10 years vanished

This morning I re-read through the last post I wrote.

Did I go into a 10 year coma? Was I asleep? How did I not realize I forgot 10 years of my life?
I announced that my one and only sewing class was in 7th grade - 11 years ago. I even spelled it out for emphasis! Really, 11 years ago? So, suddenly I'm 23?!

One might find it impressive that I have been married just one month shy of 6 years and have 4 kids (the oldest being 5) and only be 23. No, it isn't so. 23 was 10 years and 15lbs ago...

23. What was I doing when I was 23? I was living with my older brother. Toilet papering houses and saran wrapping cars, going to a lot of great concerts at dive venues with my friends. Trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had braces. Well, I got them off at 23. I was having a fantastic time. Though it wasn't all games and shenanigans. That year I went through the Temple for my own Endowments. I had fun, crazy, supportive friends who embraced my strange quirks and I was really where I wanted and needed to be.

I suppose that the last 10 years were so full and action packed that they came and went before I could realize that I was older. Traveling, more concerts, getting married, immediately having 4 kids, moving across the country multiple times. Being busy with 4 kids, going to too many doctors appointments. Stitches, food allergies, ezcema, etc. In my mid 30's. (driving a Honda Odyssey) And still exactly where I want and need to be. Here's why:


While I'm not fond of the addition of the wrinkles and aches and 15 lbs. (and cleaning up the messy mud) I am quite keen on all of the other additions. I don't want to loose those 10 years. How lucky that I was too busy being blessed with such an amazing, crazy,challenging, stressful, happy life to loose track. I couldn't even image not having all of this...

The End.

bandwagon

So I've decided to jump on and go for it. Its time for me to make this blog private. I haven't posted in awhile (for a few reasons) and one is because I was trying to decide if I wanted to conform with the masses. Yes, I do.
I have no idea how many people aside from my own family even look at this silly nonsense. But if you do and you want to continue, email me at zonazag@gmail.com and I'll include you in the invite. (Even if you are a blog lurker and we've never met and you feel silly to confess...I've been there and done that and confessed and was glad that I did.)
There's so much to catch up on! So many pictures and crazy cake adventures. I'll start with that tomorrow. The blog won't go private for another few weeks...no worries. And then I'll feel so much better about posting more often and being more open about what really goes on around here!

What to expect in the next few days??

We're gearing up for Halloween around here. I've never been too keen on the holiday but now with the little monsters we have hanging around...its been kind of fun to decorate and just have fun with it. Good grief, I'm realizing more and more how much of a party pooper I have been for so long.

And, I've been spending many nights pretending that I know how to sew. With the one semester of sewing I took in 7th grade eleven (11 - that's right) years ago, I've made bedspreads, crib bumper, curtains and valance, crayon roll holder things, superhero capes. None of it is very pretty and probably looks like a 7th grader did it but having no patterns to go buy and just making it up, I must admit that I am kinda proud of myself for doing it. ...pictures coming...

Little Nora! We found out that she can't eat any proteins. So its not so much specific food allergies but that her body can't break down and digest proteins. YIKES! I really need to get help on that one. So all the beans and grains and sunflower seed butter and coconut milk, etc that I was feeding her...all bad news. I felt so awful for that. Sorry sister : (

and on. and on. and on...

Who is that little boy?

Could it really be Kyle? Our rebel-rouser mop head?

WHAT HAPPENED?!

He's been asking and asking to get his hair cut short so he can have "spikes like dad"

We've been dreading it. Why?

What's the big deal, right? He's a 3 year old boy!


But his hair...its Kyle!

He loves it.
I'm working on getting used to it.

Lets think positive for a minute: And at least now its easier to clean him up after playing in the dirt and mud! He hated getting his hair washed and combed. So we won't have to worry about that for awhile.

Problems: now we have to get it cut more than 3 times a year!

ONE

ONE

Sweet Little J.P.

We just really like her. Such a sweet and loving little girl.

Quiet
Mischievous
Loves to eat paper
Observant

We love our little red head!

