(Dalley Family 1969-I am the baby)
Most of the packages are wrapped! Dave is making carmels and the kids are anxiously awaiting their new pajamas to wear over to Grandma's house.
Nothing like being a child at Christmas!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve 2010
(Dalley Family 1969-I am the baby)
Most of the packages are wrapped! Dave is making carmels and the kids are anxiously awaiting their new pajamas to wear over to Grandma's house.
Nothing like being a child at Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Crazy that it is almost Christmas and the only thing I have posted is an infomercial for Shutterfly.
I have been busy, rather crabby, behind. To say the least there have been a million things going on. I hope that I can do a December WrapUp. There have been some lovely moments.
So-now that I have my Christmas cards back--I love the Shutterfly cards, however, they are EXPENSIVE! I was going to order extra and about died at the cost. I ordered from Costco-who needs a bigger selection of designs or a new designer but their quality was great and they were fast and cheap!
Merry Christmas!
I have been busy, rather crabby, behind. To say the least there have been a million things going on. I hope that I can do a December WrapUp. There have been some lovely moments.
So-now that I have my Christmas cards back--I love the Shutterfly cards, however, they are EXPENSIVE! I was going to order extra and about died at the cost. I ordered from Costco-who needs a bigger selection of designs or a new designer but their quality was great and they were fast and cheap!
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 10, 2010
CHRISTMAS CARD DECISION--WHICH CARD TO CHOOSE!!!!
In the last four years we have been to lots of weddings. When I say lots I mean LOTS and LOTS! Since Dave started serving with the single young adults we have had 76 weddings!! That doesn't include the other weddings that are with friends and neighbors!!
That my friends is a whole lot of weddings. I have noticed a lot of things at all of these weddings. Some good, some not so much. I have realized that there are a lot of things that people do for receptions that are totally unnecessary. The little glitter on the tables--not so necessary.
What I have realized is that the only thing that really has any lasting value from these weddings is the actual vows and covenants made to one another and the pictures that are taken. I have told many, many brides to be to focus on their photographer---spend their money there, not on the doilies on the table.
One of the things that I have noticed in the last four years is the way that many brides do guestbooks now. They are often scrapbooks with pictures that the guests sign. This is brilliant!!! One of my favorite guestbooks is actually a hardbound picture book made by Shutterfly. These are beautiful! I am going to start making these for my family! There are books that the company assembles for you, just upload pictures. If you are more daring you can create every page yourself.
Shutterfly also has Christmas cards. Last year was the first year that I actually did a printed card--I loved it! This year I am trying to decide between the many styles that Shutterfly has.
This one is leading the list!
If you have never looked at Shutterfly go to their website and browse. You will be amazed.
Check out their Holiday Cards . They have Christmas cards down to a science!
If you are interested in more birthday cards they have those as well.
For those of you with hard to buy people they have unique gifts. Mouse pads, mugs, Christmas ornaments, stamps, stickers,calendars, huge cutouts that mount on the wall, canvas prints--you name it.
Consider Shutterfly if you are thinking of ordering books, stationary or cards! I will let you know which one I order--perhaps you will get one in the mail!!
In the last four years we have been to lots of weddings. When I say lots I mean LOTS and LOTS! Since Dave started serving with the single young adults we have had 76 weddings!! That doesn't include the other weddings that are with friends and neighbors!!
That my friends is a whole lot of weddings. I have noticed a lot of things at all of these weddings. Some good, some not so much. I have realized that there are a lot of things that people do for receptions that are totally unnecessary. The little glitter on the tables--not so necessary.
What I have realized is that the only thing that really has any lasting value from these weddings is the actual vows and covenants made to one another and the pictures that are taken. I have told many, many brides to be to focus on their photographer---spend their money there, not on the doilies on the table.
One of the things that I have noticed in the last four years is the way that many brides do guestbooks now. They are often scrapbooks with pictures that the guests sign. This is brilliant!!! One of my favorite guestbooks is actually a hardbound picture book made by Shutterfly. These are beautiful! I am going to start making these for my family! There are books that the company assembles for you, just upload pictures. If you are more daring you can create every page yourself.
Shutterfly also has Christmas cards. Last year was the first year that I actually did a printed card--I loved it! This year I am trying to decide between the many styles that Shutterfly has.
This one is leading the list!
If you have never looked at Shutterfly go to their website and browse. You will be amazed.
Check out their Holiday Cards . They have Christmas cards down to a science!
If you are interested in more birthday cards they have those as well.
For those of you with hard to buy people they have unique gifts. Mouse pads, mugs, Christmas ornaments, stamps, stickers,calendars, huge cutouts that mount on the wall, canvas prints--you name it.
Consider Shutterfly if you are thinking of ordering books, stationary or cards! I will let you know which one I order--perhaps you will get one in the mail!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving 2010!
This is the first time in my life that I am having Thanksgiving in my own home. My Mom's kitchen is gutted so we couldn't go there. She was going to come here but Mr. Weather scared her away. We are here wondering how in the world to cook a Thanksgiving meal!! We are setting the table--don't laugh--with Christmas dishes because they are the only dishes that we have enough of! I didn't want to use plastic-it doesn't feel nice enough!
Wish me luck!!!
This is the first time in my life that I am having Thanksgiving in my own home. My Mom's kitchen is gutted so we couldn't go there. She was going to come here but Mr. Weather scared her away. We are here wondering how in the world to cook a Thanksgiving meal!! We are setting the table--don't laugh--with Christmas dishes because they are the only dishes that we have enough of! I didn't want to use plastic-it doesn't feel nice enough!
Wish me luck!!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thankful
Today I am Thankful!
Today I am thankful. I am thankful that Justin is still little enough that he wants to sit on my lap and cuddle. Sometimes I hold him a bit longer than he wants, but I just keep trying to drink his sweetness in. I have been trying to drink him in since he was born. I am all too aware that the "little" stage goes away quickly.
I am grateful that Dave is a patient man. He puts up with me and my moods. He puts up with listening to me over -analyze things from healthy eating to why people are motivated or not. He has listened to my bodily function woes for almost 25 years! He is just a patient guy.
I am grateful for google. I am an information junkie. I have questions about everything. Some big, some (most) small. Why is something named that? When was the constitution signed? What is crossfit? What will help digestion? On and on-google answers most of these--sometimes it causes more questions! I have often been teased about the things I know about. I know a little bit about a lot of things--however, I have the tools to find out just about anything--I am thankful for that!
I am grateful that Ashley is turning into such a lovely young woman. She is still quite the "queen" around our house but she is becoming a decent person.
I am thankful that Mitch has finally become an easy eater. He was so picky as a little person that it was awful. He will try just about anything now. He is a great all around kid with a hidden sense of humor.
I am thankful that Emily still enjoys dressup. I don't always enjoy the clothes spread all around the basement but I am glad that she still has a bit of little girl left in her.
I am thankful for my body. Most of the time I am cussing this body--it is too short, too square, too much skin, etc. etc. etc. But the truth is that I am really blessed. In general I am really healthy. My body allows me to workout daily and feel good about it. I am grateful that I am in a place that I have a desire to push my body physically. I haven't always had that desire. I realize how difficult exercise can be. I am grateful that I have been able to create a habit of exercise that gets me out of bed at 4:30a.m. five days a week. I know that sounds crazy. It is a bit crazy. However, I am thankful for it because I have never been able to be consistent with exercise for any length of time until now. Exercising and getting up early have helped me to not have the winter blues.
I am grateful that I have friends. I have friends that listen to me complain about life. Complain about stupid things. I have friends that allow my children to play at their houses for hours. I have friends that come and pick me up every morning at 4:45 am. I have friends that will paint my kitchen for me or make me beautiful Temple pictures to hang on my wall. Most of all I am thankful that I have friends that are there for me--even when I am not the best friend for them.
I am thankful that I have enough experience in my life that generally I am pretty forgiving of people. I realize that most people are doing the best they know how. They might not be doing the best they could but they just need people to love them. If we all felt more love we would be so much more successful in every aspect of life.
I am thankful that I have so many opportunities. I know that I often complain but the truth is that I AM so blessed. I have many opportunities that others do not have. I hope that I can always try and remember this. I hope that when I forget that my friends will gently remind me.
I pray that I can try to always remember to be thankful. I am so, so blessed
Today I am thankful. I am thankful that Justin is still little enough that he wants to sit on my lap and cuddle. Sometimes I hold him a bit longer than he wants, but I just keep trying to drink his sweetness in. I have been trying to drink him in since he was born. I am all too aware that the "little" stage goes away quickly.
I am grateful that Dave is a patient man. He puts up with me and my moods. He puts up with listening to me over -analyze things from healthy eating to why people are motivated or not. He has listened to my bodily function woes for almost 25 years! He is just a patient guy.
I am grateful for google. I am an information junkie. I have questions about everything. Some big, some (most) small. Why is something named that? When was the constitution signed? What is crossfit? What will help digestion? On and on-google answers most of these--sometimes it causes more questions! I have often been teased about the things I know about. I know a little bit about a lot of things--however, I have the tools to find out just about anything--I am thankful for that!
I am grateful that Ashley is turning into such a lovely young woman. She is still quite the "queen" around our house but she is becoming a decent person.
I am thankful that Mitch has finally become an easy eater. He was so picky as a little person that it was awful. He will try just about anything now. He is a great all around kid with a hidden sense of humor.
I am thankful that Emily still enjoys dressup. I don't always enjoy the clothes spread all around the basement but I am glad that she still has a bit of little girl left in her.
I am thankful for my body. Most of the time I am cussing this body--it is too short, too square, too much skin, etc. etc. etc. But the truth is that I am really blessed. In general I am really healthy. My body allows me to workout daily and feel good about it. I am grateful that I am in a place that I have a desire to push my body physically. I haven't always had that desire. I realize how difficult exercise can be. I am grateful that I have been able to create a habit of exercise that gets me out of bed at 4:30a.m. five days a week. I know that sounds crazy. It is a bit crazy. However, I am thankful for it because I have never been able to be consistent with exercise for any length of time until now. Exercising and getting up early have helped me to not have the winter blues.
I am grateful that I have friends. I have friends that listen to me complain about life. Complain about stupid things. I have friends that allow my children to play at their houses for hours. I have friends that come and pick me up every morning at 4:45 am. I have friends that will paint my kitchen for me or make me beautiful Temple pictures to hang on my wall. Most of all I am thankful that I have friends that are there for me--even when I am not the best friend for them.
I am thankful that I have enough experience in my life that generally I am pretty forgiving of people. I realize that most people are doing the best they know how. They might not be doing the best they could but they just need people to love them. If we all felt more love we would be so much more successful in every aspect of life.
I am thankful that I have so many opportunities. I know that I often complain but the truth is that I AM so blessed. I have many opportunities that others do not have. I hope that I can always try and remember this. I hope that when I forget that my friends will gently remind me.
