Hanna our Homegirl

Our friend and former neighbor Hanna came from Oregon with her family to play with us! We had a BBQ, we laughed, played out some "Debbie Downer" skits, enjoyed some Red Mango and laughed some more. We love you Hanna and we will always throw a party when you come to play. And we are sad to see you leave. Waa waa waa :(

Catch Up

Matt set up our old PC while we figure out what to do with the MAC. So....i can blog!! Here are some photos from the last couple of months.

Lots of Thoughts

So, my computer refuses to upload my photos and since words do not seem to just flow from my brain to the keyboard, my blogging has been minimal. AND i feel like i am very busy. I just got a new calling, or job i should say, in my church. I am 1st counselor in the Relief Society, which consists of the women in our church. And i LOVE it. Our whole purpose is to help others in any way, but essentially help them want to draw closer to Jesus Christ. This is very good for me since I love getting to know people, but also I feel that it makes up for where I am lacking as a mother. You see, motherhood is challenging.
I feel like i should have taken several courses so i can learn how to deal with EVERY age group and EVERY personality. I could spend half of my day trying to figure out my 5 year old and how to handle her and the other half PRAYING for patience and love. Just because you conceived this child, grew her in your uterus, birthed her with tears of joy and then drooled over her as a baby, does NOT guarantee that it wont be challenging. Of course I LOVE my daughter, but we butt heads. You see, she is very smart and she remembers E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. She has an iron will that girl and wants immediate results. And after a long day with her, the conclusion is the same. She just needs to feel my love and has to be absolutely positive that it is available to her. And i need something you cannot find in a store or a bottle. And its PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING. I think when we die, we feel everything that we made people feel, whether its joy or pain. And as a mother, my job is to teach her about Jesus. I have to better and keep her close so she can remember these important things that i teach her. And so it goes..I have to believe that all of this will make me better than i am!

It MELTS my HEART

Today my dad came and picked up Leah to take her to "Grandparents Day" at her preschool and then out to lunch. This was an unusual opportunity since Grandma is out of town, it was just Leah and my dad.
And when my dad arrived and got out of his car, Reese went running towards him with her arms outstretched and yelled "Pa!!!!!". And she let him hold her and she nuzzled right into his shoulder.
Now , to anyone else this would have been "cute" or something, but knowing that my dad is in his mid 70s and is accompanied with the aches and pains of being a little older, I thought of a million things. i thought of how my time with my dad is limited. Even if he lives to be 90, that is only 15 years, which is nothing. I thought of how they love their Grandpa but I am so excited for them to appreciate the person that he is and all that he has done in his life. To explain that he was a star athlete and an outstanding student and how fast he could throw a baseball when he was in his prime. I thought of how he was receptive to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and joined the Church because he was just a good person who wanted to do what was right and wanted his kids to have the Gospel. I thought of how freaking smart he is and still, to this day, i love to pick his brain. I love love love my dad and I am so grateful that he lives close by. I realized that the last 15 years of my life have flown by and in a way, i expect every one else to stay as they are, especially my parents. I DO NOT like the fact that they age too! Isnt that silly?
But the reality is that my family is eternal and that even when we pass on, EVENTUALLY we will be together. I am so grateful for this knowledge. It makes the pathway bright and eases any uncertainty. So for now, i will just be grateful.

What on earth do i do with this child??

Leah's 5th Birthday Party!

We had a birthday party for Leah and all of her friends. I was able to meet some of her preschool friends and see her interact with them. And let me tell you, Leah has this whole other LIFE with these friends! Even though i am her mother and i see the best and worst of her, there is this whole other social dimension of her life. She is confident and funny and knows right where she fits into the world of the 5 year olds.
I have been amazed at her lately..with her ability to remember certain things, her whit and her fire. The fire that comes with its flames of emotion or its determination to consume what it wants. Its really only the fire that a mother can see. And i hope..I HOPE that she can tame that fire and let it light her way to get what she dreams of..hopefully, a good and happy life. But, she is already FIVE..and only five. She is SO strong but also so tender. If i can accomplish raising her and helping her become all that she is then i have conquered the world! Leah is certainly one of a kind.

Cuties

You would think by looking at this picture that they never fight! Wrong. Its war most of the time. And its taking years off my life!

Strike a Pose

Apparently Reese has become photogenic in the last 4 months. That was the last time that i had a working camera and actually documented the lives of my silly girls. But wow, Reese loves the camera and is quite funny about it. Here are her latest developments:

- Can now climb out of her crib
- can now climb INTO the drier
- can now climb out of the master tub which comes up to her chin so it is quite the climb(especially when her little is as slick as a bar of wet soap)
- open the fridge and get me a diet coke
- stick a Q tip up her nose to her brain

Last night we had a house full of family and friends over for dinner and after dinner a bunch of kids left and went across the street to the park. Shortly after we see Reese make her way across the street by herself headed to the park with someone else's boots on. Its actually pretty scary she can escape so quickly. Usually i know anytime she opens the door but that was an example how they can leave without you knowing. Crazy girl.

Reese

So for some reason my photos are having issues! They will not upload properly to FB or Blogger! Help!

