Yorktown

Our little patriot!
Atley finds his Thanksgiving turkey.
Exploring General Washington's encampment at Yorktown, October 1781.
Atley helps a colonists water her cabbages.
What hard working boys!

I AM IT!

I am...a little paranoid. Okay, a lot paranoid.
I think...I should be doing something more constructive than blogging at this moment.
I have...to mow the lawn this afternoon.
I dislike...grocery shopping.
I miss...my mom.
I fear...germs, birds, and cancer.
I feel...thankful to be home with my children.
I hear...Atley talking about using glue and toilet paper to decorate the walls of his bedroom.
I smell...my new candle burning downstairs.
I crave...a Snickers bar.
I cry...when Lucy gives birth to Little Ricky on "I Love Lucy!"
I search...the Internet for bargain Christmas gifts for the boys.
I wonder...what I want to be when I grow up!
I regret...eating three Eggos for breakfast instead of one banana.
I wish...we could find a reliable babysitter every once in awhile so that I could go on a date with my husband.
I love...my boys-Scott, Atley, and Nash.
I care...a lot about BYU Football!
I always...watch General Hospital.
I worry...about the health and safety of my family.
I am not...excited about making dinner tonight.
I remember...first meeting Scott outside the Sanford Church. I was 13. I think I knew then that he was the one!
I believe...that the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true.
I sing...all of the time!
I don't always...eat things that are good for me!
I write...lists because I love to be able to cross things off as I get them accomplished.
I win...the nasty stretch marks contest!
I lose...the bikini modeling contest!
I listen...to my IPOD everyday.
I don't understand...why Americans are probably going to elect Barack Obama.
I forget...to say my morning prayers.
I am happy...when I watch Scott playing with the boys!
I tag...Shae, Ginny, Aarin, April, & Cheryl

Picture Tag!

Rule- 4th Photo File on your computer & 4th Picture in that File

This is Nash's first swim, May 2007. He was five months old! What an angel he was then, and what a naughty little boy he is now. While in a museum over the weekend. I watched from a distance as he doubled-up both fists and walked up to a little girl, a total stranger, and punched her as hard as he could with both fists. I ran up to him and said, "Nashy, what are you doing?" Nash replied, "Punch, baby!"

The "Real" John McCain

Like most Americans we will be very glad when the election is finally over. I know one person who will be able to sleep easier, our oldest son Atley. We should probably stop watching the presidential debates in front of the children and we should definitely stop criticizing the candidates because Atley told his preschool teacher today that he was voting for Obama, but his parents were voting for McCain because they think Obama is a bad man. Then this afternoon I caught him in his room spewing some campaign rhetoric on his bed. I had to capture it on video, so I made him recite what I heard. If you need to mute my music scroll to the bottom where our black play list is located and press the pause button before you press play on the video. I want to make sure you get the full effect of "Little McCain's" comments.

Translation: "Washington's broken! John McCain knows it. I'm John McCain and I approved this message."

New York City

We had an exciting, fun, and incredibly exhausting weekend in New York. We left Thursday night after work and the 4 hour trip turned into 6 1/2 hours when the D.C. traffic would not cooperate. We got to our apartment around midnight. Thanks to Scott's mom and her Delta Connections we had an awesome apartment on 2nd Avenue and 47th street right across the street from the United Nations building. Our bedroom had an awesome view of the city including the Chrysler Building. Here is a synopsis of the weekend's activities:
Day 1
Despite a very late night the boys were up by 6:30AM and we were out the door by 7:30. Unfortunately, nothing was open this early so we wandered around 5th Avenue in the rain until FAO Shwarz opened at 10AM. We spent at least 3 hours in FAO Shwarz. Atley custom built his very own hotwheels car and Nash rearranged the store by pulling toys off shelves and dropping them in different places. They played the big piano, just like Tom Hanks in "BIG." After three hours in FAO Shwarz it was time for a mommy store so we went to Tiffany's. Of course with the boys along we were only in Tiffany's for about 15 minutes. We checked out Trump
Tower and then we returned to the apartment ate lunch and took a nap. That night we walked around the United Nation's building where I found 20 British Pounds- equivalent to $36. Then we spent the rest of the night on Time's Square. Most of that time was again spent in a Toy Store. Toys R Us on Times Square is incredible. It has an enormous Ferris Wheel inside that we had a ton of fun on. After dinner we walked back home only getting lost once and meandering down a scary street with even scarier people. Scott's parents and sister flew in Friday night to join the party.

