Molly turns four

Okay, so Molly turned four last month...September 15th to be exact. It didn't quite work out to have one party with grandparents so Molly got a few days of celebrating. We started a couple days early, a party in Plain City. I was in town to get the kid's pictures taken so we threw together a party for the cousins and grandma and grandpa. Molly opened a bazillion of presents from my mom and dad (clothes, books, toys, dance stuff, etc.) but her favorite by far was the pillow pet.She named it Alyssa.

We had cupcakes. Molly wanted purple and princess. I went with easy and she was delighted.Fast forward two days to her actual birthday. She went to school first. I took the leftover cupcakes after and the kids managed to finish them off.

We let her open her presents after school. She got a camera.She hadn't shown any interest in having a friend party, so we decided to wait one more year. Instead, Justin took the day off and we took her swimming to the indoor pool in Lehi. It was fun, not crowded at all, and such a nice day that they even opened up the outside part and we spent some time outside.Molly chose her birthday dinner. She wanted French Toast. I've used this recipe for years and we all love it...just don't forget the buttermilk syrup and I like it with bananas and strawberries on top.

It was just us that night but I felt like she had to have a birthday cake. I thought I'd get really ambitious and make a fancy cake, but instead I just used the leftover purple frosting and put some princesses on top. It's a good thing I didn't go all out...as soon as she blew out the candles she was off playing with the princesses. No one even had a piece of cake! Maybe next year.Molly's birthday continued the next day. When grandkids turn 4, they get a special date with Grandma Kay to Build-A-Bear and out to eat. Molly was so excited for this. She picked out an iCarly bear, not because she has any clue who iCarly is (neither do I) but because it was sparkly purple. She picked out two outfits and named her Carly.That night Justin's parents took us bowling and treated us to dinner. Before we started, Molly opened her presents. Everyone knows our Molly so well, and just what she likes...This was a perfect birthday activity for Molly. She really loved every minute of it. She'd roll her ball down the lane and then jump and cheer no matter how many pins she knocked down.Stockton was equally happy running all over the bowling alley, playing with the balls, and hanging from the ramp thing that Molly used.Molly really got spoiled all around. How lucky she is to have so many people who love her! We love her too. A lot.

On a side note, Molly was hoping to get a new cousin for her birthday. Although he didn't arrive on her actual birthday, a day late was okay. Welcome to the family, baby Grant!And it just two weeks, I'll be holding that sweet babe. Can't wait!

Firsts

Since Molly has a September birthday, she is the oldest in everything we sign her up for...I don't mind. She has been asking to take dance lessons for a whole year (her cousin Chloe who is only 3 months older started last year). So I searched around and finally found a place in Payson that was reasonably priced and didn't make the little ones be part of a competitive team (I'm amazed at how little they start getting competitive). She has been going now for almost 2 months and she loves every minute of it. She won't let me stay and watch (if I do she won't dance) so I really don't know how she does in class, but she comes home and tells me all about the things she is learning...first and second position, tondue, etc. She is not one to perform in front of anyone but her teacher assured me that she does participate and dance in class. We'll see how she does when the first recital comes along...she says she'll dance on the big stage in front of lots of people, but she doesn't want to dance at home for Justin and I.This is technically not a "first" since we did it last year, but this is her first day of school:Yup, we're doing the joy school thing again. Molly loves her "school" and the friends that she is making. She's a smarty pants and from what I hear from the other moms, she is the storyteller of the bunch. Molly is always wanting to make crafts and write words. She can write all the letters and is constantly asking me how to spell something. She's always making letters and cards for cousins, grandparents, friends, teachers, and neighbors.

This is probably the first time that we've been able to get Molly to really sing for the camera. She really, really doesn't like to do anything in front of other people. It's a bit long, and some of the words are wrong, but so sweet and who can really resist that smile?

I've mentioned before how Molly loves to take pictures...well, she found the video camera one afternoon while I was putting Stockton down for a nap. So, here is her first (and second) video. Try not to laugh...I dare you.

