I really need a bigger house! Levi and Erika have each had a friend over for most of the day which has left our home feeling a bit like Jr. High. The girls secretly have crushes on the boys (3 of Erika's good friends have a crush on Levi if my girly monitor reads right) and the boys play it for all they are worth.
Erika and Jenneka were minding their own business, playing music loud enough that they couldn't hear the rest of the house, curling their hair and yes, still in their pajamas when Levi and Chad decided to start sneaking stuff under the door. When the girls caught on they put a blanket in front of the door so the boys used a tape measure (stiff enough to go under the blanket) and still managed to bug them. As the girls quickly swung the door open Chad yelled "ahhh" spitting cracker all over the hallway and into Erika's room. Suddenly they all sounded like a pack of hyenas rolling on the floor and laughing hysterically, all the while the girls insisting they were "totally grossed out" and Chad still spewing ABC cracker all over himself.
Next step for the boys was stealing stuff from Erika's room - nothing of value, just a slipper, Jenneka's clothes that Erika had been borrowing, jewelry - all just fun and games. The girls proceeded to run down to Levi's room and steal Levi's remote control car. I couldn't help but laugh as Levi and Chad went running through the kitchen to save the car, Levi wearing a tall purple witches hat, and Chad clutching his shirt which was stuffed with who knows what. The girls quickly retreated to the girly room and the boys decided to sneak outside and bang on their window. When the girls left the room the boys knew they were in trouble. The girls quickly locked the back door, then the front and high-fived each other as both boys slid around the side of the house (straight ice out there) and Levi pushed Chad into the snow (about 4 feet of it). Once again the hysterical laughing.
This story could go on all night (as it feels like it already has having lived it and now typing it) but I will jump to the dramatic win which the boys took over the girls causing me to step in and rescue the girls - at least their emotions before the crying started.
Levi found Erika's stash of letters from her friends - including those from boys - while hiding in her closet waiting to scare her. He stuffed a handful of letters into his pockets, ran out of her room and retreated to the boy zone (Levi's room). As the girls were outside his door Chad started quoting from one of the letters and wow - this was no longer fun or funny . . . the boys had crossed the line. After hearing the girls banging on the door, yelling threats and stomping for a few minutes I could tell I better step in. I sent the girls upstairs, went in to talk to the boys (they know better than to not open the door for me - I feed them) retrieved all of the 'stuff' that had been taken and banished both teams to their kingdoms for a time out.
Shortly after the time out and enough time for the girls to remember they like the boys and could forgive them, they all got together and decided to walk to Hollywood to get videos. We have had peace for the space of 2 hours and soon they will be home. Then another battle will begin as the foursome works out which movie to watch first - the chic flic or the action movie. Once again I will probably have to intervene - just so that Nathan will be able to sleep. At least we have chips and salsa, cookies and drinks keep their mouths full and hopefully quiet during movie time.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Water Aerobics and Pizza
Today was my first day back to water aerobics. I know that some people think this is a wimpy way to exercise but at 6 months pregnant it is anything but wimpy to get up at 6am, warm up a vehicle at 7 degrees (no garage mind you) put on a bathing suit, and work out with water working against you. (Dad could also give testimony that it is a good workout - way to go Dad!) My favorite part of 'pregnant' water aerobics is first getting into the water and feeling my belly lift off my legs and hips - ahh the relief. I also love being able to do a workout that I feel somewhat normal doing, not waddling or trying to do things that a pregnant body just can't do (like the pilates that I also love).
When we first started this morning, one of the guys (who is in his early 30's and just got engaged over Thanksgiving) informed us that his family - consisting of 8 people - all pitched in $100 and they all have 8 weeks to see who can lose the most weight. The person who wins gets the whole $800 and he really wants it so that they have the money for their honeymoon in March. Once the instructor heard that, as well as 2 others who are in competitions to lose weight, she really upped the workout. Though my arms and legs were tired and a little sore afterward it felt great to stretch and work my muscles without aggravating my hips and knees.
Later in the day Nathan and I made a quick trip to HomeDepot in Idaho Falls to pick up materials, another trip to the bank about our construction loan, another visit with the CPA and we were both wiped out. I turned off all the phones and we both had a much needed nap.
For dinner tonight I decided to surprise the boys. They have wanted to make homemade pizza's for quite a while and I kept putting it off. I decided to get the Pillsbury Pizza Dough so that I didn't have to make it (yes, lazy I know), and all of their favorite toppings. I set it all on the table and told them they were in charge of dinner. I couldn't believe how excited they were about making dinner - I should try this more often. Justin was quite good at stretching out the dough to fit the pan, he cut all the pineapple and stuck with the job the whole time - he was focused on getting to the eating part. He was also good to let me have a corner of his pizza to make mine with green peppers, onions and zuchinni. Nathan helped by stealing most of the pineapples and picking in the cheese. Derek and Levi made a mess of their dough though they seemed to have fun doing it and snitched in all the toppings while making their pizza. I don't know how they could still be hungry for pizza after eating a pizza worth of toppings. When theirs was finished cooking they took it out, ate immediately and both burned their mouths. In the end it was more expensive to make these pizza's (mostly the cost of cheese!) than it would have been to pick up Hot-n-Ready's but the pictures wouldn't have been nearly as fun - or the kitchen as big of a mess. Sometimes the mess is worth it!
