Meikle, Party of Five

2011-12-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

one year ago...

2011-12-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

One year ago:
She was my mother-in-law
She was Andy's mom
She was my children's grandma
She was kind hearted and loving

Today:
She is a person I admire, respect, and understand
She is an incredible woman
She is a fighter, a survivor
She is my friend

One year ago, Andy called and said his mom had been in a car accident. I walked in an ICU room and saw a broken woman hooked up to several machines and tubes. She remained sedated and intubated for a long while. Five months in the hospital. Then she came to stay with our family. She kept getting stronger and stronger. I changed. My heart grew. I gained a deeper love and appreciation for who my mother-in-law is. We would watch Dancing with the Stars and comment on the big ta-tas. We ate lots of tacos and tacoish meals (people brought in meals and for some reason we kept getting tacos). We played cards and Sudoku. We had fun hanging out together. The kids loved having Grandma around. Hank would wake up in the morning and start yelling from his crib "grandpa, grandpa" (not sure why he called her grandpa). The girls would go sit on her bed as soon as she woke up in the mornings (sometimes they went in before she was awake). They drew her lots of pictures and "I love you" notes and hung them up in her room. Andy and I were able to go on a couple late-night dates after the kids were in bed. We all missed having her around when she went home. I am seriously grateful SHE is MY mother-in-law. So glad she is part of my life.

wouldn't you like to know

2011-11-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

hello my name is kim and I have a problem

2011-11-16T17:47:00.001-07:00

The first step is recognizing the problem, right?
This is what the kitchen looks like after I have been in it.
When I open a cabinet, I do not close it.
I do not know why I do this over and over and over and over.
I have walked into an open cabinet before--does not make a head feel good.

2011-11-07T15:15:00.002-07:00

I think it is awesome that the two year old likes to sing along with justin beiber:

baby, ba-by, baby ohh!

fall fashion advice

2011-11-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

With the cooler weather here, take some fashion tips from Hank.

Remember accessories, hats, boots, and layering (and of course pants are always optional)

14th place and proud of it

2011-11-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

Wakely had her first gymnastics meet. She goes to practice 3 times a week for 2 1/2 hours each time and has been working hard. She did routines on the bar, beam, floor and vault. She tried her best and seemed really content with just participating. So in her level and age 13 girls had higher scores than Wakely and 5 girls had lower scores. She was just happy to get a trophy.

Superdeeduper Saturday Projects

2011-11-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been doing lately.

Getting everything ready for our Super Saturday.

Planning, shopping, sanding, painting, gluing.

Now it is over and I am happy about that.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T13:45:00.002-06:00

Let me say how totally ridiculous Trunk or Treat is. There was a lady going around with her own pillowcase and no little kids--and she wasn't even dressed up. I called her out on it and she said she had to bring kids so she deserved to get candy. Seriously? I brought kids too, and guess what? I am handing out candy. Candy that I bought to give to LITTLE kids wearing costumes. So then I started to hand out spider rings to people who should not be participating due to age. Yeah, I totally showed them. Seriously, teenagers take your own money and go buy yourself some candy if you need it that bad. And the adults--well that is just messed up on a whole different level. And another thing...the kids don't even say "trick-or-treat". They just stand there like dummies holding their treat sacks. How hard is it to say trick-or treat?

Just for the record, I had my kids say trick-or-treat AND thank you? We are pretty wild and crazy.

Impressive

2011-10-25T09:33:00.000-06:00

So every once in awhile I do things that really impress the girls.
Recently, Drew saw me ironing and was amazed I knew how to iron.
Today was crazy hair day at school.

With some hair dye and a few accessories I totally impressed them with my hair skills.

Being the little brother

2011-07-30T13:21:00.002-06:00

Isn't is great to have two big sisters?

The Old Man

2011-07-18T12:21:00.025-06:00

The setting: Bear Lake
The scene: Waiting in line for the bathroom (two available)
The particpants: a dad and his two girls, and two teens

Andy and the girls were waiting in line for the bathroom at Bear Lake. Two teenager girls were also in line. Wake went in to one bathroom and the girl went into the other. Wake came out and Drew went in. The girl yells to her friend, "Hurry, the two little girls are already finished." Andy then takes his turn. As he leaves the girl yells, "Come on, the old man is finished too."

Awesome.

Mini Triathalon

2011-07-08T14:53:00.001-06:00

As part of our family reunion, they had a mini triathalon.

Andy designated himself the "course master" and led the pack of kids on their route.

Hot Rockin 4th

2011-07-04T14:59:00.000-06:00

Henry had lots to say about the "LOUD cars".

