Star Wars Birthday Party

I got suckered into having a birthday party for Creighton.  I always said I would do one every other year, and after the big Spiderman Party last year, this was definitely supposed to be the off year.  However, after him repeatedly talking about his Star Wars Birthday party, making invitations, asking everyone what character they were going to be, etc....I gave in.

He really wanted the Star Wars Characters to be there, but I was reluctant.  After the catastrophe last year, (I can still hear the screaming children in my head....or maybe that's because I re-watched the video today - haha), I didn't know how I felt about anyone dressing up in a costume.  I got over it though, and a friend of mine lent me their Darth Vader and Princess Leia costume.  My sweet sister and the wonderful Matthew (Lindsey's Boyfriend) dressed up and they were FANTASTIC!!!

The best part....Darth Vader captured Princess Leia and the Jedis had to spring into action and defeat the evil Darth to save her.  Each child was given light saber and then they attacked.  It was hilarious and Matt was such a good sport (especially since some of my nieces and nephews were in the teens and they fought hard).

They eventually cut off his arm and Princess Leia was freed.  The music changed the Death March to the Star Wars Theme Song and all was well again.

 It really was so much fun.  I only wish I had remembered my camera and my video camera.  :(  For now, you can enjoy these 2 pictures.  However....there is more to come!!  A friend of mine brought her fancy camera and took pictures for me.  I will post those a little later.  Yay!

Ok Creighton.  Your week of fun is over.  Real life begins tomorrow.  Oh, and you're 4 now so I have many new expectations.  Get ready buddy.  Get ready.  :)

Creighton Turns 4

Creighton turned 4 on Wednesday.  I already did his "where has time gone post," so this post is to show the festivities of the day.

Josie and I took the kids to the Children's museum after school and then to McDonald's to lunch.  How come it always seems like such a good idea, but by the time we get back in the car we swear we aren't going to be "cool moms" anymore.

 

That night, we went out to dinner at "The Old Spaghetti Factory."  Afterwards, we went back to the house for  presents, singing, and cake and ice cream.

Blowing out the candles

Getting the other boys involved.

Go boys, Go!

And Mitch trying to save the cake from the spit.

 The night ended with a light saber fight.

 Oh...and a visit from a star wars character....showing he has the force.

Happy Birthday Creighton James!!

4 years ago, my little Creighton was born....and since that time, he has provided us with unending comic relief.

He is something special.

It's so funny how different each child is.  Creighton is definitely an individual.  He has the biggest smile, the most energy, and always keeps me on my toes.

If you haven't ever heard Creighton tell you a story.  You should.  It's very animated and he will make you smile.

Today, 4 years later, Creighton is:

44 inches tall (91%)
&
43 pounds (97%)

I think about what Creighton will be like when he is older all the time.  Probably more than the other boys...I don't know why.  He told me that at school they call him "Silly Creighton" and "Clown Creighton."  Kind of makes me a little apprehensive to go to Parent Teachers. No, I'm kidding.  I'm excited.  I just hope they get a kick out of his humor and they are able to keep it directed in a positive way.  

I still can't believe it has been four years.  Seriously, where does time go?

Happy Birthday Creighton!  Our family would never be the same without you.  Please always stay happy!!!  You are my sunshine.

Technology

This post may be offensive.  If you are one to be easily offended, I warn you now, don't read.

I've had this post in my head for a while.  I never actually get fingers to keyboard and get it out, but every time I get a text from a sweet, amazing, wonderful someone that will remain nameless...I am reminded I want to get it out.

There is a reason this blog is not private.  The reason:  this special nameless person.  They just couldn't figure out how to get on to my site.  (I will note that this special nameless person has since figured it out.  Yay!)  Now I am not private just because.  But remember, we don't remind the Mitchell.

This special nameless person has started texting in the last few months and it has provided me with great entertainment.  Have you ever seen the site, "When Parents Text."  There have been times when I want to send some of these texts in.

The best was when this special nameless person got a app called, "Dragon Dictation."  Have you heard of it?  You can talk it in and it will type out what you are saying.  Yeah, it doesn't work.  IN THE LEAST.

However, I kind of wish this special nameless person used it still because it provided me with great entertainment.  My favorite part.....every time he/she would say my husband's name (Mitch), the M was replaced with a B.  Here are a few of the favorites (I will edit Mitch's name by just writing a B):

-Did B get a computer.  Cock me.  Ummm..What?

