Sunday, February 1, 2009
4 years old!
Today Thomas turned 4. My boys are growing up so fast. Thomas requested a Wall-e birthday theme, so yesterday he had a couple friends come over to play and eat cake and ice cream. Thomas had a lot of fun. He got a couple Nerf guns and the boys played with them for 5 hours straight. They were very popular. We got him a Semi truck that can hold 40 Hot Wheels cars and that is very popular as well. It's funny how Thomas plays with his cars like someone else would play with their dolls or little people. He has conversations with his cars, and they have their own personalities. There's a lot of playing house with cars around here. He decided that when he turned 4 that he would give up the pacifier for good. We'll see how that goes. He's having a lot of fun playing with his friends at his preschool group and loves it when Matt comes home from school so they can play together. Well, here's a couple pictures of the birthday cake and Thomas' big day.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
6 Months Old!
Timothy is 6 months old! I'm amazed at how fast time is going by. He had a bad cold last week and after 5 days of cold i finally took him to the Dr just to make sure it wasn't anything worse. I hate it when I spend $20 just to have the Dr tell me "just keep doind what you're doing". Well at his 6 month checkup he is weighing in at 16 lbs 7 oz and is measuring at 26 3/4 ". He's wearing 9 month clothing. It's so sad that there are a couple 3-6 month outfits that he never really wore. Oh well. 
He started eating food a couple weeks ago. The very first time eating cereal was very succesful. He opened his mouth and everything. Then the next day wasn't so great. It took both the other boys nearly a month to figure out how to use their tongue to puch food back, so I wasn't expecting much with Timmy. He tried sweet potatoes recently and that worked out much better. He is almost able to roll. He reaches for things and rocks back and forth. I'm sure he'd roll by now if he had more tummy time. I don't put him on the floor nearly as often as I should because he'd get trampled by runnng psycho boys. He can, however, sit up on his own when he is completely focused on something in front of him. He is still sleeping in his car seat. I tried to enforce the crib over Christmas break, but then people got colds and I needed my sleep. That's the news on Timmy. Here are some pictures that you're waiting for.
Friday, January 23, 2009
More peanut butter recalls
Saturday, January 17, 2009
"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..."
I'm thankful that Thomas is allergic to peanuts.
Why?
Because there is a salmonella outbreak due to peanuts from GA.
"U.S. health authorities told consumers on Saturday to avoid eating products that contain peanut butter until they can determine the scope of an outbreak of salmonella food poisoning that may have contributed to six deaths.
"We urge consumers to postpone eating any products that may contain peanut butter until additional information becomes available," Dr. Stephen Sundlof of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety said in a teleconference with reporters."
For this Article that was released today click here.
From another article:
"...Kellogg had asked stores earlier this week to pull some of its venerable Keebler crackers from shelves as a precaution. But in a statement late Friday the Battle Creek, Mich., company announced it was voluntarily recalling the crackers and other products in light of the problems in Georgia...
For the full article, read here.
So at this time I am grateful that I don't have to worry if we ate anythig that is potentially bad for us.
Why?
Because there is a salmonella outbreak due to peanuts from GA.
"U.S. health authorities told consumers on Saturday to avoid eating products that contain peanut butter until they can determine the scope of an outbreak of salmonella food poisoning that may have contributed to six deaths.
"We urge consumers to postpone eating any products that may contain peanut butter until additional information becomes available," Dr. Stephen Sundlof of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety said in a teleconference with reporters."
For this Article that was released today click here.
From another article:
"...Kellogg had asked stores earlier this week to pull some of its venerable Keebler crackers from shelves as a precaution. But in a statement late Friday the Battle Creek, Mich., company announced it was voluntarily recalling the crackers and other products in light of the problems in Georgia...
The investigation includes not just peanut butter, but baked goods and other products that contain peanuts and are sold directly to consumers. Health officials say as many as one-third of the people who got sick did not recall eating peanut butter.
"The focus is on peanut butter and a wide array of products that might have peanut butter in them," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, director of the foodborne illness division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials said they are focusing on peanut paste, as well as peanut butter, produced at a Blakely, Ga., facility owned by Peanut Corp. of America. The concern about peanut paste is significant because it can be used in dozens of products, from baked goods to cooking sauces.
Federal officials said they are focusing on 32 of the 85 companies that Peanut Corp. supplies, because of the time period in which they received shipments of peanut butter or paste. The companies are being urged to test their products, or pull them from the shelves as Kellogg did..."
