Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Can you believe they are 13 now?
I remember reading about them and watching them when they were little. 13! I can't believe it! I love these parents-- what amazing people. $300 a month? That makes me feel guilty for how much I spent on my family of 5! Wow! I wish I could watch the program.
For some reason the video feed isn't working. You can click HERE to see the story.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Existential Suffering and Christmas
Christmas is always a bitter-sweet holiday for me. True, it's a season of love, giving, joy, and family, but there are inevitably those who are lonely, sad, heart-broken, or wanting this time of the year. Those who have lost loved ones in the past year; those who don't have enough to make ends meet; those who are facing abuse, abandonment, and rejection.
There is always pain at Christmas. Being sensitive, it's hard for me to not look past the sparkling lights and presents to see the tears glistening in eyes. My neighbor is a widow for the first time this year. A friend and his wife will celebrate the holiday for the first time without all of their children alive. Others have had to rely on the generosity of others to provide for their families. My heart hurts for them and many around the world who are not blessed to live in fortunate circumstances.
The reason for this season is Christ. Christ is the only one who can make all things right. He can dry all tears, heal all heartaches, and bring happiness to everyone. Turn to Christ in your pain and joy this season; He will carry the burden of all. You do not need to be alone or feel alone these holidays. We have a Savior, a champion and a friend who will never fail.
Turn to Christ, my friends. Make Him part of your holiday life.
Merry Christmas!
There is always pain at Christmas. Being sensitive, it's hard for me to not look past the sparkling lights and presents to see the tears glistening in eyes. My neighbor is a widow for the first time this year. A friend and his wife will celebrate the holiday for the first time without all of their children alive. Others have had to rely on the generosity of others to provide for their families. My heart hurts for them and many around the world who are not blessed to live in fortunate circumstances.
The reason for this season is Christ. Christ is the only one who can make all things right. He can dry all tears, heal all heartaches, and bring happiness to everyone. Turn to Christ in your pain and joy this season; He will carry the burden of all. You do not need to be alone or feel alone these holidays. We have a Savior, a champion and a friend who will never fail.
Turn to Christ, my friends. Make Him part of your holiday life.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
In the Name of Science
On the first day of Christmas break, my daughter asked if your brain really does rot when you watch TV. I guiltily admitted that it was just a desperate tactic parents use to try to limit the amount of TV kids watch but that no, it is not true.
She seemed satisfied with the answer.
She seemed satisfied with the answer.
Now, it would appear, we are trying to scientifically prove if too much TV watching has an effect on their brains. The kids have watched more TV in the past 4 days then they've watched all month. This is what happens when the mama is sick and just needs to lay down.
I'm still making them read 20 minutes a day so that kinda helps me not feel as guilty.... Then I decided it could become one great research project. We'll see if watching movies all day during Christmas has a dumbing-down effect on my kids. It's like hands-on science. They are willing to be the "guinea pigs" and I'm willing to "take one for the team," so to speak. We're all good like that.
One of these days I will feel better. And each day my kids seem to get a bit sicker and sicker. Why is it that someone always has to be sick during Christmas break??
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Great New Recipe: Mazurka Bars
My friend J made these for me... (cough) ... my family for Christmas. They were SO tasty! I made them today. Yum! I altered the recipe a bit. This is basically what I just made:
Mazurka Bars
preheat oven to 325 degrees
4 c. oats
2 c. flour (you can use whole wheat to make it healthier)
2 c. brown sugar (light or dark)
1 c. shredded coconut
1 c. chopped nuts (I used almonds and chopped them in my food processor)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I actually used more -- like closer to 1 1/2 tsp)
3 sticks (1.5 c) butter (softened)
2 tsp vanilla (I just realized I forgot to add the vanilla. oops!)
Mix all the ingredients together. Press into a greased 11 by 13" pan.
Top with sliced fruit. I used 2 medium sliced Gala apples (cored, peeled, and thinly sliced) and a couple handfuls of frozen blueberries. Make sure the fruit is on the dry side-- it will save time in the baking. You can use whatever fruit you like: peaches, berries, apples. etc. Press the fruit lightly onto the crumb mixture. I lightly sprinkled cinnamon on top of the fruit.
Bake 325 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. The bars should look dry on top when they are done.
Mazurka Bars
preheat oven to 325 degrees
4 c. oats
2 c. flour (you can use whole wheat to make it healthier)
2 c. brown sugar (light or dark)
1 c. shredded coconut
1 c. chopped nuts (I used almonds and chopped them in my food processor)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I actually used more -- like closer to 1 1/2 tsp)
3 sticks (1.5 c) butter (softened)
2 tsp vanilla (I just realized I forgot to add the vanilla. oops!)
Mix all the ingredients together. Press into a greased 11 by 13" pan.
Top with sliced fruit. I used 2 medium sliced Gala apples (cored, peeled, and thinly sliced) and a couple handfuls of frozen blueberries. Make sure the fruit is on the dry side-- it will save time in the baking. You can use whatever fruit you like: peaches, berries, apples. etc. Press the fruit lightly onto the crumb mixture. I lightly sprinkled cinnamon on top of the fruit.
Bake 325 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. The bars should look dry on top when they are done.
Reading
I just read both of Elizabeth Edward's books: "Saving Graces" and "Resilience." They were both terrific. On the one hand I regret not reading the books until after she died, but on the other hand, had I read them before, it would have felt more like losing a friend when she died. What an amazing woman. I'm so happy to know she is in heaven with her son.
"Anthem" by Leonard Cohen
"Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in."
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in."
I LOVE the Winter Solstice!
I love the winter solstice because starting today every day gets a little bit longer and longer. Hooray! Even the darkest, gloomiest days will be lengthening. That is a great reason to rejoice, I think!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
All the Things I missed...
being gone for the past three days
-waking up late (at 7:30)
-being there to send my kids off to school
-being the one to pick up my kids from school
-lounging around in my pajamas
-listening to the news while working on the computer
-playing with my 3 year old
-hearing first hand about my daughter's drama assignment
-reading on the couch with my baby bird on my shoulder
-making dinner for my family
-chatting with family & friends
-having the ability to be completely lazy (if I want to)
-nap time
-being with my hubby
-being with my kids
-writing on my blog
I am very grateful that I have the ability to be at home and raise my kids. I'm glad I chose to be trained by the Red Cross (it was an amazing experience and will be very helpful) and I know it will come in handy, but being gone sure reminded me of how blessed I am to be a mom and wife. I don't know how my friends who work too can do it. I'm a wreck after only 3 days!
I'm glad to be the mom. And my kids are glad to have me back.
Of course, I have to thank my wonderful hubby who took the 3 days off to take care of life and play Mr. Mom while I was being educated!
-waking up late (at 7:30)
-being there to send my kids off to school
-being the one to pick up my kids from school
-lounging around in my pajamas
-listening to the news while working on the computer
-playing with my 3 year old
-hearing first hand about my daughter's drama assignment
-reading on the couch with my baby bird on my shoulder
-making dinner for my family
-chatting with family & friends
-having the ability to be completely lazy (if I want to)
-nap time
-being with my hubby
-being with my kids
-writing on my blog
I am very grateful that I have the ability to be at home and raise my kids. I'm glad I chose to be trained by the Red Cross (it was an amazing experience and will be very helpful) and I know it will come in handy, but being gone sure reminded me of how blessed I am to be a mom and wife. I don't know how my friends who work too can do it. I'm a wreck after only 3 days!