-Get jacket on the bus this morning and what the weather did Jack get on the bus and what is the weather.  Ummm....What?  What???

-Are Allie this is **** recording my text how's everything going and I got to meet Nick can you give me a call.  Ummm....who's Nick?  and maybe you shouldn't record your texts.  (P.S. it wasn't Nick...I can't remember who it was but it wasn't even close to that name.)

OK. That's probably enough.  I could go on but I don't want to make this special nameless person feel bad.  I will say that since "Dragon Dictation" is no longer used and the texts are much better So....for this reason, I do not blame the person.  I blame Technology.

It is never User Error.  It's always Technology.  Yes, Yes, Always.

In closing, I will leave you with some of my favorites from "When Parents Text . COM"

MOM:	Do you want waffles or muffins for breakfast? Just text “A1” for waffles or “B1” for muffins.
ME:	Why did you go through all that trouble? Why can’t I just text “waffles” or “muffins”?
MOM:	We are texting in code! ;););) :)
ME:	Waffles
MOM:	A1 or B1?
ME:	WAFFLES
MOM:	Sooo…A1?
ME:	Mom. Yes.
MOM:	I think I would rather have muffins. I’m making muffins WHEN GRANDPARENTS TEXT: GRANDPA: I finished the harry potter movie. Couldnt hear half of it because my hearing aid fell out but it was visually stimulating. But not as visually stimulating as Avatar. What is Voldamert’s purpose in life?

MOM: Your great aunt just passed away.  LOL
ME:  Why is that funny?
MOM:  It's not funny!  Wht do you mean?
ME:  Mom lol mean laughing out loud!
MOM:  Oh my goodness!!  I sent that to everyone I thought it meant lots of love.

No rest for the wicked.....and mothers.....apparently

Mitch titled this blog post.  So special thanks to him on his input.

Back to the post.....

Just wanted to document this ever so true comment Jackson made the other day.

J:  "I can't WAIT until Creighton turns 4 so I don't have to put his seatbelt on him anymore.  I'm so tired.  I need a break!"
M:  "Oh really Jackson.  And when does Mom ever get a break."
J:  "When you die."

So true.  So true.

Regret

Have you ever told someone you would do something for them, only to regret completely agreeing to it?

I believe my parents might be going through some of this regret.

 And the kicker:

Courtesy of:  The Boys

I could write and tell you of my frustrations.  I could write and tell you that the writing on the wall was just removed to be redrawn on in the same exact spots AGAIN.  I could write and tell you that I have been having even more vivid dreams of "The Room" (Aka: The Jail).  And I could write and tell you the tears that have been shed.  However, I will not.  I think the pictures probably show all this.  No need to write.  I will say this though:

I am sorry Mom and Dad.  So, So, Sorry.

An Underwear Day

Don't worry, I'm not potty training again.  I know none of you are ready for my potty training stories...nor am I.  However, one day last week Easton was acting like he was.

He was refusing to wear a diaper and sat on the potty multiple times with no success.  One time, it was completely obvious he had to go...crossing his legs and looking uncomfortable.  I decided to run really fast and grab the stool to help him.  I didn't run fast enough.  He followed me up the stairs and then did his business right there on the stair.

Still, I was a "cool" mom and let him wear underwear.  I finally got a diaper on him and then told him that when we went to the store we would let him pick out some underwear.

The underwear of choice:  Choo Choo

Him and his cousin Beck had a great time wearing them.  Easton had 2 pair over his pants and he wore them the entire day and cried and cried when I finally took them off that night.

He's added a new element to his "Cheesy Smile:"  Eyes closed.

 I think my favorite was when Cousin Beck came down from his nap like this.  He couldn't figure out why I was laughing.

Well, since this ONE day the underwear has stayed in the drawer where it will remain for a long, long, time.  I still haven't recovered from last year's potty training event.

Happy Valentines Day

Love,

The Boys

(P.S....Thanks Anisha for this awesome Valentine idea!)

Amazing Things Happen

Last night I was watching a movie and one of the characters really said something that struck me.  They said how the kids will drive you crazy, do awful things, drive you crazy, and then....something amazing happens.  Then....they drive you crazy, do awful things, drive you crazy, and then....something amazing happens.  I couldn't agree more.

