12.05.2008
Contest on Every Day Food Storage
I am once again proclaiming what a fan I am of this website. If you haven't yet, take a moment and check it out!
12.04.2008
10.29.2008
Now we know....
http://mysuperhopelessromance.blogspot.com/
It's not real, at least it gave me something good to read and look forward to. I'm just not sure how I feel about "getting fooled" into believing that it might actually be someone's real blog. I guess shame on me.
Anyone else's thoughts?
It's not real, at least it gave me something good to read and look forward to. I'm just not sure how I feel about "getting fooled" into believing that it might actually be someone's real blog. I guess shame on me.
Anyone else's thoughts?
New Blog Picture
Hey everyone, a big shout out to my friend, Robyn, for designing our new picture for my blog!!!
THANKS SO MUCH!
I love it!
Disclaimer: I am not the biggest football fan; however, my husband is and I thought I could score points with him by changing my blog background - hey, I'm being honest!
THANKS SO MUCH!
I love it!
Disclaimer: I am not the biggest football fan; however, my husband is and I thought I could score points with him by changing my blog background - hey, I'm being honest!
10.27.2008
Macaroni and Cheese
This one is for my brothers Matt and Merritt.
I am the oldest of six children. I would babysit my younger siblings a lot during my teenage years. I would make Macaroni and Cheese for dinner. I would cut up hot dogs and put them in the Macaroni and Cheese. I was severely teased because of this. My two brothers, Matthew and Merritt, thought that was about the grossest thing ever! They still make fun of me to this day for doing that. I did not think I was doing an abnormal thing - I've heard of lots of people who mix meat into their macaroni and cheese, especially hot dogs.
So fast forward, many many years later, I am making Macaroni and Cheese for my children. Yes, my two little ones love it so when the older ones are at their mom's house, we have fun dinners like Mac and Cheese. Anyway, right on the box it says:
Stir-in Ideas
Fold in one or more of the following ingredients:
1. 1 drained 6 oz can of Tuna
2. 1/2 cup chopped, cooked Ham or Chicken
3. 4 chopped, cooked Hot Dogs
4. 1 cup cooked Hamburger with or without onions.
Must I repeat - #3, this one is especially for you Matthew and Merritt, right on the box it says!
Alright, I feel better now.
I know that I am not weird - there are a lot of other people out there who like to mix things into their mac and cheese.
So what do you like to mix in your mac and cheese?
I am the oldest of six children. I would babysit my younger siblings a lot during my teenage years. I would make Macaroni and Cheese for dinner. I would cut up hot dogs and put them in the Macaroni and Cheese. I was severely teased because of this. My two brothers, Matthew and Merritt, thought that was about the grossest thing ever! They still make fun of me to this day for doing that. I did not think I was doing an abnormal thing - I've heard of lots of people who mix meat into their macaroni and cheese, especially hot dogs.
So fast forward, many many years later, I am making Macaroni and Cheese for my children. Yes, my two little ones love it so when the older ones are at their mom's house, we have fun dinners like Mac and Cheese. Anyway, right on the box it says:
Stir-in Ideas
Fold in one or more of the following ingredients:
1. 1 drained 6 oz can of Tuna
2. 1/2 cup chopped, cooked Ham or Chicken
3. 4 chopped, cooked Hot Dogs
4. 1 cup cooked Hamburger with or without onions.
Must I repeat - #3, this one is especially for you Matthew and Merritt, right on the box it says!
4 CHOPPED, COOKED HOT DOGS
Alright, I feel better now.
I know that I am not weird - there are a lot of other people out there who like to mix things into their mac and cheese.
So what do you like to mix in your mac and cheese?
10.26.2008
Trunk R Treat
Our ward has an annual Halloween tradition - we do a chili dinner and then Trunk R Treat. The kids look forward to it every year. I decided this year that we were going to have good costumes. In the past, I've planned and that was about it. In my defense though, since we've been married, I helped with the first one, planned the next two (one year with a new baby), then the next year had a baby the same week - so last year was my first year as just a participator. This year, I decided to do it up right.
We have a wonderful friend, Cheri, who gave us some Denver Bronco hand-me-downs - a football outfit that fit Cameron perfectly and a cheerleader outfit that fit Carson perfectly. That is where my inspiration came from. Bryan and I were fans; Jordan, the referee; Rylee and Carson were cheerleaders; Cameron, the football player; and Morgan was the.... Football!!! I made Rylee and Cameron's costume.
Thank heavens for EBay, that is where I found Jordan's awesome referee shirt. We were a big hit at the Trunk R Treat - although not everyone could tell what Morgan was. I didn't know how else to do the football so we tried our best. We did have a great time and the kids loaded up on lots of sugar. Can't wait until next year!
We have a wonderful friend, Cheri, who gave us some Denver Bronco hand-me-downs - a football outfit that fit Cameron perfectly and a cheerleader outfit that fit Carson perfectly. That is where my inspiration came from. Bryan and I were fans; Jordan, the referee; Rylee and Carson were cheerleaders; Cameron, the football player; and Morgan was the.... Football!!! I made Rylee and Cameron's costume.
Thank heavens for EBay, that is where I found Jordan's awesome referee shirt. We were a big hit at the Trunk R Treat - although not everyone could tell what Morgan was. I didn't know how else to do the football so we tried our best. We did have a great time and the kids loaded up on lots of sugar. Can't wait until next year!
10.19.2008
Sacrament Meeting today...
Sometimes when you sit through church meetings with small children, you wonder why you even go. My kids are usually at their worst during church meetings, especially the big one in the chapel where we are supposed to be extra quiet during the sacrament. That is when they turn all of their charm on :)
I am not a good mom - I don't have a bag that I take for them full of activities and paper. I'm lucky if I remember sippy cups, a treat and a diaper. Oh, I have lots of ideas for things to help them be quiet; I've even made a few of them and still, we don't remember to take them or they aren't where we left them the last time... You get the picture.
Today, one of my dear friends was giving a talk about the sacrament. She was telling about how when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he pleaded with the apostles to just stay awake one hour with him - they could not. She said that made her think that sometimes it's even difficult for us to give 10 minutes fully to the Lord during the Sacrament. And I started to think...
Now, let me tell you another story before my "What I Learned From This Moment". Another dear friend of ours, currently is housing her 15 year old cousin for a year. This cute girl has moved far away from home and is living here now. She misses her family and friends terribly. She was telling me yesterday that when she first moved out here, her friends would call her and text her all the time and now she doesn't hear from them much. She said she recently called a friend and was telling her how hard it was, moving so far away during her sophomore year of high school, how she missed her friends and their activities and her friend said, "Heather, you are tough, you can get through this." As she was telling me this, at first, I thought, "Oh, her friends don't know what else to say, they are tired of hearing it and so they are just coming up with that." However, sitting in church, I came away with a different perspective for me. (This is all about me, I'm not secretly talking about someone else, just me!)
So - "What I Learned From This Moment"
First - Sometimes the things thrown at us in life are ONLY things that WE CAN GO THROUGH! No one else can do it for us. Just like when Christ was in Gethsemane, only he, alone, could go through that. I can do hard things.
Second - No matter how much I complain (me, not Christ) about what I am going through, it is not going to go away - I have to learn how to deal with it. My mom can't take it away, my husband can't, my friends can't. I can do hard things.
Third - I am the one who chooses how I will act and react every single day. (This is going to take some work - I'll let you know how it is going.) I can do hard things.
Disclaimer: I do not in any way think that I have harder things to deal with in life than anyone else. In fact, compared to many people, my trials are small - but to me, they seem to gain a life of their own and get bigger and bigger, making me feel like there is no way to get through them. I feel a little overwhelmed.
From LDS.ORG: Adversity - As part of Heavenly Father's plan of redemption, all people experience adversity during their lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress.
