Mondragon Mayhem

Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts

2012-01-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

I always have visions of "The Perfect Christmas Cookie Bake-athon" with my kiddies. Matching Christmas aprons, chef's hat, a relatively clean kitchen, homemade dough and frosting, tiny adorable ramekins(preferably red to match the aprons) that hold all assortments of sugars and jimmies. Then I realized that the only things the kids care about are the sprinkles, so the pressure was off. They loved decorating store-bought cookie dough (Gasp!) with store-bought frosting (the horror!!) and dog-piling sprinkles on top of sprinkles. And guess what? They had the time of their lives...even without Christmas themed aprons.

Christmas Cuties

2012-01-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Good news! We found Tay's other shoe before church started! Small victories can sometimes be the most rewarding. Love these little Christmas angels!

December Funnies

2012-01-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Ellie:

You woke up one morning and couldn't talk very well. You came over to me and said "Mom, I fink I have a fwog in my fwoat" then told me a detailed story about how you know that there is a frog in your throat right this very minute, and that he must have snuck in your room in the middle of the night. Later Reese was telling me that she saw something come in your room in the middle of the night, and from upstairs you yell.ed "Yep, that was my fwog."

We went to a family party and there was a 3 month old baby there. You asked dad if you could hold him, and daddy said "Not right now." You came up to me whining and said "Mom, dad said I couldn't hold that baby and I asked the owners and they said I could.

On Christmas morning, while holding up a pair of socks "Mom. Socks. Really?"

You've hit a sassing, whining, blaming stage that I hope we outgrow REALLY fast.

I put you girls to bed, and a few minutes later Tay came downstairs asking for a string cheese. A few minutes later you came down and said "So, I hear Taytum got a string cheese."

Reese:

We were looking at the snake section of your animal book, and we were reading about rattlesnakes. You asked me "What kind of snakes do we have in our land?"

You were so adorable during your dance recital...picked your fingernails most of the time.

Tay

We were making chocolate shakes, and while they were blending you said in a hushed whisper "This is magic, huh?"

Tay: "I didn't get nothing." Daddy (correcting you) "I didn't get ANYTHING." Tay: "Me neither."

You held up the earrings you got on Christmas morning and shouted "Look what Santa sells!"

You told me that your boyfriend is Lucas and that he would love your Strawberry Shortcake pj's.

Beck

I came home from a movie and you came running into my arms, then went around the room telling each person "That's my mommy" and pointing to me.

Obsessed. With. Balls.

We converted your crib to a toddler bed. I cried.

You call SpongeBob "Bob Bob" and scream and cheer when it comes on

You call Frankie "Doot"

Nursery Boy

2011-12-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

Who has two thumbs and is the newest member of the Grantsville Sixth Ward Nursery Class?

This guy.

November Funnies

2011-12-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ellie:

It's Sunday. So how come it's not sunny?"

We were dog-sitting Frankie, and you were scratching her tummy. When you were done you looked right in her eyes and asked "Did that hit the spot Frank?"

Taytum was making you laugh and laugh. When you finally caught your breathe, you gave a content sigh and said "I'll never get tired of hearing you say that Tay."

Reese:

Dad told you to go clean your room and you started crying. Between sobs you said "Awww, come on! You've got to be kidding me!"

You were looking out the window and said "If you ride on a pelican all the way up in the sky you can look down and see the earth." I said "You've ridden on a pelican before?" You gave an annoyed sigh and said "Mom, I said IF."

Taytum:

"Can Frankie wear my jammies?"

You came running into my bedroom and jumping around. I asked you what you were doing and you said "Sashaying."

You were trying to call your sisters knuckleheads and just called them knuckles.

Beck:

I'll ask you to go put your cup in the sink or some tissue in the garbage can and you will look at me for a minute, kind of like you are processing what I'm asking you, then say "All right." So cute.

You call yourself Bepp

You call Aunt Brittney "Bipp"

Someone Else is Five!

2011-12-04T18:22:00.001-08:00

Ellie Brook Mondragon
Favorite Color: Purple and Pink
Favorite Book: Too Many Toys
Favorite Foods: Mac and Cheese, Watermelon and Sweet Potatoes
Favorite TV Show: Fairly Odd Parents and Martha Speaks
What She Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Pet Helper
Favorite Thing About School: Eating Cupcakes
Favorite Thing to Do: Draw Mommy Love Pictures
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Clean Her Room
Favorite Drink: Grape Juice and Gatorade
Favorite Dinosaur: T-Rex
Favorite Bug: Ladybug
Best Buddies: Baylee and Cousins

Someone's Five!

2011-12-04T17:53:00.001-08:00

Reese Erin Mondragon
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Book: Llama Llama Mad at Mama
Favorite TV Show: Wow Wow Wubbzy
What She Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Mom
Favorite Food: Eggs and Grapes
Favorite Drink: Lemonade
Favorite Thing About School: Having a Birthday with Birthday Spanks
Favorite Thing to Do: Help Mommy Wash Dishes
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Change Diapers
Favorite Dinosaur: Brachiasaurus
Favorite Bug: Black Widow
Best Buddies: Cousins and Grandmas

Boo

2011-11-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

DiD wE sCarE yOu?

Baking Boy

2011-11-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Mom, you know I'm shy about baking

All right, I'll just say it. I love Baking!

Be still my heart

2011-11-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Doesn't get more handsome than this.

October Funnies

2011-11-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

When passing in the hall "Mom, you look like a Chinese girl."

Ww were watching a Rachael Ray cooking show where she was making meatloaf, and had put crackers in a food processor to make into crumbs. You watched in awe then said "Awe, she's making a cracker smoothie."

You were bringing in the eggs from the chickens (your favorite thing in the world to do) and came to the door exclaiming "Mom, we got 5 eggs!" but you only had 4 in your hands. I said "No, that's only 4 eggs." You got this annoyed look on your face and said "I know mom, I could only carry 4 at a time...I don't have 5 hands ya know." I just smiled since it sounded like something you may have picked up from me, when you turned around and said "I wish I had a million hands. But they would cover my whole body."

"I wish my name was L and then E."

"Don't worry mom, we'll be little kids when we're grown-up"

When we got home from Trick or Treating you said "All right, let's check for drugs."

Reese:

"Mom, I had a dream that our house was full of snow."

You hunkered down and made sure that we didn't have any candles burning in our pumpkins before we left for trick or treating. We didn't carve pumpkins this year.

You are famous for telling me a completely random story about animals or school or something off the wall then will say "Anyways, that reminds me. I'm hungry."

You came up to me and said "Did you know that the structure of jellyfishes is mainly made of water?"

Taytum

While at Subway, you looked down at your sandwich and said "Mom, is this salad or feathers?"

Calling an elevator an alligator

"If you kill someone that is really rude."

You went to the dermatologist to have a mole on your head checked, and when the dr asked you if you had a freckle on your head you said "No, it's just sand!"

Beck:

You had on your footie jammies and came in my room saying ow and pointing to your foot with a quizzical look on your face. I unzipped your jams and found a plastic monkey, a plastic horse, 2 leapster games and a toothbrush.

You call any drink "Milt."

You are OBSESSED with throwing balls. Daddy is so proud.

You are un such a fun stage right now. You love wrestling, you love being right in the middle of any and all chaos.

You were playing in the McDonalds Playland (aka Satan's lair) and a 5ish year old boy came up and pushed you really hard. Mom sent dad over to save you, or else a complete strangers 5 year old boy would have gotten a bare bum spankin by mama bear.

September Funnies

2011-10-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

"Mom, did you know that gravity is what pulls us to the earth?"

During a prayer "And bless that no fire ants will bite daddy when he is in Texas."

You were so excited to come home from school and tell me all about parallelograms.

Once we told you about Disneyland you came up to me with a concerned look on your face and said "But mom, they only have junk to eat at Disneyland."

You were looking out the window and saw that one of our chickens had gotten out. You threw the door open, caught that chicken and threw it back in the coop like a professional farmer. I would have NEVER done that. I was so impressed at how brave you were.

When I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up you said "A vet."

It was our wards Primary Program in sacrament meeting and you were so excited to give your part "I will only wear clothing that is modest." However, you told me that you wanted to say "I will only wear clothing, but it's got to be modest."

Reese

"It's Eleventeen dark right now."

"Mom, I hope someday I can go to Sandy Diego."

You were so excited to come home from school and tell me all about the flag. You know what all the colors stand for, that you will get in big trouble if you let the flag touch the ground or if you don't have a light on it when it's dark, and that when it's at half-staff it means someone important died.

You also want to be a vet when you grow up.

I asked you to hand me Beck's dirty diaper so I could take it out to the trash. You picked it up, looked at it for a second, then took a big whiff (still not sure why :) You quickly stuck 2 fingers up your nostril and said "Ohhh. That is so stinky mom!" Apparently you didn't realize it was a poopy diaper. It made me laugh for a good 5 minutes.

Your part in the Primary Program was "I will only watch shows that are good." You were beaming and so proud to be talking on the big microphone. So proud of you!

Taytum

I put a onesie on Beck, and when you walked into the room you said "Mom, that is so cute, is Beck going to dance class?!"

You and Beck were playing, and he threw a toy at you, so you picked him up and put him in time out.

Grammy was getting out all of her Halloween decorations, and you ran in sooo excited and asked "Is it Holy Ghost time?!!"

When I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up you said a dentist.

"Mom, can I give the chickens some bubble gum"

During a prayer "Bless that the chickens won't bit us."

You call pistachios Green Peanuts.

You brought in Beck's skunk costume and said "Mom, thank you for buying Beck this costume, it is sooo cute!"

Beck

When I am rocking you to sleep you pretend to snore. You make a sound like a pig, then a shushing sound. It's so adorable!

You walk around the house with my phone pressed between your shoulder and your ear, your arms folded, and will say "Hello, No, Yeah,No, Yeah, Bye Poppy"

You call the Ipad the PiePad. You actually know how to turn it on, scroll over a few pages and get to the Itsy Bitsy Spider game. Impressive for 16 months old.

You got in the tub with your sisters...fully clothed.

You sing "Happy Birthday to You" complete with the Cha Cha Cha's.

Pre-School...Round 2

2011-09-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Old Pros. They picked up right where they left off.

Tu-Tu Fun

2011-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Heaven help me, baby's got their tutus on.

*Again, any assistance in the "Help Hillary Become Computer Literate" and can aid me in picture placement, would be mucho appreciato..ed.

Let's Party!

2011-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Kelly turned 31 this year, and Ellie got this idea that we needed to have a surprise party for him...and the kids told him about it every chance they got. After weeks of excitement the day was finally here. The kids and I went to Wal-Mart and I let them pick out the goods. They picked out the plates (Spongebob), the hats (Transformers), the crepe paper (red, pink and navy blue), and the cake (Rainbow chip with Rainbow chip frosting...which Kell doesn't love. I told the girls, but they insisted that he did.) I also let them pick out a gift from each kid. Ellie picked out Ferrero Rocher (?) chocolates, Reese picked out a bag of Snickers bars, Taytum picked out neon sour octopus (octopi?) gummies and Beck picked a Gatorade. The kids decorated the house with crepe paper (which mostly consisted of a whole lotta tape and not a lot of paper. Taytum would just ball up a big wad of crepe paper and put 10 pieces of tape on top, so it really just looked like a big tape ball on the wall...and floor...and toilet seat) we frosted the cake and we were ready to go! Daddy walked in the door and Ellie yelled "Surprise", Tay and Reese yelled "Boo" and Beck just screamed at the top of his lungs...it was awesome! The party was a huge success. I think we found a new family tradition.

My Little Guppie goes to School

2011-09-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Taytum has been soooo excited to start school. Ever since she watched her sisters go to pre-school and dance, she would constantly ask "Am I big enough to go to school and dance yet mom?" This year her wish came true. She marched into Kiddie Korner Pre-School like she owned the place. No tears, no fits...just like her sisters. I am so proud of what an amazing little person she is becoming.

