A few precious days with Nana

Since John and Maren decided to stay in Utah, John and Linda (aka Nana...Hyrum's mom) came back to our place the week before Easter to return our van and trailer. They arrived Monday afternoon (4/13) and stayed just until Wednesday evening (4/15).

My kids rarely get to see their Nana. Usually only once, maybe twice, a year. Every time she comes is such a special treat for our family. Any gifts are loved and treasured, and (dare I say) viciously guarded, even by the parents. Can you blame us? We don't get regular Nana spoiling, so we cling to every last bit of attention and/or gifts we're afforded. Linda has to be the most loving, involved Grandma to her grandkids that I've ever met. She pours baby gifts onto her daughters and makes an effort to travel long distances to see the grandbabies who live far away. No one comes close to her involvement and willingness to be a part of every little moment she can in her grandkids' lives. She was there for Kiersa's birth, which is probably why Kiersa turned out to be the first red-headed child/grandchild. She must have been so excited that Nana was finally able to be a part of something so special in our family that she wanted to please her by granting her wish of having a red-headed grandchild. We always feel sad that our kids don't get the opportunity to see her weekly or more like the rest of the Johnsons out in Utah, but the good thing is that each of her visits are looked forward to with far more anticipation than if we saw her frequently.

Even though Nana had been out to visit just after Paisli's birth, the kids were bursting with excitement to see her again so quickly. I was told she'd be arriving sometime in the afternoon, so when it got to be around that time, I told the kids she'd be arriving soon. Talea and Hyatt decided they wanted to eat their lunch at the top of the stairs so they'd be sure to see Nana as soon as she pulled up. Time passed, and Nana didn't arrive. Finally, exhaustion overcame the kids and they all fell asleep. Tilly, unwilling to leave her post on the stairs for fear of missing her Nana, fell asleep on the nasty entry rug. Nana and John had to step around her in order to get in the house. Now, if falling asleep on a hard landing rather than a soft bed doesn't illustrate how much Tilly loves her Nana, I don't know what does.



When I scooped Tilly up off the stairs to take her to bed, she woke up enough to notice that her Nana was there, and she smiled an enormous smile and quickly made her way to Nana's arms. Hyrum came home shortly after that and we just hung out together again. The last time Nana was there, it was pretty crazy since there were so many people together and I was going in for surgery. This time around, it was nice and calm, and Nana was able to take our kids a few places alone and get some good quality time in with them. She took them to Bandon to see the ocean...




She watched them jump on the trampoline...



And she took Talea and Hyatt to go see a movie: Monsters vs Aliens. They LOVED it, despite the boring reviews it got. They thought it was so neat that Nana bought them candy and popcorn. I was careful to make sure the chapstick she bought Hyatt was out of his pocket before I washed his clothes, but I didn't know about the sneaky bag of chocolate rocks in his jeans pocket until I was taking the clothes out of the dryer and saw melted chocolate all over the place. Oh well. Nothing a little spray 'n wash and another cycle through the wash couldn't fix. You know how I mentioned that my kids treasure their Nana gifts? Nana bought them each their own chapstick and they wouldn't let those chapsticks out of their sight for days! They aren't quite so obsessed anymore, but they still know whose color is whose and they use them regularly.

Nana also took pictures of the kids showing off for her in the yard (we made a balance beam for the kids out of some scrap lumber).




We took the kids to an Easter primary activity on Wednesday and while we were there, we found out Nana had to unexpectedly leave. So though the visit was short, it was very sweet and much appreciated! Thanks, Nana! We love you!

It's contagious!

The jinx has either spread to the city of Coquille, or we just have our jinx because we work and used to live in Coquille. Here are the crazy/creepy things that have happened in Coquille within the last 6 months, as I've heard them.
1. The track coach got arrested for sleeping with several of her athletes (over the past few years). Don't feel too bad for her husband because he slept with some of the girls. Just feel bad for their poor little kids.
2. A mother on the graduation committee stole the graduation money, gambled it at the casino, and lost, so she went to Roseburg and robbed a bank, and got arrested.
3. 2 policemen got fired. One for stealing money out of the evidence locker, and the other for serving alcohol to minors at a party and propositioning those minors.
4. A group of teen boys hid in the Safeway in Coquille until closing time then robbed the store and stole cigarettes and some other stuff. They were all caught.

I realize that this kind of stuff happens all the time in big cities, but this is all in a town with a population of around 4,000. Pretty scary!

