Cambop

Cute Cammers is getting SO big and old!  He's such a nut.  Today he came home from school and said, "Mom, I was acting weird at school today because, well, I'm just a weird kid."  Ha!

Looks so sweet and innocent.  

This is what he does when he gets his hands on my camera.  Oh Cam, we love you dude!

Saturday Mornings

Nate works every Saturday right now.  So our mornings are kind of slow and lazy.  The kids each have to do a few chores, and then we just hang out.

Cameron writes books...

My bookends snuggle...

The girlies play in the bath...

Cam builds Legoes...

Have a great weekend!!

And..I have to record a few funny things Cam has said lately.

The other day, we were riding in the car and out of the blue, Cam goes, "Mom, before you had me, you were a Korean woman."

One morning, Cam woke up and said, "Mom, you're going to be SO happy!  I didn't wake up at all in the middle of the night and sneak any junk food or take any dollars from your wallet!!"  

"Wait...my money?  Do you do that?"

"No...."

Hmmm...right.

All Toys Go To Heaven

Two funny conversations I've had with Cam recently:

1. We were playing outside, and a thunder/lightning storm started.
Mom: Ok kids, lets head inside.
Cam: Why?
M: Because there is lightning.  I don't want you to get struck.
C: Why, would I die?
M: Probably. (aren't I nice?)
C: And go to heaven and live with Jesus?
M: Yep.
C: Well, if I get hit by lightning, then I hope the lightning hits my helmet and my bike too so that they can come with me so I can ride in heaven.

2. We were reading scriptures one night and started talking to Cam about how if we keep the commandments, then we get to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus for forever as a family.
Cam: But will my toys be in heaven too?
Mom and Dad: Um.....
Cam: I know!!  We can just get some laundry baskets to put all my and Allie's toys in to take with us.


Mom:  Hey Cameron, be funny for the camera!

Haha, oh man, never a dull day with Cambop!!  Love this dude.

Marshmallow Cheeks & Angels

Cameron: "Mom, why does Claire look like she has marshmallows in her cheeks?"

I don't know Cameron, but like you're one to talk...!!!

(Cam G at a week or two old.  I love this picture.  Hilarious!)

Anyway.

Life is good.  Life is so, SO good.

My sweet visiting teacher came over earlier this week, and she shared a thought with me that I really loved and needed to hear and that has stuck with me as I go about my days since.  The prophet Joseph Smith said to the sisters of the Church: "If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates." 

During my entire pregnancy, I prayed every night for strength and joy as a mother of three.  These past few weeks, I have truly felt the peaceful assistance of angels in my home and lifting me and comforting me and I have felt So Much JOY.  I have felt that I am NOT alone in my quest to raise these sweethearts.  Heavenly Father wants my babies to succeed and return to Him even more than Nate and I do.  He won't leave us alone here on earth to try and arm these children with righteousness and morality and obedience on our own.  He has lovingly given us prophets, scriptures, commandments, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and yes, even the company of angels.  My Patriarchal Blessing says that angels will always be waiting and watching to come to my assistance when needed.  Sometimes those angels come in the form of friends or family, and sometimes they truly are an unseen force that lighten my burdens and help me get through my personal journey on earth.

I love this picture.  Angels helping those early Saints push and pull their handcarts.  I have no doubts that this was true....because it still is today!

Cute Roo in her "candyland jammies".

Things I want to remember about my beautiful baby:

Claire LOVES taking baths.

Her eyes are already turning a gorgeous shade of dark blue.

She didn't get a cheek dimple like her siblings, but she has two tiny dimples in her chin!

She LOVES to be kissed on her chubby cheeks...she gets all excited and makes cute noises.

She loves it when Cam and Roo talk to her.

She has less-thick hair than Roo did at this age (people always ask me about that).

She never fusses during diaper changes, which is nice because she poops about 400 times a day.

We love you sweet Claire!

Slow-Cooker Day

NieNie did a post one time about how they were having a "Slow-Cooker Day"....meaning it was just one of those days where it takes you forever to get going, you have no plans, the kids are parked in front of the Disney channel and the day just drags by.  It's the perfect title for days like that!  I have since adopted it into my vocabulary because we sadly have these days way too often.  Today is definitely a Slow-Cooker Day in the Wood household.  The all-day snowstorm and Nate's 10-hour shift and Cam not having school and me not feeling the best (quite possibly a direct result of the cinnamon roll feast that is actually still going on today....sorry fetus, Mom can't stop!).

