Basketball

My hubby is playing ball again.

He loves it.

When he walks in the door, happy and sweaty, he looks good.

Real good. ;)

Funny William

Here is William's joke at the dinner table tonight:

Why did the bunny go to the hospital?

Why?

Because he needed a hop-eration.

Gotta love that kid.

Good-bye, Graeme...

My sweet nephew, Graeme, is leaving on a mission on Wednesday. To Culiacan, Mexico.

Yesterday he spoke in his ward's sacrament meeting.

He is a man of few words.

I was completely mesmerized by his farewell talk.

I guess it is true of those who are frugal with words--when they talk, people listen. (I wouldn't know, personally)

He was so humble, so sincere, so in tune with the Spirit. I learned so much about him--how he has prepared, about his motivation for serving a mission, about his willingness to be a witness of Jesus Christ.

I was so proud of him. He is a good man, destined to work hard and be a humble, loving missionary.

Good luck, Graeme. But you know that He will go before your face, on your right hand and your left hand. He will never leave you alone!

We'll miss you!

All about cheesy-ness

Today I was making scrambled eggs for my tall, dark, and handsome hubby. My youngest daughter walked in and saw the cheese. Normally I just use block cheese, but I wanted to use up some cheese slices I had in the fridge, so I cut up one and threw it in. Sarah balked at my thriftiness. She said, "Mommy, you used the yucky cheese." I quickly reminded her that it wasn't yucky, just different.

As I plated the eggs for Larry, I murmured, "Mmmm, cheesy goodness."

Sarah took one look at that and disagreed. "Mommy, that is yucky cheese."

Then she stopped me with this memorable quote:

"Cheesy badness, Mom."

I love my girl!

Back in the saddle again

Well, yesterday I started piano lessons with W and H. I am determined to do better this time--not demeaning, not frustrated, just supportive. I am starting with 20 min. a day for W and 30 min. for H. We'll see. I'd love to get H into hymns again. I know he can do it. Really, the ideal is that I can have someone else teach them, but I have to wait until there's more wiggle room in the budget.

What a game!

Well, let's be honest. This post won't have pictures. So just turn on your brain image viewer and imagine all the fun we had this weekend.

The kids' school handed out free tickets to the Utah Flash (local NBA development team) game for Friday night, so being the fun-loving family we are--we went! What a night!

• We started off with "dinner" at In-n-Out. I tried a double double with no cheese (I know--I just don't like it!), and I don't think I'll try that experiment again. The sad (well, pathetic, really) thing is that my hubby knows the "code" to my fave burger: hamburger w/no onions, lite ketchup instead of the spread and add pickles. I don't even have to prompt him anymore. In-n-out is our weakness--the only place we really go. I guess $1.95 is about as spendy as we get for a meal out...
• Then we headed to Orem for the game. We all got in free (if you don't count the $5 parking--DANGIT! they messed up my "free" gloating privileges!) and sat right behind the north basket. They were actually pretty decent seats with plenty of up-front action at the hoop. Now we just have to get our kids to like to watch...
• The Flash were down for almost the entire game (averaging about 20 points down), but they came back in the 4th quarter to send it to overtime where they won, 100-96! Woo-hoo! What a game for a first experience with the family, don'tcha think?
• It also helped that there were 2 bounce-houses on the other side of the court (southside hoop). William got all hot and sweaty going down the slide while Lauren and Sarah bounced to their hearts content with the smaller kids.
• One more thing--during one of the time-outs, the cheerleaders gathered a bunch of kids so they could dance on court. Of course, our little boogie-girl went out there and had a BLAST!!!! She was so cute. Totally out on the side, dancing her heart out. Sometimes I can't believe she is my daughter. She DEFINITELY inherited Larry's sweet dance moves! He even took some video on his phone--I'll see if a miracle may happen, and we can share it. Don't hold your breath, though! (just keepin' it real, ya know?)

There is our highlight reel. We're still trying to keep fed, clean, and clothed. We are mostly succeeding. Our family is enjoying the treadmill we just retrieved from being babysat by my little sis. The kids aren't allowed to watch TV after school, but if they want to walk/run on the treadmill, they can watch on the little attached TV. I've been spending about 30-40 minutes on there as well each day. I just hooked up my trusty Clearplay DVD player and watch all the DVDs I check out from the library. Funny thing, though. I planned to watch this movie for about 3 days, but after 2 days I was all done. I guess there were a lot of objectionable scenes because I lost about 30 minutes! What happened? I have to admit that sometimes I don't get what is happening because of deleted scenes. But I'd rather be confused than offended, that's for sure!