It has come to my attention

that I almost killed my family. And the missionaries. If you'll remember the (peach pit )

according to wikipedia: As with many other members of the rose family, peach seeds contain cyanogenetic glycosides, including amygdalin (note the subgenus designation: Amygdalus). These substances are capable of decomposing into a sugar molecule and hydrogen cyanide gas. While peach seeds are not the most toxic within the rose family, that dubious honor going to the bitter almond, large doses of these chemicals from any source are hazardous to human health.

oops!

*we're all fine and healthy...it was just ONE pit*

More Please

Love, love, LOVE that face!

Isn't she so delicious?!

T-Ball

I'm glad that he was blessed with his dad's athletic ability. But sadly he was cursed with my timidness. Not always a good combo. Week after week he got comfortable and improved. Our little Lane face loves all sports and is always very excited to go be with his "team friends"
He had a great time. He got a hat, a shirt with his name on it AND a trophy! What more does a little boy need.

Soccer

Coming in a few weeks

(this time Kyle can join in. Good, cause the jealousy is tough!)

Spring, Summer, Winter

Rain boots, sandals and snow boots.

79* today

Which one was right?
All 3. They were happy. I'm happy.

The End.

The Pitts

Had the missionaries over the other night.
Had oh-so-delicious-never disappoint Lasagna Rolls (thanks Giada!)
Had to impress with our new Vita-Mix (thanks Costco!)
Had peach smoothies (thanks Vita-Mix recipe book!)

Collective thoughts..."These are really good." "But why are there seeds?" "These are like raspberry seeds!" "If you just swallow and don't chew...they're delightful and refreshing!"

I went to do some investigating.
I put 3 peaches in and I only had 2 pits on the cutting board!
Embarrassed.
Laughing it off.
Thinking to myself..."Dude! That Vita-Mix is awesome!"

Doing their part...for nature

Yesterday we decided to head west to the coast. We had to find some relief from the terrible heat wave! (you'd have thought we were back in PHX!)

While in nature...boys will be boys!

One of these boys said, "Look! I'm watering the flowers! Have fun growing, flowers!"
Another said, "I can pee the furthest!"

3+3=3

3 pillow cases
+
3 hours of making it up as I go along
=
3 very happy superheros

Sisters

June is such a sweet little girl. She's happy most of the time. Just quiet about it. She'll give us little laughs every now and then but Nora is the only one who can make her really, truly laugh! And Nora doesn't even have to be doing much at all! June just really loves her sister. I hope it stays that way : ) Although I have to closely supervise the love...as Nora is always trying to feed, dress and drag June around. Still, June is happy to just be with her.

Wall-E for Dad

I had the kids color while I was getting dinner ready. Lane says, "Look at my Wall-E!" I thought Melissa had helped him. But when I asked he said, "Nope! I did it all on my own only by myself!"


We pinned it up by your map but he wanted you to see it now! He's your son when it comes to drawing. I don't know if its possible to draw a stick figured Wall-E!

We love you and miss you soooooo much!

* Hurry up Friday!*

Mixed Up

I want to murmur

But then one might think I'm not grateful

Can't I murmur and be grateful
Feel without and blessed

At the same time

Bravery

We're 2 weeks down and one more week to go!

We've talked A LOT about teamwork. I've explained to the kids that while dad is gone its really important for us to be brave and work as a team. To pull together and get along as best we can. In fact, after our morning meetings (or when we've started having melt downs) I pull the kids together and have then all put their hands together and on the count of 3, yell..."teamwork!" Its pretty funny. And it works most of the time.
Yesterday, I realized that we hadn't done anything special to reward ourselves for our bravery of being on our own. So I sucked it up and decided to have some bravery of a different sort.
I take my kids shopping with me all the time. No big deal cause I can confine them to a cart. But little stores and especially 7-11's and the like - I stay far away! Well, yesterday something came over me and I decided that it was time to test it out. One the way there we talked about how there were going to be lots of things that we'll want to touch. And that there will be lots places to run around. But that it was super important to stay right by mom and not touch anything so that we could have a special cold drink! And if we couldn't handle it we would have to leave without anything!

