A few things....

That I have been meaning to write down...
- Brock is smiling now. I still have to work pretty hard to coax them out but they just light up his face when he does! His first real gee I'm happy to see you mom smile was on March 18th.
- Rhett needs more mommy attention. I'm working on that.
- Zane had a great birthday and has been such a great brother to share everything with Rhett.
- Rhett was eating crackers this evening as I was nursing Brock and this is what he said " look mom, I'm eating his head (as he took a bite out of both crackers in his hands), look mom I'm eating his arms....in my mouth....look mom I'm eating his bum... At this I burst out laughing! He just cracks me up sometimes.
- We bought a new chair....well new to us. I love kijji. And I never get to sit in it. But both boys fit in it and they're happy happy happy about it.
- Lego Indiana Jones is addicting.
- I went 3 days without eating any chocolate. It's been my big sugar fix lately so it was a big deal. Had a little yesterday....but didn't binge so was happy about that. Did no chocolate and no chips today. Trying to get back to eating healthy and exercising again.
- I worked out 4 times this week. Yeah me! I wish it was 6 times but I'm focusing on the positives.
- Brock still has no schedule. Some days he eats like crazy, some days not. Some nights he sleeps great, some nights not.
- Brock is not a happy boy when I eat ice cream. No, I should re-phrase that. Brock IS a happy boy when I eat ice cream but is happy at 3 am for about 2 hours so mommy isn't happy.
- I am missing the HOURS I was spending on quilting almost every day.
- I finally cleaned my bathroom today. It's been on my list since Monday.
- I went to a fabric store during a 50% sale and didn't buy ANYTHING! I did help a friend spend $200! She's making her first quilt.
- I love going to church but I dread the 9:00 time. I actually have to get up before Brock....still very hard to do that.
- I have to perform Cannon in D on Easter Sunday....I'm very worried. I'm not performance ready yet and my days just keep flying by without my fingers touching the keyboard!
- I'm looking forward to being in southern Alberta, but not the trip by myself with the kids.
- My kids have the best aunties and uncles any kid could ask for.
- I'm due to write a 10 Things post....but not tonight!

Zane is 6

Wow. Zane turned 6 years old on Sunday. We've been parents for 6 years! How has that much time gone by so quickly? We are so blessed to have Zane in our family. He is a kind, caring, sweet little boy who loves life. He is an awesome big brother, thoughtful and loving son and generally a delight to be around. He has a budding testimony of the gospel, asks me questions that make me think and is a SPONGE for information. He loves going to school and has lots of friends. His teacher adores him. And he can't wait for the soccer season to start...he's registered to play for the first time this year. Good thing Cliff and I got him some cleats, shin pads and a real ball for his birthday! He was excited over them but much much more excited over the Lego Indiana Jones game his brothers came up with. Pretty good for almost 3 and 6 weeks, eh? Hee Hee Hee. It really was an eventful weekend....Thursday night Grammie S and Grandpa Dooley surprised us! They weren't supposed to be here until sometime Friday afternoon - but it was awesome to get them early! Friday mom and I took Brock and did all the grocery and party shopping. The boys and Cliff and Grandpa fixed our kitchen faucet and hung out. Saturday mom and dad helped me get everything ready for Saturday night and Sunday. We decided to combine Zane's birthday and Brock's blessing so our families and friends only had to make one trip. However, we couldn't fit everyone into our house at one time so we booked the church. My parents, Cliff's parents and 2 sisters and some friends were all able to make it. We had invited everyone who was standing in the circle with Cliff and their families. Some could come, some couldn't but it was still fun! I made 2 big crock pots full of chili - one very hot at the request of Cliff and Dad. Apparently it still wasn't quite hot enough but whatever. So we had chili, chips, buns and some yummy fruit platters. The kids had a blast running around with the noise makers and balloons I picked up at the dollar store and decorating the crowns I picked up as well. Everyone ate lots, we sang happy birthday and blew out the candles on the cupcakes and of course opened presents. Zane got spoiled of course. Zane's favorite was his Lego Indiana Jones game, mine was the quilt that Grammie S made for him! He likes it but I'm sure he'll appreciate it more when he gets older. Grammie said he reacted about the way she expected him to!

