+
1
=
4
June 2012
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Oh, hello again
And just like that it's June. And not just June, it's past mid-June. So sorry for the absence. We've been up to lots of normal things, and some not so normal things. Charlie has some serious food allergies. And some asthma. We're adjusting. I just cleaned out my entire freezer and moved everything to the freezer in the garage, because the inside freezer is no longer freezing. I also threw away a bunch of produce that was frozen in my crisper drawers. A whole lot of fun for a Saturday night. I turned 29 this week. It was a nice day with family and friends, but I think our birthday date is rain-checked until anniversary time, and that's fine with me. Things are just busy. Usually summer doesn't feel this way, but it's off to the races during June. I'm looking forward to a nice quiet July.
I'm thinking about blogging only over at Bee instead of trying to maintain both blogs. Would you make the move with me if I gave things up around here? I'm sure it seems like I already have, but I'm trying to decide if I even want to make an effort with both or just focus my efforts on one. Feel free to weigh in. Hope your summer is off to a lazy start full of frozen treats (that stays frozen) and family fun.
I'm thinking about blogging only over at Bee instead of trying to maintain both blogs. Would you make the move with me if I gave things up around here? I'm sure it seems like I already have, but I'm trying to decide if I even want to make an effort with both or just focus my efforts on one. Feel free to weigh in. Hope your summer is off to a lazy start full of frozen treats (that stays frozen) and family fun.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sorry, April
April didn't even get a mention from me here. So sorry. I can pretty much sum it up by saying Pat worked a lot. The end. Seriously, 70-85 hour weeks were the norm for the month, and it was hard. But, we made it through, and hopefully things will be improving. Today he made it home at 8:15- that's improvement!
In other news, my kids are growing up a lot lately. Addie has been particularly helpful without Pat around, and also very compassionate. She's made me inspirational posters, written me nice notes, and been a great playmate to Sam. I don't think I would have made it through the last month without her, and I so appreciate her sensitivity to me. I also can't believe that we're almost at the end of kindergarten. Picturing not having her around all day next year is enough to put me in tears, so I'm trying to soak up the rest of half-day school and plans for a laid back summer. Addie received the first three Ivy and Bean books for Easter and read them all that weekend. She's a voracious reader, especially when she has books she's interested in. I'm hoping to start her in piano soon, but until I get my act together I should make time to sit down and work with her. I think it will be such a good thing for her to channel her efforts into.
Sam is still trying me regularly, but also making me laugh daily. I would love to just follow him around all day writing down everything he says. Last night he prayed that we wouldn't be captured. Today he told me that it's not good for people to switch brains. He also informed me recently that I shouldn't brush my hair too much because then it would be spiky and girls shouldn't have spiky hair. And I should never fill the bathtub too full because if I do, it could explode, and he doesn't want the bathtub to explode. I would love to see how his brain works. At preschool a couple weeks ago he told his friend Morgan who was the spotlight kid aka "zookeeper" that he would be her zookeeper gentleman that day, and he pulled out her chair for her and pushed it in after she sat down when it was time to go to the table. He can be so nice and polite when he chooses to be. He is anxious to spend more time outside, and is far too independent for his own good. A recent fight between the two of us involved his desire to stay home by himself. I told him it wasn't legal until he was 10. Then he asked me how many more days until he was 10.
Last week Charlie finally started walking more, and I think over the weekend we have turned the corner to full time walking. He is 17 months today, so I suppose it's right on time. ;) He loves to read books and he's started singing lately. Yesterday he found the end page of our "Down by the Bay" storybook that has the music on it so you can play the song. He came in to the piano and started singing and spinning around. It was pretty much adorable. Over the last month we've also discovered some more allergy issues Charlie has with a scary visit to the hospital because he was having difficulty breathing after eating a very egg-y German pancake. Now that he has finished the steroids and antibiotics, he's back to rash-covered skin, and I'm worried about what might be the next food to be eliminated. We will meet with the allergist the end of June to figure out where things are at, so hopefully we won't have any major reactions until then.
And there we are, all caught up. Just living the life around here, excited for the summer to come. Hope to check in again soon!
In other news, my kids are growing up a lot lately. Addie has been particularly helpful without Pat around, and also very compassionate. She's made me inspirational posters, written me nice notes, and been a great playmate to Sam. I don't think I would have made it through the last month without her, and I so appreciate her sensitivity to me. I also can't believe that we're almost at the end of kindergarten. Picturing not having her around all day next year is enough to put me in tears, so I'm trying to soak up the rest of half-day school and plans for a laid back summer. Addie received the first three Ivy and Bean books for Easter and read them all that weekend. She's a voracious reader, especially when she has books she's interested in. I'm hoping to start her in piano soon, but until I get my act together I should make time to sit down and work with her. I think it will be such a good thing for her to channel her efforts into.
