Funny Things My Kids Do...

Today we had some great family time. We went to Makutu's family play area in Chandler. It is expensive but we had free passes for the boys. Daniel was so excited. He has only been potty trained for under a week, but has never had an accident away from home. At Makutu's he climbed up to the highest slide and refused to have me go down with him. Before I could stop him he dropped out of sight. He went so fast it literally made him pee his pants. I could not stop laughing when I got to the bottom. His eyes were huge and his pants all wet. I considered climbing back to the top and going down the slide again with a wet wipe to attempt a cleaning run, but I figured I had already gone down after him once. Isn't that gross! It was sad but funny. It was almost as funny as when he got mad at me on Sunday. He peed all over Johnny's leg while throwing a tantrum. Hilarious.

After the play area we went to a new pizza buffet off Stapley and the 60. It is called CiCi's Pizza. I am NOT a fan of buffets but Johnny really wanted to go. It was not bad. While we were there Jaxon decided that sweet potatoes are boring! Who would have guessed he would ever get bored after eating them every day, every meal of his life. Poor guy. He started picking up his plate tipping his head back, then dumping either a sweet potato or a grape in his mouth. He would chew just enough to make it really mushy then hack it back out onto the edge of the table. After a few seconds he would suck it back off the edge of the table into his mouth. GROSS, I KNOW! I was laughing so hard and he was having so much fun I didn't stop him. He continued this over and over until we ran out of food, then he started doing it with ice. Once again, hilarious. He was even laughing at himself. The poor woman who cleaned the table after we left! I apologized over and over!

I sit here thinking that I am so tired, but I am so blessed to have two little hyenas to make me laugh all day!

Tradition

Tradition. One word makes me think of Rev Tevia on Fiddler on the Roof. Why do we carry on traditions? I think we do it first because it is what we know. We grew up doing it that way and so we are comfortable continuing on in the same way. Second, because it is something that we love and that brings out special feelings. Thanksgiving for instance is just not the same if we eat off paper plates. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, to me, are to be served on china. I used to look forward to having my own china so I could host holiday dinners at my home. My grandmother is an antique dealer. Her china was breathtaking. The silver goblets, the napkin rings, the silverware...it made the holiday special in my heart. We always dress up in our Sunday best for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. I loved going shopping with my mom for Christmas dresses to be worn the first time at Christmas dinner. I have such fond holiday memories. I want to pass on traditions to my children.

Every Christmas I can remember I have used the stocking my beloved Granny made for me. Granny made a stocking for every grandchild. My stocking is something I have treasured my entire life. I loved that it was made by her just for me. I never thought about the time it had taken her until I was older, but I appreciate it now. This is a tradition I want to pass on to my children.

When Daniel was a year I decided I needed to make his Christmas stocking. It was quite an ordeal taking me more than a month to finish. I worked on it every night in front of the TV (which is probably why it took me so long). I was so happy with how it turned out. Of course I made plenty of mistakes, but hey it was my first time and I am far from a perfectionist. I am more of a speed crafter, trying to get it done before I get so bored I give up.

I just finished Jaxon's stocking. My sister threw me a cowboy baby shower before Jaxon was born so I kept in line with that theme. Santa on a horse! I think I did better this time around because I knew what I was doing.

I want my boys to look at their stockings and know that was thinking of them. I know that at one and two years old they are not going to be gushing with gratitude, but some day they will look at them a little closer and think (the same as I did with my own stocking) "Gosh, she must really love me!"

Potty Training

Today was the day! Last week I read the book Toilet Training in Less Than a Day by Nathan H. Azrin, which came highly recommended by a friend. Johnny was off work so he took Jaxon for some one-on-one father/son time (a.k.a run my errands for me please sweetheart) so I could spend the time with Daniel and (drum roll please)...the potty chair! Last night I typed out a cheat sheet, took out my tools (dinosaur underwear, colored marshmallows, skittles, fruit punch, orange soda, and Smarties), and mentally prepared for what I thought could go one of two ways. 1. Daniel was going to be an angle and go right to the potty, never have more than one accident, and totally and completely cooperate with me. At this point I would have fallen to the floor and praised my maker not believing my great fortune. OR 2. He was going to scream so long and loud that I would feel like he could just spend the rest of his life in diapers; see if I care! For some reason I pictured him being about 7 wearing diapers in COSTCO with elderly women giving me the evil eye...

I followed the plan as much as I could (I should have read the book at least 5 times so I wouldn't forget anything) and it pretty much worked. Of course after 4 accidents I was a little discouraged and Daniel was screaming "NO" over and over again in my face, but he got the basics down. He even kept his bed dry during his nap (according to the book pull-ups should not be used after 2 1/2 years old). Overall I was proud of him and only had to resist a strong desire to totally and completely give up one time. When needed I rewarded myself with Skittles for being a good girl. Thanks to the treats everyone is alive. I think Daniel found a new sense of pride in himself. He also now knows that each of our neighbors and all of his friends potty on the toilet to keep their pants dry. I sincerely apologize ahead of time for any comments my 2 year old makes about your potty habits.

