That's Texan for 'skills'.
It's interesting to see your child's gifts and talents that develop, even from a very young age. Although Bekah didn't actually speak words early, she was constantly singing or babbling. Still holds true. I listen to her sing as she goes to sleep at night. Kyle always had a drive to keep up with Bekah, and he is still pretty competitive. And of course, both of them were climbers. Bekah could barely walk and she would boulder up my parent's little rock wall. Kyle couldn't walk on his own, but he could move the chair over to climb up that to climb on to the counter. Whenever I mention climbing, my next door neighbor laughs and says, "Yes, they are climbers more than even most 'climbers' are climbers." Probably because many of their peaceful outdoor dinners were interrupted by Franklin kids climbing 10-15 feet up a tree to talk to them. I have often thought that we should start taking those two rock climbing, but Rob says we should wait a while before pouring fuel on the fire.
So, Number Three... Bubba, as I sometimes call him (although I don't like the name Bubba, having known a Bubba in elementary school, but Stephen's round cheeks and stocky build just lends itself cutely to the name)... anyway... He has definitely got himself some 'skee-ulls'.
I know that babies notoriously "get into everything"... and my others were little explorers, too. But this kid has taken it up a notch. I might have mentioned that one night, we realized that we could no longer wait even one more day before baby proofing EVERYTHING... it was probably the day where we caught him cleaning the toilet with Rob's toothbrush after emptying most of the kitchen cabinets and sucking on knives from the dishwasher. Well, we did. Did it stop him? Nope.
Let me explain how most child-proof latches work. You pull out the drawer about 1 inch and then push down a lever to open the door or drawer farther. While my son doesn't have the dexterity to open and push at the same time, it is amazing what he can do with 1 inch of room. First of all, I believe that he makes regular rounds all day long to make sure a drawer or door wasn't shut somewhere in the house. Oh, he will notice if that pantry door is open even a tiny bit, and waddle out carrying his cheerios container or orange peels he found in the garbage. If everything is shut tight, he takes it to the next level. Everyday I find him with the toothpaste or a toothbrush that was put away into a child-proof drawer. He sticks his little hand in that 1 inch gap and slides it as far as possible to grab anything he can. It really is amazing to watch.
Today, I was in the kitchen with him when I turned my head to take a bite of food. Silly me. Crash. In that split second, he had slid his little hand in one of the cupboards, grabbed several glass bowls, and dropped about 4 trying to get them out. I turned my head to find him holding 2 in his hand with the rest smashed to smitherines around him. Luckily I was close, so grabbed him before he could cut himself. I couldn't help but notice, the cabinet door was still locked with the "child-proof" lock. Child-proof-nothin'.
Yeah, I know I can shell out $30 per lock to use special magnet locks that will drive me insane to use. Or buy huge gates and cordon off most of my house. Or move everything in my kitchen to high shelves so the older kids can never empty the dishwasher. And I do keep a couple drawers in the kitchen open to encourage Stephen to get into those drawers, instead of the off-limits ones. But most of the time, the baby is completely angelically adorable, reading books, playing with his toys, following me around laughing. He is really the funnest baby. Heaven help us when he can reach and turn the door knobs. Oh, but he's trying!
Anyway, it will be interesting to see how these skills develops as he gets older. For now, we find his exploits pretty entertaining. We put on a stern "No!" to his face, but at the end of the day, what can you do but laugh? ... and buy more toothbrushes, phones, and bowls.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
It was only a matter of time
I've heard this can happen. I just didn't think it would already.
Rob just came upstairs and informed me that my 14 month old probably knows how to use the new TV better than me.
And he's right.
Although, in my defense, the 14 month old has a lot more incentive. Every time he turns the tv or sound off or on, he gets a lot of attention. And he has to know how to do it really quickly before he gets caught. And he is REALLY good at it.
oops, gotta go... here he come...
Rob just came upstairs and informed me that my 14 month old probably knows how to use the new TV better than me.
And he's right.
Although, in my defense, the 14 month old has a lot more incentive. Every time he turns the tv or sound off or on, he gets a lot of attention. And he has to know how to do it really quickly before he gets caught. And he is REALLY good at it.
oops, gotta go... here he come...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Another one bites the dust
We have been very lucky lately.
No, blessed. Very blessed. First, we have been healthy for over a month (other than my normal nausea stuff). Second, Rob got a promotion-ish... more like a change in his job. It is great because when accepting it, he did it on a contingency of re-evaluating in a year. So he gets the chance to try something new and see if he likes it - working with the sales team and the neurosurgeons as an engineer consultant as well as coming up with a strategy for future research development for the company. Third - we are having another girl (and Bekah is thrilled) who so far looks very healthy. Fourth, the baby has developed new adorable skills, like giving kisses, sitting in a small child chair (he is so proud to sit down all by himself on something 2 inches off the ground), and running around everywhere. Every Sunday Rob asks if he can take Stephen to nursery. He is ready at 14 months. I mean we are ready.
But in one area, I am cursed. Yes, cursed. I am on number 5. Oh my poor cell phones. 1 - fell off a chair with such perfect timing to be crushed in a closing door. 2 - stolen. 3 - volume broke; it was a used phone. 4 - I found my baby had grabbed the phone off my nightstand and was washing the toilet with it. I seriously had just turned around...
Ah well, at least we can laugh about it.
