I was snuggling Brigham in our recliner the other morning trying to keep him quiet so Stanton could sleep. After about 10 minutes...
Brigham: Are we done now?
Me: No! Don't you like snuggling?
Brigham: No. I'm a boy, remember?!
30 November 2009
29 November 2009
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was so great. I sure love my in-laws. We had prime rib (!) and all the traditional fixings. I made homemade stuffing, which was delicious, if I do say so myself. Everyone else brought amazing side dishes, too. It's so fun to eat and visit and enjoy each other.
On Wednesday night, we had an appetizer night. We all brought an appetizer and had them for dinner. It was so nice to be able to enjoy them instead of trying to stuff it all in on Thanksgiving Day. My vote for the next time is Appetizer Night on Wednesday, Traditional Dinner on Thursday, and Pie Night on Friday. That way we all get to be together longer and we get to actually enjoy each part of the meal. Pretty genius, I think.
Anyway, it was a great day. Our blessings have been rich this year.
On Wednesday night, we had an appetizer night. We all brought an appetizer and had them for dinner. It was so nice to be able to enjoy them instead of trying to stuff it all in on Thanksgiving Day. My vote for the next time is Appetizer Night on Wednesday, Traditional Dinner on Thursday, and Pie Night on Friday. That way we all get to be together longer and we get to actually enjoy each part of the meal. Pretty genius, I think.
Anyway, it was a great day. Our blessings have been rich this year.
Chloe's Best Day
There is something amazing that happens when Chloe chooses to be cooperative and happy in our home ---- the entire family is more happy! She had one of those great days today and I have to put it on record.
-She woke up and got all her morning chores done without being asked and before coming upstairs.
-She brushed her hair for church without complaining or being asked twice.
-In Sacrament Meeting (Jared Day's farewell -- his talk was so fantastic!), she was working on a picture of Santa that she has been coloring intently for the last 3 days. She's worked really hard to stay in the lines and choose great colors. She was finishing it up during Sacrament Meeting when Brigham reached over and scribbled on Santa's hat. I could see in her eyes that she was devastated. I gasped (drama! I know!) and Brigham cried as soon as he realized what he'd done to Chloe. I took him out to comfort him and when we came back in, Brigham apologized and Chloe smiled and said, "It's okay, I was almost finished anyway." And then she just went on coloring. This was a serious moment for Chloe and I was so proud of her maturity.
-She helped clear the table after dinner without me bugging her a million times.
-At bedtime, I told the girls I'd tuck them in after they said their prayers. Lily wanted to be tucked in first, but Chloe finished her prayers first, so I tucked her in. As I was tucking Lily in, she looked over and saw that Chloe was already tucked in. She started bawling because she didn't get to be first. As I hugged and comforted her, Chloe said, "Oh, Lily, Mom hasn't tucked me in yet. Look!" We looked over and there she was with her covers pulled down. Lily was so happy. I tucked her in "first" and then went and tucked Chloe in again.
It was a good day and I am so thankful for her.
-She woke up and got all her morning chores done without being asked and before coming upstairs.
-She brushed her hair for church without complaining or being asked twice.
-In Sacrament Meeting (Jared Day's farewell -- his talk was so fantastic!), she was working on a picture of Santa that she has been coloring intently for the last 3 days. She's worked really hard to stay in the lines and choose great colors. She was finishing it up during Sacrament Meeting when Brigham reached over and scribbled on Santa's hat. I could see in her eyes that she was devastated. I gasped (drama! I know!) and Brigham cried as soon as he realized what he'd done to Chloe. I took him out to comfort him and when we came back in, Brigham apologized and Chloe smiled and said, "It's okay, I was almost finished anyway." And then she just went on coloring. This was a serious moment for Chloe and I was so proud of her maturity.
-She helped clear the table after dinner without me bugging her a million times.
-At bedtime, I told the girls I'd tuck them in after they said their prayers. Lily wanted to be tucked in first, but Chloe finished her prayers first, so I tucked her in. As I was tucking Lily in, she looked over and saw that Chloe was already tucked in. She started bawling because she didn't get to be first. As I hugged and comforted her, Chloe said, "Oh, Lily, Mom hasn't tucked me in yet. Look!" We looked over and there she was with her covers pulled down. Lily was so happy. I tucked her in "first" and then went and tucked Chloe in again.
It was a good day and I am so thankful for her.
28 November 2009
Grandma Rose's 80th Birthday
We celebrated Grandma Rose's birthday party the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Oh, how I love her.
We (all the posterity except Matt & Sara) met at the Coppermill and had a great lunch. All of Grandma's kids gave a tribute to her and we just enjoyed one another's company. I'm lucky to be so close to the cousins on that side of my family. We love each other so much and have continued to know one another in our adult lives. I love that. Grandma and Grandpa are the reason for that bond. They have made sure we all have opportunities to be together and they've been examples of love and kindness all our lives.
Grandma has always had crazy health problems, but this year, they were especially rough. I'm so glad she's here and healthy and that we have what I hope are many more years with her.
With their 5 children L to R: Christie, Brent, Nancy, Greg, Sheri
Their children and their spouses L to R: Scott & Christie, Brent "B" & Nancy, Greg & Wendy, Bob & Sheri, Brent & Janet, Gary & Dorothy on the bottom row.
With their great-grandchildren. I know everyone's names, but I just don't have the stamina to type them all out right now.
Reality of the great-grandkids picture.
All the grandkids and their spouses. Love every single one of these people. (And is it becoming obvious why I ran out of Christmas cards???!!!)
My cousin Brooke, Grandma Rose, & I. I think we were talking about bras right before this. Love them.
Me and my little lover.Happy Birthday, Grandma. I love you so.
And Christie, I stole a few of these from your blog. Thanks!
26 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Forgiveness
Prime Rib
Homemade stuffing
Delicious food
Even better company
Cousins older than my kids who play with them without an ounce of complaint
No fighting amongst cousins!
Slides from Stanton's childhood
Early bedtime (way early tonight -- 6:30 pm) after a very late bedtime last night (after 9:00 pm)
The best kids in the world
Toilet Paper
An amazing 2009 filled with challenges, growth, fresh ideas, new perspective, and increased love
Jesus Christ and His unique love and care for me and those I love most
Forgiveness
Prime Rib
Homemade stuffing
Delicious food
Even better company
Cousins older than my kids who play with them without an ounce of complaint
No fighting amongst cousins!
Slides from Stanton's childhood
Early bedtime (way early tonight -- 6:30 pm) after a very late bedtime last night (after 9:00 pm)
The best kids in the world
Toilet Paper
An amazing 2009 filled with challenges, growth, fresh ideas, new perspective, and increased love
Jesus Christ and His unique love and care for me and those I love most
25 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
A day for the kids to hang out in their jammies as long as they wanted.
Living in a town with multiple grocery stores.
The anticipation of a night and day spent with family.
Four kids who know how to shop. We hit 4 stores this afternoon looking for some ingredients and they were amazing!
4 kids who actually chose to come shopping with me rather than have a babysitter.
Google 411. (Free 411 info: 1-800-GOOG-411). Awesome!
A wonderful night with Stanton's family.
That I actually LOVE my in-laws.
My own incredible family.
My minivan.
The calendar alarm feature on my iPhone.
The very good man I married.
A day for the kids to hang out in their jammies as long as they wanted.
Living in a town with multiple grocery stores.
The anticipation of a night and day spent with family.
Four kids who know how to shop. We hit 4 stores this afternoon looking for some ingredients and they were amazing!
4 kids who actually chose to come shopping with me rather than have a babysitter.
Google 411. (Free 411 info: 1-800-GOOG-411). Awesome!
A wonderful night with Stanton's family.
That I actually LOVE my in-laws.
My own incredible family.
My minivan.
The calendar alarm feature on my iPhone.
The very good man I married.
When I Grow Up
I want to be Julie Andrews. She is my idol for grace, beauty, class, musicality, and the voice I wish I had.
