What a wonderful day we had at church today! Tyler, Kaleb and Will stayed home from church since the older boys aren't feeling well. So it was just Derek, Logan and myself. Amazing talks were shared in Sacrament meeting (by Sister deGroot, Sophia May, and Bishop Brundage). Sister deGroot shared the importance of fasting, and really internalizing a fast, rather than going through the motions. She emphasized that we should prepare ourselves for fasting rather than: stuffing ourselves the night before so we aren't hungry as early the next day, forgetting it's fast Sunday at all, sneaking in a little cereal in the morning as we feed our children breakfast, and forcing those children who turn 8 to immediately start fasting because it can be more detrimental than helpful. I have been guilty of all those so often, it is hard to remember when I've actually prepared myself for a fast appropriately. I know I have, it's just been those days that I have full purpose in heart, when things are hard or someone is ill and needs a little extra prayer/thought. I need to help teach my children about why we fast, how we prepare to fast, and how to enjoy a fast; knowing all the blessings that will come to them or to whomever they are fasting for. They understand some of these concepts on a basic level, but I know they could know so much more.
After Sacrament meeting the boys and I headed to Primary. I love my calling...and I haven't always been able to say that about the calling I have. I am the Primary Chorister, and LOVE singing with the kids. I had this calling when I was pregnant with Kaleb, and did not have the same feelings. :) I love looking at those kids' faces, seeing them smile at me (or wiggle around) and hear them sing the songs we are learning for the Primary Program we'll have at the end of the year. Today I introduced our stick picture animals and sounds to sing with the songs. This was a new concept to this Primary and they LOVED singing like a sheep, bee, bird, and cow. It's such a great way to have them recall the words when they have to switch between baaing and singing the words to the music! It was so cute to see them so excited to participate in the music today!! I wish I could have recorded them so you could see how excited they were. "Can I hold the picture?", "Let's do it again!", and "Can we do the bzzz-bzzz to this song, too?" were priceless!!
Today was a much needed day. I'm also handing my worries back over to the Lord. He will guide us the direction we are supposed to go, He always has. Stressing and worrying about our situation is not going to help it get any better. So, I'm trusting in the Lord and doing all I can, and that will be enough!
Showing posts with label Happy/Sad Days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happy/Sad Days. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I voted, did you?
Yes, I voted today, and took all the boys with me. The school had a "teacher in-service" day today, so there was not any school. At 10:15 or so we took off to the polls...and it took me forever to find the road to turn on to get to the darn polls. The boys were great the whole time we were there, minus one melt down by Logan caused by Tyler, but we were mostly unscathed. We were done about 11:15, and headed to the Nashville Zoo, again. We just went Saturday, but didn't get enough. We missed a lot of the animals that day and wanted to play at the jungle gym again. There is the largest wood castle climbing jungle gym I've ever seen my entire life at this Zoo! The kids love it!!! Since we have a family pass, I can take them any time I want without having to pay. And I love having a membership to somewhere where it will actually get good use! We got to the Zoo about 12 and left at closing time, 4 pm. I still can't find my camera, and apparently it's not at Julie's, so I need to scavenge for it one of these days. Once I find it, I have fun pictures of the boys school classroom parties (3 parties in 1 hour is a bit overwhelming, but a lot of fun) to post. Julie has pictures from our trip to the Zoo on Saturday, so once I get those I'll post them, too. :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Upliftment "08"
Shout out: I love Krissy! And miss her so much! (just talked on the phone, so fresh in my mind)
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the General Relief Society Meeting at our Stake building. I also had the privilege of helping out on the food committee for the dinner before the Meeting. Thanks to everyone's efforts on the food committee it went amazingly well. From my understanding, about 250 women were in attendance and we didn't run out of food! It all tasted soooooooo good, and it was well worth the effort from yesterday and today.
Before we had the dinner the Stake Relief Society Presidency had put together a program engulfing the story of the 10 virgins. There were beautiful musical numbers (some even from my ward), scripture readings, quotes, and thoughts about the main topics they had pulled from the story. The spirit was strong and it was a beautiful way to start the evening. After the program we ate the delicious food. I'd have to say my favorite part of the dinner was the dessert. It was beautiful white sour cream wedding cake. Very pure...white frosting and a white rose on top. That is what the majority of the time was spent working on...the amount of time it takes to frost 26 round cakes with frosting in the middle is amazing! But it was well worth the time for the beauty of them all. So elegant!
The piéce de résistance was the Conference. Oh my, how it spoke to my heart. Sister Beck spoke of the importance in reaching out to one another and uplifting one another, for seeking to become closer to God through prayer and reading the scriptures. The one point that stands out in my mind was a story of when she was a young married woman. Her mom was moving away, whom she had always lived near, and she was very downtrodden about this change. In one conversation she asked her mother, "But who's going to be my mom?" And her mother, after great contemplation, said that she would have to look to the sisters in her ward for help and comfort (not in those exact words, but that's the main idea). That was the first time I cried during the meeting. Oh, how I miss my mom and dad. After living so close to them for the 2 1/2 years we were able to, and having to move away, I realize how much I adore them. Mom is the essence of Christlike Love. She is such a great example to me of how to treat people with kindness and to be selfless of her time. She reminds me so much of my Gramma Moore, her mom, in how she makes everyone she comes in contact with feel like they are the most important person on the earth. And my dad, well our ward conference was last Sunday. That's when the tears started falling, too. The Sunday School lesson was on Missionary Work, Dad's big topic is "Every Member a Missionary" as the Stake President. So I really wished he could have been up there giving that lesson. I'm so grateful we, my family, took every advantage we could at being with my mom and dad while we were in SLO. I know I'll see them plenty, but I'm still adjusting to not being able to go over for Sunday dinner, or to always have a party with family when it's someone's birthday (we celebrated a lot of birthdays since we were able to include Brennan and Tracie and their kids (my brother and sister in law)). I'd have to say my sorrow extends to many loved ones...you all know who you are (most of you are to the right of this post)! Eventually the sadness will stop being so ever present...hopefully soon. I have a great friend here, Julie, who keeps me busy and from dwelling on the sad parts of leaving a lot of the time. And I know more friends and surrogate mom's will come eventually, I just have to be patient.
The next speaker was Sister Allred. She spoke of Temple service and worship. I rarely hear in such plain wording the beautiful things that go on inside the temple. I just kept thinking how every person who has not been to the temple, or is not a member of the church, would be able to understand more of what goes on in the temple and that there are great purposes for temples. It kind of gave me a kick in the tush to get to me go to the temple this week (Julie, I may need your help with Logan).
Sister Thompson is such a cute lady. She is a warm and fuzzy type of person. I just felt happier watching her speak. I have brain farted on what her topic was...I'm surprised I've remembered as much as I have so far. :)
The concluding speaker was President Ucktdorf. His humor is greater than I ever imagined. He spoke about how women need to stop being so hard on ourselves, that we need to lose ourselves in service. We need to be there for one another, and find someone in a worse situation than we may be in and help them...and we will find ourselves in a happier mood, too. I felt this come to fruition when the boys and I took cookies I had made to four of our neighbors. One was for the family that invited us over to dinner the day our belongings were moved into the house. One was for the family on the other side of us who share their trampoline and were at the dinner at the other neighbor's house. The third was for the neighbors across the street just newer than us who are expecting their first baby together in a week. I also let the soon to be momma know that I'll be bringing a meal over when their new baby, Blessing (will be her name), has arrived, and the look in her eyes was worth the offer.
