not this cute anymore!
One of our educational goals for 2013 is to memorize one poem every month.
It's been a fun family challenge.
This was my poem for January...
--it was written for me, and my Roma Doll--
This I know, (and not just because of the title..)
I type it from memory.
Song for a Fifth Child
By Ruth Hulbert Hamilton
Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo.
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.
The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
We've invited our homeschool friends to memorize poems for February and we are planning a recital at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to it. The boys can recite their poems, but really need help on the delivery :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
January FB updates
1/2
12 day Christmas vacation jam-packed with family, fun and chaos is over. I came home with the people I need, those I can't live without. Looking forward to enjoying where I am.. and acknowledging that I am standing exactly where I want and need to be.
"No one longs for what he or she already has, and yet the accumulated insight of those wise about the spiritual life suggests that the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we are standing on it. The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment, no superior aptitude or special company. All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need. The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are.” ~Barbara Brown Taylor
1/9
This morning I waved to my husband and kids on the curb as I left for a quick dentist appt. As I drove away, my husband said something like, "so this is how it feels everyday to stay home and hang out with the kids." I was mad at myself for leaving the house so clean, (never typical of my regular routine.) An hour later, I called him to check in and let him know I was finished. He was on the other line with a student loan company and couldn't talk long. The baby was crying in the background and all he had time to say was, "ugh. unclogging a toilet, the kids are screaming. I've gotta go." Best 20 second phone call of my life.
1/11
As our son was sobbing outside our bedroom door around 10 pm last night, my husband kindly observed, "He is a lot like his mother. Happy-go-lucky and a friend to everyone during the day... and an emotional wreck past bedtime." I completely disagreed, buried my face in pillows and cried myself to sleep.
1/18
Zack (after helping his sister put on a pair of mittens only for her to rip them off): ugh! She keeps changing her mind and changing her mind! Off, on, off, on!
Ben: huh. I hear girls are like that.
1/29
Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. -Elise Boulding
12 day Christmas vacation jam-packed with family, fun and chaos is over. I came home with the people I need, those I can't live without. Looking forward to enjoying where I am.. and acknowledging that I am standing exactly where I want and need to be.
"No one longs for what he or she already has, and yet the accumulated insight of those wise about the spiritual life suggests that the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we are standing on it. The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment, no superior aptitude or special company. All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need. The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are.” ~Barbara Brown Taylor
1/9
This morning I waved to my husband and kids on the curb as I left for a quick dentist appt. As I drove away, my husband said something like, "so this is how it feels everyday to stay home and hang out with the kids." I was mad at myself for leaving the house so clean, (never typical of my regular routine.) An hour later, I called him to check in and let him know I was finished. He was on the other line with a student loan company and couldn't talk long. The baby was crying in the background and all he had time to say was, "ugh. unclogging a toilet, the kids are screaming. I've gotta go." Best 20 second phone call of my life.
1/11
As our son was sobbing outside our bedroom door around 10 pm last night, my husband kindly observed, "He is a lot like his mother. Happy-go-lucky and a friend to everyone during the day... and an emotional wreck past bedtime." I completely disagreed, buried my face in pillows and cried myself to sleep.
1/18
Zack (after helping his sister put on a pair of mittens only for her to rip them off): ugh! She keeps changing her mind and changing her mind! Off, on, off, on!
Ben: huh. I hear girls are like that.
1/29
Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. -Elise Boulding
Monday, January 28, 2013
family ties
my husband's extended family isn't close. Close is a relative term. But when it comes to his relatives, he doesn't know them well. He wouldn't recognize most of his cousins if he passed them on the street. One of his cousins lives in Utah and she children a few years older than ours. She's become a favorite (because she truly is wonderful) and because she doesn't have any competition. Her father (Aaron's uncle) passed away last week. We lived next to his aunt and uncle for 4 short months before law school and they've become our favorites (because they truly are wonderful.)
