Monday, July 14, 2008
TOMATOES!!!!!!!
I just wanted everyone to hear that I picked TWO tomatoes out of my "garden" yesterday. Hip hip hooray!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Memories...
I saw this on a friend's blog and thought I would post it here. No pressure.
Actually, I take that back. Pressure. BIG pressure! I want to see your comments!
This is a "shout out" for memories.
Actually, I take that back. Pressure. BIG pressure! I want to see your comments!
This is a "shout out" for memories.
Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don’t want to play on your blog, or if you don’t have a blog, I’ll leave my memory of you in my comments.
Monday, July 07, 2008
There is a reason why our girls aren't named "Grace"
In the space of 6 days, both of my darling, precious girls had stitches. Lest you think I am an irresponsible mother, I had nothing to do with either catastrophe, but I sure worried enough to make about 10 heads of gray hair (thank goodness I am blonde, eh?).
Lauren punctured her head (between the corner of her eye and the bridge of her nose) by tripping on our entry rug and hitting her face on the door hinge. I was sitting on the couch and was not at all surprised by the shriek of pain and anguish emanating from Lauren (not because I am an unfeeling mother but because it happens about every half hour). Being the loving mother that I am, I went to comfort her. Boy, did I get the surprise of my life when I leaned her back to kiss her bumped forehead, and she was covered in blood. Needless to say, the panic reared its ugly head (mine) and I completely lost it. Thank goodness for Melissa Basua and her cool head. She thought it would be better to comfort Lauren than start bellowing for Larry. I did the bellowing part (I knew those singing lessons would come in handy!). We went to the doctor only to wait and wait and then be referred to a plastic surgeon. I knew it would take longer, but I was glad for the specialist option. To make a long story less long (but obviously not short), several hours later, we had triumped, Lauren had her stitches (from a supercool plastic surgeon who happened to be in our last ward), and all was well in the world. Except that she can't be in the sun. Or swimming. Or smiling. (Just kidding on that last one)
I wanted to share a funny thing that happened. Lauren had "conscious sedation" for her procedure, and that basically means she looked completely stoned for the entire thing. The freakiest part was when she was coming out of it. She kept looking at us like she wasn't really seeing us. We were trying to get her to really wake up, and when the doctor came to check up on her, she looked at him, then looked at me and stuttered, "You.....are.....my....my.....mommy!" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was so freakishly cute that I think I did both. Then we were talking about all the treats she would get the next day because she was such a trooper. She wanted ice cream and cookies and chips (what about the veggies and fruit, eh? this must come from Larry's sweet tooth!). We asked if anyone else would want cookies and she said, "Ha.....Ha....Ha" and I finished "Hadland?" She nodded. It was so adorable. Then she tried to say Sarah, but only ended up sounding like a snake. The whole sedation thing was pretty trippy to say the least!
The next day, you would not even have known that anything had happened to Lauren. She bounced out of bed about 7 am (after about 6 1/2 hours of sleep) and played vigorously all day long. What a survivor!
That was Wednesday. The next Tuesday (yep, only 6 days later), I was getting a little too much help from Sarah unloading the sharp knives from the dishwasher. I commanded Hadland to take her into the other room and do whatever he had to do to keep her happy and out of the kitchen. The next thing I know Sarah is crying in the other room, but I was expecting that--she doesn't really like to "hang out" with Hadland. I got the dishwasher unloaded, and by that time all was calm on the "kid" front. I went in search of Sarah, found her, and I saw that her shirt was covered in blood. I checked her nose, but she was clear. As I picked her up, I noticed that Hadland's shirt had blood on it as well. I checked Sarah out only to find her hair matted with blood right above her ear. I ran downstairs to consult (translation--freak out) with Larry, and then headed to the doctor yet again. They got me right in, took a look at Sarah, then pronounced that she'd be getting some stitches as well. I don't think they recognized me from the week before, but I was on pins and needles that someone would figure out that this wasn't the first time in June we'd been in for head wounds.
The Lord was certainly on my side that day because Sarah ended up sleeping through the entire stitching process (11 stitches, too). When they were cleaning her up after it was all over, she started to stir. What a tender mercy!!!! Now, I won't subject you to the horror that was the "taking out" of the stitches. I was just grateful that the "putting in" was pretty painless (no pun intended :)
All in all, we have the stitches out, we've gone swimming, and we seem to be healing pretty well. It is a bit of a chore to keep a hat on Lauren's head in the sun. When we swam yesterday, however, she was a champ and kept it on even though it was soaking wet. Hopefully there will be nothing noticeable on her face to remind us of this memorable summer, but if there is, it sure will make a great story!
