Dear Cupid

Dear Cupid,

This year Valentines Day was not what I expected it to be...however I want to personally write and thank you for all your hard work discharging those arrows of affection. You see this year my husband worked on Valentines Day, and one could gripe and complain that you did not take your job seriously, however I know differently since he loves me so much that he did other thoughtful things for me instead. (We celebrated my birthday and Valentine's two days before). So I would like to tell you how our Love day went. First we all got up and had breakfast. I made the kiddos heart shaped pancakes. They thought that was super neat. Then we went to Rylan's school for his Valentines party and Alana and Kelton got to come watch. Rylan had fun with the Valentine box that he made and he got a lot of compliments from other kids at school. When we got home from the school, we made some of our own Valentines. The kids got to pass them out to their friends in the neighborhood. The kids helped with dinner and then, because of the kindness of my HEART, I let them stay up late and watch a movie in our room before they went to bed. It was a really good Valentines, because I was able to do a lot of fun things with the kids and got to watch them have such an enjoyable day. So Cupid, I have to hand it to you....you are doing a great job. Your love arrows have struck all the people that I love. Thank you and I hope to happen upon you and your hard work next year and the years to come. Best of Luck to you....Your admirer,

Charayne

Rylans Latest Passion

This is Tony. So my son did something so funny, that I had to share it with everyone. I am not home anywhere near as often as I would like to be, so when I am home my kids take full advantage of it. This is what Rylan had to show me when I got home last night.




Can you guess his latest Passion??? I told him that he can't color any more clowns because he ran out of space on the couch, table, boxes, pillows and chairs. He looked at me with a half cocked smile, pretty sure I was joking, but not quite 100%.

Merriment

This year, for some reason it has been easy for me to find joy in the simple things. Here is how we've made merriment around our house.

Rylan and his Santa beard made from tape.
Home made, hand drawn ornaments for the tree.
Snow (enough said...the kids love it)
Goodies
Wrapping gifts for OTHERS
Jesus having a birthday and planning his party.
Advent calendars
Santa

Sail Baby

For some reason, I just love lullabies. There is a particular one that my mom taught me when Rylan was little. She would always sing it to him, and then I learned it. Often times we would both sing him to sleep. When Alana was born we would sing it to her as well. I still find myself singing it, now to Kelton. I just sing it. I didn't even know the name of it or anything. I just sung it because my mom and I would sing it together. I love the song, so I finally decided to find out what the name of it was. I found out that it's called Baby's Boat or Slumber Boat. I am so fond of this song and I can still hear my mom singing it. I enjoy singing it to my babies and rocking and snuggling them. I am going to post the lyrics. I guess this song has been around for a while, I hope that me singing it to my kids will keep the tradition going and maybe someday they will sing it to their kiddos also. I sure wish that I could ask my mom where she learned it. Maybe I will have that opportunity someday. Maybe I find it irresistible because it reminds me of my mom, but I hope you adore the lyrics as much as I do. The words and melody are really beautiful....

Baby's boat's a silver moon

Sailing o'er the sky

Sailing o'er a sea of sleep

As the stars go by.

Sail, baby, sail

Out across the sea

Only don't forget to sail

Back again to me.

Baby's fishing for a dream

Fishing near and far

His line a silver moonbeam is

His bait a silver star

If you find that dream so fair

Happy may it be

This will always be my prayer

May God watch over thee.

Sail, baby, sail

Out across the sea

Only don't forget to sail

Back again to me.

There is some variation in the lyrics, but you get the idea. What are some of your favorite lullabies? If you have one, I would love for you to share it with me. Enjoy and sweet dreams!
Here are some great websites if you are interested in songs for babies and kids:
http://www.kididdles.com (You can listen to the song on this site)
http://www.englishplaynow.com
http://bussongs.com/songs
http://www.lullabyisland.com/home.php?pg=songs

Sorry...just one more thing. Apparently there is a book by Jeanne Titherington.I want to check it out too. It has a really good rating on Amazon.com. Perhaps I will put it on my wish list. :)

