Six Men and a Lady

I didn't fall off the face of the planet... I just had another baby:)

2010-03-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

2 months ago my laptop died. I have a main computer, but it is the freezing cold basement and it's just not as fun to blog from down there:) So, although there have been many things to blog about during the last 2 months, I would get way to cold trying to "catch up". But, I have to post about my 6th child. Charlie Paulsen Wood. I'm pretty sure he won't have a baby book, so he at least needs a blog post! I was induced on monday, March 1st. I walked in the hospital at 7:30 and he was born at 12:40. It was a great day. I had him at the same hospital that I work at and my friends took great care of me (thanks Candie- you deserve a medal). Although, I must admit I was the kind of patient that drives me NUTS!!! Candie would come in the room and ask me if I was ok and I would say yes and then 30 secs later I was sending Jeremy after her to get something. Or, if I wasn't feeling comfortable she would suggest something to make it better (aka zofran for nausea) and I would say, "no, I'm fine" only to have me ask her for it 15 minutes later when the nausea didn't pass. So, Candie, you did a great job and I hope you can look at me through the same "friend" eyes and not that needy girl you took care of last monday:) Charlie came into this world weighing 7lbs 11 oz and 21.5 inches long. My parents were able to watch the birth (G rated version from the top of my head) through skype- technology is amazing! This is the first birth my dad has seen of his grandchildren, and ironically the only reason he saw it is because he was half way around the world on a mission in Prague- blessings of missionary work:) If he would have been here he would be in the waiting room with Grandpa Russ:) Natalie and Grandma Ilene were there. I have to add it to the "one of my best days list". Here are a few pictures from the day...

Welcome to our family Charlie Paulsen Wood. We're glad you made it!!!

Funny/Rude things my kids say and a much cheaper Santa visit this year!

2009-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

We went to visit Santa this week. I am pleased to say I didn't get sucked into "Mr. Fuzzys" or anyother waste of money this year. Everyone did great. I totally thought Brett would scream when he sat on Santa's lap, but he just walked up there like a big boy and told him what he wanted just like "the brothers" (this is what Easton started calling the big boys in our family, so now when a smaller child reaches a milestone they now become "a brother":)

This week my children have said some funny/rude things to me that I thought my blog would be the perfect place to document such conversations:)

#1. I am taking Michael and Jeffrey to school one morning:
Michael: "Mom, you know what is weird?"

Me: "What?"

Michael: "Mrs. Loulias (who is one of his teachers and very darling/skinny/cute personality etc....) is 42 and you TOTALLY look older than her."-- stated very matter of factly

Me: "you're right, that is weird"

Jeffrey: "Michael, that is rude!!"- Jeffrey, incidently is the one child if any of mine do, who will invite me over for Mother's Day dinner when they are all married. He's definately my most sensitive.

Michael: speaking as if he has NO IDEA that this was a rude comment at all..." what? Well, she does!"

#2. I picked up Michael from a sleepover at his cousin's house today. I was still in my workout clothes. Michael says to me: "Mom, do you think you will ever be skinny again?"

Me: "I hope so, do you mean after the baby comes out?"

Michael: "yea"

#3. Easton was talking to me about how we had gone to visit Santa at the mall. He said to me: "Mom, how come we didn't see any of Santa's buddies?"

Me: I had to think about what he meant by buddies, and finally realized what he meant. I said, "Do you mean his elves?"

Easton: "yea"

You can tell how much we love the movie "ELF"! He thought all elves are called "buddies":)

Easton's Christmas List...

2009-11-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Easton is really getting into Christmas this year. He totally gets the whole asking Santa for gifts and making a list. He also has done very well in kindergarten with learning his letters and how to read. He wanted help the other day making his list. I helped him spell everything on the following page until the last 2 lines. He kept asking me how to spell things and I was "done" spelling his list for him. Oh, I forgot to tell you he was looking in a toy catalogue as he was making his list. He asked me how to spell one last thing, (which I can not remember exactly what it was). I told him to just copy it out of the magazine. This list says:
car, gas, tow truck, tractor, sponge bob, lego guys, race car... and this is where I was "done"... and finally "Lego favorites. Great gifts under $20!" Notice how the exclamation point is even there:) I'm just gonna say one thing to defend my mothering ...I have 6 kids, and didn't have any more energy for this list, so he finished it himself!!!! So, Santa, evidently you can buy him all great gifts under $20!

I give up...

2009-11-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got out of the shower to find Brett's face like this...

He was standing right over the bag where the PERMANENT markers are kept, soooooooo, I thought his face was the only thing that got the damage. I thought to myself, "well, that will take about a week's worth of baths (two if he was my sister's kid:) to wash off". I asked him what he was doing and then went about my day. Slowly, as I moved through the house I found these other spots...my bedroom door...his bedroom door and the door to the garage...his dresser...

I didn't take pictures of the entertainment center, tv, or my leather couch!!!! Did I mention it is a Permanent marker!!!! I texted these pictures to Jeremy, who then called me to ask if I put him in time out or got mad at him. I said, "he's like a dog. If I don't punish him right when it happens, he doesn't understand why he's in trouble". After he colored everything, he was just putting the marker away. How responsible!@#$%

Halloween and other goings on...

2009-11-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

I have referred to scouting in the Wood household as an elephant I have to eat... Well, here's another bite. Taylor has achieved his 1st and 2nd class scout and several of his badges towards his Eagle Scout- including the "big 3"- which according to Jeremy is a BIG deal! His badges are the big long column. I have to give a shout out to his leaders. They make it all easy for the mother-(I hope they can all stay in their callings for the next 15 years till I don't need them anymore:) Congrats buddy, I'm proud of you and your example for your 5 younger brothers:)

Halloween was fun this year. We had a ward Halloween party put on by the youth. Taylor got to help put on the party for the Primary and the 4 others got to enjoy:)

Jeffrey was an army man, Michael a "cereal killer", Easton a lion, and Bretty was a bunny. I don't have my sister or mother's creative genes. I do ,however, have my mother in law and the ability to "borrow" her creative genes. Ilene made the lion- in fact 3 children have now worn that costume:). She also made the bunny, which my father in law says Jeremy wore way back when!

Halloween and in fact this whole Fall has been so nice. Notice Easton's bare feet. I'm going to go into shock when the "white stuff" comes in just a few weeks:(

October updates...

2009-10-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

This month the Wood family found out we are having boy #6! We are excited to meet him in March. There is just one problem...I have come have come up with 5 boy names. I can not come up with another one on my own. I'm gonna have to "steal" from someone. So, don't take offense if I copy you. Just be flattered that I would "use" your name. And, by the way, if you have any good names PLEASE leave me a comment... I'm desperate:)And, much to Taylor's excitement, he FINALLY got his braces. He's way excited. We'll see if he's still excited in 2 months when he gets his bottom braces on:) (By the way, I'm freaking out a little that I have a kid in braces!!!)

I don't feel like doing anything!!!

2009-10-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Let me paint a picture... I have 5 children, I work 20 hours a week, I need to put up my Halloween decorations, I need to fold about 3 loads of laundry, I need to clean my bathrooms and mop my kitchen floor, I have on average about 3 drs appts a week between my children's orthodontist, dentist, my ob, "well child checks"- for all the "bazillion kids" I have (to quote what a woman said about me at the gym), I am overdue on a blog post, and I'm 4 months pregnant with my 6th child- hence the reason I don't want to do any of it!! I decided that blogging will take the least energy, so I have finally decided to do a post. This actually happened this week. Jeffrey and Michael got their Bear Badge in cub scouts. (I have so much scouting ahead of me- I feel like I'm sitting down to eat an elephant and don't know where to start:) Anyway, I'm proud of them in completing this step. Apparently, they are too old to willingly give me a kiss anymore!Then, the next picture is especially for my mom..."I took the pig to the beach and we had so much fun, now we're going to the zoo"

2009- First day of school!

2009-09-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

This year Taylor started JR. High! I was actually at the family reunion and Jeremy came back home to get Taylor off to school. They have the 7th graders go, without the 8th and 9th graders, the friday before school actually starts so they can get used to their schedule without the others there to intimidate them. Then, on monday when the rest of the district starts, they don't go. Then everyone goes on tues. Anyway, I wasn't here to make sure there was a picture, so no picture of Taylor this year:( But, here are some of the rest of the boys with a few friends.Easton started kindergarten this year!! I told him to stay home with me one more year, but he was way too excited to go! I told him I would cry and he just looked at me and said, "oh Mom, stop, you're lying":)Here is a cute pic of the last one at home at least for this year! He wouldn't look at the camera:)And, finally to introduce the LAST, last one at home...I am 14 weeks pregnant with #6!!! We told the kids during the 1st week of school. I am due March 7th. Like Jeffrey told my Mom and Dad, we will have something really special for them when they get home. Our baby will be about 3 weeks old!

A busy 3 weeks!

2009-08-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks have been busy. I have not had time to blog about one activity before another one starts. The first one was Kennecott appreciation day. We got to go up to Dad's work and get on all the HUGE machines. The boys also liked the bus ride from the parking up to all the trucks. We finished with a barbeque. It was fun to see upclose where Jeremy works, and man is it dirty up there. No wonder his jeans have mud caked on the bottom of them!

The day after we did that we went up to Park City for a few days- thanks to grandpa and grandma for the week long x-mas present:) We had lots of fun on the Alpine slide, trampolines, rides, swimming, watching movies, and of course, eating treats!

I realize I am in my gym clothes still. I didn't get up in time to work out AND get dressed so I had to go straight from working out... but I seriously need my workouts when we eat that many treats!!

And, finally, 2 days after the vacation... Jeremy had ACL surgery. Doesn't this look fun?!
I had to hurry and get these posted before we go to the last hurrah of the summer in 2 days...Paulsen family reunion...

July activities...

2009-07-31T18:08:00.003-07:00

Just a few pictures from some of the fun things we have done this month...

First we went to the open house of the Oquirrh temple...

The boys were fascinated that the angel Moroni was all black from a lightning strike a few days before the open house began.
Then, on July 23rd Michael and Jeffrey turned 10! I can't believe I have 3 children who are double digits:) We went swimming earlier that day with friends, had cake and ice cream, and the boys got to pick out their presents. We told them they could either have bigger presents or a party... they chose bigger presents:) I want everyone to notice the round 2 layer cake that I MADE!! I didn't even buy it from Cost-co!!!

Easton and Jeremy updates...

2009-07-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

1. Easton has been in swimming lessons for the last week. On the very 1st day during freetime he asked me if he could jump off the diving board. I said, "sure" and off he went- no floaties or teacher to catch him. He actually swam to the side just fine, but I think he realized it was harder than he thought. He hasn't asked me to do it "alone" since then. But, he is doing very well. His cousin, Katie, is taking lessons with him...Easton has really started to thin out this summer. He's still my biggest boy, but he's starting to look like all his brothers- skinny:) And, the next picture is of the spectator, who is by the way, not as patient a spectator as the above child was:)
#2 update... Jeremy has to have his ACL replaced, AGAIN!@#$%!!!! He was moving the shed last weekend to the back of the yard (I'm really not sure why) and he had to take the walls and doors apart and put them back together again. He hyper-extended his knee and the ACL tore again. It really is gross. It's all balled up in the back of his knee. That will be in about a month. He has to be on crutches for 3 months... good times to come- I'm sure:)

Is summer over?! or should I say has it begun yet?!