No, blessed. Very blessed. First, we have been healthy for over a month (other than my normal nausea stuff). Second, Rob got a promotion-ish... more like a change in his job. It is great because when accepting it, he did it on a contingency of re-evaluating in a year. So he gets the chance to try something new and see if he likes it - working with the sales team and the neurosurgeons as an engineer consultant as well as coming up with a strategy for future research development for the company. Third - we are having another girl (and Bekah is thrilled) who so far looks very healthy. Fourth, the baby has developed new adorable skills, like giving kisses, sitting in a small child chair (he is so proud to sit down all by himself on something 2 inches off the ground), and running around everywhere. Every Sunday Rob asks if he can take Stephen to nursery. He is ready at 14 months. I mean we are ready.
But in one area, I am cursed. Yes, cursed. I am on number 5. Oh my poor cell phones. 1 - fell off a chair with such perfect timing to be crushed in a closing door. 2 - stolen. 3 - volume broke; it was a used phone. 4 - I found my baby had grabbed the phone off my nightstand and was washing the toilet with it. I seriously had just turned around...
Ah well, at least we can laugh about it.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Change
I've got the changin' itch. We bought a King size mattress a couple months ago, and finally bought a big, beautiful bed that matches our other furniture. So now I want to put new pictures up, get bedding, change the drapes... you know. And I've been bugging Rob for over a year for new windows, and I have finally called and am getting bids (our windows in the back have been tinted and don't let in a lot of light :( My mom and I also keep discussing getting new drapes in the family room, too. Oh, and my daughter is also getting the itch as she discusses how she wants to paint her new room when she moves downstairs ... next year.
Well, I took down the drapes in the kitchen to see if it helped add light, and apparently, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Rob's back specifically. Now my husband doesn't really throw fits (he is so easy-going), but he was definitely close to losing it. At first he complained how much it was going to cost him. It almost made me laugh, because I had just taken down the drapes. I hadn't even spent a dime yet. In reality, it was all about change... and of course, change entailed some work on his part. Which was especially hard when he likes things just the way they are now.
To give you an idea of the differences between us: We just visited my grandmother, and she had paint swatches out, trying to decide what color to paint one of her walls, not to mention the rooms that she had moved all around since our last visit. That's what I've inherited. And, I've never lived in a house more than 5 years my entire life. Rob's family is quite different. When they decided to repaint their house after probably 15 years... and they had the painters paint everything exactly the same as it was. They don't change things unless it's a holiday or they have to.
What I thought was so interesting, was his comment that he wouldn't really mind it if I just worked on one room every few months... just not everything at once. So funny, because it will be several months before I would get around to really changing even one room. I am still in the deciding phase.
So I bring this up only to comment how interesting are perceptions and expectations. How we can totally handle reality... it's just our perception or expectations of the future that sometimes overwhelm us. Am I making sense? We fear our expectations or perceptions of the future... the future itself comes and goes usually unjustified of all of our panic.
Speaking of expectations. We are pregnant with number 4. Yes, FOUR. If you ask Rob and I how many kids we would like to have, we would both answer "2" without a moments hesitation. We were very happy to stop at two. Really, I saw myself as a 2-kid then career mom. But when God says there are more, I'm not one to tell Him no. So with much trepidation and a lot of tears, we got pregnant with number 3 and now number 4.
I will again be honest. I was not happy to be pregnant. I hate being pregnant and this pregnancy has been very difficult on our whole family. I have had to get IVs, which only happens when you throw up a whole LOT, Rob and the kids have definitely had a lot more responsibilities, and even though I'm over half-way done, I still have a pink bucket next to my bed that still gets action. And then there is after-pregnancy: I know some people love babies... but I love working with them as a nurse and then sending them home with their parents. So the thought of pregnancy and then a new baby and then another toddler... has brought me to tears. Many times. But then it hit me, my perception of my future was what was making me anxious and depressed. Not my future reality.
For example: I have loved having my third child. He is hilarious. He continues to make me laugh every day and I have enjoyed every stage so far, even the baby stage. So while my expectation was that it was going to be hard and miserable, it hasn't been. I love it. In fact, I have been amazed at how fun it has been.
So Rob's miniature fit (okay, it wasn't even that. Sorry, dear) was a small reminder to me not to worry or fret about the future. It will come and go, usually with a lot less trouble and pain than I anticipated. And while Rob will love the house I will one day create, I will also love life that God is creating for me. Even if I am perfectly content with how it is just now.
Well, I took down the drapes in the kitchen to see if it helped add light, and apparently, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Rob's back specifically. Now my husband doesn't really throw fits (he is so easy-going), but he was definitely close to losing it. At first he complained how much it was going to cost him. It almost made me laugh, because I had just taken down the drapes. I hadn't even spent a dime yet. In reality, it was all about change... and of course, change entailed some work on his part. Which was especially hard when he likes things just the way they are now.
To give you an idea of the differences between us: We just visited my grandmother, and she had paint swatches out, trying to decide what color to paint one of her walls, not to mention the rooms that she had moved all around since our last visit. That's what I've inherited. And, I've never lived in a house more than 5 years my entire life. Rob's family is quite different. When they decided to repaint their house after probably 15 years... and they had the painters paint everything exactly the same as it was. They don't change things unless it's a holiday or they have to.
What I thought was so interesting, was his comment that he wouldn't really mind it if I just worked on one room every few months... just not everything at once. So funny, because it will be several months before I would get around to really changing even one room. I am still in the deciding phase.
