I think it's time for a girls' weekend or get-a-way or escape. If I don't take a voluntary break, I may be forcibly removed, then either incarcerated or committed.
I feel like I've been on the edge of a "Mommy Explosion" the entire day. It's a wonder I don't have "lock-jaw" from all the teeth clenching!
I am at a critical point where I need to make some serious decisions about my parenting. Something has got to be done with Leah's demanding yelling and screaming. She's learning bad coping skills from me...although it's been a little while since I actually screamed. That must be her special gift. I am extra sensitive to Rebekah's constant ramblings (and it's no wonder since she's always by my side). Daniel seems determined to test me at every turn. Nathan forgets that he doesn't make the decisions. Joseph won't sleep more than 2 hours at a time...around the clock. And to top off the insults, my house refuses to keep itself clean!!
Every time I try to steal a moment for myself, the moment gets stolen from me. I actually lasted 10 minutes in my sewing room while Joseph napped this morning. After the initial 10 minutes, the girls wandered in and started whispering about me as if I couldn't see or hear them. They were hiding in the closet and when I stepped over to the ironing board, Leah whispered, "She's gone." Then she stepped out of the closet, saw me and slipped back into the closet.
And then I sit back and take an objective look at my kids. I try to see them from a stranger's eyes. Suddenly I am awash in various emotions. First, I'm jealous that someone gets such cute kids (SO many people tell me how cute my kids are), then I feel a strange mixture of pride and love as I realize they are my kids, followed by shame that I don't appreciate them more and finally, frustration at the whole situation.
It's about then that I resolve to spend better time with them. Only that always gets foiled by an honest distraction which eventually leads to a less important reason to postpone the quality time I know they need. Adding to the stress is the frustration of sitting in a messy room. Did I mention that my house won't stay clean?
Plus I have to feel the pressure of inventing a decent meal from the groceries on hand which are limited because I either can't get out to shop or just can't talk myself into taking 3-5 kids to the store.
In the back of my mind, I'm wishing I could be sitting at the computer, reading a book or working in the sewing room. I wouldn't even mind doing a little spring cleaning if I thought I could use it as ME time.
And that is why I'm feeling like a bad mother, who doesn't do anything to cure the problem, but finds the time to whine about it publicly.
I should send out invitations to my pity-party.
Monday, March 31, 2008
General Conference
If you're looking for some ideas to ease your kids through General Conference this weekend (and even if you hadn't really thought about it), here are some links of fun things for them!
http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1882&Itemid=406
http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1920&Itemid=405
And if you sign up for a FHE yahoo group, you can get lots of FHE ideas. I don't know the actual link, but this should prompt the right page. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fhe4children/files/Ancestors%20%26%20Journal%20Writing/
I'd share more personal info, but it's getting a little tense around here and I've learned that the more I try to ignore it, the higher my blood pressure goes. But I hope you take some time to check out those links!
http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1882&Itemid=406
http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1920&Itemid=405
And if you sign up for a FHE yahoo group, you can get lots of FHE ideas. I don't know the actual link, but this should prompt the right page. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fhe4children/files/Ancestors%20%26%20Journal%20Writing/
I'd share more personal info, but it's getting a little tense around here and I've learned that the more I try to ignore it, the higher my blood pressure goes. But I hope you take some time to check out those links!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Word Play
Nathan recently had these two conversations with Chad and me. I think they were only a day or two apart.
Nathan: "Mommy, is green a secondary color?"
Me: "Yep."
N: "I know what red, yellow and blue are called."
Me: "Primary colors?"
N: "No. Firstdary colors."
Nathan knew they were really called primary colors, but he was making his own little joke.
A day or so later, Chad was giving the kids a lunch of grapes, bread, cheese and milk. They were mentioning all the food groups that were present: fruit, grain and dairy. Then Nathan pipes up with, "Grapes are fruit, bread is grain and milk and cheese are secondairy!"
What a little character!
Nathan: "Mommy, is green a secondary color?"
Me: "Yep."
N: "I know what red, yellow and blue are called."
Me: "Primary colors?"
N: "No. Firstdary colors."
Nathan knew they were really called primary colors, but he was making his own little joke.
A day or so later, Chad was giving the kids a lunch of grapes, bread, cheese and milk. They were mentioning all the food groups that were present: fruit, grain and dairy. Then Nathan pipes up with, "Grapes are fruit, bread is grain and milk and cheese are secondairy!"
What a little character!
Friday, March 28, 2008
St. Patrick's Day
We had fun with St. Patrick's Day this year. Nathan explained to me why it was important that he wear green to school and had his clothes picked out the day before. Daniel also donned green to ward off the pinchers!
We had a green dinner - but not the Dr. Suess variety. We had green pancakes that I attempted to cook in the shape of shamrocks. Some turned out better than others (though ultimately, they all ended up in the same condition). We had green syrup which was almond flavored with green food coloring since the almond extract was colorless and the mapleine was not. 
We also had green milk left over from lunch and enjoyed it in cups decorated with Shamrocks. Breakfast that morning was chocolate Lucky Charms with "double the shamrock marshmallows". Not real healthy, but a heck of a lot of fun!
For FHE, we answered questions about Easter, but the questions were on the backs of posterboard shamrocks. We used a 12-sided die and rolled to find out which question we got to answer.
After we answered a question, we got a little green frog candy. It had nothing really to do with St. Patrick's Day OR Easter, but it was green.
Our FHE treat was a shamrock we made out of breadsticks, sprinkled with green sugar which we ate while we watched Shrek the Third (he's green).
