A friend always has the most fun "tag, you're it" games on her blog. I have known her for a very long time and through these fun games I learn more fun things about her all the time. So here are the rules -
Here are the rules: "MY UNSPECTACULAR QUIRKS"
1. Link to the person who tagged you (still figuring out how to do this)
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell 6 unspectacular quirks about you. Tag 6 bloggers by linking to them (or tagging them on your blog)
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged
So I guess it is my turn to "tell all" about my quirks....
1) When I wear socks (which is hardly ever) I have to have the seam completely straight over the ends of my toes. If it moves or wrinkles I have to take my shoe off and start over. I just get around this most of the time by just not wearing socks - ever.
2) When I go to bed I have to straighten and fluff all the blankets and sheets "just so". I can't have any wrinkles or edges and I fold all the covers over on top and smooth everything. Preston always teases me about being his "princess" (princess & the pea) - and it really is true - if there is the slightest wrinkle or something is out of place I dont get comfy or sleep at all until it is "fixed".
3) I kill appliances - specifically vacuums & hand mixers. When I say kill, I mean they go down in flames kind of dead. We have recently replaced the vacuum - again ( I think this last one only lasted a year) and we have given up on buying hand mixers and have gone to the big counter-sized mixer instead (so far it has been safe from my brutality)
4) When I get over tired I laugh - hysterically - the tears rolling down your face, wet your pants kind of hysterical - and it wont even really matter what was said. If Preston or someone sets me off it doesnt take much to completely get to me without saying much of anything. Ask Preston, he is proud of the fact there is still a phrase from when we were first married (which really isnt all that funny) that will still set me off after all these years
5) When I sit down -just about anywhere - I always tuck my left foot underneath me. This is making for some challenging circumstances as I have gotten older and my body protests being curled up. More often than not I end up having the girls come and help me "unfold" myself because my knee decides it is perfectly content to stay in that position.
6) When I clean the bathroom I ALWAYS forget to hang new towels. More often than not I have left Preston having to walk to the linen closet dripping wet to retrieve one. I am trying to be more conscious of it and Preston is learning to make sure he has a towel BEFORE he gets wet :)
Ok, now it is your turn! I tag Preston, Ceana, Brittney, Kenna, Lish
Friday, November 14, 2008
TAG YOU'RE IT X 6
A friend started a new "tag, you're it" - if I understand it right you are supposed to find a pict with 6 of something in it? Lish, correct me if I am wrong -k-
When she tagged me I told her this would be a piece of cake as I have 6 of something in my life 24-7 - my KIDS!
It wasnt hard to find a pict as I have been taking TONS of picts of the kids recently.
This is one that I think in color I just didnt get the lighting right - but it really seems to work well in B&W.
So here are my tags for you - julie, kim H, denise, allison, courtney - cant wait to see the picts you post!
When she tagged me I told her this would be a piece of cake as I have 6 of something in my life 24-7 - my KIDS!
It wasnt hard to find a pict as I have been taking TONS of picts of the kids recently.
This is one that I think in color I just didnt get the lighting right - but it really seems to work well in B&W.
So here are my tags for you - julie, kim H, denise, allison, courtney - cant wait to see the picts you post!
SLEEP IS OVERRATED
Ok, so we were lucky enough to get 1 day/night of blissful sleep.....
Last night we were right back to being up most of the night. I got Kels tucked in the swing and she went right to sleep - that was at 9pm - I was still up. I was still up for about 5 hours after that - no matter what I did I could not get my brain to settle down. Finally about 230am I decided I felt tired enough to try to go to sleep - only to have Kels be fussing and completely awake. Apparently she thought she had a nice little nap and was up and running - I was very tired and very grumpy...
I thought I had gotten her settled back down around 330am - but no such luck, and I watched as the clocked ticked off minutes until I realized that Preston's alarm was only a short time from going off (5am).
I think I finally got her settled back in the swing just before 5am - and we both slept until about 7am. 2 HOURS of sleep is not going to be very helpful today.
She is already fussing for a nap - and with Ky still up after sleeping in - I have a feeling that it is going to be one of those days we will be trading off kiddos/sleep again. Could be an interesting day.
Last night we were right back to being up most of the night. I got Kels tucked in the swing and she went right to sleep - that was at 9pm - I was still up. I was still up for about 5 hours after that - no matter what I did I could not get my brain to settle down. Finally about 230am I decided I felt tired enough to try to go to sleep - only to have Kels be fussing and completely awake. Apparently she thought she had a nice little nap and was up and running - I was very tired and very grumpy...