The funeral was held on MLK day. Aaron and I packed up the kids and made the trek to Gilbert, AZ for the services and I am so glad we did. The kids were thrilled to see their grandparents (the best in-laws I've ever had) and we were all able to learn more about Aaron's sweet uncle (and aunt, who has been caring for her disabled husband for the past 17 years after he suffered from a stroke.) Aaron's cousins shared their fond memories of their dad before his stroke, touching stories of how their dad showed loved to them as children. Tears flowed freely and both Aaron and I were inspired to be better parents. I came away wanting to play harder and to cuddle more and to laugh often. One tender memory was shared by his 6'8", 300lb cousin who sobbed like a big teddy bear at the pulpit. He recalled a time as a teenager when he said hurtful things to his dad, things that deserved severe punishment and probably a good beating. Instead, his dad looked at him with tears in his eyes and said, "Son, that really hurt me." This crushed the stubborn 15 year old and sent him to his room, wanting to take back everything he said. He ended up writing a song for his dad that he shared at the service. The lyrics were so emotional, telling his dad he was the best friend and example he'd ever had. I thought it was all so tender and loving and sweet. Parenting is such a difficult task. No one will do it perfectly. But when we die, if our children know without a doubt that we loved them unconditionally, I believe that gives you a passing grade with flying colors. That's all children really need. To see adult children sob about the love they felt from their father was so touching and inspiring.
I sobbed (literally like a baby) as I took Roma into the mother's lounge and listened to the remainder of the funeral. The lights were off and Ro just wanted to be rocked. I held her and cried and cried, thinking of my own parents and how much love they've given me over the years. I have been born of goodly parents. They love deeply and have sacrificed so much. I don't want the time to come when I will have to bury my parents, but when it comes, I will have so many stories to share. It's not about buying gifts or giving children everything they want. It's about spending time together, finding things to laugh about and saying "I love you" often.
Grateful for a quick getaway with my sweet husband and children. Grateful for the family ties we are trying to strengthen... and for the friends we got to visit on this trip as well. (we stopped to see the Reijonen family, the Ortons, Cody and Jake, the Posts and the Vincents... all some of our favorite friends living in AZ!!) more pictures to come. Feeling grateful tonight.
The funeral was held on MLK day. Aaron and I packed up the kids and made the trek to Gilbert, AZ for the services and I am so glad we did. The kids were thrilled to see their grandparents (the best in-laws I've ever had) and we were all able to learn more about Aaron's sweet uncle (and aunt, who has been caring for her disabled husband for the past 17 years after he suffered from a stroke.) Aaron's cousins shared their fond memories of their dad before his stroke, touching stories of how their dad showed loved to them as children. Tears flowed freely and both Aaron and I were inspired to be better parents. I came away wanting to play harder and to cuddle more and to laugh often. One tender memory was shared by his 6'8", 300lb cousin who sobbed like a big teddy bear at the pulpit. He recalled a time as a teenager when he said hurtful things to his dad, things that deserved severe punishment and probably a good beating. Instead, his dad looked at him with tears in his eyes and said, "Son, that really hurt me." This crushed the stubborn 15 year old and sent him to his room, wanting to take back everything he said. He ended up writing a song for his dad that he shared at the service. The lyrics were so emotional, telling his dad he was the best friend and example he'd ever had. I thought it was all so tender and loving and sweet. Parenting is such a difficult task. No one will do it perfectly. But when we die, if our children know without a doubt that we loved them unconditionally, I believe that gives you a passing grade with flying colors. That's all children really need. To see adult children sob about the love they felt from their father was so touching and inspiring.
I sobbed (literally like a baby) as I took Roma into the mother's lounge and listened to the remainder of the funeral. The lights were off and Ro just wanted to be rocked. I held her and cried and cried, thinking of my own parents and how much love they've given me over the years. I have been born of goodly parents. They love deeply and have sacrificed so much. I don't want the time to come when I will have to bury my parents, but when it comes, I will have so many stories to share. It's not about buying gifts or giving children everything they want. It's about spending time together, finding things to laugh about and saying "I love you" often.
Grateful for a quick getaway with my sweet husband and children. Grateful for the family ties we are trying to strengthen... and for the friends we got to visit on this trip as well. (we stopped to see the Reijonen family, the Ortons, Cody and Jake, the Posts and the Vincents... all some of our favorite friends living in AZ!!) more pictures to come. Feeling grateful tonight.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
present
Roma's birth was life-changing for me in many ways. Another significant experience came on Thanksgiving day when I was least expecting it. If I had the words to explain how it changed me, I would explain. But its something I can't really describe, just a feeling in my gut that I was doing the right thing at the right moment. I had pulled my kids out of school, I was cooking up a storm and even though it should have been madness around me (dishes, kids, food, chaos) everything was still and motionless. It went on for hours, the entire time we prepared the meal. It was magical.