As for Erika she is at a friends house probably giggling, running around in her jammies and doing all that girly stuff (stinking up the house with fingernail polish, daydreaming and gabbing about "oh my gosh, so hot" boys and listening to music that I'm "to old fashioned to like"). The boys were glad she was going to be at her friends house after having all the girly giggling going on for several days at our house over the Christmas vacation. I must admit I'd rather watch the boys make a mess of the kitchen doing pizza's and wrestling around than monitoring the girls. I never did like all that teenage girly stuff - even when I was one - so putting on a smile and pretending to understand because I am female is just more work. I'm so glad my mom understood me in this area when I was a teenager (she was a little the same way) and she let me hang out with the guys. It's a good thing Erika and I have a love of books and piano music in common - I wouldn't know what to do with her otherwise.
LeRoy is staying late to help our soon-to-be neighbors wire in their house. He played basketball the last 2 nights (2 hours each night) and is walking a little sore now, almost waddling just like me. He keeps telling me he is getting old but he sure doesn't slow down any. I wish I had his energy and constant, positive, cheerful attitude. I'm so blessed to have him!
Well, the boys finally have the kitchen cleaned up so we're going to go watch a movie. It is a 'no-girls-allowed movie night'. I love it that I'm still invited.
When we first started this morning, one of the guys (who is in his early 30's and just got engaged over Thanksgiving) informed us that his family - consisting of 8 people - all pitched in $100 and they all have 8 weeks to see who can lose the most weight. The person who wins gets the whole $800 and he really wants it so that they have the money for their honeymoon in March. Once the instructor heard that, as well as 2 others who are in competitions to lose weight, she really upped the workout. Though my arms and legs were tired and a little sore afterward it felt great to stretch and work my muscles without aggravating my hips and knees.
Later in the day Nathan and I made a quick trip to HomeDepot in Idaho Falls to pick up materials, another trip to the bank about our construction loan, another visit with the CPA and we were both wiped out. I turned off all the phones and we both had a much needed nap.
For dinner tonight I decided to surprise the boys. They have wanted to make homemade pizza's for quite a while and I kept putting it off. I decided to get the Pillsbury Pizza Dough so that I didn't have to make it (yes, lazy I know), and all of their favorite toppings. I set it all on the table and told them they were in charge of dinner. I couldn't believe how excited they were about making dinner - I should try this more often. Justin was quite good at stretching out the dough to fit the pan, he cut all the pineapple and stuck with the job the whole time - he was focused on getting to the eating part. He was also good to let me have a corner of his pizza to make mine with green peppers, onions and zuchinni. Nathan helped by stealing most of the pineapples and picking in the cheese. Derek and Levi made a mess of their dough though they seemed to have fun doing it and snitched in all the toppings while making their pizza. I don't know how they could still be hungry for pizza after eating a pizza worth of toppings. When theirs was finished cooking they took it out, ate immediately and both burned their mouths. In the end it was more expensive to make these pizza's (mostly the cost of cheese!) than it would have been to pick up Hot-n-Ready's but the pictures wouldn't have been nearly as fun - or the kitchen as big of a mess. Sometimes the mess is worth it!
As for Erika she is at a friends house probably giggling, running around in her jammies and doing all that girly stuff (stinking up the house with fingernail polish, daydreaming and gabbing about "oh my gosh, so hot" boys and listening to music that I'm "to old fashioned to like"). The boys were glad she was going to be at her friends house after having all the girly giggling going on for several days at our house over the Christmas vacation. I must admit I'd rather watch the boys make a mess of the kitchen doing pizza's and wrestling around than monitoring the girls. I never did like all that teenage girly stuff - even when I was one - so putting on a smile and pretending to understand because I am female is just more work. I'm so glad my mom understood me in this area when I was a teenager (she was a little the same way) and she let me hang out with the guys. It's a good thing Erika and I have a love of books and piano music in common - I wouldn't know what to do with her otherwise.
LeRoy is staying late to help our soon-to-be neighbors wire in their house. He played basketball the last 2 nights (2 hours each night) and is walking a little sore now, almost waddling just like me. He keeps telling me he is getting old but he sure doesn't slow down any. I wish I had his energy and constant, positive, cheerful attitude. I'm so blessed to have him!
Well, the boys finally have the kitchen cleaned up so we're going to go watch a movie. It is a 'no-girls-allowed movie night'. I love it that I'm still invited.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Ahhh Sleep! (and other stuff)
This morning deserves a happy post! After almost 3 weeks of ending up on the couch by 2am I made it a full night in my bed. Ohh, did I wake up feeling great! I did have a brief potty break at 1:30 but went back to bed and slept until time for scriptures this morning. Sleep, scriptures, breakfast . . . it's going to be a good day. The stuff that I can get done before 10am is great when I am well rested! I'm showered before noon, have 3 loads of laundry done (2 of which are folded!), the kitchen is cleaned up and Nathan and I have had reading and cuddle time. Ahh sweet sleep!!
