All night long

That's the Lionel Richie song that's in my head at the moment.

Because I was up, you know, ALL NIGHT LONG.

Miles just didn't feel good, and as I was scrubbing puke out of the carpet at 3:30 am I was providing solace for myself, thinking that since he'd been up all night and sick, he would most assuredly be somewhat lethargic today. And I would have appreciated that. My sinuses have been attacking me for three weeks straight and I'm approximately the size of Shamu.

See that open mouth? That's how I've been sleeping lately.

Anyway, Miles - being Miles - has done little to relieve me today.

Instead he's been bright, bouncy and full of life! Oh hooray! And yes, I know that technically this should make me happy. "My little boy isn't suffering and in pain!" And hey, that's nice. But guess who IS suffering and in pain?

Right. Me.

Annnnnnnnd, he has an equally spunky, busy little accomplice.

Don't you wish YOU looked like this with pink eye, double ear infections and a sinus infection?

Question for the universe: Where do children get their energy? Heaven knows it's not from eating. There's very little eating going on here. And I can't even imagine it's photosynthesis, since the sun hasn't been showing it's face around here lately (except when I'm so sick that leaving the house isn't optional - like today).

SO? Where?! How? And most importantly, WHY?!

How's your food storage?

This morning as I was straightening my hair Sophia walked in and handed me a crumpled bunch of scraps.

"Here, mommy. Barbage (garbage)," said The Girl With The Big Blue Eyes.

Looking it over I could see that it was the remains of what was, just minutes before, a completely usable toy.

"What happened?" I inquired.

And with a look that would convince every jury in the nation except the one I was on, she cocked her head, shrugged one shoulder and replied,

"I no know, mommy." And then blinked enough to put Scarlett O'Hara to shame while smiling with just the side of her mouth.

So by my calculations that puts the Apocalypse beginning somewhere around next Tuesday.

I hope you're ready.

And while you're at it, eat this!

These waffles are ah-mazing! I'm obviously enjoying being able to eat again.

I have to share this recipe!

I've made this a few times and it's easily one of the best recipes up my sleeve. I changed it around this time, swapping chicken broth (well, bouillon and water) for the sherry. I'm skeptical that the crockpot is really burning off the alcohol... Also, my friend was talking about tomato and roasted red pepper soup the other day and I haven't been able to get it out of my head! So I roasted up two whole red peppers and threw those in as well. I served it with my mom's homemade bread recipe.

DIVINE!

Sweet is the work

So I think I can - occasionally - come across as being a little cynical, snide and sarcastic about motherhood, wifery and the whole business. And politics. I can get snide about politics.

(NO, Anna! Not YOU!)

It happens to be part of my nature. I'm not actually cynical or snide in real life, I don't think...it's just one of those things that sneaks up and leaks out in my telling of a story. I love my life. A really lot.

Here are a few reasons why:

Miles (who is afraid of the dark) and Chase (who isn't). Best daddy ever. Patient, loving, kind, firm. Not afraid to get in there and be the bad guy, especially if it means taking the heat off of me, which it usually does.

As a side note: The Big Guy turned 30 today. He's not one to appreciate a long-winded post about how amazing he is. But just know that he is. The world you have lived in for the last 30 years has been better just because he exists. And you probably didn't even know it was because of him. You're welcome.

Photo collages by Cameron.

Live-in Ninja Services. Jealous?

Miles' legs.

Sophie in a tutu while taking the babies for a spin.

This kid surviving a horrible asthma attack in the middle of the night and then spending the next day building blocks like a champ.

Sophie's weird desire to drink an entire cup of water 1/8 of a tsp. at a time, perched in her favorite spot - the middle of the table.

Here we are again the next day. Middle of the table and using small implements to drink a cup of water. And the pigtails. OHHHHHH, the piggies.

