#4: It scawee.
me: What is scary?
#4: Piders.
me: Spiders?
He nods.
me: What else is scary?
#4: Sakes
me: Snakes? What else?
#4: Weaweons
me: Aliens?
He nods.
me: What else is scary?
#4 thinks for a minute looking past me, then looks at me very seriously and says: Bad Gize!
---------------------------
Right at this very moment, I'm letting the kids get away with a big no-no. The play room, which I told them they had to clean, is still dirty, and yet they are running around the house, and just went outside to play.
And now, looking at what I'm typing, I feel like an anarchist.
Who cares? I can let them be children and have fun, right? It's summer! Besides, they cleaned two bathrooms, their bedrooms, the living room, and the family room. Yeah, I should push them forward and make them finish the play room (the last on the list), but for some reason, I just don't care today.
I could blame exhaustion, and I could blame my ever-creeping-back-Depression-that-seems-to-be-attacking-me-silently-but-I'm-too-tired-to-think-about-it-right-now, but I think I'm just tired of being "tyrant mom" today. TM (tyrant mom) is one of those things I do well, you know. TM has taught the kids how to read, play the piano, clean a toilet, use the microwave, wash a wall, make a bed, be quiet in Sacrament Meeting (although that was also TD --tyrant dad), and use good manners. TM yells a lot, though. No pride in that. But TM also gives kisses and allows snacks. TM also lets the kids watch TV and play in mud. So, I guess I'm okay.
But, man! I'm tired of being TM today.
So, I think I'm going to let them watch a movie and maybe clean the playroom tomorrow. Why, not? They need a break from TM as much as I do...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Forgiveness, Mozy, and Scary Stuff
I totally forgot to tell you! I have a post up at Mormon Women. Click here to read it, and go leave your own comments about forgiveness --whether you've been forgiven, had to forgive, or are still trying to forgive (I'm in the last group).
----------------------------
Remember how I lost my Laptop? Well, it's definitely dead. Very dead-dead. Not likely to ever rise again. However, we are not too worried. Why?
We use Mozy.
Plus, my husband works for them (well, technically it's Decho, although more technically it's EMC, but whatever...you get the idea).
And can I tell you how relieved I was about this? Every document and photo was saved from our hard-drive. In fact, three times in the last month I've had to retreive a document or photo (like ALL the photos of #1's Baptism!), and it was easy-cheesy. I just went to our account (our very secure account), and voila! I had them within seconds. The best part? Everything is documented by date (not sure if that's a Mozy thing or our thing...I'm thinking it was Mozy), and so it was a cinch to find.
Computers break down --but your stuff doesn't have to be lost! Go check out Mozy and see how easy (and inexpensive) it is to back-up your hard-drive (a couple of times a day) without even thinking about it!
----------------------------------
Janelle just posted about a house fire in their old neighborhood. My good friend, Jan, was recently in a car accident with her three young girls in the car (they're okay, fyi). Cardall's BIL recently died (couple of weeks ago) in a freak police/taser accident (Cardall's has a private blog, but I'll let you know her name is Cheryl. Good name, eh?).
I'm sad about all this scary stuff. But I'm so grateful for prayer, faith, and friends who help out immediately. I hope I can be like that.
----------------------------
Remember how I lost my Laptop? Well, it's definitely dead. Very dead-dead. Not likely to ever rise again. However, we are not too worried. Why?
We use Mozy.
Plus, my husband works for them (well, technically it's Decho, although more technically it's EMC, but whatever...you get the idea).
And can I tell you how relieved I was about this? Every document and photo was saved from our hard-drive. In fact, three times in the last month I've had to retreive a document or photo (like ALL the photos of #1's Baptism!), and it was easy-cheesy. I just went to our account (our very secure account), and voila! I had them within seconds. The best part? Everything is documented by date (not sure if that's a Mozy thing or our thing...I'm thinking it was Mozy), and so it was a cinch to find.
Computers break down --but your stuff doesn't have to be lost! Go check out Mozy and see how easy (and inexpensive) it is to back-up your hard-drive (a couple of times a day) without even thinking about it!
----------------------------------
Janelle just posted about a house fire in their old neighborhood. My good friend, Jan, was recently in a car accident with her three young girls in the car (they're okay, fyi). Cardall's BIL recently died (couple of weeks ago) in a freak police/taser accident (Cardall's has a private blog, but I'll let you know her name is Cheryl. Good name, eh?).
I'm sad about all this scary stuff. But I'm so grateful for prayer, faith, and friends who help out immediately. I hope I can be like that.
Prayer Request and More Baby Talk (Dude. I'm 35 weeks pregnant. What else would I talk about at this point?)
My good friend Julie is in Boston right now --she and her husband are there with their son awaiting his heart surgery (it's tomorrow). Could you please pray for them? Pray that their son will have a successful surgery and that everything will go smoothly? Their little guy is only 2 years old (wait. He's not 3 yet, is he Julie?), and so it's an overwhelming situation.
I love you, Jules!
------------------------------------------
I've been having crazy, crazy dreams lately. Here are a few:
1. I went to the hospital and gave birth to a little girl. And then I came home and gave birth to two boys. Obviously, I had triplets! And why I came home to deliver the last two while I was already at the hospital is beyond me (although it may have everything to do with this post).
2. I was at ward choir practice, and I started hemorrhaging. The choir director (a very nice lady) was very, very angry with me because I couldn't leave! I had to stay and accompany the choir! I saw that Brandon was there, and I turned to him for support and although he agreed we should probably go to the hospital, he was VERY put out --how dare I take him away from choir? He wanted to sing! And so I cried a lot because nobody cared I was bleeding and might lose the baby...
And I'll be honest: That second dream, although totally ridiculous, slapped me right in the face. When I woke up (it was just this last Friday night I had the dream), I did a complete 180 and decided to keep my ultrasound appointment.
I still hope I'm right and the doctors are idiots --and chances are it will be that way (in fact, chances are pretty high. See, I always get worked up about stuff "that is wrong!" and it turns out it's "not so bad." Like my asthma. Or my broken nose. Or my heart PVC's. Or my colds. Or my pregnancies, etc. I am seriously blessed with health, and I have no room to complain --because I have never had any serious life-threatening illness or injury. In fact, sometimes I would like for something to be serious just so my dramatic side can make it all dramatic-like and dramatic-y and I can be validated in that dramatic-ness. Morbid, eh? Yeah, I know) however --after that dream, and a few scary 30 minute intervals when I couldn't feel the baby move, I decided to just do it. Two things can come from it:
1. Everything is peachy-keen. I'm right (again). The doctors freak out too much so they won't get sued, and I sigh a lot.
2. Something is very wrong. Baby must be born right away. Baby is born, he's great, and life is good.
Either way, at least everyone will know, right?
---------------------------------------------
My time is getting harder and harder to manage. Remember the post I wrote last week? The whole re prioritizing one? Yeah, well, I guess I'm not doing very well. I keep telling myself to just give myself a break --I'm completely exhausted and stressed and should be giving birth soon. Plus, everything is happening in July (used to be May! But no more --it's now July): family reunion, holidays, #1 being gone for almost two weeks with extended family (still worried about that one), Brandon going to London, house guests, blogging parties, starting work, etc. In fact, just this morning --and I'm being honest here --I kind of wished for the baby to be born today. Or tomorrow. Maybe by Friday? That way, I won't have to do anything this month.
See? Morbid. Or lazy. Probably both.
But at the same time, I really DON'T want the baby to come early (even if he is measuring 4 weeks ahead) because if I can get through July with the baby still inside, then I will get everything done. Finis! Brandon has finals on the 24th and 25th, and after that? A four-week break! Boo-yah! That would rock if I had the baby during that time. And since the due date isn't technically until August 2nd...
And it's true, you know --the things pregnant women say about the last month. It is HARD. It doesn't matter if it's your first or third or tenth kid --the last month is torture. I'm finally starting to swell (rings are getting harder to put on and off), my back aches, my pelvic ligaments are doing that jolting-giving-out thing, I'm HUGE (garments are even getting tight), I'm getting the comments from people at church ("Cheryl, when is that baby due!?!?" and "holy cow, Cheryl, isn't that baby here, yet?!"), I'm tired ALL THE TIME, my brain is complete mush, I'm forgetting all kinds of details about everything and forgetting to even call people, I'm panicky about having the house ready but have no energy to get it ready, and I cry over everything. Well, it's bawling, actually. I think I've bawled my eyes out four times or more in the last two days alone.
See why I wouldn't mind him coming early?
Anyway, ignore my rantings and ravings, dear reader. I'm sure they'll come in handy one day and be a part of this journal that I call a blog, but I really don't want to evoke any pity (or cancellation of events or assumptions that I'm out of my mind and can't help out or etc. things). So...instead, you should just...I know! Just answer these questions:
1. June or July?
2. If you've had a baby, did s/he come early, on time, late, or by induction?
3. Strawberries or blueberries?
4. Journey or U2?
5. Seattle or Texas?
That is all. Have a fabulous Monday!
I love you, Jules!
------------------------------------------
I've been having crazy, crazy dreams lately. Here are a few:
1. I went to the hospital and gave birth to a little girl. And then I came home and gave birth to two boys. Obviously, I had triplets! And why I came home to deliver the last two while I was already at the hospital is beyond me (although it may have everything to do with this post).
2. I was at ward choir practice, and I started hemorrhaging. The choir director (a very nice lady) was very, very angry with me because I couldn't leave! I had to stay and accompany the choir! I saw that Brandon was there, and I turned to him for support and although he agreed we should probably go to the hospital, he was VERY put out --how dare I take him away from choir? He wanted to sing! And so I cried a lot because nobody cared I was bleeding and might lose the baby...
And I'll be honest: That second dream, although totally ridiculous, slapped me right in the face. When I woke up (it was just this last Friday night I had the dream), I did a complete 180 and decided to keep my ultrasound appointment.
I still hope I'm right and the doctors are idiots --and chances are it will be that way (in fact, chances are pretty high. See, I always get worked up about stuff "that is wrong!" and it turns out it's "not so bad." Like my asthma. Or my broken nose. Or my heart PVC's. Or my colds. Or my pregnancies, etc. I am seriously blessed with health, and I have no room to complain --because I have never had any serious life-threatening illness or injury. In fact, sometimes I would like for something to be serious just so my dramatic side can make it all dramatic-like and dramatic-y and I can be validated in that dramatic-ness. Morbid, eh? Yeah, I know) however --after that dream, and a few scary 30 minute intervals when I couldn't feel the baby move, I decided to just do it. Two things can come from it:
1. Everything is peachy-keen. I'm right (again). The doctors freak out too much so they won't get sued, and I sigh a lot.
