Emily-isms, Part II

During lunch today...

Me: Emily, since you're going to be 3 next week, you just need to take 3 more bites of food.

Em: Mom, I'm only 2 (meaning, she's trying to get out of eating that extra bite. Usually all she can talk about is how she's ALMOST 3!)

We have been talking about Halloween a lot lately, and this is a fun little conversation that we had at dinner tonight.

Me: (to Wade) Honey, so who do you want to be for Halloween...the Scarecrow, the Tinman (pause and a teasing smile)...or the witch?

Wade: DEFINITELY not the witch

Me: (laughing at his obvious disapproval of my last choice) Okay, so the Scarecrow or the Tinman?

Em: (shouting with excitement) Daddy be da witch!

(She couldn't stop giggling over the idea of her daddy as the witch...let's see if we can just convince him)

Emily-isms

I've been writing down some of the random and funny things that Emily says, and I wanted to share a few with you.

1. We were getting ready to have family prayer with all of us folding our arms, including Jon, although he doesn't last too long. Wade began to pray aloud when Emily started shouting, "Pray, mister, pray. Jonny's not praying!" I opened my eyes to see her disheartened look towards her baby brother. And then she shouted again, "Pray, Mister Jonny, pray!" Big sisters are supposed to be bossy, right?

2. Ever since we started working on potty training, I tell Emily that I'm proud of her every time she goes potty. Now, she always follows me to the toilet, and with pure sincerity tells me, "Mommy, I'm so proud of you. You go pee pee in the potty. You a big girl, like me!" The funniest part about it is how she says it so motherly and with great enthusiasm on the last part. Where does she pick this stuff up anyway?

3. Emily has become a big fan of Elmo from Sesame Street ever since her friend Elyse gave her a hand-me-down shirt with Elmo on it. Last night, at story time, she was frantically searching for a certain book, and I asked, "What book are you looking for, Em?"

Em: "you know, mom, da one wif Nemo" (I knew she meant the Elmo book, she just pronounces it with the N in front for some reason. It's really kind of cute)

Me: "you mean Elmo?"

Em: "Dat's what I said, Nemo!"

I picked up the Elmo book, handed it to her, to which she shouted with enthusiasm,"Nemo!"

We love you Emmy! You always make us laugh. : )

See you in 3 hours!

Those are 5 of my favorite words...when I get to say them to the babysitter!!! On Wednesday afternoon, I dropped my kids off at my friend's house so I could escape and run errands by myself. Heaven, right? I know. I'm so lucky to have you as a friend, Jenica! Thanks again.

I returned some shoes to Payless and then was spoiled at Kid to Kid by discovering a Cowardly Lion costume for $9, Ruby Red Slippers for $4, brown leather Sunday shoes for Jon for $3, and cozy pajamas for $2. We've already borrowed a neighbor's Dorothy costume, so now my kids are all set for Halloween! My next stop was Wal-Mart, and I couldn't help but pass by the Halloween costumes there. The lion costume was nice, but $1 more than I spent at Kid to Kid, and it wasn't nearly as fluffy and cute as mine. I smiled, remembering my sweet deal!

On the way out of the Halloween section, I grabbed some mini snickers to motivate my primary kids to listen to their CD and practice the songs for the upcoming Primary Program...and I might snack on a few later...just kidding. I promise it was even on my list!

Looking at my small grocery list, I knew I only had $30 left in my cash envelope for the month, so I needed to be very selective about what I put in my cart to buy. 1/2 hour later, at the register, I was quite pleased when my total amount was only $25.02. That leaves Wade $5 for an emergency ice-cream purchase next week when he's so depressed and missing me bad while I'm in St. George. ; ) Really, he needs some study time, so it will be good that we're gone for a few days. But of course he'll miss us!

After dropping the groceries off at home, I headed to paradise..I mean Cafe Rio...same thing. And guess what I picked up there? That's right, my Free Meal! I was sure I couldn't wait till I arrived back home to eat it, but I would have to, because it was time to pick up the kids from Jenica's. On the way, I turned up the volume on my car stereo and rocked out to Rascal Flatts. I was loving this! I thanked Jenica a million times, because I felt so fortunate to have 3 shopping hours by myself. And then I went home, ate half of my pork burrito (saved the other half for my sweetheart) and watched reruns of The Office! (while the kids watched The Wizard of Oz in the play room.) See, I'm a smart mom...that helped me extend my alone time. Happy days!