The last plate was going to go to another neighbor we'd already met, but they weren't home. So we went to the newest neighbor right across the street and delivered the plate of goodies to them. They are also expecting their first child, she's 5 months along, and it's going to be a boy. It was so nice to talk with them for a while and get to know them a bit. I look forward to getting to know them better, for sure. The next morning I was taking mail to the mail box and there was an envelope in there already. It was from the most recently moved in neighbor thanking us...never expected that. It really does feel good to share and serve others. I can't wait to have all our "new" neighbors and friends over for an open house (if I can ever get the house in order).
All in all, this conference was much needed at this point and time in my life. I feel ready to forget myself more. I feel ready to turn to the Lord with my daily life more. I feel more inspired to read my scriptures and to try to be a happier me. I feel there may be a light at the end of the tunnel of my loneliness for "home". I am so grateful for the gospel, for the upliftment it brings into my life. I'm grateful that no matter where I end up living, the gospel will always be the same. There will always be someone around I have a lot in common with merely for the fact that our beliefs are the same. I'm grateful for modern day amenities like phones, email, blogs, video cams, and the means to have and use them. I am mostly grateful for my brother, Jesus Christ, and for his empathy of the pain and sorrow I feel and experience in my life. I know if I can turn my sorrows over to him and my Heavenly Father that I will become the best me I can be for my family, myself, and others around me I may be able to serve.
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the General Relief Society Meeting at our Stake building. I also had the privilege of helping out on the food committee for the dinner before the Meeting. Thanks to everyone's efforts on the food committee it went amazingly well. From my understanding, about 250 women were in attendance and we didn't run out of food! It all tasted soooooooo good, and it was well worth the effort from yesterday and today.
Before we had the dinner the Stake Relief Society Presidency had put together a program engulfing the story of the 10 virgins. There were beautiful musical numbers (some even from my ward), scripture readings, quotes, and thoughts about the main topics they had pulled from the story. The spirit was strong and it was a beautiful way to start the evening. After the program we ate the delicious food. I'd have to say my favorite part of the dinner was the dessert. It was beautiful white sour cream wedding cake. Very pure...white frosting and a white rose on top. That is what the majority of the time was spent working on...the amount of time it takes to frost 26 round cakes with frosting in the middle is amazing! But it was well worth the time for the beauty of them all. So elegant!
The piéce de résistance was the Conference. Oh my, how it spoke to my heart. Sister Beck spoke of the importance in reaching out to one another and uplifting one another, for seeking to become closer to God through prayer and reading the scriptures. The one point that stands out in my mind was a story of when she was a young married woman. Her mom was moving away, whom she had always lived near, and she was very downtrodden about this change. In one conversation she asked her mother, "But who's going to be my mom?" And her mother, after great contemplation, said that she would have to look to the sisters in her ward for help and comfort (not in those exact words, but that's the main idea). That was the first time I cried during the meeting. Oh, how I miss my mom and dad. After living so close to them for the 2 1/2 years we were able to, and having to move away, I realize how much I adore them. Mom is the essence of Christlike Love. She is such a great example to me of how to treat people with kindness and to be selfless of her time. She reminds me so much of my Gramma Moore, her mom, in how she makes everyone she comes in contact with feel like they are the most important person on the earth. And my dad, well our ward conference was last Sunday. That's when the tears started falling, too. The Sunday School lesson was on Missionary Work, Dad's big topic is "Every Member a Missionary" as the Stake President. So I really wished he could have been up there giving that lesson. I'm so grateful we, my family, took every advantage we could at being with my mom and dad while we were in SLO. I know I'll see them plenty, but I'm still adjusting to not being able to go over for Sunday dinner, or to always have a party with family when it's someone's birthday (we celebrated a lot of birthdays since we were able to include Brennan and Tracie and their kids (my brother and sister in law)). I'd have to say my sorrow extends to many loved ones...you all know who you are (most of you are to the right of this post)! Eventually the sadness will stop being so ever present...hopefully soon. I have a great friend here, Julie, who keeps me busy and from dwelling on the sad parts of leaving a lot of the time. And I know more friends and surrogate mom's will come eventually, I just have to be patient.
The next speaker was Sister Allred. She spoke of Temple service and worship. I rarely hear in such plain wording the beautiful things that go on inside the temple. I just kept thinking how every person who has not been to the temple, or is not a member of the church, would be able to understand more of what goes on in the temple and that there are great purposes for temples. It kind of gave me a kick in the tush to get to me go to the temple this week (Julie, I may need your help with Logan).
Sister Thompson is such a cute lady. She is a warm and fuzzy type of person. I just felt happier watching her speak. I have brain farted on what her topic was...I'm surprised I've remembered as much as I have so far. :)
The concluding speaker was President Ucktdorf. His humor is greater than I ever imagined. He spoke about how women need to stop being so hard on ourselves, that we need to lose ourselves in service. We need to be there for one another, and find someone in a worse situation than we may be in and help them...and we will find ourselves in a happier mood, too. I felt this come to fruition when the boys and I took cookies I had made to four of our neighbors. One was for the family that invited us over to dinner the day our belongings were moved into the house. One was for the family on the other side of us who share their trampoline and were at the dinner at the other neighbor's house. The third was for the neighbors across the street just newer than us who are expecting their first baby together in a week. I also let the soon to be momma know that I'll be bringing a meal over when their new baby, Blessing (will be her name), has arrived, and the look in her eyes was worth the offer.
The last plate was going to go to another neighbor we'd already met, but they weren't home. So we went to the newest neighbor right across the street and delivered the plate of goodies to them. They are also expecting their first child, she's 5 months along, and it's going to be a boy. It was so nice to talk with them for a while and get to know them a bit. I look forward to getting to know them better, for sure. The next morning I was taking mail to the mail box and there was an envelope in there already. It was from the most recently moved in neighbor thanking us...never expected that. It really does feel good to share and serve others. I can't wait to have all our "new" neighbors and friends over for an open house (if I can ever get the house in order). All in all, this conference was much needed at this point and time in my life. I feel ready to forget myself more. I feel ready to turn to the Lord with my daily life more. I feel more inspired to read my scriptures and to try to be a happier me. I feel there may be a light at the end of the tunnel of my loneliness for "home". I am so grateful for the gospel, for the upliftment it brings into my life. I'm grateful that no matter where I end up living, the gospel will always be the same. There will always be someone around I have a lot in common with merely for the fact that our beliefs are the same. I'm grateful for modern day amenities like phones, email, blogs, video cams, and the means to have and use them. I am mostly grateful for my brother, Jesus Christ, and for his empathy of the pain and sorrow I feel and experience in my life. I know if I can turn my sorrows over to him and my Heavenly Father that I will become the best me I can be for my family, myself, and others around me I may be able to serve.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A few things about me...
It's amazing what one summer can do to you! I think the stress of everything that has gone on is catching up to me. The one thing I do have to say is that stairs in a house are a very good thing for someone who is trying to get off a few pounds. I'm starting to get back down to my comfortable area in weight. It's the laundry I have to do day in and day out...the washer and dryer are downstairs and all bedrooms are upstairs. Yikes.
Also included is a picture of all the charts we've put together for the boys to remember our rules and rewards and consequences for breaking and/or keeping those rules.
