Stupidly Brave or Faithful: Attending Stake Conference Alone

This post doesn't have any pictures, but today is a day worth mentioning. It was our stake conference Sunday and Jared had to work so that left me to go with the kids alone. Lately, wherever I go alone with the kids the word "brave" usually comes out of people's mouths to describe me to my face. Now I've been replacing that word with "crazy" or "stupid" or whatever fits along those lines. Especially Friday at the park when while I was nursing Lucas, in public, Taylor helped Ashton up way too high on a climbing web and over he went and fell on his head. I was helpless. I tried to comfort him while keep some semblance of modesty as I continued nursing. He then proceeded to go take Doritos from a woman's bag not far away. He would take a bite or drop it on the ground then go give it to her and she would eat it not having paid any attention to what he was doing. As soon as Lucas was done nursing I put a stop to that. Of course, I left there with Ashton screaming because everywhere we go--the video store, Devin's preschool--it always results in me dragging him out with him screaming. Anyways, back to the brave comment. I wasn't feeling very brave today as I dressed them for church, packed their church bags brimming with snacks and books, fed them, and found matching socks and shoes for all. While driving there I was mulling over that word in my head not feeling very brave when I felt the impression to replace it with "faithful". I felt much better about being faithful than stupidly brave. I reminded myself of this new adjective when Ashton attempted to throw his water bottle (yes, I thought of everything; they all had their own water bottle. I just needed a port-a-potty and I would have been set) over the wall of the balcony in the high school auditorium our stake had rented. Thank goodness for Plexiglas! or when Devin returned from the bathroom without Taylor and announced to the whole balcony that he was going poopy so he would be awhile. I should mention I wasn't completely alone; a nice, unsuspecting newly married couple in our ward volunteered to sit with me and helped immensely. They may never have children of their own after today though. I should market my children as an effective contraceptive or at least a hindrance to procreation. All in all, they did very well and I feel very "faithful" for having attempted and survived the outing.

Lucas pics

He's getting big at six weeks old.

I think he's drooling; hey, I'm just happy he's asleep without being held, I can finally get something done.

Resting together.

He's either picking his nose or sucking his thumb. Which is worse?

Laundry Surprise

Ashton has taken up doing the laundry. During the load he loves putting everything in, of course, who doesn't love swirling the soap around and scooping up powder. The problem starts after I'm done and downstairs and I hear the lid to the washer keep opening and shutting. I didn't know what he was up to because I would check on him and nothing looked out of place and the detergent was thankfully put away (Taylor loved scooping it out and dancing around in it, sugar too.) After the load was done and I was switching it to the dryer I found out what he'd been up to. I found a deformed toothbrush that was not bent at that angle before and lots of clothes from his drawers that I hadn't put in the load. He had emptied his drawers and washed his clothes for me. How nice!

Lucas is starting to be more aware of his surroundings and loves smiling at me. His eyes are pretty blue and I think they'll stay like that. Three out of four.

Ashton is having fun with his brother. Lucas is not. That pretty much explains their relationship.

Adorable Lucas

Grandma holding her newest little grandson. I think he is number twenty-six. I have great aging genes thanks to her. She was so much help; I was so sad when she and my dad had to leaveAshton is feeding his baby doll while I hold Lucas; the idea is to help him adjust to competition and distract him from harming the baby which he is very good at.

Adorable.

Baby Blessing

Lucas was blessed four days after he was born so the grandparents could be present for it. I went to church for the blessing, walking very gingerly. Ashton started screaming in the middle of it and Devin kept asking for a drink; I could barely hear Jared's soft-spoken voice, but I was there. Afterwards, I immediately got up and with the help of the grandmas we got a screaming Ashton and Lucas out causing quite a disturbance. It was memorable; Lucas was perfect as a lamb like always:)
I like to call this picture: Crash Positions. It looks like they're on an airplane or in a car and everything is chaotic around them and Devin's preparing for impact. Ashton wouldn't sit in for this picture, the little rascal. He'll be two on Wed. and he is sure showing his terrible two colors.

Oh to have one child. That's all I'm gonna say.

Finally, we got everyone together for a family pose. One would think we were asking them to bathe or change their underwear with all the grief they gave us, but we got a picture!!!

Our little boy band

Trying to make dinner is an accomplishment anytime with children in the house. This kept the boys busy so grandma who is visiting can finish up dinner. The only downside--there aren't any pots to cook with:) Somehow Lucas sleeps through this whole performance. He is a hard sleeper; he has to be with all the noise in our house.

Little Lucas finally arrived!!

Mom and Lucas Christopher meet for the first time.

Tada!! I'm here. Yes, the scale really reads 9lbs. 13.5 oz. We'll add the half an ounce because it was hard work getting him out and Mom wants credit for every little bit of him.

Ashton cuddling with Lucas (inutero) and waiting for the big day. Mom is feeling very large and ready for it to be over.