I undressed to get in the shower and looked at myself in the mirror and was like, "what the heck is going on with my body?"
I ran four times a week, but jeans I wore two weeks ago were all of a sudden too small. Shirts that I considered my "big clothes" were now tight. I had gained weight since I fell down the stairs and hurt my shoulder in November and then broke my hand in December. I had gained at least 14 pounds, but I had started running again and it should have been making me smaller, but I just kept getting bigger.
I googled thyroid problems. I googled per-menopausal. Something was definitely up with my body.
I was going to bed in the nine o'clock hour if I could, and I was depressed about it. "So, this is what it's like to get old?" I thought to myself. I'd walk past John on the couch at night and he'd ask where I was going. "To bed," I'd reply "I told you I was exhausted." Falling asleep within moments of my head hitting my pillow. I was struggling to stay awake to and from my job during my 45 minute drives, actually falling asleep once and steering off into another lane. Scary. Heart stopping. Luckily, cars were traveling at a safe distance and changed lanes. Here's the thing. I consider myself a long haul truck driver, I'll take the night shift on road trips and drive through the night. However, not anymore. I was always exhausted. I brushed it off to being on a new schedule with my new job.
I had to buy deodorant. My face broke out. Maybe, I was finally hitting puberty at age 36? Maybe that's what a body does when you go through menopause? Your hormones change, right? Because, I never really had acne, and I never needed to wear deodorant except when I was pregnant. And, I knew I wasn't pregnant. I mean, I had so many x-rays, and they ask if there is a possibility you are pregnant, and I was always like, "nope!" I was having my periods. I mean, kind of. They were super light and short and different. Yep, I must be going through menopause.
Overall, I just felt... bad. I told my friend about it as we ran (and I couldn't even run normal anymore, I was having to stop and walk a little bit, and running slower) that something was up with my body and we decided I should have some blood work done or something. She encouraged me to schedule an appointment.
A few days later while we were running again, I was lamenting that I didn't know what the heck was up with my body?! I joked, "maybe I'm pregnant or something." They looked at me with their eyes opened wide in surprise, and I was like, "I'm totally not, just kidding."
Then as I ran, I was thinking about it and was like, "Am I?" Then my friend ran back to me and said, "I think you're pregnant."
"What?!!?!?!?!" I couldn't be pregnant. I know my body, and John and I are really careful, and I just couldn't be pregnant. But, in my mind I was thinking if I'm pregnant that would explain a lot of things... She said she had a test at home and I could pick it up.
I picked it up and I was planning to take it the next morning when I woke up, but forgot and took it around lunch time when I got home from work.
Not even kidding, I took it thinking I wasn't going to be pregnant, I mean I had my periods! I put the stick on the edge of the counter, walked away to do some things, came back to check it and it said, 'Pregnant.'
I could not even believe it. I had been too busy to realize I was pregnant! When did this even happen? How far along was I? I was in total shock and I had so much work to get done, but couldn't even think straight. I texted John a picture of the pregnancy test saying Happy Birthday! It was his 40th birthday. He said, 'ha ha that's funny,' but I told him this was not a joke. Maybe God's joke. We went out to dinner with friends that night to celebrate John's birthday and it was so hard to be normal when on the inside I was totally, kinda, freaking out.
Showing posts with label Holly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holly. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
One up
written February 15, 2013
Last night, while I sat on the couch feeding Everett, John was working on some kind of Valentine surprise upstairs in our bedroom. I woke up still sitting on the couch holding Everett almost three hours later.
"John?" I quietly yell from the couch (I know that's an oxy moron, but if you have/had babies you know what I mean). I thought he had fallen asleep or something.
"I thought we were going to watch that movie? Now you will just fall asleep because it's so late!"
He came down about five minutes later.
I honestly thought he went upstairs to finish writing his Valentine card to me or something, but when I woke up and realized he'd been up there so long I thought he must have been cleaning our bedroom, or changing the sheets (which have a ton of baby spit up on them) or something.
He had taken the day off of work and that is what I had hoped would happen, my Valentine dream gift; I would be able to finally get my room clean. So, I was very excited at the prospect of having a clean room!
However, when I entered my room at 2:30 in the morning, I was greeted by the same pile of clothes on the bed, the same sheets, and the same pile of books to step over. To say I wasn't disappointed would be a big fat lie.
I stood in the doorway of our room kind of shocked, "What in the world was he doing up here all that time?" I thought to myself. I turn to go in the bathroom and I see this:
Don't shoot me, but honestly, I was a little disappointed. I was so looking forward to my clean room, or partially cleaned room, or at least my changed sheets, when none of those things happened I was disappointed. (I'm telling you great expectations are our biggest downfall in life.)
I got in bed to nurse Everett and sarcastically told John, "Happy Valentine's Day, I'm so glad we were able to spend the evening together..." I could not believe he had "wasted" at least three hours doing that! "I didn't know it would take me that long..." he replied. I guess those little foam sticky letters were harder to use than he thought.
This morning when I got out of bed, I re-read his little note on the door. It actually really was sweet, and I felt a little bit bad for giving him a hard time, and all of a sudden a thought popped in my head I had heard years ago, "Spend your marriage trying to one up each other."
That thought stuck with me while I got Trevan ready for school, packed his lunch, and waited outside for the bus with him. I looked at John's car frosted over and I got my idea!
While John showered, I did this:
When he left for work, I ran upstairs and watched with anticipation out of the window so I could see his expression. At first, I don't think he noticed it, then he started the car, came out and started scraping the windows. "What!? He's embarrassed to drive to work with the hearts on the car!" I thought... Not the reaction I had hoped for. I watched him scrape away all the hearts except the one in the rear window. Right before he got back in the car to leave, he happened to look up and saw me. He got that squinty smile on his face and blew me a kiss.
I know why someone said to try and one up each other, because obviously, if you spend your time thinking about the other person and how you can make them happy of course a marriage is going to turn out all right.
For me, it's the little things that matter. I don't need a man to bring me flowers, I need a man that will clean up my work spread across the living room floor when I take a "five minute break" and fall asleep on the couch at midnight.
Just like when we were dating, I woke my roommate up early to walk across the street with me to put fruit snacks and a little note on John's car so he would get a surprise on his way to work that morning. It's always nice to know someone thought about you and took a little time out to do something nice for you.
Sometimes I'm not the happiest with John, I mean two people that live together can't get along ALL THE TIME or agree on everything right? There may have been a "few" times in the evenings where I have been upset with John, but not upset enough to not put my legs in his lap for him to rub my feet. (I know, right? He's a good man to still rub my feet and legs when he knows I'm upset at him...) Maybe that's his way of one-upping me... So, it's likely he'll always be ahead in this little game.
But, it's true. How insightful that couple was who gave that talk on marriage and how they spend their marriage trying to one up the other? You should challenge your spouse to this little game...
Last night, while I sat on the couch feeding Everett, John was working on some kind of Valentine surprise upstairs in our bedroom. I woke up still sitting on the couch holding Everett almost three hours later.
"John?" I quietly yell from the couch (I know that's an oxy moron, but if you have/had babies you know what I mean). I thought he had fallen asleep or something.
"I thought we were going to watch that movie? Now you will just fall asleep because it's so late!"
He came down about five minutes later.
I honestly thought he went upstairs to finish writing his Valentine card to me or something, but when I woke up and realized he'd been up there so long I thought he must have been cleaning our bedroom, or changing the sheets (which have a ton of baby spit up on them) or something.
He had taken the day off of work and that is what I had hoped would happen, my Valentine dream gift; I would be able to finally get my room clean. So, I was very excited at the prospect of having a clean room!
However, when I entered my room at 2:30 in the morning, I was greeted by the same pile of clothes on the bed, the same sheets, and the same pile of books to step over. To say I wasn't disappointed would be a big fat lie.
I stood in the doorway of our room kind of shocked, "What in the world was he doing up here all that time?" I thought to myself. I turn to go in the bathroom and I see this:
 |
| Twelve years ago we first met, Little did I know my life was set, My shirt had some holes, You thought you had too many moles, I've put on some weight and money is thin, But you still have a cute butt chin, Ups and downs, Laughter and some frowns, I guess what I am saying in this letter, Is I love you, You make my life better. |
Don't shoot me, but honestly, I was a little disappointed. I was so looking forward to my clean room, or partially cleaned room, or at least my changed sheets, when none of those things happened I was disappointed. (I'm telling you great expectations are our biggest downfall in life.)
I got in bed to nurse Everett and sarcastically told John, "Happy Valentine's Day, I'm so glad we were able to spend the evening together..." I could not believe he had "wasted" at least three hours doing that! "I didn't know it would take me that long..." he replied. I guess those little foam sticky letters were harder to use than he thought.
This morning when I got out of bed, I re-read his little note on the door. It actually really was sweet, and I felt a little bit bad for giving him a hard time, and all of a sudden a thought popped in my head I had heard years ago, "Spend your marriage trying to one up each other."
That thought stuck with me while I got Trevan ready for school, packed his lunch, and waited outside for the bus with him. I looked at John's car frosted over and I got my idea!
While John showered, I did this:
 |
| You can see where I had just started to scrape the windows regularly, then got the heart idea... Ha! |
When he left for work, I ran upstairs and watched with anticipation out of the window so I could see his expression. At first, I don't think he noticed it, then he started the car, came out and started scraping the windows. "What!? He's embarrassed to drive to work with the hearts on the car!" I thought... Not the reaction I had hoped for. I watched him scrape away all the hearts except the one in the rear window. Right before he got back in the car to leave, he happened to look up and saw me. He got that squinty smile on his face and blew me a kiss.