Oh, how I love her.
Oh, how I love her.
One Day I'll Learn...
To read the recipe all the way through. Really, I will!
My amazing appetizer for our appetizer party tonight is supposed to a Cranberry-Orange Brie Dip. I have everything I need and am making the recipe right now, but guess what? I'm supposed to let the cranberry relish cool for at least 2 hours in the fridge before baking it with the brie. Our party is in 1 hour and 10 minutes. And I haven't even gotten to the "put it in the fridge" part yet.
One day I'll learn.......
My amazing appetizer for our appetizer party tonight is supposed to a Cranberry-Orange Brie Dip. I have everything I need and am making the recipe right now, but guess what? I'm supposed to let the cranberry relish cool for at least 2 hours in the fridge before baking it with the brie. Our party is in 1 hour and 10 minutes. And I haven't even gotten to the "put it in the fridge" part yet.
One day I'll learn.......
24 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Thanksgiving Break!
Preschool and Kindergarten. What marvelous institutions that bring excitement, joy, and a change of scenery to my childrens' lives.
McDonald's and the quiet hour to read while my kids get a ton of exercise and play.
My iPhone and the apps that are on it. I love that in one little device I have access to phone, text, email, internet, and fantastic books, among many other essentials, like the scriptures and maps of the nearest public restrooms.
Patience to ride out a particularly frustrating tantrum from Chloe and the ability to love her unconditionally when she was through with it.
A clean house.
The beautiful mountain view out my back windows.
That Chloe and Lily are both learning to read. It makes scripture time so much fun. It's been fun to see the two of them support each other in learning, rather than competing with each other.
Batman and ScoobyDoo DVDs.
Brigham's incredible ability to play with toys! It's so amazing to have a child actually play with toys!
Cannon's sweet disposition, snuggly nature, and the ability to really appreciate and savor this stage, knowing it might be the last time I ever experience it. I'm so thankful for perspective and the joy that it brings.
Newly aligned, much more realistic expectations from my children and the lesson that sparked them.
Family.
Family.
Family.
Thanksgiving Break!
Preschool and Kindergarten. What marvelous institutions that bring excitement, joy, and a change of scenery to my childrens' lives.
McDonald's and the quiet hour to read while my kids get a ton of exercise and play.
My iPhone and the apps that are on it. I love that in one little device I have access to phone, text, email, internet, and fantastic books, among many other essentials, like the scriptures and maps of the nearest public restrooms.
Patience to ride out a particularly frustrating tantrum from Chloe and the ability to love her unconditionally when she was through with it.
A clean house.
The beautiful mountain view out my back windows.
That Chloe and Lily are both learning to read. It makes scripture time so much fun. It's been fun to see the two of them support each other in learning, rather than competing with each other.
Batman and ScoobyDoo DVDs.
Brigham's incredible ability to play with toys! It's so amazing to have a child actually play with toys!
Cannon's sweet disposition, snuggly nature, and the ability to really appreciate and savor this stage, knowing it might be the last time I ever experience it. I'm so thankful for perspective and the joy that it brings.
Newly aligned, much more realistic expectations from my children and the lesson that sparked them.
Family.
Family.
Family.
23 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
A new perspective and more realistic expectations for Chloe in the mornings. And the time I get to spend with her as a result.
Realizing that my kids are different with their own weaknesses, strengths, abilities, desires. Feeling like I want to celebrate them more.
Getting the Sacrament Meeting Christmas Program FINISHED! Just need to turn it in and get it approved by the Bishopric. That's a wonderful feeling and it has been neat to work on. It's definitely the way to get into the Christmas Spirit.
Lily and Brigham getting all bundled up in their snow clothes for the first time of the season and spending 45 minutes making tracks and angels in the thin layer of snow.
Hot chocolate and buttered toast afterward.
An impromptu Family Home Evening at Angie's Restaurant with Dave and Erica, who totally "get" our life. They have four kids almost exactly the same age as ours. It was a crazy little circus of 8 kids running the show, but so so so fun. Thanks, Erica, for the phone call!
A disposal.
And a dishwasher.
A new perspective and more realistic expectations for Chloe in the mornings. And the time I get to spend with her as a result.
Realizing that my kids are different with their own weaknesses, strengths, abilities, desires. Feeling like I want to celebrate them more.
Getting the Sacrament Meeting Christmas Program FINISHED! Just need to turn it in and get it approved by the Bishopric. That's a wonderful feeling and it has been neat to work on. It's definitely the way to get into the Christmas Spirit.
Lily and Brigham getting all bundled up in their snow clothes for the first time of the season and spending 45 minutes making tracks and angels in the thin layer of snow.
Hot chocolate and buttered toast afterward.
An impromptu Family Home Evening at Angie's Restaurant with Dave and Erica, who totally "get" our life. They have four kids almost exactly the same age as ours. It was a crazy little circus of 8 kids running the show, but so so so fun. Thanks, Erica, for the phone call!
A disposal.
And a dishwasher.
22 November 2009
In the Spirit of Thanksgiving
Also for this. Goodness me, it just touched me somewhere deep in my soul.
If you're not seeing the full shot of this, go here to watch on YouTube.
If you're not seeing the full shot of this, go here to watch on YouTube.
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
People who just step in when I need help.
Kiki.
Feeling the Spirit in my church meetings.
Being able to relate to others.
Choir. I can't believe I'm actually saying that, but I am thankful for this new calling and the opportunity it is giving me to feel the Spirit in a new way.
Beautiful music.
The desire to play with the kids.
The enthusiastic cheers of "Bingo!" "Don't Eat Pete!" and games that no one has to win or lose.
Messy, smiley brownie faces.
Trudy, who showed up at 6:00 pm, not 3 minutes after I had run out of ideas for entertaining the kids for the last hour of the night, with a box full of preschool activities she was cleaning out. We colored and talked for the last hour and it was so fun.
My children, Stanton, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which makes the forever family ideal a reality.
People who just step in when I need help.
Kiki.
Feeling the Spirit in my church meetings.
Being able to relate to others.
Choir. I can't believe I'm actually saying that, but I am thankful for this new calling and the opportunity it is giving me to feel the Spirit in a new way.
Beautiful music.
The desire to play with the kids.
The enthusiastic cheers of "Bingo!" "Don't Eat Pete!" and games that no one has to win or lose.
Messy, smiley brownie faces.
Trudy, who showed up at 6:00 pm, not 3 minutes after I had run out of ideas for entertaining the kids for the last hour of the night, with a box full of preschool activities she was cleaning out. We colored and talked for the last hour and it was so fun.
My children, Stanton, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which makes the forever family ideal a reality.
21 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Disinfectant
3 out of my 4 potty trained
Chloe's snuggliness when she's sick
Steve Martin. Really, I love him.
Early bed times.
Stanton insisting I actually come to bed with him tonight -- it's been 3 nights of staying up past midnight for me and I really need to break that habit before it starts.
Oh, and the hour and half nap Stanton facilitated for me this afternoon when I could hardly keep my eyes open.
I'm shallow today. Shallow, but thankful all the same.
Disinfectant
3 out of my 4 potty trained
Chloe's snuggliness when she's sick
Steve Martin. Really, I love him.
Early bed times.
Stanton insisting I actually come to bed with him tonight -- it's been 3 nights of staying up past midnight for me and I really need to break that habit before it starts.
Oh, and the hour and half nap Stanton facilitated for me this afternoon when I could hardly keep my eyes open.
I'm shallow today. Shallow, but thankful all the same.
20 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
The cute way Brigham expresses himself --- "Wiw you give me a kiff?" "No, Mom, I mean ______." And his new thing -- putting his hand on his hip when he's talking to you.
The way Lily and Brigham can play together for a couple of hours without fighting.
Cannon. The little love of my life. His cheeks, his arm around my neck, his giggle, his snuggles, his wanting to be attached to my hip (yes, I'm sometimes thankful for that), his curly hair, his grin, his love of Chloe, his absolutely filling personality.
Chloe hiding and trying to scare us. She actually did scare the crap out of me last night when she was supposed to be in bed.
A really fun date with Stanton.
High School Musicals. No, not that one -- real ones. We went to Logan High's Production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." It was fantastic and the leads were excellent. So much better than anything else we maybe seriously considered doing.
Chloe, Winston, and Adam -- little Kindergarten buddies. They have a great time playing every afternoon when they get home from school and it's so cute to see Chloe with those two boys who listen to everything she says and follow along with whatever plan she cooks up.
The cute way Brigham expresses himself --- "Wiw you give me a kiff?" "No, Mom, I mean ______." And his new thing -- putting his hand on his hip when he's talking to you.
The way Lily and Brigham can play together for a couple of hours without fighting.
Cannon. The little love of my life. His cheeks, his arm around my neck, his giggle, his snuggles, his wanting to be attached to my hip (yes, I'm sometimes thankful for that), his curly hair, his grin, his love of Chloe, his absolutely filling personality.
Chloe hiding and trying to scare us. She actually did scare the crap out of me last night when she was supposed to be in bed.
A really fun date with Stanton.
High School Musicals. No, not that one -- real ones. We went to Logan High's Production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." It was fantastic and the leads were excellent. So much better than anything else we maybe seriously considered doing.
Chloe, Winston, and Adam -- little Kindergarten buddies. They have a great time playing every afternoon when they get home from school and it's so cute to see Chloe with those two boys who listen to everything she says and follow along with whatever plan she cooks up.
Family History Friday --- Temple & Marriage Edition
On what date were you endowed?
29 January 2000
What are your memories of that day?
I was single and young and am not exactly sure why my bishop recommended that I receive the endowment, but I am really grateful he did. I'm not sure I would have served a mission if it weren't for the temple experience.
I was surrounded by friends and family and remember thinking if that was what heaven and the celestial kingdom were, that I would do anything necessary to qualify for it.
On what date were you married?
I always have to think twice about this one, but it's definitely 30 August 2002.
What are your memories of that day?
It was a really wonderful day. The feelings are precious and I have a hard time articulating them. We were so lucky to have all 4 sets of our grandparents there with us in the temple. My Grandpa J served as the sealer and said so many wonderful things to us in regards to the covenants we were making and the road that lay ahead. He and my Grandma J had the ideal marriage, so his words meant so much to us.
It was a hot August day and I was so glad we had all of our pictures taken before the sealing that morning. The only ones we did after were the huge family pictures and that was enough!
At our luncheon, the nieces and nephews sang, our siblings had written songs for each of us. Come to think of it, Stanton's family had written a poem and read it and my siblings did a song based on My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music (Cindy and Lori - do you have this written down anywhere?). The songs were so fun to listen to.
Our grandpas all said a few words and Stanton's mom and dad had a fun slide show of our growing up years and the time we'd "dated." (Those quotes are absolutely used properly there, but that's another story for another Friday).
The other funny memory of that day was the song Stanton and I sang together. We really didn't know each other as well then as we do now and looking back I totally understand why Stanton was acting the way he was. Anyway, I had chosen (first mistake!) a Barbara Streisand/someone else duet that she'd sung on her wedding day. It was nice and cheesy and didn't really mean a whole lot to "us" even though the words really were lovely. Stanton practiced it half-heartedly with me and when it came time to sing it, he wouldn't look at me. I kept looking at him with googly loving eyes and he just looked straight ahead. Knowing him now, I completely understand why -- he was so embarrassed. He doesn't love sharing personal experiences, feelings, etc with the general public and this was about as personal a feeling as he'd ever felt. One of things I love about Stanton is that he is who he is no matter where he is or who he's with. That was one of my first tastes of that great quality that I love so much in him -- he wasn't comfortable singing a love song with his new bride in front of a room full of people and just couldn't fake it.
Now, for the record, I don't think anyone there even noticed he was uncomfortable -- it was a thing between he and I. He wasn't rude or anything, just not acting.
Now that that's all typed out, it seems kind of weird, but what's a life story without a little weirdness, right?
29 January 2000
What are your memories of that day?
I was single and young and am not exactly sure why my bishop recommended that I receive the endowment, but I am really grateful he did. I'm not sure I would have served a mission if it weren't for the temple experience.
I was surrounded by friends and family and remember thinking if that was what heaven and the celestial kingdom were, that I would do anything necessary to qualify for it.
On what date were you married?
I always have to think twice about this one, but it's definitely 30 August 2002.
What are your memories of that day?
It was a really wonderful day. The feelings are precious and I have a hard time articulating them. We were so lucky to have all 4 sets of our grandparents there with us in the temple. My Grandpa J served as the sealer and said so many wonderful things to us in regards to the covenants we were making and the road that lay ahead. He and my Grandma J had the ideal marriage, so his words meant so much to us.
It was a hot August day and I was so glad we had all of our pictures taken before the sealing that morning. The only ones we did after were the huge family pictures and that was enough!
At our luncheon, the nieces and nephews sang, our siblings had written songs for each of us. Come to think of it, Stanton's family had written a poem and read it and my siblings did a song based on My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music (Cindy and Lori - do you have this written down anywhere?). The songs were so fun to listen to.
Our grandpas all said a few words and Stanton's mom and dad had a fun slide show of our growing up years and the time we'd "dated." (Those quotes are absolutely used properly there, but that's another story for another Friday).
The other funny memory of that day was the song Stanton and I sang together. We really didn't know each other as well then as we do now and looking back I totally understand why Stanton was acting the way he was. Anyway, I had chosen (first mistake!) a Barbara Streisand/someone else duet that she'd sung on her wedding day. It was nice and cheesy and didn't really mean a whole lot to "us" even though the words really were lovely. Stanton practiced it half-heartedly with me and when it came time to sing it, he wouldn't look at me. I kept looking at him with googly loving eyes and he just looked straight ahead. Knowing him now, I completely understand why -- he was so embarrassed. He doesn't love sharing personal experiences, feelings, etc with the general public and this was about as personal a feeling as he'd ever felt. One of things I love about Stanton is that he is who he is no matter where he is or who he's with. That was one of my first tastes of that great quality that I love so much in him -- he wasn't comfortable singing a love song with his new bride in front of a room full of people and just couldn't fake it.
Now, for the record, I don't think anyone there even noticed he was uncomfortable -- it was a thing between he and I. He wasn't rude or anything, just not acting.
Now that that's all typed out, it seems kind of weird, but what's a life story without a little weirdness, right?
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
awkwardfamilyphotos.com -- there are days when I nearly wet myself at the hilariousness. Also, I have an arsenal of photos that could qualify for submission....
The detachable head on my shower.
A great washing machine and nice smelling laundry detergent.
Patience.
Friends who love my kids almost as much as I do.
Stores close by.
awkwardfamilyphotos.com -- there are days when I nearly wet myself at the hilariousness. Also, I have an arsenal of photos that could qualify for submission....
The detachable head on my shower.
A great washing machine and nice smelling laundry detergent.
Patience.
Friends who love my kids almost as much as I do.
Stores close by.
18 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Really great friends.
Dora and binkies --- they made Brenner like me today and I was lucky to sit and snuggle with him.
Greater love for my children and the opportunity to realize it.
Stanton's increase of love and patience for them, too.
Our life. We are blessed and I am thankful.
Really great friends.
Dora and binkies --- they made Brenner like me today and I was lucky to sit and snuggle with him.
Greater love for my children and the opportunity to realize it.
Stanton's increase of love and patience for them, too.
Our life. We are blessed and I am thankful.
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
The beauty of nicely vacuumed carpet (for all of the 18 seconds it stayed looking that way).
Cookies and milk.
