Fun at the Pond
Micah by the pond
Teeter-totter fun
Wynter
Micah in the pond
Lincoln likes to point
Lincoln and his leaf-he carried it around for about 30 minutes at the park
Lincoln and Daddy by the pond
Friday, July 2, 2010
Some Pictures
Fun at the Pond
Micah by the pond
Teeter-totter fun
Wynter
Micah in the pond
Lincoln likes to point
Lincoln and his leaf-he carried it around for about 30 minutes at the park
Lincoln and Daddy by the pond
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I'm Just Rambling Today...
Disclaimer: This post is purely my opinion. I am not advising anyone to do anything. I am simply writing about how I'm feeling and some of the thoughts that have come to me. Please do not take offense if anything I've written seems judgemental of your circumstances. Read at your own risk!! (LOL) It's also very long, you may want to go to the bathroom first...
Due to the present circumstances, I've had to take a closer look at my life and I've realized that I need to make changes. Finances are tight, but when I scurry about trying to find a job, I believe it shows my lack of faith in my Heavenly Father, as well as a lack of faith in John. I know that Heavenly Father's plan is for husbands to provide and wives to care for their children. So, I need to trust in Him and John. I think I undermine John and it shows lack of confidence in him when I try to fix those things that aren't mine to fix.
I've also realized what IS in my realm of control. That is, HOW and HOW MUCH money is spent. If being at home with my kids is the goal, then it makes how I spend money rather easy. It is time to cancel cable again, and perhaps the internet. (Although John checks on the workforce services website daily for job leads.) It's time to forego the little things that add up, such as diet Coke and renting movies. But I'm actually really okay with it. Nothing is more important to me than raising my own kids.
Today, Mark was asking for a cell phone. Honestly, it irks me that his friends have cell phones because then he believes he needs one. So, I was very frank with him. I told him that I could go get a job so that he could have "stuff", but that I prefer being at home with him and his siblings. He apologized and told me he loved me. (Priceless.)
We definitely live in the time of "me." I've been sucked into the false ideas of these times. Supposedly, women can "have it all." I say, "I don't think so." It's about choices. I choose to be a mom. There was a time, when I was a single mom, that I had to work and attend school. I feel like, because those circumstances weren't under my control, Heavenly Father helped me out and Mark and Savannah came through that time alright. But now that I've got a helpmeet, things have changed. When my kids are grown up and gone, things will change again.
I've realized that although I am a great multi-tasker when it comes to piggy-backing household chores, I am not so good at it when it comes to more important things in life. I have decided that instead of doing things all at once, I have to do them one at a time. For example, I am no good at working and raising kids. Nor am I any good at attending school and raising kids. One or the other suffers. Since being remarried, I have attempted working a couple of times and attempted going back to school 3 or 4 times. But each time, my kids paid the price of having less of me, and when they got me, I was very stressed. More power to moms out there who can do more than one thing, but I can't. My kids suffer too much, and it's not okay with me. School can wait. I can go to school anytime, and I'm okay with that. Raising my kids is NOW, it can't wait. This is their time.
My husband is such a good example of not living his life for himself. If he were to have the job of his dreams, he wouldn't be able to support us, but he'd be having the time of his life. He works in a field that is not his first choice. The job is a means to an end. He doesn't live for his job, he lives for us. Where does it say that we have to have a job that we love? My husband is responsible. He goes to work so that he can take care of us. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having a job you love, but it absolutely is not necessary.
For me, my life is about my family. It is about hard work. I think that I got pretty comfortable and careless. I began to buy into the notion that having things would make me happy. I would gladly give up any and all material possessions to be home with my kids. The situation that we are in isn't entirely our fault, but certainly, I can take a good look and see where our responsibility lies.
I guess, in a way, that I am glad for this hard time. It has most definitely given me perspective. It makes me realize how much I need to simplify my life. We are having a big yard sale soon, not only to earn some much needed money, but to get rid of excess. More is not better. Eliminating cable will be welcomed by me. We've gone through periods without it during our marriage and, looking back, I can see that those times were much better times. It is a distraction.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day. We talked about distractions. It really got me thinking. I think that one of the best tools Satan has for destroying individuals and the family is getting them to be distracted. There is television, the internet, iphones and ipads, clothing fads, food trends, magazines, books, music, activities, and more, that can take so much of our time and devotion, that we don't have time for the BEST things to fit into our lives. This is so true in the case of my family. We read scriptures together tonight for the first time in months and I knew that what we were doing was right. I've been missing that, WE'VE being missing that in our lives. And I've been thinking about what else we've been missing.
