one of those days...

Do you ever have one of those days? You know the kind when you wake up in the morning and you have barely made it out of bed when...the bad day starts. Ethan and Connor start fighting with each other. By 8:00 I had broken up 3 fights between those two! Ivan comes down with an insanely gross diaper...and there are only 2 left. Which means now I have to drag all of these crabby boys (Harm not included because she hasn't fought with anyone this morning) to the store for diapers. Ugh. I have been trying really hard to not bring them to the store. I want to have one errand day and that is all. So far that hasn't been happening. Maybe once school starts?

Anyway, I just have a feeling this day is not going to get better. And I am feeling lazy. Not a good combo!

welcome to the world...

Congrats to my beautiful and wonderful friend, Beth and her family, on the birth of their twins, Kyle and Jackson. So happy for you hon! Love yah!

Aren't those little bundles just precious?!!

rrrrribit

Ivan has recently started to really like books. Ecspecially animal ones. He likes to tell me all the noises that each one makes. One of his favorites is a frog. He loves to say ribbit.

Last night, we had just finished babysitting and were walking across the street to our house. We were opening the door when we saw 2 frogs sitting on our patio. I showed it to Ivan and said " look Ivan frogs! ribbit ribbit" He took one look and started screaming and crying. I am not sure if that is still his favorite animal!

behind the times

I know that most people, are finishing the last one. That people have waited in lines at midnight, to get the book. The last book of the series. I however, am not one of them. I have never read the Harry Potter books. I have friends who love the series. Are obsessed with the series *cough,cough Jenn** The reason that I didn't read it was that I am not really into science fiction or fantasy. I am more of a murder mystery fan.

Since we have been here, I have not been able to go to the library. The hours are kind of funny. There really aren't any bookstores here either. I do have some books coming from Amazon, but in the mean time, I was looking for something to read.

So I bought the first Harry Potter book. And then I hurried out to buy the second one. And I am now 100 pages into the 3rd. And now I am hooked. But I don't have to wait for all the new ones to come out. I can just go to the store when I finish. Nice huh?!

f.f.f.

As of last night, the scale had nothing. Not one thing. And I was frustrated. And I will tell you why:

Friday: went out to TGIFriday's with Ben and had a chicken salad with the dressing on the side, while Ben ate mozzarella sticks.
Sat: Harmony and I went and saw Nancy Drew. She got a kids pack and munched on popcorn, candy and rootbeer. I had nothing.
Sun: In our branch, they don't have "linger longers" they have a hail and farewell. Ben did not go to church ( he wasn't feeling well) and the kids loaded their plates with ham, and desserts. I did not eat one of the enormous brownies that someone brought. I ate nothing and came home and had a nice healthy lunch at home.
Mon: I went to a Buzz club meeting ( our spouses club) where everyone was eat lumpia, empanadas, grilling hot dogs and tons of desserts. I ate...you guessed it. Nothing.
Tues: I had a girl in our complex watch the kids for me so I could do some grocery shopping. However, she came at 1 and I didn't get a chance to eat lunch. Did I get a doughnut at the Winchells? No, I ate a 100 calorie pack.
Wed-After swim lessons, we went to McDonalds. I did not munch on anyones fries, or leftover chicken. Nada.
Thurs- The kids made pizza and it smelled and looked so good. Did I eat it? no. And what do I get?

I actually ended up with a 1 lb. loss. But I was frustrated. I worked hard. Said no to some major "red light foods". In weight watcher speak that means foods that you know you can't control yourself when they are there.

So how am I feeling? I am glad that I got a loss. I think that what happens is that I get so focused on the end, that sometimes I don't see what I am doing that is good. I have lost 4 lbs. in 2 weeks. ( And I am on my period!) That is a nice and healthy rate. So I have decided to just do it 5 lbs. at time. Not looking at how much more I have to go.

This week is not scheduled to be as busy. Swim lessons are done today, although we are starting them again. We are babysitting on Sat. but other than that there is not too much on the schedule. So wish me luck on another week. I know it is going to be a good one!
BTW- I had Ethan snap a "1st month" picture. I am not sure when I will post it. I am thinking about how I want to do it.

...a small miracle

"Mommy, are you so glad with me?"

" I am sooo glad with you Connor bub".

And why? Why am I so glad with him? Because he did it. He finally put his face in the water!!! I realized that I forgot to mention that Harmony is swimming underwater now. She still has to practice her strokes but she is a little fish.