So I bring this up only to comment how interesting are perceptions and expectations. How we can totally handle reality... it's just our perception or expectations of the future that sometimes overwhelm us. Am I making sense? We fear our expectations or perceptions of the future... the future itself comes and goes usually unjustified of all of our panic.
Speaking of expectations. We are pregnant with number 4. Yes, FOUR. If you ask Rob and I how many kids we would like to have, we would both answer "2" without a moments hesitation. We were very happy to stop at two. Really, I saw myself as a 2-kid then career mom. But when God says there are more, I'm not one to tell Him no. So with much trepidation and a lot of tears, we got pregnant with number 3 and now number 4.
I will again be honest. I was not happy to be pregnant. I hate being pregnant and this pregnancy has been very difficult on our whole family. I have had to get IVs, which only happens when you throw up a whole LOT, Rob and the kids have definitely had a lot more responsibilities, and even though I'm over half-way done, I still have a pink bucket next to my bed that still gets action. And then there is after-pregnancy: I know some people love babies... but I love working with them as a nurse and then sending them home with their parents. So the thought of pregnancy and then a new baby and then another toddler... has brought me to tears. Many times. But then it hit me, my perception of my future was what was making me anxious and depressed. Not my future reality.
For example: I have loved having my third child. He is hilarious. He continues to make me laugh every day and I have enjoyed every stage so far, even the baby stage. So while my expectation was that it was going to be hard and miserable, it hasn't been. I love it. In fact, I have been amazed at how fun it has been.
So Rob's miniature fit (okay, it wasn't even that. Sorry, dear) was a small reminder to me not to worry or fret about the future. It will come and go, usually with a lot less trouble and pain than I anticipated. And while Rob will love the house I will one day create, I will also love life that God is creating for me. Even if I am perfectly content with how it is just now.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Up and running
It is amazing how fast they go from barely walking to running (to climbing). My youngest loves walking all over the place and especially loves opening and carefully emptying kitchen cupboards. Today we watched him "set the table" ... taking out a plate and putting it on the table (which he could barely even reach) and then returning to get another plate, and another. His biggest challenge in life is dealing with older siblings who still want to carry him places... but he definitely lets them know that he is done with that.
We went to the park Friday and Stephen LOVED it! He is used to kids running and screaming around him, so while another toddler at the park would back up and just watch, he was in the thick of things, climbing, digging, sliding, and grinning his head off. Definitely NOT a kid who wants to stay by mom.
As he has become much more mobile, I have had another epiphany. I have another goer. I know kids are all busy, but anyone who knows my kids, knows that mine are BUSY. I kept thinking this one would be different... he would want to sit and cuddle on my lap. And he still does. Briefly. Then I remembered, this was the boy that at about 6 months, would get bored just drinking his bottle and want to check everything out every few minutes... he seriously would never just sit and drink a bottle, even when he was hungry. Sigh.
Actually, I would probably get unnecessarily paranoid if I had a tranquil child. There is one tranquil thing he does, which I absolutely love. He reads books. He has 2 older siblings who are in the thick of learning to read, so I guess it's only natural. He gets one of his favorite boardbooks, sits down, opens them, and sings or babbles to himself while turning the pages. It is absolutely adorable.
We went to the park Friday and Stephen LOVED it! He is used to kids running and screaming around him, so while another toddler at the park would back up and just watch, he was in the thick of things, climbing, digging, sliding, and grinning his head off. Definitely NOT a kid who wants to stay by mom.
As he has become much more mobile, I have had another epiphany. I have another goer. I know kids are all busy, but anyone who knows my kids, knows that mine are BUSY. I kept thinking this one would be different... he would want to sit and cuddle on my lap. And he still does. Briefly. Then I remembered, this was the boy that at about 6 months, would get bored just drinking his bottle and want to check everything out every few minutes... he seriously would never just sit and drink a bottle, even when he was hungry. Sigh.
Actually, I would probably get unnecessarily paranoid if I had a tranquil child. There is one tranquil thing he does, which I absolutely love. He reads books. He has 2 older siblings who are in the thick of learning to read, so I guess it's only natural. He gets one of his favorite boardbooks, sits down, opens them, and sings or babbles to himself while turning the pages. It is absolutely adorable.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tradition!
Tradition! Tradition! da-da-Tradition!
The Papas! The Papas!...da-da-Tradition!
I know many people hate Valentine's Day, but I love it. Not because my husband buys me flowers or chocolates. I don't decorate much, don't like chocolate and I buy my own flowers. But every year, my husband makes our candle-light gourmet dinner. What a great tradition! He comes up with the menu ahead of time, (he used to even grocery shop back when he had time), and does most of the cooking himself. I'm just helper in the kitchen. So if the baby is screaming because he's starving, I just drop what I'm doing and feed the baby without leaving other children starving. Relief. Plus, it's delightful to be side by side working with him. This year, my son even designed the lovely menu and my daughter decorated the chandelier with hearts.
Dinner included:
Plus, I don't think the man gets much sexier than in the kitchen. :)
The Papas! The Papas!...da-da-Tradition!
I know many people hate Valentine's Day, but I love it. Not because my husband buys me flowers or chocolates. I don't decorate much, don't like chocolate and I buy my own flowers. But every year, my husband makes our candle-light gourmet dinner. What a great tradition! He comes up with the menu ahead of time, (he used to even grocery shop back when he had time), and does most of the cooking himself. I'm just helper in the kitchen. So if the baby is screaming because he's starving, I just drop what I'm doing and feed the baby without leaving other children starving. Relief. Plus, it's delightful to be side by side working with him. This year, my son even designed the lovely menu and my daughter decorated the chandelier with hearts.
