"It Wasn't Me!"

Last night, the boys had a bath and were getting ready for bed. After several minutes, Thomas emerged looking like this. We got after him for writing on his tummy and legs. He told us that Dallin had done it. Dallin denied it, and we almost believed him, until we discovered this. . .

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BUSTED!!!!

Then Dallin's defense was - "Thomas tricked me!"

Springtime in Taylor

Spring has arrived in Taylor. The wind blows non-stop through June. I am not kidding. It is honestly Hell on Earth. A kid in his mission report a few months ago talked about a hurricane he experienced in Central America. He said he thought "Are you kidding? This is nothing like the wind we get in Taylor." Sadly - I actually believe it. Wish me luck getting through the next few months without pulling my hair out.



This video is of one of our milder days here. Sorry about my filming skills - - I was in a hurry.

5 months old

My baby is now 5 months old. He is so much fun, very happy, and very demanding. We are all crazy about him. He is a big-time smiler and talker, but when I put a camera in front of his face, he just freezes. I wish I could get some cute shots of him smiling, so I can always remember this cute phase, but so far, he is not cooperating.

We managed to get a little smile for this shot with Dallin's help. Dallin is a fantastic big brother and Drake just adores him.

Spring Break

Last week was Spring Break. Jeremy had to work during most of it, but we did manage to sneak off to Flagstaff for a quick overnight trip. I enjoyed the shopping and the boys enjoyed the swimming. I think Jeremy mostly enjoyed not having to work. It was nice to get out of town for a little while.

Jack

Thomas

Dallin

The boys at the pool.

If you will notice, it is snowing outside. Thank goodness for indoor pools!!

After we got back, Jeremy worked on our garden. Our yard slopes away from the house - which is very nice in our area, since it is prone to flooding - but - we always end up with a pool at the end of the garden and nothing grows very well down there. So, Jeremy built a garden bed and leveled everything out. It will work much better (we hope) and it definitely looks nicer.

The new garden! Nice and level. I can't wait to eat that fresh summer produce! Thanks Jeremy!!

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!!!