Waite's World

Busy

2010-11-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

I have neglected this blog and won't even attempt to play catch-up. Life is so busy for us these days that Izaac ends up falling asleep in his carseat and napping on the couch while I hurry to make dinner before the next mad dash to the car. We finished up the soccer season and silly me- decided to start karate for the boys and gymnastics for Ellie. If there wasn't 25,000 returned soldiers getting on and off post during the same hour I'm trying to get on/off for karate I wouldn't spend two hours in the car...I planned carefully so that we wouldn't be "over-scheduled." But 4 kids is synonymous with over-scheduled. I have entered the realm of never catching up...on laundry, on shopping, on sleep, on photo-albums, on life. And I love it- I love watching the kids discover their passions and their talents. I love it when Jaylon comes home and we have dinner together as a family in between all of the activities. Life is busy but so good and so fun.
Today was supposed to be my catch-up day. Jay was off playing at a friend's house and Ellie and Jax were in school so I had Big Plans, Lofty Goals etc. I was foiled by Izaac. I'm a slow learner. I guess I didn't realize how much I rely on big brother to watch little brother and keep him out of trouble while I'm getting ready for the day. I went looking for Izaac when I got out of the shower and he had climbed up on our kitchen table and was feeding himself leftover cereal and milk. Messy but not too terrible. So I put him back in his room to play with toys while I fixed my hair (5 minutes tops!) and then went looking for him again. He was having a party with a used-to-be-full bottle of syrup. His clothes and hair and my table and floor were soaked in syrup. He toddled over to the carpet and took aim at some legos after his bath. Honestly, he's my 3rd boy. You'd think I'd know better. Sooooooo, today wasn't a catch-up day after all. There's no such thing for me. For now.

Hawaii

2010-09-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with an awesome, amazing, relaxing, perfect vacation in Kauai the last week in August. My parents were saints and took care of the kids for us. This is the view from our balcony. Every morning we got up and ate breakfast on the balcony and watched the sunrise. Loved every minute... Our first beach day and my favorite part of the island- the north shore. We snorkeled at Tunnel's beach and saw all sorts of fish and 3 turtles. We also saw a monk seal at Poipu beach on the south side.

We ate the most delicious gelatto in the world. Look it up on Trip Advisor. Oprah and all sorts of celebrities have discovered this little icecream/video store. He gave us an extra scoop for Jaylon's military service!

Hertz upgraded our car to a Mustang convertible. So fun!

Hiked on the Na Pali coast to the beach and then on to the waterfall. 8 miles roundtrip on muddy trails. The most amazing scenery I've ever seen!

Sunset at Poipu beach.

Waimea Canyon

Amy and Matt met us at the Honolulu airport for a short layover. So fun to see them and not long enough!

One day I'm going to go back and live in Hanalei, on the north shore. It's my favorite place in the world.

Mima Mounds

2010-07-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

We tried to go on a hike this week and ended up at Mima Mounds- a wildflower prairie in the middle of the forest. Very beautiful!

Can't help myself...what would a post be without Izaac as the main event?

Happy Happy Day

2010-07-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

11:00 p.m. Waiting for Dad. (Izaac is sleeping at a friend's house). Watching the plane touch down at McCord A.F.B. on the big screen. Watching Dad and the other soldiers turn in their weapons and do paperwork.

1:30 a.m. Conked out. Still waiting for Dad.

At last!! 5 minutes of formation and short speeches and then released to their families.

Not even Dad could wake him up...

Sleeping boys. Ellie cried. Mom and Dad couldn't do anything but smile! Hallelujah- it's over!!!

Getting reacquainted. Izaac is just barely warming up to Jaylon. He's made his dad work hard to win him over.

One of these days we'll get a good family picture with the patriotic clothes Mamie bought special for seeing Dad again.

Sike!

2010-07-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ooops, just kidding. He's not on his way home. The army is sadistic. Apparently they are incapable of solving simple math problems such as, x amount of soldiers need x amount of seats on x amount of planes. So.... we're waiting and waiting and the waiting is indefinite. They psyched us out though- moved him to Balad. Kind of like when the doctor moves you from the waiting room to the next room to wait. Totally awesome for me and the kids! Gooooooo ARMY!

Track Club

2010-06-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Crazy Hair, Crazy Boy Ellie is signed up for track club this summer. She's not overly thrilled about track practices but gets pretty excited about winning ribbons at the meets. We've now been to 3 meets and we usually don't get home until 10:30 at night which sounds miserable- but all of us have a lot of fun watching Ellie and running around on the field. Jax and Jay even signed up to do a couple of races and I wish I'd had my camera to capture the joy on Jay's face.

Ellie's strong event is the 400 meter. She is one fast little girl!

Iraq Videos

2010-06-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

These are a video tour of Jaylon's home for the last 11 months. Thankfully he is almost done and coming back to us!

Escape

2010-06-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I was suffering from weather induced depression. I was. I loaded my kids up on a Tuesday and drove to Idaho. As soon as I crossed the border into Idaho I felt my spirits lift and I started smiling. The moment I felt genuinely happy was the moment I realized I have been depressed. And even though I love my parents and siblings and children- it had nothing to do with family and everything to do with seeing an endless sky and the sun shining and the fields rolling...no more dark clouds or suffocating trees to cage me in. I loaded my kids up and drove 9 hours by myself even though my mom was leaving the next day to take care of my sister and her new (gorgeous, creamy, chunky) Lovely Lyla. That's how much I needed to exit Washington. Can you sense the joy???

