not this cute anymore!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
a friend who served me
For most of you, it's probably not a surprise to hear that I've really been struggling. And by struggling, I mean, I've been under a gray cloud for the past several months. It is commonly known as the "baby blues" or "postpartum depression" but putting anything in quotes makes it seem less personal. I had a baby in November. I was excited to have a baby before the Holiday season. I planned on relaxing at home, enjoying family and friends who came to visit and staying warm inside with my sweet boys. It didn't turn out exactly as planned.. or at least it didn't feel as FUN as I thought it would have been. Looking back, I believe I felt more exhausted and more frustrated that I didn't feel like myself, especially during the Holidays.
I hit my lowest point mid January. The visitors had come and gone, we had nothing else to look forward to and I was stuck in a house full of sick kids. We all had fevers, terrible coughs, and a lot of misery. My husband was working long hours at the office and it was cold outside! Why doesn't God know that winter needs to end after Christmas? If that doesn't sound bad enough, I was without a car for two weeks. Do you know what it feels like to have a toddler with a temperature of 104 and not have a car? I do. It's funny now thinking back to the situation because it was so pathetic. During these two weeks, my husband drove to work in our minivan and (just our luck) it broke down on the side of the freeway. He called me at 7 am to tell me the car died while he was going 70 miles per hour. I was stranded at home, with four kids and no way to help him. Luckily, it all worked out. A friend picked him up and took him to work and our van was towed to the nearest mechanic. It had a lose cap or something and was fixed that evening. Funny stuff, no? Well it is now, but it wasn't then. I was coping with it.. I am a survivor. I was trying to count my blessings, but I felt helpless and alone and really, really exhausted.
The same day my husband was stranded on the side of the freeway, my friend called me at home. She didn't ask how I was doing because somehow she just knew. She told me that she was coming over to my home and wanted me to go somewhere.... anywhere, as long as it was by myself. I told her thank you, but no thank you. I was just about to lay down for an afternoon nap and was doing okay. But she wouldn't give up. She called me after my nap and insisted that I go out while she stay home with my kids. I told her I couldn't accept. After all, it was her wedding anniversary. I would feel so weird if she came over on her anniversary and watched my kids... for me to go out and do nothing, alone. The whole idea seemed silly. Without listening to a word I said, she told me she was on her way over and that I better have shoes on when she arrived.
Ten minutes later, she was at my doorstep. She took my newborn baby out of my arms, gave me the keys to her car, and pushed me out of the door. I felt like a loser because I had no where to go. I was dressed in pajamas and slippers. I was secretly hoping that she would see me in such a state and realize that I just needed to talk to someone. But she made me leave my own home, dressed in pajamas. I walked out of my house wondering what was happening. I got in her car, turned the ignition and started driving. I didn't go anywhere in particular. I just drove aimlessly around town. For the first time in weeks, I felt warm inside... I felt loved. Despite the cold temperatures, I decided to roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh air. And just to prove that I went somewhere, I stopped at Sonic and bought a bag of pebble ice.. I was gone for about an hour.
When I returned home, I was a new person. And my house was a new house. I walked into my kitchen and found my friend wearing my sling with my baby inside. He was fast asleep and she was sweeping my kitchen floor. She had moved my chairs away from the table and was sweeping up the food my children had dropped on the floor. I saw her and burst into tears...not because I was ashamed my floor was so dirty. I cried because I didn't feel like a loser anymore. I felt like myself again. She loved me and wanted to serve me the best way she knew how. She selflessly spent her wedding anniversary holding my baby and sweeping my kitchen floor so that I could get some fresh air. Through her kind act of service, I not only knew that she loved me, but I knew that God was aware of me. He was aware of my loneliness and sent someone to comfort me. That love went straight to my heart and filled up my entire body. I am so grateful for that one hour drive I had all to myself, and it is an experience I will never forget.
Some of you may need a good Visiting Teaching story to share. If so, this is one.. she is not only my friend, but she is assigned to care for me under the inspired Relief Society Visiting Teaching program. This experience strengthened our friendship as well as my testimony. She told me later that she was thinking of me while working out at the gym. She had a distinct impression that I needed a friend. Her service didn't cost a penny and took only an hour out of her day. I love that she knew what I needed and wouldn't take no for an answer, no matter how much I tried to wiggle out of it. Sometimes we have to let others serve us and sometimes we have to be persistent in serving others, even if it feels uncomfortable. As we pray for opportunities to serve, I know we can be directed to those who need our help. I hope I can be more like my friend who set a great example for me one cold evening in January.
I hit my lowest point mid January. The visitors had come and gone, we had nothing else to look forward to and I was stuck in a house full of sick kids. We all had fevers, terrible coughs, and a lot of misery. My husband was working long hours at the office and it was cold outside! Why doesn't God know that winter needs to end after Christmas? If that doesn't sound bad enough, I was without a car for two weeks. Do you know what it feels like to have a toddler with a temperature of 104 and not have a car? I do. It's funny now thinking back to the situation because it was so pathetic. During these two weeks, my husband drove to work in our minivan and (just our luck) it broke down on the side of the freeway. He called me at 7 am to tell me the car died while he was going 70 miles per hour. I was stranded at home, with four kids and no way to help him. Luckily, it all worked out. A friend picked him up and took him to work and our van was towed to the nearest mechanic. It had a lose cap or something and was fixed that evening. Funny stuff, no? Well it is now, but it wasn't then. I was coping with it.. I am a survivor. I was trying to count my blessings, but I felt helpless and alone and really, really exhausted.
The same day my husband was stranded on the side of the freeway, my friend called me at home. She didn't ask how I was doing because somehow she just knew. She told me that she was coming over to my home and wanted me to go somewhere.... anywhere, as long as it was by myself. I told her thank you, but no thank you. I was just about to lay down for an afternoon nap and was doing okay. But she wouldn't give up. She called me after my nap and insisted that I go out while she stay home with my kids. I told her I couldn't accept. After all, it was her wedding anniversary. I would feel so weird if she came over on her anniversary and watched my kids... for me to go out and do nothing, alone. The whole idea seemed silly. Without listening to a word I said, she told me she was on her way over and that I better have shoes on when she arrived.
Ten minutes later, she was at my doorstep. She took my newborn baby out of my arms, gave me the keys to her car, and pushed me out of the door. I felt like a loser because I had no where to go. I was dressed in pajamas and slippers. I was secretly hoping that she would see me in such a state and realize that I just needed to talk to someone. But she made me leave my own home, dressed in pajamas. I walked out of my house wondering what was happening. I got in her car, turned the ignition and started driving. I didn't go anywhere in particular. I just drove aimlessly around town. For the first time in weeks, I felt warm inside... I felt loved. Despite the cold temperatures, I decided to roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh air. And just to prove that I went somewhere, I stopped at Sonic and bought a bag of pebble ice.. I was gone for about an hour.
When I returned home, I was a new person. And my house was a new house. I walked into my kitchen and found my friend wearing my sling with my baby inside. He was fast asleep and she was sweeping my kitchen floor. She had moved my chairs away from the table and was sweeping up the food my children had dropped on the floor. I saw her and burst into tears...not because I was ashamed my floor was so dirty. I cried because I didn't feel like a loser anymore. I felt like myself again. She loved me and wanted to serve me the best way she knew how. She selflessly spent her wedding anniversary holding my baby and sweeping my kitchen floor so that I could get some fresh air. Through her kind act of service, I not only knew that she loved me, but I knew that God was aware of me. He was aware of my loneliness and sent someone to comfort me. That love went straight to my heart and filled up my entire body. I am so grateful for that one hour drive I had all to myself, and it is an experience I will never forget.
Some of you may need a good Visiting Teaching story to share. If so, this is one.. she is not only my friend, but she is assigned to care for me under the inspired Relief Society Visiting Teaching program. This experience strengthened our friendship as well as my testimony. She told me later that she was thinking of me while working out at the gym. She had a distinct impression that I needed a friend. Her service didn't cost a penny and took only an hour out of her day. I love that she knew what I needed and wouldn't take no for an answer, no matter how much I tried to wiggle out of it. Sometimes we have to let others serve us and sometimes we have to be persistent in serving others, even if it feels uncomfortable. As we pray for opportunities to serve, I know we can be directed to those who need our help. I hope I can be more like my friend who set a great example for me one cold evening in January.
get ready for a GIVEAWAY
That's right, folks. I've been blogging for three years now. I started in 2006, but I began the "serious" almost-everyday-blogging three years ago. I have around 800 some odd posts. Many of which are poorly written and self-gratifying. I've seriously thought about shutting down my blog at least once, gone private twice, changed my address three times, been criticized more than I can count, felt frustrated about the lack of comments I'd received after sharing personal information, taken off comments all together, you name it. I believe I am finally in my happy place in the blogging world. Through all the ups and downs, the good and the bad, I've never even once thought about having a giveaway. Until now.Most bloggers have giveaways so they can make more money... I say MOST because I know there are some that are some people who just love to give for the mere reason of giving.. I was sent a package from Scotland for this very reason from a selfless, awesome blogger. Hi Amelia! But the smart bloggers have giveaways to get more traffic, more readers, more advertisers, more money. It's really a brilliant idea for those who blog for business. I commend them on their efforts and LOVE to see an inspirational blogger make the big bucks just because they are good at being themselves. However, I don't even remotely consider myself one of those writers. I am a mom with a few followers who loves to blog. I love the readers who come back everyday-- who have been through the good and the bad with me. You are a part of my life and I appreciate you so much. There are many of you, say like maybe 100 or so, that I've never met. I love you too. And for this reason, I am launching my first giveaway. The prizes are going to be reasonable. They will be purchased out of my own pocket (justifiably from the little money I have received off advertising) and hopefully they will mean something to those of you who win.
I've decided to do a giveaway during my week away from the media.. It starts tomorrow for me. Instead of watching TV, listening to music, turning on my computer, picking up a magazine, I will be spending a lot of quiet time with my family. This year during my media fast, I am going to set a goal of serving at least one person every day. This is what I want to do the week before Easter. And since they'll be nothing happening on my blog, I thought it would be a great time to have a giveaway.