And to all who have listened to me, countless times, THANK YOU! Thank you for being patient with me. I appreciate you! I guess I still have a lot of growth, refinement and progress to do!
I am not a good mom - I don't have a bag that I take for them full of activities and paper. I'm lucky if I remember sippy cups, a treat and a diaper. Oh, I have lots of ideas for things to help them be quiet; I've even made a few of them and still, we don't remember to take them or they aren't where we left them the last time... You get the picture.
Today, one of my dear friends was giving a talk about the sacrament. She was telling about how when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he pleaded with the apostles to just stay awake one hour with him - they could not. She said that made her think that sometimes it's even difficult for us to give 10 minutes fully to the Lord during the Sacrament. And I started to think...
Now, let me tell you another story before my "What I Learned From This Moment". Another dear friend of ours, currently is housing her 15 year old cousin for a year. This cute girl has moved far away from home and is living here now. She misses her family and friends terribly. She was telling me yesterday that when she first moved out here, her friends would call her and text her all the time and now she doesn't hear from them much. She said she recently called a friend and was telling her how hard it was, moving so far away during her sophomore year of high school, how she missed her friends and their activities and her friend said, "Heather, you are tough, you can get through this." As she was telling me this, at first, I thought, "Oh, her friends don't know what else to say, they are tired of hearing it and so they are just coming up with that." However, sitting in church, I came away with a different perspective for me. (This is all about me, I'm not secretly talking about someone else, just me!)
So - "What I Learned From This Moment"
First - Sometimes the things thrown at us in life are ONLY things that WE CAN GO THROUGH! No one else can do it for us. Just like when Christ was in Gethsemane, only he, alone, could go through that. I can do hard things.
Second - No matter how much I complain (me, not Christ) about what I am going through, it is not going to go away - I have to learn how to deal with it. My mom can't take it away, my husband can't, my friends can't. I can do hard things.
Third - I am the one who chooses how I will act and react every single day. (This is going to take some work - I'll let you know how it is going.) I can do hard things.
Disclaimer: I do not in any way think that I have harder things to deal with in life than anyone else. In fact, compared to many people, my trials are small - but to me, they seem to gain a life of their own and get bigger and bigger, making me feel like there is no way to get through them. I feel a little overwhelmed.
From LDS.ORG: Adversity - As part of Heavenly Father's plan of redemption, all people experience adversity during their lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress.
And to all who have listened to me, countless times, THANK YOU! Thank you for being patient with me. I appreciate you! I guess I still have a lot of growth, refinement and progress to do!
10.16.2008
I love this blog !
I stumbled across this blog : http://mysuperhopelessromance.blogspot.com/
and am loving every single minute of reading it!!!!
Been there, done that! (more times than I'd like to admit!!!)
It is so addictive to read though... I sure hope it works out well for her!
and am loving every single minute of reading it!!!!
Been there, done that! (more times than I'd like to admit!!!)
It is so addictive to read though... I sure hope it works out well for her!
10.07.2008
Edinburg Labor Day Picnic
We took the kids up to the fairgrounds on Saturday night, ate some food, took them on a couple of rides and ended the evening with miniature golf. All in all it was a good time.
Carson's Birthday Celebration
This is a picture of Carson's birthday party with friends. We met at the mall to ride the carousel. That was fun. We then went to a friend's house where the kids played a few games, decorated cupcakes and opened presents. I think it turned out well and special thanks to our friends the Burkes who opened up their home to us at the last minute because of rain. We sure appreciate you guys.
I don't have any pictures of Carson's celebration at school. Her birthday was on a Sunday so she was going to celebrate on the Friday before. I even made her a special shirt to wear to school. She ended up being sick that day so we moved everything to Monday. I had to work that day and wasn't able to go to school with her for the treats. Oh well, at least I'll get to do it next year.
Morgan
Labor Day 2008
Our last day at Knight's Action Park... We had a great summer, spending time there. The little kids absolutely loved it!
Looking at these pictures, makes me realize how much I miss summer! I do love fall, but definitely not looking forward to this yucky weather.
Anna + Carson + Hair = Hilarious
On Labor Day, one of Carson's best friends came over for a few hours. They played for awhile and decided to do each other's hair. They used every stinkin' barrett, clip and hair pretty they could find... It was so funny!
September is finally over, whew!
What can I say? The past month pretty much sucked all life out of me. As you can tell from my TWO WHOLE POSTS I did for the month. I think that I'm back on track though and hoping to tell you all some fun things that have happened since my last serious posting. Yes, even though September was a DIFFICULT month, we did have some really fun times. Now, if I can just find my camera so I can prove it to ya'll with pictures!
Could this be true?
I just read this quote, said to be an old proverb, and wondered if it could be true!
"What parents do in moderation, children do in excess"
Interesting!
9.26.2008
A book for Nie Nie
From Jackie's Blog:
I ran across this awesome way to help The Nielson Family. (For those of you who may not know what I'm talking about, click on the nie nie recovery button on the right of my page and and follow the links.)
Anyway...Great people are trying to put put together a book to benefit the NieNie fund, written by bloggers. All proceeds from the book will go to the NieNie fund. The working title is "Sometimes Life is Funny." And they need content!
If you've always wanted to see your name in an actual book, here's your chance. so take a look at this site http://borrowedlight.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-book.html and submit away!
I ran across this awesome way to help The Nielson Family. (For those of you who may not know what I'm talking about, click on the nie nie recovery button on the right of my page and and follow the links.)
Anyway...Great people are trying to put put together a book to benefit the NieNie fund, written by bloggers. All proceeds from the book will go to the NieNie fund. The working title is "Sometimes Life is Funny." And they need content!
If you've always wanted to see your name in an actual book, here's your chance. so take a look at this site http://borrowedlight.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-book.html and submit away!
9.17.2008
Time Out ... for me!
Last Saturday, I was able to attend a "Time Out for Women" seminar in St Louis. It was wonderful! What can I say? I was so excited to go - one of my all time favorites - Jane Clayson Johnson was speaking. She did a fabulous job. I feel such a connection to her - I don't even really know her. When I lived at home with my parents before I got married, every morning, my mom and I would watch "The Early Show" on CBS with Bryant Gumble and Jane Clayson. We loved her! After I married, moved to Illinois and had my two kids, I found out that she had gotten married, had three step kids and then had two children... JUST LIKE ME!!!! She talked about being a step-mom (so close to my heart) and about being a mom and a wife. About trying each and every day and how important it is to take time for yourself. It was so awesome!
During one of the breaks, I ran up to the front of the room so I could stand in line and meet her. I was so excited to go up and try to meet her that I forgot my camera or anything for her to autograph. She was very sweet and gave me a hug. It was nice to meet her. She is a very down-to-earth person. I was a little sad though - it would have been so much fun for my mom to meet her also.
I also thought there might be a chance for me to see my MTC companion while there. She lives near Kansas City now and Dana had seen her two years ago at a "Time Out for Women" so I was hoping. I kept praying that I would run into her and wouldn't you know - while we were walking around outside for lunch, trying to find a place to sit down and eat - guess who walked by! It was so wonderful to see Leesa! I know that I needed to see her and make that connection again. We have so much in common with our children. I am so blessed to have run into her again. And now I know she doesn't live too far, I'm going to visit her sometime!
I did get pictures of Leesa and myself.
8.26.2008
This Morning
I was awakened to my very loud 22 month old in his room talking LOUDLY (Morgan cannot do anything softly or quietly) at
8.24.2008
My mindless ramblings...
I had a lovely weekend - I went to visit my wonderful great lovely friend, Jackie. We had a great time catching up while our kids played and played. Carson loved swimming and playing with the girls and Morgan loved playing with Lauson and Momo.
A few of our conversations have kept coming back in my mind, so I thought I'd jot them down, since I really have been thinking about them all day.
