The Other Side

Believe it or not, this is the only picture of an animal that I took. There were just too many people.
This is how Ethan spent his day and yes, that is chub on his leg. Don't you just want to touch his thighs?




Today I had the opportunity to peruse the shelves of Wal-Mart by myself--a rare opportunity indeed! Ryan is home, sick with strept throat. So . . . while I took Ethan to the doctor's for a check up and ran errands, he kept the other boys. As I finished up, I strolled by the "pink" side, and it occurred to me that I will never shop on that side (except for a gift). But I wasn't sad. In fact, I feel just the opposite. Allow me to elaborate.

Spring break is over, and it's been the best one we've ever had. Nothing particularly spectacular or magical happened. In fact, all of the ideas that I thought would score me major mom points ended up going quite the other way. The zoo was fun, but ended up being another major attraction and you could not hardly walk without stepping on someone. It was insane! However, Hermann Park was beautiful!

I guess the magic happened in the little moments we spent together. On Friday, we mostly did projects around the house and yard, while the boys played outside. When it came time for dinner, the kids were running around with the neighborhood kids and Ryan was visiting with a neighbor. My chocolate chip cookies just finished baking and I took them out for the boys to share with their friends. Then, after dinner, I sat on the bed with all three of the boys, reading a Roald Dahl book and various library finds. From there, Ryan brushed teeth with them and wrestled and tickled them on the floor. When it came time for us to go to sleep, Ryan and I just layed there. We both felt such peace and joy in our boys--the kind that leaves you feeling full and satisfied and completely consumed.

Aside from Friday, throughout the week, David did little cooking projects with me. Also, Matthew kept building all sorts of rockets and space things with his legos, blocks, and building toys. Hearing him tell about each creation and seeing the sparkle in his eye is so endearing to me and magical.

Also, Ethan started smiling. He's at the point right now where he'll be eating and then he locks eyes with you and you can't turn away. From there, he captures you with his beautiful and precious smile. It is too sweet. He coos a little bit as well. This is so refreshing for me, as a mother, to know that I can love another child so completely, that I possess the potential to love him so purely, and that I can be a wonderful mother to this little spirit. Especially, where we seem to have to do a lot of time outs with the older boys, it's really a pleasant feeling to know that I have not been upset with this little baby and will not be for a long, long time. Does that make any sense? Babies are so wonderful. They know how to make you feel special and feel good about yourself. They're cuddly and just wonderful through and through.

Funniest Line From The Week

Me: We're going to San Antonio to look for a new van. Isn't that wonderful?

David (Smiling): Sanny Ho?

Ryan & I (both looking at each other and trying to hold it together)

Me: Yes, Sanny Ho.

David: I'm so excited, Mommy!

Matthew: I want some rice cripsies!

Me: Yes, some rice cripsies!

Me: Okay, David, it's time to get into bed. Good night. I love you.

David: I need a kiss and a hug.

Me: Okay. Give me a kiss and a hug.

David (smiling and puckering): A fish kiss. A snake kiss. A dinosaur kiss. A monster kiss. A race car kiss. A kiss on my cheek. Loves. Sleep well. Don't let bugs bite. Mchhh. Urrr. Good night, Mommy.

Spring Has Sprung

Since it is spring break this week, we have had the chance to do lots of things together. One of those included taking out the yucky plants in our front flower bed and adding some gorgeous flowers! It was a really fun day spent in the sun.Before
During
After
We planted two varieties of marigolds, petunias, stocks, and mini bopper rose bushes.







We also took a trip on Monday to San Antonio in pursuit of a new van. Unfortunately, we were unable to find anything in the Houston area that met our price range and mileage requirements. So . . . we packed the kids in the car and took the 3 hour drive.
This is what we came back with.
I did remember our camera for the trip, but I forgot the memory card, and as a result, there are no pictures. We did do the river walk, and it was beautiful! The bad part was that everyone and their mom were on spring break and vacationing there. It was nuts! We did get to glimpse the Alamo as well. It was just really nice to spend time with Ryan and the boys. Plus, who doesn't like exploring a new city. It was a lot of fun!
We LOVE our new van, however.

There are days when I just want to stop time . . . and savor the moments I have with these little men.
I want to remember all of the tickles and giggles,
the size of each little finger and toe,
each new development and stage.
Motherhood is such an amazing journey.

Something about this little guy gazing into my eyes melts my heart and takes my breath away.
It's hard to believe that Ethan was born almost 8 weeks ago this Wednesday.
Time goes too fast.