Sam is still trying me regularly, but also making me laugh daily. I would love to just follow him around all day writing down everything he says. Last night he prayed that we wouldn't be captured. Today he told me that it's not good for people to switch brains. He also informed me recently that I shouldn't brush my hair too much because then it would be spiky and girls shouldn't have spiky hair. And I should never fill the bathtub too full because if I do, it could explode, and he doesn't want the bathtub to explode. I would love to see how his brain works. At preschool a couple weeks ago he told his friend Morgan who was the spotlight kid aka "zookeeper" that he would be her zookeeper gentleman that day, and he pulled out her chair for her and pushed it in after she sat down when it was time to go to the table. He can be so nice and polite when he chooses to be. He is anxious to spend more time outside, and is far too independent for his own good. A recent fight between the two of us involved his desire to stay home by himself. I told him it wasn't legal until he was 10. Then he asked me how many more days until he was 10.
Last week Charlie finally started walking more, and I think over the weekend we have turned the corner to full time walking. He is 17 months today, so I suppose it's right on time. ;) He loves to read books and he's started singing lately. Yesterday he found the end page of our "Down by the Bay" storybook that has the music on it so you can play the song. He came in to the piano and started singing and spinning around. It was pretty much adorable. Over the last month we've also discovered some more allergy issues Charlie has with a scary visit to the hospital because he was having difficulty breathing after eating a very egg-y German pancake. Now that he has finished the steroids and antibiotics, he's back to rash-covered skin, and I'm worried about what might be the next food to be eliminated. We will meet with the allergist the end of June to figure out where things are at, so hopefully we won't have any major reactions until then.
And there we are, all caught up. Just living the life around here, excited for the summer to come. Hope to check in again soon!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Some updates
Updates about my kids, because that's what family blogs are good for, right? Let's start with Charlie.
He is still a joy, and learning a few new words every week. It makes up for the fact that he's still not walking. He made his first joke on Thursday. I got him out of bed that morning and greeted him with my normal indoctrination, "binkies are for bed," and tossed his binky back into his crib. He looked at me and said, "Don't throw," a phrase he hears often during meals, and then chuckled with sparkly eyes waiting for my response. Sam is very showy in his hilarity, but Charlie is understated and I love it. Some other words he can currently say, "Sa-sa" for Sam, "Ada" for Addie, Mama, Dada, Papa, Elmo, awesome, more, blow, shh, uh-oh, car, home, Nonna, Grandma, bye-bye, go (or as he says it, go-go-go), hi-ya, and I'm sure there are a few more I can't think of. He is still completely enamored with Pat's dad, and when I ask him "are you mama's boy?" he looks at me and grins and says Papa. Those two are quite the pair.
Sam is currently just trying to be awesome. Today he wore a get-up of his "swimming gobbles" along with his baseball cap and looked hilarious. He constantly talks about Star Wars characters and likes to talk about all of the characters with their families. For example, he loves to play "the Han family" with Charlie where he refers to Charlie as baby Han and he is Daddy Han. He is also currently obsessed with having his own family someday. He talks about his future wife with phrases like "someday when I have my own muzzah" for his family, and it's hilarious. He is very interested in growing up and what it will be like and asks many questions, for example, a few days ago he needed to know how many more days until he is 17. And then he needed to know what he would do when he's 17. I told him he'd probably go on dates and have a little job so he had money to go on dates, maybe selling hamburgers. He replied, "that would be weird if I was a hamburger guy." He is already very focused on when he can learn to drive a car. He wonders what growing up is like, but sheesh, he's doing it more everyday.
Addie is becoming more and more of a reader. She is in the stage where she seeks out reading as recreation and is hard to interrupt when in the pages of a book. She is becoming more and more comfortable with friends, but I'm kind of lazy in the play-date department and really need to improve at letting her have friends over. Her writing is really fun to read. She loves "The Friend" magazine we get, so the other day she made her own version called "The Family." It was complete with some of her favorite features in "The Friend" like hidden pictures and some short stories. On the front she drew a picture of our family and she didn't draw any hair on top of Pat's head. The poor guy is learning about his progressing baldness from our daughter's pictures of him. It was pretty funny.
Ah, these three. They keep me on my toes, that is for sure.
I need to check in more around here, but it's hard to find the balance of both blogs. It will come, I'm sure.
