Little Lawtons

Monster Jam 2012

2012-01-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

Daniel, Mark, Erwin, and Tom took the kiddos to Monster Jam last Saturday.

It was Kolby and Daniel's 5th Year in a ROW!!!

In our house its Thanskgiving, Christmas, and then Monster Jam!

Oh and Clifford came along too. Kolbys class takes Clifford home for the weekend and takes pics of what they do together. His teacher said it was the first time Clifford had ever been to Monster Jam.

Not sure if she meant it as a comliment or an insult?

vomit to go please...

2012-01-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

There's been a nasty little bug 'round these parts that's giving everyone the throw ups.

Last Monday morning Kolbs started tossing his cookies. Olivia was invited to see Beauty and the Beast with her auntie and cousins. I just knew it wasn't a good idea but her daddy had already made the arrangements. She wore her Belle slippers and packed a purse with princess paraphernalia. Unfortunately when she returned home the only thing in her purse was 3 cups of vomit.

nice.

I'm an awesome mother right?

Not sure my sis-in-law will ever forgive me:)

The rest of my family and extended family all joined in on the sickie fun.

Glad to say we are all well and happily eating again.

Since I decided not to photograph the purse full of puke...

here's some pics of the previous weekend we spent in Beaumont.

Walking with grandpa

and she was done with the walking...outta no where she just plopped down.

and here's my adorable mother-in-law in her historic neighborhood.

Don't you just wanna squeeze her? I do:)

we walked all the way to a fabulous bakery where the kids picked out a king cake.

First time I heard of this New Orleans tradition I thought it sounded a bit odd. If you enjoy eating a cake with a hiding baby in it then this is the dessert for you:)

and what would a walk with Olivia be if we didn't stop for every wild flower:)

She Speaks...

2012-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Naomi didn't want the other 2 to do all the chatting...

Last one makes me thrilled to be a mommy everytime!

So happy that baby #3 is just as magical as the 1st and 2nd!

Keep up the talking Naomi!

We can't wait to hear what you have to say to the world:)

(21 months)

Finances, Education, Dating and Marriage...according to my children

2012-01-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Finances:

Kolby to Olivia: "If you wanna have a big house you'll probably need two jobs. Like a construction worker and a donut shop."

Kolby to Daniel: "If you come to my donut shop dad, I'll let you be for free!"

Me to Kolby: "I'll give you a ride to school for free, and pack your lunch for free, and make you dinner for free and..."

Daniel to Kolby: "I'll let you live in my house for free."

Kolby: "Wow that's a lot of free stuff! When I'm a contruction worker I'll build you a house for free too."

Education:

Daniel to Kolby: "Your teacher called Kolby and it turns out you gotta go to school on Saturday. Oh and you have to teach too."

Kolby: "What?!"

Me: "What would you teach, Kolby?

Kolby: "I would say, 'Go home! Have a nice weekend! Buh-bye!'"

Dating:

Kolby to Daniel: "Are you home from your date already?"
Daniel: "Nope Mommy's just putting Naomi to bed and then we're going back out."
Kolby: "That's because you like to kiss a lot!"
Babysitter: (blushing)

Marriage:

Kolby to Olivia: "My music teacher got married."
Olivia: "Did she kiss her boy?"
Kolby: "Well they got MARRIED!"
Olivia: "Gross I'm never kissing anyone!"
Kolby: "Mom and Dad kissed at their wedding"
Olivia: "Do you have to kiss 2 times?"
Kolby: "No, you dance and then you kiss one time and then you dance again and then you throw flowers and people give you presents. You'll like it. You can invite the cousins, and me. Maybe you should invite mom and dad too."
Me to Kolby: "Who are you gonna marry?"
Kolby: "Oh you don't know her."
Olivia: "Ya, you're gonna marry me!"
Kolby: "No, even when we are older, you'll always be my sister."
Olivia: "I'm not getting married"
Kolby: "Do want kids?"
Olivia: "yes"
Kolby: "Then you gotta get married."

Baby You're a Firework

2012-01-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

My kiddos sing this song at least once a day.

New Year's Eve they finally had a reason.

The Erwins hosted and it was dabomb.com let me tell ya!

We ate, lit fireworks, played a hillarious game of charades

(photos would be far too scandalous I assure you),

and welcomed in 2012 with a smooch:)

Auntie Rosie even crimped Olivia's hair for the occassion:)

Can't think of a better way to start a year than plant'n a big wet one on this hunk:)

Happy New Year Y'all!

Where the Wild Things Are

2012-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Last week was perfect weather for a trip to the zoo

(yes in December...you really should move to Texas)

We joined up with the Kennedys and the Durrs and went wild:)

Monkeys

Cats

Elephants

Its all natural:)

After awhile the kiddos couldn't help but release the animal within...

Otters

Cutest Animals I've ever seen!

Christmas Day

2012-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas

First time ever that we had to wake the kiddos up!

Wanted to squeeze everything in before church.

Hosted dinner

Lots of food and fun

Christmas Eve

2012-01-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

love love love

Christmas Eve

Rosie always hosts and it is always fabulous!

posing by the tree

acting out the nativity

Santa's pack story

opening grandparents presesnts

Christmas jammies

and singing happy birthday to Jesus

(ok, ok we didn't actually sing but we did eat cake)

So lucky to have 16 inlaws in Texas to share the holidays with!

The cast:

Grandpa: narrator, Krew (Jesus), Aidyn (Mary), Kolby (Joseph), Olivia, Ellie, Kinliegh (Angels), Levi (shepherd), Leilani (bearded shepherd and wiseman), Mia (wiseman), Jack (star and hay-eating animal), Naomi...um I think she just came to worship at one point:)

The grandparents just returned from a Disney Cruise and Disney World...thus the awesome gifts:)

I'm a morbid mother

2011-12-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Is it wrong that I was secretly disappointed that not one of my 3 children cried on Santa's lap?

yes.

oh. opps.

Um, Merry Christmas?

December 23 neighborhood Santa.

So long Jimmy

2011-12-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is Jimmy. He's our Elf on a Shelf.

