The latest of Isaac

We love you Isaac!

Halloween

Isaac was an itsy bitsy spider.

James was Superman. And Jonny was so sick on Halloween night that he wouldn't let me take his picture. We ended up pushing him around in a stroller and he made it up to maybe 3 doors before he asked to go back home. But he was Thomas the Train.

James' Birthday

He is so happy!

'Go, Diego, Go' is one of his favorite shows and so he had a Diego themed party, got a Diego t-shirt and now a Diego bike, too.

James' shared a 2nd party with his 2nd cousin Savannah who was in town from TX for the weekend. They both turned 3 within a few days of each other. We were up at the Palmer cabin on this day.

Sistahs

I just have to say there is nothing like having sisters. There is just a special bond that you can't put into words. When I was younger I used to always borrow my older sister Melinda's clothes. It used to bug her so bad when I would raid her closet, but she just had way cooler clothes than me. I used to never get along with my little sister Libby, we were just opposites growing up -- she being 'perfect' and me so not. :) And Jessica, who by default of being the baby got picked on quite a bit by everyone older and 'wiser' -- we used to fight like cats and dogs, or maybe just cats. :) But somehow I think it all worked out in the end, somehow we made it through those younger years and now can look back and laugh and have no hard feelings. I feel that we are lucky for that, that we get along so well now, because not everyone makes it through those tough years and comes out still loving each other. I remember the last fight my older sister, Melinda and I had. I remember because we were almost too old to fight, and it had been a while since we were in the hurting each other phase. She was 19 and I was 15, she came back from college to El Paso and she did something that made me mad (which I can't remember now), and so my reaction was to kick her as hard as I could in the shin. She yelled in pain and grabbed her leg for a couple of seconds, and then she gave me this look. Every kid who has an older sibling knows this look, the one where you know your only way to survive is flight or fight. Did I mention she was way into weight lifting back then? In fact, she was way proud of those guns and they were HUGE. So anyway, I remember seeing the look on her face and I booked down the hall and ran into my room (I was in track) and shut and locked the door. I can't remember if she had chased after me, but I remember that I stayed in my room for about 2 hours, fearful that when I came out she would pummel me. Well, eventually I did come out and she was over it. I never heard a word about it again. It wasn't until very recently that I asked her why she didn't kill me for that, because that is just what older siblings do, they almost always get the last word. She told me that because we had been getting along so well for a while, that she thought about it and decided that it wasn't worth ruining our relationship that had been developing for such a short while. And so she bit it and let it pass (thankfully). I will always be grateful for her wisdom in seeing the bigger picture at the time. She opened up a new world of how sisters can get along without all the drama. It was sort of a milestone that day because her maturity helped me to grow up a little bit too -- (not that any of the girls in my family are mature by any means.) Thank goodness we got better at getting along because then we inherited an awesome sister-in-law and of course now I have even more sisters that I inherited through Dave's family -- all of them super cool. These new sisters don't know that I used to bite and scream and kick others in the shin, but I guess they know now. Anyway, I just love having sisters. There is nothing like them.

More Andy Singing....

This is a pretty good collection and sums up Andy in a nutshell.

Andy sings Erasure

How can you not love Andy's singing? I love that he breaks into song on the show. So awesome! He might be moving into my favorite character on the show. Last night he tried to court Angela, who unbeknownst to him is in the middle of a break up with Dwight. She is oblivious to his attempts, but he may have made a breakthrough last night. And P.S., if you don't like Andy then "You like So need Awesome Lessons".

Homework, Homework, and more HOMEWORK!!!

So being a student again is so hard right now with three kids. Did I say being a student again? I meant being the parent of a student. Okay, I know we are talking kindergarten, but the homework they require is sometimes overwhelming for me. I know it's only a few worksheets here and there, but now they've added reading -- 2 books every day -- one Jonny reads to me and one I read to him. It's also a little hard to do the worksheet stuff when your child has a natural aversion to doing anything with a pencil. There is not a whole lot of interest in writing with him -- (I think that is kind of a boy thing), but the good news is that I had a mini teacher conference today with his teacher and he is doing really great at school socially and academically. The funny thing that happened yesterday was he brought his school packet home which shows all the work they've been doing at school. And I pulled out his writing stuff and his letters looked Amazing! They were clear, dark letters with great form and I was like Wow -- he has improved a lot! So I said, "Jonny, Wow, did you do all these letters?" He said "Yeah. Well, actually no, Kaitlyn did them for me. I don't really like doing letters so she helps me out and did those for me." Hahahahah! I don't think he even gets the concept of cheating at this age. I think in his mind, he's like "hey, this stuff is hard and boring and if this girl is willing to do this for me, then that suits me just fine." We'll definitely have to nip this and hopefully it won't become a problem, but I thought that was kind of funny that he figured out a better way in his mind. Jonny does like school though and seems to enjoy having a routine and structure. It is actually suiting him very well. He's starting to tell James certain rules about things because that's what his teacher says you're supposed to do. And James has just started our Mom's Preschool where I get to take part one every four weeks. He LOVES it and loves his little friends (2 boys and a girl) who do it with him. No homework for him though :) and he loves being the 'oldest at home' while Jonny is off to school.

