8 YEARS HAVE PASSED

8 years ago today I sat in a hospital holding a hours old Aidan in my arms. He didn't have his cute freckles yet, or his cute tooth filled smile, or his sometimes not so desirable attitude. But, he did have my heart, completely and fully. Today he has an abundance of freckles across hi nose, the angel kisses we call them. He has an infectious smile and laugh, and beautiful blue eyes. He has an undying yearning for learning, which we try to encourage everyday in the hopes that he never loses it. He is a great big brother and an appreciative little brother. He is a true and wonderful blessing in our family!

We chose the name Aidan because we loved that it was such a strong Irish name, and the bonus was that it meant "fiery spirit," which is Aidan in a nutshell. His middle name is Bryant, his great grandfather's surname. Aidan has a lot to live up to if he wants to become like his great grandfather, and I know he does. He will certainly accomplish all he desires, he is stubborn enough to never quit and smart enough to do it all! There are already so many things about Aidan that remind us of Papa, almost as if they were kindred spirits. Amazing!!

Happy birthday to you Aidan Bryant Ireland!! We love you so much!!


Ready to start Scouts, very intently reading his Wolf book



Happy to open some presents before dinner


Aidan chose where he wanted to sit and Gaga made him a sign to mark the chair

I have survived....

I have survived several things in my 37 years...including earthquakes, floods and childbirth. As of today, I have survived 2 slumber parties in my house! I am fairly certain that is a huge accomplishment. The noise level during last night's balloon fight was something to be reckoned with. I survived it. Craft time and creating of one's own pizza? Survived it. Opening presents and treat bags? Survived it. Movies, popcorn, and sleeping? Survived it. Fun was had by all.

I made a pretty awesome camouflage cake with army tanks and guys on it. As soon as I figure out how to get the pictures off of my camera and on here, I will post.

One more day until Aidan turns 8, officially. Four more days until Aidan is baptized. Still have to find a pianist and decide on songs. Happy, happy days!!!

Crazy Fun Days.....

Through the last nearly 11 years of being a Mom, I have been a Stay at Home (working) Mom, a Work outside of the home, a part time stay at home/work outside the home mom, and a Full-time student/stay at home/work outside the home mom. I'm sure you see the trend there...I have been a Mom for nearly 11 years, and I have worked for many more than that! I am in a Work outside the home Mom stage now, and probably will be for the rest of my days. I am okay with it, probably because I have a job which allows me to have "Family Sick Leave" time, vacation time, and many holidays to be home with my boys. In fact, I took the whole week off this week, to be with the boys, and plan for Aidan's birthday and baptism. Let's just say that working outside the home is much easier than staying home! Don't get me wrong, I have great kids! It just takes much more energy to be home than it does to go to work each day.

Today's activities are a great example:

*Help Connor make breakfast for everybody, while doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen
*Clean the house, with help from boys (help=asking the boys to stay on task once every 5-10 minutes for 2 hours)
*Clean up the bathroom floor and part of the boy's room floor, using all but 2 towels in the house, after the toilet overflowed
*Make 2 different dishes for lunches for kids, while realizing that we were late getting Korbin to school
*Getting Korbin to school
*Errands in Eureka to get the remainder of birthday party supplies (I hope) and birthday presents (this included far more than I planned on spending at the Scout store!)
*Stop for Connor and Aidan to eat
*Picking up Korbin from Gaga and Pop's house
*Feeding 3 boys again, while they watch a movie

Still left on the list?
* Bake the cake and make the army colors frosting so that tomorrow I can make an "Army fighting" scenario come to life on the cake. (any idea how to make land mines?)
* Put together treat bags
* Clean the bathroom
* Fold mountains of laundry (including all those towels used to clean up the toilet water)
* maybe get some sleep

Being home takes much more out of me, but I am surely more rewarded by being with my children! I am grateful for each of them!