Lots of Posts

Yesterday proved to be a little bit busy. I worked with someone in the morning on some math--though, I'm not sure how much help I was. College seems foggy, far away, and long ago. Hopefully, things will come back. Anyway, I received a call during that time that I needed to find a sitter for Matthew for about 30 minutes to watch him and put him on the bus, because I needed to leave much sooner to the airport than expected. Also, I found out I would have to go inside the airport and meet my dad at the gate, because his connection was too close.

After numerous phone calls, I found a last minute sitter--our sweet neighbor. Matthew hung out there until his bus came, and Ethan and I jetted to the airport. Of course, I realized about half-way there that I forgot a stroller or the Snuggly.

I found my way to the parking garage and began making my way to the Delta counter for a gate pass. Because my dad's a pilot, I have traveled quite a bit. Long ago, and I'm thinking about 2001 or 2002, I went through security and had the opportunity to be frisked by one of the agents. Since that time, I have traveled MANY times. Yesterday, as I was in a HUGE hurry to get to my dad, of course, they need to body search me. I finish being violated, and discover that my bag has not yet come through. Why? That's when I hear, "I need a manager over here." I turn quickly and watch as my bag is the one to be searched.

What can possibly be in there? David has been in Colorado; there's no way a cutting knife or something of the sort could have been manipulated in by little fingers. I begin searching my thoughts for answers. That's when the checking agent says, "Ms.," holding up my diaper rash cream. Seriously??? Luckily, he was really nice. He saw that I was coming right out and not boarding a flight, so I did not have to throw away the cream.

Anyway, David was not too happy about having to leave his "Frandpa." I guess he assumed they were just flying for fun for the afternoon. At any rate, we talked to my dad for a few minutes and began the decent back to the car. Geographically, Houston is FLAT. I say "decent," because that's the way the rest of the airport went. David screamed all the way to baggage and all the way to the car. I juggled the baby, the diaper bag, David's backpack and carry-on bag, plus the loaded duffle bag. I'm sure it was a sight to see, but nonetheless, we persevered.

Just as we entered the elevator, this woman and her traveling companion approached us. They asked us if they could carry our stuff and escort us to our vehicle. My lip almost started quivering. Immediately, I thought back to this morning's prayers. This was a direct answer, a tender mercy of the Lord. These women said they had seen me and tried to catch up, but to no avail.

The doors began to close, and just at that moment, the mission president, his wife, and the missionaries appeared outside of the elevator. When we got to our level in the parking garage, they walked out of the adjacent doors. The women walked us to our car--though, they were not even on the same level. Then, they gave David a dollar and told him if he behaved, maybe he could get a candy bar. They didn't have to do any of that. They could have just helped me to the elevator and that would have made them the "Good Samaritan." Talking to me would have been supportive, but again, they did more. These women nurtured me, whether they realized it or not. They went above and beyond. I was reminded about the goodness of people that is out there. And I was reminded that Heavenly Father is aware of our needs.

In addition to that, the mission president and his wife, along with the missionaries came rushing over to where we were (They just happened to be parked one car down on the other side of the street in the garage.). The mission president's wife asked if she could hold Ethan. She, then, held him while I buckled David up and calmed him down (Yes, he was still screaming at the top of his lungs at this point.). How could she have known that seeing someone who understood would be so calming to my heart? By understanding, I mean someone who understood my testimony of motherhood and my calling and why it is so important that I stay home with my children. There was no judgment passed. So much was exchanged and felt in the brief interactive moment. How could she have known that seeing someone who shared my faith would uplift me so much when I was feeling so overwhelmed? How could she know that she was directly answering my prayers? I received so many tender mercies yesterday. It was a wonderful day.

Davey's Home

Matthew and I returned last week to get Matthew back to school, but David remained in Colorado for a week longer. It was really sad not having him here. Yes, he brings a lot of chaos to the table with his noise level and "bruiser-like" behavior. But he also brings a lot of cuddling to the table too. He has such a sweet side with his flirtatious eyes and big smile. I found myself constantly walking by his room and glancing in to see if he was there. I had to remind myself that he hadn't run away in the grocery store--he simply was gone. I really missed him.

We arrived home shortly before the bus dropped Matthew off from school. Upon his arrival, David came running out of the house with his arms wide open. When Matthew saw him, he ran over to him and threw his arms around him. Both gave hugs and kisses and immediately ran inside to start asking each other questions. David wanted to show Matthew his new light-up, Lightning McQueen shoes, and Matthew had lots of questions about David's various new toys and gadgets. During dinner, the two made faces and giggled about various things. Bedtime was full of tickles and more giggles. And really my heart just felt overwhelmed by love for these three precious brothers. What a blessing to be a mother and to be a mother of such special spirits.