I thought I had gotten her settled back down around 330am - but no such luck, and I watched as the clocked ticked off minutes until I realized that Preston's alarm was only a short time from going off (5am).
I think I finally got her settled back in the swing just before 5am - and we both slept until about 7am. 2 HOURS of sleep is not going to be very helpful today.
She is already fussing for a nap - and with Ky still up after sleeping in - I have a feeling that it is going to be one of those days we will be trading off kiddos/sleep again. Could be an interesting day.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
HO, HO, HO!
I know, I know - I can hear you saying "Wait! It is isnt even Thanksgiving yet!"
I am just so excited about a new project that will be coming up that I had to share!
About a week ago Preston's mom had made the suggestion to offer Santa portrait sittings to friends, family and community as a way to get myself "out there" and spread the word about my photography. My thought was - "yeah, and too bad dad isnt here to help out, no he lives in UT"
My brain has been trying to figure out a good way to be able to do it, who to ask to be santa - today those thoughts were made into reality!
A friend from 1st ward was at the ACES program tonight (another post coming with picts about that) and we got talking about her dad. He LOVES to play Santa and was sad he wouldnt get the chance to do it often this year. She knew he would love to be "my" Santa for the portrait sittings and even graciously offered her own house for the sittings!
I am SOOO excited. I will be putting flyer and price sheet together as well as coordinating a schedule for sittings in the next couple of days. I would like to offer an actual 90 minute shoot (for more personal setting/lots picts) but also offer short sittings too. Price suggestions have been 30min for $20-$25, 60min for $35, 90 min for $50. I am not sure I am comfy with these as my skills are still in beginning stages...
I would give the CD of picts to families and also have the option of having picts tweaked and "pro" printed for families for extra $.
I dont have the option right now for instant, high quality printing, and I am wondering if that will keep people away? Will people be ok with getting a disk of their own picts and then having the option to do whatever they want to them?
The one thing that scares me about giving a CD at the shoot is not having the time to look at them to tweak them or do touch-ups. Would it be ok to offer a "sneak peek" like they do at Penny's or other places and then only burn the picts the client wants? That would require prob a minimum of an extra 15min/shoot...
My goal in this is to have it be a personal sitting, more relaxed, more time to play, more time for little kiddos to have a fun experience and to capture their "shine" - people can go to the mall for the $5/5 minute/wait in line forever thing....thoughts?
In the past we have tried hard to get away from the whole "Santa/commercialism" stuff for our family. We are not even doing santa presents this year. But I know on the whole that the community really loves it and it is something special for families (like us again this year) who have a little person who will be celebrating a "1st" Christmas.
I would love to get your feedback, thoughts, ideas - what would you be interested in, how much would be reasonable for you? I will prob be trying to put a flyer together by Sunday to go out to wards and community stuff in the next week. I would love for you to post comments here or send me an email directly.
I really am excited about this project. Not for the $, but for the chance to see little people happy, to serve families by sharing this gift, to meet new people, to give K's dad a chance to also serve in a way that makes him so happy too. I think it could be such a wonderful opportunity to share a gift by giving a gift. Really that is what Christmas is about - sharing and giving gifts to others. I love that photography allows me to do that in so many ways.
I will look forward to hearing from you and getting all of your ideas. Wish me luck!
I am just so excited about a new project that will be coming up that I had to share!
About a week ago Preston's mom had made the suggestion to offer Santa portrait sittings to friends, family and community as a way to get myself "out there" and spread the word about my photography. My thought was - "yeah, and too bad dad isnt here to help out, no he lives in UT"
My brain has been trying to figure out a good way to be able to do it, who to ask to be santa - today those thoughts were made into reality!
A friend from 1st ward was at the ACES program tonight (another post coming with picts about that) and we got talking about her dad. He LOVES to play Santa and was sad he wouldnt get the chance to do it often this year. She knew he would love to be "my" Santa for the portrait sittings and even graciously offered her own house for the sittings!
I am SOOO excited. I will be putting flyer and price sheet together as well as coordinating a schedule for sittings in the next couple of days. I would like to offer an actual 90 minute shoot (for more personal setting/lots picts) but also offer short sittings too. Price suggestions have been 30min for $20-$25, 60min for $35, 90 min for $50. I am not sure I am comfy with these as my skills are still in beginning stages...