"The focus is on peanut butter and a wide array of products that might have peanut butter in them," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, director of the foodborne illness division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials said they are focusing on peanut paste, as well as peanut butter, produced at a Blakely, Ga., facility owned by Peanut Corp. of America. The concern about peanut paste is significant because it can be used in dozens of products, from baked goods to cooking sauces.
Federal officials said they are focusing on 32 of the 85 companies that Peanut Corp. supplies, because of the time period in which they received shipments of peanut butter or paste. The companies are being urged to test their products, or pull them from the shelves as Kellogg did..."
For the full article, read here.
So at this time I am grateful that I don't have to worry if we ate anythig that is potentially bad for us.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New games for your kids to play
The boys make up games all the time. I thought I'd share a few of them so you can show them to your kids! (if you dare)
The Hugging Game
There are two players. They give each other big hugs, squeezing as hard as they can. Then they proceed to try to drag their opponent to the ground, while keeping a good hug grip. Whomever can tackle the other to the floor wins.
Hand Pushing Game
Two players start at opposite ends of the room. They run towards each other and then slap hands together. Then while holding their hooked together hands up high, each one tries to push the other one backwards. Whomever is the last one standing wins.
The Bridge Game
One person balances their body across the arms of two Lazyboy chairs (or other wide arm chair) like a bridge. The other person then runs into the bridge trying to knock it down.
Race car Game
-needs 2 water bottles with straws.
Two (or more) people start at the starting line and revv their engines. The referree turns on the fastest music they can find and then the race begins. As they run laps around the house they occasionally stop for "pit stops". This is where it comes in handy for a straw in the water bottle (like a gas can). The "cars" get their fill and they're off! Game ends when the "cars" are tired or when someone gets pushed into the wall when rounding the corner
Body Slam Game
This is best played at nighttime when you're supposed to be going to sleep. Also works best when two beds are right next to each other.
Two opponents start out by jumping in their bed. Then when one shouts "Go!", you jump towards the other one thus slamming into each other mid air. Winner is the one who doesn't get caught by Mom and exiled out into the hallway to sleep.
Padded floor Jumping
This is also best played at night when you're supposed to be sleeping.
In order to set up the game all opponents need to strip their beds of all blankets and pillows and throw them on the floor in a big pile. (for bonus padding, take all the stuffed animals that can be found in the room and put them on the pile). Then the players take turns jumping off the bed into the pile. Again the winner is the one who doesn't get caught in the act.
Force Lightning Game
-requires having seen Star Wars to understand the concept of "Force Lightning"
Two or more players raise their hands towards each other and make lightning noises. Then one falls down being electrocuted by force lightning. The victim should dramatically stick out his tongue for added measure.
The Spray Game
-this game requires an adult or someone bigger and stronger than the player
The adult lays down on the floor on their back with the player laying on their chest. The player counts down from ten and when he/she gets to 0, the adult lifts the player up into the air like a geyser (like benchpressing). Then for the added effect of spraying water the adult tickles the player so that they (the player) is wiggling like crazy with flailing arms and legs. The game is done when either the adult's arms get tired or the adult gets wacked by kicking legs or waving arms.
Bowling
-this game requires a Yoga ball
Line up as many of your little people as you want (Little People, Stars Wars, Army Men, etc). Stand back and bowl them over with the Yoga ball.
Meteor Game
Same as bowling, except instead of rolling the Yoga ball, the player throws the ball at the unsuspecting people.
Basketball I
-requires a basketball hoop that the player can reach
In order to set up for this game the players need to take various Star Wars people, Army Men, or Monkeys in a Barrel, and hook them onto the mesh netting of the basketball hoop. Then the players throw whatever they can find into the basketball hoop trying to knock down the people.
Basketball II
-requires a Yoga ball
Stand back from the basketball hoop. The player throws the Yoga ball at the basketball hoop until he/she knocks it down (works best with lightweight plastic basketball hoops).
The "Mom is really mad, so run away" Game
-this game can be played with one player, but works best with 2 or more
The object of this game is not to get caught. When the mom tells the player to "Come here right now!" the player runs in the opposite direction (especially if the player is guilty of something). The mom starts after the player, only to have the player run in the opposite direction. This works best in a home where the player can go in a circle thus preventing the mom to get the player. When played with more than one player the other person can "coach" the runner by saying "Go the other way! Here she comes!" The game is over when the player gets caught. And by the way- Mom ALWAYS wins!
The Robot Game
-requires containers that are bog enough to go over player's head and arms and that is see through
All the players empty out their toy containers and place them over their heads. Then the players make robot noises and bang into each other. The winner is the one who knocks over their opponent. The fun part is when the player falls down and can't catch him/herself when they fall to the floor. This game can also be combined with the Body Slam Game and the Padded Floor Game at the same time.
