So little time, so much to do

I have to admit that yesterday was one of the most useless days of my life. I finished the laundry from the weekend...aaaaaaaaaand, that's it! Luke and I slept in the recliner. We slept on the couch. He even slept in his swing while I rested on the couch. When Rich got home about 9PM, I emptied the dishwasher and showered. I couldn't help feel like a giant loaf, but at the same time - it was AWESOME!!! I think Luke was recovering from a fantastic weekend with lots of cousins, lots of fun, and inconsistent sleep. I must have been recovering from the exhausting drive home (huh?). So as to continue this sleep tradition, I slept for 10 hours last night. But, I was able to drag myself to the shower about 10AM. My sister and I had lunch with our mom, and stopped at the local craft store. We each have 1 year-old boys, and she sits for a teacher who has an 11 month-old girl. So, at the craft store we had two carts, one with Maddux in the front and baby girl in her carseat in the basket. I had Luke in my cart in the front. Talk about a lot of little hands to keep track of! We shopped quickly and headed back home. Luke cried (a lot) because he was tired and needed a bottle - which I forgot the bring. Maddux screamed because Luke was crying. Baby girl cried because she couldn't sleep for all the noise around her. Picture this: 2 Front-facing carseats near each door, 1 rear-facing carseat in the middle, all 3 seats with crying babies. What a sight we were. Another funny image was us at lunch. We decided to go to McDonald's. Since Lacee (sister) and I were already in the car with the three babies, we just invited Mom to hop in and we'd go. So, Lacee drove, I sat in the middle of the front, Mom jumped in the passenger side. Then in the back we had the same scene as above, only without the crying this time. Talk about a full load, we even managed to fill the trunk with groceries before the lunch date ended!! Wow. No wonder the babies were a little cranky! Good times had for all.

Blerd

Well, we made it. I love visiting family, but it's so nice to come home to my own stuff, too. On our way to dinner last night, four of us were chatting about blogging. My husband coined a new term, he called me a "blerd." I am a blogging nerd because I do it so often. I'm okay with that. But the word is so silly I almost giggle out loud when I think of it. So this blerd is done for today...it's great to go away and spend time with family (especially our fam), but there truly is "no place like home."

Always learning.

As you can see, I figured out how to post pictures - YEA!! Today has been so nice...Rich made breakfast burritos (one of his many specialties) and I got to sleep until about 7AM. After the kids got fed and found something to do, the grown-ups decided to play "Settlers of Catan". Somehow, after being busy for an hour or so, 3 of the kids (6 of them in the house) found their way to our game. They not only wanted to see what was going on, but they wanted to play. As you may know, this game is not one conducive to children under about age 10. These three are 6, 3, and 2. The 1-year-old was napping, or he would have been there too. I found that I wasn't actually annoyed, it was humorous to realize that all kids gravitate to adults when adults are trying to do something that kids can't do. I remember hovering around the table while my Mom was trying to hold a meeting or visit with neighbors. As soon as everyone left, I would, too. I admire my sister-in-law for being kind and patient while the kids were wanting to play, too. After a few minutes, the kids actually got bored and left, so the game went on as planned (sort of - I lost, that wasn't planned). I love how curious kids are. Luke will spend so much time wander around a new house or room, or studying a new toy. Isn't it too bad that as we grow and learn, we often lose that innocent curiosity? Imagine how much more enjoyable life would be if we took a few minutes each day to notice and study something new, or look around us and appreciate the details of where we are. I would like to be able to literally stop and smell the roses or find the beauty in a simple photo or piece of art. Well, one thing at a time, I guess. I'll start by enjoying the time I have to spend with my son and husband, as well as extended family...enjoy each moment for what it's worth (priceless).

growing, growing, gone

So I just had another epiphany!! As I watch Luke play and interact with his cousins, I see what a little boy he is...no more baby. He walks around and plays with toys and cousins...what a great moment. I guess that's one of the joys I get to live because I'm the mom. It makes short naps and long cries worth it.

the sun'll come out...tomorrow

So, we safely made our way to Boise. The drive took longer than past times, but I'm sure this will be counted as one the of quickest drives in the future. Rich and his brother had a Tee time today for 2PM. I'm sure they'll have a great time golfing in the SNOW!! We woke up to snow falling this morning and it has yet to stop. Oh well, there's always tomorrow(?). If you need a good giggle or a solid belly laugh, you have to try Guitar Hero on the Wii. Watching Rich was fantastic...not in a rude or making-fun way, but in a thoroughly-enjoy-watching-your-husband-get-his-groove-on way! What a kick in the pants! Even Luke had a good time - he danced to the music. Anyway, it was definitely a good time...more to come, I'm sure.

