10 Points

Guess what Devin said today when he got home from work and saw that I was still in the middle of making dinner and that 2 of our 3 kids were crying and that the toy room was a mess and that I was pretty much completely frazzled...

He said, "What can I do to help?"

Did you guess that?  10 points if you did.  He got about 100 point for saying it.

Yeah, he is amazing.  It was so wonderful that he offered to help instead of criticizing for dinner not being done or any thing else he might mention.

There have been a few instances when he walked in and the first words he said to me were something like, "Why does the house smell weird?" or, "Did you make sure the cereal was on sale before you bought it?" or, my favorite, "What did you do all day?" (Men, take note:  That last one is seriously the worst thing a man can say when he gets home to his wife and house full of kids.)

It is unbelievable the difference it makes when the first words he speaks are kind.

You Used What?

One of my New Year's goals this year is to switch over to as many natural products as possible so we can avoid having harmful and unnatural chemicals in our home (but that's another post...).  

So, a few weekends ago Devin and I made our first real visit to Whole Foods.  I had stopped in once before, but didn't have much time to browse.  In a store like that, where most things are new and unfamiliar, it takes time to read packages and labels so we wanted to take a trip without the distraction of the kids.  My fabulous mother-in-law watched all 3 kids so we could go with Elisha, Josh, and Reina.

The guys kind of separated from the girls to go check out some other things.  I was checking for cleaning products and shampoo and Devin was trying to find the yogurt he needed to make the vegan chocolate cake for my brother's birthday.

Josh had found some sausage samples the store had out and invited Devin to try them.  After picking up a toothpick from the pile and eating the sausage off the end, Devin realized he grabbed a toothpick from the USED pile.  SICK!  When he told us what he had done, we were cracking up in the store and making jokes about how nasty the person could have been that used it before him and how he might get sick.  We couldn't believe he made such a gross mistake!  His stomach did bother him the rest of the night, but it was probably psychological...

Has Anyone Seen My Husband?

First, this is not a pity post.  So don't think I'm typing this thinking about how hard my life is.  Because that's not what I'm saying.  My life is beautiful and I totally enjoy it.

Plus, I know many women are in the same boat as me and would probably give an amen to what I'm about to complain about...  (Busy husbands who are overwhelmed with work and school.)

Monday:  Devin on the computer all night doing homework
Tuesday:  Devin on the computer all night doing homework
Wednesday:  Devin gone in the evening for church meeting
Thursday:  Devin gone in the evening for Parent Night at work
Friday:  Devin gone to wrestling meet
Saturday:  Devin possibly gone to wrestling meet, depending on how well they do on Friday.  Is it bad that I hope they all lose?

Devin has had wrestling meets on 3 of the past 5 Saturdays and 4 of the Fridays.

Maybe I should join the high school wrestling team so I can spend some time with my husband.

Another Night At the Hospital

This time it wasn't because of me though.  It was Devin!  He was at wrestling practice and wrestling one of the kids on his team when the kid drove his shoulder into Devin's ribs.  There was a pop and then Devin started having a hard time breathing.

Devin called me and said, "Hi Sweets.  I have to go to the hospital.  I probably broke a few ribs."  I said, "What?!  You?  How?  Are you joking because you better not be trying to play a trick.  It's not funny!  Do you need someone to drive you?"

Luckily, the boys were already playing at my mom's for the afternoon so I just grabbed a few things and headed to meet him at the hospital.  On the drive there I started thinking about how what if one of the ribs punctured a lung or something and he was seriously hurt or all these other things that were freaking me out.

When I got there one of the assistant coaches was in the waiting room.  He helped calm me down by letting me know it wasn't anything as serious as I was imagining.  Phew!

I went back to see Devin.  They were drawing blood and starting an IV.  We waited for an x-ray to see if the ribs were broken.  They weren't.  So, the doc did a CT scan to see if his spleen was damaged because he was still in a lot of pain.  The scan showed that the spleen was okay so the doctor said the pain was from the separation of the rib cartilage and the force of the injury.  He said Devin would be sore for a while and shouldn't be lifting or doing anything that increases the pain.

We were so thankful he wasn't hurt worse and didn't require surgery on his spleen or anything like that.  With all my baby issues lately it would have just made things even harder around here if Devin was physically unable to help me for a long period of time.

We sat and waited for all these tests from about 5 pm to 9 pm.  And, the hospital cafeteria closed at 7 pm so I had to go grab something for dinner.  I had a headache in my eye sockets, like when I looked to the sides it hurt--weird, I know!  I was also having some weird pains in my uterus and was getting a little worried, but figured they'd go away.  (More about those later.)  While I sat with him, he thanked me for being there and having a good attitude.  Then, he apologized for having such a bad attitude when I was in the hospital last week.  I laughed and said something about how now that the shoe was on the other foot he was sorry.  He said he thought about it a few days earlier as he was reading a bedtime story to Jaxon about how Nephi didn't complain when he was in bad situations even though his brothers did and how complaining doesn't make any situation better.  I am so thankful to be married to such a sweet man who always tries to be better and says sorry when he feels like he needs to.

