Malufau Ohana

A Little Hard Up For Entertainment. . .

2012-01-28T10:30:00.002-07:00

Who knew that we all worked at Old Navy.

As manachins!

It started with Scout. We walked in, and Ammon said,

"Look that girl looks just like Scout."

So we took a picture.

Then we walked in a little further:

And then a little further:
I know.I know. This one is a stretch. Ammon would never wear skinny pants. :)

It is clear that we need a warm day soon so we can go outside. Obviously we are going a little bit crazy, having to entertain ourselves at the mall.

2012-01-27T13:20:00.002-07:00

A Kid. . . And Their Noodles.

Love At First Slurp!
Funny.
I have seen this before:

Must be a Mini Malufau Thing.

Swingers

2012-01-24T21:18:00.003-07:00

I often find this little scene: Apparently we've got some swinger barbies around here.

Flynn & Bell, Beast & Tiana, and the 5th wheel Rapunzel.

Sorry Rapunzel. We need to get you a man since yours has been stolen by the brunette. Naughty little barbies.

"Be A Nice Mom"

2012-01-23T17:33:00.006-07:00

I've decided.

It's a good thing that I am not super sensitive, and an easy cryer;

Because,

if I was, I'm pretty sure my daughter could have me in tears. Multiple times a day.

Here are a few of her latest gems that have been directed right at me:

~~"You need to be a nice mom"

~I get put on the 'Naughty List.'

~~"You need to make good decisions and choose to be a nice mom (which usually comes after I have told her she cannot have marshmallows for breakfast

~~I have also been told, "Sometimes you make Jesus sad because you are not being a nice mom." (What do you say to that one?)

And then yesterday, apparently a new member joined our family: Scout's new imaginary mom. Nice. This new mom had breakfast with us, needed to get buckled in a seat belt on the way to church, and took a nap while Scout was taking a nap. Scout also randomly informs me that this new mom is 'standing right behind me,' or 'wants a hug from me.' Creeeepy. When I asked what her name was, Scout told me it was Tax Sax Trix Mix. (????? Weird.). Then, we went to some friends for dinner, and when we came home, Scout had a wee bit of a come apart, because she thought we left her mom at our friends. Don't worry though, we found her. Whew!!!!! And then if I already wasn't feeling like a stellar mom after all this...
Yesterday Scout told me, "How about we pretend that you are a mom that takes care of me."

Nice.

So, let's see. What does this say about me and my mothering skills? I guess I need to up my game because I don't take care of her, I am making Jesus sad, I am making bad decisions, and I am definitely not a nice mom. It's all in a days work I guess.

Alright, I guess I'll try harder. Thanks for the friendly reminders Scout.

Life With B. Steves

2012-01-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last month we were so lucky to have our BFF Brittany come visit for a few days.

Brittany is one of those girls that makes you laugh... all the time. She is so fun, and we were so sad to see her go. Her trip was so fun, way too short, but still full of laughs.

Anyone who knows Brittany, Knows A Few Things:
#1: Everything is more fun when Brittany is around.
For instance:
A trip to Ikea, quickly turns into more than just a trip to IKEA

And if putting Porter in isn't good enough,
Throw Britt and Scout in too!

...maybe Scout got thrown in a little too far...

#2. Brittany is always up for an adventure. We woke up one day, and decided to go to Astoria, so we loaded up the car with chips and enough fruit snacks to feed 1o kids,, and off we went. Britt go herself some 'authentic clam chowder.' I am not a clam chowder fan, but even I know that being able to see multiple little sea creatures in your soup, probably isn't ideal. Sorry Britt, stick to MickyDs nuggets like me and the kids :) With Britt, you don't just go to the Goonie house... You meet the owner of the Goonie House, have a little chat, practically get invited in for tea, and then ask him to take our picture.

And then wish him a Merry Christmas, even though there is a huge Jewish flag hanging from his house (whoops. that one was me)

#3. Whenever Britt is around, you are guaranteed a laugh.

Especially when she spends 5 minutes trying to cut wrapping paper... with playdough scissors.
#4. Britt doesn't just look at the pretty scenery....

She becomes the pretty scenery.

#5. It's easy to get a family picture with smiles when Britt is behind the camera

#6. Anyone who knows Britt, knows of her incredible spelling skills

so, she and Scout grabbed sticks, and wrote messags in the sand. And then used those sticks to fling jellyfish back into the ocean

A trip to Astoria will never be the same without Britt.

#7. When Britt is around, you can bet she will teach your kids something.After she left, Scout walked around the house saying, "You've Got to Be Kidding Me!"

She also taught Scout to 'call' to the sealions, and had Scout convinced that she was really talking to them:

Which both of them wouldn't stop doing, even during the picture....

And instead of looking at the sealions from a safe distance up on the pier...

We got up close and personal with them. . .

Really up close.

And, instead of walking past the boats, Britt jumps up and sails them!
Scout is one happy girl, when her 'New Aunt Brittany' is around...
Every time I get to be with her, I am so so so glad that "Our dad's were best friends growing up," so that now we can be best friends too! We realized pretty quick after she left that life is kind of boring withing her around!
Thanks for the trip Britt. When are you coming back?

Moral of the Post: Life is SO Good When Brittany is Around!

2012-01-18T16:56:00.002-07:00

Sometimes having a little brother really cramps your style...But...

Payback is always pretty sweet.

2012-01-14T01:30:00.003-07:00

Porter's Latest Thrill

50 cookie cutters AND the plastic container-

life just can't get any better for a one year old!

Now ask me how many times a day I clean these up?

Answer: totally worth it to hear this little boy's giggle

New Age Parenting?

2012-01-10T05:47:00.003-07:00

Who needs a time out chair? When you've got a zip line, rope, and a trampline to tie your child to.

4.0 Minutes and Counting...

2012-01-07T22:49:00.002-07:00

10:30 AM: Scout's room is clean. She is dressed for the day (in normal clothes), and quietly reading a book.
10:32 AM: I go into Porter's nursery (aka our bathroom) to sing him some songs, rock him on our toilet rocker, and lay him down for a nap.
10:36 AM: I come out to find this:

In less than 4 minutes she:

Disrobed. Pulled out the dress-up drawer. Dumped dress-up drawer. Found Aurora dress. Put on Aurora dress. Pulled her 'princess suitcase' out of the closet. Emptied suitcase. Threw everything that was in the suitcase, into Porter's crib. (Good thing he sleeps in the bathroom, eh?) Pulled all her socks out of the drawer. Apparently had a "throw all the sock in the air' party. Found random Hello Kitty stickers.... From where?? Who knows. And began putting stickers on... her face. Why not?

What can I say? The girl's got talent. And when Ammon comes home and asks what I did all day... I just show him this picture.

'Nuff said.

Happy Birthday P to the Dizzle

2012-01-05T23:34:00.012-07:00

It's official. We no longer have an infant.
Our little boy is all growed up.
The little man had a pretty good day:
Ammon thought it would be funny to put him in bed with me when he left at for work at 4 am for "Breakfast in Bed."

It was a fun day filled with a trip to Portland for the Children's Museum, lots of playing, snuggling, chasing Scout, cake, and presents... and...
BEST of all: getting to do it all with Nana and Papa who came all the way from Utah to help us celebrate!!! There trip out here made his birthday so fun! As most of you know, traditionally, in the Polynesian culture, a big luau is thrown when a baby turns one. Scout had a big 'ol shindig on the beach, at the same place Ammon and I had our wedding reception. Lots of food, lots of friends, lots of fun.

And for Porter. . . well. . . Sorry kid.

He had to settle for dinner at a Hawaiian restaurant.

With grandparents and fun friends- does that count for anything?(what do you think? Is Scout done with taking pictures? And no. We didn't bring Costco pizzas to dinner. Only box I could find to bring the cupcakes in)

Well, I guess we just owe him one rock'n 2nd birthday party. But. Let's be honest. His birthday is 2 weeks after Christmas. The chances of him getting a stellar birthday party ever. . . don't hold your breath too long on that one. Regardless, we sure do love this little nugget, and can't imagine our lives without him. How great life is with Porter in it!

Instead of getting all mom-gushy on you, and telling you how much in love I am with this little boy (I'll save that for later), how about we just look at some cake pictures. Because really, isn't that the most important part of turning one? I always love me a good, messy, cake picture! So, here are a few gems:

Oooh. The anticipation:

And the clean up:

Sorry Porter. You may be one, and oh so mature now, but that doesn't mean you've escaped the embarassing- naked in the sink picture. Who knew you'd still fit in this tiny sink?

I can't even explain how happy this little boy has made us. How glad I am that he chose to come to our family a year ago. We love you Porter!

Oh Fire Hazard, Oh Fire Hazard...

2012-01-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Malufau Tree Saga.

Part 2.

You know it's time to get rid of the tree when:

1. Every time you walk within 10 feet of the tree, you can hear the needles flying off the tree, and landing on the ground.

2. When reach through the tree to plug it the lights, and it sounds like one of those rain-maker toys.

3. When the same water you put in the there 2 weeks ago... is still there. Luke warm and nasty.

4. When you haven't smelt that "ahhh, real tree" smell in 3 weeks.

And best of all...

5. It is absolutely time to part ways with the tree when...

Your tree looks like this when you are done taking off the ornaments and lights:

The tree was on the pathetic side before.

Now look at it. Shameful.

This my friends, is what dead looks like. This also is what happens when you go out of town for a week; and your tree is neglected, left alone, slowly dying of thirst.

Luckily, I figured this might happen, so I laid a sheet down under it before I disrobed the tree. This picture below doesn't do the massive amounts of needles justice. (Keep in mind that by the time it got to this point, 1/2 the needles had already buried themselves down into our carpet). I easily could have stuffed a toddler size mattress with all the needles that fell off.

Serious. Dead (tree) Serious.

So... when exactly is Christmas officially over? Is it when the last present is opened? When the Christmas dinner dishes are finally in the dishwasher? Is it when you fall asleep in your new Christmas jammies on Christmas night?

Or is it when you tree gets to this point: degraded to nothing more than a fire hazard?

Alright. Million Dollar Question: Now what to do with it?

Here was my thought process:

1. I didn't hear anything about a Boy Scout tree pick up, and really, would it be worth the gas to come pick this up?

2. We were not going to tie this scratchy twig on top of our corolla. Can you say new paint job?

3. On top of transporting it, I was not about to pay to dispose it...

so, I know it is super un-eco friendly to throw away a tree, but-

this tree left us no other choice.

I also knew our apartment complex would not appreciate a tree thrown in the dumpster, so... I came up with my own solution.

While Ammon was gone, I pulled out a hand circular saw, and went to work.

Off came the branches. Largest twig (aka trunk) was hacked into three parts, and the entire tree fit into a box! A small box too.

That box quickly went into the dumpster while no one was looking, bag of garbage thrown on top.

Done.

Adios tree.

Thanks for the laughs.

So. After all the trouble this little tree was this year. Here's the other million dollar question:

Are we going to venture up the mountain again next year for our family tree?

You betcha!

Once you go sparse and scrawny, you never go back! :)

And..

Just in case I was really wondering if Christmas was actually over, I just had to look at our counter:

Check out our poinsettia. Christmas. Is. Over.

356 Days and Counting...

Maybe by next year we can figure out how to keep something alive.

The Pukes

2012-01-03T21:58:00.003-07:00

Well...

I guess it has been a whole week and a half since we were all sick, so apparently it is that time again. Let the sick season begin!