Well, all morning I thought it was Thursday, even though I knew it was Wednesday becuase I had a hair appointment...sometimes life is so confusing. I had a great time this morning, hair color and cut while Grandma played with Luke. He started getting fussy after about an hour and a half (not bad for a 1-year-old). He cried - no - sobbed all the way home. I think he had a tummy ache. I mention this because the most helpless feeling in the world is knowing your child is in pain and there's absolutely nothing you can do to immediately relieve them. It's a feeling I hate...I don't hate many things (dislike, find repelling, am disgusted by...okay, but not hate), but feeling helpless is absolutely aweful!! Luke is better now (a few gas bubbles and relief came) TMI?! Sorry.

Well, we're packing for a weekend visiting family...I can't believe how much stuff I take (need?) for three days away from home. It's not like I have to packup my entire life and I'm never coming back. Yet, I'm going to try to find a place for the kitchen sink...I'll take suggestions. Ohhhh, what to wear, what to wear! Not only do I over pack for myself, but I think over and over---what if ...what if... what if...Whatever. If Luke messes his clothes, I'll wash them. If Luke spills his food, I'll wash his clothes. If we run out of diapers, we'll go to the store. Why is packing and feeling prepared so much work? Oh well. Good times to come (even if our clothes go flying out of the trunk while traveling 85 mph down the freeway and all the diapers can a tail wind, we'll be fine and have a great time!!). It's not like I haven't forgotten stuff before (makeup, toothbrush...).

Tag...yada yada yada

OK. So Anna sent this to me and because I enjoyed reading her answers, I'll answer them, too. Although I usually read these, I almost never answer and send them on. Oh well, I guess it's my turn to live a little. Here goes (if you'd like a turn please feel free to copy and paste):

1. Were you named after anyone? Nope.

2. When was the last time you cried? Last night? I got a little misty while watching Team Bruno win Dance Wars!! A real cry...not sure.

3. Do you like your handwriting? Most of the time...until I see someone else's writing that is more legible.

4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Roast Beef with Provolone and BBQ sauce.

5. Do you have kids? One for now and he's definitely the best! (Not that I'm biased or anything)

6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Most definitely. I hope I would understand when I didn't call for a while.

7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? More than I should...sometimes it gets a little out of hand. I'm trying to do better.

8. Do you still have your tonsils? No way! I got them out at 25 and haven't missed them since.

9. Would you bungee jump? There was a time...that time has passed.

10. What is your favorite cereal? That's a tough one...most any kind that kids like (Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, Fruit Loops, Waffle Crisp, I even like Count Chocula)

11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?Most of the time. I usually have to in order to get them off.

12. Do you think you are strong? Muscles - no. Heart - Yes. Soul - growing stronger everyday.

13. What is your favorite ice cream? Hands down - Chocolate Marshmallow, but no one makes it anymore, so now it would be Strawberry with real strawberries.

14. What is the first thing you notice about people? I don't know. Maybe their eyes or if they seem happy.

15. Red or pink? I like a deep, true red. I like a bright pink. But never together.

16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? I love my lips! I also love that I don't usually just listen to music, but I feel it - it's hard to explain.

17. Who do you miss the most? While I still see him a few times a month, I miss my Dad. I miss hanging out in the barn watching him putter. I miss driving for hours talking at him and knowing that although he doesn't say much, he is listening. I miss having him ask me to help with the horses or cows or fences or cleaning his truck. He's probably my favorite person in the whole world (don't tell my husband, but he's a close second)!

18. I don't have a question

19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Medium wash jeans and mocassin slippers

20. Have you ever re-gifted? yep.

21. What are you listening to right now? Gone With the Wind and Luke's swing music while he swings to sleep.

22. If you were a crayon what colour would you be? Violet (purple). The color of royalty and a color full of passion.

23. Favorite smells? Diesel fuel, campfire, a dirt road in teh summer, clean babies, fresh-baked bread, a clean house.

24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? A telemarketer. Before that I spoke to a fellow teacher who shared a fantastic idea with me!!

