Happy Birthday Zai!

This past weekend we hosted my nephew's second birthday. I am always so happy when family comes into town. As usual there was yummy food. I wish I had gotten more pictures, but Sepa was having an extra fussy day and I was occupied with him most the day. Isaiah is just 6 weeks older than Ikaika - I guess we better get our party-planning-thinking-caps on : )
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Superman in the Sun

These pictures were taken last week, but I am now only getting to them. Kekoa from time to time likes to wear his Superman outfit. It always makes me laugh when he puts his cowboy boots on with it as well. I think I may blackmail him with the third picture someday - that or show it at his wedding reception : )
The last picture is of the collection of dandelions he brought me. Don't you love the dirty fingernails?

Brown Sugar

Okay - so that is a dorky title, but oh well... Here are some shots I took of Ikaika today on the changing table. I never thought that babies had colors that looked better on them until I had Sepa. I love the way he looks in dark brown. He is just so handsome to me.
One of my favorite moments of the day is when he first sees me in the morning and gives me a big smile. I love being his mother.
Today we spent a good amount of time outside enjoying the beautiful weather (a post on that to soon follow) and I had Sepa in the Baby Bjorn. He fell asleep and I spent a good amount of time just watching him sleep. So peaceful and sweet. Life is really good - we are all finally healthy and I enjoy everyday. And oh how I love being a mother of three wonderful boys.

Sepa - 3 months

Sepa is growing well and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get a picture in the silly teacup. I kinda regret making this the object of comparison, but it is a little too late for change. It will be easier in a couple months when he has good control of his head.
Anyway - Sepa is doing well. He loves to have social interaction and enjoys watching Kekoa and Ikaika play. He is like the others and a real momma's boy (it must be the co-sleeping thing).
Its amazing that three months have already gone by. We all love him to pieces and he has become a perfect fit within our family.

My Little Sweetheart

About a year ago Kekoa went through a phase where he called Kyle and I by our first names. We endured it and it passed. Lately Kekoa has decided again to call me something other than mom or mommy. A couple of weeks ago he started calling me "Sweetie." It was "Sweetie, can you get me some water?" and "Sweetie, I love you." I thought it was very cute and enjoyed it much more than when he called me "Michele." Just a couple of days ago Kekoa informed me that it was no longer going to be Sweetie. He had a new name for me - "Princess." It has been fun for me - I get a kick out of Kekoa saying, "Princess, can I ...." and "Goodnight, Princess."
He also requests that I call him "Sweetheart." Funny, funny kid. I love that little Stinker.
m
PS. On Tuesday he is officially 3 1/2!

On the Slide this Afternoon

Here was a cute conversation between Kekoa and Ikaika - who is just beginning to say words.
K: Ikaika, do you want to go to Janette's (our neighbor) house?
I: No, wee (aka: the slide)
K: You want to just do the wee?
I: (in a high pitched sound) Yah!
K: Kaika, let's go to Janette's house.
I: But, but , but....

Anyone who's been around Ikaika lately can imagine just how he sounds. It is so cute.

Bumbo Jumbo

We put Sepa in the Bumbo for the first time today. He did pretty good holding his head up. It always cracks me up to see young ones in the Bumbo. They squish in so nicely, it reminds me of Jabba the Hutt. So cute. I love the way Sepa's cheeks just kinda hang off the side of his face next to his double chin. He's got my cheeks from when I was a baby.
I love the picture of the boys looking at Sepa. They love him so much. Ikaika sometimes still gets a little jealous, but he has had some sweet older brother moments -
I also love the last picture which is so Kaika - he loves pushing buttons, any buttons - cell phones, lap tops, keyboards and remote controls. My sweet boys.
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PS. Sorry if my last couple posts seemed to have solicited comments about my mothering ability. I really was not trying to. I just write things down to remember in the future.

Curiosity's Creation

I'll be the first to admit that my house is no where near perfect, but I do give my best effort to keep it somewhat clean. I just feel better when things are in it's place. However - lately I have felt like it is an impossible task to keep a clean home with three boys (well Sepa isn't to messy yet, but the other two make up for it). The day is only half over and already Ikaika has made three good size messes. So the pictures attached are not just random shots of things scattered on my floors - they are Ikaika's creations. The black-eyed peas I was soaking to cook for dinner tonight - all over the kitchen floor, water included. My nice palm-plant has lost half it's soil from the boys dumping it into the carpet - no, our carpet does not have white specks - that's the fertilizer from the soil. The paper clips were actually not that bad- it just felt extra messy after finding the other messes. And in case I seem like a neglectful mom - these things all happened while I was caring for Sepa- changing his diaper or feeding him.
Not to leave Kekoa out, yesterday he got into our jars on the counter with the different grains we have. I was fixing dinner and Kekoa said he was just going to "smell" them. Well - somehow my multi-purpose cleaner found its way into my jar of quinoa. Sometimes childhood curiosity and exploration drives me crazy!
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PS. I am still sane after convincing myself that they will hopefully grow out of it. Actually writing this post is making me smile and shake my head more than anything.