I'm glad to be the mom. And my kids are glad to have me back.
Of course, I have to thank my wonderful hubby who took the 3 days off to take care of life and play Mr. Mom while I was being educated!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
I'm taking a 32 hour class on becoming a Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED Instructor. This is tonight's homework assignment (besides the test and the 72 pages of reading):
DO YOU KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK??
-persistent chest pain or pressure (starting under the breast bone) that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes or that goes away and comes back.
-chest pain spreading to shoulders, neck, back, jaw, stomach, or arms.
-shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
-nausea or vomiting.
-dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
-pale, ashen (grayish) or bluish skin.
-sweating.
-denial of signals.
Women are FAR more likely to experience some of the other warning signals than men, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Women are far LESS likely to have heart attacks, but are FAR more likely to DIE because they delay seeking help/treatment for 4 to 6 hours because they don't want to be a burden to others by worrying them.
GET HELP AT THE FIRST SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK.
If you see someone who is having symptoms of a heart attack, call 911. Better to be safe than sorry. If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Get help or call 911.
Now that you know, tell someone else. See how many lives we can save by telling people what to look for.
DO YOU KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK??
-persistent chest pain or pressure (starting under the breast bone) that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes or that goes away and comes back.
-chest pain spreading to shoulders, neck, back, jaw, stomach, or arms.
-shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
-nausea or vomiting.
-dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
-pale, ashen (grayish) or bluish skin.
-sweating.
-denial of signals.
Women are FAR more likely to experience some of the other warning signals than men, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Women are far LESS likely to have heart attacks, but are FAR more likely to DIE because they delay seeking help/treatment for 4 to 6 hours because they don't want to be a burden to others by worrying them.
GET HELP AT THE FIRST SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK.
If you see someone who is having symptoms of a heart attack, call 911. Better to be safe than sorry. If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Get help or call 911.
Now that you know, tell someone else. See how many lives we can save by telling people what to look for.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What I'm Reading Now, Update
I've read bits and pieces of "In Quiet Desperation." I've decided to not finish the book in favor of moving onto a book that will be more helpful to me personally. The beginning of the book, the parents' story, was extremely engaging and I found it applicable.
The second half of the book was less enlightening for me personally. It felt more like a research paper with continuous quotes and references. If you are looking for a well-researched book that includes many scriptural and religious quotations about same-gender attraction, then I think this is a good book for you. For me, who is just beginning to search out a greater information and understanding of the issue, it was too much.
I will report when I start my next book: "Peculiar People: Mormons and Same Sex Orientation."
The second half of the book was less enlightening for me personally. It felt more like a research paper with continuous quotes and references. If you are looking for a well-researched book that includes many scriptural and religious quotations about same-gender attraction, then I think this is a good book for you. For me, who is just beginning to search out a greater information and understanding of the issue, it was too much.
I will report when I start my next book: "Peculiar People: Mormons and Same Sex Orientation."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
This is just to say....
That I am having a great day.
Only a year behind on my scrapbooking now (instead of 4).
Helping to facilitate the adoption of a macaw.
Spending time with my lovely kids; even took them to the library.
Just feeling happy and blessed.
Had to share.
G'Night!
Only a year behind on my scrapbooking now (instead of 4).
Helping to facilitate the adoption of a macaw.
Spending time with my lovely kids; even took them to the library.
Just feeling happy and blessed.
Had to share.
G'Night!
Behind Door Number 18 is ------
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| Our 2010 Lego Advent Calendar |
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| Behind Door #18 is a bathing Santa |
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
AH HA!! Moment and Another Book
This fall I set a goal to read "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage since I had never read it before. Each night before I go to bed, I read a few pages of the book. In the next week, I will be finished. Tonight I read about Christ's visit to the Americas as recorded in the Book of Mormon. There was one particular scripture that caught my eye so I immediately grabbed my scriptures and opened to Third Nephi 18: 22 to 25.
"And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not;
"But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be that they come unto oft ye shall pray for them unto the Father in my name.
"Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up-- that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye shall see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.
"And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me, that ye might feel and see; even so shall ye do unto the world; and whosoever breaketh this commandment suffereth himself to be led into temptation."
As followers of Christ, we have been commanded to not cast anyone out or forbid people to worship with us. A similar command is declared in Doctrine and Covenants 46: 3 through 5. Only in 3rd Nephi is there a warning (almost a promise) of what will happen if people do cast out others: they will be led into temptation.
I finished reading "No More Goodbyes" today and was overwhelmed by how many stories there are of people who were rejected by their families, friends, and others because of their same-gender attraction. Many members of the LDS Church are guilty of this shunning, and they are in the wrong. Christ commands us to love and accept all people, regardless of what they are choosing to do with their lives. When we shun or forbid, we are setting ourselves up as the judges and are, in essence, saying we know more than God. We are walking on very shaky ground at that point.
Christ would wrap his arms around a gay or lesbian man as easily as he wrapped his arms around a leper, an apostle, a friend, or his mother. Would you?
In my quest to understand more about same-gender attraction, I've started reading another book: In Quiet Desperation" by Fred & Marilyn Mathis and Ty Mansfield. I'm excited for another glimpse into the lives of those struggling with this issue. I will share with you my findings.
The ideas and theories and science behind homosexuality have radically changed over the last century. It is no longer listed as a disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) along side schizophrenia and other mood disorders. There is progress that is being made-- not fast enough for some, too fast for others. Even in the Mormon Church, progress has been made.
For me, it fundamentally comes down to an issue of unconditional love. We are taught to "Love the Sinner, but not the Sin." I don't know if I have ever been taught HOW to do that. I am still learning. I do believe it is possible to be loving, supportive, and accepting of our brothers and sisters who are gay and STILL be a solid member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and uphold the Family proclamation, etc. How exactly do you do that?
That is what I am still learning.
But I had to share my "Ah Ha" moment. We are commanded to NOT shun anyone, including those with same-gender attraction. And, I might add, those who are in this country illegally (but that is a topic for another blog post).
Until next time...... Good Night
"And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not;
"But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be that they come unto oft ye shall pray for them unto the Father in my name.
"Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up-- that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye shall see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.
"And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me, that ye might feel and see; even so shall ye do unto the world; and whosoever breaketh this commandment suffereth himself to be led into temptation."
As followers of Christ, we have been commanded to not cast anyone out or forbid people to worship with us. A similar command is declared in Doctrine and Covenants 46: 3 through 5. Only in 3rd Nephi is there a warning (almost a promise) of what will happen if people do cast out others: they will be led into temptation.
I finished reading "No More Goodbyes" today and was overwhelmed by how many stories there are of people who were rejected by their families, friends, and others because of their same-gender attraction. Many members of the LDS Church are guilty of this shunning, and they are in the wrong. Christ commands us to love and accept all people, regardless of what they are choosing to do with their lives. When we shun or forbid, we are setting ourselves up as the judges and are, in essence, saying we know more than God. We are walking on very shaky ground at that point.
Christ would wrap his arms around a gay or lesbian man as easily as he wrapped his arms around a leper, an apostle, a friend, or his mother. Would you?
