Today has been one of those days. One of those days where you want to put your children up for sale, or at least rent for awhile. I was even considering handing them out on Halloween in place of candy. I really shouldn't complain because nothing earth shattering happened, but it was a bad "mom day" just the same. Anna woke up in one of her "moods" and was difficult from the beginning. At lunch she dropped her granola bar on the floor and told me in a very rude tone "GET IT!" I told her she needed to to be nice and that she could pick it up herself. She wouldn't and screamed at me "NO!" So I prompty escorted her to her room. She screamed and kicked at the door that already has holes in it. This went on for a time until she came down and again told me to "GET IT!" so I kindly put her down on the floor on all four to show her how easily she could "get it" herself. She still wouldn't do it. It was about this time that I needed to be walking Ethan to the bus stop so I asked Anna to get her shoes on, which she didn't, so I left.(I have never left before but was at wits end) As Ethan and I walked to the bus Ethan started crying and screaming that he didn't have his book in his backpack(very unlike him) and that his teacher was going to be mad, and with finger pointed at me yelled "it's your fault!" Are you kidding me? Did I wake up with a sign this morning that read "children please abuse me"? After much yelling and crying(on Ethan's part, although I thought about it...) I told Ethan to have a good day and started walking back home. When I got back around the corner I saw Anna at a neighbors house. Apparently she had been outside screaming so loudly that the neighbors thought certainly something must be terribly wrong. When I got closer Anna came running for me saying "you left me" I felt somewhat guilty, amused and annoyed. I wondered what the neighbors thought of my "leaving her" but didn't care too much. We decided to go for a little walk to calm down.
During "quiet time" Anna poured cup after cup of water on her bedspread and then came and said she needed two towels. I guess she decided that she needed to wash her bedspread. When Kate got up from her nap she put her hands in her stinky diaper and wiped them on her clean clothes. Later in the day she had a blow out and when bathing her she went under the water. Thankfully I was only arms length away. In the afternoon Anna dropped a glass candy dish she had taken out of the pantry. It had been a gift to me from a nice store and it broke all over the kitchen floor. When I asked her what she had to say she said "it'll be okay" I said wrong answer, how about sorry? She said sorry and went to sit on her bed for a bit.
Ok, here's where the perspective part comes in. It was obviously not the worst day ever. Nobody died but tiring just the same with something coming up or someone mouthing off, it felt like every other minute. As we headed home from faxing something off to keep Ethan from getting suspended from school for his lack of proof of immunization, I decided I wasn't cooking dinner tonight and we were doing the dollar menu at "Wendy's". When I pulled up to pay, the cashier that took my money was a girl that I went to high school with. In an instant all my whining and frustration quickly came into perspective seeing this girl behind the cashier at Wendy's. I suddenly thought does she have a family? Does she have kids at day care while she is working here to support her family? Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying how embarrassing, she works at Wendy's, on the contrary I greatly admire people who are willing to do whatever it takes, whether fast food, retail, or whatever it may be to pay their bills. I think it is very noble whether educated or not to do work that pays your families bills . Seeing this girl however made me so grateful that although I have days like today where I wonder if I should go back to work where I can make good money, feel like a professional and am validated for my skill, I quickly realize what a HUGE blessing it is that I can stay home and raise my children unlike many other mothers out there. I have friends who have no choice but to work and miss the moments that I enjoy each day of watching Ethan and Anna play nicely together, and learning new things. Kate taking little steps and using new words. Making cookies and getting costumes ready. I'm grateful that today at the drive-thru that I was given a huge dose of perspective.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Prom Queen!!!
Tonight was a night like no otha'. Our family was invited to a Halloween bash. You know one of those crazy parties where you get to dress up and be somebody else. Well yeah, tonight was a dream come true, a secret desire never realized...until tonight. I was the prom queen!! You heard that right. My cute mom had put together this get up a few years ago for a ward party and I didn't have any other ideas except maybe the tooth fairy. Boy was I a hottie for the night. Even Ethan said "Mom you look kinda cute in your wig". Randall said he prefers me blonde. 