2. Something is very wrong. Baby must be born right away. Baby is born, he's great, and life is good.
Either way, at least everyone will know, right?
---------------------------------------------
My time is getting harder and harder to manage. Remember the post I wrote last week? The whole re prioritizing one? Yeah, well, I guess I'm not doing very well. I keep telling myself to just give myself a break --I'm completely exhausted and stressed and should be giving birth soon. Plus, everything is happening in July (used to be May! But no more --it's now July): family reunion, holidays, #1 being gone for almost two weeks with extended family (still worried about that one), Brandon going to London, house guests, blogging parties, starting work, etc. In fact, just this morning --and I'm being honest here --I kind of wished for the baby to be born today. Or tomorrow. Maybe by Friday? That way, I won't have to do anything this month.
See? Morbid. Or lazy. Probably both.
But at the same time, I really DON'T want the baby to come early (even if he is measuring 4 weeks ahead) because if I can get through July with the baby still inside, then I will get everything done. Finis! Brandon has finals on the 24th and 25th, and after that? A four-week break! Boo-yah! That would rock if I had the baby during that time. And since the due date isn't technically until August 2nd...
And it's true, you know --the things pregnant women say about the last month. It is HARD. It doesn't matter if it's your first or third or tenth kid --the last month is torture. I'm finally starting to swell (rings are getting harder to put on and off), my back aches, my pelvic ligaments are doing that jolting-giving-out thing, I'm HUGE (garments are even getting tight), I'm getting the comments from people at church ("Cheryl, when is that baby due!?!?" and "holy cow, Cheryl, isn't that baby here, yet?!"), I'm tired ALL THE TIME, my brain is complete mush, I'm forgetting all kinds of details about everything and forgetting to even call people, I'm panicky about having the house ready but have no energy to get it ready, and I cry over everything. Well, it's bawling, actually. I think I've bawled my eyes out four times or more in the last two days alone.
See why I wouldn't mind him coming early?
Anyway, ignore my rantings and ravings, dear reader. I'm sure they'll come in handy one day and be a part of this journal that I call a blog, but I really don't want to evoke any pity (or cancellation of events or assumptions that I'm out of my mind and can't help out or etc. things). So...instead, you should just...I know! Just answer these questions:
1. June or July?
2. If you've had a baby, did s/he come early, on time, late, or by induction?
3. Strawberries or blueberries?
4. Journey or U2?
5. Seattle or Texas?
That is all. Have a fabulous Monday!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Catch-Up Photos (May and June 2009)
#2 had a Theater Class performance on May 12th --she was Miss Muffet:
On a Saturday in May (was it in May? I can't even remember...) we met up with m&m and her kids at a park up a canyon:
On Memorial Day, we met up with Brandon's dad and went to Rock Canyon park to fly kites, watch #1 on her brand new Wave Board, and get some sun:
On May 28th, #3 graduated from Pre-school! This was the same pre-school #2 went to last year, and it was held in the same place (Mrs. P's backyard). The best part of this was the fact that our son, who absolutely refuses to do anything in front of anyone (Primary assignments are the worst) got up and sang everything with his class and had a great time doing it, too! It was awesome:
A few weeks ago, my Shasta daisies started to bloom. I took this picture around 9:30PM (it was pretty dark):
On June 20th, we went to Sliver Lake Flats (I wrote about it in my Father's Day post a few posts back). Here are some pictures of the gorgeous (although wet) adventure:
On a Saturday in May (was it in May? I can't even remember...) we met up with m&m and her kids at a park up a canyon:
On Memorial Day, we met up with Brandon's dad and went to Rock Canyon park to fly kites, watch #1 on her brand new Wave Board, and get some sun:
On May 28th, #3 graduated from Pre-school! This was the same pre-school #2 went to last year, and it was held in the same place (Mrs. P's backyard). The best part of this was the fact that our son, who absolutely refuses to do anything in front of anyone (Primary assignments are the worst) got up and sang everything with his class and had a great time doing it, too! It was awesome:
A few weeks ago, my Shasta daisies started to bloom. I took this picture around 9:30PM (it was pretty dark):
On June 20th, we went to Sliver Lake Flats (I wrote about it in my Father's Day post a few posts back). Here are some pictures of the gorgeous (although wet) adventure:
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Random Stuff You Don't Really Want to Read About and That's Okay...
I just entered a contest to win a year's worth of Kirkland Signature Diapers! Cross your fingers for me. I may have children in diapers for 10 more years...
------------------------------
I am in Idaho for a few days. I am relaxing peacefully while my parents do some of the child-rearing for me. No worries, I'm not taking advantage of their spoiletry upon their grand kids, but I do admit it's nice to have less physical work to do! And holy cow, my kids are spoiled here. Corn dogs, fruit snacks, water guns, movies, fun "new" toys, reading sessions, etc. I almost feel guilty making them still do "school" this morning...yeah, right! No guilt, here.
-----------------------------
I met FoxyJ on Tuesday. And I have to point out that she is purely awesome!
That is all.
------------------------------
Speaking of Tuesday, I had to go in for a Non-Stress Test for the baby at the hospital.
Sigh.
No, everything's fine. I was measuring 4 weeks ahead and so they had to test the fluid levels.
Again.
And they found out that the fluid levels are fine.
Again.
And they saw that I'm having a big baby.
Again.
But they still want me to do an ultrasound in 2 weeks.
Again.
And even though I cancelled it already, I had to reschedule another one.
Again.
I'm sick of this. In fact, I'm calling my midwife on Monday and telling her that I'm not doing it. I'm so frustrated with them not listening to me or believing me. Plus, we have to pay for these things --and yes, I'll admit it! If money was no object, I wouldn't care as much. However, my gut is saying "everything is fine" and I already know the answers to these sudden growth spurts. Wanna know what it is?
I'm having growth spurts.
(pausing for effect)
Here is the evidence:
1. At 24 weeks, I suddenly "popped out" and everyone noticed it. I end up measuring 6 weeks ahead. The ultrasound shows my amniotic fluid levels at 20, which is very high for 24 weeks.
2. At 29 weeks, my weight and measurements even out. My fluid levels are at 16. Everything is fine.
3. At 32 weeks, I'm measuring 34 weeks --no worries.
4. At 34 weeks, I'm measuring at 38 weeks --but I also had gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks (which was weird). The NST shows my fluid levels at 22 --not low, but not over (they panic at 24 or above).
5. Who wants to make a bet that at 36 weeks everything will have "evened out"?
Blah, I'm so tired of this.
---------------------------------------------------
I've been thinking a lot about how life throws us curve balls. I really should dedicate an entire post to this, but I'm not wanting to wax philosophical right now. All I know is that in the last few years, I have seen:
*People divorcing for various reasons
*Abuse of all kinds inflicted on children and spouses
*Physical illness taking the toll on people's faith and hope
*Mental illness robbing people of their happiness
*Very little room for the "benefit of the doubt" from people who have been offended
*Less time for real relationships, and yet plenty of time for perceived ones
*Manipulation and Dishonesty
But I've also seen:
*Friendship healing hearts
*Prejudice breaking free into understanding
*Realization that we are stronger than we think we are
*Pictures of many generations, which have proven that family relationships really haven't changed much over time --they evolve and ebb and flow, but they do not change. Which is not a bad thing.
*Simple things bring the most joy (i.e. smiles, laughter, service, helpful compliments, music, sunlight, water, a kiss, and "I love you", toddler hugs, hearing a child read, rain, green grass, knowing God loves you, canyons, blue eyes, a touch of apology, prayer, books, long eyelashes in the face of a brown-eyed 4-year-old, blooming daisies, long phone calls, memories of the past, good decisions, I could-go-on-forever...)
*Not letting Time and Distance become a deterrent for everlasting friendship
*Service with a smile that outlasts any hurt
I have my own curve-balls. So do you. Mine include all that stuff I blog about all the time --you know, financial crud and Depression; children and husband-in-school; two callings and lots of aspirations/dreams.
What do yours include?
-----------------------------------------------
I'm going to post all the pictures from May. But not today. But probably tomorrow! Because I was able to use my parent's computer to finally download all of 'em.
Hooray!
------------------------------
I am in Idaho for a few days. I am relaxing peacefully while my parents do some of the child-rearing for me. No worries, I'm not taking advantage of their spoiletry upon their grand kids, but I do admit it's nice to have less physical work to do! And holy cow, my kids are spoiled here. Corn dogs, fruit snacks, water guns, movies, fun "new" toys, reading sessions, etc. I almost feel guilty making them still do "school" this morning...yeah, right! No guilt, here.
-----------------------------
I met FoxyJ on Tuesday. And I have to point out that she is purely awesome!
That is all.
------------------------------
Speaking of Tuesday, I had to go in for a Non-Stress Test for the baby at the hospital.
Sigh.
No, everything's fine. I was measuring 4 weeks ahead and so they had to test the fluid levels.
Again.
And they found out that the fluid levels are fine.
Again.
And they saw that I'm having a big baby.
Again.
But they still want me to do an ultrasound in 2 weeks.
Again.
And even though I cancelled it already, I had to reschedule another one.
Again.
I'm sick of this. In fact, I'm calling my midwife on Monday and telling her that I'm not doing it. I'm so frustrated with them not listening to me or believing me. Plus, we have to pay for these things --and yes, I'll admit it! If money was no object, I wouldn't care as much. However, my gut is saying "everything is fine" and I already know the answers to these sudden growth spurts. Wanna know what it is?
I'm having growth spurts.
(pausing for effect)
Here is the evidence:
1. At 24 weeks, I suddenly "popped out" and everyone noticed it. I end up measuring 6 weeks ahead. The ultrasound shows my amniotic fluid levels at 20, which is very high for 24 weeks.
2. At 29 weeks, my weight and measurements even out. My fluid levels are at 16. Everything is fine.
3. At 32 weeks, I'm measuring 34 weeks --no worries.
4. At 34 weeks, I'm measuring at 38 weeks --but I also had gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks (which was weird). The NST shows my fluid levels at 22 --not low, but not over (they panic at 24 or above).
5. Who wants to make a bet that at 36 weeks everything will have "evened out"?
Blah, I'm so tired of this.
