Have you ever spent a day running errands in an effort to be a better mom that day? I did today.
Yesterday I felt stuck at home with whiny kids and no car. It was not a fun day 'round these parts and since I stayed up really late last night and the kids woke up at 5ish, I knew I'd be a cranky mess by afternoon. So today I decided we'd run errands. I let Easton choose if he wanted to join in the errands or go to school. We were running by the thrift store, grocery shopping, and hitting IKEA. He chose errands! HURRAY! That meant I didn't have to incorporate a trip back to get him from school!
The thrift store on base leaves much to be desired and true to form, I had a list. Nothing to cross off, sadly. We met up with Ryan for an unsatisfying lunch at Taco Bell, kids chose. Oh well, it was worth it just to eat a taco while Ryan held Morgan during the entire meal! Little busy body snatching anything within reach, it's tiresome! And my poor Ryan has pulled a muscle in his lower back somehow so he's hobbling around like a real old fart. Kinda cute, actually.
Next we hit the commissary for much needed groceries. Stocking up on diapers and formula sure runs up the tally fast. Grrrr! I soooo hate bottle feeding and the thought of potty training. Let's just not go there now. Easton was trying to extort a treat out of me by mid-way through the excursion, but their antics even with intentionally-planned-full-tummies left much to be desired. Why does McKay feel the need to kick every display or lag behind so far that I have to really holler just so he can run his fastest to show me his super speed? He was so proud, I was so mortified. Boys.
On to IKEA. A mom's Mecca. Free childcare for 90 minutes. Boys ecstatic. McKay in tears that there's a short line to get in. Easton can't stand still, he's beside himself seeing hardly a soul disturbing the ball pit. Finally I sign away my kids and show my ID. The boys don't even look back to wave goodbye. Ahhh, now on to tackle my short list which by the end of 80 minutes is completely checked off! HURRAY!!! I grab the boys and become the best mom ever by getting them each a "softeis" ice cream cone before we head into traffic to pick up Ryan from work. Everyone is happy with our day as we belt out tunes with the Scripture Scouts. Did you grow up on these? (Brooks, I understand this was one of your first probing questions put to our new sister-in-law-to-be. Thanks for getting the heart of things!)
And the day just gets better. Easton desperately wants Mac'n'Cheese with hotdogs for dinner. Gotta pass it by Dad, kiddo! And dad signs off! Mac'n'Cheese it is! Everyone's happy. Everyone xcept Morgan who struggles in her new cheapo IKEA high chair for the first time trying to pinch those darn Cheerios and get them in her mouth. Brothers to the rescue! Soon she's choking. Phone rings, it's my Mom! Is it a good time to chat? Sure, I'm making dinner for the starving mongrels who are force feeding the infant. Better call ya back!
Call back I did. Loved the story about Grandma Honey stripping in the parking lot. Why not? Her shirt was on inside out and she needed to take care of it. A great day. Glad I didn't run into many people I knew since it was a baseball hat day. It seems that on my most horrid days that I end up out and about, I always run into Ryan's coworkers. Two today. On par. Small world on bases.
Tomorrow will entail more outings, but the late afternoon one will be taking the car in for routine maintenance. Hmmmm . . . I don't know if I can live up to today's greatness so I'll just have to be fully loaded with snacks. Bribery is alive and thrivin' in this household!
Thursday, May 28
Wednesday, May 27
In love . . .
Morgan's awake.
Grudgingly I decide swapping laundry loads and emptying the dishwasher again can wait, but sure wished I had more time. Laundry and dishes, however, become a fleeting thought as we spy each other through the crib slats. She's thrilled to see me! She's not mad I didn't come at her first squawk. She's ecstatic I'm here to rescue her from the confines of her crib! She stretches her body straight as a board, double chin evident, arms begin waving, sputtering gurgles and her body goes into excited convulsions. I am the most wonderful thing in her world. It's euphoric to be loved that much by such a little one! She loves me!
Picking her up, snuggling her close face to face, like Anne of Green Gables says - "drinking in" all that wonderful baby smell and smooth skin while she's nice and warm. Isn't that the best? Of course, I liked it better before the scent of formula joined us but those soft cheeks are not to be outdone! Morgan even leans in for it all, completely content to have me smothering her for a time. Inevitably, I have to nestle my nose right under her little chin to elicit a few giggles. Just now we stood at the window cheek to cheek surveying the yard and the heavy pink peony bushes for quite some time whispering sweet nothings. Heaven, pure heaven. I'm in love!
Recently Morgan even tries to give kisses. As I was putting her to bed the other night, she caught my chin and gave a few sucks before nestling her face in my shoulder. It was deliberate and oh so endearing. When tired, she begins rubbing her eyes and then goes for the full face rub into any cotton fabric she can find. When laid in her crib, she just rubs that little face into the sheet while giving a few contented kicks of the legs. Makes you want to just shiver with joy for her - who doesn't love laying in their bed when good and tired!
Every evening, Morgan needs her mommy-on-the-couch-time. She spends the majority of her waking hours during the day perfecting her inch worm and crawling maneuvers going room-to-room so at the end of the day, she's ready for a different vantage point. Right after dinner (the ordeal of my day, have I mentioned that before?), her and I will head for the couch where I lay her flat on her back next to me. Morgan begins happily babbling and gurgling and we'll sing and chat. Her favorite song is "I'm a little tea pot" I've noticed. Being on her back must feel good after a long day of tummy time. Eventually, she wants be held hanging over the edge of the couch blowing raspberries on the leather, working up quite the slobber! Also new to our repertoire is head and back rubs for this little angel although she's also now decided to be a climbing monkey.
Here she is showing off her latest skills.
She spotted the white tag of the carrier and just had to have it. This girl loves tags! I love the little grunting and happy kicks of the legs. I love babies and am always caught off guard by the depth of that feeling, sometimes a hunger that aches to be satisfied. Ugh! They grow too fast!
Grudgingly I decide swapping laundry loads and emptying the dishwasher again can wait, but sure wished I had more time. Laundry and dishes, however, become a fleeting thought as we spy each other through the crib slats. She's thrilled to see me! She's not mad I didn't come at her first squawk. She's ecstatic I'm here to rescue her from the confines of her crib! She stretches her body straight as a board, double chin evident, arms begin waving, sputtering gurgles and her body goes into excited convulsions. I am the most wonderful thing in her world. It's euphoric to be loved that much by such a little one! She loves me!
Picking her up, snuggling her close face to face, like Anne of Green Gables says - "drinking in" all that wonderful baby smell and smooth skin while she's nice and warm. Isn't that the best? Of course, I liked it better before the scent of formula joined us but those soft cheeks are not to be outdone! Morgan even leans in for it all, completely content to have me smothering her for a time. Inevitably, I have to nestle my nose right under her little chin to elicit a few giggles. Just now we stood at the window cheek to cheek surveying the yard and the heavy pink peony bushes for quite some time whispering sweet nothings. Heaven, pure heaven. I'm in love!
Recently Morgan even tries to give kisses. As I was putting her to bed the other night, she caught my chin and gave a few sucks before nestling her face in my shoulder. It was deliberate and oh so endearing. When tired, she begins rubbing her eyes and then goes for the full face rub into any cotton fabric she can find. When laid in her crib, she just rubs that little face into the sheet while giving a few contented kicks of the legs. Makes you want to just shiver with joy for her - who doesn't love laying in their bed when good and tired!
Every evening, Morgan needs her mommy-on-the-couch-time. She spends the majority of her waking hours during the day perfecting her inch worm and crawling maneuvers going room-to-room so at the end of the day, she's ready for a different vantage point. Right after dinner (the ordeal of my day, have I mentioned that before?), her and I will head for the couch where I lay her flat on her back next to me. Morgan begins happily babbling and gurgling and we'll sing and chat. Her favorite song is "I'm a little tea pot" I've noticed. Being on her back must feel good after a long day of tummy time. Eventually, she wants be held hanging over the edge of the couch blowing raspberries on the leather, working up quite the slobber! Also new to our repertoire is head and back rubs for this little angel although she's also now decided to be a climbing monkey.