The way that Brigham imagines and plays with his toys...and whatever else he needs. Today he made Batmobiles for all the Barbies & Batman with his shoes and mine. Yesterday he made a surfboard for all of them from the front cover of the vacuum.
The giggles of my girls as they play in their room at night -- when they should be sleeping.
Laundry. Folded and half put away. I'm actually grateful for both parts of that statement. I'm grateful it's mostly put away, yes, but I'm also grateful just to have it. Laundry means kids and kids mean happiness. If the amount of laundry is directly proportionate to the amount of joy, I have a LOT of joy.
Cannon's dancing.
The people at A&E who painstakingly and so lovingly put together the perfect production of Pride & Prejudice. It never, ever, ever gets old and makes me cry every time I watch it.
Stickers and the stories my kids make when playing with them.
Fast shipping...fast free shipping. Photobooks ordered on Saturday arrived today and Christmas cards should be here tomorrow.
That Brigham's cough seems to be gone.
That Brigham is here. I've reflected on it several times today -- just how incredible it is that we are here, now, with this perfect little boy who just a few short months ago was lying in a hospital bed in Boston with hopes of a successful fix. It was successful and my heart overflows with gratitude for that outcome. Oh, how I love this little boy.
The beauty of nicely vacuumed carpet (for all of the 18 seconds it stayed looking that way).
Cookies and milk.
The way that Brigham imagines and plays with his toys...and whatever else he needs. Today he made Batmobiles for all the Barbies & Batman with his shoes and mine. Yesterday he made a surfboard for all of them from the front cover of the vacuum.
The giggles of my girls as they play in their room at night -- when they should be sleeping.
Laundry. Folded and half put away. I'm actually grateful for both parts of that statement. I'm grateful it's mostly put away, yes, but I'm also grateful just to have it. Laundry means kids and kids mean happiness. If the amount of laundry is directly proportionate to the amount of joy, I have a LOT of joy.
Cannon's dancing.
The people at A&E who painstakingly and so lovingly put together the perfect production of Pride & Prejudice. It never, ever, ever gets old and makes me cry every time I watch it.
Stickers and the stories my kids make when playing with them.
Fast shipping...fast free shipping. Photobooks ordered on Saturday arrived today and Christmas cards should be here tomorrow.
That Brigham's cough seems to be gone.
That Brigham is here. I've reflected on it several times today -- just how incredible it is that we are here, now, with this perfect little boy who just a few short months ago was lying in a hospital bed in Boston with hopes of a successful fix. It was successful and my heart overflows with gratitude for that outcome. Oh, how I love this little boy.
16 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
A long phone chat with my wonderful sister, Cindy.
Cindy.
The minimal cost of that call -- only a roll of tape -- used by Lily and Brigham to secure every car and Barbie to the kitchen table -- and Ken secured from it (hanging by his neck). I couldn't find the camera! Darn!
Increased love toward my wonderful little ones.
A nap! The first in probably 6 months. I loved it.
This quote I found while blog hopping this afternoon:
"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."
A long phone chat with my wonderful sister, Cindy.
Cindy.
The minimal cost of that call -- only a roll of tape -- used by Lily and Brigham to secure every car and Barbie to the kitchen table -- and Ken secured from it (hanging by his neck). I couldn't find the camera! Darn!
Increased love toward my wonderful little ones.
A nap! The first in probably 6 months. I loved it.
This quote I found while blog hopping this afternoon:
"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."
~Marvin J. Ashton
Family Home Evening and how much our kids love it.
Quick and easy dinners.
True joy born of contentment with my life and family.
Family Home Evening and how much our kids love it.
Quick and easy dinners.
True joy born of contentment with my life and family.
15 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for
Lily. She is a beautiful, bright, and shining star. I love her more
than words can express and pray that her personality will never be
dampened or squelched. She is my LilyLove and she will provide a
special brand of joy in this world if only we help her continue to be
who she is without reservation.
14 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Pinching Your Pennies. In their email today, they had a code for 50 free photo cards with free shipping from this site. I ended up with 70 Christmas cards for $9.80. The code freebies4mom-1109 expires November 30th. USE IT! (Oh, and you don't have to order more than 50 -- you could get 50 even for $0 including shipping!).
Our Saturday morning pancakes and magic syrup.
Our produce co-op.
My lively, friendly children.
Stanton, and how protective he is of them.
Family, Family, Family
The crisp feel of cold air in my nostrils and deep in my lungs.
A warm home to run into after the air chills my bones.
Freshly fallen snow. I'm in the Holiday Spirit already this year and this snow only adds to the feelings of love and excitement for this wonderful time of year.
Pinching Your Pennies. In their email today, they had a code for 50 free photo cards with free shipping from this site. I ended up with 70 Christmas cards for $9.80. The code freebies4mom-1109 expires November 30th. USE IT! (Oh, and you don't have to order more than 50 -- you could get 50 even for $0 including shipping!).
Our Saturday morning pancakes and magic syrup.
Our produce co-op.
My lively, friendly children.
Stanton, and how protective he is of them.
Family, Family, Family
The crisp feel of cold air in my nostrils and deep in my lungs.
A warm home to run into after the air chills my bones.
Freshly fallen snow. I'm in the Holiday Spirit already this year and this snow only adds to the feelings of love and excitement for this wonderful time of year.
13 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for:
Cannon's laugh and how he recognizes when he's being funny.
The rare morning where the kids cooperate with getting ready and Chloe leaves for school without being in a hurry.
Two kids who are old enough to play games -- their favorite right now is Go Fish. I LOVE that we can play a game and that they actually get it. And because of their example, Brigham is starting to get it, too. It's also super nice that they can each take care of themselves in a game like that so I can have Brigham on my team. I've really enjoyed playing games with them lately.
Crayons. Even when it's on the walls. The kids have been coloring a lot lately and it's been a really fun phase. Brigham is getting so much better.
My cousins. The older I get, the more I realize how lucky I am that my extended family is so close-knit. They are like siblings to me and I love them dearly.
My grandparents. I have been really lucky to have them for so long and now that they're getting older and their health is failing, I realize even more what an unspeakable blessing they are.
Dinner out on Friday nights. Love. This.
Going to the temple. We participated in proxy sealings tonight and I felt such gratitude for Stanton's and my marriage covenants. I'm grateful my children are mine forever.
Rachel, who seriously "gets" my hair. It feels so good to get a good haircut.
That Chloe is old enough to come along with me to a haircut and mostly entertain herself.
That Chloe wants to come with me while I get my haircut. I'm so grateful she loves me and wants to be with me.
A babysitter whom I trust completely and who welcomes me home with a tidy house. Love you, Kiki.
Life.
Cannon's laugh and how he recognizes when he's being funny.
The rare morning where the kids cooperate with getting ready and Chloe leaves for school without being in a hurry.
Two kids who are old enough to play games -- their favorite right now is Go Fish. I LOVE that we can play a game and that they actually get it. And because of their example, Brigham is starting to get it, too. It's also super nice that they can each take care of themselves in a game like that so I can have Brigham on my team. I've really enjoyed playing games with them lately.
Crayons. Even when it's on the walls. The kids have been coloring a lot lately and it's been a really fun phase. Brigham is getting so much better.
My cousins. The older I get, the more I realize how lucky I am that my extended family is so close-knit. They are like siblings to me and I love them dearly.
My grandparents. I have been really lucky to have them for so long and now that they're getting older and their health is failing, I realize even more what an unspeakable blessing they are.
Dinner out on Friday nights. Love. This.
Going to the temple. We participated in proxy sealings tonight and I felt such gratitude for Stanton's and my marriage covenants. I'm grateful my children are mine forever.
Rachel, who seriously "gets" my hair. It feels so good to get a good haircut.
That Chloe is old enough to come along with me to a haircut and mostly entertain herself.
That Chloe wants to come with me while I get my haircut. I'm so grateful she loves me and wants to be with me.
A babysitter whom I trust completely and who welcomes me home with a tidy house. Love you, Kiki.