When we got home from the hospital and were getting ready for bed, Devin asked if I was in the mood to "make crippled love."  I laughed and told him that yes we were both feeling like cripples, but we weren't going to be making love.  Of course, even though it hurts him to breathe and I'm getting bigger by the day, he still has lovemaking on the mind!

One thing I forgot to mention is that Devin wasn't even supposed to be wrestling!  Previously, he had hurt his neck so I asked him not to wrestle for a while.  If he had listened to his wife and not been wrestling, he probably wouldn't have hurt his ribs!

Weekend Wedding

Devin's cousin Aaron got married this weekend.  We didn't get any picture of the bride and groom, but here are the boys at the reception.

First Jaxon wanted to touch the water, then he wanted to lick it.  He eventually got his whole face wet!

 Henry eating the yummy food!

Devin was so much fun to watch on the dance floor.  I had a flash back to high school!  (But this time Devin kept his shirt on!)  A black lady even came up and told me he had "moves."  Too bad I'm such a bad dancer that I can't be seen on the dance floor with him.  He has never said that, of course, but I know I'm terrible!  We did get a slow dance in and that was sweet.  It would have been nice to get a little closer, but my belly prevented that this time.  While we were dancing I just felt so thankful I am married to Devin.  He is so amazing and truly my best friend.  We are so blessed to be together not just on Earth, but all through eternity!

Devin's Birthday

Today is Devin's birthday!  He's 27!  That's almost 30!

He's done quite a bit in his almost 30 years...  He's graduated high school, served a mission, married the girl of his dreams (me, obviously) for time and all eternity, bought a home, earned a bachelor's degree, became a daddy 2 times (soon to be 3), became a high school math teacher, bought a new minivan, been accepted into a masters program, and is currently the best husband ever.  I mean, really, he is.  I'm so grateful he chose me because I had my eyes on him for a long time!

Happy Birthday to the boy without a nickname!

PS...Jaxon saw these pictures of Devin and thought it was him.  I told him those are pictures of Daddy and he said, "Oh, daddy had blonde hair when he was little, but now he doesn't have hair because blonde hair falls out."  What a cutie!

One Down, Eleven to Go!

Devin finished his first class in his masters program!  He even earned an A!  I'm so proud of all his hard work for our family.  He's got two jobs, is working on his masters, and is a fantastic husband and daddy on top of it!  He's really busy, but is so great at everything he does!  Now he only have 11 more classes to go! Ha!

This year Devin gets to teach the preparatory AP geometry classes!  This is fabulous news because the students are more motivated and mature than the freshman in algebra, like he taught last year.

more mature and motivated students = less babysitting = less stress and frustration + more teaching time! = happy Devin = happy wife = happy family!

Make sense?

Even though Devin is the most qualified math teacher at the high school (besides the department head), he was worried the principal would give the position to a different teacher, or even worse, a new hire.  But, he got it!  We were both so excited!

Sports Withdrawals

I think Devin is having sports withdrawals since the playoffs are over and football hasn't started yet.  Yesterday morning at 8 am he turned on the tv to watch the World Cup.  Seriously?  (Haha!  It made me think of an alcoholic who starts drinking before lunch.)  He never watches soccer!  Not one single time in five and a half years of marriage has he ever watched soccer!  I asked why he was watching it and he said because the US was playing and if they lost they were out.  That didn't really change it for me.  I still thought, "Who cares?"

Backwards

I've been having "morning sickness" at night.  It seems backwards to me.  I've heard that happens to some women and I consider it a blessing because if I was sick in the morning with the daycare kids here, it would be plain awful.  At least if I'm sick in the evenings, when only my own kids are home, usually Devin is home to help take care of everything (including me).  And he is so good at it.

Yesterday I got a call from a lady in my ward to see if I could make a salad of some kind for a funeral.  I agreed to make it and drop it off to her later that evening.  Things were busy all day and I still hadn't made the salad by the time Devin got home.  By then I was so tired and felt so sick I just couldn't stand up and had to lay down.  He was so sweet to make the salad and deliver it so I could rest.  Then, when I was so nauseous I thought I was for sure going to be sick, he came to the rescue with a bowl of Rice Krispies just in time to settle my stomach.  (Eating when you feel like you are gonna barf is kind of the last thing you want to do, but with pregnancy nausea, eating is the cure.)

Then, tonight when he was giving the boys their baths, I heard him telling Jaxon to be extra good for mommy because she hasn't been feeling good.  What a sweet daddy and thoughtful husband!

