Phew! 19 hours to go... But who's counting??

I am!! It has been a long 2 weeks. Every day we go out Cade asks if I'm driving to the airport to pick up Daddy. So, much to Cade's pleasure and my relief, we finally get the man of the house back. YAHOO! We've missed him sorely. Although we've been short one man in the fam, we have managed to get ahead on a few projects. I'd love to say that I single handedly raked the front yard and cleaned the house top to bottom. Those things did happen with some of my help, but they mostly were accomplished by my handy little friend you all know as Mr. Checkbook. And you know what? Using him was the BEST thing I ever did!

Nearly a year ago at a ward auction I spent an obscenely outrageous amount of money to hire the youth for "slave labor" as they called it. The dream of the prize itself, the adrenaline pumping through my body, and Kyle not rejecting my bids (I thought he was sitting behind me and was pleasantly surprised each time I bid up that he didn't tap me on the shoulder and whisper, "okay dear, that's enough!") all added to the experience. Only I found out much later that Kyle was, in fact, out of the room and had no clue how much money I threw down for what I considered to be more than a worthy cause. He grumbled and shook his head, but that was about it, so I definitely have to give him props for being such a sport. My dream was to use these boys to rake rake rake my yard once the leaves were done falling.

Now nearly a year later and with the snow finally melted I cashed in on my prize. It was an amazingly gratifying experience to watch these energetic creatures (also known as Deacons) attack my yard. And it looks fantastic ---just in time for the flowers to come up.

YESSSS!!!

Happy Easter!

Yeah, I'm a little late on that one but as far as Cade is concerned, the Easter Season is like the Christmas season and lasts for a month. We are going to continue celebrating it for at least another week. Last Sunday Cade was feeling under the weather after church so I decided to postpone the Wildberry Family Easter Egg Hunt. Okay, okay, I admit, I was FAR from prepared for an egg hunt this year and even if he was feeling better, I dodn't know how much of my plans I would have been able to follow through on. Single momming it and everything, I was not on top of my game to truly celebrate the day like any good family event planner does. My original plan was to bake a bunny cake with Cade, have egg salad sandwiches for dinner, and then end with the famous egg hunt. Running a fever, he slept most the afternoon and by the time he arose, was feeling better and back to bouncing off the walls it was dark. So we opted to go visit some widows in the ward and bring them his Easter crafts he had worked on earlier in the week. Don't worry, his fever had broken and he did not go near the sweet old ladies except to ask, "Are you wrinkled?" Yep, that's my charming little boy.

We mosied down the Easter isle at Target earlier this week to find, as expected, everything 75% off or more. I let Cade pick out his and Savannah's baskets and he was thrilled. So was I! The price was great, even if the Easter momentum for everyone else has died down. I also splurged on two dozen plastic eggs for 19 cents. Screamin' deal.

I will say that I did achieve the ultimate Easter goal on Sunday after several days of mini lessons before tucking him in at night:

Me: "Cade, why do we celebrate Easter?" (crossing fingers, toes, holding breath...)

Cade: "'Cause of Jesus' rer.... rerreckshun! He's alive!" (slowly exhaling and then a sigh of relief)

I could hardly contain my excitement in dressing Cade and Savannah in their Easter outfits on Sunday. I bought them a year ago when the Children's Place was having their annual $4.99 and under sale and at last I got to gussy them up for spring. I managed to find some white/brown/green in my own wardrobe so we looked like we belonged on the cover of Family Circle magazine.... except nobody from the magazine was around to document it. Dang. Well, at least you can get 2/3rds of the cuteness:

This last one is my favorite!!! Savannah's wearing her Easter hat from Gramma. We got it in the mail just in time!

Cade-isms...

This afternoon I was sitting in the car with the kids making my grocery list out loud....

"...Sour cream, cottage cheese, diapers, milk.... Cade, what else do we need to get?" I asked.
He replied matter-of-factly, "Um, I guess we should get some responsibility."

Yes, I suppose I should see if that's on sale.
??!!!
--------
Later in the store I was pushing Savvy in the cart and couldn't hear Cade behind me. He's always making this constant "vrooming" sound as if he were a race car. I've no idea how his larynx can handle the constant scratching all day long, but it is nice when I am trying to keep track of him. It's my inexpensive honing device. The vrooming sound was a distant hum so I looked behind me to find him several feet away standing barefoot in the isle, his shoes on the floor next to him. I backed up the cart to check out the situation.

"Cade, whatcha doing?"
"I'm pretending my shoes are too big."