Randall also somewhat dressed up. No he really isn't the type to like to do that sort of thing so instead of making him worry about what he was going to be I just had it all ready when he came home from work today. I know it's not really politically correct but come on for one night Randall was shall we say...just a tad "white trash"? If you so choose just call him a "hill billy". Either way he looked hilarious. In fact I was laughing so hard that it took me 6 attempts to finally get a picture that wasn't blurry.
Ethan was "Iron Man", Anna was "Snow White", and Kate was a doggy. We will save their pictures for later. The kids and I had a great time learning to "Zumba" dance, played musical chairs, the chicken song and other fun things. We had a good night and it all was worth it when I won 1st place in the costume contest, that's right you heard me 1st place!
Randall also somewhat dressed up. No he really isn't the type to like to do that sort of thing so instead of making him worry about what he was going to be I just had it all ready when he came home from work today. I know it's not really politically correct but come on for one night Randall was shall we say...just a tad "white trash"? If you so choose just call him a "hill billy". Either way he looked hilarious. In fact I was laughing so hard that it took me 6 attempts to finally get a picture that wasn't blurry.
Ethan was "Iron Man", Anna was "Snow White", and Kate was a doggy. We will save their pictures for later. The kids and I had a great time learning to "Zumba" dance, played musical chairs, the chicken song and other fun things. We had a good night and it all was worth it when I won 1st place in the costume contest, that's right you heard me 1st place!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
my sweet boy
A few days ago I walked Ethan to the bus stop as I always do. He was running around waiting for the bus when I called him over to give him a love. I normally don't do this outside because I don't want to embarass him. I quickly gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. A moment later he walked back and said "mom?" I looked down and he had his lips puckered to give me a kiss. He quickly kissed my lips and was on his way. I noticed out of the corner of my eye another mom that had witnessed this sweet scene as a smile spread across her face. What could be sweeter? A smile spread across my face as I watched my big boy get on the bus.
Monday, October 20, 2008
snakes, meatballs and pumpkins, oh my!
On Friday Anna turned 4. Rand took the day off, and we did most of our activities on Thurs. Rand is now scoutmaster and had to go on a camp-out on Friday. Our day was fun filled an jam packed. We started out by going up to Salt Lake to the Hogle Zoo. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I haven't been to the Hogle zoo since I was a little girl with my neighbors The Lants. In fact I had to take a picture of the kids in front of the gorilla shape because I have a picture in my scrapbook doing the same thing at about their age. The kids really enjoyed it and Anna said her favorite thing at the zoo was "the snakes". Anna is funny in that she is not afraid of much. When we go to the pet store she is more than willing to "pet" the lizards and snakes, whereas Ethan won't go near them. We also rode on the little train and played at the playground.
After the zoo we had to each lunch so why not stop at IKEA on our way home. You just can't get enough of those meatballs!! We also made an exciting birthday purchase. Anna has been wanting a "bride" for her birthday for months. If you don't know what a "bride" is it's a net canopy to go over her bed like a princess. She picked a pink one and was very excited. We hung it that night and have since hung it every night,even during the night when we have awakened to screams that "the bride fell down". Oh and don't worry we also purchased some chocolate and "Glogg" which is a must try if you haven't already.
After a short nap time at home we stopped by a pumpkin patch right by our house. This is becoming a birthday tradition for Anna to go pick the perfect pumpkin. We wanted to go to a patch down south that also has hayrides and other fall festivities but the traffic was at a stand still, and quite frankly we were all tired.
Friday on her real day she was beat and when we offered to take her to lunch or to pick a movie she just kept saying "nope I'm staying home". I guess we wore her out the day before. She had a fun time playing with her new things and lounging around the house most of the day in her pajamas.
Saturday we had her first ever friend birthday party. It was quite a small gathering (thankfully). Anna chose to have a princess party and asked the girls come in proper princess attire. They all looked so cute and had fun coloring paper doll princesses and decorating magic wands with sparkly jewels. As always I made a cake and it turned out pretty cute. Following with the theme she wanted a princess cake so I made one of those half Barbie dolls stuck in a cake thing.
She felt special and we think all the attention kind of went to her head as she was acting as if she were suddenly "Queen of everything". She had a fun weekend and asked if she could have another birthday party. I told her "you bet, when you're 6!" She is a fun girl and keeps us hopping. We sure are glad she joined our family 4 years ago. We love you!
