Sat Jan 31, 2015

Lincoln slept through the night again!! Way to go! He slept from 8:30am to 6:50am. Thats a new record for Link!

Ella had a basketball game today. She had fun prancing back and forth. When Ella plays basketball she reminds me of Ferdinand the Bull. She walks around smelling the flowers (using her imagination and singing to herself while she's playing the game) while all the other bulls fight and bash their horns together (competitively play the game). I'm sure she'll get more into the game when she understands how to play better  but until then she's content to run around   and smell the roses.   

The game was so loud that Lisey kept her ears plugged. 

After the game we went to Costco to eat samples. 

It was so nice having nick with us :). I stopped to feed Lincoln on the big comfy couch and the girls piled onto nick. They sure do love their daddy. 

After Costco we cleaned the house. Nick did the dishes, the girls helped with the living room and I did the rest. It was great having help. The end of the night was spent at a birthday party at the bounce house. The kids had a blast. And mommy and daddy did too 😄. It was so cute seeing Ella and lisey hang together. They played the whole time with zero fighting. I'm so glad they have each other to play with. And I'm so glad Ella is such a nice older sister. 

Fri Jan 30 , 2015

Nick took the afternoon off and we let Ella stay home from school to spend time with daddy. We tried to go to the science museum but they were having some kind of stock yard Texasy event and they wouldn't let us use our Oklahoma science museum passes (we got the OK ones bc we happened to be there once and the people at the museum assured us that it would work exactly like the ft worth one...it's been terrible...no free parking and they hassle me each time I go, but at least it's it's always worked until today). I almost cried. Nick had done some work early that took longer than expected. I'd given up a run to instead spend the morning getting the kids ready to go. It takes 30 mins to get there. Then nick of course wanted to stop for lunch. So by the time we got there it was after 12:30 and Nick had to leave for a recruiting event at 2:30. I wasn't about to spend $32 for 2 hours....especially when it should have been free. I felt sunk. 

Nick was good about trying to make the best of things and having a good attitude, but I just felt like crying. I guess the more time and effort you invest in something the more it hurts when it doesn't work out. 

But it did work out. We ended up going to the botanical gardens down the street and it was very fun. There were some beautiful fountains and flowers and I saw the first green grass in months. It felt very peaceful there and great to be with the whole family. 

Nick and the kids running and wrestling on the green green grass. 

There is beauty all around, when there's love at home ☺️. The cool waterfall and scenery were so peaceful. 

Ella wanted me to take a pic of her pretending to lift that huge metal disk statue. Nick was just using it to make music. Ella was afraid to climb that tree but she did it. It's nice for kids to have time to be free in a safe environment. They can practice making choices on their own and doing hard things. Then later on in life when I'm not there to help they'll know they can do it and hopefully make good choices like they practiced. 

The time flew by and then it was time to go. Nick went into to work and the kids and I went to Stephanie's house for a movie night. We ordered dominoes pizza and these delicious cinnamon sugar sticks for dessert. The kids had a blast. We watched the new Tinker bell movie about how Captain Hook came to be. It was great hanging out with friends, especially when both our husbands are working on Friday night. 

Stephanie is such a great friend. It's going to break both our hearts when we move to Utah. I haven't told her we're thinking about it yet... If it ends up being for the best to move I sure am going to miss Texas. I've really liked living here. 

On yeah one other cool part of the day. Lisey bit Ella in the car on the way to the museum (that's not the cool part). When I was a kid the rule was that if you bit someone they got to bite you back twice. Nick and I had discussed having that rule in our family as well. We told Ella about that and she said "just because she hurt me doesn't mean I want to hurt her back." Oh dear sweet Ella. We were trying to teach her to follow the law of Moses when she was already following Christ.  Thank you Ella for setting such a good example for our family.

Just having a little fun with my phone 😉

Thurs Jan 29, 2015

Lincoln slept through the night! Hooray hooray!! He went to bed about 8:15 pm then woke up for a snack at 10am then slept till 6:24am! Way to go Link! 

I came home from my run to Link dressed like a little stud and Lisey holding him. So cute! Lisey loves her little brother so much. 

While Ella was at school, Lisey and I went to Walmart then made beef stew. After school we went to the park and then gymnastics. 

Nick has been having a rough time at work. He feels like he has been working so hard but is not seeing much return. I wish there was something I could do to help. I guess just listening and supporting him will have to do. 

