"Dandelizing?"

So, last night, Granty and I were watching the news in our room. That's probably my most favorite time of day...the kids are in bed, and I can relax in my delightfully serene room! Anyway, Kaleb came upstairs to say goodnight. (for some reason my boys seem to think they don't need pajamas because it's more manly to sleep in their boxers!) He stood in my doorway, in his boxers and said, "So mom...do I look dandelizing to you?" and wiggled his little hips. I was completely stumped--dandelizing? It took me a second to figure out what he was talking about when I asked, "Do you mean tantalizing?" "Yeah! Yeah!" Oh yes son...there is no other person more "dandelizing" than you!!

Turning the big ONE TWO!!

Well, today Kaleb & Cameron are turning 12! TWELVE I tell you!! It is so hard for me to fathom that they are turning 12, being ordained on Sunday, will start passing the sacrament AND go to JUNIOR HIGH next year! Holiday-hoobie-whatie? MY boys...MY little twins (well, Kaleb is little!)...MY silly duo, are pre-teens? What the crap? Who told them to grow up so fast??

The day I met my boys still seems so recent. Grant, Tim and I went over to their foster parent's home to meet them and Taylor. Kaleb's chubby cheeks were so squeezable, I had to stop myself from pinching them. I didn't wanna scare the poor kid before he was even mine! And Cameron had these enormous green eyes--the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen! I could hardly believe they were going to be mine!

Despite everything my boys have been through, they have struggled through like warriors. They are both so brave, so smart, so full of enthusiasm, and so determined--it's no wonder the world never got them down, even at it's darkest.

KALEB--I love your personality! You have a way of making anything funny, and even though sometimes you get out of control and have to be reminded OFTEN to settle down, you are a joy to be around! You are still small enough to cuddle and hold (even though you are now 12!!) and I love the fact you like being close to me. You aren't perfect, but you have a heart of gold and I KNOW you try to do the right thing. I love your smile, your laugh, your awesome stories, your hugs and your kisses! I'm proud of you and can't wait to watch you pass the sacrament. You are the best Squonkie! I LOVE YOU!

CAMERON--I love your confidence! I don't think there has ever been anything placed before you that you have feared doing. You don't back down, EVER, and you are determined to see things through. Sometimes that makes conflict between you and I, but the older you get, the less we clash and that makes me SO HAPPY! I know you try hard to get along with your sister, and it makes me happy that you TRY, even though it doesn't always happen! You have beautiful eyes--the windows to a truly beautiful soul. Although you don't want to admit it, you really are a good boy, and I'm so lucky to be your mom! I know you will take your new priesthood responsibility to heart, and will remember to always do what is right. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU Blind Kid!!

You two are awesome--I couldn't have asked for better boys! You are like my own strippling warriors, never fearing the world and obeying our Heavenly Father. I hope I have taught you all you need to know as you venture into the world without me by your side. I'll always be here when you need your mother's arms around you! I love you both so much! Happy Birthday!!

Holey Socks...

This morning, I noticed that Kaleb had on mismatched socks. Not only were they mismatched, but they had holes in them. So...I asked him, "Kaleb..WHY are you wearing such awful looking socks?" Kaleb, my comedian, put his hands on his hips and said, "Can't a man wear unmatched socks, woman?" I don't think I stopped laughing for a full 5 minutes!

"Seussical"

Since December of last year, 55 awesome, super-talented kids and 4 teachers have worked, and worked and worked on their production of "Seussical". We were so excited for our little Taylor and the chance she got to be a part of this amazing production--and I do mean amazing! They did such a fantatstic job! We can't wait for next year!

Oh the thinks you can think, when you think about Seuss!!

Daddy in training...

I couldn't help taking these pictures of Tim with Elijah, one of the kids I babysit. He is so gentle and loving with little children! For me, this was a delightful peek into the future...

Feeling Happy

I'm really happy today. It's general conference weekend. I love conference weekend and the awesome messages that our church leaders give. As a kid it wasn't easy for me to sit and listen, and I know that's true about my kids as well. Usually we just encourage the kids to listen on Sunday--every t.v. and radio in the house delivers the spoken word, so it's kinda hard to miss. Saturday is generally a bit lower key and we are doing chores and such around the house.

Between sessions of conference today, Granty and I ran some quick errands. One of those was a stop at Walmart to get our boys new shirts and ties for Easter. Taylor already has her dress and I told Granty we needed to do something for the boys, too. Anyway, while standing there in the boys section at Walmart, Granty said, "Do the boys have decent church clothes to wear to the priesthood session tonight?" All of the sudden I realized that ALL 3 of my boys can go now! The twins are 3 weeks away from being 12 and Tim is almost 15. Time sure does fly!

I'm grateful for a husband who knows it is important to take our boys to listen to our prophet. I know it's hard to sit and listen for almost 2 hours, but it's something that they will remember when they are older--going to conference with their dad. PLUS, there is dinner in it for them after the session is over! Who could pass THAT up?

I look forward to the day that Taylor is 12 and we can start going to the Young Women's Broadcast, as well as the Relief Society Broadcast. But, tonight we will just do the "girls thing". Isn't the church awesome? Encouraging families to spend time together, learning more about our Heavenly Father and Jesus--what a perfect plan!

I guess today I'm just feeling happy. Happy I have such a great family; that we can spend some quality time together this weekend; that we get to listen to conference; that tomorrow I can try harder at the things I'm falling short at; and happy to be a member of this church. I'm just happy. :)

"Seeping in da Boo-tee"

I have an awesome job! I'm my own boss, I report to NOBODY, and I get to play, make messes and watch "Barney" all day! I babysit some of the most darling kids (next to my own, of course), and although it's exhuasting most days, I love it!

Today, Samantha and I were eating breakfast while the other kids napped, and I found myself giggling with a 2 yr old little princess!

me: Who's on your jammies, Sammie?

Sam: Pincess Awowa (Princess Aurora)

me: Is she Sleeping Beauty?

Sam: Yeah she's Seeping in da Boo-tee!

me: She's sleeping?

Sam: (patting her tummy with a cheerio) No! Seeping in da Boo-tee eating cereal.

She's too cute. We watch "Seeping in da Boo-tee" almost every day and she squeals with delight. She's definitely her mommy & daddy's little princess and I'm so lucky to spend my days with her!