School Memories from 2007-2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Just complaining...move on to another post for your own good!

I remember when my friends were pregnant before I was. As much as I wanted to be supportive and empathetic... my goodness, is that ALL they could talk about? There are so many topics out there...politics, movies, books, relationships between mothers and daughters/siblings/spouses/in-laws, birth order and its effects, cooking with wheat, practical healthy lifestyle choices, environment versus genetics, the effects of alcohol/drugs on a family environment, African American misrepresentation in US history, feminine equality in the 20th century (ok, so I spent a lot of classes in psychology) and on and on.

I admit, I did a horrible job when I was pregnant with Alexis. It had taken two years to get pregnant with surgery and fertility drugs. How could I not talk about this exciting time in our lives? How could everyone else not want to hear the wonders of childbearing? I needed everyone to truly "get" the miracle that was happening every single day as fingernails were forming, organs were starting to work, and how she would respond to loud sounds. And MY interpretation of "getting" something means to say it over and over, until I see a change in the audience and they seem to be just as excited and mesmorized as I. (don't worry, a lot of my friends were in theatre and had no problem in their acting capabilities)

Well, now we are to our 4th full-term pregnancy. Things are a little different. I can no longer think of things to talk about besides how awful I feel and how each day is taking forrreevvvveerrr. I am no longer as amazed at the wonders and miracle of birth. Actually, I think I could make some changes to the process that could be a little more efficient and less restricting. For one, as you have more babies, your body should react less to the demands of carrying a fetus. The formula would go something like:

fetus x (number of kids + fetus)= energy level (measured in laps you could do during your pregnancy without breaking a sweat or breathing hard- in the last trimester)
So, a first time mom would have 1 x 1= 1 lap without sweating
BUT a mom of 10 would be 1 x 11=11 laps without sweating
Doesn't it make sense that a mom with other kids needs more energy and has much more to do?


Why would each baby need 9 months to develop? If the rest of your body falls apart and poofs out because it "already knows what to do," then the babies development should take that into consideration. (not to mention that you have other children to take care of that don't care if mom has contractions/no energy to play/or patience) Your body doesn't need Braxton Hicks, cramping, or swelling SOONER to prepare you for birth; your cervex, uterus, and pelvis are quite aware of their performance necessities and are basically in the right position and size from the moment you conceive anyway.
Another formula that would work well for my situation...

fetus x 9/ (number of kids + fetus)= months needed until birth
Ex. New mom (1 x 9)/1=9 months till birth
BUT Mom of 5 would be (1 x 9)/6= 1.5 months

These suggestions are merely from a technical and scientific viewpoint, of course. Rhet doesn't like to hear some of my intelligent corrections for evolution in the fear that he will have to repair the roof from lightening strikes headed my way.

And, since I don't want to write in my journal how unhealthy my psyche is right now in the fear that poor Colby might read it one day and know how much I complained while he was cooking in my oven... I get to write it here on my blog...with no worries that Rhet will ever read this (because it is way too long) or that any of my children will know my twisted thoughts (they scroll right to their own pictures)- and if you care enough to have gotten this far...then chances are you have already heard my ranting and it won't effect your opinion of me. Two final words...


Pregnancy STINKS!

Let's Go, Rhet!

I was thinking that if any of you had a few seconds to spare, write a comment to help me in an effort to CHEER ON RHET to get done with the bathroom. We are oh so close, but also at the point where all progress could halt because it IS almost done.
So, give him any cheers you know, and join me in a great cause-

Go-o-o-o
Go-o-o-o
Go Go Go
Go, Go!
Go, hey, hey, let's go, hey, hey LET'S GO, RHET!

I say a boom-chicka-Rhet
I say a boom-chicka-rocka-chicka-rocka-chicka-Rhet
Uh, huh, oh yeah, one more time,
Done with the bathroom style

Move it
Down to the bathroom
Go that way (clap, clap, clap)
Move it
Down to the bathroom
Go that way!

Here we go (stomp, stomp)
Let's Go Rhet!
Here we go (stomp, stomp)
Let's Go Rhet!

Who's the guy that's number 1?
I know, Rhet!
Who's the guy to get it done?
I know, Rhet!
Number 1, Get it done...
Righ-igh-igh-ight NOW!!!!

