So I sat down to read through the blogs this morning - because that's the only chance I'll have all day - when I came to Monica's blog. She was expressing her gratitude (I think) for being chosen for an award - a blogging award. I thought that was interesting... and then I kept reading. It was one of those "TAGS" - and then I started getting one of those feelings.....Thanks, Monica. Though I'm not big on following the "blogging community games", I like what this one asks, so you're in luck! :)
6 things I value and 6 things I don't. This might getting interesting... it's definately personal.
Things I VALUE - it's hard to stick to just 6:
1. The Gospel: Without it I would be a lost and lonely child. That may seem simplistic, but truly, I have been in places in my life where without the gospel - without the knowledge of a Savior and His love for me - I would have landed in compete and utter despair.
2. My Family: It is eternal! It is precious to me. The relationships I have with my husband, my children and my extended family give me great joy. And through blessed, sacred, priesthood power, we have been sealed together for eternity! Never to leave each other. Death cannot part us!
3. Freedom: It is the whole reason I am able to worship according to my beliefs. It's the reason I can choose to educate my children in a way that I feel is best for them. It's the reason I can choose how to live my life, and where. It's the reason we can choose how to spend or save our money. Freedom is the choice we are given to live according to what we know is right. And to let others do the same. It's what allows us to VOTE upon the government which runs this nation.
4. Living Prophets: I couldn't imagine this world of chaos and commotions without a living prophet for guidance. I love the prophets of old. And I love that the Lord does not leave us without a prophet today. He loves us just as He loved the people in biblical times. He does not leave us floundering. "We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet!"
5. Personal Revelation: Yes, I greatly value the ability to pray to God and know that He will answer me. That He will guide and instruct me. And that everything I hear, I can have confirmed or denied through that direct connection between me and the Lord. I don't always understand - often I don't understand until after - but He always gives me the answer He knows is best for me. And He always confirms sacred council that is given so that I might know for myself that it is the will of the Lord!
6. GREAT FRIENDS: They are the ones who will "pick me up" when I need it. They are the ones who pray for me when I'm struggling. They are the ones who, next to my family, love me the most. They are the ones who help me see what is always most important. They always remind me that I am of great worth!
Things I DON'T value:
1. Clutter: I have a lot of this. It's in my house. It's in my van. It's in my life. I dislike clutter.. but I must admit that I'm not as good about getting rid of it. I'm getting better. Clutter makes me feel over-whelmed. It makes me feel irritable. It makes me feel helpless.
2. VERY Loud Noise: The noise level in my life is often too loud. It's not just the kids around me either. Sometimes it's me. And sometimes it's the constant noise of life that has been allowed to get too busy. I have found that when I am doing the things which are needful, those things which matter and which will build up eternal relationship, that the noise, no matter how loud it really is, is some how much quieter. I believe it's the Spirit shielding me from the over-stimulation of such noise. But when I am not focused on those precious things, when I let life take control of me instead of the other way around, the noise, no matter how small, seems to escalate to an unbearable level.
3. Distorted Views: We all have them. And most often it comes because we do not have the whole picture. I really dislike them. I always have - even when I was little and was publicly accused of being "perfect" - it completely angered me. I don't like it when I look at someone and then find out I've distorted their image for myself. And I don't like hearing such distortions about myself. It comes too close to judgment (and often is).
4. Stress: I am way too good at allowing way too much of it into my life! Stress can be good if it allows someone to get something done... that's me. It's a great motivator. But it's an even better health robber! Maybe I should have said "Excess Stress".
5. The Act of Traveling: This might be a "for now in my life thing" but I know I'm not huge on traveling anyway. I do like to visit and explore places. I don't like the actual act of traveling. I am forever dreaming up ways to "speed up the trip" through imaginary, futuristic means (very unrealistic). I especially don't like the fight, struggle, chaos of long travels with little kids. It's so hard on them... and thus hard on everyone else!
6. Unproductive Meetings: I'm not a huge fan of meetings in general... the time away from family is hard enough. But I understand and acknowledge meetings which are needful and which are purposeful. These make it worth while. The others, the ones where no one shows up, or it's all chit-chat and no business, the ones that are there simply to have a meeting and not really for any real purpose - those I could do without! (And I try to.)
And now For the Next (It's your turn now!):
Ashby Family Trio - Katie
Chez Nous in Maine - Kim
Hurley's Heaven - Melissa
I Am A Leaf On The Wind - Zarah
Monkey Business - Karyn
Ummmmm - Juanita
Here are the 'official' rules:
*Mention the blog that gave you the award and comment on their blog to let them know that you have posted their award. You also have to list 6 things you value and 6 things you don't value. Lastly, you have to pass the award onto 6 other friends! *
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Allergies - The Eczema Story
For months now, we've been trying to tame what has seemed to be a growing skin condition with Peter. The strange thing was that it would come and go, getting worse at times, and clearing up all together at others. Eczema runs in the family, and each of our children has had it at some point in their lives (Beth and Jeremy have pretty much out grown it). Peter's has always been the worse.
This summer, either just days before or days after we were in California for our visit, his condition really escalated. But, we seemed to have it under control with lots of lotion (Aquaphor) and hydrocortizone cream. That is unless we forgot to apply the lotions one day and then the condition would return.
When the children visited my mother about a month ago, his condition seemed to get even worse. It didn't help that I didn't remember to send the lotions with him (such is the results of last minute packing). When he'd be in a bath, the red and chapped look would subside and then it appeared to look much like ring-worm. So, I immediately set up an appointment with the doctor... the result - NOT ring worm! That was the good news. The bad news was that the eczema on his face was listed as being a contact allergic reaction. The stuff on his legs and trunk were classified (for lack of being able to recall the actual condition) as hyper-active, highly aggressive eczema. And thereby required a trip to the dermatologist.
After going there (with Peter already on meds to treat his reactions), it was determined, for now, to just be the second mentioned condition above (the face no longer showing signs of the eczema) and in need of "aggressive treatment" - by which we mean a specialized, super form of hydrocortizone cream (which seemed only to intensify the condition so we switched back to the regular hydrocortizone cream) and thick layers of Eucerine.
I was not too thrilled with needing to use Eucerine. It stung on Gabi when her eczema was really bad during the winter, so I didn't want to go there. Of course, I did not realize that the Eucerine in the jar was different than the Eucerine in lotion! For anyone else out there who is wondering... the stuff in the jar is wonderful! Not nearly as "greasy" feeling, though you do still have to let it sink in, and it really softens the skin. Not only that, it doesn't sting!
So with all this, the condition seems to come under control, though often is not actually going away. He even broke out in hives at the beginning. I kept coming back to the thought that he must be allergic to something. So I kept trying to think what we may have given him that was new and different. The answer - NOTHING!
Well, this week I managed to cut out some things from his diet - not intentionally. It just sort of happened that way with all our chaos. He hadn't had berries and his skin was looking pretty good. I had even been able to just use the Eucerine and even miss a day without it flaring back up!
He had blueberries in the middle of the week. When I look back, I think that was the one day I recall seeing a slight flare up. Nothing too bad though. A coat of the mix of lotions and he was back to clear skin by evening. I didn't think a thing about it.
Then this morning, as part of his breakfast, he had a piece of toast with blackberry jam. All was going well... he only ate about 1/3 of the piece of toast. I took a shower and Bob proceeded to get him ready for church. When I got out and dressed, I came to see how everyone was doing. Peter was completely broke out. His whole face was covered with those horrid pox mark like hives which are a form of allergic reaction eczema. (And within a couple of hours later, his whole body was covered)
I immediate got the creams out and covered his face. And all the while I was trying to figure out what was different. The thought came that he'd had blackberry jam. That was the only thing different. And as I thought back over the last week and half, I realized that he'd not had any jam or berries (except that one time) during that time (I had a weak moment and bought the kids fluff... so they'd been eating peanut butter and fluff instead of jam).
So, although it's not yet verified, we're pretty sure he's allergic to berries. At least blackberries and raspberries. To be sure, we're taking him off ALL berries for a while. Getting the condition cleared up and then slowly adding the various berries to determine what he can and cannot have.
I do recall Jeremy was allergic to strawberries in much the same way until he was about 2 or 2 1/2 years old. Of course that we caught and watched a lot sooner. With that, the doctor told us to try the berries again 6 months after each time that we tried and he would break out until he didn't or unless other symptoms arose. So, for blackberries and raspberries I'll be doing that with Peter. But I do want to try the blueberries sooner. He loves them and we have a freezer full of them! (And it's a good thing he's not allergic to grapes and we have lots of grape jelly!)
This summer, either just days before or days after we were in California for our visit, his condition really escalated. But, we seemed to have it under control with lots of lotion (Aquaphor) and hydrocortizone cream. That is unless we forgot to apply the lotions one day and then the condition would return.
When the children visited my mother about a month ago, his condition seemed to get even worse. It didn't help that I didn't remember to send the lotions with him (such is the results of last minute packing). When he'd be in a bath, the red and chapped look would subside and then it appeared to look much like ring-worm. So, I immediately set up an appointment with the doctor... the result - NOT ring worm! That was the good news. The bad news was that the eczema on his face was listed as being a contact allergic reaction. The stuff on his legs and trunk were classified (for lack of being able to recall the actual condition) as hyper-active, highly aggressive eczema. And thereby required a trip to the dermatologist.
After going there (with Peter already on meds to treat his reactions), it was determined, for now, to just be the second mentioned condition above (the face no longer showing signs of the eczema) and in need of "aggressive treatment" - by which we mean a specialized, super form of hydrocortizone cream (which seemed only to intensify the condition so we switched back to the regular hydrocortizone cream) and thick layers of Eucerine.
I was not too thrilled with needing to use Eucerine. It stung on Gabi when her eczema was really bad during the winter, so I didn't want to go there. Of course, I did not realize that the Eucerine in the jar was different than the Eucerine in lotion! For anyone else out there who is wondering... the stuff in the jar is wonderful! Not nearly as "greasy" feeling, though you do still have to let it sink in, and it really softens the skin. Not only that, it doesn't sting!
So with all this, the condition seems to come under control, though often is not actually going away. He even broke out in hives at the beginning. I kept coming back to the thought that he must be allergic to something. So I kept trying to think what we may have given him that was new and different. The answer - NOTHING!
Well, this week I managed to cut out some things from his diet - not intentionally. It just sort of happened that way with all our chaos. He hadn't had berries and his skin was looking pretty good. I had even been able to just use the Eucerine and even miss a day without it flaring back up!
