I am a |
Friday, December 28, 2007
What Kind of Flower are You?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
E's Funny
As I'm trying to wiggle my feet into my shoes (while standing up), E shakes his head and says: "It's because you're getting too fat." We don't use that word to describe people as I find it totally offensive so I don't know how he knows what fat is, but apparently, he thinks I'm getting that way.
I'm Back!
I decided just to do my blog myself, I guess I've mostly figured it out. I've had a fairly eventful two weeks.
Last week we went with the youth to the Temple to see the Christmas lights, and E's favorite part, the statue of Christ. He loves being there and listening to the recorded message.
On Thursday we went to the zoo for Zoo Lights, way too many people for my taste. When there is a big crowd like that I feel a little like Rain Man, don't know what to do with myself. "Wapner at 5".
On Friday E, M and I went to my brother's house to decorate ginger bread houses. My sister-in-law is going to send me pics, and I'll post them later.
Then my grandma who is visiting from out of town came to stay with us Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and we took her back to my brother's on Monday.
E was sick all weekend, coughing, congested, etc. So we didn't go to church on Sunday.
Then on Monday, even though E was sick we went to my brother's house again for Christmas festivities. It would have broken his heart had we not gone.
We went bowling and ate pizza, the Reed family Christmas Eve tradition. Some may call it white trash, but I call it F-U-N. Then we went back to my brother's had a holiday feast, the kids did the Nativity play (E was a shepherd, M was the baby Jesus). Then the kids got matching PJ's from Santa, and we read the Christmas story from the Scriptures, and came home. E was so exhausted.
On Christmas Morning E didn't get up until 9:30, very weird, but as he'd been sick, predictable. We had a great breakfast and enjoyed presents. The boys got way to much as usual. A and I didn't buy each other anything, we're saving for our big Europe trip in March.
It was really nice to just spend Christmas with the 4 of us. A got to talk to his brother who gets home from his mission in just a few weeks. I talked to my dad, and A talked to his parents. We also made cornice boxes for my kitchen windows, I love them!
Now, M has gotten sick. He's having a really rough few days. My normally smiley, happy boy is not so smiley or happy. He actually became really grumpy overnight. It's pretty pathetic, he crawls around crying because he just doesn't know what to do with himself. Today he's just slept pretty much all day, when he's not sleeping he just wants to be cuddled, so I try to indulge him. E's been really sweet to let me take the extra time with M today. I have a great family.
Here are some pics (alas, I only got video of Christmas morning, no still pictures, I'm silly):
Bowling pics, the other little boy is my nephew Jacob. He is E's FAVORITE person in the world:
Nativity pics, No costumes for our family. In one, E is beholding the star in the sky:
And super comfy Jammies:
I copied this from my friend's blog.
You Know You Grew Up In The 80's if:
I guess I'm probably just making myself look old by relating to most of this stuff, but I thought it was hilarious
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Airand can do the Carlton
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and feltstylishly sexy.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters cluband tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake palsscented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
8. Two words: Hammer Pants
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars...and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes forthat incredible sound effect
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales"(Woo ooh!)
12. It was actually worth getting up early on aSaturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleson the big screen and still know the turtles names.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail dayin computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips thatwould hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment,Shelter, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets andwere proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" inKindergarten. (She's Truly Outrageous.)
21. You remember reading Tales of a fourth gradenothing and all The Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some ofus...head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked likebefore his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the onlyfemale smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school...and tradedGarbage Pail kids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slapbracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after everysentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Manshould hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would neverleave because you exchanged handmade friendshipbracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you keptsaying "I know you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
37. You remember going to the skating rink beforethere were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip andSlide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head inagreement.
42. You remember Popples.
43. Don't worry, be happy
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tightswith high top Reeboks
45. You wore socks scrunched down
46. You remember boom boxes and walking around withone on your shoulder like you were all that.
47. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
48. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
49 You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & MyLittle Pony Tales
50. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli washot.
51. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien fromMelmac.
52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they werecool...and don't even flinch when people refer to themas "NKOTB"
53. You knew all the characters names and their lifestories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
54. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGHTHE HEART.
55. You just sang those words to yourself.
56. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
57. Homemade Levi shorts..
58. You remember when mullets were cool!
59. You had a mullet!
60. You still sing "We are the World"
61. You tight rolled your jeans.
62. You owned a bannana clip.
63. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
64. You used to (and probably still do)say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
65 You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
66. You're still singing shot through the heart inyour head, aren't you!
I guess I'm probably just making myself look old by relating to most of this stuff, but I thought it was hilarious
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Airand can do the Carlton
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and feltstylishly sexy.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters cluband tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake palsscented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
8. Two words: Hammer Pants
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars...and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes forthat incredible sound effect
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales"(Woo ooh!)
12. It was actually worth getting up early on aSaturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleson the big screen and still know the turtles names.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail dayin computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips thatwould hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment,Shelter, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets andwere proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" inKindergarten. (She's Truly Outrageous.)
21. You remember reading Tales of a fourth gradenothing and all The Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some ofus...head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked likebefore his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the onlyfemale smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school...and tradedGarbage Pail kids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slapbracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after everysentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Manshould hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would neverleave because you exchanged handmade friendshipbracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you keptsaying "I know you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
37. You remember going to the skating rink beforethere were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip andSlide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head inagreement.
42. You remember Popples.
43. Don't worry, be happy
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tightswith high top Reeboks
45. You wore socks scrunched down
46. You remember boom boxes and walking around withone on your shoulder like you were all that.
47. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
48. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
49 You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & MyLittle Pony Tales
50. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli washot.
51. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien fromMelmac.
52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they werecool...and don't even flinch when people refer to themas "NKOTB"
53. You knew all the characters names and their lifestories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
54. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGHTHE HEART.
55. You just sang those words to yourself.
56. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
57. Homemade Levi shorts..
58. You remember when mullets were cool!
59. You had a mullet!
60. You still sing "We are the World"
61. You tight rolled your jeans.
62. You owned a bannana clip.
63. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
64. You used to (and probably still do)say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
65 You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
66. You're still singing shot through the heart inyour head, aren't you!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Missing an extension of myself
So,
My computer has something wrong with it, and it is being fixed this week. So I don't have internet at my house and am just about going crazy. Also, you may have notice that I've update my blog a bit (well, actually A's friend is helping me do it and he's been busy at work so progress is a bit slow). And I've lost my sidebar info. If you see this, please email me with your blog address so I can redo my sidebar with your links. Thanks!
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! I'll post with pictures of our festivities after my computer is all better.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
E's Funny
Yesterday E wanted to go outside to play. It was a truly arctic 58 degrees, and raining outside so I told him he couldn't go without his jacket. He looked for it, and couldn't find it. He asked me where it was (I'm mom, keeper of all things missing), I told him I didn't know. He looked in the closet, his room, my room, etc. Then came and said. "It's invisible", at which point, he put his hands in his pockets and proceeded to get ready to go outside.
Still Getting Used to This
I know I used to have my random facts about me in the side bar, but I want it to be a link, not a home page feature, so I've put it in a post and it will disappear from the front page, soon. I won't be offended if you don't read it again, I promise.
I'm still figuring this whole blogging thing out. So, every now-and-then there will be random changes. Be patient, I'm simple.
I'm still figuring this whole blogging thing out. So, every now-and-then there will be random changes. Be patient, I'm simple.
Things You May Not Have Known About Me
I always finish what I've started, it makes me crazy to have unfinished projects.
I am a planner. If I know there is an event (holiday, vacation, party) coming up I like to know WELL in advance as many details as possible. Chaos is not my friend.
I am a worrier, if there is nothing to worry about, I'll find something.
I am determined to learn to like eating fish.
I am good at keeping secrets.
I am good at math.
