Mommy/Daughter Date

Its been over 3 months since Paige had a birthday. She received some money and we discussed some of the possibilities she could do with it.
Of all the options, she chose to to have a Mommy/Daughter date with me. That made me feel pretty good. Yesterday we finally got around to it.



Paige's choice was to go ice skating. It was her first time on the ice. We went around once while she held on to the wall and my hand. My back was aching by the first lap from having to pull her and hold her up the whole time. Then we scrounged up one of these walker-type contraptions and she cruised. She still fell down sometimes, but it was nice to not have to hold her hand.



After about 2 hours of skating we handed the walker to another little and girl and went around a couple more times without it. Paige did so well. She was much more confident and we didn't even have to stay near the wall. She did still hold on to my hand, but it wasn't so bad. I was so pleased with the progress she made in just one day.



After skating Paige treated me to dinner and an arcade game. It was nice to know exactly how much money we had to spend and that it wasn't even mine.

It was really fun to go on this date with Paige. It had been years since I'd been ice skating. It was all her choice and I think it was a good one.

Thanks for inviting me to spend your money with you Paige! You are delightful!

Dear Mr. Bathroom Scale

It has been nearly a year since I've cared what you had to say to me. And, unfortunately, I've got lots to show for it.

I suppose its time again to do something about it. But first I need all these Christmas treats to disappear. Don't worry - I'm sure I'll polish off the bag of Hershey's kisses tonight.

Regretfully yours,
Tara

Christmas 2010

Dear Blumers,

First of all, thank you for the delicious cookies and cold milk. I can tell you kids had fun making those cookies with your mom, and you decorated them beautifully! Thank you for sharing with me!

You have been a very busy family since I came to your house last year. Paige is in kindergarten; Ashby goes to preschool; Levi is learning to talk, run, climb and play; Tara is back in school, teaching aerobics, and busy at church; and Brian is working hard at UVU, at home and at church. You have all been very good this year! Thank you for being good friends and neighbors, for being kind and showing a good example, and for trying hard to follow Jesus Christ. I like to bring you presents, but I'm glad you know Jesus gave you the most important gift of all through His atonement.

So keep up the good work, Blumers! Paige, enjoy school, be good in Primary, and obey your Mom and Dad. Ashby, be nice to your brother and sister, have fun as a Sunbeam in Primary, and obey your Mom and Dad. Levi, learn some more words, learn some songs in nursery, and try not to bump your head too much! Tara and Brian, keep loving each other and loving your precious children - they are growing so fast!

Merry Christmas, and I'll be back again next year!

Love, Santa Claus

Christmas budget

At our house "Christmas budget" is pretty much an oxymoron.
Our Christmas presents come out of our grocery budget. This month we are only eating whatever can be made from the cans and boxes out of our pantry.
Am I bad mom if I'd rather spend money on gifts than food?
Its not like we're starving, we'll just need to restock the pantry next month.
I figure, when every penny is always spoken for, you do what you gotta do to have a merry Christmas!

Work Out

I'm going to start my own exercise program/video: "Winter Wonderland Workout."
Get your cardio and muscle toning exercise done in 5 (not-so-easy) steps:

1. shovel your driveway, neighbor's driveway and corresponding sidewalks

2. build a snowman family
3. create snow forts and proceed with a...

4. snowball fight
5. climb large hills while pulling a sled and 3 children.

Guaranteed to get your heart pumping and muscles aching.
Get a good sweat and freeze your bum off too!

Top off your workout with a homemade snow ice cream treat, and repeat at the next snowstorm.

You won't want to miss it! Get your copy today!

Sunday best

I wasn't sure if the kids were supposed to wear their fancy Christmas clothes for church the Sunday before Christmas, or the Sunday after. What did you do?

Well, we decided since it was the Christmas program we would dress up before Christmas.





The part I like best about our Sunday best, is that they are all hand-me-downs! Hurray for free clothes! and Merry Christmas to us!

Rumor is I'll be needing a better antiperspirant

Today I got a new calling. It is a calling that I am sure will require a lot of antiperspirant, especially since I will be holding up my arms and waving them a lot. That's right - I was called at a primary chorister.

This will be a new adventure for sure. I've always admired the primary choristers, because, basically that is a lot of work.

I know a lot of you have had this calling before, so I would love to know what worked and what didn't work.

I'm excited for the new opportunity and I think it will be fun, but I'm definitely in the market for a new antiperspirant.

My Christmas wish for YOU

For Christmas this year, I wish that you all could go back to school as a grown-up.
It is really ever SO much FUN!

What a different experience! I look around the classroom and think, yeah that would have been me...sleeping in class...doing only the bare minimum...asking neighbors if I had missed a quiz the day before.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about dating or late nights or socializing with the cool kids. Its not like I don't have other things to worry about, but diaper rashes, grocery lists and church callings seem so much less life-altering.