Between the two littlies, in the past 3 days we've had:

The coughs, the heat (103+ temp), the squirts, the antibiotics, the urgent care, the ear infection, the up ALL nights, the rashes, and the pukes.

Rough week to be a Malufau. It can only go up from here.

At least they know how to ring in the New Year with a bang!

Woot Woot

2012-01-03T00:08:00.002-07:00

Look Who's Standing...

And Walking...

...And Clutching His Baseball.

Is my baby really old enough to be walking!?! Has anyone figured out a way to slow down time?

I cannot believe he turns ONE in 3 days!

Twas...

2012-01-02T18:28:00.011-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas,
And All Thru The Malufau House...

All the creatures were smiling throughout the whole house.

The family had sat down to dinner with care,

In order to fit, some even had to share chairs.

The children had acted the Nativity Story...

...and were already snuggled in their jammies from Lori.

The toasts had been toasted, and kids tucked in tight... ...and ready for Santa to visit that night.

The next morning there were presents all over the place,

the wrapping alone brought a smile to Porter's face.

Toy's have got nothing on grass skirts and flowers...

...and when your cousin gets some too it leads to dancing for hours.

but if toys and dresses weren't presents enough...

...this bubble wrap's got to be the worlds greatest stuff!

Anyone?... Anyone?

2011-12-28T16:01:00.004-07:00

It's hard to leave family on Christmas day to fly home so Ammon can work the next day...
But, traveling isn't too shabby when the airport looks like this:

It's a good thing we had Scout's new suitcase to keep us busy:

Best. Present. Ever.

The suitcase was a huge hit... that is until we were really bored, and decided to race....

Me pushing Porter in the stroller vs. Ammon and Scout on her new wheels

All was fine until Scout decided to put her feet down. Whoops!

Good thing the airport was empty, so we only had 10 people glaring at us for being bad parents instead of 50!

Perfect Timing

2011-12-27T11:14:00.002-07:00

Dear Scout,

Thank you for choosing to cut your own bangs (again) 3 days before Christmas. I am so glad that in all our Christmas pictures this year, you have such beautiful hair.

Love,

Mom

Scout's Wish List

2011-12-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

The other day Scout wrote a letter for Santa. I started it off, and she finished it. She sat her little self up at the table, acted like she was writing, and told me everything she was writing.

It went a little something like this:
Dear Santa. This is Scout. Please come to my house tonight. I pinky promise that I will not wake up. I won't be naughty, and I won't peek. You are my very best friend. Please bring me a present. A pink one. And candy. And a lolly pop, just one. I will leave you cookies, and milk. Chocolate milk. And I will leave carrots for Rudolph. I love my mom and dad. I love Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Just A Little Excited

2011-12-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

I guess we are all a little excited for Christmas around these parts. So excited that a certain someone tells us every night that she needs to brush her teeth, and go to bed right now so that Santa can come tonight. I m sure the average family probably just needs one Christmas Calendar, but we have...

Not one,

Not two,Not three,

Not four,

But FIVE Christmas Calendars.

It takes 20 minutes each morning to get them all done...that's after we put on our princess dress of course.

Three Days and Counting.

We're Ready!!!

Santa Woes

2011-12-20T22:47:00.003-07:00

She's a fan...

Him not so much.

The Griswold Family Christmas Tree!

2011-12-19T11:04:00.007-07:00

Sometimes it is hard to let go of expectations you have in your head.
Sometimes you try really hard to achieve your desired expectations, maybe even a little too hard.

A perfect tree cutting experience for the Malufaus; was one such expectation.
One... that I had to let go.

I had it all in my head:
We were going to take a beautiful drive to the national park...
We could sing Christmas carols as we searched for the perfect tree...
We'd have perfectly hot chocolate together as a family as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery around us and reflected on the real meaning of Christmas..
We would all be wearing cute ,coordinating winter outfits, so we could take a perfect family picture in front of our perfect Christmas tree...

Long story short- it didn't happen.

Our naive little heads thought we would drive to the national forest, easily find the perfect tree for our family, and bam. Done. Drive home singing carols. False. Double false.
It didn't take long to realize that this expectation was not going to happen.
As with most Malufau Excursions, there were just a couple of 'problems' we encountered:

Problem 1: Who knew it gets dark at 4:00 once you're in the mountains? We know now.
Problem 2: With a crying baby and a whining girl who are sick of being in the car... nothing is perfectly enjoyable, especially driving up a winding bumpy road
Problem 3: When all the surrounding trees are 200 feet tall, even a 20 foot tree looks like it would fit in your tiny apartment.
Finding one less than 12 feet is tricky- to say the least

Problem 4: Who forgot a flashlight at home (me)

I could feel myself morphing into Clark Griswold. We ARE going to find the perfect tree. Right now. TOGETHER as a family... and we ARE going to LIKE it. I could feel myself turning into that crazy person. And the sad part was, there was nothing I could do to stop it. The Crazy in Cassidy was coming out. Like it or not.

I was getting desperate. Which meant I was ready to chop down anything- just for the sake of having a tree. So, as we were driving in the dark, up the pot holed road, our lights would shine on a tree off in the distance. Maybe that's it! So, we'd get out, leaving our hysterical kids in the car, trudge through the pitch black forest clapping (you know, to scare off any bears or creatures that were not in the holiday spirit), off to inspect the tree, using Ammon's i-pod as a flashlight. Pa-the-tic!

At each tree, I was ready to chop it down. Ammon told me I was crazy, and wouldn't let me. He then gave me a set of Malufau Tree Criteria:

Rule #1: It cannot be 20 feet tall, and no, we cannot just take the top half of the tree
Rule #2: It has to have more than 4 branches. Piiiicky.
Rule #3: If I could snap the trunk with my hands, the tree was too scrawny
Rule #4: If Charlie Brown would be embarrassed of the tree, we weren't dragging it home
Rule #5: No. We cannot just have a Christmas bush
Rule #6: It can't just be half a tree. Even if we put it against the wall, we couldn't hide that it didn't have a back.

It was turning bleak. Fast. None of these trees could pass the criteria. Yes. All the trees were that sad.
It was pitch black. We couldn't see more than 5 feet in front of us.
Defeat. We were going home tree-less.

And then... what to my wondering eyes did appear? A tree! Could it be?

As we were trying to turn the truck around to head home with an awesome 20 point turn, our lights spotted a tree half way up the mountain. Maybe, maybe, maybe....
So, I took off with the ipod and clapping hoping/pleading that this tree might work.
By this point, it could have been a cactus, and I wouldn't have cared. It was ours. Like it or not!

Well, it was definitely not perfect, but, it did have more than 4 branches, it wasn't half a tree, Ammon probably could have snapped the trunk, but I couldn't, and it looked more like a tree than a bush. Success.

Grab the saw. We're taking it! And take it we did!

Isn't it a beaut?

Don't laugh.

I can't even tell you how dark it was by this point. Let me just say, it took me 3 pictures to actually get one that had the tree, Ammon, & Scout all in it. I couldn't see anything- I was just guessing where my family was with the camera.

Our Perfect Family Pics:
Remember how I thought we would all be dressed oh so cute, and could get a oh so perfect picture? Hah! False.

This is the best we got:

Let's count all the things that are wrong with this picture:

#1: Yes. Porter is wearing a girl's jacket. It was the warmest I could find. At least I turned it inside out, so it wasn't entirely pink... right?

#2: And yes. That is an adult beanie on his infant head.

#3. It's freezing, where are this boy's gloves? He pulled them off with his teeth, and we couldn't find them in the dark. Perfect.

and

#4: Does he only have on one shoe? Yes. The other shoe must be hiding somewhere with his gloves.

And Scout...

I think this picture pretty much sums up the entire night.

Once again. Too dark to see where the camera was pointing. I have 6 worse pictures of Scout with more of her face missing because I didn't know where I was pointing the camera.

And yes. That is our 3 year old playing with a sharp saw. In the dark.

Judge away, by this point, I don't blame you.

So, we loaded the prized tree into the truck, and began the drive home....

Only to hear 5 minutes later, Scout, throwing up in the back seat. While she was holding Ammon's ipod watching a movie.

The best part was that Ammon saw it happen, before I did, and I just hear him say "Save the i-pod!"

Nice Ammon. Real Nice.

And so ended our tree cutting experience. Luckily we were both in good moods, and were already laughing about the whole night by the time we pulled in home.

So, I went inside to unthaw the kids, while Ammon wrestled with the tree outside.

I opened the door to find this:

Look at the size of this tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What did we just do?

So, it took a little trunk cutting,
and a whole lot of room organizing:

we had to completely reorganize our front room to make room for the tree. Frames off the wall, tv stand and 200 lb tv moved, all the boxes that were hiding behind the tv stand had to be relocated... madness I tell you, total madness.

Although:

Porter didn't mind the temporary set-up.

Once it was in, it took 30 minutes to screw our tree stand screws ALL the way in, and even still, they barely reach the skinny little trunk base.

And then another 30 minutes to give the tree one serious hair-cut makeover to make it even resemble a Christmas tree.

And then another 30 minutes of turning and turning and turning the tree, trying to find a decent side,

which meant an hour and a half later we left the tree how it was, unlit and undecorated, and went to bed.

Pretty sure it has sat, undecorated for the last 2 weeks... until yesterday.

Are you ready for the unveiling?

Wait for it....

Wait for it.....

Wait for it......

The Griswold Family Christmas Tree!!!!!!
Alright- all you with the perfect tree lot trees, don't be jealous of our sweet tree.

And to top off the Tree Diabolical 2011...

I walked into our living room this morning and found this:
Of course.

Would I expect anything else?

Despite it all, every time I see this tree it makes me smile. I will always treasure the memories from our night... even though it didn't turn out exactly as planned. It just might be my favorite tree out of all we've had.

Oh Christmas Tree... Oh Christmas Tree....

My Blogging Hiatus

2011-12-16T11:21:00.003-07:00

I don't always have a good excuse for neglecting this blog...

BUT, This time I do!

Pretty sure this little guy is the best excuse ever!

I've spent the last week in San Diego with this perfect little boy and his family.

Introducing to the world:

Chase Dean Bunker- my handsome little nephew!

5 wopping pounds of perfect goodness!!!

He is still in the NICU, but we are all praying that he will make it home with his mom and dad soon.

Only 2 weeks old, and we are all already head over heals in love with this perfect little boy!

One Month Shy of One

2011-12-06T00:35:00.007-07:00

It's official. Porter is in his last month of being in the zero digits.
It is 11:30 pm, and I just barely put this little tyke to bed... for the 3rd time tonight.
Since I had lots of time rocking him in the dark, that means I had a lot of time to think what I would write about him in this post... so, here's what I came up with:

Porter FACTS:
~Now that he is a crawling maniac, he is slimming down lots, and isn't in the 'no neck baby phase' anymore. I am already missing his thigh rolls, double chins, dirt stuck in his neck roll, baby chubs. He is growing too fast!
~I haven't admitted this to the blogging world yet, but... Porter still sleeps in the bathroom. I know, I know. Don't judge. Hey, it's dark, quiet, and with the fan, has great 'white noise.' Yes, having to rock him in the middle of the night sitting on the toilet isn't ideal, but... it let's both kids sleep, and we'll just make it work. Who needs a cute nursery with matching crib sheets and a soft rocking chair, when you've got a pack'n play and a toilet?
~Getting him to put food in his mouth can be a little tricky. Getting him to put anything in his mouth that isn't food: easy breezy! Are you missing anything? Receipts, magnets, hair ties, toilet paper? Most likely in Porter's mouth, BUT good luck retrieving it, he'll bite you, then smile. ~He is just one giant bruise. He spends a good majority of his day falling over, bumping into walls, jumping off your lap, and using his head to head but doors open. 100% boy.