Lauren punctured her head (between the corner of her eye and the bridge of her nose) by tripping on our entry rug and hitting her face on the door hinge. I was sitting on the couch and was not at all surprised by the shriek of pain and anguish emanating from Lauren (not because I am an unfeeling mother but because it happens about every half hour). Being the loving mother that I am, I went to comfort her. Boy, did I get the surprise of my life when I leaned her back to kiss her bumped forehead, and she was covered in blood. Needless to say, the panic reared its ugly head (mine) and I completely lost it. Thank goodness for Melissa Basua and her cool head. She thought it would be better to comfort Lauren than start bellowing for Larry. I did the bellowing part (I knew those singing lessons would come in handy!). We went to the doctor only to wait and wait and then be referred to a plastic surgeon. I knew it would take longer, but I was glad for the specialist option. To make a long story less long (but obviously not short), several hours later, we had triumped, Lauren had her stitches (from a supercool plastic surgeon who happened to be in our last ward), and all was well in the world. Except that she can't be in the sun. Or swimming. Or smiling. (Just kidding on that last one)
I wanted to share a funny thing that happened. Lauren had "conscious sedation" for her procedure, and that basically means she looked completely stoned for the entire thing. The freakiest part was when she was coming out of it. She kept looking at us like she wasn't really seeing us. We were trying to get her to really wake up, and when the doctor came to check up on her, she looked at him, then looked at me and stuttered, "You.....are.....my....my.....mommy!" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was so freakishly cute that I think I did both. Then we were talking about all the treats she would get the next day because she was such a trooper. She wanted ice cream and cookies and chips (what about the veggies and fruit, eh? this must come from Larry's sweet tooth!). We asked if anyone else would want cookies and she said, "Ha.....Ha....Ha" and I finished "Hadland?" She nodded. It was so adorable. Then she tried to say Sarah, but only ended up sounding like a snake. The whole sedation thing was pretty trippy to say the least!
The next day, you would not even have known that anything had happened to Lauren. She bounced out of bed about 7 am (after about 6 1/2 hours of sleep) and played vigorously all day long. What a survivor!
That was Wednesday. The next Tuesday (yep, only 6 days later), I was getting a little too much help from Sarah unloading the sharp knives from the dishwasher. I commanded Hadland to take her into the other room and do whatever he had to do to keep her happy and out of the kitchen. The next thing I know Sarah is crying in the other room, but I was expecting that--she doesn't really like to "hang out" with Hadland. I got the dishwasher unloaded, and by that time all was calm on the "kid" front. I went in search of Sarah, found her, and I saw that her shirt was covered in blood. I checked her nose, but she was clear. As I picked her up, I noticed that Hadland's shirt had blood on it as well. I checked Sarah out only to find her hair matted with blood right above her ear. I ran downstairs to consult (translation--freak out) with Larry, and then headed to the doctor yet again. They got me right in, took a look at Sarah, then pronounced that she'd be getting some stitches as well. I don't think they recognized me from the week before, but I was on pins and needles that someone would figure out that this wasn't the first time in June we'd been in for head wounds.
The Lord was certainly on my side that day because Sarah ended up sleeping through the entire stitching process (11 stitches, too). When they were cleaning her up after it was all over, she started to stir. What a tender mercy!!!! Now, I won't subject you to the horror that was the "taking out" of the stitches. I was just grateful that the "putting in" was pretty painless (no pun intended :)
All in all, we have the stitches out, we've gone swimming, and we seem to be healing pretty well. It is a bit of a chore to keep a hat on Lauren's head in the sun. When we swam yesterday, however, she was a champ and kept it on even though it was soaking wet. Hopefully there will be nothing noticeable on her face to remind us of this memorable summer, but if there is, it sure will make a great story!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Thoughts on a Sunday...