In my quest to understand more about same-gender attraction, I've started reading another book: In Quiet Desperation" by Fred & Marilyn Mathis and Ty Mansfield. I'm excited for another glimpse into the lives of those struggling with this issue. I will share with you my findings.
The ideas and theories and science behind homosexuality have radically changed over the last century. It is no longer listed as a disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) along side schizophrenia and other mood disorders. There is progress that is being made-- not fast enough for some, too fast for others. Even in the Mormon Church, progress has been made.
For me, it fundamentally comes down to an issue of unconditional love. We are taught to "Love the Sinner, but not the Sin." I don't know if I have ever been taught HOW to do that. I am still learning. I do believe it is possible to be loving, supportive, and accepting of our brothers and sisters who are gay and STILL be a solid member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and uphold the Family proclamation, etc. How exactly do you do that?
That is what I am still learning.
But I had to share my "Ah Ha" moment. We are commanded to NOT shun anyone, including those with same-gender attraction. And, I might add, those who are in this country illegally (but that is a topic for another blog post).
Until next time...... Good Night
Another Beautiful Sunset
The thing that makes the sunset so beautiful and the colors so intense is the very thing that makes the air so nasty to breathe (smog). I'm sure there is a moral to that, but I'll let you find it for yourself.
Being a Pet is a Tough Job around Our House
This is Lizzie, our bearded dragon, snuggled up with a towel while sunbathing. She's so stinking cute!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Quote from "No More Goodbyes" and Some Musings
(this is from a mother who has a son who is a gay)
"...And yes, I became an activist, an informed one. I read countless fine books written from both Christian and secular perspectives, attended numerous conferences and seminars, took university classes and listened carefully to many, many gay people who trusted me with their stories and experiences. . . Through all of this, I became convinced that homosexuality does not describe something one "has" but something one "is." I learned that it is an inherently fixed trait that is morally neutral."
The more I read, the more questions I have. The more questions I have, the more "I don't know" becomes my answer. I don't know a lot of things about homosexuality and its roots; most of the answers are unknown to me. But I'm seeing people now, not labels, not "things" to be feared.
Some days I wonder if I'm flirting with danger by actually studying this issue. You see, I was raised Mormon and raised with that truth teaching story of the man who wanted to hire a new stagecoach driver. "How far to the edge of the cliff can you come?" he asked his three applicants. The first said within an inch; the second said within a half inch; the third said he tries to stay as far away from the edge of the cliff as possible. The third man was hired.
This story goes hand in hand with the adage: Avoid the appearance of evil. Meaning: avoid doing things that might be judged as being evil or wrong or sinful. I happen to agree with that tenant-- to a point.
Does studying homosexuality make you a homosexual? No. Not any more than sleeping in a garage makes you a car. It does raise a lot of questions and uncertainties. It's making me question where I stand and WHY I stand there.
Am I losing my testimony?
NOT A CHANCE.
Am I gaining compassion and charity and a deeper understanding of unconditional love?
WITHOUT A DOUBT.
So here I am with questions and thoughts that I've never let myself think. I've talked to people-- really talked to people-- without being turned off by their "gay" label.
It seems this whole process is going to send me crashing headlong into the gay marriage debate. I know it. I see it coming. What will happen when I get there? When I really have to decide where I stand?
I'm going to do the same thing I always do: search, ponder, and pray (to be trite). I'm going to know for myself where I stand and why. Kinda reminds me of someone else who is important to me-- a 14 year old boy who wanted to know for himself which of all churches was true so he searched, pondered, prayed, and received his answer.
"...And yes, I became an activist, an informed one. I read countless fine books written from both Christian and secular perspectives, attended numerous conferences and seminars, took university classes and listened carefully to many, many gay people who trusted me with their stories and experiences. . . Through all of this, I became convinced that homosexuality does not describe something one "has" but something one "is." I learned that it is an inherently fixed trait that is morally neutral."
The more I read, the more questions I have. The more questions I have, the more "I don't know" becomes my answer. I don't know a lot of things about homosexuality and its roots; most of the answers are unknown to me. But I'm seeing people now, not labels, not "things" to be feared.
Some days I wonder if I'm flirting with danger by actually studying this issue. You see, I was raised Mormon and raised with that truth teaching story of the man who wanted to hire a new stagecoach driver. "How far to the edge of the cliff can you come?" he asked his three applicants. The first said within an inch; the second said within a half inch; the third said he tries to stay as far away from the edge of the cliff as possible. The third man was hired.
This story goes hand in hand with the adage: Avoid the appearance of evil. Meaning: avoid doing things that might be judged as being evil or wrong or sinful. I happen to agree with that tenant-- to a point.
Does studying homosexuality make you a homosexual? No. Not any more than sleeping in a garage makes you a car. It does raise a lot of questions and uncertainties. It's making me question where I stand and WHY I stand there.
Am I losing my testimony?
NOT A CHANCE.
Am I gaining compassion and charity and a deeper understanding of unconditional love?
WITHOUT A DOUBT.
So here I am with questions and thoughts that I've never let myself think. I've talked to people-- really talked to people-- without being turned off by their "gay" label.
It seems this whole process is going to send me crashing headlong into the gay marriage debate. I know it. I see it coming. What will happen when I get there? When I really have to decide where I stand?
I'm going to do the same thing I always do: search, ponder, and pray (to be trite). I'm going to know for myself where I stand and why. Kinda reminds me of someone else who is important to me-- a 14 year old boy who wanted to know for himself which of all churches was true so he searched, pondered, prayed, and received his answer.
Children
"When you have a child, you start to dream of how this kid will grow up and make you proud. The only thing you can predict with 100% certainty is that the reality will diverge somehow with that dream. Some of our children will disappoint us by not being the scholars we hoped they would be. Some children will disappoint us by not being the athletes we hoped they would be. Some will disappoint us by coming out and telling us they are gay and they won't give us grandchildren. . . . The real question is not, what book can I read, what technique can I use to raise a perfect child? The real question is how will you handle that gap between the child you dreamt of having and the real child growing up in your home. . ."
by Rabbi Harold Kushner
by Rabbi Harold Kushner
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What I'm Reading Now:
I can feel my paradigms shifting.
and I'm only on page 13.
And what does that mean?
I can't tell you yet.
But it's making me a better person. I'm seeing beyond the "gay" label to the person who is my spiritual brother/sister.
I will keep you posted.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Last Bird Standing
(he wouldn't stop grooming himself so I could take a good picture).
I'm down to one bird. Well, one bird plus the canary. Weird. My house is quiet and my floors are cleaner. But it feels emptier somehow. All my other birds went to great homes. It's just an odd experience to have only one around right now.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Awwww! Why I do bird rescue
What a great experience this has been. Bubby was on his play stuff and flew down and walked over to me. He has been sitting on me, walking around in front of me, giving me kisses on the lip, the whole time that we have been home. Very good experience...thank you.
That's why I do bird rescue- for those moments of feeling like I improved the life of two of God's creatures (one bird & one human). I'm so happy for Bubby and his new owner. It's so rewarding (and frustrating and heartbreaking).
Right now I have one red belly parrot and one canary. My house is quiet and my bird wall is empty. It's really weird! My next bird will actually be a hand-fed baby that will be my very own snuggle bug. I'm super excited about that. And then I'll keep doing bird rescue because for all the challenge and trauma, it has its moments of success.
