Cold

The weather is turning COLD!!!! It was just bitter at 5:00 am when I went to the gym. By about 10:45 am I was able to go outside with the preschool children. The afternoon class was blessed that it was beautiful. By the time class ended at 3:00 pm it was freezing!

I am not really ready for winter. Now let me preface this---I love to ski, so I like parts of winter. However, there are parts that I struggle with. Dark, dark afternoons and evenings. It seems like there is just not enough sunlight. Because of this I struggle, I am much more tired. I struggle with irritability and frustration. I also hate the messy wet garage full of wet, stinky shoes and snow clothes.

Because I am trying to be more positive and enjoy my life today, I have decided to list all the things that I DO like about winter. Please feel free to remind me of these when I start complaining!

*Cold mornings when the snow just sparkles like diamonds.

* Wrapping up in blankets by the fireplace---particularly at my Momma's!

*Going outside and breathing in the bitter cold air.

*The smell of wood burning stoves.

*The quiet of the snow at night.

*How beautiful everything is after a snowstorm. All the trees branches are covered, it just looks like a fairy land.

*How clean things look with a new blanket of snow.

*The crunch of the snow when it is very cold--remember---I grew up in Idaho where it gets VERY COLD!

*Snow angels

*Listening to my children's squeals of delight as they sled down the hill.

*Snow Days--unfortunately for my children, these do not happen here. I grew up with them and I miss them, nothing like Mom coming in early and telling us we didn't have to go to school!

*A beautiful sunny ski day after a great storm

Something I miss---going to my grandparent's after skiing or snowmobiling and sitting by their woodstove to get warm. We would then go into the kitchen and have Grandma's chili with rolls that she would make in muffin tins. They always had these huge tops on them. My Grandma wasn't a very talkative person. She showed you she loved you by cooking. Her chili was always full of love. I have never liked canned chili--perhaps it is just not packed with enough love!

After we were stuffed we would lay on their shag carpet and watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom followed by the Lawrence Welk show.

Winter is on its way--what memories will my children have?

Remembering

My #2 child is in 6th grade. He is taller than I am and I am certain he is smarter, he just doesn't have any life experience yet.

Why am I writing this? I have a tiny wallet picture of my sixth grade teacher sitting here on my desk. It has been sitting here since my Mom came and we scanned hundreds of old pictures. This is one that she said I might as well have.

Have you ever had people in your life that have changed you? Mrs. Orgille was one of those people. My brother was one year ahead of me in school. He had Mrs. Orgille first. She thought he was the cat's meow. She just loved him and his curly blonde hair. She actually cut a lock of his beautiful curls so that she could always have something to remember him by. Vance loved her as well.

Mrs. Orgille scared me to death the first week of sixth grade! I will never forget her showing us what would happen if we stole out of her desk--she slammed the drawer closed HARD! I was certain that my brother had been mistaken about her!

As the year progressed I quickly knew why Vance had loved her so. She had a way about her. She knew how to make you feel good about yourself. At sixth grade this is so vital. I was one of the biggest kids in my grade. I had all my height early--then never got any more! I had ugly glasses and ugly hair---what were we all thinking in the late 70's, early 80's with all those tight curly perms?

I remember Mrs. Orgille giving me a ride home one time. I am not sure why. However, I remember that she told me that I could turn a big assignment in a few days late. It was just between us. I remember when I went to school and she started calling for that assignment, I was so nervous. She just said my name and checked it off. Looking back, I realize that she was probably more aware of some problems that were happening with one of my older siblings than I really was. She was probably trying to give me all the extra love she could, just to help.

I remember another big project we had. We had to make very large story books with the illustrations. They didn't have to be our own story. We could tell a printed story. I chose Goldilocks and the Three bears. We worked and worked on those books. Then we went to the younger classes and read our stories to them. I remember when she came and asked me privately if she could keep my book--she liked it so much that she wanted to keep it to use. I felt like I had won the lottery. I wasn't the only one that she selected. However, she didn't select every students. It was a quiet thing. But it was a huge thing for me!

Mrs. Orgille had a way about her that everyone loved.

Fast forward a few years. I remember her coming to my Dad's funeral and just hugging my brother and I so tightly. I remember her coming to visit, just because, with her purple Berkenstock sandals(she loved purple). I remember her coming to my wedding reception and just beaming like she was my grandmother. I remember being at my sweet cousin's two month old baby's funeral---she came after the funeral, just frantic because she had just heard. My cousin had had her as well. She came in and just loved my cousin, like she loved me and every other student she had ever had. When she saw you she just beamed. She would always say "How's my girl?" Then she would say "how's that favorite boy of mine?" (meaning my cute brother).

Why am I writing all this down? She was probably the first person (besides my parents) that I ever truly felt really believed in me. Perhaps it was just because I was maturing but I don't think so. I think that Mrs. Orgille had a gift. Her gift was that she was able to see the diamond in the lump of coal. She didn't care if you were the cutest girl or the kid from the wrong side of the tracks. She was able to love you just because you were you.

I found out Mrs. Orgille passed away last summer. I would have loved to visit with her again.

