Baby Minnie Mouse is 4!

I lied- it's ACTUALLY Ivy who is now 4 years old, but as she INSISTS we all call her Baby Minnie Mouse at the moment, it's easy to get confused around here. 

All I can say is: I LOVE FOUR!!!  If twos are terrible, threes are thorny, (okay... maybe that's a stretch, YOU think of an adjective for a difficult three year old that begins with TH!) fours are just plain fab.  Full of love, helpful, fun-loving, curious, tender-hearted, self-sufficient, imaginative, sensible- just delightful.

On her birthday she woke up to princess balloons, streamers, and other assorted girly decorations.

 

Don't you just love the delight in her face?



We used my Sister-in-Law Kim's recipe to make some crazy good cupcakes. 
(Just stab a regular yellow cake with a fork like crazy, pour jello over the top and chill, top with whipped cream and raspberries- YUM)



Her very first doll house.



It was a wonderful day to celebrate our Ivy girl.

Here's her official Four Year Old List:

Favorite color: "rainbow...with pink and purple stripes"
Favorite activity: "playing doll house with daddy"
Not-so-favorite activity:  "sitting on the naughty spot"
Favorite food:  "waffles"
Least favorite food: "a dead turkey and cat"
Favorite show:  "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"
Biggest Fear: "monsters and giants"
Favorite toy:  "dolls"
Favorite animal: "cats"


 

Ivy is an amazing big sis.  Both Hyrum and Ivy are so sweet with Delia (sometimes I'm afraid they spoil her too much)  This picture was taken right before DeeDee kissed Ivy.  I just love the anticipation on her face.

Ivy loves playing "mommy" all day.  She's very rarely seen without some sort of baby in her arms.

She is super fun-loving and loves to laugh.  Listening to her full-out belly laugh is one of my very favorite things in the entire UNIVERSE.

She is 100% Daddy's girl.  She asks the very same question EVERY SINGLE DAY before she says anything else: "Where's daddy?"

I love how this pic shows off her darling freckles and stunning eyes.

We're so very privileged to have this darling child in our family.  I don't know if she chose us, if we chose her, or it was just the luck of the draw, but however she made it into our family-I'm so grateful to our Heavenly Father for our Ivy June. 

Never Ending Turkey Time

....And he's still not finished!

Ivy the Hairdresser

Ivy is obsessed with hair lately.  Anything with hair that will hold still long enough for her to wrap an elastic around a few strands is at risk.  This is one of her creations:



She's not a gentle, or tidy hairdresser, but she's already better than her dad:)

Dressin' Up

There's nothin' like a great dress to boost your mood and confidence and make you feel ultra feminine.  We all have our favs we secretly wish we could wear every day, we just choose not to, 'cuz wearing the same clothes every single day would be weird... I wish I could communicate this fashion sense to my little 3 year old. 

Here's her beloved dress at the moment:

She picked it out with her daddy while she tagged along during a dress-pant shopping trip.  I'm not sure if it's her favorite because of the memory of precious daddy time, because of the sparkles (the girl loves her bling), or because it has a picture of Hello Kitty.  Speaking of--- what is this magical attraction little girls have with Hello Kitty?  I don't get it.

This was my favorite dress when I was three:

I totally remember wanting to wear it everyday, as if it had magical powers or something.  I have several pictures with me in this particular outfit, including this hilarious one:



I love all the different facial expressions (sorry it's grainy).


Even though she has a closet full of in-style fashions, Ivy would prefer her comfy, sparkly, special memory dress.  I guess it could be much, much worse.



Paleo Update: The Kids' Diet

Once I started feeling so amazing on the Paleo Diet, I knew I needed to get the kids eating healthier.   I wasn't very worried about Ivy and Delia- they are both GREAT eaters.  I was super concerned about Hyrum though. 




DD is a bottomless pit when it comes to food.  She eats (almost) everything with delight.  (Her tray has strawberries, scrambled eggs and sausage)


Pre-Paleo his diet consisted of cereal, bread, crackers, pizza, and chicken nuggets.  I knew this wasn't healthy food, but I had this irrational fear of letting my child starve to death so I let him limp along nutritionally.

It took him a few weeks of near starvation, but every week since we've started the diet he's added at least one new food (this is a MIRACLE for anyone who knows how picky and stubborn Hyrum has always been concerning everything he puts in his mouth).  So far he's added: beef patties, turkey patties, oranges, bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, eggs, and pineapple.  His palate is maturing and his attitude toward food and trying new cuisine is becoming so much more positive.  It's very, very exciting!