I would give the CD of picts to families and also have the option of having picts tweaked and "pro" printed for families for extra $.
I dont have the option right now for instant, high quality printing, and I am wondering if that will keep people away? Will people be ok with getting a disk of their own picts and then having the option to do whatever they want to them?
The one thing that scares me about giving a CD at the shoot is not having the time to look at them to tweak them or do touch-ups. Would it be ok to offer a "sneak peek" like they do at Penny's or other places and then only burn the picts the client wants? That would require prob a minimum of an extra 15min/shoot...
My goal in this is to have it be a personal sitting, more relaxed, more time to play, more time for little kiddos to have a fun experience and to capture their "shine" - people can go to the mall for the $5/5 minute/wait in line forever thing....thoughts?
In the past we have tried hard to get away from the whole "Santa/commercialism" stuff for our family. We are not even doing santa presents this year. But I know on the whole that the community really loves it and it is something special for families (like us again this year) who have a little person who will be celebrating a "1st" Christmas.
I would love to get your feedback, thoughts, ideas - what would you be interested in, how much would be reasonable for you? I will prob be trying to put a flyer together by Sunday to go out to wards and community stuff in the next week. I would love for you to post comments here or send me an email directly.
I really am excited about this project. Not for the $, but for the chance to see little people happy, to serve families by sharing this gift, to meet new people, to give K's dad a chance to also serve in a way that makes him so happy too. I think it could be such a wonderful opportunity to share a gift by giving a gift. Really that is what Christmas is about - sharing and giving gifts to others. I love that photography allows me to do that in so many ways.
I will look forward to hearing from you and getting all of your ideas. Wish me luck!
SLEEP IS LOVELY
Sleep is a lovely and wonderful thing, it is like heaven, it is SO helpful when it comes to keeping my sanity!
Our little travel swing died about 2 weeks ago - and with it so did any semblance of sleep for me.
Kels has been a lot like Kaeli was as a baby - always wanting to be held and always wanting to sleep in her swing - day & night. When the swing died we thought it would be a good time to try to let Kels just sleep on her own - not burrito wrapped - and in her own bed (well, the one in our room anyway) My sanity must have been slipping by then already - needless to say it has not gone well....
I have spent many nights up with her in the last 2 weeks sleeping off and on - 30 minutes (maybe) on and hours off. Two nights ago it kind of really got to me. She was extra fussy and no matter what I did for her it didnt help. I went back to the burrito wrap and a bottle during the night - which she hasnt needed for ages. When she was really tiny I sometimes could get her to sleep if I would hold her - she & I would march out to the library with pillow and blanket in hand, I would bundle her up and let her sleep in the crook of my arm - and we would both sleep. Two nights ago that didnt even work. I finally decided to pull out the dead swing, burrito wrap her and hand rock her in the swing - which helped her sleep only as long as my arm held out while I was still conscious - the minute I dozed and the swing stopped she was awake again...I think I counted about 2 hrs of sleep spread out through the night in little snippets.
After having her crying and fussy all day yesterday I finally got her to nap in the late afternoon - again by hand rocking her in the swing. She must have been as exhausted as I was because she finally went to sleep - for a couple of hours - I was so thankful the boys had also settled down that I was able to nap for a little bit too.
After such a long night & day and 2 weeks of this, desperation had set in. I got on the computer and sent out a plea for help to friends who I thought might still have a full sized swing in their possesion. I was so thankful to get so many responses from friends. A great big thank you to all of you who were so quick to come to my rescue!
Last night we were really still struggling even with the swing. I bundled her up and fed her a bottle WHILE she was swinging. She still cried and cried - and that along with everyone else in meltdown mode and being in chaos I thought for sure I was going to have a breakdown, and we were in for another long night with everyone, including kels, even having her in the swing.
I am so happy I can say that she and I slept tons better than we have for a VERY long time - thankfully so did everyone else, once they got settled down. Kels & I actually slept for several hours at a time - with her waking a couple of times but going right back to sleep. She is also taking a long morning nap. Thank you A for letting us borrow your wonderful swing - it really has helped a ton already!
I woke so refreshed from having almost a whole night's sleep that I have done amazing things today already - I actually got in a shower! I got the boys to school on time. I took the time to make muffins with Ky - and was patient enough to let him try to do everything himself - that hasnt been the case for a VERY long time. I sat and read books to Ky and laughed and teased with him. It has been a really nice morning.
