Pop! Goes My Heart

Weekly Wrap-up

It was a typical busy week. There was some swimming, fireworks, Pioneer Day, watermelon seed in Skylar's ear, Owlz Game, more swimming, Skylar's arm stuck in a sliding door at the gas station (complete fear and panic-from both of us-for a minute, then she was fine) , more swimming, etc., etc. I asked Skylar if we should change her nickname to "Trouble" (that's Kade's nickname) because she's had such a rough week and a half. She wasn't too enthused. I'm hoping she got it out of her system because I don't think I can handle it anymore. She's usually such a good kid.
Ben and I went out to see Transformers on Friday night. Good action, not good acting. On Saturday, the kids and our dog, Koda, enjoyed a romp through the sprinklers. We wanted to go to the Unwritten Law concert on Saturday night but lack of money and a late-night babysitter squelched that. Concerts are few and far between these days. That's something I really miss about pre-kid days. Ben went to a LAN party instead which translates into neither of us sleeping until 3 in the am. My stinking insomnia. Anyway, I'm exhausted.

Swimming Lessons

Skylar and Nick finished swimming lessons today. We tried to get my nephew, Dylan, to be one of their teachers but it didn't work out. He got to help out Skylar's class one day. That was really fun for her. Nick was a little bummed-his "two best friends" in the world are the Dylans (cousin and Tong) and he really wanted him to be his teacher. But he had fun anyway. They both loved it and even jumped off the diving board into the deep end! Way to go kids!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Ben had to work this year for Pioneer Day so that was kind of a bummer. We still had an exciting day because Skylar managed to get a watermelon seed stuck in her ear! So, after yet another emergency trip to the after-hours doctor (we're getting to be regulars!!) it was flushed out and she's just fine now. I told her she's going to be tied to the couch soon if she doesn't stop getting in trouble!!
Later we were able to still celebrate by going to the Orem Owlz Game. We went with our friends, the Tongs and the Meyers, and had a lot of fun. The weather was perfect because it had just rained so it wasn't too hot. Too bad that I don't know what I' m doing on this blog thing yet or I'd have some great video of Adrianne busting a move. I guess that's blackmail for later! Anyway, they had an awesome fireworks show after-poor little Amy looked a little perplexed by it.

Weekly Wrap-up

Wow! What a week. This has been a very trying and crazy week for me. So, here goes. Lisa is my go-to girl. She's the person in this world (besides Ben, of course) that I talk to about everything and anything. We met when we were both about 8 1/2 months pregnant with our first kids, Parker and Skylar. We learned all about the whole mom thing together and have shared our horror stories and lots of laughs through the years. She moved away about 2 years ago but she's still the person I rely on when I need advice or cheering up. Well, she calls me on Monday morning bawling. Parker was playing with a RC airplane last Saturday night and cut himself really bad. He had been in the hospital all weekend, he'd had surgery once, and was most likely needing more. On top of that, Lisa is 7 months pregnant. I felt so bad. I had no clue what to do to help her because we're so far away, except pray for him. We've all been really worried and every prayer has included him. I talked to Lisa tonight and after a week in the hospital, including a flight up to Primary Children's, he is home and doing better. We're so glad that he's doing okay and will continue to keep him in our prayers.
So Monday afternoon, I noticed that Skylar's Sleeping Beauty Barbie doll had received a cool new punk hairdo. I kept my cool when asking Skylar about it. Then, surprisingly, I kept my cool when I noticed Skylar was missing a few locks herself. So, she has bangs now. I am grateful that it wasn't anything more. Ben (our barber) tried to cut them a little straighter without making them way too short but they are still quite noticeable. Skylar was really upset after she realized what she had done but hair does grow back so it is not the end the world. Skylar had had a stressful day because she was really worried about Parker, so I tried my best to laugh it off. She didn't want to smile for the picture but I told her it was something she'll laugh about later.
Ben left for Scout camp on Tuesday and I prepped myself for my stressful week by... picking up a can of paint for the kitchen. So, every night after the kids were in bed, I spent the time painting. It actually was great, because instead of the usual insomnia I suffer from when he's gone, I fell fast asleep because I was so exhausted. I really missed him though. Every time he's gone, I appreciate him more and more. I really don't know how single moms do it. I am in awe of them. Ben is such a great husband and so supportive. I'm so lucky.
Leslie, my friend from high school, was also in town this week. We went to visit her at her mom's house. She has two girls that are both Skylar's and McKade's age (they're actually 7 days apart). It was fun to catch up with her and our kids had a lot of fun together. We went to Disneyland with them last September but she has since moved to Texas. I don't anticipate going there anytime in the near or distant future, so I'm glad she came to visit. She is one of the few friends that I still stay in touch with from high school and it's fun to be able to go through some of the same things together but still have the history too.
Our primary had a mini pioneer trek on Saturday. Skylar was so excited to dress up and push her "wagon" along. She learned how to square dance and she was really good at it. She had such a blast! She is always so excited about everything she does. I love her spirit and willingness to participate. I'm not such a go getter myself so I live vicariously through her. Skylar, you're awesome!

