Roll after Roll

This picture can show you the reason we had to take Corbin into the ER on Sunday. I don't know if it is in the genes or if it solely based on the possible "pure cream" I produce. All of my babies have quickly become rather chubby. I can not complain because chubby babies are quite cute and lovable. However, it has raised a few concerns for us. These rather numerous rolls under the chin make for a rather wonderful and ideal conditions for a yeast infection to grow. It is warm, often moist and free from air! It started early last week. I did not think much of it because we have battled this before. I just layered the red creases with some left over yeast medication. But it got worse through the week. A talk with a nurse left us trying some other options to try. Little did I know that corn starch actually feeds yeast infections!!! So after a long day of a very sad little boy (one who is never sad unless he has good reason) we ended up taking him in for a visit. I feel like the nurses in the ER should know me by now (after Dylan and Ashlyn's episode in the fall)! It is slowly getting better with a new and improved Nystatin powder!!!

I really can't complain. Corbin has been a GREAT baby and puts up with so much and still continues to be as happy as can be. He really loves Dylan and Dylan can inevitably get a smile and some coo's out of Corbin. Looks like they are a great match! Ashlyn, on the other hand, smothers him until I pry her off of him! She has to be constantly touching his head in some form or another- from her elbow to her feet.

Here's to THREE months old!!

My Security Blanket

Before I begin I want to apologize for the long post, I have decided that another reason for blogs is to remind us how fun it is to "write"- since for most of us mothers, it has been awhile since we wrote a paper of any sort. So here it is...

I have taken a run or two alone, without my jogger and kids. However, it wasn't as wonderful as I thought it would be and really missed having my jogger. So this is just a list of all the things I LOVE about my JOGGER... (some of which are filled with sarcasm- but make me stronger, right??)

1. I love to have room for things I would not normally take on a run- water, cell phone, extra clothes (or a place to shed them), ipod and Kleenex (so I don't have to do what my friend in Cross Country did- use her shirt.) And then when the kids come there are sunglasses, blankets, coats, books, snacks, water and whatever else they demand we bring.

2. If the kids get cranky and I really want to stop and catch my breath, they are the perfect justification for stopping. But then when I am determined not to stop, I really hate to listen to them cry it out.

3. If I go slow it is ALWAYS because I am pushing a jogger! When people pass me I can talk myself out of speeding up because I am pushing something super heavy.

4. The wind seems to always be against us, and when I turn around and come back, it conveniently changes direction and the canopy catches every gust!

5. I know my jogger is getting useless when my oldest child wants to get out of it, demanding that he run too. Possibly to slow me down, but really making me look bad when I can't keep up with him.

6. Realizing there is just not enough room in my double jogger to go on a run when my husband is gone (as if a double isn't big enough!)

7. When driving the same route I run it seems like there are no hills, but when I run it there suddenly are hills and they are gigantic.

8. Never getting to stretch after my run because I am far to busy getting everyone and everything back in the house!

Running has been on my mind as you can see all because we are finally seeing the sun. We all have this desperate itch to be outside (even if it is only 50 degrees) because we never know how long it will last. But I think spring may be on it's way!!

You know you haven't seen the sun in A REALLY LONG TIME when...

1. You forgot that sunscreen even existed- making for red faces! (So we got our our great Utah and Red Socks baseball caps to help us out.)

2. When your neighbor is back to cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner on his grill- so with all the sweet smells you wish they would invite you over !!

3. When you see an 80 year old man sitting on a lawn chair out in his front yard with his shirt off (either trying to get and extra dose of vitamin D or sunbathing.) And when you wave at him, getting no response, you figure he is either dead or asleep.

4. Your loveable 4-year old, who is not keen on PDA, can not stop hugging you. All because he is overjoyed by the fact that he can finally wear his shorts and t-shirts (and even when it is cold again, there is no going back for Dylan.)

5. You are still recovering from a devastating bout with Strep throat and you want to get out and exercise anyways.

My neighbor was right when she said that there really is no spring here- it just goes from 20 to 80 in a week (seriously, gloves to swim suites!) My sister-in-law also told me that, in Cleveland, you can expect to see snow during ever month with an "R" in it. So I guess we are not quite in the clear yet!