2009-06-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a few weeks and the following are the reasons why...

1. All Stars baseball. Taylor made allstars this year and we have had either practice or a game every day. Good job buddy! I'm proud of you!

2. We keep passing strep throat around. In the last 3 weeks 4 of my kids have had it. So, far Jeffrey is the only one left standing. I had to take 2 kids in on Sat, but the crazy thing is they got sick 10 hours apart so I had to go twice- once at 2pm and again at 10 pm-argg! Another very irritating thing... both the rapid strep tests came back neg, but the dr. put Brett on antibiotics cause "his throat just looks like strep". However, he didn't put Taylor on them cause "his throat wasn't as impressive as Brett's". Taylor started feeling better yesterday evening- which was a good thing cause his week long scout camp started this morning. So, off he goes this morning at 7:30 am. I felt like telling the leaders "don't lose him! "- I'm getting off track... At 11:30 the dr.'s office calls - Taylor's cuture came back positive for strep! I say, "oh no! I just sent him off to a week long scout camp. The nurse says, "well, he needs to be on antibiotics"...REALLY?! That's the whole reason I huried him to the dr. after he complained of a sore throat, headache, and fever. The best laid plans...

3. It's been raining for a month. We haven't even put on a swimsuit yet and it's July 2 days! It's been a very different summer that's for sure!

Wood Family Graduations...

2009-06-05T15:52:00.001-07:00

May has been a very busy month for us. First Easton "graduated" from pre-school. They had the cutest program with props for every song. Easton even had his own speaking part. I love this bear one. His hands don't even fit in the paws. I took him for his kindergarten check-up this week and he is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. That's my big boy :)

Easton and Miss Debbie...

Then, today Taylor had 6th grade promotion. I CAN NOT believe I have a child in Jr. high!!! I'm freaking out a little about it! Anywho, here are some pictures from his graduation.

Jeremy also finished his bachelor's degree in business management!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so proud of him! He is not going to walk, so we will not have any exciting pictures from that. But, with this done hopefully he will get to do more of this...

I'm very proud of all my Wood boys!:)

p.s. an addendum to the previous post. We found out Bretty DID infact fracture his jaw in the whole baseball bat to the face incident!

5 year old + bat = stitches and knocked out tooth:(

2009-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at work I got a frantic call from Taylor. "Mom, Dad needs you. It's an emergency." I could hear Bretty screaming bloody murder in the background. Not a good call.... It turns out Easton was practicing hitting the baseball off the tee and he didn't see Brett. Easton clocked him one smack in the mouth with a metal bat. He chipped a tooth down to the gum and made hamburger of his upper gums. Jeremy took him to the ER and 5 1/2 hours later he came back with stitches in his upper gums, a tear in his frenulum (that little piece of tissue that connects your gums to your upper lip), and MRI to check for a broken jaw, a fat lip out to China, and a pulled tooth (the root was too exposed to save).Here are the 2 buddies yesterday before the accident...oh- look at all those teeth:( And, then here they are today...
Michael says he kind of looks like a duck- it's kinda true:) With that fat lip he has a beak! Well, another day in the life of 5 boys....

p.s. On the bright side- he probably won't bite anymore and get me kicked out of the gym:)

Bounce House Birthday fun!!

2009-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Easton and Bretty both have birthdays in May so we combined them and had a great birthday yesterday. Easton turned 5 yesterday and Brett turned 2 last week. We had all the cousins over and then Easton invited about 9 friends as well.Easton picked out this bounce house himself. I need to put a plug in for this company Bouncin Bins- they were awesome. You just go online, pick the bounce house you want and the treat you want. They come set it up and then take it down. It was fantastic! We got cotton candy to go with our bounce house.

We also had a CAR pinata- also picked out by Easton:)

We had pizza...

and cake- thank you Mrs. Costco and Mrs. Little Caesars:)

Here's some cute pictures from the day...

It was great fun, and the best party I've ever planned- if I do say so myself:)

Wood Family updates... and who wants to come have a drink with me?!

2009-05-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, first things first. Bretty did it. We're kicked out of the gym for a month:( He bit yet another kid and drew blood again on monday. It's been 2 days and I'm seriously going crazy!! I am a product of structure and that structure exploded. So, if you want to come join me in my new coping skill, come on over and bring your glass. Just a reminder of the little devil causing all this trouble... He's saying "cheese" for the camera:)

Next update, Michael and Jeffrey (or should I say "I") had to do their first research paper about a famous Utahn and then dress up like them and present memorized autobiographies about their person. Michael was the astronaut/senator Jake Garn...

And, Jeffrey was Jedediah Smith- the famous Utah trapper/explorer...

thanks to Grandma Ilene and Thelissa for the great costume helps!

The next update is another "box" adventure. Easton had a friend over and they played in this vacuum box.

Then Jeffrey got a hold of it and attached to a computer box and added some duct tape. It became a fabulous "house" that Easton has spent every night in the last week. Sadly, Bretty attacked it today and it had to go to recycling.

And, finally I had to make yet another cake for a cake auction in our ward. If you don't remember my first attempt scroll down to February 2008. Anyway, I think I'm getting better, don't you? We still had to buy our own cake back though:)

I give up!... Should I start with beer or vodka?!

2009-04-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

So, I have written some in previous posts about how Bretty is gonna drive me to drink. Now I'm serious! These are real pictures from my last 2 weeks with him... Again, he refuses to take naps and then 3 pm comes and this is what happens. This was the arm rest of the couch. And, if he doesn't fall asleep in a random spot by 3, then the following happens at dinner...

We took down his crib cause he just won't stay in it. He and Easton now have bunkbeds. If Bretty wakes up first. He climbs up to Easton and wakes him up. Also, baseball has started and he refuses to stay nearby me, soooooooooo I purchase the following...

When I put it on him the first time Easton said, "hey, Mom, it looks like a leash". Why yes, YES it does:) Yesterday at the ballfield some random guy said, "I like it. Let the dogs run wild, but keep the kid on a leash!" I have one thing to say, "You don't have to drive it"- if you aren't familiar with Farley Family Reunion that will make no sense:)

Bretty is 2 in 3 weeks and takes a binky. A couple of weeks ago we lost the last one and I thought, "Well, I guess that's it cause I'm not buying anymore". He did pretty well. Then in the last 3 weeks he has begun biting. I know this can be normal behavior for 2 year olds, but the problem is in the gym daycare. They have a 3 bite tolerance rule and then you are "suspended" from the daycare for 30 days. He had 2 bites as of last monday- the 2nd one was very bad. Blood and bruises. Luckily it was my friend, Jessica's kid- who is a bit crazy himself- so she forgave us. I was desperate, so I went back to Walmart to buy 2 more binkys. All in the name of sanity for me. I CAN'T LOSE MY GYM MEMBERSHIP!!! So, I thought if he has something in his mouth then he won't bite. Here's the new binky. Doesn't he look pleased?:)

You can get a better view of his monkey leash too- tee hee hee:) Well, it worked for 2 days... then he bit someone again on wednesday and drew blood again:( My friend runs the daycare and gave me one last chance because "the first one didn't draw blood". I am seriously soooo mad! I totally get the rule. I'd be real mad if some kid bit Brett like he has bit others. I just dont' know how to fix it. He's like a dog, if I don't deal with it right when it happens then he has NO IDEA what I'm talking about when we say "no biting". So, seriously, I don't know how else to handle him... he's almost taken away my exercise coping skill... so really beer or vodka?!

Easter Sunday- 2009...

2009-04-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter! First the boys got up and we sang "boola-boola" so they could find their Easter baskets. Easton and Bretty each got a scooter... Then, when we got ready and went to church. Here is our Easter picture...

Then, here is another one of just the boys (there's so many of them:)

They all look so handsome in their white shirts and ties. Then we came back during priesthood meeting so Taylor could get the aaronic priesthood while my parents watched on skype. The whole priesthood quorum came over to support Taylor. It was very cool.

It was so neat that my parents are half way around the world- at midnight none the less, and they didn't have to miss Taylor's ordination! After that we went to Grandma Ilene's and had the annual Easter egg hunt.

It was a fun and special day!

Taylor turns 12!

2009-04-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

I can not believe I have a 12 year old (well, almost) next tues April 7! I mean aren't I only 17? Anywho... we had his friend party this week at Fat Cats bowling alley. We had a great time. Here are some shots (esp for the Prague missionaries :) Easton was so funny. He would just run up to the line and chuck the ball so fast. We barely had time to get these pictures...

Here are some of the rest of our family bowling...first here is Michael, then Jeremy and Jeffrey

And this one was of the birthday boy. Bretty and I didn't bowl, cause right during the party Brett got sick. This next picture is when I was beginning to realize he was sick (it's pretty funny though:)

When we got home his temp was 102- boo to sick kids:(

I just have to include this picture of Jeremy- it is so typical...

And, this next one is just because I found black spiderman on my camera:)
Happy Birthday Taylor! I love you my big 12 year old!!

Moab- my best year ever!!

2009-03-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

We ran our annual Moab half marathon this weekend. It was a great race- wonderful weather, great company, and of course a fun time running. I hate to train. This race is a lottery, and I know so many people who don't get in. But, NOT us... No we ALWAYS get in! damn it! Like my friend at the gym said once, "I'd rather eat my hand than run on the treadmill"- TRUE, TRUE!! I had to do most of my training on the treadmill because I had to have someone watch my Easton and Brett while I ran. I was complaining about running on the treadmill to a friend at the gym and she asked me why I even run Moab then. I said, "because I don't want to be left out of all the fun at the race!". The good thing about the treadmill is it helped me improve my time by 9 minutes even though I DID feel like "eating my hand" during the last 3 months:) Here is a picture of us before the race, about to get on the buses...

Then, here is us after the finish. Jake, Emily, me, Matt, and Kari all got our best times this year:)

Thanks to Aunt Margie for being our support crew, camera man, and driver! And thanks for family for doing it... It was a great time, AGAIN! All the treadmill time was worth it!

oh and p.s. I just wanted to remember my favorite stories from this weekend...
1. Your the best sister ever!!!
2. The story Margie told about Grandma falling over in my mom's van when the van was going completely straight:) Still makes me laugh!
3. Team Bernice!!

Bretty is gonna drive me to the funny farm!!

2009-03-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Brett used to be the best baby. I know that I have talked about his change in behavior before, but the story continues... he has learned to climb out of his crib and the cart at the store now. Last week Brett, Easton, and I were shopping at Target. He kept climbing out of the cart. I said to Brett, "Bretty, you're going to drive me to the funny farm!". Easton looked at me and said, matter of factly, "and to drink, huh mom?" I guess I say that too much:) Then, a couple of weeks ago, we were at my brother's house for dinner. Easton was talking to my sister in law during dinner and I overheard him say to her, "Bretty is driving my mom to the funny farm" again, I must say this alot! Well, unless Brett is really tired, he won't take naps because he just climbs out of his crib before he even has time to relax. So, about 5 pm he loses it and 1 of 2 things happen...