Ethan, just about on the same day, started plugging his nose and going under the water. He has made huge strides and is going to go into swim lessons for the next session. The good thing about Guam is that they can take lessons year round! :)

But the good news is that Connor finally did it! Connor is the most stubborn of all of our kids. Not sure where he gets it from, but....Ben had actually bought him a box of legos as a bribe, and it has sat in our closet, just waiting and waiting for Connor to put his face under. Nothing doing though.Finally yesterday, I convinced him to go under water with me holding him. He did it. I had him do it a couple of more times. Then I held him and he just put his head in. Then finally he went to the stairs sat down, and stuck his face in the water...all by himself. And he kept doing it. I am so happy because this was such a huge hurdle for him. Go Connor!

earning Mommy points

The boys were being really quiet upstairs, so I went up to check on them. When I saw the light on in the bathroom, and no one was in there ( pet peeve!!!) I went in to turn the light off. And I came in to find this. The boys had been very busy having a lego ship race in the bathroom sink.

I held my tongue and didn't get them in trouble for a)making a mess b) playing with water c)leaving the mess for me to clean up and d)leaving the light on.

I just tried to enjoy the moment. Who knows, maybe when they are older, they will look back and say, " remember that one time when we played lego's in the bathroom sink and Mom didn't get mad?". Hopefully they will remember and I will get some sort of credit for it!

like father...like son

I really wasn't sure if I wanted to live in housing when we got here, but I have decided that it does have it's perks. One of those, is that Ben can come home for lunch. It is so nice to see him during the day. I love it. The kids love it too.

Yesterday I got a little distracted while making Ivan's lunch, and just left his plate on the counter. The next thing I knew, he had it and was sitting out with Ben. He started out on the other end of the coffee table and then made his way over. Sat right next to him. It was so adorable. They are so cute together!!

BTW- I depsise eating in the living room, but Ben and I don't agree on this subject. So I decided to just let it go with Ivan...just this once!

F.F.F

So today is my first official weigh in. It is hard to believe that a week has past. However, I am very excited. Because I am starting this next week with a 3 lb loss!!!! Yeah! So excited.

It is funny because sometimes your first week on a diet, is the hardest. You are used to being able to eat whatever you want, and then all of a sudden you are having to hold back, read labels, make sure it is something you really want to eat etc.

And other times it is the easiest week. You have bought lots of healthy foods, you have tons of motivation, you are totally into it.

This week was busy and somedays it was hard. We had a hail and farewell this week that was a potluck. So tons of food and desserts.I grabbed a diet pepsi and sat and talked with people. Didn't eat a thing. I was hoping for a veggi plate or something but no... We also had a "thing" last night, and it was at 5:30. Who plans this stuff?! Actually, every new person that moves into the wardroom, the whole wardroom goes to the airport to meet them. So that is just when their plane comes in. But long story short after hanging out at the airport for an hour, we went and did some shopping. I knew I was going to be starving and so I brought a fiber one bar with me. Satisfied my hunger until I finally got to eat dinner at 8.

Anyway, tonight Ben and I are going out to celebrate our anniversary. I am going to be very careful. I get to pick the place so it can be points friendly.

Also, I am trying to decide if I want to take weekly pictures. maybe monthly. Just to track the changes. I will think about it!

because...

** because I went to a stake dance in Goldendale

**because Jennifer didn't want to go talk to Lewis by herself

**because we started spending a lot of time together while in high school

**because we dated other people

**because I went to Tylers bbq

**because we spent those 2 weeks I was home, hanging out

** because I "convinced" you to come to Ricks

**because of letters and phone calls

**because you came to Rexburg to visit me, and didn't get bored

**because Laura left the room so "we could suck face"

**because we did

** because of Thanksgiving weekend when I knew " you were the ONE"

** because of emails and lots of late night phone calls

** because of lots of time spent apart

**because on July 18th, 1998 we said " I do" and we meant it

**because a little more than a year later, we had our first child

**because the next month, you took me to the temple

**because a little less than two years later, we had our 2nd child

** because 2 mo. after that I found out I was pregnant

** because you held me while I cried

** because 8 mo. later we had our 3rd

**because 4 mo. later you graduated from the Uof O,and I was "done" supporting you through school

**because a month later you went to OCS,and I had to experience life without you

** because I didn't enjoy life without you

**because since then, we have had a lot of time apart

**because we have had a few trips across country

**because we have made it through 14 hours on a plane, with 4 kids

**because we have been through so much...debt, sickness, deployments, moves

**because you love me despite of my fat rolls and double chin

**because you provide for me

**because you have " the broken road" on your ipod,and for the right reason

**because you are my handy man

**because you try not to tell very many people that I didn't have your tools packed

**because you indulge me

**because you spoil me

**because you are you

Our life is more tantrums and time outs then fancy dinners and diamonds, but it doesn't matter. I love you. More and more every day! Happy 9th anniversary my lobster!

new favorite quote

" Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." -Doug Larson

14 reasons...