I know why someone said to try and one up each other, because obviously, if you spend your time thinking about the other person and how you can make them happy of course a marriage is going to turn out all right.
For me, it's the little things that matter. I don't need a man to bring me flowers, I need a man that will clean up my work spread across the living room floor when I take a "five minute break" and fall asleep on the couch at midnight.
Just like when we were dating, I woke my roommate up early to walk across the street with me to put fruit snacks and a little note on John's car so he would get a surprise on his way to work that morning. It's always nice to know someone thought about you and took a little time out to do something nice for you.
Sometimes I'm not the happiest with John, I mean two people that live together can't get along ALL THE TIME or agree on everything right? There may have been a "few" times in the evenings where I have been upset with John, but not upset enough to not put my legs in his lap for him to rub my feet. (I know, right? He's a good man to still rub my feet and legs when he knows I'm upset at him...) Maybe that's his way of one-upping me... So, it's likely he'll always be ahead in this little game.
But, it's true. How insightful that couple was who gave that talk on marriage and how they spend their marriage trying to one up the other? You should challenge your spouse to this little game...
Monday, July 7, 2014
You're Doing a Good Job, Mom
12/3/13
Last night, I figured it out -
I was meant to be a mother...
a mother to babies only!
As I held my sleeping Everett early last night, I was trying to figure out if I could just have babies and raise them until they are almost two and then give them to someone else to raise?
I love babies, and I think I'm good at being a mom to babies. I like to think that I rock the baby stage, kick butt, take names, the whole bit. I figured out I just have a sixth sense when it comes to babies, and I did even as a younger girl.
For nine years I have heard 'what easy babies I have, does he/she ever cry, your babies are just so content, with everyone commenting that the newest baby seemed easier than the previous!'
John and I were easy babies (so, we've been told) and I just figured we got some good baby genes that passed on to our babies. But, you know what? I've finally decided I'm going to take some credit. I'm good with babies, I know what they need, their needs are met, so why would they cry or be fussy? I'm just going to pat myself on the back for a mere second (and thank my lucky stars that I didn't get a colicky baby) before I beat myself up in the next sentence.
However, I am a horrible mother to 3 year olds and on. Or maybe just having multiple children older than three? Who knows? Either way, I stink at it. You guys, I just really don't think I can do it. I constantly feel like I'm failing. I can't figure out how to motivate my kids or anything. I feel like I'm in a constant battle ALL DAY LONG. And, I don't even have teenagers! A friend posted this quote on Facebook today:
I wanted to put in the comments, Yes, and it's true, but lately it's more like,
"Have you ever looked at your kids and had your heart filled with so much anger and frustration that it brought tears to your eyes???"
I have and it is horrible.
AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE TEENAGERS!!!! Sometimes the future seems very bleak...
If someone puts count your blessings in the comments, we can't be friends anymore. (Even if it's something that someone should do, you shouldn't say it because you are not acknowledging a person's struggle)
Today, 12/20/13
I was shopping the other day with a very tired Jonah. He was seriously at his borderline crazy/cranky need to be asleep point. I was dealing with it, trying to get what I went for and make him last the five more minutes I needed when a lady behind me said, "You're doing a good job, mom."
It kinda snapped me out of my own little world for a minute, but I realized some of these shoppers had been listening to us go up and down the aisles for the last ten minutes... (Poor people) But, I replayed the last ten minutes in my head, and I was like, "Yeah, you're right I am doing a good job. For right now... Maybe not this morning or yesterday afternoon, but right now I'm totally rocking it."
There are five hundred times a day I feel like a bad mom. It was nice for once to think, you're right I am doing an okay job.
7/7/2014
And, maybe that's what we just need to celebrate - those moments when we are totally rocking it. Lately, it seems far and few between. But, I've never been a parent to four kids before. I've never had an almost 10 year old before that is hard to figure out. I've never had a lying six year old before, or a four year old that loses his mind when he's exhausted, or an 18 month old that wants to stay hooked to my arms (or legs) at every second possible. We're all doing the best we can. And, sometimes we aren't doing our best; sometimes we're tired and just can't think of something to say to our child driving us bananas, so we sigh a huge sigh, throw our hands in the air, or hit the wall or something. Our tendency, (my tendency?) is to beat myself up for not being or doing better. Agh! I just need to get over it, and pat myself on the back the next time I rock it.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Midnight Musings
1. Painstakingly, finding red, white, and blue outfits for the fourth of July, and everyone changing into their swimsuits before you can even take a picture to document the happy patriotic family.
2. Doing your daughter's hair totally cute (which is a big deal, because she rarely lets you), and you don't get a picture to capture it. Instead, you have fifty pictures of a child who looks homeless a lot.
3. My 18 month old baby goes to church barefoot. Barefoot... He can walk. He has shoes. For some reason, they don't make it to his feet?
4. Speaking of shoes... Why is there only one mate to all of my children's shoes in the right place? We have some order here. Definitely for shoes. There are two places the shoes go. Legitimate places. Some even LABELED! With their names! Why aren't they there??? I find shoes in the most random places. Mallary, should your shoes be in your basket that has all of your doll toys in them? No. No, they should not.
5. Why is it that people only come to your house when it's messy? How come never when I actually get it spotless? (5% of the time, so I get it that the odds are not in my favor...)
6. Did you know that the average family has three or four strollers? It's true. I have five. I almost bought a jogging stroller, then I would have had six. You just need different strollers for different occasions. You do. But, it does seem a bit excessive. One of my strollers was so dirty and beat up. I was telling someone it was kind of embarrassing taking it into nice places. Someone overheard and said, "You should look at the scuffs and dirt on your stroller and be proud! It shows you go places, you do things, that your babies haven't just sat at home their whole lives!" She made me feel so good about that turning it around to look at that way! It's true, that stroller had been across the country multiple times, it had been to lakes and beaches and mountains. It had been strawberry picking, and blueberry picking, and blackberry picking, and peach picking. It had been to parks and malls and fairs. It was well used! I did get a new one anyway, but the well loved one is now used exclusively for dirty jobs like strawberry picking and camping and such!
7. Speaking of dirty jobs, I need to clean my kitchen.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
22 Questions
My friend, Jen, tagged me to answer 11 questions from her blog. Well, I'm an overachiever and decided to answer the ones she answered plus the ones she gave me. Also, I'm a procrastinator procrastinating the work that is waiting for me on the other screen... But, these are fun because I think our kids will love reading these someday!
1. What is your favorite type of cheese?
Fondue! Cheeseballs! Macaroni and Cheese! What would this world be like without cheese?? Heaven forbid! Gourmet: Fontina, Everyday: Pepperjack, On a burger: Pimento Cheese
2. What are you excited about?
Summer is almost here!!! I love everything about it!
3. How did you celebrate your last birthday?
Did I???
4. What is on your bedside table?
What isn’t on my bedside table? Unfortunately… you’ll find clothes that need to be packed away, clothes that need to be repaired, new pillows waiting to have their tags taken off. Oh, the lamp you say? It’s on the ground…
5. What do you order from the movie theater concession stand?
I’m a sucker for popcorn with LOTS of butter. However, now that I’m an old person, it makes me sick. For real.
6. Do you have a garden? What’s growing?
I have two raised beds at my house and two raised beds at a community garden. The goods: Butternut squash, zuchinni, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, medium tomatoes, red potatoes (they look fabulous by the way! I am so excited!), onions, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe, green peppers, red peppers, jalapenos, brandywine tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, basil, flat leaf parsley, and there are a few spots for a few more things. I’m also going to plant some stuff at my dads house; pumpkins and other assorted squash from seeds I sat aside from THESE. Hoping for a successful crop!!
7. Any summer plans?
Always!!
8. Which TV couple(s) are you rooting for?
Jack and Emily (Revenge) Not a couple yet…
9. What’s the last thing you bought?
Lawn building soil
10. What’s one thing you are passionate about?
Good food!
11. What are you grateful for this week?
Snuggle time with the babies
12. A is for aggravation. Ugh. My kids sometimes…
13. What did you eat for breakfast? What do you wish you had eaten for breakfast? Did I even eat breakfast today??? Any protein or a smoothie.
14. How do you take your coffee? Down my shirt is the only way apparently. My grandpa tried to get me to drink some and then in the process of kidding around he dumped his mug full all over my brand new white shirt.
15. What’s the last book you read? The Pout Pout Fish. I can’t remember the last book I read for myself, but I’m going to download 12 years a slave tonight! Thanks for the reminder!
16. How would you characterize your decorating style? Hmmm… A little bit modern, a little bit traditional, sometimes too matchy. I love bright colors and I love white. It’s a bit tricky, because my house is full of things I don’t love, but they were things we could afford. Bummer summer.
17. What’s one blog or website that you never miss reading? Honestly, there are barely a handful anymore, and Jen’s is one of them!
18. What’s your go-to meal to prepare when you’re having people over for dinner? I can’t think of a go to meal when we have people over because I’m probably attempting something new. But, my go to meal to take someone who had a baby, sick, funeral, etc. is Shepherds Pie.
19. You are granted three wishes. What are they? 1. Enough money to achieve our dreams sooner than later. 2. That my children and family will always be happy and healthy and positive contributors in society. 3. That no one had to deal with allergies.
20. If you had to give up salt or sugar for the rest of your life, which could you live without? Salt – easily. Is this a trick question?
