Looking back and now forward

Yes, I am one of those bah humbuggers that takes Christmas down before the New Year. It is kind of a sad process taking it down and packing it away but then it's so worth it after it's all done. The house now looks so much cleaner and bare. It's wonderful. Granted the corner that housed the Christmas tree does look kind of funny. I'm sure in a day or two we won't even notice the bare spot. Ethan and Anna were not too happy and kept asking why I was taking it down. I think now that it's gone though they are just fine.

Do you get the January blahs? I often do and I have to admit I am fighting them pretty hard. I keep telling myself that feeling down about this new month and the winter ahead isn't a very good attitude of gratitude. I continue to remind myself that in not too long, okay well about 3 month my 200 tulips will be budding from the ground. I absolutely love that time of year when you start to open the windows just a tad to let the fresh air in and all the winter bugs out. I love the crispness of the air and yet the frigid winter air is passing. So...as I look to 2009 instead of focusing on all the things I wanted to do or get done and didn't I am going to focus on all the we were blessed with and continue to be blessed with, which was much.

Those most important were Randall landing a very good, secure job and loving it. My Mom making it through her 2nd round of Cancer and chemotherapy. Buying our first home together after 9 years happily married. Our children continuing to be healthy and happy, and much more. On New Year's Eve it will be 14 years since Rand and my first kiss and 10 years to the day that we decided to marry. Who knows what could happen this new year's. Here's wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

It's offical I am...

a soccer Mom. We bought a minivan today. We have been thinking about it for some time but with the end of the year deals we thought we'd look into it a little further. Well we drove home in one. We got a great deal on a used Sienna with just 17K miles on it. Ethan calls it a "mibivan" and I guess since it has DVD Anna calls it a "movievan". Ethan has been wanting one for some time. I have been wanting a Sequoia. We also found a sequoia today that I was in love with, but I did the right thing and made a wise decision economically, environmentally etc. I have to admit When the kids jumped in themselves and buckled in (except Kate of course) I knew I had made the right decision. I guess I'm really not very cool anyway so why not drive a minivan? Oh, and it has AWD a nice plus in this lovely winter wonderland.

Falalalala

Tis the season to be sickly, Fa la la la la la la la la
Some with strep throat, some are pukey Fa lalalalalalalla
Don we now are gloves and clorox falalalalala
watch out Big guy and your reindeer else you might get sickly too.

We think we are now on the mend and are preparing for Christmas. I can't believe that it's almost here. I am loving the snow. I am just glad we don't have to go anywhere far. It's supposed to snow Christmas day and I sure hope that it does. It will make it feel so much more cozy and Christmas like. The kids are gearing up to go outside and play in the snow which mean I get to gear up to mop up my kitchen floor...again.

We were hoping to go see the lights at Temple Square yesterday but were still not quite up to it. Hopefully we can fit it in this week. We made and decorated sugar cookies yesterday. The kids are anxious to help measure, mix, roll out and cut the cookies. It's a fun age to have them so excited to be involved. It's always a mess but worth it in the end.


And while most of you are counting down just 3 days til Christmas I am counting down 11 until Randall and I get back on the Weight Watchers wagon. Who can say no to cinnamon Santa's?

Well If you haven't received our Christmas card yet we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Christmas Cleanse

When I say cleanse I'm not referring to "the Garth Brooks juice diet", although that might not be a bad idea either. I am referring to the illness that has come about our home. I took all the kids to the doc today and Ethan has strep, Kate has an ear infection and the jury is still out on whether Anna has strep. The quick test came out negative so we are hopefully in the clear.

The problem with strep is that Randall is a huge strep magnet. If anyone has strep within a ten mile radius he gets it, and gets it bad. Last Christmas Day he awakened with strep and was so sick that he didn't leave his bed all day. He could barely make it to the potty. Maybe it's good that he's out of town. Hopefully that means he hasn't been exposed and wont' get it. Maybe he should just stay out of town until Christmas Eve and that would up our chances for a happy holiday since the year before last he was in bed with stomach flu. Are you seeing the pattern here? I have since Clorox wiped every doorknob, light switch and phone. Everyone's sheets have been washed in hot with bleach so hopefully we'll ward off any other illness.