He is still a joy, and learning a few new words every week. It makes up for the fact that he's still not walking. He made his first joke on Thursday. I got him out of bed that morning and greeted him with my normal indoctrination, "binkies are for bed," and tossed his binky back into his crib. He looked at me and said, "Don't throw," a phrase he hears often during meals, and then chuckled with sparkly eyes waiting for my response. Sam is very showy in his hilarity, but Charlie is understated and I love it. Some other words he can currently say, "Sa-sa" for Sam, "Ada" for Addie, Mama, Dada, Papa, Elmo, awesome, more, blow, shh, uh-oh, car, home, Nonna, Grandma, bye-bye, go (or as he says it, go-go-go), hi-ya, and I'm sure there are a few more I can't think of. He is still completely enamored with Pat's dad, and when I ask him "are you mama's boy?" he looks at me and grins and says Papa. Those two are quite the pair.
Sam is currently just trying to be awesome. Today he wore a get-up of his "swimming gobbles" along with his baseball cap and looked hilarious. He constantly talks about Star Wars characters and likes to talk about all of the characters with their families. For example, he loves to play "the Han family" with Charlie where he refers to Charlie as baby Han and he is Daddy Han. He is also currently obsessed with having his own family someday. He talks about his future wife with phrases like "someday when I have my own muzzah" for his family, and it's hilarious. He is very interested in growing up and what it will be like and asks many questions, for example, a few days ago he needed to know how many more days until he is 17. And then he needed to know what he would do when he's 17. I told him he'd probably go on dates and have a little job so he had money to go on dates, maybe selling hamburgers. He replied, "that would be weird if I was a hamburger guy." He is already very focused on when he can learn to drive a car. He wonders what growing up is like, but sheesh, he's doing it more everyday.
Addie is becoming more and more of a reader. She is in the stage where she seeks out reading as recreation and is hard to interrupt when in the pages of a book. She is becoming more and more comfortable with friends, but I'm kind of lazy in the play-date department and really need to improve at letting her have friends over. Her writing is really fun to read. She loves "The Friend" magazine we get, so the other day she made her own version called "The Family." It was complete with some of her favorite features in "The Friend" like hidden pictures and some short stories. On the front she drew a picture of our family and she didn't draw any hair on top of Pat's head. The poor guy is learning about his progressing baldness from our daughter's pictures of him. It was pretty funny.
Ah, these three. They keep me on my toes, that is for sure.
I need to check in more around here, but it's hard to find the balance of both blogs. It will come, I'm sure.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Toothless Wonder
Obviously, I'm yet to find the balance between the two blogs. Heck, balancing one is hard enough. This is the place for all things family, so it's not going anywhere, but I do hope I can make time to post about our comings and goings.
The big news around here is that Addie lost her first tooth on Friday. Pat and I went on a date and came home to this.
I was a little relieved that Chrissy got the job done while we were out. It had been dangling for a few days, but I guess a family trait has made the tooth roots extra long and requiring more of a tug then I was willing to give. She has loved the tooth fairy routine and all that comes with it, and she's very excited to smile at anyone who may notice the change.
We tried taking Charlie's binky away this weekend. It was a big fail. That boy is really cute.
Sam is busy playing lego's and begging for screen time. Always.
I'm in the same routine as most mom's right now- wishing for spring!
The big news around here is that Addie lost her first tooth on Friday. Pat and I went on a date and came home to this.
We tried taking Charlie's binky away this weekend. It was a big fail. That boy is really cute.
Sam is busy playing lego's and begging for screen time. Always.
I'm in the same routine as most mom's right now- wishing for spring!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Week in Review
Pat has been out of town since Sunday night. Gratefully, he gets home tonight. In the mean time, here's what we've been up to this week.
-Charlie fell out of his crib. He chipped a tooth, skinned his nose, and got rug burn on his forehead. He's a trooper and doesn't seem to be too affected.
-Sam and Addie are both very ready for Pat to come home. Tears have been close to the surface for the past few days. His crazy work schedule last week plus being out of town this week definitely adds up to not enough dad time, and it's becoming really obvious in their behavior. I'm trying to be extra understanding today because we're really all just done.
-Today I went to Addie's classroom to volunteer. As I went through different skills with each student, one thing they were working on was saying the pledge of allegiance. I kept getting teary-eyed listening to their cute voices say the pledge.
-Things are moving along with the new blog. Local friends definitely need to stop by- I should have a great give away posted soon.
-Charlie has been really cute with his words lately. I probably should've just given that boy his own post. He can say Papa and Nonna, much to Pat's parents delight. Yesterday Sam and Charlie were both having oatmeal for breakfast. Sam was whining because his was hot. Charlie looked at him and said, "bo" and then started blowing. Then he got on a roll and asked for more and said several other words during breakfast. It's fun to have him start talking more.
-Pat gave Sam a talk about being man of the house before he left. He told Sam it meant giving tickles to everyone. I think Sam took it to mean sleeping in my bed. Oy.
-I had great dreams of productivity this week, but didn't accomplish nearly as much as I wanted to. I felt like I spent the evenings pacing my house trying to figure out what project to dig into first. I sorted the kids' clothes, a definite undertaking. Beyond that, no big projects to note. Bummer.