Sleeping with her backpack

Miss Hayley, Miss Meaghan, Tay and Sadie, her BFF

I thought this pic was so presh, because it has all 3 of my girlies names on the "New Crop" wall.

Ready for mom and dad to leave and the fun to begin.

First day of school breakfast. Alpha-Bits cereal and an apple...get it? Haha...ahhhh, I love a good theme.

*BTW, If anyone has any suggestions on how to re-organize pics to be put into a different order than uploaded in, while not getting so frustrated that you want to smash your computer into the nearest wall, I would seriously appreciate it. Thanks!

August's Antics

2011-09-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

Calling your hamper a hampster

Me: "Ellie, I love you more than anything in the world." E "Mom, I love you more than graham crackers."

Calling Spagettios Oreos

Once I gave you the bowl of said Spagettios you yelled "Come on Oreos, bring it on!"

Calling Chex cereal checkers

When you get exasperated you huff and say "Oh, for heavens sake!" or "For crying out loud!"

Reese

"Mom, cows make milk and horses make potatoes."

I was getting you a drink and you asked for chocolate milk. Instead I got you a cup of water. You looked down at it for a minute, looked up crestfallen and said "This isn't what I ordered."

You are becoming our family clown. You love to make your friends and family laugh.

Telling me that the caterpillars at school are already in their "raccoons" instead of cocoons.

Taytum

When we were telling you guys that we would like to build a new house, we explained that you would all get your own rooms to decorate. When I asked you how you would decorate your very own room you said, without skipping a beat "In iPads."

Reese was asking me what kind of a bug we found outside. Before I could answer you said "Maybe it's an armadillo."

I was sitting outside on the rocking chair reading, when you walked out the door, looked over at me and said "Oh, hi mom...I thought you were a pig sitting there." Ow.

Dad and I took you to breakfast after your doctors appointment. Once we were served you kept saying "Mmmmmm". I finally looked over to see what you were enjoying so much and you were dunking your bacon in a puddle of butter.

I was going to the store and you called out after me "Mom, will you bring me something special, like gold?"

Beck

I couldn't find you for a few minutes. I finally found you eating a Eggo waffle in the bathtub.

You love hats and don't mind a bit when your sisters dress you up.

When I ask you "What does daddy say?" you quickly reply "NO!"

When I ask you "What does mommy say?" you quickly reply "Daddy!"

You can count to 5...and its adorable.

Bonjour!

2011-09-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

With school and dance starting our household has been somewhat chaotic...though some of us have found plenty of time to hone in on our creepy Frenchman disguises.

2011-08-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Twinks in frames. Such big girls.

Slumber Party

2011-08-23T22:45:00.001-07:00

The girls decided that they wanted to have a sleepover on mommy and daddy's floor. They drug out all their pillows...and blankets...and stuffed animals...and special rocks that dad brought them from his trip to Yellowstone. Let's just say the clean-up took longer than the actual sleepover did. Aren't they presh?

Graham Cracker Time!

2011-08-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

Graham Crackers...Check

Butter Knife...Check

Tub of Chocolate Frosting...Check

3 Ingredients for the perfect storm

July Funnies

2011-07-31T20:49:00.001-07:00

Ellie

You decided to get creative with the song "3 Little Monkeys." Instead of "One fell off and bonked his little head" you were singing about the monkeys chin falling off.

You noticed a big bruise on Reese's hip, came running to find me and screamed "Mom, there is something very suspicious on Reese...it's a BROWN SPOT!"

I handed you a pile of clothes to take up to your room to put away. You said "But mom, if I have to walk all the way upstairs that will be miles and miles!"

While coloring with your sisters Reese wasn't able to find the crayon she wanted. You told her "Reese, this is no time to panic!"

"Mom, your tummy is so squashy."

You asked me if you could watch TV. I told you no, and that you were turning into a TV-aholic. You said "Mom, can you you believe that some kids don't even have TV?!"

You saw a family friend with braces and when she smiled at you, you said "I like the necklace on your teeth."

Reese

You were showing me a trick and afterwards asked me"Was that outstanding?"

Our new dog Ollie was outside laying in the sunshine and you said "Mom, hurry and get Ollie in here before he dries up!"

We have OnStar in the suburban. When we got in the car it said "OnStar alert, OnStar alert." and scared you to death. After they stopped speaking you said, "Well, I guess it sounded like a nice monster." Instead of OnStar you thought it said monster.

Taytum

Our church was SWELTERING during sacrament, so everyone was using the programs as fans. You were looking down at your book, and when you looked up to ask me something, you slowly looked around and said "Mom, why is everyone waving at me?"

We were talking about how The Andersons will be moving soon. Ellie said "Mom, where are they moving to?" and before I could answer you said "Maybe into Target."

You got your 3 year old shots and didn't even cry. Could have knocked me over with a feather I was so shocked. I was convinced I would have to pin you to the ground.

Beck

We were just starting to watch the big firework display on the night of the fourth, when you crawled away from me, went and snuggled right in between Heado and Jeddy and fell right asleep.

Every time you walk past the oven, or the BBQ or the dishwasher you give a hushed "Hot!!"

I will pretend to cry and cover my face with my hands, and you walk over so concerned, pull my hands off my face and brush my "tears" away with your finger. Presh.

You love saying "Owie, owie, owie!"

You also love saying "No mom, don't"

You love having your shoes on. Whenever we are getting ready to leave anywhere you bring me your shoes and stick them right in my face until they are on your feet.

Whenever I ask you for a kiss lately you will shake your head and say "No thank you"

You love being the big boy in charge of pushing the buttons to start the dishwasher and the washer and dryer.

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

What we've been enjoying this summer so far...

Long naps

Seeing the "Up" house with friends

Watermelon comas

Drive-In movie with the cousins

Trying to stay cool

A visit to Temple Square

Headstands

A visit from Auntie Heado and Uncle Jedders

Slushies

So, what have you been doing this summer?

Mama's Boy

2011-07-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Perfection.

Independence

2011-07-05T13:03:00.001-07:00

Let Freedom Ring.

Princess for a Day

2011-07-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

My little princess turned 3! Anyone who knows TayTay knows that she is a GIRL. She loves pink, loves make-up, loves dress-up, loves it all. She has been talking about a Tangled party for at least 6 months, so we thought that we ought to go big or go home. We had Rapunzel come to the party! I think Taytum was shocked, because she didn't say a whole lot, but warmed up in no time. Rapunzel read the girls a story, then taught them a song and dance. She gave each girl a crown then had a photo session with them. She made all my baby girls dreams come true!

June's Jubilation

2011-07-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

When asked in Primary what 2 personages Joseph Smith saw in the grove you replied "Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father" without blinking an eye.

"Mom, why is your face all red...and why do you have so many freckles?" When I replied that I didn't know, you said "Hmmm. Well, I guess that's just the way that Jesus made you.

While eating sloppy joes you said, with a mouthful "I love sloppy flos!"

When asking you what you would like to talk on at church on Sunday (meaning what topic), you thought for a moment and said "The microphone."

"Mom, is Rapunzel's last name Mondragon"

Reese:

While eating sloppy joes for dinner Taytum said "I only like the hamburger part". You said "Tay, you don't like the joe part?"

You and your sisters calling oatmeal oatmilk

We took you to your eye doctor appointment because you kept crossing your eyes more and more frequently. We found out that you had to get glasses! You are the same age that mommy was when I got my first pair of glasses.

When we were driving home from picking up your eyeglasses you were looking out the window and said "Everything looks sooo cool!!!"

Taytum

You are fully obsessed with Grammy and Papa. You are constantly trying to con a way to go over and spend the day with them. One morning I told you no, and here is how your smart little brain worked: "Mom, I need to put on my shoes." I asked why. You replied "Because I need to go outside and see something. I asked what you needed to go see. You said "A bird....I mean Papa."

You had an amazing birthday party where the REAL Rapunzel came! She was getting to know you and asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up. Without hesitation you said "Tiana."

Me: "Tay, I am making you a special birthday breakfast!" You: "Is it popcorn?!"

"Mom, my tater tots are in the shape of a hexagon."

Beck

You have turned into quite the jabberjaw. You love to say "Sit down" when you stand up in your high chair or the bathtub. You say "Hi Poppy" whenever you see Papa or when we drive by his house.

Whenever you drop something or throw something down you always yell Uh, instead of Uh-oh.

You LOVE horsies and cows. You are obsessed.

You have a special name for horses. It's Boo-Dee. Whenever you see a horse out the window or in the backyard you yell "Booo-Deeee!" I have no idea where it came from, but now the whole family is starting to call horses Boo-Dee's.

You love imitating animals. You see a cow and yell Muuuuuuuuu. You see a chicken and say Bock Bock Bock. You see a horsie and click your tongue twice and say HeeeHeee.

One day we were getting ready to have dinner. I asked "Who wants to say the prayer?" You yell out "Meeeeee" then folded your arms, kept them folded until the prayer was over then yelled "Amen!" It was presh.

Papa's Little Helper

2011-06-03T07:25:00.001-07:00

I thought these pics were so adorable. Beck was so interested in watching his Papa taking the nails out of these boards, then drop it into the bucket. Beck kept peering over the edge of the bucket, then look up with this look on his face like "Whaaaaa??" I love living close to my parents so that I can capture these memories. After all, it's not every day that a one year old has an apprenticeship.

Adoration

2011-06-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

The look on Taytum's face is pure love. Ellie was in heaven being the best big sister she could be and giving everyone rides on the back of her bike. I love them. If only they would stay this small forever. And start hanging up their coats.

May Malarkey

2011-06-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

When we pulled up to Jaxxon Jensen's birthday party at the church, you exclaimed "Mom, did you know Jaxxon's party is at the TEMPLE!?"

You opened the door and started heading outside without telling me. When I told you to "hold it!" you said "Mom, I am just going outside to enjoy the summer sunshine!"

I yelled to daddy "What time is it hon?" You yelled back "It's 2 and 100!" I yelled back "Already?!"

We were pretending that you were the ice cream man and I was a customer. After asking me "What kind would you like?" I asked what flavors you had. After thinking for a second you said "I only have 2. Blueberry and Rock and Roll."

You came downstairs after sleeping in pretty late, and while stretching your adorable little body way up to the sky you said very sleepily "Mom, I just had the most awesome dream." It was A-dorable!

I wanted to write down all of you kiddos little "comforts" that you all have had since infancy. I wanted to have it written down so I never forget. Yours is "The hair twirl." Whenever you are super sleepy, content, bored, nervous or angry you start twirling your beautiful brown hair around your finger. I remember you doing this in your crib when you were around 9 months old (not a lot of hair to work with, but you managed) and still do it almost every day. I have had to cut mammoth sized knots out of that beautiful hair quite a few times. You once got your finger stuck in it pretty good as well. I love that you have this adorable little habit that is only yours.

Reese:

Daddy introduced you to the joy of dunking your graham crackers in milk. He said "just dunk it, count to 5, the eat it." Without fail, every time you enjoy this treat you will count to 5 before a soggy morsel hits those lips. It's presh.

You and your sissy's calling Lasagna "Basagna"

"Mom, when Beck grows up can we name him Zack?"

"But mom, why won't Weeble Wobbles fall down? Why?"

You have had a hard couple of weeks. Your still scared to get in the car since the accident, plus there was a crazy windstorm that scared the living tuna fish out of ya, so anytime there is a slight breeze you kinda freak. And by kinda freak, I mean totally lose your head. It makes me sad. Thank heavens for "magic dust" (thank you Amber! One of the many reasons I love you is that you introduced me to magic dust!) that I blow on you every time we walk out our door now. But, I know you are a brave little girl and will snap out of the "scardy-catness" stage really soon.