The end of summer posting

Since summer is officially over, I guess I will finish up the rest of our summer...mid-July through August was much slower and relaxed for us, although we still managed to fill it up with some pretty fun things.

Another month and another trip to the zoo. We went with the Goodrich cousins this time. It was hot but the zoo is always a hit with the kids. The highlights on this trip were the elephants (always a highlight, but this time the trainer was working with the animals and had the mother elephant fill up her trunk with water and squirt it right at Molly, Tiana, Stockton, and I) and the bird show (Molly got to give a dollar to a bird).All the kids enjoyed playing in the water, but the babies especially enjoyed it.We signed Molly up for swim lessons this summer. When I signed her up in March or April, she was scared of water getting in her eyes in the tub, so I was hoping that swim lessons would help her get over that. Well, something clicked this summer and she wasn't scared at all. She was by far the bravest kid in her class...the teacher would say "Okay, everyone look at Molly and watch how she does it." She was very proud of herself.Having swim lessons every morning for two weeks was exhausting-I was so relieved when it was over!

My mom took us to the Children's Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. I didn't even know it was there...there was a splash pad with a big Noah's ark, a small maze in the hegdes, a bear cave, a lighthouse, and a sand box, along with few other places to explore. Not to mention the beautiful flowers. It wasn't super crowded, which makes me wonder if it's not well known.Justin went fishing/canoeing with Eric to the Green River. The only pictures I have on our camera are of Eric. Apparently, Eric took pictures of Justin and Justin of Eric but they never switched. Go figure. The kids and I had two nights to ourselves...I really can't remember what we did so it must have not been too exciting.

We had our Jeep in the shop three times this summer. We finally got tired of pouring all our money into an old car with tons of miles so we decided it was time for a switch. We found a good deal on this 2005 Honda Pilot and have been very happy with it so far.We were able to attend little Jake's sealing to his family in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. What a special day!

The next day we drove to Plain City to celebrate my Grandma's 85th birthday. I think everyone was there except for two grandkids...not bad. My grandma has had a rough go this summer and fall. A stroke and two heart attacks have scared all of us, but she is one tough cookie and has far exceeded what the doctors told us. She is definitely not strong, but she is still going. I feel grateful that I lived down the street from her all my life, and am feeling bad that I don't see her as much now and that my kids aren't getting to know her as much as I would like. She is a funny lady who will always tell you exactly what she's thinking.

Justin worked three Saturday's in a row in August. Bleh. I had to take the kids to my soccer games (hard) and we tried to stay busy the rest of the day. I talked my neighbor into going to the Utah County Fair with me one night. It's in Spanish Fork and free, so why not? It's not the greatest of fairs, but it has animals and I had leftover carnival tickets so Molly got to do a ride or two. Molly had also earned some money (from my mom, I think) so she got to pick out a treat. I was thinking a scone or something sounded yummy; she chose cotton candy, of course.

As we were walking out a couple came up to me and said that they had just had their engagement pictures taken and can they please give their balloons to my daughter? I thought they were just going to give her one, but they tied all dozen to her little arm. Her face lit up...the balloons were so heavy, she walked with her arm in the air the rest of the way to the car.Well, that's a wrap, although it looks as though I only took pictures of Molly. Stocky came with us everywhere and was such a trooper all summer, missing naps and eating on the run.

Goodbye summer! We look forward to some fall, and even some winter, but will be happy when you come back again...

Camping: Payson Lakes

August 23-24

1. We started unloading at two different campsites before we finally settled on the site where we stayed. We chose it because it provided the most shade.