RSV and Other Shtuff

I realize that I have been MIA for about a month so i thought i would excite all of my millions of readers with an update! ( To those of you who DO take time to read my blog, i say thank you for caring about this life of Lori Lynn. )

RANDOM TIDBITS

-still no camera but a freaking awesome new computer..we are brand new parents of a MAC and lurve it.
- yesterday when i changed Reese out of her PJ's i found a cell phone in the bottom and 5 pennies in her diaper.
- Hayley is as of 2 hours ago missing her 2 front teeth. She lost one of her front teeth at playgroup tonight. When i asked her previously why she couldnt pull it out she said it was because "it was stuck to her guts".
- Leah is still hilarious/crazy/sweet/intense and is quite the avid prayer. She loves to pray over any meal and would probably pray before drinking something or eating a snack if i told her she had to. The other day she started her prayer with "Dear Heavenly Father, we bow our heads for the church ..." and went on and on.
- Reese. WHERE do i begin? Naughty naughty naughty. She was diagnosed with RSV and an ear infection. This time her sickness was a bit of a scare for me but i must admit i loved the cuddling. Now she is back to cooking non food items in the microwave and walking along our slippery Granite countertops. Vigilance is KEY while parenting that girl.
-Matt has been making movies on our computer, and i must say that I am impressed.
- He says that we are going on a cruise this summer..we'll see. I have a phobia of cruise ships and am a little apprehensive . I know, retarded.
- As for me, does the vacuuming ever end?? There really is too much to say. Its a juggle of accomplishing "lists", being happy, staying calm, being okay if your house explodes because it will eventually get cleaned up AND remembering to PLAY with my kids NOT watch them play.
- AND, the other night i told my mom to rob a store on her way home from my house because she is just TOO good. She is so helpful to me in every way. I love her.

FYI

So lucky me, our camera and computer are both broke. Its so lame. You might as well have cut off both my legs. I went without TV for a month so i should be able to endure this!

Totally Random!

But here is my question... Hayley is off track due to year round school (lucky us) and i need ideas!! So far, i bought a book for us to read together. Thats a start!

And here are some random pics. I looooove the one of Matt. What a fetching BABE!! And some of Halloween..better late than never, right?

Grandma Makes Everything Better

I really beleive that my mom is an angel OR that she has angels constantly swirling about her. Probably both. I am shocked that there is no visible halo atop her head, although her countenance does shine through her smile and her words. But especially around her grandchildren. You see, my mom is the most playful, loving and understanding Grandma and she would be the first to admit she is very much in her element around children. She has the innocence of a child and genuine desire to get on their level and make them feel loved. For example, Reese is obsessed with my mom. My mom came by yesterday and went to get Reese out of her crib and Reese cuddled with my mom and would not let go very easily. She is very attached to my mom even though she is only 20 months and sees my mom a few times a month AND has to compete for attention with her other 2 siblings who are just as attached! It is totally normal for my mom to have sleep overs, play hide and go seek, the tickle game, play play dough, beading, reading books, take them to the dollar store, to feed the ducks or the Dairy Queen. i learn to be a better mom just by watching her be a Grandma. Not only is she the worlds best Grandma, but she is also a GEM of a mother. She is understanding, never overbearing, never intrusive, but validates you in your time of need. I wish i could express what i think of her but all i can say is that she really is the best.

I AM SHORT.

The only other thing i could think about besides how much i love these girls was how flippin' SHORT I am! Wow! Really?

Quotes from the Kiddos

Hayley handed me a note during church the other day and it said this " I love my mommy so much. Love is so good in my body. I hope you love that I said that to you. I hope that you have a great day mommy". LOVE HER!

Leah: while in the car she says " Mom i am rolling down my window because i need some FRENCH air". Yes, yes you do Leah.

"Summer is when the snow melts and it is warm and COMFY outside!"

While combing her hair she asked "Did jesus put our hair on us?"

Reese: How do you quote a scream? I was talking to a good friend who has girls the same ages as mine and whose youngest is very similiar to Reese. Her little girl has the same fire and determination as Reese and my friend said " if she is this mad about being a baby then how is she going to handle it when we ask her to pee in the potty??!! Good question.

You're welcome Mom.

A Serious Question

This post will consist of 2 serious questions, some thoughts and a display of a gorgeous picture of my mom and I.

Q #1. Seriously people, who looks more like Hannah Montana? Judy or me?
Q #2. This is actually the real question. Today in church the sunday school teacher asked "what 5 things would you like to accomplish in your life?"

My mind was blank. Still is. i mean, i know that i want to raise bright and good children who contribute to society. Whether that means that they want to have families of their own, or be a Rockstar (do they contribute to society?).

I would like to run a marathon or just run outside for that matter.

I would like to go to college. Ugh. The thought of that scares me to death, but thats why i have to do it.

As of a few days ago, i would like to learn how to play the guitar.

I want to become the BEST wife i can and always make Matt a happy man.

My conclusion is that I need to make time for more self introspection. Because time goes by so fast and I wont ever get that time back. i suppose that I just go day by day trying to accomplish the smaller tasks at hand, which are MANY.