We love him mostly because our awesome neighbors Mr. Jim (thus the name) and Ms Stepahnie gave him to us.

He was pretty sneaky each night but once he forgot to move and the kids cried the next morning because they figured it was because they had been naughty:) They raced upstairs to clean the playroom and magically the elf moved.

Also once Naomi grabbed him. Kolby was so worried that Jimmy's magic had rubbed off on Naomi's fingers. I assured him this was not the case. Kolby wanted to make double sure so he sent a letter to Santa which read, "Santa, Naomi touched Jimmy!"

haha. way to rat out the baby.

So long Jimmy!

See ya next year.

Look he can see!

2011-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

After several notes home from school I finally gave in a took Kolbs to the Optometrist.

Turns out he needed reading glasses.

We picked them up last week.

Such a stud!

Cookies Make Me Happy

2011-12-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

Olivia has a pair of jammies that say, "Cookies Make Me Happy"

Shouldn't everyone own a pair?

December 23- making my dad's eggnog sugar cookies yum!

Snow School

2011-12-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

December 22 we had "Snow School"

We read books, did an art project, and when the cousins came over we even made our very own snow.

Hey you gotta do what you gotta do when you live in Texas:)

"Holiday Party"

2011-12-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

December 20 Kolby had his "holiday party" at school.

Nothin like cupcakes and Christmas songs at 9 in the morning:)

Mopping at Midnight

2011-12-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago I was mopping at midnight. This led me to 2 epiphanies:

1. I live with absolute slobs.
2. Mopping leads to spirituality?

Allow me to explain #2, #1 should me obvious.

In the quiet peace of the night I contemplated my concerns for my children and whether they could understand the true meaning of Christmas when I wasn't sure I even did most of the time. While the tile and wood floors dried, I glanced up at the collection of homemade glittered Popsicle-stick ornaments and spotted beside them, an ornament my mother gave to me. It simply states, "The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence". At once I felt the true meaning of Christmas.

Perhaps His presence is just easier to feel in a calm, quiet, and freshly mopped home:) Although this is a rare condition in these parts, I'll gladly take what I can get. Mopping at midnight. Who knew?

5k and a Marathon Day

2011-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a bit of a blur.

We squeezed in:

8:00am- Setting up a vendor booth promoting the family running club

(I wrapped 7 cases of water bottles in gingerbread paper with a tag that read,

"Run, run as fast as you can... http://www.fairfieldarearunners.com/)

9:00am- Cheering on family and friends at the 5k

(Cheryl, Jeremy, Di, Tyson, Mark, Daniel, Erwin)

Rosie and the girls also ran as well as a few other families from our ward.

Aunt Lori, Holly and I manned the booth

and laughed at Naomi getting freaked out by the giant snow leopard

Daniel finished 1st!

I gotta admit I'm starting to kinda expect this:)

Dianna also won 1st (for the women)

Those talented siblings!

10am- speed over to the rec center for Kolby's basketball game where he scored his first basket and I screamed like he'd just won a gold medal:)

What can I say, I'm a proud mama:) They won the game too!

12:00pm- head over the church to set up for the Ward Christmas Party

2:00pm- quickly change clothes in the restroom for our Christmas Piano Recital

(seriously couldn't be more proud of my students! Kinda wanna squeeze all of them to death!)

4:30pm- set up the technical stuff for the slide show at the Ward Christmas Party and race home to bathe the kiddos

6:00pm- Arrive back at church for the Ward Christmas Party.

The theme was A Night in Bethlehem.

The paper chain is from the primary kids. Each week they read their scriptures we added a link to the chain. It wrapped all the way around the gym and then some!

We also borrowed fabulous decorations to set up a market place. Each tent was a station for kids to make lanterns, play the dreidel game, and color. All the families ate the catered meal on blankets and listened to music and watched a slide show of all the primary kids dressed up to tell the nativity story. We've been working on it for weeks and I still get choked up seeing the children all dressed up:)

Daniel also surprised me with an early Christmas gift, a Nikon 3000. I'm lovn it but as you are about to see, I still have to figure out how to use it:) I tried to document as much of the party as I could so I could show my mom what words obviously cant describe.

Naomi and her crush:) They hug all the time. So sweet!

11:00pm- finish clean up, put kids to bed, send Daniel to grocery store only to realize he forgot his wallet. Crash in our filthy house:)

It was a marathon of a day but everything went so well and I was touched by how helpful family and friends are. I was especially glad for the sweet spirit felt at the Christmas party because we chose to just focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Its a German Thing

2011-12-07T11:32:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was St. Nicholas Day.

My children awakened to find Christmas cups, bubble gum and candy in their shoes.

My mother is German and this is one of the few traditions we have to remember our heritage.

However, this holiday is difficult to explain to my children.

And this is how it went with my 4yr old:

Me: Don't forget to put your shoes out tonight

Olivia: all of them?!

Me: nope just 2

Olivia: 2 pairs?

Me: 1 pair, 2 matching shoes

Olivia: because tomorrow is Christmas?

Me: no, its St. Nickolas Day and if you're a good girl St. Nicholas will put a treat in your shoes

Olivia: Does everyone around here put their shoes out?

Me: um...no.

Olivia: But aunt Brittany will, and Ona will and Ona's mom will and Ona's dad will. Mom, I know how this works. Everyone who knows Ona will put their shoes out.

Me: genau

(my fav German word ever, meaning... exactly)

* as a side note, not to offend any Germans who may read this...I am well aware that the correct word for grandma in German is Oma. When Kolby was little he pronounced it Ona and thus yet another one of our "Germish" words were born.

Like A {Bull} full of Jelly

2011-12-07T11:19:00.001-08:00

Peanut Butter and Jelly that is:)

Move on over Michael Jordan...here's my new favorite Chicago Bull.

Basketball season has begun.