Windy Days are Good For Something

Yesterday, I received a call at work at about 4:00 from my family. Kekoa quickly asked, "Dad, are you going to come home and fly my kite?" How could I resist. I packed everything up and headed home to find Kekoa and Ikaika bundled up and ready for 'Daddy-time'. I had just enough time to drop my things inside the house and receive a red beanie on my head from Michele. What is up with our family and red beanies? We look like we belong to some gang. Anyway, the weather was perfect for kite-flying—sunny and windy. Our kite was a Spiderman kite that Kekoa loved to see dancing around in the air. He flew the kite for about 30 seconds and when he realized that there wasn't much more than standing there and watching the kite stay in the air, he got bored and moved on to riding his scooter. I was much more engaged than either of the boys. Good times.
K

UPDATE

(I added this photo just for fun - doesn't really have anything to do with my post.)

In previous posts I have written a couple things I am trying to do better at: Enjoying my kids and eating healthier. I thought I'd write a little of how I am doing.

It already has been a great week as I have been more conscious and aware of enjoying the now of my children. I feel like I take more time to be with them and less time trying to get the endless list of what-should-I d0-next done. In trying to enjoy my boys through out the day I find that THAT is exactly what happens - I enjoy them more and don't get so frustrated with the messes they make or the constant demand of my time.

I love motherhood and feel like I am finally getting a hang of three. The at-home stuff has become especially comfortable. We have found our groove and I even get a little nap during the day with the boys. Sometimes it is only 10 minutes, but it gives me a good charge. It really isn't too crazy to care for three boys. I don't even mind having to change three diapers. Yes, Kekoa is still not potty trained yet. I have great hope in the advise my pediatrician gave me - wait until he decides and it will happen in a day. It really isn't that terrible, so to those reading my post- please let your pity only extend to the point that you will send me a package of diapers (We are currently accepting donations for sizes 2, 3, and 5).

As far as the health kick - we are doing good. Especially for dinners. We've had salmon burgers, chicken and veggie wraps, lots of brown rice, fruit and other things. It has been fun and has motivated me to cook "real dinners" instead of just throwing something together when Kyle comes home from work. Last night we finally tried some quinoa. It was good. It has been a good experience and I look forward to continuing with this trend. Thanks to all who commented and gave recipes.
m

PS. I forgot to write the event that inspired this post. Today I ventured out with all three boys by myself for the first time. It took all morning (up until 10:15 am) to get ready, but we made it. When we went into the mall I carried Sepa in the Baby Bjorn and pushed Ikaika in a stroller. After a good prep talk on the way there, Kekoa did a great job walking by my side as we went in. I think Heavenly Father blessed me with a great experience (well behaved boys) so that I will have the courage and desire to do it again. I was pretty proud of myself for not having to resort to the DVD player in our van. Instead we played a nice game of "I spy" with colors and shapes. Sometimes I feel like I am an okay mom.

A New Record

Tonight Baby Sepa slept for 4 1/2 hours straight. A new record for him. Too bad it was from 8:00pm to 12:30am and I was busy watching Idol Gives Back, putting Ikaika to sleep and editing pictures until then. Now if I can only get him to sleep from 12:30 to 5:00am.....
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I Miss My Family

AAAAARGH!!!!! I am sitting in class right now and I am missing my family. I have class every Monday from 2:00-9:45....yes, that's right.....nearly eight hours of class (broken up over three classes). I am currently sitting in Quantitative Research Methods. I like research but the presentation of this material is not the most dynamic. I am surprised that the teaching method of lecturing while reading the Powerpoint slides verbatim is still employed. There is no class discussion. No practical application. The other classes I have taken here at the "U" have been challenging and engaging. My call to all teachers out there is to help students "own" the material through creative and engaging means. I don't care what the subject is....there is always an interesting way to teach it. Anyone disagree? I know that in the K-12 arena, teachers are bound by standardized tests, state curriculum, AYP, limited time, etc. I still believe that we need more teachers at all levels who not only know about the material, but are passionate and creative......oh.....and who care about students learning. It's important that time away from my family be valuable...I miss them too much. I hate Mondays because I get no family time. I'm trying to get the Doctorate done while I'm fairly young so that I can coach the boys in sports when they get bigger. By the way, the boy in the photo is not my son....but so cute.
K