Here she is showing off her latest skills.
She spotted the white tag of the carrier and just had to have it. This girl loves tags! I love the little grunting and happy kicks of the legs. I love babies and am always caught off guard by the depth of that feeling, sometimes a hunger that aches to be satisfied. Ugh! They grow too fast!
Monday, May 25
Back In My Cave?
My world is very small and simple. I really like it this way. When I venture out of my bubble into the real world, it's sometimes disheartening. I like to follow world news and be informed until I get fed up and take a break which usually lasts anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months. It works for me, but the craving to climb out of my cave always comes around. Whether it's understanding the economic crisis, politics or international turmoil; finding interesting books or audio programs to listen to; or just catching up on various aspects of American culture -- I tend to be a feast or famine sort.
I deem it one of the blessings and curses of being able to be a stay at home mom. At my little stage in the game, I really can shut the world out pretty easily which is great for me and my little ones. But I've been thinking about it a lot in terms Easton heading off to school in the fall and what Ryan has to put up with in the working world day in and day out. I know I forget to appreciate how grinding the real world is and that my greatest job in this life is create a safe haven in my home for my family so they have the strength and perspective to stay true.
Tonight I was catching up on what family and friends are up to lately - new births, trips, day in the life blogs. I wish I was better about strengthening those relationships and staying in touch. I always have a running debate in my head - blogging is great for our family record and nice for friends and family who want to see what we're up to, but it cheats me out of extending myself by making that phone call or sending that personal email. I should really be doing both better. I should really be heading to bed so I am a functioning wife and mother tomorrow. But I have a couple other thoughts to get off my chest.
I love my husband. He took me off to Prague this weekend - the post and pics are almost done. I love how he gets me out to see stuff. I love how he lets me see people and the world my way. I have always enjoyed getting to know people and can always find something to love about each person I meet and am often defensively naive, or is it naively defensive? Anyhow, Ryan sometimes gets flustered with my blinders. I know I choose to be naive, but it makes me happier to choose to see the good in people. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone gave everybody the benefit of the doubt and didn't delve into others' motives and vices? Something I've always really loved about Ryan is he's not a gossip. He appreciates my blinders for what they are, but if he feels my blinders need to be lifted ever so slightly, he's very direct, brief, and then done. I'm grateful for this in him, especially the "done" part - it's very refreshing to me because there's no dwelling in the mire, getting bogged down in judging others when we can never know another's heart or full circumstance. Love you, Ryan!
Until tonight, I've recently avoided all the turmoil surrounding a TLC family reality show I used to enjoy watching. Ryan always had a hard time watching it and I used to defend it to no end, but man it's frustrating when he's right on the money reading people! I read a little about the controversy and had to stop after about five minutes because its ramifications were just too sad to consider. Back into my cave, says I - well, as far as American culture goes since it's usually the most harsh of all. I'm still feeding a world news and literature craving. Feel free to pass along your favorite sites that feed your soul's info quest!
I deem it one of the blessings and curses of being able to be a stay at home mom. At my little stage in the game, I really can shut the world out pretty easily which is great for me and my little ones. But I've been thinking about it a lot in terms Easton heading off to school in the fall and what Ryan has to put up with in the working world day in and day out. I know I forget to appreciate how grinding the real world is and that my greatest job in this life is create a safe haven in my home for my family so they have the strength and perspective to stay true.
Tonight I was catching up on what family and friends are up to lately - new births, trips, day in the life blogs. I wish I was better about strengthening those relationships and staying in touch. I always have a running debate in my head - blogging is great for our family record and nice for friends and family who want to see what we're up to, but it cheats me out of extending myself by making that phone call or sending that personal email. I should really be doing both better. I should really be heading to bed so I am a functioning wife and mother tomorrow. But I have a couple other thoughts to get off my chest.
I love my husband. He took me off to Prague this weekend - the post and pics are almost done. I love how he gets me out to see stuff. I love how he lets me see people and the world my way. I have always enjoyed getting to know people and can always find something to love about each person I meet and am often defensively naive, or is it naively defensive? Anyhow, Ryan sometimes gets flustered with my blinders. I know I choose to be naive, but it makes me happier to choose to see the good in people. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone gave everybody the benefit of the doubt and didn't delve into others' motives and vices? Something I've always really loved about Ryan is he's not a gossip. He appreciates my blinders for what they are, but if he feels my blinders need to be lifted ever so slightly, he's very direct, brief, and then done. I'm grateful for this in him, especially the "done" part - it's very refreshing to me because there's no dwelling in the mire, getting bogged down in judging others when we can never know another's heart or full circumstance. Love you, Ryan! Until tonight, I've recently avoided all the turmoil surrounding a TLC family reality show I used to enjoy watching. Ryan always had a hard time watching it and I used to defend it to no end, but man it's frustrating when he's right on the money reading people! I read a little about the controversy and had to stop after about five minutes because its ramifications were just too sad to consider. Back into my cave, says I - well, as far as American culture goes since it's usually the most harsh of all. I'm still feeding a world news and literature craving. Feel free to pass along your favorite sites that feed your soul's info quest!
Prague
Back when Ryan was doing his MBA at George Washington, he did a two week travel study to Budapest and Prague. He has loved Prague ever since and has been excited to show it to me. We were able to leave Easton and McKay with a great family this Memorial Day weekend and Morgan had the parentals to herself.
As we drove the five hours to Prague, I was continually awed by the beauty of European countryside. Lush green forests and rolling farm fields with red roofed villages nestled here and there centered around tall church steeples. Somewhere along the scenic drives, I fell victim to maternal narcolepsy. It happens to me quite often when I am confined to a seat with nothing or no one demanding my attention. Must be hereditary, I've witnessed my mom crash too many times to count, but she had at least seven more reasons to need any rest she got! We listened to a Star Trek audiobook based on the latest movie now out which Ryan enjoyed seeing last weekend. Not a Trekie, it was fun to listen to even though I was in and out.
Once we arrived and checked in, I strapped Morgan into the BabyBjorn and off we went to explore and find good eats! Where did we eat, you ask? These are the important questions to ask because when on a vacation without children, this is one of the best parts! Am I right, or am I right?
We made our way through Old Town and across the Charles Bridge. Ryan was told of a good Mexican place by a coworker and we were hankering for a taste. Mexican? Why yes, Mexican! It's been much too long and Stuttgart has no good Mexican food. It was 10pm Friday night and it was GOOD! Fresh fixin's with tender, well seasoned meats at the Cantina. It was so good we went back for late lunch the next day!
Prague is a great walking city and boy did we take it by storm! We walked ourselves all over Prague, enjoying beautiful weather and the ability to hoof it. Aren't these mortal bodies amazing things?! We marched up hills to see castles and monasteries. We climbed up towers to overlook the city. We traipsed down vineyards and through winding streets. Prague boasts quite the mix of architecture styles often side by side - real old medieval, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau . . . made me wish I remembered more of the finer details from my BYU Intro to Design class, but we sure enjoyed taking it all in nonetheless. The main attractions as well as out of the way treasures are easy to take in on a weekend getaway and I've discovered many new favorite sights. It was a great thing to be able to stop and read at exhibits, especially the half day we spent in the Jewish Quarter.
May in Prague marks a month long music festival where almost every cathedral and church holds daily concerts and lots of performers take to the streets. For a lighter dinner that evening, we grabbed a pizza, chocolate trifle and bowl of strawberries at a little street side cafe where two violinists serenaded the crowds. Morgan munched on my paper placemat although we're working on honing her culinary tastes. Of all the performers, I think Ryan most enjoyed the marionette demonstrator who had her Pinocchio totally rockin' out! This little marionette could have competed with the best of the "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants! It was amazing! Quite the variety of talent in this old city!