Weekly (or two) Wrap-up

Okay, so I'm a little new to this but decided the weekly thing may be helpful. I guess I'll do two weeks this time to catch up.
Week one: The kids and I got up early on the 3rd to go see the hot air balloons. This is our yearly tradition with the Tongs (our BFFs!!) Every year it's so much fun, even the pelting of candy from the Strawberry balloon. Then later that night, my friend, Sara, and I camped out on University Ave. for the big 4th of July parade. This wasn't really necessary because I had put our stuff out on Monday by noon but I thought it'd be fun and I had promised Skylar that we'd do it. Our other friend, Adrianne, copped out-some excuse that her kids weren't feeling good (probably from getting up at the crack of dawn to see the balloons!). Anyway, we just had half our kids (her one, my two). They slept in a tent and finally settled down about midnight. Sara and I slept (ha ha) under the stars and stayed up a bit doing the girl talk thing and finally drifted off to near impossible sleep with motorcycles revving and people walking by saying " Wow! Those girls are sleeping." I know that I finally fell into a deep sleep after 4:45 am and Nick woke up at 6. Needless to say, sleep was not plentiful, but I'm always up for something out of the ordinary, so I had fun. I'm not a huge parade person, but since I've had kids, it's fun to go for them. My kids love the pre-parade because of the Star Wars guys. I love that part too. I missed out on Chewie (I'm a fan!) though so that was kind of a bummer. Anyway, some of our family joined us later on, including my parents, my brother and his fam, and even Ben and McKade at the end. We had saved a huge spot and felt a little guilty taking up so much room so we were glad everyone filled it up for us. My grandma never found us. I was bummed because when I think of the 4th of July, I always think of her because that was kind of the big day our family got together growing up. She's getting old (94) and those 4ths are running out. I love my grandma and really missed her!!! Anyway, our whole family crashed after the parade and then later did the Seven Peaks thing and fireworks. The rest of the week consisted of me feeling utter exhaustion. But I guess the memory of camping out on the parade route is worth it?? I think?
Week two: So this week has been relatively uneventful, which I needed because the last few weeks have been a busy blur! Skylar had her kindergarten check-up and we found out she is in the 60th percentile for height (still 25th for weight-skinny little thing)! I knew she had been growing really fast this year but she's always been below 25th for height so I was not expecting the jump. Both the Dr. and I were amazed! Anyway, she's all good to go to kindergarten. She is so excited. I'm not so much. It's a little sad.
The week ended with me getting a haircut (4-5 inches) because I've been going crazy from the heat. My friend, Krystal, cuts my hair and just had a baby 5 weeks ago so I've been wanting to get it cut but I was hesitant to bug her too soon. It's so nice to have it shorter-instantly cooler. Anyway, she and her husband invited us over for a BBQ that night which we hadn't done in forever. The Tongs came too and we had so much fun. Before we had kids we did the BBQ thing like every weekend and since it has been far too seldom. It was fun to get together and reminisce. We stayed up way too late for our kids and ended it up with McKade banging his chin up on their fireplace-we were so thankful it didn't involve lost teeth and stitches! Anyway, we had a lot of fun, minus the chin thing!
Tonight, while making dinner with a migraine, I looked out the window to see the Hanamaikais pull up and Ben say, "Oh yeah, Quinn called to say they were dropping by." Typical Quinn to Ben to me communication. Anyway, it was fun to see them. Since they moved to Riverdale we don't get the chance too much. Visits from them always include a "Princess Parade" from our girls that is always entertaining. This time the boys joined in and a picture had to be shot. Okay, so this is definitely a big post. Sorry, I'm a newbie with the gift of gab.