Lagoon Love

2011-06-08T12:31:00.002-06:00

We went to Lagoon with Elynn and her girls. Andy drove the minivan full of kids and Elynn and I went in her car. Both cars pulled up to pay for parking with the same attendant. Andy chats with the worker and tells him to let the car next to him know that he thinks the passenger is hot and hopes to go on the skyride with her. The worker smiled and passed on the message. Of course I was flattered--who wouldn't be?

Hank is practicing for his "girls gone wild" audition

Tractors

2011-06-02T15:12:00.002-06:00

Henry is always on high alert for tractors.
Now I am also on high alert for tractors.
Anything that is not a car is a "tractor"
I especially liked when he saw a golf cart and called it a tractor
He loves talking about Grandpa's tractor (aka riding lawn mower)

Eight

2011-05-28T13:35:00.002-06:00

Wakely's baptism was great. It was so fun to see how excited she was. We had a fun surprise--Elynn and her three younger girls came. Wakely had Grandma Jan give a prayer, Aunt Sallie give a talk, and the Stevensons (ward members who are part of the Mo-Tab) perform a musical number. She loved sharing the day with her bf Raeganne. She really is growing up and turning into a little lady.

Kindergarten Communication

2011-05-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

I think it is great how notes are sent home with kindergartners.

Captain Field Day

2011-05-24T15:27:00.000-06:00

Mr Meikle organized Field Day for the elementary school. He got lots of compliments and everything went really well. I heard Wakely telling someone, "That guy in the yellow shirt, he is MY dad."

Just like Daddy

2011-05-08T15:50:00.018-06:00

Henry likes to be just like Daddy. Andy got out of the shower and was toweling off. Henry quickly unzipped his footie jammies and pointed to his manhood--another thing he realized they had in common.

2011-05-02T15:34:00.000-06:00

Some of Henry's favorites:

shoes, the vacuum, Birdie

2011-05-01T15:42:00.003-06:00

Someone once told me that when your children are little, days are long and years are short.

When is it Wednesday?

2011-05-01T14:23:00.002-06:00

During the school year,I was asked frequently "is today Wednesday?"

Drew loved Wednesdays because she got a playdate with Allie. They would keep track of what house they were going to and plan matching outfits. They are cute little friends and will be forever. We love cousins!

Happy St Patricks Day

2011-03-18T16:17:00.000-06:00

This is one lucky man.
He was headed to work on March 18th not wearing any green.
Wakely made him a green nametag.
Whew--that was a close call.
Mr Meikle avoided getting pinched at work.
Good thing his daughter was looking out for him.

Cruisin

2011-03-15T16:17:00.002-06:00

Andy and I took a fantastic cruise to Mexico. Five nights to be with my honey. Five nights of relaxing, fancy food, and lots of connecting with the mister.

I quite enjoyed being Kim instead of Mom--nice to know I still have my identity.

We had several people ask if we were on our honeymoon. Is that because Andy looks like a young'n? Or because we look so in love?

We went whale watching. Ah mazing.

I am so lucky to have such great family and friends to watch the kiddos. I almost felt guilty that I didn't worry or miss them--probably because I knew they would be well taken care of.

Ski Time

2011-02-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

We decided that winters might be more fun if we had a winter activity we liked.

We all (minus Henry) took lessons and spent most winter Saturday afternoons on the slopes.

Us

2010-12-05T15:54:00.009-07:00

Halloween Awesomeness

2010-11-01T12:18:00.001-06:00

Halloween was pretty awesome--we were pretty awesome, even if I do say so myself.

We had lots of fun being roller coaster passengers.

pvc pipe frame, plastic sheeting, cardboard, tinfoil, swimming noodles,

lots of hairspray for my middle school inspired bangs,

awesome shirts (Blanca the cashier at the DI told me the jacket was beautiful with all the different colors. I just agreed and said "yes, it is sure colorful.")

Many a strangers took pictures of us at a restaurant and at trunk or treat.

Oh Yeah--the witch, dinosaur and surgeon had fun too!

The Junkyard?

2010-09-03T07:43:00.000-06:00

Drew and I made a stop at the DI. Drew scored a old skateboard with a handle attatched so it was kind of like a scooter. She was excited to show Andy and told him that we bought it at "the junkyard"--I guess she wasn't too impressed with the selection.

I have been taking an online photography class and sure am liking using my different cameara settings.

Our School

2010-08-30T11:48:00.004-06:00

The girls think it it pretty cool that now they can say "our school" instead of just "Wakely's school." Drew loves the idea that she gets the same kindergarten teacher than sis had. Wake wanted to walk Drew to class and has been telling her all about what to expect.