My energy is starting to wane already and it isnt lunchtime yet - but I really am doing so much better. Swings really are wonderful things - I remember going through this exact same thing with Kaeli - that swing with her was my only sanity and the only way we both got any real sleep. Kels apparently is going to be the same way. Kaeli grew out of it without much of a problem and I know Kels will eventually too - but for now being able to borrow the swing is a true blessing for both of us! Thanx A a TON! You are an angel!
Our little travel swing died about 2 weeks ago - and with it so did any semblance of sleep for me.
Kels has been a lot like Kaeli was as a baby - always wanting to be held and always wanting to sleep in her swing - day & night. When the swing died we thought it would be a good time to try to let Kels just sleep on her own - not burrito wrapped - and in her own bed (well, the one in our room anyway) My sanity must have been slipping by then already - needless to say it has not gone well....
I have spent many nights up with her in the last 2 weeks sleeping off and on - 30 minutes (maybe) on and hours off. Two nights ago it kind of really got to me. She was extra fussy and no matter what I did for her it didnt help. I went back to the burrito wrap and a bottle during the night - which she hasnt needed for ages. When she was really tiny I sometimes could get her to sleep if I would hold her - she & I would march out to the library with pillow and blanket in hand, I would bundle her up and let her sleep in the crook of my arm - and we would both sleep. Two nights ago that didnt even work. I finally decided to pull out the dead swing, burrito wrap her and hand rock her in the swing - which helped her sleep only as long as my arm held out while I was still conscious - the minute I dozed and the swing stopped she was awake again...I think I counted about 2 hrs of sleep spread out through the night in little snippets.
After having her crying and fussy all day yesterday I finally got her to nap in the late afternoon - again by hand rocking her in the swing. She must have been as exhausted as I was because she finally went to sleep - for a couple of hours - I was so thankful the boys had also settled down that I was able to nap for a little bit too.
After such a long night & day and 2 weeks of this, desperation had set in. I got on the computer and sent out a plea for help to friends who I thought might still have a full sized swing in their possesion. I was so thankful to get so many responses from friends. A great big thank you to all of you who were so quick to come to my rescue!
Last night we were really still struggling even with the swing. I bundled her up and fed her a bottle WHILE she was swinging. She still cried and cried - and that along with everyone else in meltdown mode and being in chaos I thought for sure I was going to have a breakdown, and we were in for another long night with everyone, including kels, even having her in the swing.
I am so happy I can say that she and I slept tons better than we have for a VERY long time - thankfully so did everyone else, once they got settled down. Kels & I actually slept for several hours at a time - with her waking a couple of times but going right back to sleep. She is also taking a long morning nap. Thank you A for letting us borrow your wonderful swing - it really has helped a ton already!
I woke so refreshed from having almost a whole night's sleep that I have done amazing things today already - I actually got in a shower! I got the boys to school on time. I took the time to make muffins with Ky - and was patient enough to let him try to do everything himself - that hasnt been the case for a VERY long time. I sat and read books to Ky and laughed and teased with him. It has been a really nice morning.
My energy is starting to wane already and it isnt lunchtime yet - but I really am doing so much better. Swings really are wonderful things - I remember going through this exact same thing with Kaeli - that swing with her was my only sanity and the only way we both got any real sleep. Kels apparently is going to be the same way. Kaeli grew out of it without much of a problem and I know Kels will eventually too - but for now being able to borrow the swing is a true blessing for both of us! Thanx A a TON! You are an angel!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
TENDER MERCIES & MIRACLES
I am going to post a blurb here on the family blog but will be sure to post more on the photo blog too.
Today I got the opportunity to practice my photography again by doing my 1st guy senior photo shoot. I was SOOO nervous - about it being my first time photographing a senior guy, about the horrendous weather, about my skills with indoor shoots ( not so good last time), about just about everything.
I know that I have been given this gift to be able to share with others. I do not have this gift or watch it develop because I am awesome or wonderful - it has all come because of great blessings.
My main goal with my photography is to be able to use my gift to serve others and bring them happiness, not myself. My goal is to be friendly, efficient, professional.
With these things in my heart and mind I knelt for prayer before the shoot today - knowing I couldnt do it on my own, pleading to have the weather behave, knowing I was so terrified to need to an indoor shoot and knowing my skills arent good enough to do that yet.
