Emmatation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Weston and Andrew just want to do whatever Emma's doing. Especially Weston, who's always trying to copy her actions and words. It's cute to see how they look up to her! Now that Weston talks a lot it's funny to see how he's picked up some of Emma's mannerisms. He was bossing Andrew today, telling him that the cans were not a toy and that he needed to be careful (so Emma). Wish I had a video of Weston's Emmatations, but here's Andrew trying to read with Emma. He's big on pointing now and you can hear him saying, "that, that, that." Watch his face. Okay, this is probably not entertaining to you, but something about him acting like a big kid just makes me smile and giggle.

Dr. Emma's Story Corner

When my mom came to visit she brought Emma two CDs called "Grandma Ginger Stories-stories that make you think." A friend of hers made it from stories that she'd tell her grandkids. If you've been in the church awhile you'd probably recognize a lot of them. Emma loves them and listens to them every night. Emma has a remarkable memory and can tell you many of these stories (including the exact phrases Ginger uses). And the CDs are appropriately titled because they definitely make her think. She comes up to me all the time and tells me "you know what Grandma Ginger said..." And she asks me questions about things from the stories and gives insights. Today, when the boys would get mischievious Emma would tell them, "you can't pet a rattlesnake" (watch the video). I love this little girl! When I was reading this scripture the other night I thought of Emma and her retellings of scripture stories: "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned." During family night the other night Emma told us out of the blue, "you've got to go to the temple to find Jesus there." I think she's in charge of the next family night lesson.
Well, here's Emma's telling of "The Snake and the Indian."

Dr. Emma and Friends

(climbing into the tub) "That's freezing hot!" -Emma

(pointing at a picture of the "Stripling Warriors") "Yook Mommy, piwates."-Weston

(pointing at a pic of Samuel the Lamanite) "Dat's Samoo, upa duh staiws."-Weston

"I'm Ariel, Weston's Eric, Mommy's the witch (thanks) and Daddy's King Solomon."-Emma

(after I asked her to tell me what she read last night about King Benjamin)- "He told the people to be righteous always."-Emma

I love her retellings of scripture stories, they give me warm fuzzies.

(pointing to his scraped knee) "It huwts Mommy, need a batman."-Weston

(on the 5th of July) "Is today England's Day?"-Emma

(bringing me a box of Rice Krispies) "Ice Christmas, pease"-Weston

(patting Andrew's head) "I'm softing him."-Weston

(during a firework with white sparks) "It looks like the firework's taking pictures"-Emma

Andrew- (pointing to the different pictures in Emma's book) "Dat, dat, dat."

Mom- "I have the silliest kids."

Emma- "I have the silliest parents"

Weston's Haircut

One thing that people tend to notice about Weston is his hair. His tall, spikey hair was just so cute with his big eyes and chubby cheeks! That's part of the reason I'm so slow to cut it. But I decided with two boys it would be good to invest in a good trimming kit. I hated to cut it but I told myself that it grows super fast and that it would be better to practice and learn now while he's too young to care how he looks.

Here's "Wolverine" before his last haircut. This is how I prepared his hair when I use to cut it with scissors.

Getting ready for his real haircut. It was so cute how the cape covered his whole body and the seat! I put on a movie and gave him a cracker so he held so still and did awesome!

Ah, what have I done!? Look at all that hair!

This picture actually looks a little longer than the real thing. I think it turned out okay, it looked even throughout, but I do like it longer for Weston. At least I won't have to cut it for awhile and it was good practice.

