In no particular order:
Saturday I worked.
Saturday was also the Boofus' birthday.
So Mr. W took him all over town for the day
shopping
and out to lunch at Five Guys.
While I worked.
Dani and the Ninja Baby came down
with her sister-in-law, J. --from Boise, to visit us
and Dani brought her homemade
"Chocolate Truffle Cake"--
and yes, it was as good as it sounds!
If I get her recipe, I'll share it.
Dani decorated the cake as Joseph helped.
It had an army theme...
army guys, marshmallow boulders, green coconut grass,
red syrup for the battle scene,
and we used sparklers instead of candles.
Boofus loved it.
Mr. W made Boofus' favorite meal:
Chicken Fettucine Alfredo Florentine
and garlic bread.
Delicioso!
Boofus declined a "friend party" this year,
in his words,
and I am quoting here:
"Just give me the money."
Have I said today how much I love this yahoo?
*****
Sunday was Church.
We went and sat in the 2nd row like always,
but it was one of those days where my mind
was elsewhere.
Trying to rein myself IN,
I thought to take notes from the speakers...
but one kept saying "Um"
and I looked down to see I had made a
tick line every time "um" was said,
and I was up to 45 times,
when it dawned on me that that was rude.
I have no idea what the speaker was talking about,
other than the topic.
It started when the speaker said something along the lines
of
"I wish I wasn't here today...."
ANYTIME
and I Mean,
ANYTIME
a speaker starts off with their confession that
they'd rather be anywhere but in front of the congregation--
I tune out.
I can't help it,
every time I've ever been in a meeting where
the speaker announced their displeasure of being asked to talk,
their message is forced. boring. mundane.
There's no passion, no emoting,
and usually void of the Spirit
so that the whole twenty or thirty minutes
leaves me feeling like I wasted my time.
I imagine tossing a shoe at their noggins,
or a hymnal--
"Go Big or Go Home!"--I'd like to yell.
But
that wouldn't be nice.
Or anything resembling nice.
So I sit still, with my eyes closed,
trying to hear something, anything that means something
and at the same time,
fight the urge to slide the kids down the pew
lay down, put my feet up,
wrap my coat around my head
and catch some Zzzzz's.
This probably never happens to anyone else
and so I won't be surprised to hear an
"aghast" at my confession,
but ya know?
They don't have to twirl fire-blazing batons
and whistle Dixie
to do well,
but they should come to share what they've learned
while preparing for their moment in front of us--
and for crying out loud,
if they've nothing to say,
make it brief and sit down.
Okay, now I'm rambling.
*****
Tomorrow's my birthday.
I'm almost 50.
I can't wait until I'm 50.
I wish I was 50 tomorrow.
I used to think 50 was so old.
I'm knocking on 50's Door,
and I don't feel like I thought I would,
ya know?
Aside from the whiney rambling, right?
*******
I lost five pounds since I started working.
Through no effort of my own.
Seven pounds if I stand just right on the scale.
So how cool is that??
Way.
I love losing weight effortlessly
like the commericals for Slimfast and Jenny Craig
and all those others say on TV.
There's a couple of diets going around these parts--
the horse-urine diet,
and the HCG diet.
I looked into them...
just enough to know I'm not a good candidate.
I like food too much.
And 500 calories a day is like 3 bowls of cereal
with skim milk and no sugar.
Doesn't sound fun to me at all.
Nope, that's a sure recipe for failure.
And, seeing as how I'm nearly 50,
I ain't got time for more failures in my life.
Ya know?
Time to stick with what I know.
My bucket list includes eating really good food
come the Holidays,
spending time around the table with family and friends,
and a Size 5 just ain't on that list.
I was a Size 5 once.
When I was 15 years old.
I didn't appreciate how small I was.
I still thought my tummy was too fat
and I had no bosom to speak of.
So it wasn't all that and a bag o'chips,
ya know?
Meh.
*********
My BFFFFFFFFF, Nan,
is taking me out today for my birthday.
She just called to tell me to be ready in an hour
and that I might wanna shave my legs.
I'm hoping Kevin Costner's on the agenda today.
I'd shave my legs for him every day of my life.
lol
Well, knowing me, as well as I know me,
prolly not for the rest of my life.
But, hey, I know whatever Nan has lined up for me today
is gonna be Sawwweeeeeet.
Everyone should have a friend like Nan.
I love her.
I asked if she's taking me to get a psychiatric evaulation
but she says "no"--
but wouldn't you say "no" if you were taking a crazy person
for a psychiatric evaluation??
Yeah. See what I mean?
If I'm not blogging again by Thursday,
you'll know I've been committed.
Which, for me sounds like a great time to catch up
on some sleep, some TV, and People magazine.
Okay, I'm done.
If you've made it this far,
well, you've done your good turn today,
so pat yourself on the back!
And go eat some chocolate.
Showing posts with label Week's End Round Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week's End Round Up. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
On My Mind Today....Fall, School, Parents, Camping, and Nora Ephron--who is NOT related to Zac Efron
August is the doorway
to
Fall.
I am a child of Autumn.
I crave the season
like a child craves it's mother.
I need it.
I am so ready for these last days of summer
to expire and make way for a
glorious Fall.
*****
SCHOOL is Starting!! WOOT WOOT!!
When I was a youngun,
school supplies consisted of:
a canvas blue 3-ring binder,
two #2 pencils
one blue ink pen
a pack of notebook paper
and
8-count Crayolas.
With just those things,
we were ready and prepared for learning.
Isn't it amazing that with just those simple items,
we still put a man on the moon?
Isn't it amazing that with just those simple items,
we still put a man on the moon?
Today I ordered my yahoos' school supplies
because
it saves me hours running around town
trying to find all the supplies.
It's called Edu-Kit.com.
With these supplies,
my yahoos should be able to open a
Starbucks on Mars.
***********'
Other things on my mind--
we're moving Dean at the end of this month
to a new caregiver's home.
My family and friends know the why's and wherefore's...
Reader's Digest condensed version:
The current caregiver is not doing her part--
and when it comes to Dean,
I do not compromise.
Nuh-unh, No Way, No How.
****
My Dad.
The Happy Wanderer.
Is behaving every bit the elderly dementia'd man
and demanding to buy another car.
The State of Georgia gave him a
LICENSE!!!!
Even after I called the Sheriff's Department
and spoke to Deputy Dan--
and told him that giving my elderly father a license to drive
will end very badly--
they gave him one anyway.
If you give a mouse a cookie....
ugh.
****
Only in the South--
my newly-widowed mother
is toying with the idea
that she would like to get back with my father.
After nearly 20 years of being divorced!
And thirty years of misery before that!!
Insane.
Ludicrous.
Baffles the mind.
My brother set the terms to her--
"Come visit Dad and stay at his house for three days--
if you still want to take him back to Texas after that,
more power to ya."
..when she sobers up,
there is always repentance.
Hey, I can't make this stuff up.
***
I've volunteered to take stewardship over a
Single Adult Dance
here in October--
and I'm not even in the Stake that is hosting it--
Mr W was in the meeting with me,
when I raised my hand to say I'd help,
and when I was asked if I just wanted to do it altogether--
I looked to my High Councilman and asked,
"Do I want to do this?"
To which, he shrugged his shoulders and smiled,
and Mr W's eyes widened like I'd just adopted a
small boat of refugees.
"Heck Yeah! I do!"
Nah, I didn't say "heck" in Church--
it was more like,
"Okay! This'll be fun!"
The funny little lies I tell myself sometimes
amazes me.
Hey, I'm just the Stake Rep,
I have every intention of enlisting the help of
others in the Stake.
No prob. Bob.
****
I have also been enlisted to be on another Stake's committee
for their Annual Creche Exhibition Open House
in December.
Now, this is something I know will be a huge blessing
come Christmastime.
I've done it before and have to say,
the creative process is wonderfully rewarded by the outcome.
The exhibit is always beautiful, inspiring,
and such a delightful contrast to the retail world
in December.
******
The kids start school. the 16th--
yeah I know I already shared that,
I'm excited.
In celebration of the last days of summer--
We're going to sleep in the dirt
aka
"Camp"
at Rocky Mountain National Park
next week.
I love the Park.
I've never even seen a bear there
in all the years we've hiked it.
That's why it's my favorite.
I only have to sleep with one eye open.
***
I've been reading
"I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK"
by Nora Ephron
* I *
want to be her BFF.
I want to sit with her at Olive Garden
and gab about my neck,
and cooking,
and homes
and husbands
and children
and faith.
I want her to tell me more about her love of New York--
a city I've never been to
nor had the desire to go to
mainly because of two things:
It looks so crowded
and
I've been to London
which to me
is just like New York,
only worse food.
I want her to tell me why
that line of thinking is all wrong, wrong wrong.
