Week from H. E. double toothpicks



 THE FLU...THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY. 
SOMEONE PLEASE KICK ME IF I EVER THINK OF NOT GETTING MY KIDS A FLU SHOT AGAIN!
I kept putting it off and then forgot and somehow in the funny part in the back of my mind I thought... 'people don't get as sick here like they do up north..because it's mild weather and your not cooped up in your house or buildings all winter spreading germs, so they probably don't need a flu shot!' 
 HA!

It hit us on Wednesday. And it went in this order...

1. Ruby- woke up in the night on Wednesday with stomach cramps.  She threw up twice but was up several times crying with her pains.  The next day -Thursday- she didn't leave her bed ONCE, not once.  She was in a terrible state.  A fever and cramps and aching body and kept saying her chest hurt.  So I was her nurse-maid: in and out of her room all day.
She was miserable, poor baby girl.

2.  Liam started coughing in the night on Thursday.  Nothing much, but Friday he started coughing more and more he couldn't take a nap because he was coughing so much..  Saturday he was coughing NON stop.  I mean literally nonstop.  It is the worst I have ever seen or had in my kids.  And it was a deep barking cough (not the croupe kind-but still a bark) it took everything he had each time he had a coughing fit.  I'm sure he had a sore, raw throat from all the coughing. And if I had a headache I'm sure his was pounding.  I almost wanted to shake him several times and say STOP COUGHING!!!!  It was so unnerving for two days straight.  It has been the most frustrating couple of days in my parenting career.  Especially at night when his coughing kept us all awake.  The worst part was...nothing helped, no doTerra, no cough syrup, no steaming shower, no humidifier, no cough drops, nothing. 
Poor baby boy.

3.  Charlie- got the bug too but it manifested itself not so much in throwing up, which her never did thank goodness- but diarrhea!  He had terrible diarrhea all day on Saturday.  Just straight squirts and it made his behind so irritated and raw.  The most foul smell.  I even called Marty home early from the Preisthood Leadership Meeting he was at on Saturday afternoon because I went to change yet another diaper and it was like 2 full cups of liquid-too much to even soak into the diaper!!  Never seen that before, it scared me.  I had to hold him over the toilet to even take the diaper off and it all came splashing down into the bowl.  When I looked in to see if his insides came out with it, I noticed two weird looking things in all that liquid...I thought it was a parasite or something.  Come to find out it was an undigested gutted out grape:)  So good thing Marty came home to help me figure that out.
  Poor baby, baby boy.

In the end- the kids had different symptoms to begin...but they ALL developed a fever, the squirts and that dang cough!
Noone coughed like Liam did though.  I wonder what made his so bad and consistent...endless.

Now between me and Marty- he got the chest cold/cough part and I got the stomach bug.  Like I said...
 THE WORST WEEK EVER. 



Near Death

I don't know if I've turned into a frenzied, spacey mother or what!?  But Charlie has had these near death experiences in the last 2 weeks and I think I'm losing my mind!  Don't judge me.

1. The other day I was walking out of a school building with some friends and my three kids in tow.  I get ALL the way out to my car and turn to pick up Charlie to put him in the car seat and he's not there!  "Where's Charlie"?!  I ask my 6 year old Ruby-like she should be the one in charge of him.! " I don't know" , she responds.  I look all around the car and parking lot and realize I never noticed if he was even with us leaving the bldg.!  So I run back up the steps and some nice lady is trying to keep him inside as she is leaving saying "You can't come out alone little guy, I don't see your mommy".  THANK YOU kind lady for saving my baby from walking outside.  He obviously saw us leave and wanted to follow as his oblivious mom didn't give him a second thought as she laughed and giggled her way out of the bldg.

2.  So then, days later, we are swimming at the rec center (which we did 3 days in a row-pics to come).  I was sitting by Charlie in the shallow part watching him run around and some guy splashes me by kicking the water and I turn to see what he is doing -he apologizes and his wife says something funny and I laugh and say ''it's okay, we're at a pool."  One or two other sentences were exchanged and I turn back to Charlie and he is completely submerged on his back and struggling to get up, sit up-whatever...I gasp and dive over to him and yank the poor kid out of the water!  sheesh! Right there before my eyes...I turn away for not even 30 seconds and that's when he decides to go under!  It goes to show you how fast things can happen and it doesn't even have to be deep water!....  CRAZY.

3.  Finally we are at Walmart, my favorite place! ha., and I am checking out with a million groceries.  I am price-matching...which doesn't take that much extra time per-say but I have to stand there and tell the cashier what the prices are.  So I take Charlie out of the cart cuz he's maneuvered the strap up around his neck and is crying.  I set  him down by Ruby and Liam in the isle to look at stuff with them...I don't usually do this but it was one of those days.  I turn back around to quote some prices and it was maybe 30 sec. to a min. and I look around and notice that Charlie is not standing by Ruby anymore.  "Where is Charlie"?!  I ask my 6 year old....sounding familiar.?  I don't see him right around me but I think, he couldn't have gone far...he wouldn't.  Ruby and I split up she runs to one side of the check-out- looks up and down and I go to the other side and look up and down.  It's not like you can yell out his name and he'll respond.  I'm getting a little worried cuz we really don't see him and we're in WALMART.  I instinctively start walking towards the nearest exit which is almost half the length of the store away and I see a girl about my age with a baby  on her  hip...it's Charlie....she found him out-SIDE the electronic doors just struttin' towards the oncoming traffic!  She literally saved him.  I was so, so grateful and wish I'd at least gotten her name.  Note to self...don't let Charlie out of sight , not ever.  Thanks to some guardian angels.  Like I said , don't judge me.  I am not like this with other people's kids (just Charlie I guess, poor boy)...I swear, I'm still trustworthy.

