march

 at what age does this become the automatic response to seeing a camera?


Nate's Grandmother reminded me that it has been to long in between posts.
she needs to see some grandbabies.


sometimes i find blogging therapeutic. 
i have things to say.
it is fun even.


then there are times it doesn't cross my mind.
for weeks at a time.


my attention has been elsewhere.


i have been reading books.
not doing house projects or cleaning.


i have taken up bikram yoga.
it's hot.
and it feels great.
i love it so much i am willing to set an alarm for 4:50 a.m. to go practice.
i hate alarms.


we have been enjoying disneyland, and park days with friends.
beckham finished basketball and started t-ball.


we have been looking at houses.
lots and lots of houses.
meeting with relators.
learning about homeschooling options.
and soul searching about wether or not i am up for the challenge.

records

Our good friend Lynette took some pictures for us the day after Thanksgiving.
This is Nate's favorite.  
Sheesh.


I can't pick just one favorite, 
and I don't want to spoil the Christmas card, 
but this candid is a gem.

Lincoln wasn't feeling well so he has sick eyes.
I still think he is delicious though.

So let the records show, 
We survived 2011.
With smiles.
(and screams and tears and laughing.)

We spent Saturday in Pasadena at Nate's Grandmothers' home.
Swimming and eating.
What else do you do when it is so hot???

Father's Day

After a lazy morning of pancakes for breakfast,

and gifts,(Beckham made him a pet rock at school. LOVE it.)

 

Nate wanted to get out of the house.

We drove down the 101 to the Griffith Observatory.

It's free to walk through and has plenty of places for kids to run outside.

We enjoyed the sun and the hazy view of the city.

It was a wonderful day for Father celebrating.

Magic Kingdom Gods

I cried at Disneyland last night.
There was this moment that was beautiful.
Not in the traditional sense, 
but in the sense that it was some pretty great moments happening simultaneously.
You can laugh.
We were seated in our rocket ships, last ride of the night.
Park was closing and the fireworks show was underway.
Perfect weather.
And as if planned by the "Magic Kingdom" Gods, 
Our rocket ships lifted off, 
a final thunderous boom
the grand finale fireworks showered the sky with light, 
"A dream is a wish your heart makes..." echoed in the night air.
It was the stuff dreams are made of folks.  
No joke.
As the wind lifted my hair from around my face, 
I thought that this was a pretty perfect moment.
And I knew that it wouldn't be likely to happen again.
So I smiled, and cried, and watched my family's faces.
And it was beautiful.
And I was grateful.
Disneyland Rocket-ships and all.

The line to get on the trams back to the car at 10 p.m was not as beautiful.

Kite Weather

It was 70 and WINDY on Sunday.
After some naps, 
and dropping off Brownies and a Thank You to some friends, 
We took the kids to a hill to fly a kite.

The $1 kite lasted about 5 seconds before one of the plastic ties broke, so we never really got lift off, but that didn't stop the kids from having fun.

We will need to invest in a better kite,
but it was a perfect way to spend a windy Sunday evening.

Festivities

To celebrate Lincoln's birthday, 
we met Nate's parents and brother in Long Beach.


Lunch at Outback, 
First birthday dessert, 
and enjoying some time at the Harbor.


Thanks for the fun day family!

Easter Joy

 Look at that brotherly love.  
They really know when to turn on the charm.

Taking pictures was the last thing on my mind today, but I didn't want to add 
"not taking easter pictures"
to my list of why I am not a perfect mom.


So, this is what I managed in the rush to get to church on time.
Number 3 was eating breakfast, so he missed out on the sibling picture.


We didn't buy anything new this year for Easter clothes. 


The kids have plenty, and Marley has on a hand-me-down easter dress from some friends. Come to think of it, her shoes and socks are from different friends also. I love me some gently used clothing!


Beckham did get a new Target tie in his Basket.
(Actually, I used gift bags. Target was sold out of baskets when I got there. Add it to the list.)

I managed to have someone grab an awesome family shot after 3 hours of church.  

I have a nice sweaty sheen on my face that is telling me it's time to get home, ditch the heels, and put on sweats.


We made sure the kids got plenty of bunny, eggs, and candy time, but also made sure they know why we celebrate Easter.
I am thankful for the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I am thankful that my Savior lives.  And that I get to be with this bunch of crazies as a family forever.
How great is that???

testes

This afternoon before nap time Becks came out of the bathroom and was concerned with the thing under his penis.
We couldn't really understand what he was getting at besides delaying nap time.
I asked him if there was a problem or if something was hurting him.
"no"
"then go to bed."


On with the day.


Tonight before bed we said prayers and sent the kids in to pee.
Beckham came out, this time with his pants down and said 


"see mom, this is what I was talking about, this thing."
(pointing to his testes)


Got it.  
Testes.


"testes?"


Then Marley chimes in with her pants down pointing to her girl parts. 


"look mom, I have testes too."
(not competitive at all)

We cleared that one up, then had a 1 min. explanation of how Heavenly Father gave boys testes so that after they fall in love and get married they can help make babies.


"Wow, cool. I get to help make babies."

Baby Beckham

Kind of sneaks up on you.

6:30

This is the Arnold family at 6:30 p.m.
We are HOT (85 outside, 95 inside)and sweaty.
We are tired.
The house is a mess.
And we just figured out no one has eaten dinner.
Anyone else?

fail

This happened yesterday right in front of me.
I was trying to do too many things at once.


Get Marley's towel, help Beckham with a toy, talk on the phone, and keep Lincoln out of the tub.


I failed.


He was thrilled.

back to life

It's Sunday at 5:30.  
I was sitting down to take a gander at the newest PB catalogue, but that didn't last for long.
I thought of something I needed to do.
I spent yesterday and today in a funk.
A "my family left and now it's back to real life" funk.
As in I am NOT ready for tomorrow.
Nothing special about tomorrow,
only that it is a completely typical monday morning.
I have to get up and be responsible and workout and get dressed and not eat like I'm on vacation.
I have to find things for the kids to do, (Becks is home from school on account of Cesar Chavez Day.)
I have to clean.
I have to figure out what's for dinner.
While all these things are perfectly normal things, 
I am not ready.
I did a few loads of laundry this afternoon to see if it would get me in the mood.
I even made some dinner.
I'm not feeling it yet.
My only hope is a good, sincere prayer.
I often ask my mom how she did it.
The same thing day in and day out.
You know, Groundhog Day.
She says sometimes she would have to pray that she would be able to clean another toilet, 
and fold another load of laundry.
Both on my list for tomorrow.


It was a fun week.

Super

There is one day left before my fam returns to New Mexico, and I have yet to post a picture.
SO, here is a taste of the week.
For you Dad.  
You should have been here.

 Disneyland eating

 More Disneyland

 Family beach time

 Family digging time

I'd like to point out the great stretch going on behind me.
Super.


Just a taste.

fur

Beckham went outside one morning last week before school.
60 seconds later he ran in jumping and shouting something thrilling.


"Mom, I have fur on my arms and legs,
like Grandpa Mom, I'm so happy to be a Grandpa."


Oh, to feel joy at the sight of bodily fur.  And aging.

And scab picking.