My HCG diet is working AWESOME

So I went to the doc today to hear the little kid's heartbeat again...always fun. Though, I can tell s/he is already a bit of a prankster because it took a few tense moments to find it. I may or may not have gotten all hot in the face and freaky during those moments before sighing, "GEEZ" under my breath. I love my doc and he just smiled with me - I could tell he was a little tense for a minute too, which made me love him all the more. Anyway, the baby seemed to be swimming laps because we'd (and that's "we" meaning the doc, while I assisted in laying there holding my breath) find the HB and listen for a sec and the little creep would swim off again! In all fairness, I should expect nothing less. My babies all do regular, in-utero gymnastics for the whole 9 months. It's not uncommon for people sitting next to me at church to get a glimpse of my belly dancing on it's own while I'm sitting perfectly still. It's a trip, I'll tell ya...

So anyway, I've heard about this thing called the "HCG Diet." Have y'all heard about this? I guess the idea is that you load your body with HCG, ie. the PREGNANCY HORMONE, which my body happens to be swimming in right now, and then go through a series of different food phases.

Sounds awesome, doesn't it?

I just wanted to throw this out there, because I think it's a sign that our society has hit yet another LOW on this one. I mean, can't we just go back to Olestra or whatever that was that made people poop without meaning to? Can HCG possibly be better than that?

Let's look at a few of the side-effects that I've noticed from my own anecdotal studies:

• Weight gain: Every time I've had HCG in my system, I tend to gain about 25-35 pounds.

Looking good so far...moving on.

• Temporary or permanent moodiness, bouts of whininess, and overall grumpiness, mixed with periods of extreme crazy.
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Swelling of hands, feet, legs, face and earlobes
• Bleeding gums
• Bloody nose
• Desire of onlookers to touch you inappropriately
• A Baby
• Possibly more than one baby

So, as far as diets go I have to give this one a thumbs down. Unless you like this kind of thing (which, apparently, I do. A lot.).

For all you wine guzzling BYU Cougs out there.

Sorry, Rena. But I had to steal this from your blog. The world needs to know.

Kohls is feeling pretty silly about now.

The official BYU Cougars Wine Cooler! For the apostate Cougar who still wants to show their school pride!

It looks like it's already sold out!

p.s. keep reading if you haven't seen the Cam post below...

Should have named him Jack

So last week my flat iron died. After 6 years my sweet, cheap Vidal Sassoon flat iron lost it's battle with my frizz. So I sent Chase off to the store with instructions to purchase a new one, which he did like the brave boy that he is. He brought me home a NEW Vidal Sassoon flat iron (that, consequently, is HOT PINK, causing the hubster to get some questioning looks from lady passers-by).

Anywho, so said flat iron is packed as one would expect, in a long, skinny cardboard box with the words VIDAL SASSOON (start paying attention...now) down each side in bright, reflective letters.

Now, before going forward I should tell you about the engineering phase that Cameron is in right now. He loves to find random boxes and bits of packaging and re-purpose it into things like Wolverine claws or Iron Man boots. It's ingenious, really.

So, when I left the box on the side table last night I swear I wasn't thinking that anything noteworthy would happen to it.

I SWEAR.

Fast forward to today: the Sabbath. I arrive home from church late to find Cameron has been keeping himself busy in his usual manner. He found the box first thing this morning and realized it fit perfectly over his arm, like a little sleeve. Nice, right?

Except, perhaps, for the fact that he re-fashioned it to look like...

Well...

Like this...

You're going to want to click on those.

It'll be worth it.

 

So CLEARLY, while Cameron is aware of many POTTY WORDS that I'm not a fan of, there are still some words lacking in his vocabulary. And I'm okay with that.

Now, let's just talk about the PROBABILITY of him cutting this box into TWO identical armbands of profanity...it boggles the mind, doesn't it? It's got to be up there with lightning striking the same place twice.

P.S. When Chase took these pictures Cameron's ONLY concern was that the pink part of the box would be showing. Because, obviously, that would compromise his masculinity. Or make him look silly. I can't WAIT for him to read this when he's 20.

