I had a wonderful experience yesterday afternoon at the end of the After School Program.
Some of the parents had gathered to wait for their children to finish up. This one mother (of four, two of which are baby twins and one is a toddler between Jeremy and Peter's ages) had brought her children with her. The toddler had been part of the pre-school soccer team (which I "coached" this year). He had also joined me several times at the playgrounds when the baseball teams were playing last year.
As kids his age tend to do, he kept mostly to himself. He even played soccer his own way - most of the time. And rarely interacted with anyone... even me! (Okay, almost all of the kids in that group were like that)
Anyway, yesterday, I saw him walking over to our "mummy" field (where some children were wrapping others in toilet paper). His sister was one of the "mummies" so I figured he was heading over to her. Then he stopped right in front of me. So I said hi and asked how he was doing. He immediately grinned and held out his arms to me. So I picked him up and he gave me a huge hug!
It as very special for me - to know that I was loved by this little boy. To know that my willingness to just be there had meant something to him!
Showing posts with label Tara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tara. Show all posts
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Camp Grandma
That's what Bob called it! The kids had a wonderful time! As I wasn't there myself, I don't have tons of stories to tell, but I do have a couple.... the first is about our Bug.
Grandpa Kevin has a bad back, so he sleeps on the couch in the living room. So this story is really from him - though I heard from my mom. In the middle of the night (I believe it was Saturday night), there was this strange little sound.... kind of like a shuffling. Grandpa Kevin is a very light sleeper, so naturally he wakes right up and tries to figure out what is going on. He looks around (may have even turned on the light, I didn't think to ask), and notices my little Jeremy pattering about. Trying to figure out what he needs (the bathroom or whatever) and Jeremy just never responds. So Grandpa Kevin turns him around and tells him to go back to bed. And he did... back to his bed, laid right down, and slept until morning!
Apparently one child takes after his mother - I use to sleep walk when I was about his age. My mother use to hear some sort of a scurry like sound every night. It would come to her room and then it would retreat. Finally one night she closed her door. She laid awake listen to what she was sure was a very large rat or something worse (we lived in Florida at the time). Sure enough, there was the scurry sound... and this time, instead of a retreat, there was a great big thud at the door. Slowly, and shaking (as she tells me) she got out of bed and opened the door. There she found me... laying on the floor! That's when she realized she needed to get the locks on the doors changed... they were the kind that you could still open from the inside, but not the outside. I don't know if the locks ever got changed or if she figured out some other way to feel safe with me sleep walking!
Grandpa Kevin has a bad back, so he sleeps on the couch in the living room. So this story is really from him - though I heard from my mom. In the middle of the night (I believe it was Saturday night), there was this strange little sound.... kind of like a shuffling. Grandpa Kevin is a very light sleeper, so naturally he wakes right up and tries to figure out what is going on. He looks around (may have even turned on the light, I didn't think to ask), and notices my little Jeremy pattering about. Trying to figure out what he needs (the bathroom or whatever) and Jeremy just never responds. So Grandpa Kevin turns him around and tells him to go back to bed. And he did... back to his bed, laid right down, and slept until morning!
Apparently one child takes after his mother - I use to sleep walk when I was about his age. My mother use to hear some sort of a scurry like sound every night. It would come to her room and then it would retreat. Finally one night she closed her door. She laid awake listen to what she was sure was a very large rat or something worse (we lived in Florida at the time). Sure enough, there was the scurry sound... and this time, instead of a retreat, there was a great big thud at the door. Slowly, and shaking (as she tells me) she got out of bed and opened the door. There she found me... laying on the floor! That's when she realized she needed to get the locks on the doors changed... they were the kind that you could still open from the inside, but not the outside. I don't know if the locks ever got changed or if she figured out some other way to feel safe with me sleep walking!
Monday, September 22, 2008
TOFW: An Amazing Experience
What a wonderful experience!
I know that all of our group who went came home as new women - refreshed, rejuvenated, replenished! It was wonderful - full of truths - which we know - but we needed to hear again or in another way!
Where I have been struggling horribly, I now feel I understand more. I feel I have hope and strength again. And I have come away with a better understanding of how I can help some that I love dearly, where before I felt helplessly lost.
I am grateful for the hand of the Lord. In His way, blessing us, and using those we come in contact with to do just that. I am especially grateful for the Priesthood - it is so real. It's power (the Lord's power) is real! It is amazing. And though promised blessings may not come immediately, they do come - just as they were pronounced - when we need them most!
Some of you know of this amazing experience which I personally had (and I know those with me also had amazing personal experiences). I do not feel I can share it over the internet - it was too special for that. But I can share that a special and much needed blessing given to me only a couple of weeks before was fulfilled. I did indeed come to know and feel the love of friends and family, and especially the love my Savior has for me. That love came in a way in which I was unable to push it back, but had to acknowledge and had to embrace! And with it has come clarity about certain things which have not made sense in my life and of where I am needed and how. I've been waiting for that moment - to lift me back up. And it came!
I'd love to share some of my favorite quotes from the weekend (I hope I got them all right, as I was writing as just about as fast as they were talking) - enjoy! Be uplifted!
Kim Nelson:
"Agreement and understanding are not the same."
"Learn to be complementive, not competitive."
"Love is ALWAYS a gift."
"Because God loves me, he allows me to bless myself and others by my choices."
"I want my artwork to be on God's fridge."
Michael McLean:
"My other use to say 'the only problem with life is that there is no background music.'"
(Speaking of the Lord) "You don't care what He says to you; you just want to know He's there."
"She doesn't know she's an angel."
(Quoting a young woman who lovingly and willing gave up her child for adoption) "When you've been in the darkness for a long time you don't believe you'll ever have that light again. And then it comes, just a little bit, and it's like water in the desert."
Mary Ellen Edmunds:
"There are two things which will rob ourselves of joy: Guilt and Contention."
"Guilt can be a good thing if it moves us to make some changes in our lives."
"The Lord says turn, return, come. Turn around as many times as you need to."
"Her next inspiration came from the Spirit - He really has fabulous ideas!"
"If our hearts are knit together in unity and love, we can feel when someone starts to pull away."
"Let's be kind to each other. Everyone has something."
Camille Fronk Olson:
"God has a way of bringing us down so we can be happier than we have ever been."
"Barrenness is a symbol o what we are without the Lord."
(Speaking of Hannah from the old testiment) "She wanted this child to give back to the Lord."
"If you build upon the rock of the Savior, it is impossible to fall."
"The Lord allows you to drop. When you think you are as low as it gets, He lets you drop again. But then He lifts you up higher than you have have been before."
"I've learned to rely on the Spirit in all things."
"The Lord gives us weakness to be humble."
"There is no joy without the Lord."
Kenneth Cope:
"His name never changes. His name is always Love."
"God put us here to fall, to be broken...but we could not have known joy unless we were broken."
"You are your Father's child and everything that means."
"Christ was all about 'Where should I go today?' There really is no balance...He did what He was suppose to do. He was led and He did it."
Merrilee Boyack:
"Service and Family Service will bring about good character, hard working, kind and loving people."
"Service is our tutorial to become like Christ."
"We CAN minister in little, tiny moments."
"He did not say to be well fed. We are to give it ALL away." (speaking of Christ's love)
"Caring is not enough. It is in response that one is saved."
"Christ suggested we do service because then it becomes our work."
"We will all have different promptings. We don't have to all do the same thing. The point is to do it!"
Jason Wright:
"Write to others. your letters can, will, do have an impact."
Sharon Larsen:
"Joy is our responsibility. We cannot have it without the Savior, but we play a part."
"Life is harder when you're not paying attention."
"As soon as we turn our troubles, trials over to the Lord, we can feel joy."