Tues Jan 27 , 2015

Started the day with a run and then I took Lincoln and Lisey too the park to play with baby Jay and some other friends. Then after school I took all the kids to the park. The weather has been so nice I just feel like spending every second outside. The kids played in the creek and tried to catch crawdads. Ella held a cute beyond cute puppy and begged for one. I said not till we had no babies at home. She was disappointed. She wanted me to take a pic. I don't blame her for falling in love. It was a very cute puppy. 

Wed Jan 28, 2015

Ella wanted me walk her into school this morning and I said "are you sure? I kind of look like a crazy person". And Ella says "mom it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It only matters what you're like on the inside." Oh my...out of the mouth of babes. Needless to say I walked her inside ☺️. 

The rest of the day was crazy. I went for a run, showered quick then dragged the kids to visiting teaching. Then we went directly to Costco and then while Lincoln snoozed, lisey and I cleaned out the car. 

Lisey helping me clean out the car 😎

Then we got Ella and went straight to the library. By the time we were done there it was dinner time. I cooked fish, mashed potatoes and salad. We ate, read scriptures and prayed. Then nick and Ella played super smash bros for 10 mins then read stories and the kids were in bed. Craziness! Go go go all day. I bathed and feed Lincoln then he was in bed. Then nick and I folded a million loads of laundry and put it away then we went to bed. Very very productive day. 

         Lincoln being blasted cute 😇. 

Monday Jan 26, 2015

Lisey's new favorite phrase is "I love you!" It's so cute and very funny bc she uses it for all occasions... When she's happy "I love you! I love you! I love you", mad ( grumpy voice) "I love you! I love you! I love you", getting into trouble ... "what are you doing lisey?" "I love you!" Lisey is a firm believer that those three words work in any situation. I guess it's a good reminder for me... I love you too Lisey ☺️. 

Daddy had some more fun with Lincoln this morning. Looking good my boy with 2 sisters. 

We went to the park after school. I love TX winter! It was so nice outside. We didn't even need jackets. We met some friends there and more friends just happened to be there. The kids had a great time. My mom friends took turns holding Lincoln and I played with lisey. She was being very clingy at first, but after awhile she got into playing. Overall it was a blast! 

We had family scripture study and family prayer and family home evening last night. It felt so good! The kids even were calm as we read the scriptures. I hope that this is the first day of many great scripture reading days to come! Hooray for keeping the commandments!

 

Sun Jan 25, 2015

The kids are so glad daddy is home! And so am I ☺️. 

Church was good. The talks were on reading the scriptures and prayer as a family. I feel even more motivated to do it.  I know we can I just have to make it my top priority! The most important thing of the day. 

Sat Jan 24, 2015

We had basketball this morning at 10am. We were late. I haven't quite figured out how to get out of the house that early yet. Ella had a good game still though. She's getting really good at guarding in defense. Unfortunately, she's still afraid of the ball...but I'm sure with time she's get it in time. 

The rest of the day we played and cleaned. Lincoln took am amazing 4 hour nap and so we cleaned up the house and the girls jumped on the tramp and built block houses. Lisey found some fake teeth and tried them on without me prompting her one bit. She looked hilarious! Them she just tried on the dish towel. So cute! Lisey and Ella dressed up in their frozen costumes and danced around the house. Once Lincoln woke up we ran the last of our energy out at the park. It was a good day ☺️

Oh yeah and this fancy dress is what Ella changed into for the park. When I asked her if she was sure she wanted to wear that nice dress to the park she said "mom you can't just look normal all the time. Think of fancy Nancy. " Oh Ella you are my little fancy girl indeed. 

Fri Jan 23, 2015

It's finally Friday! Even though Ella had Monday off its felt like a really long week. Oh today is payday too, which is also happy ☺️. Nick comes home Saturday late late. I can't wait! 

Lincoln was up at 1:40 and 5:30. I've got to figure out how to get this boy to sleep better. Both Ella and Lisey were sleeping though the night at 6 and 8 weeks. Lincoln is 3 1/2 months....

We had dinner and movie night over at Stephanie's house. Lots of fun. Our kids are like siblings. I'm going to miss them terribly of we end up moving to Utah. 