He falls asleep and then won't go to bed because he's had a late nap. This happened today, to the BOTH of us. Last night I tried to put him to bed 3 times between 8 and 10:30. He comes out of his room with a big smile on his face- and i just laugh at him- which doesn't help my case. This is what both of us looked like this afternoon (after our late night:)...

The second thing that happens is a major temper tantrum about anything. oops! I deleted this picture before I downloaded it- boo:( Anyway, I love you Bretty, but you ARE gonna drive me to the funny farm and/or to drink!

There's too many kids in this tub!

2009-03-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard Shel Silverstein's poem, "There's too many kids in this tub"? If not, let me quote it for you...

There's too many kids in this tub.

There's too many elbows to scrub.

I just washed a behind,

that I'm sure wasn't mine.

There's too many kids in this tub!

We didn't have too many kids in a tub, but we did have a massive sleepover last night. All these boys were in our house at the same time...

2 words... good times:)

The Box...

2009-02-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Jeremy and I went out to dinner. When we left there were 6 boys at our house- 4 of our own and 2 friends who were having sleepovers. We went early and said we would be gone for about 2 hours. I fed them dinner before we left and the house was relatively clean. As we got home and were pulling into the garage I noticed every light on our main level was on. We walked in the house and it was an absolute disaster- not a big surprise with 6 boys under the age of 12. But, there was no sound at all- no t.v., no video games, no laughing, no arguing... nothing. That was wierd. Then I looked in my front room. This is what I saw...I don't know if you can tell exactly how big this box is, but it held about a 6 or 7 foot harp. All 6 of the boys popped their heads out of the top:) They were hiding to surprise us when we got home. Jeffrey and his friend, Bowen, had dragged this box all the way down the street from Bowen's house (it was his sister's new harp). Now it has become the "play thing" at our house. Tonight I was checking on all my kids after they went to bed and I didn't find Easton in his bed. I asked Jeremy where he was, and he just looked at me with this silly grin- "He wanted to sleep in the box". So, sure enough, that's where he's asleep. He got his pillow and his blankie and he's asleep in a cardboard box in my living room!!
How much more fun can you have with a box?!

Saturdays are busy in winter!!

2009-02-08T09:38:00.001-08:00

I know everybody is busy, so I know this is not just a Wood family thing. I just wanted to blog about the busy saturdays we have in winter. Yesterday, I woke up at 6 am to go run 7 miles. Every March my sisters and I have a girls trip to Moab to run the 1/2 marathon there. Although, last year Natalie's husband came and now my brother thinks he can join us! So, if he's going to join us, my goal is to beat his time:) Anyway, I'm getting off track. I had to run early to get my miles in and because I had alot to do. Then we came back and went to Michael and Jeffrey's JR. Jazz game.

This isn't during a game- but practice. I still need to remember to take the camera to a game. You can look forward to that exciting post:). After the game we had to run to Cost-co for our weekly milk run. I currently have 11 gallons of milk in (one of my fridges). I have to work for our milk bill alone- and I know it's only going to get worse! Then we had Taylor's JR. Jazz game. We had 30 minutes to come home and get dressed for the piano recital. The boys all did a great job. Michael played "Linus and Lucy"- the Peanuts theme...

Jeffrey played Moonligt Sonata, by Beethoven...

And, Taylor played "Waterfall" by John Schmidt...
We got home about 5:30 and I was supposed to work from 7-11 pm. Thankfully, I got called off. I won't be saying "thankfully" when I need to buy 11 more gallons of milk, though! We all ended up watching a movie. We all just fell asleep on the floor- me included. I woke up at 9:30 pm (pathetic that I "woke up" then, but like I said we had a busy day:) Jeffrey was in my bed. Easton was asleep on the lazy-boy. Michael was asleep on the floor. Taylor was asleep on the couch. Jeremy was the only smart one in his own bed. I didn't want to move Jeffrey so I went down and slept in Jeffrey's bed. I look forward to the day I can just have a "sit", but I guess when I decided to have 5 kids that day got indefinately postponed:)

I either need to dip my house in LYSOL or get rid of a few kids!

2009-01-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Winters stink!!!- literally... I have had one of my 5 children sick each week for the last 4 weeks. I feel like I need to lysol every crevace of my home- eww. Today Taylor woke me up at 6:30 saying he had thrown up in bed. Tell me, why can't a 12 year old make it to the bathroom that is straight across from his room. Then he spent the rest of the day in MY bed (cause his bed was airing out and all the sheets, pillows, and bedspread were being washed) like this...Last week I took Bretty to the dr. He had a temp of 102 and when I would ask him where his owie was he would pull on his ear. So, now he is currently taking antibiotics.for an ear infection...

Sick kids are seriously messing up my gym time- and let's face it, I go crazy when I can't go there!! 3 weeks ago Easton woke up throwing up- then tried to tell me he was ok to go play with friends:) I am ready for some warm weather and no more colds, fevers, puking, or diarrhea!!

On a different, but funny, note... Easton had to get some cavities filled at the dentist today. He did great. The dentist gave him 2 shots and he didn't complain at all- until we got home. He said he wanted his lips to wake up from their nap and he didn't like them taking a nap. He wanted them to be awake. I love his half numb face...

P.S. I need to add an addendum to this post. When Easton and I left the dentist, the dentist told Easton not to eat until he could feel his lip. I guess when you tell a 4 year old not to eat it does the same thing to him as it does to me... he immediately wants to eat. When we got home all he did was want to eat. I got tired of hearing him complain, so I gave in. He ate the hamburger I had bought for Taylor for lunch that he didn't eat- cause he felt sick. Anyway, after he ate it I could tell there was blood on his face and his lip was even more swollen. He had totally munched his lip while he ate that entire hamburger. It is the worse fat lip I have ever seen. This is what it looks like today (the day after the dentist)...

boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp gumbo, baby shrimp, etc...Isn't it just terrible?! I have given him ibuprofen, and he says it doesn't hurt- well that's good!I'm sorry Easton- I should have listened to the doctor- boo:(

Best and Worst of 2008...

2009-01-10T18:03:00.001-08:00

First of all, I want to thank JoRae for her great idea that I'm going to copy. These are the best and the worst of 2008 according to me.

Worst:
5. Having to go to "parenting classes"- although I did learn quite a bit and I would say that we are a happier family for it.

4. My Mom and Dad left on a mission- but like Kari says, "now we will just sit back and enjoy the blessings that will come:)". We miss them everyday and can't wait for the next 14 months to be over!

3. Living in a tornado zone everyday!! I spend at least 2 hours a day just picking up- now I know this is "normal" for a mother of 5- but I just want to know when will I feel like I'm not treading water?

2. Cleaning up throw up- over Halloween 4 of my 5 kids got sick with the stomach flu. Bretty and Easton were not good at getting to the toilet in time- boo:(

1. getting asked 25 times if my 26 year old sister is my daughter!!!!!!!!!!

That was actually hard to think of the "worst"- so I would say 2008 was a year full of blessings for me. OK now on to the best...

5. I lost 19 pounds!! Now I know this may sound like bragging- it is!! I am fantastic at exercising, but not at controlling what I eat. I seriously put ANYTHING I want in my mouth. I really hardly ever exercise self-control in this area. So, the fact I could get this weight off is a HUGE accomplishment for me. Now I only want to lose 15- instead of 35:)

4. My Mom and Dad left on a mission- as I have said before this is such a blessing for our family and such a good example for my 5 little boys.

3. I can now run errands without taking ANY children with me!!!!!!! I can leave them all home to watch themselves for a small amount of time. FREEDOM!!

2. I got to be the nurse for 3 of my nieces and nephews when they were born!

1. Watching my children grow and spending time with them. They are all getting to a point we can play games together, ice skate, bowl, etc... Children really do bring joy into a life!

December pictures especially for the Missionaries...

2008-12-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a bunch of pictures from this last month. Grandma and Grandpa are in Prague and this post is for them. We had a fun December and we missed you at all the festivities- so here's some to make you feel like you were here too. Michael was in a Christmas play in school. He was a soldier, along with his best friend, Braden...

Grandpa Russ and Grandma Ilene came to support and watch. Here's some of the spectators...

Now onto the Paulsen family Christmas party and Nativity...The angels are cute, aren't they?

And here are a few pictures of the wisemen and shepards. Aren't they handsome? And their outfits are so clever:)And, finally Christmas morning... Notice how some of my children are dressed already. I had to work until 3:30 am Christmas morning. We agreed no one could come upstairs until 8 am so I could get a few hours of sleep. And those lounge chairs are a x-mas gift from Jeremy- I don't usually have lawn furniture in front room :)

We got to "skype" on the web cam with grandma Shauna and grandpa Mike while we opened presents. If you look really closely at the computer screen you can see them:)

Grandma Ilene made BYU and Jazz blankets for the boys. They just LOVE them...

Finally, at the end of the day we all (the Robbins fam) met back at our house for pizza. Eric brought his apron and loaned it to Jeremy for the night. It was not planned that Jeremy had his BYU shirt on- so that's what makes this picture even funnier. If you can't read the apron says, "I like Cougars medium rare"- it's our family rivalry:)
We missed you Mom and Dad- only 15 months to go!?!

Santa Visit 2008...

2008-12-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

This picture is one of those things that I think I paid "how much!@#%?" for! We went to the mall at 5:45 pm and got in the Santa line. At the time, it wrapped all around the booth. But, since I am so ON TOP of things- it being Dec 20th and all- I didn't have the luxury of coming back later for the picture. I figured from then until Christmas the line would always be long. I use these pictures every year as part of my decorations. I frame them all in silver frames and put them on top of my piano- so I couldn't just not have a picture from 2008. So reluctantly we got in line. I had a few gifts still to buy for sisters, so I left Michael in line with Bretty and took Easton and Jeffrey to buy the gifts. We came back about 20 min later and Michael had moved all of about 10 feet. We continue to wait until 6:30- we are about half way through the line. Then they announce Santa is taking an HOUR long break for dinner. "For the love..."!!!! So, then I take Jeffrey and Easton and we go get dinner to eat in line while we wait...about 15 bucks. Then, right by the Santa booth is a "Mr. Fuzzy" station. They have a very cool demo of a fuzzy "animal" that obeys commands and is "magic". I got sucked right in. My kids would 1 at a time go over and watch the demo. Jeffrey told me "Mom, you gotta see this"... so I watched. We still had 20 min left until 7:30 so I went over and much to my embarrassment... I bought 4 (cause I have 4 kids who would want to play with them, and they would all need their own- of course!) That was $40.00:( Finally, we got our Santa picture (at 8:15- mind you)... another 21 bucks. So, it played out like this...
dinner $15.00
4 Mr. Fuzzys $40.00
santa picture $21.00
TOTAL--- $76.00!!!!!!! and 2 1/2 hours of waiting all for my decorations?@#$!!!!!!

