*Oh to be young*

I went on a walking field trip with Toby's kindergarten class. We walked from the school to the Library, Fire Station and Post Office. The kids have been talking about neighborhood helpers, and got to go see, and talk to some in person. So, at the fire station, the fireman was explaining what to do in case of a fire. He asked the children what would happen if they got smoke in their eyes and a little girl shouted out "You'll DIE!" ha Then we went outside and talked with a police man and looked at his car. One of the children asked him why the police took people to jail. He explained that sometimes people make bad choices or break the law. One child asked the policeman if he'd ever gone to jail. haha Then another young boy proudly said "my mom has gone to jail!". haha I'm sure she was glad he told us all that!


I then took Kyle and Toby to the dentist (no cavities hoooray!). Toby came out and said he couldn't eat or drink anything for 30 minutes, and then became concened and asked me "mom, can I swallow?". *Aunt Kristin, I hope you're reading this lol* I said of course he could swallow. He then said, but there's spit in my mouth, and they told me I couldn't drink for 30 minutes. I laughed and told him that 'spit' wasn't considered a drink. He said, but don't you remember "Drink your spit!" hahahaha, *Aunt Kristin told one of her children to drink his spit after relentless asking for a drink on their loooong drive to Utah*. You have to know calm, patient, loving Kristin to really appreciate this.......too funny! :)


Then last night Dave was wrestling with the kids and Lily climbed up on his back and said "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas! I got a Dog!" totally random, gave us a good laugh!!! :)

And seriously.......do we ever have this much fun eating?

Calling all parents! sorry this entry is ginormous!

Let me first start by venting! We took Lily to the hospital for surgery on Friday (you can read more about that on Toby's site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/tobywilson). Anyway, we were in the waiting room for about 1 1/2 hours waiting to be called back to surgery, at which time, we saw several other patients (not patience!). I was absolutely appalled and distraught by what I saw. Children disobeying, fighting, stealing toys, talking back, being disrepectful to people and toys, hitting, screaming, throwing tantrums etc.... One young man took every toy that Lily was playing with (luckily she's easy going and didn't get too upset), but his parents would shake their heads no at him, and then watch him take the toys, over and over. Another little girl kept trying to take Lily's balloon. Her mom would say no, but never get up to enforce her words. Her other daughter would then get up to remove the young girl and then a HUGE fit would ensue with screaming and flailing.....all accepted as ok. Another young boy was removing toys and throwing them. Another young boy kept hitting his mom in the face, she disreguarded it. Am I the only parent who tells my child "no" and means it? Am I the only parent who disciplines (and not out of anger, but to actually teach my children)? Who expects my child to be well behaved? Who doesn't allow my child to be in control? I am by no means saying I'm a perfect parent, but by golly I parent, and do it to the best of my ability (I of course know there are others of you out there parenting as well). Children are controlling their parents. Getting away with things, that in my mind, are not ok. I know I'm uptight, but it scares me to see how little some parents are expecting from their children, and how they choose not to do something about inappropriate behavior. I can't even imagine (nor do I want to) what will happen when these kids grow up. I know that some kids are more challenging than others, but say "NO", and mean it, stick to it, and be consistant for crying out loud!!!
OK I feel a bit better now.

I also learned something about my own parenting last night as I picked my niece up from the hospital when my nephew was rushed to the ER. I watched my niece trying not to cry, trying to be brave, while her brother was sick and terrified. I had her sit on my lap, I talked with her and prayed with her when we got home. Then it dawned on me, I don't do that with my own kids!!! I am so preoccupied with taking care of whomever is sick/in the hospital, that I don't take the time to make sure my other kids are ok. How sad is that?? And usually there's no one else there to do that for me. I feel like I communicate pretty well with my kids, especially whoever is having to go through the drama, but how often do I not notice when communication needs to happen? I'm going to be more aware from now on. Lily was so brave!!!

So Lily is doing pretty well. She is off of Lortab completely and occasionally takes Advil, but that's it. She walks on her toes and is verrrrry careful. :) The most drama was caused when I took off the outer bandage and it hurt! She was also scared to have her wound exposed, to be so vulnerable. She was also sad when DJ got to take a bath and she couldn't. She said "mom, I just want to be normal again". How sad is that? Lily's biological dad (Marc) came into town from AZ for the surgery and kept Kyle and Toby during the long day at the hospital. Thanks Marc. Lily's wagon ride out of the hospital Here's her scar....couple inch long smiley face....ugh

So here are the pictures from Toby's Picture Sale! The info on this is also on Toby's caringbridge site (sorry, I don't want to type it all up twice, but I also don't want to copy and paste it for those who are following both, too boring :)

Kyle did an awesome job in his 5th grade program! (a vid on youtube of that as well :) He is the best big brother my kids could ever ask for.

Super cute friends we love!!! :)

I know there's something else I'm supposed to post on here. Whenever something funny or exciting happens, we always hear Dave say "now that's blog worthy!", now if only I could remember! haha
Make sure and check out our latest Youtube video (link on the right sidebar) Nothin like a bunch of screamin kids......what was all that nonesense about parenting?!?! lol no, really despite how it looked, that was a controlled environment haha

One of those things a mom just doesn't want to see

So I had my 3 youngest in the bath tub this morning. Toby typically showers, but since DJ and Lily were having SO much fun in the tub, and there were some bubbles, Toby decided to take a bath as well. They were all getting along nicely, not too much splashing, no complaints of "not enough room" etc... So I stepped out of the bathroom for a moment, and the kids just start laughing.... all of them....laughing and laughing - oh so much fun. My kids are easily entertained (especially by DJ) so I didn't think much of it. When I went back into the bathroom, DJ had found a new bath toy and brought it into the tub. A mother unapproved, unwelcomed, and unsanitary 'toy'. ewwwww


Needless to say, we drained the bathtub and started afresh.

My 'Lil' Musician :)

So Kyle's school is going to try the Honors Program. They haven't had one up and running because too many parents were insistant that their child was the smartest haha As parents, I think we really do want to see only the best in our kids! I count myself very blessed to have a student/son who excels and loves to learn, teach, explore, and has the patience for it all. Anyway, his teacher submitted his name for the Honors program and she is very excited for him, as am I. :) I guess there will be 10-15 students in the entire elementary grades 3-6. They will meet once a week and work on projects more on their level. This will hopefully keep up their enthusiasm about learning. Here he is as Abe Lincoln :) His wax museum project. He did fantabulous!