Big D took Bug to Wal-Mart to get a few last minute provisions. At Wal-Mart Big D ran into someone he knew and after they were done chatting Bug asked her dad how he knew the guy. He told her they went to high school together.
She looked at him and asked, "Why does he look like he could still be in high school and you look thirty?"
He chuckled and asked if he wasn't aging well. She smiled and said, "Let's just say your age is catching up with you."
I think she thinks she's funny.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Lord's Hand In December 2008
12/31/08~ Happy New Year's Eve! We don't have any great things planned for tonight. We leave on our trip tomorrow, Yeah! Brook has a second date with his lady friend tonight. I can't wait to hear how that goes. Today all we are going to be doing is packing, checking what we've packed and then pack some more.
12/30/08~ We spent the day getting ready for our trip. I made lists of What to do, What to buy, and What to pack. I am a list person can you tell. All the kids winter stuff has been washed and now I need to bath the dog so she nice and clean for visit to Uncle Lowell's house. Auntie Ann is still in town, I love hanging out with her. Auntie Marie had to go home on Sunday due to her work schedule, pooie.
12/29/08~ We celebrated Christmas with Grandma Lovely. Our family is getting so big that we had to have our party at Uncle Brook's house. Poor Uncle Brook had to work that day he was so tired then had to go to bed before the party was over to be ready for work the next day. Uncle Itchy's family had our family this year. He made all the kids, including Kinnzi, a blanket, Big D and I snowmobile gloves, and wrote a Christmas story about that tied into the blankets. He is so talented.
12/28/08~ We quit torturing the many grand kids and let them open their presents. All the kids got spoiled as did the adults. We all had a ton of fun snowmobiling and sledding. The adults lasted way longer than the kids, of course, and when the kids finally went inside the adults could really play. Big D and Brook had fun high marking it on the hill. Lowell had fun planting my head under the snow as we raced down the hill in the sled. The the posers decided to take advantage of the camera pointed at them. They make me laugh, I love my family!
12/27/08~I went to dinner with my girlfriends from high school last night. We had a great time catching up and seeing new babies. C and I stayed after everyone else left. I couldn't believe how beautiful everyone is getting. I always thought that women peeked in high school and it was down hill from there, but that is not the case with all women. I love reminising about things we didn't know about each other back then. I am even more grateful that I have such a great life now and I don't have to look at high school as the best time of my life. We went to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's house for our Christmas celebration with them. We had way too much fun and gain at least ten pounds with all the great cooking. I love the holidays!
12/26/08~ The girls went out to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's for the weekend. Honey's granddaughter, Lexxi, is in town. She is the same age as Bug and they all, Beaner and Lynn, get along great. We will head out to celebrate Christmas with them tomorrow. With all the girls gone the boys decided to have a day for just them. They got the snowmachines out and pulled the boys around the neighborhood. They wanted to go up in the hills but Uncle Brook was on call so he couldn't be that far away. I think it was better this way anyway because Bear wouldn't have lasted long up in the mountains and then everyone would've been ticked having to leave so soon.
12/25/08~ Merry Christmas!!! The kids got up around 7 a.m. but I was already up. They were good and didn't come out of their room though. I threatened them the night before that if they came out of their room before 8 a.m. their presents would poof one at a time for every minutes they were out. I guess it worked because they were great. Poor Beaner, she had the hardest time waiting for presents. We got to ours pretty quick but then she got a little ticked that I made her wait until I took a shower before we could go over to Grandma Ellen and Papa Ray's. Then when we got over to the grandparent's she had to wait for her aunt to show up and for us all to eat breakfast. I thought she was going kill us all off just so she did have to wait for us anymore. Once it was all over our sweet little girl came back to us. I am going to miss the blackmail of the season. That always worked so well for me. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait till next year just like the kids.
12/24/08~ Merry Christmas Eve! Yesterday I got my grade, I got an 'A'. Yeah!!! We went sledding and to a Polar Express party at some friends. What a fun filled day. The kids are all excited about being able to say tomorrow is Christmas. Tonight we get to go bowling at a private party where they shut down the entire bowling alley just for us. We have great a time every year, it's nice to have connections.
12/23/08~ Last night we did our ding dong ditch secret Santa. We've done this for the past three years and I think we are finally calling it a family tradition, that is until we can't afford to do it any longer, Lord bless us. I had a friend who lived directly across the street from our secret house. We stayed warm standing in her kitchen with the lights out watching the whole thing go down. We had a couple families in on it with us so there were about sixteen people poking their heads out the window secretly hoping the dads would slip and fall as they ran away, but no such luck. They did almost get caught. The dad of the family walked by their huge front room window right as the presents were being set on the stoop, but no such luck there either;)
12/22/08~ We woke to six inches of beautiful fluffy enticing snow and my dog peeing on the floor. After I'd done the whole nose in the pee and thrown her outside to snow that came up to her haunches, I realized why she opted for the carpet. Feeling bad I got the shovel and dug a little path down the steps and cleared an area for her relieve herself without punishment. That got me all pumped so I went and shoveled my driveway and walkway and stoop and a little path for the mailman. Ooh, I love the snow.
12/21/08~ I don't know if it was just the fact that I'm going to be gone the next two Sunday's, but I really enjoyed the kids today in Nursery. We got to go into Primary for a little bit to watch a nativity puppet show and the kids did so good sitting there watching, it was a bit surprising. Bug threw up the night before so she had to miss church. She got to go hang out at Big D's sister's house and play with Bailey, Kayla's new yorkie puppy. He is so tiny and cute, of course, what puppy isn't cute.
12/20/08~ I spent today catching up on all the Christmas presents that were started and never finished. I have these one crafty presents that I started over a month ago and never finished. I think I am so scared that the recipients are going to like them so I'm dragging my feet in finishing them. Well, I finally finished them today and I really like them. If the recipients don't like them I will just bring them back home with me. It really felt like a lazy day because we didn't go anywhere, but when Big D and I sat on the couch at the end of the day we realized we really got a lot accomplished. Yeah for us! That and we got my brother Brook to ask a woman from his ward, whom he's been ogling for a year, out on a date. Up to this point he'd never even said Hi. I wouldn't say he's shy, he's just lost his confidence. Big D and I had a bet on if he'd really call and ask her out or not. We told him if he'd do it we'd pay for his dinner and movie. I didn't think he'd take me up on it because a couple nights before I promised him $50 if he'd just say Hi and introduce himself to her. I was wrong. It took him another fourty-five minutes but he called and now they are going out on Tuesday. Yeah for us again!
12/19/08~ I got my Visiting Teaching done. I always drag my feet in setting up appointments and going, but once I'm done I feel so good, that and I love my sisters I go to. They are all elderly woman whom have seen more of life than I probably ever will. One lady, Ethel, is so spiritual she blows me away. I just look up to her so much. Larue, is a spunky woman whose been inactive probably her whole life but she doesn't mind us comeing over to visit. I love talking to her, she makes me laugh. Loraine is a lonely woman who is blind and deaf. She has a special place in my heart. She loves it when I bring my kids over for a visit.
12/18/08~ Grandma Honey, Rae, and I went to see "Twilight" for the second time. I know, I know, I didn't like it the first time why would I subject myself to it again, especially at $8 a ticket. Here is my reasoning, I figured maybe if I didn't have my two sisters mouning next to me about how bad the movie is I might enjoy it a bit better. So, for safety sake, I asked two people whom I knew loved the movie the first time, to go with my the second time. I have to admit I enjoyed it. It still isn't my favorite movie in the whole wide world, but I did enjoy it better the second time around.
12/17/08~ I took my final this morning. I don't think I did that great. I just couldn't get my brain to focus on the task at hand. It didn't help that my final was at 7:30 a.m. I am just praying I get a 'B' in the class. I don't know what my problem in this class was. I loved the class and I started off strong but my writing got worse and worse as the semester went on. I guess it's a good thing the class ended when it did before I started getting horrible grades on my papers.
12/16/08~ The boys and I decided we'd shovel sidewalks and driveways today. We had a great time! We even decided to try and start a "Good Deed Elf Tag" when the kids get home from school. We are going to get everyone a shovel and drive around and just stop and hurry and clear their walkways before we get caught. Then we leave a little note on the front door telling the people they've been tagged by the good deed elf, please pay it forward and have a Merry Christmas. We'll see how well it goes.