2. Molly is a great camper. She loved every minute of it. She was off exploring as soon as we got there. There were lots and lots of trees, her own personal forest.3. Stockton was much, much harder this trip than our trip to Jackson in June. I got a couple pictures of him smiling, but mostly he was a grump. He cried a lot...probably because I wouldn't let him get down and walk wherever he wanted to go. He is an extremely active little boy and I was nervous having him around the campfire.4. We walked around one of the lakes after dinner. The sun was setting and it was really pretty. Molly took this picture and I was impressed. A budding photographer?5. The morning was so cold. Even with all our layers and a nice fire we couldn't warm up. I honestly think we ended up choosing the shadiest site there...a little sun that morning and early afternoon would have been nice.
(Molly with Brett's dog, Missy)6. We took our lunch to one of the other lakes. Justin and Molly fished on the boat.7. I caved and let the kids play in the mud before we left. Mostly I knew it would make Stockton happy. It did, of course.8. Before I let them in the car they had to get washed off. I can't look at this picture without smiling.9. Camping is a lot of work with young kids (like one-year-olds) but I still think it's worth it. It's also a lot of work to go for only one night but on this trip I sure was glad to be heading home after only one night.

10. Payson Canyon is a beautiful canyon. I can't believe we didn't know about it until this summer. There are so many big, full trees. I went back with the kids this week and hiked The Grotto again. The leaves are changing and we came home with a grocery bag full of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Justin and I are anxious to drive the Nebo Loop in the next couple of weeks. If you're close enough to make the drive, I think it would be well worth it.

Our Getaway

Allow me to brag a bit about my husband and his job. The last two contests that his division has had, his branch has placed first. They were treated to dinner (Brick Oven Pizza) and a movie for one. Not only did his branch place first, but individually Justin took first as well. And in the last credit-union wide contest, his branch placed in the top 10, which is a big deal because he's a small grocery store branch, not a big brick-and-mortar branch. He's doing great and I'm very proud.

Okay, I'm done. Now to the fun stuff. For placing first he won a stay at the Anniversary Inn and tickets to Hale Theater. Um, I was a little excited. My mom took the kids for 3 days and 2 nights. I had never left Stockton for more than a few hours...in fact, I'm the only person who had even laid him down for bed OR naps (Justin has maybe 5 times total-it's just easier if I do it). I was a little nervous for how he would do, but my mom said he did okay. He woke up early (sorry, Mom!) and started figuring out how to get out of a nap by the last day but it was smooth sailing the rest of the time. Molly had a great time, playing with cousins all day long, going to the duck pond, watching movies, and having lots of Grandma and Grandpa time.

Justin and I had plenty of fun as well. We left the kids Monday morning and immediately headed to Park City. Justin's not much of a shopper but he's always up for a trip to the outlets. Probably because he always finds tons of good deals. This trip was no exception...

We had our Hale Theater tickets that night. We saw Pirates of Penzance, which was great. I've seen lots of shows there and have loved every one so I knew it would be great.

The next morning we woke up and went golfing. I told him in the spring that I'd go once with him this summer and it seemed like a good time. Unfortunately, I am a horrible golfer...I'm sure he never wants to take me again. We'll have to find a different hobby that we can do together.

After some lunch we went to see "Inception" at the theater. I was completely lost for the first half hour and then kind of figured out what was going on. I got the general idea of the movie but I think I'd need to watch it at least five times to really get it. The parts I understood were excellent though.

We ate dinner at the Red Iguana. It's a top-rated restaurant in Salt Lake. It was very tasty, although I'm more of a El Matador kind of girl.

That night was our stay at the Anniversary Inn. We stayed in the Romeo and Juliet suite. Very nice. We could have stayed in this room, but that would be a bit weird, I think. There was complimentary cheesecake and a king-sized bed. Enough said.

We slept in-I can't usually sleep in too late but the very dark, heavy curtains made it look like the middle of the night at nine in the morning. After getting ready we thought we'd do a session at the Salt Lake Temple. We barely missed the 11:00 session so after finding out the next session wouldn't be for another hour we drove to Bountiful and did a session there.

And then we headed home. It was a very nice getaway for me. Is it bad to admit that although I missed the kids, I didn't miss them enough at the point to actually pick them up? I could have used another day...