Favorite part of the game:

when Kolby dribbled down the court like a pro

and olivia shouted, "Go Number 2!" haha I'm so immature like that:)

Best Christmas Gift Ever = Georgia Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T10:28:00.001-08:00

What's this? 4 blog posts in a row? That's what happens when I don't blog for a month. ugh. yep just keep on scrolling...Enjoy!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

My parents gave my sister and I an early Christmas present...they paid for my family to travel and come see Brittany and Ryan for Thanksgiving! I was so excited to play with my sister and my adorable niece and to see Brittany's new gorgeous home!
We arrived last Monday after driving all through the night. Ryan took off work and we played all day! Kolby whooped up on Ryan and Daniel in NBA jam, played in the playroom, dug in the sandbox, went to Hobby Lobby to buy stuff to make a Christmas wreath, went out to Shane's Rib Shack, and had a game night with the Cushmans.

On Tuesday: We visited one of my best friends from high school (Look everyone ists Ashley Peterson Willis) and ate a yummy breakfast with her and her adorable family. Then we made a Costco and Walmart run to get the Thanksgiving food. Then we listened to Justin Beiber's Christmas album while we made feathered headbands for the kids to be 'lil Indians' for Thanksgiving. That night we had soup and then Summer, her friend, and Momma Cush came over and babysat for us while we went on a double date to see Breaking Dawn....dirty.....

Olivia and Kensie were BFFs in no time:)

Daniel says we look like sisters Ashley, wouldn't that be fun:)

The Rugrats

*Passed out watching a movie*

On Wednesday: we started making our first turkey! How have I mananged to not cook a turkey in over 8 yrs? carefully my friends very carefully. It was a 22 lb bird and quite the experience. Daniel had to call his mom to figure out where the giblets were. At one point he was on the phone while Brittnay was holding a flashlight over the turkey....where was I? Taking pictures and laughing hehehe. I must say though that I was the one to eventually pull out the neck that Daniel swore he couldn't find:) We ended up brining the turkey (special thanks to my friend McCall) all day in the sink surrounded by ice. Olivia helped make the rainbow jello. We made pies, stuffing, yams, rolls, and decorative tee pees made out of ice cream cones. We made all of these things while chasing after the little ones. That night we just ate pizza and salad for dinner. Once the kiddos were in bed we watched Super 8.

On Thursday: The boys played in the "Turkey Bowl" while Brittany and I cooked and the kids watched Miracle on 34th Street. The Cushmans came over and we enjoyed a great meal together (I am so sad that I didn't get a group picture of them....they looked so beautiful)! We had our own "Turkey Bowl", played hide and seek outside, had a wii dance off, and ate pie! Once the kids went to bed we played Ticket to Ride.
*I am so thankful for our wonderful families, and now my own little family. What a great holiday where you get to eat and spend time with those that you love.
( I only wish that ALL of our family was here!)

We dressed the girlies matchy-matchy and Kolby was starting to feel left out. When low and behold Craig (Britt's FIL) shows up wearing a shirt just like Kolbys:) Instant buds.

Proof that Daniel was off-sides.....

On Friday: we ate pie for breakfast :) Then we went downtown to go Christmas shopping. That night Brittany and I put the stockings up, started a fire, turned on some Christmas music and made Christmas wreaths. Then we left and drove through the night again.

We had so much fun! Gosh, I hate that they live so far from each other! We were all exhausted after a crazy week but it was so enjoyable. We are so grateful to my parents for making this possible for us to be together. My sister always makes me a happier person. I love my BFF :) And out of the whole trip Olivia said her favorite part was playing with baby Avery!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Real Camping

2011-11-28T18:20:00.001-08:00

The Friday before Thanksgiving Daniel begged and begged to go camping.

My hubby is the scout master so he gets to go camping a ton but not really with his own kids.

I enjoy camping but was weary of packing and unpacking for camping before it was time to pack for our trip to Georgia on Sunday. I gave in and I'm glad I did.

Camping is the only time that is completely and utterly devoted to family time.

No distractions. I love it!

I giggled like a little girl racing my children on a scooter, ya the same one that's been sitiing in our garage for 2 years that I never took the time to play with. We found out that Kolby is a dare devil on his bike and dirt roads. He flipped 3 times and shouted, "That was awesome!" I also discovered that I would make a great mama duck as long as I had vanilla wafers.

Preschool Thanksgiving Program

2011-11-28T18:13:00.001-08:00

The Thursday before Thanksgiving was Olivia's Preschool Program.

Olivia was "B is for boat". She informed me later that its actually called the Mayflower, not a boat:)

Little kids, costumes, songs, food. Preschool is adorable!

Our First Pet

2011-11-28T17:38:00.001-08:00

Meet "Fast". He's a gecko. And he's fast, obviously.

My kids begged and begged for a pet. I caught this gecko in our backyard for them. Of course I screamed so loud I hurt my throat when it ran up my arm but I felt like a cool mom for catching a gecko for my chillns.

Animal lovers do not be alarmed. After letting my kids hug and cuddle their pet for the day I explained that they could keep it and let in die in a chocolate almond bin from Costco or they could set him free and let him live forever in our yard. Luckily for us all they chose the later. We let him go as soon as we showed daddy our find and watched him freak out at the thought of owning a pet:) heehee.

So "Fast" really was a fast pet:)

What? you can't see him? oh ya that's cause my camera sucks! sorry:)

Trust me, he's in there. Peeing his pants I'm sure, if he had pants that is.

Happy Camper

2011-11-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

At the end of my terrible-no-good-very-bad-day I invited Holly and kids over for a mock campout.

We wanted to go real camping with the "other" Lawtons and Erwins but we didn't want to go bad enough to attempt camping without our hubbys.

Mock camp outs are the best.

tents, flashlights, outdoor fun, pigs in a blanket, smores, and then

a good nights rest in your own bed.

ahhh.

So you see, I really ended the day, a happy camper:)

"All you have to do is...

2011-11-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

tell your dad he can have a donut, and then he'll come to preschool with you!"

-Olivia

I love preschool carpooling.

I hear the funniest conversations.

Donuts with Dad

Thursday November 3

In the which I complain, um a lot.

2011-11-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I began to reread a self-help book I'd been putting off. The first chapter ends with the challenge to stop critizing, condeming and complaining.

Then today happened.