21. What is the weirdest thing you believed as a kid? Kids believe all kinds of crazy things! Looking back, I think a weird thing is that I thought my parents knew everything. Now what I think is a weird thing is when grown adults can't form their own opinions but have to refer to their parents. "Well, my (mom or dad) said it, so it must be so!" Ugh.
22. End of the world scenario – which do you prefer: vampires or zombies? Why? Hmm…Neither… but if I had to choose – Vampires seem more peaceful and attractive? Zombies are just too gross.
I would tag someone else, but Sarah already did it, and I think most people that read my blog don't blog anymore!! (Come on you guys! Blog again! I need more ways to procrastinate!!!)
1. What is your favorite type of cheese?
Fondue! Cheeseballs! Macaroni and Cheese! What would this world be like without cheese?? Heaven forbid! Gourmet: Fontina, Everyday: Pepperjack, On a burger: Pimento Cheese
2. What are you excited about?
Summer is almost here!!! I love everything about it!
3. How did you celebrate your last birthday?
Did I???
4. What is on your bedside table?
What isn’t on my bedside table? Unfortunately… you’ll find clothes that need to be packed away, clothes that need to be repaired, new pillows waiting to have their tags taken off. Oh, the lamp you say? It’s on the ground…
5. What do you order from the movie theater concession stand?
I’m a sucker for popcorn with LOTS of butter. However, now that I’m an old person, it makes me sick. For real.
6. Do you have a garden? What’s growing?
I have two raised beds at my house and two raised beds at a community garden. The goods: Butternut squash, zuchinni, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, medium tomatoes, red potatoes (they look fabulous by the way! I am so excited!), onions, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe, green peppers, red peppers, jalapenos, brandywine tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, basil, flat leaf parsley, and there are a few spots for a few more things. I’m also going to plant some stuff at my dads house; pumpkins and other assorted squash from seeds I sat aside from THESE. Hoping for a successful crop!!
7. Any summer plans?
Always!!
8. Which TV couple(s) are you rooting for?
Jack and Emily (Revenge) Not a couple yet…
9. What’s the last thing you bought?
Lawn building soil
10. What’s one thing you are passionate about?
Good food!
11. What are you grateful for this week?
Snuggle time with the babies
12. A is for aggravation. Ugh. My kids sometimes…
13. What did you eat for breakfast? What do you wish you had eaten for breakfast? Did I even eat breakfast today??? Any protein or a smoothie.
14. How do you take your coffee? Down my shirt is the only way apparently. My grandpa tried to get me to drink some and then in the process of kidding around he dumped his mug full all over my brand new white shirt.
15. What’s the last book you read? The Pout Pout Fish. I can’t remember the last book I read for myself, but I’m going to download 12 years a slave tonight! Thanks for the reminder!
16. How would you characterize your decorating style? Hmmm… A little bit modern, a little bit traditional, sometimes too matchy. I love bright colors and I love white. It’s a bit tricky, because my house is full of things I don’t love, but they were things we could afford. Bummer summer.
17. What’s one blog or website that you never miss reading? Honestly, there are barely a handful anymore, and Jen’s is one of them!
18. What’s your go-to meal to prepare when you’re having people over for dinner? I can’t think of a go to meal when we have people over because I’m probably attempting something new. But, my go to meal to take someone who had a baby, sick, funeral, etc. is Shepherds Pie.
19. You are granted three wishes. What are they? 1. Enough money to achieve our dreams sooner than later. 2. That my children and family will always be happy and healthy and positive contributors in society. 3. That no one had to deal with allergies.
20. If you had to give up salt or sugar for the rest of your life, which could you live without? Salt – easily. Is this a trick question?
21. What is the weirdest thing you believed as a kid? Kids believe all kinds of crazy things! Looking back, I think a weird thing is that I thought my parents knew everything. Now what I think is a weird thing is when grown adults can't form their own opinions but have to refer to their parents. "Well, my (mom or dad) said it, so it must be so!" Ugh.
22. End of the world scenario – which do you prefer: vampires or zombies? Why? Hmm…Neither… but if I had to choose – Vampires seem more peaceful and attractive? Zombies are just too gross.
I would tag someone else, but Sarah already did it, and I think most people that read my blog don't blog anymore!! (Come on you guys! Blog again! I need more ways to procrastinate!!!)
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Are you tired? Are you a mother?
It's a family joke. We'd walk into the living room with the sun's rays streaming into it and see a familiar scene. Our mother would be sitting there - head slightly bowed, her chin trying to reach her chest, holding her scriptures in her hands on her lap. Her eyes would most definitely be closed. Sometimes she would wake up upon our arrival in the room. She would grin and tell us she was reading her scriptures. Even as an adult when I would call home and I'd ask what she was doing, if she responded that she was reading her scriptures I would say, "You mean, taking a nap?"
I get it now. Motherhood is exhausting. Exxxhauuuustiiiing...
I'm not even talking about the staying up at night with babies exhausting - you guys, it gets more exhausting than that. For real.
"What??!!" I know you are thinking that in your head, but it's true.
The emotional and and mental exhaustion is worse I think. Then, add that to the physical exhaustion of just doing the regular things like working, running a house hold, making dinner, laundry, running non-stop from sport practice, swimming, scouts, trying to have some kind of relationship with your husband and your friends, church responsibilities, or whatever.
Then, add to that, battling your daughter to brush her hair, or to do her homework, or for your kids to clean up their rooms, or to stop bothering each other, or to pick up their messes, or to remind your son for the five hundredth time to do something, or trying to understand why your son doesn't want to try his best, or figuring out what the heck a teacher is talking about, or trying to find that library book that is overdue, or trying to keep your kids from getting hit by a car in a parking lot, or signing the loads of papers that come home from school, or trying to keep your kids from looking like wild animals in the grocery store, or why you keep getting notes home that a child has lunch charges when they pack their lunch, or telling your child to put all the cushions back on the couch, or OH MY GOODNESS, WILL YOU PLEASE STOP PICKING ON YOUR BROTHER!!!!!!
Then my head explodes, and it's no wonder that by nine o'clock in the evening I am asleep on the couch. You guys nine in the evening is my new one o'clock in the morning! I'm supposed to be working at nine in the evening... I guess four kids is my magic number where I feel like I can't accomplish anything else but staying alive and keeping my family alive. Not always with their hair combed or brushed, but alive.
I hear it doesn't get any easier with teenagers either, just a different set of issues. Then, last week a "mature" lady in the store was sitting while her daughter shopped and started asking me about my kids, then she told me that a mother's job is the hardest job in the world and one that you can never retire from. (I was already pretty tired that day and that thought just made me more tired.) She said, you hurt when they hurt, you're happy when their happy, it's the hardest job, but the best job.
I remember my first assignment at my first internship for my college degree. I was given an assignment, a folder, and a desk. You guys, I sat at that desk, opened the folder, put my head in my hands and wanted to cry. It was so overwhelming! I had no idea where to start or what exactly to do. (It was planning a dinner cruise for the seniors in the community - I laugh now because I could rock that planning in no time!) I felt like my mind was blank and I couldn't even wrap it around how to even begin, I felt so under qualified.
Oh, hi. That's what motherhood feels like sometimes. Most of the time? 99% of the time? I feel like John and I are always trying to figure out a new way, a better way, a different way to approach one thousand different things. Try figuring out what makes your kids tick - oh, you think you have it figured out - then it changes or doesn't work anymore. Think of something that really annoys you about your husband... I've found that it gets to a point that you have these things about your kids that really annoy you. You have more than one kid? You have more things annoying you! Just like I can't change my husband and force him to be on time, I can't change that one (or more!) thing(s) about my child either! Oh, the emotional exhaustion!!! Oh the patience I have to try and muster!
I've started to pray to ask for a huge dose of patience and a huge dose of kindness. It's sad to admit but sometimes those things that annoy me make me become not very kind. When I act or speak unkind to my children it makes me feel like a horrible person - bring on more emotional exhaustion.
My kids will eventually pick up that when I get into that super nice, quiet voice, "Will you please go get your shoes and socks on?" that I'm about to lose my mind and I'm trying to keep it together, so they'll listen because I'm being nice, right? Wrong. I just realized this morning that I think when Mallary hears that voice she's thinking, "Oh, mom's getting ready to lose it, let's see if she can keep it together while I continue not listening to her for the next ten minutes!"
Sometimes, I think back to my child honeymoon. What's that you ask? The days where it was just Trevan and I and we'd spend our days shopping, or taking naps on the couch, or watching Ellen, or how he would get to play in the bathtub almost every night. It seems like such a different world, I wish I have really appreciated and enjoyed it more. I did, but compared to now, I can really look back and appreciate how wonderful it really was! Hindsight is always clearer I guess...
One evening a few weeks ago, I realized I had been on my feet all day, non stop, except to stop and nurse Everett. I was exhausted, but still had some errands I wanted to run. First stop was the library, to return a book I had had found in our yard sale box that had been in our house for eight months. It was supposed to be like an eight dollar fee. ($21 if I never returned the book) I'm standing at the book counter trying to wrangle all four of my children (though Jonah should count for three extra children in public), I couldn't find my library card (oh yeah, it was on my key chain, duh!), I had kids complaining that they wanted to hold their movie or their book, I felt pretty frazzled. I had cash in my hands ready to pay my fine, and the library clerk said, "Oh, don't worry about it, I took care of it for you." I looked at her, we shared this eye contact for a moment as if she was saying to me, "I've been there. You'll make it. Let me do something nice for you." I thanked her multiple times and I really wanted to cry.
