Well, I’ve wanted to write a “what we did” and “what we got” Christmas post, because I’ve been reading lots of posts like that and they’re fun. But truth be told, mine will be pretty darn boring next to everyone else’s. We’ve got no family out here so it was just us. We had our special dinner on Christmas eve. Hubby made a glorious ham (I’m talking ham that ham haters have loved). He glazes it with mustard and brown sugar and slow cooks it and it is sooooo good. We had homemade scalloped ...
There’s a reason I don’t put presents under the tree until a couple days before Christmas. I have discovered that Ethan takes after his father. Hubby loves to wonder about what might be inside any nicely wrapped present with his name on it. He wonders whilst he sizes up the package. He wonders whilst he gives the package a little shake. He wonders whilst he presses the wrapping paper against the package, hoping to see wording or other clues through the paper. Today was the day of wrapping ...
I think I have a fairly decent pain threshold. I played roller hockey with my brother and his friends as a teen and proudly displayed the bruises and welts I received. I played High School Basketball and got knocked about plenty as one of the shortest players on the court. I birthed a 9 pound 15 ounce baby with a failed epidural and lived to tell the tale. It’s not so much pain that I fear. It’s the absence of pain. The absence of feeling. Just like the kind you get when the dentist gives ...
In which Summer discovers she has a parasite Waa-waaaaaaaaa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! (Mommy, I’m awake from my nap, come get me) Waa-waaaaaaaaa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! (Who cares about the sopping diaper! Pick me back up!) Waa-waaaaaaaaa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! (You’re putting me down to spoon feed me and my gurgling tummy?!?!?!?!?) Waa-waaaaaaaaa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waa-waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! (You turned your back on me for ...
Ethan decided to go shirtless around the house after church today. I didn’t notice for a while until he came and stood by me at the piano. His skin was blotched with purple and the following conversation ensued: Me: “Your skin is blotched with cold. Go get a shirt on, buddy.” Ethan: ” But I’m not cold!” Me: “Yes you are. Your skin says it all.” Ethan: “I don’t hear it.” Then pointing to his tummy, “Look, it doesn’t have any mouths ...
Last night, shortly before bed, Caleb was enjoying a bowl of popcorn with his Hi-5 DVD when suddenly we heard: Caleb: “AAAAGGHHHH!” Hubby: “What is it buddy?” Caleb: “My teefs! Paw-corn’s stuck!” Hubby: “Show me where.” Caleb pointed to the offending popcorn kernel stuck between two of his “teef” and hyperventilated while daddy went to grab a tooth pick to get it out. Hubby: “Say ...
I came home exhausted last night, vowing never to try getting professional pictures taken of the kids again. It all started at Walmart. They’re inexpensive and I just wanted one nice picture package of my 3 children together. I should have known the first time we tried that it was not to be. We entered Walmart at around noon. The kids were dressed in church attire, well fed and ready to go. We had been sick all weekend, which is why Ethan was home from school, but I felt the children were ...
I awake to the tinkling of raindrops against my window. I see the trees, their bark a drenched, dark brown. The autumn leaves are more vibrant when wet. Clear drops of water cling to their undersides, until a falling drop shakes it off, replacing it. I turn away from the window and look at the baby sleeping next to me. Each inhalation is accompanied by snorting sounds and a tiny snot bubble popping out of one nostril. Placing my hand gently on her forehead, I smile to feel that her temperature ...
Does anyone know how long it takes for permanent marker to come off of skin? Because in the one minute time span I left Vanessa with Ethan to get a diaper the other day, I found him with a Sharpie and the beginnings of what might have been great art, drawn onto her head. It has now been three days and washing and time have not dimmed it’s obvious presence. In other news, I forgot to mention in my previous post the 4 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper I found yesterday morning, unrolled ...
It was 6:30 a.m. The boys were wide awake as usual, slamming doors, playing their SpongeBob CD at top volume, all without thought of the sleeping baby that jerked in her sleep at each loud noise. I lay in bed in the state between awake enough to know I should do something about it and too tired to try. So I waited until little coos told me that the baby had woken up. She greeted me with sleepy eyes and a huge smile. I picked her up, and I very hesitantly opened my bedroom door. The hallway ...
Once a year, our church has a sacrament meeting program put on by the children in our church. Today was that day. Hubby, Vanessa and I sat in our pew while Ethan and Caleb sat up front with their Sunday school classmates and teachers. The children took turns reciting memorized lines about various aspects of the gospel: family, church, Jesus, etc. And interspersed were sweet little voices singing songs that had been learned in Primary (children’s sunday school) over the last month. I loved ...
