Friday, November 30, 2012
Gingerbread houses
Today we are making gingerbread houses. Jacob & Spencer will be making them and Spencer invited a friend to make one too.
I made the gingerbread last night, and assembled them this morning, while Spencer is at school. Jacob has been super helpful. He has looked at all the candy and loves counting the bag.
Dave has been out of town all week for work and it is so good to have him home! Last night he surprised us by taking an earlier flight. He walked in the door (about 3 hours earlier then I was expecting) with a lovely bouquet of flowers! I am so glad he is ours. . . forever.
I will be sure and take lots more photos of the decorating.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Christmas Tree
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Turkey, asparagus, cranberry apple
pecan salad with poppy seed dressing, stuffing & rolls dressed
our table. And for dessert. . . . cranberry apple pie. Also we had
sparkling cranberry apple juice.
I told Jacob several times he had to be careful not to spill. Then when I was reaching for the turkey, I spilled his drink. . . of course.
I have also discovered my boys think apple pie is merely a delivery system for cool whip :)
All and all it was a great day. Since it was just the 5 of us, we decided to deck the house in Christmas cheer in the afternoon. We had a great time setting up the nativities, and of course decorating the Christmas Tree.
It was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, relaxing family time and good memories. We feel so blessed to have Luke, he is certainly the most amazing and unexpected blessing this year.
Enjoy some photos.
I told Jacob several times he had to be careful not to spill. Then when I was reaching for the turkey, I spilled his drink. . . of course.
I have also discovered my boys think apple pie is merely a delivery system for cool whip :)
All and all it was a great day. Since it was just the 5 of us, we decided to deck the house in Christmas cheer in the afternoon. We had a great time setting up the nativities, and of course decorating the Christmas Tree.
It was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, relaxing family time and good memories. We feel so blessed to have Luke, he is certainly the most amazing and unexpected blessing this year.
Enjoy some photos.
Friday, November 16, 2012
News Round-up
I was just checking the blog and it has been awhile since I wrote. I have been doing lots of quick photos, but nothing too detailed.
I’ll start with a fun story from this morning. Spencer was suppose to recite a nursery rhyme and use a prop. He practiced at home and was great! All the parents were invited to watch. But when it came time to do his poem in class, he got really shy. What we like to call “The WB frog affect.” He just mumbled and said it as fast as he could.
So, he really wanted dad to see and asked me to video him. He did a great job and then he was telling me about his day. . . little did I know that someone told him that "someone was in love with him at school." Wow. Five years old. . . and thus it begins.
Spencer had a busy week for school. On Tuesday night he and Dave went to an awards ceremony at school for "Reflections." Spencer got an "honorable mention" for his project and got a green ribbon. He was very proud and I am so glad Dave could be there and cheer him on.
Also this weekend is ALPS (Advanced Learning Placement students) testing. It is the gifted and talented program in our area. It consists of 3 days of testing. Yesterday was day one and Spencer was quite tired when it was over, 2 more days to go. He said it was boring to just sit there and fill in circles, (part of it is Iowa Basics). We find out in February if he will start 1st grade next fall in the gifted program. We sure hope so.
Jacob is also doing great. His enunciation is getting better every day. We are so lucky to have such a great speech therapist. Jacob is also just so cheerful. I just love my time with him in the mornings when Spencer is at school. Next month I will be putting Jacob on the list for Miss Kim's preschool for the fall. It is hard to believe that he will be 3 years old in just a few months.
I have a doctor's appointment for Luke this month. It is the neonatal followup program offered by our NICU. He will see specialist for hearing, eyes, nutrition and development. It is suppose to be a 3-4 hour thing, so I hope he goes well.
Dave is leaving town today to help Tony (his brother) move from Las Vegas to Springville, UT. I know it will be a busy and tiring time (for both of us :)). So I will be a single parent this weekend. I am just going to do some frozen pizza and early bedtime. Also, I got a sub for my primary class. I am glad not to have to juggle Luke and teaching my 9 five-year-olds.
