Jack has labeled himself as the Important Pickle. It started when he realized that when he slept in between Mike and I it was like he was the inner part of a sandwich. I have no idea why he chose pickle or why it's important but that's what he says. Anytime Mike and I are hugging and Jack is around, he wiggles himself in between us and says, "Make room for the Important Pickle." Once Mike asked him, "Well, if you are the Important Pickle, what are we?" Jack replied that Mike and I were Ballistic Bread. Ha ha. Once when Mike was gone late and Jack and I were snuggling in bed he said, "Hey it's an open face pickle sandwich"
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Fall Break
We decided to go camping. All year we thought about it. We were going to do it. Go camping. For the record years ago, Mike and I declared ourselves a "No Camping" family. We decided it was not for us. We didn't like the hassle of packing, setting up, not sleeping and then taking it all down and being tired and grumpy for the next few days. Well, then we had Jack. Jack wants to do anything and everything that has to do with being outside. He's 7. We should probably take our 7 year old boy camping at least once. A family council was held, a vote was taken and it was decided that on Oct 16 the Bearden's were going camping. Well, on Oct 15 we watched Harry Potter (it being Halloween season and all) out side projected on a screen in our back yard. It was COLD! It was then that our grand idea of camping in October lost some of it's excitement. We thought, "If it's this cold here in the valley, what will the mountains be like?!" So we did the next best thing and we booked a hotel in the mountains! It turned out to be such a fun mini family vacation. We didn't want to completely give up on the camping plan because we all LOVE the mountains. (just not sleeping in them). So we headed up to American Fork canyon armed with hot dogs, chips, veggies, grapes, sodas and...wait for it...here comes a super campy word....a dutch oven!! (we stopped at an outdoorsy store on our way out of town and grabbed one.) We made dutch oven cobbler. It was really good! We spent the day just hanging out in our picnic area. Annie and Ellie floated bowls down the river, Casie and Lily went and found a quaint place to sit and talk. Jack hunted for snakes and had a blast throwing dry ice into the river (we had dry ice to keep our ice-cream cold). It really was a perfect fall day. It was warm with a crisp breeze. The trees were yellow and every so often a breeze would send leaves floating gently from the trees to the ground. It was perfect. I love spending time with my family in the mountains.
After leaving the mountains we drove to Midway to the Zermatt hotel. We all fell in love with the quaint little mountain town. It's nestled right next to the mountains and is full of beauty. We decided to move there when our kids are all graduated so they can bring their kids to our cozy mountain home. :-) After checking into our hotel we went across the street and swam in a crater full of warm spring water. It was a really fun and unique experience and I'm so glad we did it. Ellie was freaked out because she thought there might possibly be a whale in the water that would eat her...(the crater was 70 ft deep and i'll admit it WAS a bit creepy not knowing what was down there) but we all survived. I honestly hate swimming, but warm crater swimming is ok.
Then we headed back to our hotel and made spaghetti. I love that our "camping"experience involved a two bedroom hotel room with a full kitchen and jetted tubs.
That night we played games and laughed really hard. One of the games we played was called the Game of Things. The topic was "Things you shouldn't write on a Valentine card" Then we all wrote random things down and tried to guess who said what. Casie wrote. "Your breath smelled really bad yesterday, but not today". That silly sentence made us laugh really hard, and became a theme throughout the night. The next topic was "Things you wish you could erase." Someone wrote, "The memory of your breath yesterday, but not today." Jack played with us too. Of coarse most of his answers had the word poop in them, but he was writing them himself so I was happy. (he's never showed much interest in writing)
The next day the kids swam in the morning then we checked out and headed to Park City to ride the Alpine Coaster. It's a roller coaster that is built right on the mountain side. It was a 2 hour wait to ride but that wait was actually one of my favorite parts of our trip. Casie, Annie, Lily, and I played games, sang songs and talked...(hopefully not annoying those around us) Plus we were in the mountains so the scenery was gorgeous. Mike was with Ellie and Jack down jumping on another attraction, (trampoline) and joined us a little later. The coaster itself was really fun as well. The kids loved it.
I can't wait to go camping again!!
After leaving the mountains we drove to Midway to the Zermatt hotel. We all fell in love with the quaint little mountain town. It's nestled right next to the mountains and is full of beauty. We decided to move there when our kids are all graduated so they can bring their kids to our cozy mountain home. :-) After checking into our hotel we went across the street and swam in a crater full of warm spring water. It was a really fun and unique experience and I'm so glad we did it. Ellie was freaked out because she thought there might possibly be a whale in the water that would eat her...(the crater was 70 ft deep and i'll admit it WAS a bit creepy not knowing what was down there) but we all survived. I honestly hate swimming, but warm crater swimming is ok.
Then we headed back to our hotel and made spaghetti. I love that our "camping"experience involved a two bedroom hotel room with a full kitchen and jetted tubs.