First of all, this morning I did the girls' hair before church so Jackie was taking pictures, and she casually commented that now that she is blogging, she notices when she takes a picture if her house is a mess - which I totally agree with! As I was looking through previous posts, I just must not care what anyone thinks of my old house. It is always a mess! I feel like I've given up, especially since I've gone back to work. For the most part, I try to scoot stuff out of the way, or clean up a little bit when I'm taking a picture so it doesn't look that horrible. Oh, I'm so deceiving! I also want to let all of you know that the NUMBER ONE reason we don't invite people over is because our house is a mess! So don't ever feel like we don't like you or we aren't social. So not true! We just don't always have a clean house. It's one thing that I blog about it, but entirely another to share it in pictures or person with the world.
Our other conversation, revolved around "Where is the mother?" You know, you have all heard those stories where something happens to a child and in this day and age with the news all over the Internet, one of the first and foremost comments is "Where is the mother? or Where are the parents?" As a mother, I feel like it doesn't matter if I am standing right next to my child - they still could get hurt, in trouble, you name it. No matter how careful you are, stuff happens.
To let you all know what a good mom I am, I thought I'd share a story. This past spring one lovely school night, I made dinner, we ate and then the kids dispersed themselves throughout the house while Bryan and I were cleaning up. They were going along with their nightly school routine and we were talking while we were cleaning. About 20 - 30 minutes later, the doorbell rings. This is an oddity for us, because nobody ever just stops by. We always know if someone is coming to visit so we had no idea who it might be. Bryan went and answered the door and standing there are Cameron and Carson. Yes, they had been outside playing and wanted to come back in the house. Hmmmmmmm, where was their mother? You know, I had NO IDEA they had even escaped the house. It was dark outside so we wouldn't have seen them playing while we were in the kitchen. Thank heavens that they were alright and nothing happened. Again, I say, Where was their mother? I was in the house cleaning, talking to my husband, feeling like I was in control and doing what I needed to to make our house a better place and what do you know - the inmates escaped!
Yes, we have all had something like this happen to us. We just are lucky that we can laugh about it now and things turned out well.
A few of our conversations have kept coming back in my mind, so I thought I'd jot them down, since I really have been thinking about them all day.
First of all, this morning I did the girls' hair before church so Jackie was taking pictures, and she casually commented that now that she is blogging, she notices when she takes a picture if her house is a mess - which I totally agree with! As I was looking through previous posts, I just must not care what anyone thinks of my old house. It is always a mess! I feel like I've given up, especially since I've gone back to work. For the most part, I try to scoot stuff out of the way, or clean up a little bit when I'm taking a picture so it doesn't look that horrible. Oh, I'm so deceiving! I also want to let all of you know that the NUMBER ONE reason we don't invite people over is because our house is a mess! So don't ever feel like we don't like you or we aren't social. So not true! We just don't always have a clean house. It's one thing that I blog about it, but entirely another to share it in pictures or person with the world.
Our other conversation, revolved around "Where is the mother?" You know, you have all heard those stories where something happens to a child and in this day and age with the news all over the Internet, one of the first and foremost comments is "Where is the mother? or Where are the parents?" As a mother, I feel like it doesn't matter if I am standing right next to my child - they still could get hurt, in trouble, you name it. No matter how careful you are, stuff happens.
To let you all know what a good mom I am, I thought I'd share a story. This past spring one lovely school night, I made dinner, we ate and then the kids dispersed themselves throughout the house while Bryan and I were cleaning up. They were going along with their nightly school routine and we were talking while we were cleaning. About 20 - 30 minutes later, the doorbell rings. This is an oddity for us, because nobody ever just stops by. We always know if someone is coming to visit so we had no idea who it might be. Bryan went and answered the door and standing there are Cameron and Carson. Yes, they had been outside playing and wanted to come back in the house. Hmmmmmmm, where was their mother? You know, I had NO IDEA they had even escaped the house. It was dark outside so we wouldn't have seen them playing while we were in the kitchen. Thank heavens that they were alright and nothing happened. Again, I say, Where was their mother? I was in the house cleaning, talking to my husband, feeling like I was in control and doing what I needed to to make our house a better place and what do you know - the inmates escaped!
Yes, we have all had something like this happen to us. We just are lucky that we can laugh about it now and things turned out well.
8.20.2008
Sunday HairDoS!
Since I've been having so much fun doing the girls' hair, I thought I'd share their do's from this past Sunday. Rylee was even a good sport and let me do her hair, although by the time we got to Primary, I noticed that she had undone her two lower braids. It was still cute though!Carson likes to twirl her hair and she got a hold of the two lowest pony tails, but they even stayed in all day :)
8.16.2008
Happy Anniversary!!!
Today is our 5th Wedding Anniversary. I can't believe it. You hear that all the time from people but it's true. At times, it doesn't seem like that long ago that we were married and other times it seems like a lot longer than five years. I am sure that has to do with the fact that we had a ready-made family for us. We surely hit the ground running and have never looked back.
I can't find the rest of our wedding photos so this one will have to do, until I can find the rest!
Well, honey - I am so glad we have made it this far and I happily look forward to many more years together. We always have so much fun together and you make me happy. I love you!
I can't find the rest of our wedding photos so this one will have to do, until I can find the rest!
Thank You, Kimberly!
Since I started back to work in December, the kids have had the best day care I could ever ask for. A friend from church, Kimberly, offered to watch the kids for me. Man, was she a lifesaver. My kids instantly fell in love with her. She has a little boy Carson's age and a little girl Morgan's age. They had so much fun playing together three times a week. Since Carson is starting pre-k this week, they started going to a new day care so she could ride the bus to school, since Kimberly doesn't live in the same school district as we do. My kids were so sad... They truely enjoyed their time with her. In fact, the last day I took them, I took some pictures and I couldn't even get Morgan to look at me because he just loves to look at her! It's pretty cute.
So THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for taking such good care of my babies. I never ever worried about them when they were in your home and they always had so much fun. We will miss seeing you when I'm at work - but look forward to many more fun times we can spend together....
Carson's Hair
I have been having sooooooooooo much fun doing Carson's hair. I found a couple of blogs that have been great inspiration to me. I will share her "do" from today.
This is simple three ponytails on the top half of her head. Braid the side ponytails and split the top one in half - braid each side. Pull two braids plus bottom half of hair into a low ponytail and do a messy bun. Complete with a mini-clip.
Here is a view from the top. This was a pretty easy do - it took me maybe 10 minutes. I am getting super fast at braiding her hair.
Visiting Grandparents and Cousins
(Alright people, I just downloaded pictures off of my camera and now I'm remembering posts I should have made a long time ago! Sorry about that.)
When we were in Idaho last month, we met Bryan's parents and Uncle James, Angela and Jenny at the mall. We had lunch and the kids played together on the fun toys there. We sure enjoyed spending time with them...
Morgan, Carson, Jenny and Angela
When we were in Idaho last month, we met Bryan's parents and Uncle James, Angela and Jenny at the mall. We had lunch and the kids played together on the fun toys there. We sure enjoyed spending time with them...
Morgan, Carson, Jenny and Angela 
Grandpa Sant, Morgan, Carson, Jenny, Angela and Grandma Sant
Grandpa and Grandma Sant received a special letter this week from the prophet. They have been called on a mission to Salt Lake City where they will work for the Church's History Department. They don't know much more than that! We are very excited for them. They start their mission on October 3. They have been looking forward to this for a very long time and we are so excited for them. What a great example to their children and grandchildren. Way to go! We are so proud of you!
Morgan and his favorite toy...
You have all been asking for pics, here they are. I found him with the plunger one day - I didn't give it to him to take pictures - that is gross! And since I keep forgetting each time I go to the store, I haven't bought him his own yet either - that is even grosser!
I'm getting ready to row!
I can use it to reach up way high!
