Just like Daddy!

Today Bo wore his new suit for the first time. This is one more of the treasures we got from the garbage bags. How perfect for him! My other boys were jealous because they have all asked for suits and I tell them not until they are pretty much done growing. Bo absolutely loves it and kept it on the whole time! He just kept saying "I'm just like Daddy!"









Last night Chelsey and I went to see Mama Mia....loved it! I was slightly uncomfortable with Chelsey next to me during a few scenes, but she and I talked before and after about some of the issues. I'm so pleased at how mature and still truly innocent she is. We had fun together and both really enjoyed the movie. Definitely a chic flick with just a lot of crazy fun.

Mouse Hunt

I'm officially fed up with this stupid freakin mouse! About every other night I walk in to my bathroom and there he is. He always scurries out (or somewhere) really fast and then I have to lay there listening and wondering where it is. Last night I wasn't feeling very well anyway and couldn't get to sleep so it was late and I was grouchy. When I flipped on the light, I felt like it ran right at me so I let out a little yelp. Sorry Glade, he had just gotten to sleep. Tonight I have a few more traps set and we cleared out the nest completely and put poison pellets down. I WILL catch this dang thing! This I vow.

37 and a half years and finally....domestic diva!

Today was definitely a day to be grateful for our hands. We started the day early out in the garden. All the rain we've had and the accidental flooding of the garden has caused a huge weed problem. As much as we all hate it, we went out and worked together to make our garden look good again. I'm sure my legs will hurt tomorrow and my fingernails are really sore, but it was great to have everyone working and very little complaining. (except me every time they picked my sprouting corn!) The weather was gorgeous, we couldn't have asked for much more.

After cleaning up from gardening, I began my next challenge. Making bread. I have tried making home-made bread dozens of times with not one good loaf. Always dry, dense or flat. Very frustrating. I have been itching to try it again so I did a little research and really tried hard to be patient and follow all directions to a T. Well, it paid off! I made delicious, fluffy totally edible bread. I can't even tell you how excited that makes me. The funny part - Whitley really wanted me to take her shopping. I told her I had to wait till the bread was done and that would be about another hour and a half. She whines "why?...isn't it Amish Bread? " (which it was) I asked what that had to do with anything. She says "doesn't that mean it doesn't need an oven, you just let it sit or something and it turns into bread?" Yah, Whit, it's that easy! Next time I will make a few more loaves so maybe it will last a while. We went through one whole loaf just taste testing.

While I was making bread, the boys went out to work on their bikes. Don't ask me what they were doing, cuz I can never figure out why they do what they do. I was just glad to see them doing something that didn't involve a screen in front of their faces.

Whitley and I managed to get some shopping done for a b-day gift for one of her friends. I hate trying to reason with a teenager on what is really ugly and what is not. I finally just zipped my lips and counted myself lucky I wouldn't have to be there when she opened it.

Glade has been working outside all day, the yard looks amazing, the garden is weed free and the garage floor is free of mud. (for the next few hours anyway) The kids have been so good, hardly any fighting and everyone doing their part. Sometimes you get little glimpses of how good it can be. What a great day to teach about self-reliance and following the counsel of the prophets.

Bo and I made this mess while making bread, he was very helpful.



My first REAL loaves of bread!


Rhett, Dalin, Nick, and Brooklyn working hard.


Stephen, Bo and Rhett - we brought out the sleds and boogie boards so we could sit on them!


Even Katy helped, well...sort of.


The whole gang - minus me of course.


Rhett trying to piece together his bike.


Nick looking for just the right socket

Hats, Shakers, and 'Nocalers

Today Bo and I were watching Clifford. Emily Elizabeth was making party favors. We decided that would be fun to do as well. We scrounged up some toilet paper rolls and other supplies and made some shakers. Bo also insisted he have a hat. I had to go online for this one, I love the Internet! After he had his shaker and hat, he thought that 'nocalers would make it complete. Amazing what you can do with some paper and duct tape. Katy woke up while we were working so we made some for her. It was lots of fun. While taking the pictures, Katy got a little grouchy about me taking her binky.







Oh the dimples!





Her hat wouldn't stay up


Wonder what Bo's looking at....


...THIS....guess the glue wasn't quite dry.


Opposition in all things

A day of Insights

I really wish I would have taken the time to post yesterday. It was one of those days when you just really appreciate all the little things. I had so many swimming in my head and I didn't sit down and blog them. Now, when I think back, not much comes to mind. Funny how that happens. I decided to label my "cute kids" posts Family Circle. That way I know when it's just a funny family story. This post will be really scattered cuz I have a bunch of little things that aren't related.