I'm hoping in 20 years when I look back at all my framed Santa pictures I won't remember the frustration of this year. But rather, I'll just be glad I have a picture in between 2007 and 2009:)
p.s. I told Taylor last year (when he was 10 1/2, that it could be his last year having his picture taken with Santa). So, he is the Wood boy MIA...

We love to ice skate!!

2008-12-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Lately I have had a desire to start my own family traditions with my little family. I wanted to do a Christmas one. So, this weekend we went iceskating- something all my boys LOVE to do- and then went to get ice cream. We had a great time. Here are some cute pictures of my 3 older ones... Easton had never skated on his own before. It was so fun to watch him learn to do it on his own in a matter of 30 min. The first time around the rink he couldn't even balance at all... This last picture of Easton is after he learned to skate on his own. He had just fallen and wanted me to help him skate over to the side- so he's crying cause I wouldn't come get him:) But, look, he's doing it on his own- and he says he wants to go back again.And, finally, at first we didn't get Bretty any skates. We would just take turns holding him. Well, he would NOT be left out (see previous post). So, we got him his own skates. Look how cute and little they are!

He didn't just want to put them on, he wanted to SKATE:)

Well, when we were done we all got in the car and started going to get icecream. When Jeremy started the car, Christmas music was on the radio. All of my boys started spontaneously singing. I thought to myself, "this is great! We had a fun time, started a tradition, and here are all my boys singing... this is wonderful". Then literally, just as soon as I thought that, Easton and Taylor started fighting and punching each other. And Jeremy automatically threatens them with no icecream if they don't stop. I guess that's why part of our daily family prayers always include "help us to be nice to each other and not to fight".

I don't have a favorite child, but here's my favorite child...

2008-12-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this story with there are 5 years between my twins and Easton. They were quite an adjustment for me, hence the 5 years:) So, when I was in my 9th month of pregnancy with Easton my Dr. began to ask me if I wanted to be induced. I said to him, "OK, but not before my due date." He then said to me, "you realize he HAS to come out". "I know, I know... but they are so much easier inside." Well, I was VERY pleasantly surprised when Easton was born. He was an extremely good baby and toddler. I would always say, "I don't have favorites, but he's my favorite". You can see why in the next picture...

Well, then Bretty came along. I was SURE he would be a hard baby because Easton was so good. Well, he was an even better baby. In fact, my Dad calls him his "whatever" baby because it didn't matter what we were doing, Brett would just go along with it and be just fine... nap, no nap, sit in a stroller for 4 hours of baseball games, you name it he was good for it... So he has now earned the title of "I don't have favorites, but Brett's my favorite:)" Here's a picture of the "whatever" baby...

Case in point, this picture was taken at the twins birthday party. It was the end of July at a swimming party. He didn't get out of his car seat the entire time! Well, fast forward to 18 months old... HE'S GONNA DRIVE ME TO DRINK!!!! He's into everything. And, yes, I know that is normal for 18 month olds, but he is definately not my favorite anymore! I'm not sure who is for that matter. This is him last week during dinner. Tell me, what good did the bib do? Notice how he's not in his seat but up on the counter...

This year I'm thankful for...

2008-11-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post a few things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving 2008...

*Starting with the above picture- Miss Debbie and afternoon preschool for Easton. He was a pilgrim and had his "feast" this week. She really does such a wonderful job with these little kids.

*That it is NOT this time last year:( I had just switched to the big IMC hospital and was MAJORLY mourning Cottonwood Hospital. I'm thankful I have adjusted and am enjoying my job at the new hospital. But, I am mostly grateful for the 10 years I was blessed to be able to work at Cottonwood Labor and Delivery. It really was the closest thing to heaven in a job. I will never forget that wonderful time of my life.

*I am grateful for my parents and their wonderful examples of volunteering to serve a mission. I know it is a big sacrifice, that is especially hard at this time of year. I'm grateful for all the examples I can get for my "hopefully" 5 future missionaries.

*I'm extremely grateful for my sisters and sister in laws - LYLAS:) Without them, I would need even more therapy than I do now:)!

*Wonderful friends who I exercise with, get together for lunch with, work with, and just have fun with- you all are my therapy too:) Plus, ;you are the only estrogen I am around- I need it!! Thanks!

*EXERCISE- without this I really would be crazy!! I know it sounds silly, but I am so grateful that I truely LOVE it! I wish I didn't love to eat so much, though:)

*My household of testosterone- from Jeremy down to little Bretty! Even if our daily prayers have to include, "help us to be nice to each other and not to yell so much":)

*the gospel which gives me peace in this unsettled world.

Family Pictures- 2008

2008-11-22T13:39:00.001-08:00

I got my CD of pictures from my friend JoRae, who took our family pictures. So, here are some more of the Wood family. I think she did a great job:)...

Look, our kids can babysit themselves?!?...

2008-11-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Jeremy and I went out to dinner last night with some friends. While we were at dinner we were talking about how great it is that we could leave our kids to babysit themselves- now that we have one of babysitting age. When we left we put Bretty down to bed- just so that there would be one less to worry about. Now, Taylor is the oldest so really he was "in charge", but Michael is the most responsible one with the 2 little ones- so secretly I had him "in charge" of them with a little bribe just to secure the deal:) When we left, we threatened them by saying, "If ANYONE calls us for something other than blood or fire, you will ALL be grounded" They did pretty well with that threat, but look what we came home to...Yes, 4 boys asleep in our bed-all just where they landed. And here's the "dependable babysitter" asleep in his own bed...
Hmm, should he get his bribe now?!:)

My children are definately NOT the mailman's:)...

2008-11-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have always been told that my children look like my husband. Here is a picture of all my boys and you can see that for yourself (thanks to photographer, JoRae- check her blog http://www.jncphoto.blogspot.com/ for more of my family- and I'm sure I'll do a post when I get all of the pictures).

I always thought Jeffrey and Easton look more like me, that is until I got my hands on this next picture. Nevermind, Jeffrey looks like Jeremy too...

This was Jeffrey in kindergarten, and the next picture is when Jeremy was about 4 years old... And, I think anyone can see that Taylor looks like Jeremy...

I guess, the only one I can claim is Easton...

It's a little girl Easton (really me when I was 3:). And, I could also have some claim to Michael (although he still looks alot like Jeremy) because he looks so much like my brother, Matt ...Matt is the one in the middle...

I think Michael looks more like Matt than his own kid...

And one final picture of Brett, just cause I don't want to leave him out...
Oh, I just looked back through the post and this picture of Bretty looks like the one with Jeremy in the bath. Yep, not the mailman's kids...

Halloween- Where are my little princesses?!

2008-11-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween-very boy-gangsters, Bat Man, Captain Jack Sparrow, pilot, Winnie the Pooh- no princesses- except for me of course:) Taylor had his friend Andrew come with him and Michael and Jeffrey had cousin, Finn come- of course all boys- what's new?:) The boys had the day off of school and Jeremy took the day off too- they carved pumpkins (all grown in our own garden- not that I had anything to do with that though. Jeremy is the gardener in our family). They thought it was awesome to make them look like they were throwing up. Which by the way, we did WAY TOO MUCH of this week. Brett, Taylor, Easton, Michael, and I all got sick this week- boo:( I never want to clean up any more throw up in my life!!! When I told that to JJ - my bro in law- he said, "Well, you better change your profession". Good point. Anyway, I digress, back to Halloween...

Notice how Michael is wearing a black cloak? I asked him if he wanted the rest of the Darth Vader costume to go along with it and he said, "No, I'm not Darth Vader. I'm just DARKNESS". Then he looks at me with a funny little smile and walks away... OK. The boys all only went for about an hour and a half- not because they were done- but because they did our whole neighborhood that fast and Jeremy and I weren't willing to drive them to another neighborhood. But, like Finn said, "We have a whole year's supply of candy, anyway:)"

Here are the 2 gangsters...

And, here's my little helper who had to try about 10 suckers out during the evening...

Who needs naps?...not Easton- NO WAY!!

2008-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to be 4 and live in a house with 5 boys and keep up with everything...

Who has energy to play, go to pre-school, football games, halloween parties, grocery shopping with mom, and...EAT?! I try to get him to lay down and take naps. All he does is waits till I fall asleep and then he's off again to play:)

My life on football (fall version)...

2008-10-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Back in the spring I made a post about my life on baseball- now here it is fall- and now my life is football. We have 3 boys playing tackle football. With 3 practices 2 hours each and 2 games that take up about 6 hours on saturdays, football is about all the extracurricular activities I have time for (plus the gym, OF COURSE:). We have 2 more saturdays full of games and 3 more practices... but who's counting?! Easton and Brett don't even play, YET! Seriously, it is a good thing I don't mind sports. The picture above is Taylor, and the picture below is Jeffrey (#31)...

Then, here is Michael. He plays safety on defense. This last week they scrimmaged the other Murray B team as the half time show at the Murray High football game.

Just a cute litte conversation with Michael this week...
Michael: Mom, you and dad can't get a divorce.
Me: We're not going to.
Michael: But, you CAN'T get a divorce.
Me: I told you, we're not going to get divorced. Why do you even ask?
Michael: because Dad can't take us to school in the morning and you can't handle all of us!
truer words have never been spoken:)

Easton already has told me he wants to play quarterback. I think he will be my best football player yet. He is my biggest child and just looks like a football player...

These next pictures are what the rest of us look like at games... me holding Bretty all bundled up trying to stay warm, and Jeremy "analyzing" the games (that doesn't sound like him at all does it?:)

Today when I picked my kids up from the daycare at the gym, my friends who work in the daycare told me that Brett had to go to timeout for hitting. We then began talking about how he is the youngest of 5 boys and he has learned how to stand up for himself. And they just said, "yea, he is a little bully:)" So, it looks like I have another football player in training!

They really had to go:(

2008-10-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad's date to report to the MTC was Sept 22nd. A few days before they left the MTC called and asked them if they could just drive down everyday and sleep at home. Yea- they could go on a mission and I could still call and talk to them every night right here in Murray, Utah. They didn't even have to go every day during the 2 weeks, so some days I would just stop over to say hi- just like the days before their mission. If this is serving a mission- this is GREAT! We even went out to dinner a few times during the 2 weeks. It was a great mission:) that is until now... Their flight to Prague leaves tomorrow morning:( I was in denial. I kept asking them everyday if someone told them they really didn't need to go. I mean, they went to the MTC and didn't have to stay, maybe someone would call and tell them "nevermind, you just needed to be willing to go". BOO- I was wrong. We had to say goodbye tonight. It was sad and makes me really anxious for it to be March 2010. Again, I'm very proud of them. With 5 future missionaries to raise I need all the good examples I can get. I love you Mom and Dad- we'll miss you more than words can say...

