Today I'm thankful for...
1. 9:30 a.m. church. We share our church building with another ward/congregation, so we have to start at different times. We switch every year. Last year we had the 12 noon - 3 p.m. block. It might sound nice to not have to get to church until noon, but with kids it's actually horrible. Our kids never let us sleep in, so the advantage of starting later in the day totally goes out the window. Also, it's right smack in the middle of lunch and nap time, and by the time you get home it's dinner time, then the day is done and it's off to bed. Today, however, was wonderful. When we got home we had a nice relaxing lunch, the girls had time to play, and I had time to get dinner together. Later on we played Hungry, Hungry Hippos (at Sydney's request) and one third of a game of Candy Land. It was great!!
This year also marks Sydney's first year in Primary--now that she's three she is in the Sunbeams class! So far, she's handled the transition out of Nursery like a champ! She is so excited (and proud!) to be in Primary with Lillian!
2. Liam's nicknames. Just to name a few-- Little Man, Man Child, Willem, Buddy, Champ, Handsome, Trouble Maker, Gordo, Stinker, Perma-stink, Tommy Boy (his middle name is Thomas)
3. Stinky, Rotten Ostrich Eggs. They work like a charm to get Lillian and Sydney to do things like brush their teeth, get their p.j.'s on, or eat dinner. Because the last one to get it done is not only a stinky, rotten egg, but a stinky, rotten OSTRICH egg! No one wants to be that stinky!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Today I'm thankful for...
1. This blog. I just spent the last hour (I should be getting ready for bed) reading old posts in the blog's archive. I forgot how far back this goes...all the way to January 2008...that's FIVE years!! Oh my, how things have changed and evolved since then, and yet some things have stayed the same. What a wonderful way to archive some of our experiences over the past five years. It certainly took me on a trip down memory lane and helped me recall some things I would have completely forgotten about had I not written about it. It reminds me of all the counsel I hear to "keep a record" or a journal of personal experiences and reflections. It has truly helped me see how far I've progressed through life, what I've accomplished, what I've learned, and how much I've grown.
2. Lemon wedges. I bought a bag of lemons a while back for some special event (I can't even remember for what) with the intent of putting round lemon slices in a pitcher of water...I was trying to be fancy, I guess. I totally forgot about them until Sydney saw them yesterday. She said she wanted one. I told her she didn't want to eat it because it would be too sour, but she could have one in her cup of water. That seemed good enough for her, so I cut a lemon wedge and stuck in on the side of her plastic cup. Lillian saw this and [naturally] wanted one, too. When I served it up to her she exclaimed with delight, "It's like the grown-ups' water at the restaurant!" Yes, indeed it is! I must be fancy after all!
3. Bobby's empathy. He's on call tonight. For the next few months he's covering two hospitals that don't normally get a lot of action at night...huge blessing because that means he can catch up on some sleep (and I get to see him more)! Tonight we were cleaning the kitchen together and talking like a normal married couple about nothing (this is rare for us) when his pager went off. Dang it! Some poor lady was waiting in the ER with a horrible wrist fracture. Instead of complaining about it, which I was half expecting, Bobby expressed concern for her and how uncomfortable she must be feeling. I was touched by this. Yes, it stinks that he has to go out and take care of it, but that's his job. If I were the one waiting in the ER with broken wrist I would want my doctor to have empathy for me, too. I'm grateful that this is the kind of work Bobby can do and that he has a good attitude about it.
4. Uncle Pauly. Today is his birthday so the kids and I shot a quick phone video singingthe most beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday. He was so nice to reply with "Thank you beautiful ladies" [and gentleman...Liam was in the video, too, but I think he was a bit overshadowed by all the female faces]. We love Uncle Pauly!
5. Kid Writing. This is the writing curriculum in Lillian's kindergarten classroom. Every kid has their own book that they draw a picture on one side of the page and on the other they write a sentence about it. They can write about whatever the heck they want; no writing prompt....what freedom!! After the kids are done sounding out the words and chewing on their pencil erasers while their little brains try to figure out the ever-so-confusing phonetic system of the English language, then it's time for "Grown-up Writing." This is when the adult gets to write the child's sentence (with "kindergarten handwriting," mind you) underneath the kid's sentence so they can compare the two...to see what they got right and what they can improve for next time. The teacher organizes the kids in groups of 4, so she asks for parent volunteers to come in and help. Of course I signed myself up as soon as I could. I love any chance to spy on Lillian in class and see what she's up to. ;-) I go in a couple times a month to help and today was one of them. Lillian got to be in my group, which was fun. It's amazing to see her develop so quickly with her writing (and reading, too)! I was only there for half an hour, but I got a precious little glimpse into what Lillian's afternoons are like. And some of the kids are starting to refer to me as "Lillian's mom." :)
6. Liam's little hands. Normally they are pulling at someone's hair, grabbing at something toxic or otherwise dangerous, shoved in his mouth, or wrapped around a choking hazard (if said item isn't already in his mouth)....gee, I sound like a great mom, huh? Well, tonight Liam put his little hands on either side of my face while I was holding him and singing a bedtime song. It was so tender. My mom said he's done that to her, too.