So, tomorrow I will launch it. Don't get too excited...because you have to do a little bit of work too. I want to hear YOUR inspirational stories of service. In order to be entered into the drawing, you need to think of a time when someone served you and write about it. It doesn't have to be a life-altering act of kindness or something miraculous. It can be something as simple as someone holding a door open for you or a smile you've received from a stranger. I just want to know why it affected you the way it did.
The entries DO NOT need to be written on your blog... but they most certainly can be and I encourage you to do so if you have one. You can write something short and send it in the form of an email. You can write it in cursive and mail it to my home. You can text it to me, for crying out loud (although this may not be the most convenient option for either of us.) For those of you who know me personally, I will even take your entries over the phone. If this means I can get a story or two out of my people who don't blog (like my siblings or parents) so be it. I just want to be able to share the most touching stories of service with my blog readers, after the giveaway is over.. So this means, I would like to post the winning entries on this blog.. (with your permission, names of authors can be optional.) Ideally, I would like to inspire as MANY people as possible to think about a time when they have been served. Hopefully, as we share these stories with each other, we will become more grateful AND be more willing to lend a helping hand along the way.
You will have two weeks to think about it and write your story. I will begin my media fast with my own personal story, take 7 days away from the internet and close the giveaway 7 days after I return.. it will take me at least that long to chose a winner. And all of us need a little time to reflect. So, tomorrow it begins.. stories can be written until April 11th.
Why did I chose this kind of theme? I believe it's my way of celebrating Easter. What better way can we celebrate the life of Christ than by serving others and reflecting on how others have helped us? Jesus Christ dedicated his entire life to serving others. He traveled searching for the poor, the needy, the hungry. He healed the sick, comforted the weary and clothed the naked. In the greatest act of service, He sacrificed His life for each of us. His love is pure and perfect. What does it mean to become Christ-like or develop the pure love of Christ? I believe it means to serve others. The only way we can truly become like our Savior is to serve selflessly. As we serve, we become more like Him, and we are able to see others the way He sees them.. to love in a Christ-like manner.
I believe this is the very reason a mother's love is so pure and Christ-like. To be honest, the only people I truly love in a Christ-like manner are my children. I believe I would do anything for them. Anything. I've developed this kind of love because I actually do EVERYTHING for them. I spend my days, hours, minutes catering to their every need. I am serving them constantly, and I ask or expect nothing in return. I don't think it's possible to selflessly serve someone and NOT develop love for them. This to me, is Christ-like love. If we understand this concept, I believe we can broaden our circle and learn to love others outside our immediate families with the same kind of pure love. As we serve those we know personally and others we pass by on the street, we literally spread LOVE. By making dinner for someone, opening a door for a stranger, or paying a compliment, we are genuinely saying to them, "I love you." This, to me, is exactly what the Easter season is all about. Of course, jelly beans and Cadbury eggs are a fantastic way to celebrate, but the real reason for the season is to remember what Christ did for us.. and to feel of His love more abundantly in our lives. And WHO doesn't need to feel a little more LOVE in their lives? I do, that's for sure.
Be back tomorrow with a giveaway! Get thinking of a time when someone served you.....
PS. You will NOT get bonus points for writing about me and all the good things I've done for you, so don't even try to kiss up. ha! I am kidding. Of course you can write about me! (kidding, this time for reals.)
Friday, March 26, 2010
no party will ever measure up...
Today is my MIL's birthday. She's celebrating 5 hours away. I am the lame daughter-in-law who sent nada for her big day. She is the queen of cards with confetti, holiday packages for the kids (and usually something sweet for me) and I did nothing for her.. Not even send the kids' pictures they colored for their Grandmother. Does it count if the birthday card is postmarked by their birthday? If so, I am not in the daughter-in-law dog house.
I've had better years. I plotted months early to make THIS poster-sized emotion picture for her birthday a couple of years ago. That was pretty cool. But it wasn't anything compared to what we did for her 50th birthday. Eight years ago, when Ben was a baby, we lived a few short miles from them in BYU-land. Several weeks before her birthday, I got a long list of her contacts and sent out an email to anyone who might have crossed her path along the way. I asked them to send me a letter for Brandy along with any memorable pictures. I made a big scrapbook for her with everyone's letters. It was pretty awesome. The pages from her kids were very special, but I will never forget the amount of letters I received from people around the country. Aaron's family moved every couple of years when he was growing up.. and no matter where they lived, it seemed as though Brandy settled in quickly and went about changing the lives of those she met. I got emotional several times while compiling this scrapbook. I realized then (and have never forgotten) that no matter WHERE you live, you can find family. You have to put forth the effort... You have to invite people over... You have to reach out... and when you do, you will reap the rewards of life-long friendships. Brandy has friends scattered around this country- and into Mexico. I was so excited to finish the book and give it to her for her birthday. But you can't just wrap something up like that and hand it over, can you? Nope. You must throw a gigantic surprise party for such a gift. And so we did.
Strapping Stanley took his wife out for dinner the night of the party. We contacted everyone we knew and had them come over to their house. We got a cake, decorations, food & made a big birthday sign. Oh, and AARON'S OLDER SISTER flew in for the night. It was last minute and so crazy! I don't know how long it had been since Aaron's sister had seen her parents, but at least a year. His little sis also drove down from college to celebrate. Brandy had no idea (either did Stan, actually.) The girls stayed at our place the night before and we were all giddy just thinking about how much Brandy was going to FREAK out when she saw them. To make it even more dramatic, we decided to have the girls wait a while before they made their grand entrance at the party.
Brandy was completely floored when she walked through to the door and found her house full of people. She cried, laughed, gave everyone a hug and we all hung out in the kitchen for a little while. She was trying to get everyone to go downstairs and mingle, but we were waiting for a special phone call. Aaron's sisters were hiding upstairs and decided to call from a cell phone. They did the whole "we're calling three-way to wish you a happy birthday!" Brandy was having a hard time hearing them, so she moved out of the kitchen and RIGHT where she belonged.. at the bottom of the stairs just as her girls were walking down to surprise her. The best part of it all is when she says, "I wish you could be here" just seconds before she sees them. You have to see the reaction for yourself to know how special it was. It was pretty perfect.
This video is the most ghetto thing I've ever put on my blog. You have to realize that this was back in the day when large video cameras were in style. It's terrible quality. To make matters worse, in order to record it digitally, I played it on my old TV in my bedroom (no we don't have a flat screen or HDTV-- are you serious?) and then filmed it with my little camera. The sound is bad, the screen is bouncing all around and my lamp is reflecting off the TV screen. No matter, I am posting it anyway. For those of you who want to watch, have at it. It's about 2 minutes long (starting just before the phone rings..) If you look closely, you can see little Ben. He's in a yellow shirt and has yellow puffy hair. I don't even remember what it was like to have one puffy-haired baby. Back then, I could throw killer parties. Now, I am lucky to get a late card in the mail.
I've had better years. I plotted months early to make THIS poster-sized emotion picture for her birthday a couple of years ago. That was pretty cool. But it wasn't anything compared to what we did for her 50th birthday. Eight years ago, when Ben was a baby, we lived a few short miles from them in BYU-land. Several weeks before her birthday, I got a long list of her contacts and sent out an email to anyone who might have crossed her path along the way. I asked them to send me a letter for Brandy along with any memorable pictures. I made a big scrapbook for her with everyone's letters. It was pretty awesome. The pages from her kids were very special, but I will never forget the amount of letters I received from people around the country. Aaron's family moved every couple of years when he was growing up.. and no matter where they lived, it seemed as though Brandy settled in quickly and went about changing the lives of those she met. I got emotional several times while compiling this scrapbook. I realized then (and have never forgotten) that no matter WHERE you live, you can find family. You have to put forth the effort... You have to invite people over... You have to reach out... and when you do, you will reap the rewards of life-long friendships. Brandy has friends scattered around this country- and into Mexico. I was so excited to finish the book and give it to her for her birthday. But you can't just wrap something up like that and hand it over, can you? Nope. You must throw a gigantic surprise party for such a gift. And so we did.
Strapping Stanley took his wife out for dinner the night of the party. We contacted everyone we knew and had them come over to their house. We got a cake, decorations, food & made a big birthday sign. Oh, and AARON'S OLDER SISTER flew in for the night. It was last minute and so crazy! I don't know how long it had been since Aaron's sister had seen her parents, but at least a year. His little sis also drove down from college to celebrate. Brandy had no idea (either did Stan, actually.) The girls stayed at our place the night before and we were all giddy just thinking about how much Brandy was going to FREAK out when she saw them. To make it even more dramatic, we decided to have the girls wait a while before they made their grand entrance at the party.
Brandy was completely floored when she walked through to the door and found her house full of people. She cried, laughed, gave everyone a hug and we all hung out in the kitchen for a little while. She was trying to get everyone to go downstairs and mingle, but we were waiting for a special phone call. Aaron's sisters were hiding upstairs and decided to call from a cell phone. They did the whole "we're calling three-way to wish you a happy birthday!" Brandy was having a hard time hearing them, so she moved out of the kitchen and RIGHT where she belonged.. at the bottom of the stairs just as her girls were walking down to surprise her. The best part of it all is when she says, "I wish you could be here" just seconds before she sees them. You have to see the reaction for yourself to know how special it was. It was pretty perfect.
This video is the most ghetto thing I've ever put on my blog. You have to realize that this was back in the day when large video cameras were in style. It's terrible quality. To make matters worse, in order to record it digitally, I played it on my old TV in my bedroom (no we don't have a flat screen or HDTV-- are you serious?) and then filmed it with my little camera. The sound is bad, the screen is bouncing all around and my lamp is reflecting off the TV screen. No matter, I am posting it anyway. For those of you who want to watch, have at it. It's about 2 minutes long (starting just before the phone rings..) If you look closely, you can see little Ben. He's in a yellow shirt and has yellow puffy hair. I don't even remember what it was like to have one puffy-haired baby. Back then, I could throw killer parties. Now, I am lucky to get a late card in the mail.
Happy Birthday Brandy! You still look as hot as ever!
