Category Archives: Olivia

Friday was Zoo Day for Olivia’s preschool.

She was very excited. She got to wear a special zoo day shirt (to help teachers keep track of kids) and bring her own lunch (a Lunchable, no less, Olivia has only been asking me to get her one of those for like, forever. I am cool mom).

Parents were more than welcome to come, in fact, you could volunteer and get in free. But I didn’t commit. I didn’t mention it to the other kids. The weather was forcasted as “ify” at best. And, well, I’m 23 weeks pregnant. I tried to play it smart.

But Friday came full of sunshine (deceiving, because it was cold!) so I announced to Calvin that we were all going to the zoo!

We packed up, loaded the wagon, and headed to the zoo in great excitement (got there 25 minutes early).

But I was confused at Calvin’s lack of enthusiasm. Didn’t he get it? Didn’t he understand that we were GOING TO THE ZOO?

I finally asked him, “Calvin, don’t you remember when we went to the zoo?”

The last time we went was October 1st, 2009 – I remember because it was Everett’s due date, and we walked and walked around that zoo, hoping it would push me into labor. It didn’t.

After that our zoo pass expired, and we haven’t been back since.

“No.” Calvin said. I was shocked. I mean, we had a pass, we went like fifteen times in 2009!

But then I thought about it – he was barely two that summer. I guess it made sense.

So I turned to Olivia, surely she would remember, as a three, almost four year old.

“Remember when we used to go to the zoo?”

She thought about it. “No.”

So apparently all those engaging, entertaining activities I try to do on a semi-regular basis for my kids – they’re all for naught. Give it a little time and my kids will believe their entire childhoods were completely deprived!

Well, we bought another pass. We’ll go at least fifteen times this summer. And maybe, just maybe, Everett will remember it in a few years.

Today was the usual fare in Sacrament Meeting – toys flying, kids crying, parents giving each other looks.

I finally gave Olivia my pen and sketch book, and she happily sat down at the end of the pew and began drawing.

A while later she came to me with her first illustration.

“This is Jesus in the tomb” she explained.

And then she proceeded to detail for me her little drawing.

It was sweet to be sure. But just then Everett decided he had enough, and I dashed out of the meeting with a *LOUD* baby in my arms.

So Olivia sat down again at the end of the pew, and drew some more.

Later Olivia gave me the details of each of these as well.

And so I guess she really was listening to Sharing Time last week.

At one point Wyatt leaned over and asked Olivia what she was going to do with her drawings, and she told him matter-of-factly, “I am going to make a book.”

And Wyatt laughed and barried his face in his hands, and said “She is your daughter.”

And I told him it confirmed my theory that our children watched and learned from us in the pre-existence.

Saturday is supposed to be Wyatt’s night to cook. This past week was week four of our little arrangement, and he had yet to make dinner once. At six o’clock I gently reminded him that he needed to make dinner, at which he said “Well, I can’t be 100%!”

And I laughed, and said, “Yeah, but you should at least manage 25%”

At six fifteen he announced that he was taking us out to dinner.

But the kids were happily playing with play-doh at the table, no one had shoes or socks, or hair done. I was still in my jammies . . .

At seven o’clock I just finally stood up and made some corn dogs and veggies for dinner.

And that has nothing to do with the story I was going to tell . . .

So this is the story:

Since we didn’t go to dinner, Wyatt said we could go get treats. So we put on shoes and socks (and clothes) and headed out to our favorite fro-yo shop. But just before that, Calvin went to time out for something or other – and it was like his fifth time out that day (he was having a hard day) but then he let himself out of time out and went to go play.

AND THEN Wyatt found my camera on the floor of Ejo’s room. Cal got it down and played with it – #1 Cardinal rule in our house – no one touches mom’s camera (The kids are actually VERY good about this rule. I think the fact that they’ve been told so many times, in combo with the fact that the camera is always around, makes it so they just don’t usually bother it. This is like the second time EVER that one of the kids has touched it). Then we found out he also got into dad’s drawers -#2 Rule – stay out of Dad’s stuff.

AND SO – All of the above made Calvin a little boy in deep trouble. Wyatt told him there would be no ice-cream for him tonight.