12/15/08~ Big D is so excited about the three inches of snow we got that he got the snowmobiles out and drug the kids from one end of the street to the other, even if they didn't want to be. I think he is mainly relieved there will be snow in the mountains for our big snowmobile trip after Christmas.
12/14/08~ There was something in the air in Nursery today. Half the kids were way too hyper and the other half was crying for their mommies. Have I mentioned how ready I am to be released? I need to chill or my next calling is going to be worse. The funny thing is I don't dread the Nursery all the time, six days a week I am happy with my calling.
12/13/08~ You'd think we would get sick of Santa, but nope. This morning we went to have breakfast with Santa at my in-laws church. The kids got to decorate a picture frame for them to put pictures of them and Santa. Bug keeps telling Santa she wants a lump of coal for Christmas, I think she might be getting too old to sit on Santa's lap if she's being sassy. Of course it does make my job easier, we'll see how funny she thinks it is when that is all she gets Christmas morning. Now where to find coal.
12/12/08~ My brother, Brook, works with a guy who looks just like Santa. He even goes around playing Santa for people's private parties. Well, my brother set it up that we'd be over at his house and Santa just happened to show up. The kids thought it was great. We had wrapped presents for Santa to give each of the kids and they thought that was so cool to be able to open a present before Christmas.
12/10/08~ My very last day of class. What a glorious day it is. Not that anything special happened. My professor asked if we had any questions about the final, then every question asked he replied with, "I can't tell you that". What good was it to go to class? On top of feeling the urgency to go to class because my professor was supposidly going to go over the final, I had to pack a plastic baggy because I've been suffering from boughts of nausea. I was horrified I was going to hurl in the middle of class. I don't know if anyone has ever experienced that before, but I did in the third grade and it was not pleasant.
12/9/08~ I wrote all my Christmas cards today. I feel bad when I can't send one to everyone so I choose people whom I don't get to see very often, and they are the ones who get the cards. Everyone else's card/gift is my presence at the parties and harassing phone calls to wish them a Merry Christmas. I know you'd rather get a card but too darn bad.
12/8/08~ I am so in the mood to go Christmas shopping, but I'm already done. I think this is were I get myself into trouble. I get done too early and everyone compliments me on my organization skills for it, but then I'm still in the mood to shop and I continue doing so. It is really bad for our budget. Maybe next year I should wait until the week before Christmas then start my shopping. I'd probably save money because I wouldn't be spending twice as much. That and I'm a late bloomer. I tend to get my brilliant ideas for people's gifts after I've already bought them something else. Then I can't decide what to do so I tend to give them both, also bad for the budget. I need to learn when to say when. I wonder if they make a patch for shopaholics? The funny thing is this is the only time of year I love to shop. I love the people, don't get me wrong I hate crowds, I just love to see families out with their kids and the magic in those young eyes. What I wouldn't give to be able to feel that Christmas magic again.
12/7/08~ Big D and I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. talking. I don't know why but when I stay up that late, and I'm extremely exhausted, I sleep horrible. I need to realize I'm not a young pup anymore, I can't stay up all night and wake up ready to tackle the day. I'm really lucky I didn't accidentally bite anyones head off.
12/6/08~ I've been up since about 5:30 a.m. writing and what not, couldn't sleep. Bear came up about 8:20 a.m. and gave me the best cup of Jo ever. I hope someday he understands how much those mean to me. I think there is something about having his heart that close to mine that really makes my heart skip a beat. We have a special bond and I think it's because he gives me enough lovens to make up for his twin not being here to give me his own cup of Jo. I don't even think he realizes he's doing it, it just happens.
12/5/08~ It's getting closer to Christmas, and while I have all my shopping pretty much done, I do not have all my crafts done. I've been working on my crafty Christmas presents and I'm getting a little worried that some people won't like their gift. I know not everyone is a crafty person. I just hope they feel the love that comes along with the gift. I hope that when someone opens a crafty gift from me they receive the message that there isn't anything in the stores that can convey my love; so I had to put my time, energy and love into this present to show you how special you are to me.
12/4/08~ I got a phone call from my nephew, Matt. He is getting his girlfriend a yorkie for Christmas and was wondering if he should get her a male or female. He decided on the male so he can possible breed him with Kinnzi if we decided to go down that road. I offered to let the puppy stay at my house until Christmas so he could really surprise her. I am so excited to have a little puppy in my house. I think Kinnzi is going to love having someone around for her to play with who is smaller than her. Who knows depending on how well she does with the puppy we might think about getting her a buddy in the future. It would have to be a very distant future seeing as how they are such expensive dogs.
12/3/08~ I didn't have my afternoon lab today so I brought my nephews, Lowell Jr and Hyatt, home when I picked Bear up from their house. Hyatt was so excited to come over and then as soon as he got there he kept asking when I was going to take him home. I don't think he was in a socializing mood because he'd start crying every two seconds and then he found me in the kitchen telling my he peed, he's in the middle of potty training. At first I was all excited for him until I looked at his soaking wet pants. All I can say is I am so glad I am done with the potty training phase of my life.
12/2/08~ I bought Kinnzi a new nail trimmer. Every since the last horrific experience with the groomers I haven't taken her back to one. So her nails are getting way too long. Her nails are so hard that I'm having a hard time finding clippers that won't crack or splinter her nails. I found this cool thing called "Pedipaws". It is a rotating emery board for dogs. You stick their nails in a little hole and it files their nails down with out damaging them. It took me a good hour before Kinnzi would sit still and let me do it but I think it is a success.
12/1/08~ I had a paper due by noon today and I didn't even start it until about 10 a.m. Talk about procrastination. Big D was teasing me the night before saying, "Procrastination is the theif of an A". He usually says the theif of eternal life, he thought he was pretty clever. But I got the paper done and sent off thirty minutes early. Now lets hope my grade does not reflect my laziness.
12/30/08~ We spent the day getting ready for our trip. I made lists of What to do, What to buy, and What to pack. I am a list person can you tell. All the kids winter stuff has been washed and now I need to bath the dog so she nice and clean for visit to Uncle Lowell's house. Auntie Ann is still in town, I love hanging out with her. Auntie Marie had to go home on Sunday due to her work schedule, pooie.
12/29/08~ We celebrated Christmas with Grandma Lovely. Our family is getting so big that we had to have our party at Uncle Brook's house. Poor Uncle Brook had to work that day he was so tired then had to go to bed before the party was over to be ready for work the next day. Uncle Itchy's family had our family this year. He made all the kids, including Kinnzi, a blanket, Big D and I snowmobile gloves, and wrote a Christmas story about that tied into the blankets. He is so talented.
12/28/08~ We quit torturing the many grand kids and let them open their presents. All the kids got spoiled as did the adults. We all had a ton of fun snowmobiling and sledding. The adults lasted way longer than the kids, of course, and when the kids finally went inside the adults could really play. Big D and Brook had fun high marking it on the hill. Lowell had fun planting my head under the snow as we raced down the hill in the sled. The the posers decided to take advantage of the camera pointed at them. They make me laugh, I love my family!
12/27/08~I went to dinner with my girlfriends from high school last night. We had a great time catching up and seeing new babies. C and I stayed after everyone else left. I couldn't believe how beautiful everyone is getting. I always thought that women peeked in high school and it was down hill from there, but that is not the case with all women. I love reminising about things we didn't know about each other back then. I am even more grateful that I have such a great life now and I don't have to look at high school as the best time of my life. We went to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's house for our Christmas celebration with them. We had way too much fun and gain at least ten pounds with all the great cooking. I love the holidays!
12/26/08~ The girls went out to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's for the weekend. Honey's granddaughter, Lexxi, is in town. She is the same age as Bug and they all, Beaner and Lynn, get along great. We will head out to celebrate Christmas with them tomorrow. With all the girls gone the boys decided to have a day for just them. They got the snowmachines out and pulled the boys around the neighborhood. They wanted to go up in the hills but Uncle Brook was on call so he couldn't be that far away. I think it was better this way anyway because Bear wouldn't have lasted long up in the mountains and then everyone would've been ticked having to leave so soon.