In primary, we've been talking a lot about hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. How can we hear Him when we are so distracted? How are those teaching moments with my children going to happen if we are glued to the tv, not even interacting with each other? It can't happen. I can see in my children that they seem to have the need to be entertained. I can see that I need to be a better example. We need to have quiet. We need unscheduled time. During undistracted, quiet time is when magical, wonderful moments happen.
For awhile, I felt such guilt because we haven't been able to have all of our kids involved in some extracurricular activity. I felt that maybe somehow we were limiting their ability to develop talents. I see moms dragging their kids to this lesson, or this game, or this class and I would wonder if I was somehow short-changing my children. But, I've since realized that I am not. Talents come in many forms.
I know that the choices I make are not popular. Having a big family is not the norm. Over the internet, I have met others who are like-minded and some who have much larger families than mine. I am so glad to have found these kindred spirits who understand why we've chosen to invest in family and not in things. When life gets tough, and sometimes quite unbearable, I remind myself that family is the only thing that you can take with you, besides your own experience and knowledge, when you leave this life. To be quite honest, just as some may look at me and wonder why I would want 6 (or more) children, I look at those with 1 or 2 and wonder why they would only want that many. I don't know their circumstances and I really shouldn't wonder, but I do.
Today, I have been bombarded with many thoughts (can you tell?). I am so glad that I have a Heavenly Father who is aware of me and who, I believe, whispers to me through the Holy Ghost these nuggets of truth and thought. I don't have it all figured out. I'm still really scared about our future and my faith is somewhat shaky, but I know that if I stand firm and do what is right, everything will work out somehow.
Due to the present circumstances, I've had to take a closer look at my life and I've realized that I need to make changes. Finances are tight, but when I scurry about trying to find a job, I believe it shows my lack of faith in my Heavenly Father, as well as a lack of faith in John. I know that Heavenly Father's plan is for husbands to provide and wives to care for their children. So, I need to trust in Him and John. I think I undermine John and it shows lack of confidence in him when I try to fix those things that aren't mine to fix.
I've also realized what IS in my realm of control. That is, HOW and HOW MUCH money is spent. If being at home with my kids is the goal, then it makes how I spend money rather easy. It is time to cancel cable again, and perhaps the internet. (Although John checks on the workforce services website daily for job leads.) It's time to forego the little things that add up, such as diet Coke and renting movies. But I'm actually really okay with it. Nothing is more important to me than raising my own kids.
Today, Mark was asking for a cell phone. Honestly, it irks me that his friends have cell phones because then he believes he needs one. So, I was very frank with him. I told him that I could go get a job so that he could have "stuff", but that I prefer being at home with him and his siblings. He apologized and told me he loved me. (Priceless.)
We definitely live in the time of "me." I've been sucked into the false ideas of these times. Supposedly, women can "have it all." I say, "I don't think so." It's about choices. I choose to be a mom. There was a time, when I was a single mom, that I had to work and attend school. I feel like, because those circumstances weren't under my control, Heavenly Father helped me out and Mark and Savannah came through that time alright. But now that I've got a helpmeet, things have changed. When my kids are grown up and gone, things will change again.
I've realized that although I am a great multi-tasker when it comes to piggy-backing household chores, I am not so good at it when it comes to more important things in life. I have decided that instead of doing things all at once, I have to do them one at a time. For example, I am no good at working and raising kids. Nor am I any good at attending school and raising kids. One or the other suffers. Since being remarried, I have attempted working a couple of times and attempted going back to school 3 or 4 times. But each time, my kids paid the price of having less of me, and when they got me, I was very stressed. More power to moms out there who can do more than one thing, but I can't. My kids suffer too much, and it's not okay with me. School can wait. I can go to school anytime, and I'm okay with that. Raising my kids is NOW, it can't wait. This is their time.
My husband is such a good example of not living his life for himself. If he were to have the job of his dreams, he wouldn't be able to support us, but he'd be having the time of his life. He works in a field that is not his first choice. The job is a means to an end. He doesn't live for his job, he lives for us. Where does it say that we have to have a job that we love? My husband is responsible. He goes to work so that he can take care of us. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having a job you love, but it absolutely is not necessary.
For me, my life is about my family. It is about hard work. I think that I got pretty comfortable and careless. I began to buy into the notion that having things would make me happy. I would gladly give up any and all material possessions to be home with my kids. The situation that we are in isn't entirely our fault, but certainly, I can take a good look and see where our responsibility lies.