So....I go in the bathroom and see how nasty it is and I'm bugged.  Then, one of them spills their entire glass of apple juice.  Then, one of them hits me in the head with a plastic bat (not on purpose of course, but it still hurt).  But then...I see all of them standing their with their little bums facing me getting ready for the bath to fill up with water and I realize this whole motherhood thing really is magical and I don't want them to grow up.  Then, one of them gets a sharpie and writes all over.  Then, one of them gets climbs out of their crib for the millionth time.  Then, one of them climbs out of their bed, runs outside their room naked, and pees on the floor.  But then....they cry for me and just want one more hug and they hug me and tell me they love me and something amazing happens and I am happy and I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything.

I am thankful for those amazing moments.  I am thankful to be a mother.  I am thankful for the three cutest boys in the entire world.

Valentine Parties

You mention "Party" and you can bribe my kids for a week.  They love them.  They were so excited for their school Valentine parties.  Since they don't have school tomorrow, they had their parties on Friday.  Here they are with "the goods."

Their personal favorites were the Star Wars Valentine, Transformer, and a bug tattoo.

Ain't it great, Mitch is 28!

So I just told Mitch that I had to blog.  He said, "What about?" I replied, "Um, your birthday."  He then said that since I didn't get him a birthday present, me not blogging about his birthday could be his present.

I then politely reminded him about the two gifts I gave him and here I am blogging.

Love you honey!

I selfishly must admit that a spouse's birthday is not all that fun (father's day has to be the worst ).  On that day, don't you feel like you can't ask the hubby for anything?  I wear my super happy and cheesy face all day (sometimes my mouth even hurts a little from the smiling) and I usually end up baking all day. (Father's Day, as I mentioned, is the worst because then you're at church having to act like you don't need any help and you're baking, cooking, etc....all with that smile.)

Well, with Mitch ferociously studying for the bar, we didn't get to see him much.  We were able to meet him at Sweet Tomatoes with his family to celebrate.  There is something about Sweet Tomatoes that makes my kids crazy.  Seriously crazy.  Mitch was about a half hour late and I felt bad for every other customer in the joint until he showed up.  Unable to get the kids food and keep them under control, I returned back to the table to find Creighton: going around asking random people if they wanted some mac n cheese, Showing his cousin his underwear, and the worst.....he had a butter knife in each hand and he was doing some type of karate move.  Yes, very embarrassing.

After Mitch arrived, I felt like I wasn't being ganged up on and we had an enjoyable evening.

Here are some pics from the evening.

I'm so sad this picture turned out blurry.  How you can you be mad at this face?
I still was....but it was short lived.

Could you tell on the cake pictures that one of my kids got a hold of my camera and I'm guessing they must have licked the lens?  Thanks boys.

Happy Birthday Mitch!

The SOUPer Bowl

It's been 5 years....but we were back!  My parents have a SOUPer bowl party every year with my dad's side of the family.  It's always so fun to get together with them and catch up.  My mom always goes all out.  This year we had 8 different soups and my dad always names them.  My favorite name this year:  "Brothless Burger Vegetable Soup."  My favorite moment of the evening:  Watching my boys and Beckham rock out to the Black Eye Peas during the Half Time Show.  They love to dance!

Unfortunately, like always, little to no pictures were taken.  (I think I only take pictures when I am mad or something, maybe I ought to change that habit or my kids will just think they had an angry mom.  Hmmmm.  Note to self: Work on that.)  Here are two of the boys eating their desserts.

Aren't they the cutest?  Yes, they are mine.

Mental Snapshot

I've been wanting to write this down all day.  I took a mental snapshot of it, and I never want to forget.

Jackson is at the age where he still loves me.  I know it won't last long, so I have to treasure this time.  When I drop him off for school, he almost always turns back after a couple steps and waves in this so happy energetic way that I can't describe.  Then, he blows me a kiss and yells..."I love you mom."

I love you too Jack!  Please never stop doing this.....please.

I am Jillian Michaels

Yes, I am Jillian Michaels.  Not in the rock hard abs sort of sense, but in an entirely different way.