I pray that I can try to always remember to be thankful. I am so, so blessed
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Trying to Focus and Finish is harder for me than it sounds. I get sidetracked with so many things that need done and so many things that don't NEED done! I get frustrated that I can't seem to motivate my children to use the laundry baskets or to pick up a towel. I can't even motivate them to move sometimes! I worry that they will grow up and not be functional citizens because they fight constantly and don't ever seem to find a need to do--well anything that looks like work!
When I look around at my house I often feel like a total failure. I see all the walls that need dusted, spackled and repainted. I see the tree that I have forgotten to water for three months with it's sad, droopy leaves falling off. I see my messy bulletin board that needs emptied. I see my yucky tile grout that has gone dark in some places. I see the picture frames that I bought two years ago, still empty and not on the wall. I see the wedding present--from September-still not delivered.
I look and see some mess or problem in every corner of my life.
Sometimes it really depresses me. I feel less than capable. I feel like a sloucher. I feel less than.
I am trying to not let that wave of thought overtake my life. I realize that lots of the messes that I deal with are just that "life". I am not the only one that deals with them. I am not alone with the frustration of raising children. I am not that picked on. In reality I know this. Most days. Some days it really is overwhelming, however.
I recently read a darling post by a gal that seemed to resonate with me. She has similar feelings of inadequacy and frustration. However, on this particular day she decided to write down little things that she is thankful for. Not just the big huge things like a house, job and food. She wrote about little details that in a few years will be lost in the crevices of her mind.
I decided that I need to do this as well.
Check out Shawnee's post here.
When I look around at my house I often feel like a total failure. I see all the walls that need dusted, spackled and repainted. I see the tree that I have forgotten to water for three months with it's sad, droopy leaves falling off. I see my messy bulletin board that needs emptied. I see my yucky tile grout that has gone dark in some places. I see the picture frames that I bought two years ago, still empty and not on the wall. I see the wedding present--from September-still not delivered.
I look and see some mess or problem in every corner of my life.
Sometimes it really depresses me. I feel less than capable. I feel like a sloucher. I feel less than.
I am trying to not let that wave of thought overtake my life. I realize that lots of the messes that I deal with are just that "life". I am not the only one that deals with them. I am not alone with the frustration of raising children. I am not that picked on. In reality I know this. Most days. Some days it really is overwhelming, however.
I recently read a darling post by a gal that seemed to resonate with me. She has similar feelings of inadequacy and frustration. However, on this particular day she decided to write down little things that she is thankful for. Not just the big huge things like a house, job and food. She wrote about little details that in a few years will be lost in the crevices of her mind.
I decided that I need to do this as well.
Check out Shawnee's post here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Focus/Finish!
I have a new mantra that I am trying to stick to
FOCUS-FINISH
I get sidetracked, A LOT!
So, I am trying to stay focused and finish things.
This is a quick example of how I can avoid things. I have an old dresser in my bedroom. I really need to get rid of it. Two of the drawers don't work right so I barely use them for clothes. The other I do but those undies could be moved. The rest of the dresser is a hutch type top. Truly what it has been for the majority of twenty years is a junk collector/bookshelf/major dust keeper.
Well, today I started dusting in my bedroom. You know that kind of dusting where you look behind something and gag because the dust is so thick you can't tell what color the carpet is? Well, it led me to start cleaning off the top of my dresser. Eewh! gross! There was some cold medicine sitting there that expired in 09. It is so embarrassing!
One problem that I discovered is that I am not a collector yet I have things that are "treasures" from my past. Rocks from my deceased Uncle, belt loops from when Dave was a kid, little kitschy things I bought in Germany(little tiny replicas of castles-I have since learned just don't buy them-they only look cute in tourist shops!). I don't know what to do with these things! I don't know if I will regret it if I throw them out. I know that my Mom was at about this point in her life when once they were cleaning out and they threw out letters she and my Dad had written to each other dating. She has regretted that for many, many years! I don't want to have regrets yet I don't want to drown in junk!!!
So, with my new mantra ---Focus/Finish I am starting this mess. This dresser is going to go away. It is a junk collector. I sit stuff on it that I don't want to deal with. It is going to take awhile. I have only just begun. There are two little drawers that have lots of little "decisions" to make.
FOCUS/FINISH FOCUS/FINISH!!!!!!
FOCUS-FINISH
I get sidetracked, A LOT!
So, I am trying to stay focused and finish things.
This is a quick example of how I can avoid things. I have an old dresser in my bedroom. I really need to get rid of it. Two of the drawers don't work right so I barely use them for clothes. The other I do but those undies could be moved. The rest of the dresser is a hutch type top. Truly what it has been for the majority of twenty years is a junk collector/bookshelf/major dust keeper.
Well, today I started dusting in my bedroom. You know that kind of dusting where you look behind something and gag because the dust is so thick you can't tell what color the carpet is? Well, it led me to start cleaning off the top of my dresser. Eewh! gross! There was some cold medicine sitting there that expired in 09. It is so embarrassing!
One problem that I discovered is that I am not a collector yet I have things that are "treasures" from my past. Rocks from my deceased Uncle, belt loops from when Dave was a kid, little kitschy things I bought in Germany(little tiny replicas of castles-I have since learned just don't buy them-they only look cute in tourist shops!). I don't know what to do with these things! I don't know if I will regret it if I throw them out. I know that my Mom was at about this point in her life when once they were cleaning out and they threw out letters she and my Dad had written to each other dating. She has regretted that for many, many years! I don't want to have regrets yet I don't want to drown in junk!!!