I also got my new PAPERWHITE Kindle. I am in love I tell you, in love. It is so amazing. I don't know how I got anything read without it. Actually, I didn't get anything read without it! I just love that I can make the font big and also that it is lit. Now when I read in bed I don't wake Dave up. I also got the conference issue of the Ensign on my kindle and have a goal to read one talk each day. It's a beautiful thing.
I know this post is all over the place, but frankly so is my life. I have so many things pulling me in different directions. I knew it would be hard to juggle and organize my life with three little ones and work. But living it is something different. It is like living your life with no down time. Also I have learned to live with more clutter and smudgie-fingerprint windows. I do love my life and am so glad that I get to be a stay at home mom, I am just adjusting to the new normal. My strategies get better each day. I don't think I could make it without such wonderful neighbors and friends. These women are amazing! I can feel their strength and it strengthens me.
A friend of mine was sharing an analogy about honey bees and how individually they don't contribute very much, but as a hive it is amazing. I am glad to be part of a community of strength, faith and love. I certainly am a better woman, wife and mom because of it. It would be hard to do this alone.
I’ll start with a fun story from this morning. Spencer was suppose to recite a nursery rhyme and use a prop. He practiced at home and was great! All the parents were invited to watch. But when it came time to do his poem in class, he got really shy. What we like to call “The WB frog affect.” He just mumbled and said it as fast as he could.
So, he really wanted dad to see and asked me to video him. He did a great job and then he was telling me about his day. . . little did I know that someone told him that "someone was in love with him at school." Wow. Five years old. . . and thus it begins.
Spencer had a busy week for school. On Tuesday night he and Dave went to an awards ceremony at school for "Reflections." Spencer got an "honorable mention" for his project and got a green ribbon. He was very proud and I am so glad Dave could be there and cheer him on.
Also this weekend is ALPS (Advanced Learning Placement students) testing. It is the gifted and talented program in our area. It consists of 3 days of testing. Yesterday was day one and Spencer was quite tired when it was over, 2 more days to go. He said it was boring to just sit there and fill in circles, (part of it is Iowa Basics). We find out in February if he will start 1st grade next fall in the gifted program. We sure hope so.
Jacob is also doing great. His enunciation is getting better every day. We are so lucky to have such a great speech therapist. Jacob is also just so cheerful. I just love my time with him in the mornings when Spencer is at school. Next month I will be putting Jacob on the list for Miss Kim's preschool for the fall. It is hard to believe that he will be 3 years old in just a few months.
I have a doctor's appointment for Luke this month. It is the neonatal followup program offered by our NICU. He will see specialist for hearing, eyes, nutrition and development. It is suppose to be a 3-4 hour thing, so I hope he goes well.
Dave is leaving town today to help Tony (his brother) move from Las Vegas to Springville, UT. I know it will be a busy and tiring time (for both of us :)). So I will be a single parent this weekend. I am just going to do some frozen pizza and early bedtime. Also, I got a sub for my primary class. I am glad not to have to juggle Luke and teaching my 9 five-year-olds.
I also got my new PAPERWHITE Kindle. I am in love I tell you, in love. It is so amazing. I don't know how I got anything read without it. Actually, I didn't get anything read without it! I just love that I can make the font big and also that it is lit. Now when I read in bed I don't wake Dave up. I also got the conference issue of the Ensign on my kindle and have a goal to read one talk each day. It's a beautiful thing.
I know this post is all over the place, but frankly so is my life. I have so many things pulling me in different directions. I knew it would be hard to juggle and organize my life with three little ones and work. But living it is something different. It is like living your life with no down time. Also I have learned to live with more clutter and smudgie-fingerprint windows. I do love my life and am so glad that I get to be a stay at home mom, I am just adjusting to the new normal. My strategies get better each day. I don't think I could make it without such wonderful neighbors and friends. These women are amazing! I can feel their strength and it strengthens me.