Afternoon snack

After school today we decided to make some cookies. Since my stomach is having a mostly "on" day this isn't as dangerous as it would have been two weeks ago. And the kids need to know I'm not allergic to the kitchen or the oven.

Even if I am still allergic to the dishes.

And laundry.

Anyway, we had to use leftover Xmas M&Ms (which wouldn't even still exist if not for my troublesome tummy). The kids originally set out to make various shapes but in the end settled for "one giant cookie."

80's 80's Please Go Away

...And don't come again any other day.

Am I the only one who is sick to death of being forced to relive elementary/middle school? Or, maybe high school depending on the reader? Seriously, fluorescent colors weren't flattering the first time around. Neither were skinny jeans, colored plastic sunglasses or high tops with purple laces. Very few people look hot in a pair of leggings and trapeze top. And while I wish I could pull off the one shoulder ripped-neck sweatshirt (because Flash Dance is STILL a good movie), I can't. And guess what? You can't either.

Last week I went to the mall BY MYSELF FOR MY BIRTHDAY and was hurt and disappointed to find FLORALS making a comeback. Really? Is that necessary?

I just want everyone to start dressing like real people again.

 These were described as "funky fresh."

Kilgores, remember the awesome Lion print mom and dad had above the fireplace in Cali?

No words.

Look! A bodysuit! CLASS-TASTIC!

These were listed with the bodysuit under "You might also be interested in..." You betcha I'm interested!

FLORRRRRRRRRALLLLLLS!

Kelly Bundy anyone?

Yes. That IS an electric blue high waisted mini you're looking at.

Seriously, I could go on..............

note: flats can stay FORRRR-EVVVV-ERRRR.

Sick of my stomach

Since there are probably five of you left that Chase hasn't told, you should know that Baby Number FOUR is causing major stomach distress in my life right now.

I can't wait until that part is over.

I can wait until the end of July. That is when the baby will stop causing internal distress and start causing external distress. Well, if it is anything like it's siblings - which I expect it to be.

But we're thrilled beyond all belief. I'll take the possible reflux/colic/sleeplessness. So far it's worked out for us:)

Yesterday we sat down and made Cameron's "Star Student" poster, and it was a nice little trip down memory lane. Seeing all of his baby pictures reminded me of how nice it is to have a warm little body curled up against you nearly 24 hours a day. And they do grow up to be such funny little ducks...

Plus, Miles is really hoping for a Blue Baby Hedgehog in lieu of an actual baby.

So far, this is what it looks like (as of a few weeks ago, anyway). So, you know, there's a possibility.

It's like she looked inside my soul...

Stumbled on this. Thought you'd enjoy it.

Mommy Boot Camp

So, let's talk about this chick.

 

Sophia. Right.

Okay so here's my issue with The Sophster as of this very minute. Girlfriend has attitude. I know, I know. I've told you this before. But this time I mean it. I realllllllly mean it.

As a general rule Sophie has decided she cannot, indeed, WILL not agree with anything that is said. Conversations like the following take place on a fairly frequent basis. Observe.

Best Mother Ever (me): Sophie, I think you need a diaper change!

Tyrant Child (soph): No I not!

BME: Oh yes you do! Let's go change that diaper!

TC: NO I NOT! NO! NO! NO!

BME: Okay Sophie. I think you smell like roses and you can wear that diaper FOREVER.

TC: No I not. I stinky. Uckee diapee.

Then there's the classic, "I DO IT!"

BME: (seeing Sophie struggling to put on shoes, throwing herself on the floor and moaning) Sophie, can mommy help you with that?

TC: NO! I DO IT!

So, you see where I'm going with this. Girlfriend has attitude. I'll admit that at first it was cute to see her so determined and independent. Now? Not so much. And beginning with our failed potty-training attempt last month I realized something: She needs to be broken. I'm talking wild-stallion-learning-to-wear-a-saddle, broken. Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentleman, broken. She's going to learn who is boss around here, and it's not Tony Danza.

