We Tried To Leave Town

There was a mix-up with the championship meet sign-ups.  Neither Andrew or Carter were signed up and by the time we realized, it was too late.  There were some pretty sad boys around our house for a while.  To remedy the "I can't go swimming" blues, we decided to take the kids to Boise to visit the aquarium, visit cousins, and to do a little school shopping.  Steve also had an appointment to look at computers for the new office.  We were all loaded up in the car by 8am Saturday morning ready to roll.

Here the kids are watching a movie on the portable player.

Don't they look enthused?

At Mountain Home we stopped for our usual Dixon family pit stop. (meaning...I drank too much caffeine on the way and needed to stop)  On our way out of the gas station, our car would not go into gear- not reverse, not forward...nothing.  Our transmission went out.

So, we did what any family would do...we called a tow truck and then took the kids back into the gas station to loaded up on cheddar ruffles and sour patch kids.  Because such things help in times of crisis.

After a lovely short ride with some scary looking but very kind tow-truck drivers, we found ourselves at the GMC dealership in Mountain Home.  They confirmed that our transmission was indeed broken and that they could not even order the part we needed until Monday, the part wouldn't be in until at least Wednesday, and our car wouldn't be ready until Friday.

Nice.

The icing on the cake?

There were no, as in zip, as in zero rental cars available in town that would fit our freakishly gigantic family of six.  We had to call my poor parents to come and get us.

We made the best of the two hour wait by eating junk food and watching the Olympic games on the dealership's cable.  It was a perk.

None-the-less, some of us were pretty disappointed about missing out on fish and cousins.

Not necessarily in that order.

Some of us were down right upset.

But we made the best of it and begged a ride from the dealership to the local Wingers restaurant.

Soda and popcorn make everything a little better.

 (YES, this is after the kids already ate a huge bag of ruffles and a few other items from the dealerships vending machines.  Were raising our kids to be stress eaters.  Lovely.)

 I even found out Wingers has a gluten free menu.  BONUS!

Steve was the happiest of all.

 His culinary dreams came true when he found out this Wingers offered...

Fried Chicken and Waffles!

This is a dish Steve has wanted to try for a very long time.  His gluteny (not to be confused with gluttony) feast did not disappoint.

However...a simple gluten free salad was a little pathetic compared to chicken and waffles.

My dad made it to the restaurant just as we were finishing up and right as the wings we ordered for him came out of the fryer.  He ate his lunch and then we piled into his car and headed for home.

Our car is very similar to my parents' car and as all three boys crammed themselves into the back, Andrew exclaimed that we weren't allowed to have any more kids because we all wouldn't fit into our car.  

I'll take that into advisement Andrew. (Insert eye roll here)

After we got home, Steve and I talked about the day's events and how thoroughly blessed our family had been.  Things could have been so different, but we lucked out in every way.  For instance:

-Our car stopped working at a gas station and not on the freeway in the middle of nowhere. (gas stations have food and bathrooms!)

-The tow truck was there in 15 minutes.

-There was a dealer who could fix our car 5 miles away from where we broke down.

-My parents were in town and able to come get us.

-I was not by myself when this happened.  The Acadia is my primary vehicle.

-The entire repair is covered by warranty.  (SCORE!)

Our family is truly watched over and we are very grateful.

To reiterate this gratitude, we had a family home evening lesson taught by Carter last night on gratitude.

After Carter read about gratitude in the new FSOY pamphlet, each of us took our turn telling what we were grateful for.  Each of the boys said lovely things like family, the gospel, our home and Dad's job. 

Steve said, "A beautiful wife, four wonderful children...and bacon.

I'm so happy the kids and I came before bacon. 

Hot Summer Days and a Few Phone Pictures from Whenever

It's hot here.

By afternoon, swim lessons are done, chores are "done" and the kids are itching for something to do.  Because of some small hiccups with cleaning their rooms, the boys are not allowed to watch tv (I'm a tyrant) so...the only logical thing to do is play outside in our cheap kiddi pool  that has killed more spots in our lawn than I care to share.