25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Of course! I'm counting down the hours until we see each other...47 1/2 (ish).

26. Favorite sports to watch? Hmmm. I don't know that I have a favorite, but I enjoy watching a close football game, and intense basketball game, or a rallying volleyball game. I also enjoy a rodeo where the competition is tough. I'd rather play than watch!

27...28...29 What's with this numbering?

30. Favorite food? Oh my, so many choices. I LOVE homemade macaroni and cheese with tomato juice. I LOVE Pepsi with Lime. But I really like most foods that I don't have to cook myself (no veggies...yuck!).

31. Scary movies or happy endings? I used to love scary movies; now I find them roo realistic. I don't see enough happy endings in real life, so I look for them in movies.

32. Last movie you watched? I'm watching Gone with the Wind, but I'm not really enjoying it. I rececntly watched A Knight's Tale. I liked it.

33. What color shirt are you wearing? White In-N-Out Burger Tee

34. Summer or winter? Summer for sure...until September then it's a relief to have the cool nights.

35. Hugs or kisses? Hugs. I have several friends whose wives dislike me because I still hug them (appropriately, of course).

36. Favorite dessert? Depends...do I have to make it? Chocolate fondue with lots of dippables.

39. What book are you reading now? I just finished Twisted. I haven't found a new one to start yet.

40. What is on your mousepad? I don't have one.

41. What did you watch on TV last night? Dance Wars: Bruno vs. CarrieAnn and the news.

42. Favorite sound? The school bell at the end of the day on Friday!! and the garage door going up when Rich comes home.

43. Rolling stones or Beatles? I used to like the Beatles. I tolerate the Rolling Stones. Neither is a favorite choice.

44. What is the furthest you have been from home? Italy or France...I'd love to see Switzerland.

45. Do you have a special talent? I can play the piano...I don't know if that's special, but I'm glad I have it. I can also say the alphabet backwards.

46. Where were you born? Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wow. That's all I have to say for now. I'm not sure how to pass this along, so I won't.

Here's the more

So, Rich won a fabulous Kitchen-Aid standing mixer at his work recently. It has sat in our living room for nearly two weeks while we debated whether or not to return it and get something else or keep it and see how often it gets used...like many other appliances we own, I say I'll use it often, but somehow time slips by and it only gets used once or twice a year (i.e., waffle iron, fondue pot, crepe maker, rice cooker, deep fryer, sandwich maker, hand mixer, and the list goes on). But, I must have convinced him that it would be useful because when I mentioned that I was going to make cookies, he got the box from the living room and opened it, saying, "should we see how it works?!" He sounded almost excited (you have to know Rich and his lack of emotional expression). I dumped the ingredients according to the recipe - I know there are many of you who can make cookies in you sleep, I however, am not one of you, so I must follow the recipe, closely. While I'm on the thought of following the recipe closely, I must admit that I was so excited to try this fantastic gadget, and I had a wonderful audience of two, that I forgot to add 1/4 Cup of butter...oops. I would love to be able to say that this is highly unusual...but, (big pause and a sigh) it's not. I often get ahead of myself and leave out or add incorrect amounts of key ingredients. Well, back to today's cookie adventure: The cookies worked. They turned out flat (flatter and more sleek that the new MacBook) with bumps of chocolate chips. Rich mentioned as he was eating a cookie, that "I know Ghiradelli chocolate chips are supposed to be better because they don't melt, but I like the chocolate chips to melt in cookies." Oh. That's why people use them, because they don't melt? I can assure you I will not be purchasing this brand anymore! I tasted the cookies...they good, a little crunchy, but good. (golly I wish I had a picture...on second thought, I'm not sure this batch of cookies is the one I want to be remembered for) I'm even going to be brave (or offensive) and give a few to some friends tomorrow morning. (just for giggles, I tell you about a previous adventure in cookie making. When I was in high school (you'll know how sad this is as you near the end of the story), my younger sister and I made chocolate chip cookies. Not realizing that order and mixing mattered, we dumped all the ingredients in the bowl and baked a batch. Well, a great rule of thumb for us is: if Dad won't eat it, it's BAD!! As our cookies were pulled out of the oven we noticed that each one looked like a miniature cowpie (kind of runny and brown). Well, Dad gave one a try...needless to say the rest of the batch was put directly into the trash. You'd think I'd learn, but somehow I keep hoping to get a good batch...) My sister and I still laugh about this...hysterically!