People are going to start thinking I am the older one now--
not just assume we're sisters.
Hope your day is a great one!
People are going to start thinking I am the older one now--
not just assume we're sisters.
Hope your day is a great one!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Diaper Deal of the Century
I am crazy. But I am not a crazy coupon clipper. I wish I had the time for it. It's basically a part-time job and I am already working overtime here. But every once in a while, I deal comes up that I just can't resist.
I bought 18 packages of Huggies diapers last night at 10 PM. How sad is it that it was the highlight of my day? Getting a good deal is like smoking marijuana... maybe I can squeeze in another part time job if it allows me to get high.
Let me break it down for you. At Walgreens, the regular price of Huggies is $11.99. They are on sale for $8.99. Huggies has a coupon for $3 off a package.. which brings down the price to $5.99. THEN when you buy three packages in the same transaction, Walgreens prints off a $5 coupon to use on your next purchase. This, my friends, is an unbelievable deal. Paying 50% of the retail price is great-- 36% is almost too good to be true. Who could pass up a $4.33 package of Huggies? Even if you don't have kids in diapers (lucky you!) newborn diapers are the BEST baby gift. The sale ends Saturday, so act now or forever pay full price.
These websites will only allow you to print two $3 coupons. I found three different places that will let you print 2 coupons each, which means 6 coupons per computer. I happen to have 3 computers, so for me, that equals 18 packages of diaper goodness. Sometimes I curse the fact that my homeschooling boys have their own computers. Today I am grateful we've lugged them around for 8 years. The computers, not the kids. Getting sidetracked....
The first site makes you download their coupon printer software, which takes all of two seconds. (don't worry, you can uninstall it later.) Make sure to go back on each site and print your second coupon. It will let you know when you've printed your limit. Tip: Don't use your $5 off coupon at Walgreens on your diaper purchases. If you do, it won't print you another $5 coupon when you pay for them. Find something else to spend that store credit on. I bought ALL my Easter stuff last night, along with some other great items that were on sale at Walgreens. Now, print your coupons and skedaddle.
ps. A big thanks to my friend Jenny for posting this deal on her Facebook page. I have never been much of a fan of Facebook (why don't I get it?) But I'm so glad I logged on and saw her link. She's has double booty-duty with twin boys! Thanks Jenny!
pps. I also scanned in one of the coupons and printed it out.. making a double copy. Walgreens totally took it, but I felt a bit guilty. I bought 18 packages as is, do I really need more? depressing answer: yes.
pps. I am so glad this sale was for Huggies.. they have always been my fave. I think Pampers stink. Am I alone in this theory?
ppps. I tried. I tried really hard to post only one picture. But I just can't help myself.
I bought 18 packages of Huggies diapers last night at 10 PM. How sad is it that it was the highlight of my day? Getting a good deal is like smoking marijuana... maybe I can squeeze in another part time job if it allows me to get high.
Let me break it down for you. At Walgreens, the regular price of Huggies is $11.99. They are on sale for $8.99. Huggies has a coupon for $3 off a package.. which brings down the price to $5.99. THEN when you buy three packages in the same transaction, Walgreens prints off a $5 coupon to use on your next purchase. This, my friends, is an unbelievable deal. Paying 50% of the retail price is great-- 36% is almost too good to be true. Who could pass up a $4.33 package of Huggies? Even if you don't have kids in diapers (lucky you!) newborn diapers are the BEST baby gift. The sale ends Saturday, so act now or forever pay full price.
These websites will only allow you to print two $3 coupons. I found three different places that will let you print 2 coupons each, which means 6 coupons per computer. I happen to have 3 computers, so for me, that equals 18 packages of diaper goodness. Sometimes I curse the fact that my homeschooling boys have their own computers. Today I am grateful we've lugged them around for 8 years. The computers, not the kids. Getting sidetracked....
The first site makes you download their coupon printer software, which takes all of two seconds. (don't worry, you can uninstall it later.) Make sure to go back on each site and print your second coupon. It will let you know when you've printed your limit. Tip: Don't use your $5 off coupon at Walgreens on your diaper purchases. If you do, it won't print you another $5 coupon when you pay for them. Find something else to spend that store credit on. I bought ALL my Easter stuff last night, along with some other great items that were on sale at Walgreens. Now, print your coupons and skedaddle.
ps. A big thanks to my friend Jenny for posting this deal on her Facebook page. I have never been much of a fan of Facebook (why don't I get it?) But I'm so glad I logged on and saw her link. She's has double booty-duty with twin boys! Thanks Jenny!
pps. I also scanned in one of the coupons and printed it out.. making a double copy. Walgreens totally took it, but I felt a bit guilty. I bought 18 packages as is, do I really need more? depressing answer: yes.
pps. I am so glad this sale was for Huggies.. they have always been my fave. I think Pampers stink. Am I alone in this theory?
ppps. I tried. I tried really hard to post only one picture. But I just can't help myself.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
cleaning expert, please come to my rescue..
Our boys' bathroom has two sinks. One is spotless. The other has the worst hard water stains.. I have tried scrubbing with everything imaginable and I can't seem to even scratch the surface. Anyone have any suggestions?
If you share your dirty secrets, I'll share mine.. Zack is the ULTIMATE mess-maker. You name it, he's done it. His favorite destructo tool is the permanent marker. A few years ago, I came across a product called GOOF OFF and it's the radicalist. All you need is a quarter size drop of this stuff on a paper towel and the permanent marker ain't permanent anymore. It wipes right off anything: computer screens, telephones, remote controls, TVs, printers, cameras, windows, tables, lamp shades, walls. I feel so ashamed to admit that this is the short list of things we've scrubbed with Goof Off. Even still, I think I've used 1/10 of the bottle. Be really careful when touching the walls or tables with it, if you apply too much to the paper towel, it will take off the paint and or finish on your table. Oh, and it's smells SO strong.. you can totally get high off that stuff. Maybe that's been Zack's problem all along.. the dude has inhaled too much Goof Off. Makes sense to me.
Any phenomenal cleaning tips you have up your sleeve? Please do share-- even if they don't have anything to do with hard water stains or permanent marker masterpieces..
ps. As I am typing this, Zack is marching around saying, "911. 911. I need you! No one will help me clean up my toys!"
My thoughts on the health care reform.
I'm not an email forwarding kind of person...
But if I was, this is the kind of email I would forward.
It wasn't written by me, but I second everything it says.
But if I was, this is the kind of email I would forward.
It wasn't written by me, but I second everything it says.
So let me get this straight...........We're going to pass
a health care plan
written by a committee
whose chairman says he doesn't understand it,
passed by a Congress
that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it,
to be signed by a president
that also hasn't read it and who smokes,
with funding administered by a treasury chief
who didn't pay his taxes,
all to be overseen by a surgeon general
who is obese,
and financed by a country
that's nearly broke..
What could POSSIBLY go wrong?
This IS written by me:
If I had the time, I would write my feelings about our President and his staff and what I believe they are doing to our country. I would say that this health care reform is a disaster. I feel sad for our country. I am outraged that such a thing is happening. But I have other obligations (like feeding hungry children and picking up my disaster of a house) that are higher on my TO-DO list. I hope you can read my thoughts and know that I think a terrible thing is happening in Washington. How is this POSSIBLY passing???
If I had the time to sit at my computer and write all day long, I would say that the VERY same mistake was made years and years ago when the public school system was taken over by the government. It was decided that education was a right, not a privilege. I do not agree with this and do NOT believe our government should be in control or financially responsible for the education of MY children. It's reported that over $12,000 is spent each YEAR on every student in the public school system. After billions of dollars are spent and more laws are passed each year, the quality of education continues to decline. Qualified and hard-working teachers are getting measly paychecks and our poor students aren't learning. This entire system is a mess! The No Child Left Behind act is a crock of sh*t. It's the very kind of system that educated Mr. President and all of Congress.... Our country raised leaders who can't read or reason... and we voted for them to be where they are! What is the world coming to? Many of you won't agree with me on this topic, and that's perfectly okay. In fact that is one of the many beauties this country was built upon: our ability to think and say how we feel. I have a feeling that many Americans were outraged back in the day.. just as many of us are today.
I wish I had the time to say that I believe something needs to be done with our Health Care system, but NOT this. This is bad, bad news. Once it passes, how can it ever be reversed? No president or congress in years to come will be able to take away a program that was handed out in this manner. It can't be undone. It outrages me that the people who were elected to lead our country aren't even taking the time to READ the laws they are passing. They can't even EXPLAIN what they're signing. Oh, I wish I had the time to write about how I really feel.
Instead, I am going to feed a crying baby so he can grow to be healthy and strong and I am going to spend a few hours teaching my own children so they can be educated and honest and full of character. Our country is going to need these four strapping boys in about 20 or so years. They better be prepared for what's coming their way.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Typical Toosday
This blog is such a blessing in my life. it's become my outlet, the most convenient way to connect with others and the best and easiest place to capture the little moments of my crazy life. As I was loading the dishwasher after dinner, I thought of all the funny little things that happened today. I know if I don't write them down now, they will be forgotten by morning. So here I am..
8 AM-- Zack makes toast for himself and uses half a stick of butter on ONE little slice. I kindly grab the other slice, demonstrate how much butter is sufficient and hand it to him. He says, "No thanks. I don't like the way you make it. Mine is always gooder." I stick my nose in the air and tell him I hope he dies of a heart-attack.
10 AM-- Preschool with Zack's friends. We hosted today and made all kinds of animal sounds. Every time someone MOO-ed, Simon cried.
1 PM-- The baby is finally down for a nap. Zack is coloring. Luke, Ben and I sit down for math. We are learning about perimeters, circumference and area units. I give a verbal problem that went like this: "If a rectangle has a length of 6 inches and a width of 4 inches..." before I could finish the question, Luke interrupts with his answer: "perimeter of 20. area of 24." I say: "let me finish the question, dude." Luke rolls his eyes and says: "Maybe you should give harder math problems." Tomorrow we will start trigonometry. Don't mess with mama.
