Monday, December 30, 2013
What to do?
So, I haven't posted in a long time. Truthfully I wasn't going to post ever again. The reason I started this blog was for my husband who was two states away working. It was supposed to keep him informed of our daily doings so that he felt more connected to our family. This past August we received a wonderful blessing and he found work much closer to home, so with no "reason" to blog anymore I quit. I have found that I miss writing about and focusing on the good in my life on a daily basis. I also had some time this weekend to visit with a good friend from Ca, that I hadn't seen in a year. I realized that maybe the blog can help me to stay connected to more than just the hubby. So, here is to keeping in touch, and remembering why I am blessed to have today.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Growing
It has happened, my baby is growing. Normally I yearn for my kids to leave the infant stage and move onto babyhood. I get excited about the toddler stage and downright giddy about the different kid stages, but this time it is different. As I watched her trying to figure out how to get her big sisters shoe on yesterday afternoon, part of me just wanted to rewind the clock and start over. Don't get me wrong I still think that babies are way more fun and easier than infants, I just feel that things are moving too fast. I'm not sure I'm ready for this part of life to be over. Ready or not though, here it comes.
I feel this way to with the oldest too. With the change in the mission age he could now be out serving a mission for the church in just 4 years. If that isn't enough to give a mom a panic attack nothing is.
Some days I couldn't be prouder of the man he is becoming. Other days I want to lock him in his room, and pray that when I come and check on him in four years he will have miraculously grown into a wonderful human being on his own. Like it or not my kids are growing. With each day their personalities and abilities change, grow and develop. Most of the time this is a fun, entertaining, and joyful process. Sometimes it can be painful, scary and embarrassing; but everyday it is happening. The challenge for me, my biggest challenge, is to just let go and let it happen, remembering to have joy in the journey. Someday they will be gone and all we will have are our memories of this time, and I want those to be things we want to talk about.
I feel this way to with the oldest too. With the change in the mission age he could now be out serving a mission for the church in just 4 years. If that isn't enough to give a mom a panic attack nothing is.
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| On the babies blessing day. She was so tiny and frail. |
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| At Sea World this summer. What a difference 9 months makes! |
Sunday, July 14, 2013
The right motivation
Do you ever have one of those Sundays that you just can't get your kids out of church fast enough? Where they just have way too much energy and you don't quite know what to do with it? Well, that was me today. As my youngest son was trying to talk his older brothers into forming a congo line with him so they could congo down the hall and out of the building I knew he had sat still long enough. I sent him directly outside via the back doors and told him to meet us at the car. When I got to the car and saw him dancing on the hood, I knew there was no way he would successfully make the drive home. It became a walking day. I sent Tom home with the baby and some of the other kids, and he and I and 2 started the walk home. (I love living close enough to church that walking is a viable alternative to spending any amount of time cooped up in a car with a child who has way to much energy.)
We didn't get very far, only across the street in fact, when he stoped walking and started pointing at the temple visitor center. I asked him what he wanted, (I try to encourage the use of verbal communication with my 8-year-old.) He said he wanted to go inside and look around. All I could do was stare at him incredulously. This was the child that I had to stop from forming a congo line out of church, and the one who had to walk home because he was dancing on the car hood, and now he wanted to go inside a quiet reverent place? I reminded him that he had to be under control, quiet and reverent in the visitor center. Then I told him I wasn't sure he was up to it. His wordless response was to straighten himself up, fold his arms and walk quietly to the door.
For the next 30 minuets he was a changed boy, quiet, respectful, eager to learn and attentive. I guess all it took was the right motivation, and as I watched him I was so grateful for the opportunity to live where we do so that that motivation is so close. Our family living situation isn't always easy, but I truly believe that the Lord gave us the opportunity to choose our hard and most of the time I think the hard is worth it.
I left the visitor center with a much better outlook than I had before I went in. I love my kids and think they are awesome, but sometimes I lose sight of their potential and who they really are. They aren't just my crazy, energetic kids. They are children of God, and he loves them even more than I do.
We didn't get very far, only across the street in fact, when he stoped walking and started pointing at the temple visitor center. I asked him what he wanted, (I try to encourage the use of verbal communication with my 8-year-old.) He said he wanted to go inside and look around. All I could do was stare at him incredulously. This was the child that I had to stop from forming a congo line out of church, and the one who had to walk home because he was dancing on the car hood, and now he wanted to go inside a quiet reverent place? I reminded him that he had to be under control, quiet and reverent in the visitor center. Then I told him I wasn't sure he was up to it. His wordless response was to straighten himself up, fold his arms and walk quietly to the door.
For the next 30 minuets he was a changed boy, quiet, respectful, eager to learn and attentive. I guess all it took was the right motivation, and as I watched him I was so grateful for the opportunity to live where we do so that that motivation is so close. Our family living situation isn't always easy, but I truly believe that the Lord gave us the opportunity to choose our hard and most of the time I think the hard is worth it.
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| Here he is next to one of his favorite displays. |
Sunday, May 19, 2013
For everyone else
Normally I blog for Tom, but this one is for the family not around. I finally had a performance that was adequate enough to post, but there are a few things that need to be clarified. First, remember I have previously noted that I am not Anne Hathaway and I do not collect her salary. Both of these facts are evident in the following clip, but this I feel is still adequate enough to enter the foreverness of the Internet. Second, the angle is really bad and I look huge. I'd like to blame it all on the camera, but to be honest even though I've lost all my baby weight I still need to loose the weight from 4. This video is my new motivation to do so. So here it is forever.
Friday, May 10, 2013
State Report
Well, here I sit. It is almost 1 am and I just sent 2 to bed after finishing his state report. I know what your thinking, boy that must be some report. Nope, we're actually just hoping for a C. Now you might be wondering how we got ourselves into this predicament. Our story starts like many others; long long ago, March to be exact 2's teacher sent an email home. She wanted me to know that she was sending the kids home with their state report packets so they could get a head start on them over the spring break. I like any good mother, sat my son right down.
"Son," I said. "Your teacher said she sent your state project packet home over the holidays. I want you to make sure you work on it so we can get it done early."
"OK, mom," came his sweet noncommittal reply. "I will."
And as any good mother does almost every day that vacation I made sure to remind him to "work on that report." I even went as far as to hand him the computer and have him "look up stuff." We talked about his state, Massachusetts, and I mentioned to him that it would be good if he wrote to the state tourist office or chamber to get some cool magazines and pictures about his state.
Then last week he mentioned that he really needed to make sure and finish up his project, to which I whole hardily agreed. We were going to get it done early. I made him get out his packet, and to my dismay nothing had been written in it.
"Son," I said using my best astonished and dismayed voice. "What have you been doing for the last 2 months on your project? I've seen you working on it, so where is all the work?"
"It's right there," He easily assured me pointing to a large stack of computer printouts. "I've been researching."
That made sense. I was still concerned, but not dismayed. I firmly told him that he was not leaving the kitchen table until the packet was completed. He almost willingly complied, and I was sure the last minuet project rush had been averted. I happily lived in that reality until Tuesday night.
Tuesday he came home from school telling me he had have an oral report to go along with his project. "When do you need to have it done by?" I asked.
"Today or tomorrow." Came the nonchalant reply.
At this point I nearly swerved into on coming traffic. "Today or tomorrow," I gasped. "What did you do for class today? How did you get out of doing it? How long does it have to be? Is your grade going to be docked because it is late?"
Seemingly oblivious to my panic at this addition to his report he calmly explained to me that he thought the oral report was just for extra credit, for those kids who "just have to have a good grade," but that he was wrong so he will just go tomorrow. I agree to help him after soccer.
We finished that one at 11 Tuesday night. I anxiously waited all Wednesday to see how he did. He hardly had his seat belt on after school before I was asking him how his oral report went.
"Oh, I didn't have to give it."
"What, I thought it was due either yesterday or today. How did you get out of it today?"
"Did I say it was due yesterday or today? I meant today or tomorrow. Hey do you think you could get me some chocolate chips for my oral report tomorrow? That would be really cool. The kids in my class would really like that." (turns out that chocolate chunk use in cookies was started in Massachusetts.)
I told him that I would see what I could do, and he spent the entire evening typing up stuff for his report. He went to bed early, telling me that he was extra tired for some reason and had a big day ahead of him tomorrow, lots to do. I dutifully went to the store to buy him chocolate chip cookies so his report could be "cool."