A friend of mine was sharing an analogy about honey bees and how individually they don't contribute very much, but as a hive it is amazing. I am glad to be part of a community of strength, faith and love. I certainly am a better woman, wife and mom because of it. It would be hard to do this alone.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Politics and Election Night!
Around here, we could care less about the Superbowl. To me it is just as interesting as the cricket world series (if there is such a thing.) But nothing can beat the electricity and excitement of election night! Every 4 years there is nothing so exciting as election results!
Tomorrow, my friend (not in a Joe Biden way), tomorrow is the day. After 14 months since the Iowa caucus, 21 republican primary debates, 3 presidential debates and 1 Veep debate. . . it all comes down to this. We are political junkies at our house and tomorrow is our super bowl.
To ring in the results we always have a bit of fanfare, a spread worthy of any Superbowl party and we throw caution to the wind. First, we have the TV on. This is a huge deal at our house. We rarely watch TV and to have it on during family dinner is pretty much sacrilege. But on election night we have the TV going and eat on the carpet in the family room (another hard-and-fast rule, no food on the carpet.) So, election night is a big deal.
For the menu we always have gourmet pigs in a blanket. This year I am going to try some new recipes too. I will be sure and do a follow up post.
Dave and I both love politics. We are both passionate about the democratic process. We do early voting every year and how I love our deep philosophical conversations. You see, we both see great things in each party. I am a Republican and Dave is an Independent. But what it all boils down to is voting for the right person, no matter what party they are affiliated with. On my ballot this year I voted about 50% republican, 50% democrat. Again, I wanted to vote for the person (not the party) I thought would best represent my views and beliefs.
What I love about Republicans:
I think my core ties to the Republican party rest in their social issues. I believe that life should be protected and especially the life of unborn children. I also believe the family is the building block of society and having "traditional family" protected and encouraged is important. I am not so naïve to think that a government can legislate a loving home with a mom and dad for every child. But, I do think that we can help families (through schools, medical needs, reducing financial burdens and other programs.) I also love that the Republicans have a strong commitment to the military and the right to bear arms. The focus on self-reliance & personal responsibility is also appealing. These issues are what draw me to this party and I have hope that even though the Tea Party has pushed moderates like me to the side, they can welcome moderates back soon.
What I love about Democrats:
I love that Democrats take the responsibility for caring for the poor and needy personally. Yes, there needs to be some personal responsibility, but the Savior did not say "Help the poor, only if they are deserving." It is our fundamental right and duty to help care for the poor and helpless. Are we not all beggars before the Lord? I love that the Democrats seem to feel this responsibility, it is something close to my heart. I also love that they champion the environment. We are suppose to be good stewards of this earth, that means taking care of it. I see so much waste and thoughtless approach to the environment that it makes me sad. Finally, I think real and meaningful immigration reform should come with some compassion for families that are already here and being contributing members of society.
I could write an entire post on each of the issues I mentioned. I feel very committed to each of them. There are a lot of things I dislike about both parties too, don't get me wrong. But I just wanted to share the best parts. Since this blog is my journal, I want my kids and grandkids to know how I feel about these important issues. It is a big complicated world and it makes no sense to me when I hear "easy"(partisan) solutions to the issues.
I just wish there were more moderates out there. This uncivil dialogue is almost too much. Screaming and name-calling will not make you right. I have a variety of friends, from both sides of the aisle, and my Facebook feed is a study in contradiction, one post will be a racist rant about how awful Obama is then the next is an offensive critique of how the Mormon Church will "own" Mitt Romney if he is elected. *Sigh* No wonder peolpe tune out of the elections.
But, I have hope and faith in the process. I love this country. I am so glad we get to vote and each person can research and find out for themselves, what is right. I am so glad we have a government that represents the peolpe. Oh how I love to vote and be informed! I hope you enjoy your voting experience too.