(I was wondering when I would ever get to use my 7 years of cheerleading again, being a SAHM. I am so glad I put in those 12+ hours a week so that they could now be utilized!)

Embarrassed to Post

I come from a family that taught manners and courtesy, especially in the un-talked about areas of bodily functions. Apparently, my children have not grasped the concept of a topic being off-limits, or uncelebrated...

Rhet made a rasberry noise with his arm (thank you, Rhet) and the kids thought that was hilarious and wonderful. They then concocted an ENTIRE evening dedicated to the art of passing gas. It was so poignantly called the "Passing Gas Party". I was in my room for 5 whole minutes, and came out to see the living room covered in confetti, Happy Birthday signs, and streamers. The girls then proceeded to have games (all under the same topic). For example, one of the games was who could make a fake passing gas noise the loudest. I am rolling my eyes, enjoying time on the couch reading the Ensign (getting oh so much spirituality at the same time, I am sure) and using my great parenting skills of ignoring. Next, come out all types of percussion instruments. Drums, harmonicas, and keyboard were part of the next part of the party... the "Pooting Parade". Yet still, I was mastering the art of rolling my eyes and being unparticipatory. I moved myself and my magazine to my bedroom, as though the kids imaginations would be thwarted by my move, they bring in the kareoke machine with two mikes. One would announce the other and would accompany the lyrics with instruments. The lyrics would be all about passing gas and being happy. Then the other would announce and tell a scary story of a monster that passed gas really loud and stinky and the other child would dramatize with actions. I couldn't make it. I tried so hard. I lasted so long. I made the worst mistake a mom could make and now it is all over. All of my fussing, correcting, harsh looks, reminders, all "down the toilet". All because...

I laughed.

How to have a Princess Party

1. Invite all the princesses around the land to the royal castle.

Alexis, Daisy, Rylen, Morgan, Lenna, Megan, Lindsay, Kaitlyn, and...Ben

2. Organize the centers.

A. Princess Face: make-up, hair supplies, hair color spray

B. Royal Spa: cucumbers for eyes, wet cloths for face, soft music, massaging tools

C. Nail Salon: polish, stickers for nails, foot bath

D. Princess Past-times: beads, string for jewelry making (never got to)

E. Dinner Party: Crystal wear, pink cloth napkins, golden tablecloth, goblets, tea pots, pink flower center piece, place settings with after dinner mints, pink soda, fruit, petite cookies, a castle cake and...pizza.

3. Add some games

A. Princess and the Pea- Who is the REAL princess and who is telling the queen a story?

If the pea is found under your pillow, you may wear the tiarra and pick a card for the "fake

princesses" to perform. Things a REAL princess would NEVER do! (Burp, scream really

loud, eat a marshmellow in one bite, run around the house crazy, etc)

C. Kiss the frog-pucker up and put some bright lipstick on. Whoever can get the closest to the frog's mouth is quite the princess.

D. Princess Trivia- get your little bells ready. If you know the answer, ring your bell. Be the first to summon the queen with a correct answer and she will reward you with a lovely gift (nail polish, lipgloss, ring pop)

E. Who knows Princess Alexis best?- pick a partner and go across the board to reach Alexis 6th birthday. Answer a question about her correctly and you get to move 2 ahead. Be careful of the things she doesn't like (rest time, lightening, getting her hair brushed) or you will have to move back. (Never got to)

4. And finally, make sure you tell a bedtime story for the almost sleep-over...

PRINCESS ALEXIS AND THE OGRE (cliff notes version)

Once there was a beautiful princess named Alexis. She loved to keep all her treasures in her special box. Everytime she had a present, she would take her jewels and put them safely away in her treasure box, for she knew an ugly ogre was greedy and wanted all the treasure in the land. She hid her box under the bed, and then moved it to the closet. Finally, she knew exactly where to hide it where the ogre would NEVER look...in her underwear drawer. That ogre came looking many times to find her treasure, but could never figure out where her hiding place was. One day when he was mad that once again he couldn't find her treasure, he stomped out of her room. The maidens and cooks heard a noise, and looked to see who it was. Terrified at seeing an ogre in the castle, they threw the water pitcher all over him. The ogre hated water and rushed back into the princess' room. He didn't know what to do, but couldn't stand the water all over him. Grumbling and mumbling he went to the closet and tried to find the least pink and lacey dress he could and put it on. Again grumbling and mumbling, he had to find some underwear. He opened the panty drawer, and to his delight found the treasure box he had been searching so long for. He picked it up and ran out the castle. [At which point, our very own ogre scared ALL of us and screamed, running with a "treasure box" out into the front yard.]