Cheers! Clapping! Promises of good behavior! *Me with my fingers crossed*

Oh, how I really wished I had documentation of the event! How cute it must have looked to see the three older ones holding hands across the parking lot. Lane holding the door for all of us. When we got inside there were "oohs and aahs" and delighted faces. Then they all stood along the wall and waited. Of course they were loud and excitedly talking about all the things they saw. And what color of straw they wanted. Could they hold their own cup, etc. But so well behaved! Amazing! (they aren't always perfect! I have had to leave the grocery store before I even got them all in the cart because they were being ridiculous!) But the stars were aligned in our favor that morning. And the reward?

Slurpees! Awesome!

Of course I got "looks" and my favorite..."are they ALL yours?" My new response to that has been, "Yes. Aren't I so lucky?" I was so proud of them (and myself) for pulling it off. We'll have to do it again. Especially in this 90* weather. (I know what you PHX folks are saying, "boo hoo, Jessica." But 90*+ weather and no A/C is really gross!)
Anyway, it was a good time for them and it helped us get through the hot day a little easier! Now if they could always be that well behaved! But then that would be too boring, right?

Here's to one more week!

Rockaway

I can't believe that we've lived in the Northwest for a year now and I never realized how close we lived to a perfect day! Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law. If it weren't for them, we would be the most boring family. Charla called and invited us to go on a little excursion to Tillamook Cheese Factory and then to the beach. All of this is only a 1 and 1/2 hour drive. Unbelievable! We tasted to cheese curds and had the obligatory ice cream cone. All squeaky and yummy! But the beach! Oh my, the beach! What an amazing day! We were there for 7 hours! How did we do it? This is going to sound terrible at first but hang in there and you'll understand. The day of this trip June started getting sick. And I was glad. Really, I was. A 10 month old at the beach is NOT FUN! Of course when we got there all she wanted to do was eat as much sand as possible. But since she wasn't feeling well, she slept the majority of the time. Thanks June. For letting me have a relaxing day at the beach. Although, poor little girl is still sick...a week later. So sad! The Husband got the camera prepped and ready for the day. And in the chaos of organizing 8 people to get up and packed and out...we left it at home! Drat! But thanks to our photog Charla, we were still able to capture the day. Are you ready? Here's a "little" sampling. (One of these days I'll learn how to do a collage so I can post more pics w/o overload guilt!)

Awesome day! We may have been dehydrated, malnourished and sunburned. But I can't wait to go back. There's just something about the water, waves and sand in the toes to calm the soul and pause the crazy!

1/3

1 Week down
2 to go

We've stayed pretty busy this week so its helped the time pass quickly. You better believe that I am keeping a tally of how many times I've been puked on. How many diapers we've gone through. How many tantrums and "I don't want this food. I want different food" conversations we've had. Husband, are you reading this?

We miss you!

Really, we do. Not just cause of the above mentioned tasks. You're good to have around for lots of reasons. Most importantly, we like you.

And just so you know, you'll be taking us back here as soon as possible. Wasn't it an amazing day?!

Love you. Stay safe.

--wife

Independence Day

When your toddler brings you their soiled diaper and a wipe smeared with evidence. All with a face beaming with pride and self accomplishment...

Clearly this child is ready for some independence. To be free from diapers and take care of business on her own. With some patient and guided training, hopefully soon it will all take place in the proper place...if you know what I mean!

No better time than now...wish us luck!

Oh, were you expecting a different sort of Independence Day post? Oops! Maybe next year : )

***And since she's already going to hate me for the above T.M.I. - I thought I would go for the gusto and post this picture as well. She does love that independence. Dressing herself? Yep, she's got skills...***

MEAT

I made hamburgers for dinner. Kyle doesn't like hamburgers. Lane doesn't like meat. What's a mom to do! ...I'm tricky. I cut Kyle's up into little pieces and tell him its meat...but what about Lane?

KG "I don't like cheeseburgers."
Me "I know you don't. That's why you get this meat instead!"
KG "WooHoo! I do like meat!"
Lane "But I don't like meat, mom!"
Me "I know son. I made you a cheeseburger!"
Lane "Alright! I love cheeseburgers!"

How many hours ago was that? I'm still laughing...