I am not a movie watcher. I don't like to watch them at home as I feel it's a waste of time, I sit there and think of all the other things I could be doing, and I don't like to go to the movies, it's too expensive.
I am not a phone talker.
I am not at all competitive.
I am the fifth of six kids.
I am the recipe queen, if you need a recipe for something, I probably have it.
I am very good at keeping in touch with friends.
I am very good at staying out of debt.
I believe that people who are consistently late are selfish and rude.
I can't dive or open my eyes under water.
I can't stand biting frozen things. Crunching ice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.
I consider myself adventurous.
I could take 15 showers a day and not feel at all bad about wasting water or the time to take them.
I don't like the items on my plate to touch each other.
I don't like to be helped.
I don't like to wear my hair up in public, although I think I look pretty that way.
I grew up in Nevada, but I have never gambled, not even in a slot machine.
I have 1 major OCD: I love to pick fuzz off of things, sweaters, blankets (you know the little balls of lint that build up that are just aching to be pulled off).
I have a freakishly good memory for remembering peoples names
I have abnormally sensitive hearing.
I have an incredibly happy marriage, we very rarely fight, and always completely enjoy being around each other.
I have driven (literally) across the United States.
I have never been motion sick in my life.
I have never been outside of the US, not even to Tiajuana.
I have the best husband in the world. He is as close to perfect as anyone can be. Nothing brings me more joy than being with him. I can't imagine why anyone might not like him, other than that they're crazy.
I like the smell of paint.
I like things to be alphabetized, which is good because (since I am a tech-dummy) I couldn't figure out how to make this list chronological by numbers, which is second best.
I like things to be orderly. I am the most anal of my parents children.
I like to explain things, as you can see with all of the things on this list.
I love being a stay-at-home mom. I am so blessed to have a husband that supports me in this endeavor.
I love belonging to our Gourmet Group.
I love playing board games.
I love random facts.
I love Roller Coasters.
I love words.
I no longer have an appendix.
I really love going to craft shows.
I strongly believe in rules. If everyone who thought they were an exception stopped following the rules, there would be chaos.
I think my best feature are my eyes.
I was born in Hayward California
I'll try anything once.
I'm kind of a nerd about my love of reading. I just feel immensely blessed to be a woman in the US and have the ability to read. Just think of all the information you'd be missing out on if you couldn't read!
I've been in 3 car accidents (all my fault) and have never gotten a ticket (not even for the car accidents).
I've never broken a bone.
I've seen a UFO (okay, so it was probably a meteor, but in my mind it really was a UFO).
If I could retire any place on Earth it would be San Luis Obispo, CA.
If I set my mind to something, I can always do it.
In general, I am afraid of strangers.
It took me 2 years to get pregnant with Ethan and 4 months to get pregnant with Mason.
Jamba Juice is my favorite place to find sustenance (I don't know if I spelled that correctly).
Mosquitoes LOVE to bite me.
My biggest pet peeves: swearing, littering, and disobeying rules.
My dream job would be a food critic. I'd get to eat really fancy food, be well taken care of at the restaurant, and get to write anything I want about it.
My family's nickname for me is 'Mit'.
My favorite color is yellow.
My Favorite Foods are: Bacon, Watermelon, Oranges, Nectarines, Brownies, and Cheesecake.
My favorite holiday is Christmas followed closely by Halloween.
My favorite household chores are: Vaccuming and Dishes. Least favorite, cleaning bathrooms and ironing.
My husband did not like me when we first met. He's since changed his mind.
My idea of Heaven is a room full of kittens.
My kids are the greatest in the world.
My most irrational phobia is of Crickets! Logically I know that there are worse things out there. But mind you, this is not a logical thing. They're so unpredictable, they could jump on you at any given time and that is just not acceptable!
Reading cookbooks is a favorite pass time.
Science was my favorite subject in school.
Since my mom died, I have become fiercely independent, probably to the point of it being a fault.
States I've been to: California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Washington, DC (I know it's not a state, but it may as well be), Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia
The four concerts I've been to are: New Kids on the Block, Love is Chemicals (the bass player is SO freakin' rad!), Andreas Fault, and Faith Hill/Tim McGraw.
The one thing I know I'm good at: Cooking.
The only beans I will eat are green beans and jelly beans.
The voice you all currently know (and love) is not the voice I had for the first 26 years of my life. When I was pregnant with Ethan it became significantly lower.
The worst part of sleeping is waking up.
Things I want to be good at: Arts and Crafts, gardening, singing, dancing, saving money, having more tact.
Two artists I would LOVE to see in concert: Prince and Bon Jovi.
When I lived in Daly City I couldn't stand the overcast sky, but now that I'm in Phoenix, I love cloudy days.
When making Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, I ALWAYS spread the peanut butter first, I'd rather get peanut butter in my jelly jar than jelly in my peanut butter jar.
I am a planner. If I know there is an event (holiday, vacation, party) coming up I like to know WELL in advance as many details as possible. Chaos is not my friend.
I am a worrier, if there is nothing to worry about, I'll find something.
I am determined to learn to like eating fish.
I am good at keeping secrets.
I am good at math.
I am not a movie watcher. I don't like to watch them at home as I feel it's a waste of time, I sit there and think of all the other things I could be doing, and I don't like to go to the movies, it's too expensive.
I am not a phone talker.
I am not at all competitive.
I am the fifth of six kids.
I am the recipe queen, if you need a recipe for something, I probably have it.
I am very good at keeping in touch with friends.
I am very good at staying out of debt.
I believe that people who are consistently late are selfish and rude.
I can't dive or open my eyes under water.
I can't stand biting frozen things. Crunching ice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.
I consider myself adventurous.
I could take 15 showers a day and not feel at all bad about wasting water or the time to take them.
I don't like the items on my plate to touch each other.
I don't like to be helped.
I don't like to wear my hair up in public, although I think I look pretty that way.
I grew up in Nevada, but I have never gambled, not even in a slot machine.
I have 1 major OCD: I love to pick fuzz off of things, sweaters, blankets (you know the little balls of lint that build up that are just aching to be pulled off).
I have a freakishly good memory for remembering peoples names
I have abnormally sensitive hearing.
I have an incredibly happy marriage, we very rarely fight, and always completely enjoy being around each other.
I have driven (literally) across the United States.
I have never been motion sick in my life.
I have never been outside of the US, not even to Tiajuana.
I have the best husband in the world. He is as close to perfect as anyone can be. Nothing brings me more joy than being with him. I can't imagine why anyone might not like him, other than that they're crazy.
I like the smell of paint.
I like things to be alphabetized, which is good because (since I am a tech-dummy) I couldn't figure out how to make this list chronological by numbers, which is second best.
I like things to be orderly. I am the most anal of my parents children.
I like to explain things, as you can see with all of the things on this list.
I love being a stay-at-home mom. I am so blessed to have a husband that supports me in this endeavor.
I love belonging to our Gourmet Group.
I love playing board games.
I love random facts.
I love Roller Coasters.
I love words.
I no longer have an appendix.
I really love going to craft shows.
I strongly believe in rules. If everyone who thought they were an exception stopped following the rules, there would be chaos.
I think my best feature are my eyes.
I was born in Hayward California
I'll try anything once.
I'm kind of a nerd about my love of reading. I just feel immensely blessed to be a woman in the US and have the ability to read. Just think of all the information you'd be missing out on if you couldn't read!
I've been in 3 car accidents (all my fault) and have never gotten a ticket (not even for the car accidents).
I've never broken a bone.
I've seen a UFO (okay, so it was probably a meteor, but in my mind it really was a UFO).
If I could retire any place on Earth it would be San Luis Obispo, CA.
If I set my mind to something, I can always do it.
In general, I am afraid of strangers.
It took me 2 years to get pregnant with Ethan and 4 months to get pregnant with Mason.
Jamba Juice is my favorite place to find sustenance (I don't know if I spelled that correctly).
Mosquitoes LOVE to bite me.
My biggest pet peeves: swearing, littering, and disobeying rules.
My dream job would be a food critic. I'd get to eat really fancy food, be well taken care of at the restaurant, and get to write anything I want about it.
My family's nickname for me is 'Mit'.
My favorite color is yellow.
My Favorite Foods are: Bacon, Watermelon, Oranges, Nectarines, Brownies, and Cheesecake.
My favorite holiday is Christmas followed closely by Halloween.
My favorite household chores are: Vaccuming and Dishes. Least favorite, cleaning bathrooms and ironing.
My husband did not like me when we first met. He's since changed his mind.
My idea of Heaven is a room full of kittens.
My kids are the greatest in the world.
My most irrational phobia is of Crickets! Logically I know that there are worse things out there. But mind you, this is not a logical thing. They're so unpredictable, they could jump on you at any given time and that is just not acceptable!
Reading cookbooks is a favorite pass time.
Science was my favorite subject in school.
Since my mom died, I have become fiercely independent, probably to the point of it being a fault.
States I've been to: California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Washington, DC (I know it's not a state, but it may as well be), Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia
The four concerts I've been to are: New Kids on the Block, Love is Chemicals (the bass player is SO freakin' rad!), Andreas Fault, and Faith Hill/Tim McGraw.
The one thing I know I'm good at: Cooking.
The only beans I will eat are green beans and jelly beans.
The voice you all currently know (and love) is not the voice I had for the first 26 years of my life. When I was pregnant with Ethan it became significantly lower.
The worst part of sleeping is waking up.
Things I want to be good at: Arts and Crafts, gardening, singing, dancing, saving money, having more tact.
Two artists I would LOVE to see in concert: Prince and Bon Jovi.
When I lived in Daly City I couldn't stand the overcast sky, but now that I'm in Phoenix, I love cloudy days.
When making Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, I ALWAYS spread the peanut butter first, I'd rather get peanut butter in my jelly jar than jelly in my peanut butter jar.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Catching the Spirit
Finally!
So, I finished my holiday baking. Here are pictures of my kitchen before and during the baking process:
Before: 
During: 
The list of items made:
English Toffee
Peanut Butter Balls
Mint Chocolate Truffles
Lemon Shortbread
Ginger Snaps
Pumpkin Bread
Raspberry Thumbprints
Mini Pecan Pies
Cranberry Orange Ricotta Cheese Brownies
Chocolate/Carmel Dipped Pretzels
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
I know, I know, I gave my mom a hard time about her obsession of nativities. I guess I've inherited a bit of the overkill gene myself, only mine is with baking. I love it.
I finished my Christmas shopping for my boys. A and I are not exchanging gifts this year as we're going to Europe this Spring, so we're saving our money for that. I still have our siblings to do.
We finally decorated our Christmas tree today. None of us are feeling spectacular today so we stayed home from Stake Conference and did our tree. This year we got a real live tree. And I do mean "live". We're going to plant it after Christmas. My friend Karen told me that her family had this traditon growing up, so it's one we've decided to adopt. I'm still getting used to not having the traditional looking Christmas tree. This one is native to Arizona, so it's a little Charlie Brown looking, not as much high-mountain looking.
Here's a pic:
I know, it leans a little at the top, but that just adds to the charm, I'm telling myself that anyway. I don't know when I became such a tree hugger as to think this was a fantastic idea, but I'm excited about it!
We also went to 3 Christmas parties this last week. One was to our friend's the Stevens', one was with our friends the Whitmore's and last night was to A's work party. Our friends Mitch and Rachel kindly babysat for us, thanks guys! Mitch even changed a poopy diaper, so brave!
This week we have our ward Christmas party, Relief Soceity Christmas party, will hang the outside Christmas lights, I'm going to my Gourmet Groups Christmas party, and we're trying to go see the Temple Lights and the Zoo Lights at some point. And we need to distribute our goody plates.
Another thing that has given me the Christmas Spirit is the deliciously rainy/cloudy weather we're enjoying.
Here are some pics of the rest of my Christmas Decorations:
There is some controversy over the way I snaked the larger nativity away from my siblings after my mom died. I'll have to include that in another post (this one is too long already).
And I had to include this one. We've had these Reindeer Antlers since E's first Christmas. M is thrilled to be the proud new owner:
Lastly, A came home early on Friday, just cause he loves me and brought me a surprise:
I'm a very lucky girl to be married to such loving husband, not everyone has that luxury.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thought that kept me up at 1:00am
Tact is not a talent that I currently possess. Worrying, however, is.
Last night I was visiting with two ladies who happen to have the same infertility condition that I have and I said something about how it's a good thing that I have this, otherwise I probably would have ended up with 7 children before I knew any better.
M has not been feeling well the last couple of days and he got up to eat around 1230am this morning , and as per usual, I started thinking, and when that happens, all hope of going back to sleep is lost. I realized that my comments may not have been as sensitive as they ought to have been. And I lay there mentally composing this post, and decided I should just come do it and get it out. I know the tremendous amount of emotional pain that comes with dealing with this condition. And thoughts about that will probably come up in some other post in the future. But I just need to clarify my statement, and express the fact that I am grateful (yes, I did say grateful) for the experiences that I have had because of this.
Growing up I envisioned myself the perfect mother of a large family full of happy, loving, and always obedient children. In my vision I was ever patient, kind, forgiving, full of wisdom and graciousness.
Reality is that I am 30 years old and have 2 children. They are wonderful, sweet, funny, joyful, and full of life. Note that I didn't use the three descriptives above for my reality. And I am not nearly as patient, far less kind than I could be, trying to master forgiveness, not all that smart about child rearing, and struggle with being gracious. And in all sincerity, it takes a very special person to handle having that many children, and I am not that kind of person. I admire those that are able to handle that blessing.
I am grateful for the hours, and hours, and hours that I have spent on my knees begging my Heavenly Father to send me children.
I am grateful for the mercy that he has shown to me in sending me my precious boys.
I am grateful for the sweet, yet fleeting and I'm sure miniscule, glimpses of how our Heavenly Parents feel about their children.
I am grateful that (literally) not a day goes by that I don't stop to remember what a huge gift I have been given by having 2 boys.
I am grateful for my husband who believes I am beautiful.
I am grateful that I have been taught, the hard way, that my family must be earned, is a privilege, rather than just an assumptive automatic.
I am grateful for the thousands of testimonies that the Spirit has whispered to me during the time I spend crying and wondering what is wrong with me that I have to deal with this.
I am grateful for the Savior shouldering this burden when I can't do it on my own.
I am grateful for His timing.
I am grateful for having to learn patience, and trust in my Master.
I am grateful for the ability that I have to feel compassion and empathy for others who likewise struggle with infertility.
I am grateful for the complete dependance I have on Him for all of my blessings.
Does it stink that this is something I have to deal with? Absolutely. Do I get jealous of people who have babies when they don't have to think twice about it? Always. Do I wish that the physical symptoms of this disorder didn't make me feel so completely physically unappealing? You bet. Is infertility something I would wish on anybody? Never. Do I wish I didn't have PCOS, no, I honestly don't. It has drawn me so much closer to the Savior. I have had to learn to trust in Him. Something that would have taken me a lot longer to figure out, had I been able to do this on my own.
But I have to remember that others still deal with this and it is excruciatingly painful, not being able to have children when I want them. And I have to work on being more sensitve to others feelings about this issue. I just hope that if this wonderful sister reads this, that she knows I didn't mean to say anything that seemed uncaring, but I also know that just because something isn't said with malice it doesn't mean that it doesn't still hurt. I'm sorry for the hurt infertility causes, and wish that I could help.
