Paige

I had to run to my computer and type out Lincoln talking the other night cause I knew the words would get lost somewhere in the pile of dirty dishes waiting to be loaded, the conversation would fall out of my brain and into the saggy bottomed diaper that needs changing, the memory softly reminding me to call friends that I'm bad at making time for, the loading kids in and out of cars, the supervising of homework, the answering of literally a million questions about what we are doing next and what the menu looks like for the rest of the day, the planning out a menu so I actually have an answer, the sweeping the floor, and washing up old milk spills, the loading up backpacks and making sure library books are included, the realization that it's time to rush to the bus stop so the bus driver doesn't get mad at us again, and not to mention the mountains of laundry that need to get put away what feels like all the time, the words would have never made it to this page had I not rushed right over and typed exactly what he said. It wasn't a long rambling, or even extremely significant, it was just one I knew I'd want to remember, like how I want to remember shortly after he was potty trained and the urge hit he would exclaim 'my timer is going off'. Maybe I'm remembering him littler because I feel like I am getting so many glimpses of what life will be like, who am I kidding, what life is like as my boy is turning into a man right before my eyes. But for now this is what went down, and so matter-of-factly (Paige is a girl in his class)...

'Paige is funny sometimes she calls me funny names like fish, that's why I like her cause she calls me funny names. sometimes she doesn't say nice things but I like her.'

Costco Employee

We were running a few errands today while Hailey was at preschool. It is amazing how simple running in and out of stores can be without that spirited 3 year old! One of the stops was at Costco and while we were checking out, Lincoln helped load things to get checked out, then he put the divider up after our stuff and the worker gal was so impressed/tickled by him. She started chatting away with the kids and talking about how 'when you turn 18 you need to come back here and apply for a job because you are such a good worker'. Well the kids then went on to explain that 'we are twins and that our birthdays are on September 13th and our other sister Hailey is 3 and at preschool, and this is Taylor, her birthday is May 13th and we are in kindergarten but we go in the afternoon', you know, normal conversations with strangers...right? As we said goodbye to our new best friend Lincoln sighed to himself and under his breath says "I need to come back here when I'm 18". My favorite things he says are said under his breath, and this was no exception!

'I just used my really strong hands'

We have always referred to Hailey as freakishly strong, and she really is! She has an insane grip, a ridiculously high pain tolerance, and a unique control of her body/muscles (she is also a bit on the clumsy side but that's another story) and I think the other kids have picked up on it. After the kids birthday they were desperate to get into the gifts they received and Jer and I were working on something else and I let them know we would help them when we were done, but that they needed help cause kid toys are complicated and kind of frustrating to open. Well, they already knew that because they had been trying to get into them with no success.

When we made our way into the room we were greeted with victorious shouts...and the toys were free. When we asked how they got into the impossibly packaged toys they informed us that "Hailey really is strong" "Hailey got our toys open for us" and Hailey looked at us like this...

And said..."I just used my really stwong hands"

Yes these pictures are with her new haircut, I just asked her to show me her really strong hands and this is what I got!

Getting to See the Nighttime Sky

The drive home from California went really well...for a while. We left Kyle and Gina's just before dinner time and made it to one of the last In n Out's before the kids would fall asleep and those wonderful burgers would no longer be an option for us. Well after the kids were all changed into pj's and snuggled into their seats they got to watch more movies and around 11 I turned it all off to get the only remaining awake children (Payden and Lincoln) to sleep. And it worked. 

Until about 2 in the morning. The uncomfortableness of sleeping while sitting up finally started getting to them and they reluctantly started waking up. So we let them start watching movies to distract from the restlessness. Payden especially was loving getting to be awake at such a weird time and all being together and watching movies, she exclaimed with delight "I love getting to see the nighttime sky" and Lincoln's response was "yeah, I didn't know this is what it looked like in the middle of the night".

