To keep all the writings I do on the family together, I've decided to keep the family journal on the blog too. That way all my entries will be in here when I go to print the blog. I am hoping I don't have to publish these until I go to print it because I don't want EVERYTHING about out us out floating in cyberspace for everyone to read.
Family update: January shaped up to be a lot busier than I thought..and a lot snowier than I thought, too. We have had the most snow this year than in the past 12 - 15 years! The sad part about that is we haven't had the chance to go downhill skiing once!*sigh*
Diane's business of over 15 years, Twin Peaks Distribution, went under this month. Jevan is helping her move things out of her warehouse as we speak. She is now trying to find a 9-5 job that will meet all her bills. The whole family has been praying for her. She is in a tough spot and feeling a lot of stress. Hopefully, things will work out quickly for her. She has a side business selling funny/sarcastic greeting cards, "Any Horrible Occasion" and we are hoping that takes off soon as well.
My mom had surgery on her shoulder because her tendons were separating from the bone. She seems to be healing well and is finding that the hard part is not going crazy from having to be so sedentary.
Jevan was offered a position at another company called "Omniture" where his friend works. It is an offer that would make a big difference for us financially, and he would work in Provo, making my dream of living in Heber quite a bit more feasible. He is trying to decide whether to take it. He really likes the job he has now at McCann and he knows he is good at what he does. But the money is hard to turn away from and the job may offer better upward mobility in the long run. It is just a scary feeling for him to suddenly go back to learning a new job, not knowing what he is doing, and wondering if he will be any good at it. We'll know what he decides in a couple of weeks...could be life changing for us!
Jane has started the toilet training process (for real this time). I tried once when she was 20 months and again right after she turned 2. Both times, she didn't really seem ready...didn't really grasp the concept. She is now just a few months shy of 2 and a half, and doing great! We started yesterday, and today she has gone all morning and most of the afternoon with no accidents! She even is able to tell me when she needs to go which is wonderful. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up yet that this is going to be easy, but so far so good. I still put her in Pull-Up training pants whenever we go anywhere because I know she is apt to forget to tell us if something exciting is going on, and I forget to ask her every 30 mins. But, I am glad she has latched on to the concept as well as she has.
Here's the process:
She tells us or we tell her to go sit on the toliet. She sits for a while and reads her book. When she's done, we make a big deal of it all and she gets a "treat" which is a few chocolate Whoppers. She calls it "SCHOCK-LATE!"( which she pronounces in a voice which I can only think to describe as a mischievous pirate voice...if there is such a voice. I'll have to video record it.
I really hope we have a made a breakthrough and I now have one less child in diapers! It would be so nice not to have to empty the diaper genie what seems like every day.
Jane is also really getting into playing pretend. She likes us to call her different animals or people all the time. She likes to have dialog where she is someone else and I am her. It's really funny. Her use of vocabulary continues to amaze me - she is really advanced verbally. Her sentences get more and more complex all the time and she is starting to understand how to be clever and use humor. She likes to ask trick questions, and laughs meniacally when we pretend to get them wrong. It is so fascinating to watch her imagination develop. It is really taking off. For instance, yesterday we had an entire conversation about a giant that happened to be in our car with us. He would make the car "fall". I'm not sure what that means but Jane would yell, "Mom! The gi-yant in da car! He's in da car! The car is faw - ing (falling)." I would get very concerned about the giant that has seemed to have some effect on gravity and would commence to ask her all sorts of questions about her giant, what he's eating, his name, etc. It made for a really interesting drive. I must admit though, she talks NON-STOP in the car and after a while, it kinda drives me insane! As long as I direct the conversation to different topics, it's okay.
She is still relatively good natured and a really good minder for her age. I have only witnessed 2 true tantrums which make the "terrible twos" so famous. I hope that doesn't all change when she turns 3, like some of my friends tell me it does. She is very loving and affectionate and outgoing. However, she can be pretty naughty, especially with other kids around her age. Jane and Calvin are quite the duo, either fighting or doing mischievous things. Yesterday, when we were over at Grandma Diane's for dinner, she had to be put in time out twice for crawling up the back of her couch after we all told her not to.
I can also tell she is flexing her self-independence muscles because she is starting to try to change her routines, and asking to do all the things I would usually do. Like just now for instance, I just put her down for her nap and usually when we do naptime, we read 2 books and then sing a few songs. This time, she wanted to read the books to me (which I happily let her do) but then she didn't want me to sing any songs! I asked her many times as we rocked there in silence and each time she adamantly said "No!". It made me sad. I hope it isn't a permanent change in routine!
Allison just keeps getting cuter as she gets older. She has a darling face and darling smile. She still has her little forced, grunty laugh which cracks us up everytime. She is also getting more interactive with people, as long as it is on her terms. If she is in a good mood, she will go to anyone but if she is at all tired or out-of-sorts she will only have her mom. We are trying to teach her to say "Hi" and wave. So far she just squeals and flaps both her arms up and down like a strange sort of chicken greeting.
She still will NOT snuggle with me either. Or anyone for that matter. She only likes to pull hair and strip all the skin from your face. I try to hold her arms down when I nurse her or give her a bottle and she fights all she can. When I let go, she starts swinging her arm about wildly, like I have done her arm some injustice and I must pay. It's frustrating that she always wants me to hold her, but not snuggle her. Oh, and she also hates to be changed. You have to either be a gladiator to hold her down and get a diaper on, OR you have to be magician and always pulling out new tricks to entertain her and get her to hold still. Drives me nuts.
But don't let all this talk make you think that she isn't the cutest thing. She is really happy, smiley little girl, very curious and VERY strong. Even though she doesn't have a ton of interest in walking, she is incredibly steady on her feet, and I'm sure when she does decide she wants to walk, it won't take long at all. Now, at least, she will walk around holding onto our hands for a while. Before, she would collapse instantly onto her knees. When you are such a speedy crawler, who needs walking?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Good Read
So, each month I attend this very curious book group. It's made up of some women in my ward, some women who used to be in the ward, some women who are friends with other women that may or may not have ever been in the ward, and a few who no one is quite sure where they came from. The strange part for me is that I am the youngest in the group by probably 20 years. Don't get me wrong, I love going. The women are fascinating and wonderful and the discussion is always great. It's just that it is always a little strange to feel like such a little kid (at age 30) in a room of people where no one really knows anyone, really.
Anyway, my curious little book group read this great book this month that really touched me and I wanted to recommend to anyone interested. It's called This I Believe
It's a collection of short essays gathered by NPR over a 50 year time span about what people believe. It's not as much about what people believe religiously as it is what people believe is the real way to find happiness and meaning in life. It's about all the little things that truly matter to people; everyday experiences that change lives, thoughts that lead to action, or just reevaluating what brings true happiness. It's about being nice to the pizza guy, it's about believing in the good of mankind, believing in our country, believing in yourself and at the same time, believing in your duty to serve others.
It had so many good little mantras to live by scattered throughout the book. Here are some of my favorites:
"In my humdrum life, the daily battle hasn't been good vs. evil. It's hardly so epic. Most days, my real battle is doing good vs. doing nothing." - Deidre Sullivan
"I believe in imagining a life, and then trying to live it." - Jane Hamill
"I am repeatedly struck by the healing power of connection created by being fully there in the quiet understanding of another. I believe in the power of presence, and it is not only something we give to others. It always changes me - and always for the better." - Debbie Hall
"My story is really my mother's story - a woman with little formal education or worldly goods who used her position as a parent to change the lives of many people around the globe. There is no job more important than parenting. This I believe."
"It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world, and with the divine." - Isabel Allende
"I believe in the 50-percent theory. Half the time things are better than normal; the other half, they are worse. " - Steve Porter
"What would happen if we listened to children as much as we talked to them? Or what would happen if even one generation were raised with respect and without violence?" - Gloria Steinem
"i hope that there are always things that we don't know - about the physical world as well as about ourselves...I believe in the exhilaration of standing at th boundary between the known and the unknown." - Alan Lightman
" I don't believe anyone can enjoy living in this world unless he can accept its imperfection. He must know and admit that he is imperfect, that all other mortals are imperfect, that it is childish to allow these imperfections to destroy all his hope and all his desire to live. Nature is older than man, and she is still far from perfect. Her summers do not always start promptly on June 21. Her bugs and beetles and other insects often go beyond her obvious intentions, devouring the leaves and buds with which she has adorned her countryside. After the land has remained too dry for too long, she sends relieving rains. But frequently they come in torrents so violent that they do more harm than good. Over the years, however, nature keeps going on in her imperfect way, and the result--in spite of her many mistakes--is a continuing miracle. It would be folly for an individual to seek to do better--to do better than to go on in his own imperfect way, making his mistakes, riding out the rough and bewildering, exciting and beautiful storm of life until the day he dies." - Oscar Hammerstein
"I believe in the ingredients of love, the elements from which it is made. I believe in love's humble, practical components and their combined power." Jackie Lantry
Okay. I could just keep going. I'll just say that it is really good book full of little jewels to ponder. Although I know what I believe religiously, and that I am sure it shapes me as a person, I think there are a lot of other forces at work that make us who we are and determine how we find happiness. It made me really want to sit down and write an essay myself. I am stopped by the knowledge that I could never express myself as well as the writers in the book, and that would frustrate me. Maybe someday when I feel a bit more eloquent....not today.
So I ask you...what do you believe?
Anyway, my curious little book group read this great book this month that really touched me and I wanted to recommend to anyone interested. It's called This I Believe
It's a collection of short essays gathered by NPR over a 50 year time span about what people believe. It's not as much about what people believe religiously as it is what people believe is the real way to find happiness and meaning in life. It's about all the little things that truly matter to people; everyday experiences that change lives, thoughts that lead to action, or just reevaluating what brings true happiness. It's about being nice to the pizza guy, it's about believing in the good of mankind, believing in our country, believing in yourself and at the same time, believing in your duty to serve others.
It had so many good little mantras to live by scattered throughout the book. Here are some of my favorites:
"In my humdrum life, the daily battle hasn't been good vs. evil. It's hardly so epic. Most days, my real battle is doing good vs. doing nothing." - Deidre Sullivan
"I believe in imagining a life, and then trying to live it." - Jane Hamill
"I am repeatedly struck by the healing power of connection created by being fully there in the quiet understanding of another. I believe in the power of presence, and it is not only something we give to others. It always changes me - and always for the better." - Debbie Hall
"My story is really my mother's story - a woman with little formal education or worldly goods who used her position as a parent to change the lives of many people around the globe. There is no job more important than parenting. This I believe."