Sunday morning we woke up to about 8 inches of snow and it was still falling!!! Seriously. Ugg. I'm so done with winter. But whatever. I don't control the weather and we HAD to go to church because we were blessing Brock! So away we went into Red Deer - only did about 80 the whole way but we did make it. Mom and I went to get Brock dressed while everyone else got a seat. We had Cliff, Grandpa Dooley, Trevor Pratt, Warren Van Orman, Dave Robison, Steve Hall, and Collin Anderson stand in the circle and Cliff gave Brock an awesome blessing. And if you don't know he was officially blessed and named as Brock Dooley Johnson. We tried to get some good family pictures after Sacrament Meeting was over....We got the pictures but they just make me laugh because Rhett was in a very uncooperative mood. He wanted to go to nursery and wanted nothing to do with sitting nice and smiling. Oh well. At least we were all together!

Mom and Dad J and the girls left right away to combat the weather and Mom and Dad R stayed for a little while after church. I had choir so they took the kids home and Cliff stayed to drive me home...I was in no condition to drive - far too tired! Grandpa Dooley made Zane a birthday cake on Saturday and after we had eaten lunch on Sunday we lit candles again, sang again, and had oh so yummy chocolate cake with fudgy icing. Yumm Yumm Yumm.

What a good weekend!

Yesterday started out good. I shoveled out in front of our house where we park....Cliff almost got stuck leaving for work and I didn't want to get stuck when it was time to go get Zane from school. I called that my workout for the day and my oh my are my arms feeling it today! After shovelling my day went downhill because Brock was a fussy fussy baby all day. I think the poor kid cried more yesterday than he has since being home. I think it's because I ate 3 bowls of chili in 24 hours and from all the excitement and passing around of him over the weekend. He was hardly put down (which I expected and had NO problem with) so yesterday he just wanted to be held all day. I accomplished getting the laundry washed and supper made. That's it. But he did sleep really well last night - I was only up once! And today has been a good day.

Enjoy the pictures...I've only been trying since Sunday to get this post completed!

Oh Yummy Mummy....

Some of you may know my very talented friend Tisha Gilbert. She is amazing and has designed her own line of baby and mommy essentials. Everything is SO cute and comfy and cozy. I LOVE it. You can go here or here to check it out. I have a Mei Tai which Brock and I ADORE! and I get compliments on it everywhere I wear it. And I get my Kelly bag tomorrow. Oh I'm so excited to get my knew bag. So if you haven't already you should check out her site. She's sure to have something for you or someone you know!

Why not....

Fifty Questions.
1. Do you like blue cheese? I've never tried it. I think there are some things that shouldn't be blue.

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Nope. Never been tempted to and the smell makes me sick.

3. Do you own a gun? No. The few times I attempted to shoot a gopher were fun but I have horrible aim.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never been to Sonic but I'm partial to berry flavorings...

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Routine ones no. Surgery - yes and the first couple of baby ones yes but only because of the complications we've had.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Yum. Especially with cheese, ketchup and mustard.

7. Favorite Christmas Song? how about CD? LOVE the Forgotten Carols. It was the only Christmas music the kids and I listened to in the van this past year!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water. Sometimes orange juice - the real kind with lots of pulp.

9. Can you do push-ups? I'm not sure if I can anymore.

10. What is your favorite movie? I don't think I have one.

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring and my sleeper hoops. I never remember to put earrings in so I love having my hoops.

12. Favorite hobby? Quilting. Blogging. Spending some time alone!

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? Nope.

14. Do you have ADD? Probably. Ask Cliff.

15. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Being passive.

16. What’s your middle name? Lynn

17. Name three thoughts at this moment: When is Brock going to wake up. Do I have enough time to finish this and get supper started before he wants to eat. Maybe he should sleep in his swing tonight.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Vinegar and chocolate chips and Cliff bought part of Zane's birthday present.

19. Current worry right now? Having everything ready for this weekend.

21. Current hate right now? Extreme sleep deprivation

22. Favorite place to be? With my family.

23. How did you bring in the New Year? Cliff me and mom did something....and we made it to midnight.

24. Where would you like to go? Somewhere with no snow and I'm looking forward to a few days in southern Alberta at the beginning of April.

25. Name three people who will complete this? I hate these types of questions. I guess whoever has the time.

26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Again, lameo question.

27. What color shirt are you wearing? Black.

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never done it but don't think I'd like it. I prefer the t-shirt ones.

29. Can you whistle? A little.

30. Favorite color? Red. Brown. Lots of blues.

31. Would you be a pirate? Nope.

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I think in the shower.

33. Favorite girl’s name? Aubrey

34. Favorite boy’s name? Zane, Rhett and Brock. I LOVED the name Quaid but Cliff wouldn't go for it. I also really like Jack.