Friday, November 26, 2010
True Beauty
Nichole Nordemann is one of my ALL-TIME favorite singers. I love the message behind this song. We are ALL beautiful to our Heavenly Father who created us.
Can you imagine your Father in Heaven telling you that you are beautiful just the way you are? That He loves you? That He smiles over you? That He finds you to be amazing?
I think we each need to imagine that more often.
Can you imagine your Father in Heaven telling you that you are beautiful just the way you are? That He loves you? That He smiles over you? That He finds you to be amazing?
I think we each need to imagine that more often.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gratitude for God's Plan
"Meant to Be" by Steven Curtis Chapman
I am grateful for today that God has a plan for each of us. This is a beautiful song to remind us of that.
I am grateful for today that God has a plan for each of us. This is a beautiful song to remind us of that.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Another Inspirational Blog
I've been following "The Coleman Family" blog for a few months now. It is an amazing family: Mom, Dad, Jonas, and baby Maggie. Both kids have SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). This mom is amazing.
I highly recommend you read it. You will be reminded that life is precious.
http://coleman2family.blogspot.com/
I highly recommend you read it. You will be reminded that life is precious.
http://coleman2family.blogspot.com/
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Fabulous Quotes
"Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your 'once upon a time' is now."
-President Dieter F. Uctdorf
"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."
-Elder James B. Martino
-President Dieter F. Uctdorf
"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."
-Elder James B. Martino
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Welcome Fall!
 |
| see the nice bruises starting? |
 |
| my knee is about twice as big as it should be |
Yesterday, because I wasn't watching where I was going, I tripped over a crack in the sidewalk and face-planted. My knees bore most of the brunt of the fall-- though I couldn't get a good picture to show the huge goose egg on the one knee and the bruising that's surrounding it. And I can't really take a picture of me hobbling around like an old woman. It hurts! I'm such a weenie with road rash-- migraines, fine. Road rash? Wah!
The worst part was the people standing there watching. "Are you okay?" they kept asking. No! I was embarrassed beyond belief and in pain AND I ripped my pants. Ay yi yi.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"Innocent" by Taylor Swift
I LOVE this song. I think I'm going to play it for the teens in my writing class.
lyrics:
I guess you really did it this time
Left yourself in your warpath
Lost your balance on a tightrope
Lost your mind tryin' to get it back
Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days?
Always a bigger bed to crawl into
Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything?
And everybody believed in you?
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights is still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
You're still an innocent
There's some things you can't speak of
But tonight you'll live it all again
You wouldn't be shattered on the floor now
If only you would see what you know now then
Wasn't it easier in your firefly-catchin' days?
And everything out of reach, someone bigger brought down to you
Wasn't it beautiful runnin' wild 'til you fell asleep?
Before the monsters caught up to you?
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights is still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
It's okay, life is a tough crowd
32, and still growin' up now
Who you are is not what you did
You're still an innocent
Time turns flames to embers
You'll have new Septembers
Every one of us has messed up too
Lives change like the weather
I hope you remember
Today is never to late to
Be brand new
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights are still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
It's okay, life is a tough crowd
32, and still growin' up now
Who you are is not what you did
You're still an innocent
You're still an innocent
Lost your balance on a tightrope
Its never too late to get back
lyrics:
I guess you really did it this time
Left yourself in your warpath
Lost your balance on a tightrope
Lost your mind tryin' to get it back
Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days?
Always a bigger bed to crawl into
Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything?
And everybody believed in you?
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights is still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
You're still an innocent
There's some things you can't speak of
But tonight you'll live it all again
You wouldn't be shattered on the floor now
If only you would see what you know now then
Wasn't it easier in your firefly-catchin' days?
And everything out of reach, someone bigger brought down to you
Wasn't it beautiful runnin' wild 'til you fell asleep?
Before the monsters caught up to you?
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights is still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
It's okay, life is a tough crowd
32, and still growin' up now
Who you are is not what you did
You're still an innocent
Time turns flames to embers
You'll have new Septembers
Every one of us has messed up too
Lives change like the weather
I hope you remember
Today is never to late to
Be brand new
It's all right, just wait and see
Your string of lights are still bright to me
Oh, who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
It's okay, life is a tough crowd
32, and still growin' up now
Who you are is not what you did
You're still an innocent
You're still an innocent
Lost your balance on a tightrope
Its never too late to get back
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Labels
"Here, put this on. Front and center."
The kids looked at their labels, snickered a bit, showed each other, snickered some more, and then looked up at me to see if I was joking.
"Front. And. Center." I repeated more slowly. I motioned toward my name tag on the center of my T-shirt. "See? This is how you do it. This is not that difficult, but I can see that some of you may need me to repeat these simple instructions." I paced up and down the aisles, pointing to people and instructing: "Place the label front and center. Front and center, please. No. Front and center. I didn't say to the side."
By the time all the labels were placed, the room was filled with 'punks' 'losers' 'failures' 'idiots' 'morons,' 'worthless' 'ugly' 'pathetic' teens. "Good," I told them, "now I know your names." That's when my lesson began.
I started out wearing my own name on my tag and walked the teens through my own story of abuse by focusing on the labels given to me by my ex: 'Beautiful' 'Loner' 'Worthless' 'Failure' 'Reject.' Once I began describing my story of getting out and getting help, I had two new labels to add to the pile of stickers on my shirt: 'Victim' and 'Survivor.'
"I realized," I told them, "that I didn't like any of these labels. None of them described me, who I was, who I was becoming." I ripped all the labels off and threw them in my trash bag. I put on one last label: 'Sarah.'
"What labels are you wearing?" I asked them. Immediately, half of the teens read out the label on their chest. "What labels are you wearing that aren't seen? Because, let me tell you, every single one of you is wearing a label that you can't see. What is it? What names have people called you? What is it you think of yourself?"
I got a handful of answers: swear words, slang, and some repeats of what had already been said.
"The labels that count the most are the ones you give to yourself." I paused. "Do you like the label on your chest?" A universal 'no.' "Then take it off. Take it off, crumple it up, and throw it at me."
A flurry of wadded up stickers fell on the floor.
"Who are you? What describes you? What's your label?"
I took a bag of positive labels and handed them out: 'Beautiful' 'Powerful' 'Strong' 'Smart' 'Awesome' 'Hot.' When I ran out of labels, but not out of kids, I wrote the labels on the palm of their hands. One girl, who had sobbed quietly through my presentation, held out her hand. I looked into her eyes and at her slumped shoulders and then wrote 'Powerful' in permanent marker on her hand.
One boy asked if he could keep his 'Punk' label. I told him no. "No, because being a punk landed you in jail. That's not okay."
"If I could do anything," I said as I wrapped up, "I would open up your minds and pour in the fact that the labels that mean the most are the ones you give yourself. And you can choose to have a good label."
I stood at the back of the door as the kids filed out and shook their hands or gave them a 'fist bump.' "Don't come back," I told a few of them. "Make better choices."
I do the same label activity with my kids in my writing class. It's powerful and inevitably I get kids who end up hating me. They hate the idea I can so easily, and with so little care, put a bad name on their chest for everyone to see. They hate it when I look first at their label before listening to what they have to say. They hate when I repeat things slower because I can see from their names that they need help. They hate it, but by the end of class, they get it.