Thursday after school I was determined to get that report finished early. He came right home and went to work. He was starting to get a bit worried himself about not finishing it, which should have been a huge sign to me that there was more to this "report" than I realized. Anytime a boy starts to doubt his ability to pull off the impossible red flags should start to raise. I stood firm and told him he could do it by himself and that he didn't need me to finish typing for him. Once again I should have just started typing for him, but then I wouldn't have this over long story to tell.
Finally at 8 I told him that after I got the little kids in bed I would help him finish. It took about 20 minutes. I came down into the living room he handed me the computer and asked, "Where is my science fair board?"
Never before have six little words brought such terror and panic. I calmly tried to ask why he needed it. It was then that I got the full scope of this "report." He needed to put together a display board to go along with his oral and written report, with pictures, charts, and interesting cute little facts to catch the eye of all the students, teachers and parents that were going to come and visit the state fair that the students in his grade are putting on today.
At this point in time you may be thinking, "Leathra how could you have not known, surely someone sent home information?" And now that I'm thinking about it I think they did, but in my defense state fair used to mean something different to me.
Back to the story. I am now beyond panicked. "There is no way we can put together a display board tonight and finish typing up your report." I say in true dismay.
"Don't worry about it," he calmly reassures. "I'll do the board you just type what I tell you to for the report."
Now I won't tell you my whole opinion on display boards and elementary school kids. I'll just give you the short version. Display boards in elementary school are rarely a refection of the child's ability or learning, but rather a show of the parents creativity and effort, and because of this they more often than not are graded accordingly.
My son has only ever done one science fair project, so he has only ever "helped" with one board, but in that moment I just let it go. "Ok," I agreed. "You do the board, and I'll type what you say."
I typed and printed, and he cut and pasted, and we finished. So here's to hoping for a passing grade, and just in case your wondering, the next time the teacher sends home a "report packet" 2 months before it's due I'm reading it first. See I learned something from this report too.
"Son," I said. "Your teacher said she sent your state project packet home over the holidays. I want you to make sure you work on it so we can get it done early."
"OK, mom," came his sweet noncommittal reply. "I will."
And as any good mother does almost every day that vacation I made sure to remind him to "work on that report." I even went as far as to hand him the computer and have him "look up stuff." We talked about his state, Massachusetts, and I mentioned to him that it would be good if he wrote to the state tourist office or chamber to get some cool magazines and pictures about his state.
Then last week he mentioned that he really needed to make sure and finish up his project, to which I whole hardily agreed. We were going to get it done early. I made him get out his packet, and to my dismay nothing had been written in it.
"Son," I said using my best astonished and dismayed voice. "What have you been doing for the last 2 months on your project? I've seen you working on it, so where is all the work?"
"It's right there," He easily assured me pointing to a large stack of computer printouts. "I've been researching."
That made sense. I was still concerned, but not dismayed. I firmly told him that he was not leaving the kitchen table until the packet was completed. He almost willingly complied, and I was sure the last minuet project rush had been averted. I happily lived in that reality until Tuesday night.
Tuesday he came home from school telling me he had have an oral report to go along with his project. "When do you need to have it done by?" I asked.
"Today or tomorrow." Came the nonchalant reply.
At this point I nearly swerved into on coming traffic. "Today or tomorrow," I gasped. "What did you do for class today? How did you get out of doing it? How long does it have to be? Is your grade going to be docked because it is late?"
Seemingly oblivious to my panic at this addition to his report he calmly explained to me that he thought the oral report was just for extra credit, for those kids who "just have to have a good grade," but that he was wrong so he will just go tomorrow. I agree to help him after soccer.
We finished that one at 11 Tuesday night. I anxiously waited all Wednesday to see how he did. He hardly had his seat belt on after school before I was asking him how his oral report went.
"Oh, I didn't have to give it."
"What, I thought it was due either yesterday or today. How did you get out of it today?"
"Did I say it was due yesterday or today? I meant today or tomorrow. Hey do you think you could get me some chocolate chips for my oral report tomorrow? That would be really cool. The kids in my class would really like that." (turns out that chocolate chunk use in cookies was started in Massachusetts.)
I told him that I would see what I could do, and he spent the entire evening typing up stuff for his report. He went to bed early, telling me that he was extra tired for some reason and had a big day ahead of him tomorrow, lots to do. I dutifully went to the store to buy him chocolate chip cookies so his report could be "cool."
Thursday after school I was determined to get that report finished early. He came right home and went to work. He was starting to get a bit worried himself about not finishing it, which should have been a huge sign to me that there was more to this "report" than I realized. Anytime a boy starts to doubt his ability to pull off the impossible red flags should start to raise. I stood firm and told him he could do it by himself and that he didn't need me to finish typing for him. Once again I should have just started typing for him, but then I wouldn't have this over long story to tell.
Finally at 8 I told him that after I got the little kids in bed I would help him finish. It took about 20 minutes. I came down into the living room he handed me the computer and asked, "Where is my science fair board?"
Never before have six little words brought such terror and panic. I calmly tried to ask why he needed it. It was then that I got the full scope of this "report." He needed to put together a display board to go along with his oral and written report, with pictures, charts, and interesting cute little facts to catch the eye of all the students, teachers and parents that were going to come and visit the state fair that the students in his grade are putting on today.
At this point in time you may be thinking, "Leathra how could you have not known, surely someone sent home information?" And now that I'm thinking about it I think they did, but in my defense state fair used to mean something different to me.
Back to the story. I am now beyond panicked. "There is no way we can put together a display board tonight and finish typing up your report." I say in true dismay.
"Don't worry about it," he calmly reassures. "I'll do the board you just type what I tell you to for the report."
Now I won't tell you my whole opinion on display boards and elementary school kids. I'll just give you the short version. Display boards in elementary school are rarely a refection of the child's ability or learning, but rather a show of the parents creativity and effort, and because of this they more often than not are graded accordingly.
My son has only ever done one science fair project, so he has only ever "helped" with one board, but in that moment I just let it go. "Ok," I agreed. "You do the board, and I'll type what you say."
I typed and printed, and he cut and pasted, and we finished. So here's to hoping for a passing grade, and just in case your wondering, the next time the teacher sends home a "report packet" 2 months before it's due I'm reading it first. See I learned something from this report too.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Is my baby teething?
No, she isn't, but when we put her in the swing the other day she just couldn't resist using it as a chew toy. Good thing it is our backyard swing set or the germ factor alone would have driven me crazy. Because I know it is her personal swing I just snapped a picture and thought it was cute.
We had to shove a pillow in the front of the swing to get her to stop leaning forward and chewing on it. The boys thought it was hilarious, but they think most of the things she does are, and so do I.
Family Picture St. Patties Day
I'm going to try and be better with the picture thing. With morning church it has been difficult to get everyone together before church, but I managed to catch everyone after church and before they changed this past Sunday. So here we are:
Still haven't taken the time to figure out the time function, but it hasn't yet slipped off my to do list. So, it might happen in the next year or two ;)
Happy Birthday 3!
St. Patrick's day has come and gone, and with it a milestone birthday. 3 turned eight! It was hard having his birthday on a Sunday, because all he really wanted to do was play wii with his dad. He didn't get to but he was able to sneak in some play time on the new swing set with his siblings while I was away at choir practice. Grandma and Grandpa came in to town and we had dinner with both sets of Grandparents. We topped the meal off with homemade mint oreos, which I put candles in for him to blow out. The best part of the day for me was his excitement over his big kid scriptures. It made me happy to see his anticipation over them. I took him to pick them out Saturday, he could hardly wait to get them Sunday morning. It has been so much fun to watch him at family scripture study this week with his scriptures, he has been much more interested and involved with the process. The funniest thing has been watching 4. She has never been one to be outdone by her big brother. She has stepped up her effort to follow along and read too, and I have to admit that for a kindergartner she is doing awesome!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Past 24
The past 24 have been a whirlwind filled with lots of deep thoughts and probably too much insight (a common side effect of sleep deprivation.) Thankfully I'm too tired and still too busy to share, but I don't want you to feel out of the loop dear so I'll try to quickly give you the rundown of what we've been doing here.