35. What’s in your pocket right now? No pockets. Wearing sweats.

36. Last thing that made you laugh? Brock.

37. Best bed sheets as a child? No idea

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? Bat to the head. 3 stitches and still have the scar.

39. What is your favorite snack? depends on the day. Toast is good, yogurt, chocolate....

40. Favorite thing to do on Sundays? Have a nap and enjoy time as a family.

41. Who is your loudest friend? Jennie...it's one of my favorite things about her!

42. How many dogs do you have? No dogs here.

43. Does someone have a crush on you? well Cliff still loves me after almost 8 years of marriage...does that count?

45. What is your favorite book? Usually whatever one I've just finished. I'm actually working my way through a bunch of Ensigns right now.

46. What is your favorite candy? Most things chocolate and Mike and Ikes.

47. What is your favorite sports team? Don't have one. Cliff's is the Canucks.

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Who thinks of these things?

49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Going to bed or getting up with Brock for the first time...I can't remember!

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Please don't wake up for awhile yet Brock....

Did anyone else realize that #20 and #44 are missing? They weren't there when I copied it. Oh well.
Lists are always fun to do - fun to read others and to look back at the answers you wrote.

A few other things I'm thinking about today...
My dad sent me an email awhile ago. It was a story about a little boy who makes a cub car by himself with mom's supervision because dad isn't interested. He goes to the rally and ends up in the final race against the best looking car there. You know that the kid didn't do much and the other dad pretty much did everything and that this other car is going to waste his wobbly, homely little car. The boy asks for a minute to pray and after his prayer starts the race with a smile. His car wins and he loudly proclaims Thank You! Of course everyone assumes that he prayed to win. But when questioned about it he says something to this effect : "Oh I wouldn't ever pray for someone else to fail so that I could win. I prayed to have the strength not to cry when the other car beat mine." I've thought about this a lot over the past couple of weeks because I think I often pray for the Lord to change something or someone to suite my purposes instead of praying that the Lord will give me strength to face whatever it is I'm facing. This morning I prayed for strength in body and mind to cope with the sleep deprivation. (Brock has slept horribly the past couple of nights) I told the Lord my situation and that I couldn't be the mom that I needed to be in my current state so either I needed my body and mind to work at a higher level or Brock needed to start sleeping at night. I've had a very productive day and know that the Lord has answered my prayer. I hope to remember to pray for strength and not solutions that change the Lord's plan for me.
I've also been thinking about a primary song that Zane is learning. It's not in the Children's song book and is called The Family is of God. The chorus is my favorite and goes like this:

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be
This is how He shares His love
For the family is of God.

Zane told me that this song makes him feel Jesus in his heart. What can say it better than that?

And I'm thinking about our temple recommend interviews last night. We went to have the stake sign them and met with a member of the presidency that we didn't know. Our presidency has only been in for a few months and President Moore lives in Rocky Mountain House - 45 minutes west of here. Anyways, I went first and after answering all the questions President Moore told me that I have a wonderful countenance about me and that he really enjoyed asking me these questions...this struck me because it was the same thing my bishop said when I met with him. Now I'm not trying to brag or make myself sound better or anything like that. The reason I mention it here and why I've been thinking about it is because it makes me think about my countenance and what other people see there. I don't see anything remarkable when I look in the mirror. In fact right now I see someone who is very tired but trying to do her best and be the best mom she can be. I see a woman who is desperate to start exercising again but can't make herself give up any of the precious little sleep she is getting. I see a woman who eats A LOT of chocolate lately because she's an emotional eater. But those are my concerns and my flaws that I see. It is nice to know that others are seeing something different when they see me. Cliff told me that President Moore said a lot of nice things about me to Cliff as well...I'm not writing them here because I feel like I'm bragging about something that I didn't really do. It also encouraged me because it made me think that some of the small things that I'm doing in my life are affecting me and people around me without me knowing it. It's a nice thought.

Brock at 1 month...well really 5 weeks but who's counting?

So I really meant to do this post last Sunday....and now it's Sunday again! How did that happen? Oh well, not too much has changed in a week.

Brock is now 5 weeks old and last Monday weighed in at 9lbs 7oz!

His hands and thighs are starting to chunk up.

His eyes look like they are going to be my blue.

Wakes us from a nap hungry and cries. If I'm not there in a couple of minutes he goes back to sleep for 10 minutes and then wakes up again.

He mostly nurses but also takes a bottle.

Doesn't have a problem taking a bottle from me.

Likes to be swaddled up to go to sleep.

Has definite cries for hungry and for tired.

Is awake and alert a lot more now.