2nd grader

2010-08-25T22:17:00.003-06:00

This is one excited little girl to start 2nd grade. So fun to see her enthusiasm.

When we drove by her school during the summer she would always say how she wishes school would start soon.

just checkin'on the bling

my men

2010-08-20T09:27:00.029-06:00

It happened twelve years ago. I fell in love. I had had lots of crushes a few lusts, but never love. I gave Mr. Meikle my heart. Now I get to fall in love all over again with my little man. I really wanted a boy because I wanted "a little Andy." I adore these men in my life.
They have some similarities.

they both like to lay on my chest
they are intersted in powertools and things with buttons
they really like Birdie
the matching fauxhawks

In case you were wondering: Hank usually doesn't sport a bandanna around his neck--

we were at a cowboy party and it was part of his cowboy attire.

Easy Breezy

2010-05-14T11:25:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I really crack myself up. Yesterday I was folding laundry and was noticing that some of the material of Mr. Meikle's undies were wearing a bit thin. I had a brilliant idea. No, it wasn't be a nice wife and go buy some new ones. I cut a big hole in the back of one of Mr Meikle's undies. I think it would be possible for him to do a number two and not even have to pull down his skivies--I like to think I was doing my part to make life easier, more convienent. I neatly folded up the chaps-inspired bottoms and put them on the top of the pile in his drawer. I assumed he would put them on in the morning, notice the extra breeziness and we would have a good laugh together. Nope--he didn't say anything when he got dressed. The phone rang at 7:30 and still he said nothing. He called again at 11:00 and this time was laughing. He said when he saw the hole his first thought was "What did I do?" but upon closer inspection he knew to thank his loving wife. I am always looking for ways to make things better. He said he is now very aware of the extra breeze against his levis. Good stuff. This really may be beneficial with hot summer weather approaching.

Dear Bannana Clip Wearer,

2010-04-07T20:53:00.006-06:00

Dear Bannana Clip Wearer,

Thank you for sporting a bannana clip in your lovely locks. I had to do a double take at your fancy up-do. I love that you were also wearing your Sunday best that most likely has been suiting you well for decades.

Sincerly,
Admiring from a distance

Do you ever think about if your style will stop evolving? The makeover shows where people have had the same hairstyle and clothing for thirty years intrigue me. Do they really think they still have it? Will I ever think I totally have it and never need any updating?

I do like to think about when I can go get my purplish/gray hair "done" every week and use a whole lot of aerosol hairspray. Somehow I just don't think I could currently pull off the salon helmet look.

Warning: Colapsable Cups

2010-04-03T21:46:00.007-06:00

I am thankful for moments like in these pictures. Nobody is screaming, spilling, sticky, sassy, stinky...

Then there was a moment today: Like good parents, we were getting ready to color Easter eggs. Our coloring kit had "colapsable" cups which I thought seemed great. They were cute little clear cups with colored rims. The girls were coloring the eggs and a spoon was left in a cup. Surprise surprise, it colapsed over--hot pink was dripping from the counter, the floor, both girls. Andy and I are cleaning up the mess while he is dressed in a suit (he was headed to the priesthood session.) Henry decides to wake up way too early from a nap and is crying in his room. Andy kisses me goodbye.

Yes, I am grateful for the good moments.

I still love how my little girls want to dress up in fancy, frilly, twirly, Easter dresses. It will be a sad day for mamma when they don't want to dress like little princesses.

Thank You Bearded Jazz Fan

2010-04-01T22:03:00.001-06:00

Andy and I got to go to a Jazz game thanks to his work.

This is a sneaky-sneaky picture we took so we could see the man sitting behind us.

He was one of those fans.

Those fans who vocalize loudly.

Those fans that have a whole lot to say about each play.

Those fans who like to express their disproval.

Those fans that are really, really into the game.

Those fans that like to recap the team's history.

Those fans who like to give numerous tips to the referees.

Those fans that the people sitting around him either find annoying or entertaining.

Thanks for the entertainment Bearded Jazz Fan

Dear Dani,

2010-04-01T09:20:00.001-06:00

Dear Dani,

You are an artist. I admire artists. Thank you for showing me your coverlet. First of all, how cute is it to call it a coverlet?--so much better than a comforter or a bedspread. I have been a fan of Target's Dwell Studio and the yellow and gray combination has really been catching my eye lately. Thanks to you, I purchased me a happy coverlet and love seeing it on our bed. I hope you approve that I paired it with some furry giraffe print pillows. Thank you for the lovely mumbo jumbo.