Now, ask me next time I'm trying to get pregnant if I'm still grateful for PCOS. It may be a different story....
Last night I was visiting with two ladies who happen to have the same infertility condition that I have and I said something about how it's a good thing that I have this, otherwise I probably would have ended up with 7 children before I knew any better.
M has not been feeling well the last couple of days and he got up to eat around 1230am this morning , and as per usual, I started thinking, and when that happens, all hope of going back to sleep is lost. I realized that my comments may not have been as sensitive as they ought to have been. And I lay there mentally composing this post, and decided I should just come do it and get it out. I know the tremendous amount of emotional pain that comes with dealing with this condition. And thoughts about that will probably come up in some other post in the future. But I just need to clarify my statement, and express the fact that I am grateful (yes, I did say grateful) for the experiences that I have had because of this.
Growing up I envisioned myself the perfect mother of a large family full of happy, loving, and always obedient children. In my vision I was ever patient, kind, forgiving, full of wisdom and graciousness.
Reality is that I am 30 years old and have 2 children. They are wonderful, sweet, funny, joyful, and full of life. Note that I didn't use the three descriptives above for my reality. And I am not nearly as patient, far less kind than I could be, trying to master forgiveness, not all that smart about child rearing, and struggle with being gracious. And in all sincerity, it takes a very special person to handle having that many children, and I am not that kind of person. I admire those that are able to handle that blessing.
I am grateful for the hours, and hours, and hours that I have spent on my knees begging my Heavenly Father to send me children.
I am grateful for the mercy that he has shown to me in sending me my precious boys.
I am grateful for the sweet, yet fleeting and I'm sure miniscule, glimpses of how our Heavenly Parents feel about their children.
I am grateful that (literally) not a day goes by that I don't stop to remember what a huge gift I have been given by having 2 boys.
I am grateful for my husband who believes I am beautiful.
I am grateful that I have been taught, the hard way, that my family must be earned, is a privilege, rather than just an assumptive automatic.
I am grateful for the thousands of testimonies that the Spirit has whispered to me during the time I spend crying and wondering what is wrong with me that I have to deal with this.
I am grateful for the Savior shouldering this burden when I can't do it on my own.
I am grateful for His timing.
I am grateful for having to learn patience, and trust in my Master.
I am grateful for the ability that I have to feel compassion and empathy for others who likewise struggle with infertility.
I am grateful for the complete dependance I have on Him for all of my blessings.
Does it stink that this is something I have to deal with? Absolutely. Do I get jealous of people who have babies when they don't have to think twice about it? Always. Do I wish that the physical symptoms of this disorder didn't make me feel so completely physically unappealing? You bet. Is infertility something I would wish on anybody? Never. Do I wish I didn't have PCOS, no, I honestly don't. It has drawn me so much closer to the Savior. I have had to learn to trust in Him. Something that would have taken me a lot longer to figure out, had I been able to do this on my own.
But I have to remember that others still deal with this and it is excruciatingly painful, not being able to have children when I want them. And I have to work on being more sensitve to others feelings about this issue. I just hope that if this wonderful sister reads this, that she knows I didn't mean to say anything that seemed uncaring, but I also know that just because something isn't said with malice it doesn't mean that it doesn't still hurt. I'm sorry for the hurt infertility causes, and wish that I could help.
Now, ask me next time I'm trying to get pregnant if I'm still grateful for PCOS. It may be a different story....
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We spent Thanksgiving with A's side of the family this year. My parents-in-law drove from Orange County on Thursday morning, then we all drove out to A's aunt's house for the feast. E had so much fun playing with his cousins (actually, they are A's cousin, but are the same age as E. A's mom is the oldest in her family and had A when she was 19. He has an aunt that is only 3 years older than him), Sawyer and Will. They played with water guns, he pretended to be a dog while they walked him around on a leash, and they were having great fun on the air-hockey table (literally on the air-hockey table, not sure what they were doing, but they loved every second of it).
M loved being hugged and adored by his minions, and has had a hard time with the post-adoration-let-down.
On Friday Sabene (A's mom) and I went shopping with her sisters Roxanne and Shannon, and her sister-in-law Nori, and Roxanne's daughter Karly. Then we went out to lunch and met up with my sister-in-law Jodi, Sabene's other sister Tamara, Tamara's daughters Amber and Kelsey, her daughter-in-law Shiloh, and Amber's and Shiloh's daughters, for lunch. It was great fun.
On Saturday I had a consultant's party selling high end kitchen essentials, then we just spent the rest of the day lounging at my house.
All-in-all it was a good weekend. But there's nothing like a full house to help you appreciate life when it gets back to it's normalcy.
I'm trying desperately to not remember that it will be December on Saturday. With December comes so many activities that it can kind of be a burn out. I did start my holiday baking today, just to lessen the impact of it when the real deal hits my kitchen. I'll have to post pictures of before, during and after shots of how my kitchen looks during the mayhem. I don't plan to put up any Christmas decorations until probably the 3rd Saturday in December, sounds late, but it'll be the 15th. I figure that 10 days is a good amount of time to enjoy them. Plus, we don't have a free weekend before then. But it will be done, so if you come by my house and think I'm lacking Christmas spirit, don't. I do have it, I just don't want to drown in Christmas stuff, as was the custom in my house growing up. My mom had close to 75 nativity sets and for a few years had 3 Christmas trees (one in the front room, one in the dining room, and one in the family room).
M loved being hugged and adored by his minions, and has had a hard time with the post-adoration-let-down.
On Friday Sabene (A's mom) and I went shopping with her sisters Roxanne and Shannon, and her sister-in-law Nori, and Roxanne's daughter Karly. Then we went out to lunch and met up with my sister-in-law Jodi, Sabene's other sister Tamara, Tamara's daughters Amber and Kelsey, her daughter-in-law Shiloh, and Amber's and Shiloh's daughters, for lunch. It was great fun.
On Saturday I had a consultant's party selling high end kitchen essentials, then we just spent the rest of the day lounging at my house.
All-in-all it was a good weekend. But there's nothing like a full house to help you appreciate life when it gets back to it's normalcy.
I'm trying desperately to not remember that it will be December on Saturday. With December comes so many activities that it can kind of be a burn out. I did start my holiday baking today, just to lessen the impact of it when the real deal hits my kitchen. I'll have to post pictures of before, during and after shots of how my kitchen looks during the mayhem. I don't plan to put up any Christmas decorations until probably the 3rd Saturday in December, sounds late, but it'll be the 15th. I figure that 10 days is a good amount of time to enjoy them. Plus, we don't have a free weekend before then. But it will be done, so if you come by my house and think I'm lacking Christmas spirit, don't. I do have it, I just don't want to drown in Christmas stuff, as was the custom in my house growing up. My mom had close to 75 nativity sets and for a few years had 3 Christmas trees (one in the front room, one in the dining room, and one in the family room).
Friday, November 16, 2007
Five for Friday
1. I have the flu! I'm not very good at being sick, so I'm kind of dragging today. I spent a miserable night last night. When M got up to eat this morning I had A do it. And I seriously considered not having Hunter over today. But I figured I have to take care of my own children, and it's easier having him here so that E has someone to play with. I think I'll take a nap when they do.
2. Yesterday after the rain I opened our front door to let a cross breeze through, and today I've killed probably 20 flies that decided this is a happenin' place to live.
3. Staci Anderson and I did our Visiting Teaching yesterday, and boy howdy, does it feel good to have it done a little earlier than average.
4. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. I've been procrastinating thinking about it, and since it's still pretty warm here I've been successful in my denial. But now I really need to consider starting my holiday baking by the first of December, and that is quite a project.
5. I dusted one of my ceiling fans today and I realized just how poor of a housekeeper I've become since M was born. I still need to do the other 4 in the house, but I figure if I don't look that close at them, I can pretend that they're not that dirty afterall.