He had blueberries in the middle of the week. When I look back, I think that was the one day I recall seeing a slight flare up. Nothing too bad though. A coat of the mix of lotions and he was back to clear skin by evening. I didn't think a thing about it.
Then this morning, as part of his breakfast, he had a piece of toast with blackberry jam. All was going well... he only ate about 1/3 of the piece of toast. I took a shower and Bob proceeded to get him ready for church. When I got out and dressed, I came to see how everyone was doing. Peter was completely broke out. His whole face was covered with those horrid pox mark like hives which are a form of allergic reaction eczema. (And within a couple of hours later, his whole body was covered)
I immediate got the creams out and covered his face. And all the while I was trying to figure out what was different. The thought came that he'd had blackberry jam. That was the only thing different. And as I thought back over the last week and half, I realized that he'd not had any jam or berries (except that one time) during that time (I had a weak moment and bought the kids fluff... so they'd been eating peanut butter and fluff instead of jam).
So, although it's not yet verified, we're pretty sure he's allergic to berries. At least blackberries and raspberries. To be sure, we're taking him off ALL berries for a while. Getting the condition cleared up and then slowly adding the various berries to determine what he can and cannot have.
I do recall Jeremy was allergic to strawberries in much the same way until he was about 2 or 2 1/2 years old. Of course that we caught and watched a lot sooner. With that, the doctor told us to try the berries again 6 months after each time that we tried and he would break out until he didn't or unless other symptoms arose. So, for blackberries and raspberries I'll be doing that with Peter. But I do want to try the blueberries sooner. He loves them and we have a freezer full of them! (And it's a good thing he's not allergic to grapes and we have lots of grape jelly!)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
God Knows What We Say - And He Answers Us
With winter coming, I had picked up the insulating window plastic. That meant it was time to start putting it up (before it was completely necessary and we could feel the winter wind blowing throughout the house). In order to do this, I needed the hair dryer.
In most houses, the hair dryer would be easy to locate. But since our family doesn't use a hair dryer (I know, strange people that we are), it's only used when we put up the window plastic! Therefore, no one remembered where it was last put (since last year was the last time it was used)!
In his prayer, Jeremy asked the following:
"And please help Mommy to find the hair thing-a-ma-jig. Because she really needs to put up the stuff and I need to help her, so could you please help her find the hairy thing-a-ma-jiggy."
God not only hears and answers prayers (because, yes, we found the "hairy thing-a-ma-jiggy" before going to bed last night), but He knows exactly what we are asking for. Words are not as important as What we are trying to say. God knows and loves us. He understands us, no matter what language we try to speak! And He truly answers prayer.
In most houses, the hair dryer would be easy to locate. But since our family doesn't use a hair dryer (I know, strange people that we are), it's only used when we put up the window plastic! Therefore, no one remembered where it was last put (since last year was the last time it was used)!
In his prayer, Jeremy asked the following:
"And please help Mommy to find the hair thing-a-ma-jig. Because she really needs to put up the stuff and I need to help her, so could you please help her find the hairy thing-a-ma-jiggy."
God not only hears and answers prayers (because, yes, we found the "hairy thing-a-ma-jiggy" before going to bed last night), but He knows exactly what we are asking for. Words are not as important as What we are trying to say. God knows and loves us. He understands us, no matter what language we try to speak! And He truly answers prayer.
Precious Baptism
Thursday night was wonderful! For about a week I have had the honor of helping Juanita make a beautiful baptism dress for dear Olivia. It was a wonderful experience. It took a lot a patience. For me, it took patience to just stand back and only give the answers to questions. To not step in and help out as much as I have done in the past with other projects. But it was wonderful to be a part of it.
As with anything pertaining to getting baptized, the dress was more troublesome than it might otherwise have been.... even when I took over to try to make something work (which I've never had trouble with before)! But we kept heart knowing that the dress was important to Olivia as a symbol of the pureness that was hers at her moment of baptism. We knew that all would work out. And indeed it did.
Olivia was baptized Thursday night. I was so touched because I recall this sweet spirit before she had the opportunity to enjoy the gospel on a regular basis. She knew of it's truthfulness without a doubt and it showed in every part of her!
For those who don't know, in our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), no one is baptized before the age of 8. At that point, they are able to understand right from wrong and can make a decision for themselves if they want to follow Christ and accept His gospel and partake in the necessary, saving ordainances (such things as baptism by immersion, the sacrament, the endowment, and temple marriage (the sealing of families for eternity)) Before the age of 8, they are not accountable before God. And therefore perfect and innocent; and they are already saved in Christ.
Congratulations, Olivia, on taking such a precious and needful step and accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As with anything pertaining to getting baptized, the dress was more troublesome than it might otherwise have been.... even when I took over to try to make something work (which I've never had trouble with before)! But we kept heart knowing that the dress was important to Olivia as a symbol of the pureness that was hers at her moment of baptism. We knew that all would work out. And indeed it did.
Olivia was baptized Thursday night. I was so touched because I recall this sweet spirit before she had the opportunity to enjoy the gospel on a regular basis. She knew of it's truthfulness without a doubt and it showed in every part of her!
For those who don't know, in our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), no one is baptized before the age of 8. At that point, they are able to understand right from wrong and can make a decision for themselves if they want to follow Christ and accept His gospel and partake in the necessary, saving ordainances (such things as baptism by immersion, the sacrament, the endowment, and temple marriage (the sealing of families for eternity)) Before the age of 8, they are not accountable before God. And therefore perfect and innocent; and they are already saved in Christ.
Congratulations, Olivia, on taking such a precious and needful step and accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 13, 2008
What's In Your Barn?
So this morning we wake up to rain... not a lot, but rain none the less. Made us wonder if we'd be able to get the garden harvested after all. Oh well. Nothing to worry about. We made pancakes, the rain stopped, and it was decided to try.
On the way out, Bob noticed a somewhat, yet not over powering, strange smell. Upon further investigation he discovered this and, of course, decided he really needed the camera:
Apparently the skunk had knocked off the lid to our turkey fryer (where we make french fries, onion rings, turkey, and breaded fish in). It must have really enjoyed itself because it ended up in the oil... and then, being so wonderfully slippery, couldn't get out. (And, no, we will not be using that oil for anything! YUCK!!!!)
Since there seemed to be no animal control person (authorized to deal with animals that might have rabies) available today, and since the animal was obviously not going anywhere, Bob protected himself with a bucket and put the poor thing out of it's misery... and ours. See, the wonderful little critter had been finding all sorts of ways to get into anything even remotely close to garbage or food. I don't even know how it found half the stuff it managed to drag around our barn! Once it had sufficient time to no longer be a threat, Bob buried it out on the far property boarder.
Oh, but the idea of it, when it didn't make one sick to think about the food oil, was really quite funny. Thank goodness no one got sprayed!
On the way out, Bob noticed a somewhat, yet not over powering, strange smell. Upon further investigation he discovered this and, of course, decided he really needed the camera:
Apparently the skunk had knocked off the lid to our turkey fryer (where we make french fries, onion rings, turkey, and breaded fish in). It must have really enjoyed itself because it ended up in the oil... and then, being so wonderfully slippery, couldn't get out. (And, no, we will not be using that oil for anything! YUCK!!!!)
Since there seemed to be no animal control person (authorized to deal with animals that might have rabies) available today, and since the animal was obviously not going anywhere, Bob protected himself with a bucket and put the poor thing out of it's misery... and ours. See, the wonderful little critter had been finding all sorts of ways to get into anything even remotely close to garbage or food. I don't even know how it found half the stuff it managed to drag around our barn! Once it had sufficient time to no longer be a threat, Bob buried it out on the far property boarder.
Oh, but the idea of it, when it didn't make one sick to think about the food oil, was really quite funny. Thank goodness no one got sprayed!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
All Because Of A Window
Traveling Sunday... one of them... Bob went by himself so that I could be in our home ward to work on the signing with the children as they prepared for the Primary Presentation (set for Oct 26). This meant me and four little ones by myself again. The day started well.. until I brought Beth an outfit to wear....
Minor issues, since she's the "fashion queen" around here, but we got through, got to church with 5 minutes to spare, and settled in for Sacrament Meeting. Not too bad. Kids all had their own seats. A snack. Books. But one thing was missing... Peter had decided he didn't need his binky. That was left in the van.
About the time the Sacrament song was starting, Peter decided he was going to be loud just to be loud. I knew, since I did not have the binky, that this was only the beginning. He's a very noisy child when he thinks it's funny (like today). So I gather him up and tell Jeremy, who is actually being reverent, that he needs to come with me. I just didn't trust him next to Beth without my supervision.
We sat down on the couch, in front of some windows. Peter settled down, grinning. And then decided he needed to climb up the back of the couch. I stopped him. He tried again. I stopped him. He lunged over my shoulder, climbing me, reaching for the crank on the window. I stopped him again. He tried again. I won.
At the moment that Peter realized I was winning (and that he was not going to), he laid back in my arms, buried his head in my chest, his fingers in his mouth, and started in with the screaming. He continued. And continued. And continued.
I offered to go get the binky. No. Offered him the sacrament when it came around. No. Tried to comfort him. No. Jeremy tried to hug him - and got kicked. All the while the screaming continued.
I remember thinking, "Well, it's a good thing that I'm calm today." And I let him scream. Just held him and let him scream. Even after the doors were reopened, he continued to scream. Jeremy wanted a drink, so we walked down the hall. Peter, still screaming, grabs my leg and walks with us, his head buried in my leg the whole way.
At the other end of the hallway, we stay. Peter lets go. Then he comes at me, pulls at me, hits me, pulls at me some more. Still screaming. I even had a couple of people come out to see if they could help. In some ways we got a good laugh. - At least they were understanding. And Peter really had to just scream it out. That's the way he is. One lady asked him if he was going to scream all day. I told her he'd scream until he decided he wasn't mad any more. That's what he always does.
Well, eventually he decided to calm down some. This after being told he could not go outside and that we were not going home. As he finally got calm, I asked if he was ready to go sit with the girls again. He shook his head No. Eventually I asked him (when he was completely calm) if he wanted to walk around the church and then go sit with the girls. At first he started to shake his head. Then paused and changed his mind. I think he knew he wasn't going to win, and if he had to give in to going back and sitting down that at least he could get a short walk. So that's what we did.
Oh... the joys of a peaceful redhead! He really is a wonderfully sweet child. Calm, patient (most of the time). Easy going and willing to play nicely with others (most of the time... unless it's a baby... he hasn't figured that part out yet). But when he gets mad... watch out! Everything comes out in full force... and continues for hours!
(And yes, I'm aware there are likely many of you laughing at it all. That's okay. I can laugh about it today too!)
