Spring Teaser

Today and yesterday we have been having spring teaser days. It was almost 70 degrees yesterday and so I pretty much banished the older two outside in the afternoon. After jumping on the trampoline for a few minutes Kohen abandoned his sister for dirt. He played what felt like forever shoveling the dirt from the garden into buckets and his dump truck, and he actually listened for once and kept his cast clean.

Then taking my cousins suggestion I filled a bin with rice, laid out a vinyl tablecloth and let Kennedy 'cook' to her hearts content. She is so meticulously clean that when she plays not a grain of rice is misplaced. I can tell the rice is going to be a favorite around here.

Nathan had gone running for an hour or so before dinner and so after the kids were down it was my turn to go indulge my addiction. I know it is an addiction because I can feel the anticipation building as I get closer to getting a fix. I round the last corner and there it is in all it's red and white ringed glory...my Target! Just seeing the sign gets my endorphins going. As usual I find a front spot because let's face it, the store is happy to see me too. I am convinced the store somehow saves front spots for it's favorite customers. I practically skip inside and head for the Customer Service counter to do my ritual return- I've always got one. Then I browse the $1 section and see if there is anything that I don't need. This is where I get out impulse buys, it's much safer here. Then the search is on for the little red tag. I don't know why I get such a high off finding stuff that is on sale at this store. But on the tag there is always the 'was' price and the 'now' price just in case I'm too delirious with my find to do the math on 50% off myself. Now that is customer service. I often put several things in my cart as I stroll around enjoying hearing the occasional crying child and though I always feel empathy for the mother, it is pure j-o-y that for once it isn't me and my little ones. Eventually I put 9 out of 10 things back and drive away in a relaxed and fulfilled mood.

When I get home Nathan plays along as I show him some stunning find with an impressive red tag and I always point out, "look honey! It was this and now it's this!!!" and though he is smiling and nodding proudly and playing his part, I know inside he is thinking, 'yes dear, 30% off an orange and puce Christmas Tree skirt ...this will be very useful for Easter'. He has long since learned he can ruin the night by sharing these thoughts out loud. And it wouldn't be worth the ruffle anyway cuz by now he knows that next time I head to Target the tree skirt will be returned anyway. You can judge my admittedly ridiculous behavior if you want but let's just say this: Some people drink. Some people do drugs. Some people jump off skyscrapers attached to a rubber band. I, do Target.

Boy Time: Keep Out...please

When the boys disappeared the other day I found them in Kohen's room playing 'animals'. Them playing is always fun to observe but this video makes me laugh cuz Kohen full on asks me to leave. Ouch. V.I.P boys time and I was not invited. :) At least he was polite... (ps- listen for the fighting sounds Kohen makes, never heard those in a movie before, lol)

The Face of Influenza

Aly on Tuesday

Aly on Wednesday morning

Nathan left out of town for a few days Wednesday morning and right on cue Aly get's sick. She had a fever and a cough and was really clingy, just wanting to be held constantly (I loved that last part). She and I shared a largely sleepless night Wed. night and by Thursday morning she was a mess. Her left eye was all pink and, her fever was higher, she wouldn't eat and she was so listless I was getting worried. After lunch I was giving her a cool bath and she started to cry. It went on the whole time I was getting her dried, lotioned and dressed and she was repeating over and over "oww, oww, oww" as she cried. That freaked me out. I got her 'blaintee' (blankie) and pacifier and rocked her in the rocking chair and in a matter of seconds she was asleep. Not normal.

After her nap we all headed to the doctor and I am expecting the dr. to say she has a double ear infection or RSV or something but the dr. checks her out and looks at me with this, 'I am so sorry' look and then says, "I hate to tell you this but I think she has the flu, as in influenza." Oh crap. My good friends family dealt with this earlier in the season and it had made enough of an impression on me to vow I would always make the effort to get all of us the vaccine cuz it was awful. The doctor also told me that Aly probably had a really bad headache and body aches and was generally miserable. She said to switch between Motrin and Tylenol and so I take all three kids to the store to get some Motrin (Side note: In the store Kennedy hit her elbow and came whimpering to me and told me she had just hit her "fuzzy bone"- so cute!). For some reason I always thought it was just a more expensive Tylenol and never got it. Realizing it is Ibuprofen (duh) I gave Aly some as soon as we got home and I could certainly tell when it kicked in. Motrin? I'm a believer!