Twas the day after Halloween and all through the place Goofy grins were plastered on every kids face. The sweet smell of candy pervaded the air Wrappers lay strewn through the house everywhere. The kids flew from room to room bouncing and twirling While mom in her jammies, thought about hurling. She held her poor head, tried to block out the light She should not have snuck so much candy last night. But the Runts and the Nerds and the Smarties so yummy! Stop after just one? Not so said her ...
So I got some great suggestions about Potty Training recently . I combined a few of the ideas and implemented a plan of action immediately. I took Caleb's diaper away and put him in some of big brother’s underwear. Then I watched him like a hawk. He still ended up peeing on himself and was rather upset about the wetness dripping down his legs. So I told him if he didn’t want to feel that he was going to have to pee on the potty. He whined for his diaper but I stood firm. He told me later ...
Have you ever avoided posting personal content on your blog because you thought you might sound like something of a downer? That would be me this week. I can’t pin down any exact causes, it just seems to be everything and I’ve avoided posting anything about it, because I didn’t want to scare anyone off with a doom and gloom attitude. But Kailani asked a question for her Aloha Friday meme today that really got me thinking. She asked, Why do you blog? I put down something about a means ...
Hubby made us some nice juicy hamburgers for dinner last night. After the table was set and the food placed thereon we gathered around to bless the food. Caleb realized in excitement it was time for prayer and raised his hand shouting, “I say it! I say it!” “Okay son, say the prayer,” said Hubby, “and don’t forget to bless the food.” “Otay!” This is what followed: “Dear Hebby Fodder, *mumble mumble mumble*…and tanka for a Daddy’s Krabby Patty, an a Mommy’s Krabby Patty, *more mumbling* ...
I had a birthday recently and I slept in till 8:30 a.m.! Yeah, that’s sleeping in around here. Sad, isn’t it? And when I awoke the smell of fried potatoes was drifting into my room. The boys both came in about then and yelled Happy Birthday and proceeded to ask me questions like, “When is your party?” “Are you making a cake?” and “Can you buy me a present for your birthday?” Yes, it is true that the more birthdays I have, the less I feel like they are really about me. I’d just as soon ...
Vanessa is now 5 1/2 months old. I can’t believe it. I savored every second of her newborn age. I remember deeply inhaling her intoxicating newborn scent every time I held her close. I loved the feel of her floppy body, perfectly molded against my chest as she slept. I giggled at each grunt and squeak and toot she made as she awoke every morning, soaking her mattress in slobber as she desperately tried to latch onto her mattress. And now all of that is gone. Well, she still toots every ...
When my 5 year old son comes to me with a question, I usually give him one of three answers: “NO!”, “Go ask your father” or “I don’t know”. He’ll usually accept either of the first two answers well enough, but the third is an answer he doesn’t like at all. It does not satisfy his plea. It says to him, you’ll have to wait a little longer to find out. And the boy does not do well with waiting, for anything. Especially when he knows I must already know what decisive answer I am going ...
A Birth Story – Excerpts from a journal entry about the birth of Ethan “Yesterday became one of the most momentous days of my life. I was awakened at 10:30 a.m. by a cramping sensation. I figured if I relieved myself it would go away. It did, but 10 minutes later it returned. I began timing the return of these sensations and realized I was in the early stage of labor. …At around 1 pm my contractions started coming no longer than 5 minutes apart. I had a doctors appointment scheduled ...
Earlier this morning Ethan: Mom, Pinkie is floating at the top of the fish tank. Me: (in a comforting tone) Oh…well, Pinkie died sweetie. His spirit went up to Heaven. But he was a really old fish and I’m sure he’s happier now okay? Ethan: Oh. Hey, can I help flush him down the toilet? ...
….the delivery man comes to the door and the 4 year old yells, “Yeah! Pizza time!” and proceeds to scarf down one whole piece of pizza, when previously, he has never touched the stuff. ….he responds when you call him Michaelangelo, even better than he does to his own name. ….the jump rope, his sandals, the play station controller, his belt and the detachable cd player cord have all been used at different times as Nunchucks. ….his ninja turtle figures must accompany him on all outings, ...