We ended our adventures with a lovely dinner atop the Hotel U Prince. It overlooks the famous clock tower square. We wistfully watched the sun set slowly, glowing upon the beautiful city of Prague as we ate fresh creamy asparagus linguine, creme brulee and a chocolate torte. We also tried a couple fruity drinks which were quite delicious given our long warm day walking. Morgan was so exhausted she spent much of the meal flat on her back on a padded chair next to me babbling away playing with her feet or gnawing on a melon. Ahhh, the life of a traveling baby!
As we drove the five hours to Prague, I was continually awed by the beauty of European countryside. Lush green forests and rolling farm fields with red roofed villages nestled here and there centered around tall church steeples. Somewhere along the scenic drives, I fell victim to maternal narcolepsy. It happens to me quite often when I am confined to a seat with nothing or no one demanding my attention. Must be hereditary, I've witnessed my mom crash too many times to count, but she had at least seven more reasons to need any rest she got! We listened to a Star Trek audiobook based on the latest movie now out which Ryan enjoyed seeing last weekend. Not a Trekie, it was fun to listen to even though I was in and out.
Once we arrived and checked in, I strapped Morgan into the BabyBjorn and off we went to explore and find good eats! Where did we eat, you ask? These are the important questions to ask because when on a vacation without children, this is one of the best parts! Am I right, or am I right?
We made our way through Old Town and across the Charles Bridge. Ryan was told of a good Mexican place by a coworker and we were hankering for a taste. Mexican? Why yes, Mexican! It's been much too long and Stuttgart has no good Mexican food. It was 10pm Friday night and it was GOOD! Fresh fixin's with tender, well seasoned meats at the Cantina. It was so good we went back for late lunch the next day!
Prague is a great walking city and boy did we take it by storm! We walked ourselves all over Prague, enjoying beautiful weather and the ability to hoof it. Aren't these mortal bodies amazing things?! We marched up hills to see castles and monasteries. We climbed up towers to overlook the city. We traipsed down vineyards and through winding streets. Prague boasts quite the mix of architecture styles often side by side - real old medieval, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau . . . made me wish I remembered more of the finer details from my BYU Intro to Design class, but we sure enjoyed taking it all in nonetheless. The main attractions as well as out of the way treasures are easy to take in on a weekend getaway and I've discovered many new favorite sights. It was a great thing to be able to stop and read at exhibits, especially the half day we spent in the Jewish Quarter.
May in Prague marks a month long music festival where almost every cathedral and church holds daily concerts and lots of performers take to the streets. For a lighter dinner that evening, we grabbed a pizza, chocolate trifle and bowl of strawberries at a little street side cafe where two violinists serenaded the crowds. Morgan munched on my paper placemat although we're working on honing her culinary tastes. Of all the performers, I think Ryan most enjoyed the marionette demonstrator who had her Pinocchio totally rockin' out! This little marionette could have competed with the best of the "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants! It was amazing! Quite the variety of talent in this old city!
We ended our adventures with a lovely dinner atop the Hotel U Prince. It overlooks the famous clock tower square. We wistfully watched the sun set slowly, glowing upon the beautiful city of Prague as we ate fresh creamy asparagus linguine, creme brulee and a chocolate torte. We also tried a couple fruity drinks which were quite delicious given our long warm day walking. Morgan was so exhausted she spent much of the meal flat on her back on a padded chair next to me babbling away playing with her feet or gnawing on a melon. Ahhh, the life of a traveling baby!
Sunday, May 17
Woolly
I'm a little off my game lately. I think Ryan's tired of walking on egg shells around me and these past couple days I've just really been on edge. But then I read an old post on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. I couldn't stop laughing myself to tears! Click on it and enjoy a good laugh or maybe you'll just be wierded out.
I've heard many weird roommate stories over the years, but tonight this one took the cake. Enjoy the read and if you're new to this lady's site, you'll likely be hooked before you know it!
I've heard many weird roommate stories over the years, but tonight this one took the cake. Enjoy the read and if you're new to this lady's site, you'll likely be hooked before you know it!
Friday, May 15
"In Everything Around Me"
Sorry, this is a real long one.
It’s 10:45am on Friday. We’ve got two cute little boys here (Thomas 3, and Zachary 2) for a playdate while their mom subs at the high school. It’s a much needed relief after a week of rain and being quarantined with Easton's pink eye.
McKay is in hog heaven. He began his day the usual way – waking up before all of us around 6:15. I could see his trail. He’d taken a gander around the kitchen, finger prints now present in the bread dough I thawed overnight. He’d opened this laptop to see what he could see – note to self, put up higher to charge overnight. Then he headed to the toy room to begin his day with a proper hello to his train friends - which is where I found him. He greeted me with his daily, “Mom, it’s morning time.” I think he wants to affirm I won’t send him back to bed.
Our friends got here a little after 7am and after the toy and train room tour, they all headed to the bedroom’s top bunk to see the sights and read some books. McKay was a little unsure of sharing his precious perch but it passed quickly as long as he got to sit closest to the ladder. Morgan had just woken up and watched the show from the safety of her crib all wide eyed and amazed. Yup dear, boys are noisy!
Easton downed three bowls of Rice Krispies to the one bowl each of the others had. Morgan couldn’t quite concentrate on her bottle so her lil tummy gave her fits, thereby raising the decibel level higher than my morning ears were prepared for as we got everyone ready to walk Easton to school.
I hoisted a fussy Morgan into the BabyBjorn and we were off. (Ryan is taking me to Prague next weekend and so I’ve got to get used to hefting my gal around again.) I figured the baby carrier would be easier than the fight over who would get to sit in the stroller. I hope the neighbors didn’t mind me hollering FREEZE and GO all the way there and back every 30 seconds! With four boys all wanting to be the leader and lots of blind entry apartment garages and a street to cross together, a game was the only safe way to do it!
McKay decided to throw the mother of all running and screaming tantrums as we left the kindergarten because he thought it was his time to stay. We’re heading to a BBQ there later today so he was thoroughly confused and MAD!!! Don’t you just love disciplining your children in public? Boy I do! Right up there with having a root canal!
We got home in one piece and I had a serious case of LowBloodSugarCrankyPants. Remedied by a new favorite. I really like hot meals but I don’t really like to cook, especially first thing in the morning when hunger rules. Luckily I’d branched out yesterday and tried my hand at making these sausage, pepper, swiss and onion quiches which never made it to the oven so it was more of a scramble with lots of leftovers. I LOVE leftovers!!! I slapped some of that scramble in a warmed corn tortilla and was in HEAVEN!!! Angels may have been singing it was so good! I think we have a winner here folks! Between that and some brownie nibbles, I’m one satisfied customer!
The boys continue to play their hearts out with firetrucks, Rescue Heroes, GeoTrax trains and a smackling of Buzz and Woody wars and fighting bad guys. Life is good on this homefront while Morgan gets her much needed morning snooze. Now I’ll go tackle my laundry room and hope to get in a shower sometime before getting Easton from school, baking goodies for the school BBQ, and waiting on the repairman to arrive. Life is good, much better than yesterday at this time when I called Ryan and pleaded we trade lives for the day!
* * * * * * * * * *
You can’t make this stuff up! I thought what I wrote above was a decent real post, but the best is yet to come, in my humble opinion.
1:30pm Put movie on for boys so I can finally take that shower and hoping the repairman doesn't arrive in that interval. BBQ is at 4pm and I still need to finish chopping veggies for the pasta salad and bake cookies. Seems very doable.
3:00pm I’ve now burnt two batches of cookies and the other batch was flat. You’d think I was a first time baker, but there were just too many distractions even for my trusty watch timer! I finally got around to blow-drying hair when Easton runs frantically into the bathroom. One of the kids had unzipped one of the bean bags and teeny, static Styrofoam balls were spreading everywhere and some were even being eaten. ARGH!!! One hour left to go till the BBQ, kids to change and feed, pasta salad to finish – still got time.
4:00pm Our playmates were picked up late due to traffic and I figured I could get us out the door by 4:30 even though Morgan had woken up and was hungry. Easton is hounding me to get us out the door. Thanks buddy, take a chill pill!