"It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world, and with the divine." - Isabel Allende
"I believe in the 50-percent theory. Half the time things are better than normal; the other half, they are worse. " - Steve Porter
"What would happen if we listened to children as much as we talked to them? Or what would happen if even one generation were raised with respect and without violence?" - Gloria Steinem
"i hope that there are always things that we don't know - about the physical world as well as about ourselves...I believe in the exhilaration of standing at th boundary between the known and the unknown." - Alan Lightman
" I don't believe anyone can enjoy living in this world unless he can accept its imperfection. He must know and admit that he is imperfect, that all other mortals are imperfect, that it is childish to allow these imperfections to destroy all his hope and all his desire to live. Nature is older than man, and she is still far from perfect. Her summers do not always start promptly on June 21. Her bugs and beetles and other insects often go beyond her obvious intentions, devouring the leaves and buds with which she has adorned her countryside. After the land has remained too dry for too long, she sends relieving rains. But frequently they come in torrents so violent that they do more harm than good. Over the years, however, nature keeps going on in her imperfect way, and the result--in spite of her many mistakes--is a continuing miracle. It would be folly for an individual to seek to do better--to do better than to go on in his own imperfect way, making his mistakes, riding out the rough and bewildering, exciting and beautiful storm of life until the day he dies." - Oscar Hammerstein
"I believe in the ingredients of love, the elements from which it is made. I believe in love's humble, practical components and their combined power." Jackie Lantry
Okay. I could just keep going. I'll just say that it is really good book full of little jewels to ponder. Although I know what I believe religiously, and that I am sure it shapes me as a person, I think there are a lot of other forces at work that make us who we are and determine how we find happiness. It made me really want to sit down and write an essay myself. I am stopped by the knowledge that I could never express myself as well as the writers in the book, and that would frustrate me. Maybe someday when I feel a bit more eloquent....not today.
So I ask you...what do you believe?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Snow slugs and angel bums
Today was one of those days that reconfirms to me why I was MADE to live in this state. I think that if I was born anywhere else in the country, I would have eventually ended up here...predestined, I think. Why? For most of the reasons you can guess: mountains, red rock deserts, four seasons, 31 flavors of Jello at Smiths, BYU (HA HA HA - ok not so much...). But the number one reason? I LOVE SNOW! Love it. I like to be inside all snug and warm, watching it come down, and I like to be out playing in it. So when I hear there is a big storm coming, I get all giddy. I don't even know why, really. I like to ski but I am by no means an AVID skier...most years I only go downhill skiing once because it is so crazy expensive. But I still love the white stuff.
So today I was in heaven. Over a foot of snow fell at my house. This is how I savored it: snuggling with my girls under big blankets in the morning, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, digging (literally) out the driveway with my hubby, taking the girls sledding and then home for some hot chocolate and dinner. (Do you have one of those indulgences that you know you shouldn't have because it ALWAYS makes you sick but do it anyway? Sadly, that is hot chocolate for me. I would drink it everyday if I could...but I can't).
The best part of the day was definitely sledding. There is a great hill at a park near our house and it was the spot to be today. We took turns taking the girls down on the sled. Jane had a blast. She even went down by herself a couple of times. I was a little worried about Allison getting cold and cranky but I think she fared the best of all of us. She was all smiles. I had her bundled in this puffy, light green, down snowsuit and when she insisted on getting down and crawling in the snow, Jevan declared we were being attacked by a giant, green snow slug. She really did look like one. Of course, I have no pictures to prove her slugginess because I forgot to put the memory card back in the camera. Grrrrrr.
Jevan and Jane got in a snowball fight, which mostly consisted of Jevan tossing snowballs at Jane's belly and her laughing. She got him back by throwing a handful of snow down his back when he wasn't looking. And finally, he tried to show her how to do a snow angel, but as he was pointing out the various body parts in the angel she latched on to the bum part (of course... she is my husband's daughter) and so they are now officially 'snow bums'.
Anyway, that's all. I just wanted to let you all know that I believe in snow and that it is good and true and lovely...and never meant to go down your back; that's just cold.
So today I was in heaven. Over a foot of snow fell at my house. This is how I savored it: snuggling with my girls under big blankets in the morning, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, digging (literally) out the driveway with my hubby, taking the girls sledding and then home for some hot chocolate and dinner. (Do you have one of those indulgences that you know you shouldn't have because it ALWAYS makes you sick but do it anyway? Sadly, that is hot chocolate for me. I would drink it everyday if I could...but I can't).
The best part of the day was definitely sledding. There is a great hill at a park near our house and it was the spot to be today. We took turns taking the girls down on the sled. Jane had a blast. She even went down by herself a couple of times. I was a little worried about Allison getting cold and cranky but I think she fared the best of all of us. She was all smiles. I had her bundled in this puffy, light green, down snowsuit and when she insisted on getting down and crawling in the snow, Jevan declared we were being attacked by a giant, green snow slug. She really did look like one. Of course, I have no pictures to prove her slugginess because I forgot to put the memory card back in the camera. Grrrrrr.
Jevan and Jane got in a snowball fight, which mostly consisted of Jevan tossing snowballs at Jane's belly and her laughing. She got him back by throwing a handful of snow down his back when he wasn't looking. And finally, he tried to show her how to do a snow angel, but as he was pointing out the various body parts in the angel she latched on to the bum part (of course... she is my husband's daughter) and so they are now officially 'snow bums'.
Anyway, that's all. I just wanted to let you all know that I believe in snow and that it is good and true and lovely...and never meant to go down your back; that's just cold.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Birthday Boy and Rockstar
My husband truly loves me. Want to know how much? Lots and lots. Want to know how I know this? Here is all the evidence you need.
1. So several weeks ago, my friend Sarah calls me and says she needs to go Vegas for a friend's wedding. Her husband can't go so she wants to know if me and the girls would like to go with her, make it a weekend, go to Zions or Bryce, etc. I am semi-excited, loving the idea of a trip, cringing at the thought of two little wee ones in Zions as we hike in the cold and mud and such. I tell Jevan about the idea and he tells me it is a great idea, but not to take the girls and leave them with him. Just me and Sarah? A girls weekend out? Really? Really, he says. He says it would be good for me (he has been witnessing me slowly going insane. There has been so much sickness going around at our house that we have all been trapped in the house for what feels like years). Over the next few weeks I ask him again and again if he is sure and he insists that he is. He loves me.
2. What is the weekend I am supposed to go? Oh, yeah,...that would be his birthday weekend. He still insists that I go. He says that it is just a day and we can celebrate it the next weekend.
3. So, after battling much guilt, I do go and have a fabulous time. It has been a long time since I have had just a girls weekend out and it was a blast. Sarah is just the type of friend you would want to spend a weekend with; easy-going, adventurous, fun, and never runs out of things to talk about. I feel so comfortable with her.
Friday night we drive to Mesquite and stay the night. Saturday, we drive to Vegas and while Sarah goes to her wedding, I cruise Vegas and wonder why in earth no one has dropped a nuclear bomb on the place (okay, at least the downtown strip part...sorry to everyone who loves Vegas....just my opinion). After the wedding we go to In and Out Burger (yum), and then toTrader Joes (hooray!) and stock up on all the good stuff. We then get the heck out of that city and head to St. George where we shop the outlets for a while and Sarah tries desperately to make me try on clothes that are at least somewhat stylish and make me look like a girl (it's a really tough job...i'm destined to look like a tom-boy in baggy pants, I think). Then to dinner and onto our new hotel..the Days Inn in Hurricane(pronounced, for all you out-of-towners, Hurr-eh-kun). Stellar place, let me tell you. We were most impressed with all the pieces of hair that were made into the sheets on our bed, the carpet that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since 1890, and the lake of sticky stuff on the nightstand. I kept dreaming that there were bugs eating my feet. Our mantra? "$39.99 a night!"
Sunday, we headed into Zions and hiked Angels Landing (well, almost; we got to the part where you hang onto the chains as you climb. It was super icy and we had to convince ourselves that it wasn't worth dying over...Sarah would have attempted it but I chickened out because I had multiple voices in my head from people I had talked to before the trip saying "Now, Emily, you have a family...don't do anything stupid.." Darn voices. They won this time...) and then hiked to the Emerald pools where a waterfall coated everything around it with a snowy mist. We went back to St. George for dinner and had Mongolian Barbeque (an awesome concept: you get a big bowl and get to fill it with all kinds of veggies, noodles and meat, then dump a bunch of sauce on it and it is stir-fried fresh before your eyes. So good. Back at the hotel we hit the hot tub and then watch chic flicks, eat chocolate covered blueberries and I fall into a blissful sleep. So wonderful.
4. I come home to a peaceful, CLEAN (isn't that amazing? I can barely keep it clean) house, with happy kids and a sick husband with a bad head cold. What a trooper.
He loves me huh? He really does. And I love him back. Lots and lots. Thanks Jev. Happy Birthday...you deserve the best birthday year yet.
More Zions pics:
1. So several weeks ago, my friend Sarah calls me and says she needs to go Vegas for a friend's wedding. Her husband can't go so she wants to know if me and the girls would like to go with her, make it a weekend, go to Zions or Bryce, etc. I am semi-excited, loving the idea of a trip, cringing at the thought of two little wee ones in Zions as we hike in the cold and mud and such. I tell Jevan about the idea and he tells me it is a great idea, but not to take the girls and leave them with him. Just me and Sarah? A girls weekend out? Really? Really, he says. He says it would be good for me (he has been witnessing me slowly going insane. There has been so much sickness going around at our house that we have all been trapped in the house for what feels like years). Over the next few weeks I ask him again and again if he is sure and he insists that he is. He loves me.
2. What is the weekend I am supposed to go? Oh, yeah,...that would be his birthday weekend. He still insists that I go. He says that it is just a day and we can celebrate it the next weekend.
3. So, after battling much guilt, I do go and have a fabulous time. It has been a long time since I have had just a girls weekend out and it was a blast. Sarah is just the type of friend you would want to spend a weekend with; easy-going, adventurous, fun, and never runs out of things to talk about. I feel so comfortable with her.
Friday night we drive to Mesquite and stay the night. Saturday, we drive to Vegas and while Sarah goes to her wedding, I cruise Vegas and wonder why in earth no one has dropped a nuclear bomb on the place (okay, at least the downtown strip part...sorry to everyone who loves Vegas....just my opinion). After the wedding we go to In and Out Burger (yum), and then toTrader Joes (hooray!) and stock up on all the good stuff. We then get the heck out of that city and head to St. George where we shop the outlets for a while and Sarah tries desperately to make me try on clothes that are at least somewhat stylish and make me look like a girl (it's a really tough job...i'm destined to look like a tom-boy in baggy pants, I think). Then to dinner and onto our new hotel..the Days Inn in Hurricane(pronounced, for all you out-of-towners, Hurr-eh-kun). Stellar place, let me tell you. We were most impressed with all the pieces of hair that were made into the sheets on our bed, the carpet that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since 1890, and the lake of sticky stuff on the nightstand. I kept dreaming that there were bugs eating my feet. Our mantra? "$39.99 a night!"
Sunday, we headed into Zions and hiked Angels Landing (well, almost; we got to the part where you hang onto the chains as you climb. It was super icy and we had to convince ourselves that it wasn't worth dying over...Sarah would have attempted it but I chickened out because I had multiple voices in my head from people I had talked to before the trip saying "Now, Emily, you have a family...don't do anything stupid.." Darn voices. They won this time...) and then hiked to the Emerald pools where a waterfall coated everything around it with a snowy mist. We went back to St. George for dinner and had Mongolian Barbeque (an awesome concept: you get a big bowl and get to fill it with all kinds of veggies, noodles and meat, then dump a bunch of sauce on it and it is stir-fried fresh before your eyes. So good. Back at the hotel we hit the hot tub and then watch chic flicks, eat chocolate covered blueberries and I fall into a blissful sleep. So wonderful.
4. I come home to a peaceful, CLEAN (isn't that amazing? I can barely keep it clean) house, with happy kids and a sick husband with a bad head cold. What a trooper.