Life.
Family History Friday
Once upon a long time ago -- back when I only had my little Chloe, I had more time on my hands. And an excitement for Family History. That excitement has made repeat appearances occasionally over the last few years, but none like it was 5 years ago (has it really only been five years? It seems like a lifetime ago.....).
Anyway, I compiled a questionnaire that I sent to my parents and grandparents -- it was full of things that I wanted to know about them. They each sent it back -- both sets of my grandparents even hand wrote their answers, which was a treasure in itself. About 6 months after I sent out the questionnaires, my Grandpa J passed away. I felt so grateful I had heeded the promptings and feelings to get those questions answered.
Time has passed and I've shared the questionnaires here and there, but never actually filled out my own. My cousin, Quinn, asked me the other day to send the .doc to him so he could send them to his family and then mentioned that it would be a help for him in compiling his own life story to date. It was a light bulb moment for me -- my story is important, too. Someday, my grandkids are going to be interested in me and what my life meant to me.
With that tremendous lead up --- well, I'm just going to answer a couple of questions every Friday here on ye olde blog.
Without further ado, Family History Friday:
What is your full name?
Julie Rose Allen
Do you have any nicknames?
Juge, Jewel, Jules, JRo, JulieUlie, Jugey, JR
Anyway, I compiled a questionnaire that I sent to my parents and grandparents -- it was full of things that I wanted to know about them. They each sent it back -- both sets of my grandparents even hand wrote their answers, which was a treasure in itself. About 6 months after I sent out the questionnaires, my Grandpa J passed away. I felt so grateful I had heeded the promptings and feelings to get those questions answered.
Time has passed and I've shared the questionnaires here and there, but never actually filled out my own. My cousin, Quinn, asked me the other day to send the .doc to him so he could send them to his family and then mentioned that it would be a help for him in compiling his own life story to date. It was a light bulb moment for me -- my story is important, too. Someday, my grandkids are going to be interested in me and what my life meant to me.
With that tremendous lead up --- well, I'm just going to answer a couple of questions every Friday here on ye olde blog.
Without further ado, Family History Friday:
What is your full name?
Julie Rose Allen
Do you have any nicknames?
Juge, Jewel, Jules, JRo, JulieUlie, Jugey, JR
Jewel, however, is what Stanton calls me. I don't think it really has as much to do with me being a jewel in his eyes than a shortened version of my name. It is very affectionate, though, and I love that he calls me by a nickname.
Stanton's older sister shares my name, so when I married him it was pretty confusing for both of us to go by Julie. As a result, I was nicknamed JulieRose and JR. It used to drive Stanton nuts because "we were married and I shouldn't have to go by my maiden name in his family!" Also, I never liked the name JR for myself because of that old show, Dallas. After a few years, we sort of came up with the perfect nickname for me around the family -- I'm JRo with all my in-laws. It works very well for me and makes things much less confusing at family get-togethers.
I'm a fan of nicknames. They're fun, they're affectionate, and they are often convenient. Each of my kids has a nickname from me and ones they've given each other.
Chloe is Chlo and ChloBird, Lily is Lil, LuLu, and LilyLove, Brigham is Bubba, B, and Briggy, and Cannon, well, I don't have a nickname for him yet, but the kids all call him GooGoo. It's really cute.
Stanton has a lot of nicknames, too. The two that I call him most are Stant and TonyPro. Again, they're full of affection and make me love him even more.
What is your date of birth?
My dad had had his first hip replacement (thanks, Dad, for correcting that!) right before my birthday and so he wasn't able to get in the water. As a result, my Grandpa Rose baptized me and my dad confirmed me, giving me the gift of the Holy Ghost. I felt really special that I got to have my grandpa baptize me -- I felt like it made me different.
12 November 2009
Thankful For
Today I'm thankful for
Vaccinations
Really, really good friends
Hulu.com
Leftover soup in the freezer
Talents
Stanton
Visiting Teaching
Pictures
Really fantastic children
11 November 2009
It's Almost Thanksgiving, Which Means........
Time for the annual "Thankful For" list.
I look forward to this every year (you know, every year since last year when I started it...)
Today I'm thankful for
The internet and all its incredible resources
Visiting Teaching
Kindergarten and its influence on my little Chloe
The appliance in Lily's mouth that's helping her stop sucking her thumb
Lily's positive attitude about said appliance
Girls who can actually help make dinner (and want to)
The Holiday Season
The occasional nap from Brigham
I look forward to this every year (you know, every year since last year when I started it...)
Today I'm thankful for
The internet and all its incredible resources
Visiting Teaching
Kindergarten and its influence on my little Chloe
The appliance in Lily's mouth that's helping her stop sucking her thumb
Lily's positive attitude about said appliance
Girls who can actually help make dinner (and want to)
The Holiday Season
The occasional nap from Brigham
01 November 2009
Halloween!
I think I'm finally caught up enough to blog about Halloween! Woo Hoo!
We had such a fun day yesterday. I swear, the holidays keep getting funner as the kids get older. I guess that's the joy of parenthood. The kids decided on their costumes really early this year, which was super nice for me. We found a really great homemade Supergirl costume at the DI while we were shopping for Chloe's Farmer Barbie clothes. Lily was instantly in love and for $4, so was I. Brigham was the hardest of the 3 kids. He was determined he was going to be Batman for a couple of weeks and then wanted to be a knight. I found a cheap knight costume online with free shipping and hadn't started getting his Batman costume put together so I bought the knight one. He was way excited about that for a week until he watched Spiderman with Stanton. That was that and he was being Spiderman. Since I had already purchased a costume for him, I wasn't really thrilled with buying another one, so I called around our neighborhood and found one to borrow from a friend. Thanks, Stefanie! He was so incredibly thrilled about it and we had a very hard time limiting his wear of it! We got lucky on Halloween day and found a fleece Spiderman hat, which he was happy to wear instead of the mask that came with the costume. I was really glad about that because I reeeeeaaaaalllly wanted to see his cute face.
I'm getting ahead of myself. That morning, the girls and I went to Breckin Lamb's baptism. It was so so so nice and made me so happy, again, to have the incredible friends I have here.
After the baptism, we headed to Stanton's office while he worked on a patient. Not 1 hour earlier we had been talking about how nice it was that he hadn't had very many emergency calls lately. Ha ha. The universe wins again.
After that jaunt, we hit Walmart and then headed home to carve pumpkins. It was actually fun this year!
Chloe carved her own and did an amazing job.
Stanton carved Brigham's. Brigham chose a spider, of course.
Lily chose the design for hers and I carved it.
I did mine on the tall skinny pumpkin the kids picked out. It was harder than I thought it would be.
Stanton did his on the huge pumpkin we grew in our garden this year. He drew that freehand (looking at a template we'd downloaded). It looks amazing when it's lit up.
We roasted the pumpkin seeds after and the kids watched a movie. After a nap for the younger 3, it was time to get ready for trick or treating!!! My favorite part. For the fun and the candy. The weather happened to be fantastic last night, which was awesome. That, coupled with the kids' costumes being very friendly to layers underneath them, made for a great night with costumes you could actually see.
Chloe was Farmer Barbie
Lily was Supergirl
Brigham was Spiderman
Cannon was a Bumblebee
And Stanton and I were ourselves in a few short years.
I used to hate dressing up. Like from about 7th grade clear up until about 3 years ago. I don't know what I was thinking! Halloween is becoming one of my favorite holidays. It's so fun to see the kids so excited and it is a total blast to dress up. The best part was how many people really thought we were the kids' grandparents. Even some of our best friends didn't realize it was us at first. It was hilarious. Chloe kept looking at me and saying, "Mom, you look like Grandma Rose." It was totally the grey hair. But what she doesn't know is that Grandma Rose had glasses and hair (minus the grey) just like that when I was a kid! Ha ha.
Seeing me old freaked Stanton out a bit, which I thought was funny. He, unfair as it is, looked really handsome and distinguished in his grey hair.