Elder Uchtdorf said this : " God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because he needs us to love Him. His power and Glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny or even defile His name. His dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him . But oh how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek dtetermines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are- and who we will become."

UUUUUUGLY SWEATER PARTY 2009

I may or may not have found these sweaters in my mother in law's closet. Lets just say her selection was better than the DI (thrift store). Which, by the way, is a very interesting place. i will just leave it at that before i get myself into trouble. Anyways, it was great company, great games , great white elephant gifts (aka candy bra), and great food.

Note to Matt: Febreezing a sweater from the DI is not the same as washing it...

I just got invited to an "Ugly Sweater Party" and i couldnt be more THRILLED!!

Any suggestions wehere i can find some? Preferably with shoulder pads?

"Being grateful is the beginning of Greatness".

I am grateful for my family.

OEHLER

Look at how talented my friend Clayton is. This is called an "ambigram". It says my last name both ways. Very, very cool. So who knows a friendly tattoo artist?

Hyper Hypos

As, you have read in the previous post, my girls are full of personality & energy. Every night after their bath they are like wild animals. Tonight was no exception. So trying to have Family Home Evening by myself tonight was ridiculous.

Here is how it went:
"Hayley, will you please choose a scripture story to read". Hayley finds the picture of Adam and Eve. i ask her who they are and with a puzzling look she answers "Even?"
I get it... Adam + Eve + garden of Eden = EVEN. Interesting.

Leah then asks if the painting of Eve is Taylor Swift.

I ask Leah where Adam and Eve lived and her answer was "San Francisco".

Not so much.

But people, I am TRYING. Sometimes it is so hard to be Christlike and patient when i have NO patience! Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. :)

Matt's Children

This is what happens when we stay home from church. Leah was feverish and lethargic the previous day and she is clearly feeling better in these photos.

They came upstairs as I was lying on the couch and wanted to perform "the Butt Show". Everything is about butts these days. You just have to incorporate the word "butt" in any sentence and they will fall to the floor in hysterics. But Matt and I would never, ever do such a thing!

Not.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!!!

My WONDERFUL friend Hillary suprised me with tickets to my fave show ever! It was the perfect GNO! But it reminded me once again that i should be a back up dancer for Gwen Stefani!

Where did peaceful Reese go?

This child rules our house. It is HER domain. Sometimes she looks at us as if she is thinking "what are YOU doing here?"
The screaming continues. Sometimes it sounds non-human. I am just waiting for the sign language skills to kick in. She has watched that darn sign language video at least 30 times. There have been a few break throughs.
If she is even slightly tired or grumpy she doesnt want to make eye contact. She will even get mad at her own reflection!
But, BUT, she is BRIGHT and SILLY and needs cuddling and affection just as much as she needs to run around and explore. Her little body and pig tails are about the cutest thing in my world.
Her body is healthy and her wheels are turning.
She is one of a kind and I love her like mad.

A few things you should know about mice that will want to make you vomit.

I must admit that before a few weeks ago I did not know very much about mice. Only that we have fed many to our snake, but i did not know anything about how they can infiltrate your house.

So PLEASE take the time to read these few facts and LEARN so that you dont have to learn by experience like I did.

* If mice can get into your garage, they can get into your house.
* A female can have up to 1000 babies a year and has 10-13 a litter.
* They can survive on only a tsp of water a month.
* If you can fit a pecil through a space, a mouse can fit through also.
* They suck at swimming.

I have personally caught 6 in my house. Gross, i know. 2 by hand, 3 by glue traps and 1 by a clamp trap.

And EVERYTIME the girls see one fighting for its life on a glue trap they ask if we can keep it because its soooo cute.

And this is how Leah told Matt the other day: "Daddy! Daddy! Mommy caught a cute little baby mouse and she put it in the trash can (empty kitchen trash) and then she put water in it (she hasnt taken a breath yet) and it was swimming (she is making paddling motions) and swimming and it was soo cute when it was swimming (breath) and then...it..stopped...it stopped....swimming." VERY ANTICLIMACTIC.

The EXOTIC ONE

The Exotic sister is in town from exotic California and we were able to have a short but sweet visit together. Boy oh boy, do I feel ever so plain, unstylish, FAIR and freckly next to the exotic one. Isnt she beautiful? I am just wating for Judy and Lou to break the news to us that she was adopted from Brazil or Tiajuana or somewhere...

My HOT Date with Donnie Baker

* frost lipstick. check.
* pink legwarmers. check.
* t-shirt that says "im the bomb, like tick tick." check.
* ripped leggings with sequences. check.
* neon plastic jewelry. check.
* my 5 earing holes for my neon hoops still open. check.
* crimped hair with ratted ponytail. check.
* blue eyeshadow with pink glitter. check.
* belt with diamond studded tape cassette belt buckle. check.
* 1984 Michael Jackson magazine as my prop. check.
* MOST HILARIOUS HUSBAND WHO WAS IN CHARACTER ALL NIGHT. CHECK.
* BUT THE MULLET AND SWEAT PANTS NEED TO BE BURNED. ASAP. MEN IN SWEATS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.

(And i might add that I was one of two non scandalous costumes there.)