Sweet Dreams

It doesn't help the whole 'stay motivated on the blog' thing when my computer goes and gets a virus! I was without my computer and that put a big hold on the whole thing...and life obviously didn't stop! Jer always asks me when somethig funny happens 'are you going to blog about this?' So we'll ease back into things.
I walked into Lincoln's room the other night to give tuck him in and he was walking away from them...

brushing his hand over each of their heads and said...'sweet dreams, see you in the morning'. His sleeping companions have slowly been increasing over the past months and the stories he comes up with throughout the day while playing are priceless!

Brothers and Sisters

The kids are processing so much more lately. Last night Payden was having a very serious discussion on the Trinity with Jer, yeah, the Trinity! And when he would try to restate what she was saying she goes "dad you are just making me really mad because you keep saying something that is different than what I'm saying and it's making me really mad because that's not what I mean or am trying to say!" She's trying to understand something that I believe to be true but even I don't fully understand. The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God in three persons. And last night she was saying that Jesus is God and that is why we can't see him, not because He's in Heaven sitting next to anybody, he is God and we can't see God so that is why we can't see him. I am amazed at her ability to communicate even when she's getting worked up. So when Jer would restate what she was saying he would speak to her the truth of what the Bible says and she would get frustrated because the idea of God being three persons but one God is confusing to her, I'll be honest it's confusing to me too at times, but I believe it and trust in that truth.

Well in all of the talk about Father God last night the kids were talking about it on our way to our church meeting this morning. As we pulled into the parking lot I heard Lincoln say to Payden, "so mommy is daddy's sister then...right?" I turned off the radio to ask some clarifying questions because I didn't know where this was coming from. I didn't know if they were in the back of the car trying to figure out how they could marry each other (a conversation we used to have with them all the time) or if this was a whole different beast. "What are you talking about Lincoln", he said 'Oh we were just talking about how if God is our father and we are His children then we are all brothers and sisters, even you guys, right?' As I was getting out of the car I remembered how I went through a phase when I was little where I would say to everyone 'you're my sister (or brother) in God's way, and answered him "Yep Lincoln you are sure right" As I opened the car door to let the kids out he was already at the door, as usual, with his knees bent hand held high and yelled enthusiastically looking straight at me "HIGH FIVE SISTAH"! I burst into giggles because it was so stinking cute and I think I embarrassed him with my outburst. Payden who picks up on everything knew that this was a story worth telling (or blogging about) and ran into church telling anyone who would listen and by the time I got in the doors everyone knew what had just happened. Man these kids it's too much sometimes, I wish that I had a camera on them all the time because even though I have a good memory there is only so much I can recount. But I sure do love them and I'm so thankful that Jer and I get to teach them and hear their hearts and understand how beautiful and differently they were created, and that our Father loves us so much I want for other people to know His love so badly, and that we get to journey through it all together. We are blessed, I love my brothers and sisters!

Intimidated

Okay, I'm not falling off the wagon of this whole blogging thing, I promise. In fact quite the opposite. I have many idea's and pictures on my camera waiting to be moved to my computer, things have happened, stories are waiting to be shared, but I feel like I'm far behind. So for now I'll share what Lincoln said in the car on the way home from school today while I muster up the energy to put together some posts. He melts my heart.

"Mom, when I get to heaven I'm going to run to God" -Lincoln 2.17.11

Not quite how it works

I debated on whether or not to write about this conversation between my kids the other night but it was just too funny to pass up.
Sitting at dinner Hailey was messing with Lincoln and ended up scratching him and from the other room I hear...

L:"Woah, that was evil Hailey. I think God needs to send another flood"
P:"Lincoln, God promised he wouldn't send another flood like that again!"
L "I know, she's just being evil though, I think he will!"

I was cracking up in the other room and had to type it out cause I was on the computer and couldn't text as fast as they were talking and wanted to remember to tell Jer...These kids, too funny!

Observant?

Hailey is so funny. I know that is a broad statement but she is for so many reasons, what I'm thinking of right now is her perception. Every single time we drive by someone who is out for a run she feels the need to tell me 'mommy there's someone going on a run, like you!' Now my sweet, bright articulate child must not be too observant because I haven't gone on a run in 3 months! Every time she says it I think to myself about how I do want that to be something she associates with me, but I have yet to change that. Maybe I need to sign up for another half marathon to get myself motivated...maybe!