The "Slam into the Couch" Game
The players take turns running full speed towards the couch. Then they launch themselves at the couch head first. Is best played with a cushy couch.
The next time your children say they are bored, show them one of these new exciting games. Guarenteed to keep everyone busy. Especially Mom because she has to stop whatever it is she wanted to get done and play referree instead to make sure no one gets hurt too badly. Anyone want to come over to play? Bring your safety helmets along!
The Hugging Game
There are two players. They give each other big hugs, squeezing as hard as they can. Then they proceed to try to drag their opponent to the ground, while keeping a good hug grip. Whomever can tackle the other to the floor wins.
Hand Pushing Game
Two players start at opposite ends of the room. They run towards each other and then slap hands together. Then while holding their hooked together hands up high, each one tries to push the other one backwards. Whomever is the last one standing wins.
The Bridge Game
One person balances their body across the arms of two Lazyboy chairs (or other wide arm chair) like a bridge. The other person then runs into the bridge trying to knock it down.
Race car Game
-needs 2 water bottles with straws.
Two (or more) people start at the starting line and revv their engines. The referree turns on the fastest music they can find and then the race begins. As they run laps around the house they occasionally stop for "pit stops". This is where it comes in handy for a straw in the water bottle (like a gas can). The "cars" get their fill and they're off! Game ends when the "cars" are tired or when someone gets pushed into the wall when rounding the corner
Body Slam Game
This is best played at nighttime when you're supposed to be going to sleep. Also works best when two beds are right next to each other.
Two opponents start out by jumping in their bed. Then when one shouts "Go!", you jump towards the other one thus slamming into each other mid air. Winner is the one who doesn't get caught by Mom and exiled out into the hallway to sleep.
Padded floor Jumping
This is also best played at night when you're supposed to be sleeping.
In order to set up the game all opponents need to strip their beds of all blankets and pillows and throw them on the floor in a big pile. (for bonus padding, take all the stuffed animals that can be found in the room and put them on the pile). Then the players take turns jumping off the bed into the pile. Again the winner is the one who doesn't get caught in the act.
Force Lightning Game
-requires having seen Star Wars to understand the concept of "Force Lightning"
Two or more players raise their hands towards each other and make lightning noises. Then one falls down being electrocuted by force lightning. The victim should dramatically stick out his tongue for added measure.
The Spray Game
-this game requires an adult or someone bigger and stronger than the player
The adult lays down on the floor on their back with the player laying on their chest. The player counts down from ten and when he/she gets to 0, the adult lifts the player up into the air like a geyser (like benchpressing). Then for the added effect of spraying water the adult tickles the player so that they (the player) is wiggling like crazy with flailing arms and legs. The game is done when either the adult's arms get tired or the adult gets wacked by kicking legs or waving arms.
Bowling
-this game requires a Yoga ball
Line up as many of your little people as you want (Little People, Stars Wars, Army Men, etc). Stand back and bowl them over with the Yoga ball.
Meteor Game
Same as bowling, except instead of rolling the Yoga ball, the player throws the ball at the unsuspecting people.
Basketball I
-requires a basketball hoop that the player can reach
In order to set up for this game the players need to take various Star Wars people, Army Men, or Monkeys in a Barrel, and hook them onto the mesh netting of the basketball hoop. Then the players throw whatever they can find into the basketball hoop trying to knock down the people.
Basketball II
-requires a Yoga ball
Stand back from the basketball hoop. The player throws the Yoga ball at the basketball hoop until he/she knocks it down (works best with lightweight plastic basketball hoops).
The "Mom is really mad, so run away" Game
-this game can be played with one player, but works best with 2 or more
The object of this game is not to get caught. When the mom tells the player to "Come here right now!" the player runs in the opposite direction (especially if the player is guilty of something). The mom starts after the player, only to have the player run in the opposite direction. This works best in a home where the player can go in a circle thus preventing the mom to get the player. When played with more than one player the other person can "coach" the runner by saying "Go the other way! Here she comes!" The game is over when the player gets caught. And by the way- Mom ALWAYS wins!
The Robot Game
-requires containers that are bog enough to go over player's head and arms and that is see through
All the players empty out their toy containers and place them over their heads. Then the players make robot noises and bang into each other. The winner is the one who knocks over their opponent. The fun part is when the player falls down and can't catch him/herself when they fall to the floor. This game can also be combined with the Body Slam Game and the Padded Floor Game at the same time.
The "Slam into the Couch" Game
The players take turns running full speed towards the couch. Then they launch themselves at the couch head first. Is best played with a cushy couch.
