Wednesday, December 31, 2008

To my anonymous poster...

I like to think of myself as open- minded. I like to think that I am a tolerant person who does not point out things that I don't agree with. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" is something I believe. So, you can imagine my shock when I read an anonymous comment on my "Molly Mormon" blog. It was a joke to say that I was working up to the status, but I enjoy trying to follow the teachings of my church. One such teaching is to have a food storage for my family to survive on. I think one of my worst fears would be watching my children go hungry. For someone to put that they are glad that they left our church, implying our stupidity, is just plain rude. I may not agree with what yo say or do on your blog, but I don't put rude comments either. Thank you "Anonymous", you have made it so no one can post anonymous on my blog again. It hurt me to read someone have so much hostility toward my church and my beliefs. If you are interested in learning more about why the "Church you left" thinks we need food storage, please visit www.lds.org for more information. To all my fellow bloggers. Thanks for the words of encouragement and for you others... Don't read it if you don't like it!!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Cute Jaxson

So, I have a REALLY clean house today.(Thanks Torrye for the mp3s of Twilight!) Jaxson and Oaklee messed up the game room and I said, "You guys need to clean this up. I am on the verge!" Jaxson said, "Oaklee, mommy on the fridge". No, I am on the verge of beating my MESSY little children... But it was pretty funny!!

Monday, December 29, 2008

I'm A Molly Mormon!!

So, I have been striving for the "Molly Mormon" status for a while and I made it today!! Yeah, I canned 24 jars of Chicken in my kitchen. I am so cool. Kara Jean came over and showed me how to NOT blow up my kitchen with my new pressure cooker. I have 4 more large jars I need to do, but for now, I feel Awesome!!

It kind of looks like those formaldehyde organs in science class. hehe

(Kara Jean said not to ruin the moment for her.)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Spoiled Bratty Kids!!

I love my kids!! I think they are great, but I wonder if I am doing a good job with them. Am I spoiling them too much. I think there is a problem there. Oaklee has started to throw these BAD fits. She has been hitting and Jax has picked up on her unbecoming behavior. I feel like I yell ALL DAY!! I say, "Don't hit" and in the same breath, "Do you want a spanked bottom?". Yeah, I am such a great role model. Right after I had Trevee, I kind of gave them everything to them because I was grateful that they were here. Now I am paying for that. Is there a happy medium between giving everything and saying NO to everything? I am having a tough time finding that answer myself. I guess I need to find a way to be a good MOM!!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Our Family Tree

The Page Family Tree
My brother, Greg is a big dork, but he made this really cool present for my Mom and Dad for Christmas. He made a tree with each member of our family sitting on branches. Each of the people is an Arizona Black Walnut for the body and one cut in half for the heads. He said that Trevee would not stay on the branch, so he had to hold her on there for a couple of minutes. He was talking to the nuts at work while he was making the tree... People at work thought HE was nuts!! It is a pretty cool prize.
Our Family's Branch

Brian and I as nuts.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Our Christmas

This Christmas season was wonderful. We had Brian's parents and grandma and my Mom and Dad over on Sunday. Brooklynn came, too! John and Brenda took the kids out to look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood, and while they were gone, Santa came early to our house!! I love early Christmas. Luckily, the grandparents were all there to enjoy watching the kids open prizes. Santa brought Jax a new "Lellow bike" and the girls got a cool 2 person desk. They got Barbies and games and lots of stuff to make a mess with!! My Mom got me a 14 jar pressure cooker, so I will definitely need to learn how to use that. Brian got funny jammie pants that say "I am so smart...SMRT" with little Homer Simpsons on them and a cool slicer and lots of clothes. John and Brenda got us tickets to go see the Broadway show, Wicked, coming to Tempe in July. That should be lots of fun. They also got us food for our food storage. I love that!! The gifts were secondary to us. What we really enjoyed was being with our family, spending time together. I enjoyed making cinnamon rolls for friends and Brian enjoyed helping me deliver them. I love the Holiday Season and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to grow and change in the future!! Check out our cute slide show up top!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

My New Computer!!!

Brian surprised me with a new laptop for Christmas. I was SHOCKED!! He told me that I would be having a pretty weak Christmas this year. I was happy because I just got him a bunch of clothes and nothing big either. Yeah Right!! He always surprises me with something well thought of. Two years ago, he got me a Bosch. I use my Bosch a few times a week. Great gift!! Last year, he surprised me with a Cricuit Dye Cut Machine. I have been a slacker in my scrapbooking since my scrapbooking room was turned into Trevee's room, but I really wanted one, so, another great gift. He is so thoughtful. He knew that I really wanted a laptop and he got a smoking deal on it, soooo... whoo hoo for me and a big Whoo Hoo for my cute hubby. Merry Christmas Eve to all my blogging friends!!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY KIDS!!!!

