What does this say about us...

when we receive a Christmas card in the mail from these guys?

(but not from other "friends" & family)

{front cover}

{Inside of card}

I didn't think our "pizza habit" was too excessive. 

We're definitely not doing it multiple times a week! 

It's not even like it's once a week or anything. 

I don't even think it's once a month - I don't think....but, I've discovered (thanks to Big Mouth little sisters) that the kids secretly order pizza sometimes when Matt & I are out on a date...so, maybe I don't know what to think! :)

Random Question of the Week

When do girls stop crying EVERY DAY?

I keep wondering when this "magic age" is.

And when my oldest daughter will reach this milestone.

On numerous occasions, we have given the challenge, "Let's see if you can go a whole day WITHOUT crying!"

It has yet to happen!

Every day of the 7 years, 8 months, and 6 days of her life, she has cried.

The tears most often flow when she gets, "No" for an answer. But, there's also tears when it's time to get ready. Or when it's time to do her homework. Or when it's time to go to bed. Or when I pick up Miss B from Nursery (instead of her.) Or when she loses in a game. And very frequently on the way to school - and if not on the way - at home, before she goes. And most definitely when she gets teased by her brothers.

I kind of thought that after you reach a certain age - say 5 yrs. old, which means my middle daughter should be there, too - you only cry when you suffer physical pain.
Or severe emotional pain...which apparently all of the above mentioned items (& more) are just that, to her!

Ya gotta LOVE Jr. High -- NOT!

1. Here is my son, Ryan.

He is in Jr. High. (I can hear all the inward groans, now!)

One day he wore his baseball shirt, from a team he played on a few years ago, to school.

Here is what the front of the shirt looks like...

And here is what the back of the shirt looks like...
No big deal, right?
WRONG.
Another kid came up to him and asked, "Why are you wearing a shirt that says, 'SEX' on it?"
"Is it because you like sex?"
"And what does that '7' mean on the back?"
"Are you telling us all that's how many times you've had sex?"

Dude, Can you say Chicago White Sox? (Duh!)


2. Ryan tried out for the Jr. High boys basketball team again this year.
And didn't make it. :(
Ryan went up to the coach afterwards and asked,
"Just give it to me straight, Coach, what could I have done?"
The Coach replied, "Well, you need to lose at least 10 pounds!"

Ouch. Double Ouch!

3. Recently, Ryan & I had a meeting with the School Counselor to make his schedule for next year and
map out his track to High School graduation.
To assist in "planting a seed" in Ryan's mind about the importance of Continuing Education,
(and to decide what kind of classes to take in the future) the Counselor asked Ryan what he'd like to be when he grew up.
I could tell that Ryan had something on his mind, but was hesitant to say it.
He mulled around for several seconds and then said "a Pharmacist."
The Counselor wrote it in his "records" and responded quite positively to this, which, I think,
gave Ryan the necessary confidence to reveal more.
And he did.
He said he'd like to be a Professional Athlete.
The Counselor [very noticeably] did NOT write anything down, in fact, her pen stopped, frozen in mid-air,
and then she said, "Let's go for the Pharmacist!"
Way to shatter a boy's dreams!

Why Can't Family Pictures Ever Go off Without a Hitch?

Inform my whole family about Family Pictures (so there would be no protesting/complaining they "didn't know!") -- check.

Laid out 3 different wardrobe options for each child (so there would be no meltdowns because they "hate that!") -- check.

Asked Matt to come home from work early (so we could have enough daylight left for pictures) -- check.

Allow one hour before "showtime" to double check &/or fix everyone's hair/face/clothes -- check.

Back out of our driveway ON TIME -- check.

Have the gas tank full enough to get us to the picture location -- *@$#%^+%!!!

Yep, we ran out of gas on I-15 on the way to our picture appointment!

I don't even make it a habit to check the gas gauge, so I wasn't even aware.

Matt, on the other hand, had noticed we were on empty, but because he knew how hard I was trying to make it on time, he didn't say anything, let alone stop to fill up.

So, there we found ourselves stopped on the side of the road. The relative who lives closest to this "incident" was the lucky one to be called to come help us! :) Matt's brother (Thanks Mike) went and filled up a gas can (and his own car, too, since he was at risk to also run out!) to bring to us/come to our rescue.