Trying Something New

I am going to try something new...my great friend, and former mission companion, Cathy, has a great blog that I follow. She manages to write on her blog pretty much everyday. I am going to try to do this...I am going to try to write more like she does...you can check her blog out over here: http://theoldsfamily.blogspot.com

I started something else new just about a month ago. I started making freezer meals for our family. I have always been good at budgeting and spending a small amount on groceries for our family size. Our average monthly grocery bill over the last few years has been $300 or less, including buying food storage food for our family. I noticed, however, that after I started working in our Garberville office, I was spending more than that. I noted that it was because I was getting home later and probably doing more "convenience" kind of foods than before. In order to get away from that, and get back on budget, I decided to try to use the crockpot more and to try freezer meals. Freeze meals have been great! I spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon cooking 6-10 meals and then I freeze them. I can take most from freezer to oven and have dinner within an hour to an hour and a half after coming in the door. It is the next best thing to having dinner in the crockpot!

I have found some great recipes on this website: http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com
One of the kid's favorites is this: http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicken-cordon-bleu-bake.html

I have spent less than $300 on groceries in the last month and I have added to our food storage. That, my friends, is awesome in my opinion!

Remember when?

I have a cookbook sitting on my counter. It is missing it's cover. I got the cookbook when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, I think. My bff, Paige, gave it to me. I leave it on my counter because it is a kid's cookbook and the boys like to make things out of it. There are yummy things in the book, like Peanut Butter Modeling Dough and Walking Salad. As I was grating cheese, I started thinking about that book. I could put it on the shelf with all the other cookbooks. The boys would still tell me when they wanted to make something from the book. I don't have much in the way of clutter in my house, and I don't like to leave stuff just sitting on the counter or the table, but that book has been in that same spot for about a year. I could put it on the shelf with the others, but I don't want to. You see, it isn't about convenience or ease or clutter or anything like that. It is purely about having happy memories and a happy childhood filled with great friends and family. I have known Paige since we were 4 years old and in preschool. We went to school from preschool all the way through our first year of college at HSU. She was in my wedding party. (I missed her wedding only because I was off serving a mission.) And, I am certain that even today, I could call her in the middle of the night anytime, if I really needed her. Paige's parents owned a store on Main Street in Ferndale when we were growing up. I spent many an afternoon in the back room of that store. We would watch T.V., eat snacks, play games, and just have fun. Eventually we got too old to hang out at the store, obviously. But, we still spent lots of time together with our friends, Jennifer, Deanna and Michael too. We had lots of fun times growing up in a small town. See, I could keep that cookbook on the shelf with my other cookbooks, but each time I look at it, I am reminded of my blessed life and how, in part, I grew to be what I am today.

Summer Stopper

So, summer should be full of fun and freedom, right? We are now, and always have been, parents who believe that children need to be children and have fun in doing so, while being provided with a safe environment in which to grow and learn how to make choices that lead to good consequences. We are blessed to live in a small town, and to be surrounded by small towns where our children can play safely and enjoy their childhood.
So, yesterday after Church, Connor and his friend, Tanner, went to my parent's house. They decided to go for a ride on their scooters, just like they had done the day before, only this time, they did not arrive home the same way they had the day before. I got the phone call from my mom at about 5 p.m., that Connor had taken a pretty good spill on the scooter and I better come take a look. I walked in and saw a swollen wrist and a clearly in pain Connor. I immediately knew we had to go to the ER. Off we went, with a banged up Connor. He had a pretty good scrape on his nose, his glasses had been destroyed, he had scraped his knee and both his arms, and he was not a happy boy. We were taken in immediately. When the doctor came in to do the exam, I thought that we would only have to X-Ray Connor's right arm, as it was pretty obvious that that arm was broken. The doctor said it would be best to take a picture of both. Connor asked me how he was going to eat with two broken arms. I assured him that only the right arm was going to be broken and he wouldn't have to worry about that. When the doctor came back, however, we quickly learned how wrong I was! Yep, they were both broken. And, the right arm was so badly broken that we would have to have it reset by an orthopedic doctor. How blessed we are to have so many people in our ward family who love us and sacrifice so much! Brother Harrison and Brother Anderson came to the hospital and Connor received a Priesthood blessing. And, the orthopedic doctor was also a member of our ward, who, though he was not on call, was willing to come in at the request of our regular Pediatrician. Doctor Jones came in and reset and casted both of Connor's arms. Connor was a trooper, with the good medication, he survived the resetting and the casting. We came home and finally crashed after just over 5 hours in the ER.
I have spent the day at home, with my Boo, giving him medication, feeding him, scratching his ears, nose and forehead, and providing for his every need. It is pretty difficult to do anything with two broken arms!!! We are sure hoping for a quick recovery and some creative fun for the remainder of the summer. If you have any good ideas for activities, send them our way!

