Interviews, Competitions, & Lice

Last month Joseph participated in BYU's trial advocacy competition. For those of us who are not legally minded, this competition seeks to simulate a courtroom trial. Since Joseph loves the pressure and excitement of the debate and performance of the courtroom, being a part of the trial advocacy team has been a lot of fun for him. And he's really good at it. He and his partner were assigned the part of the defense attorneys. They went all the way to the finals and got an acquittal (their client was found not-guilty by the jury) and took second place overall. Which means he'll be part of a traveling team that will represent BYU and compete at a national competition in February. February 10-13. Yes, those dates seem familiar don't they? February, February....hmm, let's see. I'm due February 14! Even though his competition is so close to my due date, we've decided that Joseph should still go (it's an all expense-paid trip, and after all his and his partner's hard work, he just can't NOT go). So hopefully this bun in the oven will be okay with cooking a bit longer until daddy is home...I'm not too worried since Amalia was 4 days past her due date. Let's hope history repeats itself.

On another note, Joseph recently interviewed for a position with JAG-Air Force. This is one of many positions he'll be interviewing for. Since he's interested in prosecution, this would be an amazing opportunity to get some intense hands-on experience. After a lot of research, thought, and prayer, this opportunity seems to be one that is highest on Joseph's job wish list. The experience that one can get through this program is unbeatable, the pay and benefits impressive (salary is not GREAT, but the experiences and benefits are excellent), and we wouldn't mind living the expatriate lifestyle for a little bit while our family is still young. Although the competition is stiff (only about 6% of job applicants are hired), Joseph has an excellent resume for the job and his externships/internships and extracurricular activities have given him a solid background, one we are hoping will be just what the JAG people are looking for.

If that doesn't pan out, a job as a prosecutor for any of the counties along the Wasatch front or back in Washington, comes in a close second as job of choice. Since Joseph has worked for Utah County and is currently clerking for the Salt Lake D.A.'s office, he has his foot in several doors, which hopefully will translate into a full-time position as a prosecutor. Somehow, even though the economy is dour and employment opportunities are slim, we have confidence that everything will work out.

Doesn't he look handsome in his new black suit?

More exciting news. Asher was scratching his head excessively on Friday. I asked him why and he said it just itched. I didn't think much of it, until the next day, before Joseph was going to work, Joseph noticed too and asked Asher why he was scratching his head so much. He asked, "Do you have bugs in your hair?" He began looking and sure enough, he found several little buggers nuzzled into Asher's thick hair. Yuck. I hate lice. I remember getting lice in middle school and I still remember the creepy crawly sensation on my scalp.

We decided to take the conservative approach and treat all 3 kids, wash every pillowcase, blanket, sheet, slipcovers, coats, jackets, treat carseats, couches, and anything else we could think of. Luckily Hyrum and Malia had nary a lice on their head. The puzzling question is: where did Asher get this lice? He doesn't go to school and we haven't been to anybody's house recently. The only thing I can think of is storytime at the library? One good thing has come out of this incidence though. Pretty much everything in my house, including hats and jackets are fresh and clean.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I know it's a little early, but I've been thinking ahead and here's what I want for Christmas:

I want a new camera.

I know the one I have is sufficient. But I look at other people's blogs and covet the crisp, beautiful photos that they are able to take with their fancy, expensive gadgets.

While you're at it, could you throw in Photoshop? Yah, I know, sticker shock. But $600 is nothing in the long run. Think of the pictures. Think of the moments I could capture so gloriously and preserve for posterity.

Also, if it's not too much to ask, could I have a maid and a part-time chef?

Pretty, pretty please?

I think that's it.

I promise I've been a good girl this year.

Love,

Janae

Sunday Morning

October was a mild month, with mostly warm, very pleasant days. Yesterday was one of the last days of warm autumn (today it's raining/snowing!).

We took the opportunity to take some pictures before church--posed pictures, where all the children are looking at the camera and smiling are ALMOST impossible with small, energetic children. But here are a few that aren't too bad.

Slacker

I've noticed that I've only done 7 posts this year. Last year I did 51. I'm a slacker.

I've also realized that we're busy people (although, isn't everyone?). Between the homeschooling and four jobs that Joseph and I juggle and the law school, competitions and other extra-curricular activities, papers, and things like the ethics test (which Joseph will be taking this Saturday), need we mention little things like baths, buying and cooking food, paying bills, washing dishes and clothes, sweeping/mopping the disgusting floor at least once a week (if we're lucky), ridding it of cheerios, Legos, and gobs of peanut butter? What about visiting and home teaching, church callings?