I guess, in a way, that I am glad for this hard time. It has most definitely given me perspective. It makes me realize how much I need to simplify my life. We are having a big yard sale soon, not only to earn some much needed money, but to get rid of excess. More is not better. Eliminating cable will be welcomed by me. We've gone through periods without it during our marriage and, looking back, I can see that those times were much better times. It is a distraction.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day. We talked about distractions. It really got me thinking. I think that one of the best tools Satan has for destroying individuals and the family is getting them to be distracted. There is television, the internet, iphones and ipads, clothing fads, food trends, magazines, books, music, activities, and more, that can take so much of our time and devotion, that we don't have time for the BEST things to fit into our lives. This is so true in the case of my family. We read scriptures together tonight for the first time in months and I knew that what we were doing was right. I've been missing that, WE'VE being missing that in our lives. And I've been thinking about what else we've been missing.
In primary, we've been talking a lot about hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. How can we hear Him when we are so distracted? How are those teaching moments with my children going to happen if we are glued to the tv, not even interacting with each other? It can't happen. I can see in my children that they seem to have the need to be entertained. I can see that I need to be a better example. We need to have quiet. We need unscheduled time. During undistracted, quiet time is when magical, wonderful moments happen.
For awhile, I felt such guilt because we haven't been able to have all of our kids involved in some extracurricular activity. I felt that maybe somehow we were limiting their ability to develop talents. I see moms dragging their kids to this lesson, or this game, or this class and I would wonder if I was somehow short-changing my children. But, I've since realized that I am not. Talents come in many forms.
I know that the choices I make are not popular. Having a big family is not the norm. Over the internet, I have met others who are like-minded and some who have much larger families than mine. I am so glad to have found these kindred spirits who understand why we've chosen to invest in family and not in things. When life gets tough, and sometimes quite unbearable, I remind myself that family is the only thing that you can take with you, besides your own experience and knowledge, when you leave this life. To be quite honest, just as some may look at me and wonder why I would want 6 (or more) children, I look at those with 1 or 2 and wonder why they would only want that many. I don't know their circumstances and I really shouldn't wonder, but I do.
Today, I have been bombarded with many thoughts (can you tell?). I am so glad that I have a Heavenly Father who is aware of me and who, I believe, whispers to me through the Holy Ghost these nuggets of truth and thought. I don't have it all figured out. I'm still really scared about our future and my faith is somewhat shaky, but I know that if I stand firm and do what is right, everything will work out somehow.
Much Needed Time, After Much Needed Work
Starting about 6 or 7 weeks ago, John has been able to work overtime nearly every weekend. It has been a much needed blessing! But, with those long hours comes a lot of longing for him by me and the kids. We really miss him. So, this weekend, we spent a lot of time together and we had loads of fun.
Friday night after dinner, we "did fireworks." This consisted of some poppits and sparklers. Then, John and the 3 (Wynter, Hunter and Micah), slept out on the trampoline while Mark and his friend, Max, slept up in the treehouse. Savannah, Lincoln and I slept indoors. Hey, I'm no dummy--or maybe I'm just not adventerous; Lincoln is a baby; and Savannah? Well, she had no place to sleep, so decided to stay inside. The kids thought it was great. As for John? Uh, not so much. He was the only one without bug spray on and had to swat a few mosquitos during the night. The kids laughed at him in the morning when they discovered 2 smashed mosquitos on his forehead.
Saturday, John and I went on a quick date and then, when we got back, decided to have a family activity. We loaded into the suburban and headed to Provo Canyon where we parked and walked to Bridal Veil Falls. We took our shoes off and some of us just sat by the water with our feet dangling, while others (Wynter and Micah) decided to try to climb up the waterfall. Micah didn't make it too far, but Wynter did and we had to call her back. I didn't take my camera (darn it!) so I have no photos. But, let the record show, it was a success. No one complained! Then we came home and had some corn on the cob and watermelon for dinner and it was surprisingly filling!
Then on Sunday, after church (which gets out at 4pm), we had a simple dinner of sandwiches. Then we followed tradition and watched "Funniest Home Videos" together. We had rented "Where the Red Fern Grows" and watched that as a family while eating popcorn that I had popped on the stove (another tradition). Yum-o! My mom had purchased some ginormous marshmallows for us and we decided to toast (and burn) them over the grill outside. The kids had so much fun doing this. We then used the rest of our poppits and sparklers.
Once kids were bathed and all were in bed, John and I talked about what a great day and weekend it had been. We didn't do anything really fancy or expensive, but the time we spent together was priceless! I am so glad we had this weekend to be together and replenish the feelings of love and togetherness that we had been missing. I love my family!
Friday night after dinner, we "did fireworks." This consisted of some poppits and sparklers. Then, John and the 3 (Wynter, Hunter and Micah), slept out on the trampoline while Mark and his friend, Max, slept up in the treehouse. Savannah, Lincoln and I slept indoors. Hey, I'm no dummy--or maybe I'm just not adventerous; Lincoln is a baby; and Savannah? Well, she had no place to sleep, so decided to stay inside. The kids thought it was great. As for John? Uh, not so much. He was the only one without bug spray on and had to swat a few mosquitos during the night. The kids laughed at him in the morning when they discovered 2 smashed mosquitos on his forehead.