I tucked the boys into bed tonight, after a story and several hugs and kisses. As always, I check on them several times before I retire, to give them additional kisses, make sure their limbs aren’t hanging off their beds and to adjust the covers. Not a peep had been made since tucking them in so I entered their room thinking I would find them sound asleep. Ethan lay sprawled across his bed snoring lightly, and then my eyes drifted over to Caleb's bed. Where is my son?!? I thought frantically. ...
*names have been changed There is a giant range of experiences we can have in life. They are of course either good or bad, and they affect the kind of person we grow into to. For me, it often seems easier to focus on the troubles I’ve had. But I have begun to see that with the trouble, come great opportunities for learning and growth. Troubles also generally come with little miracles. Things that are small, but just big enough to give hope or confidence in taking another step out ...
I discovered the value of journal writing as a teenager. It felt so freeing to be able to scribble raw emotion onto the pages within. But besides a stress release, and a way to reason through my feelings, these writings have proven invaluable to me as I’ve looked back through them. Experiences and feelings I had forgotten, have provided the knowledge that I survived those struggles once, which gives me hope that I can do it again. Some of my entries also provide me a good laugh. Some ...
“Go and play your video game,” says Nice Mama to her sons. “I’m going to clean your room for you today.” “Oh cool! Thanks,” says one son, giving mama a hug, “You’re a nice Mama.” What he doesn’t realize is that Nice Mama, is really, Mama with Ulterior Motive, in disguise. She smiles as she sends them on their merry way, 13 gallon trash bag clenched in the fist behind her back. She walks backwards down the hall, into their bedroom and bolts the door. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! The day ...
I remember wondering if my parents were brave or just crazy when they told us we would be going on a two week vacation in an RV rental. I was 15 at the time, a bossy mother hen to 4 younger siblings. We weren’t always friends, the five of us. The two youngest, Chase and Randi fought every single day. They seemed to love it, doing things to irk one another, picking fights for no apparent reason. Clint was quick to choose a side and join in the commotion. The fights always ended in yelling, ...
Crayon in hand, Caleb fidgets in his chair, trying to pay attention to the workbook in front of him. He knows what mommy wants him to do, he really does want to listen, but it’s just so hard being four. “Which of these pictures, is diff-er-ent?” I ask him, pointing to the row of cars He looks at me, obviously confused. I try a different approach “What color is this one?” “WED!” he shouts “And this one?” “WED!” “And this one?” “Bwoo” “So this one is different, right?” “I ...
I hope I’m not the only mother out there who has those days. Days where the fighting and the whining and the yelling between sibliings all culminate in mom joining the turmoil and everyone ending up in tears. I had one of those days yesterday. It happened to be in the car. A spat over sharing chicken nuggets and french fries ended up with our car in the nearest parking lot, mom yelling, food confiscated and everyone crying. I shakily picked up the cell phone and called my husband. “I ...
I am driving the car. The flood water is rising. How will I make it through? The rain pounding on the windshield is blinding. Suddenly, a break in the rain brings to view a car, hood smashed right in front of me. I swerve to avoid it. People are surrounding the crash, trying to help the victims get to higher ground. The water is still rising. I’m going to drown. My eyes spring open, my body jolts upright. Just a dream. A flurry of dreams. The last one actually better than some ...
I’m speaking Ewokese, I think I’m speaking Ewokese, I really think so Ah, boys and Star Wars and toy light sabers. I think I’ve finally had enough of ‘em around here. In case you didn’t know, my boys love Star Wars. And they don’t just watch Star Wars anymore. They’ve discovered the joy of pausing their favorite action sequences over and over and over. They’ve discovered the joy of acting out certain movie scenes as they play. Light sabers in hand Ethan and Caleb act out every little ...
If you’re a mom, you have more than likely heard the title statement. And as a mom you’ve made a choice, to either breastfeed/ebf or formula feed. Now granted, I believe breastmilk is the best food for baby. It’s how God engineered feeding to be. He created boobs, not formula, BUT I don’t believe this makes formula a wrong choice. I entered the mothering world thinking that there was a right choice and a wrong choice in feeding. But that’s just not how it is. Formula may not be ...
….and I’m happy about it. For Mother Cheeks soft from years of tears The rolling drops, relieving fears Tired eyes, creased with pain Giving much with naught to gain. Body weak, from running too fast Your own welfare, you put last. A life you wished for, you made sure I had My thanks was indifference, your soul became sad. Oh mother forgive my iniquitous slack. Forgive me for pointing out all that you lack. I hope it’s not too late to show that I care, To walk in your footsteps, your mantle ...