We had a green dinner - but not the Dr. Suess variety. We had green pancakes that I attempted to cook in the shape of shamrocks. Some turned out better than others (though ultimately, they all ended up in the same condition). We had green syrup which was almond flavored with green food coloring since the almond extract was colorless and the mapleine was not. 
We also had green milk left over from lunch and enjoyed it in cups decorated with Shamrocks. Breakfast that morning was chocolate Lucky Charms with "double the shamrock marshmallows". Not real healthy, but a heck of a lot of fun!
For FHE, we answered questions about Easter, but the questions were on the backs of posterboard shamrocks. We used a 12-sided die and rolled to find out which question we got to answer.
After we answered a question, we got a little green frog candy. It had nothing really to do with St. Patrick's Day OR Easter, but it was green.
Our FHE treat was a shamrock we made out of breadsticks, sprinkled with green sugar which we ate while we watched Shrek the Third (he's green).
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I'm so far behind!
Because I was trying to find time to type my 300th post, I kept putting other posts off and now my head is backed up with things I've wanted to share.
One of the things that made me sad to leave our old house was vinyl that I had up on the walls. We finally replaced one of the things I had to leave behind...our talent wall. And this time we were able to add Joseph's frame, although it will be some time before I expect him to contribute something. I love walking by this wall (which I do countless times a day) and seeing the kids' creativity. (For instance, Nathan's picture is a truck driving into a car wash.) The phrase above the pictures is from the parable of the talents in the New Testament.
And something that has been a work-on-it-when-I-get-a-chance project is the girls' Easter dresses. I finished them Thursday night (but took the picture before that). Leah's is the purple, Rebekah's the blue. Pay no mind to the quilt on the frame behind them. I've decided that it looks so good there, it's now decoration and not actually an unfinished project. And with that decision, I am free of so much unfair guilt.
I have other things to share next time...FHE/St. Patrick's Day and Easter activities (still frozen from the community egg hunt this morning...20 degrees!) Our family gets to be the Easter program in church tomorrow. How did we ever get so lucky? The kids' talks are written and we've been practicing "He Sent His Son" since last Sunday. I still have to form my thoughts into a decent message. We're trying something new this year and inviting the Easter bunny to stop by our house today instead of Sunday, so we can put more emphasis on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. I'll let you know how it works out for us. So far, E. Bunny has not shown up!
Chad and the kids are outside with the neighbor who just put 3 calves in our pasture. Everyone is excited to put one more foot into country living. And though he probably wouldn't admit it, Chad is likely the most excited of everyone.
So Happy Easter everyone! We'll play more catch-up a little later.
It only took me 3 hours to finish this post.
We've been working on a few projects around the house. A big project was getting Joseph out of our bedroom where he slept in the bassinet, and into the girls' room to sleep in the crib. 
Unfortunately, the girls' room is pretty small so we resorted to stacking the girls. Chad made a loft bed for Leah and we put Rebekah underneath. It was a tight fit, but we got the crib and another dresser in there. I'm extra glad that we don't keep toys in the bedrooms. There wouldn't be any room for kids if there were toys!
I recently made bread. It was not a good day for bread...as you can see. I learned a little bit about ovens, temps and yeast that day. The next day, I tried a different recipe. I learned a little bit more about ovens and temps. I am willing to post my failures to keep myself from feeling too awesome. 
But I have to say...even though they look horrible, they tasted WONDERFUL! I just won't be submitting these to any baking competitions.
One of the things that made me sad to leave our old house was vinyl that I had up on the walls. We finally replaced one of the things I had to leave behind...our talent wall. And this time we were able to add Joseph's frame, although it will be some time before I expect him to contribute something. I love walking by this wall (which I do countless times a day) and seeing the kids' creativity. (For instance, Nathan's picture is a truck driving into a car wash.) The phrase above the pictures is from the parable of the talents in the New Testament.
And something that has been a work-on-it-when-I-get-a-chance project is the girls' Easter dresses. I finished them Thursday night (but took the picture before that). Leah's is the purple, Rebekah's the blue. Pay no mind to the quilt on the frame behind them. I've decided that it looks so good there, it's now decoration and not actually an unfinished project. And with that decision, I am free of so much unfair guilt.
I have other things to share next time...FHE/St. Patrick's Day and Easter activities (still frozen from the community egg hunt this morning...20 degrees!) Our family gets to be the Easter program in church tomorrow. How did we ever get so lucky? The kids' talks are written and we've been practicing "He Sent His Son" since last Sunday. I still have to form my thoughts into a decent message. We're trying something new this year and inviting the Easter bunny to stop by our house today instead of Sunday, so we can put more emphasis on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. I'll let you know how it works out for us. So far, E. Bunny has not shown up!
Chad and the kids are outside with the neighbor who just put 3 calves in our pasture. Everyone is excited to put one more foot into country living. And though he probably wouldn't admit it, Chad is likely the most excited of everyone.
So Happy Easter everyone! We'll play more catch-up a little later.
It only took me 3 hours to finish this post.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
300!
I've been putting off blogging for the past week because I knew I was hitting my 300th post and I didn't want to celebrate with, "Rebekah is finally potty-trained!" Incidentally, that's true and I shouldn't gloss over such an important announcement!
Truthfully (because you wouldn't really expect me to lie, right?), I haven't had a ton of time to sit and reflect on the past two and a half years of blogging that have brought me to this momentous milestone. Even now I'm not sure I have a ton of time, but if I can just ignore everyone long enough, I should be able to squeeze in some typing.
As I have mentioned before, my first post was in the wee hours of an October morning while I held a tiny Rebekah - not even 6 weeks old. Now that tiny person has grown into a big girl who dresses herself (only on mornings when I don't need to take her out in public), doesn't have to wear diapers anymore and talks to the new tiny baby in a high, squealing voice. She likes to be involved in my decisions and often starts sentences with, "Maybe you should..."
