Kiersten’s Blog

Recently Ashton has started attending a creative dance class at the dance studio where London dances.  On the day of his first class I asked him if he wanted to start a dance class at London’s dance studio.  His response was, “No!  That’s for girls!”  I convinced him that it would be fun and I was right.  He didn’t want to leave when it was over.  He loves it.  I love it too!  It’s so fun to watch him.  Unfortunately, this Friday will be the last class unless we can recruit some more kids to join.  If you want to join us, let me know!  We would love for the class to continue!

Two nights ago, Ashton said his nightly prayer all by himself.  I know, you probably had a kid who did it way earlier than Ashton, but this is exciting for me!  Usually it goes something like this, “Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for Mommy need help . . . “ then I go on to prompt him.  But two nights ago it went more like this, “Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for my family.  I thank Thee for my airplane that I got for my birthday [then a bunch of mumbling that I couldn’t understand] Amen.”  Cute.  And of course he hasn’t done it alone since.  And just because I’m talking about Ashton, here is a picture I took of him yesterday hiding under the bed in a dinosaur costume, complete with princess shoes (which he calls slippers).

I checked the weather last night when we got home. The forecast said 79 degrees in La Jolla. I threw all plans of unpacking from our trip and packing up Christmas out the window and we went to the beach. We had a grand time. It was the best decision I’ve made all day. The weather was gorgeous. Sunny and no breeze. The tide was low. I played in the sand with the kids while Taylor surfed. Then we checked out the tide pools and enjoyed the small bit of wildlife we found.

Before we left, I tried an old pair of London’s flip-flops on Ashton. They fit! So what if he couldn’t walk in them, the kid was going to wear them. Now he’s in his bed wearing his “new twip-twops”. Yeah, they’re a hit. Here’s to another great day tomorrow.

We’re spending time with my family in Sacramento. We get a lot of time to relax, which is nice. The kids are having fun. Yesterday Kenton and Bree took Ashton and their two youngest boys to the Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Ashton had the time of his life. At the same time London and her cousin, Preston, were fishing with Grandpa. Upon asking her if she caught any fish she replied, “No, but we went to McDonalds!” When they got home, they were found outside playing with the leftover bait. I said, “EW!” she said, “He’s so cute!”

Today the kids are out helping Grandpa clean up the yard and having a great time.

They found a bird nest.

Ashton called for help. I had sent him into his room with a blanket to put away. When I got there, this is what I found.

Yes folks, he had pulled the covers and mattress off of his bed and was rolling down the mattress. I’m pretty sure I didn’t figure that trick out until I was a lot older.

It has been a busy weekend but we were able to squish in a few minutes of play time at The New Children’s Museum (we just happened to be downtown with an hour to spare). I love these photos I was able to capture of the kids there. More on our busy weekend later. For now, enjoy the cuteness.

I frequently empty my camera of its contents and load the photos onto my computer. Usually there are around 20 photos to be sorted through. Lately, however, Ashton has turned into quite the photographer. He snatches my camera any chance he gets and takes dozens of pictures. Today when I went to empty my camera, there were 222 photos. It’s only been 4 days. Most of them aren’t worth keeping, but sometimes I’ll get some fun surprises. I taught him how to take pictures without his fingers in front of the lens. It makes all the difference! And for your viewing pleasure, here are some photos Ashton has taken.

Ashton's favorite food: Pooh Snacks

One of his favorite toys: the bus. He also loves taking pictures of his feet.

I'm pretty sure this one was taken by London

I think this was taken by London too, but it's a better one of my new hair!

When I ask Ashton a question, his answer is often, “Just because.”  Here’s an example, “Ashton, why did you kick your sister?”

“Just because.”

“Ashton, why did you throw all that stuff on the floor?”

“Just because.”

“Ashton, why did you push the button on the dishwasher . . . again?”

“Because.  Just because.”

“Ashton, why don’t you stop pooping in your diaper and just go in the potty already?”

“Just because.”