Milestones

Ok, so seriously in the last day we have had some major milestones around our house. First and foremost Alana made her first poop on the potty and told me every time she needed to use the bathroom. (Sorry if this is too graphic for you, but we are just a little excited around our house about this one). She was thrilled and proud that she is getting to be a big girl.
Alana, I am so proud of you for finally telling mommy and going on the potty....now all that money I would be spending on diapers can be used for your future prom dresses!!! Way to go princess. As promised, we will have a "pink party" for her. That was what she wanted for her reward if she could do it. I will post more details on that later.
Second, and just as important as the first....Kelton Rolled over for the first time!!! He is getting so big! Time just flies by. He loves sucking on his hands. He loves getting attention even more. He is sure to give a smile out to anyone who will talk to him. He is holding onto toys now and loves being tickled. Way to go Kelton!!!
I am so proud of all 3 of my kids and the major milestones that they accomplish every day! I love you guys!

Breakfast from a book

Rylan often request my dad (who loves to make breakfast) to make him certain things for breakfast. The night before, Rylan will go up to his grandpa (Opa) and say something like this..."Opa, tomorrow I would like eggs for breakfast" or "Opa, I would like Chocolate German Bear porridge (Chocolate Oatmeal) for breakfast" Last night, Rylan asked for Green Eggs for breakfast. Probably from the Dr. Seuss book. Naturally, my dad jumped at the opportunity to make something special for the grand kids. So this is what we had for breakfast this morning. It was really funny, and the kids loved it. I wonder what they will think up next????

Count Down to Christmas

I am taking the challenge of writing 30 posts in 30 days. (Thanks Catherine for the idea). I am doing this because I need to be better about writing things down. After all this is supposed to be my family journal.
Yesterday, the kids and I made advent countdown chain calenders. The kids had a lot of fun. First I had them color a Christmas Picture. Then we made a chain out of red and green strips of paper connecting them together. Rylan finished his, but was quickly off to something else after and I had to finish Alana's. However they have been excited about ripping of one link of the chain off every night before bed. They quickly take it off, admire the rest of the links and say "that's how many days until Christmas" and then rush the one taken off to the trash can. It is very cute.
In the morning they get to eat a chocolate from their other advent calender (thanks Nana for buying them). They have been a fun tradition and both advents give the kids something to look forward to. One in the morning and one in the evening. They get so excited about it. That is what I love about it, children make the magic of Christmas possible. So we are officially counting down. 23 days to go!

Modern Mom

Who knew that being a "Modern Mom" could be so busy! Some days I just feel like this (although I am never sitting down and I don't have a glass of alchohl like pictured above) It just seems like things just keep getting busier!!!! When my dad seems me runnning around to get things done he just laughes now and says to me "Have you ever seen those modern women?--Gosh they're busy!" I'm sure it comical to watch and he just thinks it's funny, but seriously...I NEED MORE TIME!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mom!!!!! Love it, but there is always so much to do, and so little time to get it all done. I will make a list (yes, I am totally a list person) and if I cross half the things off of my "To Do" list I feel pleased with myself for all that I have accomplished in a day (not to mention keeping my children happy). I am open to suggestions if you all have an advice on this subject. I am just a modern mom keeping it real and loving what I do!

Primary Program

Today in sacrament we had the annual Primary Program. It just happens to be my favorite Sacrament Meeting of the year. This year (since I have been in the primary) I was asked to be a part of the program. It was really fun to be able to have a part and practice with the kids in the primary that I have taught for the past year and a half. Ryaln and Alana did such a good job. Since Alana is in the nursery she was able to sing and then the nursery kids got to sit with their families. Rylan got to say what his favorite thing to do with his family was and he said "To wrestle with my daddy and go places with my family." He memorized his part (easier since they were his own thoughts and words), but he did such a good job! Rylan I just love how you aren't afraid to talk in front of people (most of the time). I felt the spirit so much that I almost cried. I will post a copy of the program in case any of you want to read through it. Anyway, it was an amazing meeting and I am glad that I got to have a part in it. Also, I have a new calling in church now...I am the Relief Society Secretary. I am a little nervous since all I know is Primary, but I am excited for the new challenge. I will miss all the girls that I taught, it was a great class. What a great day! It was such a blessing to have felt the spirit, hear my children and have such a wonderful meeting!