Chop veggies, throw together eating kits, pack food stuffs and a few diaper bag items, change the kids – oh wait, Morgan pooped through everything. Great! Morgan’s screaming unless held, still distressed from a little too much TLC and noise with a house full today. Looks like it’s going to rain again so I grab two umbrellas on the way out – it’s just a stroll around the corner after all.
Not even twenty yards from our door it starts to pour. I hunch over with my umbrella to cover me, Morgan and the precariously food-packed stroller. I handed the other umbrella to Easton which provokes a complete meltdown from McKay who sits on the puddled curb and wails “I never get one” because he wants to hold the umbrella and have it to himself (He's been eyeing those umbrellas in the drawer waiting for a chance to use them for months now!). Morgan is screaming because she’s hungry, Easton is mad that there hadn’t been time to play his video game today and walking slow as molasses.
I decide to turn this train wreck around and head back home because we're all soaked and that does NOT make any event fun. Even though I feel like every group encounter I have with the school is something like this for me – when it rains it pours, but this time it’s LITERAL! In this moment, McKay is so mad and wanting to go to the school that he decides to bolt – straight for the busier street we have to cross to the school! Oh he is sooooo busted!!!
I plop his behind in the stroller, we’re all soaking wet still in a down pour and I’d had to move some of the food stuffs below. We make quite the racket on our way down the street, each of us furious for our own reasons. Well, I think Easton might be overjoyed actually to be returning to that blessed xBox, I don't remember having to remind him to get a move on.
We get inside, strip McKay down and get him into dry pjs. I sit him by me on the couch with Morgan who is just about to pop a vein from crazed hunger, start to feed her and try to “love” my three year old to calm us all down. In that very moment of silence, I hear MoTab sweetly serenade, “I feel my Savior’s love, in everything around me.” Laugh out loud, my genius iTunes! Not even two minutes later, all the world is right for my munchkins and once again I wonder why I ever bother venturing out my front door. Today felt like one of those quintessential mom rights of passage, only today there was a soundtrack! I don't know that the first toddler stomach flu could have had one - Anyone? I'd love to hear it! Was it sung by MoTab?
This has been a long day, but a real good day in the end. My boys had a lot of fun playing, I ate really good food, had some great laughs at my own expense, shared ‘em with my Love and a fave gal pal and will sleep well tonight! And it’s true, His love truly is in everything around me and I’m storing up for another rainy day.
It’s 10:45am on Friday. We’ve got two cute little boys here (Thomas 3, and Zachary 2) for a playdate while their mom subs at the high school. It’s a much needed relief after a week of rain and being quarantined with Easton's pink eye.
McKay is in hog heaven. He began his day the usual way – waking up before all of us around 6:15. I could see his trail. He’d taken a gander around the kitchen, finger prints now present in the bread dough I thawed overnight. He’d opened this laptop to see what he could see – note to self, put up higher to charge overnight. Then he headed to the toy room to begin his day with a proper hello to his train friends - which is where I found him. He greeted me with his daily, “Mom, it’s morning time.” I think he wants to affirm I won’t send him back to bed.
Our friends got here a little after 7am and after the toy and train room tour, they all headed to the bedroom’s top bunk to see the sights and read some books. McKay was a little unsure of sharing his precious perch but it passed quickly as long as he got to sit closest to the ladder. Morgan had just woken up and watched the show from the safety of her crib all wide eyed and amazed. Yup dear, boys are noisy!
Easton downed three bowls of Rice Krispies to the one bowl each of the others had. Morgan couldn’t quite concentrate on her bottle so her lil tummy gave her fits, thereby raising the decibel level higher than my morning ears were prepared for as we got everyone ready to walk Easton to school.
I hoisted a fussy Morgan into the BabyBjorn and we were off. (Ryan is taking me to Prague next weekend and so I’ve got to get used to hefting my gal around again.) I figured the baby carrier would be easier than the fight over who would get to sit in the stroller. I hope the neighbors didn’t mind me hollering FREEZE and GO all the way there and back every 30 seconds! With four boys all wanting to be the leader and lots of blind entry apartment garages and a street to cross together, a game was the only safe way to do it!
McKay decided to throw the mother of all running and screaming tantrums as we left the kindergarten because he thought it was his time to stay. We’re heading to a BBQ there later today so he was thoroughly confused and MAD!!! Don’t you just love disciplining your children in public? Boy I do! Right up there with having a root canal!
We got home in one piece and I had a serious case of LowBloodSugarCrankyPants. Remedied by a new favorite. I really like hot meals but I don’t really like to cook, especially first thing in the morning when hunger rules. Luckily I’d branched out yesterday and tried my hand at making these sausage, pepper, swiss and onion quiches which never made it to the oven so it was more of a scramble with lots of leftovers. I LOVE leftovers!!! I slapped some of that scramble in a warmed corn tortilla and was in HEAVEN!!! Angels may have been singing it was so good! I think we have a winner here folks! Between that and some brownie nibbles, I’m one satisfied customer!
The boys continue to play their hearts out with firetrucks, Rescue Heroes, GeoTrax trains and a smackling of Buzz and Woody wars and fighting bad guys. Life is good on this homefront while Morgan gets her much needed morning snooze. Now I’ll go tackle my laundry room and hope to get in a shower sometime before getting Easton from school, baking goodies for the school BBQ, and waiting on the repairman to arrive. Life is good, much better than yesterday at this time when I called Ryan and pleaded we trade lives for the day!
* * * * * * * * * *
You can’t make this stuff up! I thought what I wrote above was a decent real post, but the best is yet to come, in my humble opinion.
1:30pm Put movie on for boys so I can finally take that shower and hoping the repairman doesn't arrive in that interval. BBQ is at 4pm and I still need to finish chopping veggies for the pasta salad and bake cookies. Seems very doable.
3:00pm I’ve now burnt two batches of cookies and the other batch was flat. You’d think I was a first time baker, but there were just too many distractions even for my trusty watch timer! I finally got around to blow-drying hair when Easton runs frantically into the bathroom. One of the kids had unzipped one of the bean bags and teeny, static Styrofoam balls were spreading everywhere and some were even being eaten. ARGH!!! One hour left to go till the BBQ, kids to change and feed, pasta salad to finish – still got time.
4:00pm Our playmates were picked up late due to traffic and I figured I could get us out the door by 4:30 even though Morgan had woken up and was hungry. Easton is hounding me to get us out the door. Thanks buddy, take a chill pill!
Chop veggies, throw together eating kits, pack food stuffs and a few diaper bag items, change the kids – oh wait, Morgan pooped through everything. Great! Morgan’s screaming unless held, still distressed from a little too much TLC and noise with a house full today. Looks like it’s going to rain again so I grab two umbrellas on the way out – it’s just a stroll around the corner after all.
Not even twenty yards from our door it starts to pour. I hunch over with my umbrella to cover me, Morgan and the precariously food-packed stroller. I handed the other umbrella to Easton which provokes a complete meltdown from McKay who sits on the puddled curb and wails “I never get one” because he wants to hold the umbrella and have it to himself (He's been eyeing those umbrellas in the drawer waiting for a chance to use them for months now!). Morgan is screaming because she’s hungry, Easton is mad that there hadn’t been time to play his video game today and walking slow as molasses.
I decide to turn this train wreck around and head back home because we're all soaked and that does NOT make any event fun. Even though I feel like every group encounter I have with the school is something like this for me – when it rains it pours, but this time it’s LITERAL! In this moment, McKay is so mad and wanting to go to the school that he decides to bolt – straight for the busier street we have to cross to the school! Oh he is sooooo busted!!!
I plop his behind in the stroller, we’re all soaking wet still in a down pour and I’d had to move some of the food stuffs below. We make quite the racket on our way down the street, each of us furious for our own reasons. Well, I think Easton might be overjoyed actually to be returning to that blessed xBox, I don't remember having to remind him to get a move on.