Hyrum's super excited because his FAVORITE food is burgers.  He also has sweet potato chips, strawberries, lettuce, and carrots on his plate- and no, bottled mustard is NOT paleo:)

We try to stay positive about food at meal times to create a happy atmosphere.  If the kids don't want something on their plate we ask them not to voice their complaints, just don't eat it.  If they would like second helpings of a particular item, they have to at least TRY everything on their plate.  We've chosen not to make mealtimes a battle anymore (that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of tears and plenty of chaos though).  It's a long process, just like anything that's really important in life.

The only guilty situations with this crazy eating plan are when we're out in the world or if the kids have friends over.  Hyrum will come home from school and say, "Violet had a lunchables today" or "Dylan gets pop in his lunch" with such envy and frustration.  It's really hard to compete with junk food!  It's sad for me- not being the "fun mommy" of the neighborhood with never-ending sweets in all the drawers and cupboards.

The first thing Ivy asks when we visit someone's house is, "Do you have any food?"  I know she's attempting to break as many dietary rules as possible before she has to come back to her own strict house.

Ivy is THRIVING at mealtimes.  It hasn't been very difficult for her since she's always been the odd-one-out because of her allergies.  Now we eat one meal and I don't have to make something different for everyone!  (The delectable drink in Ivy's green cup is called a "green smoothie"- I know it looks gross, but it's yummy.)

I REALLY don't want my little ones to be the crazy, sugar deprived kids of the neighborhood who roam from house to house consuming as much food as they can before they are forced to come home.  I want them to be proud to give their body healthy nutrients and understand how much stronger they can be because of it...
we've still got a long way to go...

  

Ivy's Collection

Being the mother of a curious and mischievous 3 year old is never dull. She's always asking questions and questions and more questions. She's obsessed with knowing and understanding EVERYTHING and gets so frustrated when the topic is out of her grasp.  Here's a common scenario: we're out in a public place and Ivy sees a man with long hair. This doesn't make any sense.  He's a man... but he has long hair.  So in a loud, carrying voice she HAS to ask, "Is that a boy or a gul (girl)?" Did a mention it's pretty awkward being the mother of a curious three year old?

We were at Hyrum's t-ball game and Ivy attached herself to a cute little 6 year old girl watching her younger brother play. Ivy was of course asking her all kinds of questions like, "Why aw (are) you sitting in that chaiw (chair)? and "Why do you have howt (heart) socks?".  After coming back to sit with me for a while she returned to the girl and said, "Hey, can I sit with you?" The girl replied, "Yes, if you don't ask any more questions." Ivy's obvious response was, "Why?"

Another cute Ivy quirk is her collection. Shiny rocks, leaves, flowers, and other random stuff of the day are treated like precious treasures. Walks and family activities are brought to a halt if Ivy spies anything worthy enough to add to her assortment of specimens. When her trike (inevitably) tips over due to her crazy steering she could care less about her own injuries. She screams, "MY COWECTION!!!" and isn't satisfied until every last artifact is stowed away safely.

Proudly displaying her stash.

I absolutely love this stage: entering independence, but still completely innocent and reliant on me for reassurance

 and security (I'm not ready to be out of the picture yet!)

Snippets

There are so many rewarding moments as a mom.  One of the best is when the kids are playing nicely and entertaining themselves (perhaps because it's so rare).  Ivy and Hyrum have become amazing playmates- creating their own worlds and imagining fantastic adventures.

As I'm rushing through my daily to-do list it's such a treat to catch little snippets of their games.  Here's just a few:

Hyrum:  "Don't kill me!  Remember I'm your husband!"

Ivy: "Open your presents."

Hyrum: "I'm a bird and I haven't hatched out of my egg." (He's wrapped in a blanket.)

Ivy: "Okay, then I'll sit on you." (She sits on him until he hatches out of the blanket.)

Ivy: "This is the Tiptoe Forest and Barbie is the princess."

Hyrum: "Here's a map to find the friendly frog.  He'll tell us where the treasure is."

Ivy: "HELP!"  Ivy tells Hyrum to say, "I'm coming!  But I'm a prince so I'm busy!"

Hyrum: "That's the monster weapon (plastic wrapping bubbles) and they don't like the smell of it... or the hit of it."

Ivy frequently reminds me of one of my favorite fictional characters Frances, who sings adorable little songs all day, just like our little Ivy.  Here are some snippets from them:

"If you want to marry meeeee

you have to give me your moneeeey

Cuuuuz I'm the princeeesss."

"Sometimes De De be's nicccce

Sometimes De De be's meeeean

But we love her if she's meeeean

Cuuuuz she's my sister."

Little Swimmers

We have some AWESOME neighbors who let us use their pool whenever we want.  It's been so amazing to see how the kids have progressed so much with their swimming skills since they practice almost every day. 

