Monday, February 22, 2010

Sick

I'm sick! Spent the whole weekend in bed. Thank goodness I didn't have to work, or I would've been in trouble. I slept ALOT. I still feel sick.

As I was laying around, it gave me some time to think. I thought about where my life was going, what I want to accomplish, what my mission is. I'm so lucky to have the life I have and yet I find myself struggling. It's been a reoccurring theme for the last few years, trying to find my niche. For so long I focussed all my time and attention on other people and I've come to the conclusion it's time I focussed on myself for once. So, in that vein, here's what I came up with (in no particular order)~

Goals for 2010!
1. Lose 20 pounds (yeah, those ellusive 20 that don't want to go away!)
2. Read at least one book a month
3. Learn a new hobby
4. Start running
5. Read the scriptures every day

Ok I really have a much longer list but those are the first 5 I want to focus on for now. We'll see how it goes!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Poopmeister



How can such a cute little boy be such a challenge?! This little man keeps me on my toes, that's for sure. And he has now been dubbed the poopmeister because it seems every single diaper is a poopy one. Oh, how I hate poopy diapers! I mean, really...the mess, the smells, the expense. It's become the bane of my existence. Jay and I usually odd or even who gets to change the offensive mess when he's home and we can't get one of the kiddos to do it for us, but when I'm home alone it falls to me. I swear we go through a bazillion diapers before the day even gets going! And why is it that immediately after changing an innocent wet diaper, a poopy one follows within minutes? Oh, the drudgery! My older sister just laughs. I'm not laughing.

The only thing worse than poopy diapers is potty training...

Thursday, January 28, 2010

A friend comes to visit


Charlotte she's not! Look what we found lurking in the corner of the shop! Eeeekkk! It's the middle of winter, for crying out loud in disgust! A big old black widow spider is not my idea of a friendly visitor and I just want to ask one question....why the heck didn't you die in the fall like other good spiders?!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Help!

Caution: This could get very long here!
Help! I've fallen off the face of the earth and I can't get back up! Actually, I've fallen off the face of the blogging earth. Every time I go to blog, I get distracted, or run out of time to actually put type to anything. I can't believe it's been so long since I posted last! So... let's backtrack a bit and get caught back up, shall we?

November ended with warm, fuzzy feelings and wonderful memories of family dinners and time spent together. We had our big Thanksgiving dinner with my side of the family and it was so great to see everyone again. We actually decided to combine it with our Christmas party as well since we normally have that the first weekend in Dec. Anyway, we always have a white elephant gift exchange, which is the highlight of the party if you ask the kids, both big and small. Everyone came home with some little trinket, whether they wanted it or not! I just have to say that I adore my extended family! We are large and loud, and sometimes go for months without seeing each other. That being said, I love each of them and feel so lucky to be a part of the Reese's Pieces.




I decided this year to start a new tradition with my own little (ahem!) family. Since we've moved into the married kids/in-laws stage of life I decided that instead of demanding their time for each holiday, that we would have our own family Thanksgiving dinner on the Friday after the holiday. That way they could enjoy time with both sides and hopefully no one will feel left out. So, Friday was another big turkey cooking, pie making, mashed potatoes and gravy kind of day. It was GREAT! We played and ate and played and then ate some more! I love my kids and I am so lucky to have a son and daughter-in-law that fit so perfectly into our clan. There really is nothing better than spending time with my kids and I really couldn't ask for more. Then on Saturday we decided to have a girls night out so I took everyone of the female kind to dinner and a chick flick. Another tradition I hope to continue. It was fun to have girl time and we giggled till our giggler was sore. What a great way to end the month of November!

December came with a bang as we threw ourselves into the holiday chaos. Jayson's football team played in the Top of the Mountains Bowl and came out victorious! It was a snowy, blustery day but we enjoyed every minute of it. (I praise the person who invented hand warmers and long johns!) Again, spending time with some of the fam was great!




December also brought a new adventure for me. J and I decided that to help with the finances of a large family it was time for me to find an outside job. Thus began my employment with Flying J! I work at the convenience store a few nights a week and although I wasn't too excited about it at first, it's become a nice little out for me. Gives me time for some adult convo and time to concentrate on other things besides responsibilities at home. I must say, I have the most incredible husband and he solidified that once I began working out of the home. I come home every time to a spotless house, dishes done, kids in bed and often times dinner waiting for me. I love that man!

