For a little reminder of the Reason for the Season watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNQpnoLmZ7A
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Empathy
Here's a good article I came across last week. Short and sweet.
I also listened to a lecture by Craig Hart, a BYU MFHD professor, who summed up a lot of his research on parenting/discipline and how it is reflected in the child's social interactions (i.e. if you use intimidation/guilt your child is more likely to be the queen bee and "mean girl" type of person, etc.).
I remember my own experience of being bullied in 4th Grade when I changed schools. I'd cry into my pillow at night quite often. Besides the verbal assaults leveled against me, I can still remember a boy spitting in my face. That being said, there were a couple other kids who had it far worse than me and I remember a group of kids kicking or pushing this one boy in particular. Often. I've often regretted not doing something to stop them and have since written him an apology. But let's be honest, my own sense of self worth was a bit low at that point.
I hope my kids are never the one to throw verbal or physical punches at someone. And so I begin my journey to help them discover EMPATHY . . .
I also listened to a lecture by Craig Hart, a BYU MFHD professor, who summed up a lot of his research on parenting/discipline and how it is reflected in the child's social interactions (i.e. if you use intimidation/guilt your child is more likely to be the queen bee and "mean girl" type of person, etc.).
I remember my own experience of being bullied in 4th Grade when I changed schools. I'd cry into my pillow at night quite often. Besides the verbal assaults leveled against me, I can still remember a boy spitting in my face. That being said, there were a couple other kids who had it far worse than me and I remember a group of kids kicking or pushing this one boy in particular. Often. I've often regretted not doing something to stop them and have since written him an apology. But let's be honest, my own sense of self worth was a bit low at that point.
I hope my kids are never the one to throw verbal or physical punches at someone. And so I begin my journey to help them discover EMPATHY . . .
How Parenting with Emotional Intelligence Can Weaken Bullying
December 8, 2010
Somewhere out there is Laura. I don’t know anything about her except that she wrote this poignant poem titled “I Am”. The poem has been used in anti bullying campaigns around the world, and today I’d like to share it with you.
I AM
I am the person you bullied in school
I am the one who didn’t know how to be cool
I am the person you alienated
I am the person you ridiculed and hated
I am the person who sat on their own
I am the person who walked home alone
I am the person you scared every day
I am the person who had nothing to say
I am the person with hurt in their eyes
I am the person you never saw cry
I am the person living alone with their fears
I am the person destroyed by their peers
I am the person who drowned in your scorn
I am the person who wished they hadn’t been born
I am the person whose name you don’t know
I am the person who just can’t let go
I am the person destroyed for ‘fun’
I am the person, but not the only one
I am the person who had feelings too
..and I am a person, JUST LIKE YOU!!!
This poem evokes immense empathy by the preponderance of those who read it. The dictionary defines empathy as“understanding” or “a deep emotional understanding of another’s feelings or problems”. Having researched the value of emotional and social intelligence (ESI) skills in our youth, I can tell you that development of empathy as a key competency renders positive results for personal satisfaction and healthy relationships. Though some believe that empathy is innate, I’m with the majority and believe that empathy can, and should be, taught to children at the earliest cognitive opportunity. I envision empathy as a tool for carving out a kinder world in which there is diminished bullying and a population of children that is happier to the core. Reading this poem with your kids and creating dialogue of what it must be like to be a bullied person is one approach to create awareness and fruitful action, but we need more.
Please contribute to our comments section and share your positive ideas or rewarding personal stories on how we, as a community can increase empathy to decrease bullying of any kind. Then, consider sharing the article with anyone and everyone you know who can make a difference at home and beyond. Ask them to participate too. It does take a village!
Keyuri Joshi RN, MSN, is a Certified Parenting and Emotional Intelligence Coach. A “personal trainer” for parents, Keyuri assists moms or dads build and use a toolbox to achieve any goals they desire. She also teaches parents to build emotional and social intelligence skills in children. These are research proven “must have” skills which schools do not teach."
http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/how-parenting-with-emotional-intelligence-can-weaken-bullyingWednesday, December 8, 2010
5K
So this year I got back into running.
It's been awhile.