Takin' a Break

About two weeks ago, the kids and I took a break from our day-to-day routine and went down to Utah County to hang out with some friends and family. I always look forward to spending time with my sweet friend, Cherie' Dick. Everytime I visit, as soon as I walk through the door, her kids run to greet me with a big hug. How can you not feel loved around those kids? They're so great! Here Thomas was teaching Jonny how to play piano. :)
Emily and Sarah were so silly jumping on the couch and then giggling like crazy. They sure found themselves hilarious, anyway. Isn't that how it always is?
I forget what made Jonny cry that day...poor little guy...but isn't this picture classic? This was at Janese Botelho's house. I wanted to see her one more time before her baby boy's arrival next month. It was fun to see his bed all set up, his clothes, car seat, swing and everything waiting for him. It's a fun stage, but I have a feeling she'll be even happier once he's here. ;)

Afterwards, I headed to my Aunt Anne's house to see her and my cousin, Karen. Since it was happy hour at Sonic, I picked up some drinks for us on the way...Diet DP for Karen and a Srawberry Slushie for me. :) We had a good visit while Ethan, Emily, and Jon ran up and down the hallway as usual. Anne, I hope you never move to a house that doesn't have a long hallway because it provides so much entertainment for our fun, crazy kids!

You have to check this out!

Because it's always been a dream of mine to own my own business, I have been so impressed by two of my best friends, Kristal and Brandi, who have just started their own businesses. Way to go girls! I just had to share their talents with you and brag about them.

Kristal creates the most beautiful digital scrapbook pages I have ever seen. So if you're WAY behind on your scrapbooking like I am, just have Kristal make your pages for you! :) She also creates custom-made invitations and announcements. I know you'll love her work.

Kristal's Digital Creations

http://www.kristalsdigitalcreations.blogspot.com/

Brandi has a sense for good style and is selling darling bags of all kinds. I have already ordered the cutest diaper bag from her, and I'm so excited!

Bags By Brandi

http://bagsbybrandi.blogspot.com/

We're Lovin' Preschool

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm sad that Emily has started preschool. I just give a resounding, "No way! Are you kidding me?" I love my little girl, but it's only once a week for two hours, and I'm loving my one-on-one time with Jonny while Emily's at school! Last spring, I teamed up with some friends to create a "joy school" type of preschool where we take turns teaching in our own homes. It's the best arrangement, and we all love it, so we decided to continue on this fall. Since Kathy and Brynn have moved (I miss you guys!), Elaine, Traci, and I found three more moms to join our group. I'm so excited for when it's my turn to teach!

(L to R): Audrey, Holden, Emily, Etta, Annie, and Adam.

Last Monday was Emily's first day back to preschool since the summer break. After I dropped her off, Jon and I went to the park to play. We met up with my new friend, Jenica, and her darling daughter, Addie. Then we went to DI, where I scored a killer deal on two cute purses for only $1 each, next to Toys R Us, picked Emily up from school, and finished off a great morning by eating lunch at Paradise Cafe. It was awesome! Yesterday, while Em was at preschool, I took Jon grocery shopping with me to Harmons. They have THE best customer service on the planet, so I actually look forward to grocery shopping. I don't know what I'll do next Monday for fun, but I do know that we're lovin' preschool!

Dinner and the Wii

As you know, I've had some struggles over the last several weeks, particulary last week. After many frustrating moments during the week, it was heaven to watch my kids happier than ever, playing with their cousins, and Wade and I just hanging out and having fun with Wade's brother, Jeff and his wife, Elizabeth. They just moved into a beautiful home in Fruit Heights, so while the boys cooked the hamburgers, Elizabeth and I went for a walk so she could show me their new neighborhood. She and I both love the style of older homes in neighborhoods filled with mature trees, and it was fun to be with her.
After eating dinner and yummy homemade peach pie, we took turns playing the Wii, while the kids wrestled and had a pillow fight. Here are a few pictures of the cousins being silly together, while Wade and Jeff are so "into" the game. haha You know how guys are with any kind of game system, right?
We put the kids in their pajamas, turned on Peter Pan, and let them cuddle with the cool Halloween quilt Elizabeth made, while we played the Wii upstairs....but it didn't last long. Within ten minutes, the kids were back upstairs playing around us. Typical, huh? :) It was such a fun night. Thanks guys!

Utah State Fair

Last Thursday, I took the kids to the Utah State Fair. I was excited to go on opening night since the price was only $2, rather than $8. Sweet deal, eh? I hadn't been to a fair since the Washington County Fair back in 1999, so I thought it would be fun to go support one of the girls I visit teach, who is also my friend, Lindsey Christensen. She had entered some projects into the fair to be judged, and we met up that evening to find out how she did. She took 1st place with her crocheting and 2nd place with her tatting. Good job, Linds!
Here's Emily with Lindsey's, daughter, Emmaline playing on a pole. We both call our girls "Emmy," so whenever we're together, it just gets confusing as both girls turn around and respond. :)
Black and white cows are by far my favorite because that's what you can find on my Grandpa Callister's farm. Aren't they beautiful? Since Jon is also a big fan of cows, it was nearly impossible to get him to stay put in his stroller while taking this picture. He was trying with all his might to climb out of it, so he could get a closer look at the "moo-cows."
I thought this was a great photo opportunity with Emily petting a goat. When I was growing up, I remember feeding and petting the goats on our family farm and that they were such gentle animals.

