We are going on vacation for the next week and a half. I am so excited to go but I hate getting ready. Of course and then there is the clean up afterward, that always takes me a month to do.
Big D asked me how come I always stress so much before we go on a trip. I told him it's because when he's out in the middle of no where and he needs a 5/8 Phillips screw driver and I whip it out, I know I've done my wifely duties. I think maybe just once I should let him get every thing and every one ready for this big of a trip. Then let him listen to every one, including himself, whine about every thing that was forgotten.
Big D always complains about me being the last on in the car to go any where. Oh how hard his life is to put all the kids in the car and have to wait while I make take a once over to make sure we haven't forget ten any thing.
As a mom it is my responsibility to know where every ones misplaced book, toy, or underwear is. As a mom it is up to me to remember to pack the kitchen sink, just in case we decide to build a cabin in the middle of the forest and need it. It is up to mom to able to anticipate every ones essentials, that fill an entire house, and fit them into a camper.
Just once I'd like to go on a vacation without having to pack or prep anything. I want to wake up on morning and say to myself, "Self, lets run away for a week. Whatever we need we will buy on the way." At least I would anticipate what we left home, then I could just lay back and say, "Oh well."
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Not-So-Surprise Birthday Party
Bug came home from a birthday party a couple months ago that took place at the Red Lion Hotel. The little girls family rented a room and invited some friends over for a sleep over. They went swimming, ate pizza, watched movies, and anything else the girls wanted to do. Well, after she got home and bragged about how much fun she had, Bud decided he wanted his birthday celebration at the Red Lion.
Bud's birthday was still six months away, but he kept telling everyone his party was going to be at the Red Lion and inviting them to come along. At first I thought he'd forget all about it so I didn't say anything. His birthday got closer and he kept inviting people. Last week I called the Red Lion to see how much it was going to cost us and I gotta say, I don't think so.
Since he wasn't giving up the idea we decided surprise him and bring the Red Lion to our house. We sent out invitations for a surprise birthday party, we bought him a pool, and filled up lots of water balloons (not something you could play with at a hotel).
After having to hush my kids for the hundredth time I knew the party wasn't going to be a surprise any longer. It wasn't until my mother-in-law told me that she had to bring Bud home early from birthday shopping because he didn't want to be late for his party that I really knew my attempt to surprise my little boy was futile.
The party turned out great, we let him open his pool right after breakfast. We filled it up and I don't think any of them got out of the pool until 9:30 pm when we had to drag them out. I was a bit nervous he'd be all pooled out before his friends showed up and the party started.
The cake was a big hit with not only Bud but with Bear. He kept asking to play with the cars. When it came time to blow the candles out Bear was a bit to anxious and blew them out first.
I think next time I decide to try my hand at a surprise party, it's going to be a surprise for everyone.
Bud's birthday was still six months away, but he kept telling everyone his party was going to be at the Red Lion and inviting them to come along. At first I thought he'd forget all about it so I didn't say anything. His birthday got closer and he kept inviting people. Last week I called the Red Lion to see how much it was going to cost us and I gotta say, I don't think so.
Since he wasn't giving up the idea we decided surprise him and bring the Red Lion to our house. We sent out invitations for a surprise birthday party, we bought him a pool, and filled up lots of water balloons (not something you could play with at a hotel).
After having to hush my kids for the hundredth time I knew the party wasn't going to be a surprise any longer. It wasn't until my mother-in-law told me that she had to bring Bud home early from birthday shopping because he didn't want to be late for his party that I really knew my attempt to surprise my little boy was futile.
The party turned out great, we let him open his pool right after breakfast. We filled it up and I don't think any of them got out of the pool until 9:30 pm when we had to drag them out. I was a bit nervous he'd be all pooled out before his friends showed up and the party started.
The cake was a big hit with not only Bud but with Bear. He kept asking to play with the cars. When it came time to blow the candles out Bear was a bit to anxious and blew them out first.
I think next time I decide to try my hand at a surprise party, it's going to be a surprise for everyone.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Goal #9 Pick a Book of Scripture
After reading the Bible a couple years ago I always wanted to go back to a few of the books I didn't understand, but I knew pertained to the latter days. I read a quote from President Kimball saying that Leviticus was very pertinent to the latter days and I wanted to see why.
The first time reading through Leviticus it made very little sense to me. I was a lot of rituals that we don't even do any more. Then I got to verse 26, the second to the last verse in the whole book. That is where I discovered what relates to me today.
In verse 26 it talks about the Sabbath day. The Lord gives his people a promise that if they obey the Sabbath day they will be blessed: no wars, enough food, no pestilence, etc. However, if his people choose not to abide by the Lords commandment to keep the Sabbath day Holy, he will wrought with them: clear their high ways, food will not satisfy them, wars, etc.
I know it probably meant something different then the way I am taking it but the promise if clearing our high ways really struck me. That is exactly what is happening now with gas prices. Everyone complains about the cost of gas with no relief in sight. Well why is that? Are we as a nation keeping the Sabbath day Holy or are we boating, shopping, and visiting amusement parks?
A lot of people have their own versions on how to keep the Sabbath day Holy. I know when I first got married Big D thought it was okay to go boating after church. We were with family building memories and we didn't skip church to do it. Well I didn't feel comfortable with the boating because I was raised that that is not an activity that is appropriate for the Sabbath.
So one day as we were heading out to the beach after church I ask Big D to pray about it and tell me how he felt. I thought he'd just blow me off and say he still felt every thing was fine. However, to my surprise as we all crammed back into the car to head home he leaned over to me and confessed he doesn't think we should participate in the boating trips on Sunday any more. My love for him grew 10x that day.
Sunday has become a very sacred day for us as a family. We guard our Sabbath activities very closely. It may not seem that big of a deal to most people but to us it is the highlight of our week. We go to church and then go to my in-laws for dinner. I never thought our ritual would last as long as it has, twelve years. I thought we'd do it while we were a young couple maybe through our first child or two, but then quit going because I didn't want to overwhelm my in-laws.