Grandma's Camp and the Beach

My mom and dad started "Grandma's Camp" last year and it was a huge hit with the kids. My parents took the older kids to the cabin for a few days, without parents. Molly talked about it all year long and couldn't wait to go to Grandma's Camp again this year. She got the invitation and looked at it for days. The theme this year was "Dino Dig" so they did all sorts of dinosaur-ish activities. Before heading to Bear Lake, they went to the Dinosaur Museum.Then they played at the cabin for a day and a half before any of the parents arrived. They made "Grandma's Camp 2010" shirts.Got dinosaur tattoos.And I'm guessing this is some sort of obstacle course.I also know they watched "The Land Before Time" because now whenever Molly plays with Ben and Abby they play "The Land Before Time."

They ate dinosaur chicken nuggets.

They all slept in the same room one night.

I was excited to go pick Molly up because it meant we got to stay at the cabin for a couple of days. I've been the cabin a lot in the last three years, but the last time I went in the summer, when it was warm enough to go to the beach and get in the water was 3 years ago, when Molly was only 10 months old! Way too long.

We spent a whole afternoon at the beach. The kids got all sandy.Stockton even ate some.We got to ride on the boat. Both of my kids liked the boat, Molly especially.It lulled Stockton to sleep. When we got back to the beach he stayed asleep in my mom's arms for probably another hour.Justin and I got to ski. It had been a while so I didn't know if I would remember how, but we both popped up pretty easily.And before we headed back, Molly got a tube ride. Her and Abby loved it, Chloe not so much.And I confess that I did let Stockton get on the tube as well, but we was so tired that he cried the whole time. It was a very short ride. Maybe next year.

Oh how we love Bear Lake. We are planning on going back for Thanksgiving this year, but hopefully it won't take 3 years to get back to the beach!

More Summer

June 23-30

We managed to squeeze all of these activities in one week. Oh, and a birthday party. Whew! Good think my kids are flexible!

We've been to the pool 5 or 6 times this summer. Not as many as I thought we would at the beginning of the summer, but plenty nonetheless. It's a lot of work to get to the pool and it's difficult to work around naps. And it wears me out! I always feel like I need to sleep as soon as I get home. Molly has loved the pool this year. She has always enjoyed the water but this summer she has turned into a fish. I think her head is under the water more than it is above. She's not afraid of anything. She loves to put her life jacket on and just swim in the deep end.We tried to squeeze one trip to the pool in between Stockton's naps. I knew he'd be tired on the way home so I gave him a sucker in hopes that he would stay awake until we made it home. He only lasted about 2 blocks and he was out. But he sucked on that sucker for a few more blocks.

Oh, and I did not take this video while I was driving. We were stopped at a red light.

Molly wanted to ride her bike in the parade on the 4th. In order to do that, I knew that she needed a whole lot of practice. She has Tiana's old bike (more hand-me-downs, we love 'em!), but she really hadn't rode on it much. We practiced every night for a week before the parade. She caught on quick, although she's a little slow. Speed will come, I guess. We aren't doing this every night now but we still enjoy our bike rides 2 or 3 times a week.Sometimes Justin joins us and we get funny looks.The first couple rides were hard so we would come home and have ice cream cones. Molly now thinks that bike rides=ice cream cones. Hey, why not?I got this fun lunch idea from Rachelle and Heidi. I've done it a couple of times, just for a change-up, and it always seems to go over well. Although I think I need to find a smaller muffin tin. Six would be much better-it's hard to find 12 different food items and then it's hard for Molly to eat that much food!Justin was itching to go fishing and had heard that Salem Pond was a promising place. So we headed there one night. Justin and Molly fished for a while, we made some hot dogs on the butane stove, and the kids played in the water. I wasn't sure how clean the pond water was for swimming but lots of people were swimming when we got there so I figured it was okay. I didn't pack any swimsuits so Molly just swam in her clothes. Stockton was happy splashing in the mud.I just noticed last night on KSL that there is a warning out for swimming in Salem Pond. The water is contaminated with bacteria. Oops.

Justin and I took Molly to see Toy Story 3 at the movie theater. She (and Justin) is a big fan of the first two movies, so we knew it was a must. A shout out to Heidi who watched Stockton for us...he cried the whole time. Molly loved the movie, as did Justin and I. It was really funny. There were some scary parts, luckily Molly didn't get too scared and she hasn't talked about any of the scary parts at home.