This morning she seems markedly improved, actually walking around and playing a bit. She should be better just in time for Nathan to be home :)

Reason # 1,834,269

Reason #1,834,269 Why I Love My Husband: After a super busy day that included a lot of cooking without time to clean up after myself, we had finished eating dinner and I reluctantly turned toward the ground zero that was my kitchen. As I picked up the brush to dig in Nathan says, "What are you doing? Back-away-from-the-dishes." I turn around to see if he is serious (not wanting to dare hope I would get out of the mess I had made when he had done the dishes the previous 3 nights before) and he picks up a dirty spoon to legitimize his threat as he repeated, "Back-away-from-the-dishes!" I put up a weak protest but quickly gave in to his demand and when I started to thank him (I threw in a few *swack*s for good measure) his reply was, "It's no problem. It is your least favorite job...and it isn't mine." What does it say about me when I find gestures such as this totally romantic?

Robo-Kohen

No. I'm not joking. Kohen has done it again. I am shocked Child Protective Services haven't converged on our home, I mean this can't all be just typical boy stuff...can it???

Sunday morning Kohen stood up on the seat of his kitchen chair and somehow fell. I was standing with my back turned to him and I turn to find him splayed out face down on the floor. Thinking he must have whacked his head I hurry and pick him up. He cried for a minute and then stopped and pointed to his foot. Already swelling and bruising a bit I got some ice for him. But in typical Kohen fashion pretty soon he is up limping around but otherwise back to normal. The only other sign of pain was that he wouldn't put his left shoe on for church because it hurt. By Monday I had made an appointment with the Dr. who saw him when he broke his wrist about this time last year, but actually cancelled it because Kohen was running around the house like normal. If I pressed on the area he would pull his foot away but that was it. So, embarassed I called back and said, "Just kidding about that last cancel, we are still coming in." Kohen actually has a high pain tolerance - unless Kennedy has done something to him, then he has zero tolerance- and so it can be hard to tell how bad an injury is.

So we get to the appointment and Kohen turns into the chattiest boy ever. At times it was funny and other parts I wanted to crawl into a hole somewhere. Like when he told the Dr. that he had broken his arm, and he had a big scratch on his head, and his foot hurts when his mom "squishes it all day"- I was totally blushing at that point so I said, "Excuse me, Kohen?" (I totally had to interupt him) he said, 'yeah?' so I said, "how is that apple you got there?" he says 'good' as he looks down at the one bite out of it. Hoping to curb the tidal wave of less than flattering information I suggested, "why don't you go ahead and eat your apple."

Anyway, obviously, he has broken his foot. They gave him a walking cast and it is just like a miniature of what I had this summer- except it is cute because it is little. Who knew they made them that small? But it is so heavy- he has already bruised my shin while I was lifting him, and stepped on Aly's foot accidentally. He is like Robo-cop around here with this big clunky thing on his foot. At least now I can tell anywhere he walking in the house. I just listen for the 'Thunk! silence. Thunk! silence. Thunk! silence. Thunk!'

And as I was trying to get a picture of his boot he treated us to an example of the kind of behavior that keeps our insurance company in business:

The Answer

So I have realized that after making such a woop-de-doo about it whatever I say is probably going to be disappointing. Lot's of good guesses actually, lot's of creativity. But no one got it quite right though a few of you were close. So I have decided that anyone who left a comment will get their name entered in at Random.org and whichever name it picks, they will get the mullah. First though- Kennedy went and put the hood on to keep her hair out of her face while she leaned over brushing her teeth. It cracked me up because though it was clever and funny, it was also kind of like using a gallon of water to put out a match- a little bit of overkill. But then I shouldn't judge because I haven't tried it. Thanks for playing along!!!
And now, according to Random.org, Kristin is the winner!

Aly Ventura

So Nathan has a cousin named Peter who is quite possibly Aly's favorite person ever. The other day he commented that when Aly struts around with her tutu on over her clothes (so pretty much always) she has a bit of a resemblance to a certain pet detective named Ace Ventura. I was still laughing at the thought the next day when Alyssa insisted I put on her knee high boots and I realized that when combined with her crazy sleep hair and tutu that more than ever she looked ready to be committed. Blue 42! Blue 42!...... It's true she looks a bit silly in this picture but usually it's not quite this bad and honestly, it brings a smile to my face every time she comes running to me with a tutu in hand for me to put on her. *Sigh* whenever this phase ends it will be too soon.