My "baby" brother Scott can boast the most pictures of himself. I think the same pattern is emerging in our family. I can't help myself. He is changing hourly and, well, I am absolutely enjoying every moment of his babyhood.

My dear Uncle Jon and Aunt Marilyn had us over for the day. We 4-wheeled and ate loads of yummy food and had the best time! Ellie was thrilled to drive herself.

Jay loved "going so fast my stomach hurt." I loved it too!

Jax Turns 6

2010-06-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Jax's birthday with Mamie and Papa and Great-grandma and Great-grandpa and Jen and Keoni and Makenna. Low key but still so busy I didn't get enough pictures. I can't take credit for this awesome cake. Scott and Jaylon gave me all of the ideas to design it.

Jax had a great birthday. Tons of candy and a new scooter and snorkeling gear and iron man and even money from Great-Grandparents.

That's a Wrap

2010-06-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

I wish I'd gotten pictures with Papa. We spent the first 6 days hanging out with Papa and Uncle Scottie. During the day we had lots of adventures with Auntie Jen and Keoni and Makenna. We had the perfect vacation. Which might explain why I extended my week into almost 3. I waited until Summer had truly arrived in Washington. Can you blame me?

Scott is busy but the kids cherished every moment they got to spend with him.

Ellie and Mamie had a girls night out and Ellie came home with a cute new haircut and "permanent" pink hair.

Our next adventure is getting ready for Jaylon to come home!

Laughing Later

2010-05-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been having a lot of those "someday I'll laugh about this" moments. You know- the ones that really ARE NOT funny right now. The ones that make you physically ill and age you a couple years in one day. Those kind. I seem to get those as soon as I start feeling o.k. about life...as soon as I start to feel in control...like being a single parent really isn't so bad. Like 4 kids isn't too much to handle. Like having my husband in an unstable, war torn, 3rd world country is a piece of cake...I mean, we have skype so I can't complain!! I guess with the warm sun I was starting to feel too happy so KARMA knocked me down a peg or two or three. Whatever. Someday I'll laugh about my baby holding his breath and going rigid and then passing out several times a week. Someday I'll laugh about my 5 month old t.v. getting broken by the children. Someday I'll laugh about walking downstairs in my towel to find a male stranger standing in my doorway (courtesy of Jay). And someday I'll laugh about getting out of the shower and finding my 3 year old gone and the front door unlocked. Someday. But not today. No. Today I'm going to ruin my diet and eat some Haagen Daz and watch a few hours of The Office (on the COMPUTER) and try to regain my perspective and my peace. And when those fixes don't work I'll go to bed and hope tomorrow is better.

Weekend Highlights

2010-05-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend I took the boys to a mother/son superhero dance. We were catwoman, superman and batman. Jay is such a cute little dancer and wore me out... Jax found a light saber and spent his time fighting with other superheroes. Saturday night we went to a Rainiers game. Some of my favorite memories as a kid were going to A's games. I left Izaac home with a babysitter and we had a great time. The kids really liked watching baseball and were much more entertained than I thought they'd be. We'll have to do this again when Jaylon comes home!

It was military appreciation night so $5 bought us a hot dog, soda and chips and ticket to the game. The Rainiers had special military camo uniforms and they honored a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Dear Tooth Fairy

2010-05-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the author?

Tulip Time

2010-04-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. The tulips have bloomed, the sun is shining, and ice-cream as big as our heads is calling our names.

Jen and Keoni came all the way from Boise to spend a week with us!

Playing hide-and-seek

Eating Flowers

Oh, what a beautiful world!

Imagine

2010-04-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

P.S. Photos courtesy of the artist featured in the first picture in this post. That's right- these were taken by an 8 year old. No enhancements...the only thing Mom did was crop.

Jay

2010-04-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

This angelic looking child makes me crazy. Pounding my head on the steering wheel, pull my hair out crazy. He doesn't listen, he doesn't obey, he looks at me and does the opposite of what I say...usually with a twinkle in his eye and a big grin. He throws tantrums if his socks have the slightest wrinkle or if he "feels something" in/on any of his clothing he takes it off- no matter what/where we happen to be. He's had so many near death experiences that I've lost count (darting in front of cars, running away, climbing up, climbing out etc. etc.) He has also attempted to kill his baby brother on numerous occasions...but I like to think that in his own tender hearted way he is really just trying to toughen Izaac up for the real world. But above all- Jay is FUN. He is brimming with possibility and imagination. Today he insisted that he was Spider-man. So I took Spider-man and Izaac to the gym this morning. We walked through the doors of the daycare and as the kids noticed him they began to whisper and their eyes filled with wonder. And then they followed him around and asked themselves who was Spider-man? Jay was in character and wouldn't talk under his mask. 90 minutes later when I picked him up, they were still following him around and one little boy told me adamantly that Spider-man didn't want to leave yet. Jay turns the ordinary into extra-ordinary.

Gratitude

2010-04-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

I was feeling rather dark and dreary after Jaylon left...but luckily I'm back to my (mostly always) cheerful self. Thus the change from the black background to the happy spring background. (Ok ok, I'll admit it- I'm also superstitious enough to hope my sunny background will bring the sun and warmth back to Washington. Hopelessly optimistic, I know). Tonight I have been thinking about the amazing friends and family I've been blessed with through the years- and especially this year when I've really needed that support. There have been countless occasions over the past 8 months when my burdens have become weightless from something as simple as a phonecall or an email or a visit. I am so grateful for my friends and neighbors and family. I never would have thought that I could still be happy while missing Jaylon so much- but thanks to dear dear friends and family- I have been mostly happy all of the time. God has been so kind and merciful to me and to my family and He has surrounded us with a literal army of earthly angels. My heart is full to overflowing.

