Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sweets

As I pushed my cart through the candy aisle the other day, I mistakenly veered a little too close to the shelf. Landon quickly grabbed a Butterfinger, and held it up high, yelling, "I caught it, Mommy! I caught it!"

Another time, he grabbed a box of fruit snacks off the shelf, and tossed it into the cart, saying, "I helping Mommy."

I LOVE my boys! I also love sweets. Here's a few shots of us in the kitchen this morning, where I got to enjoy both. :)
These cookies are to die for.
My baby!
(these may have been intended for stocking stuffers... Oops)
Sticky fingers
Drooling.
Sweet, pudgy feet.
And, we can't forget about "Frosty" the fridge.
Thanks to Sarah F. for the idea!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

What's on Kali's Phone

Jessica aka "The Hussy" (she's pretty much famous) does this thing on her family blog where she uploads pictures from her phone every Tuesday, and invites her readers to do the same and link in. Jessica's like the popular girl in the blogging community that everyone wants to be friends with. She is absolutely hilarious, gorgeous, and has five kids. Crazy. I think the closest I'm going to get is that I'm friends with Mica Martin and Ira Heinzen. I still haven't figured out how they're related to Jessica, but anyway...

Harper in distress after wrapping himself in Christmas decorations.
My little munchkins at Costco.
People keep asking me if they're twins. They're 18 months apart, folks.
Landon asked me to draw a picture of him and Harper.
I scribbled this on a piece of nearby mail, and actually thought it turned out pretty dang good.
I found a website that you can use to try on celebrity styles, and then texted this to Anthony. I didn't realize he would think I had actually dyed my hair. Needless to say, he was very disappointed when he got home to find I was still boring brunette. Poor guy.
When I say Landon hardly stops moving, I mean it.
This is the closest I could get to an individual snapshot.
Smooching the manchild. He just loves when I do that.
Ladies can't resist him. Sorry, Kitkat. He's mine.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Makeup

I'm on the computer editing some photos, and I turn to see a lifeless looking foot peaking out from under a throw blanket. I immediately recognized it as Landon's, and thought, "Why isn't he moving? Is he okay?!"

Then I saw it.

Me: Landon! Do you have my makeup?

Landon: Yeah.

Me: Okay, get out from under the blanket.

Landon: I playing hide and seek with makeup.

This kid LOVES to play with makeup (or anything potentially messy). He sneaks my beauty bag whenever he gets a chance and paints his body, the carpet, the wall, or Harper with my mac shadows, eyeliners, MASCARA, and whatever else he can get his hands on. Oh, my son.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Walmart Babies




I heard that babies who run around in their diapers are called Walmart babies. These pictures were taken right after bath, so I'll have you know, they are usually like, Ralph Lauren babies. You could even call them Gucci babies if you wanted to.

Most of the time when we are home, Landon wears underpants. But lately, he has been freaking out every time I've tried to put them on him! He says, "I wanna wear diaper like Harper."

I was like, okay, here's a diaper. I pick and choose my battles with this kid.

Well, I got smart and decided to put underpants over Harper's diaper, and now Landon is back to wearing underwear. Ha.

They crack me up.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Holiday Cheer

Jana did this on her blog, and I pretty much died laughing. Maybe because I have the sense of humor of a 5 year old, and just cannot handle how hilarious it is to see Anthony with a woman's body. Landon thinks it's pretty funny, too. Now, I want to see yours!

Gangsta Matthews:


Surfing Matthews:


Saved the best for last, Country Matthews (because we all know how much Anthony loves country...not)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dreaming of...

This is my living-dining area. It was when we first moved in, so the walls are now adorned with framed pictures, but the rest is still pretty... blah. I love my obnoxious sectional, but a friend came over not long ago, and said, "You really need to cover these pillows."

The yellow ones are pier1, and I liked the striped ones because they have a nautical feel. But, let's face it, I just can't afford super fab pillows, and with 2 of my own kids 24/7, and 4 other kids in my care 40+ hours a week, I don't have much time to sew.

I don't know if it was the look on my face that prompted her to say, "Well, they're not total eye sores."