Once the princess found out what happened, she asked the queen what she could do to get her treasure back. The only thing that could stop the ogre was a special potion made of turtle's blood, pig eyeballs, syrup, and salt. The problem was that the ogre could smell this potion from two miles away. The princess thought and thought, and came up with a plan. She put the potion in a balloon so that the ogre wouldn't be able to smell it and rushed to get the ogre. [The girls then grabbed water balloons and ran in the front yard to peg the ogre. None of the princesses were too keen on throwing, so luckily the queen tagged the ogre and he dropped all the treasures] One of Alexis' presents from the family was...underwear.

The princesses had a BLAST! I thought 3 1/2 hours would be over-kill, but we actually didn't have time for everything. It was the talk of the town at church and little miss Alexis was glowing. Granted, I had a Relief Society event the next morning that I never made it to, the queen was asleep in her bed till the late morning!

I have three girls?

Things you don't want to hear your son say- that I heard last week...
1. "Where is my fork, mama? Its hiding in my dress!"
2. "Not like pirate costume. Not like ninja costume. Only like Cinderella!"
3. "Mama- where is Cinderella dress. Can't find it."
4. "Not Ben, Mama, I Cinderella."
5. "Oh no, Mama, my dress dirty."
6. "Why?!?! Why can't I wear dress to Wal-mart?"

FYI: The Cinderella dress has been confiscated and permanately placed in the "laundry". Rhet has been working 65+ hour work weeks this past month. Apparently, a male figure is a vital influence in the home. No worries, though- yesterday, Ben shot me, hit me, wrestled me, and threw every item that was small and hard. Still all boy!

How to have a Daisy-dog birthday party

Send out invitations to all the 5 year-old dog lovers around-

Brian, Emmie, Jake, Jordan, Faith, Eliza, Megan, Madison, Noah, Daisy, Alexis, Benjamin, Melody, and Brooklyn
Helpers: Nana and Aunt Autumn

Center #1: Adopt your dog. Pick your favorite stuffed dog, name it, and complete your adoption certificate. Put on ears, tail, and face paint to match.

Center #2: Have the veternarian give shots, band-aid, and over-all check your new pet. The vet will give your dog a blanket to keep it warm. Make sure to complete safety measures for your new animal by making his collar/dog tags.

Center #3: Make your dog a pretty carrier to put all of his supplies in. Groom your pet with ribbons, bows, and combing.

Center #4: Feed you and your pet, dog style.

#5: Add some games

#6: Send the kids back to their dog houses with their adoption certificate, dog carrier, blanket, collar, doggy dish, comb, and puppy chow... and take a nice CAT NAP!!

(And get ready for a princess party in two weeks for Daisy-dog's sister.)

Time-out

I told the kids if they didn't go to time-out straight-a-way, they would have to be in the laundry room. Apparently, they are smarter than me, because they purposely misbehaved all at once, to be able to go into the laundry room together. Luckily, my sense of humor was high this day, and I whipped out the video camera, instead of my vocal chords.

Rhet's birthday

Happy Birthday, Rhet. You are a wonderful, amazing, extraordinary husband and I hope you know how much you mean to us! 30 ain't so bad, is it?

God answers weird prayers

I had a great week with my older sister, Amber and her son, Luke. .We went to the zoo, let the kids play all day, created her a blog, went to the movies and dinner, and had a very exciting finale' to our adventures...
There was quite an accident in Daisy's room that one of the kids desperately tried to clean up themselves, creating a "little" more of a mess. Needless to say, who was there to save the day...


Oh, yes- the Kirby vacuum cleaner sales man. I normally don't like to answer the door to salesmen, for I have the tendency to give in and buy the product. However, this was such a blatant answer to our unasked prayer to be able to get the stains out without being stressed and scrubbing for days. The offer to get in the door was to vacuum a room for free. Well, just let me show you to that room!! The Kirby did pretty good, and Rhet finished up the rest when he got home. And, I just thought it was pretty cool that Heavenly Father cares about the exact same things that I do- even if it is just getting the carpets cleaned.