My Mom Blog

I've started a new blog for Moms. I wanted a place to share ideas with other moms who share my values. Kind of like an online playgroup. So if you need new ideas, visit the blog. If you have all the answers, definitely visit the blog and leave comments to help the rest of us out. It's still a work in progress so let me know if you have any suggestions. Go check it out and leave a comment or e-mail me (contact info's on the blog).
www.themomclub.blogspot.com

The Steed Salon

Emma has been interested in hair lately. For some time now, she's been very particular about how I wear my hair but I guess she's gotten tired of me doing it "wrong" and thought it might look better if she did it. So the last two days she's been combing it and trying to put in all her pretty ties and clips. I didn't leave the house today so I am not fit to be seen by the public eye (I'm not referring to Emma's styling). But Emma was cute after she handed me all her favorite hair supplies to put in her hair. She was pleased with both our styles and was excited to have Daddy come home and see how pretty she made me. I guess I need professional help for my hair when my four-year-old has to give me styling advice.

After the girls were beautified we had clips left and helped Andrew with his hair. Lucky for Weston, he was napping.

After Emma's bath she told me she wanted her hair in the "pigtail lines" like her neighbor friend so I braided it for the first time and was impressed she held still long enough without crying.

Girls Night Out

My friend Dianna won tickets from her work to a Braves game and since her husband was out of town that night (sorry Corey) I got to be her date! Not only did we have free seats, but they were really good seats (yeah, that's home plate behind us). It was a fun girls night out and we both laughed at ourselves because neither of us know much about baseball (we didn't recognize any of the players names, Chipper Jones wasn't there). Meanwhile, my husband the baseball fan was home babysitting all five of the kids. Thanks Jamie! I think I didn't embarrass him too much, I followed the game well enough.

Dr. Emma on Prayers, Princesses, and Parts

Since I haven't done a Dr. Emma post in forever I'll give you a few cute things I've heard lately:

"Mom, I don't like your hair like that, (then after seeing my dissapointment) but I still love you" -Emma

"We can't see boys in the bathtub because they have secrets to tell." -Emma

(After being encouraged to say new things in her prayers) "Bless our eyeballs." -Emma

"We're gateful for clothes and hampers." -Weston

(After I reminded her to bless the food during the dinner prayer) "Help Mommy to stop talking." -Emma

(Pointing to the suncreen) "Need sun ice cream, it's hot outside" -Weston

(Putting her arms around her brothers shoulders and squeezing them close) "You are the cutest brothers what ever!!!" -Emma (by the way, what ever is Emma's way of saying ever)

Cole: (to Princess Emma dancing around the house in her princess dress)

"I don't like Cinderella."

Emma: "What the heck!"

Fathers are Still Great!

Okay, so I know Father's Day has come and gone, but I had been thinking about doing this post and then we had my brother-in-laws in town last week and Jamie was sick Father's Day and I just kinda missed it but I finally decided that any day's a good day to pay tribute to great dads! And besides that my dad is in Peru and wouldn't have seen this on Father's Day and still won't for a couple weeks.

My Dad

First of all, my dad is a smart dude! Like his father, he's an excellent businessman and super organized. If I were ever on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire my dad would definitely be at the top of my phone call list because he really knows everything. From history to music, the guy is learned. Then again, I'd choose him as the winner on Survivor. Not only because of his boyscout, outdoors man know-how but he's also a smooth talker and always beats my brothers at the game of Risk. I'm convinced the man would not only survive but thrive if placed on an abandoned island and if I ever get stranded I hope my dad's with me. As a child, I always felt so much comfort having my dad around because I knew whatever happened he'd know what to do and I was safe. I also learned to love and appreciate the outdoors. We did lots of camping, hiking, and other adventures and marveled at the beautiful world we've been given.

One thing that defines my dad is that he is thorough. Anything he does he does right and he does well. We camped a lot growing up and he always told us to leave the site better than we found it. Any place my dad goes, anything he does is left better than he found it. Ask any member of the ward he was bishop in.

My dad is kind and calm. Even with six kids tearing apart the house I don't remember my dad raising his voice. He would be stern, but wouldn't loose his temper. When my dad told me what to do or not to do, something about his gentle, concerned way made me want to listen and please him. I still have the desire to please him and it's probably been what has kept me in check all these years.