2. Yesterday after the rain I opened our front door to let a cross breeze through, and today I've killed probably 20 flies that decided this is a happenin' place to live.
3. Staci Anderson and I did our Visiting Teaching yesterday, and boy howdy, does it feel good to have it done a little earlier than average.
4. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. I've been procrastinating thinking about it, and since it's still pretty warm here I've been successful in my denial. But now I really need to consider starting my holiday baking by the first of December, and that is quite a project.
5. I dusted one of my ceiling fans today and I realized just how poor of a housekeeper I've become since M was born. I still need to do the other 4 in the house, but I figure if I don't look that close at them, I can pretend that they're not that dirty afterall.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Veterans' Day
I love the United States of America and am so grateful to the men and women who willingly have given their lives or are now putting their lives in harms way to see that my family has the ability to worship and live the way we see fit. I always cry when the National Anthem is sung or played (but I cry about most things anyway). I was at the Pearl Harbor monument a few years ago and walked into the room where they have the names of those who died and those who were been interred with their units later, and I walked in and saw a young boy probably nine or ten, standing very reverently with is hat removed to show respect, and my I was so touched by his patriotism, one that I hope to instill in my sons as well. I truly feel that everyone who has the privilege of living here should stand and support those serving in the name of freedom.
I also saw this on Kim's blog and thought I'd list it here as well. I cried watching it (again, I cry at most things).
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm -- Enjoy!
I also saw this on Kim's blog and thought I'd list it here as well. I cried watching it (again, I cry at most things).
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm -- Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Literary Help
Recently I sent an email to my friends for literary help. I am having trouble finding any decent books (no swearing/sex). Here is the list of responses I've received:
Eat to Live -- Joel Fuhrman
The China Study -- T. Colin Campbell
Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking
How to Behave so Your Preschooler Will, too
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
Eating for Your Blood Type
Parenting Breakthrough
Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse (these were mentioned by about 10 people, must be really good) -- Stephenie Meyer
The Peacegiver
Artemis Fowl series
Montessori From the Start
Common Sense Economics
Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
Walk Two Moons
The Hiding Place
The Goose Girl --Shannon Hale
Enna Burning
Princess Academy
Lily's Crossing
Cold Sassy Tree
These is My Words -- Nanci Turner (recommended by two friends)
Out of the Dust
Up a Road Slowly
Mitten Strings for God
Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell -- Susanna Clarke *
The Lovely Bones -- Alice Sebold *
Finding Darwin's God -- Kenneth Miller *
Coming to Peace with Science -- Darrel Falk *
Perspectives on an Evolving Creation -- Keith Miller *
Driven from Within -- Michael Jordan *
Suite Francaise -- Irene Nemirovsky (I've read this and love -- LOVE it) *
Night -- Elie Wiesel *
Bear Grylls' 3 books -- Bear Grylls *
The Language of God -- Francis Collins *
A Girl Named Zippy -- Haven Kimmel
Angle of Repose -- Wallace Stegner
Ava's Man -- Rick Bragg
Follow the River -- James Alexander Thorn
Great Expectations -- Charles Dickens
Pride & Prejudice -- Jane Austen (I've read and enjoyed)
Return to Modesty -- Wendy Schallit
The Secret Life of Bees -- Sue Monk Kidd
The Six Wives of Henry the VIII -- Allison Weir
The Princess Bride *
Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency -- Alexander McCall Smith (a series)
Mark of the Lion -- Francine Rivers (a series)
Harry Potter Series
The Lightning Thief -- Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters -- Rick Riordan
The Titan's Curse -- Rick Riordan
I, Claudius
Aragon -- Christopher Paolini (I've read this and liked it a lot, don't base an opinion of it on the movie, which really stunk)
Eldest -- Christopher Paolini (same as above notation)
The Birth Order
Clearing Your Clutter with Fung Shui
The Shell Seekers -- Rosamunde Pilcher
Mitford Series -- Jan Karon
Les Miserables -- Victor Hugo
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Scarlett Pimpernel
anything by Nicholas Sparks
anything by C.S. Lewis
anything my Mary Higgins Clark (I've read some and enjoyed them)
The titles with * have been recommended by my brothers and I trust their judgment implicitly.
Eat to Live -- Joel Fuhrman
The China Study -- T. Colin Campbell
Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking
How to Behave so Your Preschooler Will, too
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
Eating for Your Blood Type
Parenting Breakthrough
Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse (these were mentioned by about 10 people, must be really good) -- Stephenie Meyer
The Peacegiver
Artemis Fowl series
Montessori From the Start
Common Sense Economics
Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
Walk Two Moons
The Hiding Place
The Goose Girl --Shannon Hale
Enna Burning
Princess Academy
Lily's Crossing
Cold Sassy Tree
These is My Words -- Nanci Turner (recommended by two friends)
Out of the Dust
Up a Road Slowly
Mitten Strings for God
Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell -- Susanna Clarke *
The Lovely Bones -- Alice Sebold *
Finding Darwin's God -- Kenneth Miller *
Coming to Peace with Science -- Darrel Falk *
Perspectives on an Evolving Creation -- Keith Miller *
Driven from Within -- Michael Jordan *
Suite Francaise -- Irene Nemirovsky (I've read this and love -- LOVE it) *
Night -- Elie Wiesel *
Bear Grylls' 3 books -- Bear Grylls *
The Language of God -- Francis Collins *
A Girl Named Zippy -- Haven Kimmel
Angle of Repose -- Wallace Stegner
Ava's Man -- Rick Bragg
Follow the River -- James Alexander Thorn
Great Expectations -- Charles Dickens
Pride & Prejudice -- Jane Austen (I've read and enjoyed)
Return to Modesty -- Wendy Schallit
The Secret Life of Bees -- Sue Monk Kidd
The Six Wives of Henry the VIII -- Allison Weir
The Princess Bride *
Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency -- Alexander McCall Smith (a series)
Mark of the Lion -- Francine Rivers (a series)
Harry Potter Series
The Lightning Thief -- Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters -- Rick Riordan
The Titan's Curse -- Rick Riordan
I, Claudius
Aragon -- Christopher Paolini (I've read this and liked it a lot, don't base an opinion of it on the movie, which really stunk)
Eldest -- Christopher Paolini (same as above notation)
The Birth Order
Clearing Your Clutter with Fung Shui
The Shell Seekers -- Rosamunde Pilcher
Mitford Series -- Jan Karon
Les Miserables -- Victor Hugo
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Scarlett Pimpernel
anything by Nicholas Sparks
anything by C.S. Lewis
anything my Mary Higgins Clark (I've read some and enjoyed them)
The titles with * have been recommended by my brothers and I trust their judgment implicitly.
~What are your favorite books?
~Have you read any of the above, would you recommend it or not?
~Which authors do you enjoy reading?
~What are you reading currently?
I'm open to all genres of literature, so if you have a suggestion send it my way. Sorry I don't cite all of the authors, some suggestions came my way without any name.
How Much Listening is Acutally Required of a Mother?!
It's mostly my fault (mostly). Today E came to me and told me that they (he and Hunter, a little boy I babysit) were picking leaves for his caterpillar. As per usual I said something to the effect of 'Oh, that sounds like fun' and continued on my merry way doing whatever it was I was doing at the moment. Here is the result:
My poor little plant! I had just gotten done reviving it from being sick in the first place, and now it's become plastic caterpillar food!
I really have no one to blame but myself. The problem being that E says so much per day that I can only take in about 65% of what comes out of that cute little mouth. If I actually processed everything I'd probably be much crazier than I already am. I have to hold tight to every sliver of sanity that I currently posses, it's a greatly appreciated commodity around here.
My poor little plant! I had just gotten done reviving it from being sick in the first place, and now it's become plastic caterpillar food!