Looking back it seems like a dream, like it didn't happen. But in the past few months, I've had several mini-experiences that let me know I am doing the right thing at the right time. It doesn't seem to matter where I am. but its almost always with my children. They are quiet moments, and sometimes the feeling will change a very chaotic experience (like making dinner or dancing to loud music) into an almost motionless moment. The only way to describe it is like I'm watching the experience happen from another perspective... I am in it, but I am also watching it on a big screen and I know that it was a moment that needed to happen in my life to teach me a lesson or fill me with the desire to do more and be more present with my family.
I had another similar experience while rocking my baby girl to sleep tonight. She was wide away when I sat with her on my lap. She tried to wiggle away, but then I started humming and she curled up on me and became putty in my arms. She puckered up about 100 times and I kissed her each time on the lips... and after each kiss, she would smile and we would both giggle. Eventually she closed her sleepy eyes. I kissed her again and each time I did, her lips curled up into a smile.. until, finally she was asleep. Her room was dark and quiet and filled with love. My heart was full of contentment and peace and assurance that I needed to be in that rocking chair while she melted into my arms.
Sometimes I wonder if I can do it... If I can have a large family and take care of pets and support a husband who works long hours. And then I have these sacred moments that assure me that I can and I will. I used to wonder who was living this life of mine-- wonder why these big kids were calling me Mom. But I don't find myself asking those questions anymore. I feel empowered and confidant that I will be able to handle all of these kids and hopefully invite more to join us. I will get my house organized and I will find the right way to teach my children responsibility. I find such strength in the kitchen, cooking for my family. I never knew it could give me such a feeling of contentment. Of course, there are always bad days, when I don't feel as motivated or excited to put dinner on the table or read stories to my sleepy children or go for a walk when the sun is setting, but I find that when I DO those very important things, I am centered again. And I realize I am exactly where I was always supposed to be. I was created for this.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
mini break
I have no idea how one third of January is over. We came home from our Christmas vaca sick... and this cold/cough/flu/sinus infection has felt like death. This morning I was up at 3:00 am crying. Simon was up too saying, "no one can get me better." I felt so frustrated and so tired after not sleeping for what seems like weeks. But today has been good and I am positive things are going to turn around soon.
Yesterday was a crazy day. I had a full schedule and sick kids really put a wrench in my plans. The day before I scrubbed the entire house because I knew how busy the rest of my week was. Yesterday morning I woke up, dressed myself and the kids, fed them a hearty breakfast and packed up to head to a quick dentist appointment and then the library to return overdue books (and pick up a few on our homeschooling curriculum for this week.) Aaron was leaving for work at the same time and felt bad for me. Truth is, I would have sent them to friends houses but they were all sick and I couldn't do that to our friends--- so Aaron offered to stay home while I ran to the dentist and then meet me at the library with all the kids when it opened. Sweet guy. They were all out on the curb and I wished I would have pulled out my phone and taken a picture of them waving to me. As I drove away, Aaron said something sarcastic like, "So this is what it's like everyday, staying home and hanging out with the kids." I was upset with myself for leaving the house so clean and loading the breakfast dishes (this is SO not typical of my normal routine.)
My dentist is awesome and quickly put a crown on my back tooth (the same crown that was done when I was preggo with Ro, but I was having some issues with it.) I was in and out of there in 30 or so minutes. I had to stop by the bank to get something notarized for my husband (this he knew and told me to call him when I was done.) I called and had the best 20 second phone conversation of my life. Aaron answered, stressed out, telling me he was on the other line with a student loan company. I could hear the baby crying and the only thing I could understand from Daddy was, "ugh. Unclogging a toilet. The kids are screaming. I gotta go." I hung up the phone grinning ear to ear. So glad the kids put on a show when I didn't even ask them to! Those sweetie pies!! (Zack clogged the toilet, btw.)
Aaron and the kids arrived at the library first, but in an attempt to put on Simon's shoes (always a fight) they left all the books in the garage-- the main reason for meeting there in the first place. Oh well. Aaron looked worn out and paid me all sorts of compliments when I arrived, about what a killer of a job I am doing at home, etc. He also said, "I totally understand why you never get dressed or put the kids in cute clothes. The minute you do, you get nastified." Roma's cute outfit that I put her in after breakfast was coated with all kinds of food, boogers and gunk. But she was still cute and I was so happy to see them. Simon was complaining of a stomach ache (going on two weeks now) and had his shirt off before we got out the doors of the library. I was able to snatch a picture or two on the walk out to the car. Aaron also forgot the stroller and that is a big no-no when adventuring out with our crazy kids. He'd know if he had a little more experience.