Our favorite fro-yo shop is a place where you choose your own flavor of ice cream, and heap your own toppings on according to your desires (Cake batter, Reeses Pieces and Cheesecake chunks for me). It is an extra special treat when the kids go because there are rainbow sprinkles and Swedish fish and everything a little kid could love.

So we helped Olivia get her ice cream, and each got our own, and then we walked back to the table, where Calvin was sitting.

And his face just melted. His eyes welled up with fat heavy tears, and his lip curled out in heartbroken distress. And he said in his most pathetic voice “But I want ice cream.”

And you know me, I’m pretty much heartless when it comes to discipline. If it’s no, that’s the end of it. I don’t really care how much you whine or complain.

But it broke my heart. It might be the first time I ever reconsidered. I really wanted to share my ice cream with this broken hearted boy. He wasn’t whining. He wasn’t throwing a tantrum. He was just sad.

And then I remembered my parenting class (yes, I’ve taken one, because hey – I don’t know this stuff). And they said: it is important for kids to learn the reality of consequences when the consequences are inconsequential. Not getting ice cream because you broke the rules is nothing compared to getting arrested because you broke the law.

And so I stuck to my guns. But I ate my ice cream as fast as I could, and hurried out of there so my little Super Cal didn’t have to be tortured any longer (or so I didn’t have to be tortured?).

It was no fun. And I’ll always remember that face of pure tragedy. Oh, my mother heart, how sad.

Marsha came over yesterday to tell me this story about Olivia:

Marsha had given the Primary sharing time lesson about the resurrection, a heavy topic at any age, let alone the young children. To lead up to the resurrection, she had to tell about the crucifixion. Again, very heavy.

At one point she asked a question, and Olivia raised her hand. I’m not sure how or if her answer correlated to what they were talking about, but Olivia shared the story of last week, when she was having a hard time, and she went to a quiet place and said a prayer to Heavenly Father, and she felt he answered her prayer (I need to write that story down too – but probably not on the blog).

That was a nice thing of Olivia to share, and Marsha was proud of Olivia for being brave and sharing that personal moment with her fellow primary classmates.

Then, after Marsha had finished her Sharing Time, as she was gathering her things to put away, Olivia came up behind her and tugged on her dress.

Marsha turned around to see Olivia looking intently up at her. She said:

“Thank you. I was really listening.”

And Marsha was touched, and as she shared the story with me, I was touched. Olivia has such a tender heart.

Now, lest you think I’m going to tell a story about Calvin being naughty, and Olivia being an angel – think again!

Because Calvin is . . . well, Calvin.

And Who Calvin Is is a boy with a tender heart and shocking sensitivity to others.

And yesterday he came to me, as I sat on the couch, and looked up at me and said:

“Mom, I want to bear my testimony.”

And I looked up to see his eyes big, and happy. And I listened as he shared with me his little testimony – that Heavenly Father loves him, and Jesus loves him. And his mom and dad love him. And he loves his keys.

Today was kindergarten orientation.

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION!?!?!

Olivia had some nerves . . . “will there be toys?” she asked.

“Will there be a place to play?”

“Will the teacher be nice?”

I tried to encourage and reassure her. But she is my timid little darling.

I was nervous too . . . would the teachers be nice, would the kids play with her, would she feel welcomed and embraced and celebrated for the glowing soul that she is? Of couse she was. She came skipping and jumping from the classroom, excited for the adventure that will begin in the fall. (It didn’t hurt that they gave her a t-shirt and a whole slew of school supplies – the best way to buy her happiness).

And there were legal forms to fill out, and immunization records and bus schedules, and the whole thing felt very surreal.

At the end the principal talked about taking her own children to their first day of kindergarten . . . and I cried at just the anticipation.

The image that has been with me all week is Olivia at the hospital when she was born – not those first couple hours, but later, when we had visitors, and I proudly showed my sweet girl off, unabashedly admitting that she was the most beautiful thing EVER. I remember those quiet moments when she was so small. Oh sweet girlie, feel that love that everyone had for you, forever.

Kisses -

TRAVELOGUE – very boring, unless you’re me and want to remember these details forever. AND EVER.

Sometime back in February I think, I made a vague mention that maybe we would go to Disneyland . . .

Of course, never make vague mentionings to a four year old girl with a heart of gold and a belief that her parent’s word is law. She latched onto that like a newborn who hasn’t been fed all day.

