So, I've been thinking lately. July 24th is Pioneer Day here in Utah. A great day to celebrate the courage, faith, and strength of those who settled this breathtaking valley. I have felt impressed that I need to read some of the stories of those who came before me, so I can not only feel grattitude towards those pioneer men, women and children; but so I can also toughen up a bit. I have been kinda' hard on people lately (including myself). I just think if the pioneers were to see us complaining about the stuff we seem to whine about, they would not only feel shocked and disgusted, but might be compelled to smack us upside the head. So, join me if you will. Let's read up about our heritage and stop being such sissies.
Joshua
Daxton
Daxton is currently saving his nickels, dimes and pennies in an effort to purchase a video game called "Super Mario Galaxy." Cam told him if he saved $15, he would cover the rest. So all day long Dax is asking me what he can do to earn "a dollar." He's done pretty well, and after weeks of saving, is only $2 short.
Dax also finished up his tee-ball season as an L.A. Dodger. He had such a blast, and we sure enjoyed watching him swish his arms to and fro as he ran from base to base.
Ella
Have you ever had an eye opening experience? Ella's dance recital was just that. Unfreakinbelievable! I admit to being completely naive. Drop her off, pick her up, and sometimes catch a sneak peak of her dance. Simple, innocent, one ballet and one jazz number. Cute! But then the recital starts. The lights dim, bass starts thumpin and a 10 year old controls the spotlight as she shimmies and pelvis thrusts around the dance floor. People are cheering, cat calling, and I'm thinking, "I am so not in Kansas anymore." Truthfully, I was more than embarrassed to have my daughter as a particpant in something so..........what's the word........white trash and dirty? I was clueless and had no idea that this dance company was into this kind of thing. Seriously people, who are you and why do you want your daughters wearing tight spandex and shaking their boobless 8 year old chests at you? Sigh. On a high note, Ella's dance was innocent and adorable. And yes, she will never come close to a dance studio like Lightbox's ever again.
No, I don't tell her to pose like that. She just does it. Even more of a reason to stray off the shimmy-shake path.....
Amelie
Sitting patiently (lasted all of 3 seconds), waiting for Daxton's pre-school performance.
Cameron
Cindy
I love being a mom and taking care of my little ones, but I've turned over a new leaf. My new motto is "Oh yes you can!" You see, I'm tired of doing everything: laundry, yard work, cleaning, vacuming, cooking, etc, etc, etc. So now, the kids are going to do it. Now they are cleaning the bathrooms, folding the laundry, mowing the lawn, making their own lunch. Is there a lot of whining? Heck ya, but it's time they earn their keep.
I am trying to just let things go. So what if their clothes aren't folded perfectly or if they are placed in the wrong drawer? If they need clothes to wear, they can find them.
They are learning. Dax made scambled eggs all by himself the other day, and Josh can now cook Top Ramen, Mac and Cheese cup cakes, and brownies all on his own. At least it's a start.
It sure is a lot easier to do things on my own, it's tough to keep on top of your kids while trying to teach all 3 of them how to do something new. To my detriment, sometimes a lot of yelling is involved. For examle, trying to get all the kids to weed the flower bed, (stop whining and keep pulling!!) then turn around to discover that Amelie had discovered the mud puddle.
So please wish me luck in my endeavor to toughen up my kids, and try to keep my sanity while doing so.