"The Lord knows what will make us happy."
"It takes FAITH."
I know that all of our group who went came home as new women - refreshed, rejuvenated, replenished! It was wonderful - full of truths - which we know - but we needed to hear again or in another way!
Where I have been struggling horribly, I now feel I understand more. I feel I have hope and strength again. And I have come away with a better understanding of how I can help some that I love dearly, where before I felt helplessly lost.
I am grateful for the hand of the Lord. In His way, blessing us, and using those we come in contact with to do just that. I am especially grateful for the Priesthood - it is so real. It's power (the Lord's power) is real! It is amazing. And though promised blessings may not come immediately, they do come - just as they were pronounced - when we need them most!
Some of you know of this amazing experience which I personally had (and I know those with me also had amazing personal experiences). I do not feel I can share it over the internet - it was too special for that. But I can share that a special and much needed blessing given to me only a couple of weeks before was fulfilled. I did indeed come to know and feel the love of friends and family, and especially the love my Savior has for me. That love came in a way in which I was unable to push it back, but had to acknowledge and had to embrace! And with it has come clarity about certain things which have not made sense in my life and of where I am needed and how. I've been waiting for that moment - to lift me back up. And it came!
I'd love to share some of my favorite quotes from the weekend (I hope I got them all right, as I was writing as just about as fast as they were talking) - enjoy! Be uplifted!
Kim Nelson:
"Agreement and understanding are not the same."
"Learn to be complementive, not competitive."
"Love is ALWAYS a gift."
"Because God loves me, he allows me to bless myself and others by my choices."
"I want my artwork to be on God's fridge."
Michael McLean:
"My other use to say 'the only problem with life is that there is no background music.'"
(Speaking of the Lord) "You don't care what He says to you; you just want to know He's there."
"She doesn't know she's an angel."
(Quoting a young woman who lovingly and willing gave up her child for adoption) "When you've been in the darkness for a long time you don't believe you'll ever have that light again. And then it comes, just a little bit, and it's like water in the desert."
Mary Ellen Edmunds:
"There are two things which will rob ourselves of joy: Guilt and Contention."
"Guilt can be a good thing if it moves us to make some changes in our lives."
"The Lord says turn, return, come. Turn around as many times as you need to."
"Her next inspiration came from the Spirit - He really has fabulous ideas!"
"If our hearts are knit together in unity and love, we can feel when someone starts to pull away."
"Let's be kind to each other. Everyone has something."
Camille Fronk Olson:
"God has a way of bringing us down so we can be happier than we have ever been."
"Barrenness is a symbol o what we are without the Lord."
(Speaking of Hannah from the old testiment) "She wanted this child to give back to the Lord."
"If you build upon the rock of the Savior, it is impossible to fall."
"The Lord allows you to drop. When you think you are as low as it gets, He lets you drop again. But then He lifts you up higher than you have have been before."
"I've learned to rely on the Spirit in all things."
"The Lord gives us weakness to be humble."
"There is no joy without the Lord."
Kenneth Cope:
"His name never changes. His name is always Love."
"God put us here to fall, to be broken...but we could not have known joy unless we were broken."
"You are your Father's child and everything that means."
"Christ was all about 'Where should I go today?' There really is no balance...He did what He was suppose to do. He was led and He did it."
Merrilee Boyack:
"Service and Family Service will bring about good character, hard working, kind and loving people."
"Service is our tutorial to become like Christ."
"We CAN minister in little, tiny moments."
"He did not say to be well fed. We are to give it ALL away." (speaking of Christ's love)
"Caring is not enough. It is in response that one is saved."
"Christ suggested we do service because then it becomes our work."
"We will all have different promptings. We don't have to all do the same thing. The point is to do it!"
Jason Wright:
"Write to others. your letters can, will, do have an impact."
Sharon Larsen:
"Joy is our responsibility. We cannot have it without the Savior, but we play a part."
"Life is harder when you're not paying attention."
"As soon as we turn our troubles, trials over to the Lord, we can feel joy."
"The Lord knows what will make us happy."
"It takes FAITH."
Friday, July 25, 2008
Need Advice - Digital Scrapbooking
So for years I've been a scrapbooker.... and for even more years (or so it seems) I've not been able to really do much of anything with it because there are always too many little hands and feet out and about.... it involves unpacking, doing, and re-packing things... of which I didn't have hardly enough time to actually just do let alone doing the other parts.
When our PC died a few years ago, we decided to go with the ever better (more stable and easier to use) MAC... (okay, so I'm biased, but I do believe those things).... we love our MAC and it's been great....
Now... the two are coming together... I'm switching to digital scrapbooking. I just don't have the time to continue to try (and usually not get that far) to get everything out only to scrapbook for a few minutes and pack it all back up. I've been reluctant to go digital in the past because it was so limited (and you always had to use someone else's designs and templates). But the digital scrapbooking world has comes leaps and bounds and I've loved the stuff I see my friend doing (and other's in the digital scrapbooking world). So, we're making the jump!
The girls and I tried out iRemember..... we struggled with the platform at first because, really, it could have been easier to use... after all, everything else in the MAC world is drag and drop! But once we worked around that, we enjoyed it..... that is until I started converting my layered pages into jpeg files (necessary for printing)... suddenly my nice, crisp pictures (pages) were suddenly slightly fuzzy... and often the words were missing parts (letters or parts of letters). I don't know what happened, but I didn't like that. Thank goodness I was still only using the trial version... that's one program I won't buy!
But.... for those of you out there who do digital scrapbooking on a MAC, I was curious what your opinions were about the software you use. I want something that allows me to not just scrapbook, but to create and manipulate things too. And I want the finished product (the thing I'm going to print) to be crisp, clear and just like I did it! Any and all thoughts would be great! Send your scrapbooking friends my way to add their input... I really could use it! :) Thanks!
When our PC died a few years ago, we decided to go with the ever better (more stable and easier to use) MAC... (okay, so I'm biased, but I do believe those things).... we love our MAC and it's been great....
Now... the two are coming together... I'm switching to digital scrapbooking. I just don't have the time to continue to try (and usually not get that far) to get everything out only to scrapbook for a few minutes and pack it all back up. I've been reluctant to go digital in the past because it was so limited (and you always had to use someone else's designs and templates). But the digital scrapbooking world has comes leaps and bounds and I've loved the stuff I see my friend doing (and other's in the digital scrapbooking world). So, we're making the jump!
The girls and I tried out iRemember..... we struggled with the platform at first because, really, it could have been easier to use... after all, everything else in the MAC world is drag and drop! But once we worked around that, we enjoyed it..... that is until I started converting my layered pages into jpeg files (necessary for printing)... suddenly my nice, crisp pictures (pages) were suddenly slightly fuzzy... and often the words were missing parts (letters or parts of letters). I don't know what happened, but I didn't like that. Thank goodness I was still only using the trial version... that's one program I won't buy!
But.... for those of you out there who do digital scrapbooking on a MAC, I was curious what your opinions were about the software you use. I want something that allows me to not just scrapbook, but to create and manipulate things too. And I want the finished product (the thing I'm going to print) to be crisp, clear and just like I did it! Any and all thoughts would be great! Send your scrapbooking friends my way to add their input... I really could use it! :) Thanks!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Welcome To My Nightmare
For the last several weeks I've been Bob-less.... Bob likes projects. He likes investing in our future and planning for retirement (I have to Thank him for that).... The two things go hand in hand. Planning for the future = projects.... lots of projects.