12/25/08~ Merry Christmas!!! The kids got up around 7 a.m. but I was already up. They were good and didn't come out of their room though. I threatened them the night before that if they came out of their room before 8 a.m. their presents would poof one at a time for every minutes they were out. I guess it worked because they were great. Poor Beaner, she had the hardest time waiting for presents. We got to ours pretty quick but then she got a little ticked that I made her wait until I took a shower before we could go over to Grandma Ellen and Papa Ray's. Then when we got over to the grandparent's she had to wait for her aunt to show up and for us all to eat breakfast. I thought she was going kill us all off just so she did have to wait for us anymore. Once it was all over our sweet little girl came back to us. I am going to miss the blackmail of the season. That always worked so well for me. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait till next year just like the kids.
12/24/08~ Merry Christmas Eve! Yesterday I got my grade, I got an 'A'. Yeah!!! We went sledding and to a Polar Express party at some friends. What a fun filled day. The kids are all excited about being able to say tomorrow is Christmas. Tonight we get to go bowling at a private party where they shut down the entire bowling alley just for us. We have great a time every year, it's nice to have connections.
12/23/08~ Last night we did our ding dong ditch secret Santa. We've done this for the past three years and I think we are finally calling it a family tradition, that is until we can't afford to do it any longer, Lord bless us. I had a friend who lived directly across the street from our secret house. We stayed warm standing in her kitchen with the lights out watching the whole thing go down. We had a couple families in on it with us so there were about sixteen people poking their heads out the window secretly hoping the dads would slip and fall as they ran away, but no such luck. They did almost get caught. The dad of the family walked by their huge front room window right as the presents were being set on the stoop, but no such luck there either;)
12/22/08~ We woke to six inches of beautiful fluffy enticing snow and my dog peeing on the floor. After I'd done the whole nose in the pee and thrown her outside to snow that came up to her haunches, I realized why she opted for the carpet. Feeling bad I got the shovel and dug a little path down the steps and cleared an area for her relieve herself without punishment. That got me all pumped so I went and shoveled my driveway and walkway and stoop and a little path for the mailman. Ooh, I love the snow.
12/21/08~ I don't know if it was just the fact that I'm going to be gone the next two Sunday's, but I really enjoyed the kids today in Nursery. We got to go into Primary for a little bit to watch a nativity puppet show and the kids did so good sitting there watching, it was a bit surprising. Bug threw up the night before so she had to miss church. She got to go hang out at Big D's sister's house and play with Bailey, Kayla's new yorkie puppy. He is so tiny and cute, of course, what puppy isn't cute.
12/20/08~ I spent today catching up on all the Christmas presents that were started and never finished. I have these one crafty presents that I started over a month ago and never finished. I think I am so scared that the recipients are going to like them so I'm dragging my feet in finishing them. Well, I finally finished them today and I really like them. If the recipients don't like them I will just bring them back home with me. It really felt like a lazy day because we didn't go anywhere, but when Big D and I sat on the couch at the end of the day we realized we really got a lot accomplished. Yeah for us! That and we got my brother Brook to ask a woman from his ward, whom he's been ogling for a year, out on a date. Up to this point he'd never even said Hi. I wouldn't say he's shy, he's just lost his confidence. Big D and I had a bet on if he'd really call and ask her out or not. We told him if he'd do it we'd pay for his dinner and movie. I didn't think he'd take me up on it because a couple nights before I promised him $50 if he'd just say Hi and introduce himself to her. I was wrong. It took him another fourty-five minutes but he called and now they are going out on Tuesday. Yeah for us again!
12/19/08~ I got my Visiting Teaching done. I always drag my feet in setting up appointments and going, but once I'm done I feel so good, that and I love my sisters I go to. They are all elderly woman whom have seen more of life than I probably ever will. One lady, Ethel, is so spiritual she blows me away. I just look up to her so much. Larue, is a spunky woman whose been inactive probably her whole life but she doesn't mind us comeing over to visit. I love talking to her, she makes me laugh. Loraine is a lonely woman who is blind and deaf. She has a special place in my heart. She loves it when I bring my kids over for a visit.
12/18/08~ Grandma Honey, Rae, and I went to see "Twilight" for the second time. I know, I know, I didn't like it the first time why would I subject myself to it again, especially at $8 a ticket. Here is my reasoning, I figured maybe if I didn't have my two sisters mouning next to me about how bad the movie is I might enjoy it a bit better. So, for safety sake, I asked two people whom I knew loved the movie the first time, to go with my the second time. I have to admit I enjoyed it. It still isn't my favorite movie in the whole wide world, but I did enjoy it better the second time around.
12/17/08~ I took my final this morning. I don't think I did that great. I just couldn't get my brain to focus on the task at hand. It didn't help that my final was at 7:30 a.m. I am just praying I get a 'B' in the class. I don't know what my problem in this class was. I loved the class and I started off strong but my writing got worse and worse as the semester went on. I guess it's a good thing the class ended when it did before I started getting horrible grades on my papers.
12/16/08~ The boys and I decided we'd shovel sidewalks and driveways today. We had a great time! We even decided to try and start a "Good Deed Elf Tag" when the kids get home from school. We are going to get everyone a shovel and drive around and just stop and hurry and clear their walkways before we get caught. Then we leave a little note on the front door telling the people they've been tagged by the good deed elf, please pay it forward and have a Merry Christmas. We'll see how well it goes.
12/15/08~ Big D is so excited about the three inches of snow we got that he got the snowmobiles out and drug the kids from one end of the street to the other, even if they didn't want to be. I think he is mainly relieved there will be snow in the mountains for our big snowmobile trip after Christmas.
12/14/08~ There was something in the air in Nursery today. Half the kids were way too hyper and the other half was crying for their mommies. Have I mentioned how ready I am to be released? I need to chill or my next calling is going to be worse. The funny thing is I don't dread the Nursery all the time, six days a week I am happy with my calling.
12/13/08~ You'd think we would get sick of Santa, but nope. This morning we went to have breakfast with Santa at my in-laws church. The kids got to decorate a picture frame for them to put pictures of them and Santa. Bug keeps telling Santa she wants a lump of coal for Christmas, I think she might be getting too old to sit on Santa's lap if she's being sassy. Of course it does make my job easier, we'll see how funny she thinks it is when that is all she gets Christmas morning. Now where to find coal.
12/12/08~ My brother, Brook, works with a guy who looks just like Santa. He even goes around playing Santa for people's private parties. Well, my brother set it up that we'd be over at his house and Santa just happened to show up. The kids thought it was great. We had wrapped presents for Santa to give each of the kids and they thought that was so cool to be able to open a present before Christmas.
12/10/08~ My very last day of class. What a glorious day it is. Not that anything special happened. My professor asked if we had any questions about the final, then every question asked he replied with, "I can't tell you that". What good was it to go to class? On top of feeling the urgency to go to class because my professor was supposidly going to go over the final, I had to pack a plastic baggy because I've been suffering from boughts of nausea. I was horrified I was going to hurl in the middle of class. I don't know if anyone has ever experienced that before, but I did in the third grade and it was not pleasant.
12/9/08~ I wrote all my Christmas cards today. I feel bad when I can't send one to everyone so I choose people whom I don't get to see very often, and they are the ones who get the cards. Everyone else's card/gift is my presence at the parties and harassing phone calls to wish them a Merry Christmas. I know you'd rather get a card but too darn bad.
12/8/08~ I am so in the mood to go Christmas shopping, but I'm already done. I think this is were I get myself into trouble. I get done too early and everyone compliments me on my organization skills for it, but then I'm still in the mood to shop and I continue doing so. It is really bad for our budget. Maybe next year I should wait until the week before Christmas then start my shopping. I'd probably save money because I wouldn't be spending twice as much. That and I'm a late bloomer. I tend to get my brilliant ideas for people's gifts after I've already bought them something else. Then I can't decide what to do so I tend to give them both, also bad for the budget. I need to learn when to say when. I wonder if they make a patch for shopaholics? The funny thing is this is the only time of year I love to shop. I love the people, don't get me wrong I hate crowds, I just love to see families out with their kids and the magic in those young eyes. What I wouldn't give to be able to feel that Christmas magic again.