Is discovering his hands - mostly when they accidentally hit something else.

Has the cutest 'confused' look I've ever seen. It cracks me up!

Has a smile that lights up his whole face. Just waiting for him to do it on purpose!

Can be a little fussy in the evenings but nothing horrible. Usually just wants to be held.

Is usually in bed between 10:30 and 11:00 and starts off the night sleeping 4 hours. Then eats and goes back to bed for another 3.

Has one long nap in the morning, one long nap in the afternoon and goes between various stages of alert and out of it in between those.

Takes 45 minutes to nurse, get bum changed and nurse on the other side. Downs a 4 oz bottle in about 15 minutes.

Loves to cuddle.

Loves his Mei Tai.

Sucks on his soother but is not terribly attached to it.

Is an easy baby so far.

Other happenings in our family....Zane is almost over his latest cold and Rhett is in the middle of one. Brock has been stuffy but seems to be fine today so hopefully he won't get the cough his brothers have had/have.

We got rid of the ugly recliner/rocking chair that we've had for almost 6 years. It was unanimously the favorite of the men in this family but was also just disgusting. Six years of constant every day use and not leather. Do I need to say more? So how do you ask did I finally convince Cliff to get rid of it? I have to admit that mom pointed out the obvious to me. Seeing how it is the chair that all 3 of them hang out it - whether they are healthy or not - it was just crawling with germs. And Cliff, Zane and Rhett just keep getting sick. I don't ever sit in the chair and I'm not getting sick. So, I presented this idea to Cliff in my best wifely ways, expecting that I was going to have to sell this idea a couple of times to get my way, but Cliff surprised me and got rid of the chair Friday morning. I'm so spoiled - my hubby almost always gives me my way. We traumatized Rhett a little in the process as he was sitting in it when Cliff came to get it. "my chair, my chair" was his cry as Cliff hauled it out the door. But he's adjusting well. We do intend to replace it - but with leather this time!

We had a really great day together as a family on Friday just sitting at home and hanging out. Cliff was a great hubby and cooked a bunch of bacon that I needed for a recipe for Saturday and Brock and I hung out in bed because the living room was too cold with all the windows open and fans going. Then he got rid of the chair and all the other stuff that piled up on the porch when it was too cold to go out, we watched movies with the kids, Allreds came over and he played in the snow with all the kids....it was just a nice, relaxing day for all of us. It's so nice to have someone else around to hand Brock to when he's hungry and I need to get supper ready!

Zane and Rhett go from one extreme to the other lately - playing great to screaming at each other. I guess that's normal. And oh my oh my the play fighting/wrestling has started in earnest. Rhett is now 43 lbs and Zane is 59 and only has about 8 inches on Rhett so he's not afraid of hurting him anymore. Results are big brother pushing and pulling back where he used to just walk away. Thankfully they're very mindful of where Brock is and haven't rolled over him....yet.

Zane FINALLY got to see the pediatric dentist and was a pro. He drank back the sedation medicine and did everything that they asked him to. The only time he got upset was when I had to leave for the x-rays and at the end his tummy got a little upset and he threw up. Other than that he did great. He didn't like the freezing coming out but definitely milked the whole soft foods diet for as long as he could. He was supposed to get 2 molars capped and ended up getting 6! Yikes. But he's done and hopefully he won't need to go back. He is now eagerly looking forward to his birthday next Sunday and all the friends and family that will be involved in that!

And we are finally being social again. I went to the RS March 17 dinner on Thursday and took Brock with me. He was a hit (of course) and it felt so good to sit with everyone and get all caught up again. I couldn't believe how much I missed! Last night we went over to Allred's for a potluck, games and guitar hero. It was so much fun! We're so lucky to have such great friends! And today all 5 of us went to church! And made it there in time to get a bench instead of the chairs. I was impressed. Poor Rhett coughed once before we left and by the time we got to church he was hacking pretty good. I felt bad but Cliff and I both had commitments that had to be done after sacrament so we stayed.

This week we're gearing up for our families to visit for Zane's birthday and Brock's blessing on Sunday. We've invited those who are going to stand in the circle and have planned the dinner the night before...now I just need a clean house, the food, and about 20 hours to finish a quilt. I'm thinking the quilt isn't going to get done but I'm going to try my best. It's for Kristie's birthday/graduation. But I'll get done as much as I can.

I'm sure as soon as I hit the publish button I'm going to think of something else that I wanted to write here. sigh. I miss my brain.

I Know....