I think I'll leave that challenge for another day. Hey, I haven't read anything about procrastinating yet so I'm allowed to right? right! I knew I should've stuck with my motto, "ignorance is bliss".

I digress.

All 3 of my children have received referals to see 3 different kinds of specialists over the last week. Before we get all dramatic, my children are not dying or anything, they are fine. Just need some tests.

Today was Olivia's turn.

Here's what went down:

Driving downtown in morning traffic
Not having enough change for the toll road, (yes I don't even have $1.50, I'm poor)
Olivia starts throwing up in the back seat
First day in my life I'm not carrying baby wipes
I toss a baggie of cheerios at her to vomit in as I catch my exit
We park, clean her up with her coat which gets tossed, and I wrap a scarf around her to keep her warm
She gets tested
She fails the test again.
I feel like a crappy mom.
I pay a butt load of money and make an appt to come back next month
I get lost bc I dont have money for the toll on the way home and the gift shop would not give me cash back.
GPS yells at me but Olivia giggles and says,
"Mom, they said 'take grandpa head'" (that would be ramp ahead) teehee.
I wait at pharmacy for over an hour.
They only called in 1 of the 2 perscriptions we need
Keep being transfered to leave messages at the hospital.
I pay a butt load of money again (I did mention that I don't even have $1.50 for the way home right?)
I come home and scrub the vomitt in my van.
P.S. The test and the vomit are completely unrealted.

tired. frustrated. smelly. broke.
no problems sovled.

daniel is outta town. of course.

ok pity party is over. think I'll watch tv instead of reading today.

Happy Halloweeny!

2011-11-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Halloween =

No pumpkin guts to clean up,

T-shirts from the neighbors,

1 Ninja, 1 Rapunzel, 1 Fish

Chili and Cornbread with friends and family

Trick-or-Treating 1 street of just-like-the-movies-houses!

Eating a fun size snickers after breakfast:)

Without Halloween....

2011-10-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

how would dentists and toothfairies stay in business?

Eat up.

Nothin's Scarier Than...

2011-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Nothin's scarier than a Piano Recital am I right? :)

I love the Halloween Recital!

No parents = no fears:)

Love chilln' with all my students. Love dressing up. Love eating treats. Love hearing their spooky songs!

Top Chef

2011-10-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Kolby was "Top Chef" this week at school.

He got to decorate a giant chef hat all about him.

The recipe card says:

Recipe for- 1 Kolby

4 C. Monster Jam

2 C. T-ball

3 Tbs Art

1 tsp Wii

Add a dash of sand

Serve up with 2 sisters and mom and dad

Enjoy

Happy As A Clam

2011-10-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

We all are...now that you're in Nursery!

Hooray for my big girl!

Happy 18 months to you!

Stats:

Height- 30.5 in. (13%)

Weight- 21 lbs 4oz (31%)

FOC- 19.75in. (99.7%)

(ya that's still quite the noggn but aleast we're back on the charts)

Boo Bash

2011-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

My super talented friend threw a fabulous Boo Bash this weekend.

The food and decor were fabulous of course.

The couples were super creative:

(I wish I had pictures of all of them but I didn't want to seriously scare people)

Ken and Barbie

Electrical Sockets

Pirates

Egyptians

Scarecrow and Crow

Citizens of the Capitol (Hunger Games of course!)

Skeletons

and Daniel and I were

A dentist and a tooth fairy

Cate took some "real" pictures. Until then, this sneak peek will haveta do:)

You've had a Birthday Shout Hooray!

2011-10-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

We celebrated birthdays all week.

Daniel (18th), Sabrina (19th), and Mark (20th).

And just how did we celebrate?

Sunday: Family Feast at Mark and Rosie's

1st is the worst, 2nd is the best, 3rd is the one with the hairy chest :)
Monday: 5 mile run in the am, shopping, Newks for lunch, Pickleball at night

My sisters-in-law bought me running clothes and a cookbook. The running shirt says, "I run so I can eat" They know me too well:)

My dad sent me a violin...its kinda a long lost dream of mine...now if i could just figure out how to play it:)

Tuesday:

We brought lunch to Daniel at his school.

Then I rearragned lessons and cooked up a feast and his fav. Blueberry Buckel!

The kids made this nature collection that I gotta admit, I'm obessesed with!

(Don't worry the butterfly was already dead, the ants ate his body)

Wednesday: Daniel shocked me by taking the day off! He drove the kiddos to school and let me sleep in, then watched Naomi the rest of the day.

We went shopping and out to lunch for my birthday.

Ever had a shrimp and cheese stuffed avocado, deep fried? well you should.

And that evening we shared a giant piece of chocolate cake!

As you can see we mostly just ate and ate and ate all week. Ahhh that's the life.

My birthday was extra special this year because I got to celebrate it with the woman who made my birthday possible! Thanks mama! I love ya! Come back soon!

Punk'ns

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Last week my momma flew in for a visit.

Daniel had a meet so my mom and I planned a fun-filled Friday.

We fed the ducks, went to the library, ate Chic-fil-A with Kolby, took the kids to the pumpkin patch, ate dinner at Alicia's, and watched Prom.

I saved myself at least $100 by taking the kiddos to the neighborhood patch. Unfortunately fire ants also like to save a buck apparently so at one point all 3 chilln's were crying from bites. nice.

When we got to the restraunt Kolby chugged his lemonaide and then complained of a tummy ache, Naomi would not stay in her high chair, and Olivia had a coughing attack and kept saying, "I'm gonna throw up". So after a few looks from the table next to ours I walked Olivia out to the car while my mom picked up the check and the doggie bags:)

Our super fun Friday still turned out to be super fun though just because we were together. And I got some adorable pics of my lil' punk'ns.

Tough Mudder- in the which I could choke on testosterone

2011-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Please refrain from grunting Tim Allen style as you view the next photos...

Daniel and his buddies completed the 12 mile, 29 obstacle course man fest otherwise known as the Tough Mudder.

My MIL and sis-in-law watched the kiddos so actually it was a fairly stress free spectator day for me. I hung out with all the wifeeees and laughed at billions of freaks covered in mud. Fun times.