Well, somehow we manage. In fact I think we do a pretty good job. Except as I write this I can hear the kids screaming in the bath, splashing water (no doubt creating a tsunami of soap and bath water, likely to have covered my bathroom floor). Guess I better go get them out, and since it's so late and daddy's staying late at school studying, it's gonna be cold cereal for dinner. Thanks General Mills for saving my life.

Ultrasound

I'm 5 months now.

I went in for my 20 week ultrasound a few weeks ago. Sorry about the delay in reporting, but I must admit, I don't like making big announcements over my blog or via facebook. Just seems a bit too impersonal. Or rather, too personal, for such an impersonal medium.

However, I understand some inquiring minds may want to know, and since I cannot personally call all my friends and loved ones to tell them the news, here it is:

it's a she.

Another she-woman to join our family. The boys are disappointed (but just a little). Malia and I are glad we will no longer be outnumbered. And Joseph is delighted to have another girl to dote on.

We love our boys, but to have another girl join our family, well it's more than we could hope for. As they say, "sugar-n-spice and everything nice...," who wouldn't want more of that?

P.S. Name suggestions, anyone?

Best Friends, Homeschool, & Jobs

One of the goals Joseph & I have for our family is to create a home life where our kids, if given a choice, would choose to spend time with us because we are friends. Our guiding motto is: Family time is happy time--let's play! As parents, we try to not only play the role of disciplining, teaching, and caring for our kids (feeding, clothing, ect.), but also try to create fun moments and memories of laughter and joy. This is not always easy. Sometimes there are just cranky days, too many dishes, whining, and just the simple hassles of living that seem to get in the way. But overall, I think we've been fairly successful. At least moments like the following would prove as sufficient evidence:

After nighttime baths, I was sitting on the couch waiting for the kids to join me for bedtime stories. Hyrum runs and jumps next to me, snuggles into my arm and began singing in a low tone: "Me and my mommy, we're best friends. She's my good friend. Me and my mommy..."

What can I say? We have good kids. And I don't think we did a whole lot to make them as they are. They were just born with these distinct, sweet, and bold personalities. And we get to have them for this short time, while they're growing up.

Here's a quick update about what our family has been up to.

School has begun again for Joseph. His third year of law school. He now has two part-time jobs. Add that to my two part-time jobs, and between the two of us, it amounts to one decent full-time job. It is beautiful thing for me to not be the sole breadwinner anymore. Joseph now teaches LSAT prep classes a few nights a week for a company called Kaplan. He also secured a position as a law clerk for Salt Lake County's District Attorney. This means he'll be making the commute a few days a week up to SLC, but with his student bus pass (and wi-fi on the bus, making is possible to work on his commute up), it's a commute that is bearable.

I'm still teaching the sister missionaries at the MTC, monday-saturday. Yes, that means I have to wake up at 5:30 every morning. But that's okay. It's so worth it to start my day with these awesome women (and get paid for it too!). My other job is at UVU, which has started up again. I teach fall and winter semesters there and teach 3 sections--two aerobics and one Pilates. Which amounts to six classes a week there. I'm grateful for jobs that I love (and pay pretty well too!). The students and environment couldn't be better. Teaching so many classes a week over the past four years has caused me to become somewhat of a teaching machine. I feel like I could teach almost any type of group fitness class (yoga, pilates, kickboxing, toning, ect.) in my sleep. I hope this doesn't sound arrogant, it's just the fact of matter. If you dedicate large amounts of time to something, you will get really good at it, and it becomes easy. I remember my first days of teaching--not a lot of confidence, felt clumsy, had to put a lot of prep time into my classes, and I sure did my fair share of dumb mistakes. I like being past the novice stage, as I'm sure any teacher would say, but I've learned there's always more to learn and ways to become better. I know I am blessed to do what I love while getting to know some amazing individuals AND get paid to stay in good shape at the same time.

What the kids are up to.

Hyrum is taking karate (Asher tried it, but is not ready for it quite yet). He's also in Singing Sprouts, at the Scera (in Orem), which is a kid's choir that practices once a week as well as a drama class at the Scera that meets weekly.

Asher did soccer for the first time this year. It's called Smart Start soccer, and they don't actually play games (since it's a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds). They practice drills and learn skills with a parent. He's really caught on, and in many ways is at the same level or beyond Hyrum. Definitely has the athletic gene (and I have to say, I love to encourage him to do anything that involves running).