She is one of my all time favorite people.

I hope that one day I can grow up to be like her.

Noise

I am in our den listening to #3 and her cousin and friend play Wii Rockband. It is one of those things that is so awful that you have to just laugh!

For those of you that are not familiar(yet) with Rockband--it is a computer simulated rock concert. It comes with a guitar, microphone and drum set. The idea is to hit the drums at the right notes, sing at the right beat and pitch and play the guitar. Well, Miss #3 is downstairs on mic---she is literally screaming! This whole Wii thing was something that I have put off/avoided for the last couple of years. Mainly because I think that video games and all things like them are the biggest time waster and brain drain around. I have told #2 that I want him to grow up to be a man not a couch potato. Well, we succumbed to the Wii recently. This Rockband is hysterical to watch--for about 30 seconds! That is how long I can actually stand listening to any of my children sing. Unfortunately for them, they sing like me. That is not really a good thing.

I will say that the Rock band has been a great thing to have the kids at MY HOUSE. They are also really working together, laughing, playing and just being silly. That is a good thing.

Now where are those earplugs?

My recent quest

I am on a quest. I am buying new couches. This sounds simple enough. Go to the furniture store, pick something I like, buy it, wait for it to be delivered.

This is what has happened in the past. Take husband. Walk around and around until he finds something that he likes. I don't like it so we keep looking.

4 1/2 years ago I went on a couch quest. I thought that I had found them. I bought them and waited for them to be delivered. When they arrived I tried to convince myself that I liked them. I knew right away that they were not something that I loved. I tried for days and days to love them. I just couldn't do it. So, I sent them back, and the glider that I got just because it was close to something that would coordinate(it was ugly but hubby is a rocker---I was trying to please him).

I attempt again. This time I decide to get two recliners instead of a sofa. Leather is always good.
I should have had them put them back on the truck. I knew the minute they were in my house that I hated them. The leather looked like a bad spray paint job. So, these too got sent back!

I stopped shopping for furniture for awhile. I thought that it wasn't a good idea to shop while pregnant. A year or so later I found some furniture for the piano room. Hubby thought that he hated it in the store. I loved it, still do! It is the most comfortable furniture and it looks great too!

We went to buy a headboard. Hubby went with me. I felt pressured by he and the awful salesman. I knew right then and there that I didn't really love the bed but I thought that it would do. I called the next day and canceled the order--I knew it wasn't what I wanted. I will not spend money on something that I don't feel completely comfortable with.

While shopping with Tina I found the headboard/footboard I wanted. I love it---from the first moment.

Last year I needed a dining room table.(Six didn't fit around our 17 year old Shopko special) I looked and looked---by myself. I chose a table and chairs. Mr. Sweetness told the kids to not get attached, it would be gone by Tuesday! I Love my table. I have had it a year and I still love it!

Moral of this story? Don't take Mr. Sweetness shopping! It only took 18 years and two sets of returned furniture for him to relinquish the shopping to me! Now if only I was sure about what to get. The furniture is changing. 1/2 of the choices are HUGE sectionals. Some of them are gorgeous--but they will not work in my house. There are so many that are so ugly! I have gone around RC Willey's numerous times trying to dodge the same salesman that pressured me before. He wouldn't leave me alone! Talk about the hard sale!

I have found a couch and loveseat that I think that I like. I am going to go to a different showroom to see how it looks there. Why is this so hard?

I am officially old!--Mr. Sweetness said so!

Wow! What a week!

Tuesday was my 40th birthday! Yes, I dare say it! To this point I have never been embarrassed about my age. I grew up with a Mom that didn't feel it necessary to hide her age. I hope that I can be so gracious!

Well, our life is a little nuts at times. OK, all the time! With Sweetness as a Bishop, four children, preschool and scouts there is always something going on.

Last week I asked my sweet hubby if he would take Friday or Monday off so we could go and do something for my birthday. I knew that Tuesday wouldn't be great because I teach and he has Bishop obligations. Well, he didn't jump at the chance. He him hawed around about it being the end of the month, he was going fishing at the end of next week, etc. etc. I asked him if he was giving me a party and he said no--Do you want one" yes, I said!" So we looked at a calendar and decided that it would have to wait until he got home from fishing and I would have to do it myself because he isn't creative like that.

I was a bit disappointed but such is life. He is a super busy guy. I will cut him some slack.

Tuesday morning #2 and I go to the gym at 5:15 am. We work out and then arrive home. Mr. Sweetness is sitting there in the chair freshly showered and dressed. He hands me a birthday card--nothing else. I was hoping that he went and bought me a laptop! I am reading the silly card and finally get to the last page.

It says, "Go get ready, we are leaving in thirty minutes!" I look at him and ask "are you serious?" Yes-but you actually have about an hour!" I look at the piece of paper with the card and we are going to San Diego, CA!!!!!

I have a little moment of freaking out---what about preschool--15 parents to call, scouts to call, children to arrange, therapy pickup, football, piano etc.!!!!

"It is all handled-get in the shower!"