Now look what happens when my siblings get a hold of my camera...seriously now that mom is gone I am in charge (well we all know I'm always in charge:) What am I going to do with you?! (that sounds like something mom would say:)

Zucchinis gotten out of hand...a.k.a. the BEST PRACTICAL JOKE played on me ever!!!

2008-09-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

If you and I don't share the same type of humor, you won't think this is very funny. If we have the same, you will think it is sooooooooooooo funny!

part 1 of the story...

My mom grew a zucchini that was about 2 feet tall and weighed around 10 lbs. Natalie is going to live in her house when they go on their mission, so Natalie and JJ live with my mom and dad right now (My mom and dad leave on monday). Anyway, my mom put this HUGE zucchini in Natalie and JJ's room with a sign on it that said, "zucchini out the wazzini". Then Natalie hid it in my mom's car with a sign that said "squash in all its hideous forms" (a Robbins family joke). Then this went back and forth for about 2 weeks- each person trying to top the other. I won't tell all the things they did to the zucchini, but here are a few of my favorite:

1. Natalie put a tube sock and shoe on it and put a note that said "I know a man with a zucchini leg named Smith... What's the name of his other leg?!" - if you don't know Mary Poppins very well (the real movie- not my mom this time:) you won't get this one.- very funny to me:)

2. My mom drew a face on the zucchini "leg with a sock and shoe on" and put a bandana around it's head and put a saying coming out of his mouth "Alright, is it body combat or step today?" on it. Then she put it into Natalie's car and buckled him in so he would be in the car when Natalie went to the gym next.- again, soooo tickled my funny bone.

Everytime they would do a funny one to each other I would say to them, "oh, I wish I was in on this game- this is so up my alley" I just loved it!

3. Natalie couldn't think of a way to top the gym going zucchini and was talking to Kari about it. Kari said, "you know, my friend has another big zucchini. You should make a "Brother and Sister Zucchini". So Natalie dressed the girl zucchini up in a little dress and put a wig on her. She tied a tie around the boy zucchini. Then she made them say Czech words- kindof- made up czech words coming out of their mouth. (if you don't remember my parents are going to the czech republic) Then she gave them a small hymn book and covered up the word "hymn" with "hymniskis". Then she doorbell ditched my mom and dad with Brother and Sister Zucchini. Again, I made remarks that I was jealous of this game- I wanted to play too!!!

My mom said she couldn't top that one and that she couldn't spend so much time focusing on the zucchinis. She had to get ready for her mission. Boo:( the game was over...

part 2 of the story...

I was at work yesterday. I was in a patient room getting her ready for a c-section. We have these things called voceras that we wear around our necks. They are like very complex walkie talkies. Labor and Delivery is so big- we need these to find each other sometimes. Anyway, the charge nurse calls me in my pt's room and says she needs me to "run to room 8 for an emergency" so I literally drop everything and run- I had just drew her blood for some lab work. As I put the stuff down on the desk there are about 4 people sitting there. I thought to myself, "why does she need me? All these people are just sitting here". But, off I RUN! Now I was in room 18. The "emergency" is in room 8- a good 30 second sprint. I RUN into the room and there is Dr. Irion- the OB with the bed broken down like he is going to deliver. Dr. Matthews- the anesthesiologist there to assist with cpr for the baby and at least 2 other RNs in the room. I just looked at them and thought to myself "what in the world do they need me for?" Then Dr. Irion starts yelling something like we're in some emergency. Then I look in between the RNs and I see "Mrs. Zucchini's hair"!!! I just screamed, "the zucchinis!!!" My mom had put 3 little zucchinis under her dress. She was having triplets!!! Everyone laughed soooo hard- especially me. Then my mom and dad walked out from the bathroom- They got me- they got me good!

My mom even typed up a "birth plan" because she knows I think those are silly!

Here they are with their "triplets"- 2 girls and 1 boy.

Thanks for letting me play the game afterall... and I really don't think this one can be topped!

p.s. I was really being the Nurse for my sister in law Thelissa. She had baby Joey at 5:59 pm- weighing 8 lbs 13 oz. Thanks for letting me be there- I loved it! Welcome to the world baby Joey!

Kids... we never, ever gamble.

2008-09-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

EXCEPT... for when we win:) This last week Jeremy went to a golf tournament in Wendover with a friend, Mike, from work. They did pretty well at the tournament and they also spent some time in the casino. (sh! we really never, ever gamble) Mike is "card table" gambler- for lack of a better word- because we really never, ever gamble:) Jeremy likes the slot machines better. The golf tournament was over and Mike had to turn in his chips before they headed for home. The line was very long so Jeremy decided to play the slots while he waited for Mike. He bet 3 bucks and look what he came home with!!

Yes, that says 4200 dollars! My dad called and asked for a contribution for his mission after he found out the good news. I told him he didn't want our "dirty money" financing his mission!

I have NO daughters! #@$!

2008-09-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is me when I was about 3 years old. I can see myself in Easton. This picture really has nothing to do with the post. I asked my brother to send me the next few pictures and he included this one:) O.K. now on to the real "situation"... About 3 years ago I was working out at my gym with Natalie- my youngest sister by only 10 years. We were on side by side stairmasters. We were laughing and having a great time- like we usually do at the gym:) We got off and started walking away. Natalie was a few feet in front of me. This older lady came up to me and said, "that's so nice you workout with your daughter". WHAT?! I didn't know what to say so I just looked at her and said, "yeah"?!?! I hurried up to Natalie and told her what she said and then Natalie said to me, "It's only because I look so young". Then I said, "NO, it's because I look so old!" She offended both of us in the same sentence!! Anyway, I just attributed it to her -the offensive woman- being older and she just didn't realize age differences anymore. Then over the course of the last 3 years at least 25 people have asked me if she is my daughter! #@%! It is really bugging me- I'm only 10 years older! And, the "old lady" excuse doesn't fly anymore because it is people of all ages and sexes- boo:( But I have tried to console myself that she really does have a young face- it kinda helps- I guess. But, just to prove I am not her mother here is a picture of us in 1984- I'm 12 and she is 2. It's not the most flattering of me, but it shows you how desperate I am to prove this.Then, last week, I was working out with Kari- only 2 years younger than me- and someone asked us if she was my daughter! #$@%!! I'm gonna scream! Seriously, the poor soul who says it next is gonna get all my pent up frustration. So, here's my proof-again. We were at the beach in Florida with my Grandma Carol. I'm about 5 and she is 3.

So, here is a current picture of us sisters. I am grateful for my sisters, and they truly are 2 of my best friends. But, I might have to kick their butts if they don't stop looking so much younger than me.

On to a much better subject. This last weekend I helped my niece, Ashley Michelle Robbins come into the world. I have no daughters- as I've established:), but I already feel a special bond to this little one the minute she entered the world. I feel so honored her parents would name her after me- that's really cool- thanks. It's interesting they felt like this was her name, and I felt the same "bond" feelings right when she was born. Our spirits sometimes know and understand things our minds don't. There's everyone's spiritual thought for the day. Hey, I just realized I "swore %$#!" and had a spritual thought in the same post- welcome everyone to a little part of my brain. Anyway, here she is... Isn't Ashley Michelle just beautiful?:)

Am I becoming like Sister Hinkley?!

2008-08-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have heard that Sister Hinkley always loved summers and having her children home, and that she was sad when school started becaused she missed them being around. I have always felt guilty because I love for my kids to go to school. Every year, until this year, I would always sing on the first day of school, "It's the most wonderful time of the year":) I was that mom with the big smile on her face going through the store buying school supplies. This year, I anticipated the day like I always do- with excitement. Then it came, and I thought to myself "I didn't enjoy this day like I usually do- how sad:(" I began to think about why... I thought maybe it was because my older ones are getting older so I really do have more freedom during the summer than I have previously had. For example, I didn't have to take all 5 children when I went to the store or did anything for that matter. I could leave the older ones to look after Easton and Bretty- if I wasn't gone that long. So, I had a little bit of freedom- which is why I love school- I feel I have more freedom because I only have 2 home instead of 5. So NOW, going back to school really means more work for me- homework, waking up earlier, more structure, shorter days- I'm getting depressed just thinking about it all.
Then I also realized that school meant September, and September means my parents are leaving on their mission:( I'm very proud of them, but was secretly hoping September wouldn't come. But, it's here. They leave in 3 weeks- but then I can put one of those little tickers on my blog that count the days till they come home:) Anyway, here are some pictures from the first day of school...

This is the only picture I got of Taylor. He wouldn't let me come inside and take one of him at his desk- that preteen behavior makes me feel so old:)
Evidently, I can still come inside the school for Jeffrey and Michael.
Then I had Easton, Bretty, and my picture taken of us at our 1st day of "freedom" back at our favorite place- the gym:)
And, one last picture. Look at Easton's feet- he WOULD NOT wear matching shoes. So, I figure he had a shower, has clean underwear on, and brushed his teeth. Whatever?!:)
So, anyway, regardless of my reasons why... I guess I am becoming a little like Sister Hinkley and that can never be a bad thing:)

Paulsen Family Reunion 2008

2008-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

I love my family!!!! I seriously have the best family. Every year since I can remember we go on a family reunion with my mom's family for about 3-4 days during the summer. This year we went to the Heber Valley camp run by the LDS church. It was AWESOME!!!! We had such a great time. We do lots of game playing, laughing, and of course eating:) We have already reserved it for next year. We just got back today and I'm already looking forward to next year. We went on a challenge and ropes course. It teaches you teamwork and they have lots of analogies to the challenges we all face in life.

Jeffrey and Andrew battle their loyalties out making visors:)
Some cute pictures of us Paulsens...
Megan is my youngest cousin -15 yrs old- and she is the favorite of all the 2nd generation Paulsens. She and Taylor are playing "speed" here...One of the funnest parts of our reunion every year is the "Talent Show". We use the word talent loosely. My grandma would have loved this year's show:) My favorite talents were Jake doing his Lamb immitation and Jeffrey and Megan "turning the audience upsidedown"...We eat WAY to good while we are there. In fact, if you are hungry at any time during the reunion it's your own fault- I have serious work to do at the gym next week- but it's all worth it!I'm so grateful to my Grandma Sara and Grandpa Finn for creating such a wonderful family and family traditions. I love them and feel so lucky to be a part of them!

Get ready for 472 pictures...

2008-08-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

My parents are going on their mission in a month and that is the reason I started to blog in the first place. I wanted them to keep up on what we are doing. Well, since I started blogging I have realized it is my only way of scrapbooking and journaling for now- and that is exactly what this post is. So, if you don't really care all that much about my little family these are alot of the same types of pictures so scroll on through. Today we went boating with Natalie and JJ. It was a BLAST! I loved to waterski while growing up but I haven't been able to do it since college- wow! But, it really is like riding a bike- it came right back. First, missy showed us her skills with the wakeboard- I was very impressed.

Here is her after she biffed it HARD- notice the good splash.

Then Taylor had his first time on a knee board. He got right up. I am amazed how easy kids catch on to things.

It was an overcast day so there weren't very many boats on the lake. The water was pretty decent too. Here are some cute pictures of my boys...