Mali is talking in full sentences. It blows my mind because her language skills are far beyond where her brothers were at her age (I've heard that girls generally are faster talkers than boys, and this has been true with Malia). The other day, she found the kid scissors, walked into the kitchen, where the boys and I were sitting at the table and proudly declared: "I cut my hair!" Quickly, I replied, "No Mali, you don't cut your hair, scissors are for cutting paper." I set her at the table with the scissors and paper (she knows how to cut very well). I was helping the boys with their writing, and before I could do anything about it, Malia declared, "Mommy, I cut my hair!" There she sat, with a fat lock of golden curly hair clenched in her chubby fist, her smile wide and proud. Shocked, I said again, "Mali, no, we don't cut hair! Scissors are for cutting paper. Cutting hair is naughty! Only Mommy cuts your hair." She, realizing that my tone was not one of approval, made the connection that what she did was not good and began to cry. An offended, hurt, sob. Later, as we were doing a craft together, she looked up at me, and said matter-of-factly, "Mommy, I not cut my hair. That's naughty." It was very cute.

We're all doing homeschool together this year. I decided not to enroll Hyrum in kindergarten for a number of reasons. 1) He has a late summer birthday. After talking with many seasoned mothers who had boys with late birthdays, I decided that it couldn't hurt to not put him in this year. I felt like there are many more advantages than disadvantages to waiting another year. 2) I didn't want to separate him and Asher. I'd like them to begin going to school together. Asher will be in Kindergarten in two years, and Hyrum would be in 1st or 2nd grade depending on my next point which is 3) I like the idea of homeschooling. I don't know if I could homeschool my kids forever. But for this year it just feels right and good, and so far, we're loving it. I love teaching my kids, and feel like my personal tutoring and direction is superior to them being in a class of 25 or 30 children where individual attention is very limited. I like being in charge of their curriculum, and making sure that what they're learning is not only important but relevant. So far it's just numbers, writing, reading, shapes, and colors, so not too intimidating. So perhaps we'll decide to continue homeschooling after this year, or maybe for one more year after this and then put our kids in school. I just don't know. Too many uncertainties at this point, but for now, I feel good about the choice to do it this way, this year. A few homeschooling books that I've read that have been inspiring and instrumental in my decision: A Well-Trained Mind: A homeschool classical education & A Thomas Jefferson Education. I try to spend 1-2 hours a day reading with the kids, 1-2 hours doing workbook stuff (numbers, colors, writing, ect.), and a few days a week we do crafts and small projects. We have lots of playdates and parkdates, getting together with friends and family. We take advantage of both the Orem & Provo libraries (which are both awesome resources and have EVERYTHING a parent could wish for) and go there several times a week for storytime and to check out loads of books. I never realized this before, but what they read is really important to me and I want to like it too, because I (or Joseph) have to read it!

One more bright note. Next week I will be 20 weeks (and I'm feeling MUCH MUCH better, btw--very little morning sickness anymore, just that overall pregnant feeling) and will get an ultra-sound at which point we'll know: another boy or another girl???? Stay tuned.

Here's to 6 years baby

Our anniversary was last month.

Somehow it feels like we've always been together. You know, like two peas in pod. Macaroni and cheese. Peanut butter and jelly. Joseph and I just go together. We're meant to be together. My Favorite things about Jose:

1. I like his presence. I like knowing he's in the room, or in the house, in the yard. Just near is fine with me.

2. He's got brains. Seriously. A 172 on the LSAT (sorry honey, I know you'd never publicize this, but considering you're almost done with law school, the secret's out!), he's a reading machine (he consistently reads one or two novels/books a week OUTSIDE of his law school reading), and he can write like nobody's business. I like tossing ideas and dilemmas his way just to discuss all of the possibilities and see what his brain comes up with.

3. We can talk. That was one of the first signs it was meant to be. While dating, we could talk for hours and hours and we still wanted more.

4. I like his flour tortillas, enchiladas, and the quick, simple tasty meals he throws together for the kids and me.

5. Since Hyrum, he's the one to soothe a crying child in the middle of the night. He'll sleep on the floor next to them until they fall asleep, singing songs. Once, Asher, woke up in the middle of the night saying that it hurt "between his toes," and wouldn't stop wailing. Joseph got him to settle down by running water over his feet telling him that it would "fix" it (it worked). Asher is convinced this is the way you fix the problem.

6. He reads to the kids, wrestles with them, talks with them. He includes them in his home improvement projects. He takes them to the park, to the pool, to the library. He's 100% there for the kids.

