Gripe to Gratitude
Caroline tagged me! The tag says I need to tell something I gripe about and then say why I'm grateful for it...
Embarrassingly enough, I have many gripes. I need to be better about this. I do have so much to be grateful for. Probably my biggest gripe though, is wondering if I will ever experience a day without chaos.
I constantly struggle with keeping up with the messes and the little paths of destruction left behind by my children. Whether it be crayon on the walls, pen all over our Italian leather couches, lollypops on the carpet, or this past week's favorite: vegetable oil, olive oil, carpet cleaner chemicals, and an aerosal over heat from the oven/stove/toaster, there seems to always be endless messes to clean.
But the truth of the matter is, I am grateful to be a mother. Many of my dearest friends have struggled to get pregnant and in turn, have adopted, and some have not been able to do even that. Others have lost many babies to miscarriages. Still, others have lost children to tragic accidents, unexplained events, and illnesses. I have many friends whose children have spent months at a time in the hospital and current friends whose children suffer from really difficult, trying, chronic diseases.
My kids are healthy. My kids run and laugh and play. They climb into bed with me each morning and give me hugs and kisses. We read books and tickle each other. I make them breakfast and then bathe them and read to them some more. We sing songs. They are smart. Matthew knows the first five Articles of Faith by memory. He can read letters and numbers and is beginning to write. They are so much work all the day long and into the night, but . . . they bring so much JOY.
They can turn my day around with an "I wove you, Mom. You're my best friend." or a sweet kiss and hug. They make me laugh and teach me about forgiveness, innocence, love, acceptance, and patience. I'm so blessed to be a mother, and I'm very grateful for my opportunity. Heavenly Father has blessed Ryan and I more than we ever imagined possible.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The "8's"
Finally, this tag is happening--sorry for the delay, Mauri. Caroline, yours will be next.
8 Favorite TV shows:
We don't have cable or an antenna to receive basic stations, so honestly, I don't watch tv. I do, however, watch DVDs. We're pretty happening, I know.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Spencer's Seafood and Steakhouse (Salt Lake City)
2. Fuddruckers
3. Pizza Factory (Bonners Ferry)
4. P. F. Changs
5. Whataburger (southern chain)
6. Texas Land & Cattle (a national chain)
7. Landry's Seafood and Steakhouse (Denver)
8. Don Pablos (Cincinnati)
They are definitely in NO particular order. And I'm almost positive that there are other restaurants that I LOVE much more than these, but I just can't think of them right now.
8 things that happened yesterday:
1. My neighbor, Keonna, committed to baptism, set date, and asked Ryan to baptize her. We are thrilled for her, and honored to be a part of her life.
2. I taught the mia maids in young womens.
3. I attended church.
4. I baked a pumpkin pie.
5. I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday.
6. Ate Shrimp Bruchete--Thank you, Wayne!!!--, Amazing Sauteed Vegetables, and Divine Rice!!!
7. Attended meetings for young womens.
8. Took a most relaxing bath.
8 things to look forward to:
1. Matthew's "Friendship Party" at school tomorrow. I get to help out with it.
2. Thanksgiving
3. The day after Thanksgiving--I am setting up our Christmas tree--YEA!!!!
4. Christmas music. I am officially allowed--according to Ryan--to listen to this wonderful music as of the day after the holiday.
5. Keonna's baptism--this Sunday, November 30th.
6. Trip to Denver to see my brother's new baby boy.
7. Christmas lights.
8. Christmas crafts.
8 things on my wish list:
1. a house
2. a garden
3. a red silk sweater
4. some make-up items that I am out of
5. Nioxin shampoo and conditioner that I am out of
6. Chi straightener
7. Venice, Italy
8. a Master's Degree
Really, these are things that I just need to pick up at the store, but keep failing to do. However, the house and garden, and straightener are definitely future items.
