My boys really want a pet. I really do not want a pet. Fortunately, for my children, we happen to have several lizards living in our backyard. To me, this is the perfect solution. The boys tend not to agree.
Mr. M noticed that one lizard was doing what looked like push-ups. E told him that it was a boy lizard and that it is doing the push-ups to impress the 'Lady Lizards' (said in a high-pitched female voice).
He's a funny.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Little Bits
Last week a friend from A's work gave us free tickets to Disneyland. We kept the boys out of school for a day and spent it at California Adventure. We had a great time. Miss M. stayed awake nearly the entire day, which is super impressive since she's not even 1 year old yet. The boys had fun, loved the new 'Cars Land', and had a great time going on old favorites. It was a perfect day to go, the crowd was manageable, and I think the longest line we waited in was about 25 minutes, which for Disneyland is super quick.
We went out to dinner last night to Mimi's Cafe. Mr. M. was quite impressed, he told us he had never been to such a fancy restaurant.
I have a long list of deep cleaning to do before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. There are things that really could be done right now, but I prefer to wait until the last minute so my house is as clean as possible when all the joy starts, rather than doing it now and then having to again right before.
Contemplating what to make for my Christmas goodie plate this year. I didn't do it last year since Miss M. was brand new, so I'm having a hard time figuring out what I should do, if I should stick with old favorites or try some new ones? Do I want several kinds or just a few really yummy things?
So glad it finally feels like Fall here in the South Land. It was so hot for so long that I was just done with it. (I know... I can hear my AZ friends all the way from here, I have it pretty nice compared to the weather there. But come ON people, it was never 90 degrees inside my house when I lived there.)
We went out to dinner last night to Mimi's Cafe. Mr. M. was quite impressed, he told us he had never been to such a fancy restaurant.
I have a long list of deep cleaning to do before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. There are things that really could be done right now, but I prefer to wait until the last minute so my house is as clean as possible when all the joy starts, rather than doing it now and then having to again right before.
Contemplating what to make for my Christmas goodie plate this year. I didn't do it last year since Miss M. was brand new, so I'm having a hard time figuring out what I should do, if I should stick with old favorites or try some new ones? Do I want several kinds or just a few really yummy things?
So glad it finally feels like Fall here in the South Land. It was so hot for so long that I was just done with it. (I know... I can hear my AZ friends all the way from here, I have it pretty nice compared to the weather there. But come ON people, it was never 90 degrees inside my house when I lived there.)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Justice
I have been remembering this moment of sweet justice. I'm not sure why this has been playing itself out in my mind so frequently lately. Perhaps because I have a Kindergartner right now.
This was back in the day. None of this homework-doing, sight-word-learning academic type learning. We are talking REAL world stuff like, your address, how to tie your shoes, how to sit and listen, you know, stuff that will be applicable forever.
I was at the 'listening center' where we sat at a half moon table with 4 other scholars, headphones on listening to a story then colored about what we had heard. I was very good at listening. I needed to use the bathroom. I started to take off my headphones when Kenny (I have not changed his name in hopes of protecting the innocent, he is not deserving) said, "It's not over, stupid!"
Not wanting to provoke a confrontation I put my head phones back on and continued to listen. Problem was my bladder was only 5 years old and didn't know that listening center required an extra measure of capacity. I couldn't maintain the hold.
I wet my pants.
I sat in my wetness and finished listening center then dutifully shuffled to my next task, preparing for snack. Mrs. Swanson approached me from behind, put a hand on my back and asked me if I had wet my pants. Humiliated and scared I admitted the deed and was sent to the nurses office to wear a dry sheet waiting for my mom to bring me a change of clothes. She brought me a red shirt and purple pants. I didn't get the snack of graham crackers and orange juice (dipping graham crackers in orange juice is better than one might think).
Oh how I loathed Kenny. He had brought me to shame.
First grade, Kenny and I did not share a teacher. No pants wetting, no mismatched clothing, no more being robbed of snack time. I dodged the bullet that year.
Second grade, justice was served: Kenny was held back to first grade.
I guess wasn't so stupid after all.
This was back in the day. None of this homework-doing, sight-word-learning academic type learning. We are talking REAL world stuff like, your address, how to tie your shoes, how to sit and listen, you know, stuff that will be applicable forever.
I was at the 'listening center' where we sat at a half moon table with 4 other scholars, headphones on listening to a story then colored about what we had heard. I was very good at listening. I needed to use the bathroom. I started to take off my headphones when Kenny (I have not changed his name in hopes of protecting the innocent, he is not deserving) said, "It's not over, stupid!"
Not wanting to provoke a confrontation I put my head phones back on and continued to listen. Problem was my bladder was only 5 years old and didn't know that listening center required an extra measure of capacity. I couldn't maintain the hold.
I wet my pants.
I sat in my wetness and finished listening center then dutifully shuffled to my next task, preparing for snack. Mrs. Swanson approached me from behind, put a hand on my back and asked me if I had wet my pants. Humiliated and scared I admitted the deed and was sent to the nurses office to wear a dry sheet waiting for my mom to bring me a change of clothes. She brought me a red shirt and purple pants. I didn't get the snack of graham crackers and orange juice (dipping graham crackers in orange juice is better than one might think).