I've really enjoyed my experience as a blogger. I've met a few new people this way and become closer to others. I get a lot of satisfaction from expressing myself and using my computer (to which I'm addicted) as a way to be creative. I've really appreciated the positive remarks so many people have shared with me about my writing. It's always been something I've enjoyed and maybe some day I'll do something more with it. Maybe I'll print up all my posts and present them to my children when they start having parenting struggles similar to the ones I've recorded. Then they will be so much more grateful that I didn't murder them in their sleep! ;) Look for my memoir on eBay in about 40 years. It will probably be an ebook!
It took just over one year for me to reach my 100th post. Nine months later I hit 200. Now, 8 more months have passed and I'm to 300. I have an unofficial goal (unofficial goals are handy so that if you don't accomplish your task, you don't actually fail) to record my 500th post within a year from now.
And as Joseph starts to call for me, I reach an end of my historical post. I can't help but think that I meant for this one to be a little more poetic and inspiring than it turned out. Unfortunately, I'm a little tired (not getting a whole lot of sleep lately) and to be honest - my fingernails need to be trimmed and are making it hard to type efficiently.
P.S. Spell check is down again. I hope everything was spelled correctly.
P.P.S. Why am I getting a Spanish language sign in page for Blogger? Did I sign something without reading the fine print?
Truthfully (because you wouldn't really expect me to lie, right?), I haven't had a ton of time to sit and reflect on the past two and a half years of blogging that have brought me to this momentous milestone. Even now I'm not sure I have a ton of time, but if I can just ignore everyone long enough, I should be able to squeeze in some typing.
As I have mentioned before, my first post was in the wee hours of an October morning while I held a tiny Rebekah - not even 6 weeks old. Now that tiny person has grown into a big girl who dresses herself (only on mornings when I don't need to take her out in public), doesn't have to wear diapers anymore and talks to the new tiny baby in a high, squealing voice. She likes to be involved in my decisions and often starts sentences with, "Maybe you should..."
I've really enjoyed my experience as a blogger. I've met a few new people this way and become closer to others. I get a lot of satisfaction from expressing myself and using my computer (to which I'm addicted) as a way to be creative. I've really appreciated the positive remarks so many people have shared with me about my writing. It's always been something I've enjoyed and maybe some day I'll do something more with it. Maybe I'll print up all my posts and present them to my children when they start having parenting struggles similar to the ones I've recorded. Then they will be so much more grateful that I didn't murder them in their sleep! ;) Look for my memoir on eBay in about 40 years. It will probably be an ebook!
It took just over one year for me to reach my 100th post. Nine months later I hit 200. Now, 8 more months have passed and I'm to 300. I have an unofficial goal (unofficial goals are handy so that if you don't accomplish your task, you don't actually fail) to record my 500th post within a year from now.
And as Joseph starts to call for me, I reach an end of my historical post. I can't help but think that I meant for this one to be a little more poetic and inspiring than it turned out. Unfortunately, I'm a little tired (not getting a whole lot of sleep lately) and to be honest - my fingernails need to be trimmed and are making it hard to type efficiently.
P.S. Spell check is down again. I hope everything was spelled correctly.
P.P.S. Why am I getting a Spanish language sign in page for Blogger? Did I sign something without reading the fine print?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Great YouTube videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0fC6NmsX-I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZNpeJ0L93Q&feature=related
Check out these neat videos. Makes you want to get up off the couch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZNpeJ0L93Q&feature=related
Check out these neat videos. Makes you want to get up off the couch!
Smelly
I hate yucky smells. Luckily, I have a very senstitive sniffer so I can discover bad smells right away...before they fester and make a bigger smelly mess (which is when Chad starts to wrinkle his nose).
This morning I was in the laundry room changing the laundry. I can smell a yucky smell in there! But I'm a little confused since there aren't any dirty clothes waiting to be washed. The washer had just finished, so it shouldn't be that. We do keep the snow gear in there, but it didn't seem like a musty-yucky smell. Nothing looks like it has spilled. But even if it did, I would expect it to be a cleaning liquid and smell clean! So now I have a mystery on my hands. And I really don't feel like deep cleaning the laundry room right now.
What I'm afraid of is that something died nearby during the winter and now that things are warming up, so is the dead thing. Ew! Gross!
Meanwhile, there are yucky smells in both bathrooms, the boys' room and the kitchen. I'm pretty sure some honest housework would take care of those issues. Unfortunately, I don't feel like deep cleaning any of those rooms either. This family sure is lucky to have me! I can ferret out the odors, but don't do anything about them!
This morning I was in the laundry room changing the laundry. I can smell a yucky smell in there! But I'm a little confused since there aren't any dirty clothes waiting to be washed. The washer had just finished, so it shouldn't be that. We do keep the snow gear in there, but it didn't seem like a musty-yucky smell. Nothing looks like it has spilled. But even if it did, I would expect it to be a cleaning liquid and smell clean! So now I have a mystery on my hands. And I really don't feel like deep cleaning the laundry room right now.
What I'm afraid of is that something died nearby during the winter and now that things are warming up, so is the dead thing. Ew! Gross!
Meanwhile, there are yucky smells in both bathrooms, the boys' room and the kitchen. I'm pretty sure some honest housework would take care of those issues. Unfortunately, I don't feel like deep cleaning any of those rooms either. This family sure is lucky to have me! I can ferret out the odors, but don't do anything about them!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt
Here is the weather report I just found for our area. Maybe we can skip the egg coloring this year and just hide white eggs!
