I know I am not the only the mother that rewards (a.ka. bribe) her kids sometimes. Especially when you have 3 with you in the grocery store. I am fairly certain that I am not the only mom who gives in to begging in moments of weakness. Sometimes you just need a little peace. I really don't like shopping with all three but sometimes you don't have a choice so yesterday was one of those days that I gave in to the pleading and bought the kids their treat. I made them wait until if was paid for- of course- and that they were buckled into their seats in the car. And then I let them eat their crab meat. Imitation crab that is.





So am I the only mom who has a 4 year old who begs for crab? When has she even tasted crab meat?!

Wow! That haircut makes you look years younger!

Well, we did it. We cut Luke's hair. Here is little Sampson as he looses his strength.
I thought I would give you a quick tour of Luke's hair career. His very first haircut was before Kelly & Erin and Taylor & Krista's weddings (also knows as THE Weddings) when he was 1 and a few months old.

The photo below was shot in September after The Weddings.

Here we have a sweet little boy at his 2nd birthday in March (or is it April?). April 19th it turns out according to Joy.

Luke at the park campaigning for Al Franken

Allie (who looks great herself) massaging his hair to make it longer.

Oops, how did this one sneak in here- an impostor:

Looking happy out camping. Curls at their max.
And here we have a snapshot of Luke at the low point in his career. This was last Saturday at the tennis court during Allie's demo lesson. Luke had reached rock bottom. His Grandma Payne would have arranged an intervention if she were here.
And now the finished product. I came home from a business trip this week and Luke surprised me. He was terrified of the clippers every time we tried to cut his hair the last few months. Joy took him to some little kid place and we asked for only scissors. He fell asleep in the chair!I took him in the bathroom and combed his hair. We sprayed a ton of hairspray in it after I promised him it would not hurt (like the clippers, adult shampoo and everything else that touched his hair for the last 8 months). His hair started to go back to its true self shortly after snapping these photos.
We love our little Lukie- he seems so little all of the sudden.

Christmas shopping?

My mother has always said that one of her favorite ages for little children is around 4 because of the funniest things they say and do. Last Sunday morning, after working really late Saturday night to be ready for his business trip and presentations etc. etc., Jason and I were fast asleep when Allie ran in our room practically shouting "Dad! Dad! I know what you need for Christmas! A jawhorse!" We were both quite startled and confused and I jumped out of bed to take Allie out of the room so Jason could sleep a little more. My groggy head finally cleared as we reached the family room and realized Allie had gotten up and was watching an infomercial for the Rockwell Jaw Horse. And actually that is just what Jason needs! Ok not really but wow, they do a good job of convincing you of that. We don't usually watch TV on Sundays but Allie is still learning the days of the week so in her defense- she didn't know it was Sunday. But I have to admit, I have been thinking about the Jaw Horse all week. It would have really come in handy with the bathroom remodel (which I know you are still waiting to see the photos. We just have to finish the mirror! Argh. Almost done).

And speaking of Allie and her 4 year old mind, we count to discipline our children. 1- the first warning, 2- the final warning, and 3- time out, go to your room! One day Allie said to me "Why do we always go to our rooms on three? How about 1- Tie your shoe, 2- Brush teeth, 3- Drink water, 4- Go the the park... (5 through 9 I can't remember now) and 10- Go to your room!" She must think we are really very unclever parents.

Or was she watching when I cut through my plastic folding table (think workbench) with a Skil saw while making my bathroom shelf? Not so clever. I really do need a Jaw Horse.

Saturday AM Adventure

Rather than do chores at home, the three neighbor girls came over and we all walked a few blocks away to the gym for their annual kids day. I think we were the major customers, there were only a few other families that showed up. Given that they are trying to drum up some business, here is how we fared:

Rock climbing: $0
Personal pan pizza making: $0
Jumping in the jumper: $0
Turning down the $10 face painting: $0 (kind of felt bad for the face painter lady on this one)
Tickets to the ABQ Thunderbirds B-ball game: $0
Popcorn and cotton candy: $0
Tennis lessons w/ Coach Robert: $0Not needing to share tennis balls with your pesky brother: priceless.

We got home late Sunday night. It was a nice drive home but traveling can be tiresome. Monday we got a slow start and by the time we left to drop off Allie at preschool, Luke was still wearing his footsie pajamas. That's ok- he is only 2 1/2 years old. He can wear his pajamas out in public (Lindsay). We needed milk so we ran by the store on the way back to the house. We got one of the little race car carts. How lucky! Luke "drove" while we went and grabbed milk and one or two more things. He was quite happy and content and as we were checking out to leave, I looked down at him in his little car. He had taken off his pajamas and was now sitting there in only a diaper.

Must of had the heater on.

