Dress-Up Day

So these days, there is no such thing as Halloween in schools... there are "harvest" days, but personally I don't think kids get super-excited because squash is in season.  

I miss the good ol' days of dressing up at school for Halloween.  Last Friday, Dallin's school has "dress-up-like-your-favorite-book-character" day instead.  Although Dallin will be Zorro for Halloween, we didn't have a Zorro book and he couldn't bring his mask or sword to school... no fun for Zorro, so we improvised and decided to bring his favorite pirate book and dress up like a pirate:

This school day consisted of a character parade and a "harvest rotation"(where all the kindergartner's move from room to room and do different fall activities).  I was able to assist in Dallin's classroom for a bit (thank you Grandma Charmaine for babysitting):

After school, we swapped costumes and got ready for our ward Halloween party.  

Dallin donned his Zorro costume, 

Claire became Tinkerbell, 

and Spencer was a comfy monkey. 

 

Peter and I were the Spartan cheerleaders from the funny SNL skit.  We were very surprised how few people actually knew who we were dressed up as (who doesn't know Craig and Arianna?).

Here's the fam feeling the Halloween spirit...

The kids had a great time at the trunk-or-treat party playing games, walking in the costume parade, hanging out with their friends and of course, trunk-or-treating.

Claire and Aubree - Trevor, Ethan, Dallin and Gavin (Dallin's friend from school)

The next day, we decided to go to Orange County so that I could find a dress for my brother's upcoming wedding and so the kids could play with their fun Daddy.

Dallin at the Koi pond & Claire with her new movie

The kids on the ferris wheel

My sweet little love-bug

What a weekend!

Wrong Word

When I was a little girl, I thought these were

Oriental Wheat Thins...

Dallin thinks these are 

Automatic FireBalls...

Eye theenk whe knead two wurk ahn arr rheedeeng scils :)

Pumpkin Patch

Why the Waldron family loves the 

Halloween pumpkin patch:

we get to wear our spooky/cute new 

Halloween outfits...

we can fly on the swings...

we get out some energy on the 

bouncy slide obstacle course...

we are super-happy...

we get to try new things 

(like attempt to push a wobbly wheelbarrow all over the patch)...

we play games for prizes 

(see Dallin's green hugging monkey above)

and we of course get to pick out our very own pumpkin...

What a happy pumpkin patch family night!

Baby Blessing

This past weekend was a wonderful one.  We had lots of family come into town for Spencer's baby blessing.

Saturday, October 11 - My parents (Papa/Nana), my brother Dave, his fiance Erin, and my sister Jen arrived.  The kids waited all morning at the window for them to drive up.  I was told that as they pulled up, they saw Claire slumped over leaning on the window sill with a sad face.  The moment she saw their car and heard their horn honking, she lit up and began jumping up and down.  I absolutely love that we all get so excited to see each other no matter how long the separation has been.  

We were able to meet my brother's fiance Erin for the first time and she is simply wonderful!!  

After chatting for a bit, we headed over to South Coast winery for a delicious breakfast outside on the patio and had a mini-bridal shower for Erin and Dave.  

The rest of the day was spent playing and relaxing at home.  We watched the BYU football game, complete with pizza and root beer floats.  Grandpa and Grandma Waldron and Pete's brother Steve arrived that evening and we had a house full of so many people to play soccer and games with, talk to, and enjoy.  

Sunday, October 12 - Spencer's blessing day.  It was a wonderful blessing (even though the microphone didn't work) and I am so grateful to have such an incredible husband to bless our sweet children.  In the blessing circle was Peter, Dad Hinckley, Dad Waldron, Dave Hinckley, Rick Chase, Derek Scott, Bill Cherry, Todd Crump, Nate Randle and Brad Snell.  After sacrament meeting, we all piled into the Primary room to hear Dallin give the scripture and prayer.  We headed back home to spend the rest of the day together.  

Some highlights of the day include the blessing (of course), a riotous game of Apples to Apples, a nice fall walk, outdoor conversations, watching 'Enchanted' (Claire asking Papa to dance), celebrating Jen's birthday (October 13), cat-naps, etc.  

I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures, but it really was a memorable weekend in honor of our little Spencer.

Frustrating Football

BYU vs. TCU

I'm speechless...

Our amazing winning streak smashed by a bunch of frogs (with amazing defense).  

Darn it!!

Flawless Football

The quest for perfection continues... and we are loving every minute of it!  We literally get giddy with anticipation for the next game to arrive, so we are hanging on until Saturday... goooooooo Cougars! 

Baby Dallin and Baby Claire got an early start with the BYU football infatuation (ok, so it was forced :)).

Date Decline

Here's the short version of today's story:

-Thought I would be a cool mom and check Dallin out of school during lunch and take him to Chick-fil-A.