We get inside, strip McKay down and get him into dry pjs. I sit him by me on the couch with Morgan who is just about to pop a vein from crazed hunger, start to feed her and try to “love” my three year old to calm us all down. In that very moment of silence, I hear MoTab sweetly serenade, “I feel my Savior’s love, in everything around me.” Laugh out loud, my genius iTunes! Not even two minutes later, all the world is right for my munchkins and once again I wonder why I ever bother venturing out my front door. Today felt like one of those quintessential mom rights of passage, only today there was a soundtrack! I don't know that the first toddler stomach flu could have had one - Anyone? I'd love to hear it! Was it sung by MoTab?
This has been a long day, but a real good day in the end. My boys had a lot of fun playing, I ate really good food, had some great laughs at my own expense, shared ‘em with my Love and a fave gal pal and will sleep well tonight! And it’s true, His love truly is in everything around me and I’m storing up for another rainy day.
Tuesday, May 12
What's for dinner?
No, I promise it's not this. This is that butter with cinnamon toast topping "shammich" McKay so proudly made himself last week. So gross and yet so cute. He was so sad I wouldn't let him eat it, he loved it's aroma so much!
You gotta love when your hubby calls home and asks what's for dinner. (Groan!) But then, hold your breath and praise the heavens! He just wants enchilada leftovers! YAHOOOO!!! Jump for joy . . . or just grin on the cozy couch. Ahh, that slaving away paid off yesterday! I love my man!
Neither one of us wants to go grocery shopping. Tomorrow we pick up the van being gifted to us and will be once again, a two car family. No excuses any more on the dinner question. But I've got my list from yesterday of possibilities - chicken satay, french dips, taco bake, chili and corn bread, fajitas, chicken tarragon, lasagna . . . and so on. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be up for gettin' down to business!
Today has dragged on. We were up late and we've got this ugly blah indecisive weather that makes you want to just cozy up for movies and junk food all day long. But then the dishes, kids, and laundry still need tending to and so I vacillate between being grateful for being able to be home having a blah day and feeling stir crazy with kids climbing the walls. Until McKay comes up out of the blue and says, "Mom, I love you" while Morgan finds a thank you note needing to be mailed and I notice she's eaten half the envelope. But she's one happy lil' muncher! Here's last week's diet de dirt and fresh greens courtesy of her inquisitive brothers who knocked the sprout off it's sunny window ledge . . .
Monday, May 11
Monday rambles
Ryan bought a scale on Saturday. I have a personal dislike of scales and don’t care to own one - ever. Having one around makes me want to use it and why disrupt my blissful oblivion when I know full well what clothes do and don’t fit. That's my true gauge. Why ask for a heartless second opinion that puts a quantifiable number to the state of things? Besides, weight fluctuates five or so pounds a day and we all know when the “good” time to weight ourselves is. It’s just a ritual of self-deception and/or realism I’m just not up for on a regular basis. 'Nough said!
I did partake in the family activity of stepping on the scale. Mostly because I could pretty much guess where I was after losing a bit of weight from my UC flare. Ryan’s been running again and hopes to run the Berlin marathon in September. As we've sorta watched "Biggest Loser" (I think it's actually a previous season), you see how men are able to drop numbers - why is that?! The boys love any gadget so it was fun for all. Ryan then took the boys on down to the neighborhood park while I got a bit of uninterrupted cleanup done. They brought back fists of little yellow field flowers that I like to call buttercups – maybe I should google them. But then if I was wrong I’d be sad and still want to call them buttercups. Just minutes later as the boys enjoyed a bath, we got a kick out of watching Morgan press her face against the window watching her first rain/hail storm. The boys loved the thunder and lightning.
Today I have spent the day browsing recipes I’d like to try. I haven’t been very good at cooking regular meals lately, I never am when I get sick. Now that I'm on the mend, my appetite and energy is back so watch out! Because Ryan left me with a clean kitchen last night, we had a very laid back day. The boys have watched a movie, played off and on with the play-doh, set up a few train sets to play, tortured and played with Morgan. Easton came down with pink eye on Friday so we’re quarantined. (Actually a nice Mother’s Day gift to go to church with just one child and leave Ryan home with the baby and sick kid!)
Today I can’t seem to stay away from the outrageous brownies Ryan made me Saturday night. These babies are best after a thorough resting, not eaten right out of the oven. They are restaurant dessert quality, not the cakey box mix type!!! I’ve tried to be good today by just taking a fork sliver now and then, putting them back up high, but they just keep beckoning and since they were made for me out of love I just want to be sure they are fully appreciated! Yeah, uh, that’s it! ohhh, sweet chocolatey goodness in my mouth! More please! And pass the ice cold milk!
Morgan is mobile. She’s been scooting around and later last week began her treks from room to room. She’s been up for over and hour now and I hadn’t heard her for little bit. A quick glance in the other room confirmed my horror. The bathroom door was open. Ewwwww! There she was on the floor between the garbage can and the Euopean tankless toilet. She was perfectly content with a wad of toilet paper in her happy little hands, shredding it to pieces. Bath time, lots of soap and warm water. Ewwwww! Back to the floor to play until it’s naptime.
Ten minutes later after her tour de living room is complete, she starts to fuss and whine. I look over to see her with her head on her hands rubbing her little face. Nap time! I scoop her up and take her to look out the window while holding her so close so I can kiss and inhale her clean baby soap smell. She settles in, content to be practically eaten by me. Ahhh babies are delicious!!! Well, when they aren’t devouring toilet paper in the bathroom that luckily I’d cleaned real good on Friday.
And now she’s down and enchiladas are on the menu. Payback to my wonderful man for the fabulous pizza he made me for Mother’s Day and reason to use that avocado who has also been calling my name! Back to the pizza introduced by my brother Chris into our culinary repertoire. Hand made crust baked on a heated corn meal stone, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, romano, feta, fresh parmesan, red and green peppers, carmelized onions, roasted garlic . . . be still my soul! And Ryan did ALL the cleanup!!! I love my man! All this good food – that scale sure won’t be seeing the likes of me anytime soon!
I did partake in the family activity of stepping on the scale. Mostly because I could pretty much guess where I was after losing a bit of weight from my UC flare. Ryan’s been running again and hopes to run the Berlin marathon in September. As we've sorta watched "Biggest Loser" (I think it's actually a previous season), you see how men are able to drop numbers - why is that?! The boys love any gadget so it was fun for all. Ryan then took the boys on down to the neighborhood park while I got a bit of uninterrupted cleanup done. They brought back fists of little yellow field flowers that I like to call buttercups – maybe I should google them. But then if I was wrong I’d be sad and still want to call them buttercups. Just minutes later as the boys enjoyed a bath, we got a kick out of watching Morgan press her face against the window watching her first rain/hail storm. The boys loved the thunder and lightning.
Today I have spent the day browsing recipes I’d like to try. I haven’t been very good at cooking regular meals lately, I never am when I get sick. Now that I'm on the mend, my appetite and energy is back so watch out! Because Ryan left me with a clean kitchen last night, we had a very laid back day. The boys have watched a movie, played off and on with the play-doh, set up a few train sets to play, tortured and played with Morgan. Easton came down with pink eye on Friday so we’re quarantined. (Actually a nice Mother’s Day gift to go to church with just one child and leave Ryan home with the baby and sick kid!) Today I can’t seem to stay away from the outrageous brownies Ryan made me Saturday night. These babies are best after a thorough resting, not eaten right out of the oven. They are restaurant dessert quality, not the cakey box mix type!!! I’ve tried to be good today by just taking a fork sliver now and then, putting them back up high, but they just keep beckoning and since they were made for me out of love I just want to be sure they are fully appreciated! Yeah, uh, that’s it! ohhh, sweet chocolatey goodness in my mouth! More please! And pass the ice cold milk!