12/7/08~ Big D and I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. talking. I don't know why but when I stay up that late, and I'm extremely exhausted, I sleep horrible. I need to realize I'm not a young pup anymore, I can't stay up all night and wake up ready to tackle the day. I'm really lucky I didn't accidentally bite anyones head off.
12/6/08~ I've been up since about 5:30 a.m. writing and what not, couldn't sleep. Bear came up about 8:20 a.m. and gave me the best cup of Jo ever. I hope someday he understands how much those mean to me. I think there is something about having his heart that close to mine that really makes my heart skip a beat. We have a special bond and I think it's because he gives me enough lovens to make up for his twin not being here to give me his own cup of Jo. I don't even think he realizes he's doing it, it just happens.
12/5/08~ It's getting closer to Christmas, and while I have all my shopping pretty much done, I do not have all my crafts done. I've been working on my crafty Christmas presents and I'm getting a little worried that some people won't like their gift. I know not everyone is a crafty person. I just hope they feel the love that comes along with the gift. I hope that when someone opens a crafty gift from me they receive the message that there isn't anything in the stores that can convey my love; so I had to put my time, energy and love into this present to show you how special you are to me.
12/4/08~ I got a phone call from my nephew, Matt. He is getting his girlfriend a yorkie for Christmas and was wondering if he should get her a male or female. He decided on the male so he can possible breed him with Kinnzi if we decided to go down that road. I offered to let the puppy stay at my house until Christmas so he could really surprise her. I am so excited to have a little puppy in my house. I think Kinnzi is going to love having someone around for her to play with who is smaller than her. Who knows depending on how well she does with the puppy we might think about getting her a buddy in the future. It would have to be a very distant future seeing as how they are such expensive dogs.
12/3/08~ I didn't have my afternoon lab today so I brought my nephews, Lowell Jr and Hyatt, home when I picked Bear up from their house. Hyatt was so excited to come over and then as soon as he got there he kept asking when I was going to take him home. I don't think he was in a socializing mood because he'd start crying every two seconds and then he found me in the kitchen telling my he peed, he's in the middle of potty training. At first I was all excited for him until I looked at his soaking wet pants. All I can say is I am so glad I am done with the potty training phase of my life.
12/2/08~ I bought Kinnzi a new nail trimmer. Every since the last horrific experience with the groomers I haven't taken her back to one. So her nails are getting way too long. Her nails are so hard that I'm having a hard time finding clippers that won't crack or splinter her nails. I found this cool thing called "Pedipaws". It is a rotating emery board for dogs. You stick their nails in a little hole and it files their nails down with out damaging them. It took me a good hour before Kinnzi would sit still and let me do it but I think it is a success.
12/1/08~ I had a paper due by noon today and I didn't even start it until about 10 a.m. Talk about procrastination. Big D was teasing me the night before saying, "Procrastination is the theif of an A". He usually says the theif of eternal life, he thought he was pretty clever. But I got the paper done and sent off thirty minutes early. Now lets hope my grade does not reflect my laziness.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Christmas Is Finally Over, YEAH!
We had our last Christmas party last night. We went over to Uncle Brook's house because our family no longer fits in Grandma Lovely's. I think the last year we did the party at her house we were all melting, with the windows open.
Poor Brook had to work that day he was so tired. He ended up going to bed before everyone was out of his house.
We rotate families for the gift exchange and this year my family had Auntie Marie. She, unfortunately, had to go home on Sunday so she could work on Monday. We got her a book shelf for her millions of books she keeps in boxes and I made her one of those picture trees. I also made her a plaque for her birthday, which is this week, that says, "When life gets to hard to stand, kneel". I think she'll like that.
Uncle Itchy's family had my family. Itchy is so talented, he sewed all the kids, and the dog, little blankets. He also sewed Big D and I some snowmobile gloves that we will be testing out in a few days. On top of all that Itchy wrote us our very own Christmas story that tied into the blankets. We were truly spoiled this year.
It was great to see our friends that we've adopted into our family, Jay and Ape. We invite them to our family birthday party in the summer and then our Christmas party in the winter. We really need to start hanging out with them more than twice a year. Jay grew up with Brook and Big D, they were all best friends back then and even now. We love those guys. Their daughter Andy helped me take pictures all night. It was nice to be able to relax and enjoy everyone and not worry about having to take their picture. Thanks Andy!
All the kids were a little anxious to get to the gift giving part, but we tortured them and made them sit threw the reading of Uncle Itchy's Christmas story and then Auntie Ann ready the Christmas story out of the Bible. I love being an adult and torturing the wee little ones. They really make it too much fun.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Is Christmas Over Yet?
Nope!
We have celebrated our own Christmas, Christmas with the in-laws, and Christmas at my dad's. How many more could there possibly be, one. Tonight is my mom's Christmas party.
My poor spoiled children think Christmas lasts for at least the whole two weeks they're out of school.
I love it!
Big D is such a romantic. We were way beyond out of money for Chritsmas and he hadn't gotten me anything. I tried to convince him that I didn't need anything but the eight presents under the tree for him kept slapping him in the face. I can understand how he feels because I would feel the same way, but I honestly didn't want anything.
My main squeeze knows just what I like and it's not a box of chocolates, knicks knacks, flowers, or superfluous garbage. He took the song I've been listening to over and over for the past month, "Citizen Soldiers" by Three Doors Down, and rewrote the words for me. In place of Citizen Soldiers it was Spiritual Mother.
He waited till all the kids were in bed sat me down and turned on the all to familiar song. He turned it down so I couldn't hear the words being sung but I could still hear the music. He sang me his new song and I absolutely loved it. He never ceases to surprise me, and it is hard to surprise me.
What a good dad, helping Bear realize the greatness of his tiny gift. Not that he had to do much convincing, Bear loves cars.
My little knight in training. Someday he will be someone's knight in shinning armor. It's a good thing I still have awhile and until then he is all mine.
Kinnzi loved her toys. She knew she was getting something good. In the morning we found her asleep on top of her stocking.
Five minutes after we gave the okay for presents Beaner had everyone's presents organinzed in individual piles. She was not aloud to touch the presents under the tree until that morning so it's not like she knew where everyone's gifts were. She was just really excited.
Over at my in-laws house we don't exchange gifts, except for the kids. The adults exchange letters. This year Papa Ray had my name. He is the cutest man I know. I love that Big D is so much like his dad, now I know what I've gotten myself into for the future.
He teased me about my letter the Sunday before Christmas. We were over at his house for Sunday dinner playing Apples to Apples. He was sitting next to me and I was talking trash with him. He warned me, "You'd better watch it, I have to write you letter this year." I laughed so hard. He has such a quiet dry sense of humor that when he does say something it's worth listening to.
He did great on the letter. He found a poem on the internet that helped him say what he wanted to say. He did a great job.
Papa helping Bug tune her new guitar. She was so excited to get this guitar. She's been telling me since she started piano that she wants to learn to play the guitar. Her teacher at school plays the guitar for the class all the time and she thinks it would be great to learn.
I think Grandma liked the present I made for her, if not she's a good faker. Either way it made me feel good to see the smile on her face.
The kids pose before opening a present from Aunt Pat. She spoils the kids and they love it.
Aunt Kathy is showing right were Aunt Pat's gift is going.
The 28th and 29th were spent out at my dad's house. We love going out as early as we can, especially when there is snow. We play all day only going in for potty breaks and to eat. We usually sled well into the night too, that's my favorite, but this year we played too hard durning the day. We were all way too tired when the sun went down.
These guys are such posers. When the camera comes out they start a hole new game of fun.
Grandma Honey made up for not having the turkey done at Thanksgiving, she made two turkeys for our big dinner one a normal turkey and then a smoked turkey. Yum!
Grandma Honey was laughing at me, every picture she has of me at Christmas I am holding a camera. I told her that that's all I had of her as well. So I thought I'd get a picture of her holding something better than a camera.