So, with my new mantra ---Focus/Finish I am starting this mess. This dresser is going to go away. It is a junk collector. I sit stuff on it that I don't want to deal with. It is going to take awhile. I have only just begun. There are two little drawers that have lots of little "decisions" to make.
FOCUS/FINISH FOCUS/FINISH!!!!!!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Halloween 2010
Pumpkin Patch 2010!Miss Emily and Justin needed pumpkins. So to the patch we went. It is always so fun to see a huge mound of glorious orange! Big ones, little ones, squatty ones. Ones with warts, one with a funny bump on the side. Ones with no stem, ones with a big green spot, or a dent on the side. It is a delightful treat for the senses!
Justin took his time choosing his perfect pumpkin. He walked over the entire patch. Picking them up, looking at all sides and then moving on until he found HIS perfect pumpkin!
Emily was quicker to choose. She found a perfectly lovely round pumpkin, not too big not too little!
For the three years Dave was the Bishop of the Singles ward we had a special Halloween pumpkin carving Family Home Evening. Since the very first one when Justin was barely two he wanted Tim to carve his pumpkin. Every year after that he would go up to Tim with his pumpkin and ask him to help him. Well, Tim came to the rescue again! He brought his trusty power tools and made Justin's masterpiece! He also helped Emily after she drew the design. 
Emily had her friend Kaitlyn with she and Justin.
It doesn't seem like it has been long enough that I only have two little enough to still go trick or treating! Ashley was at a volleyball tournament and Mitch was fishing with Dave. It left Emily and Justin. They had a ball going with the Lucas family. It poured down with rain. They came back and inspected their loot and just giggled about all the places that they went to.
Halloween 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Perhaps Some Improvement
I pulled out Ruby tonight.
I have wanted to make some cookies for over a week to take to our recently released Bishop and our newly called Bishop. I also wanted to take some to my new visiting teaching sisters.
Then I got the dreaded flu-it wiped me out more than I thought. Then, I think I must be in that special spot of the month when I start to lose my mind. Anyway-I have avoided anything possible.
Tonight I pulled Ruby out. Much later than I normally would. Em has wanted to make cookies for a week as well. She would make something every single day. I can't deal with the messes that are created and not cleaned up!
We made the easiest pumpkin chocolate cookies in the world. A spice cake and a can of pumpkin(the small size-or 1/2 a large) and semi sweet chips! Mix and bake-*350 for 10 minutes!
Funny how this one little act seemed to lift my spirits. I really have been in a funk. Blame it on the changing seasons (lack of sunlight kills me) but I have felt very frustrated. Frustrated with everything. My list could go on and on.
*dirty everything
*everything needs painted
*nothing ever put away
*poor decorating
*messy--everything
*sassy children
*never ending laundry
*Christmas plans that haven't been started
*weight that won't cooperate
Bringing out Ruby didn't change any of those things--but for some reason it brightened my day. Maybe it is because I am giving them away. Service to others is the best way to forget ones own problems.
Perhaps I need to bring out Ruby a bit more often! If I can just keep my fingers out of the bowl!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Yuck!
Words that send a chill up a mother's spine? The Flu!
We have been dealing with a stomach flu for a week. It has now officially affected five out of six in this family. Including the Momma! I got it last night. Oh, how miserable this makes a body!
One good thing that came from the dreaded flu bug--I was two pounds lighter this morning!!! Too bad it will probably come back!!!
We have been dealing with a stomach flu for a week. It has now officially affected five out of six in this family. Including the Momma! I got it last night. Oh, how miserable this makes a body!
One good thing that came from the dreaded flu bug--I was two pounds lighter this morning!!! Too bad it will probably come back!!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Annual Witches Tea
We celebrated our 2nd annual Witches tea last week. It was complete chaos! We had lots of Witches and at least thirteen little goblins running around. It is always so fun to have a reason to dress up silly--maybe next year we will get all the gals to play along and get Witchy with us!! (most of the goblins are not pictured!)10-10-10! Happy Birthday!
October 10, 2010--
Happy 6th Birthday!
Justin was so excited for his birthday. He wanted to bake his own cake this year. I think he and Em did great! He received a remote control car and a model car--he was so happy.It is hard to believe that he is getting so big! Where did my baby go?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Where have I been? Walking around trying to figure out how to make my dream house a reality. I haven't had much success. In fact, my house is so messy that I walk around trying to figure out which mess I want to tackle. Truth be told-I just want someone else to come and do it. This is a problem because noone has ever come and organized anything for me!!!
Hopefully, I will have some pictures of something more uplifting than laundry soon. No guarantees.
Hopefully, I will have some pictures of something more uplifting than laundry soon. No guarantees.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Little Thief!
(summer 2009)
It has happened again.
I went to retrieve my blow dryer from under my sink and I was greeted by my old dryer, the dryer that Ashley kept "borrowing" because she liked it better than hers. After a few weeks of this(mine was better than hers) I bought a new dryer. The new dryer has found its way to Ashley's bathroom. Along with my new curling iron.
I am left with the old ones of both! I am also left without toothpaste, mascara, eyeshadow,shampoo, conditioner, eye makeup remover, my hair pick and anything else that she needs.
It is a good thing that she is so beautiful or I might really start to get irritable!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hoarders Here we Come!