By the the looks on those faces, I don't think they are missing the tv.

Yes...Andrew is swimming in his shorts.   Notice the lawn mower all by itself in the background?  He was supposed to be mowing, but it got too hot and pool full of grassy water is just too tempting.

I'm hanging my head in modesty shame over the fact that my daughters tummy is showing while wearing a swimsuit.  It was either her tummy or her nipples.  I chose the tummy. 

I think the water was a little cold.

Not quite sure how this pool is surviving these four kids.

 It was worth every penny.

Had the camera out so I snapped a garden shot.  My squash is taking over, but my zucchini died.  How in the world do you kill zucchini?  

The front yard.  

The flowers are still growing and I'm hoping they all last the rest of the summer.

 My hanging baskets have risen to a new level of high maintenance as they now require watering three times a day.   I can't leave town because of my silly flowers.  Its a little ridiculous.

Before I killed the zucchini plants, I harvested enough to make a batch of bread.

My kids were in heaven as this is the end-all-beat-all best zucchini bread in the world.  This is NOT an exaggeration.  It is soft with perfect texture in the middle with a crunchy delicious top.  

Seriously the best.  

Unfortunately it is NOT gluten free and I can't duplicate it gluten free. 

I have tried...many times.  The taste is close, but the texture is way off.

Carter danced and cheered when he smelled this in the oven and after I answered the most important question the correct way, "No Carter...it is not gluten free."

Wheat flour is a beautiful thing.

Did I mention Colby started violin this summer?

He's pretty adorable...but needs to remember to keep that violin up. 

I'm envious of my childrens' young brains and how they can pick up a new skill quickly.  By brain has since left that phase.  I have a hard enough time remembering to remind him to practice, let alone try and play a new instrument.  

He's becoming a rock star with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stare"- trust me.

Yes...we take naked dolls to Costco.

The best pizza I have had in almost a year.

Hoping I can pick up a bunch more next time I am in Boise.

Yet another new swimsuit.

I have an addiction....but in my defense it is for next year.

We've been going through all the boy's clothes in preparation for a new school year.  

I had Andrew try on his clothes that fit this last spring.  It seems he grew ape arms over the summer.  He will be getting new clothes come this winter- ones with longer sleeves.

Lastly, it has become a habit for Princess Saylor to crawl into bed with Steve and I most nights.

Last night, neither of us were willing to put her back in her own bed.  (Steve put her back once, but it didn't stick)  Anyone have two year old repellent they are willing to share?

This would have NEVER flown with the boys.  I'm not sure what it is going to take to keep her in her own bed and even more, I think Steve and I are both too tired to enforce it.

Carter Dean the Swimmer

Last night before he went to bed Carter told me he wished he would break his leg so he wouldn't have to go to the swim meet this morning...he was that nervous.

Poor kid is a lot like me, apprehensive of the unknown and uncomfortable.  

He has declined competing in any of the past meets.  He just hasn't wanted to do them.  However after seeing him swim at practice earlier this week, I informed Carter he was just going to have to try it.  I wasn't giving him the choice.   It was the perfect opportunity as the meet was here in Twin and Andrew was at scout camp.  This meet was ALL about Carter.   I hired a babysitter for Colby and Saylor and Carter and I arrived at the pool at 8:00 am.

This meet was a big deal for him...hence why I'm posting about 100 pictures of him! 

I am so proud of him!

Oh so nervous before the first medley relay.

His cute team from the back.

Um...what is that you are holding?

Is that a BLUE ribbon?

Did your medley team win first place with you swimming the backstroke?

(we won't mention that there was only one team in your age group because we are still that proud!)

The second race was the individual backstroke.

Here he is ready to go.

 Uh...is that ANOTHER blue ribbon?

Yes...yes it is.

Getting a pep-talk from the coach.

That kid is working hard!