~He likes to give fist bumps. At least we think that is what he is doing, maybe he just likes to point with his fist. :)

~It has been 4 months since we have been in the hospital. Woot Woot! He now gets a steroid breathing treatment twice a day, (at $15 each... over $800 a month. Thank goodness for insurance!) which we think is helping. Keeping our fingers crossed.

~He's is single-handedly bringing Baby Mullets back into style. Scout was the same, but at least with her we could hide it with a headband. I guess it's alright- he'll probably be sporting this exact hair-do in 60 years, so he my as well get used to it.

~Play Peek-A-Boo with him, he will be your BFF. It really is the simple things in life, isn't it?
~Apparently Ammon and I produce droolers. Seriously. This kid can drool like you wouldn't believe, he puts St. Bernards to shame.

Don't believe me?

Told you.

Given that the Christmas holiday is quickly approaching, Porter thinks it is pretty funny to try to get his name on the Naughty List. His list of recent 'naughties:'
-Opening the toilet seat, and swirling his chubby little fingers down in the water- his fav! I guess we could just buy one of those locks, but really, who wants to mess with that disaster when you've got to go...you know what I mean. Also, if the door gets left open, don't expect to find a nice roll of toilet paper. Either he has taken a bite out of it (literally), or has unrolled the entire Charmin double roll.
-Eating all of our magnets. Really, they used to have cute decorative stones glued on them, all gone. He pops them off, I glue them back on, and he bites them off again.

-Give him food, and it will be on the floor. Throwing everything and watching it fall, makes him laugh every time. Cleaning up under his high chair 4 times a day, does not make me laugh everytime.

-Biting. Don't believe me, look at my elbow, Scout's finger, or Ammon's shoulder. He's sneaky about it too, you think he wants to snuggle into you, then BAM. You now have a welt on your clavical in the shape of 6 itty bitty teeth marks. I'm contemplating buying him a mouthguard.
-He thinks his mission in life is to figure out a way to fit his fingers in the outlets. Despite his persistance, he hasn't accoplished it yet.
Umm, writing this list makes me realize, that maybe it is time to take a little trip to the 'baby proofing' isle of the store.

and lastly, He is perfecting his signature 'Crawl-By Pantsing' move. Seriously, once you walk into this place, there is a pretty good chance your pants will end up around your ankles. I feel like I should put a sign on the door 'Wear pajama pants at your own risk! And if you do, make sure they are the kind that tie around your waist.' I'm not going to lie, this one is pretty funny. It is especially good when he gets Scout's pants down around her ankles and I hear her say, "Porter, No! I don't want people to see my panties!!!" So So So funny.

One of my favorite pictures ever. Pantsing Revenge?

Despite his every growing list of Naughties... His Nice list is growing even faster:
-His smile can melt your heart instantly.
- You can't resist the temptation of squeezing his perfect little body. Most of the time, he will let you snuggle him until your heart is content.
-Loves to have the grandmas and little girls swoon over him everywhere we go. What a tease.-Whenever I need a laugh, I get on the ground and crawl around the apartment with him. Cracks him up like you wouldn't believe. Hearing his belly laugh melts away any troubles!
-For such a little body, this boy feels his music. Once the music turns on, his little fist immediately shoots in the air, and he does hes trademark 'fist pumping' dance move. Love it! Now he's even starting to move his feet a bit and shake his little bum.
-The cutest smile you've ever seen! His laugh, even better.
- Honestly, the best little boy a mom could ask for. I look at him everyday and can't believe he is actually mine.Fact: He fits perfectly into our family.
Fact: It's been the best 11 months having this little man around.
Fact: He is a sweet sweet boy that makes me excited to wake up in the morning so I can see his big smile, bright eyes, and hear his giggle.
Fact: Sure do love this drooling, biting, pantsing, fist bumping, crawling, giggling little boy!
Fact: You are probably tired of reading this post, sorry it was so long. Reward yourselves and go eat a bowl of ice cream.

This is the Reason...

2011-12-03T17:03:00.009-07:00

Every year here in Vancouver, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints puts on this incredible Festival of the Nativities ,where they display over 600 nativities from all over the world, have musical performances, and a live nativity.

And this year... I was asked to be apart of it!!!
Dun Dun Dun...
About 2 months ago, I got a call, asking if I would design and put together one of the sections at the festival. Funny thing is, our first year we moved here, we lived way over on the other side of town. I heard about the festival in our ward, and took Scout and Ammon's mom, Lori, to it. I remember absolutely loving it and feeling the Spirit so strongly, and thinking it was so far way. Flash ahead another year- we lived in another place, loved it just as much,lived a little closer. That brings us to this year... where we now live in yet another place, (3rd stake, thank you.) and now we are apart of the stake that sponsors it, and live 5 minutes from the stake center. I guess it pays to make your rounds around the entire city!

When I got the call, I said yes! Naive Little Girl. Little did I know what I just agreed to.
My job: to design a display for the center of the cultural hall that could display 125 nativities. I had a hard time figuring out what in the world I was supposed to do. With a lot of thinking, even more prayers, and an entire week of setting up...

This was the final result!

The whole process was amazing to be apart of. My section was just one little part, so it was neat to see the entire stake come together, working so hard to see it all happen. We are talking about thousands of hours people volunteered. I'm not exagerating. Thousands!

I could go on and on about all the nitty-gritty little details, but main point: it all eventually came together.

With some stages, lots of tables, pallets, and dozens of white sheets and table cloths, I did what I set out to do!

Monday morning- the beginning.

(when I could still bend over without groaning, and didn't have bruises up and down my legs from climbing all over these tables for 12 hours a day)

I built two 12'x 12' towers as my structure, and added on from there.

It is just crazy how many people it takes to put something like this together. We started at 6 am monday morning, with dozens of people there ironing (all my white table cloths), putting lights on trees, building stables, lights outside... you name it, there was someone there doing it.

A little bit further along.

Ammon was a saint. He had a couple of days off, so was able to be with Scouterpants and Porter. What a blessing! We couldn't have our kids there (makes sense), so I was really worried about figuring out babysitters for an entire week, but it worked out perfectly with Ammon's works schedule, not an accident I'm sure.

After 3 days of being there 12+ hours, I finally got to the point where I could go home and actually have dinner with my family.

Once the nativities started coming, it was up to me to place each little piece...no pressure not to break any... (p.s. I'm happy to report that no shepherds or Josephs broke on my watch. Fhew!) The best part was hearing all the different stories from the owners of where each nativity came from. Amazing. Makes me think maybe I need a few less Santa decorations, and a few more nativities in our home! Even though my little part took so much time, the crazy thing is that my part was just one little part of the whole production. Rooms were decorated, live size shepherds and stables, Mary's house... amazing.

Doesn't look too much like your Relief Society room does it? This room was the 'World Room,' where they had nativities from all over the world. It was so cool to see nativities from countries that you wouldn't expect to see baby Jesus in.

The stable: The shepherds looking at the star (complete with homemade life-size sheep):
This is one of my favorite pieces, Joseph holding Baby Jesus. I just love the look on Joseph's face. Anyone who has held a brand new baby, know this look, and knows exactly how he is feeling. I just love that this piece of art portrays the feeling of holding a brand new baby! Love it!
We took the kids to it tonight. No suprprise, it was a hit!
Scout loved dressing up as Mary and seeing Baby Jesus in the manger...
While Porter loved rearranging, and eating, all the pieces.
Mary and Joseph... well, almost.
And the shepherd and his sheep.
What a perfect way to start of this holiday season; being reminded of what this holiday is really about. The birth of our Savior. It is impossible to be surrounded by nativities, and not to feel the Spirit of that sacred night. As I have been thinking a lot about the birth of Christ, I have found there to be a special feeling in our home and in our family. I love telling Scout the story of Christ's birth. I love teaching her the songs that tell teach of what happened. I especially love singing Silent Night to my little baby boy each night, imagining what it must have been like for Mary.
How blessed we are to be reminded of what Christmas is really about. This really is an incredible time of the year. Here's hoping we all can keep more Christ in this Christmas season.
"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always." President Thomas S. Monson

FYI:

2011-12-02T11:39:00.005-07:00

In case you are wondering,
This is what happens when you are right handed, and you twirl... and twirl... and twirl your hair ALL night long. She has always been a hair twirler, but just a couple of months ago I noticed she wasn't twirling as much, and I was sad, thinking maybe she grew out of it. But, not to worry, apparently she was just taking a little break, because she is now back on the hair twirling band wagon... twirling strong as ever. Poor thing wakes up with this awesome little rats nest every morning.
We sure do love this little hair-twirling fanatic!

Until Next Year...

2011-11-26T22:05:00.007-07:00

Victory.

Thanks to some cleaver planning of family pictures on my part, I did it. I shamed my husband into shaving... 6 days before the end of November. I apoligize to those individuals Ammon was supposidly growing a beard to support: although, since I don't know who you are, most likely you have no idea who we are... so you most likely couldn't care less than Ammon hasn't shaved all month.

Anyways, what's the best part of growing a beard?

The shaving of it... in stages, of course: The Before
Phase One: The "Tarzan's Dad" Look
Phase 2: The "Hulk Hogan" Look

"What are you going to do...
When the Hulk Stash runs wild on you? Brother!" Phase 3: The "Is there anything stuck in my push broom?" Look
Even with cutie patootie Scout with him, this picture still creeps me out.
Ammon has seen old pictures of my dad with a mustashe, and has been trying to convince my dad to bring back the 'stash' ever since...
There is a good reason 'The Stash' never made it out of the 80's.
And...

Phase Four: The "Smooth Like A Baby's Left Cheek" Look

Well...False.
More Like a piece of 60 Grit Heavy Duty Industrial Sand Paper.
Still... Welcome Back Ammon.

Until Next Year Beard Face...

(Or, until Ammon comes up with another reason not to shave)

What Makes The Red Man Red?

2011-11-25T23:22:00.005-07:00

A few days before most people's Thanksgiving feast... We had a trial run:

With Indians:
(That is Scout's 'HOW' face)

Pilgrams:

...And Cowboys?
I am sure Cowboys were invited to the 1st Thanksgiving Feast, especially those with spurs.

We sure are thankful for this little Pocahontas. Her smiling face, and fun personality makes being a mom so easy, and so so so fun.

And this year, we are especially grateful that this little BearClaw has joined our family. Even if his massive amounts of slobber streaked his 'oh so tough' authintic Kokokum tattoo.

For attempt #2, we busted out the sharpee.

Not to worry, we were the docile sort of Native Americans. Ammon did have a paperbag vest (flashback to 1st grade), but by this point he had already busted through it.

Ammon has been telling Scout all month the story of Thanksgiving. So, if you ever forget the roots behind this holiday, just ask Scout... she'll tell you all about Pochontas and her family, and the 'pioneers' that came on a boat, and how hungry everyone was, and how they had a BIG dinner, and folded their arms and said Thank You to Heavenly Father. The End.

Thanksgiving according to Scout.