Then, I headed to the grocery store. (I know, I was a glutton for punishment that day I guess...) Oh my goodness the kids were pretty crazy. Sometimes, while shopping with my kids there are moments that you feel that people are just staring at you, judging how you parent, etc, and oh well, but it adds to my impatience in the grocery store. So, I checkout and get to the van, the kids climb in and a lady came up to me who I had passed in the store a few times and asked if she could help me load the groceries and take the cart. I thanked her and told her not to worry about it, and she said, "Are you sure? I'd love to help. I've been there, I know how it is."
Sometimes people are sooo kind! I was so tired that evening but just having those experiences with those two kind women lightened my load. I don't know if it's the fact that they validated how I felt about being a mother that day, or what. But, it made me feel better!
You guys, I'm beat. If parenthood is a game, I'm losing 500 to 3 or some kind of odds like that. Mallary is totally kicking my rear. I think I fall asleep at night mostly out of defeat! Ha!
But, seriously. I used to tell people it was never too late to call my house. Well, things have changed. I have a new schedule. If you call after 8:30, I'm probably asleep on the couch, most likely with a sleeping Everett in my arms. Nursing him to sleep puts me out too. Last night, I believe John bought me the phone multiple times after I had already fallen asleep. I only remember one of the conversations. (He has a hard time telling people, that I'm asleep for some reason...) So, if you called me last night, you might want to call me again!
However, if you'd like, you can reach me at four AM. That's my new schedule. I fall asleep early, get up and work early (like 3 AM early), and I'm starting to like it. Call me crazy. It's quiet, I'm awake and alert, I like starting the day feeling like I already was productive! I think it makes me a happier mom in the mornings. However, I miss late night TV (I know there is Hulu, but ain't nobody got time for that!) and hanging out with my husband. So, we'll see how long it lasts. It's been a big deal for me to finally let go of the fact that I'm not in college anymore and I can't stay up late and watch TV! Though, this motherhood gig lately has kind of forced me to do so.
Being a mom is tough...
So, high five to you moms out there! I'm not going to tell you to 'count your blessings,' or say 'they are only little once' like those comments you usually get in the grocery store (though good, not helpful to a mom having a bad day). I'm going to say keep on keepin' on, I feel your pain. We can do it!
We can...
Right?
I get it now. Motherhood is exhausting. Exxxhauuuustiiiing...
I'm not even talking about the staying up at night with babies exhausting - you guys, it gets more exhausting than that. For real.
"What??!!" I know you are thinking that in your head, but it's true.
The emotional and and mental exhaustion is worse I think. Then, add that to the physical exhaustion of just doing the regular things like working, running a house hold, making dinner, laundry, running non-stop from sport practice, swimming, scouts, trying to have some kind of relationship with your husband and your friends, church responsibilities, or whatever.
Then, add to that, battling your daughter to brush her hair, or to do her homework, or for your kids to clean up their rooms, or to stop bothering each other, or to pick up their messes, or to remind your son for the five hundredth time to do something, or trying to understand why your son doesn't want to try his best, or figuring out what the heck a teacher is talking about, or trying to find that library book that is overdue, or trying to keep your kids from getting hit by a car in a parking lot, or signing the loads of papers that come home from school, or trying to keep your kids from looking like wild animals in the grocery store, or why you keep getting notes home that a child has lunch charges when they pack their lunch, or telling your child to put all the cushions back on the couch, or OH MY GOODNESS, WILL YOU PLEASE STOP PICKING ON YOUR BROTHER!!!!!!
Then my head explodes, and it's no wonder that by nine o'clock in the evening I am asleep on the couch. You guys nine in the evening is my new one o'clock in the morning! I'm supposed to be working at nine in the evening... I guess four kids is my magic number where I feel like I can't accomplish anything else but staying alive and keeping my family alive. Not always with their hair combed or brushed, but alive.
I hear it doesn't get any easier with teenagers either, just a different set of issues. Then, last week a "mature" lady in the store was sitting while her daughter shopped and started asking me about my kids, then she told me that a mother's job is the hardest job in the world and one that you can never retire from. (I was already pretty tired that day and that thought just made me more tired.) She said, you hurt when they hurt, you're happy when their happy, it's the hardest job, but the best job.
I remember my first assignment at my first internship for my college degree. I was given an assignment, a folder, and a desk. You guys, I sat at that desk, opened the folder, put my head in my hands and wanted to cry. It was so overwhelming! I had no idea where to start or what exactly to do. (It was planning a dinner cruise for the seniors in the community - I laugh now because I could rock that planning in no time!) I felt like my mind was blank and I couldn't even wrap it around how to even begin, I felt so under qualified.
Oh, hi. That's what motherhood feels like sometimes. Most of the time? 99% of the time? I feel like John and I are always trying to figure out a new way, a better way, a different way to approach one thousand different things. Try figuring out what makes your kids tick - oh, you think you have it figured out - then it changes or doesn't work anymore. Think of something that really annoys you about your husband... I've found that it gets to a point that you have these things about your kids that really annoy you. You have more than one kid? You have more things annoying you! Just like I can't change my husband and force him to be on time, I can't change that one (or more!) thing(s) about my child either! Oh, the emotional exhaustion!!! Oh the patience I have to try and muster!
I've started to pray to ask for a huge dose of patience and a huge dose of kindness. It's sad to admit but sometimes those things that annoy me make me become not very kind. When I act or speak unkind to my children it makes me feel like a horrible person - bring on more emotional exhaustion.
My kids will eventually pick up that when I get into that super nice, quiet voice, "Will you please go get your shoes and socks on?" that I'm about to lose my mind and I'm trying to keep it together, so they'll listen because I'm being nice, right? Wrong. I just realized this morning that I think when Mallary hears that voice she's thinking, "Oh, mom's getting ready to lose it, let's see if she can keep it together while I continue not listening to her for the next ten minutes!"
Sometimes, I think back to my child honeymoon. What's that you ask? The days where it was just Trevan and I and we'd spend our days shopping, or taking naps on the couch, or watching Ellen, or how he would get to play in the bathtub almost every night. It seems like such a different world, I wish I have really appreciated and enjoyed it more. I did, but compared to now, I can really look back and appreciate how wonderful it really was! Hindsight is always clearer I guess...
One evening a few weeks ago, I realized I had been on my feet all day, non stop, except to stop and nurse Everett. I was exhausted, but still had some errands I wanted to run. First stop was the library, to return a book I had had found in our yard sale box that had been in our house for eight months. It was supposed to be like an eight dollar fee. ($21 if I never returned the book) I'm standing at the book counter trying to wrangle all four of my children (though Jonah should count for three extra children in public), I couldn't find my library card (oh yeah, it was on my key chain, duh!), I had kids complaining that they wanted to hold their movie or their book, I felt pretty frazzled. I had cash in my hands ready to pay my fine, and the library clerk said, "Oh, don't worry about it, I took care of it for you." I looked at her, we shared this eye contact for a moment as if she was saying to me, "I've been there. You'll make it. Let me do something nice for you." I thanked her multiple times and I really wanted to cry.
Then, I headed to the grocery store. (I know, I was a glutton for punishment that day I guess...) Oh my goodness the kids were pretty crazy. Sometimes, while shopping with my kids there are moments that you feel that people are just staring at you, judging how you parent, etc, and oh well, but it adds to my impatience in the grocery store. So, I checkout and get to the van, the kids climb in and a lady came up to me who I had passed in the store a few times and asked if she could help me load the groceries and take the cart. I thanked her and told her not to worry about it, and she said, "Are you sure? I'd love to help. I've been there, I know how it is."
Sometimes people are sooo kind! I was so tired that evening but just having those experiences with those two kind women lightened my load. I don't know if it's the fact that they validated how I felt about being a mother that day, or what. But, it made me feel better!
You guys, I'm beat. If parenthood is a game, I'm losing 500 to 3 or some kind of odds like that. Mallary is totally kicking my rear. I think I fall asleep at night mostly out of defeat! Ha!
But, seriously. I used to tell people it was never too late to call my house. Well, things have changed. I have a new schedule. If you call after 8:30, I'm probably asleep on the couch, most likely with a sleeping Everett in my arms. Nursing him to sleep puts me out too. Last night, I believe John bought me the phone multiple times after I had already fallen asleep. I only remember one of the conversations. (He has a hard time telling people, that I'm asleep for some reason...) So, if you called me last night, you might want to call me again!
However, if you'd like, you can reach me at four AM. That's my new schedule. I fall asleep early, get up and work early (like 3 AM early), and I'm starting to like it. Call me crazy. It's quiet, I'm awake and alert, I like starting the day feeling like I already was productive! I think it makes me a happier mom in the mornings. However, I miss late night TV (I know there is Hulu, but ain't nobody got time for that!) and hanging out with my husband. So, we'll see how long it lasts. It's been a big deal for me to finally let go of the fact that I'm not in college anymore and I can't stay up late and watch TV! Though, this motherhood gig lately has kind of forced me to do so.
Being a mom is tough...
So, high five to you moms out there! I'm not going to tell you to 'count your blessings,' or say 'they are only little once' like those comments you usually get in the grocery store (though good, not helpful to a mom having a bad day). I'm going to say keep on keepin' on, I feel your pain. We can do it!
We can...
Right?
Friday, September 27, 2013
Random...
Parenting....
I get those email updates from Graco... Today's was:
"Welcome to your 9th month of parenthood!"
Ha!!
I am actually in my 108th month of parenthood...
