Mother's Day

Mother's Day always causes me to reflect and be thankful. I am thankful to my own Mother. I am also thankful for Tinkerbell and McQueen's Mom for bringing the kids to this world. I also am thankful for the dream of a sweet, wonderful, woman who I can hope to one day be married to and have more children with.

I would be very ungrateful if I didin't express my thankfulness for my great Mother. My Mother is an amazing woman who I am so very grateful for. She has always had a quiet, charitable nature to her. She has never worried about winning any popularity contests, and has in fact steered about as far from the lime-light as possible. Despite all of this, she serves, cares, and is there for each of us. She will quietly do anything anyone asks, yet she flies under the radar all the while. Hers is a life of quiet, kind, service. Even after giving so much from her heart, she never values any possession of hers too much to share. She has never been one to choose the popularity of the world, or even the popularity of her children, in pursuit of what she believes is right. Because of this, she has definitely won the popularity of her children and grandchildren. I am thankful for her love which is everlasting and true. She constantly encourages and uplifts each of us and indeed those all around her. She is the first to say she is sorry or to admit her faults, all the while being the first to overlook mistakes or faults in others. I am so very grateful for this wonderful woman who has given me so much for 29 years.

I truly admire Mothers everywhere. The love, kindness, compassion, and sweetness woman can possess is absolutely amazing. I think that too often women go through life comparing or thinking of their inadequacies. While no one is perfect, I believe that a Mother who really cares and selflessly serves her family is incredible. Still others we could call Mothers, who are only missing children of their own. They serve all the children they come in contact with. Just like any Mother, they serve with kindness, sweetness, and genuine love. I am so very grateful for the examples of amazing women who care so much for their children that they could only be called Mother. Loving Mothers are such amazing, special people. Their capacity for nurturing, caring, and loving for their children is so great. I hope any Mother who reads this can know of their special nature. It does not matter exactly what activities are done with your children, how clean your home, is or anything else. Being a Mother transcends the judgments (or even perceived judgments) of the world. A Mother needs only worry about doing right by her children and her family. All that matters to a real Mother is that they are important to their children. A child can feel the love of their Mother, and know that they have a special place in her heart. I admire and respect the example and strength of any loving Mother I come in contact with. Mothers have to be the most amazing creation of our Heavenly Father.

Pictures!

• The kids were drinking some apple juice the other day. McQueen commented about how yummy it was. Tinkerbell then said, "yeah, and it helps you have soft poops too!"
• Anytime I ask McQueen to do something like clean up his toys, his response is: "BOOOORINNGG!"
• We were playing "Go Fish" yesterday. Tinkerbell asked McQueen if he had a card. He happily responded, "yes I do, but it is NOT for sale."
• We were leaving Target today. There was a woman in a wheelchair who had lost her leg. She had a prosthetic leg in its place. The kids asked what happened to her leg. I told them that she somehow must have gotten it cut off. McQueen then said, "well it is a good thing she didn't loose her foot too, or else she wouldn't be able to wear shoes." I thought that was pretty funny. Then Tinkerbell was bold enough to go up to the woman and tell her that "it is okay, you will get your leg back in the resurrection." There are not many situations where you can be completely mortified of your child and proud of them at the same time. This was definitely one of them. Fortunately the sweet lady responded, "yes, that is right!"
• Tinkerbell had a scab on her knee. I asked her what happened to her knee. She said, "well, we were playing outside at Mommy's and I really wanted some potato chips, but she wouldn't let me have anymore. McQueen told me to sneak in the back door and get some, so I did. The fifth time that I did it though, I fell down and scraped up my knee." Nothing like a brother to teach you stuff like that, huh?
• Tinkerbell asked why I hadn't mowed the lawn. I told her that it was too rainy. She asked why I didn't do it on one of the sunny days. I told her that I didn't have any time on the days that it had been sunny. She somberly said, "oh, I wish we had a cow so that it would at least eat our grass normal."

Real MAN Stuff

For two weeks or so, our toilet has not worked properly. If it sits all night, you get one decent flush in the morning. If you let it sit again all day, you get one decent flush at night. This has not been a bad problem because when I have work and school, that is about all I am ever home. It was an inconvenience on the days I spend with my kids because we would sometimes have to use one of the other bathrooms. With my finals out of the way and a tiny little break, I decided, this was my morning. While I knew this was caused by one part of the system, I decided the whole tank should probably be overhauled to prevent future repairs. You can view the results of my handiwork in the video below. Yep, rebuilding a toilet is just one of those things that REAL men do. While you don't get quite the feeling of accomplishment as say, rebuilding an engine, there is still a level of pride. Now, while I am out and about today I will just have to get a new water line that runs from the valve in the wall to the toilet tank. Apparently I sort of split the old one as I removed it from the toilet and it has a slight leak. Yep, breaking something here and there while in the process of fixing something else, is definitely what real men do too! :)

Swimming!

Saturday morning we headed straight over to the recreation center for the kid's swimming lessons. The kids had a ball, especially with their new suits. I love to watch them get so excited, especially when they are learning new things.

Tinkerbell was loving swimming lessonsMcQueen loved the swimming lessons too. He kept hoping it would be his turn.
Modeling the new swimsuits, the Easter bunny dropped by, just before swimming lessons are about to begin.

Today we went and got our pictures taken. I will post them in the next couple of days. The kids were pretty good throughout the long process.

• When we were at the photo place, the kids were playing while I was checking some stuff and going through the pictures. The kids organized a game of "duck-duck goose" right there in the store. Some little boy was trying to play it with them. Tinkerbell tagged the little boy, and then the (approximately 2 year old) little boy immediately tagged McQueen who just happened to be walking by. McQueen very matter of factly stated, "hey little boy, this is not tag, it is duck-duck goose." Haven't you ever played "duck-duck goose before?" No, McQueen I think there is a good chance that he hasn't!
  
  

A Proposal!

Dear Diary,

Every guy has dreams about the day some girl will propose to him. It is something that is ingrained in us I guess. I have thought of this day my whole life. I have thought of her down on one knee looking up at me with tears in her eyes. I think of the field of lilies we are standing in. I am even wearing my very best blue jeans. I think of her being willing to kneel in the dirt to set the right stage. I then hear her tell me all the reasons why she loves me and wants to marry me. I am so excited by this point that I am about to wet my pants. I cannot hear all that she is saying because sheer excitement has overwhelmed me beyond all control. I feel like the two of us are wrapped up in a cloud, and then finally she produces an enormous ring to fit around my fat fingers as she says, "Kent, will you marry me?" I tearfully reply, "yes, oh, yes, a million times yes!" We then hug, and share a tender kiss. That moment then quickly is a faded memory. Now I must fulfill all the dreams I have had about my wedding day, so I leave her standing in that beautiful field in search of a wedding planner to fulfill all my worldly wants and dreams!

Things don't always happen exactly as we envision them, but they can be equally special and beautiful. This is what happened today diary. I was talking with a group of people at work. I apparently said something that caused a few people to laugh (lol, I am SOOOOOOOOO funny sometimes). A laughing co-worker then said, "Kent, if you are ever stupid enough to think that getting married again is a good idea, I want to be your wife." Diary, you and I know that some people may think that wasn't an actual proposal. I know that it really was though. I asked the person, "did you just propose to me?" They confirmed what I knew with a laugh, and said, "yes, I think I did."

So let's compare:

• Certainly the field of lilies would be cool and all, but let's not underestimate the grey warehouse of a reputable and respectable business. Who can match that?
• So, she wasn't on one knee, but it is not like she is 6'4". She still was looking up at me, so, same thing.
• I was not wearing my BEST jeans, but there were no holes in them. Close enough.
• I was not really really excited, or ready to wet my pants, but I was certainly surprised. In fact, I was so surprised I almost did more than just wet my pants. So, it was even better.
• I didn't feel like the two of us were in a white cloud, but I did feel like I was in a dizzying fog. All that matters is they're both fluffy and you can't see anything else.
• I was not overwhelmed to where I couldn't hear all she said. I clearly heard every word and was even disturbingly lost in thought. But, clarity is important in situations anyway.
• While she may not have told me all the reasons she loves me, she did make a reference to me being stupid. That could be bad, but I think it is more important for her to be honest than to make me feel good. Integrity is important, especially in times like these!
• She didn't produce an enormous ring to fit my fat fingers, but there was plenty of extra cardboard for us to make some out of.
• I didn't really say "yes, yes, a million times yes,".............but, I did leave her standing there without an answer. No, not to plan a perfect wedding, but to continue on with my day at work.

I think after looking at these things, anyone could see it was perfect. Sure, it was not EXACTLY what I envisioned, but it was about as close as anyone could possibly get. Diary, I am sure some would consider this a really lame proposal, but you and I know they are just jealous!!!!

Life Can Be a Zoo

Saturday we went to the zoo. The weather was nearly perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. We had a fun time. After we went to the zoo, we headed to Park City. I was going to buy some new Spring clothes for McQueen and Tinkerbell. Apparently, quite a distance away, a power substation caught on fire and knocked all the power out to the outlet stores in Park City. So as to not waste the trip, we then played around a tiny bit in Park City and then went to Heber to eat at the Dairy Keen (Train Station). We had a really fun day. McQueen had a bad cough all weekend, but did not seem really sick otherwise. He stayed home from church because I was worried he might get others sick, but that was about it. On Monday we took him to the doctor. Apprently something in the air is really affecting his asthma. He has been hitting the nebulizer pretty heavily again and seems to be totally fine.

