I'm pathetic when it comes to blogging. I'll admit it. Several of you have mentioned my good intentions that turned into only a few posts. I wish I was better. My mom told me that I just wanted to be like Lucy (I'm sorry Lucy if you suddenly get an onslaught of people reading your blog. Oh never mind, that would mean that I have a huge following, which I don't.). I do want to be like Lucy. When I grow up I hope to be a fabulous writer like Lucy. I seriously read her blog and think man that was a good sentence. Seriously, who does that?
Maybe with my husband's help I can do better. We're starting a new blog that will follow the transformation of our new home - The Bunny House.
Go read about it here. I know it's hard to believe we already have two posts done.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
It happened one birthday, but I don't remember when...
Birthdays.
They commemorate the day you arrived in the world. Though you may share the day with others, it doesn't diminish the unique nature of the day. It's a day when those close to you celebrate YOU!
I have memories of birthday parties as a young child. I lived near many of my cousins and we would usually invite them over for cake and ice cream and of course, presents. I don't remember "themed" birthdays like those I've celebrated with my children, but I do remember being so excited to have a day dedicated to me.
I know adults who still LOVE their birthdays and expect huge celebrations. I think at one point I was one of those adults because I remember getting REALLY mad at Rex one year when he didn't wish me a Happy Birthday prior to leaving for school. I thought he had forgotten. I was in a bad mood most of the day and it seemed my birthday was ruined. He learned from his mistake and hasn't forgotten an early morning birthday wish since.
But at some point it changed. It turned into "just another day." Well, not really just another day because cards are still delivered in the mail, good friends still invite me to lunch, a friend still knocks on the door with a card and chocolate covered cinnamon bears, a high school friend sends a text, my mom still calls to sing to me, and Rex still has several presents for me to open. Somehow, however, its not the same as the parties of my youth. I have to admit several times today I forgot it was my birthday. I did many of the same things I usually do: a load of dishes, a workout, and a short nap. When did it change? Why did it change? Am I the only one?
It was my birthday today and though several times I forgot, I appreciate all who helped me remember, especially my wonderful husband and four fabulous children. Thank you for celebrating me and the day I joined this beautiful world. The world wouldn't be as beautiful without each of you. Thank you and I hope I have another forty-two years with all of you.
They commemorate the day you arrived in the world. Though you may share the day with others, it doesn't diminish the unique nature of the day. It's a day when those close to you celebrate YOU!
I have memories of birthday parties as a young child. I lived near many of my cousins and we would usually invite them over for cake and ice cream and of course, presents. I don't remember "themed" birthdays like those I've celebrated with my children, but I do remember being so excited to have a day dedicated to me.
I know adults who still LOVE their birthdays and expect huge celebrations. I think at one point I was one of those adults because I remember getting REALLY mad at Rex one year when he didn't wish me a Happy Birthday prior to leaving for school. I thought he had forgotten. I was in a bad mood most of the day and it seemed my birthday was ruined. He learned from his mistake and hasn't forgotten an early morning birthday wish since.
But at some point it changed. It turned into "just another day." Well, not really just another day because cards are still delivered in the mail, good friends still invite me to lunch, a friend still knocks on the door with a card and chocolate covered cinnamon bears, a high school friend sends a text, my mom still calls to sing to me, and Rex still has several presents for me to open. Somehow, however, its not the same as the parties of my youth. I have to admit several times today I forgot it was my birthday. I did many of the same things I usually do: a load of dishes, a workout, and a short nap. When did it change? Why did it change? Am I the only one?
It was my birthday today and though several times I forgot, I appreciate all who helped me remember, especially my wonderful husband and four fabulous children. Thank you for celebrating me and the day I joined this beautiful world. The world wouldn't be as beautiful without each of you. Thank you and I hope I have another forty-two years with all of you.
Look what an almost 11 year old can do with mom's IPhone camera app all in about 3 minutes.