I mean, let's be honest, any parent of a lot of kids could be writing those updates Graco is sending out.
It's like the piece of paper with what my baby should be doing at nine months that I got at the Doctors office on Tuesday for Everett's 9 month check up. It has all the information on it that was on at least one exam in my child development class in college! (and all the other classes where I had to learn child development too for my first major) It was useful though, I made it into a paper airplane to entertain Jonah while we waited for the Doctor to come in. Then Jonah flew it to its final landing in the trash can.
What I need is a page of updates on how to get my almost six year old to stop using a whiny voice when she wants something and how to get her to do her homework more willingly!! That is a handout I would read in its entirety! (Oh, wait... I kept a text book from college specifically for that... Time to dust off that sucker!)
Blogging....
So, only a very few of my friends blog regularly anymore... I don't really read very many bloggers of people I don't know (like 2 or 3). So I have no bloggers to read anymore. Not so sad about that, but I am sad that most of my friends no longer blog!!!
Listening...
This is what I have been listening to the last few days while cleaning or cooking in the kitchen. This is my friend Becky's friend, who was on The Voice last year.
Pat on the back....
I just made dinner for tonight! I love having something out of the way that I know needs done later!!
I get those email updates from Graco... Today's was:
"Welcome to your 9th month of parenthood!"
Ha!!
I am actually in my 108th month of parenthood...
I mean, let's be honest, any parent of a lot of kids could be writing those updates Graco is sending out.
It's like the piece of paper with what my baby should be doing at nine months that I got at the Doctors office on Tuesday for Everett's 9 month check up. It has all the information on it that was on at least one exam in my child development class in college! (and all the other classes where I had to learn child development too for my first major) It was useful though, I made it into a paper airplane to entertain Jonah while we waited for the Doctor to come in. Then Jonah flew it to its final landing in the trash can.
What I need is a page of updates on how to get my almost six year old to stop using a whiny voice when she wants something and how to get her to do her homework more willingly!! That is a handout I would read in its entirety! (Oh, wait... I kept a text book from college specifically for that... Time to dust off that sucker!)
Blogging....
So, only a very few of my friends blog regularly anymore... I don't really read very many bloggers of people I don't know (like 2 or 3). So I have no bloggers to read anymore. Not so sad about that, but I am sad that most of my friends no longer blog!!!
Listening...
This is what I have been listening to the last few days while cleaning or cooking in the kitchen. This is my friend Becky's friend, who was on The Voice last year.
Pat on the back....
I just made dinner for tonight! I love having something out of the way that I know needs done later!!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
2013 To Do List - Report
So... it turns out 2013 is also the year of car repairs as well - maybe I jinxed myself in my 2013 To Do List Post???? In fact today, the van is getting new brakes... Then our other car needs a new axle and an oil leak repaired... Things that happen when your vehicles reach 140,000 + miles? This year both of our vehicles have gotten new tires. The van got new tie rods, a lock on the sliding door needed fixed ($$$!!), and then something else on both vehicles, but I can't remember what they were!! AAAGHHH!! I could have used that money to do some of the other things on this list...
Anyway here's my report of where I stand on my to do list...
1. The beach (AT LEAST TWICE!!)
FOUR TIMES!!! Four different beaches. At least I can say we did something on this list... Two day trips, One weekend Trip, and one full week trip. I honestly just want to move to the beach. A beach that doesn't have hurricanes....
2. The lake
We did go to a lake, just not the lake I was planning to go to... but technically that still counts! Done!
3. Resort Campground
Nope, Hopefully next year!
4. Charleston, SC in the fall
I wish... This makes me so sad... NEXT YEAR!!!!
5. The fair
Yep! 3 days! Jonah actually just asked me this morning when we were going to the fair again!
5. Pay off debt
We did pay off some debt with our tax return, so I guess check? Wah!!
6. Make something to enter in the fair
Fail. Next year...
7. Make at least one quilt (not counting the ones I sell...)
Not yet...
8. Make Mallary some clothes (I have all these clothes to refurbish for her...)
I have started some things... but nothing done yet...
9. Finish some of my for fun sewing projects I have taking up space in my workroom.
Nope.
10. Finish some house projects (the list for that is way too long to put here...)
Definitely done some house projects... We killed the clover in our yard... I cleaned my workroom (it now needs to be cleaned again...)
11. Use up some fabric (I have 7 - 18 gallon totes of fabric, plus cabinets in my workroom full of fabric. I feel like a hoarder. My goal is to get it down to TWO - 18 gallon totes by the end of the year!!)
I am now down to SIX totes... I really don't think I'll get down to 2 before the end of the year... but maybe??????
12. Monthly temple attendance
Check!! Go us!
13. Repair my body
I have diastasis recti - a three finger separation. So, I have no core to support me, so I could really hurt myself... I have actually done some jogging. My main exercise is to suck in my core, hold it, release, repeat... Those big babies...
14. Pick strawberries.
Check!
15. Can strawberry lemonade concentrate.
Check!
16. Can strawberry jam - not just freezer jam
Check!
17. Pick and make and can grape juice.
Check!
18. Grow more basil to make pesto to freeze.
I TOTALLY grew more basil, but unfortunately didn't make as much pesto as I would have liked. But, I guess technically I can still say Check!
19. Pick Blackberries - FREEZE MORE!
We picked blackberries. (Technically John did.) But, we didn't pick more than last year. However, I found them on sale already frozen for the same price I pick them for and totally stocked up AND made and canned blackberry jam! Yum!! AND I made raspberry freezer jam too - and that wasn't even on my list!
20. Find more cherries to pick... Freeze? Can?
So, I found cherry orchards, but I found them too late in the season... So, I'm looking forward to next year!
21. Make and can apple butter
We just did this two weekends ago with my family!! We did it old school style in a big copper kettle over an open fire outdoors. So fun!
22. Host two nice dinner parties like we used to
I was going to do one for my birthday, but I didn't... I did host a house party dinner, but I don't count that as one of our nice dinner parties... Maybe we'll get to this?
23. Do better at remembering birthdays and sending notes in the mail
I stink at this. It's so sad. I did remember to get a card to my grandma and to my niece. So that's improvement I guess...
24. Catch up on my blogging
Nope!
Anyway here's my report of where I stand on my to do list...
1. The beach (AT LEAST TWICE!!)
FOUR TIMES!!! Four different beaches. At least I can say we did something on this list... Two day trips, One weekend Trip, and one full week trip. I honestly just want to move to the beach. A beach that doesn't have hurricanes....
2. The lake
We did go to a lake, just not the lake I was planning to go to... but technically that still counts! Done!
3. Resort Campground
Nope, Hopefully next year!
4. Charleston, SC in the fall
I wish... This makes me so sad... NEXT YEAR!!!!
5. The fair
Yep! 3 days! Jonah actually just asked me this morning when we were going to the fair again!
5. Pay off debt
We did pay off some debt with our tax return, so I guess check? Wah!!
6. Make something to enter in the fair
Fail. Next year...
7. Make at least one quilt (not counting the ones I sell...)
Not yet...
8. Make Mallary some clothes (I have all these clothes to refurbish for her...)
I have started some things... but nothing done yet...
9. Finish some of my for fun sewing projects I have taking up space in my workroom.
Nope.
10. Finish some house projects (the list for that is way too long to put here...)
Definitely done some house projects... We killed the clover in our yard... I cleaned my workroom (it now needs to be cleaned again...)
11. Use up some fabric (I have 7 - 18 gallon totes of fabric, plus cabinets in my workroom full of fabric. I feel like a hoarder. My goal is to get it down to TWO - 18 gallon totes by the end of the year!!)
I am now down to SIX totes... I really don't think I'll get down to 2 before the end of the year... but maybe??????
12. Monthly temple attendance
Check!! Go us!
13. Repair my body
I have diastasis recti - a three finger separation. So, I have no core to support me, so I could really hurt myself... I have actually done some jogging. My main exercise is to suck in my core, hold it, release, repeat... Those big babies...
14. Pick strawberries.
Check!
15. Can strawberry lemonade concentrate.
Check!
16. Can strawberry jam - not just freezer jam
Check!
17. Pick and make and can grape juice.
Check!
18. Grow more basil to make pesto to freeze.
I TOTALLY grew more basil, but unfortunately didn't make as much pesto as I would have liked. But, I guess technically I can still say Check!
19. Pick Blackberries - FREEZE MORE!
We picked blackberries. (Technically John did.) But, we didn't pick more than last year. However, I found them on sale already frozen for the same price I pick them for and totally stocked up AND made and canned blackberry jam! Yum!! AND I made raspberry freezer jam too - and that wasn't even on my list!
20. Find more cherries to pick... Freeze? Can?
So, I found cherry orchards, but I found them too late in the season... So, I'm looking forward to next year!
21. Make and can apple butter
We just did this two weekends ago with my family!! We did it old school style in a big copper kettle over an open fire outdoors. So fun!
22. Host two nice dinner parties like we used to
I was going to do one for my birthday, but I didn't... I did host a house party dinner, but I don't count that as one of our nice dinner parties... Maybe we'll get to this?
23. Do better at remembering birthdays and sending notes in the mail
I stink at this. It's so sad. I did remember to get a card to my grandma and to my niece. So that's improvement I guess...
24. Catch up on my blogging
Nope!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Revelations
1. My wrist has been hurting lately... I JUST figured out it's from holding my 20 pound (!) four month old with only that hand the other day.