I think we all know how you feel now (we, as in me and my pillows).

Well, well, Christmas is coming and maybe if I'm really good Santa will get me some of these babies:


Pillows

Or maybe I'll just get some time to cover those old "eye sores".

While your at it, Santa, I'd really like a new dining set too. My "thrifted" dining chairs keep poking me in the bum because pins stick out of the cushions.Ikea Dining
This table and chair set from Ikea is only $310! Please, Santa, pleeeeeaase!

One of these rugs from Anthropology would be nice to cover my bare carpet too.
rugs
Okay, I'm done!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Blogoholic.



Okay, so I may a little addicted to blogging. I'm really just trying to "journal" my life. We are supposed to be journaling, right? Writing with a pen and paper is just too old fashioned for me. I'm an up with the times kinda girl.

Last week, Landon dumped out a whole bottle of baby soap and a whole bottle of Tresemme. I was irritated, but whatever. So, we went out Saturday and bought two new bottles.

What do you think he did with the new bottle of baby soap today?

That's right, he dumped it out. But wait-- there's more. He got ahold of the dish soap and dumped that out too. He also knocked over a lamp which resulted in our last lightbulb breaking. So, we went out to get
  • dish soap
  • another bottle of baby soap
  • and lightbulbs
We got home, I changed the lightbulb in the lamp, and I put all the soaps up high and out of reach. Well, guess what...

Harper just knocked over the same lamp! Ugh.
And you thought girls were expensive.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

My baby's sick. :(

This happy guy is not so happy right now. Poor guy had a fever of 103.4 last night. He kept me awake from the wee hours of the night until the sun came up. Thank goodness it's not my week to teach YWs, because there was no way I was going to church. Plus, it totally drives me crazy when people bring their sick kids to church, to get everyone else's kids sick. I got Landon ready, and sent him off with Daddy.

Harper and I went back to bed and I dreamt I was in the hospital having surgery for the second time, when I looked out my ocean-view window, and a horse with humungous cat eyes galloped out of the ocean. It was creepy. I really don't know why I shared that.

Anyway, my husband is really wonderful because he did two loads of laundry tonight and made dinner. It was de-lish. Beef fajita goodness topped with roasted red and green bell peppers, shredded cheese, sweet tomato salsa, and cool sour cream. Ohh, gosh, you can tell I worked at Chili's. Ha. But seriously, it was good. I'm so thankful my hubby cooks. He's baking cookie brownies right now. Excuse me while I go grab a bowl of ice cream, to top it off, and eat my worries away.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Bunco and Will.i.am (Not Bunco with Will.i.am...I wish)

{can't you just see how much he loves me smooching on him?}

Last night, I hired a babysitter and was off to Bunco with the girls. Remember, it's basketball season so Anthony is gone 13-17 hours a day, minimum. I was not going to pass up an opportunity to get a little break. We don't play Bunco for money, by the way, so quit judging me. No gambling here.

I had so much fun, but it was nice to get back to the boys. They don't have separation anxiety, but I think I do. My arms just don't know what to do without a baby in them! So here comes the best part of the night...

The babysitter said Landon was a "big help." He was good. The whole time! I'm so happy. Last time we went out, he threw a toy that happened to hit his brother in the head. The week before that, he got kicked out of nursery for swinging from the curtains and bashing his face on a nearby table. I was thrilled to have a good report. So, I gave him three balloons and we played with them the rest of the night. Literrally, we didn't go to bed until midnight yesterday. I'm such a bad fun mom.

Here's this video that my kids are sick of, but I can't stop watching. If Anthony died and I had to marry a celebrity, it would definitely be Will.i.am. Not only can he sing, but he is so dang cute, and sensitive! On Oprah, there were these families who were losing their homes to foreclosure because of the economy, so he bought their homes for them (and he cried)! I love when guys cry. Seriously, it's so hot sweet. He does it for lots of people, including his mom and grandma. He's amazing. Okay, watch the vid.


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Landon Bombastic


We all know Landon is what child development experts call the "spirited child". He's textbook case.

Intense: When he's happy, he bursts into peals of laughter, always smiling, laughing and moving. When he's sad or upset, he is inconsolable.