Even with his perfectionist nature, my dad is a lot of fun. We had the funnest yard growing up and we've taken lots of trips together. He's always ready with a joke and pulls out a goofy face for the kids. He can quote any movie and sing a song for any word you give him. He's friendly and non-judgemental and always knows the right thing to say.

My dad is a model of service. My dad has taught me that when the Lord calls, you answer. He has served in many callings and always gives them his all. He's the only man I know who volunteered himself as scoutmaster. As bishop he brought flowers to every new mother, had new members and widows for family dinners, and took a special interest in the youth.

My dad's sentimental. He loves going through old pictures and telling us stories of his childhood. He reads every family history he can get his hands on and takes his heritage seriously. I too take my heritage seriously and feel a great responsibilty to live up to the name I've been given. I hope my children will follow in his footsteps.

My Father-In-Law

I remember as a teenager realizing that I was extremely blessed to have the parents I have and that not everyone was so fortunate. I know there are good parents out there, but mine are really quite exceptional! I don't say this as a matter of pride but rather gratitude. With this in mind, I thought chances were good that the man I marry probably wouldn't have parents as great as mine. I couldn't have been more far from the truth. My in-laws are amazing! I love and admire them so much! A lot of people talk about how hard it is their first year of marriage bringing together two people from different upbringings. I did not feel that in our marriage, our parents had both set such clear gospel standards in the lives of their children that we had no question as to how we should be living our lives. We knew that if we were both following the Savior we would both be going in the same direction. I love how similar our parents are and how faithfully they raise their children! So, let me tell you about my awesome father-in-law:

If my dad doesn't have my millionaire answer, my father-in-law does. The guy has an amazing amount of knowledge packed into that brain of his. He's brilliant and truly wise, not just full of facts.

He is also very talented. He plays the piano very well and even composes his own pieces. He can just get on the piano and start playing his own variation on a hymn. I took piano lessons for years but can't play a single line without music in front of me, so I'm in awe! He's also good with words and expresses himself well in speech and writing (not my talent, so I feel a little sheepish writing this). I suppose this is why he makes a good attorney.

Anyone who has met my father-in-law will probably remember him for his humor. He is very witty and will find a clever thing to say at any occasion. I will be in big trouble if I ever go to a funeral with him:). He can be very quiet and serious and is a tender man, but be prepared to laugh so hard you'll cry if he's around. Jamie prides himself on inheriting his father's humor.

My father-in-law is a hard worker. He never just sits down to watch tv and doesn't go to movies. He's always busying himself with his calling, work, or helping his family. He goes to great lengths to help his family and is deeply concerned with their happiness and well-being. There is a sincerity about him in his love for others, particularly his family, that I can only describe as Christlike. He does so much for his family and he never complains or seeks praise. He does good for the goodness of it and works in quiet acts of service. I can't say how much having him in my family has blessed me and the lives of my children! I even liked him enough to name Weston after him and have Andrew look like him in hopes that having that part of Grandpa would help them be like him.

My Husband

(aka dad to Emma, Weston, and Andrew)

I am trying to focus on my husband's attributes as a dad without gushing over what he means to me as my husband, but really the most important thing he can do for my kids is to be a good husband to their mother. He shows me so much love both in what he says and his actions. My husband compliments me often and makes me feel beautiful and appreciated. He's patient with me. He is not critical of me and allows me to do things my way. He's not a picky eater (a requirement to be married to me) and eats any mystery meal I prepare. He's a good Daddy too!

Jamie is a funny guy! It's the type of humor that even though you're rolling your eyes, you can't help laughing at. He inserts his own lyrics into popular songs and writes clever stories and poems that make me smile. He sees humor and cuteness in my kids like I do. We're both able to laugh at their quirks and see how cute their little ways are. My kids love to giggle with him. He invents fun games and spontaneous activities. One of the kids favorite things is to have Daddy throw couch pillow at them. He's the one that wrestles and throws them around and they love it. They also love climbing "the Daddy Mountain." Even Andrew can't help but smile when Jamie enters the room.