8 things I love about the Fall:
1. the colorful leaves
2. sound of acorns as you crunch them when you walk over them or ride over them on bikes
3. the crisp air
4. pumpkin pie
5. Christmas music playing throughout the house as we do chores or get ready for the day
6. Reflection on past Christmases/Thanksgivings/Holidays
7. Children's excitement
8. Baking
I tag Kellie, Kristen, Amy, Jenny, Martha, Gabi, Sarah, and Sarah.
Finally, this tag is happening--sorry for the delay, Mauri. Caroline, yours will be next.
8 Favorite TV shows:
We don't have cable or an antenna to receive basic stations, so honestly, I don't watch tv. I do, however, watch DVDs. We're pretty happening, I know.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Spencer's Seafood and Steakhouse (Salt Lake City)
2. Fuddruckers
3. Pizza Factory (Bonners Ferry)
4. P. F. Changs
5. Whataburger (southern chain)
6. Texas Land & Cattle (a national chain)
7. Landry's Seafood and Steakhouse (Denver)
8. Don Pablos (Cincinnati)
They are definitely in NO particular order. And I'm almost positive that there are other restaurants that I LOVE much more than these, but I just can't think of them right now.
8 things that happened yesterday:
1. My neighbor, Keonna, committed to baptism, set date, and asked Ryan to baptize her. We are thrilled for her, and honored to be a part of her life.
2. I taught the mia maids in young womens.
3. I attended church.
4. I baked a pumpkin pie.
5. I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday.
6. Ate Shrimp Bruchete--Thank you, Wayne!!!--, Amazing Sauteed Vegetables, and Divine Rice!!!
7. Attended meetings for young womens.
8. Took a most relaxing bath.
8 things to look forward to:
1. Matthew's "Friendship Party" at school tomorrow. I get to help out with it.
2. Thanksgiving
3. The day after Thanksgiving--I am setting up our Christmas tree--YEA!!!!
4. Christmas music. I am officially allowed--according to Ryan--to listen to this wonderful music as of the day after the holiday.
5. Keonna's baptism--this Sunday, November 30th.
6. Trip to Denver to see my brother's new baby boy.
7. Christmas lights.
8. Christmas crafts.
8 things on my wish list:
1. a house
2. a garden
3. a red silk sweater
4. some make-up items that I am out of
5. Nioxin shampoo and conditioner that I am out of
6. Chi straightener
7. Venice, Italy
8. a Master's Degree
Really, these are things that I just need to pick up at the store, but keep failing to do. However, the house and garden, and straightener are definitely future items.
8 things I love about the Fall:
1. the colorful leaves
2. sound of acorns as you crunch them when you walk over them or ride over them on bikes
3. the crisp air
4. pumpkin pie
5. Christmas music playing throughout the house as we do chores or get ready for the day
6. Reflection on past Christmases/Thanksgivings/Holidays
7. Children's excitement
8. Baking
I tag Kellie, Kristen, Amy, Jenny, Martha, Gabi, Sarah, and Sarah.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanksgiving Proclamation
My visiting teaching companion pointed this proclamation out to me today. I had never read it, and perhaps, you history buffs are laughing, but seriously . . . this is the first time my eyes have perused this article. At any rate, I think this is phenomenal! Where is this in our government today? In our schools and in our homes?
A sister in our ward spoke on Sunday and discussed a survey done concerning the state of happiness of individuals across the US. The survey revealed that some 70% of our nation's citizens declared themselves in a state of despair and unhappiness. That's a fairly high statistic. Jay Leno talked about this on his show not too long ago as well. How can people feel like this? We are by far the most prosperous nation to exist to man.
I am suggesting that we follow this proclamation's guidelines. Specifically, toward the bottom of the proclamation are some key points to focus on. This is a great reminder of what our country was founded on and why it was founded. Have we forgotten all that our forefathers and anscesters sacrificed/gave to better our life and our opportunities? Are we thankful? And what are we thankful for? How do we show our gratitude?
Thanksgiving Proclamation
State of New-Hampshire. In Committee of Safety, Exeter, November 1, 1782 : Ordered, that the following proclamation for a general thanksgiving on the twenty-eighth day of November instant, received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed ...
