While on our family reunion, I was in the trailer when I overheard this conversation between Courtney (father of almost 4 girls) and AJ (father of 5 boys). I don't think they knew I was listening, but I had to laugh at Courtney's wisdom. The conversation went something like this:
AJ: Is this your trailer?
Courtney: Oh no, it's C&R's. (chuckle). We're hotel people. When you have four girls, you have to pack up the world.
AJ: (loud laughter). Oh man, I feel sorry for you. You're gonna spend the next 20 years taking care of all those girls.
Courtney: Actually, it's not bad. They're good girls. And someday, they'll take care of me when I need it. (pause.) Unless I really do something stupid and screw up when they're teenagers. (another pause. next sentence spoken to self). And you know, I might not ever even know what I did wrong.
It touched my heart and made me laugh at the same time. What a wise dad. He understands more about us girls than I thought. I love having all girls and feel like our family is just the way it should be. I have at times wondered though, why Heavenly Father has continued to send us girls. I've decided it's because Courtney is so good at dealing with us! Lately, I've watched him with the girls and often thought to myself how he has such a good disposition to live in a home filled with women. He can take all the drama and doesn't get too riled up over it. I've seen that bewildered look that he gets when one of us gets all upset at him over something he doesn't even realize he did. Luckily for us, he just sort of shakes his head and waits for it to blow over. And it always does.
It takes a special kind of guy to be a daddy of girls.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Our Energizer Bunny
Emmy, otherwise referred to as "Skippy", still has as much energy as ever. Try as I might, bedtime with Emmy is often an effort in futility. A few weeks ago when Courtney was out of town, he called home at about 10:30 pm. When he asked if everyone was in bed, I told him that Emmy was currently wearing Ryenne's tap shoes and was tap dancing on our bathroom floor. By 11:30 that night, she was standing in my bed singing the "Macarena", complete with actions. I tried my best to lay very still and pretend she was asleep. Up until this point, I was not aware she knew what the Macarena was. Silly me. At some point, I'm sure I'll figure out a magic solution to our bedtime dilemna. Until then, maybe I need to switch to her brand of batteries. 
Crazy C Family Fun
Last week was the annual CFamily Reunion. This year we went to Twin Lakes, and as usual, had a crazy, wonderful time! There was plenty of family, sunshine, water, boats, good food, and good times. If you know the C's, you understand. . .what else does a person need?
Emmy crashed in her favorite nap spot, Uncle Chris' boat!
Kate, co-captaining the boat with her look alike uncle, Chris.
(She doesn't get that beautiful brown skin from me!)
Tubing, hot-dogging. . .
Zim-Zam. . .
and sand castle building.
Ryenne rides the waves.
Courtney learning how to surf. Cowabunga, Dude- he's riding the wave!
The crew in Chris & Amy's boat. We had 3 boats up there, and they were pretty much constantly in action!
Emmy, Halle, McKell, and Jeremiah
Surfing was the big hit this year. (Aunt Amy showing how it's done. She's in the "sweet spot"!)
Uncle Chris paying off his bet to Cole by eating a grasshopper. Before the reunion, Cole had caught a grasshopper. Chris had dared him, "If you eat that, I'll eat one too." 
Aunt Jodi planned the reunion this year and did a great job! Due to doctors orders, I spent most of the time in a lawn chair! (Luckily for me, Grandpa supplied us with a trailer to sleep in!) However, Courtney stepped it up and helped the girls have a great time. A few of the highlights were the "Battle of the S'mores" contest (our family won the Chocolate Lovers Division) and the "Beach Boogie". The kids loved the Beach Boogie, which was held down on the beach at about 11:00 pm one night. It was complete with tiki torches, good tunes from Uncle Shawn's boat, and glow stick necklaces for everyone. Emmy proudly led the 'Macarena'. Also popular were YMCA, the chicken dance, "Hammertime", and the Beach Boys. The girls had a great time shaking their booties with their Dad. The only complaints came from the boy cousins when the slow dancing began. Oh, yuck! 
Uncle Chris paying off his bet to Cole by eating a grasshopper. Before the reunion, Cole had caught a grasshopper. Chris had dared him, "If you eat that, I'll eat one too." Daring a 7 year old boy? Bad idea.
