Mother's Day

Mother's Day was on Sunday, and before I forget I wanted to write down the cute things that happened.  M was sleeping most of the day because he worked all night Saturday night and was going to work all day Sunday night too.  On the way home from church (alone as usual) B-man informed me that we were having ramen for lunch.  I was not so convinced; this is how our conversation went...
B:  Mom I am making you lunch today.
R: Well I am not sure you can make ramen.
B: Yes I can!  You taught me yesterday.
(That was a very casual conversation about it, but I guess ramen is pretty easy to cook.)
R: I'm not sure we should do that.
B: Mom, ramen is warm.  And warm = love, and I love you.  We have to have it...

How could I resist that line of thinking?  B-man successfully made ramen for lunch mostly on his own.  He was so proud of himself!

Then on Monday he brought home a little questionnaire about mothers.  This is what he said.

Write a list of ten words that describer her (me).  These are in his order...
1. nice
2. fun
3. good
4. cool
5. awesome
6. sweet
7. funny
8. tall
9. genius
10. magician

Obviously he was stretching at the end there... but it made me laugh.  Then on the other side he finished some sentences.

My mom is special to me because... she helps me.
When I am with my mom, we like to... play dodge ball.  (I've never played dodge ball with him, but I
                       will take it as a great suggestion to do in the future.)
I know my mom is very smart because... she teaches me multiplication.
My mom is good at many things.  One thing she's best at is.... helping me feel better.
I know my mom loves me because... she cares for me.


We don't make a big deal out of holidays around here, and lately I've been feeling so ill that I was just happy to be up and functional on Sunday.  But I didn't want to forget B-man's sweet efforts to help out that day.  It is the hardest job in the world, and little things like that make it seem a whole lot less difficult.  (For a few hours at least.)

Stomach Flu

We have all had the stomach flu in our house this last week and a half.  All of us.  It's about as much fun as it sounds.  M and I couldn't help but compare how our children react to such a horrible thing as throwing up.  So here are what we suppose are their thoughts while throwing up... 

(for the sake of family history)

RM - "Hey, what the heck?  Why are my clothes all wet?  This is so annoying.  Oh look, there is my favorite car!"

J - "I will not let my body do this.  I will swallow anything that comes into my mouth.  I do not want to put my face anywhere near that bucket or the toilet... "

B-man- "I think I might be dying!  This is TERRIBLE!!!  WHY WAS THIS EVER INVENTED?!  I hate this SO MUCH!"

M - "I refuse to throw up.  I will use my jedi powers of the force to ensure that I do not throw up."  (He was amazingly successful with his special powers.)

R- "How do I do this when I am pregnant?  Why do I want to have another baby?!"

January 6, 2013

January 6, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy New Year!  On New Year's Eve we decided to let off the rest of the fireworks that we had bought for the Fourth of July.  We invited a few friends over with their kids and I made a cake from my new "Extraordinary Cakes" cookbook.  We visited, did the fireworks, and then came inside for wassail and cake.  I must say that I have been thinking about the cake all week and wishing I had more.  It's probably good that we ate it all. Our friends left well before midnight, and we got the boys to bed.  Then we stayed up watching "X-Files" and happened to be in the kitchen exactly at midnight.  It was a great way to spend the evening.

RM showing off his food mustache.

 Tuesday we had a very low key day.  M went swimming, (and has been swimming almost every day) and we mostly enjoyed being at home.  In the afternoon M and B-man went to a friend's house so that they could borrow their tools and work on B-man's pinewood derby car.  He is very excited, and has come up with a design inspired by the Bugatti Veyron.

RM "hiding" after a bath.  He does this every night.

Wednesday B-man was back to school.  We were slightly rushed, because everyone slept later than usual.  It was so nice, and so sad that I had to actually go wake B-man up for school.  We worked quickly and then he was able to make it on time.  M went to work later in the morning, but came home early.  I love when he does short work days.  The boys and I ran to do some grocery shopping.  Once B-man was home we were back to the homework, practice, dinner routine.  It's not terrible, but I like it when he doesn't have school.

The train set-up in the dining room.