3 PM-- trying to get out the door to head to the library. As I put Simon in his carseat, I realize he has poop all the way up to his shoulders. Poop up the back is hard enough when you don't have somewhere to be.
5 PM-- We drive home from the small city of Blue Diamond. The trip to our favorite library and park was a success. There I met a new homeschooling friend. She's LDS, lives close to me, has four children the same ages as mine, delivered baby number four at home, is spunky and talkative. I've been praying for a new friend. I still mourn the loss of Sabrina every.single.day. Amy, if you're reading this, don't be freaked out by me. I promise I won't stalk you. But I have a feeling my life as a homeschooling mom is going to get better. Thanks Azy for setting us up on the blind date. I think it's going to work out beautifully.
6 PM-- Ben hands the baby to me so he can change into his scout uniform. Just as I reach for Simon, I feel puke all down myself and see it's also coated the clean laundry I am folding. Simon is lucky he's so darn cute. Blast Tuesdays. I really, really need to change laundry to another day.
6:15 PM--I throw everyone in the car to drive Ben to the church. I hate when Aaron isn't home to help me with the dinner/baby/scouts drama. One of these days I am going to come to grips with this chaotic life of mine and be organized, but today is not that day. Today I am in way over my head.
8 PM-- home from Scouts. phew! I make grilled cheese sandwiches for starving children. Apparently animal crackers aren't nutritional enough to be called dinner. bummer. Zack finds my cell phone and knows the secret button to make it ring. He pushes it over and over and over and over. I finally snatch it away and say: "Ugh! That is so annoying!" He frowns and states: "I was just trying to have my own little party." That kid is the best and worst thing that ever happened to me.
9 PM-- Dad comes home. The kids sit up at the table to talk to him and watch him eat dinner. I go upstairs to put the baby down for the night. When I return everyone is giggling. Ben poured himself a glass of milk and wanted to make it chocolately. So he politely asked someone to pass him the formula. Nestle Quik/formula. PotAto/PotOto.
10 PM-- My hands still smell like baby throw-up even though I've washed them a gazillion times. I shrug it off and put on my leopard skin snuggie. Finally, I can read another several chapters of Pioneer Woman's love saga. I've been looking forward to this moment for some time. (23 hours to be exact.) I must finish it before my media fast next week... something else I am really looking forward to.
8 AM-- Zack makes toast for himself and uses half a stick of butter on ONE little slice. I kindly grab the other slice, demonstrate how much butter is sufficient and hand it to him. He says, "No thanks. I don't like the way you make it. Mine is always gooder." I stick my nose in the air and tell him I hope he dies of a heart-attack.
10 AM-- Preschool with Zack's friends. We hosted today and made all kinds of animal sounds. Every time someone MOO-ed, Simon cried.
1 PM-- The baby is finally down for a nap. Zack is coloring. Luke, Ben and I sit down for math. We are learning about perimeters, circumference and area units. I give a verbal problem that went like this: "If a rectangle has a length of 6 inches and a width of 4 inches..." before I could finish the question, Luke interrupts with his answer: "perimeter of 20. area of 24." I say: "let me finish the question, dude." Luke rolls his eyes and says: "Maybe you should give harder math problems." Tomorrow we will start trigonometry. Don't mess with mama.
3 PM-- trying to get out the door to head to the library. As I put Simon in his carseat, I realize he has poop all the way up to his shoulders. Poop up the back is hard enough when you don't have somewhere to be.
5 PM-- We drive home from the small city of Blue Diamond. The trip to our favorite library and park was a success. There I met a new homeschooling friend. She's LDS, lives close to me, has four children the same ages as mine, delivered baby number four at home, is spunky and talkative. I've been praying for a new friend. I still mourn the loss of Sabrina every.single.day. Amy, if you're reading this, don't be freaked out by me. I promise I won't stalk you. But I have a feeling my life as a homeschooling mom is going to get better. Thanks Azy for setting us up on the blind date. I think it's going to work out beautifully.
6 PM-- Ben hands the baby to me so he can change into his scout uniform. Just as I reach for Simon, I feel puke all down myself and see it's also coated the clean laundry I am folding. Simon is lucky he's so darn cute. Blast Tuesdays. I really, really need to change laundry to another day.
6:15 PM--I throw everyone in the car to drive Ben to the church. I hate when Aaron isn't home to help me with the dinner/baby/scouts drama. One of these days I am going to come to grips with this chaotic life of mine and be organized, but today is not that day. Today I am in way over my head.
8 PM-- home from Scouts. phew! I make grilled cheese sandwiches for starving children. Apparently animal crackers aren't nutritional enough to be called dinner. bummer. Zack finds my cell phone and knows the secret button to make it ring. He pushes it over and over and over and over. I finally snatch it away and say: "Ugh! That is so annoying!" He frowns and states: "I was just trying to have my own little party." That kid is the best and worst thing that ever happened to me.
9 PM-- Dad comes home. The kids sit up at the table to talk to him and watch him eat dinner. I go upstairs to put the baby down for the night. When I return everyone is giggling. Ben poured himself a glass of milk and wanted to make it chocolately. So he politely asked someone to pass him the formula. Nestle Quik/formula. PotAto/PotOto.
10 PM-- My hands still smell like baby throw-up even though I've washed them a gazillion times. I shrug it off and put on my leopard skin snuggie. Finally, I can read another several chapters of Pioneer Woman's love saga. I've been looking forward to this moment for some time. (23 hours to be exact.) I must finish it before my media fast next week... something else I am really looking forward to.
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you- Alanis Morissette
Dear Future Wife,
Zack's assignment was to draw a picture of his wife. He decided to draw himself AND his wife, but got a bit carried away and drew a massive monster next to himself. His expression was priceless when he showed us the final product. He lifted it up, smiled big and said:
"She's HUGE and she's wearing a Santa hat!"
That one sentence had me laughing all day yesterday. When I finally laid my sleepy head on my pillow, I thought about Zack's expression when he said, "She's HUGE!" and I giggled out loud. As I told Aaron about our day, I realized that Zack's good moments definitely outweigh the bad.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spidey-Hiney
Monday night. No Bachelor to watch. No husband to snuggle with-- yet. It's 10 PM. The baby has been in his crib for an hour listening to his mobile and cooing. I gave the older boys 5 minutes to get in their pj's and brush their teeth. Then I went into my bathroom to do the same. When I came out, I heard a terrible cry from the nursery. My baby was being tortured by a mean, albino 4 year old. Zack was inside the crib screaming at the top of his lungs, "BE QUIET!! GO TO SLEEP!!!" I flung open the door, grabbed the terrible twit by his arms and yanked him out of the crib. Oh- did I mention he was wearing only undies and was holding a plastic dart gun? Well, he was. I swatted his spiderman-hiney and told him he had ONE minute before the lights went out. I swaddled my baby, gave him several kisses and put him safely back in his crib. Then I marched into the boys room, turned off the lights and heard another wail from my wild child, "I DON'T HAVE MY PAJAMAS ON! I CAN'T SEE MY TAG!" (as if putting his pajamas on backwards has ever been a concern of his.) I told him it didn't matter. He could sleep in his underwear, for all I care. He whimpered and I decided to yell in his face, the same way he attacked my favorite baby. "BE QUIET!! GO TO SLEEP!!!" Then real tears came out of his eyes. I am officially the worst mother ever. But at least I wasn't holding any pretend weapons, right? He came out a minute later with his pjs in hand and asked me if I would help dress him. I said yes and asked him if he liked being yelled at. He shook his head no. We made a deal that if he doesn't scream at the baby anymore, I won't scream at him. I hope I can hold up my end of the bargain.
It's now 11 PM and I just finished reading the first half of Pioneer Woman's Love Story. WowEE. That was a million times better than the most DRAMATIC rose ceremony ever. I cannot wait for it to be made into a movie. I wish I could read the ending, but my hard-working, basketball-playin' husband just walked through the door and I must save it for another time. I hope tomorrow night turns out just as fabulous as tonight. There's nothing like a good (real) love story to cure all motherhood woes. One solid hour of peace and quiet does wonders for the soul. Off to cuddle with the man who was made for me.
It's now 11 PM and I just finished reading the first half of Pioneer Woman's Love Story. WowEE. That was a million times better than the most DRAMATIC rose ceremony ever. I cannot wait for it to be made into a movie. I wish I could read the ending, but my hard-working, basketball-playin' husband just walked through the door and I must save it for another time. I hope tomorrow night turns out just as fabulous as tonight. There's nothing like a good (real) love story to cure all motherhood woes. One solid hour of peace and quiet does wonders for the soul. Off to cuddle with the man who was made for me.
Happiness = Spring!
Since Simon joined our fam, Aaron has been super busy at the office. I am not complaining, I promise. I am happy that he's got work because that means we have a paycheck. But his long hours away from home almost killed me during the winter. I basically wanted to die being trapped inside all day long. The temperature is getting warmer and so is my outlook on life. I can literally hear birds chirping in my head :) Yeah for SPRING!
The best way to see Aaron lately is to meet him for lunch at the park (or an occasional Friday night dinner next to his office.) Today we hit Sunset Park with a big lake and lots of fishermen. We basked in the sun and filled up our happy canteens. The kids ran wild while Aaron and I got caught up on life... (the weekend is never enough.) At one point during the conversation, Aaron turned to me and said, "Isn't having a family awesome?" Yes it is. Yes it is.
It's days like today that I love homeschooling.. gorgeous weather, empty parks, the family together, no set routine.. and the writing assignment for the day = a letter to their future wife. Oh, man, I just loved watching them squirm while they wrote. If they have to practice writing formal letters anyway, we might as well make them keepsakes, no? Their wives will thank me later...
The best way to see Aaron lately is to meet him for lunch at the park (or an occasional Friday night dinner next to his office.) Today we hit Sunset Park with a big lake and lots of fishermen. We basked in the sun and filled up our happy canteens. The kids ran wild while Aaron and I got caught up on life... (the weekend is never enough.) At one point during the conversation, Aaron turned to me and said, "Isn't having a family awesome?" Yes it is. Yes it is.