Stuff I wish I would have posted yesterday -

-GROSS - Looking over just in time to see Katy put her finger down the back of her diaper and straight into her mouth.
-NAUGHTY - Tucking everyone in, then coming out into the dark house a half hour later to find my 3 yr old playing games on the Internet.
-HEARTBREAKING - Having your 7 yr old tell you that some overgrown 6th grader followed him around calling him a retard. (I called the school about that one)
-WEIRD - Listening to the radio in the car, hearing a really "bumpin" song, realizing its probably inappropriate, turning it over, then hearing your 18 months old scream till you turn it back. Shorty Got Low got my baby!
-FRUSTRATING - To be so mad at a 3 yr old one minute and then watch him sleep on your shoulder the next.
-YAHHH - hearing My Prerogative on my way to bunko. (I have been spelling that wrong my whole life!)
-SENTIMENTAL - Introducing new friends to old friends and realizing you have really good friends from so many different places in your life.
-AHHHH(sigh) - Standing out in the windy, wet night getting gas and feeling just a slight chill every time the wind blows. Hurry up winter!
-SATISFYING - Setting a well balanced meal before your children and watching them eat and play together without even talking.
-FULFILLING- Looking at your life from the outside and realizing, I have it pretty darn good!

If you think I fit into the romantic section of every personality test, you'd be right.

Rainbows and Running

Rainbows

Last night I took Rhett to his first Jungle Book practice. He did really well. He is a hip hop elephant. They are doing a two minute dance to "Can't touch this". Very fun. On the way there, it was still kinda sprinkling. Right out in front of us was a full rainbow! How often do you see that? It was very beautiful. It makes me so sad at what the world has deemed the rainbow a symbol for.

Running

Today I ran my best 5k to date. 32 minutes and 40 seconds. That beats my last time by just about a minute. Still 3 minutes behind Glade's time, but he's crazy. I ran all of it but one lap. That was the true feat. Totally mind over matter. I had to talk myself through it the whole time. "you've gone this far" "it's not going to kill you" "just this once" "don't think about it". After I finished the 5k, I walked another 2 miles. A great day on the treadmill. I decided that Thursdays would be my run hard and push it day. My legs were totally aching and felt like rubber, let's hope it's not too bad tomorrow!

Inspirational Perspective

I got this from Leslie who got it from someone else and so forth. I love it! Truly inspiring and worth taking a look.

Gym Follies

Ok, last night I went to the gym a little late so I could do a little workout and then go to the hip hop class. I decided to do the elliptical to burn more calories faster since I didn't have a ton of time. As I walked to the one I wanted to be on, there was a burning in my nose. I thought "sheesh!" I got on the machine and started going. The smell was unbearable. I thought surely my nose would get used to it. When it was choking me to breath in, I decided to just breathe through my mouth. Nope, I could taste it. It was a horrible mixture of B.O. and baby powder? Now it's awkward cuz I've been going for a few minutes, but I seriously can't take it anymore. There were three possible offenders, one right next to me. Finally, I just stopped, went three machines down and started again. Ahhhh, fresh air.
Then as I'm going along, I glance over at the very skinny 12 year old girl next to me and she is moving right along - TEXTING the whole time. Are you kidding??? After 30 minutes or so I head to the aerobics room for class. Usually I feel really good about myself at the gym, endorphins raging and all. Then I started moving around in front of a huge mirror. I never feel fatter than when I'm in a class. Are my legs really that stumpy?? Are those my arms flapping around?? Yuck! Guess I better head back up to the treadmill!
The good news, I had heard that cancelling your membership was next to impossible. No phone number, only mail correspondence. I had mailed in a cancellation for my two kids and never heard anything. I decided I should check on it and sure enough, they cancel today. Yippee, one more battle avoided.

The wonder of a child

This is what happens every time the whole family starts gathering in the living room, with the TV off of course. As soon as Katy realizes everyone is gathering, she runs up to the front of the room and starts waving her hands around. She used to wait till we actually started singing the song, but now she just KNOWS when it's about to happen. I'm always amazed. Bo is a little grouchy cuz we didn't sing the song he wanted to sing. This has become their tradition, to lead the music during FHE. I could go on and on about all the things that just amaze me about Katy, but I won't! I know I've been through this a few times before, but I just can't get over the ability they have to think and learn and figure things out. Crazy.

Mouse update:
(especially for Camille)

This is one you will love. Of course I'm awake at 3 am, I always am. (hence the need for a nap Joe!) I was laying there trying to go back to sleep and I kept hearing paper tearing. I have some scrap booking stuff on the floor right next to the fireplace, which happens to be where the nest is. I'm not sure what that mouse is making with my paper, but I'm sure it's gonna be cute! Anyway, I couldn't get back to sleep and every time I would hear that paper munching I would just cringe. Just go get the peanut butter already!

Rain, Holy crap, Rain!

I took pictures, but they just don't show "wet" that well. I left to get my kids from school and it was raining. I love the rain! I didn't want my kids standing in it for too long though so I wanted to get there right when they got out. By the time I got to the school (about 5 min), it was raining so hard I couldn't see the road in front of me. Seriously, I almost pulled over and I'm not one who minds driving in the rain. It was actually sheeting across the road. I decided not to wait in the line to pick them up and I would just park and go get them. I had a beach towel in the car so I thought, "I'll just throw this over my head". Ha! The minute I stepped out of the car, the wind blew the towel right off me and I was absolutely soaked in a matter of seconds. Not just a little wet, drenched! I ran across the parking lot to find lots of wet, crying little children. It was madness! I couldn't even find my kids cuz everyone was huddled in corners with backpacks over their heads. It took me about 15 minutes of standing in the craziness to find all of mine. I have never been so wet from rain. When I got home, I had to change before I went to get Whitley. I was literally soaked to the bone. I had to use a towel to dry off before I could get new things on. I wish the pictures did justice, but they don't. It was all better when they got to come in, change into dry clothes and enjoy fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies. That's a tradition!