Thursday was a very similar day.  M went in to work late and came home early.  We stuck fairly close to home, but did run a few errands.  That evening B-man went with M to the church for Scouts, then M came back the priest aged boys so that they could have their activity.  They changed the oil in both of our cars.  I am so happy about that!  I made hot chocolate as their treat that night.  I did have to borrow one of the leader's cars so that I could go pick up B-man from Scouts.  He thought it was great to ride in the little pick-up truck home.

Friday M didn't have to work.  It has been so nice having him around so much this week.  I love it!  We didn't really do much.  But the little boys love having him around.  That night for our family party we watched "Legend of the Guardians," a new movie from Christmas.  It was fine, and nobody had nightmares after so that is always good.

J is a crazy sleeper.

Saturday was a fairly busy day.  In the morning there was a baptism for one of the children of M' counselor.  B-man and M went together.  I didn't think the rest of our crew would add to the meeting much...  Then when they got home we ran to Costco for some much needed supplies and then M worked on a sourdough waffle recipe for dinner that night.  I then sent him, J, and B-man out the door to a basketball team party.  It was a kick off for the season.  RM and I stayed home so that he could nap.  After they got home, the boys all played.  B-man had a friend over from the neighborhood, and I took J and RM outside for a little.  Eventually we came in for the wonderful waffles that M made.  B-man's friend stayed for dinner and then headed home after so that we  could get B-man to his first basketball practice.  The practice went really well.  J and RM were pretty patient, but the last twenty minutes we went into the halls to run races and get some energy out.  After insisting that he didn't want to play, and telling me that he just wouldn't do it, I was just happy that B-man had a great time at practice and is excited for the season.  What a relief!  Then we came home and hurried to get the boys in bed.

B-man loves his pillows.

Sunday started off like a normal Sunday.  We rushed around trying to get to church on time... for some reason I am getting worse at it instead of better.  We did make it on time, but just barely...  Sacrament meeting is getting easier for me.  I am so happy about that.  The little boys are doing a much better job of being quiet and entertained.  They are also getting older which I am sure is the biggest help.  Everyone had new teachers with the start of the new year, and for the most party everyone did fine.  J was a new Sunbeam, and had been asked to give the prayer.  I had him sit in front for the prayer and I think he thought he was supposed to sit there the whole time. He refused to sit with his class after the prayer.  He just kept sitting in the front of the room.  Then during singing time he kept trying to hold onto my legs, or talk to me, so I had to have some leaders extricate him and threaten to take him outside.  When I came back in from singing in nursery he was on the floor behind the pulpit so he could see and listening.  I snuck a picture because I thought it was so funny.  The hilarious thing was that I talked with three other mothers of Sunbeams (we all happen to be in Primary) and we were all sure that our children were the worst.  So that made me feel better because I hadn't even noticed them at all!

RM barely moves when he is asleep.

After church we came home and did our normal routines.  I worked on dinner, the boys watches some church "Mormon Messages" and we read books.  We were so happy that M was able to get home at a decent time.  He even had time to play several rounds of backgammon with B-man.  We had dinner and were video chatting with family when J threw up.  For the next five hours J was sick as a dog.  It was so sad to see the poor guy.  I have never seen anyone try so hard not to throw up.  M and I took turns sitting in his room and helping.  The good thing was that as soon as he was done he would fall asleep.  So we would read and wait until he woke up and then help him.  A little after midnight he was finally able to rest for the rest of the morning.

We love you all!

The C Crew

December 30, 2012

December 30, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

How can I not try and write about Christmas... it was such a great week.

J was not supposed to be up there, but the picture was too sweet to pass up.

 Monday was Christmas Eve.  We tried to avoid going to any stores at all, but in the end we ran to a few for food items.  We gathered some food items that we were giving to a fellow in the ward and made sure that they got to the correct place.  It snowed quite a bit that day, and the boys had a great time playing in the snow.  It made for a very festive and cozy day. That evening we had tacos for dinner.  Our own little tradition.  Then we had our own little Nativity with the boys.  B-man played the piano for some of the songs that we sang, and RM was the only one that wanted to dress up with me.  I was Mary, and he was a shepherd.  J and B-man informed us that they were the sheep.  After reading the Christmas story and acting it out we then opened up some Christmas jammies from Grandma Dyer.  It was fun to video chat with family throughout the day and see what they were up to... The boys all got to take a bubble bath in our big bathtub.  J loved it so much that he can't understand why he doesn't get a bath in the big bathtub every night.  The boys all went to bed excited, but not too late.