There are a few other things going on in life though . . . here's a quick review:
We hadn't seen our dog for a few days so the kids went out looking for her, and found her - frozen. Last Labor Day a good section of our back fence burned in the shed fire that we had so she has kind of been the neighborhood dog since then. Originally we thought someone called and had her picked up by animal control but it looks like she was hit by one of the big construction trucks that are constantly going in our back field. They are building 6 townhomes back there and she (the dog) had no trouble wandering around there while they were working. LeRoy didn't want to put the dog on her chain all the time so . . . we no longer have a dog. I thought I would rejoice over that but I must admit I had a little sad moment. It wasn't for the mess in the backyard, the holes she dug, the vegetables she stole from the garden, the hoses she ate or the barking but because Nathan was really cute with her and I guess she was kind of a security for me. Nathan would stand at the window and call her name and make jumping motions to her and she would run in circles to chase her tail and play with him. Anytime a car came into the driveway she was like the pre-doorbell to let me know someone was there and when LeRoy was gone overnight it was nice to know she was out there. So I guess this is a little dedication to Sadie the dog - who will not be replaced. There could be a couple of meanings for that and I'm thinking we are not getting another dog! Enough of the obituaries. (** so wierd that while I was typing this paragraph the neighbors black lab walked past the downstairs window - it kind threw me off a little thinking it was Sadie - they always wandered around together and looked just alike**). OK - really no more dog stories.
Yesterday was very productive for me even tho' I was so tired. With it being a new year I had to close out one year for our business and start all new folders for a new year. Also the taxes come with that, W2's for the employees and really making sure everything is in order. Long story could be told here but the short of it is that I spent about 6 hours in the office yesterday, called our loan officer (for the house) 3 times to clarify stuff, and talked with our CPA twice. I really felt like I was at work and then I had to run Levi to Idaho Falls to the orthodontist and the day started to feel really long. (A great surprise came for me when I got home and Erika, Derek and Justin had done a spectacular job cleaning the house and a neighbor brought me a bowl of my favorite homemade soup.) I do love what I do in the office and get great satisfaction when I have all these files in order and figure out stuff that makes me stretch (even tho at the time the stretching is just stressing).
This may seem a little weird to some but for me it has been exciting. At age 35 I must have hit a midlife crisis and for the first time in my life I had highlights done in my hair. I did it without LeRoy knowing because he is a little opinionated on the subject. I felt like I had shiny hair and that even pulling it back it looked cute because of the highlights. LeRoy didn't seem to notice for the first day so Erika pointed it out but he didn't say much. Then the 2nd time I had thicker highlights with a bit lighter color so that it was a little more noticeable. When LeRoy got home that night (warning: no long G rating) he said "I love your hair, you look so hot I want to attack you right here, right now". As the kissing started our kids were all grossed out and I had to get back to making dinner but it was a great uplift for me. So that really isn't what I meant to write about but it leads me to say that I really like my hair stylist and she has helped me to find products that really do tame the frizz that I suffer from. (I suddenly feel like my sisters who inherited the same said frizz just perked up for more info). She gave me 'Big Sexy Hair', which Levi gives me a bad time about, and Matrix Sleek Look #3. I can even leave my hair wet and then blowdry it later and I don't have the frizz. You can't imagine how great this is for me when I need to run kids to school and I haven't had time to blowdry. So at 36 I have finally discovered how to take care of my hair. If you want to know how I use the products give me a call - I won't bore the rest with the details.
Books, books, books - only I haven't started the book that I should be reading for Bookgroup.
Book #1: I got a late Christmas surprise from LeRoy's sister Robin. She sent me a book in the mail (Daughters of God by Michael Wilcox) and I was quite excited about it. I have borrowed the book from Kara a couple of times and had considered buying it so when it came in the mail I was excited. The interesting part is that Robin has had it for quite a while and I don't know why she chose now to send it. It actually belonged to LeRoy's mom who passed away 7 years ago.
Book #2: I am proud to report that my daughter (who seems to be nothing like me) just finished Celia Garth last night. She loved it and wanted to stay up last night until she finished it. Boy was she surprised when I told her she could, even on a school night. So to Grandma and all of my sisters (who I think each own a copy, including myself) . . . Erika is officially one of us.
Book #3: As I was browsing Deseret Book I found one that I am going to give to a friend for her birthday. It may seem silly that I would give her a children's book but we have kind of a silly relationship. It is actually a great book and I'm going to use it for FHE one of these January weeks. Oh - maybe I should tell you what it is. The Quiltmakers Journey. There is also a 2nd one (that was actually written first) called The Quiltmakers Gift but I haven't read that one - just the reviews that it is also very good.