---------------------------------------------------
I've been thinking a lot about how life throws us curve balls. I really should dedicate an entire post to this, but I'm not wanting to wax philosophical right now. All I know is that in the last few years, I have seen:
*People divorcing for various reasons
*Abuse of all kinds inflicted on children and spouses
*Physical illness taking the toll on people's faith and hope
*Mental illness robbing people of their happiness
*Very little room for the "benefit of the doubt" from people who have been offended
*Less time for real relationships, and yet plenty of time for perceived ones
*Manipulation and Dishonesty
But I've also seen:
*Friendship healing hearts
*Prejudice breaking free into understanding
*Realization that we are stronger than we think we are
*Pictures of many generations, which have proven that family relationships really haven't changed much over time --they evolve and ebb and flow, but they do not change. Which is not a bad thing.
*Simple things bring the most joy (i.e. smiles, laughter, service, helpful compliments, music, sunlight, water, a kiss, and "I love you", toddler hugs, hearing a child read, rain, green grass, knowing God loves you, canyons, blue eyes, a touch of apology, prayer, books, long eyelashes in the face of a brown-eyed 4-year-old, blooming daisies, long phone calls, memories of the past, good decisions, I could-go-on-forever...)
*Not letting Time and Distance become a deterrent for everlasting friendship
*Service with a smile that outlasts any hurt
I have my own curve-balls. So do you. Mine include all that stuff I blog about all the time --you know, financial crud and Depression; children and husband-in-school; two callings and lots of aspirations/dreams.
What do yours include?
-----------------------------------------------
I'm going to post all the pictures from May. But not today. But probably tomorrow! Because I was able to use my parent's computer to finally download all of 'em.
Hooray!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Priorities
Summer is a terrible season for a busy mom. Sure, it's great to have the kids around so we can be spontaneous. Yeah, it's fun to see museums, play at parks, and visit the library. Huzzah, it's peachy to have them clean the house on a whim.
But man, it's wearing me out!
Granted, I am over 34 weeks pregnant. This causes some exhaustion. Also, the kids are here all day, which automatically equates a messier house. And yes, the sibling rivalry is hitting the breaking point because the kids are with each other ALL DAY (whatever happened to the kids playing with friends? It's like all their friends disappeared as soon as summer started).
So, it makes sense. Doesn't mean I have to necessarily love it, though.
Just sayin'.
-------------------------------------------
I wrote before how I might be starting a job that would pay me to write. Technically, it's blog, but still! Anyway, I'm in the beginning stages of it (although it hasn't started quite yet), and on Friday and Saturday I had some mild panic attacks about my impending schedule. In other words, I freaked out at the prospect of having so much to do! Luckily, I sat down with our genius-in-residence (Brandon), and the business student (he's getting his Executive MBA, remember?) helped me figure out the new job. His advice rocked. Then in church yesterday, I pondered on all the changes and how I was going to make them work, and by golly, I got some great answers. Fantastic ones, even!
In Sacrament Meeting, a woman in our ward spoke about her father (it being Father's Day, this was good). One of the quotes she used to describe her father was from a talk by Elder Oaks. I'm betting most of you remember it -- Good, Better, Best. Basically, Elder Oaks talked about priorities and where we need to draw some lines. I cannot tell you how much re-reading his talk has helped me. [Go read it. You won't regret it!] It reminded me how each of us (especially me??) has to re-prioritize constantly in our lives. Distractions, amusements, good ideas, leisure, pursuits of academia, large incomes, or personal glory constantly deter us from doing those things that are the most important. Like eating dinner with our kids or saying prayers with our spouse. Seriously --it's that simple, you know.
And then! In Sunday School! We learned about "learning" --specifically Section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I was so excited by what we learned, I immediately came home and printed out this scripture:
…Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another;
cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary;
arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle,
which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
Pray always, that ye may not faint…
Doctrine and Covenants 88:124-126
I framed it and put it in a place where I would see it.
Relief Society was next --and we talked about the Temple. Our teacher shared how she once had a week alone without her four children (ages 2 through 8 --just like mine!). She planned on cleaning the house, organizing, shopping, etc. You know, the things that we can't do with children around! But she had some family names she had planned on taking to the Temple at some point. And she realized, she needed to go to the Temple and forget about the house.
So she did, and she was profoundly blessed for it.
By the time I got home, I had written out a plan for myself. It's a rough draft, but here are some of the things I wrote down to help me figure out how to fit everything into my life:
What to let go?
*TV in the evenings
*Blogging (specifically commenting/reading)
*Facebook (which won't be hard because I'm hardly on there anymore, anyway)
*My writing critique group (which automatically means the novel I don't even work on)
*Long phone calls with my girlfriends (this is the hardest one, dear reader. Still not sure if I can do it)
*Being the social go-to girl I've always loved to be. Perhaps planning less get-togethers, connecting less with friends (*sob!), etc.
*Take only 6 piano students in the Fall instead of 8; teach some of them before school?
What to prioritize?
*Prayer --personal and couple
*Reading the scriptures and/or conference talks every day
*Going to the Temple as often as possible (probably a month or two after the baby is born... every 3 weeks? Once a month with Brandon and than once again on my own? Find a YW who is willing to do some babysitting service...)
*Exercise and diet (if I'm eating right and staying physically healthy like that scripture above talks about, then I know I will have more energy to get the things done I need to get done)
*Showing Brandon and the kids how much I love them by taking care of them (i.e. staying on top of the housework, shopping, doing the finances so Brandon can focus on school, spending time with them, etc.)
*Mormon Women (the website I have come to absolutely adore, and absolutely must continue doing).
*Work (the new job I was talking about)
*Piano Lessons (won't have to worry about that until September)
*My blog (it's my journal, scrapbook, venting place --you know!)
Of course, most of my priorities will automatically line up when my children are in school during the day. I may not have to make all of these adjustments immediately (hallelujah!). Also, my exhaustion will subside slightly when the baby is born. Okay, okay, so it will subside when he starts sleeping through most of the night. But still! Having energy makes such a difference.
Re-prioritizing stinks. It's also the best thing to do, though. It creates peace and order --and gives us the ability to focus on the Best, even when the Good looks just dandy...
Tell me, have you had to re-prioritize lately? In the past? How have you done it? Have you regretted it? How often do you re-evaluate your schedule/priorities/life and make changes?
But man, it's wearing me out!
Granted, I am over 34 weeks pregnant. This causes some exhaustion. Also, the kids are here all day, which automatically equates a messier house. And yes, the sibling rivalry is hitting the breaking point because the kids are with each other ALL DAY (whatever happened to the kids playing with friends? It's like all their friends disappeared as soon as summer started).
So, it makes sense. Doesn't mean I have to necessarily love it, though.
Just sayin'.
-------------------------------------------
I wrote before how I might be starting a job that would pay me to write. Technically, it's blog, but still! Anyway, I'm in the beginning stages of it (although it hasn't started quite yet), and on Friday and Saturday I had some mild panic attacks about my impending schedule. In other words, I freaked out at the prospect of having so much to do! Luckily, I sat down with our genius-in-residence (Brandon), and the business student (he's getting his Executive MBA, remember?) helped me figure out the new job. His advice rocked. Then in church yesterday, I pondered on all the changes and how I was going to make them work, and by golly, I got some great answers. Fantastic ones, even!
In Sacrament Meeting, a woman in our ward spoke about her father (it being Father's Day, this was good). One of the quotes she used to describe her father was from a talk by Elder Oaks. I'm betting most of you remember it -- Good, Better, Best. Basically, Elder Oaks talked about priorities and where we need to draw some lines. I cannot tell you how much re-reading his talk has helped me. [Go read it. You won't regret it!] It reminded me how each of us (especially me??) has to re-prioritize constantly in our lives. Distractions, amusements, good ideas, leisure, pursuits of academia, large incomes, or personal glory constantly deter us from doing those things that are the most important. Like eating dinner with our kids or saying prayers with our spouse. Seriously --it's that simple, you know.
And then! In Sunday School! We learned about "learning" --specifically Section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I was so excited by what we learned, I immediately came home and printed out this scripture:
…Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another;
cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary;
arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle,
which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
Pray always, that ye may not faint…
Doctrine and Covenants 88:124-126
I framed it and put it in a place where I would see it.
Relief Society was next --and we talked about the Temple. Our teacher shared how she once had a week alone without her four children (ages 2 through 8 --just like mine!). She planned on cleaning the house, organizing, shopping, etc. You know, the things that we can't do with children around! But she had some family names she had planned on taking to the Temple at some point. And she realized, she needed to go to the Temple and forget about the house.
So she did, and she was profoundly blessed for it.
By the time I got home, I had written out a plan for myself. It's a rough draft, but here are some of the things I wrote down to help me figure out how to fit everything into my life:
What to let go?
*TV in the evenings
*Blogging (specifically commenting/reading)
*Facebook (which won't be hard because I'm hardly on there anymore, anyway)
*My writing critique group (which automatically means the novel I don't even work on)
*Long phone calls with my girlfriends (this is the hardest one, dear reader. Still not sure if I can do it)
*Being the social go-to girl I've always loved to be. Perhaps planning less get-togethers, connecting less with friends (*sob!), etc.
*Take only 6 piano students in the Fall instead of 8; teach some of them before school?
What to prioritize?
*Prayer --personal and couple
*Reading the scriptures and/or conference talks every day
*Going to the Temple as often as possible (probably a month or two after the baby is born... every 3 weeks? Once a month with Brandon and than once again on my own? Find a YW who is willing to do some babysitting service...)
*Exercise and diet (if I'm eating right and staying physically healthy like that scripture above talks about, then I know I will have more energy to get the things done I need to get done)
*Showing Brandon and the kids how much I love them by taking care of them (i.e. staying on top of the housework, shopping, doing the finances so Brandon can focus on school, spending time with them, etc.)
*Mormon Women (the website I have come to absolutely adore, and absolutely must continue doing).
*Work (the new job I was talking about)
*Piano Lessons (won't have to worry about that until September)
*My blog (it's my journal, scrapbook, venting place --you know!)
Of course, most of my priorities will automatically line up when my children are in school during the day. I may not have to make all of these adjustments immediately (hallelujah!). Also, my exhaustion will subside slightly when the baby is born. Okay, okay, so it will subside when he starts sleeping through most of the night. But still! Having energy makes such a difference.
Re-prioritizing stinks. It's also the best thing to do, though. It creates peace and order --and gives us the ability to focus on the Best, even when the Good looks just dandy...
Tell me, have you had to re-prioritize lately? In the past? How have you done it? Have you regretted it? How often do you re-evaluate your schedule/priorities/life and make changes?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
My Father:
I was the first child in my family. My mother and father both worked, both were from another country (Canada, yo!), and they did not have a lot of money. But it was okay. Because these situations molded the type of father I was going to have, for which I am so grateful!