At times it can be overwhelming to think of all of our blessings. I could go on and on, but instead I'll just say how thankful I was for the opportunity this week to stop, and reflect on all we have been given. I have a good life, with an incredible husband, and amazing kids. I have the gospel, an Eternal marriage, and a little daughter that has already made it to the Celestial Kingdom.... just to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving to All, and to All a Good Night!

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-22T23:15:00.002-07:00

Sorry Thanksgiving.

We're trying really hard to not forget you...

We just couldn't wait any longer.

What Pillows Are REALLY For...

2011-11-21T11:10:00.002-07:00

Every morning when I make our bed, I wonder why we have so many pillows... (Well, let's be honest. We all know that I don't make our bed every day...)
But-

Then at night...

Those pillows come in handy!

I am so grateful for the sound of giggles (from both my kids and my husband).

Just a Little Windowsill Knawing...

2011-11-17T11:39:00.004-07:00

"Did you eat paint chips as a child?" Yes. Yes, I did.
Sorry windowsill.

Love, Porter

If Only...

2011-11-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

This morning Scout got mad at me, and put herself in time out to punish me. She told me she had an idea. This was her idea:

"We eat breakfast. And then we go on an airplane and go to Disneyland. And then we get a slurpee and go play at the playground. And then we go to storytime at the library. And then we come home and watch a movie. And then go to bed."

I told her that probably wasn't going to happen, but that we could go to storytime.

She got mad. Told me that I need to be a nicer mom. And put herself in timeout.

Sorry Scout. Maybe you'll have a nicer mom tomorrow.

No Shave November

2011-11-13T23:00:00.004-07:00

I'm not quite sure where Ammon gets his facts:

Ammon claims that November is "No Shave November."

He also claims that he is not shaving to 'support cancer survivers.'

Whatever. We all know that Ammon doesn't need any reason to not shave.

I'm a little worried.

It is only the 13th... can I last another 17 days with this wooly mammoth face only getting worse each day?

Check out Scout's face. She likes the brillo pad face just as much as me.

It's alright, after 6 years, I've learned to just accept it. I can make all the comments I want, and Ammon just keeps on lov'n on his beard. Usually it takes me telling him he looks like a creepy mountain-man pedifile to get him to shave... we haven't gotten to that point yet.

Alright. If Ammon think's he's supporting someone, whoever that may be- let him.
Let's just hope that Ammon doesn't want to make a stand during other months... who knows, maybe there is a:

'No Deoderant December'

or 'Stinky feet September'
or 'Anti Toothpaste August'

or a 'No Shampoo Summer'

We can only hope not!

In other hair news:

I cut my hair. Jury is still out- but I think I like it.

Who Will We Be Today?

2011-11-10T23:08:00.007-07:00

It's no secret. Scout loves her disney movies. She is happy with pretty much any movie, but throw a princess in there, and she is in love.

She spends her days doing things like she sees in movies. For instance:

We can't just brush her hair, we have to 'brush it long like Rapunzel'

When she is in the bath, she has to 'swish' her hair in the water just like Ariel

If she is super hungry, she eats her food 'just like Bruce' (the shark from Finding Nemo)

Taking her to the playground at the mall after she saw Kung Fu Panda 2... not a good move, those poor other kids playing didn't know what they had coming.

She has to put her shoes on, 'just like Tarzan.' (umm, pretty sure Tarzan is the one, and only, character that doesn't wear shoes, not quite sure about that one)

The other day she told me she we need to make sure we burn all the spindle wheels so Aurora doesn't prick her finger on ther 16th birthday.

One of our favorites was when we were outside on a windy day, and she said her hair was blowing in the wind 'just like Moses' (From the Prince of Egpyt movie).

This probably all means that our daughter watches too many movies... or maybe it means she just has a good imagination. Let's go with the second idea.

Why am I telling you all this...

I guess just so you can see Scout's princess flavor of the week:

These two have been walking around the house doing this all week. Makes me laugh everytime.

Then, the other day she came in with her hair all in a knot, with little random things sticking out of it: string, a piece from a pom pom, and a little feather. I asked what was going on with her hair, and she told me she was doing it just like Mulan's. She then insisted that we take a picture of her and an umbrella.

Mulan's pretty... but I like our version better, much much much better!

Halloween Happenings... Finally!

2011-11-09T12:15:00.001-07:00

I think this picture pretty much sums up how we all felt after halloween this year!
I love it when a holiday is over, and you're not sad to see it go because you did everything you wanted to with celebrating it.

That is how we (or at least me: Scout keeps telling me it is "So very sad that halloween is over') felt this year. No halloween regrets this year---
We did it all. We:

Had Halloweeen Breakfasts,

Halloween Lunches, And Halloween Dinners

We did the pumpkin patch thing: Twice!
(Apparently this is our trademark pose)
Carved Pumpkins: Ladies and Gentlemen- LOOK at this picture! It's a Halloween Miracle!

First. Time. Ever. that Ammon cleaned out his OWN pumpkin!!! Ha-le-lu-la! I'm glad I got a picture of him overcoming his 'slimy finger phobia' The end result. Minnie and her Minnie

Got Costumes Made: Mr. Mike Wazowski
and Boo! (Look familiar? Don't judge)

Did a little door decorating: We are super sneaky sneaky...I'm sure our friends had no idea it was us... or maybe they did

Hint #1: Scout talked the entire time we were doing it, telling me she was being so quiet and not talking. Ironic.

Hint #2: All the decorations were at Scout level, kind of a dead giveaway when all the decorations are 3 feet off the ground.

We got some cute pictures of the kiddos:
...Because what is a halloween without a witch and her brother in a pumpkin diaper?

(I saw a cute picture online of a baby in a pumpkin (Hello Pinterest). It looked nothing like our version, it was cute... the entire baby was IN the pumpkin. Would have been nice.... but I had already bought 4 pumpkins, and didn't want to spend money on a giant pumpkin to fit our beefy child in... hence the mini diaper pumpkini!)

We had our annual halloween dinner with our halloweenish food:
Where we had so a great time with our super fun friends... The questionably gay construction workers
The belly laughing jelly bellies

We didn't let them leave without subjecting them to the infamous carrot/candle game
Winner: Mark
Winner: Sean

Moysh Family (sorry, couldn't' find the camera in time) Winner: Kelly

Winner: Me! Boo-Ya! Only girl to win!

I know, I can't be too excited, we all know Ammon's great love for vegetables, especially carrots! I'm sure if this game involved some sort of meat, it would be a different outcome.

Still, did I gloat? You bet! I never beat Ammon at anything.

I am happy to announce that all the marriages are still intact, even after this game.

And then...
Probably my #1 reason of why I was happy to see November on the calendar is this:

Hello Mountain View Harvest Festival!!! ...

which I was asked to be in charge of.

I am happy to announce that I managed to not completely botch the entire party... but I wouldn't be surprised if I am not asked to be in charge of the christmas shindig.

I now have a whole new respect for everyone who normally plans these types of functions- it's a lot of work... a lot of different things that I never thought of.

Like prizes:The night before the party I realized it was probably my job to make prizes for all the awards (costume awards, chili awards, pumpkin carving awards, and cornbread awards)... So we did this (thank you again pinterst) (side note: as I was gathering everything in a panic to run out the door, I find this bat basket on the floor- bats scattered all over, and 5 of them massacred. Thank you Porter! He decapitated half the bat flock. Perfect timing eh?)
We tried to pull together some decorations...

actually lots and lots of decorations.

And did a dance. So fun!

Who knew half the ward had the entire Thriller dance memorized!

Boo and Sully made their appearance...

And showed us all their "cutt'n a rug/basketball floor" skills

Aydre and Kelly rocked the costumes... again! We love, love, love our redneck, buckteeth, hillbilly friends! And, how can you not love baby Sunny in her pink moccasins and pig tails!

We won the "Best Family Costume"

And you can bet we didn't get a bat prize... thank you Porter.

AND... we finished off this halloween with some great trick or treating! A week before Halloween we were down in Portand at the hospital for a doctor appointment with Porter. We drove past a neighborhood that looked like it was straight out of Hocus Pocus. I told Ammon we needed to go down there for trick-or-treating, and Sully obliged.

It was perfect!! Cool houses. Everyone gave out chocolate. Tons of leaves. Perfect!!!

And the best part was the Fletchers came with us!!! Everything is better with Reagan and Lyla around...just ask Scouter.

Only down side, every house had tons of stairs. That is a lot of climbing for such little legs.

Thanks for the ride Halloween... We'll see you next year!

Now, if I can just get Ammon to wait to put up Christmas decorations... aparently some of the Malufaus just want to skip over Thanksgiving this year. I'm trying to hold strong, but I don't know how long it will last. The Christmas music has started, the decorations might be soon to follow!

Now our fall is complete!

2011-10-31T12:53:00.012-06:00

Last week I was looking online for a pumpkin patch we could go to as a family.

I found one. A good one.

It wasn't just any pumpkin patch:

Sound familiar yet? How about now?

Seriously! How cool that we live 30 minutes from where the Little People, Big World family lives! Roloff pumpkin patch? We're there!

And we can take pictures with them? . . . Absolutely!

Yes. We were those people standing in line to take a picture with her.

They were both so nice, and sat and talked with us for a while. Ammon hasn't washed that hand yet, and it's 5 days later.

There were lots of things for kids to do, but out of it all: : :

The Big Chair... The Pumpkin sign...And the Animals... ...Scout was most excited about the gross rotting pumpkin we found.
Check it, that's her 'gross' face.

There was everything you'd expect at a pumpkin patch:

Lots of hay throwing

And Hay Chewing,

Animal Petting:

Picture taking:

And, of course, why wouldn't there be a tiger!

Don't we all hope to see a tiger when we go to a pumpkin patch?

Alright. Add it to the list of why we LOVE living here!

Little people, pumpkins, tigers, and tons of hay to play in? Sign us up!

Happy Fall!

A Peek Into Scout's World:

2011-10-30T17:44:00.004-06:00

Yes.

Most scarecrows have straw, flannel shirts, straw hats, and overalls...But, around these parts, apparently we think the vacuum, a butterfly bathtowel, Porter's nebulizer cord, and a feather boa work just as well.

Thank you Scouter.

We'll see how many pesky crows mess with us when this is around!

4 Days and Counting...

2011-10-28T14:59:00.002-06:00

Malufau costume productions is under way...

I'm putting these 2 to work!

Any guesses...?

(can you tell we have a little girl that loves to color?)

Porter:1 Fence:0

2011-10-26T22:41:00.002-06:00

Remember when I said I liked my Halloween fence in our kitchen:

I knew he was being TOO quiet:
Add it to the list of things he's eaten.
We'll try again next year fence!

Just "Fall"ing It Up

2011-10-22T17:37:00.005-06:00

Ahh, Don't we all just love the fall?

We spent the afternoon doing a little pumpking patching... And our kids, with their funny smiles were matching. Porter spent the afternoon trying to eat,
While some friends there we did meet.
Scout's pretty proud of how stong her muscles are...

And we love that the pumpkin patch is across the street, so we don't have to drive far.

Why at all pumpkin patches is there a tipee?

Hey, let's not worry about it- the patch was free!

As always, Porter was just happy to be there...

That even the green scary witch did not scare!

The countdown is on, it's only a week away...

Can you believe Halloween is already this Monday?

2011-10-21T12:50:00.002-06:00

Dear Martha Stewart,

Thank you for the idea for my new additions to our halloween decor. I love my flying witch and raven perced on the fence...