I was given more blessings, tender mercies, and miracles today than I could ever deserve - starting with exactly 90 minutes of dry weather! (I schedule all my shoots for 90min) The weather went from blowing and rainy yuck to misty rain to nothing. When we were just on the outside edge of that 90 minutes the wind and rain started in earnest again. This also happened with a shoot I did last week. It really was a miracle.
I was also blessed to have a very positive experience with the young man I did picts for. He was really great to work with and I think we both had fun. I was blessed with the end result of some pretty amazing picts to be able to give to him and his family (watch for them to post on the photo blog) as well.
During a couple of lulls in the shoot (clothes changes) I was able to just sit - with my heart overflowing with gratitude for the amazing gifts that had been given. I couldnt say "thank you" enough. It also gave me a chance to review picts already taken and have some quiet moments to be open to more ideas or inspiration - which I definately received.
Today was a day of receiving and giving gifts. It amazes me that I continue to receive such tender blessings as today when I know I am so undeserving. Even so, I am truly grateful for them and for the opportunity it gives for me to learn and for my testimony to grow stronger even through little things like taking pictures. It fills me with untold joy to be able to share those blessings and learning and strength with others - their happiness is also my own. What a marvel and wonder that is.
Today I got the opportunity to practice my photography again by doing my 1st guy senior photo shoot. I was SOOO nervous - about it being my first time photographing a senior guy, about the horrendous weather, about my skills with indoor shoots ( not so good last time), about just about everything.
I know that I have been given this gift to be able to share with others. I do not have this gift or watch it develop because I am awesome or wonderful - it has all come because of great blessings.
My main goal with my photography is to be able to use my gift to serve others and bring them happiness, not myself. My goal is to be friendly, efficient, professional.
With these things in my heart and mind I knelt for prayer before the shoot today - knowing I couldnt do it on my own, pleading to have the weather behave, knowing I was so terrified to need to an indoor shoot and knowing my skills arent good enough to do that yet.
I was given more blessings, tender mercies, and miracles today than I could ever deserve - starting with exactly 90 minutes of dry weather! (I schedule all my shoots for 90min) The weather went from blowing and rainy yuck to misty rain to nothing. When we were just on the outside edge of that 90 minutes the wind and rain started in earnest again. This also happened with a shoot I did last week. It really was a miracle.
I was also blessed to have a very positive experience with the young man I did picts for. He was really great to work with and I think we both had fun. I was blessed with the end result of some pretty amazing picts to be able to give to him and his family (watch for them to post on the photo blog) as well.
During a couple of lulls in the shoot (clothes changes) I was able to just sit - with my heart overflowing with gratitude for the amazing gifts that had been given. I couldnt say "thank you" enough. It also gave me a chance to review picts already taken and have some quiet moments to be open to more ideas or inspiration - which I definately received.
Today was a day of receiving and giving gifts. It amazes me that I continue to receive such tender blessings as today when I know I am so undeserving. Even so, I am truly grateful for them and for the opportunity it gives for me to learn and for my testimony to grow stronger even through little things like taking pictures. It fills me with untold joy to be able to share those blessings and learning and strength with others - their happiness is also my own. What a marvel and wonder that is.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Well, we got a BIG surprise for the girls today! They had auditioned for the CHS play - The Sound of Music - last week. They had a positive experience even though they didnt make it for call-backs. Boy were we surprised when we received an email from the play director today and saw that both the girls' names were on the "extras/chorus" list! Both of the girls will get to play nuns.
Both the girls were SO excited they couldnt stand it and phone calls flew like lightning to their dad and to each other (ceana was at a friend's house, kaeli at home) and to other family members. The girls were also extra excited that a lot of their friends and MANY kids from the 2 wards are going to be in the play too. They are going to have a blast together in the coming months!
This is going to be a new adventure for us. The girls are very excited and cant wait to get started. We will get the rehersal schedule tomorrow and then we will be on our way!
The play is the week before/weekend of Valentine's Day. It will be great fun and great learning experiences for the girls and for all of us.
Preston used to participate in all the school plays when we were in school - being in the band he got to play all the cool music for everything. It will be fun to have the girls be in the play itself and get a different perspective on the whole process start to finish.
We will be sure to keep everyone posted on how the girls are doing and about all of the fun they are having!