One teen boy, who hated me with a passion during my label class, grudgingly acknowledged last week when I asked him that the activity was powerful and it hit home. He looked at the floor as he admitted it had taught him and he no longer hated me for it.
We all have labels.
So what are yours?
And who put them there?
And are you happy with them?
Just asking......
The State of the States
So the 3 year old has mastered his letters and numbers 0 to 9 and most of his colors. He is now learning little letters and big letters and prefers to be read our copy of "Learn, Discover, and Explore: The United States of America" at bedtime. It's a board book with "50 Fun Flaps!" about the states and their capitals.
This morning, we discussed Mrs. Sippi and Mr. Sippi (where are they?) and looked for New Hamster (we found him). The other night he chanted "Delaware" as I changed him into his pjs and is also quite fond of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he likes to ask people if they are a meat eater or a plant eater. When we told him last night that the dog is a meat eater, he started singing a song about carnivores.
Some days, it's rather unnerving to have such smart kids. Especially this little man (who still refuses to potty train, but is attempting to read the ketchup bottle).
(he's an omnivore, by the way)
This morning, we discussed Mrs. Sippi and Mr. Sippi (where are they?) and looked for New Hamster (we found him). The other night he chanted "Delaware" as I changed him into his pjs and is also quite fond of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he likes to ask people if they are a meat eater or a plant eater. When we told him last night that the dog is a meat eater, he started singing a song about carnivores.
Some days, it's rather unnerving to have such smart kids. Especially this little man (who still refuses to potty train, but is attempting to read the ketchup bottle).
(he's an omnivore, by the way)
Monday, November 8, 2010
God's Love
"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.
"He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.
"What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God"
"He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.
"What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God"
Saturday, November 6, 2010
15 years ago....
I was married in Las Vegas, on the Strip across the street from Circus Circus. It was the middle of the night. I was surrounded by strangers and fake flowers and organ music being played on a boom box. I held the hand of someone who promised to love me and care for me more than anyone else ever had.
In my heart, I knew I had made the wrong decision.
Four and a half months of being physically and emotionally beaten down every single day. Screamed at. Kicked unconscious. Bitten. Attacked with a bat. Punched again and again and again...
I wish I could say "hey, I'm totally over it. hey, that was so last decade/century. hey, I'm perfectly fine." But I'd be lying. That experience forever altered the life I had envisioned for myself. It deeply shook the foundation of my family. It changed my mind and my body and heart forever.
I'm not as trusting as I used to be. If you come at me in love, I'll probably still wince and protect myself. I doubt, in my heart, some days how much I am really worth. And I'm still pretty confident that I cannot dance.
But the good things are many and outweigh the negative. The people's lives I've impacted and saved are many. There was much that I gained from the whole experience. It made me who I am. It's a part of me and my history.
At the Legal Aid Gala, the interviewer asked me: Why not just walk away from it? Why not just move on with your life and forget it never happened?
Why? Because I know too much. I know what it's like to be abused, to be beaten down, to feel like trash, to want to die. I don't want others to feel that way. If what I know can save someone else the pain, then I'm going to share my experiences, spill my memories. Right now, I spend most of my extra time convincing juvenile delinquents that they still have a chance to make their lives incredible. I don't mind going into the jails to talk to the hoodlums, the punks, the thieves, and the rest. I enjoy it. I like being a living, breathing example of rising up out of the ashes.
But the abuse still affects me. Really, how could it not? Last night, at the advice of my dear sister-friend H, I took some time to allow myself to acknowledge what had happened on that night so many years ago. I played the love song he used to twist and manipulate my affections with. I played it two or three times and let myself go back to the feelings of a scared, insecure 19 year old girl who desperately wanted someone to love her. I felt a deep sense of sadness and loss, but no tears. When I was done, I let my hubby hold me and stroke my hair. I let the pain go and listened to a happier song before falling asleep.
Life is good. Life is hard. Life is a gift. Life is never finalized. Life can be changed.
For that, I am grateful. I am not perfect. I still struggle. My hormones still have the power to make me psycho, but I am still grateful for all that I have and am.
I am blessed.
In my heart, I knew I had made the wrong decision.
Four and a half months of being physically and emotionally beaten down every single day. Screamed at. Kicked unconscious. Bitten. Attacked with a bat. Punched again and again and again...
I wish I could say "hey, I'm totally over it. hey, that was so last decade/century. hey, I'm perfectly fine." But I'd be lying. That experience forever altered the life I had envisioned for myself. It deeply shook the foundation of my family. It changed my mind and my body and heart forever.
I'm not as trusting as I used to be. If you come at me in love, I'll probably still wince and protect myself. I doubt, in my heart, some days how much I am really worth. And I'm still pretty confident that I cannot dance.
But the good things are many and outweigh the negative. The people's lives I've impacted and saved are many. There was much that I gained from the whole experience. It made me who I am. It's a part of me and my history.
At the Legal Aid Gala, the interviewer asked me: Why not just walk away from it? Why not just move on with your life and forget it never happened?
Why? Because I know too much. I know what it's like to be abused, to be beaten down, to feel like trash, to want to die. I don't want others to feel that way. If what I know can save someone else the pain, then I'm going to share my experiences, spill my memories. Right now, I spend most of my extra time convincing juvenile delinquents that they still have a chance to make their lives incredible. I don't mind going into the jails to talk to the hoodlums, the punks, the thieves, and the rest. I enjoy it. I like being a living, breathing example of rising up out of the ashes.
But the abuse still affects me. Really, how could it not? Last night, at the advice of my dear sister-friend H, I took some time to allow myself to acknowledge what had happened on that night so many years ago. I played the love song he used to twist and manipulate my affections with. I played it two or three times and let myself go back to the feelings of a scared, insecure 19 year old girl who desperately wanted someone to love her. I felt a deep sense of sadness and loss, but no tears. When I was done, I let my hubby hold me and stroke my hair. I let the pain go and listened to a happier song before falling asleep.
Life is good. Life is hard. Life is a gift. Life is never finalized. Life can be changed.
For that, I am grateful. I am not perfect. I still struggle. My hormones still have the power to make me psycho, but I am still grateful for all that I have and am.
I am blessed.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Second Chances
Fifteen years ago tonight I made the single worst decision of my life. It was a decision that forever altered the course of my life and almost killed me.
Standing here now, I have a blessed and happy life-- a wonderful husband, incredible kids, and lots of love. It goes to show you that life is a fluid gift. Our Father in Heaven will give us chance after chance to make our lives good, great, and/or wonderful. Life is never over, no matter what decisions were made.
For that, I am eternally grateful.
Standing here now, I have a blessed and happy life-- a wonderful husband, incredible kids, and lots of love. It goes to show you that life is a fluid gift. Our Father in Heaven will give us chance after chance to make our lives good, great, and/or wonderful. Life is never over, no matter what decisions were made.
For that, I am eternally grateful.
