Jake's Fine Art Gallery

"I am so busted."
(Note from this Mom to every other Mom in the world: Never say these words out loud or in your head: "I'm sure glad my kids don't draw on the walls and furniture.")

Li'l Sweetie

Is there anything in the world sweeter than putting your baby in bed, laying a blanket over him and having him say, "Nanks, Mommy,"  (Thanks, Mommy) as he snuggles down for a snooze???  Surely there is not.  Little Jake makes me smile every time I put him down to sleep for this reason.

Sick Days

Okay, I know I have little to complain about here. This is really our first time getting sick this year, so we've been lucky, and it's about our turn. Right now my sister, Jaime, is very sick, and so was her little boy, and Kate & Andy's kids have all been sick, and out neighbors... So it's not just us. It's everywhere! But here's our pity party anyway. We decided to all get sick together, which has actually been a good thing. We can all just get this out of the way, right? In a couple of weeks we are leaving for Disneyland, so I'm glad we're sick now in the comforts of our own home rather than miserable in a hotel room or in the car. Everyone has been feverish/coughing/runny nose/sore throatish since about Thursday. I cried several times on Friday, sure I was going to end up with pneumonia again. I know it scared Jason, who had to be out of town. I was telling him "We're fine, we're really fine...." except I was totally bawling while I said it, and my voice was gone. I don't think he believed that we were really fine. We were, of course, but emotions were running amok. Feverish kids are so sad, and being up all night can make anyone a little nuts.

BUT! My Mom saved the day. In fact, she just left. :( She came up on Saturday when she found out we'd all been sick, and absolutely went to work doing everything for us, and insuring that I would rest as much as possible. She shopped, cooked, cleaned and ironed all the clothes that have been piling up for months. Jason asked, while we were eating real mashed potatoes at dinner last night, if I could please get sick more often. I guess I could at least fake it. Really, we have been so well cared for. I love having her around, and it seems like we haven't been able to see each other much lately, so it was extra nice. (Even though I was sleeping a lot of the time.) We even sat up and watched the final installment of Pride and Prejudice together last night. I love my mom. She is the epitome of selfless service. Thank you, Mom. We all love you so much!!!

Owen is the only one of the kids who seems to be still suffering. The other two are still coughing, but that can go on infinitely. I seem to be the slowest recovery of the bunch, but that's just because I'm old. I really do think I have some separated ribs from coughing fits. Ouch.

Jason and I went to see Dr. Wood about his chronic sore throats. Looks like he'll be getting his tonsils out when we return from our trip to California. Lots of fun!

Car Talk

So our Landcruiser is in the shop. Bummer. Buckling the 3 kids in the back of the Porshica is not my idea of a good time, even when my stomach isn't big enough to suffocate them while I try to find all the seatbelts. Not that I'm not grateful for the gift of the Porshica, Mom and Dad. We would be in big trouble without it today. And I quite enjoy the upholstery crumbling from sun-damage and peeling white paint like every other white Corsica I've ever seen. American cars... Really, the car is so ugly, but also doesn't seem to want to die, and goes pretty fast. Anyway, on our way home from the shop, Owen was teasing Jacob, which is one of his favorite pastimes. Jake was cranky anyway all day today, and Owen's tormenting was bringing on fits of screaming that I just couldn't handle in such close quarters. Jason sensed my irritable mood right away. The conversation went like this:

J: "Owen, if you keep teasing Jacob, you will reap the repercussions."
O: "What is reaping repercussions?"
J: "Having consequences."
O: "What are consequences?"
J: "Results."
O: "What are results?"
J: "Brooke, why don't you explain?"
Me: "Punishment."
O: "Oh, okay."

On NPR once I heard about a study that said Fathers are so important to the development of their children's vocabularies because they use so many unfamiliar and varied words with them. It said that Mothers fall into the habit of using the same set of words with their children, and don't branch out much. Well, there you have it. It's true.

