Dinner Time!

We've been eating a lot of breakfast foods for dinner lately - namely pancakes and french toast. Why? Because it is one thing that my *selective* toddler will eat with relish. And he likes to help make it too. Heaven forbid that I whisk together the eggs and pumpkin (I make healthy versions) by myself. If he even catches a glimpse of a wire whisk, he's right on top of it. It makes the clean up a little more interesting, but we're cooking up memories along with our dinner. Since I'm usually working on dinner before Brad gets home, and dinnertime happens to be a fussy time for my youngest, he gets strapped on my back for the activity.

1 "worn" baby + 1 whisking toddler + 1 disheveled mommy = good food and fun!

The other night Eli had a major sobbing tantrum just before dinner, and we soon discovered why. He inhaled most of his pancakes, but then just couldn't quite make it to the last bite. He passed out in mid-bite... completely ASLEEP sitting up with the fork halfway to his mouth!!! He sat there with his head-bobbing for a few minutes while we video-taped him. It was hi-la-ri-ous!!!! We started getting worried that he was going to hit his head on the table, so we took him up to bed. Well the stinker woke right up and wouldn't go back to sleep for another three hours... it was worth the laughs though!

YUMO:

Pumpkin Pancakes
1 C whole wheat pastry flour - 3/4 C unbleached white flour
1 Tbs baking powder - 1/2 tsp salt (I omitted)
2 tsp cinnamon -1/2 tsp ground ginger -1/4 tsp allspice - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1 C pureed pumpkin or winter squash
1 tsp vanilla
2 C milk
3 Tbs canola oil

Stir (and sift) together all the dry ingredients in a med. size
bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the pumpkin & vanilla.
Beat in the milk & oil until smooth. Add to flour mixture. Cook as usual! These smelled *wonderful* while cooking....like Christmas! SOURCE: "Beyond the
Moon" cookbook by Ginny Callan **Freezes Well**

http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlerbreakfast.htm

This Boy

Apparently Eli is now referring to himself as "this boy." Today it was "help this boy" and "hug this boy." Also today I asked him if he was my boy, and he said "yeah, MINE boy!" Later I was cuddling him and Owen both on my lap, and he said "oh, MINE boys!" Then Eli held Owen's hand - it was so precious! Yep, I love mine boys =). While they were both still cuddled on my lap, Eli said "Love you mama" for the very first time!!!

Really that had to be one of the most tender moments of motherhood that I've had so far... and it got me thinking. Usually when we (I) think about these early and intense parenting years, besides "hard work," the word "sacrifice" often comes to mind. But looking deeper, I can see that all the hours/days/weeks/months/YEARS of cuddling, rocking, holding, singing, reading, playing, nursing and loving are not so much a sacrifice as they are an INVESTMENT in the future. And days like today show me that some of the fruits of those efforts are not so far in coming. So please, next time I vent on this blog about how tired and stressed I am, remind me of this truth! =)

My Seminary Teacher

Dear Brother Howells,

My heart was saddened to learn that you were taken from this earth so unexpectedly. It weighed even heavier knowing that I missed the chance to thank you in this life for the lasting impact you made on mine. I last saw you at my wedding reception 6 ½ years ago, and I should have thanked you then. I can only hope to have the chance one day to tell you, but for now I thank your family for sharing you with so many of us.

I was a sophomore at CDO during your first year of teaching seminary there (1996). I think all of us were a little unsure about getting a new teacher, but you won everyone over pretty quickly. Your enthusiasm for the Gospel was contagious, and your ability to make studying it fun was just what we all needed. It was through studying the Book of Mormon in seminary that year that I first really gained a testimony of the Gospel. Your own personal example of kindness has stayed with me through the years. You had an ability to show genuine interest in each of us as individuals, which for me personally made me feel important during a time when I was struggling and really needed a boost. You were like an extra father figure to me, and to many of us.

Your dedication to and love for your family is also something I will always remember. You couldn’t talk about your wife without completely lighting up, and you kept a framed poem she had written to you in your office. Surely your children have grown up a lot in the past ten years, but I remember your two darling little girls coming to visit you at Seminary, and how you and they both would light up every single time. I knew that I wanted to live my life in such a way that I could have a family like that someday.

All I have left to say is thank you. Thank you for giving of yourself, for living in an exemplary way, for loving those around you, for changing lives. I thank your family for sharing your light with us, and my heart goes out to them as I know they will be sorely missing you along with the rest of us.

