Laundry (yet again)

Laundry day:

15 pairs of pants

17 shirts

10 pajama bottoms

8 pajama tops

20 unmentionables

23 socks (23?!?)

7 towels

2 bibs

1 bath mat

5 loads altogether

1 smashed finger from the box of laundry detergent (mine, by the way)

$0.41 found in the washing machine

getting to do it all over again in a couple of days: priceless

AHHHHH...I've Been Tagged!

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago...
1. Enjoying being a newlywed
2. Finding out I was pregnant with #1
3. Working at Von Curtis Salon
4. Taking a break from BYU
5. Living in Utah

5 Things on my "To-Do" list today...
1. Work out at the church building
2. Laundry
3. Take kids to the library
4. Pick up #2's prescription
5. Study

5 Snacks I enjoy...
1. Dried cranberries
2. Nuts
3. Fruit
4. Greek yogurt
5. "Fiber One" granola bars

5 Things I'd do if I were a Millionaire...
1. Pay off my mortgage
2. Build an addition onto my house
3. Invest a ton (nows the time to buy!)
4. Save for kids college, weddings, missions
5. Travel, travel, travel!

5 Places I've Lived...
1. American Fork, Utah
2. Simi Valley, California
3. Provo, Utah
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
5. Isn't that sad...there isn't a fifth!

5 Jobs I've Had...
1. Mother's Helper (Part time nanny)
2. CSR at Blockbuster
3. Receptionist at hair salon
4. Dish washer at the Cannon Center (does this really count if it's for one day?)
5. Sandwich maker at Easy Pickin's in the Cougar Eat

5 People I tag...
1. Laurel
2. Chris
3. Cheryl
4. Sarah
5. Mom

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

The Best Medicine

Let me back up a bit so you understand...

A few weeks ago all the boys in the family were passing around some nasty illness with fever, a little vomit, and one ear infection (#4). #2, however, also had a little dizziness (but Mr. Dr., who we never saw before, checked his ears too and gave them the okay).

Three weeks later he has still been dizzy at times. I got an appointment with Real Dr. this time.

After asking #2 and me some questions he said "Sounds like he might have some fluid in his ear."

Yep, that's exactly what it is! Yea for Real Dr!

So he wrote a prescription for Flonase (once a day for 2 weeks) and...

...blowing up balloons!

Isn't that hilarious?!

Apparently blowing up a balloon forces air into the eustachian tube and helps to get rid of fluid.

Who woulda thunk it?

It was a good thing I bought 75 of those bad boys for #3's halloween costume, eh, Hubby?

So Hubby and #2 had a blast this evening blowing up and deflating balloons. They were flying all over my bedroom.

If this gets to be a nightly ritual I may have to start wearing a clown nose to fit in around here!

You Know You're Doing SOMETHING Right When...

*Your child helps you make a dessert/treat and asks "Is this for us? Or are you making it for someone else?" (He hates it when I do that!)

*Your child, who fought for days about saying his line in the Primary Program, actually says it and it makes you cry (just a little though!)

*Your child wants to take a nap with you, play games with you, cook with you...or just spend time with you.

*Your child, the one who doesn't usually want to spend time with you, wants you to sit next to them during scripture reading (yea!)

*Your child, who doesn't like to be kissed, reminds you to kiss him before going to bed.

*Your child wants to hold your hand.

"Maybe ALL the Rulers Are Wrong!"

(Yea for you if you got my obscure Friend's reference!)

In other news...I finished sewing Allyson's Halloween costume yesterday. When I measured her to figure out which size (7/8 or 10/12) she was right in between. I figured the 7/8 would be too small and the other too big. Somewhere in the middle perhaps? So I adjusted where I cut the pattern and sewed till finished. Boy, was it cute!

So, she tried it on and it was HUGE! It turned out to fit ME! And if I didn't have a grotesque experience with a poodle skirt when I was 13 ("Here, you're already awkward and uncomfortable why don't you put this on and dance [literally] in front of hundreds of people. That will boost your self confidence!"- man I HATE road shows!) I would gladly wear it for Halloween.

I know I measured everything correctly! What happened?

So I am re cutting and resewing today (I hate doing things twice!)

Books Glorious Books! And The People Who Write Them

So I love books. That is pretty obvious if you know me or have ever even talked to me. So I thought I would share some things I have learned about books and reading with children, along with some suggestions of books for appropriate ages, over several blog entries (I won't bog you down all at once).

I'll start by suggesting some of my favorite authors of picture books (along with a couple of their best books-in my opinion of course-after all my blog is just a practice in narcissism!)

In no particular order:

Anita Lobel -fantastic artist and storyteller! Her books are beautiful! I have never gone wrong with any of her books. A couple of the best are "Allison's Zinnia," "Pierrot's ABC Garden," and"Sven's Bridge." She is also the illustrator of books by other authors including...

Arnold Lobel -husband to the author above. They collaborated a couple of times. She illustrated and he authored one of my all-time favorite books "On Market Street," as well as "The Rose in My Garden." He is also an artist and he wrote and illustrated all the of the "Frog and Toad" books (more of the easy-reader category). Another great book of his is "The Great Blueness and Other Predicaments" we still talk about that one around our house.
Any age child will love the Lobel's books!