I think the absolute worst time to be in college is when you are dating someone seriously - the two just don't go together. Therefore, although it doesn't totally make sense, I feel like maybe people shouldn't start college until after they're married - but then make sure to finish college before they have kids. I've found that it's easier to concentrate and actually learn things when your life is already kind of figured out.

Going back to school means working hard at rearranging priorities - which means you have to make every experience worth it. It actually made me more productive in all areas of my life because I had to try to fit it all in.

The thing I love most about going back to school is that I actually learned something. I wasn't just there because I had to be there. I didn't just memorize things that I thought might be on the test, and I didn't just forget everything the next day. I was in class because I wanted to be there. I want to learn the material and actually really know it. I want to apply things in my life and remember everything. Education is so exciting!

I was scared that I wouldn't be smart enough (because I didn't feel very smart in college the first time). Turns out, if you actually read the chapters and actually do the suggested problems, and actually stay awake in class, and actually participate in the lectures, it doesn't really matter how smart you are - you can't help but learn the material. What a novel idea.

And I don't want any of you to underestimate yourself!

I wish I had known all this stuff the first time round. I wish I had taken better advantage of the opportunities I had. I wish I hadn't wasted so much of my school years. But I am so glad that I get to have this new opportunity now. It is so fun to go back to school and wish that same feeling of success on all of you!

my options

I hate getting dressed every day. Nothing fits me and I feel very unattractive. Some people are bigger and still show self-confidence and I think it is because they have cute clothes and look good in them. I don't have that. Here are my options:

• Lose weight (after Christmas of course)
• Buy bigger clothes
• Get pregnant (so I have an excuse for being fat)
  

Merry Christmas Card

Merry Christmas from the Blumer Family
Here are a few of our favorite things...

Paige (6):

Unwrapping presents and seeing what's inside.

Ashby (3.5):

Going sledding and decorating the tree and the house, and eating the gingerbread house.

Levi (1.5):

Levi loves looking at all the colorful Christmas lights.

Tara says:

My favorite thing about Christmas is all the wonderful music. I love participating in the Stake Choir Christmas Fireside each year. The music at Christmas time fills me with the spirit and excitement for the special day. I also love Christmas morning in cozy pajamas eating omelets and orange juice, and watching smiling children.

Brian says:
I like it when we're in the car as a family and the kids yell out "Christmas Lights!" for every set of lights they see, starting in late November. They get so excited! And I like driving together specifically to find good light displays that we can admire from inside the car.
I love to sing Christmas hymns and carols. The Christmas music program that Tara and I get to sing in every year is a highlight of the season for me. But I love singing many of those same songs in church and at home with our family, especially as an important part of our celebration on Christmas Eve. And caroling to neighbors is always fun, of course.
Family time during Christmas is the best part: Reviewing the Christmas story together on Christmas Eve, complete with makeshift shepherd costumes and reverent singing; and of course the traditions of Christmas morning, breakfast first, then presents - and being sure to do it all together.

Costco Rumors

My trips to Costco cause me great anxiety.

Not for the reasons you may think. I can usually get in and out of Costco in less than 30 minutes. I know exactly what I am going to buy. And I can take all three kids without a problem, because it is generally the only store they will behave in. Plus they usually get to taste all kinds of free samples.

Costco causes me anxiety because I almost always leave with only 10 or 12 items, but end up spending close to $200 that I don't have.

I like the idea of Costco and I like everything at Costco, but I don't know if I can justify it. I just want to know which things really are worth buying there, or if I should just not bother renewing my membership in January.

I started looking online to see if anyone had some answers. This lady had some very specific ideas, but I don't buy any of that stuff anyway.

Do any of you have advice for me?

3 1/2 years old

This is Ashby. He is 3 and half years old.

Most of the time I forget he is 3 years old. He is so articulate and he often speaks in a very low voice that is not like that of a preschooler. He learns things so quickly and just follows Paige's lead. He is also very capable - always doing things for himself.

Yes, most of the time I forget Ashby is only 3 years old - that is, until he starts to cry. Then I remember all too well.

Family Pictures

Hair

I'm trying to grow out my hair. I don't know why - I always feel so much happier with short hair. Nonetheless, I thought I'd give it another try. I've actually made it a lot further than I have in the past. Its this dumb in-between stage that gets me. Too short to pull back or really do anything with it, but too long to look cute. Ugh!

My hair is really thick. Six hours after I shower, it is still wet. I hate blow-drying it though, because it takes 20 minutes and by then I am sweating. I've also given up on having it styled whenever I go to the salon because the hairdressers all complain about how long it takes to dry. I feel like there is a big football helmet on my head right now.