And I want to order another basket of breadsticks
and just listen to her go on and on about any-and-everything.
I want to tell her that I love her professional work too-
Sleepless in Seattle
is one of my all-time favorite movies.
I will watch it on TV
whenever it's on
even though I own both the video and dvd.
Yeah, I love it that much
and I'd love to tell her about MY LIFE
and ask her if there's a best-selling book in there too?
Maybe I could get a petition going?
Hmmm something to think about.
I know I said I wanted to be BFF's with Julie Beck,
but she hasn't gotten back to me yet,
so the position is still Open.
***
And now,
the day demands I shower and dress appropriately.
I wanna look cute when Nora calls.
With these supplies,
my yahoos should be able to open a
Starbucks on Mars.
***********'
Other things on my mind--
we're moving Dean at the end of this month
to a new caregiver's home.
My family and friends know the why's and wherefore's...
Reader's Digest condensed version:
The current caregiver is not doing her part--
and when it comes to Dean,
I do not compromise.
Nuh-unh, No Way, No How.
****
My Dad.
The Happy Wanderer.
Is behaving every bit the elderly dementia'd man
and demanding to buy another car.
The State of Georgia gave him a
LICENSE!!!!
Even after I called the Sheriff's Department
and spoke to Deputy Dan--
and told him that giving my elderly father a license to drive
will end very badly--
they gave him one anyway.
If you give a mouse a cookie....
ugh.
****
Only in the South--
my newly-widowed mother
is toying with the idea
that she would like to get back with my father.
After nearly 20 years of being divorced!
And thirty years of misery before that!!
Insane.
Ludicrous.
Baffles the mind.
My brother set the terms to her--
"Come visit Dad and stay at his house for three days--
if you still want to take him back to Texas after that,
more power to ya."
..when she sobers up,
there is always repentance.
Hey, I can't make this stuff up.
***
I've volunteered to take stewardship over a
Single Adult Dance
here in October--
and I'm not even in the Stake that is hosting it--
Mr W was in the meeting with me,
when I raised my hand to say I'd help,
and when I was asked if I just wanted to do it altogether--
I looked to my High Councilman and asked,
"Do I want to do this?"
To which, he shrugged his shoulders and smiled,
and Mr W's eyes widened like I'd just adopted a
small boat of refugees.
"Heck Yeah! I do!"
Nah, I didn't say "heck" in Church--
it was more like,
"Okay! This'll be fun!"
The funny little lies I tell myself sometimes
amazes me.
Hey, I'm just the Stake Rep,
I have every intention of enlisting the help of
others in the Stake.
No prob. Bob.
****
I have also been enlisted to be on another Stake's committee
for their Annual Creche Exhibition Open House
in December.
Now, this is something I know will be a huge blessing
come Christmastime.
I've done it before and have to say,
the creative process is wonderfully rewarded by the outcome.
The exhibit is always beautiful, inspiring,
and such a delightful contrast to the retail world
in December.
******
The kids start school. the 16th--
yeah I know I already shared that,
I'm excited.
In celebration of the last days of summer--
We're going to sleep in the dirt
aka
"Camp"
at Rocky Mountain National Park
next week.
I love the Park.
I've never even seen a bear there
in all the years we've hiked it.
That's why it's my favorite.
I only have to sleep with one eye open.
***
I've been reading
"I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK"
by Nora Ephron
* I *
want to be her BFF.
I want to sit with her at Olive Garden
and gab about my neck,
and cooking,
and homes
and husbands
and children
and faith.
I want her to tell me more about her love of New York--
a city I've never been to
nor had the desire to go to
mainly because of two things:
It looks so crowded
and
I've been to London
which to me
is just like New York,
only worse food.
I want her to tell me why
that line of thinking is all wrong, wrong wrong.
And I want to order another basket of breadsticks
and just listen to her go on and on about any-and-everything.
I want to tell her that I love her professional work too-
Sleepless in Seattle
is one of my all-time favorite movies.
I will watch it on TV
whenever it's on
even though I own both the video and dvd.
Yeah, I love it that much
and I'd love to tell her about MY LIFE
and ask her if there's a best-selling book in there too?
Maybe I could get a petition going?
Hmmm something to think about.
I know I said I wanted to be BFF's with Julie Beck,
but she hasn't gotten back to me yet,
so the position is still Open.
***
And now,
the day demands I shower and dress appropriately.
I wanna look cute when Nora calls.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Weekend
What a week.
What a week-END.
I am one pooped Momza.
Friday is as near a blur as it could get I think.
I've been working on staging a house with Kelly,
so we worked on that for a bit Friday morning.
It's a military family that's moving.
It has been my experience that military families
have lots of
souvenirs,
but not much actual furniture.
So when you're staging a home to sell,
here's a free tip:
Pack up 99% of your souvenirs.
Ninety-nine percent.
And while we're at it,
pack up 90% of your books too.
Just pack it all up
to take with you.
Also on Friday,
Nana and I took flowers to Daisie's school for her bday
and picked her up early at the end of the day.
We let her choose which restaurant she wanted
to go to for dinner...
Qdoba
Red Robin
Chipotle
Applebees
Boriellos
...
she chose IHOP.
No kiddin'.
And she had a crepe.
Crepes...those things we make at least once a month
by the dozens--
yeah, she chose that.
what a funny kid.
Then she had her BFF, Chels, sleep over.
Around bedtime
the two of them sauntered up the stairs
and greeted me
all wide-eyed and smiley
then begged for the bedroom door to be put back on...
un-unh.
Nope.
I am tough.
I am steel.
I am Momza.
Saturday...
well, I lost my ever-lovin' mind
and invited SIX missionaries over for breakfast
and to watch the morning session of the
LDS Conference on tv with us.
We made texas french toast
a messssssssa bacon
and scrambled up a couple dozen eggs.
I'm gonna name drop in case some of you might know these sweet young men:
Elder K. Okerlund, CA.
Elder Panek, CA.
Elder DeBruyn, CA.
Elder Gemmill, Alberta, CAN.
Elder Foote, Alberta, CAN.
Elder Grilliot, Normal, ILL.
I took some fun pics of them goofing off,
but I'll have to post those later with the stories that goes with them.
Hi-LAR-EE-OUS.
After conference, they played
Apples to Apples with the yahoos,
and then left.
I think. ?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure they left.
We also had Mr. Idaho and Dani and the Ninja baby
down for dinner
dyeing eggs
and all that.
We normally do "easter bunny" on Friday night,
but since it was Conference,
and I was near-dead,
we changed it up.
We stayed up wayyyyyyyyyyyyy
past my bedtime
yackin' away...
I always do that when the kids come down--
stay up way late to catch up,
do you do that too?
Anywho,
Earlier in the week,
the Caboose and Boofus
announced that there is no such thing as
the Easter Bunny.
They made their case--
well, Boofus made his last year
and being the ever-attentive brother that he is,
let the Caboose in on the d-l too.
But they still wanted us to hide their baskets
and eggs
for old times' sake.
I let Daisie hide the treats
after Dani and I stuffed the eggs.
I have to say,
it's nice to be thru with that
Easter Bunny fella.
I might be a little bitter
because there was in fact,
none of the items I asked him for,
earlier in the week in my
personal letter to him.
Meh.
Turns out, I didn't need a tranquilizer dartgun afterall.
I'm good.
The yahoos got up, hunted down the goods
inhaled chocolate like it was a new food group
and the rest of the day was spent
watching Conference,
napping,
playing with the baby,
and our traditional Easter meal.
Now, I have to add the weird twist in our day--
on Friday,
I rented a RUG DOCTOR...
not thinking that we'd have a housefull of people
all weekend long.
SO guess what Mr. W did between sessions of Conference?
Yeah--
that screaming-mimi machine
HAD to be used
and returned TODAY before 5.
While I love the clean carpets,
I really messed up renting it
this weekend.
I shoulda waited.
The house was really noisy up until 2pm
when Mr. W
finished...
it was really not the way we celebrate
Easter Sunday...
cleaning carpets.
He didn't complain a peep,
but the kids did.
Note to Self:
Don't do that anymore. Seriously.
And, Daisie got her door back tonight.
I hope she learned her lesson.
She says she has.
We'll see how smart she is.
Okay and one thought that stuck out to me
from Conference
was from
Julie B. Beck,
when she said,
"Even when you try your BEST,
life will still present disappointments,
but you will not be disappointed in yourself."
I LOVE THAT!
It is so true.
There is nothing worse than being disappointed
in myself.
Nothing.
-like, renting a carpet cleaning maching on
Easter weekend.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Behind the Scenes at the Palace
for most of this week
and we still only have about 4 inches total
on the ground.
So I'm not complaining.
Four inches is totally livable.
********
We had our returned missionary here
for 6 days
and he returned to his midwest home
on Thursday,
happy I think that he had time in his former mission
and we enjoyed his visit.