That night we played games and laughed really hard. One of the games we played was called the Game of Things. The topic was "Things you shouldn't write on a Valentine card" Then we all wrote random things down and tried to guess who said what. Casie wrote. "Your breath smelled really bad yesterday, but not today". That silly sentence made us laugh really hard, and became a theme throughout the night. The next topic was "Things you wish you could erase." Someone wrote, "The memory of your breath yesterday, but not today." Jack played with us too. Of coarse most of his answers had the word poop in them, but he was writing them himself so I was happy. (he's never showed much interest in writing)
The next day the kids swam in the morning then we checked out and headed to Park City to ride the Alpine Coaster. It's a roller coaster that is built right on the mountain side. It was a 2 hour wait to ride but that wait was actually one of my favorite parts of our trip. Casie, Annie, Lily, and I played games, sang songs and talked...(hopefully not annoying those around us) Plus we were in the mountains so the scenery was gorgeous. Mike was with Ellie and Jack down jumping on another attraction, (trampoline) and joined us a little later. The coaster itself was really fun as well. The kids loved it.
I can't wait to go camping again!!
Monday, July 27, 2015
Sunday
Today has been a low key Sunday. Is that a nice word for boring? Casie has a group of friends over right now. They are out playing red-rover and kindly allowing Jack to play too. Annie has been drawing for about 5 hours. Mike is at a meeting. Ellie is up in Logan spending time with Brook. What is a Mom supposed to do? The Church leaders are encouraging us to make the Sabbath more of a delight. I love that thought, but how do I do that? Casie made some peanut butter bars today. Maybe I will load some on a plate and take them to a neighbor. I'll report back when I am done.......
I am grateful for promptings from the Spirit. I prayed and asked if there was anyone who might benefit from a visit from me. Immediatly a lady in my neighborhood came to mind. I hadn't met her before, but I had heard that her adult son had passed away in a ATV accident three weeks prior. I had been wanting to go and give my condolences but hadn't done it yet. I was scared because I had no idea how I would be received, but she was so kind. She is hurting so badly and is so lost. I know that nothing can take away the pain of losing someone you love, but I hope that my visit showed her that I cared and that others think of her in her time of need. I couldn't help but remember the pain of when we lost Max. I was able to share some of my feelings with her and how with time I was able to cope better. She is still in the beginning stages of her grief, but I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of her and is bringing her comfort. I told her that I would come by again and see how she was doing and she said that she would like that.
I am grateful for promptings from the Spirit. I prayed and asked if there was anyone who might benefit from a visit from me. Immediatly a lady in my neighborhood came to mind. I hadn't met her before, but I had heard that her adult son had passed away in a ATV accident three weeks prior. I had been wanting to go and give my condolences but hadn't done it yet. I was scared because I had no idea how I would be received, but she was so kind. She is hurting so badly and is so lost. I know that nothing can take away the pain of losing someone you love, but I hope that my visit showed her that I cared and that others think of her in her time of need. I couldn't help but remember the pain of when we lost Max. I was able to share some of my feelings with her and how with time I was able to cope better. She is still in the beginning stages of her grief, but I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of her and is bringing her comfort. I told her that I would come by again and see how she was doing and she said that she would like that.
Monday, January 26, 2015
FHE Service
While praying for guideance concerning my family, and what lesson they most need in their lives right now, I was prompted..(in the shower, because that is where most of inspiration comes...I think it's because I am in my most humble state..ha ha ha TMI? Sorry for the visual...lol) ANYWAY, I felt that my family could use a lesson on service.
Here's what we are doing for FHE tonight.
After Jack welcomes us...(Jack ALWAYS, much to Ellie's dismay, gets to conduct. I think it's a youngest child thing) And after we have an opening song and prayer..(although my kids are super musical they are turds when it comes to the opening song of FHE! They think it's fun to sing strange eastern harmonies, or insert potty words, or add vocal percussion..(Mike). I am working on being fine with all these things. Maybe, for my benefit we will sing "Let it Go" for our opening song. It wouldn't be the strangest song we've ever sung prior to FHE. Once we sang the saxophone solo of George Michaels' "I'm never gonna dance again". Anyway, I digress...after welcome, song, and prayer we are going to read this article on service.
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/youth-spotlight-finding-ways-to-serve?lang=eng
It's geared toward teens and it's simple and engaging. Easy for them to understand.
Hopefully by the end of the article they will be pumped up and excited about things they can do to serve others. I love how service truly makes you forget yourself. The most fulfilling and joyous moments of my life have come from serving others. I pray that my kids will come to find that joy too.
I want them to also understand that the most important service you can give are to those in your own family. What a great way to strengthen the love within your family. So that leads us to our activity.