The other day Mitch and I sat and watched the program Hoarders. It is basically a show about people that have a real severe case of OCD where they can not get rid of things or they compulsively buy too much. They have usually been turned into the health department or turned in for some other public code violation. These houses are bad. I mean mounds and mounds of stuff on top of more mounds and mounds of stuff. So disgusting that it is hard to imagine anyone living in these homes.
When I was a girl my Mom often used this phrase in reference to us needing to clean our bedrooms, "you need a scoop shovel in here it is so deep". Well, I am here to officially say that I have never needed a scoop shovel to clean anything in my house! On this program they did use scoop shovels, and industrial sized dumpsters and face masks. It was really sad actually, because most of the people featured really did have a mental disorder that was the underlying factor to this utter filth.
Mitch watched with me in utter dismay. He kept making comments like, "how could anyone live like that?" "Why don't they do something about it?"
The comment that I jumped on was "our house could never get like that." Oh, really? I told him that our house could be the beginning stage of a hoarders episode within one month. That is why I am constantly asking them to pick up, dust, vacuum, doing laundry, taking mounds of stuff to the garbage and continually sending things to the DI(local thrift store).
I have actually been part of a couple of clean up efforts in my life that were close seconds to the Hoarders show. I learned all those years ago that anyone can get their life in a mess. It is a constant, every single day effort.
Today I have been doing some basic housecleaning. Things that no one notices unless they haven't been done in a long time. Dusting for example. Does anyone ever come in and notice that the house is freshly dusted? Not unless it was so dusty before that you could write in the dust--or there were cobwebs hanging all around.
What I discovered while dusting is that I ignore my piano room. It is a small sitting room as you walk into the house. We use this room for reading, playing the piano and housing the Christmas tree in December. I realized that in February when I took all the remaining Christmas decor from on top of the piano I never replaced it with the normal decor-which is a bunch of family pictures. It is now the end of September--I have had nothing on the piano for eight months!!! Should I put the pictures back up or leave it empty until Christmas again? Maybe some spooky Halloween decor?
I also discovered that when my children dust they really do a poor job!(surprise) The end table looked like it hadn't been dusted in months. I am wondering if it was dusted by me in February and not since. I also discovered that my children like to stash things instead of putting them away. My #3 child is the worst at this. I found a complete (dirty) outfit stashed behind a row of photo albums, empty pop cans under the chair and an electric fish tank stashed behind the chair. All of these items had been given instructions to be put away. I usually add to that command---"in the appropriate place." Somehow I think that my children have misunderstood what exactly the appropriate place is!
So here I am at 2:26 in the afternoon, still in my gym clothes that I put on at 4:30 a.m. I have been cleaning and decluttering for hours. However, if you walked into my house you would never know that I had done a thing today.
Just trying to keep one step ahead of the authorities! Please don't turn me in the next time you visit!
When I was a girl my Mom often used this phrase in reference to us needing to clean our bedrooms, "you need a scoop shovel in here it is so deep". Well, I am here to officially say that I have never needed a scoop shovel to clean anything in my house! On this program they did use scoop shovels, and industrial sized dumpsters and face masks. It was really sad actually, because most of the people featured really did have a mental disorder that was the underlying factor to this utter filth.
Mitch watched with me in utter dismay. He kept making comments like, "how could anyone live like that?" "Why don't they do something about it?"
The comment that I jumped on was "our house could never get like that." Oh, really? I told him that our house could be the beginning stage of a hoarders episode within one month. That is why I am constantly asking them to pick up, dust, vacuum, doing laundry, taking mounds of stuff to the garbage and continually sending things to the DI(local thrift store).
I have actually been part of a couple of clean up efforts in my life that were close seconds to the Hoarders show. I learned all those years ago that anyone can get their life in a mess. It is a constant, every single day effort.
Today I have been doing some basic housecleaning. Things that no one notices unless they haven't been done in a long time. Dusting for example. Does anyone ever come in and notice that the house is freshly dusted? Not unless it was so dusty before that you could write in the dust--or there were cobwebs hanging all around.
What I discovered while dusting is that I ignore my piano room. It is a small sitting room as you walk into the house. We use this room for reading, playing the piano and housing the Christmas tree in December. I realized that in February when I took all the remaining Christmas decor from on top of the piano I never replaced it with the normal decor-which is a bunch of family pictures. It is now the end of September--I have had nothing on the piano for eight months!!! Should I put the pictures back up or leave it empty until Christmas again? Maybe some spooky Halloween decor?
I also discovered that when my children dust they really do a poor job!(surprise) The end table looked like it hadn't been dusted in months. I am wondering if it was dusted by me in February and not since. I also discovered that my children like to stash things instead of putting them away. My #3 child is the worst at this. I found a complete (dirty) outfit stashed behind a row of photo albums, empty pop cans under the chair and an electric fish tank stashed behind the chair. All of these items had been given instructions to be put away. I usually add to that command---"in the appropriate place." Somehow I think that my children have misunderstood what exactly the appropriate place is!
So here I am at 2:26 in the afternoon, still in my gym clothes that I put on at 4:30 a.m. I have been cleaning and decluttering for hours. However, if you walked into my house you would never know that I had done a thing today.
Just trying to keep one step ahead of the authorities! Please don't turn me in the next time you visit!