When he first told me about this new project, it was planned to take about two weeks... and he'd be around some of that. I knew that meant at least two weeks, probably tack on another week and we'd not see him at all. Aside from baseball, we really didn't see him at all. But he ran into a glitch... the roof was going to cost way, way, way more than we'd budgeted (to have someone else do it entirely), so Bob ended up with another project... adding to the length of time away from the house (this is not our roof... it's an apartment roof).
So, in addition to doing the roof, he still had all the other renovations to complete as well. Let's just say we're into week 5 and he's just finishing up... finishing up may be relative... it may mean that it's good enough but will require a little more time when we get back.... or it may mean it's really done. I'm not sure... actually, Bob is still working on the last bathroom as I type this!
That's not my nightmare... but what follows is:
We're suppose to go on vacation to visit Bob's folks! We're excited about this. I begged Bob last year reminding him that it had been four years since we'd made the trek and now we had two more children. And he agreed, we bought tickets earlier this year, and the day has arrived... more or less.
With his 'project', I've been left alone to take care of the house, the kids, the bills, the mess, the packing, the lists, the airplane screw-ups (yes, Delta canceled our return flight and since I wasn't the one who bought the tickets to begin with, I had to go through the run around to get them to let me take care of rescheduling our return flight!), the mess, the packing... oh, yeah, now I'm repeating myself.
I guess that makes a lot of sense since my brain hasn't shut-up in over two weeks. Lists and plans, and thoughts and organizing, finding activities for the kids, finding ways to keep them healthy, happy and out of the way, and finding myself going to bed around midnight and wide awake by 5am... even when one of the kids ends up in bed with me. Needless to say, I have no patience. I have not desire to do any more. I'm tired, I'm emotional, I'm needy, and I'm so ready to be done with everything....
As if that wasn't enough... we're now into the hour count down... with Gabi's last baseball game shortening the available time we have. I set out this morning to finally organize all the clean laundry to figure out just what needed to be packed... and get it into the right suitcases.... things seemed to be going well... until we discovered that one suitcase is entirely broken... unfixable without replacing the entire zipper... which I don't have. Two need repairs, which require little kids to be out of the way so I can get the sewing machine out. I feel like I should be pulling my hair out... instead I'm fighting with kids about cleaning up their toys so I can vacuum... I mean, really, who wants to come home to a mess... and crumbs filled with ants and bugs?
Peter is now cutting his molars... ouch.... and he screams all the time. Doesn't want to eat because it hurts, but then is more cranky because he doesn't eat. He won't let me leave him alone to eat his lunch (since he just got up from his nap) so I'm stuck here... which is why you're able to read about my nightmare!
Some people think I'm strong and amazing... I think those people haven't walked into my house in a very long time! I'm falling apart... okay, so really I only feel like I am. My house is actually looking a lot better than it has in a couple of months... but I'm not finished packing yet either... and that's more stressful then the idea of coming home to a messy house! I feel like I want to ship my kids away (even though I ran off yesterday, leaving them with a very good friend, to finally buy some clothes that fit... the joys of not nursing or being pregnant....). If I have to have another day of my husband being unavailable to assist with the children all day long, I'm going to have to check into the loony bin! (It's a good thing we'll be flying tomorrow... so he's stuck with us! ;) )
I don't know how single mothers do it! Hats off to all of you! I knew it was hard watching my own mother go through it, but man, I don't think I could ever pull it off! Two weeks is about all I'm good for!
Regardless, every nightmare has an upside... when you wake up and realize it's only a nightmare! For me, that will happen tomorrow, when we finally arrive at Grandma and Grandpa's house! ....And then the FUN really begins!
When he first told me about this new project, it was planned to take about two weeks... and he'd be around some of that. I knew that meant at least two weeks, probably tack on another week and we'd not see him at all. Aside from baseball, we really didn't see him at all. But he ran into a glitch... the roof was going to cost way, way, way more than we'd budgeted (to have someone else do it entirely), so Bob ended up with another project... adding to the length of time away from the house (this is not our roof... it's an apartment roof).
So, in addition to doing the roof, he still had all the other renovations to complete as well. Let's just say we're into week 5 and he's just finishing up... finishing up may be relative... it may mean that it's good enough but will require a little more time when we get back.... or it may mean it's really done. I'm not sure... actually, Bob is still working on the last bathroom as I type this!
That's not my nightmare... but what follows is:
We're suppose to go on vacation to visit Bob's folks! We're excited about this. I begged Bob last year reminding him that it had been four years since we'd made the trek and now we had two more children. And he agreed, we bought tickets earlier this year, and the day has arrived... more or less.
With his 'project', I've been left alone to take care of the house, the kids, the bills, the mess, the packing, the lists, the airplane screw-ups (yes, Delta canceled our return flight and since I wasn't the one who bought the tickets to begin with, I had to go through the run around to get them to let me take care of rescheduling our return flight!), the mess, the packing... oh, yeah, now I'm repeating myself.
I guess that makes a lot of sense since my brain hasn't shut-up in over two weeks. Lists and plans, and thoughts and organizing, finding activities for the kids, finding ways to keep them healthy, happy and out of the way, and finding myself going to bed around midnight and wide awake by 5am... even when one of the kids ends up in bed with me. Needless to say, I have no patience. I have not desire to do any more. I'm tired, I'm emotional, I'm needy, and I'm so ready to be done with everything....
As if that wasn't enough... we're now into the hour count down... with Gabi's last baseball game shortening the available time we have. I set out this morning to finally organize all the clean laundry to figure out just what needed to be packed... and get it into the right suitcases.... things seemed to be going well... until we discovered that one suitcase is entirely broken... unfixable without replacing the entire zipper... which I don't have. Two need repairs, which require little kids to be out of the way so I can get the sewing machine out. I feel like I should be pulling my hair out... instead I'm fighting with kids about cleaning up their toys so I can vacuum... I mean, really, who wants to come home to a mess... and crumbs filled with ants and bugs?
Peter is now cutting his molars... ouch.... and he screams all the time. Doesn't want to eat because it hurts, but then is more cranky because he doesn't eat. He won't let me leave him alone to eat his lunch (since he just got up from his nap) so I'm stuck here... which is why you're able to read about my nightmare!
Some people think I'm strong and amazing... I think those people haven't walked into my house in a very long time! I'm falling apart... okay, so really I only feel like I am. My house is actually looking a lot better than it has in a couple of months... but I'm not finished packing yet either... and that's more stressful then the idea of coming home to a messy house! I feel like I want to ship my kids away (even though I ran off yesterday, leaving them with a very good friend, to finally buy some clothes that fit... the joys of not nursing or being pregnant....). If I have to have another day of my husband being unavailable to assist with the children all day long, I'm going to have to check into the loony bin! (It's a good thing we'll be flying tomorrow... so he's stuck with us! ;) )
I don't know how single mothers do it! Hats off to all of you! I knew it was hard watching my own mother go through it, but man, I don't think I could ever pull it off! Two weeks is about all I'm good for!
Regardless, every nightmare has an upside... when you wake up and realize it's only a nightmare! For me, that will happen tomorrow, when we finally arrive at Grandma and Grandpa's house! ....And then the FUN really begins!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A Struggle For Balance
"It is true that parenting is physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and mentally demanding. No one will give you good grades or blue ribbons for what you do as a mother."
~Susan W. Tanner
This quote rings true all the time. But none more so than now. Over the last few weeks I've seen a rapid decline in myself. What has caused it? Quite simply: motherhood. Before I go on, let me just say that I recognize and accept and cherish the calling of mother. But, like myself, I know there are many of us who feel that we don't measure up enough of the time.
Things around here seem to have turned upside down. Where there were willing kids (at least some of the time) there are now children who deliberately disobey, ignore, and refuse to help. By the same token, where there was a patient, soft spoken, understanding mom, there is now a tired, uncaring, screaming and yelling one. Let me just say that screaming and yelling hasn't changed anything. (Of course, neither has lowering my voice.)