Some friends of ours started the same tradition when they were first married. However, they didn't enjoy it as much as we did and relished in the Sundays they spent at home making their own dinners. I understand their thoughts of wanting to be alone and enjoy just their immediate family, but I have always loved the peace and relaxation at my in-laws.
Big D lost his grandparents at a very young age so we wanted our children to enjoy their grandparents as much as possible before they went onto their eternal reward. I have asked many times if the six of us coming over every Sunday overwhelmed them. My in-laws admit that our visits are a highlight to their week as well.
The Sabbath day is such a special day for us. I believe if it became a special day for everyone as they discovered their own way to keep it Holy, we would see the Lord bless our nation so much more than he already has. We are encroaching on a very important time, the Saviors return. He has made promises to us that if we keep his commandments he will bless us. He has made these promises over and over through out the ages. Those who listen and obey have been immensely blessed, but those who choose not to obey have suffered the wrath. I personally enjoy being blessed, I enjoy seeing my family blessed. I wish others could open their eyes and see how much better their lives would be if they just simply did what the Lord has asked.
The first time reading through Leviticus it made very little sense to me. I was a lot of rituals that we don't even do any more. Then I got to verse 26, the second to the last verse in the whole book. That is where I discovered what relates to me today.
In verse 26 it talks about the Sabbath day. The Lord gives his people a promise that if they obey the Sabbath day they will be blessed: no wars, enough food, no pestilence, etc. However, if his people choose not to abide by the Lords commandment to keep the Sabbath day Holy, he will wrought with them: clear their high ways, food will not satisfy them, wars, etc.
I know it probably meant something different then the way I am taking it but the promise if clearing our high ways really struck me. That is exactly what is happening now with gas prices. Everyone complains about the cost of gas with no relief in sight. Well why is that? Are we as a nation keeping the Sabbath day Holy or are we boating, shopping, and visiting amusement parks?
A lot of people have their own versions on how to keep the Sabbath day Holy. I know when I first got married Big D thought it was okay to go boating after church. We were with family building memories and we didn't skip church to do it. Well I didn't feel comfortable with the boating because I was raised that that is not an activity that is appropriate for the Sabbath.
So one day as we were heading out to the beach after church I ask Big D to pray about it and tell me how he felt. I thought he'd just blow me off and say he still felt every thing was fine. However, to my surprise as we all crammed back into the car to head home he leaned over to me and confessed he doesn't think we should participate in the boating trips on Sunday any more. My love for him grew 10x that day.
Sunday has become a very sacred day for us as a family. We guard our Sabbath activities very closely. It may not seem that big of a deal to most people but to us it is the highlight of our week. We go to church and then go to my in-laws for dinner. I never thought our ritual would last as long as it has, twelve years. I thought we'd do it while we were a young couple maybe through our first child or two, but then quit going because I didn't want to overwhelm my in-laws.
Some friends of ours started the same tradition when they were first married. However, they didn't enjoy it as much as we did and relished in the Sundays they spent at home making their own dinners. I understand their thoughts of wanting to be alone and enjoy just their immediate family, but I have always loved the peace and relaxation at my in-laws.
Big D lost his grandparents at a very young age so we wanted our children to enjoy their grandparents as much as possible before they went onto their eternal reward. I have asked many times if the six of us coming over every Sunday overwhelmed them. My in-laws admit that our visits are a highlight to their week as well.
The Sabbath day is such a special day for us. I believe if it became a special day for everyone as they discovered their own way to keep it Holy, we would see the Lord bless our nation so much more than he already has. We are encroaching on a very important time, the Saviors return. He has made promises to us that if we keep his commandments he will bless us. He has made these promises over and over through out the ages. Those who listen and obey have been immensely blessed, but those who choose not to obey have suffered the wrath. I personally enjoy being blessed, I enjoy seeing my family blessed. I wish others could open their eyes and see how much better their lives would be if they just simply did what the Lord has asked.
House Guests
It is not hard to make my house feel even smaller than it's 980 square feet. When my cousin D comes to visit with her family, four kids one husband, they double the capacity in my house, the fire martial would have been mortified. On top of all that I had my niece, Lynn, and Nephew, Brook Jr. If you are doing the math that is 14 people in my tiny house for three days.
Despite the lack of room to hide, we all had a great weekend. Usually I get to stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking and catching up with my cousin. We used to spend our summers together so we know each others friends and each time with have to go through them one by one to see how their lives have changed.
We did stay up until the wee hours of the morning, but we were never without kids. D and I have kids all similar in age and they are all getting to the age where they can stay up late, probably later than us. We didn't get to sit down and catch up until right before they were heading back home.
The person I most felt sorry for was D's husband, Six. He is a huge sports fan, with probably every sport I'm not quite sure. He has a huge screen TV with ESPN at his house. Then he has to come and visit his wife's cousin who not only does not have ESPN, but she doesn't even have a TV. It's no wonder they only come and visit once a year.
If nothing else came out of this weekend, it helped me to appreciate only having six kids running around my small house all day. Isn't it funny the small pleasures we have in life? It was a pleasure for my cousin to visit and it's a pleasure for them to go home. I'm sure they feel the same way when I visit, the only difference is their house is probably 2400 square feet.
I look forward to their next visit, as does my kids. I wonder if Six feels the same way?
Despite the lack of room to hide, we all had a great weekend. Usually I get to stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking and catching up with my cousin. We used to spend our summers together so we know each others friends and each time with have to go through them one by one to see how their lives have changed.
We did stay up until the wee hours of the morning, but we were never without kids. D and I have kids all similar in age and they are all getting to the age where they can stay up late, probably later than us. We didn't get to sit down and catch up until right before they were heading back home.
The person I most felt sorry for was D's husband, Six. He is a huge sports fan, with probably every sport I'm not quite sure. He has a huge screen TV with ESPN at his house. Then he has to come and visit his wife's cousin who not only does not have ESPN, but she doesn't even have a TV. It's no wonder they only come and visit once a year.
