Friday, February 27, 2009
a new love
Isn't it amazing. Isn't learning wonderful. At lunch today, Bekah and I played the rhyming game. Run...fun...sun...bun... She would just giggle with glee when either of us thought of another rhyming word. What fun! It seems that sometimes school seems to beat out the fun of learning. But it shouldn't be like that. I hope that the glee lasts... that she keeps loving learning, feeling the thrill of new knowledge.
My swimmer!
My little girl can swim!! She has been taking lessons this winter (a great deal! There is only 1 other kid in her class), but it was in Houston that she took off. While playing in the hot tub one day, she must have figured out how to put her head down and float. The next day, she could suddenly swim! I stood in the middle of the pool, she swam out to me, I would lift her up to take a breath, and then she would swim the rest of the way across the pool. Whoohoo! We took a video... I am going to have to download it. It's so cute! Thank you Grandma for your help!
Monday, February 16, 2009
wedding and a wonderful day
What a wonderful weekend! What a wonderful day!
First of all, it's warm. That alone kind of guarantees goodness in February. We are out here in Houston for Lorie's wedding, which was beautiful. We arrived late Thursday night and Friday was a busy whirl-wind getting ready for the wedding. We had a big family dinner with both sides Friday evening and I even played the guitar and sang a song. It went great.
Saturday morning, we all made it out and to the temple on time. Everyone looked lovely and we now have a wonderful brother-in-law. The reception was in this cool 1940's airport terminal. It was very Lorie-esque. So beautiful. Lorie was absolutely beautiful, and the kids were so cute. And that's pretty much who people look at: Bride (and maybe the groom), the little kids, and maybe the mothers of the bride and groom. Anyway, so fun. The reception ended at 7:30, but it felt like 11. We were exhausted!
Yesterday after church, Rob, the kids and I went on a walk around the neighborhood. We walked along the bayou (I love just saying that word... bayou. Say it with a drawl. Bayou). We even saw a alligator sunning itself across the bayou, only about 20 ft away. Only down south do you just see an alligator sitting by the bayou. Plus it was just wonderful to be together, talking, enjoying the sun and warmth by the bayou (okay, say it one more time. Isn't it great? Makes you want to talk with a drawl.)
So lastly, today was absolutely wonderful. Despite the nippy weather (okay, nippy only for Houston... high-60s), we went swimming. So fun. The kids LOVED it. We then had lunch at and took a lovely nap. I always think a day that includes a nap is great. Rob had to leave for the airport. Sad:( So he has to return to cold, work, cold. I am so glad that we are staying a few more days.
We had family home evening tonight, Grandma Bassett played games with the kids (she is SO amazing. I love you Grandma Bassett), and I put kids to bed. I then finished off this wonderful day by singing italian arias to my kids as they fell asleep. It was magical, sitting in the dark, making up italian-sounding words, holding Bekah's hand as I sang to the two of them.
First of all, it's warm. That alone kind of guarantees goodness in February. We are out here in Houston for Lorie's wedding, which was beautiful. We arrived late Thursday night and Friday was a busy whirl-wind getting ready for the wedding. We had a big family dinner with both sides Friday evening and I even played the guitar and sang a song. It went great.
Saturday morning, we all made it out and to the temple on time. Everyone looked lovely and we now have a wonderful brother-in-law. The reception was in this cool 1940's airport terminal. It was very Lorie-esque. So beautiful. Lorie was absolutely beautiful, and the kids were so cute. And that's pretty much who people look at: Bride (and maybe the groom), the little kids, and maybe the mothers of the bride and groom. Anyway, so fun. The reception ended at 7:30, but it felt like 11. We were exhausted!
Yesterday after church, Rob, the kids and I went on a walk around the neighborhood. We walked along the bayou (I love just saying that word... bayou. Say it with a drawl. Bayou). We even saw a alligator sunning itself across the bayou, only about 20 ft away. Only down south do you just see an alligator sitting by the bayou. Plus it was just wonderful to be together, talking, enjoying the sun and warmth by the bayou (okay, say it one more time. Isn't it great? Makes you want to talk with a drawl.)
So lastly, today was absolutely wonderful. Despite the nippy weather (okay, nippy only for Houston... high-60s), we went swimming. So fun. The kids LOVED it. We then had lunch at and took a lovely nap. I always think a day that includes a nap is great. Rob had to leave for the airport. Sad:( So he has to return to cold, work, cold. I am so glad that we are staying a few more days.