Persistence -- we value persistence in our society, and Landon has it -- he will stick to something for a long time. But he also has the negative kind, stubbornness. He "locks in" to ideas and has trouble unlocking. He can never take "no" for an answer; he'll ask for the same thing 20 times in a row. (He has asked me for a cookie at least 12 times since I started typing this).

Sensitivity -- emotionally; his feelings are hurt very easily. And physically; he hates turtlenecks, hoodies that come up too high, even socks. Everything feels too tight and constraining. He wants to wear the same adidas velcro shoes every single day. Putting his high top converses on is torture for us both.

Perceptiveness -- Landon notices everything around him. The smallest detail seldom escapes him. However, these details provide distractions which make completing other tasks difficult. Perceptive kids are often accused of not listening, when in reality, their attention is simply focused elsewhere. Adults have learned to screen out stimuli which are not important -- for example, we often drive on "auto pilot," not paying attention to anything around us except the other cars. Yet, we complete our task without mishap. Perceptive children have not learned to screen out extraneous stimuli, nor have they learned which stimuli are more important to attend to than others. I was exactly the same way as a kid. Oh, wait...still am.

Adaptability -- to transitions, surprises, changes in schedule or routine. On the days I babysit away from home, he is a meltdown master. Same with church half the time. He's used to our very scheduled routine at home, and doesn't adjust well to change. He likes to go out and do things, he's just very overstimulated. It helps to prepare and notify him. "We are going to church today. After Sacrament Meeting, you're going to play with your friends and fun toys."

Regularity -- Landon's eating, sleeping and elimination patterns are not regular. He's 2 1/2 and still has some problems sleeping through the night. He has a really hard time falling asleep, and is rarely asleep by 10:30. Nothing we have tried improves his sleeping patterns -- that's just how he is, and we are learning to adjust.

Energy -- activity level. Landon has limitless energy. From morning until night he is moving. Even compared to other two year old's, he is constantly moving and into something.

So, yes, Landon is a "handful", but he also has the kindest heart of any kid I know. He may be energetic and moody, but no matter how upset he gets, he never hits, kicks, or physically hurts others in any way. He plays very well with his friends and brother. He is always concerned about the welfare of everyone else. If he hears me run into something or even sneeze, he comes running and says, "Are you okay, Mommy? Are you okay, Mommy?" I hear that at least once a day, and it always makes me smile.

He is also seriously smart. I am stunned by how quickly he picks things up. He started using words at six months, and knew several by nine months. At fifteen months he could hold a conversation. He knows all of his letters and all of their sounds. He loooves books. That's the one time I can get him to sit still is when we're reading.

He is an amazing athlete already. He is so coordinated, can dribble, shoot, hit a ball with a bat, and throw a football as far as the moon. He makes me so tired, but he also makes me so proud.

So, please, stop judging me. He may be the one at the store screaming his head off because he wants the balloon he saw on the way in, or running around the restaurant like a maniac, but one day, he just might be your kid's boss.

10-15% of children are considered by experts to be spirited. If your child sounds like my sweet Landon, read this.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Harper the Great


When Landon was six weeks old, I went to my postpartum checkup and was scheduled to get an IUD inserted. It's a form of birth control that lasts up to five years. I sat on the procedure table with a sheet over my lap, and waited for the doctor to come in and get it over with.

Then I had a feeling. An unmistakable feeling...not to get the IUD. I started to argue with myself. I'm already on the procedure table. It's too late. I have to get it. Anthony and I talked about this. We are waiting five years.

Don't get it.

But I'm here, on the table, with a sheet over my lap. I have to!

The doctor came in. I had never met him before. He was African American with white hair, a white beard, and smile to match. He kind of reminded me of "God" in Bruce Almighty.

He asked if I had any questions before he began the procedure. I tried to buy myself some time (and courage), so I asked a few lame questions I already knew the answers to. What's the risk of ectopic pregnancy with this? How effective is it? Will I gain weight? etc.