On a side note my husband is the most amazing man ever. When he got home from running my errands and cleaning up the orange soda Daniel spilled on the carpet; he swept and mopped the floor for me (due to potty accidents) while the boys took naps. Whenever I stop to think I realize how blessed I am to have him as my eternal companion.

Feet

For some odd reason I have a love/hate relationship with feet. Baby feet are just beautiful. I used to say I wanted my babies to have my foot shape and Johnny's toes. He has amazing toes. My boys inherited beautiful feet. Jaxon's 4th toes are longer than the others, Daniel's are shorter. They both have perfect tiny and round toes with a little bit of a web between the 2nd and 3rd, which my little sister so kindly pointed out as being freaky!


What I hate about feet are the nails. I absolutely can't stand when I can feel my toe nails touch the tops or front of my shoes. Nasty! I cut them short, which means I now cut my kid's nails, both hands and feet almost every week. What is my problem? This can not be normal.


Now you know the deep thoughts running through my mind during Step class.

My Boys...

I have been completely overwhelmed with love for my boys the last few days. Daniel is getting so much better at listening and following directions (as good as a 2 year old boy can be at following directions). Yesterday he said "you're the best mom" and then "you're a sweetheart". Of course this is just repeating what Johnny tells him to say, but he did it without Johnny even being around and without prompting this time. It was just so cute and innocent. Today I went swimming with him while Jaxon was taking a nap. One on one time is so wonderful. I can concentrate on just him. We actually have full conversations. I just love him so much.

Jaxon took his regular 3 hour nap (which is one of my favorite things ever) then was awake while Daniel slept. I had fun chasing him on my hands and knees and listening to him laugh hysterically. He would try to hide behind our rocking chairs. His little head would pop out as he tried to peek out. I would scare him then he would giggle. It was precious. He says "bye bye" and "go" (in addition to the regular mama and dada). He is such a joy in my life. Today Daniel turned into a big ball of goo screaming and crying in the car over wanting to wear PJs all day, sweet Jaxon reached out to him to hold his hand while he cried. He was showing compassion for his older brother. Absolute perfection!

My oldest little boy Johnny is the love of my life. Gosh that guy is a stud. I have not seen him for a few days due to work schedules, but man do I love him. He can be all stinky and sweaty and he still makes my heart pitter patter the way Patrick Swayze used to when I would watch Dirty Dancing. (Note to self: see if Johnny can dance like Patrick Swayze). Oops, did I really say that? The point is he is the reason our babies are so wonderful. He is a great father and husband.

Back to my point...I have just been bombarded with a huge feeling of love and appreciation for my boys this week. I love them more every day.

Exciting News!

No, I am NOT pregnant, yet...not that we are trying. Why do I always feel the need to explain this?

Anyway, back to the exciting news...Johnny's NM interview score! Yeah!

Johnny scored an 89.25 at the New Mexico Lineman Apprentice interview. That is a very competitive score and a vast improvement from two weeks earlier at the Phoenix, AZ interview when he scored a 75. GO JOHNNY, GO GO GO!

What made the difference?
Monopole climbing with a friend: Free
Class A CDL: $350
Electrical Lineman AC/DC class & book: $500
One round trip flight to Albuquerque: $275
Becoming a Journeyman Lineman (including union benefits/pay, steady work, and a career Johnny loves): Priceless

What does the score mean? He will keep interviewing at the other locations (Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, etc.), but Albuquerque is our 2nd choice (behind Phoenix) so if he gets on there we will not be disappointed. We have heard once you have a competitive score a contract offer should come in 2-3 months. The program is only 3-4 years then Journeyman move where they want. Linemen are usually always in high demand.

This year has been rough...gosh that is an understatement, but we feel things are moving in the right direction thanks to the prayers and unending support of our family and friends. We love you guys!

The Hulse Family

I have debated for over a year about starting a blog. I even created a blog and deleted it (twice). There are too many freaks out there if you know what I mean. Anyway, I guess I am finally giving in to peer pressure. You know who you are! I guess what finally did it was preparing to send out a mass email to all my family and friends with another update. Everyone gets upset with me if I don't tell them exciting news FIRST! I just can't figure our how to make each person I love the first one I tell when something exciting (or terrible) happens. So, here we go! First, meet my family.

Johnny - the love of my life. He is really amazing. When I say amazing I mean A*M*A*Z*I*N*G! First of all he is so darn H-O-T. Those dimples! **swoon**. Second, he does house work (without being asked). That includes folding the laundry, cleaning the floors (he has his own mop because he doesn't like mine), loading and unloading the dishwasher, and last week he even dusted the fan in the kitchen. On Labor Day he cleaned the bathrooms. When I am sick he makes me soup or brushes my hair. More importantly he is a wonderful man and an awesome father. Never once has he been too tired to play with our boys when he comes home from work. Never once has he brushed off his responsibilities to be the Priesthood leader in our family. I am learning to appreciate that particular quality more every day. There is so much to say about Johnny, but the greatest compliment I have ever heard anyone say about him is that he is genuine. He loves people and wants to help them, without any underlying benefit to himself. He is just genuine. Other than all the gushy stuff his friends will be sick over he loves basketball, listens to sports radio constantly, and sings in the shower. He dances like a mad man and his nicknames include White Chocolate, Cat Fish, Labudu (or something like that), and a few thousand others. Johnny is the 4th of 8 children, 2 girls, 6 boys. They are each unique and I couldn't have married into a more welcoming family. Besides Johnny's direct family he also came with a few sets of surrogate parents and some extremely close friends. We consider each of them family.

