Well has it really been just a week since I posted that email because I had nothing to blog about? Ha ha the laughs on me. I considered titling this, 'Biting Off More Than We Can Chew', but decided to stay optimistic about all of our blessings. After a mad mad mad month of not being home on weekends, we had a Saturday at home, oh YEAH! In just one day at home my cup began to fill up, and quickly started running over. Our day started with an easy breakfast and then clearing out our old garden spot, a new spot for a strawberry patch, and measuring off the fence for grapes. We went over to LadyBug Nursery and got 4 grape plants, 6 new strawberry plants, a six pack of Rainbow Peppers, a six pack of grape tomatoes, a 6 pack of pear tomatoes, a 6 pack of sugar snap peas, and a packet of wild flower seeds for Abby. We will start the zucchini from seeds.
My cup is Full. I'm not planting a garden with any aspirations of bottling, no sir. This garden is all about the joy of eating, and being healthy. I'll work up to bottling some day. After arriving home with all of our lovely plants we know we need to hunt down some mulch, at a hopefully better price than the nursery had. So during lunch I called up my good friend Tia and ask where the stuff they put in their garden. Walmart, of course. Willie was worn out so Jeff and Harvey went to Walmart while Abby and I stayed home to clean up and clear out a patch for her flowers, I also started digging the holes for the grapes. Jeff calls and asks if he can get ---- I am not so sure but I don't like to tell my husband NO, I'm not his boss. So I tell him so, I don't really think so but whatever. What does Jeff come home with? Peat moss, soil conditioner, manure, potting soil, stepping stones, landscape edging stones, and a puppy.
Yes a PUPPY. Overflow. Really life is just too perfect in it's way right now. Jeff got the grapes and strawberries planted (oh happiness). Yesterday my sister and new brother in law stopped on their way home from Vegas, we had Jeff's mom over to teach us a little about dog behavior and training. Our garden is shaping up to be beautiful, the kids are thrilled about the puppy, and I'm just grateful for such simple pleasures that God has blessed us with. I'm also really intimidated and overwhelmed. But when I focus on the blessings, it seems like I'll get through it.
5.17.2009
5.13.2009
Just too funny
My Aunt recently sent me this email, since I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face, I decided to share
25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
2. My mother taught me RELIGION .'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
4. My mother taught me LOGIC .'Because I said so, that's why.
'5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
7. My mother taught me IRONY 'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA .'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER .'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'
13 My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .'Stop acting like your father!'
15. My mother taught me about ENVY .'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't havewonderful parents like you do.'
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION .'Just wait until we get home.'
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .'You are going to get it when you get home!'
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'
19. My mother taught me ESP .'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'
20. My mother taught me HUMOR .'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'
22.M y mother taught me GENETICS.'You're just like your father.'
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
24. My mother taught me WISDOM .'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!'
25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
2. My mother taught me RELIGION .'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
4. My mother taught me LOGIC .'Because I said so, that's why.
'5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
7. My mother taught me IRONY 'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA .'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER .'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'
13 My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .'Stop acting like your father!'
15. My mother taught me about ENVY .'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't havewonderful parents like you do.'
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION .'Just wait until we get home.'
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .'You are going to get it when you get home!'
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'
19. My mother taught me ESP .'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'
20. My mother taught me HUMOR .'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'
22.M y mother taught me GENETICS.'You're just like your father.'
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
24. My mother taught me WISDOM .'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!'
5.11.2009
Tiny Dancer
Isn't she a beautiful little girl? Abby got to be the 'flower girl' for my sisters wedding on Saturday, and she loved it. I forgot my camera in the packing process but my Aunt took this and emailed it to me (Thanks Kim!) Abby loved her dress, her basket of flowers, and wearing flowers in her hair. She was charming and sweet the whole time and , as usual, hammed it up for the camera. The best part of the night for her came when Irene and Jens had their dance and then opened the floor for everyone. Abby was able to get all of my brothers, her daddy, and Harvey to dance with her. I took a turn with her and so did the bride. Long after everyone else quit Abby and Ian were dancing. She danced the whole time. When the reception was finally over she was so tired she could barely walk to the car, but since Jeff and I were carrying her brothers she had no choice. To express just how she felt Abby said "I'm tired, my feet hurt. I wish I didn't HAVE any feet!!" I love this girl.