Hello and Goodbye

2010-03-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

I don't trust myself to sound like anything except a pathetic country western whine- so I'm going to let the pictures do (most) of the talking. 1st Night home: Celebrating Izaac's birthday

Say bye-bye to his little curls. Dad cut his hair a few days later. NO mullets allowed in this house.

Baptism Day. A little hectic. I really regret not getting pictures of Mamie and Papa or one with Ellie and both of her parents would have been nice.

Ski get-away at Crystal Mountain. Lovely. Relaxing. Refreshing. Heavenly.

Played lots of soccer. Watched lots of soccer.

Jay wouldn't let him out of sight and constantly wanted Dad to hold him.

Getting reaquainted. They liked each other after a few days.

Roasting s'mores on the beach.

Fire is always a big hit in this family.

The zoo.

We also bowled, went swimming, went to the movies, played lots of Wii, went on a few dates, Jaylon took Ellie shooting (she loves guns now), went running and ate too much.

Here are a few more images for you: Re breaking a leg. Getting drop kicked into the ocean. Big hammy fist in the gut. Ripping heart out of body (think Indiana Jones). Saying goodbye again was an exercise in agony- but totally worth it to see him. And for those of you who might be tempted to tell me that I'm "on the down slide slope" or "only 4 months to go" well...it's kind of like pregnancy. It gets more painful and time goes more slowly and you get more miserable as time goes on and on and on. I guess I lied. Welcome to my country western song.

Big DAY

2010-03-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

It's been 7 months and 5 days since we were all together...and exactly one year ago today Izaac was born. 7 hours till he lands!!!! To say we're excited would be an understatement. What an unreal and fantastic feeling to know we're going to see him so SOON!!!

Life this Week

2010-03-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

We've had a t.v. stand for almost ten years but a few weeks ago the doors broke off. I decided that I didn't have time to screw the doors back on. That would be too much work. So instead I went to Walmart and bought a new t.v. stand. This is what I found when I opened the box: I spent 4 1/2 hours getting through the first 6 steps on the first night. I nearly cried when I opened the booklet to discover that I had 18 steps to go.

Twelve hours, 1,000 screws (maybe a little less) 50 nails, buckets of sweat and blood later...

I have never built anything this complicated. I feel almost as proud of myself as I did after delivering Izaac without so much as an advil. Though both of these "accomplishments" were a direct result of my own stupidity. Live and learn, eh?

In less than a week:

Izaac will get to be hugged by his Daddy again!

In less than a week:

Jax and Jay will get to hold Daddy's hand.

In less than a week:

I get to look at him, stand next to him, hug him, smell him and rediscover life as a complete family. I can hardly wait. Pray for our soldier to travel safely and swiftly home.

Skamania Lodge

2010-03-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

We were all thrilled to get a phone call last Wednesday telling us that we had gotten into an army retreat at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. 2 days later we packed our bags and were treated to a luxurious, all expense paid (babysitting, food, lodging) restful vacation.

We went with our dear friends and neighbors- Dina, Frankie and Mark.

The change in scenery was fabulous for all of us...no beds to make, no food to cook, nothing to clean...adult conversation...

The kids claimed beds as soon as we got into our room. Ellie informed me I could have the couch. Nice try, Ellie.

This is the view we woke up to the 1st morning.

Luckily we got plenty of exercise walking in this gigantic hotel...since we also ate way too much food!

The kids tried to give me a guilt trip about spending all of their time in daycare but it wasn't a normal daycare. They played and made crafts and watched movies and had plenty of fun. And, best of all, I had Seven child-free meals. No coaxing anyone to eat their vegetables or getting up a hundred times...just sitting and eating and conversing with old and new friends. Did I say this was a fabulous weekend??

The kids loved the all-you-can-drink cocoa in the lobby.

I spent a quiet hour watching the moon rise. What can I say? Sometimes the army does something right...and thank you tax-payers. It was a beautiful weekend for this little family.

Soccer Man

2010-02-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

Jax woke up Saturday morning and said, "Today is my big game!" And so it was. Jax scored 2 goals the first 2 minutes of the game and I was fumbling with my camera and missed getting them on film. He managed to assist with another goal and also scored once more. He had some really exciting runs down the field and also faked out the other team on one of his many attempted goals. Jax loves soccer and I love watching him play! He is focused and determined and tireless on the field and doesn't cry when he gets knocked down. It is so much fun to watch him discover something he is good at and enjoys so much.

Raw and Uncut

2010-02-18T22:08:00.001-08:00

Notes on Deployment:

Life is lived in increments.

It is so much longer and harder and lonelier than I ever imagined or anticipated.

I never thought I'd be so stressed about him returning home for 2 weeks. Will we fight? Will we reconnect easily? Will our separate and independent lives easily merge into one? How will the kids handle him coming home and then leaving again?
It just plain sucks. That's all.