Dinner included:
- asparagus cheese puffs
- cornish game hens with lime over roasted potatoes and onions
- an EXCELLENT tomato cheese tart
- garlic bread
- Dessert: creme brulee with fresh blueberries (Rob LOVES pulling out his blow torch).
Plus, I don't think the man gets much sexier than in the kitchen. :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Pure poetry
Inspired by Shel Silverstein, I've written my own poem to celebrate this fine day. Enjoy:
Hope everyone out there is well and happy :)
Let us all give thanks for Sudafed. and tissue. and humidifiers. and really sweet husbands.
I feel like I'm covered in snot.
but it doesn't seem to be all I've got
cuz my nose keeps on dripping,
my head is a-splitting
I feel like I'm covered in snot.
Hope everyone out there is well and happy :)
Let us all give thanks for Sudafed. and tissue. and humidifiers. and really sweet husbands.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Best parenting time ever
One of my dear friends told me of a story when her 8 year old was being particularly horrid. After a day of defiance, her son came up and gave her a hug and wished her happy birthday. "How sweet!" she thought, "this makes it all worth it." About 20 minutes later, her husband came home and asked her why she had a "KICK ME" sign taped to her back.
On her birthday.
I have a child who pushes boundaries. If you say there is the line, he doesn't just come up next to it, he puts his foot over it. And again later, just to make sure that you are still enforcing the consequences. And again. He is not someone you can usually give chances to. He will just expect the chance next time. Once he knows you aren't going to budge, he will usually settle in to compliance, but it is a pretty long learning curve. And this is not just with me. This is with teachers, my parents, babysitters, and most lately, his new primary teacher. I kind of expect a call from any authority figure until he finally realizes that he DOES have to obey.
Thankfully he has a lot of strict adults around him NOW who are teaching him about consequences at a young age. Even his school teachers are kind, but don't give him more than an inch. Good to start learning that in kindergarten. Plus, he knows the school WILL call me if he is too much out of line (and they have...)
Anyway, there was a point when I felt like almost all of my interactions with him were disciplinary. I hated it. I'm not sure where I came across this idea, my brilliant child-psychologist sister-in-law, the many parenting books I have read, or after a lot of prayer, but this has made a world of difference:
Mama Time.
For a certain period of time, I play with him doing what he wants and only focus on him. Today we worked on our lego fort that we have been working on together all week. Sometimes we read, other times build GEOTraax, but I let him direct what we do and how we do it. I usually set a timer because I don't have a lot of time and it helps define the specialness of Mama Time to him. And every morning he asks me when is his Mama Time.
This 20 minutes of time has made a WORLD of difference, even changing his behavior all day. He is still him, but I can't tell you how good it's been. For us. About a month ago, my sister-in-law was complaining how difficult one of her children was being. With her husband gone all the time, she wanted to leave him buckled in the car all night after a particularly bad evening. I told her about Mama Time, and sure enough, she said it has made a huge impact in her home. She said she only has 10 minutes for 1-on-1 time, but even that 10 minutes makes such a difference.
We have been doing Mama Time for about 5 months now, and while he is still pushing at those boundaries, I have also really enjoyed a change in him. He is SUPER helpful... I don't know what I would have done these last 3 months without my 2 oldest. He loves making his little brother laugh and will share or do things so kind to his sister and all of us. I'm sure a lot of it is because he is getting older, but I can't help feeling grateful for all the memories we share each morning in our special time, just him and me.
On her birthday.
I have a child who pushes boundaries. If you say there is the line, he doesn't just come up next to it, he puts his foot over it. And again later, just to make sure that you are still enforcing the consequences. And again. He is not someone you can usually give chances to. He will just expect the chance next time. Once he knows you aren't going to budge, he will usually settle in to compliance, but it is a pretty long learning curve. And this is not just with me. This is with teachers, my parents, babysitters, and most lately, his new primary teacher. I kind of expect a call from any authority figure until he finally realizes that he DOES have to obey.
Thankfully he has a lot of strict adults around him NOW who are teaching him about consequences at a young age. Even his school teachers are kind, but don't give him more than an inch. Good to start learning that in kindergarten. Plus, he knows the school WILL call me if he is too much out of line (and they have...)
Anyway, there was a point when I felt like almost all of my interactions with him were disciplinary. I hated it. I'm not sure where I came across this idea, my brilliant child-psychologist sister-in-law, the many parenting books I have read, or after a lot of prayer, but this has made a world of difference:
Mama Time.
For a certain period of time, I play with him doing what he wants and only focus on him. Today we worked on our lego fort that we have been working on together all week. Sometimes we read, other times build GEOTraax, but I let him direct what we do and how we do it. I usually set a timer because I don't have a lot of time and it helps define the specialness of Mama Time to him. And every morning he asks me when is his Mama Time.
This 20 minutes of time has made a WORLD of difference, even changing his behavior all day. He is still him, but I can't tell you how good it's been. For us. About a month ago, my sister-in-law was complaining how difficult one of her children was being. With her husband gone all the time, she wanted to leave him buckled in the car all night after a particularly bad evening. I told her about Mama Time, and sure enough, she said it has made a huge impact in her home. She said she only has 10 minutes for 1-on-1 time, but even that 10 minutes makes such a difference.