.JPG)
Aaron left for work and I stopped by the pharmacy for some meds. The boys were quietly laughing in the back and Ro was looking out the window and singing. My husband was so kind to me and is always there when I need him. Even though it's been a crazy couple of weeks/months, I felt so grateful for my life. And the thought "You don't deserve this" actually went through my mind several times. Don't get me wrong, I know I contribute to our family and do my fair share of work, but also know that I am very, very blessed. I am holding onto these blessings of mine very tightly and pray that we can all get through this winter appreciating one another even more than last year. Grateful for these people in my life that make it so rich and fulfilling. It is definitely worth all the work (and toilet unclogging.)
Yesterday was a crazy day. I had a full schedule and sick kids really put a wrench in my plans. The day before I scrubbed the entire house because I knew how busy the rest of my week was. Yesterday morning I woke up, dressed myself and the kids, fed them a hearty breakfast and packed up to head to a quick dentist appointment and then the library to return overdue books (and pick up a few on our homeschooling curriculum for this week.) Aaron was leaving for work at the same time and felt bad for me. Truth is, I would have sent them to friends houses but they were all sick and I couldn't do that to our friends--- so Aaron offered to stay home while I ran to the dentist and then meet me at the library with all the kids when it opened. Sweet guy. They were all out on the curb and I wished I would have pulled out my phone and taken a picture of them waving to me. As I drove away, Aaron said something sarcastic like, "So this is what it's like everyday, staying home and hanging out with the kids." I was upset with myself for leaving the house so clean and loading the breakfast dishes (this is SO not typical of my normal routine.)
My dentist is awesome and quickly put a crown on my back tooth (the same crown that was done when I was preggo with Ro, but I was having some issues with it.) I was in and out of there in 30 or so minutes. I had to stop by the bank to get something notarized for my husband (this he knew and told me to call him when I was done.) I called and had the best 20 second phone conversation of my life. Aaron answered, stressed out, telling me he was on the other line with a student loan company. I could hear the baby crying and the only thing I could understand from Daddy was, "ugh. Unclogging a toilet. The kids are screaming. I gotta go." I hung up the phone grinning ear to ear. So glad the kids put on a show when I didn't even ask them to! Those sweetie pies!! (Zack clogged the toilet, btw.)
Aaron and the kids arrived at the library first, but in an attempt to put on Simon's shoes (always a fight) they left all the books in the garage-- the main reason for meeting there in the first place. Oh well. Aaron looked worn out and paid me all sorts of compliments when I arrived, about what a killer of a job I am doing at home, etc. He also said, "I totally understand why you never get dressed or put the kids in cute clothes. The minute you do, you get nastified." Roma's cute outfit that I put her in after breakfast was coated with all kinds of food, boogers and gunk. But she was still cute and I was so happy to see them. Simon was complaining of a stomach ache (going on two weeks now) and had his shirt off before we got out the doors of the library. I was able to snatch a picture or two on the walk out to the car. Aaron also forgot the stroller and that is a big no-no when adventuring out with our crazy kids. He'd know if he had a little more experience.
.JPG)
Aaron left for work and I stopped by the pharmacy for some meds. The boys were quietly laughing in the back and Ro was looking out the window and singing. My husband was so kind to me and is always there when I need him. Even though it's been a crazy couple of weeks/months, I felt so grateful for my life. And the thought "You don't deserve this" actually went through my mind several times. Don't get me wrong, I know I contribute to our family and do my fair share of work, but also know that I am very, very blessed. I am holding onto these blessings of mine very tightly and pray that we can all get through this winter appreciating one another even more than last year. Grateful for these people in my life that make it so rich and fulfilling. It is definitely worth all the work (and toilet unclogging.)
Monday, January 7, 2013
mid December
my husband is doing squats and sit ups in front of my bed. I was watching him for a minute and then felt guilty for not joining him. So instead of joining, I am blocking him with my computer screen. I have so much to blog about, I just don't have time to exercise.