His damn unit is robbing us of the anticipation of him coming home by (surprise surprise) once again being so unorganized that they can't even give us an inkling as to when (or if) in March he will be coming home. Lovely. That gives me no idea as to when I need to clean the mold in my toilet. Or the dust bunnies under my sofas. Or shave my legs. In my defense about the mold and the dust bunnies...I am still doing housework. Just a more relaxed version. After he left I worked really hard to keep the same standards. One day Ellie came home from school and I'd been cleaning all day and I asked her if she was happy with how the house looked. She looked around and said, "We don't really care if it's clean, Mom." And that is when I decided to enjoy my children's oblivion. I read to them and we get Dominoes once a week. Life is sweet.

As Jaylon said, "Izaac doesn't even know he's supposed to have a Dad." And I am pretty sure the others feel abandoned by him. We are living a calm and peaceful life. How riled up will my children be when they have to say goodbye again. How messed up will I be?
This is fun. Really. A barrel of laughs.

Spring Soccer: Jay, a.k.a. SOCCER STAR

2010-02-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

Spring Soccer is a misnomer. February in the Puget Sound is Winter. Not Spring. But that's o.k. because the boys LOOOOOOOVE soccer. I signed Jay up for his very first official season and he has asked me every single day during the past month if it was time for soccer yet. Saturday was his first game and it was a hoot. Izaac was a great sport about suffering through 2 hours in the rain to watch his brothers play. Jay and his best bud, Charlie got tangled up and face planted in the mud. No tears. He was having way too much fun to be bothered by a little mud. This is the same child who cries if his hands get sticky.

Grinning the ENTIRE game.

Jax also played in his first game but (long story short) I missed the first half and so didn't get any pictures. He'll be featured in the next soccer post. He made a fantastic stop when he was playing goalie and after the game he said, "Mom- next time you have to make Ellie watch my game. I was totally awesome out there." And he really was. He almost made two goals but "there were always 4 blue guys on me." I'm surprised at how excited I get when I watch my kids play soccer...I now understand my dad's crazy behavior at my brothers and sisters games/meets. And I am so excited for Jaylon to come home and see the kids play soccer in a few weeks (maybe 2, maybe 3, maybe 5- the army keeps us guessing)!

Peek-A-Boo

2010-02-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Colors

2010-02-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

It's been 6 freaking long months since this DREADFUL day. I've gone through a rainbow of emotions since he left. The first few weeks were white, bland denial. I've had some pink and rosy weeks where I have wondered why things felt ok. And of course I've had some blue days where I've wanted to cry but haven't...because I've come to the sad conclusion that crying doesn't fix anything. Ever. I thought that I would be radiant with joy when we hit the 6 month mark. But that's not what happened. Instead, on the 6th month anniversary, I woke up an angry angry RED. And I'm still red. And let's not forget GREEN with envy at everyone in the whole entire world who is living with their spouse at this very moment. These emotions have made me feel like kicking innocent people in the teeth- just for looking happy. I'm trying to act civilized. But I've had to put myself in time-out a lot lately...cool off and sit in a corner and wait until the next color. If it weren't for my darling little monsters I'd be blue every day. But how can I be sad when my kids beg me to lay by them and tell them a story for "just 5 minutes" every night? And how can I do anything but laugh when I catch Jay picking GUM off the bottom of his shoes and then trying to chew it??? (That's taking recycling too far!) Or listening to Ellie talk about her "arch enemy" at school (can I blame Harry Potter for that?) or watching Jax's eyes light up as he finally starts to read...or kissing my perfect baby's chubby cheeks while he sleeps? All in all, life is good. Really. I'm just missing my other half...and wishing wishing wishing that there could be peace on earth so he can come home today, now, this very instant and hug my red and green away.

P.S. Don't let your kids get into hot-tubs. Jay got sucked into the intake valve. We almost made it onto the 10:00 news in December. I have also had many many many purple moments of gratitude.

Birthday Girl

2010-01-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

Our feisty, tough, funny, aggravatingly intelligent, beautiful little girl is 8 years old. She has amazed us from day 1. This year she has read the entire Harry Potter series in less than 5 months, run 155 laps at school (38 miles), and lost 6 teeth (also in 5 months). If I want company, she'll hang out with me at night and tell me funny stories about her day. I adore my daughter and am so proud of her...I am so grateful to be her mother. I (once again) weaseled my way out of a full-blown birthday party and bribed her with extra activities for keeping it low key. She chose Chuck-E-Cheese (every other day of the year I say NO!) and then I took her and a friend over to get "up-dos."

Before

After

Ellie had a very happy day and felt very loved with all of the phone calls and (thank-you) Mamie and Papa and Jen and Katie for sending her treats and gifts!

Ellie will be baptized by her Dad in March when he comes home for a few weeks.

Zoo Day

2010-01-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo our 1st Saturday back in Washington. I am enjoying these soccer free weekends...we only have a few left.

Baby Z is officially crawling. He's almost fallen down the stairs twice and was sick for 6 days last week. I am thrilled to have my happy, healthy little baby back!

Christmas in Idaho

2010-01-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

In Short:
We ate lots and lots and lots of food. The kids lived on sourdough toast with butter and chocolate drinks and sugar in all shapes and sizes. They also slept as little as possible. Can you say WIRED? Here is my proud creation. I selfishly wanted to make a gingerbread house ALL BY MYSELF. So I did. And I loved every minute of it!

The kids made a gingerbread train. Also very cool!

Here Comes Double Trouble...we loved spending time with our cousins!

We rode the Polar Express with Mamie and Papa and Aunt Amy and Uncles Matt, Scott, and Nick. What could be more fun?

Hot Springs with Papa and Mamie might have been the highlight of our entire trip. We had a blast!