Good people make my life,
and he is always welcomed back.
My mother-instincts reveal already
where he will fit in our
forever-after.
But, I am still Switzerland.
***********
Daisie vacilllates between the rational
young woman she wants to be
and the child-woman she is at fourteen,
so that every time I see her
it's like meeting someone new at dinner.
She says she thinks she's "bi-polar",
I say she's just a teenager,
she asks how I know the difference.
I don't know.
I just know.
****************
The youngest yahoos begged me
B.e.g.g.e.d
me
to take them to a
school sock-hop...
all week long that's all I heard about
sock hop
sock hop
sock hop
So we dressed them up fifties-style
and went...
and neither of them danced.
They ran around looking for friends,
eating cupcakes
and pizza,
while I stood, holding their coats,
their napkins and leftover treats,
having a deija-vu moment
as I have done this same exact thing
for the past bazillion years
for all of the kids...
I stood there and thought of all the
school parties,
concerts,
science fairs,
and other school functions I've attended
over the years
and decided that I could've gotten an
MBA
with the many hours I've given away
in the corridors of schools.
And then I smiled.
Apparently, I'm a good Mom.
Not a great Mom...
I know that,
but good enough--
the Caboose thanked me
as we walked two blocks to our car
in the snow
after the sock hop was over.
That was worth an MBA.
*****************
We had our Saturday Morning Breakfast
as usual
only there were six missionaries there
instead of the usual two...
six, because Elder Tom L. Perry is in town
and all the missionaries were meeting with him.
So we made enough pancakes to fill a font
and they left with full tummies.
Naming names here in case you might know them:
Elder Wasden from Nampa, Idaho.
Elder Bowman from Maryland.
Elder Panek from California.
Elder Slade from Idaho.
Elder Grilliot from Illinois.
Elder Gemill from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
******************
Mr Wonderful got a promotion.
We prayed he would
and he did.
And now,
I am having "Prayer's Remorse".
He is never home.
Not for dinner.
Not for homework.
Not for Sock hops
or Saturday Morning Breakfast.
When he is home,
he's so outta touch with "home"
that it's like he's a visitor or he's invisible.
This isn't good.
I want a do-over and
choose not to have him
promoted...
cuz his time is worth more than money
to me.
I miss having a co-parent
on the front-lines.
His absence makes me cranky.
I'm lonely and cranky.
I need to get over myself and my selfishness.
He's working hard for us.
for us.
for us.
I'm spoiled though! He's always been home by dinner
and always home for the weekends.
And now, he's not and I am lost without him.
This stinks on ice.
*********************
So that's all I got.
Tomorrow's the Doctors' visit I've been
yammering about...
I've got a list of what ails me--no kidding,
and we'll see what comes of it.
If there's a magic pill that makes me
savvy, smart, alert and aware,
fashion-forward and a shrewd budgeter--
something like
a "Queen of Everything Pill"
I want it...and I want unlimited refills.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Willow or an Oak?
Saturday
missionaries over for breakfast--
Breakfast is always fun with the missionaries.
Later that evening was Joseph's bday party at
Art Sports...the perfect place
for a bunch of kids to run around
and get all sweaty and worn out!
Somewhere in the middle of the day,
I had a grand argument
with Nana about her dating habits--
that was more fun than is legal in
some countries.
Not really,
actually it's not fun at all.
Sometimes being THE MOM
forces Me to have conversations
I would rather not have,
set rules I would rather not
have to enforce.
But being accountable for my stewardship
requires that I hold my ground
like an Oak tree
and not bend
even when I'd rather just hang around
and be lazy like a Willow.
And when I have to be THE MOM,
that's just no freaking fun at all.
I've always adhered to the saying:
"A good disciplinarian is a good teacher."
As a Teacher/Mom, I first try the soft approach--
express my love in a cheery-sunshiney way,
using examples of others,
encouraging to Choose The Right,
a soft voice.
"Oh Sugar face, don't touch the stove! That would hurt! And I love you so much, it would just kill me if you got burned!"
When the lesson isn't learned
I press forward
with love & logic--
express my concerns for their well-being
at their choices.
With real consequences.
"Don't TOUCH that stove! It will hurt you so much! You might have to go to the hospital! Please be more careful!"
When I feel taken advantage of,
the lesson is clearly not being learned,
I lay it out like a rug
as plainly as possible
with all the energy of my soul
and it comes out Blunt, Direct, and Sharp.
"Hey YOU! Stay away from the Stove. Period. Since I can't leave the room without wondering if you're going to touch the stove, you will have to stay outta the kitchen, indefinitely!"
Mr W says I use their example/choices
and serve it back to them.
"Remember when you last touched the stove? And it hurt so bad we had to buy bandages and stuff and you couldn't use your hand for a week? I told you to be careful and you didn't listen."
They don't like that.
They take the truth to be hard,
as I have heard.
I like plain-speaking.
Don't sugar coat it for me.
Tell me how it is.
I learn better that way.
SO when I express my expectations
and house rules,
I do not want any misunderstandings.
I want to be as clear as possible.
"The Stove is made to cook food. But you have to know the rules about cooking, before you can use the stove. And until then, you need to be extra careful around the kitchen and are not allowed to use the stove."
And if you know my kids,
that's how they relate to one another
and to their friends.
Speaking frankly
and plainly.
I wonder where they learned it from?
SO Nana isn't happy with me today.
We rarely argue.rarely.
But Satan is a Puke
and he just loves contention
in a family
and that Puke will use whatever
whoever he can
to stir up hard feelings.
Before she left last night,
to go back to her Nanny house,
we had scripture study
and Prayer
(wherein Ari blessed the meal that wasn't there)...
"please bless the food..."
We've been slacking
with this stuff
lately
and it shows,
right?
Whenever the energy of our home
becomes less-loving and more contentious,
I have to look at myself in the mirror
and ask
"Are you doing your part?"
Last night, the answer was "no".
So Mr W and I re-commited ourselves
to lead by example
and rein the family in again.
So before Nana left,
we called everyone to the diningroom table
with the charge to bring their scriptures
and we began at the beginning
1 Nephi.
We had been up to Mosiah,
but we decided to start over.
Because sometimes a clean start is
the best way.
I love my family.
I specifically love my daughter.
And until we are "good" again,
I won't throw my hands up in the air
and say "I'm too tired to care anymore!"
No, that's not Me.
Sometimes I am a soft-flowing Willow
but other times
I have to be an Oak.
Knowing when to be either
is the challenge.
The only way to know which
is to seek the Spirit.
So we're back to the basics.
BTW, I long for the day when I can
be a Willow
and not an Oak.
Any advice from the masses would be greatly appreciated!
missionaries over for breakfast--
Breakfast is always fun with the missionaries.
Later that evening was Joseph's bday party at
Art Sports...the perfect place
for a bunch of kids to run around
and get all sweaty and worn out!
Somewhere in the middle of the day,
I had a grand argument
with Nana about her dating habits--
that was more fun than is legal in
some countries.
Not really,
actually it's not fun at all.
Sometimes being THE MOM
forces Me to have conversations
I would rather not have,
set rules I would rather not
have to enforce.
But being accountable for my stewardship
requires that I hold my ground
like an Oak tree
and not bend
even when I'd rather just hang around
and be lazy like a Willow.
And when I have to be THE MOM,
that's just no freaking fun at all.
I've always adhered to the saying:
"A good disciplinarian is a good teacher."
As a Teacher/Mom, I first try the soft approach--
express my love in a cheery-sunshiney way,
using examples of others,
encouraging to Choose The Right,
a soft voice.
"Oh Sugar face, don't touch the stove! That would hurt! And I love you so much, it would just kill me if you got burned!"
When the lesson isn't learned
I press forward
with love & logic--
express my concerns for their well-being
at their choices.
With real consequences.
"Don't TOUCH that stove! It will hurt you so much! You might have to go to the hospital! Please be more careful!"
When I feel taken advantage of,
the lesson is clearly not being learned,
I lay it out like a rug
as plainly as possible
with all the energy of my soul
and it comes out Blunt, Direct, and Sharp.
"Hey YOU! Stay away from the Stove. Period. Since I can't leave the room without wondering if you're going to touch the stove, you will have to stay outta the kitchen, indefinitely!"
Mr W says I use their example/choices
and serve it back to them.
"Remember when you last touched the stove? And it hurt so bad we had to buy bandages and stuff and you couldn't use your hand for a week? I told you to be careful and you didn't listen."
They don't like that.
They take the truth to be hard,
as I have heard.
I like plain-speaking.
Don't sugar coat it for me.
Tell me how it is.
I learn better that way.
SO when I express my expectations
and house rules,
I do not want any misunderstandings.
I want to be as clear as possible.