The kids had a hard time staring at the mountain of gifts and not diving in. We had to stop a couple of the kids as they were in the process of opening the gifts before it was time. Some thought if they accidentally fell on the gift and it happened to open they wouldn't get caught. They really need to come up with new material, don't they know we've all been in their position before.
There is nothing better than having family around. We love to play hard but we also love to talk and laugh. We find ourselves rather hillarious. Ooh, what handsome men.
Papa ended up with so many gifts on his lap he had to stand up and set the presents on his chair just so he could see everyone else open theirs. Hopefully he realizes how loved he is.
Thank you for such wonderful Christmas memories. I look forward to next years stories and memories.
We have celebrated our own Christmas, Christmas with the in-laws, and Christmas at my dad's. How many more could there possibly be, one. Tonight is my mom's Christmas party.
My poor spoiled children think Christmas lasts for at least the whole two weeks they're out of school.
I love it!
Big D is such a romantic. We were way beyond out of money for Chritsmas and he hadn't gotten me anything. I tried to convince him that I didn't need anything but the eight presents under the tree for him kept slapping him in the face. I can understand how he feels because I would feel the same way, but I honestly didn't want anything.
My main squeeze knows just what I like and it's not a box of chocolates, knicks knacks, flowers, or superfluous garbage. He took the song I've been listening to over and over for the past month, "Citizen Soldiers" by Three Doors Down, and rewrote the words for me. In place of Citizen Soldiers it was Spiritual Mother.
He waited till all the kids were in bed sat me down and turned on the all to familiar song. He turned it down so I couldn't hear the words being sung but I could still hear the music. He sang me his new song and I absolutely loved it. He never ceases to surprise me, and it is hard to surprise me.
What a good dad, helping Bear realize the greatness of his tiny gift. Not that he had to do much convincing, Bear loves cars.
My little knight in training. Someday he will be someone's knight in shinning armor. It's a good thing I still have awhile and until then he is all mine.
Kinnzi loved her toys. She knew she was getting something good. In the morning we found her asleep on top of her stocking.
Five minutes after we gave the okay for presents Beaner had everyone's presents organinzed in individual piles. She was not aloud to touch the presents under the tree until that morning so it's not like she knew where everyone's gifts were. She was just really excited.
Over at my in-laws house we don't exchange gifts, except for the kids. The adults exchange letters. This year Papa Ray had my name. He is the cutest man I know. I love that Big D is so much like his dad, now I know what I've gotten myself into for the future.
He teased me about my letter the Sunday before Christmas. We were over at his house for Sunday dinner playing Apples to Apples. He was sitting next to me and I was talking trash with him. He warned me, "You'd better watch it, I have to write you letter this year." I laughed so hard. He has such a quiet dry sense of humor that when he does say something it's worth listening to.
He did great on the letter. He found a poem on the internet that helped him say what he wanted to say. He did a great job.
Papa helping Bug tune her new guitar. She was so excited to get this guitar. She's been telling me since she started piano that she wants to learn to play the guitar. Her teacher at school plays the guitar for the class all the time and she thinks it would be great to learn.
I think Grandma liked the present I made for her, if not she's a good faker. Either way it made me feel good to see the smile on her face.
The kids pose before opening a present from Aunt Pat. She spoils the kids and they love it.
Aunt Kathy is showing right were Aunt Pat's gift is going.
The 28th and 29th were spent out at my dad's house. We love going out as early as we can, especially when there is snow. We play all day only going in for potty breaks and to eat. We usually sled well into the night too, that's my favorite, but this year we played too hard durning the day. We were all way too tired when the sun went down.
These guys are such posers. When the camera comes out they start a hole new game of fun.
Grandma Honey made up for not having the turkey done at Thanksgiving, she made two turkeys for our big dinner one a normal turkey and then a smoked turkey. Yum!
Grandma Honey was laughing at me, every picture she has of me at Christmas I am holding a camera. I told her that that's all I had of her as well. So I thought I'd get a picture of her holding something better than a camera.
The kids had a hard time staring at the mountain of gifts and not diving in. We had to stop a couple of the kids as they were in the process of opening the gifts before it was time. Some thought if they accidentally fell on the gift and it happened to open they wouldn't get caught. They really need to come up with new material, don't they know we've all been in their position before.
There is nothing better than having family around. We love to play hard but we also love to talk and laugh. We find ourselves rather hillarious. Ooh, what handsome men.
Papa ended up with so many gifts on his lap he had to stand up and set the presents on his chair just so he could see everyone else open theirs. Hopefully he realizes how loved he is.
Thank you for such wonderful Christmas memories. I look forward to next years stories and memories.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Santa Addiction
I swear our kids must be addicted to Santa. Ooh, or maybe Santa is stalking my kids. He happens to be every where we show up. It's a little suspicious if you ask me.
Here we are at our ward party. Beaner was like the first kid to sit on Santa's lap. By the time I got my camera out she was done. I tried to get her to sit on it again but she refused.
Bud asked Santa for a light saber, he's going to be a little disappointed. It's a good thing he has a short memory because on Christmas morning he didn't even remember he'd asked for it. It probably helped that he got like three swords for Christmas.
Bug is getting a little old to sit on Santa's lap. She's getting sassy. She asked Santa for a lump of coal. Now what I'm I suppose to threaten her with?
Here we are at the mall. Who knew Santa was there?
Here we are at my in-laws ward Christmas party. The kids all asked for the same thing.
They must have memorized their Christmas list. Look at those arms folded, she thinks she's smarter than Santa. You can see it in her eyes.
Yeah! I got one of Beaner and Santa.
What a handsome boy he is, no not Santa.
There we were just kicking it at Uncle Brook's house and guess who showed up? And once again Bug has her arms folded. I wonder if she realizes she doesn't have to be reverent right now.
Bear was the cutest, giving Santa a hug. Bear must really want that light saber. Or maybe he was just really happy because this time Santa came bearing gifts that they didn't have to wait till Christmas to open.
Bud wanted to make sure that the present Santa had for him was really his. Sure enough it was not a light saber, but he still asked for one.
We missed Beaner that night, she chose to go to a friend's birthday party. Apparently, after you've seen Santa numerous times he loses his appeal. I guess if he doesn't know what you want after telling him five times you can pretty much bank on not getting what you want. I told the kids that maybe Santa has alzhimers and needs to be reminded over and over. I don't think they bought that one.
Here we are at our ward party. Beaner was like the first kid to sit on Santa's lap. By the time I got my camera out she was done. I tried to get her to sit on it again but she refused.
Bud asked Santa for a light saber, he's going to be a little disappointed. It's a good thing he has a short memory because on Christmas morning he didn't even remember he'd asked for it. It probably helped that he got like three swords for Christmas.
Bug is getting a little old to sit on Santa's lap. She's getting sassy. She asked Santa for a lump of coal. Now what I'm I suppose to threaten her with?
Here we are at the mall. Who knew Santa was there?
Here we are at my in-laws ward Christmas party. The kids all asked for the same thing.
They must have memorized their Christmas list. Look at those arms folded, she thinks she's smarter than Santa. You can see it in her eyes.
Yeah! I got one of Beaner and Santa.
What a handsome boy he is, no not Santa.
There we were just kicking it at Uncle Brook's house and guess who showed up? And once again Bug has her arms folded. I wonder if she realizes she doesn't have to be reverent right now.
Bear was the cutest, giving Santa a hug. Bear must really want that light saber. Or maybe he was just really happy because this time Santa came bearing gifts that they didn't have to wait till Christmas to open.
Bud wanted to make sure that the present Santa had for him was really his. Sure enough it was not a light saber, but he still asked for one.
We missed Beaner that night, she chose to go to a friend's birthday party. Apparently, after you've seen Santa numerous times he loses his appeal. I guess if he doesn't know what you want after telling him five times you can pretty much bank on not getting what you want. I told the kids that maybe Santa has alzhimers and needs to be reminded over and over. I don't think they bought that one.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Goal #23 'B' in Reporting Class
I got my grade yesterday. I got an 'A' yeah yeah yeah! I knew I was in the range of a solid 'B' but if I aced my final I could possibly get an 'A'. I pulled it out yeah for me.
Sledding
We went sledding. I think we've been sledding or snowmobiling every day this week.