I really have no one to blame but myself. The problem being that E says so much per day that I can only take in about 65% of what comes out of that cute little mouth. If I actually processed everything I'd probably be much crazier than I already am. I have to hold tight to every sliver of sanity that I currently posses, it's a greatly appreciated commodity around here.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
What's your name?
I've seen this on a couple of Blogs and thought it would be fun to post here. You can do the same on your blog, it's kind of fun:
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Taffy Le Sabre
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Daquiri Ice Oreo
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) Agil
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Yellow Tiger
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born), Kaiser
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), Gilal
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),The purple cranberry juice
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Darwin John
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Lewis
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Rose Raleigh
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Fall Lilac
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)Nectarine flip-floppy
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Shredded Wheat Pine
14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The cooking rain tour
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Taffy Le Sabre
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Daquiri Ice Oreo
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) Agil
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Yellow Tiger
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born), Kaiser
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), Gilal
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),The purple cranberry juice
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Darwin John
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Lewis
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Rose Raleigh
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Fall Lilac
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)Nectarine flip-floppy
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Shredded Wheat Pine
14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The cooking rain tour
Thursday, November 1, 2007
November, Already!
Yesterday was Halloween. E was Spiderman and M was a Tootsie Roll, so cute! We went trick or treating, and En got lots of loot. One house scared E pretty bad, almost to the point of not wanting to go trick or treating anymore, shameful. When they opened the door there was a big scarey guy with a chainsaw. E stood there for a few seconds then screamed and ran back to us. The really sad part was that they were looking out the window and saw that it was just a little boy, but did it anyway. These are the kind of things that make A hate Halloween. 
Another fun thing, M turned 6 months old on Sunday. I can't believe that he is that old already. He's sitting up all by himself, and he's starting to push himself up on his hands an knees, wanting to crawl. I have mixed feelings about this. One being that I don't want him to be mobile yet, that other being that it would be nice for him to be able to entertain himself a little better. We gave M vegetables for the first time on Monday, green beans. He H-A-T-E-S them! Not just, eww, that's not very yummy, I mean gagging, shuddering, that is the most vile thing I've ever had in my mouth kind of hatred. Of course, being the compassionate mother I am, I laughed every time he would shudder. He's had it once a day since Monday, not very much, just enough to make sure that he's not allergic to it. We'll move onto peas tomorrow, hopefully that will go over better. 
Monday, October 29, 2007
Family Pics
Here are the long anticipated Gilbert Family Photos:
Don't I have beautiful Boys!?
This one was just too cute to leave out:
I'm going to have one of A's friends try to photoshop M's head out for a different one where he is actually smiling.
Don't I have beautiful Boys!?
This one was just too cute to leave out:
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tagged
I've never been tagged before, it's kind of exciting to know that people actually care enough about me to do this. Here's an explanation from Amberly's blog:
Thanks a million Kim! The rules are to post 6 items about yourself (habits, traits, deep dark secrets, etc.) on your blog, then tag 6 more people to do the same.
I don't know if I know 6 people that actively blog, but I'll give it a whirl:
1. I just removed my toe nail polish last night. I am extremely lazy when it comes to this. I'll paint my toenails then leave it for as long as possible. By the end of the polishes life I start wearing close-toed shoes so that no one can see the sorry state of my polish. But I love having painted toes. Did you know that according to Cosmo magazine (yes I did read that horrible publication back in my wild youth) women with painted toes are 33% more sexy than those who don't. I need the 33% edge.
2. My favorite Cold Stone ice cream creation is called 'Cherry Cake Double Take', it's got cake batter flavored ice cream, yellow cake pieces, black cherries, almonds and honey. Delish!
3. I have recently decided to start buying as much organic food as is reasonable on our shopping list. I don't know why I got on this kick. I'm not a health fanatic, but I'm taking baby-steps to help the environment.
4. I don't like to eat reheated meat... it tastes funny. (Why do 2 of my 6 deal with food? Probably because I love it so much).
5. My favorite church calling was Sunday School Teacher for the 12 and 13 year olds. I like to teach (I didn't say I'm not nervous when I do it, but for some reason I like it). And that age group is still young enough to think that you're cool, but are also old enough to be cool themselves. Plus it's a once a week calling, no commitments to mid week activities, no emotional investment such as is required by being in Young Women's. It's great.
6. I love to read greeting cards. When I was living in Connecticut, when one of my friends and I would go to CVS we would, inevitably, get distracted by the card aisle and waste a good hour or two there.
7. I want my next baby to be a girl. I love my boys, I really, really do. People always say they don't care what they have as long as it is healthy and that is absolutely a true statement, but another true statement is "I want a girl".
I guess I'm an over achiever, I did seven instead of the required six. I'm a freak, I know, but there you have it!
I'm tagging April S., April G., Mande, Becky M., Becky F., and Jackie
Thanks a million Kim! The rules are to post 6 items about yourself (habits, traits, deep dark secrets, etc.) on your blog, then tag 6 more people to do the same.
I don't know if I know 6 people that actively blog, but I'll give it a whirl:
1. I just removed my toe nail polish last night. I am extremely lazy when it comes to this. I'll paint my toenails then leave it for as long as possible. By the end of the polishes life I start wearing close-toed shoes so that no one can see the sorry state of my polish. But I love having painted toes. Did you know that according to Cosmo magazine (yes I did read that horrible publication back in my wild youth) women with painted toes are 33% more sexy than those who don't. I need the 33% edge.
2. My favorite Cold Stone ice cream creation is called 'Cherry Cake Double Take', it's got cake batter flavored ice cream, yellow cake pieces, black cherries, almonds and honey. Delish!
3. I have recently decided to start buying as much organic food as is reasonable on our shopping list. I don't know why I got on this kick. I'm not a health fanatic, but I'm taking baby-steps to help the environment.
4. I don't like to eat reheated meat... it tastes funny. (Why do 2 of my 6 deal with food? Probably because I love it so much).
5. My favorite church calling was Sunday School Teacher for the 12 and 13 year olds. I like to teach (I didn't say I'm not nervous when I do it, but for some reason I like it). And that age group is still young enough to think that you're cool, but are also old enough to be cool themselves. Plus it's a once a week calling, no commitments to mid week activities, no emotional investment such as is required by being in Young Women's. It's great.
6. I love to read greeting cards. When I was living in Connecticut, when one of my friends and I would go to CVS we would, inevitably, get distracted by the card aisle and waste a good hour or two there.
7. I want my next baby to be a girl. I love my boys, I really, really do. People always say they don't care what they have as long as it is healthy and that is absolutely a true statement, but another true statement is "I want a girl".
I guess I'm an over achiever, I did seven instead of the required six. I'm a freak, I know, but there you have it!