After the zoo we had to each lunch so why not stop at IKEA on our way home. You just can't get enough of those meatballs!! We also made an exciting birthday purchase. Anna has been wanting a "bride" for her birthday for months. If you don't know what a "bride" is it's a net canopy to go over her bed like a princess. She picked a pink one and was very excited. We hung it that night and have since hung it every night,even during the night when we have awakened to screams that "the bride fell down". Oh and don't worry we also purchased some chocolate and "Glogg" which is a must try if you haven't already.
After a short nap time at home we stopped by a pumpkin patch right by our house. This is becoming a birthday tradition for Anna to go pick the perfect pumpkin. We wanted to go to a patch down south that also has hayrides and other fall festivities but the traffic was at a stand still, and quite frankly we were all tired.
Friday on her real day she was beat and when we offered to take her to lunch or to pick a movie she just kept saying "nope I'm staying home". I guess we wore her out the day before. She had a fun time playing with her new things and lounging around the house most of the day in her pajamas.
Saturday we had her first ever friend birthday party. It was quite a small gathering (thankfully). Anna chose to have a princess party and asked the girls come in proper princess attire. They all looked so cute and had fun coloring paper doll princesses and decorating magic wands with sparkly jewels. As always I made a cake and it turned out pretty cute. Following with the theme she wanted a princess cake so I made one of those half Barbie dolls stuck in a cake thing.
She felt special and we think all the attention kind of went to her head as she was acting as if she were suddenly "Queen of everything". She had a fun weekend and asked if she could have another birthday party. I told her "you bet, when you're 6!" She is a fun girl and keeps us hopping. We sure are glad she joined our family 4 years ago. We love you!
Friday, October 10, 2008
My Anna girl
This picture is of most of the Barrett grand kids. It is one of my favorites because of how is captures Anna, all happy and lit up the way we see her at home. You may have to click on it to see it better.
Anna will turn 4 just one week from today. Since 3 of us had our birthdays together in August, she has been very patient in waiting for her big day to come. Today after lunch she told me that she thought she needed to have 4 birthday parties. I don't think that will happen, maybe two?
I love this picture of Anna because it shows what a sweet, cute, little girl she is. If she knows her picture is being taken she seldom smiles. My thoughts lately have been consumed with my Anna and the things I learn from her each day. Anna is a sweet girl and very tender and loving. She is all girl and loves dolls, and princesses and anything pink. She has a strong personality and I love all that she is. Anna can be up and down within a minute but I think her passion and a love for all things in the world will take her far. On the outside she is very shy, cautious and hesitant to jump right into things. I always said I didn't know what I would do if I had a child that was shy...and then she came along. It makes me sad a little bit that people around her can't know her the way we do with all the good (and the challenging). Anna is very different from in many respects. She is very sentimental, a huge pack rat, and she loves to save anything and everything. For example if anyone gets a birthday card whether in be in the mail from the dentist or something more meaningful, after the occasion is over she takes all the cards(even if they aren't hers) and saves them forever. She also love all bags and containers and often still has the gift bag from some body's birthday party from months ago filled to the brim with her "things". She is often found bending over the garbagcan fishing things out that she is sure shouldn't be thrown away. I have finally convinced her that receipts are really nothing worth keeping. I am sad to admit that I have broken her heart on a few occasion when she has looked deep in the garbage to see something she had "created" has been thrown away. I have done better and have since learned to keep almost everything she makes/draws for now. I put 1 new thing she does on the fridge each week, and several on the back of her bedroom door.(which works nicely to cover the huge hole she put in it while having one of her melt downs/tantrums) After a time I'm sure I can throw away some of the papers that maybe aren't so meaningful. Anna has taught, and is still teaching me things like patience, kindness, understand etc. She was a very challenging baby and cried every single night for about 3 hours straight. We read every book and tried every technique to help her stop. Many nights we pleaded in prayer hoping to receive some insight into how to help her. She also cried or fussed a lot in the day. Down the road we have learned she had sleep apnea because he tonsils were so large they would touch in the middle when she laid back and so she would awake and then cry. She also had problems with her tummy and the way she spit up( picture a river flowing here) probably gives some insight that she wasn't feeling