Cutest Boots

Thanks to Rose for thinking of me while she was at the Oh Sweet Sadie show last week in Herriman. I only wish I could have gone with her, although I'm sure it's better that I didn't. How easily I could have lost control of all budgeting while surrounded by such cute DIY stuff. These little boots were made by "Curious Workmanship," a name I totally love. Thanks, Rose. I am so excited to put our baby's little tootsies in these things. They are so sweet.

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!

This morning we celebrated at the fine restaurant, Chez Lambert. On the menu were pink pancakes and stawberry syrup. And Simply Orange orange juice, which is THE best ever, and generally purchased only on special occasions at our house because we can finish off the bottle in about 15 minutes. There was a new Valentine book waiting at each spot at the table. Bennett's was the favorite: "Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink." Monsieur Lambert took orders as well as cooking up the pancakes, while I tried to get Bennett ready for school.

Later, I witnessed the cutest thing ever in the history of the world: Bennett's class at the Adams Elementary Valentine's Tea, an annual tradition known far and wide. Okay, that's a stretch. But it was truly sweet. I got to help out a little, but mostly just watched my boy with his friends and felt so very proud of him.

This afternoon we had our own little Valentine's Tea Party with Ruby and Jade. Cookies and punch and Skittles! What could be better to a kid? I am anticipating a big sugar meltdown in just a couple of hours.

Jason left for Washington DC this morning... Sniff, sniff. I'll miss my Valentine! We ALL will. The boys will really miss their wrestling/ lightsaber fighting/ Lego-knight storytelling/ snow fort building buddy for the next few days.

My Week in Review!

Tuesday to Tuesday, here is a brief record of what we did during the week of February 7-12th...

Super Tuesday

Wednesday

Today we had Olivia over to play, and then cousins Jack and Clara. First we played in the costume box, then watched Star Wars, and then had a sweet dance party. Check out the video below. Surely Bennett got his moves from his Dad.

Clara and Jake reading books together.

Batman and Ninja.

Later that night, our home teachers came for a visit. Bennett read President Rex Thompson a book all by himself!

Thursday

Bennett was out of school for parent-teacher conferences today. Ruby and Jade came to play in the afternoon. They had fun playing in the laundry baskets.

Then we went to Bennett's SEP (student education plan) conference with Mrs. Cantwell. Bennett is doing great in school, and really loves it. Most days. Here is a sample of his work. Notice how he wrote his name! Bennett's school is nationally recognized for their outstanding reading program, and I have definitely witnessed it at work with Bennett. It is so exciting!

Jason and I both had the chance to attend the temple today as well. It was wonderful!

And finally, later that night Rose came for a visit. It was great to talk to her and reminisce about the good old days, and hear about her cute little family.

Friday

My husband is seriously the best ever. For Valentine's Day he got us tickets to see Riverdance at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake. It was so much fun! We went to eat at the Olive Garden first, always yummy, and then braved traffic into the big city. We BARELY made it into our seats before the show started. Jason dropped me off, and then went in search of parking. So I ran in and found the line to the ladies' room winding way out of the restroom and down the hall! Luckily, the line moved pretty fast, and a nice girl at the front of the line even offered to let me in front of her. She said she always wishing for people in bathroom lines to have compassion for her while she was pregnant. I declined, but it was very sweet. Anyhow, Jason miraculously found a parking spot right around the corner from the theater in front of the Pie Pizzeria and made it into his seat before I even left the bathroom. Phew. I stepped on a man's toe while trying to get to my seat, and he grunted really loud, like I must have broken it, or something. I felt terrible. Having a large, pregnant woman stomp on your toe is no fun, especially for this guy, who didn't appear to be enjoying his Riverdance experience much at all. His head could often be found buried in his hands when another long flute solo began. Not to mention, it was about 100 degrees on the back row of Kingsbury Hall's balcony, which is where we were sitting. Poor guy was sweating profusely. I'm sure his wife loved the show, though, and it was all worth it. He wasn't really limping on our way out, either, so hopefully his toe is okay.

