An Interview with Nicole

It's been one month and I have now blogged everyday. I am so happy I am sticking with one resolution so far and what I found is that my life may be a little boring, but I love it. I have also learned that documenting a little bit every day is easier than every few weeks and it makes me look regularly into some of the more meaningful parts of my life. I have now blogged more in one month than I have in any single year. Pretty cool. So, on to today's post...

With Mary and Noah in school and Cameron taking his afternoon nap Nicole and I got to have some one on one time together, my favorite. As she did her puzzle I asked her some questions to which she responded below:

What do you like to do:
Play puzzles...with Grandma

Who do you like to play with?
No one
Why?
Um, cuz, I don't need help and I know where them go (referring to the puzzle again)

Which cousins do you like to play with? (question reworded)
Elise
What do you play with her?
Play strawberries

What's your favorite book?
Pig one (referring to Piggie Pie, which we read yesterday)

What's your favorite color?
purple...and pink...and red

What's your favorite dinner?
Ritz casserole...but my really really really  favorite's soup

What's your favorite treat?
Donuts...and bring donuts to daddy's work

What's your favorite TV show?
Gaspard and Lisa (The one we just watched)

What's your favorite song?
I am a Child of God

What do you like to do with Daddy?
Not play puzzles; he don't want to play with puzzles with me. (Question restated) Go to the park.

Where do you like to go?
To the gym

What do you learn about in Sunbeams?
A song.... nothing. Sarah is my teacher too. She was there but then I leaved and go to Sister Dixon's class. And then I was crying for you. (good to know)

Puzzle done. Interview done.

Farewell Murphy!

Our amazing nephew Murphy is taking off today for his two year mission. I am positive he will be a remarkable missionary because he already has been such a great influence to so many people, including myself. In my mind I still see Murphy as the kind and cool little stud I met ten years ago. I loved babysitting those kids when we were dating/newly married and going to their home made me feel so welcomed and loved into the Nadauld family. I treasure those memories.

When Murphy was in fifth grade I was teaching fifth grade and we both participated in the Hope of America program. I remember talking to his teacher and feeling that she was sad she wasn't his aunt. Boy did I luck out! We will miss you Murphy.

Parenthood

Today I took the time to sit down with each of my children and enjoy them...just listen to them, love them, and feel of their purity and goodness. Children really are a marvel. There is nothing in this world that helps me understand more our heavenly parents than the privileged blessing of raising some of His spirits here on earth.  I get so preoccupied sometimes trying to cross off the check list that I forget. I forget what it's all about. Studying the scriptures more lately has helped me remember. Here is a video I saw on a friend's blog. I love it. While it talks about fathers, I think it captures how I feel as well.

Stories From Long Ago

During church yesterday Mary made the cutest book. It is entitled "These are the stories of what happened a long time ago". I tried to clarify some things in red. I just thought it was so cute and worth documenting. She is really understanding these scriptural events.

Sunday Nights

Usually around an Idiart family member's birthday we get together for a dinner to celebrate. We made this cake for Ashton today (per his request). Our menu was full of his favorites...bbq, meatballs, puffy cheetos, salad (adult's favorite), and some delicious fresh fruit. It made me ache for summer.

Since there is no school tomorrow we got to stay late. The kids played, the adults chatted, we watched some old home videos, and split the kids up afterwards for sleep overs. Noah stayed at Tiff's. We got to have Rachel, Nina, and Eliza. They brought Mary's bed into the play room and watched a movie. We'll see if Nikki will be able to stay the whole night up there before making her way downstairs and squeezing herself in between Aaron and I. These older girls are so nice to have over; they are helpful and creative. We are blessed.

Skater Dude

Today Noah was invited to his cousin Ashton's 10th birthday party at the roller skating rink. It was his first time skating. Aaron took him since it was a boy only party. All morning he asked how much time until the party. I have learned that you cannot tell a child that something will take place just after lunch because then they want to eat lunch at 8am. So now, I just give him the countdown...blank more hours. And since he has no concept of time it is followed by the question, "Is that long?", to which my usual reply is, "That's about blank Phineas and Ferbs....so hang in there." It looks like it was worth the wait.