well. We also were very frustrated when she didn't walk until 19+ months only to find out later that because of such poor vision, she couldn't see anything close to her and lacked any depth perception so everything was distorted due to extreme far sightedness and astigmatism in both eyes. Turns out she was too scared to try. I remember there was a time when she was 2 years old and she would stand at the top of the stairs and scream and scream for as long as it took until I would come and carry her down the stairs. I was going crazy thinking why won't she just come down. She must just be stubborn. It happened for weeks and there were times I thought she was just having another tantrum and I would just ignore her for as long as it took. She would cry for an hour until I couldn't stand it anymore and put her in her room. I remember calling my sis in law one time with Anna screaming in the back ground telling her I thought I was going to loose it and what should I do? I felt so guilty and sick when the eye Dr. explained it was probably as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff not knowing where the step was and how far down she would have to go. Just writing these things breaks me heart and reminds me that "the books" don't always have the right answers. As parents we are given stewardship over our children to care for, teach and watch over them. In frustration I often forget that...I wish I could always remember to love and care for my children the way our Heavenly Father cares for us. From the time Anna was a baby till 2 1/2 years old she went to bed great, no fuss, no coming out of her room no problems. One night that all changed. For almost 8 months she would come out of her room sometimes 30+ times for whatever reason. We tried every sleep technique, ignore the behavior, Super nanny recommendations, locking the door from the outside. It would take hours for her to calm down and stay in bed and go to sleep. I read every book, thought I had tried everything. In total exasperation one night I was again pleading with Heavenly Father to help me know what to do with her. I was completely at my wits end. I felt distinctly impressed to go in her room and just hold her. I did not want to do that. Everything I had ever read or been taught was to ignore "bad" behavior. To not give any more attention to her behavior than was absolutely necessary. I was so frustrated. I felt more like whacking her than holding her, so why would I go in and hold her after such a horrible fit? I finally gave in and went into her room and held her. She calmed immediately. Since that time we have found that Anna is just one who needs just a little extra reassurance, comfort,and love. In the evenings after we do our night time routine and put her to bed, she will often talk, sing or play a little bit,but almost always before going to sleep will call out "will you hold me?" Randall or I will go in and hold her for just a moment and then she's content to go to sleep. I love and adore her so much and am so grateful for the many lessons she has taught and continues to teach me. I hope when she's grown she will forgive me for the many times I wasn't patient or understanding. I hope Anna has a great week and the best birthday a 4 year old can have. You are a sweetheart, I sure love you Anna!
Anna will turn 4 just one week from today. Since 3 of us had our birthdays together in August, she has been very patient in waiting for her big day to come. Today after lunch she told me that she thought she needed to have 4 birthday parties. I don't think that will happen, maybe two?
I love this picture of Anna because it shows what a sweet, cute, little girl she is. If she knows her picture is being taken she seldom smiles. My thoughts lately have been consumed with my Anna and the things I learn from her each day. Anna is a sweet girl and very tender and loving. She is all girl and loves dolls, and princesses and anything pink. She has a strong personality and I love all that she is. Anna can be up and down within a minute but I think her passion and a love for all things in the world will take her far. On the outside she is very shy, cautious and hesitant to jump right into things. I always said I didn't know what I would do if I had a child that was shy...and then she came along. It makes me sad a little bit that people around her can't know her the way we do with all the good (and the challenging). Anna is very different from in many respects. She is very sentimental, a huge pack rat, and she loves to save anything and everything. For example if anyone gets a birthday card whether in be in the mail from the dentist or something more meaningful, after the occasion is over she takes all the cards(even if they aren't hers) and saves them forever. She also love all bags and containers and often still has the gift bag from some body's birthday party from months ago filled to the brim with her "things". She is often found bending over the garbagcan fishing things out that she is sure shouldn't be thrown away. I have finally convinced her that receipts are really nothing worth keeping. I am sad to admit that I have broken her heart on a few occasion when she has looked deep in the garbage to see something she had "created" has been thrown away. I have done better and have since learned to keep almost everything she makes/draws for now. I put 1 new thing she does on the fridge each week, and several on the back of her bedroom door.