MC 1: McKade Jacob Jordan

McKade is my little "momma's boy." He's been better lately about branching out to others, especially Ben, but when he gets to me, the thumb pops in his mouth, he snuggles in, and he's happy as can be. He is our adventurous kid. He likes to be doing whatever the big kids are doing and doesn't mind if he gets a bump or two in the process. The poor kid has had a broken leg and a dislocated elbow in his short life and they haven't slowed him down. He has also followed his siblings in his love for superheroes and one of his first words was "Batman!" When we turn on a Justice League show, he runs to the TV and screams "Batman!". It's so funny! Kade is also our trouble maker! He keeps me completely on my toes because he's always getting into something. Lately, he just looks at me and starts nodding "no" while he does whatever he is doing that is wrong. It's like he knows he's in trouble but it's just too hard to resist! He flashes his little mischevious grin at me and I can't help but forgive him. He's such a sweet and cuddly kid and loves to give hugs and just snuggle. It's so much fun having his exciting personality in our family. I love you Kade!

DJ 2: Nickolas Duncan Jordan

Nick is my little comedian with a big heart. He is always goofing around and loves to tell jokes. He loves making us laugh. He's always been such a happy and content kid. He is really, really, really into superheroes, especially the Flash, and spends his entire day running really fast and fighting the bad guys. Luke Skywalker and Buzz Lightyear are also favorites. He is the sweetest kid you'll ever meet. He is really thoughtful of everyone and is always quick to offer a hug or "smooch" and a "Me love you!" He has always been our "Beanbag" because he's really easy going and relaxed about everything. The only trouble he makes is going to bed at night, which he has no interest in. I guess he got that from his mom. He definitely helps me keep my sanity because he is so mellow. I'm so lucky to be his mom! I love you Nicky!

DJ 1:Skylar Diane Jordan

Skylar is my little artist and dancing princess. She is always on her tip toes, dancing along, or drawing some amazing picture. She is such a sweet and imaginative girl. She has such a passion for life and is always up for anything and is so creative. It's so much fun to see the things she does and creates. She is also a giant help! She keeps it all together for me by doing her jobs and helping me out all the time. She is a mother hen to her little brothers and is so helpful with them. Today, she changed her first diaper and has begged me to have that be her new job. I just might take her up on that! She is almost six and starts kindergarten next month. I'm sad to think she won't be with me all of the time. Her excitement for life is contagious and I love being able to watch her grow. I love you Skylar!

Our 10th Anniversary Trip

We went to San Francisco for our 10th anniversary. We were a little hesitant to leave the kids, especially McKade, with the grandparents but they did fine and it was so nice to be alone!
The first night we stayed at Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel. It's about an hour south of SF near Half Moon Bay. I'm a big fan of lighthouses so I was really excited. Ben was such a good sport because the accommodations were less than superior. We had a private room but since it was a hostel, we had to share the bathroom. It wasn't so bad. The guy who worked there was this total burned out surfer guy. Entertaining in itself. Then, when he found out we were from Utah, he said "Whoa! You're like never gonna believe this but my baby brother is totally like the head coach for BYU (Bronco Mendenhall). He's like totally Mormon and @#$!. No disrespect or anything." So, that was kinda weird. I wish we would've gotten a picture with him. He was the nicest guy but such the surfer bum. It was awesome. He totally hooked us up with an hour in the hot tub at no charge ( you have to pay $7/half hour each person) so that was cool. The hot tub was awesome. It was right on the cliff next to the ocean. It was quite an experience.
We did the typical tourist things in SF: Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Ghiradelli Square, and we walked back and forth across the Golden Gate bridge. I love San Francisco. It is by far the prettiest city that I've ever been to and it has so many different cultures and interesting things to see. I wish that we could live there but parking for a half hour sets you back $5, it's so expensive! Someday, when our kids are out of the house we hope to move right to the city for a year or so. I think it'd be so much fun to experience the big city life for awhile. I don't know if Ben's as excited, but he's willing. Anyway, it was so much fun to be there. It was all Ben's idea but I know he wanted to go there to make me happy. He's such a sweet guy. I'm so glad that I have him in my life. He is the perfect husband and such a great father. These last ten years have been so awesome. I love you Ben!

July 1, 1997- 10 Years Gone

Well, I was crazy about you then and now the craziest thing of all, over ten years have gone by and you're still mine, we're locked in time.