5.04.2009
Its a conspiracy
There is so much I would like to blog about right now, but I'm going to keep it brief(er) and stick with this one particular point for now. It would seem that combined circumstances (maybe the universe) are conspiring against me. Or maybe just for me. Willie is going on 9 months old now and if its anything like the last 2 kids, that means I'm PMSing. Yes indeedy Aunt Flo is getting ready to come back and visit me again. Here is where the conspiracy comes into play- Jeffs brothers and their wonderful wives are ALL expecting babies. And it's relatively newish news on all fronts.
Matt and Leigh just found out they are expecting a Girl. Oh a baby girl, I miss having a baby girl. I saved all of Abby's so so so cute baby girl things, and they have been sitting in storage for 5 years. Additionally John and Trisha just got an unexpected surprise- number 4 will be arriving in December. Trisha and I have shared most of our pregnancies, and while we probably lied when we said it the first time- it was actually kind of fun. And it is definitely a LOT of fun having kids the same age. Cousins are just the best built in buddies. For cousins are allowed to do sleepovers, and other friends aren't. Cousins will be there at all the family things, cousins will learn your funny little quirks and love you anyways- because they don't actually have to spend every day with you like your brothers and sisters do. At the moment all of my kids have at least one cousin less than 3 months younger, and other cousins pretty close in age too. It seemed likely to happen again- Mike and Helen were going to wait 5 years to have kids, and that is next year. I think I'd be ready for baby number 4 next year. You've probably guessed by now- Mike and Helen are pregnant. Yes indeedy they decided not to wait so long after all and just told us that they will have their first shortly after Matt and Leigh do.
I'm telling you it's a conspiracy. It's not JUST being the only Sister-in-law that isn't pregnant. My sister Irene is getting married this week, and Jeffs sister Shelly gets married on the 30th. When our brothers were married and we went to their sealings I was pregnant, both times. It could be an interesting coincidence to continue. And the PMS thing. Has anyone else ever noticed how PMS and early pregnancy symptoms are so terribly similar? Cramps, mood swings, hunger, nausea, sore boobs. So just for good measure and peace of mind I took a pregnancy test this morning. Nope not pregnant. Ok now I know and I can stop thinking the crazy "I must be pregnant" thoughts. Willie isn't even 9 months old yet. I'd like to get down to my goal weight, wouldn't that be cool?? We only have 5 seat belts- and already have 5 people. So having more time before we announce baby number 4 is really a good thing. I still look forward to having that baby number 4 (and 5, and hopefully 6, and we'll just have to see what happens). But meanwhile I will enjoy the time I get with my 3 kids, and I'll start making slings for presents. Maybe in a year or so I'll be the onve makign room. And who knows? Maybe Irene or Shelly will get an earlier than planned for blessing so number 4 can have a twinny cousin too. (bwahahaha)
Matt and Leigh just found out they are expecting a Girl. Oh a baby girl, I miss having a baby girl. I saved all of Abby's so so so cute baby girl things, and they have been sitting in storage for 5 years. Additionally John and Trisha just got an unexpected surprise- number 4 will be arriving in December. Trisha and I have shared most of our pregnancies, and while we probably lied when we said it the first time- it was actually kind of fun. And it is definitely a LOT of fun having kids the same age. Cousins are just the best built in buddies. For cousins are allowed to do sleepovers, and other friends aren't. Cousins will be there at all the family things, cousins will learn your funny little quirks and love you anyways- because they don't actually have to spend every day with you like your brothers and sisters do. At the moment all of my kids have at least one cousin less than 3 months younger, and other cousins pretty close in age too. It seemed likely to happen again- Mike and Helen were going to wait 5 years to have kids, and that is next year. I think I'd be ready for baby number 4 next year. You've probably guessed by now- Mike and Helen are pregnant. Yes indeedy they decided not to wait so long after all and just told us that they will have their first shortly after Matt and Leigh do.