Needless to say, I am feeling more drained from motherhood than I think I've ever felt. And I don't have the answer. I don't know how to make things different. But in reading through some of my favorite quotes (trying to do something meaningful for myself) I saw the one above and the one below which holds the answer:
"What a beautiful place this world will be when every father and mother see the importance of teaching their children the principles that will help them be happy and successful. Parents teach best when they lead by good example; govern their little ones with patience and kindness, and love unfeigned; and have the same spirit of love for children that Jesus exemplified."
~Elder M. Russell Ballard
Though I do not know by which magical key I can flip the switch, I know that I must rely on the Lord to help me regain my patience. To, in essence, work harder for a short time to re-establish harmony and order. In other words, to put all else aside and not loose my temper to show them the way and to let them see and feel that I love them no matter what. All else can wait, as a wonderful poem says:
"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."
~Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Truly they don't. The mess will always be there. I can teach them by working with them. But more than that, if the mess isn't totally gone, I can love them. And hold them close. If I focus on everything else, they will be gone. And what they'll remember will leave them wanting. I do not want my children to feel they were slighted. I want them to know, beyond a doubt, that I love them. I want them to grow up and look back with smiles.
~Susan W. Tanner
This quote rings true all the time. But none more so than now. Over the last few weeks I've seen a rapid decline in myself. What has caused it? Quite simply: motherhood. Before I go on, let me just say that I recognize and accept and cherish the calling of mother. But, like myself, I know there are many of us who feel that we don't measure up enough of the time.
Things around here seem to have turned upside down. Where there were willing kids (at least some of the time) there are now children who deliberately disobey, ignore, and refuse to help. By the same token, where there was a patient, soft spoken, understanding mom, there is now a tired, uncaring, screaming and yelling one. Let me just say that screaming and yelling hasn't changed anything. (Of course, neither has lowering my voice.)
Needless to say, I am feeling more drained from motherhood than I think I've ever felt. And I don't have the answer. I don't know how to make things different. But in reading through some of my favorite quotes (trying to do something meaningful for myself) I saw the one above and the one below which holds the answer:
"What a beautiful place this world will be when every father and mother see the importance of teaching their children the principles that will help them be happy and successful. Parents teach best when they lead by good example; govern their little ones with patience and kindness, and love unfeigned; and have the same spirit of love for children that Jesus exemplified."
~Elder M. Russell Ballard
Though I do not know by which magical key I can flip the switch, I know that I must rely on the Lord to help me regain my patience. To, in essence, work harder for a short time to re-establish harmony and order. In other words, to put all else aside and not loose my temper to show them the way and to let them see and feel that I love them no matter what. All else can wait, as a wonderful poem says:
"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."
~Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Truly they don't. The mess will always be there. I can teach them by working with them. But more than that, if the mess isn't totally gone, I can love them. And hold them close. If I focus on everything else, they will be gone. And what they'll remember will leave them wanting. I do not want my children to feel they were slighted. I want them to know, beyond a doubt, that I love them. I want them to grow up and look back with smiles.
Monday, May 5, 2008
A World Of Dance
That was the theme for dance this year! It was really neat to see all the different costumes and then to see the different styles of dance 
put to ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, acrobates, and jazz. I was really impressed with with I was able to see of it all!
Friday night was dress rehearsal! Talk about crazy for me!
The girls were very excited (we were able to leave the boys at home thanks to our home teaching couple), but from the week's activities, they were also very tired. I was not sure how things would go with Beth (she's hard in new situations even with sleep. Without sleep is just trouble). But, I'd talked with Gabi before hand letting her know that she would probably be doing a lot of it herself (the changing and lining up). Thank goodness she's so independent and had friends there whose mothers were very willing to help out!
There wasn't much gap between the girls' routines (one dance in between the first time, and two the last time with Gabi somewhere in the middle of that also). So that made it fun in the "line them up, walk them down the hall, wait until they are ready to be left alone, and run in to see them dance, then run back out to meet up with them"!
Beth was nervous about me leaving her in the hallway to go see Gabi dance, but she just scowled a little and set her jaw. Once she got through the first dance, she
was fine! But another little girl was not. Her mother had left her in the hall (like most mom's do) thinking she'd do better that way. I was the only familiar adult face and she was crying and wouldn't let go of my hand. I almost didn't get to see any of Gabi's first dance that night, but I convinced her to let me run in and see if I could find her mother. The place was too big and dark, so I snapped only a couple of pictures (not even knowing if any came out okay) and raced back to be with her. I had promised I would come back and stay with her myself if I couldn't find her mother right away. It was hard to not see Gabi and take all those pictures, but I knew what I would have wanted someone else to do if it had been Beth. And fortunately, Gabi was very understanding when I told her what happened. (And during the actual performance, I was able to watch all of my girls' dances)All the kids had so much fun in the "dressing room" while they were waiting for their next dances. All of Beth's class were dressed up as little lions and they started chasing Gabi and her friends around. This, of course, started with Beth and Gabi playing themselves and the others joining in. There was a bunch of roaring and laughter! And the little lions all climbed up on one of the tables to get their picture taken together.
It seemed that the moms in the preschool class were much more interested in "posing" and "cute" pictures. Gabi's class (and the moms there) were much more laid back and just visiting quietly.
Beth and Amber had several pictures taken together, and we made sure to get pictures of Amber for her mother (since her mom's camera was broken). Amber and Beth were friends all
year, but Rosie (Amber's mom) and I really only got to know each other back in the end of March. She's deaf and had tried to ask me a question about recital, so I was able to try to pull up some of my sign language. She was very excited that I knew little, and we signing through the preschool class whenever we were both there. I wish I'd had been bold enough to approach her at the beginning of the year because I had seen indications that she might be deaf. But honestly, I was terrified because I hadn't used signing for conversation since college! (Just a few words here and there with the kids). It was fun to see how quickly I was able to brush up on my skills, and learn new signs. It was neat the first Saturday that I came home and realized that I had not had to write anything down on paper to get the full meaning across! It's been great. And she a wonderful person.
Unfortunately she'll be moving at the end of the summer. But, until then, we're going to try to get the girls together some and I'm going to do my best to keep up with the signing! I love it and it was great to have a reason to "dig it out of the closet".So, recital! The girls were, to say the least, very tired! Grami Cretia, Tia, and Baby Braeden came up late Friday night so they would be there to watch on Saturday. That really meant a lot to the girls. And we recorded their dances for family and friends who were not able to make the trip!
Everything went well for the girls, until Bethie's Lion King dance (her ballet). It had already been over an hour and a half since she'd been on stage with her tap, so she was really run down, tired, and BORED. Since the costume was full feathers, many feathers were shedding from the costumes. Bethie found a couple and was holding them, blowing on them to keep herself
entertained. I walked to the backstage door and then ran around to be able see her. The acrobates on stage were just finishing up. The lights went out so they could put away the mats and just before the lights went back on, I heard a cry. It sounded like Beth. "Oh, No!" I thought. And I was no where close enough to find out the problem and get her calmed down.But, then I didn't hear anything for a minute. The music started. Bethie, being the last in the row, shuffled out (although she might have had a little help, I'm not sure). She was crying. Stood sideways, rubbing her eyes, crying and crying and getting louder and louder. Suddenly someone steps over and picks her up and carries her off. I run out the door and down the hallway to meet them as they come out the door.