Updates

Here are the updates on the things going on around here:

ELBOW
I can't say for sure since it's only been two days, but my elbow feels really great. I can still feel it at times, but nothing like it was. He said to give it a week, so I'm still hoping the rest will subside, but seriously, SO much better. Why did they never offer that to me before?

MOUSE
So we caught a baby mouse upstairs. It was still alive and stuck to the glue trap. Chelsey thought it was so cute and asked if we could keep it. Ummm. NO! She wondered if we could at least save it. Sorry Sis, it's stuck! The kids were all "playing" with it as it struggled to get loose. Stephen reached in to pick up the trap and the mouse bit him. Yikes, hope there's no serious disease there. It's just a little country mouse so I'm pretty sure he'll be OK, Stephen that is. Glade is sure that it wasn't the mouse they had chased around for an hour one night. He would be right because I saw that mouse last night! Bo woke me up and I went and turned on the bathroom light and there he was in my shower. I guess he was thirsty. He ran around the walls of my bathroom and behind my dresser. Now I had to walk past my dresser to get back in bed. This is all just too creepy for me. Now that we know there was a baby mouse, how many more might there be?? Ewwwww! How does my mouse just happen to get knocked up?

FINISHED BREAKING DAWN
Friday I finished reading Breaking Dawn, the last of the vampire books. Not bad, four big books in three weeks. I would have to say the last was the best. I enjoyed the story, but was irritated a little with her writing style and lack of editing (tons of typos). I'm a little crazy about stuff like that . Anyway, I think it was mostly an enjoyable experience and I may even try it again sometime. Who knew?

DATE NIGHTS
We went out with some family that were in town Friday night and went to an all you can eat buffet. Will never do that again! The food wasn't even that great, but I ate so much I couldn't even sleep that night. Why do I do this to myself? Saturday night we went out with John and Tracie. We went early to beat the rush and we still had to wait half an hour. Which was totally fine by me because I still wasn't hungry. I was much more sensible this time and just had a salad. After dinner I talked them into going back to their house and learning a new card game - Euchre! I have so missed playing Euchre and seems like not very many people can get the hang of it. They did really well, I think we might even do it again some time, YEAH! After a few hands, we went to the "lucky house" and got a few things that Tracie wanted for her house. She has roosters and there just happened to be some rooster stuff. Lucky for her!

CHELSEY'S FIRST DATE
This one totally sucks. She has been trying to go on this date for 2 weeks now. For some reason or another, they have had to cancel. This time it actually went through. Unfortunately, we had to leave before she did. I asked Whitley to make sure they got a few pictures with my camera. Chelsey was mortified at the idea. When her date came to pick her up, Whitley tried to get a few shots, but I forgot to put the SD card back in my camera. Can you believe that?? So now I have nothing of her first date. She was way happy about that. She had a great time and even called to check in and see what time I wanted her home. We haven't exactly given her a curfew yet. She hasn't given us a whole lot of reason to.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAILEY
Saturday we went to the Dairman's to celebrate Hailey's birthday. They always do a big deal, BBQ, swimming, etc. We are so grateful they always include us. Nine extra kids in a pool is no little thing. They even let us come early so we could swim before it got too crazy and because we had to leave early to get home to pick Chelsey up from work. The kids had a great time. I sprayed them all with sunscreen like a good mom, but forgot to shake it really good. They are all sunburned. I guess the sunscreen is at the bottom or something. Woops. Katy wouldn't have anything to do with the pool. We put her in and she cried the whole time. I have NEVER had a kid who didn't love the water. Strange. It was a really fun afternoon and so great to get the kids out of the house for the day. Thanks Joe and Kathy!

COOL HAIR
This is what happens when there are too many people in a house and everyone thinks someone else is watching the little ones. Bo is a little obsessive about having his hair done. He never wants to leave until we've done his hair. He decided to do it himself. I wasn't here at the time so I thank Whitley for thinking to take pictures and then also for bathing him! Love you Whitley!

This is ALL gel

sleepy baby

Sleepy Baby Tries to Stay Awake

This is a little bit long, but actually quite funny. I laughed out loud a few times. I don't know how to put the video right on my blog, but here is the link if you want to go have a little laugh.

Owwww!...then aaaahhhh!

Well I had had enough. This stupid elbow thing has been an issue for almost two years now. My left elbow got tendinitis when I was pregnant with Katy and stayed for about a year. I couldn't do much for it because I was nursing. Then it just magically went away. About a month later, it showed up in my right elbow...grrrr! I have been living with that for about 7 months. I've tried the ice and anti inflamatories and what not but with no success. This one is much worse than when it was my left elbow. I do everything with my right arm. It pains me to just spray hairspray. Totally ridiculous. I finally just decided to tell them I wanted cortisone. I went today to see if that would take care of it.

