Savage Race 2014

Stacy was upset that we did not invite her to run the Savage Race in 2012 because it was near her 40th birthday that we had not celebrated. So we said we would do it again with her. I was pregnant the last year and could not think of a good excuse this year. So we took turns shooting down each others' costume ideas until we agreed upon onesie zip up pajamas. Our team name became "Fifty Shades of Brown."

I seriously considered staying home with my baby but knew I would have fun if I embraced it.

We zipped up our PJs and dropped off the kids and were on our way. 6.3 miles and lots of obstacles. 

We were nervous on the way. 

Steven ordered ours online. The Crews' did not come in in time so they got some from Target. Dave and Stacey scored $10 oned at Wal-mart. Kmart had Andre's tight ones. Barbie stayed home with Clara. 

I cheated twice. I jumped into the ice then climbed out the side instead of going under. I took photos so that is my excuse. I also went under limbo-style for going under through the muddy water. So my face stayed clean-ha! 

We had not trained, so we stretched. 

Well Steven, Andre, and Darren have been playing basketball and volleyball. 

My Meet The Mormons Review

So, here's my review on Meet the Mormons.
It's a documentary. My 6 year old whispered "when is the movie going to start?" about 15 minutes into it. It did hold all of my kids' attention though. Well the baby slept. It's not a thriller, and is not controversial. It just shows that our faith guides us in our normal decisions. So it's true. My faith for sure guides my decisions as a mom, as a friend, in my career(s), etc.

Our church is trying to say we're normal people I think. The intro shows how we're made fun of in various shows/movies so that's funny, and it sort of mentions that this movie will dispel some misconceptions. But it doesn't go into that at all, in my opinion. It just follows inspirational good people. I held back tears when it was showing the story about the mom who was in the process of shipping her son off on a mission. That story hit home since I have a brother in the Philippines serving happily too.

Here's a review site showing that it did well at the box office even though it was only showing in a couple of select theaters. (And that the numbers went down on Sunday, showing that mostly members went to see it.) But that's okay b/c most people will watch it on NetFlix later, both members of the church and not. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/meet-mormons-proves-box-office-740471 I read some reviews and critics were annoyed that the movie seemed to imply that moviegoers were ignorant to the fact that we come in all shapes and sizes and colors. It said it's not worth it to pay for a movie ticket price for an infomercial. I can see that. But I think the title is not misleading. It is really letting the audience meet some Mormons. That's it! It's sweet and a really good sampling.

But, if it leaves something to be desired, here's a newly released (I think) part of our church website which explains gospel topics. It's good reading for myself too. You know, how repetition is a good teacher or whatever? https://www.lds.org/topics Simple. So, you can look up our beliefs on a wide variety of topics, even the controversial ones like plural marriages. (Completely NOT a part of our church any more BTW.) So there you have it. If you have the money or the time to be uplifted, then go see it. If you are curious about anything in the church, I'll go again with you, or you can ask me, or you can go to that lds.org/topics website, or you can download the scriptures for free as an app on your phone (or read for free online of course) or you can come to church with me. Or to our fall festival the Friday before Halloween with your kids :)

Not a full circle

I have a wonderful family. Matt and his girls are here. 

When an action or idea starts, sputters, then ends with an accomplished satisfication and a resolution and reason especially with a heindsight "aha moment" realization for the beginning, it is said to have come "full circle." 

My days are only the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the circle. Then another half-empty day starts. I would like to one day complete a to do list; put a stamp on my pile of started thank you notes; feel like I taught Tyler something; connect with my Isaac; figure out something that Julia likes; make my husband proud; really pay attention to one of Dylan's creations; or style my hair. But I just accidentally end my days sleeping perpendicular to my pillow with dirty teeth then wake up late feeling unacomplished. 

The sad part: I actually try. 

All fours

After work on Tuesday, we noticed that Julia got up on all fours like she has been doing for a while. But this time her belly was up. She has been mobile for a while. She still pivots and moves backwards. She is not rocking yet. I took her clothes off to show that her belly is up off of the ground. And her baby leg warmers just came in the mail today. And these are Honest Company diapers. When she had a bad diaper rash, I bought some. 

Today was a long day. All of my work days are. I miss seeing my babies. Tyler did not get a nap then transfered from one car seat to another but not into my mom's house. He asked repeatedly through tears if we could leave. Then he stayed up late. I ran out of frozen milk, my car charger for my pump does not work and although I bought batteries for the battery back up, I did not remember the battery pack thingy. Julia did not want formula. Then I was full so she spit up. But my kids had fun with friends and cousins. I got to see my brother's family and I have the weekend off. 

Dear Julia, You are 5 months old!

Dear Julia,

 You are 5 months old. You went on your first airplane last weekend. It was also your first girls trip. I was not worried about your behavior because you were such a calm baby who was content in my lap. Well on the way back, you started getting more curious and grabby and wiggly. Out of nowhere! You were still happy though.

You had a bad diaper rash. Your first, a couple of weeks ago. So I bought you Huggies instead of the Wal-mart brand. And The Honest Company ones. I think Lotramin took care of it. 

Caugh laugh

Prefer tummy

Scoot, grab, roll with purpose

Still sleep in bassinet

Sharp pinching nails

Grab faces, your own when tired

Burry head down and push booty out from me when fussy tired

Go to anybody

Smile when given attention

Found your feet (some)

Favorate sense is taste

Quiet cry

Criy when tired

Quiet shreaky talk with panting laughs

Do not mind car seat

Like a pacifier

Cry with Daddy

You ate cute and sweet. You still only nurse. I gave you cereal once.