Wonderful Christmastime Moments

1. Haydyn, Haydyn, Haydyn. I LOVE the sound of her sweet voice. She gets so excited driving past Christmas lights. "Wow!" she yells over and over as her finger points to all the lights.

2. It was like a Normal Rockwell painting. One by one we unwraped pieces of our Christmas village. "Ohhh, look at that one" someone would whisper. After the three small trees and village were all set up together I plugged in the lights. It was like magic to my kids. They were mesmerized by the tiny winter wonderland. It was a perfect Christmas moment.

3. Secret Santas (one in particular) finding ways to provide service for eachother. They do this to earn money to buy the gift they will be giving.

4. The kiddos singing "The Very Best Part of Christmastime."

5. Joyschoolers Caroling at my door. Of course mine was the cutest.

6. Brigham recieving an answer to his letter from Santa in the mail. A surprise to ALL of us. (I Believe!)

7. Feeling so completley overwhelmed by the generosity and love of family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

Ahhhhh...alone at last.

Thanksgiving was great. We hung out at K & J's with Mom and Dad and T & M. It's so nice hanging with the fam. Especially when there is no drama. Buzz and I used to watch Christmas Vacation every year on Thanksgiving. We have now replaced that with The Polar Express (a little more family worthy). I love this tradition. Nana, Grandad, Aunts, Uncles, cousins. It reaches all of us and everyone likes it.

On Friday Todd was DYING to go camping. Me, not so much. We haven't been able to really go anywhere this year and it's taking it's tole. Anyway, he ended up taking the four older kids to Honeyville in Tom's Motor home. They went swimming in the hot springs pool, ate ramen, and watched movies. In the morning he took them to the aerospace museum. They had a great time (when Todd didn't want to bonk some heads together.)

So that means I was ALONE for 24 hours. Well, Haydyn was here of course. But she doesn't talk back or whine or fight with other kids. Yet. Also K&J and kids came over to do a service project. The project? Cleaning MY house. Oh how I love them. And felt a bit guilty for letting them come. But do you know how nice it is to have the whole main floor perfectly clean all at the same time? It just doesn't happen any more. And the best thing about it? NO ONE to mess it up until the next day. Ahhhhhhh.

What to say...

I haven't had much to say lately. Life is life and nothing noteworthy has happened. So here are some random day to day happenings:

*Watched with horror as Max Hall came down with sudden color blindness. Is that a thing?

*Made it through church without Todd, with all 5 kids, and without going out ONCE during sacrament meeting. (Someone please tell Todd how awesome I am!)

*Saw Twilight...LOVED it. Can't wait to see it again.

*Vacuumed my unfinished basement. (What the?)

*Put up my pre-lit Christmas tree with only 1/3 of the lights actually working. Todd searched high and low to fix this problem. We're stumped. Any suggestions?

*Cleaned out more poopy underwear.

*Hit Todd's truck while backing out of the garage.

*Todd hit the same corner of the other car with the trailer (don't ask.)

*Saw this note Mallory wrote to herself to help her remember her morning prayers. What a sweet sweet girl and an amazing example to me!

*Laughed as Cole showed me his awesome new dance move.

*Smiled when Quin said something so Quinlike.

*Went to the new Smith's along with everyone else.

*Bought some Christmas gifts.

*Went from a blond to a brown. I really do think blonds have more fun.

*Had a tasty lunch at Flour Girls & Dough Boys with my mom and sis. Yum.

*Fell in love with Haydyn again, and again, and again. I looooove 1 year olds.

*Smooched with my hubby after he FINALLY shaved.

*Had our fourth annual Thankful Feathers FHE.

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

All in a days work

Messes I have cleaned up in the last 3 days: (NOT including the regular cleaning, wiping, picking up, putting away, washing, etc.)

(1) Toothpaste rubbed into the carpet. (2) The usual full cup of juice spilled in the kitchen. (3) Poop stepped in, then tracked from the bathroom down the hall to the bedroom (don't ask). (4) Bright green gum smeared all over the leather couch - AHHHH! (5) Marker on the boy's walls, door, face's, feet, legs. (6) Green food coloring. Drip, drip, drip, squeeeeeze onto the carpet. (7) Tube of toothpaste emptied onto the carpet. Again. By the same child. (Grrrrrr). (8) Pee. In Q & C's bedroom. Soaked in. On purpose. Heads are gonna roll. (9) Go-gurt plop plop plopped in the family room.

I give up.
Anyone know a good carpet cleaner?

The Secret Recipe

As promised...

