It finally happened! #3 has entered a new phase (or is transitioning into the new phase, or has slightly flirted with the idea of the new phase) and is becoming --dare I say it?? --obedient. Charming. Easy to get along with!
Sure, it's not perfect, and his transition isn't completely finished, yet, but man alive! It's like he has matured almost overnight. Within one week, I have found myself with an obedient little four year old.
What isn't fair, though, is that #4 seemed to sense the transition. I'm not sure if it was his brotherly duty or the sibling instinct inside of him, but he, too, has entered a new phase. And the flirtation with it isn't happenin'! It's a full-fledged affair, my friend. #4 is now disobedient and destructive, and thinks it's freakin' hilarious.
Sigh.
It was bound to happen, you know. He is two years old --and remember? His brother has graduated from the Terrible Two's and Unreasonable Three's (and they took his Four's with him for quite a while, I noticed). #4 has to take over, right? It's just the Circle of Life. The Law of the Land, the Natural Man, or whatever...
Figures.
--------------------------------------------
Mark Your Calendars!
That's right, I'm finally (finally, finally, finally) having a Blogging Get-Together. You know, the March, maybe April, how 'bout May? one. But this time, I have set a date! You ready? You have your pen handy?
It'll be on Saturday, June 13th at a certain time.
Yeah, okay, so I don't have the time set in stone, yet. Or the place. Heh. Don't blame me! Blame my inability to make a decision. Now, the place will either be in SLC or Utah Valley. And it will either be around lunchtime or teatime (as opposed to dinnertime). And there will be food. Your job, dear reader, is to leave me a comment and tell me what time you would prefer. And which valley. If nobody leaves me a comment, then I will assume nobody wants to have a Blogging Get-together, and I will eat ice-cream at home all alone. *sniff
[Which actually wouldn't be the end of the world, because I love ice-cream.]
So, let me know!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Modern Conveniences are Sometimes Too Convenient
Reliance on modern conveniences is kind of scary, you know. In fact, since the Laptop Incident (I'm going to call it that. Like the Dino Drama), I have found myself reflecting upon my averagely-normal obsession with electronic devices and all of their pro's and con's; for there are many!
Let's take a looksie, shall we?
Pro's about modern conveniences in Cheryl's life:
1. I don't have to chop wood to heat my house or cook my food.
2. Washing my clothing, buying food, getting places, contacting my next of kin, and hearing the news is a cinch.
3. Entertainment is only one click away --videos, music, humor, drama, etc.
4. I can shop in my pajamas!
5. Getting in touch with people immediately. For example, some random person just barely (as I was writing this post) wrote me about a former roommate of hers and asked if I knew her and how this person could get in touch with her. I immediately emailed the friend of mine who then promptly emailed me back to tell me that this other girl was, indeed, her former roommate!
Holy cow! Long-lost roommates united again and it only took 2 minutes. Miraculous!
6. Lights, air conditioning, houses with foundations and roofs, sidewalks, schools, computers, the Internet, indoor plumbing, pre-made clothing, frozen food, dishwashers, microwaves, cell phones, GPS, gasoline, 75 mph, sprinkler systems, lawn mowers, Facebook, email, blogs, Home Depot, pipes, gas fireplaces, pre-made furniture, digital photos, online back-up servers, airplanes, fancy soaps, toothpaste, hairspray, DVD players in mini-vans, etc. all equal the miracles and convenience-y convenience of modern life.
And I barely touched on it all, you know.
Now, here are the con's of modern conveniences in Cheryl's life:
1. The inability to help oneself when a modern convenience stops working. Wouldn't it be helpful to learn how to cook over a campfire? (good think we love camping!) And to chop firewood? What about washing clothing by hand and hang-drying? Using candles? Growing food in a garden? Surviving without them? Thriving without them?
2. The intense addiction to all things online: Facebook, email, blogging (for starters). Not being able to stop oneself from checking these things constantly ALL DAY LONG because what if somebody out there said something to someone about something I may have the slightest interest in? What if!?!??
3. Living in a world outside of our own through mediums such as Movies, Music, and YouTube. Granted, the "novel" has been around for centuries to help us escape the doldrums of our lives --but a good novel here and there doesn't hurt and increases brain power through reading, thinking, and imagining! (Assuming it is a novel of high caliber and not smut, of course.) I think the same could be said about a good movie here and there. But with our modern world? We can watch whatever we want, whenever we want, however we want: rentals (Netflix, Blockbuster, etc), on-demand, online, on TV, at the theater, on a phone, on a computer, DVD, VHS, etc. We can also listen to music the same way: radio, satellite radio, through the TV, through the computer, online, from our phones, MP3's (players and computer), iPod's (players and computer), YouTube, other video sites, etc.
We can literally live an entire different life other than the real one we have, if we so choose. We can be so immersed into the modern convenience of entertainment that we end up ignoring our families, our friends, and even ourselves.
4. Boredom. Yes, boredom. The reliance upon modern conveniences can make one (me? you?) so bored with stillness or non-communication with another human being via electronics, that we go crazy. We can't sit still and listen to nothingness or even our own thoughts. In fact, here is an excerpt from one of my favorite books of all time:
Delightfully tired, I lay down on three chairs for an hour (the room did not boast a sofa). I slept, then I woke and thought for two hours.
~"Villette" by Charlotte Bronte
The first time I read this (about 6 years ago?), I stopped short when I read this passage (now granted, Lucy Snowe is about to embark upon a drastic change in her life, so she has a lot to think about, and it is the 1800's and it's not like she was going to hang out at the local bar or go blog about her decisions, eh?). I couldn't fathom how one could just sit and think for two hours. How boring! How crazy! She should talk to somebody! Go for a walk! Read a book!
Yeah.
Now, the realization of her wisdom has been coming on slowly for me, and in reality, I think I now know how beneficial it is to just sit, think, ponder, meditate...and I'm heartily ashamed of myself for not figuring it out sooner. I mean, what does the Gospel teach us about the Holy Ghost? Pray and than listen. Read the scriptures and then listen. Sit still. Search, PONDER, and Pray. "Be still, and know that I am God."
The other night, I found myself fighting the desire to hole up into the computer room, just to be online. So, I told myself I had to stop thinking of stillness and non-communication with the outside world as bad thing. Instead, I focused on how it was (is??) a (the??) way to communicate with God --and with myself.
So, I did the dishes. Then I prayed.
Then I sat. I sat! I thought about my future, my schedule, and I thought. Not for two hours, but still! I thought.
And it was awesome, dear reader. I highly suggest some thinking time (to go along with all that other time you have left-over after exercising, taking care of the house, working, mowing the lawn, running the kids here and there, right?). You may already be a pro at this, but I'm still amazed at my new-found knowledge on the subject.
So, here I am, with many choices before me. Trying to decide if I truly want the laptop to be fixed, or if I like the new life I have to make for myself --carving out time for the computer (I mean, my blog is my journal and scrapbook; I can't ignore it, it's for posterity!), but realizing I don't NEED the computer as much as I thought I did. And when I'm on the computer, streamlining my time as to do the stuff I really need to do. Like www.mormonwoman.org. And blogging. And emails. I don't need to watch YouTube videos all day. I don't need to be on Facebook. I don't need to read hundreds of blogs!
And I don't even have to do it every day.
~gasp!~
And how interesting is it that after the horror of losing my prized possession, I am now grateful for it? Interesting, indeed.
So, dear reader, tell me: How do you view the modern conveniences of our day? Where do you draw the line between complete reliance and simple gratitude for the miracle of them? What about your entertainment? How do you limit your online time? Do you limit your online time? Are you as aware of the irony of these questions as I am since I'm asking them through cyberspace on a blog?
Let's take a looksie, shall we?
Pro's about modern conveniences in Cheryl's life:
1. I don't have to chop wood to heat my house or cook my food.
2. Washing my clothing, buying food, getting places, contacting my next of kin, and hearing the news is a cinch.
3. Entertainment is only one click away --videos, music, humor, drama, etc.
4. I can shop in my pajamas!
5. Getting in touch with people immediately. For example, some random person just barely (as I was writing this post) wrote me about a former roommate of hers and asked if I knew her and how this person could get in touch with her. I immediately emailed the friend of mine who then promptly emailed me back to tell me that this other girl was, indeed, her former roommate!
Holy cow! Long-lost roommates united again and it only took 2 minutes. Miraculous!
6. Lights, air conditioning, houses with foundations and roofs, sidewalks, schools, computers, the Internet, indoor plumbing, pre-made clothing, frozen food, dishwashers, microwaves, cell phones, GPS, gasoline, 75 mph, sprinkler systems, lawn mowers, Facebook, email, blogs, Home Depot, pipes, gas fireplaces, pre-made furniture, digital photos, online back-up servers, airplanes, fancy soaps, toothpaste, hairspray, DVD players in mini-vans, etc. all equal the miracles and convenience-y convenience of modern life.
And I barely touched on it all, you know.
Now, here are the con's of modern conveniences in Cheryl's life:
1. The inability to help oneself when a modern convenience stops working. Wouldn't it be helpful to learn how to cook over a campfire? (good think we love camping!) And to chop firewood? What about washing clothing by hand and hang-drying? Using candles? Growing food in a garden? Surviving without them? Thriving without them?
2. The intense addiction to all things online: Facebook, email, blogging (for starters). Not being able to stop oneself from checking these things constantly ALL DAY LONG because what if somebody out there said something to someone about something I may have the slightest interest in? What if!?!??
3. Living in a world outside of our own through mediums such as Movies, Music, and YouTube. Granted, the "novel" has been around for centuries to help us escape the doldrums of our lives --but a good novel here and there doesn't hurt and increases brain power through reading, thinking, and imagining! (Assuming it is a novel of high caliber and not smut, of course.) I think the same could be said about a good movie here and there. But with our modern world? We can watch whatever we want, whenever we want, however we want: rentals (Netflix, Blockbuster, etc), on-demand, online, on TV, at the theater, on a phone, on a computer, DVD, VHS, etc. We can also listen to music the same way: radio, satellite radio, through the TV, through the computer, online, from our phones, MP3's (players and computer), iPod's (players and computer), YouTube, other video sites, etc.
We can literally live an entire different life other than the real one we have, if we so choose. We can be so immersed into the modern convenience of entertainment that we end up ignoring our families, our friends, and even ourselves.
4. Boredom. Yes, boredom. The reliance upon modern conveniences can make one (me? you?) so bored with stillness or non-communication with another human being via electronics, that we go crazy. We can't sit still and listen to nothingness or even our own thoughts. In fact, here is an excerpt from one of my favorite books of all time:
Delightfully tired, I lay down on three chairs for an hour (the room did not boast a sofa). I slept, then I woke and thought for two hours.
~"Villette" by Charlotte Bronte
The first time I read this (about 6 years ago?), I stopped short when I read this passage (now granted, Lucy Snowe is about to embark upon a drastic change in her life, so she has a lot to think about, and it is the 1800's and it's not like she was going to hang out at the local bar or go blog about her decisions, eh?). I couldn't fathom how one could just sit and think for two hours. How boring! How crazy! She should talk to somebody! Go for a walk! Read a book!
Yeah.
Now, the realization of her wisdom has been coming on slowly for me, and in reality, I think I now know how beneficial it is to just sit, think, ponder, meditate...and I'm heartily ashamed of myself for not figuring it out sooner. I mean, what does the Gospel teach us about the Holy Ghost? Pray and than listen. Read the scriptures and then listen. Sit still. Search, PONDER, and Pray. "Be still, and know that I am God."
The other night, I found myself fighting the desire to hole up into the computer room, just to be online. So, I told myself I had to stop thinking of stillness and non-communication with the outside world as bad thing. Instead, I focused on how it was (is??) a (the??) way to communicate with God --and with myself.
So, I did the dishes. Then I prayed.
Then I sat. I sat! I thought about my future, my schedule, and I thought. Not for two hours, but still! I thought.
And it was awesome, dear reader. I highly suggest some thinking time (to go along with all that other time you have left-over after exercising, taking care of the house, working, mowing the lawn, running the kids here and there, right?). You may already be a pro at this, but I'm still amazed at my new-found knowledge on the subject.
So, here I am, with many choices before me. Trying to decide if I truly want the laptop to be fixed, or if I like the new life I have to make for myself --carving out time for the computer (I mean, my blog is my journal and scrapbook; I can't ignore it, it's for posterity!), but realizing I don't NEED the computer as much as I thought I did. And when I'm on the computer, streamlining my time as to do the stuff I really need to do. Like www.mormonwoman.org. And blogging. And emails. I don't need to watch YouTube videos all day. I don't need to be on Facebook. I don't need to read hundreds of blogs!
And I don't even have to do it every day.
~gasp!~
And how interesting is it that after the horror of losing my prized possession, I am now grateful for it? Interesting, indeed.
So, dear reader, tell me: How do you view the modern conveniences of our day? Where do you draw the line between complete reliance and simple gratitude for the miracle of them? What about your entertainment? How do you limit your online time? Do you limit your online time? Are you as aware of the irony of these questions as I am since I'm asking them through cyberspace on a blog?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Things I Learned in the Last 24 Hours
*There's nothing like a funeral to make you think about your life and wonder how others will remember you --or how you'll remember others.
*Man, music is the best. Victor Hugo once said: Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
He was so right.
*A good friend taught me that we will never "arrive" to a place where our trials end. But I do know that I think I'm ready for the next one. Maybe. Perhaps I haven't learned all I need to learn from my trials right now, but man...I hope I learn it soon! I'm ready for this one to be done. It feels like it's been going on for a really long time (years and years, actually)...