Oh how I loathed Kenny. He had brought me to shame.
First grade, Kenny and I did not share a teacher. No pants wetting, no mismatched clothing, no more being robbed of snack time. I dodged the bullet that year.
Second grade, justice was served: Kenny was held back to first grade.
I guess wasn't so stupid after all.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Joy
I've been reflecting on how many times in my life I've felt real joy. We are taught in 2 Nephi 2:35 that we are meant to have joy in our life. I have also been personally promised that I will have joy in my children. In the pre-earth life the hosts of heaven shouted for joy at the decision to come to earth and use our agency. I am generally a happy person, but I believe that joy is greater than a general happiness.
The most recent moment that I remember actually shouting for joy was when I found out that my brother was a match to donate a kidney to my dad who was on the waiting list for a transplant. The feeling of peace to not have to worry about my dad's health, the love I felt for my brother for his sacrifice, and the overwhelming sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for His mercy toward our family overcame me and I literally shouted for joy.
Other times in (relatively) recent memory of true shouts of joy are the days I found out I was pregnant with each of my children. Again the relief, peace and gratitude all mixed together ended with a shout for joy.
I recently attended the baptism of one of the boys in our Ward Primary. I am not related to him but I know him and am friends with his parents. When he was baptised you could feel in the room a collective, silent, shout of joy.
At the marriage ceremony of my brother-in-law and his wife, in the celestial room, you could, again, feel the collective, silent shout of joy.
What do all of these experiences have in common? The feeling of the Spirit of God, prompting gratitude to Him for His great blessings. I learn in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, or products, of the influence of the Holy Ghost are love, joy, peace...and faith.
It is a personal goal of mine to make more time in my life to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and focus on remembering those moments of true joy.
When was the last time you felt the need to shout for joy?
The most recent moment that I remember actually shouting for joy was when I found out that my brother was a match to donate a kidney to my dad who was on the waiting list for a transplant. The feeling of peace to not have to worry about my dad's health, the love I felt for my brother for his sacrifice, and the overwhelming sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for His mercy toward our family overcame me and I literally shouted for joy.
Other times in (relatively) recent memory of true shouts of joy are the days I found out I was pregnant with each of my children. Again the relief, peace and gratitude all mixed together ended with a shout for joy.
I recently attended the baptism of one of the boys in our Ward Primary. I am not related to him but I know him and am friends with his parents. When he was baptised you could feel in the room a collective, silent, shout of joy.
At the marriage ceremony of my brother-in-law and his wife, in the celestial room, you could, again, feel the collective, silent shout of joy.
What do all of these experiences have in common? The feeling of the Spirit of God, prompting gratitude to Him for His great blessings. I learn in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, or products, of the influence of the Holy Ghost are love, joy, peace...and faith.
It is a personal goal of mine to make more time in my life to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and focus on remembering those moments of true joy.
When was the last time you felt the need to shout for joy?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Come Back
I have been contemplating my blogging comeback for a while and have been putting it off for a lot of reasons, none of which are any good so I will spare you the effort of hearing them. So I will just give a run down of major events
The past several months since I've posted have seemed so busy, busy, busy.
We had an excellent summer. The boys did a lot of backpacking and hiking while the girls stayed at home and slept in beds. We went swimming a lot at friends pools. Mr. A and I went paddle-boarding with some friends, it was our first time. It was fun and easier than I expected. A's brother got married and we are super excited for a new sister-in-law. The Haltermans from AZ came to stay with us for a few days (we literally live less than 6 miles from the beach and less than 20 from Disneyland. We love having company so if anyone wants to come stay, please do!). My nephew Jacob (E's most favorite being in entirety) stayed with us for a week then E went to stay with him for a week in the Bay Area. We had a family reunion with my side of the family at Lake Tahoe. E went to Cub Scout Day Camp, which he thought was the best thing ever. I got a new bike so we have been doing some family cruising.
Lots and Lots of fun!
My new goal is to blog every Friday, starting tomorrow.
Contemplating topics....
The past several months since I've posted have seemed so busy, busy, busy.
We had an excellent summer. The boys did a lot of backpacking and hiking while the girls stayed at home and slept in beds. We went swimming a lot at friends pools. Mr. A and I went paddle-boarding with some friends, it was our first time. It was fun and easier than I expected. A's brother got married and we are super excited for a new sister-in-law. The Haltermans from AZ came to stay with us for a few days (we literally live less than 6 miles from the beach and less than 20 from Disneyland. We love having company so if anyone wants to come stay, please do!). My nephew Jacob (E's most favorite being in entirety) stayed with us for a week then E went to stay with him for a week in the Bay Area. We had a family reunion with my side of the family at Lake Tahoe. E went to Cub Scout Day Camp, which he thought was the best thing ever. I got a new bike so we have been doing some family cruising.
Lots and Lots of fun!
My new goal is to blog every Friday, starting tomorrow.
Contemplating topics....
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
She crawls
The little lady crawls, she just started today. She thinks she is pretty hot stuff (and she is).