Hey, figuring this boy could hardly float six months ago, we will gladly take a fifth place ribbon.

Way to go Carter!

Up one again for the free style.

Congrats from Mom at the end.

He took second...but only by a fingernail.  He was in first until the very end.

I'm so proud of him!

 (It was during this race that I found out I am one of "those moms".  I was screaming the entire time...and I mean obnoxious screaming.  I might be hoarse tomorrow.)

I love this shot.

"Uh..I don't know!"

 (But yes, that is indeed another blue ribbon)

Great job Carter!

I knew you could do this all along!

(and I think you are pretty adorable in that suit)

So here were his final standings.

Medley Relay:  1st

Backstroke:  1st

Breaststroke:  5th

Butterfly:  5th

Freestyle:  2nd

Freestyle Relay:  1st

Beware the Pigtails

Be very careful around someone this cute holding a garden hose.

The cute ones are always the worst.

She will act innocent and darling.

 She may even pretend to do yard work!

However, she'll spray you any chance she gets.

The Fun Parent

Steve and Andrew are gone away at scout camp which leaves me in charge of the three youngest kiddos by myself.  You would think I would be getting so many things accomplished with two less bodies to take care of, but...well...that's not really happening.

Because, I'm trying very hard to be the "Fun Parent"

You see, whenever I leave town for more that a few days, all normal household responsibilities and functions come to a screeching halt and my children are exposed to "Mom-is-Gone Steve: aka the Fun Parent."  It's days and nights of treats, movies, riotous living (as riotous as four little kids and a virtuous dad can be) and dinners at shady establishments I would never set foot in let alone put something in my mouth from.   It's a party at the Dixon house when I'm away.  Dad will even buy HUGE bags of sugar cereal that somehow disappear withing a 72 hour period.  It's mysterious how that much cereal can be consumed by four juvenile bodies.  I'm even wondering if there might be an pet of some kind that comes to live here while I'm away...I wouldn't put it past my husband, he is that fun.  The man is legendary and me leaving town is something my kids speak of in hushed awed voices. 

 It's better than Christmas.

Anyhoo, I decided that this week I would let my hair down so to speak and try to be the fun parent.  Steve is gone this time.  I can be fun right?  I can throw responsibility out the window right?  I can buy sugar cereal right?

Too bad I'm failing...miserably.

Why?  

Because I made the kids clean the toy closet.  (It was hideous.  I found dirty socks in with the tinker toys.)

 I took them with me to a home decor store and a flooring store for more than 30 minutes.  (How dare I do something I want to do!)

They have actually been bathed more than once in the past four days.  (There was actual protesting.)

The cookies I made had oatmeal in them...and zucchini. (Oh the humanity)

They have been in be before 9:30 every night.

They have had their hair combed.

We didn't skip swim lessons, guitar lessons, or violin lessons.  (But we haven't practiced a whole lot.)

I made them eat fruit.

And the kicker of them all?

The doosy of all doosies?

The end all beat all number one reason I will NEVER EVER EVER be the "Fun Parent"?

I wouldn't buy my spoiled children Lego Sets.

Carter even had the guts to tell me when I declined to plunk down my money for this particular set, "Mom, I guess you'll never be the fun parent."

I guess not Carter.  

Even though I took you to Kiwi Loco for DINNER tonight, I will never be the fun parent.

Even though I bought you two new movies, I will never be the fun parent.

Even though I bought you a Costco sized box of cocoa pebbles type cereal, I will never be the fun parent.  (I'm guessing the fact that it is preservative and artificial flavoring free excludes it from being fun.)

I think I'll make you scrub toilets tomorrow to prove how un-fun I really am.

Mwahh--haa-haa-haa.

Hot Date at the Stake Dance

With my calling comes the sweet opportunity to chaperon our stake's youth dances twice a year.  Steve and I along with seven other couples from the stake got to spend last Saturday night seeing and smelling teenage angst for three sweaty hours.  It was awesome...

as you can tell by this picture...

and this picture.

