Wow. What a week! Call me a chicken running around with her head cut off...just in time for the Harvest Season.
Why is it sometimes that the hardest word in the English language starts with a "N" and ends with an "O?" Such a simple word...and yet sometimes so hard to say. I think I had better start saying it...at least a little more. It seems easier to say it when it's in duplicate: "No, no, don't touch that hot stove." "That's a 'no, no.'" See, simple.
Yet when the question is, "Unless you help with the book fair, we won't have it. What do you say?" You say "Sure," because you love books. You love kids to love books. You love the book fair and can't bare to see it disappear. You say, "Sure." You don't say, "No." If only you understood before you uttered it just the amount of weight that "sure" carries..."
Could you help with scouts...just one week?" "Could you help out so-and-so who is in need?" "Could you spare a few minutes to talk with someone...like your kids?" "Could you sub for so-and-so who is sick?" How can you say "No?"
My neighbor taught me a nice little gem: "Sorry, my plate is full." Maybe it will work?So, if you have found ways to avoid the black hole of "No"...let me know. I'm all ears...cuz that may be the only body part sticking out of the before mentioned black hole.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Why I Love Conference:
1. Ok, first...there's the spoken word. You can't beat it. It's amazing how some talks touch you to your very core. They give you the strength to be better than you were before the day began. It's truly nourishment to one's soul.
2. The music...sometimes I wonder if it's just me or if some songs awaken something deep within you. I love to hear the harmonies. The power of many voices to make one whole sound is mesmerizing to my brain. Some songs are just received as nice and pleasant. However, there are others that speak directly to my soul. Today when the Tab Choir sang "O Divine Redeemer," I didn't know if I was going to be able to recover. Words cannot express the emotions I felt in that song.
3. Mormon Holiday: We get to spend the WHOLE Sunday as a family...at home...in our PJs...getting spiritually fed...enjoying one anothers company...being creative. I love it. It's the stuff memories are made from. Here's some pictures from our day:
A Future in Sales??
Our school is selling cookie dough as a fundraiser. When Jason realized that the deadline was tomorrow, he felt the need to take action. Two weeks ago, he had goals of being the top seller. Procrastination took place and in the 11th hour, it was time to call the grandparents. They were generous and supportive, but he knew he needed to sell more. So, in his desperate hour, he knew just what to do...
In his backpack, there was a postcard with his "emergency numbers." Apparently, THIS was an emergency and he knew just who to call. Sure enough, his "emergency" people came through for him (what kind aunts and uncles!).
I have to admit: I was pretty impressed with Jason's independence in taking matters into his own hands and making phone calls (something his older brothers are NOT fond of doing). Matt came to Jason's aid and was his scribe. I did chuckle a bit as he read the flavors to his customers, sometimes mixing up the names (Chocolate Chunky [chocolate chunk], Mackerdoodle [snickerdoodle], etc.).
In his backpack, there was a postcard with his "emergency numbers." Apparently, THIS was an emergency and he knew just who to call. Sure enough, his "emergency" people came through for him (what kind aunts and uncles!).
I have to admit: I was pretty impressed with Jason's independence in taking matters into his own hands and making phone calls (something his older brothers are NOT fond of doing). Matt came to Jason's aid and was his scribe. I did chuckle a bit as he read the flavors to his customers, sometimes mixing up the names (Chocolate Chunky [chocolate chunk], Mackerdoodle [snickerdoodle], etc.).
When one of his "customers" asked what he was selling cookie dough for, he replied, "To get prizes." Matt quickly put him on the straight course that they were selling to earn money for the school. (However, we were pretty sure Jason was just in it for the prizes.)
Watching all the action from his puzzle work, Trevor declared, "I don't ever want to be a salesman." I'd have to agree with him.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
THIS Week!!!
This Week was HARD! I don't think I've had a week like this in a L-O-N-G time. Frankly, I don't know that I would eagerly attempt it again. I have been longing for Saturday afternoon to come, because that meant I could intact air again.
It wasn't a terrible week. Nothing bad happened. Just too many things to do. The guy at the circus who juggles...that was me! Not only did I feel like I was living in a circus, but was juggling this, that, and the other.
(This paragraph is going to be ugly, so read at your own risk. I'm really only writing it for posterity's sake.) Here's just a few of the schedules I juggled this week: 2 different soccer practices for 3 different kids, 3 soccer games (2 at the same time, 1 an hour later), 3 different trips for soccer pictures, Back-to-School night for 3 kids (where the school only thinks you should have sessions for 2 kids), bridal shower at MY house (clean the house and KEEP it clean, ha!), 3 sessions at the chiro, 2 lunch dates (ok, that was fun!), 1 Art Lit meeting, 1 Booster club meeting, 1 Dance class, 2 preschool classes, 4 exercise sessions, 2 boys to 2 different scout meetings, and a temple trip.
Ok, really not THAT bad, just busy. I felt that I became WAY too familiar with the dashboard of my van. Juggling was the hardest part. Next week will be "lighter." At least I didn't have to TEACH preschool this week. That might have put me in the Funny Farm.
The important part of this week was that WE SURVIVED...alive even.