Of course.
-----
This is my favorite. Last week when we got some snow Cade decided to go four-wheeling in his beloved Jeep. This video is a little long, but what he says is hilarious (okay, at least to me. I don't know where he comes up with this stuff). Turn up the volume so you can hear him waxing philosophic...or perhaps he was just being poetic. I also love how he talks to the snow as if it were the "bad guy".....

And in case you couldn't comprehend Cade's moment of waxing philosophic, this is how our conversation went:

Me: "Whatcha doing, Cade?"

Cade: "I'm just looking at the whole wide world so I can get all the snow out of the sky...(pause)...so I can fly....(longer pause)...like a horse does."

I was dying. That totally came out of left field. It was amazing I got it on camera.

Don't you also love how he kept insisting he couldn't do things if I suggested it. But once he decided it was his choice he was fine. I suppose that's a lot like raising a teenager????

Anyone want to fold laundry?

I'll pay top dollar! It's creeping into every corner of my house and I can't stop it! Clothes upon clothes are taking over my house!

Exhibit A: Savannah sleeps in the laundry room. She does have her own bedroom with a crib, but she is so hyper that she needs a very dark, very quiet room to calm her down and get her to sleep. Naturally, this poses a problem. I don't think about doin g laundry when she is awake as my attention is more focused on delivering these phrases calmly and lovingly: "ah! don't put that in your mouth! don't run! don't hit! stop teasing!" Usually when it's much too late (and Savannah is sleeping) I realize how behind I am on laundry. So today I attempted putting her in her real room and real crib for her naps so I could get several loads done. She of course found nothing but pure joy in her crib. After all, it's way bouncier than the port-o-crib. She ran back and forth and jumped up and down for an hour and a half. No kidding. Meanwhile, I was silently praying she wouldn't bang her head on the crib so I could take her to the doctor for once without a bruise on her head! I managed to get about 5 loads washed and dried. Ugh, but that means they have to be folded! I'm so good at putting them in and taking them out of the washer and dryer that I forget the real job ahead of me.

Exhibit B: In addition to trying to manage the ever-growing piles of laundry to fold,I am trying to cycle out the winter clothes, cycle in the spring ones, but the weather is being so indecisive that I just have a little bit of everything hanging around.

Exhibit C: Something hilariously ironic happened today. Right around the witching hour (4pm) I loaded the kids in the car ro run some errands and deliver some clothing I've had in my house for a while. I was so relieved to get the bags and boxes off my to-do list only to receive a HUGE bag of clothes from someone else today! Just when I thought I was eliminating the excess I got more. It seems that is the running theme in my life: One step forward, sixteen steps back. I had to laugh. Of course it was so sweet of her to think of me, but unfortunately my kids don't have closets and I don't have a basement, so when I get things like that, I can't store them away for another day when I have time to go through them. They stare at me in the face and stand in the way until I do something with them because back in the 40s when our "charming" little house was built, it was decided that closets and basements were not necessary for survival. 60 years later I am dreaming of the day I can get a sleeping bag and sleep in my closet....and that is my only method of survival. The dream of a walk-in closet in every room! :-)

The literary merit of my posts is diminishing. It's a fact. My writing level for this blog is at the grade school level. Sweet. I want to apologize to my faithful readers for not giving you something more to "chew on." I'm not apologizing for having "Mom-thoughts." Good bloggers share those thoughts, be they Mom-thoughts, Dad-thoughts, political-issues-thoughts, gospel-thoughts, employee-thoughts, teacher-thoughts,funny-thoughts.... in a way that is thought provoking, regardless of the issue. I don't do that. I publish my thoughts for my own personal gratification as well as to fulfill my role as family historian. "Even if nothing else got accomplished today, at least I blogged!"

I was thinking the other day, "Do I ever have 'Non-Mom' thoughts??" I suppose this post answered that question. It's after midnight and I've had a few hours since the kids have been in bed to let my mind wander to the deep and uncharted synapses of my brain. How deep do I go? To the depths of closet-wanting.

In the words of Fiero in Wicked, "I am deeply shallow."

Daddy's Gone Day #2: McD's vs. Popcorn

Me: "Cade, what would you like for dinner, hon?"

Cade: "I already had dinner. I had popcorn!"

Me: ....

Good Neighbors...