Somewhere in mid December, we were supposed to leave on our trip to Utah. I had our bags packed. I made sure the cards were sent and the neighbor gifts were delivered and everything was taken care of on the homefront. On the last night before we were supposed to leave, I made a few visits to some women in my ward. Aaron texted me and said our dog was in heat. Sunny hasn't had a cycle in over 14 months and we all know I've waited long enough for puppies. We were planning on leaving her with friends, but if and when we were going to breed her, it would happen in Utah because Vegas has crazy breeding laws (your dog needs to be in a national pet show to be qualified to have puppies) It's not that she's not pretty enough to be in a national pet show, but I don't want her to worry about superficial things like crowns and titles. I just want her to be a mama.
When I arrived home that night, I asked (begged) Aaron if we could take Sunny with us on the two week Christmas vacation that was already going to be insanely busy and exhausting. He rolled his eyes and said we should find a stud and see if he was available over the Holidays before we bring her along. So, instead of driving early the next morning like we had planned, I spent several hours on the phone calling all the male miniature poodles I knew. Aaron was doing laundry and taking care of the kids while I was on the phone. Somewhere between his second and third load of dirty clothes, our washer exploded... flooding our laundry room. Our washer had been making weird sounds the weeks prior, but Aaron broke it for good and we couldn't come home from an exhausting two week vacation to a broken laundry room. Before we knew it, our 5 kids were loaded in the van and we were picking up a new washing machine. The kids were thrilled (not) about getting a new washer instead of playing in the snow with their cousins. We made it up to them by stopping at Cafe Rio for lunch :)
While the kids happily stuffed themselves with adult-sized portions of mexican food, my husband and I talked about our crazy life... how difficult it was to get ready for the trip and how he had the day off work but was spending it loading and unloading washers from the 2nd floor of our house rather than on the ski slopes in Utah. I understood his frustration. I wanted to be frustrated too, but I was excited about the fact that we could possibly have little puppies in our house for our children to hold and care for and eventually sell. After a few minutes of going back and forth about our plans, Aaron said kindly, "I just don't think we're ready for puppies." I looked at him and busted up laughing and eventually he did too. We aren't ready for five kids and we have them. We had a washer in the back of our 15 passenger van and starving kids surrounding us on all sides. But they were good kids and our dog is the sweetest pet ever and it felt like the right time. We ended the conversation laughing (but probably for different reasons...)
So the next morning, after our new washer was running smoothly and we all had a good night's sleep, we packed up our big van with our five kids and our big Golden Retriever and we drove up to Salt Lake for two weeks of madness. On the drive up, we talked about our hopes and dreams for our family and especially our kids and decided that they were indeed ready to take care of puppies, even if I am not the most responsible mom in the whole world. We were able to breed her (artificially inseminate) a few days after Christmas, but we're not sure if it worked out... a few more weeks and we'll know if there are any puppies in the oven. Whether or not it worked out, I am so glad we went for it and took her along for the ride. Those few weeks of traveling as a family (and making decisions together as a couple despite the madness) will be etched in my heart and mind for always. My husband loves and supports me and he is SUCH a great sport. I love thinking back to the hilarious (but somewhat pathetic) conversation in Cafe Rio... it proves to me how much we can do in a moments notice and how flexible we are when a wrench in thrown in the plan. I love being a wife and mother but mostly because I get to do it along such an easy-going, hard working guy.
Next essay will explain why Santa brought SNAKES for Christmas!
(workout over)
Somewhere in mid December, we were supposed to leave on our trip to Utah. I had our bags packed. I made sure the cards were sent and the neighbor gifts were delivered and everything was taken care of on the homefront. On the last night before we were supposed to leave, I made a few visits to some women in my ward. Aaron texted me and said our dog was in heat. Sunny hasn't had a cycle in over 14 months and we all know I've waited long enough for puppies. We were planning on leaving her with friends, but if and when we were going to breed her, it would happen in Utah because Vegas has crazy breeding laws (your dog needs to be in a national pet show to be qualified to have puppies) It's not that she's not pretty enough to be in a national pet show, but I don't want her to worry about superficial things like crowns and titles. I just want her to be a mama.