So, I do! I get ready, pack enough for one day-carry on only. My sweet #2 Man-boy brings me in a piece of chocolate cake with an "over the hill" candle and has me blow it out. (Sad I didn't get a picture of him with it!) We give everyone kisses and leave for the airport!

I was TOTALLY SURPRISED! I am usually quite aware of what my Sweet hubby is doing. He isn't very good at keeping secrets. He will just him haw around things. Like, where would you like to go if you could go on a little vacation? I suspected NOTHING!

We get to the airport, eat breakfast. Board plane and I sleep! (not terribly romantic!)

We get to San Diego and go to get the rental car---it is a CONVERTIBLE!!!! It was so much fun!

We drive to the room, it is on a little jetty type of island surrounded by beautiful yaughts. Our room is around a little walkway with old trees, tropical flowering plants, little stepping stones and looks directly to the water!



We open the door and there is the biggest bouquet of roses I have ever seen! He ordered me 40 roses! 40!( I told him the next time I get this many roses it will probably be on my casket!) A little bit later six chocolate covered strawberries arrive! He just thought of everything!



We went to Pacific beach, one of our favorite little places. It has such a beachy, surfer flair to it. We walked the boardwalk, then walked the beach. It was a perfect weather day. There was a breeze, but just the right amount so that we weren't too hot. There were tons of kite surfers that were so interesting to watch. We just sat and soaked in the beautiful sunshine and drank in the fresh smell of the ocean.







After spending most of the day at the beach we decided to go to Old Town San Diego. We have been there before. There is a Mexican restaurant that we like to go to. It is in the center of this old Spanish mission. It is an open air restaurant with flowers, birds etc.

After dinner we came back to the hotel and went to the hot tub--very very hot. ( I don't do that kind of heat)

The rest of the night will remain unblogged!

Wednesday morning we went back to Pacific Beach to Kono's. It is just a really surfer/beachy breakfast place. They give you more food than you should eat!, and it is so good. We go to look at my favorite bike shop and it wasn't open yet. I was sad--someday I am going to get one of these cool beach cruiser bikes!


It was a fabulous birthday! My Mr. Sweetness really outdid himself! I am a very lucky girl!












My sweet niece blogged about me and my birthday on her blog--check it out--funny old pictures and some bad new pictures! Love you Chrikee!

Try a little harder

I have been reading a new book. I purchased it at my weekend away. It is called Dump the Guilt and Find the Joy. by Merrilee Boyack. I am enjoying it so much.

I am often heard telling my children that "just because you think it doesn't mean you have to say it!" I believe this. Our human brains are often thinking things that are not necessarily things that need to be said. I heard an acronym awhile back K-T-N. It goes like this. If it is not KIND, TRUE or NECESSARY think before it is said. Well, in this newest book Merrilee quotes a few of our Prophets. She summarizes them and basically says that we as women are often very hard on each other. Even if it is only in our minds! She goes on to talk about how different we would feel about ourselves and our situation if we would constantly think "she is doing the best she can."

I have often told my husband that I want to get to the point that I don't think the mean thoughts. I want to not have them cross my mind. I want to look at other people and see their true self, the soul. The person that doesn't talk too much, the person that isn't always dressed well, the person that IS dressed well! The overweight person, etc. etc. etc. I want to look at a person and not instantly see all of these frailties of this life. I want to see THEM. I want to have CHARITY. I want to look at a person and just know that they are struggling like I am and the Lord loves them every bit as much as he does me.

We are all doing the best we can. If we know inside that we aren't---take President Gordon B. Hinkley's advice. "Try a little harder to be a little better every day!"

Depressing

If you don't care about my diet/exercise program-skip this!~

I am trying to get healthy. I have been really careful about my diet and I have been exercising like a crazy woman. I have been starting to feel good about my progress. I have more energy, lost a few initial pounds, am doing well not eating lots of sugar.

Last night my trainer had a special class for us. I went not really knowing what to expect. It was a boot camp class like no other! I have taken boot camp classes at two gyms. I know what they are. This was so much harder! Besides worrying about overdoing it with my foot I was able to do everything--not really well or fast but I was sweating and breathing hard. This is not the problem!

The problem came before class started when my trainer brought out a hand held body fat indicator. You plug in your numbers, age, height etc. Then you hold this video game controller looking thing out in front of you. The number that came up for my body fat percentage was SHOCKING! It is so shocking that I am NOT going to print it. I had my body fat percentage tested last October and December--great improvement then. Had it tested again in March-it had stayed the same. I figured that it would probably be pretty close to the first reading, maybe even a couple of percentages higher because I have been so inactive since March.

I was NOT PREPARED for this reading. Now to know if it is very accurate and how to incorporate the information into my new routine!

I am taking this morning off from exercising. I am nervous about overdoing it with my foot. However, I don't want to not keep going. I have to get this extra weight off. I am not getting any younger--my birthday is coming up to prove it. With the history of my family's hearts I have to be in charge of my health.

So? I am just going to take the reading with a grain of salt(very depressing, yucky salt) and hope that in eight weeks it will be better!

Another early day!

I wasn't going to do it. I had decided to not get up early and be at the gym at 5:00 am. However, she(#1) decided differently!

