This is my mantra lately: "I'm doing this for the thrush."
Read week 2 of my sugar-fast at the Mother Runner.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
sugar fast
I'm doing a little sugar fast for a month and blogging about it at The Mother Runner. Come check it out.... and leave a comment if you want to boost my self-esteem a bit. It's been a bit of rough day.
I'll just say this here. I'm on day 3 of this sugar fast and also on day 3 of Anna whining/crying/screaming all day long. If ever a woman needed chocolate, it would be today, and I couldn't eat it. Talk about frustrating.
I'll just say this here. I'm on day 3 of this sugar fast and also on day 3 of Anna whining/crying/screaming all day long. If ever a woman needed chocolate, it would be today, and I couldn't eat it. Talk about frustrating.
Monday, September 20, 2010
smarty pants
The other day, Sam was reading an article about potential 2012 presidential candidates for the Republican Party. Anna came in from the porch, looked at the screen and said, "Party. P-A-R-T-Y" and continued playing.
Apparently, she's learning how to read.
Later that day, however, I got her to eat an entire piece of lunch meat (she goes on hunger strikes when she get's a cold...) by letting her hold a chocolate chip cookie in between bites. She never once actually took a bite of the cookie.
So let's not jump to any conclusions about her cleverness just yet.
Apparently, she's learning how to read.
Later that day, however, I got her to eat an entire piece of lunch meat (she goes on hunger strikes when she get's a cold...) by letting her hold a chocolate chip cookie in between bites. She never once actually took a bite of the cookie.
So let's not jump to any conclusions about her cleverness just yet.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
a mother who's starting to know
A confluence of thoughts and experiences led me to blogging today:
Last week I read that 500 women were raped in Congo in July and August by both rebel militias and government troops and cried whenever I thought about it for the rest of the day.
I've been thinking and praying about how to have more patience with Anna and how to say yes more and no less.
My mom shared what was said at an area conference about mothers being online and/or working while at home.
I read King Benjamin's address about teaching our children.
I listened to an interview with Julie Beck and her daughters on the Mormon Channel while I folded laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and got dinner started.
With all this stewing in my mind, I've been really analyzing how I spend my time. Do Anna and Levi have my attention while they're awake? When am I crossing over from relaxing down-time to brain-draining wasting time? Am I productive with the time I'm online? Are my priorities right? Are household matters getting attention before my personal entertainment? Am I pulling my weight in our marriage and parenting duties?
I used to devote quite a bit of time to reading the news. But on that day that I read about the rapes in Congo, I thought, "What good is this doing? What on earth can I do for those women, for that country?" I said many prayers for the Congo that day, but it was truly draining to feel the weight of those wrongs all day and feel helpless to do anything about it. There are others who can act. World leaders, church leaders-- it's their job to know about these things and decide how to act, and what aid can be given.
But my job is to provide a peaceful and happy home for my family. And to do that, I need will and energy. When I spend to much time online (reading the news or otherwise), reading magazines, shopping, or watching TV, I can feel that energy being suck away by the world, into its problems and injustices, into self-doubt, into wanting what I don't need, into thinking I need to do or be more than I am.
So more and more I am exercising my will and closing my browser. In the time I used to spend on the news or blogs, I do family search indexing. All the parenting magazines get a quick browse for helpful articles (like one I recently found with FABULOUS ideas for teaching toddlers about all sorts of things) and then get tossed in the recycle bin. I've unsubscribed from about a dozen email lists.
I can tell things are getting better. I am saying yes more often. Anna's happier, I'm happier. I create more, sew more, cook more, and have more fun doing it. Anna's more polite and helping with chores and becoming amazingly creative.
We're no where near ideal yet. I still slip into vegetation and have plenty of bad habits yet to be tamed and broken. But it feels so good to know I'm on the right track.
Julie Beck said, "Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."
I feel the power and I'm starting to know.
Last week I read that 500 women were raped in Congo in July and August by both rebel militias and government troops and cried whenever I thought about it for the rest of the day.
I've been thinking and praying about how to have more patience with Anna and how to say yes more and no less.
My mom shared what was said at an area conference about mothers being online and/or working while at home.
I read King Benjamin's address about teaching our children.
I listened to an interview with Julie Beck and her daughters on the Mormon Channel while I folded laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and got dinner started.