Sincerely,
cousin Kim

http://danielleleatham.blogspot.com/2010/03/life.html

kids

2010-03-05T08:59:00.010-07:00

Wakely didn't want to go to Home Depot and threw a full out tantrum: she was lying on the floor, flailing her limbs and shouted, "Last time I checked, we lived in America." yes, this little American did join her family at the home improvement store

During Drew's 5 year old check up, the doctor asked her what was going to be on her birthday cake. Drew looked at her and seriously said, "Five candles." duh, seemed pretty obvious

Henry will open his mouth wide and lean in for a kiss, he waves, growls, giggles, and moves all around with his spin around/scoot backwards/roll over moves. such a fun baby

Dear Blog

2010-02-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

You and I have been together for 2 years now. I quite like you even though sometimes I give you more attention than others. I like looking back at posts and see my ramblings and happenings. You make it easy to preserve memories. I like how you motivate me to take pictures. You have connected and reconnected me with others. You give me a sense of validation when my readers leave comments. I enjoy your fellow blogmates--I get inspiration, ideas, information.

Thank you Blog for helping me enjoy my journey.

Sincerely,
Kim

Five

2010-02-20T08:42:00.004-07:00

compliments to Mr. Meikle for the finishing touches with the white frosting

Drew has been saying for awhile that she is four and three quarters--not anymore. This girl is now five. She has been talking about her 5th birthday since the day after she turned 4.

On her birthday, she had a confused look and said, "I don't feel any bigger." I guess she was expecting some sort of big change.

She had a fun party with 15 little girls at gymnastics: trampolines, a foam pit, the zip line, giant swing, rock wall--they had a great time.

As Seen on TV

2010-02-18T20:13:00.002-07:00

Wakely and Drew got Snuggies for Christmas (they REALLY wanted them--thanks to the infomercial.) Drew's preschool teacher told me she asked the kids what their favorite Christmas present was. She heard dolls, bikes, action figures, wii games etc.--DeeDee said she her favorite was a snuggie.

The girls have a liking to infomercials. I find papers around the house with 1-800 numbers written on them so I can call and order. They think "you must be 18 or older to call" is serious business. They can tell you detailed information about the featured items. You can cook faster, workout better, double your closet size, clean easier. Wakely has even told me about how I can send in my unwanted gold and I will get money for it.

Details

2010-02-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

I like details:

jewelry

handbags

shoes

home decor

pillows

pictures

embellishments

hair-dos

When I watch a movie, I notice details. While others are probably watching the characters, I notice the paint color on the walls, the person's glasses, a vase, the landscaping of the yard, the furniture.

I am a sucker for "starter kits" and things that come in cute small packages.

I like organization:

towels folded the same way and organized by color

bins and baskets are awesome

I find it very satisfying to open an organized closet

EVERYthing should have a "home"

I am constantly reorganizing the kitchen cupboards--it kind of makes a scavenger hunt for Andy, a game.

I do not like clutter:

I downsized the "junk drawer" from a big drawer to smaller one--forcing me to keep less "junk"

I like countertops cleared off

I do not have lots of knick knack thingy-ma-jiggys

I am not a collector

I am all about throwing something out if it isn't being used

The girls notice details too. They like when Henry has a new outfit. They will organize their stuffed animals by species. They compliment me if I am wearing a defferent shade of lipgloss. They notice when I have changed something around the house. When reading a book, they notice even the tiniest details in the pictures. They make their beds (yet they are both packrats and want to keep every piece of paper they have ever written anything on and other random treasures--rocks, wrappers, pencils). By the way, how do kids end up with so many pencils?

Details. The little things. They make a difference--for me.

Re-Entry

2010-02-16T14:50:00.013-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

New window, trim, floor, front door, and a few decorations.

(the pictures are of the three kids as newborns--Andy made a quick look and thought I had three pics of Hank)

happy happy wall

2010-02-11T15:39:00.003-07:00

We have lots of empty walls

But now we have one less empty wall

Handy Andy built an 8 foot long shelf

I printed out various black and white photos and put them in frames

Top it off with some vinyl swirly twirlies

and it makes for a happy happy wall

Making Love During the Superbowl

2010-02-10T10:46:00.010-07:00

We had my family over for Superbowl Sunday. People thought it was funny that they were going to Andy's house for the big game. During the second half, the menfolk watched the game and the ladies made LOVE blocks. I already had the blocks sanded and painted. We cut out the letters and mod podged them on the wood. I thought it was great that people were excited about our little project. They make for a cute Valentines decoration--and a fun Superbowl activity.

I do believe these photos prove that crafting is more fun than football watching

How do I know that he loves me?