We have been doing Mama Time for about 5 months now, and while he is still pushing at those boundaries, I have also really enjoyed a change in him. He is SUPER helpful... I don't know what I would have done these last 3 months without my 2 oldest. He loves making his little brother laugh and will share or do things so kind to his sister and all of us. I'm sure a lot of it is because he is getting older, but I can't help feeling grateful for all the memories we share each morning in our special time, just him and me.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Tarzan boy... doesn't get much better than this
Over the last 2 weeks, I have heard on the radio Tom Petty's "Free Falling" at least 4 times. Pretty amazing considering I have heard that song about 4 other times in the last 2 years. But oh, how I love it. Every time I hear it, I hear my brother singing his brilliant rendition "Free from finals." It doesn't get much better than listening to him play his guitar and sing at the top of his lungs, the giddiness of just finishing my last final still lingering like a buzz. Ahh.
I have very eclectic taste when it comes to music. Tonight while doing dishes, we listened to (in a row) country, top-40's, 80's, alternative, blue-grass, rap/pop. And I loved that my 5-year old requested to walk like an Egyptian. It called for some awesome dancing.
So speaking of music, here is the AWESOMEST music video ever. Seriously had me rolling, I was laughing so hard. Even if you didn't live through the 80's you can still enjoy this.
And while we are at it, how in the world did "Who let the dogs out?" ever make it big? Really. It makes me wonder if the conspiracy theorists are right about Big Brother controlling entertainment. Because I can't imagine how anybody would originally think that song was good enough for the radio. We only listened to it because they played it all the time. What were we thinking?
Perhaps we were just thinking... "hey, this song is going to drive my mom crazy!"
I have very eclectic taste when it comes to music. Tonight while doing dishes, we listened to (in a row) country, top-40's, 80's, alternative, blue-grass, rap/pop. And I loved that my 5-year old requested to walk like an Egyptian. It called for some awesome dancing.
So speaking of music, here is the AWESOMEST music video ever. Seriously had me rolling, I was laughing so hard. Even if you didn't live through the 80's you can still enjoy this.
And while we are at it, how in the world did "Who let the dogs out?" ever make it big? Really. It makes me wonder if the conspiracy theorists are right about Big Brother controlling entertainment. Because I can't imagine how anybody would originally think that song was good enough for the radio. We only listened to it because they played it all the time. What were we thinking?
Perhaps we were just thinking... "hey, this song is going to drive my mom crazy!"
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
"Money money money"
I always think of song lyrics when I write blogs, and ABBA is it today.
Yesterday, my daughter sold some toys. I wanted to get rid of them, even though she still plays with them, and she agreed to it only if I sold them. So I listed them online... a beat up barbie house and a doll stroller for $1.50 (which is especially lame, because I think they were both given to us by neighbors... I know, I should have stressed the importance of charity, but I just wanted the thing out of my house and would agree to anything). Whatever, I figured if it didn't sell in a couple days, I'd sneak it to DI and just pay her.
It sold! And the lady who bought it was so cute, she gave Bekah a few extra gold dollars. Bekah was SOO excited. That, with some money she got for Christmas and money saved, she had enough (drumroll please...) to "buy a BANK ACCOUNT". To sweeten the deal, we told her for every $20 she puts in, we would add $5... we figure that will help her understand interest, since she wouldn't get any from the bank. Anyway, it was great to see her excited about saving.
Speaking of money, I just read a FANTASTIC financial book. Very understandable, interesting to read and very specific with suggestions. It's written by this guy who is a millionaire and became so on a teacher's income. Seriously. He paid for his own education, never inherited a dime, and is now rich enough for massages for him and his wife every week and travel. Massages... my ears definitely perked up. It is called Millionaire Teacher. I would really recommend it, and I'll lend you my copy after the person who I lent it to is done. What's awesome is it was pretty in line with what Rob and I read in uninteresting financial books. So his advice is sanctioned by others, only you can actually understand what he is saying.
It has also got me excited for some financial goals for the new year. It has taken me a month, but I have finally gottens some ideas of what I want to accomplish this year other than just "survive." It probably also has to do with the fact that I haven't needed an IV in 2 weeks, and survival looks easier to accomplish.
Yesterday, my daughter sold some toys. I wanted to get rid of them, even though she still plays with them, and she agreed to it only if I sold them. So I listed them online... a beat up barbie house and a doll stroller for $1.50 (which is especially lame, because I think they were both given to us by neighbors... I know, I should have stressed the importance of charity, but I just wanted the thing out of my house and would agree to anything). Whatever, I figured if it didn't sell in a couple days, I'd sneak it to DI and just pay her.
It sold! And the lady who bought it was so cute, she gave Bekah a few extra gold dollars. Bekah was SOO excited. That, with some money she got for Christmas and money saved, she had enough (drumroll please...) to "buy a BANK ACCOUNT". To sweeten the deal, we told her for every $20 she puts in, we would add $5... we figure that will help her understand interest, since she wouldn't get any from the bank. Anyway, it was great to see her excited about saving.
Speaking of money, I just read a FANTASTIC financial book. Very understandable, interesting to read and very specific with suggestions. It's written by this guy who is a millionaire and became so on a teacher's income. Seriously. He paid for his own education, never inherited a dime, and is now rich enough for massages for him and his wife every week and travel. Massages... my ears definitely perked up. It is called Millionaire Teacher. I would really recommend it, and I'll lend you my copy after the person who I lent it to is done. What's awesome is it was pretty in line with what Rob and I read in uninteresting financial books. So his advice is sanctioned by others, only you can actually understand what he is saying.