So whenever I need a pick-me-up on a long slow-cooker day, the quickest way is to grab my camera and tell my kids to go be silly and make me laugh.  They never disappoint.

My cross-eyed daughter looks so homeless....

 We have a lot of furniture in our living room right now (anyone want our leather sofa?), and if you're wondering if it's driving me crazy, the answer is YES!

"Mouskersizing"




I LOVE Roo's face here!!!

I wish I could edit the background (laundry!) because this is one of my FAVORITE pictures I've ever taken of the two of them.

So every night before bed, we play the "I Love You Game".  Last night it was Cameron's turn to be 'it'.  Usually we just go around and each say why we love that person, then that person says our nightly family prayer.  It's really fun.  But last night, we told Cam it was his turn.  He's obviously not supposed to do this, but the kid jumped in with, "I love myself today because....I'm SO smart."  Haha, Nate and I about died.  Nothing wrong with a little self-confidence, I guess...  We love you, Cam, because you are so hilarious!!!

Best Friends

Last night Cameron put his arm around Allie and said, "You're my buddy. You're my girl."

This morning, he said, "Mom, I had such good dreams last night. I dreamed about Allie."

Mom: "Cameron, I know you want a boy baby, but if it's another girl, will you still love her?"
Cam: Sigh.... "Yes, I will. I will be a good brother to her, she'll be my baby just like Allie is."

I feel like a walk down memory lane:

Eating Cheetos this morning

Southern Respect & A Family Motto

Apparently Cam is picking up more than just some mad basketball skills and dance moves from his HSM obsession.  The other day, I asked him to go put his shoes on so we could leave, and he shocked me with the cheerful answer of, "Yes, Sir."

I asked him where he learned that, and he said, "That's what Troy says."  Sweet, right on!  So I explained that boys are 'sirs' and girls are 'ma'ms'.  I told him that it is very respectful and polite of him to talk like that, and that he is welcome to say that anytime he wants!

So last night when I asked him to bring me his cup, his precious little voice called out, "Yes, Ma'm!!"

I love it.  Bring on the South, my boy is ready.

***
Our August issue of the Ensign arrived the other day, and I immediately retreated to my bed to indulge.

I have been thinking a lot about raising my children and making my home a safe haven where they can readily feel the love of their Heavenly Father.  It's not an easy task.  But more than anything, I want my children to succeed in developing a rock solid testimony of the Gospel and know that their Savior lives.  No matter what worldly influences they encounter, I want them to know that their purpose and worth in this life is more than what the world will have them think.

President Boyd K. Packer wrote a wonderful article in this issue, and one paragraph of it hit me hard when I read it.  I decided to make one line of it as our new family motto.  I will read this to the children daily, and as they get older and can read, I want to place it where they will see it often.

"You live in an interesting generation, when trials will be constant in your life.  Learn to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  It is to be a shield and a protection and a teacher for you.  Never be ashamed or embarrassed about the doctrines of the gospel or about the standards we teach in the Church.  You always, if you are faithful in the Church, will be much different from the world at large."  - President Boyd K. Packer

Cameron and Allison,  it is a privilege to be much different from the world.  Stay close to your parents, each other, and especially the Savior.  Keep your standards high, and continue to open the scriptures and pray daily. You will always be safe, peaceful and happy in this life.  And we will be an eternal family.  Daddy & I know this is true.

Together

It's a monumental night for my two babies. Together at last! They are sharing a room now, and we are loving the extra space in the now-playroom/office/whatever room.  This was the scene as of 2 minutes ago:  Cameron out like a light and Roo sitting up reading books quietly.  I can handle that!!  We'll see what happens in the morning...

I thought it would be the other way around!  Silly kids.  But I don't really blame Cam...we were outside for about 6 hours today.  He played like I've never seen him play....bikes, scooter, hockey, basketball, baseball, up the slides, down the slides, playhouse, swings.....I don't think he stopped once.  I think we're going to try and teach him to ride his bike without training wheels soon.  He's doing such a great job coasting down hills on his scooter, so he's already learning balance. 

I've really been enjoying Cam and noticing a huge change in him lately.  He's a lot less emotional, he obeys better, he's really growing up.  He seems to do more and more for himself, and it's just made life easier on me!  Every morning before he comes out of his room, he gets all dressed, it's really nice!  He's really good at being my delivery boy...he takes things to my neighbors for me all the time...and he usually comes right back...(sometimes he'll take a few bike laps around the court or something!). 