Til we meet again,

Jeanine Kramer Benson

Obituary

Stranger Danger

Eli has "stranger danger" down pat! It has come to him naturally - whenever ANYONE says "hi" to him that he is not sure about, he SCREAMS bloody murder. What a great survival skill... it just gets a little old when he keeps screaming at the SAME people that we see every week at story time, or at church. At least I *thought* it was annoying... until today.....

I had the kids at church by myself again. A young man in our ward came and sat in front of us in Sacrament Meeting, and he happens to be a little obsessed with my kids - to the point that it makes me a little uncomfortable. I'm polite, but I usually try to dodge his attention. Today he kept turning around in his seat and practically hanging over the bench to touch Owen and try to hi-five Eli. Eli steered clear for a while, but it was still really distracting to have this guy in my "space" and touching my baby ... just when I was starting to get really annoyed with the situation, Eli saved the day. He suddenly scoots next to me, puts his hand on Owen, and looks right at this kid.... and yells "NO!!! E-I's! Mommy's Owen!" The kid gave us a wide-eyed look and turned back around in his seat. He didn't bother us the rest of the meeting - way to go Eli! He's Mr. Protective these days =).

Dancing Day

Today was one of those wonderful days that was just great for no special reason. Eli crept into my room bright and early this morning, and though I wasn't ready to be up yet, his and Owen's giggles got me going. After breakfast, we danced the morning away to some Fisher Price baby dance music (think nursery rhymes gone techno) and Raffi's Banana Phone. I actually wore Owen in a wrap, which I haven't done much since the newborn days. He LOVED all the dancing in it... he even went to sleep. After I wore myself out, we slow danced with the whales to Orca Suite (piano music with whale sounds). Lunch went smoothly, then we played outside! It was cool enough for a light jacket, but otherwise sunny and cheerful. Eli loves his little sand table that I got for free off the side of the road, and throwing rocks into a bowl of water. Then, naps and quiet time. Dinner was one of Eli's favorites - French Toast! It's always a boost to see him actually enjoy a meal. We read some books, then all three of us hopped in a warm bath together. Owen went to sleep at 630 so I got to enjoy some quiet one on one getting Eli ready for bed - then Brad got home! He made it home in time to say goodnight to Eli, who was very pleased. He kept saying "Daddy come home" and giving Brad kisses. Now Owen's back up and being fussy, but Brad's got him. Just an ordinary lovely day!

And by request of my dad, I got some pictures from our dancefest. I figured out the timer function on my camera - nevermind that my hair is not done and I don't have makeup on. It's just honesty... that's how I look everyday unless I have some big plans outside the house, ha!




And you know I can't help myself. I take a lot of pictures because looking at them reminds me how much I love my kids - and Brad gets to see what we do all day. Here are the boys doing their thing.

Foop Toes

The two year old "language explosion" has me cracking up on a daily basis. Eli has turned into a little fountain of funnies, and the things he tries to repeat always surprise me. I thought I'd put down some of the recent ones.

Funny Pronunciations:

Foop toes - French toast
Abocabo Sambeech - Avocado Sandwich
Bubba-fwy - Butterfly
Here geh go - Here ya go
Psee-puh - Pizza
Tamin - Dolphin
Luh boo - Love you
Takes! - Thanks!
Sowee - Sorry
Juan - Swan
Sock - Shark
Sea-ego - "sea eagle" meaning Seagull
Foof or Sheesh - Fish
Baby C's - ABC's
Kick - Stick
Kiss Keek - Kiss Cheek
Ba-ba - Grandpa
Mah-Mah - Grandma
Nus - Nurse
E-I - Eli
Tahdos - Dinosaurs
Rex - TRex
Hamma - Hammerhead Shark
OH! S'at! - Oh, what's that?!
Die - Car
Guts or Guck - Duck
Butt - Bat
Mockey - Monkey
Bi-mins - Vitamins
Hnot - Snot
Hnow - Snow
Anoner one - Another one
Hoopa Why - Super Why (a PBS cartoon about the alphabet that he loves)

A big wayo sock eat yeyow foof! - A big whale-shark eats a yellow fish!

Funny Stories:

When Owen cries, Eli will sometimes kiss him, or tell him "Ok Owen! Ok!" He will also ask "You OK mama?" and then "mama kiss" if I say "ow."He will say to himself "You OK?" if he gets hurt.

All four of us were in bed one morning, and Eli took turns kissing everyone saying first "Mommy kiss, Daddy kiss, or Owen kiss." Then he looks at Brad and points to his face and says "Daddy ha' biiiiig blowhole!" Keep in mind the kid loves whales, but it sounds so borderline naughty.

