An Oz-Some Weekend

My Mother's Day weekend was pretty FANTASTICAL (as Gaaaaa-Linda would say)!

It's going to be hard to top this one. It started off

with a surprise delivery...

A beautiful bouquet of flowers from the very first man to steal my heart... My DAD! He sent all six of his daughters a bouquet with this message:

My girls are the best Moms in the World! Love, Dad

I'm not sure about the truth of that statement... but I am absolutely positive that I have the best Dad in the world. My flowers are still sitting on my kitchen counter, and they continue to fill my soul with a bit of sunshine every time I walk by them. (Thanks Dad! I love you.)

On Saturday morning, we headed down to Boise for a day of family fun. We found a kids wonderland in Meridian--a little play called BOUNCE. It was filled with huge inflatable jumping toys where our kids jumped their little hearts out for hours until we could bounce no more!

Aston loved Bounce as well... as long as Mom or Dad was holding his hand the entire time. That meant that Justin and I were sliding, climbing, and bouncing too. We looked like we had run a marathon after the first ten minutes.

But wouldn't you know it... when it was time to head out, Ashton suddenly had a surge of courage and decided to go down the giant slide... SOLO!

This picture doesn't show how vertical this slide truly is!

Go Ashton!

No Fear!

Now that's a brave 2-year-old!

After our 3-hour workout at Bounce, we cleaned up for our long awaited night in the Emerald City--the Broadway musical, Wicked! You could describe our excitement as... "unusually and exceedingly peculiar and all together quite impossible to describe!"

We dropped Ash and Carson off at niece Amy's house. (Did I mention that Amy is a Saint?) The boys were more than thrilled to miss out on a Broadway show in exchange for a few hours of playtime with Amy's twin boys. (Thank you Amy!)

This night fulfilled a dream of mine. I saw Wicked with my parent and siblings over 3 years ago. It was magical... but my heart hurt a tiny bit because Justin & McKenna were missing it. McKenna has had the Wicked soundtrack memorized word for word for years, and I've told her the story umpt-teen times. I vowed that if I ever had the opportunity, I would take Justin and McKenna to Wicked. Opportunity doesn't get any better than when Wicked comes to your state!

We bought the cheapest tickets possible, and surprise surprise... we got what we paid for! I was so disappointed that we couldn't even see the actors' facial features, but it didn't really matter to McKenna. When the lights went down and the music began, McKenna gasped with sheer delight and grabbed my hand. All throughout the show, she would reach over and hug me. She simply "Couldn't Be Happier!" And that's all that mattered.

On Mother's Day (the following day), I got treated like a Queen. I didn't make my bed. I didn't make breakfast. I didn't even hang up my towel.

Thank you Hampton Inn!!

Our hotel had a really great pool, and the kids had a blast swimming for hours .

What a hunk of burnin' love!

We left Boise on a theatrical high and with new beloved memories. The road trip got extra fun when we came upon a cute, little red VW bug on the highway... Yes! It was Grandma Luke! The kids were giddy with excitement as we passed her waving and giggling wildly. I even made a makeshift "Happy Mother's Day" sign to hold up as we drove along side her. We stopped at a gas station where Grandma proceeded to buy all the kids a pack of gum. Here's McKenna with the entire package in her mouth! (It's amazing what kids will do for entertainment on a 5-hour road trip!)

I Feel Pretty

Every now and then, I became suddenly aware that I have been doing something for ten consecutive minutes without being interrupted, that no one is hanging on me, and that the house is eerily quiet...

(PANIC!) "Where is Ashton and what is he destroying?!"

When this terrifying moment happened last week, I bolted through the house fully expecting to find markers on the walls or a half eaten jar of play dough. But to my surprise, I came upon this...

Ashton doing his hair and make-up.

(And yes, he was naked as a jay bird. We're still dealing with the diaper ditching problem at least once a day.) Cue the West Side Story soundtrack now...

"I feel pretty,

Oh, so pretty

I feel pretty and witty and bright!

And I pity

Any boy who isn't me tonight."

"I feel charming

Oh, so charming

It's alarming how charming I feel!

And so pretty

That I hardly can believe I'm real."

"See that pretty boy in that mirror there:

Who can that attractive boy be?

Such a pretty face,

Such a pretty bod,

Such a pretty smile,

Such a pretty me!"

"I feel stunning

And entrancing,

Feel like running and dancing all day long,

For I'm loved

By a pretty wonderful... Mom!"

What No One Told Me

In honor of Mother's Day,

I thought I'd share my thoughts on my own journey so far...

Before I was a Mother, people told me that motherhood would change my life. People told me it would be my most important and rewarding work. People told me that my kids would grow up too fast. People told me to enjoy every moment. They were right... but there were a few things they all forgot to mention.

* No one told me that being pregnant is an open invitation for mere strangers to touch my stomach.

* No one told me that being in labor was an open invitation for strangers to see me in the most unflattering position imaginable. No one told me that I would pee in front of an audience or have countless nurses rummaging their hands around inside my uterus.