While I had all 4 of you in the tub, you and your sisters were asking me about..uh...boy parts and girls parts. Ellie said "why are boys pee-pees so different from girls pee-pees. After clearing my throat and turning the shade of a radish I tried explaining it to you guys. After, you all kinda stared at me and you said, "Yeah, but girls pee-pees are better, huh?" I need to buy several books, stat.

You love tucking your ears in. You will take the top part of your ear and tuck it into the...ear hole?? Man, I need to start consulting an ENT before I just type up any old thing. Regardless, you love showing off your Ear Trick. And on that note...

Your "comfort" is twisting and pulling your ears. Same situation as sisters. Whenever you are really nervous, excited, tired or scared you will twist those tiny ears until I think they are about to pop right off! So, when someone asks me how to tell you and sister apart I can tell them "One twirls her hair to the point of baldness and one twists her ears so much that she is going to start looking like a wrestler with cauliflower ear." But I love it so much, because it makes you, you!

Taytum

During sacrament, you were trying to share a Sun Chip with Beck. I kept quietly shushing you and telling you not right now, wait til after sacrament (our eternal struggle...treats at sacrament). You got your Taytum face on, thrust that chip in his face and said loudly "Here Beck, have a burrito!" I let him have it.

Your newest obsession is Aladdin, but "not the scary pawts."

Heathie wanted to talk to you on the phone. You huffed over, grabbed the phone and said "Heathie? What is it?!" I had no idea your schedule was so full that you couldn't say hi to your auntie.

Beck was trying to give you a kiss and you kept resisting. I said "Tay, let him kiss you!" and he gave you quite the smooch. You pulled away, disguisted, and wiping your mouth saying "See mom, I don't like when Beck gives me snot kisses!"

After putting dad's deodorant under one arm, and mine under the other, you had me smell them both, then said "Mmmmm, yours smells good....like Diet Coke."

"Mom, my popcicle is cold, will you warm it up for me?"

You watched High School Musical over at grammy's house and came home asking me "Can I watch Disneyland here too?"

We thought we were going to have to get your adnoids removed, but once we took you to Primarys for a second opinion, we found out that you don't have to! Yeah! While at your appointment, the dr wanted to get a CT scan of your face to see why your constant cough and drippy nose has been going on for so long. So, after 45 minutes of negotiations, bribes, threats and pleading to just lay down and get a picture of your face taken, I finally told the radiologist "She's not going to budge, you need to strap her down." So, you thrashed around for another 10 minutes, finally held still for about 3 seconds and they got their shot. We found out that you have Sinus Disease, and are having to take 6 weeks of antibiotics, daily doses of Nasonex and a saline spray nasal wash. Anyone who knows you, knows that you are the most stubborn little squirt around, but you are taking your meds suprisingly well.

Also at the Dr, he called for a Sodium Chloride test, so he could rule out cycstic fibrosis. We had to take you back in to Primary's, where they strapped you up to a machine that ran an electric current to your arms so that it would stimulate your sweat glands, wrapped your arms in gauze, then saran wrap material, then garbage bag material, then taped heat packs to your arms, then had us put on your sweatshirt, a coat and blanket and were told to make you run for the next 30 minutes to make you sweat. You were such a trooper. Daddy and I found the best way to make you run was to walk fast so that you had to run to catch up. You kept saying "Wait up guys! Guys slow down, ok? Wait for me!" which was the hardest part of the test for me. We had to wait until the next day for your results and luckily they came back negative for CF...yet another miracle Heavenly Father has sent our way lately.

Your comfort is to rub my arm raw. When you were about a month you sucked your thumb until about 4 months old, then just stopped. You were in the market for something else to comfort you and my big ole arm got stuck in your path. You rubbed my arm every single time I nursed you or when you would get hurt and cry I would pick you up and you would immediatly calm down once the "Indian Burn Ritual" would start up. When we moved you into a big girl bed you wanted me to lay with you. I would lay by you, you would start rubbing my arm, let out 2 huge yawns, then drift off to sleep, but not without whispering "I love your arm." You are almost 3 now and still love to come and snuggle me, but pretty soon instinct takes over and you turn me into the Red Armed Bandit...but I love that you still want to cuddle me and that even though you are older I can still be there to comfort you.

Beck

Anytime you see an animal you start growling under your breath.

You turned one this month and we had a Super Duper Sports Party for you with lots of friends and family. More on that in another post.

You have upped your vocabulary this month. You now say Eeee when you want to eat, Din for a drink. When we get to grammy and papas house you start saying Papa, hi. You can say Tay-Tay for sis.

Once I pick you up, you immediatly hold you hand out, palm side up, and start urging me forward. I will stop at the door, you'll think about it for a second then choose your next destination. You have definitly started being more opinionated about where you are going.

You love going up to sisters, gently saying "hi" and give them such a soft sweet hug and kiss. It is truly heart-melting.

You love hitting right now...but only mommy for some reason. Maybe your true feelings are coming out about me shutting down the milk wagon?

You still throw your fits when someone tells you no, only now you stick your tongue out while doing it.

You were such a ham when we went to get your 1 year pics taken.

You were such a butt-crack when we went to get your first haircut.

Your comfort is playing with my hair...and putting it in your mouth. I will pick you up and you will grab the back of my hair in both fists, decide which fistful looks more appealing, then put that wad in your mouth. You like to slowly pull your head away and let my hair basically floss your teeth. It's bizarre and silly, but I love it.

Birthday Contentment

2011-05-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Happy 1st Birthday to me like sitting naked on a four wheeler, in a a big pile of crap, while eating a sucker. Ahhh, the life.

Dance Dance Revolution

2011-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here are my little dolls, looking like, well, little dolls. This was their final dance recital of the year, and may I just say that I am so glad that the pressure is now off. If I never see another curling iron, hot roller and sponge curler combo again I will die happy. They of course looked beyond adorable. They had 2 dances that they performed, and while Reese was pretty on point, Ellie prefered to mouth the words to the music and bust out a move or two of her very own. At one point Reese's neighbor got a little close to her for comfort, so she just ever so slightly shoved her out of her way. Between the two of them I was hysterical. For the most part the girls have loved dance, or at least the performing aspect. Their teachers are wonderful. Next year Taytum will also be in dance, so start the praying now please!

2011-05-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

My chickies and my honey bunny!

April's Antics

2011-05-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

Calling popovers "leftovers"

For April Fools Day, I "shrunk" your breakfast (mini box of cereal, mini bananas, mini carton of orange juice). You were so excited that you exclaimed "Did the Aprilchaun (I think someone still had St Patty's Day on the brain) get this little food from Costco?!

In your nighttime prayer "Please bless that we'll be good and strong, and bless that we'll be good and strong...some more."

"Mom, have you ever seen a sparkle rose?" When I said no, you replied "Well, I have. It was in New York City."

"Mom, my eyes feel insane."

"Mom, when you snip my fingernails it makes them feel so nervous!!!"

Making a special drawing for Grandma Linda when she was in the hospital. You were so concerned for her.

Reese

When I asked you to please eat your hash browns, you said "No thanks, I'm allergic to them for the day."

After the car accident, I was explaining how there are important things to always remember, like wearing seatbelts. You said "Yeah, but what's really important it to watch for falling coconuts."

Ellie was whining and complaining about having to get ready for dance class. When she said "Mom, why do I always have to go to dance?" you yelled from the other room "Because mom pays for it!!"

You the first to remind everyone that we need to wear our seatbelts, no matter what.

Since the accident, your very scared to drive anywhere, and will constantly ask me "Why didn't that big white truck see us?"

Taytum

We found out this month that you need to get your adnoids removed. Boo!

You telling me to quit sassing you at Payless Shoes, when I told you that you couldn't buy the 7 purses you had on your arms...and around your neck.

You are constantly talking about Flynn Ryder. You are either pretending to be him or pretending he is your boyfriend.

You still invite and uninvite me, your sissy's, aunt Britt and cousins to your Tangled party...in June.

You now have an aversion to anything that might make you sticky or dirty. No honey, no ketchup, no pancake syrup.

Beck

You, my little man, are a walking fool. Your sisters didn't walk until closer to 13 months, but you were walking at 11 months. Big boy!

I was changing your diaper and when I lifted your onesie, a Cap'n Crunch was stuck in your belly button.

You love holding my phone up to your ear and say "Hi" about 36 times.

You love balls and anything with wheels.

March Madness

2011-04-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ellie:

I asked you "How come I love you kids so much?" You answered "Um, because we are cuties?"

"Mom, my smoothie tastes ridiculous!"

On our way to school we were talking about how baby farm animals are born in the spring. I said "Baby chicks, baby lambies, baby ducks..." and you interrupted by saying "Yeah, and baby jaguars!"

"Mom, you shouldn't buy pepper. It makes people sneeze ya know!"

"Mom, you bought me Crunchy Little Squares (Cinnamon Toast Crunch)?! You do love me!!"

"My voice is a little pony." Instead of a little hoarse.

When we had green pancakes on St Patty's Day a little bit of the green batter got on a paper towel. You looked at it for a second and cried "Ew, I think that leperachaun blowed his nose right there!"

You said so many adorable prayers for Reese when you found out she was going to the hospital to see the cardiologist. Made me melt.

Reese:

You braved your double ear infection and your cardiologist appointment like a champ. So thankful for that.

While at the Dr's office you had to use the bathroom(at our Dr's office they have a child's bathroom that has a child-sized toilet.) You sat down and said "Mom, did Jesus make this teeny tiny potty?"

When I got my haircut you kept asking if I was mommy or Heathie.

"If you don't give me my medicine right now, I guess I'll just have to leave the city."

You were helping me make dinner and we were making fruit salad. I opened the fruit cocktail and you asked me what it was. I said "Fruit cocktail." You replied "Mmmmm, I love cocktails."

You told me you thought the leprachaun colored the chicks green.

Taytum

When I asked you how you wanted to do your hair today, you replied "Like a dolphins."

"Mom, that stinky leprechaun put my sunglasses on his face. I'm so mad at him!"

You keep calling the chick's "Bocks"

Calling your Croc's (shoes) "Cracks"

You got so mad at Ellie that you just sat for a minute trying to think up the meanest thing you could say to her. You finally shouted "Ellie, your an eyebrow!!!"

During Eye Spy, Ellie said "Eye Spy something orange." Without missing a beat you said "Is it your face?"

You and Lily were "helping" me fold a batch of clothes. Lil's asked "Are these your brothers jammies?" You replied "Absolutely."

Beck

You stood up in the middle of the room with nothing, and no one around you on March 21st.

You took your first 3 steps on March 23rd.

You love saying "Hi." You say it whenever you see my phone, or when someone comes in the room.

You had an ear infection, croup and a cold within about 2 weeks of each other.

Your still sleeping through the night, yay!

When dad comes home from work you get really still and somber, then start yelling "Daaadaaaa? Dad?? Daaaaaadaaaaaa!" It is adorable.

You've outgrown all of your jammies. On to 24 months I guess.

Your quite the Grammy's Boy lately. You love to snuggle into her and pat her back when cuddling.

Reese's heart murmur...that almost gave Mommy a heart attack.