As I get her calmed down, I find out that someone (not certain who, though it sounds like one of the adults) took the two feathers out of her hand. So although I'm dumbfounded as to why anyone would take away feathers from the hand of a 4 year old when the whole costume is feathers, I refocus on her, explained quickly to the helper what happened. She didn't comment, but went backstage again. I told Beth if she could calm down she could go out and finish the dance with her friends. She started in all over again because she needed it to start all over again. I had to explain that they couldn't do that. And when she was finally calm enough to go back on, the kids were coming out the door. So, that set her off again. She was screaming as I started to race her off to the changing room. But, because she wanted to watch Gabi's last dance, she calmed down and I was able to send her in to sit with the family. We also told her that we'd let her dress up and do the dance at home and we'd record it for her Gramis. That made her a little happier.
She's still sad about not being able to dance. And I've managed to calm myself down from the (as a friend once put it) "mother bear reaction". It was hard. My daughter was sad, crying, upset. She's 4, but dancing in her life right now. She's a perfectionist, and she's got certain sensitivities that she's been working hard to over come but which make it really hard to transition quickly, or let go of sudden emotion. I do realize that no one there knew this about her. And most likely, being a dark space, they simply saw she had something in her hand and
wanted to make sure she would be safe and took it out, not knowing it was only feathers. Or, they might have been knocked out when they were bringing the kids forward to start out onto the stage. In any case, I'm certain that no one was trying to be mean or trying to upset her. But the result was crushing for Bethie. (I'm sure she'll move past it, and I'm sure dance will still be her passion).Before all that happened, Bethie had her cowgirl/boy dance ("You've Got-A Friend In Me") of which someone had told her class that they were going to "steal the show". So, of course, Bethie needed to know what that meant. And sure enough, Saturday night, they got hoots and cheers in excess as they went on and went off. They were very cute.
Gabi was charming! She had worked so hard on each routine at home; practicing over and over and over again. She practiced "Run, Run, Rudolph" so many times that I think Beth and Jeremy knew the routine too! It 
was not uncommon to hear any of them, and Jeremy in particular, running around the house with hands on hips singing "Run, Run, Rudolph, Santa's gotta make it to town. Yeah, Yeah." By far Gabi's favorite was her acrobats.Bob and I thought her Mulan one (the ballet) was the most beautiful. I suppose part of that would have been because the colors were really very good on her. Regardless, she loves to dance and it showed. Her tap was a little "congo" and I caught Gabi singing "the rhythm is gonna get you" throughout the day Saturday and again Sunday. She was a shining star!
Anyway, you'll see five videos in addition to the pictures. The pictures are from Friday night, the videos are from Saturday night. With the one exception of Bethie's one that we had her do here so that Gramis could see it. You can see how hard it was for her because she's a perfectionist and doesn't believe it is okay to forget or mess up. We had to do the dance a couple of times and I had to explain that it was okay if she forgot a part and to just wait until she heard something that reminded her of what to do next. (When they are on stage, they have someone in the wings dancing with them so they can remember it all. That made all the difference for Beth to feel comfortable about dancing in front of people).
Most of the videos start out-of-focus. That had to do with the black background starting and the camera not knowing where or on what to focus. Just keep watching and they will clear up. Sorry that they weren't clear all the way through.
Enjoy. The girls certainly had a wonderful time!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Smuggler's And Family
So we're back... or sort of back. We're back from vacation anyway. Here's the shortened version of the trip with a couple of pictures. As I find a little time over the next week, I'll tell more stories about the different adventures and include more pictures for your enjoyment.
As usual, we left in a mode of chaos, but settled in peacefully the further we got from the house. It certainly seems as though that sense that no one can find us and bother us is really quite settling on the nerves. Although, this time around there were several people who "could" get a hold of us... if we'd had reception all along the way!
Sunday was wonderful! Though it involved a further drive that was necessary for us, we met up with my brother and his family to go to church at the ward they just moved into. They had not yet had their daughter blessed, so that was arranged (along with the blessing of my sister's baby) and Bob was able to be the mouth piece for the Lord for both. As with every blessing I've been witness to, it was very special! I surely love the power of the Spirit when the Priesthood is being used according to the will of the Lord!
After that, we had an impromptu visit with my grandparents! It was a wonderful visit over dinner, and really helped to pass the Sunday in a grand way! Our kids really like to visit at "great grandma and grandpa" Boone's house!
Monday we spent up at Smuggler's! It's the off season, so all skiing was shut down and the (on site) water park was not yet open. Neither were the camps and all the stuff that goes along with that! But, it is a wonderful family resort with 9 playgrounds (we found two) hidden throughout (the resort is huge)!
There were snowshoe and cross country trails without snow and great for some hiking! We followed the river a little way and then threw rocks, and another morning I took Peter and hiked up the Logger path! The best part for the kids, an indoor pool! And not just any pool - An indoor, heated pool playground designed with the little kid in mind! The deepest part of the "playground" was only 1 foot 6 inches. There was a "swim pool" which was 3 feet 6 inches all the way around. And two hot tubs with jets! The kids really enjoyed this!
The girls went earlier with Dad, and while the boys napped, I relaxed by staring out at the wonderful view!
When the boys awoke from their naps, I took them over to join the
Bob and the girls at the pools. The boys didn't like the noise much and weren't sure about all the water stuff at first. But it didn't take long for them to be splashing around and running in and out! They were done after about 2 hours, although the girls stayed later with Daddy! When they came back to our "home", Gabi was all red, itchy, slightly puffy, very puffy eyed and bloodshot! She's our sensitive child - as in allergic to things. Apparently she's allergic to chlorine. She's fine with smaller doses, always washing off afterwards, but 4 hours straight was too much. She rebounded rather quickly after soaking and scrubbing though!
When I brought the boys back, there were signs that said "wet paint" and listed things like the door trim! The doors were propped slightly open so the paint could dry. I told Jeremy that there was wet paint and not to touch the doors. He said okay and then pulled his hands in near his chest. However, to his little mind there was no reason why the door should be stuck partway open! He reached out to push it closed and ended up with paint all over his right hand! So I told him not to touch anything as we walked up the stairs to our room. He did great...until he started to stumble! He reached out and put his hand on the wall to steady himself! As Bob noted when he got back we had our own little "Curious George"!
That night, Peter was unusually fussy. He ended up with us, and before we could get him back to sleep, be threw up all over me, all over himself and our bedspread! Poor kid. It seems he's not getting well as fast as we'd like. Actually, he had a blessing that said he'd be over that by morning. And he was....although the after effects have been banned from all fruits (save bananas) right now.
The middle of week was spent with a baby shower and birthday party... the shower for my sister-in-law and the birthday party for Bob.... And just before all that, Gabi caught her first ball in her glove! (I, of course, missed it because it was the one time I didn't snap the picture of her trying to catch. Silly me, she'd missed so many I figured it wasn't necessary to juggle that and Peter at the same time! I did have her hold it up to take her picture afterward, and she had several bounce outs after that!)
Kayleen didn't know the shower was happening, and my sister was suppose to pick her up. However, as she was coming down, she thought the pass through Smuggler's Notch would be open and tried to go through it. She didn't make it too far and had to call for help. I'm sure it was eventful for her with the two little ones in tow and she didn't make it done. The shower happened three hours late since my mother had to go over and get Kayleen! Still, it was a nice time and the other cousins enjoyed their time together.
Our kids made presents for Daddy, all in secret. Gabi wrote and illustrated a book about fishing (the brainstorming involved my mother and Beth and therefore Gabi included everyone's names on the book). Beth made a special birthday hat. And Jeremy painted a rock. It was fun to watch them be so excited about doing something for Daddy... and coming up with it all on their own!
The rest of the week (a day and a few hours) was spent at the resort again. The boys didn't want to go back to the loud pool, so the girls went and I took the boys to the playground. I wish I'd taken the camera again that day because Peter decided he could ride the see-saw too! It was so cute to see him on it and making it bounce!
