ya . . . Me! I might have tried the "I don't know if you guys can do this or not" trick a couple of times before when I've wanted the kids to do something. So I must admit this was quite clever. My curiosity was piqued.
"What is it Drew?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure you'll say no, but I will just ask you anyway. . . Mom?" He was so serious while saying this. "Um . . . There is this really cool thing where they choose one special person from your family, someone really adventurous. Well, they take them up on an airplane and"
Oh boy . . .
" . . . It is really cool. They strap this backpack on their back and then they have to jump out of this airplane, and they get to land on . . . Beyblade Island! Mom, can I go? . . . PLEASE?! Can I? Can I?"
"Uh . . . No."
See? Easy! I don't know why other parents have such a hard time! :)Oh . . . I love my kids!!!!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Parenting Tip: Opera Singing
I am not exactly qualified to be handing out parental tips. In fact, I'm the one usually LOOKING for parenting tips. I am always trying out different parenting techniques . . . some studied . . . and others that I just come up with on my own. There are some moments that I do something a little unorthodox and think, "I wonder if anyone else has tried that one?" Because some of the things I do as a Mom I would put money on the fact that it probably can't be found in a Parenting "How to" book somewhere. Maybe I will have to come up with my own parenting "how to" book full of tips that you "shouldn't" try . . . Anyhow, here is my personal parenting tip on how to stop the craziness . . .
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Okay. . . do you have the picture in your mind? I don't know what you do in moments like this, but I suggest that this is the time that you just have to look down. Reach deep within yourself, lift your head back up and belt out the highest pitched note that you can possibly muster and sing it in the best opera voice possible. It is very important that while you do this you hold the note as long as you possibly can (until the noise from the children stops) and hold one of your hands high up in the air while doing it (it is much more theatrical this way). Go ahead and use that vibrato! I promise that if you use your diaphragm and really belt it out. . . and make sure the note is high enough . . . it will work! I wish I had video footage of my own personal success with this to share . . . But I promise that it will work. Once you have the children's undivided attention . . . you can then apply other parenting strategies . . . like talking and reasoning . . . If nothing else it sure feels good after you do it . . . It really helps with those bundled nerves and is quite exhilarating! Go ahead and give it a try.
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Tip #1: Opera Singing
It's critical to know that this technique should only be used in emergencies! If you use it too much it will loose it's effectiveness.
Picture for example, It's the end of the day . . . your nerves are a little bundled after meeting childrens demands . . . and the noise level is a bit high. You are sitting at the table with your children helping with homework. Your baby is crying, and two children are fighting with each other while the fourth child is singing a nonsense song she has made up at the top of her lungs. Saner attempts at controlling the craziness aren't working . . . It is desperate times and calls for drastic measures.
Okay. . . do you have the picture in your mind? I don't know what you do in moments like this, but I suggest that this is the time that you just have to look down. Reach deep within yourself, lift your head back up and belt out the highest pitched note that you can possibly muster and sing it in the best opera voice possible. It is very important that while you do this you hold the note as long as you possibly can (until the noise from the children stops) and hold one of your hands high up in the air while doing it (it is much more theatrical this way). Go ahead and use that vibrato! I promise that if you use your diaphragm and really belt it out. . . and make sure the note is high enough . . . it will work! I wish I had video footage of my own personal success with this to share . . . But I promise that it will work. Once you have the children's undivided attention . . . you can then apply other parenting strategies . . . like talking and reasoning . . . If nothing else it sure feels good after you do it . . . It really helps with those bundled nerves and is quite exhilarating! Go ahead and give it a try.
And if you do this you too could have children like mine . . . :) Oh wait . . .:) !
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Stake Conference: Personal thoughts
What a lovely night I just had. Saturday night sessions of Stake Conference are pretty much the best. It might have something to do with the fact that we actually get to listen to the speakers! On Sundays we often spend our time taking turns holding Tilson, keeping kids from poking each other, trying to get children to stop putting their feet on the pew in front of us, trying to get Ada to stop making faces at the people behind us, breaking up the tug-of-war that often erupts over who's turn it is to hold Tilson . . . etc. etc. Don't get me wrong . . . it's a party, but sometimes it's nice to actually be able to SIT by Lamon at church and hold his hand! Most of the time it's a child parent child parent child seating arrangement to keep the children from torturing each other. But getting to sit by Lamon is not the only reason I love Saturday sessions of conference. The spirit is always so strong.
Tonight was a lovely meeting focused on the Family. The Stake President stressed the importance of Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Regular Temple Attendance, Family Home Evenings, and Living Providently. It's amazing how basic these things are, and yet there is a reason why our leaders keep reminding us of their importance. What a difference they make.