Devin Quotes

Here are a few great things Devin has said lately:

"You legs are about as rough as my beard."
Obviously, I was very flattered.

Devin has a pet peeve of when people make up names for their kids.  Like crazy names with crazy spellings.  He says, "Don't make up names.  There are plenty of names in the universe."  He does have a point.

Then, the other night while we were watching a movie after the kids went to bed, he randomly said, "You should wear lingerie when we watch movies."  I didn't love the idea, but it made me wonder if every man wishes his wife would do this?  Probably.

One of the reasons I love Devin so much is that he always makes me laugh.  Well, he always tries at least.  Sometimes, he's not funny, but then we end up laughing anyway because a failure is usually still funny.  He's so great!

Spring Break Ground Hog Day, I Wish!

Tomorrow Devin has to go back to work and my daycare kids are coming back.  I'll say I'm bummed, and leave it at that.

This past week has been SO great!  I don't want it to end!  I slept until 8 every day this week--I thought I'd never say that again for the rest of my life!  (Well, at least not while I have young kids at home.)  We have spent time with my family, Devin's family, Devin and I got a few dates, I got some time with just myself (which very rarely happens!), Devin and I hung out with friends, we just hung out at home with our sweet, cute, funny, well behaved & feisty boys, and I got to hang out with a few special girl friends!  Oh, and my house is all clean and laundry is done!  And to top it off, the weather was b-u-tiful!  Oh, it was fabulous!!!

I'll take Spring Break, Ground Hog Day style, any day!  (You know?  Like the movie.)

Chicken Casserole

Last Sunday we ate dinner at my Grandpa's house after church. His wife Connie served a yummy chicken casserole. On our way home Devin and I were talking about how we like it and he said,

"Yeah, I like those water crestnuts that were in it."

"Water crestnuts?" I said. "You mean water chestnuts???"

I had to tease him because he's such a foodie and he totally didn't know what he was talking about!

10 Miles!

Yep, this week the long run was 10 miles. I ran it yesterday and I absolutely loved every second of it. Call me crazy, I know, right? But I felt so good through the whole run. My hips got a little tired at about the 8th mile, but my muscles and lungs stayed strong. I ran it with my mom (she's doing the marathon too). We averaged less than 10 minute miles. It was pretty cold outside, but I felt so good. I was able to really speed up the last half mile and finish strong. I think running on the treadmill for part of my training makes me really appreciate the chances I have to run outside. Today, I still feel good, but I can tell my knees are a little tired.

After I got home and took my shoes off this is what I found...Future star runner!

I guess he likes to point at the camera now.

When he gets tired he stands like this...I have no idea why he does it, but it's so funny!

This is totally random, but the other day I was making dinner--yep, I'm not kidding--and I was looking for something in the spice cupboard and just couldn't find it. Then I realized I was sifting through about 50 cans of spray oil, so I pulled them all out. This was what we had in there...

I snapped a pic and left them there for Devin to pick out what he wanted to keep. He did and put them away. But...I haven't cooked since, so I'm not sure how many are in there now!

Devin's Birthday

Devin turned 26 on August 31. He wanted to make his own cake and it was delicious! It was chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, all from scratch, but do I even have to say that now? All you people know he would never make a boxed cake...or would he???

Anyway, he's old now so I just wanted to post the pic:)

AND...We went to his grandparents' cabin with his family to celebrate. Here's some pics from the trip...

B-day lunch--burgers at a Mexican food joint. They're supposed to be "the best."

Also at the Mexican food place...french fries? Yep.

B-day cake

Jaxon wanted to wear the helmet all day! It was kinda funny when he'd run into things because it was so big.
This is outside an antique shop. Devin was thrilled to go antiquing on his b-day trip! Ha-right...But, he was a good sport about it. Hen was just so cute!

Campfire and a few smores

Learning about gravel

Daddy teaching Henry about trees

Love those lips!

Welcome Home!

Devin got home tonight from being gone for a few days for a wedding in Utah. As he was unpacking he was telling me about the trip. I'm listening, standing in my pj shorts and t-shirt and he said to me, "All the ladies wanted me at the thing."

"The reception?" I asked.

"Yeah. They all thought I was single, but I was like, 'Ladies, [he put his hand up here as if to stop someone] I know you're good looking and you do modeling, but my wife is hotter.'"

I sure do love my man!

High School Looks & Husband Brag

The other day I was telling Devin that I think he looks better now than he did in high school. I told him he looks more mature and I think he's very handsome. He laughed in disbelief and responded with, "I don't look as good as I used to. I was really good looking in high school."

I just had to laugh. I'm glad he thought he was so good looking back then, but I still tell him that he's a hottie now! I know he's worried about his hair loss, but I don't mind. Plus, I really like his Abe beard. It defines his strong jaw and I like that. We've been married for almost 5 years, and he still has a 6 pack. I don't think that's very common!