2. I realized how horrible I must look in the mornings when I wait at the bus stop with Trevan when a neighbor who I stand with a few times a week at the bus stop saw me at an awards ceremony at the elementary school and walked right past me when I smiled at him. Then, when I saw him at the end, I smiled and said hi, and he TOTALLY DID NOT recognize me, and then you could see the light bulb switch on and he was his super friendly self with me and the other kids. Wow. I didn't realize I looked that bad without my hair brushed... I guess I clean up pretty good.
3. My son is always going to be the kid to fall through the cracks. I've always said that, and it keeps happening. SINCE KINDERGARTEN! On Friday, he was supposed to recieve the Principal's Award for having straight 4's (like straight A's) this past term, AND THEY DIDN'T CALL HIS NAME! I had my camera ready and everything (and I never take pictures at these things like every other parent there does) and when they only called one person from his class to step forward, I just couldn't stop shaking my head in frustration. I'm trying not to be mad about it, and I'm not going to call his teacher and complain and ask for his award, but I'm tired of it. I called John and told him that this is what we have to look forward to the rest of his public school life. You guys, I have had to catch stuff for his teachers since he has started school. Just last term he got a 3 in reading on his mid term report card. I emailed his teacher concerned and asked how he could have a 3 when he's over a grade ahead in reading and has perfect grades in his comprehension? She emailed back, "I'm sorry, my fault, you're right, I'll fix it." He's just going to be that kid. Trevan, I'm sorry.
4. I've decided I have seasonal affective disorder, just not during the season that most people have it. My allergies are just so bad it's depressing. I can't open my windows, I don't want to go anywhere because of the misery it causes. I can't take what really works for me because I'm nursing, and Benedryl only takes the edge off. I'm going to get relief in a few days (hopefully, now that most of the trees are in bloom), and then it's going to kick right back in during strawberry season in a few weeks, and then after strawberries die, I'll be done!! Another reason why I love summer so much, no allergies!!!
5. I think we just need to move to the beach. My kids ask every day if and when we are going. EVERY DAY, people.
6. I've JUST figured out that my body gives me anxiety. If there is anything wrong with it, it makes me worry and it stresses me out. Getting a filling in my tooth and a crown recently just about pushed me over the edge for a week... And, now it hurts to chew on the side that I've never had problems with. Seriously, you guys, just that little thing makes me have to fight the urge to go climb in bed and be depressed about it. I don't know how my mom did it; lived with cancer and her ailments so gracefully for so long. I really don't. I think I would make a horrible cancer patient, and that worries me.... I mean, I can't even get a filling without getting stressed out about it. I've got some issues!
7. Kids are expensive. I think I've mentioned that before, but you guys, I paid about 1,000 dollars in medical bills on Saturday that were just from the beginning of the year!!!!!!! That's 1,000 dollars that could be used to do a lot more fun things than go to the Dermatologist, use a Biliblanket, go to the doctor, etc. etc. etc.
8. Making new recipes is a type of therapy for me. I don't know why or how, but it helps keep me sane. I realized I mostly made new recipes for dinners this month and it was great! I also noticed the days the meal plan had a recipe listed that I had made before I had to talk myself into making it, and I wasn't very excited about it. Too funny.
9. I'm weird.
10. I need a vacation.
2. I realized how horrible I must look in the mornings when I wait at the bus stop with Trevan when a neighbor who I stand with a few times a week at the bus stop saw me at an awards ceremony at the elementary school and walked right past me when I smiled at him. Then, when I saw him at the end, I smiled and said hi, and he TOTALLY DID NOT recognize me, and then you could see the light bulb switch on and he was his super friendly self with me and the other kids. Wow. I didn't realize I looked that bad without my hair brushed... I guess I clean up pretty good.
3. My son is always going to be the kid to fall through the cracks. I've always said that, and it keeps happening. SINCE KINDERGARTEN! On Friday, he was supposed to recieve the Principal's Award for having straight 4's (like straight A's) this past term, AND THEY DIDN'T CALL HIS NAME! I had my camera ready and everything (and I never take pictures at these things like every other parent there does) and when they only called one person from his class to step forward, I just couldn't stop shaking my head in frustration. I'm trying not to be mad about it, and I'm not going to call his teacher and complain and ask for his award, but I'm tired of it. I called John and told him that this is what we have to look forward to the rest of his public school life. You guys, I have had to catch stuff for his teachers since he has started school. Just last term he got a 3 in reading on his mid term report card. I emailed his teacher concerned and asked how he could have a 3 when he's over a grade ahead in reading and has perfect grades in his comprehension? She emailed back, "I'm sorry, my fault, you're right, I'll fix it." He's just going to be that kid. Trevan, I'm sorry.
4. I've decided I have seasonal affective disorder, just not during the season that most people have it. My allergies are just so bad it's depressing. I can't open my windows, I don't want to go anywhere because of the misery it causes. I can't take what really works for me because I'm nursing, and Benedryl only takes the edge off. I'm going to get relief in a few days (hopefully, now that most of the trees are in bloom), and then it's going to kick right back in during strawberry season in a few weeks, and then after strawberries die, I'll be done!! Another reason why I love summer so much, no allergies!!!
5. I think we just need to move to the beach. My kids ask every day if and when we are going. EVERY DAY, people.
6. I've JUST figured out that my body gives me anxiety. If there is anything wrong with it, it makes me worry and it stresses me out. Getting a filling in my tooth and a crown recently just about pushed me over the edge for a week... And, now it hurts to chew on the side that I've never had problems with. Seriously, you guys, just that little thing makes me have to fight the urge to go climb in bed and be depressed about it. I don't know how my mom did it; lived with cancer and her ailments so gracefully for so long. I really don't. I think I would make a horrible cancer patient, and that worries me.... I mean, I can't even get a filling without getting stressed out about it. I've got some issues!
7. Kids are expensive. I think I've mentioned that before, but you guys, I paid about 1,000 dollars in medical bills on Saturday that were just from the beginning of the year!!!!!!! That's 1,000 dollars that could be used to do a lot more fun things than go to the Dermatologist, use a Biliblanket, go to the doctor, etc. etc. etc.
8. Making new recipes is a type of therapy for me. I don't know why or how, but it helps keep me sane. I realized I mostly made new recipes for dinners this month and it was great! I also noticed the days the meal plan had a recipe listed that I had made before I had to talk myself into making it, and I wasn't very excited about it. Too funny.
9. I'm weird.
10. I need a vacation.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
At the beach today
I went to the beach today in
Ft. Myers, Florida. I lounged on
a chair in the fine, white sand. The sun
was super bright and warm overhead. I was enjoying
listening to someone’s radio down the beach or
maybe it was coming from the pool.
Then, a tear involuntarily slid from my eye bringing me back
to the present. I was reclined in a
dentist’s chair. The sun was actually the
bright light overhead, illuminating my small mouth for the Dentist to see. I fought hard to go back to Florida.
I was able to get back, now sitting closer to the surf
digging for clams. I could feel the sand
in between my fingers and toes. A wave
would break forcing water to reach me, and I’d watch the clams dig their way
back beneath the sand. It’s August and
the water is warmer than bath water. No good
waves unfortunately, that’s what you get when you are in the gulf. I’m back in the lounge chair enjoying the view
of the ocean and sky; like I was on the edge of the earth.
My hands were shaking.
The tear still frozen in place on my cheek; refusing to drop lower
beneath the shaded glasses they gave me to wear as if not wanting to be
exposed. I knew if I didn’t get back to
the beach I just might lose it. I could feel
the anxiety rising. My mouth started
trembling.
I found myself ducking under a wave. Then another.
I was now in the
Outerbanks. Now, I’m riding a wave. Now, I’m under the umbrella enjoying the shade. I was really struggling to stay there… I couldn’t stay focused on one spot. I was all over that beach.
All that hypno birthing practice was good for something I
guess. It didn’t work for labor, but that’s
how I cope with the dentist. Our bodies
are pretty crazy. I wasn’t in pain at
the dentist today, but painful visits eight years ago have left a pretty bad
impact on my psyche. If I let myself
think too much about it while sitting in that dentist chair, it’s like my
subconscious just takes over. I shake,
tears start to fall. I picture myself getting out of the chair. I picture myself asking them to get their
hands out of my mouth, or picturing myself having to control my breathing or
something like a full-fledged panic attack.
Not even kidding. It’s never
gotten that bad, but I think if I let myself it would totally go there… The hypno birthing cd I fell asleep to almost
every night when I was pregnant with Trevan at least helps me with the dentist. It basically just has you focus on something
else, or puts yourself in a different place. I wonder if there is a thing called hypno parenting
where you can just tune out all the annoying things that you have to deal with
as a parent. I guess that would be
called drugs. Just say no to those, how
about a safe hypo parenting option? That’s
probably reading or something. Anyhoo… Tangent.
Today, I got a cavity filled and a crown. Not the pretty, sparkly, tiara kind of crown
either. The Novocain, drilling,
impression, 2 hours in a dentist chair, $400 kind of crown. This year, I’ve had a bad abscess, gone to the
dentist, gone to another dentist for a root canal, been on antibiotics twice, back
to the dentist today, and then back in a little over a week. I get so much anxiety leading up to these
visits, guys. Oh my goodness. I literally have to force myself not to go
there (to an anxious, crazy place) in my head.
It so stresses me out!!
You guys, put me in the hospital to have a baby, but send me
to the dentist???? I just can’t handle
it. This only started 8 years ago, when
I went to the dentist after having Trevan and I had like 12 cavities after never having any! It was a nightmare. At the end of it, I can guarantee that that
dentist did not like me either. He complained
about my mouth being too small, and how I couldn’t possibly feel what I just said
I felt. I would leave that office
and just cry.