My visiting teacher was over and she was talking baby talk to Owen, who was smiling and cooing and eating it up. Eli sees this and runs to my side, looks at my visiting teacher and tells her "NO! Mommy's Owen!" What a protective big brother.

Eli also tortures Owen, but somehow thinks it's ok as long as he follows it up with a kiss, and pats him saying "Nice Owen." Guess I need to clarify that one =).

Sitting in church, our friends were sitting behind us and their newborn started filling her diaper. Eli hears this and announces "Oh mommy, POOP!"

Whenever Eli gets upset with me during the day, he will cry "Daddy, come home!"

I took the kids to an Enrichment activity the other night. Walking out to the car, there was a freezing wind blowing and we didn't have our coats. Eli starts screaming "HOT! Oh, it's HOT!!!" Haha. No, it's freezing Eli, but I know what you mean!

Almost every bite of food is now "Too Big!" and must be cut down more before he will eat it.

Says "Yay" for everything, but says it in a serious and matter of fact way, so it's funny.

Eli is always interested when I'm nursing Owen. He will come over and say "Some!" and put his mouth next to Owen's and pretent he is nursing too. He also likes to stake claim to the other "side" and will point to where Owen is nursing and say "Owen's" then point to the other side and say "E-I's" then point to himself and say "Big Baby's."

One night I was putting him to bed. I was tired and he wasn't so I fell asleep on his pillow while he laid there playing with his whales. After a bit, I woke up to Eli's face right in mine. He gave me three kisses and then said "'Night Mama, 'Night" then he laid down on his pillow and went right to sleep. That was a melt your heart moment!

Eli will insist "Need Hep! Need Hep!" (hep=help) whenever he wants out of the tub, or to get his jammies on.

At a friend's house in Surprise when we were visiting, their daughters had a poster of the Disney Princesses on their wall. Eli points to the princesses saying "Big Mommy Guys." Now all women are "mommy guys."

In Tucson, Eli loved feeding the ducks and would talk about them all the time. "Oh guts! Big guts, Mommy guts, Daddy guts..."

In Utah while driving in the car, we hear Eli in the back saying "Mommy die, Daddy die, baby die." We cracked up - he calls cars "dies" and was merely pointing out mommy, daddy, and baby cars - or big and little cars. It sounded crazy though.

While bowling in Utah - the bowling ball was a "big mama wayo (whale) ball."

Coincidence?

Apparently my blog controls the universe. First, I complain about the weather here, then we FINALLY start getting some sunny days. Today was so warm in fact, that we spent over 2 hours playing outside with rocks and water, in SHORT SLEEVES. Yes, I know to you Arizonans that 50 degree weather does not warrant short sleeves, but after our winter here it almost felt HOT.

Second, I complain about not getting sleep - then last night Eli ONLY woke up once, and I was able to get him back to sleep in his own bed where he stayed for the rest of the night. I still had to nurse Owen of course, but I'll take just dealing with one kid at night.

So there you have it. I guess I should start blogging about the bad economy, and all the war and violence in the world and maybe something will change.....

=)

Mother Torture

Here's a rundown from last night...

8pm - Kids finally in bed. I put together a quick list and Brad runs to the store for me. I work on my Sunday School lesson and get a shower.

9:30pm - Brad goes to bed. I go downstairs to finish folding laundry and doing dishes.

10:15pm - I head upstairs to bed, only to realize I hear Eli bawling in his room. I go in to comfort him, but he is really upset. He won't let me touch him, but doesn't want me to leave the room. It takes a long time to get him settled.

11pm - I finally go to bed, but have a hard time falling asleep.

12-ish - Owen wakes up to nurse. I keep him in bed with me after that.

2-ish - Owen wakes up. I can't remember if I nursed him or not.

4am - Owen wakes up to nurse. I feel like I haven't gone into a deep sleep yet tonight.

4:20am - Just get Owen back to sleep and I hear Eli creep into our room. He gets in our bed.

5:30am - Eli is still laying awake in our bed, so I'm still awake. Brad gets up to get ready for work, Eli insists he needs to "EAT." Brad gets him a bagel and puts him in his room with a DVD.

5:45am - I realize Eli probably won't go back to sleep with the movie on, and he needs to be rested so he's not a beast at church since I will be flying solo with both kiddos. I go get him and take him back to my bed and tell him it's time to "GO NIGHT!."

6:30am - Eli finally falls back asleep and I start dozing.