(which works nicely to cover the huge hole she put in it while having one of her melt downs/tantrums) After a time I'm sure I can throw away some of the papers that maybe aren't so meaningful. Anna has taught, and is still teaching me things like patience, kindness, understand etc. She was a very challenging baby and cried every single night for about 3 hours straight. We read every book and tried every technique to help her stop. Many nights we pleaded in prayer hoping to receive some insight into how to help her. She also cried or fussed a lot in the day. Down the road we have learned she had sleep apnea because he tonsils were so large they would touch in the middle when she laid back and so she would awake and then cry. She also had problems with her tummy and the way she spit up( picture a river flowing here) probably gives some insight that she wasn't feeling well. We also were very frustrated when she didn't walk until 19+ months only to find out later that because of such poor vision, she couldn't see anything close to her and lacked any depth perception so everything was distorted due to extreme far sightedness and astigmatism in both eyes. Turns out she was too scared to try. I remember there was a time when she was 2 years old and she would stand at the top of the stairs and scream and scream for as long as it took until I would come and carry her down the stairs. I was going crazy thinking why won't she just come down. She must just be stubborn. It happened for weeks and there were times I thought she was just having another tantrum and I would just ignore her for as long as it took. She would cry for an hour until I couldn't stand it anymore and put her in her room. I remember calling my sis in law one time with Anna screaming in the back ground telling her I thought I was going to loose it and what should I do? I felt so guilty and sick when the eye Dr. explained it was probably as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff not knowing where the step was and how far down she would have to go. Just writing these things breaks me heart and reminds me that "the books" don't always have the right answers. As parents we are given stewardship over our children to care for, teach and watch over them. In frustration I often forget that...I wish I could always remember to love and care for my children the way our Heavenly Father cares for us. From the time Anna was a baby till 2 1/2 years old she went to bed great, no fuss, no coming out of her room no problems. One night that all changed. For almost 8 months she would come out of her room sometimes 30+ times for whatever reason. We tried every sleep technique, ignore the behavior, Super nanny recommendations, locking the door from the outside. It would take hours for her to calm down and stay in bed and go to sleep. I read every book, thought I had tried everything. In total exasperation one night I was again pleading with Heavenly Father to help me know what to do with her. I was completely at my wits end. I felt distinctly impressed to go in her room and just hold her. I did not want to do that. Everything I had ever read or been taught was to ignore "bad" behavior. To not give any more attention to her behavior than was absolutely necessary. I was so frustrated. I felt more like whacking her than holding her, so why would I go in and hold her after such a horrible fit? I finally gave in and went into her room and held her. She calmed immediately. Since that time we have found that Anna is just one who needs just a little extra reassurance, comfort,and love. In the evenings after we do our night time routine and put her to bed, she will often talk, sing or play a little bit,but almost always before going to sleep will call out "will you hold me?" Randall or I will go in and hold her for just a moment and then she's content to go to sleep. I love and adore her so much and am so grateful for the many lessons she has taught and continues to teach me. I hope when she's grown she will forgive me for the many times I wasn't patient or understanding. I hope Anna has a great week and the best birthday a 4 year old can have. You are a sweetheart, I sure love you Anna!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
8 Things tag
This is fun one! Thanks Trish!
8 Favorite TV shows:
-The Today show (just for the first bit, I am a news junkie and have to know the headlines of what is going on in the world.
-The Biggest Loser
-So you think you can dance
-What not to wear
-Jon and Kate plus eight
-Lately Hannity and Colmes (I know I'm a dork)
-Anything on HGTV like Divine Design, House hunters...
-I very occasionally check in on Oprah, but she is not my hero or anything like that. I especially tune in for her favorite things show.
(Ever since we got rid of tivo I don't watch all that much, yeah!)
8 Favorite Restaurants
-Chili's :)- the chicken nacho's are my favorite!
-Thai food
-Red Robin (you can't beat their burgers and malts, and onions rings and ...)
-Only when I'm pregnant, Old Country buffet
-Olive Garden- I love their salad
-Boston Market
-I like ethnic, hole in the wall places
-Greek food
(I need to get out more!)
