Spot the changes?

Ever since we moved into our house, I have thought that the trellis-ish thing on our front porch looked a bit odd.  Like it needed something growing on it.  But I didn't want to block any light from our front window.  So FINALLY I had the guts to attack it and take it down, with a little help (okay a lot of help) from one of the girls in our ward and and her boyfriend.  This picture is kind of fun because it shows LOTS of the changes we have made in our house.  Can you see how many?

This is when we first bought the house 5 years ago.

This is now...I took this at night with my night camera without a tripod so it is a bit blurry. 

Camp out and Camp in

We decided to take our Young Women on a Pre-Camp camp out.  It seemed much more relevant to be learning camp cooking and camp skills at a camp site, rather than at the church.  The weather had us pulling our hair out.  The morning of the camp out dawned rainy, then sunny, then cloudy, then rainy, then cloudy.  We couldn't decide what to do.  So, we went for it.  The weather in the evening was great.  A few drops fell as we arrived, so we hastily put up the tents  (too hastily to read all the directions for our new tent thus leading to eventual rain leakage, oops!)  but after that it was great weather.  Until about 3am or so the rain started to fall and didn't really stop until around breakfast.  All the girls left their shoes outside the tent (I did say no shoes in the tent, but I meant no wearing shoes in the tent...) so they were soaked.  But our spirits weren't dampened and we had a great time.  

When I got home we set up the tents in the yard.  Of course the kids were instantly excited to sleep in them. (And I will admit, I was too--the whole trip I was just wishing my family were there with me too...)  Libby, Sarah & I slept out on Friday night in the tent.  It was a perfect temperature.  If it weren't for a deflating air mattress, I would have slept just fine!  I can't wait for our camping trip coming up over the 4th of July. 

I have never been to Cascade Park before, it is a great location for camping, and only 45 minutes away!  It is an LDS property.  

The AFTER picture.  See, still smiling!

Ben was loving the tent...but I made him sleep inside in his crib.  He is so into staying up late right now!  Ugh.  

Ben's Stats...

We had Ben's 2 year check up just a week after his birthday.  I am pretty proud that I was so on top of that!  Anyway, here are the unsurprising results:
Weight:  22 lbs. 12 oz.  3 %
Height:  32" 5 %
Head: 19" 47%

So, weight and height wise he is a normal Norton, tiny.  He is chatting up a storm though, and he even jumped on both feet for the doctor so she isn't worried about him.

I love that he has started saying "dude."  "No way dude!" "This way dude!"
But the long naps and staying up late I don't like.  I am going to have to start waking him up from his naps.  It might be time to start phasing out naps...NOOOOOO!!!!  We will see.

10th Anniversary

Derek and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary this Friday.  We celebrated by eating Arby's at the precinct with the kids because he got a late arrest.  We will still have to go out to lunch or something...but he gave me a wonderful gift.  He researched and found that the 10th anniversary is Tin.  So he gave me the new Wizard of Oz movie (ya know, the TIN man?), and DIAMOND earrings.  What a sweet guy. I am so glad I married him!  We have added 3 kids to our family in 10 years...and we still love each other.  I think that is an accomplishment.

Chaperoning Homecoming when I was a teacher at MTHS

Our family at Emily's wedding last summer

Our family did a photoshoot with an amazing photographer from our ward last month

Hide and Seek

The kids are really getting the hang of Hide and Seek.  Derek had them playing a game of it the other night.  I joined in the fun.  My first round I stepped into one of our outdoor closets to hide (the one Benny is in below).  They were all hunting for me and they walked right by me with Derek saying, "Mommy isn't really good at hiding..."  I jumped out and scared them.  Yeah!  Victory for MOM!

Then last night I was trying to plow through my book club book while I was waiting for the paint on the front door to dry so I could close it and go to bed.  (That is another story...)  Ben kept wanting me to hide behind my book.  He would "count," then say "READY OR NOT," and I was supposed to bury my face in my book so he could find me.  Then I would count and he would hunker down on the other end of the couch so I could find him.  A fun game the first 3 or 4 times.  

In the car when I was driving yesterday he kept wanting me to hide from "bad guys" by putting my hands over my face.  I tried to keep my visibility and still stay safe from the "bad guys."  Occasionally he would also have me punch the "bad guys."