But, this all takes time - and the minutes (& daylight) were ticking away...and I could not get a hold of our photographer (turns out, her cell phone had fallen out of her pocket and was laying in the grass in her yard.)

Meanwhile, as we were waiting on the side of the freeway, a Highway Patrolman pulled up behind us. He got out of his car and approached my [passenger] side. Since the car was dead and we couldn't unroll the automatic window, I had to open my door.

He asked what was going on. We told him we'd run out of gas and had already called someone...and, with great timing, right then our "help" pulled up behind the cop car!

BUT, instead of commenting on how well we were taking care of our "situation," he says to me,

"You know I could ticket you for this!"

I said, "No, I did not know that."

He said, "Yep, it's called a 'voluntary emergency stop.'" (or something to that effect)

Then he goes on to lecture me about how dangerous it is to be on the side of the road, and especially with all my children in the car. AND then he asks,

"I mean, really, how many gas stations did you pass on your way here?
Probably 3 or 4." (it was actually only one.)

He was really trying to lay it into me how much this was my fault & how careless I was! (I know, I know!)

(He let us go without a ticket, but reminded me again that he totally could give us one!)

So, here we are totally late for our appointment and I'm trying hard to hold back the tears -- unsuccessfully.

So, what d'ya do when that's happened and you're suppose to get Family Pictures taken?

You just get a creative photographer to cut Mom's face out of the photo...

Or you just take one of these handsome boys only...

(that Matt -- I tell ya, he IS a sight for sore eyes! :) Wooo!)
And, of course, you stay out of the picture again by just throwin' the kids in to pose...

There's always the option of looking away and just catching the family photo from behind...

OR you put "the center of attention" in the mix -- the one who makes everything all better -- who has the ability to draw a smile out of EVERYONE (even a frazzled, upset, emotionally disheveled Mom)...
Again, I ask, "What would we do without Brookelle?"

Reject!

A few weeks ago, our city delivered our NEW, big, blue recycling cans for us to start using. This created some excitement among the kids. We even got an additional garbage can in our kitchen, so we could separate the garbage inside: recyclable garbage & regular garbage -- then we would empty it into the big can outside when it was full.Well...yesterday was the first official recycling garbage pick up day since our city started the program. We were glad to set it out since it had gotten VERY full (fuller than our "regular" garbage can!)
Then, much to our surprise, we got this note attached to our can:

Apparently, we are "recycling rejects!"

And we've been called on it - even accused of "contamination!"

First of all, did they REALLY go through our recycling can and examine each & every one of it's contents? Did they do this to everyone's can? Do they really have the staff to do that?

And second of all, What are they talking about? We continually referenced our "Acceptable Recyclable items" list that came with our can over the past few weeks - in fact, whenever we were deciding about throwing something away, and weren't sure, we checked the list!

I did not throw any carpet, paint cans, light bulbs, dirty disposable diapers, or ceramics, etc. in there - and we did not bag it - so what's the problem?

But then again, we do have an 18-month-old living in our home....

who knows how to throw things away...

Hmmm....

Maybe that explains a few missing items around here:

the pencil sharpener

my lip balm

the girls' dance skirts

Haylee's Christmas stocking

1 pink slipper (mine)

our mailbox key

Kyle's November reading calendar (due today, of course!)

flip flops

the glasses repair screwdriver

socks & tights

fingernail clippers

a check

And maybe that explains the reject note from the recycling company!

(which I'll be sure to throw away in our recycling can) ;)

Kids Say the Darndest Things - November '09 Edition

Taken from the sidebar...

I was bragging to Ryan about something VERY NICE that his Dad did for me (trying to instill an "example")...
Ryan: "Well, you sure didn't marry a SLUT, Mom!"
Me: "SLUT?!"
Ryan: "Or...I mean 'sluffer.'" 11/09
come again?!?
(I think he meant "slacker"?)

I was brushing down Katelyn's newly cut bangs...
Katelyn: "Oh, Mom, that tickles my brain!" 11/09

We were talking about a friend's step-family...
Haylee: "Why have you guys never divorced?"
Matt: "What did you say?!?"
Haylee: "Ya know, so then I can have one more each of a mom & a dad!"
Matt: "You don't talk like that!"
Haylee: "Well, in case your REAL mom & dad aren't being as nice....you can have somewhere to go..."
Me: "That's what Aunts & Uncles and friend's parents are for!!" 11/09

Singin' the Praises of Nursery

Today was the Big Day...