Day 2
Up early to attend a session at the Manhattan Temple. This was a great experience, a moment's peace from the noise and bustle of the city. A somewhat confusing subway ride back to the apartment for a quick bite and we were off again. We took the subway to the World Trade Center site, which was a pretty emotional experience. Next, shopping at Century 21-my opinion the world's largest TJ Max. We then walked up Wall Street and explored Trinity Church of National Treasure fame and burial site of Alexander Hamilton. Then, more walking to Battery Park to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, it was too cloudy to see her though. After spending at least an hour on the wrong subway trains we ended up in Chinatown. What a crazy place. The goal was to buy an expensive brand name purse at a really cheap price. This turned into a bit of a frightening experience. I go into a little open street store and a woman whispers in my ear that they have Gucci, Coach, and Chanel purses in the back. So, I naively follow her. She unlocks one door closes it behind us. She then unlocks another door and closes it behind us. Finally, behind door number three Bruce Lee is waiting with his stash of stolen purses. I suddenly find myself locked in a back room on some scary alley, with a guy who looks quite skilled in the art of Kung Fu. I survived and the most important thing is I got my Coach purse. We continued to peruse Chinatown looking at all the vendors and the strange fruits and vegetables on sale. Then we headed back to the apartment for dinner.
Day 3
The boys all went to Yankee stadium to see it once more before they tear it down. The girls spent the morning in the American Girl Doll Store, very fun-very cute. But, before that I had to exchange my pounds for dollars. So, we stopped at the Waldorf Astoria and I completely made a fool out of myself by pretending to be a guest registered under the name of Paul Smith. It is a very long story that I will not bore you with, but I eventually got my money. Next, onto Rockefeller Center and a taxi ride to Pier 83 to meet up with the guys and take a 3 hour boat tour around Manhattan Island. We were finally able to see the Statue of Liberty. The tour was great even though Nash threw-up right before we got on the boat. Taxi ride back to the apartment quick dinner and then we were back on the road for Washington. We got home around 11:30 Sunday night.

Atley Throws a Dinner Party!

Last week I had a Relief Society meeting at our home. When I told Atley that I had a meeting and that one of the sister's was going to bring her daughter, Atley replied by saying, "Oh, I'll throw her a dinner party!" A little bizarre considering the fact that I doubt he has ever heard me use the term "dinner party." As you can see in the picture his dinner party was quite a fancy affair made strictly from the always delightful canned food variety fare.

Although I would have liked the "dinner party," to have been Atley's funniest comment of the day, he came up with another strange comment when a counselor in our Relief Society presidency arrived. She came through the door and told Atley that he had a lovely home. Atley says, "Yeah, I know. It's great. If you turn the hose on outside money comes out and that is why we are so rich!" Where does he come up with this stuff! I am glad he is living in the delusional world where he believes that his mommy and daddy are rich. But, I am afraid when he turns about 16 he might be a bit disappointed when he discovers the truth, that he is not really an aristocrat who can throw dinner parties with the money that comes from his garden hose.

Election Quiz!

Shae sent this link to me and I thought it was very interesting. If you are having trouble choosing a candidate this election season, and I really hope you are not, follow this link and take the quiz. Maybe it will give you a better idea of where you stand politically.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

I Love to see the Temple!

A Bit Too Much

After dropping Atley off at preschool this morning Nash and I had to pick up a few things at K-Mart. As most grocery/big box stores do, K-Mart generally has carts made especially for kids. Everyone knows what I am talking about. They are usually shaped like a car and if for some reason there are none available while you are shopping these carts are the source of extreme agony, disappointment, and frustration for your child. Nash and I walk into K-Mart and fortunately there was one of the fancy kid carts waiting for Nash's shopping pleasure. However, this cart was nicer than usual. It was shaped like Thomas the train, but it also had pictures of Bob the Builder, and Barney along the sides. Nash could hardly contain his excitement. I open the door for him and he climbs inside for his shopping excursion.