JJ let my older boys all have a turn at driving the boat.

Michael and Jeffrey also tried the kneeboard...

Next, I tried to slolam again and guess what... I got up!!

The funniest part of the day... the tube:)

Now, JJ and Jeremy put us all to shame with their jumps and 360s on the wakeboard and knee board.

And, finally, just some cute pictures from the day...
Bretty didn't need to get in the water. He just needed a cookie for each hand:) Michael had this permagrin on his face every time he was in the water.By the end of the day everyone was pooped. Brett fell asleep sitting up and Easton fell asleep bending over the seat:)Thanks Missy and JJ- we had a GREAT time. We hope we get invited again!!

Happy Birthday Jeffrey, Michael, the State of Utah, and ME!!

2008-07-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

This week is a big week in the Wood household. As I told my hairdresser today... I could gain a lot of weight during this week every year. We spend the whole week partying and eating, of course.

9 years ago on the 23rd. I went from having 1 boy to 3 in a matter of 10 minutes!! Boy, was that year an adjustment (to say the least)!! Jeffrey was born at 10:01 and Michael was born at 10:11. This year Jeffrey was rubbing in that fact in that he was 9 at 10:01 and Michael still had to wait 10 minutes. Michael didn't like that very much. We had a family birthday party this year and then we set off fireworks. I made homemade OREOs for their "cake". I only ate 4 that day- instead of 10 like I did the last time I ate homemade OREOs. That's progress, right?!

Then on the 24th we had some fun doing slip n' slide and had pizza with my Mom and Dad and Kari's family...
Jeremy dared me to slip and slide in my clothes. He didn't think I would do it... don't call my bluff! Then Easton wanted to go in his clothes too, even though he had already gone in his swimsuit and changed back into regular clothes. It's always more fun to get wet in clothes:)And, finally today is my birthday... 36!! I am closer to 40 than 30-wow! I still feel like a teenager.

It's been a great day... workout, lunch with friends, haircut, dinner with Jeremy, bike ride with my family along the Jordan Parkway, and cake and ice cream. Thanks for the great day, poopie scoopie:)

p.s. for those of you who didn't leave a memory on my previous post I will consider it a birthday present if you do it- it's been fun to read!!

Can I cut and paste?!

2008-07-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my friend, Debbie's blog and thought it is cute idea. So, I am trying to cut and paste it onto my blog. We'll see if I can do it...

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Yeah for me! I did it. I'm so computer retarded.

more summer fun at the Murray Pool...

2008-07-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

This summer I got a family pass to the Murray Pool. I must say it has been one of my better ideas. We usually try to go about 2-3 times a week. My kids have really become little fish. Here are some cute pictures of them at the pool. We went their for a little family home evening tonight. Taylor has been working on his dives. One time we went he did over 70 dives. It's a little hard to see him, but he's the horizontal one... Michael is really good at flips. He is my best swimmer. He is looking forward to the summer Olympics because he really loves to watch Michael Phelps swim- plus it's a bonus that he has the same name as him.

Michael and Taylor spend most of their time on the diving boards, but Jeffrey likes to split his time between the slide and the diving board. I guess we didn't get a picture of him at the pool so here's another cute one of him when we did slip and slide...

Easton has no fear. He jumps and does flips off the diving board.

Brett has to be coaxed into the pool everytime. He doesn't really like to be wet and definately doesn't like to be splashed. He's getting better as the summer goes on.

And, I saved the best picture for last. Jeremy spends all spring in shorts while coaching my boys baseball teams- as I've already said in a previous post. So, his neck legs, and arms get very tan. In fact, he tans really well. You would never know how "WHITE" he really is until he takes his shirt off. And, by the way, it was his idea to post this picture on here. He said to me, "now here's a picture for your blog":)
I'm laughing out loud even as I post this. I love you, poopie scoopie:)

Run, fun, and fireworks on the 4th!!

2008-07-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

This fourth of July was a fun one. We have several family traditions- basically run by my mother- that I wanted to remember on my blog this year. Anyway, we start the day out with the Murray 5K fun run. This year Jeffrey, Taylor, and I ran it. Natalie, JJ, and Kari also ran it. Taylor came in first out of the 6 of us. Then JJ and Natalie came in. These were my favorite pictures of them:) I think JJ looks very comfortable and is having a GREAT time at his first Robbins family fourth of July tradition! Then Kari came in (slutty skirt and all:) Don't worry I had one of those slutty skirts first and she thought I looked so cute in that she just had to have one:)

Then Jeffrey and I came in. We finished in 29:40. I was so proud of Jeffrey- under 10 min mile for an 8 yr old is great:) And, according to Jeffrey "we didn't walk a single step".

Then we watch the Murray Parade. My mom gets there early to save us a great spot under the trees and brings muffins, juice, and fruit to eat. Who will do that next year:( Anyway, the parade is fun and even little Bretty gets into dancing with the bands that pass by.
Next the boys went to my mom's house and did slip and slide...
And, then we had a barbeque, did sparklers, and fireworks at my mom's house. Finally, we went over to watch the big Murray fireworks in Cost-co parking lot. Grandma Ilene and Grandpa Russ caught up with us to watch the fireworks
It was such a fun day spending time with family. I'm so grateful for my little Wood family. And, I'm so grateful for the wonderful families Jeremy and I both have.

With a half numb face, I feel a blog post coming on...

2008-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this story with I have very good teeth. I never have problems with them, I really don't. I have had 2 cavities in my whole life. About a week ago I noticed some sensitivity with one of my teeth. It has progressively gotten worse. Then yesterday I decided I needed to have my dentist look at it. Wouldn't you know... my dentist is out of town til next week. So I made my appointment for next week and got the number of the on call dentist just in case. Then in the last 24 hours my tooth has been screaming at me. It woke me up in the middle of the night, so I took my 800 mg ibuprofen with the smallest glass of water because even luke warm water hurt so bad. So, today I went in to the dentist. I had to have a root canal. There wasn't even a cavity there to begin with, so I asked him what caused the tooth to begin to die. He just looked at me and said, "I could say it was just because of age, but that wouldn't be very nice." No! It wouldn't:)

Let me just say there are a few things I have noticed that are harder with having half your face numb- I had no idea how much they have to make numb for 1 tooth! It's hard to put lip gloss on when you can't feel your upper lip. It's hard to pick your nose- even if it's just a little cliffhanger:) It's hard to enjoy your food when you can't taste it in half your mouth. I hadn't had anything to eat today because it hurt so much, so when I got home I was starving!! Anyway, this was a far cry from what I had planned today. I was going to take my kids to the pool and sit in the sun and enjoy the warm weather....

just a funny story... 2 babies, 2 babies

2008-06-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well, since Easton and I broke the lens on our camera there hasn't been too many pictures for cute blog posts. Hopefully, Jeremy will fix the camera soon, but I am sure Easton and I have lost our privledges with it:) Anyway, it has been over 2 weeks since I posted and I was looking through my pictures already downloaded for any ideas for a new post and I came across this one...

So, here is the story... a couple of years ago my twins took swimming lessons from Gloria Irion- who has a set on twins herself. Gloria was teaching with my sister Natalie and her best friend, Emily Irion. When Gloria's twins were little she would hold them both and sing "2 babies, 2 babies". She, Natalie, and Emily would do this to my twins during swimming lessons. Another cousin was taking swimming lessons at the same time. He has problems saying his "K"s. Gloria was swinging him around in the pool with another little child and singing the 2 babies song. He just looked at her and said, "Don't sing 2 babies. Sing, '2 big tids, 2 big tids':)" So now it is a family joke to sing the 2 babies, 2 babies followed immediately by 2 big tids, 2 big tids. So, now when you see this picture you can sing it yourself:) This is my Bretty and my niece Susie.

This is my life...on baseball!!

2008-06-04T19:29:00.001-07:00

This is what I do 2-3 times a week for 3 hours- 2 games back to back during the months of April, May, and June. Then this week Easton started t-ball. Good thing I like baseball:) Here is Jeffrey...Here is Michael...

and here is Taylor...

Easton started t-ball so I took the camera to the game this week. We went to Taylor's game first and then were going to Easton's first t-ball game. I was taking pictures of Taylor and set the camera down on the bench and Easton knocked it off and broke the lens- boo:( Before we left home Jeremy saw that I had the camera and said, "please, take care of it". Aww man- the lens is only the most expensive piece on the camera!! And to top it off- no pictures of Easton playing t-ball for the post. But here are some cute ones of what he and Brett have been doing at the games lately...

Notice how much eating we do at the games:) And, finally- not a picture of Jeremy- he is the photographer and coach- and I didn't get one of him before we broke the lens. Here is one of the twins team- one of the teams he coaches...

Is Prague close to Texas?!

2008-05-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

My dad has been wanting to go on a mission for a couple of years. He has been retired for about 5 years. My mom has always said, "wait until Natalie gets married". Well, now Natalie is married and they got their papers ready and sent them in about a month ago. I guess senior couples ( I have to smile when I am referring to my parents as senior couples:) anyway, they can request a specific place to go. My parents had requested Austin, Texas. They knew an institute director who was on a mission was coming to the end of his mission. My dad loves to teach and thought this would be very interesting. They talked to the institute director and had his recommendation along with their stake president's recommendation to go be institute directors in Texas. So, in go their papers. They were feeling so good about it. My dad's brother lives in Texas and they even had planned to have Thanksgiving dinner with them. THEN... comes the call. They were called to go to the Czech Republic in Prague. Hollidaywhobewhaty... to quote "The Grinch". My mom said to me, "That song 'I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord' has a whole new meaning:)" I am so proud of them for their willingness to serve and appreciate the example of going on a mission to their 5 grandsons who live at my house. I love you both and hope the next year and a half goes by really fast!!

Happy Birthday Bretty and Easton!!!

2008-05-12T09:17:00.001-07:00

This week Bretty turned 1 on May 7th and Easton turns 4 on May 13th. We are in St. George this week and so we celebrated both birthdays on sunday. Easton asked me all day on sunday- which was May 11th- "Is me 4 today?" We are going back to SLC on the 13th and we have ball games that night and just don't have time for a birthday celebration on that day, so "yep, you are 4 on May 11th:)"

This week we...

2008-04-25T18:42:00.001-07:00

I am at a loss for any exciting things to blog about right now. So I am going to copy my friend, JoRae, and just mention a few things that happened this week...

1. Bretty learned how to walk...

He also learned how to dump my basket of "things to be put away" at least 3 times a day... notice the pile behind him.

2. I threw up for the first time in about 7-8 years:( I worked a night shift wednesday night and then slept for 4 hours and then laid around the rest of the day. All I had eaten during the day was a bowl of cereal and jelly bellies (I love those!) I was SO TIRED and didn't want to make dinner so Jeremy ran to Wendy's and brought home hamburgers and fries. I had a bacon cheeseburger, fries, and diet coke. About 15 minutes after I ate it, it came right back up...yuck. I HATE to throw up. I think the no sleep, junk food combo did it for me. But, maybe this experience will deter me from fast food hamburgers and fries for a while. That would sure help with my 36th birthday goal.