Saturday, John and I went on a quick date and then, when we got back, decided to have a family activity. We loaded into the suburban and headed to Provo Canyon where we parked and walked to Bridal Veil Falls. We took our shoes off and some of us just sat by the water with our feet dangling, while others (Wynter and Micah) decided to try to climb up the waterfall. Micah didn't make it too far, but Wynter did and we had to call her back. I didn't take my camera (darn it!) so I have no photos. But, let the record show, it was a success. No one complained! Then we came home and had some corn on the cob and watermelon for dinner and it was surprisingly filling!
Then on Sunday, after church (which gets out at 4pm), we had a simple dinner of sandwiches. Then we followed tradition and watched "Funniest Home Videos" together. We had rented "Where the Red Fern Grows" and watched that as a family while eating popcorn that I had popped on the stove (another tradition). Yum-o! My mom had purchased some ginormous marshmallows for us and we decided to toast (and burn) them over the grill outside. The kids had so much fun doing this. We then used the rest of our poppits and sparklers.
Once kids were bathed and all were in bed, John and I talked about what a great day and weekend it had been. We didn't do anything really fancy or expensive, but the time we spent together was priceless! I am so glad we had this weekend to be together and replenish the feelings of love and togetherness that we had been missing. I love my family!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
When It Rains, It Pours...Or It Could Just Be Your Water Heater Leaking
A lot has happened lately...a lot of crap, that is. Or, more accurately, a lot of water. Since school got out, Mark has been spending a lot of time sleeping upstairs instead of downstairs in the basement (where his room is, just in case you were wondering). Because of this, we didn't notice that our water heater had been leaking and leaking and leaking...Let's just say that by the time we realized what was happening, Mark's carpet was soaked and the legs of his desk had grown some fuzz. Thankfully, it did not wander any further, like into our bedroom or our storage room. Phew! I am also so thankful to know a man in our ward who fixes that kind of stuff and he helped us out. Thank you, Brother Bohne.
We called our insurance and will be getting that squared away, but in the meantime, Mark is permanently sleeping upstairs and will hopefully just move into his new bedroom upstairs. It will then be Wynter's wait to move into the moldy bedroom downstairs (after we get it all fixed, of course). Poor girl. She shares a room with 2 boys. Two very gross boys (her words). Need I say more?
Then, about a week ago, it was very windy. We have several very, very large/tall trees in our yard. When it gets windy like that, we move all vehicles out of the driveway. From past experience, we know that limbs fall and they break stuff they fall on (go figure)! In fact, it had been windy for a couple of days and we had 2 very large limbs fall; one in our back yard and one in our front yard. But, on this particular day, the limb fell onto our neighbor's roof. Nah dang!!! John went over and assessed the damage and it looked like it just took off a shingle. But the neighbors would like us to have a professional look at it anyway. Ho hum...
And finally, we own a Kirby vacuum. I was going through at least 1 vacuum per year and I wanted a vacuum that was more reliable and that REALLY sucked! The Kirby has been a wonderful vacuum. It has lasted 7 years. But a few weeks ago, it began shooting sparks out from the engine when it was first turned on. And now? Well now, it still sparks, but in order to get it to turn on, you have to jiggle and fiddle with the head to get it to start. So, you turn it on and nothing happens...then you fiddle...(near where the sparks shoot out)and then it turns on after 2 trys of fiddling? or maybe 3? or maybe 5? You never know and so when it comes on, IT. IS. STARTLING. And then WATCH OUT! You could be shocked, too. Good times.
Isn't there some kind of rule? Experience 3 bad things and you'll get 1 really good thing? There's got to be some kind of rule like that somewhere. I'm sure of it.
We called our insurance and will be getting that squared away, but in the meantime, Mark is permanently sleeping upstairs and will hopefully just move into his new bedroom upstairs. It will then be Wynter's wait to move into the moldy bedroom downstairs (after we get it all fixed, of course). Poor girl. She shares a room with 2 boys. Two very gross boys (her words). Need I say more?
Then, about a week ago, it was very windy. We have several very, very large/tall trees in our yard. When it gets windy like that, we move all vehicles out of the driveway. From past experience, we know that limbs fall and they break stuff they fall on (go figure)! In fact, it had been windy for a couple of days and we had 2 very large limbs fall; one in our back yard and one in our front yard. But, on this particular day, the limb fell onto our neighbor's roof. Nah dang!!! John went over and assessed the damage and it looked like it just took off a shingle. But the neighbors would like us to have a professional look at it anyway. Ho hum...