1. Made St. Patrick's Day Skirt for church Sunday.
2. Finished towel project (took most of last night and early morning.)
3. Got another load of dirt from the dump.
4. Got said dirt into the flower beds.
5. Practiced with Sis. Wilson for Relief Society.
6. Planted bulbs in the flower garden.
7. Went and bought flowers and trees for garden.
8. Learned that the baby is too little for otter pops.
9. Learned to hold screaming baby while catching blue vomit in crook of arm with out getting it all over the house.
10. Got trees planted.
11. Sang at relief Society birthday dinner.
12. Got kids to clean up after themselves in the house :)
13. Planted strawberry pot and mint pot.
14. Practiced for Sunday the 24th and band.
15. Said prayer with the kids.
16. finished yesterdays birthday post.
17. Might get to bed before midnight.
As you can see it has been a good 24 hours, busy but good. I had a lot of help or all this stuff wouldn't have gotten done (Dirt and trees were dads doing, and mom and dad both helped with the bulbs). Hopefully the next 24 will be just as productive, just not as exhausting.
1. Made St. Patrick's Day Skirt for church Sunday.
2. Finished towel project (took most of last night and early morning.)
3. Got another load of dirt from the dump.
4. Got said dirt into the flower beds.
5. Practiced with Sis. Wilson for Relief Society.
6. Planted bulbs in the flower garden.
7. Went and bought flowers and trees for garden.
8. Learned that the baby is too little for otter pops.
9. Learned to hold screaming baby while catching blue vomit in crook of arm with out getting it all over the house.
10. Got trees planted.
11. Sang at relief Society birthday dinner.
12. Got kids to clean up after themselves in the house :)
13. Planted strawberry pot and mint pot.
14. Practiced for Sunday the 24th and band.
15. Said prayer with the kids.
16. finished yesterdays birthday post.
17. Might get to bed before midnight.
As you can see it has been a good 24 hours, busy but good. I had a lot of help or all this stuff wouldn't have gotten done (Dirt and trees were dads doing, and mom and dad both helped with the bulbs). Hopefully the next 24 will be just as productive, just not as exhausting.
Happy Birthday!
Well, today 4 turned 6. It is hard to believe that she could possibly be that old, because that means I'm getting old and frankly I still feel like I should be in my early 20's. It was a good day, and fun to remember what I was doing and feeling 6 years ago. I was excited and surprised when she really was a girl, and oh so happy. We started the morning with pop-up pancakes, and then got ready to have lunch with some of the cousins and the grandparents.
We had a BBQ, and then let her open presents.
She got a bead set from the cousins, and a animal top toy from Grandma and Grandpa.
And from mom and dad and Grammy and Papa the thing she has been wanting for more than a year ... an American Girl Doll that looks just like her, with matching PJ's. She is a bit possessive of it, but we have made her wait a year to prove she was big enough to care for it and keep it nice, and have told her it will be the last big ticket item she gets if it doesn't stay in pristine condition. All in all it was a very good day.
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| Getting 11 kids all looking the same way and smiling proved to be impossible, but here they are anyway. |
Monday, March 11, 2013
Sick Baby
So, the baby has been really sick. Her temperature hovered around 104 all last night. It is currently 101.9, which means that most of my day consists of caring for sick baby. Nursing a lot to try and keep her hydrated, monitoring temperature so I know when to give her Tylenol, and generally just being with her so she isn't so miserable. Luckily she is pretty happy as long as her temp is below 102.5. Right now she is singing.
Anyway her being sick is the main reason our spring break trip has been canceled. That and the fact that our van is currently in the shop and undrivable, and I couldn't bring myself to choose which kids got to go to Sea World and which had to stay home so that we could go in my parents truck. Hopefully we can go another time this summer so that the tickets I pre-purchased don't completely go to waste, and hopefully my brother and his family that we are standing up will be available to go with us then too. But I digress. I am supposed to be remembering what I am thankful for not what makes me want to cry.
This morning I needed to get some stuff done and the baby was still at 104 and not happy. I asked 3 if he would just lay down with her and cuddle her so she could sleep. I came back up into my room and found this.
Super cute, I know. It made me remember the conversation I had with him last Sunday as we were walking to church so he could have his bishops interview for his baptism. I asked him why he wanted to be baptized. He said, "So I can go to the temple. You have to be baptized to go in there."
I asked him why he wanted to go to the temple. He said, "Because I want to be sealed to my family. I love them and want to be with them forever."
I explained to him that because mom and dad had been married in the temple we were already sealed together and could be together forever. He then told me he already knew that, he meant the family he would have as a dad. I told him that was a great plan. I love him so much he is so cute, and much of the time I'm not sure exactly what he is getting from all of the stuff we are trying to pour into him. Then he'll spout off something profound and I realize that he is getting much more than I give him credit for. I guess it is teaching me to never stop pouring. So much love from such a little boy. I think he will be a great dad.
This morning I needed to get some stuff done and the baby was still at 104 and not happy. I asked 3 if he would just lay down with her and cuddle her so she could sleep. I came back up into my room and found this.
I asked him why he wanted to go to the temple. He said, "Because I want to be sealed to my family. I love them and want to be with them forever."
I explained to him that because mom and dad had been married in the temple we were already sealed together and could be together forever. He then told me he already knew that, he meant the family he would have as a dad. I told him that was a great plan. I love him so much he is so cute, and much of the time I'm not sure exactly what he is getting from all of the stuff we are trying to pour into him. Then he'll spout off something profound and I realize that he is getting much more than I give him credit for. I guess it is teaching me to never stop pouring. So much love from such a little boy. I think he will be a great dad.
Neighborhood Park
Well, it's official we have now become the neighborhood park. Dad, Wes, and the neighbor spent all morning putting together the play set, and it looks great.
I'm glad we went with the big one, because it really does fit a lot of kids. Ours had fun on it all day. They went out in shifts and all together throughout the day. I finally had to call the last of them in for family home evening after dark. Consequently three of them fell asleep during FHE. It was the quietest we have ever ended family home evening.
Notice that the landscaping still isn't done. It will be soon, hopefully. The water system in the flower beds is finished, and since my big spring break trip has been canceled I might as well do my best to get it done. Silver lining thing right, then why does it feel like such sliver lining?
Notice that the landscaping still isn't done. It will be soon, hopefully. The water system in the flower beds is finished, and since my big spring break trip has been canceled I might as well do my best to get it done. Silver lining thing right, then why does it feel like such sliver lining?
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Say no to naps!
The baby has decided in the past two days that she will no longer nap. This is probably due to the fact that I sent her to be with her Grammy unless she needed to be fed last week while we were working on the wall. But, because she is not quite 5 months old she still needs to nap. This conundrum means that she suddenly falls into a deep sleep for about five to ten minuets periodically throughout the day no matter where she may be. Today she was playing with 3 on the floor when she suddenly dropped her head and was out. He thought it was totally funny and cute.
It only lasted for about ten minuets and she woke up with carpet fiber indentations on the side of her face that had been smashed into the carpet. Thank goodness for the binky or she might have smothered herself. If she keeps this up we will need to start calling her Sleeping Beauty. Anyway, it was cute. Note to self, spend more time with the baby so she will nap. She needs her sleep.
It only lasted for about ten minuets and she woke up with carpet fiber indentations on the side of her face that had been smashed into the carpet. Thank goodness for the binky or she might have smothered herself. If she keeps this up we will need to start calling her Sleeping Beauty. Anyway, it was cute. Note to self, spend more time with the baby so she will nap. She needs her sleep.
Fun in disFUNctional
Ok, so I finally got new batteries for the camera. That means I can upload our weekly family picture from 2 weeks ago. Remember how I said that my family doesn't photograph well. This picture proves it. We definitely look like we are putting the fun in disFUNctional.
As you can see I still haven't figured out how to use the timer function on the camera, and I think I've now lost the manuel. Oh well, we'll just keep letting the good times roll.
Radio Static
We haven't fallen off the face of the earth. We have been working on a surprise for our dad. It was all consuming, filling every daylight hour with back breaking labor, and it was a secret. So, I couldn't write about it and since it took all of my time for the past eight days, there was really nothing that important to write about. Not to mention the fact that I fell into bed around eight every night completely dead and only marginally woke during the night to feed the baby, and here is the completed (mostly) project. Drum roll please....... A brick retaining wall!!!
I know, I know, exciting stuff right? Well believe me it was a whole lot of work. Involving the removal of the old wood plank wall, about a ton of lava rock, and lots of digging, cementing, and stacking of bricks that weighed 25 lbs each. (My dad weighed them, the wall has about 200 not counting the capstones.) But I think it was all totally worth it, not only because it makes the back patio look so much better, but because I can finally have a flower garden again, Yay! This is the longest I have ever lived in a house without a flower garden, and it has been killing me. We put in the vegetable garden last year, but because I was pregnant that was all I could manage. Now I not only have space for flowers, but an herb garden and I hope 2 dwarf fruit trees.