Kindness Matters

Mary told me yesterday after school that her darling friend was sad at recess because no one wanted to play with her. So, I asked Mary what she did and she told her friend that she would love to play with her. It was a sweet moment...where all you try to teach your children about being kind and loving to others really shined through. Mary has a good heart and she did the right thing.

Today she got this little thank you note from her friend written on a napkin and taped to a bag full of goodies. I think it meant a lot to her and it also means a lot to me.

Mr. Independent

Cameron is talking so much. I love it. I can understand pretty much all his darling jabber and one of my favorite things he does is repeat what you say. He repeats prayers, he repeats questions, he repeats instructions, he repeats words from books, and he repeats phrases on his favorite television shows (thank you interactive Dora for teaching him a little Spanish and Team Umizoomi for teaching him some math vocabulary). You just have to be careful when he says Swiper the Fock (Fox) or the word "fork" and realize...nope, he's not swearing.

He also tells me that he wants to do everything by himself, "I do it"... like climb into the car, get out of the car, open his own Starburst, walk through the store instead of sit in the cart (not my favorite), flop into his crib, have ONLY Grandma get him something, and climb onto the trampoline..."I do it..jump, JUMP!" 

I love seeing him find happiness in making his own choices, well, most of the time. 

You've gotta love those TERRIFIC TWO-s!

A Dinner Tradition

Aaron and I feel it's very important to sit around the table and eat family dinner together, even if it's brief and even if the meal is, well, mediocre. We started a new tradition a couple months ago of going around the table while we are eating to talk about our favorite part of the day. It's always so nice to hear what the kids and we, as  parents, enjoyed most. Sometimes I answer that eating dinner is my favorite part of the day because really it is and I love feeling close and connected together.

Here was the family responses today:
Aaron-The kids coming to visit at the office
Allison-Picking up Mary from her class
Mary-Playing Polly Wolly Doodle with her piano teacher
Noah-Playing with Luci afterschool
Nicole-Going to Target with Mom
Cameron-Having his friend James come play trucks

Bath Buddies

The children are all little bath buddies. They can play together in the bath for hours. It can be two or three or all of them at one time and it is pretty entertaining, even for me as I watch them (listen for crying/drowning sounds while in the other room). I know this won't last too much longer, so I'll be sure to savor it and take some extra sniffs of that clean Johnson and Johnson scented skin for as long as I can.

These Boys ROCK!

Noah is always so happy to play with his Idiart boy cousins (and Nadauld ones, when we visit them). Unfortunately Marcus couldn't be here to complete the pack. Today they wrestled, played ball, used ipods for gaming, and watched Hermie crawl around.

Yesterday during church Noah passed a note to Ashton that said, "You are the best cousin ever!" and a picture of him on his rip stick. Ashton then drew this picture, which Noah partially colored. It said, "You Rock!". He thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I love these boys!

Go Niners!

I've decided that one of my favorite sounds is the boisterous yell of grown men as they watch a sporting event on the television. It's a sound from my childhood...pure male enthusiasm that echoes through the house and brings a smile to your face. And although it is Sunday it managed to make it's way here today (thanks to the beauty of our DVR). To the Super Bowl we go... let's go Niners!

Frost, Monkeys, and a Cafe

It has been very cold. An unusual kind of cold. I have never seen so much ice trimming the branches before. I am used to seeing it white, but it's not from a blanket of snow as I am accustomed. Every branch to the tiniest blade of grass is frosted with ice. Even the air looks white. I took a few pictures to capture it while I can.

This morning I made some delectable sticky Monkey Bread. It warmed up the home and sent a heavenly aroma through the air. It was my first time trying to make it and I think my little monkeys liked it.