Pardon the poo talk

I could post numerous stories about the kids and going number two, the things that they say in public and around the house everyday, numerous! But I don't, why? Cause it's gross and weird and well it's not very cute. The following is a true back and forth between me and Lincoln tonight and proves why I don't and maybe why I should more...sometimes my kids are so strange!

L:'The poop is kind of like a raincloud to me, like a slimy raincloud'
Me:Blank stare...run out to the computer to write down exactly what he said so I don't forget or change it in my mind and return to him into the bathroom. "So what do you mean Lincoln?"
L:'Oh just that some poop is like the raincloud and some is like the little slimy raindrops'
Me: "Huh"

The end

Chatterbox

Taylor is talking so much more everyday. It blows my mind. I was heating up some leftover mac and cheese for lunch today and Taylor came in pinched the tip of her nose and said 'pocorn' I looked at her trying to figure out what she was saying and she pointed to the microwave holding her nose again and said 'pocorn'. Then I smelled it too. The microwave still smelled like popcorn from our movie night. Not only is she talkative, she's observant!

Scary Hippo?

Tonight we were sitting in the front room doing the bedtime routine with the kids. The rule is if you disobey after a warning you go to bed before we're done. Taylor is typically in bed before we're done. Tonight Hailey had to leave early. I cuddled with her for a bit while she tried to convince me she should stay awake. After I tucked her in and went back downstairs she cried for a little while then stopped, and was quiet for a bit. And then, all of a sudden, she started screaming and crying from her room and came to the top of the stairs. I hear her say 'mahhhhmeeeeeEEee! there was a sssscaaarrryyyyy hih hih hih hippooohhhhh' What? Payden, Lincoln, Jer and I all look at each other none more confused than the next. So off we go, big kids headed to bed and I scoop Hailey up to tuck her back in bed. Trying to figure out what she was talking about. As I tuck her in I see this book in her bed.

And she sits up frowning/pouting telling me the scary hippo was in here. I asked her to show me. So she starts flipping through looking up nervously at me after every page. Until we get here. She says 'mommy see the scary hippo?' Yep I see it!

Boom

No wonder she was freaked out to the point of tears in her dark room by herself...that is one scary hippo! So I explained that hippo's aren't anywhere near us and then we prayed and now she's sleeping soundly. I'm just not sure how I'll sleep, that thing is frightening!

Smart girls

Jer and I had such a great time in Arizona but we sure missed the kids while we were gone! Driving home with them from my parents house we went by a tiny bit of construction on a side road and the workers had their slow signs down as we creeped by the cones and trucks. The questions started flying as to how I knew when I could go, why I was driving in the other lane, why I waved at the guy holding the sign, and all of them came at once I'm not sure who said what. After I finished explaining that they were there to tell me the new rule on when to go Payden killed me. The seriousness on her face was like none I've seen before as she formed her thought "mom...so, here, a thought just came into my head! Do you want to know what it is? Okay it's this, I think that you and me are very smart!" 'Oh yeah?' "Yeah, do you want to know why?" (Yes she often starts her stories or comments with questions, we're trying to break her of that habit) 'Why?' "Because I figured out that when police lights are going off it's cause they're letting people know they are coming to help them, and you figured out that new rule!"

I have been soaking them all in. Their expressions the look in their eyes, their observations, their explanations, everything, I have missed my kids! Life is good!

Oh and more posts to come from the weekend, we couldn't get the internet working at Jammi's house but I've got some started from my phone, we'll see when I can get them finished...probably after bedtime!

The sticker says it all

There are plenty of times since I've been a parent that I don't know how badly my kids are hurt. When Lincoln fell the other day and hurt his hand I didn't know it was serious until I saw how swollen his fingers were. We finally decided to take him in and get an x-ray just because it was swollen and we had know way of knowing (even though it was unlikely) if it was broken and I couldn't for the life of me remember if his finger always looked crooked or that was a recent development. So long story short and a few hours later he's in the clear. He did awesome and was absolutely stoked to get a picture of his bones.