Funny on the way there...Bo asked where we were going. I told him I was going the doctor. The first thing he said was "you're too big to lay on that layer thing!"(the table) I assured him it would be OK. Then I told him I would probably get a shot for my elbow. His eyes got really wide and he said "NO! that will hurt you!" I guess the only shot he knows about is when "i shot you!" bang bang and all. I had to convince him it was not like that but he still wanted to know if there would be a hole in my elbow.

It really wasn't until then that I actually thought about if it would hurt. Hmmm.. a needle going right into where it already hurt. Now I was a little worried. All in all it wasn't so bad. I did wince and groan just a smidge. It already feels a little better. He said to try and not use my arm so much this weekend. Ha! That's funny. Anyway, it still aches a little, but the other pain seems to be less. Let's hope this is the end of my elbow woes. I really want to play ball again! Or just spray some hairspray. The best part, he didn't charge me for it!

sharing is nice until...

Today, Bo and Katy were playing a hammering game. They were not doing so well with sharing so I started to try to help. Katy just didn't understand why she had to hand the hammer over to Bo. She screamed and swatted, but we persisted. Bo says "I'm winning. I'm beating her." I explained that there was no winning in this game, we were just playing nice with each other. He paused long enough for me to think we were done with that conversation. Then he says "Well, I AM kicking her butt."

Late Night Workout

Yesterday afternoon was not as smooth as I would have liked to be able to make it to the gym. We had had a really good (big) shopping trip in the morning and spent a lot of the mid day figuring out how to store everything. I tried taking a nap, but really just wanted to read my book. Funny coming from me, huh? After getting all the homework done, I hope, then dinner and getting everyone to scouts, I decided to hit the gym. Chelsey didn't have mutual so I had a babysitter. I went and ran what I thought was going to be a pretty fast 5K, but it was about as good as I usually do. I think I walked an extra lap. I was running then walking, but I was running at 7 and walking at 3.8 which is faster than I usually do both. I guess walking that extra lap ruined my time. I was beat though. Right when I was finishing, the hip hop class was starting so I thought I would try doing that as well. I really felt light headed and like I might throw up at first. No rest time in between. I fought through that and was fine until about 35 minutes into it. She decided to try to teach a routine, which I hate. (too much down time) But the beginning was a lot of turning. She made us do it so many times in a row that I thought I might really pass out this time. I decided to call it a night and go home. Came home and what was waiting right inside? Cookies. My delightful daughter had decided to make cookies. So I guess I just killed myself so I could eat a cookie. I'm so stupid.

Another personality test

This personality test was emailed to me by my friend Tiffany. It's a little different because it's based on pictures. I felt like it was pretty accurate as well. IF you're bored and need something to waste your time (lol) go try it out. Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends

Triathlon

On Saturday, Glade and our friend, Jake, ran a triathlon to raise money for the Special Olympics. No, they weren't competing as Special Athletes! Glade had set what he thought was a lofty goal for a finishing time. He beat that by 2 minutes. He has been working out really hard and obviously it has paid off. Not to mention the 40 lbs he's lost! Way to go sweetie. Thanks to Jake's family for the pictures.

Glade and Jake

Memory Game

I've seen this on other people's blogs (Kathy's) recently and thought it would be fun. I hope you all play along.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together (or my husband). It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Still Reading

Yesterday started off really well. I made it to the gym and actually ran a decent 5K for not having run in 3 weeks or so. Came home and started cleaning the kitchen from Sunday dinner. Bo asked what I was doing so I said "dishes". He laughed and said "you dont know how to do that!" I guess I don't do enough dishes around here. Not that anyone sees anyway! The rest of the day was uneventful: dinner, FHE, way too many brownies and then some reading. Yes, my mom finished and I have begun the last leg of this journey.
Brooklyn has started playing the cello. I begged her to wait a year and play the flute, but she insisted. Now I have a morning and afterschool player. That makes 4 trips to the school. Yuck. I also talked to Nick's teacher and hopefully filled in some blanks on how he can help Nick. Luckily the test was postponed till Friday. I guess most kids did poorly. Nick still needs to step it up a little with the responsibility factor. He has failed all his morning quizzes in history. Lucky for me I talked to his teacher and have Stephen to refer to. I would be totally in the dark. I'm very afraid for him.
Today is playday for Bo and grocery day for me and Katy. I love this new arrangement. Not that Bo is hard at the store, but two is always harder than one. Not to mention, I'm buying a Christmas gift today and I couldn't do that if Bo were with me. I know, it's only August. It's not the first gift I've gotten either. Slow and steady, that's how to win the race! (not to mention clearance and sales!) Merry Christmas!

a good weekend

It's been a pretty good weekend. Saturday I spent most the day at home, except for a short trip to the grocery store to do some wicked ad matching so I could stock up on some three month supply stuff. I love when you save more than you spend! Spent a lot of time trying to help Nick with his States and Capitols so he can pass his test tomorrow. I'm afraid it's a lost cause, but we'll see. Saturday night we had Stake Conference Adult Session so we met some friends for dinner first and then all went together. I love finally having some friends in the ward. There really are great people everywhere you go. The adult session is always my favorite. For a really wonderful rundown, go visit Julia's blog. She did a great job at pulling out the really good stuff. I liked her insight. Actually I'm going to cut and paste hers right into mine! As long as I give her credit it's not plagiarism right??