And we played in the snow.

Izaac learned how to crawl...sort of.

We packed a lot into 3 weeks. I had lunch with friends...dinner with friends...a fantastic massage...shopping with Mom...fondue party...temple trip...Sherlock Holmes....Fantastic Mr. Fox...bowling...It was sad to leave. But we're getting back into the groove of our routine (hip hip horray for school!) and we're almost ready to countdown the days till Jaylon comes home for R&R. Between 60-70 days if all goes well.

Santa Shuffle

2009-12-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

After my 1st race I got the crazy idea that I really really really really really wanted a medal. So when I ran the 10 K this past Saturday at the "Santa Shuffle" at Ft. Lewis I tried hard to push myself. I was so bummed at the end of the race to find out that I had placed 4th. When I came home empty handed my kids weren't impressed. But I just looked up the official race results and this is what I found! Look for me in females 20-29. I'm tickled pink! It was a really fun course with lots of hills...I think I might have found a new hobby.
http://www.fortlewismwr.com/santa_shuffle_reindeer_dash09.htm

Battalion Christmas Party

2009-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

From these pictures you might assume we had a wonderful jolly time. You would be wrong. Next time I'm tempted to go to a party where I have to stand in line at a buffet potluck and dish up my kids food on paper plates, remind me to go to Wendy's instead!

The kids were happy after they sat on Santa's lap and were able to choose a toy to take home. As I write this post I am watching the snow fall outside- just in time for our travels tomorrow. I'm glad we're flying. (Thanks Arielle for patiently taking pictures for us!)

Thankful for Grandma and Grandpa

2009-12-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving we got a special treat. Grandma and Grandpa Waite drove all the way from St. George to come and see us! We were able to pretend it's not brrrrr cold outside and go swimming at a fancy resort. Jay found the hot-tub and wouldn't get back in the pool.

Grandma swam with the kiddos while I took lots of pictures.

Jax has discovered his fins. Watch out Ellie!

We had a nice break from our routine.

As long as he is fed lots of food, gets at least one decent nap and is right in the thick of the chaos, Izaac is a happy camper. After his cheeks and gi-normous eyes, Z's little dimpled hands are my most favorite part. Aren't they delicious?

Firsts

2009-11-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

I think our house might have been the LAST in the U.S.A. to finally buy a big, modern, high definition television. We had our ancient (almost 10 years old) and tiny television up until black Friday. On that day we took a great leap forward and my very kind father-in-law waited in line at 5:00 in the morning for 2 hours to get me this beauty at a bargain. Am I excited? Yes. All I want to do now is watch movies and absorb the vivid new colors. (Yes- I am also a geek)!

Last week I competed in my VERY FIRST official race. The Ft. Lewis Turkey Trot. I ran the 10 K with my high school friend, Emmi. It was a blast! I can't believe I waited this long to enter a race. I placed 6th in my age division. I loved it so much that I signed up for another race in December. Izaac is still immobile. He screeches if he falls over and gets rescued so quickly by one of his siblings that he hasn't even begun to learn how to crawl. This is not a complaint. Just the opposite. I am so grateful that I don't have to baby-proof or chase him around yet. He is in the delightful stage of happily playing in one spot. Easy for me!

This child is driving me nuts. That's not a first. He is the male version of that poem, "when she was good she was very good and when she was bad she was horrid." We have good moments. Like when he gets out of bed for the umpteenth time to tell me he has "tons and tons of hugs for me." I will blame the bad moments on his complete lack of understanding as to why his Dad-his best buddy- has been gone for so long. After he hugs me he always tells me that he'd rather hug his Dad. Wouldn't we all.

Ellie has just lost her 4th tooth since Dad left. "All she wants for Christmas is..."

And I will follow up with more later...

From Iraq

2009-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Jaylon is attempting to have internet again from his CHU. These are the first pictures he's been able to send me since he left. Jaylon designed this right over his dental chair so his patients have something to look at while their teeth are getting yanked. Ha!

The vehicle he rides in on convoys.

A growth he removed from somebody's mouth.

The operatory.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

2009-11-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to take the kids to Northwest Trek since we moved here. On Veteran's Day we finally went and had a great time. It was cold but not raining so I can't complain. We saw lots of animals: owls, wolverines, elk, big horn sheep, lynx, mountain lions, grizzly bears, black bears, and many more.

I cut the strips and Ellie tied this fleece blanket for a humanitarian project for our stake. She was pretty proud of herself! I am really enjoying the extra help she gives me. She won't come within ten feet of the kitchen but I can't really blame her for that. The kitchen is a big black hole. She should avoid it as long as possible. The one time I made her help me with the dishes she was literally screaming and terrified that her skin would come into contact with anything yucky. That's when I realized that I have made them wash their hands too much. My kids are afraid to get dirty. Or maybe they're just really good at manipulating me. Probably both.

Litmus Test

2009-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

If you laugh- you are mean.

P.S. I laughed

For Real

2009-11-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

It takes a REAL man to wear his daughter's PINK hat and SUNGLASSES on a public beach. Awwwww, to have my REAL man's arm around me once more. Could time POSSIBLY go ANY slower? What a DRAG this deployment is. I despise being separated from my SWEETHEART.
Let another weekend CREEP along...

I AM OUTNUMBERED

2009-11-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

They look innocent. But like all predators...when they sense weakness they go for the KILL.