Today
High: 42 Numerous snow showers and rain showers. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Highs 35 to 42. Light and variable winds...becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Areal coverage of precipitation 70 percent.
Tonight
Low: 25 Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Storm total snow accumulation around 1 inch. Lows 22 to 29. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Areal coverage of precipitation 50 percent.
Friday
High: 40 Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Highs 33 to 40. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Friday Night
Low: 18 Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Colder. Lows 15 to 22. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Saturday
High: 40 Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Highs 33 to 40. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
Today
High: 42 Numerous snow showers and rain showers. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Highs 35 to 42. Light and variable winds...becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Areal coverage of precipitation 70 percent.
Tonight
Low: 25 Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Storm total snow accumulation around 1 inch. Lows 22 to 29. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Areal coverage of precipitation 50 percent.
Friday
High: 40 Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Highs 33 to 40. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Friday Night
Low: 18 Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Colder. Lows 15 to 22. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Saturday
High: 40 Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Highs 33 to 40. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Opinionated
I am, but I control it much better these days. Those who knew me as a teenager may remember a fiestier Arlyn. (Did I just make up a word again?) Anyhow, I rarely engage in debate and often flip the channel if the topic become too heated. I don't like the agitation I feel when people start arguing. As soon as my children start to fight, my blood pressure shoots up. I don't watch Judge Judy for that reason. She personifies agitation.
Anyway, I preface with that and then turn around and start sharing my opinion. I just can't hold it in this time. The following are my own opinions, not forced upon me by others and are not secretly the things that someone else wanted to say but were too chicken. Some people my think my opinions are naive. I wish the world was a little more naive. There's too much garbage out there that is making this world a harder place to live in.
First off - a topic from the Today show this morning. Geraldine Ferraro made a statement that Obama has gotten where he is because he's a black man. I don't think she's too far off the mark. I don't credit or discredit any of Sen. Obama's skills/promises/actions. I do think that he's getting many of his votes because the country is now at a place where they are willing to vote for a black man and are doing it. Some may be doing it to prove that they are not racist. Some may be doing it because they think that it's a way to show support to the black community. I realize that many are supporting him blindly - they don't see color, just the candidate. Either way, I don't really care. I think some grown ups are looking for something to fight about. When I look at Sen. Clinton, I see another minority. I think many people are supporting her because she's a woman. She's in a very similar situation to Obama. I wouldn't be surprised if an openly gay man or woman ran and got votes. It seems to be the time to prove that you're not biased and put a minority in the spotlight. On the other hand, I'm not surprised that Gov. Romney had to step aside for the time. The country isn't THAT ready to put aside biases! Ideally, I wouldn't like to see any of these candidates in office. I wish that this world could put it's arms around each other and take care of whatever needs arise. You have a skill, I have a different skill. Let's use them for good, not gain and get our payment in ways that don't necessarily pad our bank accounts. A naive goal? Maybe to some. I think the world just isn't ready to grow up and get along so nicely.
A second thing - also from the Today show. Twenty-five percent of America's teenage girls, ages 14-19 have an STD. One in four! Starting with age 14!! I saw a Dr. Phil show a week or so ago that was debating condoms in school/sex education/etc. One "expert" claimed that it was more successful in battling teen pregnancy to distribute condoms without the parents' knowledge! She says the numbers have already proved it. The teens do better with knowing their actions are kept confidential from their parents! HELLO! How badly are we failing our children if they feel more comfortable talking to a guidance counselor at school than a parent at home? How do we even consider letting the schools educate our children about sex? When did we just start offering our homes as beds and breakfasts instead as a place to bond, teach and rear our children? Sex isn't a rite of passage. It's a means of creating life, granted by God! We don't make it SAFE, we make it honorable and responsible. One girl on the show (Dr. Phil) complained that if condoms had been available at her school, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant at 13 years of age. So now she's not responsible for her actions...the grown ups are. And the term "grown up" should not be used lightly. I can't believe how things are falling apart with our young people and we just shake our heads in wonder and confusion and blame it on someone else.
I have another "bee in my bonnet" or two, but I'll spare you. These are my opinions. You don't have to agree. I expect many people don't. I don't want to start a debate here. If you have your own opinion, share it in your own blog. Now you don't have to wonder what I think about those two topics!
I feel better. :)
Anyway, I preface with that and then turn around and start sharing my opinion. I just can't hold it in this time. The following are my own opinions, not forced upon me by others and are not secretly the things that someone else wanted to say but were too chicken. Some people my think my opinions are naive. I wish the world was a little more naive. There's too much garbage out there that is making this world a harder place to live in.
First off - a topic from the Today show this morning. Geraldine Ferraro made a statement that Obama has gotten where he is because he's a black man. I don't think she's too far off the mark. I don't credit or discredit any of Sen. Obama's skills/promises/actions. I do think that he's getting many of his votes because the country is now at a place where they are willing to vote for a black man and are doing it. Some may be doing it to prove that they are not racist. Some may be doing it because they think that it's a way to show support to the black community. I realize that many are supporting him blindly - they don't see color, just the candidate. Either way, I don't really care. I think some grown ups are looking for something to fight about. When I look at Sen. Clinton, I see another minority. I think many people are supporting her because she's a woman. She's in a very similar situation to Obama. I wouldn't be surprised if an openly gay man or woman ran and got votes. It seems to be the time to prove that you're not biased and put a minority in the spotlight. On the other hand, I'm not surprised that Gov. Romney had to step aside for the time. The country isn't THAT ready to put aside biases! Ideally, I wouldn't like to see any of these candidates in office. I wish that this world could put it's arms around each other and take care of whatever needs arise. You have a skill, I have a different skill. Let's use them for good, not gain and get our payment in ways that don't necessarily pad our bank accounts. A naive goal? Maybe to some. I think the world just isn't ready to grow up and get along so nicely.