Both the girls were SO excited they couldnt stand it and phone calls flew like lightning to their dad and to each other (ceana was at a friend's house, kaeli at home) and to other family members. The girls were also extra excited that a lot of their friends and MANY kids from the 2 wards are going to be in the play too. They are going to have a blast together in the coming months!
This is going to be a new adventure for us. The girls are very excited and cant wait to get started. We will get the rehersal schedule tomorrow and then we will be on our way!
The play is the week before/weekend of Valentine's Day. It will be great fun and great learning experiences for the girls and for all of us.
Preston used to participate in all the school plays when we were in school - being in the band he got to play all the cool music for everything. It will be fun to have the girls be in the play itself and get a different perspective on the whole process start to finish.
We will be sure to keep everyone posted on how the girls are doing and about all of the fun they are having!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
TENDER MERCIES
As my brain is many places today I felt with all the turmoil and challenges it would be a good time to update this category again.
1) STILL HAVING A JOB - P sent me an email yesterday morning to tell me about his day - that he had been given a presentation about company lay-offs and cutbacks - and then watched and he and other co-workers were asked to come one by one to find out about their futures with the company. P works for a company that is known world-wide. Never in all the time he has been there do I remember a time like this when the company has had set backs. We have been very blessed that he has been allowed to keep his position at work and that he does have a sufficient work load. It is a great blessing for us to know that we will have the $ that we need to support our family.
2) PAYCHECKS - Things have been very difficult for us, as it is for many right now. We have been scraping the bottom of the barrel just waiting for things to be in place to meet all of our responsibilities. We have struggled with that the last little while - we appreciate all of you who have been so patient with us. Today we were given another blessing when Preston's check posted a day early, allowing us to meet immediate needs for our family
3) APPLES - Our family loves apples of just about any kind, but esp red and green. Recently the girls have re-discovered them. C has beeen eating them non-stop since getting her braces off, loving every huge bite she can take. K has decided that she likes RED apples again, and I am thrilled as she has become my more choosy kiddo when it comes to food. It is nice to know that she is willing to pick a healthy snack when she gets the "munchies" at night while she is doing homework.
4) SILLY KIDDOS - Esp my 2 yr old. I have been contemplating making a title of a new post "naked as a jay bird" because he has been such a challenge lately. He has finally discovered how to undress himself - completely - and usually does so at the most inoportune time or out of the blue. Just when I think he is settled, he comes prancing in the room perfectly content that he has stripped himself to nothing. At first I resorted to putting his diaper on backwards - but that didnt seem to do the trick. I have come to the point where he is just in his zipper, snuggy PJ's 24-7 so I can put them on him BACKWARDS. He cant get to the zipper and thus he stays dressed! I seem to remember all of the other big kids going through this same stage too but cant seem to get my brain to remember what I did for them. For now it seems to be working for K and as long as I know he is warm and dressed then that is good for both of us.
The other thing he did recently was put himself down for a nap - right in the middle of the office floor. He was running in and out with his favorite blanket and pillow and chattering and the next thing I heard was lots of quiet and deep breathing - I looked over and there he was, totally zonked out. Of course I had to grab the camera - I will be sure to post that pict soon along with some others.
5) K IS ALMOST 6 MONTHS! It is hard to believe that she is going to be 6 months old in just a few days. She is getting so big. This last weekend she surprised P when he noticed that she was sitting up all by herself on the rug. With his crazy work and drill schedule he hasnt been around her enough to see all her new growth. She is really good at sitting up and playing with toys. She can also control when she falls over - it isnt just a solid bonk anymore, more of a slow flop...
She also has TWO bottom front teeth coming in. That probably explains why she has been so fussy this last week. I found the 1st one awhile ago and then discovered the 2nd one had broken through her gum this week. She is also growing out of clothes again already - it seems we are washing the same outfits over and over until I can get up in the storage area and get down the next clothes box. I also need to finally find her some cold weather shoes or socks.
Our one challenge is that she still is not interested in eating "real" food. Every time we try she just sticks out her tongue and spits it back out - all over herself and whoever happens to be helping her. The rest of the kids ate at lots of different ages so it is not such a big deal. I seem to remember when C was a baby that things kicked in around Thanksgiving because of all the soft foods available. Maybe that will be the trick that works for K too.
She has her 6 month check-up next week and it will be fun to see how big she really is. I will be sure to post more after her appt.