I can pretend it's a horsey and take a ride.
Or I can just hold onto it while I watch television!8.08.2008
Cheetos, TV and Diets...
It's 11:40 pm, I'm reading yahoo news and I see the word "Cheetos"... Instantly, I want some. I have to have some. Is that crazy or what? I know that we have a bag of puffy Cheetos (which are definitely not as good as the crunchy ones, but in a pinch will do) in the cupboard below the microwave. Seriously, my mouth is just watering thinking about those Cheetos. I CANNOT EAT THEM!
I have been trying really hard since the beginning of June to lose some weight. I'm even on a special diet. Some weeks I do very well, others not so good. I'm sure that is the way most diets are. I only have four weeks left of this special diet and then I'm moving to the maintenance phase. Am I done losing weight? Heavens no! I just can't afford the diet anymore and am going to move onto something that is cheaper, eating regular food. I needed a kick start in the losing weight department so that healing from my surgery would be easier and faster. All in all, I do feel a lot better. I have more energy and I have lost some weight! Yeah for me :)
But, one of my most difficult times of the day is after 8:00 pm. I start craving anything and everything - like those Cheetos. And now that I'm on a diet, any time that I am watching television and someone is eating something - I start to crave that. I did NOT realize how many people eat on television. Never even noticed it before. Now that I can't eat most foods, I definitely notice it. Do you think this is a subliminal form of advertising? The worst show to watch for me is "Friends". I absolutely love that show. I will watch it in reruns forever, just like my parents used to watch "M.A.S.H." Anyway, they are always eating something on that show - muffins or cookies at the coffee shop, pizza or Chinese food at Monica's, fajitas at Ross'... Must I go on? I'm telling you, watching that show makes me hungry.
So, the last two nights, I've watched myself after 8 pm and tried so much to not eat! I've been drinking lots of pop, maybe that's why I can't fall asleep, all that caffeine. But guess what, I've been successful. It is a lot of work though. It isn't easy that is for sure. Please bear with me as I ramble on about my weight loss now and in the future. This is one contest I surely want to lose!
I have been trying really hard since the beginning of June to lose some weight. I'm even on a special diet. Some weeks I do very well, others not so good. I'm sure that is the way most diets are. I only have four weeks left of this special diet and then I'm moving to the maintenance phase. Am I done losing weight? Heavens no! I just can't afford the diet anymore and am going to move onto something that is cheaper, eating regular food. I needed a kick start in the losing weight department so that healing from my surgery would be easier and faster. All in all, I do feel a lot better. I have more energy and I have lost some weight! Yeah for me :)
But, one of my most difficult times of the day is after 8:00 pm. I start craving anything and everything - like those Cheetos. And now that I'm on a diet, any time that I am watching television and someone is eating something - I start to crave that. I did NOT realize how many people eat on television. Never even noticed it before. Now that I can't eat most foods, I definitely notice it. Do you think this is a subliminal form of advertising? The worst show to watch for me is "Friends". I absolutely love that show. I will watch it in reruns forever, just like my parents used to watch "M.A.S.H." Anyway, they are always eating something on that show - muffins or cookies at the coffee shop, pizza or Chinese food at Monica's, fajitas at Ross'... Must I go on? I'm telling you, watching that show makes me hungry.
So, the last two nights, I've watched myself after 8 pm and tried so much to not eat! I've been drinking lots of pop, maybe that's why I can't fall asleep, all that caffeine. But guess what, I've been successful. It is a lot of work though. It isn't easy that is for sure. Please bear with me as I ramble on about my weight loss now and in the future. This is one contest I surely want to lose!
I am a mother (and oh so happy about it)
Alrighty folks, you know that it is time for school to begin when:
1. The seven and a half year old and the four year old stay up later than their parents watching "Sponge Bob". I think this week that the two of them haven't gone to bed before 10:30 pm. I'm so tired!
2. When we go to the waterpark and the 13 year old, after only 45 minutes, gets out of the pool, and reads a book for the remainder of our time there.
3. When any and all routines go out the window so fast that there is no way to stop them.
4. When I haven't cooked dinner for five nights, because I'm not home.
5. When the four year old has to go to the bathroom so badly, that when someone else is already in there, she just pees all over her bedroom floor and then it's mom's fault. (Because it always is!)
6. When the 21-month old doesn't know what the meaning of nap time is... (Not because he won't take a nap, but because we are never home)
7. When the mom asks the 10 year old AND the 7 year old "When was the last time you brushed your teeth or took a shower?" and they can't remember.
8. Finally, when the mom is ready to pull out each hair on her head individually only because it would be less painful than trying to persuade, coax, invite, harass or bully her children into obeying! Yes folks, it is indeed time for school to begin.
PS - We really are a happy family - we just thrive so much better with structure.
1. The seven and a half year old and the four year old stay up later than their parents watching "Sponge Bob". I think this week that the two of them haven't gone to bed before 10:30 pm. I'm so tired!
2. When we go to the waterpark and the 13 year old, after only 45 minutes, gets out of the pool, and reads a book for the remainder of our time there.
3. When any and all routines go out the window so fast that there is no way to stop them.
4. When I haven't cooked dinner for five nights, because I'm not home.
5. When the four year old has to go to the bathroom so badly, that when someone else is already in there, she just pees all over her bedroom floor and then it's mom's fault. (Because it always is!)
6. When the 21-month old doesn't know what the meaning of nap time is... (Not because he won't take a nap, but because we are never home)
7. When the mom asks the 10 year old AND the 7 year old "When was the last time you brushed your teeth or took a shower?" and they can't remember.
8. Finally, when the mom is ready to pull out each hair on her head individually only because it would be less painful than trying to persuade, coax, invite, harass or bully her children into obeying! Yes folks, it is indeed time for school to begin.
PS - We really are a happy family - we just thrive so much better with structure.
Interesting article...
I read the Deseret News daily. It's one of my obsessions :) Don't know if that is a good or a bad thing, but just the same, I do read it. I read an interesting article about Sister Beck's talk from October 2007 conference.
I don't understand what all the uproar is about. I even printed off the talk to read again and of course, nothing they were quoting in the article was in her talk... I didn't know if they were trying to stir things up or what. I will say that with the advent of blogs and such, I have run across some women's sites by LDS church members that after reading a few things on them, I just have never felt quite comfortable becoming a regular reader or commenter on those sites. I don't know if I'm alone in this or not - believe me there is SO MUCH GREAT AND WONDERFUL stuff on the Internet. However, I am not comfortable with some of the sites I have seen that are from LDS women who argue, dissect, twist and/or take issue with the teachings of church leaders.
Just my humble opinion...
I don't understand what all the uproar is about. I even printed off the talk to read again and of course, nothing they were quoting in the article was in her talk... I didn't know if they were trying to stir things up or what. I will say that with the advent of blogs and such, I have run across some women's sites by LDS church members that after reading a few things on them, I just have never felt quite comfortable becoming a regular reader or commenter on those sites. I don't know if I'm alone in this or not - believe me there is SO MUCH GREAT AND WONDERFUL stuff on the Internet. However, I am not comfortable with some of the sites I have seen that are from LDS women who argue, dissect, twist and/or take issue with the teachings of church leaders.
Just my humble opinion...
8.07.2008
Another Cool Blog
Alrighty, I found another cool blog - maybe you all have seen it, but I haven't so I'm sharing it with you....
Everyday Food Storage.
Enjoy!
Everyday Food Storage.
Enjoy!
7.27.2008
Cool Blog
Alright, I stumbled across this very cool blog - on how to do your girls' hair. It's awesome.
Check it out!
http://girlydos.blogspot.com/
I was this close to getting Carson's hair cut in a little bob, but now that I've found this website, we'll keep her hair long for a while now.