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Dream
I have a recurring dream. In this dream I walk from room to room in my house and as I open the doors there are lovely decorated and CLEAN rooms. Everything is in its place. The beds are all neatly made. The dressers are dusted with lovely frames sitting on top. The closets are neatly arranged with shoes and clothing neatly placed and the doors are close. The bookshelves are neatly lined with books with the occasional decor item. The floors are vacummed. As I leave the room there is a lovely scent that wafts through the air. As I enter the bathroom there is a bare counter and floors with clean rugs and soft fluffy towels hanging neatly on the hook. As I open the bathroom closet I notice neatly folded towels all facing the same direction. The towels all match the decor of the bathroom. In the main living areas the couch cushions are fluffed and orderly and the couch is ohh so clean. There are pictures on the mantel. There are current pictures in frames on the walls. There are lovely decor items that are up to date. The kitchen is a masterpiece. The counters are completely bare. Sparkling in the sunshine coming through the crystal clear windows. The dining table has a very large and lovely centerpiece and the place mats are all clean and placed just so. I wander around this lovely, oh so lovely home and am amazed at how wonderful it feels.
Then I wake up.
Then I wake up.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Happy 14th Birthday!
Today is my Mitch's 14th birthday. 14! That is big!
*you are over 6 feet tall
*you wear a 13 1/2 shoe
*you have two hollow legs so you eat like a horse-especially after football.
*you love your new dirt bike
*you love your new dirt bike
*you--get the idea!
*you are a pretty mellow guy, rarely do you get very riled up--Thank you for that!
*you are still a very tender hearted boy, even if you don't want to show it
*you are a secret comedian!
*you leave your big shoes everywhere
*you are very easy going
*you are very easy to have around
Happy Birthday! my sweet Bubba boy! You are growing too fast! Thank you for being so mellow, we need it around here. Thanks for trying to do what is good. You have a kind heart.
Will you just try and put your shoes away before I kill myself tripping on them?
love,
Mom
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Made it through the first day!
So the first day of kindergarten has come and gone. I met him at the bus stop that first day so happy to see him smiling as he emerged from that big yellow bus.
As we walked home I asked him about his first day. "Did you like it?" "yea!" "What was your very favorite thing?"(thinking he would give me the answer that the others do--recess)
He thought for a moment and then said "everything!"
Oh, you sweet little boy, Good answer, good answer!
He then happily handed me his kissing hand and I cried.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
First Day of Kindergarten 2010!
Hey My Little Man? Who said that you could grow up and go to kindergarten? I am not sure I am ready for you to go. You and I have been great buddies these last almost six years. We have gone everywhere together. You have been my shopping buddy, my nap buddy, my laundry buddy. You have been there as we go to help in the others classrooms, to take the others to their football, dance, tennis and a miriad of other activities. You have spent countless hours in the suburban being hauled around taking care of things.
What will I do without you?
You have been a complete joy to me. Okay, I might not feel that way when I realize that you went to the bathroom in the heater vent or on the floor in the hall or all over the tires of my car! However, all in all you have been a delight and a joy to spend my time with these last five years ten months and ten days! You are the little spot of joy that we were not expecting. I have always called you "our little bumper baby!" What a blessing you have been. There is something interesting that happens in a family when a bumper baby comes along. You are almost five years younger than Em. That is quite a large gap in child years. When you came along there were no other babies in the house. Everyone was old enough to instinctively understand that there is something so sweet and wonderful about a new baby. You were that new baby. You have been loved and doted on. Daddy would say that you have been spoiled!
If loving a sweet little angel boy is spoiling than I am guilty as charged. You have been loved on from everyone in this family since the moment you were born. I have often told Ash that she needs to get all the hugs and kisses she can--they go away much too soon. I am so glad that at almost six years old you are still so willing to hug, kiss and cuddle with me and your brother and sisters.
When you were born I knew that you were the last baby that would come to this family. I had already been blessed with three other wonderful yummy babies that grew up much, much too fast. Because of this, I promised myself that I would try to cherish each new development with you.
I have held you and held you---sometimes much longer than you would like- "Mom, let me go!" I have smelled your head and counted the little polka dots on your neck. I have tucked you into bed with a thousand kisses. I have watched as you have grown and grown. It seems that that just happens.
Today as you excitedly got ready for your first day of school I looked at you with a longing. A longing that I know every mother in the world understands. A longing to hold you just a little longer. A longing to smell your baby neck. A longing to have your chubby little fingers wrapped around mine a little longer. A longing to be the most important person in your world a little longer. A longing that never really ever goes away.
As you ate your breakfast you told me you wanted to ride the bus. "What?" Don't you know that I had planned to take you to school, walk you in to the school holding your hand, making it look like I was helping you? In truth, that walk is for the Momma's. We all want to be able to hold your hand as long as possible because from now on out there will always be other people. I will no longer be the only one that can help you. It is the first day of slowly being replaced.
I know that this replacement is the natural way that we grow and develop. I know that truly I can never be "replaced", however, from now on you are part of a bigger circle. A circle that gets bigger and bigger for you but I will forever be slightly on the edge watching you. Forever on the edge praying for you. Forever on the edge hoping that all the hugs and kisses, wiped noses and bums, the prayers that I have helped you say, the prayers that I have prayed for you, the books I have read to you will be enough to guide you when I am not with you. I have always been close by, you could turn around and I would be there. I hope that I have given you enough for when I am not there.
My sweet little angel boy. You have been a blessing to me.
Now let's just work on not peeing on the floor!
Love, Mom
Forever a little farther away.
Best Buds
(we went to have lunch with Daddy before the big day-Daddy chose a brand new McDonalds especially for this date)
What will I do without you?