For me, today is July 14th. Which means...today is my Mom's birthday!! So as a tribute to her...here are 14 reasons why my mom is the best...



1) She is an amazing example to me. From mothering, to being a wife, to the way she lives her life. She is just an amazing, amazing example.



2) She loves me for me. I know that is kind of a cliche statement, ecspecially for a Mom, but I have never had to be someone that I am not. She accepts me.



3) She is always there to talk. From idle chit chat, to deep conversations. She is always there.



4) She always wants the best for her kids. Even if it isn't what she would necessarily want or choose for us.

5)She is always willing to stay up and watch a good movie with you.

6) She is the definiton of the word sacrifice. Whatever you need, she makes sure you have it.

7) Her knowledge of the gospel.

8) She has no problem letting you know how much she loves you.

9) She is always there to have a good cry with.

10) She is very giving of her time and attention.

11) She is willing to share her talents with you.

12) All the times that she stayed up late to help with a project, or made sure I got home ok.

13) She is always willing to serve in the church.

14) The way she loves my Dad.

For everything that you are & everything you have done for me. I love you Mom. Happy Birthday!

F.F.F.

So, after writing what I did about Harmony ( the fact that she didn't give up...not the part that she drove me nuts) it made me realize that well...there is something in my life that, no matter how many times I fail...I have to keep trying.



What "something" am I talking about? And what is F.F.F? Let me tell you...



When I found out that we were moving here, I was very excited. However, when we found out that we had to come a month early, there was a ton to do and hardly any time to do it. At that point I had stopped doing weight watchers, but I was working out at the Y every day. I wasn't losing any weight, but I wasn't gaining either. Plus my legs were really getting strong with all the running that I was doing. But because of the lack of time, and the fact that there was not a Y over here, I decided to cancel my membership to the Y. I was paying a monthly fee and when I was looking at how often I could get there...it was basically once a week. So it wasn't really worth it.

Well I started gaining. Just a little. Then came the hotels and a LOT of eating out. Then came the trip across the country. Once again, more eating out and no exercise. Basically, it has been like that since the day we move into the hotel until last night!!

So last night I decided that today was the day. The day to get back on track. So I made up "fight the fat Fridays". This is my weekly weigh in day. Plus I will just use this day to share with you how my week is going. If I don't post, you guys have to email me and make me do it. Help me stay on track. I am not going to share my actual weight ( don't want to scare anyone) but I will share my gains and losses. So help me out would you?! And if you want to join me...please do.

I weighed in this morning, and started the day off with a 3 mile walk on my treadmill, which burned a whopping 500 calories! Nice huh?! Anyway, stay tuned for the next f.f.f.! ( Also I realize the fact that for every one in the states it is Thursday still but for me it's Friday morning, so you will just have to deal!!)

Wish me luck on my first week!

If at first you don't succeed...

Wednesday was the kids first day back at swim lessons. However, only 1 out of 3 Turners were there. My kids are frustrating me. I took them to the pool in the morning, so that they could practice putting their face in the water before their actual lesson. Well that did not go over well. They all refused. Absolutely refused to put their faces in. Ethan was floating in the baby pool, legs kicking, and put his face in the water ( ok they did it once or twice) but wouldn't lift his one arm from the bottom of the pool. He was so close to swimming and instead chose to sit out. Grrr!!

Harmony decided that she too was not interested in swimming. So by this time, I am feeling extremely irritated with my children. We came home, and I let Harmony know, that if she refused to do swim lessons...that she wouldn't be able to be baptized. Well apparently that did it!

Ben took her to her lesson, and as soon as the lifeguard asked her to put her face in...she did! She followed it up by diving to the bottom to get a toy! She is so proud of herself and can't wait to go back tomorrow. I am so happy that unlike the boys...she decided to try again. To not give up. Go Harmony!

My girl

I think that I have said it before but...one of the things that I love about Harmony is that she knows what she wants. There is no middle ground for her. It is either a yes or a no. So on the 4th they had a face painting station set up. This is Harmony's favorite thing...to get her face painted. Once it is her turn, the guys asks what she wants and she decides on a turtle. Unfortunatley, he had never done a turtle before so he told her he had to draw one out first. Once he was done, he asked Harmony what she thought. Well...she told him. She didn't like it, "but don't worry I will just draw my own." And it turned out pretty stinkin' cute!

the 4th

So I mentioned in my 4th of July post that well...there would be no fireworks. You would think that the one man on the island who knew how to do it, would have trained someone else but apparently not. We went down to a beach called Polaris Point. They had a lot of booths set up so that the kids had plenty of things to do. So here are a few things I learned this year...

1.) Laser light shows have nothing on fireworks.