The kids decided to make the box into The Best Friends Cafe, serving meals through out the day. Each one is only 60 cents. In the morning it's "monkey bread or maybe cereal"; you get to pick and pay through the next window.

Pottery Barn Makes the Best Boxes

I have been waiting/saving for just the right time to buy this gorgeous chandelier from Pottery Barn. It went on sale a couple weeks ago and with the new year and the holidays behind us we finally purchased it! I am so excited. It sparkles in the room and in my opinion you can never get tired of a little bling in your house. This was my first time buying something from Pottery Barn and it was worth every penny, I think.

Plus, the kids have been entertained for hours now with this awesome box, not to mention the fun we had last night screwing on all the crystals. I can only imagine what will happen when Mary gets her hand on some markers and this box after school.

An Excited Boy

Noah woke up this morning anxious to see the finished cupcakes. He got dressed out of his uglier pajamas into these cuter ones. Noah was so happy because he can just stay in his PJs all day and doesn't have to change at nighttime.

It is also his show and tell day and he decided to bring Terry, his Pterodactyl. It was a hard decision between that and his yo yo ball that he spends most of his day swinging around on his finger. It's funny because his major Christmas present, the ogre castle, which was a lot of money and he was dying for at the time gets less use than his five dollar toy from his class' gift exchange. That's always how it goes. 

I can't wait to hear all about pajama day.

Tiffany had the kids over after preschool for a play date and here is a picture she took of them with their pajama day take home treats. Tiffany is so creative.

Slumbering Cupcakes

We lucked out. Tomorrow Noah is scheduled to bring the preschool snacks and it's Pajama Day! So, we spent several hours today making and shopping for these. It's 10 o'clock now and I finally finished. I'm off to clean up the sugary disaster, but I had to post them real quick. Noah is so excited I'll be sure to take a picture of him tomorrow in his PJs.

Get Better Wreath

Mary, Nina and Rachel made this darling Valentine's wreath for Grandma. She caught the flu bug last week and we haven't seen her for a few days. I just thought it was so sweet of them to think of her and a great idea, especially since they came up with it and executed it all on their own. They bent the sticks they gathered from outside into a heart shape and taped them together with the all amazing duct tape. Then they tied Valentine colored ribbons around it. We got to give it to her today, and of course, she loved it.

My Mary Sunshine

My Mary woke up late this morning telling me that she was too sick to go to school today (although there was nothing that actually bothered her--just those tired Monday blues, I think). And when my perfect angel school loving daughter tells me that...my eyes light up, because I miss her..all the time. Of course you can stay home my Mary Sunshine! But then I started to think about how I was scheduled to volunteer in her class and she started to think about how bored she'd get and she decided to go. Smart choice.

I am now back from volunteering in her classroom, something I really enjoy doing. It always makes me think back to my old teaching life. My mind always floods with great ideas I could use as a teacher and things I would have done differently now that I am a parent. I also start to think on how much I let teaching consume my life and energy, realizing that I am content with just observing and aiding.

The second I walked in the door today my Mary Sunshine gave me a hug like I was the best thing that ever happened to her, and all the while I thought to myself that she is the best thing that has ever happened to me! 

Coody (Cutie)

Here is Mary's newest creation she made at Tiffany's yesterday. His name is Cutie (phonetically spelled by my first grader as Coody). It is so darling with it's little mint tin home complete with pillow blankets and teddy bear (Beary). I really need to learn to sew, maybe it will go on the list for one of my resolutions next year; blogging everyday is good for now.

Pretty Peepers

Nearly every time I go out in public I hear a comment about my kids' eyelashes being so awesome. My usual response...they get it from their daddy. Cameron seems to get the majority of compliments since his lashes may just poke you in the face if you get too close.

Happy Patients

Well, Noah is all immunized and ready for kindergarten in the fall. Nicole and Noah both did so great with their shots and check ups that we stopped by MacDonald's afterwards to celebrate. I didn't tell them we were going to the Doctor's until a half hour before we needed to leave, no sense in making Noah worry (Nicole was excited to get a sticker). Noah cried a little and Nicole just a whimper. I'm not sure if the name "Happy Meal" was intended for the child or the parent, either way...it's a win win.