7. We like the same things. We're book junkies. Artsy folks who love concerts, movies (he more than me, who can only watch movies about once or twice if it's REALLY good, but he can watch the same movie over and over and over again), plays.

8. We like bed & breakfasts.

9. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He changes diapers, gives baths, wipes snot, does the dishes.

10. I like his smile. I like that we are the same height. And about the same weight. I like that he smiles a lot. And that our approach to life is about the same: work hard, be with family, don't waste time, read good books.

When we were last in Washington, in August, we spent most of our time with both of our families. Here we are with Lucy, my sister-in-law's mother visiting from Chile. This woman can cook! I LOVE LOVE her food. She also was the one to cut mine and Malia's hair. We love her.

The boys and their cousin Elijah at one of the many family dinners.

Daddy lying outside looking at clouds with the kids.

Mali getting her hair cut for the first time!

Mali and cousin Aline at uncle Jory and aunt Kathy's house. The kids loved staying with their cousins. A party all day, every day!

Boys will be boys...

Where we've been

Wouldn't you like to know.

Amidst the whirlwind of summer fun, I have neglected to post anything on this dear old blog. But I assure you there's much to tell.

Here's a teaser pic.
More to come (when I resurface from the 10 loads of laundry and piles of dishes that need to be done!).

Preschool days are over

Yesterday was Hyrum's last day of preschool. For the last eight-plus months, four days a week, three hours a day, Hyrum has gone to preschool.

I almost wept as I picked him up, for the last time, signing him out, saying good-bye to his teachers. Is this what motherhood does to you? I'm either on the verge of tears, or fighting back the temptation to yell at my kids, "Turn off that water!" (for some reason, my kids have a fixation with water--bath water, sprinkler water, dish water, water in cups, water in bowls, it is their ultimate toy) or, "Share!" "Stop doing that!" [I have no pretensions, no, I am not ALWAYS a sweet, soft-spoken, diplomatic mother]. Back to the preschool scene. I can't say how much I loved Hyrum's teachers. They were sweet and kind and they LOVED him. In fact, Miss Gwen, one of the teachers aids parting words to Hyrum was, "Be a good boy. Love you." Again, me: stone-cold face on the outside, blubbering baby on the inside.

Here's an end-of-the-year note to Hyrum from his teachers:

May 23, 2010
Dear Hyrum:

It was fun seeing you yesterday before going to the zoo [as part of his preschool, the whole family got to go to Hogle Zoo]! I hope you and your family had a great time!

All your teachers love you Hyrum and have enjoyed having you in our pre-school class! We hope you enjoy kindergarten this coming Fall.

Thank you for being such a good boy and so willing to learn!

Much love,
Miss Gwen, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Jodie

P.S. Thank your mom and dad for being such a great support! Keep choosing the right!

His teachers really were fantastic. It's funny, because I don't know of anywhere else in the world where I'd be able to run into his teachers at the temple (it happened a few times!).

Hyrum LOVED his "lunch school" (he ate lunch every day there, and yes, they accommodated and it was all vegan, albeit lots of soy cheese, soy milk, and veggie burgers, not really what we eat at home, but I can't complain!). He made a lot of friends, went on many field trips, did art projects, had reading and play time. I'm so grateful that he had this opportunity because it gave him a chance to learn and explore and me a chance to have more one on one time with Asher and Amalia. I think I may miss his preschool as much as he will. On Monday I told him that this week was his last week of preschool. His face began to scrunch up, and he cried. He was very sad. I tried to reassure him that now it will be summer time--story time at the library, trips to the swimming pool, camping, playing with his cousins more, long days spent outside riding bikes, running through the sprinkler, playing in the sand box...

Last day of pre-school...They had a carnival, hence the face paint.
Miss Jennifer, the head teacher. A returned missionary and BYU alum.

Miss Gwen, a sweet, grandmotherly teacher's aid.

At the zoo, riding the train.

Becky, my future sister-in-law, came along to help. Joseph and Elias stayed home and put a stone patio in our backyard. The kids love Aunt Becky.

I cut my hair. This is the shortest it's ever been, and I love it. However, I can't simply pull back anymore. So, for my ultimate scrub days, I pull out the scarf...(BTW, I'm sitting on our front yard fence)

Things we have been doing lately

The camera doesn't come out much when it's cold outside. Most of our days are spent indoors, although the past few weeks have proven slightly warmer and on a few occasions, we've actually spent most of the day outside. But as is characteristic of Utah weather, those slightly warmer days of February and March have been fleeting and pushed aside by the cold, damp, and often snowy conditions that we so love (apply heavy sarcasm here). In fact, as I'm writing this, a layer of snow covers everything and it's SNOWING. Yes, on March 5. But we need the moisture, so okay mother nature, thank you.