I used to run for exercise in college, but that was Forever ago, and since then I would just do the elliptical and think "ugh" about lacing on some running shoes. Not to mention the knee problems (overuse injuries) I always encountered due to trying to jump back into it too fast.
SO, Let me tell you about this awesome program that can get you off the couch, GRADUALLY, and into shape: Couch to 5K
It's been awhile.
I used to run for exercise in college, but that was Forever ago, and since then I would just do the elliptical and think "ugh" about lacing on some running shoes. Not to mention the knee problems (overuse injuries) I always encountered due to trying to jump back into it too fast.
SO, Let me tell you about this awesome program that can get you off the couch, GRADUALLY, and into shape: Couch to 5K
Mauri, me, and Lisa - Oct. 5K
And a book that will inspire you to run: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and challenge the way you think about this exercise.
When I started back into things in March, I ran for time--a treadmill kept me on track. I made my goal a Race in May for a skin cancer, since that has affected me personally.
Then, I realized the benefit of the gym we go to where I can drop my kids off and take my cell phone with and run on the trails OUTside! There are some awesome hills that I would try to run weekly as a goal. So much more fun than a treadmill! It is way easier than it sounds with starting out alternating running and walking for 20 minutes 3 times a week.
I grew to LOVE my time outside by myself running through the trees, listening to whatever inspiring music (or nature) I cared to. I could choose to run along a river, by some woods, or in a gorgeous historic neighborhood.
I ran my first 5K in May. Never done a long distance race before. I was more a sprint person as a teenager. Then, another one two weeks later. My final one was this fall on October 30th, after running all summer. It was awesome. You can't tell from the picture but it was cold enough to see our breath when we started out that morning. My time improved by over 2 1/2 minutes! That is amazing to me. I am still a beginner, but I feel so empowered and discovered the fun in running again.
Here's to running in the future! It is harder in the winter now that I am having to retreat indoors. But I have read up on winter running, and may brave the sub-freezing temperatures on of these days to get my outdoor solace back.
So, try it. I dare ya.
You may even join me on one of my barefoot runs come this summer. ;)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Birthday Season
Growing up, it seemed Spring time was birthday season my family. But me and the girls have ours all in the fall. And between those, back to school stuff, and the fun holidays, it is a BUSY time. Especially now that I'm the mom doing the birthday stuff. I can totally understand why we had an every-other-year friends' birthday party policy. They are So fun and So exhausting.
Here's some highlights from B's Princess and Prince/Knight Party:
It was a success in every way!
Here's some highlights from B's Princess and Prince/Knight Party:
It was a success in every way!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Post Thanksgiving
Quote from Bella as she and her sister were sitting on the couch preparing to watch a movie with me:
"Sisi, you need to scoot all the way over next to me cause mom has a BIG butt."
Ah . . . from the mouths of babes. :)
"Sisi, you need to scoot all the way over next to me cause mom has a BIG butt."
Ah . . . from the mouths of babes. :)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Because We All Need iNspiration
This 20 minute video on John Tanner, an early Mormon pioneer, is worth every minute:
http://www.byutv.org/watch/Sunday, November 21, 2010
Chunky Milk is Gross to Clean Up
Yep, you've guessed what I've been doing today. :(
Actually, it was just this morning. The littlest chunky monkey didn't eat or drink too much today so there wasn't much to come up. And I must say, this girlie is quite the champ when she's sick. No crying. I always feel like crying when I throw up. She was just retching while playing dollhouse and continued to make believe with the plastic figures as I put her in the bathtub so it would catch the rest of what was coming out. She only told me her "tummy hut" and wanted me to "cairwy ewe" a few times (which is pretty normal since she says that when she has to poop or wants medicine--yes, it's yummy). Oh yeah, and she fell asleep standing up. Sad.
Hope she feels better tomorrow. . .
after "playing" in the sandbox, yum.