Morgan is mobile. She’s been scooting around and later last week began her treks from room to room. She’s been up for over and hour now and I hadn’t heard her for little bit. A quick glance in the other room confirmed my horror. The bathroom door was open. Ewwwww! There she was on the floor between the garbage can and the Euopean tankless toilet. She was perfectly content with a wad of toilet paper in her happy little hands, shredding it to pieces. Bath time, lots of soap and warm water. Ewwwww! Back to the floor to play until it’s naptime. Ten minutes later after her tour de living room is complete, she starts to fuss and whine. I look over to see her with her head on her hands rubbing her little face. Nap time! I scoop her up and take her to look out the window while holding her so close so I can kiss and inhale her clean baby soap smell. She settles in, content to be practically eaten by me. Ahhh babies are delicious!!! Well, when they aren’t devouring toilet paper in the bathroom that luckily I’d cleaned real good on Friday.
And now she’s down and enchiladas are on the menu. Payback to my wonderful man for the fabulous pizza he made me for Mother’s Day and reason to use that avocado who has also been calling my name! Back to the pizza introduced by my brother Chris into our culinary repertoire. Hand made crust baked on a heated corn meal stone, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, romano, feta, fresh parmesan, red and green peppers, carmelized onions, roasted garlic . . . be still my soul! And Ryan did ALL the cleanup!!! I love my man! All this good food – that scale sure won’t be seeing the likes of me anytime soon!
Saturday, May 9
Gather 'round . . .
Mother's Day - a time to reflect with profound gratitude and move forward with renewed purpose. I love how anticipating Mother's Day makes me think of all the things my mom has done for me and my siblings over the years. It overwhelms and inspires me. I love being reminded of the divine stewardship the Lord has entrusted in lil' ol' me. It too overwhelms and inpires me. Mother's Day fills me with awe for women throughout time and the sacrifices they make for their families, supporting their husbands and caring for members of the human race young and old. Motherhood is the hardest, most humbling, refining, most sublime mortal experience in my opinion and I am proud to be a part of this noble sorority. I have been and continue to be so blessed by the women in my life who have nurtured me and helped me cherish the role of mother. Thank you, all of you!!!
I often wish I could turn back the clock and redo many a Mother's Day for my mom. I think I always figured next year I could be there and make a better go of it. Breakfasts in bed, iron all the kids' clothes for church without being asked, engage my siblings in more quiet undestructive games so she could have the day off for real, help make dinner, cleanup, find the perfect way or gift to express my appreciation . . . my mom sure deserved it for birthing, raising and putting up with all our antics! As my mom's first and being born on her birthday, I've always had at least in the back of my mind, the thought that mothers should be honored on each of their kids' birthdays. They're the ones who have done the work worth celebrating another year!
I think my favorite birthday shared with my mom to date was when I was a young teenager and we were able to go to Portland and just shop care-free for a few days. Since our birthday falls right after Christmas, there were fun sales to be had and the best moment was when my mom found a pantsuit she loved. She rarely bought clothes for herself that brought a twinkle to her eye. Now having had a kid or two, I understand the euphoria of finding any clothing item fitting the way you like it! Away from the clamor of all our family, we were just girlfriends out shopping and I felt sure that she deserved that trip more than I ever did!
For Mother's Day, a standard gift for mom was her favorite Almond Roca. A couple months ago I spotted that sacred of all pink canisters at the PX and grabbed one without even thinking. I think I gobbled it up in a week, pretty much all by myself! As kids, most of us stayed away from mom's Roca because we didn't like the outer nuts. I thought that was probably why it was her favorite. Everyone knows mom's really don't have much they can call their own afterall. However, as the years have gone by, many of my mom's favorites have become my own. Almond Roca being no exception. Eating it reminds me of her and makes me happy, without fail! However, McKay has no aversion to nuts and often catches me in the act so he usually gets a bite. Usually.
I'm looking forward to the seasons of motherhood yet to come. As a teenager caring for my infant brothers or sisters, I loved playing mommy. But the time would always come when they'd had enough of me and just wanted mom. I wondered why my care wasn't enough then and hoped I would be blessed with a future family to experience being "the one" a baby wants above all others. It's been one of my favorite things about having each of my kids. The look on their face when they see me and that instant grin of recognition and love. Better yet, they don't even care what state of personal grooming I'm in! Now that's love!
For now, I am loving the stage I'm in. I know it is fleeting. I know great things and challenges are ahead. And I often feel compelled to soak up the experiences of others in stages ahead of me so I can be better prepared for what's ahead for my husband, children, siblings, parents and those around me. From those who have gone before me, I know that the mothering role to nurture simply isn't limited to the children you birth. I thank my Father in Heaven for this gift and opportunity to learn and grow into the mother He knows I can become. He's invested more in me than I'll ever know and has a stake in my success. I'm not alone and what comfort and peace that gives me.
Happy Mother's Day!
I often wish I could turn back the clock and redo many a Mother's Day for my mom. I think I always figured next year I could be there and make a better go of it. Breakfasts in bed, iron all the kids' clothes for church without being asked, engage my siblings in more quiet undestructive games so she could have the day off for real, help make dinner, cleanup, find the perfect way or gift to express my appreciation . . . my mom sure deserved it for birthing, raising and putting up with all our antics! As my mom's first and being born on her birthday, I've always had at least in the back of my mind, the thought that mothers should be honored on each of their kids' birthdays. They're the ones who have done the work worth celebrating another year!
I think my favorite birthday shared with my mom to date was when I was a young teenager and we were able to go to Portland and just shop care-free for a few days. Since our birthday falls right after Christmas, there were fun sales to be had and the best moment was when my mom found a pantsuit she loved. She rarely bought clothes for herself that brought a twinkle to her eye. Now having had a kid or two, I understand the euphoria of finding any clothing item fitting the way you like it! Away from the clamor of all our family, we were just girlfriends out shopping and I felt sure that she deserved that trip more than I ever did!
For Mother's Day, a standard gift for mom was her favorite Almond Roca. A couple months ago I spotted that sacred of all pink canisters at the PX and grabbed one without even thinking. I think I gobbled it up in a week, pretty much all by myself! As kids, most of us stayed away from mom's Roca because we didn't like the outer nuts. I thought that was probably why it was her favorite. Everyone knows mom's really don't have much they can call their own afterall. However, as the years have gone by, many of my mom's favorites have become my own. Almond Roca being no exception. Eating it reminds me of her and makes me happy, without fail! However, McKay has no aversion to nuts and often catches me in the act so he usually gets a bite. Usually.
I'm looking forward to the seasons of motherhood yet to come. As a teenager caring for my infant brothers or sisters, I loved playing mommy. But the time would always come when they'd had enough of me and just wanted mom. I wondered why my care wasn't enough then and hoped I would be blessed with a future family to experience being "the one" a baby wants above all others. It's been one of my favorite things about having each of my kids. The look on their face when they see me and that instant grin of recognition and love. Better yet, they don't even care what state of personal grooming I'm in! Now that's love!
For now, I am loving the stage I'm in. I know it is fleeting. I know great things and challenges are ahead. And I often feel compelled to soak up the experiences of others in stages ahead of me so I can be better prepared for what's ahead for my husband, children, siblings, parents and those around me. From those who have gone before me, I know that the mothering role to nurture simply isn't limited to the children you birth. I thank my Father in Heaven for this gift and opportunity to learn and grow into the mother He knows I can become. He's invested more in me than I'll ever know and has a stake in my success. I'm not alone and what comfort and peace that gives me.
Happy Mother's Day!
Thursday, May 7
Eight things . . .
My cute pregnant friend, Samantha of Compound Eye of a Dragon Fly, tagged me and I love these lists for some reason. They're like bite-size journal entries. Even better, there were only four questions! Totally doable, right? And yet, my tag reply post was interrupted, which is rather common in my current stage of life, so rather than update the tag with today's goings on I'm using yesterday's.
Here's how to do this 8 THINGS thing:
Mention the person who tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's.
Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends.
8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO:
My doctor calling back with a good prescription
Outings with my family w/o being sick
Finding yummy chicken curry or pad thai recipes - anyone???
Morgan sleeping through the night – HEAVEN HELP ME!
Cute shoes arriving via mail!