The Panties Don't Fit!

I don't like wearing big girl panties!  I miss my husband!  It's not the fact that I have to do everything around the house.  It's that I don't have my best friend here with me.  

I thought the worst part about Devin being gone was that I would have to do everything around the house...Garbage--yuck, putting both kids to bed--tiring, cooking--frustrating...I didn't really think about the friendship that I was going to miss.  Devin knows me and loves me.  He understands me and helps me.  He talks to me and listens to me.  He hugs me and holds me when I need it.  I even miss him always trying to grab my butt.  

He's been gone a week now and last night before I went to bed I was thinking about how much I miss him.  He called a few minutes after I fell asleep and I just remember going on and on about how I missed him and I didn't want to hang up the phone.  I probably sounded like a crazy person!

The only pro...Less cooking=less dishes:) ha

I don't think families are supposed to be apart.  My heart goes out to all those women who have to do it without their husbands.  

I Miss My Husband

First, I wanted to thank everyone who offered to help me while Devin is gone!  THANK YOU!  You all are so nice and you might regret your offers when I call you someday when I'm about to lose it!  Ha, I hope it doesn't come to that!  But really, it hasn't been too bad.  It's been 4 days already...only 18 more days until I see him!  (Yikes, that sounds like a lot of days!  Maybe I shouldn't have counted.)  

Second, though I really miss Devin of course, I sure have been able to catch up on some things around here!  One of those things is my digital pages.  I am now current.  I just have to go back and do a few pages with some pictures I had printed before I started doing digital.  Doing it by hand is not near as fun as it used to be.  It's so easy on my computer.  I don't have to get everything out, measure stuff, put everything away.  It's faster and better doing digital!  But, I want to get those pages done so I can be totally current.  

So, here are some of the pages...

And, I was thinking, there are quite a few ladies I know whose husbands are gone quite a bit.  I mean, more than the 8:00-5:00 job.  Like, not home in the evenings or weekends, or they work odd hours.  I don't know how they do it.  And, with more kids!  Maybe I'm a baby, but I would always be grumpy if I had to deal with that.  I LOVE Devin's schedule with teaching.  Sure he won't make mucho delores, but that's fine with me because when school starts, he'll leave about 7:00 and be home by 4:00 everyday and he'll never work a weekend or holiday.  It rocks.  I don't know how those moms do it.  I really couldn't.  You all are awesome and amazing.  

Tomorrow I have to put my Big Girl Panties on!

As my friend Ashtyn said it:)

Okay, so I am very sad to say that tomorrow Devin is leaving for San Diego for the summer to sell pest control with a company called Moxie Pest Control.  I will miss him SO much and I know the boys will too!  Jaxon and Devin play swards and "wrestle main-we-a" every day when Devin gets home.  At least we will be able to see him for about ten days around the the middle of the summer.  I will be staying home with the boys and probably going a little bit, who am I kidding?  a lot crazy!

A few nights ago, as Devin and I were watching the season finale of 90210, it really hit me that he was going to be gone.  I started thinking about putting both boys to bed every night (Devin usually does Jaxon and I do Henry--that's what Devin's doing now), all the house chores, and mostly COOKING!!??  People, I know I can cook, like I am fully able to read a recipe and use kitchen tools, but do I enjoy it?  NO.  Do I want to do it?  NO.  Mostly because of all the interruptions from the boys.  There is a slight chance I might like it if I didn't have to stop every five minutes to make sure Jaxon wasn't sitting on Henry or trying to feed him rocks.  Needless to say, I got all stressed and I have been pretty grumpy the last few days since I had that realization moment.  

So, anyway, now that you know what is going on and how stinkin' ornery I've been, listen to this...

My sweet husband made me my favorite dessert:  blueberry pie!  Yum!  It's all from scratch of course, crust, filling, fresh blueberries.  Wow, I just might eat the whole thing tonight!  No, actually I need to savor it and make it last since he won't be making me any other yummy desserts for a while.  (He said it would be ready at 9:00 and I am counting down!)  

That was so sweet and thoughtful of him and I just love him so much.  We are totally best friends and he is like the best listener I know.  Crazy, right?  A guy, a good listener?  But it's true.  He is thoughtful and when I have a concern, he is always willing to do what he can to make things better.  He is really incredible!  One thing I think is true about our relationship is, "We're not perfect, but we're perfect for each other."

Anyway, so now that I got all that out, I am going to try to think and say only positive things about the situation and see how that goes!  I'm sure it will be fine.  I can be independent when I have to be.

Here's to me keeping my sanity without him.... 

and... 

blueberry pie!

Devin's Graduation

Yes, these are a little old, but just got done...