One last thing--tonight I made one of Larry's favorite childhood treats--butterhorns! It doesn't take too long, but the look on Larry's face when he bites in--priceless! He says I have mastered them. Now that is a treat for me!

New year, new life

Well, I always make resolutions, and I always forget about them.

However, I have a little help this year with one of my goals: read scriptures more regularly/teach my children to read daily.

This year's theme for Primary (children's classes at church) is "I Know the Scriptures are True."

Love, love, love it.

They also want to instill a habit of scripture study, so we have a little poster where we can mark off the days we have read. So we've read everyday since we received it (yesterday--but don't knock it! that's longer than I keep most of my resolutions!)

I am also trying to be more healthy. That means figuring out what to eat (especially dinner). I made a mean beef stew tonight (thanks, tasty kitchen!), and tomorrow we're having split pea soup. I hope my kids don't die at the sight of green soup. The beauty of it is that we still have leftover stew, so whoever balks can fill a bowl of something else (if I let them--or maybe if they try the green stuff they can refill with stew). I am such a loving mother, I can hardly believe it!

One of my weaknesses is over-indulging in reading. Reading bad? It is when you don't remember you have a family, or when you don't shower for days or your garbage can next to the bed is full with empty chip bags and candy cane wrappers (it isn't right now, just so ya know).

I am trying to not chew while I read (and not even read that much). We'll see how that pans out. I am also going to get back on the treadmill. We have to set it up, but I WILL CONQUER IT! I'd love to do another 5K this spring/summer, so I'd better get moving.

Overall, this Monday has been fruitful. I am conquering clutter/garbage in my house, mind, and body one day at a time. But I am also going to be kind to myself. Starting now--putting myself in my nice will-be-warm, comfy bed and drifting to dreamland.

Good night.

2011 here I come!

Remember me?

Well here I am, remembering a little of 2010:

• being snowed in after Christmas
• actually DOING a puzzle with my kids (1500 pieces, no less!)
• enjoying Christmas Eve and Day
• basking in the glow of William's baptism
• seeing my children grow, learn, and come into their own
• struggling with my own imperfections
• seeking peace in trials (and finding it!)
• loving my family and friends
• taking in the beauty of the world that surrounds me
• rejoicing in teaching children at church with my sweet hubby
• cherishing that tall, dark, and handsome man I married 13 years ago!
• having a blast teaching music classes in my home
• looking forward to changes in myself in 2011 instead of beating myself up for 2010!
• striving to love myself, my family, and my life!

Well, that may seem vague, but four months away from blogging has been a little too long for me to remember too much of what has happened (and my memory only applies to phone numbers and random people in Barnwell that I sent wedding thank-you notes to)!

I'll be posting more, but don't hold your breath--I'm imperfect, but I'll do my best!

August, sweet August

Here we are, at the tail end of the summer. I am looking forward to visits with my sisters in the next week as well as doing a little bit of school shopping for the kids. I have been putting it off, but I think I have to do something before they actually go!

I've been thinking a lot about "Come what may, and love it!" Life is all about "come what may," it is the "and love it" part that always gets me.

Also, we had two amazing visits with my sweet cousin, Nichole, and her family. I haven't seen her in AGES, and we were able to get 4 of our sibs together at a BBQ with Nichole & company. It is nice to know that no matter how many years go by, the love never fades. Here's to making many more happy memories together!

Last, but not least, I went to my high school reunion over the weekend. It was amazing to see so many people who really made a difference in my life, and it was equally amazing to see how silly they got as the night went on. There are a couple of pics on facebook about it--I loved seeing Hi-D, Corz, Ruben, Amy H., Erik, Aaron, Jenny O, Gen, Jaime, Jeremy, and on and on. I really missed Shawn. So many memories!

See, I am still alive! Without pictures, but still alive. Pictures will have to be another day! :)

Happy Summer!

Have you missed me?

Here's what has gone on this summer so far:

• a trip to Canada where we enjoyed the temple, family, Slurpees, mosquito bites (NOT!), building a fence, and staying for Canada Day!
• we built some retaining walls and a basketball court in the backyard
• we put up the AWESOME trampoline that I have missed terribly
• we've seen TWO missionaries to the MTC
• we've seen another Wood grandchild born (yay, Summer!)
• we've read lots of books from the bookmobile
• we've taken lots of walks to the park
• we've done a lot of piano practicing
• we've done a lot of barbeque-ing
• we've eaten a lot of fruit :)
• we've watched a LOT of TV (boo, hoo)
• we've played a lot with the neighbors
• we've seen a lot of fireworks
• we've stayed up late A LOT!! (boo, hoo again)

And there is still a month of summer left!