Book #4: I just finished Anne Frank Remembered. I was looking for baby name books at the library and this was stuck in the wrong place so I brought it home. I really can't tell you why other than it interested me that it was written by the lady that helped to hide the Frank family and that Erika had just read the Anne Frank Diary for school. I couldn't put it down. It was very simply written and left me feeling like there are really good people in this world. I was amazed at what humans can do when they care.
Wow - this is getting alot longer than I intended it to be. Maybe I better quit for today.
There are a few other things going on in life though . . . here's a quick review:
We hadn't seen our dog for a few days so the kids went out looking for her, and found her - frozen. Last Labor Day a good section of our back fence burned in the shed fire that we had so she has kind of been the neighborhood dog since then. Originally we thought someone called and had her picked up by animal control but it looks like she was hit by one of the big construction trucks that are constantly going in our back field. They are building 6 townhomes back there and she (the dog) had no trouble wandering around there while they were working. LeRoy didn't want to put the dog on her chain all the time so . . . we no longer have a dog. I thought I would rejoice over that but I must admit I had a little sad moment. It wasn't for the mess in the backyard, the holes she dug, the vegetables she stole from the garden, the hoses she ate or the barking but because Nathan was really cute with her and I guess she was kind of a security for me. Nathan would stand at the window and call her name and make jumping motions to her and she would run in circles to chase her tail and play with him. Anytime a car came into the driveway she was like the pre-doorbell to let me know someone was there and when LeRoy was gone overnight it was nice to know she was out there. So I guess this is a little dedication to Sadie the dog - who will not be replaced. There could be a couple of meanings for that and I'm thinking we are not getting another dog! Enough of the obituaries. (** so wierd that while I was typing this paragraph the neighbors black lab walked past the downstairs window - it kind threw me off a little thinking it was Sadie - they always wandered around together and looked just alike**). OK - really no more dog stories.
Yesterday was very productive for me even tho' I was so tired. With it being a new year I had to close out one year for our business and start all new folders for a new year. Also the taxes come with that, W2's for the employees and really making sure everything is in order. Long story could be told here but the short of it is that I spent about 6 hours in the office yesterday, called our loan officer (for the house) 3 times to clarify stuff, and talked with our CPA twice. I really felt like I was at work and then I had to run Levi to Idaho Falls to the orthodontist and the day started to feel really long. (A great surprise came for me when I got home and Erika, Derek and Justin had done a spectacular job cleaning the house and a neighbor brought me a bowl of my favorite homemade soup.) I do love what I do in the office and get great satisfaction when I have all these files in order and figure out stuff that makes me stretch (even tho at the time the stretching is just stressing).
This may seem a little weird to some but for me it has been exciting. At age 35 I must have hit a midlife crisis and for the first time in my life I had highlights done in my hair. I did it without LeRoy knowing because he is a little opinionated on the subject. I felt like I had shiny hair and that even pulling it back it looked cute because of the highlights. LeRoy didn't seem to notice for the first day so Erika pointed it out but he didn't say much. Then the 2nd time I had thicker highlights with a bit lighter color so that it was a little more noticeable. When LeRoy got home that night (warning: no long G rating) he said "I love your hair, you look so hot I want to attack you right here, right now". As the kissing started our kids were all grossed out and I had to get back to making dinner but it was a great uplift for me. So that really isn't what I meant to write about but it leads me to say that I really like my hair stylist and she has helped me to find products that really do tame the frizz that I suffer from. (I suddenly feel like my sisters who inherited the same said frizz just perked up for more info). She gave me 'Big Sexy Hair', which Levi gives me a bad time about, and Matrix Sleek Look #3. I can even leave my hair wet and then blowdry it later and I don't have the frizz. You can't imagine how great this is for me when I need to run kids to school and I haven't had time to blowdry. So at 36 I have finally discovered how to take care of my hair. If you want to know how I use the products give me a call - I won't bore the rest with the details.
Books, books, books - only I haven't started the book that I should be reading for Bookgroup.
Book #1: I got a late Christmas surprise from LeRoy's sister Robin. She sent me a book in the mail (Daughters of God by Michael Wilcox) and I was quite excited about it. I have borrowed the book from Kara a couple of times and had considered buying it so when it came in the mail I was excited. The interesting part is that Robin has had it for quite a while and I don't know why she chose now to send it. It actually belonged to LeRoy's mom who passed away 7 years ago.
Book #2: I am proud to report that my daughter (who seems to be nothing like me) just finished Celia Garth last night. She loved it and wanted to stay up last night until she finished it. Boy was she surprised when I told her she could, even on a school night. So to Grandma and all of my sisters (who I think each own a copy, including myself) . . . Erika is officially one of us.
Book #3: As I was browsing Deseret Book I found one that I am going to give to a friend for her birthday. It may seem silly that I would give her a children's book but we have kind of a silly relationship. It is actually a great book and I'm going to use it for FHE one of these January weeks. Oh - maybe I should tell you what it is. The Quiltmakers Journey. There is also a 2nd one (that was actually written first) called The Quiltmakers Gift but I haven't read that one - just the reviews that it is also very good.