8 things I did/happened yesterday
-cleaned out the fridge (my most hated job)
-Mopped the kitchen floor
-Took Ethan to the bus
-Ran errands
-Did some PTA
-went to the gym
-made dinner
-read to the kids
8 things I look forward to
-Seeing Kate standing in her crib in the morning
-going to the gym (ok maybe not going, but once I'm there I feel great!)
-The weekends
-The holidays
-spending time as a family
-Loosing more weight
-planting my tulip bulbs this weekend
-Listening to Christmas music!
8 things I love about fall
-the leaves changing colors
-The crisp air
-making spiced cider, not just to drink but to make the house smell great
-all the baking and crafting
-going to the pumpkin patch as a family
-Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays
-Wearing sweaters and jackets
-sleeping in a crisp, cool room at night
-The cozy feeling, and first snow
8 things on my wish list
-long term health for me and my family
-returning to Belgium with Rand
-going to Greece
-going back to New York at Christmas time to do the nifty things like skating at Rockafeller center, shopping, seeing the famous Christmas tree, seeing the displays in the Macy's windows, and staying in a nice hotel.
-Being in the best shape of my life and becoming "a runner"
- taking my family to Disneyland sometime soon!
- Getting out of DEBT!
Ok, I thought that would be easy but it really made me have to think. Not a good sign.
8 people I tag
all 8 of you that read this blog :)
-
8 Favorite TV shows:
-The Today show (just for the first bit, I am a news junkie and have to know the headlines of what is going on in the world.
-The Biggest Loser
-So you think you can dance
-What not to wear
-Jon and Kate plus eight
-Lately Hannity and Colmes (I know I'm a dork)
-Anything on HGTV like Divine Design, House hunters...
-I very occasionally check in on Oprah, but she is not my hero or anything like that. I especially tune in for her favorite things show.
(Ever since we got rid of tivo I don't watch all that much, yeah!)
8 Favorite Restaurants
-Chili's :)- the chicken nacho's are my favorite!
-Thai food
-Red Robin (you can't beat their burgers and malts, and onions rings and ...)
-Only when I'm pregnant, Old Country buffet
-Olive Garden- I love their salad
-Boston Market
-I like ethnic, hole in the wall places
-Greek food
(I need to get out more!)
8 things I did/happened yesterday
-cleaned out the fridge (my most hated job)
-Mopped the kitchen floor
-Took Ethan to the bus
-Ran errands
-Did some PTA
-went to the gym
-made dinner
-read to the kids
8 things I look forward to
-Seeing Kate standing in her crib in the morning
-going to the gym (ok maybe not going, but once I'm there I feel great!)
-The weekends
-The holidays
-spending time as a family
-Loosing more weight
-planting my tulip bulbs this weekend
-Listening to Christmas music!
8 things I love about fall
-the leaves changing colors
-The crisp air
-making spiced cider, not just to drink but to make the house smell great
-all the baking and crafting
-going to the pumpkin patch as a family
-Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays
-Wearing sweaters and jackets
-sleeping in a crisp, cool room at night
-The cozy feeling, and first snow
8 things on my wish list
-long term health for me and my family
-returning to Belgium with Rand
-going to Greece
-going back to New York at Christmas time to do the nifty things like skating at Rockafeller center, shopping, seeing the famous Christmas tree, seeing the displays in the Macy's windows, and staying in a nice hotel.
-Being in the best shape of my life and becoming "a runner"
- taking my family to Disneyland sometime soon!
- Getting out of DEBT!
Ok, I thought that would be easy but it really made me have to think. Not a good sign.
8 people I tag
all 8 of you that read this blog :)
-
Monday, October 6, 2008
Photo Tag!
Most people hate being tagged, but it makes me feel special! Thanks Katrina.
Instructions: go to My pictures and open the 4th folder 4th picture and explain then tag 4 friends. Here we go.