P.S. A few of you have been mislead and confused by the fact that I even dared to show my 5 week post-baby body in a skin-tight bathing suite. I just want to clarify that I gave myself full and complete permission to not care that my belly was hanging over my tankini bottoms and I made sure to bring my swim skirt to hide the bulging buttocks and thighs! The pictures all hid what you should not be jealous of! And thus the reason for my running!

West Side

My wonderful neighbor, Sheri, has been wanting to take me to the Cleveland market called West Side Market. I have never been to a market (well, in the US) and to be honest, I wasn't too excited. But now that I have been, I wish I lived right next door to it. The building alone is an architectural gem but it is also a cultural and culinary diamond in the rock! I was so impressed by the diversity in foods - from meat, poultry and produce to breads, pastries and exquisite pastas. Not only are they all of high quality and freshness but more affordable than the local grocer! There are also stands that sell prepared foods and I was tempted by all means to try all the different ethnic foods.

I guess this reminded me a lot of Boston (which I dearly miss) with it's cultural diversity mingled with history and elegance. There are few cities in the US that have such great markets, so if you are in the area, this is a stop worth seeing!!

Simple Pleasures Tag

List 5 simple Pleasures

1. Chocolate!

2. My automatic minivan doors (my Odyssey as a whole).

3. The Sun (since we rarely see it here). 4. My pampered chef microwave bowl- I use it daily from steaming veggies to scrambled eggs 5. Of course the Magic Eraser, for all those messes you never thought would come clean!

I tag Melanie, Robyn, Katt, Morgan, and Kadi!!

The Falling Dead

To me this was hilarious- especially Ashlyn, but you will have to judge it for yourself. This is our self made "wrestling mat" and it gets used daily. Now that we have it I don't know what we would do without it.

Bag Tag

I have always thought this was a fun one, so hear it goes:

RULES:
1. You have to show your bag...

2. Show all contents of your bag (and no cleaning it out first)...

This is a new purse, I figured being tagged was a darn good reason to finally get a new, and more stylish purse. One that looks more like what a woman who is old enough to have three kids should carry around instead of one that looks like it came from the closet of a 12 year old.

- Fish crackers ... for when I do not have my diaper bag on me and need to quiet a screaming child.

- Fruit snacks... only because Dylan put them in there.

- A ring box... because a tip of one of the prongs on my setting broke off and I needed a safe transport.

- Nail files... I am always breaking my nails and tearing them, I need to change my habit.

- Gum... I mean when does a busy mom have time to brush her teeth- just about never!

- Miniature bottle of bubbles... the Child Life Specialist in me- for when I am really in a bind and need some distraction.

- My wallet... which I am surprised hasn't fallen apart with all the things I try to shove in it.

- A pen... I am always in need of one- and funny how I still have a hard time finding this one.


I think that is pretty good- really not much stuff.

Now let me explain, this is like showing you only half of the contents I actually carry around daily. The other half is my diaper bag, which I have decided not to show because it all would not fit in one picture. Then if I told you what was in my diaper bag you might actually laugh (you think I am crazy) or cry (realizing that I carry all that weight around.) But it is the boy scout in me (I want to be prepared for everything.) Seriously, I think my diaper bag weighs as much as Dylan.

For those who really want to know what is in my diaper bag, here it goes:

Diapers (seriously about 6), wipes, Pullups, Desitine, A&D, hand sanitizer (all packed in a changing pad), a nursing cover, extra set of clothes for Corbin, burp cloth, 2 water cups, fruit snacks, fish crackers, granola bars, pretzels, honey nut cheerios, more fish crackers, trail mix, peanut butter crackers, more fish crackers (can you tell my kids like fish crackers, but I want to allow for some variety if they happen to choose it), raisins, the kids shot records, CPR pamphlet, crayons, stickers, paper, pens, sanitizer, Motrin, Vasoline, plastic bag stuffed in a film container (for poopy anything), candy (for real emergencies or sanity), Magnadoodle, cars, more bubbles... and thats it!

I just realized I should add one more thing to it- an extra shirt for me for when someone spits up, throws up, or poos on me. Any more suggestions?