I read about this idea in the Time Out For Women newsletter that I get every month. You take 15 minutes to write down "I Know" statements that pertain to you. The only catch is that you have to KNOW that each statement is true. I've been wanting to do it for awhile now so here goes!

I know that being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done but also the most rewarding thing I've ever done.
I know that my sons were chosen to be here on earth at this time for a very specific purpose.
I know that I love my husband more today than the day I married him.
I know that I am the one and only in my hubby's world.
I know that the Lord has blessed me with wonderful friends to fill the gap of being far from family.
I know that prayers are answered.
I know that not all prayers are answered right away.
I know that I belong to the the true and living church of Jesus Christ - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I know that life can be hard.
I know that life is a test.
I know that I will not be perfect in this life and that's OK.
I know that I MUST try my hardest to become perfect in this life.
I know that the atonement is real, that my Savior, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for me and was resurrected so that we might all live again.
I know that we will live again after this life.
I know that we can be eternal families.
I know that raising faithful children in today's world is challenging but necessary.
I know that I cannot leave teaching gospel principals to my children to other people. It has to happen in my home.
I know that I am supposed to stay home and nurture my children. Cliff is supposed to provide for us. This isn't always easy.
I know that paying tithing brings blessings.
I know that we all have different challenges.
I know that we all have different talents.
I know that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and that He loves us.
I know that I am the center of my children's world right now and that it will change one day.
I know that raising boys is a lot different than raising girls.
I know that days, weeks, months and years go by faster the older you get.
I know that my age changes every year but I don't feel any older!
I know that I have learned, grown, and changed a lot from the 20 year old girl that married Cliff almost 8 years ago.
I know that I have TONS to still learn.
I know that I love quilting.
I know that I have a talent in music and usually enjoy sharing it.
I know that losing weight is an ongoing, never ending battle for me.
I know that without medical technology two of my sons wouldn't be here today and I probably wouldn't either. That is a miracle.
I know that we are all given trials that we can bear.
I know that I love spring and fall. Summer's a close second and I tolerate winter.
I know that I would hate living farther away from our families but would go with Cliff anywhere he felt our family should be.
I know that being a first time soccer mom is going to be a learning experience!
I know that a smile, kiss, hug or I love you is the best present a child can give you.
I know that life is not always fair.
I know that the Lord has a plan for us all and that I need to trust His time line rather than imposing my own on Him. I know this but don't always remember it!
I know the first 6 weeks with a baby are the hardest and some of the sweetest you'll ever spend.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord and restored the true church to the earth.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true and was written for us in this day and age.
I know being sealed to Cliff in the Temple is one of the best decisions in my life.

I think my 15 minutes is up. That was really refreshing and fun to do!

Flying Solo

I have been on my own for a whole week now with the three munchkins. Mom actually left us Sunday afternoon to go home and surprise dad and Cliff had Stake Priesthood meeting Sunday night so I got to do bedtime with all 3 all by myself. Luckily newborns sleep a lot!

We're slowly settling into a semblance of a routine. It all revolves around when Brock is going to eat. Sometimes he goes 3 hours or a little longer and sometimes he barely makes it an hour and a half! Rhett is slowly coming around to the idea that daddy can help him out with things when mom is feeding Brock and has also figured out to ask me for juice right before I start nursing... as in almost ready to latch Brock on. Oh well. At least he's asking BEFORE we officially get started.

It's been a little bit of a crazy week. Cliff's been gone Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights. So I've definitely gotten used to the whole bed time routine again! Rhett is sleeping much better than last week but I still find myself bouncing between my bed, Brock's rocking chair, Rhett's bed and back to my own bed again. There was one night this week that I spent more time out of my bed than in it!

4:00-6:00 is our most challenging time of the day. Rhett is struggling to stay awake and is usually quite grouchy, I'm trying to time supper around Brock's eating, and if he's not eating he wants to be held usually during this time. I'm not sure how I'm going to swing piano lessons yet as I usually teach from 4:00 to 5:30 or 6:00 twice a week. It's going to be interesting when we start up again!

I'm definitely sleep deprived but trying to deal with it as positively as possible. I'm a lot more relaxed this time on what I expect of myself. It's a lot less stressful only having my home to take care of and not my home AND the apartment building like I did when we had Rhett. I basically try to do one big house chore a day that's not getting meals, changing bums, feeding a little one and general clean up stuff. So far, so good. But like I said earlier, Brock sleeps a lot!

I've also managed to get in a nap about every other day. That helps a lot.

The munchkin is fussing so I'll sign off for now. Can't believe that he's already 3 weeks old!