Check it out!
http://girlydos.blogspot.com/
I was this close to getting Carson's hair cut in a little bob, but now that I've found this website, we'll keep her hair long for a while now.
7.25.2008
No Patience...
I have no patience.
I have lost that virtue.
How do I get it back?
See, it starts out - I'm a good person, I think I will try and have a child or two. I'm pretty patient and I can handle it... At least that is what you think, and then they are born. Whole new ball game. Not exactly what you thought. Oh, there are some great times, some peaceful times, some nice times too, but after awhile - patience has thrown itself out of the window.
Could my dieting have anything to do with this?
I have lost that virtue.
How do I get it back?
See, it starts out - I'm a good person, I think I will try and have a child or two. I'm pretty patient and I can handle it... At least that is what you think, and then they are born. Whole new ball game. Not exactly what you thought. Oh, there are some great times, some peaceful times, some nice times too, but after awhile - patience has thrown itself out of the window.
Could my dieting have anything to do with this?
Randy Pausch
Remember when I told you all about Randy Pausch?
Sadly, he passed on this morning.
I still haven't read his book, but I sure want to...
Sadly, he passed on this morning.
I still haven't read his book, but I sure want to...
7.22.2008
7.20.2008
Morgan's new favorite toy....
Why do I spend money on toys for my little boy? He is obsessed with our toilet plunger - how gross is that? I have got to start hiding it. He will lug that thing all over the house, this morning he had it out and on top of Bryan's basketball, pushing it around - thinking that was oh, so funny.
EWWWWWWWWW!
EWWWWWWWWW!
What I've been lifting lately...
Morgan had a drs appt this week in St. Louis. Of course, they measured him and weighed him. He weighs 27 pounds now :) He is in the 15% for his height and 50% for his weight - go figure.
Then I figured out why I keep getting these darn hernias. Carson weighs 34 pounds and before this surgery in May, I could and would carry both of them around - that is 61 pounds combined weight. WOW!
Now, I don't think of myself as very strong - in fact I'm pretty much a wimp, but lifting those two all the time - yeah, I'm sure my doctor would be very mad at me. I'll admit, since this past surgery, I think I've lifted them both only a couple of times - I just can't do it anymore. When your ab muscles don't work - it's difficult to do much.
So here is to mothers everywhere who carry two or three kids at a time. My hat is off to you - you muscle-clad women.
Then I figured out why I keep getting these darn hernias. Carson weighs 34 pounds and before this surgery in May, I could and would carry both of them around - that is 61 pounds combined weight. WOW!
Now, I don't think of myself as very strong - in fact I'm pretty much a wimp, but lifting those two all the time - yeah, I'm sure my doctor would be very mad at me. I'll admit, since this past surgery, I think I've lifted them both only a couple of times - I just can't do it anymore. When your ab muscles don't work - it's difficult to do much.
So here is to mothers everywhere who carry two or three kids at a time. My hat is off to you - you muscle-clad women.
7.17.2008
The Most Expensive Sinus Infection/Migraine Headache Ever
Last week, Carson was sick. She started on Monday evening, early Tuesday morning throwing up. She did that until about noon. She was then lethargic and listless for the next three days. She laid in bed or on the couch the entire time. She kept telling me that her head hurt and would point to the front of her forehead between her eyes. She wouldn't walk and she said the light hurt her eyes. Just to stand up took great effort and she held her head to one side. After she was finished throwing up, she wanted only to drink milk, no eating for my girl.
As I was trying to figure out what was going on, because I was pretty sure that she didn't have the flu, I realized that this had happened two other times since the first of April. She was having the same illness every 4 -5 weeks. I was able to get her into our pediatrician on Wednesday. I thought that she might have vertigo or a migraine headache - I even wondered if it might be a sinus infection but she didn't have any drainage (as far as I knew). Although Dr. Soler also thought it might be a migraine headache, she decided that Carson should have an MRI the next day. She would have to be sedated because she had to lie perfectly still for the procedure. This was to make sure there wasn't anything else going on.
We arrived at the hospital early on Thursday morning. They put this numbing cream on Carson's hands so that they could put an IV in one of her hands. The team who worked with Carson were amazing. They did a wonderful job. She cried when they inserted the IV in her hand. I thought she did amazingly well - I held her while they poked her and she didn't even tense up - she let me hold her the whole time.
While the sedation medicine was beginning to work it's magic, I carried Carson down to the room and the nurses took her in. I waited in the waiting area for almost an hour and then she was done. Bryan was meeting me at the hospital with Cameron and Morgan and somehow passed by the waiting room and was already in the room waiting with Carson. She came out of the sedation well, and we were able to go.
We heard from the doctor the next day that there were no abnormalities or tumors (whew!) and that she had a sinus infection. She has been on an antibiotic for the past five days and will go on it again after a little break.
We were so relieved that there were no problems. The doctor still thinks that she is getting migraine headaches so we will have to deal with that, but thank heavens that is all it is.
I was a little surprised that a small child could even have a migraine headache. I have a friend at work whose daughter was diagnosed with migraines at the age of three. Another friend from church has a nephew who has CVS - Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome which is similarly related. So we will talk to our doctor again about this information and hopefully get a handle on this.
I am so greatful that everything went well. Carson is such a big girl these days and such an important member of our family. We sure love her.
As I was trying to figure out what was going on, because I was pretty sure that she didn't have the flu, I realized that this had happened two other times since the first of April. She was having the same illness every 4 -5 weeks. I was able to get her into our pediatrician on Wednesday. I thought that she might have vertigo or a migraine headache - I even wondered if it might be a sinus infection but she didn't have any drainage (as far as I knew). Although Dr. Soler also thought it might be a migraine headache, she decided that Carson should have an MRI the next day. She would have to be sedated because she had to lie perfectly still for the procedure. This was to make sure there wasn't anything else going on.
We arrived at the hospital early on Thursday morning. They put this numbing cream on Carson's hands so that they could put an IV in one of her hands. The team who worked with Carson were amazing. They did a wonderful job. She cried when they inserted the IV in her hand. I thought she did amazingly well - I held her while they poked her and she didn't even tense up - she let me hold her the whole time.
While the sedation medicine was beginning to work it's magic, I carried Carson down to the room and the nurses took her in. I waited in the waiting area for almost an hour and then she was done. Bryan was meeting me at the hospital with Cameron and Morgan and somehow passed by the waiting room and was already in the room waiting with Carson. She came out of the sedation well, and we were able to go.
We heard from the doctor the next day that there were no abnormalities or tumors (whew!) and that she had a sinus infection. She has been on an antibiotic for the past five days and will go on it again after a little break.
We were so relieved that there were no problems. The doctor still thinks that she is getting migraine headaches so we will have to deal with that, but thank heavens that is all it is.
I was a little surprised that a small child could even have a migraine headache. I have a friend at work whose daughter was diagnosed with migraines at the age of three. Another friend from church has a nephew who has CVS - Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome which is similarly related. So we will talk to our doctor again about this information and hopefully get a handle on this.
I am so greatful that everything went well. Carson is such a big girl these days and such an important member of our family. We sure love her.
I've been tagged....
Thanks, Jackie. Now I have to think of six, yes six random things about myself. I hope that I can come up with that many... hee hee
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your blog entry is up.
Six Random Things about Me…
1. I HATE to fly in airplanes, yet I do it usually twice a year and sometimes more. Actually, I used to LOVE to fly and then September 11th happened. I know that sounds weird, but ever since then, it terrifies me to fly and I still do it. I'm a glutton for punishment. I am always afraid that something is going to happen during take off. Usually, I just close my eyes during that time and in my mind I count to 100 at least three times. I've trained myself that by then, everything should be okay. Once I was on a flight with some missionaries, and I knew I would be safe because Heavenly Father wouldn't let them die! Yes, I tell myself interesting things like that all the time.