He loves me huh? He really does. And I love him back. Lots and lots. Thanks Jev. Happy Birthday...you deserve the best birthday year yet.
More Zions pics:
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
New Year, New Look!
The all new, 2008 model, complete with driver side airbags...and fancy background pages. Whaddya think? Too busy? I spent way too much time on it today but at least I learned a bit more about how to mess around with my blog. I feel all techno-savvy. Right. I know all the digital scrapbookers are out there thinking "oh...poor girl..you have no clue...." but I say it is much better than the plain ol' nothin' it was before.
Ok. New Year Resolutions:
4. More posts, less novels. Stop cowering to the blogger gods in charge of placing pictures where you want them.
3. Finish a full course triathlon. (I'm with you, KayLynn!) Also, finish a sprint triathlon with Jevan (yes, he really has committed - we just gots to teach the boy to swim).
2. Really accomplish some of the many "be a better person" goals I have set for myself...I won't list them all here. Sadly, the list is way too long..what does that say about me? Yikes.
#1 Goal: Appreciate everyday I have with my amazing little family. My kids will only be little for so long, looking at the world with continuous fascination and excitement. I need to be breathing them in, loving life along with them, letting things go, letting everyone in unconditionally, thankful that I'm the one who gets to spend time with them, to be the center of their world for such a fleeting moment in time.
That's all.
Oh..and here is my Janeism for the day:
(For dinner, I fixed a sweet and sour stir-fry with tofu. Jane hasn't had tofu since she has had the ability to really talk.)
Me: "Jane, you haven't eaten much of your dinner. Can you eat some more? Do you know what this is?"(pointing to the tofu)
Jane: "What?"
Me: "It's tofu."
Jane: "Dog food?"
Me: "No Jane, TOE-FOO"
Jane: "Dog food?"
Me: " No...TOOOOE-FOOOOO"
Jane: "No Mom, it's dog food."
Me: "You think?"
Jane: "Yeah Mom, it's dog food."
Jevan: " Jane, you are a girl after my own heart."
I try to be healthy and find meat alternatives and this is the thanks I get. Fine then, it's corn dogs tomorrow. Humph.
Ok. New Year Resolutions:
4. More posts, less novels. Stop cowering to the blogger gods in charge of placing pictures where you want them.
3. Finish a full course triathlon. (I'm with you, KayLynn!) Also, finish a sprint triathlon with Jevan (yes, he really has committed - we just gots to teach the boy to swim).
2. Really accomplish some of the many "be a better person" goals I have set for myself...I won't list them all here. Sadly, the list is way too long..what does that say about me? Yikes.
#1 Goal: Appreciate everyday I have with my amazing little family. My kids will only be little for so long, looking at the world with continuous fascination and excitement. I need to be breathing them in, loving life along with them, letting things go, letting everyone in unconditionally, thankful that I'm the one who gets to spend time with them, to be the center of their world for such a fleeting moment in time.
That's all.
Oh..and here is my Janeism for the day:
(For dinner, I fixed a sweet and sour stir-fry with tofu. Jane hasn't had tofu since she has had the ability to really talk.)
Me: "Jane, you haven't eaten much of your dinner. Can you eat some more? Do you know what this is?"(pointing to the tofu)
Jane: "What?"
Me: "It's tofu."
Jane: "Dog food?"
Me: "No Jane, TOE-FOO"
Jane: "Dog food?"
Me: " No...TOOOOE-FOOOOO"
Jane: "No Mom, it's dog food."
Me: "You think?"
Jane: "Yeah Mom, it's dog food."
Jevan: " Jane, you are a girl after my own heart."
I try to be healthy and find meat alternatives and this is the thanks I get. Fine then, it's corn dogs tomorrow. Humph.
Was that Christmas that just happened?
So I have a serious procrastination problem. I like to blog but if I let it go too long then I get overwhelmed by all the things I wanted to post and just keep putting it off. Granted, our December was a bit crazy with all holiday festivities and also all kinds of random illnesses running through our family, but let's face it - I'm bad at being frequent and short. It is one of my top 5 New Year resolutions, though!
But now I have paid dearly for my laziness. Here's where I will write out all our Christmasy adventures complete with cute pictures of sledding and unwrapping presents and such....oh wait, did I say pictures? Oh yeah, about those pictures...they be gone. They were stolen. Yup, really. This week Jevan took a business trip to Detroit (aptly, the crime capital of America) and had EVERYTHING stolen out of his room. That included his laptop that just happened to have a memory card in it with all our Christmas pictures. Sad huh? If only I'd downloaded those pictures earlier....*sigh*. But I shouldn't complain - Jevan was the one that didn't have underwear for days.
So, shamefully Marie and Jim, this post will have no pictures. Oh yeah - and sorry to Sarah too who says she only reads blogs for the pictures.
Christmas Highlights:
(Long winded because they are being used as a journal entry too - just a word of warning)
Week 1: Getting ready for the ward party that we are in charge of. I have all new appreciation for people in charge of big events. So. Many. Details. Truly a TON of work. We were working on it for weeks before. It was a pretty big stress for us because A) we had never planned anything this big before, B) we were flying completely blind; there was no folder or paper or anything outlining what needed to happen or what worked in the past or what didn’t (I am going to make one for our successors..it is so hard!) and C) we had a pretty lousy committee up until the day of the party. On the day of the party, a couple stepped in that had been Ward Activities leaders a few years back and they ended up being invaluable. I think we pulled it off because of them. We did a Reading-Christmas-Stories-by-the-Fire theme, complete with a living room set-up, a fireplace that you plug in that looks real, and a grandpa reading Christmas stories. It all went reasonably well. We were told to plan for 150 and had over 200 people show up. Luckily, the food held out but we had to scramble to set up more tables and chairs. I had a huge knot in my stomach and was so glad when it was over. It was hard to be in charge and chase down 2 little kids at the same time.
Week 2: Start trying to get ready for Christmas. I did just a little bit of shopping. Grandma Diane had a cookie party at her house and Jane had a blast decorating Christmas cookies with her cousins. I also had some Christmas pictures of the two girls taken in their Christmas dresses. As of today, I still have yet to go to the studio and look at them! By the middle of this week, both the girls start getting sick and all Christmas preparations pretty much stop. We are stuck in the house. I manage to go x-country skiing with my dad one Saturday afternoon which was wonderful. I love skiing with my dad.
Week 3: Girls still in varying stages of sickness. Jevan takes Jane to see the lights at Thanksgiving point with all her cousins. I try one night to meet Marisa and kids to go see the lights at the zoo. Right as we are getting there, an all out blizzard descends on us. We wander for a little while until we are all snowmen and then hop into the car only to wait in traffic for almost an hour because all the roads are crazy. We give up and go to my mom’s house until the roads are clear. At the end of the week, the Christmas madness begins. We took Jane sledding for her first time on that Saturday and she absolutely loved it. She had no fear and would even go down the hill on the sled by herself! That night was Jevan’s grandma’s Christmas party and for the talent show, Jane sang Jingle Bells for everyone (although she was convinced that the chorus was an entirely different song altogether so she refused to sing it after the first verse). Sunday was Christmas with my family up at my sister Steph’s new house. Her house was so beautiful, all decked out in Christmas, so bright and warm and new and wonderful. I have to admit I was so envious! Again there was a talent show and Jane sang Silent Night. All the kids opened up their Christmas jammies that night and we got pictures (that we no longer have…*sigh*).
Week 4: Christmas Eve was with Jevan’s family. We had lots of good food and opened presents. We also threw together a little nativity with any random dress-ups we could find. It was so funny. Jane was an angel straight out of the 60’s, complete with a funky polyester dress and scarf headband. Both the girls got blankets from Grandma Di and Jane loves hers. She sleeps with it every night. Christmas morning we opened presents. Jane’s present from us was a play kitchen which she thought was pretty cool. We gave Allison a bunch of smaller toys to keep her busy. Both girls each got a new outfit and some books. Then we went up to my mom’s house and opened our stockings and the presents to the girls from my parents. My mom gave Jane my old Cabbage Patch doll that I bought when I was in second grade. She cleaned him up and got him some new outfits. Jane loves him. He goes everywhere. She named him Wally (which can be quite confusing because it is so close to Allie…but she is quick to correct me when I get mixed up about who she is talking about). He pretty much stays in his pajamas because she has a tough time dressing him (she can’t even get herself dressed) and for some reason, she likes to keep his little bum exposed, mooning everyone wherever he goes. My mom also gave her my old doll bed and a doll stroller. Jane is in heaven. Wally now eats breakfast and lunch in the chair next to Jane and HAS to have a bib on with food in front of him. When I sing to her at night, I always have to ask Wally what he wants me to sing. It makes me laugh and strips me of my dignity at the same time.
That Friday was another insane day. We had 3 parties all on that day. The day started with all of the extended Woolley clan coming to our house for family pictures. We’re talking 40 people crowded into our living room and downstairs. It was a Woolley reunion for Jevan’s grandparent’s 80th birthdays. Next was a birthday reception at Asian Star. Then my highschool friends had a lunch party. It was so fun to catch up with my friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough. Then it was back home to cook and clean because we were having Jevan’s highschool group of friends over for dinner. It all worked out wonderfully even though it was so busy. Everyone liked the dinner and we did a white elephant exchange in which we gave out my “breastpump” aka clown horn that we had to buy in Mexico. We got a Richard Simmons exercise video in return. Sweet! It was a crazy day.
Next up was New Years. We were all sick again by this point – Jane and Allison mostly, but I was starting to come down with something too. This year we went to Jevan’s aunt Michelle’s house. We almost didn’t go because we had sick kids, but Jev’s family convinced us we needed to come anyway. It was a lot of fun and Jane completely shocked us by staying up and playing with her little cousin, Calvin until 2am! 2am! I have no idea how she did it. She slept in until 10:30 the next day.
New Years day we didn’t want to spend in the house, even though we all didn’t feel so well, so we went to Millcreek Canyon. We hiked up the canyon in hopes that we could sled down. We put Allison in the Bob Stroller and Jane walked. Sledding didn’t really end up working though because there wasn’t a steep enough grade. We just pulled Jane down on the sled which she loved until a happy, hyper little hound dog decided to cover her face with dog kisses. After all, she was right at his level. That made her cry the rest of the way. This little activity is the only thing we have pictures of.
The rest of January, or at least the past two weeks we have spent sick. Jane came down with croup, Allison got a nasty ear infection, I got hit with a head cold that would not quit. Jevan just barely got this cold and is battling it now. It is a doozy. But I am finally feeling better and starting to feel human again.
But now I have paid dearly for my laziness. Here's where I will write out all our Christmasy adventures complete with cute pictures of sledding and unwrapping presents and such....oh wait, did I say pictures? Oh yeah, about those pictures...they be gone. They were stolen. Yup, really. This week Jevan took a business trip to Detroit (aptly, the crime capital of America) and had EVERYTHING stolen out of his room. That included his laptop that just happened to have a memory card in it with all our Christmas pictures. Sad huh? If only I'd downloaded those pictures earlier....*sigh*. But I shouldn't complain - Jevan was the one that didn't have underwear for days.
So, shamefully Marie and Jim, this post will have no pictures. Oh yeah - and sorry to Sarah too who says she only reads blogs for the pictures.