A second thing - also from the Today show. Twenty-five percent of America's teenage girls, ages 14-19 have an STD. One in four! Starting with age 14!! I saw a Dr. Phil show a week or so ago that was debating condoms in school/sex education/etc. One "expert" claimed that it was more successful in battling teen pregnancy to distribute condoms without the parents' knowledge! She says the numbers have already proved it. The teens do better with knowing their actions are kept confidential from their parents! HELLO! How badly are we failing our children if they feel more comfortable talking to a guidance counselor at school than a parent at home? How do we even consider letting the schools educate our children about sex? When did we just start offering our homes as beds and breakfasts instead as a place to bond, teach and rear our children? Sex isn't a rite of passage. It's a means of creating life, granted by God! We don't make it SAFE, we make it honorable and responsible. One girl on the show (Dr. Phil) complained that if condoms had been available at her school, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant at 13 years of age. So now she's not responsible for her actions...the grown ups are. And the term "grown up" should not be used lightly. I can't believe how things are falling apart with our young people and we just shake our heads in wonder and confusion and blame it on someone else.
I have another "bee in my bonnet" or two, but I'll spare you. These are my opinions. You don't have to agree. I expect many people don't. I don't want to start a debate here. If you have your own opinion, share it in your own blog. Now you don't have to wonder what I think about those two topics!
I feel better. :)
Monday, March 10, 2008
An announcement
Rebekah pooped in the potty!
She did it without any help and called me when she was done! We are celebrating in Idaho!
I vote for the library
This morning I was in the bathroom with the girls. I was cleaning off the high chair that has a year's worth of garage grime on it and the girls were playing with tub toys.
(For those of you who have never seen our bathroom, it's quite LARGE and carpeted, so it's not uncommon to find the kids playing in it.)
Soon, Leah had to go to the bathroom. While she was sitting there, she said, "Sometimes I read books when I'm in the bathroom."
That didn't seem like a crazy thing. I read in there, too. Volume of books are marketed just for those who linger. (I've gotten so desperate for things to read that I've pulled toothpaste tubes and shampoo bottles out. But maybe that's sharing too much.)
Then she finished her statement, "...to Rebekah." OK Now that's a little strange. Whoever heard of story time in the bathroom? What a place to "gather 'round!" And how is it that I didn't know that was happening? If I were to picture a story time setting, it would be in a grade school classroom or a back corner of the town library.
So if you chance to stop for a visit and need to use the bathroom, be sure to check the story time schedule first!
(For those of you who have never seen our bathroom, it's quite LARGE and carpeted, so it's not uncommon to find the kids playing in it.)
Soon, Leah had to go to the bathroom. While she was sitting there, she said, "Sometimes I read books when I'm in the bathroom."
That didn't seem like a crazy thing. I read in there, too. Volume of books are marketed just for those who linger. (I've gotten so desperate for things to read that I've pulled toothpaste tubes and shampoo bottles out. But maybe that's sharing too much.)
Then she finished her statement, "...to Rebekah." OK Now that's a little strange. Whoever heard of story time in the bathroom? What a place to "gather 'round!" And how is it that I didn't know that was happening? If I were to picture a story time setting, it would be in a grade school classroom or a back corner of the town library.
So if you chance to stop for a visit and need to use the bathroom, be sure to check the story time schedule first!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Postpartum Fallout
My hair is falling out in copious amounts. It happens every time I have a baby get close to 4 months old. That full, thick head of hair that pregnancy invited eventually decides its time to go.
Maybe I wouldn't notice it so much if it were short. Instead, I'm constantly trying to find the phantom hair that I can feel but not see. Seeing wasn't a problem at the dinner table last night; I found three on the table before I even took a bite!
I'm hopeful that in another month or so, things will be back to normal. Until then, I'll have to vacuum more than I think a lazy person should be required to.
Sorry if this is a yucky topic. Sometimes life is yucky.
Maybe I wouldn't notice it so much if it were short. Instead, I'm constantly trying to find the phantom hair that I can feel but not see. Seeing wasn't a problem at the dinner table last night; I found three on the table before I even took a bite!
I'm hopeful that in another month or so, things will be back to normal. Until then, I'll have to vacuum more than I think a lazy person should be required to.
Sorry if this is a yucky topic. Sometimes life is yucky.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
No Answer
Dear "Unknown" and "Toll Free",
Yes, that short click is me picking up and then hanging up. I have caller ID. You are wasting your time.
Sincerely,
I Know It's a Sales Call When You Mispronounce My Name
Yes, that short click is me picking up and then hanging up. I have caller ID. You are wasting your time.
Sincerely,
I Know It's a Sales Call When You Mispronounce My Name
Friday, March 07, 2008
Scrapped Babies
I put this page together while I tried to stay awake during nap time. It's a goal to get Rebekah to put the stinky in the potty today. She usually ends up stinky during nap time, so I was trying to stay ahead in the game. Instead, she fell asleep and I ended up extra tired!
I made this page because I get so many comments on how much the kids look alike. Here is a comparison. They are each one month old. The last frame is reserved so I don't have to remake the page later. But this is NOT an announcement. I am NOT pregnant!
I made this page because I get so many comments on how much the kids look alike. Here is a comparison. They are each one month old. The last frame is reserved so I don't have to remake the page later. But this is NOT an announcement. I am NOT pregnant!