I think you are super annoying, but you do have good ideas...so, props to you Martha.

Keep the ideas coming.

Witchful Wishing in Washington,

Cassidy

Plastic Carrots Anyone?

2011-10-19T23:51:00.003-06:00

Ahhh, Yesterday was B-E-A-Utiful here in Washington.

So, since those days are quickly dwindling, I hurried and packed up the kids to head to the park, so we could get there before the rain.

I was getting Porter ready, so I gave Scout a bag, and our basket full of snacks; and told her to pick some snacks for us at the park the park.

2 minutes later: Shoes were on, Stroller ready, Diaper bag packed, and Snack Bag Full, so... off to the park we went.

When we got to the park, I pulled out the snack bag, and found this: One juice box, 2 chocolate puddings, 0 spoons, and a whole lot of plastic food.

Of course! Why would we want raisins, fruit snacks, juice, or apples, when we could have fried chicken, abaked potato, minature banannas, and healthy plastic vegtables.

Alright. Alright. Lesson learned: Check the bag before leaving for the park.

It's no surprise that it quickly turned into a short park trip because we are all starving!

Scout makes me laugh.

Just a Family of Nephites Hanging Out...

2011-10-14T22:53:00.007-06:00

One Nephite Tent in the Living Room on One Monday Night.

One Dad Reading Stories about the Book of Mormon to One Interested Girl.

2 Happy Kids Loving to Learn about King Benjamin

One Mom, so grateful for a husband who put this night together, and 2 Kids who will hopefully remember all fun we had as a family when they are older.

And best of all... 2 kids listening to the Prophet's voice, from their tent that is facing the temple (see the picture), and pointing toward the prophet.
Love Family Home Evening.

Love President Monson.

Love that we got to listen to General Conference.

Love, Love, Love my family!

Watch Out World

2011-10-12T12:18:00.009-06:00

This little man has been puttering around with crawling the last couple of weeks, but, It's Official!

He's A Crawling. Like a Maniac.

So, you pretty much don't stand a chance of not being messed with if you're a:Toilet
Open Fridge

Anything on a bookshelf Any cupboard

(Alright everyone. Don't be jealous of our swanky linoleum floor, circa 1990. I know you all are wanting to get a piece of it, but really, there just isn't enough to go around. Sorry. Really, who wants beautiful hardwood floor when you can have this gem of a floor covering?)

A sister trying to take a nap!!!

Si-A-Nar-A days of putting him down with a couple of toys and knowing he is safe and content.

Hello days of following him around all day, constantly pulling things out of his mouth that I have no idea of what they are or where they came from.

Hello days of being embarrassed to take him out in public and getting the stink eye from everyone I pass because of his giant perma-bruise on his forehead which is the result of falling down and bumping into everything that is within 2 feet of him.

Hello days of dirty dirty dirty hands because he insists on crawling in the fresh mud every time we are outside playing.

Hello days of learning (the wrong way) what parts of your home are not Porter-Proofed.

Hello days of Scout not taking good naps because Porter thinks it is hilarious to go in her room and bang on her face while she is sleeping. It doesn't help that her door doesn't shut completely, so he can push it open with his forehead... which of course adds to his ever-growing permabruise.

Hello fun days of chasing him around and listening to him giggle nonstop because he thinks it's a game. This boy is always up for a game of tag, any time, any day, he's in! Hello days of being on the move. All day long.

Hello days, I mean months (nine to be exact) of counting down the Sundays until he is old enough to go to nursury because he makes going to church pretty much pointless.

Each new stage brings with it new baby-proofing needs and challenges, but really, would we have it any other way.

I am loving watching this boy grow, learn, and discover how great life is! It's a perfect reminder to me that life is great!! Scraped knees, bruised head, dirty hands, questionables in the mouth and all.

The Case of the Lost Shopping List

2011-10-10T11:33:00.004-06:00

Location: Grocery Store
Mystery: Missing Shopping List
Detective Work: Looked in my bag, my pockets, in the cart, under the cart
Crack in the Case: Porter's Guilty Look
Case Solved: At check-out detective noticed something in Porter's mouth.
Item of Evidence #1: Detective pulled this out of Porter's mouth:

The missing shopping list!

The Unsub:

Case Closed: No paper is safe while this unsub is loose on the streets

Only My Dad...

2011-10-09T17:48:00.000-06:00

Only my dad cuts a piece of wood, and uses it as a shopping list for my trip to Home Depot!

This last weekend while we were in San Diego, we were able to help my family a bit with their House Make-Over. My siblings that live in California have done so much to help with this huge project, so it was nice to be able to help a bit, even if it was just a little bit.

My dad is incredible! He has got to be one of the hardest workers I know. He grew up helping his dad build houses/cabins, and knows so much when it comes to working with his hands. It is always neat to be able to watch him in his element, and to learn the little bits he shares. Ammon always says I want him to be like my dad, not entirely true, but I definitely wouldn't mind having some of my dad's fix-it-knowledge floating around these parts every once in a while.

My mom and dad are completely re-doing the outside of their house. Huge project. My dad has a lot of stress on him right now, but despite it all was still up for sharing funny stories, letting us feel like maybe we were helping, and especially for taking us all out for dinner and ice cream after a long day on the roof.
Despite a long day on the roof, my dad didn't even get frustrated when Scout told him he was being grumpy at dinner!

There are a lot of things that I have learned from my dad. Just to name a few:
~If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
~When hammering a nail, it should take 2 swings. 1 to set it, and 1 to drive it in. (the chances of me completely nailing in a nail straight with only 2 swings... slim to none!)
~Toilet paper makes good earplugs.
~The importance of being a hard worker
~"Oh, Crap a Brick!" is a good expression to use when frustrated.
At one point on the roof, my mom and I were working together on a section. The lines on the tar paper didn't come together perfectly, and I was feeling bad about it. So, I took a breath and told my dad. He just looked at me and said, "Spuds (that's what he calls me), I get what I pay for." Ummm, pretty sure that was an insult to me and my mom, but we're not going to look at it that way. :)
1 weekend that in San Diego + 1 roof getting new shingles + 2 hardworking parents + 4 trips to Home Depot + Blue Angels Airshow we watched from the roof = A priceless Dean Weekend.

Despite the occasional 'Grumpa,' I sure do love my dad... toilet paper in the ears, and funny looking hat and all!

It's No Mystery...

2011-10-08T10:52:00.000-06:00

Some people may think we are out of town a lot...

but it is no mystery.

THIS Is Why We Go To San Diego So Much: So Scout can get some good 'ol fashioned Cousin-Princess Bonding! Because there is nothing better than Halloween stories with Britt and cousins

So Avery can get some practice for her new baby brother comming

So Scout can reap my mom's harvest. . .

Picking everything in sight, regardless if it is ready to be picked!
For Aunt Kailee!

Maybe not the safest Aunt, but sure the most fun!

So Britt can get drooling Porter belly laughing!

For wrestle time with Grandpa!!!

And for Grandpa's Milkshakes!!!!

For some good napping
For beach walks to the 'Jetsen House.'

And time with Grandma!
For bonding time up on the roof

For sand castle building with Uncle Jared

Because Scout is in heaven when she gets to be with Avery and Kailee

And because life is good when we are in San Diego!!!!

2011-10-07T15:07:00.001-06:00

This is why we give our kids siblings:

Because having a tea party with someone else is so much more fun!

Whoops

2011-10-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

Today I was doing Scout's hair, and she told me it looked crappy....

... Maybe Ammon and I need to stop saying the word crap.

Making Memories

2011-10-01T07:46:00.000-06:00

Alright- this is the last Hawaii post, I promise.

Growing up, I always loved going on trips with my family. Some of my best memories are from our summer trips to utah, trips back east to see historical sites, and where my dad served his mission, and trips down to Mexico to be with grandparents. I always loved my dad on these trips, when he'd say "We're on vacation" and would buy something that he would not normally buy.

I am so glad that I married someone who feels the same way as me about going on family trips, that it is important to go and make memories every chance we get. We try to save what little money we can to be able to do these trips, and with Ammon's flight benefits, we are actually able to do it. I know, I know, rough life (don't be hating on us Jared). We decided early in our marriage that we would rather give up on fancy things; the nice TV, or the fancy car, or the new trendy clothes... and instead, we spend that money on trips.

Anyways, I'll quite rambling. It sure was a great trip and I will gladly trade being able to buy cute fall outfits for the kids, living in a small apartment, and even having cable for these memories that were made together as a family.

We had lots of:

Picture Posing

Pearl Harbor Visiting

Family huging (which apparently were not enjoyed by everyone)

Ummm, Matsumoto Licking

BYU-H Trip Down Memory Lane-ing

Sand Castle Building with Nana

Beach Chilaxing

Manly Bonding

Ammon's FAVORITE Beach Enjoying

Laie Temple Visiting

Teaching our Kids About This Temple-ing

Some Ono Food Eating... Sweet Hawaiian Bread Frenchtoast, and the 'Hungry Hawaiian' for Ammon- yes please!

Some Pali Overlooking

Some Inner-Island Traveling

Some Beach-ing

While our kids with their perfect skin were Brown-ing

Sand Eating/Enjoying

Of course, Lilikoi Juice Drinking

Sight-Seeing

Family Enjoying

Where Are My Feet-ing

And... Watching the Waves and Laughing on a Completely Empty Beach!

Alright- I am caught up on the Vacay Picts. Now, bring on the Fall festivities.

Decorating for Halloween, Pumpkin Patches, Making Costumes, Hay Rides and Halloween... Bring It!

Sand Exfoliating Bliss

2011-09-30T09:44:00.001-06:00

Meet our sunscreen. Mr. Cheap Walmart Equate Brand Sunscreen.

Hmmm, how do I describe this gem in tube?

Let's see, how about this: Worst Sunscreen Ever.
Period.

I am sure back when I bought this sunscreen I was excited. I would guess the thought "wow, it's $3 cheaper than all the others, and it's twice as big" went thought my super frugal brain. You would think that would have been a red flag, a big red flag... but, always trying to get the most out of my buck, despite the suspiciousity (pretty sure that word wouldn't work in scrabble), I bought it, thinking I just cheated the sunscreen system.

Now.

Enter in sand. Lots and lots of sand.

You know when you were a kid and you did craft projects with elmers glue and glitter? How you would put the glue on your paper, dump the glitter on, and it would stick to the glue as it dried. Well, think of it this way:

Elmers Glue = Equate Sunscreen

Glitter = Sand
Construction Paper=Our children's skin

To sum it up: Pretty much our entire time in Hawaii, our kids were one giant craft project! If only I would have thought to bring some glitter and some shiny stones, and our kids could have been completely bedazzled!

It definitely didn't bother Porter, so, instead of letting it bug me, I took pictures, smiled, and was grateful that I was over the age of three, and didn't have sand in every possible nook of my body.

I realized early on that it's a good thing I am not a mom that has to have her kids clean all the time... if I was, I would have been popping Valiums like candy and having a week long anxiety attack huddled in a hole I dug in the sand.

Instead, we just embraced it! The more sand, the better!

Porter was in gritty mouth, sand filled ears, sand mascara, and full body sand exfoliated BLISS!

Now his diapers, let's not even go there.