"The Stove is made to cook food. But you have to know the rules about cooking, before you can use the stove. And until then, you need to be extra careful around the kitchen and are not allowed to use the stove."
And if you know my kids,
that's how they relate to one another
and to their friends.
Speaking frankly
and plainly.
I wonder where they learned it from?
SO Nana isn't happy with me today.
We rarely argue.rarely.
But Satan is a Puke
and he just loves contention
in a family
and that Puke will use whatever
whoever he can
to stir up hard feelings.
Before she left last night,
to go back to her Nanny house,
we had scripture study
and Prayer
(wherein Ari blessed the meal that wasn't there)...
"please bless the food..."
We've been slacking
with this stuff
lately
and it shows,
right?
Whenever the energy of our home
becomes less-loving and more contentious,
I have to look at myself in the mirror
and ask
"Are you doing your part?"
Last night, the answer was "no".
So Mr W and I re-commited ourselves
to lead by example
and rein the family in again.
So before Nana left,
we called everyone to the diningroom table
with the charge to bring their scriptures
and we began at the beginning
1 Nephi.
We had been up to Mosiah,
but we decided to start over.
Because sometimes a clean start is
the best way.
I love my family.
I specifically love my daughter.
And until we are "good" again,
I won't throw my hands up in the air
and say "I'm too tired to care anymore!"
No, that's not Me.
Sometimes I am a soft-flowing Willow
but other times
I have to be an Oak.
Knowing when to be either
is the challenge.
The only way to know which
is to seek the Spirit.
So we're back to the basics.
BTW, I long for the day when I can
be a Willow
and not an Oak.
Any advice from the masses would be greatly appreciated!
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Weekend's Here, Whaddya Gonna Do?
It's the Weekend Before Thanksgiving--
can you believe it?
I'm planning our menu for the big meal.
Appetizer:
Stuffed Mushrooms
Cranberry Salsa & chips
Hot Pizza Dip
Meal:
Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Cauliflower with cheesy-mustard sauce
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Sausage and Sage Dressing
Waldorf Salad
Dessert:
Pie
Pie
oh and
Pie.
And as a family,
we are going to make a
Gratitude Tree--
Everyday we will write our
blessings
on a slip of paper
and put it on a tree.
Now that sounds all
spirichual and stuff--
but knowing my family
it's going to get completely outta hand
and have ridiculous nonsense on it--
I can't wait.
p.s. of course, all this is really just a distraction until I get the call
from Dani & Mr. Idaho...she's having lotsa BH ctx, so it could be any.second.
can you believe it?
I'm planning our menu for the big meal.
Appetizer:
Stuffed Mushrooms
Cranberry Salsa & chips
Hot Pizza Dip
Meal:
Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Cauliflower with cheesy-mustard sauce
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Sausage and Sage Dressing
Waldorf Salad
Dessert:
Pie
Pie
oh and
Pie.
And as a family,
we are going to make a
Gratitude Tree--
Everyday we will write our
blessings
on a slip of paper
and put it on a tree.
Now that sounds all
spirichual and stuff--
but knowing my family
it's going to get completely outta hand
and have ridiculous nonsense on it--
I can't wait.
p.s. of course, all this is really just a distraction until I get the call
from Dani & Mr. Idaho...she's having lotsa BH ctx, so it could be any.second.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A week of Surprises!
I am exhausted.
When Diana yelled up the stairs
this morning,
"Love you Mom"
I said
"You're Welcome."
She laughed, "What?"
I replied, "Hunh?"
"I just told you I love you and you said
'you're welcome. Are you awake yet?"
That was a few hours ago.
I am home from my trip to Arizona.
I've been thinking about what I could write about it
that would be blogworthy and not a travel-log
so this is my attempt to write about my trip
using the word
"SURPRISE"
as many times as possible.
Here goes:
With my friend Nan, and daughter, Nana at my side
I headed down to
Surprise, Arizona.
Because I had to go to court
because my ex-husband stopped paying child support
so I surprised him by getting an attorney
to sue his fancy pants.
That surprised him!
On the way down
to Surprise
we stopped for fuel
and a potty break.
Which is not a surprise, right?
But! while we were fueling the car
and relieving ourselves,
which took about 10 minutes
One of us went into an adjoining casino
and won over two hundred dollars!
Surprised the heck outta us!
When we got to Phoenix
coming down I-17 I was
SURPRISED
at how HUGE it has grown to be
since I left 11 years ago!
The traffic is unbelievable!
I didn't even know where I was--
my bearings were totally messed up!
Nan says she's going to stop by a friends' house
on the way,
that's no Surprise
tho
cause she knows everyone in the State of Arizona...
I'm not kidding.
If she doesn't know YOU, she knows your Mom,
Your best friend from high school or your Vet.
just sayin.
But what I didn't know
was she had arranged for me to meet one of the awesome
blogland Gals I follow!
So when we pulled into the driveway
and out walked Lori from Joy in the Journey--
I was more than a little
Surprised!
I was in shock!
and I looked like roadkill.
A million hours in the car isn't pretty,
ya know?
But Lori was wonderful
just as I knew she would be--
no surprise there!
But then she said she'd made us dinner!
Surprise!
My favorite: Chicken tortilla soup!
And her awesome apple dip!!
Loved. Every. Bite.!
Love you Lori!
As we were sitting around the table
her sweet husband next to me,
we were chatting about all kinds of church stuff
and I turned to him and said
"What is your calling in the Church?"
A slight twinkle in his eye
and little smile on his lips,
"Stake President."
SURPRISE!
Oh! and one of their neighbors is
a man I used to work for
as a Chiropractic assistant
back in 1986!
Surprise!
It's a small world!
Thanks Nan for the great Surprise!
So with a hug and a smile
we headed out to Surprise
where we were staying.
On the way to the edge of the world,
Nan made plans for her friend to meet us
at my favorite Mexican Restaurant
"Macayos"!
Surprise!
I didn't expect that
but hey! it's Macayos!
So we went and because I was still full from dinner
I ordered a "Famous Macayos cheese quesadilla"
Yum.
Nana shared it with me.
THEN! the staff came out and
sang "Happy Birthday" to Nana!
and we all shared a fried ice cream!
Woohoo! for yummy Surprises!
We were stuffed!!!
And the weather in Surprise was
perfect!! And I mean PERFECT!
When we finally settled in
for the night
I realized that I didn't know the exact time
of the court hearing--I thought it was 8:30AM--
Surprise! --it wasn't until 1:30 PM!!
YEA! I could sleep in!
Nan's friend, Jennifer made us breakfast:
sausage gravy and homemade biscuits!
YUM!
I showered and said my prayers,
got dressed, thanked our wonderful hosts,
Then we headed over to the Surprise courthouse.
So inside the courthouse
I waited to meet my attorney--
I'd picked her off the internet--
no kidding--
and had no idea what she looked like!
A lovely young woman came around
the corner
and you guessed it--
Surprise!
It was her!
She was sharp as a tack,
so professional
but funny
and personable!
Once inside the courtroom
I was kinda dopey
I didn't know what to expect.
But she led me along
and was such a comfort.
Watching the Ex testify was like watching
a horrible train wreck.
It got messy.
That's what happens when
you lie, dude.
Sometimes you get away with it
and sometimes you get cornered.
He got cornered.
He rarely gets cornered.
Surprise!
The judge was really perfect.
So much so, that I am writing him a letter
and telling him as much.
For those of you in Phoenix,
his last name is Brotherton.
And if you ever have to go in front of him
be thankful.
Judge Brotherton gave me
all that I was asking for and
we won.
I was SURPRISED!!
Actually, I was nauseas
and was hoping I wouldn't puke.
But wonderfully relieved it was all over.
Entirely grateful.
After the court,
we went to Olive Garden to celebrate.
Then we headed to Winslow, Arizona
for the night.
Know that Eagles' song,
with the line,
"Standin on the corner in Winslow, Arizona,
such a fine sight to see
there's a girl my lord
with a flat bed Ford
slowin down to take a look at me..."
Know it?
Well, there's an actual statue of a guy
"Standin on the corner"...
and Nan, Nana and I started singing that song
about every stinking thing
we saw standing on a corner...
construction crew:
"Workin on the corner in Winslow, Arizona..."
a metal camel:
"Camel on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.."
McDonalds:
"McDonald's on the corner in Winslow, Arizona..."
we even saw a real guy, so we rolled down the window
and sang to him,
"Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona! Sucha fine sight to see!"
That Surprised him!
So we got home late last night
to see a snow-covered lawn--
and Nana's boy, M. met us in the driveway...
and to her absolute SURPRISE!--
he decorated her room with streamers and balloons
for her birthday!!
So I collapsed into my own bed
amazed at how fast 4 days rolled
by...
grateful for good friends
who've kept me in their prayers
held good thoughts for me
thru this trial
and a family that was kept safe
in my absence.