You will hear me crying across the world when my angel Mother leaves me all alone to fend for myself against these darling, ferocious, terrible little TYRANTS.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

We took it easy today...we are really enjoying having Mamie here to help!! I am "letting down" and Jay asked Mamie if she could move here and the boys haven't been climbing into my bed with nightmares since she arrived. Her soothing presence is a balm to our souls. Mamie stayed with Izaac while I took a beautiful brunette vampire, scary skeleton, and darling elephant trick-or-treating. We are trying to carry on bravely...but even with Mamie here, our first holiday without daddy felt a little flat.

Ellie discovered that blonds have more fun- or that wigs are itchy!!

Sorting the loot. Can't keep this kid in clothes and we're still working on not peeing in public!

Mamie carved all of these pumpkins. Isn't she amazing?

Little Boy, Huge Smile

2009-10-31T23:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in the world about children is how easy it is to make them happy. My little Tiger-boy loves back packs so when I saw this snazzy back pack in a thrift store last week I surprised him. Can you see the pure joy in his contagious smile? Showing it off for Daddy

Daily Highlights for Your Viewing Pleasure

2009-10-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Every time I watch this video I laugh at the happy ending...Jax rushing off to make sure his brother doesn't take his cookie.

Every few weeks we are all thrilled to get special pictures Daddy draws for all of us. The kids are always so excited that I decided to film it. Sorry for the bumpiness- I was filming one-handed while I opened up the pictures. You also get a glimpse of Ellie's 'tude. I'm sure it makes Jaylon feel back at home!

Thankful for Parks

2009-10-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

My darling kiddos have been driving me batty. Crazy. Pulling my hair out nuts. They have been fighting and fighting and fighting. It's like WW III in our house. I don't know what to do. I've pleaded, I've spanked, I've yelled, I've incentived, I've ignored, I've cried, I pray. About the only thing that saves my sanity is getting out and going anywhere. Usually a park. Seen through the lens of my camera, they once again become likable, adorable, lovable little human beings. What will we do when the rain comes???

Of course, this little guy is the exception. Nothing but sweetness from him....so far.

This Week We:

2009-10-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Went to the pumpkin patch

Rode on a hay wagon

Picked pumpkins

Played and played and played outside

Grew a little more

Lost another tooth

Canned 150 cans for food storage

MISSED Daddy

Scaredy Cat

2009-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

As I write this post I am under siege. It's midnight and I should be asleep but I can't sleep because I am listening to little creatures scurrying around on my floor. That's right. Scurry. I can hear them rattling the gas switch, trying to get into my house. I can hear them chewing my bags of flour that I just bought for food storage. They have called all of their little friends in for a feast at my expense. And I am afraid. I am afraid of these little mice who are ambushing my house. Mice look cute in pictures like the one below. They are adorable main characters in cartoons. But in real life, when the house is dark and still and I am already a little spooked...they are scary. Many times, countless moments, I have missed my husband and I've cried in lonliness and grief and frustration. But this takes the cake. I can barely kill spiders. I can't face a colony of mice. Help!!! What do I do??? It's going to be a long and sleepless night. Don't think I haven't already pictured those little mousies running up my stairs and up my bed and across my face....or into the baby's bed. Yuck. I thought I was done with pests when we left Oklahoma. At least the scorpions didn't make noise. The worst thing is that they are bold. When I first heard the mice I stomped downstairs and shouted and (literally) begged them to leave. They kept right on chewing and I retreated in fear and wondered if my neighbor would be mad if I called at midnight to borrow her cat. Ugh.

Happy Day

2009-10-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,
Today I went to Pike's Place Market with some friends. This is the first time I've gone without kids and it was very enjoyable! (Baby on back doesn't count). We had yummy clam chowder in bread bowls and browsed to our heart's content. Every time I've gone to the market I've wanted to get flowers. Today I finally did. Every time I see them I have to smile. They smell as beautiful as they look!

The kids also had a great day with their sitter. She played Sorry for an hour (way longer than I would have lasted!) and took them to the park and even did some crafts with them. It was a nice break for all of us.

I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.

No Dumb Blondes Here

2009-10-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely fall morning. We drove into one of the best kept secrets of the Puget Sound...a tiny town called Steilacoom, for their annual Apple Squeeze festival. As is common at festivals, parking was scarce, so when a space opened up on a rather steep hill, I decided to take it. If Jaylon had been there, he would have made me switch places with him since my weakness in parking is a well known fact between us. But since this is my year to go above and beyond my comfort level, I had to take the plunge. I tried to park with confidence and boldness. I thought I was a little too close to the car behind me and so, proud of myself for remembering the special trick Jaylon taught me, I used both feet to slam down on the gas and the brake at the same time, in order to maneuver away from the car behind me without rolling into it. Imagine my shock and surprise as I flew-not forward- but BACKWARDS, with full gas and force of gravity, into a sickening collision with the parked car behind me. That's right folks, this intelligent blond forgot she was still in reverse. Ahh, if I could have taken a picture of the shocked onlookers. My children screamed. I shook for a few minutes and tried not to swear. My legs hardly held me as I went to look at the damage. I fully expected this mistake to cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. And this is when I learned that

is truly built like a rock. Not a scratch, not a ding, not a whisper. No bruises of any kind on this amazing, sturdy, fabulously shiny, new, expensive jeep. My car? That's a different story. Mine crumpled a bit. But it could have been so much worse. So very very very much worse. Thank you Jeep, for being strong enough to withstand my assault. You allowed us to go on and have a wonderfully care-free and giddy afternoon.