With all this stewing in my mind, I've been really analyzing how I spend my time. Do Anna and Levi have my attention while they're awake? When am I crossing over from relaxing down-time to brain-draining wasting time? Am I productive with the time I'm online? Are my priorities right? Are household matters getting attention before my personal entertainment? Am I pulling my weight in our marriage and parenting duties?
I used to devote quite a bit of time to reading the news. But on that day that I read about the rapes in Congo, I thought, "What good is this doing? What on earth can I do for those women, for that country?" I said many prayers for the Congo that day, but it was truly draining to feel the weight of those wrongs all day and feel helpless to do anything about it. There are others who can act. World leaders, church leaders-- it's their job to know about these things and decide how to act, and what aid can be given.
But my job is to provide a peaceful and happy home for my family. And to do that, I need will and energy. When I spend to much time online (reading the news or otherwise), reading magazines, shopping, or watching TV, I can feel that energy being suck away by the world, into its problems and injustices, into self-doubt, into wanting what I don't need, into thinking I need to do or be more than I am.
So more and more I am exercising my will and closing my browser. In the time I used to spend on the news or blogs, I do family search indexing. All the parenting magazines get a quick browse for helpful articles (like one I recently found with FABULOUS ideas for teaching toddlers about all sorts of things) and then get tossed in the recycle bin. I've unsubscribed from about a dozen email lists.
I can tell things are getting better. I am saying yes more often. Anna's happier, I'm happier. I create more, sew more, cook more, and have more fun doing it. Anna's more polite and helping with chores and becoming amazingly creative.
We're no where near ideal yet. I still slip into vegetation and have plenty of bad habits yet to be tamed and broken. But it feels so good to know I'm on the right track.
Julie Beck said, "Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."
I feel the power and I'm starting to know.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
let's go running
I'm running a 5K on October 2nd. I thought it might motivate me to start up a regular exercise routine, which it (mostly) has. And I'm loving running through Acton Town Forest and around Nara Park.
This is not me, obviously, nor is it in Acton. But it is a runner, and it is in Groton, which is very near Acton and this provides an accurate visual aid for showing you the beautiful scenery I get to experience on my runs.
My mothering/running/fitness-blogging friend Lizzie is joining me in spirit and will be running near her home in Brooklyn. She's encouraging the rest of us (or the rest of YOU, rather) to jump on the running in October bandwagon. Or walking in October. I truly believe almost anyone can finish a 5K with little to no training, and with a month to prepare, you can do even better. So what do you say? Are you with me?
Does it ever seem like all I do is post about all my friends' good ideas? Maybe because I do. I feel much more comfortable as a cheerleader and loyal supporter than instigator.
This is not me, obviously, nor is it in Acton. But it is a runner, and it is in Groton, which is very near Acton and this provides an accurate visual aid for showing you the beautiful scenery I get to experience on my runs.My mothering/running/fitness-blogging friend Lizzie is joining me in spirit and will be running near her home in Brooklyn. She's encouraging the rest of us (or the rest of YOU, rather) to jump on the running in October bandwagon. Or walking in October. I truly believe almost anyone can finish a 5K with little to no training, and with a month to prepare, you can do even better. So what do you say? Are you with me?
Does it ever seem like all I do is post about all my friends' good ideas? Maybe because I do. I feel much more comfortable as a cheerleader and loyal supporter than instigator.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Jesus loves Anna
My friend Jocelyn is kicking off 30 days of blogging about The Family: A Proclamation to the World today. She's invited anyone to join her, and after reading today's post, it got me thinking about how I'm teaching my family these old-fashioned (ancient, honored, time-tested) ideas.
On Monday, for Family Home Evening, we finished up learning all the verses of Book of Mormon Stories.* The last verse is about Jesus Christ visiting the Americas and how He blessed all the little children there.
We all went into a dark room and I told Anna about how it was dark and scary, but then the people saw a light descending from the sky. And when I turned on the light, I had a picture of Jesus. I then showed her a picture of Jesus blessing the little children. I said, "Jesus loves little children like you."
Anna then said, "Jesus loves Anna. Jesus loves Mommy. Jesus loves Daddy. Jesus loves Levi." And now when I turn on a light in a dark room, she says, "Jesus brings light!" I am so glad my daughter knows Jesus loves her and will be a light in dark places.
In the Proclamation it says, "All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny." My daughter knows this.
*Thanks to Rachel Frame for planning out dozens of FHE ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. If you know Rachel, you've got to ask her for her ideas for kids. They're perfect.