If nothing else came out of this weekend, it helped me to appreciate only having six kids running around my small house all day. Isn't it funny the small pleasures we have in life? It was a pleasure for my cousin to visit and it's a pleasure for them to go home. I'm sure they feel the same way when I visit, the only difference is their house is probably 2400 square feet.
I look forward to their next visit, as does my kids. I wonder if Six feels the same way?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
So Much For Lazy Days of Summer
I kept thinking that as soon as the kids got out of school things would slow down. I think all they did was speed up. What's up with that? Now we do picnics every day at the park, have play dates with friends and cousins, afternoon movies, trips to the beach, and on and on and on.
I think it's a good diet plan for me though, I might get a breakfast, never a lunch, and barely a dinner. I will be nice and slim right in time to bundle up for snowmobile season.
We had a few, like one, weekend in June that was free, but now there are no free weekends on the calendar until maybe the end of August. Right in time to get ready for school, hopefully it only takes one weekend to get six people ready for school.
We went back out to the beach today. I don't think Kinnzi is getting any warmer to the idea of swimming. You would think as many times as she's been swimming in her short life she'd be used to it by now.
Just look at that resistance, she really does not want to go for a swim.
Once she was in the water I bet she was saying to herself, "I am so happy they forced me to do this, the first initial plunge is aways the hardest, but this water is fabulous."
Even though the phrase "The Lazy Days of Summer" is an urban myth, I still wouldn't trade my summers with anyone else. We might not have the money for big vacation around the world but there is nothing better than spending time with family and it doesn't matter where. Just watching how fast my kids are growing up, I would want to waist one minute of the time we have together. I pray our kids grow up and can say they had an awesome childhood and that's why they are awesome adults and they owe it all to their awesome parents. He He He ;)
I think it's a good diet plan for me though, I might get a breakfast, never a lunch, and barely a dinner. I will be nice and slim right in time to bundle up for snowmobile season.
We had a few, like one, weekend in June that was free, but now there are no free weekends on the calendar until maybe the end of August. Right in time to get ready for school, hopefully it only takes one weekend to get six people ready for school.
We went back out to the beach today. I don't think Kinnzi is getting any warmer to the idea of swimming. You would think as many times as she's been swimming in her short life she'd be used to it by now.
Just look at that resistance, she really does not want to go for a swim.
Once she was in the water I bet she was saying to herself, "I am so happy they forced me to do this, the first initial plunge is aways the hardest, but this water is fabulous."
Even though the phrase "The Lazy Days of Summer" is an urban myth, I still wouldn't trade my summers with anyone else. We might not have the money for big vacation around the world but there is nothing better than spending time with family and it doesn't matter where. Just watching how fast my kids are growing up, I would want to waist one minute of the time we have together. I pray our kids grow up and can say they had an awesome childhood and that's why they are awesome adults and they owe it all to their awesome parents. He He He ;)
3rd 25 Things that Make Me Happy
75. A long walk to help cool down, or wind up. 6/12/08
74. New/Used Washers that work, and entertain the kids. Big D held down the button for two cycles so the kids could watch our new machine wash cloths. They had so much fun they wanted daddy to do a third cycle. 6/11/08
73. A really good speech that invigorates my sense of purpose in life. I read J.K. Rowling's commencment speech she delivered to the 2008 graduates of Harvard. She did a fabulous job inspiring the soul to get out there and take life as it comes, especially the inevitable failures. 6/10/08
72. Going out of business sales. 6/9/08
71. Sunday Dinner's at my in-laws. 6/8/08
70. Saturday's with nothing to do but hold my boo. 6/7/08
69. Cold Rainy Days that force my kids to stay inside and interact with me instead of running off playing with their friends. 6/6/08
68. Flood Irrigation, the kids love to play in it and it is economical for watering our backyard. If we didn't have it I don't think we'd be able to have a green lawn. 6/5/08
67. Parks in general, they help the sanity level when I have all six kids to watch. 6/4/08
66. Free Lunches at the park for the kids 6/2/08
65. Kids Weekends at Grandma's and Papa's. 5/31/08
64. Lots and Lots of Water when eating Indian food. 5/30/08
63. Gas Powered Lawn Mowers, I remember having to mow my grandmother's lawn with a manual push mower, it was back breaking work. It doesn't help she lives on a hill. Now days we have gas powered mowers, some that even have a drive to them. I love mowing my lawn, but I don't think I'd enjoy it as much if I had a manual push mower. 5/28/08
62. Insurance, I love it when I get a dentist bill in the mail for $116, I pay $50 and the next bill is only $5. I wish all my bills were like that. 5/27/08
61. Flowers on Sweaton's Grave, I love going out there and seeing that someone loved him enough to visit and leave flowers. 5/26/08
60. Staycations, How fun is it to sleep out in your own back yard? We all had a good time, even me knowing my bed was ten feet away. 5/24/08
59. Garden Centers, It is intoxicating to walk through a garden center and imagin all the possibilities for my yard, what would look great where. 5/23/08
58. Gardens, I love seeing a beautiful garden that looks flawless and effortless, even though deep down you know someone put their heart and soul into making it look that way. 5/24/08
57. TV shows on the Internet, I needed some thing to help me decompress the past few days and vegging is really nice right now. It gets my mind off of the frustrations of reality. 5/22/08
56. Sewing Machine, a neighbor was getting rid of one and asked if I wanted it. I've been thinking about getting one for a couple years now. I can't beat free.99. Now I just need to learn how to use it. 5/21/08
55. Sprinklers that inch their way across the grass so I don't have to remember to move the water. 5/20/08
54. Huge Drivable Toy Trucks, I think Big D secretly wanted one as a kid because so far he's bought our kids three of them, but they sure keep the boys busy. 5/19/08
53. Perennials, I love that they come back year after year with very little effort on my part. 5/18/08
52. Yard Sales, when you find an awsome treasure or you make a little extra $$$. 5/17/08
51. Potty training pants that make Bear not want to potty in them because they have monster trucks on them. 5/16/08