  

A Few Proud Moments and Summer Goals

You know that moment when you realize Ben can now reach the counter because he reached up and pulled down 2 cooling racks full of cookies?  Yeah, that one.  Where you scream.  Then you slump down next to the fridge and cry because you needed those cookies for a young women activity?  Well, that is when you get really, really proud of your daughters.  Libby and Sarah both swarmed me with hugs and words of encouragement.  Libby asked if I would get down the broom so she could help me sweep.  They were so amazing.  I really, really hope that they did that for me because sometimes (at least) I do that for them.  What great girls I have!
I was also really proud of Libby for finishing kindergarten this week.  I was an unusual parent.  I cried after she got on the bus for the last day of kindergarten because I was so RELIEVED!  I don't have to get her on the bus for another 2 months.  It was been such a push to get her out the door every day.  Wow.  I don't think I could have survived another day of it.  On a funny note, she wore the same outfit for the last day of school and the first day.  When I came back to the house Sarah said, "Mom, what's with the crying?"  Derek got a big kick out of that.
This summer I have grand designs of working on so many things with them.  1.  Reading...Libby's school gave us access to an online resource that both the girls are loving already.  So, at least 15 minutes a day of reading, online or with me.
2.  Summer workbooks...this was a staple in my house growing up.
3.  "Skill of the week..." I took this concept from Ben's class at the Little Gym.  I am going to work on some skill with them every week.  Week 1 is pouring your own milk and making your own PBnJ.  The pouring milk thing is going to be pretty tricky, but Libby  made her own sandwich today.  Hooray!  Next is tying shoes.  After that, I will decide based on need I guess.
4.  Have fun with my kids.  I felt prompted to give up my classes at the gym.  I can't quite give up all of them, but I am down to 2.  I just need more time to be a mom.  As their lives get more chaotic, it is time for me to simplify a little.  I kind of wish there were other things I could give up, but the calling and the Rhinos aren't going anywhere for awhile, so the classes will have to.
5.  Prep our house to sell it.  We may not sell it...we need to find the perfect place before I will leave this nearly perfect place.  But we can't get more space in our house nor change our school district.  So, the search is beginning as well as the prep so that our house will sell quickly and easily when the time comes.

It is going to be a summer of chaos, but maybe slightly more organized chaos than less?

Dance Recital 2013

I was the teacher who LOVED test day.  I love to feel that nervous energy and excitement.  Dance recitals have some of the same energy--but they are MUCH more fun to watch than kids eagerly bent over an exam (well, that was fun too, but anyway)....This year's dance recital was the best so far at our studio.  They center all the dances on one theme.  This year was THE SILVER SCREEN.  Libby and Sarah's dance was the "Doe a Deer" song from the Sound of Music.  It gave me a chance to introduce them to the movie, which I LOVE.  But all of the dances at the recital were really great.  It was especially fun to see some of the older dancers who have really come a long way in the 3 years.  My favorite dance was the song from _Slumdog Millionaire_ "Jai HO."  I am hoping to find a way to be in the adult Jazz class next year.  I was actually introduced to our studio by one of my aerobics participants who is in that class.
Libby and Sarah were phenomenal, they pretty much remembered the dance and they REALLY remembered to sing!  I am SO proud of them when they get out there and dance.  I am so happy they are both looking forward to dancing again next year.

Benny TURNED 2!

Because I was in the middle of painting, Ben didn't get a whole day full of fun and delicious home baked goodies for his birthday.  But, he did get microwave mac n cheese, delicious Albertson's cupcakes with Avenger rings in them, and a new (used) Husky tricycle.  It was perfect for a 2 year old!

He actually asked for mac n cheese for his dinner. 

Bubbles with friends.

He didn't like the way the hat cut into his neck.  I get that!

His feet don't quite reach the pedals...luckily he has lots of sister help.

He did a great job of blowing out his own candle.

YUM!

My Kitchen

Since we bought this house 5 years ago, the kitchen has been in need of a few changes.  But, I knew it would be like knocking down one domino in a very large chain if I did anything, so I just let it ride.  Finally, when our stove fried out before our very ears about a month ago, I knew the time had come.  We had to do some electrical work just to get the stove (which btw, they are now called Ranges--don't try to buy a stove, or oven) disconnected (it was hardwired into the wall) and to move the outlet for the microwave so we could lift it up.  We had replaced the microwave a couple of years ago, and it was hanging kind of low over the stove.  (Ok, dangerously low.)  The new stove I finally picked was going to be too tall.  It would barely slide underneath. Luckily my dad came to help us adjust the microwave.  Then, I knew it would be time to do something about the chipping paint on the cabinets.  I called in my painter friend for a consultation.  He said something like, under no circumstance would I repaint these cabinets.  I would just buy new doors.  But, the paint kit was $75 (a special stuff for painting cabinets that shouldn't be painted called Rustoleum TRANSFORMATIONS).  New doors would have been around $6000.  Seemed like an easy choice.  In reality, while it was cheaper, the painting was all consuming and made for a pretty taxing week and a half.  BUT, they are done (except for some minor touch-ups).  I rehung the last door this morning.    Now what?  I'd love to do the flooring too, but I think we will wait awhile on that one.  I finally got the new range on Friday (by accepting a downgrade, because the one I wanted was on back order.)  So I am just going to enjoy some cooking with my new range...I need a break!

Notice that around the handles there are now no white marks where the paint is peeling.  Hopefully that will last awhile.

For the color I went with basically the same that they were before to match our ALMOND fridge--the only appliance that we haven't replaced in the kitchen...knock on wood!

