Confession

Here goes: I don't like working out. There, I said it! I have my reasons. It's not just that I'm being lazy; the reasons are valid. First, ya know how everyone says, "But you feel so good when you work out", I don't. I feel the same as how I usually feel, if not a bit more tired. Second, I often hear, "After just a few months, you can totally see some results", I don't. I think the change is so gradual I don't remember what I looked like to start with so it all looks the same. I guess the solution is to take nudie pics every month for comparison sake but that whole idea has "pictures ending up on the Internet with the neighborhood perv suddenly stopping in every few hours just to make sure I don't need help with ANYTHING" written all over it. Next reason (the first two reason are valid, right?), most people loose weight when they work out, I gain weight. I know, I know, "muscle weighs more than fat." I think the weight gain may have something to do with the fact that I just eat more when I work out because I feel like 20 min. on the treadmill justifies a burger, fries, and some ice cream- it adds up, right? Finally, the whole "it's really good for your heart" thing doesn't motivate me much. Let's be honest, I'm a Blodgett- enough said (for those who don't know what having a Blodgett heart means, let me just tell you, my grandma, cousin, uncle, dad, (I'm sure I'm missing someone) all have pace makers (and that's just the tip of the iceberg)- oh and did I mention, my mom had open heart surgery as a baby? A few miles on the treadmill probably ain't gonna do much for me. So, WHY, after making such a good case for not working out, do I? Two reasons. One: It's my husbands favorite thing in the world to do. Since he loves it so much, I feel like it's my wifely duty to try and love it (that's a stretch, I should say "not hate it") too. In his defense, it's not nearly as bad when he works out with me. Two: DAYCARE!!!! Frankly, a 45 min break from my kids exchanged for 45 min of working out seems like a pretty good deal on my end (I would also be willing to exchange 45 min of babysitting for a trip to the dentist, maybe the gyno, and even folding clothes for 45 min). I like the alone time! I have to admit, one time when Ammon was out of town and I desperately needed a break, I went to the gym with my favorite book in tow, dropped the kids off, found myself a quite little treadmill, and SLOWLY (didn't want to jostle the book too much or I would loose my place) "worked out" (okay, an elderly lady with a broken hip using a walker would have lapped me). C'mon, I love my kids but Ammon travels a lot, none of them are school aged, and they are all really loud all the time.

Bad Form!

Ammon and I go to this little gym. There are only like 4 families that bring kids with them so its necessary that we schedule the childcare in advance. Well, yesterday, I had scheduled my kids to be in the childcare while I worked out. When we arrived at the gym, the babysitter welcomed us (as usual), walked us back to the kids' room (as usual), and opened the door to the kids' room (as usual). However, when we walked into the room, the rubber floor had been ripped up and in it's place was concrete floor. The toys had been replaced by a big, black leather couch, and there was a glass table in the corner. I'm thinking, "hmmmm, something isn't right here." I asked the babysitter what was up and she was like, "hmmm, I'm not sure" (said in a high pitched, oh crap you caught us, type of way). So, I went back to the front desk and asked the girl in charge of all the daycare, "What's going on back in the daycare room." She was like (in a high pitched, oh crap you caught us, type of way) "Yeah, we're not going to have that anymore, but you will get a letter in the mail explaining it all." INTERESTING! So I asked, "Hmmm, what's in the letter." And she said, "I'm not sure, I didn't read it yet. " Really, that seems highly suspect since you're in charge of ALL the daycare. Step up Girlie!! So, I went and found one of my trainer friends and was like, "WHAT THE ????" (in a What the ??? kindof way). And he was like, "they're turning that room into a Trainers' Lounge" (in a mature, here's what's going on- I'm sorry no one will tell you the truth kind of way). So, my kids played during the workout on the concrete floor- really great for kids just learning to walk (Ryder), and kids with arms who just had surgery (Boston), and kids who tend to be a pinch dramatic when they fall down (Tyler). Now, I am at home, waiting for the mystery letter so I can know what the heck is going on. For some reason, it didn't all sit well with me. Couldn't someone just have told me, "Ya know, since there's only 4 families who use the childcare, it doesn't make much financial sense for us to offer it. Further, we think Trainers' Lounges are super cool." I'm a logical person, that makes sense. Also, why in the heck would you send out a letter when there are only 4 people who need to know this information anyway. PICK UP THE PHONE! To top that off, when I got home from the gym, Boston had two accidents within 10 min. While in the shower, my kids unloaded 90% of our toys on the floor. And to top it off, someone accused me of having a "SECRET" book club. Hmmm. Ya know, if I were going to have a "SECRET" book club, I think I would tend to be a little more hmmm what's the word, SECRETIVE about it all. There are like 15 of us that go and ANYONE is invited. The good news is when, upon seeing my playroom demolished, a tear or two (alright fine maybe that's a slight under estimate) escaped my eyes, Tyler said, "It's ok, it's ok, big girls don't cry." Time to ban Fergie from the radio for a while.