3. Bag Tag 5 more people...

Jenny, Melanie, Meg loveless, Katt, Morgan,
(I am going to add a few more)...Carrie, Leslie, Liz, Jeanine, Maegan, and Meggan, Robyn

Easter, Birthday and 80's all rolled into One

Isn't She cute...
Sunday was Ashlyn's 2nd Birthday. I can't believe she is two, but then it often feels like she is fifteen! She is so sweet and cuddly one moment and sassy the next. But she is an amazingly wonderful fit in our crazy family. We enjoy every minute with her and I am excited to watch her grow into a beautiful woman and enjoy a wonderful friendship with her. She truly is a doll! She even picked out here own cake- Chocolate of course!

Here are some of her cuttest words and their real meaning:

"team up"- clean up (when we sing the clean up song)

" butt"- button (for her coat or to push a button)

"dumb"- gum (funniest when she is yelling "I dumb, I dumb" when she wants gum)

"coke"- no we don't give her coke, this means coat.

She can't say her C's very well so she is calling Corbin, Tobin and her aunt Cami (whom she LOVES) Tami. Good nickname huh.

We had some friends over last night for cake and ice cream. She really loved all the princess gifts! She didn't know girlie things even existed until recently.

We had a busy week last week trying to fill up our spring break (so we wouldn't drive each other- Dylan and I- crazy.) We raced cars at the American Hot Rod store, went to Fun times (an indoor inflatable playground) and played with a few of our good friends. So we had a fun week to lead up to her birthday.

Last Sunday was Easter (ironically it snowed just a day before!) We also blessed Corbin that same day.

A few weeks ago was a family dance put on by another ward. It was a decades dance. So Ashyln and I dressed up at 80's. I mean come on, what other decade is so awkward and most likely not to come back into style. We were decked out with the two different colored sock (revered on the other leg), side pony tails, snap bracelets and side tied t-shirts. Ashlyn couldn't get enough of the dancing!

The Truth about Blogg'in

Bare with me as I explain some of my thoughts this week (and this is not in anyway supposed to offend anyone, and if I have, too bad- JK!)

I have often thought, as many of you have, "what is it about blogging?" Some of us think, dream breath and even ignore our kids over blogs. And out of a married pair it is most often the female that takes over and runs the family blog. And some of us even skip calling it a family blog and come right out and use it for ourselves to share our deepest thoughts and feelings. I would have to admit that my research is somewhat biased- considering most of my friends are married and stay home with their kids. I have come to conclude that this is what blogs are REALLY for:

1. Feeling like we are connecting with someone at our own level at some point in our busy laundry, throw up, cleaning up filled lives.

2. Making us feel like our lives REALLY are exciting enough for us to post on a website and for others to want to read. ( I mean really, my life only looks exciting on my blog!)

3. To show off our amazingly cut kids- notice I rarely post a picture of myself, and if I do it is with great consideration.

4. Gives us a good reason to take lots of pictures and to share those funny and silly moments with someone besides ourselves and with an audience that also might see the funny side of things.

5. It is also a great way to get great advice, feedback and love from others (love we might not always feel from our never ending needy children- in the most wonderful way!)

And after all the reading and viewing we do of others' blogs- we end up wishing our lives were as exciting and busy as the next! To tell you the truth, I don't even think Connor reads half the things I post on OUR family blog. However, it has increased our ability to reconnect with lost friends and EVEN family, and to keep up on each others' lives. I just wanted to share with you all that-

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
and
I LOVE READING YOUR BLOGS!!!

They truly help me get through some hard days!

Which one is Heavier- a pint or 80 lbs?