How’s that imagery for you?

Anyhow, it became “the thing.”

“When we go to Disneyland we’ll . . . “

or how about

“At Disneyland they have . . . “

or

“The Princess’ at Disneyland . . .”

you get the point.

We decided to wait until the fall – better weather, more time to prepare. We first thought we’d go in September, then maybe October. Finally we decided Thanksgiving weekend would be the perfect opportunity to steal away to Southern California. We’d already be half way, with our Turkey Feast taking place in Saint George this year.

Bright and early Friday morning we woke, shuffled the wish-they-were-still-sleeping-but-now-they’re-awake-and-going-to-need-attention-the-whole-drive kids into the car. We made it to Anaheim without much ado. My arm was numb from sitting twisted in the front seat so I could hold Everett’s bottle for the last hour and a half – but hey, that’s normal.

We checked into our hotel, climbed out of our PJ’s, and made a mad dash (pushing 3 kids in two strollers, you can imagine how fast we went) for the park. We got into the park about 2:30. We hit the merry-go-round, the boat ride, and the kids favorite: Toon Town. The crowds weren’t bad. Our longest line was about twenty minutes – very manageable. As the evening wore on, we even walked onto a ride or two.

But alas, seven thirty came early that night, and Calvin turned into a pumpkin promptly. He fell asleep in his daddy’s arms, and not even the excitement of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride could rouse him. We called it a night.

The next morning we headed to the park first thing. Olivia had been asking for the Dumbo ride, and where the day before the line had been an hour long, that morning we walked right on. Dumbo is a great ride.

We finished up the fun rides at Fantasyland before heading over to Frontierland and Critter Country. Olivia discovered a new love: Roller Coasters. Her favorite was Splash Mountain, which she rode several times with her mama and daddy. The little buckaroos enjoyed canoe rides, and a ride on a pirate ship, and exploring in Tarzan’s tree house. We enjoyed a jungle river boat trip, cotton candy, and some adventures with Winnie the Pooh. We really did a lot, and by 3:00 the kids were close to melt down. We decided to head back to the hotel for naps. “We’ll come back tonight. We’ll watch world of color, and ride more rides.”

But that night it rained. I mean, it poured. We rode the swings in California Adventure, then stood 20 minutes under an awning waiting for the World of Color. But by then we were so cold we decided to just bag the whole thing. We walked home across the park as World of Color splashed in magnificence behind us.

The next day the park was dead.

I mean – we walked onto the Matterhorn – four times! Around and around and around we went. Wyatt would ride with Cal while O and I stayed with Ejo. Then O and I would go while Wyatt and Cal waited. Over and over again. Calvin LOVED the Matterhorn.

We rode on Autotopia, where Calvin got to drive the car all by himself. We went on a submarine voyage to find Nemo. We rode the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad a couple times, and even hit Splash Mountain again. We were walking onto all of these rides. The lines were just non-existent. We finished up all the rides we wanted to go on, went to California Adventure for a few attractions there (ironically, the scariest ride in the whole place is the Ferris Wheel at California Adventure! Ugh). And then we circled back and hit all our favorites again.

And by 3:00 the kids were mo’ done. As we left, each child chose a souvenir. Calvin chose a sword to “lead the way” aka- stab the back of Dad’s seat the entire drive home. Olivia chose a Princess Aurora doll, which she contentedly cuddled with in the back seat as we drove again across the wilderness of the American Southwest, and headed home.

PS- Pictures coming soon!

The first thing I head this morning . . . before even opening my eyes, was Olivia’s voice, from the other room, in morning prayer. What a sweet way to wake up.

Yesterday Olivia asked if we could go to the museum. “Absolutely,” I said, “but first you need to clean up your blanket fort downstairs.” Three hours later Olivia and Calvin invited me downstairs to see the surprise: They had folded all of the blankets and piled them neatly in the corner, returned the furniture and pillows to their proper place, and even put away the things that were out. The basement was totally clean! HIP HIP HURRAY! Off to the museum we went.

PS – I dug this out of the hand-me-downs from SuperCal today. I LOVE this outfit. Isn’t he so sweet?

Look closely at this pile of laundry.

Happiness is a baby boy who sucks on his fingers.