-Got everybody ready and made the trek up to Dallin's school (not the easiest task right now).

-Signed him out and his teacher was notified of this fun idea (thanks Ally).

-Dallin emerged from his classroom with some confusion on his face.

-I joyfully told him about our sneaky lunch escape (he, he, he). 

-He then broke into tears! :(

-How dare I tear him away from free-time with all of his new friends?

-I kissed his head, wiped all of his tears away and sent him back into his classroom to be with his favorite lunch buddies.

I am thrilled that Dallin loves kindergarten more than the playground and milkshakes at Chick-fil-A, but I have to say that I'm a quite bummed that I got rejected today by one of my favorite dates... so I took Claire and Spencer out for lunch.  They had no other choice. :)

Peace Prize

*Avery and Dallin - cute friends and Peace Builder award winners

Dallin received an award today at Friday Morning Line-up (an all-school assembly of sorts that is held outside every Friday morning).  He was recognized for being a peace-builder at school and earned a place on his school's 'Pillars of Peace Wall'.  After he was recognized with the other Peace-builders, their pictures were taken for the wall and they attended a special reception in the cafeteria complete with juice and yogurt to celebrate.  

Here is what was read about Dallin as he came up to accept his award:

"Dallin Waldron earned a place on Nicolas Valley's Pillars of Peace wall for helping others.  Dallin made a new friend feel welcomed in class.  He makes sure she is included when they play."

It is fun to see Dallin adjusting so well to Kindergarten and that he is his best self at school.  He really is a great friend and student and I am so pleased that he was rewarded for it today. 

Congratulations Dallin... you are awesome!

Triple Threat

It's official... I'm outnumbered and I don't quite know what to do.  I was an awesome mom of one, I learned how to be a pretty good mom of two, and now I am simply trying to survive with three.  

-How do I keep the house clean when they eat, drink, color, disassemble, and disorganize whatever they want when I am feeding the babe?  

-How do I walk through the grocery store with one in a car seat and the others running freely with gay abandon and not lose them or my sanity?

-How do I shower without having to wake up at 4 am (even though I am realistically already up at that lovely hour with one of them).  

-How can I be cute for my husband with spit up on my shoulder, play-doh on the bottom of my shoe, crayon marks on my pants (okay, sweatpants), and a headband holding my greasy hair back (refer to the lack of shower comment)?  

-How do I go visiting teaching and have it be a positive experience for these poor ladies that open the door to find utter mayhem about to walk through their door?  

-How am I supposed to remember everything necessary for the diaper bag each time we leave the house (had an awesome diaper explosion yesterday with no new outfit for my poor little Spencer... gotta love being naked in a car seat).? 

-My final question for anyone with multiple children... how do I ever think about having another one?  :)

My motto started out to be "one day at a time" and has quickly changed to "just get through another hour."  I have to say that amongst all of the mess (both mentally and physically), I absolutely love being a mom and wouldn't trade it for any other job or title in this world.  Here's to getting through the next hour...

Newborn News

Yesterday, Spencer had his 2 week old check-up.  He has gained a little weight (9 lbs. 1 oz.) and grew a little as well (22 inches).  He loves to be held (come on down grandparents!), he squirms like no other newborn I have ever seen (he's a boxer and a kicker), he hates having bubbles in his tummy (the only time he lets out the serious cry), he loves to pull the baby trick of pooping immediately after you change him, he enjoys being fully clothed but not swaddled, he is the first of our children to dislike the binky, and he is awake A LOT (apparently there is too much to do and watch in our crazy house).  He really is a good baby and oh, how we all adore him!

*Another cute photo by Ally

Baby Bird

Yesterday, Spencer had a 3 1/2 hour infant photo shoot with Ally.  We had so much fun swaddling him in beautiful blankets, dressing him in adorable hats and undressing him for some darling "nakee" pictures.  I can't wait to see the proofs!  Ally posted this "sneak peek" photo of Spencer eating my face (he was pretty hungry) and we think he looks just like a little baby bird.  Oh, how I love this tiny boy!

Love Laughter

I have to admit that I have been counting down the days until the season premiere of this:

Bring it on Michael Scott... I am ready to laugh.  

Speaking of laughter:

This is one happy little week-old boy!

Handsome Heaven

We are all so smitten...

He's Here!

We would like to introduce you to our newest addition:

Spencer Lee Waldron
September 15, 2008
8:11 p.m.
8 lbs. 11 oz.
21 inches

Spencer is absolute heaven! He's calm, sweet, content with whatever is thrown his way (shots, circumcision, diaper changing, feeding, etc). The labor was long and I have personally never been more thankful for an epidural, nor have I missed food more in my life. The delivery was wonderfully easy and we were even able to catch the Cowboys/Eagles game as I pushed :). We are all recovering nicely (except possibly my mom who has been the most amazing and hard-working grandma ever the past 3 days... we cannot thank her enough). Dallin and Claire think their new little brother is pretty great. Dallin has stepped right up into helpful and responsible big brother mode, while Claire has chosen to take the girly route of mini-mom. Now that we're home, our hope is to get lots more of this:Welcome to the world little Spencer... we are so glad you're here!