Peter is still not much for long car rides! All the way back, except when he was napping (and thank goodness of that), he fussed. We found things from time to time which turned his attention, but they never seemed to last very long. That is until I gave him the cell phone! He took that and made as it if to dial someone, then he'd put it to his ear, start talking, lay the phone next to his ear, but resting on his shoulder! It was funny to watch him do this over and over again!
The the three older kids love to sing along to three Cd's of random children's music we've put together (over 5 hours worth). We got a kick out of today's "favorite song"....or rather the girls' version of it: "I just can't wait to be A king!" (They've added that little "A" to the line, not knowing it's wrong, and Bob and I just got a chuckle out it!)
Eventually we made it back and even made some progress with getting things taken care of and trying to work through the chaos we left behind!
And just in time... tomorrow starts the week of Dance marathon! (I mean, rehearsal tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and recital next Saturday!) Let's hope I learn how to take things one day at a time! :)
As usual, we left in a mode of chaos, but settled in peacefully the further we got from the house. It certainly seems as though that sense that no one can find us and bother us is really quite settling on the nerves. Although, this time around there were several people who "could" get a hold of us... if we'd had reception all along the way!
Sunday was wonderful! Though it involved a further drive that was necessary for us, we met up with my brother and his family to go to church at the ward they just moved into. They had not yet had their daughter blessed, so that was arranged (along with the blessing of my sister's baby) and Bob was able to be the mouth piece for the Lord for both. As with every blessing I've been witness to, it was very special! I surely love the power of the Spirit when the Priesthood is being used according to the will of the Lord!
After that, we had an impromptu visit with my grandparents! It was a wonderful visit over dinner, and really helped to pass the Sunday in a grand way! Our kids really like to visit at "great grandma and grandpa" Boone's house!
Monday we spent up at Smuggler's! It's the off season, so all skiing was shut down and the (on site) water park was not yet open. Neither were the camps and all the stuff that goes along with that! But, it is a wonderful family resort with 9 playgrounds (we found two) hidden throughout (the resort is huge)!
There were snowshoe and cross country trails without snow and great for some hiking! We followed the river a little way and then threw rocks, and another morning I took Peter and hiked up the Logger path! The best part for the kids, an indoor pool! And not just any pool - An indoor, heated pool playground designed with the little kid in mind! The deepest part of the "playground" was only 1 foot 6 inches. There was a "swim pool" which was 3 feet 6 inches all the way around. And two hot tubs with jets! The kids really enjoyed this!
The girls went earlier with Dad, and while the boys napped, I relaxed by staring out at the wonderful view!
When the boys awoke from their naps, I took them over to join theBob and the girls at the pools. The boys didn't like the noise much and weren't sure about all the water stuff at first. But it didn't take long for them to be splashing around and running in and out! They were done after about 2 hours, although the girls stayed later with Daddy! When they came back to our "home", Gabi was all red, itchy, slightly puffy, very puffy eyed and bloodshot! She's our sensitive child - as in allergic to things. Apparently she's allergic to chlorine. She's fine with smaller doses, always washing off afterwards, but 4 hours straight was too much. She rebounded rather quickly after soaking and scrubbing though!
When I brought the boys back, there were signs that said "wet paint" and listed things like the door trim! The doors were propped slightly open so the paint could dry. I told Jeremy that there was wet paint and not to touch the doors. He said okay and then pulled his hands in near his chest. However, to his little mind there was no reason why the door should be stuck partway open! He reached out to push it closed and ended up with paint all over his right hand! So I told him not to touch anything as we walked up the stairs to our room. He did great...until he started to stumble! He reached out and put his hand on the wall to steady himself! As Bob noted when he got back we had our own little "Curious George"!
That night, Peter was unusually fussy. He ended up with us, and before we could get him back to sleep, be threw up all over me, all over himself and our bedspread! Poor kid. It seems he's not getting well as fast as we'd like. Actually, he had a blessing that said he'd be over that by morning. And he was....although the after effects have been banned from all fruits (save bananas) right now.
The middle of week was spent with a baby shower and birthday party... the shower for my sister-in-law and the birthday party for Bob.... And just before all that, Gabi caught her first ball in her glove! (I, of course, missed it because it was the one time I didn't snap the picture of her trying to catch. Silly me, she'd missed so many I figured it wasn't necessary to juggle that and Peter at the same time! I did have her hold it up to take her picture afterward, and she had several bounce outs after that!)
Kayleen didn't know the shower was happening, and my sister was suppose to pick her up. However, as she was coming down, she thought the pass through Smuggler's Notch would be open and tried to go through it. She didn't make it too far and had to call for help. I'm sure it was eventful for her with the two little ones in tow and she didn't make it done. The shower happened three hours late since my mother had to go over and get Kayleen! Still, it was a nice time and the other cousins enjoyed their time together.
Our kids made presents for Daddy, all in secret. Gabi wrote and illustrated a book about fishing (the brainstorming involved my mother and Beth and therefore Gabi included everyone's names on the book). Beth made a special birthday hat. And Jeremy painted a rock. It was fun to watch them be so excited about doing something for Daddy... and coming up with it all on their own!
The rest of the week (a day and a few hours) was spent at the resort again. The boys didn't want to go back to the loud pool, so the girls went and I took the boys to the playground. I wish I'd taken the camera again that day because Peter decided he could ride the see-saw too! It was so cute to see him on it and making it bounce!
Peter is still not much for long car rides! All the way back, except when he was napping (and thank goodness of that), he fussed. We found things from time to time which turned his attention, but they never seemed to last very long. That is until I gave him the cell phone! He took that and made as it if to dial someone, then he'd put it to his ear, start talking, lay the phone next to his ear, but resting on his shoulder! It was funny to watch him do this over and over again!
The the three older kids love to sing along to three Cd's of random children's music we've put together (over 5 hours worth). We got a kick out of today's "favorite song"....or rather the girls' version of it: "I just can't wait to be A king!" (They've added that little "A" to the line, not knowing it's wrong, and Bob and I just got a chuckle out it!)
Eventually we made it back and even made some progress with getting things taken care of and trying to work through the chaos we left behind!
And just in time... tomorrow starts the week of Dance marathon! (I mean, rehearsal tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and recital next Saturday!) Let's hope I learn how to take things one day at a time! :)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Bagels, Please
A couple of days ago, Beth asked me if we had any bagels because that's what she wanted for breakfast. Since our family was not in a bagel-eating-zone (we go back and forth), we didn't have any for her. She was disappointed and simply said "I wish we had some bagels."
I had been meaning to try my hand at making some, so we went on-line and found a recipe. Last night, after everyone was in bed, I set out to try (Beth didn't know I was going to actually do it). She had a pleasant surprise this morning! And, if I do say so myself, they came out pretty good! Good enough that I think I've found another thing I'll be making myself instead of buying at the store. I'm sure I'll play around with the recipe because that's what I do, and in the process find several different ones we like. But for now, if you're interested, here's the link to the recipe I used!
Homemade Bagels Recipe From The Food Network
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Laugher & Memories
I never thought there was a true best chocolate chip cookie out there. Chocolate chip was chocolate chip and they were all good...after all, they were cookies. But a few years ago, when I'd make chocolate chip cookies, Bob would ask if they were Betsey's. I never understood what was so exciting about those particular cookies (but I also didn't really eat the cookies much, I generally made them for everyone else). Bob had noticed a difference the first time he'd had Betsey's chocolate chip cookies. He didn't know what was different, just that something was different!So, I called and got her recipe! Indeed, something was different, and I have since decided that there really is a best chocolate chip cookie out there! This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe I use and I eat at least as many (and most likely more) than everyone else in the family now! I even participate in eating the dough!...okay, story time:
When I was a rather young teen, my aunt and her family came out to visit. I was the family chocolate chip cookie maker (in my immediate family and extended in the area). So, true to my nature, I was making chocolate chip cookies one afternoon when my aunt stopped by. She starting eating the cookie dough!
