School is upon us, in full swing! Carson started her second year of pre-k on August 19. She was very excited to go back to school to see her friends. She has a new teacher this year and is really enjoying her.
Jordan, Rylee and Cameron started school on August 21. Cameron is in the 3rd grade, Rylee in 6th grade and Jordan is a .... FRESHMAN in HIGH SCHOOL! I can hardly believe how fast time has flown. He is taking Drivers Ed. I am a little nervous for that but it doesn't mean he is driving yet - he has to take the course to graduate from high school. The actual driving is a whole other issue to be addressed at a much later time.
Along with the commencement of high school, so begins seminary. Our church has a program for the youth called "Seminary" . Bryan and I both attended seminary while we were in high school and feel that it is important that all of our children attend. The class is held at our church in Springfield from 6 - 6:50 am, Monday thru Friday while school is in session. I was worried about how Jordan would do with seminary, getting up early, handling homework, etc. So far he has been doing fabulous! I am the one who is having the problems. I have looked forward to this all year because I had planned that while Jordy was in seminary, I would exercise and read my scriptures. I would have close to an hour of "me time to be able to do things that I need to do but usually don't. This is what happened:
Day 1 - AWESOME! I got up at 5 am and had Jordan up by 5:10 am. He gets dressed, eats a little breakfast and we are ready to go by 5:30 am. We arrive early at the church. He goes into class, I walk and then come back to my vehicle and read my scriptures! YEAH!
Day 2 - ANOTHER AWESOME DAY! I get up at 5:15 and have Jordan up soon after. We are able to leave our house by 5:35 am. Early to church. Walk, read, YEAH!
Day 3 - Same as Day 2
Day 4 - Carson was up all night throwing up with a migraine headache so I take her with me and we both sleep while Jordan is in seminary. I don't feel so bad because I had done so well the rest of the week.
Day 5 - Bryan takes Jordan to seminary for me because I have to be to work early. So he gets up extra early to do the paper route, be home by 5:30 am and takes Jordan. So greatful for him and all of his hard work...
BREAK-Kids at their moms. Unfortunately no exercising going on while they are gone :(
Day 6 - Morgan wakes up at 4:30 am, refuses to go back to sleep. He decides to come with me. I was so looking forward to walking but decide to do some early morning grocery shopping since I never get to go with just one kid... Not too bad - get a lot accomplished before work!
Day 7 - So incredibly tired! I still get up at 5:15 am, wake Jordan, get to seminary in good time and decide that I am going to sleep. Oh man, it feels so nice to go back to sleep. I even have brought a blanket and pillow from home :)
Day 8 - See day 5. Cameron had surgery and I had to be to work early so Bryan takes over seminary duties.
Day 9 - Again, I am so tired! See Day 7! (Hey, the blanket and pillow are still in the van, I have to put them to good use!)
Day 10 - Sleeping is so nice and not nearly as taxing as walking. See Day 7!
So much for trying! Am I a dork or what?
I figured out that we will have a child in seminary from now until Morgan graduates from high school! I'm tired just thinkin' about it! Good thing I have me a pillow and blanket in my van :)
9.14.2009
8.23.2009
8.16.2009
Judging Others
I just read this fabulous article about judging others by Sister Becky Thomas and why we shouldn't do it. I need this reminder ALOT!
Here is my favorite quote:
Here is my favorite quote:
Amen sista!"Each time we cast blame or jump to conclusions as to why someone is divorced, or why someone is not married, or how someone got married too soon after the death of a spouse, or how their parenting was the cause of their children's reckless behavior, or any other time we throw judgments on someone, just remember, we have gained nothing, but instead we have been robbed of "the good part, the pure love of Christ." Becky Thomas @ Mormon Times
This week, my goal is to remember this quote everytime I even think about judging someone else.
We'll see how it goes.
7.02.2009
Just a little ditty...
Carson has been sick this week with a migraine headache, so much fun - let me tell you. Anyway, mornings are terrible for her - I don't know what they are going to bring. I went to check on her this morning before I went to work and I asked her how her head was... She moved about and opened her eyes just a little bit and said, "Mommy, you ruined my dream!"