It's the day every Mormon parent counts down to - starting at about their baby's 1st birthday - and lasts for SIX [exasperatin', Sunday School missin', reverence disruptin', baby wrestlin', church hall walkin', hair pullin' out] MONTHS.

It's the day the child reaches the ripe old age of 18 months AND is eligible to go to Nursery!

(YEAH!)

Doesn't Miss B look so HAPPY to be going?

She just couldn't get in that Nursery Room door fast enough!

She makes it 5 for 5. All of my kids have been eager to go to Nursery.

Not a problem.

Mine were never the ones crying/screaming/going into hysterics when dropped off at nursery. Or having tantrums on the floor. Or chasing their parents out the door. Or standing at the door, banging on it, hoping it would make their parents reappear.

I mean, what's not to like?
Play
Look at pictures
Color
Read stories &/or "rest" on a blanket
Sing & Dance
Snacks
Play
{I think I'm jealous!}

It's way better than the alternative - having to sit still & quietly through [very-uninteresting-for-an-infant] Gospel Doctrine class OR go sit in an empty, boring classroom with only Mom or Dad doing nothing but being silent!

I think Nursery Leaders should get automatic Sainthood!!!

Maybe if the adults got a "Nursery" kind of class, we could get more of them to come to/stay at church!! ;)

*I think Elder's Quorum & Primary conducting/lessons/Sharing Times will go a lot smoother for Matt & I now!!

pheeww! We made it! :)

Thoughts about My Weekend

It was my Annual Girls' Park City Shopping Trip this past weekend.
I didn't even take my camera, so I've got no photos to share - only thoughts:

1. You SOOO don't have to pay full price for anything! In fact 60-80% off is very possible.
   
   


2. It is SOOO much easier shopping without a baby (like I did last year) but we're thinking about bringing our strollers in the future just to hold all the "stuff!"

3. Chocolate dipped Mint Oreos are SOOO good!

4. You must try on bras. Last time, I just got measured & bought without trying on. It SOOO didn't fit! This time, I got measured and tried on - and then ended up buying a different size than was recommended to me!

5. I think I'm the only one in the universe who didn't have this on their mind...
6. I need to remember that the Arby's in Park City has Diet Dr. Pepper!!

7. There IS such a thing as "Retail Therapy."

8. I have a 12 year old girl on my Christmas shopping list. So, I went to Justice for the first time in my life. Can I just say that I was SOOO out of my element while in there? I DID NOT know what to get. 0 to 8 year old girls - easy peasy! Tweens - I'm just not cool enough!!

9. When the Landmark Inn says that "breakfast is included," it is NOT false advertising. Some other hotels try to get away with that marketing line when all they throw out is toast, danishes, & coffee. Not these guys. The stay is worth it just for their breakfast. Bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, eggs w/ cheese, ham, & vegetables, fresh fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, juices, Hot Chocolate, hot oatmeal, cold cereal, muffins, bagels, cinnamon rolls, PLUS what those other hotels serve for their "breakfast."


10. I don't believe in decorating for Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving is over (and don't get me started on it happening around Halloween time!) In fact, I have a real problem with it. I really feel sorry for Thanksgiving - it always gets the shaft. But, I found such a delightful Gingerbread House luminary to buy, that I'm almost tempted to break my "Before Thanksgiving" Rule.

But I will resist!

11. And, last but not least, Friday night was our Stake's Youth Culminating event.
They were putting on the Production of Cumorah's Hill.