Really, the show was EXCELLENT. I loved all the dancing. I am really excited to join the team someday. Strange that they haven't called me yet. HA! Yes, the dancing was great, but sometimes even I wanted to bury my head in my hands during the extend0-new age music stuff. Jason and I had lots of fun with it, though. We thought of the Stonehenge scene of Spinal Tap from time to time, and shared a silent laugh. Oh, and the male dancers were my favorite part. They are so incredible. Check out the Thunderstorm dance! It will give you both a taste of the Stonehenge new-age stuff that made us chuckle, and also the AWESOME dancing.

(Can any of my dancing friends tell me how on earth they do that heel-click right into a cut thing at the end moving forward? It's so cool!)

Saturday

The photos of Jake blowing out his candles and opening gifts are on my sister's camera and Jason's phone. I completely forgot my camera. Bad mom, I know. I'm still bummed out about it. But here are some pictures of Jake then and now. He's come a long way from the screaming little kid you see in this early photo! Thank goodness! We love him so much and laugh all day at the crazy things he does.

We had a fun pizza lunch for him at my parents' house, followed by Sid Robison's delicious chocolate cake. Luckily, Jake is too young to care about having a character cake, so we could really have something for the adults to enjoy for one last year.

He got all his favorite things from his auties and grandparents, including little guys he carries all over the house all day long, and then leaves, scattered, for me to take care of.









HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LITTLE JAKE!!!!

Sunday

Sunday Bennett and Owen both got to help in Primary. Owen said the opening prayer, and Bennett recited the third commandment. I was so proud of them standing up at the microphone in front of all those kids! Owen LOVES primary. They are learning so many new songs and concepts... it makes me really happy. I hear Owen singing the sweet song, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus" all around the house. My favorite line is, "Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, stories of Jesus, tell them to me!"

I had a couple of meetings Sunday night, which were excellent. I love the women I work with in the Young Womens' Organization. They are outstanding!

Then I came home to a clean house (dishes done and everything) with all the kids in bed. Seriously, there is nothing better in the world! Thank you, Jason! Then we watched the last half of the Grammy Awards. Apparently we caught the boring half of the show, and missed all the good stuff like Kanye's sweet glowing glasses. We did see the Foo Fighters win an award, though. Yeah! We love them. Oh, and it was kind of disturbing to watch Amy Winehouse trying not to tip over while performing and accepting her award.

Monday

Today we made Valentines by stamping our thumbs in inkpads and making little creatures out of the prints. They were extra cute, and of course I didn't take any pix before I sent them all out.

Also, I got to meet the SWEET new little Gibson baby, Laney. She is gorgeous with tons of dark hair! Congrats, Michelle! It was exciting to check out the new Newborn and Women's Center at the hospital. I think people thought I was there to actually have a baby when I walked through the doors, until they saw I was carrying a little gift bag, and I was smiling instead of screaming. I'll be there soon enough, though!

Speaking of the pregnancy, it is going well. I am gaining weight like a champ, and my next story will prove it. As I was getting ready to go see Michelle at the hospital, Jason made this comment to me, "I don't think you can ban me from wearing my favorite pants if you are going to keep wearing those ones." I looked at him, confused. "There's a big rip in the bum of those," he then casually pointed out. "What, you mean these pants I've been wearing all over town today?" I asked, and continued that he could have notified me earlier. He said he had noticed LAST WEEK but thought I was aware of the situation. Um, no. I try not to get even the tiniest glimpse of my backside these days. Wonder how many people have been laughing about my rear-end this week.

Today we also made some tentative plans for our garden. We let the boys go through seed catalogs and circle all the things they want to try growing this year. Boy, it's going to be a BIG garden! They circled a LOT of stuff. Time to take a trip to Anderson's.

Tuesday

Happy Birthday, President Lincoln! Today I helped in Bennett's classroom, and enjoyed watching the kids dress up and sing about President Washington and President Lincoln. I asked Bennett to tell me the lyrics of their little song, and this is what he could remember. Pretty impressive, but I think we're missing a few lines. That's okay.