Three head?

So Sarah and I were lounging in the living room, and she comments,

"My head is hot."

I murmur something validating (I think).

She persists.

"My three head is burning."

That got my attention.

I puzzled--three head? Then I noticed the placement of her hand.

Oh.

I get it.

It is a numbers thing.

Her three head is burning. Just add one and you're set.

Gotta love that girl!

Going private

Some of the comments on my last post kinda freaked me out, so I guess I am finally going to succumb to the wiles of the private blog world.

Leave a comment with your email (or email me), and i'll give you an invite...

hope to hear from all two of you :)

Taxes

I've been in Quick Books purgatory today, getting ready for business and personal taxes.

Grrrrr.

Flowers?

Aaaaah.

Tulips. And roses.

I got a little bit of both today.

It almost makes up for the taxes.

Yep, I think I've forgotten about them already.

I am grateful

Today I want to make a non-exhaustive list of things for which I am grateful.

The reason for non-exhaustiveness is because counting ALL my blessings would indeed be exhaustive and I still have a full house of kids and chores to do!

1. A husband who loves me.

2. A small gaggle of cute offspring to make me smile.

3. An extended family that loves and supports me and gives me opportunities for belly laughs and mint truffle bars every once in a while.

4. Lovely mountains to gaze at while I am vaccuming.

5. Blogs to help me (a horrible keep-in-touch-er) keep up on friends and family.

6. Three temples that I can see from Redwood Road (and a fourth I can see from my front porch).

7. Yummy food to eat.

8. An amazing home that WILL BE holy ground (once I get my act together :).

9. Music that I can hear, play, sing, and hum any time I want.

10. Lessons from God in many shapes and forms.

11. Knowledge that I am indeed divine, with Heavenly parents and a loving older Brother.

12. A Sacrifice that makes everything possible, forgiveable, do-able, and worth it.

13. Good in the world. Lots of it.

14. Mostly welcome opportunities to learn to sacrifice.


I thought I'd stop there--considering the number 14 has special meaning this month.

I AM blessed. So blessed. I just needed to remind myself today.

Subtle message

So, if one's mother were to say,

"You have a nervous energy. You would rather work on this family history on the computer than, say, clean the bathroom."

How am I supposed to take that?

She has always been very honest with me. I remember when I came home from my first semester at BYU, and she immediately said,

"Wow, you sure are eating well at school."

Ouch.

Maybe not so subtle.

Obviously I need to change something...

(no pun intended)

So during my Sunday afternoon rest, I hear this:

"Mom, Sarah pooped in her panties."

Ugh, I think to myself.

Then I walk into the hallway, and there is my 3 year-old washing her own panties out in the toilet.

Ouch. I think I have been too hard on her. She didn't want to incur my wrath, so she'd thought she would take care of it herself.

(I won't mention the fact that I stepped in the poop on the bathroom floor and unknowingly tracked it all over the carpet upstairs...)

I think I'll ground myself. For a year. That actually sounds relaxing.

Pathetic! :)

On a good note, there weren't any accidents outside of the house today! Thank goodness for tender mercies!

It could be worse...

I won't tell you what I have cleaned up in the last few days.

Let's just say that I am grateful for hand soap and sanitizer.

But at least today there weren't any training pants to wash out in the toilet...

(sorry, i know too much information)

A sister's keeper

I was blessed today with "mother's genius." If only for a moment.

Yesterday, Lauren died every time I gave Sarah a dum-dum for peeing in the toilet. Every time she would ask for a treat. Quite frankly, I was getting sick of saying no, but even more annoyed that she wanted to be rewarded for something her sister had accomplished. I was undeterred. No amount of whining would break my resolve.

Today, however, was a different story. I didn't want to punish her for already being toilet-trained. I certainly didn't want any regression. So I caved.

And in the cave-in moment, the inspiration came to me!

She would become my potty supervisor.

If she could remind her sister to go potty, she would also get a treat. She had a vested interest in her sister making it to the potty. It became a shared venture.

Brilliant, I tell you. (but it doesn't happen very often) :)

Potty Training, day one

Well, it isn't actually day one because we've started this process about as many times as I have read 1 Nephi 1:1.

But it is 11:30 am, and there haven't been any accidents.

I'm not even going to say yet.

I'm positive that today's the first day of the rest of our diaper-free (during the day) life.

Go, Sarah!

Brahms

I love Brahms. I love my piano. I even love to play. Again.

Here's to classical music!!!