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| I call him the Little Man...and all men need a tie! |
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| He did a smashing job! |
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Let Him Eat Cake
We "officially" celebrated Spencer's birthday yesterday - combining a Memorial Day BBQ with his celebration. I love this time of year, especially with family get-togethers. Our yard is big enough that all the children go outside and we pretty much don't see them before and after the meal. Leaves time for the adults to have something of a more normal conversation.
Architectural Feat
On the way home from the bus stop last week, Morgan and her Abuelo discovered a perfectly formed bird nest under the neighbor's mailbox. They carried it home where it now resides on the front porch, a testament to the amazing powers of nature.
How does a little bird craft such a house for itself? This nest is round, made of small sticks and twigs with a shallow circle in the center for the eggs and future hatchlings. If that wasn't enough, there is mud plastered on the inside of the sticks, presumably to help hold it all together. Like an adobe wall!! It's a marvel. Morgan tried unsuccessfully a few weeks ago to make a nest and we had no luck. Yet these winged animals, with no opposable thumbs, mind you, create masterpieces each year. Probably with relative ease. Amazing.
On a side note, Morgan wants to be an architect/builder when she grows up. To be able to create the blueprints and build her own house. Mallorie wants to be a stop sign (like the ones held by men and women in construction zones).
How does a little bird craft such a house for itself? This nest is round, made of small sticks and twigs with a shallow circle in the center for the eggs and future hatchlings. If that wasn't enough, there is mud plastered on the inside of the sticks, presumably to help hold it all together. Like an adobe wall!! It's a marvel. Morgan tried unsuccessfully a few weeks ago to make a nest and we had no luck. Yet these winged animals, with no opposable thumbs, mind you, create masterpieces each year. Probably with relative ease. Amazing.
On a side note, Morgan wants to be an architect/builder when she grows up. To be able to create the blueprints and build her own house. Mallorie wants to be a stop sign (like the ones held by men and women in construction zones).
Saturday, May 28, 2016
The Little Man
This guy came into the world one year ago on May 19th - and he has completely stolen our hearts with his smile, his belly laugh, and constant antics.
While I labored over 20 hours with Mallorie, Spencer came into the world one week late and didn't waste much time making an appearance once contractions started. At 3 pm on the 18th, I saw my OB-GYN and learned that there was no evidence of imminent labor. We made plans to have me return to the clinic 5 days later for a recheck. By 7 pm, I was having hard contractions and Chadwick called his mom frantically at 9:15 to come to the house.
You know how in the movies, the man frantically runs around the house, packing his bag and the last minute stuff to take to the hospital while his wife groans and hollers for him to hurry before the baby comes? Yeah, that was us. I was, literally, on the floor trying to cope with ever-strengthening contractions while Chadwick ran around the house, throwing things into a bag for himself, into a bag for the girls, and some last minute things for me. By the time I got checked into the hospital (why do they make laboring women sign consent forms and fill out paperwork?? I could barely remember my name), the nurses took the time to obtain my weight (like I hadn't been at the doctor that afternoon), and check to see if I was dilated. I was at a 9, and suddenly I was the main show in this circus.
I hired a doula named Mariah to help with the process and it was an awesome decision. The nursing staff were great and my favorite memory in the two-hour-long pushing session that ensued was of the resident OB leaning over the bed, getting into my face, and giving me a pep talk. I remember thinking, "open your eyes, Julie. Someone is getting stern with you and it's time to pay attention."
Spencer arrived at 1 am hollering like a good boy. It took the better part of two days to choose a middle name for him; we wanted a family name that had some meaning to it and whose legacy we could tell to our son. Quincy was the middle name of my paternal grandfather, whom I called Abuelo, and he was an amazing man.
The transformation from newborn "blob" to a walking, babbling, laughing little person never ceases to amaze me. He is our Number 3, The Bubbas, the Little Man. He loves to eat, growls when he sees the cat, doesn't stick with one activity for more than 5 seconds, crawls like Spot from "The Good Dinosaur," and adores his big sisters.