I'm tagging April S., April G., Mande, Becky M., Becky F., and Jackie
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I'm going Postal
So here in our subdivision we have those centrally located mailboxes rather than one at each house for the mail-carrier to drop off our correspondence, this makes it easier on the mail delivery system, they're more efficient, faster, and more organized this way... or so they say. Our address is XXXX S. ## Lane in Phoenix, we are the only people who have lived in this house as it was newly constructed when we moved in 2 1/2 + years ago. Well, when the geniuses who named our street did so, they also named an adjacent street ## Ave. Coincidentally there is also an XXXX S. ## Ave. So here's my rage for today: Our rocket scientist mail-carrier puts at LEAST 1 piece of mail per day on average for our lovely neighbors who live on ## Ave in our mailbox. Last week I received 6 pieces of mail in one day for ##Ave. Not only that but I've received mail for XXXX S. !! Lane, XXXX S. @@ lane, and XXXX S. $$ lane. This would seem like a simple mistake, however, inside each mail box there is a little name plate showing the last names of all of the people who reside at that address. There are only Gilberts living in this house, not Caldarons, Ramirez, Harpers, or Smiths, however we routinely receive mail for them. I've received paychecks, magazines, jury summons, wedding invitations, power bills, packages, credit cards, and even some body's Green Card from the INS. If I were not an honest person I'm sure I could have sold that for some extra cash, but being the nice neighbor that I am, I go around the neighborhood and distribute the mail to the correct homes. I'm thinking that the federal government needs to pay me some back pay for my mail-carrying services, not to mention benefits, vacation time, 401K, bonuses (you get the picture). Here's the real kicker: I've only had neighbors distribute my mistaken mail about 4 times in the last few years. I'm hoping that my neighbors are as honest I am and not taking my mismailed credit solicitations, filing them out and using credit cards under my name that have been sent to them. I have been so nervous to have anything important mailed to me that we had A's passport mailed to his parents house in California to be sure that we got it and not someone else. I now understand why those postal workers went berserk a few years ago and shot their coworkers up, the stress of delivering mail can really get to a person, I would know, I'm an unofficial employee, and most days I feel the rage at my fellow delivery personnel.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Paint, Pictures, Primates, Pity
Today there are 4-P's in my life:
First Paint: I finally became somewhat unlazy and painted my hall and E's bedroom. After 2 1/2 years of living in this house I'd say it was about time. E's walls were terrible. They had that impossible to clean chalky white paint that the builder uses because they want to spend as little money as possible into building the house. But now it's nice and fresh and pretty. I also bought material to make him new curtains. The project isn't quite finished, I still have touch up work to do that will wait until tomorrow.
Pictures: On Saturday we had our family pictures taken, the first time since E was 1, we're terrible at that kind of thing! I'll post them when I get them back.
Primates: You may have to stretch with me on this one. I am 100% a creationist in my belief of how the universe was created. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who created our world. However that does not take away from my side belief in evolution. I believe that it is very much a scientific fact that God placed creatures here on Earth and some have evolved into new forms. That said, What makes humans higher primates?: opposable thumbs! Why am I bothering with all of this silly info? I have a piece of my thumbnail that is growing down into my skin, and it hurts like heck! It's funny how I never think of how terrible life would be without thumbs, until one is incapacitated.
Pity: It seems my previous post about my friendship expectations has been reviewed somewhat differently than what I intended. I know that friendships change and that I shouldn't expect my friendship with Courtney to remain as it once was, I am a realist. My quandry is thus: why in the 5+ years since we moved from Daly City has it seemed that there are no other kindred spirits out there, are my friendship expectations too high?
First Paint: I finally became somewhat unlazy and painted my hall and E's bedroom. After 2 1/2 years of living in this house I'd say it was about time. E's walls were terrible. They had that impossible to clean chalky white paint that the builder uses because they want to spend as little money as possible into building the house. But now it's nice and fresh and pretty. I also bought material to make him new curtains. The project isn't quite finished, I still have touch up work to do that will wait until tomorrow.
Pictures: On Saturday we had our family pictures taken, the first time since E was 1, we're terrible at that kind of thing! I'll post them when I get them back.
Primates: You may have to stretch with me on this one. I am 100% a creationist in my belief of how the universe was created. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who created our world. However that does not take away from my side belief in evolution. I believe that it is very much a scientific fact that God placed creatures here on Earth and some have evolved into new forms. That said, What makes humans higher primates?: opposable thumbs! Why am I bothering with all of this silly info? I have a piece of my thumbnail that is growing down into my skin, and it hurts like heck! It's funny how I never think of how terrible life would be without thumbs, until one is incapacitated.
Pity: It seems my previous post about my friendship expectations has been reviewed somewhat differently than what I intended. I know that friendships change and that I shouldn't expect my friendship with Courtney to remain as it once was, I am a realist. My quandry is thus: why in the 5+ years since we moved from Daly City has it seemed that there are no other kindred spirits out there, are my friendship expectations too high?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Fun Weekend!
This weekend we took the boys to my in-laws house in Southern California. We left on Thursday after A got home from work and came home Sunday night. On Friday we went to some apple orchards. It was nice a chilly. One of the drawbacks of living here in AZ is that the seasons don't really change. There are really no indications that it is fall, and it makes me a little sad. We had a great time, E got to feed some deer, and we really enjoyed being in the mountains.
On Saturday we drove down to Miramar Marine Corp Air Station for the Air Show. We got to see all kinds of cool airplanes. Ethan got to sit in the LAPD's helicopter, which he thought was great. A held M up to sit on top of a planes gun thingy (A could tell you what it is called, but I'm a girl, and have no idea what it is other than where the bullets come out of the plane). M even took a nap in the stroller at the air show and didn't even mind the noise. We did put earplugs in his ears earlier while the jets were doing their demonstrations, he looked a little like Frankenstein. On the way back to my in-laws E totally zonked in the car.
It was a really nice weekend to spend some time with our family and enjoy being out doors.
Not so smartly I wore new shoes to both events and now have nice blisters on my heals. But they were really cute shoes.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Expectations
Last night A and I were talking about friendships. I have always been the type to have several friends around me, I thrive on the companionship of other women. Most of the women that I've been friends with in the past are still very dear to me even though all of them live very far away.
While we lived in Daly City we had two other couples that we were very good friends with. We were all pretty much at the same place in our lives, no kids, husbands in school, fairly newly married. And these were exceptional friendships in that all the wives got a long, all the husbands got along, we were one big happy group. One of the wives and I were especially close, we were kindred spirits (this doesn't take away from the friendship that I had with the other wife), but Courtney and I were two peas in a pod. We saw eachother, I would venture to say, at least 4 times a week, and probably talked every day. After we moved from Daly City, as is natural, the friendship dwindled a little. We are still friends but the bond isn't the same. I know it is to be expected, so I'm not upset by this, it's just how things happen.
Since then I have yet to find a friendship like that one. Of course, A is my best friend, but I don't have a very close female friend at this point, and this is kind of a foreign concept for me. I have yet to find another couple where the spouses are all as close as we were with our friends in Daly City. And I'm wondering if my expectations are too high? I know that even if I did find a friend like that, my life is drastically different now. I don't have the ability to just 'hang out' as I did then. I've got kids to be with, and they can complicate things. Especially if a potential friend has kids and ours don't get along, or if the husbands don't get along. But honestly, my life is a little lonely without that kind of bond. I am a social person, I love my friends, I love being around people, even if it's for no other reason than to sit and talk, or play board games.
So, as I was saying, A and I were talking last night about this, and I've come to the conclusion that I shouldn't be expecting another Courtney. I should be content to have casual friendships, but somehow, this just does not sit well with me. So I pose the question to you, dear reader, should I expect to find another Courtney, is it even possible now that my life has so many other factors?
While we lived in Daly City we had two other couples that we were very good friends with. We were all pretty much at the same place in our lives, no kids, husbands in school, fairly newly married. And these were exceptional friendships in that all the wives got a long, all the husbands got along, we were one big happy group. One of the wives and I were especially close, we were kindred spirits (this doesn't take away from the friendship that I had with the other wife), but Courtney and I were two peas in a pod. We saw eachother, I would venture to say, at least 4 times a week, and probably talked every day. After we moved from Daly City, as is natural, the friendship dwindled a little. We are still friends but the bond isn't the same. I know it is to be expected, so I'm not upset by this, it's just how things happen.
Since then I have yet to find a friendship like that one. Of course, A is my best friend, but I don't have a very close female friend at this point, and this is kind of a foreign concept for me. I have yet to find another couple where the spouses are all as close as we were with our friends in Daly City. And I'm wondering if my expectations are too high? I know that even if I did find a friend like that, my life is drastically different now. I don't have the ability to just 'hang out' as I did then. I've got kids to be with, and they can complicate things. Especially if a potential friend has kids and ours don't get along, or if the husbands don't get along. But honestly, my life is a little lonely without that kind of bond. I am a social person, I love my friends, I love being around people, even if it's for no other reason than to sit and talk, or play board games.
