Monday, Monday, Today is Monday

I've been really worried about #5's speech, but luckily I visit teach a speech pathologist. We talked for a bit about signs and problems, and when I went home to "test" #5, I was relieved to note that he's fine. Perfectly normal. Two years old. He has several dozen words he speaks and understands everything we say. I'm feeling better. I've been told by others to put him in speech immediately or get his hearing tested, but we're feeling peace about his progress right now. It's nice.

--------

I just did a craft I got at Crafty Wood Cutouts in Orem, and I'm pretty pleased with myself! As you know, I'm not a crafty person, but this one actually turned out well. I'll blog more about it tomorrow!


-----------

Did you know it's almost half way through November? How is that possible!? I'm not one to break out the Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving, but I just remembered that I'm usually pretty good about getting all the gifts, letters, cards, and activities planned before Thanksgiving. Usually. Guess it won't happen this year! Luckily, because of the job change, we're cutting back. The letter/card/photo will be sent online. Gifts will be fewer. Neighborhood gifts are already done! For some reason, I made a bazillion last year and we didn't get them passed out or something --I have a whole bunch already tagged and ready to go in the storage room. Talk about an awesome blessing!

------------

We've been doing Bountiful Baskets for a few months now and we're loving it! (Did I already talk about this??) It's always a crap shoot --you are never really sure what you'll get, but it's been fun to find recipes and new ways to eat all the fruits and veggies we've been getting (mostly in season!). Do you do BB?

-------------

Me + winter + pregnancy = Dry, dry, dry skin. Not fun.

---------------

What my kids have been up to lately:

#1: She did a class report on the Egyptian goddess Bast and received 100%! She's also recently memorized "Carol of the Bells" on the piano, and is learning how hard it is when friendships change (even when they don't necessarily "end"). She got to participate in the Bell Choir during the Primary Program yesterday and recited the Fourth Article of Faith. She's growing up too fast! She only has one more Primary Program (next fall) and then she's off to Young Women.

#2: She gave a talk during the Primary Program in Sacrament Meeting yesterday on my grandfather (his story of reactivation in the LDS church is amazing) and did awesome! She just finished reading the entire Harry Potter series --again (and now she wants something more. I suggested Eragon. Yes, she's 8 years old). She's having a hard time seeing the other girls in our ward exclude her. We don't think it's on purpose, but it still hurts. She still hates to practice piano, but she's steadily making progress.

#3: His writing and reading have improved so well! His numbers and most letters are no longer backwards; he's more confident in his homework. He is still struggling with things like bed wetting and his 4S, and no, we still haven't had him tested for Autism (well, to see if he's on the Spectrum), but that's because we just keep forgetting. I'm not sure if the forgetting is a sign that we shouldn't test him, or if we're lousy parents. Because he's doing so well in everything right now! Even piano lessons. But some days are harder than others. He's a great kid and he tries really hard; it's just tough for him. Great progress: He said his part in the Primary Program yesterday. Memorized! Out loud! INTO THE MICROPHONE! Huzzah!

#4: He is starting to remember all his letters and numbers and can write his name. He's also learned recently to color in the lines! The worst part about #4's intelligence is his desire to play video games all day. Luckily, I can get him to not whine about getting off the video games when I suggest he draws pictures. He still throws tantrums that embarrass his friends, but I think it's because he's 4 years old and his buddies are almost 6. He participated in his first Primary Program yesterday and looked absolutely bored out of his gourd. Too funny!

#5: I already mentioned his speech at the beginning of the blog. What else... oh! He's still napping. For most people, this is normal, but for one of my kids, it most certainly is not! All of my children have stopped, on their own, cold turkey, with a stubbornness that would surprise a mule, taking naps by the age of 2. #5 still takes a good 1-3 hour nap each day and it's great! I've loved it. #5 also loves to pal around with his oldest sister, #1, and wrestle with his brothers.

-----------------

Books I've read/are reading:

The Princess Bride by William Goldman (read it in high school; read it again for book club. Even more awesome the second time!)
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson (also read this before; reading it for book club this month)
To Say Nothing of The Dog by Connie Willis (LOVED IT!)
Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull (finally finishing the series)
Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears (really liked her Silence of God)

What are you reading?

----------------

Recently, I've been learning to sincerely apply and live the following counsel. I can honestly say I feel happier more often because of it!

The lesson here is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.

This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don't close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day's ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. these are they who are truly happy.

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf