Truth be Told

As we are sitting down to dinner the boys were fighting and arguing and I told them to stop when Connor said, "What, I was just annoying him."

New Foods

Yesterday I made BBQ pork ribs in the crock pot for dinner. As we sat down to eat Connor took his first bite and exclaimed, "This is great! I thought it would make me throw up, but this tastes good."

It took me by surprise that before he even tasted them he assumed it would taste so bad it would make him throw up.

I know this can't be a reflection on my cooking, so it must be a reflection on his attitude towards new foods. :)

Name Change

After 14 years of marriage, I finally made it down to the Social Security office today to change my last name to Hengsteler. Everything else was changed within days of our marriage, but for some reason I never made it to a Social Security office to get this changed. After several years, it didn't seem to be so pressing. However, times have changed and since I left my job and came back, they now have e-verify. My employers could not rehire me unless I passed e-verify, and I could not pass because my name did not match my social security information. So, I finally made it down to the Social Security office today and it is official... my name is Neva Jane Hengsteler.

Returning to Work

Today I went back to work. I had not planned on returning to my previous employers, Palm Valley Animal Clinic, but the opportunity presented itself just as I needed to find work. I was planning on looking for a job with the boys’ school so I would have the same hours as them, but things worked out better than planned. I am doing what I love and still get to be home for the boys when they are home from school. It is always amazing to me when things just fall into place and work out better than planned. It always reminds me that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me and my family.

Boy Party

Today Connor came downstairs and told me they are having a boy party upstairs and I am not invited. I guess this is one of the downsides of being the only female in the house. However, I figure that if they want a boy party upstairs, I will have a girl party downstairs. I think I get the better end of the deal anyway... all the food and snacks are downstairs. :)

Candy

As we are sitting in church Zander leans over and says, "Connor took my candy out of my mouth and now it is in his mouth."
A) Yuck!!
B) What do you say to that... give it back?

Loose Tooth

Connor’s 2nd baby tooth has been loose for a couple of weeks now, but today it was very loose. He spent 30 minutes this morning wiggling and pulling on his tooth before it finally came out. He is so excited that the tooth fairy is coming tonight!

Big Helper

Connor is such a good helper. He usually is so willing to do any little task I ask him to do. Today, I asked Connor to take some stuff to the trash can; I never thought he would take them ALL in one trip. What a resourceful little boy!

Yard Work

I love this age. He actually wants to mow the lawn just because he is big enough. I know it won't last long, so I am enjoying it while I can. It makes yard work so much faster. He can mow the lawn and I can pull the weeds. I can't wait until Connor is big enough to help too!

Another dream

Today Connor told me he had another dream... He said that someone ate him and spit out his bones and then ate his brains and he was a skeleton.
I think he needs to lay off the sugar before he goes to bed.

Tomatos

My little garden had not done so well. I am not sure if it something I have done or just the location that I picked. However, there are some things have grown and produced well. My green onions, chives and two tomato plants have done very well. I have two different types of tomato plants: roma and big boy. The roma produces a lot of tomatoes while the big boy produces BIG tomatoes. We all have watched as a particular tomato grew and grew and grew until the day we picked it from the vine. When sliced it fit perfectly on a hamburger patty. While my garden may not be very good, it is a learning experience and I love my little garden.

Allergic to babies

At dinner Connor said, "Mommy, did you know that I am allergic to babies?"
I asked why and he replied, "They spit in your mouth and they taste yucky!"
With that line of thought, I think most people are allergic to babies.

Bicycle Rally

Tonight at Cub Scout Pack Meeting we had a bicycle rally. It was great. All the boys and their families had a lot of fun. I was in charge of the obstacle course. I set up some road cones and had the kids ride their bikes back and forth between the cones. Not to brag… but I had a lot of kids come back just to ride through again and again. I would change the set up several times so that it would be a new course when the kids came back around. I think I had just a much fun trying to make new courses and the kids did trying to ride through them. What a fun Pack Meeting.