First Day of School

Jonny's 1st day of orientation. Dave and I went with Jonny to meet his teacher and classmates and as you can see he was so So Excited!

His teacher made a great 1st impression when she gave each child a baggie with mini smores in them (baby marshmallows, teddy grahams and chocolate chips).

The very next day was Jonny's real first day of school where he went all by himself.

Of course, James, too was in on all the excitement!

Captain James and Jonny

How can you say no to those eyes and that face?

I can't help but smile every time I see these pictures. They were taken about a year ago, so James was 2 and Jonny 4. They loved and still do love dressing as pirates and such and climbing into those boxes and pretending that the boxes are their boats. They can play forever that way. Gotta love these days!

Sweatin' to the Oldies

So this week I got a coupon in the mail to recieve a free consultation for a program where you get one-on-one fitness training. I have been wanting to have an exercise program for years, actually, but I know I'm the type of person who needs someone to push me or check up on me, or help me to set the right goals. Not to mention that having a post-prego body that seems to get worse with each child made me want to give it try and just see what they had to offer. So with the hopes that the kids would be down by 8:00, I made my appointment with Scott for 8:15. Come 8:00 that evening, I very hesitantly walked out the door as I saw a screaming infant and 2 hyper/excited boys who were supposed to be going to bed and a husband who, as I was trying to blow the appointment off, was saying that "when we make commitments, we keep commitments". So with that I ditched everyone and went out for a peaceful drive to the facility. Well, let me tell you I heard all the buzz words that could've hit home with me except for the fact that it took the guy a whole entire hour to tell me what they had to offer in what he could have easily told me in 15 minutes. You know the buzz words -- things like these machines have 'cutting edge' technology, and we don't work muscles in isolation, it's all about 'functional training', and 'celebrities' are now using these same machines (He mentioned the movie 300 too many times which I have only heard of whose main actors I guess got really ripped using these same machines.) Of course at the tail end he slipped in the cost which was only around $70 per 45 minute session. I did almost fall asleep while he was talking until he got to that price. Anyways, if you guys know our family then you know that the price pretty much made our decision rather simple. So back to square one on figuring out how to get in shape. In the meantime, enjoy the picture of Dave (with hair -- sort of) and Richard (no -- not Dave's older brother). Dave did tell me when we were dating that he was a huge fan of the fabulous video work-out diva from the eighties. Apparently the picture doesn't do him justice because you can't see the awesome spandex shorts on the bottom.

Family Day at the Delta

This summer we spent many days at the Delta up at Bethel Island where Dave's parents own a cabin. The competition between Dave and his brothers is how young you can get your own kid in the boat, behind the boat on a ski, or swimming in the gross Delta water. (Gross to me, but not necessarily to Dave or his family.) Isaac came out on on the boat at 2 weeks and was very happy. We had a great time and enjoyed our day at the 'beach'.

Isaac's first boat ride. We were stopped here. You should have seen him in his life jacket. It completely consumed him.

Jonny being a goof!

James and Dave enjoying the ride in Big Bertha.

I am a critical person by nature I think. It's something I've been my whole life. But I find that the problem I have with being critical about certain things and other people is that I was also raised by my Mom, who has always had this amazing positive outlook on life, which I think has probably gotten her through most, if not all, trials in her life. So she raised me to have a positive outlook on life, which is so great, but it contradicts my nature to be critical at times. It's often an internal subconscious struggle for me --should I look at this with a postive or negative outlook?

I also married someone who is critical by nature. In fact, I'll be telling him a story that someone may have told me and I may not have all the details right, and so he questions me on the story and can find holes in the story so easily. It is frustrating at times, especially when he reminds me that it is his job to be critical, that's what makes him good at what he does. This is true, but sometimes so annoying. :) I think our both being critical can rub off on each other at times and the two of us can point out faults about certain processes or how we would do things differently if we were to be in charge of something, etc., etc.

Recently, someone reminded me how important it is to not be so critical. Although we are related by marriage, I don't know this person too well. I had run into her at an event and I was pointing out some people who were possibly not doing what they were supposed to be doing. She turned to me and stated "I like to assume the positive. I always try to assume the positive unless I know otherwise." I'll admit it took me aback for a second, but I was so greatful for those words because it reminded me of how I should be thinking and talking. I really do think we get so much further in life if we are more positive thinking than negative thinking.