Spokane

We're having a fantastic time at Grandma's house this week! (Although we wish Dad were here! See, he gets informed that he has mandatory time off and then soon after he's told that he is exempt from the mandatory time off!! Its a rough gig - being as important as he is.)

So, while my dear Husband is at home catching up on weeks of neglected dishes and bathroom scrubbing (oh yeah, AND working...) we're here lounging in p.j's and swimsuits and having a wonderful time. There will even be pictures to prove it! Prove the having fun and the missing dad.

We'll be back soon!

life lessons from the 3 year old

Trying to quiet 4 little ones at the same time for even 30 seconds is most often a bit tricky. One (or two) needs ample creativity, diversions, off the cuff games to be played to get it to work...if it even WILL work.

Every morning at 8:30 we gather round the kitchen table to have a short family meeting. To talk about what day it is (and how you spell it and sound it out) the schedule for that particular day. What chores need to be done and who needs to be where and when, etc. And most importantly (at least to the kids) who's turn it is to say the prayers for the whole day. We have to have this planned out and written on the white board calendar so they won't argue about who's turn it is as they all want it to be their turn - everyday. There are worse things they could argue about!
This whole meeting should only take 5 minutes or so since we most often don't have anywhere to go. But it usually takes about 10 minutes...at least it seems that way! 5 minutes to get everyone quite. 1 minute of talking. 2 minutes to get everyone quiet again. And so on. We've been working on raising our hands to have a turn to talk. Now we need to work on doing it quietly. HA HA!

Is there a point to this? Of course...hang in there

This morning, the kids were being extremely charming (catch the sarcasm?) Oh goodness were they wiggly and loud! And here's what happened this morning.

(Warning - the following story is not a proud moment for Pat but with his permission I am sharing it anyway. Cause its good!)

After I don't even remember how long trying to get everyone to calm down and co-operate...
Pat (frustrated): Kyle! Do I have to throw something at you to get you to listen to me for 2 minutes?! Good Grief, son!
Kyle (raising his hand): Dad, I want to tell you something.
Pat (up to 11 frustrated): No Kyle, its not your turn right now. Its my turn. You just have some patience for a little while and then it will be your turn.
Kyle (still raising his hand): But Dad, I NEED to tell you something!
Pat (Use your imagination):Son, thank you for raising your hand. I see you. When I'm done, then it will be your turn.
Finally Kyle's turn: Dad, if you throw something at me and you hurt my feelings then you won't have the Spirit of God with you!
Silence...
Pat: You're right, Kyle. I wouldn't. Let's talk about that.
How awesome is that? Pat and I were both hugely humbled! It turn into a great learning opportunity. And we all took turns (quietly and politely) sharing situations where we could lose having the Spirit of God. And what we could do to be better to each other. Just when you think they can't possibly be soaking anything other than T.V, show's in.
But seriously! How can a sweet 3 year old be an example of Christlike love and stinker at the same time?
And, how come he can't remember that same lesson he taught us when 30 minutes later he is beating his sister's head with his dirt digging spoon while they are both screaming?

Love You K.G.!

June

She hasn't had much face time on this blog. This should take care of it - for a while anyway.

Even though she rarely sleeps more than 2 hours at a time...day or night. And leaves her parents exhausted! We can't helping loving her cute face. She is such a sweet little girl!

LOVE YOU JUNE!

Spring II

We've talked about the plants and flowers and the delight that they are. Now, let's review what makes this possible...their life source...rain.

Yeah, we've got that.

Spring Part II

We had amazing 74 degree weather today. We had a great time kicking soccer balls and such. But then I went inside to put June to bed. I thought it was safe for them to play on their own. Apparently not.

(btw - I'm glad I captured this picture. It was the last time they were smiling while standing that close to each other. The rest of the day was WAR!)

ALWAYS, always in all of our pictures, there's at least one child pant-less.

They loved the mud when it was "ooey-gooey" Not so much when it dried.

Gearing up for her second wind. And most likely planning her next attack on Kyle.

I am glad that they were able to play and have a crazy time in the mud. Soaking up all of that Natural Vitamin D! It was the hour long - 3 bath fulls of water to get them all clean that I could've done without.