Christmas Highlights:
(Long winded because they are being used as a journal entry too - just a word of warning)
Week 1: Getting ready for the ward party that we are in charge of. I have all new appreciation for people in charge of big events. So. Many. Details. Truly a TON of work. We were working on it for weeks before. It was a pretty big stress for us because A) we had never planned anything this big before, B) we were flying completely blind; there was no folder or paper or anything outlining what needed to happen or what worked in the past or what didn’t (I am going to make one for our successors..it is so hard!) and C) we had a pretty lousy committee up until the day of the party. On the day of the party, a couple stepped in that had been Ward Activities leaders a few years back and they ended up being invaluable. I think we pulled it off because of them. We did a Reading-Christmas-Stories-by-the-Fire theme, complete with a living room set-up, a fireplace that you plug in that looks real, and a grandpa reading Christmas stories. It all went reasonably well. We were told to plan for 150 and had over 200 people show up. Luckily, the food held out but we had to scramble to set up more tables and chairs. I had a huge knot in my stomach and was so glad when it was over. It was hard to be in charge and chase down 2 little kids at the same time.
Week 2: Start trying to get ready for Christmas. I did just a little bit of shopping. Grandma Diane had a cookie party at her house and Jane had a blast decorating Christmas cookies with her cousins. I also had some Christmas pictures of the two girls taken in their Christmas dresses. As of today, I still have yet to go to the studio and look at them! By the middle of this week, both the girls start getting sick and all Christmas preparations pretty much stop. We are stuck in the house. I manage to go x-country skiing with my dad one Saturday afternoon which was wonderful. I love skiing with my dad.
Week 3: Girls still in varying stages of sickness. Jevan takes Jane to see the lights at Thanksgiving point with all her cousins. I try one night to meet Marisa and kids to go see the lights at the zoo. Right as we are getting there, an all out blizzard descends on us. We wander for a little while until we are all snowmen and then hop into the car only to wait in traffic for almost an hour because all the roads are crazy. We give up and go to my mom’s house until the roads are clear. At the end of the week, the Christmas madness begins. We took Jane sledding for her first time on that Saturday and she absolutely loved it. She had no fear and would even go down the hill on the sled by herself! That night was Jevan’s grandma’s Christmas party and for the talent show, Jane sang Jingle Bells for everyone (although she was convinced that the chorus was an entirely different song altogether so she refused to sing it after the first verse). Sunday was Christmas with my family up at my sister Steph’s new house. Her house was so beautiful, all decked out in Christmas, so bright and warm and new and wonderful. I have to admit I was so envious! Again there was a talent show and Jane sang Silent Night. All the kids opened up their Christmas jammies that night and we got pictures (that we no longer have…*sigh*).
Week 4: Christmas Eve was with Jevan’s family. We had lots of good food and opened presents. We also threw together a little nativity with any random dress-ups we could find. It was so funny. Jane was an angel straight out of the 60’s, complete with a funky polyester dress and scarf headband. Both the girls got blankets from Grandma Di and Jane loves hers. She sleeps with it every night. Christmas morning we opened presents. Jane’s present from us was a play kitchen which she thought was pretty cool. We gave Allison a bunch of smaller toys to keep her busy. Both girls each got a new outfit and some books. Then we went up to my mom’s house and opened our stockings and the presents to the girls from my parents. My mom gave Jane my old Cabbage Patch doll that I bought when I was in second grade. She cleaned him up and got him some new outfits. Jane loves him. He goes everywhere. She named him Wally (which can be quite confusing because it is so close to Allie…but she is quick to correct me when I get mixed up about who she is talking about). He pretty much stays in his pajamas because she has a tough time dressing him (she can’t even get herself dressed) and for some reason, she likes to keep his little bum exposed, mooning everyone wherever he goes. My mom also gave her my old doll bed and a doll stroller. Jane is in heaven. Wally now eats breakfast and lunch in the chair next to Jane and HAS to have a bib on with food in front of him. When I sing to her at night, I always have to ask Wally what he wants me to sing. It makes me laugh and strips me of my dignity at the same time.
That Friday was another insane day. We had 3 parties all on that day. The day started with all of the extended Woolley clan coming to our house for family pictures. We’re talking 40 people crowded into our living room and downstairs. It was a Woolley reunion for Jevan’s grandparent’s 80th birthdays. Next was a birthday reception at Asian Star. Then my highschool friends had a lunch party. It was so fun to catch up with my friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough. Then it was back home to cook and clean because we were having Jevan’s highschool group of friends over for dinner. It all worked out wonderfully even though it was so busy. Everyone liked the dinner and we did a white elephant exchange in which we gave out my “breastpump” aka clown horn that we had to buy in Mexico. We got a Richard Simmons exercise video in return. Sweet! It was a crazy day.
Next up was New Years. We were all sick again by this point – Jane and Allison mostly, but I was starting to come down with something too. This year we went to Jevan’s aunt Michelle’s house. We almost didn’t go because we had sick kids, but Jev’s family convinced us we needed to come anyway. It was a lot of fun and Jane completely shocked us by staying up and playing with her little cousin, Calvin until 2am! 2am! I have no idea how she did it. She slept in until 10:30 the next day.
New Years day we didn’t want to spend in the house, even though we all didn’t feel so well, so we went to Millcreek Canyon. We hiked up the canyon in hopes that we could sled down. We put Allison in the Bob Stroller and Jane walked. Sledding didn’t really end up working though because there wasn’t a steep enough grade. We just pulled Jane down on the sled which she loved until a happy, hyper little hound dog decided to cover her face with dog kisses. After all, she was right at his level. That made her cry the rest of the way. This little activity is the only thing we have pictures of.
The rest of January, or at least the past two weeks we have spent sick. Jane came down with croup, Allison got a nasty ear infection, I got hit with a head cold that would not quit. Jevan just barely got this cold and is battling it now. It is a doozy. But I am finally feeling better and starting to feel human again.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Pie Anyone?
Ah, Thanksgiving. That happy time of year when there is lots of cooking, lots of feasting and I go away fat and happy. Literally. Time to pull out the extra roomy pants. This year we went on a hike before the feast with my family...as if that would help. It just made me hungrier. I think I ate the most, followed closely by Allison who blew everyone away with her food packing abilities. She also about broke my arm trying to get at my slice of apple pie with ice cream. She's my kinda girl.
Here are the highlights:
We made pie. Three of them. From scratch. Seriously. The craziest part is that they actually turned out pretty good. If anyone knows me and my cooking abilities, they should know that this could be counted as a miracle. Granted, it was a team effort with Jevan, and he is a better cook, but we are both novices when it comes to pie crusts and meringue. We were quite proud of ourselves. So much so that we took pictures. We made a lemon meringue, an apple and a chocolate cream...all in the time it takes to watch Ratatouille (we watched it while we cooked. Fitting, no?). We even gave our apple a pie a sheep. What's an apple pie without a good livestock cut-out on it? That's what we say. Ours got a sheep. Baaa. It was good times.
Here's a close up of the sheep:
Thanksgiving morning I woke up to Jane doing her usual morning chant..."Mom! I awake! Mom! I awake!" If you don't come in promptly in turns into a song, and then a wail...and eventually a scream. I go in to get her in the wailing stage, and then decide to hop back into my bed with her 'cause dang, it's cold. Just as we walk past my bedroom window, I open my blinds and....what the? What is that? It's none other than a giant hot air balloon taking off from my backyard neighbor's lawn (okay, so maybe it wasn't on their lawn but somewhere close by ... the elementary school field maybe?) It was so close and SO BIG! Jane was mesmerized. We went out onto the deck and watched it climb into the sky. It was definitely a highlight. Jane talked about it all morning.
We went hiking with my family in the afternoon. We tried to put Jane in her backpack but she spent the whole time wanting in and then out, and then in, and then out. Drove Jevan nuts. We eventually gave up and hiked home a little early...which was okay because I was starving!
It was a good Turkey day. We spent the rest of the weekend getting lots of stuff done we needed to and also playing. We went to Gardner Village to see the elves (so cold!!!) and also tried out the McDonald's playplace by our house. Not so good. Jane got trampled by a bunch of rowdy kids up in one of the tunnels and wouldn't go back in after that. AND, we remembered why we hate McDonalds. The food is yuck. Even Allie wouldn't eat it. And that's saying something.
Here are the highlights:
We made pie. Three of them. From scratch. Seriously. The craziest part is that they actually turned out pretty good. If anyone knows me and my cooking abilities, they should know that this could be counted as a miracle. Granted, it was a team effort with Jevan, and he is a better cook, but we are both novices when it comes to pie crusts and meringue. We were quite proud of ourselves. So much so that we took pictures. We made a lemon meringue, an apple and a chocolate cream...all in the time it takes to watch Ratatouille (we watched it while we cooked. Fitting, no?). We even gave our apple a pie a sheep. What's an apple pie without a good livestock cut-out on it? That's what we say. Ours got a sheep. Baaa. It was good times.
Here's a close up of the sheep:
Thanksgiving morning I woke up to Jane doing her usual morning chant..."Mom! I awake! Mom! I awake!" If you don't come in promptly in turns into a song, and then a wail...and eventually a scream. I go in to get her in the wailing stage, and then decide to hop back into my bed with her 'cause dang, it's cold. Just as we walk past my bedroom window, I open my blinds and....what the? What is that? It's none other than a giant hot air balloon taking off from my backyard neighbor's lawn (okay, so maybe it wasn't on their lawn but somewhere close by ... the elementary school field maybe?) It was so close and SO BIG! Jane was mesmerized. We went out onto the deck and watched it climb into the sky. It was definitely a highlight. Jane talked about it all morning.
We went hiking with my family in the afternoon. We tried to put Jane in her backpack but she spent the whole time wanting in and then out, and then in, and then out. Drove Jevan nuts. We eventually gave up and hiked home a little early...which was okay because I was starving!
It was a good Turkey day. We spent the rest of the weekend getting lots of stuff done we needed to and also playing. We went to Gardner Village to see the elves (so cold!!!) and also tried out the McDonald's playplace by our house. Not so good. Jane got trampled by a bunch of rowdy kids up in one of the tunnels and wouldn't go back in after that. AND, we remembered why we hate McDonalds. The food is yuck. Even Allie wouldn't eat it. And that's saying something.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
She's MOBILE!
Allison: Mom's got a camera. Man, that thing sure is shiny and silver and probably feels pretty cool on the tongue. Gotta have that. Rev up my engines....here I go! Focus....focus....must have shiny thing......must have shiny thing...GOTCHA!
Me:(as the camera gets jammed into my eye socket) Yikes! Give that back!
It's happened. Allison is mobile. We should all be afraid. I know I am. I think Jane is too. No longer are her precious toys safe from the teething, slobbery mouth of her sister. Allie surprised me today by making it across the room. The best part is how she revs up her engines before she starts off. In crawling position, she moves her little bum back and forth in the air until the momentum carries her forward. If she gets a little overzealous, her arms don't keep up and she lands on her face. Cute though, ain't she? My other favorite part is how Jane copies her. First I have Allison crawl to me and then Jane yells, "Janey's turn!". Then Jane VERY slowly crawls toward me, teetering from time to time and occasionally falling onto her stomach. I think Allison may even be faster than Jane if I were to clock them at it.