At 4:55 am she comes into my pitch black bedroom and say's "Mom, are we going to the gym?"

When your fifteen year old daughter wakes you before 5:00 am to go and be healthy you probably better go!

So, three days in a row I have been up before 5:00 am. I believe that this hasn't happened since I had an early morning job in college at a meat cutting plant(ewh--yucky job!).

Good, Better or Best?

We are all plugging along. #2 is still in football, we have piano for #2 and #3. Preschool for me and #4 four times a week and also cub scouts for me. #1 and #3 have dance. #1 has all the things that HS students have. Sweetness (hubby) is still a Bishop(LDS) so that means he is going and going and going.(he is tired, he needs a vacation more than I do) School, homework, dishes, laundry, housework, cooking, etc. It is a whirlwind of activity all the time.

I often think about how busy we are. Why? I try to not over schedule my children. The problem that I have found is that with FOUR children it gets busy if they are involved in anything! So, I just suck it up and try. Some months(years) I do better than others. Last week was not such a good week. Combine a new eating/exercise program with the full moon(read-- middle of cycle crabbiness) and me teaching preschool.

This week is better! It is Tuesday and I feel good about my eating/exercising. I went TWICE to workout yesterday! One at FIVE AM!!!! That is like a miracle! I am so not a morning person! I then went in the evening to a cycle class. I was to weigh myself last night--I was nervous because I had weighed in the morning. I was down 2 pounds. Which really is good. I just wanted it to be more. So, I get on the scale after the class---I was down FIVE pounds! I am thrilled!

Today I got up and went to the gym again at 5:00 am with #1. She wanted to go, I was so proud of her! Tonight I went and worked out again. Sweetness thinks that I am crazy. I am trying to rev up my metabolism after so much inactivity. I have been icing my foot and it seems to be about the same pain level as when I have only been doing 1/2 as much or less exercise. I hope that the new inserts that I am getting tomorrow will help immensely.(I have only been waiting for them since the first week in July!)

Preschool went so well today! The morning class is my hardest class. The few with attention focus problems were so much better today. Perhaps it is just me getting used to how they work so that I can work with them better. I still don't know if I will teach again next year. It is just too soon to know. However, after today I felt much better than last week.

So, I am trying to remember to focus and prioritize. I had a great opportunity given to me for a new business. I had to really think about this. It is the type of thing that I would love, and probably be good at. However, I decided that now is not the time. I can not commit myself to anything else. How good am I if I am stretched so thin that I am only glossing over every single thing and person in my life? It was hard to decide this. However, I feel good with my decision. Other opportunities will come in my life.

Good, Better, Best----There are so many good things in life. Do I want to have lots and lots of good or do I want to be a bit more selective and have more best in my life? I am trying to find that balance.

Rainy Monday

Happy Monday!

It is raining and dark here. Usually that would depress me. Today it is actually creating quite a calm, soothing effect. Miracle of miracle--I got my lazy rear out of bed at 4:30 am and went to the gym by 5:00am for a great class! I know---I am so proud of myself.

I have a list a mile long today. I am hoping to get on top of the normal house stuff. Isn't it amazing that we all have to deal with the same things? Laundry, dishes, dirty floors-etc. I think that it should be mandatory that every mother has an Alice to come and help with these types of things!

Until my Alice comes I better get back to work!

Happy Rainy Monday!

I am still alive!

I am still going strong on my exercise and eating program. Why are the so many wonderful treats and foods to temp us to be unhealthy?

Sweetness(hubby) and I went to dinner last night with some dear friends. I kept telling myself before we went--"don't eat the bread, don't eat the bread".

I did so well! I didn't even take a tiny piece of the beautiful, golden sourdough loaf. I also didn't eat any of the perfectly toasted bread that came with the appetizer. I ordered a wonderful Mahi Mahi dish with fabulously fresh mango salsa and VEGETABLES! It was very good. I was tempted by Isabella's creamy tortellini--that is my favorite type of dish!

I had two tiny teaspoons of our Molten chocolate cake and felt thrilled with myself.!

Oh, I also DID NOT ORDER DIET COKE! I drank water!

Ok, I know that no one else really cares about what I ate for dinner. This is the boring stuff on a mommy blog---however, it is my blog and my Momma would be so proud of me!

I have also been exercising almost everyday this week. My foot is not hurting any more than it was before so I figure that it can handle it. I have to exercise, I felt SO good yesterday while I was doing the boot camp class at the gym. It was fun, hard, sweaty and great. I will definitely be doing it again.

So-I will keep plugging away and go and drink some water!!!!

What Now?

When I was a teenager and a young adult---before I had children, I knew that I would be a good mother. I had always wanted to be a teacher. I come from teachers. My Mom, Dad, Sisiter, Grandpa, Uncle--all teachers. It was just the right choice. So, I had lots of classes about children. I worked with multiple classrooms. I was a teacher's aide for many summer school sessions. Fast forward twenty or so years. I have been a mother for 15 1/2 years. I have four children ranging from 15 to 3.

I now realize that I know NOTHING!