Handsome Haircuts

We gave the boys a well needed haircut. Here they are in their white towels all cleaned and cute. Cutting their hair is quite an ordeal, but I have to admit it has gotten a little easier with time. We bribed them with a yummy ice cream cone. Anyway, just wanted to share these cute pictures of them : )

Here is Ikaika enjoying his reward : )

Kekoa's Castle

Kekoa loves horses, swords, dragons (with "hot stuff," aka fire) and castles. He loves to take the pillows of the couches and build a castle. He also builds castles with the dinning room chairs when I move them into the living room to clean the dinning room floor. The kid has a thing for castles. Last night while Kyle was in priesthood session I took out the Mega Legos and asked Kekoa to build a castle. Here is what he created:
I praised him and told him what a god job he did building his castle and he replied, " Yeah, its a good castle. In fact, it's perfect." Funny boy.
By the way - do you not love the outfit he is wearing? He dressed himself. What can I say? The boy has style! Thanks again to Aunty Noreen and the Noble clan for those awesome cowboy boot slippers.

General Conference - Sunday

It was such a wonderful conference. I love the feeling I have when its all over - strengthened, edified and determined to do a little better. If counsel on parenting was what I was looking for, it sure was there. I was so grateful for Elder Ballards talk for young mothers. I think it was my favorite of his. I am sure every mother was laughing at how well they related to his story at the beginning. I sure was. The part that touched me the most was the story of the mother who said her greatest regret was not living in the now - that she wished she remembered more of the picture of her young kids at the park. I have often looked at past photos of my boys and it is amazing to me how much they have grown in such a short time and it makes me so sad that those times are gone. I want to take time more to really soak in the moments and not look forward to 5:00pm so much (when Kyle is heading home). I have always been the type of person to hold my babies a minute longer to enjoy them being so little, but I want to cherish it even more. How incredibly grateful I am to be a mother. And knowing I am a mother in Zion gives me motivation to do a little better.
The thought of this need to cherish the time now reminds me of a couple Christmases ago when we were together with Kyle's family. His parents had found an old cassette tape with a recording of the three children talking - Kyle was only three years old at the time. We all laughed at how cute their voices sounded and at the funny things they said. Then Kyle's Dad said how when he heard the tape again after so long his missed that three year old Kyle. It made me think of my boys growing up and being married. I will miss their small faces and sweet voices. Again- a reminder to cherish the now.
Back to conference... I also enjoyed President Monson's closing remarks. It was amazing to me to see how well he fit into his new role - like wearing an old shoe - so natural and comfortable. I know he is who we need in the world today. I look forward to learning from him for many years to come.
Lastly, I wanted to write of the overall feeling I got from Conference. But first I need to write of how I felt going into it. For some reason for the few days leading up to conference all I saw were 'signs' that we need to get our food storage together. I even walked into Walmart on Friday to find water storage bins, plastic buckets and organizing shelves in the front entrance. I also attended an Enrichment on Thursday on food storage - learning that wheat prices have doubled because of scarcity. Anyway - I was feeling gloomy and kinda dooms-day-ish, if you know what I mean. I was certain that half the talks would be on being prepared and the events preceding the Second Coming. Instead what I found was evidence of a gospel of hope instead of the despair I felt before. A couple of the hymns had specific lines with messages just for me and I felt a wave of peace replace my worries.
Now, I am not saying that we don't have to work on food storage and be prepared. I just mean that I know everything will be okay and Heavenly Father will not forget nor forsake his children he loves so much. It was a sweet lesson to learn. Next I am off to declutter my closet and make room for food storage.
m

A Father's Influence

Each General Conference I write down a few questions that I want to address as I listen to the speakers. This conference, the question I have asked myself is, "What is my mission?" I know this is a pretty big question but I have been trying to establish my personal mission statement and have been stuck. There were, however, many words of wisdom today that helped me to see the privileged positions that I hold -- those of husband and father.

Three talks helped me to see this the most: Elder Kenneth Johnson (Sat. morning session) spoke about providing our children with righteous examples in the home; Elder Richard G. Scott's talk on abuse made me think about how precious my wife and children truly are; and President Monson spoke in Priesthood Session about how much kids need righteous men around them. These (and other) talks reminded me of my father.

My father, Norberto "Buddy" Reyes, is (and has always been) such a talented man. He has recorded albums, painted prize winning masterpieces, produced and directed two films, acted, spoken to audiences of thousands, studied architecture, literature, politics, and the list goes on. He has had so many opportunities to just focus on himself and his potential careers but instead, decided that his family was more important and spent his time coaching little league basketball, working on school art projects and mentoring his children in speech contests. He has always been a prayerful man. I have seen him countless times on his knees and have witnessed his devotion to God. I had the privilege of baptizing him when I was seventeen and he has been a master missionary ever since. Michele has often said that she would be happy if I turned out like my dad. It will be a great challenge to fill his shoes.