This is what he was (and is, and will be....):
*Frugal. I remember watching my father with his receipts, bills, and calculator at the kitchen counter or table, going over their finances. I remember the hand-me-downs and rarely eating out. I also remember a lot of second-hand items, not going to summer camps, and the library. So, no, we didn't have a lot of money. This was okay, because they were dang good at budgeting! So good, in fact, that we always went on vacation. Usually it was to see relatives, but they planned some bigger ones, too. We went to Disneyland many times (thanks to relative discounts), we spent 2 weeks in Seattle/Vancouver Island (thanks to family in Tacoma), we would camp, do day-trips (Yellowstone or Craters of the Moon), and of course --Canada to see grandparents. My parents would also save for their own vacations: Hawaii, England, an Alaskan cruise, Virginia, Mexico, etc.
This taught me that it is possible. And in the wake of our own financial problems (of our own making), I'm clinging to this idea now, more than ever --to go without, so we can have/do the things that really matter to us. Plus, remembering what it was like for our family of Six, it helps me see that I can do the same things for my almost family of Seven.
*My dad is the best homemaker in the world!
Because they both worked, my mom could not do everything --she just didn't have the time. But my dad never made her feel bad, nor did he complain. Instead, he stepped it up immediately upon their marriage (and has continued for 32 years!) to help out around the house. My dad's day-off changed every week (because they had to work Saturdays, too), and quite often during his day-off, he would do the laundry, clean the garage, mow the lawn, budget the finances, bake a pie, and/or wash the car. My parents would take turns doing dinner (clean-up was for the children!), and the equality of worked came about just because it had to be done. No complaints from either of them (that I'm aware!), too. They just did it, because they loved each other.
Which wasn't fair to Brandon, really. I mean, think about it: My father was a Feminist, without really knowing it. So, I was raised to believe that all men were that helpful! Not that men shouldn't be that helpful (holy cow, the Gospel teaches a lot about being help meets for each other, rather than one ruling over the other --in fact, the Prophets have specifically talked about the importance of righteousness and kindness and helpfulness in a marriage; there is no room for chauvinism --it goes against the Gospel in every single respect!), but! I need to remember that not everybody was raised as I was...so, my apologies to my husband, for having such out-of-this-world expectations. ;)
*My father's interests: movies, reading, traveling, baking...yeah, he's not your typical Alpha-Male, right? Well, hallelujah! This goes along with what I said above --my father taught me a love for reading, for good movies, for travel, and for food (although I cannot even come close to baking like he can) --and he taught me that a Man can still be a Man without loving sports and camping. Sure, a man can be a man while loving sports and camping (look at my man!), but it's nice to know that there are all kinds --just like there are all kinds of Women.
*My dad rarely raised his voice to us (he let my mom do it. Haha!), and he was patient. He was (and is) a great listener, too. I remember having many talks with him after I left for college; I was considering transferring to another school and/or moving back home, and his counsel and advice was exactly what I needed to get through the tough times. In fact, I can clearly recall a few times when my father said something so specific to what I needed at the time, that it has remained with me, even to this day. Even now, I try to listen to his counsel (although sometimes I don't always follow!).
Dad, you are amazing. Thanks for raising me and putting up with me. I'm profoundly blessed to have a father like you in my life!
The Father of my Children:
Yesterday, we decided to take the kids up the mountains. We had been wanting to do something like this for a while (since camping in my "condition" at this stage doesn't make sense), and yesterday was the first time (an possibly last) we could do it.
We packed a lunch, we ignored the impending rain, we found another way around Pleasant Grove's Strawberry Days Parade, we drove up American Fork Canyon, we turned at the right fork, and we rode over bumpy, bumpy roads to Sliver Lake Flats. We drove through a creek and tried to get further up for a hike --but alas, too much water, rain, and mud sent us back to the Silver Lake Flats (it was full-up!).
Then we sat in our car, made our lunch, ate it, watched a movie, and hoped the rain would subside. Subside it finally did! We unpacked our camping chairs, the fishing pole, the umbrellas, and some fish bait.
And we sat in the chairs, and I took lovely photos of the lake while Brandon fished with the kids (we only have one pole).
I watched my husband fish with his children, and I laughed as he sang silly songs and made silly jokes with them in the car, and it made my heart happy. Because he truly is a fantastic dad! He reads to them (they are now on Voyage of the Dawn Treader in the Chronicles of Narnia), he plays with them (tackle, video games, tickle fights) and he encourages them (like today, when he found out #3 was able to get up in front of the Primary for a lesson).
I remember when each child was born --how he helped me through labor and delivery, and how he looked as he held each one in his arms for the first time. He gave our newborns their first baths, and he was always so helpful in every way. I love the look on his face now when the kids say or do something that makes him laugh (usually a belly laugh!) and when he holds a sleeping child in his arms. I especially love it when a child ends up --at least for a time --preferring their father over me, because it proves that they can feel his love, too.
Brandon has proven over and over and over again that he loves his children. He's a great dad, and by the cards the kids made for him this morning, it's obvious that many of their favorite memories are of their father. It's wonderful! Thank you, Brandon. I really do love you.
And to all those other dads out there
(Brandon's father, our grandfathers, my brother, etc.),
Happy Father's Day!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Favorite Midwife
Speaking of babies and midwives (do I sound like a broken record, yet?), I ran into a former midwife at the store yesterday.
She delivered #3. His was the most exhilarating birth I've had and full of contradictions. He was my first unmedicated childbirth (by choice), and my first with a midwife. He was my biggest baby (9 lbs 11 oz), and he was fairly hard to push out. However, his birth, out of all of 'em, is still #1 for "best labor and delivery experience."
And I owe most of it to this midwife!
I saw her, and I said, "Are you Betty?" She smiled, immediately knew what I was going to say, and replied, "Yes."
"You won't remember me," I said, "but you delivered that boy over there." I pointed to #3 who will be turning FIVE in August (holy cow, I think I just about died when thinking about that).
We then talked a bit, and she said she was happy to see I was having another, etc. Then I asked her..."why did you leave?" (meaning the clinic I go to).
She frowned, and I heard the story.
Apparently, the "office" decided that four midwives were one too many, and they were losing money. They took a survey (well, they told Betty they took a survey) and it turns out she was the least liked, and so she was forced to quit. As we talked, I learned that she was getting paid more than the others because of her seniority (she delivered over 600 babies!), and she feels they unfairly forced her to leave because of that alone. Because of this --and being less than 5 years (or so) from retirement --she hasn't been able to work in a clinic ever since. She teaches nursing classes at a college and some hypnobirthing courses, instead of delivering babies.
I told her I was so sad for her, and frankly, I was quite upset. I informed her that I hadn't seen any kind of a "survey", and if I had, I would have loved the chance to rave about her! She was, by far, my favorite. In fact, when I think about it, I'm pretty sure she was everyone's favorite!
I'm not kidding, dear reader --this woman is a genius. A birthing genius. She blew my husband away with her knowledge, professionalism, and skill, and my husband, dear reader, has high standards. For example, when my #3, who was facing my thigh as he was being pushed out, ended up having the cord wrapped around his neck twice, my midwife (as she was working with me to push him out) took the time to look my husband in the eye and say, "Brandon, I have to get him out; I need to make sure he can breathe. Are you okay with me cutting the cord?"
Who says that? Who respects the father (and the mother) enough to ask a question like that? Of COURSE we want the baby to be safe.
But it gets better! The woman stayed with me my entire labor. She was patient and kind, and she didn't rush right out after cleaning me up. She was thoughtful, thorough, and in complete control of the environment --the environment she made sure was the exact one I wanted. Of course, it might have helped that she had complete empathy for pregnant women --she had 11 of her own children and is a grandmother. Her kindness shone through because of her past experiences, I'm sure of it!
Well, we parted ways, and she told me my words made her entire day and was happy to know that maybe it wasn't the patients who had disliked her (holy cow, I was near tears, dear reader), and I was so upset. I mean, I know there is some bitterness still there on her part (it's been less than 18 months; how could there not be?!), but I was already upset with one of the midwives at my clinic. Now to know they let her go over money?
Figures.
But get this: after Betty left, another midwife left for another clinic. So, they only had two midwives. And then just recently they hired a new midwife (the one I really like).
So, my question is, why didn't they hire Betty back?? Makes me think this money-and-she's-the-favorite theory isn't so far off...Of course, I only see this one perspective; I only know a tiny bit about it. I could be completely wrong. However, it has reaffirmed the fears I felt about my clinic, and things are falling into place and clicking...
Interesting, interesting.
Oh, well. I honestly don't want to change clinics at this point (especially with them knowing all of my history and my birth plan and everything), and I really do love giving birth at the hospital near their office. But I think I may request that new midwife, now...maybe I could convince this little guy to show up on her on-call day? Maybe? Hmmm....
Have you ever had a doctor or midwife or pediatrician, etc. who you just loved?
She delivered #3. His was the most exhilarating birth I've had and full of contradictions. He was my first unmedicated childbirth (by choice), and my first with a midwife. He was my biggest baby (9 lbs 11 oz), and he was fairly hard to push out. However, his birth, out of all of 'em, is still #1 for "best labor and delivery experience."
And I owe most of it to this midwife!
I saw her, and I said, "Are you Betty?" She smiled, immediately knew what I was going to say, and replied, "Yes."
"You won't remember me," I said, "but you delivered that boy over there." I pointed to #3 who will be turning FIVE in August (holy cow, I think I just about died when thinking about that).
We then talked a bit, and she said she was happy to see I was having another, etc. Then I asked her..."why did you leave?" (meaning the clinic I go to).
She frowned, and I heard the story.
Apparently, the "office" decided that four midwives were one too many, and they were losing money. They took a survey (well, they told Betty they took a survey) and it turns out she was the least liked, and so she was forced to quit. As we talked, I learned that she was getting paid more than the others because of her seniority (she delivered over 600 babies!), and she feels they unfairly forced her to leave because of that alone. Because of this --and being less than 5 years (or so) from retirement --she hasn't been able to work in a clinic ever since. She teaches nursing classes at a college and some hypnobirthing courses, instead of delivering babies.
I told her I was so sad for her, and frankly, I was quite upset. I informed her that I hadn't seen any kind of a "survey", and if I had, I would have loved the chance to rave about her! She was, by far, my favorite. In fact, when I think about it, I'm pretty sure she was everyone's favorite!
I'm not kidding, dear reader --this woman is a genius. A birthing genius. She blew my husband away with her knowledge, professionalism, and skill, and my husband, dear reader, has high standards. For example, when my #3, who was facing my thigh as he was being pushed out, ended up having the cord wrapped around his neck twice, my midwife (as she was working with me to push him out) took the time to look my husband in the eye and say, "Brandon, I have to get him out; I need to make sure he can breathe. Are you okay with me cutting the cord?"