The Strike is something just recently added. They get a strike when a tantrum (rolling eyes, stomping, slamming doors, mimicking, yelling back) occur when they are told to do something (or stop doing something). Once they have 3 strikes in 1 day they lose all priviledges for the rest of the day...TV, computer, playing with friends, video games, etc. It's not often that they have 3 strikes in one day, but it has happened. There are times we adjust the loss of items to longer than 1 day, depending on when the infraction occurred and how bad it was. This is something I learned from our own little town paper in a parenting advice column. It's something the Psychologist recommended doing, since it worked for him. It's helped a lot, and the boys like to see no strikes at the end of the day (as do we). With 4 boys in the house the craziness is enough to send a person over the edge. These rules help keep a bit more order to our crazy lives!
It's amazing what one summer can do to you! I think the stress of everything that has gone on is catching up to me. The one thing I do have to say is that stairs in a house are a very good thing for someone who is trying to get off a few pounds. I'm starting to get back down to my comfortable area in weight. It's the laundry I have to do day in and day out...the washer and dryer are downstairs and all bedrooms are upstairs. Yikes.Also included is a picture of all the charts we've put together for the boys to remember our rules and rewards and consequences for breaking and/or keeping those rules.
The Strike is something just recently added. They get a strike when a tantrum (rolling eyes, stomping, slamming doors, mimicking, yelling back) occur when they are told to do something (or stop doing something). Once they have 3 strikes in 1 day they lose all priviledges for the rest of the day...TV, computer, playing with friends, video games, etc. It's not often that they have 3 strikes in one day, but it has happened. There are times we adjust the loss of items to longer than 1 day, depending on when the infraction occurred and how bad it was. This is something I learned from our own little town paper in a parenting advice column. It's something the Psychologist recommended doing, since it worked for him. It's helped a lot, and the boys like to see no strikes at the end of the day (as do we). With 4 boys in the house the craziness is enough to send a person over the edge. These rules help keep a bit more order to our crazy lives!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
10 Years!
WOW! We've made it 10 years so far. After all the years of happiness, tears, joy, stress, love, and eternal bliss it feels good to say we've made it this far. I love being married to William!! I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is the only one for me!!! I look forward to the rest of our years with joyful anticipation and excitement. It's good to feel safe and secure with the one I love. Thanks babe for all the years so far and for all the years to come! I love you with every beat of my heart!
(don't miss the previous posts, there's pictures of our home)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Now we know why we moved here!
Well, we've made a very long treck and made it to Tennessee. If I never see another box I'll be the happiest woman in the world. Packing nearly killed me, or at least my back. It's so beautiful here and we're only 10 hours away from Will's family. We actually just got back last night from visiting them all in Maryland. Mom Whited is in the hospital trying to get better, but having a difficult time making it home. It sounds like our visit came just at the right time. She was supposed to go home on the 28th of August, but complications in her recovery caused a delay with no date set to go home at this point. She was feeling very down about the whole thing. I think it really helped when we surprised her the day before her birthday. She didn't know we were coming and we had the boys poke their heads into her hospital room. Her eyes grew as big as quarters. It was wonderful seeing her and all the rest of the family. I'm excited for our boys to finally get to know all their other cousins. This move came with a huge purpose...for us to be near Will's side of the family! As much as we miss my side of the family...it's worth the change.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tyler's Report
Tyler gave an oral report a couple weeks ago on Stick Bugs and I wanted to put it up on our blog since he did such a great job...and because Will is so far away he wasn't able to be here for it.
(To be added once I finally get it in the right format to fit in here)
I am so proud of him and how much he has grown in the last couple years. When we moved to California from Utah he was so shy and timid it's almost like he's a new person. He's outgoing and willing to get in front of people. He even sings during sacrament meeting performances! He used to always just stand up on the stand and not sing. It's been great to see him flourish in his confidence.
I mentioned that Will is so far away...he's in Tennessee working on TurnItUp Media, and things are going great! It looks like he's going to have a launch date within the next month and a half for the site to be full blown. We are so excited to see this business flourish. He's such an entrepreneur that it's been hard having him put so much effort into so many wonderful things and we are still waiting for one to succeed to more than we could ever imagine. It's great to see it happening after so many years of effort. I'm so proud of him, and miss him terribly! The boys have been great, but definitely miss their dad! I think we will all appreciate each other a lot more once we are reunited. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder!
We are in the last 2 weeks of school. The day school is out we are taking off for Utah to visit K.C. and Sarah, Tammy and Chad, and many other friends we haven't seen for over 2 1/2 years. We'll then travel home via Northern California and visit my Sister, Carrie, Bro-in-law, John and their four children. I'm so excited to see everyone!! I can't believe that 2 1/2 years have gone by since we moved here. Time has flown by, and we love being here!!!!
(To be added once I finally get it in the right format to fit in here)
I am so proud of him and how much he has grown in the last couple years. When we moved to California from Utah he was so shy and timid it's almost like he's a new person. He's outgoing and willing to get in front of people. He even sings during sacrament meeting performances! He used to always just stand up on the stand and not sing. It's been great to see him flourish in his confidence.
I mentioned that Will is so far away...he's in Tennessee working on TurnItUp Media, and things are going great! It looks like he's going to have a launch date within the next month and a half for the site to be full blown. We are so excited to see this business flourish. He's such an entrepreneur that it's been hard having him put so much effort into so many wonderful things and we are still waiting for one to succeed to more than we could ever imagine. It's great to see it happening after so many years of effort. I'm so proud of him, and miss him terribly! The boys have been great, but definitely miss their dad! I think we will all appreciate each other a lot more once we are reunited. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder!
We are in the last 2 weeks of school. The day school is out we are taking off for Utah to visit K.C. and Sarah, Tammy and Chad, and many other friends we haven't seen for over 2 1/2 years. We'll then travel home via Northern California and visit my Sister, Carrie, Bro-in-law, John and their four children. I'm so excited to see everyone!! I can't believe that 2 1/2 years have gone by since we moved here. Time has flown by, and we love being here!!!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Blast to the Past
Can anyone tell which one of our boys this is?
#1
How about this one?
#2
I can't believe how much they have all grown up!
Kaleb, Tyler, and Derek in the basement of our house in Utah. They have always loved playing together. One good thing about having them so close in age is how well they all play together. But, also looking back, I can see why I was going crazy so often. :) It was tiring, but so rewarding.
This is the boys at the Madonna in our first summer in San Luis Obispo. I can't believe Logan wasn't even a year old when we moved here...he's now 3 years and 2 months old. Time has flown by here. We love being here. We love having so much of our family (and miss all the other family we aren't near) so close, we've made so many wonderful friends, and we have such an awesome Ward...we are so blessed.
#1
How about this one?
#2
I can't believe how much they have all grown up!
Kaleb, Tyler, and Derek in the basement of our house in Utah. They have always loved playing together. One good thing about having them so close in age is how well they all play together. But, also looking back, I can see why I was going crazy so often. :) It was tiring, but so rewarding.
This is the boys at the Madonna in our first summer in San Luis Obispo. I can't believe Logan wasn't even a year old when we moved here...he's now 3 years and 2 months old. Time has flown by here. We love being here. We love having so much of our family (and miss all the other family we aren't near) so close, we've made so many wonderful friends, and we have such an awesome Ward...we are so blessed.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
I've got a mustache
Will and I watched this on a friend's blog page and had to add it to ours. We watched it over and over and kept laughing harder each time...we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Quote of the Day...