One of Nick's co-workers wifes just got a tattoo. They are both members of the church but she had taken up a stand a few months ago that women should have the priesthood. She stopped wearing her garments. It's so sad. Just makes me think of how easy it is to take lots of small steps away from the line and end up very far away from the gospel... It also makes me want very badly to get our family doing the essentials together...reading scriptures and saying family prayer. Come on brooke! Just step up and do it!! It doesn't matter if nick is home to help our not. Your children's souls are on the line.  

Thursday Jan 22, 2015

It's a rainy and cold day today. Nick left at 4 AM this morning for the airport and I had to drag AnnaLise out of bed for school. The poor girl is very tired and it's very cold so we've been enjoying movies together.

Enjoying movies with Annalise involves a little watching, and a whole lot of wrestling. But instead of just wrestling me this morning, Lisey has wanted to hold and wrestle Lincoln. She sure does love little Link. And she loves to show it in huge overpowering hugs.  

Ella got a glowing report card today! She also was the top reader in her class and she got a special recognition award for caring. Way to go Ella! 

Ella had gymnastics then we hurried home to shower, read books and go to bed. I'm very glad tomorrow is Friday. 

Wednesday Jan 21, 2015

Got another run this morning and it was of course fabulous. Nick took Annalise with him to the office. It was supposed to be a time for me to have to myself and paint, but Lincoln didn't get the memo. He was up and I didn't have time to do anything. Nick's computer at work was broken and he had to come home early anyways.... So much for time to myself. Oh well, it was still very considerate for him to take Lisey. 

After school I took the girls and Lincoln to Cabelas and we looked around at the animals and got some taffy so Nick could do his work at home. Now nicks at work again doing a late night interview. And he leaves at 4 AM tomorrow morning. It's been so nice having him home. I wish he wasn't leaving again. Come on Brooke suck it up everything will be okay. At least next week he'll be home all week. That's going to be great.

Great Lisey moments: She put the Mr. Potato Head smile in her mouth. it was super funny. Lisey loves her baby brother. 

Lisey and I also had some fun finger painting today.  

Tuesday Jan 20, 2015

Nick watched the kids this morning so I could go for a run. It was a little bit chilly but the sun was out and shining. It felt so good to run hard. All my troubles seemed to melt away as I ran along the trail. I was reminded again how important running and sunshine are for my mental health. Thank you Heavenly Father for the sun and for legs that can run. Thank you thank you thank you!

Nick got to spend part of the day with us and it was great. We did very average things: Costco, picked up Ella, practiced basketball at the park then played on the playground. Then nick played with the kids while I made dinner. Very average but so so grand having nick with us!! It made me long to have a normal schedule. 9-5 job with weekends off. Wouldn't that be awesome? We probably wouldn't get paid as well but I wouldn't care. I can live off less if it meant I got to see my hubby more. It would just be so nice to have nick home more. I know I know...the grass is always greener on the other side.  It sure sounds amazing though....

Lisey looking fabulous and later on with her crazy static cling hair. 

Nick and I both wanted pictures with Lincoln in his super cute overalls.  

Monday Jan 19, 2015

2:30am no human should be up at this hour...yet here I am in my chair again....feeding the baby. Only the mothers and the drunkards are up at this hour. And Nick who is on his way home from the airport. 

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Why is it so hard to get out of the house with three kids? I feel like I've been trying for 2 hours to get the kids and myself out for a morning walk. Now it's 9:30am and Lincoln is sleeping. If I don't take a shower now I won't get another chance till after 12 pm. Oh well, I guess I can excercise when I'm dead. OK that sounded incredibly morbid... I'll get the hang of things and once the weather warms up it will be easier to get out for some excercise with Lisey and Lincoln in the double jogger. Excercise is important to my mental health so I HAVE to make it happen. 

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The story of my life in a single photograph: Nick out of town; Me in survival mode just holding Lincoln; Lisey trying to climb on my back and wrestle me; and Ella who enjoys life even with just a spatula. 

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It was warm enough today that we could play outside and even get wet on the trampoline. The girls had a blast! Happy Texas winter!! Later on we had a picnic on the green belt. And I got a walk in. Oh how I love the sun, fresh air and exercise!

Lincoln is in the Bumbo for the first time and loves it!!

Sunday January 18, 2015

Lisey has the "terrible threes" instead of the terrible twos. She has a thing about smashing faces, which unfortunately is a pepeeve of mine (the idea of dirty hands on my face is worse than the smooshing). She has unlimited energy and sometimes likes to use it in very destructive ways. 