Stake Relief Society Pres, Sis Winters:

I felt when she was speaking that she was just teaching me. She began by relaying a story of hardships that her daughter had faced, and man she was dealt a hard playing hand. But what she said next was nothing short of inspired. You must decide how you will deal with the trials you are given. Since we are all given trials. They are necessary to grow stronger. Christlike qualities won't be gained another way. She then said that her family decided that they wouldn't refer to trials as hardships any longer, but hard blessings. How appropriate! Pray always. Identify blessings everyday. Teach your children to identify blessings everyday.
She told a short story of picking up her grandson from school one day and asked how his day was. He proceeded to tell her each good thing that had happened to him that day and nothing more. She in turn, asked her daughter why he never mentioned anything negative about his day and her daughter said that when she picks up her children she always asks 'what good thing happened today' for the first few days it took a little thinking, but after that, her children learned to be prepared and think of those things so they would be ready when she asked. What a simple thing we can do for our children and ourselves and it's repercussions will be generationally astounding!
Learn from the past, live in the present, and prepare for the future. It is never necessary to place blame. Grief turns to anger, anger to resentment. When you talk of we/us as a couple or a family unit and what is happening in your life, we/us needs to include Heavenly Father. Look at your hard blessings in a celestial perspective.

President Richardson (Sunday session)

First, I LOVE our stake presidency. They are inspired, intelligent, funny and have something most all other presidencies do not have. A binding friendship. Comradery. They seem to be the best of friends. And you can feel it.
He spoke on doing a million things at once and feeling guilty for not being about to do it all simultaneously. He read off a list of things on any given day a woman/wife/mother would need to do. He asked 'How do you balance these things?' Guilt creeps in. After everything cannot possibly get done. He said so much more, but what I remember is that he specifically talked about the Holy Ghost and that he would never use guilt once the Atonement is enveloped. The Holy Ghost does not use guilt as a tool, Satan does. (If I could underline this next part I would) "Guilt is reserved for sin. NOT as a motivator." It hit me like a ton of bricks. He then began talking about behavior and attitude. He said there is no excuse for bad behavior and bad attitude. You cannot place blame for your own bad behavior and attitude. The Iron rod is covered with hard blessings. But you know it's the path that is watched over by our Heavenly Father.
When Pres Richardson first came to our ward the week before conference, he said that an added blessing of the meeting would be that we may change what we prayed about after hearing the words spoken there. I have.

Amen to everything she just said, thanks Julia.

After conference we all went to ice cream, which is my favorite part! We got home a little late, but at least we could sleep in! Conference today wasn't until 1 pm which is actually kind of stinky. Nap time for me. I was able to keep myself awake and pay attention. The best part was getting to sit next to my hubby and just be close without wrestling with babies (we left them at home). I wish I could think of something that profoundly hit me, but I can't.

Sunday dinner was good, got rid of most of the rest of the clothes. Now I can put my living room back together. Kids are tucked away and I'm right behind them. Hopefully I can have a better week with my commitment goals. I really gotta get that drive back.

Happy Birthday Jo!

Do you all know the term "wicked stepmother"? Well that does NOT apply to mine! I am so blessed to have a step mom who is wonderful and caring and loves my family as if we were her own, which...we are! Happy Birthday JoAnne! Sorry if your card didn't get there in time. I just wanted to tell you how much we love you and are so grateful to call you "ours". Have a wonderful day tomorrow.

No book, No mouse

Finished the book this afternoon. Made me cry, which isn't very hard right now. It's weird, I was so happy to finish it and not have that hanging over me, but at the same time, there were a few times where I thought "I'll go read while I wait" or "I have a few minutes, I'll just go read." Only I didn't have a book to read. I don't want to read, it's time consuming, but at the same time it was strange to not. Anyway. As soon as my mom is done, I will start the last book. Then I will probably have to start reading the classics, to help Nick in school. I really am not looking forward to that.

Had a mini date. We went to dinner and then exchanged Chelsey's jeans. Not exciting, but it was time together and that's always great. I love Glade.

Mouse update - Still haven't caught that dang thing, but he is definitely taunting us. He lives upstairs with the kids now. They see him every day. No one is startled or freaked out. They chase him until he sneaks away. They think he's cute. Even the big girls don't mind him. We have traps set up there and everything, but he won't go for it. I think it's utterly disgusting, but I guess I'm the only one. The kids have even begged to not kill it. Sheesh....don't they know?? Diseases, germs, poop, ewwwwww! Anyway, I'm just relieved it wasn't an alien tarantula.