Easiest (and most versatile) Calzone EVER!

The one that won my kids over:
Pillsbury pizza crust rolled out and brushed with Italian dressing. Then down the center: turkey, Mozzarella cheese, a bit o' Parmesan, olives, and green peppers. (I forgot the mushrooms.)

Fold edges over, seal, and bake @ 350 for about 20 minutes. WaLaa! How dang easy was that!

Other options I have used: Rhodes rolls, Ham and Cheddar cheese, different sauces to dip (Alfredo or Marinara), pizza toppings etc. The options are endless!

Bon Appetit!

A Haunting We Will Go!

I love how excited the kids get for Halloween. Every day for a week Cole would ask, "Is it trick or treating time yet?" Todd took the kids out while I stayed home with Haydyn and handed out candy. Last year our neighbor counted about 150 trick or treaters. So we stocked up on candy and this year... about 30. What the? Oh well, no barfing + no tantrums = a great Halloween!

Quin as Anikan "Skylarker", Mallory as Princess Lea,
Brigham: Nascar driver Tony Stewart, Cole: Captain Hook.

Cole wanted me to paint his mustache on every day since Monday.
He wore it everywhere (without the costume) and freaked out
if it wore off. Hmmmm - something about this reminds me of Brigham
(witch hat at the Zoo in July? Anyone remember?)

The poor fifth child doesn't get a costume. I would have never let my
first few babies go without one. What a lousy mother. (Lousy, or lazy?... or cheap?)
Haydyn will crawl up to me and hold up Cole's Pirate coat
for me to put around her neck. She loves to wear it. What a doll.

P.S. A huge shout out to Jill for the costumes. We love you Jill! Thanks!!!

Finally!

Potty trained at last! What do you do when your 31/2 year old REFUSES to go to the bathroom?. . . Bribery! We have had a Batman Sword perched by the bathroom just in case Cole decided he was actually going to pee in the potty. Don't get me wrong, he did try. But apparently suffered from a severe case of stage fright.

Wednesday I decide that no bladder, no matter how shy, can withstand Capri Suns and chocolate milk. So Cole drank to his hearts content and, eventually, the stage fright was overcome!!! Thats all it took - for #1 at least. #2 was a whole different problem . . . . and a different bribe.

Todd promised Cole cowboy boots. Cole decided that cowboy boots just weren't good enough, but "Dark Bador" boots would be great! (translation: black cowboy boots = Darth Vardor boots.) Eventually, he earned those too. Isn't his outfit the best? He hasn't taken off his Dark Bador boot since.

Way to go Cole!

Four Stars!!!!

Tonight at dinner:

"This is good!"

"I want to eat this for breakfast, and lunch, AND dinner."

"I'm going to eat it all gone."

Whaaaat?! Do my ears deceive me? Am I dreaming? Could it possibly be true? All children happily eating the SAME dinner? And actually ENJOYING it!

And they said it couldn't be done. I . . . . . am AWESOME.

I'll provide the recipe for this four star dinner but remember. . . *results may vary.
(having probs with the blog. I'll post it soon!)

Down and Derby

Wow look at Todd's...oops I mean Brigham's cool car! It was Brigham's idea after all to paint it camouflage. Todd... err... Brigham put a lot of time into it and we all had a blast at the Pine Wood Derby. Way to go Bub for bringing home the Most Patriotic Car award (and Todd)!

One Good Thing

Buzz is away. This means breakfast for dinner (my silver lining). The kids and I LOVE this. Todd. . . does not. Although he would NEVER complain about anything I made for dinner, he prefers breakfast for breakfast. It's not about eating it for me. It's the ease in making it, and having all the kids happy in one shot - a rarity in our home.




Lovie, I would gladly choose having you home every night over breakfast for dinner any day. I miss you.

Evidence of Children

Dents in the wall.

Dirty fingerprints on the doors.

Our fancy homemade "no soliciting" sign.
(Complements of Brigham)
Yes, that is Scotch tape holding it up.

The ubiquitous crayon marks.

Oh how I yearn for an ultra clean house, that actually stays clean for longer than 15 minutes. Sometimes I feel frustrated with my lack of time to get past the de-cluttering, straightening, putting away, picking up, that I can't get actual cleaning done. Then I realize that the messes, fingerprints, toys, and clutter aren't always going to be there.

And I feel a little sad.