I'm not sure what to do. But I need to figure something out.... because as she shows off her skills at being fully independent and yet not independent at all ---mixed with my lack of sleep --- I sink deeper into my own condition....the "terrible mommy". My new words of the year are "stop it" and "grrrrr".

Maybe if I start thinking of my annoyance the same way I try to think of my grumpyness during my period (when I'm hormonally unbalanced). "Your not feeling yourself and these feelings will pass in time, until then... hold in your grouchyness. Don't make others suffer because I'm hormonally unbalanced ". I guess it follows the same idea as "fake it till you make it". Except I don't have to fake my love for lisey. I love her very much...I just don't love the way she's acting sometimes.  I need to keep reminding myself that this craziness is just a stage and will pass in time. 

And until then I will learn to enjoy the other parts of Lisey at the age of three. Like her love of hugging and being hugged and cuddled.  Her devotion and love for her sister and adoration of her brother.  Her incredibly styling dance moves. Her quickness to forgive me after I've yelled at her. I love you Lisey...even at the age of three 😉

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I had to teach the 10-year-olds in primary today all by myself. I wasn't sure what I was going to do because I have Lincoln. A friend came to the rescue, Stephanie Roth. She held Lincoln during the second hour so I could teach and even changed a huge poop be diaper. Thank you Heavenly Father for such a great friend. 

Ella had an eight is great program about her baptism this Sunday evening. Sister Bitner used A kit Kat to describe the kids baptismal covenants. The K stood for keep the Commandments. The A stood for Always remember him and the T stood for Take his name upon us. She also used a game of pin the tail on the donkey to help the kids visualize the Holy Ghost in our lives. The first time the child was blindfolded and had to pin the tail all by himself. Next they had a kid pin the tail with just someone's voice. Finally a child was blindfolded and had to pin the tail with the help of someone holding their hand and someone's voice. The last one was of course the most successful.... Just as when we go through life with the Holy Ghost we will be most successful. I hope during this next year I can help Ella understand the importance of baptism and help her to feel prepared when the time comes. 

I'm really glad we went to the program. It was tricky to get there because both Annalise and Lincoln were sleeping. Luckily a great friend, Caroline Sager's helped out and carried Lisey in or else I would've been sunk. Thank goodness for great friends. I guess Heavenly Father really wanted Ella to be in that program and learn about baptism. ☺️

After the program, we had a family movie night and watched the Incredibles...since Lisey took a nap all through the eighth is great and was not going to bed anytime soon. I love my cute kids. 

Saturday Jan 17, 2015

Lincoln has discovered his fingers. I guess that's terrible for his teeth but I don't know what I can do about. He hates hates hates the binky. My first one to hate it. Oh well. At least he looks dang cute sucking them ☺️.  And PS although Nick says he looks like he is flipping us off, he's not. He's just cute. 

Ella had a basketball game today. She hasn't quite figured out how to play yet but she will. She looks so cute prancing across the court (yes prancing is the best word for it). She seems to be slightly in her own world. At one point while she was playing she put her hands over her ears to block out the noise. I couldn't help but laugh. She is just so NOT competitive. She's just sweet. Thats my Ella girl☺️.

Friday Jan 16, 2015

Daddy is out of town so the kids and I have ventured out to Let's Jump. The kids are having a blast. The week has been very cold so I'm glad the kids are having a chance to get out some energy. 

Seeing the kids play reminds me how important it is to play hard and exercise They are happier now then they've been all week. It's been so cold we haven't been out much. Thank you Heavenly Father for exercise and the ability to use our bodies in such an active enjoyable way.  

Panda came too and was the life of the party 😉

Lisey stated sleeping in her big girl bed yesterday. We got her some hello kitty sheets for Christmas and shes been very excited about them. So last night I asked if she wanted to sleep in the big girl bed and she did. I warned her not to get out or she would need to go back to the other bed. She did great! 

The next morning Ella told me that lisey had a hard time falling asleep so she sang her "a hundred" songs. Hooray for sisterly love! So sweet. I'm so glad that they have each other ☺️. 

12/30/14 Arendelle at chick fil a

Anna and Elsa came to chick -fil-a and girls loved it. It was so cute seeing the girls excitement at seeing them. Ella told Elsa that she loved her movie and they sang the Let it Go song. The girls are wearing the hats auntie Anne have them for Christmas.