And we ended this special day with an Ice Age cake?...I guess the water theme fits.
And here's a cute picture of Kate with my Mom.
This is the end of the birthday, blessing, baptism update...until 2009 :-)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
It's great to be 8!
After our blessing/baptism events on Sunday, we focused on Zoe's birthday. We invited Matt's parents over to my parents' home to eat dinner, have Zoe open her gifts, and have cake and ice cream. Zoe enjoyed every minute of it!
And we ended this special day with an Ice Age cake?...I guess the water theme fits.
And here's a cute picture of Kate with my Mom.
This is the end of the birthday, blessing, baptism update...until 2009 :-)
And we ended this special day with an Ice Age cake?...I guess the water theme fits.
And here's a cute picture of Kate with my Mom.
This is the end of the birthday, blessing, baptism update...until 2009 :-)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Birthday, Blessing, Baptism Part 2
Let's back up a bit to start my "Senior" moment #2. During church, a couple of the children made the Primary Presidency some cute mice made from different foods (the body was a half of a pear, the eyes were raisins, the tail was a piece of licorice...). They were really cute and I wanted to get a picture of them before we ate them, so I went to get my camera...where's my camera?...I looked in my church bag, Kate's carseat, another bag...no camera, this is not a good day to lose my camera! At this point of the day, I am starting to feel like the people in the Book of Mormon who hide their possessions and treasures and never find them again. When I went to feed Kate in the Mother's room a little while later, I looked in the diaper bag...and found my camera. Yay! "Senior moment" # 2 complete. When I went back later to take a picture of the mice, they were gone.
As I go over the events of yesterday in my mind, I realize that I had way too much stuff to keep track of!
Zoe's baptism went very well. I put my Mom and the Primary President in charge of the light snacks provided after church/before the baptism. So people munched in the kitchen while Zoe and Matt changed their clothes and we took some pictures.
I had Zoe unwrap a gift from my Aunt Tonia that she made for Zoe. They were 2 white towels for Zoe to use after her baptism. One towel had "CTR" written on it and the other towel had Zoe's name and baptism date on it. Zoe loved them! She couldn't believe that my Aunt Tonia had found a towel with her name on it!!
I also put the bracelet that she wore on her blessing day in her hair to wear on her baptism day.
Other last minute details were done after church like setting up chairs in front of the font where we had the baptism, moving the piano near the font, setting up the tv to show a short video while Matt and Zoe changed after her baptism, and handing out programs. We showed the video of President Hinckley doing a Sharing Time with children and it was perfect. The timing was right and the message fit.
Zoe was more excited than nervous about her baptism. She was ready. Matt's Mom gave a great talk on baptism, which Zoe commented on later. She said it was long, good, and the best part was when Matt's Mom asked her some questions and she answered them right!
After her baptism, Zoe was excited to wear her new dress, slip, sweater, and necklace from Matt's parents that she had unwrapped in the morning before church.
Here she is with one of her best friends.
And her siblings.(not as cooperative)
And her family.
And here she is with Matt's parents and Kate.
What a special day for Zoe. I think because she was born and has been raised in the same branch of the church her baptism day was even more special. Everyone who participated in her program has known her for a long time. It was very personal and sweet. Matt's Dad confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave her the ability to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I hope Zoe remembers this day always and I hope she has the opportunity to see her own children get baptized. What a great experience! As my Dad pointed out yesterday, we will now have a baptism in our family every 2 years. I look forward to that and Emily is already anxious for her big day :-)
To be continued...
As I go over the events of yesterday in my mind, I realize that I had way too much stuff to keep track of!
Zoe's baptism went very well. I put my Mom and the Primary President in charge of the light snacks provided after church/before the baptism. So people munched in the kitchen while Zoe and Matt changed their clothes and we took some pictures.
I had Zoe unwrap a gift from my Aunt Tonia that she made for Zoe. They were 2 white towels for Zoe to use after her baptism. One towel had "CTR" written on it and the other towel had Zoe's name and baptism date on it. Zoe loved them! She couldn't believe that my Aunt Tonia had found a towel with her name on it!!
I also put the bracelet that she wore on her blessing day in her hair to wear on her baptism day.
Other last minute details were done after church like setting up chairs in front of the font where we had the baptism, moving the piano near the font, setting up the tv to show a short video while Matt and Zoe changed after her baptism, and handing out programs. We showed the video of President Hinckley doing a Sharing Time with children and it was perfect. The timing was right and the message fit.
Zoe was more excited than nervous about her baptism. She was ready. Matt's Mom gave a great talk on baptism, which Zoe commented on later. She said it was long, good, and the best part was when Matt's Mom asked her some questions and she answered them right!
After her baptism, Zoe was excited to wear her new dress, slip, sweater, and necklace from Matt's parents that she had unwrapped in the morning before church.
Here she is with one of her best friends.
And her siblings.(not as cooperative)
And her family.
And here she is with Matt's parents and Kate.
What a special day for Zoe. I think because she was born and has been raised in the same branch of the church her baptism day was even more special. Everyone who participated in her program has known her for a long time. It was very personal and sweet. Matt's Dad confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave her the ability to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I hope Zoe remembers this day always and I hope she has the opportunity to see her own children get baptized. What a great experience! As my Dad pointed out yesterday, we will now have a baptism in our family every 2 years. I look forward to that and Emily is already anxious for her big day :-)
To be continued...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Birthday, Blessing, Baptism
What a day! It went fairly smoothly except for a few of my "Senior" moments. I put Kate's blessing dress on her at church before Church started and then went to get her binky that I had last saw on a nearby table, but it was gone! I checked the diaper bag...no binky, I checked my church bag...no binky, I checked the floor, behind the chair, under the cushion of the chair...no binky. What happened to the binky???(Kate is crying by now). I wonder if Zach took it off the table and hid it somewhere. Well with no binky, our before Church/blessing pictures looked like this...
Somehow I did manage to get this cute picture...
Isn't Kate's blessing dress adorable?! Matt's Mom picked it out and it was perfect.
Have I mentioned yet that today is Zoe's 8th birthday?! When we were in Utah, Matt's Mom took Zoe shopping to pick out a CTR (Choose The Right) ring for a baptism gift. Zoe was very anxious to have her ring, so she was able to open it before church and wear it all day...
It looks a lot like the CTR rings the children get in Primary, but the band is fancier.
I got Kate asleep at the start of Sacrament meeting and she was asleep when I handed her off to Matt to bless her. It didn't take Kate too long to wake up and start crying during her blessing. I wasn't surprised. But I was surprised that she didn't cry for long and she was quiet through most of her blessing. It was a beautiful blessing. Matt said a phrase kept coming to his mind as he was giving Kate her blessing, but he didn't want to say it so he would push the thought into the back of his mind and then say something else. But finally he told Kate that she would be a help to me and she would take care of me. Matt and I discussed this during our ride home and we're thinking that this referred to the future when Kate is 68 and I'm 100 (one of my goals is to live to 100).
Kate slept through the rest of Sacrament meeting and most of the rest of church which was nice. Of course she woke up to eat right before Sharing Time (my one responsiblity during Primary for the day) so I gave my Mom instructions for Sharing Time and she took charge (thanks, Mom!) I took advantage of a full, content Kate and took this cute picture...
The Primary children, teachers, and leaders sang Happy Birthday to Zoe...I assume since I was feeding Kate...and she got a present from the Primary. She opened it after church with some of the children looking on...
A puzzle!
I was doing some things after church to get ready for Zoe's baptism when I felt something in my pocket...Kate's binky! When did I put the binky in my pocket??? Obviously sometime before church, but I don't remember doing it and I never thought to look in my skirt pocket for the binky because usually I don't wear skirts that have pockets.
Senior moment #1.
To be continued...
Somehow I did manage to get this cute picture...
Isn't Kate's blessing dress adorable?! Matt's Mom picked it out and it was perfect.
Have I mentioned yet that today is Zoe's 8th birthday?! When we were in Utah, Matt's Mom took Zoe shopping to pick out a CTR (Choose The Right) ring for a baptism gift. Zoe was very anxious to have her ring, so she was able to open it before church and wear it all day...
It looks a lot like the CTR rings the children get in Primary, but the band is fancier.
I got Kate asleep at the start of Sacrament meeting and she was asleep when I handed her off to Matt to bless her. It didn't take Kate too long to wake up and start crying during her blessing. I wasn't surprised. But I was surprised that she didn't cry for long and she was quiet through most of her blessing. It was a beautiful blessing. Matt said a phrase kept coming to his mind as he was giving Kate her blessing, but he didn't want to say it so he would push the thought into the back of his mind and then say something else. But finally he told Kate that she would be a help to me and she would take care of me. Matt and I discussed this during our ride home and we're thinking that this referred to the future when Kate is 68 and I'm 100 (one of my goals is to live to 100).
Kate slept through the rest of Sacrament meeting and most of the rest of church which was nice. Of course she woke up to eat right before Sharing Time (my one responsiblity during Primary for the day) so I gave my Mom instructions for Sharing Time and she took charge (thanks, Mom!) I took advantage of a full, content Kate and took this cute picture...
The Primary children, teachers, and leaders sang Happy Birthday to Zoe...I assume since I was feeding Kate...and she got a present from the Primary. She opened it after church with some of the children looking on...
A puzzle!
I was doing some things after church to get ready for Zoe's baptism when I felt something in my pocket...Kate's binky! When did I put the binky in my pocket??? Obviously sometime before church, but I don't remember doing it and I never thought to look in my skirt pocket for the binky because usually I don't wear skirts that have pockets.
Senior moment #1.
To be continued...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Ho Hum...
...what to do, what to do? Matt and the girls are out in our rainy weather with Matt's parents, and I am home with Zach and Kate. I can think of plenty to do, but I can only do so much while holding Kate. I did do a little bit of decluttering this morning. I enjoy decluttering and organizing and I could do it all day long. People wonder how our big family can live in such a small, 2 bedroom house...it has a lot to do with decluttering and organizing...and the lack of money to have it any other way right now. But anyway, here I sit at the computer. It's actually nice to have an excuse to look around on the internet, but it's not too productive.
I keep thinking of Matt's concerns about the flooded roads from the rain we are getting, if the roads stay wet and flooded and they freeze tonight, what condition will the roads be in tomorrow to get to church? Did Matt's parents fly here for nothing? No, we will dunk Zoe in the flooded street if we have to.
Zach is wearing me out with his constant wanting me to put dress-ups on and off him. Head on over to Matt's blog to see pictures of Zach in dress-ups...here are some more pictures I just took.
Zach just discovered these Tinkerbell slippers this morning and he is loving them!
I have been ignoring his plea to put this tutu on, but I finally gave in...
He just loves to dress up. I'm hoping it's just a phase. Zach doesn't understand me when I tell him that boys don't wear dresses, especially princess dresses. He just whines louder for me to put the dress on him. Matt tells me he's blaming me if Zach turns out to be gay. I AM getting to the point where I want to hide the dress-ups for awhile or get rid of them.
Kate is asleep on my chair now, so my excuse to be on the computer is gone...at least until she wakes up again...could be in 5 minutes, could be in a few hours.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I keep thinking of Matt's concerns about the flooded roads from the rain we are getting, if the roads stay wet and flooded and they freeze tonight, what condition will the roads be in tomorrow to get to church? Did Matt's parents fly here for nothing? No, we will dunk Zoe in the flooded street if we have to.
Zach is wearing me out with his constant wanting me to put dress-ups on and off him. Head on over to Matt's blog to see pictures of Zach in dress-ups...here are some more pictures I just took.
Zach just discovered these Tinkerbell slippers this morning and he is loving them!
I have been ignoring his plea to put this tutu on, but I finally gave in...
He just loves to dress up. I'm hoping it's just a phase. Zach doesn't understand me when I tell him that boys don't wear dresses, especially princess dresses. He just whines louder for me to put the dress on him. Matt tells me he's blaming me if Zach turns out to be gay. I AM getting to the point where I want to hide the dress-ups for awhile or get rid of them.
Kate is asleep on my chair now, so my excuse to be on the computer is gone...at least until she wakes up again...could be in 5 minutes, could be in a few hours.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Party Time
Matt's parents arrived by plane yesterday from Utah to be here for Zoe's 8th birthday and baptism on Sunday and for Kate's blessing. They came over for a visit last night. Usually I'm the kid magnet around here, but Matt's Mom replaced me when they got here...
My feelings weren't hurt at all, it was a nice break :-)
My feelings weren't hurt at all, it was a nice break :-)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A big part of me
A little late again, but better than never, right?
The topic this week is to tell about a side of myself that people might not know about. Some of you may know, but some of you may not know that church is a huge part of my life. As my sister-in-law, Janae writes on her blog that her life revolves around her family, church, and the treadmill...well my life revolves around my family, church, and aerobics. I have a calling at church...a position or assignment in which LDS Church members have been asked to serve or perform a specific duty. I LOVE having a calling. Right now I am serving as the 1st Counselor in the Primary Presidency. Children ages 3 through 11 are enrolled in Primary. Children ages 18 months through 2 years are enrolled in the nursery class, which the Primary Presidency is over as well. I love to think about my calling and talk about it. I was talking with the Primary President on the phone one time and I was going on and on and on about ideas and things going on in Primary and she stopped me and said, "I thought you didn't like to talk on the phone!"...I don't, but I get talking about Primary and I can't stop. One of my challenges as a counselor is to suppress my desire to plan everything and do everything. I often wonder if I was Young Women's President for almost 5 years because the Lord was waiting for me to learn how to delegate, but then finally gave up on me. I love to go through the Primary handbook to see what can be improved in our Primary. Not only do I want to do everything we're supposed to be doing in Primary, but I want to do everything by the book, do it right. On Sunday afternoon/evening, I often think about Primary and plan for the next Sunday's Primary. During the week I work on what I have planned...although this too often gets put off until Saturday evening. I enjoy going to Stake ( Stake means a designated geographic area of inhabitants. A stake is divided into wards and branches.) meetings to get new ideas and to gain new perspective on things in my calling. It is a rare Sunday for me not to be at church. I like being there and I like serving in my calling. I was reminded in our last Stake meeting that callings are not just about going by the book, we need to be focusing on the individuals within our organizations...something I'm not so good at, but I'm working on it.