That's all.
Oh, and does anyone have a child that is OBSESSIVE about one book in particular? Jane does and right now, it's Abiyoyo. If I have to sing the song one more time......no offense Pete.
Also, does uploading and placing pictures on blogger make anyone else swear? Am I just doing it all wrong?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Vacation Madness
Wow. I can’t believe it has been a month since I last posted. October was nuts. We basically fit a summer of vacations into one month. Insane but so fun.
Again, loooong post. Sorry folks.
First was Cabo San Lucas. This was our first REAL trip without kids since Jane was born (we’ve done weekends here and there but never for this long). We went for 7 days (we had planned to be gone 6 days but as you will find out later, it turned out to be 7). Needless to say, I wasn’t sure how I would hold up being gone from our little stinkers that long. First day, pretty hard. Second day, still hard. Third day, kids? What kids? We have kids?
It was wonderful. We stayed at an all inclusive resort which was a new thing for us and decided it was a great deal
(or mostly a great deal…it is a fabulous deal if you drink lots of alcohol..and most people did…A LOT). The resort was beautiful, right on the beach and we had meals or snacks whenever we wanted them. We especially enjoyed ordering virgin drinks by the pool and we were often entertained by the reactions we got from the servers. Pina Coladas and daiquiris were okay, but one time we tried to order something called a California Orange and when we asked for it virgin, the guy looked at us with disgust and said “but then it’s just juice!” Umm…yep..it sure is. That’s kinda the point. Can we have one?
Here are some quick highlights:
-If the phrase "breast pump" makes you feel uncomfortable, skip this one. Actually, it makes me feel funny writing it so I will from now on refer to it as "the BP". So I am still nursing Allison and I wanted to continue nursing her when I got home, so I brought a big electric BP with me. We get to the hotel and I go to use it, plug it in, and….it doesn’t work. That’s a problem. We tried several things and finally decided that maybe we needed some kind of converter for the plug. Maybe it was the wrong voltage or something? We go into town and search desperately with no luck. Electronic stores are not too popular in Cabo. Bars are though. In tears, I spot a pharmacy. We go in and after a lot of R-rated sign language,
the lady behind the counter figures out what I need. So, I am now the proud owner of this. Bicycle horn? Clown horn? No, no..it IS a BP. I kept asking the lady where the milk is supposed to go and she keeps pointing to the little red rubber ball. Uh huh. Right. Well, let’s give that a shot shall we? Back at the hotel, I tried it out and let’s just say a bicycle horn would have felt better…or maybe a turkey baster. I went back to my electric BP and kept playing with the wires, turning it on and off. Finally, I give up, say a little prayer, turn it on and it WORKS! Talk about a good lesson for me, especially in humility.
-One night I went up to one of the hoppin’ bars in my pajamas and ordered a chocolate milk. The bartender later asked if I wanted another chocolate margarita. Good times.
-They had moths there the size of sparrows. My mom’s idea of hell.
-We played pool volleyball, got sunburns, ate sushi, turned down some weed from a beach vendor, and played “count the tankinies”. I won with my guess of 1. Mine.
-We went snorkeling and sea kayaking with a guide named Juan Carlos (haven’t you always wanted to meet a strapping man named Juan Carlos?) and a funny family from Wisconsin. At the end of the trip, after it had taken many tries to finally get the mom of the family into a kayak she proudly exclaimed, “that was the most adventurous thing I’ve done in my life!”
-We played tennis, boogie boarded in the ocean and sat on the beach at night. One night Jevan was telling me about a co-worker that goes to a beach house in CA every year and they build giant detailed buildings out of sand. We then started talking about sand building contests and how some people can sculpt famous people out of sand. We decided that if we were to ever learn that art, we would sculpt famous people that would probably not ever get picked for the oh-so-glamorous-let’s-sculpt-them-sometime team. Here’s our line-up: Janet Reno, Shiva the Destroyer, John Stamos and Charles Dikkens, the well-known Dutch author. We were thinking we could maybe start some kind of religion with them too, like the people who worship the Giant Flying Spaghetti Monster. Did you know that is really a religious cult? I’m serious. Google it.
-We did a zip line tour across a series of canyons which also included some rappelling. The company even included a tequila factory tour, with complementary tasting. I had no idea tequila was made from a cactus. I thought the taste came from the fermented worm in the bottom of the bottle. Silly me.
-Flying on Mexican airlines is not always the best idea. Our flight from Cabo was late, making us miss our connecting Delta flight to SL. We had to spend a lot of time running around the airport in Mexico City, trying to figure out what to do until finally we were sent to Phoenix and had to stay the night there (compliments of Aeromexico) and fly home in the morning. That is pure torture to a mom who just wants to get home and see her kids.
That’s Cabo.
We were home for a week and then I left Jevan at home and took off for Disneyland with the kids. We went with my mom, sister, sister-in-laws and all their kids. We were 15 strong and a force to be reckoned with. First off, getting through airport security with a baby and toddler and all the STUFF they have is a sight to behold. So funny. After Jevan said goodbye at the airport, he secretly snuck up to the next floor of the airport and watched us go through security. He got a good laugh at our little circus.
Disneyland was fun. I think it was a lot of fun for Jane, albeit completely over stimulating and by the end of the trip she was blitzed beyond belief.
It is crazy to see what sleep deprivation can do to toddler. She was like a frantic little bug that just keeps flying itself into the window over and over. She loved riding the rides and being with her cousins. Allison was a real trooper and really complained only once. That was Halloween night, when I put her in her Dumbo costume and we went to California Adventure to their Halloween event with trick-or-treating and a parade. She was not happy that night. She looked SO cute though. Jane was pirate princess and had a great time getting candy and dancing the Monster Mash in the parade. All in all it was a fabulous time and it would have never been possible without the help of my mother. Thanks Mom!
So there’s October. Hopefully November will be a little less insane and I can write smaller posts for crying out loud.
Here are some pictures:
Cabo on Flickr
Disneyland on Flickr
Again, loooong post. Sorry folks.
First was Cabo San Lucas. This was our first REAL trip without kids since Jane was born (we’ve done weekends here and there but never for this long). We went for 7 days (we had planned to be gone 6 days but as you will find out later, it turned out to be 7). Needless to say, I wasn’t sure how I would hold up being gone from our little stinkers that long. First day, pretty hard. Second day, still hard. Third day, kids? What kids? We have kids?
It was wonderful. We stayed at an all inclusive resort which was a new thing for us and decided it was a great deal
(or mostly a great deal…it is a fabulous deal if you drink lots of alcohol..and most people did…A LOT). The resort was beautiful, right on the beach and we had meals or snacks whenever we wanted them. We especially enjoyed ordering virgin drinks by the pool and we were often entertained by the reactions we got from the servers. Pina Coladas and daiquiris were okay, but one time we tried to order something called a California Orange and when we asked for it virgin, the guy looked at us with disgust and said “but then it’s just juice!” Umm…yep..it sure is. That’s kinda the point. Can we have one?Here are some quick highlights:
-If the phrase "breast pump" makes you feel uncomfortable, skip this one. Actually, it makes me feel funny writing it so I will from now on refer to it as "the BP". So I am still nursing Allison and I wanted to continue nursing her when I got home, so I brought a big electric BP with me. We get to the hotel and I go to use it, plug it in, and….it doesn’t work. That’s a problem. We tried several things and finally decided that maybe we needed some kind of converter for the plug. Maybe it was the wrong voltage or something? We go into town and search desperately with no luck. Electronic stores are not too popular in Cabo. Bars are though. In tears, I spot a pharmacy. We go in and after a lot of R-rated sign language,
the lady behind the counter figures out what I need. So, I am now the proud owner of this. Bicycle horn? Clown horn? No, no..it IS a BP. I kept asking the lady where the milk is supposed to go and she keeps pointing to the little red rubber ball. Uh huh. Right. Well, let’s give that a shot shall we? Back at the hotel, I tried it out and let’s just say a bicycle horn would have felt better…or maybe a turkey baster. I went back to my electric BP and kept playing with the wires, turning it on and off. Finally, I give up, say a little prayer, turn it on and it WORKS! Talk about a good lesson for me, especially in humility.-One night I went up to one of the hoppin’ bars in my pajamas and ordered a chocolate milk. The bartender later asked if I wanted another chocolate margarita. Good times.
-They had moths there the size of sparrows. My mom’s idea of hell.
-We played pool volleyball, got sunburns, ate sushi, turned down some weed from a beach vendor, and played “count the tankinies”. I won with my guess of 1. Mine.
-We went snorkeling and sea kayaking with a guide named Juan Carlos (haven’t you always wanted to meet a strapping man named Juan Carlos?) and a funny family from Wisconsin. At the end of the trip, after it had taken many tries to finally get the mom of the family into a kayak she proudly exclaimed, “that was the most adventurous thing I’ve done in my life!”-We played tennis, boogie boarded in the ocean and sat on the beach at night. One night Jevan was telling me about a co-worker that goes to a beach house in CA every year and they build giant detailed buildings out of sand. We then started talking about sand building contests and how some people can sculpt famous people out of sand. We decided that if we were to ever learn that art, we would sculpt famous people that would probably not ever get picked for the oh-so-glamorous-let’s-sculpt-them-sometime team. Here’s our line-up: Janet Reno, Shiva the Destroyer, John Stamos and Charles Dikkens, the well-known Dutch author. We were thinking we could maybe start some kind of religion with them too, like the people who worship the Giant Flying Spaghetti Monster. Did you know that is really a religious cult? I’m serious. Google it.
-We did a zip line tour across a series of canyons which also included some rappelling. The company even included a tequila factory tour, with complementary tasting. I had no idea tequila was made from a cactus. I thought the taste came from the fermented worm in the bottom of the bottle. Silly me.
-Flying on Mexican airlines is not always the best idea. Our flight from Cabo was late, making us miss our connecting Delta flight to SL. We had to spend a lot of time running around the airport in Mexico City, trying to figure out what to do until finally we were sent to Phoenix and had to stay the night there (compliments of Aeromexico) and fly home in the morning. That is pure torture to a mom who just wants to get home and see her kids.
That’s Cabo.
We were home for a week and then I left Jevan at home and took off for Disneyland with the kids. We went with my mom, sister, sister-in-laws and all their kids. We were 15 strong and a force to be reckoned with. First off, getting through airport security with a baby and toddler and all the STUFF they have is a sight to behold. So funny. After Jevan said goodbye at the airport, he secretly snuck up to the next floor of the airport and watched us go through security. He got a good laugh at our little circus.
Disneyland was fun. I think it was a lot of fun for Jane, albeit completely over stimulating and by the end of the trip she was blitzed beyond belief.
It is crazy to see what sleep deprivation can do to toddler. She was like a frantic little bug that just keeps flying itself into the window over and over. She loved riding the rides and being with her cousins. Allison was a real trooper and really complained only once. That was Halloween night, when I put her in her Dumbo costume and we went to California Adventure to their Halloween event with trick-or-treating and a parade. She was not happy that night. She looked SO cute though. Jane was pirate princess and had a great time getting candy and dancing the Monster Mash in the parade. All in all it was a fabulous time and it would have never been possible without the help of my mother. Thanks Mom!So there’s October. Hopefully November will be a little less insane and I can write smaller posts for crying out loud.