On Monday, for Family Home Evening, we finished up learning all the verses of Book of Mormon Stories.* The last verse is about Jesus Christ visiting the Americas and how He blessed all the little children there.
We all went into a dark room and I told Anna about how it was dark and scary, but then the people saw a light descending from the sky. And when I turned on the light, I had a picture of Jesus. I then showed her a picture of Jesus blessing the little children. I said, "Jesus loves little children like you."
Anna then said, "Jesus loves Anna. Jesus loves Mommy. Jesus loves Daddy. Jesus loves Levi." And now when I turn on a light in a dark room, she says, "Jesus brings light!" I am so glad my daughter knows Jesus loves her and will be a light in dark places.
In the Proclamation it says, "All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny." My daughter knows this.
*Thanks to Rachel Frame for planning out dozens of FHE ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. If you know Rachel, you've got to ask her for her ideas for kids. They're perfect.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
canobie lake park
The weekend after we moved here, Sam's work had an employee day at a small local amusement park called Canobie Lake Park. It only cost $20 for all 4 of us to go and included a surprisingly good lunch of burgers, bbq chicken, corn, watermelon, and ice cream. Anna, however, didn't eat anything because she could see the big swings that spin around in a circle and was mesmerized.
So, once Sam and I ate, we headed off. It took a lot of convincing to get Anna to wait in line for the first ride, the sky coaster, but she loved to see the "yeshi" (her all purpose word for when she doesn't know the name of something), or Star Blaster ride that shot people up in the air on a tall tower. A month later, Anna will still say, out of the blue, "It was fun to see the star blaster!!!!"
Once on the ride, Anna loved it, though Sam said his stomach was in knots as Anna wanted to sit on the very edge of the bench and would push away Sam's hands whenever he tried to hold on to her. (A note about the pictures: of course Anna fell and scraped her face on the way home from the pool the morning of this little trip when I had intended to take a lot of pictures)
After all of us rode on the antique cars, we discovered the little kid rides. Anna seemed a little wary at first, but once she saw she could ride in a boat, she was convinced. It took her a while to warm up. All the other kids were turning the steering wheels and ringing the bells on the boats, but Anna mostly just sat there with her thumb in her mouth and only gave half-hearted waves after hearing us say, "Wave hi, Anna!!!" as enthusiastically as possible. Still, she loved it, and rode every single ride in that section of the park. We loved it at first, too and flashed tons of pictures, but Sam and I soon got bored and I think even Anna got a little jaded after a while once she realized that every single ride was the same (sit in a boat/jeep/bus/plane/horse and ride in a circle). Here are some of the better pictures and some video.
If you open this picture larger, you'll see that if you push and pull the bar you go up and down. I wouldn't say Anna got the hang of it, but she did manage to move herself around more than some older kids whose helicopters just sat on the ground the whole ride.
Once she got tired of it, she and I rode the train around the park and then Sam got in line behind a guy from work to get on a mini-rollercoaster. I was so excited for Anna to ride it, but the line was taking forever, so I had her ride the mini-swings. She begged to go on them again, but I thought Sam was getting close to the front of the line. We went to check, but there was still time, so I took her on the kids version of the star blaster called the Froggy Jumper. Anna laughed and laughed the whole time as it bounced up and down.
Finally, Sam was close to the front, so I sent Anna up to stand with him. Right before it was their turn to get on, she hit her head on one of the rails and went nuts. Sam tried to console her, but there was no way she was getting on that little dragon ride, so we brought her down and headed for the exit. She was hot and tired and hungry, so we gave her water and crackers and she watched the boat ride go back and forth while I fed Levi. Every time the people on the ride would scream, Anna would go, "Woooaaah!" too. It was very cute.
On the way out, when she was feeling better, we passed a little log ride that I thought she should ride. It turned out to be the most boring ride on earth as the logs followed a path of barely moving water at about 1/2 a mile an hour. All the dads in line kept sarcastically telling their kids not to be frightened and mocking the ride in any way they could, and Anna was certainly confused on the point of her sitting on the log, but it appeased my desire for her to go on one more ride, so I'm glad we did it.
This is what Levi looked like when he wasn't sleeping.
It's certainly no Cedar Point, and definitely not worth the $30 per person regular admission fee, but it was the perfect outing for our little family. I also have to admit that Sam and I were pretty proud of Anna for being a little daredevil for trying and loving every ride. We're looking forward to next year's trip.