B-man was so excited for his footed jammies.

Ready to go downstairs...

RM loves his new trains.

Trying to keep B-man company.

B-man not feeling good.

Christmas morning the boys woke up a little before seven.  We made sure that they all had their beds made and had brushed their hair and their teeth before they could line up on the stairs.  We took the required pictures, and then let the boys go.  I think they were all pretty happy about what Santa brought them.  B-man seemed the most subdued (which is unusual for him) and after an hour or so, I realized that he was running a fever.  He had what the rest of us had been fighting the last few weeks.  That made him very subdued.   We always open things very slowly, and since Santa brought him Heelies and a rip stick, neither of those work with a sore achy body.  After breakfast of orange rolls and hot chocolate we let him open up a book so that he could at least read and have something to do.  The rest of the day was so pleasant and relaxed.  M delivered many loaves of his great bread to families in the ward.  The little boys loved playing with their new trains, and B-man was happy on the couch.  He even fell asleep and slept for several hours while we were around and playing.  In the afternoon we realized we should probably open the rest of the presents.  We took our time about it and had a great afternoon.  The boys were so cute about everything.  We loved being able to video chat with lots of family from all over.   Sometime during the late afternoon we realized that RM's fever had also returned the poor fellow.  We didn't want to take our germs to Christmas dinner, so we let B-man and RM stay home and watch a movie while we went to our friends for dinner.  They live one block away, and we were in almost constant contact with B-man so we knew they were okay.  Dinner was wonderful, with some great conversation.  Then we came home to get people in bed.  RM had already fallen asleep on the floor actually.

The next day B-man and RM were still running a fever.  He stayed pretty happy reading all of his new books, and hanging out with the family.  It was a quiet day where everyone was happy to just play and enjoy their new things.  M started swimming at a gym close by.  I believe we also got more snow.  That night M had to work.

Thursday everyone seemed to be healthy, but we were not going to take any chances.  M went swimming on his way home from work that day.  He went to bed, and we had a good time just being together.   After dinner that night M had to go back to work again.

The boys wanted a "crazy" picture.

Friday I had decided that we were going to have some fun.  Everyone was fever free for more than a day, and we needed to get out of the house and have some fun.  M came home and went to bed.  Then after RM's nap we got ready for our "adventure."  That's what we call it for J.  J of course was very happy to help pack up some snacks for our adventure.  We have certain things that we save for when we are on adventures, like fruit snacks.  He packed up the bag and even threw in some extra water bottles for us.  Then we were off.  We headed first to the National Botanical Gardens.  They have some model trains going through beautiful displays.  Or at least that's what we have heard.  The line was too long and it was too close to closing so we missed that room.  But we did explore all of the other gardens and we were able to peak in and see quite a bit of it on our own.  We were okay about not waiting in the line.  We also managed to lose J several times, and finally buckled him into the stroller.  The place was packed, but there were some very beautiful plants there.  After the Botanical Gardens we packed up and headed to Cafe Rio for dinner.  The boys were all hungry and happy to eat.  I am so happy that Cafe Rio is now in our area.  Not super close yet, but it is doable with some planning.  After dinner we headed to the temple to see the Christmas lights.  The temple looked beautiful, and the little boys were just in awe.  They kept asking and wanting to go inside, and it's hard to explain to a three year old and two year old why they can't.  After the temple lights we then headed home.  B-man and J fell asleep on the way home, but RM was happy to be awake.  I introduced the boys to Jny Cash on the trip, and they all loved him.  How could they not.  J kept asking "Who sings this song?"  And when I would say "Jny Cash!"  He would say, "Me?!"  It was very cute.

B-man loved the tree in the background.  

Saturday was a quiet day again.  B-man played with his friends and not much was going on.  That night M and I got a babysitter and went to see "Les Miserables."  A family in our ward had given us tickets to see it in the theatre.  It was such a thoughtful gift!  We happened to be right behind some friends in line to get seated and had a great chat with them.  We both loved the movie, loved it a lot!  I planned ahead and was grateful for my tissues.  I am sure the sixteen year old boy next to me was very confused why I was using it so much.