Today we sat outside on the grass while Roo was napping.  We ate pretzels and just talked.... I asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up.  He said, "When I'm big like Daddy, I want to go to school and work."  I asked him what he wanted to do at work and he said, "Play basketball."  Sweet....NBA, here we come. 

The other day, we went to the WIC office.  Whenever we go (every 3 months), they talk to you about your child's nutrition and activity and stuff.  The lady goes, "So how is Cameron doing with his eating?"  I said he eats really well.  She turned to him and said, "What do you like to eat?"  I was a little nervous...I was sure he was going to mention his popsicle obsession and bring up the german chocolate cake we had just baked.  But he smiled and I could almost see the angelic beams radiating off of him as he sweetly said, "I love fruits and vegetables."  It was soo funny.  I think I laughed outloud.  It was almost as if we had rehearsed it.  Phew.... thanks for the 'good mom' points, honey!!

I really love this little dude. 

The Heart of Life is Good

It's official.

Me and my Nate

August 31, 2010

7th row

JOHN MAYER

 I'm still giddy over how amazing his concert was two years ago.  It still gives me chills.  I can't wait to go.  Again!  Train is opening instead of Colbie this time.  I heard them about 10 years ago when they opened for Matchbox 20.  It's gonna be good....

***

I had another Boutique today.  I didn't plan this one, so it was much more relaxing.  It turned out well, and between both Boutiques I paid for our concert tickets.  Can't beat that!  I've sold most of my stuff...but I still have some bows/flowers/headbands if you want anything....it'll be a steal, so let me know!  I took Roo with me to the Boutique, but Cam stayed here and played with Bella.  Her mom told me he was the most pleasant child she'd ever watched.  Made me happy.  Apparently someone said "butt"...and Cam said, "You can't say that, it makes Jesus sad."  I love that he wants to follow Jesus at such a young age.  Sweet kid.

Saturday Morning

Our Saturday at 7:40 am:

Nate:  Out for a run.
Becca: Wishing I had some OJ.
Cam: Wearing Dad's helmet.
Allison: Eating leftover pizza for breakfast.

Happy Saturday!

***

Yesterday we went to visit my college bff, Merilee.  She was babysitting a little boy named Boston, about Cam's age.  His mom came to get him, and he ran and hid behind the wall.

Cam: Boston, your mom is here!  Look!

Boston: No.

Cam: But Boston, she's here, Look, it's your mom!! (excitement in his voice)

Boston: I don't want to see my mom.

Cam: You don't?  But it's your mom!

Boston: I don't like my mom.

Cam: Huh?  No, you should like your mom.

Made my day.

Growing Up

This little sweetie pie is growing up

too fast...

(haha, I love her piggies when they're still wet!)

and it's breaking my heart!! 

Some days I still want another baby...but then that baby would grow up too fast and I'd want another...it's a vicious cycle!

***

This morning Roo wanted to eat her cereal ALL BY HERSELF.  She did a pretty good job!  One spoon...then the other  I remember when Cam first wanted to feed himself...it was with yogurt.  Such a messy phase, but so so sweet!

***

My friend, Tamie: "Hey Cameron, what's your little sister's name?"

Cam: "Rooster."

Tamie: "What?  I don't think so..."

Cam: "Yes it is.  Her name's Rooster. And Allie."

***

This morning I woke up and finally confronted the beast:Cameron's Bedroom! His toys are such a disaster, and it was driving me insane. Like to the point where I wouldn't even go in there. I would clean up the mess day after day after day, so I went on strike. For too long! So today I went through with a garbage bag and threw away all of the obnoxious toys...Happy Meal plastic toys, crayons and markers, mis-matched socks, etc etc.  It felt good!  We also put his mattress up on the frame...hopefully he won't fall off!  His mattresses were just sitting on the floor before, so now we can store stuff under his bed.  I moved his bookshelf to the foot of his bed, so now at night he can read before he falls asleep.  He already does...but there is usually a trail of books leading from his bookshelf to his bed!  I'm not a super-organized person, but I'm glad I finally got that project done!  On to the next...bring on the Spring Cleaning.
***

Nate has been getting up at 6:30 every day and working out. It's his new "Nater Revolution"...hilarious!  He's on a quest to lose some weight, get BUFF, and just have a more active lifestyle. I'm excited about it, he says he already feels better.  He runs the same loop as me, and he can already run it faster!  We're hoping to run some 5K's this summer...except he'll probably leave me in the dust.  Wait for me!!