74. New/Used Washers that work, and entertain the kids. Big D held down the button for two cycles so the kids could watch our new machine wash cloths. They had so much fun they wanted daddy to do a third cycle. 6/11/08
73. A really good speech that invigorates my sense of purpose in life. I read J.K. Rowling's commencment speech she delivered to the 2008 graduates of Harvard. She did a fabulous job inspiring the soul to get out there and take life as it comes, especially the inevitable failures. 6/10/08
72. Going out of business sales. 6/9/08
71. Sunday Dinner's at my in-laws. 6/8/08
70. Saturday's with nothing to do but hold my boo. 6/7/08
69. Cold Rainy Days that force my kids to stay inside and interact with me instead of running off playing with their friends. 6/6/08
68. Flood Irrigation, the kids love to play in it and it is economical for watering our backyard. If we didn't have it I don't think we'd be able to have a green lawn. 6/5/08
67. Parks in general, they help the sanity level when I have all six kids to watch. 6/4/08
66. Free Lunches at the park for the kids 6/2/08
65. Kids Weekends at Grandma's and Papa's. 5/31/08
64. Lots and Lots of Water when eating Indian food. 5/30/08
63. Gas Powered Lawn Mowers, I remember having to mow my grandmother's lawn with a manual push mower, it was back breaking work. It doesn't help she lives on a hill. Now days we have gas powered mowers, some that even have a drive to them. I love mowing my lawn, but I don't think I'd enjoy it as much if I had a manual push mower. 5/28/08
62. Insurance, I love it when I get a dentist bill in the mail for $116, I pay $50 and the next bill is only $5. I wish all my bills were like that. 5/27/08
61. Flowers on Sweaton's Grave, I love going out there and seeing that someone loved him enough to visit and leave flowers. 5/26/08
60. Staycations, How fun is it to sleep out in your own back yard? We all had a good time, even me knowing my bed was ten feet away. 5/24/08
59. Garden Centers, It is intoxicating to walk through a garden center and imagin all the possibilities for my yard, what would look great where. 5/23/08
58. Gardens, I love seeing a beautiful garden that looks flawless and effortless, even though deep down you know someone put their heart and soul into making it look that way. 5/24/08
57. TV shows on the Internet, I needed some thing to help me decompress the past few days and vegging is really nice right now. It gets my mind off of the frustrations of reality. 5/22/08
56. Sewing Machine, a neighbor was getting rid of one and asked if I wanted it. I've been thinking about getting one for a couple years now. I can't beat free.99. Now I just need to learn how to use it. 5/21/08
55. Sprinklers that inch their way across the grass so I don't have to remember to move the water. 5/20/08
54. Huge Drivable Toy Trucks, I think Big D secretly wanted one as a kid because so far he's bought our kids three of them, but they sure keep the boys busy. 5/19/08
53. Perennials, I love that they come back year after year with very little effort on my part. 5/18/08
52. Yard Sales, when you find an awsome treasure or you make a little extra $$$. 5/17/08
51. Potty training pants that make Bear not want to potty in them because they have monster trucks on them. 5/16/08
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
1st Boating Excursion of 2008
On Monday, after Big D got home from work, we decided to enjoy the heat of the day by dunking ourselves in 67 degree water. Uncle Brook threw the kids around a bit. The kids got him every once in awhile.
We found an undiscovered species of marine life and took him home as our new pet.
We were almost forced to run back to the truck because the boat didn't want to start.
We buried the children like the scallywags they are. With only their toes to see the last light of day skimming off the water.
After the boat finally started and we headed back to the truck, we had the kids put their heads over board in case any of them got sick. None of them did, but it was still a necessary precaution. You know just in case they did.
Bear had a Bit of a Bad Weekend
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I don't know if Bear is going through a growing spurt that makes him a bit clumsy or if he is just going to be my kids who puts us on a first name basis with all the E.R. doctors. Out of all four of my kids Bear is the one whose already been to the E.R. more than any other.
Once for a bulging fontanel with a high fever on Thanksgiving Day in 2005, only a couple months after we brought Sweeton into the E.R. and had to leave him there. Needless to say I had a panic attack when they tried to put us in the same room as Sweeton died in.
The Nurses and Doctors kept bringing people in our room asking if they can show them boy. It's not very reassuring when the entire staff of the hospital parades through our room saying they'd never seen anything like it. Then they just sent us home and told us to give him some Tylenol for the fever, Um that's what we had been doing already.
The second visit was for a broken arm and you'll never guess where our little monkey broke his arm, at church. He was standing on the pew and fell off. That's it. We didn't even realize he'd broke his arm until an hour later when I was trying to change him into more relaxing cloths. Every time I'd touch his arm he'd start to cry. I personally thought he may have dislocated his shoulder, but we didn't know for sure so we took him to the hospital and discovered he had a green stick fracture on his right arm.
This weekend didn't result in any hospital visits, but were close to it. On Saturday we were over at my mother's house weeding her garden. The kids were running around the yard and jumping in and out of the van playing Transformers. I didn't see exactly what happened but one second Bear was in the van and the next his head was on the sidewalk and he was screaming. He'd hit so hard he had a rock embedded in his head. There was blood every where and just like all the other times he got hurt he screamed then turned real quiet. Being real quiet is not in Bears DNA so it always throws up red flags for me.
He fell asleep on the way home and I got a bit nervous because I didn't know if he had a concussion. When we got home we put him in a bath to clean him up and wake him up. We wanted to observe him to see if he started acting funny. He was his normal self so we didn't got him out and put him to bed.
On Sunday, we went over to my in-laws for our traditional Sunday dinner. Bear got a drink and was walking as he drank. He tripped over the corner of the rug and landed on the floor with the cup still in his mouth. The cup banged against the his bottom teeth and up around his face. He has a round bruise all the way up to his eyes. He got a scrape on his chin as well, which makes it look like he has one of those cartoon mustaches that curl up on the ends and a goatee. Now that it's over we can laugh about it, but I swear he is going to be our child that enjoys the inside of a hospital.