Sunday was one of M' longest days.  He had the last of tithing settlement and didn't get home until very late.  We were all happy when he got home and we were able to eat dinner. 

We love you all!

The C Crew 

November 18th, 2012

November 18, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

I took advantage of warmer weather on Monday and M and I painted the trim around the exterior of our door.  We had some paint left in the tray and so we ended up painting a bunch of trim around the garage doors in the home too.  It was very much a "if you give a mouse a cookie" type of day. J was happy to "help" us and play outside, and RM was sleeping.  As soon as we were done M took a nap to prepare for working all night.  I cleaned up the mess and once B-man got home we did our normal routine of homework, play, etc.  That night for FHE we talked about the miracle of the seagulls that occurred soon after the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.

J before the haircut.

Tuesday was a quiet day.  B-man went to piano and was thrilled to start learning his favorite Christmas song "Said Samuel."  The teacher isn't LDS, but was willing to give it a shot.  I printed out a copy for her in a much easier key, and then we are simplifying it a little more.  It was rough at first (he hasn't even learned what an eighth note is) but today (Sunday) he has got the right hand down for the first section. 

M finally finishes this sourdough loaf.  Impressive isn't it?

Wednesday was another quiet day.  We went to the church and played in the afternoon while M met with a person in the ward. That night M had a stake meeting.  Once he got home we watched "Casino Royale" in preparation for watching the new Bond movie next week.

RM before the haircut.

Thursday was another busy day.  We did some work around the house in the morning; I gave all the boys much needed haircuts.  I also had a dental check-up before lunch.  I was so happy to have no cavities.  That afternoon M went with the young men's president to pick up turkeys for an activity that night and I worked with B-man on homework and piano.  We had food from the freezer because we were both so involved in things.  That night M went to mutual, when he got home we watched "Quantum of Solace" and I must admit that I understand the plots much better now. 

RM did not like getting his neck hairs trimmed.

Friday we tried to get some things done too.  We hung a picture in the library, and then when RM was sleeping we put the second coat on the exterior trim.  It looks really good, and it feels good to know that the worst is at least protected from the elements.  There were a few spot the paint was peeling so badly that we could see the bare wood.  Then M came in and went to sleep. When B-man got home I took him over to a friend's house nearby so he could play.  The little boys and I had a fun time together at home. When I went to pick up B-man for dinner, he had conspired a way to stay longer.  So RM and J and I had a quiet dinner together at home.  Then the sister missionaries knocked on the door and I made the executive decision to wake up M so they could talk "business."  B-man came home and all the boys went to bed.  Then M was off to work.

J after the haircut.

Without all the hair he looks totally different.

RM enjoying a snack.

Saturday morning was busy.  We ate breakfast and then got ready to take some friends to the airport.  The car was totally full with both families, but it was a fun little adventure.  We then drove straight to B-man's swimming lesson.  J and RM played with their cars on the pool deck for the thirty minute lesson and then we headed home.  Sadly M was already sleeping by the time we got home.  The rest of the day we worked/played around the house, and then once the jobs were done we went outside and played a lot outside.  At one point we went to a park close to our house and there was a big group of boys from the neighborhood playing "guns."  They were so cute and when picking teams they included RM and J and even let them carry around little toy guns.  They thought they were so big.  J and B-man also rode their bikes or scooters down a big hill in a line with the boys.  They had a great time.  When RM's hands started to get frozen I called it a day so we could go home and eat dinner.  We had a cozy dinner and then I ran to a birthday party for a friend.  Then I ran home so M could get to work.  I have to admit I was happy to miss the bedtime routine!

Today has been a good day. M couldn't leave work early, so he missed church.  J was a little crazy during Sacrament meeting but we made it through.  Primary was a blast.  I'm so glad it went well after last week's craziness.  Now we are home and the boys are reading or sleeping or otherwise quiet.  It's so nice.  M is sleeping and once he wakes up we will have dinner and have a quiet night.

We love you all!

The Clark Crew