Minor issues, since she's the "fashion queen" around here, but we got through, got to church with 5 minutes to spare, and settled in for Sacrament Meeting. Not too bad. Kids all had their own seats. A snack. Books. But one thing was missing... Peter had decided he didn't need his binky. That was left in the van.
About the time the Sacrament song was starting, Peter decided he was going to be loud just to be loud. I knew, since I did not have the binky, that this was only the beginning. He's a very noisy child when he thinks it's funny (like today). So I gather him up and tell Jeremy, who is actually being reverent, that he needs to come with me. I just didn't trust him next to Beth without my supervision.
We sat down on the couch, in front of some windows. Peter settled down, grinning. And then decided he needed to climb up the back of the couch. I stopped him. He tried again. I stopped him. He lunged over my shoulder, climbing me, reaching for the crank on the window. I stopped him again. He tried again. I won.
At the moment that Peter realized I was winning (and that he was not going to), he laid back in my arms, buried his head in my chest, his fingers in his mouth, and started in with the screaming. He continued. And continued. And continued.
I offered to go get the binky. No. Offered him the sacrament when it came around. No. Tried to comfort him. No. Jeremy tried to hug him - and got kicked. All the while the screaming continued.
I remember thinking, "Well, it's a good thing that I'm calm today." And I let him scream. Just held him and let him scream. Even after the doors were reopened, he continued to scream. Jeremy wanted a drink, so we walked down the hall. Peter, still screaming, grabs my leg and walks with us, his head buried in my leg the whole way.
At the other end of the hallway, we stay. Peter lets go. Then he comes at me, pulls at me, hits me, pulls at me some more. Still screaming. I even had a couple of people come out to see if they could help. In some ways we got a good laugh. - At least they were understanding. And Peter really had to just scream it out. That's the way he is. One lady asked him if he was going to scream all day. I told her he'd scream until he decided he wasn't mad any more. That's what he always does.
Well, eventually he decided to calm down some. This after being told he could not go outside and that we were not going home. As he finally got calm, I asked if he was ready to go sit with the girls again. He shook his head No. Eventually I asked him (when he was completely calm) if he wanted to walk around the church and then go sit with the girls. At first he started to shake his head. Then paused and changed his mind. I think he knew he wasn't going to win, and if he had to give in to going back and sitting down that at least he could get a short walk. So that's what we did.
Oh... the joys of a peaceful redhead! He really is a wonderfully sweet child. Calm, patient (most of the time). Easy going and willing to play nicely with others (most of the time... unless it's a baby... he hasn't figured that part out yet). But when he gets mad... watch out! Everything comes out in full force... and continues for hours!
(And yes, I'm aware there are likely many of you laughing at it all. That's okay. I can laugh about it today too!)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Swedish Meatballs
Yesterday, minding my own business, I received a phone call. A friend from church called asking a few questions. In amongst them was whether or not I had a good Swedish Meatball recipe. That reminded me that I had not had Swedish Meatballs since I was a kid... okay, a teenager! Oh my goodness! And suddenly I had flooded memories of one of my favorite childhood dinners - why I never made it myself, I have no idea.
Of course, being me, I jumped on line to figure out what kinds of "good" recipes were out there. That's when I discovered that Swedish Meatballs take on many different forms! Who would of known!?! - Actually, I'm not all that surprised. Most foods have many different forms. Apparently Swedish Meatballs come in so many varieties because they were made from left overs and the sauce from whatever was in the house!
Okay, that aside, I do LOVE my mother's recipe. So, because it was asked of me, I called her up in the middle of her hectic life to ask her for it... which sent a flood of memories over her as well (because she's not made it since I left for college... long story). Anyway, without trying to make it myself...so I don't know if I still have the same LOVE for this recipe as I did... but thinking it still sounds awesome... I've included it for you! Enjoy!
Swedish Meatballs –From the recipe collection of My Mother!
Combine together:
½ lb hamburger
½ lb ground pork
½ c. dry bread crumbs (unseasoned)
¼ c. half and half
2 T. finely chopped onion
1 t. salt
½ t. ground all-spice
½ t. Worchester sauce
1 egg
Shape into 20 (1 ½ inch) balls
Cook in skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until brown. About 20 minutes.
Remove from pan; set aside. Drain fat, reserving 3T.
In same skillet, blend together (off heat):
3T. fat, reserved
3T. flour
Add:
½ c. water
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat.
Add:
2 c. sour cream
¼ t. salt
Add meatballs, turning to coat. Serve over noodles. (we use egg noodles)
Of course, being me, I jumped on line to figure out what kinds of "good" recipes were out there. That's when I discovered that Swedish Meatballs take on many different forms! Who would of known!?! - Actually, I'm not all that surprised. Most foods have many different forms. Apparently Swedish Meatballs come in so many varieties because they were made from left overs and the sauce from whatever was in the house!
Okay, that aside, I do LOVE my mother's recipe. So, because it was asked of me, I called her up in the middle of her hectic life to ask her for it... which sent a flood of memories over her as well (because she's not made it since I left for college... long story). Anyway, without trying to make it myself...so I don't know if I still have the same LOVE for this recipe as I did... but thinking it still sounds awesome... I've included it for you! Enjoy!
Swedish Meatballs –From the recipe collection of My Mother!
Combine together:
½ lb hamburger
½ lb ground pork
½ c. dry bread crumbs (unseasoned)
¼ c. half and half
2 T. finely chopped onion
1 t. salt
½ t. ground all-spice
½ t. Worchester sauce
1 egg
Shape into 20 (1 ½ inch) balls
Cook in skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until brown. About 20 minutes.
Remove from pan; set aside. Drain fat, reserving 3T.
In same skillet, blend together (off heat):
3T. fat, reserved
3T. flour
Add:
½ c. water
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat.
Add:
2 c. sour cream
¼ t. salt
Add meatballs, turning to coat. Serve over noodles. (we use egg noodles)
Finding The Little People
Yesterday I went a little crazy... not as crazy as I might some day, but enough. I went through all the toys in the playroom... gave away the toddler table unit thing (even Peter's too big for that), and then sent up to the bedrooms the toys which were more "gender specific" - not that gender ever seems to play into who plays with what around here! Then I organized the playroom... it looks empty... sort of.
We have the kitchen set where you can't see it unless you're in the room, the puppet theater and puppets, the musical instruments, and little people toys in there. That's all. Oh, and one basket of baby toys for when we have rather little visitors! The rest of things headed upstairs. And each room has at least one collapsible basket which they can use to bring toys downstairs to play with and then back upstairs to put away. I just have to organize the upstairs now... that will come.... next week. But my playroom looks great! Not so cluttered, and I feel great about it! (I might bring more things down again when Bob has time to make shelves to keep things from looking like they take over the entire room... but that won't be for a while - Bob's picked up another cabinet job!)
Anyway, the little people are now "out in the open" since there is a space to set up the little mat with all the things around it. This makes them very inviting... especially for little hands. Peter has loved this between yesterday and today. Today, though, he decided to bring the zoo train out to the kitchen. Apparently Noah thought it was time for a snack! :) Peter had Noah driving the train with a couple of animals on it. They stopped by the little children's table, where there was some dry cereal from earlier, and there he proceeded to take a little bit and "feed" it to each animal and Noah!
Very cute... very thoughtful... since the rest of the family was eating lunch! :)
We have the kitchen set where you can't see it unless you're in the room, the puppet theater and puppets, the musical instruments, and little people toys in there. That's all. Oh, and one basket of baby toys for when we have rather little visitors! The rest of things headed upstairs. And each room has at least one collapsible basket which they can use to bring toys downstairs to play with and then back upstairs to put away. I just have to organize the upstairs now... that will come.... next week. But my playroom looks great! Not so cluttered, and I feel great about it! (I might bring more things down again when Bob has time to make shelves to keep things from looking like they take over the entire room... but that won't be for a while - Bob's picked up another cabinet job!)
Anyway, the little people are now "out in the open" since there is a space to set up the little mat with all the things around it. This makes them very inviting... especially for little hands. Peter has loved this between yesterday and today. Today, though, he decided to bring the zoo train out to the kitchen. Apparently Noah thought it was time for a snack! :) Peter had Noah driving the train with a couple of animals on it. They stopped by the little children's table, where there was some dry cereal from earlier, and there he proceeded to take a little bit and "feed" it to each animal and Noah!
Very cute... very thoughtful... since the rest of the family was eating lunch! :)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
What Do You Do?
What do you do when someone is hurting? That's been a question that has come into my head a lot over the last several years. Not just because of Sweet Savannah, but because of many other friends and family members who are also hurting - each in a different way - each struggling to do what is right, or help someone else do what is right - each suffering in many ways, some physical, some emotional, and most all spiritual - in one degree or another.
The only answer that seems to be consistent is Pray. That's what we can do. It's the only sure thing that we can do. Words may elude us. Actions require inspiration, which may not be blessed upon us at the very moment we think they should be. Distance can also hamper what one is able to do. But prayer is universal.
Sincere prayer evokes the heavens into action. And though we may be too far away to be the instrument for the action or words which the Lord would provide for another, our prayers are a catalyst to making it happen. Our prayers can reach from us to another in a unique way which requires the heavens to open so that genuine love can pass through. When such love passes through, it gathers blessings to bestow upon the recipient.
Please never under estimate the power or importance of prayer. It is real. It is divine. It is the one sure way that you can always help another.
The only answer that seems to be consistent is Pray. That's what we can do. It's the only sure thing that we can do. Words may elude us. Actions require inspiration, which may not be blessed upon us at the very moment we think they should be. Distance can also hamper what one is able to do. But prayer is universal.
Sincere prayer evokes the heavens into action. And though we may be too far away to be the instrument for the action or words which the Lord would provide for another, our prayers are a catalyst to making it happen. Our prayers can reach from us to another in a unique way which requires the heavens to open so that genuine love can pass through. When such love passes through, it gathers blessings to bestow upon the recipient.
Please never under estimate the power or importance of prayer. It is real. It is divine. It is the one sure way that you can always help another.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Puppies, Babbies, And Growing Up
Beth has wanted a puppy for as long as I can remember. She loves animals - and puppies (though she's certainly seen more toys than real) have a special place with her. So she asked Dad if we could get a puppy :
D: Absolutely.......not.
Between the girls the response was not well taken at first. Then Daddy commented about how puppies are a lot of work, almost as much work as babies. And that if we wanted to have that much work, we'd just have another baby!
B: We're going to have lots more childrens. (Yes, with the s)
I'm almost, but not quite yet laughing, eyes truly wide as I look to Bob. Then the questions of why she thinks this comes up.