Did you see the 1st episode this season?  It was hilarious.  Jillian decided that she wasn't going to yell.  She announced it to the contestants Bob was mocking her in the background.  It then proceeds to show her getting frustrated and her voice gets louder and louder, until eventually, she is yelling.  I thought this was hilarious.  I loved Bob's commentary.

This morning, I realized that I am just like her.  Countless times, I decide I am not going to yell anymore.  Last night, after contemplating the day, I concluded that I shouldn't yell anymore.  I was determined.  Well, by about 8:30 a.m. during bath time....I was yelling.  It was at that moment that the "Biggest Loser" scene came back to me and I knew:  I am Jillian Michaels.  Even so, I am going to try again tomorrow.

P.S. Please no judging me.  I wasn't a yeller with one child, I wasn't even really one at 2 children, however, maybe it's the feeling that they all gang up on me or maybe I've just lost my patience and marbles...but I am now a yeller.

Oh, and on a side note:  http://eatathomecooks.com/ is doing a giveaway of one of my books.  This site is really cool.  She actually has a meal plan for every week of the year which gives you 6 meals with recipes and a grocery list!!  It's awesome.  Check it out and if you want a book, just leave a comment on that post and you'll be entered to win.

Frustrated

For those that have followed my blog have probably noticed that I tend to blog when I am frustrated.  Mitch hates when I do this.  He wishes I could channel my frustration in a different way.  One that doesn't embarrass him or make the world think I'm crazy.  He feels that the family blog is just to document our awesomeness and the mundane things we do each day.  However, I don't feel this way.  I blog for two reasons.  1 - Venting makes me feel better & 2 - I want my boys' wives to know that I feel their pain when they are young mothers (for some reason my in-laws and parents think it makes me feel better to know that their kids were perfect and they don't ever remember them doing these naughty things).  So, after that rambling, here is why I am frustrated this week.

#1 - I am tired, my mom is tired, and my sister is tired of having wet bums when we sit down to go to the bathroom.  I don't understand why they can't get their urine in the toilet.  How hard is it?  I really wish I would have taught them to sit down.  Mitch absolutely forbid this.  He claims it makes them less of men.  WHO CARES??  They aren't men.  They are boys.

The reason for the ranting....I just went to go to the bathroom, RIGHT after the bathroom had been cleaned and here is what I found.

#2 - Being awoken in the dead of sleep - The last 2 nights (while Mitch was away) I was awoken from a very deep sleep to a crying E.  I go in there to find him....in the nude...shivering.  You would think that I would have learned from this after the 1st night and secured his pj's.  However, as I mentioned, I was in a DEEP sleep.  I remembered him crying and I remembered being really frustrated, but I didn't remember the nude part until he did it again the 2nd night.  It's really hard getting a diaper on and pajamas when you are totally out of it.  Last night, he was especially cold because he was laying in his pee.  I think that's why I remember more clearly because it also involved moving him into a different bed.  Tonight, we will be securing the pjs.

#3 - Cabin Fever -

What I came down to when I got out of the shower.
Who knows where the chocolate face came from.

My kids are into everything.  This house is hard for me to keep track of them.  They are being really "creative" and I can't wait for Spring.

Tell me if this is a terrible idea  (don't worry, my sister and parents already told me how awful I am and that what I am describing is "jail," but I still really want it).  OK...so I was thinking that when we finally get a house, I want to have a giant room in the basement with a 5 foot walls.  Just tall enough so the kids couldn't get out, but that I could easily see in.  There would be a door that locks and a "drive-through" type window where I can put in toys and they can slide them back (of course they can only get the new toys when the old toys have been put through the window).  It would the "FUN ROOM."  I would have a mini tramp, a slide, a t.v. w/ a bean bag, and each wall would be either a chalk board, white board, magnet board, etc.  How cool huh?  Basically I just want a place that would contain the destruction.  Even if it's just while I shower or go to the bathroom. Not somewhere they have to be all day.  Just somewhere to save me from wondering...."Hmmm, I haven't seen child #2 in a while" and then find out why and cry.

Ok, ok, I'm done.  There you have it.

Oh, and so I go out on a good note, here are some pictures of when I was trying to be a cool mom yesterday and took them to the children's museum:

Oh and if I haven't mentioned it, I have the coolest kids ever!  I love them, love them, love them....Even when I am super frustrated.  And a special thanks to my dad and sister for watching the children so I could write this post.  It was very appreciated.