He told me that he had tied women's tubes before, and they still became pregnant. He said if you're supposed to get pregnant, you will. Then he said, "Too many people listen to their heads, instead of their hearts. Do you want to get this today?"

I sat stunned and said, "Well, we're poor right now. We have to finish school before we have another kid. Logically it makes sense to wait..."

With firm authority he interrupted, "What is your heart telling you?"

"No." I sighed with a huge amount of relief.

"I'll write you a three month prescription for the pill. Take it, or don't."

Is that crazy or what? Not long after, I had another strong impression that I needed to try for numero dos. I'm so glad we did. And, I'm so thankful for a random doctor who was in tune and told me just what I needed to hear.

From the beginning of my pregnancy, I could tell Harper had a very gentle, but mighty spirit. I felt intelligence. And, when he was born, I felt like he was already smarter than me! He seemed like this wise little thing, and I still feel that about him. The funny thing is, my friend said the same thing when she held him. And my dad on a separate occasion.

He's such a good boy, and I can tell already he's destined for greatness.

In the mean time, he's Landon's best bud, and he's my snuggle bug, mellow and sweet. Unless you're trying to put clothes on him, that is. Either way, we couldn't imagine life without him.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Quote

"Nothing will surprise us more than when we get to heaven and see the Father and realize how well we know Him and how familiar His face is to us."
— Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Monday, November 1, 2010

Nacho



My internet is unbelievably slow tonight, so I've only been able to upload two pictures from our Harper Halloween weekend. Facebook is inaccessible entirely, and that's where I usually do my mass uploading. Here's a word to the wise:

Do NOT get Clear wire internet EVER. Don't worry though, we are switching to U-verse with at&t next week.

Enjoy these pictures of our Nacho Libre and we hope your Halloween was fabulous!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Where Does the Time Go?




One year ago today, my sweet Harper was born! Seriously, where does the time go? It does not feel like it's been a whole year since I brought Harper David into the world. That was such a fun day, despite having the Swine flu and having my entrithethical wear out thirty minutes before I'd have to push.

He was healthy, strong, and beautiful. I was instantly in love, but at the same time felt guilty. I felt like I was betraying Landon. I felt like I was cheating on my 18 month old by loving this other baby. Poor Landon was home with the swine flu, without me to take care of him, and I was overwhelmed with guilt.

When he and Anthony came to get us from the hospital, I had Anthony switch me places. I wanted him in the room with Harper, so I could greet Landon alone, and then introduce him to his brother. I walked into the hall where Landon was in his stroller. Right away, I could tell he was not happy. He turned his head to the side to avoid even looking at me. I hugged him and kissed him, and still he refused to respond. I tried to contain myself, as nurses were watching on, but I could not hold back tears. I had been gone for three days when Landon needed me. And, now he would know we had another baby! I felt ridiculous for crying, and I don't know if it was my postpartum hormones, but I felt like the nurses thought I was a horrible mother, too.

Harper screamed most of the way home, and Landon just stared at him, pointed and said, "baby?" a couple of times. By the time we got back, Harper was asleep. Landon lifted the blanket that covered the carseat, and peered in at his brother. He was very curious, and had forgotten about being mad at me (I had hoped).

We took him out, and let Landon hold him. Harper was screaming at that point, and Landon was just so excited. It was really cute. We explained that this was his baby, and from that moment on that is how Landon has treated Harper (most of the time).

I was terribly worried that Landon would be jealous of Harper, but I realized that's not what I would have to worry about.

Harper is jealous of Landon. If I'm playing ball with Landon, hugging him, or holding him on my lap, Harper gets jealous. He crawls, cruises, or toddles over and tries to push his way on my lap while pushing Landon off. He's very territorial of me, and Landon, not so much.

Harper has been such a blessing and sweet addition to our little family. We all love him so much! This past year has been such a crazy, fun ride with two boys, and I really would not have it any other way.

Happy First Birthday Harper!!!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Harper Birthday to You (Almost)



‎"The tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly... Find joy in the journey-- now." -President Thomas S. Monson

Harper is going to be
one in less than two weeks. It goes by so much faster with the second baby. I feel guilty that I had time to blog about Landon like once a week as a baby, and poor Harper hasn't had nearly as many posts or pictures.