And, although I didn't have $1, 800 to buy the product- I would recommend it to anyone and would like to say a personal thank you to Matt (or was it Mark). You are truly a hero.

Need help with baby name!

We have been able to see the baby a lot because we have had so many ultrasounds. The doctor is concerned that the baby and I are too big for where we should be. A lot of friends are sure that we are having twins- but I assure you that there is only one baby to be seen. It is pretty bad when the doctor is talking to the sonographer and says on the phone, "This patient is huge!" Especially, when that patient happens to be within earshot. Inconsiderate man. (That is the edited version)





Anyway, besides some extra backache and swelling- Rhet and I are excited. Now, if we could only figure out a name. We have an (A) Alexis, (B) Benjamin, and (D) Daisy- so a (C) name would fit well- but isn't necessary. So feel free to comment any wonderful names that you want to give us.





P.S. Can't be boring, crazy, too common, unpronounceable, nothing that could also be used as a girl's name, nothing that has "-er" on the end (Tucker), nothing that is just a letter (sorry, J Rhet and J Benjamin), nothing that starts with "T", no Carson or Carter (family names)

[4-D The baby's hands are
making weird shapes on
the chin and forehead.]

Blessing

Rhet gave me a pretty awesome blessing of comfort yesterday. I have been feeling pretty huge and my body hasn't been cooperating with this pregnancy. He just helped me to remember the things I need to slow down on and to rest more. I guess I don't always need to entertain the kids with big events. Easier said than done- it is so much easier to keep them happy when they aren't bored! But- good advice to keep my feet up and go to sleep earlier to help with my restless legs. It was nice to think that God is happy with the effort I am giving, even if I see how impatient I can be and how lethargic I am with the kids.

I have been visiting family in Florida, and right after that family came to visit here. Now Rhet is in his Prosthodontic program and life will be grossly different for me for the next three years. I have just loved to have family around and took it for granted in our early marriage. It is so wonderful to have people near that want to take care of you, love your kids as much as you do, and that you can just be yourself (whatever mood that means) in front of them.

I also am trying to come to terms with Rhet having to work more. He is such a great dad- helps with dishes, cooking, diapers, putting kids to bed, getting the kids energy out, being a kid himself, and over-all just knowing what they need and how to make it better. Even more than that, he is such a great husband. He makes me laugh when I am in a bad mood, tries to get me to talk/cry through any emotions I am having, tells me I am sexy and beautiful when I think I am at my worst, always puts my mind at ease, I can tell him anything and he brings out the best in me. I wonder how that is going to work out with him being gone so much. I am proud of him for pursuing his passion and had to twist his arm to let him know that we support him and are cheering him on- but he will surely be missed and it won't be the same around this house. And, I might be doing a lot more blogging with my extra time. Talking to myself seems to be pretty good therapy.

Rhet and Jess Slideshow

Alexis Marie Slideshow

Daisy Elizabeth Slideshow

J Benjamin Slideshow

Our summer activities

aquarium
bowling
camping/fishing
carnival
chuck-e-cheese
cooking
free movies
goofy golf/arcade games
history and art museums/Fort Discovery
library/story hour
monkey joe's/jump city
mother's day out (from Ben)- First Baptist Church of Evans
nature walk/frog, insect investigation date with dad
park with picnic
planetarium
play-do/painting/clay/play kitchen with real food
pony ride
ride bikes in church parking lot
roller skating
six flags
t-ball
trip to Alabama, Florida
vbs- Bible School at Wesley Methodist
water guns/balloons
water park
Wii
Y pool/swimming lessons
zoo

4th of July

(Picture Aubry took at fireworks)

As a new blogger, I would like to be able to share knowledge that I have acquired. Recently, I have some new information that would be extremely useful to any residents of the Augusta area. If you go to see the fireworks for the 4th, don't sit in the amphitheater! We had a grand time eating funnel cakes and sno cones- but the fireworks that we waited over an hour to see was completely blocked by trees. Oh darn.