Hope you have a great weekend!
-Charlie fell out of his crib. He chipped a tooth, skinned his nose, and got rug burn on his forehead. He's a trooper and doesn't seem to be too affected.
-Sam and Addie are both very ready for Pat to come home. Tears have been close to the surface for the past few days. His crazy work schedule last week plus being out of town this week definitely adds up to not enough dad time, and it's becoming really obvious in their behavior. I'm trying to be extra understanding today because we're really all just done.
-Today I went to Addie's classroom to volunteer. As I went through different skills with each student, one thing they were working on was saying the pledge of allegiance. I kept getting teary-eyed listening to their cute voices say the pledge.
-Things are moving along with the new blog. Local friends definitely need to stop by- I should have a great give away posted soon.
-Charlie has been really cute with his words lately. I probably should've just given that boy his own post. He can say Papa and Nonna, much to Pat's parents delight. Yesterday Sam and Charlie were both having oatmeal for breakfast. Sam was whining because his was hot. Charlie looked at him and said, "bo" and then started blowing. Then he got on a roll and asked for more and said several other words during breakfast. It's fun to have him start talking more.
-Pat gave Sam a talk about being man of the house before he left. He told Sam it meant giving tickles to everyone. I think Sam took it to mean sleeping in my bed. Oy.
-I had great dreams of productivity this week, but didn't accomplish nearly as much as I wanted to. I felt like I spent the evenings pacing my house trying to figure out what project to dig into first. I sorted the kids' clothes, a definite undertaking. Beyond that, no big projects to note. Bummer.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Six on Saturday
1. Dinner at Biaggi's last night did not disappoint. My parmesan and potato crusted tilapia was excellent. The accompanying couscous ratatouille was perfection. The company was fantastic. I'm wondering if Pat will share his leftovers for lunch today.
2. This past week has been a lot of single parenting. Pat's been working a lot. He's getting ready to leave for a week long work trip. I'm setting little goals for myself to accomplish while he's gone to hopefully make the time go faster. I find myself grateful on a daily basis for Pat as my partner in parenting- and my partner in everything else.
3. Yesterday while headed into Target I ran into an old friend. It's easily been 10 years since I saw her last, and it was so.much.fun. She's one of those people who has always been so genuine, and I could have talked to her all day. We were trying to fit 10 years of catching up into 10 minutes outside of Target, so I hope to see her again so we can have more than a Reader's Digest version of conversation. Those kinds of encounters totally make my day.
4. I've been on a roll getting things done this week. I think the sunshine has helped to pull me out of my funk a bit and remind me how good it feels to have a sense of accomplishment. Which is good because I have a lot I'd like to accomplish!
5. Addie left the funniest note for me this week. On one side it says, "Mom pleas put me in a balla class." On the other side it says "Dad plass get me a hors." I'm glad to know she's right on cue with dreams about dancing and ponies. She is a lot of fun right now. I love that girl.
6. I did it. I started the blog. You know, that other one I've made mention to and vaguely referenced as my big exciting project for the past several months? Yes, it's up and going. My first post has been published. I'm still feeling a little nervous, but also hopeful for the outlet this will be. How we Felt will still be around, but I hope you'll also join me at Bee a Little Better. I'm really excited! And all the credit at this point really goes to Hannah for getting things up and going and beautiful. I love it!
2. This past week has been a lot of single parenting. Pat's been working a lot. He's getting ready to leave for a week long work trip. I'm setting little goals for myself to accomplish while he's gone to hopefully make the time go faster. I find myself grateful on a daily basis for Pat as my partner in parenting- and my partner in everything else.
3. Yesterday while headed into Target I ran into an old friend. It's easily been 10 years since I saw her last, and it was so.much.fun. She's one of those people who has always been so genuine, and I could have talked to her all day. We were trying to fit 10 years of catching up into 10 minutes outside of Target, so I hope to see her again so we can have more than a Reader's Digest version of conversation. Those kinds of encounters totally make my day.
4. I've been on a roll getting things done this week. I think the sunshine has helped to pull me out of my funk a bit and remind me how good it feels to have a sense of accomplishment. Which is good because I have a lot I'd like to accomplish!
5. Addie left the funniest note for me this week. On one side it says, "Mom pleas put me in a balla class." On the other side it says "Dad plass get me a hors." I'm glad to know she's right on cue with dreams about dancing and ponies. She is a lot of fun right now. I love that girl.
6. I did it. I started the blog. You know, that other one I've made mention to and vaguely referenced as my big exciting project for the past several months? Yes, it's up and going. My first post has been published. I'm still feeling a little nervous, but also hopeful for the outlet this will be. How we Felt will still be around, but I hope you'll also join me at Bee a Little Better. I'm really excited! And all the credit at this point really goes to Hannah for getting things up and going and beautiful. I love it!
