Obligatory Door Sign

I have to admit how proud I am that one of Julia's first solo-writing projects was this lovely sign for her bedroom door, sounded out and written with no help from moi.

"Yes grls oulad. No boes ulad."

Need she say more?

Have You Contemplated Your Belly Button Lately?

So, I was writing a paper for my English class tonight, and I was using the thesaurus feature to find a different word for "introspection." (Yes, we are old friends, computer thesaurus and I. Just what I need when the inevitable Marshmallow Brain sets in.) You will never guess what suggestion Number 7 was.

Navel-gazing.

That's right...staring at the belly button. Evidently it's the same as self-examination, meditation, reflection, and solipsism. (Just imagine the trouble an English language learner could get into with that tricky thesaurus...)

It's good to know that spending time staring at your belly button means that you are self aware.

So, I have to ask...when was the last time you gazed at your navel?

How Babies Care for Their Young

This is why babies shouldn't have babies.

(Among other reasons, of course.)

And the Pendulum Swings...

I come from a family that had a pretty rigid breakfast schedule...hot cereal on Mondays, eggs on Tuesdays, cold cereal on Wednesdays, hot cereal again on Thursdays, eggs again on Friday, then cold cereal, pancakes, or french toast on Saturdays and Sundays.

For a cereal lover like me, the lack of cold cereal in this breakfast scenario is just not acceptable. So, as an adult, I have tried desperately to make up for the striking imbalance that I experienced growing up. I think so far I've done pretty well accomplishing my goal. Especially when cereal is on sale. I'm like a mad woman, filling my pantry shelves with all the yummy (gasp!) name-brand cereals I never got as a kid. (I think our new all-time high for boxes of cereal at one time is 38.) (But believe me: I do not hold the record among my siblings.)

My poor mom. I am sure that all she was trying to do was to teach us healthy eating habits. Unfortunately, all that she really accomplished was to raise 5 cereal-hoarding candy fiends that sometimes eat dinners with no green vegetables, and rarely eat whole grains.

And, undoubtedly, my own children will resent the fact that all we ever had to eat for breakfast was cereal, and that waffles, eggs, and french toast were reserved for Sunday night dinners on the fly.

Why You Should Never Leave Your Children Unattended Around Dinnertime

Seems there's always trouble brewing any time I go in the other room for any amount of time, especially when there are empty tummies about. It sure doesn't take long for my hungry little monkeys to get into something they shouldn't be in...and then eat all of the marshmallows out of that something.

The Carnage.

I know, she looks guilty, but she was just
holding the box for a friend.

Seriously, she didn't even inhale.

Notice there are literally no marshmallows left.

The actual culprit (Vanna) is out of the shot...

Lex just happened upon the right place at the right time.

Losing the Blankie: The Ultimate Betrayal

Alexa got pretty attached to the blanket that I used as a nursing cover. And when I say "pretty attached" what I really mean is very attached. She loved that thing. Loved to eat it, squeeze it in her little fingers, and play with its frayed, raggedy edges...

Notice how I'm talking in the past tense.

We took that beloved blankie with us on a Saturday shopping trip and it vanished. Into thin air. All we know is that we had it when we got out of the car, and we didn't have it when we got back in. Retracing our exact steps, and several calls to two Lost & Founds have sadly yielded no results. Alexa is left blankie-less. And I feel horrible.

Obviously, she's young, she will never remember that old blanket, and will probably be over the whole ordeal in a couple of weeks. But right now, she knows. She knows that the blanket I've been giving her is not the real thing. She knows it's a sorry replacement for the beloved comfort object that she has been using for the last ten months. She'll actually grab it, thinking that it's the one, and then push it away when she remembers that it's not. If I try to cover her with it, she takes it off. If I put it in her hand, she lets go. And sadly, she's left comforting herself by rubbing her own eyelashes, because there are no frayed edges to play with on the Impostor Blanket.

I'm not giving up quite yet. I'll call those Lost & Founds a few more times, but I'm afraid that my worst fear will eventually be confirmed: It's lost forever and there's nothing we can do about it. And that's probably the saddest thing ever to happen in Lex's little life.

A Very Merry Christmas Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, realizing that it was almost time for Christmas, I was reminded that it was time for me to haul out the other kind of Holly...yes, I needed the help of my friend, Holly, who takes kick-trash pictures of even the most hard to photograph children (a.k.a mine.) I loved all of the photos she did, but so as not to bombard you with her talent and my kids' cuteness (a lethal combination, I tell you) I have selected my very favorites. (Minus the Christmas card pic. You'll just have to wait for that one.) Enjoy!