Dear Mommy/Dear Joseph
Dear Mommy,
I will be 4 months old next week! Thank you for helping me through this momentous time. I admit that last week's cold was a bit rough on me, but you worked hard to keep my nose cleared out and comforted me when I coughed so hard. I don't have any words yet to tell you how I feel, but I think you know. Maybe my big smiles will convey just a part of my thanks.
You have been doing a great job at feeding me. I can feel more rolls on my arms and legs now. And don't you think my big cheeks and double chin are deadly weapons? I think I am getting quite handsome!
I don't know why I am so hungry at night. Maybe I am dreaming of food (and everyone knows about the power of suggestion)! It seems like I have to eat every 4 or 5 hours! You probably don't like to have to wake up so many times at night. I am sorry to cry so often, but when you don't pick me up right away it seems to get a little worse. I guess I am just immature that way.
At least you don't lose too much sleep while I'm nursing. I'm just glad you don't drop me out of bed when you fall asleep. (And Daddy doesn't lose too much sleep, either. Have you heard that loud humming sound he makes?)
I promise to start sleeping through the night soon. It shouldn't take me more than 7 or 8 more months. You'll probably be really thankful for that, since my big sisters still don't sleep through the night. Are they still getting hungry at night, too?
I am very happy here in this family. Everyone is so nice to me and gets close to talk to me. Rebekah's voice goes nice and high, just the way I like it. Leah is holding me a lot so I smile at her to say, "I love you". Nathan talks to me when you can't help me right away and Daniel is so careful when he picks me up. You and Daddy hold me up high where I get such a good view of everything.
I love my family.
Love, Joseph
Dear Joseph,
You are going to be 4 months old next week! I can't believe how fast you've grown! How do you like life so far? That cold all the kids got last week was pretty bad and I felt so sorry that I couldn't give you any cough medicine. I used to hear you coughing and choking at night and wondered if you could breathe at all. But now you just cough a little every now and then. I'm glad you made it through OK! When you give me big smiles despite feeling so yucky, I think you must be a very special little boy.
And being sick didn't slow you down too much. You have become much chubbier lately. Your cheeks are filling out just like your brothers' and sisters' did. You are definitely one of us! You are going to have all the babysitting-aged girls at church swooning all over you before too long!
If I could ask for one favor from you, it would be to sleep longer at night. I wish you could go longer than 2-3 hours between feedings. I try to ignore you, but then you just cry louder and harder. It's so hard to feel rested when I have to interrupt my sleep so often. Luckily, I have a nursing pillow to help keep you in my lap. Otherwise, I'm not sure you wouldn't have fallen to the floor during the times I fall asleep sitting up! Your tummy is supposed to make it all through the night at six months old. That's only 2 months away. Are we going to make it?
Between you and and yours sisters, Daddy and I are a bit sleep deprived. That will be our excuse for all the parenting mistakes we make.
I have enjoyed watching everyone in the family as they interact with you. You are a very special person in this family! Rebekah now thinks every cute baby she sees is named Joseph. Leah only wants to hold you all day. Nathan has been put under your spell and engages you in conversation daily. Daniel is so tender when he picks you up. (It's nice to see that side of a hyper 7 year old!) Daddy is your best bud and holds you all through dinner and whenever I need a break. He changes LOTS of your diapers!
I hope you will someday understand how much we love you!
Love, Mommy
I will be 4 months old next week! Thank you for helping me through this momentous time. I admit that last week's cold was a bit rough on me, but you worked hard to keep my nose cleared out and comforted me when I coughed so hard. I don't have any words yet to tell you how I feel, but I think you know. Maybe my big smiles will convey just a part of my thanks.
You have been doing a great job at feeding me. I can feel more rolls on my arms and legs now. And don't you think my big cheeks and double chin are deadly weapons? I think I am getting quite handsome!
I don't know why I am so hungry at night. Maybe I am dreaming of food (and everyone knows about the power of suggestion)! It seems like I have to eat every 4 or 5 hours! You probably don't like to have to wake up so many times at night. I am sorry to cry so often, but when you don't pick me up right away it seems to get a little worse. I guess I am just immature that way.
At least you don't lose too much sleep while I'm nursing. I'm just glad you don't drop me out of bed when you fall asleep. (And Daddy doesn't lose too much sleep, either. Have you heard that loud humming sound he makes?)
I promise to start sleeping through the night soon. It shouldn't take me more than 7 or 8 more months. You'll probably be really thankful for that, since my big sisters still don't sleep through the night. Are they still getting hungry at night, too?
I am very happy here in this family. Everyone is so nice to me and gets close to talk to me. Rebekah's voice goes nice and high, just the way I like it. Leah is holding me a lot so I smile at her to say, "I love you". Nathan talks to me when you can't help me right away and Daniel is so careful when he picks me up. You and Daddy hold me up high where I get such a good view of everything.
I love my family.
Love, Joseph
Dear Joseph,
You are going to be 4 months old next week! I can't believe how fast you've grown! How do you like life so far? That cold all the kids got last week was pretty bad and I felt so sorry that I couldn't give you any cough medicine. I used to hear you coughing and choking at night and wondered if you could breathe at all. But now you just cough a little every now and then. I'm glad you made it through OK! When you give me big smiles despite feeling so yucky, I think you must be a very special little boy.
And being sick didn't slow you down too much. You have become much chubbier lately. Your cheeks are filling out just like your brothers' and sisters' did. You are definitely one of us! You are going to have all the babysitting-aged girls at church swooning all over you before too long!