Here are some pictures:
Cabo on Flickr
Disneyland on Flickr
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I Just Don't Get Kids
Allison is an incredibly light sleeper for a baby. Honestly, if she is sleeping and you sneeze in the backyard she will wake up. It's crazy annoying. When I put her down for her morning nap, Jane and I have to sequester ourselves downstairs for fear of waking the monster.
SO, we have been doing improvements to our backyard all summer and recently decided to put in a patio (stamped concrete) and pave the RV parking area at the side of our house that had become a mini amazon jungle. Today the cement came...in the form of 2 big cement trucks (Jane was in heaven). Of course, the trucks came right after I put Allison down for her morning nap. Great, I thought, there is no way Allison will ever sleep through THAT! Her bedroom is right next to RV parking pad. In come the trucks and drive right into the RV pad, their big cement bellies rolling and roaring. It was so loud. One truck went right up against the house and all that was separating Allison in her crib from the big monster was literally a few inches of wood and insulation.
Did Allison wake up? NO! Not at all. Not for almost the entire 2 hours they were there. I was completely dumbfounded. How is that possible? Kids. I just don't get them.
Going on vacation for a week with my hubby. Hooray to be just the two of us but also having a bit of "what was I thinking?" about leaving my kids. Tune in next time to see if we all survive.
SO, we have been doing improvements to our backyard all summer and recently decided to put in a patio (stamped concrete) and pave the RV parking area at the side of our house that had become a mini amazon jungle. Today the cement came...in the form of 2 big cement trucks (Jane was in heaven). Of course, the trucks came right after I put Allison down for her morning nap. Great, I thought, there is no way Allison will ever sleep through THAT! Her bedroom is right next to RV parking pad. In come the trucks and drive right into the RV pad, their big cement bellies rolling and roaring. It was so loud. One truck went right up against the house and all that was separating Allison in her crib from the big monster was literally a few inches of wood and insulation.
Did Allison wake up? NO! Not at all. Not for almost the entire 2 hours they were there. I was completely dumbfounded. How is that possible? Kids. I just don't get them.
Going on vacation for a week with my hubby. Hooray to be just the two of us but also having a bit of "what was I thinking?" about leaving my kids. Tune in next time to see if we all survive.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Takin' It Down South
So many nights I have thought to myself, I should put a post on my blog. Not that I fool myself into 
thinking that anyone really thinks my life is that exciting and is waiting for me to post, but I like to keep my little family journal current. But something, or someone, has been stopping me. His name is Dwight Schrute, and he faster than 90% of all snakes. He came to us via the US mail, in the form of Season 3 of The Office, and he has taken over our lives. Okay, so Jevan and I LOVE this show. We watched all of Season 1 and 2 in probably 2 weekends, 3-4 episodes a night, and had to force ourselves to go to bed. We are pretty busy during the week and never find time to watch TV, so we have just been waiting to watch all of Season 3 on DVD. I'm not sure why I love it so much when I just sit and squirm uncomfortably on the couch, "Did he really just say that out loud?" " Can anyone really SAY that?"
Us at the waterfall: Allison spent the hike sleeping...and I have no idea how to rotate this picture.
thinking that anyone really thinks my life is that exciting and is waiting for me to post, but I like to keep my little family journal current. But something, or someone, has been stopping me. His name is Dwight Schrute, and he faster than 90% of all snakes. He came to us via the US mail, in the form of Season 3 of The Office, and he has taken over our lives. Okay, so Jevan and I LOVE this show. We watched all of Season 1 and 2 in probably 2 weekends, 3-4 episodes a night, and had to force ourselves to go to bed. We are pretty busy during the week and never find time to watch TV, so we have just been waiting to watch all of Season 3 on DVD. I'm not sure why I love it so much when I just sit and squirm uncomfortably on the couch, "Did he really just say that out loud?" " Can anyone really SAY that?"So, it has been an Office fest around here. Needless to say, I haven't kept up on my blogging.
Last week we took a much needed family vacation down to sunny St. George. I would like to say that it was nice to get away from the cold weather that has been passing through northern Utah lately, but to tell the truth, I am really excited for winter. Most people I know, especially my husband, think I am completely nuts but I LOVE snow. Anyway, beside the point. We went down south.
Here's the trip in a nutshell:
DAY 1: Driving. Lots of driving. The girls actually did great except for one small incident. About an hour outside of our destination, Jevan and I were commenting on how well the girls had handled the drive thus far. Why did we jynx ourselves? Not 30 seconds later, Jane starts to cry and says she has an "owie" in her "mouff." I figured maybe we had hit a good bump and..she bit her tongue? Not so much. Jane then lost her lunch. I will never be able to buy those colored goldfish ever again. Ever. So gross. We pull off at a gas station and frantically try to get her cleaned up..and the carseat....right. The whole scene actually paints a pretty funny picture as I strip Jane down to her b-day suit, run her through a VERY busy truck stop gas station, some eyes glaring and some eyes laughing, only to stop dead at the end of a lONG bathroom line. Grrr...why do women bathrooms ALWAYS have lines? How hard is it, people? Sure boys get to stand up, but I swear it takes maybe an extra 10 seconds to sit down..I dunno...needless to say I was bugged. Then I realized I really only needed the sink so I slinked past some more glaring eyes into the bathroom. Once I got through the door, I found one small sink and 2 bathroom stalls in a space smaller than my hall closet at home. I plopped Jane in the sink and frantically tried to clean her up as bathroom patrons surrounded me. It was kind of a funny game - wash Jane's arm, pull her out for someone to use the sink, turn sideways so they could get at the paper towels, turn the other way as someone tried to open the door to the bathroom, slide back over to the sink, wash the other arm..and the game began again.
Finally, an hour and a half later, we were back on the road. The rest of the ride went smoothly and we have now found out that we can't let Jane read any books in car, especially after she has eaten.
DAY 2: It's not so sunny today in St. George, so we decide to head for Zions National Park (one of my most favorite places on the planet, mind you). It turned out to be one of those picture perfect days where you think to yourself on more than one occasion "man, life is good...and I love my little family." Although it rained on us a couple times (it poured on us while we were finishing up our little picnic lunch), Zions was BEAUTIFUL. Trees were changing colors, the air smelled so good because of the fresh rain, and we even took a little hike to a waterfall. It was about a mile round trip and Jane hiked the whole way! I was quite amazed. She was pretty exhausted by the end. We even saw a tarantula on the trail. Those suckers are so big! Jane was fascinated by the "spideh" and Jevan got a kick out of the fact that it seemed intent on chasing me...seriously..it kept going for my feet. Jane also loved riding on the shuttle bus and made friends with a cute couple sitting next to us.
DAY 3: Swimming! We hadn't been swimming in a long time and it was really fun, especially because the pool has a little mini waterfall. That afternoon, we indulged Jevan and went minature golfing (Jevan LOVES minature golfing and it makes me laugh...I feel like we are back in highschool on a date whenever we go (it brings back all those awkward feelings of highschool dating...and dating in general for me). I think it is his only way of getting me to acknowledge that golfing could actually be fun - he loves to golf and I say it is for sissies..:)Dinner was the Pizza Factory! Remember back in the early 90s when it was SO COOL to have a T-shirt from the Pizza Factory? Poor Utah..we try so hard...we wanted to be cool like In-And-Out Burger.
Day 4: Drive home. And no one loses their lunch this time.
So there you have it.
My last little comment for the day is: although I said I love winter, I also love fall. I love Utah right now. On Sunday, we took a drive up Millcreek Canyon and it was so incredible. The leaves were so vibrant - red, yellow and orange. The mountains were patchwork quilts of color. We listened to George Winston (a pianist that I really like) as we drove. It sounds so cheesy but it did wonders for my spirit, filling an ever present void or longing that I have...I have no idea how to explain it. Anyway, I love fall for the crisp air, the smell of logs burning in someone's fireplace, the need to wear soft hoodie sweatshirts all the time.
Here are some pics from our adventures:
Last week we took a much needed family vacation down to sunny St. George. I would like to say that it was nice to get away from the cold weather that has been passing through northern Utah lately, but to tell the truth, I am really excited for winter. Most people I know, especially my husband, think I am completely nuts but I LOVE snow. Anyway, beside the point. We went down south.
Here's the trip in a nutshell:
DAY 1: Driving. Lots of driving. The girls actually did great except for one small incident. About an hour outside of our destination, Jevan and I were commenting on how well the girls had handled the drive thus far. Why did we jynx ourselves? Not 30 seconds later, Jane starts to cry and says she has an "owie" in her "mouff." I figured maybe we had hit a good bump and..she bit her tongue? Not so much. Jane then lost her lunch. I will never be able to buy those colored goldfish ever again. Ever. So gross. We pull off at a gas station and frantically try to get her cleaned up..and the carseat....right. The whole scene actually paints a pretty funny picture as I strip Jane down to her b-day suit, run her through a VERY busy truck stop gas station, some eyes glaring and some eyes laughing, only to stop dead at the end of a lONG bathroom line. Grrr...why do women bathrooms ALWAYS have lines? How hard is it, people? Sure boys get to stand up, but I swear it takes maybe an extra 10 seconds to sit down..I dunno...needless to say I was bugged. Then I realized I really only needed the sink so I slinked past some more glaring eyes into the bathroom. Once I got through the door, I found one small sink and 2 bathroom stalls in a space smaller than my hall closet at home. I plopped Jane in the sink and frantically tried to clean her up as bathroom patrons surrounded me. It was kind of a funny game - wash Jane's arm, pull her out for someone to use the sink, turn sideways so they could get at the paper towels, turn the other way as someone tried to open the door to the bathroom, slide back over to the sink, wash the other arm..and the game began again.
Finally, an hour and a half later, we were back on the road. The rest of the ride went smoothly and we have now found out that we can't let Jane read any books in car, especially after she has eaten.
DAY 2: It's not so sunny today in St. George, so we decide to head for Zions National Park (one of my most favorite places on the planet, mind you). It turned out to be one of those picture perfect days where you think to yourself on more than one occasion "man, life is good...and I love my little family." Although it rained on us a couple times (it poured on us while we were finishing up our little picnic lunch), Zions was BEAUTIFUL. Trees were changing colors, the air smelled so good because of the fresh rain, and we even took a little hike to a waterfall. It was about a mile round trip and Jane hiked the whole way! I was quite amazed. She was pretty exhausted by the end. We even saw a tarantula on the trail. Those suckers are so big! Jane was fascinated by the "spideh" and Jevan got a kick out of the fact that it seemed intent on chasing me...seriously..it kept going for my feet. Jane also loved riding on the shuttle bus and made friends with a cute couple sitting next to us.
DAY 3: Swimming! We hadn't been swimming in a long time and it was really fun, especially because the pool has a little mini waterfall. That afternoon, we indulged Jevan and went minature golfing (Jevan LOVES minature golfing and it makes me laugh...I feel like we are back in highschool on a date whenever we go (it brings back all those awkward feelings of highschool dating...and dating in general for me). I think it is his only way of getting me to acknowledge that golfing could actually be fun - he loves to golf and I say it is for sissies..:)Dinner was the Pizza Factory! Remember back in the early 90s when it was SO COOL to have a T-shirt from the Pizza Factory? Poor Utah..we try so hard...we wanted to be cool like In-And-Out Burger.