Just as I am getting ready to shove off for a fun time of consumer spending at K-Mart, the greeter approaches me and says, "What show do you want him to watch?" My reply, "Huh?" Her reply, "His cart has a TV in it. What show do you want him to watch?" I look down and sure enough, there it is, a TV right next to him on the passenger side of his cart/train. The greeter then recites a long list of available programs for Nash to watch while I push him around the store. A program was decided on and we began our shopping adventure. Suddenly, I was startled when I looked down to see another small TV near the handle of my shopping cart playing commercials and enticing me to buy all kinds of items not previously on my list. Perhaps I don't get out much but have any of you been exposed to this high-tech shopping cart equipped with two TV's, cup holders, and kiddie-seats that actually recline?

I'm no prude. It isn't as if my kids weren't watching cartoons while eating breakfast this morning and it isn't like they didn't watch a Disney Movie in the car on the way to school, but do I really need them watching TV while we shop. This is CRAZY! The worst part is that I know the next time we go to K-Mart if the crazy TV/Train cart is not available, my life will become a nightmare and if the TV/Train cart is available I will have no other option but to allow my boys to sit in it, because I am way too nice to deny them that pleasure. But, I really wish I didn't have to make the choice of what television program my kids should watch while we grocery shop.

BYU Defeats UCLA

59 to 0

Go Cougars!

Definition of Despair

If you all will indulge me for a moment I feel the therapeutic need to write down the events that surrounded my life yesterday.
Morning:
1. Nash is a total grouch because I have to wake him up to take Atley to preschool. I attempt to give him breakfast, but he throws it on the ground and on the walls and on me.
2. Atley cries because he wants to wear his dad's shirt to school. Yes, the shirt is enormous and drags below his feet so this was not gonna happen.
3. After a complete breakdown Nash finally lets me change his morning diaper. When I am finished he happily decides he is going to take it to the trash. He is so helpful. However, Nash has a tendency to get the sink and the trash confused.Unbeknown to me the diaper went into the sink. I pride myself on how incredibly small I can make a dirty diaper before I dispose of it. Apparently, I made this diaper really small and that completely backfired on me because I found pieces of it in our garbage disposal last night. I spent about an hour picking nasty diaper fragments out of the disposal.
4. We dropped Atley off at school and Nash had the day's fourth breakdown, "No, Atley go! No, Atley, go!" It is only 9:00AM!
5. Nash and I spend Atley's school day organizing Atley's room. We sorted all the toys, went through his clothes and removed things that were too small. It was a really big project.
Afternoon:
1. We pick Atley up from school. He says, "Finally, you come get me. This school is longer than church." Then when we get in the car he says, "That school only has one squeaky bike and that crazy teacher made me share it."
2. Trip to the grocery store. In some sort of brotherly spat both of the boys are yelling at each other. Atley attempts to pull Nash out of the cart by his head. Both of my hands are full of groceries and my gentle motherly imploring is unsuccessful, so I am resourceful and use my foot to give Atley a loving kick in the butt. Hey, at least I don't wear steal-toe boots like my dad used to wear. Unfortunately, there was a mean spinster-looking woman in the isle behind me who witnessed the entire incident. She gave me that look that made me terribly afraid that the police would be reviewing the store's surveillance video later that night. If you see me on the news please do not be alarmed.
3. Nap time is attempted and fails with both children!
4. Nash's greatest desire is to look at the fish. Well, the fish is on a high shelf that requires me to hold Nash up for his viewing pleasure. Because of the need I have to use the bathroom at some point during the day, I move the fish to a low shelf so that he can obtain a better view. After returning from the bathroom I discover that Nash has found a straw and is now drinking from the nasty fish bowl. Trust me when I say that "nasty" is an understatement. The bowl has not been cleaned since the flying fish fiasco two weeks ago.
5. I managed to wrestle the straw from him before the phone rang. I answered the phone and forgot all about dear little Jet Plane/Lazarus/our fish, sitting in harms way. But, it only takes a few moments before the fish bowl is shattered all over our kitchen floor and there lay Lazarus once again fighting for his life. This time the blow was almost too much. I had to remove a shard of glass from his side, but he survived and is now happily living in a flower vase on a high shelf.
Evening
6. I thought I had cleaned up all the debris from the fish bowl incident but while walking through the kitchen later that evening and stepping on a piece of glass I realized I was wrong. I attempted to retrieve the vacuum from the closet but the closet door was stuck. I tugged harder, so hard in fact that the door knob came off in my hand and I ended up on my behind on the floor. Perhaps I didn't need a vacuum, I decided the broom would be best. I took the boys up to Atley's room to keep them out of harm's way to finish cleaning the glass. Thirty seconds later I heard laughing that could only indicate mischief. When I went to Atley's room there were no children. I found them on the tread mill in my room. Atley stands at the top manually moving the belt with his feet while Nash attempts to climb to Atley before he slides off the end. This might be funny but we have already had a near fatal treadmill accident in which Atley shot off the back of the machine at a very high rate of speed.
7. I took the boys back to Atley's recently tidied room to finish the glass clean up down stairs. After an absence of five minutes I return to Atley's room and find this disaster.