I was reminded today that God really does know and love us. He knows me and wants to bless me and help me progress in my life. On the way to church today by myself (the rest of the fam stayed home with a barfing Hadland--sorry if that was too much info :), I prayed that I would hear what I needed to for me to overcome some of my failings and struggles. I was very blessed to be prompted to record some thoughts from Sacrament Meeting in my journal. The very first thing I wrote was the comment someone made about the world being a selfish place and that reading the scriptures helped us distance ourselves from that selfishness all around us. Boy, that was tailor-made for me, I tell ya! Over and over I heard witnesses of the help the scriptures bring to our lives.
My prayer was answered. I know that I am "scripturally malnourished" right now, and the treatment is easy and straightforward--feast upon the scriptures daily with purpose, diligence, faith, and trust.
I also read something this afternoon that was sobering. In Alma 30, an Anti-Christ named Korihor starts teaching the people that all of their faithful traditions are really foolish and that there was no way to prove that God exists. I was reminded of Elder Oaks' talk in April 2008 conference about testimonies and how we know certain things even though they are not scientifically "prove-able". Korihor taught the people something very interesting in verse 17: "And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man afared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and bwhatsoever a man did was cno crime."
What that verse is saying to me is that when I feel myself get discouraged because I can't overcome something or I keep failing, if I stop trying it is because I think that I am all alone in trying to overcome. Korihor had no faith in something greater than himself that was able to and wanted to help him be better. The lack of humility and trust made him an island to himself, with no hope of progress (but also no thought as to judgment either).
I don't want to be Korihor. My faith is strong, and I can humble myself more each day. I know God is willing to help--I just have to trust Him and do my best. He is a loving father who wants what is best for His child--me. I have to remind myself to not be Korihor-ish, but to be believing. It is easy to be discouraged, but it is so much more important to be faithful.
The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It has blessed my life and will continue to as I feast daily. Have you read today? :)
My prayer was answered. I know that I am "scripturally malnourished" right now, and the treatment is easy and straightforward--feast upon the scriptures daily with purpose, diligence, faith, and trust.
I also read something this afternoon that was sobering. In Alma 30, an Anti-Christ named Korihor starts teaching the people that all of their faithful traditions are really foolish and that there was no way to prove that God exists. I was reminded of Elder Oaks' talk in April 2008 conference about testimonies and how we know certain things even though they are not scientifically "prove-able". Korihor taught the people something very interesting in verse 17: "And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man afared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and bwhatsoever a man did was cno crime."
What that verse is saying to me is that when I feel myself get discouraged because I can't overcome something or I keep failing, if I stop trying it is because I think that I am all alone in trying to overcome. Korihor had no faith in something greater than himself that was able to and wanted to help him be better. The lack of humility and trust made him an island to himself, with no hope of progress (but also no thought as to judgment either).
I don't want to be Korihor. My faith is strong, and I can humble myself more each day. I know God is willing to help--I just have to trust Him and do my best. He is a loving father who wants what is best for His child--me. I have to remind myself to not be Korihor-ish, but to be believing. It is easy to be discouraged, but it is so much more important to be faithful.
The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It has blessed my life and will continue to as I feast daily. Have you read today? :)
Saturday, July 05, 2008
22nd!
I just found out that I was 22nd in my age group!!! At first I thought there were only 25 people in my age group, but then I found out there were 102. I did a pretty good job, I think.
It is a little sobering when I found out that I placed 581 (but 188 within the female runners), but I was thrilled to know about "22". I have decided that I am going to keep running so that I can move up in the ranks as I grow older. My sister's MIL, Deb, ran/walked a 38:19 and she was 13th in her division! Wow! And she has 10 grandkids! She rocks, and that is the truth!
I am hoping to get some pictures up on here, but I have to rely on Mark (Laurel's FIL) to send them to me first.
Oh, and by the way,
HAPPY (late) FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!
P.S. Melissa Cook--I am so bummed that I wasn't able to see you there--I hope we can see you before you head home!
It is a little sobering when I found out that I placed 581 (but 188 within the female runners), but I was thrilled to know about "22". I have decided that I am going to keep running so that I can move up in the ranks as I grow older. My sister's MIL, Deb, ran/walked a 38:19 and she was 13th in her division! Wow! And she has 10 grandkids! She rocks, and that is the truth!
I am hoping to get some pictures up on here, but I have to rely on Mark (Laurel's FIL) to send them to me first.
Oh, and by the way,
HAPPY (late) FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!
P.S. Melissa Cook--I am so bummed that I wasn't able to see you there--I hope we can see you before you head home!