I am going to pass out slips of paper to each member of the family. I will ask them to write down the things in their lives that they need help with, or that stress them out, or that cause them concern. For each different concern, they will use a separate slip of paper. I will make sure they write their name on it as well. Once we are done, we will put the papers in a jar. (I am big on jars full of paper. It seems like such a simple way to remind me to do things. I put all the jobs I need to accomplish around the house in a jar and choose one a day. I tell myself that I will do that job no matter what. It's great because I always feel like I have accomplished something that day. I also like how I don't have to have the burden of feeling overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. One big job a day is doable for me. Small baby steps...) Whoa...back to FHE
Once all my families burdens are in a jar, we will choose one of them out. Whatever is on the paper, we will work as a family to ease that burden. For example, my closet is a bit out of control. If the family chose that, we would all go and work on it together..(many hands make light work) If we chose a paper saying that Casie is stressed about school, we would focus on ways we can help her get things done. For example, we could take over her after dinner job for a while so she could catch up,...the point is, we will focus on individuals and show them that as a family we can, and will help them in anyway we can.
We won't have time to go through the whole jar in one evening, but I am hoping as the jar sits out on the table, family members will choose a paper periodically and take the chance to strengthen their love for their families through service.
In my perfect world, this is a situation that would happen....
Child: Mom, I'm bored
Me: (while kneading bread....I'm always kneading bread in my perfect world...) Well, darling, have you thought to check the service jar?
Child: Gee Mom, what a great idea!!
Child runs and checks the jar and is later found making the bed of a sibling, or leaving a sweet note of encouragement.
Then child comes back to me and we chat about what a great Mom I am while eating hot homemade bread.
Here's what we are doing for FHE tonight.
After Jack welcomes us...(Jack ALWAYS, much to Ellie's dismay, gets to conduct. I think it's a youngest child thing) And after we have an opening song and prayer..(although my kids are super musical they are turds when it comes to the opening song of FHE! They think it's fun to sing strange eastern harmonies, or insert potty words, or add vocal percussion..(Mike). I am working on being fine with all these things. Maybe, for my benefit we will sing "Let it Go" for our opening song. It wouldn't be the strangest song we've ever sung prior to FHE. Once we sang the saxophone solo of George Michaels' "I'm never gonna dance again". Anyway, I digress...after welcome, song, and prayer we are going to read this article on service.
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/youth-spotlight-finding-ways-to-serve?lang=eng
It's geared toward teens and it's simple and engaging. Easy for them to understand.
Hopefully by the end of the article they will be pumped up and excited about things they can do to serve others. I love how service truly makes you forget yourself. The most fulfilling and joyous moments of my life have come from serving others. I pray that my kids will come to find that joy too.
I want them to also understand that the most important service you can give are to those in your own family. What a great way to strengthen the love within your family. So that leads us to our activity.
I am going to pass out slips of paper to each member of the family. I will ask them to write down the things in their lives that they need help with, or that stress them out, or that cause them concern. For each different concern, they will use a separate slip of paper. I will make sure they write their name on it as well. Once we are done, we will put the papers in a jar. (I am big on jars full of paper. It seems like such a simple way to remind me to do things. I put all the jobs I need to accomplish around the house in a jar and choose one a day. I tell myself that I will do that job no matter what. It's great because I always feel like I have accomplished something that day. I also like how I don't have to have the burden of feeling overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. One big job a day is doable for me. Small baby steps...) Whoa...back to FHE
Once all my families burdens are in a jar, we will choose one of them out. Whatever is on the paper, we will work as a family to ease that burden. For example, my closet is a bit out of control. If the family chose that, we would all go and work on it together..(many hands make light work) If we chose a paper saying that Casie is stressed about school, we would focus on ways we can help her get things done. For example, we could take over her after dinner job for a while so she could catch up,...the point is, we will focus on individuals and show them that as a family we can, and will help them in anyway we can.
We won't have time to go through the whole jar in one evening, but I am hoping as the jar sits out on the table, family members will choose a paper periodically and take the chance to strengthen their love for their families through service.
In my perfect world, this is a situation that would happen....
Child: Mom, I'm bored
Me: (while kneading bread....I'm always kneading bread in my perfect world...) Well, darling, have you thought to check the service jar?
Child: Gee Mom, what a great idea!!
Child runs and checks the jar and is later found making the bed of a sibling, or leaving a sweet note of encouragement.
Then child comes back to me and we chat about what a great Mom I am while eating hot homemade bread.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Love Languages
Tonight for FHE I decided to have our family take the Five Love Languages test. Basically you answer a series of questions, then at the end the test tells you how you most feel loved by those around you. It was super interesting to see the results in our family. Here they are:
Mike feels most loved through acts of service
Jill feels most loved through physical touch
Casie feels the most loved through gift giving
Annie feels the most loved through words of affirmation
Ellie feels the most loved through quality time.
Jack is a bit too young to take the test, but after asking him a few questions it seemed like Quality time was at the top of his list.