I need to convince his dad to not let him ride a motorcycle until he's at least forty.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
How I Deal with Stress
Is there a right way or wrong way to deal with stress? Some of us eat when we are stressed, other's do the opposite. Some of us get angry and take it out on those we love the most, other's curl up in a ball and cry. But, I've heard rumors that some people handle stress in calm loving ways. Now I've never met any of those people, so right now we will have to assume it is an urban myth.
How do I deal with stress? Well, when I was a teenager I starved myself because it was the only thing I had control over. I was warned I wouldn't be able to have children if I didn't start taking care of myself, so I decided I'd better take a bite. I think now I've gone the opposite direction and now I eat when I'm stressed.
I am also a bit of a crier. Don't get me wrong I hate crying, but sometimes it's just what I need so I don't turn into the ugly monster who takes their anger out on others.
I am not one of those people who can cry anywhere or with anyone. I can cry to my mom or Big D but most of the time it is just me snuggled into my bed with the covers over my head so I don't scare my kids.
Once I have finally allowed myself to cry it is amazing how much better I feel. I can truly make it one more day. Everyone is different in dealing with stress whether it be exercise, sports, or just a nice cup of Jo. We all need a release some times. Try it and see how good you feel.
How do I deal with stress? Well, when I was a teenager I starved myself because it was the only thing I had control over. I was warned I wouldn't be able to have children if I didn't start taking care of myself, so I decided I'd better take a bite. I think now I've gone the opposite direction and now I eat when I'm stressed.
I am also a bit of a crier. Don't get me wrong I hate crying, but sometimes it's just what I need so I don't turn into the ugly monster who takes their anger out on others.
I am not one of those people who can cry anywhere or with anyone. I can cry to my mom or Big D but most of the time it is just me snuggled into my bed with the covers over my head so I don't scare my kids.
Once I have finally allowed myself to cry it is amazing how much better I feel. I can truly make it one more day. Everyone is different in dealing with stress whether it be exercise, sports, or just a nice cup of Jo. We all need a release some times. Try it and see how good you feel.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My Morning Cup of Jo
Every morning, during the school year, I'd wake the girls and get them all ready for school. Just before we had to leave I'd wake up the boys. Bear would still be so tired he would lay his head on my shoulder and hug me as we'd walk upstairs. I would call this hug my morning cup of Jo, because we call Bear, JoJo Bear.
Well, now that it's summer and I don't have to wake him up and carrying him upstairs anymore, I don't get my morning cup of Jo. So I've had to reinvent my methods of attaining my crucial cup of Jo. I chase him around the house tickling him and yelling, "Give me my cup of Jo." He squeals and runs from me.
OK, so it's not so much of a method as it is blackmail, but it works for me.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Am I Keeping Score?
I am a stay-at-home mother, which if you read my blog, you already know. Being a stay-at-home mom gives me some freedoms that other wise would be difficult. When someone needs some thing I am more flexible to be able to help. When someone wants a babysitter, I am the first one they call. When I see someone in need, I juggle my schedule to allow time for them.
But how many times do I have to drop every thing and run off to help someone else before I can get the same treatment?
I had a dilemma, the delivery man was on his way to my house to drop off my new/used washer, and I didn't have any muscle there to help him out with the old and in with the new. I tried calling Big D but he was in a meeting and didn't answer his phone. I tried calling my brother, Brook, but he must have left his phone at home. I knew Brook and Lowell, my other brother, were together working on a project so I tried calling Lowell. They were not done with their project so it would be difficult for either of them to come. I understood that, until Lowell said some thing that stabbed me in the heart. He said, "What do you want me to do, drop every thing and run right over? It's not like you ever do that for me."
That took me off guard for a minute and I asked him, "What about the other night at 1:30 in the morning when you needed to go to the hospital and I ran up to stay with your kids?" He said that was different because it was the hospital. My situation wasn't dire enough for such heroics.
I got off the phone and all I wanted to do was cry. All he would've had to do was say he couldn't come right then, but he had to add in that last statement.
What about all I've been doing since he started working out of town half the week: taking his boys every Tuesday so Rae, Lowell's wife, can have some time to herself, trying to include Rae and the kids in activities to keep them busy until their daddy comes home from work, babysitting at the drop of a hat so Lowell and Rae can go out on a date or do volunteer work together.
I don't want to feel like I am keeping score, but when do I get a little recognition for all I've been doing for him and his family?
It's a dang good thing Brook's ex-wife showed up to pick up the kids when she did. I had to ask her to help me or I would have never been able to get the old washer out of my basement. It just really pisses me off that I had to rely on her to be the one to help me.
I wish I was a strong enough person not to let this bother me so much. I guess that is another weakness of mine that I need to learn to over come.
But how many times do I have to drop every thing and run off to help someone else before I can get the same treatment?
I had a dilemma, the delivery man was on his way to my house to drop off my new/used washer, and I didn't have any muscle there to help him out with the old and in with the new. I tried calling Big D but he was in a meeting and didn't answer his phone. I tried calling my brother, Brook, but he must have left his phone at home. I knew Brook and Lowell, my other brother, were together working on a project so I tried calling Lowell. They were not done with their project so it would be difficult for either of them to come. I understood that, until Lowell said some thing that stabbed me in the heart. He said, "What do you want me to do, drop every thing and run right over? It's not like you ever do that for me."
That took me off guard for a minute and I asked him, "What about the other night at 1:30 in the morning when you needed to go to the hospital and I ran up to stay with your kids?" He said that was different because it was the hospital. My situation wasn't dire enough for such heroics.
I got off the phone and all I wanted to do was cry. All he would've had to do was say he couldn't come right then, but he had to add in that last statement.