3. I helped delivery a 1 lb. 11 ounce baby boy. Modern medicine is truly a miracle. 50 years ago this little one would have died, but now he has a great chance at a normal life.

4. I just love sunday afternoons. I will do everything possible to keep them open. My mom and mother in law are the best. We go to one of their houses every week for dinner. I love spending time with my family and my inlaws. We usually just hang out, talk, eat, watch movies, and of course laugh.

5. I had a Cafe Rio salad when my mom, sisters, and sister in laws celebrated Amber- a sister in law's birthday. I just love Cafe Rio!! YUMMY!

6. I played the Wii with my family. Jeremy and I versed each other in boxing- 3 different times. And, who won? did you ask? I did all 3 times. Boo Yeah!!

thank you to my body combat instructors for such good training:)

7. I got released from my calling. I was the wolf den leader in cub scouts. I have had this calling for about 3 years. I was close to being ready to be done, but not quite yet. My twins were in my den until July. I am so sad that I don't get to finish with them.

8. I have the WHOLE weekend off!! Except for the times I have been on maternity leave and vacations, I have never had a weekend off to just hang at my house in about 8 years. It works best for my family to work weekend shifts so I do them every weekend. This is just a fluky thing and I'm gonna enjoy cleaning and weeding with no work to go to after it's done:)

9. I found out I am going to have another niece and nephew! I have 3 sister in laws due in Sept. Congrats Amber and Thelissa! We're still waiting to hear about Britney's baby.

10. I went to several baseball games. Lots of fun, but lots of stress when you are the mother. I want them to do well so badly.

Tagged- 6 things about myself...

2008-04-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

I was tagged a while ago by my friend Emma. I am supposed to list 6 things about myself. I have been thinking what I would list. Anybody who knows me knows I am not very private so I had a hard time thinking of 6 things that may be new to people. Some of my family may already know these and they will be a surprise to friends and vice versa (is that how you spell it?)...

1. I have helped just over 1,000 babies come into this world (by my estimation). I have been a labor and delivery nurse for 10.5 years and I work about 2 times a week. 4 of those babies have been my own nieces and nephews.. including one just last sunday. Welcome to the world baby Will:) I have actually delivered about 10 babies myself. During the delivery of my twins I was watching and worrying about the fetal heart rate strip so much that the nurse turned down the volume and turned to computer screen so I couldn't see it. It's too much to be the mother and a labor and delivery nurse when you're in labor.

2. I love Broadway plays. After I go to see one I play the music for a good 6 months before I listen to anything else. The last one I saw was "Wicked" last summer in LA. I went with my mom, sisters, and sister in laws for my mom's birthday. It was AWESOME to say the least. So, true to form I have played the Wicked CD so much that even my 3 year old knows the songs. This video is Easton singing "Defying Gravity". So cute- if I do say so myself!

When he says "mom, turn it sideways", he means turn the video camera screen around so he can see himself sing:)

3. This next one is related to #2. I was in show choir in high school. We sang and danced- my first introduction to musical songs:) During the christmas season we would perform alot, but sometimes we would just go caroling. We did a really good acapella version of Carole of the Bells- again if I do say so myself:)

4. My sisters and I have secret best friends. We know people we really like and we want to be just like them. They change on occasion- but we have been working on the same few for a little while. We are friends with them, but they just don't know how cool we think they are. When we talk about these people we say, "I was talking to ... you know my best friend". We are such dorks!

5. I love treats. I've had a sweet tooth for as long as I remember. My dad would bring me 1 package of sweet tarts as a treat when I was 3 years old. The package was not a big package. It was one of those tiny ones that had only 3 pieces in it. It was just the start to a big problem!! In fact, last sunday I was at my mother in laws and she had made homemade OREOs. I love those. I am a little embarrased to say this next part, but I ate 10 that day. I was telling this to a friend that day and she said, "that means you really had 20- because of both sides:(" That is terrible!!

6. I am addicted to working out. My gym launched a new class this week. It is called body attack and I absolutely loved it! It is like 1980s aerobics. I wear a heartrate monitor when I work out. I like to keep my heartrate between 150-160s during my cardio. Well, during this class it got as high as 190 at one point!! I seriously thought I was going to lose my breakfast. I work out every day, and there are not many days that I feel like throwing up during a class. Now, you may ask why I love working out when I feel like throwing up?! I have no idea. That is why I know I am definately addicted. I will go crazy if I miss a workout- ask my husband

12 years is a long time!!!

2008-03-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

O.K. that previous post has got to go-- enough of that!!

The top 5 days of my life are as follows:

*March 30, 1996

*April 7, 1997

*July 23, 1999

*May 13, 2004

*May 7, 2007

These are the dates that I got married and my 5 kids were born. I told my kids that 12 years ago they were all celebrating with each other because their mom and dad were getting married and they were going to get to come to earth soon. In honor of my 12th anniversary I am going to post a few pictures of Jeremy and me. These first 2 are on the day we got married...

I asked Jeremy to scan these pictures into our computer and he just looked at me and said, "No kid remarks". Then I said to him, "I wasn't going to say kid. I was going to say 12 year old:)" Jeremy is 2 years younger than me. I was 24 and he was 22-not 12. Thank goodness he looks older now, but I wouldn't be offended if people said I looked the same:) This next one is 2 weeks ago at my sisters wedding...

I really grateful for the last 12 years. Lots of fun times like; having twins, having all boys, going on vacation, dressing 5 little boys the same, etc. Also lots of hard times like; having twins, having all boys, going on vacation, and dressing 5 little boys the same. It has been a great 12 years. Happy Anniversary Poopie Scoopie!

p.s. When my sister, Natalie, got engaged Kari and I were joking, "Isn't it great-- She has found the one person on the face of the planet who will irritate her like no other. No one will be able to get under her skin like him" All you are married are smiling right now and know exactly what I mean:)

Who in the world is THIS girl?!

2008-03-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

My sister told me I needed to do this self portrait truthfulness challenge. So I copied the next paragraph from the actual challenge. I just think it would be funny to see people without all their cute make-up and hair. I go to the gym every morning and then usually run errands after that before getting dressed, and I run into people I know frequently. I always joke that people in Murray don't know I ever get dressed. But, then when somebody does recognize me that way I say, "How do they recognize me that way? I look nothing like that ugly girl who's out shopping?!:)"

..."A bunch of women, bloggers, mothers, professionals and friends taking pictures of themselves right as they roll out of bed. No makeup.No combs.No makeup.No toothbrushes.(Yes "No makeup" is on there twice...some women I know need to be told twice.)Being honest and real in a way that we rarely are even with our closest girlfriends who live just down the street. Why as women do we care so deeply if someone sees us without our makeup? Why do we base how well our day goes on how good our hair looks rather than how bright the sun is shining? "

Now I challenge all you beautiful girls to do this self portrait challenge...

Missy and my BFF get married!!!

2008-03-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

This isn't Missy and my BFF, but it is a pretty cute picture of two 3 year old cousins at their reception:)

Natalie and JJ got married yesterday. It was such a fun day. Here are a couple of photos from the day. My mom, a.k.a. Mary Poppins made baby Brett's tie- isn't it so cute?! This is my dad holding his "whatever" baby!

Actually, after I got to looking at all the pictures I didn't get one of just Natalie and JJ. But, here are 2 of them separate. One explanation about "missy and bff"; Natalie, Kari, and I call each other Missy and have for the last 10 years. And, when JJ and Natalie were dating I started calling him my BFF because, well, I just like him a lot:)

Here is our family...

And here is the Christensen family...

Then here are cute ones of my boys...(and one of me too)

I LOVE my 5 boys BUT...

2008-03-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love being a mother of all boys. I grew up going to my brothers' soccer and baseball games, so I learned to truly love going to sports games. In fact, I am one of those really loud mothers at the games. My oldest told me when he was about 3, "Don't say YEA:)" I love to look at mothers with older boys and watch how they treat their mothers. My aunt Louisa has 3 grown boys and they are really protective and sweet to her. It will be so awesome to be towered over by all these handsome men in a few years. When I found out my 4th, Easton, was a boy I was really disappointed. And then I felt guilty because I was sad. Then someone said to me, "you're not sad you're having a boy. You're sad about what's not in your future." That was exactly right. (I was however so excited when my little or should I say BIG 9 lb 6oz boy was born.) Anyway, I said to my mom, "Who will plan my mother's day dinner. Who can I go on girls trips with? Who will take care of me when I am old? etc, etc..." My sister, Kari, who has 3 girls said I could come to her mother's day dinners and go on their girls trips. Thanks missy:) Anyway, then when I had my 5th boy I really started worrying about my future daughter in laws. As crazy as it sounds I have already started praying for my boys future wives and their parents. I really hope their are 5 little girls out their who be willing to let me be as much a part of their lives as they let their own mothers be. Anybody who knows me knows I love to know all the details of things. So, I need daughter in laws who will let me be a big part of their lives. So needless to say I have already been thinking about these girls a lot. I have even been thinking of how I can encourage this type of thinking in them. These are the ways I have thought of as yet (if anyone has any other secret ways let me know:)...

*I am going to have a pool in my backyard. I know we only have a few months to use it every year, but I grew up with my grandma having a pool and I think it really kept us close as a family because we spent lots of summer hours together. We established a strong family bond that is still strong today.

*I am going to have my kids over for every sunday dinner. Now, I know this is a lot of work because I watch my mother in law do it every sunday. Then to top it off she acts as if it is no big deal to make dinner for 20 people every week. It has made my kids and myself establish a strong family bond with my in-laws and I want this in my own family. I could go on and on about my inlaws. They truly are the best. But, that is a WHOLE other post:)

*And finally, (and this one is the kicker) I have made all my boys promise me they will marry girls who like me:) I know their marriage is not about me, but if the girl likes the mother in law has a lot to do with how much they want to be around and how strong the family bond is. Girls naturally want to spend more time with their mother, usually, so I need to do all I can to encourage family bonding in my Wood family. It will help tremendously if my daughter in laws like me:)

p.s. I know this picture is an old one, but it is the only one I could find with us all. Note how great my inlaws are. That is my father in law bringing them all to the hospital to see Brett for the first time. They had all my kids that day. I want to be as great as them.

To Moab and back...