Daniel - 2 1/2 years old - There is just so much to say about Daniel. He is our miracle baby. After 2 years of fertility garbage we were told we could not have children without IVF. What do you know? Hundreds of prayers and no meds - the next month we became prego. He is so smart, talks a ton and is learning to swim without his floaties. He loves swimming, swinging, riding the carousel at the mall and playing chase with mom or dad. He says the funniest things and has a purely mischievous look when he is trying to get away with something (I guess that would be all the time). He keeps me on my toes. He was a climber from the start and has never stopped despite my proclamation that my children would never be allowed to walk on the furniture. He has 100% my temper and 100% Johnny's compassion...plus Johnny's knack for getting into trouble. His mom says Daniel is just like Johnny was. Daniel is obsessed with construction trucks, firefighters, police men, and super heroes. He sleeps with his Batman shoes (or did until I took them away for hitting his brother). The only time he stops moving is when he is asleep...but even then it is constant tossing and stretching. Recently he has been dreaming of dinosaurs and lightning. Daniel changes clothes as often as he can. He would wear PJs all day if I would let him. Just in the past few months he has decided to be Mr. Independent. I can no longer help him get dressed or put his shoes on. He wants to open doors by himself and climb in and out of the car on his own. Daniel is one of a kind and I love him so much. Our family would not be complete without him.

Jaxon 14 mo. - My baby, my baby. This past year with Jaxon just flew by. He was so little for so long, then quite rapidly doubled in size. He is a mini Johnny both in looks and temperament. He has beautiful blond hair, blue eyes and dimples that are going to get him into trouble some day...just like his dad. Jaxon came into this world in a rush, he was our surprise baby. Everything with him is a surprises I guess, the pregnancy (when Daniel was only 9 months old), his birth (7 minutes from sign in to delivery at the hospital), his teeth (from 8 to 16 in a matter of a few weeks), he just doesn't do anything at a steady pace. He even eats like there is no tomorrow. Jaxon is reserved, he really makes you work for a laugh. Oh, but when you get him going it is sweet music. He loves to climb just like Daniel (guess who taught him). Every time I turn around he is climbing onto the kitchen table, trying to open the oven (thank goodness for oven locks), getting into mom's shower, eating dog food, and shutting doors. He loves to play chase and is the greatest sleeper. He will take a solid 3 hour nap every day. What more could a mother ask for? Jaxon was so sick for a long time. He was failure to thrive, only 13 pounds at over 6 months old. After a week in the hospital and no answers he had an endoscopy. The test came back positive for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE). Basically he is allergic to the protein in food. All he can eat to date is his medicated formula, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, organic green beans, organic turkey, and purple grapes (yeah for grapes). We food trial one new food every month. If he fails we have to wait until he stops vomiting, having rashes, crying all night long, etc. Then we try again. He has reacted to rice, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, corn, grape juice, apples, pears, and artificial coloring. This could change as he grows, but for now he eats mostly sweet potatoes. I want to raise Jaxon to live a full life in spite of his condition. I never want him to be defined by EE. It will be a hard road for all of us, but nothing Jaxon or our family can't handle.

ME (Melody) - What is there to say about me? I have recently fallen in love with step aerobics, I love to read (don't give me a book or I will be unresponsive for a few days), I love crafty things but I am impatient so I have a lot of unfinished projects. I love all kinds of music. My favorite color changes daily between blue, green, red, pink, purple, etc. I just can't decide. I hate sweeping and moping, so it is a good thing my husband is so amazing. I love nap time...when both kids are asleep at the same time. Is there anything more perfect than sleeping babies and a peaceful home? I am not sure how many kids I want, I love being pregnant and I have easy pregnancies (except for my numb arm, but I get used to that after a few months), but I get sad every time I think about not being pregnant again. It is just so wonderful to feel a little person moving inside of you. Daniel used to punch me over and over in the same spot at the same time every night, it felt like little flicks. I loved just having him there. Jaxon always did more of the kick and roll routine, just like he does now. I used to play the French Horn. I want to start playing again. I love movies but never have a chance to go to a theatre. I would rather play board games. Before Johnny and I had children we would settle disputes with a game of battleship or divide chores by who won the most recent Rummy game during dinner. "Sorry" was part of our Sunday afternoon routine. I have two of the best parents in the world and two wonderful sisters. All three of us girls are quite different but we are great friends (now that our adolescence is past). I talk about my family all the time, people probably get tired of it, but they are everything to me and people generally talk about what they value. I value my family.