I guess I have found my mission.
k

General Conference - Sat

Since this is suppose to be a journal more than anything, I wanted to take the time to reflect on what I got from conference...
Listening to conference is a whole lot different with kids than when I was single. I use to be a diligent note-taker and now I am lucky if I can give my full attention to the speaker. It is nice when the little munchkins fall asleep for naps and I can enjoy without interruption. So far the most meaningful talk for me was the first talk given by Elder Nelson. I really appreciated his words on parenting and the reminder of the important role we take as parents. Lately, I have felt like I have been struggling a little with knowing how to best discipline Kekoa. I love the scripture he shared in D&C 121:41 - 44.

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile - Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

I am going to write it out and tape it up where I feed Sepa so that I can work on memorizing it. It will be great for me to repeat the words - persuasion, gentleness, and long-suffering when Kekoa pushes my limits of patience. I know I have much room for improvement, but I hope my sincere and deep love for each of my boys counts for something.

It was a sweet experience to be a part of the solemn assembly. I only wished I was dressed for church rather than just in my pj's. Actually, I couldn't even stand because I was feeding baby Sepa. I thought - well, at least I'll remember this moment. It was the first time I have ever sustained a new prophet in that way. I am grateful for the consistency and order of the organization of the church. Someone pointed out that there is a stark contrast to the way the new president of the church was chosen and the way our nation is choosing a new president. One is without question, confusion and competition and the other is. How that is a testimony to me that this is His church. Now, I am seeking to having my testimony strengthened in knowing that President Monson is who the Lord needs at this time. I don't doubt, I just see it as an opportunity to receive an answer for myself.
I look forward to continuing to hear from the general authorities as we continue tomorrow : )

PS. Between Conference I saw this great advertisement for a CD remembering President Hinckley. The thing I like about it is that all proceeds go to the Perpetual Education Fund. Here is the link - http://www.yourldsneighborhood.com
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Baby Mosaic

(click to enlarge)

Here is a fun little mosaic I created on the internet (Huggies website). These types of pictures always intrigue me. I always wonder at how so many little pictures make up the whole. It reminds me of life and how it's in the everyday that we form who we ultimately are.

TOP TEN Reasons It's Great To Have 3 Boys

I thought it would be very appropriate to do this post as a follow up to my other one.

#10 - We have our Three Musketeers, with our basketball team more than half way complete.

#9 - Speaking of which... Kyle has watching buddies to cheer with him for all the future Laker games. That's if we ever get something more than our sad, little bunny-ears for our TV.

#8 - The economic value of hand-me-down clothes and toys (although I sometimes get something new for Sepa just so he doesn't have to have used all the time).

#7 - We have a plethora of future blessings when one of our boys out on a mission for 6 straight years (which by the way I just realized the other day is longer than Kyle and I have been married so far -we celebrate our 5th this August)

#6 - The lack of drama that goes on in our house (oh wait... did I just say that... just kidding. The boys dish out plenty of drama. I think they get it from KYLE : )

#5 - The great save on money from not buying all those cute girly things - although sometimes indulge by getting something or my studio.

#4 - I don't have to figure out yet how to put tights on a baby/toddler for church - if we ever have a girl, I'll have to get up 20 minutes earlier just to get those things on.

#3 - I have all the protection I could ever want from "bad guys" with my four Super Heroes (gotta know Kekoa to get that one).

#2 - (On a more serious note) I will have a least four priesthood holders in our home, a very special thing for me - since it was a bit lacking growing up.

#1 - Mommy is still the princess of the family.

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Eating Right

So Kyle and I have decided that we are going to work on improving our lives by eating a little healthier. Kyle's inspiration came from Men's Health magazine and mine from a PBS show where the speaker told of kids found with 50% blockage in their arteries by the age of 6. We also know we are not getting any younger (as Kyle and I both leave the 20's on our next birthdays) and both are in need of added energy to fulfill our responsibilities as provider and nurturer.
We made a trip to Good Earth and picked up a few things to try, including Quinoa and some yummy granola. The boys and I are already addicted to it.
We also got a lot of fruits and vegetables and fish during our grocery run. We really want to make this a good habit - though neither of us anticipate us going totally granola.
Our two biggest challenges seem to be time and money. It takes time to create a healthy meal when Roman Noodles take a quick 5 minutes. And it was definitely beyond our food budget to get the $5 all-natural bread loaf at Good Earth. So I wondered if anyone would share ways they have found to eat healthy with out breaking the bank or taking all night for one meal.
I would also LOVE some healthy recipes that don't require random ingredients I know are not in my pantry (I really don't like to go out and spend $7 for something I only need a teaspoon for). Email me if you have something to share - reyesohana@gmail.com
Thanks in advance!
m