The beginning...all clean

didn't last long...

"Walk the Plank"- 15 ft drop

"Smoke House"- pitch dark wading through water

"Everest"- half pipe coated in oil

"Mud Mile"

still smilin'

"Bump n' Grind"- crawling on gravel beneath barbed wire

"Ball Shrinker"- um crude

"Jumpin Bale"

"Funky Monkey"- greased monkey bars

"Electroshock Therapy"- 10,000 volts

We are manly men And we are tough spectators...love these ladies!

and what is the prize for all this?

kissing his lady fair of course:)

In the words of Brian, "Tough Mudder, where otherwise perfectly good running shoes go to die" :)

3-2-1

2011-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

In the last 2 months I've gone from 3 children at home to 2 children at home, and then today just 1.

It was all so sudden.

Today was Olivia's 1st day of preschool.

I certainly wasn't planning on being emotional about a 3 hr 3 days a week preschool but alas I find in motherhood that I am always emotional.

"Meet the Teacher"- your HS buddy Miss Sarah Monday Music Class First Day of Preschool

Dearest Olivia,

As a middle child myself, I feel your pain of sometimes getting less attention than you deserve. Truth be told sometimes the older brother and the baby get more of a fuss over things done for the first time or things done for the last time while you are just in between. It was for this reason that I chose to sign you up for music class on Mondays and then

your very own preschool at a huge high school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

I knew you'd love the attention and the fact that everything was so new. This morning you and your brother were bouncing off the walls with excitement. While I fixed your hair and claimed to have messed up you told me, "Don't worry mom, I always look like a beautiful princess. Except for when I have wild hair, then i look like Where the Wild THings Are".

You are my beautiful princess! While I'm so happy for you I can't help but be a wee sad thinking how our lazy mornings will be few and far between and that before I know it you'll be all grown up.

I love you my middle child!

-mama

Best Weekend Ever

2011-10-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather (finally!!!)

cousin time

collecting acorns

best 5k time on a morning run

girlie time with friends

zero Sunday responsibilities

listening to conference

BEST WEEKEND EVER!

hope you had a good one too

I just love my children's art work

Here's Kolby's

President Monson President Eyring

President Uchtdorf

And here's Olivia's:

President Monson

Oh and I may have done a little "painting" myself:)

Beautiful Disaster

2011-09-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

The title is dedicated to my die-hard-311-fan-brother.

Oh Naomi.

You are my beautiful disaster:)

In the last few weeks you've managed to skin the same knee 5 times in the same 48 hrs, develop 2 goose eggs on your noggn, thanks to the tile floor, and let's not forget your black thumb that mommy accidental pinched in between the fridge doors. whoopsies.

At one point you could be seen sportin a Dora helmet around the house. Safety first:)

And that's just the damage to your cute little body. We won't mention the play food you gag on then vomit all over or the number of times you poo in the tub. Oh wait I guess we will mention those:)

You are my fearless wonder...Always in to something, climbing something, chewing something, or doing all 3.

You certainly keep our hearts healthy.

4 going on 16

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last week while I was teaching piano lessons Daniel snuck out with Olivia to get a feather in her hair. I was thinkn' my preschooler was a bit young but my high-school-teacher-hubby assured me that she needed one.

When I asked Olivia how much it cost she said, "um 50 bucks"

I said "No way. You mean 10 bucks?"

She said, "Well I don't know, it was all of daddy's green money".

I assure you that could barely be 10 bucks:)

Here's my 4 yr old going on 16.

You Rock!

2011-09-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Not sure where my kids obession for rock stars comes from but I gotta admitt I think its hillarious!

paper guitars are even cooler than air guitars:)

So glad Daniel and I happened to both be home and set our work aside to enjoy these clips:)

summer savings

2011-09-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Olivia-

monthly allowance + a couple odd jobs = $18 Barbie

Kolby

monthly allowance + odd jobs+ watering neighbors plants all summer = $75 bike

watching my kids learn to work and save and enjoy their rewards =priceless

Phineas and Ferb and the Back-yard Beach

2011-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

aka...Kolby's Birthday Party

The cupcakes the kiddos helped me make

The party favors: beach bucket, lei, perry, phineas and ferb fruit snacks The set-up

Our adopted gpa, Mr. Jim

The gang

The Games:

Hot "coconut"

fill the bucket relays

Limbo

a chocolate face makes a good game face too:)

Sorry ladies, he's all mine.

really what can be better than a belly covered in chocolate?

Present time Loved this party.

set up and clean up were minimal.

location was fabulous and free.

All the hard work, as usual, was worth the smiles from my boy!

The Hoop

2011-09-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Kolby finally got his real b-day present.

I think he likes it even better than the happy meal toy:)

Only took him 3 shots before he started swooshing every one.

9-11

2011-09-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

I caught a bit of the Today show on Friday and all the memories of 9-11 came flooding back.

I was moved to tears.

I have a lot to learn on politics but I couldn't help but be saddened at what our country has become.

If only we could remember our God.

Then today I watched our ward's primary program. The chapel was surrounded by over 100 children holding a paper chain that represented each week they have read the scriptures. They each raised the chain high and proclaimed, "I know the scriptures are true!".

I couldn't ask for a more powerful display of hope.

6

2011-09-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Kolby- You turned 6 years old today!!!

It was the first birthday I didn't get to spend all day with you and the first birthday that daddy didn't get to see you at all. We still made the most of it though. Dad gave you the traditional donut, chocolate milk, and card on the breakfast table. Olivia and I met you for lunch at school and ate happy meals. You told me that you were so excited for us to come that you couldn't even sit still :)

The feeling was mutual I assure you. That afternoon Olivia and I came back to read to your class. I was so proud of what a good student you are. Then we spent the evening eating your favorite dinner "big chips" (chicken tostadas), baking cupcakes, and watching The Emperor's New Groove. I realized as I tucked you in that I hadn't explained that we'd open presents tomorrow at your party and when dad could be home. You just smiled and held on to your happy meal toy and told me how much you loved your new toy and how you had the best birthday ever! You really are the sweetest, kindest, smartest, 6 year old kid I know! You are so obedient, helpful, grateful, artistic, and best of all you are mine!!! love you kolbs! -mama

Rain Rain...