Case in point:
My daughter is beautiful. That is a blessing. It is easier on a person when you aren't worried so much about your looks. The problem? She is beautiful. Therefore, when she was 12 she looked like she was 16. So the boys have been flocking since that time. In our LDS culture we don't date until we are 16--however, the boys still flock!

How to handle the boys. Sounds easy, she isn't 16 she can't date. Oh, yeah! That was the answer BEFORE I was a mother. There is school, school dances, etc. etc. etc. that this beautiful girl is around these flocking boys.

I just pray that she remembers all that she has been taught--

I told her last night that the most important thing that she will ever leave High School with is her own personal self respect.

Let's hope she listens to her Mom--it is one of the only things I know for sure.

A beginning

I did it.

I bit the bullet.

I joined the gyms Biggest Loser program.

I am crazy.

I am fat.

I hope that I can have success.

Happy Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Mr. Man!

I can hardly believe that my sweet towe headed baby is already 12 years old!

Facts about my #2

Taller than his mom(not hard but still-he is only 12)

His feet are a size 12---bigger than his Dad's!

He has a kind heart

He is a terrible tormentor to his little sister.

He is a good reader

Good student

Loves Football, snowboarding, wake boarding, motorcycles and bikes.

All in all he is a great kid and I am so glad that I get to be his Momma!

Five Things

Five things I am grateful for on a beautiful fall morning!

1. My Mom is a singer--not a professional type, a silly-make songs out of nothing crazy type of singer. I sang to my 12 year old birthday boy today.(he doesn't appreciate it yet!)
2. Music that lifts my soul.
3. A dishwasher.
4. Sweet morning hugs from one little 3 year old
5. Changing leaves.

Time Out for Women

I am a very blessed girl. Friday and Saturday I got to go spend time with my dearest friend. We went shopping, to lunch and then to a wonderful women's conference called
Time out for Women. This is primarily an LDS faith gathering of women. It was fabulous! The speakers were outstanding. Very thought provoking and reassuring.

Now to use what I learned in my real life!

Here are some highlights that I took away from this experience.

*Life is a Gift
*God Loves ME
*God is a Loving Father--a Papa
*Up is down-down is up
*Bless and Release
*We can take U-turns
*Peacemakers
*Jeru Selamat-Expert of Peace-Jesus Christ
*Don't underestimate the power of a moment
*5 split seconds of Joy a day!
*CPR-Caring PLUS Response
*Open our eyes
*Open our hearts
*Pray
*Contribute
*Act
*Our Eternal quest is to help our children become disciples of Christ.
*My job is to love THEM-not Make Them love ME.
*Lighten up and Forgive everyday---this frees up your mind.
*Today could be the day that changes your life!
*You're Best is good enough!
*Don't sleep when you are getting instruction!
*Three lessons to lead a Happy Life--
1.Forgiveness 2. Trust in the Lord 3. Keeping Covenants

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to get away and go to this conference. I hope that it filled my bucket enough that I can be a better Mom, Wife and daughter of God.

9/11

Seven years ago today life as we knew it stopped.

Fly your flag today.

Patriot's Day is today. Let's always remember those that we lost.

Some Days are Just a bit crazy!

Tuesday September 9, 2008

5:30 am--turn off alarm--decide to NOT go to spin class at 6:00 am
6:50 am--say goodbye to #2
7:00 am--goodbye to #1
7:05 am--wake #3
7:09 am --get into shower
7:30 am --help #3 with breakfast
8:00 am--do makeup
8:25 am--say goodbye to #3
8:26 am--try and wake up #4
8:30 am--pickup and vacuum basement/preschool area
8:35 am--cleanup #1's mess in basement bathroom
8:45 am--get #4 breakfast
8:55 am --start greeting preschoolers
9:05-11:30am--circle time, nursery rhymes, counting, days of the week, books, outside play, picking apples, snack time, writing time, apple stamping, inside play
11:30-12:25pm lunch with #4 , vacuum upstairs
12:30 pm --greet preschoolers
12:35-3:00 pm--repeat earlier preschool process
3:10pm--sit down for 15 minutes.
3:45pm--cub scouts arrive for roadside clean up
4:30 pm --finish cleanup, take scouts for ice cream,scouts home
5:00 pm--warm up left-overs for Dad, #2
5:45 pm--take #2 to football practice.
6:20 pm--arrive home
6:30-8:00pm--think about doing laundry but learn about the new ipod nano instead!
8:00-9:00pm--bedtime routine(check homework, extra reading, prayers, scriptures etc.)
9:00-10:00pm --laundry
10:00 pm--bed

Tomorrow? Hopefully NOT a repeat!!

Talk about Tuesday with the Lazy Organizer.

Recent Bravery

I am not brave. I never have been. I haven't ever liked scary movies, spook alley's or anything involving risk. Bungee jumping? No. Cliff Jumping? Think again. Really steep ski runs? Maybe-but only on a sunny day.

I have had an experience recently that has changed my perspective. I am a very brave woman.

I have been in my car with my fifteen year old driving. If that isn't brave I don't know what is!