I was growing it out because I wanted long hair for the fancy UVU Scholarship ball that Brian has gotten to take me to for the past 6 years. But for some reason we didn't get invited this year. :( So now I have somewhat long hair and I want to cut it, but I don't feel like I can because I just made our Christmas cards with new family pics and I can't have different hair before they are even sent out, right?

Maybe if I can just get it thinned out, I will be able to survive the remainder of this awkward stage. But then if I see all the scissors waiting on the counter I may just have to chop it off.

Rumor is I play the organ

I played the organ in church yesterday. It was my first time.

It was just a prelude number, "Teach me to Walk". I'm glad it was an easy one, because I was pretty nervous.

Over the last couple of months I was involved in an organ workshop in our ward. The real ward organist taught a handful of people the basics of playing the organ. It was a good course, and really low-key.

I've been taking Ashby and Levi with me to practice at the church while Paige is in school. It worked out okay, until Levi discovered all the amazing buttons he could push.

So everyone in the class is supposed to play a prelude number some time. I decided to lead the way, hopefully the others will follow.

I'm also proud to say I didn't even mess up (well, one note, for a split second).

I Dreamed a Dream

I've found that whenever I'm stressed or worn out or if I'm the one in need of a time-out, I can find rejuvenation at the piano. I wish I would remember this stress-reliever sooner, but eventually I find my way there. It's usually around dinner time. All the kids are awake - so I can sing and play loudly without worrying about waking someone up - dinner is in the oven, and I have had enough of the constant whining and tugging on my arm.

I sit down and pull out what little music I have. I usually end up singing the one song I feel like I play well and can sing at the same time - I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. I think I need to learn a new song... It doesn't feel right (in those circumstances) to be singing "I had a dream my life would be, so different from this life (well you know that isn't really the word, but my mom would always make us change it) I'm living".

Right about then Brian walks in the door and everything is instantly better.

A Dragon, a Knight and a Princess

We had a couple chances to dress up for Halloween this year.

Paige got to wear her princess costume to school for the Halloween parade but then she threw up all over it, for some reason. Yuck! She marched in the parade in her leggings and Ashby's shirt (luckily he was wearing two that day).

Trick-or-treating was cold and rainy so we pretty much just wore jackets over everything which meant we didn't bother with all the accessories.

The ward party was really the only time we did it right. Here are some pictures:



Dragon Levi and Princess Paige



Sir Ashby to the rescue



Ashby, Paige and Levi together.



Paige's Hero.



Eating donuts at the Ward Halloween party.

Rumor is Paige is cute

Ashby was whining about something.

Paige put her arm around him and said, "Don't worry Ashby, I know how you feel."

I started laughing and said, "Paige, you're cute."

Paige replied, "I know. That's just the way how I was born."

Rumor is its Election Day

I laugh when I think I wanted to be a political science major.

In eighth grade we watched "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", and I knew I wanted that to be me.

Its funny because I know absolutely nothing about politics.

I voted today, but that doesn't really mean anything. I had no idea what or who to vote for. I felt like I was taking a test and I didn't know the right answers. I wished someone would just tell me the right answers.

One of these days my goal is to be an informed voter. For now I just hope I didn't do more harm than good with my little vote.

Simple Pleasure

A simple pleasure about being a mom: catching a poopy diaper before it gets sat in!

Rumor is we got away

Brian and I have been married for nine years. It's been a really good nine years, but man, we were ready for a get-away. It was our first two-night weekend away from any kind of responsibilities - mainly kids.

We spent the weekend in Park City while the Palmers took care of our 3 little ones. Thank you Tasha and Greg!!

We enjoyed beautiful
scenery, good food, swimming, shopping, watching movies, sleeping in and just being together. It was soooooo nice! I can't wait to do it again.

Rumor is Fall is here

On our property we have just one tree. Its kind of a lonely tree, but it looks nice in the front yard.
Most of the time I am sad about our one tree. I especially wish for shade in the backyard on hot summer days. But when its fall time, I am grateful that we only have one lonely tree.

One of those yucky days

I'm sure many of you have had a similar experience.

My little Levi was having a rough day. Crying inconsolably and I wish I knew why. Maybe it was a new tooth? Naps were my only savior that day.

I had to present some thoughts at a stake auxiliary training meeting that night. I found the one outfit I actually feel confident in, did my hair and make-up and felt ready to go. Levi fussed and I picked him up. He puked all over me and him. I stood there in shock, feeling sorry for myself and wondering what I was going to wear now. He puked again and then I just felt disgusted - Brian is usually the one that deals with throw-up.

I gave strict orders to the big kids not to walk into the kitchen while I undressed myself and Levi and threw him in the bathtub. I quickly wiped up the floor and threw the clothes in the washer. I came back to the tub and found Levi poking around at some weird floaties. Throw-up? No....poop. Clean the tub, clean Levi, but don't have time to clean me. Just put on some less-cute clothes and go.