We had family home evening tonight, Grandma Bassett played games with the kids (she is SO amazing. I love you Grandma Bassett), and I put kids to bed. I then finished off this wonderful day by singing italian arias to my kids as they fell asleep. It was magical, sitting in the dark, making up italian-sounding words, holding Bekah's hand as I sang to the two of them.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thou Shalt Not Judge
Just got home from a disaster. While some kids get cuddly, cranky, or whiney when they get tired, my son does not. In fact, as he gets tired, he usually moves it up to hyperdrive, and as he gets more exhausted, he moves faster. I'm serious. He gets more naughty. And this only winds up his sister, who is usually also tired.
Sunday has become especially difficult since we have church 1-4pm. That last hour, during sacrament, both of my children cannot keep quiet... I think it is physically impossible for them to just sit and be quiet. Or just sit. Or be quiet.
While church ended badly, it was the family dinner afterwards that left me in tears. Both of my kids were bouncing everywhere... exhaustedly over-stimulated. It seems that my lot in life is to watch other children quietly cuddle on their parents lap while mine are running and jumping in circles. AAAAHHHH!!!
I just want to stand up and announce, "Yes, I discipline my children. I teach them good manners. The fact that they are running around like wild is not because I don't try to have some control or am too easy going. Yes, they have been to time out (one has already spent 15 minutes there in the past hour. We even spanked one (something we rarely do because it is rarely effective. And it wasn't tonight, either). So please do not judge me. Do not judge them. They are wonderful children. They really are.
Tonight I am thankful for a family who smiles instead of smirks. Who don't pass judgement. Thank you. Thank you. We will try to be better next time... but if we aren't, please just keep loving us like you do so well!
Sunday has become especially difficult since we have church 1-4pm. That last hour, during sacrament, both of my children cannot keep quiet... I think it is physically impossible for them to just sit and be quiet. Or just sit. Or be quiet.
While church ended badly, it was the family dinner afterwards that left me in tears. Both of my kids were bouncing everywhere... exhaustedly over-stimulated. It seems that my lot in life is to watch other children quietly cuddle on their parents lap while mine are running and jumping in circles. AAAAHHHH!!!
I just want to stand up and announce, "Yes, I discipline my children. I teach them good manners. The fact that they are running around like wild is not because I don't try to have some control or am too easy going. Yes, they have been to time out (one has already spent 15 minutes there in the past hour. We even spanked one (something we rarely do because it is rarely effective. And it wasn't tonight, either). So please do not judge me. Do not judge them. They are wonderful children. They really are.
Tonight I am thankful for a family who smiles instead of smirks. Who don't pass judgement. Thank you. Thank you. We will try to be better next time... but if we aren't, please just keep loving us like you do so well!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Moving on to a new year
It is Sunday, January 3rd, 8:45pm. We just got home from the last family party we'll have for a while and Rob is upstairs singing lullabies to the children. I am downstairs staring at the mess of toys, clothes, books, and shoes that are everywhere, basking in the soft glow of the Christmas lights, remembering our wonderful holiday. Tomorrow life will go on... Christmas decorations will come down, the mess will be gone (hopefully), and everything will return back to it's schedule. This has been a great last month, but I am ready to move on and start getting organized again.
A few fun memories: New years eve, the 4 of us went to the Gateway to do a little shopping. They had some activities for kids, so my kids made masks and noisemakers. Then Rob and the kids rode the train to Layton, where I picked them up and we headed to Gamma and Gamps. Tonya and Jared also joined us as we did the count down. Gamma even had confetti! The kids loved it... although they were a little confused when we had our toast of home-made grape juice and sprite. "Where's the toast?" they both wanted to know. Then the kids were off to bed. Four hours later, we had the real count-down, this time with Mary and Shaun, too. Gamps even stayed up and played games until 1 or 2am!! (Okay, he did have a little nap before that, but I was still impressed). Plus, Jared was so hilarious in the wee hours of the morning. The next morning we had a big breakfast before we all split up into different directions... J & T to Chicago, Mary down to SLC, and we headed home to drop off stuff and continue down to South Jordan. Oh, the fun didn't stop. With Rob's mom and dad and Lorie and Manny in town from Houston, we just kept going. The kids got their Christmas presents... which they LOVED! Kyle wouldn't get off of his new bike (although it was hard to ride around on carpet inside) and Bekah has already slept several nights in her new princess sleeping bag. So thanks.
Then last night, after a jam packed day of bridal shower, primary activity, fundraising at a local boutique, and then dinner with the Franklins, we stayed at the Franklins apartment playing games until 1:30am. Luckily, the kids have spent the last 2 weeks sleeping somewhere besides their own bed, so they are pretty good at it. Then tonight, we were once again having fun at a big Bassett family gathering (which was also delightful).
It was so much fun to just hang out and stay up late playing games and talking... both with my family and the Franklins. We used to do that all the time the first 4 yrs of our marriage! What happened? Ever since we moved here to Utah, we just haven't really done that much. And although I would like to blame it on others, I think it is really the other additions that happened about the same time we moved here: My beloved Thing One and Thing Two. Hmm... maybe I'll make that one of my goals for 2009.