It has also got me excited for some financial goals for the new year. It has taken me a month, but I have finally gottens some ideas of what I want to accomplish this year other than just "survive." It probably also has to do with the fact that I haven't needed an IV in 2 weeks, and survival looks easier to accomplish.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Just when you think they aren't listening
My kids are not quiet talkers. And while we have worked on whispering for years... well, I don't know why I try. I love how I remind them in church to whisper and they look at me and keep talking in the exact same volume. You all know what I mean.
Well, my daughter talked through most of Sacrament meeting this Sunday, reading to herself or talking to her brother. Which was actually great because she was sitting almost the whole time and wasn't bickering or bothering anyone almost the whole time. Who cares if THEY listen to anything... as long as the people around us can listen.
So later in Primary, the primary president asks the Junior primary (over 100 kids) if anyone knew what one of the talks was about. One kid raises their hand. My daughter. And she answered it correctly. WHAT!!??! I was completely blown away!! I know people say that kids hear when you don't think they do, but usually, you would expect the kid to at least not be talking to hear! Anyway, completely amazing. It made me feel pretty good.
Kind of made up for my son answering another question by the primary president, "My mom was really crabby yesterday!"
Well, my daughter talked through most of Sacrament meeting this Sunday, reading to herself or talking to her brother. Which was actually great because she was sitting almost the whole time and wasn't bickering or bothering anyone almost the whole time. Who cares if THEY listen to anything... as long as the people around us can listen.
So later in Primary, the primary president asks the Junior primary (over 100 kids) if anyone knew what one of the talks was about. One kid raises their hand. My daughter. And she answered it correctly. WHAT!!??! I was completely blown away!! I know people say that kids hear when you don't think they do, but usually, you would expect the kid to at least not be talking to hear! Anyway, completely amazing. It made me feel pretty good.
Kind of made up for my son answering another question by the primary president, "My mom was really crabby yesterday!"
Saturday, January 21, 2012
What's been coming up
We have gone through the stomach flu this week. Why do children always start after midnight? My two oldest both started within 5 minutes of midnight, but 5 days apart. No lie. I guess it's better than 2am... although they were up then, too.
My daughter is hilarious. She had to run into our room to tell us that she just threw up in her bed and had to throw up agai... too late.
We assured her that next time, we really CAN hear her from the bathroom, and she should just run there first. Of course, she has a hard time throwing up INTO anything. Like she will wake up, sit up in her bed, and throw up next to the bucket, which is in her bed. It is amazing. A couple years ago when we were in a little apartment, I ended up dragging her mattress into the living room, so I could lay next to on the couch and hand her a bucket throughout the night.
This time, after changing sheets several times in less than an hour, Rob patiently explained again and again how to use the toilet and the bucket effectively. He was awesome. If there is any trial of patience, it is speaking kindly at 3 am while you are explaining for the 3rd time how important it is to throw up IN the bucket. My job, being the light sleeper, was to holler every time I heard my daughter move during the night, "THE BUCKET! USE THE BUCKET!". Cough... "THE BUCKET." She rolls over, "THE BUCKET!"
For two days, my baby ate poorly and Rob and I just waited for it... extra sheets and blankets ready next to his bed every night. Turns out he was teething.
I have a belief that a carseat is new until it is thrown up in. Stephen got a carseat for Christmas... a new snazzy, expensive one. You can see where this is going.
Well, as it happens, when it comes to carseats snazzy is NOT good. You have to have a PhD in Engineering to get the cover off. Seriously, I know this because only my husband WITH the PhD could get it off, and only after 40 minutes with the manual. If it were warmer, I probably would have just gone to a self-service car wash and sprayed it with the high-power sprayer.
So far Rob and I have escaped the worst. Rob felt sick one day. I thought it was kind of funny. You see, the last couple months I have been throwing up non-stop (I'll let you guess why), even needing IVs. So every time he complained about feeling queezy, it made me chuckle. Literally. I obviously need to work on my compassion.
Gotta go, Saturday night, kids are bathed and we are all going to watch part of Empire Strikes Back... I can hear the baby laughing downstairs ready.
My daughter is hilarious. She had to run into our room to tell us that she just threw up in her bed and had to throw up agai... too late.
We assured her that next time, we really CAN hear her from the bathroom, and she should just run there first. Of course, she has a hard time throwing up INTO anything. Like she will wake up, sit up in her bed, and throw up next to the bucket, which is in her bed. It is amazing. A couple years ago when we were in a little apartment, I ended up dragging her mattress into the living room, so I could lay next to on the couch and hand her a bucket throughout the night.
This time, after changing sheets several times in less than an hour, Rob patiently explained again and again how to use the toilet and the bucket effectively. He was awesome. If there is any trial of patience, it is speaking kindly at 3 am while you are explaining for the 3rd time how important it is to throw up IN the bucket. My job, being the light sleeper, was to holler every time I heard my daughter move during the night, "THE BUCKET! USE THE BUCKET!". Cough... "THE BUCKET." She rolls over, "THE BUCKET!"
For two days, my baby ate poorly and Rob and I just waited for it... extra sheets and blankets ready next to his bed every night. Turns out he was teething.
I have a belief that a carseat is new until it is thrown up in. Stephen got a carseat for Christmas... a new snazzy, expensive one. You can see where this is going.