So, once Sam and I ate, we headed off. It took a lot of convincing to get Anna to wait in line for the first ride, the sky coaster, but she loved to see the "yeshi" (her all purpose word for when she doesn't know the name of something), or Star Blaster ride that shot people up in the air on a tall tower. A month later, Anna will still say, out of the blue, "It was fun to see the star blaster!!!!"
Once on the ride, Anna loved it, though Sam said his stomach was in knots as Anna wanted to sit on the very edge of the bench and would push away Sam's hands whenever he tried to hold on to her. (A note about the pictures: of course Anna fell and scraped her face on the way home from the pool the morning of this little trip when I had intended to take a lot of pictures)
After all of us rode on the antique cars, we discovered the little kid rides. Anna seemed a little wary at first, but once she saw she could ride in a boat, she was convinced. It took her a while to warm up. All the other kids were turning the steering wheels and ringing the bells on the boats, but Anna mostly just sat there with her thumb in her mouth and only gave half-hearted waves after hearing us say, "Wave hi, Anna!!!" as enthusiastically as possible. Still, she loved it, and rode every single ride in that section of the park. We loved it at first, too and flashed tons of pictures, but Sam and I soon got bored and I think even Anna got a little jaded after a while once she realized that every single ride was the same (sit in a boat/jeep/bus/plane/horse and ride in a circle). Here are some of the better pictures and some video.
If you open this picture larger, you'll see that if you push and pull the bar you go up and down. I wouldn't say Anna got the hang of it, but she did manage to move herself around more than some older kids whose helicopters just sat on the ground the whole ride.
Finally, Sam was close to the front, so I sent Anna up to stand with him. Right before it was their turn to get on, she hit her head on one of the rails and went nuts. Sam tried to console her, but there was no way she was getting on that little dragon ride, so we brought her down and headed for the exit. She was hot and tired and hungry, so we gave her water and crackers and she watched the boat ride go back and forth while I fed Levi. Every time the people on the ride would scream, Anna would go, "Woooaaah!" too. It was very cute.
On the way out, when she was feeling better, we passed a little log ride that I thought she should ride. It turned out to be the most boring ride on earth as the logs followed a path of barely moving water at about 1/2 a mile an hour. All the dads in line kept sarcastically telling their kids not to be frightened and mocking the ride in any way they could, and Anna was certainly confused on the point of her sitting on the log, but it appeased my desire for her to go on one more ride, so I'm glad we did it.
This is what Levi looked like when he wasn't sleeping.Sunday, August 22, 2010
mom brain
Had me a good chuckle when I read this. Read the comments for more symptoms.
PS-- is there anybody else out there who can't ever think of the word "chuckle" in the same way after Liz Lemon's sandwich with extra chuckle on 30 Rock last season?
PPS-- someday there will be a real post again on this blog. promise.
PS-- is there anybody else out there who can't ever think of the word "chuckle" in the same way after Liz Lemon's sandwich with extra chuckle on 30 Rock last season?
PPS-- someday there will be a real post again on this blog. promise.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
a disappointment
I just saw that the Friendly's Brownie Sundae Xtreme ice cream I just bought is actually "frozen dairy dessert."
Oh, Bluebell, how I miss thee!
Oh, Bluebell, how I miss thee!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
free cupcakes and updates
I found these today in the blogosphere. I thought they'd be fun to print on cardstock, laminate, and use again and again. I bet Anna would be occupied by this for at least 8 1/2 minutes.
Once I can find a fabric store that's less than 1/2 hour away, I might make these out of felt.
While I'm on here posting, I might as well share this photo. It makes me laugh every time I see it. Anna really did wear this to bed all night.
And a little bit about life here. Our apartment is mostly organized. We just need to get our pictures out of boxes and onto the walls. We got a freecycled entertainment unit that's perfect for our needs and keeps all our electronica out of little hands and a freecycled dresser to house Anna's vast wardrobe.
Anna just keeps getting more and more opinionated about everything. She throws things more than I ever thought she would (did anyone else expect their toddler to be a little less toddler-like than other people's children?). And she says "no" to everything just because she can. She says "no" even when I'm not asking her anything. I do my best to give lots of attention, get dinner made while she's asleep, and let her know what's coming in the day, but sometimes that's still not enough. I'm learning to not feel like a bad mom and just accept that this is how toddlers are and that she will not grow into a food-throwing 10-year-old (which is true, right?).