It's days like today that I love homeschooling.. gorgeous weather, empty parks, the family together, no set routine.. and the writing assignment for the day = a letter to their future wife. Oh, man, I just loved watching them squirm while they wrote. If they have to practice writing formal letters anyway, we might as well make them keepsakes, no? Their wives will thank me later...
the best things in life are free.
Yesterday, during the last ten minutes of Sacrament meeting, Ben turned to Aaron and asked if he could use the bathroom. Aaron nodded and Ben rushed out. I was a little surprised by this because Aaron can be pretty strict when it comes to sitting reverently in church. I am the pushover that the kids come to first when they need to get a drink because Daddy usually says no. In fact, I am usually the one getting in trouble because I am talking too loud or not paying attention. I whispered to Aaron that there was only ten minutes left and Ben could have easily waited. Aaron shook his head and said, “No one should ever have to wait to go to the bathroom.”
This situation sparked a conversation just before bedtime that kept us up WAY too late. But the late-night, spontaneous conversations are some of my favorite things about marriage. Even though we both have early morning responsibilities, there’s something innocently romantic about staying up way past our bedtime, trying to keep the giggling down so we don’t wake our kids. We will definitely be paying for it today, but I think it was worth it.
Aaron age 8 (or so the back of the picture says)
He's the breakdancer in blue. Brett is the muscular karate-kid
and that cute little underwear girl is Cody-licious.
Check out her awesome blog for a good laugh!
At 11 pm, Aaron started telling me a sad story from his elementary days. In third grade, he had to go to the bathroom really bad. As he got up to ask the teacher if he could be excused, another student beat him to the punch and told the teacher he needed to use the restroom. She scolded the student, said he couldn’t be excused and had him sit back down at his desk. Aaron, being the teacher’s pet that he was, didn’t dare ask the ornery teacher anything. Instead, he sat at his desk and peed his pants. He remembers walking to the bus, keeping his lunch pail directly in front of him so that no one could see he had had an accident. And then he rode the bus home, wet. (btw, This is the first time I've had heard this story. It has never affected our decision to homeschool.. we ain’t afraid of mean teachers who make students pee their pants, although we know they’re out there.)
I find the subject of childhood memories so interesting… especially after being introduced to a book called What Your Childhood Memories Say About You... and What You Can Do About It by Kevin Leman, the best-selling author of The Birth Order Book. My sister had this book last week on our girls trip and even though I've only read the first ten pages, I've had a flood of childhood memories come back to me. Kevin Leman says that the memories we have of our childhood, along with the emotions associated with those memories shape the adults we are today. Aaron and I stayed up late talking and laughing about all the odd things we remember.
My parents moved into the house they are now living in when I was 5 years old. I have a handful of memories from the "old house" before I turned five. Thinking back on these memories, I wonder why they are the ones I've hung onto for all these years. As far as I know, none of them are significant. But then again, I have yet to finish reading the book. If I discover anything life-changing, I will be sure to let you know.
I LOVED my necklace with Ernie hiding behind the number 4...
1984. My parents and their eight kids.
I am in the front wearing an itchy pink dress.
Look how Dave and I are holding hands. I've always loved him.
Scott's too tight vest and over-sized bow tie just kills me.
My oldest brother Greg (12) and me on my 4th birthday.
He is holding me up to see Chuck E on stage.
watch the dress, Greg.
One of my first memories ever is while playing at my friend Jori's house, I was probably around 4. Jori was an only child and had tons of toys. I didn't enjoy playing with her because she never shared anything and was constantly whining at her mom because I was touching things that were HERS! I remember one sunny afternoon sitting on her porch watching her drive around in her pink, battery-operated Barbie Jeep in the street. I wanted a turn, but I knew she would never give me one (she wouldn't even let me sit next to her, let alone drive it.) As I sat on the porch with my face in my hands, I remember telling myself, "I will never have one of those." Looking back, it's a terribly depressing story. Funny thing is, I don't remember associating any sad feelings with it. It was just a fact of life. I would never have asked my parents for such a thing or added it to my wish list because it was just not an option. At age four, I knew what my parents could afford and I remember accepting it, without feeling bad for myself. I honestly remember thinking that Jori needed a few siblings to teach her how to share.
Aaron and I traded several stories like this... some a bit depressing, others quite hysterical. Maybe I will dedicate this next week to writing down a few memories and hopefully some of Aaron's (if he'll give me permission, that is.) I've got to wrap things up, but I though I would end with a few early morning thoughts I had after our late night conversation. Aaron and I spent a lot of time discussing how our kids view their own childhood. Ben is now eight and has literally been raised on the saddest paychecks you've ever seen. I wonder what memories he has stored from his early years. It's been easy to teach him the value of money because we simply couldn't buy him things he wanted.. but does he feel deprived? poor? Simon will most likely have a different childhood than our older boys.. We are not making the big bucks (by any means) but the day might come when we CAN afford the things that they want. How do we say NO when we have the opportunity to say YES? Honestly, one of my greatest fears is raising spoiled children.. especially teenagers who just expect to get what they want. The curse of being a rich parent is living with a child who thinks they deserve everything...
Anyway, I am pretty sure I'm sleep deprived and I 'm starting to ramble. I just really want to keep our home as simple and modest as possible. Life is fast-paced and it's only going to get crazier from here on out. Raising strong, appreciative kids is such a hard thing to do nowadays. After reading a bit of Pioneer Woman's blog, I am seriously ready to sell everything we own and move out in the middle of nowhere. Why am I jealous of the farm life? Is there really hope for our kids if we raise them in a fast-paced, big city? I hope so.
And really, nothing against only children or battery-operated Jeeps, but I will NEVER buy one for my kids... If they're upset about it, they can blame it on spoiled-rotten Jori. And they can thank Aaron's mean teacher for letting them go to the bathroom anytime they want.
This situation sparked a conversation just before bedtime that kept us up WAY too late. But the late-night, spontaneous conversations are some of my favorite things about marriage. Even though we both have early morning responsibilities, there’s something innocently romantic about staying up way past our bedtime, trying to keep the giggling down so we don’t wake our kids. We will definitely be paying for it today, but I think it was worth it.
Aaron age 8 (or so the back of the picture says)He's the breakdancer in blue. Brett is the muscular karate-kid
and that cute little underwear girl is Cody-licious.
Check out her awesome blog for a good laugh!
At 11 pm, Aaron started telling me a sad story from his elementary days. In third grade, he had to go to the bathroom really bad. As he got up to ask the teacher if he could be excused, another student beat him to the punch and told the teacher he needed to use the restroom. She scolded the student, said he couldn’t be excused and had him sit back down at his desk. Aaron, being the teacher’s pet that he was, didn’t dare ask the ornery teacher anything. Instead, he sat at his desk and peed his pants. He remembers walking to the bus, keeping his lunch pail directly in front of him so that no one could see he had had an accident. And then he rode the bus home, wet. (btw, This is the first time I've had heard this story. It has never affected our decision to homeschool.. we ain’t afraid of mean teachers who make students pee their pants, although we know they’re out there.)
I find the subject of childhood memories so interesting… especially after being introduced to a book called What Your Childhood Memories Say About You... and What You Can Do About It by Kevin Leman, the best-selling author of The Birth Order Book. My sister had this book last week on our girls trip and even though I've only read the first ten pages, I've had a flood of childhood memories come back to me. Kevin Leman says that the memories we have of our childhood, along with the emotions associated with those memories shape the adults we are today. Aaron and I stayed up late talking and laughing about all the odd things we remember.
My parents moved into the house they are now living in when I was 5 years old. I have a handful of memories from the "old house" before I turned five. Thinking back on these memories, I wonder why they are the ones I've hung onto for all these years. As far as I know, none of them are significant. But then again, I have yet to finish reading the book. If I discover anything life-changing, I will be sure to let you know.
Me at age four:
I LOVED my necklace with Ernie hiding behind the number 4...
1984. My parents and their eight kids.I am in the front wearing an itchy pink dress.
Look how Dave and I are holding hands. I've always loved him.
Scott's too tight vest and over-sized bow tie just kills me.
My oldest brother Greg (12) and me on my 4th birthday.He is holding me up to see Chuck E on stage.
watch the dress, Greg.
One of my first memories ever is while playing at my friend Jori's house, I was probably around 4. Jori was an only child and had tons of toys. I didn't enjoy playing with her because she never shared anything and was constantly whining at her mom because I was touching things that were HERS! I remember one sunny afternoon sitting on her porch watching her drive around in her pink, battery-operated Barbie Jeep in the street. I wanted a turn, but I knew she would never give me one (she wouldn't even let me sit next to her, let alone drive it.) As I sat on the porch with my face in my hands, I remember telling myself, "I will never have one of those." Looking back, it's a terribly depressing story. Funny thing is, I don't remember associating any sad feelings with it. It was just a fact of life. I would never have asked my parents for such a thing or added it to my wish list because it was just not an option. At age four, I knew what my parents could afford and I remember accepting it, without feeling bad for myself. I honestly remember thinking that Jori needed a few siblings to teach her how to share.
Aaron and I traded several stories like this... some a bit depressing, others quite hysterical. Maybe I will dedicate this next week to writing down a few memories and hopefully some of Aaron's (if he'll give me permission, that is.) I've got to wrap things up, but I though I would end with a few early morning thoughts I had after our late night conversation. Aaron and I spent a lot of time discussing how our kids view their own childhood. Ben is now eight and has literally been raised on the saddest paychecks you've ever seen. I wonder what memories he has stored from his early years. It's been easy to teach him the value of money because we simply couldn't buy him things he wanted.. but does he feel deprived? poor? Simon will most likely have a different childhood than our older boys.. We are not making the big bucks (by any means) but the day might come when we CAN afford the things that they want. How do we say NO when we have the opportunity to say YES? Honestly, one of my greatest fears is raising spoiled children.. especially teenagers who just expect to get what they want. The curse of being a rich parent is living with a child who thinks they deserve everything...