When Lincoln was president a long, long time ago
He dressed so very differently it would make you laugh Ho Ho
He wore buckles on his shoes
His pants up around his knees
And a hat with three corners
If you please!

When Lincoln was president a long, long time ago
He dressed so very differently it would make you laugh Ho Ho
His coat was down to his knees
His beard covered up his chin alright
His hat a stovepipe
If you please!

Happy Birthday to Owen! Again!

We had a GREAT time partying for Owen's birthday today at the Sports Academy tumbling gym with some of his little friends and cousins. I daresay the Moms had just as much fun as the kids! Check out Julie wowing us with a front-flip, Nikki doing a back-flip at 6 months pregnant, and Brittney crossing the balance beam with grace and style. I am so proud of my friends! I'm just sorry I didn't get a photo of Jen doing something spectacular too! Thank you, friends, for coming! Thanks to Jason for bringing ice cream, and to Julie for bringing the leotards and for being the cleanup committee. Thanks especially to Owen for providing us this opportunity to get together and celebrate his birthday! We all love you, Owen!

Because this party was in the middle of the school day, we were sad to not be able to involve ALL of Owen's loved ones, i.e. anyone older than him. And the weather kept some family from coming... We missed you!

Our Yurt Adventure

At the Green Canyon trailhead, ready for an adventure! My parents and brother, Lee, joined us.

Stopping for a snack break about halfway up the trail. Bennett ate mostly pringles.

Lee and Jason pulling the sleds full of kids. MUSH!

The Lambert Party of Five hanging out inside the yurt. We were all really happy to have made it, and to be warm. We made it up in exactly 3 hours, just as the sun was going down and Jake was headed for meltdown mode. We are gathered around Jason, who was actually really sick, but a very good sport. Let's just say he got well acquainted with the new forest service outhouse. All night.

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Owen with some festive sparkler candles.

Jake loved playing with Grandpa's mini-flashlight. Loved it so much he broke it, actually.
Sorry, Dad!

Bennett and Owen settle down for bedtime with a little Gameboy fun.

Playing on the top bunk with Uncle Lee.

The Green Canyon Yurt a.k.a. Home Sweet Home

Jake actually walked a looooong ways on our way out.
He was having so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa.
We had to force him to get back in the Chariot so we could make better time!

Thanks, Mom, Dad, and Lee for getting us and all our stuff up to the yurt. It's no secret that we could never have made it without you all.

Happy Birthday to Owen!

We have had a great time celebrating Owen's fourth birthday over the last few days.
It is so fun to celebrate with Owen because he is so grateful and excited about each little thing you do. He said, "Thanks, Mom!" about a gazillion times on his birthday. What a sweetie. Have I also mentioned that he is cute?

Owen selected the menu for every meal we ate on his special day. Here's breakfast:

Owen loves his new froggy boots!

Happy birthday to the happiest, sweetest kid around! We love this guy!

(More celebrating will be happening tomorrow at a birthday party with little friends,
so more photots will be coming!)

And the winner is....

Bennett participated in the Reflections contest this year and was honored at a ceremony at Logan High. Bennett has a serious aversion to being on any kind of stage in front of people. So, we just didn't tell him what the event was all about until we were actually there and it was starting! He was very nervous to go up on stage, but he did great, and was very proud after it was all over.

Bennett's picture was really cool. The theme this year was: "I can make a difference by..." and Bennett's entry was: "I can make a difference by making a painting no one has ever made before." How cool is that?

Art Days at the Lamberts' House!

Here's a fun idea I got from a great book we have called "The Concoction Book for Kids" or something like that. It's scratch-n-sniff paint! And it really works, but it also really stains, so beware! Just mix a little bit of water with some powdered Kool-Aid drink, and voila! Homemade watercolors that make your whole house smell fruity-licious. Then invite some neighborhood kids over and let them go to town.