On the flip side, she is getting more and more curious, independent, and involved in my day to day activities. Anna totes around her toys to stay in whatever room I'm currently in. I try to let her help with whatever she can while I'm cooking and make a point to do some creative activity with her each day. Yesterday we took her plastic fruit and vegetables and new little pots and pans my mom gave her (thanks Mom!) and made vegetable stew and fruit cobbler. She watched and copied my actions intently as we pretended to cut up the carrots and put them in the pot and squeeze the lemon juice over the cobbler. She repeated everything I said and after I put the cobbler in the oven she said, "I will do it!" and opened the "oven" and put in the cobbler and turned the knob to turn it on. We enjoyed a delicious imaginary meal together in those few minutes and I savored every adorable moment of our playing together.
Levi is still as social as ever and loves to play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo. He loves his sister and they love to laugh together. He's nearly 17 lbs at 4 months old and he always wants to be a part of the action during the day. He's been a little sick and fussy for a few days and I'm not sure whether that's a result of his shots, teething, his ever-changing, ever-developing nervous system, or a combination of all three, but I'm looking forward to getting him back to his old sleeping habits soon.
Massachusetts is beautiful and I've gone running and biking in the hilly, rocky, Acton Town Forest right behind our apartments. We went for a picnic at the playground next to the library today. Our ward is the largest in all of New England and New York so we're looking forward to meeting everyone there once they all return from their summer vacations. Sam has been called as an assistant Weblos leader with another young dad in the ward and I'm both speaking in sacrament meeting and teaching Relief Society in a couple weeks.
Sam and I celebrate four wonderful years of marriage this week and can't wait to leave the kids with a babysitter and go out for dinner and Kimball Farm ice cream. Life is good and I'm so glad he picked me to share it with.
Once I can find a fabric store that's less than 1/2 hour away, I might make these out of felt.
While I'm on here posting, I might as well share this photo. It makes me laugh every time I see it. Anna really did wear this to bed all night.
And a little bit about life here. Our apartment is mostly organized. We just need to get our pictures out of boxes and onto the walls. We got a freecycled entertainment unit that's perfect for our needs and keeps all our electronica out of little hands and a freecycled dresser to house Anna's vast wardrobe.
Anna just keeps getting more and more opinionated about everything. She throws things more than I ever thought she would (did anyone else expect their toddler to be a little less toddler-like than other people's children?). And she says "no" to everything just because she can. She says "no" even when I'm not asking her anything. I do my best to give lots of attention, get dinner made while she's asleep, and let her know what's coming in the day, but sometimes that's still not enough. I'm learning to not feel like a bad mom and just accept that this is how toddlers are and that she will not grow into a food-throwing 10-year-old (which is true, right?).
On the flip side, she is getting more and more curious, independent, and involved in my day to day activities. Anna totes around her toys to stay in whatever room I'm currently in. I try to let her help with whatever she can while I'm cooking and make a point to do some creative activity with her each day. Yesterday we took her plastic fruit and vegetables and new little pots and pans my mom gave her (thanks Mom!) and made vegetable stew and fruit cobbler. She watched and copied my actions intently as we pretended to cut up the carrots and put them in the pot and squeeze the lemon juice over the cobbler. She repeated everything I said and after I put the cobbler in the oven she said, "I will do it!" and opened the "oven" and put in the cobbler and turned the knob to turn it on. We enjoyed a delicious imaginary meal together in those few minutes and I savored every adorable moment of our playing together.
Levi is still as social as ever and loves to play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo. He loves his sister and they love to laugh together. He's nearly 17 lbs at 4 months old and he always wants to be a part of the action during the day. He's been a little sick and fussy for a few days and I'm not sure whether that's a result of his shots, teething, his ever-changing, ever-developing nervous system, or a combination of all three, but I'm looking forward to getting him back to his old sleeping habits soon.
Massachusetts is beautiful and I've gone running and biking in the hilly, rocky, Acton Town Forest right behind our apartments. We went for a picnic at the playground next to the library today. Our ward is the largest in all of New England and New York so we're looking forward to meeting everyone there once they all return from their summer vacations. Sam has been called as an assistant Weblos leader with another young dad in the ward and I'm both speaking in sacrament meeting and teaching Relief Society in a couple weeks.
Sam and I celebrate four wonderful years of marriage this week and can't wait to leave the kids with a babysitter and go out for dinner and Kimball Farm ice cream. Life is good and I'm so glad he picked me to share it with.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
yum
I just posted some recipes we've tried and liked recently at my family's recipe blog. Feel free to check it out.