Actually, it was just this morning. The littlest chunky monkey didn't eat or drink too much today so there wasn't much to come up. And I must say, this girlie is quite the champ when she's sick. No crying. I always feel like crying when I throw up. She was just retching while playing dollhouse and continued to make believe with the plastic figures as I put her in the bathtub so it would catch the rest of what was coming out. She only told me her "tummy hut" and wanted me to "cairwy ewe" a few times (which is pretty normal since she says that when she has to poop or wants medicine--yes, it's yummy). Oh yeah, and she fell asleep standing up. Sad.
Hope she feels better tomorrow. . .
after "playing" in the sandbox, yum.Back to her Sassyfras self.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
1st Day of Preschool
I know, I know. It was a long time ago.
And sadly this is the best picture I have of the day.
And sadly this is the best picture I have of the day.
Of course we were running late so me, being the awesome mom I am, whipped out a few blurry photos and figured they'd work.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Glued
We are too cheap to pay for cable right now.
So this is how we watch football:
So this is how we watch football:
They must not be winning. :)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
It Could Be Worse . . .
After I read this article on CNN, I realized that although we, as Americans, do have our share of challenges when it comes to healthcare. It could be worse.
And thanks to a fellow resident wife who received this letter yesterday and chose to share it with us:
"Dear Mrs. Millar,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding health care reform legislation. I appreciate your interest in the issues facing our country and state, and I am glad for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.
During my time in Congress, there may have been only a handful of issues that have captured peoples' attention and generated as much passionate debate as health care. For the last year, our country has been engaged in an intense conversation about how important healthcare reform is and about how important it is to get it right. I certainly respect the passion that is out there, and the emotion around the health care issue. It affects everyone so personally, including me. Now, after so much debate, a new healthcare policy has been signed into law. The emotions remain and I hold out great hope that more work can be done on reform.
Ever rising costs and growing ranks of the uninsured illustrate why health care reform is needed. There are policies in the new law we all embrace. Now, in our country, people will not be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition. And that is a blessing to so many. Now, in our country, more children and young adults will have coverage. For so many families, that will mean peace of mind.
However I want to be clear about a critically important goal that still remains. After all the wrangling, the new law is too expensive, contains too many special deals, does not do enough to contain health care costs and?"according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Actuary?"will result in increases in health insurance premiums for many Utahns. For those reasons and others, I could not support the bill.
Controlling rising health care costs, increasing quality and value and improving access to health care and to affordable health insurance coverage are critically important to me. But the wrong kind of reform?"reform which increases health care costs for individuals and for large and small employers?"does not accomplish these goals.
I rolled up my sleeves during this debate. I spent hours in health care hearings. I have met with White House officials and Congressional leadership for hours to work toward language that would not just lower the growth of costs, but drive down costs to consumers. I have talked with thousands of Utahns about health care reform in general and this legislation in particular and in important areas, it falls short. It does not come close to eliminating Medicare's long-term budget deficit. Special deals benefiting Louisiana, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Montana were left in the bill?"benefits that were not extended to other states. The pilot programs for medical malpractice reform don't help doctors who are forced to practice defensive medicine, nor patients who are trapped in a dysfunctional system where 54 cents of every malpractice awarded dollar go to pay legal fees. The bloat and waste contributing to the fact that we spend 50 percent more on health care than the next industrialized country?"while our medical outcomes are merely average?"isn't addressed.
You might think these concerns are too pessimistic, until you look at what has already happened in the case of one state that opted to implement increased coverage without implementing reforms to rein in the high cost of health care.
It has been three and a half years since Massachusetts enacted bipartisan legislation to provide health care coverage to nearly all state residents. It imposed an individual mandate for the purchase of health insurance. Since its inception, 430,000 people have gained coverage?"a good thing. However, Massachusetts did not enact reforms to address rising health care costs.
Since then, the demand for care?"particularly in medically underserved communities?"has increased. But escalating health care costs are already preventing some newly-insured residents from getting care. In fact, one in five residents went without needed care in the past year because of cost. People with disabilities and those in poor health experienced the greatest barriers. Also, Massachusetts now suffers from some of the worst primary care wait times in the country, despite having the highest concentration of doctors nationwide. One state health plan and its hospital?" Cambridge Hospital ?"had some HIV and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients experience an interruption in their care, because they couldn't afford increased co-payments. In Massachusetts, growth in health care costs has compromised the effort to provide health insurance coverage.