Our camera battery died before we got any great family pictures, but Dave took some, so I'm going to grab them from him at some point.
We trick or treated for longer than we've ever held out before and had a really fun time. The girls were up bright and early this morning going through their buckets and eating themselves sick. Best Halloween ever.
We had such a fun day yesterday. I swear, the holidays keep getting funner as the kids get older. I guess that's the joy of parenthood. The kids decided on their costumes really early this year, which was super nice for me. We found a really great homemade Supergirl costume at the DI while we were shopping for Chloe's Farmer Barbie clothes. Lily was instantly in love and for $4, so was I. Brigham was the hardest of the 3 kids. He was determined he was going to be Batman for a couple of weeks and then wanted to be a knight. I found a cheap knight costume online with free shipping and hadn't started getting his Batman costume put together so I bought the knight one. He was way excited about that for a week until he watched Spiderman with Stanton. That was that and he was being Spiderman. Since I had already purchased a costume for him, I wasn't really thrilled with buying another one, so I called around our neighborhood and found one to borrow from a friend. Thanks, Stefanie! He was so incredibly thrilled about it and we had a very hard time limiting his wear of it! We got lucky on Halloween day and found a fleece Spiderman hat, which he was happy to wear instead of the mask that came with the costume. I was really glad about that because I reeeeeaaaaalllly wanted to see his cute face.
I'm getting ahead of myself. That morning, the girls and I went to Breckin Lamb's baptism. It was so so so nice and made me so happy, again, to have the incredible friends I have here.
After the baptism, we headed to Stanton's office while he worked on a patient. Not 1 hour earlier we had been talking about how nice it was that he hadn't had very many emergency calls lately. Ha ha. The universe wins again.
After that jaunt, we hit Walmart and then headed home to carve pumpkins. It was actually fun this year!
Chloe carved her own and did an amazing job.
Stanton carved Brigham's. Brigham chose a spider, of course.
Lily chose the design for hers and I carved it.
I did mine on the tall skinny pumpkin the kids picked out. It was harder than I thought it would be.
Stanton did his on the huge pumpkin we grew in our garden this year. He drew that freehand (looking at a template we'd downloaded). It looks amazing when it's lit up.
We roasted the pumpkin seeds after and the kids watched a movie. After a nap for the younger 3, it was time to get ready for trick or treating!!! My favorite part. For the fun and the candy. The weather happened to be fantastic last night, which was awesome. That, coupled with the kids' costumes being very friendly to layers underneath them, made for a great night with costumes you could actually see.
Chloe was Farmer Barbie
Lily was Supergirl
Brigham was Spiderman
Cannon was a Bumblebee
And Stanton and I were ourselves in a few short years.
I used to hate dressing up. Like from about 7th grade clear up until about 3 years ago. I don't know what I was thinking! Halloween is becoming one of my favorite holidays. It's so fun to see the kids so excited and it is a total blast to dress up. The best part was how many people really thought we were the kids' grandparents. Even some of our best friends didn't realize it was us at first. It was hilarious. Chloe kept looking at me and saying, "Mom, you look like Grandma Rose." It was totally the grey hair. But what she doesn't know is that Grandma Rose had glasses and hair (minus the grey) just like that when I was a kid! Ha ha.
Seeing me old freaked Stanton out a bit, which I thought was funny. He, unfair as it is, looked really handsome and distinguished in his grey hair.
Our camera battery died before we got any great family pictures, but Dave took some, so I'm going to grab them from him at some point.
We trick or treated for longer than we've ever held out before and had a really fun time. The girls were up bright and early this morning going through their buckets and eating themselves sick. Best Halloween ever.
Conversations
Completely unrelated to the vomit/diarrhea/sugar free suckers episode...
Me: Brigham, stop eating candy, you're going to get a tummy ache.
Brigham continuing to eat: It's awight, I aweady have a tummy ache.
Brigham: Mom, do you know wots of stuff?
Lily: I'm drawing this picture for someone who I like bestest and that's my mom.
After his echo where they used the jelly lubricant:
Brigham: That was jewwy mom.
Me: Yeah, it was! Do you think you'd like a sandwich with that jelly?
Brigham in a "no-duh" voice: No, dat's not samwich jewwy. Dat's heyt suygy jewwy!
After asking Brigham if he was several different names that weren't his own, each time answered with, "No, I Bigham David Ayyen"
Me: Oh! You're Brigham David Allen?
Brigham: Yeah!
Me: Boy, you're persistent.
Brigham: No, I Bigham David Ayyen!
Stanton was eating real maple syrup on a spoon when Brigham asked if he could have some.
Stanton: You probably won't like it.
Brigham: I pobady wiw. Tastes it. In an "I told you so" voice... I towd you I'd wike it.
Chloe was watching me draw and cut out shapes for the Advent Calendar I'm making...
Chloe: Well, you're not a good colorer, but that's the best coloring you've ever done.
When I went to write that quote down, she got really offended. She's not a fan of us thinking things she says are "cute." To her that equals "babyish." Sorry, kid, but they're gettin' recorded.
Also, some little blessings I want to remember:
Our furnace hasn't been working and the part needed to fix it didn't come in before last weekend (which happened to be really cold). On Sunday, Shaynna showed up on my doorstep with a space heater and a promise that more would be coming. The Boyles were there not a half hour later with 2 more. Just enough to heat the kids' rooms. It was such a relief and we were so grateful for them.
That same Sunday I happened to be having a complete melt down with the kids. I was so frustrated with them and the weekend mess and was about the crack. I went into my room and prayed for strength and patience -- it was one of those sincere and fervent prayers. I got up and felt like I should just tackle the mess, so I got to work. About 45 minutes after my prayer, and as the house was just about cleaned up, Joe, Nate (Day), and Jaden (Wursten) showed up at the door asking if the kids could come play with them. They took the 3 older kids for 2 hours to play in the leaves at their house. Again, I was so grateful for a sincere answer to an honest prayer.
Me: Brigham, stop eating candy, you're going to get a tummy ache.
Brigham continuing to eat: It's awight, I aweady have a tummy ache.
Brigham: Mom, do you know wots of stuff?
Lily: I'm drawing this picture for someone who I like bestest and that's my mom.
After his echo where they used the jelly lubricant:
Brigham: That was jewwy mom.
Me: Yeah, it was! Do you think you'd like a sandwich with that jelly?
Brigham in a "no-duh" voice: No, dat's not samwich jewwy. Dat's heyt suygy jewwy!
After asking Brigham if he was several different names that weren't his own, each time answered with, "No, I Bigham David Ayyen"
Me: Oh! You're Brigham David Allen?
Brigham: Yeah!
Me: Boy, you're persistent.
Brigham: No, I Bigham David Ayyen!
Stanton was eating real maple syrup on a spoon when Brigham asked if he could have some.
Stanton: You probably won't like it.
Brigham: I pobady wiw. Tastes it. In an "I told you so" voice... I towd you I'd wike it.
Chloe was watching me draw and cut out shapes for the Advent Calendar I'm making...
Chloe: Well, you're not a good colorer, but that's the best coloring you've ever done.
When I went to write that quote down, she got really offended. She's not a fan of us thinking things she says are "cute." To her that equals "babyish." Sorry, kid, but they're gettin' recorded.
Also, some little blessings I want to remember:
Our furnace hasn't been working and the part needed to fix it didn't come in before last weekend (which happened to be really cold). On Sunday, Shaynna showed up on my doorstep with a space heater and a promise that more would be coming. The Boyles were there not a half hour later with 2 more. Just enough to heat the kids' rooms. It was such a relief and we were so grateful for them.