One day my house will be clean. I mean really clean. And there will be no kids to plaster there sweet little sticky fingers all over my doors... or windows... or couches... or walls (need I go on?). Then my frustration turns to sentiment. And I'm happy with where I am right now... with a home full of 5 little (big) mess makers. A home full of life. Full of noise. Full of chaos. Full of laughter. Full of love.

I'm Grateful

Just a few of the things I've been feeling especially GRATEFUL for lately;

5 beautiful, spirited, HEALTHY, children.

A husband that works harder to SUCCEED than anyone I know.

My home - it may have DIRTY floors, but at least it doesn't have DIRT floors.

Family members that follow the promptings of the SPIRIT.

Friends. Friends that LISTEN.

The COMPASSION of strangers.

Discovering what my NEEDS really are.

The REALIZATION that it took trying times to be TRULY grateful for these things.

Just A Moment

It started with two kids in the tub. Cole was telling me who in our family were girls and who were boys. He had it all down.

"Mally's a girl and Haydyn."
"What am I?" I ask.
"A girl." He says.
"What are you?"
"I a boy."
"What about Brig and Quin?"
"Dey are boys yike me."
"What about Dad?" (still baiting)
"He a Dad."
"But is Dad a boy or a girl?" I ask again.
"He a Dad."
Apparently all the kids are boys and girls, and I am a girl. But Dad is a Dad, Nana is "just a Nana", and Grandma is "just a Grandma."

While Haydyn and Cole where in the bath together Cole decided to get a mouth full of water and spit it right in Haydyns face. Just as I was about to get mad (ahem) Hayden burst out laughing. This of course only fueled the spitting. Hayden was belly laughing with all her might. It was definitely a "dear diary" moment. But of course by the time I thought about getting my camera the fun was over.

First day of school...again

Today Cole had his first day of Joy School. He has been waiting since April for this. During the month of May I thought I was going to loose my mind. Every day Cole would ask, "Is my school today?" "Not yet." I would answer. Coles immediate response, "WHYYYYYYYYYY?!!!" Followed by, "AHHHHHHHH I WANT TO GO TO MY SCHOOOOOOOOOL!" Of course this was done while laying on the floor and kicking his feet. After my wonderfull job of ignoring him for 5 minutes or so he would stop and run out of the room. And by the time June came he completely forgot about school and was onto the next tantrum causing issue.

After Quin and I dropped Cole off at school Quin dashed in the house ahead of me, jumped out from behind the couch and yelled, "Boo!" Which was followed by, "OK Mom time to play charades!" Unbeknownst to me Quin had the whole hour planed out. Being the middle of 5 kids he rarely gets (or wants) one on one time with me. But today while Haydyn was sleeping and Cole was at school he seized his opportunity. After a rousing game of charades (Quin was a farmer, a bull, and a "slow clock") he said, "OK mom after you finish your jobs we'll play hungry hippos, then I'll show you my new dance moves, then we'll tackle each other." Of course my idea of an hour with only 1 child differed slightly from this. But how could I refuse this offer? It was awesome to spend this one-on-one time with my 5 year old buddy. I couldn't have planned it better myself.

BYU Football + Labor Day = A Great Weekend!

It's official . . . BYU football is here, and Todd is in heaven! Well, he would really be in heaven if he had season tickets. But for now we are stuck watching the amazing coverage on The Mountain channel. Seriously have you seen this? I think a local high school is behind all of this. The coverage is sooooo bad.

It's the end of a fun labor day weekend. Todd borrowed a big motorhome and we headed off to none other than Nana and Grandads. The kids dig this. We could pay a lot of money and go somewhere special (sorry mom and dad, you're special too) but the kids wouldn't enjoy it any more than this. Cole fell off his bed twice in the middle of the night. The second time he landed on Quin and Quin punched him. Neither of them remembered a thing in the morning. Crazy boys.

I am REALLY glad Todd didn't have to go to New Jersey as scheduled this weekend. It was great having him home for an extra day! Today we had fun eating a big breakfast Todd made, going out to lunch, feeding the ducks (and fish), and seeing Kung Foo Panda with my Mom and Dad. But the very best part of the day was driving in the motor home listening to my Mom and Dad sing songs in the back with all of our kids. I'm sure the kids will have a special memory of that also. Thanks Mom and Dad for a fun weekend together. We love you!

Happy Birthday Brigham!

What do you get when you combine a Clone Trooper helmet, The Clone Wars movie, a new fish (named Blue Jazz), and getting "checked out" to go to Super Sonic for lunch? A very happy 9th birthday! Last night at about 10:45 pm he said, "I'm just so excited. Tomorrow is the best day of the year!!" Brigham has always looooooved his birthday. He has been known to plot and plan all year for the next birthday celebration.



