7 More Reasons..

Here are 7 more reasons my family may like Star Wars too much. See 7 reasons for my previous list.

1. My kids can't name all the planets in our real solar system but they not only know all the names of the planets in Star Wars but also the climate on all the planets. All weather conditions have a corresponding planet that they can play they are on that "level". If it is raining then they are on Kamino, if it is snowing they are on Hoth, if the sun is setting and appears orange it is Tatooine.
2. Some little girls push their dolls or stuffed animals around in little strollers but not ours. She is pushing the Tie Fighter(Darth Vader's ship) in hers.
3. My table has been completely taken over by Star Wars legos. It is a permanent landing pad. In order to eat dinner we have to remove all the ships or cities that are covering it or for lunch and breakfast they just scoot them all to the middle. This is not the centerpiece I envisioned on my table. I didn't have a picture of them on my table but imagine all these and more sitting in front of you while you are eating your breakfast.
4. When I was talking to them about pets they decided how cool it would be if they could have a taun taun (that thing Luke rides in the snow) or even better their very own ewok. This one actually works for me because I don't want a pet so if they continue just to want creatures that don't really exist I'm set.

5. It is not uncommon for a star wars movie to be playing on the TV while one is playing Star Wars Battlefront on the computer and the other playing Star Wars Lego on the gameboy. Most likey there are the corresponding toys all over the floor to go along with whatever episode is on.

6. They are way to pleased with Ben's name. After inquiring I realized that they liked it because he was like Ben Kenobi. Blast! They got a Star wars name after all. I'm sure this was Kevin's secret plan as well. It was way to easy to get him to get over his "No names that can be shortened rule".

7. One of my children approached me and said "Do you want to hear what I memorized". I'm thinking sure is it a scripture, an article of faith maybe. OK no- how about something from scouts or school. Nope. He memorized the Jedi Code. OK I wasn't really aware that there was actually a written code but apparently there is and it's quite detailed. I'm listing it not because I really think that anyone wants to read it but merely to show the length of it.

Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.

Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect, never to attack others.

Jedi respect all life, in any form.

Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.

Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

I can't imagine the amount of time it takes to memorize something word for word that really has absolutely no application in the real world. I'm sure Kevin would adamantly disagree with this and in fact have an argument how this code has some deep spiritual focus that can keep you centered in life.

Two Birthdays

Luke and Kristen recently had birthdays so here are some pictures from the festivities.

Every year Luke wants Angel Food Cake and with nothing on it. One year we made it all fancy with cool whip and strawberries all arranged on top--he looked at it and informed us unhappily that we ruined his cake! Less is more I guess.

My attempt at Rita's Butterfly cupcakes. Kristen got a stroller which she loves and put her doll from Grandma in it. The doll looks like a little mini Kristen.

Birthday girl going for a ride on Grandpa who she calls Pa-pee.

Grouchy Smurf

I went to post something yesterday but was stopped again by having to clean up an enormous mess. I look up and Kristen looks at me and I notice her mouth is completely blue.









She got in the super industrial food coloring-the stuff you get at a cake store to really make the icing bright. I quickly survey the damage. She had gotten some on the counter then stepped in it, proceeded to then slide down the counter leaving bright blue streaks. The boys come running to see what's going on and then quickly leave the scene of the crime as they see I am not happy! Well in their rush they didn't notice they had stepped in it and there were these footprints on my freshly cleaned carpets. You see we put are house back on the market Mon. got the carpets cleaned on Thurs. and I'm scrubbing them on Fri.(blueberry poptart gone awry) and then again on Sun. where it looks live over sized smurfs were running through my living room. It was like this crazy epidemic- blue was everywhere and nobody knew how it was getting there. It was on their arms, the wall, and my hands and feet. The more you scrubbed the more it spread-- just how it was intended to do in coloring icing. I do love the Smurfs and I do love the the color blue BUT COME ON!!!

Updates

Over the past two months at our own personal Guantanamo Bay the sleep deprivation torture is working quite well in breaking down the leaders. Kevin jokes that water boarding is next. I'm telling you it's good I don't hold any secrets of great importance because I would sing like a bird if asked. Despite all this we have tried to have some family fun and enjoy our newest member little Ben.
For our Family Night treat we made Yoda Soda which the kids loved. Thanks Corrie for the fun Star Wars cookbook. We have also tried the Han-Burgers and the Wookie Cookies.
Another Family night was when Ben experienced his first rousing game of UNO. You can see he isn't happy about losing-- He already fits in with his brothers.

We tried the Transformer kit for dying eggs this year. It turned out to just be a sheet of stickers you could put on the eggs and some color tablets.
What? I'm just talking to him-- I promise I didn't just stick my cup in his mouth like usual--it was just my fingers this time.

