Random Thoughts

It's been one of those months where we're just constantly on the move and as a result I forget to take my camera and when I do, I'm so busy I forget to use said camera. Oh well, there will be a few for your viewing pleasure.
Jr:
Went to Wisconsin for a week for training. Had you asked him a few days prior to his trip he would have told you Wisconsin was on the East Coast and Minneapolis was a seperate state from Minnesota though he wouldn't have been able to tell you exactly where either were. Think the trip was as benficial a geography lesson as a bussiness one.
Is now the Elders Quorum president, which in this ward is a VERY demanding calling. Sianara Daddy. Hope we see you sometimes!
After days of mumbling, grumbling, digging up lawn, and swearing under his breath (shh, don't tell the people in his elder's quorum) has finally, well almost finally he ran out of daylight, conqured the sprinklers. We had several cracked pipes and he had a heck of a time getting it all together but like anything else he takes on he succeeded as always.
Has taken on the 100day heart challenge at work: nutrionist, personal trainer, daily workouts, and healthy eating. Does pretty good, but sometimes you just gotta have a donut
Marissa:
Successfully survived a week of playing single mom while Jr was in Wisconsin. I have a new found respect for all single parent. I didn't have the bed to myself a single night he was gone. There was always anywhere from 1-3 little bodies keeping me company. Decided I did pretty good cause when Jr got home Brayden's first quesiton was, "Mom, do we still get to have fun now that Daddy's back?" Shh... don't tell about the all night parties
Has undertaken a hobby of taking the kids to the pool twice a week. They love it and I survive the 3 hours of chasing them from on pool to the next. Have developed a new talent of getting my eyes to look in two different directions trying to keep an eye on everyone.
Has undertaken another hobby of healthy cooking to assist Jr in his venture. Favorite recipe so far is fat free, whole wheat, chalk full of fruits, nuts and veggie muffins that honestly truly taste AMAZING.
Is a little frustrated that garden/flower beds aren't shaping up as well as last year, oh well. Maybe a little more TLC will make a difference. Had a GREAT crop of cherries this year
Brayden:
1st thing out of his mouth when he saw his Uncle Ryan, "Uncle, I wipe my own bum now!"
While playing Star Wars on the Wii with Jr (a game he loves, but Jr's never played). "Daddy, jump on that guy." Jr does so and dies. Brayden responded, "I told you to watch out...in my head!"
Is beyond belief excited for our campout this week but quite leary of the bears, in his nightly prayers he faithfully pleads for protection from them.
His 2nd fear of the campout is we'll return to some people having decided we don't live in our house anymore so they now live in it.
While my brother Jonathan was at court for an accidental tresspassing incident (long story but Brayden was with him when he got the ticket), "Tavita, if Uncle Jonathan doesn't come back that means they but him in prison, and he's not part of our family anymore!"
Can now write his first and last name completely on his own
Tavita:
Has discovered a love for partially ripe cherries. He, Brayden and a neighbor friend spend a good portion of the afternoon outside in a tent and returned with a once FULL strainer EMPTY. The 3 downed a good 4lbs of cherries. Needless to say I was apologizing to the kids mom for any future upset stomachs
During on of our many family wrestling matches I piled the boys on top of Jr and placed Kalei on top saying, "And a cherry on top." A very strained Tavita while trying to wriggle to freedom, "Cherries?!? I love cherries"
Has become tool OBSESSED. Always has his toolbox with him. Follows Jr everywhere helping him fix stuff.
While putting him to sleep I was singing a favorite primary song, "Love is Spoken Here." as I was singing he intterupts me and says, "Bowzer!" I thought for a minute where he got it from then laughed and said no, "as she BOWS HER head". Fit of laughter, "Bowzerhead" hahahah
As we pulled up after picking Ryan up from the airport Brayden pointed Jon's truck out to him. Tavita,very possesively, "Yeah that's MY UNCLE." Ryan, "Did you know I'm your uncle to?" T: "NO!" in the end he was affectionately called, "Unkie Ryan"
WILL NOT stay dressed. He cruises the neighborhood in his underwear. I dress him and turn around he's naked. Repeat and repeat.
Was very excited for waffles yesterday (pancakes in his book). I told him to let me finish what I was doing and I'd be in to start them. He runs into the kitchen singing "Let's make some waffles, who, ho,ho,ho" (to the tune of "Who let the dogs out"
Kalei:
Has taken a bit more to walking
Finally fulfilling her days of longingly watching her brothers and joins in the wrestling matches. The girl can barely walk but if you say "Bodyslam" she raises her hands abover her head, bounces a bit, and throws herself onto whoever is closest by
Favorite toy is The Hulk
Is always roaring and growling at people
Tends to start fights with her brothers. Luckily Brayden shrugs it off but has lead to some scuffles between her and Tavita.
Has me thinking we need another girl to girly her up a bit
Loves joining in conversation and laughs on cue.
Has now eaten with Bowzer from his dish, got on all fours and drank like Bowzer the same time Bowzer was drinking, and eaten a piece of his poop. They are officialy bonded and I have some great blackmail stories for when she starts dating.
When Jr leaves for work and gives me a kiss, she instantly starts smacking her lips demanding one two. Yet another way she gets him wrapped tighter around her finger.
Now for a visual idea of what we've been up to:
Jr finished putting up our fence and did an incredible job! He gives credit to his two helpers.