I just added:
chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-frosted brownies
fish tacos
mango salsa
shrimp fried rice
bacon-wrapped shrimp kabobs
Some other favorites on the site:
shrimp, avocado, and mango salsa quesadillas
southwest pasta salad
dinner in a pumpkin
creamy macaroni and cheese
I just added:
chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-frosted brownies
fish tacos
mango salsa
shrimp fried rice
bacon-wrapped shrimp kabobs
Some other favorites on the site:
shrimp, avocado, and mango salsa quesadillas
southwest pasta salad
dinner in a pumpkin
creamy macaroni and cheese
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
letting go
Oh how I wish I could do this a little more often. It's so hard! This little rectangle of black plastic is just so tempting. I must pray every single day, often several times a day, to have the power to withstand opening it up and taking a peek, which will inevitably turn into a long, dazed stare. I'm sure I'm addicted.
But those moments when I can resist-- they're so pure! so joyful! so heart-bursting full with love for this brilliant, crazy, loving child and the baby who is sitting there smiling at me. Of course, they're just moments and when that loving, crazy child gets frustrated because she can't put her backpack on by herself, she throws a fit and whatever else is within reach (I just had to laugh at the throwing, Lizzie. That is my life.) and I want to slink back into my safe, whine-free, little box. But that just leaves me feeling guilty for abandoning the little peanut who just wants Mommy to play with her.
I try to keep busy with other things to avoid blank time that I can fill with the internet and try to savor that feeling of accomplishment when I fill an hour with laundry or sewing a dress or cooking a yummy meal (or all three! look at me!) instead of frittering it away on craft blogs (so much less satisfying that actually crafting...)
I guess it's just another weakness that I get to turn into a strength. Oh please Lord, make it turn a little faster.
PS. That link is from The Mother Runner, a blog my friend Lizzie writes. As she puts it, it combines motherhood, running, and good writing-- three of my favorite things. If you've got any interest in any of those things, I highly recommend checking it out.
But those moments when I can resist-- they're so pure! so joyful! so heart-bursting full with love for this brilliant, crazy, loving child and the baby who is sitting there smiling at me. Of course, they're just moments and when that loving, crazy child gets frustrated because she can't put her backpack on by herself, she throws a fit and whatever else is within reach (I just had to laugh at the throwing, Lizzie. That is my life.) and I want to slink back into my safe, whine-free, little box. But that just leaves me feeling guilty for abandoning the little peanut who just wants Mommy to play with her.
I try to keep busy with other things to avoid blank time that I can fill with the internet and try to savor that feeling of accomplishment when I fill an hour with laundry or sewing a dress or cooking a yummy meal (or all three! look at me!) instead of frittering it away on craft blogs (so much less satisfying that actually crafting...)
I guess it's just another weakness that I get to turn into a strength. Oh please Lord, make it turn a little faster.
PS. That link is from The Mother Runner, a blog my friend Lizzie writes. As she puts it, it combines motherhood, running, and good writing-- three of my favorite things. If you've got any interest in any of those things, I highly recommend checking it out.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
we made it
And I hope I don't have to do that again. At least not for a VERY long time. But we're here and happy to be here and loving the beautiful state of Massachusetts. Since being here we've unpacked (almost all the way), killed wasps
made pancakes
and cookies
and a dress from clothes to be thrown out
and loved bathtime in the new kids-only bathroom (though not always in such a confined space)
We miss Texas, but are sure excited to be here!
made pancakes
and cookies
and a dress from clothes to be thrown out
and loved bathtime in the new kids-only bathroom (though not always in such a confined space)
We miss Texas, but are sure excited to be here!Wednesday, July 14, 2010
a little bit of silliness
Even while being driven crazy by her whole world changing, Anna still manages to make us laugh. This morning when I went in to get her out of her crib, she'd taken off her pajamas. This was maybe the third or fourth time this has happened (just with this particular pair) and I asked, "Why do you keep taking off your jammies, little Anna?" Anna looked up very earnestly and said, "It's just to be silly."
(And Levi has just started laughing. Cutest. Sound. Ever.)
(And Levi has just started laughing. Cutest. Sound. Ever.)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
so long
We move tomorrow. The wave of panic I've been holding back for a while finally struck today and it was a stressful day. Poor Anna can just feel the tension and the rushing and the changes and has been pretty upset by all of it. I hope unpacking won't be quite as stressful as packing.