All Before Noon..

If you are wondering why I haven't blogged lately. You may assume it is because I have a newborn-- Well it is true babies and blogging don't really mesh but that is not entirely the problem. If you scroll down and observe the pictures of a sample of my day it will give you some insight.The sad part this was not an unusual day. This is my day most days and it continues all day just rotating the location she has decided to explore. I know your supposed to find joy and fulfillment in motherhood. I know that I shouldn't complain because I have 5 beautiful healthy fun children BUT Really come on. My little Master of Disaster is giving me a run for my money or well more like sucking all the patience right out of me. I actually missed capturing her in the bathroom where she overflowed the sink by letting the water run full blast while she was brushing her teeth(I'm not telling Colin it was his toothbrush either). She also was in the utility sink downstairs where she was about to throw more things in the washing machine-they weren't clothes either-it was my keys, last week it was the phone!

Happy Belated Birthday!

OK I feel bad that this is a belated happy birthday to Grandpa Richards(Kevin's Dad). I'm only like 11 days late or so.I was so on top of this last year but things were a little less crazy those days. Anyway we love him nonetheless so here is the thoughts about Grandpa:

Kevin: "He is always willing to help me with whatever I need. He will come over at anytime to help me fix things and answer my questions on how to do things."

Heather: "He is a great example to me on how to live the gospel. He puts a 100% in all his callings or assignments and I think is probably the most dedicated Home Teacher I have seen. He has helped us countless times and I appreciate his expertise in so many areas. I also again love the fact he works so much in the home that is a great example to my kids."

Luke: "He makes the best chocolate bomb cookies ever. It's so cool how he plays 4 square and pickle with us. I also like when he has candy on Thursdays."

Ryan: "I like how he makes really cool cakes like my lightsaber cake. He's good at that. I like the candy he gives us and when he plays with us. He likes Star Wars a lot too!

Colin: I like when he takes me to Walgreen's. They have good candy there. I like when he tickles us and chases us. It's funny.

Kristen: "Hi!" This is what she says when Grandpa walks in from work. She goes right to him and wants him to pick her up. She loves to sit on his lap and be with him.

Ben: I know Ben likes when Grandpa carries him around when his mom and dad are DONE with him.

Happy Late Birthday! We love you and are happy to have you around.

The not so Wonderful Workout

I have a new workout regiment these days. It happens twice a day for at least an hour each time. I can't say I would recommend it to anyone and frankly I would love to eliminate this "workout" from my day. However in an attempt to not wallow in self pity I will look on the bright side and at least this is forcing me to do some form of exercise. OK so the workout begins like this:

Strength training--that is I carry Kristen into her room and place her in her bed.

Cardio is next-I walk back to the living room sit down and then hear banging on the door or door opening. I then go back to the room put her back in bed(more strength training) and then back to the living room. Repeat this process at least 10 times throughout the hour.

Deep breathing- this is included after every return trip to the living room. I breathe deep to lower my heart rate which is now highly elevated due to extreme agitation, some physical exertion, and massive frustration.

I really think it is cruel and unusual punishment she discovered her ability to get out of her crib Now of all times after I have the baby. She has had the ability for months, I know this because if she can scale the cabinets and end up in the freezer perusing her snack choices, she sure could climb over the measly edge of her crib. I think she has been plotting the dramatic unveiling of her new skills for the most inopportune moment which of course would be NOW! None of my other boys ever did this. They could have but they never really tried. I'm learning a whole new aspect of patience and endurance. I tried the whole Supernanny approach--which I don't watch often but on occasion. Mostly when I'm feeling like I'm a terrible mother and my kids are out of control. I then tune in and instantly feel much better as I watch the train wreck other families got going on. I then turn off the TV give thanks for my kids, and then realize hey I guess things really aren't that bad. Anyway her little just keep putting them back and not talking to them while you do it thing works for her in like a day or 2. Whatever! It's been over a week and I've been consistent for once about something and everyday it's the same. I'm sure if I had a British stranger lady come and put her back in bed she probably would stay too but I don't seem to have any of those on hand.

Anyway I guess I will put the whole Outwit, Outplay, Outlast theme to my own personal use. The unfortunate part is when the workout is done I find any chocolate or treat that will soothe my frustration so really I negate all the calories I just burned off. Oh well I guess I can live with that. Below are pictures of when I went in the room. Once she took all the trouble to climb out of the crib but was just to lazy to finish the process and fell asleep on the floor in front of the door instead of taking the effort to try and open it.(which is tricky for her to open it but with some work she can do it) The other picture is I went in and she had climbed the bookcase and was just sitting there. The day before that she had found a marker and drawn all over the dressers.