Today is the day

Excuses, excuses. My foot has been bothering me for about a year. In April I started treatments with a podiatrist. Since then I have not been exercising very much.

I have to start. I am fat. My clothes don't fit. I am grumpy.

Today is the day. I have to figure out what will work. I know that I feel better when I exercise.

So, NO MORE EXCUSES. I am going to the gym.

Updated: I did it! I went to the gym! I am iceing my foot as I type this! Hopefully, my foot won't be sore!

Sweet Baby of Mine

It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful little children are when they are sleeping.

Not as Planned

Today was my son's 12th birthday party. His birthday isn't for about 10 days but with football practice and games we knew that it would be difficult to schedule. Well, we decided that we would go to the IRock. It is an indoor rock climbing center.

This sounded great to me. I put on a skirt(one of three things I can wear) and a cute necklace, stashed a book and my ipod into my camera bag. This is what I had in mind while six boys climbed rocks.

This is what I ended up doing---

I was the belayer! I had to help ALL SIX BOYS. I had to wear some attractive shorts that they gave me to use.

This was much, much harder than I thought it would be! Two of the boys are as big(or bigger) than me. I was exhausted! My arms and hands were killing me. I was so glad that the remaining three boys decided they were finished. (three had to leave early for football)

Did I get to read my book, listen to my ipod or take pictures? No--lucky for me, my birthday boy took a few shots!

Happy Birthday, Bubba!

Cool or Not

I have always wanted to be "cool." The older I get the more I wonder what "cool" means. Who decides who is cool? How does one become cool? Are we born cool? Can we become cool?

If you ask my 15 year old daughter I am definitely NOT COOL. If you ask some of her friends they might think I am pretty cool for A MOM. The people in the singles ward think that I am pretty cool--in a big sister-a bit out of the loop kind of way.

So, why does this matter? It doesn't. Most of the time I am almost content with my life. I always want to be thinner and have cuter hair. Those things never seem to change. However, the fatter I am and the uglier I perceive my hair the "less cool" I feel. Also, add to the fact that I will no longer wear a pair of shoes if they hurt my feet. No matter how cute they are. Does this mean that I am finally becoming an adult or that I am turning into a fuddy duddy!

Let me give you an example of my "not coolness". Last night I had to take #1 and #2 to dance and football practice. I had not planned on getting out of the car. However, as things go #1 daughter needed a couple of things at the grocery store. I had on a darling skirt(one of the 3 things that I can actually fit over the expanse that I call my butt). I had worn it all day while teaching. My feet started to bother me after preschool was over so I put on my tennis shoes. Well, imagine how cute I looked in the grocery store will my cute skirt and my not so cute tennis shoes. Then, it gets worse! I went into the dance studio to pick up MissA. One of the girls on her team noticed my foot attire and commented that she liked the look I had going on! Am I actually okay with the fact that I will actually be seen in ugly shoes that don't match my outfit? Does this make me cool or totally NOT COOl?
Herein lies the question. Is cool a state of mind or a state of being. Who decides? Can one become cool? Does being able to wear ugly shoes make one cool or uncool?

I am not even attempting to analyze my hair!

First Day of Preschool.

Today was another first. It was the first day of preschool for the Little Man. I have been through the first day of preschool six times with three other children. Today was the first time that one of my preschoolers stayed at home for preschool! His Momma is the teacher!

It actually went very well. I had managed to get most everything taken care of last week for the open house. I had gone over the calendar and such.

The kids were really sweet. They are all so different. Little Man wasn't really sure what to think about all these kids in his house playing with his toys. He did much better by the afternoon group.

I hope that I can keep on top of my life with this new adventure. I really have to to make things run smoothly. Planning is so important. I have a calendar for the month of Sept. so that will help. I also need to start using my menu planning again. It helps so much to know what is on the schedule for dinner. I dislike the feeling at 4:00 of ?What's for dinner?

I have included a picture of the Little Man at the beginning of the day and then at the end of the day after about six changes of pants!

I have also included some pictures of our classroom. I think that it turned out great. I still want to do some embellishments to the little playhouse. Add some flowers and shutters.

It was so fun to watch the little boys play kitchen inside the little house. They loved handing things out the little window. Just like the drive through!

I got a darling picture of the class but can't share without permission from parents.

Check out Talk about Tuesday at the Lazy Organizer.

Next!

The Open House for preschool is over! I think that it was a success. I met parents and children. The children seemed to enjoy the classroom--I think that even a few parents enjoy the classroom. I had several ask if they could go back to preschool!

I am glad that I decided to have the Open House. It forced me to be more organized and get ready. I knew that we would be leaving for Labor Day so I had to have everything ready. I still have to have the calendar planned and typed out. I have been having some changes of thoughts about what to put on my curriculum. It will work out!

This was the list that I was working off of yesterday. It is always interesting to me that even with such a detailed list there are probably 47 things that were done that weren't on the list. Like take out garbage--3 times! I am glad that it is over and I can get going with the fun part--teaching little ones!

What a day!

Making progress!