P.S. It's fun to wonder what my next calling will be :-)
Monday, March 12, 2007
Smiles
We're starting to see real smiles from Kate :-) On Saturday Kate was smiling at my Mom, but she was pouting by the time I got the camera, but tonight I was in time to catch her smiling at Matt.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Welcome Party
The two newest babies at our church.
Kate is 1 month old and the baby boy is 2 months old.
The sisters at our church gave me and another mom a shower this morning. It was fun having a pink and blue party. Kate's presents were on the pink table and the baby boy's presents were on the blue table. There was a pink cake for Kate and a blue cake for the baby boy.
It was fun getting presents for Kate. Zach had fun helping...something he has learned from his sisters!
Zoe's class put on a short play this afternoon so I planned on going from the shower. We did go, but we ended up being late for the play, which meant we pretty much missed it since the plays her class put on are only 5-10 minutes long. When we got there, I realized that Zoe had already done her part and I was bummed. But I think because of my volunteering at the beginning of the year so Zoe's teacher knows me from that, and dragging 3 kids into the school with me she had the kids do their reading parts over again for me. Very sweet of her and I appreciated it. Zoe's class has been learning about the Chinese New Year so they went through the Chinese calendar characters. Zoe was the Snake.
Here is a picture of her costume and lantern.
Yesterday, Zoe's class went to our local Chinese restaurant for a field trip. I was bummed to miss that adventure!
I saw Emily in front of Zoe's school looking at a very impressive ice sculpture with her class as I was walking into the school, but I was in a hurry so I didn't get a chance to say hello. I think both girls had a fun Friday at school.
Kate is wearing her first 3-6 month outfit today!
Kate is 1 month old and the baby boy is 2 months old.
The sisters at our church gave me and another mom a shower this morning. It was fun having a pink and blue party. Kate's presents were on the pink table and the baby boy's presents were on the blue table. There was a pink cake for Kate and a blue cake for the baby boy.
It was fun getting presents for Kate. Zach had fun helping...something he has learned from his sisters!
Zoe's class put on a short play this afternoon so I planned on going from the shower. We did go, but we ended up being late for the play, which meant we pretty much missed it since the plays her class put on are only 5-10 minutes long. When we got there, I realized that Zoe had already done her part and I was bummed. But I think because of my volunteering at the beginning of the year so Zoe's teacher knows me from that, and dragging 3 kids into the school with me she had the kids do their reading parts over again for me. Very sweet of her and I appreciated it. Zoe's class has been learning about the Chinese New Year so they went through the Chinese calendar characters. Zoe was the Snake.
Here is a picture of her costume and lantern.
Yesterday, Zoe's class went to our local Chinese restaurant for a field trip. I was bummed to miss that adventure!
I saw Emily in front of Zoe's school looking at a very impressive ice sculpture with her class as I was walking into the school, but I was in a hurry so I didn't get a chance to say hello. I think both girls had a fun Friday at school.
Kate is wearing her first 3-6 month outfit today!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Be Happy
Kate only woke up once to eat last night...we went to bed late and woke up before 6am, but we got long periods of rest in between :-) I'm not feeling tired, so why am I in such a bad mood??? It's still morning and I'm already at the point of easily being annoyed by my children. There seems to be a constant need for me to do something for Zach and Eleanor...while I hold Kate, who wakes up and cries when I put her down. I think it's time to come up with 10 things I AM happy about...before I read a book to Zach that I'm sure I have read a hundred times in the past few days.
1) I am in a warm house on a cold day
2) I have no place to be, so a no-shower day is okay
3) I paid the bills and still have money for food and gas
4) We have electricity, so I can use our computer while holding Kate
5) I can hear Zach sing the alphabet
6) Eleanor is in her room playing
7) We are all in good health
8) We have one car that works*
9) I'm not Relief Society President
10)Matt's parents are coming to visit next weekend
Thanks Cindy for this idea to focus on the positive. I needed it today!
*Matt's truck has died. We are back to both of us using the Yukon, which means I am home a lot more...mental note to self ~ be positive, this could result in our house getting cleaned more often now...probably not.
1) I am in a warm house on a cold day
2) I have no place to be, so a no-shower day is okay
3) I paid the bills and still have money for food and gas
4) We have electricity, so I can use our computer while holding Kate
5) I can hear Zach sing the alphabet
6) Eleanor is in her room playing
7) We are all in good health
8) We have one car that works*
9) I'm not Relief Society President
10)Matt's parents are coming to visit next weekend
Thanks Cindy for this idea to focus on the positive. I needed it today!
*Matt's truck has died. We are back to both of us using the Yukon, which means I am home a lot more...mental note to self ~ be positive, this could result in our house getting cleaned more often now...probably not.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tupperware & 2 Years Old
Does your tupperware stress you out? Can't find a lid?...disorganized?...do you dread saving leftovers? I used to feel this way, but not after I received this...
