Mother of Boys

Today’s Test is Tomorrow’s Testimony

Laurie13 Comments

Every weekday I’m up at 5:00am to give the older 2 boys their medication so by the time school starts it’s in their system and working effectively. It’s with a heavy heart that I put a patch on Dylan and give Davis his pill. I know they need this medication to help them concentrate, learn, and thrive in school but it doesn’t make it any easier. To me, there’s something very unnatural about pumping my precious boys with chemicals daily and it an emotional experience for me each morning.

Most mornings go well, but sometimes Davis just can’t swallow the pill and drama ensues.

This week,we transitioned Dylan from his ADHD patch to swallowing a pill. Needless to say, I have not been looking forward to this necessary transition. However, he has once again surprised me and has swallowed the pill without any problems. {{relief}}

Dylan has received 3 notes from different people in his life telling him how wonderful he is and what a wonderful example he has been for the other children. They have meant the world to both of us as we start a challenging new chapter in our lives. It has also reinforced the necessity for the medication and that we ultimately made the right decision in increasing his dosage.

Reading has been a constant struggle for Dylan but this week he read an entire Magic Tree House book in 2 days. This is a remarkable accomplishment for my little guy and he couldn’t be prouder of himself.

I’m so grateful for the positive outlook and happy nature of my little boys. They have had to endure tough struggles at such early ages. Sometimes the journey is too difficult for me to watch and I have to turn to our Savior for guidance and comfort. I feel His immense love for me and my children. I am once again reminded of the atonement and the blessings we receive daily because of His sacrifice. I know that there wasn’t anything our Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior wouldn’t do for us, because I feel the same way about my family.

Shopper

"My Character is Increasing"

Laurie4 Comments

This week I took Davis to the orthodontist and on the way there he told me that he had told his teacher he didn’t have any friends. His teacher let him go to the counselor to talk about it. Naturally, I has devastated because I thought his relationships were stronger than ever. {{dooh}}

I asked him if something happened at school and he said that it’s not the girls, it’s the boys. I probed him with a couple more questions and he said, “I can’t remember”. Anyway, on our way home I finally got out of him that the boys at school play and trade these toys and you have to have one in order to be in their group.

I told him that I was really proud of him for asking for help from his teacher and he did the right thing. However, his teachers can’t buy him Bakugan’s, and he needs to tell me so I can take care of him.

I turned the car around and headed over to Target to get the latest 4th grade trading craze. On our way back into the car as Davis is beaming with excitement he says to me, “Mom. The councelor says that my character is increasing.”

Yes son and so are your verbal skills. {{teary}}

Small Talker

Blog Confessions

Laurie11 Comments

Kelly posted her True-Life Confessions and it made me want to confess one of my own. I haven’t read blogs in months. {{gasp!}}

I know, I know. I can hear your disapproving gasps from here. I’m a terrible blogger. My life has not been my own since summer began. My sister warned me not to admit this, since it might cause an uproar and you’ll all strike my blog and delete me from your Google Reader. But I adore you and wanted you to know why my comments have been absent for so long.

Honestly, I still haven’t been able to enjoy the perks of school being in session until today. I took the entire day to relax and catch up on some of my favorite bloggers. I’ve missed you terribly. Since I didn’t do anything today but blog, I thought I’d feature just a few of the posts I read and enjoyed. (In case you missed them too, of course.)

I loved Mique’s Advent Calendar post. I just might have to make a few of these for gifts. {{giddy}}

Dancing Queen’s Mommy Tag. What a perfect thing to document on your blog to giggle about or read in your Blurb book later.

I was so moved and could totally relate to Ashley’s feelings in her Deep Thoughts post.

Julie’s thyroid cancer post. Her post makes me want to take better care of my body. I know the caffeine and sugar I pump into it daily isn’t doing my body good.

I really like Heather’s post on “Underneath It All” where she posts pictures of herself without makeup, hair product, etc. She challenged her readers to do the same.

Denae’s Remembering post made me cry. She’s so open with her struggles and the lessons she learns from them. It’s inspiring.

Martha had her baby, 12 days overdue, and right after being called as Young Women’s president in her newly spit ward (church). Huge hugs to her during her time of transition.

Celia Fae’s post on highlights cracked me up! It also brought out an insecurity of mine. I’m very literal and honest. I hate that about myself. One of my goals for 2008 was to become a better liar but I’ve been too overrun with problems and therefore too tired to focus on it. Geeze! Where are my priorities. {{evil laugh}}

I really like Laurel’s post Thinking Out Loud. It also struck a cord with me as I am not a competitive person – at all. I don’t play social games in real life and never have. It goes back to Celia’s post and the fact I’m too honest. I’d rather loose than hurt someone else’s feelings or make them feel inferior.

I love it when Laurel says, “What I’m figuring out is that there are some people that aren’t liberated by another’s light. In fact, they’re bugged by it. I don’t know. Maybe it gets in their eyes…”

I’ve been feeling this a lot lately and just want to say that we can’t help who we are or our purposes in this life. We all have one and we all pursue it in different ways. What I love about blogging is that we support each other instead of bringing each other down. I wish the people in our real lives would just be happy for each others accomplishments instead of feeling insecure by them.

