This week and my little monsters!

Kristyn isn't too sure about this teacher, but she isn't hating her. Always a good sign. She has had her breakdowns, and we are handling them the best we know how, with hugs and love. She misses her "Utah family." I dont' blame her, I miss them all too. She hates being the only girl, and the oldest child. She told me the other day, "I hate being the oldest! I hate being an example! Why can't everyone stop watching me!" The only time she gets peace from her brothers is when she's in her room and they are outside playing with daddy--then she's jealous and wants to play. Oh, the stresses of being a 7 year old girl!
The boys are doing well. I think they really like being with daddy all day. Anthony is obsessed with the boys across the street and their two dogs. Ben has taken to tantrums, though Love and Logic is great about giving the choice of where he wants to throw those tantrums. They usually don't last long.
It's been so hot around here that the kids decided to help water the lawn. How nice you say? Well, 10 minutes later, when dishes were washed. I had to wash my 3 monsters who watered the grassless part of our lawn. I thought my kids were brown enough--but they didn't. I wish now my camera had been working. I'm glad Miguel wasn't there, he'd have been mad and ruined the moment. I laughed, let them play for another 15 minutes before I hosed them off, stripped them down, and bathed them all. It was a great end to the day. I'm really glad I have tile in most of my house.
Kids are great! I've started back at work and I love them that much more! Amazing how absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I love hearing, "Mommy!" as soon as I open the front door. I love that I can sit down and relax with three kids in my lap telling me all about their day, and how thoughtful they can be when they ask about mine. It's really the little things that matter in my life, and these three little "things" make me so much happier than I could ever imagine.

Sod

Today Miguel and I laid 1000 square feet of sod. My arms and shoulders hurt more than I've ever had them hurt before. I was the one moving all the sod. Miguel did the easy part( less labor intensive)-piecing it together. I am burnt, but I am so very happy to have a yard with grass. I'll post before and after pictures later. There is still work to be done, as now we have a retaining wall that isn't complete enough for me to have my garden. For those of you who are thinking it's awefully late in the season, remember that I live in CA and have been learning about cold weather veggies. So I can plant and harvest all year round! Cauliflower--all winter! It's a good thing my kids like veggies.

The Holy Ghost conversation

Today as I was cleaning the kitchen I overheard a conversation between Kristyn and Anthony. It went something like this:

Kristyn: When you hear a little voice in your head to not do something don't do it.
Anthony: Why not?
Kristyn: That is the Holy Ghost telling you it's bad.
Anthony: I have a ghost following me around!?
Kristyn: Not really, it's a feeling or a little voice that is with you and let's you know if you are doing something that's not safe, or bad.
Anthony: Oh.
Kristyn: So, if you hear a voice saying "don't throw that," or "don't cross the street," or "GO HOME," do it, becuase that is the Holy Ghost trying to keep you safe and help you be a good boy.
Anthony: Okay, just as long as a ghost isn't following me.
Kristyn (very exasperated): You're hopeless!

It's not too often that I hear them discuss church related topics. I was kind of amazed at how well Kristyn explained things to Anthony. She has a great sunday school teacher.

I have good kids! Unfortunately the neighborhood is not so full of good kids, and my children have been harmed several times by a couple of them (brothers). I just keep trying to teach them the kind way of handling things and hopefully they will follow my lead.