What about all I've been doing since he started working out of town half the week: taking his boys every Tuesday so Rae, Lowell's wife, can have some time to herself, trying to include Rae and the kids in activities to keep them busy until their daddy comes home from work, babysitting at the drop of a hat so Lowell and Rae can go out on a date or do volunteer work together.
I don't want to feel like I am keeping score, but when do I get a little recognition for all I've been doing for him and his family?
It's a dang good thing Brook's ex-wife showed up to pick up the kids when she did. I had to ask her to help me or I would have never been able to get the old washer out of my basement. It just really pisses me off that I had to rely on her to be the one to help me.
I wish I was a strong enough person not to let this bother me so much. I guess that is another weakness of mine that I need to learn to over come.
Friday, June 6, 2008
How Important Is It To Stand Up For Yourself?
My best friend C had a rather mortifying experience the other day. A person in authority used C, without her permission, as a public example out of her in front of over a hundred people, friends and neighbors. Some of those people were angry for her,but some made excuses for the public figure. C wishes she could fade into the back ground and pretend it never happened. I told her that is exactly what she shouldn't do.
C, like myself, is a people pleaser. People like us don't like to cause waves. We like to pretend like stuff doesn't bother us and we are strong enough to let wrongs roll right off our backs. Some of those traits can be construed a good qualities, and I agree. However, I believe there are times when one needs to stand up for themselves and not let others walk all over them.
I believe this is one of those times.
I know how hard it is to take a stand. I had a boss who thought he could walk all over me. He publicly humiliated me and he was blatantly being dishonest. Being raised to know the difference between right and wrong I could not let him do this. So in front of my mother, whom I also worked with, and the entire staff I stood up for myself. I was only nineteen and scared out of my mind because I was also raise to be respectful of authority figures, and as my boss he was an authority figure to me.
My voice was shaky and I couldn't hold back the tears, which is one thing I dislike about myself. I told my boss I thought he was a dishonest asshole and he knew what he was doing was wrong. It was a good thing it was the end of my shift so I could walk out and not have to face him again. I went back to get my last check and that is the last time I ever saw him.
My mom was so proud of me and couldn't believe I would ever do something like that. I think I discovered a new side of myself that day, and a new side to others. At nineteen I was still very naive that everyone in the world is honest, only bad guys on TV were dishonest and mean. Now I know differently and I know that I don't have to condone their behavior.
Since that day I have had to continue to stand up for myself and what I feel is right. Agreeably it is a bit easier to do so each time. I keep my composure better now and don't allow the tears to come, until later. I am still a people pleaser to a fault and hate to make waves. But I will not let someone walk all over me, nor my family.
I believe you have to stand up for yourself, because sometimes that is the only person who can. When I do stand up I don't have to kick myself weeks, months, or even years down the road for not taking action when I should have. Granted I am not perfect and there are times when I look back on a situation and think to myself, "Why didn't I say something?" But those times are becoming a thing of the past.
I believe the first time is the hardest. It also is the biggest self-esteem boast you can give yourself, knowing you can do it. I also believe that if you choose not to stand up for yourself, you will always wonder 'what if?'. C, it is easy to hide in the back ground and shrug it off, but it is important to stand up and let yourself be heard.
C, like myself, is a people pleaser. People like us don't like to cause waves. We like to pretend like stuff doesn't bother us and we are strong enough to let wrongs roll right off our backs. Some of those traits can be construed a good qualities, and I agree. However, I believe there are times when one needs to stand up for themselves and not let others walk all over them.
I believe this is one of those times.
I know how hard it is to take a stand. I had a boss who thought he could walk all over me. He publicly humiliated me and he was blatantly being dishonest. Being raised to know the difference between right and wrong I could not let him do this. So in front of my mother, whom I also worked with, and the entire staff I stood up for myself. I was only nineteen and scared out of my mind because I was also raise to be respectful of authority figures, and as my boss he was an authority figure to me.
My voice was shaky and I couldn't hold back the tears, which is one thing I dislike about myself. I told my boss I thought he was a dishonest asshole and he knew what he was doing was wrong. It was a good thing it was the end of my shift so I could walk out and not have to face him again. I went back to get my last check and that is the last time I ever saw him.
My mom was so proud of me and couldn't believe I would ever do something like that. I think I discovered a new side of myself that day, and a new side to others. At nineteen I was still very naive that everyone in the world is honest, only bad guys on TV were dishonest and mean. Now I know differently and I know that I don't have to condone their behavior.
Since that day I have had to continue to stand up for myself and what I feel is right. Agreeably it is a bit easier to do so each time. I keep my composure better now and don't allow the tears to come, until later. I am still a people pleaser to a fault and hate to make waves. But I will not let someone walk all over me, nor my family.
I believe you have to stand up for yourself, because sometimes that is the only person who can. When I do stand up I don't have to kick myself weeks, months, or even years down the road for not taking action when I should have. Granted I am not perfect and there are times when I look back on a situation and think to myself, "Why didn't I say something?" But those times are becoming a thing of the past.
I believe the first time is the hardest. It also is the biggest self-esteem boast you can give yourself, knowing you can do it. I also believe that if you choose not to stand up for yourself, you will always wonder 'what if?'. C, it is easy to hide in the back ground and shrug it off, but it is important to stand up and let yourself be heard.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Bad Thing Happen in Three's
How many times have I been told, "Bad things always happen in three's". Yeah, like if I hurry and get those out of the way, every thing will be roses again. I don't think so, but I am still hoping that's the case.
I should have known when the van broke down the first time that some thing else was in the works. Definitely after the second time it broke down a red light of acknowledgment should have gone off. But no. Not until someone pointed out the other day the old wives tale of, "Bad things happen in three's" did it dawn on me.
Well, I have hit my third, and hopefully my last, bad thing. I was washing a load of laundry and my washer broke down in the middle of the cycle. I had to pull out all the cloths, hand ring them, and throw them in the dryer. Then I had to empty the water one cup at a time. I never realized how much water a washer can hold, until I had to haul it across my basement to be dumped in the shower.