Granted, I have no plans to make her do push-ups in the mud while hosing her down. Not yet, anyway. But she's been learning the hard way for the past few weeks. Time-outs in the crib have been plentiful. Getting kicked out of the kitchen without finishing her meal after spitting has happened, thankfully, less often. Yesterday she wouldn't leave the park, so I left. I waved bye-bye and walked with the boys (who are broken, and who walked like the nice little cadets they are) to the car. She literally stood at the very edge of the playground - not a toe over the line - and screamed at me until she realized I WAS SERIOUSLY GETTING INTO THE CAR. At which point she booked it and ran toward me (note: she was running through a grassy field, not a parking lot...and I met her halfway).

But the good news is that I think we're making progress. Little by little she's figuring out what her brothers before her had to learn. Mommy is the boss. Daddy is the assistant boss (or, assistant TO the boss, I should say). But Mommy runs this place. If she plays her cards right she will get to have a say in LOTS of things. She'll get to make lots of choices and have a great little life.

And if she doesn't?

Well, let's just say I can think of a perfect spot in the backyard for some muddy push-ups.

AWCC

Here is the recipe for what has, apparently been dubbed, "AWCC." Or, Anna's White Chicken Chili. I should be clear that I didn't invent this recipe. It was given to me. I just doctor it up my own special way and serve it to everyone who comes within a five-foot radius of me. That's how it became "Anna's". But I'll take fame anyway it comes, people.

2 chicken breasts- boiled & cubed

2 cans gr. chilis (here I use a diced, seeded jalapeno sauteed with the onion and garlic)

1 med. onion, diced small (sauteed)

3 cloves garlic minced and sauted

1 can chicken broth

3 cans Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

2 TBSP butter (for sauteeing but I obviously use way, WAY more)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper if needed (I don't usually use the CP - If it needs spice I add in some jalapeno seeds)

1/2 tsp black pepper

The best way to do this is dump it all in a crockpot and simmer ALL DAY. Then, 1/2 hour before serving:

Fold in 1 c. sour cream

1/2 c whipping cream

ENJOY!

See Deb's blog for skinny alterations. I'm going to try them, even if they're slightly blasphemous.

No more excuses

Okee-dokee people. You're all going to need to check out this handy little chart. Memorize it.

Note: It's rated PG-16, Tay. Sorry. Better luck next year.

Did the Eagles get together again?

Because it's been freezing over here all day! SNOW IN TEXAS!!!!!! How 'bout them apples?

So I guess that's one big fat check mark in the "Christmas 2009 Rules" column.

Though, I just found out the Pee-Yay'ers will get Sam and K, too. Ugh! Are you kidding me?! I missed them last year due to the big Nor'Easter that blew through and canceled their flight:( Lame! But next week I will have Zach and Ty, and that is something to make the Pee-Yay'ers drool indeed. Eat your heart out, people!

Also too? I wrapped the Christmas Eve presents today and remembered why I love the Kilgore Family Christmas Tradition Book. The number one rule is that only family gifts are wrapped. Santa brings everything in it's au naturale state. And that is a good thing. Because I hate wrapping with a fiery, fiery passion.

Also, also too? Today I was thinking of Dad's old robe. He had the best black velour robe with orange'ish stripes. He would come out Christmas morning looking like he'd only gotten about an hour of sleep (which is probably accurate) wearing that robe. You knew when you saw that robe that it was CHRISTMAS! Dad, why did you let Chrysta talk you into a new robe, huh??

Open letter to Deb, Lylla, Sara and Bird

Dear sisters,

I am so thrilled for you that you are spending this blessed holiday wrapped in the warmth of one another's company. It makes the cockles of my heart fuzzy and gooey to know how you will laugh, sing, and watch Twilight together. To know that tomorrow evening you will lounge at 6 Mine Rd. on carpet that should be pink in a room that should have pink Charlie-brown-esque wallpaper on it and eat non-nut products...well, my JOY knows no bounds.