Problem Solving

I'll give 5 bucks to anyone who can correctly guess why Kennedy went and put on her winter coat hood (as pictured above) when I asked her to go get ready for bed.

A More 'Restricted' Dance By Aly

I happened to have my camera with me in the car when a song came on that tickled AlyCat's fancy. I taped it and drove at the same time, aren't I amazing?! Okay, so Nathan drove but I'm still amazing. And no, we don't always listen to R&B with our little ones in the car, but sometimes we feel like getting down while we're going along!

Tagged!

Now that I have been tagged by both Halaulani and Jessie I figured I better get to it. If anyone is interested...a little bit more about me...if that is possible :)


A-Attached or Single: Happily attached
B-Best Friend: Nathan is my number one but I have been blessed with lot's of awesome girl friends in my life, both family and friends.
C-Cake or Pie: Not pie, that's for sure. Not a fan. But cake? Oh yes. The whole thing please.
D-Day of Choice: Thursday has great tv and kicks off the weekend early for me!
E-Essential Item: Hoodie
F-Favorite TV Show: The Office, Amazing Race, Survivor, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Lost...there are more but I better stop cuz this is getting embarassing!
G-Gummie Bears or Worms: Not a big fan of either but worms? maybe?
H-Hometown: Good ol' Boise Idaho...well, Meridian to be exact.
I-Indulgence: reading...shopping at Target...eating out with Nathan...time with girl friends
J-January or July: no contest- July.
K-Kids: Kennedy, Kohen, and Aly
L-Life is incomplete without: My family/the Gospel
M-Marriage Date: ~June 30, 2000~
N-Number of Siblings: Older Sis, Me, Younger Sis, and Baby Brother...who at 20 isn't really a baby
O-Oranges or Apples: I like the mini versions of both- LOVE mini apples
P-Phobias or Fears: That if I write them down they will come true.
Q-Quote: Too many to choose. I'm always a fan of- 'It is what it is'- works for everything :)
R-Reason to Smile: I have a 20 month old and I'm not just about to have another baby like usual, phew!
S- Season of choice: Autumn
T-Tag Six: Heather H., Heather W.,Tiffany, Corinne, Shelly, Shayna
U-Unknown fact about me: Unknown fact? I keep those that way for a reason! Umm, I have kept a journal for at least 15 years now.
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Not a salad shooter but not a huge fan of red meat.
W-Worst Habit: gum, and tying my hair in knots, I look like such a ditz doing both.
X-X-rays or Ultrasounds: X-rays are fascinating to me but Ultrasounds are less risky and usually you get to see a baby!
Y-Your Favorite Food: Spicy Salmon Bowl from Happy Fish (or the version we make that we copied)
Z: Zodiac: Pisces, glub glub. (that was my fish sound in case you are wondering)

Stinker!!!

Kohen has been driving Nathan and I a bit crazy lately. We switched the kids' rooms around and now no one is getting their normal amount of sleep. Hence the mischief and sour moods. Last night when I got Aly out of her high chair after dinner she was all wet because her diaper had leaked (trying to save money I tried an 'off brand' diaper and have been paying for it every day since. Note to self: Diapers are not a place to cut corners. I will not betray my 'Luvs' again!) so I headed upstairs with her to put her in the tub. So there I am washing Aly off when in walks Kohen. He starts peeling off his clothes to get in too. I asked him what he was doing cuz he had had a shower that morning. He calmly explained that he had peed his pants so that he too could have a bath. WHAT!? Unfortunately he was not teasing. My perfectly, accident free potty trained 3 1/2 year old peed his pants so he could play in the bath. Totally irritated I told him that if he really wanted a bath all he had to do was say so and the look of realization that crossed over his face was priceless, like "ohhhh...that would have been easier." So, Kohen got his bath and then a bit later everyone was in bed but of course not asleep. After a quick escalation of trouble Nathan shut Kohen's door. Then we hear sharp bangs on the door. So of course he gets in trouble for kicking the door. A bit later I go in there to talk with him and explain better that he got a consequence for kicking the door. He said emphatically, " I not kick the door." I replied, "Yes you did, I heard you." and he said, "But I didn't!" Suddenly understanding I asked, "Did you hit the door?" and kind of sheepishly he answered, "Yeah...wis my hands." Well potatoe, patatoe kiddo- we don't strike the door. Nathan and I did have to laugh though that Kohen was lobbying for a pardon on the technicality of being accused of breaking a rule with a different appendage then the one he used. We had to give him points for thinking outside the box...

