St. George in January

It was a beautiful day today, so the kids had a snack out on the deck. We took some pictures to celebrate the weather.

Cups

I have four kids that use cups. Each day they are supposed to choose ONE clean cup. They set it on the counter in a special place and everyone knows to only use their own cup. This is a great system, see, because it both increases personal accountability and decreases unnecessary dishwashing.
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Uh huh.

Tonight I walked through the house and gathered up no less than twelve cups. One was by the fireplace. One was in my bedroom. Several were in the familyroom. And of course, there were a few sitting (unused) right where they were supposed to be in the kitchen.

I do not understand how such a perfect system could fail so badly. This proliferation of cups is an affront to organized mothers everywhere. I mean, seriously, haven't we all learned by now that external systems are the best way to control personal behavior?!

Perhaps I need to reassess my use of westernized governing tactics and revert to that ever-effective, good old-fashioned judeo-christian motivator: GUILT.

Cellular Pressure

Carter is currently in full-negotiation mode. He wants a cell phone. We have told him repeatedly he is not getting a cell phone. But his tenacity is maddening and we have an almost daily conversation that goes something like this:

"Mom, you know I need a cell phone."

"No, you do not 'need' a cell phone."

"All my friends have a cell phone."

"That is a terrible reason."

"You will be able to call me and tell me to come home whenever you want."

"Yeah, or you could just wear a watch."

"Watches are for nerds."

"Dad wears a watch."

"Yeah, and he also has a phone!"

"I'm not buying you a phone."

"You would always know where I am!"

"I already always know where you are. You are usually here, arguing with me about the cell phone."

"See, buy me a cell phone and the arguing will stop."

"The arguing will stop or you will vacuum the stairs."

"Please cell phone!"

"No cell phone."

Last night Carter decided a different approach might be more effective. While I was downstairs putting the other kids to bed, he cleaned the kitchen. And not just a little clean; he unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, swept the floor, put the rest of dinner in the fridge and wiped the counters and table. It was beautiful. When he came downstairs later he said, "If you buy me a cell phone I will clean the kitchen like this every night!" Hmmm. Tempting. Or, he could just clean the kitchen because he is part of the family...

Today after school he snuck downstairs, opened a bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider, got two goblets out of the china cupboard and offered me some.

"Mother, I think we should discuss this like adults."

I was warned once by my father never to accept a drink from an attractive man with "ulterior" motives. So I asked him point blank, "Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Will it work?" He countered, hopefully.

Nope.

But I did promise I would bring it up for discussion. What do you think? Isn't 12 just a little young for a cell phone? When did you or your kids get cell phones? Do you think they are necessary or distracting? And, if you wereree meee wwhhat woudl you doooo?

I think I'm feeling a little tipsy...

"he he he..."

Potty training Bryce. 

Bleh. 

Be back later... 

Nelson 2009 Christmas Card

Once again, 'tis the season when Christmas is here,
And with some reflection I tally the year...
The day August 10th brought a blessing from heaven,
When dear April Evelyn swelled our numbers to seven.
She is our sweet angel with a visage so bright,
She smiles and coos, and sleeps through the night!
Bryce is a pistol, all boy and all two.
He loves Legos and books, and Lightning McQueen too.
Spencer is reading and loves to ride bikes,
Pizza, ice cream and Wii are a few of his likes.
Chelsea -- my spitfire -- I love to have near,
She helps me with April and is so sweet and dear.
Carter's soon 12 -- and in middle school --
So he frequently tells us what is (and not) cool.
Tyler, my favorite, makes time for it all,
To Boston and New York he took Chelsea this Fall.
Each day brings for Kristen so much to be done,
Too often I yearn for more hours of sun!
We love you and hope that this season brings joy
Happiness, health (and maybe a toy!)
May the spirit of Christmas with you never cease,
As the truth of our Savior's life fills all with peace.

Love,

Tyler, Kristen
Carter (11), Chelsea (9), Spencer (5), Bryce (2), April (4mos)

(Many thanks to Grandma who invited us over this morning to make a lovely Gingerbread house. It provided the perfect photo-op!)

Tales of the Undead

A little while ago, I took Spencer to the pet store. (We needed bird seed.) While we were there, we took some time looking around at all the turtles, snakes, fish, puppies, rabbits, and even cats (shudder). But when it was time to go, there was a certain large-eyed goldfish that Spencer had fallen in love with. According to Spencer, the goldfish kept swimming in circles miming "I love you," through the glass. Being that the fish was only .30 cents and that we already have a small tank at home, I told him he could get the fish. Then I proceeded to explain that this fish was a feeder fish and it wouldn't last more than a few days. I hashed and rehashed the likelihood that once we bought the fish, it was a goner. But Spencer had faith that his new BFF would live forever. Or at least until Tuesday.
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We brought the fish home, set up the small tank, and proceeded to feed it somewhat frequently. Everyday after school Spencer would run in and check on his fish. "Nope, not dead yet!" he would proudly announce. This went on for a few days and then a few weeks. We began to call the fish Wesley. "Good night Wesley, good work today. You will most likely be dead in the morning."