Here's a little video:

Pajama Party

We have a serious problem at our house: 

We can't get Hyrum and Ivy to go to bed at a reasonable hour.  They play and play while we make threats, take away "pillow pets" and special blankets, scream our heads off, and finally, one of them ends up on the extra crib mattress in the bathroom.  After five minutes of being separated they both completely zonk out.  Is it too much to expect a 3 and 6 year old to let each other sleep in their own beds?

It's a problem because #1.  They wake up at the same early hour every morning whether they've gotten enough sleep or not.  AND #2.  Bry and I spend those precious hours before our own bedtime fighting with the kiddos instead of spending quality time together.

I don't get it, it's not like they don't get enough play time or aren't completely exhausted by the time we tuck them in.  I also don't understand why this is starting right now.  It's never been a huge problem before.  HELP!

So, last night I decided to use the best card I had, the one I knew couldn't lose- I threatened them with NO OUTSIDE time tomorrow if they didn't go to bed immediately.  Well, my best card ended up biting me in the rear because, since they completely disregarded the threat, I had to actually follow through.  That meant no pool, no park, no bikes, and no other outdoor entertainment to keep them busy and happy enough to forget driving me crazy!

This morning, with the gloom of a day stuck inside hanging over me I decided to make the most of my terrible mistake and have a mommy vacation, so we had our first official "pajama day" of the summer.

My mommy vacation consisted of the following do NOTS: Do NOT make yourself feel guilty for the number of hours the TV is on,  Do NOT clean up every mess (immediately), Do NOT dress the kids or fix their hair (teeth brushing was still mandatory), Do NOT stress about how many fruits and veggies everyone does (or does not) ingest, and do NOT even think about following a strict schedule.

There was lots of toy time

Lunch consisted of popcorn and chocolate milk... in the playroom!  SCANDALOUS! 

Messes stayed messy

All in all, I really enjoyed my mommy vacation, but one day is long enough for now.  Hopefully the kids get to bed tonight so we can enjoy a full and busy day tomorrow!

Whenever I Hear the Song of a Bird

The other day Ivy and I were enjoying a lazy morning outside, basking in the sunshine. I made some kind of comment about how pretty the bird song was and her response surprised and moved me: "Mom, those birds are singing for YOU. You need to thank them."

I couldn't believe such wisdom came out of the same mouth that was sobbing about the color of her cereal bowl only minutes before.

It is true, I believe, those birds were singing for us (it might also have a little bit to do with territory, mating rituals, and birdie communication).  But there's a reason their song is beautiful and soothing and transcendent. I think our Heavenly Father sends us little "love notes" in the form of birdsong, blooming flowers, and sunsets- among MILLIONS of other touching sights, sounds, tastes, and smells.

My ramblings are perfectly conveyed in my favorite Primary song:

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

by Clara W. McMaster

 Whenever I hear the song of a bird

Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

Or walk by our lilac tree,

I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heav’nly Father created for me.

 He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part.

Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

These faces are my favorite love letter from a caring and generous Heavenly Father. 

I will be forever grateful.

Self Expression

Ivy has decided mommy isn't an expert in fashion anymore.  I can no longer convince, cajole, or sweet-talk her into any outfits of my choice.  I've decided to give her more freedom to choose what she wants to wear (unless it's inappropriate for the weather).  Some days she is looks perfectly put-together. Other days I wish I could glue a sign on her forehead citing: I DRESSED MYSELF TODAY!  If I force her to wear what I want or constantly critique her appearance I figure I'll just inhibit her confidence, independence, and creativity.  So bring on the clashing colors and patterns-  I'm raising a strong woman here!  Who's to say I know anything about style anyway...

She chose to accessorize with stickers today

Updates

Delia's appetite has returned with vigor, so hopefully her cold is on the mend.  She still isn't crawling, but she can sit up now (for about 10 seconds).



curls, curls, curls



Ivy decided she's NOT a princess anymore.  She insists we call her "ballaweena" Ivy now.  She often declares sweet things like, "Dad you're so cool.  I just have to tell you- you're the coolest man."

Hyrum is hardly ever spotted without either a nerf gun, light saber, book, Legos, or a Wii remote in his hands.  Needless to say he's a very busy boy.

Change in Perspective

Bottle feeding is more labor intensive than breastfeeding.   It's been quite a shock to a formula feeding novice like myself how much more work is involved.  With all the cleaning, scrubbing, soaking, and sanitizing I found myself annoyed every time I found another dirty bottle sitting beside the sink (as if it magically appeared there).  That is- until a few days ago when the bottles disappeared off the counter all together. 

Poor little Delia has been suffering from a nasty bug and has subsequently gone on a hunger strike (I believe it might have to do with the fact that she can't breathe through her nose... possibly).  It's scary and heartbreaking to have a sick baby and I couldn't be more ashamed of my attitude BEFORE she caught this illness.