*I know more than the doctor does about my body and about my babies. I actually learned this on Monday during another ultrasound --where the doctor was baffled that not only have my fluid levels returned to normal, but the baby really could be a week ahead. It took everything in my power to stop myself from saying:
DUH!!!!
I am so tired of doctors telling me I don't know my own body. I'm tired of them telling me how to give birth and to pay them lots of money "just in case" I might have a 10 pound baby.
[The ranting is still going to continue, dear reader. I can't help it. Just warning ya!]
Here's the thing:
I have had 5 pregnancies and 4 children (this is my 6th pregnancy). My smallest baby was 8lbs 3 oz. My largest was 9lbs 11oz. All three of my boys (this one is the third boy) were conceived the day after my period ended. I ovulate twice a month. YES! I do! I've known I have for years and years! This time it was a no-brainer because Brandon came home from China and 6 days later he was in England.
Ummm...hello?!
So, I already knew this baby was older than they say he is --I already have big babies. I have never had Gestational Diabetes, and the tests came back negative. AGAIN. For the second time this pregnancy. I'm also young. I also deliver my babies unmedicated. I also have amazing birthing hips and I heal-after-labor really fast. I was seriously blessed with this birthing-machine-of-a-body, and I'm tired of doctors who REFUSE TO LISTEN TO ME telling me what they "know" is going on.
So, I'm cancelling my 37 week ultrasound. I'm not paying another 100 bucks for the doctors to say, once again, that everything is fine.
"But Cheryl," you may say, "what if something does go wrong? What if you do have an 11 pound baby? That's why we have doctors! We need to listen to them!"
If I have an 11 pound baby, or if something tragic happens because I refused to have one more ultrasound (after this last one showed --once again --that the baby is thriving), then I will feel bad. But I trust my gut and the influence of the Spirit in this matter over some random doctor who has only seen me once (and barely bothered to flip through my chart). And I will continue to feel this way until the Spirit tells me otherwise.
Rant over.
What have you learned lately?
*Man, music is the best. Victor Hugo once said: Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
He was so right.
*A good friend taught me that we will never "arrive" to a place where our trials end. But I do know that I think I'm ready for the next one. Maybe. Perhaps I haven't learned all I need to learn from my trials right now, but man...I hope I learn it soon! I'm ready for this one to be done. It feels like it's been going on for a really long time (years and years, actually)...
*I know more than the doctor does about my body and about my babies. I actually learned this on Monday during another ultrasound --where the doctor was baffled that not only have my fluid levels returned to normal, but the baby really could be a week ahead. It took everything in my power to stop myself from saying:
DUH!!!!
I am so tired of doctors telling me I don't know my own body. I'm tired of them telling me how to give birth and to pay them lots of money "just in case" I might have a 10 pound baby.
[The ranting is still going to continue, dear reader. I can't help it. Just warning ya!]
Here's the thing:
I have had 5 pregnancies and 4 children (this is my 6th pregnancy). My smallest baby was 8lbs 3 oz. My largest was 9lbs 11oz. All three of my boys (this one is the third boy) were conceived the day after my period ended. I ovulate twice a month. YES! I do! I've known I have for years and years! This time it was a no-brainer because Brandon came home from China and 6 days later he was in England.
Ummm...hello?!
So, I already knew this baby was older than they say he is --I already have big babies. I have never had Gestational Diabetes, and the tests came back negative. AGAIN. For the second time this pregnancy. I'm also young. I also deliver my babies unmedicated. I also have amazing birthing hips and I heal-after-labor really fast. I was seriously blessed with this birthing-machine-of-a-body, and I'm tired of doctors who REFUSE TO LISTEN TO ME telling me what they "know" is going on.
So, I'm cancelling my 37 week ultrasound. I'm not paying another 100 bucks for the doctors to say, once again, that everything is fine.
"But Cheryl," you may say, "what if something does go wrong? What if you do have an 11 pound baby? That's why we have doctors! We need to listen to them!"
If I have an 11 pound baby, or if something tragic happens because I refused to have one more ultrasound (after this last one showed --once again --that the baby is thriving), then I will feel bad. But I trust my gut and the influence of the Spirit in this matter over some random doctor who has only seen me once (and barely bothered to flip through my chart). And I will continue to feel this way until the Spirit tells me otherwise.
Rant over.
What have you learned lately?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Consequences of Causing a Dang Virus to Download onto my Dang Laptop
Oh, dear reader. It's amazing what can happen to a person when suddenly she is forced to face consequences of clicking on a stupid virus thing.
(Feel free now to compare this to other parts of life and think about your own viruses you "click on" and "cause" and "all that jazz.")
Here are the said consequences:
*Only being able to blog twice in one week (well, this is the third) without having been on vacation.
*Losing all information needed for your calling as the Neighborhood Newsletter editor, because every other computer in your house does not have the software needed to create said Newsletter. Thus, you are forced to figure out how to get the four page bi-weekly newsletter out on time.
*Spending 5 hours at your Visiting Teacher's house (who rocks the world) with the original CD and a clean slate --re-writing and re-formatting the entire newsletter that usually only takes you a couple of hours (and over the course of a week).
*Hiring a babysitter so you could spend 5 hours at your VT's house.
*Seeing that even though you cut down your blog subscriptions in half back in January, after one week of not reading, there are 127 blog posts to read. So you "mark all as read" and feel guilty.
*Having everything happen in one week: Choir concerts, music rehearsals for a funeral, birthday parties for friends, preschool field trips, etc. and yet still having to get that newsletter out.
*Realizing you aren't ready for your Critique Group tonight and panicking because you really wanted something to be ready.
*Having more panic because you wanted to actually work on the novel for your Critique group all month but your time has been spent doing other awesome things.
*Not having the time to work on the thing you want to work on the absolute most (www.mormonwoman.org).
*Feeling guilty because your genius-of-a-husband doesn't have time to fix your laptop, but he still keeps trying.
*Realizing that even though all this has forced you to live an actual life (instead of a fake one online? Wait --that's not what we're doing! Are we?), you really miss your friends online, and you feel awful that half of your emails aren't even read for 24 hours. Because you are used to replying immediately to emails. But now you have no time! The computer is in the office in the basement and you can't be in there for hours and hours --you must be a mother! And take care of the house! And be accessible to people! And with the laptop you could DO IT ALL. But no longer can you do it all. And so you feel guilt, and sadness, and more sadness.
So, dear reader, I apologize for my constant absence in your blogging lives. I apologize my posts are inconsistent. I honestly cannot tell you if this is going to be the new routine for me, or if I will be able to go back to what it was like before. I mean, I am having a baby in 10 weeks, and that will throw in an entire new wrench. However, this blog is my scrapbook and my journal --I know I could never give it up, nor could I ignore it for very long. Still, my lack of commenting on your blog, dear reader, sends me immense guilt. I've tried to get rid of it, but I can't. And yet, I can't go back to the commenting the way I did. And I realize that it may mean readers stop reading me and commenting here. This doesn't alleviate the guilt, but it does help me to realize that as much as I adore comments and readership --it's not the most important thing in the world, you know?
You understand.
Right?
(Feel free now to compare this to other parts of life and think about your own viruses you "click on" and "cause" and "all that jazz.")
Here are the said consequences:
*Only being able to blog twice in one week (well, this is the third) without having been on vacation.
*Losing all information needed for your calling as the Neighborhood Newsletter editor, because every other computer in your house does not have the software needed to create said Newsletter. Thus, you are forced to figure out how to get the four page bi-weekly newsletter out on time.
*Spending 5 hours at your Visiting Teacher's house (who rocks the world) with the original CD and a clean slate --re-writing and re-formatting the entire newsletter that usually only takes you a couple of hours (and over the course of a week).
*Hiring a babysitter so you could spend 5 hours at your VT's house.
*Seeing that even though you cut down your blog subscriptions in half back in January, after one week of not reading, there are 127 blog posts to read. So you "mark all as read" and feel guilty.
*Having everything happen in one week: Choir concerts, music rehearsals for a funeral, birthday parties for friends, preschool field trips, etc. and yet still having to get that newsletter out.
*Realizing you aren't ready for your Critique Group tonight and panicking because you really wanted something to be ready.
*Having more panic because you wanted to actually work on the novel for your Critique group all month but your time has been spent doing other awesome things.
*Not having the time to work on the thing you want to work on the absolute most (www.mormonwoman.org).
*Feeling guilty because your genius-of-a-husband doesn't have time to fix your laptop, but he still keeps trying.
*Realizing that even though all this has forced you to live an actual life (instead of a fake one online? Wait --that's not what we're doing! Are we?), you really miss your friends online, and you feel awful that half of your emails aren't even read for 24 hours. Because you are used to replying immediately to emails. But now you have no time! The computer is in the office in the basement and you can't be in there for hours and hours --you must be a mother! And take care of the house! And be accessible to people! And with the laptop you could DO IT ALL. But no longer can you do it all. And so you feel guilt, and sadness, and more sadness.
So, dear reader, I apologize for my constant absence in your blogging lives. I apologize my posts are inconsistent. I honestly cannot tell you if this is going to be the new routine for me, or if I will be able to go back to what it was like before. I mean, I am having a baby in 10 weeks, and that will throw in an entire new wrench. However, this blog is my scrapbook and my journal --I know I could never give it up, nor could I ignore it for very long. Still, my lack of commenting on your blog, dear reader, sends me immense guilt. I've tried to get rid of it, but I can't. And yet, I can't go back to the commenting the way I did. And I realize that it may mean readers stop reading me and commenting here. This doesn't alleviate the guilt, but it does help me to realize that as much as I adore comments and readership --it's not the most important thing in the world, you know?
You understand.
Right?
AI: Finale!
Well, well, well. Wasn't that fun?
I'm not going to take the time to critique the performances I didn't like, but I wish --oh, how I wish! --that Jason Mraz had more face-time. And that nobody sang with him.
The rest of the stuff was cool (although Megan and what's-his-name totally screwed up Steve Martin's song --I felt bad for Steve!).
I have to admit, I was surprised Kris won over Adam --but I'm also aware that Adam didn't really care. He's an actor, and so he could have been faking it, but I think he was sincerely okay with not winning (unlike his parents. Or Simon! Ha!).
Anyway, it was a fabulous show, and other than the crazy schizophrenic camera angles all over the place (what is up with that? Why can't we just see their faces? We wanna watch the SINGERS--not cool weird angles that make us seasick, you know!), I wish I could have been there.
*Please note that Brandon hated the camera angles more than I did.
What did you think? Surprise? Elation? Let-down?
I'm not going to take the time to critique the performances I didn't like, but I wish --oh, how I wish! --that Jason Mraz had more face-time. And that nobody sang with him.
The rest of the stuff was cool (although Megan and what's-his-name totally screwed up Steve Martin's song --I felt bad for Steve!).
I have to admit, I was surprised Kris won over Adam --but I'm also aware that Adam didn't really care. He's an actor, and so he could have been faking it, but I think he was sincerely okay with not winning (unlike his parents. Or Simon! Ha!).
Anyway, it was a fabulous show, and other than the crazy schizophrenic camera angles all over the place (what is up with that? Why can't we just see their faces? We wanna watch the SINGERS--not cool weird angles that make us seasick, you know!), I wish I could have been there.
*Please note that Brandon hated the camera angles more than I did.
What did you think? Surprise? Elation? Let-down?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
AI: Final Two!!
Yeah, I'm still here. Sort of. But I couldn't not blog about American Idol! It's the last week? I can't stop on the last week!
My opines:
*The judges obviously want Adam to win. Big time.
*Kara's song wasn't that great. It didn't sound good with Adam's voice or Kris's voice (although I think Randy was right about it fitting Kris more --it was just too high and too fast and too many words and sounded like it was meant to be sung by Beyonce or Madonna or a country singer).
*Kris' first song was AWESOME! His second wasn't bad, either --I actually really liked it.
*My favorite of Adam's was also his first song. His second one showed off his amazing voice (holy cow, that boy can sing!), but I guess I didn't really get into it as much.
*At this point, it's up in the air. I have no idea who will win because they both deserve it and they both have humongous fan bases. Of course, Adam has been the most consistently good --but I adore Kris' style of music. So, honestly? If Kris wins, it'll be an upset. But I won't be depressed about it one bit, and I'll buy his music. If Adam wins? I'll just shrug and say "figures." And then buy all his music. And go to his concerts.
Side note: I had the craziest dream about Adam last night. I was young and unmarried and had no kids and for some reason, I had been on American Idol but was voted off earlier (although our stage looked slightly like a high school theater. Huh.). Adam decided I was the reason he was going to win because of all my fabulous advice to him throughout the season. He also decided he loved me. Cool! So, yeah, Adam and I were dating in the dream and he kissed me once, but it was weird because his mouth was so wide open and it was like he was trying to sing the kiss.
Told you it was weird.
So, what are your thoughts about last night? Did you vote? Who was your favorite?
My opines:
*The judges obviously want Adam to win. Big time.
*Kara's song wasn't that great. It didn't sound good with Adam's voice or Kris's voice (although I think Randy was right about it fitting Kris more --it was just too high and too fast and too many words and sounded like it was meant to be sung by Beyonce or Madonna or a country singer).
*Kris' first song was AWESOME! His second wasn't bad, either --I actually really liked it.