It would not have been possible with out the help of my dad and my boys. I told them at the beginning of the job they would have to work like men, and they did to the best of their abilities. Because of the half day schedule for SEP's they spent from about 2pm till dusk everyday last week working on the wall. (Except for Thursday, I sent them skiing with Papa and Wes.) I decided that if I really wanted to get a flat tummy after kids all I needed to do was shovel lava rock for a couple of hours a day, boy does that ever work those abs and obliques. Anyway, the boys worked. I wanted them to know how good it feels to work hard at something. I think it worked, because on Wed 2 said to me, "You know mom we don't have school all summer. Could we do more projects like this then?"
I wanted to remind him that this summer it will be 120 degrees outside, and that my body was killing me, and that I wasn't sure our budget could handle many more projects like this, but I just smiled and said I'd see what I could come up with, and that I was glad he could see the value of hard work.
It wasn't completely finished when our dad got home, but enough that I think he was pleasantly surprised. So, now you know the reason for the radio static. This coming week I need to sew the Easter dresses and help my dad put in a sliding door from the dinning room to the backyard. All in preparation for the play set coming on Saturday. So dear, if you don't hear from me much just know I'm busy trying to make things awesome here at home for you.
I know, I know, exciting stuff right? Well believe me it was a whole lot of work. Involving the removal of the old wood plank wall, about a ton of lava rock, and lots of digging, cementing, and stacking of bricks that weighed 25 lbs each. (My dad weighed them, the wall has about 200 not counting the capstones.) But I think it was all totally worth it, not only because it makes the back patio look so much better, but because I can finally have a flower garden again, Yay! This is the longest I have ever lived in a house without a flower garden, and it has been killing me. We put in the vegetable garden last year, but because I was pregnant that was all I could manage. Now I not only have space for flowers, but an herb garden and I hope 2 dwarf fruit trees.
It would not have been possible with out the help of my dad and my boys. I told them at the beginning of the job they would have to work like men, and they did to the best of their abilities. Because of the half day schedule for SEP's they spent from about 2pm till dusk everyday last week working on the wall. (Except for Thursday, I sent them skiing with Papa and Wes.) I decided that if I really wanted to get a flat tummy after kids all I needed to do was shovel lava rock for a couple of hours a day, boy does that ever work those abs and obliques. Anyway, the boys worked. I wanted them to know how good it feels to work hard at something. I think it worked, because on Wed 2 said to me, "You know mom we don't have school all summer. Could we do more projects like this then?"
I wanted to remind him that this summer it will be 120 degrees outside, and that my body was killing me, and that I wasn't sure our budget could handle many more projects like this, but I just smiled and said I'd see what I could come up with, and that I was glad he could see the value of hard work.
It wasn't completely finished when our dad got home, but enough that I think he was pleasantly surprised. So, now you know the reason for the radio static. This coming week I need to sew the Easter dresses and help my dad put in a sliding door from the dinning room to the backyard. All in preparation for the play set coming on Saturday. So dear, if you don't hear from me much just know I'm busy trying to make things awesome here at home for you.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Out of Batteries
We are completly out of batteries. So, our picture is just a computer screen shot after family prayer tonight.
We have been quite busy this past week and this next one doesn't look any better. SEP's (parent teacher conferences,) are this week, which means the kids get out of school early all week. Yay! I have some fun stuff planned for us. I had 3's SEP today. He is doing good, and his teacher likes him and thinks he is a great kid. I'd have to agree. Tomorrow I have the rest of the kids SEP's. That should be interesting. Sometimes I wonder why we do them, because I can pretty much tell you right now what each teacher is going to say about each kid. We will see though what happens. The school is also having their 2 for 1 book fair this week. I told the kids that if they were good this week we could go on Friday. I know, just what we need more books, but I can't help it I love them. We are frequenting the library more now that we live close to a nice one, but there is just something about living in a house with lots of books that I love.
1 surprised me today. He was in the backyard and when I went to check on him he told me that he might have done something bad. I asked him what. He said that the neighbor girls kept poking their heads over the fence and bothering him (at this point I started holding my breath.) He then explained that he asked them why they were all in the backyard, because they don't play out back much. (big exhale) They told him that their dad said they had to go outside or do their chores. 1 then told them that if they obeyed their dad and quickly ran inside and did their chores they could come and play at our house for awhile.
He then looked at me and said, "I haven't heard them since. I think they went in and are doing their chores. Am I in trouble?"
I told him no, and that he did a good thing. Yes, there are 4 of them, and yes, I am not that good at handling the neighborhood masses lately, but I was shocked at his kindness to them and a bit proud of him too. Not that he isn't a kind, compassionate kid because he is, but playing with a bunch of little girls has never been a favorite past time of his, especially when most of them are more than half his age. He normally gets quite perturbed when all of the girls from the neighborhood show up to play with his sister. They did come, and he was kind and helped care for them and watch them. Until they went to go play at my moms house across the street. (I wouldn't let them play inside unattended.) Sorry mom;)
Anyway, there are times when I am able to glimpse the men my boys are becoming and the future looks bright.
1 surprised me today. He was in the backyard and when I went to check on him he told me that he might have done something bad. I asked him what. He said that the neighbor girls kept poking their heads over the fence and bothering him (at this point I started holding my breath.) He then explained that he asked them why they were all in the backyard, because they don't play out back much. (big exhale) They told him that their dad said they had to go outside or do their chores. 1 then told them that if they obeyed their dad and quickly ran inside and did their chores they could come and play at our house for awhile.
He then looked at me and said, "I haven't heard them since. I think they went in and are doing their chores. Am I in trouble?"
I told him no, and that he did a good thing. Yes, there are 4 of them, and yes, I am not that good at handling the neighborhood masses lately, but I was shocked at his kindness to them and a bit proud of him too. Not that he isn't a kind, compassionate kid because he is, but playing with a bunch of little girls has never been a favorite past time of his, especially when most of them are more than half his age. He normally gets quite perturbed when all of the girls from the neighborhood show up to play with his sister. They did come, and he was kind and helped care for them and watch them. Until they went to go play at my moms house across the street. (I wouldn't let them play inside unattended.) Sorry mom;)
Anyway, there are times when I am able to glimpse the men my boys are becoming and the future looks bright.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Band
I'm back in Ca for band. It is my guilty little pleasure. Once a month I abandon my kids for about 24 hours and drive back here to sing with the college band. It used to be the Jazz band which I was totally addicted to. We had a love hate relationship. I hated the drive and often had anxiety attacks over leaving the kids for soo loong, but it was so much fun and the rush from singing with a full band was so wonderful that I couldn't not come no matter how stressed the coming made me.
This semester I switched from Jazz Band to Concert Band, and last night was my first practice. I hadn't really been able to fully process my feelings on it when my husband asked how it went right after, but I think I've got it now, here it goes dear. I was way nervous, partly because concert (more classical/ musical theater) and jazz are to completely different styles, and the pieces I'm singing are well known and have a high standard attached. I haven't really sung the more classical music in a few years. It takes different vocal placing, resonance, breath control, tonal quality and basically different skills than I have practiced in a long time, making me out of shape vocally. It is kind of like running a race when you've only trained by walking a couple of laps around a track. You know you are not going to finish first, but that you'll just have to do you're best, and keep practicing.
Next, the songs are supper well known; I Dreamed a Dream, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Because of the new Le Mis movie everyone will have armchair quarterback opinions of I Dreamed a Dream no mater how good or bad I do. Let's face it, I am not Anne Hathaway. She is awesome, professional, thin, and willing to shave her head for her work. (A huge salary might have helped to convinced her to do the last one.) I can only be my best, which will probably not be as good. I have purposely not seen the movie so I don't psych myself out anymore. Someone to Watch Over Me is also well known with many famous professionals adding it to their resumes, but I thought that because I sung a different arrangement of it in Jazz band it would be easier and less imposing. I bet on the wrong horse. In practice Dream was definitely better (not super wonderful, but better), and Someone to Watch was embarrassingly awful. The worst was I forgot to bring my mini recorder so I could make a practice recording. Oh, and I was on a mic, so everyone could really hear how bad it was. Live, embarrass yourself and then learn I guess.