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
IN COMMITTEE of SAFETY,EXETER, November 1, 1782.
ORDERED,THAT the following Proclamation for a general THANKSGIVING on the twenty-eighth day of November [instant?], received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed, and sent to the several worshipping Assemblies in this State, to whom it is recommended religiously to observe said day, and to abstain from all servile labour thereon.
M. WEARE, President.
By the United States in Congress assembled.
PROCLAMATION.
IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.
JOHN HANSON, President.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.
(history.com)
A sister in our ward spoke on Sunday and discussed a survey done concerning the state of happiness of individuals across the US. The survey revealed that some 70% of our nation's citizens declared themselves in a state of despair and unhappiness. That's a fairly high statistic. Jay Leno talked about this on his show not too long ago as well. How can people feel like this? We are by far the most prosperous nation to exist to man.
I am suggesting that we follow this proclamation's guidelines. Specifically, toward the bottom of the proclamation are some key points to focus on. This is a great reminder of what our country was founded on and why it was founded. Have we forgotten all that our forefathers and anscesters sacrificed/gave to better our life and our opportunities? Are we thankful? And what are we thankful for? How do we show our gratitude?
Thanksgiving Proclamation
State of New-Hampshire. In Committee of Safety, Exeter, November 1, 1782 : Ordered, that the following proclamation for a general thanksgiving on the twenty-eighth day of November instant, received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed ...
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
IN COMMITTEE of SAFETY,EXETER, November 1, 1782.
ORDERED,THAT the following Proclamation for a general THANKSGIVING on the twenty-eighth day of November [instant?], received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed, and sent to the several worshipping Assemblies in this State, to whom it is recommended religiously to observe said day, and to abstain from all servile labour thereon.
M. WEARE, President.
By the United States in Congress assembled.
PROCLAMATION.
IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.
JOHN HANSON, President.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.
(history.com)
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Last Days Before Our Eyes . . .
I cannot get the recent events in California off of my mind. Because we don't have cable and cannot receive even local channels, I googled the LA protest at the LA Temple. Below the video, many people for and against Proposition 8 commented.
One particular comment stood out to me. Someone let people know that for every person who donated $5 or more against Proposition 8, a same-sex organization/counsel would send a postcard to President Monson.
I keep thinking of the Tree of Life story in the book of Nephi. More people are making their way over to the great and spacious building and many are actually already there. Yet, all the while, like Noah, Abinadi, Samuel, Daniel, Joseph, Moses, and every other prophet to walk this earth, they are being called to repentance, to come back to the fold of Jesus Christ.
How can our world be so confused about a principle that was defined/laid out before the foundations of our world? That is that marriage is defined between one woman and one man. Heavenly Father placed Adam and Eve in the Garden together. We live in such a confused society. Satan has warped and scewed many people's vision on marriage, such a basic belief.
I've been thinking about how I can address this with many of my friends here in Texas. How can I convey to them the importance of this issue?
I guess that's where we are now required to make a stand. The line has been drawn. Which way will we stand? Will we follow the prophet only when it's convenient, or will we continue to hold onto the rod, as people are scoffing and scorning us from that lofty building, as Satan sends his servants to persuade us or persecute us into following his way?
I am convinced that Satan does not just chain us down; we submit our will to his by giving into sin. One step at a time, he slowly coaxes us into transgressing/diverting from Heavenly Father's way. Eventually that flaxen cord is wrapped around us so tightly that he has power over us and our choices are no longer our own. We are captive to him. "And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever."
The little choices we make each day matter. The thoughts we have impact our choices. "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly and then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God."
It starts with the clothes we wear. Are we justifying the length of a dress, because we purchased it from a really cool/nice store? Are we okay with wearing a two piece swimsuit because it looks really great on us when we've been counseled otherwise by our prophet? Are we letting ourselves slip a cuss word in because we're really upset, so it's justified? Is breaking the Sabbath okay because this concert or sporting venue only comes to town once? Are we feeling justified in our anger/lack of forgiveness to someone because they have really offended us and were clearly in the wrong? Are we listening to a song with not-so-great lyrics, because it has a really good beat or it's popular? Are we watching a tv show or movie with inappropriate scenes/talk/jokes--content, because it's funny or appealing?