2011-03-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

We found out that Reese had a heart murmur a few weeks ago. I don't know when I've ever been so scared of 2 words: heart murmur. It just sounds doomed. We were fortunate enough to take her into Primary Childrens Hospital (aka the best place in the world) to see a Pediatric Cardiologist. When the cardiologist came in and listened to her heart, she kept listening...and listening...and listening. She said that some things sounded a little out of the ordinary and that they wanted to do an Echocariogram. My stomach dropped into the floor and I started bawling. The cardiologist assured me that she thought everything was fine, but just to make sure, let's do the EKG. She also told me that she's never made anyone cry by telling them that. Glad I could be the first. The EKG (which is just an ultrasound) took about 40 minutes and Reese was an absolute peach. The ultrasound tech said they have to sedate some patients because they aren't able to be controlled. Sooo glad Reese was cooperative. Once they got the reading back the cardiologist came in and said that everything looked perfect. There was no need for follow-up appointments and that her murmur would eventually be outgrown. The word relief dosen't even touch what I felt. The whole experience just made me grateful. For so many things. For having such an amazing hospital less than an hour away, for having proper medical insurance and the ability to give our daughter the best care possible, for healthy children, for a loving and supportive family, for having the priesthood in our home. For all these things, it warms my heart.

During her EKG

Being an adorable patient.

Yawn

2011-03-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

Prince Charming and Sleeping Beauty

Feeling Lucky?

2011-03-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

Someone looks like a leprachaun.

Apparently it's not easy being green.

The girls had so much fun with St Patty's Day this year! It all started with the green party the twins had at pre-school. I asked them all about it and all they would tell me was "Well, we had green cupcakes." I would pry and pry and that is all the info I could get out of them. I found out later that they had a green picnic with all green foods, and that the leprachaun came to the school and messed up a bunch of toys. Naughty.

On the morning of St Patrick's Day the girls were shocked to see that a leprachaun actually snuck in their bathroom and toilet-papered the entire place, dumped out their clothes hamper into the bathtub, and had actually used their potty and didn't even bother to flush (we figured that out since the toilet water was green.) He took the girls on a scavanger hunt and left them little Tangled coloring books that were just his size. We thought that was the end of his antics, but oh no, there was more. Green pancakes and green milk for breakfast? Shocking. After breakfast we got ready (Taytum refused to wear green. She didn't care how many times she was going to get pinched, she wasn't going to wear a boy color.) and went and watched the Childrens Sociable. When we returned home that little stink had been at it again-he had taken all of the couch cushions off and just threw them wherever he pleased, then left some Sprite and green pudding in their place (I think grammy put him up to it.)

We finished up the day with a non-green dinner (I guess the leprachaun was pooped) but did have green pudding for dessert. The best part of the day was that the girls kept saying things like "Look mom, he must have left Taytum's shoes in the middle of the floor!" or "That little stink must have dumped out my toys and played with them." when really it was the general mess that it always is. But it's always good to have someone to blame the mess on, right?

Anyone have a steak?

2011-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Another post about a black eye, huh? Please don't call CPS. Reesie was running up the stairs at my parents house when she tripped and hit her eye. It started out as a "cawpet buwn" and the next morning was a full blown black eye. She loved the attention she got from it though. Ellie was the official spokeswoman about the whole situation. She would walk up to a complete stranger and say "My sissy got a cawpet buwn, look" and Reese would shove her little face right next to said stranger. Apparently black eyes are front page news.

A Day in the Life of Fancy Dancy

2011-03-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

9:00AM

10:15AM

12:30PM

1:00PM

2:30PM

2:32PM

6:30PM

8:00PM

Before

After

It's not easy being fancy...for mommy or her diva.

February Funnies

2011-03-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ellie:

"Look mom. I take black Play-doh and I take white Play-doh, I mix it together and POOF! I made gray!"

You were apparently playing Waitress because you came running into the kitchen yelling down to your sisters "2 cold pancakes coming right up."

You calling Eggos waffles "cold pancakes."

"Mom, do you know when I say 'Oh mom' it means I think your crazy?"

During a dinner prayer "Please bless all our our dreams will come true."

You LOVE drawing and your specialty right now are skeletons.

You are so good at writing all of your letters that you have started making letter games for everyone to play. You write a bunch of letters really big on the paper then add in really small letters between them. You get a kick out of it when Grammy can't find the really small letters.

Reese:

Calling your tank top a "laptop"

We were talking about kangaroos and I said to you "Reese, did you know that baby kangaroos are called joey's?" You replied "Yeah mom, my leapster already taught me that." Good job leapster.

On the way to school: "Mom, did you know that all of the planets are called a solar system?" Ellie piped up "Yeah, and when the sun goes around the earth it's called orbiting." Such smartie pants.

Grandma Linda was babysitting you and said "Come on, let's go play with some toys." You said "Ok, but we need to make sure to clean up after or that wouldn't be choosing the right, so we would be following Lucifer." Thanks Scripture Stories!

Taytum:

Beck climbed onto the open dishwasher door and you yelled "Beck, get out of the dishwasher, you know better!"

You were pretending to paint my toes and when you took off my sock your eyes got wide and you said "Whoa, that's a big, big, big huge toe."

You grabbed a bottle of cherries off of the door of the fridge and asked "Mom, now are these blueberries or ketchup?"

You were combing my hair and said "Wait, I need to get the hairspray...don't move...your not cute yet." Ouch.

We were getting ready to leave and I told you to put your coat on. You said "Mom, I'm just too busy." while you were sitting on the stairs doing absolutely nothing.

Beck:

You survived the Crying it Out Method! You are officially a big boy that now sleeps through the night. You only cried for about 40 minutes the first night and 20 minutes the second night. From then on you have completely slept through the night-usually from about 10pm-6:30 am. You have a little snack and fall back asleep til 8:30 or so. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I thought it would be hard for me as you are my baby, but it wasn't at all!

You got tooth number 5, 6 and 7 thing month! You were pretty cranky for a while...nothing a little Tylenol wouldn't fix!

You are such a happy baby! Everywhere we go people can't believe what a big smile you always have on your face.

You have started giving big, sloppy, open mouthed kisses-my favorite!

I am more in love with you this month than the last month...and the month before that...and the month before that...

Crack-up.

2011-02-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Seriously, if these pics of Taytum doing her infamous "Sour Gatorade Face" doesn't make you laugh out loud, check your pulse.

My loves

2011-02-14T20:17:00.001-08:00

Hope you all find your special Valentine's...I know I found mine.

January What What

2011-01-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

I made a New Years resolution to keep better records of the things my little darlings say and do on a daily basis, so that when I eventually print this blog into a scrapbook (yeah right), I have my own little version of Kids Say the Darndest Things. For the last month I have been keeping a running list of all the adorable/zany/silly things my kids do and say, as well as their accomplishments, so that hopefully I will remember all the fun, amazing and precious moments of my kiddos lives. Like when Taytum pooped in the tub and blamed it on Spongebob. Adorable. So sorry if this gets a little long, but hey, it's for my posterity alright?!

Ellie

Holding up a penny and saying "This is Penny. Nickel is his last name."
While out running errands we pulled up to the bank and you said "This must be errands house."
Tay asked you to spin her in the computer chair. You got such a disgusted look on your face and said "No Tay, I'm not going to spit on you!"
You leared about bears at school and came home proclaiming "I need a break from my sissy's right now. I am going in my bed to hibernate."
You were so confident getting up in Primary and giving your talk on being a Child of God. So proud of you.
After one particularly bad day, mom was yelling at you about making a mess. You got such a sad look on your face and said "Mom, this isn't how Jesus wants you to act." Nothing like being put in your place by a 4 year old.
Almost every morning you come into our room announcing you are ready to snuggle...I hope you never are too old for that.
Making sure your sisters get their string cheeses, vitamins or toothbrushes before you. You are so selfless-you'll make a great mommy someday :)

Reese

You came in the room playing a soft lullabye on your Leapster. You told me you found it for Beck to help him sleep. So sweet.
Almost every prayer, without fail, you bless Oscar that he will be safe in heaven and that he will watch over Hopie and Jesus. Double sweet.
During a lull in dinner you blurted out "Did you know that octopus don't have any bones?!"
Another time you were pestering me by saying "Mom, mom, MOM, MOM" over and over until I finally said "WHAT??!" and you replied, very timidly, "I just wanted to tell you that sloths sleep during the day, so they are nocturnal."
I was laying in bed with you and asked what you would like to do in the morning. You said "Uh, go to China I guess." I asked you what you would like to do in China, and you said "Eat rice and noodles." News flash: We can go to Canton City for that.
Whenever you get dropped off at Grammy's house or a playdate you say "Now remember mom, it's not for big guys, only for us little guys."
You are such a peacemaker-always being the first to say "I love you" after a fight.

Taytum

Oh Tay. What am I going to do with such a strong-headed little muffin such as yourself? You have all your decisions made and nothing, and I mean nothing, can sway your choice. Like when you wore a Christmas tutu with your pink nail polish shirt (you fave!) and a crazy hat and insisted on wearing it into the store.
Putting on my deodorant and sticking your little armpit right in my nose saying "Smell."
Coming up to me after I got ready to go to a meeting and saying "Your blue sweater and curly hair look Boootiful!"
Looking up from your cereal and out of the blue asking me "Mom....are you frustrated?"
You and your sisters were playing house. You were the mommy and sissy's were the babies. You put them in Beck's crib and told them "If you get out of this bed I am going to SPANK YOUR FACES!" Sidenote: For the record I have never threatened to spank and of my children's faces.
Yelling for me to get you out of the tub before you "freak out."
You have hats. Lots of hats. 11 to be exact. Not including dress up hats. It takes you a long, long, long time to pick out the hat you'd like to wear. To go walking. Down the stairs. For breakfast.
You are a fancy girls. We lovingly call you Fancy Taytum. You are rarely without something sparkley on. Always accessories. Always shoes. Always lipstick. You are divalicious and loving it.
Always asking "Is this cute?" "Is she cute?" "Do I look cute?"

Beck

You are a mama's boy through and through. When I walk in a room your eyes light up and you put that little head down and crawl with all your might to get to me. Makes my insides turn into jello.
You really shocked mommy when I left you downstairs for a minute to get something from my bedroom and when rounded the corner you were grinning from ear to ear...on the very top step.
Laughing so hard when Taytum jumped off the couch. You two are so close it makes me melt.
Daddy and I have pegged a name for your nightly ritual. We call it the "Sleep Roll." You will roll from one side of the bed to the other, disregarding any and all things in your path...books, toys, faces. Doesn't matter, nothing is safe from The Sleep Roll.
Your sleep habits are getting worse and worse, so we have officially started to let you cry it out. Daddy is much stronger than mommy.
Mom bought you a Utah Jazz outfit. Dad almost cried. You wear it when you watch the games with daddy. Go Jazz!
We are expecting you to start walking pretty soon. You have mastered walking along all the furniture and just need to hold on with one hand ever so slightly to keep from falling.

Here's hoping that this is one resolution I can stick to.

He's a Bruiser...literally.

2011-01-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

Life is all fun and games til someone slips on a puzzle piece and face plants it into a wooden block. Poor bubbs. Got his first itty-bitty black eye. First shiner...pretty sure it won't be the last. Oh, and if your wondering why I haven't wiped the sweet potatoes from his nose, it's because I thought it added to the pitifulness of it all. Ya know, sympathy and what not.

Merry Christmas...a few weeks late. Hey, I have 4 kids under the age of 4, okay?!

2011-01-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

Love, The Mondragons

The Objects of my Affection

2010-11-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Anyone else's heart just skip a beat?

It all comes out in the wash.

2010-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovers.

Mommy's Pumpkins

2010-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Pankratz Pumkpin Patch this year to find the perfect pumpkins. The girls picked out smaller pumpkins to paint and picked out an adorable teensy tiny pumpkin for brother. I love fall and everything about it, and love this family tradition we've started of picking out our own pumpkins.

Tay Tay Mae Mae

2010-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a list of words that have been used to describe you: Firecracker, stubborn, a pistol, a pill, sassy, moxie, girly.
I have a feeling that if any of my kids get into a bona fide fist fight, it will be you. But rest assured you will be fighting in heels. What a doll you are!

Oh, Brother!

2010-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Beck. Beck?! Psst. Over here!

I love you.

You just got Schooled Ellie and Reese!