Last night we had a beautiful Christmas party and Brian's Parents' house. We ate yummy soups and played BINGO and had a pretty scary talent show. Yeah, the talents in music don't run rapid in the Barry house, but Brooklynn's rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas was fabulously funny. It was Beautiful. Grandpa Santa came and gave each person a gift... Thanks John!! This is when I noticed Jaxson digging in his nose. At first I just yelled at him to knock it off, but each time I looked at him, he was picking his nose. I asked him if there was anything up his nose and he said, "bean in nose. BINGO bean up there." We use white beans on our BINGO cards and apparently, Jax thought one should be shoved far into his nose. After trying ourselves to get it out, Jaxson and I went to the Emergency Room to have the bean removed. It was quick and painless... For me, that is. He cried and when I asked him why we don't stick stuff up our nose, he responded, "Doctor Crying". Why do my kids have a fascination with sticking stuff up their nose? (See Oaklee's Tonsil surgery if you need a reminder of our history.) We go to go back and enjoy the rest of the party with our family. The Bean Was HUGE!!! almost 3/4 an inch big. No one could figure out how or why he got that huge bean up there. He is definitely a Barry!!

Jaxson in the Emergency room!!
Classy, isn't he!!

The $75.00 Bean in question!! (Our Emergency room co-pay)

Friday, December 19, 2008

My Cute Hubby!!

Brian took the kids shopping for my Christmas presents on Wednesday night. He said that they had an "Idea Emergency". People with little kids would recognize this from Disney's Imagination Movers show. He said they had a brainstorming session and figured out what to get me. He is so cute.
My Mom thought he should be embarrassed that he knew the name of the Mariposa Barbie. I guess that most Dads wouldn't, but with 2 girls under 5, my cute man does!!
He left for work the other morning with out kissing me... I KNOW!! This was a first for us in 6 years of marriage. Lucky for him, I was in my car behind him taking Charlee to school. I called him and he pulled over his truck and ran back to my car to give me a goodbye kiss, so our record is still clean.
He is sooo cute! He makes me laugh everyday. I am sure that most people don't think of Brian as the "Funny Type", but if you get him talking, he is Hilarious!! I am so glad that I get to keep him forever!! Honey, I love you... Even more than Edward!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Jaxson and his Dad!!

Jaxson was helping Brian mow the lawn on Saturday.It was so cute!! Brian gets frustrated because Jax doesn't stick to one side, so Brian has to be careful the whole time not to step on him or trip over him. I think he is secretly happy that Jaxson wants to learn. I know he can't wait for J to be old enough to mow the lawn and take out the garbage can. We have to take our can out to the end of the road. It takes me about 10 minutes, so I make Brian do it. I know he is eager to loose that job. I wonder when Jax will be old enough to take it on!!

Sooooooo Cute!! My boys!!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Fun kid quotes

So, the rain is falling all around...Hard today. Yeah, we need it so bad. When we got home from picking Charlee up from school, the Satellite had lost signal. In a very panicked voice, Oaklee asked what we were going to do with no tv. Charlee reassured her by saying that they could go in my room to watch tv. I told her it was out in my room, too. Charlee said that we could go watch it in the toy room. Needless to say, the crisis was averted and the tv came back on. What have I raised ??? They think you should be able to pause and rewind ANYTHING!! Thank heavens for DVR!!

Oaklee was talking to my dad on the phone. He is in Oregon right now and he told her that there was a big snowman outside. She said, "Grandpa, I can't see it through the phone!!".

Jaxson has learned how to come out of his room at night. He comes in our room with a big grin and we tell him to go back to bed over and over again. Last night Brian said he would spank him if he came out again. When Jax came out, Brian spanked!! I know!! I was so sad, but so was Brian. I went in to see Jax a little later and he said, "Daddy spankded mine bottom". It broke my heart. Brian was heart broken, too. We don't spank very often. It seems to do no good. Shame on you, Daddy!!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

"Santa's Good List"- The world according to Charlee

These past few weeks, a new threat has emerged courtesy of Brian. "If you do/ don't do that, you won't be on Santa's good list!!"
Charlee wanted to go to Sonic the other day after school. I told her no half a dozen times and told her to stop asking!! She told me,
"You are the meanest mom ever! Stop making me have to be on the Naughty List. You are not going to get any presents if you don't do what I tell you!".
Hmmm. As a mom, how should you react to such nice pleasantries from your 5 year old??
I laughed.
I called and told Brian and Nancy about it while laughing.
They laughed, so I don't think my reaction was so off.
How do I make her be on the naughty list? What a little temper she has.
I know I can't be the worst Mom EVER!! I already picked out my own presents, so I know Brian will give me those. So her whole argument goes out the window.
This is just a peek into the world according to Charlee!!