Kind of like today.
But, part of that was because I had to spend $400 on a tooth! Not on something fun like shoes, a new yard, or
like, a trip to the beach in real life!
Oh well, I'll go back and visit Ft. Myers again in
about a week…. I'll just keep telling myself that...
Friday, April 12, 2013
4/12/13
1. Today I realized that I know I'm having a super bad day if I don't feel like cooking...
2. Today I babysat two little boys. When John left to drive them home this evening, I thought about keeping them and sending two of my own in their place. I wonder if the parents would have noticed...
3. I'm sorry, I don't feel guilty for saying this, and I don't care if you think less of me for saying it; sometimes I don't like my kids very much. Somewhere after the twentieth time of asking them to do something and they still haven't done it, the liking wears off a little bit...
4. After arguing with Trevan about his homework this morning, (because every eight year old knows how to spell, write number sentances and summaries better than their parents) I gave up, went upstairs, flopped on my bed and made googly eyes at Everett. John came in the room...
John: Do you want me to change Everett's diaper?
Me: No, I want you to change my life.
He laughed.
#stayathomemomprobs
;)
2. Today I babysat two little boys. When John left to drive them home this evening, I thought about keeping them and sending two of my own in their place. I wonder if the parents would have noticed...
3. I'm sorry, I don't feel guilty for saying this, and I don't care if you think less of me for saying it; sometimes I don't like my kids very much. Somewhere after the twentieth time of asking them to do something and they still haven't done it, the liking wears off a little bit...
4. After arguing with Trevan about his homework this morning, (because every eight year old knows how to spell, write number sentances and summaries better than their parents) I gave up, went upstairs, flopped on my bed and made googly eyes at Everett. John came in the room...
John: Do you want me to change Everett's diaper?
Me: No, I want you to change my life.
He laughed.
#stayathomemomprobs
;)
Monday, March 18, 2013
2013 TO DO LIST
I wouldn't say I have resolutions, but every year I have a to do list that hangs out in my head all year... This year, I'm inspired by my friend, Jen, to put them on my blog and then report on them monthly. That makes them more likely to be achieved, right?
Oh my goodness... I just asked John what was on our to do list and he said...
1. Make lots of money.
2. Have another kid.
I was like, "What??!! Are you for real?" He said it with a straight face, guys... But, he was kidding. I thought my husband was crazy there for a minute! Always good for a laugh that one...
The real list:
1. The beach (AT LEAST TWICE!!)
2. The lake
3. Resort Campground
4. Charleston, SC in the fall
5. The fair
5. Pay off debt
6. Make something to enter in the fair
7. Make at least one quilt (not counting the ones I sell...)
8. Make Mallary some clothes (I have all these clothes to refurbish for her...)
9. Finish some of my for fun sewing projects I have taking up space in my workroom.
10. Finish some house projects (the list for that is way too long to put here...)
11. Use up some fabric (I have 7 - 18 gallon totes of fabric, plus cabinets in my workroom full of fabric. I feel like a hoarder. My goal is to get it down to TWO - 18 gallon totes by the end of the year!!)
12. Monthly temple attendance
13. Repair my body
14. Pick strawberries.
15. Can strawberry lemonade concentrate.
16. Can strawberry jam - not just freezer jam
17. Pick and make and can grape juice.
18. Grow more basil to make pesto to freeze.
19. Pick Blackberries - FREEZE MORE!
20. Find more cherries to pick... Freeze? Can?
21. Make and can apple butter
22. Host two nice dinner parties like we used to
23. Do better at remembering birthdays and sending notes in the mail
24. Catch up on my blogging
Looks like we might have to make lots of money like John said to do some of our to do list... :)
Oh my goodness... I just asked John what was on our to do list and he said...
1. Make lots of money.
2. Have another kid.
I was like, "What??!! Are you for real?" He said it with a straight face, guys... But, he was kidding. I thought my husband was crazy there for a minute! Always good for a laugh that one...
The real list:
1. The beach (AT LEAST TWICE!!)
2. The lake
3. Resort Campground
4. Charleston, SC in the fall
5. The fair
5. Pay off debt
6. Make something to enter in the fair
7. Make at least one quilt (not counting the ones I sell...)
8. Make Mallary some clothes (I have all these clothes to refurbish for her...)
9. Finish some of my for fun sewing projects I have taking up space in my workroom.
10. Finish some house projects (the list for that is way too long to put here...)
11. Use up some fabric (I have 7 - 18 gallon totes of fabric, plus cabinets in my workroom full of fabric. I feel like a hoarder. My goal is to get it down to TWO - 18 gallon totes by the end of the year!!)
12. Monthly temple attendance
13. Repair my body
14. Pick strawberries.
15. Can strawberry lemonade concentrate.
16. Can strawberry jam - not just freezer jam
17. Pick and make and can grape juice.
18. Grow more basil to make pesto to freeze.
19. Pick Blackberries - FREEZE MORE!
20. Find more cherries to pick... Freeze? Can?
21. Make and can apple butter
22. Host two nice dinner parties like we used to
23. Do better at remembering birthdays and sending notes in the mail
24. Catch up on my blogging
Looks like we might have to make lots of money like John said to do some of our to do list... :)
Friday, March 15, 2013
#hashtags #craycray #imsonotcool
Let's talk about hash tags...
Have we really thought about these things?
To me, they are just going to be like booties/shoeties and I'm never going to understand them. I know everyone else loves them, but I'm just not cool enough.
Kind of like when my niece lived with us and everything had an abbreviation. I started saying
'probs' for probably, and 'cray cray' for crazy. I mean, it was just cray cray. If I were to use hashtags it would be:
#craycrayintheneighneigh
Translation - crazy in the neighborhood.
I found that very difficult up there, I kept wanting to put spaces in between all the words. Is that a hash taggers beginner troubles? #hashtagprobs
I think whoever invented the use of hashtags was some computer programmer that failed English in high school...
He or she was just confused...
Does a period go at the end of a sentance? No, I think the beginning. Wait, is it a period or a pound sign? Oh yeah, I think it's a pound sign. I think we should call it a hash tag instead of a pound sign, that sounds cooler.
Okay, I get it. Hash tags started with tweeters, but they are spilling out into everyday lives people. I know hash taggers have to use hash tags in their thoughts, because I did the other day and I've never written a hash tag in my life. That one above, my first hash tag. But, maybe because it wasn't used on Twitter or Instagram it doesn't count. So, I'm still a hash tag virgin I guess.
Yesterday, I built an awesome train track for Jonah, and for reals thought to myself... "If I had a smartphone I would take a picture of this and under it put, #bestmomever #motheroftheyear etc. etc. (Seriously, people how do you resist putting spaces in between your words? That was so hard!) But, I don't have a smart phone. I have a phone, I kid you not, that I saw last week in a random documentary based in a third world country where a kid IN THIS THIRD WORLD COUNTRY was using the same cell phone I use! If it hadn't been so late I would have called some of my friends to tell them my phone was kind of a celebrity. They make fun of my phone. Obviously they have a reason to.
I know, I know, hash tags are search tools, it also helps people find you, think you are funny/clever/whatever and then they will follow you. Why do we need to be followed again?
Have you heard of 'The Five Love Languages" book? In it, you can take a test to see what your love language is, well I didn't get a single point for affirmations. I guess I don't need praise. My sister scored the same in that. We joke that we already know how cool/awesome we are so we don't need people to tell us. In fact it makes me kind of uncomfortable when someone does hand it out. Is that weird? So, when I'm saying 'No, stop.' I'm not just saying that and really am fishing for compliments, I really want you to stop because it's making me uncomfortable. So maybe that's why I don't get the whole I want 5,000 people following me concept of twitter and hash tags? Good thing I wouldn't care about people following me, because this post shows I am not cool and would have no followers. I guess I'm okay with that.
Though, I'm not going to lie, there's some pretty funny tweeters out there.
But, seriously have you really thought about how hash tagging is so trendy now? I think it's becoming a little out of control. I've seen some hash tags where literally the person has written a paragraph but just used incomplete sentences and hash tags instead of periods.
I just had a fabulous idea... I actually think it would be a fun party game to spend the evening just talking in hash tags! A hash tag party! Who's in??
Have we really thought about these things?
To me, they are just going to be like booties/shoeties and I'm never going to understand them. I know everyone else loves them, but I'm just not cool enough.
Kind of like when my niece lived with us and everything had an abbreviation. I started saying
'probs' for probably, and 'cray cray' for crazy. I mean, it was just cray cray. If I were to use hashtags it would be:
#craycrayintheneighneigh
Translation - crazy in the neighborhood.
I found that very difficult up there, I kept wanting to put spaces in between all the words. Is that a hash taggers beginner troubles? #hashtagprobs
I think whoever invented the use of hashtags was some computer programmer that failed English in high school...
He or she was just confused...
Does a period go at the end of a sentance? No, I think the beginning. Wait, is it a period or a pound sign? Oh yeah, I think it's a pound sign. I think we should call it a hash tag instead of a pound sign, that sounds cooler.
Okay, I get it. Hash tags started with tweeters, but they are spilling out into everyday lives people. I know hash taggers have to use hash tags in their thoughts, because I did the other day and I've never written a hash tag in my life. That one above, my first hash tag. But, maybe because it wasn't used on Twitter or Instagram it doesn't count. So, I'm still a hash tag virgin I guess.