This one actually came from me...I was talking to my good friend, Krissy, and managed to blurt out, "I had a great day with the kids...until I got out of bed!" The delivery was excellent and when I was saying it I didn't really think of it that way.
Here's where this comment came from. I was in my room until about 11 this morning working on Primary stuff. The boys were in and out of the room, but I hadn't emerged at any point until 11. Then once I had taken care of lunch it was time to get some cleaning done...and the crap hit the fan! Holy Cow, I never realized how much my children argue with me and merely ignore anything I tell them to do. We have got to get this under control. I never would have even thought about talking to my mother the way my boys talk to me. I looked at Kaleb and said, "If I ever came even close to talking to your gramma that way grampa would have been beating me so bad!" (Side note...I never was beaten by my dad nor would he have ever beaten me, but Kaleb doesn't know that.) I would have had a stern talking to and plenty of time to think about what I had done...and I just really wasn't that kind of kid.
Here's my question...how far is too far when it comes to a child talking back? I know you are supposed to pick and choose your battles...is this one I should battle? It seems like a losing battle to me. The respect, or should I say lack of respect, is sickening to me. Not just from the boys to me, but from me to the boys. How far is too far when it comes to saying, "Because I said so," and "If you don't knock that look off your face, I'll knock it off for you." :) These boys really test the waters and push the buttons to get me going. I have been trying to let things roll off my back, but they seem to just keep pushing further and further. Dang, if I could only be a "perfect mother" (like they even exist). I was a perfect mother...until I had children. :)
I think I may have answered my own question...don't ignore it, send them to their room, calmly, and have them think about what they had done. And as soon as they came out they have to come apologize to me, or to William. I love the way my parents parented me...maybe I need to think about how they would have handled the situation more often. Don't over talk it. Don't intimidate them into being respectful (that will never work). I tend to over talk everything that happens. I think I need to re-read "Love and Logic". It's a great book, just another one I have a hard time implementing.
So, that’s what I have to say today. Thanks for letting me talk through my issues. Sometimes it’s just nice to get things out on paper so it all makes more sense. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why we’ve been told to keep a journal. Huh.
Here's where this comment came from. I was in my room until about 11 this morning working on Primary stuff. The boys were in and out of the room, but I hadn't emerged at any point until 11. Then once I had taken care of lunch it was time to get some cleaning done...and the crap hit the fan! Holy Cow, I never realized how much my children argue with me and merely ignore anything I tell them to do. We have got to get this under control. I never would have even thought about talking to my mother the way my boys talk to me. I looked at Kaleb and said, "If I ever came even close to talking to your gramma that way grampa would have been beating me so bad!" (Side note...I never was beaten by my dad nor would he have ever beaten me, but Kaleb doesn't know that.) I would have had a stern talking to and plenty of time to think about what I had done...and I just really wasn't that kind of kid.
Here's my question...how far is too far when it comes to a child talking back? I know you are supposed to pick and choose your battles...is this one I should battle? It seems like a losing battle to me. The respect, or should I say lack of respect, is sickening to me. Not just from the boys to me, but from me to the boys. How far is too far when it comes to saying, "Because I said so," and "If you don't knock that look off your face, I'll knock it off for you." :) These boys really test the waters and push the buttons to get me going. I have been trying to let things roll off my back, but they seem to just keep pushing further and further. Dang, if I could only be a "perfect mother" (like they even exist). I was a perfect mother...until I had children. :)
I think I may have answered my own question...don't ignore it, send them to their room, calmly, and have them think about what they had done. And as soon as they came out they have to come apologize to me, or to William. I love the way my parents parented me...maybe I need to think about how they would have handled the situation more often. Don't over talk it. Don't intimidate them into being respectful (that will never work). I tend to over talk everything that happens. I think I need to re-read "Love and Logic". It's a great book, just another one I have a hard time implementing.
So, that’s what I have to say today. Thanks for letting me talk through my issues. Sometimes it’s just nice to get things out on paper so it all makes more sense. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why we’ve been told to keep a journal. Huh.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Get this...
Ok, so it's been a little while since my weekend away and I'm still feeling calm inside. I really think it changed me for the long run, it was life altering. Today someone cut me off when she changed lanes, and I had no internal reaction or external reaction. It wasn't an awful cut off, but enough to make me slow down a bit. I just told myself that she must have not seen me or didn't realize how close I really was. It felt great...a huge breakthrough for me! I'm usually steaming inside and make some kind of rude remark (knowing the whole while she can't hear me and it doesn't affect her at all). My self talk is getting much better.
I've also started the "token system" than my friend Vanessa does with her kids. I've read about it before, having studied psychology, watched plenty of "Super Nanny", and read so many parenting books, but never been able to truly put it into practice. I've done it, I've implemented it and the boys love it...as long as they are earning points and not losing points. Some days are better than others...I've got to keep their interest and remind them a lot about earning a point or losing a point and what they can get for their points. I've got my posters up with what to do to get a point, or 2, and the rules and what happens when they break the rules, and how they can spend their points. I think I'll review it with them again today and remind them what it's all about and the fun things they can get for their points. I've noticed a change in myself in regards to warnings and reminders. I don't fly off the handle as easily (but there are good days and bad), and help them see how their attitude effects the points the get or lose. It's a great teaching tool. All I can say is, thank you,Vanessa, for helping me see that it really does make a difference.
The latest news in the family is that Will's mom is in the hospital. She went in for a scheduled surgery and things looked good at first...but then her kidney's shut down. That caused a lot of issues, very serious issues. Her bowels expanded like a balloon from all the excess fluid and ended up with pin hole leaks (not good at all). The doctors went in and fixed the hole they knew about, cut out some of the damaged muscles to get rid of the infection, left her open for the night and kept and eye on any more leaks. The next day they found two more leaks and took out the damaged part of her bowels (at least that's what I've gathered from it all). The doctors were surprised that she was able to make it through. The day we found out about the complications, Will got a ticket to fly out there...so he's there now (in Maryland) and says she's doing good. The whole family is there (except the boys and me). The last time that happened was before we were married and she had a stroke. Can I just tell you that I have the best Mother-in-law ever!!! She loves everyone she comes in contact with. You can't help but feel special around her. Her children are so devoted to her and love her so much they have a hard time being away from her for any amount of time. I count myself lucky to be a part of her life. I've felt loved and accepted by her from the very first day I met her (the day before our wedding). She is a very special woman and I'm glad to call her Mom!
I've also started the "token system" than my friend Vanessa does with her kids. I've read about it before, having studied psychology, watched plenty of "Super Nanny", and read so many parenting books, but never been able to truly put it into practice. I've done it, I've implemented it and the boys love it...as long as they are earning points and not losing points. Some days are better than others...I've got to keep their interest and remind them a lot about earning a point or losing a point and what they can get for their points. I've got my posters up with what to do to get a point, or 2, and the rules and what happens when they break the rules, and how they can spend their points. I think I'll review it with them again today and remind them what it's all about and the fun things they can get for their points. I've noticed a change in myself in regards to warnings and reminders. I don't fly off the handle as easily (but there are good days and bad), and help them see how their attitude effects the points the get or lose. It's a great teaching tool. All I can say is, thank you,Vanessa, for helping me see that it really does make a difference.