I know this is getting long, but I have to tell you that I am SO excited. A couple of friends and I are getting pedicures tomorrow. Last month we went to breakfast - just for fun - without kids! This month we decided to pamper ourselves a little...I'll let you know how our little feet turn out!

Getting it together

So, here I am, enjoying a Sunday afternoon at home with my family. I finished an exciting project last night. I found a great farm puzzle for Luke. With 1000 pieces, I figured I could have it put together before I went back to school (two weeks). I DID IT IN 3 DAYS!!! Now, it's glued together and ready for a frame and nail. I thought it would be a great addition to Luke's wall. YEAH!!

More to come...

Epiphany

So I was satching Crook & Chase this morning. They often feature country music stars. I'm not up-to-date on who's who, but one of the performers sang a song that really struck a chord with me. I don't remember the title or any specific words. I do remember the message. As the song goes along, a little boy says a four-letter word. When his dad asks where he learned that, the little boy replies: I've been watching you. The little boy wanted to be just like his dad and he watched everything he'd done. The song continued and the little boy kneeled down at bed time to say a sweet, sincere prayer. He had learned this from his dad, as well. As the performer sang, I had an epiphany: children watch adults. If I want my son to do good things, make good choices, and be a good person, I have to be his example first. AAAAAAlelluia!!

digging out

Well, after the last storm, Rich was able to find the driveway again. And, something odd was on the porch this morning...yellow snow...no footprints...hmmm. Oh well. I'm so glad I didn't have to go anywhere yesterday or this morning. I do have to admit a little disappointment: My school district delayed school for 2 hours this morning. I'm fairly confident this will never happen again in my teaching career. That means I missed out on the one time I could be late for work without any repercussions...oh wait...I'm off track - I don't have to leave my pajamas for three weeks if I choose. My back porch looks so serene and peaceful. It's covered in a perfect blanket of snow. As I look beyond the porch into the backyard, I'm reminded of...of...hmmm...the wilderness. The beauty of nature covered in snow. Then I see the fence and I know that under that beautiful blanket of snow is a backyard full of wild weeds and dirt ready to be tamed this spring. That was the plan last spring, we'll see what happens this year. The nice thing about snow is it covers all the ugliness of winter...that's now winter is bearable to me.

what to do, what to do...

It seems that another day has come and gone. Intended to stay home and putter around the house. Instead, I has lunch with my mom, stopped by work for a few minutes, and used a shovel (NOT a snow shovel) to chip away the 3 inches of packed snow/ice from my driveway. I can't believe just how invigorating pounding a shovel into packed snow can be. The more I chipped away, the more I wanted to keep working. My baby was napping, so I could work as long as he didn't wake up. I got about half of the driveway cleared; of course, it was my husband's half, rather than mine.

A few thoughts about Valentine's Day. I used to consider Valentine's Day an especially important holiday for whatever relationship I was in at the time. Since being married, things have changed. We celebrate Valentine's Day by going to dinner somewhere out of the ordinary. We don't buy gifts, we don't buy cards, we don't buy flowers (Rich does - notice that we don't). Together we decided that whatever gifts we would buy each other are probably junk and/of silly; cards are a waste of paper and money ($4.00?!); roses die (so he buys daisies instead). Maybe we're boring. Maybe we're cheap. I prefer to think of it like this: The $20-40 I would spend and the $30-50 he would spend on gifts and cards and flowers will pay for dinner and a babysitter - or something really fun like Boondock's or bowling. The only time I feel slightly left out is when I am in the store looking at the "promotional" aisle wondering what Rich will buy for me; then I remember...he won't. As I move along the aisle I remind myself that candy makes me fat and I would rather spend my money in a fun way than on novelty items for St. Valentine (who massacred a bunch of people a long time ago...why does he get a holiday anyway?).

small miracles...

Luke had his one-year check up today. After spending some time at the mall with Aunt Lacee, Luke had managed to end up in the car with two binkies MIA. Upon arrival at the doctor's office, it dawned on me that Luke would be getting shots today and a binkie is a must. I mentioned to the nurse and she said she would get a sucker for him to pacificy himself with (great, thanks!!). Shortly after the nurse left, I remembered dropping a binkie in a pocket last week and thinking "I'll stick this in an unusual place so that I'll have one in an emergency." While getting shots isn't exactly an emergency, it's close. I checked the hidden pocket, and what to my surprise...a binkie - just in time for the doctor to arrive. Luke did fabulous with his checkup and only cried for a few seconds after his shots - thanks to his binkie!!