Ok, really...it was fun.  And these pictures were during one of the sparse down times when freshly washed, combed, curled, and cologned teenagers weren't nervously sauntering through the front doors in large droves.

But they only smelled sweet and clean for a moment.  Get those bodies on the dance floor and its just a matter of minutes before the smell of a Macy's perfume counter and failed deodorant mingle into a  fermenting combination that still burns my nose as it did way back when I was a youth.  It's the exact same I tell you, and it is a scent ingrained in my brain.  I could pick it out of a million.

Steve and I manned the front doors checking dance cards for signatures for the first half of the dance where I learned teenage boys think I'm susceptible to their smoldering looks and smiles.  Many of them tried to cover the expired dates on their cards.  I can read boys, I'm not three.  Also, I'm not fifteen anymore and just waiting for an older boy to flash his baby blues at me.  I'm impermeable to your mind tricks of getting into a stake dance without an interview.  Silly Jedi, those tricks only work on the young and desperate.

The second half of the evening Steve and I were floaters and spent our time wandering around the church house looking for hormonal couples yearning to find the perfect secluded make out spot.   We have to check the chapel, the classrooms, the parking lot, and yes...I can't believe I'm writing this...the baptismal font.  Have these kids no shame????

Don't they know the place to make out in Twin Falls is under the Perrine Bridge and...gulp...the drive-in?  (cough cough...I'm guilty of both.)

Luckily, there were no guilty kissy face parties at this dance.  We had all the forbidden places roped off and guarded by chaperons.   That, or maybe all the naughty kids do know about the bridge and the drive-in. 

 However, that didn't stop my husband from wanting me to make out with him in one of the upstairs classrooms.  I put a stop to that!  I'm much classier now than I was in my youth.  Poor Steve, he missed out dating me when I was slightly reckless and into "good clean fun." (That and he was already in his 20's when I went through that phase...Um, I was jail bait.)

Besides torturing my husband while walking around the building, my favorite part of the evening was watching the kids act as kids do and recognizing which girl at the dance was I most like when I was fifteen.  I pointed a group of girls out to Steve and told him I would have been with those girls.  They weren't dancing but huddled together close to the walls with wandering eyes just hoping, praying and wishing a cute boy would ask them to dance, all the while begging that the creepy slightly unfortunate guy wouldn't.  

"I kept the walls from caving in at stake dances.  I did a good job, not one ceiling came crashing down when I was there."

I asked Steve which kid he was.  He pointed out the boy that was wildly swinging his dance partner around the room.  I wasn't sure if he was dipping her, or giving her whiplash.

"I was obnoxious" Steve stated, "I was that kid."

"What!?"  I exclaimed, "...I married THAT kid?"

For shame.  I married THAT kid.

Swim Meet...until it got canceled because of lightning

Andrew attended his first swim meet this morning held conveniently here in Twin.  We tend not to make it to the out of town meets as we are either too lazy or seem to have other plans every Saturday this summer.

Andrew had warm ups at 8:00 am this morning.  When I showed up at 9:00 with the other kids the first relay was just about to begin.  Here is the 11 and 12 year old relay team.

Carson swam butterfly, Andrew swam breast stroke, Wyatt swam back stroke and  Danny swam free style.  These boys took second place.  It was really fun to watch.

(I'm guessing 11 and 12 year olds are too cool to smile.)

 

Here's Andrew on the blocks.

 Diving in.

Holding his second place ribbon.

Nice work!

 Another great thing about swim team is that it's a family affair.

My beautiful nieces compete also.

Annie and Meg two should be called Fast and Faster.

No matter what race they were in they took first or second.  The got smart though and started swimming in different heats...so they could both get first.  Adorable.

Speed runs in the family and their older sister Holly creamed a few races too.

Man...we like those blue ribbons.

Andrew took second in back stroke and butterfly, but took first in breast stroke.