Friday, December 12, 2008

First Born Memories

I stole this from my friend, Becky's blog. I did not get tagged, but I thought it would be good to get down what I felt while I could remember it. I would advise my friends to do the same. It is kind of fun!!
1. Were you married at the time? YES!
2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? I asked Brian if he wanted to have a baby and he said yes. I said, good because I am pregnant!!
3. How old were you? 22 yrs.
4. How did you find out you were pregnant? 2 tests and a doctors visit
5. Who did you tell first? My husband and then my mom.
6. Did you want to find out the sex? I am so inpatient. We found out at 16 weeks. I just could not stand to not know!!
7. What was your due date? June 10th... I think!!
8. Did you deliver early or late? 4 weeks early
9. Did you have morning sickness? Oh, yes!! I had to get an IV for dehydration. I took Phenergan until the day she was born!!
10. What did you crave? Bagels. I had "Hot Bagels" at least once a day. Brian would joke that that appeared more on our bank statement than anything else. I loved Salt bagels!!
11. Who irritated you the most? Brian!! I know, but I could not stand if he breathed on me. I told him... He knew it... He accepted it and loved me anyways... Without breathing on me:)
12. What was your first child's sex? GIRL
13. How many pounds did you gain throughout your pregnancy? 40 pounds or so??
14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Pre-term labor and she tilted her head coming down the birth canal and got stuck. After pushing for 2 1/2 hours, we had a C-Section!!
15. Where did you give birth? Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale, AZ
16. How many hours were you in labor? Can you be in labor for weeks?? I did 4 weeks of bedrest to keep the labor calm. I got up at 35 weeks and had to walk around for a week before she came out. I went into the hospital at 1pm for an amnio and had Charlee at 1:27 am!!
17. Who drove you to the hospital? Brian and my Mom
18. Who was in the delivery room? Brian, my Mom, Brian's Mom, a bunch of nurses, and Dr. Erickson:). (I love him!!) For the C-Section, just Brian came.
19. natural or c-section? C-Section
20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Heck yes!! Heavenly Father created epidurals with me in mind!! Who goes to the dentist and does not get Novocain??
21. How much did your child weigh? 7 lbs 7 oz
22. What did you name him/her? Charlee Maxine Barry
23. How old is your first born today? 5 years old

Answering these questions brought back some fun memories. It also shows me that Charlee was just as stubborn them as she is now, but hey, So am I!! Enjoy my funny pictures!!Cute Charlee

Not Cute me in labor!!

Holy COW!! Check out the shadow. Yeah, I was sooo fat!!

Picture with Santa

Brian's work had Santa come to visit last week. The kids loved going to tell him what they want. Charlee wants a box with diamonds on it to hold her treasures. Oaklee wants a rainbow barbie. Jaxson wants a "Mew Bike" or a blue quad. I guess we will have to see if Santa will deliver... He always does around here!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The poor people's couples massage

Brian and I were laying on our carpet on our tummies holding hands. The kids took turns sitting on our backs and rubbing us. It was not the most relaxing thing. I told Brian that this is a poor man's couples massage. We got a good laugh out of it. You know that was true when we had to return the massage to our little masseurs. Fun Times:)

Dang Shots!!

I took Oaklee in for her 4 year checkup. We were so excited because she was in the 10% for height and the 23% for weight. This is huge. She is usually in the 5-10% for both, so she is growing... Just not as quick as Jaxson. She got shots and woke up this morning with this on her leg. It freaked me out a little because it is so huge. I took her to the doctor and they put her on an antibiotic. My mom thinks it looks like cellulitis. Hopefully the medicine works because it is so sad to see her with a little ice pack on her leg. Poor baby.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Temple Lights

Every year we go to see the Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple on the Sunday of the Church Christmas Broadcast. Usually the temple is less crowded because all of the "good Mormons" are watching the broadcast:). Greg and Nancy came down with their kids and Rich and Treslee met us over there with their kids. Kind of a little impromptu party. The kids held hands and made a rather long train. People laughed at them because they would not break grips. They rammed into people and people did not seem to mind. Yep, that day, I was "That Mom". We had a good time and felt a nice spirit being there. The kids went into the Visitors Center to look at "Big Jesus" (The big statue of Jesus). It was a fun night.

The kids cute Butts!!