Sisters??

So, seriously now. Do these girls look related at all to you people? When Aly was first born she looked so different than the first two and it has taken a long time but I think I am starting to see at least a resemblence. And I had to add the bottom pictures cuz please, Kennedy was Ms. Hair...and Aly? is not.

Happy Heart Day!

Freezing Rain...Seweeet!

Yesterday Nathan and I both woke up with colds. He decides to call in sick and as I'm getting breakfast going I realize there is ice all over everything outside and school has been cancelled and I am sure the roads were a disaster so it was just as well that Nathan stayed home. We had a wonderfully lazy day with Nathan and I taking turns resting. Ratatouille happened to come in the mail from Netflix so we even had a new movie to veg-out to with the kids. I never would have thought that a sick day with freezing rain outside could have been so enjoyable. What an unexpected surprise.
PS- love how none of my little people can tear their eyes away from the movie for even a millisecond to take a picture, lol.

Some Random Ramblings

Okay, so obviously I cut my hair. Disclaimer: (you know a woman's got to have one)

this picture was taken after a full day of wear so I guess I'm saying I think I could do better but anyway, I finally think I like it. At first I loved it but by the end of the first day I was getting paranoid and thinking that people were lying that they liked it - the only real explanation for that is that I didn't get a nap that day so I wasn't really thinking straight. But at church some friends weighed in and I felt like they meant it when they said they liked it. Why does it matter so much what other people think? Hmm....just a sec, I'm having an introspective moment....okay it's over. Conclusion: I don't know why I would care if other people like my haircut, I don't want to care...I just do.

New subject. My children are easier some days than others, likewise, some days I really stink as a kind, caring, patient mother. Take yesterday. It is an involved story but all three kids have been sleep deprived the last few nights and so we are having some really long and trying days. When they are tired you can't even reason with them and it is so irritating. Kennedy and Kohen each hurt each other kind of on purpose while "playing" throughout the day and after a bloody nose for Kohen (by Kenna) and many tears from Kenna (by Kohen) I had about had it by the time Nathan got home. So for FHE we had Kennedy and Kohen make giant sized Valentines for each other and then make one for Aly together. It was fun to do all together though I doubt if it will have any long term effects but who knows. I just miss the parenting class that Sister Tanner gives in Boise. When going to those classes I felt like I was actively growing as a parent and parenting with the right perspective. It was so nice to feel inspired weekly about the important job that parenting is. I so don't want to fail my children in this area....

Sorry, that was a bit of a downer subject. Here, this will cheer you up. Yesterday I went to check Aly for a poopy diaper and totally stuck my finger right in it. I just want to say that this is one of those things no one mentions before you have children. It's one of those 'special' treats you get to discover all on your own, yay! :) That came off kind of depressing too. I didn't mean it that way, I am just saying, you gotta check the diaper, but for heaven's sake, check it gingerly!

Now, I have no idea if people have time to read rambling diatribes like this, maybe I'm the only one who does but I am going to go have some chocolate now which is sure to brighten my outlook on most anything.

Super Glue Has Many Uses

Super Glue has many uses. Today I used it to glue my son's head back together. During nap time he kept getting up and at one point came in our room saying there was blood on his pillow. Thinking it was probably just another bloody nose I let Nathan take care of it. When he came back in he said something about Kohen hitting his head but that he was fine. Well, Kohen continued to dink around so when he finally fell asleep it was time to get up. Nathan and the girls left for church and I waited 20 min. or so for Kohen to wake up. When I went to spiff him up I discovered a blood clot in his hair. So I clean the area up and discover a full on hole in his head. True it was small- a bit smaller than a mini M&M- but it was like a perfectly punctured hole. I sit there thinking, I'm obviously not taking him to the ER but I can't just leave it open...so I lay Kohen in my lap, grab the Super Glue and seal up his head. I heard that collective gasp, relax, Super Glue is just like what they use in the hospital and taking a lesson from my dad I have sealed up several splits in fingers before. The stuff works great.
And in Nathan's defense it was difficult to see and because of the clot it looked more like a scratch and not really a big deal. Poor Kohen. His dad sent him back to bed with a hole in his head and his mom went all back woods on him and 'fixed' it herself with Super Glue.