But Wesley refused to die. Soon, Spencer's cheerful after school announcement turned into a somewhat annoyed: "When is this fish going to die?" or the more macabre: "Die fish die!" But Wesley hung on. He got through Halloween. He survived Thanksgiving. We are now heading into our fourth month with a very tenacious goldfish that may even require a Christmas present (more food).

So, true to his word, Spencer's faith kept Wesley alive long enough to annoy us all. Good work boy.

Lovely April

I am not under the impression that anyone who is not a grandparent wants to see this many pictures of my three month old. So, if you fall into the, "yes...and?" category, you may avert your eyes. But to me she is lovely. And I know her Grandmas will agree.

This pout is my favorite.

The closest we could get to a smile.

The end!

Happy Halloween!

I DON'T

WANT TO

BE THE

TIGER!!

Kids

Here are some pictures of Bryce & April
for Grandmary & Papa, per their request.

We took these this morning after we got home from walking the kids to school.

April was remarkably good during the whole shoot.

And so was Bryce.

Enforcing Bedtimes Improves Kids' Health

My kids hate having a set bedtime. Carter is a master at dragging it out indefinitely. (Partially because he is interesting and older, so he gets away with it.) Tonight after we again had the conversation as to why he needs an 8:30pm bedtime, I stumbled upon this article. I just love it when I'm right.

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Enforcing Bedtimes Improves Kids' Health

(CNN) -- When Genevieve and Brian Skory were new to parenting, they allowed their two young kids to read or watch TV until they fell asleep. "It was an agitated frenzy until they would pass out," Genevieve Skory recalled. The weary parents broke up fights between their bickering children. The next morning, the house would be chaotic again. "I don't think it's good for kids to stay up until they fall asleep -- that's three hours later than they needed to go to sleep," she said.

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Setting bedtimes can improve sleep quality and quantity for infants and toddlers, according to a growing body of research. Not getting enough sleep affects children's behavior, memory, attention, and emotional well-being, experts said.

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"Sleep patterns and sleep routines matter because they have both long-term and short-term implications for health and cognitive development," said Lauren Hale, an assistant professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center in Stony Brook, New York. "If it sets a pattern in the way you treat sleep or bedtimes, these patterns may last your whole life unknowingly."

Toddlers between the age of 1 and 3 need 12 to 14 hours of sleep. Children who lack sleep can have behavioral and emotional problems and cognitive developmental issues, sleep researchers said.

In many homes, bedtime still remains a battle of wills between parents and children. In their bustling household in Lathrup Village, Michigan, the four Skory children are now between the ages of 9 and 18. Genevieve Skory doesn't get the crying, temper tantrums or massive resistance anymore, but her younger kids still try to stay up late by peppering her with questions and last-minute requests for snacks. But Skory is adamant that bedtime is non-negotiable and this isn't enforced solely for their children's health.

"I believe in bedtime for parents' mental health," she said with a laugh.

Being Bryce

Babies are a lot of work. They need to be fed and changed and loved and held and then usually, fed again. But as much time as April requires, she is not the child that is causing me the most stress currently.

It is the one who should be wearing these clothes
that is giving me grief.

Bryce's newest behavior is to take all of his clothes off, including diaper, which may or may not contain remains that then end up on the floor. This morning while I was feeding April, he took off all of his clothes while I shouted from across the room, "Bryce, leave your clothes on! Bryce, don't take off your clothes! Bryce, DON'T TAKE OFF YOUR DIAPER." As you can see, it was very effective.

He then dumped out all the packing peanuts that were in a gift box from a friend.

Then he smashed up the peanuts into small pieces.
Why? I don't know.

Then, while I was cleaning up the peanuts, he climbed up on the counter in my bathroom and began pulling fun items out of the drawers. (I have no idea how he gets on the counter, he must step on the drawer handles.)
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He gave himself a shave and got some floss.
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After I got him dressed and sent him on his way, he snuck into the pantry and found the last of the chocolate cake. Yes, it was delicious. And now, it is all over the floor.

I think I know why I am chronically tired. And it isn't because I am up every morning at 2am to feed a baby. But really, how mad can you get at a face like that?

First Day of School

The first day of school 2009/2010.

Spencer is headed to Kindergarten, Chelsea is in 4th grade, and Bryce is facing loneliness. April doesn't seem to care. (Carter had already left for Middle School and refused to have his picture taken.)