Jaxson and Makoa

Rich, Nina, Elle, Jaxson, Brian, and Oaklee

Elle, Oaklee, Nina, Charlee, Brinlee, Afton, Jaxson, and Makoa.

The girls under the arch.

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Dance Recital

Charlee and Oaklee took dance lessons from Miss Tara for the last couple of months. They had their big show on Saturday. They were so funny!! Charlee knew the dance so well, but since no one else did, you can't really tell. Oaklee knew enough and smiled and waved the whole time. They did the dance to the Hippopotamus Christmas song. I made a video, but Blogger won't take it. Does anyone know another way to post it? Please let me know, the video is fabulous!!

Our family at the recital.

Oaklee invited Hunter.
He is the 16 year old son of her preschool teacher...
First crush, Maybe?? It was so cute that he came:)


The Girls in their tutus.

Charlee, Miss Tara, and Oaklee

Cute Oaklee on the right.

Charlee with her usual smirk.

Oaklee Grace

Charlee Maxine

Friday, December 5, 2008

Our Christmas Tree

We set up our Christmas tree this past weekend. The kids insisted and Brian caved. I am glad that he did because it is fun to have it up. My mom came over to help. She has never put a fake tree up before, and she thought it was very satisfying. We bought our tree when we first got married. I had never had a fake tree, but Brian thought this one was especially pretty. I love it. I don't have to water it or worry about pine needles or anything. The kids probably won't know anything different. They put on the ornaments on the bottom 3 feet of the tree. ALL of the ornaments on the bottom 3 feet of the tree!! It was cute. I am so glad we got to spend some time together as a family. Does anyone else have a problem keeping their kids in clothes other than panties?? Maybe it is just me:)


Thursday, December 4, 2008

Thinking of my angel.

So, Yesterday was our "Goal Date" for Trevee's birth. Her actual due date was December 31st, but the 3rd would have been about my limit. Oaklee was born at 35 weeks and weighed 7 pounds. Charlee and Jaxson were both born at 36 weeks via C-Section and weighed 7.7 and 7.14. I always go early, but 22 weeks was not enough. I am sad because I want a baby. I realized that I don't even want Trevee necessarily. I know where she is and I know she is good and I know I will see her again, but I still want a baby. Brian said that I have been building this day up since she was born. I have been worrying and praying I would be pregnant by now so I would not have to deal with the pain. Monday was tough for me. I wanted to go and cry somewhere. I did. I let myself be sad. I was a little less sad on Tuesday, but still not quite myself. Wednesday brought a new wave of emotions, but not as sad. I think the pain is easing. I like to read and watch movies (I have seen Twilight 5 times) to keep my mind off of it. When I stop and think about my feelings, I am still soooo sad. I am not writing this for people to feel bad for me. I think it important for me to share my feelings for my own healing purposes. I pray that no one I know will have to go through this, but if they ever did, I hope they could see that they are not alone in their pain. I am so grateful to Nancy because she has been here before... Twice!! I called her crying and told her to tell me, "You are right. This sucks. This is not fair. Everything is NOT OK!!" I needed to hear it. I felt that way and she told me those words and I felt a little better not pretending to be okay. I know this will pass and I will be normal again soon, but for now, I am trying. I think this is all I can really do right now.:)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Song According to Oaklee

Oaklee was listening to Grandma's singing Christmas tree. It sings Deck the Halls and other songs. Oaklee was singing along and she sang, "Shreck the Halls with Boots and Donkey, Falalalalalalala". Maybe she has watched Shreck's Christmas one too many times, ya think??

A BUSY Weekend, Indeed!!

Brian's little brother, Rich, got married to Treslee on Saturday. Talk about a fun and crazy week. All of the family that came to Thanksgiving actually came for this fun event. The temple wedding was beautiful as always and so special. They had their reception at her uncle's house. It was very beautiful. We had so much fun spending time with our family that we don't get to see very often.

Charlee and Oaklee's cute dresses!!

Rich and Treslee leaving the temple.


Our family!!



Their new family. Treslee, Rich,
Elle, and Nina.


Oaklee, GoGo, and Charlee

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving

We had a BIG Thanksgiving lunch at our house today. Brian went to run a 5 K while I set the tables and the kids went for a VERY long walk. We counted more than 45 people at our house. The kids colored on their paper table cloth and played on the swing set. Brian set up a volleyball court in the grass and horseshoe pits in the dirt. We rode on the quads and sat around enjoying having our family together. It was such a lovely day with the clouds and rain coming and going. Brian said that the weatherman said that it rained in Phoenix every 12 years, and it looks like that tradition holds true. We all ate inside and played the wii fit to burn off our turkey calories. Some people crashed on the couches and floor for a little nap. All in all, it was a wonderful day. Brian and I love to have parties and today was no exception. It was a great day.
Here is a list of 15 things that I am thankful for:

1. Brian
2. Charlee, Oaklee, Jaxson, and Baby Trevee
3. My Mom and Dad and Brian's Mom and Dad
4. Church
5. My Primary Class
6. My Friends
7. Good Books
8. Brian's Job
9. Staying home with my kids
10. Blogs and Journals
11. All of my siblings and in-laws
12. My great house
13. TV
14. The Plan of Salvation
15. Happy Pills ;)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

In-Laws Day!!