Summer Fun...New Experiences

So, I haven't blogged in awhile. I really think I need to try to be more like my friend, Cathy, who seems to get something on her blog everyday, at least a short something. I will try to get better...today I will post two things, because the two cannot go together.

We have been enjoying summer, the boys especially. The sun could have come out to stay sooner than the beginning of July, but ni modo, fun is to be had! While John and I are at work, the boys and Gaga get to play. Although, we did go camping over 4th of July weekend...that was a lot of fun!! But, with Gaga, they have fun trips to the river for swimming, visits to Mimi, and every Friday they have Friday night feast at Gaga's house. Friday night feast includes not only our boys, but Aidan's friend, Olivia and Connor's friend, Tanner. Gaga rotates the menu choice through each one of them, and they enjoy a variety of dinners each week. Our boys have one awesome grandma, let me tell you! We much appreciate her and all she does for us and the boys. And, we appreciate Pop for putting up with all the craziness too!

Part of the fun this summer has been a theater class that Connor and Aidan both participated in. During the school year, one of Connor's teachers suggested Connor might want to participate in the theater class that Ferndale Reparatory Theater offers each summer. Connor was really excited to be in the class. Aidan, on the other hand, originally asked if he could take a math class while Connor did the theater class. That would be our Aidan-Bug, he loves math!!! We did not find a math class, and Aidan decided, on the second day of class, that he wanted to take the theater class. Thanks to a scholarship, he was able to do so. They spent 3 days a week, 3 hours each day, for 4 weeks, developing two short plays. We got to see the results on Saturday night, and we absolutely loved it!!! We will most definitely be participating in the class again next summer. Connor is going to audition for Oliver in a couple of months and is fairly certain to go on to do great things on the stage! Aidan did a great job as a wizard and is a shining star as well.

We still want to go do some other things for the remaining 6 or so weeks of summer...maybe to Six Flags, maybe some more camping, maybe just relaxing....no matter what we do, we are certain to have lots of fun doing it!

A visit to the State Capitol

I am the President of the Scotia Union School District Board of Trustee. I am a trustee. I, along with four trustees, am entrusted with making decisions that affect more than 25 staff members and 218 students from K through 8th grades. I don't broadcast this information. I honestly enjoy serving on the Board of trustees, almost all of the time. I feel like I can make a difference. During the month of March, however, I don't really enjoy serving on the board. March is the month when we, as a board, have to decide if we will have to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent to lay staff off. This is the month in which we have to make tough decisions which truly take the lives and livelihood of individuals in our hands. Our small school district has fared much better than others have, and yet we are still hurting more than we should have to. We were unable to avoid giving "pink slips" to some teachers and programs this year. I cried when we did so last year, and I cried again this year. Last year we were able to retract those pink slips, but this year is not looking good. Close to 23,000 teachers in the state of California received "pink slips" this year. How sad is that? The consequences of this number is obvious, our children will be the ones who truly suffer in the end.
So why am I suddenly broadcasting this? Check this out:

Today was the last day of Connor's birthday trip. Before leaving Sacramento we went to the State Capitol building. We were standing in the hallway in front of the Governor's office when several members of California Teacher's Association and the Teacher's Coalition were gathering to present the Governor with a representative "pink slip" in the form of a memo asking him to please restore the funding we have lost over the last three or so years. Connor asked me what a "pink slip" was. I tried to explain simply the concept of budgeting for the school, and told him that unfortunately our own School Board had been forced to approve the issuing of "pink slips" this last week. One of the women in the group heard me and Connor talking and she approached us, saying she had heard my explanation. Connor immediately said "my mom is on the School Board." The woman asked if Connor and I would like to join with the group in delivering the "pink slip" to the Governor. We immediately said yes. Unfortunately, the Governor was booked and unable to see us, but his Press Secretary did come out and speak with the group. As is typical of many Politicians, he insisted that we had it wrong and that all was well with education funding. That is a discussion for another day. Connor presented him with the "pink slip" to give to the Governor. A Bay Area Superintendent also presented two large manila envelopes of letters written by her students to voice their concern as 20 of their teachers received "pink slips" today.
While it may or may not have any affect on what our State Government will do, Connor got to have a great experience today. He learned that he could be a part of something, big or small.
What a great experience for a 10 year old. I can only hope and pray that schools will not continue to lose funding, because all of the children deserve so much better than this!

A whole decade!!!!!!!! Connor is 10!!!!

It is official, I have been a Mother for an entire decade. Connor is 10 years old now. Don't ask where the years have gone. I do not know. I am not a day older. I swear I just had him.
We gave Connor a choice this year. Party or a trip with just Mom, Dad and Connor. He's a smart kid. He chose a trip. He then asked if we could go to New York. No, it has to be a weekend trip. How about Chicago? Again, not a weekend length trip. San Francisco? Yes!!!
We went to Pier 39. We had lots of fun...IN-N-OUT, Aquarium by the Bay, Wax Museum, 4D Sponge Bob ride, bicycle carriage ride, Hard Rock Cafe, Rain Forest Cafe, and lots of walking! Alcatraz tours were sold out. We drove to Sacramento on Sunday morning. We hit Old Sac and had some yummy Crepes. Connor and Daddy had an old fashioned Cowboy/Gunslinger picture done. We looked at lots of stores. We hit Toys-R-Us. Fun stuff! We ate at Olive Garden...again, yummy!!! At every place we ate, John told them it was Connor's birthday. 9 times he was given a happy birthday song by the staff or over a loud speaker. 9 times he turned red!
10 years has gone too fast. The trip has been fun. Priceless. I am a blessed mommy! I love my Boo so much....I can't believe 10 years have come and gone! I love you Boo!

Hop on over and check out this blog...and her giveaway!

My friend, Rachelle, has a current giveaway on her blog for a $50 Safeway gift card. Check it out!! Who can't use some free groceries? She has great recipes and always has great giveaways too.

http://ldylvbgr.blogspot.com

Good examples around us.

As I have said, our household is a crazy place to be. We are constantly busy, it seems. We have Church activities, Boys Scouts, mom's on the school board, homework...well, you get the picture. My mom gets to be just as busy with having the boys all day while John and I are at work and/or school, and we are grateful for all that she, my dad, and my Mimi do for our children and for us. While I do believe it is, first and foremost, the responsibility of John and I to teach our children and to raise them to be responsible adults, I also recognize the need for good examples all around. I am grateful to know many such people. Our kids are blessed with an extended family that many others do not have. They have wonderful teachers and support staff at both Scotia elementary and Prime Montessori. And, we have a great Church family. That is what I want to hit upon in this post.
Some of you, who read my blog, may not know that the LDS church is the largest group supporter of the Boy Scouts of America organization. Now you know. This year marks the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. Our boys start Boy Scouts at the age of 8, when they begin Cub Scouts, and we hope that they continue all the way through to become Eagle Scouts. We hope that each of our boys will do so. In fact, in order to get a driver's license in our house, our boys have to first achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. (nothing wrong with a little incentive, right?) So, Tuesday is Scout night. Connor started scouting almost 2 years ago now. He loves it. He looks adorably handsome in his Scout uniform. This past Tuesday was a very special Boy Scout meeting, our ward had an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for a young man in our ward, Cooper. What an experience!
Becoming an Eagle Scout is not easy. It requires hard work, dedication, sacrifice, service, integrity and trust worthiness exemplified, plus much more. As I watched the celebration of 100 years of Scouting and of Cooper's accomplishment, I could visualize my future. We had several special visitors that evening. Our Stake President, our Bishop, our Scout leaders, Fortuna City Mayor and Humboldt County 2nd district Supervisor all attended this Court of Honor to recognize Cooper. What a wonderful outpouring of love and support! I looked around the room and looked to the row of Cub Scouts sitting reverently in a row along the back wall. At that moment, I could see how impressionable those boys are. And I thought, how beautiful it is that they are seeing this great accomplishment recognized. How awesome that they have such an example as Cooper, in their lives! I looked around again, at all who showed up to honor Cooper. And you know what? I saw so many great examples of the Lord's chosen followers that reminded me just how blessed my boys really are. If they but follow the great examples they have surrounding them, they will be successful. I know that John and I cannot do it alone. I know that Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to. I am grateful for so many great examples.
Thank you, Cooper, and good job!