Busy but Dull

Wednesday

Spent Wednesday back at the house getting the rest of the stuff. There is no electricity so it is really hot in there. While we were there, Katy had run out to the street and Bo went to get her. In trying to get her back, he fell on a cactus. Just his hand but it was a little cactus ball with long needles. His whole hand was wrapped around it. I pricked myself once trying to get it out and it hurt! I felt really bad for him. I can't imagine having that many in my hand. We got all the needles out, then put some benadryl cream on it. After a few minutes and a ring pop, he seemed to be fine. It only bothered him a day or so. That afternoon, I took the boys for haircuts. I love that I can do it all at the same time somewhere the rest can play AND I actually like the person who cuts it! Winner all around. Came home and had dinner. I had a yucky headache. I didn't sleep much the night before, allergies, and I spent so much time in the heat today. I think I just needed some rest. Chelsey had begged me to drive her to a friends house. That was the last thing I wanted to do. It turns out it was a half hour away so that meant an hour in the car. I really thought I might cry. She was very kind about it realizing how miserable I was. I will tell her no next time. I got home, got Katy ready for bed and hit the sack by 8 pm. Slept well and got about 10 hours in. Just what I needed.

Thursday

Bo had play group again so I brought Katy home, put her to bed and spent the next hour or so cleaning. Got my fridge cleaned out, my pantry put back together, my floors cleaned. I really love that time a lone. Amazing what you can get done. I needed to wake Katy up so she would take a nap later, but I decided to read for a half hour first. Still not done with the third book. Kinda OD'd on the vampire stuff. Got Bo, Katy is always so excited to see him come home. Spent the rest of the day getting stuff ready for our Activity Day Awards dinner that night. It was a little chaotic at first, we didn't plan quite as well as we should have, but we were able to pull it all together and it turned out really well. A luau. Was home by 8 and in bed by 9. Another good nights sleep. I think I'm caught up now.

Today

Today has been productive so far. More sorting of clothes and trying to get that situation under control. Mopped my floor - whew- that was necessary! Spent some time with Bo in his "school book". That was fun. No date night tonight, Glade has a triathlon in the morning and has to get up really early. Maybe I'll finish the book tonight! For such a full busy week, it was very uninteresting! Still aiming for getting back on my normal schedule, didn't happen this week. Good thing there is always another one coming up!

It's raining Clothes!

Maybe you thought I have been gone for a few days reading fervently, nope. I've been sorting clothes. Piles and Piles of really expensive clothes. To make a long story short(if possible), Glade's business bought a foreclosure house. The people that lived there left a lot of things behind. I mean a lot. Now, they did have time to take all the door knobs and a few sinks, but didn't make it back to get the rest. So I brought it all home and decided to see what was there. Holy Cow! I think there were about 15 black yard bags full of clothes. It has been a daunting task, really, to sort through it all, but well worth it. I think in Glade's words "I'll never have to buy clothes again!". The man was just about exactly Glade's size and wore the same type of clothing. Button ups, jeans, shorts, work out clothes...it's insane. There were tons of little girl clothes perfect for Katy and bunches and bunches of baby boy stuff. I will be dividing that stuff out to some friends that just had babies. My girls were just about the same size as the woman so they hit pay dirt as well. The craziest part about all this is that they are all expensive, name brand clothes. Some, a big some, still had tags on them. Brand new, never been worn expensive clothes. My brain has not been able to wrap around the absurdity of it. It has been very fun however, to attain so many cute and FREE clothes for my family! There were also some bikes, toys, home decor, holiday decorations and (blushing) some embarrassing unmentionables that my 16 yr old happened across. Today I'm going back to get the rest. The pictures are of all the bags of clothes. I think I have it mostly under control and just need to let a few more people go through it before I decide what to do with the left overs. Very strange and yet quite exciting.

this is most of the bags, Glade had already taken some and so had the girls.



Katy clothes



The mess I have been living in since I brought it home!

"imprinting" for Chelsey

Saturday was a long, but full day. Chelsey's performance troupe was performing at the opening of a shopping center nearby. Mom, Whitley and I all went to watch her. It was so hot! I felt really bad because they were out there doing their numbers for 4 hours in the heat. They were sweaty and tired. They did really well though. I, of course, forgot my camera. They also did a fashion show where they got to go to a couple of stores nearby and pick out an outfit to model. They had a really good time. I left early to go get my other kids ready for their tryouts for the upcoming musical. Glade was supposed to be back from scouts in time to bring me my van. Didn't happen. Luckily my mom was there to help me transport all the kids.
We got there and waited almost 2 hours for our turn. It was crazy. They all thought they did pretty well, but we haven't heard back yet, so I'm pretty sure they all just got back up parts, but that's OK, it's tons of fun just to participate.
We were supposed to meet some friends to see a movie, but we had to pick Chelsey up from work and she got out late which made us too late to make the movie. We went to the mall instead to look for some shoes for Glade and return a skirt I had bought for a smaller size. We found what we needed and went to meet our friends for Ice Cream.
While at the ice cream place, I "imprinted" for Chelsey. Funny, huh? If you don't know what imprinting is, not so funny. Anyway, there was a boy there that I decided should marry Chelsey, at least take her on a date. We teased him the whole night and gave him the run down on her. She would be and was, mortified. It was all in fun and he took it really well. That's why I like him so much! After telling this story to a few people, I was able to find out his full name. When I did, it triggered something in my mind as to who's kid it might be. Really far out in left field, mind you. I did some checking anyway. Amazingly, the person I checked with happened to be the cousin of the person I thought his mom might be. (a girl from high school) It turns out not to be hers, but her brothers! I told my friend that his smile is what made me think of this girl. I knew they had to be related. Funny part, this girl and her brother are both adopted. No blood relation to the cute boy at the ice cream store. How weird is all that??? Anyway, I'm not done trying to match them up. He told us when he worked so she could come in and see him. I don't know if she will ever go after all that, but it was fun while it lasted!
Sunday was a little frustrating. Katy decided she wasn't tired in the middle of the night and was up for a couple of hours just wide awake. I finally just put her in my bed and let her play while I tried to sleep. By about 2 am, I put her back in her bed. She was up bright and early the next day! My class was full today and not very reverent. I'm still try to figure out what I can do to keep their interest a little better. They are the oldest kids in the youngest book. Anyway, we went to Glade's moms for dinner, which was very yummy! My kids like when we go there, gets them out of the house. They hate that it makes us leave early though, gotta get home for bed.