Tonite was our big Relief Society birthday celebration. When Kyle is around, I depend on him heavily to be in charge at home when things like this are on the calendar. When he's not around, I switch to ultra-panic mode. Except for tonite. (yes, I am going to continue with that incorrect spelling) Tonite our fantastic neighbor Barb across the street kindly agreed to watch the kiddos while I was at the little party. How nice was that? You really have no idea.

1. She arrived. Yes, simply that. Meaning, I did not have to go and drive to pick her up! She came to me. That was such a time saver!
2. Not only did she arrive, but she arrived with dinner. Amazing!!! Cade was beyond thrilled to have pizza for dinner with "Gramma B".
3. I got home later than planned, but didn't have to fret because she's not in school and didn't have to wake up early for class...
4. She left. Yes, that too! Meaning, I didn't have to take her home! I didn't have to wake up the kids, buckle them in, and drive the sitter home.

I know, I know. You are all dying to have her contact info. I am sorry, but I cannot divulge. I can't exploit her. Heaven forbid all you folks start calling her up to watch your kids.:-)

I also have to add that she arranged for the Easter Bunny to pay us a visit earlier this afternoon to deliver a beautiful purple package. Cade was beyond thrilled when he got home from preschool to find that he had come to visit so early.

We are so blessed to have such a giving neighbor. She truly is the World's Best.

What's the first thing we do when Daddy's Gone?

Time to get rid of the fire crackers, the guns, and the excess hiking boots! We dropped Kyle off at the airport yesterday. He doesn't have a return ticket, so this could turn into quite a Spring Cleaning Event. The Veteran's truck came by this morning to pick up the first stash. Words cannot express my joy.

Happy Birthday Cruiser Cade!

Today is a very special day. Cade turned 4! Last week while Michelle was gone a couple of packages showed up on our doorstep. Unfortunately, one of the boxes was damaged enough that Cade could see what was inside...CARS. Not only were these cars, but they were the Disney Pixar movie "Cars." I quickly hid them in my closet and told Cade he had to wait until Sunday. He immediately started pulling reverse psychology on me informing me the following "I don't want my birthday. I don't want my presents. I don't like it."

Cade is an avid collector and has all but three Cars now: Sarge, Snot Rod, and the Lightning McQueen with the muddy tires. He did have Snot Rod (Michelle has renamed him Hot Rod for obvious reasons...), but was mysteriously damaged in the bath tub. I think he bit off the rubber piece on the top. Now, for some reason, Snot Rod isn't getting the respect he deserves and Cade completely shuns it. Michelle and I have been advised, by him, to purchase a new one.

Welcome Home Mommy!

We were so excited to get mommy back from Ecuador. We welcomed her back with some home cooking...watch the video.

In the video Michelle greets us with warm smiles and happiness. I seriously doubt, and yes I was here when the video was turned off, that she was very excited about our welcome-home lunch.

The weather has been so nice here the past three days. It hit 54 degrees today, the warmest it has been in forever. I celebrated by doing a 10 mile jog, the furthest I have ever gone in one time!

Day 7 of Mommy in Ecuador

Yeah! Today is the last day I am stuck here with daddy. I am kind of getting sick of eating at McDonald's. I want mommy to come back so we can start having real meals again. I don't know why I am still sick with a cough.

Daddy is only fun for a couple of days, but he thinks he is funny all of the time. Since he doesn't keep me on a schedule like mommy we usually end up wrestling for several hours each day. Some days I have a nap, some days I do not. Some days I go to bed early, sometimes late. Daddy started putting me to bed before it gets dark, I am very upset about this and I think he is playing a trick on me. He keeps on saying something about moving the clocks forward...blah, blah, blah.

Yesterday I received a phone call from a long distance number. I am almost positive it was from Santa Claus, but daddy swore it was mommy. I really showed him though...immidiately I fell on the floor and started hitting myself in the face, all the while mumbling and drooling all over myself. I refused to talk to Santa if daddy wasn't going to tell me the truth. I can't wait to tell on him to mom, he will be in big trouble again.

I can't wait for mommy to come home, and Savvy keeps telling me she hates the crazy outfits daddy puts on her.

Daddy Week: Days 5 & 6

Nothing of much significance has happened the past two days other than lunch at Ronald's. It is too bad that I don't have anything fun or exciting to blog about with respect to Michelle being gone.

I did read an article (here) about Mitt Romney saying he wouldn't mind running as a vp with McCain. The funniest part of the article was when he made fun of both Obama's and Clinton's credentials in regards to national security:

"Listening to Obama and Clinton discuss their national security credentials, Romney said, is akin to 'listening to two chihuahuas argue about which is the biggest dog'."