The gang is all here.
Ready. Set. Go.
Bear enjoyed going down the hill all by himself but when it came time to get out of the sled he had a bit of difficulty.
His short little legs just didn't want to go over the side of the sled.
He decided to get a little creative.
Big D thought it would be fun to pile everyone on top and see how far they could make it. The first time they went farther than they had all day but the second time they ran into a road bump.
Bud got thrown under the bus, so to speak. He fell off the front and got ran over by 450 pounds of, what he thought were, his loving family. After that we called it quits and went home to warm tomato soup and hot chocolate.
The gang is all here.
Ready. Set. Go.
Bear enjoyed going down the hill all by himself but when it came time to get out of the sled he had a bit of difficulty.
His short little legs just didn't want to go over the side of the sled.
He decided to get a little creative.
Big D thought it would be fun to pile everyone on top and see how far they could make it. The first time they went farther than they had all day but the second time they ran into a road bump.
Bud got thrown under the bus, so to speak. He fell off the front and got ran over by 450 pounds of, what he thought were, his loving family. After that we called it quits and went home to warm tomato soup and hot chocolate.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ding Dong Ditch 2008
We have been enjoying picking a family whose less fortunate than us and being their secret Santa. We look at it as we are so blessed with our bounty we need to help those who may have fallen on hard times this year in hopes that if we are ever in that situation people will be kind to us.
The family we picked this year has really been struggling. The dad lost his job a year ago and decided to take the time to go back to school. His wife was a Realtor but the market went down hill and she lost her job too. They are at a point where they are going to start loosing stuff, his truck, his motorcycle, maybe the camper. They don't have to worry about losing their home because it belongs to her mother and they are renting it from her.
Every year we ask different people to help us out, this year we asked our Home Teachers. They made the mistake of asking if there was anything they could do to help us as they were leaving from their last visit. We said yes and proposed our plan. Come to find out this family is also one of their Home Teaching families so they were gung ho on the idea.
We also mentioned out plan to the Elders Quorum President and he wanted to get involved. He contacted a few other families and asked them to help as well. We ended up with a present for each family member, a family gift, food, and money. I was very impressed with every one's generosity.
We got together for Family Home Evening last night and invited a couple of the families to come along with us. We had a nice lesson about the holiday spirit and service. After the lesson we all loaded up and went over to the house. I had a friend who lived directly across the street so we took the kids and stood in her kitchen to watch the dads deliver our packages.
As the dads were setting the stuff on the porch the dad of the house walked by his big picture window. I don't know if he saw anybody, he didn't open the door anyway. We watched the dads knock and run and the family came out to their bounty. The dad of the house yelled, "Thank You" before he shut the door.
If anything I hope that our kids learned a wonderful lesson; it is better to give than receive. And I pray this family has a wonderful holiday season and is able to find employment.
Some times I wish I had more money so I could help more people, but then I remember, I have sufficient for my needs and I'm still able to give.
The family we picked this year has really been struggling. The dad lost his job a year ago and decided to take the time to go back to school. His wife was a Realtor but the market went down hill and she lost her job too. They are at a point where they are going to start loosing stuff, his truck, his motorcycle, maybe the camper. They don't have to worry about losing their home because it belongs to her mother and they are renting it from her.
Every year we ask different people to help us out, this year we asked our Home Teachers. They made the mistake of asking if there was anything they could do to help us as they were leaving from their last visit. We said yes and proposed our plan. Come to find out this family is also one of their Home Teaching families so they were gung ho on the idea.
We also mentioned out plan to the Elders Quorum President and he wanted to get involved. He contacted a few other families and asked them to help as well. We ended up with a present for each family member, a family gift, food, and money. I was very impressed with every one's generosity.
We got together for Family Home Evening last night and invited a couple of the families to come along with us. We had a nice lesson about the holiday spirit and service. After the lesson we all loaded up and went over to the house. I had a friend who lived directly across the street so we took the kids and stood in her kitchen to watch the dads deliver our packages.
As the dads were setting the stuff on the porch the dad of the house walked by his big picture window. I don't know if he saw anybody, he didn't open the door anyway. We watched the dads knock and run and the family came out to their bounty. The dad of the house yelled, "Thank You" before he shut the door.
If anything I hope that our kids learned a wonderful lesson; it is better to give than receive. And I pray this family has a wonderful holiday season and is able to find employment.
Some times I wish I had more money so I could help more people, but then I remember, I have sufficient for my needs and I'm still able to give.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Too Judgemental
I have noticed that I am way too judgemental, and I think it is getting worse the older I get. I've been staring at my face really close in the mirror and I've realized that if you stare at anything that close looking for flaws, you will find them.
I've been trying to be less critical and judgemental, that's why I decided to go see the movie "Twilight" again. I knew my sister-in-law, Rae, loved the movie and so did my step-mother, Honey. So I called and asked if they wanted to join me in a girls night out.
We had so much fun!
We went to Winger's for dinner, my favorite. Honey is one of those people who hate silence. She filled the conversation for us, which is nice for Rae and I because neither one of us are much for talking.
Honey is so funny, she has so many stories and she is so animated when she tells them. You can't help but love her, she is the life of the party.
We lost track of time and left for the theater five minutes before the movie started being ten minutes away from the theater. It's a good thing we knew this movie had like thirty minutes of previews.
We got there and I asked the ladies where they'd like to sit. They told me to lead the way. We sat down and I cleared my mind of any preconceived judgements from the last time I watched the movie.
I was doing great, really getting into the movie and then it started. At first it wasn't too bad a little Oder, I honestly thought that dinner wasn't sitting well with Rae, she's pregnant. But then I looked over and she was covering her nose with her coat. I asked her if she was alright and that's when she confided someone around us was farting and it was getting worse.
The lady sitting on the other side of me, with a chair in between us, kept looking over at me. I didn't know if she was doing that because she thought it was me with the methane problem or if it was her and she felt guilty for torturing the rest of us with her putrid smell.
Needless to say, we didn't stick around to ask. As soon as the movie ended we jumped up and ran from the theater in search of fresh air. We laughed the whole way home about Honey crying in the theater, "My eyes are burning".
I'm sure whom ever it was with the...problem, we didn't make them feel any better about it.
I've been trying to be less critical and judgemental, that's why I decided to go see the movie "Twilight" again. I knew my sister-in-law, Rae, loved the movie and so did my step-mother, Honey. So I called and asked if they wanted to join me in a girls night out.
We had so much fun!
We went to Winger's for dinner, my favorite. Honey is one of those people who hate silence. She filled the conversation for us, which is nice for Rae and I because neither one of us are much for talking.
Honey is so funny, she has so many stories and she is so animated when she tells them. You can't help but love her, she is the life of the party.
We lost track of time and left for the theater five minutes before the movie started being ten minutes away from the theater. It's a good thing we knew this movie had like thirty minutes of previews.
We got there and I asked the ladies where they'd like to sit. They told me to lead the way. We sat down and I cleared my mind of any preconceived judgements from the last time I watched the movie.
I was doing great, really getting into the movie and then it started. At first it wasn't too bad a little Oder, I honestly thought that dinner wasn't sitting well with Rae, she's pregnant. But then I looked over and she was covering her nose with her coat. I asked her if she was alright and that's when she confided someone around us was farting and it was getting worse.
The lady sitting on the other side of me, with a chair in between us, kept looking over at me. I didn't know if she was doing that because she thought it was me with the methane problem or if it was her and she felt guilty for torturing the rest of us with her putrid smell.
Needless to say, we didn't stick around to ask. As soon as the movie ended we jumped up and ran from the theater in search of fresh air. We laughed the whole way home about Honey crying in the theater, "My eyes are burning".
I'm sure whom ever it was with the...problem, we didn't make them feel any better about it.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Child Therapy
I fear I may have scared my little boy, Bear. He may need a lot of therapy after being raised by me.
I have a friend who just gave birth to her little girl three weeks early. She's not doing well. She has some lung problems and had to be flown to Primary Children's Hospital.
I think the whole saga is affecting me more than I want to admit.
Thinking of the awful pain my friend is going to have to go threw if her precious little one doesn't make it, is weighing on my mind.