Playroom on a normal day

Playroom after the shower

NEW RULE: NO JUMPING OF ANY KIND ALLOWED IN OUR HOUSE EVER AGAIN, EVER!!!

Friday morning, Boston was eating breakfast at our kitchen counter and decided to jump off the stool he was sitting on. On his way down, his foot got caught on the arm of the chair and he went crashing down on his arm (not the one he just got the cast off of, the other one!). Immediately, we knew something was wrong. This kid was in PAIN! We took him to the hospital, they did some x-rays and about an hour and a half later, sent us over to a different hospital to see a pediatric orthopedic doc. After sitting for 8 hours in an ER room, (mind you, Boston couldn't have any food or drink because they were pretty sure he would have to have surgery), we were taken up to the children's hospital area where Boston had to undergo surgery to try and fix the bone right above his right elbow! He had messed up pretty badly so he had to have some pins put in it. We spent the whole following day in the hospital and then came home last night. My poor little guy is in quite a bit of pain. He will have the pins in for 3 or 4 weeks and then depending on how his arm looks, he may have to have a cast put on it. So much for swimming this summer! Boston said this time he wants a yellow cast, but if they don't have yellow than he wants green, but if they don't have green then he wants brown, but if they don't have brown, then he wants blue, but if they don't have blue then he'll just get orange again. Thank heavens we have modern day technology and medicine so this ends up seeming like more of a nuisance as opposed to a life long injury. Bos is a trooper and he's being brave but his little arm is hurting him. Hopefully each day will be a little better. My mom and dad were superstars and took my other two kids all weekend while we were in the hospital. On top of all that, they let Boston sleep at their house last night so we could get some sleep. That is above and beyond! Ammon was also amazing at taking care of Bos and sleeping with him at the hospital. We are blessed to be surrounded with so much support. This whole parenting thing is definitely an adventure!

To All the Fathers I LOVE!!!! (a week late)

Happy Father's Day to you three. I love you all so much! I am so blessed to have you all in my life. I couldn't ask for better fathers. You guys make me (and my kids) so happy. And dang, you guys are all pretty dang handsome!!!!.

Lofty Aspirations

Boston: "When I grow up I want to be a dog so I can eat dog food."

My Little Negotiator...

and I'm not talking about Ammon. Yesterday Tyler and Boston were being little terds so Ammon told them they were going to lose a privilege. Ammon told Tyler that she could decide which privilege she would lose. She thought for a minute and then said, I guess I will lose my privilege to go to Vacation Bible School tomorrow (she's been going this week with one of her friends from school whose mom is teaching the class). That might seem like a good privilege to give up had Tyler not told me that very morning that Bible School made her tired and she needed a break from it. So, Ammon told her to try again. She was having a struggle coming up with something so Ammon suggested she lose her trampoline privilege for the whole next day- she strongly said NO; then he suggested she lose her electronic Jeep privilege for the next day (it's Boston's new toy but Tyler drives better so Boston likes to ride passenger style, and Tyler is more than fine with chauffeuring), she strongly said NO. Ammon and Tyler went a few more rounds in this style when Tyler figured out the perfect solution- she decided she would lose her playing inside privilege for the entire next day and just play outside all day.