Amazing Sunset
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Fabulous Blog
I discovered this blog last week and have quite enjoyed it. Every morning this man dresses up in a costume to wave good-bye to his 15 year old as the school bus drives away. Then he takes a pic and blogs about it. I LOVE IT!
http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/
http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"Of All People" from Segullah
OF ALL PEOPLE
Posted by Annie | October 14, 2010 | 34 Comments
With the recent reports about the devastating effects of bullying, my thoughts have turned to an experience my daughter has struggled with recently: running interference between John*, a non-LDS high school friend of hers, and Doug and Carl*, two LDS boys in our stake who have been harassing him. The three boys only know each other through her—and through Facebook, at that—but when John clicked “like” on a school-based gay support group, it showed up on the Facebook newsfeed accessible to the stake friends miles away. The two LDS boys, each separately and unaware of the other, started sending John offensive messages and calling him horrible names, repeatedly. They finally stopped, after my daughter pleaded and John blocked them on Facebook, but his comment to her was basically “nice church you have there.”
Through tears, my daughter expressed her dismay: “Mormon kids, of all people, should understand how to be compassionate.” Somewhere along the line, they had lost sight of charity and the second great commandment.
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34
. . .
It happens within our own groups, too. A few years ago, as a new Beehive, another daughter had a terrible experience at girls’ camp where some of the Laurels tied her up, gagged her, and left her alone in the cabin on the top bunk. Yes, they couldn’t have known about her secret anxieties and nightmares she’s been having for most of her life. Maybe they thought they were being funny and just teasing in a playful way. But for her, it was her worst nightmares come true. It shattered her trust and admiration of those older girls and for months she begged to be able to attend another ward. Of all places, of all people, she should have felt safe with her community of young sisters.
And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another,
but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism,
having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
Mosiah 18:21
but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism,
having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
Mosiah 18:21
. . .
When I read the recent press release issued by the church, three words especially stood out:
“This Church has felt the bitter sting of persecution and marginalization early in our history, when we were too few in numbers to adequately protect ourselves and when society’s leaders often seemed disinclined to help. Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex. This is particularly so in our own Latter-day Saint congregations. Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment – to love one another [italics added].”
Unfortunately, research indicates that teasing and name-calling are pretty common among LDS teens. In our small one-family sample, my daughters are the only members of the LDS church in their school but their only experiences with bullying have occurred in their interactions with other church members, not school acquaintances of other faiths. We should know better but we don’t necessarily do better.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother,
he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen,
how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1 John 4:20.
he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen,
how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1 John 4:20.
. . .
Is it fear? Is it ignorance? Is it that we think so highly of ourselves that “we, of all people, should know better” too easily migrates into “we, of all people, know better”? What can we do to encourage better behavior?
Perhaps, rather, we should know of all people better.
. . .
The church’s statement encourages us to speak out against bullying and intimidation whenever it occurs. As parents and leaders of youth, how can we best discourage teasing and bullying and encourage kindness and respect? What does this look like on family, ward, stake, and church-wide levels?
What can we do as leaders and parents to mitigate the effects of bullying if it happens? How to help the bully? The bullied?
What changes to church youth programs and curricula would encourage an increase in kindness and reduction in cruelty?
*Names have been changed
Monday, October 18, 2010
Blogging Break
I've been writing my blog every week for 3 years. I think I may have accrued a little vacation time with all that. I need a break.
Starting today, I'm taking a blogging break. I'll be back ..... "later" (that's my favorite non-committal Mom answer for my children when I don't really know or want to answer their "when?" questions).
See you soon.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
My Day
involved the complete gutting of a house of a friend of mine by fire. I'm glad I was able to help. I'm grateful for having a nice safe roof over my head. I'm grateful that I live in an area where people take care of each other-- even strangers. I'm grateful for awesome first responders who took care of the fire and everything else. I'm very, very grateful that no one died. Really, I'm just really, really grateful for life.
Tragedy has a way of uniting people, of bringing out the best in people.
Friday, October 15, 2010
An Amazing Blog Post
This is from a young couple who lost their 18 month old daughter unexpectedly this summer. I've been following their blog since I heard about them and I really like this post:
http://patrickandashley.blogspot.com/2010/10/habits_09.html
http://patrickandashley.blogspot.com/2010/10/habits_09.html
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Nature's Antidepressant
Sweet pork burrito, black beans, no sauce, no cheese, lettuce, cilantro, three limes. . . . Aaaahhhh!
Feeling much better now!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Oh dear...
What on earth do you do with a 3 year old who knows all his letters (he needed prompting on only 3: K, N, and V) and his 9 digits but refuses to potty train?? Why can't PBS Kids have a show on potty training instead of reading???
Tonight he pointed to each letter taped to the wall in the hall and told us what letter it was, stopping at the end of the row, walking back to the beginning and picking up where he left off. He knew them. I stood there with my mouth gaping. I was fine with "T" and "B" but all of them is a bit too much! But show him the potty and UH-UH!
Sheesh!
Tonight he pointed to each letter taped to the wall in the hall and told us what letter it was, stopping at the end of the row, walking back to the beginning and picking up where he left off. He knew them. I stood there with my mouth gaping. I was fine with "T" and "B" but all of them is a bit too much! But show him the potty and UH-UH!
Sheesh!
I think I need my Mom
All three kids are sick. The dog, again, ate something bad and will soon be running at both ends (usually sometime after I've left the house or after I've fallen asleep). I feel like I've wiped over the rug with a snotty tissue. My hubby is gone and has meetings tonight.
And I'm feeling warm.
I think I need my mother. Poor woman, she's in Hawaii though.
Drat.
And I'm feeling warm.
I think I need my mother. Poor woman, she's in Hawaii though.
Drat.
Sleep Deprivation, day 5 or "this little piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way home"
10:20 pm- fell asleep
10:50 pm- "Mom....... Mom......... MOM....... MOOM!....... MMMOOOMMM!!!
10:55 pm- helped my son deal with an ear infection
11:15 pm- fell back asleep (hubby stayed asleep the whole time)
1:00 am- three year old wakes up first time
1:05 am- put three year old back in bed
2:00 am- "Mom.... Mom.... MOM..."
2:02 am- make the hubby get up to help the son
2:15 am- fall back asleep
4:05 am- three year old crawls in bed with 100 degree fever and croupy sounding cough
4:35 am- crawl in bed with three year old and dog and over-sized Pooh bear, talking Tigger, and Piglet and an assortment of toys and blankets and whatnot
5 something am- finally fell asleep
7:20 am- three year old decides its time to wake up
7:22 am- send the three year old to find his dad
7:35 am- drag my weary, aching body out of bed
The thing about sleep deprivation is that it gives you weird dreams. Like having Darth Vader standing outside the church building and forcing you to go inside to find Luke Skywalker at a church activity and pull him outside so Darth can deal with him.
10:50 pm- "Mom....... Mom......... MOM....... MOOM!....... MMMOOOMMM!!!
10:55 pm- helped my son deal with an ear infection
11:15 pm- fell back asleep (hubby stayed asleep the whole time)
1:00 am- three year old wakes up first time
1:05 am- put three year old back in bed
2:00 am- "Mom.... Mom.... MOM..."
2:02 am- make the hubby get up to help the son
2:15 am- fall back asleep
4:05 am- three year old crawls in bed with 100 degree fever and croupy sounding cough
4:35 am- crawl in bed with three year old and dog and over-sized Pooh bear, talking Tigger, and Piglet and an assortment of toys and blankets and whatnot
5 something am- finally fell asleep
7:20 am- three year old decides its time to wake up
7:22 am- send the three year old to find his dad
7:35 am- drag my weary, aching body out of bed
The thing about sleep deprivation is that it gives you weird dreams. Like having Darth Vader standing outside the church building and forcing you to go inside to find Luke Skywalker at a church activity and pull him outside so Darth can deal with him.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ah, Morning...
