Embarrassing!

Well we have all had them, and I have had quite a few. But last night brought my embarrassing moments to another level.

To start, Parker had finished his reading book, and as a reward I was going to take him and his good friend Ben miniature golfing. I thought that I knew of a location for miniature golfing was and we only had about an hour window in which to play, but after driving around for 45 minutes, I told the boys that I couldn't find the golfing place and that we would have to settle on some ice cream and try again tomorrow. Right after I told them that, traffic stopped. After being in traffic for 20 minutes I then had to tell them that we would have to settle on some sugar cookies I had at home. Both of them were so cute and patient. I got them home, got the promised sugar cookies, and then rushed off to our ward's enrichment night.

I arrived a little late and was standing in the doorway looking for a seat. A friend, Natalie, came in late also. I gave her a smile and said hi. After returning the hello she, as any great, true friend would, told me that I had broccoli in my teeth. I thanked her and went into the ladies room. I was so glad that she told me of my teeth and glad that I had escaped any big embarrassment. (I have done it many times, upon returning from a night socializing and give myself a big smile in the mirror only to see in you reflection a piece of dinner there front and center.)

I went back in, I did mention that I was late, and slipped into a seat next to another good friend, Delinda and I told her of my night with Ben and Parker. After listening to my tale, she, again as any good, true friend would, told me that I had something in my left nostril. Laughing, I excused myself, again, to the ladies room. I guess that I had been so interested in my teeth the first time I didn't notice anything else.

Well, I wish I could say that the story ended there. But alas, there couldn't be a through embarrassment if we forgot the third most embarrassing thing. When I got home, my sister Sarah called and as I was in the process telling her of my night I realized that my zipper was down.

November 16

Troy is still really enjoying his job. He has those cases, though, that hit really close to home. He said that the other day, he was on break when his last case started. The student covering his break had prepped the patient and put the drape around his face by the time Troy was back. As Troy pulled back the drape to check the patient, there was a little 18 month toe headed boy that reminded Troy so much of Dylan. It reminds him of how blessed we are with healthy kids.
We had Andrew’s parent teacher conference this last week. His teacher said that he is doing very well, and we were able to see how he stands with the rest of his class. I have also been able to volunteer with his class, and have enjoyed seeing Andrew in his classroom setting and put faces to the kids that Andrew has talked about.
With volunteering I have traded babysitting with a family in our ward, the Wynn’s. Parker enjoys their 5 year old son, Ben, so much. He counts down the days until it is time to have another play date with him.
Dylan has learned the meaning of the word ‘snuggle’, and when I ask him if he would like to snuggle he will immediately put his head down on my chest and hold still for a minute or so. He knows how to melt all of our hearts.
I was able to go with the youth to do baptisms for the dead this past week. I loved seeing them in that atmosphere and being there for this initial service in the church.

November 9

We had a great Halloween weekend. The Reynoldsburg ‘beggars night’ was on Thursday. Troy and Ryan Boothe teamed up and took the kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. They didn’t go very far, but Andrew and Parker’s buckets were full.

That weekend Sarah and Mike came down. We went for a run on Saturday morning, then we prepared for a little Halloween party that night. We cooked the traditional ‘mummy dogs’ for the kids, and then a couple of years ago I got a fabulous recipe from Jenna called pumpkin surprise. You basically put hamburger, rice, and veggies into a small pumpkin and cook it all together. It looks so festive around the table to see the plates with a pumpkin sitting on them, not to mention that it is delicious.

Then we played some fun games including pin the nose on the skeleton, do you know your neighbor, and hot and cold. We also made homemade doughnuts and tied them to a string for Andrew and Parker to eat. The boys had so much fun and Sarah and Mike always make it even more fun for them.

And if we couldn’t get any better than that, Sarah and Mike brought down Beatles Rockband. It was so much fun.

It was fun to see Andrew belting out Yellow Submarine,

and watching Parker getting down on the drums. I was excited to get the boys into bed so that I could get my groove on to.

We stayed up (at least for me) into the wee hours rocking away. The boys are still singing “Hard Days Night”, “Hello, Goodbye”, and “Yellow Submarine”.

We have been talking to Andrew and Parker about what it is in cigarettes and beer that make people addicted. Parker has been fascinated with the details of this, and it has been interesting to hear how he has connected the dots in his head at times. Some funny quotes from that weekend are as follows:

Parker: “Mom, we are setting up the ‘Mouse Trap’ game wrong. On the back picture it shows the diver facing forward, not backwards.”
Me: “Well in the instructions it says that the diver needs to face backwards.”
Parker: “Well, who ever took the picture must have been drunk.”