2. I am the worst procrastinator in the whole entire world. Enough said.
3. I didn't have a penicillin shot until I was 16 (I never was sick as a child), I never had braces as a teenager, and I didn't experience acne until I was in my 20's. I had my first kiss when I was 16 - all of my friends were much younger when they got their first kiss. What is up with that?
4. I am a huge lurker of blogs. It's my new hobby. When I find a blog to read, I'll click into their links, and then read and again, click into their links and on and on. The vicious circle just goes on and on. I actually found a friend this week, by doing that - she took our wedding photos. She is awesome.
5. I want to live in a newer house, preferably with a basement and closer to Springfield, our friends and the church. I don't think I'm asking for much.
6. I start many projects and finish few. Again, the procrastinator in me comes out. Yes, it's a wonderful habit to have.
I tag Shireen, Crystal, Ashley, Kiera, Trisha and Tracy.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your blog entry is up.
Six Random Things about Me…
1. I HATE to fly in airplanes, yet I do it usually twice a year and sometimes more. Actually, I used to LOVE to fly and then September 11th happened. I know that sounds weird, but ever since then, it terrifies me to fly and I still do it. I'm a glutton for punishment. I am always afraid that something is going to happen during take off. Usually, I just close my eyes during that time and in my mind I count to 100 at least three times. I've trained myself that by then, everything should be okay. Once I was on a flight with some missionaries, and I knew I would be safe because Heavenly Father wouldn't let them die! Yes, I tell myself interesting things like that all the time.
2. I am the worst procrastinator in the whole entire world. Enough said.
3. I didn't have a penicillin shot until I was 16 (I never was sick as a child), I never had braces as a teenager, and I didn't experience acne until I was in my 20's. I had my first kiss when I was 16 - all of my friends were much younger when they got their first kiss. What is up with that?
4. I am a huge lurker of blogs. It's my new hobby. When I find a blog to read, I'll click into their links, and then read and again, click into their links and on and on. The vicious circle just goes on and on. I actually found a friend this week, by doing that - she took our wedding photos. She is awesome.
5. I want to live in a newer house, preferably with a basement and closer to Springfield, our friends and the church. I don't think I'm asking for much.
6. I start many projects and finish few. Again, the procrastinator in me comes out. Yes, it's a wonderful habit to have.
I tag Shireen, Crystal, Ashley, Kiera, Trisha and Tracy.
7.09.2008
There is no place like home
Carson, Morgan and I made it back to Illinois in one piece, yeah!!! The flight home was very interesting to say the least. Both of the kids were at the top of their game getting into mischief the whole way home. I was so glad to finally get off the plane before someone threw one of the kids off before we landed.
Morgan was just mainly loud and difficult and didn't want to sit on my lap. Carson was lucky enough to flip the tray of the gentleman behind us so he ended up with his drink and ice all over his lap which I'm sure he was very thankful :)
The kids were very excited to see each other and especially their dad. They were in heaven. It was fun to see. Honestly, I wasn't that excited to be back, it takes me a couple of days to get in a groove and today, I can say, that I am happy to be back.
Now, we just have the rest of the summer to play around before everyone begins school - including Carson. She is going attend pre-k this fall. I know that she is alot more excited about it than I am.
Morgan was just mainly loud and difficult and didn't want to sit on my lap. Carson was lucky enough to flip the tray of the gentleman behind us so he ended up with his drink and ice all over his lap which I'm sure he was very thankful :)
The kids were very excited to see each other and especially their dad. They were in heaven. It was fun to see. Honestly, I wasn't that excited to be back, it takes me a couple of days to get in a groove and today, I can say, that I am happy to be back.
Now, we just have the rest of the summer to play around before everyone begins school - including Carson. She is going attend pre-k this fall. I know that she is alot more excited about it than I am.
7.02.2008
Family
We made it to Idaho and have been having a nice relaxing wonderful time. We took some pictures of my family on the 29th which happened to be Cloe's birthday and also my mom's birthday. We had a great time.
This picture is of me and my siblings and our children. Quite a group, eh? There are 13 grandkids in this picture.
1999 - Taysa
2000 - Alex
2002 - Olivia, Chase and Brooklyn
2003 - Sammy
2004 - Cody and Carson
2005 - Abigale
2006 - Cloe, Caden and Morgan
2007 - Max
When we decided to have kids, we all did it at the same time!
Here is the five of us - Melissa, Matthew, Michelle, Merritt and me. Just missing Mark - somehow he is always with us :)
Here is our dad and mom - they are awesome!
Here is Grandma DaBell with Jackie and my mom - yes we all love her dearly!
This is from Taysa's baptism last summer when we visited. I love this picture. Morgan and Carson sure have grown a lot since then. I also like my hair so much better in this picture and am going back to that style.
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I didn't remember until I saw this picture, but Morgan now has this same funny, toothy grin. Isn't it cute?
I'm back (almost)!!!
Finally, I am almost healed up from this darn surgery! I'm happy to report, that now, after five weeks, I'm starting to feel like my old self. I can walk normal now (I'm not always holding my abdominal area), I have gone three days without my binder (my velcro waist cincher), AND I am not sore when I wake up in the morning. Those are all great signs.
I had some wonderful help while I've been down and I just want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU to my wonderful friends who have helped out during this time. I am very independent and HATE to ask anyone for help, so I really feel like this was Heavenly Father's way of making me step back and accept help. It made me and our family feel very loved to know that we have such great friends in our life. We are truly blessed.
I had some wonderful help while I've been down and I just want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU to my wonderful friends who have helped out during this time. I am very independent and HATE to ask anyone for help, so I really feel like this was Heavenly Father's way of making me step back and accept help. It made me and our family feel very loved to know that we have such great friends in our life. We are truly blessed.
6.05.2008
HA HA HA.... on me
So what I thought was going to be a simple outpatient surgery, turned into much more. I actually had four hernias, when it was all said and done. I knew something was up the moment I woke up in the recovery room and I WAS IN PAIN! It was excruciating. I was lucky enough to land on the pediatrics floor for two days/nights while I recovered in the hospital. I must say, they were the best nurses around, so kind, so helpful and sympathetic. I felt very lucky because most of the rooms at the hospital are two beds and in pediatrics they are singles -- so that made my experience so much better.
I finally made it home on Thursday afternoon and stayed at our house until Friday morning when Eileen brought me over to Charleston, to stay here with Jackie. She has been great, taking care of my kids and me. We are headed back to Springfield tmw.
We went to Walmart yesterday, my first journey out of this house since I got here and I walked in to the store and new that was enough. I stayed and looked at the scrapbook stuff in the front while Jackie shopped. It was great to get out!
Again, I am very lucky for all the prayers and support we have received. We would never be able to make it through without dear friends (who are our family away from family)... It means so much.
I finally made it home on Thursday afternoon and stayed at our house until Friday morning when Eileen brought me over to Charleston, to stay here with Jackie. She has been great, taking care of my kids and me. We are headed back to Springfield tmw.
We went to Walmart yesterday, my first journey out of this house since I got here and I walked in to the store and new that was enough. I stayed and looked at the scrapbook stuff in the front while Jackie shopped. It was great to get out!
Again, I am very lucky for all the prayers and support we have received. We would never be able to make it through without dear friends (who are our family away from family)... It means so much.
5.31.2008
NO, Not AGAIN ?!?
I am in PAIN---I do not mean a little bit of discomfort, I mean PAIN! I do however want to thank everyone and anyone who has helped in making this experience a bit lighter for me and my family. I am in Charleston with a dear friend who is taking good care of me and the kids and life is as good as it can be. I feel so grateful for such good friends in our lives! Thank you, Thank you!!
5.26.2008
Surgery.... again....
I have been meaning to sit down and post, but have had so much going on that I'm finally finding a moment.