Aunt Jodi planned the reunion this year and did a great job! Due to doctors orders, I spent most of the time in a lawn chair! (Luckily for me, Grandpa supplied us with a trailer to sleep in!) However, Courtney stepped it up and helped the girls have a great time. A few of the highlights were the "Battle of the S'mores" contest (our family won the Chocolate Lovers Division) and the "Beach Boogie". The kids loved the Beach Boogie, which was held down on the beach at about 11:00 pm one night. It was complete with tiki torches, good tunes from Uncle Shawn's boat, and glow stick necklaces for everyone. Emmy proudly led the 'Macarena'. Also popular were YMCA, the chicken dance, "Hammertime", and the Beach Boys. The girls had a great time shaking their booties with their Dad. The only complaints came from the boy cousins when the slow dancing began. Oh, yuck! Also popular was the "Survivor Challenge". The teams were split into girl cousins + Uncles versus boy cousins + Aunts. Here is Courtney's great shot of Sadie whining about having boys on her team! I was only an eye witness, but I'd have to say the girls had a bit of an advantage by having Uncles Shawn, Matt, Courtney, and AJ on their team. Ever heard the old adage, "If you're not cheating, you're not trying hard enough?" But you didn't hear it from me.
All lined up, ready to go!
. . .And they're off for the hill climb!
A little horseshoe competition. . .
. . .And they're off for the hill climb!A little horseshoe competition. . .the under-the-table scramble. . .
and team girls + uncles celebrates a lead.
and team girls + uncles celebrates a lead.The Shasta Challenge. Each team had to drink several bottles of warm lemon-lime Shasta. The uncles had a pretty good "pour in the mouth and let it drain out" technique going on. I don't know how much of it actually got swallowed, but enough that Courtney threw up 3 times on the run they had to do afterward.
It's off for the raft race. Each team had to fit the whole team either in or touching the raft, swim it out to a buoy, and get back to the beach. Whoever touched the beach was declared the official "Survivor". 
Uncle Matt and Courtney splash at Sadie's reaction to them consoling the boy cousins that their loss was only due to having the Aunts on the team! 
It's off for the raft race. Each team had to fit the whole team either in or touching the raft, swim it out to a buoy, and get back to the beach. Whoever touched the beach was declared the official "Survivor". Uncle Matt and Courtney splash at Sadie's reaction to them consoling the boy cousins that their loss was only due to having the Aunts on the team! The boys trying to come from behind for a win. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be.
Courtney, grinning victoriously!
Courtney, grinning victoriously!And so, another fabulous C reunion makes history. The girls played so hard but had the best time. I thought David summed it up best. The last night he asked Grandma Croney, "Do you know the one thing I hate about the reunion?" When she asked him what it was, he replied, "It's my favorite time of the whole year, and it only lasts three days!"
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The girls were asleep within seconds of us driving away. In the famous words of Grandpa Bop, "Home again, home again, riggidy jig. Home again, home again, the big fat pig". . .
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The girls were asleep within seconds of us driving away. In the famous words of Grandpa Bop, "Home again, home again, riggidy jig. Home again, home again, the big fat pig". . . Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Baby Update
It's now three a'clock in the morning, and I'm up with a bout of pregnancy induced insomnia. After trying for quite some time to go back to sleep, I decided to catch up on the blog a bit. Here is a little bit of baby news. . .
We've all been looking forward to August 14th, which is the day I'm scheduled for a c-section. We already have a few b-days that week and so we were planning on making it a week of celebration! However, last week I went to visit the Dr., who is a bit concerned about the pain I'm having around my incision from previous c-sections. When I had Emmy, my uterus was pretty thin, which is a cause of concern because of the risk of a uterine rupture. The doctor was planning on doing the section about 10 days early because of this, but last week caught me by surprise by saying she might do it this week, about 3 weeks early. I was ordered to stay on light duty and try to keep things in line until later today, when she'll decide what to do.