There were other languages that ranked high in all of our tests, but these were the highest. We put the results on individual posters then wrote down specific ways we could show love to that family member. Then we hung the posters in the hall to remind us. So, ya...pretty sure we will be the most loving family in the world now. I expect perfection from here on out. We also talked about how detrimental it is to someone when you go against their love language. For instance it would really hurt Ellie to be ignored. And we joked that you can hit Annie, but don't yell at her because her love language is words of affirmation. Mike and I found out that neither of us really get a lot out of getting gifts when it comes to feeling loved.
Prior to our awesome family night I made some peanut butter rice crispy treats that I thought would end our night with a sweet bit of joy. Nope. They were hard as a rock. I usually don't fail quite so hard when it comes to cooking, but something went horribly wrong. My guess is that I boiled the sugar too long. Oopsies. :-)
Mike feels most loved through acts of service
Jill feels most loved through physical touch
Casie feels the most loved through gift giving
Annie feels the most loved through words of affirmation
Ellie feels the most loved through quality time.
Jack is a bit too young to take the test, but after asking him a few questions it seemed like Quality time was at the top of his list.
There were other languages that ranked high in all of our tests, but these were the highest. We put the results on individual posters then wrote down specific ways we could show love to that family member. Then we hung the posters in the hall to remind us. So, ya...pretty sure we will be the most loving family in the world now. I expect perfection from here on out. We also talked about how detrimental it is to someone when you go against their love language. For instance it would really hurt Ellie to be ignored. And we joked that you can hit Annie, but don't yell at her because her love language is words of affirmation. Mike and I found out that neither of us really get a lot out of getting gifts when it comes to feeling loved.
Prior to our awesome family night I made some peanut butter rice crispy treats that I thought would end our night with a sweet bit of joy. Nope. They were hard as a rock. I usually don't fail quite so hard when it comes to cooking, but something went horribly wrong. My guess is that I boiled the sugar too long. Oopsies. :-)
Friday, January 9, 2015
The first of many, "Random Picture with a Story Day!"
Since I have missed the ins and outs of the Bearden's life lately, today I am going into my picture folder and will choose a random picture. I will then describe, with the utmost detail, and to the best of my ability what was happening in my life at that time.....
Here goes.....
Ok, I had Mike say a number and he chose #22. This is the 22nd picture in the folder I was looking at.
Here goes.....
Ok, I had Mike say a number and he chose #22. This is the 22nd picture in the folder I was looking at.
This year in Annie's theatre class they put on the show, "How the Grinch stole Christmas". Annie was cast as a narrator and had a singing solo. As is Annie's way, she told me that she needed a red and green costume the DAY BEFORE this play opened. (They performed for the elementary) Luckily I had just bought this green cardigan, (I hadn't even worn it yet, but such is a mothers sacrifice) She had had some red leggings that worked perfectly, but she needed a red skirt. We own no red skirts. So what's a girl to do? We ended up cutting up on of Mike's red t-shirts and I sewed....(let me say that again...I...SEWED) it into a little skirt. She was super happy with it and I felt like Lady Macgyver.
The play was really quite adorable. Annie stood out as the BEST and CUTEST Who in Whoville.
She actually quite amazes me with her talent. Her Theatre teacher even told me how impressed shei s with Annie. She has the most beautiful singing voice, and she is such a great little actress. I don't know that she has a passion for the threatre, but she has so much talent for it. Annie doesn't naturally love performing. She would much rather stay in her room and draw or listen to Japanese music...(like she REALLY likes Japanese music), but without fail, she ends up loving the things I force strongly encourage her to do. :) Annie's perfectionism (is that a word) is the only thing I fear that is holding her back. She doesn't enjoy something fully unless she feels that it's done perfectly. (I actually believe that she inherited that from her crazy talented and Mr perfectionist Father....I mean that in a loving way) I feel prompted to help Annie get out of her room and into activities that will help her develop her amazing talents. I see so much growth in her as she tries new things. She has such a tender heart and a curious mind. I just love her so much!
Here are a few more Lame photos of the show.
PS. My new philosophy when it comes to going to my children's performing events is to snap a few pictures to remember the event, then sit back and enjoy it!
PPS This philosophy was developed when I attended a cute Thanksgiving program Jack performed in his Kindergarten class. I chose not to film with my phone but literally EVERY parent there was watching their adorable child through a screen. I even had one parent hovering directly over my head with her phone trying to get a good view. It was very eyeopening for me! I was happy to see Jack and soak in his cuteness device free. :-) Ok, rant over.....
Monday, January 5, 2015
My not so genius idea.
Well, here I am again. I HATE that I have lost so much of my life by not writing about it! We have so enjoyed going back through my blog and reading about fun times had as a family, and I have totally let that slip. But NO MORE I SAY!!! I am determined to write at least a couple of times a week. Even if Jack didn't do something funny, or I don't feel like the day was particularly monumental, I want my kids to remember the wonderful life we have together, so I will write about it all!