(All of the photos are so beautiful, but I bet

you can guess why I think this one is the best.)

A New Tradition?

I have always wanted to think of a fun way to count down to Christmas with the girls. Well, that's not entirely true...I do think of fun ways to do it, I just never think of it enough in advance to actually plan something. (I blame genetics. We are not great planners in my family. Just ask the people who ate Thanksgiving dinner with us...two hours after we told them to be there.) So you can imagine how pleased I am with myself for thinking of something to do (and getting it ready!) before December actually started. Pleased as punch, that's me.

So, we rounded up all of our Christmas books and wrapped them last week. ("We" being Savanna and me. But mostly me.) 24 books in all. We numbered them and we're going to open one every night in December and read it before bed. The smaller the pile gets, the closer to Christmas we'll be. Woo Hoo!

As great as this idea sounded in my head, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed when it came time to actually do it. By the time I was wrapping book #6, I was seriously questioning my sanity. By book #13, contemplating giving up. Book #24, just glad it was finished. I'm so glad I followed through, though, I think it will be a super fun and tangible way to count down to the best holiday ever.

 Who knows? Maybe I'll be crazy enough to

pick this tradition again next year.

Grateful, Thankful, and Incredibly Blessed

It's the last day of November, and I am quite ready to go full speed ahead 'til Christmas. (I've actually been counting down the days until we can begin the countdown until Christmas, if that tells you anything.)

But alas,  I know that I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage now to make special mention of some of the things that I am most grateful for...since November is supposed to be about remembering our blessings and all.

Since there are much too many to count, (like cereal and dishwashers and socks and brownies and electricity and binkies and down comforters and soap) I've narrowed it down to my top ten. (But do you like how I snuck some more in there?) (I'm also grateful for my clever intellect.) Here they are in all their Thanksgiving glory.

1. A religion that keeps me grounded, in-tune, and aware of my blessings.
2. A husband who cracks me up, folds laundry with me, fixes whatever needs fixing, loves the heck out of me, and blesses the lives of our children.
3. Children who are kind, healthy, adventurous, imaginative, affectionate, and loving.
4. Siblings who are supportive, hilarious, and forgiving when needs be.
5. Parents who have taught me so much about which choices to make in my life.
6. In-laws who love me (and spoil me) like I was their own.
7. Friends who constantly amaze me with their love and willingness to serve.
8. School. Though most days it feels like a thorn in my side, I'm grateful for the chance to keep my brain from turning to marshmallows, all from the comfort of my own home. (I should also add that I am quite grateful for a break from school over the holidays. Hallelujah, marshmallow brain, here I come!)
9. All of the people--friends, family, and strangers alike-- that have been a source for good in my life.
10. A loving Father in Heaven who helps me to see and understand the purpose in my life.

Happy Thanks-remembering everyone!

Lunch Break

The Art of Eating Mac & Cheese:

Step 1: Look hungry and cute

Step 2: Dive in

Step 3: Bring hand to mouth.

Step 4: Make sure everything gets in.

Step 5:  Throw your bowl on the floor.

(Don't worry; that nice lady will be happy to clean it up.)

Quote of the Day

Me: Do you know what the number one parenting mistake is?

Craig: Having kids?

Sisterly Love

These two really are Devoted Sisters. But there comes a time in every girl's life when her Big Sis (or Little Sis) is more of a pain than anything else. Like when Vanna's Big Sis "looks dirty eyes" at her. Or when J's Little Sis follows her around making noise when she is on the phone, talking to her aunt about important things like kindergarten.

In the car a few week ago, the girls were arguing about something, and I stopped them and said, "Can you stop arguing, please? I really want you two to be friends." Julia summed things up for me when she answered, "Um, actually, we're not friends...we're sisters." I thought about it for a second and then said, "I'm friends with my sisters. They're my best friends in the whole world." Her reply came in no time: "Yeah, but you don't even live together."

Hmmm...maybe that's why we get along so well.

***In the picture above, the girls are getting into their usual shenanigans: this time they emptied one of the kitchen cupboards to use as a car for a beach trip. They sure love each other, they just forget to act like it sometimes.***

The Swing of Things

Savanna thought it would be a good idea to stick Lex in her swing again, even though we haven't used it in months and she can practically swing herself now. She loved it and actually sat in it for a few minutes basking in the glow of the fancy lights and sounds.