2010-01-18T07:54:00.003-07:00

I have a good man.

How do I know that he loves me?

Many many many reasons, including:

Hand holding

The girls go to his side of the bed if they wake up at night and he takes care of them

He has equipped me with a stun gun and pepper spray

Daily groping

He calls daily--just to say hi

We watch "chick flicks" together

He hauls furniture around when I change my mind and want it rearranged

He provides technical support for my parents

It was proven to me yet once again the other day when he spent 4 HOURS AT IKEA with me and the kids. Never complaining and giving me input when asked.

Yes, I know that he loves me.

not the gumdrop buttons

2009-12-27T23:06:00.003-07:00

The girls had a fun time decorating a gingerbread house and cookies. LOTS of candy and sprinkles were used.

I controlled my urge to rearrange the decorations and make use of symmetry and patterns. They were quite proud of their masterpieces.

Christmas Festivities

2009-12-26T22:25:00.002-07:00

Henry met Santa for the first time

Drew asked for rollerskates

Wakely asked for Heelys

Chrismas china was used

First Grade Christmas Program

Lund Family Party

Hislop Family Party

Christams Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Meikle's

Christmas morning was so much fun. Santa was good to us all.

I love to see the girl's excitement--what a fun time to be a parent.

Bottom Heavy

2009-12-05T23:22:00.003-07:00

When we were decorating the Christmas tree, Wakely commented how Mom always rearranges the ornaments after the kids put them on.

She remembers that from other years?

Silly me that I prefer ornaments to be on the whole tree, not just the bottom half.

I said burr, it's cold in here

2009-12-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

there must be some Torros in the atmosphere

I told Drew it was going to be a cold day---she's a thinker that Drew. So she wore:

3 shirts
2 pairs of pants
5 pair of undies

I especially liked when later in the day she was hot, so instead of shedding some layers she decided to pour water on her head.

Vegas Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T22:18:00.011-07:00

We went to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving: M&M World, the lions at MGM, Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay Aquarium. We did a little bit of swimming and lots of hot tubbing, discovered Bendaroos, Chuck E Cheese was a big hit. We went to my sister-in-law's sister's house for Thanksgiving dinner--it was a great day with a yummy feast. Best of all, I had no guilt that we should be headed to another get-together. I would vote that we go away on vacation as our Thanksgiving tradition.

Kim, Food Demonstrator

2009-11-30T23:51:00.002-07:00

My family sometimes gives me a hard time about my cooking, or should I say my lack of cooking. My mom has been known to give everyone a food assignment but me. I think it is creative we bring powdered doughnuts or peanut butter sandwiches to family parties.

For Thanksgiving dinner I make the chocolate pie (and I must say I do make a mean chocolate pie). My aunt asked me to come do a pie demonstration for her Young Womens. Me, in a kitchen demonstration? Really? That actually is pretty funny.

I showed the girls how to make a chocolate pie and a banana cream pie. I found out later that a few of the girls made pies for their families on Thanksgiving. I would call that a success.

I have now officially been a food demonstrator.

A Cute New Do

2009-11-10T11:19:00.010-07:00

Drew wanted her hair cut short. I reluctantly gave in. She loves it and so do I. There has been no crying while fixing the short hair. That makes us all happy.

Wakely doesn't get why everyone notices Drew's cut and nobody notices her 2 inch trim.

brought to you by the letter H

2009-11-05T14:05:00.004-07:00

H H H H H Hamburger

Drew brought the treat for preschool
...that internet sure comes in handy

and I am sure lovin' my zoom lens

Fall Decorations

2009-11-02T00:08:00.001-07:00

Halloween 09

2009-10-31T14:17:00.009-06:00

We had a happy Halloween
the kids had several occasions to wear their costumes
we had Dorothy with Toto
a ladybug
and a giraffe
(kind of ironic since Henry doesn't have much of a neck)
The girls thought the pumpkin guts were totally gross and too slimy
Andy carved two pumpkins
and I made mine using a power drill

According to Drew

2009-10-28T21:32:00.000-06:00

some of DeeDee's recent thoughts....

1. When she is 78 years old, she will know how to read

2. The Pioneers probably didn't have tattoos

3. George Washington was the first man to walk on the moon

Wakely

2009-10-28T20:46:00.004-06:00

It was really fun to go to Wakely's Parent Teacher Conferences because I could see that the teacher really likes Wakely. When she talked about Wakely, she described her personality and strengths with specific examples. Wakely is a good listener and tries to help the other kids stay on task. Her table was the first to win a "table prize" for being good and her teacher said it was due to Wake. When Wakely talks about her friends at school, Mrs. Barrett is included in the list and now I have a better understanding why.