We've still had some cute moments. Anna has been asking if we're bringing things to Massachusetts (which she can say very well) with us. Are we bringing Levi? Yes, we're definitely bringing Levi. My blankie? That too. Catherine? Unfortunately not.
Catherine is our good friend who lives in our apartment complex. She's been like a third grandma to Anna and Levi and we absolutely adore her. She will be sorely missed. I talked to Anna about saying goodbye to all our friends and making new friends. I could tell by the look on her face that she was thinking hard about that and not really sure she liked the sound of it. It was heartbreaking to see her give hugs and kisses to all her little friends at our going-away gathering (thanks for the party Kathy!) and knowing she wouldn't get to play with them again. She gets so excited to see them and they have a marvelous time together.
But I suppose it's time for her to learn the joys of making new friends and falling in love with a new place. All my encouragement for her is a good reminder as I try to move on myself.
Wish us luck! Thank goodness for blogs that let us stay connected even though we're thousands of miles apart.
We've still had some cute moments. Anna has been asking if we're bringing things to Massachusetts (which she can say very well) with us. Are we bringing Levi? Yes, we're definitely bringing Levi. My blankie? That too. Catherine? Unfortunately not.
Catherine is our good friend who lives in our apartment complex. She's been like a third grandma to Anna and Levi and we absolutely adore her. She will be sorely missed. I talked to Anna about saying goodbye to all our friends and making new friends. I could tell by the look on her face that she was thinking hard about that and not really sure she liked the sound of it. It was heartbreaking to see her give hugs and kisses to all her little friends at our going-away gathering (thanks for the party Kathy!) and knowing she wouldn't get to play with them again. She gets so excited to see them and they have a marvelous time together.
But I suppose it's time for her to learn the joys of making new friends and falling in love with a new place. All my encouragement for her is a good reminder as I try to move on myself.
Wish us luck! Thank goodness for blogs that let us stay connected even though we're thousands of miles apart.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
levi samuel cosby
Earlier this month (and on Sam's birthday) Sam gave Levi Samuel Cosby a name and blessing in our sacrament meeting. Sam's dad, brother Jacob, brother-in-law Gordon, and our friend (and bishopric member) Tony McClain joined him in the blessing.
We're so happy our family could join us and that Sam holds the priesthood to be able to bless our family in so many ways.
Sam and I had a tough time deciding on Levi's name. And I'll admit that there have been times I've thought, "Did we really name him that? Why didn't we think this through a little longer?" But the more I love the person, the more I love his name, and I've done a more thorough search of the name Levi in the scriptures that makes me like it even more.
Levi, the son of Jacob, might not be the best role model, but the Levites were chosen to be the priesthood holders among the twelve tribes of Israel, worked in the temple, were musicians, and were set apart for God-- all things I'd like for our son Levi.
Levi is also the name of the publican who Jesus called to be an apostle-- you probably know him better as Matthew. I hope Levi will heed the call of the Lord as willingly as Matthew did.
As Sam and I asked each other about middle names, we both had chosen Samuel as our top pick without knowing the other was considering it. I'd always liked the name and had wanted to name a son that, but I didn't want to have two Samuel's in the house, so a middle name was a good option. And both prophet Samuel's (from the Bible and the Book of Mormon) are great namesakes. Our Levi Samuel is certainly an answer to his mother's prayers, and one day, I will loan him to the Lord when he serves as a missionary.
We're so happy our family could join us and that Sam holds the priesthood to be able to bless our family in so many ways.
Sam and I had a tough time deciding on Levi's name. And I'll admit that there have been times I've thought, "Did we really name him that? Why didn't we think this through a little longer?" But the more I love the person, the more I love his name, and I've done a more thorough search of the name Levi in the scriptures that makes me like it even more.Levi, the son of Jacob, might not be the best role model, but the Levites were chosen to be the priesthood holders among the twelve tribes of Israel, worked in the temple, were musicians, and were set apart for God-- all things I'd like for our son Levi.
Levi is also the name of the publican who Jesus called to be an apostle-- you probably know him better as Matthew. I hope Levi will heed the call of the Lord as willingly as Matthew did.
As Sam and I asked each other about middle names, we both had chosen Samuel as our top pick without knowing the other was considering it. I'd always liked the name and had wanted to name a son that, but I didn't want to have two Samuel's in the house, so a middle name was a good option. And both prophet Samuel's (from the Bible and the Book of Mormon) are great namesakes. Our Levi Samuel is certainly an answer to his mother's prayers, and one day, I will loan him to the Lord when he serves as a missionary.