The sand in our grass receding away
Finding Velcro shoes McKay can put on by himself
Going to the temple again
8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY
Packed up the family at 7:30 to drive Ryan to work
Drove our minivan for the first time
Showed up for cancelled visiting teaching and had a blast chatting with Emily anyways (THANKS!!!)
Took the boys for haircuts and to find a birthday party gift. Only the haircuts happened, don't ask.
Let the boys get gelato - bribery alive and flourishing as a parenting tactic for this mom.
Felt exasperated not being able to talk to my doctor!
Finally saw “Twilight” movie
Laughed at my own joke to myself about Ryan being on a “Man Date” with guys from work
8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:
Keep a spotless house and enjoy the process
Better pre-school my kids
Show all my family how often I think of them and love them
Be more handy around the house
Have a green thumb
Feel like cooking dinner every night
Follow more promptings to extend myself
Not have ulcerative colitis
8 SHOWS I WATCH(ed before only having 8 channels):
Jon & Kate + 8
Amazing Race
Survivor
The Office
Chuck
Pushing Up Daisies
Phineas & Ferb
I can’t even think of 8?!
8 BLOGGERS I TAG:
Amy
Lorry
Dayli
Lauren
Carol
Emily
Heidi
Tracy
By the way -- all is good on the health front. Doctor contacted and issue is being worked on. No problemo, folks! This post is coming to you while Morgan and McKay nap and Easton attends his first German birthday party. He's very excited to eat cake! I hope that's part of the party plan! Before the party today he "rested." This means he just wandered around the house playing with this or that. Lately he'll tell me or McKay that he had a long day at school or he's tired because he worked really hard making friends. Cracks me up! I do know it's taxing on his little bod being surrounded by all these German speaking kids and trying to communicate. I'm very proud of him!
As for the party, a beautiful little girl turning four in his class asked him to her birthday party. He didn't even know who she was. I told him it was the girl he was playing with that day. When I had picked him up from school and the teacher translated the invitation for me, I watched him for a little bit in the playground. He climbed under a big plastic covering as if he were climbing under a rock. This cute little girl, Madeleine, was just following him around doing everything he did. When he climbed under the cover, she lifted it and he climbed out. He didn't even look at her the whole time I watched them. It was as if she wasn't even there to him. He was completely oblivious to her existence!!! I ran into her mom on our way out and she asked if Easton wanted to come to Madeleine's birthday party. She said Madeleine talks about him all the time. I'm still laughing - can you tell?! If this little story foreshadows the future, I'm totally fine with that!
Here's how to do this 8 THINGS thing:
Mention the person who tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's.
Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends.
8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO:
My doctor calling back with a good prescription
Outings with my family w/o being sick
Finding yummy chicken curry or pad thai recipes - anyone???
Morgan sleeping through the night – HEAVEN HELP ME!
Cute shoes arriving via mail!
The sand in our grass receding away
Finding Velcro shoes McKay can put on by himself
Going to the temple again
8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY
Packed up the family at 7:30 to drive Ryan to work
Drove our minivan for the first time
Showed up for cancelled visiting teaching and had a blast chatting with Emily anyways (THANKS!!!)
Took the boys for haircuts and to find a birthday party gift. Only the haircuts happened, don't ask.
Let the boys get gelato - bribery alive and flourishing as a parenting tactic for this mom.
Felt exasperated not being able to talk to my doctor!
Finally saw “Twilight” movie
Laughed at my own joke to myself about Ryan being on a “Man Date” with guys from work
8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:
Keep a spotless house and enjoy the process
Better pre-school my kids
Show all my family how often I think of them and love them
Be more handy around the house
Have a green thumb
Feel like cooking dinner every night
Follow more promptings to extend myself
Not have ulcerative colitis
8 SHOWS I WATCH(ed before only having 8 channels):
Jon & Kate + 8
Amazing Race
Survivor
The Office
Chuck
Pushing Up Daisies
Phineas & Ferb
I can’t even think of 8?!
8 BLOGGERS I TAG:
Amy
Lorry
Dayli
Lauren
Carol
Emily
Heidi
Tracy
By the way -- all is good on the health front. Doctor contacted and issue is being worked on. No problemo, folks! This post is coming to you while Morgan and McKay nap and Easton attends his first German birthday party. He's very excited to eat cake! I hope that's part of the party plan! Before the party today he "rested." This means he just wandered around the house playing with this or that. Lately he'll tell me or McKay that he had a long day at school or he's tired because he worked really hard making friends. Cracks me up! I do know it's taxing on his little bod being surrounded by all these German speaking kids and trying to communicate. I'm very proud of him!
As for the party, a beautiful little girl turning four in his class asked him to her birthday party. He didn't even know who she was. I told him it was the girl he was playing with that day. When I had picked him up from school and the teacher translated the invitation for me, I watched him for a little bit in the playground. He climbed under a big plastic covering as if he were climbing under a rock. This cute little girl, Madeleine, was just following him around doing everything he did. When he climbed under the cover, she lifted it and he climbed out. He didn't even look at her the whole time I watched them. It was as if she wasn't even there to him. He was completely oblivious to her existence!!! I ran into her mom on our way out and she asked if Easton wanted to come to Madeleine's birthday party. She said Madeleine talks about him all the time. I'm still laughing - can you tell?! If this little story foreshadows the future, I'm totally fine with that!
Sunday, May 3
Restful Sabbath
With Sunday intended to be our day of rest, I'd love to see a show of hands from the ladies in the room who can attest to this being a true statement in their lives. No hands, eh? Huh. Who'd a thunk. Here's my snapshot of today and I must admit it really hasn't been a doozy for which I am very grateful!
0400 Yes, that reads FOUR A.M. !!! Baby gurgling happily in her crib. Again. Which means not only is she waking up to eat, but she has decided it's morning and will want to play afterwards rather than slink back into blissful, full tummy slumber. Argh!!! After her bottle, I let her play on the playroom rug with some toys while I "napped" on the couch intermittently. Now-a-days, Morgan is scooting around to her heart's content and has crawled a few times even. I sure love that lil' body getting up in the crawl position and rockin' to her "music on the inside"! She finally went back to bed a little after 6, to which I overslept until 7 so I wouldn't be a complete bear today with church at 9. I still wish I could reverse me and Ryan's selective slumber hearing so only he heard her waking in the wee hours.
0830 Family of five out the door dressed in Sunday best and miraculously, no one is screaming!
0930 Morgan has exhausted me of my bag o' tricks in sacrament meeting - bottle, toys, tummy time, holding her up against the pew so she can smile and coo at everyone behind us. We are quickly approaching those months in church where you begin to count down when they'll be 18 months and can go to nursery! She'll be very mobile soon and luckily that will coincide with the premiere distraction in the mommy arsenal at church -- finger snacks.
0940 Morgan and I standing at the back of the chapel doing the baby sway. McKay kept joining us uninvited and with his thumb in mouth joined the baby sway.
1015 Hand Morgan off to a dear kindred soul who wants to entertain a cranky baby during Sunday School so I can go to Primary and Ryan can teach his Gospel Doctrine class.
10:20 Find and chase Easton and McKay in cultural hall/gym to escort them to class.
1100 Apprehension. Two boys heading into what has become my perfectly small primary class of attentive young ladies who ask thoughtful questions and enjoy engaging in gospel discussions. The primary president saying, "Would you mind having (boy #1) in your class today? Don't allow him to sit next to (boy #2) under any circumstance! If they give you any problems, just send one of the girls to get me immediately!" Boy #2 apparently only comes once a month because of family things. It wasn't too bad, but heavens blessings be upon grade school teachers of this age group! Love 'em all, but putting boys and girls together at this age is just asking for ostentatious displays of young machismo and feminine cheekiness to ensue before they're even in their seats!
1135 I had to giggle when Boy #2 called out Boy #1 for "letting a girl teach" him the answers to our scripture chase. Having been introduced already to boy #2 and knowing he is home schooled by his fine mother, I just turned to him quietly and said, "Hmmm, aren't you taught by a girl every day since your mom is your school teacher?" A moment's pause and he countered, "She's not a girl, she's a mom."