Bring on Election Night!
Tomorrow, my friend (not in a Joe Biden way), tomorrow is the day. After 14 months since the Iowa caucus, 21 republican primary debates, 3 presidential debates and 1 Veep debate. . . it all comes down to this. We are political junkies at our house and tomorrow is our super bowl.
To ring in the results we always have a bit of fanfare, a spread worthy of any Superbowl party and we throw caution to the wind. First, we have the TV on. This is a huge deal at our house. We rarely watch TV and to have it on during family dinner is pretty much sacrilege. But on election night we have the TV going and eat on the carpet in the family room (another hard-and-fast rule, no food on the carpet.) So, election night is a big deal.
For the menu we always have gourmet pigs in a blanket. This year I am going to try some new recipes too. I will be sure and do a follow up post.
Dave and I both love politics. We are both passionate about the democratic process. We do early voting every year and how I love our deep philosophical conversations. You see, we both see great things in each party. I am a Republican and Dave is an Independent. But what it all boils down to is voting for the right person, no matter what party they are affiliated with. On my ballot this year I voted about 50% republican, 50% democrat. Again, I wanted to vote for the person (not the party) I thought would best represent my views and beliefs.
What I love about Republicans:
I think my core ties to the Republican party rest in their social issues. I believe that life should be protected and especially the life of unborn children. I also believe the family is the building block of society and having "traditional family" protected and encouraged is important. I am not so naïve to think that a government can legislate a loving home with a mom and dad for every child. But, I do think that we can help families (through schools, medical needs, reducing financial burdens and other programs.) I also love that the Republicans have a strong commitment to the military and the right to bear arms. The focus on self-reliance & personal responsibility is also appealing. These issues are what draw me to this party and I have hope that even though the Tea Party has pushed moderates like me to the side, they can welcome moderates back soon.
What I love about Democrats:
I love that Democrats take the responsibility for caring for the poor and needy personally. Yes, there needs to be some personal responsibility, but the Savior did not say "Help the poor, only if they are deserving." It is our fundamental right and duty to help care for the poor and helpless. Are we not all beggars before the Lord? I love that the Democrats seem to feel this responsibility, it is something close to my heart. I also love that they champion the environment. We are suppose to be good stewards of this earth, that means taking care of it. I see so much waste and thoughtless approach to the environment that it makes me sad. Finally, I think real and meaningful immigration reform should come with some compassion for families that are already here and being contributing members of society.
I could write an entire post on each of the issues I mentioned. I feel very committed to each of them. There are a lot of things I dislike about both parties too, don't get me wrong. But I just wanted to share the best parts. Since this blog is my journal, I want my kids and grandkids to know how I feel about these important issues. It is a big complicated world and it makes no sense to me when I hear "easy"(partisan) solutions to the issues.
I just wish there were more moderates out there. This uncivil dialogue is almost too much. Screaming and name-calling will not make you right. I have a variety of friends, from both sides of the aisle, and my Facebook feed is a study in contradiction, one post will be a racist rant about how awful Obama is then the next is an offensive critique of how the Mormon Church will "own" Mitt Romney if he is elected. *Sigh* No wonder peolpe tune out of the elections.
But, I have hope and faith in the process. I love this country. I am so glad we get to vote and each person can research and find out for themselves, what is right. I am so glad we have a government that represents the peolpe. Oh how I love to vote and be informed! I hope you enjoy your voting experience too.
Bring on Election Night!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Strep and why I love sleep
On Monday night I woke up (for Luke's feeding) at 2 AM. My throat hurt on one side. My ear and jaw were also aching. I just felt like I had been hit by a car. (Which is odd, because in Spencer's prayer that night he prayed, "Please bless mom that if she gets in a car accident and is hurt she can get better soon.")