My Little Man

2009-10-28T16:09:00.018-06:00

Pink Fairies and Pink Lightning

2009-10-27T07:25:00.002-06:00

Fall Soccer has come to an end.

The girls have really liked the idea of soccer, but I am not so sure they have actually liked playing. They like wearing their uniforms, having the after game snacks and even like going to practice. But the games have been a different story. They have both complained how the teams they play score all the goals and they don't ever score (some games have been like 12 to 1). Even though they don't keep score, the girls are very aware when they are being smoked.

Wakely gets nervous when the ball comes close to her. She will follow it but prefers not to come in contact with it. Drew sometimes will go after the ball and other times watches it pass by. She also likes to stand spread eagle in front of the opposing team's goal when she should be chasing after the ball.

I think I am getting a glimpse of how painful it must have been to watch me play softball. I played many years and was terrible. I remember standing out in right field just hoping that the ball never would come my way. I was relived if the pitcher ever walked me so I didn't stike out. It had to be frustrating for my family to watch game after game after game of me passively playing softball. Yet they were always there to cheer for me and my team. It seriously must have been painful to watch, very painful.

Bring on the crazy

2009-10-26T10:20:00.004-06:00

CRAZY Hair Day

There is a six year old who thought it was pretty awesome to have some crazy hair today. She was super excited about it.

This and That

2009-10-15T13:12:00.008-06:00

I made mashed "potatoes" using cauliflower and Wakely said, "these sure don't taste like the ones I get at school."--Nope, they sure didn't.

Drew has said for awhile that when she grows up she wants to be a dentist or a cowgirl. However, yesterday she told me she is going to be a stylist but doesn't know if she wants to cut hair for people or dogs.

I heard Wakely tell her friend that they can play with boys until second grade, then they can't anymore.

Henry has discovered how to scream. He makes this awful screeching noise--not because he is mad, just because he can.

A person from church called me the first lady. Andy is Young Mens President.

After 7 years and 210,000 miles, Andy sold his Maxima.

Wakely is now in "Hotshots" in gymnastics which she thinks is way cool.

Drew told me she is going to move to Kansas when she grows up.

I woke Wakely up for school. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. Then she JUMPED out of bed, straddled on the floor and leaned from side to side to stretch out.

Our house has many hand made Halloween decorations taped on the walls. The girls are really in to making things "spooky."

Drew and I were playing Barbies (Henry was laying by us) and she says. "Lets go see the Giant Baby." Yes, compared to a Barbie, Hank is quite large.

Preschool

2009-09-14T20:26:00.014-06:00

Drew was so excited to start preschool. She walked right in, hung up her backpack, sat where her name was, and told me goodbye. She looked like a pro--a very cute pro.

Babyness

2009-08-28T01:37:00.002-06:00

I think I have enjoyed each one of my babies a little bit more. I realize that "babyness" doesn't last long. The third time around I have a different outlook about taking care of a baby. I don't stress about holding him too much or having him fall asleep in my arms. I love having his fuzzy head nuzzled on my shoulder. Snuggling my little guy is time well spent. I don't mind just holding him when I could try laying him down. I know the babyness doesn't last long so I am loving it while I can. I love giving those sweet cheeks kisses and that he smiles when I talk to him. I savor how he smells after he gets out of the tub. I think it is great to look at my sleeping baby wrapped like a burrito. I love giving him tickles and hearing giggles. I love squeezing his thighs and having his little hands grab hold of my finger. Yes, I am enjoying Henry's babyness.

My Shadow

2009-08-27T07:23:00.002-06:00

Meet Drew
We are buddies
She is now my shadow
If I stop quickly, she runs into my legs
She literally follows me around the house from room to room
Asking what she should do next

I am thinking Wakely's transition to first grade has been a little tricky for the little sister

First Grade

2009-08-26T09:53:00.001-06:00

Wake is officially in school all day. She yells and cheers with excitement when we talk about starting school. We decorated her pencil box and she told me, "Mom, I will think about how much you love me every time I look at my pencil box." I do love this little girl so much. It is hard to grasp that she is in school all day from here on out--she is not going to be home with me as much anymore (and I am going to miss that).

Goodbye Summer...see you next year

2009-08-24T22:01:00.000-06:00

yes

2009-08-20T22:25:00.009-06:00

I never would have thought I would get an influential parenting tip from Jim Carrey.

After we watched this show, Andy and I talked about how saying "yes" more really could make things more enjoyable.