I was polite for one taste, but, as my nature would have it, I got mad after that (short temper, hot fuse). She and her kids were eating up all the cookie dough! A small taste I could understand, but cookie dough was for making cookies, not for e
ating! She told me that back home they would make a batch of cookie dough just to eat it! I was horrified! And even more so when my mother said it was fine we could make more cookie dough!I have since come around. After all, it's fun to let kids have a spoonful of dough after they've helped to make it. (It also keeps them out of my hair long enough for me to get at least one pan made up and in the oven!). And since Bob loves cookie dough so much, I've gotten good about putting aside a few large spoonfuls for him to have as a treat when he arrives home on our cookie baking days! The most amazing thing (shhh don't tell anyone) I actually eat the dough too and a few times we've actually eaten all the dough without cooking any of it! I bet my aunt's laughing now.
Today Peter helped make the cookies. He didn't mind me putting things in and just watching until it was time to grind the oatmeal. He had a blast! By far his favorite part of making cookies! Just watch the video below and you'll see what I mean!
Friday, April 11, 2008
I Did It!
I did it! I completed the 6 month Book of Mormon challenge this morning! Okay, so many of you are thinking that's nothing special, but I say you're wrong. It's been years since I read it straight through without interruptions... things like having babies and never sleeping! I have to admit that in some ways it was still hard (not the reading it... getting through it). Kids are truly demanding and there is always something that seems to be more important than Mom reading her scriptures!
But I must say it was refreshing to be able to complete this challenge. Not only was I able to feel good about myself (I hate to not complete a challenge), but it only strengthened my testimony. I always seemed to be at the right place in the Book of Mormon for the challenges that came into my life over the last six months. Some lessons were simply reinforced, others were understood on a deeper level. In all cases, my testimony grew! I love it when my testimony grows because I feel like I see things in a much clearer light! Understanding is increased!
I do believe that as we go off to Stake Conference this weekend, that having completed this challenge will have only been the preparation for the knowledge to come! I am excited!
But I must say it was refreshing to be able to complete this challenge. Not only was I able to feel good about myself (I hate to not complete a challenge), but it only strengthened my testimony. I always seemed to be at the right place in the Book of Mormon for the challenges that came into my life over the last six months. Some lessons were simply reinforced, others were understood on a deeper level. In all cases, my testimony grew! I love it when my testimony grows because I feel like I see things in a much clearer light! Understanding is increased!
I do believe that as we go off to Stake Conference this weekend, that having completed this challenge will have only been the preparation for the knowledge to come! I am excited!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Making The Come Back
So I think I might finally be back. I'm not all well yet, but I think this time I might actually get there. See, after all the illness that's been passing around the house, I got hit with the worst... a head cold. Being me, and not some normal person, this means that in addition to the congestion, I have a runny nose and two runny eyes. I have a splitting headache that medicine won't touch and am lucky to fall asleep for five to ten minutes before waking to try to clear things again and spending another half hour or more getting back to sleep. I also feel like loosing my stomach all day long. Okay, so I'm sure there are others like me out there. Just seems that everyone else I know gets miserable, but at least can still see!
Anyway, the worst of it was last weekend when Bob stayed home. I started on what seemed like the upswing of things. I figured I'd take it easy, continue on the sudafed, and in a few days I'd be better. Oh, what a joke! I felt like I was getting better for a couple of days, and then, wham! All the pain that had been evenly distributed across my face had settled into my left cheek bone and across that same upper jaw! This was an unshakeable pain! Nothing to do now but call the doctor.
By Thursday evening, I was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection, was on antibiotics, and was home to bed with Bob having come down with the head cold. Poor guy has fought right through it so that I could rest and get better, but that means no extra rest yet for him. He did start the sudafed right away, so he's not likely to get as bad as I did.
Friday (yesterday) I spent feeling like someone was repeatedly smashing my face in! Not an old pro at sinus infections, I figured being on the antibiotic meant I could stop the sudafed and pain killers. I quickly learned that was not the best route to go. I'm still in pain today, feeling more like I have a bruised face (but not looking like it), and some what functional!
So, though I'm doing more and feeling a bit better, don't expect to see me until this is licked. I can't fathom trying to do too much too soon and landing another round of some illness or another! And pray that Bob's head clears quickly!
Anyway, the worst of it was last weekend when Bob stayed home. I started on what seemed like the upswing of things. I figured I'd take it easy, continue on the sudafed, and in a few days I'd be better. Oh, what a joke! I felt like I was getting better for a couple of days, and then, wham! All the pain that had been evenly distributed across my face had settled into my left cheek bone and across that same upper jaw! This was an unshakeable pain! Nothing to do now but call the doctor.
By Thursday evening, I was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection, was on antibiotics, and was home to bed with Bob having come down with the head cold. Poor guy has fought right through it so that I could rest and get better, but that means no extra rest yet for him. He did start the sudafed right away, so he's not likely to get as bad as I did.
Friday (yesterday) I spent feeling like someone was repeatedly smashing my face in! Not an old pro at sinus infections, I figured being on the antibiotic meant I could stop the sudafed and pain killers. I quickly learned that was not the best route to go. I'm still in pain today, feeling more like I have a bruised face (but not looking like it), and some what functional!
So, though I'm doing more and feeling a bit better, don't expect to see me until this is licked. I can't fathom trying to do too much too soon and landing another round of some illness or another! And pray that Bob's head clears quickly!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Barking Like A Seal, Feelin' Like A Train Wreck
Well, I think that says it all! This illness is certainly the worst of the year, and the thought keeps coming to me that I'm just grateful to live in a time when there's medicine to help with things like sinus congestion, ear aches, headaches, body aches, and runny eyes and noses! And I'm not even thinking about the kids any more! It's been me for the last many days! Bob even had to stay home from both jobs on Friday to take care of me and the house and kids!
This afternoon (still on drugs) I am finally feeling like a little of the sinus pressure has subsided. I stopped taking the medicine for the eyes last night (and they are no longer running :)). And, as long as I'm taking stuff to keep the sinus pressure minimal and the body aches bearable, well, I can be up and around a little today!
Anyway, just wanted to let people know what was up so you knew why we hadn't been posting! There will be posts on Easter and Gabi's Party to follow... just not today!
Hope Easter is great from everyone else!
This afternoon (still on drugs) I am finally feeling like a little of the sinus pressure has subsided. I stopped taking the medicine for the eyes last night (and they are no longer running :)). And, as long as I'm taking stuff to keep the sinus pressure minimal and the body aches bearable, well, I can be up and around a little today!
Anyway, just wanted to let people know what was up so you knew why we hadn't been posting! There will be posts on Easter and Gabi's Party to follow... just not today!
Hope Easter is great from everyone else!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Recovery Begins!
Well, it seems we may have finally moved into the recovery stage! Gabi is well, no need for naps and she's not loosing color or getting tired any more!
Beth is up and around! She's eating, although it's not much. Still, considering she basically didn't eat last week, this is progress and we'll let her work her body back up at her own pace! She's smiling again! And we've not had to give her any medication! At present, she's down for her ONE nap (instead of 20)!
Jeremy is more like Gabi. Although I did make him take a nap this afternoon, and he still coughs here and there. Otherwise, the whining is to a minimum, he's eating well, getting along with others (or rather bugging the daylights out of them), and looks great!