.

with the love of a mother...




My sweet husband made this card for me on Mother's Day.  He's always said he's not as 'creative' or 'romantic' as my brothers are to their wives. And I think he is very different from my creative brothers...but this is why I love him so much. First of all I wouldn't necessarily want him to be just like my brothers...I prefer being married to a non-relative.  Secondly my husband worked so hard on this card-getting my kids to cooperate with the paint and trying to get them to place their feet in the right spot! It was a riot(says my Mom-who eventually went out to help him because he was sweating bullets trying to make it perfect). Needless to say-this made me cry because I know it's from his heart and I love his own unique originality and the way he loves me.  Plus I adore baby feet and they tug at my heart strings no matter what.

 

Some pics I took of my -sweeter than ever- neice.  Love tiny newborns!


 

 

Look at this cleavage...almost too immodest to post!  Ha.  SO adorable. I love rolls and chubs!

so sweet, makes me want another...soon.



my fav.



Precious little LORALYE.  You stay this way for a long time.!  And that's an order.

Busy Little Bees...

we have been crazy busy lately , but here are some pics of our Easter entourage...

Charlie's been doing alot of this crying thing lately.  Poor him, poor us.  He still is the sand beneath my toes though, (on a warm, beautiful beach) -meaning- I still love him. 



Such great weather for Easter this year!  FINALLY.

Charlie is such a wrestler!  He is so used to wrestling with his siblings and DAD that he has to do it w/anyone he sees on the ground.  He takes that as a sign that -your ready-.  See exhibit A...attacking his cousin Brigham who has NO IDEA whats coming, then he pulls him down in a head lock with a victory grin.  Then he needed comfort from Dad and Grandpa cuz he got scolded for being too rough.  Signs of the times?- Elementary School playground?

Easter cupcakes, gotta have 'em.  So cute with the green coconut topping for the nest and jelly beans for eggs.  I think Ruby might have enjoyed hers.

Check out his LOAF.  Who's the baker/creator-no other, then my Dad himself!  He is the bread making machine....EVERY Sunday he bakes bread or rolls...he used to PAY us to make homemade bread when we were teens -but no one was ever consistent.  So he took it up to learn on his own.  He is AMAZING, his BREAD is to die for.  He created this Bunny Loaf for Easter...the kids went Coo Koo's over it. 

We can never get a normal picture anymore w/this character on the right. 

Cupcake and Easter Egg Creating.  Such a messy tradition that kids LOVE. 

My new little niece Loralye.  Michelle and Jared are proud parents of two as of 1 week ago.  Check out her blog, HERE, for more info on this sweet thang' and her LOADS of hair.

Charlie Bear.



This little guy came by accident 15 months ago...well he was conceived accidentally- I guess about 25 months ago...but really- what would life be without him.?




Slobbery faced Charles.  (photo courtesy of Ruby Wright-with her very own camera)



One of his 'unique' daily rituals is this...to throw absolutely everything out of his crib as he awaits someone to save him from his cage...then he dares give me that smug..."yep I did it again" expression.

Another 'unique' characteristic is his shyness (my other kids were not like this; to this extreme anyway) he can't stand for people to look at him or watch him eat...he closes his eyes and grunts...then he will continue to eat or drink with his eyes closed until you stop looking at him.  It's the oddest thing! If he's in a good mood he won't care and smile and laugh right back at you-but if he's even just a little tired or feels threatened by an overbearing face...he absolutely cannot stand it -he'll bury his head, close his eyes, cover his face-anything to get out of your view and wait for you to kindly look away.

He worships dogs...what baby doesn't?...maybe we should get one?  naaah.

His passion (one of his few) is EATING...he eats like a banshee and if I don't feed him fast enough he is a 'screamer'-what?! What do you do about that?  I can't discipline him and tell him "NO-YOU NEED TO ASK WITH WORDS OR SIGNS?!" ha!  It's just such a frustrating stage because it gets so loud that no one can hear each other speak and then we all end up yelling at each other!  ah.
 ps-despite his eating habits...he hasn't gained weight for months and hasn't grown length- wise since his 12 month appt. (Okay, I get it, I get it...we are all short but he's a baby still-he should be growing) Should I be concerned? Anyone know a good pediatrician...lest I decide to get a 2nd opinion?  His head is in the 70% percentile though...yeah, I remember that all too well. (see here)



He loves the MEN in his life..esp. this one...and he is SUCH a snuggler- besides his open mouth kisses...he gives the biggest, strong-hold around your neck- hugs you ever knew.