That same Sunday I happened to be having a complete melt down with the kids. I was so frustrated with them and the weekend mess and was about the crack. I went into my room and prayed for strength and patience -- it was one of those sincere and fervent prayers. I got up and felt like I should just tackle the mess, so I got to work. About 45 minutes after my prayer, and as the house was just about cleaned up, Joe, Nate (Day), and Jaden (Wursten) showed up at the door asking if the kids could come play with them. They took the 3 older kids for 2 hours to play in the leaves at their house. Again, I was so grateful for a sincere answer to an honest prayer.
Cardiologist Check-up
I took Brig down to Primary Children's on Thursday for his check-up. Everything is looking fantastic. He's still on his Enalapril and Aspirin for a few more months, but more as a precautionary measure than anything else.
Dr. Everitt wanted a full echo, but didn't think Brig needed to be sedated. The echo tech gave Brigham a few suckers to keep him still during the procedure. They were working so well, she had me go get a bunch more. I figured they were fine, as they were sugar free. They were great and helped him be still for the entire 45 minute echo....no small feat for a 3 year old.
On the way home, Brig started to complain that he didn't feel good. I took him to McDonald's for lunch thinking some "real" (using that term very loosely here, I know) food would make him feel better. I knew something was terribly wrong when he passed his Happy Meal and toy back up to me saying, "Actuwawy, I don't want anyfing to eat." We were on the freeway by then and within minutes he had tossed his cookies all over himself, his carseat, and the van floor. We pulled over at a gas station and I got things cleaned up as best as I could (it's amazing to me how we just kick into mom-gear and deal with things like that when really we should be in a ball crying). I wrapped him up in a jacket of mine and put him in Cannon's car seat. We ran to Ann's house to drop some things off to her and she was so kind to give me a cup of 7-up for Brig. I made the mistake of letting him drink the entire sippy cup at once and within moments, he had thrown up on Cannon's car seat and the floor around him. At that point it was just 7-up, so I made a judgment call and just drove home that way. He fell asleep as we entered the canyon and slept the rest of the way home.
We got home and I asked Deyette (Stanton's accounts manager who kindly tended for us while I was gone) if she'd stay while I got things cleaned up. I put Brig down for a nap and started getting the car seats taken apart and in the washer. I came in from the garage to find Brigham on the leather chair in the living room. I picked him up and diarrhea squirted on the chair, the floor, and me. Aaaah! I put Brigham in the bathroom with a directive to "NOT MOVE!" and changed and got to work on the chair and floor. I'm really grateful for leather -- I was able to even use anti-bacterial spray cleaner on it. The floor came clean quickly, thanks to the awesome Urine Digester product from Don Aslett's.
Back to the bathroom to check on Brigham, who was on the toilet, diarrhea pull-up on the floor (leaking) and poop on the toilet seat. Got him cleaned up and in the tub. Disinfected the toilet and the floor. Back out to the kitchen/living room to finish cleaning up and throwing things away. Got the carseats taken apart and in the wash and cleaned the chunks out of the van. Called the car wash place to see if they could clean it -- they couldn't until the next day. Grrrr... Thankfully it was just sorbee lollipop vomit (with a little milk mixed in -- yum). It didn't have that horrible vomit smell. I left the doors of the van open and decided I'd just take it in the next day. Again, one of those snap judgment calls. I'm really glad I did. They were able to clean the carpets like I'd only dream of and the whole van is so nice and clean.
Brigham had diarrhea for a few hours after that and once the sorbital and isomalt were out of his system, he was totally fine. Note to self: one (two max) sugar-free suckers at a time...not 12!!!!
In the end, I still figure maybe the ends justified the means. Dr. Everitt was able to see very good pictures of his heart function and I have a really clean van. :)
Dr. Everitt wanted a full echo, but didn't think Brig needed to be sedated. The echo tech gave Brigham a few suckers to keep him still during the procedure. They were working so well, she had me go get a bunch more. I figured they were fine, as they were sugar free. They were great and helped him be still for the entire 45 minute echo....no small feat for a 3 year old.
On the way home, Brig started to complain that he didn't feel good. I took him to McDonald's for lunch thinking some "real" (using that term very loosely here, I know) food would make him feel better. I knew something was terribly wrong when he passed his Happy Meal and toy back up to me saying, "Actuwawy, I don't want anyfing to eat." We were on the freeway by then and within minutes he had tossed his cookies all over himself, his carseat, and the van floor. We pulled over at a gas station and I got things cleaned up as best as I could (it's amazing to me how we just kick into mom-gear and deal with things like that when really we should be in a ball crying). I wrapped him up in a jacket of mine and put him in Cannon's car seat. We ran to Ann's house to drop some things off to her and she was so kind to give me a cup of 7-up for Brig. I made the mistake of letting him drink the entire sippy cup at once and within moments, he had thrown up on Cannon's car seat and the floor around him. At that point it was just 7-up, so I made a judgment call and just drove home that way. He fell asleep as we entered the canyon and slept the rest of the way home.
We got home and I asked Deyette (Stanton's accounts manager who kindly tended for us while I was gone) if she'd stay while I got things cleaned up. I put Brig down for a nap and started getting the car seats taken apart and in the washer. I came in from the garage to find Brigham on the leather chair in the living room. I picked him up and diarrhea squirted on the chair, the floor, and me. Aaaah! I put Brigham in the bathroom with a directive to "NOT MOVE!" and changed and got to work on the chair and floor. I'm really grateful for leather -- I was able to even use anti-bacterial spray cleaner on it. The floor came clean quickly, thanks to the awesome Urine Digester product from Don Aslett's.
Back to the bathroom to check on Brigham, who was on the toilet, diarrhea pull-up on the floor (leaking) and poop on the toilet seat. Got him cleaned up and in the tub. Disinfected the toilet and the floor. Back out to the kitchen/living room to finish cleaning up and throwing things away. Got the carseats taken apart and in the wash and cleaned the chunks out of the van. Called the car wash place to see if they could clean it -- they couldn't until the next day. Grrrr... Thankfully it was just sorbee lollipop vomit (with a little milk mixed in -- yum). It didn't have that horrible vomit smell. I left the doors of the van open and decided I'd just take it in the next day. Again, one of those snap judgment calls. I'm really glad I did. They were able to clean the carpets like I'd only dream of and the whole van is so nice and clean.
Brigham had diarrhea for a few hours after that and once the sorbital and isomalt were out of his system, he was totally fine. Note to self: one (two max) sugar-free suckers at a time...not 12!!!!
In the end, I still figure maybe the ends justified the means. Dr. Everitt was able to see very good pictures of his heart function and I have a really clean van. :)
Kindergarten Carnival
The older kids at Chloe's school put on a Halloween Carnival for the Kindergartners every year (during the school day). This is in place of the traditional parent-run class party. I think it's a cute idea.Chloe liked getting to wear her costume to school, although she wasn't thrilled that people only thought she was a farmer, not farmer Barbie. She was good to get over it, though. And dang, she looked so cute. Special thanks to Jordyn for lending Chloe her boots for a couple of weeks.
Lily wore her costume to preschool the day before but I didn't get a picture.
Pumpkin Walk
Pumpkin Walk is one of the highlights of my year every year. I think it's the same for Stanton and the kids. The weather was really nice the night we went, which made it even more fun.
The theme this year was Commercials. There were two I was really hoping would be done -- I wanted a "Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!" scene and a "Mac & PC" scene. I got one of my two wishes. There was a very cute Mac and PC scene. Some others that we loved were the "Stuck on Band-aid", "Michael Jackson Pepsi", "7-Up Taste Test," and many, many others. The scenes are always so clever.
The kids were fantastic...well, mostly. Brigham is in that 3 year old phase. You know, the "helplessly independent" phase? Yeah, that would be him to a tee right now. I had to carry him on my shoulders the entire time because he was determined to get himself lost otherwise. Stanton pushed Cannon in the stroller and he was so content we didn't dare get him out for any pictures. We were right. We got him out at the very end to see the witch and he would not get back in. Luckily, we only had to get to the car.