Each of us has a commandment we struggle with or a temptation we give into from time to time.
More than ever, we need to stand strong against Satan. He's counting on us to not fulfill our potential and join the world in his cause of misery, captivity, and Hell.
"Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve."
"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."
In response to our friends, we need to take a stand. We need to remember to testify with kindness and with the spirit. We cannot condone sinful behavior. All children have the right to be born to a mother and father who love them (see Proclamation to the World: The Family). I know this is true. I know that this is Heavenly Father's plan for us. If we are struggling with a point of doctrine or a commandment, now is the time to "ask of God". He will testify to us of the truthfulness of His way and His light. As the world gets progressively more sinful, I testify that we can stand together and be more righteous. We can build Zion and the cause of Zion in our hearts, then our homes, families, wards, stakes, and throughout the world. We can be unified in the cause of righteousness and help prepare the world for the reign of the one true King, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Of this I testify, in His Sacred Name. Amen.
One particular comment stood out to me. Someone let people know that for every person who donated $5 or more against Proposition 8, a same-sex organization/counsel would send a postcard to President Monson.
I keep thinking of the Tree of Life story in the book of Nephi. More people are making their way over to the great and spacious building and many are actually already there. Yet, all the while, like Noah, Abinadi, Samuel, Daniel, Joseph, Moses, and every other prophet to walk this earth, they are being called to repentance, to come back to the fold of Jesus Christ.
How can our world be so confused about a principle that was defined/laid out before the foundations of our world? That is that marriage is defined between one woman and one man. Heavenly Father placed Adam and Eve in the Garden together. We live in such a confused society. Satan has warped and scewed many people's vision on marriage, such a basic belief.
I've been thinking about how I can address this with many of my friends here in Texas. How can I convey to them the importance of this issue?
I guess that's where we are now required to make a stand. The line has been drawn. Which way will we stand? Will we follow the prophet only when it's convenient, or will we continue to hold onto the rod, as people are scoffing and scorning us from that lofty building, as Satan sends his servants to persuade us or persecute us into following his way?
I am convinced that Satan does not just chain us down; we submit our will to his by giving into sin. One step at a time, he slowly coaxes us into transgressing/diverting from Heavenly Father's way. Eventually that flaxen cord is wrapped around us so tightly that he has power over us and our choices are no longer our own. We are captive to him. "And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever."
The little choices we make each day matter. The thoughts we have impact our choices. "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly and then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God."
It starts with the clothes we wear. Are we justifying the length of a dress, because we purchased it from a really cool/nice store? Are we okay with wearing a two piece swimsuit because it looks really great on us when we've been counseled otherwise by our prophet? Are we letting ourselves slip a cuss word in because we're really upset, so it's justified? Is breaking the Sabbath okay because this concert or sporting venue only comes to town once? Are we feeling justified in our anger/lack of forgiveness to someone because they have really offended us and were clearly in the wrong? Are we listening to a song with not-so-great lyrics, because it has a really good beat or it's popular? Are we watching a tv show or movie with inappropriate scenes/talk/jokes--content, because it's funny or appealing?
Each of us has a commandment we struggle with or a temptation we give into from time to time.
More than ever, we need to stand strong against Satan. He's counting on us to not fulfill our potential and join the world in his cause of misery, captivity, and Hell.
"Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve."
"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."
In response to our friends, we need to take a stand. We need to remember to testify with kindness and with the spirit. We cannot condone sinful behavior. All children have the right to be born to a mother and father who love them (see Proclamation to the World: The Family). I know this is true. I know that this is Heavenly Father's plan for us. If we are struggling with a point of doctrine or a commandment, now is the time to "ask of God". He will testify to us of the truthfulness of His way and His light. As the world gets progressively more sinful, I testify that we can stand together and be more righteous. We can build Zion and the cause of Zion in our hearts, then our homes, families, wards, stakes, and throughout the world. We can be unified in the cause of righteousness and help prepare the world for the reign of the one true King, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Of this I testify, in His Sacred Name. Amen.
