No conceit in our family

Andrew has made it known to his simple minded parents that he does in fact know just about everything. Well, not quite, but almost everything there is to know that's important--of course.

I've been told that kids are smarter these days, but isn't jumping 10 years ahead of his time pushing it? Does this mean when he's 15 he'll act like 25 and start to believe his parents may have half a brain? Me thinks not! I hate to see how dumb we'll be then.

An attitude of Grattitude

Ethan is the resident optimist at our house, and with that optimism, I believe, comes gratitude. He finds a little more sunshine in life and and is genuinely glad to have it. This attitude has spilled over into his prayers and it is quite cute to see what he'll come up with each night. For the most part, he prays by himself and I oftentimes have to hide my giggles at the cute things he prays for.

An example of his latest: We had been out running errands and took the boys to Moe's for dinner. They had quesadillas and chips with salsa and queso dip. We got home later that night and Ethan said his prayers.... "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for the drinks, and chips, and quesadillas, and to dip it in two kinds."

I'd love to tell you the rest of the prayer, but I don't remember it. I was trying not to laugh. Nothing like a 3 year old to make you realize how ungrateful you are for the little things. Though I'm dying to know-- would he have mentioned dinner if there was only one kind to dip it in!?

Merry Christmas

I thought it appropriate to post a Merry Christmas to all our family and friends today. I know everyone doesn't get a card, and those of you who did know I didn't write anything! I'm not big on writing a yearly newsletter ( If you write one- please send it- I love to read everyone else's!), so this post will have to do.

The boys are growing and growing. Although they drive us crazy sometimes with their energy, we love them dearly and see great potential in their little spirits.

Andrew has really taken to school and is excelling. His teacher struggles to keep up with him, but I guess that is a good thing. I must admit it was a struggle for me to let go and realize my first baby was big enough to be in elementary school. I remember Byron and I driving him to school that first day. I knew I was within hours of having Ava and didn't know where the last five years had gone. I t seemed like yesterday we were heading to the hospital to have him!

Ethan has grown into the big brother role quite nicely. He has always been a mama's boy and that hasn't changed, but he has graciously stepped aside and allowed Ava to be the new baby in the family. I am ever grateful for his more laid back personality. I often times look back when I am driving and see him holding Ava's hand on the way. Sooo cute and so sweet! He can't wait to be big enough to ride the bus and go to school like Andrew. I think he gets bored at home with the girls sometimes!

We feel very blessed to have Ava added to our family this year. It was definitely a challenging year for me making that happen! I guess I learned a measure of endurance, but I'm sure Byron and the boys would join me in hoping that is not a trial we have to endure again. Actually , I still sometimes feel like slapping a happy pregnant woman, but I'm getting over it! A heartfelt thank you to all who fasted and prayed on Ava's behalf when she finally did arrive. You never expect to have a full term baby spend the first week of their life in NICU. We felt uplifted and supported by the faith of our family and friends in that trying time, and are grateful that her condition improved without medical intervention. Though she is small, she is doing well and is a special spirit in our home.

Well, I must finish this up, Santa is needing Mrs. Clause to start wrapping for the big morning. The kids are in bed waiting for dreams of sugar plum fairies. To quote my favorite Christmas poem, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."

Love The Peacocks

Exploited by the man

I think the last post established the fact that I like to bake. I don't claim to be a great baker, but I'm adequate and will make just about anything. Byron (the man) has discovered this. For Ethan's second birthday I made an Elmo cake ( not the first- I let the kids pick whatever they want and that's what I make for them). Byron was so impressed because Elmo even appeared to be furry.


Well, since then I've been used, taken advantage of, or otherwise exploited for my abilities. He thinks there's nothing I can't make--hence the roach cake I made last summer for a work picnic. Well, he has sunk to a new low. It was a certain person's birthday--we'll protect the name as to prevent embarrassment, (though seriously, this person has no shame and would probably shoulder no embarrassement), and Byron wanted me to make a "poop" cake. Yes, that's right- a cake made to look like fecal matter.

After a few days of pondering I came up with this, not a cake but actually a pastry that looks like poop. Then I made several different "models" to showcase different kinds of poop! ( I can't believe I'm actually talking about this-- again) So without further ado, here's a picture of the disgusting creation. Mmmmm... Yummy!

