Daddy's taking us to the zoo tomorrow!

We are loving our zoo pass! I don't think I mentioned before that that's what Wade and I along with Grandpa and Grandma Reed gave Jonny for his birthday in March. He really didn't need any more toys, and since he loves animals, it seemed like a perfect gift for him. It's kind of ironic that we bought the pass for Jon because kids under 3 get in for free anyway. But he can't go to the zoo without us, so we all get to enjoy the benefits of having the pass! ;) We go a few times a month, and this particular trip, Wade took the kids so I could stay home and work on my editing project. Most of our zoo pictures all look the same, but Wade took some really fun shots this time that are different than any we already have. Here's Emily at Elephant Encounter.

little buddies with the rhino

Emily loves this backpack. Before we go anywhere, she stuffs it full with all sorts of toys, dress-up jewelry, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks, and a water bottle or two. This "pack-rat" stage she's in cracks me up.

Do any of your kids do the same thing?

Emily hiding in the dinosaur egg

Does this spider creep anyone else out? Bigger than life insects always give me the shivers. I'm just glad they're a lot smaller in real life!

Dear Jon,

I just don't understand! Since I clipped this

I have been feeling like this

trying to find sanity and peace once again!

You'll never know how difficult it was for me to clip your binky and admit that you're not my baby boy anymore. I kept procrastinating because of the sweet way you asked for it and how you cuddled me more when you had it. What's a mama to do? I just wanted to keep you small forever. What's wrong with that?

But I knew you needed to let it go.

It's been two weeks, and you're still not back to your old self, and I miss you, Jon.

You wake up crying in the middle of the night,

crying for "Mama."

I finally go pick you up, rock you, and put you back down in your crib or else bring you to bed with daddy and me when I'm just too tired to handle the tears, mine and yours. I hold you and you fall asleep on my chest, just like you did as a newborn. It's tender.

Jon, you used to be my champion naper and would nap everyday from 12-3. Lucky mama? Yes, I was I admit. But now, I put you in your room for quiet time and after an hour, I find this.

You just look up at me and say, "Uh, oh, Jonny made a mess!"

Because you haven't been napping, you've been more onery the rest of the day. Remember last week's drama at the grocery store?

Oh. My. Goodness.

I didn't chose the grocery cart that you wanted, so you threw the tantrum of the century for over a 1/2 hour, but I refused to pick you up. I just let you cry and follow me around, telling you every 5 minutes, "I'll be happy to pick you up when you can calm down and be happy." Oh wow, if I had a nickle for every judgemental look I got!!! How dare I not pick up my child when he's upset? At least I got a thumbs up from the guy behind the meat counter. He said, "Way to go. Trainin' him right." I just laughed at his comment. Really, I wanted to cry. Of course I wanted to pick you up. But then I'd teaching you that if you want something, throw a fit, and mama will give in. Well, not this mama, buddy!

You finally calmed down, WITHOUT a bribe. Miracle, I know.

Jon, you make me laugh

And you make me cry...and Emily, too. Check out those bites. Half a dozen a week, and I can't get you to stop. I've tried washing your mouth out with soap, but you just keep biting your sister. It's like the little dog-big dog mentality. I guess it's your way of defending yourself. But I'm tired of it. The hair pulling and pinching needs to stop, too. I'm just beside myself!

You really are a good boy,

definitely ALL boy in fact, unless

your sensitive side comes out. ;)

Jonny boy, I need your help. I need more sleep to happen and less crying, more big-boy talking and less whining, more loving and less fighting.

And I promise I'll try to be more patient and stop locking myself in the bathroom for "mommy time-out."

I love you dear Jon.

Love,

Mama

Father's Day Weekend

Saturday morning, we drove out to Tooele to visit our good friends, Dominick and Becky Brusso. We got the official tour of their new home and played with their sweet little girl, Giada. It was definitely fun to see Becky with her cute prego belly! :) We love these guys!

Then we went to Penny's, a really cool restaurant Wade's aunt recently restored, outside of Tooele. There we met Wade's 2 brothers and their families to surprise their dad for Father's Day. When we arrived, he was genuinely shocked to see us all, and it was awesome! After lunch, the kids played some pool and then we had some ice-cream cones at Clover Creek General Store. Yum!