B: Gabi and me, when we grow up, will have babies and then we'll have more children" (we'd corrected her plural)
D: Yes, when you grow up and get married you can have children and then we'll have more children. And when Jeremy and Peter grow up and get married, their wives can have babies too and then we'll have more children.
To this Jeremy pipes in:
J: I'm going to be something different when I grow up!
M&D: What are you going to be?
J: I'm not going to tell you. It's a secret. You have to guess.
The game proceeds with everyone jumping in with silly things like food, toys, vehicles, objects, etc. Until finally Daddy says we've guessed so much he'll just have to tell us.
J: Okay. (Huge grin, twinkling eyes) A Daddy!
I guess he's right... a daddy is different than what he is now! I'm so glad that my little boy knows how important the role of daddy really is. And that, above all else, that is what he will be when he grows up!
D: Absolutely.......not.
Between the girls the response was not well taken at first. Then Daddy commented about how puppies are a lot of work, almost as much work as babies. And that if we wanted to have that much work, we'd just have another baby!
B: We're going to have lots more childrens. (Yes, with the s)
I'm almost, but not quite yet laughing, eyes truly wide as I look to Bob. Then the questions of why she thinks this comes up.
B: Gabi and me, when we grow up, will have babies and then we'll have more children" (we'd corrected her plural)
D: Yes, when you grow up and get married you can have children and then we'll have more children. And when Jeremy and Peter grow up and get married, their wives can have babies too and then we'll have more children.
To this Jeremy pipes in:
J: I'm going to be something different when I grow up!
M&D: What are you going to be?
J: I'm not going to tell you. It's a secret. You have to guess.
The game proceeds with everyone jumping in with silly things like food, toys, vehicles, objects, etc. Until finally Daddy says we've guessed so much he'll just have to tell us.
J: Okay. (Huge grin, twinkling eyes) A Daddy!
I guess he's right... a daddy is different than what he is now! I'm so glad that my little boy knows how important the role of daddy really is. And that, above all else, that is what he will be when he grows up!
Night Terrors?
Peter awoke in the middle of the night Saturday night. That in itself is not too terribly unusual, although it doesn't happen as often. This time, however, he was screaming this horrible, freaked out, wild, crazy kind of scream. It was kind of freaking me out!
I tried to give him his Binky thinking he was just too tired to find it on his own. He'd have nothing to do with it. Even when he finally took it from me he only did so to chuck it as hard as he could. Not only that, but he refused to let me hold him. Whenever I came near, he'd get more hysterical and dive away or lash out in a full assault beating on me for all he was worth!
The look in his eye was nasty - scary - nearly possessed - fully angry! When I saw that, even after talking to him, I grabbed him right up, held him snug, facing out so he couldn't hurt me further, and proceeded to tell him that I was there, that it was Mommy, that he was safe. Nothing seemed to help.
Because of the dynamics of the situation and because there were other children sleeping (or trying to), I brought him out and down stairs. He continued to rage on for a good half hour or so in this terrifying way.
I thought, briefly, of calling my home teacher, glanced at the clock and realized he was probably on the road headed home (without cell phone) since the Priesthood session had only just finished. A prayer was said and then Bob was called at work. I believe his shift was over and he was just finishing up the last stuff, so it wasn't too bad there. Just after the call, Peter finally accepted his binky and curled up on my lap - settling down, eyes becoming clear again.
I have no idea what happened. That was totally and completely not like any episode I've ever experienced with any of my kids before - definately not a tantrum thing or teething thing or sickly in pain thing or anything like what we've been through over the years. It was completely terrifying!
One suggestion was that maybe it was night terrors and maybe he wasn't fully awake when I went up to get him so he wasn't recognizing me. I don't know. He has a doctor's appointment on Wednesday - I'll be sure to bring it up.
I tried to give him his Binky thinking he was just too tired to find it on his own. He'd have nothing to do with it. Even when he finally took it from me he only did so to chuck it as hard as he could. Not only that, but he refused to let me hold him. Whenever I came near, he'd get more hysterical and dive away or lash out in a full assault beating on me for all he was worth!
The look in his eye was nasty - scary - nearly possessed - fully angry! When I saw that, even after talking to him, I grabbed him right up, held him snug, facing out so he couldn't hurt me further, and proceeded to tell him that I was there, that it was Mommy, that he was safe. Nothing seemed to help.
Because of the dynamics of the situation and because there were other children sleeping (or trying to), I brought him out and down stairs. He continued to rage on for a good half hour or so in this terrifying way.
I thought, briefly, of calling my home teacher, glanced at the clock and realized he was probably on the road headed home (without cell phone) since the Priesthood session had only just finished. A prayer was said and then Bob was called at work. I believe his shift was over and he was just finishing up the last stuff, so it wasn't too bad there. Just after the call, Peter finally accepted his binky and curled up on my lap - settling down, eyes becoming clear again.
I have no idea what happened. That was totally and completely not like any episode I've ever experienced with any of my kids before - definately not a tantrum thing or teething thing or sickly in pain thing or anything like what we've been through over the years. It was completely terrifying!
One suggestion was that maybe it was night terrors and maybe he wasn't fully awake when I went up to get him so he wasn't recognizing me. I don't know. He has a doctor's appointment on Wednesday - I'll be sure to bring it up.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Conference With Friends
This weekend was good... well.. I wondered on Saturday... it started well... it went to chaos, and I must admit that I wasn't doing so well. Bob left for work, Juanita and I decided we'd stop the second session of conference in the middle, get the kids to bed, and then start back at the beginning of it to get anything out of it yesterday. But it was good.
There was a major Peter issue in there too... I'll tell you about that later...
Today was great. I remember several times thinking that it was so nice to have the family gathered around (most of the time) with friends and a shared love of our Savior and His gospel. There was a very special feeling of peace. It was really nice.
There is much that I took from conference... I always do... but the things that caught my attention the most centered on relationships, values, unity, courage. (Yes, though I heard it all, there is much that was not so "in my face" as I did have kids around to help and take care of)
I want to share just a couple of quotes from the weekend - really just a few of my personal favorites:
"Never let a problem to be solved get in the way of a person to be loved" ~Thomas S. Monson
"Not all angels are from the other side of the veil." ~Jeffrey R. Holland
"God never leaves us alone. Never leaves us unaided..." ~Jeffrey R. Holland
"Meekness is not weakness. It is the badge of Christian Courage." ~Robert D. Hales
"In the strength of the the Lord, I can do ALL things." ~Elaine S. Dalton
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." ~Elaine S. Dalton
"Exaltation is a family matter." ~Russell M. Nelson
And my personal favorite... not from conference, but still from this weekend while dealing with a very cranky, uncommunicative 20 month old:
"This is just a moment. And the moment will pass." ~Juanita Grant (What a great - and much needed - reminder!)
There was a major Peter issue in there too... I'll tell you about that later...
Today was great. I remember several times thinking that it was so nice to have the family gathered around (most of the time) with friends and a shared love of our Savior and His gospel. There was a very special feeling of peace. It was really nice.
There is much that I took from conference... I always do... but the things that caught my attention the most centered on relationships, values, unity, courage. (Yes, though I heard it all, there is much that was not so "in my face" as I did have kids around to help and take care of)
I want to share just a couple of quotes from the weekend - really just a few of my personal favorites:
"Never let a problem to be solved get in the way of a person to be loved" ~Thomas S. Monson
"Not all angels are from the other side of the veil." ~Jeffrey R. Holland
"God never leaves us alone. Never leaves us unaided..." ~Jeffrey R. Holland
"Meekness is not weakness. It is the badge of Christian Courage." ~Robert D. Hales
"In the strength of the the Lord, I can do ALL things." ~Elaine S. Dalton
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." ~Elaine S. Dalton
"Exaltation is a family matter." ~Russell M. Nelson
And my personal favorite... not from conference, but still from this weekend while dealing with a very cranky, uncommunicative 20 month old:
"This is just a moment. And the moment will pass." ~Juanita Grant (What a great - and much needed - reminder!)
Friday, October 3, 2008
General Conference
Okay... so it starts tomorrow... and anyone with kids knows it's not always that easy to get everything out of conference the first time through. We watch it from home on BYU TV for the convenience of the children. They really can't get through all four sessions without taking at least a couple of breaks and usually excluding themselves from the last hour.
Tomorrow we have friends coming to join us - so I've been trying to come up with things the kids can do - at least the older ones - to enjoy conference and not just run crazy in the house (I was thinking about this before the friends were come.... now I just have more motivation to find what I really want to use for distractions).
There's a lot of great stuff out there - mazes, matching, bingos, word searches, coloring pages... you get the picture. Well, I stumbled upon this General Conference Packet. I'm not 100% sure just where it originated - I went through I website and two blogs - so I'm posting it direct from here. TO WHOMEVER PUT THIS TOGETHER: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SHARING IT WITH THE REST OF US!
To get these, just click on the name of the item. That will take you to the file you can download. If you don't have an account with Scribd, you will need to sign up for one to be able to download them. It's free!
General Conference begins at 10am Mountain Time, second session at 2pm Mountain Time, Priesthood at 6pm Mountain Time all tomorrow, Saturday October 4th! Then on Sunday, first session at 10am Mountain Time, second (and last) session at 2pm Mountain time. Tune in and be uplifted!
Come listen to the Prophet's voice!
Tomorrow we have friends coming to join us - so I've been trying to come up with things the kids can do - at least the older ones - to enjoy conference and not just run crazy in the house (I was thinking about this before the friends were come.... now I just have more motivation to find what I really want to use for distractions).
There's a lot of great stuff out there - mazes, matching, bingos, word searches, coloring pages... you get the picture. Well, I stumbled upon this General Conference Packet. I'm not 100% sure just where it originated - I went through I website and two blogs - so I'm posting it direct from here. TO WHOMEVER PUT THIS TOGETHER: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SHARING IT WITH THE REST OF US!
To get these, just click on the name of the item. That will take you to the file you can download. If you don't have an account with Scribd, you will need to sign up for one to be able to download them. It's free!
General Conference begins at 10am Mountain Time, second session at 2pm Mountain Time, Priesthood at 6pm Mountain Time all tomorrow, Saturday October 4th! Then on Sunday, first session at 10am Mountain Time, second (and last) session at 2pm Mountain time. Tune in and be uplifted!
Come listen to the Prophet's voice!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Simple Truth
I forgot that I wanted to mention a special prayer that Jeremy gave several days ago now. All prayers are special - especially those spoken by children. The part I want to share really touched me and reminded me of one simple truth - and, I think, says it all.
