Passing on the heroic trait

Ever since the Rubik's Cube came into our home, the boys have loved it almost as much as Brandon. They like to mess it all up and then wake up in the morning with it put back together. Brandon showed Koby how to make it into a pattern and then back to normal. He thinks he is pretty cool (so do I - I don't think I couldn't even do that much). I had to get it on video - I love his look of concentration.

Other accomplishments of Koby this week - tieing shoes (I know it may be a little late, but he hasn't really ever owned lace shoes.) And making a much cooler paper airplane than mom!

Sucked In

For months now I have heard people talking about NieNie and CJane. I knew the jist of what was happening, but until the other day had never visited either of their webistes. Now, I have been sucked in like the rest of you and am treating it like a book (since their are 100's of posts to catch up on I will read it only at night once the kids are in bed). I have shed tears as I read and got to know the people involved.

As far as I can see (and what all are saying), Stephanie is an amazing and exemplary mother. It makes me think just a little bit about what would be said of me were something ever to happen to me. I DO NOT want those kinds of responses here and am NOT looking for them. I already know what wonderful people you are and know that you would say wonderful things. But, I want to truly live up to anything that might ever be said (exept the bad stuff!) I posted not too long ago about my resolve to be a better me, and I feel like finding this story is in some way an inspiration for me to continue on my path of being better. I have lots of goals and ideas on how to do that too. Wish me luck!

WARNING: If you are totally lost and head to the links above to get clued in, be aware that you may also be sucked in to this amazing story that I feel is just beginning in some ways!

Can't get enough Captain Underpants

If you haven't figured out by now, Captain Underpants is the popular subject in our house these days. After reading all five of our books, Koby and Spencer have decided to create their own. They have been so focused on their comics, it has been wonderful! They made them in true comic book style - little boxes with pictures telling the story. Their books are complete with Flip-O-Ramas! I love seeing their imaginations at work.

Koby and Spencer originals (talking toilet drawn by me - I know, impressive!)...Some of Koby's drawings...

Spencer is still learning to write...

Never experienced the high

A few months ago I posted about my frustrations with running. I appreciate those of you who love to run and you trying to pass on your enthusiasm with advice and tips. I'm sorry to say that I never felt anything close to a runner's high. (I know you told me it would come with time, but I wasn't willing to give it too much time). I hated every minute of it and was forced to search harder for a decent place to work out. There were two things I needed - a great class and an affordable day care. I am so happy to say that this week I finally found a gym I love with a daycare that my kids love. I have to drive 15 minutes to get there, but it is so worth it to me. Now watch me lose that holiday weight plus some...

Unlikely Book Review

My boys used some of their Christmas money to buy the first five books of Captain Underpants. We only have the best of literature in our house! Brandon reads to them whenever they get a chance, and I'm not sure who enjoys it more! In fact, tonight was the first night I read any of them. Koby and Spencer don't normally let me, because that is the boys book apparently. So, I got my first taste of it and thought I would give you my review: If you are looking for a funny read (you know, on the level of a 5-10 year old boy), which includes lots of wedgies, underwear, unlikely super-heroes and villains and some mild potty talk, then I highly recommend the series. Oh, and there are pictures on just about every page so it is very helpful in picturing all of the characters and their happenings.
By the way - in case you are worried, we do read other worthwhile books to our boys.

My husband - hero or geek?

So Brandon got a Rubiks Cube and is obsessed with it. He has watched You Tube videos on how to master it and taken notes. He has only had it for just over a week and has solved it at least three times. The second time he did it, the boys woke up and saw it and were so impressed. Koby said "Wow, Dad is amazing." I agreed. Then he said, "He's like a hero!" Not the word I was thinking of. Rubiks Cube master never crossed my mind as a heroic trait before. Brandon said that every child should think there dad is a hero. This is true, I guess you just never know what will define "hero" in their little minds.

Future Cougars...

Koby, cousin Austin and Spencer (looking way too cool)...Ever since we moved here, my boys have been obsessed with BYU. Last weekend we went to a BYU basketball game with most of my family. It was actually a lot of fun. Clay even enjoyed it. Especially when there was music. He made his own chair out of the stairs and got comfortable with his popcorn. Unfortunately, BYU lost, but it was a good game - so I heard. It is all about the atmosphere and people watching, right? Have any of you girls ever gone to a game and actually watched? I think it takes me like ten minutes before I notice the scoreboard.
Dad, Koby, Austin, John, Spencer, Brandon and Jonny...
Clay clapping and dancing along...

A Better Me

It blows my mind to look back over 2008 and the journey that it took my little family on. The journey that is not over...What an eventful year for us. I can't wait to see what 2009 will bring. Now that I am somewhat settled, the holidays are over, and we are into a new year, it is time to take a closer look at myself, which is hard for me to do. So, I have taken some serious mental notes (over the past few months) and have resolved to better myself. That's what the new year is for, right? And, apparently this is what I will be doing every year for the rest of my life - striving to be a better me in whatever area has been neglected.