2008-03-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone has read my sister's blog this will all be a repeat. My sisters, JJ, and my cousins Emily and Lisa all ran the Moab Half Marathon this last weekend. This is the 5th half marathon that I have done, and I love doing them. The problem is I train for about 3 months prior, then I don't run another step until I decide to do another one. So I have to reaclimate to running every time. The funny thing is I really do like it when I do it so I don't know why I ever stop. Anyway, this year my sisters wanted to do it again and I said of course. It is a lottery application, so I was secretly hoping we wouldn't get in. Then I wouldn't have to run in 20 degree weather all winter. But, alas we were accepted:) Then Natalie and JJ got engaged and I thought I was off the hook. I said to Natalie, "Are you sure you want to do the race? That will be the last full weekend before your wedding. You might be busy doing stuff." Then she said, "like what?" Silly girl- she understands "WHAT" now that her wedding is in 7 days:) So, we were forging ahead with marathon training. Kari and I were doing well on our long runs and then 2 weeks before the race she says she doesn't know if she can do it. OH NO YOU DON'T!! So ,me, the encouragee becomes the encourager. I told her I would stay and run with her during the race. As sisters we normally all run our own paces. I fully expected my time to be 15-20 minutes slower while running with Kari. To my surprise she improved her time by 20 minutes!!! My time was just 5 minutes slower than last time. I am so amazed and impressed. I refered to her Mary Poppins talents and my "good exerciser" talents in my last post. Dang it!! It turns out my "fragile flower" "Mary Poppins" of a sister is a "good exerciser" too!

We had such a great time and I thought we looked cool too. My 11 year old has since told me I am wearing my bandana wrong and that I am a dork:) He says I am supposed to wear it like Natalie and my cousins did. When did I turn into the dorky mother? I am still the cool daughter in my eyes:) I bedazzled a bandana for all of us including JJ. He has a pink jewel on his too, only because Jeffrey said to me while I was making them, "put a pink on JJ's. He likes pink". He was a good sport and wore it the whole race!

On our way home we were traveling through Spanish Fork canyon- "the deadliest canyon in Utah"- and we were talking about near death experiences. My aunt Margie was driving Kari's car. Then she said, "Oh, look a deer. Oh, oh, it's not moving- she tries to drive around it and then at the last second the deer turns the opposite way and OHHHH!" We hit a deer. Then we pull the car over and inspect the damage- only a busted front tail light. Then Margie walks back the 25 yards to the deer, walks out on the freeway, kicks the deer to make sure he's dead, then grabs it's legs and pulls it off S.R. 71!! All this while two cars are coming towards her. Everybody I was surrounded with this weekend impressed me with their strength!!

It was such a fun time not only running ,but more fun just spending time with family. That really is what life is all about.. Family. Supporting, listening to, joking with, laughing with, running with, eating with, sleeping with (or not if you're JJ:), crying with, bossing around, and just being yourself. Thank you to my family. I really have it good:) Let's do it again next year!!

Where are my Mary Poppins genes?

2008-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

So if anyone knows my mother they know I have a lot to live up to. She has everything!! She is nice, helpful, organized, spiritual, a great mother, a good colorer:) , good cook, pretty, skinny, creative, artistic, etc. You know, like Mary Poppins "practically perfect in every way". My sister, Kari, has many of her "Mary Poppins" qualities as well. In fact, Kari will do all these cute things for her kids and I find out after the fact. Then I get mad at her because she didn't tell me about them beforehand and those cute things don't even cross my mind. I'm just not creative AT ALL! I am always saying to them, "but what are my talents?" Then they try to make me feel good and try to name a good quality like, "your good at exercising"- really what kind of talent is that:)? So anyway, yesterday was the blue and gold banquet in scouts. I am currently the wolf den mother in my ward. My twins are in my den. The theme was Chinese New Year. We were doing a cake auction, and we were all asked to bring a "dragon cake" for each boy to be auctioned. So I started using my non-creative brain to think of a way I could be creative and make not 1 but 2 dragon cakes. My mother-in-law has all these cute cake pans and instructions to make different designs out of 9x13 cake pans. I was glad to remember this little bit of info and I went to pick the cake pans up. I began to think I was starting to be creative. I had these darling, cute, creative cakes planned out in my mind as I was mixing the cake batter and they were baking. In fact, they were so cute in my mind, that I had starting planning a blog post how I had finally found my creative gene:) Then... I started creating them. They look like a 5th grader made them! I've decided one of my talents is going to be embracing my non-creativity. I made Jeremy take pictures so I could share my talent.

OK now I want to show the pictures of my friends really cute cakes. These same friends obviously have the "Mary Poppins" gene. Man, I really wish this was more natural to me.
Then to top it all off. I had just gotten all my stuff- decorations for the banquet, food assignment, and my 2 retarded cakes in the car. Easton was already in the car and I went inside to get Brett. When we were almost to the church Easton said, "Mom, I licked your cake." The cakes were in the front seat and Easton was in the back. I didn't know what he was talking about. Then I glanced over at the 1st cake. The eyes were missing- originally they were chocolate chips. Thankfully, I had skittles in the car- dragons look better with orange eyes, right? And, right in the middle of his belly- Easton had licked some sprinkles off-it's very easy to see:). So, we had to buy my own 5th grade cake for $12.00!

Easton NOT needing stitches:(

2008-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

So, I was in the middle of posting my Happy Birthday to P.S. last night when my children were all getting ready for bed. Jeremy had just cut all their hair and they had had a bath. Jeffrey and Easton were in the family room spinning round and round to see how dizzy they could get. Then Easton fell and hit his lip on a bench that we have in front of our stairs to keep Brett from falling down them.

This cut was really bleeding and deep. Both Jeremy and I were sure he would need stitches. There is also another one on the front of his lip. In fact, we thought his teeth had gone through his lip, but he actually just bit down really hard on his lip. So, I called the nurse at the doctor's office and she said to take him to Primary Children's because he would need to be sedated to have the stitches. So, off we went at 9:45 at night. We got there and it was really busy. They didn't take us back to a room until midnight. That's when the nurse first said they usually don't stitch the inside of the lip because it usually heals really well. Then we waited for another hour and a half. We watched the whole Toy Story movie. Then the Dr. came in and told us the same thing. I always say when I take my kids to the Dr. "If this doesn't cost me a lot on money I'm gonna be mad"- meaning if something's not wrong I don't want to waste my time or energy and in this case SLEEP! Well, I paid an ER copay and waited for 4 hours by the time we got out of there to have them look at it and say, "just keep it clean". So it cost me alot of money, but What kind of nurse am I?!

Happy Birthday Poopie Scoopie!!

2008-02-09T19:54:00.001-08:00

I wanted to have a cute picture to post in this blog of Jeremy and this is what he gives me:)First I have to explain why poopie scoopie. Jeremy and I both call each other poopie scoopie or p.s. for short. It's our version of "honey" or "sweetie". As my sister calls it- it's part of "our dance". About 7-8 years ago I was getting after Jeremy that he wasn't talking nice to me and that I wanted him to call me name of affection. He said to me, "like what?" And me the expert at words that I am said, "I don't know like poopie scoopie or something." Why in the world could I not think of a better name, ANYTHING would have been better than poopie scoopie!! So, today is Jeremy's 34th birthday. I wanted to name the top few things I love about Jeremy:

* He is the best dad. And I mean THE BEST. Sometimes I wish I was one of his kids. Since my boys have been playing sports he has coached a team EVERY SINGLE season. There was a Janeen Brady song when I was growing up called "MY DAD". It went something like this... My dad's the greatest dad of any guy in town. He can throw the ball so high you think it's gonna break the sky. He knows the name of every kind of jet. and on and on. That is my boys theme song.

* He does laundry:)

* He can fix anything. He doesn't even have to read the directions. I just don't get that. How do you know how to do anything without finding out how?

* He is very friendly. And he is a great friend to me- one that will let me get after him sometimes:)

* He is a hard worker. I have learned how far hard work really does get a person in life through Jeremy.

* He makes me laugh- both on purpose and by accident. A couple of years ago he wanted to go play ball on xmas day and his mom wanted him to come to an extended family party. He said in all honesty, "Christmas is a time to think of yourself." Sorry, poopie scoopie, but you will never live that one down:)

* And finally, he loves me and I love POOPIE SCOOPIE!!

Get down with your bad self!!

2008-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Yea for me!! I have come so far in my computer education:) I can even post a video on my blog!! This is Easton and Michael playing guitar hero. A few things to pay attention to- Easton makes me laugh with the way his tongue goes in and out and how he stomps his foot. He is such a funny kid.

Tagged

2008-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Thelissa. This is a first for me in many ways. One I've never been tagged and two I've never copy and pasted something without having to have Jeremy do it for me or call my sister and have her talk me through it!! I told you I was computer illiterate:) So here goes:

Two names you go by: Missy and mom

Two things you're wearing right now: bracelet and scrub pants (I'm on call for work for another 4 hours)

Two things you'd want or have in a relationship: acceptance and love

Two of your favorite things to do: workout and eat (thank goodness I love the 1st or the 2nd would be a really big problem - instead of just a problem:)

Two things you want very badly right now: to be 20 lbs lighter- see above favorite things and to not have so much fighting between my 5 boys

Two things you did last night: watched are you smarter than a 5th grader and vacuumed my upstairs

Two things you ate yesterday: jelly bellies a.k.a "beans from Target" according to Easton and a chicken salad with feta cheese, cranberries, and pecans-YUM!

Two things you did today: cleaned my bathrooms and took a spinning class

Two longest car rides: driving from Atlanta, Ga to SLC with my family when I was in 9th grade and going to California with my cousins to visit my uncle

Two favorite Holidays: Christmas and Thanksgiving (for the obvious reason of eating but I also go to a 1 1/2 hour kickboxing class with my sister- it rocks!! Again see my 2 favorite things above:)

Two favorite beverages: diet coke and fresca

Two things about me: I clean my house in 5s (if you don't know what that means ask me- I'm a little OCD) and I'm training for a half marathon in March- I'm running it with my sisters and JJ (or should I say behind my sisters and JJ)

Two jobs I've had in my life: I worked at the best job ever-- Cottonwood labor and delivery nurse and I also was a cocktail waitress at the Marriott (I make a mean martini:)

Two places I've lived: Georgia and Florida

Two of my favorite foods: treats (is that a food?:) and norwegian pancakes

Two places I'd rather be right now: asleep in my bed and nowhere else (we're all home together on the same night and that rarely happens)

There you go. That was fun. Now I tag Kari and JJ

Don't you hate it when your brother puts you in the dog house?

2008-01-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today baby Brett was playing in his entertainer and babbling like babies do. I was in the other room eating bon-bons and watching soaps like mothers of 5 do:) Then I couldn't hear Brett. I walked in the family room and I couldn't find him or Easton. I called for them and could hear a little 3 year old laugh from around the dog kennel. This is what I found!!

New Year's Resolution!!

2008-01-20T19:12:00.001-08:00

This was my New Year's Resolution to start a blog. I must admit I love to look on other people's blogs and enjoy their creative pictures and writings, but I just might be the most computer illiterate person on the face of the earth. So, it might take a while before I get a picture or video on my blog. I have to convince Jeremy to show me how when he has enough patience to teach me:) So, for now the only thing to enjoy on my blog is words- that's not too fun. But, yea for me I have accomplished my New Year's Resolution for once:)

Could we just take a picture PLEASE?!!

2008-01-20T17:41:00.001-08:00

So, here I am at my inlaw's house and my sister in law is helping me set it up so we can have a picture today- can you see what I have to deal with. I am just thankful we can all be still long enough to get a picture taken! Thank you tam!