I'm telling you it's a conspiracy. It's not JUST being the only Sister-in-law that isn't pregnant. My sister Irene is getting married this week, and Jeffs sister Shelly gets married on the 30th. When our brothers were married and we went to their sealings I was pregnant, both times. It could be an interesting coincidence to continue. And the PMS thing. Has anyone else ever noticed how PMS and early pregnancy symptoms are so terribly similar? Cramps, mood swings, hunger, nausea, sore boobs. So just for good measure and peace of mind I took a pregnancy test this morning. Nope not pregnant. Ok now I know and I can stop thinking the crazy "I must be pregnant" thoughts. Willie isn't even 9 months old yet. I'd like to get down to my goal weight, wouldn't that be cool?? We only have 5 seat belts- and already have 5 people. So having more time before we announce baby number 4 is really a good thing. I still look forward to having that baby number 4 (and 5, and hopefully 6, and we'll just have to see what happens). But meanwhile I will enjoy the time I get with my 3 kids, and I'll start making slings for presents. Maybe in a year or so I'll be the onve makign room. And who knows? Maybe Irene or Shelly will get an earlier than planned for blessing so number 4 can have a twinny cousin too. (bwahahaha)
4.26.2009
Procrastination, or Paved with Good Intentions
The story of my life. Quite seriously. I am a procrastinator. In fact, this was the post I meant to put up last week. Yeah. But better late than never. I completely FORGOT to memorize D&C 4 that first week. We got to class and the returned missionaries started jumping up and reciting it and I was just kicking myself. But one of the other class members had high-councilman duties during class and wanted a chance too, so Brother Elliott gave us another week. Aren't I lucky? I still put off memorizing it, intending to do so in the car on the way to/from Provo this last weekend. Yeah, right. Fortunately I was able to study it some while sitting in the chapel waiting at the Temple. I memorized the last half during Sacrament Meeting today while I sat in another room with Willie. I did recite it word for word during Sunday School. The price of my procrastination was a heart that I thought was literally going to race right out of my chest. Something I've heard about but never experienced before. I wasn't sure I had it memorized, and was so nervous. I didn't pass out, I did completely freeze a few times, but I also passed it off. I think I get that plane ride. Jeff just informed me that the teacher wanted to talk to me, but I had been unavailable.
I also put off until the last minute the organization of some file folder games that my Relief Society was doing for a Humanitarian project. This particular project was started last AUGUST. Yes, they have been sitting around colored, waiting for the next step for 8 months. My excuse is that I did not know what to do with them because I wasn't around when they were started- having just had my baby. But the honest truth is I hadn't even LOOKED at them in that time. So I had no idea what they needed. And our good President has followed up on me, and put them on the schedule for Thursday, April 23rd. So on Monday Caralee called to see if I need help, I confessed I had no idea. Tuesday I finally pulled them out and checked. I counted out pieces to make sure all the games were complete, then that evening I went and bought the files, scissors, and glue sticks so that they could be assembled. Then since we were leaving town on Thursday, I did deliver them to Caralee before the scheduled activity. They've turned out very nicely. Now I just need to figure out how to laminate an envelope for pieces to it. Once it's laminated how does it open?? If one of you knows, and can share that would be great.
Let me see, what other great procrastinations are recent enough to be worth confessing? Irene's bridal shower is rapidly moving up that list. The invitations are out, except for 2 I need to find addresses for. I did forget to take the extra invitations to my mother so she could give them to a few neighbors. She's in Germany now so that is not happening. On the other hand, I actually DID order all the kids clothes for Shelly's wedding. 4 little dresses, and 4 little knicker suits for all the nieces and nephews. More on that later, I promise. I did procrastinate cleaning up our picnic on Friday and ended up being late for Irene's convocation. But that also worked out nicely because my family sat with Mike, Melissa, and Aidyn in an adjoining area in extremely comfortable chairs, we could hear fine, Harvey stretched out on the floor and fell asleep, Abby ran around, and the baby's babbled and played. It was great. It seems that somehow my procrastinations have been working out just fine lately. But I bettered not push my luck. I really do have good intentions to do these things- but we all know where that road leads. Anna Flambe, yummy.
