"The natives are restless......"

Here's what Jaakson and Shae do lately to stay entertained.... As of late, Jaakson and Shae like to attack the vacuum anytime I start vacuuming. I think it's so funny! They look like little wild children attacking the beast that is threatening their village or something. *Warning: when you view the vid below you may want to turn down the volume.
Anybody ever seen "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black? It's a goodie. Apparently it's one of Jaakson's favorites, too....

Still swollen....

Klint had a molar pulled on Monday due to a drunk, crazy guy punching him on his mission in England. Klint's face is STILL huge 4 days later! Even worse because of Klint's work responsibilities and flight safety, he is not able to take any pain meds. What a trooper! I'm sure he'll love that I posted these pix...hee hee!

Here he is just home from work and flying and hadn't had a pain pill in over 24 hours! :(

West Lakeridge 7th Relief Society blog...

If you haven't checked it out yet, you should! :) West side!

Does anyone have the East side's blog address?

Some ranting here....

I just have to say, I think it is extremely arrogant and entertaining when "people" think they have the right to place final judgement on my child's worth based on their behavior in any particular instance. Especially when my children aren't even children yet; they are babies and toddlers. Especially when these "people" are still children themselves and have never had children of their own. Heaven forbid at the age of 1 and 3, my children aren't perfect soilders. I refuse to beat or spank them into submission. I would never want to break my children's spirits. I do not want my kids to mistake intimidation for respect because I know they will follow that example later in their lives. I refuse to lose respect for myself. I will not have my children obey me out of fear or intimidation but would rather have them understand the natural consequences to their decisions. I use "currency" with my children (toys), not corporal punishment. It may take longer to get the results I want but the quality of the lesson will be worth it.

I am not saying that anyone who spanks is a bad person. I have spanked my son before. What I am saying is that I don't use it as a general band-aid for discipline. I do not like spanking because I don't feel good about myself when I do and I don't get the results I want. I also choose not to venture into physically violent territory for fear of quite possibly losing my mind or overstepping my boundaries as a trusted parent and guardian. I am honest enough with myself to admit that I never spanked out of "love." When I have spanked, I was upset and frustrated. I know those of you who have children understand what I am talking about. ;)

In closing, I have been a mother long enough to know that I do not know it all and maybe never will. I know that I still have much to learn. When I was young and unmarried, I admit I had some naive opinions. I have since struggled with feeling inept as a mother. I have struggled with letting exhaustion and indecision overwhelm me. I have struggled with worrying about how other "people" esteem me. I am happy to say that I have moved past those trials. I know that I am a good mother because I am doing the best I can. I know that my children will grow up to be responsible and sympathetic adults. I know that my children know I love them and will protect them.

And that's all that matters to me. :)

Otis...

Otis Redding! He is one of my new favorites...where have I been, not listening to Otis my whole life?! K, I just had to share :)





Remember when the Duckman danced to this song in "Pretty In Pink?!"



Chris Brown doesn't do a bad version either...

Hahaaaaaaa! Thanks Jamie!

Christmas Pix...

We spent Christmas at home and Klint's mom's house in Lehi this last year and had a great time! Unfortunately I left my camera at Pat's house on Christmas Eve, so Christmas morning I only have video of the kids opening their presents and it's on my old school video camera. :) Anywho, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is starting the New Year off right! Much love!

Is anyone else busy taking down Christmas decorations?

It's been a busy 2 weeks! I'll have to post the pix in a couple more days... I'm still recovering from New Year's Eve!