And my dear, darling husband? What was his reaction? There are silver linings to this deployment. An episode that surely would have resulted in some tense moments...perhaps even harsh words...instead my teensy mistake is completely overshadowed by his love and longing for me. Ah ha- this will be the year we never ever ever fight. And my next car will be a Jeep.

Laughing Baby

2009-10-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,

Make sure you turn on your volume so you can hear Izaac laugh. Most of the time the kids are nice to the baby...they only try to maim him once a day!

Forgive My Soapbox

2009-09-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

So, maybe I shouldn't share my views or vent...but if not here, then where? Tonight I picked my kids up from daycare and there were two nice ladies and we got to talking. Their husbands are currently stationed in Afghanistan and as soon as they said that I instantly felt terrrible for them. I don't like the fact that Jaylon's in Iraq. It's dangerous. But it's not nearly as dangerous as Afghanistan and 5th Brigade has lost 15 soldiers since deploying in July. These ladies have children and they are worried about their husbands. I have several close friends who have husbands in Afghanistan and they are so worried about them. These ladies that I spoke with tonight said, "What are they doing there? Chasing after bad guys in caves? They weren't prepared for what's happening over there right now...I want them to come home." Now, to my point. Right before Jaylon left I asked what his brigade's overall mission was. Countless meetings and he couldn't tell me. These ladies were wondering what their husbands were doing over there...the whys, the whats, whatever. And then I get on my email and read this article. And I guess it just bugs me that a bunch of politicians get together and toss out numbers like 30-40,000 more soldiers like they're talking about jelly beans and not men and women and families being separated and lives being lost...and we (the families left behind) are asking each other what our spouses are even doing? They talk about "raising the troop level" as casually as raising the temperature in their office. And why do I get the sense that it's the expense that bothers them more than the actual cost to the families who have had deployed loved ones multiple times? There is something wrong with this picture. That's all. I'm not saying yay or nay about "the war." I just wish that when President Obama or Joe Biden or Senator what's-his-face get into a hemming and hawing debate about "adding more troops" they could have huge posters of the kids who are missing their dads in front of their faces...and maybe it would mean more than just ordering out more human beings to dodge faceless, cowardly terrorists who plant roadside bombs and then run and hide.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091001/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_us_afghanistan

Weekend Recap

2009-09-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Jax had 2 soccer games. As I was putting him to bed the night before I asked if he was going to play really good. He looked at me with his big, beautiful eyes and said, very seriously, "I hope I have stretchy legs. When I have stretchy legs I run really fast!" He got his stretchy legs about half way through the first game. He played goalie for the first half of the second game and he was awesome. He dove at the ball like a professional! Jay had a good time running on the turf. Do we have a future football player perhaps? Not if Mom has anything to say about it!

Just a glimpse of everyday life and chores.

Boys

2009-09-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,
Baby Z is starting to grow a nice head of hair. He sat up today for about 5 seconds while I took this picture. Isn't he yummy? I love Jay's grin and Izaac's dimpled, chubby hands.

This is their full cowboy get-up from Mamie. I heard a rumor that they will be getting hats soon. Jay prefers to wear his boots with shorts. I'll get a picture of that for you. I threw away his favorite yellow shirt. It was getting so tight I couldn't fit it over his head- and very stained. I didn't bargain on him refusing to wear his yellow shorts now that he's missing his yellow shirt.

We miss you.

Another Soccer Video

2009-09-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

First Soccer Video

2009-09-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Fall Soccer

2009-09-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was Jax's 2nd soccer game. He is so fun to watch play. He is fast and aggressive and plays with his heart. I filmed faithfully and right after I ended my last video he scored a goal. It was an awesome goal and he was so excited. I overheard the biggest kid on his team saying to his Dad, "That kid is the smallest but he's the fastest and he scored a goal!" Jax is my tender child- the one who cries at the drop of a hat. But he took some really hard hits and kept playing. After the game he told me he got hurt a couple of times, "but I didn't even cry!" I am so proud of how hard he tries!

I thought Jax showed remarkable focus on the ball- he was so determined and competitive. It really was awesome!

When Life Gives You Apples...

2009-09-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

We skipped church and decided to go to a cider festival instead. Who knew that an ENTIRE orchard of apples could be picked over in 90 minutes?
{Greedy pickers}
We wandered the orchard and eventually found a lucky tree with lots of apples. Before we found this tree it sounded more like an Easter Egg hunt. Lots of searching and an occasional shout, "I found one!" That's ok. Fortunately it doesn't take much to entertain children and once we found our golden tree the kids went to town and I came home with loads and loads of apples. The whole point of this exercise was to make cider. However, the line to make cider was longer than Disneyland. No kidding. Hours and hours long. So what do I do with all of these apples and no husband to eat pie with me? Thank goodness for friends! As we were searching we came across this tantalizing, loaded tree. Off limits. Talk about forbidden fruit. I'll admit it...my integrity was tested.

We had a lovely, sunshiny day.

Baths and Jammies

2009-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,
You wondered if Izaac's body was as chubby as his cheeks. You be the judge. I think he patterns Jax and Jay and (let's face it) YOU in that his head is a bit bigger than the rest of him. That's ok. We know big heads hold big brains, right? If I could I would send you his sweet baby-after-bath smell. He is starting to outgrow his bath. Izaac still isn't a champion at rolling over but he's very good at putting his foot in his mouth. He takes after me that way!