Well, as it happens, when it comes to carseats snazzy is NOT good. You have to have a PhD in Engineering to get the cover off. Seriously, I know this because only my husband WITH the PhD could get it off, and only after 40 minutes with the manual. If it were warmer, I probably would have just gone to a self-service car wash and sprayed it with the high-power sprayer.
So far Rob and I have escaped the worst. Rob felt sick one day. I thought it was kind of funny. You see, the last couple months I have been throwing up non-stop (I'll let you guess why), even needing IVs. So every time he complained about feeling queezy, it made me chuckle. Literally. I obviously need to work on my compassion.
Gotta go, Saturday night, kids are bathed and we are all going to watch part of Empire Strikes Back... I can hear the baby laughing downstairs ready.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Hope?
So I hit this moment that everyone goes through in their life. Usually many times. The moment you stop and look at your life and say... "wait a minute... this is not where I'm supposed to be." It's not that I don't know how I got here; I got here through lots of prayer and trusting God. And it's not that where I am is bad. But it's just that sudden realization that I'm not where and who I thought I was going to be years ago when I visualized this. And what is the harshest is the realization that life is NEVER going to be what I thought it would be. It was kind of a blow to the gut.
I think it became even more of a blow to the gut when I looked around me and found that other people... even people older than me... were going through the EXACT same thing. These are good people who are following what they feel God wants them to do, and have done so all their lives. And they still come to these crossroads where they are hit by how different their lives are from what they had hoped, dreamed, or even expected.
It's all about expectations, isn't it. If my husband tells me he will be home late, I am just fine when he's late. But when I call him at 6:15 to find out where he is since we are sitting around the table waiting and he says that he hasn't left work yet (at least 35 min. away)... more difficult.
I have been reading the Bible a lot lately, and I am struck by how regular this phenomenom is. Nothing turns out how it seems. Nothing. Mary, the mother of our Lord is told by an angel that her son "shall be great...and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever..." I cannot imagine her confusion and pain when over 30 years later, she watches that Son be crucified. Can you imagine her cry to God, "You told me that he would be great! And instead he was made the lowest of all!"
I have also been reading through Genesis, and Abraham's story is another perfect example. The Lord promises him children, that they would become a great nation. He promises him the land. Well we know how long he went without any children at all, and then he didn't have a lot. Then he was forced to leave the very land he was promised because of famine. In fact, after that he feared for his life and had to pretend that he was only the brother of his wife twice! And the story is similar to Isaac and Jacob. Nothing turns out how it should. Nothing seems to end like you imagined it would in the beginning.
The only answer must be that this is not the end. Abraham and Sarah's story can not end with him dying and being buried in a cave of Machpelah, having relatively few offspring and only one with him at end. Rebekah (one of my favorite women in the Bible!) was obviously a very righteous woman, and while she lived in a culture that heavily valued motherhood and she had been promised many, she only had twin boys. And she must have died with grief in her heart, not ever seeing those two reconciled. So that cannot be the end of her story.
I am learning that submitting your will to God is not only giving up your will, but your expectations. Your understanding. This is very, very painful. And that is where hope comes in. Thank God for Hope! As Paul says in Romans, "that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. ... Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
I like how C.S. Lewis poetically captures what we have hope in, in the Last Battle, after Eustace, Lucy, Peter, and all of them learn that they are dead,
Isn't that beautiful? I cry every time I read that. To think that somehow my life of diapers and vomit will someday become poetry!
I think it became even more of a blow to the gut when I looked around me and found that other people... even people older than me... were going through the EXACT same thing. These are good people who are following what they feel God wants them to do, and have done so all their lives. And they still come to these crossroads where they are hit by how different their lives are from what they had hoped, dreamed, or even expected.
It's all about expectations, isn't it. If my husband tells me he will be home late, I am just fine when he's late. But when I call him at 6:15 to find out where he is since we are sitting around the table waiting and he says that he hasn't left work yet (at least 35 min. away)... more difficult.
I have been reading the Bible a lot lately, and I am struck by how regular this phenomenom is. Nothing turns out how it seems. Nothing. Mary, the mother of our Lord is told by an angel that her son "shall be great...and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever..." I cannot imagine her confusion and pain when over 30 years later, she watches that Son be crucified. Can you imagine her cry to God, "You told me that he would be great! And instead he was made the lowest of all!"
I have also been reading through Genesis, and Abraham's story is another perfect example. The Lord promises him children, that they would become a great nation. He promises him the land. Well we know how long he went without any children at all, and then he didn't have a lot. Then he was forced to leave the very land he was promised because of famine. In fact, after that he feared for his life and had to pretend that he was only the brother of his wife twice! And the story is similar to Isaac and Jacob. Nothing turns out how it should. Nothing seems to end like you imagined it would in the beginning.
The only answer must be that this is not the end. Abraham and Sarah's story can not end with him dying and being buried in a cave of Machpelah, having relatively few offspring and only one with him at end. Rebekah (one of my favorite women in the Bible!) was obviously a very righteous woman, and while she lived in a culture that heavily valued motherhood and she had been promised many, she only had twin boys. And she must have died with grief in her heart, not ever seeing those two reconciled. So that cannot be the end of her story.
I am learning that submitting your will to God is not only giving up your will, but your expectations. Your understanding. This is very, very painful. And that is where hope comes in. Thank God for Hope! As Paul says in Romans, "that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. ... Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
I like how C.S. Lewis poetically captures what we have hope in, in the Last Battle, after Eustace, Lucy, Peter, and all of them learn that they are dead,
"We can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
Isn't that beautiful? I cry every time I read that. To think that somehow my life of diapers and vomit will someday become poetry!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
3 more things
As I'm laying on my couch feeling lousy, I felt that I must write my thankful list for a pick me up.