Thanksgiving

I knew it would be over too fast but what a great time, what a great trip, and what great memories we made for our Thanksgiving Holiday. And to be together, all of us (minus Wendy and Pete whom we missed a lot) all under one roof, it was so... soothing to my soul in ways that I hadn't realized I needed. The cabin was great, the views spectacular. The weather was gorgeous and we had so much fun playing, relaxing and eating yummy food! Did you know that it was during the Civil War that Abraham Lincoln declared the 4th Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday. The men at war celebrated with chicken dinners (and something else I just don't remember what now). And we had turkey and ham... Mmmm. I love this time of year. The last three months are so loaded with holidays that it seems like they just fly by (as if the rest of the year passes slowly... ya right). October and Halloween are so fun and so neighborly. And then November- my birthday month (you too Sam and Aunt Linda) and Thanksgiving. Which then turns into December with Christmas and New Years and all the joy and celebration that go along with that. And in the midst of all the fun and celebration I think it is so great that we have a day to stop and give thanks for all that we have, all that we are blessed with- the good and the bad, and with gratitude and humility rejoice in the gift of life.

(And for the record, we took a LOT more photos that document all of adventures and fun. They have just all been downloaded onto Kristyn's laptop so we will post more about Thanksgiving later when we get some shots to share).

Allie Cousteau

Dad here in journal mode. So my little Allie cracks me up all the time. I traveled for work the last part of the week and left poor Wanda at home (see below). When I returned and walked in the door Luke squealed something about candy, super excited to have his dad lift him up and hold him. Wesley was totally excited too. Allie on the other hand--- no running, no squealing; my feelings were about to get hurt. The neighbor girl was over and the two of them were in Allie's bedroom playing dress up. I had to hunt her down to say hi. She gave me a nice little courtesy hug then I asked her if she missed me... Hesitation... "Um... yea a little bit... well not really... but I still love you dad."

My little Allie has always been like this. Homesickness and separation anxiety are not her thing (unlike Luke). These snapshots show her at the end of a downed hollow Great Sequoia log that she and her Aunt Ilene explored. The entrance was pitch black so I gave her a key chain flashlight to use. Always the intrepid explorer.
We visited Pismo Beach during our trip to Jay and Ilene's. Allie had a great time playing in the cold water and then decided to go see what she could see. I watched her for a bit and waited for her to come back but she kept wandering off. So I decided to teach her a lesson by keeping a far distance so as to let her get lost and look around for her family and cry a bit. She won, I got bored, she never turned around and was halfway up the beach playing in puddles, heading for a distant swing set. I went and retrieved her- she was furious that she could not play on the swings.On her first day in nursery, she just ran in without ever looking back. Sunbeams - no sweat. Primary class in California: no hesitation. We got home today from church and instead of running inside she ran outside and yelled across the street at our neighbor Bob who was in his driveway. "Hi Bob, what are you doing?" So we went outside and chatted with Bob for a bit.
Our home teachers came over tonight (Jim Jeppson, the father of our babysitters). He showed Luke and Allie some pictures out of the Friend magazine to give them some clues about what they are thankful for. Allie's response: "I'm thankful to be a good dancer, good gymnastics and I love everyone in the whole world."

She sure is a little Joy.

Poor Wanda

When I saw this... sigh... I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I did cut it out and put it on my refrigerator. Wow... this is my life sometimes, ok a lot. Only last night Jason didn't come home during our melt down since he was out of town. I take great pride in the fact that I don't beat my children. And even more pride in I how hard I work at not yelling at them when there are times I wish to do nothing more than SCREAM. I am not perfect but I have improved. However I did not mention the number of times I have locked myself in the bathroom or hid in a closet.

jasonjoy model.003 2004/6/8

These are our babies about 6 months. Good thing they did not all come together or I would have to mark their arms with a black Sharpie (that may be funny to some of you). Can you guess who is who? Is it easier now that they are growing into themselves?

Brownie Mix

Several weeks ago while in the pantry I noticed an empty box of brownie mix. Luke. I searched and searched and searched for where it might have gone. Today I found the chocolaty powdered mix- still in the unopened bag (whew... sigh...)- at the bottom of my paper shredder.

How do YOU eat a banana?!

We are thinking of you Grandpa Payne and hoping they let you eat something soon.


This is the proof that Wesley really did ingest some portion of it!

P.S. Carter- I am happy (and quite grateful) to say that you were incorrect. After 3 children and many bananas I can assure you that bananas do not stain. It must have been something else that did it to little Uli's clothes.

Labor Day Lizard

Introducing baby Elizabeth... You can see that poor little thing closing its eyes waiting for this all to be over after a long night of captivity and a failed jail break...