2.) Connor will sit in any cool car he can find.

3.) You should really bring a lot of bug spray.

4.) Don't expect the kids to finish a whole snow cone.

5.) tatoos and face painting should not cost $1

6.) "Eye of the Tiger" sounds so much better LIVE!

the reluctant swimmers

The kids finally began swim lessons on Wed. I was totally unsure of how they would do. While they love to play in the water,and go to the pool, they are extremely scared of putting their face in the water.

We got to the pool, and the lifeguards had them doing kicks, blowing bubbles and things like that. Well Connor was going to have nothing to do with that. However, Harmony and Ethan didn't do too bad! Towards the end the life guards asked them to jump in the water and they weren't about to do that. But I thought they made some big strides for their first day.

Jump to today...I had Ben take them because I was up late and then up in the middle of the night with Connor. ( Nothing big, he just has real problems with growing pains)...)Anyway, today they took some major steps back. Absolutely refused to put their faces in. While I understand that they are scared...It is an important skill for them to learn. So we talked and talked ( and threatened) and talked. I think we have a system worked out and hopefully they will do well.

And actually, after we talked they wanted to practice in the tub, so we let them. Harm and Ethan did a great job. I had them do it 5 times each and they did fantastic.So we are just going to keep practicing. Wish us luck!

Happy 4th!

Today is the 4th of July. And I am a whirl of emotions. This year is so different from every other year. I am feeling...

sad: Celebrating the 4th with friends was always such a blast. Having bbq's, going swimming and than meeting up at Town Point Park to watch the fireworks. Eating popsicles, and running to the dollar store for glow sticks, the kids all watching the sky. It was always such a blast. I will miss that. I will miss my annual picture with my friends.

sentimental: Last year on the 4th, Ben had only been home for 10 days. I was so happy and excited to have him home. And it made me think about how much I was grateful for. Just thinking about it makes me misty eyed.

happy: today we are celebrating with new friends. New traditions. Apparently, the one person on the island who knew how to do fireworks died,and so we will be watching a laser light show instead of fireworks....

grateful: I have a cousin, who is married to a man who is a native of Guam,and she was telling me how being here makes you appreciate all that you have. And it is so true. I am not on the mainland this year, but it doesn't mean that I am not grateful for my country. We are given so much. Rights & freedoms. Blessings beyond measure.

pride: Every day that I see Ben in his uniform, I am more proud of him. His job is not easy. He works hard. He works long hours. He isn't always appreciated. But he is my soldier. I am proud to be a military wife.

patriotic: I am surrounded every day by people who serve their country. And I love being a part of that. Women who sacrifice their husbands so that they can do their duty. Men and women who feel like we have a country worth protecting. Watching flags wave. People in uniform. People serving those people in uniform. I love being a part of it.

From sea to shining sea...and everywhere in between...Happy 4th of July!

you don't say?

I was in cleaning Ethan's room when the following conversation occured...

M-" hey guess what buddy? Tomorrow is the 4th of July!"

E-"really? I didn't know that."

M-" yeah and you know what else is going to happen tomorrow?"

E-" what?"

M-" You get to start your first day of swim lessons!"

E ( a little frustrated) says, " yeah well I know something that is going on tomorrow that you don't even know about!"

M-" really? what?"

E- " There is going to be a new Handy Manny on!" That would be one of Ivan's favorite shows on Playhouse Disney. It was just so cute because it took me totally by surprise!

(the picture was taken on the sidewalk in our housing)

be careful what you wish for...

..it just might come true!!! I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my household goods. So when they come on Friday,I was very happy. Until I found myself face to face with a ton of boxes. We have spent the weekend and all day today unpacking. Not a lot of fun.

However, it is nice to have our things back. Although there are a few winter clothes that are going to be taken to Salvation Army. However, I wonder who will even buy them?! There really is no point out here! :)

Besides boxes, (Susan you will love this!) We have also had a lot of "little visitors". Lizards. The kids are not scared of them, but have no interest in catching them. They are fast little boogers too!

I have had blogger block (is that the same as writers block?) lately and it is hard for me to think of things to write.

This week is a busy week for us. Tomorrow I am headed out for a "spouses night out". We are going to go to a local restaruant, so it should be interesting to try some new cuisine! Wed. obviously is the 4th and we are trying to decide what we are going to do. The kids start swim lessons that day, so we will have to figure something out. Thursday night we have a hail and farewell and that includes the kids. It is busy around here but we are having a blast! We have only been here for a few weeks but I feel like we have been here much longer. We know so many people already. Everyone is just soooo friendly!

The picture of the housing,is the view from Ivan's window. You can't really tell from the picture but he has a nice ocean view with palm trees! Nice huh?