At least the washer waited until I'd washed most of the laundry before breaking down. I figure if I make my kids wear one outfit a week, we may be able to last a whole month without the washer. But Big D is a bit picky about wearing his socks only once, that could pose a problem. Maybe if I fold them and put them away he will think they are clean. I might be able to get away with that once per pair.
I pray that the Lord doesn't count the van breaking down twice and one bad thing, because it's one van. I really need them to count as two, I don't think we can handle any more bad things happening for awhile. For quite awhile!
I should have known when the van broke down the first time that some thing else was in the works. Definitely after the second time it broke down a red light of acknowledgment should have gone off. But no. Not until someone pointed out the other day the old wives tale of, "Bad things happen in three's" did it dawn on me.
Well, I have hit my third, and hopefully my last, bad thing. I was washing a load of laundry and my washer broke down in the middle of the cycle. I had to pull out all the cloths, hand ring them, and throw them in the dryer. Then I had to empty the water one cup at a time. I never realized how much water a washer can hold, until I had to haul it across my basement to be dumped in the shower.
At least the washer waited until I'd washed most of the laundry before breaking down. I figure if I make my kids wear one outfit a week, we may be able to last a whole month without the washer. But Big D is a bit picky about wearing his socks only once, that could pose a problem. Maybe if I fold them and put them away he will think they are clean. I might be able to get away with that once per pair.
I pray that the Lord doesn't count the van breaking down twice and one bad thing, because it's one van. I really need them to count as two, I don't think we can handle any more bad things happening for awhile. For quite awhile!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Best Weekend of the Summer, So Far
The kids went out to Grandma Ria and Papa Guy's ranch. It was actually how I finally got Bear potty trained. I told him he couldn't go if he didn't learn to use the toilet. He quit fighting me every time I mentioned the word 'potty' or 'toilet, and he started coming to me telling me he needed to go potty. Hallelujah!
Big D and I had a great weekend together. We got so much done, it's amazing how fast you can do stuff with out four kids in tow.
Big D decided he wanted to try his hand at selling the rest of our yard sale stuff left over from two weeks ago. After three hours and $1.10 he decided to pack it in. Thank Heavens! I am so done doing yard sale crap. I told him if we never did another I would be fine.
The funny thing is we really didn't do anything extraordinary that was so great. We got to spend the hole weekend just he and I. We took a walk to the top of Red Hill, not that we can't do that with the kids home. We stayed outside until midnight laying under the stars, in the neighbors backyard (We were being sneaky).
We went to the expensive movie theater and watched the new Indiana Jones movie. Big D loved it, I thought it was OK. The best part was when he was sinking in the sand trap and his son through him the snake to grab on too. I laughed so hard, I'm glad they put a snake scene in there.
We made it to church on time. I didn't have to fight four kids for the seat right next to daddy. We got to listen to the speakers instead of taking children out because they're being too loud.
Life was just so good I didn't want it too end. Then the boys came home, I didn't realize how much I missed them until they gave me big hugs and kisses. From then on I was on cloud nine having them back. Every time one of them would even walk close to me I'd reach out and grab them into a bear hug and kiss them all over. I would sing a little song in their ear as I'd tickle them, "I missed you, did you miss me did you miss me did you miss me?" They would squirm and squeal, "Yes, yes, yes."
How great are grandparents? I think they are pretty fabulous. It's is so nice to have a break as a parent, it makes me a better one.
Goal #43 Try Indian Food
We decided to be adventurous, and went out to a new Indian restaurant. Ann, my sister, has been telling me I just had to try Indian food. I forgot how different her and I are. Now if Marie, my baby sister, would have told me to try it, then I'd know I'd probably like it.
I walked through the door of the restaurant and the owner/greeter/waiter/cashier shook Big D's hand, so I stuck mine out to shake his too. He wouldn't have that, he came over and embraced me in a hug. That took me back because I am not a huggy person. He was the nicest man I've ever met. Sanju, the owner/greeter/waiter/cashier, is one of those people who are instantly your best friend. He gave me a wonderful impression of people in India. I know that is sterotyping, but now I have this image in my head that everyone over in India is so outgoing and kind and wants to be my friend. If it's going to be a sterotype at least it's a nice one.
Sanju brought out our plate of food with a big cracker/waffer thing on top. I broke off a thumb nail size piece of cracker and ate it. I thought I was going to die, the heat took my breath away and I couldn't quit coughing. I so was not expecting that.
All the food was so good, but so hot. Once I ran out of water I couldn't eat any more. Sanju was so busy with all his duties that he didn't make it to our table with the water as often as we would have liked him too. I took the rest home, and since I don't eat leftovers, Big D had a nice lunch the next day.
I hope Big D won't be too disappointed if we don't ever go back. I was up all night running to the restroom. I don't think the food agreed with me. But I was adventerous enough to try it once.
I walked through the door of the restaurant and the owner/greeter/waiter/cashier shook Big D's hand, so I stuck mine out to shake his too. He wouldn't have that, he came over and embraced me in a hug. That took me back because I am not a huggy person. He was the nicest man I've ever met. Sanju, the owner/greeter/waiter/cashier, is one of those people who are instantly your best friend. He gave me a wonderful impression of people in India. I know that is sterotyping, but now I have this image in my head that everyone over in India is so outgoing and kind and wants to be my friend. If it's going to be a sterotype at least it's a nice one.
Sanju brought out our plate of food with a big cracker/waffer thing on top. I broke off a thumb nail size piece of cracker and ate it. I thought I was going to die, the heat took my breath away and I couldn't quit coughing. I so was not expecting that.
All the food was so good, but so hot. Once I ran out of water I couldn't eat any more. Sanju was so busy with all his duties that he didn't make it to our table with the water as often as we would have liked him too. I took the rest home, and since I don't eat leftovers, Big D had a nice lunch the next day.
