Brewster Buddy

I am not a pet person. Never have been. Never will be. I think my kids will survive. It might be the meanest thing I do as a mom not to let them have a pet, but that’s just the way it goes. Well, at least, that was the plan. Somehow, someway, about 4 months ago, we adopted a turtle from a family friend. I had no say in the matter. The transaction was said and done by the time I got home. The boys were already in love. He even had a name.

Brewster.

You know that saying that animals are more scared of you then you are of them. That is totally false. I am way more afraid of them. I told Austin I was afraid of Brewster because I didn’t want him to jump out and scare me. Austin laughed his head off and had to sarcastically remind me that turtles don’t “jump”. Obviously I know that. My point was that I don’t like being startled by animals. I don’t want to be in the backyard not paying attention and then BAM! there’s Brewster. It scares me. Contrary to what you may think about turtles, they are fast. No, really. They are. Brewster would be cruising around, I’d turn my back for two seconds, and he’d be gone halfway across the yard. I didn't like that mystery in him.

The boys couldn’t get enough of him and it was really sweet to see them race home from school and head to the backyard to enjoy a game of scavenger hunt as they searched for Brewster. I’d just watch from the kitchen window. He was small and stealthy and just kinda freaked me out. I didn’t want to be pushing Wyatt on the swings and then catch him from the corner of my eye lurking in the grass. He gave me the creeps. The boys knew this and would love to creep up behind me with him in their hands and laugh their little guts out when I would scream.

But, this is how I was sold on our pet. He roams around the backyard wherever he wants. There is no cleaning him, or cleaning up after him. He eats whatever he wants and essentially can be our garbage disposal too. He even hibernates in the winter. He came out from hibernation a few weeks ago and he looks bigger. Lots bigger. I have to admit, overall he’s a really good pet. The boys have loved playing with him again. I, on the other hand, am trying to get used to the mini heart attacks again when I take out the trash and spot him spying on me from behind the red and yellow Cozy Coupe. Freak me out Brewster Buddy!

"One time I touched his nails."

"Fly Brewster! Vrooooooom!"

"Smile Brewster! Smile!"

"Ready! Set! Go Brewster! Go!

"Ahhhh! Haaahaa! Brewster Buddy!"

Baths 2.0

Just in case you didn't believe me that this girl has the craziest, longest, mane-ish hair ever...here is further proof. Out of control. I know Austin will love cleaning out drains twice as often as he does now! We obviously have no problem growing our hair out in this house. I don't think any of us will ever have to worry about losing our hair at a young age. But this little thing, do I keep hers long or short? Here are some pros and cons I thought of...do you have any more?

Long Hair
Pros:
You can do pretty much ANY and EVERY hairstyle out there with it
Its flowey (as in beautiful)
Cons:
It can get in the way
It can make you feel hot, especially in the summertime
It tangles easier than short hair
Baby food gets smeared in it easier

Short Hair
Pros:
Keeps you cool in the summer
Doesn't tangle a lot
It doesn't get in the way as much
Austin can do her hair
Cons:
Can't do as many hairstyles with it
It's not as flowey and pretty as long hair

What do you think? Any more ideas to help me make up my mind??

Express Yourself

Remember in school when they said you should not wear hair-dos, clothing, shoes or accessories that might distract other students or be disruptive to the school program??

Wyatt wore this to preschool last week:

four beaded necklaces

one scorpion necklace

two green sweat bands

one Batman pin

two friendship bracelets

one Superman/Batman cape

one green CTR wristband

I'm not sure. Do you think this would count??

Nicknames

If someone was to ask me if I had a nickname, I’d probably have to say “Twiny” or “Twinner”. Nothing super imaginative. It probably originated simply from somebody not knowing what twin I was. Austin’s nickname is “Dawg”. He was called that all throughout High School and on all his sports teams. I’ll have to ask him how that came about. His dad still calls him that and all his high school buddies. It's kinda cute to see him get together with all his buddies and hear them call him that. You might catch us calling Dax “Daxy-pie” or “Daximus”. Wyatt we like to call “Wy-man”. Again, nothing too creative or special, but fun nonetheless. However, Quinn by far wins for best (and longest) nickname in our family. She was nicknames by Dax and it caught on in an instant. You can hear the boys call her this many, many, many times a day. Here she is...
Quinner-Winner-Chicken-Dinner-Had-A-Wife-Who-Couldn’t-Keep-Her-Put-Her-In-A-Pumpkin-Shell-And-There-She-Kept-Her-Very-WellSee? Pure awesomeness.
Side note: Her hair is still as wild as ever. The first picture just cracks me up to see it all spread out.