Our last big activity before Ali and Gavin went home was the Aquarium. I've heard mixed reviews about the Aquarium, but I thought it was great! The kids loved it...although I do think that it wouldn't have been as fun without the penguins, which are new there. It was also a great place for just-turned-one babies. Stockton loved it every bit as much as the older kids. I don't know why I even took a stroller in-all he wanted to do was be held right up to the fish tanks. Good thing Grandpa came along to help!
Molly was feeling a little out-of-sorts the first hour or so we were there. After some lunch she cheered right up...she talked about the Aquarium for days. In this video you can see how active and fun the penguins were and how excited the kids were to be there.

Molly, July 2010

Lately Molly has been obsessed with taking pictures. She takes the camera and snaps away. I currently have 510 pictures saved on my computer that she has taken. We have family pictures,pictures of every room in the house,

pictures of toys,pictures of body parts (like her legs and Stocky's bare bum),

pictures of the TV,

pictures taken from the car,pictures of food,

pictures of pictures,

and pictures of decorations.

By far my favorites pictures are the ones she takes of herself. They make me laugh every time I see them.We had been talking about getting her a camera for her birthday coming up. I think this recent obsession has helped us decide for sure! I think she'll like it just a bit.

Now switching gears. My biggest concern regarding my children is their spiritual health. I feel like I have a huge responsibility to teach my children the gospel, teach them how to recognize truth, receive revelation, what it feels like to feel the Holy Ghost, etc...When I think of them going to school and all the different influences out there, I get a little scared for them. I am thankful everyday for the tools I have, and they have, to help them on their journey through this life. I also know that very young kids understand a lot more than we think they do. They are like sponges, soaking everything in, and they can learn and remember a whole lot. We try to hold regular Family Home Evening, read scriptures, go to church, and have family prayer. Molly, at three, gets excited for all of these things. It is rewarding to watch her grow spiritually...

-She loves to get her magazine, the Friend. She colors the pages and we read all the stories. One article talked about pioneers. At the end there was an empty space where she was supposed to draw someone in her family who is a pioneer today. I don't think she really understood the concept because she chose to draw Jesus.She was all done with her drawing and then said, "Oops, I forgot to put the holes in his hands." Can you see the big circles near where the hands would be?

-She had the assignment to bear her testimony in Primary a few weeks ago. She told me exactly what she wanted to say and I helped her phrase it: "I know the Church is true. I know that my family can be together forever. I know that Jesus performed many miracles. I know that Jesus loves me. I know that President Monson is a prophet led by Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus died for us."

-At FHE this week she had the chance to bear her testimony at the end. She stood up on her bed and spoke in a loud, clear voice, "I'd like to bear my testimony..." Then she said a few things and closed. I felt happy and proud of her.

-Last week we were playing a guessing game in the car. Someone would describe a certain food and the other person would try to guess what food they were describing. I described bread and she guessed it right. Then she said, "Mom, I know two kinds of bread. The bread we eat and the bread of life who is Jesus."

-Last month we were playing outside and she said to me, "I'm starting to forget what Jesus looks like." I'm not sure what she meant by this, all I know is that these little kids are closer to our Savior than we realize.

-She made a "boat" in the living room out of blankets and pillows. She said that no one could go on the carpet (the "water") except for Jesus because He's the only one who can walk on water.

-It was her turn for the lesson on Monday night. She wanted to do the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. She drew pictures and held them up as she told the story. This is the picture of Daniel praying.He's on his knees by a bed.

-Speaking of prayers, I love to hear her pray. Here are just a few of the things she's said in her prayers that I wanted to remember:
"Thank you for the air so that we can hear each other."
"Thank you for God's power to teach us."
"Thank you that I know the Holy Ghost is true."

That's all. A few things that I have read/heard recently that left an impression on me:
-This talk from last Conference.
-This interview with Julie B. Beck and her daughters, especially the parts about mothering. (It's Episode 15-listen to it while you clean the bathrooms. That's what I did.)
-This Mormon Message video. I think I need to watch this everyday!
-And I want to read this talk again.