Each time we see a missionary, I try to encourage my boys to go shake hands and interact, as that will be them some day. Yesterday, when I was picking up David in the airport and exchanging him from my dad, I watched a whole slew of missionaries come through security. It was an awesome sight to see so many in white shirts, ties, and suits, with neat and trim hair cuts. I watched the reactions of those around me, as everyone was drawn to these young men. I thought about the sacrifices each of them has made in order to serve the Lord. They each left family, friends, and loved ones behind. Perhaps, some of them left a scholarship on hold to serve the Lord. Others their age are thinking about much different things; yet, each of these 19-year old young men decided to serve the Lord. They looked sharp. I also thought about my boys. What a blessing it will be to see Matthew, David, and Ethan each serve missions one day. These are the elite. Again, my heart fills swollen with love for what I've been given. It's a special task and calling in life to be a mother and it's an even greater task to raise little boys, which will one day grow into men and become patriarchs of their homes. "My cup runneth over."

A Wonderful Lady In Passing

Ryan's grandmother, Leona Flamm passed away while we were in Colorado on Friday, February 26th. While the family expected her to slip away, I think it's always a bit difficult to realize there is a separation from those we love.

Ryan and I had the opportunity to visit Grandma Flamm twice since we got married. Although she was in pain when we visited her, I do remember that she was very warm and accepting. She treated us with the utmost kindness, and from what everyone says, this lady was a RIOT. Everyone who knew Grandma Flamm continues to tell me how witty she was. And I know that she passed down many, many yummy recipes in the Flamm / Allred cookbook. Thanks to her, we know how to cook a Thanksgiving dinner and we've attempted candy--though, from what I hear, ours is NOTHING like hers.

While I didn't know her as Ryan did, I am grateful for her passing. She has been a widow for many, many years, and longed so much to be with her husband. What a wonderful reunion that must have been! We're happy for her release from her mortal and ailed body. What a blessing for her and for her caretakers (her daughters). It's so hard to watch those we love lose the freedom and capacity to do the things they enjoy, because their bodies do not allow such.

Even though we are sad for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends, we know that she's much happier and we're grateful to have had this wonderful woman in our lives!

D'Lonna, Ryan's sister, wrote some really sweet things about Grandma Flamm on her blog. I have been waiting for someone to put a picture up of her. Go to: http://wayneanddlonnanelsonfamily.blogspot.com/2010/03/happy-birthday-grandma.html to see Ryan's grandma.

And . . . We're Back!

Some of these, like this one, were taken before we left. Ethan is such a cuddly baby. We LOVE it!
Still learning to use iPhoto. Does anyone know how to place text on a pic?
We have these shots of Ryan with each of our boys. I LOVE them! And yes, that is a sun burn on Ryan's face. While the rest of the country continues to have crazy cold temps, we have warmed up a bit--enough for a tomato face.

This is a funny story. We've been having a lot of issues with David lately and going to bed. Constantly we go in and put him back down. One particular night, we were watching a movie on the computer and we thought he had finally konked out. How wrong were we! This is how we found him in the hallway. It was pretty sweet actually.
Me: Thanks, Hon for . . . (some task--I don't even remember where we were--maybe in a parking lot)

Matthew: Is Dad a honey?
Ryan says this means Ethan and David will share winking in common . . .
and Matthew & Ethan will share this sleeping position.
Two days before we left to Colorado, the boys were riding their scooters outside, eating Wal-Mart Smiles fruitsnacks. David came running up to me.

David: Mom, my fruit snacks are happy!!!

Matthew's latest obsession is putting together Lego sets. He LOVES it, and he's wonderful at it!

While we were in Colorado, Matthew spilled something on his pants and had to change. All of a sudden, he entered the room wearing very short capri jeans. I wish I had taken a picture. My mom looked at him really puzzled.

Mom: Keri, do I need to get him some pants? He's grown a ton. Look how short those pants are on him.

Me: Well, he has grown a lot this year.

Then a few seconds later, it all became very clear.

Me: Mom, those are David's jeans. (They were still loose on him.)

We couldn't stop laughing.
Sweet, baby doll Alec. The boys loved that he was much bigger and closer to a playable age. And imagine that while Matthew bossed David around, David bossed Alec around.
Sweet Pop-Pop loved holding Ethan.
My beautiful Grammy.
I love this picture of my dad holding Ethan, and David loves his "Franpa."
My beautiful Mother.
We had a good trip to Colorado. It was nice to see everyone, and now we're back home into the swing of things. David will come home in four or five days.