grateful

Tonight at Young Women's we planned our activity around "modesty". After a silly fashion show and then a great highlight of an Ensign article by Elder Hales, we had "Supe" come and talk to us on a return missionary's perspective on modesty. Saying it was beyond great does not do justice for the job he did. He brought 3 females and spoke about the impact they have had on his life by always being modest. As a female I was inspired. As a mother I was overcome by gratitude. When I looked at my daughter and recognized the effort she puts into being modest I again felt grateful. As I looked at our Young Women assembled and knew they too work hard at being attractive first in the eyes of the Lord and then in the mirror and last in the eyes of the world, I again felt blown away with thanks for their influence and example. To see the blessings of happiness come to my daughter as she makes good choices is the greatest paycheck of motherhood. I almost feel like singing, I am so lifted. I do recognize the difference of being touched in the heart and being touched in the head so I will not break out in song or dance but I will say, I love my life. Being a grandmother is fulfilling, fun, and frantic. Being a mother is daunting, at times defeating, but mostly delightful. Evolving from a self centered person to someone who recognizes where all good comes from is inspiring. Being grateful stumps me when I see how many people aren't. So, what are you grateful for? Nicole, firemen? Rickell, sleep? Megan, children with a mastery of correct anatomy? Bob, me misplacing the debit card? Anyone else...?

big brother award

Mrs Morris gave Bentley a "big brother award" and he totally deserves it. He is quiet, gentle, and loving with baby Mattix. He is the best big brother any little guy could wish for.

child for sale-cheap-super cheap-okay...I will pay you to take her.....just don't bring her back until she's under control.

Okay, so I never would consider getting rid of her but how cute would she be posted on e-bay? I could totally trade her for a watch or harley or something equally useless. But if I did, what would I have to think about as I go to sleep at night or wake up in the morning or pretend to listen to my husband talk? She is the craze in my crazy, the fun in my funny and the bungee in my peanut butter sandwich. Gotta love you chloe. (for Chloe, anything with bread is a bungee-who knows why.)

this is how Bentley rolls

"Grandma, I will help you clean up. I can do it all myself. No, don't help me. I can do it." Can these words truly come from the full blooded sibling of the human tornado, Chloe? They could be considered rock and roll. She rocks like a 10.2 earthquake and he rolls with flow. As I pull my hair out over Chloe, Bentley follows behind saying sweet, calm comments. So Mattix, what does the future hold with you? Will you be a little of both or something entirely you? We will wait and see but I am relieved my weeks "vacation" is almost over. It is exhausting "taking it easy".

how did I lose my "motherly instincts" ?

In the amount of time it took me to spread peanut butter and honey on two slices of bread, Chloe pulled food from the cupboard, bread off the counter, pulled the lid off of flour and spread it all over the floor. The irony of it all is that she is "cleaning" it up with her shirt that I took off of her so she could not get it dirty while she ate. I know my linoleum is ugly, but I do not think flour is the answer. The sad stuff is that I was right there by her but had my back turned. I won't be doing that again.

I would feel much better if she could look the tiniest bit sorry. I think I can detect a touch of pride in her body language. After trying to guilt her out with a little "grandma style" lecture, she happily chirped "mess, mess, mess". I think I will take Mattix and let her mommy keep her. It will be easier to create breast milk than to teach her how to play quietly.

Does Chloe think of Mattix as crime?

Today I had to leave Rickell on her own for a while with the wild circus animals while I went to the doctor. I dropped Bentley off at preschool and felt only slight trepidation about leaving Rickell to take care of Chloe and Mattix. The truth is, Rickell is doing great. Whenever I show up, she has the kids fed, bathed, dressed, and usually, happy. So why do I feel I need to take a week off of work to "help" her? Because of that sweet, kewpie faced child with the long eyelashes and pouty lips named Chloe. She is hell on earth, fire in ice, mayhem in Eden, and any other phrase that is contrary to the circumstance. She lovingly tried to poke out Mattix's eyes, feed him potato chips, and toss matchbox cars into his crib. I am not sure why she makes me so nervous. When I returned to Rickell's after 2 hours, I was shocked to find that she had tried to take a bite out of that sweet little dude's forehead. Perfect dental impressions left on his face. The sad thing, I am not surprised. I am confused as to why his mom could be so surprised. Her gray matter must have come out with the afterbirth because she did not see this coming. Seeings how it could be months before he can defend himself, I worry a bunch about Mattix surviving Hurricane Chloe.