Ms.Moxie

Woo boy, our little Aly has some spunk. If she were my first child I would be worried but since she's not I don't take any of her huffing and puffing too seriously. My brother sent us some non-caffinated Chai Tea at Christmas and we made it up the other day- Aly is obsessed. It may have something to do with the fact that we hardly ever have juice around and so anything sweet is a treat but she will guzzle down a whole cup full and then stand at the fridge and grunt and jump and dance all around trying to get us to give her more. This video was taken after I told her no more and little Ms. Moxie came out. Then please enjoy the fastest mood swing ever...and yes. she probably learned that from me.

Party Like A RockStar

So this has nothing to do with the pictures but today I went to court to get this ticket waived for an expired inspection sticker G-A-Y. And I mean the stupid kind. So this is thankfully my first court experience. It is totally silent in there besides whoever else is up speaking to the judge and I was totally intimidated which was good cuz it was the only thing keeping me awake in such a quiet room. Suddenly the judge is calling out "Brin Jensen? Brin Jensen?" and I am thinking, do they mean me? Oh geez, he is just reading it wrong. So I kind of timidly call out, "Erin Jensen?" and the judge is like, "Oh yeah, Erin Marie Jensen, I am so sorry about that." Well, as far as I can tell it all came out in the wash because a few seconds later I called him "M'am" (I don't know, I was nervous!). I figure we are even...except for the $56 in court fees I had to pay. What a serious rip off. Waive the ticket fee but pay court costs. Some days I feel like all I do is bleed money. I really dislike those days.

Root Canal or Cruise?

OR

Root Canal or Cruise? Such are the choices in life. To have a root canal and crown put on or to go on a 7 day cruise with flights come out to roughly the same price. I realized this the other day after having to pass up the opportunity to go on a cruise with friends. I suppose a cruise would lose some of it's allure anyway when you can't enjoy the food because it hurts to chew. But kind of a depressing, polar opposite way to spend a considerable chunk of money. And it seems so ridiculous to spend thousands on a stupid little tooth. Might as well pull it I say. Well. Actually, I don't say that. Please don't pull my teeth...I need them. Did you know that back in the day women lost an average of 2 teeth with every pregnancy? So basically I'd be quite the looker by now missing 6 or so teeth. Maybe it is worth it to shell out the big bucks to keep our pearly whites in tact. Here's a stellar marketing idea: pay for a 7 day cruise get a root canal free!... Anybody?......No?

The Last of the Trip

On Thursday we woke up to another beautiful day and we got on a ferry taking us over to St. John. Some Visitors Center lady had given us free* day passes to the Westin Resort. Usually you would have to listen to their 90min pitch but since our children were with us she deduced that would be ineffective so instead just Nathan had to go listen to a "10-15min" informational which ended up being over an hour but hey- I'm not complaining...much. We headed straight for the pool while Nathan left and they have really nice cushioned loungers in the shade and a nice pool with a kiddie pool in it so we spent a while there. We also got a really nice free lunch so Nathan and Kohen went to get that for us girls. Kohen kept asking Nathan if he could have a "mad dog cup" and Nathan was racking his brain to figure out what he meant and finally realized he was referring to Mug Rootbeer because it has a bull dog on the front. I swear all I am getting Kohen for his next birthday is a 2 liter of soda!

Later Nathan took us all out to the floating trampolines that they have which was unique and fun. We ended up spending the entire day at the Westin and by the time we got home we were all so exhausted, but the good kind where you are pooped from having fun.

Friday morning it was raining when we woke up so we waited until after naps and then headed back to St. John and into the National Park area to Cinnamon Bay which was the most beautiful beach and water we had seen. It was so crystal clear you could swim out to the reef and it was like sticking your head in an aquarium. We played in the sand and swam a lot trying to make the most of our time. The next morning we spent at our own beach back at our condo before we had to pack up and head home. The trip was amazing and a great chance to reconnect as a family, though I will say I look forward to some day going back there with just Nathan and I!