I have tried this with the girls--yes to picnics, play dough, school lunch, swimming, playing Barbies, picking out clothes, bike riding, art projects, holding Henry, play dates, building a fort. Yes to actually sitting with them to watch a movie. Yes to a Popsicle right after breakfast. Yes to putting on jammies at 5pm.

Sometimes it is just easier to say, "not right now" or "maybe in a few minutes" But I really am trying to be a "yes mom"--other stuff can wait (mopping the floor, putting away laundry)...I am saying yes to my kids.

blah blah blah

2009-08-18T21:30:00.002-06:00

During a hymn at church, Drew wanted to sing along but didn't know the words. She decided to sing out "blah blah blah blah...." to the music.

Maybe we should practice humming.

eleven

2009-08-11T16:31:00.006-06:00

This was our wedding announcement for the local newspaper (we thought we were pretty funny to write that we were going to Lagoon on our honeymoon)

Happy Anniversary Mr. Meikle.

Henry: 3 months

2009-08-10T07:27:00.007-06:00

My little man is already 3 months old

Yes, he is trying his best to sport a faux hawk like Daddy's

Friday Favorite

2009-08-07T06:58:00.002-06:00

look what I can do

2009-08-06T07:25:00.000-06:00

kind of freaky that the girls walk around like this

old shiz

2009-08-05T07:57:00.000-06:00

Wakely was on Andy's shoulders and had a different view of her closet. She looked at the top shelf and with her sweet little voice says, "there's all my old shiz."

Seriously, where did she get that from?

Baby Smile

2009-08-04T22:14:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things these days is Henry's little smile. It can make me melt in a hurry.

1+1=26

2009-08-01T15:04:00.000-06:00

Family Reunion

My mom and dad had all their kids and grandkids there.

The Goon

2009-07-30T15:55:00.004-06:00

that's what fun is

or is it

your brand of summer fun

or is it

now you're an adult all the rides make you sick

totally missed the boat

2009-07-30T15:00:00.000-06:00

if I was 17

and had moves--love those fan kicks and pirouettes

and sang well

and could tap dance

I would totally want to be a Lagoon Performer

Ragnar, take two

2009-07-25T14:03:00.006-06:00

Andy went to Seattle and participated in his second 188 mile relay race.

Manipulative Parenting? Perhaps.

2009-07-24T18:20:00.004-06:00

(Andy was out of town)
I gave the girls two options for watching the 24th of July Parade:

#1-- go to the Odgen parade where it will be hot and we will sit on the sidewalk

#2-- watch the bigger, better Salt Lake Parade on tv where they could sit on the couch, wear jammies and we could go to the store and pick out snacks.

Guess what one they chose?

Birdie has decided the downstairs couch belongs to her

Girls Day

2009-07-22T15:11:00.002-06:00

We had a girls day out (plus Henry) with the cousins. We rode Frontrunner and went to the Discovery Center and played in the fountain at the Gateway. The girls had a great time.

thanks JL and Sara for being the party planners

and Hank hung out and slept

fish farm

2009-07-20T16:30:00.002-06:00

We took the girls fishing for the first time. They now think a fish farm is how fishing is suppose to be-- and who am I to disagree. They thought it was pretty great. Then I cooked up a mean trout recipe and Mr. Meikle and I enjoyed a yummy dinner (the girls opted for PB&J).

and this is what Henry did--he is good about being hauled around everywhere

Miracles can happen, they can happen to you.

2009-07-15T16:22:00.000-06:00

Recently, Andy and I were having an intriguing conversation about how an egg can have two yolks (it is too bad you were not there to join in--it was fascinating). I said how I had never actually seen it.

And what do you know--a few days later I had this surprise at breakfast time.

4th of July

2009-07-04T17:49:00.002-06:00

4th of July

We went to Grandpa and Grandma Meikle's church for a morning childrens parade. Wakely and Drew decorated their bikes and cruised around the block (who needs red, white, and blue streamers when you have leftover orange and yellow ones?) Later that day the Hislop fam came over for swimming and a bbq. Andy ended the day putting on an AWESOME (according to a 6 and 4 year old) firework show.

the native tongue

2009-07-01T07:15:00.000-06:00

Wakely asked us a question that she seemed very concerned about. "What language is Henry going to speak?" She was worried that she will not be able to understand him.

I love to see children's thought processes in motion.

The Running Man

2009-06-29T10:26:00.010-06:00

A year ago, if "running man" and "andy" were in my same thought process I would have thought along the lines of dance moves--the cabbage patch, the pelvic thrust, the robot, the moonwalk, the running man--- not a 188 mile relay race from Logan to Park City.

Congrats to Mr. Meikle for completing his first race ever!