* No one told me that nursing would at first feel unnatural and impossible.

* No one told me that even after I lost all the baby weight, my clothes would never fit the same way again... ever.

* No one told me that after I had a baby, my hair and eyelashes would fall out.

* No one told me that getting a shower some days would feel like an Olympic sized victory.

* No one told me that after I had a baby, I would do the very thing I swore I would never do: Sport a 'Mom Haircut'!

* No one told me that once I became a Mom, getting out the door would take a minimum 25 minutes.

* No one told me that once I became a Mom, the next time I 'slept in' would be 15 years later.

* No one told me that after years of music lessons, straight A's, and a college degree, my main job would be wiping kids' bums.

* No one told me that the first time my child pooped in the potty would be the single most triumphant moment of my life.

* No one told me that my children would mimic everything I do and say... and consequently showing me who I really am.

* No one told me that I would fall asleep every night feeling guilty and inadequate.

* No one told me that my children would all come with completely different personalities and needs, and that once I figured any of them out--they'd change!

* No one one told me that finding a dinner that pleased every member of my family would become a matter of prayer.

* No one told me that after suffering through pregnancy, labor, and years of sleepless nights, Daddy would always be loved most.

* No one told me that to make a little boy double over with laughter, I need only mention the word 'burp', 'fart', or 'booger'!

* No one told me that I would become an expert on dinosaurs, ninjas, super heroes, and wolves.

* No one told me that talking to my daughter about maturation would be scarier than speaking in church.

* No one told me that I would transform into a protective, blood-thirsty mama bear every time someone did or said something to my child that I didn't like.

* No one told me that I would not understand my own capacity to love until the moment that my first born was placed in my arms.

* No one told me that I would not understand true pain until I had to watch helplessly as my child experienced something hard.

* No one told me of the pure joy that wells up inside you the first time your baby smiles--knowing that smile is meant just for you.

* No one told me that a game of Patty Cake can be as exciting as Christmas morning.

* No one told me that raising children would allow you to see your spouse's greatest qualities and talents.

* No one told me that children will forgive you no matter how many times you mess up.

* No one told me that once you become a mother, you're a mother for eternity... so you better be ready.

A Closer Look At Kyler

Some people are easy to know... like my Carson, for instance. After only knowing him for one minute, you'd probably assume that he was bold, colorful, and fun... and you'd be right. Others, however, are not so easy to sum up. These unique people are so layered and complex that their personalities are really more like mysteries that require patient unfolding every day. Kyler is one of those people.

Kyler was born with an old soul. A quietness. An awareness of others. He is, without a doubt, my most submissive, sensitive, and responsible child. He's also the most trying, challenging, and needy. Where McKenna and Carson are happy-go-lucky, Kyler is a stark contrast--chronically disappointed. In one moment, he has me ripping out my hair... and in the next... wondering if I am teaching him or if he is teaching me. It's hard to explain, but the events of a recent morning illustrate this rare boy much better than my adjectives ever could.

A few mornings ago, Justin left very early to show a farm to an interested buyer. I was well aware of the events that would follow. I've seen it hundreds of times.... Immediately after waking, the kids would go down to our bedroom to cuddle with their Dad (as they always do) only to be startled to find him gone. Kenna and Carson would be disappointed, but they'd get over it quickly and continue on with our morning routine. Not Kyler.

As predicted, Kyler emerged from his room with his usual moody morning expression, ignored me, and headed straight for my bedroom in search of his Dad. (It's okay. I've come to terms with Justin holding the favorite parent position long ago. I really don't blame the kids... I like Justin better than me too.) Moments later, Kyler reappeared with that 'let down' face that I've come to know so very well. With a voice on the verge of tears, he said, "Where's Dad?"

"Oh, here we go," I thought. It was time for the unleashing of 'Kyler Drama,' and I really wasn't it the mood for it. I quickly said something to the effect of, "Look Kyler. Dad's showing a farm this morning. It's really important, and it's really GOOD. I need you to stop feeling sad for yourself, and instead, start feeling happy for our family. Got it?"

Kyler gave me the brattiest glare he could muster, rolled his eyes, and walked away. I was actually thankful that I got off that easy.

About ten minutes later, Kyler came into my bathroom so I could comb his hair for school. In a softer tone, I tried to smooth things over between us just a bit. "Kyler," I said, "Maybe you could say a little prayer for Dad today."

What Kyler said next stopped time for me. He looked up at me with his pure, honest face, and simply said, "I already have."

That simple reply describes Kyler perfectly. He is a boy who struggles with so many things, and yet always has his heart in the right place. Always.

Easter Weekend 2011

Our Easter weekend in three words:

FAMILY. FUN. SUNSHINE.

Yes, we are feeling blessed because it just doesn't get better than that!

We kicked off Friday with the messiest kid activity known to man-kind. Who came up with the idea to combine children and dye anyway? Did that person really have children? (Just wondering.) Well, the clothes and tile survived--and we had a great time!