We love you Bubbas!
While I labored over 20 hours with Mallorie, Spencer came into the world one week late and didn't waste much time making an appearance once contractions started. At 3 pm on the 18th, I saw my OB-GYN and learned that there was no evidence of imminent labor. We made plans to have me return to the clinic 5 days later for a recheck. By 7 pm, I was having hard contractions and Chadwick called his mom frantically at 9:15 to come to the house.
You know how in the movies, the man frantically runs around the house, packing his bag and the last minute stuff to take to the hospital while his wife groans and hollers for him to hurry before the baby comes? Yeah, that was us. I was, literally, on the floor trying to cope with ever-strengthening contractions while Chadwick ran around the house, throwing things into a bag for himself, into a bag for the girls, and some last minute things for me. By the time I got checked into the hospital (why do they make laboring women sign consent forms and fill out paperwork?? I could barely remember my name), the nurses took the time to obtain my weight (like I hadn't been at the doctor that afternoon), and check to see if I was dilated. I was at a 9, and suddenly I was the main show in this circus.
I hired a doula named Mariah to help with the process and it was an awesome decision. The nursing staff were great and my favorite memory in the two-hour-long pushing session that ensued was of the resident OB leaning over the bed, getting into my face, and giving me a pep talk. I remember thinking, "open your eyes, Julie. Someone is getting stern with you and it's time to pay attention."
Spencer arrived at 1 am hollering like a good boy. It took the better part of two days to choose a middle name for him; we wanted a family name that had some meaning to it and whose legacy we could tell to our son. Quincy was the middle name of my paternal grandfather, whom I called Abuelo, and he was an amazing man.
The transformation from newborn "blob" to a walking, babbling, laughing little person never ceases to amaze me. He is our Number 3, The Bubbas, the Little Man. He loves to eat, growls when he sees the cat, doesn't stick with one activity for more than 5 seconds, crawls like Spot from "The Good Dinosaur," and adores his big sisters.
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| At the hospital |
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| May |
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| August |
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| First Christmas |
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| April |
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| Birthday - I had to put the candle far away so he didn't try to eat it! |
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Let's Hear You Say ROAR!
Since learning that she was to attend Chaparral, Morgan has been proudly telling everyone that she was going to be - and now is - a Cougar, just like her Mom and Dad. Chadwick and I attended Washington State University, which also has a cougar as a mascot, thus making this choice for a school seem meant to be.
The school strives to teach its pupils to be outstanding individuals - not to bully, to be helpful, etc - and they have several rewards programs which recognize the efforts of the kids. One example is the ROAR award, which is given to one student per class every trimester. The awards are handed out at an assembly, and as Morgan happily told me, the kids who are getting the award "get to sit in the front row! Everyone else has to sit in the back."
Morgan's sweet teacher chose her to receive the award this go-round. Students who receive the award exemplify the attributes of the acronym: Respect Ownership Attitude Responsibility. ROAR.
The students piled into the gym, roared mightily throughout the assembly on command, listened to the bell choir and a performance of fifth grade singers, and cheered with each award handed out. The children were given t-shirts to wear in honor of their achievement and they also received a free happy meal from McDonald's. (Sounds like a good daddy-daughter date meal!)
To celebrate, we ate ice cream with Grandma Nancy at Dairy Queen. Way to go, Morgan Magoo!!
The school strives to teach its pupils to be outstanding individuals - not to bully, to be helpful, etc - and they have several rewards programs which recognize the efforts of the kids. One example is the ROAR award, which is given to one student per class every trimester. The awards are handed out at an assembly, and as Morgan happily told me, the kids who are getting the award "get to sit in the front row! Everyone else has to sit in the back."
Morgan's sweet teacher chose her to receive the award this go-round. Students who receive the award exemplify the attributes of the acronym: Respect Ownership Attitude Responsibility. ROAR.