He did it all by hand with nothing but a pickaxe, shovel, and hammer even though he ran into obstacles like this to dig out. I couldn't even lift the thing let alone dig through hard rocky ground to get it out

As said before our little princess LOVES the hulk so Jr thought he'd be funny and give Kalei hulk muscles

The boys of course couldn't be left out of the fun


Even though Jr and I aren't very big people a king-sized bed is a MUST for us, for this very reason. I think it all stemmed from when we were first married and our bedroom doubled as our living room but it's a favorite gathering spot for our family. Movie nights, wrestling matches, story time, my favorite, family nap time!

Pick our bounty from the cherry tree

We took a night to go to our favorite park, fondly called the "Duck Park"
We ate some pizza

Swam in the fountain

Got in some wiggle-riding action

Tormented the ducks

The boys took a walk around the pond

While Leilei and I lazily gazed upon them

The other day I was working in the garage and Tavita came and grabbed the drywall trowel of the shelf. I didn't think much of it til I walked in and saw this scene. Microwave open, drawer open, marshmallows, peanut butter, pepper and matches (I swear they were up high) were strewn about.

Lei loves taking a bath in the sink. The other day I turned around to find her in the other side and two suckers in her mouth. Man she's fast!

It's a good thing we have such a big strong daddy!

Some year I'll post about our 4th of July weekend!

Memorial Day

Aha! We have three more post for you to enjoy!

We had an exciting and eventful Memorial Day. As I've said before we're trying to get out and discover more of Utah. On Monday we decided to officially initiate ourselves into Utah Valley and "hike the Y". I don't think you can say you live here and not have hiked it. We went with our good friends/neighbors the Short's and were intrigued to see what it was going to be like hiking with 5 kids up the side of a mountain. Their kids were champs and only grumbled here and their. Our normally hike-loving kids on the other hands were MISERABLE.
A big part of the problem is they weren't well rested and really should have been sleeping rather then hiking. After about 3 minutes of hiking Tavita started saying he was tired and needed to be carried. Finally about half way up I loaded Kalei onto the front carrier and Tavita hitched a ride on Juniors back. Brayden was great on the way up and he and Carson led the way the majority of the time.
On the way down they both started out strong which was great because Kalei zonked out in the backpack so they had no way of getting a ride. After about a 1/4 of the way down Tavita started saying he was tired and Brayden was complaining that his knees hurt (I'm really starting to wonder if he has knee problems, it's on my list of things to ask the doc at his next well check)
Long story short after a lot of tears and prodding along, Junior wound up with Kalei on his back and Tavita in his arms and I piggy backed Brayden (Though he insisted I set him don the last 50 yards so he could say he walked out). It had potential to be a lot of fun and I think we'll do it again when our kids aren't so tired. The next hike on our list is Timpanogas Caves which is longer and steeper and we've already informed the kids that's going to have to be postponed a few years until their a little stronger hikers. We're keeping our eyes out for more simple hikes.
As for me, I felt life coming full circle as I had a "I'm turning into my mom" moment. I remember growing up thinking my mom was such a killjoy for always telling us not to go so close to the edge. We'd be standing there enjoying ourselves only to have our mom steer us away. I've jumped from planes, cliffs of all heights, buildings etc, but my heart would not stop pounding watching our kids meander as they walked along the switchbacks. They'd be running around having fun and my heart would bottom out as I yelled, "Get away from the edge NOW." and as they were having fun racing down the mountain I was yelling "When you run downhill, you don't stop, NO RUNNING." I kept laughing at myself in disbelief because I truly sounded JUST like my mom. Amazing how much more understanding and appreciative we become of our moms as we go through the same things they did.
The kids rearing to go (Brayden, Carson, Emma, Tavita)

Best Buds helping each other along

Daddy and LeiLei trucking along

Jandy bringing up the two little ones (The advantages of being the photographer...note I had NO kids)

The whole crew with the "Y" in the background

Tavita once again used Daddy as a salt lick!