If I could ask for one favor from you, it would be to sleep longer at night. I wish you could go longer than 2-3 hours between feedings. I try to ignore you, but then you just cry louder and harder. It's so hard to feel rested when I have to interrupt my sleep so often. Luckily, I have a nursing pillow to help keep you in my lap. Otherwise, I'm not sure you wouldn't have fallen to the floor during the times I fall asleep sitting up! Your tummy is supposed to make it all through the night at six months old. That's only 2 months away. Are we going to make it?
Between you and and yours sisters, Daddy and I are a bit sleep deprived. That will be our excuse for all the parenting mistakes we make.
I have enjoyed watching everyone in the family as they interact with you. You are a very special person in this family! Rebekah now thinks every cute baby she sees is named Joseph. Leah only wants to hold you all day. Nathan has been put under your spell and engages you in conversation daily. Daniel is so tender when he picks you up. (It's nice to see that side of a hyper 7 year old!) Daddy is your best bud and holds you all through dinner and whenever I need a break. He changes LOTS of your diapers!
I hope you will someday understand how much we love you!
Love, Mommy
Thursday, March 06, 2008
House For Sale in Idaho
July 2005 
December 2007It's a nice house!
*Five bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open living area, main floor laundry, large family room, finished basement, food storage, fenced backyard, inside a safe cul-de-sac/quiet subdivision.
*Buy this house and get a free neighborhood.
*We're tired of 2 mortgages. We want YOU to make this payment instead!
*P.S. I didn't say the cul-de-sac was quiet. That darn neighbor put his dog house right by the fence and she BARKS!
4 AM
That's about what time I was putting the carpet cleaner vacuum away. Shortly before that, Leah emptied the contents of her stomach on our bedroom floor. I knew she was up to something!
Since the spot on the floor wasn't big enough to spend the whole tank of water on it, I moved to the living room where I went over a spot where some "washable" glue had been dumped a week or so ago and then cleaned the spots in front of the couches and the front door.
Anyone passing by might have thought I was a bit obsessed. I am, but it doesn't cover cleaning the carpets that early in the morning!
I finally downloaded some brushes and new fonts for scrapbooking yesterday. I've only been scrapbooking digitally for 6 months now...you'd think I would have done it already. Anyway, I used some of my new downloads to create this page this afternoon. The pictures are 4 years old...so there is no Rebekah or Joseph.
Since the spot on the floor wasn't big enough to spend the whole tank of water on it, I moved to the living room where I went over a spot where some "washable" glue had been dumped a week or so ago and then cleaned the spots in front of the couches and the front door.
Anyone passing by might have thought I was a bit obsessed. I am, but it doesn't cover cleaning the carpets that early in the morning!
I finally downloaded some brushes and new fonts for scrapbooking yesterday. I've only been scrapbooking digitally for 6 months now...you'd think I would have done it already. Anyway, I used some of my new downloads to create this page this afternoon. The pictures are 4 years old...so there is no Rebekah or Joseph.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Small Town Service
We live in the country. But the closest town to us only has about 400 ish people (as of the last census). The next closest town has about 4,000. That's a city compared to where we are. One of the ladies that delivers our mail is also the Relief Society President at church. When she has a package to deliver and no one answers her knock, she pops her head in the door with a "yoo hoo" and sets the mail inside.
Yesterday, I wasn't home when she stopped by with a package. She called me that afternoon and explained that she had forgotten to leave a slip in the mailbox. She could deliver it in the morning or we could pick it up at the Post Office. (The PO is about the size of large storage shed.) I told her it's fine to just leave it on the porch. She said she wasn't sure if that was ok because sometimes the weather can be bad.
Anyway, I knew she was coming sometime between 9 and 10 this morning. That was the same time I finally got a chance for a shower. So, OF COURSE, that's when she showed up. I was drying off and heard her calling from the front door. The package needed to be signed for. When I told her that I was in the shower, she offered to sign for me! What service!
Yesterday, I wasn't home when she stopped by with a package. She called me that afternoon and explained that she had forgotten to leave a slip in the mailbox. She could deliver it in the morning or we could pick it up at the Post Office. (The PO is about the size of large storage shed.) I told her it's fine to just leave it on the porch. She said she wasn't sure if that was ok because sometimes the weather can be bad.
Anyway, I knew she was coming sometime between 9 and 10 this morning. That was the same time I finally got a chance for a shower. So, OF COURSE, that's when she showed up. I was drying off and heard her calling from the front door. The package needed to be signed for. When I told her that I was in the shower, she offered to sign for me! What service!
Who broke my baby?
Joseph had a rocky night. There's something bothering him, rendering him unable to sleep. I lost track of how many times I nursed him. Even now, I'm typing one-handed. He doesn't want to be put down. I usually try to find a time to exercise in the morning. Today I will just be trying to find a time to shower!
He's still coughing a bit and sneezing. I hope everyone is feeling super-charged and ailment-free soon. Rebekah didn't eat dinner last night and made that same whimpering sound that usually accompanies throwing up. Thankfully, THAT didn't happen!
I'm trying to ignore the slightly sore throat I have. Maybe it will go away if I pretend it's not there.
**A special Thank You to Chad who spent more time with Joseph than with his pillow last night. I was feeling guilty, but not enough to stay awake for very long!
He's still coughing a bit and sneezing. I hope everyone is feeling super-charged and ailment-free soon. Rebekah didn't eat dinner last night and made that same whimpering sound that usually accompanies throwing up. Thankfully, THAT didn't happen!
I'm trying to ignore the slightly sore throat I have. Maybe it will go away if I pretend it's not there.
**A special Thank You to Chad who spent more time with Joseph than with his pillow last night. I was feeling guilty, but not enough to stay awake for very long!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Miniature High Priests
Daniel and Nathan looked like miniature High Priests today as they dozed in Sacrament Meeting.