There are 3 different container sizes and the one-size lids fit all 3 containers :-)
I also have a few other tupperware pieces AND lids to go with them, but only a few. The purple bowl is good for mixing tuna fish in, the clear round containers are good when we have a lot of leftovers to store, and the green square containers are good for sandwiches and other leftovers.
There are no more unnecessary, disorganized tupperware containers in my cupboard :-)
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Happy Birthday Zachary!
He woke up this morning to this new wheelbarrow filled with a few presents and cards.
Zoe was anxious this morning for Zach to open his presents, so she did most of the unwrapping...and Zach wondered what he was getting.
Zoe did let him open one present by himself.
That was the excitement of Zach's birthday for us today, but that's okay because he is very content to spend the rest of the day playing with his new toys.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
1 Month Old
Kate enjoys being held, she is learning to like her binky, and she doesn't like a dirty diaper. She has a clogged tear duct, which seems to happen to all of our infants.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Celebrating early
Zach is going to be 2 on Wednesday, but because of a Stake Leadership training that Matt & I are going to Wednesday evening, we celebrated Zach's birthday yesterday at my parents' home. I don't like celebrating birthdays on a day other than the actual birthday, but we figured Zach wouldn't know the difference and it will make Wednesday evening less hectic. Here are some birthday celebration photos...
The soon to be birthday boy!
The sisters who were willing to help open presents at a moment's notice.
The only 2 year old excited to receive clothes!
An alphabet toy for a boy who LOVES to sing the alphabet.
Yes, a Dora cake and party...he loved it!
The soon to be birthday boy!
The sisters who were willing to help open presents at a moment's notice.
The only 2 year old excited to receive clothes!
An alphabet toy for a boy who LOVES to sing the alphabet.
Yes, a Dora cake and party...he loved it!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Eleanor, Eleanor, Eleanor
Eleanor decided yesterday that drawing on paper was not as much fun as face drawing...
You can't see the blue around her mouth very well, but it's such a cute picture that I had to post it.
Eleanor's new saying lately is, "Mom!You HAVE to get up now!...I've been too comfortable in my chair holding Kate lately.
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Emily never threw up yesterday and she is healthy again today, just like the other kids (knock on wood!).
You can't see the blue around her mouth very well, but it's such a cute picture that I had to post it.
Eleanor's new saying lately is, "Mom!You HAVE to get up now!...I've been too comfortable in my chair holding Kate lately.
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Emily never threw up yesterday and she is healthy again today, just like the other kids (knock on wood!).
Friday, March 02, 2007
New blog in blogland
My sister-in-law, Janae has started a blog. It made my day yesterday to find that out! It is a very cute blog and it is fun to read, so check it out! Sugar and Spice...and everything nice?
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It is snowing, so there is no school today, but I am glad about that because Emily is sick and Zoe has a cold, so they both are in need of a day of rest. Emily came home from school early yesterday with a headache and a fever. Her stomach is upset this morning. Several kids in her class have been sick with the flu, so it looks like we're starting it in our home now. I just hope it passes the children who are not capable of making it to the bathroom to throw up!
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A few evenings ago Matt told me that he had prayed that morning about getting a rowing machine so he can start exercising. We have no money in our budget for a rowing machine...but on the same day that he prayed he received an unexpected check from his office for some work he had done when he was self-employed. He didn't rush out and spend the money, which I was happy about because on the same morning I had prayed to receive money to pay our land taxes, buy Matt some contacts, and register Matt's truck. One of the reasons Matt didn't spend the money right off is because he remembered he needed contacts...but later on he found his missing supply of contacts which will last him another 3 months. It looks like one of our prayers will be answered because we don't have enough money to buy a rowing machine, pay land taxes, AND a rowing machine...but yesterday we received a check in the mail from my OB because of overpayment...yay both prayers have been answered :-) The power of prayer...I love it!
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It is snowing, so there is no school today, but I am glad about that because Emily is sick and Zoe has a cold, so they both are in need of a day of rest. Emily came home from school early yesterday with a headache and a fever. Her stomach is upset this morning. Several kids in her class have been sick with the flu, so it looks like we're starting it in our home now. I just hope it passes the children who are not capable of making it to the bathroom to throw up!
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A few evenings ago Matt told me that he had prayed that morning about getting a rowing machine so he can start exercising. We have no money in our budget for a rowing machine...but on the same day that he prayed he received an unexpected check from his office for some work he had done when he was self-employed. He didn't rush out and spend the money, which I was happy about because on the same morning I had prayed to receive money to pay our land taxes, buy Matt some contacts, and register Matt's truck. One of the reasons Matt didn't spend the money right off is because he remembered he needed contacts...but later on he found his missing supply of contacts which will last him another 3 months. It looks like one of our prayers will be answered because we don't have enough money to buy a rowing machine, pay land taxes, AND a rowing machine...but yesterday we received a check in the mail from my OB because of overpayment...yay both prayers have been answered :-) The power of prayer...I love it!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Bath time
Kate's cord fell off last night (yay! that's always a happy moment for me), so she had her first bath this morning. She was in need of a real bath and I was ready to give her one whether her cord was on or off, so I was happier than usual :-) Kate on the other hand wasn't sure about the bath experience...
until it was over...then she smiled...well she's not frowning anyway.