And finally, we own a Kirby vacuum. I was going through at least 1 vacuum per year and I wanted a vacuum that was more reliable and that REALLY sucked! The Kirby has been a wonderful vacuum. It has lasted 7 years. But a few weeks ago, it began shooting sparks out from the engine when it was first turned on. And now? Well now, it still sparks, but in order to get it to turn on, you have to jiggle and fiddle with the head to get it to start. So, you turn it on and nothing happens...then you fiddle...(near where the sparks shoot out)and then it turns on after 2 trys of fiddling? or maybe 3? or maybe 5? You never know and so when it comes on, IT. IS. STARTLING. And then WATCH OUT! You could be shocked, too. Good times.
Isn't there some kind of rule? Experience 3 bad things and you'll get 1 really good thing? There's got to be some kind of rule like that somewhere. I'm sure of it.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Lincoln Eli
Lincoln, 1 day old
Tomorrow, June 9th, Lincoln will be 1 year old!
It all began when I got pregnant in May of 2008. We were so excited because Micah was 3 and we were REALLY ready to have another child. Unfortunately, I miscarried at 11 weeks. It was devastating. I found out while John was away with Mark on a scout canoeing trip. During that same week, our basement flooded, I shocked myself while attempting to vacuum up the water with the shop vac, and a huge tree limb fell on our suburban breaking the passenger side mirror as well as the antenna. Those other things were nothing, though, compared to losing a child. I had to have a D & C because the baby wouldn't miscarry on it's own.
After consulting with our midwife and also the ob/gyn doctor, we decided to wait a cycle and try again. I got pregnant immediately in September of 2008, with an EDD of June 12, 2009. At about 7 weeks, I began to bleed. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach and knew it was not good. I went to the hospital and had my hcg levels tested. They were pretty high, which was very reassuring. Then, they tested again to see if the levels would drop (indicating a miscarriage) or rise (indicating a growing/developing baby). I went in for the second test and found out the next day that the levels had dropped quite a bit. The nurse was so sweet, but told me the truth: it didn't look good. I was scheduled to have an ultrasound two days later to confirm the bad news.
During this second blood test and results, John was gone again. This time he was hunting. I was in shock. I couldn't reach him by cell phone because he was in the middle of nowhere. I called my mom and she arranged for me to have a priesthood blessing with her home teachers. I went, desparately needing the comfort that can come with such blessings.
Before the blessing was given, I explained that I was having a 2nd miscarriage and that I was seeking comfort. As the blessing was given, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was told that the baby would be fine. It would be healthy and strong. I guess I don't have much faith, because after the home teachers left, I said to my mom, "Did they hear what I said? I'm losing this baby! I needed comfort, not false hope!!" I was actually upset. Oh me of little faith!
Two days later at the ultrasound, it was true. He was fine. He had a beating heart. Unfortunately, what most likely happened, is that I miscarried a twin. I don't really think about it much. It is sad, but I am so grateful that Lincoln was healthy and IS healthy. The rest of my pregnancy went without incidence.
Since having Wynter, (labor lasted less than 3 hours), I opt for being induced. I really don't want to have a baby at home or in the car. We planned to have Lincoln induced on June 9th. I went in and had my doses of antibiotic (I have group B strep). Then the midwife came in to check me and to begin the pitocin. I was 6 cm dilated. No need to be induced! Lincoln was to be born on June 9th, induction or no induction. A couple of hours later, he was here!! The darn baby had his hand up on his face, which made it tougher to get him out, but he was healthy and all was well!!
Lincoln is a very sweet-natured boy. I called him my "easy baby", but I now don't think of him that way. He has a very stubborn and determined personality (which he gets from his father, hee hee). Oh boy, he can sure cause trouble. He likes to get into the recycling bin, eat everything (even dead flies in the window sill), squirm and get away when you're trying to get him diapered or dressed, "pet" (more like beat) the cat, step on your face if you're lying on the couch so he can look out the window, pull anything he can reach off of the desk or the table, nearly drown himself in the bathtub because he won't sit still, crawl under the car when we're playing outside, chew on the remote, wrestle with/attack his brothers, and crawl onto the desk from the couch so he can "type" (more like beat) on the keyboard.
I can't imagine my life without him. I love my little Linky Bear! Happy Birthday sweetie!! We love you!!
Lincoln, now
Tomorrow, June 9th, Lincoln will be 1 year old!