The latest news in the family is that Will's mom is in the hospital. She went in for a scheduled surgery and things looked good at first...but then her kidney's shut down. That caused a lot of issues, very serious issues. Her bowels expanded like a balloon from all the excess fluid and ended up with pin hole leaks (not good at all). The doctors went in and fixed the hole they knew about, cut out some of the damaged muscles to get rid of the infection, left her open for the night and kept and eye on any more leaks. The next day they found two more leaks and took out the damaged part of her bowels (at least that's what I've gathered from it all). The doctors were surprised that she was able to make it through. The day we found out about the complications, Will got a ticket to fly out there...so he's there now (in Maryland) and says she's doing good. The whole family is there (except the boys and me). The last time that happened was before we were married and she had a stroke. Can I just tell you that I have the best Mother-in-law ever!!! She loves everyone she comes in contact with. You can't help but feel special around her. Her children are so devoted to her and love her so much they have a hard time being away from her for any amount of time. I count myself lucky to be a part of her life. I've felt loved and accepted by her from the very first day I met her (the day before our wedding). She is a very special woman and I'm glad to call her Mom!
Friday, April 18, 2008
ABC's of Me
Here's the other tag I received. You can find out all about my friend Melissa on her blog (site on friend's list), since she's the one that tagged me. :) Here goes:
A. Attached or Single: Definitely happily attached!
B. Best Friend: See answer above. :) The love of my life. Then after that I have too many wonderful friends to call just one my best friend.
C. Cake or Pie: CAKE! But it has to be chocolate!
D. Day of Choice: Any with a break from Mom-hood, but I don't think that's what it's asking. I'll go for Saturday...not as much running around with pick-ups and drop-offs.
E. Essential Items: Logan's extra pair of pants and underwear, wipes to clean hands and faces, sunglasses so I'm not blinded by the sun, sunscreen is going to be an essential soon, Excedrin.
F. Favorite Color: My favorites right now are Brown and Pink together, Violet, and Red
G. Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy bears as long as Pink ones are involved.
H. Hometown: Living in it right now, San Luis Obispo. The other one I call home at times is Rexburg, Id. I lived there for a little while when a little girl, and was my favorite place while in College.
I. Favorite Indulgence: Ice Cream, as long as it's Chocolate. Full body Massages.
J. January or July: Hard to choose, I had a child born in both months, and a husband in July, and lots of other family born in both months. If I had to go by weather it would be July, as long as it's not too hot. Vacations and camping happen during July...I love vacations and camping.
K. Kids: Yes. Kaleb 8 1/2, Tyler 7, Derek 5 1/2, Logan 3. My stresses and greatest joys ever!
L. Life is not complete without...: My husband, children, family, good friends, Gospel of Jesus Christ, laughing.
M. Marriage Date: August 14, 1998
N. Number of Brothers and Sisters: 1 Sister, 2 Brothers, 6 Sister-in-laws, 2 Brother-in-laws
O. Oranges or Apples: Golden Delicious Apples, all the way.
P. Phobia or Fears: Tidal Wave (dreamt many times without knowing it was a fear), losing one of my children or husband, a bit claustrophobic.
Q. Quote: "Ask and ye shall receive, Knock and it shall be opened unto you."
R. Reasons to smile: Children, family, friends, all my blessings.
S. Superman or Wonder Woman: Since I have so many Supermen in my life, I have to be Wonder Woman...many people I meet must think I'm Wonder Woman with their comments and looks.
T. Tag four People: Krissy, Becky, Sandy, Sarah and I'm going to change it to FIVE, so the last one is Tracie (I can help you figure out how to work your blog :) ).
U. Unknown fact about me: I broke my leg when I was 16 months old and that's the only broken bone that could be caste ever in my life. I did have 3 fractures in my big toe after the horse stepped on in 2003 (and a toe nail missing, that is now gone forever).
V. Vegetable: ALL. Most unusual that I love is Baby Bok Choy.
W. Worst Habit: picking my face (blackheads, zits, bumps, scabs, whatever is available to pick)
X. X-ray or Ultrasound: Ultrasound (that means it's not as serious of an "injury" if there is one)
Y. Your favorite food: Ummmm, anything Chocolate!!!!
Z. Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
So there's some tidbits about me. I'm sure you already knew most of them...but it's always fun to see what you may not know about someone. I can't wait to read the ABC's of Becky, Krissy, Sandy, Sarah, and Tracie (just a reminder so you don't forget). Ha. Love to all of you and have a fantabulous day!
A. Attached or Single: Definitely happily attached!
B. Best Friend: See answer above. :) The love of my life. Then after that I have too many wonderful friends to call just one my best friend.
C. Cake or Pie: CAKE! But it has to be chocolate!
D. Day of Choice: Any with a break from Mom-hood, but I don't think that's what it's asking. I'll go for Saturday...not as much running around with pick-ups and drop-offs.
E. Essential Items: Logan's extra pair of pants and underwear, wipes to clean hands and faces, sunglasses so I'm not blinded by the sun, sunscreen is going to be an essential soon, Excedrin.
F. Favorite Color: My favorites right now are Brown and Pink together, Violet, and Red
G. Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy bears as long as Pink ones are involved.
H. Hometown: Living in it right now, San Luis Obispo. The other one I call home at times is Rexburg, Id. I lived there for a little while when a little girl, and was my favorite place while in College.
I. Favorite Indulgence: Ice Cream, as long as it's Chocolate. Full body Massages.
J. January or July: Hard to choose, I had a child born in both months, and a husband in July, and lots of other family born in both months. If I had to go by weather it would be July, as long as it's not too hot. Vacations and camping happen during July...I love vacations and camping.
K. Kids: Yes. Kaleb 8 1/2, Tyler 7, Derek 5 1/2, Logan 3. My stresses and greatest joys ever!
L. Life is not complete without...: My husband, children, family, good friends, Gospel of Jesus Christ, laughing.
M. Marriage Date: August 14, 1998
N. Number of Brothers and Sisters: 1 Sister, 2 Brothers, 6 Sister-in-laws, 2 Brother-in-laws
O. Oranges or Apples: Golden Delicious Apples, all the way.
P. Phobia or Fears: Tidal Wave (dreamt many times without knowing it was a fear), losing one of my children or husband, a bit claustrophobic.
Q. Quote: "Ask and ye shall receive, Knock and it shall be opened unto you."
R. Reasons to smile: Children, family, friends, all my blessings.
S. Superman or Wonder Woman: Since I have so many Supermen in my life, I have to be Wonder Woman...many people I meet must think I'm Wonder Woman with their comments and looks.
T. Tag four People: Krissy, Becky, Sandy, Sarah and I'm going to change it to FIVE, so the last one is Tracie (I can help you figure out how to work your blog :) ).
U. Unknown fact about me: I broke my leg when I was 16 months old and that's the only broken bone that could be caste ever in my life. I did have 3 fractures in my big toe after the horse stepped on in 2003 (and a toe nail missing, that is now gone forever).
V. Vegetable: ALL. Most unusual that I love is Baby Bok Choy.
W. Worst Habit: picking my face (blackheads, zits, bumps, scabs, whatever is available to pick)
X. X-ray or Ultrasound: Ultrasound (that means it's not as serious of an "injury" if there is one)
Y. Your favorite food: Ummmm, anything Chocolate!!!!
Z. Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
So there's some tidbits about me. I'm sure you already knew most of them...but it's always fun to see what you may not know about someone. I can't wait to read the ABC's of Becky, Krissy, Sandy, Sarah, and Tracie (just a reminder so you don't forget). Ha. Love to all of you and have a fantabulous day!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Time Out for Women
Mom, Tracie, Emree and I all went to "Time Out for Women" put on by Deseret Book. It was amazing! Kenneth Cope was one of the musicians. There was also a group called "Mercy River" mercyrivermusic.com/index.html and a group from Nashville that go around the world singing their tribut to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Pioneers. You can go here www.highwayrecords.com/joseph/ to check out what their group is all about. 