Monday, November 10, 2008
It is with the heaviest of hearts and saddened countenances that we announce . . .
. . . the passing of our beloved "Mimi".
David has slept with this bear since he was born. He named her when he first began to speak. She is sort of an all-inclusive bear. She smells of lovelies, as he sucks his thumb and her paw each day/night. She has been drug on the ground, through the playground, dipped in cream cheese and yogurt, ketchup, and anything else David has eaten. Mimi plays lullabies that comfort our little guy to sleep. When her tail is uncoiled/pulled out as far as it goes, David uses it as a gun to shoot random things all the while making accompanying noises.
Now, to the loss.
Today is going to be a very busy day (Although when this happened, I stopped to post.), so I started making dinner while the kids were eating breakfast--as this particular meal takes a while to cook. After breakfast, I put David in the tub and washed him down. He wasn't ready to get out, so I left him to play for a minute, while I went to the kitchen to turn the food. Upon my return, I noticed no noise coming from the tub. I quickened my steps and glanced in.
David had his sweet little Mimi in his arm, and with the other, he took his soft, squishy, blue washcloth and washed his beloved bear. Then, he would put the rag down, kiss her, rub her back, and hug her. Then, repeat the sequence again. It was such a sweet, tender moment for me. He really does love his little Mimi.
After ringing her out several times, I decided it was time to wash her and clean her. Granted I know that she will no longer make her beautiful music, but she needed a good wash. Anyway, the before and after reaction.
Still unaware of the reality of his dear friend.
And the tears start flowing.
"Why won't it open? I need Mimi!!!"
And he goes bizzurko! Luckily, I put Mimi on a quick cycle, so we endured only 45 minutes of screaming.
David has slept with this bear since he was born. He named her when he first began to speak. She is sort of an all-inclusive bear. She smells of lovelies, as he sucks his thumb and her paw each day/night. She has been drug on the ground, through the playground, dipped in cream cheese and yogurt, ketchup, and anything else David has eaten. Mimi plays lullabies that comfort our little guy to sleep. When her tail is uncoiled/pulled out as far as it goes, David uses it as a gun to shoot random things all the while making accompanying noises.
Now, to the loss.
Today is going to be a very busy day (Although when this happened, I stopped to post.), so I started making dinner while the kids were eating breakfast--as this particular meal takes a while to cook. After breakfast, I put David in the tub and washed him down. He wasn't ready to get out, so I left him to play for a minute, while I went to the kitchen to turn the food. Upon my return, I noticed no noise coming from the tub. I quickened my steps and glanced in.
David had his sweet little Mimi in his arm, and with the other, he took his soft, squishy, blue washcloth and washed his beloved bear. Then, he would put the rag down, kiss her, rub her back, and hug her. Then, repeat the sequence again. It was such a sweet, tender moment for me. He really does love his little Mimi.
After ringing her out several times, I decided it was time to wash her and clean her. Granted I know that she will no longer make her beautiful music, but she needed a good wash. Anyway, the before and after reaction.
Still unaware of the reality of his dear friend.
And the tears start flowing.
"Why won't it open? I need Mimi!!!"
And he goes bizzurko! Luckily, I put Mimi on a quick cycle, so we endured only 45 minutes of screaming.This is a miracle: She works still. We took her out of the washer, and pulled the tail, and melodious sounds are coming from her. One little boy is completely appeased now. A sweet, little tender mercy.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Favorite Sayings of The Week
Sometimes, Matthew really catches me off guard with some of the things he says. He'll be playing and then randomly come up and ask for a hug and kiss. Or he'll just say something really funny.
"Mom, you're my best friend."
"More broccoli."
"Can you do me a flavor?"
"I need a hug and a kiss, Mom."
"I was finking I had pwanned that we could have some treats."
"You are kidding me!"