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| Shaking hands with Mrs. D, the principal |
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| ROAR students |
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| Proud girl - she danced in the kitchen when I told her she was chosen by her teacher. |
Thursday, May 12, 2016
That One Little Cubby
I would venture to say that each of us have a place in our house that is a catch-all for the things of life, a place where papers and mail and "things" just get tossed. A place that drives us nuts each time the location is viewed. And it's not a place that is cleaned on a regular basis for one reason or another.
For me, that place is the craft cubby. (Followed very closely by the countertop in the kitchen where the school papers, electrical gadgets, and mail tend to gather.)
This is a decent-sized cabinet near the back door of the kitchen. A picture of a dog paw is on the knob, thus leading me to wonder if the previous owners used to keep their canine supplies located here. In our family, we keep the craft supplies here. Paper, coloring books, hole punches, Play Dough, and egg cartons. And that is just what can be viewed at a glance. The top shelf contains pieces of paper - a forest, really - that have already been used for images of ponies, dinosaurs, princesses, family members/friends, and everything in between. Spencer has discovered the treasures hidden within and loves to pull things out, tasting each item before throwing it on the tile beside him.
Since this particular mess is hidden, I can ignore it for quite long periods of time. Until that one time when I can't. Then out comes the recycle bin and the iPad as I turn on some music and sort through the creations of my offspring. Recycle pile, keep pile, trash pile.
After cleaning it out, I have a feeling of great accomplishment. And then I try not to look as the papers pile precariously on the top shelf, parts of Play Dough sets are scattered abroad, and the egg cartons slowly take over...
This is a decent-sized cabinet near the back door of the kitchen. A picture of a dog paw is on the knob, thus leading me to wonder if the previous owners used to keep their canine supplies located here. In our family, we keep the craft supplies here. Paper, coloring books, hole punches, Play Dough, and egg cartons. And that is just what can be viewed at a glance. The top shelf contains pieces of paper - a forest, really - that have already been used for images of ponies, dinosaurs, princesses, family members/friends, and everything in between. Spencer has discovered the treasures hidden within and loves to pull things out, tasting each item before throwing it on the tile beside him.
Since this particular mess is hidden, I can ignore it for quite long periods of time. Until that one time when I can't. Then out comes the recycle bin and the iPad as I turn on some music and sort through the creations of my offspring. Recycle pile, keep pile, trash pile.
After cleaning it out, I have a feeling of great accomplishment. And then I try not to look as the papers pile precariously on the top shelf, parts of Play Dough sets are scattered abroad, and the egg cartons slowly take over...
Friday, May 6, 2016
Our Family Mission....
Several year ago, I joined several women in my ward to do kind of a parenting type book club - each month we read one chapter in "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" along with a novel that somehow tied in with that chapter's theme. I loved the "7 Habits" book and the principles it taught. As a result, I finally agreed to a previous request by my dear hubs to create a family mission statement. We created the statement and a family symbol which proudly hangs in our kitchen by the table. Each Monday for family home evening, we start by reciting our statement and basically have it memorized. Even the girls have it down, complete with actions.
Part of agreeing to the mission statement, other than reciting it each week, is "signing" the document with our handprint each January. It's the beginning of a new year filled with new commitments and re-committing to old ones. My children love it! This year, Spencer got to put his chubby little hand in paint to add to our collection.
I love how the meaning has changed as my little family has grown in both age and size. I love the enthusiasm with which the girls repeat the small words and trip over the larger ones. I love how my husband can create family home evening lessons off the values to which we aspire and how those values and help guide what we do as a family unit.
Part of agreeing to the mission statement, other than reciting it each week, is "signing" the document with our handprint each January. It's the beginning of a new year filled with new commitments and re-committing to old ones. My children love it! This year, Spencer got to put his chubby little hand in paint to add to our collection.