As Bob was not with us, having already gone to work, Jeremy was sure not to leave him out of the morning prayer.
"Please bless Daddy that you bring him home safe....because we love him."
Does that not say it all? The faith of a child is as great as their love. And isn't that what it's all about - love?
As Bob was not with us, having already gone to work, Jeremy was sure not to leave him out of the morning prayer.
"Please bless Daddy that you bring him home safe....because we love him."
Does that not say it all? The faith of a child is as great as their love. And isn't that what it's all about - love?
Who's Losing Who?
Is it him or is it me? Sometimes, in the whirlwind of it all, I'm not certain... tonight, I'm pretty sure it was him!
Boys and shopping just don't mix. One might argue that kids and shopping just don't mix. And on one hand, that's true. But girls seem to tolerate it much better than boys... at least boys Jeremy's age.....and energy.
Although the shopping trips have been increasingly becoming harder (thank goodness I don't do most of them), the last two I did on Thursday nights (while Gabi was at dance) have been a nightmare. Maybe it's the time of day.... maybe it's just that shopping really is that boring.... maybe it's the fact that boys NEVER stop running.....
Whatever it may be, he's found it great fun to play chase. Well, that wasn't tonight... that was a couple of weeks ago. Laughing, yelling, giggling, and all the while with that glinty eye which twinkles with mischief one hasn't yet even thought of yet. I managed to get through it... with a lot of "displeased" eyes... and "oh, you should never have children" looks..... all the time trying to say in my head "I see... you don't remember this stage" so as not to break down and cry!
Tonight... well... I knew he was having a tough time, but he was doing well.... for Jeremy. He finally settled in on the bottom of the cart - you know, laying down on his stomach on the flat part just above the wheels UNDER the basket section. Good... he was contained... although he was running his hands out in front of the cart... so I had to push it slowly to make sure I wasn't going to "run him over" - but at least I knew where he was.... and he was content to stay!
Then, due to some store rule he has to change his little plans.....(yes, I understand.... but as a mom of little kids, I say to myself, "come on! Don't you have any idea what you're asking" when the gentle associate informs me of the rule and asks me to please have my son come out) So, out he comes... smile... glinty eyes.... trouble lurking. Thank goodness I'm checking out!
But then, out of the blue, suddenly Jeremy is gone! I'm, at first, not too terribly worried... after all, there are little shelves all around with those horrible "let's get the kids excited to annoy mom" toys that mean nothing and junk food to give them tummy aches. He usually hovers around these and then bugs me non-stop to buy all these things. But no... this time he was not there!
Glancing all around, up the little isle (sometimes he likes to creep up and wait there).... look behind me, all around me again. Then I catch another lady with a slightly concerned, but not too troubled face look from one direction and then around at all the people near by!
Not knowing what best to do with Beth and Peter, but knowing Peter was buckled and that Beth listens (most of the time)... I told her to stay with the cart and not move. I knew if anyone had tried to have her move she'd break into hysterics! (See, there's something good in having an overly sensitive child!) And then I race up forward, asking this lady who'd had the look if there was a little boy up ahead. She affirmed that... thank goodness! But I was still livid!
I yelled at him (mostly because he was two checkers away from me with back turned), pulled him back to our cart, and then throughly scolded him. He didn't seem to be getting the picture. So I slowed down and told him exactly why he had to always stay with me and where he could see me and I could see him. I explained to him what kidnapping was and how easy it is for someone to take him when I can't see him.
Unlike my girls (who take those kinds of talks very seriously... to the point that we have to let them know they don't have to dwell on the stuff), Jeremy looked mildly concerned for all of a minute (if I was lucky). Then went back to being easy going, happy-go-lucky Jeremy! The good news - he was able to repeat what I told him... at least he understands it.... and he didn't wander off again.... let's hope it never happens again!
Boys and shopping just don't mix. One might argue that kids and shopping just don't mix. And on one hand, that's true. But girls seem to tolerate it much better than boys... at least boys Jeremy's age.....and energy.
Although the shopping trips have been increasingly becoming harder (thank goodness I don't do most of them), the last two I did on Thursday nights (while Gabi was at dance) have been a nightmare. Maybe it's the time of day.... maybe it's just that shopping really is that boring.... maybe it's the fact that boys NEVER stop running.....
Whatever it may be, he's found it great fun to play chase. Well, that wasn't tonight... that was a couple of weeks ago. Laughing, yelling, giggling, and all the while with that glinty eye which twinkles with mischief one hasn't yet even thought of yet. I managed to get through it... with a lot of "displeased" eyes... and "oh, you should never have children" looks..... all the time trying to say in my head "I see... you don't remember this stage" so as not to break down and cry!
Tonight... well... I knew he was having a tough time, but he was doing well.... for Jeremy. He finally settled in on the bottom of the cart - you know, laying down on his stomach on the flat part just above the wheels UNDER the basket section. Good... he was contained... although he was running his hands out in front of the cart... so I had to push it slowly to make sure I wasn't going to "run him over" - but at least I knew where he was.... and he was content to stay!
Then, due to some store rule he has to change his little plans.....(yes, I understand.... but as a mom of little kids, I say to myself, "come on! Don't you have any idea what you're asking" when the gentle associate informs me of the rule and asks me to please have my son come out) So, out he comes... smile... glinty eyes.... trouble lurking. Thank goodness I'm checking out!
But then, out of the blue, suddenly Jeremy is gone! I'm, at first, not too terribly worried... after all, there are little shelves all around with those horrible "let's get the kids excited to annoy mom" toys that mean nothing and junk food to give them tummy aches. He usually hovers around these and then bugs me non-stop to buy all these things. But no... this time he was not there!
Glancing all around, up the little isle (sometimes he likes to creep up and wait there).... look behind me, all around me again. Then I catch another lady with a slightly concerned, but not too troubled face look from one direction and then around at all the people near by!
Not knowing what best to do with Beth and Peter, but knowing Peter was buckled and that Beth listens (most of the time)... I told her to stay with the cart and not move. I knew if anyone had tried to have her move she'd break into hysterics! (See, there's something good in having an overly sensitive child!) And then I race up forward, asking this lady who'd had the look if there was a little boy up ahead. She affirmed that... thank goodness! But I was still livid!
I yelled at him (mostly because he was two checkers away from me with back turned), pulled him back to our cart, and then throughly scolded him. He didn't seem to be getting the picture. So I slowed down and told him exactly why he had to always stay with me and where he could see me and I could see him. I explained to him what kidnapping was and how easy it is for someone to take him when I can't see him.
Unlike my girls (who take those kinds of talks very seriously... to the point that we have to let them know they don't have to dwell on the stuff), Jeremy looked mildly concerned for all of a minute (if I was lucky). Then went back to being easy going, happy-go-lucky Jeremy! The good news - he was able to repeat what I told him... at least he understands it.... and he didn't wander off again.... let's hope it never happens again!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Who's Day?
Recently Gabi started a conversation about the then and the now. She used the phrase "in this day" to which Jeremy promptly said "This day is this day, right?"
It'll Be Perfect
The other night Bob was on bedtime duty. All the kids were in bed, except Beth, who was still getting into PJs and also needed to put her bed back together (we'd washed her bedding earlier in the day). So Bob waited patiently downstairs for Beth to be in her PJs and to let him know she was ready for him to come up.
It was taking a rather long time, and finally Bob looked up the stairs, about to ask Beth if she was ready. There she was, with her little lip trembling as she tried to bite back her tears. Bob asked her what was wrong and she burst into tears and semi-wails!
"I can't put my sheets on my bed!"
Bob quickly mounted the stairs, cuddled her up and told her he could help her. So together they went back to her room, sheets in hand, to put the bed together. Just as it was "completed", Bob noticed that Beth was carefully smoothing out one particular corner. He mentioned that it was all together and she could get into bed and he'd tuck her in.
"No, Daddy. It's not perfect!" came the quiet, and almost panicked, reply.
Knowing that perfection was something Beth really struggles with and that when she gets stuck on the "perfection" concept it's almost impossible to pull her away until she's mastered whatever it is, Bob had some quick thinking to do.
"It'll be perfect when I tuck you in."
Daddies have a wonderful, magic touch with little ones. Even Beth, with her obsession for perfection, could not deny the magic of Daddy. So he tucked her in, and then the bed was perfect.
It was taking a rather long time, and finally Bob looked up the stairs, about to ask Beth if she was ready. There she was, with her little lip trembling as she tried to bite back her tears. Bob asked her what was wrong and she burst into tears and semi-wails!
"I can't put my sheets on my bed!"
Bob quickly mounted the stairs, cuddled her up and told her he could help her. So together they went back to her room, sheets in hand, to put the bed together. Just as it was "completed", Bob noticed that Beth was carefully smoothing out one particular corner. He mentioned that it was all together and she could get into bed and he'd tuck her in.
"No, Daddy. It's not perfect!" came the quiet, and almost panicked, reply.
Knowing that perfection was something Beth really struggles with and that when she gets stuck on the "perfection" concept it's almost impossible to pull her away until she's mastered whatever it is, Bob had some quick thinking to do.
"It'll be perfect when I tuck you in."
Daddies have a wonderful, magic touch with little ones. Even Beth, with her obsession for perfection, could not deny the magic of Daddy. So he tucked her in, and then the bed was perfect.
Friday, September 26, 2008
In The Midst Of It All
I'm trying not to ignore you all... through the blog that is... we're just underneath all the "harvest and wood" jobs right now. If it's not one thing, it's something else. But I do find that it's hardest when it's something not in the "normal" craziness of "normal" days.
In addition to yanking out the corn, onions, some carrots, and pumpkins this week... and the wood we've been trying to get into the barn (only about 8-10 wheelbarrows full left under the tarp!), I started babysitting. It's not a big thing... just a couple of kids after school. Right now, with the wacky after school activities, it's not even that many hours. Over the course of three days, I watched them 3 hours. (1.5 one day and .5 each of the other two). They are great kids, and though a little older than mine, they get along well for the short time they are here! Eventually it will be 2 hours a day (maybe a little more as travel gets a little less sure in bad snowy weather) five days a week... then down to four days a week.... and full days (probably around 9 hours) when school is out. This will last only through the "ski season".
So... cute stories are on hold... and I'd like to change the pictures on the side bar too... maybe get them updated... but that will have to wait as well!