It's fun to finally see the things that she has been just dying to be able to do, but been unsuccessful at until self-propulsion was possible, like messing with the DVD cabinet, looking out the window at birds, chasing after me when I don't take her with me from room to room.
Have I told you how EASY this baby is? She is quite possibly the easiest baby ever. She isn't at all as high maintenance as everyone has told me girls are. She cries when she's hungry or tired. She eats baby food well and when you lay her down to sleep she just does it. She is happy and smiling almost always and loves to watch her brothers.
She likes to look at animals but more specifically dogs. She loves going for walks and being outside. She loves swimming. She dances when she hears any sort of music, but really loves the Powell Electric commercial.
She is wonderful!
It's fun to finally see the things that she has been just dying to be able to do, but been unsuccessful at until self-propulsion was possible, like messing with the DVD cabinet, looking out the window at birds, chasing after me when I don't take her with me from room to room.
Have I told you how EASY this baby is? She is quite possibly the easiest baby ever. She isn't at all as high maintenance as everyone has told me girls are. She cries when she's hungry or tired. She eats baby food well and when you lay her down to sleep she just does it. She is happy and smiling almost always and loves to watch her brothers.
She likes to look at animals but more specifically dogs. She loves going for walks and being outside. She loves swimming. She dances when she hears any sort of music, but really loves the Powell Electric commercial.
She is wonderful!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Happy 9!
Mr. E. is nine-years-old today.
Happy birthday to my favorite blond boy!
Nine things about Mr. E:
1. He is very smart. He is an excellent reader and excels in all subjects at school but math and science are his favorites.
2. He is very tender hearted. He genuinely always wants to do what is right. He loves to make people happy and is always confident that people love him.
3. He is a very loyal friend. Once he loves you, it is with a passion.
4. He is very responsible. He can be relied on to fulfill any assignment or duty.
5. He is brave. He is always willing to try to overcome any fear that pops up.
6. He earned his yellow belt in jiu jitsu.
7. He has been going backpacking with his dad frequently and loves it. It is a very special time for the two of them.
8. He is a great helper.
9. He loves Heavenly Father and isn't afraid to be a missionary.
I love this boy!
Happy birthday to my favorite blond boy!
Nine things about Mr. E:
1. He is very smart. He is an excellent reader and excels in all subjects at school but math and science are his favorites.
2. He is very tender hearted. He genuinely always wants to do what is right. He loves to make people happy and is always confident that people love him.
3. He is a very loyal friend. Once he loves you, it is with a passion.
4. He is very responsible. He can be relied on to fulfill any assignment or duty.
5. He is brave. He is always willing to try to overcome any fear that pops up.
6. He earned his yellow belt in jiu jitsu.
7. He has been going backpacking with his dad frequently and loves it. It is a very special time for the two of them.
8. He is a great helper.
9. He loves Heavenly Father and isn't afraid to be a missionary.
I love this boy!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
First Day of School
Today is the first day of 3rd grade for Mr. E. and the first day of school ever for Mr. M!
E is now in what they call 'upper' grade levels so he goes to school for 45 minutes longer than last year.
He is excited to see all of his friends and to be able to play on the big kids playground. He gets to ride his bike to school (we are very lucky that we live less than a football field distance from his school, it's a straight shot too, nowhere to get lost. You can see the school yard from my kitchen window). He is most looking forward to recess, lunch, computers and science.
Mr. M woke up bright and early and sang all morning "It's school day, It's school day, It's a great day!" He is so excited to meet new friends and is ready to learn. He is a 'Later Gator' so he gets to go to school a little later than E and gets out about 40 minutes before his brother. He also gets to eat lunch at school.
It's a good day.
E is now in what they call 'upper' grade levels so he goes to school for 45 minutes longer than last year.
He is excited to see all of his friends and to be able to play on the big kids playground. He gets to ride his bike to school (we are very lucky that we live less than a football field distance from his school, it's a straight shot too, nowhere to get lost. You can see the school yard from my kitchen window). He is most looking forward to recess, lunch, computers and science.
Mr. M woke up bright and early and sang all morning "It's school day, It's school day, It's a great day!" He is so excited to meet new friends and is ready to learn. He is a 'Later Gator' so he gets to go to school a little later than E and gets out about 40 minutes before his brother. He also gets to eat lunch at school.
It's a good day.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
And Done
Yes, ladies and gentlmen, Alicia has completely P90X.
It was hard, but after getting in to the swing of things it got so that I didn't dread it everyday.
I lost all my baby weight plus 5 or 6 pounds. I'm very proud of myself. Now I will take a few weeks off and start again after kids go back to school, which will put me done right around Christmas time. Then I will start again before our big trip to Hawaii next May.
Take THAT Tony Horton
It was hard, but after getting in to the swing of things it got so that I didn't dread it everyday.
I lost all my baby weight plus 5 or 6 pounds. I'm very proud of myself. Now I will take a few weeks off and start again after kids go back to school, which will put me done right around Christmas time. Then I will start again before our big trip to Hawaii next May.
Take THAT Tony Horton
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