1. This blog. I just spent the last hour (I should be getting ready for bed) reading old posts in the blog's archive. I forgot how far back this goes...all the way to January 2008...that's FIVE years!! Oh my, how things have changed and evolved since then, and yet some things have stayed the same. What a wonderful way to archive some of our experiences over the past five years. It certainly took me on a trip down memory lane and helped me recall some things I would have completely forgotten about had I not written about it. It reminds me of all the counsel I hear to "keep a record" or a journal of personal experiences and reflections. It has truly helped me see how far I've progressed through life, what I've accomplished, what I've learned, and how much I've grown.
2. Lemon wedges. I bought a bag of lemons a while back for some special event (I can't even remember for what) with the intent of putting round lemon slices in a pitcher of water...I was trying to be fancy, I guess. I totally forgot about them until Sydney saw them yesterday. She said she wanted one. I told her she didn't want to eat it because it would be too sour, but she could have one in her cup of water. That seemed good enough for her, so I cut a lemon wedge and stuck in on the side of her plastic cup. Lillian saw this and [naturally] wanted one, too. When I served it up to her she exclaimed with delight, "It's like the grown-ups' water at the restaurant!" Yes, indeed it is! I must be fancy after all!
3. Bobby's empathy. He's on call tonight. For the next few months he's covering two hospitals that don't normally get a lot of action at night...huge blessing because that means he can catch up on some sleep (and I get to see him more)! Tonight we were cleaning the kitchen together and talking like a normal married couple about nothing (this is rare for us) when his pager went off. Dang it! Some poor lady was waiting in the ER with a horrible wrist fracture. Instead of complaining about it, which I was half expecting, Bobby expressed concern for her and how uncomfortable she must be feeling. I was touched by this. Yes, it stinks that he has to go out and take care of it, but that's his job. If I were the one waiting in the ER with broken wrist I would want my doctor to have empathy for me, too. I'm grateful that this is the kind of work Bobby can do and that he has a good attitude about it.
4. Uncle Pauly. Today is his birthday so the kids and I shot a quick phone video singing
5. Kid Writing. This is the writing curriculum in Lillian's kindergarten classroom. Every kid has their own book that they draw a picture on one side of the page and on the other they write a sentence about it. They can write about whatever the heck they want; no writing prompt....what freedom!! After the kids are done sounding out the words and chewing on their pencil erasers while their little brains try to figure out the ever-so-confusing phonetic system of the English language, then it's time for "Grown-up Writing." This is when the adult gets to write the child's sentence (with "kindergarten handwriting," mind you) underneath the kid's sentence so they can compare the two...to see what they got right and what they can improve for next time. The teacher organizes the kids in groups of 4, so she asks for parent volunteers to come in and help. Of course I signed myself up as soon as I could. I love any chance to spy on Lillian in class and see what she's up to. ;-) I go in a couple times a month to help and today was one of them. Lillian got to be in my group, which was fun. It's amazing to see her develop so quickly with her writing (and reading, too)! I was only there for half an hour, but I got a precious little glimpse into what Lillian's afternoons are like. And some of the kids are starting to refer to me as "Lillian's mom." :)
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| "We are a happy fam-uh-lee!" |
Thursday, January 3, 2013
HELLOOOO!!!!
Today I'm thankful for...
1. 2013!! It seriously seems like it was only last night that I was sitting on my couch in our old apartment typing out a blog post about 2012. Deep down I was dreading the new year and I was trying very hard to focus on all of the things I had to look forward to that 2012 would bring. Well, I'm happy to report that I survived the year. Keeping a positive attitude most certainly helped. There were some difficult and rough spots- a friend died in a tragic car accident in January; then my father-in-law's health quickly declined in March before he passed away; there were lots of long and lonely nights while Bobby was working late or on call....there are more things but what's the point in dwelling on the bad stuff? There were way more great things about 2012- my niece Nanner was born! (on the same day as Michelle Obama's birthday, which also happens to be the same day I was baptized in 2003...how's that for some random facts for ya?); Lillian started kindergarten; Sydney started a parent co-op preschool that I'm thrilled to be a part of; we moved into a cute little house on a cute little street with awesome neighbors; we've made lots of new friends; Bobby's hours still suck but he gets to do his ortho stuff which he loves and he has home call; we went camping as a family; we hiked around some beautiful waterfalls; we had an awesome vacation at the beach; Liam is growing and babbling and is as cute as ever; I got to spend lots of time with my mom and dad in the beginning of the year when they were living nearby; I still get to hang out with my sister because she lives here, too (but only for a few more months!)...this is how I want to remember 2012. It was a good year. It makes me hopeful for 2013.