In addition to yanking out the corn, onions, some carrots, and pumpkins this week... and the wood we've been trying to get into the barn (only about 8-10 wheelbarrows full left under the tarp!), I started babysitting. It's not a big thing... just a couple of kids after school. Right now, with the wacky after school activities, it's not even that many hours. Over the course of three days, I watched them 3 hours. (1.5 one day and .5 each of the other two). They are great kids, and though a little older than mine, they get along well for the short time they are here! Eventually it will be 2 hours a day (maybe a little more as travel gets a little less sure in bad snowy weather) five days a week... then down to four days a week.... and full days (probably around 9 hours) when school is out. This will last only through the "ski season".
So... cute stories are on hold... and I'd like to change the pictures on the side bar too... maybe get them updated... but that will have to wait as well!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sweet Sunday Angels
My other story is has more to do with the love of three little children for each other - but very cute.
Sunday the girls were in their skirts and cute shirts. The day before they had seen some rather large maple leaves. Having gotten permission to go outside, they came back with two each of these very large leaves. They then asked if Grami would tie them together and put them on their backs so they could be angels!
So Grami, being as creative as she is, obliged and she had the presence of two little maple leaf angels in her home. After a time, though, the girls decided they wanted to go outside again. Jeremy immediately told them "No", but they already had the door open. And Jeremy began to scream in hysterics!
The girls came back, and and eventually Grami was able to get Jeremy calmed down. When she asked him why he was so upset and didn't want the girls to go outside. His reply, directed at the girls (and still sniffling) was:
"If you go outside, your wings will make you fly away and I'll never see you again!"
The girls were touched, but immediately started laughing! And then Bethie said:
"No they won't. We're too heavy!"
He accepted that answer with a huge sigh of relief - and the girls headed right outside - where, indeed, they were too heavy to fly away!
Sunday the girls were in their skirts and cute shirts. The day before they had seen some rather large maple leaves. Having gotten permission to go outside, they came back with two each of these very large leaves. They then asked if Grami would tie them together and put them on their backs so they could be angels!
So Grami, being as creative as she is, obliged and she had the presence of two little maple leaf angels in her home. After a time, though, the girls decided they wanted to go outside again. Jeremy immediately told them "No", but they already had the door open. And Jeremy began to scream in hysterics!
The girls came back, and and eventually Grami was able to get Jeremy calmed down. When she asked him why he was so upset and didn't want the girls to go outside. His reply, directed at the girls (and still sniffling) was:
"If you go outside, your wings will make you fly away and I'll never see you again!"
The girls were touched, but immediately started laughing! And then Bethie said:
"No they won't. We're too heavy!"
He accepted that answer with a huge sigh of relief - and the girls headed right outside - where, indeed, they were too heavy to fly away!
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, September 19, 2008
Banished
So I sent them away! WHAT WAS I THINKING?
No, really, they are staying with my mom - they need this - I need this - she needs this - it works out great!
There's a special Time Out For Women that a bunch of friends are going to. I was planning to go, even bought a ticket (actually, I bought up a bunch for my friends and I), and then sat down with our "new budget" since finances had shifted for this next teaching year, looked over the dance schedule, looked over Bob's schedule, and my mom's schedule, and realized there was no way I could go!
One of these friends kept calling and trying to get me to go anyway - she knew I really needed this. But I'd already sold off my ticket, so that was that. Besides, like I mentioned before, schedules weren't going to work out. Then, a couple days ago another friend started getting sick. Yesterday morning she and her kids were sick. She was not going to be able to go. So, there was the extra ticket - and briefly I wondered if there was any way I could make things work out! - NOPE - I had already looked at everything over and over again.
As soon as I got off the phone with her, my sister and my mother called to wish me a happy birthday. It was a wonderful surprise. And I told them what was going on - between the two of them, they offered to take my kids for the weekend so I could go - assuming I could meet them half way last night.
Well... that was leadership (and I needed to be there for the Cub Scout stuff).... but then I thought since Bob wouldn't be able to get anything done anyway (he'd have Peter) that maybe he'd agree to meet my mom. Sure enough, he did saying "Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday" repeatedly!
So I went to put Peter down for his nap telling him that when he got up he could go see Grami - well, he did think he needed a nap any more. But I made him anyway. When he got up, he didn't see me, laid on his back and screamed. I came up, asked if he wanted to eat and go to Grami's. So he jumps up, runs to the stairs - down we went - hand him his lunch - two bites - hop down - run and grab shoes - the last hour he fussed at me and tried to pull me out the door. He was so thrilled that he bounced up and down almost the whole way to swap cars with Bob.
Peter never fussed... easily said good-bye to Bob and let Grami take him - this morning, all the kids are happy, playing and don't seem to mind being away from Mom at all.
I'll be glad to have them back at the end of the weekend, though! I love them and already miss them.
No, really, they are staying with my mom - they need this - I need this - she needs this - it works out great!
There's a special Time Out For Women that a bunch of friends are going to. I was planning to go, even bought a ticket (actually, I bought up a bunch for my friends and I), and then sat down with our "new budget" since finances had shifted for this next teaching year, looked over the dance schedule, looked over Bob's schedule, and my mom's schedule, and realized there was no way I could go!
One of these friends kept calling and trying to get me to go anyway - she knew I really needed this. But I'd already sold off my ticket, so that was that. Besides, like I mentioned before, schedules weren't going to work out. Then, a couple days ago another friend started getting sick. Yesterday morning she and her kids were sick. She was not going to be able to go. So, there was the extra ticket - and briefly I wondered if there was any way I could make things work out! - NOPE - I had already looked at everything over and over again.
As soon as I got off the phone with her, my sister and my mother called to wish me a happy birthday. It was a wonderful surprise. And I told them what was going on - between the two of them, they offered to take my kids for the weekend so I could go - assuming I could meet them half way last night.
Well... that was leadership (and I needed to be there for the Cub Scout stuff).... but then I thought since Bob wouldn't be able to get anything done anyway (he'd have Peter) that maybe he'd agree to meet my mom. Sure enough, he did saying "Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday" repeatedly!
So I went to put Peter down for his nap telling him that when he got up he could go see Grami - well, he did think he needed a nap any more. But I made him anyway. When he got up, he didn't see me, laid on his back and screamed. I came up, asked if he wanted to eat and go to Grami's. So he jumps up, runs to the stairs - down we went - hand him his lunch - two bites - hop down - run and grab shoes - the last hour he fussed at me and tried to pull me out the door. He was so thrilled that he bounced up and down almost the whole way to swap cars with Bob.
Peter never fussed... easily said good-bye to Bob and let Grami take him - this morning, all the kids are happy, playing and don't seem to mind being away from Mom at all.
I'll be glad to have them back at the end of the weekend, though! I love them and already miss them.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Dinner's Flight
So I'm making dinner... Gabi choose Chicken and Dumplings - something I love so I certainly wasn't about to turn her down. Noticing that today was a beautiful day, I knew that Bob would want all the daylight I could spare to finish up the wood pile outside (since he has the use of a friend's splitter for a short while). So, good wife that I am, I promptly put off making dinner and pretend it's not even close.
The children wander outside (thus the comment below), and when Peter was done with that and Gabi and I were finally ready to begin our dinner prep, I settled Peter in with a movie. All was well.... out tromps Gabi to the garden to dig up those wonderful fresh veggies for the soup. Meanwhile, I gather the inside ingredients and begin cutting the veggies we had already picked and stored.
All is well... it's a slow process (everything from scratch) and I was in no hurry, so we really took our time. This was great for Gabi as she was able to do most of the putting together by herself.
Well, the daylight begins to fade, the movie runs out of entertainment value, and Peter decides it's time to help move things along. First it's just a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter. (Hey, whatever it takes to tie him over so he's not yelling at me)... then, when I'm in the middle of mixing up the dumplings (which I decided to use the mixer for), Gabi decides she needs to help.
Promptly a chair presents itself and instead of one helpful child I find the chair has two! No big deal. We're still putting the ingredients in and it doesn't look to tasty yet. So I turn back to stir the soup for a minute....
That's when I heard it... a slight whirling sound... I turn and..... OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!! .......dough, unmixed flour and milk, are flying all over the kitchen! Yikes! TURN IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!
There, on the chair, stood my sweet little boy - covered in dough - eyes almost sealed shut with the stuff! For a moment I didn't know if I should stamp my feet and scream, scold him, or laugh.... in the end, I simply told Gabi to take him into the bathroom and clean him up.... that's when I thought of the camera - but, alas, I was too late.... Gabi was too quick to obey!
The children wander outside (thus the comment below), and when Peter was done with that and Gabi and I were finally ready to begin our dinner prep, I settled Peter in with a movie. All was well.... out tromps Gabi to the garden to dig up those wonderful fresh veggies for the soup. Meanwhile, I gather the inside ingredients and begin cutting the veggies we had already picked and stored.
All is well... it's a slow process (everything from scratch) and I was in no hurry, so we really took our time. This was great for Gabi as she was able to do most of the putting together by herself.
Well, the daylight begins to fade, the movie runs out of entertainment value, and Peter decides it's time to help move things along. First it's just a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter. (Hey, whatever it takes to tie him over so he's not yelling at me)... then, when I'm in the middle of mixing up the dumplings (which I decided to use the mixer for), Gabi decides she needs to help.
Promptly a chair presents itself and instead of one helpful child I find the chair has two! No big deal. We're still putting the ingredients in and it doesn't look to tasty yet. So I turn back to stir the soup for a minute....
That's when I heard it... a slight whirling sound... I turn and..... OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!! .......dough, unmixed flour and milk, are flying all over the kitchen! Yikes! TURN IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!
There, on the chair, stood my sweet little boy - covered in dough - eyes almost sealed shut with the stuff! For a moment I didn't know if I should stamp my feet and scream, scold him, or laugh.... in the end, I simply told Gabi to take him into the bathroom and clean him up.... that's when I thought of the camera - but, alas, I was too late.... Gabi was too quick to obey!
Clean or Dirty
"Mom, can we get dirty?"
"Yeah. You can get dirty."
"YAY! We can get dirty!!!!!"
(I had no idea Jeremy needed permission to get dirty outside!)
"Yeah. You can get dirty."
"YAY! We can get dirty!!!!!"