One thing I love about Jamie is how good he is with youth. He treats them as equals and will talk to a rowdy teenager like he'd talk to a friend his age. He doesn't pass judgement and they sense that he is genuine. Jamie taught high school English and had the roughest classes. Those kids loved him though and were sad to see him go. I always smiled watching how chummy these scary looking kids were with him, knowing full well that they would eat me alive if I were the one in that classroom. I've always told Jamie that I would raise our kids the first 10 years, after that I'd hand them over to him, because that's his age group. One thing that impressed me when we were dating is how well he treated his siblings. He's the oldest of six and the youngest was six at the time. Watching him with his younger siblings, I knew he'd be a good dad.

Another characteristic that assured me that Jamie was the one is his commitment and understanding of the Gospel. They say that girls marry their fathers and I knew I had found in Jamie that same devotion that I admire so much in my dad (which of course he learned from his own parents). He's a worthy priesthood holder and has served well in all his callings. I know his service will not only bless him and those he serves but his example will be such a blessing to our kids.

My husband is helpful and sweet. I think he does dishes more often than I do and spends hours each week maintaining our yard. He's always willing to volunteer service and has helped with countless moves. He is always thinking of others. During labor with Andrew when things weren't going too well Jamie ,although terrified for me, held my hand and pretended to be calm just so I wouldn't panic. He reassured me and was so tender. I was so grateful he was there! And I am so grateful to have him as a father for my kids! Not just for the good looks he handed down to them but for his goodness and humor as well!

Tagged Again

3 JOYS
1. My kids
2. My husband
3. Clean house and sleeping children by 8:30

3 FEARS
1. My kids :)
2. Big spiders & flying cockroaches in my house
3. snakes

3 GOALS
1. Sell our condo
2. Figure out my calling (primary presidency)
3. Be a better wife and mother

3 CURRENT OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS
1. My kids (both obsession & collection)
2. simplifying meals
3. My health

3 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME
1. I'm terribly frugal- both a blessing and a curse to my husband.
2. I'm not very girly- I don't like shopping (see Random fact #1), I don't know how to do hair or make-up, I dread talking on the phone (I'm like my dad-let's get right to the point. I'm better at e-mailing and blogging)
3.I have 4 brothers and 1 sister and my husband also comes from a family with 4 boys and 2 girls- we were pretty surprised to have a girl first

Andrew Loves the Pool

Sorry there's so many pics, but I just love taking and looking at pictures of my kids and I'm sure everyone else does too :). We got this little kiddie pool when my brother came to visit and the cousins enjoyed it but today was the first time Andrew went "swimming" (the water's like 4 in deep-does that still count?). He loved playing in the water with the big kids!

Do you think he liked it?

He didn't even mind getting squirted by guns and splashed. He participated in some splashing himself. Oh what fun it is to be 8 months!

And then he discovered something wonderful and forgot all about the water.

He had to play in it! But mommy sent him back to the pool.

Maybe mommy won't notice if I go out this side instead. Oh wait there she is with the camera again. Drats!

So he pulled some to play with in the pool instead. I love the consecration and discovery on his lil' face! He's the only child I haven't encouraged to study nature here, because he discovers everything with that sweet mouth of his. But he was glad to have his grass collection.

He was glad to sit with mommy and just watch for awhile (which he never does). Not a great shot of me, but I just wanted to show there is a person behind this camera and posts

Enough already! Can't I even go out in a swimsuit without you snapping shots of me! Sheesh, give a guy some privacy

Swingsets Steed Style

My mom got us a swingset when she visited and my brother assembled most of it and Jamie finished it (those things take a lot of time and frustration to assemble). But it was worth the effort because the kids have enjoyed it. My kids have never had a backyard before so they weren't sure what to do with themselves when we first moved here and I pushed them out the back door. But they know what to do with a swingset and do things their way.