Thank Heaven for small miracles!!

worth it?

This morning I'm sitting in my kitchen listening to the rigorous sounds of a drill. My husband is putting locks on our cupboard doors to keep our son out of them. For the last hour he has grunted, groaned, moaned, "arg"ed, "hmpf"ed, and "awww"ed. In that time he has managed to put locks on three doors. Initially I had 7 doors that I insisted having locks on. Now that the kitchen is done, we've both agreed just to shut the bathroom doors rather than add locks to the cupboards. Amazing how the ideal is quickly modified with a small dose of frustration (and reality). I guess the important thing is that Luke stays out of harm (regardless of how that's managed).

So, today is my first day off track. I was able to make pancakes for breakfast, clean the bathrooms, and enjoy the morning news (thanks to Luke for getting me up at 6 A.M.). I still have several things to accomplish today - including a 1-year checkup for Luke, and a snack delivery to the neighbor's. I can't believe how much time I feel like I have when I don't go to work...I think I could get used to this. My goal for this off-track is: organize and clean my office. Right now it looks like a tornado touched down and managed to only do damage in that one room of the house. Because it's such an eye sore, I keep the door closed. I can't seem to find the motivation to begin this daunting task...I think it might take a little push from an outside source (and a giant trash bin) to meet this goal in less than three weeks. I'm staying positive and I'm going to try something everyday!!

I guess we'll see what the rest of the day brings.

thoughts...

So, my baby turned 1 yesterday. I think that means he's officially a toddler. I'm not completely sure how I'm supposed to feel about that...I am excited to see Luke grow and learn, but I find it a little intimidating that, as his Mother, I am responsible for his healthy growth and what he learns (good and bad).



On another topic, I sat is church today listening to the lesson. It focused on the attributes of Christ and our emulation of those attributes. I truly felt peace as I listened. We ended with a favorite hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". As is often the case, I sang with heartfelt voice through the second verse. As the third verse began, I was so overcome with emotion that I was only able to hum and ponder on the words is the song. Specifically the words of the fourth verse stand out, "He lives! All glory to His name! He live, my Savior still the same. Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!" This phrase is repeated as the melody changes. I have always found it difficult to put words to my feelings; but the simple words to this song seem to be exactly how I feel. I have played the piano since I was 8. This song is one that has always been a part of me. As I played a beautiful arrangement of this hymn at a friend's church I was again, overcome with emotion and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that comes with knowledge. One thing for sure, I can never deny my knowledge of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and His love for me.



Well, having said all that, I hope I can share my love of the Lord with my son, Luke. Sharing my knowledge with my child(ren?) may one of the most difficult things for me to do verbally. I am coming to realize that I can share this knowledge through the musical talent I have been blessed with. In this way, I hope to give Luke the security of knowing that he is loved by earthly parents, as well as, a Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.



Going back to Luke's birthday, I'll share a few pics - he really dug into the cake!!

First time for everything

I have several family members who have their own blog...being one who likes to try things, here's mine. I want to start with a disclaimer that I teach Kindergarten and have one son. You may only see things on this blog about children under 6. I'm hoping the Cave of Wonders will help me vent a little about school stuff...as my ever-patient husband has heard it all (several times) and doesn't complain but has started tuning out my yakking.

I love all my students (just as you love your children), but there are times when I want to pull my hair out (just as you love your children). I also have a few students who are challenging in ways I'm still learning to cope with...I don't handle defiance well...guess what, I have a often-defiant student. Keep in mind these kids are 5 and 6 years old, but there are times when I wonder if their parents forget that.

Just imagine...it's 17 degrees outside, the snow is falling - no swirling - all around. You drive your Kindergartener to school, but forget to grab your child's coat and backpack!! I understand that sometimes you might walk out without your head if it wasn't attached, but your five-year-old can't completely fend for himself yet...HELLO!! Having said that, I will be the first to admit to forgetting important things. But by January, wouldn't a coat and backpack be habit?!

Anyway...I guess we all have our moments...I'm sure mine will be more pronounced when I have a Kindergartener and other children to love before school each morning. Patience is truly a virtue - I'm still practicing.