So I hit 6 weeks and got my OK. We had a sunny day (notice I did not say nice, sunny day because sunny was all it was.) So I decided I should try to head out for a run while it wasn't pouring rain or snow. However, we still have inches of snow. So here is a window into my adventure:

I am trying to get ready- trying to remember all the things I need (yes, it has been that long since I have been on a run.) I am out the door thinking that I did pretty well- the watch, the ipod, the three layers, the headband, the gloves. However, I forgot my ipod clip and my heal cups- oh well. For half my run there are no shoveled walks, so I run in the street and get pushed over into the puddles near the curb with each passing car- leaving a trail of dirty water up my backside! Now, I really thought I would be warm enough in three layers- I could have used another one, and maybe a hat! I decided to run to CVS (again, I am a great multitasker and thought I could get some half-and-half for dinner and deodorant for Connor at the same time as I run.) The closest CVS store is not that far- but it felt far. I forget how hard it is to get back into shape! And of course I try to start out where I left off and then kill myself. I just wish I could run with a sign that says Baby Fat On Board so that everyone would know why I was running so slow. But I have to be more humble and get over it! I also learned I am not a long jummper, because I could barely jump over all those piles of plowed snow! I also felt like I was training on those tire courses that you see football players run through, with all the snow spots!

So I felt good when I was in CVS, but realized I also forgot my Kleenex! And they didn't have just one I could use. But then I went outside and the windchill reminded me how not good I felt. I was also now carrying a pint of half-and-half. By the end of my run I was wishing I could trade it for my double jogger with kids! I didn't take long for all those body parts to start hurting, the ones you forget you use when running- my toes, and hip flexors! Oh boy, it didn't take long for things to start getting sore!

But all in all it helps me remember how wonderful it is to finally get in shape! So looking forward to something- a half or full marathon or a triathlon. I have to find a tripple jogger first- anyone???

Rock'in Out

We found out a couple months ago that there was a band in the ward. Ironically they needed a drummer. Lucky for us they all came over last week to finally get it started. I can't tell you how much better the drums sound accompanied by a few guitars. And boy was I having fun jamm'in out to their great songs from upstairs (the drummer's house is always the host.) So for the next few months (before one of the members graduates from Dental school) we get to have a weekly jam session in our basement. I am pumped, I don't know who is more excited Connor or I. I really think they would do great playing for a youth dance or something. However, if my hubby is in the band, that means I don't get to dance with him. But I guess I can be a giddy fan on the side instead. Can you imagine Connor rock'in out with his long hair in high school! What a site that would have been!

Spring Fever

We've been a little busy trying to keep our minds off of the fact that spring is not even close to coming. Last night it snowed another 6-8 inches. Just in time for Easter! I was going to include a picture but I've decided that no one really wants to see more snow!

Last weekend we took our own family trip to Castaway Bay. It is a indoor waterpark/ resort. The kids would have loved to stay for a whole week. Dylan was not afraid to try any slide. We was devistated to find that he was not tall enough to ride a few of the slides. Ashlyn was tentative about the slides but loved the kiddie pool. Corbin, all the white noise put him to sleep most of the time. The only drawback was all sleeping in the same room. Of course, Dylan was too excited to go to sleep (11pm) and excited enought not to sleep in (7am) and then Corbin woke us all up a couple times. Next time we think we will just try going for one whole day.

Hair Spray

No, I just wanted to catch your attention. I am constantly asking Connor what he thinks I should do with my hair, since he has to look at me every day. But he is so wonderful that he just tells me "You look good any way you have your hair." That is great and all, but I do need some help. I know he is just trying to spare me from making me feel like I have to stick to one cut he might like, but a girl needs help!

So please visit my poll on the side bar and help me out (you can vote for more than one.) Some days I want to grow it out and then I remember all the static, the hair pulling and the long hair drying episodes. And it is already starting to fall out, so I might as well let it all catch up. But I am not feeling the groove with it how it is right now. So all that is left is the buzz look- not really!