2011-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

This would be "another day"

Still prayn for rain here in Texas...

We were supposed to have lunch with a friend on Thursday but cancelled because she was asked to evacuate her home (30 miles away).

Don't feel like I'm in danger but the constant campfire smell and ashes the size of quarters are a little concerning.

Last 3 photos are ones my friends took in the nieghborhood.

Girlie Time

2011-08-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Now that the men of the house went back to school us girls lay around the house all day anticipating their return.

Ok perhaps that's only how we feel on the inside.

Over the last week the girlies and I have:

-made a chain to count down when Olivia gets to start preschool

(not till October so it was a super long chain!)

-visited the library (where we may have cleared the princess section)

-Read princess stories every afternoon

-dressed in tutus and sponge curlers

-fed the ducks

-gone swimming

-baked, oh my have we baked!!!!!!

-and our fav....dance parties.

(We reccomend the Tangled Soundtrack and Justin Beiber station on Pandora)

These are the only pics I have since we really were too busy havn fun!

Its true.

Girls just wanna have fun.

Letting Go

2011-08-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

9 months of morning sickness

5 months of colic

13 months of waking every 2hrs for a feeding

18 months of walking the halls at church

3 months of potty training

Who knew the hardest thing would be letting you go?

Kolby's first day of kindergarten.

He could harldy contain his excitement!

I could hardly contain my sense of loss.

8:10-3:10 never felt so long.

I held it together pretty well.

Figured I'd cried myself to sleep enough the last 3 months.

I put on my brave face.

Until I wrote this post that is...

dang it.

lump in the throat.

Oh motherhood, you are constantly schooling me.

So Long Summer

2011-08-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

So long

lazy days

night swims

snuggle mornings

evenings of ice cream after the park

constant load of towels in the dryer

non-existent alarm clock

complete discretion of our days events

having my babies all home

seeing my hubby

Summer

perhaps I can close my eyes and tomorrow will never come:)

Sowing

2011-08-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Its not a typo. If I ever have a post about me "sewing" you'll know some thing's terribly wrong. Hemming Kolby's pants with duct tape is just about the closest thing I've come to sewing. I digress. This post is about sowing.

Several months ago I was contemplating all the things I've been able to teach my children. I had a blast teaching them their colors and shapes, numbers and letters, science and math. But deep inside I wondered if I had taught them the things that were most important? Had I taught them to be kind? How to make friends? How to forgive? How to stand up for what's right? Had I taught them to be like the Savior? I had a feeling of urgency this summer to arm my children with the attributes they needed to go out into the world. And here is what happened:

Inspiration: "will i want to be the person I've become when all is said and done?" -Katherine Nelson "You are more than what you have become." -The Lion King

"The final Judgement is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts and thoughts- what we have DONE. It is an acknowledgement of the final effect of our act and thoughts- what we have BECOME."

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." - D. Todd Christofferson

"The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming." "When we have a vision of what we can become our desire and our power to act increase enormously." -Dallin H. Oaks

Study: This profound talk: http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/what-manner-of-men-and-women-ought-ye-to-be?lang=eng&query=manner+men+women+ought

Action:

I found this great program online (many thanks to my amazing sis-in-law Ale). http://www.valuesparenting.com/ They are members of the church and created the Joyschool program. I just do the monthly value and FHE lessons. You can do most of that stuff for free. A generous donor paid my $50 membership fee. I'm all about keepn it real though. I don't spend hours and hours doing stuff.

1.I read through the website. 2.We made our own family rules/chart which hangs by the dinner table to remind us to discuss our rules and values. (Order=cleaning your room, Peace= no fighting, Obedience= responding with a "yes ma'am" or "yes sir" when asked to do something) 3.The 1st FHE of each month we introduce the theme and do an activity/lesson from the family night section on the website. 4.We also ask the kids each night at the dinner table or before they go to bed to share a time when they were honest or had courage or whatever we are learning about. (this month has been fun because I happened to have a bag of stones from a previous FHE lesson on David and Goliath. I painted the word courage on it. Now each night, whoever shares their moment of courage gets to sleep with the courage stone in their room...simple and cheap yet so effective:) 5.I have a book called The Children's Book of Virtues. I like to pull quick stories or poems that correlate with the monthly value from there for our bedtime stories. 6. I also try to choose scripture stories that teach the value as well for our nightly scripture reading. Basically if you're already doing FHE, bedtime stories, and scripture reading it's NOT extra work, it's just all cleverly organized for you:) and I definitely supplement with my own stuff too. I think it just helps me focus and reminds me to keep teaching a value over and over and over in fun ways. I love hearing my kids exclaim, "Mom I had courage today!"

Can't wait to see the seeds we're sowing:)

{Summer} Reads

2011-08-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

If you consider May as summer than here are some of my summer reads.

A bunch of these were part of book club so 2 were repeats from last summer.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of them.

Jeanette Walls is absolutely fabulous!

For book club we ate brisket and beans.

fav from last summer too!

For book club we ate pies of course.

Can't wait to see the movie this week!

C.S. Lewis, you never cease to amaze me.

Another repeater...we actually had the author join us for ice cream sundaes!

This was a goodie as well. Sure wish one of the "select theatres" it's playing in was by my house!

We won't be reading this til next year's book club but i just could resist...Mmmmmm this book was so delicious! Seriously it made me start cooking again. Now if only I could afford a cooking class!

and this book...I've just started. It kinda gives me nightmares and eerie chills. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. ha!

what did you read this summer?

Forgiveness

2011-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

I picked up my 4yr old from Sunbeams on Sunday to be greeted with knowing smiles from her teachers and a card from my daughter. I thought nothing of it.

As I packed my bags in primary Olivia tells me, "Mommy I love you THIS much!" and holds her hands about 12 inches apart. I smiled thinking, oh how sweet, and wanting to play her game told her, "I love you THIS much!" and stretched my arms as far as I could.

