Patrick's Post: Bachin' It

I managed to dig myself out from underneath my textbooks to give all you faithful blog readers an update. Just to give you an idea of my current load try these subjects on for size: Multiculturalism and its social justice agenda (I'm not racist in any shape or form, that is just the topic of the week), Italian, French, and German Romantic Opera, tightening up your Jazz ensemble, rhythm worksheets and games for beginning band, changes in cognition during adolescence, and soccer skills development (the easy part). Don't forgot the 10 hours a week (including game time) I spend in marching band.

I am taking this blogging moment in time not to provide another injection of testosterone (is this blog on steroids or what?) but to give a shout out to my posse down in the lone-star state. I have felt many pangs of loneliness without my gorgeous gal and my two munchkins. Here are a few of the scenes from this week which found me longing for my companion: walking into the bathroom to brush my teeth to find a single toothbrush in the cup by the sink instead of three, hanging up the phone with various family members who need to get on with their lives and turning to face an empty room, and opening up my apartment door late at night and flicking on the light switch to find everything in exactly the same place as when I left. For someone who is wired for showing and receiving affection and love through touch, this has been a very lonely week.

This sheds light on a few things that I want to make public. First, this woman (the one I am
planting a big smooch on) is my best. Best what, you ask? I'm glad you asked. She's the best cook. I can cook, but I specialize in one meal: breakfast. That is 14 times I have missed her this week. She's the best greeter after coming home from a long day of school. She's there to give me a big hug and a kiss almost every time I set foot in the house. That is 14 more times this week I have missed her. She's the best listener when I need to vent, brag, or tell jokes. I can't count the times that adds, and no, I can't just call her up to talk any old time like you would expect. She's the best household manager/schedule juggler. She manages to keep things running and give time and attention to our developing munchkins who need interaction and stimulation that cannot be provided by the BYU Cougar Marching Band Drums Show, the Letter Factory, Baby Signing Time, or Finding Nemo Show. She keeps the sink empty of dishes (I am really failing there so far) and she keeps the floors vacuumed and swept, the munchkin toys tidied, and she even picks me up from late band rehearsals frequently. OH! I can't forget that she makes my lunch every day. That is 7+ more times I have missed her this week. She does the grocery shopping, the laundry, and on and on. Wow. What a woman (and a slacker of a husband--what does he DO all day!?). She allows me to meet the demands of school and keep the narrow focus my studies require. She personally prioritizes daddy play time over helping out with the household chores on the weeknights.

I have to run, but expect a more final conclusion after the BYU Cougars whoop on the LBSU 49ers tonight in the Marriott Center. Ciao!

And now... the highly anticipated conclusion.

After a weekend of Cougar dominance, I return to the subject of my best girl. The main thing I want to add came to me about an hour ago. I spent most of the 11 o'clock hour looking at pictures of Tawna, and she looks dang good! In fact, right now she looks the best she has since I've known her. I hope she isn't embarrassed by my saying this, but she is looking mighty fine. I will also add that I find her very attractive in all times and seasons of life. Even when she is 9 months pregnant, she is still a major babe. To Tawna I say, "Here's lookin' at you, Babe."

Overheard at our House

my sisters do these posts, and I think they're great.

Several weeks ago:
Setting: All dressed up and ready for church
Christian comes up and puts his arm around my leg
C: Hey Babe.


:) Im okay with that. Yeah, Im okay with that.:)

THREE YEARS!

October 22, 2008 we celebrated our THREE YEAR anniversary! On the one hand, I can't believe we've been married three years. On the other, I can't believe it's only been three years. :)

Each year, we've made a point to celebrate with an anniversarymoon, made possible thanks to a fabulous grandma and grandpa Summerhays and clan who watch our kiddos. This year we dropped the boys off friday afternoon, went up to Tucanos(made possible by our favorite birthday coupon) in SLC for a birthday dinner (oh man, I LOVE that meat. mmmmmmmhmmmmmmm.) Then we walked around the shops for the evening. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott by the airport (made possible by a great deal on priceline) and enjoyed some good times in the pool. Saturday we spent at Lagoon (UT's amusement park).