This set me into a bit of a panic, as we are totally not ready. Normally, I have everything in order a month ahead. Well. . . .this time I don't! I have been trying to convince Courtney for the past few weeks that we should maybe dig the crib out of storage. Maybe even a few blankets and bottles. We need to also get a few minor details, such as a car seat. He's been so busy that he hasn't really had time, and kept telling me that we've got plenty of time to get ready. . . not so much now! Well, the doctor informed me that I am on official notice to GET READY! I called Courtney on the way home, telling him the news.
Yesterday I was feeling a helpless, panicky feeling. I had this week all planned out. Pedicure on Tuesday, haircuts for the girls and I on Thursday, cleaning, washing, etc., etc.! Emmy's birthday next Monday, fun outing with the girls next Wednesday, c-section on Thursday. (I know that most people don't get to plan their deliveries, but I've been spoiled to always have things scheduled so I can plan everything to the last day!) It turns out that like normal, everything always works out. Courtney stepped into high gear, searching through storage to unearth all of the baby boxes. Luckily, Kelsey saved me and cut my hair last night. Connie came in early and gave me a pedicure (my favorite indulgence). Aunt Shelly, Aunt Jodi, Aunt Andrea, and Aunt Nan called to see if they could help with the kids. (Aunt Haylee, Aunt Allyssa, Aunt Amy, and Aunt Kelsey had also each spoken to us over the weekend, wondering what they could do to help.) And wouldn't you know, my Mom showed up first thing in the morning to put her laundry skills to work. She washed the crib and the bassinet, moved them into the house, washed all of our dirty laundry from the weekend, and loaded up all the baby blankets to take home to wash. By afternoon, my friend Tracy had showed up with her daughter Tandy at the door. Soon, the walls were washed, carpets vacuumed, and floors scrubbed. We officially have clean bottles, and Aunt Haylee came to the rescue with a car seat. I went to bed last night feeling very thankful.
Courtney asked me before we fell asleep if I feel a little more ready. Thanks to everyone, I do. So, I'll go the doctor this afternoon and find out what we're going to do. Maybe we'll make it to the 14th after all. Either way, I'm once again reminded of the amazing blessing of friends and family. What a lucky baby to be born into a world where so many people are already loving her before she even makes an appearance! It's a comforting thought to know that when I can't do what I need to do for my family, I have plenty of people who are in the wings, waiting to help. Our family definitely has Angels among us.
We've all been looking forward to August 14th, which is the day I'm scheduled for a c-section. We already have a few b-days that week and so we were planning on making it a week of celebration! However, last week I went to visit the Dr., who is a bit concerned about the pain I'm having around my incision from previous c-sections. When I had Emmy, my uterus was pretty thin, which is a cause of concern because of the risk of a uterine rupture. The doctor was planning on doing the section about 10 days early because of this, but last week caught me by surprise by saying she might do it this week, about 3 weeks early. I was ordered to stay on light duty and try to keep things in line until later today, when she'll decide what to do.
This set me into a bit of a panic, as we are totally not ready. Normally, I have everything in order a month ahead. Well. . . .this time I don't! I have been trying to convince Courtney for the past few weeks that we should maybe dig the crib out of storage. Maybe even a few blankets and bottles. We need to also get a few minor details, such as a car seat. He's been so busy that he hasn't really had time, and kept telling me that we've got plenty of time to get ready. . . not so much now! Well, the doctor informed me that I am on official notice to GET READY! I called Courtney on the way home, telling him the news.
Yesterday I was feeling a helpless, panicky feeling. I had this week all planned out. Pedicure on Tuesday, haircuts for the girls and I on Thursday, cleaning, washing, etc., etc.! Emmy's birthday next Monday, fun outing with the girls next Wednesday, c-section on Thursday. (I know that most people don't get to plan their deliveries, but I've been spoiled to always have things scheduled so I can plan everything to the last day!) It turns out that like normal, everything always works out. Courtney stepped into high gear, searching through storage to unearth all of the baby boxes. Luckily, Kelsey saved me and cut my hair last night. Connie came in early and gave me a pedicure (my favorite indulgence). Aunt Shelly, Aunt Jodi, Aunt Andrea, and Aunt Nan called to see if they could help with the kids. (Aunt Haylee, Aunt Allyssa, Aunt Amy, and Aunt Kelsey had also each spoken to us over the weekend, wondering what they could do to help.) And wouldn't you know, my Mom showed up first thing in the morning to put her laundry skills to work. She washed the crib and the bassinet, moved them into the house, washed all of our dirty laundry from the weekend, and loaded up all the baby blankets to take home to wash. By afternoon, my friend Tracy had showed up with her daughter Tandy at the door. Soon, the walls were washed, carpets vacuumed, and floors scrubbed. We officially have clean bottles, and Aunt Haylee came to the rescue with a car seat. I went to bed last night feeling very thankful.