6) SCRIPTURE CHALLENGES - We have been having a hard time with scripture study lately and one day my brain got a new idea. A challenge for the kids to see if we could do better on reading.
Everyone was given their own calendar to keep track of their reading. The big kids need to read 20 minutes and then report to me or P and then record their reading. The little boys get read to and then they can earn a sticker for each day they are read to or that they look at our scripture picture books. There are weekly prizes for the kiddo with the most days reading and a big "grand prize" at the end of the month. It seems to be doing the trick as I have had the big girls studying just about every day and actually reporting, in detail, what they have studied. It has given us a new incentive and we are all working towards making better habits and better success with gospel study.
Well, there is more to write - but little K is not napping again today. She has been so fussy this week with her teeth and I think that the swing has finally died (if she isnt rocking, she usually isnt sleeping). I will try to post more soon.
1) STILL HAVING A JOB - P sent me an email yesterday morning to tell me about his day - that he had been given a presentation about company lay-offs and cutbacks - and then watched and he and other co-workers were asked to come one by one to find out about their futures with the company. P works for a company that is known world-wide. Never in all the time he has been there do I remember a time like this when the company has had set backs. We have been very blessed that he has been allowed to keep his position at work and that he does have a sufficient work load. It is a great blessing for us to know that we will have the $ that we need to support our family.
2) PAYCHECKS - Things have been very difficult for us, as it is for many right now. We have been scraping the bottom of the barrel just waiting for things to be in place to meet all of our responsibilities. We have struggled with that the last little while - we appreciate all of you who have been so patient with us. Today we were given another blessing when Preston's check posted a day early, allowing us to meet immediate needs for our family
3) APPLES - Our family loves apples of just about any kind, but esp red and green. Recently the girls have re-discovered them. C has beeen eating them non-stop since getting her braces off, loving every huge bite she can take. K has decided that she likes RED apples again, and I am thrilled as she has become my more choosy kiddo when it comes to food. It is nice to know that she is willing to pick a healthy snack when she gets the "munchies" at night while she is doing homework.
4) SILLY KIDDOS - Esp my 2 yr old. I have been contemplating making a title of a new post "naked as a jay bird" because he has been such a challenge lately. He has finally discovered how to undress himself - completely - and usually does so at the most inoportune time or out of the blue. Just when I think he is settled, he comes prancing in the room perfectly content that he has stripped himself to nothing. At first I resorted to putting his diaper on backwards - but that didnt seem to do the trick. I have come to the point where he is just in his zipper, snuggy PJ's 24-7 so I can put them on him BACKWARDS. He cant get to the zipper and thus he stays dressed! I seem to remember all of the other big kids going through this same stage too but cant seem to get my brain to remember what I did for them. For now it seems to be working for K and as long as I know he is warm and dressed then that is good for both of us.
The other thing he did recently was put himself down for a nap - right in the middle of the office floor. He was running in and out with his favorite blanket and pillow and chattering and the next thing I heard was lots of quiet and deep breathing - I looked over and there he was, totally zonked out. Of course I had to grab the camera - I will be sure to post that pict soon along with some others.
5) K IS ALMOST 6 MONTHS! It is hard to believe that she is going to be 6 months old in just a few days. She is getting so big. This last weekend she surprised P when he noticed that she was sitting up all by herself on the rug. With his crazy work and drill schedule he hasnt been around her enough to see all her new growth. She is really good at sitting up and playing with toys. She can also control when she falls over - it isnt just a solid bonk anymore, more of a slow flop...
She also has TWO bottom front teeth coming in. That probably explains why she has been so fussy this last week. I found the 1st one awhile ago and then discovered the 2nd one had broken through her gum this week. She is also growing out of clothes again already - it seems we are washing the same outfits over and over until I can get up in the storage area and get down the next clothes box. I also need to finally find her some cold weather shoes or socks.
Our one challenge is that she still is not interested in eating "real" food. Every time we try she just sticks out her tongue and spits it back out - all over herself and whoever happens to be helping her. The rest of the kids ate at lots of different ages so it is not such a big deal. I seem to remember when C was a baby that things kicked in around Thanksgiving because of all the soft foods available. Maybe that will be the trick that works for K too.
She has her 6 month check-up next week and it will be fun to see how big she really is. I will be sure to post more after her appt.