8. In complete despair I put the boys in the tub, which they hate, and Nash precedes to stand up and pee directly into Atley's eye. Apparently, pee in the eye stings because Atley totally freaked out and fell out of the bathtub. At this point I had had enough and put them both in bed.
9. I took a Tylenol PM and slept soundly until 3AM when I woke up to Atley's face 3 cm. from my own saying, "You snore mommy!"

The Journey Begins...

Atley's preschool started today. Big Deal, you may say, but actually the beginning of preschool brings an end to a stressful few months in our life. Atley was placed on the waiting list of seven different preschools last February. Yes, February. Apparently, (as I as was told by one teacher) you really have to be on the ball to get your kids "accepted" into a preschool in these parts. Not only is there a qualifying period for many of the schools most of the schools also have waiting lists nearly 2 years long. In other words after you give birth your husband shouldn't stay with you at the hospital to make sure you are doing well and feeling comfortable. No, he should immediately leave the hospital and get that child signed up for a suitable preschool. It is what all good parents do! Just remind him before he goes that preschool in the D.C. area will cost him more than that child's mission and/or equivalent to at least a year of college tuition. But, hey Nash doesn't eat much and I can always try to grow my hair out and sell it to charity. After all preschool is imperative, right? In all seriousness we were resolved to just attempt to teach Atley at home during this preschool year but, since he already knows more than both of us combined we along with his pediatrician really felt he needed to be in a structured school setting with more intelligent teachers than us. Three weeks before school started we had lost all hope of him "getting in." But, then we received the call that miraculously a spot was open and that spot was Atley's if we wanted it. We jumped on the chance, took out a second mortgage and now he is officially enrolled in preschool or as we call it here, "Elementary Preparatory School!" His teacher seems great and his favorite part was the play washing machine and dryer. For those of you who know Atley this should come as no surprise. He has been obsessed with washing machines since birth. The first year of his life he referred to a washer as a "Tuka, Tuka," because of the sound that it made while washing. So, in the words of the KABOOM spokesman our goal for Atley is to learn how to "remove even the toughest stain," during this, his first educational experience.

"Hanna" From Heaven

We tried to make the most out of a miserable weekend by playing outside in the torrential rains of tropical storm Hanna. The rain stopped moments before Scott started building our ark.

Labor Day Weekend!

Scott's parents came to town this weekend and we hit the road for Pennsylvania. First stop Lancaster County, Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch country. I was completely convinced that I wanted to convert. Life seemed so much simpler there until I saw the world's biggest clothes lines and women washing by hand. I changed my mind pretty quickly. Nash rode a pony that turned mean and I had to yank him off in a hurry, and then the pony tried to bite me. Atley preferred riding on a tractor rather than a pony. That was probably a good choice.

Next stop, Hershey, home of Hershey's Chocolate. This is my new favorite vacation destination. What more could you ask for than to have a town completely centered around the production of the world's greatest food staple, chocolate.

After a night's sleep, (notice I did not say a good night's sleep) we headed for Gettysburg National Military Park. We spent the day touring the battlefield and learning more about the horrific events that surrounded the small town of Gettysburg in July of 1863. It was a great weekend and although they are thoroughly exhausted, the boys were very good travel companions.