Monday, February 7, 2011
An unexpected break
Excuse the radio silence around here. Things got a little quiet for a few reason, I'd say. Let's catch up a bit.
-Sam and Charlie were still asleep this morning at 8:51. Which is good and bad. Good because they needed the rest. Bad because we leave at 9:00 to take Addie to school. Good because they're going on two weeks with runny noses and coughs. Charlie has also thrown in some ear infections for good measure (thank you tubes for draining all that stuff, making it easier to clear up the infections via drops, and being worth the money). Several days over the past week and a half have involved a lot of little boy cuddles, leaving little time for much else. I think we're finally starting to get over it all, but it's been a long haul.
-Last week we moved my dad into assisted living. Two weekends ago my brother drove down from Idaho with all his stuff and we went through box after box. There's a rubbermaid bin full of pictures I can't wait to go through. Some things from my childhood that were totally nostalgic were found amidst the piles. Other things were unearthed that I wasn't sure why they've been stored or moved for so long. We threw away about 4 boxes. Four more boxes went to DI. Quite a few boxes went to my basement to be stored, probably 4 of those full of Christmas stuff (my dad loves Christmas). The weekend was a whirlwind, but it was good to get things organized and try to make it homey for him. There are still loose ends to tie-up like internet and some furniture and power strips and those kinds of things, but I think his first week there has gone well.
-Saturday we had an emergency preparedness fair for Relief Society. Things were a little busy getting ready for that. Lots of sorting sign-ups and making reminder calls and some grocery shopping for the luncheon afterwards thrown in. I'd call it a success with so much useful information learned and yummy food at the end, but oh, the amount of preparation for activities makes me tired sometimes. And I still have solar ovens and laundry buckets and alcohol burners in my laundry room to be distributed, so I suppose I'm not totally done with this yet.
-Pat and I had a good long talk last night about goals and aspirations and timing. I've had something I've been wanting to do for almost a year. I'd like to start a new blog. More of a personal/inspirational blog. The domain name has been registered. I've thought about blog designs. I've drafted post after post in my head. There have been a lot of times that jumping in has felt totally right, and things have happened confirming this as a good path. And yet here I am still at the beginning. I haven't jumped in. I read a post last week that talked about teaching our kids to dream big through our own examples. I agreed with a lot of what it said. But at the same time I don't want my own big dreams to be resented by my kids because those dreams took time away from them. I'm back in that place that I really haven't been in for a while- the do I sacrifice everything as a mother and work on other pursuits later, or do I try to find the balance of my own talents and hobbies alongside motherhood? I've let motherhood win since I started staying home with my kids when Addie was 5 months old. I don't think giving all of my energies to being a mom is something I'll ever regret. But I also don't think it's wrong to be fulfilled in other areas of life. I'm just not sure if I'm the kind of person who can balance it all. And then I wonder if I'm the kind of person who has meaningful or inspiring things to say, and who do I think I am for thinking that I could add anything in that regard. And then I think in circles. And then I'm right back at the beginning doing nothing.
So that's what's been going on around here. Silence explained. Feel free to weigh in.
-Sam and Charlie were still asleep this morning at 8:51. Which is good and bad. Good because they needed the rest. Bad because we leave at 9:00 to take Addie to school. Good because they're going on two weeks with runny noses and coughs. Charlie has also thrown in some ear infections for good measure (thank you tubes for draining all that stuff, making it easier to clear up the infections via drops, and being worth the money). Several days over the past week and a half have involved a lot of little boy cuddles, leaving little time for much else. I think we're finally starting to get over it all, but it's been a long haul.
-Last week we moved my dad into assisted living. Two weekends ago my brother drove down from Idaho with all his stuff and we went through box after box. There's a rubbermaid bin full of pictures I can't wait to go through. Some things from my childhood that were totally nostalgic were found amidst the piles. Other things were unearthed that I wasn't sure why they've been stored or moved for so long. We threw away about 4 boxes. Four more boxes went to DI. Quite a few boxes went to my basement to be stored, probably 4 of those full of Christmas stuff (my dad loves Christmas). The weekend was a whirlwind, but it was good to get things organized and try to make it homey for him. There are still loose ends to tie-up like internet and some furniture and power strips and those kinds of things, but I think his first week there has gone well.
-Saturday we had an emergency preparedness fair for Relief Society. Things were a little busy getting ready for that. Lots of sorting sign-ups and making reminder calls and some grocery shopping for the luncheon afterwards thrown in. I'd call it a success with so much useful information learned and yummy food at the end, but oh, the amount of preparation for activities makes me tired sometimes. And I still have solar ovens and laundry buckets and alcohol burners in my laundry room to be distributed, so I suppose I'm not totally done with this yet.