Anniversary

Today is Lee & my 14th or Ivory Anniversary. This year we didn’t have much money to spare, so we decided to not to purchase gifts for each other; however I did find a gift that was very inexpensive and practical. Happy IVORY Anniversary Lee!

Wedgies

Connor: "Mommy, Zander gave me a wedgie."
Me: "What did you do?"
Connor: "Nothing!"
Me: "Don't lie."
Connor: "Ok, I have him a wedgie."
Me: Trying very hard not to laugh, "Maybe you shouldn't do it anymore."

Connor's Lunch

The boys love it when Lunchables are on sale. They like the different things that can come in the different brands as well. The last ones that I bought included a flatbread with lunchmeat, Wheat Thins and chocolate pudding. Both Zander & Connor thought it was great to have 2 snacks included with the lunch; however, Connor was the only one who thought to combine those snacks. He would use his Wheat Things as a spoon or scoop for his chocolate pudding. He insisted that it tasted good.

Archery Shoot

The 3-D archery shoot was held on Saturday and Sunday. This was the first archery shoot that I had attended. It was so much fun and yet very tiring. Each day we shot 2 courses with 15 targets each for a total of 30 targets per day. We had to walk to each target site by following little flags in the ground. When we reached the site there were 3-D targets of all different animals… deer, mountain goats, bears, mountain lions, elk, caribou, moose, and even one huge buffalo. Some targets were closer and easier to shoot than others, but hit or miss we all had a great time. Sometimes Connor would pet or even hug some of the targets after we pulled out all our arrows. Close to the end of our shoot on Sunday, Connor got bored while waiting for his turn and found a big branch that had broken off of some tree. Then he found a barbed wire fence and began to hit the fence… repeatedly. Scott Roe started to laugh and said that Connor was just like Bam Bam from the old cartoon The Flintstones. But the best part was during the award ceremony when Zander won 3rd place in the Pee Wee class! I can’t wait to go to another archery shoot just like this one!

Camping - Day 1

Every year for Memorial Day weekend we go camping up at Clints Well, AZ. This year we spent a long weekend up there with my Dad & Step-Mom, Mckean, my sister Becky, and Scott Roe and his kids Taylor, Gabi, and Billy. We had a great time as usual. But this year we also included a 3-D archery shoot to the normal camping fun. We left on Thursday, May 26, 2011 and got camp set up. Then on Friday we went down the road to a section in the forest called Kinder Springs. Lee and I used to camp here before the boys were born but have not been back for over 10 years due to forest closures. The Kinder Springs meadow was recently opened up to foot traffic only. In the meadow we found an old cattle feed trough, tire swing tied to a large oak tree, and a cattle water trough with running water. The boys had a great time running around in the meadow and taking turns on the tire swing. Mckean even took a turn on the tire swing. The water trough was cold clear water and Lee enjoyed splashing the boys a little with the cold water. Becky found several photographic opportunities in the meadow too. I am really glad that we were able to take my family down the road to see Kinder Springs.

My Birthday

Mother’s day was a bust for me this year, so for my birthday I was not going to take any chances. I went to a friends surprise birthday party last month and brought home a souvenir. It was a bright pink headband that said Happy Birthday. I wore that headband all day long yesterday. Our friend Scott had a BBQ planned for the same day, but not in celebration of my birthday. I even wore the headband to the BBQ. That way my friends remembered my birthday too. It was a nice day. So nice that I am considering looking for or making headbands that read Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Anniversary, Happy Valentine’s Day or any other special day that may be needed. That way I won’t have to rely on anyone’s memory, they will know what special occasion it is they are supposed to be celebrating!

