President Hinckley

We were visiting my in laws yesterday when we heard that President Hinckley had passed away. It wasn't until later that night that I really started to feel the loss. He was such a dear prophet to me. Probably because he has been the prophet with the most influence on my life. I remember during one of the broadcasts for the youth (the one with the 6 "Be's") how I felt as he spoke to us. I could feel his love for the youth and knew that the words he was saying were true and were meant for me to hear and follow. I have since felt that love every time he has spoken. His words were always comforting. He was kind, and asked us to be kind in our families, to our neighbors, and to other faiths. He always was so gentle and sweet to his wife. I felt such admiration for his wife because he spoke of her with such reverence. His example was so far reaching.

I love how he said, "Do a little more". I say that to myself often. I can always be doing a little more to be a little better. His words resonate with me. I can't even put into words the feelings that I have at his passing. I will miss him.

I heard they grow up fast, but seriously?!

Hayden and I went to Subway for lunch today. I was joking around with him while we were in line. He usually thinks it's funny when he calls me other people's names, so I started calling him Maya and Eric.

He turned and looked at me and said loud enough for everyone in Subway to hear, "Mom, let's not goof around right now, OK?"

Well, sheesh! I was a little embarrassed. After all, what four year old has to tell their mom to behave?

The Joy that is Maya

Maya has been so cute lately! For Christmas she got a couple of baby dolls and a baby stroller from Grandma Judy. We gave her a baby and my Grandma Elliott gave her a baby as well. She much prefers the baby from Great Grandma. She carries it around and push her in the stroller with a blanket around her. She has even named this baby! She calls her "Baby Two". I have no idea why. The other baby that we gave her is always her second choice and that baby doesn't have a name. If she can't find her baby, she'll come up and ask, "Baby Two?" She also is very particular about how the baby looks. The baby's hat has to be on with the bow tied. I have even caught Maya with a wipee wiping the baby's face clean! How cute is that?

Maya is also becoming a little OCD. If the dishwasher, the dryer, or any door in the house is open, it MUST be closed. Even if I am in the middle of unloading the dishwasher, she closes it. It doesn't matter who is in the room, she must close the door. I guess it's funny, unless you're the one who has to open the dishwasher 5 separate times while you're unloading it!

She also loves bullying her big brother. Yes, she is a bully! If she sees him watching TV or playing a video game, she runs up and turns the TV off and waits for his reaction. She will take his controller for the PlayStation and run away as fast as she can, all the while giggling. And, yesterday, for no reason that I could tell, she just walked up to him and punched him in the stomach. (After my initial shock and snicker, she went on time out.) Speaking of which, time out is such a punishment for Hayden. Maya on the other hand doesn't care. She just stands in her crib with her arms folded on top of the bars and her head laying down until I come to get her.

Life did not get easier after we had Maya, but it definitely got more interesting!

Resolutions

For Family Home Evening after New Year's Day we all sat down and set our goals. Eric just grabbed his list from last year and scratched out 2007 and wrote 2008. Hayden made goals to brush his teeth and do his chores, etc. And I made many, many goals; one of which is to be more patient and keep my anger under control. I explained to Hayden that I was going to try not to get mad at him as one of my goals.

Well, two days ago we were trying to rush out the house to make it to the gym on time. Hayden was taking his sweet time. Seriously, he was singing and dancing and the whole "Mom, Look what I can do" every 2 seconds. I was getting pretty frustrated trying to get him to put his shoes and coat on and get out the door. I yelled at him and told him that if he didn't get his shoes on this minute he would be going to bed as soon as we got home. He put his shoes on after that and we were on our way.

In the car, he said, "Hey mom, you are NOT doing a good job on your goals!"

I can't believe that he remembered what my goals were from 3 weeks ago. I really do need to watch myself. I felt pretty rotten after that because I have been working harder on the other goals that I've made. Nothing like a four year old putting life in perspective for you, right?

But, Mom...It's Saturday!

Hayden's latest excuse when he doesn't want to do what he's told is, "But, mom...It's Saturday."

It really never is Saturday when he says this. I guess Saturday to him is a fun day to do whatever he wants. Anyway, it makes me laugh every time he says it.

"Hayden, come put your socks on so we can go."

"But, Mom...It's Saturday."


"Hayden, stop playing that game and come do your dish job."

"But, Mom...It's Saturday."

And most recently today:

"Hayden, wash that soap out of your hair so I can get you out of the tub."

"But Mom...It's Saturday."

Chuck-E-Cheeses

We took the kids to Chuck-E-Cheeses on New Years Day. We go there quite a bit more than we'd like, but the kids have so much fun. The pizza is overpriced, and...well, gross. But, like I said, the kids have fun and that makes it worth it to us. (Maybe we should just eat before we go, there's an idea!)
So, I'm thinking that the Chucky's band needs a makeover. I swear that is the same stage set-up they had when I was a kid and they called the place Showbiz Pizza. (Do you remember that?)


I was a little alarmed by this guy, though. His eyes just weren't right, and I couldn't stop looking at him. Kinda Creepy. He kind of reminds me of someone....
Can you say, Egore from Young Frankenstein?? Do you see the resemblance of the two? I kept looking for the hump on the Chuck-E-Cheese dog's back.


Here's Maya lovin' the little rides they have there. She was totally excited! The video below is of her dancing with the band. I'm not sure why I have her all dressed in green. St. Patrick's day?

Say "Cheese!"