So to start off this new and improved blogging me, I will write about my not so great idea. As a mom I truly feel that many of my family activity ideas are inspired. I thought this one was inspired but it didn't turn out so great. Here's how it went down.
ME to myself: Hmmm what should we do for FHE tonight?
Me answering myself: Well, the banister has been half painted for 4 months and it really needs to be finished. Why not teach the family that working together can really build a family.
Me picturing a perfect bonding moment
What really happened: Paint drips, Paint globs, Jack and Ellie fighting over what brushes they got. Lots of paint on the carpet...(good thing we are replacing it soon) Me realizing that the banister isn't going to be looking so good. Me sad that the banister isn't going to be looking so good. Jack having a blast, and feeling like a big helper, (six year olds aren't really perfectionist) Me accepting that the banister isn't going to be looking so good. Me thinking, next FHE we will just play Apples to Apples.
I will finish the banister tomorrow...or next month...or maybe I like it half black and half white. :-)
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
The fun parts about being a boy.
Yesterday I came in the bathroom to get Jack out of the tub. He was standing up and he was...how do I say this?....exploring his boy parts. Anyway, he told me with great excitement. "Mom!, there are two little bubbles in here. I can move them around. You should try this, it's actually pretty fun!" Ha ha...I love that kid so much. When I told him what the bubbles were really called, he laughed. Annie, who was in the bathroom too, was mortified.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Adventures at Stake Conference
The pioneers had to walk barefoot across the plains with little or no food in winter blizzards while carrying all their earthly possessions, but we...we face a slightly harder trial in our day. We have a two hour meeting in which we have to keep our kids quiet and attentive while sitting on cold, hard metal chairs, (if we were not smart enough to arrive 2 hours early to secure the coveted soft seats). This trial is known as Stake Conference!!!! It was funny to exchange looks with the other mothers as we hauled our bags full of coloring books, crayons, snacks, and whatever toy we thought wouldn't be too loud into the church building. We seemed to say to each other, "Stay strong sister"..."This too shall pass". Now, for at least the last 5 years, this feeling of dread was not the case. Because other than this year, most of the time I have been ingenious enough to be a part of the Stake Choir. Stake conference had always been a highly uplifting experience for me. How could it not!? I was sitting in the EXTRA comfy choir chairs (a huge step up from the padded pews). I was usually sitting by a friend and not by wiggly children. I was super attentive and alert. (usually because I was on camera and didn't dare doze off) And I could look out at the happy listening faces of those sitting in the pews as we shared in the strong spirit of the meeting. Ok, this year was different...Today I learned that there are two very different meetings going on in that building. You have the "Spirit Paradise" meeting. These are those who are in the choir seats, and the padded pew in a well lit chapel. They are smiling and attentive and surrounded by those who are smiling and attentive. They enjoy a reverent meeting and come away edified and uplifted. Then you have that small number of padded chair folding chair people who are super close to the light and just in front of the large screens that are pulled down for the people in the back. They usually have a similar experience as those in the front of the chapel. Then...oh then, you have that line where it changes from carpet to gym floor. From well lit to dim. From soft seats to cold, hard, super uncomfortable metal chairs. I call this spirit Prison. This is where you are surrounded by noisy kids, grumpy moms, dim lighting (because of the screens that are projecting the meeting) sleeping dads, and restless teenagers. Of course I am exaggerating, but it was funny to see the differences between the meetings I experienced in the choir, and the meeting I experienced today. Although being in the back is probably a more appropriate place for my family. We had some good laughs during the meeting. One of them came when the words to the rest hymn were not displayed on the screen and we didn't have a hymn book to look at. The song was All Creatures of our God and King. This is pretty much exactly how it went for us:
Other than the hard chairs and noise around us..(and within our family) the meeting was still wonderful. It focused on both missionary work and family history work. (That much I did get) I was being a little naughty and took a few photos of my family and our adventures in Stake Conference. I will look back on these pictures as a reminder to join the choir again next Stake Conference.
Other than the hard chairs and noise around us..(and within our family) the meeting was still wonderful. It focused on both missionary work and family history work. (That much I did get) I was being a little naughty and took a few photos of my family and our adventures in Stake Conference. I will look back on these pictures as a reminder to join the choir again next Stake Conference.