This is how my day started. I got everyone out the door and I went downstairs to spray paint magnetic paint on the chalkboard wall. The idea would be that I would get the magnetic paint done so that I could then put the chalkboard paint on. I started spraying(I had already prepped and taped last night)--I used one full can. Nothing stuck. I waited for it to dry and spray the entire second can. Let it dry---STILL NOTHING! Okay, at this point I am irritated. I have 16 little people and their parents coming to my house tomorrow night--now I have a big ugly gray mess on the wall. So, I call around to find roll on magnetic paint. I run to town and get the stuff. This chalkboard is now getting expensive! (I want it magnetic so we can put up alphabet letters and other magnets)

I find a few other things, nails to finish tacking the edges of the LARGE bulletin board that my sweet hubby hooked up last night. Boards to cut and put up for shingles on the little playhouse.

I come home and start this process. It is 11:00 a.m. I start painting. First coat-let dry, nothing. Second coat-let dry-nothing(starting to get those tight muscles in my back). Third coat--let dry, moment of truth---it works! I did a fourth coat and am now waiting for it to dry so I can put the chalkboard paint on. It is 4:52 p.m. 8-5---I think that is a bit ridiculous, I hope that my expensive magnetic chalkboard is worth the effort!

I did get the bulletin board decorated in between all the coats of paint. I have posters, pictures, counting charts, job charts, weather charts. When MissE came in she was in awe. She thinks that it looks wonderful.

What day is it?

Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday

That is the thought pattern I am working on right now. I have my preschool Open House Wednesday night for all the students and their parents. So, that means that I have to have my basement actually looking like it is ready for preschool! Today I have been shopping with a detailed list. I know that I will need other things along the way but there are a few things that just have to be done first.

Because of this, Chaos Reigns! I feel a little fragmented. I have too many little projects that have to be done. Combine this with the little fact that I am the Mom and these people like to eat, have clean clothes and go places-it makes for a nutty Momma!

What a beautiful bride she was!

This beautiful little girl got married yesterday! It was
18 1/2 years ago she was the flower girl at my wedding.

It was a beautiful wedding. It was at a 2.5 million dollar "cabin" next to a golf course in Driggs, Idaho.

It was so fun to see all the darling things that Christa and her Mom have worked on.

Christa was a beautiful princess bride and James was a dashing groom. They were able to have a fairy tale wedding. It really was lovely.

My sweet hubby actually officiated the ceremony. He did a wonderful job. Not too preachy, a little advice, a bit of humor and lots of love.

I was the dork following the photographer's around (with permission) trying to learn some of their techniques. I am so relieved that they decided to hire these people instead of trusting me---I am a wannabe photographer!

First Day of School Pictures

First Day of School Photos!

It is a tradition to take pictures of the kids before they leave for school. Well, my two oldest left early before I could get the pictures. This is what happened after school--Mr. #2 was not cooperating! I just laughed and laughed. He got sillier and sillier!

First Day of School!

Aug. 21, 2008

The first day of school. It is 9:36 and it is quiet, oh so quiet! Little guy is still asleep and the others have all gone to discover their new classrooms and teachers.

I always have such mixed feelings about the first day of school. I remember being so excited as a kid. Even when I was in high school. I was excited to wear my new outfit, learn who was in my class, etc.

As a parent I have had different feelings. I enjoy the relaxed schedule in the summer. However, after 10 weeks of no real schedule we are all exhausted and ready for a schedule. I enjoy my children home with me--but after 10 weeks of constant togetherness we are all ready for some separation.

I remember another Mom telling me once that she was so sad that school was starting because she just loves having her kids home. I didn't even have a schooler then and I felt guilt. Am I a bad Mom because I am not sad?

I have a few friends who have chosen homeschooling. I respect them so much. I am a stay at home Mom by choice. I love my children. I have tried to encourage and teach them. I have also chosen to send them to public schools. So, when it is the day for school to reopen I try to look at it as a new opportunity for my children and also for me.

It is also the day that I can actually clean the counter and it might stay clean for more than twelve minutes!!!

My Ordinary Life

Years and years ago there was a book with the title Ordinary Lives or something similar.
I am an ordinary person, leading an ordinary life. Sometimes, I feel a little bit of angst about this. Usually, it doesn't last long. However, the normal, everyday things that I do sometimes make me less than thrilled with my ordinary life. I get really tired of dishes, laundry, spots on the carpet, no towels in my bathroom, shoes spread across the house, grocery shopping, cooking---and a million other things that are part of my ordinary life.
Today I went school shopping with my 11 year old son. He is such a good sport. Shopping is hard for me. I must have money phobias or something. As we returned home, I looked around at my messy house. I felt deflated, like a failure. I proceeded to try and elicit help from the three older children. The oldest begrudgingly did vacuum. #2 fell asleep with an ice pack on an injured ankle and #3 fought with me about cleaning her room. Again, I felt like a failure.
How have women throughout time managed their homes and their families? How have they managed 35 loads of laundry a week, plus carpooling, jobs, scouts, piano lessons, dance lessons, football and a myriad of other obligations?
I guess that this is where I can continue to wallow in my self proclaimed pity-party or I can buck up and just keep going. I have a very wise Mom. She has had some difficult experiences in her life. One of the sayings that I remember is "You do what you have to do." So, I guess that I go unload that dishwasher -again-- put another load of laundry in, pick up the Thomas Tank engine underwear that are in the middle of the floor and be grateful that I have a little 3 year old that wears those underwear and try and remember that my ordinary life is pretty extraordinary---for me.