A series of conversations that took place in our household this morning Me: Boys, time to go pick up your bedroom Boys: Okaaaaay mom A little while later Ethan and Caleb run out to me Caleb: Bedwoom aw kwean!! Me: Honey, will you go see if their bedroom is really clean? Hubby proceeds to follow excitedly chattering boys into back bedroom. He re-emerges a moment later Hubby: Well, it’s about as clean as you can expect. There are some toys shoved under the crib…*interrupted by Ethan Ethan: ...
3104 Jackie Court I still have the address of my beloved childhood home memorized. More than an address, it was a place where memories were created that I will always hold dear. And it was a place where I learned some of life’s greatest lessons. Tiny frogs inhabited a large plant in our front yard. I remember catching them and feeling the warm trickle of frightened froggie pee in my hand. I remember examining the leaves of this same bush for slimy snail trails. I loved to watch the snails ...
I remember once, before I had children, watching mothers adoring their messy faced little babies and thinking, “Eeeew, I’m never going to kiss my baby’s slobber, or pick boogers out of my babies nose.” I bet you mother’s are laughing at me. Because you know I love to get drooled on now, or that I just can’t leave my helpless baby sucking a dangling booger in and out of her nose over and over. She’s staring at me right now from her bouncy seat, spit bubbles dripping down her chin. She’s ...
Brazilian Limeade * courtesy of my husband who lived in Brazil for two years 3 cups water 1/2 cup ice 2 medium limes, whole 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk 1.Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth 2. Taste and add more sugar if needed. 2. Drink immediately. Do not store in the fridge. If stored, the drink will become very bitter due to the lime peel withi ...
So I had gotten on here to write a blurb about a happy time making blueberry pie with my kiddos just 40 minutes ago. I was thinking pleasant thoughts about the color of blueberries, my childrens eagerness to help pour in each ingredient and roll out the pie crust, how wonderful it is to bake and cook with your kids, and how we should all take some time now and again to make food the old fashioned way, when suddenly my nose detected a scent. Is that…smoke? I turned my head from the computer ...
I have many reasons for staying at home with my kids. When I say “at home” I don’t just mean the fact that I do not work. I mean staying inside. There are days, many days, that I do not want to leave the house with three children. But I strongly believe children need plenty of sunshine and outdoor play time and since we are apartment dwellers without a yard, I must take them out to play. Playtime is the least of my troubles. Trying to shop with three children? That’s a whole other ball ...
Upon arriving at a friends house: Count Dooku: Mom, what’s the yellow sign? Me: Looks like they’ve sprayed for bugs, so be sure not to walk on the grass okay? Count Dooku: Okay after getting out of the car Count Dooku: Obi-Wan, no!!! Don’t walk on the grass! There are skunks hiding in it and they’ll spray you! Something was obviously lost in translatio ...
Oh, how often I hear that phrase in a day.
We seem to go through stages of activity and lesser activity. For me, lesser activity = relaxation, for kids it = boredom and thenceforth the need to have mom entertain in some manner.
A constant endeavor of mine is to come up with some mom free entertainment that doesn’t involve placing the kids in front of the TV or computer.
Here are some activity ideas that don’t require constant mom involvement.
1. It’s berry picking season. Two of my favorite berries, blackberries and blueberries are about ready for the picking. If you live near a pick your own farm, plan an outing. Take a picnic blanket, pack a lunch, bring some baskets, sunscreen and a book and let the kids pick berries while you read your book on your blanket.
Most pick your own farms will have many very long rows of berry bushes making it easy to restrict your children to one row for a long time and keep an eye on them.
2. Have any woodland trails nearby that perhaps lead to a small stream? Again, pack whatever you need and when you get to your destination, set up and enjoy nature while the children wade in the stream chasing bugs and fish.
Local Nature Centers will often have woodland trails and perhaps a little museum for you to explore or animals to see before you begin your hike.
3. Go to the pool. I always have a great time relaxing and playing with my kids at a swimming pool. Open swim hours are available at many recreation centers as well as lessons. If you prefer not to swim, you can just watch your kids learn to swim.
If you can’t afford the local Rec. Center and don’t have any other pool to swim at you can always buy a kiddie pool for the backyard or balcony for the kids to splash around in. Don’t like the kiddie pool idea? What about water guns? Or send the kids out with an electric bubble blower.
4. Kids don’t nap anymore? Designate their former nap time as quiet time. A time where they are to stay in their rooms playing quietly or looking at books. To help keep them entertained you could check out library books every couple of weeks, and rotate giving them a couple new books to look at during each quiet time.