Ahhh, that girl just makes me laugh :)
I thought she was fine, but Bryan told me later on in the day that she was miserable when he finally got her to wake up so he stayed home with her for a couple of hours before going to work.
And for the record, my wonderful husband and I have a deal - I pick up the kids from daycare/school and take the older kids to school and he takes Carson and Morgan to day care. It works out so well and I appreciate him being so willing to do this. He gets them up, dressed, medicine and fed before he takes them. He's the best!
5.18.2009
As heard before dinner time tonight...
Me: Carson, what do you want for dinner?
Carson: Pancakes.
Me: Morgan, do you want pancakes.
Morgan: NO!
Me: What do you want for dinner, Morgan?
Morgan: I want candy.
Me: Morgan, we don't have candy for dinner.
Carson: Yes, Morgan we don't have candy for dinner... we have it for lunch!
Carson: Pancakes.
Me: Morgan, do you want pancakes.
Morgan: NO!
Me: What do you want for dinner, Morgan?
Morgan: I want candy.
Me: Morgan, we don't have candy for dinner.
Carson: Yes, Morgan we don't have candy for dinner... we have it for lunch!
5.07.2009
Which one is true?
I am in Idaho this week visiting my family. My mom teaches school and my dad works so I have "extra" time to just surf the internet while my kids are watching Sponge Bob. Today I went in to check my e-mail and these were the three headlines on the front page of my internet service provider.
1. Gosselin affair confirmed by brother
2. Miley Cyrus vows virginity till marriage
3. Lil Kim booted off 'DWTS'
Hmmmmmmm, the only one I can CONFIRM is that Lil Kim did indeed get booted of off DWTS - much to my sister's disappointment. Who knows or cares about the affair AND the vow smacks of something familiar that some other teenage star vowed several years ago (Britney Spears) and look how well that turned out!
1. Gosselin affair confirmed by brother
2. Miley Cyrus vows virginity till marriage
3. Lil Kim booted off 'DWTS'
Hmmmmmmm, the only one I can CONFIRM is that Lil Kim did indeed get booted of off DWTS - much to my sister's disappointment. Who knows or cares about the affair AND the vow smacks of something familiar that some other teenage star vowed several years ago (Britney Spears) and look how well that turned out!
4.27.2009
Memories...
I was just catching up on family/friends/and those I don't know blogs on google reader. Yes, if I find a blog I like, I put you in my google reader to forever know what is going on in your world. Do I lead a sad life, mabye? But most of the time, I get a good laugh reading other people's fun commentary on their lives.
I was reading a friend from high school, Chris Hoskin's blog, and she was writing about her daughter participating in an area dance festival this past weekend. It brought up some fun memories, so I thought I'd share.
When I was a mia maid (14-15 years old), our stake participated in a dance festival. It was held at the then mini-dome in Pocatello, Idaho. We practiced for months on two dances that we had to do - we would practice with our ward and then with the stake. Definitely, the stake practices were more fun because after growing up with the same 5-6 boys that were our age through primary and youth, they always felt more like brothers and we chased the boys in the other wards. Anyway, we were all paired up and learning these dances.
As much as I can remember, one of them was a spanish dance. Not only did we have to learn these new dances, we had to have costumes made to perform in them. I remember either the girls or boys had a silver sash around their waist that was about 6-8 feet long. I remember when our sweet leaders were getting ready to sew these costumes, they couldn't figure out why the sashes had to be so long and so being thrifty mormon women, they figured they could save a lot of time and money by just making these sashes to fit around our waists instead of the way the pattern recommended it. They were so proud of themselves for saving money on the fabric, because it was some silvery stuff that wasn't cheap. So we practiced and practiced and finally, the day arrived for our all day rehearsal and then final performance in front of millions of people (not quite, but when you are 14/15, it seemed like that many!)
Once we get there, we discovered that the reason the sashes were so long was because it was part of the dance (a part they hadn't taught us yet!) to unroll it and have the girl on one end and the boy on one end and we would put them up in the air and all around and it was supposed to look so cool with so many of us doing this at the dance festival!