It all began when I got pregnant in May of 2008. We were so excited because Micah was 3 and we were REALLY ready to have another child. Unfortunately, I miscarried at 11 weeks. It was devastating. I found out while John was away with Mark on a scout canoeing trip. During that same week, our basement flooded, I shocked myself while attempting to vacuum up the water with the shop vac, and a huge tree limb fell on our suburban breaking the passenger side mirror as well as the antenna. Those other things were nothing, though, compared to losing a child. I had to have a D & C because the baby wouldn't miscarry on it's own.
After consulting with our midwife and also the ob/gyn doctor, we decided to wait a cycle and try again. I got pregnant immediately in September of 2008, with an EDD of June 12, 2009. At about 7 weeks, I began to bleed. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach and knew it was not good. I went to the hospital and had my hcg levels tested. They were pretty high, which was very reassuring. Then, they tested again to see if the levels would drop (indicating a miscarriage) or rise (indicating a growing/developing baby). I went in for the second test and found out the next day that the levels had dropped quite a bit. The nurse was so sweet, but told me the truth: it didn't look good. I was scheduled to have an ultrasound two days later to confirm the bad news.
During this second blood test and results, John was gone again. This time he was hunting. I was in shock. I couldn't reach him by cell phone because he was in the middle of nowhere. I called my mom and she arranged for me to have a priesthood blessing with her home teachers. I went, desparately needing the comfort that can come with such blessings.
Before the blessing was given, I explained that I was having a 2nd miscarriage and that I was seeking comfort. As the blessing was given, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was told that the baby would be fine. It would be healthy and strong. I guess I don't have much faith, because after the home teachers left, I said to my mom, "Did they hear what I said? I'm losing this baby! I needed comfort, not false hope!!" I was actually upset. Oh me of little faith!
Two days later at the ultrasound, it was true. He was fine. He had a beating heart. Unfortunately, what most likely happened, is that I miscarried a twin. I don't really think about it much. It is sad, but I am so grateful that Lincoln was healthy and IS healthy. The rest of my pregnancy went without incidence.
Since having Wynter, (labor lasted less than 3 hours), I opt for being induced. I really don't want to have a baby at home or in the car. We planned to have Lincoln induced on June 9th. I went in and had my doses of antibiotic (I have group B strep). Then the midwife came in to check me and to begin the pitocin. I was 6 cm dilated. No need to be induced! Lincoln was to be born on June 9th, induction or no induction. A couple of hours later, he was here!! The darn baby had his hand up on his face, which made it tougher to get him out, but he was healthy and all was well!!
Lincoln is a very sweet-natured boy. I called him my "easy baby", but I now don't think of him that way. He has a very stubborn and determined personality (which he gets from his father, hee hee). Oh boy, he can sure cause trouble. He likes to get into the recycling bin, eat everything (even dead flies in the window sill), squirm and get away when you're trying to get him diapered or dressed, "pet" (more like beat) the cat, step on your face if you're lying on the couch so he can look out the window, pull anything he can reach off of the desk or the table, nearly drown himself in the bathtub because he won't sit still, crawl under the car when we're playing outside, chew on the remote, wrestle with/attack his brothers, and crawl onto the desk from the couch so he can "type" (more like beat) on the keyboard.
I can't imagine my life without him. I love my little Linky Bear! Happy Birthday sweetie!! We love you!!
Lincoln, now
Friday, June 4, 2010
Moments Like These...
In our family, we talk about "poopy cookies". We use this phrase when referring to a movie that "just has one little bad part in it", or a book that needs "just one chapter to be skipped." The book may be great or the movie a must-see, but what about the "crap" that is in them? They are poopy cookies. If I were to give you the yummiest chocolate chip cookie and there was one piece of cat poop (or any other variety of poop) in it, would you eat it? I wouldn't!
I admit that although I would absolutely NOT eat a poopy cookie, I have seen those kinds of movies and read those kinds of books. Ho-hum, just another thing I need to work on.
But, my point for bringing this up, is to relate the poopy cookie to my life. A lot of times my life is wonderful with just spots of poop (trials, tribulations---you know, the hard stuff). But, unfortunately it can be more like a poop cookie with one sweet and yummy spot. So, when something really great happens, I want to remember it to help me get through the rough spots.
Life has been tough lately. We have more bills than we have money, John has had no luck in finding another job, the water heater is leaking, and so is one spot down in the basement, (I could go on, but enough about the crap). But then, a really wonderful moment occurred last week that I want to remember.
It was Saturday night (May 29th). The day had been fairly busy with all of us buzzing about doing chores, the kids then playing outside and John working on Mark's room. I was in the kitchen, washing the big dishes by hand. I had just made banana bread and it was baking in the oven. There I was, standing at the sink. I could see out into the backyard. At that moment, I could smell the banana bread baking, I could see Wynter in the backyard having a tug-o-war with Pluto over her shoe, I could hear Savannah playing with Lincoln and hear his shrieks of delight. I could hear Micah and John working and talking in the garage (soon to be Mark's room), Mark was playing on the computer and Hunter was "thinking" in the front room. In this moment, I felt such happiness and joy. We were all home, just doing this or that, but I felt such gratefulness in that moment. I was overwhelmed with the love I have for my family.