Day 4: Drive home. And no one loses their lunch this time.
So there you have it.
My last little comment for the day is: although I said I love winter, I also love fall. I love Utah right now. On Sunday, we took a drive up Millcreek Canyon and it was so incredible. The leaves were so vibrant - red, yellow and orange. The mountains were patchwork quilts of color. We listened to George Winston (a pianist that I really like) as we drove. It sounds so cheesy but it did wonders for my spirit, filling an ever present void or longing that I have...I have no idea how to explain it. Anyway, I love fall for the crisp air, the smell of logs burning in someone's fireplace, the need to wear soft hoodie sweatshirts all the time.
Here are some pics from our adventures:
Jevan and Jane; all smiles before the hike
The aforementioned tarantula about to eat my foot
Us at the waterfall: Allison spent the hike sleeping...and I have no idea how to rotate this picture.Jane and Jevan concentrating on Jane's shot
Friday, October 05, 2007
A couple of YouTube finds
This one I think sums up motherhood (my mom sent it to me)
This is a prank call from Mr. Rogers to a Southern lady. It's basically a guy with a Mr. Rogers soundboard (which is a bunch of things he's said that they can play by pushing a button) calling a lady and it makes us laugh every time we watch it... especially the part about the raccoons.
YouTube is awesome.
This is a prank call from Mr. Rogers to a Southern lady. It's basically a guy with a Mr. Rogers soundboard (which is a bunch of things he's said that they can play by pushing a button) calling a lady and it makes us laugh every time we watch it... especially the part about the raccoons.
YouTube is awesome.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Totally Two but Totally Loved
So last week was Jane's 2nd birthday. We had a party for her on Saturday at Wildflower Park. When I asked her who she wanted to come to her party, she was clutching her little stuffed panda bear that she sleeps with (that is just one of the many things Jane sleeps with – every night, she has to have her panda, her teddy, her blue blanky and her pink blanky…all four things…always. The rocking chair gets kinda crowded when I sing her to sleep) and so she said “panda!” I said, “Okay then, let’s have a panda party!” So we did. Unbeknownst to me, panda paraphernalia is a little hard to come by, so I did tablecloths and balloons in black, white and pink, made a panda cake (my first real cake making/decorating experience - KayLyn, are you so proud?) and found little panda cut-outs online that I printed up and colored (I felt like I was in kindergarten again…and I still am horrible at cutting along the dotted lines!). All in all, I think it turned out pretty cute. Cousins came from both sides, grandmas too, and even Jane's little friend Peyton. He is in our ward and Jane has a serious crush on him. On sundays, they hold hands all the way to nursery.
Jane had a fabulous time at her party and of course, loved that so much of the attention was focused on her. The whole gift giving and receiving part of the party was a little confusing and overwhelming to her, but she has since had a blast with the toys she received, namely her REAL vacuum (from Grandma and Grandpa Tayler), her tiny bopper car (from
us), and a set of keys from Becca and family that she takes in the car everytime we drive anywhere...thanks Becca and girls! Allison also had a good time, mostly because of all the attention she received from her uncle Thomas (don't be deceived by the word "uncle"...he is all of 11). I think she sat and played with his hair for about an hour. Towards the end of the party, Thomas came up and told me:
us), and a set of keys from Becca and family that she takes in the car everytime we drive anywhere...thanks Becca and girls! Allison also had a good time, mostly because of all the attention she received from her uncle Thomas (don't be deceived by the word "uncle"...he is all of 11). I think she sat and played with his hair for about an hour. Towards the end of the party, Thomas came up and told me:"I don't think is a single part of me that Allison doesn't like!" He's a crack-up.
All in all, the party was great fun. There was only one incident of biting and only a few handfuls of sand thrown at people (sand throwing compliments of Jane).
I can't believe that 2 years have passed since Jane was born. She has been a true joy in our life. Although she is totally into 2-year old behavior (her new favorite sentence is "mine..dis"..translated "this is mine!") she is so much fun and keeps us laughing continuously. She is clever, courageous and tender hearted, always giving me spontaneous hugs and asking me if I'm okay. My life has been truly blessed by her little presence. Here's to lots more happy years for my little curly-haired, blue-eyed charmer. I love you! 
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Who the heck is Jim?
So we're driving in the car to my mom's house, and Jane starts singing "I am a child of God". She listens to a CD of church songs every night to go to sleep to and that's the first song. Because she's only 2 and all her song lyrics are strictly phonetic, she often has some interesting versions of songs. Anyway, as she is coming to the conclusion of the first verse, she sings out "Teach me all dat I muss dew, to live wif Jim someday." So, the question is... who is Jim? Is Jim somehow related to Marsha? Or perhaps Jim is the name of the now-missing seahorse. Marie, looks like you might have some competition!
Speaking of random Jane-isms, she has now found bats in our vents and spiders in her high chair. If either of these things are true I am moving.
Speaking of random Jane-isms, she has now found bats in our vents and spiders in her high chair. If either of these things are true I am moving.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Just What I Needed....
After I posted "Identity Theft" (which, by the way, made me feel a little dorky when I read it again the next day...I sure made myself sound all enviro-cool and outdoorsy...but I still say I am a pretty weak attempt), my good friend emailed me something that had been forwarded to her. It really hit home with me. I especially needed to read it today because Jane has been sick with a nasty flu bug this week and I have been up to my eyeballs in yucky bodily fluids all day (it's her birthday today too...poor little thing...) So, see what you think.
I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone? Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To you, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn> pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.'That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone? Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To you, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn> pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.'That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
All of a Sudden...
Have you ever had one of those moments when you suddenly notice that your child has hit a major "developmental milestone" without you realizing it? One day they are just this adorable lump that when you sit them on their bum on the ground, they instantly fold in half and fall over sideways. Then somehow, it seems the very next day they are just sitting there happily, fully upright, waiting for you to take notice. Sorry, Allison - it's been a crazy week...but look at you! She looked so cute and proud today that I had to take a picture.Last week was a crazy one. My little brother finally decided to get married...and I tell you what, I would just like to send out a great big thank you to all my siblings for participating in my wedding because holy cow, they are a lot of work....and even more work with little ones. You have no idea what is going on behind the scenes when it is your own wedding. You are in total la la land. But your family sure knows. Showers, parties, rehersals, more showers, buying gifts, buying suits (Jevan now actually owns a suit! It was a big step for him..I was really proud), you name it. The wedding day was wonderful...and very busy. From temple ceremony to wedding luncheon to wrestling Jane in an attempt to beautify her in her "pretty dress" (she was a flower girl) to ring ceremony to reception to...collapse. No naps and no idea what is going on lead to two little girls that are completely FRIED by the end of the night. They were troopers though and Jane looked really cute in her dress...of course, I would say so because I'm her mom. My brother's new wife is from Louisiana/Georgia and her family flew in for the wedding. They were the nicest people, complete with that charming southern drawl. They were great sports throu
gh all the wedding madness but a little taken back at subdued nature of an LDS reception - they were ready to drink up and let it all hang out. We did do a lot of dancing however, especially Jane, and she is not shy about going at it alone. We caught it on camera. All in all a fabulous event. Photo right: Jane with her cousins as flower girls
Jane has had this imaginary friend for a while now. Her name is Marsha. She talks to her all the time on the phone. Marsha is very polite and always asks Jane how she is doing and how her potty training is going. That is about the extent of their conversation...oh, and Jane also tells her that Daddy is at work. The other day, a tall, blond saleslady came to the door selling children's books. Jane watched her very intently as she gave her spiel. After Jevan told her that we really couldn't spend $200 on a set of books (what happened to the days of buying single things? Why can't I just buy one book?) and was closing the door after her, Jane yelled out "Bub-bye Marsha!" Ah-hah! So THAT's the mysterious Marsha! She really exists! Nice to know that my daughter isn't completely crazy. I must admit however, I am still a bit puzzled as to why a lady book salesman would be interested in whether or not Jane went poo poo in the potty. Wait a minute...Marsha always wants to know if Daddy is at work....I think I am catching on here...I better go talk to that husband of mine....:)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Identity Theft
Yes, my identity has been stolen...not by some faceless thug mind you...no, by someone I love. (Don't they always say that you hurt those you love the most...er..something like that...). Actually, by TWO someones I love. Yup, my kids have stollen my identity, and I think it is causing me to have a off-by-a-decade mid-life crisis. Have any of you mothers out there felt like this? Do you ever feel like you got lost somewhere once your mom role started? You now measure your weeks by diaper genie refills, gain insight throught the little antecdotes on "It's a Big, Big World" (it's okay to move through life slow like a sloth, and don't be in such a hurry to grow up, like Smooch's sunflower), and count yourself as a success in life if your toddler says "thank you" without being told to the retail clerk who has just handed her a balloon (which ended out popping in her face 10 seconds later when we left the store...did you know those things can leave a welt?). Point is, I love being a mom, but lately I wonder...who am I?
I can tell you who I used to be before I had kids. I was a bit of a hippy/granola/whatever the politically correct term is for someone who is way into environmental issues and outdoor adventuring. Back before it was cool. I grew up wanting to be a park ranger. I still do. I used to spend way too much money at REI. I turned vegetarian after watching some films in school about what goes on at meat farms. It's beyond inhumane. I used to plant trees along the Jordan River. I used to backpack, hike, and sometimes rock climb. I used to worry about all the horrible acts against humanity going on in the world. I worked for a non-profit organization that fights for National Forests...we mostly just fought with the Forest Service. (It's called the Utah Environmental Congress..check out their website and join them...http://www.uec-utah.org/)I even rallied at the Capitol. I used to fantasize about maybe, you know, getting my belly button pierced and growing some dreadlocks. Of course, I could never get myself to do either...but that didn't stop me from thinking about it. Mostly, I was just way more GREEN and spent lots more time outdoors. I was a LOT more carefree.
Sometimes, I miss that me.
Now, I feel like I am so far from that me that it makes me laugh. My backpack has a coating of dust and a family of spiders living in it. My rock climbing shoes were given to someone who would actually USE them. I have absolutely no idea what is going on in the world at all, let alone in the environmental sector. People still ask my opinion on certain things, knowing that I have been environmentally minded in the past, and I think I shock them when I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. "Who are you voting for for president, Em? Do you like so-and so's take on the enviornment? Do you think so and so is too liberal? Is Al Gore still running for president? What is Obama's take on global warming?" "Uh...hmmmm..." I answer. "I think I will be voting for Elmo because I think Dorothy would make a fine secretary of state...and he is well versed in the "Ears" song. I do know that Al Gore put out a pretty good movie, though. You should see it." Seriously. I know nothing. I still try to recycle everything I can but I feel like I counter any effort everytime I throw a bunch of plastic diapers in the garbage can. I let out a sad sigh everytime I pass the organic produce section of the grocery store, knowing that I really can only afford the pesticide-laden, mutated fruit and veggies. I am not even close to being vegetarian and actually had a bag of hot dogs in my fridge this summer. I hate hot dogs. I mean, what are those things made of? But Jane likes them. And she likes meat. So does Jevan. So we eat it.
And that, my friends, is the problem. I have found I now follow the path of least resistance. Sadly, having kids has left me so tired at the end of the day that I just do what is easy...whatever is enough to get by. Being vegetarian, following current events, doing environmentally friendly things, taking my kids on a hike...it all takes work. Lots of work.