It was just one of those days.

Letter M

Ashby's preschool was at our house this week.
We had a Monster Mash.

Everyone decorated paper bag Masks.
We played Musical Chairs and practiced making monster growls.

We decorated the letter M with marshmallows and frosting
But first we had melons for a snack.

The kids filled up water bottles decorated with tissue paper and modge-podge
with beans and rice to make maracas.

We used all different instruments to make music.

We also read "There's a Monster at the end of this Book", and practiced writing the letter M.
I think it was a successful preschool day.

Don't you just love the prophet?

My first encounter with Pres. Monson occurred in England when I was sixteen. We were visiting my Dad's old mission and attended the Preston England temple dedication. Pres. Hinckley and Pres. Monson walked into the room where we were. I remember Pres. Monson looking directly at me and smiling as he walked down the hall. I was overwhelmed with the spirit and I knew he was called of God. Even if it was just a brief glance in my direction, I feel a special connection to Pres. Monson. He is a wonderful man and a chosen prophet for all of us.

make sure you stay tuned, till the very end of the video.

Thrive v. Survive

I think I can boil down my life into two categories - Thrive or Survive.

It comes in waves.

There are periods of time when I am strictly on survival mode and just getting through one day at a time. I feel accomplished if I can take a shower that day.

Then there are times when my schedule would make me think I should be overwhelmed, yet I thrive.

I think the stages of my kids have a lot to do with these waves. I felt like I was in survival mode for about the last year. Its always kind of a depressing feeling because there is so much more you want to be able to do.

Right now I'm feeling good though.

Here are some of the things on my schedule:

• Working part-time from home
• Teaching kickboxing at stake aerobics
• Teaching co-op preschool
• Heading up YW volleyball
• Playing in a softball league
  
• Taking Meteorology and Astronomy classes
• Setting the curve in my classes
• Taking organ lessons
• Managing the rental of my dad's condo
  
• Making meals for service
• Trading off babysitting
• Making dinner for my family each night

I know my thriving time won't last forever. But its nice to know that I really can do it. At least until the tides change.

Rumor is I don't know

How is it that I'm supposed to know all the answers?

Many times a day my kids will come up and ask me something. My usual response is, "I don't know."

But its not like they are asking me what the square root of pi is, or about the Egyptian mummies - they merely want to know if they can have another snack, or play on the computer.

These are questions I should probably be able to answer, yet I just don't know.

How much is too much? When is avoiding a fight reasonable justification? What are my other options?

These are things experienced moms know.

Which is why I often end up replying, "I don't care", and my daughter jumps around the house exclaiming, "Mommy doesn't care! Mommy doesn't care!"

Ashby the athlete

Ashby scored 2 goals at his very first ever soccer game.
He was in Start Smart soccer, which is for 3-5 year olds. He is only 3 but man, is he an athlete! The game was pretty much him against a 5 year old girl. They were the only ones going for the ball. Ashby did such a good job taking the ball away and dribbling down the field. He never even got confused about which goal was his. He amazes me and Brian. He is so coordinated and good at every sport he tries. I wonder which one he will want to focus on. I'm excited for him to develop this talent and see where it takes him.

Twinkle Toed Paige

Paige had her very first dance recital today.
I'm very proud of her for trying her best and having fun.

Porter Family Riddle

My mom had 7 kids.
She was pregnant 5 times,
but we only celebrate 4 birthdays.

[All of the kids are alive. Can you figure it out?]

Rumor is we had our first-ever slumber party

Paige has always asked if she could have a slumber party, and I've always said, sounds fun, but you'll have to wait till you're older. Paige's birthday is this Tuesday and I couldn't figure out what to do for it. While I still think Paige is too young to have a sleepover, I thought we might as well start with a cousin slumber party. Needless to say, Paige was thrilled with the idea.
So we invited Annika Boyack (nearly 7) and Anna Penrod (nearly 6).

We began with a craft of decorating picture frames to take home.

Paige's favorite game of Don't Eat Pete - birthday edition.

Anna gave Paige a bucket of linkable beads. They all loved it and played for about an hour making all kinds of jewelry.

Annika got Paige a new bucket of Lego's - so exciting. Paige is really getting into Lego's.

We painted and decorated toe/fingernails.

Bedtime stories - its nice to have a little bit older cousin willing to read to other kids.

Fruit Loop and GummiSaver necklaces.

A trip to the family fun fair at UVU for breakfast and some fun booths -
including an inside look at a fire engine.

The kids really did a great job. Although I did end up sleeping on the couch next to them, I was impressed with everyone's attitude, helpfulness and obedience.
It was a very enjoyable slumber party!