Look what Christie’s man made her, a wall-sized bulletin board. Fabulous!

I could go on and on. It was such a fun day filled with giggles, tears, encouragement, and inspiration. What more could you ask for in a day?

Family Cruise Director

Dylan’s Baptism

Laurie10 Comments

After much anticipation, Dylan was baptised on Saturday and became the newest member of our church. It’s a big deal in our family and I tried my best to uphold all the traditions we started with Davis and make this a special day for Dylan.

Dylan is such a spiritual little boy and really understands the concept of not only right and wrong but compassion and service. He’s the peacemaker in our family and we’re so blessed to have his tender spirit in our home.

He was a little uncomfortable with all the attention but handled it so well. I was really proud of him. He’s so gracious and loving.

It’s sad to say, but I’m getting used to being bombarded with a little drama. Saturday morning we arrived at the stake center (church) at 9:00am to find out a few minutes later (after walking around trying to find someone in charge) that the baptisms have been moved to another building.

Panic surged through my body as I’m trying to recall all the invitations I sent out and to whom I would need to text about the building change. Gratefully, the building was right around the corner and not the 15 minute drive I had anticipated.

Turns out there was a Regional Singles Ward conference scheduled for the building that morning and no one was notified of the scheduling conflict. Nope, not any of the 8 children’s parents who were being baptised that day Nope, not any of the Primary Presidents. Nope, not any of the Bishops. No one.

At this point I’ve delt with worse, so in reality it wasn’t a big deal. Dylan and I were a little concerned when we arrived at the building and they were vacuuming the church and the font had just started being filled with water.

The baptisms started 30 minutes late, so all the kiddos were a little restless. But other than that it was a special day felt by all. My mom gave a talk about the covenants we make on this special day and she did a good job.

I was so glad that my family was able to make the drive down and come celebrate this special day with Dylan. It made the day even more special to him, having his grandma, aunts, and uncles there. I appreciate the sacrifices they made on our behalf to attend. {{hugs}}

Uncle Scott was the hit of the party! He entertained all the kiddos during the open house & preparations. It was so nice to have an adult who’s energy rivalled that of a toddlers.

Of course my Mom couldn’t come empty handed. So she brought a cake for each of the birthday’s. Dylan’s, mine, and Scott’s are each a week apart. Since we were all together we celebrated Mills style with fabulous yummy cakes.

Huge thanks to my Mom, Lisa, and Bonnie (SIL) for helping me make all the food for the open house. Yes, can you believe it? I actually made the food. Thanks to Wendy and Jenn for their uber yummy and easy recipes I was able to pull it off.

My brother’s kiddos didn’t sleep at all while they were here. Boy, I remember those days. Who am I kidding, I’m still IN those days. Geeze. I really felt bad for them. They even ended up giving away the guest room and slept in the media room so they could watch movies and play with the kids during the night. That’s sacrifice for ya.

Jason made a DVD of pictures of Dylan growing up. He did such a great job and it was so wonderful to sit and watch my little boy grow up before my eyes. Ahh the memories.

Lisa was such a huge help! Her allergies were acting up and she could barely see but she was such a trooper and helped cook anyway.

Here’s my Mom enjoying some of the fruits of our labors. {{giggle}}

Man, how many cakes has this boy had this year? Geeze!

The open house was so much fun and a huge success thanks to Unlce Scott who kept every child busy outside. That boy has a talent that could earn some good coin! At one point all the adults were able to sit eat and chat. That never happens in a group like this. Thanks Scott!

Huge thanks to everyone who came to celebrate this special event with my family. We loved your company and enjoy your friendships!

Now that all the events are over, I’m looking forward to catching up on my e-mails, stacks of paper work I need to attend to, and even reading up on some of my favorite blogs. It’s now time for me to recoup and relax from a stressful couple of months. I’m looking forward to it more than I can express. I’m even going to work in a couple naps. {{relieved}}

About Laurie

The Birthday Girl

Laurie8 Comments

I know I’ve been a terrible blogger. I didn’t even take many pictures this week. {{drat!}} Please forgive me and here’s briefly what I’ve been up to the past week…

Calli organized a girls night to see The Women movie. I’m a Meg Ryan fan and enjoyed seeing her back on the big screen. The entire theatre was packed with women and it was such a fun filled night of girl power. Afterwards we celebrated more girl time at the Cheesecake factory. It was a nice break from reality.

Saturday, Cheryl hosted book club. Thanks Cheryl!! The food was so yummy, the conversation was great, but the friendships were the best part.

Monday my friend, who I threw the baby shower for, had her baby girl and I watched her diabetic son over night.

The needles were small, so giving him the shots weren’t as stressful as I thought. However, figuring out the dosage was. I was able to talk to her throughout the evening and confirm everything I was doing. But somehow we messed up on dinner. How do I know? At 10:30 when I checked his blood sugar he was at 275! (100 is normal) I then had to give him 2 different shots and if I messed it up, I would have killed her little boy. {{panic}} Luckily, Jason had just gotten home from school so he there for much needed moral support.