I haven't posted much about politics this year despite being very involved and interested in the campaigns. I have been amazed at the reasons people are voting for the candidates they are voting for. Some of the reasons include: "women should rule all the countries", "so and so 'feels' like a better choice", "so and so is more diverse." The list goes on and on, but rarely do I hear something that demonstrates actual achievements the candidate has accomplished. Obviously all the candidates are successful and have some achievements to their name. But when you are running for president they had better be noteworthy.

I used to get more upset when I heard people talk about new programs and support systems. Now, I am getting a bit more calloused to it and realize I subscribe to and ideology that is a losing cause. People rarely want to take MORE responsibility for their: selves, families, health, financial situation, education, spending habits, etc.

I remember being a young scoutmaster for about ten boys ages 11-16. We were dedicated to camping once a month. At first I made sure that once we arrived to our destination, the tents were all erected, the dinners were cooked, dishes were done and everyone was ok. It was a lot of stress and I was doing all the work. The boys relied on me to help them put up their tent, cook meals, and clean the dishes.

One campout I said, "to hell with it", I am going to cook for just me and my assistant, get bedding ready for me, and do nothing with dishes or food. To my surprise, the boys figured out how to get their sleeping bags and tent ready. The dinner was made, in the dark, but everyone ate. They didn't do their dishes that night, however, they never made that mistake again. Basically, when I let them take care of themselves, by golly they did it. And, they became independent and responsible. Occasionally a boy would struggle and I would either help him or the others would help him.

I believe people could do more for themselves if they had to. Wanting to get rid of government programs and let people be responsible for them self often gets labled as being cold-hearted, mean-spirited or whatever you call it. I just don't think it works. And the fact is that many of us give more to charity, serve just as much, and genuinely care about people just like everyone else. I just hate being forced into having to do it.

Daddy Week: Day 4

Cade woke up this morning at 8:43 AM and I went to check on Savvy and she was still sleeping. I couldn't believe that they slept for more than 12 hours. Honestly, I didn't know what to do with myself this morning. I was pacing around the house waiting for them to wake up so we could play. I mean, the dishes were done, the laundry was going, the house was vacuumed...what more could I do? I don't know how Michelle handles that every morning. I think I had anxiety. Thank goodness I have to go work every day so I don't get overanxious for them to wake up. This would definitely shorten my life if I had to do this every day.

So today we went to the gym for 2 hours, did laundry, emptied all the garbages in the house, and visited our neighbor Barb for a while. She just got back from the hospital last night and we wanted to make sure she was alright. She asked if OSSO "qualified" or "fulfilled" her service requirement with the church. I told her Michelle was just volunteering like a Peace Corp volunteer, and furthermore, missionary service is totally optional, and in fact each missionary usually pays for most of part of their expenses. She is such a sweet lady and we are lucky to have her as a neighbor.

I think the main excitement of the day was: the gym, McDonald's, and Savvy bumping her head on the corner of the wall. Now, for those of you who notice the baby food all over her face don't worry, I did wipe it off after the picture. Also, the picture makes the bump look like nothing. I tell you what, it was quite a knot! I can't believe she was still smiling. She must have been amused with the promise of McDonald's for breakfast if she smiled.

Daddy Week: Day 3

So I get a call from Michelle at 6:45AM reminding me to feed the kids fruits and vegetables...lucky for her I bought pizza last night. All the health in pizza such as fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato sauce of course, and ....I guess that is all.

Today being Sunday, and daylight savings, my goal was to get to church on time. Usually, Michelle has relief society meetings in the morning so I get the kids ready anyways. Today was indeed harder than normal though.

First of all, Michelle didn't pick all the clothes out and have them neatly sitting on the stairs like she always does. This of course sends me into a confused panic wondering what Savannah should wear to church. One thought was "well, she is wearing cute pajamas", but then I reasoned that somehow Michelle would find out and I would be in trouble. I scrambled together a purple-ish sweater that hangs over her knees. An obvious advantage in this is that I don't have to find pants, that match, to cover her legs. I was very happy with the decision but very perplexed on what color shoes and what color bow to put on top of her mullet.

Cade and Savvy are now sleeping so I can prepare my fantasy baseball team for this year. Oh by the way, Cade wasn't eating pizza for lunch. I just put his blueberries, sandwich, and carrots in the box to look like he was. If you don't believe me click here.