"Mommy, you are really special."
Matthew:"Satellites orbit the earth, Mama. And the earth orbits the sun." Mama Qweesh:"Who told you that, Matthew?" Matthew:"My mommy."
"I fink I'm really hungry for a treat."
"Macaroni and cheese penguin, macaroni and cheese penguin, what do you see?"
"My mom told me not to go to time out!"
"Mommy, I'm really sad. Dewaney didn't want to pway with me today at school. And I told her that I just wanted to follow her, but she said no. I wike pwaying with Dewaney."
"Mom, your room is a pig stye!"
"Mom, you're my best friend."
"More broccoli."
"Can you do me a flavor?"
"I need a hug and a kiss, Mom."
"I was finking I had pwanned that we could have some treats."
"You are kidding me!"
"Mommy, you are really special."
Matthew:"Satellites orbit the earth, Mama. And the earth orbits the sun." Mama Qweesh:"Who told you that, Matthew?" Matthew:"My mommy."
"I fink I'm really hungry for a treat."
"Macaroni and cheese penguin, macaroni and cheese penguin, what do you see?"
"My mom told me not to go to time out!"
"Mommy, I'm really sad. Dewaney didn't want to pway with me today at school. And I told her that I just wanted to follow her, but she said no. I wike pwaying with Dewaney."
"Mom, your room is a pig stye!"
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Happy Halloween With a Surprise Visit From Grandma Qweesh!
So these pics aren't too exciting, but we really have had a GREAT last week! We had so much fun the actual week of Halloween. Hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday too!
I love our traditional FHE right before Halloween. This is the day we always carve pumpkins, and it brings so many great memories of family. LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!! Matthew sort of freaked out about the insides of the pumpkin, so we had fun teasing him a little bit.
Matthew is obsessed with jackets lately, and the hood has to be up!
This is a website my mother-in-law sent me. It has been really fun to take some of their ideas and try them out. Although, ours didn't entirely work out, we made mini carmel apples. They tasted really YUMMY! They just weren't very pretty. If you do try them, I recommend that you dry the apples really, really well. Also, If you are doing carmel and then chocolate, use La Dolci (I think that's the name--it can be found in the fruit section at Albertson's/King Soopers.). For some reason, I don't think I spelled it right, but it's great for drying fast. Also, we followed the carmel recipe on our bag with 2 TBS water, but I would lessen that. It left the carmel runny the next day. I guess you could eat the apples right away too. And use nuts. The nuts helped so much to keep the carmel in place. If you're allergic, then use M&Ms or mini chocolate chips or marshmallows. Anyway, this was a fun little project, and the kids LOVED it!
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=59&sid=4584463
Although, Matthew does appear to be drugged in this shot.
Here it is, Stacey--our beautiful painted gourds and pumpkins.
For Halloween day, we actually went Trunk-or-Treating in the parking lot of our church with about 2 or 3 other wards. It was really fun, but there were so many people. It was a bit overwhelming. I passed out candy, while my mom took the kiddies around.
David is looking like such a carbon these days. I just want to squish his cheeks and kiss him.
Since Matthew has entered school, I have so looked forward to all of the little holiday parties and various treats I would get to bring for him. Because of . . . specific situations/people, we are not able to do anything of the nature. Matthew had hat day on Friday because they can't discuss Halloween. Just like, we can't bring anything baked from home for his Friendship Party; it has to be purchased. I guess I feel a little bit frustrated that because of other people's choices, everyone else is effected. Anyway, enough venting . . . he looked really darling in his conductor hat.
And this is my son's GREATEST advocate right here: Mama Qweesh. My mom flew in on Thursday morning so that she could help me take the kids trick-or-treating and help with the holiday--as Ryan had football. I cried when I found out she was coming. I've been super excited about Halloween, but I was really stressing, wondering how I would handle the kids by myself with all that was going on. I have such wonderful parents, who always have my best interest in mine and my children's. They are continuously sacrificing on our behalf and doing all that they can to help and support. I'm so blessed, and I love them so much.