Speaking of naughty

My favorite use of "naughty" that Hyatt has:

Hyrum took Hyatt to the bathroom at Walmart where the toilets flush automatically, and with all the movement they made putting a seat protector down and such, the toilet flushed while Hyatt was sitting on it. If you know Hyatt, you know he has sensitive ears and can't tolerate loud noises, so when the toilet flushed with its 90 mph roaring flush, Hyatt's face paled with fear and he tried to jump off. When the flush was done, he sat back down, but again, the toilet had sensed motion so it flushed yet again, this time while he was mid-business...almost putting Hyatt in tears. Amid his panic, he scolded the vile porcelain offender with "Naughty toilet!!!"

That'll teach it.

To sum up...

Hyrum has a penchant for writing little messages on the bottom of our kids feet. Hyatt can't stand it and feels as though he's been violated with a tattoo. He'll protest through the whole message, then when he's released, he'll scowl at Hyrum, shake his pointer finger and proclaim, "Naughty Daddy!" He calls things naughty all the time. If he bonks his head on the counter, he'll say, "Naughty counter!" Whatever offends or injures him is immediately and audibly labeled as naughty.

When Hyrum writes on Talea's feet, she doesn't mind. As long as it's not visible to other people, it doesn't bother her. After Hyrum wrote "I love Talea" on her foot, Tilly wanted a matching message on her other foot, but since Hyrum was working and was thus distracted, he didn't get to it. Talea sat there with her foot available and after a few seconds, she fussed, "Hurry up! Time's wasting!" She cracks me up. I keep forgetting to write down the funny things she says, but this was one that amused me.

Our weekend in Ashland was great. I ended up coming back with Hyrum since I couldn't imagine wrangling my kids without him, I forgot my medicine, I didn't want to drive the trailer back myself very bad, and I'll be seeing Daisha in a few days again anyway. Mel is going up to her mother-in-laws house in a couple days, Tasha was leaving and Nial was leaving in a day or so. Plus, Paisli started getting sick again. It was just time to head home. But, we got tons of pictures which I'll post later. It was a nice weekend to get my mind off of reality. Just what the doctor ordered!

Is there an end in sight?

Now, I know I said when it rains it pours, in regards to all the medical trauma we've had lately. Well, I lied. In our family, when it rains, it hurricanes. Since early February, there hasn't been one day where every member of our family has been healthy. There has been at least one person coughing, battling a runny nose, or worse. I feel physically, emotionally, and financially drained from the stress of all this poor health, and other issues. Before this cold season, I had never taken my kids in to the doctor because of a cold/flu/ear infection. I've been in there almost nonstop...to the point where all I have to do is mention my name on the phone and they know exactly who I am and remember all of my kids and their recent problems.

My sister commented to me that surely our sickness couldn't last until Easter when my ENTIRE Cluff family (except for Mel's husband, Scott, and my niece and nephew, Ammon and Kaylynn) will be gathering in Ashland for the holiday. I guess she didn't figure the Jinx into the equation. Maybe it should be upgraded to a curse!

Last night, just before midnight, Hyatt was bawling about his ear hurting. It's been hurting him off and on for days, but he acts fine, other than his snotty nose and cough. He runs and plays like nothing is the matter, then suddenly his ear bothers him. I held off on taking him to the doctor because we're drowning in medical bills from the last two months (baby birth, surgery, sickness), and I was hoping it would just resolve on it's own. After his heart-wrenching sobs last night, I took him in early this morning.

The verdict? Double ear infection and sinus infection. Both spurred on from RSV, the doctor said. Also, he most likely has swollen adenoids that will need to be removed so he doesn't have sleep apnea and he won't snore anymore and will be able to breathe properly for once in his life. She figures all of my kids had RSV back when Paisli had it, but only Paisli ended up in the hospital. I'm feeling like there can never be a light at the end of the tunnel. I'd cry, but my tears were already spilled all day yesterday from "other" stress. I feel like Heavenly Father must be trying to refine us with the hottest fire he can muster right now because the economy is killing the construction and finance industries, thus putting a choke hold on our business, our house remodel is at a virtual standstill, we have constant sickness and doctor visits, and "other" stresses that aren't completely resolved. I'll either gain or lose 20 pounds from this ongoing nightmare. With my Jinx, it'll be the gaining I'm sure. Actually, I'll probably get pregnant, since that ALWAYS comes before a pregnancy for me, thus adding to my stress since it would be less than a year behind Paisli. Anyone have a chastity belt I can borrow? I doubt there's a form of birth control that could survive the Jinx.