Here are a few pictures taken recently:

Amalia loves keys. She also loves the camera. In fact, every time I pull the thing out, she does this:


She practiced putting the keys in the door for nearly a half an hour. Good toys are always free.


Crazy haired and wide-eyed, this little girl has proven to have quite the sense of humor. She really is a ton of fun to be around. I imagine she's going to be the most popular girl in school someday, that is because she already is the most popular person, at least in our household. Everybody loves Mals. The scab on her upper lip is a by-product of her over zealous sprint, undertaken a few weeks ago when we finally let her outside--the sun was finally out and it was slightly warmish weather. She was excited, got ahead of herself and did a face plant on the side walk in front of her house. Fortunately, she's gorgeous, so this little flesh wound just adds to her character.

Asher with a new haircut. He's such a big boy (although not quite potty trained! the stinker).

Making cookies. A favorite winter past time. I wonder if Hyrum, tan even in the dead of winter, will always look slightly out of place when he's next to his blond-haired blue-eyed siblings? I hope our next child will look like him so he'll have a Mexican buddy.

Sampling the cookie dough, which is more than okay in our house since the dough is always egg-free!

Ash, before the hair cut. Our little Brad Pitt.

We made a snowman. Asher was excited about putting the nose on, but after he did, he wanted to eat it.

P.S. I'll try better to post more often. I have a tendency to think that I can't post unless have an hour or more (which I never do) to work on it. (I'm trying to move away from the all or nothing attitude).

New Years Thanks

Somehow, in the whirl of things, I haven't picked up my camera, in like a month. I swear we took Christmas pictures, but I have none to show. And I've been a bad blogger, having neglected sharing the intimate details of our family life the past while.

But we're good.

Joseph is rearing up to go to D.C. (that's lawyer/political/"in-the-know" speak for Washington D.C., not sure I'm in that club) next weekend to compete in a national trial advocacy competition. Turns out Joseph REALLY likes the confrontation, drama, and pressure of the courtroom (I don't know if it's exactly like it is in the movies, but he does fancy himself a prosecutor type). He's got an internship this semester working for Provo city and is enjoying a far more lax semester in terms of workload and stress.

I've started a new semester at UVU. I work out with bright and eager students, have access to all sorts of fun exercise equipement (ever worked out on a BOSU?) and get PAID to do this? This job is only second to my FAVORITE job of all time, which is teaching sister missionaries at the MTC. Every morning. Monday-Saturday. 6 am. It's only 30 minutes, but I try to cram in as much action, sweat, and fun as possible in those 30 minutes. I'm the only teacher and it's only for the sister missionaries. It's optional for the sisters, and there are usually 10-25 sisters there. Wish there were more, but I understand some people don't want to wake up 30 minutes earlier than necessary, especially when their day is jam packed. Here's our schedule:

Monday: Step Aerobics
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: Floor/Hi-Lo Aerobics
Thursday: Pilates
Friday: Kickboxing (yes, at the MTC!)
Saturday: Toning with the band

Amalia finally started walking about a month ago. She's talking more than ever, which makes for some funny and cute moments throughout the day. She's getting better at bossing us around, which isn't hard after all. She's the princess. And there's nothing to be done about it.

Asher is mostly potty trained (hurray!), although some days he likes to revert back to his baby days (while trying my patience). Hyrum is on the path to reading and loves preschool. He is especially fond of making things with paper and tape.

January has typically been a dreary and cold month that I wish would just go away. But this year is different. I don't know exactly why. Maybe the kids are bigger and staying indoors all day is not complete torture because now we can play games, read books, do more interactive things? I think the hardest part of motherhood so far were the two years of Hyrum and Asher, when they were babies. 15 months a part. That was hard. But now, although they are up to mischief most of the time, they aren't in diapers, they can talk with me. I like this stage. I love this stage.

I feel more fulfilled than I have in my life, and I think it comes down to my kids and my husband. Both give me great purpose and joy. I'm grateful to have them.

Looks like we're off to a new year with a great start. I wake up every day excited, looking forward to the next new thing the kids will say or do. Excited to teach my classes, work on the house, teach (or be taught by) the kids. I realize not everyone is as gung-ho about motherhood or living in general, so I'm especially grateful for that.