It's Officially Summer...

Jonah got a sunflower seed planted into a cup from Primary a few months ago, and we decided to plant it in our garden and see what happened. It grew pretty fast, and just a few days ago I noticed that it was blooming. I took a few pictures- it looked so happy!
Today, the day after the "first day of summer," I went out back to water the sunflower. Well, this is what I found. Poor guy.
We couldn't stop laughing. That thing was literally in despair. I also found our strawberry plant totally charred by the heat. I think it was pretty much done anyway. But man, it's hot out there! I think it was 113 degrees today!
That poor sunflower lasted about as long as it could (only a few days!). As you can guess, we will not be planting anything for a while.

Swimming at Grandma's

This is actually a week old, but I thought I'd post these pictures of swimming at Grandma and Grandpa Shirley's house. The kids were a little tentative about the bigger pool, but they had a good time- especially Levi!

I Love Sweet Potatoes

Levi usually eats without making any messes, but for some reason this time he kept putting his hands in his mouth and rubbing his face afterward. It was pretty messy!

Late Night

Yes, it is 2:37 am and I just finished The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I'll just say that it was the closest thing to Sci-fi I have ever read, and I really liked it.

In other great news, the Celtics beat the Lakers! I feel like I should congratulate my dad, who has been holding out for this moment since the days of Larry Bird.

Okay, I'm really tired and I'm going to bed now.

Blonde or Not?

Okay, I was not planning on posting on this subject, but I wanted to clear some things up on my poll. Maybe I need to explain myself a little and give some background first. I am not posting for reassurance. I might not get that anyway. I'm just posting for myself and to get my anxieties out. Don't think that I am really that concerned about this. This is just for fun.

I have never ever dyed my hair before. I have never even highlighted it. I guess the main reason why is because I actually like my hair color. I have not felt the need to change it. I am also afraid of someone screwing up and it looking hideous. I think everyone probably feels that way when they dye their hair for the first time. I used to be afraid that if I ever dyed it, it would never ever look the same, like my hair would start growing out a different color and I would lose my lovely red locks. Now that I am older, I think I realize that it is very unlikely if even possible that this would happen. I didn't want to deal with the upkeep, or pay for it. I haven't ever paid more than $40 to get my hair done, and I have gotten it done for as little as $12. Also, what if I don't like it? I guess I think that every time I go to the salon, even though I don't get color.

So now for the reasons why I am considering dying my hair. First off, most of you have probably dyed you hair at least once, so you probably can't understand why I am making such a big deal about something that seems so everyday for you. Since I have never dyed my hair, and watching sisters, cousins and friends have fun changing it up a bit, I feel like I have almost missed out on a rite of passage. I feel like the only kid in the whole school who hasn't ditched. It seems like fun to try something new, but I have only observed it from the outside. I don't want to have had the same hairstyle my whole life, and I haven't really changed it for a long time. I feel like it's now or never. If I don't get the guts until I start going gray, it'll be too late to do something fun, and even if I did, it would look like a mid-life crisis. Plus, I have reason to think it might look good. Look at these redheads who have gone blonde. I think they look pretty good.

Donna from That 70's Show

Lindsay Lohan (a few different shades)

Nicole Kidman

Okay, If I looked like any of these people, I could have green hair and look beautiful. But still, I think blonde might be possible for me. I do think I need to explain what "going blonde" would mean for me, though. It's not like I'd go platinum or anything. I'd want it to look as natural as possible, but still be quite a change.

I will not be offended by your honest (but not harsh, please) thoughts if you want to share them. That being said, I'll do what I want anyway. It will definitely not be permanent. I am just getting a little bored of my hair, like most people get at some point. I can't wait until I'm 40 to do something like this. I am curious why so many of you chose "Yikes! Don't do it!" Now that you have all of the info, would it really be that bad?

Shiner

On Friday, I heard Eden start crying downstairs and I could tell that she was hurt. I went down, but couldn't figure out where she was hurt, and she stopped crying anyway, so I didn't think much of it. Then yesterday I noticed that Eden had a black eye! I tried to get a picture, but it didn't really show up in the photo. Today, the shiner is green and yellow, and you can see it a little better.

This is just a funny one of Levi. He sometimes puts his binkies in upside down.