7:30am - Owen wakes to nurse and wants to be awake for the day...I keep him in bed hoping he'll doze off again and he eventually does... I start to doze.

8:30am - Eli wakes up for the day and starts babbling, which wakes Owen again who starts his "baby talk." Eli heads downstairs to play. I can hear him; I'm laying next to Owen listening to him as well; yet I CAN'T MOVE or open my eyes. Laying there totally wiped out, I'm thinking about how we are all going to be late for church because I have to get the boys ready by myself and church starts at 10am... and I just CAN'T get up.

9:10am - I finally WILL myself out of bed....

The sad thing is, I've had more nights like this than not lately. I'll admit that I was feeling pretty sorry for myself this morning! Tired does not even describe the feeling. I was so grumpy that if I didn't have to teach a lesson at church I might have just stayed home! I manged to get us all dressed in record time, and when I came downstairs, Brad had left me a sweet note before he left for work. It really lifted my spirits, and I was able to head to church in a good mood. We were only 10 minutes late - AMAZING =). It ended up being a pretty good day too! Eli was good in Sacrament meeting, my lesson went fine, and we had linger longer (the ward provides lunch for everyone after church once a month). To top it off, the weather was GORGEOUS today. So gorgeous, that it took us an hour and a half to get from our car in the driveway back into the house when we got home. Eli HAD to play outside, so we stayed out there in our church clothes, throwing rocks into the ditch full of water. So even a day that starts off rotten can turn out pretty good. I just hope I get a little sleep tonight.

Maple Sugaring

Yesterday we went to Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, MA to see how REAL maple syrup is made. We got to learn about and taste the different "grades" of syrup (light to dark amber) as well as some other things made with maple syrup. We saw the "sugar house" where the sap is boiled into syrup - that's really all it is when you buy REAL syrup. Check out the ingredients in YOUR maple syrup, lol. The good stuff just says "maple syrup."


We also got to check out the maple trees, and the 30 miles of tubing they use to get the sap from the trees down to the farm - no more individual hanging buckets! It is pretty amazing all the work that goes into it year round, when the window for getting the sap is a very small one from the end of Feb to early April, depending on the weather.


Eli loved playing with the little toy tractors they had set up in little "sandbox"full of rice. It was hard to tear him away for the tour. After our little tour, we ate at the "Calf-A" and had pancakes, cinnamon french toast, and of course, SYRUP! It was so yummy, that Eli ate an entire adult sized order of french toast AND fed it TO HIMSELF! He even DIPPED his toast in the DRIPPY syrup - AMAZING. We hope we can go back just for some more food.

Owen was dreaming about tasting some!

We brought THIS home with us!

We stopped in the barn to say hello to the "seep" (sheep), goat, and "yamas" (llamas).

Spring FEVER!

I am SICK TO DEATH of this winter business! Seriously, really, and truly sick of it. The snow is mostly melted at least (thanks to a *brief* warm-up) but it is still so cold the ground is frozen solid, every little puddle is frozen, and I still can't stand to be outside for very long. Really, being from Arizona I think I have tried darn hard to have a good attitude about winter. But COME ON, enough already! I was starting to feel hopeful that at least March is here, just a few more weeks... when I was informed that blossoms do not even start around here until the END of April, and that it does not get *warm* until the end of May. Of course to me, I might settle for even 50 degree weather as *warm* right now.

GRRRRR.... can you tell I'm feeling cooped up in this little two bedroom place? I just feel like I want to GET OUT of here! Yes, we get out to the library and to our friend's house usually once a week, but I've had it with bundling and un-bundling kids, trying to fit them in carseats with coats and blankets, getting them out of the car to be blasted with an icy wind, trying to carry them to and from the car across a sheet of ice without breaking our necks etc. Last summer seems like *forever* ago. It is depressing and is making me eat cookies, which is sabotaging my baby-weight loss plan!

To top it off, Eli has been sick about every two weeks since September. He just started with another cough and runny nose yesterday - he's had fluid in his ears for months and his adenoids are swollen up, so now we've been referred to an ENT for a consultation on tubes and adenoid removal. And I blame Winter! I just KNOW he'd be getting better if it would JUST. WARM. UP. ALREADY!Plus with the heater on (esp on those nights when it's single digits out) I've got to pump saline in the kids' noses and run noisy humidifiers just to keep their sinuses from stuffing up from the dry air... which doesn't really work and I get extra night waking from each of them.

Is anyone with me on this???? Thanks for reading, I needed to vent today.