-Pat and I had a good long talk last night about goals and aspirations and timing. I've had something I've been wanting to do for almost a year. I'd like to start a new blog. More of a personal/inspirational blog. The domain name has been registered. I've thought about blog designs. I've drafted post after post in my head. There have been a lot of times that jumping in has felt totally right, and things have happened confirming this as a good path. And yet here I am still at the beginning. I haven't jumped in. I read a post last week that talked about teaching our kids to dream big through our own examples. I agreed with a lot of what it said. But at the same time I don't want my own big dreams to be resented by my kids because those dreams took time away from them. I'm back in that place that I really haven't been in for a while- the do I sacrifice everything as a mother and work on other pursuits later, or do I try to find the balance of my own talents and hobbies alongside motherhood? I've let motherhood win since I started staying home with my kids when Addie was 5 months old. I don't think giving all of my energies to being a mom is something I'll ever regret. But I also don't think it's wrong to be fulfilled in other areas of life. I'm just not sure if I'm the kind of person who can balance it all. And then I wonder if I'm the kind of person who has meaningful or inspiring things to say, and who do I think I am for thinking that I could add anything in that regard. And then I think in circles. And then I'm right back at the beginning doing nothing.
So that's what's been going on around here. Silence explained. Feel free to weigh in.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
a kind of day
Today was a stay in pajamas all day, shower, and get back in pajamas kind of day
Today was a smoothie full of spinach and fruit kind of day
Today was a checking off to do list tedium kind of day
Today was an every toy possible is covering the floor at one point of the day kind of day
Today was a long bath for a 4 year old to distract him from missing his sister who's at a play date kind of day
Today was a grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of day
Today was a take care of the fevered husband and runny nosed baby kind of day
Today was a clean out the fridge of leftovers that are still left and expired food items kind of day
Today was a two loads of dishes kind of day
Today was a lot of phone calls kind of day
Today was a feel sad for the abundance of problems that exist in the world and grateful for your own relatively small ones kind of day
Today was an early bed time for the kids kind of day
Today was a decline fun invites because you need to be at home and take care of things kind of day
Today was a learn from other people kind of day
Today was a be impressed by those who make amends kind of day
Today was a make banana muffins late at night to surprise your kids in the morning kind of day
Today was a smoothie full of spinach and fruit kind of day
Today was a checking off to do list tedium kind of day
Today was an every toy possible is covering the floor at one point of the day kind of day
Today was a long bath for a 4 year old to distract him from missing his sister who's at a play date kind of day
Today was a grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of day
Today was a take care of the fevered husband and runny nosed baby kind of day
Today was a clean out the fridge of leftovers that are still left and expired food items kind of day
Today was a two loads of dishes kind of day
Today was a lot of phone calls kind of day
Today was a feel sad for the abundance of problems that exist in the world and grateful for your own relatively small ones kind of day
Today was an early bed time for the kids kind of day
Today was a decline fun invites because you need to be at home and take care of things kind of day
Today was a learn from other people kind of day
Today was a be impressed by those who make amends kind of day
Today was a make banana muffins late at night to surprise your kids in the morning kind of day
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, Monday
Today was one of those days where I was just not on my game. I hate those days. Charlie is living on air and crackers and soy milk because his mouth still hurts and he's not eating much of anything. Sam's ears were painted on today and I let him get away with the cardinal sin of turning on the television. I was too flustered to fight him. He'd live on sugar if I let him, but I'm not tolerating teething excuses from a 4 year old, so we've been in many a battle about what healthy is and what food choices he's allowed to make. Yesterday he screamed that Heavenly Father was mad at me because I wouldn't let him have a cupcake. Not sure I buy that one, but it was a good effort to appeal to my religious sensibilities. All three kids have a runny nose going, and Addie seemed to be not feeling super great all day. She wasn't her usual helpful self and I think if I'd encouraged her she would've napped she seemed so worn out. But I wasn't on my game enough to recognize what each of my kids was needing while they were needing it today.
I determined today's failure was because I hadn't planned ahead. I do much better if I review my day the night before and get organized. Instead, I was running around knowing I had a lot to do but not knowing what to do because I hadn't made a list. Rookie mistake, but somehow it still happened. I still got some things done, but I spent much of the day spinning my wheels and not really accomplishing much. So tonight, I'm setting my house in order. List making is resuming. Schedules are coming back (although I know that at a moments notice they could all be thrown out the window). I've got to get back on my game. Winter does this to me every year. I get sucked into the lazies and lack of accomplishment and have a hard time getting motivated. Pajamas and blankets and not leaving the house sound much more appealing to me when the weather is cold. Hopefully I can make it through this slump called January. Suggestions are welcome.