Pennsylvania

Bath Time at the Butler's

Most night's at our house I feel just like June Cleaver on Leave It To Beaver. She is constantly trying to convince Beaver to take a bath. My boys are just like Beaver. I don't know why I didn't get a Wally, just two Beaver's. But, anyway bath night is generally a big fight. Mostly because it means that it is time to stop playing and it is also almost time for bed. However, the other night when I turned the water on in the bathtub I expected the boys to run for cover like they usually do but that wasn't the case. I left the water running while I ran to the dryer to grab their towels. When I returned Nash was already happily bathing. In his clothes of course! When I tried to take off his clothes and waterlogged diaper, he pitched a royal fit screaming and kicking while yelling, "No, pants! Pants!" Go figure, the key to having them like their baths was letting them bath in their clothes. Why didn't i think of that before!

Picture Day!

Atley & Nash in The Flying Fish Miracle!

Yesterday the boys and I were cleaning out the fish bowl. The fish was in a small cup on the counter while Atley sat on the counter top inspecting my work and Nash stood on tippy-toes peering over the top of the cupboards. Suddenly, the fish jumped out of the cup and landed right on Nash's nose where it sat suspended for what seemed like minutes before Nash squealed like a pig in terror. At this moment the fish performed another flop onto the tile in our kitchen. Nash took off running and in his haste stepped right on Atley's first pet, whom he named Jet Plane. When Nash stepped on the poor fellow I swear I heard the sound of crunching fish bones as they were crushed under the weight of Nash's 30 lb frame. Atley sprung from the top of the counter to examine his poor fish. I scooped up the lifeless body and dumped him back in the bowl, where he floated sideways. Tears began coming and Nash started yelling, "NO, NO, FISHY!" For some reason I told Atley that he should say a prayer for this fish. Atley is not fond of saying prayers. He is annoyed that no one answers back. So, as Atley prayed for his dead fish, I prayed for a miracle that might make Atley more fond of praying in the future. Atley finished his quick prayer and when we opened our eyes the fish was swimming happily. He is no longer named Jet Plane, we call him Lazarus. It was a mini-miracle and one of the Lord's many tender mercies in our life!

I've Just Changed My Mind!

Before I had kids I was the perfect mother. I had a long list of things I would never allow my children to do. This list was compiled by carefully watching and judging all of the failing mothers around me on a daily basis. The following are just part of the list I once had and all are things that my children are currently involved in. I guess I am now one of those failing moms!

MY KIDS WERE NEVER GOING TO...
1. Go to bed with Sippy Cups
2. Eat Popsicles on the couch
3. Ride around in a car in which 6 month old fries can be found in the seats
4. Dress themselves in horribly mis-matched outfits and then be taken out in public in this hideous apparel.
5. Watch TV
6. Eat cereal for dinner
7. Walk around barefoot outside
8. Throw kicking, screaming, tantrums while shopping
9. Have so many toys that their stuff overtakes the entire house and yard
10. Most importantly I would never have a son that looked exactly like Elton John. Obviously, I have changed my mind!

This Week in Pictures!

Dog-Sitting!

Atley Thinks the Magician is Hilarious!

Several people had recommended we try this Vietnamese restaurant called Pho Hot! Well, we did and it was an experience none of us care to repeat! Although I will say Nash enjoyed his beef tripe and rice noodles more than the rest of us!

US Navy Sea Chanters Concert!

