My very own "Dennis the Menace"

There are moments that all moms live for... snack time, nap time, Dora the Explorer time, bed time.  During one of the above times (snack, to be exact), I was lounging on my couch, catching up on my emails.  Sadie was in her high chair, happily munching on her honey roasted peanuts.  I heard Luke saying to Sadie, "Here is some more.." Then the sound of all of the peanuts being poured out of the can..  He is so SWEET to help his sister.  Then he decided he wanted to share the peanuts with her, and as there were no more in the can, he needed to eat with her off of her high chair tray.  Part of my brain was aware that all of this was happening, however, the part that was aware decided nothing was amiss.  I heard the stool being slid over to the high chair and then an awful sound as the stool came crashing down on Luke's sweet face.  It was instantly bruised and swollen.  I feel horrible!!  It is on the same side as his stitches side. So sad.  But, I guess his first shiner had to come sometime.  

TROUBLE ON TODD'S BIRTHDAY

Alas, it is my  husband's birthday today.  Such a sweet man, love him to death.  But this post is not about him.  No, it is about the other love of my life.  Something that I can't live without, something that stirs my soul, raises me up, truly is the wind beneath my wings.  Anywho, I rushed out last night to get my husband a few little trinkets for his birthday.  Yes, last night.  I am lame.  So I went into Ross just for a few moments to see if they had anything worth spending my husbands money on.  Hmmm... mistake #1.  I was chanting to myself "Don't look at the purses..Don't look at the purses..Nothing for you to see here.."  Well, I snuck a glance and what appeared was like a ray of sunshine to my weary mind.  And when I say a ray of sunshine, I mean a ray of sunshine.  Or a slice of lemon cheesecake.  Or a YELLOW CAUTION LIGHT ("slow down, Stacy, slow down!".  It was too late.  Our eyes might and I would never be the same.  

I have a problem.  Someone help me.  No, don't.  I really like this purse and I think it might be the one thing that I am allowed to take with me when I pass.... (especially if I go to hell..)

Aren't my loves so cute.  (I made Todd cover his nipple so not to offend)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

You know, I always wanted to be a mom. I never aspired to be famous (good thing, I've got no talent) or super-educated or admired by society. I just couldn't wait to be a mom. I think that is probably because I had such a great mom who never let me know how stressful the mom job is. I can't imagine how she did all she did, especially without swearing. I can honestly say I only heard her swear one time my whole life. She was trying to hang curtains and they kept falling down so she said the D word... (I know, potty-mouths are so unattractive). Everynight she tucked us into bed, in fact, she still does when I go home. I have always been so amazed at my mom's natural "mom talent". She lost her own mom when she was only 14. My mom feels like she had extra help from heaven (her mom) helping her in raising us (you know she needed it). I am so glad that I picked my mom and I am so glad that my little ones picked me. It is such a hard job, but so rewarding. Just one hug or one kiss or smile, makes up for all the messes, sassiness, poop, puke, laundry, lost sleep, etc.. I truly love the way my soul feels when I am cuddling one of my children or holding them on my hip. It makes me feel complete. I know that is not what the world would have me feel, but good thing I don't give a D word about what the world thinks. (That was in honor of my potty-mouth mom). Love you mom and love all of you girls out there who are wonderful mothers and who support me in my efforts to mother.

All in a day's work...

So I have decided that I am a bad mom.. Either that or I was overcome with Satan and spawned his offspring.  Yes, my little children are from H E L L!  Wow, I think I am a bad mom... Before you cast the first stone just read below at the list of things my sweet little angels did (ALL IN THE COURSE OF JUST A FEW DAYS, mind you)

1.  Emptied out the shampoo and soap bottles into the tub.  I did say emptied and they were nearly full.

2.  Luke decided to pick a 5 inch by 3 inch of paint of our hallway wall.  Don't know why (maybe his dad Satan told him to)..

3.  In keeping with #1, Sadie took the cap off of the bubble bath and was so proud and walked it thru the house, over CARPET, pouring as she went.  I am so glad I invested in a steam-cleaner.  Lots and Lots of bubbles are FUN!

4.  Luke was sent to his room to pick out an outfit and he un-hung all of his clothes.  Super fun.

5.  Sadie decided she wanted to go potty on the big girl potty, but MS INDEPENDANT that she is, decided she did not need any help and got "nasties" all over the bathroom and herself.  

6.  Luke helped himself to 3 pieces of gum at 6:00 a.m.  At least he didn't have morning breath when he woke me up.."Mommy, wake up, I'm starving!"

7.  Sadie wrote with pen on the computer screen.  She can not be stopped.  I am serious.

8.  Luke de-stuffed his elephant from Build a Bear trying to find the heart.  Alas, he did. 

I urge any of you to spend 6 hours with my toddlers and not ponder how I am still (somewhat) sane.  

However, I also received probably 20 kisses and a few dozen giggles and several belly laughs from the cutest little faces in the whole world.  Got to swing with them and watch them slide recklessly down the slides (headfirst of course.. that is how we roll).  Took a walk and watched a bunch of ants (Luke wanted to kill them all.. I restrained him).  There may be times when my babies seem like little changelings, but I would not trade them for other children (even those children who sit quietly in church with only a hymn book to entertain them in sacrament meeting.. wierd I think).  They are sweet little monkeys who are learning how to sit quietly for a prayer (as long as it's short) and who are about 75% proficient in their please and thank you's.  Sadie even says, "Tank you mommy weltom" (thank you mommy welcome).  They love to cuddle and have me sing, read and tickle their backs.  They both are obsessed with bandaids and deny that there has to be blood present to enjoy a good dora bandage.  I am exhausted always, but also always so grateful and filled with love for my offspring.  I must have agreed to this in heaven (what was a thinking?? kidding)  I love being a mom of spirited, curious, non-boring children.  (Translation-I am very accepting of the fact that my children are out of control)

"WICKED" NIGHT OUT

Maddie and I waited a LONG time to see this show.  We originally tried to see it in New York 5 years ago and unfortunately couldn't get tickets.  So when Brooke called me up a few months ago to tell me it was coming and did we want to go, I was soooo excited!  We started our fabulous evening at Olive Garden, which I must say is a new favorite of mine because of one thing and one thing only... (hmmm... note to self, maybe there is a problem when all of your favorite things have to do with eating...)  

                           

The name is Zeppoli and yes, it is a fried little sweet donut sprinkled with powdered sugar, served with a chocolate dipping sauce.  Served warm.  Let me just say, nothing says good times like a little piece of fried heaven.  Each of us got 2 of the pieces which I believe calculates as 1000 calories each... I actually looked it up online and found the nutritional information... to embarrassed to post it for real.  So our night started off on just the perfect note with our wonderfully health conscious meal.  After our delightful meal, we hoofed it across the street to the Captiol Theater (or Theatre for you snobs) and made it just in time to find our seats in the mezzanine (we like to hang with the common folk).  Very soon the lights dimmed and the show was ON!  Our seats were great and we had no annoying people around us so all was good.  

       Brooke Johnson (cousin) and Sabrina Bell (aunt)                           Maddie and Me

Such a fun show.  I am so amazed by the level of talent some people have.  I mean I have heard beautiful voices in church and other programs, but these Broadway shows have the most incredible voices EVER.  A few of the songs almost made me cry just because of the voice quality... really magical.  One scene in particular was my absolute favorite scene of any show I've seen. 

 The "Popular" scene as performed by Galinda was so funny I DID cry!  Such a great character and cute song.  I am so glad I got to go and that me and Maddie got to experience it together and with my fun relatives.  It is so worth the money if you ever have a chance, go see it!!