A Proud Day

It was a very proud day for the D Brion Norton and Geneva Norton family yesterday.  The first grandchild graduated from high school.  And what a grandchild she is!  We are so proud of Paige.  Not only was she a gradate wearing an honor cord, she also was the Senior Class President and was the speaker nominated by the teachers of her high school.  Her speech was excellent, reminding all of us to live in the present.  Can't wait to see the amazing places this girl will go!

Libbyisms

Last week I was helping Libby take a shower.  I asked her to rinse off her conditioner.  I came back a few minutes later, shut off the shower and proceeded to get her out...only to find that she hadn't rinsed her conditioner.  "Libby," I said in a slightly exasperated tone, "Why can't you listen and follow directions?"  Her response was very telling..."You sound just like my teacher!"

On another occasion I was trying to get her attention.  Finally I said, "Earth to Libby!"  She said, "Hey, my friends say that to me too!"  You know it is bad when you don't even hear your friends.  

Will she grow into paying attention and following directions?  Please, please, please someone

say yes!

Ben's Little Hiding Place

One funny/crazy bright spot this week happened when Derek went in to get Ben up from his pretend nap on Tuesday.  (Ben takes pretend naps often...they last about 30 minutes.)  Derek couldn't find Ben.  He wasn't in the bed, under the bed or in the closet.  Or anywhere else.  Finally, Derek heard a sound...coming from the window sill.  Yep.  Ben was standing on the window sill hiding behind the blinds.  Needless to say I had to drop everything that afternoon and move the furniture around in his room so he can no longer climb up Bruce the bear and onto anything from his crib.

Comedy of Errors

This was an insane week.  A total comedy of errors.  It was busy, hectic, stressful, unsuccessful, all rolled into the first couple of days.  We had a slightly rocky end to the Rhinos season.  I ordered the Black Rhino t-shirts that we award the kids that placed at State tournaments.  I didn't check the Rhinos email account while I was on vacation.  This delayed the shirts.  So I had to give the kids a certificate that they had earned a shirt.  LAME.  The shirts came the next day.  I have to figure out how to deliver 15+ shirts that I still have left after I did a pick up window  yesterday.  Anyway, after the Rhino banquet, I came home to find that the boy that has been helping out with our yard put weed and feed instead of Preen on the garden.  Ooops.  I figured my garden was done for.  I honestly cried (maybe even sobbed) over my loss.  (But actually, so far the garden isn't dead--so hopefully the large doses of water I put on it saved it?) My new range is still on back order, so I have no oven or cook top. Anyway, the week went on and on like this.  Libby is struggling knowing the school year is ending and her best friend (and mine, his mom) are moving to Korea.  Sarah is a bit manic too.  Ben is complaining about his ears, but the doc couldn't see anything wrong when I took him in.
In the words of a wise teacher (In Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse) "[This week] was a bad [week].  [Next week] will be better."
Oh yeah, and did I mention I finally decided to tackle the cabinet painting project I have wanted to do since we moved in?  I am bone weary!  (But not as tired as Derek who worked at between 1 and 3 shifts a day for the past 4 days.)

Cousin Time

We got to spend most of the weekend with Brian and Bryn and the newest (and only) Randall cousin, James.  He is the best baby.  Seriously.  I heard him cry for like 10 minutes total in 4 days.  We had a great time getting to know some 2nd cousins too.  What a great BIG family we have.   

This cousin is named LIVVY (Olivia).  She was born the day after Libby's due date, 6 days before Libby.  Crazy, right?

This picture is the whole group from the Randall Family Memorial Day Picnic.  We are in front of Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Randall's house in Centerville.  

Concerts

Libby and Sarah decided that they were going to give us a couple of concerts while we were in UT.  Libby was the organizer, master of ceremonies, rule maker, choreographer, etc.  She bossed around the performers and the audience in true Trish style.  It is crazy to see yourself in little person form.  Anyway, here were the rules for the first concert.  

Rule #1:  If you go to sleep, you need to leave.

Rule #2: No laughing.

Rule #3:  Darn....I should have written down all the rules immediately because they were so funny.  But you get the gist.  There were 4 or maybe even 5 rules given in a very stern tone.

The concert moved from the deck to the basement and would have gone to yet another location, but the audience had seen enough of made up songs and dances and near umbrella accidents.

The best part was when they did their dance recital dance, "Doe a Deer."  

The second concert involved another family friend.  In addition to Libby and Sarah doing some singing to princesses songs, we got Brad and Ryan doing Gangham Style with Ben on my parents' window seat.  It was awesome!

Libby demanded umbrellas for their dancing.  

Sarah playing the frog.

Doe A Deer.

Surprise!

For Memorial Day Weekend I decided we would go to UT and surprise my mom.  I have just been missing her.  I drove down with the kids by myself.  It really wasn't bad at all.  I listened to a book on my iPod (and several episodes of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me") and they watched movies.  It got a little long, but the excitement for the surprise made it totally bearable.  (My dad drove back with us so I knew I didn't have to do the whole thing by myself again.  That helped too.)

She was REALLY surprised!

It was awesome!

Libby took this lovely picture of us all together.  My dad looks like he wasn't quite ready for this one.