Who says that? Who respects the father (and the mother) enough to ask a question like that? Of COURSE we want the baby to be safe.
But it gets better! The woman stayed with me my entire labor. She was patient and kind, and she didn't rush right out after cleaning me up. She was thoughtful, thorough, and in complete control of the environment --the environment she made sure was the exact one I wanted. Of course, it might have helped that she had complete empathy for pregnant women --she had 11 of her own children and is a grandmother. Her kindness shone through because of her past experiences, I'm sure of it!
Well, we parted ways, and she told me my words made her entire day and was happy to know that maybe it wasn't the patients who had disliked her (holy cow, I was near tears, dear reader), and I was so upset. I mean, I know there is some bitterness still there on her part (it's been less than 18 months; how could there not be?!), but I was already upset with one of the midwives at my clinic. Now to know they let her go over money?
Figures.
But get this: after Betty left, another midwife left for another clinic. So, they only had two midwives. And then just recently they hired a new midwife (the one I really like).
So, my question is, why didn't they hire Betty back?? Makes me think this money-and-she's-the-favorite theory isn't so far off...Of course, I only see this one perspective; I only know a tiny bit about it. I could be completely wrong. However, it has reaffirmed the fears I felt about my clinic, and things are falling into place and clicking...
Interesting, interesting.
Oh, well. I honestly don't want to change clinics at this point (especially with them knowing all of my history and my birth plan and everything), and I really do love giving birth at the hospital near their office. But I think I may request that new midwife, now...maybe I could convince this little guy to show up on her on-call day? Maybe? Hmmm....
Have you ever had a doctor or midwife or pediatrician, etc. who you just loved?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Different Can Be Okay
My brain is all mushy, but I'm going to try to talk about something that has kind of been bothering me for a few weeks. It's nothing big (in the grand scheme of things), but in a way, it's kind of important to talk about.
But I hope my good friend, Ann, forgives me, because I'm going to be using her as my example to get my point across.
See, Ann has experienced this phenomenon as being "different" by choice; but in a way, her reasons for being "different" wasn't so she could be seen as different; she and her husband have made decisions based on prayer and their family's unique circumstances. The irony in this is how their decisions are scoffed at by some members of the Church (obviously not everyone), and even members of their own families --even though Ann and her husband are just a normal Mormon couple who are doing their best. See the irony? Yes? No? Well, anyway, let me be more specific.
Ann (and assume from this point that her husband is a part of this) home-schools her kids. No big deal, right? Well, they decided to become vegetarians, too. And then Ann became an advocate for babywearing and car seat safety. She also cloth-diapers her babies. They like to move within 2-3 years (well, most times it was a necessity) and buy homes they can fix up on their own (it's a hobby). She nurses her babies for about 2 years (unless she gets pregnant sooner than that). She also advocates hypnobirthing and just gave birth to her 5th child at home, in a tub, with a midwife.
No, seriously. She gave birth on Thursday in her bedroom.
Now, after hearing these things (and if you are specifically an LDS woman), what is your knee-jerk reaction? Do you think she's insane? Do you think she is making risky and silly decisions? If you were to meet her in your ward, what would you automatically assume or judge about her and her family when finding these things out?
It's so surprising to me that people assume she's crazy. Having a baby at home automatically equates stupidity in some minds (I'll admit I used to be one of 'em). Homeschooling is crazy. Cloth-diapering is even crazier. How could she be a vegetarian and be nursing her babies? Who would choose to carry their baby around all day in a baby sling?!
And yet, because of Ann, I have learned how to open my mind to things that may be different. Are they bad? No. Just different. Here is what has happened in my life since knowing Ann (over the last 9 years):
*I have safer and more secure car seats in my car. Every child is in a 5-point harness (except #1 --she has a back booster), and will continue to be until they are old enough/tall enough/heavy enough to be in a booster. And it's amazing to me to see how many people think I'm just nuts. The biggest argument? "How inconvenient that must be!" Ummm... yeah. It's inconvenient to make my kids as safe as possible (sorry for the sarcasm).
*I now babywear! Ann introduced me to the Beco, and I have been in LOVE with it ever since. In fact, I still wear #4 on my back! Yep --I'm 8 months pregnant and wear a 2 year old on my back. On Wednesday, we went to the park. A lady with a young child looked at me as I was taking him off so he could play and began a conversation with me that sounded like all the others I've had: "Wow, you must be superwoman!" or "Isn't that dangerous for the fetus?" or "Doesn't that hurt your back?"
I explained that there is a difference between baby "wearing" and baby "carrying." HUGE difference. And if you have the right wrap/carrier, then you don't feel pain, because it puts the weight on the hips and takes it away from the shoulders and the back.
Nobody ever believes me, though.
Never.
*I'm not a vegetarian, but Ann and her husband's devotion to health (and they'll be the first to admit that they relapse here and there, just like us!) inspired Brandon and I to lose our weight 2 years ago. The things they taught us have also inspired me to cook with less meat, whole wheat, and try more vegetables. I can't give all the credit to them, but I'd be lying if I didn't give them some of it!
*Hypnobirthing and home-births. Now, I'm not going to be giving birth at home, but Ann and I have had hundreds of conversations regarding the birth of our children. She and I have both experienced such similar things --we started with doctors, then moved to midwives. We both abhor pitocin and invasive birth experiences. We can't stand the protocols that are a "must" in all hospitals because of the .01% chance of something going wrong. We both hate when medical professionals (who are just doing their jobs, bless their hearts) won't listen to us when we try to explain we KNOW our bodies. We hate being told that childbirth is not worth it unless it's pain free and over quickly (thus the pitocin). And we've had time to think about these things because we are both on our fifth children (well, obviously she's had hers, now!), and we are both blessed with the ability to give birth without emergencies (I am very aware that there are those who cannot. My heart goes out to you, but it doesn't change that I can, you know?).
However, we both disagree on only one thing: Home birth.
Maybe.
See, I'm not opposed to giving birth at home (Brandon is, though), and I just may do it next time (#6!!?!?!). But for now, I like giving birth in the hospital --for just a few reasons.
No, it's not safety.
No, it's not medical intervention.
No, it's not the care for my newborn.
It's for the food! And the bonding time with my baby while my other kids are at home. Plus it's a bit cheaper. (Insurance doesn't look happily upon home births like they do hospital births, which makes sense.)
But I don't judge Ann for her choice to deliver at home (this was the first time she has done it). See, she never goes into anything blindly. Ever.
One last thought, too: The previous generation has a hard time with this, I think. Although technology has improved, a lot of women are going "backwards" when it comes to how they raise their families. SAHM's are back in fashion --so are home gardens, nursing babies, less "things", and even the way we give birth (less medical intervention). For some parents/grandparents, I think they see it as a threat. "Wasn't our way good enough?" and "Why would you choose something like this when there's medicine and/or doctors and/or a different way?" It's just hard to understand.
Ooh! Also! It makes me think that our society is so obsessed with being Pain Free, that any type of voluntary pain is seen as just plain silly. Feel pain? Pop a pill! Feel sad? Pop a pill! (and I say this as someone with Depression, just to head off any arguments. I know some things cannot be solved without that Pill, so please know I'm talking in generalizations, okay?). Also, convenience is key --why put forth extra effort? (cloth-diapering)
Anyway, I guess my point is that different is okay. Especially if it's done with prayer and research and deep thought. I will never home school my kids (knock on wood) and I will probably always use disposable diapers --but that doesn't give me the right to judge Ann for her different choices, you know what I mean? Plus, what amazes me the most, is how easy it is to decide for myself after I take a good hard look at both sides first...
What do you think? Do you find yourself judging easily without knowing the whole story? Is your perspective limited to just what you've always known? Have you ever changed your mind about something after seeing both sides?
*please note: I'm talking about things that are of good worth --those things in which either side would probably just be fine. Like Republican or Democrat, BYU or U of U, peas or corn, you know?
(Gotcha, Brandon!)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Adjusting to the New Schedule
So, my new life of semi-single motherhood is going okay. I've only had one gargantuan emotional breakdown, but luckily Brandon heard me out. I also have not murdered the children, so we're good there. And most of the plant-life outside is still alive! I've also accomplished some things, like a blog post or two, lots of mormonwoman.org stuff, keeping up with the laundry, the finances, the housework, the meals, the grocery shopping, and my callings. The kids are gettin' themselves educated each morning, I'm teaching the girls piano lessons, and I've even taught #4 how to say his whole name!
I've only forgotten a few birthdays, births, parties I RSVP'd to attend, and one or two loads of laundry in the washer.
So, I'm doing okay. It's busy, but it's okay.
Not thrilling.
Just okay.
Okay is good.
Brandon is working his tail off --up every morning at 5AM to study, off to work by 8AM, not home until after 6PM, and although he's only gone every other weekend for school, he did have Youth conference last weekend, so that's three weekends he's been gone...but it's fine. There's no London trip this month, so hooray for that! However, he's still finding time to fulfill his callings, play in his work's softball league, play on the computer, and root for the Lakers.
Btw, GO LAKERS!!
In fact, I noticed a trend and I politely brought it to his attention (okay, okay, it was the emotional breakdown): We are trying to live our lives the way we used to live our lives, but now with half the time in which to live. And although I made it sound like it was mostly his fault (and he knows it kind of is, what with his home-life being all drastically limited now), I realized a few days after the emotional outburst that I've been trying to do the same thing. I'm trying to fit in everything I used to fit into my life when Brandon was around all the time. And so is he --which, normally, wouldn't be a big deal, you know. See, I want to sit and watch TV all day. I want to blog and Facebook and surf the net. I want to read my novels and watch my movies and go out with the girls.
But I can't.
And Brandon can't do just his stuff, either.
Because who suffers when we do this?
Us, of course. If we go weeks without a date or talking, then how will our marriage survive the next 2 years? Of course, we're not the only ones that suffer. Who else suffers?
The children. [Please, won't someone think of the children!?]
We need to spend time with them, too. Luckily for us, FHE is a no-brainer-non-negotiable. Plus, we enjoy doing stuff with them --when we remember to...
So, it's kind of nutty, this figuring-it-all-out-stuff-and-how-do-we-do-it-without-destroying-our-family --we have to make it work. And we are. It's just not as easy as I assumed it would be. I thought I was prepared! I mean, the mental decisions were there --but not the practical ones.
Which stinks, because I used to be good at the practical.
Ah, well. Thus is life.