Anyway, I am pretty sure I'm sleep deprived and I 'm starting to ramble. I just really want to keep our home as simple and modest as possible. Life is fast-paced and it's only going to get crazier from here on out. Raising strong, appreciative kids is such a hard thing to do nowadays. After reading a bit of Pioneer Woman's blog, I am seriously ready to sell everything we own and move out in the middle of nowhere. Why am I jealous of the farm life? Is there really hope for our kids if we raise them in a fast-paced, big city? I hope so.
And really, nothing against only children or battery-operated Jeeps, but I will NEVER buy one for my kids... If they're upset about it, they can blame it on spoiled-rotten Jori. And they can thank Aaron's mean teacher for letting them go to the bathroom anytime they want.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
hangin' with Gus
Gus is Simon's BFF who happens to be one day older..
and several pounds heavier.
Being the cruel mothers that we are, Azy and I decided to
take off their clothes so we could compare their fat rolls
(and other body parts.)
Simon didn't feel very comfortable being exposed like that.
So Gus grabbed his arm and coached him through it.
Just like all BFFs do.
and several pounds heavier.
Being the cruel mothers that we are, Azy and I decided totake off their clothes so we could compare their fat rolls
(and other body parts.)
Simon didn't feel very comfortable being exposed like that.
So Gus grabbed his arm and coached him through it.
Just like all BFFs do.
Friday, March 19, 2010
the blinking, thinking brain
while eating breakfast this morning, Luke asked a question several times before Zack finally got annoyed and said, "I DON'T know! My brain is still blinking!" We all thought that was funny. Luke said, "You mean THINKING not blinking..." Zack, even more annoyed, said, "No. I mean blinking.. like little dots glowing in the dark!"
And then I realized that this library book on the human body really made an impact on Zack and his blinking, thinking brain.
(nothing says "thinking brain" like the picture on the right.)
It' called ALIVE: The Living, Breathing Human Body Book (we have Jane to thank for recommending it.) It is the ultimate pop-up book with 3D organs, a blinking brain and a real live beating heart! We're going to have a hard time returning this one to the library... it's THAT cool. Discover more at www.dk.com
And then I realized that this library book on the human body really made an impact on Zack and his blinking, thinking brain.
(nothing says "thinking brain" like the picture on the right.)It' called ALIVE: The Living, Breathing Human Body Book (we have Jane to thank for recommending it.) It is the ultimate pop-up book with 3D organs, a blinking brain and a real live beating heart! We're going to have a hard time returning this one to the library... it's THAT cool. Discover more at www.dk.com
Thursday, March 18, 2010
these are a few of my favorite blogs...
The blogging world is wonderful for many reasons. I love it for allowing me to document my life and capture the little moments as my children grow. I can share pictures of my baby with family members and friends who live far away. I can know what's going on in the lives of people I care about without having to spend hours with them on the phone. But this world.wide blogging arena has opened up a new way of connecting with women I've never met. Women who inspire and encourage and make me a better person just by being themselves. Today I want to share with you a few sites that have made my life brighter and more meaningful. I don't personally know any of these women, but they have changed me for the good by the things they've written on their blogs. If you're looking to be inspired, you should read too.
#1- PIONEER WOMAN. I kid you not, I just started reading her blog last week. WHY have I waited so long? I do not know. After a couple of short posts, I am in love. I can't even begin to compare myself with her-- not her photography skills, her mega-talent in the kitchen or her writing genius, but I feel privileged to relate to her in the homeschooling department. This article is fabulous and keeps me going for all the right reasons.. Why I Homeschool and What my Approach Is. I will keep this handy for those times I get discouraged and ask myself, "why oh why am I doing this?"
#2- ENJOYING THE SMALL THINGS- Kelle Hampton is a talented photographer and mother of two daughters who was interviewed by CNN about the recent birth of her daughter, Nella with Down Syndrome. This inspiring mother truly does find the beauty in everyday life and her pictures are absolutely heartwarming. If you need a little more joy in your life, grab a box of kleenex and read the birth story of Nella. I kind of want to hate her for looking so gorgeous after just having a baby, but I can't.. Only love for that momma.
#3- SUBURB SANITY- I love blogging about my family, posting pictures of my kids, etc. But if I had enough time in the world (like when my kids move out of the house and could do what I wanted to do) I would have a blog like Debbie's @ Suburb Sanity. She writes about hilarious and everyday subjects, never posting actual pictures of herself or her children. She is easy to relate to, takes a stand on subjects that others are afraid to talk about and is so very funny. I can't pick my favorite post, but I like THIS one.. and THIS one.. and THIS one.. and THIS one. It's just so hard to choose! ps. Every once in a while, Debbie will come and comment on my blog and I always feel sheepish. It's such a weird thing because I admire her for her humor and writing and I would almost rather she ignore me than read my blog because I am just not cool enough to be her "friend". Do you feel like this with anyone? Seriously, though.. fast forward 15 years and I will be a blogger like Debbie. Until then, I am posting pictures of my kids and writing about the funny things they say.. it's all I can do for now.
#4- THRIFTY DECOR CHICK- I just happened upon this design blog a few weeks ago and LOVED everything about it. Creative, funny, crafty, do-it-yourself, colorful, cheap, encouraging, NOT-as-hard-as-it-looks and SO up my alley. She has quite the following (rightly so) and earns a living off of being bold, inspiring and creative. (If there's anything that annoys me, it's big-headed interior designers who criticize others on what NOT to do.) Thrifty Decor Chick is exactly the opposite.. and I believe that's why she's so successful. She's all about showing what TO DO... and how to do it. Her site is filled with a million pictures, instructions, tutorials and testimonials. After reading, I can't help but want to put molding up in every room of my house. I will be doing my dining room sooner or later.... can't wait!
and last but not least-
#5- A GOOD GRIEF- I've followed Molly Jackson's blog for some time now and I've written in entries past about how Lucy's death has changed the way I parent. It's amazing how the short life of a little curly blond 2 year old could make me appreciate my own children more. Motherhood is such a gift... even when that gift comes with runny noses, dirty laundry, big messes, high fevers and no sleep. This post made me cry today. I felt so grateful after reading it that I just couldn't click away without donating to their headstone foundation. If we all give a little, I know it can make a big difference.
And these are my TOP FIVE favorite blogs of people I don't know (we all know Nie Nie is on the list too, right?) Check them out, follow them, give them more traffic and donate to their causes. They deserve to have the attention because they inspire, encourage, bring laughter (and tears) and make the world a better place.
#1- PIONEER WOMAN. I kid you not, I just started reading her blog last week. WHY have I waited so long? I do not know. After a couple of short posts, I am in love. I can't even begin to compare myself with her-- not her photography skills, her mega-talent in the kitchen or her writing genius, but I feel privileged to relate to her in the homeschooling department. This article is fabulous and keeps me going for all the right reasons.. Why I Homeschool and What my Approach Is. I will keep this handy for those times I get discouraged and ask myself, "why oh why am I doing this?"
#2- ENJOYING THE SMALL THINGS- Kelle Hampton is a talented photographer and mother of two daughters who was interviewed by CNN about the recent birth of her daughter, Nella with Down Syndrome. This inspiring mother truly does find the beauty in everyday life and her pictures are absolutely heartwarming. If you need a little more joy in your life, grab a box of kleenex and read the birth story of Nella. I kind of want to hate her for looking so gorgeous after just having a baby, but I can't.. Only love for that momma.
#3- SUBURB SANITY- I love blogging about my family, posting pictures of my kids, etc. But if I had enough time in the world (like when my kids move out of the house and could do what I wanted to do) I would have a blog like Debbie's @ Suburb Sanity. She writes about hilarious and everyday subjects, never posting actual pictures of herself or her children. She is easy to relate to, takes a stand on subjects that others are afraid to talk about and is so very funny. I can't pick my favorite post, but I like THIS one.. and THIS one.. and THIS one.. and THIS one. It's just so hard to choose! ps. Every once in a while, Debbie will come and comment on my blog and I always feel sheepish. It's such a weird thing because I admire her for her humor and writing and I would almost rather she ignore me than read my blog because I am just not cool enough to be her "friend". Do you feel like this with anyone? Seriously, though.. fast forward 15 years and I will be a blogger like Debbie. Until then, I am posting pictures of my kids and writing about the funny things they say.. it's all I can do for now.
#4- THRIFTY DECOR CHICK- I just happened upon this design blog a few weeks ago and LOVED everything about it. Creative, funny, crafty, do-it-yourself, colorful, cheap, encouraging, NOT-as-hard-as-it-looks and SO up my alley. She has quite the following (rightly so) and earns a living off of being bold, inspiring and creative. (If there's anything that annoys me, it's big-headed interior designers who criticize others on what NOT to do.) Thrifty Decor Chick is exactly the opposite.. and I believe that's why she's so successful. She's all about showing what TO DO... and how to do it. Her site is filled with a million pictures, instructions, tutorials and testimonials. After reading, I can't help but want to put molding up in every room of my house. I will be doing my dining room sooner or later.... can't wait!
and last but not least-
#5- A GOOD GRIEF- I've followed Molly Jackson's blog for some time now and I've written in entries past about how Lucy's death has changed the way I parent. It's amazing how the short life of a little curly blond 2 year old could make me appreciate my own children more. Motherhood is such a gift... even when that gift comes with runny noses, dirty laundry, big messes, high fevers and no sleep. This post made me cry today. I felt so grateful after reading it that I just couldn't click away without donating to their headstone foundation. If we all give a little, I know it can make a big difference.
And these are my TOP FIVE favorite blogs of people I don't know (we all know Nie Nie is on the list too, right?) Check them out, follow them, give them more traffic and donate to their causes. They deserve to have the attention because they inspire, encourage, bring laughter (and tears) and make the world a better place.
silly songs
A few days ago, I requested a CD from the library that used to be our favorite kids' CD in Spokane. Ben and Luke were toddlers at the time so I figured this would be more for Zack and Simon than anyone else. But I am pleasantly surprised by Ben and Luke's immaturity :) They laugh every bit as much at these songs as they did three years ago. What I think is CraZy about the whole situation is when I put the CD in the car, the first thing Luke said was: "Can you put it on song #11? That's my favorite one." I thought for sure he was mistaken... because he was probably 3 the last time he heard it. But sure enough, track #11= The Ants Go Marching, which is definitely their favorite. They also love the first song Ten in the Bed because when the babies fall off the bed, they let out a loud cry. You can listen to some of the songs HERE or HERE. If you live close by, I would be happy to make a copy for you. Is that illegal? Oh well. I've committed worse crimes.