When the camera is pulled out, Maya is not shy. She's a little confused, though. To demonstrate this, I tried three different shots to get her to just smile. Maya says, "Cheese", but doesn't finish off the word until I take the camera away from my eye. It goes something like this:
"Maya, say cheese!"
I hold the camera up to take a picture.

"Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeee"
(I snap the photo)

"....ese."

Sledding!

We went sledding with my mom and Roy on New Year's Eve up at Mueller park Elementarty. It was snowing and cold, so we bundled up so warm. I think we each had 3 or 4 layers on. My kids look like they have an overprotective mother. I kept thinking of A Christmas Story when Ralphie's little brother is dressed up so warm that he can't walk straight and can't get up when he falls. That's what my kids looked like.



Here's Hayden and uncle Trevor.
Maya and Aunt Brookie. Look how happy that baby is! She loved the snow. She put her face in a couple of times to try to eat it. When we would sled down the hill she would yell, "WEEE!" It was so precious.

In the end, we had to leave early. Maya lost a glove and her boots weren't staying on, so she was one cold little baby. Thank goodness my mom brought hot chocolate. That was nice after the cold. We had a great time!

Hayden and Maya's Christmas

Here are some pictures of Christmas morning at the Salway house. First of all, my kids slept in until 8am. Probably the only day that has ever happened. (of all days) We spent Christmas eve at my in-laws house eating appetizers, singing Christmas songs, playing BUNKO, having a talent show and doing the nativity. They even invited the neighbor across the street to come and play the bag pipes. That was very cool...AND LOUD! Then the kids opened their presents from Grandma and Grandpa Salway. Hayden got the Grand Central Station Geo Tracks set, which he was super excited about. And Maya got a little stroller for her baby dolls. She loves it! I don't know if it's just womanly instinct, but she knows exactly what to do with a baby. She pushes the baby around in the stroller, but only if she's bundled up tight in her blanket. She brings the baby over to me with the baby's blanket and I swaddle the baby up tight. She feed the baby the bottle, talks to the baby, and...sometimes throws the baby. Oh well, she has most of it right.

So, we got home pretty late on Christmas Eve to find that Santa had left us Pajamas and a note. Hayden was so tired he did not care at all. We put his PJ's on him and told him to set out the cookies for Santa. We put our PJ's on, and then couldn't find Hayden. He was asleep in his bed already. Poor kid! So, Eric and I set out the cookies and milk.


On Christmas morning, the kids were so excited about their gifts. Hayden got a Smart Cycle and Maya got a little play house (not really a house, more of a doorway). Both kids loved their gift, and each other's gift. Hayden and Maya switched presents about 20 min. into Christmas. It was so cute. Maya is also in to jewelry, so Santa brought her some plastic Christmas jewelry. It was a fun morning. Some other favorite gifts were: A new baby doll for Maya, Transformers for Hayden, and some fun games from Discovery Toys.

This was the first Christmas since I was young that I was so excited it was hard to sleep. When you have children, the joy is definitely in the giving. I love seeing their excited eyes and smiles. They love the simple little gifts they get (Hayden's whoopi cushion is played with EVERYDAY) and it's so cute seeing them play and get excited about each other's presents. It's more fun now than before I had children.

Best Christmas Ever!...For me, at least.

This year my presents were all wrapped and numbered 1-5 under the tree and each had an envelope attached. Eric outdoes me every year. He always gets me exactly what I wanted, but really never asked for. This year I didn't ask for much. Just a new crock pot, some clothes. He went above and beyond!

I opened present #1 and found an alarm clock. He had written a poem (that was what was in the envelopes) to go with each present. Here is the first poem:

Christmas is here and the wrapping is through
And your presents all focus on the betterment of you!
So open each one, just one at a time
And discover the mysteries inside that you'll find.

This first gift will help you jump up in a whim
To quickly get dressed and then off to the gym.

The second gift was some perfume that I've been wanting from Bath and Body Works.

Once you're all hot and sweaty you must hurry home,
To shower and dress before Maya can groan.
This perfume will help you to keep smelling great,
And to make me think often of wanting to mate! (That's my husband, for ya.)

Then, the third gift was a microdermabrasion facial from a spa.

Even though I don't agree, I often hear you complain
That the wrinkles are coming and the sun is to blame.
So, you're off to the spa for some Microdermabrasion
To end the relentless wrinkle invasion.

OK. And, the next gift was so sweet, though the poem is not...I am debating about typing it. It's pretty funny.

Once you are dressed don't forget this last thing
For you won't be complete without your wedding ring.
I believe it is time to look married once more
So when you're with the kids people won't think you're a _____.(rhymes with "more")

My wedding ring has not fit since I had Hayden. It is very sad. I had asked a couple of times to get it resized, but it never happened. This gift was a total shock to me. I started crying. I love this ring! I forgot that I even owned a wedding ring, I so used to not wearing it. Now I can't stop looking at my hand. You can't see it very well in this picture, but trust me, it is gorgeous!

The last gift he gave me was Memory Mixer for digital scrapbooking

Now that I've helped you achieve signs of beauty

Scrapbooking them will become your next duty.

We've created so many wonderful memories

And I can't wait to see how each one will be.

I love you so much and am so excited for you to see

How awesome and fun this next present will be

For each gift I've given all leads up to one,

So take a deep breath, close your eyes, here it comes!!!!

So, he all of the sudden pulls out this small box, only about an inch wide. I unwrap it to find the boat piece from the monopoly game. Then, he hands me this picture of a cruise boat! That's right!! He is taking me on a cruise!! We leave on April 28th. This was really the best Christmas surprise ever. He sure knows how to give surprises.