Ben Quote of the Day

Benjamin said something last night while I was putting him to bed that made me laugh. I want to remember it so I'm going to write about it but I need to give you some background first. When we moved from ultra humid Louisiana to ultra dry Idaho something immediately happened. The younger three kids' skin threw a complete fit! Their skin became intensely dry and they would scratch until it bled. We had to go to the doctor and everyone got their own prescription strength steroid cream. Even that didn't help a ton. It was just such a complete change! In the South we would occasionally get out the hydrocortisone for Teagan's itches and that always took care of things. Nothing really seemed to do the job in Idaho. Although the girls have had their moments, Ben has suffered with it the very most.

Finally, I discovered Aquaphor and learned that if I faithfully cover Benjamin's legs with it DAILY, his exema becomes manageable. If we miss a few days they become so dry and awful looking. He can't resist scratching and then they bleed and look worse. Usually when I put him to bed and he starts itching like crazy, that's my reminder to grab the Aquaphor container and start greasing him up with it (literally)! Well, last night he came in my room to find the finger nail clippers and asked me to help him. I clipped his nails all nice and short. When he laid down in his bed he went to scratch and said, "Look Mom now I won't scratch my legs cuz my nails are too short." He knew I'd like that since I'm always telling him to not scratch, but grab the medicine instead.

Now that's a "Savage Sandwich" taken fall 2006. Benjamin turned one just a couple months after we moved here. This is one of the last pictures I got of my dad. He and mom came for a visit October 2006. Little did we know he would be gone in one short year. Seeing snow again was most exciting, but the cold weather was super drying to the skin. Man, sometimes you don't notice how much your kiddos have grown up until you take a look back...

End of School Year

Teagan really cleaned up at the end of the year awards assembly. One she was proud of was the Presidential Physical Fitness Award fifth graders can earn. I helped her class work on this throughout the year. They were timed on the shuttle run for speed, one mile run for endurance, sit and reach test for flexibility, and sit-ups and pull-ups for general strength. Teagan's flexibility blew everyone out of the water. Sadly, this was the area that kept many of the otherwise super fit boys from getting the award.
The girls had a great Spring TaVaci Concert! Every year they want to do TaVaci and I say, "Why?!? No one around this house sings! You barely sing in school programs and Primary so why should I pay for singing lessons?" And every year they tell me that TaVaci is different and it is fun. I DO wish they would sing more in other areas of their lives. But then again I'm not much of a singer, other than tickle backs every night, maybe that is the problem?
Trent surprised me with his willingness to participate in the last day of school talent show on June 1st. He played the theme song from the Titanic. Just to warn you Bruce had to hold the camera over his head to get the shot so it's a little shaky especially at the beginning. But listen to it because he did a great job! We're so proud of him!

Memorial Day 2011

We took our kids to the Field of Heroes at a local high school. It is pretty overwhelming when you consider that each cross represents an American soldier who was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.


This front line represents Idahoans, many of which had been decorated by loved ones.

Benjamin

The other day I was mopping and Ben thought it looked fun, so he pretty much took over. What would I do without this little helper keeping me company at home while everyone else is in school?
This clever kiddo finds ways to get what he is after! I was working in the kitchen when I looked in the pantry to find this...
He used the stool to reach the number ten cans, then added them to the stool to make himself high enough to reach the popcorn. I didn't know whether to yell or laugh.
The 16" bike brought by the Easter Bunny. He won't be needing those training wheels.
I love this kid sooooo much!

A Week in the Life

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are." -Mary Jean Irion

I love this quote, probably because I need it. Sometimes with motherhood it is easy to not savor everyday life but instead get caught up in the stresses and to dos. Here is a glance of a week in our lives from the Spring of 2011.

On Monday, we had a celebration. EVERYONE had made their beds (even Mom)! Twas a bloomin' miracle! We made such a fuss about it that, sheesh, it happened a few more days in the week. Sometimes in life we need to celebrate the little things.
On Tuesday, three little "chicks" made a "nest" on Mom and Dad's bed. Lot's of rain (which we will never complain about here in the barren desert) this Spring kept the kids inside for entertainment. I think they used about every blanket they could possibly find.
On Wednesday, Brilee loaded the scripture basket with all her babies and stuffed friends and played for hours.
Thursday was the 2011 Reflections Banquet. Teagan placed at the school and district level and was a state participant. Way to go my little artist! She received a gift card to Wal-Mart.
Teagan and her friend, Lydia, who placed in photography.
On Friday, Teagan's G.A.T.E. class launched the rockets they have been working on. Teagan's went forever high but on the way down her parachute didn't come out so it had a hard landing.

Dance & Zoo

May 7th was the girls last dance competition of the season. We headed down to stay with Aunt Denette Friday night then had to be at Taylorsville High School by 8:30 a.m. This was a huge competition with hundreds of dancers.
I haven't taken many pics of the girls in costume so I'll have to get some at recital time. It was a long day. We had time to sneak away for lunch in between numbers because there were so many groups there. It turns out Brilee's group got 1st place for both of their categories and Teagan's group got a 2nd and a 3rd place. I thought they did awesome up against the big studios in the big city. We matched them dance step for dance step.
It was a gorgeous day and they were done performing by 4:30 so we headed over to the zoo. The girls couldn't wait to peel off those dance tights and get into some comfy shorts. We just wanted to be outside. We got lucky as we arrived at five minutes to five and they closed the doors at five. But they let those inside wander around until 6:30. It was plenty of time for us.
Trying to squeeze us all into a pic in front of some scruffy looking camels who were shedding their winter coats.
Brilee trying to get a look at the giraffes...
Brilee said, "Look Teagan, he's all wrinkled. He must be old."
The sun was a little bright in front of the elephants.
On our way out of town we drove around Temple Square and I couldn't believe the beautiful display of tulips. They were amazing! Everything was in full bloom. I would have stopped but couldn't find a close, convenient place to park and I didn't want to take too long cuz we had a long drive home and the girls were pretty tired. Teagan took the pic below while we were at a stop light and the funny thing is it doesn't even have a single tulip in it. It was tulip heaven. And so peaceful too with not very many people around. This is seriously the time to visit Temple Square. I'll have to remember that for the future.

Knee Surgery

Mom had a total knee replacement in April so last weekend I headed down to visit her in the Payson hospital. She may shoot me for posting these pics, heehee. Denette and I had a nice visit with her on Saturday then she had several visitors on Sunday.
Karra painted her toe nails and did a lot of this...
It just happened to be my nephew Jordan's 15th birthday. He has grown a ton lately.
Sisters...Denette, me, Karra
Morgan, Denette, Krista, Karli, me, Karra
Mom is doing awesome in her recovery. Get better quick, Mom, so you can come up for T.O.F.W. girls weekend in June!