I also put off until the last minute the organization of some file folder games that my Relief Society was doing for a Humanitarian project. This particular project was started last AUGUST. Yes, they have been sitting around colored, waiting for the next step for 8 months. My excuse is that I did not know what to do with them because I wasn't around when they were started- having just had my baby. But the honest truth is I hadn't even LOOKED at them in that time. So I had no idea what they needed. And our good President has followed up on me, and put them on the schedule for Thursday, April 23rd. So on Monday Caralee called to see if I need help, I confessed I had no idea. Tuesday I finally pulled them out and checked. I counted out pieces to make sure all the games were complete, then that evening I went and bought the files, scissors, and glue sticks so that they could be assembled. Then since we were leaving town on Thursday, I did deliver them to Caralee before the scheduled activity. They've turned out very nicely. Now I just need to figure out how to laminate an envelope for pieces to it. Once it's laminated how does it open?? If one of you knows, and can share that would be great.
Let me see, what other great procrastinations are recent enough to be worth confessing? Irene's bridal shower is rapidly moving up that list. The invitations are out, except for 2 I need to find addresses for. I did forget to take the extra invitations to my mother so she could give them to a few neighbors. She's in Germany now so that is not happening. On the other hand, I actually DID order all the kids clothes for Shelly's wedding. 4 little dresses, and 4 little knicker suits for all the nieces and nephews. More on that later, I promise. I did procrastinate cleaning up our picnic on Friday and ended up being late for Irene's convocation. But that also worked out nicely because my family sat with Mike, Melissa, and Aidyn in an adjoining area in extremely comfortable chairs, we could hear fine, Harvey stretched out on the floor and fell asleep, Abby ran around, and the baby's babbled and played. It was great. It seems that somehow my procrastinations have been working out just fine lately. But I bettered not push my luck. I really do have good intentions to do these things- but we all know where that road leads. Anna Flambe, yummy.
4.12.2009
A challenge and some thoughts.
Today our Sunday School teacher ch alleged us to memorize the 4th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. It is only 7 verses. Anyone that can recite it next week will get an hour and a half scenic plan ride. Which would just be really cool. I'd love to fly over this area, (actually I'd like to hang glide over all of these mountains and I really love the Zions Cinemax movie for that reason). But even before Brother Elliott offered such a fantastic bribe I thought I would try and memorize it. Especially verse 6 which struck me with an interesting thought. First the verse
D&C 4:6 Remember faith,virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
My first observation was that it reminded me of the Young Women theme, which I can still rattle off pdq. Next I started giving myself a personal review using this checklist. Faith- I've got that one, understand what it is, etc. Virtue, once again check. Knowledge, hmm knowledge is one that I all too easily put on the shelf- just because I'm a mommy now doesn't mean I need to stop learning, I'd like to find ways to keep expanding my knowledge. Temperance ??? Patience, oh yes I've heard of that- you shouldn't actually pray for it because it will be tried(reeeaaallly tried), right? Brotherly Kindness I'm always reminding my kids about this one. Godliness, Charity, Humility,- pretty sure I understand what all of these can entail. And I'm not there yet, have no expectations of being 'done' with any of them. These are a day by day, drop by drop set of standards. Diligence- I guess this is what I use to try and apply all of the previously mentioned ones. Diligence is definitely a necessity if you want any of the others.
But back to Temperance, aren't Temperance and Patience redundant? This is what really made me stop and think, and they are thoughts I'd like to share. Temperance. When glass, chocolate, and other things are tempered heat is applied as part of the process. The end result smooth and even. Tempered. even. smooth. consistent. Aha I GET it. I understand the definition of TEMPER. You know- the one which I have a family and personal history of just losing. Patience is the ability to wait and not worry, which really has very little to do with Temperance. I can be pretty patient and wait for good things. I'm not perfect at it, especially if I'm hungry and it smells good. But Patience I actually have a reasonable amount of. Temperance is another story. To have Temperance I need to be smooth, even, and consistent. That which is truly tempered does not crack and break easily, it can withstand more than the untempered. If I have Temperance I am not going to start taking my personal dissappointments out on others. My voice will remain steady and even, it will not shriek. My actions will reflect forethought and action, not reaction to the moment. My actions will be consistent. My jaw will not tense up along with the rest of me.