There's nothing like a 7 am head butt from the toddler/3 year old to get you awake in the morning. The boy has decided there's nothing better than sleeping with his head smooshed up against mine (hogging my pillow) and his feet planted firmly on my hubby's face. He must sense that his childhood is passing quickly and he is trying to embrace all of it before it passes away.
That's fine, but if he's going to embrace his youth in my bed, my hubby & I will sleep in his.
So I got up this morning and headed to the doctor at 8 am for the yearly checkup involving stirrups that every woman dreads. Nothing like an exam to get your day started right. Plus, the medical assistant insisted on weighing me so their computer program could continue to tell me I am overweight. I don't know what its problem is-- I've never done anything rude to it. Besides, my mom says I'm not fat and that I look good with a few extra pounds. And, really, if I am overweight according to these standards (at 140 pounds), then no wonder Americans have an obesity problem. Maybe we should reprogram these lousy doctor's programs to listen to our mothers instead of listening to a scale that weighs me when I am fully clothed. Why not do a weight check when we all have the flimsy gown on? Huh? Sheesh.
My doctor asked today if I had ever tried XYZ meds.
Yes, they make me psycho.
We have a smaller dose of it, she tells me. A half dose.
So I can be slightly psycho?
Yes, psycho or slightly psycho. Those are your options.
Hmm, I'm going to have to get back to you on that, I tell her. I left without a prescription in hand. I think my children have enough psycho-ness from their mom who is trying to deal with a crazy life and they don't need medically induced psycho-ness added in.
I get home to find my daughter feels like she's going to throw up. The spew flu has been going around and I guess she was kind enough to pick it up from one of the kids who threw up in her class at school. For the record, let me state: I AM NOT A GOOD VOMIT MOM. I can handle sicknesses: sore throats, high fevers, rashes, pink eye, snot, even broken bones, and split open skin. I DO NOT LIKE VOMIT! Thank heavens for Zofran, a beautiful medicine absorbed under the tongue that quells vomiting. Now she's got a sore stomach, a headache, and is tired. I can handle all these things though it would have been nicer of her to be home sick on a day when I didn't have things to do that required me to leave the house showered and dressed. . . . though technically I did leave the house this morning without changing out of my pjs/house pants, but, really, who expects someone to dress up for a yearly physical???
I did shower. I did get dressed. I did my hair. I put on some makeup. I feel I should be productive now, but I don't really want to. I did get some more Christmas shopping done yesterday while waiting for Costco to put four new tires on my van. That's a bonus.
My dog is laying beside me on the bed in the sun. I wonder if I could push him out of the way and sun myself for awhile like a cat. I'd be more tempted except for the fact my three year old is roaming the house now and me laying down will set off his 'Mom Relaxation' sensors and he'll come charging. I have already shared a bed with him enough for one 24 period, thank you very much.
Perhaps I'll go do something productive in the living room, like sitting on the couch and reading.
That's fine, but if he's going to embrace his youth in my bed, my hubby & I will sleep in his.
So I got up this morning and headed to the doctor at 8 am for the yearly checkup involving stirrups that every woman dreads. Nothing like an exam to get your day started right. Plus, the medical assistant insisted on weighing me so their computer program could continue to tell me I am overweight. I don't know what its problem is-- I've never done anything rude to it. Besides, my mom says I'm not fat and that I look good with a few extra pounds. And, really, if I am overweight according to these standards (at 140 pounds), then no wonder Americans have an obesity problem. Maybe we should reprogram these lousy doctor's programs to listen to our mothers instead of listening to a scale that weighs me when I am fully clothed. Why not do a weight check when we all have the flimsy gown on? Huh? Sheesh.
My doctor asked today if I had ever tried XYZ meds.
Yes, they make me psycho.
We have a smaller dose of it, she tells me. A half dose.
So I can be slightly psycho?
Yes, psycho or slightly psycho. Those are your options.
Hmm, I'm going to have to get back to you on that, I tell her. I left without a prescription in hand. I think my children have enough psycho-ness from their mom who is trying to deal with a crazy life and they don't need medically induced psycho-ness added in.
I get home to find my daughter feels like she's going to throw up. The spew flu has been going around and I guess she was kind enough to pick it up from one of the kids who threw up in her class at school. For the record, let me state: I AM NOT A GOOD VOMIT MOM. I can handle sicknesses: sore throats, high fevers, rashes, pink eye, snot, even broken bones, and split open skin. I DO NOT LIKE VOMIT! Thank heavens for Zofran, a beautiful medicine absorbed under the tongue that quells vomiting. Now she's got a sore stomach, a headache, and is tired. I can handle all these things though it would have been nicer of her to be home sick on a day when I didn't have things to do that required me to leave the house showered and dressed. . . . though technically I did leave the house this morning without changing out of my pjs/house pants, but, really, who expects someone to dress up for a yearly physical???
I did shower. I did get dressed. I did my hair. I put on some makeup. I feel I should be productive now, but I don't really want to. I did get some more Christmas shopping done yesterday while waiting for Costco to put four new tires on my van. That's a bonus.
My dog is laying beside me on the bed in the sun. I wonder if I could push him out of the way and sun myself for awhile like a cat. I'd be more tempted except for the fact my three year old is roaming the house now and me laying down will set off his 'Mom Relaxation' sensors and he'll come charging. I have already shared a bed with him enough for one 24 period, thank you very much.
Perhaps I'll go do something productive in the living room, like sitting on the couch and reading.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Letter "T" or "how PBS Kids is ruining my son's kindergarten career"
My three year old started watching PBS Kids with his sister over the summer and got quite addicted to "Dinosaur Train" and "Word World." I wasn't overly worried about it until two months ago when he pointed to the keyboard on my laptop and said "T."
Excuse me?
He pointed again to the T key. "T."
It's all been down hill since then. He learned half of his letters and most of his colors, all before the age of 3 (so, like, before yesterday). He's currently into reading a lift-the-flap book about states and their capitals. He knows most of his shapes and still spends a lot of time each day looking at books and being read to.
At first, I resisted. "Don't teach him 'oval'!" I'd scold my husband. "You're ruining his kindergarten year!"
Excuse me?
He's going to be an old kindergartener to begin with (starting two months before his 6th birthday). We have two years of preschool still to go and he's going to know ALL of what they want to teach before he even starts any of it! He'll be bored and naughty in kindergarten class and will stand on his chair and loudly ask to touch people's armpits and make everyone left and then be sent to the principal! All at the tender age of 5!
My husband didn't buy it.
So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So now we have letters and colors and shapes taped to the walls near his room. He's learning them all pretty quickly. He's a smart kid. Plus, he loves to be in the spotlight. And he's a boy. All these things combined spell: Kindergarten Terror! What else is he supposed to do when all the other kids are chanting "a-a-a-apple" and he's already reading or something crazy like that. He'll stick up his hand and proclaim "I learned that when I was two. Duh!" I'm already shaking my head, I tell ya.