Peter still has the "cold symptoms" with the runny nose and droopy eyes. He's taken one extra nap today, but otherwise is around and playing. He started playing again last night when he just couldn't get to sleep.
Then there is me... tired and run down, but my appetite seems to be coming back as well. I'm starting to get some more things done around here (Bob will be thrilled); and though it's slow progress for now, things can only get better!
Bob, so far, has still managed to miss it all. Let's hope it stays that way. I'm amazed because he's been so busy, but quite thankful that he's been able to continue with the Lord's work (and his jobs).
Beth is up and around! She's eating, although it's not much. Still, considering she basically didn't eat last week, this is progress and we'll let her work her body back up at her own pace! She's smiling again! And we've not had to give her any medication! At present, she's down for her ONE nap (instead of 20)!
Jeremy is more like Gabi. Although I did make him take a nap this afternoon, and he still coughs here and there. Otherwise, the whining is to a minimum, he's eating well, getting along with others (or rather bugging the daylights out of them), and looks great!
Peter still has the "cold symptoms" with the runny nose and droopy eyes. He's taken one extra nap today, but otherwise is around and playing. He started playing again last night when he just couldn't get to sleep.
Then there is me... tired and run down, but my appetite seems to be coming back as well. I'm starting to get some more things done around here (Bob will be thrilled); and though it's slow progress for now, things can only get better!
Bob, so far, has still managed to miss it all. Let's hope it stays that way. I'm amazed because he's been so busy, but quite thankful that he's been able to continue with the Lord's work (and his jobs).
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Short Lived Excitement
A couple of nights ago at the dinner table Bob says to us, "Guess what I saw in the driveway?" I, of course, recognize that this must be something great. I start thinking about everything that might be in the driveway which might excite the kids....new snow? no. new pet? no. unexpected friends? no. A Robin! no.....and then I get it! MUD!
Yes! MUD! My eyes light up, my excitement overflowing! Gabi is looking at me like I grew a new head! But that doesn't matter... there's MUD! Finally we tell the kids that mud means spring is coming... and will be here soon! Though I know snow is due to come throughout the week, I push that to the back of my mind. It doesn't matter... we have MUD!
As I look out my window this morning, and see the driveway ever shrinking way, mounds of unwanted snow all around, I feel the dimness of despair as it registers fully that winter is not giving up so easily!
But then I remember....MUD! And know that somewhere beneath all the wintery mess is MUD! And this makes me smile!
Yes! MUD! My eyes light up, my excitement overflowing! Gabi is looking at me like I grew a new head! But that doesn't matter... there's MUD! Finally we tell the kids that mud means spring is coming... and will be here soon! Though I know snow is due to come throughout the week, I push that to the back of my mind. It doesn't matter... we have MUD!
As I look out my window this morning, and see the driveway ever shrinking way, mounds of unwanted snow all around, I feel the dimness of despair as it registers fully that winter is not giving up so easily!
But then I remember....MUD! And know that somewhere beneath all the wintery mess is MUD! And this makes me smile!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Who Will Help Me Make The Bread?
I'm sure you all remember the story of the Little Red Hen...well, this story strikes a cord with my kids because they know what it means to "make the bread". I was thinking about this again today as I was not only making bread, but grinding more wheat to fill the wheat container. Each kid takes a turn at grinding the wheat. Usually they take turns adding ingredients to the bread dough too (if I don't shu them off). Their favorite part is punching down the dough (and snitching a little at the same time). And in the end, no one can say they can't have any fresh, hot bread!
For me, though, making bread is something else all together. As long as I can remember my grandmother made homemade bread. It was called "Grammy Bread" which was then turned into "Grammy toast". The smell of fresh hot bread is a soothing comfort of loving family. It's a sense of peace and relaxation. (Comfort food)
My favorite parts of making the bread are when my hands are actually in the dough. I love the way it feels, and I love to kneed it. In fact, I have to be careful not to over kneed my bread. Every time I make bread, I am reminded of the people who made bread for me all growing up. My Grandma Boone... always. And My mother... for a nice treat and so we could "make" bread too.
To me, bread is a symbol of love and nurturing. I guess that's probably why I love to make bread so much. (And why I love that others love my bread so much.) I figure that if I put the time into making something vital for my family, then my love for them will some how trickle into the dough while I'm kneeding and fill my family up!
And for anyone who likes my bread or has lost my recipe (because you can't find it any where else), here it is... the most commonly requested of my breads, and the one my family loves the most:
Tara's Bread (All molassas in the winter, half molassas and half honey the rest of the year)
Combine in small sauce pan, 1 cup of butter (or margarine), 1/2 cup molassas (or 1/4 molassas and 1/4 honey) and 1 1/2 cups water. Heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat.
While that is cooling, combine in a mixing bowl 3 cups ground whole wheat flour, 2 cups rolled oats, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 1/2 teaspoons active yeast (or two packages). Add two eggs and blend well. Now add the mixture from the saucepan. Kneed for 5 minutes. Add up to 1 more cup of all-purpose flour and kneed another 3 minutes. Remove from bowl and kneed by hand until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, roll to coat, cover lightly. Allow to rise until doubled (about 1 hour). Punch down, divide into two equal parts. Roll into loaf shape, place in greased bread pans, roll to coat, cover lightly and allow to rise until double (about 30 minutes - 1 hour). Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and place on a cookie rack on their sides to cool. Cover with a towel to allow slow cooling.
For a softer crust, when loaves are warm (but not hot), place in a plastic bag. Leave the bag open so moisture can escape. When completely cool, completely close bag to keep fresh.
Can't you just smell the fresh bread now? Enjoy!
For me, though, making bread is something else all together. As long as I can remember my grandmother made homemade bread. It was called "Grammy Bread" which was then turned into "Grammy toast". The smell of fresh hot bread is a soothing comfort of loving family. It's a sense of peace and relaxation. (Comfort food)
My favorite parts of making the bread are when my hands are actually in the dough. I love the way it feels, and I love to kneed it. In fact, I have to be careful not to over kneed my bread. Every time I make bread, I am reminded of the people who made bread for me all growing up. My Grandma Boone... always. And My mother... for a nice treat and so we could "make" bread too.
To me, bread is a symbol of love and nurturing. I guess that's probably why I love to make bread so much. (And why I love that others love my bread so much.) I figure that if I put the time into making something vital for my family, then my love for them will some how trickle into the dough while I'm kneeding and fill my family up!
And for anyone who likes my bread or has lost my recipe (because you can't find it any where else), here it is... the most commonly requested of my breads, and the one my family loves the most:
Tara's Bread (All molassas in the winter, half molassas and half honey the rest of the year)
Combine in small sauce pan, 1 cup of butter (or margarine), 1/2 cup molassas (or 1/4 molassas and 1/4 honey) and 1 1/2 cups water. Heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat.
While that is cooling, combine in a mixing bowl 3 cups ground whole wheat flour, 2 cups rolled oats, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 1/2 teaspoons active yeast (or two packages). Add two eggs and blend well. Now add the mixture from the saucepan. Kneed for 5 minutes. Add up to 1 more cup of all-purpose flour and kneed another 3 minutes. Remove from bowl and kneed by hand until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, roll to coat, cover lightly. Allow to rise until doubled (about 1 hour). Punch down, divide into two equal parts. Roll into loaf shape, place in greased bread pans, roll to coat, cover lightly and allow to rise until double (about 30 minutes - 1 hour). Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and place on a cookie rack on their sides to cool. Cover with a towel to allow slow cooling.
For a softer crust, when loaves are warm (but not hot), place in a plastic bag. Leave the bag open so moisture can escape. When completely cool, completely close bag to keep fresh.
Can't you just smell the fresh bread now? Enjoy!
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