Careful....You might get pulled over by the word police.

Conversation #1: (Overheard)

Connor: "You can't say that." (to a friend after he said, "stupid.")

Friend: "Oh, yes I can."

Connor: "Well, not at my house, you can't."

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Conversation #2: (the morning after watching The Princess and the Frog)

Connor: "Mom, you better take that movie back and never rent it again."
Me: "Why?"

Connor: "Cause we can't ever watch it again."
Me: "Oh, really? Why?"

Connor: "Cause it says, butt."
Me: "It's probably okay. Is that the only bad word in it, Connor?"

Sirri joins the conversation: "Oh, so if a movie only says ONE bad word then we can still watch it?"

Oh, boy. Talk about opening a can of worms!

The conversation did not end there, by the way. We of course discussed that even one bad word in a movie is not okay. We might be limited to Barney and Friends as long as Connor and his word police ears are around! Really, I am proud that he is conscious of these things and I'm sure I'll be reminding him of this conversation one day when he tells me, "it only has ONE bad part!" So, I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

All I Need to Know I Learned Babysitting

• My house really is way too small.
• I'm glad I have an education and degree I can use some day.
• A box of fishy crackers doesn't go very far.
• I can get most any kid to crack a smile.
  
• Paper plates are a must.
• Writing names on paper cups is a good idea, too.
• I like hugs.
• I don't like muddy shoes.
• Put the markers up. High.
• Put your book group book up high, too.
• Mr. Clean Erasers really are magic!

• And the most important thing I've learned from babysitting....if I can take the time and energy to be patient and loving with someone else's children, I can most certainly make the effort to do the same with my own.
  

Recently, I accepted a babysitting job. It's only a couple days a week for a few hours at a time. It did come at a time where it's nice to have a few extra dollars to "play" around with and stretch the budget. But, it didn't exactly come at the greatest time for me "emotionally." I'm feeling a bit stressed and over my limit as of late, but still really felt like I could manage the job and I have. But some days, my plates do feel a bit too full and they sometimes spill over. On those days it is my kids who unfortunately "get it." "It," being the wrath of their tired, cranky mother. All the while someone else's children are treated with respect, kindness, patience and love.

And then, it dawned on me the other day, that these kids of "mine" really do belong to someone else. These kids have been sent to me from a loving Father in Heaven. Really, they are on loan to me. He has entrusted me with their care while they are here on this earth. He has given them to me to teach and to nurture, with love and patience. And not just on the good days, but also on the bad and the tired and the frustrated. It is my responsibility and should be my honor, everyday, to treat them as I would and do someone else's children. For really, they are HIS.

I hope your life is always fairy tales and happy endings....

The other day I was talking to a little girl about her daddy's wedding and his new wife. Sirri overheard and we then had the following conversation:

Sirri: "You have a step-mother, Ashlyn?"

Me: "Who do you know who has a step-mother, Sirri?" (Surprised she even knows what one is.)

Sirri: "No one."

Me: "Then where did you learn what a step-mother is?"

Sirri: "From CINDERELLA." (as in, like, duh!)

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with Connor, I wondered what it would be like to have two kids so close together. (Less than a year!) I wondered what kind of relationship they would have and what I could do to foster a positive one. I dreamed that one day they would be the best of friends and had nightmares that maybe they would be worst of enemies.

A few years ago when they were both wearing size three pants, I posted this picture and caption:

"I hope Sirri and Connor will always be as close as their pants size."

Other people are apparently curious what it is like to have two kiddos so similar in age as well because I get asked about their relationship on a regular basis.

Tonight as Sirri and Connor were watching a movie, I was able to snap a picture that I think illustrates their relationship and warms this mama's heart.

Yes, they can fight like the best of them. I think that comes with the territory of being siblings. But at the end of the day, these two are:
CLOSE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Errrrr. I mean, HAPPY EASTER!

The Most Beautiful Bride and the Nicest Boy in Boise

Last week, my sister Cindy married Travis Worwood. She really was the most beautiful bride I have EVER seen and according to reliable sources, Travis is the "nicest boy in Boise."

When my dad was dancing with Cindy at their reception they had the following (paraphrased) conversation:Dad: "You know what the best part of this day has been, Cindy? Your smile."

Cindy: "I know. Scott (her dentist) did a great job on my teeth, didn't he?"

Dad: "I don't mean your teeth Cindy. I mean your smile. You can tell you are truly happy because of your smile."

I totally agree. Cindy is a beautiful girl to begin with, but that day Cindy radiated happiness and her countenance truly glowed.I have always loved being around new mothers with their brand new babies. It is so fun to remember how I used to feel when I had my first child and to remember the excitement and joy that motherhood brought me. It is the same way with newlyweds. It is such a great reminder of the joy and happiness that can and should come from marriage. It was nice to be shown a great example and have a special reminder of how I should feel about and treat this handsome man that I married nine years ago.......
I wish Cindy and Travis nothing but happiness and joy as they begin their life together. They absolutely deserve one another!

CHEERS to the Worwoods!
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Dipping strawberries and having fun hanging out with the family.

The Bigelow Bunch
You've done well, Mom and Dad. You should be proud.

The reception was so gorgeous. My mom really knows how to throw a party and Cindy had really neat ideas.

Marilyn Monroe cousins.
It is always so fun to spend time with Kim and her family.
We miss you guys!!! sniff sniff.

My college roommates. The "Shanty" girls.
Thank you so much for all coming. It meant the world to Cindy.

Lettin' loose on the dance floor. You should have seen Meg and Sarah. They were "raisin' the roof!" Too cute. And I'm sure I looked like the drunk lady. I always get a little carried away!

Daddy and his "little" girls.
All grown up.