Then later that night after they had gone up to bed….
Parker: “Mom, why do we have alcohol wipes?”
Me: “To clean off any scraps we get.”
Parker: “Does Satan want us to eat alcohol wipes?”

This weekend we had such beautiful weather. We drove down to Clear Creek and hiked down to a lake. Dylan was not very excited about the car ride, so we let him hike part of the way, and he was such a trooper. When we got done, we ended at a picnic area that just had grass and trees. Between the dirt, sticks and trees all three boys entertained themselves for close to an hour. On Sunday it was the primary program. It was fun to see Andrew and Parker up there singing and doing their parts. They both did a fantastic job.

October 27

Andrew has recovered from the flu, Parker from the croup, and Dylan squeezed by with a mild cold. Troy got the mild cold also, but all in all we got through that batch of sickness without a hitch. This last week we have had such beautiful fall weather. We have tried to take advantage of it as much as possible. We have frequented Blacklick, a local park, and this morning we drove down to Three Creeks Park in Grove City. The fall colors are just amazing.
Andrew is loving school. He had a bit of a rocky start. His teacher had a baby three weeks before school started, so he had two substitutes while waiting for his permanent teacher. I think all of the change was rocking his boat a little, but his teacher is now back, and he loves it. The crossing guard told me that she loves to see Andrew coming as he usually is skipping down the sidewalk.
It’s been quite funny this year to see Andrew let his guard down a bit. Last year he was preoccupied with the rules and making sure that he followed all of them. This year he has ‘broken’ some of them. He told me one day that he brought a toy to school and put it in his desk. When the teacher wasn’t looking, he would put his hands inside his desk to play with it. Then another day he told me how the teacher was giving the class some instructions. When his teacher would turn her back to the class, Andrew would stand up and then quickly sit down before she could see. I loved the look on his face as he was telling me about this, pure triumph.
Parker has continued to do his reading book, and only has 14 more lessons until he has completed it. He is now trying to sound out every sign that we pass, and it is quite funny to hear what he sounds out. He is my little pal, and I am really enjoying having so much time with him during the day. He has a way of keeping me most humble. The other day as I was putting on my makeup, he walked into the bathroom and promptly said, “Well that looks embarrassing!”
The other day he was invited to a friend’s birthday party. This was such a big deal as Andrew has been the only one to be invited to a birthday party so far. The day of the party was a school day, and Parker the whole morning kept reminding Andrew that he was going to a birthday party and Andrew wasn’t.
Dylan is cruising all around now. When he first started walking he would walk with his hands above his head to keep his balance. Now he walks with his hands by his side and it makes him look so much older. It still amazes me how much he understands of what we are saying and how close attention he pays to everything. He follow directions very well, like if we ask if he wants to get in the bath, he will walk into the bathroom and wait patiently as we get him ready. If we ask him if he wants to go to bed, he will find his frog and dog and go to the fridge to get his milk. He loves his brothers and will often try to tackle them if they are ever on the ground.

Firsts

We have had a lot of firsts at our house lately. It all started with Andrew losing his first tooth. It was more or less just hanging out of his mouth, but it had a deep root that was holding on the front of it. It was quite dramatic when all said and done. I think that it was just a bit nerve racking to him to have Troy pulling on his tooth, the pain involved, and mostly that he was bleeding. The kid can't stand the sight or thought of blood. It was a Sunday and Troy had him put a piece of floss around it and just kind of pull here and there. Well a lot of tears and two hours later, Troy finally told him that he would just take the floss out of his mouth, leaving out the fact that with the floss Troy was going to yank the tooth also. Troy pulled so hard that the tooth flew one way and Andrew ran the other. A week later, he had another lost tooth. But this one feel out at school.

Labor Day weekend Sarah and Mike came down for a visit, and we all ran our first half marathon together. We decided to try the Three Creeks Trail down in Groveport Ohio. We got down there at about 7:00 am and it was so beautiful. The drive reminded me so much of Tennessee. It was so green and there was a mist. The trail was beautiful, going by a pond and a lot of greenery. It was just the perfect weather and perfect company. I can't remember our exact time, but we were all excited to have finished!

That same weekend Dylan took his first steps. We were out in the garage putting together a bike trailer, when just happened to look up and see Dylan take about 5 steps. He kept walking back and forth between people all weekend, but after that, he really didn't take any steps. Then these last two weeks he has been a walking machine. His usual stance is to have his arms up in the air and his little hips just wiggle back and forth.