I guess it’s just because he’s 2.  And he’s a boy.  I’ll tell you what, maybe it’s just because he’s CRAZY!  I’m not kidding when I say this kid never stops.  He doesn’t even slow down.  If there’s a button to push, a door to open, a box or a couch to climb over or jump off of, a chair to hide under, an oven to climb in, a light switch to turn off (or on), a sister or a mom or a dad to kick in the face, a phone to answer, an iPod to destroy, or a camera to take pictures with, Ashton’s on it.  I feel like my days are non-stop.  I remember London being difficult, but I don’t remember her being nearly so wild.  I didn’t baby proof my house with her.  She cared when I told her “no”.  Time-outs really bothered her.  Not so with her little brother.  He’s wearing me down.  Were you wondering about our night-times?  We’re making progress.  He slept all night last night and wasn’t even up when I left at 6 to go running (like he usually is).  But naps?  Yeah right.  And why doesn’t he nap?  Because.  Just because.

We have been dealing with sleep deprivation around these parts for the past 2 and a half years.  The last few nights have been especially bad.  I’m not sure what the deal is; night terrors maybe?  All I know is that this kid is going to be the end of me.  On top of that, you might recall that he doesn’t nap anymore, which leaves me with no sleep and no time to get anything done.  Aside from drugging the kid, I’m open for suggestions on how to get him to sleep.  2 1/2 years with only sleeping through the night a handful of times is just not enough.  I don’t even know if that sentence made any sense.  I must be too tired.  And for your entertainment, here is a picture of what happens when you drag a sleep-deprived, non-napping toddler on late morning errands: he takes a nap.  I guess that means I won’t be sleeping again tonight.

Right now it’s 73 degrees outside.  When London was driving me nuts asking which ones to wear and I told her to pick whatever she wanted, I guess she thought it was cold outside.  I explained beforehand that if she was warm, short sleeves and shorts would be good.  If she was cold, then maybe long sleeves and pants.  If she was just right, probably short sleeves and pants would be a good idea.  It was warm when she got ready.  And she’s in long sleeve, long pants fleece.  Whatever kid.  And right now Ashton’s sleeping with his feet under his pillow.  His head isn’t even on the mattress anymore.  It’s on the floor.  It’s a good thing he sleeps on a mattress on the floor.

We spent the weekend in Hemet.  It was kind of a last minute thing, but there has been a lot going on in Taylor’s mom’s family life at the moment (the latest with the surprising passing of her sister) that we wanted to be with her to lend support this weekend.  We probably drove her crazy instead, but at least she wasn’t alone.  We had a nice time which included watching conference and eating WAY too many cinnamon rolls.  I put some in my freezer today so I wouldn’t get too fat.  Oh, and speaking of kids sleeping, Kerri checked on the kids before going to bed Friday night and Ashton was nowhere to be found.  When at her house, the kids sleep in the same room — London on the bed and Ashton on the trundle.  He had rolled off the trundle and under the bed.  There was no sign of him at all.  When we lifted the bed skirt, there he was, as comfortable as ever and fast asleep.  Maybe you had to be there, but we thought it was hilarious.

On our way home, we drove in separate cars.  I’m taking the kids to Disneyland next Monday with a friend and her kids (the kids don’t know yet) and we thought it would be easier if we all drove together, but neither of us have a car that fits all of us.  So we borrowed the in-laws van since it’s rarely driven.  Taylor drove it home with the kids (because it has A/C and if you recall, ours doesn’t anymore or maybe I didn’t write about that yet so just know that we don’t have A/C in our car at the moment) and I drove the hot car all by myself.  It was kind of refreshing.  I had the windows down and the radio blasting.  I don’t do that much.  Sure, it was a little warm, but it was a nice, relaxing drive.

And one last thing.  I bought a new vacuum.  A Dyson.  I ordered it from Kohl’s because I found a 30% off coupon code.  That also means that I got $50 Kohl’s cash which I intend to spend on shoes for myself tomorrow.  I can’t wait to get my UPS package sometime this week and immediately vacuum.  I’m excited to have a machine that actually sucks.  A lot.  And then I’ll vacuum my car since the car seats are no longer in it.

Oh, and one more thing, in case you don’t read my other blog, let me mention that I spent Friday morning lifting these two 2-year-olds in and out of airplanes and helicopters at the Miramar Air Show.  Lots of fun was had by all.  I think.  And we were all exhausted in the end.  At least I was.