The kids finish school tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday that they were headed off to school and now it's summer time again. I'm hopefully going to enjoy this summer, we have passes to Knight's Action Park so the kids will get in plenty of swimming. I haven't worked the past two summers, so this will be a new adventure, trying to get kids here and there so I can make it into work. Though, I know that summer will go by extremely fast and then it will be time to go clothes shopping and put the kids back in school. Carson may or may not be in preschool next year. I have no idea. She was screened here and they told me they only had so many openings and would let us know by May. I haven't heard anything yet. However, if she makes it into pre-k here, I would have to find new day care which I'm not real excited about. There are some friends who want to do Joy School with our kids next fall which would work out well. They even would work around my work schedule. We'll see.
Last week, I started to feel sick on Monday. This came as no surprise to me since Carson had the stomach flu the week before and I figured it was my turn. I started to actually throw up on Tuesday evening and was still throwing up on Thursday with lots of pain coming from my stomach area. I could not keep anything down. I called my sister, the RN, and she told me to go to the doctor - that was unusual to be throwing up for so long and that I was probably dehydrated.
Poor Carson and Morgan - the first day I was sick, I sat or laid on the couch while they watched tv and/or played. I would get up to throw up or get them milk. I think the only thing I fed them that day was crackers until Bryan got home from work. The second day, I was a bit smarter and pulled all of our snacks out and just opened a pack whenever they wanted. When I could put Morgan down for a nap, I would lay down in the bed and try and rest.
Bryan picked up the kids from school that day and came home, picked me up, we dropped them off at the Drowns, and went to the prompt care. We were there for a couple of hours - after a nice shot for pain, one for nausea and some x-rays, they decided I had a bowel obstruction and were sending me to the hospital to get a CT scan. We arrived at the ER about 7 pm and by 8:30, they finally put me in a ER room. Around 10 pm they told me they had several traumas coming in and so I was going to be bumped to last to get the CT scan. Bryan decided to go home and get a few hours of sleep so he would be ready to deliver the papers at 2 am and come back and get me.
I think they took me around 1 am to get the CT scan and around 2 am informed me that, yes, I did indeed have a hernia, part of my intestine was sticking out. These two really nice surgical residents came and visited me, poked it back in and amazingly, I was 150% better. At 4 am they finally got me a room on the 5th floor, where I slept and every so often got up to go to the bathroom (sometimes every 20 minutes :) At 7 am, I had another CT scan and then my doctor came to visit me afterwards, informing me I had to have surgery again. Although this time, it will be an outpatient surgery, since the hernia is a lot smaller this time around. My doctor sent me home and tmw, I am scheduled for surgery. I can't believe I have to do this again.
I have some great help this time around, having to rely on friends and ward members since we are so far away from our families. Everyone has been really great to pitch in and for once, I'm letting them help me. We have the older kids this week, their mom is on vacation. They should be relatively easy and even helpful.
If this was going to happen, it couldn't have been at a better time. Carson, Morgan and I are scheduled to go to Idaho at the end of June, so I'll almost all be healed up. The kids being out of school also is helpful. I surely know that Heavenly Father watches out for us, always!
The kids finish school tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday that they were headed off to school and now it's summer time again. I'm hopefully going to enjoy this summer, we have passes to Knight's Action Park so the kids will get in plenty of swimming. I haven't worked the past two summers, so this will be a new adventure, trying to get kids here and there so I can make it into work. Though, I know that summer will go by extremely fast and then it will be time to go clothes shopping and put the kids back in school. Carson may or may not be in preschool next year. I have no idea. She was screened here and they told me they only had so many openings and would let us know by May. I haven't heard anything yet. However, if she makes it into pre-k here, I would have to find new day care which I'm not real excited about. There are some friends who want to do Joy School with our kids next fall which would work out well. They even would work around my work schedule. We'll see.
Last week, I started to feel sick on Monday. This came as no surprise to me since Carson had the stomach flu the week before and I figured it was my turn. I started to actually throw up on Tuesday evening and was still throwing up on Thursday with lots of pain coming from my stomach area. I could not keep anything down. I called my sister, the RN, and she told me to go to the doctor - that was unusual to be throwing up for so long and that I was probably dehydrated.
Poor Carson and Morgan - the first day I was sick, I sat or laid on the couch while they watched tv and/or played. I would get up to throw up or get them milk. I think the only thing I fed them that day was crackers until Bryan got home from work. The second day, I was a bit smarter and pulled all of our snacks out and just opened a pack whenever they wanted. When I could put Morgan down for a nap, I would lay down in the bed and try and rest.
Bryan picked up the kids from school that day and came home, picked me up, we dropped them off at the Drowns, and went to the prompt care. We were there for a couple of hours - after a nice shot for pain, one for nausea and some x-rays, they decided I had a bowel obstruction and were sending me to the hospital to get a CT scan. We arrived at the ER about 7 pm and by 8:30, they finally put me in a ER room. Around 10 pm they told me they had several traumas coming in and so I was going to be bumped to last to get the CT scan. Bryan decided to go home and get a few hours of sleep so he would be ready to deliver the papers at 2 am and come back and get me.
I think they took me around 1 am to get the CT scan and around 2 am informed me that, yes, I did indeed have a hernia, part of my intestine was sticking out. These two really nice surgical residents came and visited me, poked it back in and amazingly, I was 150% better. At 4 am they finally got me a room on the 5th floor, where I slept and every so often got up to go to the bathroom (sometimes every 20 minutes :) At 7 am, I had another CT scan and then my doctor came to visit me afterwards, informing me I had to have surgery again. Although this time, it will be an outpatient surgery, since the hernia is a lot smaller this time around. My doctor sent me home and tmw, I am scheduled for surgery. I can't believe I have to do this again.
I have some great help this time around, having to rely on friends and ward members since we are so far away from our families. Everyone has been really great to pitch in and for once, I'm letting them help me. We have the older kids this week, their mom is on vacation. They should be relatively easy and even helpful.
If this was going to happen, it couldn't have been at a better time. Carson, Morgan and I are scheduled to go to Idaho at the end of June, so I'll almost all be healed up. The kids being out of school also is helpful. I surely know that Heavenly Father watches out for us, always!
5.16.2008
Happy Belated Mother's Day
**This is a great story that I found on another blog** Enjoy :)
Chapstick
We had this great 10-year-old cat named Jack who just recently died.
Jack was a great cat, and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on the mat in our bathroom. We have three kids, and at the time of this story, they were 4 years old, 3 years old, and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loved Chapstick. LOVED it. He kept asking to use my Chapstick and then would lose it. Finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my Chapstick and explained he could use it whenever he wanted to, but he needed to put it right back in the drawer after he finished.
That year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys were fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I was trying to nurse my little one at the same time I was putting on my make-up. Everything was a mess, and everyone had long forgotten that this was a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.
We finally had the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I was looking for Eli. I searched everywhere and I finally went into the bathroom. There was Eli. He was applying my Chapstick very carefully to Jack's ... rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said, "Chapped."
Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right -- their little bottoms do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. The only question to ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth!?!
And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your Chapstick on the cat's behind.
Received from Pastor Tim.
Chapstick
We had this great 10-year-old cat named Jack who just recently died.
Jack was a great cat, and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on the mat in our bathroom. We have three kids, and at the time of this story, they were 4 years old, 3 years old, and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loved Chapstick. LOVED it. He kept asking to use my Chapstick and then would lose it. Finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my Chapstick and explained he could use it whenever he wanted to, but he needed to put it right back in the drawer after he finished.
That year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys were fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I was trying to nurse my little one at the same time I was putting on my make-up. Everything was a mess, and everyone had long forgotten that this was a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.
We finally had the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I was looking for Eli. I searched everywhere and I finally went into the bathroom. There was Eli. He was applying my Chapstick very carefully to Jack's ... rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said, "Chapped."
Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right -- their little bottoms do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. The only question to ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth!?!
And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your Chapstick on the cat's behind.
Received from Pastor Tim.
4.23.2008
Soccer has started...
Or let the insanity begin :) Carson started her soccer season tonight with her first practice. We were a little bit late in signing up so everyone else actually started last week and we are just starting this week. She was so excited. Actually that is an understatement. She was thrilled beyond belief, this truly was the best day of her life. Until tomorrow when she has her first game !!!!
4.19.2008
The Last Lecture
I saw this on Primetime last week, the story about Randy Pausch. It is extremely interesting and if you have the time, well worth it.
Here is his home page: http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
From the Oprah show: http://www2.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20071022_350_106.jhtml
His book, "The Last Lecture"...
and "A Love Story for Your Life"
A couple of my favorite quotes: "The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."
"Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?"
Here is his home page: http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
From the Oprah show: http://www2.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20071022_350_106.jhtml
His book, "The Last Lecture"...
and "A Love Story for Your Life"
A couple of my favorite quotes: "The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."
"Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?"
4.18.2008
Turning 38
I had my 38th birthday about a week and half ago - I'm well on my way to 40. My 20-year class reunion is this summer. All I can say, is where did the time go? It seems like yesterday, I was living in Logan with Michelle and fast forward ten years and here I am. When we had our ten-year reunion, it seemed like we had just turned around and ten years went by. That's again how this past ten years has felt to me.
My life has changed tremendously in ten years - I live far away from my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. I watch Dora and Sponge Bob (see previous post about missing earthquake) and laugh at the appropriate times. One of my favorite meals is chicken nuggets from McDonalds. I have to check each shirt before I wear it for stuff from dirty little 18 month old and 3 year old hands. Once I do get dressed for work, I try not to let my kids touch me. When they do, I NEVER CHANGE (unless it's blood or throw up)! I am a mother, what do people expect? I don't drive a cool car that a single person would drive any more. We only go to the cheap theater to see family/kid movies. I don't know what cool is anymore. I probably never did, but at least I could fool myself better. Now I don't even try. I don't get to go on fun scenic vacations. By the way, what is disposable income and who has it?
My life has changed tremendously in ten years - I live far away from my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. I watch Dora and Sponge Bob (see previous post about missing earthquake) and laugh at the appropriate times. One of my favorite meals is chicken nuggets from McDonalds. I have to check each shirt before I wear it for stuff from dirty little 18 month old and 3 year old hands. Once I do get dressed for work, I try not to let my kids touch me. When they do, I NEVER CHANGE (unless it's blood or throw up)! I am a mother, what do people expect? I don't drive a cool car that a single person would drive any more. We only go to the cheap theater to see family/kid movies. I don't know what cool is anymore. I probably never did, but at least I could fool myself better. Now I don't even try. I don't get to go on fun scenic vacations. By the way, what is disposable income and who has it?
So in the spirit of reminiscing, I thought I'd share a few pics of me growing up.
Me and my dad - I'm 12 months old.
2 years old
I remember this picture well, we just had Family Home Evening and our treat were those suckers. We though we were pretty cool. Me and my sister, Michelle.
I was probably around 5 years old, she was three years old
I decided to skip my awkward pictures of pre-teen in favor of big hair.
It's a pretty fair trade off I think.
Me in 9th grade - don't you just love my mullet hair cut. Yes, I'm from Idaho.
My senior year - I can't believe I could get my hair that high or big.
My high school graduation, me and my mom!
My hair just got bigger and poofier (is that even a word?)
Here is a stupid funny thing I remember about graduation, after looking at my pictures after so many years. I had to HAVE white shoes for graduation. My mom tried to tell me I didn't need them, but I insisted. I probably only ever wore them that once, but I had to have them. I just remember making a big deal about them. How dumb is that? I have one picture of me in the white shoes - yeah they were worth it.
Potty Training Part IV
Well, I think my girl finally has done it! She has gone for 10 days now, with no accidents during the day :) A special thanks to my friend Jenny for giving me the idea of bubble gum as a reward for going stinky on the potty! Carson spent a few days at her house and that was the great motivator.
Yeah, whew, finally, alright, yippie skippy, wonderful, great!
We are so happy. Now we just have to tackle the night thing. I'm thinking of all the money we will save not buying diapers for TWO. And since the price of almost every other grocery item has gone up in the past month, we won't even notice a savings.
Yeah, whew, finally, alright, yippie skippy, wonderful, great!
We are so happy. Now we just have to tackle the night thing. I'm thinking of all the money we will save not buying diapers for TWO. And since the price of almost every other grocery item has gone up in the past month, we won't even notice a savings.
New Game
Yes, we have a new game that we play at our house with our almost 18-month old.
I can give Morgan anything and tell him to go throw it in the trash and HE DOES IT! He knows where the trash can in the kitchen is and he actually throws things away.
Now if he could only teach the 13, 10, 7 and 3 year old the same, we'd be doing so much better!
A couple of weeks ago, I gave Morgan Carson's shoe and told him to go put it in her room. I then watched as he disappeared around the corner to her room, went on about my business and forgot I had told him that. I was running around later in the afternoon, and wouldn't you know, on her bed was that shoe!
I finally have a child who listens and obeys his mama.
I can give Morgan anything and tell him to go throw it in the trash and HE DOES IT! He knows where the trash can in the kitchen is and he actually throws things away.
Now if he could only teach the 13, 10, 7 and 3 year old the same, we'd be doing so much better!
A couple of weeks ago, I gave Morgan Carson's shoe and told him to go put it in her room. I then watched as he disappeared around the corner to her room, went on about my business and forgot I had told him that. I was running around later in the afternoon, and wouldn't you know, on her bed was that shoe!
I finally have a child who listens and obeys his mama.
Earthquake
Yes, we had an earthquake here this morning!
Yes, in the heart of the Midwest, far away from any place that you would think has earthquakes, we had one this morning around 4:30 a.m. I was out delivering papers so I didn't feel a darn thing. It was a 5.2 magnitude earthquake which rocked much of our state, clear up to Chicago. Our local news source, WANDtv.com, has a page dedicated to this rockin' news.
Funny though, Bryan called me this morning after the paper route (on my way home from Wal-Mart -early morning shopping) and asked me if the wind was blowing much this morning. I had to really think about it and realized it wasn't, so I told him so. He then replied that he had been woken up around 4:30 because our house was shaking. He even thought that it felt like an earthquake, but since I didn't feel anything, he decided he must have been snoring so loudly that he had woken himself up because the bed was shaking so much :)
Then my mom calls me this morning around 8:30 a.m. and asks me about the earthquake we had and to find out if we are okay. I didn't even know. We watch Dora every morning at this house when I am home. I don't listen to the news while I'm delivering papers, I usually listen to my iPod. Yes, I am a very uninformed person :)
Yes, in the heart of the Midwest, far away from any place that you would think has earthquakes, we had one this morning around 4:30 a.m. I was out delivering papers so I didn't feel a darn thing. It was a 5.2 magnitude earthquake which rocked much of our state, clear up to Chicago. Our local news source, WANDtv.com, has a page dedicated to this rockin' news.
Funny though, Bryan called me this morning after the paper route (on my way home from Wal-Mart -early morning shopping) and asked me if the wind was blowing much this morning. I had to really think about it and realized it wasn't, so I told him so. He then replied that he had been woken up around 4:30 because our house was shaking. He even thought that it felt like an earthquake, but since I didn't feel anything, he decided he must have been snoring so loudly that he had woken himself up because the bed was shaking so much :)
Then my mom calls me this morning around 8:30 a.m. and asks me about the earthquake we had and to find out if we are okay. I didn't even know. We watch Dora every morning at this house when I am home. I don't listen to the news while I'm delivering papers, I usually listen to my iPod. Yes, I am a very uninformed person :)
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