I determined today's failure was because I hadn't planned ahead. I do much better if I review my day the night before and get organized. Instead, I was running around knowing I had a lot to do but not knowing what to do because I hadn't made a list. Rookie mistake, but somehow it still happened. I still got some things done, but I spent much of the day spinning my wheels and not really accomplishing much. So tonight, I'm setting my house in order. List making is resuming. Schedules are coming back (although I know that at a moments notice they could all be thrown out the window). I've got to get back on my game. Winter does this to me every year. I get sucked into the lazies and lack of accomplishment and have a hard time getting motivated. Pajamas and blankets and not leaving the house sound much more appealing to me when the weather is cold. Hopefully I can make it through this slump called January. Suggestions are welcome.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Long Road
Tonight I sat down to write in my journal. The non-public one, that is. I wrote the date and then remembered. One year ago today, Pat and I loaded up our car and our baby. We drove to the rehab hospital, putting the last few belongings needed immediately into boxes and then packing our car really full. We pulled the car around to the curb and were escorted down with the physical therapist for our first real car transfer. And then we pulled away.
My dad sat up front with Pat. I sat in the back next to Charlie, pumping and meeting his needs throughout the drive back to Utah. He was barely 6 weeks. Pat tried to talk to my dad the entire drive, getting to know the life story of what seemed like a stranger who would be living with us now. It was hard for my dad to talk. It was hard for us to understand.
We stopped for lunch at Subway. I was nervous when he got out of the car. I was nervous when he stepped up onto the curb. I was nervous when he opened the door. I was nervous when he chose what to order. I figured Subway was our healthiest bet, but I wasn't planning on him asking for chips. After lunch we returned to the car. We read through literature on diabetes and carb counting. We talked about foods he liked and didn't like so I could try to plan meals accordingly. I can still see the sun streaming through the car window and the pictures of foods on the purple-bordered pages.
Things felt awkward and strange. We made it home around dinner time. I don't remember everything clearly- I think Chrissy brought dinner, or maybe Rita. I think Rita watched Addie and Sam while we were in Idaho learning all about how to take care of my dad. I remember freaking out internally while my dad was trying to make it in the house. Navigating the 4 stairs from the garage was one of my biggest concerns. I remember following him everywhere he went, worrying about his every move, straining to understand his every word. We helped him get dressed for bed. We did stretches with him.
And then we went to bed and everything was completely different. Our house felt different. We cried and prayed. It had been a long road from Idaho to Utah. We knew the longer road was in front of us.
Looking back, it has been a long road. I had no idea a year ago what we were about to go through. And now, one year later, we're preparing for my dad to move to an assisted living center. There's still a long road ahead in terms of his recovery, especially not knowing what the future may hold. But I'm grateful for the One who guides my steps. And I'm grateful for my travel companions- my sweet family. Long roads aren't so bad when you like who you're with.
My dad sat up front with Pat. I sat in the back next to Charlie, pumping and meeting his needs throughout the drive back to Utah. He was barely 6 weeks. Pat tried to talk to my dad the entire drive, getting to know the life story of what seemed like a stranger who would be living with us now. It was hard for my dad to talk. It was hard for us to understand.
We stopped for lunch at Subway. I was nervous when he got out of the car. I was nervous when he stepped up onto the curb. I was nervous when he opened the door. I was nervous when he chose what to order. I figured Subway was our healthiest bet, but I wasn't planning on him asking for chips. After lunch we returned to the car. We read through literature on diabetes and carb counting. We talked about foods he liked and didn't like so I could try to plan meals accordingly. I can still see the sun streaming through the car window and the pictures of foods on the purple-bordered pages.
Things felt awkward and strange. We made it home around dinner time. I don't remember everything clearly- I think Chrissy brought dinner, or maybe Rita. I think Rita watched Addie and Sam while we were in Idaho learning all about how to take care of my dad. I remember freaking out internally while my dad was trying to make it in the house. Navigating the 4 stairs from the garage was one of my biggest concerns. I remember following him everywhere he went, worrying about his every move, straining to understand his every word. We helped him get dressed for bed. We did stretches with him.
And then we went to bed and everything was completely different. Our house felt different. We cried and prayed. It had been a long road from Idaho to Utah. We knew the longer road was in front of us.
Looking back, it has been a long road. I had no idea a year ago what we were about to go through. And now, one year later, we're preparing for my dad to move to an assisted living center. There's still a long road ahead in terms of his recovery, especially not knowing what the future may hold. But I'm grateful for the One who guides my steps. And I'm grateful for my travel companions- my sweet family. Long roads aren't so bad when you like who you're with.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sam-a-lama-ding-dong
Thanks, Mel, for my most favorite picture ever of this boy.