Cannon was not sure if he dared look away from the witch. Brigham was mesmerized by the pumpkin unicycle rider swinging back and forth across the ceiling. Lily wanted to wear her princess nightgown and since she was willing to wear pants under it, I didn't stop her. Chloe cooperated.
Chloe/Max
Lily/Max
Brigham/Max (perfect face, right?)
The theme this year was Commercials. There were two I was really hoping would be done -- I wanted a "Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!" scene and a "Mac & PC" scene. I got one of my two wishes. There was a very cute Mac and PC scene. Some others that we loved were the "Stuck on Band-aid", "Michael Jackson Pepsi", "7-Up Taste Test," and many, many others. The scenes are always so clever.
The kids were fantastic...well, mostly. Brigham is in that 3 year old phase. You know, the "helplessly independent" phase? Yeah, that would be him to a tee right now. I had to carry him on my shoulders the entire time because he was determined to get himself lost otherwise. Stanton pushed Cannon in the stroller and he was so content we didn't dare get him out for any pictures. We were right. We got him out at the very end to see the witch and he would not get back in. Luckily, we only had to get to the car.
Cannon was not sure if he dared look away from the witch. Brigham was mesmerized by the pumpkin unicycle rider swinging back and forth across the ceiling. Lily wanted to wear her princess nightgown and since she was willing to wear pants under it, I didn't stop her. Chloe cooperated.
Chloe/Max
Lily/Max
Brigham/Max (perfect face, right?)
Red Ribbon Week
Chloe had her first Red Ribbon week last week. She loved it and yesterday when we were at the store she saw a man smoking. She was heart broken and asked us why he would do that? We were giving her the usual explanations and then she decided, "He must not have had a Red Ribbon week when he was in school."
She loved Pajama Day and Hero Day and School Spirit Day, but especially Crazy Hair Day. I can see myself loving this day every year, too.
She loved that her teacher said she looked like a flower garden.
This was her picture of what she would do instead of drugs or other harmful things. She chose taking out the recycling. Yeah, I wish she were that proactive about chores. At least the concept makes sense!
She loved Pajama Day and Hero Day and School Spirit Day, but especially Crazy Hair Day. I can see myself loving this day every year, too.
She loved that her teacher said she looked like a flower garden.
This was her picture of what she would do instead of drugs or other harmful things. She chose taking out the recycling. Yeah, I wish she were that proactive about chores. At least the concept makes sense!
Corn Maze
No, we didn't take the kids. We meant to, but that was the day Cannon got hives and also it was raining. Maybe next year. What we DID do, though, was send Stanton to scare people on one of the haunted nights. Jim's neighbor owns the maze and gets people to do it every year. Stanton loved it. Two highlights were making one guy fall down out of fear and another guy do karate moves at him.
He totally looked like a prowler in our garage. Can't remember what he was looking for....
Yeah, I can see why someone would do kung fu moves on him....
He totally looked like a prowler in our garage. Can't remember what he was looking for....
Yeah, I can see why someone would do kung fu moves on him....
I'm an Awesome Babysitter
This is Shaynna's baby Brenner. He was at our house the other day and while I wasn't paying attention he found the markers. It wasn't hard -- they were all over the table.
By the way, is he not adorable?
By the way, is he not adorable?
Cannon the love of our life
This little person is so fun and so cute. He's growing up so much lately. He is getting better about playing with the kids, but only on his terms. He still screams at them whenever they invade his space.
He's getting a new tooth, his hair is curly beyond belief, and he's starting to say a few words here and there. In short, we absolutely love him and love that he's the baby of our family.
I caught him doing the dadadada-finger wagging thing the other day.
Coloring his heart out at Stanton's office. He can be seen in this sort of position multiple times a week.
Oh my goodness, I just want to eat him alive, he's so cute.
Cannnon is a total tease and loves to get a reaction from Stanton and I. He is always running away from us and laughing all the way.
He's getting a new tooth, his hair is curly beyond belief, and he's starting to say a few words here and there. In short, we absolutely love him and love that he's the baby of our family.
I caught him doing the dadadada-finger wagging thing the other day.
Coloring his heart out at Stanton's office. He can be seen in this sort of position multiple times a week.
Oh my goodness, I just want to eat him alive, he's so cute.
Cannnon is a total tease and loves to get a reaction from Stanton and I. He is always running away from us and laughing all the way.
Around Here Lately
We've been doing stuff, really. And since I'm home from church with the boys this week in hopes of keeping our household H1N1-free, I'm planning to use the time as Family History time (you know, blog my guts out).
A few happenings:
Cannon got some crazy bad hives two weeks ago. The biggest one on his leg was about 2 inches in diameter.
We never did figure out what caused them, although we suspect it might have been the Sudafed we'd been giving him for his cold.
He had a rough week, as he fell and skinned his nose a few days prior while we were getting family pictures. Thankfully, it didn't get red until after we were done with pictures.
---
We had a fun yard clean up day at Dave and Judy's and Grandma A's houses. I stayed home with Cannon in the morning while Stanton took the other kids over. I went in time for lunch (of course) and helped pick apples. It was the "off" year for the trees (on the on year we always do apple cider), but we ended up picking 37 5-gallon buckets off the 4 trees. It was crazy. We took 10 buckets home and made applesauce. Chloe stayed up late one night and helped me do about 15 quarts from apples we got from a neighbor. It was so much fun to work one on one with her. She's a good kid.
(I don't know if I've blogged about any of our applesauce this year. Anyway, I did 7 quarts from apples from my friend Abbie's tree, Chloe and I did 15 quarts from our neighbors, the Stevenson's tree, and Stanton and I did 49 quarts from the apples on Grandma's tree). We are totally burned out of canning. Oh, I also did 12 quarts of chili sauce for Dave and Grandma. Yeah, I'm seriously sick of canning. I tried to get rid of our tomatoes, but although several people expressed interest, no one actually came and got any. Next year we are only going to plant about 3 tomato plants. We waste so many every year. I did do about 20 quarts of spaghetti sauce and 30 quarts of tomato juice, though, so hopefully we're good for the year, especially considering that we still have about 20 quarts of spaghetti sauce left from last year.
While I was canning.....
They were playing. This picture was taken before they really got out of control. The garage was a mess.
---
Other stuff to come.
A few happenings:
Cannon got some crazy bad hives two weeks ago. The biggest one on his leg was about 2 inches in diameter.
We never did figure out what caused them, although we suspect it might have been the Sudafed we'd been giving him for his cold.He had a rough week, as he fell and skinned his nose a few days prior while we were getting family pictures. Thankfully, it didn't get red until after we were done with pictures.
---
We had a fun yard clean up day at Dave and Judy's and Grandma A's houses. I stayed home with Cannon in the morning while Stanton took the other kids over. I went in time for lunch (of course) and helped pick apples. It was the "off" year for the trees (on the on year we always do apple cider), but we ended up picking 37 5-gallon buckets off the 4 trees. It was crazy. We took 10 buckets home and made applesauce. Chloe stayed up late one night and helped me do about 15 quarts from apples we got from a neighbor. It was so much fun to work one on one with her. She's a good kid.
(I don't know if I've blogged about any of our applesauce this year. Anyway, I did 7 quarts from apples from my friend Abbie's tree, Chloe and I did 15 quarts from our neighbors, the Stevenson's tree, and Stanton and I did 49 quarts from the apples on Grandma's tree). We are totally burned out of canning. Oh, I also did 12 quarts of chili sauce for Dave and Grandma. Yeah, I'm seriously sick of canning. I tried to get rid of our tomatoes, but although several people expressed interest, no one actually came and got any. Next year we are only going to plant about 3 tomato plants. We waste so many every year. I did do about 20 quarts of spaghetti sauce and 30 quarts of tomato juice, though, so hopefully we're good for the year, especially considering that we still have about 20 quarts of spaghetti sauce left from last year.
While I was canning.....
They were playing. This picture was taken before they really got out of control. The garage was a mess.---
Other stuff to come.
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