But here's the deal. I don't want to hear about it! At least, I don't want to hear about it until AFTER it's all over and done with. If Deb and Sara show up in matching side ponys - I don't want to know. If Lylla appears in a yellow jumpsuit singing fish songs with Taylor - I don't want to know. If Bird's ear holes have gotten even bigger and she's tattooier - I don't want to know.

Until later.

Okay?

Later.

So, you know. Have fun. Smush your faces together for facebook profile shots (don't forget the gang signs). Paint each others fingernails. Walk around Candy Lane together. Pick up some breakfast at the Pantry. Heck, have pillow fights and sing Pat Benatar into hairbrushes for all I care!  I'm sooooo over it.

Lovingly,

Anna

(and probably Christy, Chrysta and Nicole if they're being honest)

P.S. Merry Christmas. I probably should have said that first.

Don't you just love the people?

Miles wearing Cam's costume from the holiday play at school (which was fabulous and featured a song called "Turkey Tango." Classic.).

I just like Sophie's hair in this shot.

Cameron cut out these individual triangles of paper, taped them to his knuckles, and called himself Wolverine. His imagination blows my mind on a daily basis.

This is the kids and Cousin Brandon on the tramp at Grape Grandma's house. They were abusing Brandon, per the usual. I'm only putting this up because Brandon likes to be "talked about on the internet." B - you are awesome. Danielle was busy helping with Thanksgiving dinner or something...

This little girl just turned two. And she's REEEEEEALLY good at being 2.

(Don't you love the boots with this outfit? We love hand-me-downs from our fashionable friends!)

Chase and a few guys from Elder's Quorum (or their wives, I should say) made these Christmas goodie plates for some people at church. After he was done he said, "You know what's funny, though? When people see these they're going to say, 'Boy, Anna worked hard!'" And he was right. When I dropped these off someone did say that! I corrected her, though! Anyone who KNOWS me knows the crafty/cutesy genes went straight to Lylla and Chrysta. I got nothin'.

OK, clearly Sophie is over-represented here, but how could I resist? This picture shows all of her sides perfectly. High heels, cellie, baby and Superman Hat. Nevermind that she's missing clothes. I had just dumped her in the sink after spilling milkshake everywhere. This is how I found her after I finished cleaning up the kitchen. I guess she thought, "Hey. I should get dressed. This should do it."

Bonus points to those who recognize the title of this blog!

Peace

So I have this little sign on my mantle. It's red and glittery and says, "Peace." And sometimes, in the middle of my whirlwind days of husband, kids, home, church, gym, PTA, shopping, Christmas partying, VT'ing, friending, cookie exchanging, etc....well that sign is downright confusing.

"What peace?!" I chuckle to myself as I whip through the house grabbing shoes, coats, kids and plates of cookies. "Where is that lovely, glowey holidayness that is supposed to be infusing my every waking moment during the month of December?"

And then, when I sit down to read my scriptures or listen to inspired words from our leaders, or just put on some good old Mormon Tabernacle Choir, that's when my spirit remembers.

The only peace of this season, in fact, the only true peace in this life comes from one source. There is no way to buy it, you can't create it with scrapbook paper and mod podge, and you won't find it at Walmart. (What?! I thought you could find everything at Walmart!!! GASP!) The peace that lasts, the peace that is meaningful can only come through believing in our Savior, whose birth I am celebrating this season.

I know His condescension to Earth was and is for my behalf. I know that through His humble upbringing and ministry He is able to understand me completely. As he suffered the pains of Gethsemane and the cross, He descended below all of us for the purpose of lifting us. The King of Kings left His heavenly home and came to an imperfect world to offer us a better way.

The Prince of Peace, he is called. And that He is. I hope you are all able to enjoy peace this season (whatever and whomever you celebrate), and throughout the coming year.

Want to know more?