(I had no idea Jeremy needed permission to get dirty outside!)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Fair Experiences
To our great enjoyment, the fair just down the road decided to return - there the larger fair in anothehad been rumors that last year was it's last. Though we've always gone tor town, we decided to try this one instead. I'm not big on crowds and it's only a walk down the road instead of a drive to hunt for parking and then fear that I'll loose the kids.Saturday, after dance, I packed the boys into the double stroller, and all the kids and I walked down to the fair. (Bob had to work) The girls were so excited, as they remembered going on rides last year. When we arrived, I divided the entry money between the girls (one price for the whole family!!) and they eagerly tried to pay the man. He looked us
over, smiled, told me I was brave and that he was only going to charge for me! Saved us $8!As we walked over to the rides (this is the most exciting part for kids - right?) we were entertained by an amazing trash can band. I did not get pictures because of the eagerness of the girls to get to th
e rides - and because I thought I'd have time to after they were done. (I, of course, was wrong). But Gabi, Beth and Jeremy were all able to ride on the kiddie rides. Gabi is still small (I have small kids), so she didn't get to do the big rides yet. Probably next year - if we can take someone along who likes to do that kind of stuff!I was amazed that Peter just sat in the stroller, watching everyone else ride, never complaining, just excited to see the "train" and the "trucks" that the others were riding. The only "trouble" worth noting was when the three were on the "roller coaster" - which Jeremy was uncertain of when it first started, and by the fifth or sixth t
ime around was ready to scream. He only started to fuss a little on the last part of the last round. Though the girls were eager to do it again, Jeremy would not go back to it!After the fun rides, we wandered back over to the little farm ar
ea. The larger fair is much better for animals - although you have to walk through three or four barns to see them all. But this little area was perfect for my young c
hildren. Peter got out of the stroller and was so excited. It seemed his favorite were the geese! He'd pet which ever animals I'd let him, and point, grin and babble at everything that I wouldn't let him touch. Jeremy loved the roosters - wa
lking around and crowing along with them. I loved the doves - a perfect pair of white doves!Since we had time - we wandered along, looking at everything. We stopped and got some popcorn and settled down for a little snack. Half way through that, we noticed the magician was setting up, so we headed back over. When we got there, Professor Paddy Whack was all set to start playing and singing some silly children's songs. The kids really enjoyed that. Peter wasn't too happy with the volume, but as long as I held him, he was content to stare at the strange, loud man. Jeremy was treated to a "balloon banjo" to "play along" - the magician also makes all sorts of balloon shapes and animals. Jeremy was a little confused until I showed him how to work it. Then he wouldn't let anyone else touch it!
As soon as the music ended, we moved into the tent a little further to watch the magic show - which, as we all know, is as much a clowning act as it is tricks! The kids were delighted - though weary from time to time as different people got up to "help out". They soon figured out that it was all fun. Gabi was even chosen to go up for the last trick. She was so excited... and so was I... until I realized my battery had died!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, of course, in my rush to get us all out the door... and wanting to take as lit
tle as possible with us.... I had left the spare battery in the camera case at
home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What as I thinking?!?!?!?!?!?!Oh well.. she had tons of fun! She got to be the one to hold the "magic wand" that, of course, wouldn't stay together! At first, when it fell apart and the magician started asking her what she did, she got all serious and a little "nervous" and started trying to "explain" what happe
ned (she's way too much like her mom) - then she figured out it was part of the show and started laughing so hard she could barely finish helping! She got to make a "bunny" - though the first attempt brought out a green cloth with a picture of a bunny eating a carrot on it out of the black hat. Then she got to tap a box... and out pops a real live rabbit!S
he was so good about not having any pictures... she simply said (after the initial look of disappointment) "That's okay, Mom. We can still blog about it!" (Isn't she sweet!?!)Jeremy had been asking for fireworks since Thursday... so I let the kids stay up late, in the
hopes that we'd actually be able to see them. I didn't want to take the kids back to the fair because I knew Peter just needed to be in bed... 8pm is past his limit! So, at 9:30pm we headed out to the deck to watch for popping lights! Sure enough, they were high enough that we could see them from our front porch! It was wonderful to just watch - not worry about loosing my kids in the dark, to how we were going to get out and get everyone home in one piece! It was a wonderful way to end the night!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Sports Life
Soccer season began two weeks ago. It's not too bad - though all the kids are involved this year. Gabi is playing on the K-2 team again, and this time Bob is coaching! She excited about that, and most of the kids already known him from baseball. They haven't started playing games yet - there has been a lot of trouble trying to get the other rec chairs to help us out in setting up games. But when that all comes together, they will be playing on Saturday mornings. They are even doing a Round Robin Tournament late in October!
The pre-school group was one I was helping with. The original "coach" (if you could call us that) and her family are moving, so I am taking over as the head. That should be interesting since Peter is technically too small to be int he pre-school group. Never -the-less, they are all having fun. It's only one night a week, so it's not bad either.
This week marked the beginning of dance for this year! The girls are ever so excited. Gabi has moved away from Saturdays onto Thursday nights now. She even started pre-jazz (although they won't be doing a jazz dance - so just three dances for her again). She dances for an hour and 45 minutes straight!
All of the kids in Beth's combined 3-4 year old class last year have moved up. Obviously those who are now 5 years old moved to the Kindergarten class, but those who are now 4 are trying it out! So, we decided to do the same. The motivation was not wanting to upset Beth when she realized all her friends were in the other class, as well as having class in the morning instead of through lunch! As far as the dance skills go, she's definately ready. She practices all the time and can even do much of what Gabi does because Gabi teaches her. So I wasn't concerned about that part at all.
Anyway, this morning was the first class for Beth and she did great! Not a single break down (mild or full blown), smiles the whole time. She even readily made new friends with some kids who switched over to her dance studio this year! She's so happy to be dancing again - and especially excited that she'll be doing 3 dances this year instead of 2! She's also dancing for an hour and a half instead of just one hour!
So, the "sports life" begins again! It's crazy (I know, it will get crazier as they get older and the sports take up more time!) but we're enjoying it! It's great to have the kids out and involved!
The pre-school group was one I was helping with. The original "coach" (if you could call us that) and her family are moving, so I am taking over as the head. That should be interesting since Peter is technically too small to be int he pre-school group. Never -the-less, they are all having fun. It's only one night a week, so it's not bad either.
This week marked the beginning of dance for this year! The girls are ever so excited. Gabi has moved away from Saturdays onto Thursday nights now. She even started pre-jazz (although they won't be doing a jazz dance - so just three dances for her again). She dances for an hour and 45 minutes straight!
All of the kids in Beth's combined 3-4 year old class last year have moved up. Obviously those who are now 5 years old moved to the Kindergarten class, but those who are now 4 are trying it out! So, we decided to do the same. The motivation was not wanting to upset Beth when she realized all her friends were in the other class, as well as having class in the morning instead of through lunch! As far as the dance skills go, she's definately ready. She practices all the time and can even do much of what Gabi does because Gabi teaches her. So I wasn't concerned about that part at all.
Anyway, this morning was the first class for Beth and she did great! Not a single break down (mild or full blown), smiles the whole time. She even readily made new friends with some kids who switched over to her dance studio this year! She's so happy to be dancing again - and especially excited that she'll be doing 3 dances this year instead of 2! She's also dancing for an hour and a half instead of just one hour!
So, the "sports life" begins again! It's crazy (I know, it will get crazier as they get older and the sports take up more time!) but we're enjoying it! It's great to have the kids out and involved!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Butterflies
For anyone who has not been following our home school blog, we had found some caterpillars a few weeks ago. We were able to watch them form chrysalids and then waited. Monday we were able to watch them emerge. We even got one on a little movie.
If you're interested in watching it, just got to Fly Away Home. The video is about half way down in the post.
If you're interested in watching it, just got to Fly Away Home. The video is about half way down in the post.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
With His Guiding Hand
Our family has had some interesting and very emotional moments over the year. Some of which some of you know about, many of which no one but us knows about. It's that the way it is in most families?
Anyway, over the last several weeks I've really been struggling - emotionally - and not really being able to figure out what the problem was. I guess it was probably a lot of things - some big, some small, some in between. Never-the-less I was at a moment of "wallowing" in my emotional state. Don't misunderstand me. I wasn't trying to stay in such a draining state, but I didn't have the strength to pull myself out. And I felt I was falling deeper and deeper. Yet some how not really depressed - just emotional.
When I say I was wallowing, I mean that I wasn't allowing myself to move forward. I wasn't working towards a better me. I had become settled in the state that I was in. Not that I liked it, but that's the way it was.
I think we are often finding ourselves in such situations. Maybe not always emotional - I certainly hope not - but content to just be. To accept ourselves and not being willing to move forward to become better and stronger people.
I was blessed to have the experience of my little Peter walking with me in the woods behind the house. Actually, all the kids were with me, but Peter was special. I've always loved how he holds my hand to go with me anywhere. He insists on it, not just letting me take his hand when I feel the need, but insisting that it's necessary.
While we were in the woods, he'd stop and go off to the side of the path, kneel down and start to look at something. He'd immediately glance back up at me to see where I was. Certain that I was still near by, he would go back to studying whatever it was he was looking at.
He would glance back at me often enough that I would never be able to get more then two steps away from him before he'd jump up running toward me with his hand out reached. He'd catch up, grab my hand and slow to a steady walk beside me until I'd stop again. Then he'd go to the edge and explore once more.
In my emotional state, I saw this briefly as a set back. The other kids were already at the end of the first trail waiting for us so we could begin on the loop. But then the thought struck me that he was doing exactly what we all should be doing with the Savior. He wasn't afraid that I would leave him, but he knew that it was safe to be near me. He knew that it was okay, and even good, to explore on his own, with me near-by. But he also knew that when I moved ahead, that meant it was time to move on.
As I pondered this, I came to realize that the Lord was teaching me a very valuable lesson. We've all heard of how we should reach up and the Lord will take us by the hand and lead us. Well, He also allows us to learn, to grow, to explore, to become better. He shows us the way, leading us by the hand. Then He lets go, so we can grow. But He is not content to let us stay becoming stagnant. After a time of exploring, or testing, or becoming better at a certain thing, He takes a few steps forward, beckoning to us that it's time to advance a little further. If we are watching Him always (as we should be), we will take notice and jump up to follow immediately, with outstretched hand ready to hold His hand and let Him guide us to the next place in our lives.
Our Savior never leaves us. He is always near to us. Sometimes He gives us enough room to grow, to become more perfect in a particular area, but He never walks away. He will lead. He will beckon, and He will wrap His hand around our own. He will keep us learning and growing, that we might not become stagnant and loose sight of what matters eternally.
I am grateful for the lessons He teaches us. And grateful for my children who help me to grow, to learn, and to be reminded of important truths. I am especially grateful for the beckon call of my Savior which has helped me to begin to find my footing and move forward.
Anyway, over the last several weeks I've really been struggling - emotionally - and not really being able to figure out what the problem was. I guess it was probably a lot of things - some big, some small, some in between. Never-the-less I was at a moment of "wallowing" in my emotional state. Don't misunderstand me. I wasn't trying to stay in such a draining state, but I didn't have the strength to pull myself out. And I felt I was falling deeper and deeper. Yet some how not really depressed - just emotional.