I have the cutest set of in-laws ever!! I really lucked out in this department. Today I got up and started to clean up my house when my doorbell rang. Who else, but 2 of my funny brother in laws there to "Work". Okay. My cute Father in law sent them to power wash my back porch to get it ready for Thanksgiving dinner. We are having it over here because I love to have parties and my Mother in law is grateful because she doesn't have to hostess the shin dig. Devin and Ryan came in after they were all done and had a tea party with Oaklee in my dining room. It was so cute. I told them that they had better hope John, my Father in law, did not check my blog today and see the pics of them "working". Devin said in a near perfect John impression, "Well, you guys look like you had a busy morning". They are so funny, so thanks to all of my in- laws for their love and support and thank you for your help to make my life great!!
Ryan and Devin with Oaklee!
Brian's brother, Rich is getting married this Saturday to Treslee. The boys all went out for a boys night out on Friday. For some reason they had a box of Fresh Burrito shirts in the car, so they all got one and yelled, "Burrito" every time anyone got a spare or strike. I asked Brian to take a picture, so that is what I got. One Picture!! I thought the girls would get a kick out of it!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

A little R&R

I found my cream cheese in the fridge with a bunch of little finger holes in it. I thought it was pretty indicative of how well I watched my kids this weekend. Mom and Dad took some time off!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

BIG Nerds!!

So, I went with some family and friends to the 12:01 showing of Twilight last night. The movie was GREAT!! I really enjoyed the changes made from the book. They stuck to the book pretty well, but... It was GREAT!! That's all I'm going to say about the movie. On to the dorkiness!! My cute mother in law got us Edward shirts and Brooklynn and I posed for a cute pic. Some of my cute friends from church came and so did my Aunt and her friend. My mom and I were giddy in the car on the way there and back. We waited in line from about 9 pm and got great seats. I hope everyone enjoys the film as much as I did and has good friends to share it with:)


Thursday, November 20, 2008

November in AZ!!


So, today at school, I was a little upset by the fact that 95% of the kids were dressed in shorts and short sleeved shirts. What is that all about?? It is November!! Thanksgiving is next week!! When do I get my winter?? I sent the kids to play in the backyard this afternoon. I usually don't let them out alone, but I wanted to clean without helpers. We live on an acre that is not fenced, so neighborhood dogs come visit and scare the kids, but today, I needed them out of my house. I went on the back porch to see them playing in swimsuits in the hose. Where is Winter??!! The hose should not be refreshing in November. So, let me look at the positives. I don't have to wear a bulky jacket to go out. I don't need a scarf or hat or snow tires (EEWWW). I'll take what I got!! All I can say is that it is better than living in the snow;)

The Water Truck


On the way to pick Charlee up from school today, Oaklee and I had an interesting conversation:

O: Mom, why does that truck have water in it?
M: I don't know, Oaklee.
O: Oh, I know, it is for when the truck gets thirsty!

Yep, that is probably why. So, I took a picture of the truck while I was driving. I know, not very defensive driving, Dad, but I didn't want to forget.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Oaklee!!

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago, Oaklee came in to the bathroom crying. I asked her what was wrong. She pointed to her nose where I saw another jewel she shoved up her nose. I was able to get this one out, but we told her that if she put anything else up her nose, she would have to get her tonsils out again. She did not like this!! I asked her how it got up there and she said, "It was on the counter in the kitchen and the wind blew and it just went up there". Hmmmm. Who else buys that story??

Superman's Yard Services Available!!

Last night I was really sick to my stomach and somewhat ignoring my kids when my mom called me. She asked if I knew where Jaxson was. I thought he was with her, so I responded with a big NO!! She said I needed to come outside to see him. I went out and he was dressed as Superman with a blown up, fake muscle costume on (which sounds like a vacuum when it is on), watering the dirt. He got out 3 or 4 different sized buckets and bowls to fill with his hose. He was drenched. Good thing Arizona is way too hot right now. He looked so cute. I had to laugh and capture it with my trusty Kodak!! Isn't he sooo cute!!??