Advice from Dallin

Dallin: "Hey mom! Why are you eating that for breakfast?"

Tonia: "Because I am trying to eat healthier."

Dallin: "Did you know that Cheerios now come in chocolate, and they can help you lose weight?"

A Conversation with Thomas

Tonia: "Hey Thomas. What is daddy's name?"
Thomas: "Jeremy".
Tonia: " That's right! What is mommy's name?"
Thomas: "Mama."
Tonia: " That is what you call me - but what is my name? What does daddy call me?"
Thomas: (long pause) "Mamacita."

On My Soapbox

Okay. I have to get something off my chest. Why is it that people act like having all boys is about as horrible as a death sentence? Last Sunday, the teacher in our RS was giving her lesson. She was using several examples from her life as a full time mom. After one particular example, one of the younger sisters in the ward (who, of course, only has one child - a girl) leans over to another woman and says "She has six boys!" - with a tone that said "I'd rather shoot myself." The woman next to her reacted with the same tone saying "SIX!!!!!" I wanted to get up, walk over there and say "First of all, she has five boys - but judging from your tone that wouldn't matter. What is your problem with boys?" Of course, I didn't. I just let it bug me the rest of the day and Jeremy will testify that I was not a fun person to have around. I have also had many, many experiences where I have been somewhere minding my own business and total strangers say to me "4 BOYS?!?! " with that same" I'd rather die" tone. I am so tremendously sick of it, that finally last week as Jeremy and I were walking into WalMart with our apparently unacceptable brood of males and I got the horrified "Four Boys" comment, I held my tongue until we were out of earshot and then said to Jeremy "Oh really, we hadn't noticed. Thanks for being the first to point that out to us." Jeremy got after me and told me that she didn't mean anything by it. I know Jeremy is right and most people do not know that what they are saying may sting, but I really an tired of it already and I hate the fact that I will be putting up with these comments the rest of my life. So please - if you know of anyone, or see anyone who has a bunch of children that are all the same gender. Do them a favor and keep any opinions to yourself.

I'm off my soapbox now. I'm going to go play Zingo with my boys, who I happen to think are pretty terrific!!!

Jeremy

Jeremy and I were friends for a long time before we started dating. I think that was the key to me actually trusting someone enough to end up with him. I had spent enough time with Jeremy to know that he was a good person and he wasn't just putting on a show to impress me. Once we started dating, that didn't change. Jeremy has always known who he is and he isn't afraid to be that person. Luckily that person is really amazing.

One thing I have always noticed about Jeremy is how quick he is to help others. I cannot count the number of times that he has run over to help an older woman load a heavy sack of rice or flour into her shopping cart, or lend a hand to someone who is struggling to reach a high shelf or load something in their car. I am ashamed to say that 99% of the time, I haven't even noticed that these people were struggling until Jeremy lends a hand.

Jeremy is a great husband and father. He works long days and most weekends to support our family. Most of the time he is exhausted, but he is the first one to point out how blessed we are to have work and the ability to pay our bills. He spends as much time as he can with the boys - working with them in the yard, taking them out shooting, watching movies with them, even taking them on occassional side jobs. The boys love their dad and whenever that front door opens, they come running and cheering "Daddy!!" Jeremy is good about helping me with the kids. He changes diapers daily, he gets the boys ready for church every Sunday, he tucks them in at night. Jeremy is also the one who arranges for babysitters so he can take me out on dates.

The thing I love most about Jeremy is that he loves me for who I am, the good and the not so good. I am so grateful that I am married to a man that turns a blind eye (ar at least acts like he does) to my imperfections and failures. Jeremy is my best friend. He is someone I can talk to, and laugh with, and I feel so lucky to have him as a husband.

Dal Pal

I waited a long time for Dallin. By the time I finally had him, most of my old high school friends were having their final kids. I had worked for a long time and I had a little bit of a hard time leaving my job - but there was no way I could leave my new little guy. Being a mom was a lot harder than I had anticipated, but a lot more fun too. From Dallin's first moments in life he has been high energy. He never wanted to sleep and he was always smiling. He is still that way now. He always wants to be in the middle of the action, and is very social. He makes friends easily wherever he goes. Dallin has always had a large vocabulary for his age, he is very observant, and he has a fantastic memory. Due to these things he has been a great little buddy to me. Since he was very young, we have been able to have really fun conversations about things he has noticed, or things he remembers. He isn't afraid to ask questions - really good ones (sometimes too good). Dallin also has a really kind heart and is a great big brother. He absolutely loves life and I love mine more too because he is in it.

Tom Tom

When Thomas was born, I was extremely nervous. Dallin was only 17 months at the time and a very busy little boy. I wasn't sure that I could handle him and a newborn at the same time. I shouldn't have been worried. From the day I brought Thomas home from the hospital, he was the easiest baby. He slept all the time and when he was awake, he was content to just look around until he fell asleep again. My mom kept telling me to enjoy it because there was no way it would last. Well mom, I hate to say it, but you were wrong. I am still enjoying it. Sure, Tom has his moments, but for the most part he is a sweet, easy-going kid. He is very thoughtful too. For his preschool field trip he went to Pizza Hut where they let him make his own pizza and eat it in the restaurant. He loved it!! When I picked him up that day he came carrying his little pizza box and told me that he had saved two pieces. "One for you and one for dad." Another example of his thoughtfulness is when I took him to his well child check-up a few weeks ago. He had to get shots, so they let him pick out a sticker and a book. Thomas looked through the stickers until he found one with puppies for Jack and then he looked through the books until he found one with Fire Trucks for Dallin. What a sweetheart! Thomas is so fun and brings such happiness to our home. I am so glad he is one of my little boys! Love you Tom!

Jack Jack

Jack is a completely fun and happy kid. He loves helping me cook. If I'm not careful we end up having a few extra ingredients (salt, pepper, meringue powder, etc.) added to whatever I am cooking - compliments of Chef Jack. He also loves helping his dad outside, and playing with his big brothers. He is also very good at entertaining himself. He has a favorite book of tractors, diggers, and dumpers that he has almost worn out. He loves dogs. Whenever we go over to Jeremy's grandma's house he starts saying "puppy, puppy, puppy..." as we are approaching the door, in anticipation of playing with Grandma's little dog, Penny. He gives great kisses and hugs and has the best smile. He brings smiles to our faces every day and a whole lot of laughter to our house. I am so grateful for my little Jack Jack!