If that wasn't enough, a few minutes later Mark came into the kitchen. He said (I'm paraphrasing), "Mom, I was on the computer and I could hear you doing the dishes, I could smell the banana bread, I could hear Dad working on my room, and I just felt so happy, because I knew I was home." And then it happened. I cried. I hugged him and I hugged all my other kids. It was a good experience. Although, they all thought I had lost it, and might need to be admitted to the psych ward.
I needed this night, this moment. I've been hanging on to it, to help me get through the rough stuff this week. That night was definitely a huge chocolate chip in my crap cookie. But, the more I think of that night and the love I have for my kids and husband, the more I'm thinking that life is pretty sweet. It has so much to do with my attitude and having the right perspective on things.
John has had the opportunity to work some overtime at Klune, and it has helped. Somehow we're getting by. I can acknowledge that the Lord has blessed us. I am thankful for that. I've been cooking from scratch a lot lately, and have cut way back on my diet Coke consumption. We've been paying our tithing for 5 weeks now, and I feel we have been blessed for that.
I am so thankful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know my purpose and why we are here. Sometimes life makes me forget. (Or, more accurately, I choose to "forget" because I'm busy with life). I can see little moments of inspiration that I've had over the past couple of weeks that have brought me back to having that eternal perspective that we all need to endure well.
I know that life won't be easy, but that this is all worth it. It's all about perspective, and counting blessings. I will count some of my blessings now...
1. My husband. He is a hard worker. He has a job that is not in his field and that he doesn't particularly enjoy, but he works hard and does provide for us. He's positive and optimistic. He is fun to be around and he's my best friend.
2. My kids. My husband and kids are all I get to take with me after this life. I love them all so much. This is what life is about. Everything I do, I do it for them.
3. "The moment" I had Saturday night.
4. My calling as primary teacher. Teaching those little children, teaches me. I love sitting in sharing time and singing songs that re-teach me the basics of the gospel and remind me of what it is all about.
5.Good friends. I'm thankful for my friends who have the same values as I do, and who are uplifting to be around.
I'll stop here. But, I just may try to list a few things I'm thankful for each day, to keep that perspective.
I admit that although I would absolutely NOT eat a poopy cookie, I have seen those kinds of movies and read those kinds of books. Ho-hum, just another thing I need to work on.
But, my point for bringing this up, is to relate the poopy cookie to my life. A lot of times my life is wonderful with just spots of poop (trials, tribulations---you know, the hard stuff). But, unfortunately it can be more like a poop cookie with one sweet and yummy spot. So, when something really great happens, I want to remember it to help me get through the rough spots.
Life has been tough lately. We have more bills than we have money, John has had no luck in finding another job, the water heater is leaking, and so is one spot down in the basement, (I could go on, but enough about the crap). But then, a really wonderful moment occurred last week that I want to remember.
It was Saturday night (May 29th). The day had been fairly busy with all of us buzzing about doing chores, the kids then playing outside and John working on Mark's room. I was in the kitchen, washing the big dishes by hand. I had just made banana bread and it was baking in the oven. There I was, standing at the sink. I could see out into the backyard. At that moment, I could smell the banana bread baking, I could see Wynter in the backyard having a tug-o-war with Pluto over her shoe, I could hear Savannah playing with Lincoln and hear his shrieks of delight. I could hear Micah and John working and talking in the garage (soon to be Mark's room), Mark was playing on the computer and Hunter was "thinking" in the front room. In this moment, I felt such happiness and joy. We were all home, just doing this or that, but I felt such gratefulness in that moment. I was overwhelmed with the love I have for my family.
If that wasn't enough, a few minutes later Mark came into the kitchen. He said (I'm paraphrasing), "Mom, I was on the computer and I could hear you doing the dishes, I could smell the banana bread, I could hear Dad working on my room, and I just felt so happy, because I knew I was home." And then it happened. I cried. I hugged him and I hugged all my other kids. It was a good experience. Although, they all thought I had lost it, and might need to be admitted to the psych ward.
I needed this night, this moment. I've been hanging on to it, to help me get through the rough stuff this week. That night was definitely a huge chocolate chip in my crap cookie. But, the more I think of that night and the love I have for my kids and husband, the more I'm thinking that life is pretty sweet. It has so much to do with my attitude and having the right perspective on things.