They all touched my soul, but I'd have to say the most impressive of course was Kenneth Cope. You can visit his Myspace here www.myspace.com/kennethcopeofficial. I even got to get one of his CD's signed and got a hug from him. It was inspiring to listen to all the music. And the speakers were motivating, comforting, funny, and touching. Mary Ellen Edmunds was there and was funnier than all get out. She is so honest and shares real life dealings and is real. I loved being able to thank her for her words and was able to get a signature from her also.Getting away was most amazing. It was so fun to be with Mom, Tracie and Emree. We were up until 2:30 am Friday night just talking and enjoying each other (Emree was asleep, thank goodness). It is cherished time I will never forget! William was awesome (and Brennan) for watching the boys and not ever calling me once while I was gone. 
I'd love to make a yearly thing out of it. It's so renewing and revitalizing. Next time we'll have to make sure ALL the women of the family can go (that's you Carrie and Sarah!) It would be great if at some point I could go out to Maryland and go with all of the women on the other side of my family!
I'd love to make a yearly thing out of it. It's so renewing and revitalizing. Next time we'll have to make sure ALL the women of the family can go (that's you Carrie and Sarah!) It would be great if at some point I could go out to Maryland and go with all of the women on the other side of my family! I feel like a new woman and ready to face things with a better attitude, to not be so hard on myself, accept my follies and just continue to improve. I learned I had forgotten about myself, especially my Spiritual Self. I need to focus on me more often and not get so caught up in life. I need to enjoy each moment and stop rushing around all the time. My "self talk" is going to continue to improve. I'm going to talk myself through moments of stress to stop and look at the other person's point of view (especially my children's). I feel happy inside. My moments of frustration are more easily replaced with calm and compassion. Let's just say that I really needed a "Time Out" and I suggest one for everyone!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I'm still here
It's been like a whole week without a post...dang, I remember a time where I was lucky to get one done a month. My eyes are getting better, still blurry, but much better. They are extremely dry, and that causes most of the blurriness. This is the reason why I haven’t done a blog, it’s so hard to look at the screen of my computer for too long. Plus last week was Spring Break and the kids were…being kids…all week. It was nice sleeping in, getting sick, and not having to worry about taking the boys places all day long. In fact I didn’t run one errand the whole week, it was great! I’m better now, after a relapse yesterday of being sick. The kids are back in school, and life is back to “normal”.
Today was actually a wonderful day! Kaleb and Tyler started Karate, and Derek is going to start next Monday. They loved it and are going to really enjoy it for at least this next month. We got a great deal for the first month…the next months are questionable, just because we have so many to put into the class…the cost really adds up. Yikes!
Here’s one of my most favorite things I’ve read most recently from Sheri Dew’s book “If life were Easy, it wouldn’t be Hard”. It’s a quote by CS Lewis: “…surely what a man does when he is taken off guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth…” Here Sheri is talking about Charity and if we are charitable we will know by our initial response to situations. And it struck me that when I am at home is when the disguise is not on. My initial response is not usually one full of charity when my children are “getting on my nerves”. This is something I can change, and the Lord has the capacity to help me. If I pray for Charity, not patience, not an ability to “deal” with what they do, but to be charitable to them, my heart will be changed. I’m so excited to understand this in such a different light. I feel there is hope in my parenting techniques. All the parenting books I’ve read have been great, but never stuck with me after I’ve read them. Maybe this is my life changing realization…I’m so stoked!
I think that will be all for now…my eyes are so dry, I need to be done. I hope you’re all doing well and you all have a great evening!
Today was actually a wonderful day! Kaleb and Tyler started Karate, and Derek is going to start next Monday. They loved it and are going to really enjoy it for at least this next month. We got a great deal for the first month…the next months are questionable, just because we have so many to put into the class…the cost really adds up. Yikes!
Here’s one of my most favorite things I’ve read most recently from Sheri Dew’s book “If life were Easy, it wouldn’t be Hard”. It’s a quote by CS Lewis: “…surely what a man does when he is taken off guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth…” Here Sheri is talking about Charity and if we are charitable we will know by our initial response to situations. And it struck me that when I am at home is when the disguise is not on. My initial response is not usually one full of charity when my children are “getting on my nerves”. This is something I can change, and the Lord has the capacity to help me. If I pray for Charity, not patience, not an ability to “deal” with what they do, but to be charitable to them, my heart will be changed. I’m so excited to understand this in such a different light. I feel there is hope in my parenting techniques. All the parenting books I’ve read have been great, but never stuck with me after I’ve read them. Maybe this is my life changing realization…I’m so stoked!
I think that will be all for now…my eyes are so dry, I need to be done. I hope you’re all doing well and you all have a great evening!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
A Few Things
I have joined the ranks of the seeing! Tuesday I went through Laser Eye Surgery...a little scary, a lot of pressure (on the eye), and amazing vision! It's so weird to take a shower, wake up, see what time it is in the middle of the night when one of the kids come into bed with us; all being able to see just fine. My eyes are very dry and I have a lot of glare still, but that will go away soon. I went to my post-op appointment yesterday and my vision was 20/20 in my right eye and 25/20 in my left...this from startin
g at worse than 2500/20 (they can't tell how bad it is after you can't see the big "E" on the chart at all) in both eyes. I am ecstatic about it! I woke up yesterday when Tyler came in and I exclaimed, "I can see you!!!" I can't wait until my sight is 100% and I can wear make-up again, but I am soooooooooo happy with what I have right now! I think I am getting a headache because my vision is so much clearer than I am used to. I'm not complaining, I think it's awesome!A subject I'd like to broach is Autism. I have a few friends that are currently learning about autism because their daughters have it. If I remember right 10 years ago it was normally boys who had autism...not so much the case anymore. One of my friends, Corinne, has known for a while about her oldest daughter having ASD, and is now concerned about her third daughter exhibiting the same signs. She has some great information on her web site about vaccinations and diet, with more information to come. You can visit http://www.ckcclan.blogspot.com/ to see what she has posted about her sweet little girls and what she has been able to find out.
Another friend some of you may know is Ashleigh Bayard. She has found out her children have very severe asthma and is learning a lot about how to help their environment become safer, not only for children with asthma but for all families with children. She's learned a lot about lead and what may contain lead, what toy companies are staying lead free, and other great information. If anyone would like to receive emails from her about her research post a comment with your email address and I'll pass it on to her. Or you could email me to let me know.
I hope you all have a wonderful day. The sun sure is helping me to feel more energized and enthusiastic. May you all find sunshine in your day!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Things that I love
Things that I love...