While it is important that a means be found to enable everyone (including those who are currently uninsured) to be able to afford health insurance, achieving that goal cannot occur at the expense of people who are presently insured. The challenge of reforming our health care system?"especially cost containment?"still confronts us.
The passion around this debate is important. We need robust debate to make good policy and I embrace those difficult conversations. A year of debate is a long time, but there is a decade of work ahead to move this policy to a place where it can meet the ultimate goal of increasing coverage and lowering costs to Americans.
Again, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact my office.
Best Wishes,
M
JIM MATHESON
Member of Congress"
And thanks to a fellow resident wife who received this letter yesterday and chose to share it with us:
"Dear Mrs. Millar,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding health care reform legislation. I appreciate your interest in the issues facing our country and state, and I am glad for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.
During my time in Congress, there may have been only a handful of issues that have captured peoples' attention and generated as much passionate debate as health care. For the last year, our country has been engaged in an intense conversation about how important healthcare reform is and about how important it is to get it right. I certainly respect the passion that is out there, and the emotion around the health care issue. It affects everyone so personally, including me. Now, after so much debate, a new healthcare policy has been signed into law. The emotions remain and I hold out great hope that more work can be done on reform.
Ever rising costs and growing ranks of the uninsured illustrate why health care reform is needed. There are policies in the new law we all embrace. Now, in our country, people will not be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition. And that is a blessing to so many. Now, in our country, more children and young adults will have coverage. For so many families, that will mean peace of mind.
However I want to be clear about a critically important goal that still remains. After all the wrangling, the new law is too expensive, contains too many special deals, does not do enough to contain health care costs and?"according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Actuary?"will result in increases in health insurance premiums for many Utahns. For those reasons and others, I could not support the bill.
Controlling rising health care costs, increasing quality and value and improving access to health care and to affordable health insurance coverage are critically important to me. But the wrong kind of reform?"reform which increases health care costs for individuals and for large and small employers?"does not accomplish these goals.
I rolled up my sleeves during this debate. I spent hours in health care hearings. I have met with White House officials and Congressional leadership for hours to work toward language that would not just lower the growth of costs, but drive down costs to consumers. I have talked with thousands of Utahns about health care reform in general and this legislation in particular and in important areas, it falls short. It does not come close to eliminating Medicare's long-term budget deficit. Special deals benefiting Louisiana, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Montana were left in the bill?"benefits that were not extended to other states. The pilot programs for medical malpractice reform don't help doctors who are forced to practice defensive medicine, nor patients who are trapped in a dysfunctional system where 54 cents of every malpractice awarded dollar go to pay legal fees. The bloat and waste contributing to the fact that we spend 50 percent more on health care than the next industrialized country?"while our medical outcomes are merely average?"isn't addressed.
You might think these concerns are too pessimistic, until you look at what has already happened in the case of one state that opted to implement increased coverage without implementing reforms to rein in the high cost of health care.
It has been three and a half years since Massachusetts enacted bipartisan legislation to provide health care coverage to nearly all state residents. It imposed an individual mandate for the purchase of health insurance. Since its inception, 430,000 people have gained coverage?"a good thing. However, Massachusetts did not enact reforms to address rising health care costs.
Since then, the demand for care?"particularly in medically underserved communities?"has increased. But escalating health care costs are already preventing some newly-insured residents from getting care. In fact, one in five residents went without needed care in the past year because of cost. People with disabilities and those in poor health experienced the greatest barriers. Also, Massachusetts now suffers from some of the worst primary care wait times in the country, despite having the highest concentration of doctors nationwide. One state health plan and its hospital?" Cambridge Hospital ?"had some HIV and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients experience an interruption in their care, because they couldn't afford increased co-payments. In Massachusetts, growth in health care costs has compromised the effort to provide health insurance coverage.
While it is important that a means be found to enable everyone (including those who are currently uninsured) to be able to afford health insurance, achieving that goal cannot occur at the expense of people who are presently insured. The challenge of reforming our health care system?"especially cost containment?"still confronts us.