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| Mike, who usually has to sit on the stand, got lots of back scratches and attention. He only slept a tiny bit . :) |
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| Casie and I listened the ENTIRE time. |
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| Jack was pretty good and played with my phone most of the time. Not something I love during a meeting, but come on, it was a TWO HOUR meeting! |
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| Yep. This is the face Ellie kept giving me the WHOLE time. I will translate what it means: "Mom, why does Casie get to sit by you and not me?" "How much more minutes?" (she still says "much" even though we tell her it should be "many." ) "I want to go home." |
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| Annie can draw for hours. At this meeting she drew for two hours....straight. I hope she was still able to listen a little. But I know for sure she entertained the guy behind us because he was mesmerized the whole time as he watched her draw. :-) |
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| This was before the meeting started. Casie wanted to walk up front so she could be on the two huge screens in the back. I've never been so proud. |
Friday, September 27, 2013
My son needs to stop watching Cake Boss.
Jack's 5th birthday is coming up. It has been super entertaining talking about all his hopes and wishes for his big day. In our family we get to choose each meal on our birthday. Here is the menu for Jack's big day.
Breakfast: Chicken nuggets and bacon
Lunch: Ice cream
Dinner: Yummy Burritos with sauce. Beans and Tortillas
The Cake: Jack informed me he wanted a My Little Pony cake. I said I could make a cake and put pony's on it. "No" he said, "I want one shaped like a pony". I informed him that it was probably a little too hard for a woman of my skills to pull that one off.
His Response.....
"It's easy peasy! Just go make rice crispy treats and shape them into legs and a body. Then you put the head on and cover the whole thing in fondant. See...easy peasy!!!!.....(thinking)....actually we might need to call Cake Boss and he can bring it on a plane from New York."
My poor child may be a bit disappointed on his big day.
In other child news.....
After scripture study last night someone picked up a ball that had been left on the ground and we started tossing it back and forth amongst the family. Because I am a cheesy Mom and always searching for ways to spread my cheese, I said "Whoever is holding the ball has to say something they like about the person who threw it to them." After establishing my game, I threw it to Annie. She says in a serious, yet mocking tone, "I like that Mom doesn't go out gambling. Instead she stays home and ponders our needs."
I have funny kids.
Breakfast: Chicken nuggets and bacon
Lunch: Ice cream
Dinner: Yummy Burritos with sauce. Beans and Tortillas
The Cake: Jack informed me he wanted a My Little Pony cake. I said I could make a cake and put pony's on it. "No" he said, "I want one shaped like a pony". I informed him that it was probably a little too hard for a woman of my skills to pull that one off.
His Response.....
"It's easy peasy! Just go make rice crispy treats and shape them into legs and a body. Then you put the head on and cover the whole thing in fondant. See...easy peasy!!!!.....(thinking)....actually we might need to call Cake Boss and he can bring it on a plane from New York."
My poor child may be a bit disappointed on his big day.
In other child news.....
After scripture study last night someone picked up a ball that had been left on the ground and we started tossing it back and forth amongst the family. Because I am a cheesy Mom and always searching for ways to spread my cheese, I said "Whoever is holding the ball has to say something they like about the person who threw it to them." After establishing my game, I threw it to Annie. She says in a serious, yet mocking tone, "I like that Mom doesn't go out gambling. Instead she stays home and ponders our needs."
I have funny kids.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Falling off the potty train.
Jack will go down in history as the hardest Bearden child to potty train. Casie will take a close second, Ellie third and Annie wins the easiest by FAR!
I love that little boy of mine SO stinking much, but I was mean to Jack yesterday. I don't really want to record it, because it wasn't my finest parenting moment, and quite honestly I want him to forget it ever happened, but what he said was so cute I wanted to write it down. After peeing his pants for the third time I put him fully clothed in the shower to wash off. I didn't do freezing water, but it wasn't fun for him. He was crying and I was almost crying too...(it's been almost 3 YEARS of trying to potty train him people!). After turning off the water, I told him to stand in the shower while I went to get a towel. As I was coming back I heard Jack say, "She went too far this time....Mom went too far." My heart melted and I scooped up my little drowned rat and apologized for losing my temper. I hate when I react
negatively in situations when I know it's just making it worse. I honestly am at a loss though. I am not sure how to get him to use the potty! I have gone through positive rewards (like treats and toys) to negative consequences ( like losing his scooter, oh, and add fully clothed shower to the list). It's such a good thing that I am so head over hills in love with him. It's also good that he loves me too and is quick to forgive my short comings.
One cute thing he said about potty training once was, " Mom, it would be so much easier if I could earn prizes for peeing my pants."
I love that little boy of mine SO stinking much, but I was mean to Jack yesterday. I don't really want to record it, because it wasn't my finest parenting moment, and quite honestly I want him to forget it ever happened, but what he said was so cute I wanted to write it down. After peeing his pants for the third time I put him fully clothed in the shower to wash off. I didn't do freezing water, but it wasn't fun for him. He was crying and I was almost crying too...(it's been almost 3 YEARS of trying to potty train him people!). After turning off the water, I told him to stand in the shower while I went to get a towel. As I was coming back I heard Jack say, "She went too far this time....Mom went too far." My heart melted and I scooped up my little drowned rat and apologized for losing my temper. I hate when I react
negatively in situations when I know it's just making it worse. I honestly am at a loss though. I am not sure how to get him to use the potty! I have gone through positive rewards (like treats and toys) to negative consequences ( like losing his scooter, oh, and add fully clothed shower to the list). It's such a good thing that I am so head over hills in love with him. It's also good that he loves me too and is quick to forgive my short comings.