So. . . back to being hit by a truck. I felt cruddy. I thought it was because on Saturday night I took all the feedings because Dave had an early meeting on Sunday and I wanted him to be rested. Then I thought perhaps it was because I had 10 five year olds in my primary class. Then I thought it was because I had Luke sitting on my lap during my primary lesson with 10 five year olds (because Dave was teaching priesthood.) Then. . . I felt it. That sharp pain that I recognized as strep. Great.
I just took some Advil and tried to walk it off. Tuesday was a busy day. I took the boys to JC Penny for photos in the morning, then had a couple kids over for a playdate after lunch, then I took all the boys to a Halloween carnival at the school that supports Jacob's speech therapy.
The Carnival was so fun by the way! The boys loved it, they got candy, games, popcorn, puzzles, toys. . . fun games (ring toss, bowling, milk bottles. . .) and face painting. Totally fun and so glad we went. We only stayed an hour, because I was exhausted. But totally worth it!
When we got home, I found out Dave had a call to Australia (for work) and would be on the call all through dinner and bedtime routine. *Sigh* So, the break I was looking for would not happen. I heated up some leftover lasagna, to an unenthusiastic response after all the goodies, and fed the boys. After dinner I just read scriptures at the table, I didn't feel like I had the strength to wrangle all three boys on my own in the living room.
Then off to bed. I got all the boys tucked in and finally had a moment to myself, just in time for Dave's call to end. Dave told me to go to the insta-care and see if I had strep. I was not feeling well, but was it strep or just sheer exhaustion? I hate to pay someone $100 to have then tell me to drink plenty of fluids and take a nap. But it had gotten worse in the last 24-hours, so I decided to go.
My visiting teachers were suppose to come at 7PM (any minute) so I would go after the visit. I waited and waited. Finally at 7:40 I sent a text to see if they were coming. No text back, so I just hopped in the car and was pulling out of the driveway when they walked up.
They said it would be a quick visit, but they both have a lot going on right now (breast cancer and planning to move & building a new house.) So we chatted for awhile. Finally at 8:45 PM we said our goodbyes and I was off to the doctor.
At 9:50 PM the doctor told me I did have strep and gave me a prescription. Our local Wal-green's closes at 10PM. I just asked if I could fill it in the morning. He said it was my choice but, it moves fast and it would be better to get the antibiotics ASAP. He sent in my Rx to the closed 24-hour pharmacy. . . . 25 min. away. Another deep sigh.
By the time I got there, waited to have it filled and drove home it was past 11PM.
Dave was so good he took all the feedings that night and let me rest. Then in the morning he was getting ready and asked if he needed to stay home. I was conflicted. I still felt awful, but I know he has so much going on at work, the last thing he needs is to miss work. I am suppose to keep the home fires burning, that's my job.
I was feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and in pain. . . but I could do it. I've done it before. I pulled myself together to tell Dave that I was good and I can handle it in my "can-do" voice. But what came out was a little sob and the shaky words, "It's okay. I can do it." Then a few more sobs. . . "I really can." I felt pitiful. Dave just gave me a hug and told me to sleep and that he would take care of the boys that morning.
I conked out. I slept for another 3 hours and by 10AM I was feeling human again. Dave headed off to work and I did a couple loads of laundry and let the boys watch TV until lunch. It was a very laid back day. Dave got home early to help carve pumpkins and then off trick-or-treating, while I manned the door. We ended up having a great Halloween. Take THAT you strep bacteria you!
I am feeling grateful for good neighbors and friends. One friend had Spencer over this afternoon for a playdate and another friend brought us dinner. I just love the sisters in our ward. I truly do. They just appear like angels from heaven.
I feel blessed to be married to Dave. I adore him, he is my rock. Of course having three of the most handsome, charming, energetic and thoughtful sons doesn't hurt either.
So, life is pretty good. Even with strep I can still count my blessings. One blessing is sleep and now that it is just after 9PM. . . I am going to bed. Can you blame me?