#1 Great books. I was reminded today of a book that I loved... I don't even remember much about it, but this summer I saw it at a yard sale and bought it just because I remembered that 15 years ago, I had loved that book. I need to go and find that book and start it. Winters are for good books. I'm not a big fan of the cold, so tromping through the snow is not very appealing. I just don't generate much body heat. But snuggling up with a good book under a warm quilt... mmm. So perhaps I'll start "A lantern in her hand".
#2 My Oma's soup. Yesterday I was on my way to her house for lunch when the baby threw up all over and we had to turn around. But my Oma got in her car and drove at least 45 minutes here (more because she got lost on the way) to bring me some. Is that love or what? You have to try this soup to understand... it's legendary in our family. It just tastes like savory love and warmth with meatballs. She even left all the leftovers from lunch, which I will not share with anyone else. There are just some things you do not have to do when you are a mother... and sharing my Oma's soup is one of them.
#3 My pink bucket. It has seen lot's of use lately and has saved lots of mess. I'm just grateful for it.
#4 My sweet neighbors. God always seems to send help when I really need it. Today that help is my neighbor who is now picking up some much needed milk and medicine for me. When we were looking for our house, we knew what we wanted, but we also knew that what mattered just as much as the house was the neighbors... and that's not something that you figure out during a walk-through. When we drove around this neighborhood for the first time, I remember falling in love. It was a Saturday morning and people were outside, waving at passing cars, kids were playing, birds were singing. A musical waiting to happen. Neighbors like this... priceless.
#1 Great books. I was reminded today of a book that I loved... I don't even remember much about it, but this summer I saw it at a yard sale and bought it just because I remembered that 15 years ago, I had loved that book. I need to go and find that book and start it. Winters are for good books. I'm not a big fan of the cold, so tromping through the snow is not very appealing. I just don't generate much body heat. But snuggling up with a good book under a warm quilt... mmm. So perhaps I'll start "A lantern in her hand".
#2 My Oma's soup. Yesterday I was on my way to her house for lunch when the baby threw up all over and we had to turn around. But my Oma got in her car and drove at least 45 minutes here (more because she got lost on the way) to bring me some. Is that love or what? You have to try this soup to understand... it's legendary in our family. It just tastes like savory love and warmth with meatballs. She even left all the leftovers from lunch, which I will not share with anyone else. There are just some things you do not have to do when you are a mother... and sharing my Oma's soup is one of them.
#3 My pink bucket. It has seen lot's of use lately and has saved lots of mess. I'm just grateful for it.
#4 My sweet neighbors. God always seems to send help when I really need it. Today that help is my neighbor who is now picking up some much needed milk and medicine for me. When we were looking for our house, we knew what we wanted, but we also knew that what mattered just as much as the house was the neighbors... and that's not something that you figure out during a walk-through. When we drove around this neighborhood for the first time, I remember falling in love. It was a Saturday morning and people were outside, waving at passing cars, kids were playing, birds were singing. A musical waiting to happen. Neighbors like this... priceless.
Monday, January 16, 2012
A few thankfuls
We have been on survival mode for several months now. Not a survival mode where we are all miserable and unhappy surviving, just the kind where I have cut out doing a lot of stuff that is not essential.
But for a while I have been thinking that I want to write some of the moments that are beautiful.
so for things that make me happy:
#1 My baby's kisses. He turns to me with his tongue sticking out and wants to lick my face to show me his love. I kiss him and then he kisses/licks me back. Pretty adorable albeit slobbery.
#2 Family pictures on my wall. The baby turned one, so I thought that I better finally put up some family pictures that included him... especially since I had some great ones. Isn't it great having a few cute family pictures smiling at you! Makes me kind of feel like we ARE a good looking family, even if I haven't brushed my hair yet today.
#3 Music with memories. I played a song on the piano yesterday and it took me back so vividly to some wonderful college days. Isn't that amazing.
#4 Cheerios. Overrated: hot breakfast. Actually, if someone else wanted to cook, I would love a hot breakfast. But my kids can just pour whole-grained goodness into their bowl all by themselves, something that mothers centuries ago only dreamed of. Out of the thousands of years of human civilization, I am so glad to live in the time of Cheerios.
But for a while I have been thinking that I want to write some of the moments that are beautiful.
so for things that make me happy:
#1 My baby's kisses. He turns to me with his tongue sticking out and wants to lick my face to show me his love. I kiss him and then he kisses/licks me back. Pretty adorable albeit slobbery.
#2 Family pictures on my wall. The baby turned one, so I thought that I better finally put up some family pictures that included him... especially since I had some great ones. Isn't it great having a few cute family pictures smiling at you! Makes me kind of feel like we ARE a good looking family, even if I haven't brushed my hair yet today.
#3 Music with memories. I played a song on the piano yesterday and it took me back so vividly to some wonderful college days. Isn't that amazing.
#4 Cheerios. Overrated: hot breakfast. Actually, if someone else wanted to cook, I would love a hot breakfast. But my kids can just pour whole-grained goodness into their bowl all by themselves, something that mothers centuries ago only dreamed of. Out of the thousands of years of human civilization, I am so glad to live in the time of Cheerios.
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