I've only forgotten a few birthdays, births, parties I RSVP'd to attend, and one or two loads of laundry in the washer.
So, I'm doing okay. It's busy, but it's okay.
Not thrilling.
Just okay.
Okay is good.
Brandon is working his tail off --up every morning at 5AM to study, off to work by 8AM, not home until after 6PM, and although he's only gone every other weekend for school, he did have Youth conference last weekend, so that's three weekends he's been gone...but it's fine. There's no London trip this month, so hooray for that! However, he's still finding time to fulfill his callings, play in his work's softball league, play on the computer, and root for the Lakers.
Btw, GO LAKERS!!
In fact, I noticed a trend and I politely brought it to his attention (okay, okay, it was the emotional breakdown): We are trying to live our lives the way we used to live our lives, but now with half the time in which to live. And although I made it sound like it was mostly his fault (and he knows it kind of is, what with his home-life being all drastically limited now), I realized a few days after the emotional outburst that I've been trying to do the same thing. I'm trying to fit in everything I used to fit into my life when Brandon was around all the time. And so is he --which, normally, wouldn't be a big deal, you know. See, I want to sit and watch TV all day. I want to blog and Facebook and surf the net. I want to read my novels and watch my movies and go out with the girls.
But I can't.
And Brandon can't do just his stuff, either.
Because who suffers when we do this?
Us, of course. If we go weeks without a date or talking, then how will our marriage survive the next 2 years? Of course, we're not the only ones that suffer. Who else suffers?
The children. [Please, won't someone think of the children!?]
We need to spend time with them, too. Luckily for us, FHE is a no-brainer-non-negotiable. Plus, we enjoy doing stuff with them --when we remember to...
So, it's kind of nutty, this figuring-it-all-out-stuff-and-how-do-we-do-it-without-destroying-our-family --we have to make it work. And we are. It's just not as easy as I assumed it would be. I thought I was prepared! I mean, the mental decisions were there --but not the practical ones.
Which stinks, because I used to be good at the practical.
Ah, well. Thus is life.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Baby Talk (and wanna do lunch?)
My midwife clinic lost two midwives last year --one to retirement, and another to a move. A few months ago, they hired a new one. And she rocks.
Today, she completely validated everything I have been trying to tell doctors and midwives about my ability (and tendency) to have big babies. She also agreed with my decision to cancel the 37 week ultrasound.
I sooooooo hope she's gonna deliver this one, because validation rocks!
-----------------------------------
In the car this morning, driving to the midwife appointment:
#2: I have so many mosquito bites! It's not fair!
#1: I have one on my neck? Why would they bite my neck?
me: I used to get lots of mosquito bites. Lots! They loved me --they would only bite me and not your dad.
#1: Why?
me: I don't know. How come they don't bite #3 but they love to bite #2?
#2: But the mosquitos don't bite you anymore.
me: I know. I think it's because of the pregnancy! My body is fighting against them.
#3: It's the baby!
me: Probably.
#3: He's fighting them off and kicking them off of you.
me: Ha! Yep.
Pause
#3: I know what we should name the baby.
me: What?
#3: Mosquito Killer!
Lots of laughter
------------------------------------
I have NOTHING ready for this baby. Nothing.
I mean, sure, I have a car seat and high chair and swing and bassinet. I have towels and blankets and burp rags and a baby tub. I have clothes (somewhere) and shoes (somewhere) and strollers and all the babywearing products I need (hooray for EllaRoos, Moby D's, and Beco's!). I have the nursing bras, the fat pants, the Tuck's pads, the maxi pads, the Boppy pillow, and I may have some nursing pads (maybe?). I have clippers, and a nose sucker (somewhere) --I even have shampoo and soap.
But I have nothing cleaned. Or found. Or washed.
I also have no onesies (you have to buy new onesies and some socks with each kid --especially if they are spitters like my babies!).
And I HAVE to get #4 out of the crib. I have to. I have made sure all the other kids were in Big Kid beds before the next baby came, so when I had to take the crib to use for the new baby, nobody threw a fit (in fact, I'm really good at making them think it was their idea!). So, I need a new big boy bed. And I need it...yesterday.
And my memory is kind of shot, so I can't remember what else I will need.
Do you remember what else I will need?
------------------------------------------------
I am officially to the every-two-week appointment now. Holy cow! 32 weeks and counting, you know. I feel big, but I look good. Which is nice. Ironically, this may actually be the easiest pregnancy (despite the fluid level scares) I've ever had.
I've only gained 20 pounds, and I started out only 5 pounds overweight!
I don't get to nap (my kids stop napping around 2 years old. It's innate. Don't ask me why), and yet I have the energy to do things.
Heartburn, which I thought would be in full throttle by now, has only occurred once.
I'm still wearing my rings.
My ankles are still thin.
How did this happen? That my 5th pregnancy, at age 30, would be my easiest thus far? Well, I ain't complainin'! Here's all my gratitude gushing out. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will never take this for granted...
------------------------------------------
No Baby Talk Here:
Just letting you all know that if you would like to join me (and 3 other bloggers) for lunch around 1PM in SLC on Saturday (June 13th), you are welcome to come! Please email me (happymeetscrazy at gmail dot com) and let me know --I'll give you the details!
Today, she completely validated everything I have been trying to tell doctors and midwives about my ability (and tendency) to have big babies. She also agreed with my decision to cancel the 37 week ultrasound.
I sooooooo hope she's gonna deliver this one, because validation rocks!
-----------------------------------
In the car this morning, driving to the midwife appointment:
#2: I have so many mosquito bites! It's not fair!
#1: I have one on my neck? Why would they bite my neck?
me: I used to get lots of mosquito bites. Lots! They loved me --they would only bite me and not your dad.
#1: Why?
me: I don't know. How come they don't bite #3 but they love to bite #2?
#2: But the mosquitos don't bite you anymore.
me: I know. I think it's because of the pregnancy! My body is fighting against them.
#3: It's the baby!
me: Probably.
#3: He's fighting them off and kicking them off of you.
me: Ha! Yep.
Pause
#3: I know what we should name the baby.
me: What?
#3: Mosquito Killer!
Lots of laughter
------------------------------------
I have NOTHING ready for this baby. Nothing.
I mean, sure, I have a car seat and high chair and swing and bassinet. I have towels and blankets and burp rags and a baby tub. I have clothes (somewhere) and shoes (somewhere) and strollers and all the babywearing products I need (hooray for EllaRoos, Moby D's, and Beco's!). I have the nursing bras, the fat pants, the Tuck's pads, the maxi pads, the Boppy pillow, and I may have some nursing pads (maybe?). I have clippers, and a nose sucker (somewhere) --I even have shampoo and soap.
But I have nothing cleaned. Or found. Or washed.
I also have no onesies (you have to buy new onesies and some socks with each kid --especially if they are spitters like my babies!).
And I HAVE to get #4 out of the crib. I have to. I have made sure all the other kids were in Big Kid beds before the next baby came, so when I had to take the crib to use for the new baby, nobody threw a fit (in fact, I'm really good at making them think it was their idea!). So, I need a new big boy bed. And I need it...yesterday.
And my memory is kind of shot, so I can't remember what else I will need.
Do you remember what else I will need?
------------------------------------------------
I am officially to the every-two-week appointment now. Holy cow! 32 weeks and counting, you know. I feel big, but I look good. Which is nice. Ironically, this may actually be the easiest pregnancy (despite the fluid level scares) I've ever had.
I've only gained 20 pounds, and I started out only 5 pounds overweight!
I don't get to nap (my kids stop napping around 2 years old. It's innate. Don't ask me why), and yet I have the energy to do things.
Heartburn, which I thought would be in full throttle by now, has only occurred once.
I'm still wearing my rings.
My ankles are still thin.
How did this happen? That my 5th pregnancy, at age 30, would be my easiest thus far? Well, I ain't complainin'! Here's all my gratitude gushing out. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will never take this for granted...
------------------------------------------
No Baby Talk Here:
Just letting you all know that if you would like to join me (and 3 other bloggers) for lunch around 1PM in SLC on Saturday (June 13th), you are welcome to come! Please email me (happymeetscrazy at gmail dot com) and let me know --I'll give you the details!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Open Discussion
So, a few days ago I was talking with a good friend about a mutual friend and about another friend and that friend's friend's friend and our friend's friend and another friend (or something like that).
And I came up with this:
There is nothing more lonely than a woman who is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ignored by a man who has promised to cherish her forever.
Discuss.
P.S. And for clarity's sake (and to head off differing branches of debate), let's assume this woman and man are married (or were) and have children (one or many--any age), and practice the same religion.
And I came up with this:
There is nothing more lonely than a woman who is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ignored by a man who has promised to cherish her forever.
Discuss.
P.S. And for clarity's sake (and to head off differing branches of debate), let's assume this woman and man are married (or were) and have children (one or many--any age), and practice the same religion.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Beautiful Summer and My Beautiful List
So, we all know that last week (the weekend?) wasn't so hot around Happy Meets Crazy Land. However! This week has more than made up for it.
Our "school" is going fabulous: #3 learned how to measure, #2's reading has already drastically improved, #1 learned that she can use the words "bottom" or "rectum" instead of "private parts" when writing a theme on digestion, and #4 has learned to cut paper. We've been to the BYU's Museum of Art and Museum of Paleontology, the park, the library, and swam and hung out with cousins. We've gone grocery shopping, made grape-sicles, and I allowed the kids to create their own "carnival" in the backyard --you should see their booths and games!
And holy cow, it's only Thursday night. I seriously hope I can keep this pace up!
The best part, though, is how low the stress-level has been. We have had no major commitments, and so everything we've done we've done because we want to and not because we have to. Having a fairly empty calendar has it's perks, you know!
And now, for my next subject: My List.
I have been thinking about my list for a long time, and I actually said it out loud today. And it surprised me, because deep, deep down, I think I've always wanted to do these things. They just never seemed possible because I don't have those talents. I'm a musician. I'm a friend. That's all. I don't do much else. Just imagining myself in these scenarios ten years ago (even two?) was unthinkable! But now? I'm not sure. I can't tell if it's because I've aged (hooray for 30!) or if it's because I'm braver or more humble or more...whatever, but no matter the reason, I now see myself as having the ability to do them all. And I want them!
What I want:
*I want to be a gardener. I want to grow my own vegetables and feed my family from my garden. I want beautiful flowers and trees --not necessarily a perfectly manicured yard or landscaped garden --just a functional one that I can maintain.
*I want to learn how to do all the things I swore up and down for years that I would never want to learn how to do --I want to learn to quilt and sew and can food...I want to be "domestically independent!"