One cute thing he said about potty training once was, " Mom, it would be so much easier if I could earn prizes for peeing my pants."
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Honest Abe...(aka Jack)
It was raining, it was cold, we went swimming anyway in the outdoor pool. In order for kids to be able to get in the hot tub they have to be five. Jack will be five in 2 months. Here is the conversation I had with Jack before heading out to the pool.
ME: Jack, if they ask you how old you are then let's say your are five ok? (In my heart I knew I shouldn't had said that, but I also knew how cold he would be...and theserpent Mike beguiled me and said that Jack was essentially five...and...and...and...)
Jack: (looking up at me with shock and disbelief) But, that's not right.
Me: (sheepishly) You're right..ok we won't do that.
Jack: It's the rules Mom! And if you tell them I am 5 I will say, MY MOM IS A LIAR! I'M ONLY FOUR!!!
Me: (kicking myself..feeling small..and laughing a little) I am sorry...you are right...good job....
Jack: And if they believe you and give me a wrist band that is blue (indicating that he is 5 or older) I still won't get in the hot tub!!
ME: Jack, if they ask you how old you are then let's say your are five ok? (In my heart I knew I shouldn't had said that, but I also knew how cold he would be...and the
Jack: (looking up at me with shock and disbelief) But, that's not right.
Me: (sheepishly) You're right..ok we won't do that.
Jack: It's the rules Mom! And if you tell them I am 5 I will say, MY MOM IS A LIAR! I'M ONLY FOUR!!!
Me: (kicking myself..feeling small..and laughing a little) I am sorry...you are right...good job....
Jack: And if they believe you and give me a wrist band that is blue (indicating that he is 5 or older) I still won't get in the hot tub!!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Coloring with Uncle Matthew
Instead of trying to catch up on all the wonderful parts of life that have slipped by undocumented, I will just jump right back in and start blogging again from this point. Sound good? Good.
Matthew, Jessica, and Toa came and visited us last week. Matthew and Jess are extremely attentive and patient parents (like how I used to be until I grew grumpy and tired). They really do their best to meet all of two year old Toa's needs and are really sweet to him even when he is in "terrible two mode". On the last night they were here we felt like we wanted to soak up every minute we had left with them so I let the kids stay up late. While Jessica was putting Toa down, I walked in to find Matthew and Jack coloring together. Matthew would draw Jack a picture then Jack would color it in. First of all Jack has never, in all the four years I've known him, sat down and colored. But these two sat like this for an hour! The thing that touched me the most was that it was past 11pm. I know Matthew had to be exhausted. Being a dad is tiring on it's own, but be a patient and attentive dad is super tiring!! I am so glad he took the time to make Jack feel special.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Prayer of the Children
Jack's Prayer:
Heavenly Father. Thanks for this great day. Please bless Sister Hansen. Please bless that his stroke will go away. (we are fasting today for Brother Hansen, who Jack refers to as "Sister Hansen". He is in the hospital after having a stroke.) Please bless Dad will get better. Please bless I will get better. Please bless that Heavenly Father will do really good at living in heaven. Please bless that Mom will do really good when the new baby comes. (This is NOT an announcement, and I am hoping it's not a prophecy!! I don't know where he came up with that.) Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Jack has been hating anything to do with Church so it was wonderful to hear him pray again. He is such a sweet boy.
Heavenly Father. Thanks for this great day. Please bless Sister Hansen. Please bless that his stroke will go away. (we are fasting today for Brother Hansen, who Jack refers to as "Sister Hansen". He is in the hospital after having a stroke.) Please bless Dad will get better. Please bless I will get better. Please bless that Heavenly Father will do really good at living in heaven. Please bless that Mom will do really good when the new baby comes. (This is NOT an announcement, and I am hoping it's not a prophecy!! I don't know where he came up with that.) Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Jack has been hating anything to do with Church so it was wonderful to hear him pray again. He is such a sweet boy.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
So many Jackisms...so little time.
Jack: Sometimes when I hear a ghost type of noise, I get up and try to hit it in the eyes with a stick.
Jack: (sleeping in Casie's bed after talking about Christmas) Casie I want to go sleep in Mom's bed now.
Casie: Why?
Jack: Because I am scared.
Casie: Of What?
Jack: Of Santa watching me. (then looking at the heater vents) Like, what if Santa is watching us through those vents?!
Mom: What should we name our new cat? (aka a stray that we adopted)
Jack: Safety Marshal
Jack: (sleeping in Casie's bed after talking about Christmas) Casie I want to go sleep in Mom's bed now.