The Tiger just sat perched upon this bridge for quite a while. We have never been there when the tiger has been so out in the open. It is usually hiding away somewhere.
I am going to have this picture submitted as the cover for a National Geographic magazine (okay, not really)

Tinkerbell and McQueen loved the train and carousel the very best

McQueen is taking time to ponder the zoo after running all over it

I am so glad this special moment was captured. One might think this is simply a portrait of my buttocks, but they would be wrong. You see, McQueen had to go to the bathroom.........BAD! I kept asking him if he could hold it. I was constantly told that he couldn't. On the way to Heber, I had one of those special teaching moments with my son. How to go pee on the side of the road with the wind blowing, all while I helped to keep his long jacket and shirt away from the firing squad. Ahhhhh, memories to cherish forever!

• We were waiting for the doctor to come into the exam room. McQueen was vocally admiring and pointing out all of the Winnie the Pooh pictures and stuffed animals which adorned that particular room. All of the sudden, without even taking a breath, he switched and said, "now who wants to smell my stinky feet?" followed by his signature little smirk.
• McQueen was talking to my Dad. My Dad was asking about the day we went to the zoo and what McQueen's favorite part was. He honestly replied that his favorite part of the day was "peeing on the side of the road."
  
  
  
  
  

An Ode to Bathroom Keys

you are out somewhere
and your child really has to pee
you see the restroom sign
then realize you need a key

you quickly run back to the clerk
and ask him “pretty please?”
they give you some HUGE key ring
filled with every possible disease

they waddle back to the bathroom
just as fast as their little legs can
you better hope they don’t sneeze
while you run the hallway span

you jam the key into the lock
you turn it to and fro,
this is way too much to ask
when your kid just needs to go!

the lock finally releases
you fling the door away
the bathroom is not comforting
no one will enjoy this stay

you’ve all entered a dungeon
dirt and paper cover the ground
a wall with no graffiti might be sought
but surely never be found

the curious child asks so much
about the writing on the wall
you simply try to rush them
as they talk to you through the stall

you then move over to the sink
and wash everyone’s hands so clean
then see the key once again

and it seems so very obscene

but alas, you pick it up
and contaminate your skin
you take it back to the clerk
and he gives you a knowing grin

you then pull from your pocket
a bottle of hand sanitizer
you dump on a gallon of alcohol
now no one is the wiser

“YOUR BATHROOM IS DISGUSTING!”
you’d love to loudly say
as you leave every gas station
and venture on your way

in the end, shouldn’t it really be nice,
if there's a lock upon it's door?
dark, disgusting, and walls all tagged,
is it too much to want something more?

I have come to the conclusion that
no employee has ever been inside
for that key is totally useless
in that bathroom, nothing nice could hide

Easter Activities

NEW EASTER CLOTHES

Yesterday, McQueen and Tinkerbell got some new Easter clothes. It was fun to pick them out and the kids look great in them. As we were going to pay for them, McQueen was looking (with his hands) at a mannequin of a little girl. It was up on a pedestal and he knocked it off. It tipped over and the arm came flying off, followed by the aforementioned arm shattering. Although I was somewhat mortified by the whole experience, as I offered to pay for it, I thought it really was pretty funny. Sure, lots of kids have maybe tipped over mannequins, but how many arms have shattered? I guess they just don't build them like they used to, huh? McQueen felt so bad about breaking the girl's arm that he started to cry right after it happened. I knew he felt really bad. As I consoled and hugged him, I explained that this is why I tell them not to touch things sometimes (especially since this particular girl was born without a head AND seemed to have a terrible case of osteoporosis).

COLORING EGGS

Last night we colored eggs. We had a lot of fun, but the kids seemed to like shrink wrapping the eggs the best. They even made slurping sounds, as if they were an integral part of sucking out all the air, as the process was taking place. It was a lot of fun, even if the color only disappeared from our hands in the afternoon today.

EASTER EGG HUNT

This morning we went to an Easter egg hunt at a park by our house. They had a ton of eggs and even areas for different age groups. The kids got plenty of eggs and had a fun time.

Hanging with the Easter Bunny
Tinkerbell was excited for the whistle to blow, and the race for the eggs to begin. By the way, if anyone is wondering (as if anyone can't tell), I ALWAYS do Tinkerbell's hair myself. I tried this new little style today. What do you think?

McQueen is running like crazy to dump these eggs and go back for more
Here are a few of the eggs the kids got after the "hunt" was over

MOVIE

After the Easter egg hunt, the kids and I went to a movie. We saw the new Monsters vs. Aliens movie in 3D. It was actually pretty hilarious for both the kids and adults. I highly recommend it.

EASTER BASKETS

The kids are going to be with their Mom for Easter tomorrow, so the Easter bunny was so nice and brought their baskets here last night. He brought them some new swimsuits, candy, a card game (each), and these puzzles. They were so excited to put together the puzzles that they did it as soon as we got home.