I opted for the shot over the 2-3 doses of antibiotics a day for Ethan and it wasn't an option with Kate so I just lay her in the choke hold and give her small doses in her cheek until she has no choice but to swallow.

My car broke down yesterday too. The good in all of this is my Dad is lending me his car while mine is in the shop and he has a way sweet ride and it makes lots o noise when you accelerate. I'm sure I'm the envy of the neighborhood by now.

Oh, and the snow. I guess I wanted a white Christmas and it's looking like that will most likely be a reality. The bad in all of this is that I am stuck at home, and staying up late eating all the treats people keep bringing by. Juice diet, here I come.

our little turkey

Ethan had a school project around Thanksgiving where he was given a bare turkey and was asked to disguise him as something else so he wouldn't be eaten for Thanksgiving. I thought that was pretty clever. We brainstormed many ideas and he was certain the turkey needed to be a cowboy. My only question was seriously how can a kindergartner disguise a turkey in a way that would be recognizable as something completely different. So what's any self respecting mother to do? Do it herself. Ok, I did some(most) of it and then had him color it and make it is own.

He decided to dress up just like the turkey himself. I thought it was pretty cute.

just a mess

This is what you get when you have your kids "help" you make cookies. The molasses was dripping down the front of the cabinets and Kate stood below it licking it from the drawers it was pretty cute. Although I'm not a huge fan of a sticky kitchen floor.
This was the first time I put Kate up on the counter to watch the cookie dough mix. Not only did she love to watch it mix but even more loved to taste it. Doesn't she look happy?
I had put Kate in her high chair to run next door to borrow an egg. I thought that would keep her safe and out of danger. When I opened the door this is how I found her. Standing on top of her high chair tray. She had climbed out and was trying to climb up on the counter. I couldn't believe it, but like any good mother I had to take a picture. I did have Anna standing close to make sure she wouldn't fall. I guess no more keeping her in the high chair.
It's a good thing they clean up so well. Aren't they cute. I had just gotten them ready for church and they were too cute not to capture. We sure love our cute girls...and boy.
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Thanksgiving- Finally!

For a family vacation/Thanksgiving this year my side of the family spent Thanksgiving weekend all together at a cabin in Heber. Admittedly I was a tad worried at how well things would go with 12 kids under the age of 13. All was well and we had a great time. We really don't get all together as families all that often and it really was a special time to spend together. As time progresses and with my parents health it's times like this that I really cherish. I just don't know how many opportunities like this we will have as a complete family in the coming years.

Each family brought food for Thanksgiving as well as snacks and another meal to share. We ate and ate and ate. I gained weight and it was great! When it came to pies we were set. We had apple, pumpkin, peach, lemon, apple streudel, as well as a fabulous peppermint dessert. We watched movies, and did crafts with the kids. One of the favorites of the kids was putting together Christmas scenes with foam stickers. That was my contribution and as usual I took it up a notch. I tend to be a tad competitive and while it was initially intended to be an activity for the children I became rather involved. Suddenly my two oldest nieces and I was doing out best to out do each other layering sticker after sticker to make them as dimensional as possible. They were the most elaborate scenes you could ever imagine. Needless to say it was a lot of fun, and yes the kids enjoyed it almost as much as the "adults".

The day we arrived there was no snow. The first morning we awoke to snow! It was absolutely beautiful and made the setting and the weekend all the more cozy and enjoyable. The kids had a blast outside sledding in the freshly fallen snow. Even Kate got in on the activities. She thought she was such a big girl to sit up to the table and sled down the hill. When we took her off of the sled she would just scream.

My kids were counting the days until "the cabin", and now every day Anna asks when we are going back....

We had a great time and were thankful to have such a fabulous Thanksgiving.