Casie: Why?
Jack: Because I am scared.
Casie: Of What?
Jack: Of Santa watching me. (then looking at the heater vents) Like, what if Santa is watching us through those vents?!
Mom: What should we name our new cat? (aka a stray that we adopted)
Jack: Safety Marshal
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Christmas Lights
Me: I think I will take these tree lights back. I don't love the light that the LED lights give off
Jack: What kind of light does the JackD lights give off?
It took me a second, then I started to laugh. Obviously he thought I meant EllieD. Smart little fella.
Jack: What kind of light does the JackD lights give off?
It took me a second, then I started to laugh. Obviously he thought I meant EllieD. Smart little fella.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Another Strange Dream
I dreamed Mike got called to be a member of the 12 apostles. We were at General Conference and President Monson called Mike up to the stand to be sustained. I noticed as Mike stood he was wearing a shear shirt with a tank top underneath. He also had painted his face white with Halloween make up. As President Monson was asking for the sustaining vote and everyone was raising their hands, Mike wanted everyone to see how funny he was so he shouted into the micro phone, " Your Mom sustains me!" I was mortified and very happy to wake up.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Jack's observations
Jack observed: Me picking a zit on Annie's face and her telling me it hurt.
Jack also observed: Me giving Annie some herbal tea for her hurting stomach.
Putting all these observations together Jack came up to me and said, " Mom, I have a really sharp boogie in my noes that hurts. I think you need to give me some coffee."
Jack also observed: Me giving Annie some herbal tea for her hurting stomach.
Putting all these observations together Jack came up to me and said, " Mom, I have a really sharp boogie in my noes that hurts. I think you need to give me some coffee."
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Already causing a stink.
We closed on our house in Daybreak yesterday. I need to write a whole post about how it came to be that we decided to move, but the more pressing and interesting matter at hand is what was waiting for us when we arrived. Enjoy our little adventure......
IN we ran, excited as first graders on the first day of school.
DOWN Mike ran to check out where he would set up his basement recording studio/office.
UP Mike ran to tell me there was a SKUNK in the window well.
OVER I crossed to my phone to call pest control.
OVER priced was their removal fee...($300)
INTO the window well flew some Pringles that Jack fed the "cute little baby"
AROUND a 2x4 I wrapped some twine
INTO the window well Mike placed our homemade "skunk ladder"
OUT sprayed skunk stink all over Mike and our new home (luckily it wasn't a direct hit to Mike. Mike was being very careful but the skunk was understandably nervous)
OUT almost came vomit from us.
IN the window well the skunk ladder stayed
OUT came the skunk sometime during the night.
IN we will move once the stink is gone.
IN we ran, excited as first graders on the first day of school.
DOWN Mike ran to check out where he would set up his basement recording studio/office.
UP Mike ran to tell me there was a SKUNK in the window well.
OVER I crossed to my phone to call pest control.
OVER priced was their removal fee...($300)
INTO the window well flew some Pringles that Jack fed the "cute little baby"
AROUND a 2x4 I wrapped some twine
INTO the window well Mike placed our homemade "skunk ladder"
OUT sprayed skunk stink all over Mike and our new home (luckily it wasn't a direct hit to Mike. Mike was being very careful but the skunk was understandably nervous)
OUT almost came vomit from us.
IN the window well the skunk ladder stayed
OUT came the skunk sometime during the night.
IN we will move once the stink is gone.
Monday, July 16, 2012
It's what fun is
What is my recipe for fun at an amusement park you ask? Well,... I must not be hot, I must not have to wait in long lines, I must have good things to eat, I must have happy children, I must be surrounded by family, and no one must puke on me. Our trip to Lagoon today didn't disappoint. As you can see from my first two photo's the dark clouds rolling insured that we were not too hot. Perhaps the forecast also kept the crowds away because the lines were great...(although I am comparing them to the lines we waited in a month ago in Disney World...hmmm...I should blog about that...anyway we waited for 80 MINUTES for one ride!!! Plus it was hot hot hot...PLUS Annie and Casie both puked. Were my requirements for fun fulfilled? No they were not!)
Here's the whole crew waiting out the storm.
I didn't get any pics of Annie and Ellie, but they had a blast today. Ellie is turning out to be quite the adventurer. She took on every scary roller coaster and craved the next big thing. Annie is taking after her mother a little more. It actually pleased me to see how unaffected she was by our peer pressure. If there was a ride she thought looked too scary she simply said, "I'm not going on it." There was nothing anyone could do to change her mind. It was a fact. She is leaps above where I was at her age. She did a few scary rides and enjoyed them. Jack was a joy. He loved all the little rides and was the only one who wasn't ready to leave when the time came. He fell into a deep sleep 3.2 seconds into our car ride home.
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