Grandma, Grandpa, Aubry, and Ryan are visiting us for a few days. It is so nice to have family here! There are adults to talk to when Rhet is at work. Rhet got help in the remodeling of the bathroom and it now has a working toilet (oooo, ahhh). I have had the first help in changing poopy diapers since we starting using cloth. Thanks, Grandma! (Ok, Rhet did it once. Once. Then literally threw in the towel!) The kids LOVE their Aunt Aubry and Uncle Ryan-although a little space and time to sleep in would probably be welcomed. The dishes are getting done not only every day, but at EVERY meal (unheard of around these parts). We have people to play our beloved games at night- instead of the boring TV. I've been sleeping in every day. I can leave to do errands whenever I want. The kids see that we aren't the only ones that love them and think they are great. Grandma can show me all her secrets to making her recipes the right way. Ben is learning how to smile for the camera from all the pictures that Aubry takes. I don't have to do my hair or put on make-up, even though "company" is here. Apparently, Rhet doesn't have to change his t-shirt. But really, although these things are great bonuses...we just miss the family being close and being able to see them more.

(beach scene that Rhet created using sparklers)

The Tuckers are environmental nuts- new hobby

Treehugger.com; gogreen.com; green.yahoo.com

What we ARE doing:

*Energy Star front loading washing machine
*low-flow toilet [Low volume toilet saves 50-80 gallons of water per day.]
*LCD screen instead of CRT
*CFL bulbs (14 w instead of 60 w) 75% energy savings)
*low flow shower head/faucet [save 45 gallons of water per day (18% of avg. daily usage)]
*re-chargeable batteries
*change a/c; heating filters every three months
*tune-up car
*use water filter-instead of water bottles. [1. plastic waste 2. water in the water bottles is not regulated like the tap water 3. bottles made from PET.]
*fix any water drips. [can be 20 gallons of water a day]
*use recycled paper.
*wash car at car wash instead of home. [most recycle their water and all use less water than a hose would]
*compost for food scraps, lawn waste
*harvest rainwater for garden
*use a manual can opener
*reusable (bring your own) bags at stores.
*5 minute shower [12.5 gallons instead of average 25 gallons per shower]
*short shower instead of bath
*meatless three times a week
*clothesline to dry clothes
*thermostat set at 68degrees in winter and 78degrees in summer. *tires well inflated.
*turn off water when brushing teeth/washing face/shaving- use old school filled sink with water for hand washing throughout day. [saves 8 gallons a day for just brushing teeth. Regular faucets run water at 2 gallons per minute].
*hot water setting to 120’ instead of 140’.
*unplug all plugs when not in use. Use power saving/sleep modes for short term use.
*bills online/pay online-less paper waste
*unsubscribe to junk mail (insurance, credit card offers)
www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing
*recycle tin, aluminum, paper, plastic, cardboard
*recycle electronics (computers, cell phones, ink cartridges), paints, and hazardous material through local phonebook agencies
*cloth diapers, instead of disposable diapers.
*Deva-Cup (re-useable female product).
*no paper products (plates, utensils, cups). Cloth napkins/wash rags instead of napkins/paper towels.
*cloth wipes, instead of toilet paper (except Rhet won’t convert)
*dishwasher only when full-“light” wash, dishes air dry. Scrape food off, but don’t pre-rinse. [Dishwashers conserve water better than hand-washing.]
*cold water in washing machine.
*Fill sink with water to rinse/wash dishes instead of letting water run.
*tweak printer settings for less ink usage. Use both sides of paper.
*Use “freecycle” to get/lose some of your stuff.
*share/switch off clothes, shop at Goodwill stores.
*green cleaning products (vinegar/water blend or baking soda/water blend)
*Have live plants in the house to help aerate.
*Plant your own pesticide/chemical free garden.
*Use boiling water or vinegar for spot weed removal-no pesticides.

What we would LIKE to do:

*Energy Star appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove)
*Laptop instead of desktop
*toaster oven instead of oven [over 50% energy savings]
*insulate water pipes/heater
*low-E window film
*solar night lights outside to light up your path to your home
*while driving, stay speed limit, with minimal slowing down/speeding up. Use A/C minimally.
*try to go on one less flight a year.
*organic/homegrown foods when possible
*local foods when possible*take off shoes at the door to leave behind pesticides, pet waste, and dirt from the house.
*solar panels
*tankless water heater
*electric lawn mower
*dual flush toilet

What we will NEVER be able to do:

*hybrid car