From now on instead of praying for Patience I am going to be more honest and ask that I can be more Tempered. I will keep in mind that being Tempered requires HEAT, stirring, and TIME. I'm also going to take Brother Elliott up on that challenge. I'm rather hoping that my whole family will be able to go, I think the kids would like it too.
D&C 4:6 Remember faith,virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
My first observation was that it reminded me of the Young Women theme, which I can still rattle off pdq. Next I started giving myself a personal review using this checklist. Faith- I've got that one, understand what it is, etc. Virtue, once again check. Knowledge, hmm knowledge is one that I all too easily put on the shelf- just because I'm a mommy now doesn't mean I need to stop learning, I'd like to find ways to keep expanding my knowledge. Temperance ??? Patience, oh yes I've heard of that- you shouldn't actually pray for it because it will be tried(reeeaaallly tried), right? Brotherly Kindness I'm always reminding my kids about this one. Godliness, Charity, Humility,- pretty sure I understand what all of these can entail. And I'm not there yet, have no expectations of being 'done' with any of them. These are a day by day, drop by drop set of standards. Diligence- I guess this is what I use to try and apply all of the previously mentioned ones. Diligence is definitely a necessity if you want any of the others.
But back to Temperance, aren't Temperance and Patience redundant? This is what really made me stop and think, and they are thoughts I'd like to share. Temperance. When glass, chocolate, and other things are tempered heat is applied as part of the process. The end result smooth and even. Tempered. even. smooth. consistent. Aha I GET it. I understand the definition of TEMPER. You know- the one which I have a family and personal history of just losing. Patience is the ability to wait and not worry, which really has very little to do with Temperance. I can be pretty patient and wait for good things. I'm not perfect at it, especially if I'm hungry and it smells good. But Patience I actually have a reasonable amount of. Temperance is another story. To have Temperance I need to be smooth, even, and consistent. That which is truly tempered does not crack and break easily, it can withstand more than the untempered. If I have Temperance I am not going to start taking my personal dissappointments out on others. My voice will remain steady and even, it will not shriek. My actions will reflect forethought and action, not reaction to the moment. My actions will be consistent. My jaw will not tense up along with the rest of me.
From now on instead of praying for Patience I am going to be more honest and ask that I can be more Tempered. I will keep in mind that being Tempered requires HEAT, stirring, and TIME. I'm also going to take Brother Elliott up on that challenge. I'm rather hoping that my whole family will be able to go, I think the kids would like it too.
4.03.2009
Size 14
I just bought a pair of size 14 Levi's at the DI. For me. They were a bit snug, and I don't know if Levi's tend to be vanity sized or what, but I put them on and zipped and buttoned them. HOLY MOLEY they fit!! Trying them on was almost exactly like the Special K commercial where the girl is trying on jeans and sucking it in. Fully expecting them not to fit, then voila! There they are on the body and they fit, really fit. For a little perspective the last time I went and bought myself a new pair of jeans to be skinny jean I bought a size 20. The 20s that used to be my skinny jeans are now my fat jeans. And I really really need to get rid of the 24s, they are rather ridiculous to be wearing. 14s, I still can't get over it. It is usually awkward for me to talk about my weight loss, because being excited about a 14 means admitting I used to wear 24s. But right now I really don't care. I'm so excited to be in a size 14, officially out of plus sizes. I still have 30 pounds to lose, but I can lose that by my birthday, or by Halloween at the latest. I don't remember when I last was this size, I remember hitting 180 by the time I was sixteen. I'm below (BELOW!!) 170 now. I honestly never used to even imagine getting down to 140, and now it is totally there on the horizon. Fully visible on the left side of the scale when I step on it. Not even all the way to the left. But even if I do get stalled in this process, I'm a 14- a FOURTEEN. Yes I'm shouting, I can't help it I'm just so thrilled. I'm pretty sure I yelled it in the dressing room at DI yesterday too, along with a little dance. So I figured I'd should just go ahead and share it here, now I can get it out of my system and get back to business. The business of kicking the next 30 pounds.
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