Tag, I’m it! From A to Z

A: Attached or single: Definitely attached at the hip!
B: Best Friend: Connor, but if it had to be a female- my mom
C: Cake or Pie: So hard, just no lemons!
D: Day of Choice: Sunday- it usually involves a nap!
E: Essential Item: Chap stick and hand sanitizer.
F: Favorite Color: Green
G: Gummie Bears or Worms: There are better things like fruit snacks
H: Hometown: Parker, CO
I: Indulgence(s): Always chocolate, but then again a nice back and foot rub is great. Oh, and a hot bath or good book with no interruptions. I guess I could keep going.
J: January or July: Right now- July. But January is always fun for a good birthday.
K: Kids: Three: crazy to think- Boy, girl, boy!
L: Life is incomplete without: My husband, to keep me afloat.
M: Marriage Date: June 7, 2002
N: Number of Siblings: Three- Sandwiched between boys and a little sister- they are the best!
O: Oranges or Apples: I can always count on finding a delicious apple, but sometimes oranges are sketchy. Plus, caramel dip has made it’s way to be a staple in our house.
P: Phobias or Fears: Something bad happening to my kids and getting fat.
Q: Quote(s): “When life gets hard to stand- kneel”- I mean what better advice when you are ripping your hair out trying to figure out how to deal with your kids!
R: Reason To Smile: Watching Connor play with the kids- he becomes one in every way.
S: Season: Fall all the way! Why can’t each season be three months long, wouldn’t that be fair?
T: Tag Six: Carrie, Morgan, Maegan, Meggan, Melanie, Laura- Enjoy!
U: Unknown Fact about Me: You will have to take you pick: I wrestled in High School (yes, on the boy's team), I would do anything rather than nothing (which makes recovery hard for me), I am a sucker for shopping deals (even if I don't really need it.)
V: Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: What I am I supposed to say to that?
W: Worst Habit: Eating while talking on the phone (I am an amazing multitasker, but I take it way too far). I am also the worst nag.
X: X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds, they don’t take that long and they are definitely non-invasive and usually quite exciting.
Y: Your favorite food: Right now- just about anything, nursing gives me the munchies all the time. But really it is a toss up between chocolate and Mexican food. But I have yet to try them together!?!
Z: Zodiac: Capricorn

St. Paddy's Limerick

So my wonderful friend Carrie got me writing,
and here it is. You too, can find the limerick writter in yourself, just try!

It is gray again today,
Just like it was yesterday,
We can't go out and play,
And it is NOT okay.


I hope the bunny brings spring,
Then I will start to sing,
And we can really have a spring fling,
Praises we will bring.

Short and sweet. All those out there who are enjoying spring, enjoy it some more!!!

Christ's Nail

We got snowed in for TWO days. It was great, except for the fact that Connor didn't get any extra days off of work for it (they cancel school all the time, but not work, this one was work worthy.) We have really enjoyed two whole days cooped up together as a family! It would have taken Connor all day to dig us out if it weren't for our nice neighbor boys!

Yesterday we were ALL up in Dylan's cute room playing. When I say all, I mean it- Connor, Dylan, Ashlyn, Corbin and I. I recently had to turn Dylan's doorknob around so that I could lock him in when I can't take it anymore. Dylan was playing around with the doorknob, pushed in the button and then shut the door- obviously not knowing what would happen. It took a second or two for it to register that we were LOCKED IN. We were really stuck. My first thoughts were:

1. To yell at someone downstairs to come unlock the door- all living things were in the room we were in
2. To call someone to rescue us- we didn't have a phone with us and no one could get in our house anyway because all our doors were locked (funny huh)
3. Break down the door- it wasn't our door to break

Our great landlord has a key for every door placed up on top of the door molding, but it didn't do us any good sitting on the other side- my bad (but did I ever imagine this would happen!) Connor so bravely volunteered that he would jump out the one, little window in the room. Since it had snowed all day and night, at least he would have a little softer landing from the second story! So we dug through all of the toys so see if we could find something to unlock that knob. But since we live in a world that is so safety conscience, there was of course no toy little enough or sharp enough to get in that little hole. I won a cool little wire picture frame at an enrichment activity- but I wasn't quite willing to let Connor dissemble it yet.

I will gladly take all the credit- I was the master mind behind our escape from the dreadful imprisonment. Actually, it was Jesus- I happened to focus in on the only hanging picture in the room and remember that it was hanging by a nail- the nail that made us free (and this can be related to more than just our families momentary, physical state.)

So I learned a few lessons:
1. Never leave the key on the side of the door that it is useless, no matter what you think won't happen
2. Always take a phone with me when going to Dylan's room- just in case
3. Never all be in the same room- just kidding!
4. I now have my own, great, new story and analogy when I have to give my next talk about how Christ died for us!