You have been a complete joy to me. Okay, I might not feel that way when I realize that you went to the bathroom in the heater vent or on the floor in the hall or all over the tires of my car! However, all in all you have been a delight and a joy to spend my time with these last five years ten months and ten days! You are the little spot of joy that we were not expecting. I have always called you "our little bumper baby!" What a blessing you have been. There is something interesting that happens in a family when a bumper baby comes along. You are almost five years younger than Em. That is quite a large gap in child years. When you came along there were no other babies in the house. Everyone was old enough to instinctively understand that there is something so sweet and wonderful about a new baby. You were that new baby. You have been loved and doted on. Daddy would say that you have been spoiled!
If loving a sweet little angel boy is spoiling than I am guilty as charged. You have been loved on from everyone in this family since the moment you were born. I have often told Ash that she needs to get all the hugs and kisses she can--they go away much too soon. I am so glad that at almost six years old you are still so willing to hug, kiss and cuddle with me and your brother and sisters.
When you were born I knew that you were the last baby that would come to this family. I had already been blessed with three other wonderful yummy babies that grew up much, much too fast. Because of this, I promised myself that I would try to cherish each new development with you.
I have held you and held you---sometimes much longer than you would like- "Mom, let me go!" I have smelled your head and counted the little polka dots on your neck. I have tucked you into bed with a thousand kisses. I have watched as you have grown and grown. It seems that that just happens.
Today as you excitedly got ready for your first day of school I looked at you with a longing. A longing that I know every mother in the world understands. A longing to hold you just a little longer. A longing to smell your baby neck. A longing to have your chubby little fingers wrapped around mine a little longer. A longing to be the most important person in your world a little longer. A longing that never really ever goes away.
As you ate your breakfast you told me you wanted to ride the bus. "What?" Don't you know that I had planned to take you to school, walk you in to the school holding your hand, making it look like I was helping you? In truth, that walk is for the Momma's. We all want to be able to hold your hand as long as possible because from now on out there will always be other people. I will no longer be the only one that can help you. It is the first day of slowly being replaced.
I know that this replacement is the natural way that we grow and develop. I know that truly I can never be "replaced", however, from now on you are part of a bigger circle. A circle that gets bigger and bigger for you but I will forever be slightly on the edge watching you. Forever on the edge praying for you. Forever on the edge hoping that all the hugs and kisses, wiped noses and bums, the prayers that I have helped you say, the prayers that I have prayed for you, the books I have read to you will be enough to guide you when I am not with you. I have always been close by, you could turn around and I would be there. I hope that I have given you enough for when I am not there.
My sweet little angel boy. You have been a blessing to me.
Now let's just work on not peeing on the floor!
Love, Mom
Forever a little farther away.
Best Buds
(we went to have lunch with Daddy before the big day-Daddy chose a brand new McDonalds especially for this date)
First Day of School 2010
August 25, 2010
The first and last year that all my darling babies are in public school!
My first born baby started her senior year of high school--how did that happen?
My last born baby is starting kindergarten--wasn't he just a tiny bundle of joy?
My second born baby is WAY taller than his Momma and his voice has gotten low-when did I say it was okay for him to go to eigth grade?
My third born baby started fifth grade--such a big year, still a little kid but so on the verge of the big kid world.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Four Years!
Late last night I realized that it was an anniversary! A blogiversary!! It was four years ago I started this blog. Four years and 885 posts! That is a lot of stuff!
I looked at those first few posts. I wrote about not really knowing why people have blogs. Well, four years and 885 posts later I think that I have a better answer. I have continued to keep this blog because I want to remember.
I take pictures, lots and lots of pictures. The problem is that I don't actually do much with those pictures. Now with my blog the important pictures are documented. I have written about Christmas, school starting, death, birth, friends, memories and laundry--lots and lots of laundry. I am going to use Blurb to print these past four years. I may have to actually print each year separately--that would be big. A cousin made one using blurb and it was great. I may never be organized enough to do much with the thousands of pictures that I take. However, through this blog I have a lot of history--my history!!!
Who knew that four years would pass and I would still be blogging? My blog is not a popular blog-meaning I don't have a large readership. I rarely get comments from anyone. Sometimes I wish that I had a little more influence or that people would think I was funny or something. However, the real reason that I keep this blog is to document my life. I hope that somewhere down the line when someone looks at the books that I print they will know me.
I keep this blog because I want to remember.
I looked at those first few posts. I wrote about not really knowing why people have blogs. Well, four years and 885 posts later I think that I have a better answer. I have continued to keep this blog because I want to remember.
I take pictures, lots and lots of pictures. The problem is that I don't actually do much with those pictures. Now with my blog the important pictures are documented. I have written about Christmas, school starting, death, birth, friends, memories and laundry--lots and lots of laundry. I am going to use Blurb to print these past four years. I may have to actually print each year separately--that would be big. A cousin made one using blurb and it was great. I may never be organized enough to do much with the thousands of pictures that I take. However, through this blog I have a lot of history--my history!!!
Who knew that four years would pass and I would still be blogging? My blog is not a popular blog-meaning I don't have a large readership. I rarely get comments from anyone. Sometimes I wish that I had a little more influence or that people would think I was funny or something. However, the real reason that I keep this blog is to document my life. I hope that somewhere down the line when someone looks at the books that I print they will know me.
I keep this blog because I want to remember.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Uncles
I have had a feeling for a long time that I needed to make a trip to Driggs, Idaho and visit my Dad's brothers. My Dad has been gone for twenty two years. Unfortunately, in these years we haven't had a lot of visits with my Dad's family. It makes me sad. Very, very sad.