The boys are sporting their new jammies from Mamie. Can you see the fear on Izaac's face? He knows he's in danger between those two wild ones.

It was so nice to talk to you tonight. It almost felt like you were just down the street or something. Today while the kids were being babysat I walked into a terriyaki place I'd never been to before. I thought it was fast food but it was actually a sit down restaurant. I felt kind of silly sitting there by myself so I changed my mind and told the lady to give me take-out instead. After I got my food I went and sat on the sidewalk next to our car and ate my food while I read a book and rocked Izaac in the stroller. It was ok. But then I thought about how many more Saturdays I'll be sitting by myself eating take-out and boy...that was the wrong thought. So I quickly went back to my coping world- which is to take it moment by moment and day by day and not think too far ahead. Taken like that it's ok that I was spending an hour by myself reading and eating. It's a good thing I usually have friends to go out with because I don't think I ever want to get used to eating in restaurants by myself. I still have laundry to fold and put away and a school newsletter to write...and a green goblin to sterilize since Jay threw it in the toilet after he (the green goblin) lost his head... so I'd better say goodnight. I love you.

Corn Maze

2009-09-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,
We went to the corn maze on Labor day. It was free for military. We went with friends and had lots of fun but my back was killing me by the end from carrying a chubby baby. The kids could have stayed for many hours more but the moms had to call it quits. If you had been there you would have wanted to play paintball in the maze and the kids would have loved playing hide and seek with you. Fall is already in the air here and Costco has started putting out Christmas stuff.

I love you!

Tooth News

2009-09-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,
I FINALLY lost my front tooth. I can fit a green bean through the hole. My permanent tooth is already showing.
Love, Ellie

Lovely Oregon

2009-09-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,
I thought this might cool you off and make you smile. With his mischievious smile Jay says to me, "I ran away from Heavenly Father to come to this house." I'm sure glad he did!

I'm sorry you have to live in Charlie (Brown) right now. I'm sorry it's hot and dirty and sandy and ugly. I'm sorry your CHU is lit with abominable flourescent lighting and your view outside is sandbags and no trees. But I am glad you don't have to live in a tent and that you have air conditioning and internet that works (sometimes) and a nice roommate.

3 Cheers for silver linings.

Why Does Time Crawl?

2009-09-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Jaylon,

A few minutes ago I was utterly miserable. Missing you so much. I really miss you. A lot of the time I am just fine. I am busy with the kids and the house and activities. But other times after the kids go to bed there is such a void and I feel your absence so much it makes me feel so low and I can feel depression nipping at my heels and begging me to just...do.....nothing. So I start moving extra fast to beat it. Or I shut my eyes and remember different moments when you were with me. Like Orcas Island. Our weekend there is one of my favorite memories. Remember the HUGE cookies on the bed?

I still want to bring the kids back to this mountain. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

We should go back there with the kids when you return.

Well, I am going to go and try to watch a movie. I will probably fall asleep within the hour. I wish you were here with me. It drives me crazy that you're not. What weird world is this? I am so homesick for you.
Good-night.

1st Day of School

2009-09-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled by this innocent face. Jax made such a terrible scene. Clinging to my leg and sobbing while 300 hundred kids and parents looked on. The principal had to physically restrain him while I hurried to go before I started to cry too. Gary (Mr. Principal and I are now on a first name basis) called an hour later to reassure me that Jax was happily enjoying kindergarten. My composed little Ellie was nervous but resolute as she walked away from me for her first day of school. We've always thought she was a grown-up in a little person's body.

Dear Jaylon,

2009-09-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Remember how right before we went to bed we'd check on the kids? We'd finally get to hug and kiss Ellie...who is so stingy with her hugs...and sleeping is the only time the boys are ever quiet and still...I thought you might miss seeing them like this.

All About Izaac

2009-09-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

This little guy is an angel. He is such a source of joy for me and the kids. Z's favorite place to be is in the thick of his siblings...the more in his face and rowdy they are, the happier he is. Look how much he is growing, Daddy!

Watching Daddy

2009-08-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

These are pictures I took of the kids as they watched Jaylon read "The Little Engine that Could" The boys especially loved it when Dad showed them his big gun.

I confess that I love to worry. I love to worry because if I worry enough about something it's usually not nearly as bad as I dreaded. Such was the case with church today. We sat in the back row of the cultural hall and while Jax and Ellie colored I took Jay with me to feed Izaac. When I walked back into the cultural hall Jax was RUNNING and YELLING during CHURCH. I was calm though. That kid is lucky there were witnesses. I had to leave during the closing hymn so I could get my stuff for my primary class. One of my friends chased after me because she thought I was leaving church in my embarassment. Ha! That's how bad my little son was today. Jay told me he wasn't going to play with his friend Charlie because Charlie is a baby. When I picked him up from nursery the leader told me he wrestled with Charlie the whole time. So when I got him into the car I asked if he had fun playing with Charlie. Jay looked at me so sadly and said, "Yea, I'm not as big and strong as Charlie." Charlie, "the baby" is a good head taller than Jay. Charlie is good for Jay's big little ego.

Bouncing Z

2009-08-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

24 Days Ago...

2009-08-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

We smiled when we felt like crying We waited

And waited some more

Then we hugged and kissed and cried and said good-bye. It was awful and horrid and I still shudder when I think of that day. But the GREAT thing is that it's over and the countdown has begun. We are so grateful for the technology that allows us to see and hear and talk to Daddy almost every day. What a blessing!