John has had the opportunity to work some overtime at Klune, and it has helped. Somehow we're getting by. I can acknowledge that the Lord has blessed us. I am thankful for that. I've been cooking from scratch a lot lately, and have cut way back on my diet Coke consumption. We've been paying our tithing for 5 weeks now, and I feel we have been blessed for that.
I am so thankful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know my purpose and why we are here. Sometimes life makes me forget. (Or, more accurately, I choose to "forget" because I'm busy with life). I can see little moments of inspiration that I've had over the past couple of weeks that have brought me back to having that eternal perspective that we all need to endure well.
I know that life won't be easy, but that this is all worth it. It's all about perspective, and counting blessings. I will count some of my blessings now...
1. My husband. He is a hard worker. He has a job that is not in his field and that he doesn't particularly enjoy, but he works hard and does provide for us. He's positive and optimistic. He is fun to be around and he's my best friend.
2. My kids. My husband and kids are all I get to take with me after this life. I love them all so much. This is what life is about. Everything I do, I do it for them.
3. "The moment" I had Saturday night.
4. My calling as primary teacher. Teaching those little children, teaches me. I love sitting in sharing time and singing songs that re-teach me the basics of the gospel and remind me of what it is all about.
5.Good friends. I'm thankful for my friends who have the same values as I do, and who are uplifting to be around.
I'll stop here. But, I just may try to list a few things I'm thankful for each day, to keep that perspective.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Mark Is 16 Today!
Wow, I know it is cliche to say it, but time has flown. I can't believe that Mark is 16 today. When Mark was born, I exclaimed, "My baby, my baby, this is my baby!" I was so happy. I felt such joy.
Mark was a difficult baby. He had colic for the first few months of his life. We were both in tears quite often. But, he sure turned out to being such a friendly and fun toddler. When Savannah was born, I was single and living with my mom, who was also single. My sister was also still living at home. Mark was the man of the house with the four of us girls (poor guy), but he killed spiders and "protected" us girls as best he could.
Mark would stand up on the deck in the front yard and look over the fence. He would wave and chat with anyone who would walk by. It's amazing to me that he was like that because now he is so shy! People were so enamored by his blond hair, his bright blue eyes and his sweet smile.
Mark has always been very talkative with me, telling me very detailed and long stories. He has a very vivid imagination as well. He's also a very talented artist. I am so impressed with his abilities to draw and create. He not only creates pictures, but he writes stories, too.
I feel a deep and strong connection to Mark. When I was a single Mom, it was just he and I until Savannah was born. He used to snuggle with me at night and I'd read to him, book after book after book. We went to the park, went for walks, and spent so much time together.
When Savannah was born, he loved her so much. He was such a good little helper. He is very good with all of his siblings. He's not a diaper changer, but he loves to tickle and play with them. He and Savannah are very close. Hours after they are supposed to be in bed asleep, I will find them talking in Savannah's room.
Mark is a great son. He has his moments, but mostly he is very helpful and has a happy disposition. I am pleased with his accomplishments. But, more so, I am pleased with who he is. He is kind, funny, smart, creative, thoughtful, and he has a testimony of the gospel.
Mark, I love you!! Happy Birthday!
Self Portrait
Mark was a difficult baby. He had colic for the first few months of his life. We were both in tears quite often. But, he sure turned out to being such a friendly and fun toddler. When Savannah was born, I was single and living with my mom, who was also single. My sister was also still living at home. Mark was the man of the house with the four of us girls (poor guy), but he killed spiders and "protected" us girls as best he could.
Mark would stand up on the deck in the front yard and look over the fence. He would wave and chat with anyone who would walk by. It's amazing to me that he was like that because now he is so shy! People were so enamored by his blond hair, his bright blue eyes and his sweet smile.
Mark has always been very talkative with me, telling me very detailed and long stories. He has a very vivid imagination as well. He's also a very talented artist. I am so impressed with his abilities to draw and create. He not only creates pictures, but he writes stories, too.
I feel a deep and strong connection to Mark. When I was a single Mom, it was just he and I until Savannah was born. He used to snuggle with me at night and I'd read to him, book after book after book. We went to the park, went for walks, and spent so much time together.
When Savannah was born, he loved her so much. He was such a good little helper. He is very good with all of his siblings. He's not a diaper changer, but he loves to tickle and play with them. He and Savannah are very close. Hours after they are supposed to be in bed asleep, I will find them talking in Savannah's room.
Mark is a great son. He has his moments, but mostly he is very helpful and has a happy disposition. I am pleased with his accomplishments. But, more so, I am pleased with who he is. He is kind, funny, smart, creative, thoughtful, and he has a testimony of the gospel.
Mark, I love you!! Happy Birthday!
Self Portrait
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