2. Tight squeezes! I just love, love, love getting (and giving!) big, tight hugs to my kiddos. Bobby and I will say, "give me a tight squeeze!" and they'll wrap their arms around our neck and their legs around our waste and squeeze as hard as they can. Sydney gave me a big hug in the kitchen today and it was especially nice because it was totally out of the blue. When Lillian walked through the door after school she jumped into my arms and hugged me tight, too. Then we played ring-around-the-rosy on the floor and Sydney joined in. Liam just looked at us like we were a bunch of silly girls (which we are). It's moments like those that I wish I could freeze time and hold onto them for a very long time.
3. Liam's charm. This boy is cute. I might just be saying that because he's my little boy, but in any case he's pretty darn adorable. He'll fold his arms when we say "time to say prayer!" When we ask, "Liam, do you want to brush your teeth?" he sticks his finger in his mouth and pretends it's a toothbrush. Ask him, "What does a cow say" and he'll say "Booooo!" If you say, "Where's Liam?!" he'll put his little hands over his eyes, wait a few seconds, then take them away with a big grin on his face to see who's watching him. It's the cutest game of peek-a-boo I've ever seen. He stuffs whole animal crackers in his mouth as if he has to eat them before they get up and run away; he waves at everyone (and I mean everyone) he sees and he'll say "hi, hi" as his arm is flapping up and down; he has a little dimple in his left cheek; he pushes his trucks all over the house...I am in love with this little guy!
4. Dirty Jobs. Lillian and Sydney have become obsessed with watching "Dirty Jobs" with Bobby. Mike Rowe, the host, has become a common household name around here. I was doing something messy the other day and Lilly said, "Wow, Mom, that's a dirty job! You should tell Mike Rowe!" I'm sad that Discovery has canceled the show, but we'll continue to enjoy watching past episodes on Netflix. :)
1. 2013!! It seriously seems like it was only last night that I was sitting on my couch in our old apartment typing out a blog post about 2012. Deep down I was dreading the new year and I was trying very hard to focus on all of the things I had to look forward to that 2012 would bring. Well, I'm happy to report that I survived the year. Keeping a positive attitude most certainly helped. There were some difficult and rough spots- a friend died in a tragic car accident in January; then my father-in-law's health quickly declined in March before he passed away; there were lots of long and lonely nights while Bobby was working late or on call....there are more things but what's the point in dwelling on the bad stuff? There were way more great things about 2012- my niece Nanner was born! (on the same day as Michelle Obama's birthday, which also happens to be the same day I was baptized in 2003...how's that for some random facts for ya?); Lillian started kindergarten; Sydney started a parent co-op preschool that I'm thrilled to be a part of; we moved into a cute little house on a cute little street with awesome neighbors; we've made lots of new friends; Bobby's hours still suck but he gets to do his ortho stuff which he loves and he has home call; we went camping as a family; we hiked around some beautiful waterfalls; we had an awesome vacation at the beach; Liam is growing and babbling and is as cute as ever; I got to spend lots of time with my mom and dad in the beginning of the year when they were living nearby; I still get to hang out with my sister because she lives here, too (but only for a few more months!)...this is how I want to remember 2012. It was a good year. It makes me hopeful for 2013.
2. Tight squeezes! I just love, love, love getting (and giving!) big, tight hugs to my kiddos. Bobby and I will say, "give me a tight squeeze!" and they'll wrap their arms around our neck and their legs around our waste and squeeze as hard as they can. Sydney gave me a big hug in the kitchen today and it was especially nice because it was totally out of the blue. When Lillian walked through the door after school she jumped into my arms and hugged me tight, too. Then we played ring-around-the-rosy on the floor and Sydney joined in. Liam just looked at us like we were a bunch of silly girls (which we are). It's moments like those that I wish I could freeze time and hold onto them for a very long time.
3. Liam's charm. This boy is cute. I might just be saying that because he's my little boy, but in any case he's pretty darn adorable. He'll fold his arms when we say "time to say prayer!" When we ask, "Liam, do you want to brush your teeth?" he sticks his finger in his mouth and pretends it's a toothbrush. Ask him, "What does a cow say" and he'll say "Booooo!" If you say, "Where's Liam?!" he'll put his little hands over his eyes, wait a few seconds, then take them away with a big grin on his face to see who's watching him. It's the cutest game of peek-a-boo I've ever seen. He stuffs whole animal crackers in his mouth as if he has to eat them before they get up and run away; he waves at everyone (and I mean everyone) he sees and he'll say "hi, hi" as his arm is flapping up and down; he has a little dimple in his left cheek; he pushes his trucks all over the house...I am in love with this little guy!