I'm telling you: kindergarten is ruined. I think I'll have my husband listed as the primary contact that year so he can field the calls from the teacher who wants to know what to do with our son who won't stop doing things to make the other kids laugh because he's bored out of his mind and the teacher can no longer pretend that she's not laughing too! It ain't going to be pretty.
Thanks PBS for ruining my child. I suppose I only have myself to blame. Had we had cable or satellite then he would have been stuck watching Disney which would have guaranteed to teach him ZERO! (sorry, Disney fans).
----------------------------
As a side note:
Yesterday at church, he asked over and over and OVER again for a drink. Then he asked (loudly) if my pantihose were like socks. (Yes, I wore pantihose to church. Why? I am still wondering that.) He whined one of 4 questions to me every minute for the entire hour and 20 minute block. Oh my!
Excuse me?
He pointed again to the T key. "T."
It's all been down hill since then. He learned half of his letters and most of his colors, all before the age of 3 (so, like, before yesterday). He's currently into reading a lift-the-flap book about states and their capitals. He knows most of his shapes and still spends a lot of time each day looking at books and being read to.
At first, I resisted. "Don't teach him 'oval'!" I'd scold my husband. "You're ruining his kindergarten year!"
Excuse me?
He's going to be an old kindergartener to begin with (starting two months before his 6th birthday). We have two years of preschool still to go and he's going to know ALL of what they want to teach before he even starts any of it! He'll be bored and naughty in kindergarten class and will stand on his chair and loudly ask to touch people's armpits and make everyone left and then be sent to the principal! All at the tender age of 5!
My husband didn't buy it.
So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So now we have letters and colors and shapes taped to the walls near his room. He's learning them all pretty quickly. He's a smart kid. Plus, he loves to be in the spotlight. And he's a boy. All these things combined spell: Kindergarten Terror! What else is he supposed to do when all the other kids are chanting "a-a-a-apple" and he's already reading or something crazy like that. He'll stick up his hand and proclaim "I learned that when I was two. Duh!" I'm already shaking my head, I tell ya.
I'm telling you: kindergarten is ruined. I think I'll have my husband listed as the primary contact that year so he can field the calls from the teacher who wants to know what to do with our son who won't stop doing things to make the other kids laugh because he's bored out of his mind and the teacher can no longer pretend that she's not laughing too! It ain't going to be pretty.
Thanks PBS for ruining my child. I suppose I only have myself to blame. Had we had cable or satellite then he would have been stuck watching Disney which would have guaranteed to teach him ZERO! (sorry, Disney fans).
----------------------------
As a side note:
Yesterday at church, he asked over and over and OVER again for a drink. Then he asked (loudly) if my pantihose were like socks. (Yes, I wore pantihose to church. Why? I am still wondering that.) He whined one of 4 questions to me every minute for the entire hour and 20 minute block. Oh my!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
a Wee bit Argumentative, perhaps
My toddler-soon-to-be-three son has been in the "Nu uh" phase of his life for quite some time (since birth, I believe). I realized that it has gotten serious today while we were driving.
On the radio a political ad for the incumbent governor started to play. The governor went through his whole spill and then at the end said "I'm Gary blah- blah- blah."
"Nu uh!" my toddler quickly said back. "You's not Gary."
Oy!
On the radio a political ad for the incumbent governor started to play. The governor went through his whole spill and then at the end said "I'm Gary blah- blah- blah."
"Nu uh!" my toddler quickly said back. "You's not Gary."
Oy!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Door Sign
My daughter posted a sign on her door last week. It said:
KNOCK FIRST!!! If I don't answer, I am dead. Leave a message on the pad below.
I'm thinking that is an excellent idea for a message. It could work for my front door AND my cellphone. Whaddya think?
KNOCK FIRST!!! If I don't answer, I am dead. Leave a message on the pad below.
I'm thinking that is an excellent idea for a message. It could work for my front door AND my cellphone. Whaddya think?
All I can say
is that it's okay to have a good cleansing cry sometimes. I mean, as long as it's not everyday, but some days. It's a good thing.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
a Matter of Importance
Yesterday, I found myself thinking "you know, I used to be important." You see, once I did a lot of important speaking engagements and had the secretary for the Governor's wife calling me to schedule times for the First Lady of the state and I to do TV appearances. I stood on stage at the E Center with the governor's arm around my shoulder. I spoke with the Utah Attorney General, the US Attorney General, and many other "important" dignitaries in this area. Every newspaper and TV station featured me multiple times. I drove and flew around the entire state giving presentations on abuse and telling my story. I was busy and sought after and applauded at every turn. The praise and applause became rather addicting. It always felt good to receive a standing ovation (honestly, I got quite used to them).
When I got pregnant with my toddler, I decided to give up speaking. I didn't feel good and had no desire to stand in front of large groups of people with a pregnant belly. I stopped speaking for 4 years. The black tie Gala last month was the first time since 2007 that I spoke in front of a group. The applause had the same effect on my soul: it made feel important.
Two days after the Gala, my hubby was put in our ward bishopric (to me a position of importance). I've struggled with the importance issue ever since then.
So fast forward to last night. It was a combination of things that brought the thought to my mind and it ate away at my soul for awhile. After returning home from the church with my family, as I struggled to get them all ready for bed by myself, I ended up standing outside with my toddler waiting for my dog to do his business.
"Look, Mom! Stars!" my toddler said, pointing up to a small patch of the sky where the clouds had parted.
I looked down at this small person standing by my side and realized that I am the most important person in his life. I thought about my other kids and my hubby and my birds and my dog and my tortoise (kinda). I am the most important person to each one of them. There's no applause or jet-setting or pats on the back from "important" state people. There's just them and me.
And I am important, the most important woman in the world.
Now the goal is for me to make that fact the most important fact for me. Which will be a struggle, I know, but it can be done. It needs to be done. It's my current focus. For my own sake, for the peace of my soul, I need to be content with being continually important to a handful of 2 and 4 legged people/creatures instead of temporarily important to a group of strangers. I'm working on it....
When I got pregnant with my toddler, I decided to give up speaking. I didn't feel good and had no desire to stand in front of large groups of people with a pregnant belly. I stopped speaking for 4 years. The black tie Gala last month was the first time since 2007 that I spoke in front of a group. The applause had the same effect on my soul: it made feel important.
Two days after the Gala, my hubby was put in our ward bishopric (to me a position of importance). I've struggled with the importance issue ever since then.
So fast forward to last night. It was a combination of things that brought the thought to my mind and it ate away at my soul for awhile. After returning home from the church with my family, as I struggled to get them all ready for bed by myself, I ended up standing outside with my toddler waiting for my dog to do his business.
"Look, Mom! Stars!" my toddler said, pointing up to a small patch of the sky where the clouds had parted.
I looked down at this small person standing by my side and realized that I am the most important person in his life. I thought about my other kids and my hubby and my birds and my dog and my tortoise (kinda). I am the most important person to each one of them. There's no applause or jet-setting or pats on the back from "important" state people. There's just them and me.
And I am important, the most important woman in the world.
Now the goal is for me to make that fact the most important fact for me. Which will be a struggle, I know, but it can be done. It needs to be done. It's my current focus. For my own sake, for the peace of my soul, I need to be content with being continually important to a handful of 2 and 4 legged people/creatures instead of temporarily important to a group of strangers. I'm working on it....
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