Here's Delia in all her crusty bogies and bed- headed glory.



YES, stay-at-home-motherhood is exhausting and sometimes tedious, but I CHOSE this as my profession, career, and calling in life.  YES, my daily list of chores in never ending and boring, but how many mothers would love to stay at home and spend more time with their children?  I have been blessed with so, so, so many things in my life- it is time to stop wallowing and start celebrating!

Because this is an on-going difficulty for me I decided to do a little research on the subject and came across this amazing, beautiful, and inspired article (written before I was even born, but still written for ME):

Carol B. Olsen, "A Sense of Perspective", Ensign, June 1982, 69

I HIGHLY recommend this article be read through thoroughly, but one of my favorite quotes is:

"There is beauty to be appreciated everywhere, creative experiences to be savored, learning and thinking and growing to be enjoyed. To the degree that we understand the possibilities we gain an eternal perspective."

I'm starting my own "perspective" journal.  I'm going to fill it with articles like this, inspiring scriptures, stories, and other "beauty to be appreciated" so when my prospects seem narrow I can find strength through others' faith.



Poor, sick Hyrum



Ivy's finally feeling better!



I WISH I could say I'm not like so many of the proud, ungrateful examples I read about in the scriptures.  I WISH it didn't take a WORSE situation to realize how comfortable and blessed my life is.  I can only pray I listen to my own advice as I instruct the kids about the uselessness of whining and the peace a grateful point of view brings.



Lets all chant together:  BRING ON THE BOTTLES!!!

E-N-U-N-C-I-A-T-I-O-N

Watch the tongue...

Here's a funny Ivy conversation:

Erin:  "Whew!  Ivy!  Why do you stink so bad?"

Ivy: "Cuz I have so much gas ... as 100 elephants!"

Ivy June is 3

Our beautiful red head turned three in January.  We had a great time celebrating the day our family was blessed with this darling girl.

She loved her Rapunzel cake from the bakery.

She chose the "Balloon House" for her special birthday activity.  We brought along her little friend Abigail.  They were running around like crazy the entire time- so much that THESE are the best pictures we could get:

Her exhaustion upon leaving the Balloon House can only be described with this perfect picture:

Ivy is such an important part of the family.  She has a super nurturing heart and  loves to help mend "boo boos" (even if she was the culprit behind the violence).  She has a beautiful singing voice and uses it all day long.  She loves to read, story tell, and create masterpieces with her scissors and glue.  She has lots of imaginary friends and enemies.  And last, but not least, she has NO self-control whatsoever and just can't stop herself from destroying toys, books, and anything else that might end up in her sweet little fingers.

Here's what a typical Ivy day is filled with:

Accessories and Beautification

Plenty of attitude

Babies, Books. and Tea Parties

Cooking with Mom and Dad

Princesses and "Bad Guys"

Make-up

Whining Galore

Dress-ups

Plentiful "Hugez and Kisses"

And lots and lots of laughter

We're so, so blessed to have this little ray of light (sometimes the ray is a little too bright) in our lives.  She isn't the easiest- she takes quite a bit of energy and creativity to raise,  but there wouldn't be enough laughter, dancing, make-believe, treat-eating, singing, reading, chasing, tickling, snuggling, and loving without her! 

Talents Abound

Serious light saber skills, dancing, AND singing:

we just can't suppress our gifts.

Another Girlie One

Here's a little movie for the Grandmas and Aunts: 

(I promise Hyrum has not been forgotten- he'll make his way into a post one day!)

Bows and Braids

Ivy's hair is FINALLY long and thick enough to give her mommy lots of fun styling options.  I absolutely love the time we spend every morning talking and trying out different styles.  Her hair is a beautiful strawberry blond color with yellow and red highlights.  I have no idea who's genes she inherited, but whoever it was: THANK YOU!

And here's sweet Delia with her little ponies.  She has CRAZY thick hair that I have to wash every single day, but I love it anyway. She wasn't very happy with the style, so we'll hold off on the hair pulling torture a little longer.

I know there's many people who think spending time on little outfits and hairstyles is an absolute waste.  It's true, it's very frivolous.  On the other hand- the life of a stay at home mother is, at times, exhausting, tedious, overwhelming, and stressful.  We often go many days without recognition of our tireless efforts to keep the family and house in perfect order.  I dress my little girls in silly clothes and take time to style their hair in elaborate bows and braids because I very simply love to.  It's not essential to their health or happiness, it's not going to create world peace or stop world hunger, but it makes me feel like my life isn't just changing diapers and cleaning dishes- so BACK OFF people...