Surprises.
I love a good one.
How about you?
*how many was that?
When Diana yelled up the stairs
this morning,
"Love you Mom"
I said
"You're Welcome."
She laughed, "What?"
I replied, "Hunh?"
"I just told you I love you and you said
'you're welcome. Are you awake yet?"
That was a few hours ago.
I am home from my trip to Arizona.
I've been thinking about what I could write about it
that would be blogworthy and not a travel-log
so this is my attempt to write about my trip
using the word
"SURPRISE"
as many times as possible.
Here goes:
With my friend Nan, and daughter, Nana at my side
I headed down to
Surprise, Arizona.
Because I had to go to court
because my ex-husband stopped paying child support
so I surprised him by getting an attorney
to sue his fancy pants.
That surprised him!
On the way down
to Surprise
we stopped for fuel
and a potty break.
Which is not a surprise, right?
But! while we were fueling the car
and relieving ourselves,
which took about 10 minutes
One of us went into an adjoining casino
and won over two hundred dollars!
Surprised the heck outta us!
When we got to Phoenix
coming down I-17 I was
SURPRISED
at how HUGE it has grown to be
since I left 11 years ago!
The traffic is unbelievable!
I didn't even know where I was--
my bearings were totally messed up!
Nan says she's going to stop by a friends' house
on the way,
that's no Surprise
tho
cause she knows everyone in the State of Arizona...
I'm not kidding.
If she doesn't know YOU, she knows your Mom,
Your best friend from high school or your Vet.
just sayin.
But what I didn't know
was she had arranged for me to meet one of the awesome
blogland Gals I follow!
So when we pulled into the driveway
and out walked Lori from Joy in the Journey--
I was more than a little
Surprised!
I was in shock!
and I looked like roadkill.
A million hours in the car isn't pretty,
ya know?
But Lori was wonderful
just as I knew she would be--
no surprise there!
But then she said she'd made us dinner!
Surprise!
My favorite: Chicken tortilla soup!
And her awesome apple dip!!
Loved. Every. Bite.!
Love you Lori!
As we were sitting around the table
her sweet husband next to me,
we were chatting about all kinds of church stuff
and I turned to him and said
"What is your calling in the Church?"
A slight twinkle in his eye
and little smile on his lips,
"Stake President."
SURPRISE!
Oh! and one of their neighbors is
a man I used to work for
as a Chiropractic assistant
back in 1986!
Surprise!
It's a small world!
Thanks Nan for the great Surprise!
So with a hug and a smile
we headed out to Surprise
where we were staying.
On the way to the edge of the world,
Nan made plans for her friend to meet us
at my favorite Mexican Restaurant
"Macayos"!
Surprise!
I didn't expect that
but hey! it's Macayos!
So we went and because I was still full from dinner
I ordered a "Famous Macayos cheese quesadilla"
Yum.
Nana shared it with me.
THEN! the staff came out and
sang "Happy Birthday" to Nana!
and we all shared a fried ice cream!
Woohoo! for yummy Surprises!
We were stuffed!!!
And the weather in Surprise was
perfect!! And I mean PERFECT!
When we finally settled in
for the night
I realized that I didn't know the exact time
of the court hearing--I thought it was 8:30AM--
Surprise! --it wasn't until 1:30 PM!!
YEA! I could sleep in!
Nan's friend, Jennifer made us breakfast:
sausage gravy and homemade biscuits!
YUM!
I showered and said my prayers,
got dressed, thanked our wonderful hosts,
Then we headed over to the Surprise courthouse.
So inside the courthouse
I waited to meet my attorney--
I'd picked her off the internet--
no kidding--
and had no idea what she looked like!
A lovely young woman came around
the corner
and you guessed it--
Surprise!
It was her!
She was sharp as a tack,
so professional
but funny
and personable!
Once inside the courtroom
I was kinda dopey
I didn't know what to expect.
But she led me along
and was such a comfort.
Watching the Ex testify was like watching
a horrible train wreck.
It got messy.
That's what happens when
you lie, dude.
Sometimes you get away with it
and sometimes you get cornered.
He got cornered.
He rarely gets cornered.
Surprise!
The judge was really perfect.
So much so, that I am writing him a letter
and telling him as much.
For those of you in Phoenix,
his last name is Brotherton.
And if you ever have to go in front of him
be thankful.
Judge Brotherton gave me
all that I was asking for and
we won.
I was SURPRISED!!
Actually, I was nauseas
and was hoping I wouldn't puke.
But wonderfully relieved it was all over.
Entirely grateful.
After the court,
we went to Olive Garden to celebrate.
Then we headed to Winslow, Arizona
for the night.
Know that Eagles' song,
with the line,
"Standin on the corner in Winslow, Arizona,
such a fine sight to see
there's a girl my lord
with a flat bed Ford
slowin down to take a look at me..."
Know it?
Well, there's an actual statue of a guy
"Standin on the corner"...
and Nan, Nana and I started singing that song
about every stinking thing
we saw standing on a corner...
construction crew:
"Workin on the corner in Winslow, Arizona..."
a metal camel:
"Camel on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.."
McDonalds:
"McDonald's on the corner in Winslow, Arizona..."
we even saw a real guy, so we rolled down the window
and sang to him,
"Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona! Sucha fine sight to see!"
That Surprised him!
So we got home late last night
to see a snow-covered lawn--
and Nana's boy, M. met us in the driveway...
and to her absolute SURPRISE!--
he decorated her room with streamers and balloons
for her birthday!!
So I collapsed into my own bed
amazed at how fast 4 days rolled
by...
grateful for good friends
who've kept me in their prayers
held good thoughts for me
thru this trial
and a family that was kept safe
in my absence.
Surprises.
I love a good one.
How about you?
*how many was that?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Where in the World is Momza?
You may have noticed I've not been commenting on your blogs
or getting around to reading them
like I so love to do most days.
Kids started school on Monday.
Helped a friend with home staging Tuesday morning
and then Nana get registered for school Tuesday afternoon
and Institute that evening.
Spent Wednesday at the Birth clinic
Wednesday night at a Ward Back-to-school Night
party in the Park.
Today I attended a home birth.
And we have another momma due any minute.
So Roxanne...this is esp for you...
I want to see you
and your smile
and all that good stuff.
Will you call again if you're still in town?
To all of my other wonderful bloggin' friends
I'll catch up
ASAP!!
Keep on writing about your awesome lives!
or getting around to reading them
like I so love to do most days.
Kids started school on Monday.
Helped a friend with home staging Tuesday morning
and then Nana get registered for school Tuesday afternoon
and Institute that evening.
Spent Wednesday at the Birth clinic
Wednesday night at a Ward Back-to-school Night
party in the Park.
Today I attended a home birth.
And we have another momma due any minute.
So Roxanne...this is esp for you...
I want to see you
and your smile
and all that good stuff.
Will you call again if you're still in town?
To all of my other wonderful bloggin' friends
I'll catch up
ASAP!!
Keep on writing about your awesome lives!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
What a Week--car accident, baptism, Elitches, Funeral and my "Dash"
I wanna write about this past week.
It's been a doozy.
I'd like to say I've put it all
into perspective.
But I'm not that smart
and it's still processing.
Last week had all the elements
of a drama/comedy
dramady.
Unexpected Joy
Near-death experience
Thrills and Spills
Food
and lastly
a funeral.
Monday will be forever forgotten.
It's just Saturday
and I can't tell you what happened
on Monday.
It was just a day.
Tuesday served my heart
to me in my hand...
the baptism
and the car accident.
Wednesday was mostly about
recovering and reflecting
on Tuesday.
Thursday was about getting
kids ready for school!!
Yea! for school!
I love teachers!!
Friday was Family Day.
We took the yahoos to
Elitch Gardens in Denver
for the day.
And it was awesome!
Boofus got to ride the water-ride
"Shipwrecked"
No fewer than 20 times.
15 of those were
in a row.
The weather was perfect
and it's the first time
I've been to an amusement park
without my Dean
or a baby-stroller.
What a different experience!!
No kidding.
I kept feeling like I was too
"carefree" or that I'd forgotten
something or someone
as I just walked around without
a diaper bag or a backpack.
The kids are finally old enough
that I could sit on a deck chair
at the waterpark
and just
BE...
I felt spoiled and I loved it.
This morning we fed five missionaries
and I took pics of them
and will post them later.
They're far from home
as they serve us here in
Colorado...
Ohio, Missouri, California,
Minnesota and Nevada
they left the comforts of home
to serve
and we love them for it.
This afternoon Mr W and I
headed up to Aurora, CO
for the funeral service of a mother
to a co-worker of his...
why is it that we go for someone else
and sit there thinking about ourselves?
What would my family have to say about me?
What songs would they sing?
Do I want to be buried in a box?