It is cute to hear Andy talk about pace, milage, splits, form, stride and such. He completed his runs just as he had planned. It sounded like everyone on his team had a great time, he sure did.

Andy is a running man, right on!

Happy Fathers Day 09

2009-06-21T11:11:00.009-06:00

Dad

a Son's first hero

a Daughter's first love

Happy Fathers Day.

Henry's Blessing Day

2009-06-07T11:29:00.005-06:00

Andy gave Henry a beautiful blessing. One thing that Andy said during the blessing that really stood out in my mind was that Henry will take responsibility for his own choices. I think that is good advice for all of us. If we are responsible for our own choices, we do not blame others. We are accountable for what we do, what we say, what circumstances we are in, how we feel, how we treat others, how we react. We do not put fault onto others if we are responsible for our choices.

It was so nice to have such great support from our families. We were sure feelin' the love.

Henry's official birth announcement

2009-06-03T15:14:00.001-06:00

Well, the third child didn't get handmade

birth announcements, but I at least got

them printed and sent.

minus the blowhole

2009-05-31T21:47:00.003-06:00

Wakely is really cute with her baby brother. She likes to hold him and talk to him in a really sweet voice. It is fun for me to see them interact.

Henry had the typical "baby acne" and had little white bumps on his nose. Wakely was holding him and said, "Henry looks just like a hump back whale-minus the blowhole." She then talked about the white bumps.

When I look at his little sweet face that is certainly not what I think of. But I guess to a six year old white bumps on a whale and white bumps on a newborn are quite similar.

Why do you like babies?

2009-05-31T21:45:00.001-06:00

Drew is so happy to be a big sister. She loves her little brother a ton and gives him lots and lots of attention. She is doing pretty well in "being gentle" but I still watch closely and give her reminders.

We asked her what she likes best about Henry and her reply was, "He can pee all over." Apparantly to a 4 year old that is a good trait.

Baby Henry

2009-05-31T20:54:00.000-06:00

Henry was asleep in his swing and big sis Drew thought his head was cold

his eyes are looking more blue

DeeDee the biker

2009-05-29T16:02:00.006-06:00

Drew is pretty excited that she is now riding a two wheeler.

She could ride it last summer but wasn't real confident--she has now found her biking mojo and zips all around. The girls even rode their bikes 2 miles at the Parkway the other night.

May: end of year schtuff

2009-05-29T15:20:00.018-06:00

Wakely is done with Kindergarten
Drew is done with preschool
The girls had their end of year gymnastics performance. They thought their medals were quite impressive.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T18:04:00.008-06:00

Memorial Day at the Hunstville Cemetary has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. It is a nice time to remember those who have passed away and it gives us a chance to show our kiddos the headstones of those they are named after.

Each of our kids are named after family
Wakely Grace: Named after Andy's grandma Mildred Wakley & my grandma Grace
Drew Taylor: Her daddy Andrew & my Grandpa Curtis Taylor and Cousin Ray Taylor
Henry Matthew: My great grandpa Charles Henry and Matthew after Andy's brother

little cousins playing--reminds me of a long time ago

2 weeks

2009-05-24T22:18:00.000-06:00

sleepin' like a baby

2009-05-21T20:09:00.001-06:00

I love these little legs with the wrinkly skin that he is quickly growing into.
There is something about a sleeping baby that is so precious--they look so sweet and peaceful.

Henry will sleep on the couch, in the bouncer, in the swing,
on our bed, when we hold him, in the carseat.
He will NOT sleep in his basinet. He can be sound asleep and if we lay him in the basinett he is awake within a couple of minutes.

daddy tricks

2009-05-18T16:06:00.000-06:00

This blue scooter was Andy's as a kid and Wakely got it for her birthday.

Andy was showing off his tricks and popped a wheel.

The scooter now has new tires and I don't think Andy will be practicing any more jumps.

What do you do with those four other fingers?

2009-05-17T21:36:00.000-06:00

It must be frustrating when all you want to do is suck your thumb and you keep poking yourself in the eye.

Henry is a fan of his thumb. I am trying to convince him a binkie is better (since I can take away a binkie when he is older). Sometimes he acts like he really likes it and other times he is disgusted by it.

Wakely #6

2009-05-16T15:19:00.000-06:00

5.16.09

Wakley turned six years old. Her friend had a "surprise party" a couple weeks before so she wanted a surprise party too. It was pretty funny because she kept asking us how her surprise party plans were coming along. Andy did great as the host--he let the kids chase him around, played with waterguns, smashed a pinata, rode bikes and played on the swingset. The kids had a great time and we had a very happy birthday girl.