Patricia Polacco -I stumbled across her books by accident and fell in love! She is another author/artist (their books seem to be the best of the best). Her artwork is beautiful. I have read all I have been able to get my hands on. A couple of my favorites are "Thank You Mr. Falker" (be prepared to cry), "Pink and Say," and "Rechenka's Eggs" (the artwork in this one is especially fantastic!) Some themes and the lengths of the books are more appropriate for older kids maybe ages 6-9.

Pat Hutchins -So much fun to read her books and see her elaborate artwork! Some good ones are "Rosie's Walk" and "Ten Red Apples." Great for young children ages 2-4.

Kevin Henkes -I am sure many of you have read some of his books. He is very well known. A couple of my favorites are "Chrysanthemum" ( I love the language he uses in this books!) and "Kitten's First Full Moon." Several ages can enjoy these, probably more 2-6.

Tomie DePaola -another very well known author/illustrator. His artwork is very distinct. I love "Strega Nona" and "The Art Lesson."

William Steig -He has won numerous awards for his books. I have read several and recommend all, but I always go back to "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" and "Dr. DeSoto."

Chris Van Allsburg -Most well known for "The Polar Express." I also love "The Widow's Broom" and "Z Was Zapped."

I hope this small list helps when looking for great books for kids of all ages.

About An Apron

Why is it when I put on an apron I feel like I can do anything?

I can bake anything (and not get messy).

I play with the kids more (and better).

I am more kind and gentle.

I am more patient and tolerant.

Does the apron hide who I really am only emphasizing those good qualities?

Or, maybe, am I just channeling June Cleaver and Donna Reed when I don the "housewife" attire?

Spacey

I don't like talking on the phone.

I never know who is going to pick up. Or if I have to come up with a witty message to leave on a voice mail/answering machine. Then I have to wait for that person to call back...

Or sometimes I forget altogether who I am calling (please tell me that I am not the only one that happens to!), especially if I am calling several people.

But tonight I had a different experience.

I was waiting for the other person to pick up, listening to the slow, rhythmic sound of the ringing when I realize I am completely dazed and have to snap out of it. But I didn't care. I just enjoyed being lulled and mindless for a few brief moments.

It was a good thing she didn't answer.

And I was able to leave a message. Even if it wasn't so witty.

I Can't Figure It Out!

I readily admit I don't know everything. Can anyone help me with these?

1. How do they make those t-shirts that don't have seams on the sides?

2. How do they make those slits in hot dogs? Or make pita pockets when the pita is closed?

As you can see I am curious about the important, relevant things in life that will further my education and develop my intellect and furture prospects!

Why do I dwell on such silly things!?

Creativity

I love to create...

Be it children (although that is not going to happen again), bread, sewing projects, art, decor, food, quilts, something useful or just plain pretty. I love to see the process of growth and change that happens as something is coming into being. And I love being able to be the one who instigated the changes and growth.

So I loved, loved, loved President Uchtdorf's talk at the RS broadcast a couple of weeks ago and have been pondering about it constantly since. He talked about our inherent need as daughters of Heavenly Father to create, because He is the ultimate creator. And that creating will help us be happy.

I learned that to create doesn't necessarily mean making something like a project. I can create a peaceful atmosphere in my home, I can create feelings of appreciation in others by serving them, etc.

So everyday now I have been asking myself questions like...As I am teaching my children, am I creating an understanding in them? Am I helping them to create a testimony? Am I creating fun and meaningful experiences for them?

This persepective has helped me teach my children better, and helped me have the desire to serve those around me more.

Don't you just love those leaders who are close to the spirit and wise in their teachings!?

Those Are Some Nice Melons...

...Green River Melons!

Mom and Dad brought one when they visited this last weekend and we were so busy enjoying all the food and treats ABQ has to offer, that we never got around to cutting it open.

This afternoon, after a long drive in the car, I needed something refreshing. A couple of slices of watermelon did the trick.

But then it took me back in time about 20 years to a summer I spent with my aunt and uncle on their farm in Utah.

Isn't it great how things we think we forget come rushing back to us from just a smell or a taste?

I think I ate watermelon that entire summer.

I was reminded of sleeping in the hay loft...

... sitting on the porch during a summer storm...

...playing with tiny kittens...

...the sound of trains going by during the night...

...the noisy peacocks roaming the farm...

...collecting peacock feathers...

...weeding in the corn field, with feet ankle deep in good old fashioned mud...

...and, being chased by a big ornery pig!

Like VS Love

I like it when #4 waves to all the people around him now.

I love it when he runs up to me and gives a big fat hug!

I like it when #3 falls asleep in the car.

I love it when he cuddles up with me to read a book!

I like it when #2 plays with Hubby.

I love it when he wants to spend time with me!

I like it when #1 goes straight to her room and does her homework.

I love it when she wants to do girly stuff, like paint toe nails!

I like it when Hubby comes home from work early.

I love it when he gives me a massage! (Hint, hint!)