First Talk

Today Rylan gave his first talk in Primary. He did such a great job! He was really excited to give it. (I think he mostly wanted to talk into the microphone.) He talked about Temples. Our family night for this week we went to Temple Square and talked about Temples as a family. The kids played and enjoyed being outside and having some space to run around. We all had a nice time doing that and we were so proud of Rylan doing such a great job talking in Primary!

The Zoo Crew (Members Only!)

Tonight my Dad, Tony, Rylan, Alana and myself became the zoo crew. We went to the zoo on members only night to be some of the first ones to ride the new carosel. The zoo had special activities like temporary tatoos, crafts and special animal showings. There was also a bird show. The kids loved the bird show. They loved every minute of it. We saw a bunch of birds fly right over us, and even got to see a bird up close. Next we rode the train (which is always a hit) and then we made our way to the carosel. We lucked out and ended up being the first ones for the next ride on the carosel, so Rylan chose to ride the lady bug and Alana rode the Lion. (and no, I did not mix the two up...?????) The highlight for the kids this time was doing the crafts and getting tatoos. All of us enjoyed ourselves--espically the adults. It was just a relaxing, fun family time together! We thought that we might get rained out, but the weather ended up being great! Thanks crew for the awesome time at the zoo!

You color my world!

Rylan and Alana, I just want you to know that You Color My World! You are both my world. I don't know what life would be like without you anymore. However, I didn't know that you would litterally color my world, by coloring on yourselves!!!!

At first I thought that it was just Alana that had colored on herself, but a few minutes later I found out Rylan was also! It was pretty funny, thankfully it was just on them (where it can be washed off), but who left a pen out???? This is just one of the funny things that adds so much fun and color to my world on a daily basis. Like I said before...YOU COLOR MY WORLD!

And so it begins...

I have always heard that girls are more dramatic than boys, but until I had one of my own it didn't really sink in.

And so it begins....
This morning I was getting Alana dressed and had her outfit picked out (including matching shoes). A minute or so later I heard crying and Alana saying "shoe-shoe". She managed to get one of the matching shoes off and was carying around a new pair of shoes (that didn't match so well). She would not settle down until I put the OTHER pair of shoes on. Then she was just fine. Do you think she's a GIRL or what???? I have a feeling this is only the begining.

AND SO IT BEGINS...

Something Special

Last night the kids were thrilled to be going to Nana and Grandpa's house. We told them that they would get to see something special....a new baby horse. On Monday night Missy (the horse) gave birth to a foal . The kids were thrilled to see the filly (girl horse). All of Rylan and Alana's cousins came to Nana and Grandpa's to see the new addition. We spent a while looking and petting the horse, and then all of the kids ended up in the yard playing. Tony's parents have a great backyard for the kids to play in and they love spending time with their cousins. Nana and Grandpa took a little time to show each grandchild the new horse. Grandpa helped Rylan try to pet the filly, and he showed Alana some of the other horses too (since she loves animals so much). Alana espically loved looking at the horses and meeting the new baby horse. She was happy and both of my kids had a wonderful time. It was something special indeed!

Tony and the kids taking a peek at the new horse and it's mommy!

Rylan with the new addition.Alana wants to see too!

This is Nana trying to bring the filly closer so the kids could touch it.

Ryaln with cousin Savannah and Nana finding the best view of the horse. A few other pictures to look at...

For more pictures and a different view on the same evening visit Burrell's Blog.

Wet and Wild!

We bought the kids an inexpensive slip and slide today. (Good find daddy!) We set it up and they had a great time running, jumping and sliding in the water. Even daddy joined them in the fun! It was funny! Tony is such a good daddy and finds lots of fun things to do with the kids. I love that he is just a big kid himself. They jumped on the trampoline to get dry and then they would start over.On the trampoline we played Ring-around-the Rosie's. Alana's idea--when she wants to play she says "sashes" or "posies". How can you resist that?! So the whole family was on the trampoline jumping in circles and falling down. Alana was upset when it was time to go in. She threw a tantrum when I took off her swimming suit, and tried to put it back on herself. It was darling and funny. I laughed out loud! Sometimes it is just fun to get a little wet and be a little wild!