So, as I was saying, A and I were talking last night about this, and I've come to the conclusion that I shouldn't be expecting another Courtney. I should be content to have casual friendships, but somehow, this just does not sit well with me. So I pose the question to you, dear reader, should I expect to find another Courtney, is it even possible now that my life has so many other factors?
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Just Another Week
Things are good in the Gilbert household, A was just commenting today about how there is generally a joyful atmosphere in our home, and he's absolutely right. Especially today while we had the opportunity to listen to the words of our amazing spiritual leaders in the 177th semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The spirit has definitely been uplifting here in our little corner of South Phoenix.
This week I've had the opportunity to realize how grateful I am for my children. I've been able to watch some of the other kids in our neighborhood play together and it has really made me understand just how great my kids are. Not that other children are necessarily bad, in fact they all have been well behaved at my house, it's just that Heavenly Father sent me the kids that would be best for me, and I love that.
This week E has met some major milestones. He's started sounding out words. This is probably run of the mill for some of you parents out there, but I'm just so proud of him! He turned 4 just about two weeks ago, and I think it's wonderful that he is so excited about learning how to read.
He also did something funny at the park yesterday, he walked up to this random woman and told her, "You can call me Duke". I had a good laugh about that.
This week I've had the opportunity to realize how grateful I am for my children. I've been able to watch some of the other kids in our neighborhood play together and it has really made me understand just how great my kids are. Not that other children are necessarily bad, in fact they all have been well behaved at my house, it's just that Heavenly Father sent me the kids that would be best for me, and I love that.
This week E has met some major milestones. He's started sounding out words. This is probably run of the mill for some of you parents out there, but I'm just so proud of him! He turned 4 just about two weeks ago, and I think it's wonderful that he is so excited about learning how to read.
He also did something funny at the park yesterday, he walked up to this random woman and told her, "You can call me Duke". I had a good laugh about that.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Insomnia
So this morning I experienced my usual once-a-week-insomnia bout. M started crying at 2:30am, and since he doesn't need to eat at that time and didn't have a dirty diaper, I let him cry it out. Then I lay there convincing myself that I'm a terrible mother for letting my five-month-old cry for so long. He did eventually go back to sleep after a little while (he's a stubborn one, cute, but stubborn), but after he was done, I was mysteriously wide awake. I was up for about 2 hours, just thinking. Sometimes I wish I could turn off my brain. What did I think about you say? I'm not sure, just everything, and nothing important enough to remember now.
E slept in this morning until 7:45am, which I was very grateful for. And he even let me go back to sleep while he watched cartoons. Usually when I try to go back to bed he comes in to 'check' on me every 10 minutes to see if I'm still asleep, it's not very restful. But he is a very sweet boy.
I also wanted to post a very cute story about him. For his birthday he got a 'Woody' doll (from Toy Story). It was the only present he'd asked for (he got way more than that, but this was THE present for some reason). After his party last Saturday we went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory (as always, scrumptious). Both of my boys were exhausted after such a big day, and M was having a very hard time in the car on the way home. E was distraught that M was crying so much and kept telling him, "I'm sorry M, there's nothing I can do". When we got here (M finally gave up crying and fell asleep about 3 blocks from home), I get out of the car to get Mn, and E had put his new Woody doll in M's car seat to try to help him feel better. It was so sweet, I just about cried. I have a wonderful boy!
E slept in this morning until 7:45am, which I was very grateful for. And he even let me go back to sleep while he watched cartoons. Usually when I try to go back to bed he comes in to 'check' on me every 10 minutes to see if I'm still asleep, it's not very restful. But he is a very sweet boy.
I also wanted to post a very cute story about him. For his birthday he got a 'Woody' doll (from Toy Story). It was the only present he'd asked for (he got way more than that, but this was THE present for some reason). After his party last Saturday we went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory (as always, scrumptious). Both of my boys were exhausted after such a big day, and M was having a very hard time in the car on the way home. E was distraught that M was crying so much and kept telling him, "I'm sorry M, there's nothing I can do". When we got here (M finally gave up crying and fell asleep about 3 blocks from home), I get out of the car to get Mn, and E had put his new Woody doll in M's car seat to try to help him feel better. It was so sweet, I just about cried. I have a wonderful boy!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Much Better
Today is going much better. I'm very glad because yesterday was just one of those days when if felt like I had nothing but negative to say, especially to E. I sorted things out, and all in all I feel mostly back to normal.
I got a shipment of new clothes today, and of course that always makes things much more smooth. Also, I'm saving a life. There was a little dog hanging out outside of our house, so I brought him in and I've called animal control. They'll come get him soon. He's a nice little dog, too bad I greatly enjoy not having an animal right now or I just might be tempted to keep him. Ethan is supposed to be napping right now and he knows the dog is here. I think he's just too excited to sleep, he's been laying in there for 1 1/2 hours singing to himself. I'll just leave him there. 
Also, M is 5 months old today, how time flies! With both of my boys I've bought a package of party hats and for the first year I put the hat on them and on their month birthdays I take their picture, this helps me see how much they've grown. He's a keeper that's for sure!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Pick Me Up
Today I'm in need of a pick me up. For some reason I've been inexplicably grumpy. I didn't sleep well last night, M has been fussy all day, E who is allllllllwwwwwaaaayyyysss talkative has seemed especially so today, and I'm getting a terrible headache. I'm also having one of those times when I have something important to discuss with someone and rather than talking to them I play out the conversation over and over and over again in my head. So I think I'll list things that make me happy and hopefully I'll have had a little bit of a pick me up.
>100 degree weather!
(oh boy, one down and I've almost run out of things already)
A clean house
Silence
Friends
Kittens
Baby laughs
Little boy laughs
Fresh flowers
Chocolate (I think I'll go have some)
New clothes
Being able to hear
Calendars
My pretty wedding ring
A good massage
Bug spray
Good food
My new hair cut (thanks Karen)
Napping
Cold water
I know the list should be longer, but frankly it's a tough one today.
Any suggestions?
>100 degree weather!
(oh boy, one down and I've almost run out of things already)
A clean house
Silence
Friends
Kittens
Baby laughs
Little boy laughs
Fresh flowers
Chocolate (I think I'll go have some)
New clothes
Being able to hear
Calendars
My pretty wedding ring
A good massage
Bug spray
Good food
My new hair cut (thanks Karen)
Napping
Cold water
I know the list should be longer, but frankly it's a tough one today.
Any suggestions?
Monday, September 24, 2007
E's Birthday
Today is E's fourth birthday. It makes me feel really old to have him be that old. For his party he had his friends Briant, Max, Cooper, Dallin, Bree and his cousin Jacob over to our house on Saturday to play on a bouncy house water slide, break the pinata, open presents and eat cake. I felt slightly bad because we loaded the kids up with all those goodies then sent them home at 5:30, right before dinner time. But all the kids had fun, so that was good.
The strangest thing that being a mother has done for me was give me an understanding of why the first prostitute probably started doing what she did. Mothers will do things for their children that they wouldn't do for anyone else on earth. Don't worry, I'm not considering taking up this profession, it was just a thought that I had recently. Before I had kids I was baffled as to why someone would sink that low, now it's a little more clear.
The strangest thing that being a mother has done for me was give me an understanding of why the first prostitute probably started doing what she did. Mothers will do things for their children that they wouldn't do for anyone else on earth. Don't worry, I'm not considering taking up this profession, it was just a thought that I had recently. Before I had kids I was baffled as to why someone would sink that low, now it's a little more clear.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
First Time at This Blogging Stuff
So really, I'm just trying this out. I'm kind of (well, very) technology dumb. A lot of my friends have blogs and I figured I should get in on the loop. Plus it will be a way for me to vent/organize/catalog my thoughts. So here we go...
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