*My favorite of Adam's was also his first song. His second one showed off his amazing voice (holy cow, that boy can sing!), but I guess I didn't really get into it as much.
*At this point, it's up in the air. I have no idea who will win because they both deserve it and they both have humongous fan bases. Of course, Adam has been the most consistently good --but I adore Kris' style of music. So, honestly? If Kris wins, it'll be an upset. But I won't be depressed about it one bit, and I'll buy his music. If Adam wins? I'll just shrug and say "figures." And then buy all his music. And go to his concerts.
Side note: I had the craziest dream about Adam last night. I was young and unmarried and had no kids and for some reason, I had been on American Idol but was voted off earlier (although our stage looked slightly like a high school theater. Huh.). Adam decided I was the reason he was going to win because of all my fabulous advice to him throughout the season. He also decided he loved me. Cool! So, yeah, Adam and I were dating in the dream and he kissed me once, but it was weird because his mouth was so wide open and it was like he was trying to sing the kiss.
Told you it was weird.
So, what are your thoughts about last night? Did you vote? Who was your favorite?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Let's add one more to the "wrong" list...
A virus attacked my laptop yesterday.
And it looks bad. Very bad.
I was an idiot and clicked on a link from a relative through Facebook. Yes, dear reader, another Facebook worm has been created, and you should all beware!
But I feel so stupid.
You NEVER click on links that don't have explanations. I know this! I know this! And yet, I didn't, because I did.
*sniff
So, I'm using the downstairs computer for now. But because it's isolated in a separate room, the chances of me being online for a while will be limited. The laptop gave me the chance to be online whenever I wanted while still being a good mom (yeah, that doesn't sound right, does it?) because I could be anywhere! Laptops are nice that way.
But it's an old one. And the damage looks bad. So, I may be out of laptop, anyway. And since we're just rolling in the dough...(ha!)...chances of getting a new one are slim to none. Mostly none.
But this is okay! Because Brandon works for an online back-up company, and so everything on that laptop was backed up just a mere two hours before the virus attacked. And maybe I can take this as a sign that I should be on the computer less --or at least plan out a time each day to use it that won't interfere with my mothering "duties". Or something like that.
Sigh.
So...if you don't hear from me for a while (which sounds crazy since I haven't been commenting on anyone's blogs lately --for like a month!?!?), this is why. I promise I'll be around. Just not as around as I'm used to.
More sighing and sniffing from me.
Oh, and Alison? I totally get your grief now. So sorry!
And it looks bad. Very bad.
I was an idiot and clicked on a link from a relative through Facebook. Yes, dear reader, another Facebook worm has been created, and you should all beware!
But I feel so stupid.
You NEVER click on links that don't have explanations. I know this! I know this! And yet, I didn't, because I did.
*sniff
So, I'm using the downstairs computer for now. But because it's isolated in a separate room, the chances of me being online for a while will be limited. The laptop gave me the chance to be online whenever I wanted while still being a good mom (yeah, that doesn't sound right, does it?) because I could be anywhere! Laptops are nice that way.
But it's an old one. And the damage looks bad. So, I may be out of laptop, anyway. And since we're just rolling in the dough...(ha!)...chances of getting a new one are slim to none. Mostly none.
But this is okay! Because Brandon works for an online back-up company, and so everything on that laptop was backed up just a mere two hours before the virus attacked. And maybe I can take this as a sign that I should be on the computer less --or at least plan out a time each day to use it that won't interfere with my mothering "duties". Or something like that.
Sigh.
So...if you don't hear from me for a while (which sounds crazy since I haven't been commenting on anyone's blogs lately --for like a month!?!?), this is why. I promise I'll be around. Just not as around as I'm used to.
More sighing and sniffing from me.
Oh, and Alison? I totally get your grief now. So sorry!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Venting. Again.
All the stuff going wrong in my life right now:
1. Peeing every time I sneeze.
2. Writer's block
3. Needing more sleep but not getting any because my children don't nap anymore.
4. Dinner's block (you know, never knowing what to make for dinner!)
5. Children destroying the house minutes after we've cleaned it. Every. Day.
6. Needing a sprinkler guy to come fix the sprinklers but scared to call because of how much money it will cost
7. Being asked to sub in Primary week after week and getting tired of it (okay, so it was just for two weeks --but I'm already tired of it!).
8. Realizing how many people actually ignore my emails. On purpose.
9. Dealing with family issues that are all "issue-y" and "family-y".
10. Frustrated because I want to do things I can't seem to do (or don't have time to do, or don't have the skills to do, or don't have the energy to do): plant a garden, plant my flowers, mow the lawn myself (it's expensive even to pay the neighbor boy!), fix the sprinklers myself, go hiking, go camping, exercise, fix the house (windows, soffets, painting, carpet, etc.), get everything ready for the baby (go through clothes, buy any needed ones, put up the bassinet, etc.), move to Connecticut or England or California, plant fruit trees, learn to can, fill my food storage, buy a clothesline for the laundry, and start commenting on all of my friends' blogs again.
Things that are going right:
1. The baby is healthy!
2. Writer's block on my novel hasn't equated writer's block on my blog
3. Realizing that I still have energy even without much sleep!
4. Having food to make dinner.
5. The kids are healthy, well-fed, happy, and are thrilled with their mother now that she lets them play in the mud, climb trees, build forts in the bushes, and eat outside. And they know how to clean up when it's time.
6. Having a lawn the kids can play on.
7. Those darned kids in Primary are adorable!
8. Having email
9. Having a family to have issues with!
10. Realizing that half of that stuff I really CAN do, but I don't have to do it this minute. And then realizing I can let the rest of it go...for now. Although the moving part is obviously not gonna happen soon (or even ever?)!
And you?
1. Peeing every time I sneeze.
2. Writer's block
3. Needing more sleep but not getting any because my children don't nap anymore.
4. Dinner's block (you know, never knowing what to make for dinner!)
5. Children destroying the house minutes after we've cleaned it. Every. Day.
6. Needing a sprinkler guy to come fix the sprinklers but scared to call because of how much money it will cost
7. Being asked to sub in Primary week after week and getting tired of it (okay, so it was just for two weeks --but I'm already tired of it!).
8. Realizing how many people actually ignore my emails. On purpose.
9. Dealing with family issues that are all "issue-y" and "family-y".
10. Frustrated because I want to do things I can't seem to do (or don't have time to do, or don't have the skills to do, or don't have the energy to do): plant a garden, plant my flowers, mow the lawn myself (it's expensive even to pay the neighbor boy!), fix the sprinklers myself, go hiking, go camping, exercise, fix the house (windows, soffets, painting, carpet, etc.), get everything ready for the baby (go through clothes, buy any needed ones, put up the bassinet, etc.), move to Connecticut or England or California, plant fruit trees, learn to can, fill my food storage, buy a clothesline for the laundry, and start commenting on all of my friends' blogs again.
Things that are going right:
1. The baby is healthy!
2. Writer's block on my novel hasn't equated writer's block on my blog
3. Realizing that I still have energy even without much sleep!
4. Having food to make dinner.
5. The kids are healthy, well-fed, happy, and are thrilled with their mother now that she lets them play in the mud, climb trees, build forts in the bushes, and eat outside. And they know how to clean up when it's time.
6. Having a lawn the kids can play on.
7. Those darned kids in Primary are adorable!
8. Having email
9. Having a family to have issues with!
10. Realizing that half of that stuff I really CAN do, but I don't have to do it this minute. And then realizing I can let the rest of it go...for now. Although the moving part is obviously not gonna happen soon (or even ever?)!
And you?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
AI: Danny and Kris? Or Adam and Kris? Or Danny and Adam?
Let's Find Out!
*I want to see Night at The Museum! And the sketch at the beginning wasn't as annoying as it could have been. Huh.
*OOH! Kevin Bacon is in the audience!
*88 million votes!? Wha? I'm telling you, the fact that I don't vote is just fine, people. Just fine.
*I heard Kara won't be on the show next year. And you know what? I'm kind of glad.
*The Ford Video reminded me of A-Ha videos. Or at least the "Take On Me" one.
*I love hearing this kid sing --his accent is adorable! You know, my cousin is in the process of adopting a son from Ethiopia. The legalities have taken forever, and they have had to wait since October (?) for the paperwork to go through so they can fly out there to pick him up. Seeing this boy from Rwanda makes me sad it's taking so long for my cousins to get their son, but at the same time, it makes me so happy because I know they will get him soon! And when they do, it will be a beautiful reunion.
*Jordin Sparks: Her looks have improved drastically, she's got some pipes, but overall...? Meh. Just not my kind of music, I guess.
*Katie Perry? Dude. I saw an interview with her once, and she drove me INSANE. She's got a great voice, but man...? Blech.
Umm...ya think she likes Adam Lambert?
And her outfit is gross. Is it wrong I'm not lovin' Katie Perry?
*Hooray for Kris!!!
*Hooray for Adam!!!
*Kris and Adam just makes sense, you know --Danny is good, but not as good as they are (although I predicted, back before Hollywood week was even over that Danny would make it to the Top 5. No, really! I did! Didn't I? Well, I remember thinking it, at least...).
What did you think?
*I want to see Night at The Museum! And the sketch at the beginning wasn't as annoying as it could have been. Huh.
*OOH! Kevin Bacon is in the audience!
*88 million votes!? Wha? I'm telling you, the fact that I don't vote is just fine, people. Just fine.
*I heard Kara won't be on the show next year. And you know what? I'm kind of glad.
*The Ford Video reminded me of A-Ha videos. Or at least the "Take On Me" one.
*I love hearing this kid sing --his accent is adorable! You know, my cousin is in the process of adopting a son from Ethiopia. The legalities have taken forever, and they have had to wait since October (?) for the paperwork to go through so they can fly out there to pick him up. Seeing this boy from Rwanda makes me sad it's taking so long for my cousins to get their son, but at the same time, it makes me so happy because I know they will get him soon! And when they do, it will be a beautiful reunion.
*Jordin Sparks: Her looks have improved drastically, she's got some pipes, but overall...? Meh. Just not my kind of music, I guess.
*Katie Perry? Dude. I saw an interview with her once, and she drove me INSANE. She's got a great voice, but man...? Blech.
Umm...ya think she likes Adam Lambert?
And her outfit is gross. Is it wrong I'm not lovin' Katie Perry?
*Hooray for Kris!!!
*Hooray for Adam!!!
*Kris and Adam just makes sense, you know --Danny is good, but not as good as they are (although I predicted, back before Hollywood week was even over that Danny would make it to the Top 5. No, really! I did! Didn't I? Well, I remember thinking it, at least...).
What did you think?
Happy Where I Am?
*Warning --if you live in my ward and read my blog, you may want to just ignore what I'm going to say, or not read it. This has nothing to do with you personally (I don't think? I mean, half the time, I have no idea who reads my blog!), and I'm not really looking for answers with this one --I know I could start a play group or do something pro-active. I also know how much I love Provo. See, I know the answers. I just need to get my feelings out.
I read a really great post today about moving, homes, and hearts --and it struck me hard right between the eyeballs. Not really a revelation about my current situation per se...just, well --it really hit a nerve. It hit something I hadn't thought of in a while (meaning a few months?).
Here's the post.
Anyway, my thoughts have been thus:
I don't know if we're supposed to stay in Utah much longer.
But then again --I don't know if we're supposed to ever leave, either.
See, the thing is, if I had my choice, we would experience many places. We would live back East, near Seattle, a few years in the South (Tennessee is gorgeous!), England for a year or two, maybe Texas for a while --and eventually get back to the Bay Area (San Francisco). I think this is why I was so devastated last year when the answer was not to take the Boston job, but to go back to Provo.
I mean, I want to do what the Lord wants me to do. I want to be where He wants me to be. And if that means I live the rest of my life here in good ol' Provo, then so be it. I will do it. And I will be happy about it, too!
I really think I could.
But then I look at myself and my life and the things I learned living away for a year, and I yearn for more. Before leaving for the Bay Area, I don't think I truly understood "ward family" in the way it was supposed to be understood (I'll explain more of that in a minute). I didn't appreciate sacrifice for things which I take for granted here (such a strong LDS community, support for big families, easy access to LDS stores, etc.). I also wouldn't have made the friends I did who belong to other Faiths --because right here where I live, there really aren't people of other faiths, you know?
But I think the worst part for me has to do with my friends (thus the warning above). I really felt comfortable with all of my friends here in Provo (particularly our ward), but after I moved they actually went on with their lives!
Can you believe it? (please note the sarcasm)
When I moved back, they had moved on, and I think for them it was kind of...awkward that I was back in the ward. I had changed, you know. Changed quite a bit:
*I was suffering from Depression, which got worse when I moved back (apparently, even with all my proclamations of wanting to move away and try new things, change does not sit well with my brain).
*I had lived in "the mission field", and therefore my perceptions were greatly altered.
*I had friends in the Bay Area from all different faiths and cultures --and I loved it!
*I couldn't understand why everyone had to do everything with their families in Utah --we have no family in Provo (I mean, we do have family in Utah, but not down the street), and we had very little family in the Bay Area. The difference is striking: In the Bay Area, whether you have family living down the street or not, your ward becomes your family. You take vacations with your friends. You have friends over for everything, and you share your lives with each other. There is no awkwardness, there is no apology --you hang out with each other! In Utah? At least in Utah Valley? You don't hang out with your ward. Why would you? You see them every day. They are your neighbors, school-mates, etc. So, you hang out with your family. You never have friends over for Sunday dinner --you invite your family. You never take vacations with your friends --it's family. Friends are casual; family is forever (please note: this is a generalization and my overall experience --I know that isn't how it is for everyone in all of Utah).