So, thank you Mr. Equate Sunscreen. If it wasn't for you, I would have never realized that so much sand could stick to such a little body. I wouldn't have realized how great my children look completely covered, head to toes, in sand. I would have never learned the fine art of washing glued on sand off every single inch of my kids bodies. And, above all else, you made me want to go home and see if I could use sunscreen and glitter on our next construction paper craft project instead of glue.

So, learn your lesson from me. Next time you are on the sunscreen isle, spend the extra $3... and think of me. Trust me.

The Polynesian Cultural Center

2011-09-28T22:36:00.000-06:00

What's a trip to Oahu without a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center? It was so fun to take Scout and Porter there, and especially to be there with Lori!

We especially needed to take the kids there... we needed to get them back to their roots!

A long line of Malufaus have graced the PCC over the years:

Their Great Grandma was one of the first dancers at the PCC

Their Grandpa helped build the villiage huts

Their Grandma was a dancer in the night show, dancing the Hawaiian Dance and the Tahitian Dance

And even their mom worked in the restaurant (serving food... that's what they let us white girls do. Hey, I am glad they even let me do that)

And hopefully Scout or Porter will work there when they go to BYU-H... the question is, what will they do: serve food with the whities or dance with the islanders??

The PCC is in their blood!

Despite it being super hot, and super muggy, it was such an amazing day. My favorite part was when we were watching all the pretty girls during the canoe parade, and Scout kept saying "They look just like ME!!!" So glad we could finally get her among her people!

Only the Necessities

2011-09-25T23:59:00.004-06:00

Hawaii Vacation Fridges Are The Best!

Lilikoi Juice and Macadamia Nut Chocolates (lots and lots. Thank you Maui Costco)...

That's It!

What more do you need on vacation?

(especially in Hawaii, where you can't afford to eat anything else.)

Juice+Chocolate+Beach Days=Bliss

Just for Giggles

2011-09-25T23:53:00.006-06:00

There are few things better in this world than a great

"Kid In Goggles" picture:

Tell me I'm wrong.

If that picture doesn't make you smile- you are soul-less. :)

Artistic Appreciation

2011-09-25T23:29:00.005-06:00

Parenting experts always say how important it is for your children to explore with art...

So, explore with art we did!

Maybe the 'experts' should be more specific about what body part you should explore with... Faces? Why not.

A little friend of Scout's was sick last week. We don't need very much of a reason to make some treats.

We sure do love rainbow cupcakes around these parts. I bet you can't guess why...

...Not only do you get to lick one bowl of batter... but you get to lick 4 different color bowls of batter.

Nutritional and Artistic.

2011-09-22T14:54:00.002-06:00

Who needs a fancy, shimmery, frilly mermaid costume when you've got SAND???

Silk, lace, toole, and sparkles have got nothing on this... this is the real deal-e-o yo.

What a perfect afternoon, spent laying in the warm sand...

With your very own Prince Eric!

You wouldn't know it by looking at her face, but Scout really did want to get burried. Promise. She was just taking this role as Ariel very seriously, hence the lack of smiles.

Island Dreaming...

2011-09-21T10:55:00.004-06:00

While in Hawaii Ammon asked if I could live there?

It takes 2 seconds of looking at this picture, and I think...

Yes! When's the next flight?

Best. Birthday. Ever!!!!!

2011-09-18T14:17:00.007-06:00

One of my favorite parts of my birthday is getting breakfast in bed.

But, what is better than breakfast in bed?

How about getting B in B with this cute wahine?

Or watching this boy enjoy eating my Breakfast in Bed?

Or...

How about Breakfast in bed in Hawaii!!! Yup. That's the winner!!!!

Life. Is. Good!

When Ammon asked what I wanted for my birthday I responded like any wife would, "to go to Hawaii." Only with being married to Ammon does this actually work.

Here's a little sneak a peak at some of our highlights from this week in Hawaii.

Lot's more pictures to put up, just let me get some of this vacay laundry done, and then I'll be all over it.

Got Teeth?

2011-09-12T12:58:00.001-06:00

After weeks and weeks of this:

We've finally got two of these:

"Cout MaFow"

2011-09-09T00:33:00.001-06:00

This is for you Britt. Just so you know that "Cout Ma-Fow" is still around.

This video cracks me up! Don't you row your boat 'gently down the street?' Scout really is awesome at singing songs, but, let's just say that this song isn't her best performance. So So So Funny.

For everyone else, what is 'Cout MaFow' you might ask? My sister thought it was so funny how Scout would say her name: Cout MaFow. Apparently she struggles with the letter 's'. And, maybe she will be 15 before she can say 'Malufau'. Let's just hope she can say her name by the time she gets into kindergarten. And maybe we can shoot for middle school by the time she can spell it. I love the looks people give me when they ask what her name is, and she so proudly answers "Cout!" On our niece's birthday, Scout left her an awesome message; singing Happy Birthday by herself, and speaking so clearly. My sister called and said the message was so good, and she would be sad if 'Cout Mafow' was gone. So, hence the video! (sorry, long explanation for a question no one was probably asking.)

Don't judge mess in the back, we were right in the middle of reorganizing our storage closet. Hey, our child is dressed, and I was cleaning- double good day for me!

In case half of the screen shows on your computer, here's the address of it on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj1AUIp6WQs

Coke Bottle Fun

2011-09-08T00:27:00.006-06:00

Who needs any other sort of entertainment when Porter is around?
Coolest. Kid. Ever.

Hope it made you smile.

Ok, I don't know why it is only half of the screen. I think you can just go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Cajo-R6J4 and there is another video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_gE3jbS5JU

Scout's E Harmony Profile

2011-09-06T13:05:00.005-06:00

Meet Scout:

Three feet full of spunk, sweetness, fiestiness, funny, imaginative, creative, and all sorts of fun-loving goodness!
Age: "I three, almost 5." (Direct quote)
Weight: Who knows?
Sign: Leo
Favorite Foods: Pretty much anything that comes from an animal: meat, milk, meat, and more meat. Icecream. Candy.
Non-Favorite Foods: Sandwiches, hot dog buns, tomatoes, the outside of a corn dog, and oranges ("too fiesty." Another direct quote)
Likes: Pink. Having princess hair. Walks on the beach, or even just rolling in the sand. Aurora., watching Aurora, being Aurora.
Dislikes: Monsters trying to 'get her.' Time out. Having to leave the park. When parents don't let her watch a movie, because we are 'suppossed to be friends.'

Skills: Washing her hands! She can turn on the water. Great at getting soap... lots of soap. The more bubbles the better! Is extremely thorough, she can wash and wash and wash her hands for 30 minutes straight. Would do longer if I let her. We're talking clean, clean hands.
Skills She Could Impove Upon: Turning the water off after washing her hands.
Hence: why we came home from a 2 day camping trip, to find our faucet running. Yes, so sad, but so true. Guesses on how much our water bill is going to be this month???

Ships Ahoy

2011-09-05T23:06:00.004-06:00

It's not everyday you get to...

Look out over the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River from the inside of an old Army fort,

and...

See the Pacific Ocean from the top of the Astoria Column,

And...

Hike to a still operating light house on the Pacific Coast!!!

It was a great day of looking out to sea!

Camping. Scout Style.

2011-09-01T09:22:00.010-06:00

Camping 411.

According to Scouter.

It's true. We Malufaus love to camp. Last weekend we went to Oregon to camp for 2 days! Mom is busy right now because we are camping again tonight, so I'm doing this blog for her. What would she do without me. Hope you like my pictures.

First things first. 'O' is my favorite letter. So, standing in front of the 'O' is a must!

When camping, it is important to take care of the little ones first, you know, the ones that can't take care of themselves. So, I made sure Porter was nice and warm...

And, I also made sure my giraffe was warm too. Everyone needs blankets. Even giraffes. Even if their blankets are wipes.

Don't knock the air mattress everyone. If you've got it, why not use it? I knew that Dad couldn't pump it up by himself, so I offered my assistance. It's good thing they brought me along, to help with these kind of things.

Picture break before I gathered the wood, used the flint, and started the fire. Without matches. Eagle Scout am I??? Yes indeed.

What's a camping trip without hotdogs. Yumm, I ate not one, not two, not three, YES. Four hotdogs!!! Made my daddy so proud.

Next day we got ready and went to the beach. Thre was an old pirate ship that got stuck in the sand a hundred years ago. Austin, you would have loved this (it was 'bery tool')!!! I looked for Ariel swimming around looking for treasures. Couldn't find her. Or a dinglehopper. Or Jack Sparrow. Next time.

We were luu-cky. Look at that blue sky.

Sweet Perfection.

Who says my mom knows more than me? Yes. She told me to be careful. And...she might have even said there was a big hole I could fall into.

Still, how was I supposed to know that if I walked out to the ship, would get wet to my waist? If any of you go see this ship, watch out, it gets deep. You'll thank me later for warning you.

Look at me. Could I get any cuter? I have learned, one good smile, and mom will put the camera away faster. Works like a charm.

And then came out the swimsuits, and out came the clouds.

This is my new 'camera face' what you think? Zoolander... here I come.

Germs. What germs?

Germs are a small price to pay to be holding 2 of Skuttle's feathers (from Mermaid).

What a day!

You know. Just lov'n me some sand.

Will someone please ask my mom to get me some better sand toys. A bowl she found in the car, and a cup from McDonalds... pretty pathetic excuses for sand toys.

Silly Porter. Eating sand like a crazy...

Still eating...

And still eating.

I think all that sand eating wiped him out.
My dad was so tired. Good thing I was there to help him get back to the car. Seriously. What would my mom and dad do without me?

After the beach we went back to the camp for naps, and when we woke up we went to a cool old fort and into Astoria (those pictures will come later). I think my mom didn't want to eat hot dogs again that night, so while we were in Astoria we went and and got some pizza. The next morning, I decided to go the healthy route for breakfast:

Started breakfast off with a donut...

Then I snuck some marshmellows. ..

Ate two hotdogs...

Then dad and I cooked some popcorn. The 5 food groups were in there, right?

Good thing Porter is around... at least one of us ate healthy some food. I tried to give him a marshmellow, but mom said no.

Look at mom and Porter. They make me happy.

Dad and I played catch a lot.

But, playing catch quickly turned into...

A sword fight with hot dog pokers. I won.

Packing up camp sure can be exhausting. Everyone, even me, needs a little juice break every once in a while.

Anyways, don't you worry, we've got lots more pictures. Mom said she has been so busy, and she is getting so behind. Good thing I am around to help her. We have been playing lots these days, so we haven't been inside long enough to make blogs. Maybe next week she will get caught up.

If any of you are camping any time soon, call me. I'm a pretty good helper, and as long as you pay me in hotdogs, I'm one happy camper.

Happy Labor Day.

Love,

Scout

And, they all lived happily ever after. The end.

All Sorts of 'Bonding' Goodness

2011-08-28T13:43:00.014-06:00

A month ago I got the Education Week Magazine in the mail. I hadn't even thoguht about going to Education Week, but as soon as I saw it, I decided... I was going to Education Week!

Since I am lucky enough to be blessed with :

1. A husband who is SO accomidating and willing to let me and the kids leave him for a week

2. A mother-in-law who is the sweetest woman ever and offered to take time off from work, and come up to watch our kids so I can go

3.A brother and sister-in-law who let me and our clan come take over their apartment for a week

4. A mom who was going to be there, and helped with the whole thing coming together

5. The Malufau family who agreed to letting us come a bit early and hang out with them in southern Utah...

It all worked out, and we had an INCREDIBLE week in Utah!!!