*I want to be brave enough to use a clothesline and create compost and plant an apple or apricot tree in the back yard.
*I want to write poetry under the apple or apricot tree in my backyard.
*I want to finally finish my novel. And then write another one.
*I want to be a Camping Family. I want to hike with my kids and camp for days at a time. I want to show them the breath-taking beauty of the Tetons from Table Rock and the crazy view from Mt. Timpanogos. I want them to love the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of morning dew from the inside of a tent. We've gone a couple of times, but I want to go more.
*I want to be healthy by eating those veggies and fruits from my yard and hiking and being outside --and I want this health for my children.
*But then, I want music and blogging and friends and TV and vacations and Italy and Thailand and the Theater...
Is it wrong to want so much? Especially knowing that it might take another 10 years to get what I want (including the fundage to do some of this stuff)? If you notice, I didn't say "be debt free" or "have financial freedom" because to me, this is obvious --I won't get the things I want above until I have some of that financial freedom. But that doesn't stop me from making the small choices now to get me the big ones later, eh?
What is on your list? What do you want that you have never thought you could have or do? Long-term, I mean? Or within a few years?
Our "school" is going fabulous: #3 learned how to measure, #2's reading has already drastically improved, #1 learned that she can use the words "bottom" or "rectum" instead of "private parts" when writing a theme on digestion, and #4 has learned to cut paper. We've been to the BYU's Museum of Art and Museum of Paleontology, the park, the library, and swam and hung out with cousins. We've gone grocery shopping, made grape-sicles, and I allowed the kids to create their own "carnival" in the backyard --you should see their booths and games!
And holy cow, it's only Thursday night. I seriously hope I can keep this pace up!
The best part, though, is how low the stress-level has been. We have had no major commitments, and so everything we've done we've done because we want to and not because we have to. Having a fairly empty calendar has it's perks, you know!
And now, for my next subject: My List.
I have been thinking about my list for a long time, and I actually said it out loud today. And it surprised me, because deep, deep down, I think I've always wanted to do these things. They just never seemed possible because I don't have those talents. I'm a musician. I'm a friend. That's all. I don't do much else. Just imagining myself in these scenarios ten years ago (even two?) was unthinkable! But now? I'm not sure. I can't tell if it's because I've aged (hooray for 30!) or if it's because I'm braver or more humble or more...whatever, but no matter the reason, I now see myself as having the ability to do them all. And I want them!
What I want:
*I want to be a gardener. I want to grow my own vegetables and feed my family from my garden. I want beautiful flowers and trees --not necessarily a perfectly manicured yard or landscaped garden --just a functional one that I can maintain.
*I want to learn how to do all the things I swore up and down for years that I would never want to learn how to do --I want to learn to quilt and sew and can food...I want to be "domestically independent!"
*I want to be brave enough to use a clothesline and create compost and plant an apple or apricot tree in the back yard.
*I want to write poetry under the apple or apricot tree in my backyard.
*I want to finally finish my novel. And then write another one.
*I want to be a Camping Family. I want to hike with my kids and camp for days at a time. I want to show them the breath-taking beauty of the Tetons from Table Rock and the crazy view from Mt. Timpanogos. I want them to love the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of morning dew from the inside of a tent. We've gone a couple of times, but I want to go more.
*I want to be healthy by eating those veggies and fruits from my yard and hiking and being outside --and I want this health for my children.
*But then, I want music and blogging and friends and TV and vacations and Italy and Thailand and the Theater...
Is it wrong to want so much? Especially knowing that it might take another 10 years to get what I want (including the fundage to do some of this stuff)? If you notice, I didn't say "be debt free" or "have financial freedom" because to me, this is obvious --I won't get the things I want above until I have some of that financial freedom. But that doesn't stop me from making the small choices now to get me the big ones later, eh?
What is on your list? What do you want that you have never thought you could have or do? Long-term, I mean? Or within a few years?
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Button, Button, Who's Got A Button?
First of all, I have to thank you! Yes, you! Because you, dear reader, made my whole friggin' day by leaving me comments of how destructive your own children have been. It reminded me that I'm not alone! And that #3 once wrote on the house with sharpie, too. And #3 also got into baby powder once. And I think it was #2 or #1 who I found playing in the toilet??
Needless to say, it gave me perspective! Which, as we all know, can change the world. So, thank you again. Thank you a million times over...
----------------------------------------
I have a button for you! To put on your blog!
No, no, silly. It's not for Happy Meets Crazy (hahaha! Like I would need a button!! Hahahaha! Ahem). It's for something infinitely better and far more worth our time:
Mormon Women --who we are, what we believe, how we live: a glimpse into LDS life
The time I have spent working on this website with a few other women has been some of the best time I've ever spent. I feel like I'm making a difference --not just in how I can share with the world the truth about what Mormon Women are really like, but also in myself. My testimony as a daughter of God has increased, and it's because I can see the divine worth in all of these women. We are divine, dear reader!
Well, maybe not when I'm in my bathrobe, screaming at my kids...wait, no! I'm still divine then, too. Just in need of some more love, that's all.
Anyway, our awesome blog button person has given us html for our buttons! So, here's what you need to do to get these buttons. Go here. Then look to the right. See the "link to us" and the choices of colors? (whoo-hoo! A choice! Yeah, so there's just two --work with me here, okay?) Pick a color and put it on your sidebar. Hooray! It's small and simple, and yet it can direct someone who needs the Mormon Women site over to the Mormon Women site where those needs will be met and what-not. See how easy this is? I knew you could do it. And just to show you what a gem I am (what movie? what movie?), I'll put them here for you to see:
and
Easy-cheesy, dear reader. And thanks!
Needless to say, it gave me perspective! Which, as we all know, can change the world. So, thank you again. Thank you a million times over...
----------------------------------------
I have a button for you! To put on your blog!
No, no, silly. It's not for Happy Meets Crazy (hahaha! Like I would need a button!! Hahahaha! Ahem). It's for something infinitely better and far more worth our time:
Mormon Women --who we are, what we believe, how we live: a glimpse into LDS life
The time I have spent working on this website with a few other women has been some of the best time I've ever spent. I feel like I'm making a difference --not just in how I can share with the world the truth about what Mormon Women are really like, but also in myself. My testimony as a daughter of God has increased, and it's because I can see the divine worth in all of these women. We are divine, dear reader!
Well, maybe not when I'm in my bathrobe, screaming at my kids...wait, no! I'm still divine then, too. Just in need of some more love, that's all.
Anyway, our awesome blog button person has given us html for our buttons! So, here's what you need to do to get these buttons. Go here. Then look to the right. See the "link to us" and the choices of colors? (whoo-hoo! A choice! Yeah, so there's just two --work with me here, okay?) Pick a color and put it on your sidebar. Hooray! It's small and simple, and yet it can direct someone who needs the Mormon Women site over to the Mormon Women site where those needs will be met and what-not. See how easy this is? I knew you could do it. And just to show you what a gem I am (what movie? what movie?), I'll put them here for you to see:
and
Easy-cheesy, dear reader. And thanks!
Monday, June 01, 2009
Trying to Laugh Now
Haha! Hoohoo! Hoho! Heehee!
I'm trying. I'm really, really trying! And yet, at the same time, I'm going to be fine. I am. Because I feel fine. Not perfect, but fine. And fine is better that despair-like.
Let me tell you the tale of the last four days or so, dear reader --then you may understand my fine-ness and ramblings. You like stories, right? Horror stories? No? Well, read this one anyway. It's not so bad, now that I've re-told it:
So...Brandon had school this last weekend. He flies out on Thursdays nights and we say good-bye to him Thursday mornings (because he works all day and then goes straight to the airport after work). Thursday went just peachy-keen: #3 had his preschool graduation that night, and it was #2's last day of Kindergarten. I would show you pictures, but I can't upload them to this computer. Remember the Laptop Incident? Yeah.
Anyway, Friday comes. I've got energy (which, at 31 week preggers is pretty good still!) and we decide to have chore day. I was planning on attending the Provo HS graduation that afternoon, so I wanted the place done before-hand.
The chores begin.
They go pretty well. #1 had her last day of school, so it was just the 3 youngest and yours truly; we finished upstairs (well, the kids did), and because they had already cleaned the playroom, they had my permission to watch some TV in the basement. I had some more things to clean in the kitchen.
And then, as fate would have it, #2 yells up the stairs: "Mo-om! #4 is putting his head in the toilet!"
What the?!
I rush down the stairs (in my bathrobe glory) and head to the bathroom. Now, dear reader, to give you and adequate description about what is going to unfold, I need to explain the room situation in the basement. We have one family room/play room that runs the entire length of our ranch-style house with only a large counter/shelf thing dividing it. Imagine a rectangle --now divide it in half lengthwise. One of those halves is the fam rm/play rm. Got it? The other long half goes like this: Guest room, jack-n-jill bathroom, computer room, storage room, stairs. (well, there's a utility closet in there somewhere). The guest room, bathroom, and computer room are all connected via two doors. Does that make sense? No? Oh, well.
So, I come down the stairs, and go through the family room and am greeted at the door of the computer room by a wet #4. And then I noticed something blue on him. Light blue. And it smells good. Like coconut.
Coconut!?
It's shampoo.
I then proceeded into said computer room and I literally collapsed on the floor in rage. Shampoo, conditioner, and peach-smelling hand soap is everywhere. Squirted on the floor. Squirted on the chair. Squirted on the COMPUTER MONITOR!
Now, before you freak out yourself, dear reader, you should know that the shampoo/conditioner we have in the shower of the guest bathroom is the Kirkland Signature brand and is in pump form. Therefore there was no dumping of shampoo on the carpet, if you will. It was squirts here and there --and for this? I am actually very grateful.
But then I walked into the bathroom and saw the unflushed toilet open (never been so grateful it was just urine, though!). So very, very gross. But there was sh/cond/soap all over that room, too. And then I continued and walked into the guest room --there was the sh/cond/soap combo all over the floor, the mattress, the sheets, the pillow, some toys, the bookshelf...and then I walked out the other door into the playroom and found the trail...on the rocking horse...on the train table...on the computer chair...on the computer!? (the kids have an old computer they can play games on in the playroom)...on the train...on the table...on the carpet...
And then the rage hit. The screaming, fit-filled, sobbing, words flying, crazy, crazy, crazy rage. I spanked #4 and raged against #2 and #3 for letting him do it (and yes, I found out shortly, they knew ALL ABOUT IT, and didn't bother to TELL ME). I made the kids stay downstairs and watch me clean it up (and run errands and throw things away and get towels, etc.) and I grounded them from all TV, Computers, Video Games, whatever for the rest of the day (I should have done it longer). It took me over an hour to clean up that mess, and then I bathed the disgusting #4 (yes. I waited to do him last. I am very aware of all the damage the pee could have done to his body. If pee, in fact, can damage a body...?).