Anyway, so I came back different, and in a way, I felt ignored. But maybe it was me? I'm not sure if I turned everyone off (maybe I did it subconsciously on purpose?!) and I really don't think they have chosen to ignore me! I think it had to do with three things:
1. They moved on, remember?
2. They have their families.
3. I'm different (is there an echo in here?)
I guess I just never noticed it before --this difference between "there" and "here." And me "there" and "here."
And now that I know it, which place do you think I actually prefer?
Seriously, as much as California scared the crap out of me with the hostile neighbors ("You belong in a cult!"), rude, rude, rude comments about my children ("you know what causes that, right?"), awful DMV laws, and the expenses, I still loved it. Adored it, really.
But gosh darn it! I was all set to be happy here in Provo.
And then I saw Lindsay and Emily at Women's Conference (friends from the Bay Area).
And Janelle was at my Las Vegas Birthday weekend (friend from the Bay Area).
And we hung out with my brother and SIL in San Francisco a few weekends back.
And my friend Michelle moved to Connecticut (still sad over that one).
And Brandon is leaving for San Francisco again today (school).
And I want to cry. Because I want to go home! But what if I am home? Am I? And if I am, I should just be happy about it, right?
That, dear reader, is the ultimate question...
Do you feel like this? Displaced? Trying to be happier than happy (and succeeding 98% of the time!), but then longing for somewhere else? Something else?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
AI: Final Three!
Danny:
Song One: I don't know this song, either. It was fun --it was loud --it was okay.
Song Two: Best Danny Gokey performance ever!
Kris:
Song One: David Archuleta did this better last year.
Song Two: Best Kris Allen performance ever!
Adam:
Song One: The first verse was the best part and he should have left it like that. Bono sings it better (duh). Maybe I was put off because U2 is sacred ground to me.
Song Two: Once again, the beginning was better than the end. How is it possible that Adam was my least favorite of the night?!
The world has gone mad.
Who should go home:
Don't care
Who should win:
Don't care
And I love Simon Cowell. That is all.
What did you think?
Song One: I don't know this song, either. It was fun --it was loud --it was okay.
Song Two: Best Danny Gokey performance ever!
Kris:
Song One: David Archuleta did this better last year.
Song Two: Best Kris Allen performance ever!
Adam:
Song One: The first verse was the best part and he should have left it like that. Bono sings it better (duh). Maybe I was put off because U2 is sacred ground to me.
Song Two: Once again, the beginning was better than the end. How is it possible that Adam was my least favorite of the night?!
The world has gone mad.
Who should go home:
Don't care
Who should win:
Don't care
And I love Simon Cowell. That is all.
What did you think?
Bizarre All Around
Wow! This is my 804th post.
I must have had a lot to say. Figures.
------------------------------------
This Pregnancy of mine is simply bizarre. Crazy. Totally-weird-strange-out-there.
Why?
Well, I had another midwife appointment this morning, and it here's what I learned:
*I'm measuring only 31 weeks (I'm just over 28 weeks), although 4 weeks ago I was measuring 30 (which instigated the ultrasound).
*I've only gained 16 pounds in 28 weeks. Only two in the last 4 weeks. And I haven't been sick at all! Not even once. I'm also eating my meals and I'm NOT exercising. What is up with the lack of weight?
*Half of my blood work-up is missing from my 12 week appointment.
*I feel great; I'm barely uncomfortable, actually.
*Yet I have another ultrasound to check the fluid levels again on Monday.
I just don't get it.
But hey! I'm not gonna complain! This baby is moving around like crazy, his heart-beat is strong, there's no signs of pre-term labor, and I'm feeling great. The bizarre-ness is just baffling because it's unexpected, I guess. And just...bizarre.
Weird.
---------------------------------------------
So, I watched Twilight with Brandon on Saturday night.
What did I think?
You really wanna know?
Twilight lived up to every single expectation I had. I loved the cheesiness, the bad acting (holy cow, Edward's gothic staring!), how the plot followed the book (not perfectly, but pretty well!), and the whole thing.
I did!
Of course, my expectations were for cheesiness and bad acting. So, there you go.
The best part for me, though, was that Bella actually made more sense to me as a character. Reading her in the books, she was confusing and whiny and...well...you know. But in the movie? All I saw was some quiet, shy, introverted girl who falls in love with a vampire. The introversion of her character was so much easier to SEE rather than READ, you know? And I'm betting that it has EVERYTHING to do with how Twilight was written from Bella's PoV --the first person didn't allow us to see Bella from the outside, because we were in her crazy head. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I'm gonna watch it again. And I may still need to buy it --because I was really happy with it! Surprised? Don't be. I'm okay with cheesiness. In fact, I secretly love it, especially if it's thrown together with a vegetarian vampire! Hot dog!
I know. I'm weird.
I must have had a lot to say. Figures.
------------------------------------
This Pregnancy of mine is simply bizarre. Crazy. Totally-weird-strange-out-there.
Why?
Well, I had another midwife appointment this morning, and it here's what I learned:
*I'm measuring only 31 weeks (I'm just over 28 weeks), although 4 weeks ago I was measuring 30 (which instigated the ultrasound).
*I've only gained 16 pounds in 28 weeks. Only two in the last 4 weeks. And I haven't been sick at all! Not even once. I'm also eating my meals and I'm NOT exercising. What is up with the lack of weight?
*Half of my blood work-up is missing from my 12 week appointment.
*I feel great; I'm barely uncomfortable, actually.
*Yet I have another ultrasound to check the fluid levels again on Monday.
I just don't get it.
But hey! I'm not gonna complain! This baby is moving around like crazy, his heart-beat is strong, there's no signs of pre-term labor, and I'm feeling great. The bizarre-ness is just baffling because it's unexpected, I guess. And just...bizarre.
Weird.
---------------------------------------------
So, I watched Twilight with Brandon on Saturday night.
What did I think?
You really wanna know?
Twilight lived up to every single expectation I had. I loved the cheesiness, the bad acting (holy cow, Edward's gothic staring!), how the plot followed the book (not perfectly, but pretty well!), and the whole thing.
I did!
Of course, my expectations were for cheesiness and bad acting. So, there you go.
The best part for me, though, was that Bella actually made more sense to me as a character. Reading her in the books, she was confusing and whiny and...well...you know. But in the movie? All I saw was some quiet, shy, introverted girl who falls in love with a vampire. The introversion of her character was so much easier to SEE rather than READ, you know? And I'm betting that it has EVERYTHING to do with how Twilight was written from Bella's PoV --the first person didn't allow us to see Bella from the outside, because we were in her crazy head. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I'm gonna watch it again. And I may still need to buy it --because I was really happy with it! Surprised? Don't be. I'm okay with cheesiness. In fact, I secretly love it, especially if it's thrown together with a vegetarian vampire! Hot dog!
I know. I'm weird.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Chores and Summer Fun!
I have now come full circle.
This morning, I taught the girls that cleaning a room is not the same as throwing junk in the corner and hoping the dresses in the closet will cover it.
Cleaning the room is not the same as stuffing everything under the bed.
Cleaning the room is not the same as trying to hide everything on top of the dresser hoping they can pass it off as "creativity."
Cleaning means CLEAN.
And all the memories of my childhood have come rushing back --learning how to really clean a room, learning how to purge. The twice a year "going through stuff" to see what still fit, to see if I "really" needed to keep it --I learned this from my mother.
I hated it back then.
My girls hate it now.
My boys will hate it soon (ha!).
And I'm okay with it. Because I'm teaching these chillin's some responsibility to the things they own, as well as the true definition of Clean. They will learn, gosh darn it! Because it will be good for them in the long run.
Just as it was for me.
------------------------------------------
Hey, hey! It's SPRING! Finally!
And that means getting ready for summer. The kids get out of school on the 29th, and so therefore, June 1st begins our fun, fun summer.
Sort of.
I mean, Brandon is in school, and we're having a baby the end of July. So...no family vacations (although we're gonna try really hard to camp at least once in June!). But that hasn't stopped me from doing the SUPER SCHEDULE OF SUMMER!
In fact, the kids and I have already drawn up our schedule, and I'm going to share it with you, dear reader. I know for years I struggled with what to do during the summer months, and now I have a plan that works! (I tried it last summer and it was fabulous-o!). Here it is:
Every day (M-S) the kids have to do the following (when they wake up):
1. Eat breakfast
2. Get dressed (baths and showers on T/TH)
3. Brush teeth/comb hair
4. Make bed and tidy room
5. Other needed chores (bathroom, garbage, dishes, etc.)
6. ****School! (the **** represents our last name) --only Monday through Friday.
School will consist of the following:
*Piano Practicing--15 minutes (only #1 and #2 will be taking piano lessons from me)
*Reading --15 minutes
*Writing stories (drawing, too) --5-10 minutes
*Math concepts -- 5-10 minutes
All of the above should take less than 2 hours. Then, when it's done, we move onto whatever is the plan of the day. Here are the "plans":
Monday: Chore Day (grocery shopping, errands)
Tuesday: Museum Day
Wednesday: Park Day (or Water Day)
Thursday: Library Day
Friday: Craft Day
Saturday: Free Day (errands, hang out with DAD!, etc.)
Obviously we won't be going to the Museum ALL day on Tuesdays, but what this does is give us a compass of what to do that day --and then if we have time for other things, so be it! This also prevents us from getting bored, because we always have a plan! Hooray! Oh, and at the same time, I'm aware that these things may not go according to plan, but I'm okay with that. Because, see...I have a plan.
Plans ROCK.
What are you doing this summer? Any fun vacations? Plans for the kiddies?
This morning, I taught the girls that cleaning a room is not the same as throwing junk in the corner and hoping the dresses in the closet will cover it.
Cleaning the room is not the same as stuffing everything under the bed.
Cleaning the room is not the same as trying to hide everything on top of the dresser hoping they can pass it off as "creativity."
Cleaning means CLEAN.
And all the memories of my childhood have come rushing back --learning how to really clean a room, learning how to purge. The twice a year "going through stuff" to see what still fit, to see if I "really" needed to keep it --I learned this from my mother.
I hated it back then.
My girls hate it now.
My boys will hate it soon (ha!).
And I'm okay with it. Because I'm teaching these chillin's some responsibility to the things they own, as well as the true definition of Clean. They will learn, gosh darn it! Because it will be good for them in the long run.
Just as it was for me.
------------------------------------------
Hey, hey! It's SPRING! Finally!
And that means getting ready for summer. The kids get out of school on the 29th, and so therefore, June 1st begins our fun, fun summer.
Sort of.
I mean, Brandon is in school, and we're having a baby the end of July. So...no family vacations (although we're gonna try really hard to camp at least once in June!). But that hasn't stopped me from doing the SUPER SCHEDULE OF SUMMER!
In fact, the kids and I have already drawn up our schedule, and I'm going to share it with you, dear reader. I know for years I struggled with what to do during the summer months, and now I have a plan that works! (I tried it last summer and it was fabulous-o!). Here it is:
Every day (M-S) the kids have to do the following (when they wake up):
1. Eat breakfast
2. Get dressed (baths and showers on T/TH)
3. Brush teeth/comb hair
4. Make bed and tidy room
5. Other needed chores (bathroom, garbage, dishes, etc.)
6. ****School! (the **** represents our last name) --only Monday through Friday.
School will consist of the following:
*Piano Practicing--15 minutes (only #1 and #2 will be taking piano lessons from me)
*Reading --15 minutes
*Writing stories (drawing, too) --5-10 minutes
*Math concepts -- 5-10 minutes
All of the above should take less than 2 hours. Then, when it's done, we move onto whatever is the plan of the day. Here are the "plans":
Monday: Chore Day (grocery shopping, errands)
Tuesday: Museum Day
Wednesday: Park Day (or Water Day)
Thursday: Library Day
Friday: Craft Day
Saturday: Free Day (errands, hang out with DAD!, etc.)
Obviously we won't be going to the Museum ALL day on Tuesdays, but what this does is give us a compass of what to do that day --and then if we have time for other things, so be it! This also prevents us from getting bored, because we always have a plan! Hooray! Oh, and at the same time, I'm aware that these things may not go according to plan, but I'm okay with that. Because, see...I have a plan.
Plans ROCK.
What are you doing this summer? Any fun vacations? Plans for the kiddies?
Saturday, May 09, 2009
My Tribute to Mothers
Some women hate Mother's Day.
Really, I don't blame them.
Usually it's because they are not yet mothers themselves --but want to be one more than anything in the world.
Sometimes it's because they didn't have a very good mother.
For others, it's because their mother has died.
Whatever the case, I can understand their feelings of pain, doubt, frustration, and loss. It isn't difficult to understand because the need for motherhood itself, in my opinion, is completely innate. Motherhood is an eternal, tangible, piercing love that is hard to comprehend completely. It is one of the best ways for God to take care of each of us.
Mothers are needed. They are wanted; and this is what usually causes the pain.
It's that simple, really.
But what is the joy without the sorrow?
So, today (and tomorrow, and forever), I would like to pay tribute to my Mothers. How I love them all!
To mine:
To her mother and my father's mother:
To my husband's mother, and his grandmothers:
And to my children, who made me a Mother:
And to my newest baby, who will bring me just as much joy:
Really, I don't blame them.
Usually it's because they are not yet mothers themselves --but want to be one more than anything in the world.