I'm hoping that a week spent with my long-lost siblings will be the antidote to our hurricane and will be the pick-me-up that carries us away from reality...at least until we have to come home and face it again. I just wish Hyrum could stay the whole time with me. We're blessing Paisli on Easter Sunday in Ashland while all my family is there, so if you live in the area, you're welcome to attend. It's at 10:00 on the 12th in the Ashland ward building.

On the upside of the business front, the homeshow is April 17-19, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that we get slammed with business after that. Drowning in kitchen plans is far better than praying for some to come in.

I can't wait until I can look back at this post and say, "Oh yeah, those were tough times. I'm so glad they're over and things are back to normal." A girl can dream, can't she? Good thing I have such a great husband and kids to keep me smiling each day. I could live in a "van down by the river" and still be happy as long as I had them with me. Too bad we couldn't just hop in a semi and make some bank and see the country again, this time with our kids. Ah, the good old days. Family truly is the most important thing in this life. I'm so glad mine is eternal!!! In this murky fog, they are my shining light.

Age issues

On the morning of Hyatt's birthday, he was really grumpy (from being sick and getting woken up earlier than he wanted). We told him it was his birthday, and that he wasn't 2 anymore. He was 3 now now! Yeah! That set off a full on grouch-fest with Hyatt. He's someone who get attached to things and doesn't like to change. I swear he was meant to be Tabitha's twin brother with his "change" issues.

He had a hard time transitioning into nursery (he just barely started going full-time without a parent only months before he turned 3).

He doesn't like his things used by others, even if he's not using them.

He doesn't like me to drive our Sequoia if Hyrum is with us because he thinks I belong in the passenger seat when we're all together.

He doesn't like me to give things away that he recognizes, even if we're not using them anymore. I hope he doesn't end up a pack rat!!

He knows what clothes and toys and blankets belong to which kid, and they can NEVER be used by someone other than the owner (unless it was his idea) without him getting a grumpy look on his face and doing a little pout.

And now, he did NOT want to give up being 2 yet. He just wasn't ready. For hours, he was completely unwilling to age. When we got to the shop, and the anger issues were really old and annoying and more than we wanted to deal with anymore, we got his Play-Doh out for him and told him that on the side it said it's for ages 3 and up (it really does say that) and that he could play with it if he was 3. Instantly, being 3 was just fine with him and he has no problem with it anymore. The only thing is, he can't remember he's 3. He remembers he's not 2, so he'll tell you he's 4. Great. It took Tilly 6 months to remember she was 4. How long will it take Hyatt to remember his age?

Party, Part 2

Today was such gorgeous weather! Perfect for taking the kids to the West Coast Game Park! First, we took advantage of the weather and I mowed while Hyrum went crazy with the weed-eater. He rototilled for a garden too. Though it was hard to pry ourselves away, we cleaned up and took off for the Park.




We finally arrived at the West Coast Game Park at 1:30, giving us 3 hours to play with the animals. When you first arrive there, you get bombarded with animals that are all trying to get your ice cream cone full of animal food.


I thought it was interesting that Hyatt wanted to come here again, because the last time we came here when he was 17 months, he was freaked out by the animals all crowding around. This time, he did much better, as long as I was close enough that he could grab my hand for courage if needed. Notice his hands balled up in fists when he's nervous.


The nursery is always popular because they get to hold ferrets, albino skunks and opossums. The freaky, bulgy/cross-eyed opossum died so we didn't get funny pictures with it. As you look at these pictures, keep an eye out for Kiersa's 6 adorable teeth. Oh, the opossum is yawning, not getting angry.




The kids got to pet a lot of things, including kids (baby goats), llamas (who were terrified of Kiersa), emus, and the world's largest rodents.



There were some freaky four-horned sheep,


adorable wallabies with babies in their pouches (click on it to see the baby peeking out),


and a Cluff favorite: the groundhog.


I just love pictures of my kids lined up together. I can't wait until Paisli is standing there with them instead of her weight being strapped to my aching back. The baby stage is fun, but it's not my favorite stage. It's fun having so many ages of kids right now because I can experience several stages at once and not feel longing for a stage that is gone forever.



Hyrum caught the baby goat for the kids to pet, but in doing so, a big goat butted him in the rear end while he was bending over. It was pretty funny to watch. Sadly, I didn't catch it on video.


We got in the car and Paisli started screaming. I had just fed her, so I gave her a bottle. Kiersa, sitting right next to Paisli, felt betrayed that she didn't get the bottle and started a fit of her own, crying "bobbow! bobbow!". Poor thing is having a hard time transitioning out of the baby stage with a new one constantly reminding her of baby comforts. Our sympathies won us over and the sippie was traded for a bottle.