I had planned to drive down from Park City to see Ryan in it and then drive back up.
As the time to go came closer, however, I just DID NOT feel like driving all that way back down. Alone. In the dark. It would mean I would miss going out to dinner with all my girlfriends and an extra couple of hours of shopping, which I felt kind of bad about. I started to rationalize that I didn't need to really go - since I was "out of town" and all. And, anyway, the performances were originally scheduled for Wed. & Thurs. evenings, so there were no conflicts when we planned our shopping trip. I couldn't control that the date was changed! And on & on my thoughts went....
But, I did drive down and see the performance.
And IT. WAS. WONDERFUL.
Like really, really wonderful!
I was SOOO glad that I went! (And I heard that the performance I went to was by far the better one!) I felt the spirit so powerfully - I asked Ryan if they (the performers) could feel it as much as we (the audience) did. He said they felt it MORE! I was uplifted & my testimony strengthened. It was reconfirmed to me that the Book of Mormon is TRUE. I knew that my Heavenly Father loves me - and also loves all those incredible youth who had taught us that evening (& had dedicated a great amount of time over the past several months in preparation.) I felt like Moroni in the last book of the Book of Mormon,
"I will not [cannot] deny the Christ."
And to think that I was toying with the idea of not going. How many times does that happen? I just don't feel like doing something, but if I do, I am richly blessed! And because of that, I think it's safe to say that Satan didn't want me to go! ;) And that's why I get these doubts & wavering feelings.

Driving back up to Park City afterwards didn't even seem bad at all!

Should This make Me Proud?

This morning when I was picking Katelyn up from Preschool, her teacher came out to my car to speak with me.
She asked if I would be able to help Katelyn learn a really big part for their Christmas Program.
Honestly, in my mind, I thought my ability to complete that task was questionable, at best. But seems as I'm already on their "unreliable/flaky/bordering-on-unfit mother list," (I "spaced off" picking up Katelyn & her friend from preschool one day and they had to call) I thought it wise to avoid solidifying her opinion any further, so I nodded my head in agreement.

The teacher went on to say, "She will have a part all by herself and, also, she will have another part while all the angels are singing. It is one of the hardest parts in the program...."

(I'm starting to feel better - I'm thinking, Have I redeemed myself as a trustworthy mother in her eyes?)...

But, then she continues with the real reason, (here's the "make me proud" part)...

"And she is the one with the loudest voice!"

What's Your Verdict?

Several years ago, I made this sign/check list to hang in the kids' bedroom - complete with pictures/drawings in case someone didn't know/"forgot" how to read...

It was necessary because I was always getting a "Yes" answer when I asked the question, "Is your room clean?" But, then when I went to examine it, I realized that their interpretation of a "clean room" and mine were worlds apart!

One of their favorite things to do was to pick up everything off of the floor and put it:
a) under their bed,
b) on top of their dresser, or
c) on the window shelf.
That's "clean," right?!? (WRONG!)
Thus, those specific points were included in this "11-point checklist."

You'll notice I also had to list paper and wrappers in addition to just plain "trash" that needed to be put in the garbage can (as opposed to somewhere else) because "trash" is just too vague, apparently. Frequently, during my examination of the "clean room," I'd ask, "What about those?" pointing to various snack wrappers and paper clippings around their room. Their response was, "I didn't know that was part of it!"

Just like they "didn't know" that merely throwing their blankets in a heap on the bed did not look nice, either.
And they really "didn't know" that just because shoes were IN the closet, but buried under who knows what, completely unsure IF each shoe had a match or not, it didn't get a "pass."
And then, of course, there's those times when they "didn't know" they were suppose to do ALL of the list that week. WHAT?!
Etc., etc., etc.

So, now when I ask "Is your room clean?" (and I get the "Yes" answer) I follow it up with, "As in, completing everything on the "11-point check list?"

So, how do you think the check list hanging in their rooms as a reference is working?!?

I thought it would be such a good idea to install a built-in desk for my child to do their homework at when we finished these basement bedrooms....(sigh!)

I also thought it'd be such a great idea to get the child one of those 3-sectioned laundry hampers that you can sort the clothes by color with. Then, on "darks" day, I just reach in that section and pull 'em out in less than 2 seconds flat!

One of the complaints about this child's "old room" was that there just wasn't enough space & shelves to put "stuff" and that was the problem with the messy room. Well, taking on the "If you build it, they will come" thought, we made this fine closet in the new room, too. Do you like how they're utilizing all the space?!?

So much for my "Good Ideas!"

**These photos were taken just a couple of days after "Saturday Jobs" were completed (which means it's in better shape than normal!) I won't reveal which child's room this actually is (to protect privacy & all, ya know) but there are clues...and maybe "airing their dirty laundry" on the blog will motivate them....**
What d'ya think?

Do they know what a "CLEAN ROOM" looks like?

***

Post note: After I wrote this, I found a blog post about this very subject. Maybe I need to be "teaching by the Spirit" to get results!?!