Then Olivia tells me, "Mommy, I only love you medium because sometimes you're mean to me."

I was slightly crushed to say the least and asked, "when am I mean to you?"

She explained that I'm mean to her when I yell at her when she makes bad choices. I told her that's not being mean that's being a parent and trying to help her make better choices.

Then I noticed the hand-crafted necklace she was wearing. It read, "I can be like Jesus and forgive others".

Suddenly the pieces started coming together.

I asked my 4 yr old if they learned about forgiving people who are mean to them and if she told her class that i was mean to her and if they were to color pictures for the person they were forgiving for being mean to them.

To my utter horror she answered yes to all of the above.

nice.

I swallowed back 2 tears and declared it a bad day to be a mom.

Then it was time for forgiveness.

Perhaps its easier to be forgiving though when you're wearing a neon necklace with a picture of Jesus on it.

Our 1st 5k

2011-08-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Holly and I are surrounded by runners.

After a while I was curious what the big deal was.

I decided I wanted to run a 5k before I turned 30.

Lucky for me I can check it off my list as of yesterday.

And all before I even turn 29!

cheers to us!

Holly's the best running partner ever!

Lookn forward to another in October.

Hopefully the weather will be slightly kinder.

As in below 100 degress and 100% humidity.

I'm just say'n.

Nothing's Sweeter Than...

2011-08-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing's sweeter than...

3 giggles in the tub,

the soft scent of lavendar lotion,

snuggles with a favorite bunny book,

singing primary songs,

seeing all 3 of my children fold their arms for prayers.

Love it when bedtime is the sweetest part of the day.

{Beauty} is in the eye of the beholder

2011-08-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Beauty (or Belle) from Beauty and the Beast came to visit my niece's birthday party. The girls were ecstatic. Kolby, not so much. He told me later he was super brave and took a picture with her as long as wouldn't have to sit on her lap.

I'm thinkn in just a few short years he may have a different view about being at party full of pretty princesses:)

My secret vice

2011-08-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

I decided to start running for the first time in my life.

I went from never-ever -ever running more than 1 mile to running 3 miles 3 times a week.

I'm on week 8 now.

My professional-runner-hubby wrote me a program.

I follow it "loosely" heehee.

Honestly I hate running. I'm always happy when its over.

Honestly I hate when everyone finds out I'm not a runner and looks at me like why would your husband want to marry you. (Yes, this actually happens)

Honestly I'm extremely intimidated by every freakn' in-law that runs marathons and triathlons. I really don't want them to see me or my times ever!

Honestly here are the reasons I run:

1. I can no longer afford the gym I went to 2 years ago

2. I haven't exercised in 2 years and thought I should probably be able to climb my stairs while hold a sleeping child without feeling like I'm gonna die.

3. I wanted to prove to myself and others that it was possible.

4. The best reason: I absolutely love the completely guilt-free alone time it guarantees me.

One strange thing... I refuse to run with actual runners. My run is no longer a stress reliever if I gotta stress over my pace being too slow or my breathing being too hard or if my form is crappy. Trust me I live with a runner. I know how their little minds work.

Ok and perhaps the strangest thing of all...

Honestly I have a secret vice that helps me run.

So I don't run with people. I ran with some jack rabbits in AZ, some frogs in TX, but the one person I absolutely MUST run with?

What can I say?

Eminem makes me feel invincible.

Who knew?

NO worries mom, its fully edited.

Have any secret vices in your life?

The Nomes

2011-07-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

aka...

naomi

Although your nickname does not include a silent g, when we call you "Nomes" I secretly invison you as a gnome and giggle inside.

Sorry about that.

seriously though. the wee red hat. the long white beard. ok, ok enough!

This post is really all about your 15 month check-up

You are:

29.25 in (12%)

20lbs 2 oz (33%)

and your head is finally in the 97%

(trust me that's quite a bit smaller since the last time...you know when it was off the charts and we had to get a CTscan)

You love walking/running, animals, water, dancing, and food!

You say - baby, uh-oh, dog, bird, mama, dada,

You sign- dog, bird, milk, more, banana, cracker, fish, and all-done

You give the best hugs and kisses...esp if we get you to hold still for 1 second:)

We love you little Nomes, N'omers, Naomi!

-Mama

On the Road Again...

2011-07-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

40+ hours in the car

1 speeding ticket

1 fever

1 flat tire

5 cities to visit

2 State Parks to explore

51 relatives to catch up with

1 tarantula to gawk at

8,297 potty stops

All in 6 days!

Finally crossed the border to New Mexico Wednesday morning after driving through the night.

Stopped in Safford, AZ for lunch with the McDougals

and then had supper in Strawberry, AZ with my grandparents, cousin, and her son.

Naomi was in animal heaven with the 2 dogs, guinea pig, birds and squirrels.

Olivia was in pampering heaven. Niki fixed Olivia's hair and painted her nails! Kolbs was in drug heaven as he was sick with a fever. The fam on my grandparents' Spyder.

My rad grandparents!

Of to Clarksdale, AZ to ride the train.

Nomers warmed right up to her Great Aunt Laura!

Kolbs with his Grandpa Lawton and Great Grandpa Hansen

Choo-Choo!

Next stop...Sedona, AZ

We played at Slide Rock State Park with the Hansens, my grandparents, and my 2nd cousin Calean.

love this picture.

Its just so Kolby!

Then on to Montezuma's Castle State Park.

Pretty neat-o. Especially because I went there as a kid.

piggy backs with Uncle Steve

(yay uncle Steve you made the blog!!!)

The Hansens

(this is my Mother-in-law's family)

Laura, David, Kristie, Janet, Lehman, and Steve

Then a morning hike to Bell Rock...

super-dad!

and last but not least....

Oracle, AZ to C.O.D. Ranch for the actual reunion!

Unfortuneately the origonal reunion was changed due to fires in AZ so our fam was only able to take the family picture, play some volleyball, eat dinner, play getting-to know you games, listen to stories by the fire, and then head home for Daniel to attend training Monday morning. The rest of the clan stayed Saturday through Tuesday.