(don't stop here, most updates to follow)

Sundance, a family tradition

Each year as part of our Christmas gift my parents take all of my siblings and their spouses to Sundance for a nice dinner. Thursday we went up and had a great time. We don't take the kids and it's a nice to sit and catch up with one another. This year was no different. It's always an entertaining time since all of my brothers are crazy and overly sarcastic at all times. Rand always get a good kick out of listening to my family be the way that we are. It also reminds him where I get my honesty, sarcasm, and teasing ways. My Dad every year claims that he doesn't know where we learned to be like this and we weren't like this when we were living at home. Ya, right.

I really look forward to going every year not only for the company and the great meal but it is such a beautiful setting up in the mountains. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and cozy. Last year sadly I came down with the stomach flu the morning of the dinner so we couldn't be there so it was nice to be back with the family this year. I really appreciate my parents for providing this opportunity each year. My Dad tells us each time that this is the thing he looks forward to most each Christmas. I enjoy the closeness I feel being with my siblings and their spouses at such a beautiful time of year.

My oldest bro and his wife

Us
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2 years ago

Christmas Party

Last night was Randall's Christmas work party. Continuing with tradition they hosted and provided tuxedo's for a very nice black tie event at The Grand America. I was really worried about going up with the snow storm that had come in but thankfully the roads were completely clear.

It's always fun to get so dressed up and remember the good old days of Jr. and Sr. prom and of course our wedding day. Yes we go way back. In fact the anniversary of our first kiss is coming up Dec. 31 I think 14 years ago. Randall looked very handsome and I didn't look half bad myself. I will post the pictures we took though none of them were that great. They did have a photographer take pictures of each couple at the event so I will post that later.

The food was really good and The entertainment was fun. It was a dance group called "Latin Fusion". Some of the dancers had even been on "So you think you can dance". It was pretty good. Awards were given and as tradition goes we played rock, paper scissors as we do at all work events and as usual we didn't win anything. We didn't come home empty handed though. Since the theme was a Brazilian something or other we were given gift bags with Brazilian chocolates as well as a nice black picture frame. The things that impressed me most really about the event was in being sensitive to the economy and all the company not only cut their event budget by 40% but with each prize that was given out it included a large cash donation to the food bank. I thought that was very appropriate and thoughtful. You never would have thought there was such a cut in budget because everything was still very nice. I'm very grateful that Rand is with such a great company and that they are doing so well as a company despite the economy. Here are the pictures we did take. (If you are wondering why I don't ever mention the name of the company, that is because if you do your blog ends up in the inbox of all the managment at Randall's work. I know since last years post about the Christmas party ended up in Rand's boss's inbox and Rand got an email from him saying he had just read our blog)

Let it snow,

I keep wanting to update about Thanksgiving and all that's fun and festive, but I am just too crazy. In fact today I took Anna to school and didn't even realize she wasn't wearing her glasses until I gave her a kiss goodbye. Whoops. The only thing that makes me feel better is last week I did the same thing but it was the teacher that asked her where her glasses were. I hadn't even noticed. After this week of many fun festivities things should slow down a bit.

The great news is we found a great dress and I'm excited about it. Randall's reaction was so typically Randall like um, ya, I uh like it. I had to go to another friend's to get reassurance. I think we are good. Rand's funny that way, you could buy him something he has wanted for 30 years and dreamed about (although I can't think of anything to even give him for Christmas other than "The Office" episodes) and with straight face he would then say...thanks. My Mom always says he's calm and that's good because he balances me out.What do you mean? I'm not calm? :) At times I wish he would be a tad less balancy, but I love him just the same.

It finally snowed yesterday! I was so excited because I have had a really hard time feeling Christmasy despite my festively decorated home. I was sad though that it wasn't more and didn't "stick" but hopefully more will come. Not too much but more for sure. I can't remember the last time we had a true "White Christmas", which by the way I watched that movie yesterday as I folded load after load of laundry.

Well here's to you and your December festivities whatever they may be.