Andrew and Parker also started soccer this fall. Parker's league was more an instructional atmosphere, but the coaches made games out of doing soccer drills. The funnest thing, though, was that at the first practice the coach asked Parker what his name was. Well, in Parker's cute little voice, he responded, "Pahcah", and the coach thought that that was how you pronounced his name. So for the rest of the season when a coach was trying to get Parker's attention, they would call out "Pahcah!" It was hilarious! Andrew's league was just a very easy going environment, with practice once a week and games on Saturday. They wouldn't keep score at the games so everyone had fun. Andrew made some good friends on his team.

Summer

In May Troy's parents came out for a week to visit. It is always so much fun when they come and we get so much done around the house with the four extra hands helping. The highlight was visiting Kirtland. It is amazing. Kirtland is about 2 1/2 hours away, and again, is amazing. The spirit is so strong at the church's visitors center. Pres. Kimball said that Kirtland is one of the most sacred spots on the earth, as only the Holy Land had more visits from the Savior.

As summer is coming to a close, I am looking back and wondering where it went. So let's start at the beginning with and ending. The end of Kindergarten. Andrew had a fabulous year at school. He enjoyed his teacher, Mrs. Gabel, and his classmates. He excelled in the academics, and came such a long way socially. I remember as I picked him up on the last day I couldn't help but cry a little thinking how nervous he was that first day, and how in contrast, how sure of himself and at ease he was. What a great year for him!

That week we also celebrated Parker's fourth birthday. Prior to his birthday I looked back at his other birthdays and realized that he had celebrated his first three birthday's in three different states. The first in Utah, the second in Tennessee and the third in Ohio. When planning his birthday he, of course, wanted one very similar to Andrew's birthday party, but with a twist.

He wanted a 'Super Villain' party instead of a 'Super Hero' party.

The attendees included Ben (in our ward),Parker,Brenon (our neighbor across the street), and of course Andrew.

We followed the same structure as Andrew's party with the same events and prizes. It again was a big hit.

We started with pillows being dropped from the balcony on top of them,

Went on to the rope climb.

Did the balance beams, trampoline, bean bag toss, and a pinata.

Parker has been such a blessing in our family. He has such an easy going personality and keeps us all laughing. He is Andrew's shadow, and tries to emulate his brother in every way. He says things that are so wise and beyond his years. I love the nick names that he gives every one. My dad is 'Grandpa Baby', Troy's dad is 'Gramps'. Andrew is 'An Boo', Dylan is 'Dills'.

That weekend the Karrens came up to Ohio for Michael's rotation at Grant Hospital. We had a fabulous month with them. Highlights being swimming,

going to the zoo, (this is Troy and Andrew going on the log ride. Andrew was so excited to go, but in the picture that they take as you are doing the first big drop and his face showed pure terror!)

We toured the Anthony-Thomas Chocolate Factor, we took turns got some date nights in,

the boys had some mud baths, sang silly songs, wrestled, we tried to get them to take naps, and so much more.

Dylan loved the fact that some one else was in his stand up toy besides himself.


The next weekend was the Fourth and July and Sarah and Mike came for a visit. Sarah, Mike, and I have been training for a half marathon. We found a 5 mile race on Saturday morning and went and ran. It was my first race since I had the boys and Sarah's first race ever. It was so fun to feel that adrenaline rush as your are running past other runners, and the push as others are passing you.
That night we had a BBQ and did some fireworks with the boys. The smoking ones, of course, per Ohio law.

Then the next weekend we left for Utah. I was very apprehensive about the flight and Dylan. He has learned to crawl and walk around things. This equals him not wanting to sit still for any length of time. He did pretty well considering, and it was nice to have Troy sitting in the row ahead of me so that we could pass him back and forth.

The highlights of our Utah trip were (in no particular order):

Going to Lake Creek and having Andrew, Parker, Connor, Cole, and Brayden riding in the back of Jorgen's truck.

The boys going fishing for their first time. Drew caught 2 fish and Parker caught 8. (He is quite proud of the fact he out fished Drew.)

Going camping with my family. Hillary and her kids came up from Arizona, and it was so fun to see Drew and Parker playing and playing and playing with their cousins. This is them in their 'pirate ship' they found at the campsite.

Troy went backpacking with Mark Wynn and some of Mark's family to Anchor Lake in the Uintas. Troy was schooled as far as the hiking, but relishes on the fact that he out fished everyone. (I'm seeing a trend.)

Both of our families did fireworks before we left. It was priceless to see the boy's faces watching all the colors and hearing the loud noises. They loved them!