Smoke Detector

Early this morning I woke up from a strange dream. In my dream there was a loud beeping sound that did not stop. As I lay in bed I realized that the beeping/chirping sound was not from my dream but in my bedroom. Our smoke detector battery had died and it was chirping a loud short beep about every 5 minutes. I looked at the clock and saw it was only 2:30 in the morning. There was no way that I was going to be able to go back to sleep with that nose, so I got up and went to see if we had any 9 volt batteries. Nope. Well, there was only one thing left to do. I ripped that sucker off the ceiling and went back to bed. Now that I “fixed” the noise problem, Lee has to fix the smoke detector.

Mother's Day

Yesterday Lee promised the boys he would finally take them fishing on the boat. The boys have wanted to go for a couple of weeks and have not been able go due to several different reasons. They spent ½ hour getting fishing poles ready for the trip. Then they got their snacks ready and when outside to get the boat ready when Lee discovered that he had left his trolling motor on and the battery was dead. You can not go fishing on the boat without the trolling motor. This was devastating to the boys, especially Zander. Tears were running down faces when I as a mother did the only thing I could think of to make it all better. I told them that they could go fishing first thing in the morning (Mother’s Day). I would give up my Mother’s Day morning for them. I knew that there would not be any special breakfast, but my boys would be happy.

Today I got up to a quiet house and got ready for church. I listened to the primary children sing Mother’s Day songs to their moms, but my boys were not there to sing to me. I went to primary and helped all the children make Mother’s Day crafts for their moms, but my boys were not there to make crafts for me. But, I just knew that they would have something for me at home.

When I got home, the boys gave me the little crafts that they had made in school. I knew that Lee was planning on taking me out to dinner this coming week, but I asked if he had gotten me a card. No such luck. As I looked around I found that they had unloaded and cleaned up the fishing stuff. They had also fixed lunch and ate without me. Then as I fixed my lunch, they all left and went their separate ways and I sat in solitude and ate my lunch by myself. Then went to see where everyone had disappeared to in the house. Zander was playing the wii, Connor was playing on the computer, and Lee was watching a movie. The best offer I got was from Lee who asked if I wanted to watch his movie with him. No one asked what I wanted.

Dinner time rolled around and Lee did fix me dinner before he had to go pick up his friend from the airport. I was left with the boys to get them cleaned and washed up after the day of fishing. By the time Lee got home again it was almost bed time for everyone. Lee knew I was a little disappointed with my Mother’s Day and had bought me my Mother’s Day card and some flowers while he was out. While it didn’t make it all better, it did show that he was sorry and wanted to make me happy. Let’s see if he learned a lesson does better for my birthday in 6 days.

Tooth Fairy

Today while I was working on the computer and Connor was watching TV he jumped up and ran to the bathroom. Since he has been potty trained for quite some time now (2 years) I didn’t even question him. After a short time he came running out of the bathroom and said loudly, “Mom, I didn’t wiggle it, I didn’t wiggle it.” As I am trying to figure out what happened he holds up a baby tooth and shows me his teeth. Sure enough he has lost his first baby tooth. He is so excited to have the Tooth Fairy come tonight. When Daddy came home from work he showed him his missing tooth and told him that the Tooth Fairy was going to bring him money. When Lee asked how much money Connor replied, “Maybe one or twelve.” I am not sure if he thinks the Tooth Fairy is planning on leaving one or twelve pennies, nickels, dimes, quarter, or dollars, but the Tooth Fairy has been hit by this recession as well and only plans on leaving one dollar.

Garden

The prophet said to plant a garden, so that’s what we’ll do.
For God has given rich brown soil, the rain and sunshine too.
And if we plant the seeds just right and tend them carefully,
Before we know, good things will grow to feed our family.

This is a primary song that I remember from when I was a child. I know that we have been counseled from our prophets to have gardens for many years now, but I am slow to try new things. I have a little area next to the walkway to my house that was probably meant for flowers, but I am using it as a mini garden. I have zucchini, chives, green onions, tomatoes, yellow summer squash, and cucumbers all planted. Then in a pot on the front porch the boys have planted pumpkins. So far, everything has started to bloom and grow. I have chosen this spot for several reasons. 1) There is a drip system on a timer so I don’t forget to water my garden. 2) I walk past my garden several times a day and I can see when there are weeds that need to be pulled. 3) Being so close to the house with so much activity the birds should stay away from my garden. I grew chives, green onions tomatoes last year, but I have never tried any of the other plants. The plants look beautiful, and I hope that they will produce the fruit and veggies for my family. Maybe if I can successfully grow this garden I will try to expand and grow more in my backyard next season.