I'm sa proud

Rand is on his way home from Brazil, yeah! We are all anxious to have him home. Anna keeps asking "is today Thursday". Allow me to be a proud wife for a moment. Rand has been working so hard and is doing so well at work. He was recently promoted and then was also asked last week to be a team lead. I'm really glad that he is being recognized for the very bright, hardworking, well educated, handsome man that he is. OK, I'm done now.

Now for the stress behind the work. I thought that with the economy they would cancel the black tie Christmas party. No such luck, so...I need to find a dress ASAP. It's next Saturday and I just found out today. I don't want to spend a fortune but I also want to look GOOD! Help me! Jordan come on you've got great taste where should I go? I thought since we hadn't heard it wasn't going to happen and I haven't been able to go to the gym this week with Rand gone, I guess I shouldn't have eaten all those chocolates and thanksgiving pies etc etc, etc.

Poop or peep?

That is what Anna asked me today as I changed Kate's diaper. I thought it was pretty funny. Things are busy with Rand out of the country, PTA meetings and RS stuff to do. Thanksgiving was great and I will post about that with lots o pictures when I get the time. Happy Holidays

Almost there

The bread for the cinnamon rolls is rising, the breakfast casserole is in the fridge settling. Should I make the taco soup tonight or in the morning? I still GET to make my apple pie and due to the whole oven thing and all which was finally fixed this afternoon after a large fee, I caved and bought a pumpkin pie at Costco, as well as a real live pine wreath for the door which at the moment is taking a cool bath. The kids just finished watching "The Polar Express" and apart from one scary moment they really loved it. Rand said he would try to come home early today and yet he is still not home. I guess since he worked a 16 hour day yesterday arriving after midnight anytime tonight would be "earlier". Just about 17 hours until the Macy's Parade starts. I am considering bringing my tree out of storage tonight. Oh, and I thought of a Barrett family tradition. We always have celery with easy cheese beautifully squeezed onto it. Isn't that a healthy appetizer? We are cheese people. Just ask my Dad and his cardiologist. Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!

serenity now

don't you hate that the life of a mother is like riding a roller coaster? I guess the life of anyone is like riding a roller coaster, but sometimes I just get tired of it. One day I adore my children and love being home with them and all that goes with that. Then the very next day, or even the next moment I am wishing I could just rent them out for a bit.

Ethan has pink eye and has since Saturday so has been home from church and school. He and Anna aren't always a good mix and after a Dr. appt. errands and lunch I was hoping for Kate to take a long nap and a little "quiet time" to get some of the many things I need to get done. Instead I laid on my bed with ear plugs in so I wouldn't have to listen to Anna's crying and screaming. She very obviously didn't want to be "quiet" today which then made Kate awaken after her only and very short nap for the day which can spell disaster. Especially since the kids were up late last night because of Rand's Birthday dinner etc.

Oh, and did I mention my oven is sill broken even though both my parents said they were going to get a coil at the mending shed and we would fix it? Good thing someone from Bill's appliance is coming in the morning between 8-12 to hopefully get it up and running and not cost a fortune. Especially since tomorrow is the day that I have been looking forward to for sometime now. You know the day we watch a movie and bake pies. Well this year I have to bake pies, breakfast casserole and if time permits cinnamon rolls. I am a tad tired of taking things to neighbors to bake. And even though I did my best to time the enchiladas just right from the electric fry pan to the plate last night for dinner, they were just very lightly warm. Good thing Randall doesn't really like things hot anyway.

I guess the good news in this roller coaster of life, is that in the next 5 minutes I just may re-adore my children and messy house despite the crying, whining, dishes and laundry that are screaming to be done. Oh, and Sunday we wrote our letter to Santa and I have been warning the kids ever since that "He" is watching. Is it just my kids or does that tend to make your kids act even worse than normal?

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Randall Dear! Today Rand turns 31. I am married to an old man :) He is cute, sweet, helpful, hardworking, smart, wonderful, loves me and I sure am glad to have him. He doesn't read my blog but I thought I would send a shout out anyway. I love you!

