Family Pictures

I had a great place scoped out for family pictures this year, but decided to just have Shell snap some shots at Kristi's house since we were all going to be there anyway for a family lunch. Spencer's eyes were sensitive to the sun, Abby wanted Grammy, and Cameron just whined about anything and everything. So it was a typical family picture session. We still got some good shots and I don't have to repeat this nightmare for at least a year or more.
As always thanks Shell-bell, you are wonderful.

Not a Fan

I am typically not a fan of Mother's Day. Just another regular Sunday in so many ways--church responsibilities, kids, house, dinner etc. Oh, but add in the crappy sacrament talks (please do not ever let me speak on Mother's Day), the guilt and the pressure, no thanks, I would rather do without.

Well, this year was different. Chad didn't have morning church meetings, which meant I got to stay in bed until almost 9. That N.E.V.E.R happens. We made felt flower brooches for the moms in class--I will take a craft over a lesson any day.

After church I went to bed again--sweet. I woke up to the smell of cool rain. Heaven. We stayed home for dinner which was the only thing I really wanted and other than having to send the boys to their beds right as dinner started, it was magnificent. I got done eating before anybody else--per the punishing and disciplining, so I read my People magazine on the royal wedding while the boys finished and cleaned. And ladies,,,they really cleaned the kitchen, not just smeared. Then we spent the rest of the evening on the family room floor, snuggling and talking while Abby made the rounds of sitting on every one's head.

Calorie count for the day---just for the mommy too.

2 large caramel/chocolate covered pretzels-after breakfast

1 See's chocolate bar-during Primary class

2 Lindor truffles-during Primary sharing time

1 caramel/chocolate covered rice krispi treat--after dinner

As you can see I definitely prefer the chocolate over flowers.

Cameron's Observation

Cameron: Mom, is there something wrong with Abby?

Me: What do you mean?

Cameron: Well, she can't stop moving.

Me: Oh, believe me son, I've noticed she can't stop moving. And I don't think there is
anything wrong with her.


"Toot toot"--says the constantly-in-motion caboose.

Boogers and Sticks

So Cameron doesn't wipe nearly as many boogers on the wall by his bed. That's a good thing. Instead he wipes them on the back of the couch and I just learned tonight that he also wipes them on the railing of his bunk bed. He does this as a deterrent to his part monkey brother who LOVES to swing on the railing. Apparently Spencer just found this out too.....the question is, how well will the Booger-Blocker work? My guess---not well at all.

Chad and Spencer were out in the foyer before Brian's funeral watching all the people come in and Spencer turned to Chad, "Why do old people carry sticks?" Obviously he has never seen so many walking sticks--and so many old people.

Spring Break

We had quite the Spring Break this year---a fun activity everyday,,,ending with a not-so-fun unexpected funeral.

Monday--We met Kristi and Shell at the BYU Bean Museum then got lunch and played at Samantha's school playground.

Tuesday---Chad took the day off of work and Grammy (the angel) babysat Abby. Our little fam sans Katerbug went to Trafalga with Jayne and Jer and their kiddos. Laser tag rules!! It was a riot. We got lunch and the kids disappeared to the basement while the adults were actually able to play some Pinochle. Seriously it was heaven!!! Oh how we love Grammy---She said Abby loved having Grammy to herself for the day--so it was a great day for all.

Wednesday--Mom and Kristi took the kids to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Mommy and Abby got naps,,,so another great day for all.

Thursday--If anybody is looking for a GREAT, and inexpensive overnight getaway Price is the place---yes, I said Price, Utah. Our kids are horrible in the car, so we try to do things close to home. Well, we can handle an hour drive. After some mild complaining from Spencer on the horribly long drive to Price we went to the CEU Dinosaur Museum. I was extremely impressed with the museum and obviously the kids were too--we spent a full 2 hours there. And 2 hours is an eternity for our little ones. Next we hit the indoor wave pool. This pool was warm, as large as 7 peak's wave pool and the waves were twice as big. Abby wasn't a fan at first, but by the end of the evening she was splashing and giggling. Friday--After a pretty rough night, the kids were in great moods and ready for some hiking. We drove out to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, had lunch and hiked around. Another 2 hour activity--woo hoo. We headed back to Price, got snacks and drove home. Katerbug slept most of the way and stayed asleep while we unloaded the car. Awesome.

We had to do some rearranging with our schedule this week, my cousin Brian unexpectedly died Tuesday. Reva Beth is the glue of the Loveridge Clan. We are as close as we are because of her, and I was not going to miss her son's funeral. I have so many great memories of Brian---He was so kind and had the best sense of humor. And I will tell you,,,he has a TON of friends. We were an eclectic group, mourning and celebrating these last two days--but it was one of the best funerals I have been to. The bishop did a wonderful job and let a few of the "rules" slide. Which was appropriate for the situation. Love you Brian,,,,oh you will be missed!!

Most of our week in pictures

uncovering dinosaur bones

finally sitting in the water with no tears food first,,,shower later

funny girl--she wanted cheerios in her bottle lid and walked around in her coat with the remote.

The boulders at the quarry were fun to walk around and on

We are missing a few cousins that came to the funeral, but I was glad we were able to get this picture after the luncheon. It was fun to talk, laugh, reminisce and get to know some of Brian's friends.

Arnold and Carolyn flew in from California, so we had to get a picture of the siblings.

Spring in Utah

Friday we spent the entire day outside in t-shirts and flip flops enjoying the 73 degree weather.

AND----this was what we woke up to on Sunday morning.

Saturday night Chad was driving home at 9 and his truck said it was 64 degrees outside. That's a quick temperature drop to go from 64 deg to 6 inches of snow just 8 hours later.

One Wise Momma

That wise Momma is my mom.....I haven't earned the status of wise quite yet. When I had Cameron and was struggling, Mom said to me, "the only thing in life that is constant, is change." That little true-ism has helped me cope with the ups and downs of motherhood. I just think I have a baby's nap/feeding/nighttime schedule figured out and they go and change it on me. I just have to remember my child doesn't actually hate me---"the only constant in life is change". We have had a good change lately though. Chad had to pull an all-nighter at work a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to let Abby cry it out. I didn't have to worry about Chad and I watched a great movie---oh, Abby cried A TON that first night. It only took 3-4 nights and she was sleeping from 8-6:30. She wasn't quite ready for the day at 6:30, so we give her a bottle and she sleeps for another 1-2 hours. As I am knocking on wood I am so glad that we are able to get some solid sleep----for now.

"block-head"

She isn't quite big enough to figure out the gas pedal, so Chad used a big dowel to push it for her. She loves that tractor.

I was attempting to exercise one morning and Abby brought me Spencer's white t-shirt, so I put it on her. She came in a minute later with one of my sports bras hanging over her head. Then she got in the tool box and brought the safety goggles---she wore those around for the longest time. Funny girl.