We saw other fun animals at the fair, and I think my kids would have loved riding on the ponies, but by the end of the evening, I was too plain exhausted from trying to handle the kids by myself, that we just went home. Wade had a night class and couldn't come along, and whenever he's not with us, I learn to appreciate him even more. Why do I even try to go places like this without him? He saves my sanity whenever we go anywhere as a family. It's genuniely more fun with him by my side. Does anyone else feel like your husband deserves the "Daddy of the Year" award? I do!

To help me change my attitude

This week, I have been feeling so down and discouraged and overwhelmed, that I thought completing this tag Cynthia gave me two months ago would help me think about the happy things in my life.

8 Things I am Passionate About:

1. The Gospel and not being afraid to share my testimony
2. Taking time for my family and friends
3. Taking time for me (eating right, exercising, reading)
4. Music (singing, playing the piano, dancing)
5. Organizing and de-junking
6. Child development
7. Teaching
8. Having integrity

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over Again:

1. My favorite hymns, such as "I Stand All Amazed" & "There Is Sunshine In My Soul"
2. "Which Part Is Mine?" -Michael McLean
3. "What I Need" -Michael McLean
4. "So Many Times" -T.I.M.E. (my song with Wade)
5. "No One Else Can Smile My Smile" -Janeen Brady (It's Emily's favorite and I love it, too)
6. "Because You Love Me" -Celine Deon
7. "Bring On The Rain" -Jo Dee Messina
8. "Blessed" -Martina McBride

The Past 8 Books I Have Read:

1. Eat Smart, Walk Strong by Leslie Sansone
2. It's Okay to Take a Nap by Debra Sansing Woods
3. How to Handle 1,000 Things At Once by Don Aslett
4. It's Here...Somewhere by Alice Fulton & Pauline Hatch
5. Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball
6. I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson
7. Book of Mormon (we're half way through!)
8. And I'm finally going to start the Twilight Series next week (It's about time, right?)

8 Things I Say Often:

1. "Please, get off your brother!"
2. "Was that a good decision or a bad decision?"
3. "After story time, we're going to take a nap, and after nap, we're going to..."
4. "Who's my best buddy?"
5. "Jonny, NO! Danger"
6. "Hey sweetie"
7. "Wade, you make me laugh!"
8. "I Love You"

8 Things That Attract Me to a Friend:

1. Genuinely likes me and wants to be around me
2. Understanding
3. Makes me laugh
4. Thinks I'm funny
5. Shares common interests
6. Loves the Gospel
7. Is also a young mom- optional ;)
8. Sees the best in me

8 Random Things About Me:

1. "The Office" is our new favorite show. Wade and I just can't stop laughing!
2. I'm glad I married Wade and not___ or ___ or ___ (okay Katie, you can fill in the blanks)
3. I have watched Anne of Green Gables more times than I can count and Wade still tries to convince me that I'm every bit as dramatic as she is. I deny it, of course!
4. I think I secretely eat healthy so I can save up the calories for my real favorite treat, ice-cream
5. My favorite Christmas tradition is going to Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols"
6. At this very moment, I miss my mom so much it hurts. But she's on the other side of the globe, and I don't know how to contact her while she's in Israel.
7. I'm just like my dad when it comes to reading. I love all types of motivational, instructional and self-improvement books
8. It means the world to me when a friend calls or stops by just because

8 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:

1. Be a student for life and never stop learning
2. Receive my Masters Degree
3. Own my own business whether it's to help people become more organized or teaching voice/music lessons
4. Write a book and have it published
5. Serve an LDS mission with my husband
6. Travel with my husband to our favorite parts of the world
7. Get to know each of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren
8. Donate lots of money to the Special Olympics and other causes I strongly support

8 Things I Have Learned This Past Year:

1. Potty training doesn't have to be impossible.
2. Little boys are a LOT more difficult to raise than little girls
3. My mood greatly effects the mood and feeling in our home
4. I can choose to be happy or choose to be onery. It really is MY choice
5. One of the hardest things in life is saying goodbye to a special friend
6. The Lord answers my prayers again and again
7. Blogging helps me feel connected and understood
8. Others know what I'm going through and need me just as much as I need them

If you read this entire post, you really should get an award or something. I didn't write it to appear funny or witty or spiritual. I just needed to journal something like this for me, so I could stop my stupid pity party and start remembering the things in my life that make me happy. I don't know why Satan works so hard on me to get me feeling depressed, like I really can't do this anymore. I'm tired of miscommunicating with people I care about, especially with my little boy who is desperately trying to tell me something, but I can't understand him, so then he throws a tantrum, and it makes me want to flail my arms and curl up and cry just like he does. And if I try to hide away for some alone time, my two very independent children suddenly become so dependent on me and need me that second. It's just so hard, and I need to get those feelings out, but I know I shouldn't complain because I'm lucky to have two beautiful and healthy children, who love me more than anything in this world. And as challenging as motherhood can be, it's nice to know I'm needed.

Here's to the Olympics...Cheers!

Although we are enjoying our sleep now that the Olympics are over, we wanted to pay a tribute to the athletes that inspire us by sharing with you some of the athletes that make us laugh...Enjoy!