First Daniel started agreeing with everything the speaker was saying. I thought that was so awesome that he was paying attention with such reverence! Then I noticed that his eyes were opening and shutting in slow motion. Uh oh...that looks like sleepy. I teased him about it and he perked up for a bit.
Next, I noticed Nathan was sitting up, but with his head resting on his shoulder and his eyes not even trying to stay open. What skill! He's got the High Priests beat with that maneuver! Of course, all the H.P.s I know are taller than the back of the bench, so their heads roll around much easier.
The next time I glanced at Daniel, he'd made a buttress with his leg and had his elbow propped up on his knee with his hand holding up his head. You can tell his Daddy is a structural engineer! Yes, he was sleeping.
I'd given all 4 kids prescription cough medicine so the people at church wouldn't cringe every time one them hacked. Who knows if they cringed or not. At least the boys were reverent/comatose. It was actually kind of amusing until Daniel just plain gave up the fight and put his head right down on the bench. A High Priest would never do that, short of a medical emergency. So I made him sit next to me and I held him up. I hope they got enough sleep to make it through Primary!
No one has had a fever since Thursday. Leah and Joseph never had one. The coughing is still bad, but the runny noses are better. Joseph no longer sounds like he's choking to death during the night...just gagging occasionally. He's very good at blowing bubbles out of his nose. (We're trying to break him of that habit.)
Mommy and Daddy avoided this one. We look forward to the next challenge.
First Daniel started agreeing with everything the speaker was saying. I thought that was so awesome that he was paying attention with such reverence! Then I noticed that his eyes were opening and shutting in slow motion. Uh oh...that looks like sleepy. I teased him about it and he perked up for a bit.
Next, I noticed Nathan was sitting up, but with his head resting on his shoulder and his eyes not even trying to stay open. What skill! He's got the High Priests beat with that maneuver! Of course, all the H.P.s I know are taller than the back of the bench, so their heads roll around much easier.
The next time I glanced at Daniel, he'd made a buttress with his leg and had his elbow propped up on his knee with his hand holding up his head. You can tell his Daddy is a structural engineer! Yes, he was sleeping.
I'd given all 4 kids prescription cough medicine so the people at church wouldn't cringe every time one them hacked. Who knows if they cringed or not. At least the boys were reverent/comatose. It was actually kind of amusing until Daniel just plain gave up the fight and put his head right down on the bench. A High Priest would never do that, short of a medical emergency. So I made him sit next to me and I held him up. I hope they got enough sleep to make it through Primary!
No one has had a fever since Thursday. Leah and Joseph never had one. The coughing is still bad, but the runny noses are better. Joseph no longer sounds like he's choking to death during the night...just gagging occasionally. He's very good at blowing bubbles out of his nose. (We're trying to break him of that habit.)
Mommy and Daddy avoided this one. We look forward to the next challenge.
Cranky Sunday Morning
Do you have those at your house? I can't really single out Sunday, because we're just mostly cranky...any day of the week.
This morning:
Nathan is mad at me because I won't tie his shoes. I am willing to help, but wouldn't it be better if he put them on FIRST? I don't think his foot will slide in otherwise. But Nathan is the one to tell you something is black when it's obviously white, so convincing him that it's best to be wearing the shoe when it's tied is a bit of a challenge. I think I will steer him towards a career in Criminal Law.
At the same time, Leah wanted me to pull up her tights for her. Since when can't a 4 year-old reach down to her knees and give a good yank? Instead, she lies down on the floor and sticks her legs up in the air. THAT'S easier? Good Golly!
AND, at the same time, Rebekah was standing next to me requesting a tissue. We're in the bathroom, very near a roll of toilet paper. Why can't she get one herself? Maybe I shouldn't complain. When she gets her own tissue from the roll, she ends up with 4 feet of it.
If you think that's bad, you should see what Joseph demands of me. What a baby!
Conversation with Nathan later in the morning:
ME: Nathan, go talk to Joseph please.
NATHAN: You're closer.
M: Hey!
N: What?
M: You're closer to your room.
And I could say it ended there with a contrite young man obeying his mother, but he had one parting shot.
N: No, you are.
And then he walked out of the room and did what I asked. So, he was sassy, but I got what I wanted from him. Two winners? Two losers?
This morning:
Nathan is mad at me because I won't tie his shoes. I am willing to help, but wouldn't it be better if he put them on FIRST? I don't think his foot will slide in otherwise. But Nathan is the one to tell you something is black when it's obviously white, so convincing him that it's best to be wearing the shoe when it's tied is a bit of a challenge. I think I will steer him towards a career in Criminal Law.
At the same time, Leah wanted me to pull up her tights for her. Since when can't a 4 year-old reach down to her knees and give a good yank? Instead, she lies down on the floor and sticks her legs up in the air. THAT'S easier? Good Golly!
AND, at the same time, Rebekah was standing next to me requesting a tissue. We're in the bathroom, very near a roll of toilet paper. Why can't she get one herself? Maybe I shouldn't complain. When she gets her own tissue from the roll, she ends up with 4 feet of it.
If you think that's bad, you should see what Joseph demands of me. What a baby!
Conversation with Nathan later in the morning:
ME: Nathan, go talk to Joseph please.
NATHAN: You're closer.
M: Hey!
N: What?
M: You're closer to your room.
And I could say it ended there with a contrite young man obeying his mother, but he had one parting shot.
N: No, you are.
And then he walked out of the room and did what I asked. So, he was sassy, but I got what I wanted from him. Two winners? Two losers?
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