Sometimes I joke about wishing there was a fool proof parenting manual. I mean wouldn't it be great . . . "Okay . . . here it is on page 62 . . . 'When a child sneaks a beyblade to school and lies about it . . . you should first take the beyblade away for exactly 6 days and then . . .'" But unfortunately or I should say "fortunately" we aren't told exactly what to do. I think it is so wonderful that we have to rely on faith and follow the promptings of the spirit. We've been reading about Nephi in our Family Scripture Study (It's taken us 6 1/2 months to get to 1 Nephi 22) It's amazing the life lessons to be learned in those chapters. When Nephi recounts his experience of getting the plates from Laban he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." I love that. He didn't know what to do, but he was guided by the spirit and trusted in God to show him the way. I know that that is exactly what I need to do as a parent. If I am praying, having scripture study, attending the temple, and having family home evenings then I will have the spirit with me and I can feel confident knowing that God will show me the way . . .And I can receive answers from Him on how to help these little munchkins!! Because let's be honest . . . it is no simple task taking care of these kids! But I know being a mother is sooooo important, and I also know that Heavenly Father has and will help me do it!
I love the scripture passage in 1 Nephi 17: 50& 51 Nephi had never built a boat before . . . and his brothers didn't think he could do it. I love his response, "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, If the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?" Nephi knew that God would show him how to build a ship. His inadequacy did not worry him. He knew that with God anything is possible.
Just like Nephi was not a boat builder by trade . . . I admit that I don't know the answers to all parenting questions. I didn't major in Home and Family Life at BYU. I haven't read every parenting manual printed. And for those who aren't privileged to be in our ward I will just tell you now . . . My family isn't the family sitting perfectly still with their arms folded all through sacrament meeting. Shocking I know. But no matter how inadequate I may feel . . . I know Heavenly Father loves me and He loves these little kids of mine . . . and "If God had commanded me to do all things . . . I could do them." What a comforting and empowering thought. I know that Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Temple Attendance, Family Home Evening and Provident Living are the HOW. We didn't come to Earth with all of the answers. As parents we have to be like Nephi sometimes "led by the spirit not knowing beforehand" the things we should do. But if we are doing the things just mentioned, the spirit can lead us and we can receive answers to our prayers just like Nephi. I love the scriptures. We just read with the kids about what it means to "Liken the scriptures" unto us. The scriptures really are the best parenting manual! What great talks tonight. It was a great date! And now for the family "party" tomorrow in church. Can't wait :)
Tonight was a lovely meeting focused on the Family. The Stake President stressed the importance of Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Regular Temple Attendance, Family Home Evenings, and Living Providently. It's amazing how basic these things are, and yet there is a reason why our leaders keep reminding us of their importance. What a difference they make.
Sometimes I joke about wishing there was a fool proof parenting manual. I mean wouldn't it be great . . . "Okay . . . here it is on page 62 . . . 'When a child sneaks a beyblade to school and lies about it . . . you should first take the beyblade away for exactly 6 days and then . . .'" But unfortunately or I should say "fortunately" we aren't told exactly what to do. I think it is so wonderful that we have to rely on faith and follow the promptings of the spirit. We've been reading about Nephi in our Family Scripture Study (It's taken us 6 1/2 months to get to 1 Nephi 22) It's amazing the life lessons to be learned in those chapters. When Nephi recounts his experience of getting the plates from Laban he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." I love that. He didn't know what to do, but he was guided by the spirit and trusted in God to show him the way. I know that that is exactly what I need to do as a parent. If I am praying, having scripture study, attending the temple, and having family home evenings then I will have the spirit with me and I can feel confident knowing that God will show me the way . . .And I can receive answers from Him on how to help these little munchkins!! Because let's be honest . . . it is no simple task taking care of these kids! But I know being a mother is sooooo important, and I also know that Heavenly Father has and will help me do it!
I love the scripture passage in 1 Nephi 17: 50& 51 Nephi had never built a boat before . . . and his brothers didn't think he could do it. I love his response, "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, If the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?" Nephi knew that God would show him how to build a ship. His inadequacy did not worry him. He knew that with God anything is possible.
Just like Nephi was not a boat builder by trade . . . I admit that I don't know the answers to all parenting questions. I didn't major in Home and Family Life at BYU. I haven't read every parenting manual printed. And for those who aren't privileged to be in our ward I will just tell you now . . . My family isn't the family sitting perfectly still with their arms folded all through sacrament meeting. Shocking I know. But no matter how inadequate I may feel . . . I know Heavenly Father loves me and He loves these little kids of mine . . . and "If God had commanded me to do all things . . . I could do them." What a comforting and empowering thought. I know that Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Temple Attendance, Family Home Evening and Provident Living are the HOW. We didn't come to Earth with all of the answers. As parents we have to be like Nephi sometimes "led by the spirit not knowing beforehand" the things we should do. But if we are doing the things just mentioned, the spirit can lead us and we can receive answers to our prayers just like Nephi. I love the scriptures. We just read with the kids about what it means to "Liken the scriptures" unto us. The scriptures really are the best parenting manual! What great talks tonight. It was a great date! And now for the family "party" tomorrow in church. Can't wait :)
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