4. Dirty Jobs. Lillian and Sydney have become obsessed with watching "Dirty Jobs" with Bobby. Mike Rowe, the host, has become a common household name around here. I was doing something messy the other day and Lilly said, "Wow, Mom, that's a dirty job! You should tell Mike Rowe!" I'm sad that Discovery has canceled the show, but we'll continue to enjoy watching past episodes on Netflix. :)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Today I'm thankful for...
1. Reading stories in bed with Sydney before afternoon "quiet time" while Lillian is at school. Sometimes we read in Lilly's bed because it's so cool to use your big sister's stuff when she's not home. Shhh, don't tell! :) Recently, Sydney has started to lick her pointer finger before turning the pages of the book we're reading. It's so cute because it's such a grown-up thing for a little girl to do.
2. How happy and smiley Liam is first thing in the morning. He usually makes it into my bed some time during the night, so when he wakes up at 7:30 he's right next to me. He always has a big smile on his face like he's excited that it's a new day, and he looks thrilled to see me. It's such a wonderful and refreshing way to wake up.
3. Waving goodbye to Lillian on the school bus. Sydney and I always wait on the sidewalk after Lillian gets on the bus so we can wave as she drives away. The bus's windows are so tinted that sometimes I can't see her at all, so I'm just waving and smiling blindly, hoping that Lillian can see me. Today, however, I could clearly spot Lillian sitting in the middle of the bus and we were able to make eye contact. She waved enthusiastically with her face up against the window until we couldn't see her anymore. I waved back, just as excited as she was. The image of the big smile on her face, and the way she turned around in her seat so she could see us and wave to us longer is engraved into my mind. It made my heart leap for joy. I know she'll probably outgrow it some day, but I will thoroughly enjoy it while it lasts.
4. Banana bread. My lovely neighbor baked some today and brought some over for us. It's delicious!
1. Reading stories in bed with Sydney before afternoon "quiet time" while Lillian is at school. Sometimes we read in Lilly's bed because it's so cool to use your big sister's stuff when she's not home. Shhh, don't tell! :) Recently, Sydney has started to lick her pointer finger before turning the pages of the book we're reading. It's so cute because it's such a grown-up thing for a little girl to do.
2. How happy and smiley Liam is first thing in the morning. He usually makes it into my bed some time during the night, so when he wakes up at 7:30 he's right next to me. He always has a big smile on his face like he's excited that it's a new day, and he looks thrilled to see me. It's such a wonderful and refreshing way to wake up.
3. Waving goodbye to Lillian on the school bus. Sydney and I always wait on the sidewalk after Lillian gets on the bus so we can wave as she drives away. The bus's windows are so tinted that sometimes I can't see her at all, so I'm just waving and smiling blindly, hoping that Lillian can see me. Today, however, I could clearly spot Lillian sitting in the middle of the bus and we were able to make eye contact. She waved enthusiastically with her face up against the window until we couldn't see her anymore. I waved back, just as excited as she was. The image of the big smile on her face, and the way she turned around in her seat so she could see us and wave to us longer is engraved into my mind. It made my heart leap for joy. I know she'll probably outgrow it some day, but I will thoroughly enjoy it while it lasts.
4. Banana bread. My lovely neighbor baked some today and brought some over for us. It's delicious!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Quickie
This has to be fast.
Today I'm thankful for (not in any particular order)...
1. The Prophet and his apostles. They are inspired to say the most amazing things. These two talks from President Monson and President Uchtdorf are like the guide posts of my life that I strive to live by.
President Monson
President Uchtdorf
2. Uncle Paul.
Or just goofing off.
3. Sidewalk chalk flags.
And pumpkin patch-ing.
5. Sydney's first day of preschool! (she picked out the Cinderella folder all by herself at the store).
6. Stethoscopes. And baby drool. It looks good on him, don't you think? ;-)
Today I'm thankful for (not in any particular order)...
1. The Prophet and his apostles. They are inspired to say the most amazing things. These two talks from President Monson and President Uchtdorf are like the guide posts of my life that I strive to live by.
President Monson
President Uchtdorf
2. Uncle Paul.
Camo from Uncle Paul and standing at attention.
Or just goofing off.
4. Apple Picking.
And pumpkin patch-ing.
5. Sydney's first day of preschool! (she picked out the Cinderella folder all by herself at the store).
6. Making Chicago-style pizza. Mmmmm!
6. Stethoscopes. And baby drool. It looks good on him, don't you think? ;-)
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