Pulling All the Stops

Before telling you a story I must warn you:

The band aid on Lincoln's nose was placed because
He absolutely insisted that his itchy scratch required a band aid.

Lincoln: "Mom, I just spilled my cereal on the floor."
Me: "That's okay. Just pick it up."

Lincoln: "I can't my wrist really hurts right now."
Me: "Then use your other wrist. It isn't a big deal. You can do it."

Lincoln: "Well, my back hurts, so I really can't do it.
And my knee is hurt."

Me: "Lincoln, you have got to be kidding me!
You are hilarious.
Now pick up your cereal."

Lincoln: "O...kay."
He dutifully returned the cereal to the bowl.
However, he wasn't excited about it.

Inspired Or Ingenious?

I put Lincoln down for a nap.

30 minutes later he was still awake.
"I not take a nap."
"Heavenly Father does not want me
to take a nap."

How do I argue with that logic?
Or that adorable face?

It would be great if everything we want
We could declare that Heavenly Father wants it for us...

And it would be so.

Heavenly Father wants me to be a great mother.
Heavenly Father wants me to have lots of friends.
Heavenly Father wants me to be kind to others.
Heavenly Father wants me to be wealthy.

Okay 3 out of 4 isn't bad.
I think it is important to assert here...
Be careful what you wish for.

Beach Bums at Heart

It is safe to say my kids loved the beach
As much as I do

Waves were splashed
Sand toys were utilized
Bodies were buried

It is safe to say,
They loved the sand
More than I do

What is not to love about
Being buried in the sand?

I was almost tempted to try it myself.
ALMOST.

I am absolutely certain of one thing
We can't wait to go back!!!

We are Crazy about Disney

Our Disney vacation was nothing short of Incredible!!!

We flexed all our muscles

We enjoyed our status as honorary bugs

We took the plunge on Splash Mountain

We hung out with our BFF Mickey

Uncle Justin made a surprise appearance.
We met up with Uncle Justin and Jamison who just arrived.
We posed with the A.
A for Awesome.

Don't ask me why.
D would've been ideal.
They should spell Disney instead of California.
I'll write a letter.

Tutu and Papa survived
The Magical experience with us

Sometimes it seemed we were spinning in circles...

Other times we soared to new heights...

One thing is for certain...
We took fun to Infinity and Beyond!

Absolutely Dawsome

Is it possible I am this excited because we are going to
The Happiest Place on Earth?

Perhaps my enthusiasm comes from knowing how much fun my children will have on this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Vacation.

Joy absolutely leaps from my heart
knowing how much my incredible in-laws have invested
in creating the ultimate family reunion experience.

People who know me well, know I hate to travel.
Actually, complete strangers
have seen me kicking and screaming out the window as they drive by.

Even if I am really excited about the opportunity for the trip....
am thrilled to see the people there...
I often find myself lamenting the journey.
Dragging my feet if you will.

Well, I am thrilled to report that is not the case this time.

Absolutely Dawsome Family Reunion...Here we come!

I haven't been on an honest to goodness, family vacation, since little Brian was 2 years old. After 2 attempts at week long beach vacations, it just seemed like more work than fun.

Fast forward 2 more kids and 6 years later, and our baby is 3. He is easy and best of all, he is "reasonable." Even if he disagrees with the plan, choices can be explained to him and he always comes to recognize that mom's idea is the best!!

I am so excited for this vacation!

I am so excited for this vacation!

I am so excited for this vacation!

Funny thing is, I didn't even type the above sentence 3 times,
I erased an image and tried to get it back, and that statement kept repeating,
But it echos my sentiments perfectly!

We can't wait to hit the beach
Disneyland shines brilliantly in the horizon.

Relaxation and Adventure with our favorite people?
Delightful!

Vacation are you here yet? We are ready!!!

Cinderella. Your Chariot Awaits.
Look out Prince Charming...
These boys are going to give you a run for your money!

Learning Opportunities and Answered Prayers

As our car was being loaded onto the tow truck a few minutes ago, Griffin asked, "How does he do that?"

I replied, "He knows just what to do."

"Oh, Heavenly Father tells him what to do and he listens to Heavenly Father?," Griffin asked.

"He learned at his job," I explained.

Griffin responded, "That is his work. Oh, that is how he learned."

Now the truck is leaving with our car. I hear, "It's flying away, our car is flying away." coming from Brian in the living room. Though this astute 8 year old does not believe the car is flying he is enjoying the concept.

"No, it is just driving, the truck is just driving away," comes Griffin's confident reply.

I am sure Heavenly Father would help this tow truck driver, if He needed too. Sometimes, we can learn what is necessary to accomplish a task, and Heavenly Father can focus on real emergencies.

I am thankful that on Saturday He heard my prayer and allowed me to safely drive my car home, so I wasn't stranded while my husband was out of town, and my boys could enjoy the "tow truck experience" from the air conditioned comfort of our living room.

I also cherish having a small child who knows Heavenly Father is eager to help His children, and regularly recognizes such opportunities, and reminds me of times when this help can be sought.

I Had a Surgery...

I must relay a most urgent message at the request of Griffin Mazer.

Attention Everyone that I know:

Griffin sliced his fourth toe open on the Carson Pool door.
He received one red otter pop to eat, while the swim team manager/ resident medical expert apologized repeatedly until she had properly cleaned the wound, and removed dirt, blood, and one hair, from the affected toe region. Two small surgical dressings, aka tiny band-aids, were applied to the small area. Tears dried. All was again right with the world.

Later while swimming at a local water park one of the band-aids began to lift. Griffin became hysterical, "My surgery. My surgery," he shrieked. The neighboring muscle clad lifeguard raised a concerned eyebrow. I assured Griffin and the nearby pool protector that everything was fine. No blood is present, it is only a cut, and the tiny cut will heal, even if the little band-aid falls off. The male guard was amused as I mentioned Griffin can be a little bit of an alarmist.

Not one more mention of the toe occurred until after prayers. Griffin lay down in his bed and then spoke to me very earnestly, "Mom, call everyone that you know and tell them that I had a surgery. You know which one. The one when I cut my foot on the door after swim lessons. Do it this night. You know what I am talking about, and make sure everyone knows that."

As any trustworthy mom would do, I replied, "Okay Griffin. I will let everyone know."