Book #4: I just finished Anne Frank Remembered. I was looking for baby name books at the library and this was stuck in the wrong place so I brought it home. I really can't tell you why other than it interested me that it was written by the lady that helped to hide the Frank family and that Erika had just read the Anne Frank Diary for school. I couldn't put it down. It was very simply written and left me feeling like there are really good people in this world. I was amazed at what humans can do when they care.
Wow - this is getting alot longer than I intended it to be. Maybe I better quit for today.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Where can I turn for Peace? (or at least quiet)
I think this little guy had a growth spurt over night! Suddenly my belly seems to be crawling up my chest and I feel like I need to lean back even more when sitting. I am also constantly reminded that I can't bend over. Today all I can think about my elephant size is that I'm glad I don't have an elephant length pregnancy!
After having everyone home for the Christmas break I realize again that my house is too small and crowded for a family of 7 with two 6' guests, my family is very loud, and I am a person who needs a little quiet time now and then. Today I went to Deseret Book to use my gift certificate from LeRoy and ended up just sitting in a comfy chair to read and soak in the quiet, calm atmosphere for a while. Then I got home to walk in on alot of noise, a toddler that should have been down for a nap but was woken up only 20 minutes into it, a kitchen that looked like a tornado had hit and had popcorn all over the floor. The popcorn actually came from Erika and her friend who 'blew up the bag when it opened' and they were also the ones who woke up Nathan. Amazing how you can put two 14 year old girls together and they run around the house giggling and making a mess like they are 4 year olds again.
To give Nathan and I a little peace I am sending LeRoy and the kids (as well as the 24 yr old who is staying for a couple of daysand happens to be louder than LeRoy) to see the "Bee Movie". That should give me time to get Nathan to bed, clean up this disaster house a little and maybe do a little reading. If all I do is get Nathan to bed and then sit and listen to silence it will be well worth it.
Now on to my New Year's Resolutions. I did make a few and they are very realistic. For example:
1 - Lose weight . . . I should be able to accomplish that around March 21st and shortly after
2 - Build a house . . . there is a whole crew working on that
3 - Move . . . inevitable
4 - Not lose my mind/temper/sanity . . . taking meds from the midwife
My physical body and spirit can't handle much more. I do have a couple of things written down but I also decided with that to not beat myself up trying to get it done so I guess my goal for 2008 is to survive.
As I just read through this post I realize that I really must be tired. Sleep deprivation and lack of solitute is leaving me in a little cloud of . . . hmmm . . . I don't know, just a little grey, moody cloud.
I guess today the blog title fits. Another day done . . . "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it". Thank you Anne Shirley. (I guess I could have tried the "Glad Game" but I was too tired to play).
Monday, December 31, 2007
That Darn Cat
Does anyone want her?? So here's the deal . . . she is a great indoor cat, actually terrified of the outdoors since being hit by a truck 3 years ago. We actually took her to the vet to have her put down and he gave her a shot of steriods instead and said she would either die or bounce back. She's still here.
Usually I really like my cat. She's not an in-your-face pet, she is usually quite invisible but cuddly when I need her to be. No kittens in the future is a great plus. The last week has changed things. We haven't had weather warmer than 26 degrees since the 24th of December, lots of snow and wind and she won't go outside (she even has her own door to get out). I can't really say that I blame her for not wanting to go outside in the middle of the night to dig and hole, squat her bare hinney and run back in but hey - I'm the human she is just a cat. So I have been up the last 3 nights playing this dumb game to catch her and put her out, blocking her cat door with a block and then enduring her whining outside and banging the door against the block until she finally realizes that she is out for the rest of the night and climbs up the decorative well in our front yard to sleep. Believe it or not, the dog is not even an issue. I have actually seen the dog (black lab) sitting in the driveway watching the cat do this stupid nightly routine. What really made me mad last night is that I had to open a window to take out a screen so that she wouldn't rip it to shreds (which she did last year over this same issue!)
Ok - while I'm complaining about the creature let me tell you what she did to me during my last pregnancy. We had a couple of mice get into our house and she quickly let me know they were there . . . in the middle of the night of course. She would corner them but not catch them. Here I am big, pregnant, heartburn and all catching a mouse in the middle of the night. Then I would take the mouse outside to the dog for her to kill it. We only had the 2 mice and never saw signs of more but wow . . . what a useless cat!
So now that I'm done complaining I'm looking forward to my nap while Nathan is sleeping. I'll probably cuddle up with none other than . . . the cat! After all her purrrrr is quite relaxing.