Christmas at our house

Well, it just wouldn't be Christmas at our house without a boatload of candy. Every January I say I won't do it next year, and every December I'm at it again! This year was no exception. After very little last year ( I was just pregnant and starting to get very sick AND I sliced my finger open and had to get it sown back together), I'm back in full force again. As of today it will all be in the mail or delivered!

I try and spread the love around, but I don't get to everyone. If you feel left out, be sure to let me know-- I bake all the time and am always looking for willing subjects to pawn my goods off on! We can only eat so much you know! I also take requests on occasion. (you may have to pay shipping!)

For Jazz

Thank You!

Not our finest moment

This weekend got me to thinking about the many milestones we reach in the wonderful club of parenthood. There are births, first baths, first steps, first words, first days of schools, etc., etc. I could go on all day long and my oldest child is only five.

Then there are those moments as parents we'd rather not relive. If you have kids, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't, stop grossing out- it WILL happen to you and will be horrified and amused when it does!

Let's relive a few examples in my short tenure as a parent.
- First spit-up on the unsuspecting baby admirer.
- First diaper blow-out all over your Sunday clothes and you can't run home and change.
- First potty training accident in the carset, on the couch, on the carpet, at someone else's house, and of course in the middle of Walmart.
- First rude and embarasing comment to a complete stranger.
- First time your child cuts loose in the middle of sacrament.
- And I'm sure I could go on for days- those of you with more experience could put me to shame I'm sure.

Well, we get to add a new one to our list. Friday night we went to an Elder's Quorun party at a friend's house. We had been there about 30-45 mins. and were having a good old time. I was getting in some much needed socializing and Byron was just starting a game with the guys on the Wii. Just then Ethan comes up to me crying. I kneel down to hear what he is saying when I see that dreaded look on his face. Yep! If you're a parent, you know that look. The I'm gonna hurl right here, right now, and there's nothing you can do but clean up the mess look! And that's exactly what he did. Giant, splattery, and cheeto filled all over the floor. It was so charming!

After the terrible embarrassement and feeling awful that our kid might get everyone sick, I found myself very thankful for a few important things.

1) Hardwood floors!- a blessing beyond imagining!
2) A room full of friends with disgusting kids of their own.
3) a party hostess who graciously helped me clean up and blew it off like no big deal (Thank you Angela)
4) That kids can just thow-up without passing the flu to everyone else. ( Yes, he was just fine after we went home and jumping off the walls the next morning!
5) That parental gift of unconditional love - no matter what!

All I want for Christmas is a fat baby!

Ava had her 4 month check-up yesterday and now I hate yet another doctor! I had several things to discuss with him, but as soon as her growth was charted all my concerns were dead in the water. (Forget that she's met all her milestones and the doctor himself said she looked very healthy)
Her stats:
length: 23 1/4 in. (20%tile)
head circ: 15 1/2 in. (15%tile)
weight: 9lbs. 5 oz. (somewhere far below the bottom of the growth chart)

Now we get to spend the next month until she sees the doctor again obsessing how to make her gain weight. He would like to see her hugging the bottom of the growth curve again. Well I looked that up and that's about 3 1/2 pounds in the next month! Good luck with that! ( she's only gained 3 since she was born) Someone please tell me they've had a smaller healthy child. It will make me feel so much better!


Now for proof that we know how to make fat babies. Check out bubba on the right. Now that is one cute little chub!

I'm cold!

Nothing like some sunshine from summers past to warm you up. This is one of Byron's favorite pictures, and I must concur it is pretty cute. Ethan and Bear a couple summers ago. Gee, I'm feeling warmer already.If you're not, you may want to consult the Tin man (from Halloween) on where to find a heart!

Trees anyone?

Byron and I are now the official experts on the local artificial tree market. ( Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Costco, Michael's, Garden Ridge- did we miss anywhere good?) After our gorgeous, but rather high maintenance real tree last year, we decided we would resort to a fake tree. Unfortunately, both of us have champagne taste on a beer budget, so we spent half the day looking for the deal of the century on a tree we couldn't afford! In the end we were pretty proud of our little scheme!