The moms and the kiddos relishing in the fact that we MADE IT!!!

Carson has developed a fetish with "bunny ears" and Brayden is becoming an eager student.

LOVED the view, gave me a whole new perspective of Provo. I have to admit, it is kind of pretty! Plus, look how high we hiked, no wonder the kids were whining

Oh the trouble these 4 rascals have conglomerated on!

We are now 3/3 in having this exact pic. That pack must be comfy because they all fall asleep in it.


After the hike the boys came home and napped (both were asleep within 5 minutes of being home) while Junior did some yard work and I did some cooking for our cul-de-sac BBQ. It was a lot of fun. We blocked the circle of, pulled out a couple grills, everyone grilled their own meat and brought sides to share. We sat out, let the kids run wild while we gabbed until it got dark. After living in a cul-de-sac I can't imagine living anywhere else (if nothing for our kids safety, they know NOTHING of street caution). I think it's going to have to be a requirement for all future houses!

Sidenote, FINALLY was warm enough(a whole 70 degrees) to bust out the summer stuff. The boys were so excited they instantly jumped into their suits, sprayed on the sunscreen and begged to fill the pool.

I had to boil a few HUGE pots of water to mix in so it took the edge of the iciness but they had fun none the less.

Day Out With Thomas

There's a cool little railroad station in a little town about 40 min from here. Every year on Memorial Day weekend they have "Day Out With Thomas". Thomas comes and gives the kids a 25 min train ride and there are all sorts of activities for the kids to do. Other than last year (Kalei was only a few days old) we've gone every year we've been here and the boys LOVED it. Last time the weather was HORRIBLE and we barely lasted an hour, long enough to get in the train ride and attempt a few other activites before we were frozen and gave up. This year the weather was GORGEOUS and the boys had a blast! The took a train ride, met Sir Topham Hatt, watched a magician, miniature golf, listened to stories, played with train table galores and more!
Anxious to board. The boys were giddy with excitment!

All Aboard!!!

Pulling out

Brothers to the end!

Lei wasn't sure what was going on, but she knew it was exciting!

We ususally don't buy food when we're at events/amusment parks but one thing we always spring for is cotton candy. The boys LOVE it!

Kalei's first time trying cotton candy, she may not join the fan club.

Getting Thomas Tattoos, 1 week later and they're STILL there!

The revered pleasure of meeting Sir Topham Hatt

With the beloved Thomas

It was a great day and the boys are already talking about next year. I was just grateful for nice weather because 3 days before it looked like this:

This was only the beginning, not long after this pic you could no longer see the sidewalks/streets. It was a TON of snow and just days before June. Don't know that I'll ever get used to living in Utah. We lost some HUGE branches (which means our well shaded back yard now has a lot of gaps) our melon plants (just grateful the rest of the garden survived) and it still a ???? as to whether we'll get any plumbs or cherries/