More fun with the camera app - Brooke and Mom
To celebrate we ate dinner at an Italian restaurant in town. I tried the new salad that was served on top of warm bread with melted cheese on top. It was delicious!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Raising a daughter
It seems that Erin grows taller every night. At 10 (11 next week) she still hasn't mastered doing her own hair, so on school days and Sunday I do it for her. Last time we measured she was 5' 3" so the new setup in the bathroom is a small chair where she sits so I can reach the top of her head. It's a melancholy feeling to see her growing up. Many days I want to push a magic button and slow time down. I look at pictures of her from even last year and she has changed. For one thing her feet are HUGE - bigger than mine which has its advantages because she likes trendy shoes. Last year we bought her a pair of shoes in a size 8 for the Daddy Daughter Dance and now they are too small. Guess who gets them now? Yes, me! They're great shoes to slip on early in the morning on my way to seminary.
I remember exchanging clothes with my mom. Mostly sweaters - it brings back so many memories. You know how your mind wanders as you jump from memory to memory? Thinking about sharing clothes reminds me of my graduation from having my laundry done for me and doing my own. It happened sometime during my teenage years. I don't know how, but on SEVERAL occasions I would wash a red sock with my whites - instant pink clothes. A red sock you ask? Yes, in the 80's it was a big deal to wear socks that matched to color of your top. I really like red. I digress.
As I shopped for presents this year for Erin I realized that she is moving from toys to more practical things. She received a hairdryer, straightening iron, boots, and a jewelry box to name a few. Most of those she had asked for, so I wanted to find something that would be a surprise. I don't know if you know, but nails are HUGE for teenage girls right now (at least around here)....lots of fun colors (who wouldn't want to wear a color called "meet me at sunset" or "decadent dish"), vinyl that can adhere to your nail and techniques to make your nails a work of art. If you doubt me watch this video:
Once you watch the video I'm sure you'll ask yourself if we've tried out this technique. So in advance, yes we have. It's fun and very time consuming.
So I found on Amazon (yes, I did most of my shopping there this year. I love you Amazon Prime.) "stamps" for your nails. Again, here is a video if you're intrigued:
Secretly this 40+ mom wanted to try the stamps and what better way than to buy them for Erin as a gift.
There is a learning curve in using the stamps and despite what people say we did find that the "special Konad polish" worked better than the regular polish we had. It's not as time consuming as the nail marbling, but does take some time.
I waited a while before I tried them on myself because after all they were a present for Erin. One disappointing thing about stamping is you spend all of that time making your nails beautiful and in a couple of days they are chipped. For more than I year I have been painting my nails with GELISH a special polish that cures under a UV lamp (many people recognize the brand Shellac that is used in salons). This polish is seriously AMAZING. It lasts for a least two plus weeks without chips or signs of wear. So I combined the two polishes and here is my result. I think it looks pretty cool and I feel like a hip 40+ year old mom. Maybe soon Erin will start asking to wear some of my sweaters?
I had to really zoom in so you could see the design.
Please don't be distracted by the wrinkles and the unusual shininess of my hands.
I had just put lotion on them to try and hide the wrinkles. Result: Shiny Wrinkled Hands.
Please don't be distracted by the wrinkles and the unusual shininess of my hands.
I had just put lotion on them to try and hide the wrinkles. Result: Shiny Wrinkled Hands.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A Year in Review
Since I didn't blog a single entry in 2011, what a great way to recap some memories of the year.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you've never done before?
I went to NYC with my hubby and boys - we left the girls with a good friend. It was an amazing trip. So many things that I loved...traveling with two seventeen year olds is so EASY, no whining or fighting, the food was amazing, the people were fun to watch and the shows were great!
2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions and will you make more for next year?
The only one that I remember is one we set as a family. We committed to read the Book of Mormon every single day in 2011. We did it!! I haven't made any for this year that are specific, but I do want to lose weight and get more organized.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister-in-law just barely did.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not anyone close.