Or just cremated?
Keep the ashes in a little jar
or spread about in a special place?
Have I lived a life worth talking about
in the first place?
Will my girlfriends really serve Wendy's chili
and Pie
just like I've always said I wanted served?
Would it be appropriate for everyone to go outside
afterwards and have a huge waterballoon fight
and think of me?
Cause I don't want my family to cry
on the day I get to go home.
Cuz who would wipe their tears?
After Tuesday's near-death
fender-bender
I came home from the funeral
and asked my kids
what they'd say at my funeral.
I told them to be honest.
Kent said he'd tell everyone
how much he loved me
blah blah blah
I said...say something REAL!
Okay, then,
he says,
"how about this? you're forgetful
and I can't find anything after you've touched it."
YES! That's the real me!
Nana says, "I'd say how you hide our food when we walk away from it."
(I do! just for fun!)
Daisie says, "I'd just tell 'em how much I love you. And that you're crazy and you love missionairies."
Well, as long as you add the crazy part, then I'm okay with that.
The Pastor at the funeral
said something I've heard only a couple of times
he said
"[Mrs. X] lived between 1928 - 2009...
the dash in the middle was her Life.
The dash is who she is...not the 1928 or the 2009.
It's all in the dash.
I better make the most of my dash, ya think?
This week had alot of dash.
How about you?
Did your week have alot of dash to it too?
It's been a doozy.
I'd like to say I've put it all
into perspective.
But I'm not that smart
and it's still processing.
Last week had all the elements
of a drama/comedy
dramady.
Unexpected Joy
Near-death experience
Thrills and Spills
Food
and lastly
a funeral.
Monday will be forever forgotten.
It's just Saturday
and I can't tell you what happened
on Monday.
It was just a day.
Tuesday served my heart
to me in my hand...
the baptism
and the car accident.
Wednesday was mostly about
recovering and reflecting
on Tuesday.
Thursday was about getting
kids ready for school!!
Yea! for school!
I love teachers!!
Friday was Family Day.
We took the yahoos to
Elitch Gardens in Denver
for the day.
And it was awesome!
Boofus got to ride the water-ride
"Shipwrecked"
No fewer than 20 times.
15 of those were
in a row.
The weather was perfect
and it's the first time
I've been to an amusement park
without my Dean
or a baby-stroller.
What a different experience!!
No kidding.
I kept feeling like I was too
"carefree" or that I'd forgotten
something or someone
as I just walked around without
a diaper bag or a backpack.
The kids are finally old enough
that I could sit on a deck chair
at the waterpark
and just
BE...
I felt spoiled and I loved it.
This morning we fed five missionaries
and I took pics of them
and will post them later.
They're far from home
as they serve us here in
Colorado...
Ohio, Missouri, California,
Minnesota and Nevada
they left the comforts of home
to serve
and we love them for it.
This afternoon Mr W and I
headed up to Aurora, CO
for the funeral service of a mother
to a co-worker of his...
why is it that we go for someone else
and sit there thinking about ourselves?
What would my family have to say about me?
What songs would they sing?
Do I want to be buried in a box?
Or just cremated?
Keep the ashes in a little jar
or spread about in a special place?
Have I lived a life worth talking about
in the first place?
Will my girlfriends really serve Wendy's chili
and Pie
just like I've always said I wanted served?
Would it be appropriate for everyone to go outside
afterwards and have a huge waterballoon fight
and think of me?
Cause I don't want my family to cry
on the day I get to go home.
Cuz who would wipe their tears?
After Tuesday's near-death
fender-bender
I came home from the funeral
and asked my kids
what they'd say at my funeral.
I told them to be honest.
Kent said he'd tell everyone
how much he loved me
blah blah blah
I said...say something REAL!
Okay, then,
he says,
"how about this? you're forgetful
and I can't find anything after you've touched it."
YES! That's the real me!
Nana says, "I'd say how you hide our food when we walk away from it."
(I do! just for fun!)
Daisie says, "I'd just tell 'em how much I love you. And that you're crazy and you love missionairies."
Well, as long as you add the crazy part, then I'm okay with that.
The Pastor at the funeral
said something I've heard only a couple of times
he said
"[Mrs. X] lived between 1928 - 2009...
the dash in the middle was her Life.
The dash is who she is...not the 1928 or the 2009.
It's all in the dash.
I better make the most of my dash, ya think?
This week had alot of dash.
How about you?
Did your week have alot of dash to it too?
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Blurry Weekend
It's Monday. I've been trying to remember what all I did over the weekend, and frankly, it's still a blur of activity...
Dani came down on Friday night b/c Mr. Idaho was busy with wrestling stuff and she didn't wanna be alone. Which is comical itself because she was the child who always wished she was an "only" child...and now she doesn't like to be alone! Go figure. Her belly is distinctly pregnant.
Five and half months along and feeling all the aches and pains of a changing body. I got to feel the baby kick which totally rocked my socks!
Boofus asked if his buddies could spend the night, and taking it even further, asked if they could all put a tent up in the backyard and sleep in it. So that the Caboose could join the fun, Mr. W said he'd sleep in it if the Caboose would be welcomed to sleep in it too. The boys agreed and come 9pm they were all out in the tent listening to Dad tell his Montana bear stories and making flashlight shadows.
Dani crawled up into my bed and we watched television until we were bleary-eyed. It was a treat to have her here without Mr. Idaho. We had her full attention and time to catch-up!
The missionaries have continued to come over and teach Nana's friend, Kate, the lessons. And they came back again for breakfast Saturday morning.
Saturday afternoon we just spent time together...the older girls and I running to Kohl's for an awesome Sale, and Mr W doing yardwork, riding bikes with the kids and taking them to Fox Run Park. So busy. When the girls and I came back from shopping, my front yard was covered in bicycles, scooters, roller blades and whatnot...I should've taken a picture, really.
We sent Dani off to Golden and thought we'd have a quiet evening but that was hardly the case. We ended up playing games and by the time I went to bed I was dead-tired.
Sunday. Just reflecting on the day makes me wanna close my eyes for a few moments. Church was Church, ya know? Nana stayed for the next ward's meetings because of a missionary homecoming she wanted to attend...Kate met her up there for that and then dropped Nana off after.
Then, we had a big goodbye dinner for Kate. Her folks plus 3 missionaries and 2 other friends from Church came over for that...making it 14 for dinner. One of the missionaries played the piano for us and was just. awesome.! We made homemade chicken fettucine alfredo florentine, a salad and french bread. Kate's mom brought over 2 delicious homemade cakes that were outta this world! I'll print the recipe tomorrow.
After dinner and visiting, the kids all played games (Curses) with the rest of the guests and we ended with a devotional and sent the missionaries out the door. Kate & Nana sat and visited with a young man who has just returned from his mission to London. He's a very nice guy. Of course, the fact that he has the brightest eyes on the planet, according to Kate, makes him easy to listen to, apparently.
And that's really it.
It's Monday...and this is the last week of Summer Break for our yahoos. I have mixed feelings about this...I'm ready for some quiet time, but oh how I dread 3-8pm everyday...homework, dinner, homework, dishes, homework. Teachers give so much more than I ever had when I was a kid, it is nauseating. Every August I contemplate going the Home School route, and then I back down. I don't know.
We went thru the kids' closets and drawers today...thinning out and sizing up. Figuring out if we need to buy more clothes for school. Honestly, the things that are on Clearance right now are summer clothes...and summer is just about over here in the Springs. We have long winters. SO by the time it actually gets cold, the Winter stuff that's on sale now, will be on Clearance then, so I'll wait to buy long pants and long sleeved tops until September/October. But I do have to buy the Boofus some sneakers...he's been wearing his KEEN water sandals all summer long...every stinkin day and Boy! have we gotten our money outta those! They are the best shoes ever for boys! Mr W has a pair exactly like them too. And the Caboose has worn her Teva's every day too...and they're still going! That's what I love about TEVA's...kids grow outta them, not wear them out!
Daisie will be a freshmen. in high school. This is going to be hard for her. I'm gearing up for her emotionally-charged breakdowns certain to happen this year. She's just not a typical snotty teenager. She's not one of the mean girls. Ugh. Insecure hormonal girls wielding their catty ways is indeed something to beware of...it's gonna be tough.
Nana is going to the community college for a semester and will stay there "until God tells me what else to do."[quoting her] All of her friends will be gone...she'd planned on being gone too.
SO we'll see.
The good thing about School starting is that we're better at reading our scriptures. So I'm getting geared up for that...schedules do have their good points, right?
It's easy to see why I'm so tired, eh? I need...a bubble bath, some chocolate , a good movie and a nap.
Dani came down on Friday night b/c Mr. Idaho was busy with wrestling stuff and she didn't wanna be alone. Which is comical itself because she was the child who always wished she was an "only" child...and now she doesn't like to be alone! Go figure. Her belly is distinctly pregnant.