This is the way the Andrew swings. Yeah, for baby swings (we had to buy this piece seperately).

This is the way the Emmy swings. She's learning how to pump her legs. Her lazy mom appreciates her independence.

This is the way the Emma cheeses (is that a word?)

This is the way the Weston swings. Also independent but lacking skill :)

This is the way the Weston cheeses. This is the first time he's done "cheese."

This is the way Weston plays with the twirly. He doesn't like sitting on it just pushing it and he won't let Emma sit down and help.

This is the way the Emma slides. It's even more fun with the pool at the bottom.

Thanks for the swingset Nana, we miss you!

Girls Rule

Emma is outnumbered by her two brothers and 2 days a week we babysit two more boys, so Emma is surrounded by boys. Has this stopped Emma from her girly ways? No sir, she has reigned supreme as Princess of the house and has tamed the beasts. So here's some tips on how this is done:

1. Combine very tough, boy shirts with skirts so they don't feel they're losing their manliness. Use the toddlers love of dance to your advantage, dancing is always better with a flowing skirt.

2. Baby steps- If you have an older boy they won't jump right into a skirt. Choose other dress-ups and let them choose. Lead them to believe this is their idea. Once they're comfortable tell them they're the prince and they have to dance with you. After all, what's a princess without Charming by her side. Use caution however, they may get ideas that this makes them the boss, they'll be none of that. The Prince's duty is not to rule but to supply you with a dance partner and assure you of your beauty.

3. Hold their hand-guys can't resist this . Throw in a charming smile and he'll follow you anywhere.

4. Use every opportunity to teach gentleness and fashion advice. Flowers are made for hair.

5. Use tempting props to lure him into an otherwise embarrasing costume. Boys can't resist waving and eating a stick even if it means wearing a flowery headband.

6. Start 'em young! As soon as mom's not looking, slip baby brother into a skirt. The great thing about babies is they can't remove the skirt and they don't know that boys aren't supposed to do that. Sure, let him chew on that ball, but look how beautiful he is!

And before he knows what hit him, he's one of your ladies in waiting. Man , I'm good!

flying, crawling, and slithering

Georgia looks different from Las Vegas. There are trees growing wildly everywhere and it is just so GREEN! We're both desert rats so this is so new for us. We were so excited when spring came and the trees got their leaves and blossoms! We've also enjoyed the wildlife, most of which we can view right in our backyard. We've seen blue jays, cardinals, hawks, tons of robins, big bushy squirrels, chipmunks, big furry bumble bees, fuzzy caterpillars, and various other creatures I can't even name. The birds and squirrels graze in our yard and we love watching the squirells hopping across the lawn and leaping from tree to tree. We were thrilled when a mother bird chose our drain pipe for her nest. We eagerly awaited the arrival of her babies and enjoyed showing our kids nature up close and personal. One morning while driving through our friends neighborhood three deer ran in front of our car. They were just hanging out in someone's lawn and we frightened them (unintentionally).

Some of these critters have not been so fun to encounter. I found this big spider in the basement when moving furniture. Jamie caught him in this baby wipes case (to give you an idea of the size here). Another one showed up in the kitchen later that week. We now own an industrial-sized bottle of bug spray. While showing the kids our tomato plants a big blackwidow crawled out of the planter (out came the bug spray again).

One evening last week I went out back to put the kiddy pool in the shed and found Mr. Snake here trying to eat this rat for dinner. He's not poisonous, but I don't like snakes! Emma however went out the next morning searching the yard hoping to find the snake.

We get these reddish-brown wasps that sometimes come in our laundry room to die. Yesterday morning Emma found one that had died in her room so I went in to dispose of it. Turns out he wasn't dead after all and had saved one last sting for my finger. It stung like crazy and my finger swelled right up. I don't like those wasps! He's in my vacuum now. You can also find about 15 bug bites on my legs at any given time and I itch like crazy. Those bugs love my sweet city blood! Jamie's only had a couple. Punk.