Garden, schools, malls, and My book!

Yesterday I awoke amazingly early after a really good night's sleep. I decided to make good use of it and go plant my garden. It was beautiful outside. A little humid, but not very hot. Today, I can't hardly walk. More on that later. It was a good day. Not only did my garden get planted, but I got a lot of cleaning done. You know the days where you're going to just do one little thing and then you think "as long as I'm down here" or "since I have the rag already"? Then you end up with a whole bunch of clean things! I love that. After spending most of the morning cleaning (and a little reading), I had a meeting with the principal at my kids school.
They had called the day before and said there was an opening for Nick to come back. (he goes to a different school but I wanted him here instead) I was so torn. He seems to be having a good year so far at his old school. Now, they haven't actually started doing much work yet. He even seemed to make a new friend or two. The dilemma is: if I switch him, the work will be MUCH harder, but if I don't, he is still with most of the same friends which is NOT good. He and I had a very mature conversation about the pros and cons and he was not completely opposed to switching. During my meeting, he just kept telling me how much work there was. I can't help but feel like if Stephen and I really help him out, it will be worth it. That puts a lot of work on my shoulders. Anyway, I made the decision and he starts Monday. I went to his old school right before the day ended to withdraw him and they said it was too late in the day and I would have to come back Monday. I suggested a few options and she just kept telling me it wasn't possible today. After a slight pause and some hmmm-ing I said "this doesn't work for me". Her face was kind of funny at that point. She got a little irritated and said "sorry!" Finally she got someone else for me to talk to. He was withdrawn in the next 15 minutes. I rock.
Glade had a scout campout last night so I decided to have my own date. I went to eat and went shopping! This is where the soreness from gardening set in. I couldn't figure out why it hurt to walk. I mean uncomfortable! I kept thinking "what did I do?" It didn't dawn on me till almost the end of the night. Planting was like doing a half hour of squats. Ouch! But anyway, now I have a few church clothes that actually fit. My mom would tell you I still bought them too big, but we had to agree to disagree on that one. I really enjoy shopping for my children more. I found very little I liked for me. I kept wandering into the kids section and would have to pull myself out reminding me why I was there.
Lastly - I got my blog book! I love it. It's really nice. I will continue to do that as long as I do this. It's a wonderful journal with pictures and colors, professionally bound. Not cheesy at all. I can't wait for you to see it!

Too Too Much

Do you ever stay away from the computer because there's just too much to report? That is how I have felt. So forgive me for my very messy, scattered entry!
Meet the Teacher
Crazy! That's all I can say. Screaming baby, noisy kids, crowded hallway. Shopping after meeting teachers. Crazy! 6 kids, screaming baby, lots of fun things at arm's length. Nap after shopping. Wonderful! By the way, my baby never makes a scene, but today....possessed.
Did I mention that last Sunday was her first day in Nursery and she did GREAT? It was also her first "baby ponytail". She wouldn't keep her headband on so I gathered the 10 hairs she has that are long enough for me to wrap a rubber band around 40 times and gave her a ridiculous but very adorable pony right on top her head!
First Day of School
"It's the most wonderful time of the year", no not Christmas....After only one day of normalcy and quiet and fun baby games, I almost feel sane again. I was excited to see my kids when they came home and they were nice to each other and I'm not sure I yelled even once! That's how a home is supposed to be!
Garden
Hoed, but not planted. We are going to miss the pumpkins for Halloween, but we are still going to try. Says they need 100 days and we're passed that. Hoping for a miracle!
Books
Finished the first two and am on my third. I'm a little vampired out, but must keep going!
Reading has taught me a few things. (Other than how a vampire and werewolf can't get along).
- It's not so bad
- I don't like the nagging it brings of "i have to get back to it". I have enough things nagging at me!
- My kids shock that I'm holding a book - not good!
-Stephen -How did you read that much in one day??
Me - I don't know.... I'm a fast reader?
St - Soooo (confused)..You're good at it, you just don't like it??
Me - I guess so...
St - Walks away befuddled shaking his head (This too, not good!)
- Reading before bead = vampire dreams
- Reading = less blogging
- Opens up conversations
All in all, it's been OK, but I wouldn't like it on a regular basis.
PTO
First meeting, probably won't stick with it. I'm not super in love with how they work and what they do with the money. Remember my entry about the aggravation over school supplies? The PTO seems to exist to provide teachers with more stuff. Not the students, teachers. They want to buy all the teachers $25 logo'd polo shirts. Are you kidding me? I can't continue to support that kind of behavior.
Laurie
Much more sane and much less anxiety. Feels like a normal human and much more in control. Loves having a dinner menu and a routine. Would love to have an 18 month old forever. Needs a little more sleep. Can't wait for Christmas and cool weather. Loves her life.