The next time your children say they are bored, show them one of these new exciting games. Guarenteed to keep everyone busy. Especially Mom because she has to stop whatever it is she wanted to get done and play referree instead to make sure no one gets hurt too badly. Anyone want to come over to play? Bring your safety helmets along!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Five year old logic
The boys are playing UNO at the table and I overheard this conversation. I just had to write it down and share it.
"The Cowboys always beat the Redskins, " says Matt. "They are a really good football team. Just like the University of Utah. Hey, I know! I've got an idea! I bet the Cowboys would want to live in Utah!"
I don't know where he gets his information. Maybe it's sports talk he's picked up on the playground.
"The Cowboys always beat the Redskins, " says Matt. "They are a really good football team. Just like the University of Utah. Hey, I know! I've got an idea! I bet the Cowboys would want to live in Utah!"
I don't know where he gets his information. Maybe it's sports talk he's picked up on the playground.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that you all got to have a nice and relaxing day. Hopefully you got to spend it with loved ones. I guess I'm lucky to have my birthday today because Doug will never have to go to work on my birthday and I get to be with my family. Around here it is Christmas until noon, and then we do away with the Christmas wrapping paper and bring out the candles and happy birthday paper. A friend of mine made me a yummy chocolate cheesecake with a sour cream topping dusted with cocoa. It was really good. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I wanted to let you know about our Christmas.
We told the boys that they were not allowed to come out of their room until 8:00 AM. Promptly at 8 we heard the door open and Matt said, "It's Christmas! Now we can open ALL the presents!" and there was much rejoicing and they bounded down the stairs. I suggested to Doug that he better get up to make sure that they don't really tear into all of them without us. (It's my birthday and therefore I get to sleep in). Apparently he wasn't fast enough and the boys already got into one gift. There's a reason that I stuck all the wrapped up clothes at the front of the pile of presents. I'm so sneaky-eh?
I couldn't really sleep with the the shouts of glee and the yells from below. Plus Santa brought them balloons to blow up and let loose around the living room and they made a very high pitched noise. So I went downstairs and the ripping of wrapping paper commences. Santa brought the boys remote control trucks and he brought Timmy an exersaucer- which he LOVES! 
The day started out very nice and I started my food preparations (as usual I went overboard with food). Then I heard Thomas starting to cough alot (he's getting over a cold) and then that cough turned into wheezing. So, needless to say, Thomas spent a bit of time today getting breathing treatments.
(We let him wear sunglasses so the mist doesn't get in to his eyes. He also gets to play a video game of his choice-it distracts him so he's not too bothered) I guess that he just got so worked up and excited over his new stuff that the cold (which I thought he was over) went straight to his lungs. To make the day even better, he ended the day by throwing up a couple times (which might have had something to do with the junk that he ate.)
(We let him wear sunglasses so the mist doesn't get in to his eyes. He also gets to play a video game of his choice-it distracts him so he's not too bothered) I guess that he just got so worked up and excited over his new stuff that the cold (which I thought he was over) went straight to his lungs. To make the day even better, he ended the day by throwing up a couple times (which might have had something to do with the junk that he ate.) So the day wasn't nearly as relaxed as we had hoped for, but we can look forward to the weekend. Doug took off a few days so we can all relax and play together. (Before I attempt the dreaded winter break with 3 kids at home).
I'm going to set up my Mii on the Wii fit (also from Santa) and then go to bed. Hopefully everyone will be more calm and tomorrow we can relax. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
A few Christmas thoughts
I was thinking today of all the cute Christmas stories out there and of all the music that helps with the spirit of the day. And I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas stories and lyrics from different songs.
I love the songs and the stories from "The Forgotten Carols". One of my favorite songs is "Homeless". I love the words as they remind me of the humble entrance of Christ into this world. I love the words that say "He showed us it's how we live, Not where."
I can not even imagine Mary's thoughts the night she gave birth to the Savior. Perhaps she did think some of these words. She knew the importance of her baby's life and all that He would do for us. Can you imagine having a brand new baby and know how his life would end? (I'm sure she knew the scriptures from Isaiah). Wouldn't you just want to hold him and protect him from all the bad things of the world? That's a mom's job.
I love the songs and the stories from "The Forgotten Carols". One of my favorite songs is "Homeless". I love the words as they remind me of the humble entrance of Christ into this world. I love the words that say "He showed us it's how we live, Not where."