The meet was called on account of lightning so he didn't get to swim in free style and the individual medley.  I can't wait to see him compete next week if he get back from scout camp soon enough.

passport photos

This was my passport photo from 1997 when I was 18 and traveled to Europe in a tour group with Ricks College.

 This is my passport photo taken today when I am 34 and hopefully traveling to Italy with my husband in a few months.

Crap. I've aged.

15 years will kill ya.

(But, I'm still happy I lost those bangs.)

Somebody Better Stop Them

My kids are growing up way too fast.  

My eyes blink and they grow two inches.  (Ok...who am I kidding here, these are my kids we are talking about.  I blink and they grow 2 mm.)  But, they are getting older faster than I would like.

For instance,

Saylor is out of her crib/toddler bed.

Steve converted her crib to a full sized bed yesterday evening.  She is officially out of her baby bed and is now a big girl.  (except...insert clearing throat noises...she is still in diapers, but we won't discuss that now.)  The only remnant of the crib left to adore is the tooth marks scattering the length of the foot board.  Say Say had a serious gopher problem around 14 months.

I'm having sad heart tugging emotions about this change.  As I cleaned up yesterday and stored away her crib mattress and bedding (why am I storing it anyway?) my heart ached for my baby girl and how fast she has changed in the last 2 1/2 years.   The sappy country song about a daughter growing up too fast on the radio this morning didn't help.  

To make myself feel better, I have big plans for this room.  Plans that might involve green and purple paper lanterns, a few throw pillows, and maybe a gallery wrap of Say as an infant.  Retail therapy tends to help.

When Saylor saw her bed for the first time put together she exclaimed, "Can I jump on it now?"

No, you can not jump on it, but you can sleep in it every night with plenty of room for your baby dolls and story books.  You were running out of room in your toddler bed for your sleeping accessories and yourself.  This bed is much better.

Carter is changing before my eyes too and is finally realizing that he can be brave.  Carter takes after me in many ways and courage is not something I possessed genetically to pass along in even small doses.  A little bravery around here must go a long way.  

We were at Nat Soo Pah Monday night and Carter remembered a bribe I must shamefully admit I was not above dishing out.  

"Mom, if I go off the high dive, will you still buy me a speedo?"

Yes, my eight year old wanted swim jammers enough for me to bargain with them.

"Yep Carter, that bribe still stands."

The high dive was conquered and Carter is now the proud owner of some super tight swim shorts.  He thinks they are AWESOME because they are just like Andrews, but with a blue stripe.  He could hardly wait to wear them today and was crazy excited to be aerodynamic in the pool.  He was positive he would be WAY faster.  I was forbidden to take pictures of his tight little rump, because my children know my blogging habits...but one day I will get that shot, I promise.

I pondered today why boys, who get to wear awesome roomy swim trunks would want to wear tight form fitting swim shorts.  I've never been able to wear swim trunks that would perfectly hide any dairy products I was sporting on my hind end.  It truly isn't fair.  Boys don't know how good they have it.

Oh yeah...Colby asked for a speedo today too.  

I bribed him with having to participate in swim team this fall.  We'll see it it works.  I'm not sure I can find a speedo tiny enough for his little tooshy, but I'll try.

Steve, however, is not growing up too fast and came home last night with, yes, the mattress he was planning on buying...and a new tv for our bedroom.  

Ghee Whiz.

Steve, after the purchase of his camping trailer has been banned for even wanting anything else in the "big ticket" range for the next 12 months.  

He weaseled this purchase by smiling at me, tilting his head to the side, laughing slightly and explaining that the tv was actually for me.  

Ha Ha.

I'm going to buy him a really beautiful desk, a few picture frames for our bedroom and most likely some throw pillows.  I'm sure he's going to LOVE them.

Saylor, after walking into our room this morning and seeing the tv cried out with excitement,

"Oh My Goodness!  It's so big!  Is it for me to watch Dora?" 

I think I might have Steve move in with Saylor for a while so I can enjoy "my" tv by myself.