So this is what Spring can look like

Shortly after moving into this house (which is old and needs lots of TLC but is perfect for us) we discovered that it smelled like the Humane Society. Then we found out that the 81 year old lady who previously occupied the house in fact worked with the Humane Society and housed MANY stray and abandoned CATS!
Not knowing anything about wood floors, we didn't notice that the deep dark staining was a problem. When we walked through it for the first time, all the windows were open allowing the fresh air and many scented plug-ins to circulate throughout the house, we didn't notice the SMELL! (Yes, we should have noticed the plug-ins and wondered what they were hiding.)

Oh, the smell!
This offense is mostly in our front room...where we have our only couches and where we greet guests. We thought having the baseboard heaters on all through the winter would be awful. But no - we didn't even notice it at all. When the outside temps get above 50 - its hard to even be in the front room at all. Someday, we will be able to replace the wood floors and breathe easy. But for now, we have the gift of the Humane Society room.
Why am I sharing all of this?
Because of the other gifts left to us from the previous owner.
So, one rainy day I was driving up to the house and noticed these:



There are still other flowers and plants getting ready to bloom and show themselves. I can't wait. New surprises every few days! Being from the desert, I have never experienced Spring like this. It so amazing. I love how the bare trees turn white and pink and purple before they have their leaves again. And when those blossoms fall of the trees, the streets are lined with them. It really is so beautiful.
I despise the Humane Society room but I am so glad for the flowers and plants. I've been cutting the fragrant flowers and bringing them into the house so I can smell those gifts instead.

Yeah I know, I can hear it..."Thanks Pollyanna!" It doesn't matter because she really knew what she was talking about!

Why?

Some have asked...
Why have your postings been so few and far between?
Why haven't you posted in a month?

I'm not going to give excuses or long drawn out explanations.
First thing that came to mind?

Radiohead - Karma Police - particularly one phrase:

"Phew, for a minute there I lost myself. I lost my seh-eh-elf."

I'm ready to move on...

Want to know what spring in the Northwest looks like? Stay tuned...

Green thing

My kids are strange!! Or is it me? Or both?

I made them some 'special drink' (smoothie) for lunch today. Which is a common thing. Normally the recipe is:
Costco triple frozen fruit
banana
vanilla rice milk
spinach or kale
carrots
beets (if I have them)
and sunflower seed butter

They love it and can't get enough. Weird, you say?

Today I decided to branch out. The recipe was:
carrots
frozen apple juice
ice
kale
banana
and sunflower seed butter

It was the grossest color. But they LOVED IT! And begged for more when it was all gone.
"I LOVE to eat spinach everyday"
"Yeah, spinach makes me big and strong!"

Maybe this sounds weird but great cause they love their veg. But getting them to eat a regular meal? That is one of the most painful and exhausting chores around here. They are AWFUL eaters! And its not because they are picky eaters...they'll eat just about anything. Any veg, fish, or weird concoction that I throw together. Its just a fight to get them to focus and sit still long enough to eat anything. Oh and stubborn! Lane will sit for an hour insisting that he doesn't like something that he hasn't even tried. Then miraculously, what do you know?! He likes it! Eats it all in 10 minutes then he's on his way. And it was probably mac and cheese. SO Annoying!

I'm sure they think..."Ifsonly all my meals could come by way of special drink!"
Should I try more dinner like creations in the blender? If it will get them to eat? Why not!

Joking aside. I'm so glad that they do like all these special drinks. What a great way to get all those good foods. Especially since they are all safe for Nora. It is one if the easiest ways to get her to eat and not feel left out!

Tonight's dinner? Spaghetti 'special drink' I think as long as I say the words special drink they'll drink it. YUM!

Hooray for Special Drink!

Still Got It

Last April I posted why I felt I deserved the prestigious Mother Of The Year Award.

How am I doing a year later?

Still making sure they are fed enough...and properly

Still ensuring that they are well rested...


And their freedom? At least there are no tears - they're learning to except it

Are haircuts necessary? Maybe not to some. Just when he gets kinks in his neck from constantly looking up to be able to see. A clue to mom? "Hey mom! When the sun gets in my eyes I can just cover them with my hair!"

I've Still Got 'IT'

Whatever 'IT' is...


...