We celebrated this weekend with some great Indian food at Bombay house and then saw the new Bond movie. It was pretty good. Tonight Rand has requested enchiladas and triple chocolate brownies with chocolate ice cream with malt on top. Can you tell he likes chocolate? Only problem is that our oven broke yesterday, so I may be bringing brownies over to a neighbor to bake!

Fa lalalalalalalala

I'm just so darn excited. Do you realize that Thanksgiving is merely one week away? Do you know what this means? It means that all the morning shows will be showing delicious ways to prime and brine your turkey, as well as the best stuffing recipes shared on Martha Stewart, although I will stick with "stove top" any day of the week. Yesterday I made a yummy pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling and not only was it tasty but looked so fun cut and placed on the plate. Yesterday I got together with some gals and the kids for lunch and I of course had to talk about Thanksgiving. I asked them what their Thanksgiving traditions were and guess what their response was? Not much. I was so dissapointed. One of my quirks is that I am always stressed about thinking we need to come up with our own traditions. I scour the internet looking for others ideas on how to celebrate the season and then ask everyone I know, and I guess I just watch too many commercials where it's the lovely scene through the bay front window of the nicely dressed family sitting around the table and everyone looks so happy and cozy. Those people look like they have some sweet traditions, right? This all goes back to my having too high holiday expectations. While the expectations have been lower this year, and yes I have been much less miserable I still admit that the whole wanting great traditions that will make my children have fabulous memories is still ever present. Every Thanksgiving I read again about how Thanksgiving came about and have a desire to be more thankful. I always feel inspired to share a poem or discuss gratitude around the table as we eat. But, it never happens and why? Because I am not a cheesy person, and while it all sounds good leading up to the event, as soon as we sit down I know full well it's just not gonna happen. Especially when it's my side of the family. I come from a family of just brothers. Boys who are very rarely serious and completely sarcastic 90% of the time. So I wonder, what are your traditions? What other than watching the Macy's day parade and baking pies and eating til you're sick? So...what do you do at your house? I really want know...

6 quirks

This has taken a lot of time for me to think of what my quirks are. Not to imply that I am not a quirky person it's probably just identifying them and then keeping it to 6. Here goes:

1. I hate dry hands/skin, but especially dry hands. I have gotten much better in recent years being here in Utah, but still I'm a freak about it. I carry lotion at all times. There have been times that I wouldn't even go to the bathroom because then I would have to wash my hands and then I didin't have lotion and then I wouldn't be able to handle it. One time in College my roommate wouldn't come out of the bathroom and I needed to get to school and my chapstick was in the bathroom so I...put deodorant on my lips. GROSS!! Needless to say my lips not only became more dry but repelled any moisture for weeks. I told you I was quirky.

2. I am a very social person and love to get out and socialize with people, do new things etc. BUT, quite often right before the event whatever it is I suddenly don't want to go. I always say to Rand "I'm just not in the mood, or I just don't know if I'm up for it". Then I always end up going and of course have a fabulous time and am really glad I went.

3. I love to throw things away/give things away. My kids start to cry when they hear anyone mention "The D.I." because they know I have another load ready to go. I don't know why but I just don't like having stuff around. Part of it may be that we have moved so many times over the years that I realize how much stuff we have and don't need. I am constantly going through drawers and closets to make yet another D.I. pile. Randall says I am not at all sentimental and I guess in some regards he's right but I am sentimental about pictures and things but not "stuff". This is not to say that my house is always clean or organized mind you. I do try but you know how it is. On that note I won't even own a ice cream scoop because it's just one more thing in the drawer when a spoon does just fine.

4. I am an all or nothing person. Especially when it comes to dieting and exercise. I will be good about my eating all day and then if I were to say eat one chocolate chip then I think to myself "great, now you blew it". and then I will just keep eating junk the rest of the day because I already ruined it with that one chip! One time I went without eating any sugar in the form of junk food for 4 months and then I ate a chocolate chip and I felt so guilty I just stopped and ws back to eating junk.