Baths

I am going to make a confession. Please don’t judge.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to bathe the boys at least three times a week. If I use the words “at least” three times a week, you’re safe to assume that I was not bathing them prior to the New Year three times a week. And, I’d probably have to correct you if you thought I was bathing them twice. See? Embarrassing. Prior to the New Year the boys were more often than not once a week bath takers. Gross, I know. Without a doubt they needed baths more than that. But I hate bath time. We don’t use the word hate in our house, but for this one time only, I’m allowing it. I. Hate. Bath time.

Most moms probably love it. The kids play and it might give them a chance to put laundry away, finish dinner, do a quick clean, really anything. In our house, this was not the case at all. The boys fought me on getting in the bath each and every time. Once I would convince them to get in, one boy would complain the water would be too hot, the other boy would complain it was too cold, one boy would take up too much room, the other boy couldn’t stretch out, that boy had the toy the other one wanted, this boy would splash that boy in the face with water…and on and on and on. If I would leave the bathroom for five seconds I would come back to a pool of water on the tile floor. They hated (oops, used that word again) to get washed and they disliked getting their hair washed even more. So, we moved to taking showers. That was a disaster. Then we moved to one boy in the bath and one boy in the shower. I was running back and forth like a mad woman while Quinn laid in the middle of the floor wondering what the heck was going on and why I wasn’t holding her. Bath time always lead to fighting, tears and someone getting hurt. Too much drama for me at the end of the day and right before bedtime, so I basically gave up. Ridiculous.

And so I had little, dirty boys who may have got a “wet-wipe” wipe down at the end of the day if they were lucky. Austin was appalled. But he wasn’t here to give them baths and so he couldn’t make me.

But the New Year brought about resolutions, so I set mine within reach. Three baths per week. I am happy to report, so far this has been obtained. And in some cases, exceeded. What?! I don’t know what happened. It was like a magic flip was switched on in 2012. They even ask for baths now. There is no fighting, no complaining and minimal water on the floor. And best of all….clean, handsome (funny-faced)boys.

Rice Not So Nice

In my baby album I have a classic baby picture. It's the one where there is food, probably some form of chocolate, pudding or cake (or who knows; maybe all three), all over my face. In my hair. In my ears. Covering my orange terrycloth bib. I can picture it perfectly. I couldn't have been more than one. And I looked a hot mess. A total raggamuffin. To say my blonde hair was no longer blonde would probably be an understatement. I'm sure some intense washing and bathing were required to get me clean. I'm sitting in an 80's style highchair, in a brown and orange kitchen all alone. It's really quite sad to think about it. Where were all my sisters? I was never far from my twin. Where was she? Or my mom? Come to think of it, Jamie probably has the same picture in her album somewhere too. My mom was big on making sure every picture she took of us as baby's we weren't always together, which in retrospect was good thinking. But that created a problem in and of it self because we still have a pile of pictures to this day that we can't tell which twin is which. I am positive there are pictures of just Jamie in my album and pictures of me in hers. Regardless, I laugh every time I see this picture (whether it's actually me or not). The story goes, that my older sister Nicole was feeding me/us that day. A super nice gesture to serve her younger sisters. But let's remember, if I was only about one, she was only about three. And my mom had let her loose with a spoon to feed us. What was she thinking??

I guess as a mom with three of my own, I understand now. When I told the boys that we were able to feed Quinn rice cereal, they were ecstatic. They didn't want my help. They wanted the spoon. So I grabbed my camera. She wasn't impressed with the mush. They only got about three bites in her mouth which she promptly pushed right back out. We haven't been successful since. I think I'll wait a few more months and let them have another go at it. In the meantime I'll check with my mom to see if she can remember what that chocolate goodness was. That'll be fun to recreate. Oh, and lucky for us, grandma is close to do the baths.