Pictures of April

Thanks Mom

As most of you already know, April Evelyn Nelson is here. She arrived last Monday, August 10, at 3:36 pm. We are thrilled with her and everyone (except occasionally Bryce who is dealing with some sibling jealousy) loves her ubermuch.
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I have to say, I love babies. It's just having them that is a pain. In this regard, I was especially blessed this time because my mom was around to help. While I sat on the couch with the baby, she cleaned my house, mopped the floor, did all the laundry, organized my pantry, made dinner, and emptied all the garbages. When I needed a nap, she took the kids swimming or to the park. One time she even took them all to Target to pick out a toy for Grandma's house. (I think this was especially noble because I know what happens to my kids in the Target toy aisle. Suddenly the "I need this so bad! I think I will die without it" monster emerges and we rarely leave without someone in tears. It's not pretty.)

Now that I am feeling better and almost back to normal, my mom has gone back to her house and I am once again in charge of mine. Consequently, the laundry is piling up again, the floors could use another mopping, and I'm not sure what's happening for dinner tonight. I think I've been spoiled for too long...

Thanks Mom.

More Cabin Fun

We had a lot of fun at the cabin last week.
I didn't get pictures of all our events, but we have a few.

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We drove up through the National Forest above Hobblecreek and found this beautiful campsite.
Tyler took pictures of all the kids.

He is getting so old! I still think of Carter as my little boy. But he's not. Look at how handsome he is!
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My photogenic darling.

Bryce doesn't pose. It's just "catch me if you can."
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Playing on the bridge.
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Running through the woods.
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And playing in the stream. Isn't that what childhood is about?

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We also went to Brick Oven one night when the
"balloon man" was there.

He makes the most amazing balloon creations. Chelsea's is a Koala bear in a tree. Spencer's is Yoda (the lightsaber went missing before the photo), and Bryce just got a snake, which turned out to be everyone's favorite.

Cabin Adventures

We have been enjoying our cabin vacation for the past few days. We came up last Wednesday and went shopping, spent time with family, and played in the woods. It's been great. Yesterday morning though, Bryce came down with the flu. Right after breakfast he threw up all over the basement floor.

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Now, in order to properly understand my family's reaction to flu you must know that my oldest son is an absolute germ-o-phobe. He wipes down his shoes with cleaner every morning before school. He refuses to sleep in or lie on a bed where someone else has recently slept. He washes his hands and puts on so much Germ-X during the winter that the backs of his hands actually crack and bleed from being so dry. My other children have successively picked up on this. So, when I say, "Bryce has the flu," it basically means, "let the hysterical pandemonium begin."

Chelsea was downstairs with Bryce when he lost his breakfast. She came running up the stairs in an absolute panic, yelling throughout this very small cabin, "BRYCE THREW UP!!! EVERYBODY OUTTA MY WAY!! BRYCE THREW UP!!!" From the terror in her voice, you'd think the British were coming.

Carter immediately grabbed a bottle of Germ-X, bolted outside to the front deck and shut the sliding door. Spencer sat wailing on the couch where Bryce had just been and refused to move until someone picked him up and carried him over the mess and up the stairs. Bryce, who of course needed the most attention, stood crying in a mess at the bottom of the stairs. Tyler was asleep in the bedroom during all this and I'm sure he pulled the covers snugly up over his ears. (It's what I would have done).

I put Bryce in the tub, cleaned up the mess, started the laundry, and wiped down all appropriate surfaces with disinfectant. Carter, having fully doused himself with Germ-X, had tentatively made his way back into the house and was hovering behind me, diligenty running a history and physical: "Who has he been around lately? Do you think it's something he ate? Where have we eaten in the last few days? Do you get a fever with food-poisoning? Is his fever high? When did he first start to get sick? Do you think I will get it? If I were going to get it, don't you think I would have it by now?" Chelsea had taken Carter's spot on the front deck and was now lathering herself with Germ-X. Spencer, thankfully, had found a new activity and was happily playing with Little People in the front room. Tyler: still a no-show.

I suppose in the grand scheme of childhood experiences, the stomach flu is up there on the list of 'Uncomfortable Physical Sensations.' But honestly, this degree of terror seems a bit excessive. A while ago, I explained to the kids that the swine flu is respiratory, so it doesn't necessarily make you vomit. "Wait, so you don't throw up, you just die?" Carter asked, obviously relieved.

On a positive note, Bryce seems to be feeling much better, and no one else is showing signs of illness. The picture above shows him back to his vibrant self, enjoying the cabin and the great weather. With this minor tragedy overcome, we have even started making plans for this next week: swimming, hiking, ice skating, and plenty of Germ-X.