Except for poor little old Moreland 4th Ward, instead of having these beautiful long sashes, we had small, short, little silvery sashes that maybe only the people on the first row could see! I remember being disheartened by this because when you are a teenager, who wants to look different? We coped fairly well, I'm sure the leaders' had a panic attack after realizing what they did. The organizers, upon realizing that our sashes didn't fit the projected image, stuck us in a corner and had us still perform the dance with everyone else. I'm sure that looked goofy!
Looking back in it, it just makes me laugh, thinking of how funny it is now. At the time, not so funny. Time does change everything, doesn't it? But now it is really funny as an adult looking back. It makes for a great memory though and also some retrospection.
I do have to say that maybe that was a premonition of how my life would turn out. Sometimes because of miscommunication, sometimes because of thinking I know better than everyone else, including Heavenly Father, sometimes just because I think there is a better way than what really should happen or JUST BECAUSE :) I still end up like that 14 year old girl with the small sash and everyone else has the long one!
I was reading a friend from high school, Chris Hoskin's blog, and she was writing about her daughter participating in an area dance festival this past weekend. It brought up some fun memories, so I thought I'd share.
When I was a mia maid (14-15 years old), our stake participated in a dance festival. It was held at the then mini-dome in Pocatello, Idaho. We practiced for months on two dances that we had to do - we would practice with our ward and then with the stake. Definitely, the stake practices were more fun because after growing up with the same 5-6 boys that were our age through primary and youth, they always felt more like brothers and we chased the boys in the other wards. Anyway, we were all paired up and learning these dances.
As much as I can remember, one of them was a spanish dance. Not only did we have to learn these new dances, we had to have costumes made to perform in them. I remember either the girls or boys had a silver sash around their waist that was about 6-8 feet long. I remember when our sweet leaders were getting ready to sew these costumes, they couldn't figure out why the sashes had to be so long and so being thrifty mormon women, they figured they could save a lot of time and money by just making these sashes to fit around our waists instead of the way the pattern recommended it. They were so proud of themselves for saving money on the fabric, because it was some silvery stuff that wasn't cheap. So we practiced and practiced and finally, the day arrived for our all day rehearsal and then final performance in front of millions of people (not quite, but when you are 14/15, it seemed like that many!)
Once we get there, we discovered that the reason the sashes were so long was because it was part of the dance (a part they hadn't taught us yet!) to unroll it and have the girl on one end and the boy on one end and we would put them up in the air and all around and it was supposed to look so cool with so many of us doing this at the dance festival!
Except for poor little old Moreland 4th Ward, instead of having these beautiful long sashes, we had small, short, little silvery sashes that maybe only the people on the first row could see! I remember being disheartened by this because when you are a teenager, who wants to look different? We coped fairly well, I'm sure the leaders' had a panic attack after realizing what they did. The organizers, upon realizing that our sashes didn't fit the projected image, stuck us in a corner and had us still perform the dance with everyone else. I'm sure that looked goofy!
Looking back in it, it just makes me laugh, thinking of how funny it is now. At the time, not so funny. Time does change everything, doesn't it? But now it is really funny as an adult looking back. It makes for a great memory though and also some retrospection.
I do have to say that maybe that was a premonition of how my life would turn out. Sometimes because of miscommunication, sometimes because of thinking I know better than everyone else, including Heavenly Father, sometimes just because I think there is a better way than what really should happen or JUST BECAUSE :) I still end up like that 14 year old girl with the small sash and everyone else has the long one!
4.03.2009
As heard from my little man
Morgan's favorite saying is "Oh Man!"... whenever something doesn't go his way or he is mad or disappointed or sad... All I hear is "Oh Man!" every time. Makes me laugh - don't know where he heard it from but it is darn cute.
January 2009
It's April
Here is a quote I just found, love it!
I just noticed on Deseret Book that there is a new book, "The Neal A Maxwell Quote Book - Illustrated Edition". I may have to get me one of those, they look beautiful. Of course, I may have to wait until it comes out in a soft-cover edition - it's more in my price range.
Also, Happy Birthday to my brother - Mark. His birthday was yesterday. I thought about you all day.
"It is our job to lift others up, not to size them up."
Neal A Maxwell
I just noticed on Deseret Book that there is a new book, "The Neal A Maxwell Quote Book - Illustrated Edition". I may have to get me one of those, they look beautiful. Of course, I may have to wait until it comes out in a soft-cover edition - it's more in my price range.