Day To Day

I told Austin the other day that I was going to start a quote book. By the time I see him at the end of the day, I can hardly remember all that has gone on, let alone the things the boys and I talk about, their sweet words (or not so sweet), the way they played with Quinn and the day to day happenings in our life. You see, Austin works. A lot. This year, in less than a week, he's starting school again. It'll be an accelerated, intense 18-month program. 15 weeks on. 1 week off. For 75 weeks. Sounds brutal, right? I know it will be. Thankfully, I think the kids are small enough that they won't ever remember this stage in their life. But Austin will. And I know it breaks his heart that he probably won't see the kiddos some days. That they will be sleeping when he leaves and already in bed when he gets home. That he'll miss their funny words or tiny milestones. Or, their school performances, first steps and riding on two wheels. It makes me so sad to think about. But, I know this sacrifice he is making is for our family. It will be so worth it in the end.
So, when I mentioned a quote book, he reminded me about this somewhat abandoned blog. He said that this was the way he wanted to hear and see about our day.
Deep breath.
It's hard for me to work from home on my computer 6 hours a day, and then put even more time in to blog. But here I am. Posting a picture of Wyatt, doing what he does best. Playing Batman. It pretty much goes without saying that we play some form of Batman everyday. Every. Single. Day. Batman meets Cars. Batman meets Dinosaurs. Batman meets Trio blocks. Whatever it is, Batman is sure to "meet" us.
It might not be very exciting for you to see our every day life. In fact, things are pretty uneventful. But I know it'll make a difference in Austin's day. And that's who we're doing it for.

2012

Happy New Year! Here's to a year full of love, happiness, friendship, joy...and more pig tails!

5 months

Guess what I did to celebrate turning 5 months old (hello, that went by way too fast!)? You guessed it...I got my first hair cut! It's so nice to not have little hairs hanging in my eyes anymore or getting the back caught in the Velcro of my bib. Boy do I feel like a new little woman! My mom's friend didn't even charge her because she said she had years of hair cuts to pay for. Wasn't that nice?

P.S If you are looking for an "after" picture, we didn't get one. I pretty much look the same, just "cleaned up" and feeling pretty!

Six

Somebody turned six at our house. Someone who is loving, sweet, a peacemaker, a wonderful older brother, caring, compassionate, smart, handsome, helpful, considerate, funny, and a joy to have in the family. We love him more than words can tell. Can you guess who it is??

Blessing Day

Blessing day is one of my most favorite days in the world. I am always touched by the Spirit no matter whose baby is getting blessed, but when it's my own, I am even more touched. I love seeing my baby's dressed in white; perfect and innocent and so adorable. I love having a husband who is worthy to give amazing blessings and be the mouthpiece of a loving Heavenly Father. I love being surrounded by family and friends gathered together to celebrate a new little life here on Earth. Quinn's blessing day was wonderful. She was such a sweetheart and woke up just in time to listen to her father's words and look around the circle at the special Priesthood holders who lovingly held her. I feel like baby's are aware of these special moments and my sweet girl was no different. She has so much potential and a lot in store for her life. I am eternally grateful to be her mother.

Guess Who??

Guess who is 4 months old today? I'll give you a hint...do you know any other 4 month old who has hair that is long enough to do this?

Yup, that's my girl! Working all sorts of hairstyles already! Today she is 4 months old and I can hardly believe it. These are some of Quinn's favorite things, according to Quinn:

* rolling over...both ways...and sleeping on my belly. i sleep so sound
* laying in Wyatt's arms. he's kinda squirmy but i just smile at him
* getting my hair washed. who wouldn't?
* sleeping in my big crib in my own room. i have all the room in the world in there. but i know my mom misses me.
* shaking my rattle. i kick like crazy
* singing "I like to move it, move it" each night for the boys while my mom peeks me around the corner and I shake my diaper bum
* my dad's deep voice. nothing calms me down better
* sitting in my moms lap while she tries everything in the book to get me to belly laugh. she's pretty good at it.
* being outside watching the leaves blow.
* being at the front of the choo choo train when it's bedtime and it's time to head down the long hall. i like that we line up smallest to biggest.
* staying up late with mom and dad when i have them all to myself.
* grabbing hair. it's mostly mom's but sometimes i get a fist full of my own and accidentally pull it and make myself cry. so sad
* playing dress up. those brothers sure pick out some wild outfits to put me in
* cuddling with Dax at night on the top bunk. i love that one on one time when he tells me all about his day and tells me about all the things i will one day experience. it pretty much melts my moms heart
* hearing all sorts of people fuss over my hair and tell me how people pay big bucks to get the highlights that i seem to be rockin'
*pretty much being the happiest baby and being spoiled with love