The passion around this debate is important. We need robust debate to make good policy and I embrace those difficult conversations. A year of debate is a long time, but there is a decade of work ahead to move this policy to a place where it can meet the ultimate goal of increasing coverage and lowering costs to Americans.
Again, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact my office.
Best Wishes,
M
JIM MATHESON
Member of Congress"
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Quotable
I've been thinking about this a lot lately and trying to REprioritize and simplify my life:
“I used to think I could do everything, that my babies would be fine squeezed into the rest of my To Do list. Today I know that children must rise to the top of the list, and that list must dwindle considerably.” ~ Iris Krasnow
For more on this and an interesting read anytime, visit 71 Toes, written by a woman I've looked up to since I can remember.
“I used to think I could do everything, that my babies would be fine squeezed into the rest of my To Do list. Today I know that children must rise to the top of the list, and that list must dwindle considerably.” ~ Iris Krasnow
For more on this and an interesting read anytime, visit 71 Toes, written by a woman I've looked up to since I can remember.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
1st Amusement Park Ride
This summer we (or I should say grandpa Freeman-thanks!) took the kids to Lagoon. I loved going here once a summer as a kid.
B loved the rides. S did not.
Here is B on her 1st ride:
B loved the rides. S did not.
Here is B on her 1st ride:
Dad volunteered to go while I corralled S and took pictures.
"Who is this guy pushing down the bar on my lap?"--don't we all think that?!
Excited!
LOVED it!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
SIU
Here's something I wrote a few weeks ago that shows the reality of my life. I finally got the courage to post it:
" . . . But the truth of it is that this very busy time of year has me pooped.
It's Bella's birthday week. So, besides gearing up for that and the festivities it brings, Eric's been working a few 24+ hour shifts that have us all tired.
So, here's to being more patient tomorrow, since I can always work on that.
A story for you:
While cleaning up the kitchen, a mom (who shall remain nameless) was getting sick of her older daughter tattling on every little thing her YOUNGER sister was doing to her while they were on the couch together watching a show. As in tattling, I mean yelling up the stairs, "Mom . . . she's bugging me." "Mom, she's touching me." "Mom, she's pinching me." "Mom, She won't give me fish." Etc. etc.
The mother gave the usual replies, "S, don't do that." "S, give your sister fish." "S, we share." "S, do you want to go to time out?" etc. Finally, after an excessive amount of this, in the spirit of Monk (as in the TV show), the mother yelled down, "Suck it Up!"
I am in shock. I still have no idea what would possess a mother to say such horrid things to her daughter!?!"
" . . . But the truth of it is that this very busy time of year has me pooped.
It's Bella's birthday week. So, besides gearing up for that and the festivities it brings, Eric's been working a few 24+ hour shifts that have us all tired.
So, here's to being more patient tomorrow, since I can always work on that.
A story for you:
While cleaning up the kitchen, a mom (who shall remain nameless) was getting sick of her older daughter tattling on every little thing her YOUNGER sister was doing to her while they were on the couch together watching a show. As in tattling, I mean yelling up the stairs, "Mom . . . she's bugging me." "Mom, she's touching me." "Mom, she's pinching me." "Mom, She won't give me fish." Etc. etc.
The mother gave the usual replies, "S, don't do that." "S, give your sister fish." "S, we share." "S, do you want to go to time out?" etc. Finally, after an excessive amount of this, in the spirit of Monk (as in the TV show), the mother yelled down, "Suck it Up!"
I am in shock. I still have no idea what would possess a mother to say such horrid things to her daughter!?!"
~~don't worry, we are better now. :)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Redemption
And just to redeem myself so that you can see
the true Beauty of our only female Eating Contest contestant.
Here she is as her petite, cute, sparkly self surrounded by tall strapping Free - men:
the true Beauty of our only female Eating Contest contestant.