5. I don't like to sleep at others house or in hotel unless it's really nice. I just don't feel like maybe the sheets or clean or something... I only like the hotels where there is a duvet cover that I know can be washed. If it's one of those quilts on the bed i tell everyone to immediately pull it down and sit on it but that's it. Randall is more than comfortable about snuggling in it up to his face. You couldn't pay me enough money to stay in one of those "Anniversary Inn places".

6 Okay no more, I think you all know by now what a freak of nature I am and I better stop while I'm ahead. I'm really not a germ-a-phobe or as high maintenance as it may seem.

I tag 6 people like Michelle, Texas Alyssa, Jordan and whoever else.

sweet!

I'm a Porsche 911!

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Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Fun Friday

I have heard of mother's who have fun Friday's and I think it's a great idea. I really don't take time as often as I should or would like to do "fun" things with my kids. Today however I have decided on a plan. First we will make a paper chain of the days left until Thanksgiving. We are going to a cabin with my whole side of the family for Thanksgiving weekend up in the snowy mountains and we can all hardly wait. Anna asks me about every other minute when we are going to the "calvin". I keep telling her "on Thanksgiving". I have showed them on the calender and we have counted the days numerous times but obviously it has not sunk in yet that Thanksgiving is not in a few days.

The other day Ethan asked me how you make a pumpkin pie, so today I told him we would make one. I truthfully love to make pies. Yes it is time consuming but there is something so rewarding in taking a hot, sweet smelling pie from the oven that was baked from scratch-crust and all. Don't get me wrong, I don't often make pies, but every Thanksgiving when my mom says "let's just make it easy" I say NO, I am making some pies. (and Julie my sis in law must make home made rolls-something I have not yet mastered, that is unless they are rhoades) It is Thanksgiving tradition for Randall and I on the Eve before turkey day to put on a good movie and make pies. I look forward to it every single year. Last year I think we watched Ferris Beuller's day off. It's funny to me every time.

Can you tell I love Thanksgiving? I love to look forward to the Macy's day parade. In fact when Rand and I went to New York that was one of the many things I wanted to do was see Macy's with the infamous store front windows. Sadly they were vacant at the time. I look forward to baking, dressing up nice and cozy (with room in the waist band). I love sitting down to dinner. My mom always has a beautiful table set with linens and a beautifully presented centerpiece. She often sets the table at least a day or two ahead ensuring everything to be ready. I love listening to Christmas music. Ok, I have already listened to some here and there but am trying not to get my fill until it's actually Christmas time. I actually am one of those crazy people that even if my shopping is all done, likes to go out among the people filled places with arms full with packages. I love to decorate for Christmas, the one time of year I don't mind when my house is over-decorated and a tad cluttered with Christmas trinkets.

Well, here's to a fun Friday. Hope yours is fun filled as well...

A wintry day

This morning I awoke to the screams of children. Good news it wasn't the typical screaming I often hear in the morning. These were screams of joy. "It snowed, it's snowing!" "You better see this." " "Mom, this means Santa is coming!"

It better not, cause I haven't even started shopping...

Halloween's over

Aren't we glad that Halloween is over? With the chilly weather and Christmas music on the radio it's crazy to think we are now officially into the holiday season. Before that of course we will reminisce Halloween.

I was a bit of a party pooper this year when it came to carving pumpkins. I was all ready with the unique patterns and all but things had been crazy Randall was working a ton and was late the night we started. So...we carved 2 of the 5 very simply and we still survived. The funnies part was when Ethan first put his hand in his pumpkin and started to gag. He was not too excited. I had forgotten about all his dry heaving while carving last year. Needless to say Ethan did a lot of watching.

The best news of Halloween was that Randall's team at work won 1st place in the Halloween contest! We were really excited but a little sad that due to the economy and all the prize money was cut by 75%. Oh well, It was fun to get into it and do Randall's make up and all. We tried to color his hair blonde, but it turned a tad red instead, Whoops! After Halloween we cut it short and now it's not too noticeable. He was two-face from Batman and I think we did a pretty great job,don't you?

The kids were cute too. Ethan was iron man, Anna snow white and Kate a pink poodle. We're glad

perspective

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 :)
-

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.

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.