Friday, June 25, 2010
diapers.com
If you use diapers...I mean... if you buy diapers, you've got to use diapers.com.
I know. I know. There are cheaper ways to get diapers. I could scour ebay, buy multiple Sunday papers to horde the coupons, and then memorize the seven-month sale rotation at CVS so I can then drive around to all five of the closest drugstores to get a three-month supply of $.10-per-diaper Huggies.
But, if you're like me and feel like you have other things you want to do with your time and space than manage a file cabinet full of coupons then check out diapers.com. They consistently have lower prices than any retail store I've found and they accept manufacturers coupons which I use when I get them in the mail. (Just mail them in a bunch at a time and they apply them to your account.) Diapers.com also gives free shipping on orders over $49 (not hard to do when you order two super giant mega packs for your 2-year-old).
And it gets even better. Next month, diapers.com will be launching soap.com where you can buy all sorts of personal care and household items that'll go in the same checkout as your diapers. Which means, you get your diapers, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, and kitchen garbage bags at the lowest price possible and delivered free to your door-- along with a big cardboard box that's just asking to become a rocket ship.
Where we're moving in Massachusetts, the nearest Walmart is about 25 minutes away and Target is even further. So whether you're like us and don't have quick access, or whether you live in the city and just can't haul 50 lbs of diapers home on your bike, or whether you just don't want to brave Costco one more time for those Kirklands (which you can also buy at the website) then go to diapers.com and save yourself the hassle.
P.S. In a way, diapers.com is paying me to write this. If you use my referral code (HERES10BUX) on your orders, you get $10 off your first order, $5 off your second order, and I get a $10 credit towards my next order. We're all winners here.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
goodbye TX
While I've been emptying our bookshelves into empty diaper boxes, I've been thinking about all the things I've loved about being here in Katy, Texas. Here's my (probably incomplete) list.
- Family. Anna and Levi's grandparents are just a five hour drive away and they've got two aunts, three uncles, and two cousins between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
- Friends. We've made some great friends here, especially in our ward. I don't think I could have made it through new motherhood without them. And Anna has so many adorable little buddies we'll hate to leave.
- The annual combined Christmas choir with the Katy Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church. This made my Christmas season for the last three years.
- Bluebell ice cream. Cake and Ice Cream ice cream, I didn't know what I was missing until I met you. And now our short romance has to end.
- H-E-B. Meal deals, parking spots for customers with children, delicious tortillas, gazillions of samples, super customer service. What's not to love?
- Good Mexican food. Enough said.
- Library Story Time. Ours is amazing and cannot be topped.
- Double Daves Pizza Buffet. (Food is clearly a great love of mine)
- Crepe Myrtles, wildflowers, and Spanish moss
- Houston Symphony at the Miller Outdoor Theater
- A beautiful spring-like winter
- Southern hospitality
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
fiddling
I've been messing around with blogger's new design tool. I'm still not sure I'm sold on it. I've realized I really like having my title centered. And by the way... in case you're wondering why my title is what it is, I wrote about here when I re-started blogging.
And now after having read that post myself, I have to chuckle at how much has changed again. Having kids makes you grow up a little bit.
And now after having read that post myself, I have to chuckle at how much has changed again. Having kids makes you grow up a little bit.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
we're finally moving
But instead of going here:
We're going here:
And if you're like me and couldn't figure out which city that was, here's another one.
We're not going here:
We're going here:
That's right. We're giving up old England for New England, and I, for one, am pretty darn excited about that.
Sam is going to be a product manager in the electronic materials division (still with Dow). He starts work mid-July and flew to Boston this past weekend to find us an apartment. He'll actually be working at two locations both about 30 miles outside the city, so we're living between them.
As for the London thing...well, it just kind of fizzled. Several products got cut and work slowed down and then slowed down some more. Now it looks like they might move all the work in England back to Houston. So we feel incredibly blessed to have this bright, exciting promotion to look forward to instead of a slowly dying project.
It's really hit me this weekend that we're essentially leaving in three weeks (in early July we've got a family reunion and then a long drive with the kiddos to Massachusetts...wish me luck!) I've got lots of packing and decision making to do really quickly. Thankfully, I've got a super supportive, proactive husband who is taking care of all the external work while I get things figured out here at home. I think we make a pretty awesome team.
Go Cosbys! and Go Celtics!
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