Here she is as her petite, cute, sparkly self surrounded by tall strapping Free - men:
Love ya Joyce!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Eating Contest
So, I've been debating posting these pictures for a while, but every time I see them I just laugh. And so I thought I should because I know EVERYONE just loves to see themselves in an eating contest. ;)
A little background: the Freeman Family Olympics were held this year at E's fam reunion. Us 20+ peeps were divided in 4 teams as fairly as possible. We tried to divide it up so everyone got to do 2 events. There were many events listed here such as Bocce ball, "roll the ball," card games, float the river, etc. etc. AND an EATING CONTEST. Props to Joyce who was nominated as her team's representative and was the only female Eating Contest contestant.
Pictures speak for themselves:
Father vs. Son: Josh--have you even taken one bite yet?! ;)
And to be honest I don't remember, but I'm pretty sure Uncle 'Teve was our winner!!!
And in case you were wondering how Joyce felt after eating a donut in less than a minute, here's a picture for you. Seriously, wow. I would want to gag too:
You go girl.
A little background: the Freeman Family Olympics were held this year at E's fam reunion. Us 20+ peeps were divided in 4 teams as fairly as possible. We tried to divide it up so everyone got to do 2 events. There were many events listed here such as Bocce ball, "roll the ball," card games, float the river, etc. etc. AND an EATING CONTEST. Props to Joyce who was nominated as her team's representative and was the only female Eating Contest contestant.
Pictures speak for themselves:
Pre-donut anticipation!!
The FIRST bite--(love how the little boys are so excited that their parents are doing this!)
Working at it!
I think I hear gagging and laughing going on here:
Father vs. Son: Josh--have you even taken one bite yet?! ;)
And to be honest I don't remember, but I'm pretty sure Uncle 'Teve was our winner!!!
And in case you were wondering how Joyce felt after eating a donut in less than a minute, here's a picture for you. Seriously, wow. I would want to gag too:
You go girl.
Monday, October 11, 2010
the Patch
Truth be told, I am not a fan of the patch.
The eye patch.
Bella's eye patch.
Those of you who have had to have this annoying bandaid thing cover your eye or convince your child to wear it on their eye for 4-6 hours a day know what I'm talking about. And those of you who don't can imagine, I'm sure.
Here she is wearing it on her birthday last year:
It seems like around this time every year we are told she needs to patch her eye again for a 6 week trial period to see if it will do anything to help her eyes. And it doesn't. But we do it anyways.
So here we are again, doing the patch to see if it will help her again.
Cross your fingers that this time it works so we won't have to do another surgery.
The eye patch.
Bella's eye patch.
Those of you who have had to have this annoying bandaid thing cover your eye or convince your child to wear it on their eye for 4-6 hours a day know what I'm talking about. And those of you who don't can imagine, I'm sure.
Here she is wearing it on her birthday last year:
It seems like around this time every year we are told she needs to patch her eye again for a 6 week trial period to see if it will do anything to help her eyes. And it doesn't. But we do it anyways.
So here we are again, doing the patch to see if it will help her again.
Cross your fingers that this time it works so we won't have to do another surgery.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Family Pictures 2010
Bella's bday was great this week. When I get the chance I'll upload the pictures. But for now, here's some pics I've been promising some of my gentle readers.
As you can see, S did not thing fam pics were fun. She HAD to be held by ONLY mom. No grass poses. No dad. No anyone. And we were lucky to get B to look at the camera. We found out afterwards she had Otitis Externa (Swimmers Ear) and lots of stuff was draining from her ear. I hear it kills. No wonder she was not into it.
But don't worry, we had some cute ones in the end:
Which one do you like best?
I love this one except I think I look bigger than the E in this pic:
As you can see, S did not thing fam pics were fun. She HAD to be held by ONLY mom. No grass poses. No dad. No anyone. And we were lucky to get B to look at the camera. We found out afterwards she had Otitis Externa (Swimmers Ear) and lots of stuff was draining from her ear. I hear it kills. No wonder she was not into it.But don't worry, we had some cute ones in the end:
Here B was able to play with my bracelet: (but you can't tell right?)
These are courtesy of our friend, Monica, who drove all the way with her baby and husband to E's family reunion in Morgan, UT in July and took pictures.
I love this one except I think I look bigger than the E in this pic:
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Happy Birthday Bella!
Our cutie is turning 4 this week!
We are so excited for her!