Besides the rage that consumed me (and scared the livin' heck outta me that I might go into labor), three things resulted from this experience:
1. The basement now smells delightfully peachy-coconut-y.
2. #4 really was sorry --and how can you blame a 2-year old for such behavior? In fact, that's why the older two got the worse punishment. I was upstairs for less than 30 minutes, and they have always done well watching him. And he has never had the tendency to destroy so much before. But then again, read my last post. He's changed, dear reader!
3. The computer monitor in the computer room --THE ONLY COMPUTER I HAVE LEFT TO EVEN USE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY!!!!!!! --now has some kind of short in it. This now causes the monitor to turn off and on at will --at strange times. Which means, sometimes, I have no working monitor. Other times, it just flicks on and off. Other times, it works just fine.
Seriously!? SERIOUSLY!?
However, life calmed down. Friday afternoon I enjoyed 2 hours without children at the PHS graduation. It was lovely; it was calm. Friday night, the kids were great. So great, in fact, I pulled the Big No's of All Parenting and let them watch one show with me (I couldn't help it! I love Phineas and Ferb!).
Saturday was a different story: I got sick. So sick, that by Saturday night, #1 made dinner and the rest of the kids cleaned everything up afterwards. As I lay on the couch in pain and agony. See? I really do have good kids --when shampoo is not involved.
Sigh.
Sunday was worse --well, sickness-wise. We had to pick Brandon up from the airport, and when I woke up even more sick (we're talking intestinal sick, if you must know. My head and throat was fine --it was the other virus. But see, I don't throw up --but it has to come out somehow, eh? And I was terrified the whole time that it would induce labor. See? Rage and Intestinal problems = scary stuff. Or maybe the rage from Friday caused it? Nah. Too far apart.), but we HAD to get him. And asking someone to pick up hubby from the airport on a Sunday morning?? Too hard. Either people have meetings, or it's too far to drive up there, or it's too far to bring him to us...totally not worth the aggravation (or guilt trips). So, I drove up to SLC with the kids and we picked him up. And I grimaced the whole way (but made it! I rock!).
However, I didn't go to Church. And it's a gooooooooood thing.
Brandon was awesome, though. He took the kids to church (with his own sore throat) and took care of them the rest of the day (and me!). He let me just lie there and watch movies (Groundhog Day, how I love you!) and put the kids to bed. In fact, it was so awesome, that by this morning, I felt great! I feel so much better today. Which is good, considering it's our first day of Summer Vacation. But we started our routine, and I think it's going to work well. The sad part?
Brandon's now sick. He had to stay home and he sounds like a barking seal.
It's a good thing one of us is well! Taking turns totally works.
The other sad part? Having to use my VT's computer again because I still don't have the software for the Neighborhood Newsletter (you know, my calling. That I did easily before the Laptop Incident).
The craziness, dear reader, continues to abound. And I'm trying to laugh. I really am. Because my life could be so, so, so much worse. I mean, back when #1 was four-years-old, she and her friend found Sharpies and wrote all over their bodies, their swimming suits, and my friend's brand new IKEA couch (this was before IKEA was in Utah).
SEE!?
Don't blame me if I go crazy for a while, okay?
Pull out the stories, dear reader --tell me about the the worst (or one of the worst) things you found your kid had done in your house (or in your friend's house). I wanna know I'm not alone!
I'm trying. I'm really, really trying! And yet, at the same time, I'm going to be fine. I am. Because I feel fine. Not perfect, but fine. And fine is better that despair-like.
Let me tell you the tale of the last four days or so, dear reader --then you may understand my fine-ness and ramblings. You like stories, right? Horror stories? No? Well, read this one anyway. It's not so bad, now that I've re-told it:
So...Brandon had school this last weekend. He flies out on Thursdays nights and we say good-bye to him Thursday mornings (because he works all day and then goes straight to the airport after work). Thursday went just peachy-keen: #3 had his preschool graduation that night, and it was #2's last day of Kindergarten. I would show you pictures, but I can't upload them to this computer. Remember the Laptop Incident? Yeah.
Anyway, Friday comes. I've got energy (which, at 31 week preggers is pretty good still!) and we decide to have chore day. I was planning on attending the Provo HS graduation that afternoon, so I wanted the place done before-hand.
The chores begin.
They go pretty well. #1 had her last day of school, so it was just the 3 youngest and yours truly; we finished upstairs (well, the kids did), and because they had already cleaned the playroom, they had my permission to watch some TV in the basement. I had some more things to clean in the kitchen.
And then, as fate would have it, #2 yells up the stairs: "Mo-om! #4 is putting his head in the toilet!"
What the?!
I rush down the stairs (in my bathrobe glory) and head to the bathroom. Now, dear reader, to give you and adequate description about what is going to unfold, I need to explain the room situation in the basement. We have one family room/play room that runs the entire length of our ranch-style house with only a large counter/shelf thing dividing it. Imagine a rectangle --now divide it in half lengthwise. One of those halves is the fam rm/play rm. Got it? The other long half goes like this: Guest room, jack-n-jill bathroom, computer room, storage room, stairs. (well, there's a utility closet in there somewhere). The guest room, bathroom, and computer room are all connected via two doors. Does that make sense? No? Oh, well.
So, I come down the stairs, and go through the family room and am greeted at the door of the computer room by a wet #4. And then I noticed something blue on him. Light blue. And it smells good. Like coconut.
Coconut!?
It's shampoo.
I then proceeded into said computer room and I literally collapsed on the floor in rage. Shampoo, conditioner, and peach-smelling hand soap is everywhere. Squirted on the floor. Squirted on the chair. Squirted on the COMPUTER MONITOR!
Now, before you freak out yourself, dear reader, you should know that the shampoo/conditioner we have in the shower of the guest bathroom is the Kirkland Signature brand and is in pump form. Therefore there was no dumping of shampoo on the carpet, if you will. It was squirts here and there --and for this? I am actually very grateful.
But then I walked into the bathroom and saw the unflushed toilet open (never been so grateful it was just urine, though!). So very, very gross. But there was sh/cond/soap all over that room, too. And then I continued and walked into the guest room --there was the sh/cond/soap combo all over the floor, the mattress, the sheets, the pillow, some toys, the bookshelf...and then I walked out the other door into the playroom and found the trail...on the rocking horse...on the train table...on the computer chair...on the computer!? (the kids have an old computer they can play games on in the playroom)...on the train...on the table...on the carpet...
And then the rage hit. The screaming, fit-filled, sobbing, words flying, crazy, crazy, crazy rage. I spanked #4 and raged against #2 and #3 for letting him do it (and yes, I found out shortly, they knew ALL ABOUT IT, and didn't bother to TELL ME). I made the kids stay downstairs and watch me clean it up (and run errands and throw things away and get towels, etc.) and I grounded them from all TV, Computers, Video Games, whatever for the rest of the day (I should have done it longer). It took me over an hour to clean up that mess, and then I bathed the disgusting #4 (yes. I waited to do him last. I am very aware of all the damage the pee could have done to his body. If pee, in fact, can damage a body...?).
Besides the rage that consumed me (and scared the livin' heck outta me that I might go into labor), three things resulted from this experience:
1. The basement now smells delightfully peachy-coconut-y.
2. #4 really was sorry --and how can you blame a 2-year old for such behavior? In fact, that's why the older two got the worse punishment. I was upstairs for less than 30 minutes, and they have always done well watching him. And he has never had the tendency to destroy so much before. But then again, read my last post. He's changed, dear reader!
3. The computer monitor in the computer room --THE ONLY COMPUTER I HAVE LEFT TO EVEN USE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY!!!!!!! --now has some kind of short in it. This now causes the monitor to turn off and on at will --at strange times. Which means, sometimes, I have no working monitor. Other times, it just flicks on and off. Other times, it works just fine.
Seriously!? SERIOUSLY!?
However, life calmed down. Friday afternoon I enjoyed 2 hours without children at the PHS graduation. It was lovely; it was calm. Friday night, the kids were great. So great, in fact, I pulled the Big No's of All Parenting and let them watch one show with me (I couldn't help it! I love Phineas and Ferb!).
Saturday was a different story: I got sick. So sick, that by Saturday night, #1 made dinner and the rest of the kids cleaned everything up afterwards. As I lay on the couch in pain and agony. See? I really do have good kids --when shampoo is not involved.
Sigh.
Sunday was worse --well, sickness-wise. We had to pick Brandon up from the airport, and when I woke up even more sick (we're talking intestinal sick, if you must know. My head and throat was fine --it was the other virus. But see, I don't throw up --but it has to come out somehow, eh? And I was terrified the whole time that it would induce labor. See? Rage and Intestinal problems = scary stuff. Or maybe the rage from Friday caused it? Nah. Too far apart.), but we HAD to get him. And asking someone to pick up hubby from the airport on a Sunday morning?? Too hard. Either people have meetings, or it's too far to drive up there, or it's too far to bring him to us...totally not worth the aggravation (or guilt trips). So, I drove up to SLC with the kids and we picked him up. And I grimaced the whole way (but made it! I rock!).
However, I didn't go to Church. And it's a gooooooooood thing.
Brandon was awesome, though. He took the kids to church (with his own sore throat) and took care of them the rest of the day (and me!). He let me just lie there and watch movies (Groundhog Day, how I love you!) and put the kids to bed. In fact, it was so awesome, that by this morning, I felt great! I feel so much better today. Which is good, considering it's our first day of Summer Vacation. But we started our routine, and I think it's going to work well. The sad part?
Brandon's now sick. He had to stay home and he sounds like a barking seal.
It's a good thing one of us is well! Taking turns totally works.
The other sad part? Having to use my VT's computer again because I still don't have the software for the Neighborhood Newsletter (you know, my calling. That I did easily before the Laptop Incident).
The craziness, dear reader, continues to abound. And I'm trying to laugh. I really am. Because my life could be so, so, so much worse. I mean, back when #1 was four-years-old, she and her friend found Sharpies and wrote all over their bodies, their swimming suits, and my friend's brand new IKEA couch (this was before IKEA was in Utah).
SEE!?
Don't blame me if I go crazy for a while, okay?
Pull out the stories, dear reader --tell me about the the worst (or one of the worst) things you found your kid had done in your house (or in your friend's house). I wanna know I'm not alone!
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