Five and half months along and feeling all the aches and pains of a changing body. I got to feel the baby kick which totally rocked my socks!
Boofus asked if his buddies could spend the night, and taking it even further, asked if they could all put a tent up in the backyard and sleep in it. So that the Caboose could join the fun, Mr. W said he'd sleep in it if the Caboose would be welcomed to sleep in it too. The boys agreed and come 9pm they were all out in the tent listening to Dad tell his Montana bear stories and making flashlight shadows.
Dani crawled up into my bed and we watched television until we were bleary-eyed. It was a treat to have her here without Mr. Idaho. We had her full attention and time to catch-up!
The missionaries have continued to come over and teach Nana's friend, Kate, the lessons. And they came back again for breakfast Saturday morning.
Saturday afternoon we just spent time together...the older girls and I running to Kohl's for an awesome Sale, and Mr W doing yardwork, riding bikes with the kids and taking them to Fox Run Park. So busy. When the girls and I came back from shopping, my front yard was covered in bicycles, scooters, roller blades and whatnot...I should've taken a picture, really.
We sent Dani off to Golden and thought we'd have a quiet evening but that was hardly the case. We ended up playing games and by the time I went to bed I was dead-tired.
Sunday. Just reflecting on the day makes me wanna close my eyes for a few moments. Church was Church, ya know? Nana stayed for the next ward's meetings because of a missionary homecoming she wanted to attend...Kate met her up there for that and then dropped Nana off after.
Then, we had a big goodbye dinner for Kate. Her folks plus 3 missionaries and 2 other friends from Church came over for that...making it 14 for dinner. One of the missionaries played the piano for us and was just. awesome.! We made homemade chicken fettucine alfredo florentine, a salad and french bread. Kate's mom brought over 2 delicious homemade cakes that were outta this world! I'll print the recipe tomorrow.
After dinner and visiting, the kids all played games (Curses) with the rest of the guests and we ended with a devotional and sent the missionaries out the door. Kate & Nana sat and visited with a young man who has just returned from his mission to London. He's a very nice guy. Of course, the fact that he has the brightest eyes on the planet, according to Kate, makes him easy to listen to, apparently.
And that's really it.
It's Monday...and this is the last week of Summer Break for our yahoos. I have mixed feelings about this...I'm ready for some quiet time, but oh how I dread 3-8pm everyday...homework, dinner, homework, dishes, homework. Teachers give so much more than I ever had when I was a kid, it is nauseating. Every August I contemplate going the Home School route, and then I back down. I don't know.
We went thru the kids' closets and drawers today...thinning out and sizing up. Figuring out if we need to buy more clothes for school. Honestly, the things that are on Clearance right now are summer clothes...and summer is just about over here in the Springs. We have long winters. SO by the time it actually gets cold, the Winter stuff that's on sale now, will be on Clearance then, so I'll wait to buy long pants and long sleeved tops until September/October. But I do have to buy the Boofus some sneakers...he's been wearing his KEEN water sandals all summer long...every stinkin day and Boy! have we gotten our money outta those! They are the best shoes ever for boys! Mr W has a pair exactly like them too. And the Caboose has worn her Teva's every day too...and they're still going! That's what I love about TEVA's...kids grow outta them, not wear them out!
Daisie will be a freshmen. in high school. This is going to be hard for her. I'm gearing up for her emotionally-charged breakdowns certain to happen this year. She's just not a typical snotty teenager. She's not one of the mean girls. Ugh. Insecure hormonal girls wielding their catty ways is indeed something to beware of...it's gonna be tough.
Nana is going to the community college for a semester and will stay there "until God tells me what else to do."[quoting her] All of her friends will be gone...she'd planned on being gone too.
SO we'll see.
The good thing about School starting is that we're better at reading our scriptures. So I'm getting geared up for that...schedules do have their good points, right?
It's easy to see why I'm so tired, eh? I need...a bubble bath, some chocolate , a good movie and a nap.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Note to Self
It's Monday. A gorgeous Monday at that, and I have already dissappointed myself. At 11PM last night, I told my self: "self, get up early tomorrow morning, put your sneakers on, grab the dog and hit the dirt! GO for a walk in the cool Colorado air."
I woke up at 6:30am, let out the dog and told myself, "Self, check your mail, and don't mess around on the PC for longer than 30 minutes, then, go on that walk!"
It's 8:59Am. My bum is glued to the chair. I've been reading blogs, People.com, AOL, and whatever else popped up at the click of a button.
Now it's 9:00. I officially suck.
Today is David Archuleta day. Remember I told you I'd gotten tickets. It's today. Daisie is thrilled...she may spontaneously combust. I am prepared for her to thoroughly embarrass me in public tonight. She cannot contain her enthusiasm in any context. I'm bringing Nana with us so if needs be, we can hogtie Daisie to get her home. Note to Self: Bring rope & duct tape.
In other random news:
I got to go to Relief Society yesterday...for the first time (other than Mother's Day) in a year.
I waited for Sharing time and Music, but that didn't happen.
My "cup" was bone-dry, and now it's not. As much as I enjoy Primary--and I do-- Relief Society is "home" to me. I love sisters.
The dog is whining like a tea kettle next to me, so I'm gotta get off my bahooey...there's still alot of morning left. Note to self: turn off the pc, get that rope & duct tape, oh and ear plugs.
I woke up at 6:30am, let out the dog and told myself, "Self, check your mail, and don't mess around on the PC for longer than 30 minutes, then, go on that walk!"
It's 8:59Am. My bum is glued to the chair. I've been reading blogs, People.com, AOL, and whatever else popped up at the click of a button.
Now it's 9:00. I officially suck.
Today is David Archuleta day. Remember I told you I'd gotten tickets. It's today. Daisie is thrilled...she may spontaneously combust. I am prepared for her to thoroughly embarrass me in public tonight. She cannot contain her enthusiasm in any context. I'm bringing Nana with us so if needs be, we can hogtie Daisie to get her home. Note to Self: Bring rope & duct tape.
In other random news:
I got to go to Relief Society yesterday...for the first time (other than Mother's Day) in a year.
I waited for Sharing time and Music, but that didn't happen.
My "cup" was bone-dry, and now it's not. As much as I enjoy Primary--and I do-- Relief Society is "home" to me. I love sisters.
The dog is whining like a tea kettle next to me, so I'm gotta get off my bahooey...there's still alot of morning left. Note to self: turn off the pc, get that rope & duct tape, oh and ear plugs.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Weekend Roundup --Scout Camp, Summa School, Baby toes and Nana-nanniness!
Summer is busy here in Colorado Springs.
These little finch eggs are living
in this...which is right next to my front door. Poor Mama Bird zips away everytime the door opens...which is approximately 5,321 times a day at our house.
Again, it has been a busy summer week around here...
Monday:
It rained and rained and rained some more leaving our little corner of the world wonderfully GREEN.
Sunflowers seeds I got for Mother's Day...s'posed to grow up to 15 FEET Tall!
Raspberry bushes starting to bloom...
Clematis. Alive and blooming with all the rain!
Bleeding hearts bush out front. Are they not the cutest?
These little finch eggs are living
in this...which is right next to my front door. Poor Mama Bird zips away everytime the door opens...which is approximately 5,321 times a day at our house. Again, it has been a busy summer week around here...
Monday:
It rained and rained and rained some more leaving our little corner of the world wonderfully GREEN.
Sunflowers seeds I got for Mother's Day...s'posed to grow up to 15 FEET Tall!
Raspberry bushes starting to bloom...
Clematis. Alive and blooming with all the rain!
Bleeding hearts bush out front. Are they not the cutest?Love it. Summer school started for the youngest Yahoos...9-11:45am. I love Summer School! Peace and quiet for almost 3 straight hours rocks. I have absolutely no guilt over that statement.
Tuesday:
That's Joseph with the green bandana and neat hat that used to belong to his Granpa Joe who liked his fedoras...the hat is nearly as old as me, I think.
Scout Camp started for Boofus...I volunteered to help out wherever they needed me.
Camp was held at the Air Force Academy just down the street from our house. It started at 8:30am--we didn't have to leave the house until 8:25. woohoo!
He loved it: new friends, new skills like whittling, archery, golf, and bowling; and got to practice skills he hasn't done in awhile like knot-tying (he tied Dara to the kitchen chair to show us his new skills!), horseshoe throwing, and just using good sportsmanship.
Wednesday: SUPER BUSY DAY! Took the Boof to Scout Camp, and as I'm dropping him off, I say, "See ya at 3!" and drive off. Took the Caboose to SS, and say, "Ok, see you at 11:45, sis!"
and off I head downtown to the BirthMatters! clinic for the day. FOR THE DAY. It was then I realized, "hey! I won't be home to pick the kids up! Shoot! How are they gonna get home?"