What have I learned? I'm going to have to suck it up and ask someone back home to help me make a practice recording for Someone to Watch. I can't rely on my jazz experience with that one because this is a marathon, not a mommy walk. If I keep up the hard work with Dream I might be presentable. My goal for next time, surprise them with my improvement. That shouldn't be to hard.
This semester I switched from Jazz Band to Concert Band, and last night was my first practice. I hadn't really been able to fully process my feelings on it when my husband asked how it went right after, but I think I've got it now, here it goes dear. I was way nervous, partly because concert (more classical/ musical theater) and jazz are to completely different styles, and the pieces I'm singing are well known and have a high standard attached. I haven't really sung the more classical music in a few years. It takes different vocal placing, resonance, breath control, tonal quality and basically different skills than I have practiced in a long time, making me out of shape vocally. It is kind of like running a race when you've only trained by walking a couple of laps around a track. You know you are not going to finish first, but that you'll just have to do you're best, and keep practicing.
Next, the songs are supper well known; I Dreamed a Dream, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Because of the new Le Mis movie everyone will have armchair quarterback opinions of I Dreamed a Dream no mater how good or bad I do. Let's face it, I am not Anne Hathaway. She is awesome, professional, thin, and willing to shave her head for her work. (A huge salary might have helped to convinced her to do the last one.) I can only be my best, which will probably not be as good. I have purposely not seen the movie so I don't psych myself out anymore. Someone to Watch Over Me is also well known with many famous professionals adding it to their resumes, but I thought that because I sung a different arrangement of it in Jazz band it would be easier and less imposing. I bet on the wrong horse. In practice Dream was definitely better (not super wonderful, but better), and Someone to Watch was embarrassingly awful. The worst was I forgot to bring my mini recorder so I could make a practice recording. Oh, and I was on a mic, so everyone could really hear how bad it was. Live, embarrass yourself and then learn I guess.
What have I learned? I'm going to have to suck it up and ask someone back home to help me make a practice recording for Someone to Watch. I can't rely on my jazz experience with that one because this is a marathon, not a mommy walk. If I keep up the hard work with Dream I might be presentable. My goal for next time, surprise them with my improvement. That shouldn't be to hard.
Cousin dresses
I know I promised pictures of the Valentines outfits, but I got in a hurry and sent them next door before I took any pictures. So, you'll just have to wonder how they turned out. I'll just tell you they were cute. One skirt in particular turned out awesome. I just might make myself one when the shock of how much material it takes to cover myself wears off. Anyway the day after I finished Valentines outfits my mom came over and we made cousin dresses. (She actually made them more than I did. They baby wasn't feeling the love enough that day.) I think they turned out pretty darn cute.
They are just simple pillow case dresses made from material we already had, but I just love the way they turned out. My favorite thing about these dresses is that there is absolutely no material waste. We even took the piece of material that we cut out for the arm and used it as a pocket. So cute, now if we could get all the girls together for a picture in them. Alas, it is just not possible, and that is OK. That's what photo shop is for.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Finished, at last (almost)
Well dear, after 2 long months the quilt is finally off the frame. Now give me another two months and I might get it bound. Here is a picture of it as the last two rows were meeting in the middle.
Today was supposed to be my sew valentines outfits day. It didn't work out like it was supposed too. I know big surprise. I had my visiting teaching sisters coming over so I could show them how to sew pillow case dresses and simple skirts with the serger, but of course I wasn't quite ready for them, and then it took 1 1/2 hours to get the serger going. Anyway sister Picket had to leave before she finished. I felt so bad. On the upside, I got two of my four skirts finished, and the other two almost done. I'll finish them tonight. Tomorrow I should be able to finish the shirts and the babies outfit. 2 was funny he asked me if I planned on making matching outfits for all the girls in the neighborhood. I told him no, but I'd probably end up making skirts for most of them.
When I got to thinking about it I am making matching outfits for half of them, ours and the ones next door. That's half. I'm starting to think that my obsession with matching Holiday themed attire might be getting out of hand ;) Anyway I'll try and post pictures of the finished products tomorrow. Here is a preview of the holiday hair I'm going to try and teach mom to do since I won't be here. Modeled by the girl next door.
By far my favorite heart hair do this season. I let 4 stay home from school again today, and to say she was behaving a little jealous and misplaced by our daytime charge would be an understatement. I'm glad there is such a big space between the girls, she needs it. Here is a cute baby girl to end the night with.
When I got to thinking about it I am making matching outfits for half of them, ours and the ones next door. That's half. I'm starting to think that my obsession with matching Holiday themed attire might be getting out of hand ;) Anyway I'll try and post pictures of the finished products tomorrow. Here is a preview of the holiday hair I'm going to try and teach mom to do since I won't be here. Modeled by the girl next door.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Parent night at the gym day 2
Last night was parent night at gymnastics again. I didn't get there earlier, but was able to get in a different spot. I'm not sure it was better. On 3's first try at the pommel horse the coach stood next to him at an angle that I couldn't film around him. The second time I got him but he didn't do as good. Anyway, here it is:
I also filmed him doing the rings again so here is that one too:
Here is him getting another ribbon, which is by far his favorite part. He is now sure that because he is in two classes he will also get two trophies at the Barefoot Summer Games. I keep telling him that he won't because it is a one time event, but just like with Santa he won't believe me. We will see.
I know, I really need to learn how to use this new camera. I'm not liking it much everything is always blurry, which probably means operator error.
When we got home after gym 3 was complaining that he was all itchy. This is not uncommon, he has the same complaint almost every night. So, I told him what I normally do which is to go take a bath and put on some lotion. Then I didn't think about it anymore. I talked to my mom, fed everyone dinner, helped 4 with her homework, looked at the time and realized it was getting late, and 3 still hadn't done his homework. I looked up the stairs and saw the light on in his room. Figuring that he was up there playing with Lego's, I shouted for him to come down and do his homework. Then I was pulled in a different direction. About ten minuets later I realized he still hadn't come down, so I shouted at him again. Then the baby started to cry so I fed her. Twice more during her feeding I shouted for him to come down. Finally I was done feeding the baby, and at this point pretty perturbed with 3, because he still wasn't done.
So, I headed up the stairs to see what he was doing. (I know probably should have sooner, but I had been busy.) I get to his room, and no 3. I call, and no answer. I look in my room and call, no answer. I look in his sisters room and call, again no answer. I'm starting to get worried, but I also know that sometimes 3 falls asleep in weird places, and because he was up at 3:30 that morning to do his homework, (another long story,) I rationalize that he is probably just asleep somewhere.
I start looking in all the little hidey holes I can think of. I look under the beds, in the closets, under blankets, and in the corners. No 3, now I'm starting to worry. He hasn't disappeared on purpose in a long time. (You can't really count two months ago when he slept walked over to my parents house in the middle of the night, because he was asleep.) I had been sitting by the front door for most of the night surely I would have seen him if he had left. As I turned to go back downstairs and enlist the help of the other children in finding 3, I noticed a light coming from the crack under the bathroom door.
Relief flooded over me. The bathroom, he must be in there. I hoped he hadn't been stuck in there without toilet paper again. As I reached the bathroom door and started to knock the faint sent of water and soap reached my nostrils. Then I remembered, he went to take a bath; an hour and a half ago.
Knocking on the door I said, "3 are you in there?"
"Yeah," came the reply.
"Are you still taking a bath?"
"Yeah."
"We'll get out!" I was now more than perturbed.
"Why?" came the elongated answer to my command.
"Because you've been in there for over an hour and you have homework to do."
"But I like it in here."
With that I explained that I didn't care if he liked it in there, and that I expected him out in the next 5 minuets and downstairs to do his homework. He made it out in two and came down the stairs wrapped in a towel still dripping. I explained that he needed to be dressed in order to do his homework. On his way back up the stairs I asked him if he remembered to wash his hair.
"Uhhh," and a blank stare were all I got in reply.
Sometimes it is so hard to keep a straight face in this house. I never did ask why he didn't answer me the 20+ times I called him while I was looking for him. That answer probably would have been priceless.
I also filmed him doing the rings again so here is that one too:
Here is him getting another ribbon, which is by far his favorite part. He is now sure that because he is in two classes he will also get two trophies at the Barefoot Summer Games. I keep telling him that he won't because it is a one time event, but just like with Santa he won't believe me. We will see.