Just hoping I can survive it. The party I mean. :)
We are so excited for her!
Just hoping I can survive it. The party I mean. :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
I Saw Things Going Differently in My Head . . .
So, for a long time I've been thinking of having some gals together for lunch. While visiting Ohio, I was invited to a "lunch bunch" which consisted of 5 gals who rotate homes for a gourmet lunch every week. It was fun, classy, delicious, and the kids just seemed to do really well too.
So, I thought, no big deal, I can do this.
Plus, one of my friends is due to have her 3rd child, so I thought it would be good to combine a lunch or "brunch"--which sounds more fancy--with a little shower for her. Turns out she didn't want the attention of a shower. So that idea was partly nixed, although I still thought I'd try to make it more for her with her friends, etc.
In my mind, I envisioned a nicely set table, people arriving to piping hot food. Interesting, fun conversation, with all our children playing together in a quiet, nice way. The food done at the exact hour that the brunch should start. We (as in the adults) eat, with kids in and out. And then the second half, the kitchen gets clean super quick (by itself) while we chat and make these cool bracelets from soda tops. So, I called some friends and we set it for 10 today.
This is how it went:
I wake up at 5, toss and turn for 1/2 hour and get up at 5:30 and work on the computer for about an hour. Then realize the kids aren't getting up anytime soon and fall asleep on the couch til 7:45 when I hear Sierra calling out from her crib saying that she pooped. Good thing: sleeping in. Bad thing: sleeping in and not ready.
Get that all cleaned up and try to read my scriptures while giving S her milk. S keeps wanting me to read her books instead. I try to clean up the kitchen and straighten the house while Bella still sleeps (she never sleeps this late!!!) which I figure is good since it's her first day of afternoon preschool with no nap today. Finally, I wake her up at 8:30 since Sierra waits to eat her breakfast til Bella's up and she just can't wait longer. Bella is in a grumpy mood and puts a pillow over her head for a half hour while S plays in her room and I try to throw myself together. No shower. No time to do hair. Just trying to make myself look presentable at this point.
By 9:15 B is at least up and getting dressed and has a meltdown because she wants her braid down and I tell her I need to redo it. She won't "come here" so I can do it. Crying continues until she looks in a mirror and decides she likes it. Well, at least I'm pretty much ready at this point although I still have a pj shirt with no bra.
I start clearing off the counters and mixing up the crepes which then have to refrigerate. Finally at 9:25 the kids are having breakfast and I'm starting the dishwasher and figuring out the Kisag for whipping cream. We say a prayer for breakfast since I've already lost my temper twice with the kids and am a little stressed at this point. The kids finish up breakfast surprisingly quickly (in 10 minutes) and I look out the window to see a friend pulled up in her car! It's only 9:35! I run downstairs and throw a shirt (and bra) on and joke with her at the door about telling her a half hour late next time. :)
Of course, the table is not set with nice plates or glasses, the crepes are not cooked, the fruit is not cut up. I haven't had a chance to run a hot iron through my hair, so it's a bit crazy. And there's still milk all over the table from breakfast. I come up to the kitchen to find that Bella has spilled a pint of cream all over herself and the floor. Ahhh!!
Needless to say, things did not go as planned. I think Sierra had a few fits during the time frame. In fact, at one point she was screaming so loudly over a string cheese in her hand that she didn't want me to open for her after I had already opened it, and I just decided to tune her out. Luckily, the other moms have multiple kids, so they seemed to understand. In my mind, I thanked them. Plus, I have never made crepes before. I don't think we even ate til 11.
Oh well. Welcome to reality.
I think people had fun. At least I hope they did, even if I was a bit self conscious about everything going smoothly. And I'm glad that this was not a shower for my friend or I would have been embarrassed.
But, I guess this is a learning experience for next time and how I should plan ahead and lower my expectations. . . :)
So, I thought, no big deal, I can do this.
Plus, one of my friends is due to have her 3rd child, so I thought it would be good to combine a lunch or "brunch"--which sounds more fancy--with a little shower for her. Turns out she didn't want the attention of a shower. So that idea was partly nixed, although I still thought I'd try to make it more for her with her friends, etc.