I participated in Dr. Laura's first Webinar this afternoon, which basically was a conference call with Dr. Laura. She talked about marriage and answered questions from other participants who wrote her questions from their computers. I could have submitted a question as well, but I was content to listen. Here are 3 things Dr. Laura advises you to do for your marriage...
1) Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath--no matter how contrary to that you might feel at any one moment.
2) Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.
3) Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sacrifice for.
until it was over...then she smiled...well she's not frowning anyway.
I participated in Dr. Laura's first Webinar this afternoon, which basically was a conference call with Dr. Laura. She talked about marriage and answered questions from other participants who wrote her questions from their computers. I could have submitted a question as well, but I was content to listen. Here are 3 things Dr. Laura advises you to do for your marriage...
1) Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath--no matter how contrary to that you might feel at any one moment.
2) Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.
3) Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sacrifice for.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Manners
Eleanor was holding Kate this afternoon when Kate loudly pooped in her diaper. Eleanor looks at me and asks, "Do I need to say excuse me?"
Growing
My Life Monday...on Tuesday. The topic last week that I missed was to share a growing experience in your life. I can think of two things I am currently going through...getting out of debt and having a baby.
Deciding to get rid of our credit cards and live only on Matt's income was a good decision, but it has required many sacrifices and it hasn't been easy. It forces us to focus on our needs and many times we have to choose between needs. We are learning to live without things we want, including datenight at Pizzeria Uno every Friday night. I find myself more aware of being wasteful when the lack of money to replace things is present. I am learning how to make and do things cheaper. I look for fun things to do that cost little or no money. I appreciate gifts and service more. I appreciate everything we have more. This has definitely been a growing experience and it continues to be. I hope that I remember these lessons learned when we have more financial freedom.
A new baby at home is always an adjustment. My schedule and cleaner house are no longer. I think with each child I accept this change better, but it is still hard to be surrounded by chaos. Time needs to be used more wisely and priorities set in place because the window of opportunity for productivity is limited. But the joy of holding a newborn is worth the change. Our little ones are precious and they grow too quickly. As I keep reminding myself, my house will still be here needing a cleaning when my children are gone...which leads me to the thought of a very clean...empty house, compared to my now very messy...full house.
Kate is 3 weeks old today!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Choices
It's hard to decide what to do when Kate is asleep in her carseat...do I take a nap, do some cleaning, blog, prepare for Primary, or do something fun??? Right now I am choosing to blog.
We had a fun stay at the Holiday Inn Thursday night. The kids enjoyed their surprise, especially the swimming. It's hard to swim with 2 children who don't know how to swim yet and a newborn, so we only went to the pool once all together. Zoe and Emily were able to swim 3 different times though. Eleanor is very excited to take swimming lessons this summer and she loves going to our local pool, but she does not seem to like deep water, which to her that is all there was at the hotel pool. She didn't want to sit on the steps of the ladder in the pool, she didn't like sitting on the edge of the pool to put her feet in the water, and when I would hold her in the pool she had a death grip around my neck! But she did enjoy the water when I was holding her and she felt secure in the fact that she wasn't going to end up in the water by herself.
Zach loved the water and would have stayed in forever, but the water was quite cool and he got cold quickly. The hotel staff had lowered the pool temperature by 5 degrees to conserve energy. It was not pleasant to stand around in that water with little children!
It was fun being together as a family at the hotel, and it was nice not having to drive a long way before arriving at the hotel (although all of our children fell asleep during the 30 minute drive to and from the hotel!). I'm glad I spent my money on this mini getaway for our family. It made me smile when Emily exclaimed Thursday night, "This is the best day ever!".
My sister, her husband, and 2 of her 4 children came to Maine for a visit this weekend, so the kids and I have been visiting/playing with them and my parents since Friday afternoon. It has been fun! It will be sad to say goodbye to them tomorrow (when Zoe and Emily are in school :-), but we will look forward to seeing them in June.
We had a fun stay at the Holiday Inn Thursday night. The kids enjoyed their surprise, especially the swimming. It's hard to swim with 2 children who don't know how to swim yet and a newborn, so we only went to the pool once all together. Zoe and Emily were able to swim 3 different times though. Eleanor is very excited to take swimming lessons this summer and she loves going to our local pool, but she does not seem to like deep water, which to her that is all there was at the hotel pool. She didn't want to sit on the steps of the ladder in the pool, she didn't like sitting on the edge of the pool to put her feet in the water, and when I would hold her in the pool she had a death grip around my neck! But she did enjoy the water when I was holding her and she felt secure in the fact that she wasn't going to end up in the water by herself.