That's Just Wrong

There's something so wrong about going into a public restroom and seeing someone washing out their teeth in the sink (unattached to their mouths, like in their hands, like gross!). Please tell me this is just a Kentucky thing (I mean, I guess we should be glad she even had teeth to wash!)

Wait, What Did You Say???

My daughter Tyler sings NON-STOP!!! I actually love it because its just so much who she is. She has a great little voice and LOVES to sing everything. The scary thing is, she hears it once and can sing it almost perfectly. I say almost because in the last 24 hours, I have heard Tyler sing the following lyrics:

Actual (from 101 Dalmatians): "Cruella Deville, Cruella Deville, if she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will"
Tyler: "Creulla Deville, Cruella Deville, if she doesn't scare you, then maybe she will"

Actual (Leona Lewis): "You cut me open and I keep bleeding, I keep keep bleeding"
Tyler: "You cut me open and I keep breathing, I keep keep breathing"

Actual (Hannah Montana): "The next time we hang out, I will redeem myself"
Tyler: "The next time we hang out, I will repay myself"

Happy Birthday Boston!!!!

My little Bos is 3 years old today! Happy Birthday baby. Boston is such a sweet little guy. He loves the color orange, dinosaurs, sharks, frogs, jumping on the trampoline, eating ice cream, eating M&Ms, doing puzzles, playing with Tyler, making Ryder laugh, and he really loves his daddy (his best friend!). Tonight we are having an orange party. You can only come if you wear something orange. Here's my Boston over the last 3 years

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Crappy Days

Since arriving in Arizona, it's been a bit hectic schedule wise. Because of this my two older kids have had some serious potty issues. I keep telling myself that once we get back to the K Y all will be well. Keep dreaming! I have a little theory on it all. Here goes: I'm about 90 percent sure that my "potty-trained" kids Rock Paper Scissor it in their car seats in the back of the car every time we go somewhere public to decide who's going to have the accident. The worst happened yesterday. The kids and I went to California Pizza Kitchen for a quick lunch. Thankfully the kids wanted to eat out on the patio. When lunch was about over one of my kids mentioned that he or she (don't want to embarrass anyone) had wet his/her pants. I was like "no you didn't" but the denial was short lived as I quickly noticed a puddle accumulating around the child's feet. Ah heck! I swear 10 min prior my kids assured me no one had to go! I was dumb enough to just go with it. I just get so tired fighting kids to the bathroom. Anywho, back to the nightmare. So I chucked some water on the pee area and tried to get the waitress to give me my dang bill. Of course she was MIA for about 15 min. Of course! In the meantime my child tried to remove his/her pants. I yanked the pants back on and at that point noticed that it wasn't just pee we were dealing with. What lead me to this conclusion was the brown substance now all down the child's leg as well as on his/her pants, shoes, and even shirt. What the??? I really started to panic when I saw a brown chunk on the floor. Hoping NO ONE had noticed yet, I grabbed some napkins off the table and started to wipe it up off the floor as best I could. The waitress FINALLY surfaced. I about threw her my card and upon signing the bill made a run for it. The fun really started then when I had to completely strip my kid down on the curb and try to handle the disaster. My goal was to get my kid just clean enough that I could throw a diaper on the kid and chuck him/her in the car seat. After I got that handled I had a little chat with Ammon, informed him of the ordeal (it may have been a bit muffled as I tried to explain amidst many tears), and then made sure to tell him to enjoy EVERY second away (like going to work and dealing with mean, crappy customers is an enjoyable feat!). Anywho, the highlight of the day was when a few hours later I received a delivery of chocolate covered bananas and pineapples with a note from Ammon that said "I love you. Sorry your day has been sh*!". What a perfect summarization of my day! Ammon just gets it!!! You would think after cleaning up nasty, brown, sick poop all day, brown, sticky chocolate would be the last thing I would want. Oh no! Chocolate (brown, squishy and all) has the ability to cure most things.
P.S. I went and saw the Emma Smith movie last night. So, not only do I get to feel angry about my kids bathroom issues, I also get to feel guilty about it seeming like a big deal and the end of the world. Emma Smith would have laughed the poop in its face (or something like that!). Do I really have anything to complain about? Bright side: I should be glad the my kids pee and poop their pants incessantly because that means they are alive. Thanks Emma!