Also, Happy Birthday to my brother - Mark. His birthday was yesterday. I thought about you all day.
3.31.2009
Conversations with Carson and Morgan
MORGAN - 2 and a half years old
Morgan went into the kitchen and threw all of the letters from our leapfrog alphabet game on the floor.
Morgan: Mommy, I want some milk.
Me: Morgan, mommy wants you to pick up all the letters before you can have some milk.
Morgan: No, (cries, throws himself on the floor, throws a tantrum) No, No, No...
Me: Morgan, what would make you so mad that you would come in here and throw your letters on the ground?
Morgan: (Sweet as he can).... You Mommy, you are a mean mom!
CARSON-four and a half years old
Carson: Mommy, can I go to Emily's to play? (Emily is a neighbor girl who has been here several times)
Me: No, Carson, you can't go to Emily's.
Carson: Why not?
Me: Carson, mommy does not know her mommy or her daddy and you can't just go over to her house without being invited AND mommy has to meet her mommy and daddy before you can play at her house.
Carson: (whimper, cry...) But mommy, the bus driver knows Emily's mom!
Morgan went into the kitchen and threw all of the letters from our leapfrog alphabet game on the floor.
Morgan: Mommy, I want some milk.
Me: Morgan, mommy wants you to pick up all the letters before you can have some milk.
Morgan: No, (cries, throws himself on the floor, throws a tantrum) No, No, No...
Me: Morgan, what would make you so mad that you would come in here and throw your letters on the ground?
Morgan: (Sweet as he can).... You Mommy, you are a mean mom!
CARSON-four and a half years old
Carson: Mommy, can I go to Emily's to play? (Emily is a neighbor girl who has been here several times)
Me: No, Carson, you can't go to Emily's.
Carson: Why not?
Me: Carson, mommy does not know her mommy or her daddy and you can't just go over to her house without being invited AND mommy has to meet her mommy and daddy before you can play at her house.
Carson: (whimper, cry...) But mommy, the bus driver knows Emily's mom!
3.27.2009
Why
When I am busy on the computer and my children want to sit on my lap, they inevitably hit the "sleep" button. At that time when I am in the middle of doing something important like looking up my bank balance or checking my facebook page or google reader (yeah, really important), my computer completely shuts down.
BUT, when it is 2:30 A.M. and my husband decides to read every single news story and LISTEN to every single news story in the world before he delivers papers, WHY OH WHY, when I get out of bed to hit this same "sleep" button after he leaves, that immediately when I get back in bed, under the covers and just about to fall into a blissful sleep, does that computer screen POP back on?Tardy
I just had to laugh.... read this post: http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/tardy.html
I, too, have had a well meaning secretary, principal and vice-principal echo these same words to me... "If you could just leave five minutes earlier, this wouldn't happen" and "I know you have your hands full with five kids, but ...."
I would love to have them come to my house in the morning and deal with a 2 year old who is bi-polar in the morning, either he is the most happy child in the world or nothing will please him; a 4 year old who has an opinion about anything and everything she should do AND the more you are in a hurry the slower she goes plus you look at her the wrong way, she is GOING TO CRY and this is all after pestering her to finally wake up; the ADHD 8 year old who only wants to watch tv and even if you have told him 15 times to get his shoes on, chances are, they are still under the kitchen table or in the bathroom and he has no idea where they are (don't get me started on the backpack and coat); the 11 year old drama queen who didn't have any homework the night before "suddenly" has important papers that parents must look at right as we are about to walk out the door OR forgets something important in the house once everyone is seatbelted in the vehicle AND this whole time, not only am I breakfast maker, referee, medicine giver, getting dressed coach, reminderer of all things to do, I am trying to get ready for work as well - because lucky me, I get to go to work.
Fortunately, my 14 year old Aspergers Syndrome teenager has been sitting in the van since 7:00 am, ready to go to school, come rain, shine, sleet or snow. He will be sitting there patiently, waiting, sometimes reading, but never mad. He is the one who will be in trouble at school for a tardy that he has no control over. He is the one who will serve detention after detention because of circumstances that are NOT under his control AND he still never gets mad.
