June 5-12 First week of Summer!

We finally have warm weather.  Austin, Benson, Jenna, Jackson and I missed our 'big boys' and dad all week.  They went to Wyoming to reenact a handcart trek.  They all had a great experience remembering the faith and strength of our ancestors.  Rustin's great... grandmother was with the Martin handcart company.  My Great...Grandfather was one of the rescuers.

Rustin and I had our 16th anniversary.  Time flies!

While Rustin was gone I had a nerve pinched somewhere in my right arm that made my hand swell up and it felt like it was on fire.  Nothing helped--not pain medication, cold or heat. My mom and sister were gone so I had two miserable days by myself.  Thankfully my dad was home and he and all four missionaries from the basement gave me a blessing.  It was a great experience.  I had an  MRI on Friday and it looks like my neck is fine so for now I am hoping that a course of steroids will fix the problem.  My 1st finger is numb/rubbery and my arm is a little sore but nothing terrible.

Everyone is healthy and happy.  We are adjusting to the summer schedule pretty well--I haven't locked anyone in their room yet!  Next week looks like it will be great.

I'm dreaming of

Flowers.

Even though I swore them off.

Flowers make me feel like all is right with the world.

This picture makes me want to move to France so I can browse the little outdoor markets.

Peonies can transport me like that.

Sometimes I fantasize about living in Buckingham palace.  As in--I bet Princess Kate doesn't find crackers under the couch when vacuuming.  I bet Princess Kate doesn't vacuum at all.  I bet no one actually eats crackers in Buckingham palace.  They eat baguettes.  With tiny little shrimp.

There is something about the royal family that fascinates and bugs me at the same time.  I just read a great book called "the Help" about black maids in the south in the 60's and I realized what bugs me about royalty.  It's really one of  the same things that bug me about slavery--that is the idea that a person is born into their place in life with no ability to choose or make it different.  I have always known that I could be anything I want to be.

So today I am glad to choose to live right here in Idaho with my little bunch.  Crackers and all.

accomplishments

My list for the day:

1.  Finish all the laundry

one load

Put the laundry in the basket.

2.  Make banana bread.

Eat the cake from Grandma.

3.  Update Quicken accounts.

4.  Don't forget to go to Austin's boat race at Dierke's lake at 10:30.

5.  Don't forget to go to Benson's Kindergarten graduation at 10:30.

quote from Benson this morning--"Mom, do you even know I'm here?"

6.  Swipe Ketsup and Mustard from your mother's pantry because you 

don't have time to go to the store and get some to take to Austin's class picnic.  See #4 and #5.

7.  Take Benson to Baseball practice.  

When you get there, realize that the practice is tomorrow.

8.  When you get back from taking Benson to practice, 

realize that Dallin is now late for his brain neuro-feedback appointment--
which you forgot last week costing $75.

9.  Be thankful that Grandma took pity on her distant offspring and fed them all dinner.

10.  Blame everything on the fact that you had mastitis yesterday and barely survived

 the 16 hours it took for antibiotics to kick in.

Tomorrow is the last day of school.  Hallelujah!

Pitter Patter

Here's what's making my heart go Pitter Patter--I finally discovered how to download the Pioneer Woman PhotoShop Essentials Actions for my very own program.  


This came with the usual amounts of frustration--learning new computer tricks makes me feel like throwing things.  I only had a few moments of temper tantrum this time.

But here are the first few results.  I have a feeling this is the start of a beautiful relationship... 

Original

Boost plus fresh and lively

Soft and faded plus edge burn

Edge burn plus boost

Boost plus fresh and lively is a little harsh.  I know there is a way to soften some of the effects but that will have to wait for tomorrow.  I have six kids claiming near starvation to attend to.

Some gifts you just don't complain about...

Jenna and Benson greeted me on Mother's Day with their present--they got themselves completely dressed for 9 am church.  Notice the awesome buttoning job on Benson's shirt.
I couldn't bring myself to fix it.  He was so proud of himself.

And Jenna got herself ready and got the Sunday bag all ready to go without any help from me. These kind of gifts are irreplaceable--along with the pots of flowers and bookmarks and necklaces from school...

My mom and Becki and I got pedicures in honor of the Big Day.  My feet took twice as long as theirs because I wear open back shoes rain, snow or shine.  It makes for really soft heels.  The blue toenails look suspiciously like frostbite--perfect for summer!

Someone forgot to give this little monkey the "moms get to take a good, long, three-hour nap on Mother's Day" memo.  I snuggled with him anyway.

And the most awesome gift was from--ME--I bought myself beautiful baskets from D&B.  I have to say I love to buy my own presents--I get it perfect every time!

Baby overload.

We have had a newborn for one full month now.  One of these days I am going to write and think about something other than baby.  I don't think it will be any time soon though.  Sorry. I am just getting to the stage where I am {sometimes} glad to have the boys hold Jackson in the other room when they get home from school. I'm tired.  Really tired.  But really happy.

Jackson snuggles.  When he lays on the bed by me he curves himself up on his side and somehow scootches over.  He does it with Rustin too.

I have to say that even though I am exhausted (did I mention I'm tired?) I am really enjoying this little boy.

Is there anything cuter than a yawning baby?

The only thing that comes close is a thumb sucking baby.

My dentist father informed me today that the orthodontic people officially say that pacifiers are better on baby teeth than thumbs.  But I say a self-soothing baby beats all official positions.  That's what braces are for right? He does like a binky.  I guess we'll see how it goes.  I've never had a thumb sucker (but not for lack of trying...).

And last--we think little Jack is going to be blue eyed like his sister and Grandpa Hatch.  She is really more green now (so is Grandpa Hatch actually).  His eyes get lighter every day.  We brown-eyed people think it's awesome to see what the gene pool spits out.  Very fun.

Tomorrow-- pictures from the blessing day last Sunday.  If I get to it...

Just for Cinco de Mayo!

How to make the perfect burrito...

First--grab one of these most awesome 'tortillas'--a big square 100% cotton muslin blanket.  It is pretty and light weight so you won't end up with a sweaty baby.  Fold down the top corner.  Fold it more if you have small babe less for a big one.

Second--Place your chosen filling in the center of the wrapping (you want the ears to be about level with the top of the blanket)and fold the corner over the shoulder, across the tummy and tuck snugly under the back (make sure it is smooth so the little one doesn't have to lay on bumps or lumps).

Third--Fold up the bottom.

Fourth--Pull the top right corner down over the shoulder (snug the little arm in close) .

Fifth--Here's where this awesome blanket comes in handy--use the left-over fabric on the right side and pull it UP and around the tummy and under the back keeping everything in place. 

Sixth--snuggle snuggle snuggle.

 and Enjoy!

**Ashlee thanks for introducing me to this blanket.  I love it so much I had to go get another one!