My life is a zoo because...

Ok... so in light of my posts as of late I am looking to make myself feel a little better about being a parent. Please, take a moment and reflect on a funny story that has happened to you and your kiddos. Go ahead make a comment. You know you have a story!!

Our Angel aka Madi

We had a "fun" experience yesterday as a family. Yesterday, we went to church. Joe had to give a talk and I was to take care of the 3 kids. Madi wanted to sit with a friend. I thought that was a great idea all things considered. Then another sister offered to hold Annika. I thought wow this is great, I just have Gavin. I can do this. Joe was the last speaker . We were doing great. Joe gets up to the pulpit to speak. All of a sudden Madi bolts out of her seat to go give Joe a hug. Ok, I thought, that is fine. Well, she decided not to go back down and sit with her friend. So, I grab Gavin and hand him over to the Sirrine Family. I walk up to the front of the room to get Madi and take her back down to sit. No big deal right? WRONG...She then decides to throw a full fit. I was trying to pick her up to take her away as fast as possible. I then feel her body stiffen and her dress is slick and she slid right through my arms. GRRR...Meanwhile she is crying and squealing, "No, No, No....something something something". I can't remember because I was so thoroughly embarrassed. She is too big for me to pick her up and whisk her away. She wouldn't come and sit with me. Yes, I did feel worse at that point. So, I sat her down with her friends family, "threatened her" and then went and sat down. My heart and mind were racing. Needless to say she did get a good talking to on the way home from church. I had to put a picture of her when she looks so innocent and sweet. After yesterday I needed the reminder. Another joy of motherhood.

P.S. Thanks to the Taylors, Comforts, and Sirrines for helping me.

Springtime Fun

The weather here in Western Washington has been so beautiful. We have been able to do a lot of outdoor activities and family fun. We have played in the yard with our little kiddie pool. We have had lots of picnics in our yard and several different parks. We washed our vehicles, rode our bikes, went on walks, flew our kite and a little yard work. Washington is great to show you how wonderful it really is when the sun shines.

Life with a 3 year old

So, to give you an idea of a few things we have been up to lately here are a few pictures. We were busy cleaning up the play room and Gavin ran into my bathroom to go potty. Then I heard flush after flush after flush...."Gavin what are you doing? Stop flushing the toilet". He had managed to overflow the toilet and flood my bathroom in a matter of a few minutes. Gross...I had a good 1-2 inches of water. I am so glad only a tiny bit went onto my carpet.

Well a few days before that wonderful incident. I went upstairs to get cleaned up for the day and I came downstairs to find Gavin right in the middle of this...

"HeeHee" and a big huge grin from my Gavin. But please don't think that this is just a boy thing. Here is Madi's contribution when she was about 2 years old.

Yikes ... What are we to do but just love the kids and clean up the messes!!!

The Host

I received "The Host", by Stephenie Meyer for Mothers Day from my family. I really enjoyed reading this book. I never thought I would like a book about alien abductions! I recommend reading this one.

I Am a Mother

You're just a mom...NO, I am a Mother.

I went to book club last night. We talked about "I Am a Mother", by Jane Clayson Johnson. It was great discussion on why we love being a mother. I am very happy to be the mother of my three beautiful children. I love being home with them everyday. Yes, even the horrible day long tantrum days, poopy diapers, mischievousness. I wouldn't love and appreciate their absolutely sweet and loving hugs and kisses, and funny things they say without it all. I am so grateful to all the wonderful mothers that are in my life to give me advice, encouragement, and a perspective. I had a great night and laughed so much with all the other moms there. Book club is great. They also discussed the book, "The Color of water". I didn't read this one but I will someday. It sounded great.

Video of Annika

Beautiful Baby Annika

We have been saying for quite a while that Annika has started to smile at us. Unfortunately she has been a little camera shy. Once she sees the camera she stops smiling and gets this look on her face that seems to say, "What is that, and why is it in my face?" I was able to get a video of her laughing and pulled some frames from it.

That is our beautiful baby Annika!