Happenings.....Korbin's 4!!!!!

Look! My tongue is green!

Crazy! That is life in the Ireland house, always. I have come to accept the fact that I am a working mom. Not that all mom's aren't working moms, but I have to work outside my home. Thankfully I have a mother who takes care of my beautiful children, and thank you to my dad, Jay, for letting her be home to care for them. If not for "Ga-ga," it would be at least 100 times more difficult to go to work each day. Thanks mom and dad!!!
So, I work full-time. Thankfully, again, I actually do like my job and at the end of almost everyday I can say that I helped at least one person. Because I have the kind of job I have, I am blessed to also earn paid time off. So, because I do work full-time, and sometimes I feel like I miss out on some "mom" moments; I take the day off for the birthday of each of my children if they fall on a normal work day. This last Monday was that day for Korbin. My baby turned 4! How can that be?
4 years ago, John and I were at USF medical center, hoping to bring our baby home from the NICU sooner rather than later. After a week of being there and missing our other 2 boys (thankfully mom was there then too) we finally got to bring our tiny boy home. He was our smallest at birth and even smaller when we left SF, the only one who had to have preemie size clothes. Korbin went to school with me from February to May of 2006. That was one of my best semesters ever. My pregnancy with Korbin was a bit of a surprise, but never has he been anything short of a miraculous blessing! Shortly after he was born, Korbin received a Priesthood blessing at the hands of two Priesthood holders from our ward and his breathing problems were gone within 20 minutes. I was reminded that day just how much we are truly watched over by a loving Father in Heaven. It was by the His sacred power that Korbin was healed, and continued to be healed, for the remainder of that week. In looking at Korbin today, one would never know that we ever had the slightest worry. He is a joy to have in our family. Korbin is precious in every way. He is, so far, a combination of his brothers in physical appearance and attitude. He is smart, funny and full of spirit! What a blessing we have been given, to be Korbin's parents.
Korbin loves cars and trains, but not just any cars or trains. He likes cars from the Disney movie "Cars" and he likes Thomas the train and friends. He can put together puzzles in no time, and loves to be challenged by puzzles with lots of pieces. He wanted a train cake for his birthday, so that is what he got. The first one fell apart, so I spent mostly my entire day off of work baking, frosting and decorating cakes. You know what, though? I would do it all again just to see Korbin light up at the sight of his cake! He got lots of Cars presents, and he loved it.
Korbin, we love you and are grateful to have been blessed and valued enough by Heavenly Father to be your parents here on earth. We look forward to many birthdays yet to come!! Love you, Bubby!

Sticking his finger in the frosting.

Mommy even made tracks, look. Those are cracks (tracks in Korbin's language).

I am really tired, but must smile for the traditional "cake picture."

Why must Aidan always be silly? Because, he is his own self...that is Aidan!

That is enough already, I want to play with my new toys!

Look, I got a new puzzle. It has 100 pieces. (He has already gotten it 3/4 put together two times now.)