Family Fun

A couple weeks ago I took the boys down to the Houston Museum of Natural Science with some friends. On Tuesday afternoons admission is free, so it was a perfect time. They both loved the dinosaurs. We enjoyed walking through a science exhibit with some experiments to try. Another highlight was the African Animal display with tons of animals that had been stuffed. Matthias loved the monkey of course!!





Then yesterday we took the boys to the zoo. The weather was perfect (65, cloudy, rainy) so all the animals were out and doing. The baby giraffes kept racing across their enclosure towards the fence. It was really funny and somewhat nerve racking to have a giraffe running right towards you! The monkeys were the highlight with all their yelling and screaming. It was SO funny watching this one set of monkeys hollering at the top of their lungs for at least 15 minutes...the noise was carrying all through the zoo. One of the coolest animal experience I have had! Unfortunately we did not get a video because we have been to the zoo so much we didn't figure we'd want the camera. (Thanks Gma and Gpa Harvey for the zoo pass!! We have used it four times already.)

On the way home Matthias was doing a little dance in his car seat. Taylor said, "I don't understand how anyone would choose to not have kids. They don't realize how much of life they are missing." I agree. I wouldn't trade my boys for anything. They make my life the joy and wonder that it is. I love them!

Got Breast Milk?

Turns out I do. Look what I found in the freezer today:


Freezing breast milk in ice cube trays is an ingenious idea I got from a friend. Guess Matthias' missed out on a couple of good ounces. And the date there is referring to Feb 07, not 08.

Maybe I should clean out my freezer...

Egg Carton Singing

The boys and I love singing Primary songs together, so I made an egg carton into a singing game. We used a 18 egg count carton and print out primary songs really small on paper and then glue one song into each hole. Put in a penny or small toy, shake it up, look inside to find out which song to sing. The boys love it so much we made another one. You can have a lot of fun with 36 Primary songs!

(I got this idea from a friend.)

Journal Writing

I recently read an article in the Ensign titled My Journal, My Testimony which has inspired me to write a journal. As in a real journal and not my cop out blog excuse I have been using. The blog is great for recording family happenings and events. It is an excellent (and cheaper) alternative to a scrapbook. Plus I am a blog addict, plain and simple.

However, the blog is poor for recording my thoughts on long term decisions we are contemplating, personal spiritual experiences/revelation, and also feelings and goals related to my current life. Mostly motherhood, but also a relatively new wife and a church member.

Now if I am honest with myself I know I will not sit down everyday and write...with pen and paper. That is way to old school for me. Although through most of college I wrote in my journal daily, which is super fun to read now, I just don't do that anymore. So a more practical alternative? I am starting a new blog. My private journal blog that is invite only. And I am the only invite. (well, and Taylor knows my gmail password (but will not give it up even under torture, so you can forget that thought)).

A brilliant plan? Of course. I will start today and everyone knows my addiction to blogging. I want a record of the lessons I learn each day as a mother and how I work to improve. Something that may help my children in the future and will definitely help me now. A record of the thoughts and impressions that come to my mind and the many blessings I receive from the Lord. For a couple years in college I wrote down 4 highlights each day. I can now look at those words and remember vividly experiences related to each highlight.

So, thus I once again embark on a journal writing adventure. Wish me luck!

Earth Day

Oh yeah, for Earth Day I meant to say I am finally switching to reusable grocery bags like I have been wanting to for a while. (I will probably make mine) And also to vinegar as my cleaner of choice. Cheap and safe for toddlers. Oh, and we didn't drive anywhere today. As in me and the boys. Taylor obviously drove to work.

Stop global warming.

(while some of this post is mocking, most is real. I like the earth.)

Convenience

We recently obtained a free gift choice and Taylor insisted on me getting a stick vacuum. I knew I would use it and love it, but I just hate spending money for things I don't really need. Well, I love the vacuum and it works wonderfully and it sure beats sweeping under the table after every meal. So I guess for free it is worth the convenience. Plus since it is so small I can put the boys to work. Now that is worth it.

James Speak

James: I don't want Matt to have a bigger tummy than me. I want the biggest tummy.
Me: Do you know why Matthias has a bigger tummy? He eats more.
James: Then I will eat lots and lots and Matt won't eat anything.


Walking through Krogers
Me: Look for the marshmellows.
James: I will keep one eye out.
(When I look back he is walking down the center of the aisle holding his right eye shut with his right index finger and looking around with his left eye.)