I hope Big D won't be too disappointed if we don't ever go back. I was up all night running to the restroom. I don't think the food agreed with me. But I was adventerous enough to try it once.
How I saw the Lord's Hand in May
5/31/08- Riding on the back of Big D's motorcycle I was able to relax and enjoy the ride, instead of worrying about wrecking.
5/30/08- The last day of school for the girls, we all survived another school year, and now we are all done.
5/28/08- There was a break in the rain so I ran out and mowed my jungle. The instant I finished and put the lawn mower in the garage, it started raining again.
5/27/08- I only lost two, out of twenty-seven, plants in the sudden hail storm.
5/26/08- Bear went the whole day without any accidents in his pants.
5/25/08- My mother-in-law and I had a nice chat over dishes. It is nice getting to know her more even after all these years.
5/24/08- There was a break in our week long rain, we worked really hard and finally got our garden planted, and instantly started raining again. I even got to plant some raspberries and strawberries this year, Yeah!
5/23/08- Everyone had a great time on our "staycation", camping out in the back yard.
5/21/08- Well yesterday it was going to cost $165 to fix the van and today it's going to cost around $1300. One would be pissed and rant and rave at the unfairness. Well, I'm not going to lie to you that is exactly my attitude. However, I do feel blessed that we were able to pay off our van BEFORE it started breaking down. There would be no way we could even think about affording it if we had to pay a car payment and fix-it payment as well. I am trying to see the silver lining right now.
5/20/08- The van is going to cost $165 to fix, we can use our yard sale money for it.
5/19/08- Beaner and I have been connecting better. She is starting to joke around more and be less sensitive.
5/18/08- Blessed with awesome in-laws that I love more every day.
5/17/08- We made a little extra money at our yard sale, just in time to fix the van, again.
5/16/08- Big D got an official offer for the promotion at work.
5/15/08- Beaner had a good time on her camp out and she returned home safe and sound.
5/14/08- Big D making through the entire days obligation after waking at 3am. He is either a superhero or a masochist.
5/12/08- After being devastated by my grade, I curled up in my bed and cried. Then it came to me that I should email my professor, and it worked he changed my grade.
5/11/08- My Nursery partner's mother passed away. I was in Nursery all by myself with twelve kids and Big D came in to save me from loosing my mind.
5/10/08- Big D and I get to spend the whole day together without the kids. It's nice that after 12 years of marriage we still enjoy each others company so much.
5/9/08- I made it through my 10 Virgins performance all ten times. My lines would instantly pop into my head the second I needed them. It was great!
5/8/08- Ann's car made it safely here and back home. If you've seen her car you'd understand what a blessing that is. I am amazed every day that it does not die.
5/5/08- We took the car in to the mechanic. He said he is surprised our car lasted so long in the condition it is in. He asked if we'd been having problems for awhile and I said we'd only been noticing problems the last week. I know it was the Lord who kept the car going for as long as it did. He knew we weren't in any position to be able to fix it.
5/2/08- My older brother, whom recently went through a divorce, feels more and more comfortable hanging out with me and my family.
5/1/08- Hearing Sweeton's song on the radio makes me feel like it is his way of saying, "I love you and I miss you, mom!"
5/30/08- The last day of school for the girls, we all survived another school year, and now we are all done.
5/28/08- There was a break in the rain so I ran out and mowed my jungle. The instant I finished and put the lawn mower in the garage, it started raining again.
5/27/08- I only lost two, out of twenty-seven, plants in the sudden hail storm.
5/26/08- Bear went the whole day without any accidents in his pants.
5/25/08- My mother-in-law and I had a nice chat over dishes. It is nice getting to know her more even after all these years.
5/24/08- There was a break in our week long rain, we worked really hard and finally got our garden planted, and instantly started raining again. I even got to plant some raspberries and strawberries this year, Yeah!
5/23/08- Everyone had a great time on our "staycation", camping out in the back yard.
5/21/08- Well yesterday it was going to cost $165 to fix the van and today it's going to cost around $1300. One would be pissed and rant and rave at the unfairness. Well, I'm not going to lie to you that is exactly my attitude. However, I do feel blessed that we were able to pay off our van BEFORE it started breaking down. There would be no way we could even think about affording it if we had to pay a car payment and fix-it payment as well. I am trying to see the silver lining right now.
5/20/08- The van is going to cost $165 to fix, we can use our yard sale money for it.
5/19/08- Beaner and I have been connecting better. She is starting to joke around more and be less sensitive.
5/18/08- Blessed with awesome in-laws that I love more every day.
5/17/08- We made a little extra money at our yard sale, just in time to fix the van, again.
5/16/08- Big D got an official offer for the promotion at work.
5/15/08- Beaner had a good time on her camp out and she returned home safe and sound.
5/14/08- Big D making through the entire days obligation after waking at 3am. He is either a superhero or a masochist.
5/12/08- After being devastated by my grade, I curled up in my bed and cried. Then it came to me that I should email my professor, and it worked he changed my grade.
5/11/08- My Nursery partner's mother passed away. I was in Nursery all by myself with twelve kids and Big D came in to save me from loosing my mind.
5/10/08- Big D and I get to spend the whole day together without the kids. It's nice that after 12 years of marriage we still enjoy each others company so much.
5/9/08- I made it through my 10 Virgins performance all ten times. My lines would instantly pop into my head the second I needed them. It was great!
5/8/08- Ann's car made it safely here and back home. If you've seen her car you'd understand what a blessing that is. I am amazed every day that it does not die.
5/5/08- We took the car in to the mechanic. He said he is surprised our car lasted so long in the condition it is in. He asked if we'd been having problems for awhile and I said we'd only been noticing problems the last week. I know it was the Lord who kept the car going for as long as it did. He knew we weren't in any position to be able to fix it.
5/2/08- My older brother, whom recently went through a divorce, feels more and more comfortable hanging out with me and my family.
5/1/08- Hearing Sweeton's song on the radio makes me feel like it is his way of saying, "I love you and I miss you, mom!"
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