Usually I really like my cat. She's not an in-your-face pet, she is usually quite invisible but cuddly when I need her to be. No kittens in the future is a great plus. The last week has changed things. We haven't had weather warmer than 26 degrees since the 24th of December, lots of snow and wind and she won't go outside (she even has her own door to get out). I can't really say that I blame her for not wanting to go outside in the middle of the night to dig and hole, squat her bare hinney and run back in but hey - I'm the human she is just a cat. So I have been up the last 3 nights playing this dumb game to catch her and put her out, blocking her cat door with a block and then enduring her whining outside and banging the door against the block until she finally realizes that she is out for the rest of the night and climbs up the decorative well in our front yard to sleep. Believe it or not, the dog is not even an issue. I have actually seen the dog (black lab) sitting in the driveway watching the cat do this stupid nightly routine. What really made me mad last night is that I had to open a window to take out a screen so that she wouldn't rip it to shreds (which she did last year over this same issue!)
Ok - while I'm complaining about the creature let me tell you what she did to me during my last pregnancy. We had a couple of mice get into our house and she quickly let me know they were there . . . in the middle of the night of course. She would corner them but not catch them. Here I am big, pregnant, heartburn and all catching a mouse in the middle of the night. Then I would take the mouse outside to the dog for her to kill it. We only had the 2 mice and never saw signs of more but wow . . . what a useless cat!
So now that I'm done complaining I'm looking forward to my nap while Nathan is sleeping. I'll probably cuddle up with none other than . . . the cat! After all her purrrrr is quite relaxing.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday Blessings
Ahh . . . another Sunday is gone. Sundays are really hard for me at this stage of a pregnancy (6 months). For some reason my legs are more swollen on Sundays, me legs usually go to sleep during meetings from sitting so long, sacrament meeting is tough because LeRoy sits on the stand and I have Nathan on my lap (which is quickly disappearing) and it seems that the whole day is full of meetings. Saturday nights are a mental stuggle for me because I start to come up with all these excuses why I could get out of church. However, I go. Usually just out of duty because of my example to my kids, but I go. And for some reason I am blessed for doing that. I am amazed that I am blessed for my lack of enthusiasm and my grumbling but I guess that's what I get for being in the right place at the right time. Today was no different.
I had a terrible night and I was very swollen this morning but hey - I didn't have to wash my hair. My first blessing came when LeRoy came home early from meetings before church started (not usually the case) and he was able to get Nathan ready for church - he even kept him on his lap on the stand until after the sacrament. That 20 minutes is huge for me!!
So many times I just endure sacrament meeting but I was touched so much by this one. We had a young man who is entering the MTC on Wednesday that spoke. This usually means thank everyone over and over, say how unprepared you are and drag out the time but I was so impressed. He shared his feelings about leaving and how he knew he was not alone and then focused on the Atonement and how none of us are ever alone - regardless of our weaknesses/trials, etc. It was one of the better talks I have ever heard on the Atonement. Then his brother spoke - who happened to get home from his mission 3 months ago. He had all the young men/women stand who have filled out papers or have their calls for missions. Then he had all those who have served missions stand. It was such an overwhelming feeling of support and love! He also talked on how we are not alone and included our responsibility to share our knowledge of that with others. It was such a great meeting! Definitely worth getting out of bed for!
The next blessing came (in spite of my lack of faith) when Levi, Erika and Derek played with 2 other kids and 1 leader for the opening of 5th Sunday combined meeting. It was like a mini orchestra playing "Love One Another" through 4 times and ending with only 1 violin playing. The reason I lacked faith on this is that the kids were asked yesterday morning to do this and they only played through it together once. It was so beautiful and it immediately quieted down the chapel of all the visiting that was going on with the missionary boys. Oh me of little faith! Here is a picture that I took of them while they practiced last night.
As a little side note to this I am grateful for leaders who have good relationships with my kids. The man who was teaching the 5th Sunday lesson is the one that asked the kids to play and he also played with them. Levi has been asked several times to play the viola in church and keeps refusing. When Brother Buchanan asked him he willingly agreed. I couldn't believe it. I think the biggest part of it was that Bro. Buchanan wasn't asking Levi to do something that he wasn't willing to do himself and he also has made a point to get to know and include the young men and women in his calling (ward mission leader). Levi has such a great talent and it was good to see him play outside of school orchestra and practicing at home.
Another blessing - Nathan went to nursery and I only had to stay 10 minutes before sneaking out and he did great! Any mother will understand the blessing that this is. He also looked so adorable in his new tie and church clothes. He has been growing so fast that I had to get new ones for him. Suddenly my baby looked so grown up!
Once we got home we realized that we didn't have any additional meetings today - so unusual!! Levi wanted to play a game with me, I agreed, he chose Monopoly (not my favorite) and so Derek, Levi and I played - for 2 hours. My hip will never be the same after today. Don't I know any better than to sit on the floor for that long?!?! It really was fun - especially for Derek as he wiped out Levi and I!
In the mean time Erika decided to make a cake but we were out of eggs. I showed her the powdered eggs, which she kind of wrinkled her nose at but when I told her that the last time I made crepes they were made with only powdered milk and powdered eggs she decided to try it. Needless to say - the cupcakes are all gone! Derek has been making omelets nearly every day (that is why we were out of eggs) and he wanted to try the powdered eggs for an omelet - not good. So I guess my hidden message here would be that it is easy to rotate your powdered eggs and milk by making crepes and lots of cakes - but beware of the 'powdered' omelet!