Perfectly perfect and not broken

D is for dinosaur...showing off the hat he made at school.

Got a cool sticker along the way

That glowed in the dark like his x-ray! He was so proud.

Last night when he was going to bed he prayed and it was so funny. "Father God, help me not have bad dreams. It was really cool getting to see my bones today. I've never got to see my bones and I really like to see my bones, thank you for letting me see my bones, I didn't know what my bones looked like and it made me happy to see get to see my bones. Amen"

Silly question

My mom came over this afternoon so I could run to the store.

After she left I asked the kids "did you guys have fun with Grandma?"
Payden's quick and cheerful response, 'How could we ever not?'

Well silly me!

Did you know I love God?

Lincoln is not the big talker in our family but when you get him alone he has a lot to say, there just isn't anyone racing or competing to be heard because when that happens he usually takes a back seat and let's Payden talk away. My handsome son woke up first from nap today and came down to chat. The hard part for me is changing my pace of interaction with him, when I remember to do that he says some of the most amazing things.

L: Mom, do you know I love God?
Me: I do actually Lincoln
L: *heartfelt smile
Me: What do you love about Him?
L: That he saved us. (pause) That Jesus died for us. (pause) And that he made the whole world. (pause) (pause) (pause) And that he made food!!! (long pause/content smile) Did God make food with sugar?
Me: *unsure nod not knowing where he was going with this
L: (enthusiastically and like he's in on a secret) But sugar is not healthy for us!

He has been obsessed with knowing what has sugar in it lately and I love how everything he thinks about goes back to God. This boy is something special, and I just adore him!

They said it in 2010

Facebook has a tool you can use to put together status updates in a collage. Well I was able to peruse through most of mine and was reminded of some of the funny things the kids said and thought I would put some of them on here so I don't forget them.

Lincoln had a meltdown at bedtime, he got scared and felt bad for disobeying today and sat up in his bed 'I'm sorry mom' voice quivering. After our emotional little conversation he goes "I think I needa kiss you mom" melt my heart, so I give him a kiss. Slimy. He says "oh mom I think I needa kiss you for my snot." 'Oh a tissue' "Yeah a kishue". Lovely, I got snot kissed and he wasn't even asking for a kiss.

This morning Lincoln came in and was very complimentary...I was laying in bed and he says "mom I really like your hair, I really like your teeth, and I really like your eyebrows they're so...straight!"

On the train at the zoo Lincoln shouts "this is fantastic"

I hear a scream from Hailey and ask Lincoln "what did you just do to her?" 'Oh I think I'm going to tell the truth this time (big adorable smile), I put my foot on her, it's kind of like pinching, but it's different. It's still disobeying, I'm going to say sorry now'

Payden upon having Honey Nut Cheerios for the first time said "those are really yummy Cheerios, I really like really yummy Cheerios"

After Payden left the kitchen for a little while for having a yucky attitude she returned saying "I'm want to be done being whiny and rude". Me, 'Okay'. Lincoln quickly, obviously not listening "ME TOO, I want whiny and rude too" It took Payden explaining it three times before he realized that they weren't eating whiny and rude she was just done acting that way. Everyone was hungry.

Lincoln to the car dealership guy "Do you know who God is? He is our Saviour!"

On our way to camp for the day and we picked up doughnuts, Lincoln yells out "I'm ready for my sugar mom!" At least he's not disillusioned to what he's eating.

Hailey ran over to me and said "your kids are running, can you stop them?"

Payden "my husband is going to have two more babies and then we will have six...it just makes me want to cry I'm so happy" when I stiffled a giggle she looked at me and said "what? That's what grownups do when they have babies right?"

Lady at the grocery store "oh you have your hands full" and before we were out of earshot Payden says with exasperation 'why do people always say that to us?'

Unexpected things I had to say in one day "Please don't lick your skin" and "Get that binky out of your diaper"

I know if you read these when I first posted them they are a repeat but I honestly forgot about a few of them already. So I'm glad I got them down.

New years resolution...writing down more of the things they say! Hopefully if I can stay on top of this blog thing I will bemore likely to do just that!