I love how the meaning has changed as my little family has grown in both age and size. I love the enthusiasm with which the girls repeat the small words and trip over the larger ones. I love how my husband can create family home evening lessons off the values to which we aspire and how those values and help guide what we do as a family unit.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Twelve Months, Five Trips, Four Goodbyes, Two Adventures, and One Hello
Without writing a novel, there is no way to capture the journey of 2015 after my Easter 2015 blog post. The title of this post fairly accurately sums up the events but by no means conveys the roller coaster of emotions I experienced throughout the year.
Twelve Months
It's been about that long since posting!
Five Trips
Since leaving the comfort zone of my parents' house in 1999, I have been lucky to be able see my family at least twice a year. Usually one trip to Albuquerque and then a visit (or two) from family to see me. Not too shabby for almost 1000 miles of separation. Last year, I set a record for five plane trips to the Land of Enchantment.
Twelve Months
It's been about that long since posting!
Five Trips
Since leaving the comfort zone of my parents' house in 1999, I have been lucky to be able see my family at least twice a year. Usually one trip to Albuquerque and then a visit (or two) from family to see me. Not too shabby for almost 1000 miles of separation. Last year, I set a record for five plane trips to the Land of Enchantment.
- February - had a crazy, pregnant five days home with my brother, David. I haven't seen him in years and it was wonderful to catch up. We spent some quality time with my grandparents, each other, and our parents. I think I managed to blog about that one.
- June - this was a solo trip with just Spencer. Turns out you get lots of attention in the airport when flying with a 3-week-old!
- July - all five of us got on the Southwest plane and flew south. Chadwick was able to stay for almost a week and got the opportunity to take Morgan and Mallorie to Mark's cabin in the Pecos. I stayed an extra week with all the kiddos to help my mom and Nana.
- December - a little break in the travel schedule, but the first of two trips for the month. Spencer was diagnosed with an ear infection two days prior to this plane trip and I was more than a little nervous for him to be flying. Not only do ear infections cause pain and wailing during take off and landing, the antibiotics tend to cause diarrhea, and I wasn't planning to pack his entire collection of onesies. He was a trooper and we didn't have any major explosions from the bum end. The second trip to ABQ for the month was again with the whole family for Christmas. We were lucky to see Sean, Beth, and their new baby Collin. It was crazy busy, as usual, especially since we flew down on Christmas Eve. What a year.
Four Goodbyes
The first of our goodbyes was to Grandma Dove, Chadwick's maternal grandmother. She had been sick and declining for many months and it was a blessing to see her pass from this world into the arms of her husband in the next world. She passed away on her 94th birthday. The funeral services were held the weekend that Chadwick was in Alaska vetting the Iditarod. My mom came up for a visit and to help me with the girls. Instead of playing, we attended a funeral and reception where Mom met more Fifes than she knew existed, watched Mallorie while I attended a baptism for Chadwick's niece Diana, and ate at a Hunt immediate family picnic in the park. She was such a good sport to support my little family during this time.
Goodbye number two came as an unpleasant shock. On April 20, my sweet Bop-bop was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a grade 4 glioblastoma. The worst kind you can have. Inoperable. He didn't last long - he passed quickly about 2 months later on June 7. I vividly remember both phone calls from my mom - one to say he was sick and the other to say he passed. I was so grateful to have spent that time with him in February. And hurting because I didn't have the chance to speak with him from the time he went into the hospital to his death. I still miss him terribly.
The third was Grandma Nana, Chadwick's paternal grandmother. Feisty and petite, I knew her better than Grandma Dove. She frequently accompanied the family to dinners, the cabin, and any event we could talk her into attending. It was harder toward the end to get her to accept any invitation. Chadwick called her religiously once a week and used to have lunch with her routinely while attending BSU. We said goodbye to her in November.
My fourth goodbye, like the second, was unexpected. My Nana left to join Bop-bop the week of Thanksgiving. They had been married for over 60 years - and with her passing, they never missed an anniversary together. It took me months to delete their number off my "favorites" list on the cell phone. The rest of their contact info was deleted with difficulty yesterday.