1500 A bit of Sabbath slumber interrupted by a certain blue eyed baby. After a tired groan, said baby was smothered with kisses and fed. Read my lesson for next week while boys began watching Swiss Family Robinson because I'm in a classic Disney mood. Wish I had Disney's "Toby Tyler" because every kid wants to run away to the circus, have a chimp named Mr. Stubs become their best bud, and befriend a cute girl who does tricks on trotting ponies!
1600 "Mom, I made it!" exclaimed McKay (3). Hmmm, do I want to know what "it" is? I know he's in the kitchen and he's hungry. I get up from playing with Morgan and he says, "Mom, will you cut it? My shammich." I'm curious because I know he can't get the peanut butter down by himself. Hmmm. He had indeed made a sandwich and was very proud. I think Ryan had left two pieces of toast in the toaster which McKay had used. Then he had slathered on about a half inch of butter, on each piece of toast, and poured the contents of the cinnamon/sugar shaker on top of the butter layers. Creative, but made my stomach turn! And butter and I are quite tight buds.
I started coming up with alternative snacks to which McKay held his "shammich" plate up to his cheek and said, "But I want it" as if he were longingly asking for and cuddling a cute puppy. Ah he cracks me up!
What did not crack me up was all the dishes waiting to be done from last night's yummy dinner and cookies Ryan had made. And if you've seen Ryan cook, you know he doesn't skimp on using as many bowls and pots as he can. After dinner we did baths, Sunday clothes/bag prep, and final lesson preps instead of kitchen cleanup which sadly isn't uncommon for a Saturday around here. So it is that on Sunday, it's a rare occurrence for me to fix elaborate meals unless we're entertaining - partly because of the mess, partly because Sunday is my "day of rest." For some reason, avoiding kitchen cleanup on Sundays constitutes my "day of rest". I do groan on Mondays having to tackle this big chore, but somehow taking a day off from this one thing is all that's in my arsenal. I mean, I can't very well take a day off from changing diapers or feeding little ones could I. But remove those two items and cleaning house (and meeting all Morgan's needs at whatever hour), and you have my perfect Mother's Day! (Hint, hint Ryan - hahaha) Oh, well if I'm making my wish list I guess I can't forget to include a request for a spa treatment gift certificate. This post didn't begin as a wish list for next Sunday, but it sure has come in handy! (I hope!)
1840 Boys have now had crackers and cheese, applesauce and chips with dip for "dinner." Good thing Ryan made them a good lunch after church so I don't feel guilty! Morgan is rolling around tearing up a promotional pamphlet from a video game because she loves that crackling paper! Now, what will I eat for dinner? Leftovers again? Perhaps. Heaven forbid I lift a finger and derail this day of rest!
0400 Yes, that reads FOUR A.M. !!! Baby gurgling happily in her crib. Again. Which means not only is she waking up to eat, but she has decided it's morning and will want to play afterwards rather than slink back into blissful, full tummy slumber. Argh!!! After her bottle, I let her play on the playroom rug with some toys while I "napped" on the couch intermittently. Now-a-days, Morgan is scooting around to her heart's content and has crawled a few times even. I sure love that lil' body getting up in the crawl position and rockin' to her "music on the inside"! She finally went back to bed a little after 6, to which I overslept until 7 so I wouldn't be a complete bear today with church at 9. I still wish I could reverse me and Ryan's selective slumber hearing so only he heard her waking in the wee hours.
0830 Family of five out the door dressed in Sunday best and miraculously, no one is screaming!
0930 Morgan has exhausted me of my bag o' tricks in sacrament meeting - bottle, toys, tummy time, holding her up against the pew so she can smile and coo at everyone behind us. We are quickly approaching those months in church where you begin to count down when they'll be 18 months and can go to nursery! She'll be very mobile soon and luckily that will coincide with the premiere distraction in the mommy arsenal at church -- finger snacks.
0940 Morgan and I standing at the back of the chapel doing the baby sway. McKay kept joining us uninvited and with his thumb in mouth joined the baby sway.
1015 Hand Morgan off to a dear kindred soul who wants to entertain a cranky baby during Sunday School so I can go to Primary and Ryan can teach his Gospel Doctrine class.
10:20 Find and chase Easton and McKay in cultural hall/gym to escort them to class.
1100 Apprehension. Two boys heading into what has become my perfectly small primary class of attentive young ladies who ask thoughtful questions and enjoy engaging in gospel discussions. The primary president saying, "Would you mind having (boy #1) in your class today? Don't allow him to sit next to (boy #2) under any circumstance! If they give you any problems, just send one of the girls to get me immediately!" Boy #2 apparently only comes once a month because of family things. It wasn't too bad, but heavens blessings be upon grade school teachers of this age group! Love 'em all, but putting boys and girls together at this age is just asking for ostentatious displays of young machismo and feminine cheekiness to ensue before they're even in their seats!
1135 I had to giggle when Boy #2 called out Boy #1 for "letting a girl teach" him the answers to our scripture chase. Having been introduced already to boy #2 and knowing he is home schooled by his fine mother, I just turned to him quietly and said, "Hmmm, aren't you taught by a girl every day since your mom is your school teacher?" A moment's pause and he countered, "She's not a girl, she's a mom."
1500 A bit of Sabbath slumber interrupted by a certain blue eyed baby. After a tired groan, said baby was smothered with kisses and fed. Read my lesson for next week while boys began watching Swiss Family Robinson because I'm in a classic Disney mood. Wish I had Disney's "Toby Tyler" because every kid wants to run away to the circus, have a chimp named Mr. Stubs become their best bud, and befriend a cute girl who does tricks on trotting ponies!
1600 "Mom, I made it!" exclaimed McKay (3). Hmmm, do I want to know what "it" is? I know he's in the kitchen and he's hungry. I get up from playing with Morgan and he says, "Mom, will you cut it? My shammich." I'm curious because I know he can't get the peanut butter down by himself. Hmmm. He had indeed made a sandwich and was very proud. I think Ryan had left two pieces of toast in the toaster which McKay had used. Then he had slathered on about a half inch of butter, on each piece of toast, and poured the contents of the cinnamon/sugar shaker on top of the butter layers. Creative, but made my stomach turn! And butter and I are quite tight buds.
I started coming up with alternative snacks to which McKay held his "shammich" plate up to his cheek and said, "But I want it" as if he were longingly asking for and cuddling a cute puppy. Ah he cracks me up!
What did not crack me up was all the dishes waiting to be done from last night's yummy dinner and cookies Ryan had made. And if you've seen Ryan cook, you know he doesn't skimp on using as many bowls and pots as he can. After dinner we did baths, Sunday clothes/bag prep, and final lesson preps instead of kitchen cleanup which sadly isn't uncommon for a Saturday around here. So it is that on Sunday, it's a rare occurrence for me to fix elaborate meals unless we're entertaining - partly because of the mess, partly because Sunday is my "day of rest." For some reason, avoiding kitchen cleanup on Sundays constitutes my "day of rest". I do groan on Mondays having to tackle this big chore, but somehow taking a day off from this one thing is all that's in my arsenal. I mean, I can't very well take a day off from changing diapers or feeding little ones could I. But remove those two items and cleaning house (and meeting all Morgan's needs at whatever hour), and you have my perfect Mother's Day! (Hint, hint Ryan - hahaha) Oh, well if I'm making my wish list I guess I can't forget to include a request for a spa treatment gift certificate. This post didn't begin as a wish list for next Sunday, but it sure has come in handy! (I hope!)
1840 Boys have now had crackers and cheese, applesauce and chips with dip for "dinner." Good thing Ryan made them a good lunch after church so I don't feel guilty! Morgan is rolling around tearing up a promotional pamphlet from a video game because she loves that crackling paper! Now, what will I eat for dinner? Leftovers again? Perhaps. Heaven forbid I lift a finger and derail this day of rest!
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