Whoa? Who is this boy?

When did this sweet little guy become a big stinker?

As he walks away saying something that was less than darling, I say "that isn't very nice, please don't say that." He responds with "I can say whatever I want!"

Pray Tell, please give me strength!

Holding on

I am still alive, but barely! I am trying to get my children ready for school and also try to formulate all the needs for preschool to start. This is all while trying to enjoy the last week of summer vacation, nightly football practice, new school open house, swimming, driving #2 to his cousins, laundry, laundry, laundry, dishes, etc. etc. etc.!!!!

It must be about the full moon because I am exhausted and feeling a bit weepy. I am hoping that I can control that One day of the month--that I am a lunatic!

08-08-08

08-08-08!

This is one of those dates that is unique. What have you done to celebrate? Me? I went to the Dr. for my little boys 3rd degree burn on his big toe. His big sister #3 took him for a ride on the neighbors 4wheeler WITHOUT shoes. This was about a week ago so I just felt like it wasn't getting better, or I didn't know what I was looking for to KNOW if it was getting better.
So, we will watch and doctor it and then we will return on Tuesday for a check. If it is not doing better, a skin graft may be necessary.

I also took #1 daughter to do a little school shopping. This is not my favorite thing. We did find some cute things that weren't too expensive. I also managed to find a few things for #3 daughter-which means that I don't have to get her too much more.

I have gotten all the paperwork ready for preschool registration. Now it just needs to go in the mail. That is a huge relief! I can hardly believe that I am doing this. I hope that I enjoy it. It will be a lot of work but I hope that it is rewarding.

I am exhausted. We were supposed to go to my sister's campground tonight. We are so tired that we are going to meet them in the morning and then go to the lake. I feel like I could sleep for 3 days.

Unwelcome Guest

We had a very unwelcome house guest yesterday. My oldest daughter was in the office and heard the dog barking terribly. She also heard what sounded like a bird chirping. She thought that Hollie(dog) had gotten a bird and was trying to kill it. When she went to the piano room and looked under the couch it was NOT A BIRD!

She screams at me. I am outside moving sprinklers. "Mom there is a creature in our house!" I come in the house and she is in the piano room on top of the couch. I'm asking what it is. She is screaming. "I don't know what it is but it is big".The Brave girl goes and gets a broom.

I get down on the floor trying to look under the couch to see what it is. It is something big with beady little eyes looking back at me. I become hysterical. #1 starts to try and get it to come out from under. I tell her to wait, let me make a barricade so that it doesn't go into the rest of the house. I am in the hall when she finally gets it to move. IT COMES STRAIGHT AT ME! I run in the bathroom and close the door. It goes in a bedroom, we are all screaming. The dog chases it out of the bedroom back under the couch.

Poor little boy#4 has gone in my bedroom and closed the door, terrified. We start again. My 11 year old boy#2 has gotten a large kitchen knife! I tell him he isn't killing this thing with a knife. "what about the .22 shotgun? "You are not shooting this thing inside my house!" #1 starts trying to get it to come out again and go out the open door that it came in.#2 has a big box that he is going to try to trap it in. I am in the hall-still screaming. She gets it out and it heads up the wall and over our chair barricade.

The dog is now chasing this thing around my house. It goes in the pantry and then finally it sees the open back door. It runs down the stairs and hides under the stairs. It is barking/chirping---loudly! It runs down the basement stairs(thank heaven that door was closed) and behind some boxes. At this point I go and get the camera. It finally runs up the stairs out into the grass and into my shrubs and across our yard under the neighbors porch and then finally out into the trees.

Little boy #4 has come out of my bedroom with a large rock(it is jade--it is a family sickness) to kill it. We had so much adrenaline going that our heads hurt! Little boy was being so brave. He stood there and asked if we could call Poppa(grandpa). I told him he wasn't home. His little lip was just quivering. I asked him if he was scared and he just broke down bawling. I had to hold him for awhile and tell him how brave he was.

Here is Chuck. He might think twice about walking into strange houses. Perhaps we will try and keep our doors closed so that a nice little rock chuck won't find its way in ever again!

The end!

Flaming Gorge highlights

Monday-already!

It is now officially August. This summer has gone so fast. July has been a whirwind with activity. I am hoping that I can get a few deep breaths before school starts!

We had an exciting weekend. We went to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It was a big activity for the singles ward. It was so much fun.

We had a few minor(luckily) injuries. We feel so blessed that they weren't worse. Watching J slide down the rope instead of out away from it was horrible. It was one of those slow motion things that you can see the horrible thing happening but can't do anything. We thought he was going to be strangled. He was blessed indeed. The other was a collision on a tube. Eye to shoulder--shoulder won(barely, however).