Two Adventures
Have you ever found a bug in your child's hair? Normally, said bugs are transient, passengers hitching a ride from a bush to wherever they fall off as said child is running around. However, when the bug number is greater than two and are setting up permanent residence in the brown and golden locks of your girls, the gross factor is immediately cranked up. Two words: head lice. Morgan brought them home, compliments of attending school, I guess, and quickly spread them to Mallorie. Compliments of shared brushes, head bands, hair ties, and proximity while watching a movie on the couch. Out comes the Nix, a nasty smelling shampoo which singes the nose hairs as soon as the bottle is opened. Out comes the fine tooth comb to go through wet hair with each washing. And on comes the washing machine....it took a couple of months to finally get rid of the little pests. I've never done so much laundry in my life! Just when I thought things were under control, I'd find another one darting between the strands of hair. We called the Nix the "stinky shampoo" and Mallorie, especially, detested the use of the stuff. Your scalp feels....chemicalized....after you're done.
Adventure two actually began in September of 2014 when we rented out the duplex to a couple who turned out to be less-than-stellar tenants. Missed rent, late rent, no rent, excuses, lies, and eventual eviction was the sob story for at least 10 months of our landlord story. The morning we arrived to clean and prepare for another tenant, we entered our cute little house to find the most amazing amount of filth I have ever beheld. We walked around the small place, mouths open, for a good 15 minutes, minds attempting to comprehend the landfill before our eyes. We spent the next month tossing, cleaning, washing, cleaning, scraping, painting, replacing carpet, and cleaning. In fact, several months after we were done, Mallorie came into the kitchen one afternoon and announced that she was heading to the duplex to paint. Shows just how much time the kids and I put into the place. We paid for my dad to fly up from Albuquerque to provide painting assistance and have since found amazing tenants who care for the home as well as we would ourselves. What a mess. The whole unit is up for sale now. =)
One Hello
Between the tears, work, and chaos of life came our sweet little boy, Spencer. Arriving one week after his due date, he has filled our lives with activity, gigantic smiles and a contagious belly laugh.
Two Adventures
Have you ever found a bug in your child's hair? Normally, said bugs are transient, passengers hitching a ride from a bush to wherever they fall off as said child is running around. However, when the bug number is greater than two and are setting up permanent residence in the brown and golden locks of your girls, the gross factor is immediately cranked up. Two words: head lice. Morgan brought them home, compliments of attending school, I guess, and quickly spread them to Mallorie. Compliments of shared brushes, head bands, hair ties, and proximity while watching a movie on the couch. Out comes the Nix, a nasty smelling shampoo which singes the nose hairs as soon as the bottle is opened. Out comes the fine tooth comb to go through wet hair with each washing. And on comes the washing machine....it took a couple of months to finally get rid of the little pests. I've never done so much laundry in my life! Just when I thought things were under control, I'd find another one darting between the strands of hair. We called the Nix the "stinky shampoo" and Mallorie, especially, detested the use of the stuff. Your scalp feels....chemicalized....after you're done.
Adventure two actually began in September of 2014 when we rented out the duplex to a couple who turned out to be less-than-stellar tenants. Missed rent, late rent, no rent, excuses, lies, and eventual eviction was the sob story for at least 10 months of our landlord story. The morning we arrived to clean and prepare for another tenant, we entered our cute little house to find the most amazing amount of filth I have ever beheld. We walked around the small place, mouths open, for a good 15 minutes, minds attempting to comprehend the landfill before our eyes. We spent the next month tossing, cleaning, washing, cleaning, scraping, painting, replacing carpet, and cleaning. In fact, several months after we were done, Mallorie came into the kitchen one afternoon and announced that she was heading to the duplex to paint. Shows just how much time the kids and I put into the place. We paid for my dad to fly up from Albuquerque to provide painting assistance and have since found amazing tenants who care for the home as well as we would ourselves. What a mess. The whole unit is up for sale now. =)
One Hello
Between the tears, work, and chaos of life came our sweet little boy, Spencer. Arriving one week after his due date, he has filled our lives with activity, gigantic smiles and a contagious belly laugh.
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