A few fun memories: New years eve, the 4 of us went to the Gateway to do a little shopping. They had some activities for kids, so my kids made masks and noisemakers. Then Rob and the kids rode the train to Layton, where I picked them up and we headed to Gamma and Gamps. Tonya and Jared also joined us as we did the count down. Gamma even had confetti! The kids loved it... although they were a little confused when we had our toast of home-made grape juice and sprite. "Where's the toast?" they both wanted to know. Then the kids were off to bed. Four hours later, we had the real count-down, this time with Mary and Shaun, too. Gamps even stayed up and played games until 1 or 2am!! (Okay, he did have a little nap before that, but I was still impressed). Plus, Jared was so hilarious in the wee hours of the morning. The next morning we had a big breakfast before we all split up into different directions... J & T to Chicago, Mary down to SLC, and we headed home to drop off stuff and continue down to South Jordan. Oh, the fun didn't stop. With Rob's mom and dad and Lorie and Manny in town from Houston, we just kept going. The kids got their Christmas presents... which they LOVED! Kyle wouldn't get off of his new bike (although it was hard to ride around on carpet inside) and Bekah has already slept several nights in her new princess sleeping bag. So thanks.
Then last night, after a jam packed day of bridal shower, primary activity, fundraising at a local boutique, and then dinner with the Franklins, we stayed at the Franklins apartment playing games until 1:30am. Luckily, the kids have spent the last 2 weeks sleeping somewhere besides their own bed, so they are pretty good at it. Then tonight, we were once again having fun at a big Bassett family gathering (which was also delightful).
It was so much fun to just hang out and stay up late playing games and talking... both with my family and the Franklins. We used to do that all the time the first 4 yrs of our marriage! What happened? Ever since we moved here to Utah, we just haven't really done that much. And although I would like to blame it on others, I think it is really the other additions that happened about the same time we moved here: My beloved Thing One and Thing Two. Hmm... maybe I'll make that one of my goals for 2009.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Merry Christmas
Wasn't Christmas wonderful. My children are at the perfect age... with excitement and magic but few expectations. They definitely get the whole gift getting thing... everytime we are at the store, they informed me that they wanted every truck, train, or doll we passed. But they also got giddy when I saw an elf (plus it motivated them to clean up) and they Love reading and singing about Baby Jesus.
We have spent almost the whole week with my family...just camping out at my parents house. I have been home only a few hours in the past 5 days. It has been SO much fun! All of my siblings and wives except Josh and Val have been here. It has been great to sleep here because we can hang out, talk, watch movies, and play games until the wee hours each morning. Plus, my new sister-in-laws are perfect for the family... Here's to the sistahs!
Christmas eve we did the traditional Christmas pageant. My kids were Mary and Joseph, and of course their daddy was the donkey. Gamps asked my kids (in front of all the family) what the real meaning of Christmas was. I was relieved when Bekah replied "Giving and Jesus". A couple weeks ago, her answer was "getting presents" so we have been talking about that. Phew.
Christmas morning, presents were opened one at a time. My kids were patient in between turns, more busy playing with their new toys. It was perfect. Family. Fun. Giving. We have received more than our fair share!
We have spent almost the whole week with my family...just camping out at my parents house. I have been home only a few hours in the past 5 days. It has been SO much fun! All of my siblings and wives except Josh and Val have been here. It has been great to sleep here because we can hang out, talk, watch movies, and play games until the wee hours each morning. Plus, my new sister-in-laws are perfect for the family... Here's to the sistahs!
Christmas eve we did the traditional Christmas pageant. My kids were Mary and Joseph, and of course their daddy was the donkey. Gamps asked my kids (in front of all the family) what the real meaning of Christmas was. I was relieved when Bekah replied "Giving and Jesus". A couple weeks ago, her answer was "getting presents" so we have been talking about that. Phew.
Christmas morning, presents were opened one at a time. My kids were patient in between turns, more busy playing with their new toys. It was perfect. Family. Fun. Giving. We have received more than our fair share!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
the Fistula Foundation
Thank you to everyone who has been donating! We have raised over $600 so far (and I am sure that even more have donated that I am unaware of)! It's good to think that we have helped changed at least one woman's life so far... helping someone return to her family and live a normal life. Keep it up!
On Jan. 3rd, there will be a boutique here in Woods Cross from 11-2pm. Not only will there be great vendors, but also a silent auction to help raise money for the fistula foundation. Spread the word!
On Jan. 3rd, there will be a boutique here in Woods Cross from 11-2pm. Not only will there be great vendors, but also a silent auction to help raise money for the fistula foundation. Spread the word!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)