It wasn't a terrible week. Nothing bad happened. Just too many things to do. The guy at the circus who juggles...that was me! Not only did I feel like I was living in a circus, but was juggling this, that, and the other.
(This paragraph is going to be ugly, so read at your own risk. I'm really only writing it for posterity's sake.) Here's just a few of the schedules I juggled this week: 2 different soccer practices for 3 different kids, 3 soccer games (2 at the same time, 1 an hour later), 3 different trips for soccer pictures, Back-to-School night for 3 kids (where the school only thinks you should have sessions for 2 kids), bridal shower at MY house (clean the house and KEEP it clean, ha!), 3 sessions at the chiro, 2 lunch dates (ok, that was fun!), 1 Art Lit meeting, 1 Booster club meeting, 1 Dance class, 2 preschool classes, 4 exercise sessions, 2 boys to 2 different scout meetings, and a temple trip.
Ok, really not THAT bad, just busy. I felt that I became WAY too familiar with the dashboard of my van. Juggling was the hardest part. Next week will be "lighter." At least I didn't have to TEACH preschool this week. That might have put me in the Funny Farm.
The important part of this week was that WE SURVIVED...alive even.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Back in the Saddle
I don't have time for pictures today...that will have to wait.
I just wanted to say: The first week of school was great! I forgot the novelty of just one voice demanding "Mom." I forgot how much I can accomplish in a small amount of time when just one little voice is expanding the word "Mom" into several syllables.
Change is good. Schedules are good. New beginnings are good. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing like a summer to refreshen the soul, but September is good. You can't help but feel a bit gitty at the sight of new shoes, new school clothes, and fresh school supplies (My favorite part! I'm such a sucker for school supplies...especially when it comes in a box and has the word "crayola" on it.)
I just wanted to say: The first week of school was great! I forgot the novelty of just one voice demanding "Mom." I forgot how much I can accomplish in a small amount of time when just one little voice is expanding the word "Mom" into several syllables.
Change is good. Schedules are good. New beginnings are good. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing like a summer to refreshen the soul, but September is good. You can't help but feel a bit gitty at the sight of new shoes, new school clothes, and fresh school supplies (My favorite part! I'm such a sucker for school supplies...especially when it comes in a box and has the word "crayola" on it.)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Blast from the Past
Sometimes you just have to be crazy. And sometimes you just have to be brave. While in Utah, I decided to try on my wedding dress. (It's at my mom's house.)I was feeling confident. I knew I had lost some substantial weight in the past few years, but I knew I wasn't at my pre-wedding weight. Nonetheless, it was time to give it a go.
Miracle of all miracles: I could zip it up. Mind you, I was zipped in there tight. One wrong move on behalf of my shoulder blades and things would have started popping. Luckily, the style of the dress (form fitted on top, not at the hips) allowed my "baby pouch" to fit in the dress. Gravity had definitely affected particular parts of my body that was clearly evident from the form-fitted top. BUT I got the thing on. Shallow breathes were sometimes needed...but I wore it...for about 20 minutes. Then, I heaved a sigh of relief (with a large intake of air) when I was finally unzipped.
Miracle of all miracles: I could zip it up. Mind you, I was zipped in there tight. One wrong move on behalf of my shoulder blades and things would have started popping. Luckily, the style of the dress (form fitted on top, not at the hips) allowed my "baby pouch" to fit in the dress. Gravity had definitely affected particular parts of my body that was clearly evident from the form-fitted top. BUT I got the thing on. Shallow breathes were sometimes needed...but I wore it...for about 20 minutes. Then, I heaved a sigh of relief (with a large intake of air) when I was finally unzipped.
The girls got in on the fun. Jenna was in seventh-heaven with all the fancy dresses. She was seriously giddy with excitement. K is wearing my prom dress (with Angie's veil). J is wearing my mom's wedding dress.35 Years OLD
Well, that does it. I'm 35. Rounds to 40 and frankly, that stinks! However, "Birthday" to me means to do something out of the ordinary. So I did.The morning began with an impromtu drag-the-kids-from-their-beds and go to breakfast. Yummy!
Then we went to the last day of swimming lessons. My birthday wish was that everyone would be happy with their swimming progression (and not worry if they passed or not). The kids complied.
Then, I got a bit crazy. We introduced Matt and Trevor to the show "Ace of Cakes." Of course, that inspired us to possibilities...SO for my birthday, we made a bunch of mini-cakes and let the kids go to town. We even purchased some fondant and gave it a go. As you can see from the picture, our cakes were pretty colorful. (It should be noted that the cakes were SO sweet that the kids actually turned down some of their piece.) When Chad got home, he even made his own cake. He just didn't make the picture.
Lastly, Chad took me to our favorite little soup place. It's called Fresh Thyme Soup Company. They make interesting soups. We tried the Chicken Peach Soup and the Watermelon/Canteloupe (cold) soup. I'm not a big soup lover, but these soups are truly divine. I feel like Remy on Ratatouille...savoring all of the flavors...your taste buds literally come alive. It's such a pleasant experience.
It was a unique day...that's all I could ask for.
Oh, just one more thing: I loved facebook on my birthday. What a great and simple way to wish people a Happy Birthday. It was fun to get all the emails. Good ole' facebook...always coming up with a brilliant idea or two.
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