Photo Tag

My friend, Julie, did this on her blog and I thought it looked like fun. Hopefully it motivates me to do some organizing around here! The rules are to go take pictures right this second- no cleaning! And hopefully, no judging! Ha ha.

Show the inside of your closet.

I just had to show my downstairs junk closet. Brace yourself, this is scary!

And still the same closet, just further down:

Yikes! Can we say fire hazard? And here's my bedroom closet too:

Your favorite room:

It's my favorite because it's the only room in the house with some color!

Your favorite shoes:

My flip flops from American Eagle. Soooo comfy! Notice the toe marks- yeah, I wear these a lot.

What are your kids doing right now?

Kid #1:

Kid #2:

Kid #3:

How else could I be blogging?

Show your laundry room.
Show your second bath.

Our boring downstairs bathroom:

Your self-portrait:
Show your fridge.

Outside:

Inside:

Show your kitchen sink.

Looks like someone didn't want to tackle all of those nasty bottles and sippy cups! Yeah, it was me.

You're tagged if you want to be!

Dang Social Stigmas

Okay, I know that every parent thinks that their kid is the cutest, best at everything, or the smartest. It's funny when someone brags about how their kid is so talented in a certain area, and you just don't see it. Actually, it's not really funny; it's more annoying than anything. Well, prepare to be annoyed, because you might not agree with this post, but I have just got to say something about Jonah.

Tonight I let the kids watch Lion King after a short swim in the pool. They actually sat down for most of the movie, which allowed me to feed Levi and get some laundry done. As the movie was coming to a close, I came downstairs and told the kids that after the movie they were going to bed. Then Peter and I sat on the couch and watched the rest of the movie like zombies. (Why do we do that? It was like a tractor beam drawing us in. We've seen every kids' movie we own at least 47 times.)

When the movie was almost over, some fun African music started playing and Jonah got up to dance. He was really getting into it and had some great moves we had never seen. I was wondering, "Where does he come up with this stuff?" Then the music turned softer and it started playing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." He immediately slowed down his movements and started dancing around like the contemporary dancers on So You Think You Can Dance! He was leaping and doing things with his arms that I can't even explain! It got Peter and I thinking:

This kid has talent! We have always thought that Jonah had a talent for music and dancing ever since he was really young. I guess we are reminded of it every now and again. He dances like no other 3-year-old I know. He doesn't just jump around. Tonight he was really feeling the music and moving to it. I wish I could have recorded a video, but I didn't want to miss watching his dance. While I'm bragging about him, I might as well mention that Jonah also plays the piano like no other 3-year-old I know. He actually tries to play songs, singing at the same time. At one point, he could almost play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but I stopped practicing with him and he probably forgot it.

I always wondered if kids who start ice skating at 2 or 3 and end up as Olympic skaters really had the talent for it in the beginning, or if their parents just wanted them to do it and made it happen. Almost anyone who practices for 16 years can end up being pretty good at anything. I don't want to be one of those parents who chooses my kid's life or interests for them. One thing I know is Jonah has rhythm, he is good at dancing, and he is a performer. That leads me to believe that (so far) some of his talents lie in performing arts. And I have to admit, that scares me a little.

As I was watching Jonah's show, I started feeling pretty sad that he might not get to use his talents to the fullest in this life. I don't think I could bear putting him in a dance class which will inevitably be full of girls. And even if I did, eventually he will get made fun of. That's just how it is. As a kid, I probably would have made fun of a boy dancer in an all girl class too (but probably not to his face, which doesn't make it better).

I am not against performing arts at all. I was in performing arts in school and I loved it. I just really hate the social stigmas for males in the arts. Take a professional male dancer, for instance. Sorry to say, but most of us would probably draw the conclusion that the guy is a little fruity or something. What father works as a dancer to support his family? I know that even if Jonah is a talented dancer, the chances of him professionally dancing are extremely remote. This post must sound so funny to most of you. I just realized how random my thoughts sound aloud.

I guess what I am saying is that I hope that my kids get to explore the fields that they are talented in without feeling social pressure. I wouldn't want any of my kids being made fun of for pursuing something that they truly have an interest in or are talented in. That being said, I really hope my kids won't be interested in taxidermy (ewww!) or swimming with sharks.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Eden!