I used to be able to tolerate Amusement park rides fabulously, until one fateful day at a super cool playground in Europe, when Evie and I overdid it on all the toys. Ever since then even regular swings sometimes make me queasy. SO. We had to take it a little bit easy btwn rides. But, patrick, as wonderful as ever, was, well, wonderful. :)

We topped off the day with a SkyCoaster Adventure. Though pretty darn nervous in line, Patrick came out totally revved up with adrenaline ready to conquer the world. It was AWESOME.

The whole weekend was absolutely awesome. Made Possible by the greatest guy in the universe.







Babes-
You are the best. My best. I love you so incredibly much. You are my truest and best friend. You make me laugh. You keep me warm. You keep me sane. You are the sweetest and greatest daddy to our boys. Thank you for the last 3 years and for the future we have ahead of us. You are more than I dreamed of, and greater than I hoped for.

I love you.

So much.

-Tawna

Channing's blessing

we blessed Channing Beckham Summerhays Aug 17th, 2008. We waited to bless him so that my parents could be in town for the occasion. So glad you were there, Mom and Dad!

It was a beautiful day and So wonderful to have so many family members there with us.

Vard, Becky, and kids came to the meeting, but left afterwards to go back to their ward's meetings. Josh, Lisa, and Mallory were also there, we just missed the picture.

After Sacrament, we had a wonderful brunch at the park right next to our church building.

It was so beautiful and really a perfect day. Channing looked like the angel he is in his new blessing outfit from his Grandma Summerhays.

Patrick did a wonderful job with the blessing. He is the best daddy to our little boys. I am so grateful they have such a wonderful man to look up and to hopefully be like one day. The Spirit was really strong that morning and throughout the whole day. I know Heavenly Father is watching over us, loves us, and wants the best for us.



I feel so blessed to have such a great little family!

This kid cracks me up.

Okay- So I will put pictures up here soon...

And I will highlight my newest-born, too.

But for right now.....


Christian cracks me up.
Background info:

So- a couple of weeks ago, I taught Christian how to do the Napoleon Dynamite "yessssss" complete with hand motion.

Also, Christian is currently obsessed with Applesauce.

Fast forward to a few days ago.

Christian came into my room and informed me he wanted to eat.
M: You want to eat? What shall we eat?
C:Applesauce!!
M:hmm..how about we have some cereal?
C:No
M: how about some mush with some yummy blueberries? That would be so tasty!
C: No
M: Okay, well let's go have some cereal
C::pause: Applesauce! Yesssssssss (complete w/ hand motion)

BAHAHAHA.

Cracked me up.

We had applesauce for breakfast.

Genius. Seriously.

Okay- I am in major need of updating- but am still basically out of commission. I have had a really bad case of the flu since sunday night, and sadly, have passed it on to sweet little channing who has been throwing up (real throw up) all day. :( Nothing is sadder than a sweet little baby who is so sick. Except for one who isnt really whiny, but just smiles at you even though you're the one who put him in so much pain. (POOR GUY!! :( :( :( )


BUT. I have to gather the strength to record a most amazing thing which has occurred tonight. I was starting to do 'alphabet airplane' with Christian tonight, when I decided rather than sing the alphabet song, I'd ask what each letter said. "Christian, what does the 'A' say?' etc.

HE GOT ALMOST EVERY SINGLE LETTER. SERIOUSLY. His mmmmm and his nnnnn both sound like 'mmmm' and he doesnt have the vvvvv yet. His llllll is a little funny too and the Zzzz still needs work. But pretty much every other letter he got right on. I couldn't believe it. INCREDIBLE.

yes, yes, We will happily mail out autographed pictures for anyone one that sends a self addressed envelope and stamp and 10 cents to pay for the digital print. (hey-things are tight around here!) :)

Im still almost giddy about this!


Ah, I love my boys. All 3 of them.

Obsession?

So, there have been several nights in the last month that Christian has woken up calling for Daddy. It seems as though he's been having bad dreams or something of the sort. He needs comfort and love and then conks right back out.

Well, last night was one of those nights. Except he called for mommy.

I was too pooped to do anything. (Channing is going through a delightful growth spurt causing total starvation (or so he thinks) about 2-3 times in the night). So Daddy took over.

About 4 am christian is by my side getting in bed with us. Im too exhausted to do anything but let him in.

A bit later he calls out again. But not for Daddy. Not even for Mommy. No, this time, it was

"fooootball! foooooootball!"

So we got him his little basketball (it was closer to me than the football) and he fell right back to sleep.

What a turkey.