So when I hear the words, "If you would just leave five minutes earlier"... it's an amazing thing that I can control myself from coming over the desk and strangling the bearer of such good advice.
Maybe I should try the candy bar poster?
I, too, have had a well meaning secretary, principal and vice-principal echo these same words to me... "If you could just leave five minutes earlier, this wouldn't happen" and "I know you have your hands full with five kids, but ...."
I would love to have them come to my house in the morning and deal with a 2 year old who is bi-polar in the morning, either he is the most happy child in the world or nothing will please him; a 4 year old who has an opinion about anything and everything she should do AND the more you are in a hurry the slower she goes plus you look at her the wrong way, she is GOING TO CRY and this is all after pestering her to finally wake up; the ADHD 8 year old who only wants to watch tv and even if you have told him 15 times to get his shoes on, chances are, they are still under the kitchen table or in the bathroom and he has no idea where they are (don't get me started on the backpack and coat); the 11 year old drama queen who didn't have any homework the night before "suddenly" has important papers that parents must look at right as we are about to walk out the door OR forgets something important in the house once everyone is seatbelted in the vehicle AND this whole time, not only am I breakfast maker, referee, medicine giver, getting dressed coach, reminderer of all things to do, I am trying to get ready for work as well - because lucky me, I get to go to work.
Fortunately, my 14 year old Aspergers Syndrome teenager has been sitting in the van since 7:00 am, ready to go to school, come rain, shine, sleet or snow. He will be sitting there patiently, waiting, sometimes reading, but never mad. He is the one who will be in trouble at school for a tardy that he has no control over. He is the one who will serve detention after detention because of circumstances that are NOT under his control AND he still never gets mad.
So when I hear the words, "If you would just leave five minutes earlier"... it's an amazing thing that I can control myself from coming over the desk and strangling the bearer of such good advice.
Maybe I should try the candy bar poster?
3.23.2009
3.22.2009
3.18.2009
Cameron's Baptism and 8th Birthday
November 2008 
Cameron celebrated his 8th birthday this past November. In our church, that is when children are baptized. He had been looking forward to it for a long time. Being in a blended family makes these occassions especially nervewracking (at least for me). I was very happy for Cameron to choose to be baptized and happy that it was over :) I just like to live a stress-free life.
The baptismal service was actually very nice. Cameron was baptized by Bryan and confirmed by Mark. Both Juli and I spoke at the baptism. Carson tried to sing a song but got shy at the last minute and no one could hear her. We will work on that because she loves to sing and perform. 
Cameron celebrated his 8th birthday this past November. In our church, that is when children are baptized. He had been looking forward to it for a long time. Being in a blended family makes these occassions especially nervewracking (at least for me). I was very happy for Cameron to choose to be baptized and happy that it was over :) I just like to live a stress-free life. The baptismal service was actually very nice. Cameron was baptized by Bryan and confirmed by Mark. Both Juli and I spoke at the baptism. Carson tried to sing a song but got shy at the last minute and no one could hear her. We will work on that because she loves to sing and perform. Our last family photo - we reached another milestone - Cameron's baptism. Oh Happy Day :)
3.17.2009
Mema and Papa come to visit
In November 2008, Mema and Papa came for a visit. My kids were so excited to see them. They arrived on Friday and left on Sunday... It was a short visit but so much fun. We will take them when we can get them.
They helped me organize (and clean) my house which was a really humbling experience. I just have to say THANK YOU! I love you guys so much and am so thankful that you are my parents. I couldn't ask for any better.
3.15.2009
Morgan turns two
Morgan's birthday was in October but I feel terrible that I never blogged about it. So here I am sharing some pictures and stories.
I can't believe my baby turned two, now he is two and a half! I still have a hard time believing that he is that old. He is such an independent little guy. He is so fun and he makes me laugh all the time which is a good thing because some of the things he does could make me cry - he is into everything. He loves his mama though and he gets jealous when I hold anyone else. He'll say, "You are my mom". He talks non-stop. He can sing the ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (which seem to be our two favorites).
Not long after he was born at the hospital - he was born crying and he didn't stop. He was hungry. His blood sugar levels were low so they put him under a light for about an hour and wouldn't let me hold him. I hated it.