Sometimes it's because they didn't have a very good mother.
For others, it's because their mother has died.
Whatever the case, I can understand their feelings of pain, doubt, frustration, and loss. It isn't difficult to understand because the need for motherhood itself, in my opinion, is completely innate. Motherhood is an eternal, tangible, piercing love that is hard to comprehend completely. It is one of the best ways for God to take care of each of us.
Mothers are needed. They are wanted; and this is what usually causes the pain.
It's that simple, really.
But what is the joy without the sorrow?
So, today (and tomorrow, and forever), I would like to pay tribute to my Mothers. How I love them all!
To mine:
To her mother and my father's mother:
To my husband's mother, and his grandmothers:
And to my children, who made me a Mother:
And to my newest baby, who will bring me just as much joy:
My mom is a neverending song in my heart of
comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words
but I always remember the tune.
~Graycie Harmon
Friday, May 08, 2009
Marrying Young Is Not Evil
Although in this society, one would think so.
My friend Carrie sent out a link for this article from the Washington Post yesterday: Say Yes. What are You Waiting For? I loved it because it confirmed what I already knew about getting married young, instead of waiting just for the sake of waiting. And hooray! It was from somebody other than a BYU professor (and why is it that most of the LDS standards are mocked until research shows we actually know what we're talking about? Always interesting, that...).
The timing of this article was interesting because over this last year, I've had a lot of time to think about it.
See, over a year ago, there was a "conversation" online (and I don't remember where, so I apologize for no linkage!) about the pros and cons to marrying "young." Now, dear reader, I think most of my readership (LDS) would consider 18-21 as young. Most of society, though? They would probably think 24-28 is young --to give you some perspective. I, however, was married at the ripe old age of 19, just to give you my definition of the word "young." (And this online conversation agreed with my definition, just fyi.)
[And just to put it out there, I am NOT a fan of women (and especially men!) under the age of 18 getting married --just to be clear. So "young" would mean "young adult" --not child-bride!]
Anyway, the online conversation had two sides: Those who think marrying young is insane, and those who do not.
More or less.
Can you guess which side I was on?
Brandon and I went out hiking shortly after this online conversation, and we talked about it. We discussed what it was like for the two of us to choose to marry young and if we had regrets about the timing. The entire conversation we had was enlightening, and it was comforting to know we agreed on everything.
See, I was 19 and Brandon has just turned 22 when we married --we were the poster couple for marrying young. We both had 2 1/2 years of school left (since Brandon had only been home from his mission for about a year), and we hadn't yet "found ourselves."
In fact, hat was the biggest argument, you know, during the online conversation: How could anyone under the age of 28 possibly be ready for marriage? They need time to find themselves! To learn who they really are! They need to finish college and get graduate degrees and serve missions and travel abroad and have many relationships before they are ready!
Ummm...okay.
In one way I agree with that statement --I do think it took me about 10 years to "find myself" --I really do. In fact, I'm still "finding myself", and I'm betting women at 60 are still "finding themselves" because we are constantly evolving, learning, experiencing, changing, etc. But who has time to wait for that?! If we waited until we "found ourselves" before getting married, most of us would be dead. Or 95. Take your pick.
See, now wouldn't it be better to "find ourselves" over our life's journey with a loving (and sometimes brutally honest) companion by our side to see us through it? That's how I did it in my 20's, anyway. And luckily for me, I didn't have to make any "big mistakes" because someone always had my back. I had support and confidence and love and commitment --all a safe haven to figure out who I am and who I want to become.
But! That's not all! There are other things I have done that I never would have done without my early marriage. I never would have:
*Finished school as quickly as I did (I graduated just after turning 22!).
*Traveled abroad as often as I have (work vacations are the best!).
*Had (almost) Five children during my most fertile years, thus lowering the chances of birth defects, delivery complications, and infertility. Now with my fifth child (and being officially in my 30's), I am having complications for the first time. Perhaps my body is done? I always wonder what would have happened if I had started at 32 instead of 22...And dear reader, lest you think the whole "women are more fertile in their 20's than 30's" is just bunk --go read this. Or this.
*Learned more about myself than I would have with my own blinders on, thus giving me maturity at a younger age (although that could have just been all the kids, too!). In fact, I could see myself still floating along, not knowing what I wanted if I was still single at this point.
[Now, before I go on, I need to point out that I'm talking about those who make the conscience choice NOT to marry young, or put it off for selfish reasons. I'm not talking about the pain many people (men and women) have suffered in wanting to get married but haven't been able to. That pain is real and I want to make it clear I do not judge their situations --in fact, I have nothing but love and sympathy for them (whether they want it or not!). I mean, my grandmother didn't marry until she was 33, and my aunt didn't marry until she was 34 --but that was not "their choice" --it just happened that way, you know?]
People (in society, not really Church) have always thought I was insane for getting married so young. They are also the same people who think having more than two children is insane too, so...you know... (remember my trip to San Francisco a few weeks ago and the reaction to my pregnancy?) But anyway, I just want to point out that I'm not insane.
I've been married now for more than 10 years.
And we still love each other! (gasp!)
It gets worse --we married for love (not money) and had only known each other for 8 months when we tied the knot (gasp! gasp!).
But that's what happens when we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We do things that society and "the world" deem as crazy. And then we are blessed for obeying (and more than happy to comply!). Oh! But then, if we look at the flip side, people do things (like marrying at 26 instead of 22, or not marrying that "great guy" everyone loves, etc.) that are deemed as crazy to members of the Church, even though the person refusing the marriage had also received promptings from the Holy Ghost.
[Now here I have to point out that for some people, it doesn't work out the way it did for me. There is something we all have called "agency" --and everyone makes their own choices. I don't want to diminish the pain people feel when their spouses choose to sin and end up destroying their own marriages that the Holy Ghost had told them to enter. This is real --this happens. And the pain is indescribable.]
Now, this post is already long enough, but I wanted to point out something else (that the article in the Washington Post alluded to --even if not specifically):
Why are people putting off marriage on purpose?
Personally, I think it has to do with a number of reasons:
1. Education is so highly favored and getting married young is seen as a deterrent.
2. Children are staying children longer.
3. The whole "find yourself" thing.
4. Fear.
Ironically, each of these things is a direct consequence of some societal prejudice that was put into place about 20-30 years ago. Let's look at it closer:
1. Education is HIGHLY favored --even in the Church --and gosh darn it, it should be! But how is marriage a deterrent? I can understand how having children can put it off (I mean...hello!?), but honestly? My grades went waaaay up after I got married. My study habits improved --and I think it was strictly due to my marriage. I didn't have the same social life; there was no partying with the girls until late hours. I was home with my husband --I was eating better, getting more sleep, and studying more. I mean, how can that hurt education?? I'm baffled.
2. The children entering adult-hood now are the product of parents who gave them everything. Their parents grew up with nothing --so the parents got educations, got rich, and gave their kids everything they couldn't have. College Freshman are going out into the world with mom and dad still paying for everything. These kids don't know how to work, to organize, to manage time, to balance a checkbook, to wash dishes, cook meals, sew buttons, buy clothes, put gas in their cars (okay, that might be extreme), but do you see what I'm getting at?
Kids are being kids longer, because their parents won't let them grow up.
And what kid is thinking about marriage? If you had everything given to you by mom and dad, why would you give that up? Marriage equates responsibility, and these young adults aren't ready for --nor want --it.
3. Already discussed it to death above. :)
4. They are simply afraid. Of what? I'm not sure! Afraid of responsibility, life-long commitments, possible divorce, having children, facing a mortgage and/or car payment, being accountable to one person, leaving home, sex (or becoming monogamous), vulnerability, etc. The fear is real.
So, dear reader, give me your thoughts on all this. Remember, I'm not saying my situation is the only right one out there --just lending a voice to those who married early and don't regret it. What was your situation? And holy cow --how do you feel about these generations of kids who can't do anything for themselves?! Not that I'm biased, or anything...
My friend Carrie sent out a link for this article from the Washington Post yesterday: Say Yes. What are You Waiting For? I loved it because it confirmed what I already knew about getting married young, instead of waiting just for the sake of waiting. And hooray! It was from somebody other than a BYU professor (and why is it that most of the LDS standards are mocked until research shows we actually know what we're talking about? Always interesting, that...).
The timing of this article was interesting because over this last year, I've had a lot of time to think about it.
See, over a year ago, there was a "conversation" online (and I don't remember where, so I apologize for no linkage!) about the pros and cons to marrying "young." Now, dear reader, I think most of my readership (LDS) would consider 18-21 as young. Most of society, though? They would probably think 24-28 is young --to give you some perspective. I, however, was married at the ripe old age of 19, just to give you my definition of the word "young." (And this online conversation agreed with my definition, just fyi.)
[And just to put it out there, I am NOT a fan of women (and especially men!) under the age of 18 getting married --just to be clear. So "young" would mean "young adult" --not child-bride!]
Anyway, the online conversation had two sides: Those who think marrying young is insane, and those who do not.
More or less.
Can you guess which side I was on?
Brandon and I went out hiking shortly after this online conversation, and we talked about it. We discussed what it was like for the two of us to choose to marry young and if we had regrets about the timing. The entire conversation we had was enlightening, and it was comforting to know we agreed on everything.
See, I was 19 and Brandon has just turned 22 when we married --we were the poster couple for marrying young. We both had 2 1/2 years of school left (since Brandon had only been home from his mission for about a year), and we hadn't yet "found ourselves."
In fact, hat was the biggest argument, you know, during the online conversation: How could anyone under the age of 28 possibly be ready for marriage? They need time to find themselves! To learn who they really are! They need to finish college and get graduate degrees and serve missions and travel abroad and have many relationships before they are ready!
Ummm...okay.
In one way I agree with that statement --I do think it took me about 10 years to "find myself" --I really do. In fact, I'm still "finding myself", and I'm betting women at 60 are still "finding themselves" because we are constantly evolving, learning, experiencing, changing, etc. But who has time to wait for that?! If we waited until we "found ourselves" before getting married, most of us would be dead. Or 95. Take your pick.
See, now wouldn't it be better to "find ourselves" over our life's journey with a loving (and sometimes brutally honest) companion by our side to see us through it? That's how I did it in my 20's, anyway. And luckily for me, I didn't have to make any "big mistakes" because someone always had my back. I had support and confidence and love and commitment --all a safe haven to figure out who I am and who I want to become.
But! That's not all! There are other things I have done that I never would have done without my early marriage. I never would have:
*Finished school as quickly as I did (I graduated just after turning 22!).
*Traveled abroad as often as I have (work vacations are the best!).
*Had (almost) Five children during my most fertile years, thus lowering the chances of birth defects, delivery complications, and infertility. Now with my fifth child (and being officially in my 30's), I am having complications for the first time. Perhaps my body is done? I always wonder what would have happened if I had started at 32 instead of 22...And dear reader, lest you think the whole "women are more fertile in their 20's than 30's" is just bunk --go read this. Or this.
*Learned more about myself than I would have with my own blinders on, thus giving me maturity at a younger age (although that could have just been all the kids, too!). In fact, I could see myself still floating along, not knowing what I wanted if I was still single at this point.
[Now, before I go on, I need to point out that I'm talking about those who make the conscience choice NOT to marry young, or put it off for selfish reasons. I'm not talking about the pain many people (men and women) have suffered in wanting to get married but haven't been able to. That pain is real and I want to make it clear I do not judge their situations --in fact, I have nothing but love and sympathy for them (whether they want it or not!). I mean, my grandmother didn't marry until she was 33, and my aunt didn't marry until she was 34 --but that was not "their choice" --it just happened that way, you know?]
People (in society, not really Church) have always thought I was insane for getting married so young. They are also the same people who think having more than two children is insane too, so...you know... (remember my trip to San Francisco a few weeks ago and the reaction to my pregnancy?) But anyway, I just want to point out that I'm not insane.
I've been married now for more than 10 years.
And we still love each other! (gasp!)
It gets worse --we married for love (not money) and had only known each other for 8 months when we tied the knot (gasp! gasp!).
But that's what happens when we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We do things that society and "the world" deem as crazy. And then we are blessed for obeying (and more than happy to comply!). Oh! But then, if we look at the flip side, people do things (like marrying at 26 instead of 22, or not marrying that "great guy" everyone loves, etc.) that are deemed as crazy to members of the Church, even though the person refusing the marriage had also received promptings from the Holy Ghost.
[Now here I have to point out that for some people, it doesn't work out the way it did for me. There is something we all have called "agency" --and everyone makes their own choices. I don't want to diminish the pain people feel when their spouses choose to sin and end up destroying their own marriages that the Holy Ghost had told them to enter. This is real --this happens. And the pain is indescribable.]
Now, this post is already long enough, but I wanted to point out something else (that the article in the Washington Post alluded to --even if not specifically):
Why are people putting off marriage on purpose?
Personally, I think it has to do with a number of reasons:
1. Education is so highly favored and getting married young is seen as a deterrent.
2. Children are staying children longer.
3. The whole "find yourself" thing.
4. Fear.
Ironically, each of these things is a direct consequence of some societal prejudice that was put into place about 20-30 years ago. Let's look at it closer:
1. Education is HIGHLY favored --even in the Church --and gosh darn it, it should be! But how is marriage a deterrent? I can understand how having children can put it off (I mean...hello!?), but honestly? My grades went waaaay up after I got married. My study habits improved --and I think it was strictly due to my marriage. I didn't have the same social life; there was no partying with the girls until late hours. I was home with my husband --I was eating better, getting more sleep, and studying more. I mean, how can that hurt education?? I'm baffled.