Eden is now 2 years old! I feel like she has been 2 for the past 6 months! She is definitely a ball of energy and brings a lot of laughter into our family. Here are some fun things about Eden:

She was the first girl born at the new hospital in Gilbert, and got a huge gift basket full of baby things and got her picture in the paper!

Like a typical girl, Eden loves shoes! She brings me her sandals or shoes numerous times each day, asking me to put them on for her. She even does this when she already has shoes on!

She has a great villain laugh.

She loves stuffed animals and dolls.

She either talks in a high-pitched girly voice or a low voice.

She gives high-fives and then "pounds it."

She loves water and is not afraid one bit. I have to really watch her, because she'll just put her whole head under the water!

If she could, she would live off of fruit snacks and milk.

She loves animals, especially cats and dogs.

She likes to wrestle, but only if she doesn't get hurt.

She is a lot of fun and we can't imagine life without her!

Today was a pretty hectic day for us, since we had a few errands to do, plus it was Eden's birthday. We didn't have a party, so that cut out some of the stress. We had to go to Costco, where Jonah had a major meltdown and I still can't figure out why. Anyway, after lunch and a nap (sort-of), the kids got to try out their new pool. Eden got a blow-up pool for her birthday last year, but it popped on a windy monsoon day. It was blazing hot today, so I'm glad the kids got to spend some time cooling off. As you can see, they had a blast. I guess we should have gotten a bigger pool- the two of them can barely fit in that thing! I apologize for the nakedness here- we were too lazy to go upstairs and look for their swim suits!

After dinner, we sang "Happy Birthday" and ate some cupcakes. Of course, the kids ate mostly frosting. And just like Jonah's 2nd birthday, the birthday kid had to have a small tantrum to round out the festivities. Again, more nakedness- Eden would have ruined that new shirt from Grandma Willard. I'm not sure why Jonah is shirtless.
Later, Eden opened her presents from us: a baby doll, stroller, baby clothes, and bottles. She loved it and took her new baby for a long walk until it was time for bed. In addition to the gifts from my mom and Lexie, she got 2 more Backyardigans dolls with money from her Grandma Shirley and Great-Grandma Mingus. Thank you!

Eden we love you, and hope you had a great birthday!

Early Birthday for Eden

My mom has been staying with my sister, Lexie, and helping her out around the house since the new baby came. So since she was in town, she came over to visit for a day and brought Lexie and her two boys too. It is always nice for the kids to get together. Phoenix is already looking less alien-like and is really cute. He still has chubby cheeks too! Grandma makes balloon figures and she blew up some balloons for the kids to play with:

My mom and Lexie had also brought over presents for Eden's birthday, which is Saturday. They insisted that she open them then. It was fun. She got a cute new outfit from Grandma with cute sandals to match. She wanted to wear them right away. She is definitely a shoe girl. Lexie fueled her Backyardigans obsession with a plate, bowl, and place mat set, and the biggest stuffed Uniqua ever! It is literally as big as Eden. She loves it already and sleeps with it for every nap! Thanks, Grandma (and Grandpa) and Lexie (and Sharrid)!

(Click on the picture below to see it bigger)We had a good time making and eating homemade ice cream and watching the kids play. My mom fell in love all over again with Levi and decided that she was going to take him home with her. I tried to talk her out of it (I would miss him so much- he's so young!), but thank goodness when she told my dad the plan, he reminded her of all the stuff she has to do coming up. Sorry, Mom, maybe next time! Plus, Tibi would have killed her because she will be gone at Girls' Camp and would have missed seeing him.

Anyway, it was a fun day and Eden loves her new birthday loot. I hate to admit it, but I haven't really given much thought to what I should get her this year. I guess I have some shopping to do!

It's Good To Be Home

These are just some pictures of the kids hanging out in their new pjs the morning after we got back from our trip.

Peeling

I can't remember having this bad of a sunburn in my whole life! It doesn't hurt anymore, but it sure was painful while it was red. I guess I'm a lucky red-head because usually my sunburns tan in. Well, this time I am peeling, and it is gross. It was itching today, and when I touched my back, I realized how bad I was peeling. I snapped a picture so I could see it better. Sorry to gross you out, but here it is!