2010-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

You know when your children are ready to go to school. They are sick and tired of you suggesting coloring, play-doh, cleaning,watching a movie or any other activity whatsoever. They are sick and tired of their siblings. They are sick and tired of anything you ask they to help you with. They are sick and tired of you. Well, we have been looking forward to school for a long, long time, yet I can't believe it is actually here. My babies, in school? Not possible! They are still newborns. They haven't learned to walk or talk yet. They still look up at me with adoring eyes and drool dribbling down their chins. It's just not possible! How is it that overnight they have grown up enough to go to Pre-School? But, like I said, they were ready. They marched in to Kiddie Korner Pre-School like they owned the joint. They hung up their backpacks, put on their name tags and officially gave Kell and I the cold shoulder. Wait a second, I gave birth to you and now you act like you don't even know me?! It dosen't work that way! Where are the tears and the clinging to my leg and using my body as a shield to hide from the other kids? I guess another sign of them being ready for school...when they don't even look over their shoulder at you, but make a mad dash to the toys and other children. When I went back after the 2 hour class they were less that pleased that I was there and wanted to stay. I asked them their favorite part of pre-school and they told me "Watching Dora the Explorer." Um, you can watch that at home for free, so pick another subject please! They are so excited to go back on Friday, and Ellie told me that if any of their classmates are sad or missing their parents that she was going to be their friend. I am so proud of the little people they are morphing into. They are my muffins, my whole life, my peaches. My big girls.

Dancing Queens

2010-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

My little muffins started dance today! I was so concerned about them...how shall I put it nicely... acting like monkeys that were just released from their cages like they did in the 2 weeks they were enrolled in gymnastics, but they did AMAZING! They paid attention for the most part and retained what they had learned. They loved showing Grandma, Papa, Aunt Britt, and Grandma Linda all their moves. I am so proud of how they are growing up and showing the world what big girls they are! Love you Prima Ballerinas!

Happy Happy Birthday Daddy Dear...

2010-09-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the Love of my life, Father of my children, and Grower of monstrous zucchini. We love you more than you love Diet Coke! Love,The Fam

The Zoo...again.

2010-08-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Can I just say right off the bat that I really don't love the zoo? Does that make me a bad person? My children love the zoo, but if I were carted around in a stroller or baby bjorn I would love the zoo too. Regardless of my love/hate relationship with the zoo, we go every year, and every year the animals are so freaking hot and lethargic that they are never out, but instead are trying to find the one quarter of an inch of shade so they don't keel over and die. One can sympathize. This year was no exception, but we had a very excuse to go. Our good friends the Pauliches had their daughter Claire's second birthday party there. They had a wonderful lunch for us and cupcakes for dessert. We also rode on the train with them, which in my opinion is the best part of the zoo, because you get to sit down. This was Beck's first zoo outing and I am saddened to say that we didn't get a pic of him next to the lion fountain *hanging head in shame* but I just told myself not to be too sad. We'll get one next year. Sigh.

Take me out to the ball game.

2010-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

We thought it would be fun to have a Mondragon Family Fun Night with all (well, most) of Kell's family, so we went to the Bees game. I haven't been in years, and none of the kiddos had ever been either. They loved it! Well, let me rephrase...they loved being outside, playing with their cousins, riding on the train, eating ice cream and cotton candy and all sorts of other crap, rolling down the hill...but never watched even a second of the game. Confession...neither did I. I did have fun visiting and filling my face full of junk though! Thanks Dragon fam for a great night out!

What Up Cuz?

2010-08-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here is Beck with his beautiful cousin Sadie, Jen and Troy's daughter. I thought this pic was so adorable. They are only a few months apart, yet we just can't decide who is bigger...

Frisco anyone?

2010-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Beck, wanna go to San Fran?

I think he's pretty excited about it, don't you?

Beck enjoying his first Chinese dinner experience. Pretty soon you will get to enjoy some potstickers too Bubbas!

Jed, trying to deicde which baby is cuter...Beck wins. Sorry Frankfurter. You are a very close second though!
Heado, trying to see who can pull the sillier face. Heado wins.

Beck and I decided that it had been too long since he had seen his aunts and uncles, and since daddy had to go on a business trip to San Francisco, we were going to SF too! It was Beck's first airplane ride and he did fantastic...on the way there. The way home was a different story. He hadn't had a blowout for at least a month, so he decided that one minute into take-off would be the best possible timing. Poop. Up his back. To his shoulders. Yeah. Thank heavens I had the sense to pack an extra outfit.

This trip was just what the Dr ordered. Beck and I got spoiled. 2 aunts and 2 uncles fighting over who got to hold Beckaroo next, 3 hour naps for mama, pedicures and eyebrow waxings...again for mama. Heathe and I literally did nothing one day except eat and watch a Teen Mom's marathon. It was heaven. Thank you to my sissy and bro for showing us a great time, great food, amazing conversation and making Beck's first vacation a whopping success! Love you guys!

So this is love...

2010-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I have a new man in my life. We've been seeing each other for a month. He's gorgeous. He's perfect. We stay up most nights together, just the two of us, not really talking, just looking deep into each others eyes. He's the strong, silent type. I think he really likes me. He's pretty emotional when we are apart. We love holding one another. He completes me. Kelly knows about him and he's ok sharing me with another man. I think I may have some competition from the girls-they love him almost as much as I do. These feelings are all so exciting and new, yet strangely familiar. I don't know what the future holds, all I know is one thing is for sure. I. Am. In. Love.

Introducing...

2010-05-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

Beck Grayson Mondragon!

Weighing in at 10lbs 8 oz and 23 inches long. That's right, you heard me, I gave birth to a toddler. He was born Friday, May 7th at 8:05 am (same time as big sister Ellie!) at IHC Womens Center. He was born cesarian section...a procedure that I thank my lucky stars for everyday! We got quite a few comments about his weight and height! We had 4 nurses tell us it it was the longest baby they have ever had at the hospital. We had the anesthesiologist tell me that I would have probably died on the plains had I been a pioneer and tried to have that size of a baby without a c-section (jokes on him-I would've died on the plains WAY before I had kids...like 1/2 mile into the trek). But everyone who has seen him has agreed that he looks like he is at least 2 or 3 months old. It's been so fun to have a new baby back in our home. The girls have been amazing big sisters-Ellie even gave him a "don't worry about it" kiss on the forehead after he sprinkled on her arm. It's already so different having a boy in our home, but different in the most incredible way. Our little family is complete and we are so blessed to have the love we do for each other.

PS-Check out those catcher mitts! Zowie, he is going to be a big boy!!

Hardest I've laughed in a while...

2010-04-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Kell and I got some dinner from KFC and I explained to the girls that the corn on the cob was too hot to eat right away and to let it cool. A few minutes later Ellie asked (very impatiently) "Mom, is my hog on the nog cool yet?!" Being 8 and 1/2 months pregnant I dang near had an accident I was laughing so hard!

How does your garden grow?

2010-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE spring for so many reasons-the perfect weather, finally getting to get the kids outside in the fresh air, watching tulips pop up. But, my favorite thing about spring is watching Kelly starts our garden. What an amazing thing to see your own food that you planted start to grow and eventually feed your family. Now, keep in mind that I put in absolutely no work into the garden except preparing the veg that he brings in by the basketful, so I am really grateful that Kell loves his garden and gives it plenty of TLC throughout the spring and summertime. I love that he is teaching the girls about gardening and how important it is to know where our food comes from. We are always trying to eat healthier and I am so glad we can just run out to the garden whenever we want something fresh and yummy to eat. This is the first year we will be canning and bottling our own salsa, pickles, pickled beets and beet juice jelly, so if any of you have any suggestions, tips or recipes please feel free to let us know!

Let's Jam

2010-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

There are several sounds that remind me of spring...birds chirpping, lawnmowers getting revved up for their first mow of the season, and jam jars popping to let you know that all that hard work you just did is sealed and the deal is done. I don't know if there is such a satisfying feeling as knowing that after hours of slaving over a hot stove, and covering most of your belongings in red sticky goo, that the end result is something delicious that you can enjoy throughout the year. Putting up my own jam makes me feel like I am a 1950's housewife, or a pioneer or something. I feel like I am not only preserving fresh fruit, I am preserving a lost art that I hope to some day teach my girls. So, here's to another year of peanut butter and jam sandwiches!

Cute Chicks

2010-04-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Hoppy Easter everyone! Hahaha....sigh....that joke gets funnier every year. P.S. One of these years we are sure we will get a pic where they are all looking at the camera and smiling. We just know if will happen...someday.

The fanciest dinner we've ever had.

2010-02-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day takes on a new meaning when children are involved. Out the window goes 5 star restaurants and date nights that last til whenever the heck you feel like rolling in, and in goes fast food restaurant meals to go, and maybe a movie, but only if its in Tooele, and after the kids have gone to bed so I can feed and bathe them and get them to bed so its less stressful for whichever grandparent we guiltily call and meekly ask "could you come over for a few hours so we can go see one of those newfangled moving picture shows that are so popular with the kid folk these days?". You get the idea.

So this year I was glad that Valentines was on a Sunday-took a lot of the pressure off to have to go out somewhere nice and having to get a babysitter and the whole bit. Instead we had THE fanciest meal we've ever had. Kell made the girls and I a gourmet meal of BBQ pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, sauteed zucchini, crecent rolls and strawberry shortcake for dessert. It was amazing! But better yet, as he was preparing dinner the girls and I got fancy. Dress up clothes, jewlery, high heeled shoes, tiaras, make-up and fingernail polish. We were the fanciest crew you've ever seen! Here are a few pics to prove it! Better yet, Kell is surprising me with a weekend getaway-can't wait to find out where we are going!! Hope everyone felt love this Valentines Day!

Just Wondering...

2010-01-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Just wondering if this little guy inside of me will look anything like this...

or perhaps like this?...

Will he be a sad baby?...

a happy baby?...

or a thumb sucking baby?...

All I know is that I can't wait to find out!

Friends

2010-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to have a big friends party. We invited all the old clan together, including husbands and kiddos (boy, did we have a household!) and had dinner and visited. It was so nice to catch up with one another and see how much everyone has evolved, but more importantly how no one has changed. I love you girls with all my heart and am so glad to have such amazing friends. BTW-for those who couldn't make it we missed you and are glad you and your families are feeling better!

Christmas Angels

2009-12-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

Nursery Girl

2009-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a day of mixed emotions for me. It was Taytum's first day in nursery! I was so relieved that I wouldn't have her distracting me during Relief Society and Sunday School anymore (although, Papa takes over during Sunday School every week and does his darndest to get her to sleep...almost always successful!) but I was so sad that my baby won't be tucked on my lap anymore looking at books and eating her endless supply of fruit snacks. She did great-no incidences to report of, but I think that had something to do with Grandma Linda sneaking in and snuggling her for a few minutes between classes! Turning 18 months is no small feat...here are some of Taytums likes and dislikes:

Likes: Putting on mommys lotion, playing in mommys make-up, taking all the reciepts out of mommys wallet and strewing them all over the house, being rocked to sleep, fighting with her sisters and getting her way...every time.

Dislikes: When mom leaves the room, getting her diaper changed (yes, she is in the running away stage) and when her sissies won't let her play with their toys.

What a peach! She is our strong-headed little firecracker that won't back down, and we wouldn't have her any other way!

Thanksgiving in San Fran!

2009-12-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Public Transportation-I know my kids did!

SO Excited to be at the Tree Lighting Ceremony!

MuirWoods

Enjoying the relish tray...and I mean REALLY enjoying the relish tray.

Look at that Turkey...and the bird he's holding!