The Lawtons claim to not be as competitive as the Sweetwoods but when it comes to their mother's love...its kinda outta control:)

Aunt Nene

The Ranch was awesome! I seriously cried as we were driving home because I was sad to miss out on all the fun times with my nephews, nieces, and in-laws!

Of course spotting this fella upon our departure made it slightly easier to get outta there!

We are taking a break from the car the rest of the week:)

Guess What I saw on Friday?

2011-07-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

yes, it was epic.

no, I did not embarrass my hubby by wearing these to the theatre:)

Circus

2011-07-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Barnum and Bailey-

We recently visited your circus. It was quite magical. However, even with all the chaos and wild animals and balancing acts I couldn't help thinking, "How is this different than any other day in our house?"

My apologies. Perhaps you should come visit our place or try to contain my one year old and then you will be inspired to put on a REAl SHOW :)

Best Regards,

mother of crazies

p.s. A pre-show dinner at Joe's Crab Shack is definately a must!

Things to Do on a Florida Beach Vacation...

2011-07-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

warning: you may wanna go pee, get comfy, and perhaps write your will before you hunker down to read this post

Start things off right by welcoming your family "island-style"

Chill at the Beach

Go Boogie Boarding

(and let great-grandpa take all the big waves)

Play dress-up

Listen to Phineas and Ferb Soundtrack and have Dance Parties with your Cousins

Eat Gelato and walk the beach at night

Visit the Donut Truck

Ride the Golf Cart everywhere!

Go to the Pool on "Rainy" Days

Go for a run or a bike ride every morning

Eat at Pineapple Willy's

Enjoy a night out without the kids!

Oh ya and stuff your face with coconut cake and key lime pie...heaven!

Take matchy-matchy pictures with your momma

Read Stories with Grandparents every Night Before Bed

Last but not least...

remember that you love your family

(even when they drive you crazy)

you love us dad!

sniff sniff... now i'm gonna go sulk some more

hate missing my family:(

Sweetwood Family Pictures

2011-07-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

The other day my 5 yr old looked at my tanned shoulders and said,

"Um mom, you're getting dark skin. Are you gonna start speaking Spanish?"

My 4 yr old piped in,

"No, it hasn't made its way to her mouth!"

I generally try to be pc but I just couldn't help chuckling.

On that note...anyone wanna see some family pics at the beach?

We went to Panama City Beach, Fl. It was splendid. Can't wait for all the trip pics!

For those who don't have the pleasure of knowing who these lovely people are...

From Left to Right:

Grandpa Sweetwood, Ryan Cushman, Avery Cushman, Brittany Cushman, Mark Sweetwood, Baerbel Sweetwood, Tyson Sweetwood, Reagan Sweetwood, Ben Sweetwood, Erin Sweetwood, Olivia Lawton, Sabrina Lawton, Kolby Lawton, Daniel Lawton, Naomi Lawton, Grandma Sweetwood.

AKA my crazy family!!!

This location looks a whole lot more relaxing without us in the pic:)

Important Announcement

2011-07-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

One of these days I'll get around to posting our fabulous vacation.

Until then...

Guess who finally decided to start walking this morning?!

Good thing my hubby's the scout master so we have a lifetime supply of marshmallows:)

8 is great

2011-07-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

8 years ago I spent the day here with someone pretty special.

We celebrated yesterday by going to the temple which was a beautiful experience and then we enjoyed some African food which was divine if I do say so myself.

I love that sometimes the most simple things in our marriage are the things I cherish the most.

I love that I have you forever!

Happy Anniversary.

I love you Daniel!

Independence Day

2011-07-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

breakfast = ward pancake party

lunch= BBQ, swimming and pickleball with family

dinner= pizza and swimming with friends

What a wonderful country we live in!

Krew's Blessing

2011-07-06T13:48:00.001-07:00

We drove back from FL (that post is still to come...) on Saturday night so we could attend my newest nephew's blessing the next morning.

We are so glad that we did!

What great (grey)men.

p.s. i musta got salt water or sand in my camera...sad times. Next few posts may have to be picture free:(

Behold the Power of Music

2011-06-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

My children have recently shown me how music has changed our lives...

Last week I was out for a run. The girls were in the double jogger and kolby was running close behind me. (Yes my 5 yr old is amazing and yes I am slow...anywho) I noticed Kolby was slowing his pace but then I heard a soft little voice start singing in between huffing and puffing...

"Don't stop believing!"

Thank you Journey. You inspire a lazy momma and a 5 yr old to keep running.

This week I exposed my daughter to The Rolling Stones when she screamed, "but I want that!"

A few days later I heard her singing to Naomi,

"You can't always get what you waaaant..."

Thank you Rolling Stones. You convinced a 4 yr old to be content.

Wonder Pets...you are slowly being replaced:)

"Ice cream...we're gonna have ice cream!"

2011-06-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone else grow up listening to Bill Cosby?

What do you do when its blazn hot outside in Texas?

You eat Blue Bell Ice Cream at the Blue Bell Factory of course:)

Holly, Di, Rosie, Abby and I bused our 15 chill'ns to beat the heat and eat our fair share of ice cream. mmmmm.

Southern Blackberry Cobbler is still my fav!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

I gotta admit I'm usually pretty exhausted by the end of Father's Day being as I'm not used to taking care of everything on my own. My hubby's a hard worker and a huge help...I'm kinda spoiled like that. Today I tried really hard to pamper him but he still ended up helping to get the kids ready, took the baby during church, and even washed dishes....see I'm spoiled right.

So today I actually had a blast.

I'm trying to make myself feel better seeing how he was gone all week not to mention that I cooked up a storm!

I made cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, and strawberries for breakfast.

I made a manly feast of steak, roasted potaoes, corn on the cob, and rolls, for dinner.

For those of you think'n that's no big deal...trust me it is. I'm a cold cereal and 1 dish dinner kind of gal most nights:)

Hope the way to a my man's heart is still through is stomache.

Happy Father's Day to all the daddas out there!

I don't know what I do without my dad, my father-in-law, or the father of my children.

I'm so grateful for their wonderful examples to me.

Hope you all ate like kings!