We are running out the door to go camping for a few days, but I wanted to post these pictures so I didn't get even more behind on all this blogging bussiness. Thank you everyone who made our trip so great!

It was a great trip, full of all sorts of bonding!

We had some: Cousin Bonding (cutest picture ever)

Papa Bonding

St. George Sun Bonding

Some Hair Twirling Bonding

'The Aquatic Center' Bonding

Vitamin D Bonding

Chubalicious Bonding
Dress up Princess Bonding
LOVE Scout's dress! Ammon said it was like a 'Sexy Halloween Costume'

Temple Square Bonding

Bonding with Gramma while Learning About Jesus

Cousin Stacey Bonding

Gramma Bonding and Arby's Bonding... Double Whammy

Crazy Hot Utah Bonding... which means any sort of water... we're in!

Ahhh, Love The Summer Grass Bonding

Score! . . . Little Puppy Bonding AND Great Grandma Stotts Bonding

I LOVE this picture for several reasons:

1. Grandmas is the cutest little lady ever!

2. Can't go wrong with baby puppies

3. Porter smiling in the background!!!! I didn't even know he was in the picture, until I developed this one, and saw his cute smiling face in the background!

Such a sweet boy- he sees a camera, and flashes that adorable smile! More Boy Bonding

The Bethroed Bonding::: Either Taryn and Porter, or..
Scout and Reed.

I'd be happy with either one.

Bridal Veil Falls Bonding - So Pretty!

Brittany Bonding

BYU Creamery Icecream Sundae Bonding (this right here was worth the entire trip!)
A Whole Lot of SLC airport bonding (once again, I was going to take a picture of Scout sleeping, and Porter gave me this smile. Count us all in again next year Utah! We WILL be back!!

What We Don't Post...

2011-08-27T05:08:00.007-06:00

It's too bad we don't post the "Before"s more often-

they make me smile everytime!

It takes a whole lot of these:

To finally get one of these:

And it takes even more of these:

To get one of these:

(2 out of 3 smiling... I'll take it as a victory!)

Can I hear a whoot whoot for digital cameras!

2011-08-25T12:16:00.003-06:00

Dear Ellie,

I am sorry I peed while we were playing in the cooler.

Love,

Scout

Just Hanging Around...

2011-08-24T20:30:00.003-06:00

...Lov'n These Summer Nights.

Life. Is. Good.

(Look. Scout likes to put on her own shoes!)

Home.

2011-08-24T16:39:00.004-06:00

The past two weeks the kids and I have:

Flown to Salt Lake City, then to St. George, drove Ceder City, Spanish Fork, Provo, spent the week at BYU going to Education Week classes, went up Ogden (where my grandpa didn't want to see us), tried to get home, but got stuck at airport for 7 hours, went back down to Ceder City, back to St. George (where we had an ER visit with Porter), back to Ceder, flew to SLC, and finally flew to Portland. Whew. It has been so fun, and great to be with family, but I have to admit...

I am happy to be home with my family.

Ashes, Ashes, We all fall down.

2011-08-08T12:32:00.007-06:00

Hmmm...

Beautiful Weather...

Ammon has the day off...

In the mood to go somewhere new...

Day Trip to Mount St. Helens? Yes please.

You can't start a 'day trip' without a little fast food break,
AND with crowns! Even better!

Next up:

The best cherries ever from a little stand on the side of the road.

Then a little hiking...

A little posing...

Don't forget some hair twirling...

Some cutie-patootie smiling...

Some incredible sight seeing...

A little more picture posing, and some learning...

(side note: for those who don't know, (which you can bet I didn't): this is an active volcano that erupted in May 1980. The smoke from the eruption went up into the sky 12 miles, and the ash eventually encircled the planet. This eruption was the deadliest, and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. There, now if you ever get a question about St. Helens on Millionaire, you'll know the answer :)
A little snoozing...

And a grand finish with a little more sight seeing/smiling/and posing!

I've decided. There is nothing better than being able to spend the day together with your family. This is what it's all about. Even better? Being able to explore somewhere new, and appreciate a little more some of Heavenly Father's beautiful creations!

You Know You're Three When...

2011-08-08T00:12:00.003-06:00

One cup of water and a tea set can entertain you for over an hour!

Tea Party Anyone?

2011-08-05T00:26:00.003-06:00

Dear Washington,

Can it please stay summer ALL year long?

At least consider it.
Love,
A California Girl

2011-08-03T23:50:00.005-06:00

Pizza....
Dancing...
(where's Scouter?)
Popcorn... Good Friends....
...All while watching a movie in the park?
I don't know if life gets any better than this.

Dance. Fall and land on shoe. To cry or not to cry??? Think about it...

Not worth crying. Let's dance!!

Just a little child labor

2011-08-01T22:43:00.006-06:00

Top 10 Things I Learned While Berry Picking:
1. Don't bother correcting Scout... let her call them 'blueberries' and 'purpleberries' if she wants... and she wants.

2. Don't worry abot how many 'purple berrys' Scout has consummed. She's a kid... let her eat away. I'll just tell the guy at the end to add another 1/2 pound onto our final weight, or maybe I won't.
3. If Scout insists to eat the bright pink ones becasue they are 'Pink Princess Ones,' instead of the nice ripe dark ones... go right ahead. Someday you'll listen to me... maybe.

4. Raspberries stain-who knew?

5. Raspberry has a 'P' in it. Once again, Who knew? Apparently not me! I've been thinking about it, and I still think it should be spelled rasberry. 6. Next time, bring a toy for Porter in the stroller. The car keys just aren't cutting it for entertainment anymore. Ahh, those were the days.
7. Don't wear cute clothes. After 5 minutes of Scout rubbing up against my shorts... they're toast. Someday I"LL learn.

8. Scout needs to go to the beach! How sad that she sat down in the dirt and started building a 'sand castle.' Ammon, we need to go to the beach stat. The girl needs to build a real sand castle. 9. Child labor.... embrace it! (check out her dirt-streeked face= Pure Awesomeness)

10. Bring a bowl to bring our loot home in... so the grumpy Russian doesn't give me the stink eye.

1 hour + 9 pounds of rasPberries+One super dirty Scout= One fun morning

And the extra perk: 2 batches of rasPberry jam sat in our freezer the next day! (well, our friend's freezer, thanks Joy). Look at me... I'm almost an official 'mom' now. (In my head making homemade rolls, canning, and making jam are oober 'mom' things to do. Thanks to this jam jamboree, I am now 2 out of 3, so close.)

How cool that we can go across the street, and pick raspberries. We may not have the beach 20 minutes away (obviously, just ask Scout's castle), but I love that we can pick berries!!

Here's to being domestic!

2011-07-30T23:52:00.003-06:00

"What are you doing Scout?"

"Just sitting in my nest reading my Book of Mormons."

"What does you Book of Mormon say?" "It says: Heavenly Father loves Scout. President Monson. Be nice to mom, say sorry, that make Jesus happy. Joseph Smith. Lets go to nursury to learn about Jesus. Nephi on a big boat. I love to see the temple. Amen."

Best. Day. Ever!

2011-07-30T13:32:00.006-06:00

It was a day like no other! All over the kingdom the people gathered together in joyful celebration. The lost princess had returned, and it was time to celebrate her birthday.

The festivities began with an invitation sent out to all of the kingdom for the celebration of the Lost Princess' Birthday:"Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair.

Scout's having a party, and would sure love you there!
She's turning 3, it's a very big day,

Pascal and Flynn Rider might stop by to play.

We'll have cake, and candles, and floating lights too,

And party like all the other princesses do!"

How do you celebrate 'rapunzel style' you might ask?
First you need a princess...

And you need golden hair with magical powers...

Lots, and Lots and

Lots of golden hair!

You also need some:Floating Lights,

Kingdom Decorations, Other princesses to join in on the fun, Braided Bread...
Lots of Tangled goodies,

And of course...Pascal!

Golden Braids are a must for everyone invited...
....Even if the braids aren't loved by everyone...... Especially the little brothers!

And what's a Rapunzel Party without her tower?We had lunch at the Snugly Duckling:
Luckily the Thugs and Ruffians didn't cause too much of a disturbance!
After lunch,

Between the Princesses and the Thugs, we had quite a dance party ..Princess bows included.

We made tiaras just like Rapunzel's And what's a party for Scout, without her showing off her muscles...

Pretty sure no ruffians or thugs will be messing around these parts!

And the most terrifying Ruffian of All....

Who, when left alone quickly destroyed the Rapunzel's tower bit by bit

...typical behavior for a ruffian.

It was a party fit for a princess!

We did learn a few things during the celebrations:

1. We learned that it is tough work having to lug around all that hair 2. We learned that celebrations are only fun when you have fun friends to share with.
3. We learned that fun friends in the kingdom make the lost princess so happy.

4. And that even the cutest Rapunzel Princess can throw a golden tantrum .....

5. We also learned that magical festivities wipe this Ruffian out...

And while sleeping, Scout "Decorated him with her party" while she was supposed to be taking a nap.

It was a day full of magical flowers, floating lights, Flynn Rider, Ruffians, and lots of golden hair.

Happy Birthday to our little Rapunzel...

It was definitely the "Best Day Ever!!!"

2011-07-28T23:58:00.004-06:00

I love

That I can spend 15 minutes

Playing 'Peek-A-Boo' with the shower curtain And can make my kids laugh... ...and laugh... ...and laugh.
Our kids make it easy to be a mom!

One Proud Momma

2011-07-20T23:30:00.004-06:00

After lots and lots of practice... We can proudly say that today Porter perfected the 'Truffle Shuffle'

(and I was worried that if we named him 'Porter' he'd be a chubby kid...)

Love Washington

2011-07-17T22:49:00.007-06:00

It stinks that it has been raining here the past 2 days... and it's the middle of July,

But...
It's not everywhere in the country that you get to go down the street, and take your Sunday walk at a place like this

(I was a little nervous that Ammon was going to take me up on the dare that he couldn't walk across this log to the other side... luckily the dare was aborted since the log was a spinner)

Perfect for a little game of hide and seek... Scout??? Ammon???

Taking a walk outside... just what we all needed today after being in the house all day.
Once again... Life is Good.

2011-07-16T14:13:00.001-06:00

There is nothing better than those lazy summer days
Chil-axing in the pool. Life. Is. Good.

6 Months Baby

2011-07-15T23:30:00.001-06:00

Last week Porter turned 6 months... what? our baby is already half a year old- it's crazy. In my head I had this great idea of doing a post all about him, just him, on July 5th... and now it is a week an a half later, and... still not done. So, both kids are asleep, Ammon is passed out, kitchen is a mess, laundry should be folded, I haven't showered, but instead of doing all those things, I am sitting down, and not getting up until it gets done, and before I need to change the title to "Wow, Porter is One!" Just a warning, there's a good chance this could be a hefty post, I think in the back of my mind I am hoping this might qualify as a 'journal entry' for this little guy, since it would be the first... dang
I don't even know where to begin with this little boy. When I see his smiling chubby face, I feel like my heart is going to explode. Until I held Porter, I didn't know that there was an empty place in my life, a place that Porter fits into just perfectly! Porter makes me happy. Porter makes me realize that life is good, really good. Porter melts my heart and helps me recogonize what is important in life. Porter makes me want to be a better person, a person worthy to be this precious boy's mom.
It has been quite a roller coaster 6 months. I feel like we have experienced pretty much the whole spectrum of emotions when it comes to P-dizzle: a lot of laughing, crying, worrying, snuggling, stressing, and loving. We have already gone through so much with him, things that we never experienced with Scout. It has been hard, really hard at times, but at the exact same time, really, really great. He is absolutely incredible, he is a blessing to our family, and I feel like the luckiest momma in the world.
I have to admit, after only having a girl, I was a little apprehensive about having a boy. I really didn't know if I could/would love him as much as Scout (does that make me a bad mom to admit that?). BUT, the moment I saw his little face, gigantor feet, and big eyes, my heart melted. I was in love... head over heals in love!!