Friday, July 04, 2008
A friendly face
Ok, so the plan was for Larry and I to run the Freedom 5k today in Provo. Only we have four kids who don't run (or get up early for that matter). So Larry did "daddy duty" (translation: slept in) this morning while I ran. This is only my second 5k, and the first one was really hard for me. And I was doing it by myself. Well, me and my iPod. (important distinction) So I was excited but also feeling a little lame for being a loner.
So I get there, park, and walk to where the race will start. I don't have anyone to take my picture or hold my keys, so the camera (and everything else) stays in the car, and I tie my keys to my drawstring. By this point, I am feeling quite sorry for myself that I don't have any friends or anyone to cheer me on. (note to self: make EVERYONE get up and be my cheering section next time)
Then I saw Mark Child. Happy day, calloo callay (I probably misspelled that). He is my sister's father-in-law. He promptly showed me that his wife, Deb, was also running. Isn't a friendly face such a blessing? We commiserated on our latest endeavor, and she pointed me in the direction of port-a-potties. (Yes, a huge blessing) As I was walking to the potties, I spotted Shauri, MY sister-in-law (what is up with all these in-laws? Can't the Woods get their acts together and be active? :). She was there with Benjamin, my lightning-fast nephew who, I am sure, cannot fathom why anyone would run as slow as I do. (actually, he is very nice to slow ole me)
The Lord was surely giggling at me today. I was feeling sorry for myself, and then He just made friendly faces come out of the woodwork (in fact, my former bishop's daughter was standing right near me as the race started) to let me know I wasn't a loner. I am sure He giggles a lot at the silly thoughts I have. I really am blessed. For so many reasons. Not the least of which is that I had a rockin' playlist for my run! What a difference that makes. (note to self: don't put any classical music on a running playlist, no matter how "peppy" the piece may be) Gotta love the Police, Journey, and a little big band music to swing my stride! Every new song brought a smile to my face!
Mission accomplished (and only a smidge slower than last time)! Go me!
By the way, Benjamin was SIXTH in the whole race (third in his age group) with a time somewhere around 16:30. YIKES!!! Needless to say, I wasn't. At least he wasn't TWICE as fast as I was (pretty close, though). My time was around 30:15. Pretty good for an old fart! (Compared to Benjamin, that is--I am one spring chicken compared to my old geezer mom!) Just joking, mom--you ROCK!!
So I get there, park, and walk to where the race will start. I don't have anyone to take my picture or hold my keys, so the camera (and everything else) stays in the car, and I tie my keys to my drawstring. By this point, I am feeling quite sorry for myself that I don't have any friends or anyone to cheer me on. (note to self: make EVERYONE get up and be my cheering section next time)
Then I saw Mark Child. Happy day, calloo callay (I probably misspelled that). He is my sister's father-in-law. He promptly showed me that his wife, Deb, was also running. Isn't a friendly face such a blessing? We commiserated on our latest endeavor, and she pointed me in the direction of port-a-potties. (Yes, a huge blessing) As I was walking to the potties, I spotted Shauri, MY sister-in-law (what is up with all these in-laws? Can't the Woods get their acts together and be active? :). She was there with Benjamin, my lightning-fast nephew who, I am sure, cannot fathom why anyone would run as slow as I do. (actually, he is very nice to slow ole me)
The Lord was surely giggling at me today. I was feeling sorry for myself, and then He just made friendly faces come out of the woodwork (in fact, my former bishop's daughter was standing right near me as the race started) to let me know I wasn't a loner. I am sure He giggles a lot at the silly thoughts I have. I really am blessed. For so many reasons. Not the least of which is that I had a rockin' playlist for my run! What a difference that makes. (note to self: don't put any classical music on a running playlist, no matter how "peppy" the piece may be) Gotta love the Police, Journey, and a little big band music to swing my stride! Every new song brought a smile to my face!
Mission accomplished (and only a smidge slower than last time)! Go me!
By the way, Benjamin was SIXTH in the whole race (third in his age group) with a time somewhere around 16:30. YIKES!!! Needless to say, I wasn't. At least he wasn't TWICE as fast as I was (pretty close, though). My time was around 30:15. Pretty good for an old fart! (Compared to Benjamin, that is--I am one spring chicken compared to my old geezer mom!) Just joking, mom--you ROCK!!
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