Day 2 of MIA Mommy

I may have seemed a bit sarcastic in my last post about Michelle going to Ecuador. That is just me trying to be funny about her leaving. Actually, I am happy that she is able to go do something she loves so much. OSSO is a volunteer organization of mostly college aged girls that want to help underprivilaged children. When Michelle came home from her first visit there she had a collection of stories and pictures of the cutest kids that had been abandoned and had no family. The ages of the children ranged from teenagers to infants literally dropped off on the doorstep of the orphanage.

This trip is different because she won't be there for several months. She will only have the opportunity for a week to go back and visit new kids and hopefully many from her prior experience there. She took 3 suitcases full of stuff like shoes, pants, shirts and other things they don't have much of. I am sure it will be a memorable experience giving such plentiful things here in America to kids who basically have nothing.

Back at the high-ground we are having a rough time. Today we went to Lifetime Fitness for a couple of hours and then made our second trip to McDonald's. It was a successful trip. Cade ordered: chicken nuggets, fries, and a carmel sundae. Savvy shared his fries and sundae. Yes, we are struggling while mom is away but I think we are going to make it. Despite the sad faces of Cade and Savannah, as seen in the pictures, we are coping with this difficult situation.

What's the first thing we do when mommy leaves?

Mommy is finally gone!!! Party at the Woodbury's and you can bring guns, firecrackers, junk food, shoot-em-up movies, and all sorts of things Michelle doesn't like.

Back in 2003, Just a couple of weeks after Michelle and I got engaged, she decided to leave the states and run off to Ecuador for about 4 months. (Of course that sent some mixed signals if you know what I mean) She had volunteered to work in a orphanage run by the Catholic church. Click here to see the website of the volunteer organization.

Well, to cap off my birthday week this year she decided she would leave me again for Ecuador!!! (This time for only a week.) So, what is the first thing a dad does when mom leaves....go out to eat. I am going to try to eat out every meal for the entire week with the kids so I don't make a mess in the kitchen.

Day #5

I guess the tables have turned
Thank you muchly, dear
I've needed a new cell phone
For well over a year







The pastries were delish
and quite unexpected
Thanks for being so thoughtful
When it's you who should be gifted!


Happy Birthday!!

*Editor's explanation: Kyle came home from work and kept insisting he heard my phone ringing. I told him it was his phone (Come on, I know my ring). He pulled out his phone to show me it wasn't his, so then I proceeded on a hunt for the mystery ring tone. Well whaddaya know, I found a beautiful new phone in my purse, courtesy of birthday boy! My former phone had been on the verge of falling apart for several months and Kyle kept telling me all I needed to do was go to a T-Mobile kiosk and get a new one because I've qualified for one for about 2 years now. That just seemed so....wasteful....When I entertained the idea of going to get one, I always thought about other things I'd rather do than take the kids to the mall to get me a new phone. So my dear hubby took care of it for me. I know, I am helpless sometimes. Also during the search I found a delicious box full of my absolute favorite treat. Mind you, these and Oreos are not in the same category. I buy Oreos regularly and eat them regularly. Cinnabons are a guilty pleasure that I only indulge in on very rare occasions.

**Editor's review of the Motorola W490 phone: A few things that I wish this phone had: When scrolling down in my phonebook, the screen only provides the only name, not both the name and number. Sometimes I just need to know the number without calling the person. For missed calls or dialed calls, the phone does not offer the option to look at the time and date of the calls. I like having that information.

Day #4

You've never been a morning guy,
And you loathe alarms with a beep
So here's to sounding I-pod tunes
To wake you up from your sleep!!

Happy Birthday!

Reminiscent of snow...

The snow melted leaving our yard a muddy, leafy, mucky mess. Thought I'd post these pictures to remind myself of prettier days...

Day #3

Happy Sabbath, my dear
It’s already day number three
I hope you are enjoying your week
And are ready for another good read

I know you’re a fan
Of Beck and his thoughts
So have a good laugh
And let your libertarian ideas rot…

Happy Birthday!

Day #2

So Today’s the DAY!
You’re 28
I can’t believe you’re that old
Don’t you think it’s great?

Since you’re getting up there in age
I thought it best
To cover all our bases
In case you’re sent to rest…

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Week, Kyle!!!

Happy Birthday Week, Kyle
Your Fun has just begun
It’s time to get ready for a mini-vacation
And open present number one!

This gift will help you chill out
Maybe even relax
So take this gift by the pool
And lay on your back!

Happy Birthday!!!

**We took a little weekend trip to the Wisconsin Dells with Melody and Tyler... It was a good time even though we were a bit under the weather.