Zach loved the water and would have stayed in forever, but the water was quite cool and he got cold quickly. The hotel staff had lowered the pool temperature by 5 degrees to conserve energy. It was not pleasant to stand around in that water with little children!
It was fun being together as a family at the hotel, and it was nice not having to drive a long way before arriving at the hotel (although all of our children fell asleep during the 30 minute drive to and from the hotel!). I'm glad I spent my money on this mini getaway for our family. It made me smile when Emily exclaimed Thursday night, "This is the best day ever!".
My sister, her husband, and 2 of her 4 children came to Maine for a visit this weekend, so the kids and I have been visiting/playing with them and my parents since Friday afternoon. It has been fun! It will be sad to say goodbye to them tomorrow (when Zoe and Emily are in school :-), but we will look forward to seeing them in June.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Vacation from vacation
I love surprising the kids, and Matt and I have a surprise for them this afternoon. I used most of the Christmas money I received to reserve two hotel rooms at a local Holiday Inn that has a pool and a hot tub. We are going to swim and relax all evening and tomorrow morning and I am looking forward to it! Zoe is trying to figure out what we're doing. She's a little stumped since I told her she could bring a movie. She mentioned going to a museum, but then she said you don't take movies to a museum.
Some reasons I like to keep fun things a surprise is so I'm not tempted to use the activity as a threat to get them to behave and if the activity doesn't happen it's not a big deal because they didn't know about it in the first place. Plus, surprises are just plain fun!
Zoe and Emily have been doing the breakfast and lunch dishes during this vacation which has been very nice. Emily washed the dishes this morning. Zach wanted some cereal after she washed the dishes and Emily said, "Mom! Give him a paper plate!" We gain a new perspective when we're the ones doing the work!
Some reasons I like to keep fun things a surprise is so I'm not tempted to use the activity as a threat to get them to behave and if the activity doesn't happen it's not a big deal because they didn't know about it in the first place. Plus, surprises are just plain fun!
Zoe and Emily have been doing the breakfast and lunch dishes during this vacation which has been very nice. Emily washed the dishes this morning. Zach wanted some cereal after she washed the dishes and Emily said, "Mom! Give him a paper plate!" We gain a new perspective when we're the ones doing the work!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Day 7 of Vacation
Kate is 2 weeks old today. Time goes by a lot faster after a baby is born! She had her first doctor's visit today and she is growing. She weighs 9lbs 15 oz. She is a healthy little girl.
Emily had a dentist appointment this afternoon. I think she was worried that she was going to have a cavity since she asked questions about cavities all the way to the dentist's office. I think I'm the one to blame for this since I express my concern about her brushing her teeth too fast and not being thorough enough. We were both happy to hear that she has no cavities and she is doing a good job at brushing her teeth. Zoe came with us and everyone in the office had to take a look at her tooth that was glued back together. You can't tell that she broke it and everyone said that.
We went over to Toys r Us after Emily's appointment to spend the gift cards the kids received for Christmas. I figured it would be something fun to do that wouldn't cost us money and the kids would have something new to play with...and we now have more toys laying around the house. Oh well, they did have fun shopping.
My Mom and I went to Enrichment meeting at church this evening. We talked a lot about staying healthy...and then we had a cookie swap...and then Mom and I went to Friendly's for dinner. Maybe we'll think about being healthy tomorrow :-)
Emily had a dentist appointment this afternoon. I think she was worried that she was going to have a cavity since she asked questions about cavities all the way to the dentist's office. I think I'm the one to blame for this since I express my concern about her brushing her teeth too fast and not being thorough enough. We were both happy to hear that she has no cavities and she is doing a good job at brushing her teeth. Zoe came with us and everyone in the office had to take a look at her tooth that was glued back together. You can't tell that she broke it and everyone said that.
We went over to Toys r Us after Emily's appointment to spend the gift cards the kids received for Christmas. I figured it would be something fun to do that wouldn't cost us money and the kids would have something new to play with...and we now have more toys laying around the house. Oh well, they did have fun shopping.
My Mom and I went to Enrichment meeting at church this evening. We talked a lot about staying healthy...and then we had a cookie swap...and then Mom and I went to Friendly's for dinner. Maybe we'll think about being healthy tomorrow :-)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Day 5 of Vacation
Sunday is always a busy church day and then we go over to my parents' house for an early dinner. Not long after church started this morning Kate pooped and she pooped all over her cute outfit I had picked out for church. I knew when I put a Huggies diaper on her that she would have a blowout, but I put it on her anyway. Pampers work for us, Pampers hold the poop in.
Zach went into nursery without a fuss today which surprised me because his regular teacher wasn't there. But the regular assistant teacher was there and I guess that was enough familiarity for him. The last 2 hours of church go much smoother when Zach goes to nursery.
My parents are keeping Zoe, Emily, and Eleanor overnight tonight :-) They wanted to give me a break...they are so wonderful!