Long lost friends being found
A friend that can read me like a book and know exactly when I am done
Children finishing homework for the weekend
Sunny days
Parks
The smell of rain
Friends I love so much I can't stand going 3 days without talking to them
Sitting in a quiet house with my beloved children and husband sleeping (it's quiet)
The joy of serving others, especially children
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A trip to the store
Today was a pretty good day. Actually I'd say even better than pretty good! Logan slept in until 8 (luckily woke up right before we had leave to get the boys to school). We all rode our bikes (Logan was in the bike trailer) to school. The wind was blowing so my ear started to ache a bit, but was good soon after arriving home. We got ready to go to Mother's Group at the park (ok, I got ready while Logan watched "Mickey Mouse Club House" and "Little Einsteins"). It was a beautiful day at the park! 5 moms/grandmoms came and we all had a great time. Logan got to ride his bike. I told a friend a while ago that I could spend all day at a park if it were possible. The kids are off on their own and I get to sit and enjoy watching, playing, and soaking up the rays. Not many things can top that in my book when it comes to the kids.
We left the park to visit with one of the wonderful women I'm lucky enough to visit teach who has undergone Chemo and now is going through Radiation for Breast Cancer. She's been inactive, but seems to really long to come back and be part of the Gospel again. It's so fun to visit with her. I always walk away feeling much happier and appreciative of all my blessings. We were off to pick up all the boys from school at 12:20 (early out all week for P/T conferences). Came home, ate lunch, left to take Christmas lights to the church for a RS Birthday Dinner tonight, went to the store....stop...went to the store with ALL the boys! And you'll never guess what comment I got at the check stand from the cashier..."Are they all yours?" and then to top it off..."No girls, hu?" I looked at Kaleb and said, "No, he's a girl" and laughed really hard. She corrected herself and said that she meant that I didn't have any girls at home. I'm sitting here cracking up about it...I mean really...why would I be at a store with 4 BOYS if I also had a girl at home...wouldn't it make more sense to leave the boys at home, too? Here's your sign!!!!
But anyway, things actually went really well at the store, minus the occasional scream of delight or hitting someone's heals with the cart. I had Kaleb and Tyler each push a cart with Derek in one and Logan in the other. Logan kept kicking Kaleb, so I ended up pushing that one. Tyler kept running into Kaleb's heals, then once I had the cart I was constantly checking behind me to see if Tyler was about ready to hit mine. But there were no tantrums, no running around, no hitting or being mean to eachother (other than Logan whom I've begun to expect it from). It really was a pretty good trip to the store.
Upon getting home I had the boys help get the groceries into the house (yes even Logan) and I put them all away. I was able to come into the room and vegg for a little bit (even take a 1/2 hour nap which was desperately needed). When I finally woke up I helped Logan get a snack, or at least said he could have the apple he'd already bitten into. Then I started getting dinner ready. Even though I wasn't here for dinner I made my famous Chicken Enchiladas for the family. I did make sure to make enough for leftovers (just asked Will how they turned out and he said they were "good" with that amazing undertone of "FREAKIN INCREDIBLE!").
At 6:10 I left for the RS Birthday Dinner. What a great time! I was able to sit by some awesome people. Krissy made it impossible to stop laughing though. I'm sure that Lindy, who was sitting on the other side of me than Krissy, probably thinks we are crazy! I love it when I'm able to just laugh and not stop. I looked at her at the end of the meeting and said, "Could you imagine if Becky had been sitting by us? We would have been in big trouble." The laughter would have had me in tears and rolling on the floor! After the dinner was over Becky, Krissy, and I spent an hour at Starbucks drinking hot chocolate (not Becky, she just chatted) and telling all kinds of stories where bad things have happened with scary people...once we were all freaked out enough we decided to get home. :)
So now I'm home still laughing about all that when on tonight. Being with Becky and Krissy really made my night. I'd have to say that contributing to the great night was seeing all the wonderful women that I love in the ward; family, new friends, and constant friends. There's nothing like friends!
We left the park to visit with one of the wonderful women I'm lucky enough to visit teach who has undergone Chemo and now is going through Radiation for Breast Cancer. She's been inactive, but seems to really long to come back and be part of the Gospel again. It's so fun to visit with her. I always walk away feeling much happier and appreciative of all my blessings. We were off to pick up all the boys from school at 12:20 (early out all week for P/T conferences). Came home, ate lunch, left to take Christmas lights to the church for a RS Birthday Dinner tonight, went to the store....stop...went to the store with ALL the boys! And you'll never guess what comment I got at the check stand from the cashier..."Are they all yours?" and then to top it off..."No girls, hu?" I looked at Kaleb and said, "No, he's a girl" and laughed really hard. She corrected herself and said that she meant that I didn't have any girls at home. I'm sitting here cracking up about it...I mean really...why would I be at a store with 4 BOYS if I also had a girl at home...wouldn't it make more sense to leave the boys at home, too? Here's your sign!!!!
But anyway, things actually went really well at the store, minus the occasional scream of delight or hitting someone's heals with the cart. I had Kaleb and Tyler each push a cart with Derek in one and Logan in the other. Logan kept kicking Kaleb, so I ended up pushing that one. Tyler kept running into Kaleb's heals, then once I had the cart I was constantly checking behind me to see if Tyler was about ready to hit mine. But there were no tantrums, no running around, no hitting or being mean to eachother (other than Logan whom I've begun to expect it from). It really was a pretty good trip to the store.
Upon getting home I had the boys help get the groceries into the house (yes even Logan) and I put them all away. I was able to come into the room and vegg for a little bit (even take a 1/2 hour nap which was desperately needed). When I finally woke up I helped Logan get a snack, or at least said he could have the apple he'd already bitten into. Then I started getting dinner ready. Even though I wasn't here for dinner I made my famous Chicken Enchiladas for the family. I did make sure to make enough for leftovers (just asked Will how they turned out and he said they were "good" with that amazing undertone of "FREAKIN INCREDIBLE!").
At 6:10 I left for the RS Birthday Dinner. What a great time! I was able to sit by some awesome people. Krissy made it impossible to stop laughing though. I'm sure that Lindy, who was sitting on the other side of me than Krissy, probably thinks we are crazy! I love it when I'm able to just laugh and not stop. I looked at her at the end of the meeting and said, "Could you imagine if Becky had been sitting by us? We would have been in big trouble." The laughter would have had me in tears and rolling on the floor! After the dinner was over Becky, Krissy, and I spent an hour at Starbucks drinking hot chocolate (not Becky, she just chatted) and telling all kinds of stories where bad things have happened with scary people...once we were all freaked out enough we decided to get home. :)
So now I'm home still laughing about all that when on tonight. Being with Becky and Krissy really made my night. I'd have to say that contributing to the great night was seeing all the wonderful women that I love in the ward; family, new friends, and constant friends. There's nothing like friends!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I've had better days!
Oh my goodness! Today was not the best day I've ever had, not necessarily the worst, but definately not the best! I don't know exactly where it came from but Logan decided he was going to have a very grumpy day. I was running errands this morning (the only time I run errands since I only have one with me at that time) and he was not happy and let everyone around us know it. The crying and the hitting and the screaming...I'm not sure how I made it through without losing it, but I did it!! Yay me! There were a few time outs (the one in the car he chose to not make it to the bathroom to take care of business), lots of times I just ignored him and people looked at me like I was crazy. He's definately my most vocal of all the boys, and knows exactly what he wants. I can usually talk him through it, but he was not having it today. Once we were able to make it home he took a nap.