Happiness is stopping by the store to find Christmas gifts on a great sale!

Happiness is having Carrie come over for a few days.

Happiness is playing in the leaves.

Happiness is home made corn chowder and corn bread.

And candy cane hot chocolate.

And home made carmel popcorn, and pink white chocolate popcorn.

And lasagna.

And not thinking about the calorie count until blogging about it two days later.

Happiness is looking up to see Olivia leading Bullseye down the paddock by herself with all the confidence of a girl who is meant to ride.

Happiness is having the toilet set and the bathtub working in the downstairs bathroom.

Happiness is a Super Calvin who wakes up at 7 am on the dot – even with the time change.

Happiness is a hot date with a man who loves me.

Happiness is My Family every day.

What is Happiness to you?

Dear Olivia,

Hi sweet baby girl. You’re no longer a baby. Sigh. That thought makes my heart a little heavy. It’s been a great five years so far! And a wonderful year four with lots of steps from babyhood and toddlerhood into full fledged childhood.

I only hope I took enough pictures.

Really, I hope I took enough.

Sweet girly, I love you so much: the forts you build, the dress up shoes that are way too big, the way you help with everything.

I love you baby sunshine.

I only hope I took enough pictures.

Wyatt and I hit Barnes and Noble (a staple for our date nights, I know, living on the edge!).

And I came across a magazine that had the most beautiful photo collages. Sigh. It filled my arms with adrenaline, and stuck a perma grin on my face as I came to know that such things existed. I resolved to try my hand at it.

Today I finally had a half a second – and it took a little bit longer. But oops.

Here it is. I started without any idea of how it would turn out. I think it turned out a little eery. I am not one to immortalize dead children in art. Creepy.

So I titled it “Anticipation”

as in – before.

Like maybe Olivia was so excited and anticipated all the things earth life would be for her.

Wyatt was bemoaning the decor associated with various holidays, case in point: Halloween. “I hate the stuff everywhere. Ick, I’m just so glad we don’t have all that stuff.

Now it must be said: Wyatt hates “Stuff.”

It also must be said: I am not the least opposed to stuff, I just walk down the decor aisle and feel totally overwhelmed and unable to coordinate and create decor of fabulousNESS. Thus, I push the cart faster, and invariable go home empty handed.

But THE VERY NEXT DAY as we drove through the neighborhood, Olivia observed to her father:

“Daddy, everyone else has their houses all ready for Halloween. They are so cool. We don’t have anything for Halloween. I wish we did.”

Nothing like the social commentary of a five year old to change the tune of a father’s heart.

For family home evening we made decorations. Pumpkins and bats for the door. And I even bought a halloween ghost at the grocery store. Add those to the pumpkins and cornstalks from the Smith’s, and we are MO IN THE SPIRIT of halloween. Olivia is so happy.

DearEST,

Today Olivia learned about dinosaurs at pre-school. She came home with a pill that “grew” into a dinosaur in water. She brought one home for Calvin too. That’s just like her to think of her brother and share with him.

In the meantime Calvin, Everett and I built the awesomEST blanket fort ever. It will be headquarters for our week o’ fun. After we picked up Baby Sunshine from school we hit the Post Office and mailed those rebates (told you I’d do it ) as well as a few pictures for my new internet friend Cindy. I should have more internet friends. Problem is my unfriendliness in real life translates in magnificitude (ha ha, I love that word. I totally just made that up. I know, I’m the coolEST) on the internet.

We made Place Mats like these - paper towels & contact paper

This afternoon we played outside and made place mats a’la these. Frescas Frijoles I say. They turned out pretty good, and Olivia was all too thrilled to color on them.

Then I fed the missionaries. I know, can I be any more on top of it? Lemon Chicken Pasta and Boston Cream Pie. Did you know that Boston Cream Pie is really good? I don’t think I’ve ever had it before. But alas I sent the leftovers home with the mish’s.

BECAUSE . . . we got mo’ junk at the store today – chocolate chips were on sale, so cookies it is for the week! And ice cream and bananas for banana splits. I stopped short of giant marshmallows to “roast” in the tent. We’re going to Par-Tay Calvin style.

Oh, and I daydreamed about Christmas . . . of course you’re not surprised by that. Speaking of which, off to do some internet searches for Christmas gifts. I’m thinking Mickey for SuperCal.