2. The children entering adult-hood now are the product of parents who gave them everything. Their parents grew up with nothing --so the parents got educations, got rich, and gave their kids everything they couldn't have. College Freshman are going out into the world with mom and dad still paying for everything. These kids don't know how to work, to organize, to manage time, to balance a checkbook, to wash dishes, cook meals, sew buttons, buy clothes, put gas in their cars (okay, that might be extreme), but do you see what I'm getting at?
Kids are being kids longer, because their parents won't let them grow up.
And what kid is thinking about marriage? If you had everything given to you by mom and dad, why would you give that up? Marriage equates responsibility, and these young adults aren't ready for --nor want --it.
3. Already discussed it to death above. :)
4. They are simply afraid. Of what? I'm not sure! Afraid of responsibility, life-long commitments, possible divorce, having children, facing a mortgage and/or car payment, being accountable to one person, leaving home, sex (or becoming monogamous), vulnerability, etc. The fear is real.
So, dear reader, give me your thoughts on all this. Remember, I'm not saying my situation is the only right one out there --just lending a voice to those who married early and don't regret it. What was your situation? And holy cow --how do you feel about these generations of kids who can't do anything for themselves?! Not that I'm biased, or anything...
Thursday, May 07, 2009
My Housework Epiphany
Wow! Thank you to all of the fabulous comments left on my frugality post. I've already printed them out and am starting more research and fine-tuning my efforts.
You guys are the best!
The best, Jerry! The best!
---------------------------------------
And now, dear reader, I'd like to take this moment to give you a glimpse into the secret of housework.
Yes, the secret.
I've figured it out, you know. I have seen into the depths of the all-things-you-need-to-know-about-housework and found the secret. Wanna know what it is? Are you sure?
Fine, fine.
It has two parts:
Time
and
Getting over yourself
Think I'm kidding? The epiphany hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday morning as I was, once again, cleaning the house. And it was actually quite simple.
Let me try to explain each part and see if you agree with me (because honestly? I'm sure there are many secrets to housework. I've probably just stumbled across one of 'em).
Time:
I'm not talking about having hours a day to clean, although that is always helpful. What I mean is I needed time to finally figure out the most efficient ways to clean. How to clean, if you will. And efficiency equals less time!
It's miraculous, really. Some days I've seen myself clean the entire upper floor (minus the laundry, of course) in less than 2 hours! This included bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, de-cluttering, dishes, sweeping/mopping, windows, etc. Of course, if the kids are helping, it goes even faster (and they usually are --but mostly on "chore day").
I remember my mom was a pro at the cleaning. She was so fast --but amazingly thorough. I didn't understand how she could do it so quickly. Of course, I was still in the learning stages, so the best ways to clean eluded me for a while. But you know what? Efficiency is not just the way to maximize the time, either. The next phase actually has a lot to do with it...
Get Over Yourself:
Seriously.
It's kind of crazy to me to think about how I used to view housework. It was drudgery (well, that hasn't changed much) and it was always there. I would often ignore it until I HAD to do it, and I would feel so guilty the whole time. I would see it as a trial and a pain and I would get so darned frustrated at myself and everyone else around me. I would waffle between the control-freak ("I can't do anything until I can clean the whole house and make everything perfect right now! And everyone needs to make it perfect with me right now!") and the Apathetic-Depressed-Woman ("It's not worth it, who cares, nobody will help me, I won't finish anything I start, anyway -so why bother?"). Both of those equalled the same thing: Resentment and frustration.
And then I started therapy.
Sure, it was for other areas of my life, but it was amazing how most facets of my life meshed into the others. Like this housework business.
Therapy taught me that I don't have to control everything. It also taught me that I could give myself permission to do a little at a time. I learned how to figure out what was really bothering me, rather than giving up in despair. I figured out how to get over myself long enough to see the good parts in everything I do.
Even the dishes.
See, dishes have to get done. They can get done with a bad attitude and anger, or they can get done efficiently and happily. I can clean the house with resentment, or I can view it as service for my family. I can do the laundry with frustration, or I can be grateful for a freakin' washing machine! (although I'm tempted to start line-drying my clothes. Isn't that crazy?!)
We already knew this, though. The whole service with a smile bit. I mean, it's not like we've been taught this for years and years and years...
Who knew it was actually true!?
You know, I wrote a post a long time ago about my role as a mother (it was nearly 3 years ago), and it applies so well. Here's most of it:
This morning, I forced myself off the couch (where I had been for a couple of hours after #3’s early morning risings) and started to get ready for church. Up until that point, everything had been kind of crazy, and the house showed it. Once I was dressed for church, I got the kids involved in picking up the living room and kitchen, and within 20 minutes, the entire place was organized and presentable again. I helped the kids get dressed and cleaned up, Hubby came home from his meeting in surprise (the house was clean?! On a Sunday?!), and I turned on “Music and the Spoken Word” to keep a calm mood.
As I was cleaning up the kitchen, feeling somewhat resentful that I didn’t have more time to sleep, nor more time to lounge about in my pregnant state, nor children that were old enough to just get themselves cleaned up and ready, I was stopped short with a lightening bolt of realization.
I heard in my mind all of these thoughts; they were in and around each other, and one led to another, but I’ll write them the best that I can:
“Cheryl, you are a mother. You cannot rely on other adults anymore –you are the parent. These children, and yes, even your husband, need to be able to rely on you. There is no room for selfishness anymore. Do not mourn for the loss of your ‘you’ time, because what you are doing as a responsible adult and as a mother is far more important. Be grateful that they need you. Be happy that they love you. Take care of them and do what you need to do to make sure that you can fulfill your responsibility. It’s the most important thing you can do, you know.”
Yeah, yeah, I know it's a bit sentimental (and almost too selfless), but it was real! And for some reason, I had forgotten about that.
Until yesterday, when the housecleaning lightning bolts hit me in the same manner: Just do it, and get over yourself, Cheryl. It needs to be done, and why make it harder than it needs to be?
Why, indeed?
Have you had any lightening bolts and epiphanies lately regarding...well...anything? Motherhood? Housework? Jobs? Relationships? And aren't they the BEST? I love inspiration...
You guys are the best!
The best, Jerry! The best!
---------------------------------------
And now, dear reader, I'd like to take this moment to give you a glimpse into the secret of housework.
Yes, the secret.
I've figured it out, you know. I have seen into the depths of the all-things-you-need-to-know-about-housework and found the secret. Wanna know what it is? Are you sure?
Fine, fine.
It has two parts:
Time
and
Getting over yourself
Think I'm kidding? The epiphany hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday morning as I was, once again, cleaning the house. And it was actually quite simple.
Let me try to explain each part and see if you agree with me (because honestly? I'm sure there are many secrets to housework. I've probably just stumbled across one of 'em).
Time:
I'm not talking about having hours a day to clean, although that is always helpful. What I mean is I needed time to finally figure out the most efficient ways to clean. How to clean, if you will. And efficiency equals less time!
It's miraculous, really. Some days I've seen myself clean the entire upper floor (minus the laundry, of course) in less than 2 hours! This included bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, de-cluttering, dishes, sweeping/mopping, windows, etc. Of course, if the kids are helping, it goes even faster (and they usually are --but mostly on "chore day").
I remember my mom was a pro at the cleaning. She was so fast --but amazingly thorough. I didn't understand how she could do it so quickly. Of course, I was still in the learning stages, so the best ways to clean eluded me for a while. But you know what? Efficiency is not just the way to maximize the time, either. The next phase actually has a lot to do with it...
Get Over Yourself:
Seriously.
It's kind of crazy to me to think about how I used to view housework. It was drudgery (well, that hasn't changed much) and it was always there. I would often ignore it until I HAD to do it, and I would feel so guilty the whole time. I would see it as a trial and a pain and I would get so darned frustrated at myself and everyone else around me. I would waffle between the control-freak ("I can't do anything until I can clean the whole house and make everything perfect right now! And everyone needs to make it perfect with me right now!") and the Apathetic-Depressed-Woman ("It's not worth it, who cares, nobody will help me, I won't finish anything I start, anyway -so why bother?"). Both of those equalled the same thing: Resentment and frustration.
And then I started therapy.
Sure, it was for other areas of my life, but it was amazing how most facets of my life meshed into the others. Like this housework business.
Therapy taught me that I don't have to control everything. It also taught me that I could give myself permission to do a little at a time. I learned how to figure out what was really bothering me, rather than giving up in despair. I figured out how to get over myself long enough to see the good parts in everything I do.
Even the dishes.
See, dishes have to get done. They can get done with a bad attitude and anger, or they can get done efficiently and happily. I can clean the house with resentment, or I can view it as service for my family. I can do the laundry with frustration, or I can be grateful for a freakin' washing machine! (although I'm tempted to start line-drying my clothes. Isn't that crazy?!)
We already knew this, though. The whole service with a smile bit. I mean, it's not like we've been taught this for years and years and years...
Who knew it was actually true!?
You know, I wrote a post a long time ago about my role as a mother (it was nearly 3 years ago), and it applies so well. Here's most of it:
This morning, I forced myself off the couch (where I had been for a couple of hours after #3’s early morning risings) and started to get ready for church. Up until that point, everything had been kind of crazy, and the house showed it. Once I was dressed for church, I got the kids involved in picking up the living room and kitchen, and within 20 minutes, the entire place was organized and presentable again. I helped the kids get dressed and cleaned up, Hubby came home from his meeting in surprise (the house was clean?! On a Sunday?!), and I turned on “Music and the Spoken Word” to keep a calm mood.
As I was cleaning up the kitchen, feeling somewhat resentful that I didn’t have more time to sleep, nor more time to lounge about in my pregnant state, nor children that were old enough to just get themselves cleaned up and ready, I was stopped short with a lightening bolt of realization.
I heard in my mind all of these thoughts; they were in and around each other, and one led to another, but I’ll write them the best that I can:
“Cheryl, you are a mother. You cannot rely on other adults anymore –you are the parent. These children, and yes, even your husband, need to be able to rely on you. There is no room for selfishness anymore. Do not mourn for the loss of your ‘you’ time, because what you are doing as a responsible adult and as a mother is far more important. Be grateful that they need you. Be happy that they love you. Take care of them and do what you need to do to make sure that you can fulfill your responsibility. It’s the most important thing you can do, you know.”
Yeah, yeah, I know it's a bit sentimental (and almost too selfless), but it was real! And for some reason, I had forgotten about that.
Until yesterday, when the housecleaning lightning bolts hit me in the same manner: Just do it, and get over yourself, Cheryl. It needs to be done, and why make it harder than it needs to be?
Why, indeed?
Have you had any lightening bolts and epiphanies lately regarding...well...anything? Motherhood? Housework? Jobs? Relationships? And aren't they the BEST? I love inspiration...
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
AI: Rock Week Results Show
Thoughts:
*I love the live group performances. They are ten times better than the dubbed ones, although now I realize why they probably dubbed them. Scott's blind, you know. It's not wrong --just makes sense.
*Now, was Paula dubbed? That's the question. Dude --she had to be. No way she could be air lifted, dance like that, and still have any breath left to sing, imo. And the ending was lame.
*Hey! I thought Gwen left No Doubt? Where have I been!? And dude, I don't like that she's all crazy around the stage --not because I'm against the craziness, but because it's making her out of breath and out of TUNE. I'm so disappointed with the out-of-tunage because I LOVE No Doubt.
Sigh.
*If Kris goes tonight, I will be very sad. If Danny goes, I won't be as sad. If Allison goes, I'll actually be okay with it (although I love that girl), and if Adam goes home? That would just be crazy. But I wouldn't cry. I would just be confused.
*First safe person is KRIS!!! YAY! Julie --Kris is safe! He's safe!
*Chris Daughtry was one of my favorites back in that season (which one was it? I missed what they said) and I have been so happy at his success. So happy! He deserves it all.
Wait --is he singing sharp?
Darn me and my aversion to songs even slightly out of tune! Sometimes I wish I was ignorant when it came to pitch. That's what I get for being a musician, dear reader.
Sigh, sigh.
Oh, well. It's a good song! Can't wait to hear it recorded, though.
*Second safe person is...Adam! Well, duh.
*Okay, so who's going home? Allison or Danny?
*OH!!!!!!!!!! Danny is Safe!??!?!
WHAT THE!?
Okay, I was NOT expecting that at all. AT. ALL. Allison going home makes no sense to me. None. Because she is so good at what she does, and last night she was so much better than Danny.
Wait.
Is Danny on vote for the worst??
DANG IT! Yes, he was.
Sigh.
And here I thought I wasn't going to be upset with Allison leaving.
I'm gonna miss you, Allison! You have such incredible talent and you are going to go far. Don't give up! (Ironic that she's now singing "Cry Baby" and she's crying at the same time...)
What did you think?
*I love the live group performances. They are ten times better than the dubbed ones, although now I realize why they probably dubbed them. Scott's blind, you know. It's not wrong --just makes sense.
*Now, was Paula dubbed? That's the question. Dude --she had to be. No way she could be air lifted, dance like that, and still have any breath left to sing, imo. And the ending was lame.
*Hey! I thought Gwen left No Doubt? Where have I been!? And dude, I don't like that she's all crazy around the stage --not because I'm against the craziness, but because it's making her out of breath and out of TUNE. I'm so disappointed with the out-of-tunage because I LOVE No Doubt.