And this MAN...his grandpa that just recently moved back to California...we MISS you.!

Charlie's been in this stage of walking for a couple months.  He likes to take steps and stand alot...but nothing consistent...it's the stage where he wants to be 'down' in a public place but you'd rather die than put him on the floor to crawl around and sweep up the McDonald's floor dust and grime.



This big sister takes care of him 57% of the time...I think between me and Marty -we make up the other 43%!



So it's been said by my MIL several, upon several times that Charlie and my Mom look alike...'ya right' I always said- 'that's crazy talk'...  now, I can see that resemblance...thanks to another photo taken by Ruby...they really do look alot alike to me! Who'd of thought.
  I love you dear Charlie Bear and hope you grow up to be just like this woman you look so much alike...in a manly sort of way that is.

A Shower + tutorials and MORE...




Two of my friends and I threw a shower for my dear friend Nichole who is having a baby in 3 weeks!  Love her.  And I love the way this shower came together. Thanks to Az for her gorgeous (I wish I had you) home to host (not in a stephenie meyer sort of way) the Bloomin' Shower!  It was a smashin' hit!   

 


The decor all blended so well. (click photo to enlarge) I love the vibrant yellow, blue, greens and a touch of silver.   Such a perfect time of year to have a baby!!  OHHH I love babies.  The pom pom's are a martha stewart project ....found HERE.  The felt streamers (made by Tasha) are different size circles cut out in coordinating colors of felt and sewn together (so creative!).  The napkins, cups and straws come from IKEA.  The candles (Tasha)(all lit) were beautiful for color/decor and gave off a wonderful fragrance.  Lemons and limes fit right in on the color scheme and made delish citris water, so refreshing!





The food included chocolate covered strawberries (yum) , mini cinnamon rolls (double yum) (made by Az- Rhodes rolls thawed, stretched out, cut in half and sprinkled with cinnamon/butter/sugar and rolled back up...after baking top w/cream-cheese-divine- gooiness-frosting), chocolate/butterscotch bird nests (found HERE) and bowls of candy and nuts. 

 

My gifts were a car seat cover...gotta love those.  Just patterned after one I had given to me for my baby.  VERY simple to make actually.   And with so many cute fabrics/patterns; it's fun to create your own.  Nichole has very refined taste so I didn't want to do anything with bright colors or animals and such.  Turns out she liked it !  yeah! 



And one of these little tie/suspender onesies.  Designed by Trisha (my friend), and attempted by Me.  The blue and yellow one I kept for Charlie...he sort of looks like a clown in it, but baby clowns are cute , right?  The suspenders are just a length of 'double fold bias tape-quilt binding' sewn down on both ends and again under the buckle.  The buckles are sold at Hancock for 1.49 (pack of two) in silver or gold. (they were out of silver when I went-dang it)  On the right onesie, the tie is only sewn down on the top portion and the the bottom half is loose-hanging...gives it a different- more playful look.

 


And here is the guest of HONOR, beautiful Nichole.  And the 3 three hostess's...Az on the left, Tash on the right.

 

The party favors (made by Tasha) -what a great idea! And I love, love the name tags. (not sure where she got the pots, name tags were homemade)



The wonderful friends that make getting together worth while.!  It's so good for my heart to see everyone and be able to relate with them on so many levels.  Love all these gals.  (we missed those of you that live far away, sniff)

 
 

Speaking of spring; check out this tutorial  for ruffle pants found HERE.   I think I want to attempt this get-up for Ruby,...and maybe Charlie too.  Kidding!  Clown shirt is enough for now.  Babies can only pull off so many things.! ha!

 

One more idea someone gave me.  I made this apron for my cousin, Katie, (who is to be married this weekend!) for her shower.   I love the line at hancock called - top drawer fabrics- this is one of the patterns. I wanted to add a splash of color  (her kitchen color is red) so I spent ALL this time looking at JoAnn's and Hancock for a sew-on applique in red, (a flower made out of fabric that can be washed).  I know I've seen them before on bags, shirts, aprons etc.  But I could not find what I was looking for anywhere.  A lady at JoAnn's told me to just get a flower that clips or safety pins on and they can remove it before washing...duh~ what a grand idea, never thought of that.  Once I switched my brain to that avenue...there were TONS of options and cheap too!  I found this tulle flower, that is pin -on- ready, for 2 bucks. SCORE. 
Happy Day Everyone.

My sister's new baby!...(a must see)



Welcome to the world...Webster D. Gilson!  My sister had her baby yesterday, her 6th boy!  9.4 lbs!



...love baby feet!



his other brothers are so named...Dexter T. Gilson, Everett James Gilson, Isaac Howard Gilson, Lincoln Timothy Gilson, Owen Henry Gilson ... they will all be senators, presidents; or at least great missionaries!



Love him!  New babies are so special and sweet.  I love to be a part of it, it's such an amazing thing to me.




sweet little finger grasp...

 

Check out those cheeks!

I love my beautiful sister and her more than adorable new addition! 

you can leave a comment for them here if you like...