Courtney asked me before we fell asleep if I feel a little more ready. Thanks to everyone, I do. So, I'll go the doctor this afternoon and find out what we're going to do. Maybe we'll make it to the 14th after all. Either way, I'm once again reminded of the amazing blessing of friends and family. What a lucky baby to be born into a world where so many people are already loving her before she even makes an appearance! It's a comforting thought to know that when I can't do what I need to do for my family, I have plenty of people who are in the wings, waiting to help. Our family definitely has Angels among us.
Days of 47 Fun
Courtney was out of town for the 24th of July Holiday, but the girls and I were anxious to get out of the house and do something fun. We decided to do something different and headed to Salt Lake to watch the Days of 47 Pioneer Day Parade. We usually watch this on T.V., but haven't ever gone to watch in person. The girls were pretty excited! To make it even more fun, Grandma C and Aunt Andrea even came along. We had to leave at about 6:00 am to make it on time, and the girls were great sports. The Stosich family met us there for some exciting parade watching.
Ryenne and Carson enjoy the show.
Ryenne and Carson enjoy the show.
The girls thought Dad would like this double decker bike!
Waving to President Monson!We had a great time. The girls had fun watching all of the fun floats, marching bands, and clowns. They loved watching the highway patrol on motorcycles, who wore fake mustaches and did some pretty cool tricks. One even stood up on his bike while it was moving. This really impressed the girls, who decided that Grandpa Bop should definitely do this trick for the Tremonton Fair Parade! All in all, it was a lot of fun. Ryenne suggested that we make it a tradition from now on, but next time requested the presence of her dad! She was a little bummed she had forgotten to wear her pioneer bonnet that Aunt Andrea had made for her. She told me, "This is the only biggest parade I've ever seen!"
Afterward, Uncle AJ took us all to see Kung Fu Panda. Thank you AJ! We sat on the front row.The girls loved going to a movie with their cousins and learned some pretty cool Kung Fu moves to try out on their Dad. Unfortunately, Emmy was feeling pretty spunky, so I spent most of the movie in the lobby trying to convince her that running up and down the stairs to visit Grandma C was not appropriate. Neither was running back and forth in front of the screen entertaining her cousins with her antics. She wasn't convinced- thus the lobby. However Kate and Ryenne gave a glowing review of the movie. Actually so did Emmy. I'm not sure how she caught the full effect, but glad that she enjoyed herself!
Daddy Sleepover
Recently, Courtney had to travel out of town for work four out of the five weeks. This is pretty tough on both me and the girls. Before going out of town again, he planned a Daddy sleepover with the girls in the playhouse. They thought it was pretty nifty. The sleepover consisted of a highly competitive game of 'Little Pet Shop Go Fish', a movie, and the air mattress. Daddy rigged up some hooks to hang his beloved hammock for his sleeping quarters. The girls had a great time and it made for a fun memory to get them through another week without Daddy. He's definitely a favorite with all of his girls!
Daddy's Beauty Salon
As a Mom of three (almost four) daughters, it's a trick to get anywhere. Especially on time and looking presentable! This many hairdo's simply takes a bit of time. Church seems to be the hardest. Lucky for me, Daddy Courtney has learned to step up and come to my rescue. He has developed a Sunday morning ritual that is a saving grace for me. After bath time, he combs the girls hair and invites them into his "beauty parlor", where he blow dries their hair and gets them prepped for me to step in with the finishing touches. He's not quite ready for the style, but pulls off the shampoo and blow dry quite well. And he wonders why we have all girls?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)