5. What countries did you visit?
The Bahamas for one day on our cruise.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More patience with my kids - it's a constant battle for me.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
October 8th, the day Brooke got baptized.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
Training for and running a 5K.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight gain
10. Did you suffer injury or illness?
No, pretty healthy this year, but I do want to remember that Erin got Pityriasis Rosea.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
An Iphone for Rex
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jacob and Erin for playing a piano/harp duet on Christmas Sunday. Michael for developing a real friendship with his 3rd grade teacher. Brooke for perfecting her dance move "the pull chain."
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Casey Anthony
14. Where did most of your money go?
Our mortgage - we're hoping to pay it off in the next three years.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The cruise that we took to celebrate 20 years of marriage. The best part was we took the kids. Everyone would say that the best part was fishing in Key West.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Grenade by Bruno Mars - only because Brooke can sing almost the entire thing.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, Fatter and Richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Taking pictures in NYC.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending time on Facebook, but I am proud to have deleted my account.
20. Did you fall in love in 2011?
No, just continued to be in love with my hubby and four kiddos.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Even after all these years I LOVE Survivor!
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope
23. What was the best book you read?
I really liked Matched.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That my daughter can play the harp.
25. What did you want and get?
An Iphone 4S and new hardwood floors in my living room
26. What did you want and not get?
A new banister.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmm, I don't watch many movies, but we just saw We Bought A Zoo and I loved it, minus the swearing that seemed to be abundant for a PG movie.
28. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I was 41. We celebrated at Chili's and Rex surprised me with an IPad.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Immeasurably? I feel pretty satisfied with how the year went, but more sleep would have been great.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept for 2011?
Lazy, I'm perfectly content in sweats and it drives Michael and Jacob crazy that I wear them in public.
31. What kept you sane?
A cat nap in the afternoon to keep me going after getting up at 5:00 am.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you've never done before?
I went to NYC with my hubby and boys - we left the girls with a good friend. It was an amazing trip. So many things that I loved...traveling with two seventeen year olds is so EASY, no whining or fighting, the food was amazing, the people were fun to watch and the shows were great!
2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions and will you make more for next year?
The only one that I remember is one we set as a family. We committed to read the Book of Mormon every single day in 2011. We did it!! I haven't made any for this year that are specific, but I do want to lose weight and get more organized.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister-in-law just barely did.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not anyone close.
5. What countries did you visit?
The Bahamas for one day on our cruise.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More patience with my kids - it's a constant battle for me.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
October 8th, the day Brooke got baptized.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
Training for and running a 5K.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight gain
10. Did you suffer injury or illness?
No, pretty healthy this year, but I do want to remember that Erin got Pityriasis Rosea.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
An Iphone for Rex
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jacob and Erin for playing a piano/harp duet on Christmas Sunday. Michael for developing a real friendship with his 3rd grade teacher. Brooke for perfecting her dance move "the pull chain."
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Casey Anthony
14. Where did most of your money go?
Our mortgage - we're hoping to pay it off in the next three years.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The cruise that we took to celebrate 20 years of marriage. The best part was we took the kids. Everyone would say that the best part was fishing in Key West.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Grenade by Bruno Mars - only because Brooke can sing almost the entire thing.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, Fatter and Richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Taking pictures in NYC.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending time on Facebook, but I am proud to have deleted my account.
20. Did you fall in love in 2011?
No, just continued to be in love with my hubby and four kiddos.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Even after all these years I LOVE Survivor!
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope
23. What was the best book you read?
I really liked Matched.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That my daughter can play the harp.
25. What did you want and get?
An Iphone 4S and new hardwood floors in my living room
26. What did you want and not get?
A new banister.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmm, I don't watch many movies, but we just saw We Bought A Zoo and I loved it, minus the swearing that seemed to be abundant for a PG movie.
28. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I was 41. We celebrated at Chili's and Rex surprised me with an IPad.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Immeasurably? I feel pretty satisfied with how the year went, but more sleep would have been great.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept for 2011?
Lazy, I'm perfectly content in sweats and it drives Michael and Jacob crazy that I wear them in public.
31. What kept you sane?
A cat nap in the afternoon to keep me going after getting up at 5:00 am.
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