Baptism

Today Zander was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. We are so pleased with him and his choices. Zander asked for his Grandparent and aunt and uncles to participate in the program. There were a few last minute changes to the program, but everything went beautifully. Before we left the church we took a family picture to remember this beautiful day. We invited everyone to return to our home after the service for a lunch and cake to help celebrate. We had a houseful of guests and a backyard full of kids. I am so grateful for such a wonderful family and great friends. I am looking forward to repeating such a wonderful day in 3 years when Connor turns eight.

Diamond

This year Mother’s Day is 6 days before my birthday. Since Lee has a hard time thinking of gift ideas I told him that diamonds are always acceptable gifts. I guess that I should have been more specific because he did indeed buy me a diamond… a Diamond bow. I am now the proud owner of a Razors Edge Diamond compound bow.

Easter Egg Hunt

Every year my mom has an Easter Egg Hunt for the grandkids at a park near her house. This year was no different. We packed our kids in the car for the 1½ hour drive to east Gilbert with their Easter baskets and headed out to Grandma’s. Once at the park we ate a picnic style dinner and then Aunt Amanda, Uncle Russell, and Uncle Grant hid the Easter eggs for the kids. Some of the eggs were hidden in trees, bushes, behind rocks, and of course for the youngest some were hidden in the recently mowed lawn. The kids had a great time looking for the eggs. The best part… Grandma filled all the eggs with candy. The bad part… Grandma filled them with chocolate on this wonderful and warm day. By the time we hid the eggs, hunted for the eggs, and opened the eggs, the chocolate was warm, soft, and almost melted. It was a good thing that Grandma brought extra chocolate in the cooler with all the food and ice. That chocolate was perfect for eating. Just before we left, Connor decided to roll down the little hill that was next to our table. Soon all the kids had joined in the dizzy fun. By the time we left, everyone was tired from all the fun.

New Couch

Today we said good-bye to our old couch. It served us well, but after so many faithful years of service it just could not keep up with our family. The hide-a-bed was lumpy and most of the springs were sprung. Two of the back cushions were torn off. And was stained from the many times the boys (Lee included) spilled food and drinks. But you can not have a living room without a couch to watch TV so, we got a new couch/sectional. It is beautiful! Lee let me pick it out and just accepted on blind faith that I would choose something he would like. As it was being set up I asked Lee if he liked the style and colors. As a typical guy he sat on it and said, "Yep, it works." I am looking forward to many years on my new, beautiful, and comfy couch!

Zander's Bobcat Badge

Tonight at the Cub Scout pack meeting Zander received several awards; his hiking, fishing, and wildlife conservation belt loops, and his Bobcat award. He was so excited to get a badge for his uniform and loops for his belt. The Bobcat award is the first of several badges/rank advancements that a boy can earn in Cub Scouts. When a boy earns his Bobcat we have the father turn the Cub Scout upside down so that the badge can be pinned on temporarily upside down. The boy can turn the badge right side up again when he does a good turn. After they get their badge the boy gets to pin a Bobcat pin on his mother, then he is supposed to give his Mom a kiss. Everything went as planned for Zander except that when it was time to give me a kiss he tried to run away. Luckily Lee was there to play blocker for me and I was able to grab Zander and gave him a big kiss. I am so please with him and his achievements.