Kalei's 1-year update

Kalei's 1-year check-up went well. She's developing just as she should and unfortunately continues to grow every day (I want to know when I'm going to get one that understands their supposed to stay a baby instead of growing up on me!) Here are her stats:
Height: 30in (90%)
Weight: 20lbs 8oz (50%)
Head: 47.8 cm (off the charts, but just barely)
Yeah, one thing all three of my kids have had in common is LARGE heads. Tavita at least hovered at the top of the charts, Brayden and Kalei both don't even register. It's obvious that Kalei is active and mobile now as she did not gain much weight the past 3 months but she's still a healthy little chunky monkey.
Here are a few things about our little Lei Lei:
Sleep: Sleeps 7:30 til 5:30 eats then is back to sleep until about 7:30 (It's been a heaven send) Also naps for about 3-4 hours or so during the day sometimes in one nap other times split in 2.
Words: Dad(favorite word, puts a lot of emphasis on the final d), Mom (only if she's cryign and wants to nurse), dog (usually "dog,dog,dog), up, that, this, attempts at Brayden and Tavita. If we ever call them then she calls them as well. It's really funny to hear but obvious she's trying to say their names
Play: Newest love is the sandbox, she'll entertain herself forever in there. Still longingly watches her brothers run around playing, she's going to be trouble once she's fully mobile. VERY social, loves to have people play with her, HATES to be left alone. Also enjoys blocks and anything that makes music.
Eating: Continues to follow in my footsteps and loves carbs: breads and cereals. Also really enjoys cheese, chicken, ham, berries, peaches, pears, and carrots. Kalei is a very good eater and there's not much she turns her nose up at.
Personality, She's full of it! This girl is always haming it up and if you give her attention she hams it even more. However, she has WAY more stranger anxeity than either of the boys did. There are only a few select people outside the family she'll willingly go to. She'll sit there and wave, grin, giggle and do anything else you want to anyone as long as she's securely in our arms. However, she really does not like going to others. She's very much into imitating and will attempt to copy and face of noise we make. Loves music and is great at bouncing around to "Sunbeam" (our favorite song for Family Home Evening, we sing it at least twice every week!)
As with each of our kids, Kalei adds her own unique flair to our family that makes us feel complete. We can't imagine life without her and all the laughter she brings into our home. She's my little cuddle bug that loves to snuggle on my shoulder yet a firecracker that won't be crossed or told what to do. She's already standing her ground against her brothers (and unfortuantely already hitting, especially if she feels they are encroaching on her time with me). She loves to laugh and smile and it's very contagious.
I was at a baby shower this week and it made me realize how quickly she is growing and made me long for the little baby that fit all the tiny outfits that were being unwrapped. Yet at the same time it's been so fun to watch her grow and discover the world around her. I am so grateful for each of my babies and love the opportunity I have to watch them grow each day!

Did you miss us????

So I figured since you all must be going through some serious Shum update withdrawls I'd give you not one, not two, but FIVE new post to enjoy. Hopefully you all can now get a good nights sleep and continue about your normal routine now that you know what's been going on in our lives!

Lei Lei's 1st birthday

I can't believe this: was an entire year ago!
Man how time flies, and in the case of your children, it flies WAY to fast. Kalei's 1st birthday literally took us by surprise. We were talking about two weeks ago and were shocked when we realized how close she was to being one. She goes in for her appointment on Tuesday so I'll do that post later.
We had a fun BBQ with some neighbors and friends. She didn't have a clue that they whole bash was for her but she thought all the excitement was pretty great.
Brayden got this idea to take his gumball machine and the jar of candy we have and dump it into a cooler and greet all the guests with an offer to select a piece of candy. I suggested it might be better to just have the jars instead of the cooler but he insisted on the cooler. "Everyone will think it's SOOO cool Mom!" So he and Tavita greeted all our guest with a giant cooler with some candy and gumballs sprinkled on the bottom. He was right the kids did think it was SOOOO cool.
I had made the concious decision to have Kalei come around the end of May/beginning of June so there would be nice weather for her birthdays. However, you can't count on that in Utah. The forecast for her birthday: rainy with a high of 53 degrees. I was so frustrated however luck smiled upon us and despite a wet, cold morning, it dried up for the party and was even nice enough people sat outside for a short while but eventually everyone filtered inside for warmth.
My favorite part of the whole day was Kalei eating her cake. For Tavita's 1st birthday we gave him his own personal cake (a grocery store here hands out free cakes for 1st birthdays) and he went NUTS! He didn't eat much of it but man did he have fun playing in it. Kalei was the complete opposite. She was so dainty and clean about the whole ordeal. She loved eating it but it got no where but her hands and mouth, so I helped her out some!
When we first striped her down and plopped her on the table cloth she was trying to figure out what was going on.

Then I brought the cake and she was suddenly intrigued.

Then came the singing and she was estatic! She just bounced up and down, huge smile plastered to her face, looking around like, "You're all focused on me!"

When the cake was set down she poked it a bit then sampled a bit

Decided "hey, this isn't half bad" and started eating away.

Being the lady that she is, she offered to share with anyone that would like some. Of course even 5 minutes into the whole ordeal she remained clean

So I helped her out some by having her pat her chubby little cheeks

Not at all phased she continued with her feast

Finally she got a little dirty, Emma decided to help her eat like a lady once again, she was so dainty about the way she put the frosting in Kalei's mouth

After cake it was present time! She wasn't quite sure what to do with it all.

So all the other kids helped her out. She wanted to play with each thing that was opened, but they'd plop another one in her lap before she got a chance to take a 2nd look at anything.