Curry Fest

For anyone who knows my family at all (the Blodgetts), you know we have this strange obsession with Chicken Curry.  My dad went on his mission to Perth, Australia.  While there, he was assigned to an island called Thursday Island.  While there, he learned to make Chicken Curry.  Over the last 30 plus years, we have perfected the recipe.  We all make is slightly different but similar (since there are no measurements, we kindof have our own styles- same ingredients, slightly different end product).  My sister Lacey makes it the best!  Anywho, while in Newport, we decided to have a curry party.  We invited my brother Tyler and his wife Mindy- they just moved to California the day of the curry party, my college roommate Kelly Mullin Lewis and her husband and two sons, my cousin Erika (who has long been an avid curry supporter and drove up from San Diego to show her love) and her twin girls, and Ammon's brother Brigham- who lives in L.A.  It was a fun night, a little crazy since we had 7 kids all ages 1 to 4 (1 four year old, 1 three year old, 3 two year olds, and 2 one year olds) but good none the less.  Here are some pictures.

Newport Beach

We spent the last 5 days in Newport Beach.  The kiddles had the time of their lives. Here are some pics of some of the fun.

DISNEYLAND!!!!

This was a first for our family (Ammon went as a kid but for the rest of us- a first).  We had the opportunity to go with the Bronskis, some of our friends from Kentucky who were also in California on vacation to Disneyland.  My college roommate Kelly met up with us during the day and became our tour guide since she goes to Disneyland weekly and most of us were first timers.  She did a good job!  We had a great time.  The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold.  It wasn't too crowded.  Overall a fun day.  Tyler was terrified of EVERY ride.  Bos was just chillin- he could take the rides or leave them- whatevs.  Ryder slept through a good portion of the excitement.  I had fun.  I think Ammon had a good time.  So I would say successful day.   

Sprinkles

Another food item we enjoyed while in Newport Beach (I promise we did other things besides just eat!), was from a cool place called Sprinkles Cupcakes.  Can you guess what we got to eat there?  That's right cupcakes (the great news is that it was 2 doors down from the gelato store- we were there anyway so why not just grab a cupcake or two!).  These cupcakes were divine although most things are when they are covered with a foot of frosting.  I loved the Red Velvet.  Ammon loved the Peanut Butter one.  Tyler, Boston and Ryder would have loved any cupcake but enjoyed the chocolate with vanilla frosting and chocolate sprinkles.  Needless to say, this week we may have to go light on the food and heavy on the gym.

Obsess Much???

OK, so although it is totally embarrassing to admit, of the five nights we were in Newport Beach, we ate gelato all five of them!  I think it was knowing that once we left, we would be without gelato for months.  We had to take advantage of our situation- and we sure did!!!  That stuff is the best- I think the little spoons make it taste even better- it's the whole playing hard to get thing!

Here Comes the Bride!

We are currently on a 3 week trip to Arizona (I say trip instead of vacation because a. my kids are with me and b. Ammon has to work while we are here- so it doesn't really qualify as a vacation).  The first week here, we focused mainly on Ammon's little sister Sarah's wedding.  It turned our really beautiful.  Sarah was a beautiful bride,and she and her husband Glen seem very happy.  Below are a couple of pics from the wedding.  The second week here, our little family took a trip down to Newport Beach.  That place is amazing.  That came pretty close to qualifying as a trip because Ammon had the whole week off!  I will do some other posts about that later.  This upcoming week is our final week here.  We are hoping to be able to spend lots of quality time with my in-laws since they will be leaving on a mission to Baton Rogue , Louisiana in a couple of weeks to be Mission President and wife- they will be incredible in that capacity!