After much begging and pleading and crying and pouting I got my way and we were off to San Fran for the Thanksgiving Break!! We arrived at around 1 in the morning on Thursday and woke up to an AMAZING Thanksgiving dinner being cooked. If any of you know my brother you know he is a borderline gourmet chef, so we had a wonderful brined turkey with fresh sage and other spices, brussel sprouts with bacon and butter (sooo yummy!) sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and coconut, potatoes, homemade apple sausage stuffing, the list goes on. The rest of the day was filled with lots of laughter and leftovers. The next day we ventured to MuirWoods Redwood Forest where we walked a trail along some, you guessed it, giant redwoods. We had to cross the Golden Gate bridge to get there and my kids were in seventh heaven-they thought it was great! Afterwards we found a delicious little pizza joint that really hit the spot! We took the kids to an AWESOME park where they would've played for the next 2 days straight if we would have let them. Uncle Jed got some amazing picures of all the kids-go to http://www.heatherandjed.blogspot.com/ to check them out. We also went to the tree lighting ceremony at Macys that night and saw the giant tree get lit up. The next day we went to Fishermans Wharf to see the seals and walked along the pier. We also took the kids to another park where they had an even better time than before. We had such a fun time with all the Thompson clan-I am so thankful for my family and their generosity to share their apartment, food and time with us. I love my family so much and am truly thankful that they are mine.

Happy Birthday...kinda

2009-11-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

I am blaming daylight savings on my childrens behavior. It was the twins birthday on November 2nd and we decided to have a Build-A-Bear party! We had all their little friends show up and everyone was so excited about getting a new bear to take home as a new friend....everyone except for my kids. At one point of the party Ellie was actually having a "rolling around on the filthy floor fit" and screaming "I am having a hard time, I am having a hard time" over and over again. I guess the transition from age 2 to 3 is too much for some kids to handle. The highlight of the day was Ellie and Reese getting in a full blown punching fight in the middle of the store while all their friends watched....ahhh memories. To all my friends and Ellie and Reese's friends we're sorry for our behavior. Hopefully next years birthday party will be better...that is if we decide to have a birthday party for them...as of right now they next birthday party they get will be their 38th. Happy Birthday to my girlies-I love you more than anything in the world!

Crappy Halloween

2009-11-05T07:41:00.001-08:00

This year wasn't our best Halloween ever. I have been hyping up Halloween and Trick or Treating to the girls for weeks, and they were so excited to go! They were as happy as can be and looked so adorable all dressed up as bugs, that is until we stopped at our first house. We made it all the way over to Grandma and Papas house before the tears started flowing like bat venom (had to throw in a Halloween simile somewhere!). Tay and Reese were sad for no reason whatsoever! Once we left Grandma and Papas we headed to Grandma Hopies house so she could see how adorable the girls all looked. After Hopies we decided to go see Grandma Linda, then we were going to go around our neighborhood for good old fashioned Trick or Treating. We took one step into grandma Lindas house and every stich of their costumes came off and they were done. I kept explaining to them that we had to go out to peoples houses for more candy. The response was a big "No thanks mom!" So, $30 per costume later 3 people saw them. I guess I shouldn't be so disappointed that they didn't get tons and tons of candy, but I was so looking forward to taking them around to our neighborhood so they could get a glimpse of how Kell and I used to Trick or Treat before Trunk or Treat hit this town. I guess there is always next year...

Status Updates

2009-09-17T07:06:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since my last post, and as there are things going on constantly, we haven't done anything super exciting. So, here are some updates on my favorite puddin-faces in the world:

Ellie:

LOVES bugs. Daddy has a very expensive, very detailed book on bugs that Ellie will fall asleep with on a lot of nights because she LOVES looking at them. Needless to say the very expensive book is now wrinkled, ripped and some of the pages stick together (so I let her eat a PB&H sandwich while looking at it, ok?!)
Loves squishing bugs
Loves robots (what am I, raising a dude here?!)
Dosen't love Ratatouille
Is turning into the "Heather" of the relationship. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVED being bossed around by Heather growing up, and now I can see that in Ellie and Reese's relationship.
Weighs 34.3 lbs
Really, really hates getting flu shots
When asked to clean she tells me she is "weally, weally tired" Ok, so maybe she is the "Hillary" of the relationship, I don't know.
Is very loveable and gets excited by the simple things in life-flocks of birds, a butterfly, cheetos.

Reese:

Also, LOVES bugs.
Dosen't love squishing them though. That is where her Knightress in Shining Armor Ellie comes into play. Reese looks at Ellie like she just saved her life when Ellie squishes a potato bug that is meandering towards her general direction.
Loves cereal-wants it every single morning within a minute of waking up. Yesterday I made it a special occasion and made pancakes. Reese looked at her plate and said "This isn't cereals."
Weighs 33.3 lbs.
Is definitly the tenderheart of the two...reminds me of someone...
Loves to say "Look what I can do" and do random things like blink her eyes, smile big, or shake her head back and forth...we are so proud of her accomplishments!
Is always saying "Just a little bit."-"I'm just going to go outside just a liitttllle bit" (the little is always drawn out) or I'm just going to eat Hershey syrup from the bottle a liiittttllle bit" It's adorable how she can justify anything with a "little bit."
Loves telling people her name is Sissy Mondragon.
Loves everyone and gives kisses, hugs and snuggles to prove it. Even to perfect strangers. Awww.

Taytum:

Is walking, talking and getting into EVERYTHING!
Loves to have her arm rubbed to get her to sleep. In exchange, when she is really tired she will rub your arms until you have matching Indian burns.
Really, really loves her Papa. It may have something to do with the licorice he always has in his pocket, we're not really sure.
Weighs 22 lbs
Loves helping mommy unload the dishwasher. I will stand by the silverware drawer and she will bring me the silverware one piece at a time (I've removed the sharp knives before this takes place...what kind of a mother do you think I am?!)
When anyone raises their voice around her (which NEVER happens in this house!) her little bottom lip automatically sticks out and she is ready for the tears.
Loves bracelets, shoes, socks and phones...she is a true lady.
Is the most cuddly bug around.

Baby#4

Is about 7 weeks old
Is the size of a pea
Will be a freshman when his/her sisters will be seniors and a junior.
Is making his/her mommy and daddy very happy and very nervous at the same time.
Is making his/her daddy buy his/her mommy a new, bigger vehicle as to fit him/her in.
Better be a boy for his/her daddy's sake.
Is completing our family-we can't wait to see you in June Baby Mondragon-we already love you so much!

Camping...ugh...

2009-08-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows I hate camping. The bugs. The dirt. Going to the bathroom outside. I just basically hate being outside. Everyone who knows Kell knows he LOVES camping. The fishing. The wildlife. Building fires. He basically just loves being outdoors. He begged me to go camping this year. I begged him to stay in a hotel. Well, we compromised. We went up to Fairview and stayed at his Aunts cabin with all the Mondragons. Good news: It had indoor plumming, we didn't have to sleep in a tent, we were able to cook all our meals indoors and we were there with family. Bad news: We were still camping. The girls got FILTHY and we all know how much I hate when my babies are dirty, there were squirrels running on the roof half the night so I didn't sleep well at all, and everything we own now smells like campfire. I would have made a TERRIBLE pioneer. I've jokingly said that if I were a pioneer I would have died 3/4 of a mile into the trek. I truly believe that would've been the case. So, our first family camping trip (well, almost. Tay stayed with Grandma and Papa. I am sooo glad she stayed home. I missed her, but I was already a basket case trying to keep tabs on both girls the entire time!) was a success. We're all still alive arent we?

8 Years ago today...

2009-08-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Was one of the best days of my life. Kell and I were married for Time and all Eternity. It seems like only yesterday we were dating in high school, going to proms, Kell playing basketball and me cheering him on. Who would've thought that 8 (actually 12!) years later I would still be his biggest fan. I've loved him since the day we met and the only thing thats changed is that I love him more everyday...and one of us has less hair(I'm not saying who!) Hon, thank you for providing for me and the girls, for putting up with my emotional breakdowns, and for being one of the most amazing people I know. I love you-here's to 80 more years!

Thank heavens for little girls...

2009-08-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

I MELT for her!!

Cotton Candy

2009-08-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Papa:

We just wanted to thank you again for buying us the cotton candy that mommy specifically asked you not to. Don't worry, the stains came out of our white pants! Mommy thought it would take 4 washes, but the good news is that is only took 3!! Thanks again for making us stickier than we have been in 2 and a half years! We love you...oh, and sorry about the sugar induced fit we had on the ride home...all 3 hours of it! Love: Ellie and Reese

The many faces of Reesie...

2009-07-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago Reese and I were still awake (daddy was out of town and sissies were asleep) when she found my camera. She said "Here mom, take my picture" and proceeded to make THE funniest faces I have ever seen her make. I would say "Do a sad face" or "do a silly face" and she would follow orders to a tee! I think I may have myself a little diva on my hands! Here are some of my favorites:

"Sleepy Girl"
"Reeser the Grouch!"

"Silly"

"Really Silly"

"Really, Really Silly!!"

Taytum Mae is ONE!!

2009-07-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

A little late, but on June 18th my baby girl turned one!

Pumpkin-faced nerf-herder...where has the year gone? I feel as if I can remember every minute of every day of your life! You are quite the mama's girl, but now that the milk wagon has run dry you are turning into a daddy's girl, just like your sissies! Your not walking, but close! You love to stand up on your own and just look around the room as proud as a peacock! You love making the "popeye face" that mommy used to make when she was your age. You love eating corn on the cob the best, but anything you can get your precious little hands on will work too. You weighed 20 pounds at your one year check-up, which means you are a peanut!! I think your sisters weighed 20 lbs at 7 months!! I love that you want to be held by me all the time. I love that everyone you pass in a store or on the street makes a comment about your beautiful blue eyes and long curly eyelashes. I love that you make everyone around you laugh when you flash them a big toothy grin. I love your birthmark on your knee. I love everything about you. You are such a perfect baby. I love you more than there are words! Love, Mom.

Let Freedom Ring...

2009-07-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Fourth of July! It is one of my favorite holidays...also happens to be the day that Kelly and I became a couple 12 years ago (cute!). Every 4th of July we do the exact same thing every year, which I love! The day started by attending the parade. All 3 girls really liked it...I think. Once the twins each got about 3 pieces of candy they were fine to go find a shady spot to eat it. I once told Ellie to "Come with me and lets get some more candy!" to which she held up a piece of taffy and yelled back "I already have one mom!" Fine by me sis! The girls didn't like the fire trucks ("Too loud mom!") and Taytum fell asleep amid all the chaos, but all in all I think we had a great time at the parade. After the parade we headed to that park...every year I tell myself we aren't going to go since it's kinda lame, but every year we still find our way down there directly after the parade. We didn't stay long, just long enough to say hi to friends and for the girls to ride a few rides, then we were off to Grandma Lindas for lunch, then Grandma and Papas for a BBQ. We had a rip roarin game of badmitton going on (Go Team Mondragon!!) when we realized it was almost firework time...my favorite part of the 4th festivites! My sweetheart got me hooked on fireworks. I think Kelly loves the fireworks more than anyone I have ever seen! I was a little nervous that the girls wouldn't like the noise...and I was right. Ellie watched the fireworks with her hands over her ears the entire time, but none the less still loved them, Taytum fell asleep about 10 minutes before the display and slept the entire way through them, and Reese hid under a blanket and slowly drifted off to sleep. I joked that nothing lulls my kids to sleep like loud, booming noises! I love that the traditions of 4th of July run so deep in this town...you know where every family in Grantsville sits during the parade, who you will see at the car show down at the park, whose kids will be dressed in the newest Gymboree 4th of July garb and I love that. I love that a small town can have such strong traditions and that the memories every year are renewed just as you left them the year before. I love so many things about the Fourth, but especially the opportunity we have to celebrate our freedom no matter how we choose. Not everyone can say that. Thanks to the men and women who fight for our freedom, rights and choices. Happy Independance Day! See you next year-same time, same place!!