Now Nathan is in bed, everyone is reading or doing something quiet and I feel somewhat ready to start another week. Another blessing: I only have 12 more Sundays before my due date!! Then I will have a whole new set of mental excuses to overcome to get myself to church. I'm just so grateful that over and over again I am blessed and rewarded for going (not necessarily every week but it does come) even when my attitude is not right.
I had a terrible night and I was very swollen this morning but hey - I didn't have to wash my hair. My first blessing came when LeRoy came home early from meetings before church started (not usually the case) and he was able to get Nathan ready for church - he even kept him on his lap on the stand until after the sacrament. That 20 minutes is huge for me!!
So many times I just endure sacrament meeting but I was touched so much by this one. We had a young man who is entering the MTC on Wednesday that spoke. This usually means thank everyone over and over, say how unprepared you are and drag out the time but I was so impressed. He shared his feelings about leaving and how he knew he was not alone and then focused on the Atonement and how none of us are ever alone - regardless of our weaknesses/trials, etc. It was one of the better talks I have ever heard on the Atonement. Then his brother spoke - who happened to get home from his mission 3 months ago. He had all the young men/women stand who have filled out papers or have their calls for missions. Then he had all those who have served missions stand. It was such an overwhelming feeling of support and love! He also talked on how we are not alone and included our responsibility to share our knowledge of that with others. It was such a great meeting! Definitely worth getting out of bed for!
The next blessing came (in spite of my lack of faith) when Levi, Erika and Derek played with 2 other kids and 1 leader for the opening of 5th Sunday combined meeting. It was like a mini orchestra playing "Love One Another" through 4 times and ending with only 1 violin playing. The reason I lacked faith on this is that the kids were asked yesterday morning to do this and they only played through it together once. It was so beautiful and it immediately quieted down the chapel of all the visiting that was going on with the missionary boys. Oh me of little faith! Here is a picture that I took of them while they practiced last night.
As a little side note to this I am grateful for leaders who have good relationships with my kids. The man who was teaching the 5th Sunday lesson is the one that asked the kids to play and he also played with them. Levi has been asked several times to play the viola in church and keeps refusing. When Brother Buchanan asked him he willingly agreed. I couldn't believe it. I think the biggest part of it was that Bro. Buchanan wasn't asking Levi to do something that he wasn't willing to do himself and he also has made a point to get to know and include the young men and women in his calling (ward mission leader). Levi has such a great talent and it was good to see him play outside of school orchestra and practicing at home.Another blessing - Nathan went to nursery and I only had to stay 10 minutes before sneaking out and he did great! Any mother will understand the blessing that this is. He also looked so adorable in his new tie and church clothes. He has been growing so fast that I had to get new ones for him. Suddenly my baby looked so grown up!
Once we got home we realized that we didn't have any additional meetings today - so unusual!! Levi wanted to play a game with me, I agreed, he chose Monopoly (not my favorite) and so Derek, Levi and I played - for 2 hours. My hip will never be the same after today. Don't I know any better than to sit on the floor for that long?!?! It really was fun - especially for Derek as he wiped out Levi and I!In the mean time Erika decided to make a cake but we were out of eggs. I showed her the powdered eggs, which she kind of wrinkled her nose at but when I told her that the last time I made crepes they were made with only powdered milk and powdered eggs she decided to try it. Needless to say - the cupcakes are all gone! Derek has been making omelets nearly every day (that is why we were out of eggs) and he wanted to try the powdered eggs for an omelet - not good. So I guess my hidden message here would be that it is easy to rotate your powdered eggs and milk by making crepes and lots of cakes - but beware of the 'powdered' omelet!
Now Nathan is in bed, everyone is reading or doing something quiet and I feel somewhat ready to start another week. Another blessing: I only have 12 more Sundays before my due date!! Then I will have a whole new set of mental excuses to overcome to get myself to church. I'm just so grateful that over and over again I am blessed and rewarded for going (not necessarily every week but it does come) even when my attitude is not right.
Shadow and Shorty
Shadow and Shorty?? That translates to Chad and Levi. These two are nearly inseperable and they are the comic relief around our house. Chad is Levi's best friend and a great one too. I don't think I ever imagined that I would enjoy teenagers as much as I enjoy these two. They have me laughing so hard so often that I feel like I will lose bladder control.During this last week (Christmas break) they have helped LeRoy wire our house. They did it in freezing cold temperatures (only 8 degrees one day) and knowing that it was not a paying job. I dished out enough hot cocoa to the 2 of them that Chad even has chapped lips from having them burned so often. Well - last night LeRoy and I decided to pay them . . . just not hourly.