So. . . back to being hit by a truck. I felt cruddy. I thought it was because on Saturday night I took all the feedings because Dave had an early meeting on Sunday and I wanted him to be rested. Then I thought perhaps it was because I had 10 five year olds in my primary class. Then I thought it was because I had Luke sitting on my lap during my primary lesson with 10 five year olds (because Dave was teaching priesthood.) Then. . . I felt it. That sharp pain that I recognized as strep. Great.
I just took some Advil and tried to walk it off. Tuesday was a busy day. I took the boys to JC Penny for photos in the morning, then had a couple kids over for a playdate after lunch, then I took all the boys to a Halloween carnival at the school that supports Jacob's speech therapy.
The Carnival was so fun by the way! The boys loved it, they got candy, games, popcorn, puzzles, toys. . . fun games (ring toss, bowling, milk bottles. . .) and face painting. Totally fun and so glad we went. We only stayed an hour, because I was exhausted. But totally worth it!
When we got home, I found out Dave had a call to Australia (for work) and would be on the call all through dinner and bedtime routine. *Sigh* So, the break I was looking for would not happen. I heated up some leftover lasagna, to an unenthusiastic response after all the goodies, and fed the boys. After dinner I just read scriptures at the table, I didn't feel like I had the strength to wrangle all three boys on my own in the living room.
Then off to bed. I got all the boys tucked in and finally had a moment to myself, just in time for Dave's call to end. Dave told me to go to the insta-care and see if I had strep. I was not feeling well, but was it strep or just sheer exhaustion? I hate to pay someone $100 to have then tell me to drink plenty of fluids and take a nap. But it had gotten worse in the last 24-hours, so I decided to go.
My visiting teachers were suppose to come at 7PM (any minute) so I would go after the visit. I waited and waited. Finally at 7:40 I sent a text to see if they were coming. No text back, so I just hopped in the car and was pulling out of the driveway when they walked up.
They said it would be a quick visit, but they both have a lot going on right now (breast cancer and planning to move & building a new house.) So we chatted for awhile. Finally at 8:45 PM we said our goodbyes and I was off to the doctor.
At 9:50 PM the doctor told me I did have strep and gave me a prescription. Our local Wal-green's closes at 10PM. I just asked if I could fill it in the morning. He said it was my choice but, it moves fast and it would be better to get the antibiotics ASAP. He sent in my Rx to the closed 24-hour pharmacy. . . . 25 min. away. Another deep sigh.
By the time I got there, waited to have it filled and drove home it was past 11PM.
Dave was so good he took all the feedings that night and let me rest. Then in the morning he was getting ready and asked if he needed to stay home. I was conflicted. I still felt awful, but I know he has so much going on at work, the last thing he needs is to miss work. I am suppose to keep the home fires burning, that's my job.
I was feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and in pain. . . but I could do it. I've done it before. I pulled myself together to tell Dave that I was good and I can handle it in my "can-do" voice. But what came out was a little sob and the shaky words, "It's okay. I can do it." Then a few more sobs. . . "I really can." I felt pitiful. Dave just gave me a hug and told me to sleep and that he would take care of the boys that morning.
I conked out. I slept for another 3 hours and by 10AM I was feeling human again. Dave headed off to work and I did a couple loads of laundry and let the boys watch TV until lunch. It was a very laid back day. Dave got home early to help carve pumpkins and then off trick-or-treating, while I manned the door. We ended up having a great Halloween. Take THAT you strep bacteria you!
I am feeling grateful for good neighbors and friends. One friend had Spencer over this afternoon for a playdate and another friend brought us dinner. I just love the sisters in our ward. I truly do. They just appear like angels from heaven.
I feel blessed to be married to Dave. I adore him, he is my rock. Of course having three of the most handsome, charming, energetic and thoughtful sons doesn't hurt either.
So, life is pretty good. Even with strep I can still count my blessings. One blessing is sleep and now that it is just after 9PM. . . I am going to bed. Can you blame me?
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