Fathers Day...a few days late!

2009-06-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

So I am a little late posting this, but I wanted to make sure that I told all the men in our lives how much we love and appreciate them! I really do feel sorry for everyone else, because my children clearly have the worlds best daddy...sorry to all you runner-ups out there!! What other daddy does his girls hair every week for church until it's long enough to put in piggies? What other daddy will make up songs about robots and spiders to help his girl fall asleep? What other daddy will wake up at midnight when a certain one year old doesnt want to sleep after her 3 hour cat nap and will play with her until 3 in the morning? Not many...

Daddy, thank you for all you do for us-I don't think 4 girls have ever been so in love with the same guy at once! I appreciate your patience and calming ability you have-We love you so much!

Papa: Thanks for all the swings on your playset and the handful of licorice you give us every time you see us. Thank you for giving us rides on your tractor and being one of our favorite babysitters ever! There is no question on how much you love your little "punkin-faced nerf-herders!" We love you so much!

Grandpa: You always have the biggest smile when you see us walk through the door! Thank you for being an amazing grandpa to us and for helping raise the perfect man. We love you!

To all our uncles: You all show so much love and affection to us-thank you for treating us the way all girls should be treated. We love you!!

Love-Ellie Bean, Reese's Pieces and Tayter Tot

This place is a zoo!!

2009-05-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to the zoo over Memorial Day weekend, and as always it was packed, but the weather was perfect! The highlights of the day was the train ride (Kell would beg to differ...the twins threw an absolute fit when we got off the train and they found out we were on our way back to the car. He insists that if we didn't go on the train ride they wouldn have thrown such fits. I say they were just biding their time...) the carousel (Tay and I rode in the peacock and she LOVED it so much that she attempted to suck on the arm rest. Apparently I need to have the old Rotovirus talk with her...the same one that I had with the twin in the Wal-Mart cart.) the giraffes (we have pics of both Ellie and Reese stretching their necks out next to them) but the best part was just being out and about as a family. It amazes me how easy everything is when Kelly is involved. I guess its the fact that he can hold both twins at the same time and still somehow manage to push the wagon...a skill I desire to have and have a sneaking suspicion that I never will. We capped off the day with shopping and a trip to Chik-Fil-A. Jealous Jared and Ryann? Thought so...don't worry, your trip is only a few weeks away and we will go as many times as humanly possible. So all in all a great day. Can't wait to go next year!

Mama Ellie

2009-05-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ellie went over to Grandma and Papa's house tonight to visit (she took a 3 hour nap, so basically she will be awake until 1:30 this morning...) and brought back 'babies." A stuffed shark, puppy, squirrel and rat (I know, ew.) She was playing with them when I peeked in my room to see that she had covered each animal with a "blankie," aka towel, and looked up at me and said "Shhh, my babies are asleep, and I'm asleep but I'm your baby." Yes Ellie, you will always be my baby.

It's Official...Summer is Here!!

2009-05-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Last night for dinner we had corn on the cob and watermelon...sure signs of summer. Some things that we are looking forward to this summer are Kell's garden-he has planted every vegetable imaginable so if you find a bag full of zuccini on your porch you will know who to thank! We are so excited to take the girls to Lagoon this year, as well as the annual 4th of July celebration, Aunt Heathie, Uncle Jedders, Aunt Ryann and Uncle Jared visiting, Taytum's 1st Birthday Bash, uh...camping...I threw that in for Kell's sake. He actually thinks we are taking the girls camping...adorable! I am also looking forward to keeping things simple with the girls. Who needs Raging Waters when a sprinkler in the backyard will do just fine? I am excited to find fun, FREE things to do with the girls this summer. If anyone has suggestions let me know!

Mothers Day!

2009-05-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful girls: Thank you for my mothers day cards...your little voices recorded for me to always hear "Happy Mothers Day, Love ya!" is something I will always treasure. Thank you for your handmade nursery gifts...your handprints will not always stay this little, so I am so glad you've put them on paper for me to always remember how precious and small you were. Thank you for always letting me dress you in frilly dresses, wiping your little noses when they run, staying in the yard when I ask you to, letting me hug you for just a couple of seconds too long, giving me eskimo kisses, eating your zuccini when I put in on your plate and especially for choosing daddy and I to be your parents...you three are the best gifts I have ever been given and nothing makes me prouder than to tell people that I am your mommy. There will never be anything that you could ever do that will ever make me love you any less. You girls are my everything and makes me strive to do everything I can to make you as happy as you make me every day. I will always love you forever and ever. Love: Your mommy

Sleeping Beauty

2009-04-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

Is there anything more precious than a sleeping baby? If there is I don't want to know about it. Taytum is now 10 months and some of her favorite things are eating anything she can get her hands on, laughing and playing with her sisters, playing patty-cake, having everyone tell her how big and beautiful her eyes are, and walking along furniture. She loves giving kisses and will probably be walking in a few weeks! She is such a good little Tato Bug!

Fun at Discovery Gateway!

2009-04-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Last week my mom and I took the twins to the Discovery Museum at the Gateway...they had a BALL!!! Kell and I took them before Tay was born and they had a good time, but now that they are older they had such an amazing time! They loved planting a garden, playing in the water, organizing the fruit and vegetables (yet another sighting of Reese turning into Aunt Heado) and making music. They also got to go to a special book reading of David goes to School and made a star necklace. I can't wait to take them again...I think we could go for 3 full days and never get bored!

Hoppy Easter!!

2009-04-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun Easter weekend. It started out at the Grantsville City Park for their annual Easter egg hunt. There was face painting, pics with the Easter bunny (who looked like he had rabies) and of course the hunt. They actually had a pretty good spread of treats and eggs

and lots of candy. We got there literally one minute before the siren went off (just in time to see an older gentleman who looked like he was in his late 80's sitting in a lawn chair dressed like a trapper and holding a stuffed eagle. It was really weird and if he would have asked any of my girls to "pet his eagle" I would have had him arrested.) and of course the siren scared the living daylights out of my girls (they are a little scared of sounds. They hear a pin drop and need to be put on oxygen...) but they kept their eyes on the prize and got quite a few goodies. Then we went over to Grandma and Papa's for another Easter egg hunt and the best brunch of ham and cheesy potatoes I have had in a long time-my mom seriously makes the BEST cheesy potatoes! Today the Easter bunny made his way to the house and gave the girls adorable Radio Flyer pink tricycles and Taytum a Little Peoples set. It was our Tay Tay's first Easter and I must say the between the three of them we have the hottest chicks in town! Hope everyone had as great of a weekend as us!

Freebie

2009-04-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is kind of like a tag. Here's how it goes. If you want to play and are one of the first three people to comment on this post, you will receive something homemade from me. And you pay it forward and post it on your blog to. I just signed up through my friends and I can't wait to see what I get! Who's in?

My favorite pics of the girls...

2009-04-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

I love when you can get the perfect picture when you are just taking random candid shots...here are my 3 favorites!

Is there such a thing as too fancy for church??

2009-04-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

So, I went to a dress party on Monday, and that was my first mistake. For those of you who don't know, a dress party is an open house where a lady has a whole bunch of super fancy dresses and accessories for sale. I had already bought the girls Easter dresses about a month ago, so I was going to look at accessories to match the dresses...socks, headbands etc. So I checked out all the accessories, made some desicions, then started looking through the dresses just for the heck of it, when I zeroed in on this dress. It was like in a movie...our eyes locked, all other dresses disappeared and I made my way over in slow-motion. I picked it up and we whirled around and around until we fell into a field of wildflowers hand in sash. I don't remember the last time I saw such a beautiful dress. So Britt (who owed me the exact amount of money that the dress was priced at...it's like it was meant to be!!) bought it for me. I was beaming the whole way home. Then the garage door opened...my hands started to shake a little bit. Money is not exactly bursting out of our wallets at the moment, so I was SUPER nervous to tell Kelly. Some people try and trick their husbands by saying they bought something last year, or not even telling them at all, but not me. I've got the guiltiest conscience around. So he walks in the door and I blurt out that I bought Taytum a dress and showed it to him. He asked me when she had gotten asked to the Prom....I told him she hadn't. He asked me if she was going to be a bridesmaid or flower girl for a wedding...I told him wrong again. And I'll be danged if my husband isn't the best man in the world!! He told me that since the Jazz had won it was no big deal and that he thought it was adorable. So, don't get used to me saying this but I have become a HUGE Jazz fan! GO JAZZ!! Now one question-is it too fancy for church? I am also planning on her wearing it for her one year portrait, but I just don't want it to be too fancy for church...any thoughts??

The princesses and the papa!

2009-03-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

I made myself a goal after reading a few blogs, and that is to take a picture every single day...lately I haven't taken as many pics of just random day to day stuff, so I decided to pick up the camera and take a pic of when papa came over to say hi to the girls. I am so glad I did!! I thought these pics turned out so great!! What lucky girls to have a papa who loves them so much! My dad is so great-one of my favorite things is to watch my girls play with my dad. He is a great man and does a lot for everyone he knows...like saves me from my kids on a tri-weekly occurance! Love you papa!!

Big Girl Haircuts!!

2009-03-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's official. My two year old babies now look like 10 year old pre-teens!! I took them to Cookie Cutters for their first haircuts EVER (aside from me cutting knots out of Ellie's hair on a bi-weekly occurance.) They were PERFECT!! They didn't cry, scream, wail or anything! They each got to pick out a movie to watch (Dora for both) and while they were in the "Dora Zone" they sat perfectly still and got their hair cut into such adorable little bob's. I didn't realize how bad they were sporting mullets until I saw the before and afters...sorry my little wt kiddos! I cried the entire time-how lame am I? I realized that this was one more step in them no longer being babies, but big girls. I know that this is how it is, but I just wish they could stay my little puddin faces forever. Anyways, dry your eyes and check out my big girls!!

FUNNY FACES!!

2009-02-22T13:43:00.001-08:00

I was going through my pics and was cracking up at all the goofy pics! I was thinking "What in the world am I going to do with all these crazy pictures of my kids?" Why, put them up on your blog for all the world to see!! I can tell right now that I am going to be one of those mom's that don't mean to emberass their kids but do just by being their mom. I hope you guys get a good laugh out of them too!

I have 3 kids under the age of 2, OK??!!

2009-02-21T00:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know I am a horrible blogger. Just say it. Say it will ya?!! I would love to blog more, I really would. I would like to do a lot of things. I have visions of myself waking up before all the family gets up, make fresh squeezed orange juice and have the whole house vaccumed before tiny bluebirds chirp my family awake and they all come downstairs fully dressed, with their hair done to sit down to a nice warm breakfast. I have art projects and educational activities planned for my the twins throughout the day and single handedly teach Taytum sign language at the tender age of 8 months while cleaning out my fridge and making banana bread at the same time. Kelly comes home to a big 7 course meal and afterwards we clear the dinner table as a family then sit around telling stories of our day. After that we go upstairs, give our children a bath, brush their teeth without having to tackle and pin Reese down to the ground, have scripture study and family prayer, then my children float off to sleep while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads. Not the case. Lately I have not been able to get it together!!! Taytum is sleeping better, but the twins are getting worse! Without a doubt by dawns early light I have 3 children in bed with me and no husband. He takes the easy way out and sleeps downstairs on the sofa. I am comatose and don't ever hear the girls sneak into our bed but somehow throughout the night they all migrate over to my side of the bed so there are 4 human beings sharing one pillow. I have elbows, knees and toes in my back, stomach and face. I get the covers taken off of me, and the only thing keeping me on the bed is my big toe. Thus, I don't ever get a great nights sleep!! The girls wake up before it's even light outside by getting 1/4 an inch away from my face and saying "Good morning mom! I want a pickle and cheese (they are obsessed with pickles and cheese!) Followed by " I need chocolate milk, I need cereals, I need Diego" Yeah, well I want to sleep in past 7:00 am! So I somehow drag myself out of bed, turn on a cartoon, get them some dry cereal in a bowl and a sippy cup of milk (which I usually find 5 days later 1/2 full and under my bed) and crawl back into bed only to have Taytum wake up 3 minutes later! I get NOTHING done during the day except watch as my house is literally getting trashed right before my eyes. Kell comes home from work and I ask him if he wants waffles or a grilled cheese for dinner to which he replies "Casa del Rey." We get the kids bathed with Reese screaming the entire bath, brush their teeth and get them to bed. They only come out and ask for drinks, music, crackers, licorice and marshmallows about 13 times before I erupt and start screaming for them to go to bed. I am so tired that I fall asleep mid-stride and wake up in the bathroom or hallway somewhere, so needless to say not a lot of blogging gets done!! I know that this is how it is for now, I should just enjoy them while they are young, and don't get me wrong I do, but sometimes they make it so stinking hard!!! I love nothing more than being a mom, but it is the MOST unappreciated job on the planet! So, now that I have ranted and raved about the bad things, here are 10 things that make it all worth it.