Brig I hope you had a great Birthday! Dad and I love being your parents and feel blessed to have you in our home. Thank you for your many notes and loves. We can't wait to see what new things this year will bring. We love you!

First Day of School

Yeah! It's finally here... and now I'm not sure I'm ready. At first thinking of summer vacation with all my kids home 24/7 and trying to only do things that were free had me shakin' in my boots. But my kids really stepped up. Brig gets bored easily and in the past it has been difficult to keep him entertained. Not this summer. He tried so hard to come up with things to do on his own. We really kept things simple this summer and I know it was hard for my kids not to complain when their friends were off doing fun things, but I gotta say they were AWESOME! My kids are the best.

So this morning before the kids left for their first day of school Mallory said our family prayer. Part of it went like this, "Please help Mom not to feel sad and lonely while we are at school all day." Oh if she only knew. As if I could feel lonely with Quin, Cole, and Haydyn still home. I would love to feel lonely for just a few minutes. Please. No really.

Anyway, Brigham and Mallory both had a great day. Brigham's biggest news was that his teacher Mrs. Evans, who he wasn't quite sure about, has a prosthetic eye. He thought that was the coolest thing ever. Mallory has Miss Braswell and loooooved eating lunch at school and can't wait to go to computers tomorrow. I really am going to miss her during the day. I know they are both going to do great.

Todd Rocks!

What kind of husband takes 4 kids 8 and under camping by himself? Mine does! He was even brave (or crazy) enough to take them hiking up to Stewart falls and back. I'm not sure if he would do that part again but ya gotta love him for trying. Haydyn and I went up Saturday night and had dinner and made smores with everyone. The kids were having a blast. Brigham gets a little home/mommy sick so he came back with me and looooooved having me all to himself for a little while. As for me, I enjoyed the rare time to myself by staying up until 3:00am totally engrossed in Breaking Dawn. Heaven! Thanks Babe - for giving me some much needed "Jeanne time."

Quiny Quin

Quin LOVES Haydyn!

Each morning for the last month or so Quin would wake up and say, "How many more days until my birthday now?" He has been so excited to turn 5. I asked Quin what he wanted to eat for his birthday dinner and he said "bacon."

Some things we love about Quin;
He is always saying funny things that make all of us laugh.
I love listening to him talk. He annunciates everything. (Quin would say "evvrrrythingg.")
He gives great hugs.
His prayers.
His shy smile.
His laugh.

This was our conversation the day after his birthday.
Me: "What was the best thing about your birthday?" Quin: "Camping in the backyard, eating cake, and opening presents."
What excites you most about being 5? "Everything."
Like what? "Coming up with fun ideas."
Why is being 5 better than 4? "Because you get to do big kid stuff."
Like what? "Like get something for somebody that they want and it's to high.

"We love you Quin!!!!! XOXOX

My Mallory

Sometimes when Todd and I go up to bed we find messages written to us on our bathroom mirror. They are always very sweet, but the last message left me in tears. This is what was written;

Dirr Mom i love you be kus you kuct and you kerr fr us! and you desidid to be arr mom!
Love Mallory! you are the best mom evrr. i love you!

Mallory

How cute is that?! After reading it I felt so overwhelmed with love for my kids (and a little guilty for not being as patient as I should.) There are times when I'm just not feeling the "joy" in motherhood. You know, the days where certain 8 year-olds want to tease all the other kids to the point of tears, two little boys won't stop fighting, a usually sweet little girl is being very demanding and whiny, and the baby keeps emptying out all the cupboards and has diarrhea. I could go on, but why torture myself. Anyway, thank you Mallory for helping me remember why I love being a mom! I love you too.

Haydyn's First Birthday!

I can't believe little miss Haydyn is already 1! That first year goes by way too fast for me. I have enjoyed every second spent with my sweet girl. The biggest surprise of number 5 was how much joy my other 4 children have found in having Haydyn around. Brigham loves to be the first one to get her up in the morning and bring her downstairs. He also wants to hold her any time she is playing happily on the floor. Mallory is such a nurturer. She knows just what to do when Haydyn is upset. Quin has learned a lot from watching Mallory and can also comfort Haydyn. He is the master at catching Haydyn BEFORE she puts something scary in her mouth. Cole loves her to death. Literally. Well, not quite, but it's just so hard for him to keep his rough and tumble 3 year old hands off of her. Haydyn - we are so blessed to have you in our family. You have added so much to our lives. We love you!