Cousin/Aunt Maureen gave us a book called "The Christmas Crocodile" last year. It is so cute. In it the little girl finds a crocodile under the Christmas tree.  It is a cute holiday story for your kids. Sometime right around Labor Day I saw Allie on her hands and knees staring into the hall closet. I asked her what she was doing. "Watching the lizard" she replied. I thought she was joking and... bleeehhh yuck... she was not. I have no idea how a tiny lizard got inside our house and into the vacuum closet. The way she was sitting there watching made me think of an illustration from the book. And then she caught it. I thought that was a fluke until she caught the above lizard outside in it's natural environment. She's quick. So is the lizard but it is obvious who is faster. This was a couple of months ago but I have started calling her "Allie and the Labor Day Lizards".

And no I don't want to hold it.

I could hear you all the way from the principal's office!

Joy walked down to the school to vote (a date by herself!) I am at home w/ the kiddos. Monday morning I had 9:00 appointment at the dentist. With the time change I decided to go on a walk in the hills behind our house before heading out. I walked up the canyon at the end of our street to a shelf at the top and down a canyon to the south. Half way down I heard this blood curdling scream and thought it sounded like Luke! Sure enough, I called Joy and so it was. Wow! I had to see how far I heard him: 1km/ (0.6 mi)! He and Joy were out in the driveway. They were putting out the last of the recycling (she must have been beating him with a milk jug)?

It made me think of my elementary school teachers always getting on our case for being too loud and letting us know they could hear us all the way from the teacher's lounge. All those teacher out there- Carter, Maria, Lindsay, Wendy- does that ever really happen?

Ghosts, Witches, Mermaids & Ducks

Why some people don't like Halloween (and you know who you are) is beyond me! Halloween is soooo fun! I love getting out and visiting our neighbors and feeling that sense of community and celebration. I love how exciting it is for the kids to dress up and be something else! I love being creative with 3 empty paper towel rolls, tin foil, pipe cleaner and red lip stick to try to come up with a costume (I am all about putting something together with what you already have). I love carving pumpkins and cute decorations and the fall weather and colors . I like a little bit of candy but I have no problem confiscating it and hiding it for another day (the shelf life on that stuff... whew... not a big deal to save it until Christmas and Easter etc.- really!). And every now and then I like to be a little scared! Ready for something scary?!....
She's good isn't she!
For those of you anxious to see what our theme was this year, I am so sorry to disappoint you. Honestly, you have no idea. Since Jason worked until 4 am the night of the Ward Halloween party and since Allie had changed her mind so many times on what she wanted to be and since Luke would not wear anything fun... it just didn't happen. Allie decided to wear one of her old dress-up dresses and be the Little Mermaid. It's nothing homemade but it is something we already had. We did buy a wig at the grocery store (on sale). I decided the wig looked like fun so I got one too. Luke finally let us put make-up on him last minute and even wrap some toilet paper around his head and neck which looked really cool. And Wesley's cute hand-me-down duck kept him nice and snug.

This was Jason's 2 second creation. He is so cute!
And he is so cute too!!!



For preschool on Friday the kids could wear orange and black to celebrate if they wanted. I bought these adorable candy corn pants and the hair things as well as Luke's shirt last year after Halloween. I really hoped that they would fit. Turned out perfectly!

Yosemite

I was just thinking about back in the day when people would take slide film on their vacations and then have friends come over and make them sit through a slide show of their trip. At least here you can skim what you want and come back to it if you cannot sit through an entire post.

Yosemite was BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous! A neighbor of ours says May (around Mother's Day) is the best time to go because the waterfalls are flowing after the melting of the snow. We only got to see two waterfalls flowing and they were so beautiful albeit there was obviously not as much water as normal. BUT the fall COLORS... I kept thinking "If we were here in May we would be seeing water but missing out on this [the amazing colors]". I guess we will just have to go again. It was so fun camping with Ilene, Jay and little Andrew. We had our radios on so even though we were in separate cars we could still carry on a conversation (isn't that right Kilo Echo 7 Romeo India Lima).
People kept telling us to watch out for the bears and don't feed the bears. The bear boxes are the absolutely ONLY place you can store food (other than your tummy). If not properly latched, you will get scavengers.
These boy were never happier than when we finally put them down to let them crawl in the dirt.And talk about yummy food. Doesn't everything taste better when you are camping? Instead of going through our whole menu... here's a sample- pork chops and stuffing with a dijon apricot sauce and topped with peaches . Baked in the dutch oven. OH Yum!!!
The kids had a GREAT time. I think Luke slept better in that tent and sleeping bag than he has for a while. Allie and Aunt Ilene (why don't we have a photo of Ilene?) found a baby tarantula nearly dead while washing dishes.
And other than crying because they were cold or whining because they wanted to be carried or pushed in the stroller on any of our hikes we had a great time with them. You should have seen the looks and laughs as we pushed the double jogger 0.8 miles UP HILL to Vernal Falls. Not one person passed without commenting. It was hilarious and quite a workout. We decided to make them walk when we read the Sequoia grove was 1 mile down a steep trail. Turned out to be a gentle slopping WIDE paved single lane road. Perfect for a stroller. ugh.