We found the tree at Lowe's who was having a decent sale this weekend. For every $100 gift card you bought, you can mail in for a free $20 giftcard. I had Byron go get two gift cards to pay for the tree. When he came back, both gift card receipts had printed with a $10 off a $50 purchase. Byron bought the tree with one coupon and then I used the other one to buy the lights. When we got up there all the holiday stuff was 25% off in addition. And of course, we got two more coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase! So now we have $80 in future savings ( two $10 coupons and 2 $20 giftcards), which is great for us since we live at Lowe's and Home Depot. AND- we have a new tree to put up tomorrow that ended up being a screaming deal! Sometimes it's actually fun to be so cheap!

Passing down the "snugglie"

One day, a couple weeks ago, I walked into my room, and to my horror, this is what I found. Ethan was passing the beloved "snugglie" down to his little sister Ava! I managed to snap a picture before I informed Ethan that Ava would not be needing one of those, but how kind of him to offer. The good news-- I think it may have been his way of letting go- he hasn't asked for it but one time since this picture was taken. Strangely, I find myself a little saddened that it's gone. Funny how something that drove you crazy is quickly missed when they get too big for it.

P.S.If you don't know what the "snugglie" is, you'll have to seek out someone who does. This is highly confidential material!!

MC Hammer is back in style!

Well at least his pants are-- for Ava that is. I felt bad for her, but I had to take a picture. This is Ava at 3 1/2 months wearing one side only (notice both legs in one pant leg) of these adorable 0-3month pants. Welcome to her wardrobe nightmare! Yes, skater pants and plumbers' resume are in style for her also. I'm confident she'll catch up someday but in the meantime we might as well laugh with her instead of at her. I'm seriously thinking about starting a "Scrawny Runt" clothing line. My company motto will be " for kids' with two cheeks that are the size of one!" We love you Ava!

To Wii or not to Wii?-- that is the question.

Okay, some of you know I'm one of those evil opponents to the video gaming craze. I find it to be a incredible waste of time and an obsessive addiction to all males subjects from 8- 88. I mean, sure, it can be fun, but boys just don't know when to quite--ever! I swore up and down there would not be one in my house for fear I would never again have a meaningful conversation with Byron or my boys.

Well, here goes, insert foot in mouth yet again. (only the 1,367 time since Andrew was born) I'm thinking about it! Yes, it is crazy, but my husband and boys already have an addiction to stupid computer games, so can it really get any worse. At least the Wii has some level of physical activity involved. Besides, I can't think of any toys I want to buy for Christmas- I'm really sick of them already too.

So I told Byron that I would consider buying a Wii under the following conditions

1) We would set up a strict time limit on how long the boys could play and it would have to be an earned privelege, not a God given right.
2) We had to find a game Ethan could play and have fun with. ( he sometimes gets left out because he doesn't get it)
3) We would have to buy the Wii fit and for every hour Byron spent on the Wii he would be required to log 30 minutes of Wii fit time! (My little coersion to get him to exercise once in a while)
4) Okay, I'll admit it- I like it too, so we would have to get something physical that I could play with them when they just can't bring themselves to do something constructive!

So what do you think? If you were me would you bite the bullet and get a Wii?

Byron cooks...

No explanation needed! Guess he should practice more often!

I pledge allegiance...

I recently read an article about some elementary school in Vermont fighting over reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom. After my "what's this world coming to" commentary, I realized I didn't know if Andrew knew or said the Pledge of Allegiance, so I asked him. He said he did and proceeded to recite it for me--perfectly I might add--without any omissions! He said they say it every morning! I was relieved to know he was getting something of worth out of his government education! (Besides the southern drawl he's picked up from his backwood friends.) There are some perks to raising your children in the Bible belt of America. God bless the Rednecks!

For your viewing Pleasure!

Day 1- What's on the menu?

Every night Byron calls me on his way home from work and asks "What's on the menu?" It's usually nothing spectacular, but what follows is a rundown of the day and how it all came down. So, in my procrastination to keep a journal I decided to start a blog to capture some of my thoughts, daily happenings, and possibly- what's on the menu!