Ewe... something stinks!

Ewe... something stinks!
Originally uploaded by ingebretsen

George is going to be a skunk this year for Halloween. He is so excited about it that I let him wear it right away. I figure we should get all the use out of it that we can. The whole thing originated because when he saw the skunk costume I was joking with him how silly it was, "I'll keep saying, Ewe, what stinks, and then you can say, 'it's me!' " He thought that was so funny and was sold on the idea. So now he is really playing it up. On the back of the skunk costume it says, "Lil Stinker." It is pretty cute.

I have just said goodbye to my parents. I woke up this morning to their leaving, since their flight left at 6:00 am and Robby took them for me. Their visit almost seems like a dream. It really was as perfect of a visit as I could have hoped for. I absolutely loved it. I am so grateful for their visit. We had an incredible time together. We played tennis with the boys and mom and dad. We also were able to go boating in some row boats on Lake Washington, which was super cool. Robby and Uncle Adam did all the rowing. We were able to see this beautiful crane and of course, the ducks that Oliver loved. We had some family diners both at restaurants and at home. Adam and I both separately had the chance to go biking, with Dad pulling the boys in the carrier. Dad watched the boys while Mom and I went shopping for 5 hours! It was so nice to do that with Mom. I loved it. We also were able to go to dinner one night as a family (without the boys so we could spend time together) and it was so fun. Mom and I finished off that dinner with Mangoes and Sticky rice.. the dreamy combo that we could never get enough of. Dad even joined us, passing up ice cream to partake! We also had the chance to go to Jetti Island, which is really quite beautiful. We were a bit over prepared for the 20 minutes that we ended up having there on the island itself. But we were able to have a long picnic while we awaited the ferry ride. And the ferry rides were quite eventful for the boys. Next time we will know to make reservations to avoid the wait. But man, it was a gorgeous day and really had a great time together. We celebrated the 4th of July at the demolition derby, which was definitely entertaining. And to my surprise, the boys actually were also fairly entertained. I was shocked, as Robby says, "boys will be boys." I thought it was hilarious. My favorite part was definitely the cars all pulling boats. The last car to have his boat attached wins the race. The greatest part is they do figure eights so in minutes it is just crazy with everyone coming so close to hitting one another. As George said, "that was a close one." It is hard to believe people do it, even harder to believe we support it. We also had so much fun with our fireworks that Mom and Dad and Adam all bought. It was so fun to be together. One of my favorite photo shoots was the night before Mom and Dad left. The photos turned out great. We stayed up and watched "Bridge to Taribithia" together and did the last of the fireworks. Oliver went to sleep early, poor kid. Anyway, I just loved their visit. Oliver woke up the next morning saying, "papa!" just as I imagined. I just love these chances for their interaction to be so frequent so they can really start to know my parents. I know that my boys feel closer to them and I just hope these kind of moments will keep blessing our life this frequently. I have been blessed to see Mom and Dad about 6 weeks so far this year, which has just been amazing. And I just found out about another week coming up the end of July. I am so grateful for my relationship with my parents. It is so rewarding for me to feel so close to them. I would count it as definitely one of my most treasured blessings. I just love their influence in my life on both me and my children. It brings me so much perspective and joy to be with my parents. Anyway, wow... what a terrific trip. I feel super lucky. Thanks, Mom and Dad for coming and making us a priority. It means so much!

Long Unforgettable Days

Well, I have to say that with all the super long work days and travels that Robby has had lately I am pretty amazed at myself. I think despite it all, I am a great mom with great boys. I know we all have moments but I think all in all we are all trying our best and really doing great. I know the Lord is there to help grant me that extra boost of energy or patience or perspective to get me through my days joyfully. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for blessing me with this peace that I am doing my best and it is enough. I know that He loves me and I am so grateful for this knowledge. I feel like my relationship with my Savior and my Heavenly Father is my saving grace.

George and Oliver are so cute and such good boys. The moments when they are listening and happy are the best! And make everything worth it. And the moments where I get to teach George about how to treat baby Oliver, or that he can choose to be happy, or the dreaded chat about why we don’t ever pretend to shoot people can even end up being some of the sweetest moments where I pray for what to say to help him understand the importance of what I am saying. I feel like the Spirit guides me and prompts me with the words to say that will help him best understand.

George and Oliver are really beginning to have so much fun together. George was picking up Oliver yesterday by the waist and lifting him up to the couch where Oliver would arch his back to lay his back onto the couch. It was followed each time with giggles and more giggles. I was about to break it up, worried for Oliver’s stamina when I saw Oliver walk up to George and reach up with both arms for George to hold him again. It was so tender. It was one of those moments where you just feel so lucky you get to be around, let alone their mom to take some credit for their tenderness toward one another! I absolutely love being their mom. On these long days where I am so exhausted I like to remember that they are going to be soon gone and I will look back longing to be around these little boys again. They are so funny. Today I watched them both standing in the shower with their little bodies playing with the basketball hoop, I listened to George say “I want to say the prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, oh wait, ‘I have to poops!” And run to the bathroom. And then come running back to the table and after 5 minutes of eating he said, “Oh, I forgot to say the prayer!” I was able to have a long chat with George about how we never pretend to shoot people because our bodies are so very special that we never even pretend to hurt someone else. I know that many boys play shooting each other, but it rubs me the wrong way in a major way! So I will try to combat this now and at least he will know how I feel about it. I told him that our bodies are very special because Heavenly Father made them. George asked, “even my Forehead?” It was hilarious. I really thought our chat made an impression when he continued, “even my muscles?” I replied, “yes George, even your muscles.” He then said, “even Mr. Incredibles muscles?” “Well, I said, Mr. Incredible is pretend George, so he didn’t make his muscles.” He looked at me in disgust, “no he’s not!” Huh. All of a sudden I questioned his ability to really comprehend all of this but oh well. I tried. I am ecstatic for Robby to return home tomorrow. I have had a fabulous week. I am exhausted. But man, what a joy it is to be a mom.