Our little family - Carson didn't know what to think of Morgan when he was first born. She sure loves him now.
Still having a little dark hair but it's fading fast... (Jan 2007)
I can't believe my baby turned two, now he is two and a half! I still have a hard time believing that he is that old. He is such an independent little guy. He is so fun and he makes me laugh all the time which is a good thing because some of the things he does could make me cry - he is into everything. He loves his mama though and he gets jealous when I hold anyone else. He'll say, "You are my mom". He talks non-stop. He can sing the ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (which seem to be our two favorites).
Not long after he was born at the hospital - he was born crying and he didn't stop. He was hungry. His blood sugar levels were low so they put him under a light for about an hour and wouldn't let me hold him. I hated it.
Our little family - Carson didn't know what to think of Morgan when he was first born. She sure loves him now. The first of many pictures of the two together... I forgot how dark his hair was when he was first born. I thought maybe he would stay dark but at about four months he turned into a blondie... Someday maybe he'll go dark again.
Still having a little dark hair but it's fading fast... (Jan 2007)
I'm all blonde now - Don't blondes have more fun? (Feb 2007)
Alert and playing with my toys (April 2007)
Lovin' summertime - (June 2007)
Time at the St Louis Zoo (July 2007)
Learning to walk. All smiles and giggles. (September 2007)
Turning one and more than happy to play in his cake. (October 20, 2007)
At the school watching Rylee's play about Abraham Lincoln (February 2009)
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and the wedding
One of my favorite, all-time television shows is "FRIENDS". I have watched it non-stop since it first came on the air. Even today, I dvr reruns and watch them. They still make me laugh, they still make me cry. They are my escape.
I have let Carson watch with me because honestly, I get tired of watching Spongebob and Dora and just want to cuddle with her on the couch and watch something. She is getting into the show. She remembers all of the characters. One day she said, "Mom, there are three boys and three girls on Friends - Chandler, Joey and Ross are the boys, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe are the girls". Another day she said, "Ross and Rachel, Joey and Phoebe, Monica and Chandler"... I'm telling you kids pick up on so much.
She loved Monica and Chandleer's wedding. I had recently rented that season from Netflix and she watched some of the shows with me. We had an older couple in our ward get married recently and we went to the wedding. While we were getting ready to go the church and attend the wedding, Carson kept asking me if it was going to be like Chandler and Monica's wedding, if the bride would wear white, etc. She was so excited to dress up for this wedding. I think it's the first one she would even remember attending. She made me laugh. She was so excited to pick out a dress to wear to the wedding. I even think at the church during the wedding, she compared it to Monica and Chandler's wedding. Don't we lead an exciting life?
I have let Carson watch with me because honestly, I get tired of watching Spongebob and Dora and just want to cuddle with her on the couch and watch something. She is getting into the show. She remembers all of the characters. One day she said, "Mom, there are three boys and three girls on Friends - Chandler, Joey and Ross are the boys, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe are the girls". Another day she said, "Ross and Rachel, Joey and Phoebe, Monica and Chandler"... I'm telling you kids pick up on so much.
She loved Monica and Chandleer's wedding. I had recently rented that season from Netflix and she watched some of the shows with me. We had an older couple in our ward get married recently and we went to the wedding. While we were getting ready to go the church and attend the wedding, Carson kept asking me if it was going to be like Chandler and Monica's wedding, if the bride would wear white, etc. She was so excited to dress up for this wedding. I think it's the first one she would even remember attending. She made me laugh. She was so excited to pick out a dress to wear to the wedding. I even think at the church during the wedding, she compared it to Monica and Chandler's wedding. Don't we lead an exciting life?
3.08.2009
I'm back
I'm back :) I took what was going to be a short hiatus from blogging and it has turned into a lot longer than I expected. My life has been crazy and boring all at the same time and I didn't feel like sharing all the mudane details. I also get tired of complaining so I wanted to wait until I had something nice to say. My other excuse is that Facebook just sucked me in. I've been cheating on my blog with facebook. It's been so much fun to reconnect with old friends from high school, my mission and college AND family that live all over. But I decided that it is time to come back to my blog and continue to let our families take a glimpse at our lives once again....
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