New Link

My cousin, Camie, and her husband, Chad, are in the process of adopting and have a new profile on LDS Family Services. The link to it is on the right. Please take a second to read it and pass it along to your friends and family. We hope and pray that Camie and Chad can find a precious little one to add to their family. They are great people and will make the best parents!

Our Trip to California

Sorry for all of the pictures, but I just had to post them! We just got back from a little trip to California. It was great to be back in Carlsbad- we realized that it had been three years since we'd even been to the beach. That is pretty pathetic. So, this trip was long overdue! The kids were great, and the weather was nice. I know we'll be back before three more years go by!

We got to stay with Peter's brother's family. Thanks, Jack and Kathy! The kids had so much fun jumping on the tramp in the back and playing on their swing set. The weather was perfect and they really played hard!

We took the kids to the beach on Saturday with their cousins. We put sunscreen all over them, but we forgot Jonah's hands, and I didn't put any on. I don't know why, but for some reason, I never feel like I will get burnt when it's overcast. And like usual, I was wrong! My back and shoulders got charred, and poor Jonah had red hands! Peter forgot to put sunscreen on his feet and burned them pretty bad too. And he didn't stop complaining about it the whole trip (although they did look bad)!

The kids had fun wading in the water and running away from the waves, which caught them a couple of times. It was pretty cold, but not too bad. It was fun for the kids to hang out with their cousins. Levi was pretty cute at the beach. He just loved touching the sand. I didn't think he was going to put it in his mouth, but then...wrong again. He got a nice little taste of Oceanside sand. Yum!

Sunday, after church, we went over to my Grandpa and Grandma's house. We got to pick some lemons from Grandpa's tree. The kids loved walking around in the garden and exploring the backyard. It was Levi's first time to meet his Great-Grandparents. He was in a really good mood (like usual) and loved being held and playing with everyone! He was really smitten with Grandma and Aunt Lisa!

The kids had fun playing and Jonah even sang and danced for everyone. We got to meet some new faces, too. A few babies have joined the family, and it was great to see them for the first time. It had been a long time since I had seen some of my cousins, and it was fun to catch up and learn the new craze- 8 person Make-a-Million. I admit, I wish there were more people around here so I could play more often.

Monday was a big day! We did Disneyland with the two oldest. A HUGE thanks to Kathy and Jack for watching Levi for the entire day (and most of the night)! We missed him a lot, but I don't think we could have done it with three kids!

We had been prepping the kids for Disneyland by getting some Mickey Mouse movies for them and telling them they were going to meet Mickey Mouse. But I don't think they understood until we got there! We spent a lot of time in the new (well, new to me) Tomorrowland.

The kids got better and better at waiting in line during the day. They were doing great until we went on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. They got pretty freaked out. I had never been on it, and I was even freaked out a little! They calmed down after a while, but then we freaked them out again with the Haunted Mansion. They were really only scared at the beginning, and started getting better throughout the ride. It was pretty dark in there for them, though.

Jonah liked the Mad Hatter Shop, and Eden liked Minnie's House in Toon Town!

They had plenty of fun. We got to see Mickey and Goofy, and they saw Buzz Lightyear walking through the crowd as we waited for a ride. They loved the Buzz Lightyear ride, which we went on twice, Toon Town, the train, The Jungle Cruise, and Pirates. But they really loved Autopia! I wish I had a better camera, because the look on the kids' faces was priceless and my pictures came out kind of blurry. Jonah was laughing so hard! We went on that ride twice in a row.

I had been worried that it might be crowded, since we were going in June, but school wasn't out for most places yet, and the lines were really pretty short. I think the longest line we waited in was 45 minutes for the rockets in Tomorrowland. We also waited about that long to see Mickey in Toon Town. We only waited about 10-15 mintues for every other ride.

We got to see the band play in New Orleans. The kids liked that. Jonah just watched it so seriously! Eden started dancing in the stroller:

We had a really fun time, but the kids were so pooped at the end on the day, they fell asleep within seconds of getting them in the car! It was a lot of fun. Next time, I think we'll take Levi. He will be one soon, and there are actually a lot of rides we could take him on.

We came home on Tuesday, after getting some shaved ice, cruising the beach one last time and doing a little bit of shopping. It was really nice to be back in Carlsbad. I fell asleep on the way home and woke up in 100-degree barren desert Yuma. I thought, "Yep, we are definitely back in Arizona!"