6) SCRIPTURE CHALLENGES - We have been having a hard time with scripture study lately and one day my brain got a new idea. A challenge for the kids to see if we could do better on reading.
Everyone was given their own calendar to keep track of their reading. The big kids need to read 20 minutes and then report to me or P and then record their reading. The little boys get read to and then they can earn a sticker for each day they are read to or that they look at our scripture picture books. There are weekly prizes for the kiddo with the most days reading and a big "grand prize" at the end of the month. It seems to be doing the trick as I have had the big girls studying just about every day and actually reporting, in detail, what they have studied. It has given us a new incentive and we are all working towards making better habits and better success with gospel study.
Well, there is more to write - but little K is not napping again today. She has been so fussy this week with her teeth and I think that the swing has finally died (if she isnt rocking, she usually isnt sleeping). I will try to post more soon.
HELPFUL OR HELPLESS?
Ok, just venting here for a minute and then would love to get everyone's ideas about what you think.
Lately my 3 big kiddos have been in the habit of forgetting things - lunches, homework, important papers, etc. and then expecting me to jump in the car and rescue them.
After having this happen again today - and having to put 4 kiddos in the car again to help big girls I am a bit beside myself.
I am caught in a dilema though - do I continue to bail them out and be at their beck and call and still be doing so in 15+years when I still havent taught them to be responsible - or do I draw the line now and make them responsible for the consequences of their own actions - including their forgetfulness, no matter how big or small.
My thoughts are in a turmoil of "in 15 years is it going to matter?" Will it?- will they still be calling me to bail them out? Will they remember that I was a "hard nose" and never willing to help or support them? Will they remember that I was always willing to help no matter what?
My brain is in all sorts of places over this. Would love to know what you think or what experiences you have had with this with your own kiddos? Maybe I am the only one?
Lately my 3 big kiddos have been in the habit of forgetting things - lunches, homework, important papers, etc. and then expecting me to jump in the car and rescue them.
After having this happen again today - and having to put 4 kiddos in the car again to help big girls I am a bit beside myself.
I am caught in a dilema though - do I continue to bail them out and be at their beck and call and still be doing so in 15+years when I still havent taught them to be responsible - or do I draw the line now and make them responsible for the consequences of their own actions - including their forgetfulness, no matter how big or small.
My thoughts are in a turmoil of "in 15 years is it going to matter?" Will it?- will they still be calling me to bail them out? Will they remember that I was a "hard nose" and never willing to help or support them? Will they remember that I was always willing to help no matter what?
My brain is in all sorts of places over this. Would love to know what you think or what experiences you have had with this with your own kiddos? Maybe I am the only one?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
We had an extra full and adventurous Halloween this year. The kids started their happy holiday on Thursday with class parties and festive activities. Friday afternoon we were invited to a friend's house for a costume party luncheon. The kids had a blast eating yummy food, playing fun games, getting their faces painted, and doing crafts. It was a great way to spend our time out of school. Thanx A & B for planning such a great activity!
Friday night we attended (and were partially in charge of) our annual church trunk-or-treat activity. It was really Ky's first year to "get it" and he had so much fun walking around with Ceana to collect treats and candy and he got really good at saying "trick-or-treat". The kids also enjoyed the indoor cupcake walk and the costume parade.
The girls had an extra fun time tweaking Kels's costume too. She was given an outfit that says "I am a social butterfly" - the big girls came up with the idea of making her some antenae from pipecleaners and baby butterfly clips and attached it to a headband. They also hunted the costume and dress up boxes to find her some wings. It turned out SO cute and we have had tons of fun taking TONS of picts of her.
Overall I think the kids had a great Halloween and all the picts we took will make for lots of fun scrap pages.
Friday night we attended (and were partially in charge of) our annual church trunk-or-treat activity. It was really Ky's first year to "get it" and he had so much fun walking around with Ceana to collect treats and candy and he got really good at saying "trick-or-treat". The kids also enjoyed the indoor cupcake walk and the costume parade.
The girls had an extra fun time tweaking Kels's costume too. She was given an outfit that says "I am a social butterfly" - the big girls came up with the idea of making her some antenae from pipecleaners and baby butterfly clips and attached it to a headband. They also hunted the costume and dress up boxes to find her some wings. It turned out SO cute and we have had tons of fun taking TONS of picts of her.
Overall I think the kids had a great Halloween and all the picts we took will make for lots of fun scrap pages.
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