Today I've broke down crying three times. Once I was sitting in my rocking chair, the one we bought right after Sweeton died, and I asked Bear if I could have a cup of Jo (a big hug).
He loves to give people a cup of Jo but it usually only lasts about two seconds. Which is to be expected from a three year old.
Bear ran up to me and gave me the biggest cup of Jo and I just burst out crying as I was holding him. Bear just froze. He didn't know what to do. Mommy had never broke down crying when I've gotten my cup of Jo before.
I knew he wouldn't want me to hold him too long so I tried to wrap it up. I patted him on the back and told him that was the best cup of Jo he'd ever given me.
Instead of letting go he squeezed tighter, which made me burst into tears again. Bear let me hold him for a good five minutes without complaint.
Finally I patted him on the back again and said, "Thank you, you can go play with brother again if you want to."
I am so blessed to have him to help me through my mourning periods, which really are few and far between now-a-days. It is nice to have a little person around whom looks exactly like Sweeton would today. I think the Lord knew that would be a huge comfort to me, that's why he sent both boys down together.
A little while later I walked by the toyroom and stopped to watch Bear play. I think it freaked him out because he stopped playing and stared at me like he was waiting for me to start crying again.
I put a huge smile on my face and asked if he was having fun. That made him feel better and he went back to playing.
I just hope I haven't scared Bear too bad. Hopefully nothing a little therapy can't cure.
I have a friend who just gave birth to her little girl three weeks early. She's not doing well. She has some lung problems and had to be flown to Primary Children's Hospital.
I think the whole saga is affecting me more than I want to admit.
Thinking of the awful pain my friend is going to have to go threw if her precious little one doesn't make it, is weighing on my mind.
Today I've broke down crying three times. Once I was sitting in my rocking chair, the one we bought right after Sweeton died, and I asked Bear if I could have a cup of Jo (a big hug).
He loves to give people a cup of Jo but it usually only lasts about two seconds. Which is to be expected from a three year old.
Bear ran up to me and gave me the biggest cup of Jo and I just burst out crying as I was holding him. Bear just froze. He didn't know what to do. Mommy had never broke down crying when I've gotten my cup of Jo before.
I knew he wouldn't want me to hold him too long so I tried to wrap it up. I patted him on the back and told him that was the best cup of Jo he'd ever given me.
Instead of letting go he squeezed tighter, which made me burst into tears again. Bear let me hold him for a good five minutes without complaint.
Finally I patted him on the back again and said, "Thank you, you can go play with brother again if you want to."
I am so blessed to have him to help me through my mourning periods, which really are few and far between now-a-days. It is nice to have a little person around whom looks exactly like Sweeton would today. I think the Lord knew that would be a huge comfort to me, that's why he sent both boys down together.
A little while later I walked by the toyroom and stopped to watch Bear play. I think it freaked him out because he stopped playing and stared at me like he was waiting for me to start crying again.
I put a huge smile on my face and asked if he was having fun. That made him feel better and he went back to playing.
I just hope I haven't scared Bear too bad. Hopefully nothing a little therapy can't cure.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Good Deed Elves
I was watching the beautiful snow yesterday and it made me want to get out in it. I am the type of person that has a hard time doing something for the fun of it, but if it's work I have no problem. So I decided to shovel my driveway, that was my version of enjoying the snow.
After I was done with mine I didn't want to stop so I did my neighbors and then her neighbors. I had to come back inside after that because the boys were getting hungry.
As I was making lunch for them I thought of a goofy idea, why not make up some cute little cards and leave them on people's doors after we clear their walkways? I found an elf and wrote beside him:
Merry Christmas! You've been tagged by the Good Deed Elves. Please pass it on.
I picked the kids up from school and told them of my idea and they all loved it. We set out to make some people smile.
First on our list was Uncle Brook, because it was his first day at a new job and he wasn't excited about it.
I had his kids with me so I made them promise not to tell who it was.
That night he came over to pick up his kids and he commented that someone had shoveled his driveway and left a note. He started laughing and said, "It's pretty obvious who did it."
Me, being horrible at playing innocent said, "Oh yeah who was it." I was smiling but no fear I was drinking hot chocolate at the time and I hid behind my cup.
"My neighbors. Their driveway was too so I know it was them."
He came up with a brilliant idea, "I am just going to wait until the next time it snows and I will go plow their driveway and stick the note back on their door. That will show them."
I just smiled and said that would work, it fulfilled the "pass it on" part of the note.
I had made eight little cards. I thought the kids would get done with maybe five before they started complaining, but I was wrong. They did all eight and the only reason we quit was because it was dark.
We got caught a couple times and one lady even gave us $10 to go buy hot chocolate.
I think we all had fun and I hope the kids felt the joy that true service can bring. I know I had a great time, now I just need to figure out something else we can do to leave more note on people's doors.
After I was done with mine I didn't want to stop so I did my neighbors and then her neighbors. I had to come back inside after that because the boys were getting hungry.
As I was making lunch for them I thought of a goofy idea, why not make up some cute little cards and leave them on people's doors after we clear their walkways? I found an elf and wrote beside him:
Merry Christmas! You've been tagged by the Good Deed Elves. Please pass it on.
I picked the kids up from school and told them of my idea and they all loved it. We set out to make some people smile.
First on our list was Uncle Brook, because it was his first day at a new job and he wasn't excited about it.
I had his kids with me so I made them promise not to tell who it was.
That night he came over to pick up his kids and he commented that someone had shoveled his driveway and left a note. He started laughing and said, "It's pretty obvious who did it."
Me, being horrible at playing innocent said, "Oh yeah who was it." I was smiling but no fear I was drinking hot chocolate at the time and I hid behind my cup.
"My neighbors. Their driveway was too so I know it was them."
He came up with a brilliant idea, "I am just going to wait until the next time it snows and I will go plow their driveway and stick the note back on their door. That will show them."
I just smiled and said that would work, it fulfilled the "pass it on" part of the note.
I had made eight little cards. I thought the kids would get done with maybe five before they started complaining, but I was wrong. They did all eight and the only reason we quit was because it was dark.
We got caught a couple times and one lady even gave us $10 to go buy hot chocolate.
I think we all had fun and I hope the kids felt the joy that true service can bring. I know I had a great time, now I just need to figure out something else we can do to leave more note on people's doors.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Snow Snow Snow
Who doesn't love the snow? I love the snow! Which is rather funny because I hate being cold, but if you dress right you don't have to worry about being cold.
We've been getting a bit nervous about our lack of snow this year. We were hoping we'd have a great winter with the spring and fall being so moist, but nope. At least not yet, there is still hope.
The past two days we've gotten probably around three inches. It is so beautiful it's hard not to smile when I look out the window.
Big D has been so discouraged about the lack of snow this year that he's had a hard time getting the umph to get the snowmobiles ready for our trip.
Now that it's finally snowed not only has he got both machines running he has already been out pulling the kids around the neighborhood. It's a good thing we have good neighbors who don't call the police.
It's funny to watch the kids in the neighborhood pour out of the houses when Big D drives down the street on his snow machines. I think he's the biggest kid of them all, it's also one of the things I love about him.
Well, the kids and I are going to head out and shovel some more sidewalks and driveways. Have I said yet how much I love the snow?
We've been getting a bit nervous about our lack of snow this year. We were hoping we'd have a great winter with the spring and fall being so moist, but nope. At least not yet, there is still hope.
The past two days we've gotten probably around three inches. It is so beautiful it's hard not to smile when I look out the window.
Big D has been so discouraged about the lack of snow this year that he's had a hard time getting the umph to get the snowmobiles ready for our trip.
Now that it's finally snowed not only has he got both machines running he has already been out pulling the kids around the neighborhood. It's a good thing we have good neighbors who don't call the police.
It's funny to watch the kids in the neighborhood pour out of the houses when Big D drives down the street on his snow machines. I think he's the biggest kid of them all, it's also one of the things I love about him.
Well, the kids and I are going to head out and shovel some more sidewalks and driveways. Have I said yet how much I love the snow?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Keeping Up With Technology
My beautiful mother, Mama Lovely, is trying to keep up with technology. My brother, Brook, got her a cell phone. She's had one before but it's been awhile.