Don't you think good kids CD's are hard to come by? Do you have a favorite?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
the results are in....
Simon hates the Johnny jump up.But everyone else loves watching him squirm.
Cruel form of entertainment, I know.
I found this 20 second gem when downloading my pictures.
I love the camera angle and the giggles in the background.
We're titling it: "Simon Says"
We have lots of footage of Simon's floppy head.
He has just started to use his neck muscles... say, like, two days ago.
Yesterday, Zack said Simon rolled over, but no one else was
privileged enough to see it. Still waiting for proof on that one.
Happy St. Patty's!
I quickly had to dress Simon in something green
to keep Zack from pinching him.
That little troublemaker would turn an innocent holiday
into an excuse to make the baby cry.
Simon idolizes his big brother despite the torture...
ps. yesterday we watched ZERO hours of tv. no AI. no movies.Life is good.. the weather is OH.so.Gorgeous!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
if one pair of underwear is good...
TWO pairs must be better.I thought his 2 year old self was funny. And he surprised us by spitting out the most hilarious stuff at age three. And now we've realized it just gets better with age. The past week he's said so many off the wall comments, that I just can't seem to write them down fast enough...
When asked if he could clean the bathroom a few days ago, he responded:
"That's impossible. I haven't finished playing with my toys yet."
When asked if he was hungry for lunch he said:
"I'm sorry. I can't answer you right now. Ask me when I am not so busy."
I swear to you, I've NEVER said that to my kids.
When playing a shooting game with his brothers, they told him he was already dead and can't play anymore. He knew it, and matter-of-factly said: "I guess dying is my DUSTiny."
When asked if he could clean the bathroom a few days ago, he responded:
"That's impossible. I haven't finished playing with my toys yet."
When asked if he was hungry for lunch he said:
"I'm sorry. I can't answer you right now. Ask me when I am not so busy."
I swear to you, I've NEVER said that to my kids.
When playing a shooting game with his brothers, they told him he was already dead and can't play anymore. He knew it, and matter-of-factly said: "I guess dying is my DUSTiny."
- this has nothing to do with Zack, but remember last Friday when Simon coated me with his slime? Well, my cell phone happened to be in the pocket of the pants I was wearing. They were covered in spit up too, so I loaded them immediately in the washer. Yep.. I washed my cell phone. It's officially out of commission. I have an older phone that I'm using, so you can still call me-- but I don't have ANY of my contact numbers. If you want me to call you, email me your digits or text me, but sign your name at the bottom :) How sad is it that I don't even know my husband's cell phone number? That speed dial thing ain't good for the memory. oh. and only days before I washed it, I actually said this: "I am so proud that after two years of owning this phone, it's never been washed, fallen in the toilet, or been run over by a car.." I guess I jinxed myself.
the road to Hell is paved with good intentions..
Yesterday started out wonderfully:
an early morning workout
the entire family up early for breakfast together
fruit smoothies with kale, spinach and blueberries (so yum!)
sent the husband off to work with a lunch and a kiss
a "puzzle contest" that lasted over an hour.. I won every time, take that!
read several chapters of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe...
which led to an in-depth conversation about slaves in Africa
and CANNIBALISM- homeschooling doesn't get much better than that!
Ben and Luke made lunch while I put Simon down for a nap
we fractioned our sandwiches and multiplied the portions..
then we enjoyed the outdoors
(eliminating media should be easy with this kind of weather)
after running errands and enjoying the sunshine at the park,
I started on dinner--
made-from-scratch chicken enchiladas with cilantro to spare,
served with black beans and rice.
after dinner was in the oven, everything went downhill.
the boys played transformers
while Simon and I took a bath
they got bored when I was blow-drying my hair so
I allowed them to watch Shark Boy and Lava Girl
(I'll go to extremes to look good for my man :)
Zack played on the computer while I set the table
and there was still 2 hours before Aaron got home from work! How?
after dinner and a not-so-inspired FHE lesson
I watched an old 48 hours episode of a husband drowning his wife
in their backyard pool (very uplifting)
Instead of doing the dishes,
I decided to check my old yahoo email account
and ended up reading John Edward's mistress' account of their affair.
yuck.
I put the kids to bed without any love-- we were all exhausted
and then I watched the 2 hour prime-time-behind-the-scenes of the Bachelor.
In my attempt to stay away from anything negative and downtrodden,
I managed to waste several hours on the worst media possible...
murder mystery, lame political love-child scandal, and reality TV at it's finest.
I didn't read my book for book club or any scriptures for that matter.
I went to bed at a terrible hour
(especially considering that I had been up since 3 AM)
and I felt like a total failure by the time I laid my head on my pillow.
It's a new day, another early morning,
and I'm going to give it another shot.
wish me luck.
an early morning workout
the entire family up early for breakfast together
fruit smoothies with kale, spinach and blueberries (so yum!)
sent the husband off to work with a lunch and a kiss
a "puzzle contest" that lasted over an hour.. I won every time, take that!
read several chapters of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe...
which led to an in-depth conversation about slaves in Africa
and CANNIBALISM- homeschooling doesn't get much better than that!
Ben and Luke made lunch while I put Simon down for a nap
we fractioned our sandwiches and multiplied the portions..
then we enjoyed the outdoors
(eliminating media should be easy with this kind of weather)
after running errands and enjoying the sunshine at the park,
I started on dinner--
made-from-scratch chicken enchiladas with cilantro to spare,
served with black beans and rice.
after dinner was in the oven, everything went downhill.
the boys played transformers
while Simon and I took a bath
they got bored when I was blow-drying my hair so
I allowed them to watch Shark Boy and Lava Girl
(I'll go to extremes to look good for my man :)
Zack played on the computer while I set the table
and there was still 2 hours before Aaron got home from work! How?
after dinner and a not-so-inspired FHE lesson
I watched an old 48 hours episode of a husband drowning his wife
in their backyard pool (very uplifting)
Instead of doing the dishes,
I decided to check my old yahoo email account
and ended up reading John Edward's mistress' account of their affair.
yuck.
I put the kids to bed without any love-- we were all exhausted
and then I watched the 2 hour prime-time-behind-the-scenes of the Bachelor.
In my attempt to stay away from anything negative and downtrodden,
I managed to waste several hours on the worst media possible...
murder mystery, lame political love-child scandal, and reality TV at it's finest.
I didn't read my book for book club or any scriptures for that matter.
I went to bed at a terrible hour
(especially considering that I had been up since 3 AM)
and I felt like a total failure by the time I laid my head on my pillow.
It's a new day, another early morning,
and I'm going to give it another shot.
wish me luck.
Monday, March 15, 2010
television is the Devil
I've been wide awake since 3 AM. Not with a crying baby... I woke up to a nightmare and haven't been able to go back to sleep. I've had vivid dreams since I was a little girl. Most of the time they are nonsense and don't have meaning. But every once in a while, I will dream something and know exactly what it means. I believe in personal revelation and know that my dreams can be direct answers to my prayers.
Last night, I dreamed I was having a social gathering at my home. It was lighthearted and fun. Many people knocked on our door and we let them in. Soon our house was full of friendly faces, both adults and children. As the host, I was walking around making sure everyone was enjoying themselves and keeping an eye on the refreshments. I felt preoccupied and unaware of where my kids were and what they were doing. In the middle of my personal craziness, I spotted a man across the room and knew immediately that he was evil. In the second we made eye contact, I knew that he came into our home with the intent to destroy us. As soon as I recognized this, I shouted out and dashed towards him. But it was too late. He ran faster than I did, and I didn't stand a chance. He had an eye on Luke (my most emotional and sensitive child) who was playing off by himself in a bedroom. I ran to save him, but by the time I got to the door it was sealed off and locked. I grabbed a hatchet, started ripping the door to shreds and woke up in a cold sweat.
As scary as this was, I knew it was a dream and that my children were all sleeping safely in their beds. I snuggled up to my husband and spent a couple of hours thinking about what the dream meant to me. Sometimes when I have a nightmare, I try to go back to sleep and change the ending. If only I had looked this man in the eyes before he entered my home. I would have known what he was about and would have protected my family when I had the chance. I would have spent less time worrying about the food and drinks and concentrated more on where my children were playing. If only I had invited people I knew.. If only..
In the middle of the darkness, I knew what this dream meant to me. Just before I fell asleep last night, my husband and I were having a conversation about how to simplify and feel more productive in our home. I often feel overwhelmed at the beginning of the week because I never get as much accomplished on the weekend as I want. When Monday rolls around, I don't have any groceries in the fridge, I haven't prepared schooling material thoroughly and I resent the fact that my husband abandons me to fend for myself at home with the kids. As much as I try to be on top of things (I ironed everyone's church clothes on Friday night, for crying out loud) I usually start the week feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. I always need another weekend to recover from the weekend. Just before I went to sleep, I told Aaron how much I was looking forward to our annual media fast (no television, computer, radio, etc) that usually happens the week before Easter. I know that those 7 days will give me the peace I need.
And then I had this dream that gave me a clearer perspective of what is happening in my life. I invited lots of people to my party, 99% of those who came into my home were friendly and harmless. But I was careless for a moment and allowed an enemy to enter. As soon as I woke up, I knew those guests in my home were the media.. And the evil man is just ONE thing I let slide through the door without being aware of what was entering my home. As a parent, I am not protecting my children like I should. I am casual with the amount of time they watch television and play on the computer. Right now, I believe it's completely harmless. But if I am not closely monitoring what we watch and how much time we waste on the computer, there will come a time when it's too late. I need to be more aware and more cautious of what I am allowing into our home.