It's just a shame that she doesn't want to nap in it for four straight hours like she did back in her newborn days. But I guess it's an even trade for a smiley baby who crawls around all day saying "momomomomom." I'll take it!

Who's The Boss?

Getting ready for a family trip to Target yesterday, (yes, we Monsons know how to have a good time) Julia asked Craig if she could get an Icee when we got there. Craig replied that it was fine with him, as long as it was okay with Mommy. Julia, finally putting two and two together, said, "But you're a grown up. How come we have to ask Mommy, too?" 

Craig then went into a lengthy explanation about how Mommy and Daddy are married, and when you're married you it's important to make sure that you agree with each other about certain decisions. Julia seemed satisfied with the response.

I keep thinking that it might have been easier to use the short answer, though:

Mommy's the real boss.

We Need a Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute

Halloween is over, and, well, you guessed it...I have Christmas on the brain.

In a time not so long ago, I would cringe when I saw the Christmas decorations coming out in the stores on the very day that Halloween candy was put on sale. I would shake my head at how commercialized Christmas had become, at how desperate retailers were to squeeze all of the money possible out of unsuspecting consumers under the clever guise of promoting Christmas Cheer.

Fast forward a few short years, and you will find me unabashedly proclaiming, "Bring it on!" My new official position is that I love Christmas a little too much to be disappointed that the season has gotten longer and longer (and longer) over the years. I love to walk into a store and see Christmas trees, fancy stockings, shiny ornaments, cute Christmas cards, and dangerous snow globes. I love to smell the cinnamon pine cones at the entrance of the grocery store, hear the tinny sound of Christmas carols being piped over the loudspeaker, and think about my Christmas list a little too early (because a girl can dream, right?) I say, if the Christmas season wants to start the day after Halloween, then that's fine with me. Hey, the sooner the better.

I'm not saying that I want to rush into Christmas, either, though. I truly think that most of the excitement associated with this splendid holiday is the anticipation that goes along with it, the preparation and planning and wishful thinking. I just get to savor the season a little longer now that it starts as soon as the costumes get put away. I'll still enjoy Thanksgiving, (and all the rolls and pies and mashed potatoes and togetherness that that implies) but I will admit that the thing I'm usually most grateful for on that special day is that we get to put up the tree and start listening to Christmas music the next day.

I recognize that Christmas is still outrageously over-commercialized, but that doesn't mean that I won't take advantage of the bright lights and glittery store displays to get me into the spirit of things...nor does it mean that I echo the sentiments of what society tends to think Christmas should be. I will always value and appreciate and cherish what Christmas is really about. I will relish its true meaning of Christ and service and love, and I will share that message with my eager children. It just so happens that I will likely be doing that while sipping a delicious cup of hot cocoa and staring at a sparkly Christmas tree.

So, with Dr. Seuss, I proclaim, "Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand."

Let's haul out the holly, folks. It's almost time.

Halloween Preview

Since I pretty much forgot about Halloween last year until almost 3 weeks after the fact, I thought I would provide you with a little costume preview. This way, you will know what the girls looked like in their costumes even before all your candy corn pumpkins are gobbled up.

Happy (early) Halloween, everyone!

What They Don't Teach You in School

I knew, before I became a parent, one of the major prerequisites for mommyhood: being able to find a bathroom, in a reasonable amount of time, in any public place ever visited with children. And I was fine with that.

I was, however, unfamiliar with its implied co-requisite: being willing to abandon comfort, convenience, and the occasional shopping cart filled with not-yet purchased goods in search of said bathroom. This co-requisite then often requires the supernatural dexterity and flexibility needed to hold an infant while wiping a bottom, pick up a three-year-old who can't yet reach the sink, and, with infant still in arms, wash said three-year-old's hands as well as one's own hands in a sink that only works while the handle is being pushed down, all the while trying to keep one's purse from touching anything bathroom-related (i.e. floor, walls, door, sink, etc.)

Man, I wish that class had been offered in junior college.

Second Breakfast

Around here, there's a little girl who likes to eat half my cereal every morning. I frustratingly call it her "second breakfast." Sometimes it's only a few bites, but I know I have to kiss all my food goodbye when she goes and gets her own spoon so that we can "share."

Frustrated with only eating half of a bowl of cereal for breakfast every morning, I devised a plan: I would make her her very own second breakfast so that she would be distracted enough to let me eat my Cocoa Krispies in peace. The other day, on my way downstairs to get a bowl of cereal, I asked Savanna if she wanted some cinnamon toast. "Yes," she said. "And peas."