Zach went into nursery without a fuss today which surprised me because his regular teacher wasn't there. But the regular assistant teacher was there and I guess that was enough familiarity for him. The last 2 hours of church go much smoother when Zach goes to nursery.
My parents are keeping Zoe, Emily, and Eleanor overnight tonight :-) They wanted to give me a break...they are so wonderful!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Day 4 of vacation
The kids and I had something to look forward to yesterday...datenight!, so it made the day go by faster. Matt and I were able to go to our usual datenight spot~Pizzeria Uno thanks to the gift cards we received from his work...Kate came too of course, her first datenight. I was worried that she would want to eat all evening since that is what she did all afternoon, but all that eating knocked her out when we got to Pizzeria Uno :-) She cried most of the way there which also had me worried, but after a big burp when Matt got her out of the carseat, she was out cold :-)
The kids had a great time with their Grammie, watching movies and eating treats. Everyone was happy.
Zoe and Emily had their last Saturday basketball practice this morning.
Here are a few videos from last week's practice/game.
Emily is in the pink pants playing with her friend. I'm glad she is enjoying herself. From what I hear, Emily is a good defensive player with her arms up all the time.
Zoe misses a shot, runs faster than the girl dribbling down the court, gets the rebound, and dribbles beautifully.
Matt took them to their practice this morning and then they went to the church building so Matt could shovel the walkways for church tomorrow. The girls played in the gym while Matt worked.
Zach has taken a nap the past 2 days :-) Usually he'll only take a nap if he falls asleep in the car or crashes in the early evening. But the last 2 days he has wanted his binky after lunch and he has laid down in his bed with a book. And both times he has fallen asleep, yay!
The kids had a great time with their Grammie, watching movies and eating treats. Everyone was happy.
Zoe and Emily had their last Saturday basketball practice this morning.
Here are a few videos from last week's practice/game.
Emily is in the pink pants playing with her friend. I'm glad she is enjoying herself. From what I hear, Emily is a good defensive player with her arms up all the time.
Zoe misses a shot, runs faster than the girl dribbling down the court, gets the rebound, and dribbles beautifully.
Matt took them to their practice this morning and then they went to the church building so Matt could shovel the walkways for church tomorrow. The girls played in the gym while Matt worked.
Zach has taken a nap the past 2 days :-) Usually he'll only take a nap if he falls asleep in the car or crashes in the early evening. But the last 2 days he has wanted his binky after lunch and he has laid down in his bed with a book. And both times he has fallen asleep, yay!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
12 Days of Vacation
Tomorrow was supposed to be the start of a long school vacation for Zoe and Emily. But because of a snowstorm, their vacation started on Wednesday with a snow day. This morning when I checked to see if school had been cancelled again, our school system wasn't on the closed list, so I announced that there would be school today. I looked forward to a breather day before the real vacation began, and Zoe & Emily were excited to exchange Valentine's at school and have their parties. I was getting everyone chocolate milk when I happened to glance at the computer again and noticed that our school was now on the closed list. Drat. Let vacation begin!
These past two days haven't been too bad. Zoe and Emily played outside a lot yesterday in the snow. They tried to keep their sled trail packed down, so everytime they came inside to warm up, they would notice that the snow was covering their trail and they would head back outside. The frustrating part of this was getting Eleanor all bundled up to go outside with them...for five minutes and then she would come back inside.
It snowed throughout the night and it was snowing a tiny bit this morning, but by mid-morning the sun was out and it was a beautiful clear day. I think a school delay would have been more appropriate than closing for the entire day, but what do I know? I did talk with someone this evening that works in a different school system and she said the roads were terrible this morning...but that was around 7:30am...by 8:30am I bet the roads were better... anyway. The kids played well together today overall. I think the key to my survival during this vacation is to keep them busy with new activities and things. This morning I brought Zach's box into the living room and they played with his toys for a long time.
I know Zoe would like to go places and do things. Part of me wants the same thing, but then part of me just wants to stay home. I guess we'll take it day by day.
These past two days haven't been too bad. Zoe and Emily played outside a lot yesterday in the snow. They tried to keep their sled trail packed down, so everytime they came inside to warm up, they would notice that the snow was covering their trail and they would head back outside. The frustrating part of this was getting Eleanor all bundled up to go outside with them...for five minutes and then she would come back inside.
It snowed throughout the night and it was snowing a tiny bit this morning, but by mid-morning the sun was out and it was a beautiful clear day. I think a school delay would have been more appropriate than closing for the entire day, but what do I know? I did talk with someone this evening that works in a different school system and she said the roads were terrible this morning...but that was around 7:30am...by 8:30am I bet the roads were better... anyway. The kids played well together today overall. I think the key to my survival during this vacation is to keep them busy with new activities and things. This morning I brought Zach's box into the living room and they played with his toys for a long time.
I know Zoe would like to go places and do things. Part of me wants the same thing, but then part of me just wants to stay home. I guess we'll take it day by day.
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