In my mind, I envisioned a nicely set table, people arriving to piping hot food. Interesting, fun conversation, with all our children playing together in a quiet, nice way. The food done at the exact hour that the brunch should start. We (as in the adults) eat, with kids in and out. And then the second half, the kitchen gets clean super quick (by itself) while we chat and make these cool bracelets from soda tops. So, I called some friends and we set it for 10 today.
This is how it went:
I wake up at 5, toss and turn for 1/2 hour and get up at 5:30 and work on the computer for about an hour. Then realize the kids aren't getting up anytime soon and fall asleep on the couch til 7:45 when I hear Sierra calling out from her crib saying that she pooped. Good thing: sleeping in. Bad thing: sleeping in and not ready.
Get that all cleaned up and try to read my scriptures while giving S her milk. S keeps wanting me to read her books instead. I try to clean up the kitchen and straighten the house while Bella still sleeps (she never sleeps this late!!!) which I figure is good since it's her first day of afternoon preschool with no nap today. Finally, I wake her up at 8:30 since Sierra waits to eat her breakfast til Bella's up and she just can't wait longer. Bella is in a grumpy mood and puts a pillow over her head for a half hour while S plays in her room and I try to throw myself together. No shower. No time to do hair. Just trying to make myself look presentable at this point.
By 9:15 B is at least up and getting dressed and has a meltdown because she wants her braid down and I tell her I need to redo it. She won't "come here" so I can do it. Crying continues until she looks in a mirror and decides she likes it. Well, at least I'm pretty much ready at this point although I still have a pj shirt with no bra.
I start clearing off the counters and mixing up the crepes which then have to refrigerate. Finally at 9:25 the kids are having breakfast and I'm starting the dishwasher and figuring out the Kisag for whipping cream. We say a prayer for breakfast since I've already lost my temper twice with the kids and am a little stressed at this point. The kids finish up breakfast surprisingly quickly (in 10 minutes) and I look out the window to see a friend pulled up in her car! It's only 9:35! I run downstairs and throw a shirt (and bra) on and joke with her at the door about telling her a half hour late next time. :)
Of course, the table is not set with nice plates or glasses, the crepes are not cooked, the fruit is not cut up. I haven't had a chance to run a hot iron through my hair, so it's a bit crazy. And there's still milk all over the table from breakfast. I come up to the kitchen to find that Bella has spilled a pint of cream all over herself and the floor. Ahhh!!
Needless to say, things did not go as planned. I think Sierra had a few fits during the time frame. In fact, at one point she was screaming so loudly over a string cheese in her hand that she didn't want me to open for her after I had already opened it, and I just decided to tune her out. Luckily, the other moms have multiple kids, so they seemed to understand. In my mind, I thanked them. Plus, I have never made crepes before. I don't think we even ate til 11.
Oh well. Welcome to reality.
I think people had fun. At least I hope they did, even if I was a bit self conscious about everything going smoothly. And I'm glad that this was not a shower for my friend or I would have been embarrassed.
But, I guess this is a learning experience for next time and how I should plan ahead and lower my expectations. . . :)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Jeni's Ice Cream, Columbus, OH
Mmmm . . . . now doesn't that look tasty?! A memory from June.
Except for the super tall person on the end who has a bad hair day and was wearing her husband's shorts. lol.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tornado
This is B's interpretation of a tornado:
We have had several tornado warnings here and have found that our basement bathroom is the only satisfactorily safe tornado shelter in our home. Makes for a cramped few hours but we set up base their with our laptop and cell phone to connect us to the outside world.
But when you have had a tornado come within a mile of your home (!!!), it makes you grateful that you have a bathroom to shelter in.
I didn't know we were in Tornado Alley!?!
Love how the tornado warnings always say at the end "if all else fails, lie face down in a ditch."
Comforting words.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Silver Lake
I have to go up in the mountains at least once every time I visit Utah.
I just miss it.
So, we headed up to walk around Silver Lake with my mom and Livs.
Sierra decided to stop and put her feet in.I just miss it.
So, we headed up to walk around Silver Lake with my mom and Livs.
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