4th of July

July 4th has always been a favorite holiday of mine. Ever since I can remember my family has gone to the parade (in Provo) and to see fireworks. My Dad has always saved places for the whole fam to see the parade. Sometimes sleeping over, sometimes waking up at 4:00 a.m. to get the perfect spot (always 800 N. and University!) With the family getting bigger, and Grandad getting older its getting a little trickier. This year Todd and Brigham slept outside with Grandad, Jake, and Jared. Wouldn't you know it, Brigham didn't fall asleep until 2:00 in the morning. But we got the usual spot and had a blast watching the parade. The kids were so excited and loved every minute of it.

Miley Rocks!

On July 2 a friend of mine called saying she had two extra tickets to Stadium of Fire. I jumped at the chance to go and take Mallory. She loves listening to Miley Cyrus's music. The look on her face was priceless when I told her we were going. "I'm going to take my autograph book!" she said. It was so much fun spending that night together. Everything was so exciting for her. I hadn't been to the Stadium of Fire for years and it brought back all of the same emotions as when I was younger. I always feel so blessed to live in this country and for all the rights and freedom we enjoy.

Mini Milestones

Cole - so proud of himself actually using the pedals on his "bike." Cole got his bike in February when he turned 3 and had no desire to try the pedals until now. If only we could have the same luck with potty training. Ugh.



Yea! Miss Haydyn decided she would start crawling about 4 weeks ago. Since a crawling baby means a busier me it has taken me this long to write about it. In this picture she is about 10 1/2 months old. Yes I know, some little ones are walking by now, but not the Mecham Kids. They like to take their own sweet time. If Haydyn follows suit, she won't be walking for another 6 months or so. I'm happy where she is and still enjoying every single second of her.

Dance Festival

Mallory and her dance partner.

Brigham dancing to "What time is it?"
from High School Musical.

I was so impressed with Brigham and Mallory at the dance festival this year. Last year Brig was so embarrassed about dancing he didn't even want anyone to come watch. This year he wasn't shy at all. He got his groove on and didn't miss a step (I think wearing a hat helped.) Mallory did the Charleston to perfection. She smiled the whole time and her pose at the end with James Brandt was about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Too bad I didn't get a picture of that. They both have had awesome teachers this year and have learned so much. Now it's time for me to step up to the plate and figure out what to do to keep them learning this summer!

Memorial day camp-over

I guess we're starting a new tradition of sleeping over at Nana and Granddad's house in the camper on Memorial day weekend. This was our second year doing this and the kids were so excited to "camp" at Nana and Granddad's. Todd pulls the camper into their backyard and the 4 oldest kids get to listen to Todd's infamous camping stories as they giggle themselves to sleep. I get to sleep in the house with Haydyn and enjoy some time to myself as I read myself to sleep. Pure bliss. In the morning Todd makes a delicious breakfast for everyone outside on his camp chef. This year we woke up to rain (which Todd LOVES when he is sleeping in a camper.) But the breakfast went on as usual thanks to N and G's covered porch.

In the afternoon we went to see "Horton Hears a Who" which was very cute. Todd and Cole enjoyed the movie with their eyes closed. Nothing like a cool dark room for an afternoon nap.

Jill treated us to a BBQ at her house that evening. The kids were exhausted as we headed home for bed, only to find all of our neighbors in our circle gathered around outside launching homemade rockets made out of 2 liter pop bottles. The kids had a blast counting down; 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....blastoff! Brigham made a sign that said "Go Calls!" that he would hold up whenever they would shoot their rocket.

After a hectic month and Todd being gone over the weekend it was great to have a day together as a family.

Congraduation?

Yeah Quiny Quin! On Thursday night Quin had his preschool graduation program. He has never been one to like singing, but he sang every song and even did most of the choreography too! His favorite part was getting a balloon with a treat attached to the string. My favorite part was watching his right shoulder lift up as his little shy smile spread across his face.

Also on Thursday night was Mallory's violin recital. She played Allegro and did such a great job! She works so hard each day and rarely complains about practicing (no, that is definitely not normal). All of this talk about programs, recitals, concerts, graduation, got Quin a little confused. And always having a word for everything he started calling his program "my congraduation."

Todd, hurrying to make it to Mallory's 5:00 recital, was pulled over and given a ticket. Aaahhhhhh! He never speeds. And wouldn't you know it the one time he does....busted. He made it - just as we were leaving. Ya gotta love the guy, he's always rushing from one place to the next never quite making it on time, but always thinking he will.