One of my favorite Christmas movies is "The Muppet's Christmas Carol", and I love the message that Tiny Tim sings. "Bless us all that as we live we always comfort and forgive. We have so much that we can share with those in need we see around us everywhere, Let us always love each other, lead us to the light. Let us hear the voice of reason singing in the night. Let us run from anger and catch us when we fall. Teach us in our dreams. And please, yes, please bless us all"
There are many different versions of mary's Lullaby that I love and I heard a new one recently that really touched me. Here are the lyrics:
The wise men are coming to worship their King, The shepherds are kneeling their homage to bring. Out yonder the star over Judah will keep. No harm will befall thee, then sleep baby sleep. O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight, While legions are singing in joyous delight. A new star has risen to hail thee divine, For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.
Away spectered future of sorrow and plight, Away to the years that must follow tonight. The pangs of Gethsemane, let them be dim, The red drops on Calvary, not Lord, for Him! O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight, While legions are singing in joyous delight. A new star has risen to hail thee divine, For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.
Sing on herald angels in chorus sublime; Sing on and adore, for tonight you are mine.
by Jamie Gibson
I can not even imagine Mary's thoughts the night she gave birth to the Savior. Perhaps she did think some of these words. She knew the importance of her baby's life and all that He would do for us. Can you imagine having a brand new baby and know how his life would end? (I'm sure she knew the scriptures from Isaiah). Wouldn't you just want to hold him and protect him from all the bad things of the world? That's a mom's job.As the Grinch said, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more." I hope that we all remember the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we all remember Christ and all that He did for us to be truely happy. I know that He has shown us the way to live and to be happy. I hope that we can all try to be more like Christ our Savior, and be more loving and selfless towards others. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
5 months old!
Time continues to fly by with Timmy. Of course this past month has really gone quickly because of the holiday stuff. He continues to put his hands into his mouth. If you're lucky enough to get your finger stuck in his little fist, it will immediately go into his mouth (at lightning speed!). He has actually slept in his a crib a few times for a hour or 2 at a time, so we're getting there. When on his stomach, he can tuck his legs up underneath him, although he has no arm strength so he buries his face into the floor when he does this. He's growing each day. He's a joy to have around. When I am frustrated with different things going on, it is such a blessing to have him on my lap and smiling at me. I guess it took the 3rd one to really appreciate the new baby phase and have fun with it. Here are some pictures from this past month.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Weeeee!
I know it's been a while since I've done anything here, and I will eventually get around to blogging about what's been going on (just holiday busyness), but I HAD to share this with you. It makes me chuckle.
So I was at Babies R Us tonite and I saw the most ridiculous thing you would ever need for a baby. Here's a picture from online:
Introducing...Wee Block for a mere $9.99 from Babies R Us and even more expensive at some other places. Here's what Amazon has to say about it:
"Another diaper change, another shower? You need a Wee Block! Just cover baby before diapering, and let the soft, absorbent dome catch your little guy's geysers. 100% cotton, machine wash. (Buy two, so you're never caught without.). Imported. Colors may vary. "
How ridiculous is that? Then I saw this:
What in the world is that, you might ask? Well it's "The Peepee Teepee for the Sprinkling WeeWee". Say that 5 times fast! Hee hee. No joke. Check it out on Amazon.
What in the world is that, you might ask? Well it's "The Peepee Teepee for the Sprinkling WeeWee". Say that 5 times fast! Hee hee. No joke. Check it out on Amazon. I just have to say one thing. Washcloths people! Go to Walmart and buy a 12 pack of washcloths for under $5. I have been using them for 5+ years. You just need to make sure you always have 2 at your diapering station. I have been sprayed on only once or twice with 3 boys. You cover the little guy with a washcloth just as soon as you remove the dirty diaper. If he pees, it's absorbant.
I can't believe people are making money on that. And here's another one that is a waste of money:
Ta da... Tinkle Targets! Or "Piddlers" Or "Toilet Time Targets" Yes, there are many versions out there, all ranging from $3-$8 for a 15-30 pack. They help your little boy aim in the toilet and are completely safe for the septic tank. First of all we have never had to use any target practice for our boys. Second of all, two words..."Froot Loops". If you get the generic version you have hundreds of little colorful circles for your child to aim into and you've only spent $2. You just have to make sure that he doesn't try to get it out of the toilet and try to eat it afterwards.
Ta da... Tinkle Targets! Or "Piddlers" Or "Toilet Time Targets" Yes, there are many versions out there, all ranging from $3-$8 for a 15-30 pack. They help your little boy aim in the toilet and are completely safe for the septic tank. First of all we have never had to use any target practice for our boys. Second of all, two words..."Froot Loops". If you get the generic version you have hundreds of little colorful circles for your child to aim into and you've only spent $2. You just have to make sure that he doesn't try to get it out of the toilet and try to eat it afterwards.
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