Honestly. How could you not instantly love this baby boy?

At 6 Months I LOVE These Things About Porter:
-His little delayed motorboat giggle
-The way he reaches out for me when I walk into the room
-That he is so in love with his sister, and stares at her when she is in the same room
-His chubber cheeks

-That he sings himself to sleep with cooing noises

-The he wins over everyone he meets
-His big dark eyes that watch our every move

-His crazy high-pitch squeal (ummm, maybe I don't always love this actually)
-His smile that can melt even the grumpiest old man in the grocery store
-His sweet spirit that perfectly completes our family

This one is hospital visit #2 (this was the day of my little brother's wedding, nice timing Porter)
It has been a rough 6 months for this little guy.
In 6 months Porter has:
~Been to 5 states
~Been in the hospital 5 times
~Taken 5 different types of steroids
~Had over 150 breathing treatments
~Had pink eye (twice), ear infection, heat rash, bronchilitis, Reactive Airway Disorder, viral rash, and Asthma out the wazoo
~12 visits to his pediatrician: Dr. Chen, I now consider you part of the family and I am contemplating switching you to #1 on my speed dial
~Has slept through the night twice, and is currently waking up 4-5 times a night. Awesome.
~Wheezes 70% of the time
~Been sick more than half of his life

Despite being so sick, he is one happy camper. Even when he is wheezing so badly I can hardly hear the doctor on the phone, or he is breathing over 80 times a minute, he looks up at us and smiles. I feel like I have a lot to learn about life and taking what it dishes from this little guy.

At 6 months Porter is into:
~Sitting up like a champ
~Sucking his toes
~Longing for any attention from Scout
~Getting thrown into the air, makes him giggle every time without fail
~Rolling over when he feels like it
~Eating baby food like a pro

~Chewing on his hand, and sucking his 4 fingers

~Playing with baby toys, or pretty much anything he can get his hands on, yesterday he sat up and sucked on the corner of a box for 40 minutes and was in heaven
~Splashing like a maniac in the bath and pool
~Eating sand every chance he gets at the lake
~Pooping up his back every dang time he is in the bumbo or excercauser... which results in more splashing in the tub

Since Porter has been so sick, there have been a lot of really hard days/nights in the past 6 months. He has been on so many steroids, and let me tell you... nothing good comes out of having your child 'juiced.' I have a whole new appreciation for the term 'roid rage.' When he is on these medications, he cannot sleep. We are talking all day, all night, awake! Waking up at 2 in the morning, and knowing we are going to end up in the ER is hard, really hard. Or, hearing Ammon sneeze, or seeing Scout's snotty nose, and knowing that whatever is floating around this family, is going to get to Porter... and we will end up in the hospital. Hard.

It is at these times that I realize that Heavenly Father knows our family. He knows every emotion that is rushing through my frazzled head: He knows that I am tired, sad, scared, stressed, and worried about my baby boy. And I have learned, and I cannot make it through those hard days alone.

What Porter has taught me:
~That it is absolutely okay to sit and snuggle with your babies ALL day, getting zero housework done
~That not all kids(Scout) instantly love their baby siblings, and that that is okay... the time will come
~That I can multi-task with the best of them: nurse, pack our house, play Hungry Hungry Hippos, and give breathing treatments... all simultaneously. Child's play.
~That sleep as a mom is totally overrated.
~That having a sick baby is completely heart wrenching. Having 2 sick kids is practically unbearable
~To rely completely on our Heavenly Father, and to know that your child's life is in His hands
~That being a mom to two little kids can be hard, dang hard, at times, but that I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world
~That I am so blessed that Ammon is a worthy Priesthood holder, and is ready to give our son a blessing in that moment he needs it
~That I can LOVE 2 kids this much
~The incredible power of the Priesthood
~That having your baby in the hospital, and your little girl at home is one of the hardest things in the world
~That sometimes I feel like super mom, and sometimes I feel like a failure, and that that is okay too.
~Having a clean and put together house is so much less important than spending the day drawing pictures with sidewalk chalk with Scout while Porter sits in my lap
~That Heavenly Father hears the desperate prayers of a frazzled mom

~My life is good, and I am so lucky to be the mom of these 2 little munchkins

Alright, I will free you all of the total sap-attack of this post... maybe it's late and maybe I'm rambling. If nothing else, maybe after this little post I can say that I have at least done some type of journal/scrapbook for Porter, because you can guarantee that up to this point, the poor boy has zip in that department.

Anyways... in case I haven't made it clear... we sure do love this little boy, and are so glad that he is ours!!!!

Someday...

2011-07-14T12:22:00.002-06:00

Someday we will live in a place that has a 'craft room'...

Until that day,

I am going to embrace and enjoy everytime we get to eat dinner 'picnic style' in the living room because the kitchen table is covered with crafting crap.

Camping Apology

2011-07-11T19:57:00.005-06:00

Dear Paradise Point Neighboring Campers,
We know you all choose to go camping over the 4th of July to get away from all the 'hustle and bussle' of your busy lives; wanting to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. Well... I hope you did earlier in the day, because once the Malufaus set up camp, maybe a bit of your serenity was disturbed... just a bit. Can you blame us? Camping is just too much fun.
At site #77 there was a whole lot of:

Belly Laughing

Tent Squealing A whole lot of sleeping. Look at that rested face... doesn't it look like he got a hardy full-night sleep?
Hogwash. This boy was up every 20 minutes wanting to sing around the campfire. Early Morning Snuggling
A lot of Boys Being Boys And Girls Being Girls... with an extra dose of Marshmallow Intoxicated Laughter And a whole lot of good, 'ol fashioned campfire fun!

How can you be mad at this face?
You should had come over, we had plenty of food, and would have loved to share some marshmallows... we had all kinds: jumbo, strawberry, squares, and caramel (thanks Davenports). Granted, most of them fell in the dirt, and were still eaten, but we would have shared.

Just a fair warning camping neighbors, you may want to stay away from Mt. Hood next weekend... pretty sure the Malufaus are setting up camp again. Consider yourselves warned.

Sincerely,

The Happy Campers

We've Got Slugs!!

2011-07-10T11:14:00.004-06:00

I know this won't impress anyone here in Washington, so consider this post soley for those of you peeking from outside of Washington:

I always heard about the slugs of the Northwest, but we have lived her almost 2 years, and I have yet to see a slug... ...Until this week!!

Seriously. Look at the size of that thing... and I have big hands! (note: notice it is my veiny hand next to the slug. Maybe that is because no one else in my family would put their hand by this slimy harmless guy for a picture. Yes, that especially includes Ammon.)

We went camping, and when we woke up, there were slime trails all over the campsite; I'm thinking there was some sort of rock'n slug fest that night in our campsite.

Anyways, not the most exciting post, but I thought I should share this slimy goodness.

Scout's Beauty Salon

2011-07-08T14:18:00.002-06:00

So, the other day Scout is in the kitchen at my parent's house, and I hear her say

"Oooh, I love my lotion. So soft. So beautiful. Makes me just like a princess"

I go in to see what lotion she found, and I found this beauty session going on:

No.

That's not lotion. Try sour cream and meat chunks from her taco lunch.

This picture doesn't do her 'homemade body scrub' justice: she had her 'lotion' spread everywhere; face, up arms, down her legs, on her neck, in her toes... everywhere!

I especialy love the chunk of meat hanging off her chin. Nice touch.

Roly Poly Days

2011-07-08T01:04:00.005-06:00

Lately Scout has been on one serious Roly Poly kick... so, we spend a lot of our days out looking for these little guys:

And then the rest of my day is spent with this roly poly:

I am 100% in love with these roly poly, multiple fold 'leg pits'

When else in our lives is it cute to have 2 rolls behind our knees!?!

I feel like the luckiest mom in the world that I get to wake up to this smiling face, and those roly poly legs (and writsts) every morning!

Perks of the Job

2011-07-07T23:24:00.002-06:00

Some may think that being able to fly for free is a pretty good perk of Ammon's job...

I'm not arguing with that, but...

flying for free is nothing compared to the other 'perk' we sometimes get:

Massive amounts of expired airline pretzels!!!!

Anyone in the mood for pretzels? Come on over, we've got a few. You can even wash them down with some expired Diet Coke Ammon brought home last week. :)

Happy Birthday Cael

2011-06-29T10:40:00.006-06:00

This last week we celebrated Cael's birthday.
Our little girl would be 4 years old.

If she were still with us here we would have a birthday party for her. Since we can't do that, we decided as a family that the best way to celebrate her birth is by going to the temple each year.
There is nothing in my life that is more special than being able to go to the temple and remember our perfect little daughter. June 17th of course brings with it many thoughts of our daughter. I still think about her often, and try to imagine what this sweet girl would be like if we were able to have her with us now. I miss her everyday, but mostly when I think of her, I feel sincere joy and complete happiness. I feel lucky that I was able to spend the time with her that I did. I feel blessed that I have a child we know is waiting for us. I feel honored that our Heavenly Father entrusted us with such a special one of his Spirit children. I love that as I hold my two sweet babies that I have with me now, I know that they have seen our Cael more recently than we have. I especially love that Scout and Porter went from Cael's arms in heaven directly into our arms here on earth. Cael touched the lives of everyone that was blessed enough to meet her. She makes us all want to live our lives a little bit better each day. I feel so honored to be her mom, and am so grateful fo the gospel and the knowledge it gives us that we can hold our baby girl again.

Breakfast Brainteaser

2011-06-28T23:17:00.005-06:00

Kids and I out of town for 10 days +

Only Ammon grocery shopping the past 2 weeks (why buy regular milk, when you can just as easily buy a gallon of chocolate milk?) +

No Food in the Apartment +

Only regular milk is Expired +

Scout insisting on cereal for breakfast = Chocolate Milk in Frosted Flakes for Breakfast.

Please don't judge.

2011-06-14T19:15:00.002-06:00

It happened.
The day every mother of a daughter hopes will never happen.

Crime Scene Report:
Date of Occurance: June 13, 2011
Time: 4:00 pm
The Accused:
Weapon of Choice:

The Crime Scene:

Mother's Signed Confession of the Incident:
This is what happens when I'm trying to get ready to catch a flight, and Scout is unsupervised for 5 minutes. Luckily Scout has bad aim. She was trying to cut off her entire pony-tail, but just got a part- thank goodness for 2 year old's unrefined motor skills.

Me: "Scout, did you cut your hair?"
Scout: "Yes!! With Scissors!" I look so pretty!"
Me: "Scout, should we cut our hair?"
Scout: "Yes. So I can look so pretty."
Me: "Scout, we only cut paper with scissors"
Scout:". . . but I look so pretty."
Me: "You do look pretty."

It's No Secret...

2011-06-14T17:32:00.002-06:00

We Malufaus LOVE our food...

Whether we are the ones feeding it or eating it...
When there is food around---

Smiles All Around!