During that nap I went to all three Parent/Teacher Conferences while my wonderful friend Jenn watched the boys and had her girls here, too. What a Saint! What a life saver. She's one of those friends that you can turn to in any circumstance and she'll be there for you. I love her to pieces! The P/T's went very well. All the boys are doing great, of course have some improving here and there, but over all are doing excellent. Derek's teacher just loves having him in class, Tyler's teacher said he is the "silent leader" in his class and that all the kids look up to him, and Kaleb's teacher is impressed with his penmanship (hard for a boy in most cases) and his Social Studies and Science skills. I like to focus on the possitive with them, because then they know they are doing good and want to continue to do better. So I'll leave out the "needs to improve on" areas, for their benefit.
Ya know, thinking about Jenn and what a wonderful friend she is makes me think about all the wonderful friends I have. I count myself lucky to have such an abundance of friends. Many are here in SLO (most of these are my most recent friendships), but also so many distant friendships with so many people that I love. A lot of those friends are ones that I rarely actually talk to but when I do get to talk to them or see them it's as if no time has passed at all. I love all my friends (this includes family, since they are all my friends too!) so much! I would not be where I am today if it weren't for all the wonderful friends I have in my life. So, thank you, because if you are reading this blog, then you are one of these friends I am talking about!!!
During that nap I went to all three Parent/Teacher Conferences while my wonderful friend Jenn watched the boys and had her girls here, too. What a Saint! What a life saver. She's one of those friends that you can turn to in any circumstance and she'll be there for you. I love her to pieces! The P/T's went very well. All the boys are doing great, of course have some improving here and there, but over all are doing excellent. Derek's teacher just loves having him in class, Tyler's teacher said he is the "silent leader" in his class and that all the kids look up to him, and Kaleb's teacher is impressed with his penmanship (hard for a boy in most cases) and his Social Studies and Science skills. I like to focus on the possitive with them, because then they know they are doing good and want to continue to do better. So I'll leave out the "needs to improve on" areas, for their benefit.
Ya know, thinking about Jenn and what a wonderful friend she is makes me think about all the wonderful friends I have. I count myself lucky to have such an abundance of friends. Many are here in SLO (most of these are my most recent friendships), but also so many distant friendships with so many people that I love. A lot of those friends are ones that I rarely actually talk to but when I do get to talk to them or see them it's as if no time has passed at all. I love all my friends (this includes family, since they are all my friends too!) so much! I would not be where I am today if it weren't for all the wonderful friends I have in my life. So, thank you, because if you are reading this blog, then you are one of these friends I am talking about!!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Another good day! Woohoo!
Yes, another good day! I was able to go to Avila Barn with Logan and one other mother from the ward Mother's Group.
It was a beautiful day, until about 3 o'clock then the sun decided to stay behind the clouds the rest of the day.
The boys, Kaleb and Tyler, were out of school early today (teacher play, I mean prep day). A mother of one of Derek's friends, Lauren, and I had arranged to meet at a park right after school so she could spend some time with Mater and Derek. I also had arranged with another mother to meet at the same park an hour later for the kids to play. So we had a great time at the park for a couple hours (until the sun went away). The boys rode their bikes and played in the sand and on the swings, and all the other fun places you can play at a park. Speaking of bikes, you should see the back of the van with all their bikes loaded up. There's a 24", 20", 16", and 12" (with training wheels) bike all back there. I'm sure it's a very funny sight to everyone behind us. In fact, our friends Krissy and John pointed us out and left a note on the van one night downtown because of the bikes on the back. I thought that was pretty funny!
Another great thing that happened tonight was, get this, my Primary Presidency Meeting (at my house) was done in 2 hours!!! That's a huge leap from our 3 1/2 hour meetings. It's nice to be settling in and knowing more what to expect and what is needed.
So, now I'm off to watch "Survivor" and enjoy a little R and R. The house is clean (at least the main part of it) and the kids are asleep...time for "me" time! YAY! Good night!
It was a beautiful day, until about 3 o'clock then the sun decided to stay behind the clouds the rest of the day.
The boys, Kaleb and Tyler, were out of school early today (teacher play, I mean prep day). A mother of one of Derek's friends, Lauren, and I had arranged to meet at a park right after school so she could spend some time with Mater and Derek. I also had arranged with another mother to meet at the same park an hour later for the kids to play. So we had a great time at the park for a couple hours (until the sun went away). The boys rode their bikes and played in the sand and on the swings, and all the other fun places you can play at a park. Speaking of bikes, you should see the back of the van with all their bikes loaded up. There's a 24", 20", 16", and 12" (with training wheels) bike all back there. I'm sure it's a very funny sight to everyone behind us. In fact, our friends Krissy and John pointed us out and left a note on the van one night downtown because of the bikes on the back. I thought that was pretty funny!
Another great thing that happened tonight was, get this, my Primary Presidency Meeting (at my house) was done in 2 hours!!! That's a huge leap from our 3 1/2 hour meetings. It's nice to be settling in and knowing more what to expect and what is needed.
So, now I'm off to watch "Survivor" and enjoy a little R and R. The house is clean (at least the main part of it) and the kids are asleep...time for "me" time! YAY! Good night!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Sun, Glorious Sun, Makes for Glorious Day!
Ok, so William is out of town and I am busy trying to not pull my hair out most nights. He left Sunday and will be back Saturday (on Logan's 3rd birthday), but really had checked out of the parenting thing Saturday night because he was so busy trying to get stuff put together for his trip. He went on a business trip to New York City for TurnItUp Media. He's had great success so far, and that is all I can hope for him. He is having a bit of fun on the side, but most of it is work. He's there with our friend, and associate, Clayton. They are having a blast together. I miss him. It's so much easier to divide and conquer with the kids in the evening.
I do have to say that today was a GLORIOUS day! Logan and I went to Avila Beach and enjoyed the 60 degree weather there for a couple hours, then did a little shopping. After picking up Derek at 12:20 we came home and ate, then the boys played in the little wading pool I picked up today (it was a beautiful day and I thought it would be nice to have for all these beautiful days we will start to have more often). We picked Kaleb and Tyler up at 2:25, came back home, they played for a while. From about 3:30 until about 5 I helped each boy individually with his homework. Only one at a time, with a break in between for each of them (not for me), and it worked out great! It was so nice! Then they helped get the house picked up a bit before we headed out to Carl's Jr for dinner with Mom, Brennan, Tracie, and their 4 kids. Once home, they got into bed pretty well, good enough for me to not feel too frustrated.
It really was a great day! I don't have a lot of those, so I'm reveling in the moment, and writing it down so I can come back and read it on one of my bad days. It will help me remember there are good days that come with the bad. :)
I do have to say that today was a GLORIOUS day! Logan and I went to Avila Beach and enjoyed the 60 degree weather there for a couple hours, then did a little shopping. After picking up Derek at 12:20 we came home and ate, then the boys played in the little wading pool I picked up today (it was a beautiful day and I thought it would be nice to have for all these beautiful days we will start to have more often). We picked Kaleb and Tyler up at 2:25, came back home, they played for a while. From about 3:30 until about 5 I helped each boy individually with his homework. Only one at a time, with a break in between for each of them (not for me), and it worked out great! It was so nice! Then they helped get the house picked up a bit before we headed out to Carl's Jr for dinner with Mom, Brennan, Tracie, and their 4 kids. Once home, they got into bed pretty well, good enough for me to not feel too frustrated.
It really was a great day! I don't have a lot of those, so I'm reveling in the moment, and writing it down so I can come back and read it on one of my bad days. It will help me remember there are good days that come with the bad. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)