Keaton and Boston

Boston and Keaton
Keaton and Boston

Here are some cute pictures of my two little nephews. They are Craig and Tanae's (little sister) boys. Keaton is 2 yrs. and Boston is 3 1/2 months. He is just a few weeks older than Annika.

Bathroom excursion!

So, First you dip it in here.

Then, you apply like so....

Voila! Masterpiece.

These pictures are for my friend Jennifer (Halverson). She just posted on her blog the many wonders of children and bathrooms. Here is one of my contributions. Gavin putting on "make-up". You did guess right, toothpaste!

Happy Mothers Day!

I hope that all you mothers out there had a peaceful and loving day of motherhood. I had a wonderful day with my family. It was great spending the day with my children because they are the reason that I am a mother. Although it was complete chaos here. I still at the end of the day love being their mom. Gavin and Madi made me some cards during primary today. It was quite fun. They had questions that the children had to answer. This could have been a nightmare to read but I was pleasantly surprised at their answers.

1. Why did God make mothers?

Madi: So we can have new babies to have fun

Gavin: To go here and there

2. What are mothers made of?

Madi: Fun

3. What kind of little girl was your mom?

Madi : happy and glad

Gavin: My mom growed up big big big

4. Where would you mom go on vacation?

Madi: Disneyland

Gavin: over there

5. If you could give your mom anything what would it be?

Madilynn: a cute present

Gavin: a lesson for my mom

6. What do you hear your mom say the most? (This could of been scary)

Madi: Be happy

Gavin: I have to go in there.

7. I love my mom because ...

Madi: Because she plays with me

Gavin: I love her lots and lots and lots.

This is what you get when you have a 3 and 6 yr. old answereing these questions. I love my kids. They make being mom so good. And they help me appreciate when they are being good! Thank you Joe, I couldn't do this without you.We make a great team. Thanks for a great day!

More fun zoo pics

reindeer

Point Defiance Zoo

If you haven't noticed our famiy loves going to the zoo. It is someplace that Joe enjoys taking our kids. We went on Saturday, April 26th. It was a beautiful almost sunny day in Tacoma!!! Days like this makes me feel a littlle less guilty for not having any pets at home.

Gavin's favorite, the SHARKS!

Madi and Gavin

Madi's favorite, the Baluga Whale!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

More pictures of Daddy that we love.

Joe and the Giant Pumpkin! October 2003.

Joe and Madi at McCord Airforce Base checking out the Blue Angels. August 2005.

Joe and one of his favorite pastimes, baseball. Seaside, Oregon August 2005.

Joe and Gavin his little buddy. Spooner Farms pumpkin patch, October 2007.

Joe, Madi, and Gavin at the Pacific Science Center. January 2008. We love Dinosaurs!

Happy Birthday Joe!

10 Things We Love About You
10.You take the garbage out and mow the lawn.
9. You scare away the monsters.
8. You play video games with us.
7. You are fun during church!
6. You are a smart Alic

5. You tolerate all the chaos of having 3 kids.
4. You are a hard worker!
3. You like to play wrestle. (Madi and Gavin)
2. You are so handsome. You are the strongest daddy in the whole world!
1. You like being with us!!!

All in all we think you are pretty great. We love you So much! I am glad that you are a great husband and friend, Madi, Gavin and Annika think you are the greatest daddy ever!

Some of our favorite pics.

Joe and Adrienne in Portland August 1999.

Joe and Madi at Disneyland. Daddy's give the best piggy back rides. Madi is actually sitting in Joe's hood.

Joe at Delicate Arch. This was our 2nd anniversary.

Joe and Madi at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. January 2002.

HAPPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Seattle Temple

Joe and I went to the Seattle Temple for our anniversary night out. We were able to do a session, have a bite to eat, and sealings. It was so wonderful. It has been a while since we went to the temple. I love doing sealings. I feel that it is a way of renewing our own covenants with the Lord. It was a wonderful evening. We even topped it off with some ice cream. It was Annika's first night with a babysitter. It was a little nerve racking for me but we all survived!!!