4th Annual

I know! I know! I love Halloween but I am so glad it's over! So why am I posting about it still?Because I couldn't not post about our MacGillivray 4th Annual Night of Frights and Spooky Delights dinner! I have to admit, this year totally got away from me and I didn't go to the extreme that I have in the past....you remember the brain centerpiece from last year, right? The boys still talk about that one and I think I will have to incorporate it in every year because they were a little disappointed it didn't make the table this year. However, I think I can count the night as a success due to the fact that Dax said he couldn't eat his dinner because it gave him "the chills." Austin and I enjoyed it while the boys feasted on Pez and Gummy worms. Here's the menu-- (Side note-I am so bad at giving credit where credit is due! I looked at so many sites and did a horrible job at keeping track of where these ideas were found. So, to all those out there who's ideas these are, thank you! I did create the drink myself, so there!)
1. Mummies: Can't go wrong with hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls2. Monster Mouths: Large pasta shells, with a fried hamburger/diced tomatoes/Parmesan cheese mixture. Loved the eyes and tongues. 3. Witch's Brew: Sugar frosted canning jars, Power Aid, gummy worms, and Craisins at the bottom which I so disgustingly told Dax were scabs. Chills. Check.4. Chocolate Covered Mice: Enough said.

The boys are always such good sports and this is still one of our family's favorite traditions that I hope will continue for many more years.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the powerful warrior Thor, the amazing web-slinging Spider-man, and super princess Wonder Woman. In case you were wondering, that translates to Dax, Wyatt and Quinn. Definitely my personal superheros. I love them so much.

P.S I figure if I start from the most recent and work my way back though the month of October, with all that's been going on, I'll sure to be caught up eventually. One can only hope. More to come...

Grandma Great

Dear Little Quinn Emerson,

We're glad that you are here. You've come to a home filled with love and good cheer.
You have many here that love you, two brothers, parents, grandparents, great grandparents too. Aunts, uncles, and cousins, to name just a few.

No not long before you came here to us here on Earth you were still up in Heaven, surrounded by God's Heavenly love. There were so many of you little spirits running around up there. God said "as much as it grieves me, I have to send some down to Earth, for Earth parents to take care of them there." So he called them all to Him, and for a brief moment held each one on his knee. Then he had them line up in one long straight row. He then walked slowly past them and reached out and touched each little round belly before letting them go, saying, "I think I'll send you, you, and definitely you." Now little Quinn, that little belly button so pink and so new, is where the finger of God so very lovingly touched you. Now when you get older and kneel each night by your bed to say prayers, God wants you to know, He's still up in Heaven and for you he still cares. He sent you to parents, much older and wise than you. He wants you to heed their wise counsel and always do what they ask you to do.

Choose your friends wisely. Those that will help you stay honest and true. To your parents you'll be a pleasure, a joy beyond measure a treasure more precious than silver or gold.

When you're grown to be a sweet young lady, a young man will take you by the hand, and on your finger put a ring and say, "Dear Quinn please marry me and we'll have our own family. A girl for you and a boy for me and how happy we will be."

Remember, my dear, your a daughter of God so walk tall and hold your head high. So as long as I'm here on Earth, I'll always be here to love and support you.

Your loving great grandmother
Selma Clark Kreipl

Words can not express the love that I have for my grandma. She has written a priceless letter to each of my children. These letters are so dear to me, beyond words. She has always been an amazing writer and poet and has always so lovingly put into words her feelings and thoughts; one of the many things I admire about her. She hasn't met Quinn yet, so until I can replace this picture with one of the two of them, here we are this past summer at her 90th birthday party, one month before Quinn arrived.

cool tricks

Yup, slept seven hours straight last night. And then I smiled for the camera.

I'm so cool (but my mom says things like adorable, sweet, gorgeous, lovable, cute, and delectable.)

Oh, and I promise, I do have brothers, but one is at school all day and the other runs from the camera. I guess you are stuck with me for a little bit.

fast forward

Quinn wore this little number today. Courtesy of Dax. He loves to pick out what she wears each day. I never object. I can see how proud it makes him to dress his little sis. I figure she'll get her own spitfire opinion about what she wears sooner than I like to think, so for now, her brother gets to dress her. And contrary to this little sour face (which I think is adorable), everyone is pleased as pie about it.
I couldn't stop my mind from fast forwarding through the years of her life as we ruffled her skirt and put clips in her hair. I thought of tea parties, ballet recitals, princess birthday parties, daddy daughter dates, school dances, girls night out, first dates...all the girly things that we'll be ruffling skirts and putting clips in for.
Not to mention, the curlers, flat irons, de-tanglers, leave in conditioners, blow dryers, curling irons, hair sprays and Bed Head products needed to maintain this mane for all these special occasions.
Really, has the shock worn off for you? It has for me. I don't get nearly as surprised when I am holding her and we walk by a mirror like I used to. But the reaction is always the same, "Look all that hair!"
I just smile. Because I love it. And I love it even more that I am pretty convinced she visited the beauty salon before she even arrived to our family. Because believe it or not, this here hair is coming in blond. You just wait.