But, I've decided that by following that path of least resistance, I have lost myself, my soul, along the way. Does this sound crazy? I NEED something else to be PASSIONATE about other than my kids. My number one priority will be and always should be my kids and my husband. But I need something else. I need a little of the old me back again.
Don't get me wrong...I am not going to grow dreadlocks now or go to Burning Man or go spend a week backpacking through the Uintahs. But I am going to do something. And I figured that by blogging about it, those who read this can help me stick to it. I want to be vegetarian again, even if the rest of my family isn't. (I am not sure how to do a vegetarian diet with kids, for fear they won't get the nutrients or protein they need. If anyone has insight on this topic, let me know). I want to start taking my own bags to the grocery store and buying certain things organic (produce that is part of the "dirty dozen"). My SIL does a farm co-op where she gets fresh produce from a local farm every week during the summer. I want to do that. I want to have my own garden by next spring. I have the perfect spot for it in my yard, a little area that used to be a dog run, but first I would have to conquer the little amazon jungle living in there currently. I am going to try to do some reading each week on current events. I am going to find out what activities are going on in our area that are environmentally minded (like tree plantings..etc) and for kids. (Again, if anyone knows a good website/other venue that gives out this kind of information, let me know). I am going to take my wee ones up the canyon more often..even if it means just playing in the dirt at the bottom of a trailhead.
Along with it, I am going to add a main component that I have learned since having kids. This is COMPASSION. Humanity is every bit as important as the environment and I want my kids to grow up with concern for both. I want to try to do more service for others...as much as can..without losing too much sanity. Both around me locally and also globally. I want to do one of those programs where you "adopt" a child in Africa and send them money and letters. More service, more service. I KNOW this will make me a happier person.
So, there you have it. I wrote this all during naptime and I now hear the stirrings of a little Allison. I hope I can stick with some of this. Hopefully, writing it all down will help. I will still back Elmo for president, though...with Snook as vice president....and Mr. Noodle as head of homeland security...fitting no?
I can tell you who I used to be before I had kids. I was a bit of a hippy/granola/whatever the politically correct term is for someone who is way into environmental issues and outdoor adventuring. Back before it was cool. I grew up wanting to be a park ranger. I still do. I used to spend way too much money at REI. I turned vegetarian after watching some films in school about what goes on at meat farms. It's beyond inhumane. I used to plant trees along the Jordan River. I used to backpack, hike, and sometimes rock climb. I used to worry about all the horrible acts against humanity going on in the world. I worked for a non-profit organization that fights for National Forests...we mostly just fought with the Forest Service. (It's called the Utah Environmental Congress..check out their website and join them...http://www.uec-utah.org/)I even rallied at the Capitol. I used to fantasize about maybe, you know, getting my belly button pierced and growing some dreadlocks. Of course, I could never get myself to do either...but that didn't stop me from thinking about it. Mostly, I was just way more GREEN and spent lots more time outdoors. I was a LOT more carefree.
Sometimes, I miss that me.
Now, I feel like I am so far from that me that it makes me laugh. My backpack has a coating of dust and a family of spiders living in it. My rock climbing shoes were given to someone who would actually USE them. I have absolutely no idea what is going on in the world at all, let alone in the environmental sector. People still ask my opinion on certain things, knowing that I have been environmentally minded in the past, and I think I shock them when I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. "Who are you voting for for president, Em? Do you like so-and so's take on the enviornment? Do you think so and so is too liberal? Is Al Gore still running for president? What is Obama's take on global warming?" "Uh...hmmmm..." I answer. "I think I will be voting for Elmo because I think Dorothy would make a fine secretary of state...and he is well versed in the "Ears" song. I do know that Al Gore put out a pretty good movie, though. You should see it." Seriously. I know nothing. I still try to recycle everything I can but I feel like I counter any effort everytime I throw a bunch of plastic diapers in the garbage can. I let out a sad sigh everytime I pass the organic produce section of the grocery store, knowing that I really can only afford the pesticide-laden, mutated fruit and veggies. I am not even close to being vegetarian and actually had a bag of hot dogs in my fridge this summer. I hate hot dogs. I mean, what are those things made of? But Jane likes them. And she likes meat. So does Jevan. So we eat it.
And that, my friends, is the problem. I have found I now follow the path of least resistance. Sadly, having kids has left me so tired at the end of the day that I just do what is easy...whatever is enough to get by. Being vegetarian, following current events, doing environmentally friendly things, taking my kids on a hike...it all takes work. Lots of work.
But, I've decided that by following that path of least resistance, I have lost myself, my soul, along the way. Does this sound crazy? I NEED something else to be PASSIONATE about other than my kids. My number one priority will be and always should be my kids and my husband. But I need something else. I need a little of the old me back again.
Don't get me wrong...I am not going to grow dreadlocks now or go to Burning Man or go spend a week backpacking through the Uintahs. But I am going to do something. And I figured that by blogging about it, those who read this can help me stick to it. I want to be vegetarian again, even if the rest of my family isn't. (I am not sure how to do a vegetarian diet with kids, for fear they won't get the nutrients or protein they need. If anyone has insight on this topic, let me know). I want to start taking my own bags to the grocery store and buying certain things organic (produce that is part of the "dirty dozen"). My SIL does a farm co-op where she gets fresh produce from a local farm every week during the summer. I want to do that. I want to have my own garden by next spring. I have the perfect spot for it in my yard, a little area that used to be a dog run, but first I would have to conquer the little amazon jungle living in there currently. I am going to try to do some reading each week on current events. I am going to find out what activities are going on in our area that are environmentally minded (like tree plantings..etc) and for kids. (Again, if anyone knows a good website/other venue that gives out this kind of information, let me know). I am going to take my wee ones up the canyon more often..even if it means just playing in the dirt at the bottom of a trailhead.
Along with it, I am going to add a main component that I have learned since having kids. This is COMPASSION. Humanity is every bit as important as the environment and I want my kids to grow up with concern for both. I want to try to do more service for others...as much as can..without losing too much sanity. Both around me locally and also globally. I want to do one of those programs where you "adopt" a child in Africa and send them money and letters. More service, more service. I KNOW this will make me a happier person.
So, there you have it. I wrote this all during naptime and I now hear the stirrings of a little Allison. I hope I can stick with some of this. Hopefully, writing it all down will help. I will still back Elmo for president, though...with Snook as vice president....and Mr. Noodle as head of homeland security...fitting no?
Friday, August 31, 2007
Caught in the act...
Even though I really should be in bed right now, I had to blog this picture because it just really makes me laugh. A few months ago, I had a good friend come in town from out of state and some friends and I got together with her up at ranch her family owns. She took some great pictures and sent me some, one of which was this one. It makes me giggle because these two totally look caught in the act. This is Jane's little friend Romney. He is only a month younger. The picture looks like they just got caught giving each other lovin' OR it looks like ..."No, Mom, I was just giving Romney HUGS...I was not stealing his raisins from him and eating them....and no, those are not raisin guts smeared across my face." Romney has a look like.."Right. Are you really going to believe her?"Hee hee. Kids are awesome. Marie, if you are reading this, you really need to start your own blog! I would be a faithful reader for sure....
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Blogs Can Have Skins?
Ok. So. The other night, I spent over 3 hours trying to "cuteify" my blog page. Even after getting my computer savvy husband involved, what you see here is all we came up with. Not so cute...and we both went to bed all frustrated. Silly huh? So I ask you, how does everyone get all these cute, chic, hip, whatever-you-want-to-call-them, blog sites? I know I should be posting on my blog instead of focusing on how it looks, but unfortunately, I am one of those OCD types that has to have everything just right before I can concentrate..i.e., in college, I HAD to clean my room and have my desk completely spotless before I could sit down and write a paper. So there you have it. Can anyone help me?
Just as a teaser of things I plan to write about later: Jane no longer has a seahorse on her knee. She now has a little elf/devil inside her instead that makes her yell "NO!" and "MINE!" all the time. I preferred the seahorse. Allison is growing teeth and I think I am becoming vegetarian...again.
Just as a teaser of things I plan to write about later: Jane no longer has a seahorse on her knee. She now has a little elf/devil inside her instead that makes her yell "NO!" and "MINE!" all the time. I preferred the seahorse. Allison is growing teeth and I think I am becoming vegetarian...again.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Smatterings
So it goes without saying that I haven't blogged for a while...and I actually just don't feel up to the task of playing catch up with the past few months. Let's just say I have basically been on survival mode for the last 3 months, trying to figure out how to manage two kiddos.
I think I would just like to start from here and now. I'd like to start with the seahorse. Yes, the seahorse. The seahorse that Jane is convinced lives on her knee. She tells me about it just about everyday. "Mama?" she says. "Yah, Jane" I answer. She gets a look of great concern on her face, points down to her knee and says, "Seahorse....knee." "Hmmm...." I say, looking intently at her knee, "I don't see any seahorse on your knee, babe,...you sure about that?" "Yah," she says with a sigh of resignation, like no one will ever understand the burden of having to live a lifetime with this seahorse on her knee, "Seahorse." And with that she is off to her next task of taking all her books out of her bookcase or clipping her teddy bear into Allison's carseat. The child is completely random. I am just curious to see what lives on other parts of her body. Jevan is convinced a man lives in his eyebrows. It must be genetic. Speaking of eyebrows, did you know that there are little mites that live in your eyebrows? My SIL told me that. She knows all kinds of smart things like that. That's why I love her.
So since this is a completely disjointed post, I would also like to vent a minute. If you have a dog, a dog that sheds....I mean, really sheds....like you could make a sweater out of the fur that collects in the canister of your vacuum each day, I ask you....HOW does it not make you go INSANE?? Don't get me wrong, I really do love Jasper. But sometimes I wonder how I managed to pick the pound puppy mutt that, by just sneezing, fills the room with a floating cloud of fur. Yuck. It really drives me crazy. It drives Jevan crazy too. One day, when Jevan was out cleaning off the driveway after mowing the lawn, I just happened to peer out the window only to see him with Jasper trapped between his legs, eyes bugging out in terror, as Jevan tries to blow off all his excess fur w
ith the leaf blower. (Yes, I do fear for the boys that will come to date our daughters one day. My husband can be a bit crazy and there is no telling what he might try..especially when it comes to using big power tool type things.) So just for fun, and because I am just so grossed out by it, I decided to take a picture of what I sweep up off my wood floors if I let it go over a week or so. If anyone who is reading this is a regular at my house, please know that I do sweep and vacuum often, so don't be too afraid to come over..... I decided to spare everyone the picture of my vacuum canister.Another random thought: Allison laughed for the first time last week. An all-out belly laugh. She was in my lap watching Jane jump around in the tub. All of a sudden, Jane slipped and landed on her bum. Allison burst out laughing. It was just about the cutest thing I have ever heard. I think it even surprised her because it just burst out her little body. Jane continued to do it again and again, and each time we got a funny little laugh out of Allison. Oh man, those are the moments that make motherhood worthwhile, huh? My heart just melted. So another first for Allison...she can now roll over AND laugh!
We had Jevan's aunt's wedding this weekend and Jane and Allison were flower girls. They looked so cute that I have to post some pictures.
Jane in her "pretty dress"
Jane with her cousins - 
Jane, Allison and Aunt Stephy
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