When I arrived home that night, I asked (begged) Aaron if we could take Sunny with us on the two week Christmas vacation that was already going to be insanely busy and exhausting. He rolled his eyes and said we should find a stud and see if he was available over the Holidays before we bring her along. So, instead of driving early the next morning like we had planned, I spent several hours on the phone calling all the male miniature poodles I knew. Aaron was doing laundry and taking care of the kids while I was on the phone. Somewhere between his second and third load of dirty clothes, our washer exploded... flooding our laundry room. Our washer had been making weird sounds the weeks prior, but Aaron broke it for good and we couldn't come home from an exhausting two week vacation to a broken laundry room. Before we knew it, our 5 kids were loaded in the van and we were picking up a new washing machine. The kids were thrilled (not) about getting a new washer instead of playing in the snow with their cousins. We made it up to them by stopping at Cafe Rio for lunch :)
While the kids happily stuffed themselves with adult-sized portions of mexican food, my husband and I talked about our crazy life... how difficult it was to get ready for the trip and how he had the day off work but was spending it loading and unloading washers from the 2nd floor of our house rather than on the ski slopes in Utah. I understood his frustration. I wanted to be frustrated too, but I was excited about the fact that we could possibly have little puppies in our house for our children to hold and care for and eventually sell. After a few minutes of going back and forth about our plans, Aaron said kindly, "I just don't think we're ready for puppies." I looked at him and busted up laughing and eventually he did too. We aren't ready for five kids and we have them. We had a washer in the back of our 15 passenger van and starving kids surrounding us on all sides. But they were good kids and our dog is the sweetest pet ever and it felt like the right time. We ended the conversation laughing (but probably for different reasons...)
So the next morning, after our new washer was running smoothly and we all had a good night's sleep, we packed up our big van with our five kids and our big Golden Retriever and we drove up to Salt Lake for two weeks of madness. On the drive up, we talked about our hopes and dreams for our family and especially our kids and decided that they were indeed ready to take care of puppies, even if I am not the most responsible mom in the whole world. We were able to breed her (artificially inseminate) a few days after Christmas, but we're not sure if it worked out... a few more weeks and we'll know if there are any puppies in the oven. Whether or not it worked out, I am so glad we went for it and took her along for the ride. Those few weeks of traveling as a family (and making decisions together as a couple despite the madness) will be etched in my heart and mind for always. My husband loves and supports me and he is SUCH a great sport. I love thinking back to the hilarious (but somewhat pathetic) conversation in Cafe Rio... it proves to me how much we can do in a moments notice and how flexible we are when a wrench in thrown in the plan. I love being a wife and mother but mostly because I get to do it along such an easy-going, hard working guy.
Next essay will explain why Santa brought SNAKES for Christmas!
(workout over)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Hello 2013. I love you.
One of these days I'm gonna blog about what happened in the months 2012. The lack of documenting will explain my year exactly. My hands were too full to type. Great things happened in 2012. I have many pictures to show for the memories we made, but I regret not having the little moments written down. Something has to give and unfortunately the blogging ball was dropped. 2013 looks promising.
This year I will not be making specific goals. I chose to have a "get organized" theme for 2013. I want to focus my days and months on organizing my time, space and ideas.. I have a lot of adventures planned and projects to look forward to. I am beyond excited that my kids are home to experience them together and I am grateful they will have the time to plan and organize their own projects and adventures. We are going to have a memorable year.
We spent New Years Day in the car, driving south. It felt SO GOOD to watch the temperature rise as we traveled. We arrived home, unpacked the van immediately (part of my "get organized" theme... every single item in our car was put where it needed to go-- we didn't unload, we unpacked.. It was also a huge help that I took down Christmas decor before we left!) We locked up our snow gear and hope we won't see it for a long time. Boots and gloves and coats suck. Unless you're skiing or sledding.
Our fridge was empty, so we had ramen noodles and sparkling cider for dinner. The boys never had it so good. Annie was on TV while we cleaned up the kitchen and I was pleasantly surprised to hear my husband sing along to every song. I had no idea he was such an Annie fanatic. We cuddled up by the fire and put together new puzzles and lego sets while Miss Hannigan got drunk. And then we read scriptures together and knelt for family prayer and thanked God for all that He's given us, particularly the family that lives far away. I am so happy to be home. So happy to be here, where I am, with those i love most. I need nothing more.
and PS. my bed is the most comfortable bed in the world. five stars at the Hilton should be ashamed of itself. I slept like a baby last night, I was snoring again... now we're off to the pet store to buy mice for our snakes!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