Last year, Ashton watched on from the confines of the high chair. We weren't going to get away with that this year. Yep, he was smack dab in the middle of the fun. He caught on fast: Throw the egg in the cup, get it out, repeat. He was delighted with the repetition and bright colors--and he colored about 20 eggs in 20 seconds! The other kids were on their own--because it took both Justin and I's efforts to contain the tidal wave of splish-sploshing dye that he was creating. And forget spoons... Ash preferred dunking and retrieving with his fingers. (And yes, he still had blue-green-red-yellow hands at church on Sunday.)

I found the funniest egg coloring kit: Monster Eggs! The kids got in full Mad Scientist mode as they made their monstrous creations... and I'm afraid they got a little too attached to their work. When I started making deviled eggs on Sunday afternoon, Kyler almost started crying because "he wanted to keep his egg forever!" (I'm probably going to find some rotten, diseased egg hidden in the toy room three months from now.)

The kit even came with fuzzy monster hair!

Aren't these hysterical?!

On Saturday, we planned a Cousins Easter Egg hunt at Aunt Brooke's house... and a miracle happened: It didn't snow, rain, or hail all day! It was ALMOST spring weather in April. I testify that miracles do still happen.

Look, we're outside...

and we're not shivering and running for cover!

We're outside and we're SMILING!

The Stevens Grandkids line up for the hunt.

And they're off!

Ashton loved this Easter tradition too...

... but once he figured out what was inside the eggs, he was done hunting.

It was candy eating time!

After the hunt, we had some relays and races. Note Kyler's face in this next photo. Kyler prides himself on being fast. Winning this race was very, very important to him... and determination pays off. He won!

An egg rolling race... with your nose!

The Stevens Grandkids on Brooke's famous hill. That hill provides us with so much fun all year long. The kids raced and rolled up and down it all afternoon.

After the egg hunt, we headed over to the Earth Day Celebration at Tauphaus Park to check out Kenna's Statue of Liberty art project on display. While there, we had a great time at a few of the booths. Kenna got some glitter hair.
And the boys got their faces painted by the most talented face painter I've ever seen. Check out these dragons she hand painted in about 60 seconds.

The boys were in heaven! Their inner animal was released!

We had taken our bikes with us, so we biked over to a park and soaked up every last drop of our sunshine filled day.

On Sunday morning, the kids were relieved that the Easter bunny had found us. They were a little worried after seeing a squashed run over rabbit on 21st street a few days before.

Ash woke up with the rosiest cheeks... evidence of a sunny day in April! Mmmmm! Lollipops for breakfast. I think Ashton thought that this was the most magical holiday ever!

My sons. I just love this picture.

Who took my little girl and replaced her with a pre-teen?

On Sunday, we tried to focus on the Savior. Kyler gave a talk in Primary about the true meaning of Easter, and in Sharing Time, Sister Warner brought out the Time Machine and transported Mary Magdalene, Doubting Thomas, and Nephi back from the past. The kids loved hearing their testimonies, and the Spirit was undeniable. After dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Stevens, we opened "spiritual" Easter eggs that contained objects and scriptures from the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

As I reflected on our fun filled weekend, I was-above all-grateful for my Savior's atonement and sacrifice which provides me with eternal bonds and relationships through my covenants. There is not a greater gift than to look in my children's eyes and know that we will be together long after this life. I am thankful for holidays and traditions that encourage us to remember our blessings.

We are blessed.

Spring Break In Ammon

Ammon, Idaho is a great place to live. It's got that small-town feel, snowmobile and dirt bike trails minutes from your back door, and most importantly--both sets of grandparents within 45 minutes! It does, however, have one major flaw:

Winter is long. Seriously long.

I'm talkin' 7 months, folks! And when I say winter, I'm not meaning gentle flakes falling from the sky... I'm meaning brutal, negative temperatures and violent, thrashing wind. Needless to say, it gets a little depressing... especially when you're shoveling your driveway in April.

Due to limited funds, we were unable to escape to somewhere warm for Spring Break... so instead, we chose to use the power of positive thinking and lots of imagination.

Ahh... Can't you just hear the waves crashing along the shore?

Mmmm... I just love the smell of coconut tanning lotion.

Nothing beats the feel of sun on your skin!

Crazy Hair Day - Part 2

... And you thought it was over! Oh no. We're at it again.

When Carson wore his blue hair to preschool a few weeks ago, it inspired his preschool teacher to have a Crazy Hair Day of there own... so out came the hair paint yet again!

Lucky for me, it was my carpool day, so I got to see all the kiddos with their wacky do's! These are our carpool buddies and good friends--Noah & Reagan. I guess we were all feelin' blue that morning! Aren't they the cutest? I just love 4-year-olds. It's without a doubt the funnest age!

Ashton got in on the fun this time around, so I had to document a few photos of him. He is getting great at imitating his siblings' weird, crude, and silly antics!
This particular day was a busy one, and Ashton and I were all over Idaho Falls. I got many stares as I toted my blue-haired mohawk baby from store to store. People probably thought I was some crazy mom whose kids are going to end up in jail someday. I have to admit that it made me chuckle inside just thinking about what people were thinking.