Yesterday in Sunday school we had a fantastic lesson on Abraham and the decision he made to sacrifice his son Isaac. A question was asked during the lesson "What are you willing to sacrifice in order to know God?" I thought about this all day yesterday and media was the only answer I could come up with. I am spending time watching my favorite shows or emailing friends INSTEAD of doing things that are most important for my spiritual well-being. I know that my empty feeling that sets in Monday morning comes from watching too many hours of the mountain west basketball tournament over the weekend rather than preparing myself spiritually for the week to come. Life is getting too complicated for me to be casual about it. My children are growing up quickly and I am not sure I am doing all I can to prepare them for the world out there. My home is a sacred place and my family is too important to me. I need to do whatever it takes to keep my kids safe while they are under my roof. I am willing to sacrifice something big to feel more peace in my life and more unity in my home. I am willing to stop watching The Bachelor if that's what it takes. And I might as well stop watching American Idol too.. my favorites keep getting voted off anyway.
Obviously, I am feeling a bit extreme this morning after waking up from such a dream. I don't think being extreme is the answer. It can't be all or nothing. I can promise you my husband won't be happy if I move our television out into the garage while he's at work. But I can be more on top of my game. We can carefully pick and choose what and when we watch TV and for how many minutes a day we spend on the computer. I know that by eliminating the amount of time we spend on the unimportant things, we will have enough time to do the most important things... like exercising, cooking healthy meals, reading scriptures and good books, playing games together, preparing meaningful lessons, praying, getting to bed at a decent hour, etc, etc. Our Family Home Evening lesson tonight will be setting realistic goals on our media flow... and sticking to those goals for a week. I will let you know how it goes.
Well, it's time to turn off the computer. My tennis shoes are tied and I am going out to enjoy the sunrise. After exercising and feeding my kids breakfast, I am heading to the store to buy groceries and a hatchet... Last night I went to sleep feeling hopeless and discouraged. There's nothing like a terrible nightmare to make you feel motivated, encouraged and determined!
Last night, I dreamed I was having a social gathering at my home. It was lighthearted and fun. Many people knocked on our door and we let them in. Soon our house was full of friendly faces, both adults and children. As the host, I was walking around making sure everyone was enjoying themselves and keeping an eye on the refreshments. I felt preoccupied and unaware of where my kids were and what they were doing. In the middle of my personal craziness, I spotted a man across the room and knew immediately that he was evil. In the second we made eye contact, I knew that he came into our home with the intent to destroy us. As soon as I recognized this, I shouted out and dashed towards him. But it was too late. He ran faster than I did, and I didn't stand a chance. He had an eye on Luke (my most emotional and sensitive child) who was playing off by himself in a bedroom. I ran to save him, but by the time I got to the door it was sealed off and locked. I grabbed a hatchet, started ripping the door to shreds and woke up in a cold sweat.
As scary as this was, I knew it was a dream and that my children were all sleeping safely in their beds. I snuggled up to my husband and spent a couple of hours thinking about what the dream meant to me. Sometimes when I have a nightmare, I try to go back to sleep and change the ending. If only I had looked this man in the eyes before he entered my home. I would have known what he was about and would have protected my family when I had the chance. I would have spent less time worrying about the food and drinks and concentrated more on where my children were playing. If only I had invited people I knew.. If only..
In the middle of the darkness, I knew what this dream meant to me. Just before I fell asleep last night, my husband and I were having a conversation about how to simplify and feel more productive in our home. I often feel overwhelmed at the beginning of the week because I never get as much accomplished on the weekend as I want. When Monday rolls around, I don't have any groceries in the fridge, I haven't prepared schooling material thoroughly and I resent the fact that my husband abandons me to fend for myself at home with the kids. As much as I try to be on top of things (I ironed everyone's church clothes on Friday night, for crying out loud) I usually start the week feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. I always need another weekend to recover from the weekend. Just before I went to sleep, I told Aaron how much I was looking forward to our annual media fast (no television, computer, radio, etc) that usually happens the week before Easter. I know that those 7 days will give me the peace I need.
And then I had this dream that gave me a clearer perspective of what is happening in my life. I invited lots of people to my party, 99% of those who came into my home were friendly and harmless. But I was careless for a moment and allowed an enemy to enter. As soon as I woke up, I knew those guests in my home were the media.. And the evil man is just ONE thing I let slide through the door without being aware of what was entering my home. As a parent, I am not protecting my children like I should. I am casual with the amount of time they watch television and play on the computer. Right now, I believe it's completely harmless. But if I am not closely monitoring what we watch and how much time we waste on the computer, there will come a time when it's too late. I need to be more aware and more cautious of what I am allowing into our home.
Yesterday in Sunday school we had a fantastic lesson on Abraham and the decision he made to sacrifice his son Isaac. A question was asked during the lesson "What are you willing to sacrifice in order to know God?" I thought about this all day yesterday and media was the only answer I could come up with. I am spending time watching my favorite shows or emailing friends INSTEAD of doing things that are most important for my spiritual well-being. I know that my empty feeling that sets in Monday morning comes from watching too many hours of the mountain west basketball tournament over the weekend rather than preparing myself spiritually for the week to come. Life is getting too complicated for me to be casual about it. My children are growing up quickly and I am not sure I am doing all I can to prepare them for the world out there. My home is a sacred place and my family is too important to me. I need to do whatever it takes to keep my kids safe while they are under my roof. I am willing to sacrifice something big to feel more peace in my life and more unity in my home. I am willing to stop watching The Bachelor if that's what it takes. And I might as well stop watching American Idol too.. my favorites keep getting voted off anyway.
Obviously, I am feeling a bit extreme this morning after waking up from such a dream. I don't think being extreme is the answer. It can't be all or nothing. I can promise you my husband won't be happy if I move our television out into the garage while he's at work. But I can be more on top of my game. We can carefully pick and choose what and when we watch TV and for how many minutes a day we spend on the computer. I know that by eliminating the amount of time we spend on the unimportant things, we will have enough time to do the most important things... like exercising, cooking healthy meals, reading scriptures and good books, playing games together, preparing meaningful lessons, praying, getting to bed at a decent hour, etc, etc. Our Family Home Evening lesson tonight will be setting realistic goals on our media flow... and sticking to those goals for a week. I will let you know how it goes.
Well, it's time to turn off the computer. My tennis shoes are tied and I am going out to enjoy the sunrise. After exercising and feeding my kids breakfast, I am heading to the store to buy groceries and a hatchet... Last night I went to sleep feeling hopeless and discouraged. There's nothing like a terrible nightmare to make you feel motivated, encouraged and determined!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
ZZ top and the early morning rock band
it's one thing
to wake up early on a Saturday morning to a crying baby.
it's completely another thing
to wake up to the blazing sound of untalented children on electronic instruments.
I don't know what got into my kids this AM, but they were up early to
ROCK OUT!
There are several things I find funny about this situation:
#1 Luke abandoning his drum sticks to play with his feet. Whatever inspires.
#2 Zack's knee holes. No one gets THAT much wear and tear out of their pj's. No matter how much he denies it, we all know there were scissors involved.
#3 their BYU hats. I can GUARANTEE this was Ben's idea. Nothing says ROCK STAR like a bunch of white, matching Mormons.
#4 Zack's expression. the older boys were definitely posing for the picture, but Zack was in the middle of the chorus. Every once in a while, he stopped singing so he could play his red tambourine. I am still not sure which sounded worse.
if you care to see (hear) it live,
a short clip of their first cut is uploading on my home videos blog.
to wake up early on a Saturday morning to a crying baby.
it's completely another thing
to wake up to the blazing sound of untalented children on electronic instruments.
I don't know what got into my kids this AM, but they were up early to
ROCK OUT!
There are several things I find funny about this situation:
#1 Luke abandoning his drum sticks to play with his feet. Whatever inspires.
#2 Zack's knee holes. No one gets THAT much wear and tear out of their pj's. No matter how much he denies it, we all know there were scissors involved.
#3 their BYU hats. I can GUARANTEE this was Ben's idea. Nothing says ROCK STAR like a bunch of white, matching Mormons.
#4 Zack's expression. the older boys were definitely posing for the picture, but Zack was in the middle of the chorus. Every once in a while, he stopped singing so he could play his red tambourine. I am still not sure which sounded worse.
if you care to see (hear) it live,
a short clip of their first cut is uploading on my home videos blog.
Friday, March 12, 2010
why you should NEVER dance with a baby after breakfast
I make zero apologies for my no-bra-sagginess
you should know (by now) that when you come to this blog
you get the low-down dirty truth
what the picture above doesn't show
is the spit up that dripped
ALL the way down my hairy legs
we are now both clean, shaved & somewhat uplifted
(picture taken from our daily 60 second video clip)
you should know (by now) that when you come to this blog
you get the low-down dirty truth
what the picture above doesn't show
is the spit up that dripped
ALL the way down my hairy legs
we are now both clean, shaved & somewhat uplifted
(picture taken from our daily 60 second video clip)Wednesday, March 10, 2010
500 days
last night my sis and I ordered
delicious cafe rio and Aaron brought it home after work
then he left us to play a tennis match
we pulled the couch-bed out for the boys and banished them upstairs
then we watched my new favorite movie
i've been wanting to watch it for 500 days now
but it was never available at redbox
maybe it was the delish food in my tummy that made me love the movie
maybe it was knowing it was the last night I get to spend with my sister in a while
maybe it was the funky-vintage-quirkiness
but I think it came down to the fact that
Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks and acts (& dances) JUST like my husband
if you want to know what's it's like to watch Aaron bust a move,
check out this scene:
i'm no siskel or ebert, but i like what i like.
and i will definitely be buying this one to watch again and again.
oh, and the soundtrack is now playing on my ipod
as I take a bubble bath
love love love
maybe it was the delish food in my tummy that made me love the movie
maybe it was knowing it was the last night I get to spend with my sister in a while
maybe it was the funky-vintage-quirkiness
but I think it came down to the fact that
Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks and acts (& dances) JUST like my husband
if you want to know what's it's like to watch Aaron bust a move,
check out this scene:
i'm no siskel or ebert, but i like what i like.
and i will definitely be buying this one to watch again and again.
oh, and the soundtrack is now playing on my ipod
as I take a bubble bath
love love love
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