The other day I was out and about without any kids, including the baby. I was to run a quick errand and then get back to the Grandma's house, because she was the one left with the nursing baby (who fortunately does take a bottle). I sidetracked to run into a clothing store and get a couple of things, but I was rushing, that was until I got in line to check out. The lady in front of me had everything wrong going on. She was wearing the clothes she was buying and trying to find the tags so the check-out lady could scan them. She was trying to read the computer to double-check the prices as they came up, which was annoying the check-out lady. She wanted to use her Kohl's card, which she didn't have with her. Then she had to call and then wait for her husband who was out in the parking lot somewhere, to come help her pay for all of this. I was annoyed at first, as I think most people would be. Everything was taking forever! But I was looking at the lady and sort of realized that she was probably just having a bad moment. She probably wasn't always this annoying in the way she was checking out. I did overhear her say she had driven in from Tennessee for a wedding. So with this thought process, I tried to not let it get to me. I tried to smile and feel patient. I tried to think that this was more of an annoying moment rather than an annoying person. I thought of my best friend Alisa who ALWA YS laughs at these kinds of situtations rather than gets frustrated. I love that girl. (Really, laughter is so much better than frustration.) So the woman finally finished and appologized to me because she knew she was taking forever, and then left with her husband only to get back in the long line behind me because she didn't get her 15% off that she thought she was supposed to get. So it is finally my turn. The check-out woman was pretty livid. In fact she was so angry with this other person that she started thanking me profusely for my patience. She was so impressed with my patience she said that she was going to give me 10% off. And then after the other woman got back in line to say she didn't get her 15% off, the check-out lady sent her to customer service and ended up giving me 15% off my total purchase. I left feeling pretty happy and pleased with myself. Little did she know that patience doesn't necessarily come easily to me. But I think trying to look at the situation more openly and less critically helped. Anyway, it made for a good day and a good purchase. But I hope too that I can become a person who sees the good in things more than the bad, who has more patience each day, and who can balance out my critical nature with my positive upbringing.

Isaac's Baby Blessing -- Aug. 5

Fun Weekend

We had such a good time when Mark and Jessica came up to see us from southern California. It was just 3 weeks after Isaac was born and they were completely okay with having a low-key weekend. We had a great time at the Palmer cabin where we went wakeboarding and tubing. And the rest of the time, we hung out, watched movies, and prepared for the blessing of Isaac. We had such a great time with them and they were such great guests.

Isaac Rees Palmer

Jonny and James at the hospital, taking their first look at new brother Isaac.

Isaac was born at 9:32 AM Thursday July 12. He was 7 pds. 5 ounces, 21 inches long. He actually has brown hair (we know he didn't get it from Dave!). Jonathan (5) and James (almost 3) love the baby. Crissie is feeling better. Dad is a mess.



In on Thursday, out by Saturday afternoon. There is one happy mom and baby!

Crissie had about 1 full day with her parents before they had to get back to Utah. They enjoyed their time with all the boys and felt lucky to see their newest grandson before they left on their mission to Australia.

Jonathan's Birthday May 17

Jonny had a great 5th Birthday. He had lots of family over for a jet airplane party.

He can hardly contain his excitement.

Dave did an awesome job on the cake. Jonny loved it and James was in on all the action as well. In fact, this picture was taken shortly before James stuck his face right into the cake for his first bite.

Disneyland

This May we took the boys to Disneyland. We had a great time. Jonathan and James were more adventurous than we thought. Jonathan went on any ride, including the big roller coasters. We went on a slow day, so we would often go several times.

The favorite ride was Buzz Lightyears' ride. The boys loved shooting the bad guys with the laser guns and were happy to talk mom and dad into buying some to take home.


Ahhhh! This is the life! The hotel swimming pool was just as enjoyable as the park.

Right before we went home we stopped at the beach. The boys couldn't have had a better time playing in the water and sand.

Camping

Dave took the boys camping for the first time for the ward campout. Dave is not much of a camper, the dirt and sleeping on the ground just don't work for him. But they had a great time. The boys loved running around out on Mt. Diablo, the fire, chocolate (instead of smores), and sleeping in a tent.

James served as the alarm clock. He woke up screaming at 5:30 AM. He screamed for 2-3 anxious minutes and then proceeded to sleep in until 8:30 AM. Needless to say, I was not the most popular at breakfast.

It's about time!

I have been wanting to get back into journaling and documenting our lives. Thanks to a push from my little sister, J, I am attempting this blog and truly hope to stick with it and show off pictures (and I promise I'll start taking more pix) of our little family.

A little about us. After a few years of dating, D and I were finally married in 2000 and enjoyed our time together as a young couple with no kids or responsibility. That was the life! We were excited to bring children into our lives and about a year and a half later our little BGood was born and took us by surprise when he was a couple of months early. I think he just wanted to come when he wanted to come. He really does like to do things his own way and is a very determined little soul. One new person in our lives was an adjustment, but two was also a big adjustment. Famous was an easier baby but very much on the go just about as soon as he could sit up. He hasn't stopped since and also is one who shows off his spunky personality. He is a fun one to watch and brings a smile and a chuckle to many who observe. I will have more to say about our 3rd boy when he arrives, but I love him already and can't wait. Although I'm sure I will be feeling in over my head come July. Still though, three boys, ya gotta love it.

I rediscovered something this week. I can enforce nap time back into my children's lives after a year-long hiatus. Of course, we call it 'quiet time', but Famous does fall asleep and BGood right now just watches the clock. And today informed me that he was thinking of something that starts with letter Y during quiet time. 'Y Y Yell' he said. I smiled. Quiet time is a new gift to myself, thanks to encouragement from my sister, L, whose 3 daughters have their daily quiet time.

Welcome to our blog. Crissie and I are not the best at keeping in touch. We hope we can keep you up to date with the family happenings through this blog.