Ok, so not the most exciting picture, and yes I did think of cheating and picking a different one but I didn't. This is of Ethan this summer at Randall's work party. His work put on a big carnival at Thanksgiving Point. Ethan was playing one of the many games to win a prize. Ethan is the greatest boy and so fun. He loves to be clean and organized. He is very particular about how he looks. He likes to have his picture taken, and each morning he tells me how he wants to have his hair combed. The spikey look that he usually sports is called "Ethan" after himself since he has had sticky uppy hair since birth. Connor is named after a buddy of his in Arizona and it is the traditional combed and parted hair to the side. This is the look he has currently taken on as the regular do. The Wheely is named after a character he used to watch on rolie polie olie years ago and is is the fauhawk. Ethan is a very sweet, kind boy and we love him. I just have to post one more picture to help describe him. The other day I asked him to clean his room and when I went up to check on his progress he very proudly threw open his closet doors to reveal that "he made outfits". He had hung his clothing in outfits and on display for the following few days. Nuff said???
I tag: Maria, Jordan, Julie, hmm...Who actually reads this? Brittney!
don't leave yet...updated blog posts below.
Instructions: go to My pictures and open the 4th folder 4th picture and explain then tag 4 friends. Here we go.
Ok, so not the most exciting picture, and yes I did think of cheating and picking a different one but I didn't. This is of Ethan this summer at Randall's work party. His work put on a big carnival at Thanksgiving Point. Ethan was playing one of the many games to win a prize. Ethan is the greatest boy and so fun. He loves to be clean and organized. He is very particular about how he looks. He likes to have his picture taken, and each morning he tells me how he wants to have his hair combed. The spikey look that he usually sports is called "Ethan" after himself since he has had sticky uppy hair since birth. Connor is named after a buddy of his in Arizona and it is the traditional combed and parted hair to the side. This is the look he has currently taken on as the regular do. The Wheely is named after a character he used to watch on rolie polie olie years ago and is is the fauhawk. Ethan is a very sweet, kind boy and we love him. I just have to post one more picture to help describe him. The other day I asked him to clean his room and when I went up to check on his progress he very proudly threw open his closet doors to reveal that "he made outfits". He had hung his clothing in outfits and on display for the following few days. Nuff said???
I tag: Maria, Jordan, Julie, hmm...Who actually reads this? Brittney!
don't leave yet...updated blog posts below.
all things Conference
This weekend was a good one. I just loved that it was cold and rainy on Saturday. It made me just want to hunker down and stay inside all day. We did get over to Macey's for the case lot sale mid session and found some great deals. We really enjoyed listening to the talks and topics. I love how the leaders address the here and now and encourage us to go forward even when things are challenging. I look forward to conference each year to take inventory on what things I am currently doing well, and what many things I can change and improve upon. I enjoy hearing from such sweet and humble men and women. It is amazing to me how educated and successful they each are, while at the same time so very humble in their stewardship.
When Randall left for the Priesthood session the party began. My Mom came over to spend the evening and we made good use of our time. First we decorated a haunted gingerbread house. As always I have a hard time at first just letting the kids go crazy, knowing it won't turn out how it looks on the box. I was amazed at what a great and creative job they did, mostly by themselves. It was a good reminder that they are capable and it's good for me to step back and encourage from a far and let them take pride in their "masterpiece" For the most part I love the ages and stages of my kids right now. We certainly have our days were I need a break, but most recently I am trying my best to slow down, be more patient, and enjoy the crazy and creative moments. It's so great to see them concentrate so hard on something and then be so pleased with their accomplishment.
After the gingerbread house we made carmel corn. Then Mom and I watched a movie while the kids watched theirs. I feel so great when I do fun things with the kids. I'm sad to think that my children have stored memories of me losing my patience, not always being kind and not always doing fun things. I'm glad that we took the time to do these fun things in hopes that my children are also storing away many of the good times and fun things that we do together.
My mom told me of a time when she was probably in 1st grade and she was given the assignment to color a flower. She chose green and colored both the stem and flower green. When her teacher saw her completed flower, instead of praise and adoration at her creativity, the teacher scolded her for doing it "wrong". The teacher asked my mother if "she had ever seen a green flower". After the scolding my mother was given a 2nd flower to color "correctly". While it makes me sad that my Mom now many, many years later remembers this negative experience, I'm grateful that I can choose not to have that perspective in molding and teaching my children. I want to do my best to make sure that I encourage my children in their strengths and weaknesses and always praise them adequately, even more so if they choose to color the petals of a flower "green". I'm glad that I just let go and that in the process of decorating the children's haunted mansion a happy memory was made, and in the end their mansion looked even better than the picture on the box.