I can't believe I survived almost a whole year with two boys. These two babies are crazy active. If you don't believe me, come take a look at my living room right now. Landon is stuck inside a toy bucket and laughing his head off. Harper is trying to join him in the bucket, but was denied, so he's bawling. Now, walking to Momma, now biting my shoulder as I type. Ouch. Seriously.

Really though, Harper has been such a fun baby (except those first couple of months when he stayed awake until 3 am every morning). That was not fun. That was torture. Literally.

Harp is so squishy and snuggly. I love when I scoop him up, and he gives me a squeeze while resting his sweet little head on my shoulder.I could just eat him up. He's pretty laid back, but lately he insists I carry him on my hip like a king all day. Sunday morning I had him in one arm and I blow dried my hair with the other. Did I mention he's at least 25 pounds?

His favorite foods are bananas, cream of wheat, jello, corn, applesauce, and cheese. I think his proudest moment was pulling Landon to the floor by his hair and pinning him on the ground for a good five minutes. It was a long time coming.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Fall or Nothing

Incorporating a Summer piece (shirt) into a Fall ensemble.

by Kali

I love Fall fashion!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

For the Love of Blog

My friend, Jana has the cutest blog. I just love reading it because she has this dreamy life in San Francisco, loads of creative ideas and recipes, and the most smiley, beautiful, chub of love daughter I have ever laid eyes on.

Jana recently bestowed The Lovely Blog Award on little ol' me. I couldn't be more flattered. Thanks Jana! Kiss that Lily girl for me! Today is her first birthday and all.


Here are the rules of the Lovely Blog Award:

1. Accept the award and post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
2. Pay it forward to 10 other bloggers that you have recently discovered.
3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they have been chosen

These are my top picks (in no particular order). Happy Reading!
  1. 1. Whitney is at Wit and Wisdom of Whitney
  2. 2. Dione at It was the Best of Times
  3. 3. Amy at The Ziehl Family
  4. 4. Sasha at Love Birds
  5. 5. Kira at Kira, Blake, and Jackson
  6. 6. Dani at Dani Loves Kevin
  7. 7. Andrea at Garcia Lovin'
  8. 8. Annie at Macias Family
  9. 9. Trista at Jesse, Trista, Jaiden, Graysen
  10. 10. Dana at Always Changing

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

My Sweet Crazy Boys


At times I struggle with the day to day grime of being a mom; the endless cleaning, diapering, late nights, and early mornings. Sometimes I even take it for granted, and then I hear about parents who have lost a child, children who have lost a parent, and mothers who have lost their husband and partner through it all.

It makes me so thankful for each and every day spent with my little ones. Oh, how I love and adore them.

I love Landon even when he's asking me to read the same four books every night and nap time. We have at least 30 books, but every time it's those same four, Caillou Loses Teddy, Elmer's Colors, The Tallest Tree, and Yummy Yucky. I have and can "read" each book word for word without even looking at the pages.

If Landon's food is too hot, I'll have him blow on it to cool it down faster. Last week, as we were walking to the car outside, Landon said, "Too hot!", and started blowing at the air as hard as could.


He also joined us at a baby shower and asked, "Mommy, baby take a bath?"

At 2 years and 2 months, he knew all of his letters (capital), and can now tell you what sounds they make.

He drives me crazy with his stubborn independence, but he surprises me everyday with his
intelligence and wit. Mostly, he just makes me laugh.

Harper, my sweet, Harper. He is so mellow and cuddly. Harper takes so much abuse from the older kids and is still such a champ. Days after turning 10 months, he took his first steps, and the last few days he's been trying non-stop to walk. He wants so much to be like the older kids. He's getting better and better, taking five steps at a time before plunging to the ground. And, then he just gets back up.

He cracks me up because if I put Landon in timeout, Harper cries! He doesn't like to see anyone upset, even if Landon's in timeout for hurting him. I can tell already he has a heart of gold.

I'm thankful the Lord trusts me enough to care for these handsome, rambunctious, sweet, crazy boys. I hope I'm doing a good job.