I'll leave it to the imagination as to which puzzle each of them received

• We have a whiteboard and markers for the kids to color on. Yesterday, McQueen was coloring a bunch of black squiggles on it. He asked me if they were words. I said, "they are sort of words, but most words use the actual letters you learned." He then replied, "well, they are words." I asked, "well, what do they say?" He said, "how should I know, it is written in Spanish!"
• I asked McQueen to hurry and get his socks on while I did Tinkerbell's hair. He came into the bathroom saying he had done it. He then said "see" and started laughing, as he pulled up his pant leg for me to see MY socks which went all the way up his thigh.
• After the kids got their picture with the Easter bunny, McQueen took a look back at him and shouted, "hey, that is not the real Easter bunny!" I said, "what do you mean?" He said, "he only has bunny fur on the tops of his feet and the bottoms are shoes, I can see his shoes, that is just some guy in a costume!" At first I said, "maybe the Easter bunny needs to wear shoes to get around so fast." He responded, "DAD! Have you ever seen a bunny? They hop to get around fast!" I didn't really know what to say, other than, "oh, well, the Easter bunny must be so busy he needed to have one of his helpers here today." He seemed to be okay with that as he said, "as long as the real Easter bunny was the one who came to our house, that is fine, I guess."
• We were getting some popcorn at the movie theater today. As the girl was helping us, McQueen suddenly stated, "Dad, my bum itches........right in the crack!"

Conference Weekend

This weekend I just parked my kids in front of the TV! I know that this is not typically known as "good parenting," but I feel no remorse. Obviously we spent a lot of time watching conference. The kids were really good to at least sit and watch all of President Monson's talk. Although McQueen actually did fairly well at watching it, every once in a while he felt the need to complain about how "boring" it was. The kids did a great job coloring in some conference packets we had. They colored the ties of all of the Apostles. Tinkerbell loved coloring all of the pictures throughout. McQueen really loved this word decoder game where you figure out the last names of each Apostle. It was really cute to see because, while he is very smart, he usually does not take must interest in coloring type activities. Saturday night when I went to a session of conference, a lot of the cousins all got together at Grandma and Grandpa's, and had an unexpected Wii party. They challenged each other to games for a couple of hours and had a great time. Part of the Sunday afternoon session, we went for a drive and listened in the car. We drove up American Fork canyon as far as we could go (since all of the snow is not quite melted). Since we were driving around, I took some things to some relatives for my parents. By that time conference had ended and we wound up visiting with two families in my extended family for quite a while. We had a lot of fun talking, laughing, and catching up, and the kids had a lot of fun playing with new friends. We also went to a friend's house and hung out, and we laughed and talked while the kids played with their dog. The dog was doing all kinds of tricks and the kids were absolutely loving it. Needless to say, by the time four fun-filled hours had passed, bedtime was not a problem. It was a fun, though not super active weekend. We enjoyed and learned a lot from the messages this conference and we loved spending time with family and friends.

• When we were visiting at our friend's house and playing with their dog, McQueen somewhat mimicked one of the dog's tricks. Tinkerbell said, "Oh it looks like McQueen can do dog tricks too!"
• Often I will ask the kids, "Do you know how much your Daddy (or Dadd-o) loves you?" When I said that to Tinkerbell this weekend she responded, "yes, do you know how much your Tinkerbello (only with her real name) loves you?"
• When McQueen was doing his conference packet, he asked me for a different colored pencil. I said, "okay, do you want a green one?" He said yes. I then handed him a light green colored pencil. When he looked at it he said, "Oh good, I love 'booger' green." I said, "what did you just say?" He innocently replied, "I love booger green."

A Confession

This is taking a lot of courage on my part, but I can't stand dealing with this any longer. No one really knows, but I have a drinking problem. This is something I have tried to keep to myself, but I feel like I should let everyone finally know. How can I get help for my problem if I am hiding it from the world. While I am not an alcoholic by any means, I do drink an occasional beer. The even bigger problem is that I don't really feel guilty during, or after drinking it. I know that I maybe should, and that is even harder for me to deal with. So, some may ask what my real problem is. Well, I like to drink my beer from a glass, "on the rocks" if you will. Every time I pour it into the glass, it foams up like crazy. I have to wait and wait for the suds to slowly fall before I can pour more in. It seems to take me 20 minutes to fill one glass from one can of beer. You would think this would give me time to deter myself from drinking it, but I still give in every time. So, there you have it. I have confessed, and I hope you all won't look at me any differently. Oh, did I mention that it is Root Beer? That MIGHT be an important thing for me to let you know. Happy April Fool's Day!!!! If anyone has any suggestions for my drinking problem I would love to hear them. :)