Yesterday, I built an awesome train track for Jonah, and for reals thought to myself... "If I had a smartphone I would take a picture of this and under it put, #bestmomever #motheroftheyear etc. etc. (Seriously, people how do you resist putting spaces in between your words? That was so hard!) But, I don't have a smart phone. I have a phone, I kid you not, that I saw last week in a random documentary based in a third world country where a kid IN THIS THIRD WORLD COUNTRY was using the same cell phone I use! If it hadn't been so late I would have called some of my friends to tell them my phone was kind of a celebrity. They make fun of my phone. Obviously they have a reason to.
I know, I know, hash tags are search tools, it also helps people find you, think you are funny/clever/whatever and then they will follow you. Why do we need to be followed again?
Have you heard of 'The Five Love Languages" book? In it, you can take a test to see what your love language is, well I didn't get a single point for affirmations. I guess I don't need praise. My sister scored the same in that. We joke that we already know how cool/awesome we are so we don't need people to tell us. In fact it makes me kind of uncomfortable when someone does hand it out. Is that weird? So, when I'm saying 'No, stop.' I'm not just saying that and really am fishing for compliments, I really want you to stop because it's making me uncomfortable. So maybe that's why I don't get the whole I want 5,000 people following me concept of twitter and hash tags? Good thing I wouldn't care about people following me, because this post shows I am not cool and would have no followers. I guess I'm okay with that.
Though, I'm not going to lie, there's some pretty funny tweeters out there.
But, seriously have you really thought about how hash tagging is so trendy now? I think it's becoming a little out of control. I've seen some hash tags where literally the person has written a paragraph but just used incomplete sentences and hash tags instead of periods.
I just had a fabulous idea... I actually think it would be a fun party game to spend the evening just talking in hash tags! A hash tag party! Who's in??
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Hangin' with my homies...
"Homegirl needs a haircut."
"Homeboy needs a new diaper."
"After Homeboy's soccer practice."
This is the kind of talk that goes on in my head. I now refer to my kids as homegirl or homeboy. I haven't used those terms since maybe college or something?? But, now, on a daily basis, in my head, I refer to my kids not by their names but by homegirl or homeboy.
The other day I figured it out.
I can't remember my children's names, or I go through the list, "Jonah, Everett, Trevan..." way too often so my subconscious figured out by itself that Homegirl or Homeboy would just be easier.
I have yet to say it outloud, except maybe once when talking to John about one of our kids.
It's just too funny.
Hopefully, it won't get so bad that when I introduce my kids to people I say, "and this is Homegirl... I mean Mallary."
"Homeboy needs a new diaper."
"After Homeboy's soccer practice."
This is the kind of talk that goes on in my head. I now refer to my kids as homegirl or homeboy. I haven't used those terms since maybe college or something?? But, now, on a daily basis, in my head, I refer to my kids not by their names but by homegirl or homeboy.
The other day I figured it out.
I can't remember my children's names, or I go through the list, "Jonah, Everett, Trevan..." way too often so my subconscious figured out by itself that Homegirl or Homeboy would just be easier.
I have yet to say it outloud, except maybe once when talking to John about one of our kids.
It's just too funny.
Hopefully, it won't get so bad that when I introduce my kids to people I say, "and this is Homegirl... I mean Mallary."
Monday, February 25, 2013
BFF'S Baby Shower
In November 2011 I went to Utah to throw a shower for Becky. I did visit my brother a little bit while I was there as well. I really didn't take very many pictures while I was there. I stayed busy helping Becky sew her twins crib quilts, bumpers, etc. with her mom. We were a little sweat shop, but it was so fun, and I was glad I could help!! It was so fun to be there and visit and to celebrate her babies coming!!!!
The only pictures are from her shower posted HERE.
Here is the other thing that I remember about this trip:
So, I left John and the kids at home, and normally I have no problem with that, and I don't really miss them. But, Trevan got sick while I was gone. He was really sick, and then one day while talking to John I figured out that John had not given him any Tylenol or anything and Trevan had a fever and didn't feel good. I totally cried thinking about my son being so miserable and I wasn't there to take care of him, and I was also totally mad at John for not going to the store to get something for him!! When I got home Trevan was still so pale from being sick. It's probably one of the few times where I was glad to be going home so I could love on him. (I like to travel, and I like taking breaks from being a mom sometimes too...I am not always excited about going home and getting back to reality.)
I was so glad to go and visit Becky and Chris and to be there to celebrate the twins coming! And it was fun to be there with her parents too!!
Loved it!!
 |
| John and I loved these jammies we got for Asher! |
Here is the other thing that I remember about this trip:
So, I left John and the kids at home, and normally I have no problem with that, and I don't really miss them. But, Trevan got sick while I was gone. He was really sick, and then one day while talking to John I figured out that John had not given him any Tylenol or anything and Trevan had a fever and didn't feel good. I totally cried thinking about my son being so miserable and I wasn't there to take care of him, and I was also totally mad at John for not going to the store to get something for him!! When I got home Trevan was still so pale from being sick. It's probably one of the few times where I was glad to be going home so I could love on him. (I like to travel, and I like taking breaks from being a mom sometimes too...I am not always excited about going home and getting back to reality.)
I was so glad to go and visit Becky and Chris and to be there to celebrate the twins coming! And it was fun to be there with her parents too!!
Loved it!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Up and at 'em
There was this period of time when I was in high school that I thought sleep was stupid. "Think of all we could get done if we didn't have to sleep!" That was my mentality. Some may say, I have spent a large part of my lifetime trying to prove that theory...
But, seriously. Think about it...
Last night my two month old baby slept 6.5 hours!!! Really!! What's even more miraculous than that you ask? No, really, definitely more miraculous... I went to bed when he did!!! 10:30 PM!!
It pains me to go to bed that early. However, I am in so much pain (teeth issues) I decided that going to bed and not feeling the pain would be better than staying up and watching nothing on TV.
I mean, really, lately I fall asleep on the couch at about 10:30 most nights anyway and wake up between 1 and 2 AM and go to bed. I'm mourning the loss of my late night hours... I'm guessing they'll return after my baby gets on a more regular schedule???
However, this morning after feeding Everett, I literally rolled out of bed (which takes a lot of core muscles to do quietly in case you are wondering, because I felt them and there aren't really any there...) and sorted the laundry to do today (10 loads), made my grocery list for the week after perusing three grocery store ads online, visited facebook, checked my email, (and blogged) all before 6:30 AM.
I am totally going to rock this day!
I guess getting up early still gives me the quiet time I get at night after the kids go to bed, not as much, but I love getting started early in the morning too! How awesome if our bodies only needed like three hours of sleep, while our kids still needed a lot?!?!?!?!
Gotta go! I hear the baby crying, and John's alarm clock. John's alarm clock woke up Everett, but it isn't waking up John!
Have a good day!!!
But, seriously. Think about it...
Last night my two month old baby slept 6.5 hours!!! Really!! What's even more miraculous than that you ask? No, really, definitely more miraculous... I went to bed when he did!!! 10:30 PM!!
It pains me to go to bed that early. However, I am in so much pain (teeth issues) I decided that going to bed and not feeling the pain would be better than staying up and watching nothing on TV.
I mean, really, lately I fall asleep on the couch at about 10:30 most nights anyway and wake up between 1 and 2 AM and go to bed. I'm mourning the loss of my late night hours... I'm guessing they'll return after my baby gets on a more regular schedule???
However, this morning after feeding Everett, I literally rolled out of bed (which takes a lot of core muscles to do quietly in case you are wondering, because I felt them and there aren't really any there...) and sorted the laundry to do today (10 loads), made my grocery list for the week after perusing three grocery store ads online, visited facebook, checked my email, (and blogged) all before 6:30 AM.
I am totally going to rock this day!
I guess getting up early still gives me the quiet time I get at night after the kids go to bed, not as much, but I love getting started early in the morning too! How awesome if our bodies only needed like three hours of sleep, while our kids still needed a lot?!?!?!?!
Gotta go! I hear the baby crying, and John's alarm clock. John's alarm clock woke up Everett, but it isn't waking up John!
Have a good day!!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
More August 2011
 |
| Looks like Daddy bought some ice cream! |
John's work has a box at the local minor league team - he had tickets and we went to a game!
 |
| The kids loved the peanuts |
 |
| Going to a baseball game has become a summer tradition |
Beach Trip - August 2011
We went away for the weekend and reserved a room through Priceline (which I had never done before) and show up and it is a smoking room! They were completely booked even though I had requested a no smoking room, I guess with Priceline you have to call and request it still.
John went and bought some Lysol and we soaked down the room with it!! (cough, cough... ick!)
We managed to have fun still!
The next day while I met with the owner of a store that sells some of my products, John spent the morning in the pool with the kids, then when I was finished we had a little snack before heading to the beach.
While Jonah napped, I rode some waves!
We love the beach!!! It's always so sad to leave after stuffing ourselves at a seafood buffet of course!
John went and bought some Lysol and we soaked down the room with it!! (cough, cough... ick!)
We managed to have fun still!
I'm no photographer, but that night I tried to get some pictures of the kids. I think I'll do a whole post on the funny pictures I got... These two were the best:
The next day while I met with the owner of a store that sells some of my products, John spent the morning in the pool with the kids, then when I was finished we had a little snack before heading to the beach.
 |
| Miss independent putting on her own sunblock! |
While Jonah napped, I rode some waves!
 |
| Trevan fighting the water |
We love the beach!!! It's always so sad to leave after stuffing ourselves at a seafood buffet of course!
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