When I was a little girl we would spend a lot of time with my Dad's family. My grandparent's lived in the family home with my Uncle Darrel(he never married) and my Uncle Alvin lived across the street. We spent many, many a Saturday or Sunday at my grandparent's home. My Dad fished, hunted, rock hunted and visited with his brothers a lot. As children they were such a large part of my life.
Since my Dad's untimely death there has been very little interaction with the family members. Our family's kept growing and getting older. My Dad was the second youngest of seven. I am one of the youngest grandchildren.
I am so glad that we went to visit. My Uncle Alvin lost his wife a few years ago. He and my Dad were always close. They both taught school and loved the outdoors. It is always interesting to listen to my Uncle Alvin because I hear my Dad's voice in his voice. It is a sound I miss. My Uncle Alvin has really started to become more frail in the last couple of years. He is about eighty, I guess that it does happen.
My Uncle Darrel never married. My grandparent's always provided and took care of him. For some reason he just never really functioned in the real world. He is not handicapped but he just never went out and took on his own life. Now a days, he would probably be diagnosed with some sort of social phobia or Asperger's Autism. Regardless of those things he is still my Dad's brother. Over the years there have been many difficulties with these behaviors. After my Grandpa died my Dad tried to help Darrel. He gave him a job and tried to help him to help himself. That is a difficult thing for a grown adult man. It was hard on my Dad as well.
When my Dad died suddenly , there was really no one to look out for Darrel. I have felt so sad about this for many years. I think of him in his little apartment alone, day after day. I know that he has help come in and I am grateful for that. I also know that if someone has to be alone Darrel is the perfect type of personality for it. He is quite anti social, it's just the way he is. He doesn't really need people like most of us need people. However, I often think of my Uncle Darrel and then think of my Dad. I know that no matter how many problems my Uncle created or avoided in his life my Dad would have never left him alone. He would have done everything in his power to help him. He would have always visited and helped to take care of him the best he could.
I often feel helpless in this situation. There isn't much I can do. However, I decided that I had to at least visit him and let him know that I think of him. I remember him picking raspberries from the garden for us. I remember him giving us vitamin C tablets the size of silver dollars. He was a presence that was always there in my childhood. A presence that I feel deserves respect and love.
I wish I could do more.
Uncle Alvin
Uncle Darrell
When I was a little girl we would spend a lot of time with my Dad's family. My grandparent's lived in the family home with my Uncle Darrel(he never married) and my Uncle Alvin lived across the street. We spent many, many a Saturday or Sunday at my grandparent's home. My Dad fished, hunted, rock hunted and visited with his brothers a lot. As children they were such a large part of my life.
Since my Dad's untimely death there has been very little interaction with the family members. Our family's kept growing and getting older. My Dad was the second youngest of seven. I am one of the youngest grandchildren.
I am so glad that we went to visit. My Uncle Alvin lost his wife a few years ago. He and my Dad were always close. They both taught school and loved the outdoors. It is always interesting to listen to my Uncle Alvin because I hear my Dad's voice in his voice. It is a sound I miss. My Uncle Alvin has really started to become more frail in the last couple of years. He is about eighty, I guess that it does happen.
My Uncle Darrel never married. My grandparent's always provided and took care of him. For some reason he just never really functioned in the real world. He is not handicapped but he just never went out and took on his own life. Now a days, he would probably be diagnosed with some sort of social phobia or Asperger's Autism. Regardless of those things he is still my Dad's brother. Over the years there have been many difficulties with these behaviors. After my Grandpa died my Dad tried to help Darrel. He gave him a job and tried to help him to help himself. That is a difficult thing for a grown adult man. It was hard on my Dad as well.
When my Dad died suddenly , there was really no one to look out for Darrel. I have felt so sad about this for many years. I think of him in his little apartment alone, day after day. I know that he has help come in and I am grateful for that. I also know that if someone has to be alone Darrel is the perfect type of personality for it. He is quite anti social, it's just the way he is. He doesn't really need people like most of us need people. However, I often think of my Uncle Darrel and then think of my Dad. I know that no matter how many problems my Uncle created or avoided in his life my Dad would have never left him alone. He would have done everything in his power to help him. He would have always visited and helped to take care of him the best he could.
I often feel helpless in this situation. There isn't much I can do. However, I decided that I had to at least visit him and let him know that I think of him. I remember him picking raspberries from the garden for us. I remember him giving us vitamin C tablets the size of silver dollars. He was a presence that was always there in my childhood. A presence that I feel deserves respect and love.
I wish I could do more.
Uncle Alvin
Uncle Darrell
The beautiful Teton mountains. I had to stop on the side of the road to get this picture. There is a feeling in this beautiful basin that only exists there. Every time I go there I get homesick. There is a longing that I feel when I am where my Dad spent so much of his life. I guess that it just reminds me how much I miss him. It never ever goes away.
Last Swim at the River 2010!
Going to Grandma's house in the summer is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that my children feel the same way! We knew we would be leaving so we had one more evening at the river. We started at the sandbar for Justin. He still loves to play in the sand and splash and run. After two shots of him my camera battery died so I took the rest of the pictures on my cell phone!
After playing at the sandbar we noticed kids at my cousins summer house just down the river, so we swam down. I called Mitch to come over and have his last river swim of the year. They went off the swing until their arms were exhausted. Where I had my cell phone camera I had a hard time getting great shots so we kept trying. We tried one too many times! Mitch went one step higher on the stairs and forgot to adjust--he smacked his feet on the rocks--I was glad that they were only gauged a bit and not sliced up!!!
It was a good week at Grandma's!
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