When we got home after gym 3 was complaining that he was all itchy. This is not uncommon, he has the same complaint almost every night. So, I told him what I normally do which is to go take a bath and put on some lotion. Then I didn't think about it anymore. I talked to my mom, fed everyone dinner, helped 4 with her homework, looked at the time and realized it was getting late, and 3 still hadn't done his homework. I looked up the stairs and saw the light on in his room. Figuring that he was up there playing with Lego's, I shouted for him to come down and do his homework. Then I was pulled in a different direction. About ten minuets later I realized he still hadn't come down, so I shouted at him again. Then the baby started to cry so I fed her. Twice more during her feeding I shouted for him to come down. Finally I was done feeding the baby, and at this point pretty perturbed with 3, because he still wasn't done.
So, I headed up the stairs to see what he was doing. (I know probably should have sooner, but I had been busy.) I get to his room, and no 3. I call, and no answer. I look in my room and call, no answer. I look in his sisters room and call, again no answer. I'm starting to get worried, but I also know that sometimes 3 falls asleep in weird places, and because he was up at 3:30 that morning to do his homework, (another long story,) I rationalize that he is probably just asleep somewhere.
I start looking in all the little hidey holes I can think of. I look under the beds, in the closets, under blankets, and in the corners. No 3, now I'm starting to worry. He hasn't disappeared on purpose in a long time. (You can't really count two months ago when he slept walked over to my parents house in the middle of the night, because he was asleep.) I had been sitting by the front door for most of the night surely I would have seen him if he had left. As I turned to go back downstairs and enlist the help of the other children in finding 3, I noticed a light coming from the crack under the bathroom door.
Relief flooded over me. The bathroom, he must be in there. I hoped he hadn't been stuck in there without toilet paper again. As I reached the bathroom door and started to knock the faint sent of water and soap reached my nostrils. Then I remembered, he went to take a bath; an hour and a half ago.
Knocking on the door I said, "3 are you in there?"
"Yeah," came the reply.
"Are you still taking a bath?"
"Yeah."
"We'll get out!" I was now more than perturbed.
"Why?" came the elongated answer to my command.
"Because you've been in there for over an hour and you have homework to do."
"But I like it in here."
With that I explained that I didn't care if he liked it in there, and that I expected him out in the next 5 minuets and downstairs to do his homework. He made it out in two and came down the stairs wrapped in a towel still dripping. I explained that he needed to be dressed in order to do his homework. On his way back up the stairs I asked him if he remembered to wash his hair.
"Uhhh," and a blank stare were all I got in reply.
Sometimes it is so hard to keep a straight face in this house. I never did ask why he didn't answer me the 20+ times I called him while I was looking for him. That answer probably would have been priceless.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Little blessings
Today has been filled with little blessing, some the fruit of other peoples' kind actions, and some granted by the hand of God. All were greatly appreciated.
The first blessing I discovered as we were loading into the car to go to school, late again. My trash cans had been mysteriously brought back from the curb, not only that, but I could see that once again the sanitation workers had spilled the trash from my can, and that had also been cleaned up. I immediately told the kids thank you to whoever had taken back the trash cans and cleaned up after the mess. They all stared at me with blank expressions and denied knowing what I was talking about. That's when I knew the trash fairy had visited me this morning, and it was a blessing, I was tired.
The trash fairy visits us often, and I do not thank him enough. He came last night and motivated 2 to pickup dog dodo by flashlight. As a kid I thought of him more as a trash Nazi, but that was just because I was really afraid of the dark, and in order to take the trash out I had to walk around the house in the dark. Anyway, as I backed out of the driveway, looked down the street, and saw that the only other house on the street that had their cans put back was my parents, I knew that once again my life had been blessed by the trash fairy. Thanks dad.
The next couple of blessings came from God. Wednesday is normally my break day. My day to catch my breath, but today I had lunch duty at the kids school, and did I mention I was tired? Well, I was able to shower and get the baby fed and ready in time to report for lunch duty, a true blessing. I was also blessed to be assigned outside playground duty instead of inside cleanup duty for 3 hours. It might not sound like much of a blessing, but when you've had to squat to sweep under tables, pick up food and wipe spills off the floor, and wash down table and benches for 3 hours with a newborn strapped to your chest, you will better appreciate the blessing of being outside monitoring the playground. The baby was perfect during our lunch duty too. She only fussed twice, once because she was messy, and once because I was leaning over to clean off benches. I am grateful for the blessing of a smooth lunch duty, and the blessing that I only have one more.
While I was out watching the kids I witnessed another blessing, 2 was playing with friends. He was so involved with them that he didn't even see me until it was time for him to line up to go into the Lunch room. This truly is a blessing, and it made me so grateful. I don't know if his teacher talked to some of the other kids like she said she would at his IEP, or if he has just figured out how to socially relate to the kids in his class, but he looked so happy, and that made me happy. When I saw him I committed on his new friends. He said, "I know mom, I'm not lonely any more."
Tonight my pleading on his behalf will be turned to prayers of gratitude for this blessing.
I was also blessed in my after school endeavors. 1 has been very anxious about soccer starting up again, because once again he has a new coach ( the forth one this season.) As we were driving him to practice I kept reminding him to not focus on all the ways it could be bad, just to remember that he plays soccer because it is fun and he loves it, and to have a good time. The kids and I stayed to watch the practice, and his new coach seems really good. He coaches in the style that 1 is used to. It will be fun to see if he sets his players up the way we are used to from California too. 1 came back from practice the happiest I've seen him all year. Such a blessing.
We received another blessing upon arriving home. Tonight had been my night to cook. I got the potpie done for my parents house and had everything ready for ours, but didn't have enough time to assemble it before we had to leave for soccer practice. As I was dropping off the pie to my parents my mom asked if there was anything she could do for me. I told her about our pie that still needed assembly and asked if she could assemble it if she had the time. When we got home the pie was not only assembled, but baked, browned to perfection, and hot out of the oven ready to eat. Another blessing from across the street.
I know this post has been long, but this is what the blog is about, and today has been a blessing.
P.S. I know I've said it , but I'm really tired, so if none of this makes sense just chalk it up to some sleep deprived ramblings of a hair brained mom.
The first blessing I discovered as we were loading into the car to go to school, late again. My trash cans had been mysteriously brought back from the curb, not only that, but I could see that once again the sanitation workers had spilled the trash from my can, and that had also been cleaned up. I immediately told the kids thank you to whoever had taken back the trash cans and cleaned up after the mess. They all stared at me with blank expressions and denied knowing what I was talking about. That's when I knew the trash fairy had visited me this morning, and it was a blessing, I was tired.
The trash fairy visits us often, and I do not thank him enough. He came last night and motivated 2 to pickup dog dodo by flashlight. As a kid I thought of him more as a trash Nazi, but that was just because I was really afraid of the dark, and in order to take the trash out I had to walk around the house in the dark. Anyway, as I backed out of the driveway, looked down the street, and saw that the only other house on the street that had their cans put back was my parents, I knew that once again my life had been blessed by the trash fairy. Thanks dad.
The next couple of blessings came from God. Wednesday is normally my break day. My day to catch my breath, but today I had lunch duty at the kids school, and did I mention I was tired? Well, I was able to shower and get the baby fed and ready in time to report for lunch duty, a true blessing. I was also blessed to be assigned outside playground duty instead of inside cleanup duty for 3 hours. It might not sound like much of a blessing, but when you've had to squat to sweep under tables, pick up food and wipe spills off the floor, and wash down table and benches for 3 hours with a newborn strapped to your chest, you will better appreciate the blessing of being outside monitoring the playground. The baby was perfect during our lunch duty too. She only fussed twice, once because she was messy, and once because I was leaning over to clean off benches. I am grateful for the blessing of a smooth lunch duty, and the blessing that I only have one more.
While I was out watching the kids I witnessed another blessing, 2 was playing with friends. He was so involved with them that he didn't even see me until it was time for him to line up to go into the Lunch room. This truly is a blessing, and it made me so grateful. I don't know if his teacher talked to some of the other kids like she said she would at his IEP, or if he has just figured out how to socially relate to the kids in his class, but he looked so happy, and that made me happy. When I saw him I committed on his new friends. He said, "I know mom, I'm not lonely any more."
Tonight my pleading on his behalf will be turned to prayers of gratitude for this blessing.