5.Make playdough. It is so relaxing for me to knead dough of any kind. And the kids will be entertained in making it and then playing with it.
Basic Tips:
*I find when my kids get to make something they’re going to play with, they usually enjoy playing with it much more. Items like Playdough and fingerpaints can be made quickly and inexpensively.
*One trick to keeping kids entertained is to keep things fresh and new. Rotate through activities throughout the week. Playdough every day will get old real fast, but once a week is special and they’ll want to play with it longer.
* Take the time to waste time. Plan bigger activities on days when you have no place to be. Once you get there, don’t watch the clock. Saunter on that woodland hike. Read until the kids tell you they’re tired of picking berries. It’s great to realize that a three hour chunk of your day has suddenly gone by.
We seem to go through stages of activity and lesser activity. For me, lesser activity = relaxation, for kids it = boredom and thenceforth the need to have mom entertain in some manner.
A constant endeavor of mine is to come up with some mom free entertainment that doesn’t involve placing the kids in front of the TV or computer.
Here are some activity ideas that don’t require constant mom involvement.
1. It’s berry picking season. Two of my favorite berries, blackberries and blueberries are about ready for the picking. If you live near a pick your own farm, plan an outing. Take a picnic blanket, pack a lunch, bring some baskets, sunscreen and a book and let the kids pick berries while you read your book on your blanket.
Most pick your own farms will have many very long rows of berry bushes making it easy to restrict your children to one row for a long time and keep an eye on them.
2. Have any woodland trails nearby that perhaps lead to a small stream? Again, pack whatever you need and when you get to your destination, set up and enjoy nature while the children wade in the stream chasing bugs and fish.
Local Nature Centers will often have woodland trails and perhaps a little museum for you to explore or animals to see before you begin your hike.
3. Go to the pool. I always have a great time relaxing and playing with my kids at a swimming pool. Open swim hours are available at many recreation centers as well as lessons. If you prefer not to swim, you can just watch your kids learn to swim.
If you can’t afford the local Rec. Center and don’t have any other pool to swim at you can always buy a kiddie pool for the backyard or balcony for the kids to splash around in. Don’t like the kiddie pool idea? What about water guns? Or send the kids out with an electric bubble blower.
4. Kids don’t nap anymore? Designate their former nap time as quiet time. A time where they are to stay in their rooms playing quietly or looking at books. To help keep them entertained you could check out library books every couple of weeks, and rotate giving them a couple new books to look at during each quiet time.
5.Make playdough. It is so relaxing for me to knead dough of any kind. And the kids will be entertained in making it and then playing with it.
Basic Tips:
*I find when my kids get to make something they’re going to play with, they usually enjoy playing with it much more. Items like Playdough and fingerpaints can be made quickly and inexpensively.
*One trick to keeping kids entertained is to keep things fresh and new. Rotate through activities throughout the week. Playdough every day will get old real fast, but once a week is special and they’ll want to play with it longer.
* Take the time to waste time. Plan bigger activities on days when you have no place to be. Once you get there, don’t watch the clock. Saunter on that woodland hike. Read until the kids tell you they’re tired of picking berries. It’s great to realize that a three hour chunk of your day has suddenly gone by.
Forget gray hair, I’m going to have no hair by the time I get done raising my kids. I remember being newly married and so excited to start my family. I wanted a baby right away. Thirteen months later I got my wish. As I held my sweet little son in my arms I fell instantly in love. I couldn’t wait to change his diaper, watch him crawl, see him walk, hear him talk and grow in so many other ways. WHOA! Wait a minute!! Grow?!? He’s going to grow up. The realization hit me like a brick. I knew ...
A few months back I dropped my 5 year old son and 3 year old son off at a friends house while I went to see the doctor. After I returned I asked the usual, “How were they?” My friend told me they were great and then asked me if they always got so involved in imaginary play. I asked her exactly what she meant and she told the following story: Ethan and Caleb were playing in a little kids tent that this family owns.Caleb (3), used some imaginary keys to unlock some imaginary windows and ...
I’ve always been big into Christmas decorating. I took over the decorating of the house for my parents when I was 14. My dad supplied the ladder and in early December I could be found on top of the roof stringing the lights, taping lights in every window in the house and threading them through tree branches. I can’t wait to have a house to decorate the outside of again. For now I make due with decorating the interior of our little apartment. Today I set up the nativity set and hung lights ...