Of course, Christmas was another wonderful holiday that brought more warm, fuzzies. Jayson and Jordan Lee spent the week leading up to Christmas with us and unfortunately we all ended up with a stomach bug. I hate getting sick at Christmas time and it inevitably happens every stinkin' year! Luckily no one was actually sick ON Christmas day but we were kind of quarantined the week of Christmas. Because of that we didn't get to do too much leading up to the holiday but we still enjoyed the time together, even if it was just taking turns in the bathroom!



In December we also opened our house to Cecy and Andy. Due to financial issues (insurance and the exorbitant cost of such) we decided to help them out for a bit with letting them move into one of the bedrooms in the basement. Jordan gave up his room since he was going to be moving down to Snow College at the first of the year and we've had a big sleepover ever since. I love having them here and all the kids love having someone else to pick on. Andy entertains them all and it's been a blessing to have Cecy here to help out. I know it won't be for too long, but I'm enjoying it in the mean time.

And thus ended the year 2009! I have high hopes for 2010!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Gratitude #3

I'm grateful for my mother! You see, this time last year, we weren't sure if we were going to have her much longer. She endured a couple of heart attacks, major surgery and a long recovery, but we still have her! She's actually spending a couple of days with us while my dad is off to a football game in Iowa. It has been such a pleasure to have her in my home and to watch her with my children. She's taught me so much about being a mom and set the example that I continually try to follow.

I remember being a little girl and sitting at her knee, listening to her stories of what it was like growing up during the depression. I remember feeling sad because she only had 2 dresses, one for school and one for church. I thought how sad that must have been. Her stories of her fears as the Indians came to their house, looking for food, and how she would hide under the table. Her stories of her bedridden, but beloved mother, who taught her how to cook and clean while not being able to leave her bed. The compassion my mother has is never ending and I try to emulate that trait but fear I'll never live it the way she has. She's spent her life caring for and about others, always putting herself last, and showing Christ-like love and understanding for all.

I'm so incredibly thankful that she's still here and that my children have the chance to know and love her for a bit longer. I watched her this evening as she cuddled my baby and sang to him as she rocked him back and forth. I remember how safe and loved I felt as a small child in those same arms. I love you, Mom. I hope we have you around for many years to come!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Gratitude #2

I'm so incredibly thankful I have a house big enough (most of the time) for my family. Some days it feels as if we are stretching it's seams to the bursting point, but there's room for all of us.

A little while ago, Jayson and JordanLee came up for a little visit and I was so glad that they had a bed to sleep in and a room to use, thanks to Jordan relinquishing his room for them. It was just fun knowing that my family was here!

Along those same lines, I am so grateful to have 3 bathrooms to take care of the needs of all of us. Often times, each bathroom is occupied, and although we tend to run out of hot water really fast, it's great that there isn't a line waiting. Growing up, I had an aunt and uncle who only had one bathroom with a houseful of kids. I remember the horror stories of everyone getting the stomach flu and the fights that ensued in front of the bathroom door! I pitied them!!!!

I'm also really glad I finally have a table big enough to fit everyone! Grandma found a great table this summer that I lovingly, and then not so lovingly after the 3rd try, refinished. Now, with all the extra leaves in I can actually sit my entire family down at the same table to enjoy a meal, instead of putting a few kids at the counter and then squeezing everyone else at the little round table, elbows and knees touching. (Mom, he's touching me! Tough luck with that one dear!)

Although my house is often a chaotic mess with toys, clothes, bookbags, papers and everything else including 2 dogs strewn around, it is a comfortable place for my family to call home. It protects us from the elements of nature and man and gives us all a place of safety and security.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Gratitude #1

Since Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and it happens to be my second favorite holiday(right behind Christmas) I decided to do a gratitude post each day until the big turkey gorging begins! So, here's my gratitude #1-

I'm grateful for modern medicine. Without it, my two preemie babies never would've survived, nor would I have made it through the whole birthing process. Not to mention that my other two birth experiences would've been a whole different story instead of the miraculous wonders that they were.

I am thankful that diabetes is not a death sentence anymore like it was when I was a kid, and that my daughter can live a healthy, full life.

I'm also thankful that the smart doctors at the U were able to figure out that Addisons was slowly killing my daughter and were able to intervene, just in the nick of time, before it was too late.

I praise the Lord that there are strong, kicker antibiotics that saved my husband from MRSA and for the calming drugs that helped me get through with my sanity intact!

Yes, I'm thankful for modern medicine that touches my family every single day! From the innocent ibuprofen to the stronger pain killers that made my son bearable when he had his surgery. Where would I be without it? Not here, that's for sure! Thank you medicine gods!