After fun with animals, we thought we'd let the kids play at the park. The elementary school in Bandon has a really neat wooden castle, so Hyrum played with the big kids there while I took the sleeping babies to a garden nursery to get ideas for my landscaping.



Overall, I'd say Hyatt's birthday was a blast for everyone, not just him. I'm looking forward to Tilly's now because she wants to go camping at Arizona beach and visit the dinosaurs at the Prehistoric Gardens. That's much more fun than a kiddie birthday party, for me anyway!

Happy Birthday, Hyatt

Hyatt turns


1...


2...


3!!!


3 years ago today I gave birth to a troll, I mean baby boy, who thankfully turned out to be such an adorable boy! His personality is completely different than my girls. He's quiet, shy, extra loving and quick to obey. He always says things like "Mommy, guess what. I love you." He expresses his affections easily and makes everyone feel special. He plays well with others and is rarely bossy (unlike his big sister that he's so attached to). I feel bad that he doesn't have any brothers to play with, but he melts my heart so easily that I'm kind of glad that I can tell him he's my favorite little boy (rather than how I have to tell my girls they're my favorite oldest daughter, or middle daughter, or youngest daughter). He's not just sweet to his family. He melts EVERYONE'S hearts, and they tell me so. I get stopped everywhere I go by people telling me he's so cute, and anyone who spends any time around him gets an "I love you" or 10 from him and cuddles and cuteness. I don't know that he irritates anyone because he's very sensitive and is careful to be a good boy.

This year for his birthday, he wanted to go to the West Coast Game Park in Bandon to see the animals and also play at Outdoor In (a small scale, wanna-be Chuck E Cheese). Sounded good to me instead of planning a party! Since he's only 3 and has enough toys already, I checked craigslist and found a few simple gifts for him. We found a bunch of brand new-looking name brand clothes for super cheap that he's been needing really bad, so we got him those, and he LOVED getting them! He had a blast trying each thing on and he'd say "Thanks!" when we told him they were cute. The bonus is the lady we bought the clothes from is going to save all her hand-me-downs for Hyatt now. We also found a cheap, huge canister of Play-doh and accessories that was lightly used one time. We actually bought him a kiddie-pool from Costco and bought the Play-doh for Talea since she's a Play-doh addict, but since the weather is a bit questionable still, we swapped the gifts ahead of time. They'll share them anyway. So you know what Tilly's getting in a month!

Poor Hyatt is still sick, and Hyrum woke him up before he was ready (DO NOT wake up Hyatt before he's ready unless you want to deal with a grouch for hours), so for pretty much the whole day Hyatt was either scowling, crying or whining. You could tell he just didn't feel that good yet. We had to go to work today, so having the Play-Doh there helped a little bit to cheer Hyatt up. They spread it all out on the island and had a blast.



Maybe this scowl reflects Paisli's opinion on not getting to play with the other kids yet.


After work, Hyatt wanted to go to Outdoor In, so we ran a few work errands in Coos Bay, then we went there for dinner and playing. We ate the cheesiest, stringiest pizza I've had in my life, then the kids went wild.



Again, Paisli missed out. Next year, Tayli!


We stayed for hours and hours until the littlest ones were dead tired. Way easier than a planning-challenged mom trying to plan a party, and he enjoyed it as much, if not more!!




Such a cutie!!!


I had Hyrum take a couple of pictures while we were there of two of my favorite baby items that I highly recommend to anyone.
First, my sling. It's called a Maya Wrap, and Tasha introduced me to it. I have 2 since Tasha gave me hers now, and I use them CONSTANTLY. I couldn't survive at work without it. Paisli wants to be held constantly, so to keep her quiet for customers and to keep me hands-free, I just wear her! When we're out and about, I carry her in the sling, and Hyrum carries her in the baby Bjorn. It makes for easy breastfeeding too. By the way, even while nursing, I've shrunk at least 2 bra sizes since having Paisli, thus making my wonderful bras I blogged about not so wonderful anymore. That didn't happen with Kiersa. No wonder Paisli's staying petite and I have to supplement her with 2-3 bottles of formula a day now just to keep her satisfied. It's amazing to me how a bottle can turn a fussy nursing baby into a quiet, content one. It's wonderful!


Second, I love this Bebe Au Lait Hyrum's mom gave me! It gives stylish privacy while nursing without having to use a blanket that constantly falls off your shoulder. I never had one with my other kids, and I wish I had! It's wonderful! Every nursing mom needs one.

The top of it even allows you to look down at the baby while you're nursing and still be covered. Genius invention!