Peer Pressure

It's been a very productive last few days. I really tried hard on Sunday to not just "clock watch" till we could all be normal again. An observation by my friend Leslie. I worked on my food storage, my activity day stuff, and read some. It really was a much more pleasant day when it was filled with good stuff. I even found an activity book I had gotten and never used. I printed out some papers for my kids to work on they actually liked it. They worked really well in my primary class too!
Yesterday, my last free day with a babysitter. Kids start school tomorrow. I spent the morning cleaning my kitchen from Sunday dinner. It feels so good to actually have things cleared and cleaned. Stephen and I even got the floors cleaned. After cleaning myself up, I went to the bank and to get my nails done. I got home right around lunch time. I laid down with Bo for about 1/2 an hour and then my kids started getting home from school. Did I mention I did laundry off and on all day? I was also waiting for the A/C guy to show up, which he finally did. Right after he showed up, it was time to start making dinner. I have really been liking my menu thing. No decisions, just grab the ingredients and go! After dinner, we had family home evening and then Glade and the boys went out to till the garden so we can get our pumpkins planted. All in all sounds like a productive day, huh? What I have yet to mention......the peer pressure.......Today I have read over half of Twilight. Yes, I gave in. I'm not yet loving it, but will finish it. Chelsey said the first book is the least exciting. They were shocked that I had read that much in one day. I guess since I don't enjoy reading, they just assumed I wasn't very good at it. Anyway, today will not include much reading. Meet the teacher, get the last of supplies, PTO meeting and then scouts. That's kind of a nice busy day for the last one before school starts! The cherry on top....I think I slept for 7 straight hours last night and didn't wake up once! YeeeeHawww!

Bella ends up with....

JUST KIDDING!! I do know the answer to that, but I would never spoil it! Mom got the book and although I haven't read a single one of the others, I decided to read the last chapter of the new one to find out the answer to every one's big question. I've been teasing my girls all day.
Glade and I went on a hunt to find the remaining two hooks to finish the mud room. Then we went to the gym. I have decided to to more weight training. I totally don't like it, but I'm so stagnant right now, I thought it might be a good idea. We'll see if I can walk tomorrow. After feeling bad that my kids have been at home day in and day out for most of the week and definitely all day, I asked Glade to take the boys to a movie. So they are gone seeing Speed Racer and I'm about to take Chelsey, Brooklyn and Katy to the mall. I got my $20 gift card in the mail and Chelsey needs new dance shoes. Whitley is babysitting so I guess she's SOL. Fast Sunday tomorrow and the boys have a 6 am priesthood meeting. Fun for them. Gotta go shop till I drop!

I'm a terrible, wicked mom. Still on the hunt for whatever went into my closet, (Glade says a mouse) I bribed one of my children to clear out my closet. He was unaware of what happened the night before. A little extra computer time and he was more than willing. On my behalf, I knew he wasn't going to get hurt or anything and that it probably wasn't still in there. I got rid of half of what was in there and reorganized so that nothing is on the floor. I checked for holes or nests or webs and nothing. I guess that's a good thing. Next I will be doing the same thing to our office which is right outside the bathroom. We put out two little sticky traps to see if we could catch something, no luck last night. I will keep you posted.
Last night Glade and I went to dinner at Rigatony's, didn't love it. I thought I remembered that from before,but we had a coupon.... After dinner, we went our separate ways. I needed to get Whitley some seminary scriptures. I hate going to Deseret Book. I spend way too much money with the rationalization that "it's good for my family". I did pretty good last night, even got a Christmas present that was on clearance. Glade went to get the rest of the hooks to finish the re-do of our mud room. Now our kids have no excuse to put their backpacks on the floor! I think I'm going to paint it kinda fun in there. I'll have to do before and after pics.
Today we are going to finish the mud room and then start on the garden! I know Glade is not excited about this. I really want to plant some pumpkins and see if we can have them by Halloween.
The new Twilight Series book came out last night at midnight. I think my mom was going to go get a copy since she is out that late anyway. I have yet to read any of them. Slightly tempted at this point, but I'm pretty sure I can hold out for the movie. I would love to know though, all those of you who are avid readers - How do you do it?? Are you super diligent at reading scriptures? I feel like if I'm reading, it should be scriptures. Maybe if I were really really good at reading everyday I would enjoy reading other stuff. I don't know. Not to mention, what uninterrupted time do you have and where can I get some?!?!