Love you, Miss you, You miss us ‘cuz we’re having mo’ fun. And yes, that was a little jab since you’re off on an international adventure, and I’m here watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for the kajillionth time.

-Anj

PS – In other exciting domestic news, it must be said: My new vacuum came today. I am the happiEST and the cleanEST, except that other than straightening up for the mish’s tonight, cleaning is not on my agenda this week.

Today was the first day of school. Olivia has been looking forward to this all summer long!

We got her dressed in her new outfit. And those thrown back shoulder’s and off kilter hips- that’s all her. She works that camera!

In our excitement we were a little early (like twenty minutes ) So we took the time to snap a few pictures for the history books.

After school I asked Olivia if she made any new friends. She said very matter-of-factly: “No.”

Well, maybe next time.

This post will need refinement later. I mostly wanted to write down the blessings Wyatt gave each of the children tonight:

Olivia

• health and strength
• clear mind
• make friends easily
• you are a joy to be around
• you will have lots of fun
• you will have lots of friends
• be aware and help others
• be safe and protected
• be an example to many people
• learn to pray when you are away from your family
• be happy and strong
• teach your brothers, you are an example to them
• feel the love your family has for you

Calvin

• be big and strong
• you are a happy boy
• have fun playing with your brother, sister, mom and dad
• you will develop at an advanced rate
• learn
• be obedient
• be happy and content
• know how much you are loved
• learn from your sister
• be safe and protected
• be an example to your brother
• grow strong like daddy

Everett

• you bring joy
• you will grow strong and healthy
• you are a joy to your family
• be happy

In celebration of Baby Sunshine, who is having her very first “back to school” weekend, we had a very special dinner. The theme of the dinner, and this year’s school year is: “The Glory of God is Intelligence.” We talked about how now that she is going to school she will start to learn lots of new things – how to tie her shoes, and make art projects, etc. etc. We told her that all those things she will learn will help her become more and more like God, because Heavenly Father knows all things. She was sent to this earth to gain experience and knowledge, to become more like Him. Going to school is an important part of that process. I hope she will enjoy the years ahead of formal education. I have the feeling she will like it very much.

Back to school dinner. The banner in the middle says “The glory of God is Intelligence” – our theme for this school year.

Olivia with her back to school crown.

Calvin had a back to school crown too because he looks forward to the day when it will be his turn to go to school.

We set the table with all things “Olivia.”

Thursday night Carrie and I sat up talking, when suddenly we heard Everett crying from his room. Not just crying – screaming in a panicked sort of way. We jumped up to go to him. Poor boy, when I walked in his face was covered with something white. When I picked him up I smelled it. Vomit. Baby boy had thrown up all over himself. He then proceeded to vomit on me. Several hours later he finally settled down back to sleep.

The next morning we were supposed to drive out with the Smith’s to Manti. In light of Everett’s condition we slept in, then debated the trip. But then, how could we disappoint Calvin, who had been crying for three day’s straight waiting for the day we would “go to Manti.” Besides, we reasoned, we hadn’t really been anywhere all summer. We loaded up, and headed down.

Day one was spent in the shade of the Cottonwood next to the garden, talking about nothing important, letting the kids have run of the yard (and tractor, as was the case with Calvin). We ate pizza and watched TV and Olivia and I colored. Everett seemed better. No fever, no other symptoms to give alarm to illness. He was happy and content playing with each of us.

Of course that night the regurgitation returned. We cleaned him up, and put him back to bed. He did better the rest of the night.

The next morning Rick washed the lawn mower, I washed Cal’s bike; all in reaction to Calvin, who had tried to wash both with tire shine found off the back porch. Tire shine is goopy stuff. Still, Rick was gracious, and both came clean.

Later we all packed up for an afternoon drive in the mountains, and a picnic at the lake. Poor little Cal was so tired, he just begged to be carried everywhere. The weather was perfect, the views incredible. And Wyatt and Cal did a good job of not completely melting down.

That night Mike and Bret came down. Dinner was everything Labor Day weekend should be: Burgers and fresh veggies from the garden. Rootbeer floats and movies, and bed early for me because I had been up the night before with Everett.