What Goes Around Comes Around

I remember doing this same sleeping bag stair slide when I was a girl. I also hear the same childhood jokes/chants in our home these days...and it makes me smile.

Blah

Today is a blah day...the kind of rainy overcast mundane day where all you want to do is sneak back into bed with a good book and overdose on chocolate. It's that stumped feeling where you want to do something out of the ordinary with the kids only to realize you can't think of anything. At all. Hmmm. Apparently Nicole feels the same way.

Preschool Playdates

These cute kids...how lucky they are to be in preschool together (minus Nikki). Living next to family is our biggest support and blessing. And the fact that all they want to do is be together makes life so easy. The first thing Noah asks each morning is who's house they are going to play at after preschool. I lucked out today.

He May Have a Drinking Problem

This is my bottle loving baby. He walks around with empty or filled bottles for a good portion of each day. They soothe him. For a while I only gave him one in the morning when he woke up, I'd warm up the milk in the microwave in the pantry and he would lay on the floor in drunken contentment. Then he started asking for them more often. "MILK", he'd say, and he'd close the pantry door to let you know he wanted it "on the rocks". When we take him to the doctor they ask if he still drinks a bottle, and I say no...I used to say yes, get reprimanded, feel super guilty, and now I just let it be. I only give him water when he goes to bed so as to not destroy his teeth. And I'm not sure how to wean the little suckers away, or that I'm ready for him to give it up at all. Call me...Mama Enabler.

Nursery Graduate

Today marks a huge milestone for our family. Nicole has graduated nursery and is a SUNBEAM! Not only does that leave us with one in nursery, but it also means we have no more children crying for us to stay with them during the second and third hour of church. Cameron never cries because he is usually busy trying to wrestle his darling friend, Andrew Higginson. Nicole doesn't need us now that she can sit with all her siblings and cousins in Primary. Plus, Nicole loves her singing time with her Aunt Sarah, who even entertains me when I stop in. She did great with her new teacher Sister Dixon as did Mary with the Daltons and Noah with the Robinsons. We are so blessed with fabulous prepared talented and loving Sunday teachers.

"God is love"

I saw the latest version of Les Miserables at the theater last night. The music, the story, the words, the principles of mercy and justice...they always move me and ring such hope and truth in my heart. I left feeling so grateful and motivated to love more like God.

I loved one of the final scenes when the words "to love another person is to see the face of God" were sung. Jean Val Jean, now deceased, walks towards the priest who helped him come to know God, and treat him with love. He was Jean Val Jean's catalyst for a whole new life and relationship with God.

These scriptures connect these thoughts for me...

1 John 4:12 "No man hath seen God at any time, except them who believe (JST), God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
And in 1 John 4: 7-8 "Let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Ski Bunnies

Aaron took Mary and Noah skiing today for the first time. They couldn't stop talking about how fun it was the entire evening. Next time I am going to join them on the bunny slopes and learn for myself,
especially with that gorgeous Portuguese-speaking ski instructor by my side.

Sisters

I walked in on these two cuddling today and talking sweetly to each other. I am so grateful to have two girls... I am sure they will be best friends through out their lives, especially when they will have to take care of their aging Alzheimer's mother.

Hermie

Meet Hermie our one and only (I hope) pet. This was Aaron's little Christmas gift for the family and boy is it exciting! I had no idea that Hermit crabs were so interesting and the pet store they went to sells them with these cute decorated shell. As long as you keep your hand straight it should crawl on you and not give you a pinch. Pretty cool. The kids loved creating it's little home and our author Mary ran and made a sign for it's home (Hermie's Home) upon arrival . It was so darling.

(ssshhhh...and it may have made me want a little puppy or kitten...only a little)

UPDATE: No one has played with Hermie past day two of his arrival. I'm glad he doesn't require any attention on my end.