Please Pop!

I am still with child... this is the longest I have gone being pregnant.  I was a week early with Dallin and over 2 weeks early with Claire so needless to say, I am a little impatient right now.   I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon and I am hoping he'll frantically throw me in an ambulance because the baby is almost out... although I'm sure I'll still be at a "1" and we'll have to choose and induction date.  I'll keep you all posted... come on out little Waldron!!!!

UPDATE- okay, so I shouldn't have used all uppercase letters in the word 'update' because the news really isn't that exciting.  I just got back from my last OB appointment for this pregnancy to find out that NOTHING has changed and that this little dude hasn't even dropped yet!  My doctor doesn't want to induce me this week because I am simply not ready, so we set the induction date for next Monday the 15th... what!!?  I cried and cried.  So my Mom and I are finding lots of projects to keep me busy until then.  Unless a miracle happens, watch for a baby post early next week... sigh.

Marvelous Mom

I don't have a very good detailed memory, but I do remember as a child and teenager my sweet mother giving everything she had to her children.  I remember her trust, kindness, devotion, sacrifice and love.  These qualities continue to bless our lives.  How grateful I am for my mother and for the example I was given to help guide me in my efforts to be a good mother to my own children.  

 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" (Galatians 5:22).  This is what my mother is made of.  Happy Birthday to my dear mom who has taught me the joy of motherhood... I am so grateful that she is here helping us and keeping us company.   

Happy Birthday Mom!

Ample Arachnophobia

Dallin ran in the house from the backyard yesterday screaming and crying.  He had found a spider and was literally freaking out.  Now spiders don't bother me, so in my calm state I told him everything was okay and that it's just a spider.  He continued to freak out as he showed me what he had found in his play fort.  I walk out to find this ginormous and intricately crafted spider web with its huge maker in the middle.  It was nasty.  I was wishing the web and spider looked a little more like this...

then I would know that we simply had a very sweet and talented spider living in our backyard (and maybe a cute pig nearby), but no.  I looked around and saw my Dallin, locked in the house staring at me through the back window with worried eyes.  I saw my Claire trying with all her might to see the spider, hoping to touch and play with it.  I also saw my mom trying so hard to be strong even though spiders are her greatest phobia.  I could have waited for Peter to come home to kill it, but he sits in the same phobia boat as my mom.  I knew it was my time to be the backyard hero.  I went to the garage and grabbed  a can of this:

I sprayed that mighty sucker for quite awhile trying not to inhale the fumes.  He wriggled and squirmed for quite some time before he finally gave in.  I then grabbed this:

and went wild.  My mom was so brave standing right next to me supporting me in my mission to demolish this intruder.  We got an old piece of tupperware, scooped this enormous spider into it with a kids shovel, sealed him tightly in his plastic casket and threw him away (and everything that touched him).  I have to give props to my mom who carried the spider to the garbage can (it was more like jitter dancing there with squeals thrown in)... for having a phobia of spiders, she was amazing (she even endured a few spider nightmares last night).  

We all felt pretty heroic in our own right:  Dallin saved the day by finding the spider, I saved the day by killing it, Mom saved the day by getting rid of it (and conquering a phobia), and Claire saved the day by not touching it and ending up in the emergency room.  

So long to the nastiest spider I have ever seen outside of a cage... and hooray for Bullseye Pest Control who will spray our yard tomorrow!

Anxiously Awaiting

So we are still preggo and getting antsy.  

My Mom and Dad came into town on Thursday for the holiday weekend and 

we watched my belly, played games, 

watched my belly, went to the movies, watched my belly, cheered on BYU's first football game of the season (go Cougars!), watched my belly, fed the ducks, 

played soccer and had a great time being together.  Dad had to leave yesterday :(, 

but my sweet Mom will be here to help me stay sane as I bring #3 into the world.  

She has been an amazing help and has allowed me to kick up my feet and do a little of this:

I would like to send a few shout outs before I deliver this baby (although it seems like that day will never come):  Thank you to my amazing parents for a fun weekend and for being the most fun Papa and Nana ever!  Thank you to Ally for another fun photo shoot and for documenting more pictures of my pregnant belly.  Thank you to all my wonderful friends who patiently call wondering if I've popped yet and continually encourage me and remind me that I am not an elephant with a gestation period of 22 months.  Thank you to my husband who loves me no matter how many times I get up in the middle of the night or how many of his t-shirts I steal.  I am so grateful that he is the most excited about this new addition!  Come on JB (jelly bean)... we are anxiously awaiting!