I made some initial calls, but realized that all the moms I called, were volunteering at Scout Camp! Finally, I thought of my neighbor down the street and she was very kind to go and pick up the Caboose from school. Next, I realized I just needed someone who was at Scout camp to just drop Boofus off afterwards. Since we really live so close, I just knew that wouldn't be a problem as long as I could get ahold of someone's cell to call them. I called Nan in a pinch and she took care of it. WHEW! What a responsible parent I am these days, yeah?? ugh. I shouldn't be trusted with the care and feeding of a goldfish
Okay, so I loved my time at the clinic. http://www.birthmattersmidwifery.com/. Time flies by supersonically. A woman walks in a stranger and leaves a sister. And babies--don't get me started on Babies! Have you seen baby toes lately? O. my. goodness. And those baby necks? is there anything softer in the entire world? oh and their baby smell. mmmmm.
And their Mommas---women at their finest--new mommas...glowing despite lack of sleep with newborns, or glowing with round bellies. love. love. love.
Okay okay...so then I ran and got some groceries after work cuz the shelves were nearly bare at home. I'm calling this my Skinny Summer, so most of what I'm making is LITE...as in grilled fish and salads. I need to lose this winter food baby I'm hauling around. I'm looking forward to the day when there is DRIVE-THRU LIPOSUCTION:
"Yes, I'll have a kids happy meal with chicken nuggets, a sprite, and a little off my thighs, thank you." "That'll be $29.95 at Window 2, please drive thru."
But until that day, I gotta do my part to peel this blasted bahooey off.
The Caboose had Acheivement Day Girls at a members house that I have never been to...but the report went like this:
"Their house is HUGE! It has a SWIMMING POOL in their Basement with a SLIDE! And a zipline! And a treehouse! and an ELEVATOR, MOM! They have an elevator in their house!", "Wouldn't it be great if we could BUY it for SIX DOLLARS? Wouldn't it?!!"said with as much enthusiam and incredulousness as she could muster. Un hunh. Six Dollars would rock my world, Sister!
After said dinner, we took the kids to Cottonwood Creek Park (took the camera but forgot to take pics!) b/c the Ward Mutual night was "ICEBLOCKING"
...so since it was a spectacular summer eve, we took the whole family--even the hound. The Park was PACKED everywhere...little league baseball, girls fast pitch, soccer fields full, playground busy, and just a whole lot of people doing their thing. I love summer nights like this one.
And that was my Wednesday.
Tuesday:
That's Joseph with the green bandana and neat hat that used to belong to his Granpa Joe who liked his fedoras...the hat is nearly as old as me, I think.
Scout Camp started for Boofus...I volunteered to help out wherever they needed me.
Camp was held at the Air Force Academy just down the street from our house. It started at 8:30am--we didn't have to leave the house until 8:25. woohoo!
He loved it: new friends, new skills like whittling, archery, golf, and bowling; and got to practice skills he hasn't done in awhile like knot-tying (he tied Dara to the kitchen chair to show us his new skills!), horseshoe throwing, and just using good sportsmanship.
Wednesday: SUPER BUSY DAY! Took the Boof to Scout Camp, and as I'm dropping him off, I say, "See ya at 3!" and drive off. Took the Caboose to SS, and say, "Ok, see you at 11:45, sis!"
and off I head downtown to the BirthMatters! clinic for the day. FOR THE DAY. It was then I realized, "hey! I won't be home to pick the kids up! Shoot! How are they gonna get home?"
I made some initial calls, but realized that all the moms I called, were volunteering at Scout Camp! Finally, I thought of my neighbor down the street and she was very kind to go and pick up the Caboose from school. Next, I realized I just needed someone who was at Scout camp to just drop Boofus off afterwards. Since we really live so close, I just knew that wouldn't be a problem as long as I could get ahold of someone's cell to call them. I called Nan in a pinch and she took care of it. WHEW! What a responsible parent I am these days, yeah?? ugh. I shouldn't be trusted with the care and feeding of a goldfish
Okay, so I loved my time at the clinic. http://www.birthmattersmidwifery.com/. Time flies by supersonically. A woman walks in a stranger and leaves a sister. And babies--don't get me started on Babies! Have you seen baby toes lately? O. my. goodness. And those baby necks? is there anything softer in the entire world? oh and their baby smell. mmmmm.
And their Mommas---women at their finest--new mommas...glowing despite lack of sleep with newborns, or glowing with round bellies. love. love. love.
Okay okay...so then I ran and got some groceries after work cuz the shelves were nearly bare at home. I'm calling this my Skinny Summer, so most of what I'm making is LITE...as in grilled fish and salads. I need to lose this winter food baby I'm hauling around. I'm looking forward to the day when there is DRIVE-THRU LIPOSUCTION:
"Yes, I'll have a kids happy meal with chicken nuggets, a sprite, and a little off my thighs, thank you." "That'll be $29.95 at Window 2, please drive thru."
But until that day, I gotta do my part to peel this blasted bahooey off.
The Caboose had Acheivement Day Girls at a members house that I have never been to...but the report went like this:
"Their house is HUGE! It has a SWIMMING POOL in their Basement with a SLIDE! And a zipline! And a treehouse! and an ELEVATOR, MOM! They have an elevator in their house!", "Wouldn't it be great if we could BUY it for SIX DOLLARS? Wouldn't it?!!"said with as much enthusiam and incredulousness as she could muster. Un hunh. Six Dollars would rock my world, Sister!
After said dinner, we took the kids to Cottonwood Creek Park (took the camera but forgot to take pics!) b/c the Ward Mutual night was "ICEBLOCKING"
...so since it was a spectacular summer eve, we took the whole family--even the hound. The Park was PACKED everywhere...little league baseball, girls fast pitch, soccer fields full, playground busy, and just a whole lot of people doing their thing. I love summer nights like this one.And that was my Wednesday.
Thursday:
So Thursday was the last Scout camp day, and also the last day of the week for Summer School. I shuffled each of the kids accordingly and came home to get my Doula certification papers ready to send in, only to find I am missing some stuff. Wahhh. I'm anxious to get this turned in, because I want to take another series of classes to become a Childbirth Educator. I love teaching...so this will be a dream come true if I can take these classes and move forward into another venue of what I love.
Before I knew it, it was time to go pick everyone up...then the Scout Committee put together a luncheon for Moms and scouts at the Stake Center. I took pictures...the committee outdid themselves!
It was Perfect with a capital "P". I'm am so grateful that Boofus is in a Troop/Pack that has such active leaders involved and engaged so wonderfully. He loved Camp and that makes my day!
While on the way there, my cell rings.
It's Nana: "Guess What? Guess What?!!" She has been chosen as one of ten girls by the Nanny Agencyhttp://www.yourchildsnanny.com/ for a nanny position, specifically an LDS Nanny. Did you know that's a big deal? To be a Nanny that comes from a heckamongous Mormon Family? Well, she fits the bill being the 4th of 7 kiddos. She made $100 bucks yesterday babysitting. Anywho, we don't know where yet...altho she did request the East Coast. So we'll see what happens next. But she is supposed to begin in June. It is June! ACK!! So if she decides to go the "nanny-way"...she will postpone school for a year. Good news for her. She was hoping to have this option to make some much-needed college money and now she will!
Friday: Yikes! What's next??
So Thursday was the last Scout camp day, and also the last day of the week for Summer School. I shuffled each of the kids accordingly and came home to get my Doula certification papers ready to send in, only to find I am missing some stuff. Wahhh. I'm anxious to get this turned in, because I want to take another series of classes to become a Childbirth Educator. I love teaching...so this will be a dream come true if I can take these classes and move forward into another venue of what I love.
Before I knew it, it was time to go pick everyone up...then the Scout Committee put together a luncheon for Moms and scouts at the Stake Center. I took pictures...the committee outdid themselves!
It was Perfect with a capital "P". I'm am so grateful that Boofus is in a Troop/Pack that has such active leaders involved and engaged so wonderfully. He loved Camp and that makes my day!While on the way there, my cell rings.
It's Nana: "Guess What? Guess What?!!" She has been chosen as one of ten girls by the Nanny Agencyhttp://www.yourchildsnanny.com/ for a nanny position, specifically an LDS Nanny. Did you know that's a big deal? To be a Nanny that comes from a heckamongous Mormon Family? Well, she fits the bill being the 4th of 7 kiddos. She made $100 bucks yesterday babysitting. Anywho, we don't know where yet...altho she did request the East Coast. So we'll see what happens next. But she is supposed to begin in June. It is June! ACK!! So if she decides to go the "nanny-way"...she will postpone school for a year. Good news for her. She was hoping to have this option to make some much-needed college money and now she will! 
Friday: Yikes! What's next??
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