Matthew's muscles. He was so excited to have Mama come, because it meant lots of time with her to himself. He LOVES his Mama. And he loves how she is so wrapped around his finger. His old Star Wars shirt has already been outgrown, so she bought him one that lights up. She also supplied him with many crafts to paint and make various projects with.
David, on the other hand, was thrilled to have Mama, because it meant LOTS of treats and good EATING. She spoiled our boys so much with all of the yummy things Mommy never buys. Among one of them was Caprisuns and pita bread--who would have thought they would love this so much?!
But Matthew was pretty pleased about all of the snacks and treats too. I guess he just doesn't take his eating quite as seriously as our David.
This pic. was supposed to be above. David refused to wear his pirate hat, and he figured out that he could get his basket up his nose--SICK!!!
I love our traditional FHE right before Halloween. This is the day we always carve pumpkins, and it brings so many great memories of family. LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!! Matthew sort of freaked out about the insides of the pumpkin, so we had fun teasing him a little bit.
Matthew is obsessed with jackets lately, and the hood has to be up!
This is a website my mother-in-law sent me. It has been really fun to take some of their ideas and try them out. Although, ours didn't entirely work out, we made mini carmel apples. They tasted really YUMMY! They just weren't very pretty. If you do try them, I recommend that you dry the apples really, really well. Also, If you are doing carmel and then chocolate, use La Dolci (I think that's the name--it can be found in the fruit section at Albertson's/King Soopers.). For some reason, I don't think I spelled it right, but it's great for drying fast. Also, we followed the carmel recipe on our bag with 2 TBS water, but I would lessen that. It left the carmel runny the next day. I guess you could eat the apples right away too. And use nuts. The nuts helped so much to keep the carmel in place. If you're allergic, then use M&Ms or mini chocolate chips or marshmallows. Anyway, this was a fun little project, and the kids LOVED it!http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=59&sid=4584463
Although, Matthew does appear to be drugged in this shot.
Here it is, Stacey--our beautiful painted gourds and pumpkins.
For Halloween day, we actually went Trunk-or-Treating in the parking lot of our church with about 2 or 3 other wards. It was really fun, but there were so many people. It was a bit overwhelming. I passed out candy, while my mom took the kiddies around.
David is looking like such a carbon these days. I just want to squish his cheeks and kiss him.
Since Matthew has entered school, I have so looked forward to all of the little holiday parties and various treats I would get to bring for him. Because of . . . specific situations/people, we are not able to do anything of the nature. Matthew had hat day on Friday because they can't discuss Halloween. Just like, we can't bring anything baked from home for his Friendship Party; it has to be purchased. I guess I feel a little bit frustrated that because of other people's choices, everyone else is effected. Anyway, enough venting . . . he looked really darling in his conductor hat.
And this is my son's GREATEST advocate right here: Mama Qweesh. My mom flew in on Thursday morning so that she could help me take the kids trick-or-treating and help with the holiday--as Ryan had football. I cried when I found out she was coming. I've been super excited about Halloween, but I was really stressing, wondering how I would handle the kids by myself with all that was going on. I have such wonderful parents, who always have my best interest in mine and my children's. They are continuously sacrificing on our behalf and doing all that they can to help and support. I'm so blessed, and I love them so much.
Matthew's muscles. He was so excited to have Mama come, because it meant lots of time with her to himself. He LOVES his Mama. And he loves how she is so wrapped around his finger. His old Star Wars shirt has already been outgrown, so she bought him one that lights up. She also supplied him with many crafts to paint and make various projects with.
David, on the other hand, was thrilled to have Mama, because it meant LOTS of treats and good EATING. She spoiled our boys so much with all of the yummy things Mommy never buys. Among one of them was Caprisuns and pita bread--who would have thought they would love this so much?!
But Matthew was pretty pleased about all of the snacks and treats too. I guess he just doesn't take his eating quite as seriously as our David.
This pic. was supposed to be above. David refused to wear his pirate hat, and he figured out that he could get his basket up his nose--SICK!!!
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