1. When the girls tell someone please or thank you without being told to.

2. When Taytum falls asleep on my chest.

3. When Kelly comes home from work and the girls react like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade just came through the door.

4. When the girls want to hug and kiss Taytum.

5. When Taytum smiles one of her huge smiles and drool rolls down her chin.

6. When the Ellie finishes her fruit snacks first and Reese will say "Here you go sis" and share with her.

7. When we have family home evening and the girls sing I am a Child of God.

8. When Taytum reaches for me then buries her face in my shoulder like she cant get close enough.

9. When we watch a movie together as a family and Ellie says its her "Special Time" movie.

10. When they are all warm and cuddled into their beds with full tummies and their teeth brushed. We've said a family prayer, kissed and hugged them and told them we love them...is there anything better??

If anyone out there has had a day, week, month like mine (and I'm sure NO ONE else has, right?) just go read President Monsons GC talk on parenthood...someday I will miss the fingerprint smudges on every surface. I am so grateful that Kell works so hard so I can stay home. On a lighter note Ellie is obsessed with doing dishes (See pic above) so what am I complaining about?

The REAL Hillary Mondragon

2009-01-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

1. Do you like blue cheese? Nope. Ranch only. Unless a Big Mac with Thousand Island counts, then in that case Thousand Island every chance I get. Basically I am saying I am obsessed with Big Macs OK?!!?
2. Do you own a gun? Well, Kell does. The gun is locked and in the basement, the ammo is upstairs somewhere, and I dont know the combo to unlock it, so is it useful in an emergency? Nope.
3. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I love Sonics Strawberry Limeade, but I dont know if they add the strawberry or the lime!
4. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? Does anyone like getting a pappy?! Of course I get nervous, but more about what I should talk to the doctor about when he is doing the procedure...weather...the latest movies...if he likes his job...you get the idea.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Chocolate milk, but not homemade-store bought Cream of Weber. Yum!
8. Can you do push-ups? How many in a row? 2 yes, 40 no.
9. Age? 27
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring. This is a stupid question-anyone that is married and dosent say wedding ring is going to get a divorce over a questionaire.
11. Favorite hobby? Playing with the girls.
12. Favorite Actor? Probably John Krasinski from The Office-I love him.
13. Do you have A.D.D.? Addicted to Dunkin Donuts, yes.
14. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I am addicted to watching the Real Housewives on Bravo and can't stop myself!
15. Middle name? Erin
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: 1. I wonder when the girls are going to wake up. 2. I wonder if anyone is going to read this. 3. I should be cleaning and not blogging right now.
17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today? I went to lunch with my friends Amber and Janna today, so I bought my lunch at Casa Del Rey, scone dough for Navajo (or is it Native American) Tacos and Milk, since we go through 4 gallons a day.
18. drinks you regularly drink? Water. My new years resolution was to drink more water and stop drinking pop.
19. 3 Current worries? Money, kids and my new church calling (Laurels advisor)
20. Favorite place to be? Anywhere with my family
21. How did you bring in the New Year? At our house with Shanna and Marty and Brady and Rachel. We got sparkling cider and toasted, then went out and lit illegal fireworks (hope the Grantsville city popo dosent blog!!)
22.Where would you like to go? To sleep
23. Tag three to six people. Won't do it.
24. Do you own slippers? Yes, some that I got from the Venetian in Las Vegas. Fancy!!
25. What shirt are you wearing? Grubs, what else is new?
26. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I never have, I would assume no. Satin sheets and satin garmies dosent seem like a match made is heaven. I would probably fall out of bed.
27. Can you whistle? not well.
28. Favorite color? Pink
29. Would you be a pirate? no-I dont pillage or plunder.
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? I dont have time to sing in the shower-I am too busy yelling at the girls to close the shower curtain.
31. Favorite girl's name? Ellie Reese and Taytum. I really love the name Lila for a girl and Beck for a boy.
32. What is in your pocket? Do sweat pant have pockets?
33. Last thing that made you laugh? My girls-all the time. they are the funniest little things around!
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I was always scared to sleep by myself when I was little, so my mom bought me Mickey Mouse sheets so I would have a friend to sleep with. She is so cute!
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Mastitis. Ouchie!!
36. How many TVs do you own? 2
37. Who is your loudest friend? Heather
38. How many dogs do you have? One-he will be the last.
39. Does someone have a crush on you? If someone does I would love them to speak up-I could use a boost of confidence right about now.
40. What is your favorite book(S)? To Kill a Mockingbird.
41. Where were you born? Salt Lake City, UT
42. What is your favorite candy? This question for me is like asking an alcoholic what his favorite drink is. I guess Charlston Chews and Salted Nut Rolls (yes, I am going to go eat them at the Senior Citizen Center with the other grandmas)
43. Favorite Sports Teams? I guess the Jazz-only because of Korver-zowie!!
44. What songs do you want played at your funeral? Morbid. I guess just church hymns? I hvent ever hear Metallica at a funeral, so I don't really understand the question.
45.What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Am usually comatose or nursing Tay.
46. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Why the girls woke up so daggum early.
47. Do you live away from your home town? Nope. Lets hear it for those Grantsville Cowboys!!
48. Do you like to celebrate the holidays? What???? Who doesn't!?!? Of course I like to. It;'s funner now with the girls-I love trying to make it into a Norman Rockwell Christmas for them.
49. Do you own/use excessive equipment, if so what kind? I don't know if any of you have met my husband, but his whole life is excessive equipment. Therefore I guess the answer is yes.
50. What do you think of this long list of questions? Super fun-hope it shows up on some of my favorite blogs!

Sledding

2009-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Some of our best memories (although I can't remember it as well as the siblings) as children is having my dad drag us behind the '87 Bronco on a sled. This is before child safety laws were enforced.
During the holidays and snowfall we thought it would be fun to relive this memory through the kids eyes.
There are a few people we need to thank before we get this show started:
-Kurt for letting us use the 4-Wheeler
-Grandma for being a packrat and saving our snow bibs
-Papa for being the navigator
-Heathie for getting us ready
-Our fun cousins for playing with us

This is Heathie getting the sheepdog ready

Looking at my new glove

Traipsing around the snow...getting a feel for it before we get on the sled

Marlee, Reese, and Ellie

Marlee and Lainee getting in on the fun!

10 Funny Things My Girls Said This Week...

2008-11-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

1. I was dancing like a goofball trying to get Ellie to not be a grump bum and she told me "No mama, don't be Foofa" (the big pink one that dances on Yo Gabba Gabba)

2. Reese handed me Mr. Potato Head and told me to "Fix Mr Heads Butt." Yes, she did get reprimanded for saying butt.

3. Ellie was running in the kitchen and slipped and fell. I asked her what happened and she said (in a very fake sad voice) "Tay Tay pushed me!" Mind you that not only is Taytum 5 months old, but was also playing in her exersaucer in the other room.

4. I was cleaning my bedroom today and had just made the bed. I left the room for a minute and when I came back in Reese said "Come find me mom!" and had crawled underneath the bedspread, sheets and matress pad. So basically my bed was made except for the big lump that was Reese right in the middle of the bed.

5. Ellie came in our room at about 7:00 in the morning, stretched, looked at daddy, then very sleepily said "Hi Kell."

6. Reese will come in whatever room you are in and say "Hi guys, what doing" about 15 times a day.

7. Reese wales up every morning and says "Hi mom, I want pickle and cheese."

8. Kell's mom came over to babysit and they very excitedly screamed "Hi Linda!!"

9. I told Ellie "I love you sooo much!" and she said to me "Mama, I love you too much"

10. Ellie was very mad at mama the other day, and in the angriest voice that a 2 year old could muster she said "Mom, GO HOME!!!"

The girls are at such a fun age-they love singing church songs andare getting better about not taking their diapers off (knock on wood) Taytum is laughing and smiling at everything she sees, and is rolling around all over the place. I have such a wonderful family!! In the words of Ellie and Reese "I love mommy, she loves me. We love Kell, yesiree. He loves us and so you see, we are a happy family! Video below:

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=kEgr2qPumhP29U9U7Qqh&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Yeehaw, it's Halloween!! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I always want a theme to the costumes (hey, I am a stay at home mom, this is what I live for!) so this year it was Cowboys, Cowgirls and Cowpokes!! I had fun putting the girls costumes together, and Taytum was so snuggly and warm in her cute cow costume!! We had a pretty good Halloween. It was Tay Tay's first Halloween (fun fact: last year on Halloween night Kell and I found out we were preggers with our third little "ghoul"), so that was fun. The girls are now realizing the sweet glory of candy, so the looks on their faces were pretty priceless when they realized people were giving them candy just for saying 3 magical words...Trick or Treat. The girls went to daddys work party on Thursday and got some goodies, then the next day was Halloween, so of course we went to our wards Trunk or Treat. I am going to be honest-I dont know if I love Trunk or Treat. I feel like it shouldn't be on Halloween, but maybe the weekend before. I wish they would hand out some official rules at General Conference or something. Anyways, the girls went around to about 20 cars then they were done. I on the other hand wanted them to hit the streets hard so I could feed my candy addiction (literally) but they were pretty distracted with their Tootsie Pops that they got from the first car and couldn't really keep their eyes on the prize. So it was pretty fun for them, but nothing like when I was a kid. I guess Halloween, like everything else in this world is just different than when I was younger. I felt safe eating the homemade popcorn balls that my children will never experience unless I take them to the airport where they can run it through the x-ray machine to make sure no one has hidden razor blades or drug paraphanelia in them...sigh...the good ole' days. Hope everyones Halloween was spooktacular!!

PS-You can see all of our current videos and lots more pics at mondragonspace.com

PPS-Am I the only one that is fed up with the 12 year old boys putting on a black sweat suit and white make-up on their face and going out trick or treating? I want to ask them when they come to the door that if they can explain exactly what they are, rather than a mooch, then yes, I will give you the coveted minuature Butterfinger (which, for some reaon is 3000 times more delicious than the normal sized.) So to all of you that send your kids out as "Sweat Suit Weirdos" please give them a pair of black pantyhose to put over their eyes and go as burglars, because really, isnt that what a 13 year old going trick or treating is anyways?

2008-11-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

This is Heather (Hillary's sister) writing...(who am I kidding, everyone that knows you knows me, right?)
Because I am keeping this blog alive, I am going to attach some of my favorite pics. The one of Taytie in her Bumbo chair is SO adorable!!!

Reese (or Ellie) with her BA-BOON.

Hill, we are pleading for you to post Halloween pictures. What is cuter than nieces and nephews??? Seeing them dressed up!