Today this boy is 4. Those eyes still turn me to mush every time. He adores his big sister. He enjoys providing comic relief (much like his dad). He is sensitive and sweet and gives the best compliments, frequently telling me how boo-ti-ful I look or that my dinner is de-wish-us or my outfit is ado-wa-bull. Tonight in his bedtime prayers he talked about how excited he was to be 4 and that he wouldn't do mean things any more. He is currently indecisive (his letter to Santa said, "Dear Santa, I'm still thinking about it. Love, Sam". "I'm still thinking about it" is what he tells me non-stop everyday). He loves going to school. He loves a little bit of mischief, but those eyes make me let the little things slide. He is tall and thin and happy. Everyone needs a Sam. He is one special boy, and I'm so grateful to be his mom.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Five on Friday
1. We returned on Monday from a long weekend in New York. Pat's grandpa turned 90, and it was a great excuse for us to go visit family and take our kids to see the city. I was pleasantly surprised by how well they did while traveling. Sam slept for 3 hours on the way home, Charlie slept during runway taxi-ing and take-off on both flights, and Charlie was awesome to sit in his stroller while Addie and Sam traipsed through the city without too many problems. Hopefully pics to follow. I'd like to spend a little more time around here.
2. Charlie took his first steps today. I was holding his hand and let go and he kept on going. He's done it several times since. I always look at the beginning of walking with a mixture of excitement and dread. Charlie has seemed like a different kid this week from the way he's playing to the sounds he's making, and now he has to go and start walking. I think he missed the memo that I'm not quite ready for him to be big yet.
3. I've been back to busy times with things for my dad. He got approved for the waiver program we've been working towards for the past 3 months, so now I have to choose a facility by the middle of next week. It's been a lot of phone calls trying to schedule visits to tour places, and I'm also in the midst of a COBRA battle which I will hopefully win. And hopefully soon, because the hours of phone calls get old really fast.
4. Sometimes Addie and Sam are so dang sweet together. They definitely have their share of fighting, but yesterday Sam tripped on the steps leaving preschool and was quite upset about the scrapes he received. Addie drew him a picture and wrote him a note to help him feel better. Her notes are so sincere. A few weeks ago she wrote a letter to our neighbor across the street thanking him for helping us with snow removal. Adorable.
5. It's birthday weekend at our house! I feel like poor Sam is getting a little slighted- he hasn't requested much by way of celebration, and catching up from our trip I haven't had the oomph to put together too many bells and whistles. I'm grateful that simple pleasures are enjoyed by the 4 year old set, and my simple preparations will be adored by Sam.
Happy Weekend!
And can I add happy half-way through January? Oh, this month...
2. Charlie took his first steps today. I was holding his hand and let go and he kept on going. He's done it several times since. I always look at the beginning of walking with a mixture of excitement and dread. Charlie has seemed like a different kid this week from the way he's playing to the sounds he's making, and now he has to go and start walking. I think he missed the memo that I'm not quite ready for him to be big yet.
3. I've been back to busy times with things for my dad. He got approved for the waiver program we've been working towards for the past 3 months, so now I have to choose a facility by the middle of next week. It's been a lot of phone calls trying to schedule visits to tour places, and I'm also in the midst of a COBRA battle which I will hopefully win. And hopefully soon, because the hours of phone calls get old really fast.
4. Sometimes Addie and Sam are so dang sweet together. They definitely have their share of fighting, but yesterday Sam tripped on the steps leaving preschool and was quite upset about the scrapes he received. Addie drew him a picture and wrote him a note to help him feel better. Her notes are so sincere. A few weeks ago she wrote a letter to our neighbor across the street thanking him for helping us with snow removal. Adorable.
5. It's birthday weekend at our house! I feel like poor Sam is getting a little slighted- he hasn't requested much by way of celebration, and catching up from our trip I haven't had the oomph to put together too many bells and whistles. I'm grateful that simple pleasures are enjoyed by the 4 year old set, and my simple preparations will be adored by Sam.
Happy Weekend!
And can I add happy half-way through January? Oh, this month...
Monday, January 3, 2011
I loved today because...
-Pat had the day off today but forgot to tell me until yesterday, so it made for a nice surprise extra long weekend
-I made pork tacos for dinner
-I took a nap that was much longer than I was planning on
-I made some good progress on my to-do list
-I had a phone call full of good news
-I had some time to think
I have end of year/beginning of year thoughts to share, but those will have to wait, along with a Christmas recap. Right now I love today because it's time for bed!
-I made pork tacos for dinner
-I took a nap that was much longer than I was planning on
-I made some good progress on my to-do list
-I had a phone call full of good news
-I had some time to think
I have end of year/beginning of year thoughts to share, but those will have to wait, along with a Christmas recap. Right now I love today because it's time for bed!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