When we returned home, Wade took the kids on a date to Chuck E Cheese, so I could have quiet time to work on an editing project for a friend. I know, it's not like I need one more thing in my life. But the money is good and for only 10 hours a week, I felt like I could do it for a few months. It's really such a blessing because the previous Fast Sunday, Wade and I had fasted for extra opportunities to earn income, so that we could slash the rest of our school debt. So Wade and I are both trying to do a little extra so that we can call Dave Ramsey's radio show soon with a "We're Debt Free!" shout out. Oh, and way to go Wade for spending 2 whole hours at Chuck E Cheese and not spending one single dime! The kids just used the tokens we had left over from a friend's brithday party.

Funny story: Sunday morning, I asked Wade if I could make him some pancakes for breakfast for Father's Day. He said, "Yes, but can you PLEASE make me Keith's pancakes (his step-dad's recipe) and not the HEALTHY ones you usually make?" I was shocked to hear my husband doesn't truly love my pancakes with whole wheat flour, flax seed, oats, and fruit mixed in. haha So much for thinking I am a good cook, huh?! ;)

Ready, Set, Race: Car Week

Week 3 of Summer Camp, we learned about the different types of transportation and then each child took a turn racing their little matchbox car down the ramp. It was so fun watching their excitement! Here's Juliet, Ollie, Emily, and Brock with Miss Melanie and Miss Jazel. Because Miss Kristal couldn't join us this week, these two 12 year-old girls helped me with my 2 year-old class. They were wonderful!

Of course, we also took time to play. Em thought it was hilarious to stand at the top of the slide, so Jonny could slide through her legs.

Here's Emily as happy as can be riding her tricycle

Thursday, Brock was sad when his mama left, so Emily went over to cheer him up.

Jonny, Juliet, Brock, Ollie, Kenzo, and Emily all lined up ready to race, like real race car drivers.

Jonny rode Kenzo's little red trike and loved it. I think I know what Santa can bring Jonny for Christmas this year. ;)

Here's Zach, Jonny, Miss Elizabeth, and Cannon taking a break from racing to search for bugs. This happened with both my classes. They are all so facinated with bugs that anytime we're outside, they LOVE to find bugs and then tell me what kind of bug it is. :)

Judges Run

Last Saturday, I ran my 3rd 5K, which was the Judges Run. I have a goal to run at least one 5K every year of my life (yes, even when I'm 90!) This one was cool because the route was in my neighborhood, starting at Highland High and ending at the Presbyterian church by my house. Last year, I ran both of my 5Ks the entire time without stopping to walk, but this year I hadn't trained quite the same because I've been so busy starting up my Preschool and running the Summer Camp, so I walked part of it and ran part of it. Next year, I want to train for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. There's a group called Team in Training, whom I'll train with. And as part of the team, I'll raise $4000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help find a cure for cancer, which I'm really excited about. It's a great cause. Man, I'm starting to think this running thing is addicting! :)

Reunited!

My old running partner and dear friend, Kathy Allen, came to town from St. Louis, and we met up for a few hours and had a really nice visit together. Her 9 year-old, Sydney, had a sleep over the night before with Ali and Kate, so they joined us at the park, as well. After an hour, it started to sprinkle, so we headed to my house to get out of the rain. She admired my new preschool, while I admired her beautiful baby girl, Rachel. :) It has been a year since Kathy moved away, and it was so good to be with her again. She's such a good example to me, and I cherish our friendship.

Cute little friends: Elyse, Emily, and Jon

Before Kathy moved, she passed on Elyse's old tricycle and some hand me down clothes to us. So when Emily rides her tricycle everyday, she likes to tell me who gave it her. She'll say, "That's nice of Elyse to share, huh mom? But I don't have to share it with Jonny, because it's pink, and only me and Elyse like pink!" :)

Later that day, Jon was under the covers on my bed playing hide and seek with Emily when I suddenly lifted up the covers to surprise him. Of course I had my camera ready because I knew he would have a cute look on his face. I was right.

Surprises

After being parents for 3 1/2 years, you would think nothing would surprise us, yet we still find ourselves amazed at the crazy things our kids do.
One day, Emily, Jonny, and I were playing in the backyard, when Ems all of a sudden goes into the house for a minute and brings out a basket of books and her computer. She told me, "I'm just setting up my office, Mom." It was so random. I couldn't help but laugh!
Sometimes Emily will take over the camera, and I won't know it until I discover pictures like this on the memory card. haha I love that cheeser smile of Jonny's. Good photography skills, Em!
One night, Wade found Emily like this. She had actually made herself a bed under the dresser!

And last week, I found Jonny on a stool sneaking into the dried mangos, his favorite. I just laughed and grabbed the camera. Sneaking into the snack cupboard is a regular daily activity for Emily, but this was the first time that her brother followed her example. What do you do with these kids?