When Randall left for the Priesthood session the party began. My Mom came over to spend the evening and we made good use of our time. First we decorated a haunted gingerbread house. As always I have a hard time at first just letting the kids go crazy, knowing it won't turn out how it looks on the box. I was amazed at what a great and creative job they did, mostly by themselves. It was a good reminder that they are capable and it's good for me to step back and encourage from a far and let them take pride in their "masterpiece" For the most part I love the ages and stages of my kids right now. We certainly have our days were I need a break, but most recently I am trying my best to slow down, be more patient, and enjoy the crazy and creative moments. It's so great to see them concentrate so hard on something and then be so pleased with their accomplishment.
After the gingerbread house we made carmel corn. Then Mom and I watched a movie while the kids watched theirs. I feel so great when I do fun things with the kids. I'm sad to think that my children have stored memories of me losing my patience, not always being kind and not always doing fun things. I'm glad that we took the time to do these fun things in hopes that my children are also storing away many of the good times and fun things that we do together.
My mom told me of a time when she was probably in 1st grade and she was given the assignment to color a flower. She chose green and colored both the stem and flower green. When her teacher saw her completed flower, instead of praise and adoration at her creativity, the teacher scolded her for doing it "wrong". The teacher asked my mother if "she had ever seen a green flower". After the scolding my mother was given a 2nd flower to color "correctly". While it makes me sad that my Mom now many, many years later remembers this negative experience, I'm grateful that I can choose not to have that perspective in molding and teaching my children. I want to do my best to make sure that I encourage my children in their strengths and weaknesses and always praise them adequately, even more so if they choose to color the petals of a flower "green". I'm glad that I just let go and that in the process of decorating the children's haunted mansion a happy memory was made, and in the end their mansion looked even better than the picture on the box.
Gardner Village- This is the place!
If you have never graced your presence with such a place as Gardner Village, then boy are you behind the times. Especially when the witches are out. Yes, every year the witches come out and they are a site to be seen. I think my favorite is "witchy poo" a lovely and curvacious witch reading the funnies, while doing her business if you know what i mean.:) Every year we take the kids up to have some lunch and see the sites. This year we got smart and went up the last weekend of September to beat the crowds and by golly we did just that! It was a perfect, beautiful, fall day. The weather delightful the food oh so yummy what could be better? Well food in my tummy...so we did just that. We had lunch at the "Naborhood Bakery" saw the sites and even indulged in a carmel apple from the sweets shop. You can't have fall, and Gardner Village without a carmel apple. In fact my cute mom bought the kids each their very own apple. She said "kids have to share all the time, let's give them their own". She's right. I spend so much time making sure that my kids don't act or get spoiled and that they use their manners, etc, etc. that sometimes I forget what great kids they are and that a whole entire carmel apple to themselves would be quite a treat indeed. Boy did they think they were in heaven. Granted Anna really only ate the carmel and left her apple for me, but it's all good. We had a grand time and have pictures to prove it.
3 cute kids
Beware of the "sceery" witch
Can you say future male model? Sweet pose Ethan
Who is this lady anyway?
Camel apples for everyone
Note: If you are now craving a carmel apple then I know I have succeeded!
3 cute kids
Beware of the "sceery" witch
Can you say future male model? Sweet pose Ethan
Who is this lady anyway?
Camel apples for everyone
Note: If you are now craving a carmel apple then I know I have succeeded!
Kate's so great!
Kate just seems to be getting older by the minute, and I hate it. Yes, it's fun to see her learn and do new things but I realize each day that these small and precious moments are very quickly fleeting. She is still not walking (except around furniture, or holding on to walls etc.) and that's ok with me. I will get to keep her small just a little longer. Just yesterday my sis in law said to me "once she walks, your baby is gone". She is so fun and we enjoy her so much. We are all anxious to see our Kate in the morning and I've even had to get after Anna several times for awaking Kate in the morning just because "she wanted to see her".
Kate now goes up and down stairs
"tries to feed herself"
She's even driving!
Kate now goes up and down stairs
"tries to feed herself"
She's even driving!
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