Untitled

When complete strangers see me with the kids, they most likely remark "You have your hands full." I usually respond with a smile and "not really."
But last Thursday's soccer practice was an exception. We were going to be there on time for once! I opened the car doors, let Jimmy run ahead, and started gathering kids, etc. Laiden with Simon, 3 folding chairs, and a diaper bag, Amelia, Jonathan and I crossed the street. When we got to the other side, where the practice was, Jonathan noticed that I grabbed the green and blue chairs and he wanted the black chair. It was in the car. So he did what any almost 2 year old would do. He had a tantrum. And it was big. I stood their waiting for it to blow over for a few minutes. It did not blow over and nothing I said helped. So I put down my things, and sat down to wait. Why didn't I go back for the black chair? Because I am as stubborn as my kids, and having a tantrum is no way to get me to cooperate. So after 15 minutes of coaxing and waiting, I gathered my things again, this time including Jonathan in my haul and slowly made my way to Jimmy's practice. It was across the school from the parking lot. As I made my way, carrying 3 folding chairs, one diaper bag, one almost 2 year old (still screaming and flailing), and an infant, someone stopped to tell me I had my hands full. For once, I agreed. But I didn't say so. They didn't stop to listen.

The Mad Scientist

Jimmy has taken the new addition to the family the hardest. I think it has been difficult to adjust to a full school day and a new baby at the same time. He is often crabby about something or other. I get caught up in his moods and I forget to laugh. But really, Jimmy gets wound up about funny things.

The other day, I was putting the kids to bed and Jimmy reminded me that we ran out of time for his science experiment. I told him if he was good for the scriptures we could do the experiment after the prayer. He agreed, so I was surprised when he hit Jonathan with the science experiment book. So I said we had to save the experiment for the next day. Jimmy was really upset about that and spent the next hour sneaking out of bed to attempt the science experiment. When Gary got home, I told him about "Jimmy's Rebellion." Gary thought it was the funniest thing! What kid sneaks out of bed to do science?!
We did do the experiment the following day- put the end of a rolled up paper towel in a glass of colored water and watch the water climb the towel. The kids were suitably impressed.

The Woes of a Middle Child

A few days ago, Jonathan said his longest sentence yet.
I was puttering around in the kitchen, putting milk in the freezer for Simon and getting a cup of milk for Jonathan. As I did my business, I rambled about Jonathan and Simon and how they both like milk. I guess it was a bit much for Jonathan to follow because he said:
"I don't want to be called Simon, Mommy."

The next kiddodiddo

We're so pleased to announce that little Simon Jonathan was born last night at 10:23 PM. He and Tracy are doing just fine. We'll be calling as many relatives as we can over the next two days, but you can call us if you want to get in touch with us sooner.

Here are the scientific details:

Unique identifier: Simon Jonathan S.
Timestamp: September 5, 2007, 10:23 PM
Length: 19"
Mass: 3152 g (that's 6 lb 15.1 oz in Free World units)

Jimmy makes me laugh

A few days ago, on his way to his first soccer practice, Jimmy asked if there would be girls and boys on his team. When I told him "no" he started to fan himself vigorously and said "phew." I asked why he did that. He said "because some girls make me feel funny." I got nosy and asked which girls (I couldn't help myself!) He said Cha-Cha, from his kindergarten class and Noelle.

Today Jimmy confided in me that he is a lot like Job.
Jimmy: I am like Job. This week bad things happen to me and I keep the commandments.
Me: That's too bad. What kind of bad things have happened?
Jimmy: I keep losing my plastic teeth.
Me: (trying really hard not to laugh) Yeah, that is too bad. You really like those vampire teeth.

Gary pointed out that it is good for him to liken the scriptures to himself, but I think it's the funniest thing I've heard him say in a few days.