Really? Peas?? Blech.

Gross as it sounds to a pea hater like me, I knew she was serious. Van is my little pea-eater extraordinaire. She asks for me to open a can of peas for her snack at least once a week. So, second breakfast that day consisted of peas and toast. Yummy.

She's a nut, I know it. But such a lovable little nut. And peas are such a small price to pay for eating my breakfast without any help.

(Now, I know what you may be thinking. "Canned peas are gross." To that I have only one thing to say: all peas are gross.)

P.S. We might be giving peas a break for a little while. For the last two days, the second breakfast request has been toast and marshmallows.

Smitten

This girl. Such a happy little light in our lives. So content, so special, such a wonderful, tiny friend. I can't resist her. Those eyes, that smile...

...those cheeks.


So glad she is part of our family. And what a cute little part she is.

Life as We Know It

Well, our glorious fall break has ended and it’s back to life as usual for the Monsons. One lovely week in California and one very low-key week at home left me wanting just a little bit more, but alas, it’s time to resume the regular routines and be “normal” again. (Normal: Staying up too late, getting up too early, packing lunches, stressing about homework and kids’ bedtimes and clean socks.)

When Craig left with J for school yesterday morning, I had just a tiny twinge of painful remembrance from her first day of school…but life goes on and so must I. Thankfully, my busy morning (i.e. attempting to start the cleaning of a house suffering from two weeks’ worth of general neglect) kept me from dwelling too much on the sad reality that my kids will not be little forever.

I’ll miss the extra help and company of a 5-year old, (car-seat buckler and baby entertainer that she is) and all the usual shenanigans associated with having 3 children ages 5 and under home with me all day. I will not, however, miss the extra fighting and loudness and boredom and vying for attention associated with the same scenario.

So, back to school, back to routines, back to life. I’m choosing to love it all even if I don’t like it sometimes.

My Little Sous Chefs

The girls are usually pretty eager to help me out in the kitchen, so I took advantage and put them to work on Sunday morning. Sometimes, their "help" isn't exactly helpful, but they are getting older and more capable, and I (for once) am reaping all the benefits. They turned out to be quite the garlic peelers and onion cutters and chicken basters, and it ended up being a lot of fun hanging out and being domestic together.

Julia getting started. (I am pretty sure she can

cut onions faster than I can.)

Savanna helping me by putting scissors on her head.

Check out that form.

My happy little baster.

Voila, the finished product...not too shabby!

P.S. Crock pot, I love you. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Time Out for Mommy

I had a Mommy day today. And not a "mommy please do this, Mommy, please do that" day, either. (Those are a little more common than the rare day I experienced, and I am not quite so inclined to celebrate them...although I must interject that I do really love my life despite its seemingly endless demands.) It was a much needed away-from-kids-and-responsibilities day. It was a day to feel rejuvenated, uplifted, inspired, and changed for the better. A spiritual spa day, if you will. For my birthday, my mom took me to something called Time Out For Women, a program of amazing speakers whose job it is to essentially make me feel better. About life, about myself, about all of the things that I am called upon (or put upon myself) to do. And boy howdy, I loved every minute of it.

I wish that I could list, right here, all of the amazing things that I am taking away from this experience, all of the times that I laughed or cried or felt the amazing power of the Lord's love me and for all of His children. Yet, at the risk of sounding trite or overly simplifying something so unspeakably awesome, I must refrain from that laundry list.

But I will say one thing that I have learned that I hope to never unlearn or forget again.

Women are amazing creatures. We are resilient, we are talented, we are giving, we are powerful, we are industrious, we are brilliant, we are strong. And we are too hard on ourselves. If we could spend even 5 seconds seeing ourselves the way the Lord sees us--as the gifted, wonderful beings that we are--our lives would change immeasurably for the better. Now, of course, I am not saying that we should stop doing what we can to become better each day. But I am saying that what we can give is enough, however much or little it may seem, as long as we are in a partnership with the Lord.

So, painful as it may be, I am going to start forgiving myself for not being perfect, for falling short day after day after day. And I am going to start loving myself for what I do have to offer, not cursing myself for what I can't manage to accomplish, or learn, or master.

I think it's time we all do that.

Magic Beans

One bag of pinto beans.
90 minutes of fun.
30 minutes of clean-up.
Was it worth it, you say?
I'm still deciding.
I'll let you know when I get all the beans out of the carpet.