Sigh.
*If Kris goes tonight, I will be very sad. If Danny goes, I won't be as sad. If Allison goes, I'll actually be okay with it (although I love that girl), and if Adam goes home? That would just be crazy. But I wouldn't cry. I would just be confused.
*First safe person is KRIS!!! YAY! Julie --Kris is safe! He's safe!
*Chris Daughtry was one of my favorites back in that season (which one was it? I missed what they said) and I have been so happy at his success. So happy! He deserves it all.
Wait --is he singing sharp?
Darn me and my aversion to songs even slightly out of tune! Sometimes I wish I was ignorant when it came to pitch. That's what I get for being a musician, dear reader.
Sigh, sigh.
Oh, well. It's a good song! Can't wait to hear it recorded, though.
*Second safe person is...Adam! Well, duh.
*Okay, so who's going home? Allison or Danny?
*OH!!!!!!!!!! Danny is Safe!??!?!
WHAT THE!?
Okay, I was NOT expecting that at all. AT. ALL. Allison going home makes no sense to me. None. Because she is so good at what she does, and last night she was so much better than Danny.
Wait.
Is Danny on vote for the worst??
DANG IT! Yes, he was.
Sigh.
And here I thought I wasn't going to be upset with Allison leaving.
I'm gonna miss you, Allison! You have such incredible talent and you are going to go far. Don't give up! (Ironic that she's now singing "Cry Baby" and she's crying at the same time...)
What did you think?
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
AI: Rock Week!
*Duets? This should be fun!
*Paula is releasing a single today? And is addicted to painkillers? Interesting...
*Ooh! I like Guns 'n Roses.
Adam: Will he kill it? Hmmm? Let's see... Dang, boy! Adam is the bad boy I hate to love, I've decided. Because I don't want to love him, but holy cow, I do! Is it wrong that I'm blushing right now over him? That a capella part was amazing.
Holy cow. Yes, I would pay to see him live. I would.
But Kara is annooooooyyyyying. She's more annoying right now than Paula. How is this possible?!
Allison: Ha! Adam's hair girl. Cool.
Okay, how is she going to do? I'm thinking this should be right up her alley...
My only criticism is that her diction is still not very clear. Sure, people know this song, but we shouldn't have to second-guess the lyrics, right? But other than that, I thought she did quite well! Love her voice...
Kris and Danny Duet: Cool chorus going there!
Ooh! I'm liking Danny on this a lot...a lot, lot, actually. This is NOT the genre for Kris, though. Figures. He's more folksy, anyway. Their harmonies are good, though! Oh, Danny --that run on the end was not very good, hon. Sorry. :(
But, hey! That was fun!
Kris: Oh, blah! Carly did this last year, Kris (and she did it well, too). I hope you can do this...
Okay, not bad! In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think Kris was wise to go with the Beatles because Paul McCartney's (or Lennon's) voice wasn't rough-edged, you know? Allison, Adam, and Danny all have this growl (well, maybe not Adam as much, but he has the range) that Kris just doesn't have. Picking an artist he can imitate is good!!
GREAT CHOICE!
I loved it. I thought it was fabulous! And his guitar playing? Hooray!!
And Kara is an idiot. WHAT-EVER!
And I think Simon was totally wrong this week. How can you compare Kris with Adam? They are completely different in style, genre, voice, inflection, range, etc. Sure, you can prefer one over the other, but Kris is much better than he's giving him credit before. Which makes me sad, because I usually agree with Simon.
Danny: Oh, man! I LOVE this song. Oh, I hope he's in tune!
The verse at the beginning was okay --but the sliding was almost too technical, I think he should have felt it more, rather than sung it, you know?
And the falsetto "dream on's"??? Not good. Oh, boy. Not good at all. The chorus was fine until the end...
Sigh, sigh, sigh. His duet was WAY better than the solo.
Adam and Allison duet: I love this! The perfect pairing, really --I mean, could you see either of them with Kris or Danny? WOW! This was so fun.
In fact, I think this was my favorite performance of the night!
Last thought: COME ON! Judges, seriously? I'm so tired of them saying stupid and critical things. Of COURSE they sound good together and of COURSE Danny and Kris didn't stand a chance --I mean, how could they? There are only four contestants, people! Someone had to sing with someone...and it's Rock Night. Puh-lease...so stupid...
Going home:
I have no idea. I don't even care at this point because these four are great singers!
What did you think?
*Paula is releasing a single today? And is addicted to painkillers? Interesting...
*Ooh! I like Guns 'n Roses.
Adam: Will he kill it? Hmmm? Let's see... Dang, boy! Adam is the bad boy I hate to love, I've decided. Because I don't want to love him, but holy cow, I do! Is it wrong that I'm blushing right now over him? That a capella part was amazing.
Holy cow. Yes, I would pay to see him live. I would.
But Kara is annooooooyyyyying. She's more annoying right now than Paula. How is this possible?!
Allison: Ha! Adam's hair girl. Cool.
Okay, how is she going to do? I'm thinking this should be right up her alley...
My only criticism is that her diction is still not very clear. Sure, people know this song, but we shouldn't have to second-guess the lyrics, right? But other than that, I thought she did quite well! Love her voice...
Kris and Danny Duet: Cool chorus going there!
Ooh! I'm liking Danny on this a lot...a lot, lot, actually. This is NOT the genre for Kris, though. Figures. He's more folksy, anyway. Their harmonies are good, though! Oh, Danny --that run on the end was not very good, hon. Sorry. :(
But, hey! That was fun!
Kris: Oh, blah! Carly did this last year, Kris (and she did it well, too). I hope you can do this...
Okay, not bad! In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think Kris was wise to go with the Beatles because Paul McCartney's (or Lennon's) voice wasn't rough-edged, you know? Allison, Adam, and Danny all have this growl (well, maybe not Adam as much, but he has the range) that Kris just doesn't have. Picking an artist he can imitate is good!!
GREAT CHOICE!
I loved it. I thought it was fabulous! And his guitar playing? Hooray!!
And Kara is an idiot. WHAT-EVER!
And I think Simon was totally wrong this week. How can you compare Kris with Adam? They are completely different in style, genre, voice, inflection, range, etc. Sure, you can prefer one over the other, but Kris is much better than he's giving him credit before. Which makes me sad, because I usually agree with Simon.
Danny: Oh, man! I LOVE this song. Oh, I hope he's in tune!
The verse at the beginning was okay --but the sliding was almost too technical, I think he should have felt it more, rather than sung it, you know?
And the falsetto "dream on's"??? Not good. Oh, boy. Not good at all. The chorus was fine until the end...
Sigh, sigh, sigh. His duet was WAY better than the solo.
Adam and Allison duet: I love this! The perfect pairing, really --I mean, could you see either of them with Kris or Danny? WOW! This was so fun.
In fact, I think this was my favorite performance of the night!
Last thought: COME ON! Judges, seriously? I'm so tired of them saying stupid and critical things. Of COURSE they sound good together and of COURSE Danny and Kris didn't stand a chance --I mean, how could they? There are only four contestants, people! Someone had to sing with someone...and it's Rock Night. Puh-lease...so stupid...
Going home:
I have no idea. I don't even care at this point because these four are great singers!
What did you think?
Monday, May 04, 2009
A Season of Frugality
CHANGES:
Many of you know the financial strain we are facing in the Happy Meets Crazy household. Some things have actually gotten better and gone our way, lately:
*Re-financing the house which reduced our mortgage by $200 a month! Hooray!
*HUGE tax returns! More Hooray!
*The roof didn't leak all winter or during spring rains! Hooray-ish-ness-all-over!
*And others (the consistent rain means we don't have to fix our sprinklers just yet, I found a bike for Miss #2 on KSL for only $15, things seem to be falling into place with our bills, etc.).
But then Brandon got accepted into school. And other than a small sum his work is contributing (which they offer all employees who go back to get their MBA's), we are self-supporting. You know. Paying for it ourselves. With our own money. That we don't have. To go to Wharton.
I'm sure you understand.
So, we buckled down to start saving money. We've tried to reduce our spending and looked at our budget and where all of our money was going in order to make some changes. We were feeling pretty good about it until...
...two weeks ago, EMC announced a 5% pay cut across the board in order to save 2K jobs. At the end of last year (or was it in January?), they announced a freeze on all raises, and now we have received this pay cut.
[Before I go on, I want you to know that I don't blame EMC for this. They are doing what they think is best while trying to save jobs. I mean, isn't it better to have a pay cut than lose your job?
At least that is what I keep telling myself. I mean, I know many people who have been out of work for a very long time. So, let me go on the record and say I am grateful Brandon has a job! More than grateful. This is just hard, you know?]
Oh! And of course, this also came after I decided to stop teaching piano lessons for the summer. Lovely, eh?
So, we've had to tighten a bit more. The good news is that another part-time, do-it-when-my-kids-are-sleeping, job may be in the works for me. The bad news is I had to quit therapy.
Now, now! Before you all freak out that my brain needs it, let me assure you that this is a short-term solution only. I've already talked with my therapist about going back after the baby is born (when I will absolutely need that --and probably meds --the most). So, I didn't just do this blindly! I'm very aware of the decision we made.
Anyway, so I quit therapy.
But we have to pay for Brandon's flights to and from school.
Sigh, sigh, sigh by me.
See, how this is all going? We get a break...we hit another snag. We get a break...we hit another snag.
Sounds like life, to me...
Now, before I go onto my next subject (all my posts have more than one subject, haven't you noticed?), I would like you to answer some questions:
1. What are the best ways --for you --to save money?
2. What are the things you had to cut in order to pay tithing, bills, and feed the family?
3. What has been the best decision financially that you have made to get to financial security?
Next subject: COUPONS
Alrighty, then. I have slowly been dipping my feet into the vast world of "coupon-ing". It's the new scrap booking, you know! I've heard amazing stories ("I went to the store, got $75 worth of groceries, but they ended up giving me $6.00 back!") and I've seen how the results have blessed lives ("Our smallest budget is our grocery budget because we don't have to spend more!").
But I have a problem.
This is the conundrum I want all coupon ladies to solve for me (and do it nicely, okay? I don't care if I'm an idiot for not figuring it out up to this point --I'm asking for help, not a judgement on my character. And yes, I'm a bit snappy today. Sorry! No, really --I am sincerely sorry.):
I CANNOT buy the food I see in all the coupons.
I can't.
I lost 40 pounds before I got pregnant with this baby, remember? I'm not going back to buying junk food. I'm not going to buy white bread (or pasta, or tortillas) or regular dairy products (fat-free for me!). I'm not going to buy fruit snacks or chips or soda or juice or sugared cereal (unless it's Easter weekend on the cereal). I buy fresh fruit and veggies --not crackers. I try to buy healthy things (not expensive healthy --just good-for-us healthy).
But I haven't found ONE coupon on ANY of the 20 -30 websites I've visited. Not one! Everything is for the junk, people!
So, how in the world can I save on my grocery bill without buying the crap? I really want to know. I really do.
And to show you how serious I am, I've actually started shopping at Costco less (because we all know what happens when we go to Costco for milk...) for groceries.
But I really want an answer to this question because it is perplexing me. Ooh! Ooh! Let me give you an example:
I signed up to receive a newsletter about living on a dime (oh, what the heck. Here's the website. It's free, btw!). There was this series on how to cut your grocery bill in half! I thought, "Yes! I need this!" and so I read it with great joy. Until I finished it. And then I was mad. Because what did they tell me to stop doing (more or less)?
1. Don't eat out as much. Easy. Already doing this.
2. Stop buying chips and soda. Haven't bought either for years and years.
3. Keep your kitchen clean so you won't eat out. Ummm...okay...
4. Something about not eating/drinking as much food. Well, duh --that's a weight loss/healthy thing, too.
I don't mean to sound bitter about these women who are giving wonderful advice on how to save money --that's not my intention (more apologies). But what I am trying to illustrate is that I'm doing all of this already!! But I need to do MORE. How can I do that? How, how, how?? Help!
Lay it on me! Give me your ideas and what you have done and tell me if I'm missing something in the coupon world. And don't worry! I love looooooong comments...
Many of you know the financial strain we are facing in the Happy Meets Crazy household. Some things have actually gotten better and gone our way, lately:
*Re-financing the house which reduced our mortgage by $200 a month! Hooray!
*HUGE tax returns! More Hooray!
*The roof didn't leak all winter or during spring rains! Hooray-ish-ness-all-over!
*And others (the consistent rain means we don't have to fix our sprinklers just yet, I found a bike for Miss #2 on KSL for only $15, things seem to be falling into place with our bills, etc.).
But then Brandon got accepted into school. And other than a small sum his work is contributing (which they offer all employees who go back to get their MBA's), we are self-supporting. You know. Paying for it ourselves. With our own money. That we don't have. To go to Wharton.
I'm sure you understand.
So, we buckled down to start saving money. We've tried to reduce our spending and looked at our budget and where all of our money was going in order to make some changes. We were feeling pretty good about it until...
...two weeks ago, EMC announced a 5% pay cut across the board in order to save 2K jobs. At the end of last year (or was it in January?), they announced a freeze on all raises, and now we have received this pay cut.
[Before I go on, I want you to know that I don't blame EMC for this. They are doing what they think is best while trying to save jobs. I mean, isn't it better to have a pay cut than lose your job?
At least that is what I keep telling myself. I mean, I know many people who have been out of work for a very long time. So, let me go on the record and say I am grateful Brandon has a job! More than grateful. This is just hard, you know?]