I was also blessed in my after school endeavors. 1 has been very anxious about soccer starting up again, because once again he has a new coach ( the forth one this season.) As we were driving him to practice I kept reminding him to not focus on all the ways it could be bad, just to remember that he plays soccer because it is fun and he loves it, and to have a good time. The kids and I stayed to watch the practice, and his new coach seems really good. He coaches in the style that 1 is used to. It will be fun to see if he sets his players up the way we are used to from California too. 1 came back from practice the happiest I've seen him all year. Such a blessing.
We received another blessing upon arriving home. Tonight had been my night to cook. I got the potpie done for my parents house and had everything ready for ours, but didn't have enough time to assemble it before we had to leave for soccer practice. As I was dropping off the pie to my parents my mom asked if there was anything she could do for me. I told her about our pie that still needed assembly and asked if she could assemble it if she had the time. When we got home the pie was not only assembled, but baked, browned to perfection, and hot out of the oven ready to eat. Another blessing from across the street.
I know this post has been long, but this is what the blog is about, and today has been a blessing.
P.S. I know I've said it , but I'm really tired, so if none of this makes sense just chalk it up to some sleep deprived ramblings of a hair brained mom.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Parent day at Gym
He really loves gymnastics and tells everyone he is going to be in the Olympics some day. I remind him that it takes lots of practice, hard work and many years for a goal like that. Hopefully he will find the work worth it and stick with it.
When I was downloading pictures and videos off the camera tonight I discovered that I had an incognito photographer this afternoon in the car, while I was distracted driving. Two of the pictures were funny enough to share so here they are too.
Monday, February 4, 2013
2'isms
Anyway while 2 was giving it the old college try I put the baby down next to him on the floor. When I came to check on them I found her contently laying on her tummy watching him type his reading log. It was so cute to see them both on their tummies, on the floor with their feet in the air, I just had to take a picture. 3 saw me getting the camera and had to make sure he made it into the shot. It's OK, he's cute too.
In honor of this picture I thought I'd include some of 2's most recent funny comments. He really does say the funniest things, sometimes on purpose and sometimes not.
We were reading in the book of Ether about some of the family coups, and I got to the part where it talked about the fair sons and daughters leading the people to the side going against the current king. I explained to the kids that in this case the word fair meant good looking not just.
2 said, "Man, I want cute kids when I grow up so I can take over the world too!"
I replied, "Don't wish that just yet, it doesn't turn out nearly so good for the parents in the end."
When we finished the story he said, "OK, I take it back. I don't want cute murderous kids, I just want hackers so they can make me rich." I'm thinking the meaning was lost on him. Maybe next time through he'll get it.
Saturday night we were talking about lifetime goals. Right now 3 thinks he is going to start his own town somewhere out in the Midwest where there isn't anything. He's seven studying the westward expansion in school, that's the kind of thing they think of.
Anyway 3 said, "I don't think I want to settle my own town. I think I'll just sneak some soil from one of the seven continents, so no one will notice, and dump it in the middle of the ocean and make my own island to live on. Then I can start my own country."
Well, his big brother was in the car and put an end to those hopes, but we all had a good laugh about it. Siberia was my best bet at a place where some missing soil might go unnoticed.
The cutest had to be today though. Shortly after I took the picture the baby started to fuss. Dinner wasn't quite done so I told 2 to just take care of it for a few minuets. She soon quieted down.
After scriptures tonight he said, "5 was so cute tonight."
"Oh, really," I replied. "How so?"
"Well, you remember when you had me watch her while you were cooking dinner. I picked her up because she was fussing. She stopped, so I put her down and she started to cry. Then you told me to pick her up until you were done." This next part was said with utter amazement, "When I did she just cuddled right up to me and went to sleep. It was so cute."
"Sometimes babies just want to be cuddled and loved 2," I explained.
"Yeah, I guess," came the still amazed reply. "It was still just really cute."
I bet it was son, I truly bet it was.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Late Sunday
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| 4 is mad I took the scissors she was swinging. |
They really haven't been all that bad today, together. They have been kind enough to take turns. So let's focus on the good. That's what this blog is for.
I made a mistake last night and neglected to go to bed without my watch on, or my cell phone near. When the light filtering through the blinds looked to be the right hue to get up to this morning I got up and felt more rested than expected. Opening the blinds I discovered why, low lying clouds were covering the mountain and the sun; and it was a quarter to eight. I quickly thanked the Lord that it was fast Sunday, because there would be no time for breakfast, and woke the children. They were true champs this morning. 1 dressed the baby and got her completely ready, 2 refrained from his normal morning horseplay and teasing. 3 managed to dress himself and find all of his necessary accessories, (tie, shoes, etc.) No fits from 4 about her hair,(a lovely fluffy half bun heart) and the baby was kind enough to wait until we got to church for her morning feeding.
I just have to add thanks to Grammy and Papa across the street. I sent 2 over to Papa to tie a tie I was not going to get to, and it was comforting to see seats saved for us as we ran into church with 2 minuets to spare. I sat the kids down whispered to Grammy that I was going to go feed the baby and left again. The people in the ward probably think I'm crazy, but it was great to be able to come back in and see everyone sitting quietly. So, thanks mom and dad you made today and many other days so much easier.
I've really been thinking a lot today about how the understanding of the eternal nature of families helps my family to be closer and more caring for each other. I love the temple and the blessing it is for us. I love that I can see it every day. I watch the kids, (disclaimer: I know that most of the time they are obnoxious, ornery, ordinary kids, but sometimes they are wonderful, extraordinary, caring and loving children of God.) really pull it together and work and treat each other the way an eternal family should. Today had many of those moments, and I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that helps me to teach my children that families are meant to be forever. This means that the things we do today as a family are forever, the way we treat each other today should set a precedence for how we will treat each other forever.
Last night I was helping my mom try and organize the family history and I came across a name I had done last December. I remembered that as I looked at that name in the temple a year ago I was strongly impressed that if we had a daughter it would be the name for her, and we did, and it is her name. Families are forever. We were a family before we came, we are a family now and we will be in the hereafter. As we were going through the family names last night and trying to put together who belonged to who 1 made an interesting comment. He said that the spiritual feeling in the home reminded him of the temple, and he could feel that making sure our family was connected was important. It is that knowledge of eternally connected families that helps us be kind, supportive and loving when things get tough.
I hope my kids don't get tiered of me telling them that. They probably will, after all they are and will be becoming teenagers. I just love my family, and love that they can be mine forever.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ships and Friends Written 1-28-13
Number 3 has been studying the war of 1812 in school, and wanted to bring his replica of the Barque Eagle to school to show the class. This desire to bring the ship is not new. He has wanted to take it for one reason or another on about a monthly basis since school started, and I keep telling him no. I say no because I am worried that the ship might not really be relivant to what they are studying, or that it might get broken, or that he will be disapointed by his classmates reception to it. Anyway last friday I finnally gave in and emailed his teacher about the possibility of him bringing it in, and this morning snow flurries not withstanding we took it in. I am so glad we did.
He dusted it all the way to school, and reluctanatly handed it over to me to carry into school. As he walked proudly ahead holding the doors open I saw several childern stopping to get a glance at the ship. I stopped worrying about the kids in his class not liking it. The wall across from his classroom door was covered in gallien cut out shapes with paragraphs written on them about the great sea battle in the war of 1812. So, I could stop worrying about it not being relevant to what they had studdied. I only had one worry left.
All weekend long I kept meaning to go over with him what to say about the ship, but life got in the way and I didn't. When he recieved the ship we spent months talking about it and going on line to learn about it. We watched the videos of it sailing and watched the coast guard training on it, but that was almost a year ago and I wasn't sure how much he remembered. He did just fine, maybe not as information riddled as my presentation would have been, but great for him. As I watched him talking to the class and answering their questions he looked like he fit in, and I could tell he felt like it too.
At the end his teacher asked him where he got the ship. He said he got it from a lady because he helped her clean her house. Such a simple answer for such a marvolous gift. Driving home I was so grateful for that gift. I know it was more than just for cleaning. I know that she was inspired to give it to 3. We were there helping her clean her house after her husband died, and she really wouldn't let us do much. 3 was totally enammored by the ship and wouldn't stop looking at it. She told him he could take it. I told her no that it was too valuable, but she insisted saying that she thought her husband would have wanted him to have it.