I was able to go running every morning up the canyon. Sarah came the second week we were there, and we were able to do an 8 mile run together the day before we left for home. Such a great accomplishment for me, and how better to have by my side one of my sisters.

Troy's mom and I took Andrew to 'Singing in the Rain' at the Hale Center Theatre. Andrew enjoyed it very much and was laughing out loud at everything. There was a lady sitting down the row from us how came up to Diane during the intermission and asked if Andrew was her grandson. She told Diane that she didn't know what was funner, to watch the play or Andrew's face.

Troy and his dad took Andrew and Parker hiking up to Bridal Veil Falls. He said that the personalities in the boys really came out as Andrew was hiking very cautiously and Parker was full steam ahead.

They also took Andrew and Parker miniature golfing.

Every day we were at my parents house, we would all go on a picnic to a park. We visited the wood park in Pleasant Grove, the park down from the library. The last day we were there we got the kids water guns and some balls. It was fun to watch them all get each other wet and play dodge ball.

The last night we were there, we went to Cascade Park with Troy's family and played a game of baseball. It was so touching to see the older cousins help Andrew, Parker, and Pyper get around the bases.

When we went up to Lake Creek we ran into Tony and Marcie's family. We went back to their cabin for a pit stop, and Tony brought out his rifles. Andrew was able to shoot a rifle, and still has 'the best dreams' about that experience.

We went swimming at Brooke's apartment with Jordanna, Pyper and Zoee.

There are many more things, but those are just a few highlights. We spent two weeks there, and needed at least two more.

The day we flew back was Dylan's first birthday. Everyone says it, but it is crazy to think that he is a year already. What a year it has been! Dylan is such a blessing in our lives. He has been such an easy baby. As I look at him and talk with him I see such wisdom looking back at me. He loves playing with his older brothers and being in the middle of the fun.

We love Dylan!

I also celebrated my birthday at the beginning of August. My visiting teacher Jeanie, and a friend, Ashley came over to wish me a happy birthday. I made my favorite dinner, crab Alfredo, and got a triple chocolate cake. It was funny because as we were shopping for the cake, the boys said, "Mom, you need number candles!" And they were quite upset that I hadn't gotten any. So we went and got some. Troy got me flowers. This in and of it self is huge, as he hates spending money on flowers "that will die in a day any ways". He's is quite the romantic ;)

Things are starting to settle down a little bit. School is starting in a week and we will be back to that structured life again.

May 17

I have this fabulous garlic butter topping for rolls that is a favorite in our family. Parker, especially, loves these. He loves them, and will at times, fill up on the rolls instead of eating his other dinner, so I have cut back on the amount that I make at dinner time so that the boys will eat the rest of their dinner, instead of just these rolls. This has not gone over well with Parker, like last night when we had them. I made both boys one, and Troy and I two. Well Parker immediately noticed this, and complained of the injustice of it all. I was telling him how Troy and I are bigger than he is, and that because I am running everyday, my body needs more energy. A minute later Parker got up from the table and started running around the house. He just kept running and running. When I asked him why he was running he said that next time we had rolls, he would need two rolls also because his body would need more energy because he was now running.
Speaking of running, when I got home from my big run on Saturday I wanted to cut Troy’s hair before I showered, but Troy wanted to go to the gym and run some errands before his haircut, so I was a little on the “not so fragrant” side. Parker needed some help which required me to come in close contact with him. After helping him, he looked at me and said, “Mom, did you go running? Because you stink!” I then asked him if I stink a lot. He said, “No, just when you are close to me.”
Andrew started tee-ball this week. His first practice got rained out, so they rescheduled for Saturday. He had a lot of fun playing monkey in the middle and getting to hit the ball off the tee. At school they have been playing a vampire game at recess. Andrew has tried to teach Parker this game, but when I heard the rules and what the vampires do to the other people playing the game, I told the boys that it wasn’t a game that I wanted them to play. Well, the next day I got the phone call that no parent wants to get. It started like this:
“Ms. Bailey? Your son Andrew was playing at recess and . . . . (Let’s pause here to note that at these words I am envisioning the worst. A broken bone, concussion, etc. ) . . . he got bit.”
The office secretary told me that Andrew and some other kids were playing, you guessed it, the vampire game at recess, and one girl got a little carried away and actually bit Andrew on the back. I asked the office secretary if Andrew was okay, and she said that he was, and that the girl that bit Andrew was the one that was crying, because she had to go to the principles office. A couple of days later this girl sent home the cutest apology note, that included her writing that she was sorry, drawing a picture of a heart and putting a band-aid sticker on the heart, and it also had a sticker of the fake chattering teeth.