We gave them their choice of 4 restaurants and they chose Texas Roadhouse. The trip to Idaho Falls was pretty quiet but that didn't last long. We found that we were going to have a 45 minute wait so we put our names on a list and headed across the parking lot the the arcade/race track. LeRoy, Chad and Levi all got on the big intertube type of bumper cars and they all looks like little 8 year olds ramming into each other and giggling. Then they headed to the race track. This is not a bumber car track - it is a go cart racetrack. Wow - talk about a guys sport. They tried to convince me to do it but I was quickly found the sign that said I couldn't go because I am pregnant. They raced 3 times (about 30 minutes total) and had a blast 'drifting' around their turns and going as fast as their cars would let them go - which is alot faster than mom would have let them go!!! Levi ended up with a sore knee from one guy running into him and Chad hit his head on the bar and they both were ready for more - injury only makes the sport better, evidently.
Once we got back to the restaurant LeRoy and I quickly realized that these boys could eat!! Thank goodness the nonstop rolls and refills are free! I think Levi had a total of 6 rolls and Chad had 8 - unlimited lemonade and coke and still they had room for a meal. Of course they both got an eyefull with all the cute waitresses and we could tell that they are definitely typical 15 year old boys (soon to be 16).
LeRoy and I also surprised them each with $50 as a thank you for their hard work, willingness and good attitudes about the last week. I think if we had handed them a phone number for one of those waitresses it would have been just as good as the $50! Anyway - it was a fun night!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas Highlights
This was a very fun day. Mom and Dad came to visit (and bring gifts) as well as John and Jared. We had great food and plenty of gifts for everyone. Even tho' we kept it small this year we were all happy. I don't know why I have made it such a stressful thing in the past - we were all content with simple and it was alot less stress on me.
With 7 of us in the family it would take forever to show everything that we got (and I'm still learning how to post this stuff) so I wanted to show what I enjoyed making and giving the most. First I need to give a little information for this to make sense.
Nathan loves his Dad. That is an understatement. He adores his dad, he doesn't want anyone else when dad is around, he cries when dad leaves. One of his first words/phrases was 'Dad's home' only he said it as one word 'dadzome'. LeRoy was so honored by this that I decided to make a shirt for him to mark this moment in his life. This is Levi's description of the event: "dad opened it, cried, stripped off his shirt and put on the new one, he picked up Nathan and cried some more . . . it was a very disturbing Christmas". I think he liked it!
The other great moment was also for LeRoy. Nathan is named after his Grandpa Loope - our favorite Grandpa on LeRoy's side of the family. I decided that for LeRoy's man's room (in the new house) I would make a shadow box with the stuff that Grandpa gave to LeRoy on our last visit to Texas (which was also the last time that we saw him before he died). It was quite easy to make and turned out great. I thought he cried over the shirt but he wouldn't quit crying over the shadow box. I loved doing it - not only for LeRoy but also to remember Grandpa by.
With 7 of us in the family it would take forever to show everything that we got (and I'm still learning how to post this stuff) so I wanted to show what I enjoyed making and giving the most. First I need to give a little information for this to make sense.
Nathan loves his Dad. That is an understatement. He adores his dad, he doesn't want anyone else when dad is around, he cries when dad leaves. One of his first words/phrases was 'Dad's home' only he said it as one word 'dadzome'. LeRoy was so honored by this that I decided to make a shirt for him to mark this moment in his life. This is Levi's description of the event: "dad opened it, cried, stripped off his shirt and put on the new one, he picked up Nathan and cried some more . . . it was a very disturbing Christmas". I think he liked it!The other great moment was also for LeRoy. Nathan is named after his Grandpa Loope - our favorite Grandpa on LeRoy's side of the family. I decided that for LeRoy's man's room (in the new house) I would make a shadow box with the stuff that Grandpa gave to LeRoy on our last visit to Texas (which was also the last time that we saw him before he died). It was quite easy to make and turned out great. I thought he cried over the shirt but he wouldn't quit crying over the shadow box. I loved doing it - not only for LeRoy but also to remember Grandpa by.
Orchestra Concert
This was such a great night (tho' also a long one)! Levi, Erika and Derek all play with the school orchestra's and that makes for a lot of music at our house - not to mention the piano that goes on as well. It is a mother's reward to go to a full orchestra concert! Finally I get to hear the full music instead of the simple low part of the cello or the 'alto' part played by the viola. The Jr High/High School Christmas concert is held at BYU-I and is sold out every year. The tickets are only $1 but there is limited seating, even on campus. Another thing that I love about the concert is that it is recorded and I get to enjoy it all year long.Erika's concert was impressive. It is amazing what a good conductor can do with that many hormonal teenagers to create such beautiful music. She is currently 1st chair for the violin section and was a little disappointed that the teacher chose not to include a song that she had 2 solos in. Maybe next spring.
Levi's concert blew me away. They all looked so sharp in their required tuxedo's and black dresses. It was Levi's first time wearing a tuxedo and wow - he looked handsome! He kept grinning and saying how powerful and goodlooking he felt. He also looked great sitting next to his 'hot' stand partner (which he has a little crush on). The 2 of them make a great looking team. He's now waiting for his 16th birthday coming up soon - she already turned 16 in October. Hmmm . . . dating. So after 2 hours of concert and plenty of waiting (lines, sitting, between the 2 concerts) we went to Dairy Queen for treats.
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