I hope someday that she can know how much her gift meant to 3 today. He is having such a hard time finding friends since the move, and he is so lonely at school. He doesn't seem to know what to do or how to make friends. Today it was more than a ship, it was a bridge bringing him closer to his classmates, and it was one more reason I love my old friends. The one who gave the gift and the one who inspired her to do so.
He dusted it all the way to school, and reluctanatly handed it over to me to carry into school. As he walked proudly ahead holding the doors open I saw several childern stopping to get a glance at the ship. I stopped worrying about the kids in his class not liking it. The wall across from his classroom door was covered in gallien cut out shapes with paragraphs written on them about the great sea battle in the war of 1812. So, I could stop worrying about it not being relevant to what they had studdied. I only had one worry left.
All weekend long I kept meaning to go over with him what to say about the ship, but life got in the way and I didn't. When he recieved the ship we spent months talking about it and going on line to learn about it. We watched the videos of it sailing and watched the coast guard training on it, but that was almost a year ago and I wasn't sure how much he remembered. He did just fine, maybe not as information riddled as my presentation would have been, but great for him. As I watched him talking to the class and answering their questions he looked like he fit in, and I could tell he felt like it too.
At the end his teacher asked him where he got the ship. He said he got it from a lady because he helped her clean her house. Such a simple answer for such a marvolous gift. Driving home I was so grateful for that gift. I know it was more than just for cleaning. I know that she was inspired to give it to 3. We were there helping her clean her house after her husband died, and she really wouldn't let us do much. 3 was totally enammored by the ship and wouldn't stop looking at it. She told him he could take it. I told her no that it was too valuable, but she insisted saying that she thought her husband would have wanted him to have it.
I hope someday that she can know how much her gift meant to 3 today. He is having such a hard time finding friends since the move, and he is so lonely at school. He doesn't seem to know what to do or how to make friends. Today it was more than a ship, it was a bridge bringing him closer to his classmates, and it was one more reason I love my old friends. The one who gave the gift and the one who inspired her to do so.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Fog and the Temple
I love where we live. One of the best things about it is being able to see the temple from our house. It is a beacon in the valley. Not a day goes by that one of the kids doesn't point it out while we are driving. Every time they do I remind them that as long as they can see the temple they can always find their way home. This is not only meant as a temporal reminder, but a spiritual one too for my children.
Yesterday, however was different. A thick blanket of fog was nestled into the valley all morning long, and as I loaded the kids into the car and started the familiar drive towards our chapel (which is across the street from the temple,) I couldn't see the temple. That comforting beacon that I am constantly reminding my children to set their course by was completely obscured by fog.
I quickly realized that perhaps teaching my children to just look for the temple in order to find their way home might not be enough. Sometimes you have to know where to find it. Sometimes in life the fog of doubt, despair, and sin might make it hard for us to see the eternal goal of celestial life with our Father in Heaven. It is at those times that we must press forward in faith even though we cannot see. The fog made me realized I needed to teach my children that they needed to know the way to the temple. Knowing to look for the temple is just the first step. Knowing the way to the temple will help to ensure they can get there when the fog sets in, ultimately leading them home.
We finally were able to see the temple. About the time we got to the chapel we could just make out the dark shapes of the top windows. I was grateful for the fog yesterday, and the opportunity it gave me to better teach my kids.
Yesterday, however was different. A thick blanket of fog was nestled into the valley all morning long, and as I loaded the kids into the car and started the familiar drive towards our chapel (which is across the street from the temple,) I couldn't see the temple. That comforting beacon that I am constantly reminding my children to set their course by was completely obscured by fog.
I quickly realized that perhaps teaching my children to just look for the temple in order to find their way home might not be enough. Sometimes you have to know where to find it. Sometimes in life the fog of doubt, despair, and sin might make it hard for us to see the eternal goal of celestial life with our Father in Heaven. It is at those times that we must press forward in faith even though we cannot see. The fog made me realized I needed to teach my children that they needed to know the way to the temple. Knowing to look for the temple is just the first step. Knowing the way to the temple will help to ensure they can get there when the fog sets in, ultimately leading them home.
We finally were able to see the temple. About the time we got to the chapel we could just make out the dark shapes of the top windows. I was grateful for the fog yesterday, and the opportunity it gave me to better teach my kids.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Trip to the Dentist
Today was a trip to the dentist, and I was prepared. I emailed ahead to the kids teachers so they would be ready for me when I went to get them. I ran my errands early so that we would be on time. I even made sure everyone had time to clean their teeth. Then we all piled into the van and drove the 45 minutes to the dentist. I marched the kids in, while they complained the whole way, only to find out that I had the wrong day. Our appointment is really next Wednesday.
So, what do you do when you've pulled all of your kids out of school early, drove almost an hour to the dentist only to find out you have no appointment? Go to the park of course. We went to one of our favorite parks in the area. I stayed in the car with the baby as it was cold and I hadn't planned for a park outing in the snow, but the kids still had fun.
It has been several years since we visited this park. I think it is 4's first time here. 1 was sad because quite a bit of graffiti has been added to this park he told me, "It makes me sad because no little kid should see the stuff written on some of those places." He doesn't have an eagle project yet, maybe removing the graffiti would be a good one for him. I'm just glad they can have so much fun together and take such good care of each other without me being there to make them.
Blog stalking/stealing
OK, I have to admit, I blog stalk. It started out innocently, a link on my sister-in-laws blog that caught my eye, and before I knew it I was hooked. This blog is insightful, thought provoking, informative, and supper funny. In short I am addicted to it. An the author doesn't even know it. I met her once and wanted to say, "I love your blog! I check it almost everyday. You are such an awesome talented writer, I hope you never stop." But I didn't say anything. I didn't want to freak her out, or admit what a weirdo I am, or admit that a total stranger felt like family. This is all important because I am going to steal her idea of taking a weekly family photo. It is a great idea, and I figure since my kids are horrible picture takers the extra practice might make a formal family picture possible this year. Anyway here it is. I told the kids they could do whatever they wanted as long as they stayed in frame. I'll be there too as soon as I figure out how to use the timer function on my camera.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Failing?
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| 1 and 5, finally quieted down. |
First on the chopping block was 3. Rationally, the sooner I can get him to bed the sooner he can wake up and I can try to get him to eat again. Three days out of four I can get him to eat breakfast. Anyway, he had told me a half hour before that he was going to bed; why was he still running around screaming? I hauled him up to bed (the floor in my room again tonight,) and firmly told him that he was not to leave his bed unless he was planning on doing his homework or eating his dinner. With that I stomped back down stairs to wrestle the next child, either into bed or to the table to do homework.
As I entered the kitchen I found 2 unsuccessfully attempting to sooth the crying baby, (she wasn't able to get her afternoon nap today and was beyond tiered.) I asked him, somewhat nicer than before what his choice was. He said bed and I turned back upstairs to find 4. That's when I heard it, the muffled sobbing from the lump of blankets at the foot of my bed. 3 was crying. I hate it when he cries. It is the most pathetic, heartrending thing in the world. It doesn't help things that at almost eight he still is just barely over 50 pounds and an inch shorter than his five-year-old sister, but I am his parent and must remain firm.
"What is wrong," I ask to no reply? "3, what is wrong? Why are you crying?"
Through the sobs comes this guilt inducing reply, "You just hurt my heart to much tonight. I can't help it."
Starting to melt I reply, "How?"
"When you yelled at me and wouldn't even say prayers with me."
That was when I knew I had failed. We said his prayers and he went happily to bed. I was much kinder sending the other kids to bed, and it took much longer.
I thought about all the other awesome things they had done today. 2 who has never really cared for younger children or babies rocking a crying baby sister so I could finish up dinner. He never complains about it, and always talks so soothingly to her. Then there is 1, who failed his baby care class in school last year. He took the crying baby 3 times tonight, (remember she didn't nap all afternoon.) He was kind, loving and gentle each time. When they are all shouting around me it can be quiet overwhelming and I feel like I am failing.
Failing to keep things clean. Failing to keep things organized. Failing to make sure the homework is done before dinner. Failing to get everyone to and from their activities on time, (I was one minuet late getting 3 from gymnastics today and ten late getting him there) but as I remembered how 1 and 2 had cared for their baby sister today I had to chuckle. 1's teacher had thought he was a failure when it came to caring for a baby last year, but he is always so kind and gentle to our baby. Maybe we count failure to soon in life, or maybe we judge it without knowing where the heart lies.
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| 5 decided that grabbing her toys with her hands was just and unnecessary extra step. |
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