Of course I couldn’t sleep. I checked on him a couple times during the night to be sure he was still breathing and sleeping soundly. He was. He woke up at 6ish and was at 110. {{whew}}

In the end I was so grateful that my friend trusted me with her precious boy. I realized {{once again}} that we all have our difficulties and trials in life. I needed little Quinton to show me that even through difficult trials we can have a positive outlook on life and just roll with the “punches”. He’s such a delightful little boy and we felt honored to have him in our home.

“They say it’s your birthday! dat dun na nun na nuh!” Tuesday was the big day and Casey hosted a lunch with the girls (Mavens & Book club). It was such a beautiful day so we ate outside and had a lovely time.

Katrina & Jenni gave me this amazing gift basket for my laundry room. Katrina couldn’t be there to see my reaction, so I thought I’d show her how much I love the gift!! {{giddy}}


Laundry Room Before


Laundry Room After

What do you think Katrina & Jenni? I still need to get an isle or something to prop up the fish. But I love it! You girls are so flippin‘ fabulous. Thank you. {{hugs}}

Thursday, I had another b-day luncheon filled with friends and bloggers who I adore. Thanks Ladies for such a wonderful afternoon and all your thoughtful gifts.

Last week I sat down next to my friend Trish and she smelled so good. I asked her what she was wearing. She giggled and was a little reluctant to tell me. Finally she said, “Fantasy by Britney Spears”. We both had a good laugh about it. Mainly because it really did smell good on her. Well you could imagine my boisterous reaction when I opened up my own bottle of “Fantasy” Tricia gave me for my b-day. FOTFL!

I also CRACKED UP at Jenn’s gift (who’s now private) of Red Bull. That girl knows exactly what I need. {{wink}}

Thanks Ladies for all gifts and for all the yummy goodies!

For my birthday Lisa and Scott made me a shirt that says, “Yes, I have 3 boys. Yes, I wanted a girl. No, I’m not trying again!” Because of this post. I freaked out when I opened it up!! They know exactly how to make a girl practically pee her pants!

They were pretty proud of themselves and LOVED my reaction. They also made me a mix CD which is one of my favorite gifts right now.

On Friday my family came into town to celebrate Dylan’s baptism. My mom, sister Lisa, brother Scott and I did a little retail therapy that afternoon. We may have gotten a little crazy in the store.

That night was Rochelle’s annual slumber party. It’s always a great time filled with amazing women, reminisced memories, and bonding moments.

I arrived late and had to leave early which was a bummer. But I had a ton of family at my home, had a ton of food to prepare, and had to get to the church early for Dylan’s baptism and open house the next day.

My love language is quality time so hanging out with these women means the world to me. I’m constantly being inspired and uplifted by the amazing women around me. {{hugs}} Since I arrived right in the middle of a game, I didn’t get to take many pictures.

This year, Lisa was able to come and celebrate girl-power with us. It was such a fun evening. Thanks RO! You know how to throw a par-tay.

My mom made this pink crown cake for me. She used ring pops as the jewels in the crown. How amazing is that! I was a little uncomfortable with all the attention but instead of shying away, I just went with it…

I also want to thank you (blogger babes) for your kind e-mails and e-cards wishing me happy birthday. They lifted me up during a stressful time and brightened my days. You Rock!

Genuine

XX Chromosome Challenged

Laurie17 Comments

“Yes” – Party Supply Store helper

“Yes” – Party supply store cashier

“Yes” – Party City cashier

“Yes” – Garden Ridge cashier

“Yes” – Returns clerk

“Yes” – Male stranger in waiting area

“Yes” – Hair Stylist

“Yes” – Strange lady looking at me weird

“Yes” – Wal-mart cashier

Yes. I have three boys.

Yes. I wanted a girl.

No. I’m not trying again, I already tried 3 times. {{I can take a hint}}
Yes. They are busy.
Yes. I am tired.

{{Now stop looking at me like that! I don’t need your pity! I love them dearly and am happy I have them! You should be happy for me too, dammit! I’m tired of answering the same questions! Find something more original to say to me!}}

Geeze! I need to have a shirt made.

Mother of Boys

The Urinator!

Laurie23 Comments

I’ve mentioned a couple times that Drake is a lot like Davis was as a toddler. Not quite as destructive, but definitely as impetuous. Right now, Drake is addicted to these pancake & sausages on a stick. He’ll eat 4 a day.

There’s nothing like breakfast on a stick to bring out the W.T. in a family. {{giggle}}

In other Drake news. He stood on my stairway on the 2nd floor and peed down onto my chair. I didn’t actually see it. He was so excited about his accomplishment he came and got me, to show off his new skill. He was so happy, I almost hesitated spanking him. But, “A Mom’s gotta do what a Mom’s gotta do!”

It’s bad enough that he’s potty training without my consent. Does he also have to be naked all the time urinating all over my house. {{sigh}}