Daily Dose of Guilt

6:30 AM Atley wakes me persistently demanding his breakfast! Soon after Nash awakens and the fighting commences. I spend my day like most mom’s refereeing, searching for lost toys, and repairing broken ones, picking up messes and more messes, answering a constant barrage of questions from Atley and desperately trying to translate Nash’s language into something coherent. Life is busy and there is always something to do, some task that must be completed, some errand that has to be run, some phone call that has to be made. The day flies by and I find myself counting down the minutes until bedtime when I can finally have a moment’s peace. When that peace finally comes so does the reflection. What did I do of significance that day? Sometimes I am not really sure. I cleaned the house, did another mountain of laundry, bought another gallon of milk, but what will I remember. Most days all I can remember is that I had to say “NO” a lot, mostly to my boys. I can remember losing my patience and starting to get annoyed at yet another question about airplanes or bodily functions. I can remember that I love my boys but will they remember how much I love them by my actions that day. With all of these things on my mind at the end of any given day, I go into their rooms and see them sleeping silently. I ask myself why didn’t I just read Nash that book even though we had already read it 24 times that morning? Why didn’t I play airport with Atley even though he bosses me around a lot? They are growing up and I pray I won’t regret these hectic days with them. They are angels but sometimes that fact is only recognizable when they are fast asleep. I have to capture those sleeping moments each night to prepare for the next day in the hopes that I will do it better, in the hopes that I will see them as their Heavenly Father sees them. I don’t want to take those waking moments for granted. Watching them sleep in their innocence is my daily dose of guilt but it is good for me. It makes me try harder and dig deeper to be a better mom to these sweet babies. I have a long way to go to become the mother that I believe they deserve but every day I hope I do a little better.

Happy Birthday Granny!

We wish we could be there to celebrate your birthday with you. Here are the boys posing for you before church! They wanted to make a sign but we ran out of time. We hope you enjoyed your day. We love you!

Shenandoah National Park!

We took the boys on a picnic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had a fun little hike where they discovered wild blackberries. They ate them until we were afraid they were going to get sick. Nash would point and call them "candy"! They each had to have their own walking stick that rapidly turned into weapons when they needed them for protection! Nash insisted on walking himself which meant that half way through our journey he decided to sit on the trail. No one could budge him so he spent the last few meters kicking and screaming. We love him!

Nash's New Shoes

Nash got some new shoes this weekend and he really likes the Box!

Enjoying the Fruits of Their Labor

Atley and Nash just finished their summer reading program through the public library. For all of their hard work they are rewarded with these cute little coupon books full of free stuff all over the community. It is really cool! Obviously the first coupon redeemed was the free ice cream cone at McDonald's. Tomorrow we are headed to Krispy Kreme for their free donuts. Wow! All this reading might make them chubby. We better slow down on this educational stuff!

Summer in Colorado

We are back from our break from reality! What would the boys and I do without our time in Colorado every summer! It is like stepping back in time to a safer and simpler place. My mom took good care of us and we all made it back in one piece despite a few close calls. I am so thankful that my boys can go and enjoy the same things that I loved as a kid. Atley made the comment when we first arrived, "I love Colorado 'cuz I can be free!" That about sums it up! There is too much to write so here is the short list of what took place during our month away.

1. Lots of Delayed Flights
2. Lots of swimming in the ice cold Colorado water!
3. Lots of time with cousins-Nash is still asking for "CLAY!"
4. Spending time with Great-Grandparents. Trying not to drive them too crazy.
5. Atley getting a possible case of West Nile and spending an entire week in bed.
6. Replacing the things in Granny's house that the boys destroyed-Sunglasses, Watch, Sprinkler, Table, and Vacuum.
7. Celebrating Granny's Birthday 12 days early.
8. Going to the pageant and hearing Atley say, "Is that really Jesus on the stage!"
9. Watching the parades and getting too much candy.
10. Running in the races and winning some of them.
11. Catching snakes in the mountains.
12. Riding the 4-Wheeler
13. Terrorizing Granny's Office and co-workers.
14. Visiting the Dairy daily.
15. Helping Nash practice his "PIG" sounds.
16. Riding Carnival Rides
17. Saving Nash from his escape from a moving carnival ride. I never thought Scott could move so fast.
18. Atley taking his first driving lessons.
19. Almost hitting a strange man on the side of the road in the middle of the night.
20. Freezing to death most of the time.

Where Are We?

In case anyone is wondering we have been in Colorado since the 4th of July and we won't be home until the end of the month. We are having a great time and enjoying the cooler weather. Things are going well, with the exception of Atley contracting the West Nile Virus from a mosquito bite. Actually, we don't know for sure if he has the virus but the doctor thinks that it is a strong possibility. He is doing much better, but we had a long week of high fevers and a very sick boy. Now that he is on the mend we are looking forward to more fun! I will update everyone on our adventures when we get home.