A couple days after she got it my brother Lowell came over for a visit. Mama Lovely was frustrated with her new toy.
"I think it's broken already," said Mama Lovely. She was afraid to tell Brook she'd broken his gift.
Lowell asked her what was wrong with it and she said she couldn't get it to do anything. She charged it and still nothing.
Lowell grabbed the phone and started flipping threw the menu. Everything was doing what it was supposed to. He asked her what it was she wanted it to do and he would show her how to do it.
She looked at the phone and surprised said, "How did you get it to do that?"
Lowell said, "I turned it on."
She had spent the last couple hours fiddling with her phone and all she needed to do was turn it on.
I love my mother, she is a never ending source of funny for me.
A couple days after she got it my brother Lowell came over for a visit. Mama Lovely was frustrated with her new toy.
"I think it's broken already," said Mama Lovely. She was afraid to tell Brook she'd broken his gift.
Lowell asked her what was wrong with it and she said she couldn't get it to do anything. She charged it and still nothing.
Lowell grabbed the phone and started flipping threw the menu. Everything was doing what it was supposed to. He asked her what it was she wanted it to do and he would show her how to do it.
She looked at the phone and surprised said, "How did you get it to do that?"
Lowell said, "I turned it on."
She had spent the last couple hours fiddling with her phone and all she needed to do was turn it on.
I love my mother, she is a never ending source of funny for me.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Naughty List
Bud and I were picking Bear, and his friend Little Jon, up from school. The boys were telling me what they did at school: they decorated a Christmas tree and made an ornament.
They got on the topic of Santa when Bud chimed in, "There is no Santa".
Wow, that set Little Jon off. Pretty soon I had a screaming match between all three boys.
"There is no Santa!"
"Yes there is!"
"You're on Santa's naughty list!"
I had to quiet them before someone ended up in tears.
I guess for the next couple days any time Little Jon would do something bad he'd look at his mom and ask, "Does that mean I have to be on the naughty list with Bud?"
We have taught our kids that there is not a real Santa, but that each of us can be Santa for someone in need.
We wanted our kids to focus on the true reason for Christmas and that is Jesus' birth. This Christmas we are actually focusing our gift giving around Christ.
We frames some beautiful pictures from Greg Olsen and Simon Dewey for the kids bedrooms. We bought them each a CD player and some Primary song CD's. For the girls we got them a bit older music. They all got brand new church cloths and games that center around the gospel.
On Monday we are getting together with some families and doing a Secret Santa ding dong ditch for a family in our ward who have been out of work for awhile.
We've done the Secret Santa for the past three years and we've really enjoyed it. We like to tape our delivery so we can watch and laugh later. One year Big D hid inside a big box on the porch when he rang the door bell. When the family got close to the box to check it out he jumped up and bounced off the railing as he ran away. We love to talk about that and laugh.
I pray our kids grow up loving Christmas for the real reason. We worry that by telling them there isn't really a Santa that we are depriving them of the holiday magic. I just pray they feel of that magic in other ways.
I personally feel that one doesn't truly experience the real magic of Christmas until they have children to share it with. They are so magical!
They got on the topic of Santa when Bud chimed in, "There is no Santa".
Wow, that set Little Jon off. Pretty soon I had a screaming match between all three boys.
"There is no Santa!"
"Yes there is!"
"You're on Santa's naughty list!"
I had to quiet them before someone ended up in tears.
I guess for the next couple days any time Little Jon would do something bad he'd look at his mom and ask, "Does that mean I have to be on the naughty list with Bud?"
We have taught our kids that there is not a real Santa, but that each of us can be Santa for someone in need.
We wanted our kids to focus on the true reason for Christmas and that is Jesus' birth. This Christmas we are actually focusing our gift giving around Christ.
We frames some beautiful pictures from Greg Olsen and Simon Dewey for the kids bedrooms. We bought them each a CD player and some Primary song CD's. For the girls we got them a bit older music. They all got brand new church cloths and games that center around the gospel.
On Monday we are getting together with some families and doing a Secret Santa ding dong ditch for a family in our ward who have been out of work for awhile.
We've done the Secret Santa for the past three years and we've really enjoyed it. We like to tape our delivery so we can watch and laugh later. One year Big D hid inside a big box on the porch when he rang the door bell. When the family got close to the box to check it out he jumped up and bounced off the railing as he ran away. We love to talk about that and laugh.
I pray our kids grow up loving Christmas for the real reason. We worry that by telling them there isn't really a Santa that we are depriving them of the holiday magic. I just pray they feel of that magic in other ways.
I personally feel that one doesn't truly experience the real magic of Christmas until they have children to share it with. They are so magical!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
FHE
For Family Home Evening last night we wanted to get out of the house and do something. We couldn't spend any money, because I already spent it all. So we decided to go to the mall and see Santa, play in the little play area, and drive around looking at lights.
I wanted to get a picture of all of us with Santa but I didn't want to ask Santa's helper to take a picture with my camera for free when her job was to get us to buy a picture from her for an arm and a leg.
Ah, what a cute family I have. Bud is in his PJ's. Both boys have holes in their socks, not that you can see them in this picture but when they took their shoes off to play in the play land you could. I can't wait until Christmas morning, I can throw away all old socks in the house and start anew.
I wanted to get a picture of all of us with Santa but I didn't want to ask Santa's helper to take a picture with my camera for free when her job was to get us to buy a picture from her for an arm and a leg.
Ah, what a cute family I have. Bud is in his PJ's. Both boys have holes in their socks, not that you can see them in this picture but when they took their shoes off to play in the play land you could. I can't wait until Christmas morning, I can throw away all old socks in the house and start anew.
Christmas Tree
I have a beautiful Victorian Christmas tree. I love decorating my tree, which is probably why I set it up between Halloween and Thanksgiving. I think one month is just not enough time to full appriciate the ornaments.
When I do my tree I don't let the kids touch most of the ornaments because they are so breakable. What fun it that for kids?
For the past two years I have opted to not put my ornaments on the tree. We have strung popcorn, baked cookies, and hung candy canes. I think the kids enjoy it more and it gets us together as a family in the decorating process.
Making cookies with the kids can be fun and educational for mom. I learn just how many nooks and crannies my kids can shove cookie dough.
Big D thought it would be nice to have me in some of our photos.
Beaner and Bear are hiding behind the tree waiting for us to put the cookies on. What do they think is going to happen? They are so not getting the cookies.
When I do my tree I don't let the kids touch most of the ornaments because they are so breakable. What fun it that for kids?
For the past two years I have opted to not put my ornaments on the tree. We have strung popcorn, baked cookies, and hung candy canes. I think the kids enjoy it more and it gets us together as a family in the decorating process.
Making cookies with the kids can be fun and educational for mom. I learn just how many nooks and crannies my kids can shove cookie dough.
Big D thought it would be nice to have me in some of our photos.
Beaner and Bear are hiding behind the tree waiting for us to put the cookies on. What do they think is going to happen? They are so not getting the cookies.
Out To Lunch
Every once in awhile Big D calls us up and asks us to lunch. We love those days, for one I don't have to cook or clean up.
This day we went to Taco Bell. Bud started making funny faces and I took a picture. Well, that started everyone making funny faces and wanting their pictures taken. I'm pretty sure the other patrons of the restaurant didn't realize they were going to get entertainment with their lunch that day.
Bud started us off with the goofs.
Of course Big D was quick to jump on board that band wagon.
Bear needed a little help with his face, but I think he pulled it off.
My niece, Lynn, kind of looks like a frog here.
Let's pray Bug's face doesn't freeze this way.
Beaner looks like she's thinking too hard.
This day we went to Taco Bell. Bud started making funny faces and I took a picture. Well, that started everyone making funny faces and wanting their pictures taken. I'm pretty sure the other patrons of the restaurant didn't realize they were going to get entertainment with their lunch that day.
Bud started us off with the goofs.
Of course Big D was quick to jump on board that band wagon.
Bear needed a little help with his face, but I think he pulled it off.
My niece, Lynn, kind of looks like a frog here.
Let's pray Bug's face doesn't freeze this way.
Beaner looks like she's thinking too hard.
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