Birthday King

Today Connor turned 5. He got to pick what he wanted for breakfast (Lucky Charms). He got to take cupcakes to preschool. His preschool teacher gave him a crown to wear for his birthday. He wore that crown the rest of the day and told us he was the birthday king. As the king he got to pick what he wanted for lunch (chicken nuggets), snack (cookie), and dinner (noodles). Now you may be asking what kind of noodles for dinner. He wanted a big plate of plain spaghetti noodles, no sauce. We don’t know why, we don’t question why… it is just the way it is. During the day he picked what cartoons on TV. Zander was such a good sport about letting Connor watch all his favorite shows. What a fun day for a 5 year old!

Not Me

I went to use the downstairs toilet and found if filled past the rim with sudsy bubbles. It took 5 flushes to get the toilet back to normal. I asked who put soap in the toilet and both boys claim they are innocent. I can't get either of them to confess. I guess the not-me-ghost strikes again.

Laundry Baskets

Connor has had an obsession with laundry baskets for as long as I can remember. At first he would lay in them with the clean clothes still inside, but I would tell him to get out because he was wrinkling my clean clothes. He quickly learned to dump the clothes out of the basket before he would get inside, so instead I now tell him to pick up the clean clothes off the floor. I don’t know if he didn’t sleep in a crib long enough as a baby or if he just thinks he is part cat. Either way, I have to constantly tell him to get out of my laundry basket. I hope he outgrows this desire before he gets any bigger. I don’t think my laundry basket can take it much longer.

Waterfall Hike

Today was a great day. After church we went to the White Tank Mountains and hiked the Waterfall Trail with some friends, Scott Roe and his kids. It is a simple one mile maintained trail hike. Along the way we saw some beautiful cacti blooming, petroglyphs, and stunning desert scenery. Zander did the whole hike by himself. Connor did most of the hike, but after a while he told us that his legs were so tired and he couldn’t walk anymore. Lee put Connor on his back like a backpack and packed him the last ¼ of a mile to the top. Once we reached the top of the trail we stopped for a quick snack and some pictures. If it has rained recently the top of the trail will have a waterfall (hence the name, Waterfall Trail), but today it was just a pool of water. Zander and Connor enjoyed climbing over all the rocks while Scott, Lee and I enjoyed sitting in the cool shade and talking. After our snack we headed back to the car and headed home. During dinner I asked the boys what their favorite part of the hike was for each of them. Connor said he didn’t like hiking, but after some encouragement he did admit that he enjoyed throwing rocks in the pool of water at the top. Zander said his favorite part was climbing on the rocks. Either way, rocks seemed to be the favorite part of the hike. Lucky for us we live in a desert… rocks all around.

Firestation

Today Connor’s preschool class went on a field trip to the Sun City West Fire Station. The men at the fire house were awesome! They show the children everything. The bedrooms, bathrooms, storage rooms, kitchen, control room, break room, and the living room. They even let them touch as much as possible. After the tour of the inside they took the kids to the garage and showed them the trucks. The kids got to see all the equipment that goes inside a fire truck and then got to climb inside. After the fire truck one of the men put on the entire fire suit on to show the kids what a fireman would look like if he had to rescue them. When the kids has seen everything there was to see the men had the kids go back to the kitchen and gave them cookies and juice and coloring books, fire hats, and all kinds of little trinkets. These are wonderful men that serve our community!

Recycling

Today we went on a Cub Scout field trip to Waste Management Recycling Center. When we first arrived we were taken to a room made especially for tour groups. Around the sides of the room were Plexiglas boxes of the different materials that can be recycled and at the front of the room there was a display case of things that were made with recycled materials. It was very interesting to learn what can and can not be recycled and what those things can be made into again. After a safety briefing the boys had to put on bright orange safety jackets and hard hats as well as safety goggles because they were taking us into the plant and right next to the actual machines and workers to see up close and first hand how things are sorted and processed. After the tour each boy was given an insulated soft lunchbox that had a small plastic football and chap stick inside. All the the products were made of recycled materials. (I hope the chap stick case and not the actual chap stick was recycled!). The Cub Scouts had a great time! But then again, only a boy can enjoy looking at trash.