Oh! And of course, this also came after I decided to stop teaching piano lessons for the summer. Lovely, eh?
So, we've had to tighten a bit more. The good news is that another part-time, do-it-when-my-kids-are-sleeping, job may be in the works for me. The bad news is I had to quit therapy.
Now, now! Before you all freak out that my brain needs it, let me assure you that this is a short-term solution only. I've already talked with my therapist about going back after the baby is born (when I will absolutely need that --and probably meds --the most). So, I didn't just do this blindly! I'm very aware of the decision we made.
Anyway, so I quit therapy.
But we have to pay for Brandon's flights to and from school.
Sigh, sigh, sigh by me.
See, how this is all going? We get a break...we hit another snag. We get a break...we hit another snag.
Sounds like life, to me...
Now, before I go onto my next subject (all my posts have more than one subject, haven't you noticed?), I would like you to answer some questions:
1. What are the best ways --for you --to save money?
2. What are the things you had to cut in order to pay tithing, bills, and feed the family?
3. What has been the best decision financially that you have made to get to financial security?
Next subject: COUPONS
Alrighty, then. I have slowly been dipping my feet into the vast world of "coupon-ing". It's the new scrap booking, you know! I've heard amazing stories ("I went to the store, got $75 worth of groceries, but they ended up giving me $6.00 back!") and I've seen how the results have blessed lives ("Our smallest budget is our grocery budget because we don't have to spend more!").
But I have a problem.
This is the conundrum I want all coupon ladies to solve for me (and do it nicely, okay? I don't care if I'm an idiot for not figuring it out up to this point --I'm asking for help, not a judgement on my character. And yes, I'm a bit snappy today. Sorry! No, really --I am sincerely sorry.):
I CANNOT buy the food I see in all the coupons.
I can't.
I lost 40 pounds before I got pregnant with this baby, remember? I'm not going back to buying junk food. I'm not going to buy white bread (or pasta, or tortillas) or regular dairy products (fat-free for me!). I'm not going to buy fruit snacks or chips or soda or juice or sugared cereal (unless it's Easter weekend on the cereal). I buy fresh fruit and veggies --not crackers. I try to buy healthy things (not expensive healthy --just good-for-us healthy).
But I haven't found ONE coupon on ANY of the 20 -30 websites I've visited. Not one! Everything is for the junk, people!
So, how in the world can I save on my grocery bill without buying the crap? I really want to know. I really do.
And to show you how serious I am, I've actually started shopping at Costco less (because we all know what happens when we go to Costco for milk...) for groceries.
But I really want an answer to this question because it is perplexing me. Ooh! Ooh! Let me give you an example:
I signed up to receive a newsletter about living on a dime (oh, what the heck. Here's the website. It's free, btw!). There was this series on how to cut your grocery bill in half! I thought, "Yes! I need this!" and so I read it with great joy. Until I finished it. And then I was mad. Because what did they tell me to stop doing (more or less)?
1. Don't eat out as much. Easy. Already doing this.
2. Stop buying chips and soda. Haven't bought either for years and years.
3. Keep your kitchen clean so you won't eat out. Ummm...okay...
4. Something about not eating/drinking as much food. Well, duh --that's a weight loss/healthy thing, too.
I don't mean to sound bitter about these women who are giving wonderful advice on how to save money --that's not my intention (more apologies). But what I am trying to illustrate is that I'm doing all of this already!! But I need to do MORE. How can I do that? How, how, how?? Help!
Lay it on me! Give me your ideas and what you have done and tell me if I'm missing something in the coupon world. And don't worry! I love looooooong comments...
Sunday, May 03, 2009
#1's Baptism and Piano Recital
My oldest child was Baptized on Saturday afternoon. I'm still slightly recovering from all that happened --the preparation, the family, the reality that I have a child who is Eight Years old --but I'm so happy for what transpired and the experience we were able to have as a family.
My daughter, dear reader, is my hero. In every sense of the word, too. This was discovered when I was lucky enough to be with her during her Bishopric interview Friday afternoon. I sat behind her and kept as still as possible so as not to disturb her or make her think she had to look to me for answers. I listened carefully to her words as she answered the Bishop's questions, and I was astonished by some of her answers --in a good way! She is simply amazing. I had no idea that my daughter had such Faith, nor did I realize the depth of her knowledge regarding the Plan of Salvation. She spoke of her desire to one day enter the Temple and spoke clearly about her favorite scripture stories (which were, in her specific order: Christ being baptized; Noah and the Ark; and Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life). As we left, I felt humbled that this young girl was my daughter --because even though Brandon and I have done our best to teach her correct principles, I know that most of her knowledge came from her own pursuit of truth; her ability to listen and retain information from Primary teachers, the scriptures, FHE, and even General Conference!
Recently, somebody told me (and I quote): When our children do right it is a reflection of their good upbringing. When they do wrong, it is because of the principle of free agency...
And I don't agree.
If we can't claim our children's mistakes, then what gives us the right to claim their successes? Yes, parents have a great influence on their children and should do all they can to teach them truth --but where does our influence end and the child's own personality/testimony/desires begin? I do not want to ever be accused of being "the reason" my daughter has turned out so well. To me, this is arrogance (mild at best). Yes, I have helped --but if she amounts to amazing things, I'd like to think it's a beautiful combination of the two (her faith and my efforts), and probably more her than me.
And she's proving this theory already!
(please note: I always claim the right to be wrong. Because I am not a genius. That is all.)
The day of her Baptism went off really well. We had 40 family members there to support her, and so combined with the other Four children getting baptized (it was a Stake Baptism), it was quite a full house! Brandon baptized her, our fathers were the witnesses, and Brandon confirmed her. Luckily, I had reserved the multi-purpose room for our luncheon afterwards, and so food prep and clean up went fast. And since all of our visiting and such happened there, we came home to a clean and quiet house.
It was sooooo nice!
Remind me to do that for every other child, okay?
Here some pictures from the Baptism:
I'll learn one day...!
My daughter, dear reader, is my hero. In every sense of the word, too. This was discovered when I was lucky enough to be with her during her Bishopric interview Friday afternoon. I sat behind her and kept as still as possible so as not to disturb her or make her think she had to look to me for answers. I listened carefully to her words as she answered the Bishop's questions, and I was astonished by some of her answers --in a good way! She is simply amazing. I had no idea that my daughter had such Faith, nor did I realize the depth of her knowledge regarding the Plan of Salvation. She spoke of her desire to one day enter the Temple and spoke clearly about her favorite scripture stories (which were, in her specific order: Christ being baptized; Noah and the Ark; and Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life). As we left, I felt humbled that this young girl was my daughter --because even though Brandon and I have done our best to teach her correct principles, I know that most of her knowledge came from her own pursuit of truth; her ability to listen and retain information from Primary teachers, the scriptures, FHE, and even General Conference!
Recently, somebody told me (and I quote): When our children do right it is a reflection of their good upbringing. When they do wrong, it is because of the principle of free agency...
And I don't agree.
If we can't claim our children's mistakes, then what gives us the right to claim their successes? Yes, parents have a great influence on their children and should do all they can to teach them truth --but where does our influence end and the child's own personality/testimony/desires begin? I do not want to ever be accused of being "the reason" my daughter has turned out so well. To me, this is arrogance (mild at best). Yes, I have helped --but if she amounts to amazing things, I'd like to think it's a beautiful combination of the two (her faith and my efforts), and probably more her than me.
And she's proving this theory already!
(please note: I always claim the right to be wrong. Because I am not a genius. That is all.)
The day of her Baptism went off really well. We had 40 family members there to support her, and so combined with the other Four children getting baptized (it was a Stake Baptism), it was quite a full house! Brandon baptized her, our fathers were the witnesses, and Brandon confirmed her. Luckily, I had reserved the multi-purpose room for our luncheon afterwards, and so food prep and clean up went fast. And since all of our visiting and such happened there, we came home to a clean and quiet house.
It was sooooo nice!
Remind me to do that for every other child, okay?
Here some pictures from the Baptism:
-------------------------------------------------
Piano Lessons are DONE!
Well, sort of.
I realized that I never blogged about my decision regarding piano lessons (I wrote about my frustration and confusion about it here), and so I'll tell you now:
I decided to stop teaching for the summer. I planned on a final recital (which was tonight), and then taking four months off. When I start again, it will be September, and then I will only take 8 students.
17 to 8? Yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
I told all of the parents back in March that I would take requests after the recital, and depending on how many students want to keep taking from me, I may hold auditions in August. Personally, I'm hoping that many students will drop off themselves and find new teachers, because auditions make me very, very nervous. I hate doing something like this, but I'm about to have my fifth child. I absolutely must put my own children first. I have to! I need to give them more of my time, and this is the best way. What's nice is that I'll still be teaching --just not as much. I want to teach; I can't stop. I love it too much, dear reader! But not enough to ignore my kids every day after school. And so I feel good about this decision.
As for the recital, it went great! The kids sounded fabulous and the family support was outstanding. I had about 60-70 people there! Biggest recital so far. Oh, and #1 performed. She did wonderful! Here are a few pictures of her (thanks to my FIL for them!):
And there we go. Crazy April (and the first part of May) is now over! Over and done!
Too bad I replaced this stress with more stress.
And more projects.I'll learn one day...!
Friday, May 01, 2009
Women's Conference!
Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of a Sharing Station at Women's Conference. I was helping represent Mormon Women, which is sponsored by the More Good Foundation. I loved meeting so many women and explaining to them the point behind the More Good Foundation (which is basically to put correct and positive information about Mormons --and the LDS Church --out online, so when people go looking for answers or information, they won't find just the lies and bitterness). A lot of them were excited about it and many wanted to know more. Personally, my favorite part was having the chance to quote a friend of mine who once said (not word for word):
People don't realize that the majority of Mormon women are happy in the Church. They love the Gospel, their testimonies are strong, they don't feel oppressed nor patronized, they are educated, and they are strong, intelligent women! The problem is, nobody knows about them because they aren't online. So, those who are online just assume they don't exist...
She said this about a year ago, when she was jump-starting Mormon Women, and I think she was very wise. And our focus yesterday was to give women the information they need to have their voices heard online. It doesn't necessarily have to be through blogging -- it could be through simply leaving a comment over at Mormon Women, or sharing their testimony. It's also a place where women (and men, of course) could send their friends from other faiths to get the right answers. Lds.org and Mormon.org have all the right answers, too, but many people would rather hear from every-day Mormon people. Those who are living it and not necessarily preaching it as their "job." I'm not trying to downplay the vast importance of such websites (I mean, they are the "official" sites, you know!), I'm just showing how your normal Mormons --the every-day-run-of-the-mill-living-their-lives-ones --are the ones that most people watch and want to hear from.
That's me, you know. And maybe you, too.
Anyway, it was just awesome! I loved it. The best part was the people I ran into! Here is the list of people I saw:
*A lady who is in my brother and SIL's ward in the Bay Area
*Lindsay B. from my old ward in the Bay Area
*Emily J. --also from my old ward in the Bay Area (I haven't seen Lindsay or Emily for over a year!)
*Jennifer H. M. --a high school friend I haven't seen in years!
*My Grandma and Aunt Cathy! (technically they are Brandon's, but as Grandma said last night: "Oh, I'm Cheryl's Grandma!")
How fun is that!?
Overall, it was a fabulous experience! I was glad to be there.
And now, dear reader, if you would like to help out, or get your own Mormon voice added to many others across the world, please visit the following websites:
Mormon Women
More Good Foundation
Mormon Bloggers
That is all. #1's Baptism is tomorrow! Much to do...see you next week...
People don't realize that the majority of Mormon women are happy in the Church. They love the Gospel, their testimonies are strong, they don't feel oppressed nor patronized, they are educated, and they are strong, intelligent women! The problem is, nobody knows about them because they aren't online. So, those who are online just assume they don't exist...
She said this about a year ago, when she was jump-starting Mormon Women, and I think she was very wise. And our focus yesterday was to give women the information they need to have their voices heard online. It doesn't necessarily have to be through blogging -- it could be through simply leaving a comment over at Mormon Women, or sharing their testimony. It's also a place where women (and men, of course) could send their friends from other faiths to get the right answers. Lds.org and Mormon.org have all the right answers, too, but many people would rather hear from every-day Mormon people. Those who are living it and not necessarily preaching it as their "job." I'm not trying to downplay the vast importance of such websites (I mean, they are the "official" sites, you know!), I'm just showing how your normal Mormons --the every-day-run-of-the-mill-living-their-lives-ones --are the ones that most people watch and want to hear from.
That's me, you know. And maybe you, too.
Anyway, it was just awesome! I loved it. The best part was the people I ran into! Here is the list of people I saw:
*A lady who is in my brother and SIL's ward in the Bay Area
*Lindsay B. from my old ward in the Bay Area
*Emily J. --also from my old ward in the Bay Area (I haven't seen Lindsay or Emily for over a year!)
*Jennifer H. M. --a high school friend I haven't seen in years!
*My Grandma and Aunt Cathy! (technically they are Brandon's, but as Grandma said last night: "Oh, I'm Cheryl's Grandma!")
How fun is that!?
Overall, it was a fabulous experience! I was glad to be there.
And now, dear reader, if you would like to help out, or get your own Mormon voice added to many others across the world, please visit the following websites:
Mormon Women
More Good Foundation
Mormon Bloggers
That is all. #1's Baptism is tomorrow! Much to do...see you next week...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)