When I say I was wallowing, I mean that I wasn't allowing myself to move forward. I wasn't working towards a better me. I had become settled in the state that I was in. Not that I liked it, but that's the way it was.
I think we are often finding ourselves in such situations. Maybe not always emotional - I certainly hope not - but content to just be. To accept ourselves and not being willing to move forward to become better and stronger people.
I was blessed to have the experience of my little Peter walking with me in the woods behind the house. Actually, all the kids were with me, but Peter was special. I've always loved how he holds my hand to go with me anywhere. He insists on it, not just letting me take his hand when I feel the need, but insisting that it's necessary.
While we were in the woods, he'd stop and go off to the side of the path, kneel down and start to look at something. He'd immediately glance back up at me to see where I was. Certain that I was still near by, he would go back to studying whatever it was he was looking at.
He would glance back at me often enough that I would never be able to get more then two steps away from him before he'd jump up running toward me with his hand out reached. He'd catch up, grab my hand and slow to a steady walk beside me until I'd stop again. Then he'd go to the edge and explore once more.
In my emotional state, I saw this briefly as a set back. The other kids were already at the end of the first trail waiting for us so we could begin on the loop. But then the thought struck me that he was doing exactly what we all should be doing with the Savior. He wasn't afraid that I would leave him, but he knew that it was safe to be near me. He knew that it was okay, and even good, to explore on his own, with me near-by. But he also knew that when I moved ahead, that meant it was time to move on.
As I pondered this, I came to realize that the Lord was teaching me a very valuable lesson. We've all heard of how we should reach up and the Lord will take us by the hand and lead us. Well, He also allows us to learn, to grow, to explore, to become better. He shows us the way, leading us by the hand. Then He lets go, so we can grow. But He is not content to let us stay becoming stagnant. After a time of exploring, or testing, or becoming better at a certain thing, He takes a few steps forward, beckoning to us that it's time to advance a little further. If we are watching Him always (as we should be), we will take notice and jump up to follow immediately, with outstretched hand ready to hold His hand and let Him guide us to the next place in our lives.
Our Savior never leaves us. He is always near to us. Sometimes He gives us enough room to grow, to become more perfect in a particular area, but He never walks away. He will lead. He will beckon, and He will wrap His hand around our own. He will keep us learning and growing, that we might not become stagnant and loose sight of what matters eternally.
I am grateful for the lessons He teaches us. And grateful for my children who help me to grow, to learn, and to be reminded of important truths. I am especially grateful for the beckon call of my Savior which has helped me to begin to find my footing and move forward.
Barn Swing
One of the great joys of our barn, that we discovered when we first moved in a few years ago, was that of two large barn swings! Th
ey don't get used all that often - or at least they hadn't as the kids weren't really big enough to hold themselves on them.Well, one of the swings was rediscovered this weekend! The kids (at least the older three) love it! I loved the way they got along, taking
turns, and just how peaceful it looks as they'd move back and forth in the barn to just outside the barn door!
Wood
Well, since we heat with wood, that means there is "extra" work to be done in getting ready for winter to come. Bob has spent many afternoons and Saturday morning chopping what he could... by hand! Well, thanks to our home teachers, he now as use of a splitter for the really big stuff... and we'll see what else depending on how fast that goes.Anyway, we had this lovely big pile of wood that was just sitting out, airing, and knew there was a bunch of rain heading our way. That meant it was time to stack it undercover, where it will live until we bring it into the house to burn. This year, we had more hands available
to help out - and since we're trying to teach our children the principle of "hard work", 
yet "fun work", and that we all benefit from what we help with, we got everyone involved. Bob did the most, of course, and the kids were back and forth playing and helping. Peter took a nap, and I, of course, was involved in getting him there and taking care of snack needs and such. Never the less, we all worked well together!
Each of the kids helped by filling the wheelbarrow, then either Bob or myself would run that in. A game was created to see how busy everyone could keep Daddy. So, while he was unloading the wheelbarrow, we'd all bring in more wood to add to what he was staking! Then the kids stopped helping to fill the wheelbarrow (except for Peter) and just kept taking him mor
e wood so that Peter and I could get the wheelbarrow filled back up before Bob r
an out of wood to stack! It didn't always work, but it certainly kept things moving right along.It always feels good to work together and to get things ready for the winter!
A Little Mud - A Lot Of Laughter
So this sounds a bit like Mud Season... although that was just
before / during spring. No, this is kid made.... kid enjoyed!There are few things that I truly hate... dislike, sure... strongly dislike, yeah... .but not typically hate. Well, kids and
mud - that's something I hate.... or at least normally!The other evening my children were going to go play in the kiddie pool. No big deal. Then I see them lugging buckets of water over to the swing set (which is also the play dirt area) and dump
ing it out. Sure enough, they'd create a puddle and then jump up and down la
ughing as the mud splashed all over them. Slightly irritated at first, I then thought "at least they're in swimsuits."When I went out to "watch" the fun, Peter wanted to join in. He was not in a swimsuit, so I promptly s
tripped him down to his diaper... there is just about nothing worse than trying to get mud out of clothes!It was fun to watch their excitement, though! It's that what life is all about?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A Few More Turned Items
Bob has continued to enjoy exploring the different creations he can make. Here are a few more picture of things he's done. The two rolling pins are child size! The kids love them, although he has them on display at the middle school right now.
I love the effect of the "burned rim" on this bowl! It really brings out the rest of the character nicely! He did used the same effect on the handled rolling pin! And on the "odd thing" which doesn't have a name... it's really neat looking, but had started as a rolling pin only to end up with a crack that then took off a huge chunk... someone said he should round it over a little and make it into one of those pestles... or mortar... which ever part that should be! :)
I know the lighting isn't great for some of them... it was late and indoor light just isn't as nice... even with the flash. I also should have put those two on something other then the wood table... oh well... live and learn!
Ward Picnic
Okay, so I'm back tracking... my head has been muddled up quite a bit lately. Don't really know what's going on, but anyway....
Monday (Labor Day) was the annual Ward Picnic. Normally this event is over flowing and never enough chairs. This year turned out to be much smaller... I guess it was the year for people to "picnic" else where. Regardless, we had fun.
As usual, Bob was asked to provide his (seemingly) famous fries! So we packed up early and set out. Fortunately Peter was asleep, and willing to stay that way for a real nap, so I was able to go about helping set things up. What a strange feeling that was! No baby to chase after.
Anyway, the kids were helping Dad with the "fry cutting" and enjoyed themselves... Gabi stayed to continue helping with that. Beth and Jeremy started helping with the tables and chairs... that's not an easy thing for little ones. Jeremy even got
to roll out the big trash cans! And, since chairs are typically an issue, we decided to have a "kids table" this year We brought out the two low tables and all the little kid chairs to go around. Jeremy was especially great with that, he unstacked the chairs and put them around the table!
But, since I was helping with all that, I didn't have my camera on my hip, and therefore didn't get some adorable pictures... but hey, just picture my cute little three year old boy hefting those chairs and grinning all the while! I did get a picture of him "helping" to roll a table back in afterward!
Beth was very inventive! She found a stick and then took her napkin and made herself a flag. She loved to wave it and then spin in circles making it ripple around her!
We had a nice time, and it was great to visit with people... we even made dough boys this time! We just might make those again next year.. I guess we'll just wait and see!
Monday (Labor Day) was the annual Ward Picnic. Normally this event is over flowing and never enough chairs. This year turned out to be much smaller... I guess it was the year for people to "picnic" else where. Regardless, we had fun.
As usual, Bob was asked to provide his (seemingly) famous fries! So we packed up early and set out. Fortunately Peter was asleep, and willing to stay that way for a real nap, so I was able to go about helping set things up. What a strange feeling that was! No baby to chase after.Anyway, the kids were helping Dad with the "fry cutting" and enjoyed themselves... Gabi stayed to continue helping with that. Beth and Jeremy started helping with the tables and chairs... that's not an easy thing for little ones. Jeremy even got
to roll out the big trash cans! And, since chairs are typically an issue, we decided to have a "kids table" this year We brought out the two low tables and all the little kid chairs to go around. Jeremy was especially great with that, he unstacked the chairs and put them around the table!But, since I was helping with all that, I didn't have my camera on my hip, and therefore didn't get some adorable pictures... but hey, just picture my cute little three year old boy hefting those chairs and grinning all the while! I did get a picture of him "helping" to roll a table back in afterward!
Beth was very inventive! She found a stick and then took her napkin and made herself a flag. She loved to wave it and then spin in circles making it ripple around her!We had a nice time, and it was great to visit with people... we even made dough boys this time! We just might make those again next year.. I guess we'll just wait and see!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Stomp Like A Dino
Not long ago the kids watched a Diego movie about Dinosaurs. In it there is a little chant and action thing they do. Well, it has stuck! They all seem to enjoy it, although it's about run it's course with the girls. Peter, however, seems to think any time you stomp your feet or clap your hands it's time to start up!
The last couple of nights he's especially enjoyed it. And in order to do it over again, he had to communicate. It didn't take long for him to do the signs for "more, please" over and over again every time we'd get to the end.
Anyway, we think it's really cute, and we're really glad that he's using signs, so we tried to get a little movie for you all.... we have a cute movie, but you won't see the signing. Peter was too excited to finish performing so he could watch it! You really should see him when he's not performing - the roar is sooooo much better!
The last couple of nights he's especially enjoyed it. And in order to do it over again, he had to communicate. It didn't take long for him to do the signs for "more, please" over and over again every time we'd get to the end.
Anyway, we think it's really cute, and we're really glad that he's using signs, so we tried to get a little movie for you all.... we have a cute movie, but you won't see the signing. Peter was too excited to finish performing so he could watch it! You really should see him when he's not performing - the roar is sooooo much better!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Creative Memories For Sale
If you're interested or know someone who might be, I have some of my Creative Memories Supplies (which I'm selling off- making room for home schooling) able to be viewed at the link below. Take a look, or send someone over.
CM For Sale
CM For Sale
Some Cute Sayings
We had a church picnic today. Yesterday, while visiting with our friend Terri, Bethie says:
"We're having a picnic tomorrow. Do you want to come to our picnic?"
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Jeremy: "The rocky road, that we call the bumpy road, is a dirt road."
"We're having a picnic tomorrow. Do you want to come to our picnic?"
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Jeremy: "The rocky road, that we call the bumpy road, is a dirt road."
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