Sunday really was  a day of rest. A little R&R, a walk, a few pictures, and more movies. Little Ev had a rough night Sunday night though. He threw up a couple times, and generally had a hard time sleeping. He survived, and I did too, though by Monday I was really dragging from the several sleepless nights.

Monday morning we didn’t do much. We packed and cleaned – the five of us can sure make a mess fast – and then headed North and back to real life.

The weekend was lovely. Thank you to the Smiths for the accommodations, entertainment, delectable cuisine, and general graciousness of us and our vomitous/mischievous children.

It was the day! First, four wheeling up at Beaver Springs. Then, dinner at the diner. Then, drumroll please . . .

Everett’s first Rodeo!

It was a lovely evening. *Sigh.*

Leslee & Jason, Jared, and Beth & Alex all came along this year.

Today our Bishop stood up during Fast and Testimony meeting and encouraged the parents to let their children bear their testimonies during the first ten minutes of sacrament meeting. (I imagine that was due to last month when it really became a kid-circus up there).

Olivia wanted to go. She’s wanted to go before, but we’ve always said no (not into participating in child circus shows).

Today we said ok. But she had to go by herself and bear her own testimony.

She walked herself up to the front, sat down in Bishop’s seat (I don’t even know where Bish was), and waited patiently for her turn. When her turn came, she stepped up to the pulpit, just her pigtails showing up over the height of the podium. She bore her testimony. This was the jist:

I know this is the church.
Jesus loves everyone on this earth.
I know today is a special day.
I know even though Jesus died, he still loves us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

And that was that.

So sweet. So beaming proud.

This was me:

6:22 am . . . really? REALLY? REALLY?

Walk in from working out. Come around the corner to catch Cal doing this.

Kissy kissy bye bye hubby.

Baby Sunshine comes down, wild haired. Carry her back upstairs, pour breakfast for her and her brother.

Make the bottle for Everett. Go in to greet him.

He stinks. Blow out. Awesome.

Nakie baby and I take a shower.

Kids are done with breakfast. Time to change bums. One, two, three.

Time to get dressed.

Wrestle Calvin into his selected outfit (why are you wearing that winter jacket again?) – while holding baby Everett on my lap. He’s suddenly turned clingy.

Clothes on, shoes on, walk down the hall. Suddenly, Calvin is wailing!!

He wet himself (in the misadventures of potty training). He does not like the wet.

This time I put Everett down with another bottle, back down the hall to Cal’s room, strip him, dress him again.

Everett must have finished the Bah. He’s crying, and crawling, down the hall towards me.

“Olivia, go get the hair brush.” I eye her tangled locks.

I pick up Everett. Olivia has already begun to whine about having her hair brushed.

French braid/pony tail thing is not so neat or so cute. Raise my eyebrows in defeat.

Pick up Everett (still crying) again, down the hall. Now we’re really on our way.

Everett regurgitates all over himself and ME!

No way we’re getting changed. Spit up is a fashion accessory in my life.

Wipe us down as best I can. Outside.

Dig out bikes, helmets, and wagon. Ready for a walk.

Round the corner to Kellie’s, not home. We play in her abandoned back yard, alone.

Home again, into the car. Gotta run some errands. Bank, Credit Union, in-laws for Calvin’s long lost – not urinated on – shoes. A visit to Daddy’s office.

The sight of him makes all the children wail. They want to play with daddy. Maybe an afternoon visit was not such a good idea. Home again.

Lunch. Bananas? All gone. Remember this morning?

Corn dogs? Sure. With ketchup please.

Fold the laundry. Change the laundry. Curse the laundry.

Dinner? Oh yeah. Sigh with over whelming underwhelmedness.

Dinner, Baths, Bedtime. Please bedtime.

TV, computer, ready to start again?

For a few weeks we’ve been telling Olivia that we were going to take her training wheels off. But when she saw her friend Drake riding his bike without training wheels, then the importance became paramount. She asked daddy: will you take my training wheels off? Every morning and night until finally we had an evening with out other commitments. Training wheels: off! Olivia is excitedly practicing riding her bike without training wheels. What a big girl! Calvin wants his off too, but we’re only doing one at a time

*UPDATE* As of June 8th Olivia is officially a two-wheel-rider. She can start, stop, and ride her way up and down the streets. I am so proud.