"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children;" (Genesis 3:16),
Today I felt like I wanted to crawl into a hole and never return. My head hurt. My whole body ached. I kept getting the chills. My throat was tight and hurt so much. I was weak, and the morning sickness lasted, almost unbearably, all day long. I didn't actually throw up, but I had my share of dry heaving, which is pretty awful in and of itself. The nausea was so bad, I had trouble staying upright.
It was all I could do to get the girls to school and back. I did make sure the girls were all dressed, but Number Three didn't get her hair done, and Number Four and I stayed in our pajamas. He had had a bath last night with clean jammers, and that is what he still had on when I bathed him tonight, and put him in clean jammers again. I put a couple of things away in the kitchen. I sorted some laundry. And I tried really hard not to throw up. I did change the diapers, and make sure the kids had food, but that is about it.
"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25***).
Had Eve, and then Adam, not partaken of the fruit, they would have been alone in the garden. They would not have known the sorrow, but they also would have been unable to have children, and experience the pure joy of motherhood and fatherhood.
The kids were really good today. And when I picked Number One up from school, and related to her a little bit about how I felt, she said the only thing she wanted today was for me to get a nap. She insisted that I rest, while she took care of the kids. Number Four slept for about half the time, and then she got him up, and fed him.
I kept the door open to my room, and could hear snatches of what went on. They were so good to each other. They laughed. They had a lot of fun. They made some messes, but that is certainly normal. They even constructed an old-fashioned blanket fort all by themselves, which is something I introduced to them recently, and which activity we have really enjoyed as a family.
There was a sweet spirit in our home. And as I felt so awful, I could only lay there and just be grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. Yes, we have wonderful children, but we are not a home devoid of contention between them. Today was a great blessing.
After a couple of hours I managed to get up to work on dinner and bedtime. (Thank goodness for Market Day frozen pizzas).
I praised Number One so much for her service to me. She said she hadn't done a very good job. She let the kids watch TV for about an hour, and "a good mom wouldn't just let her kids watch so much TV like that."
I assured her that she had done a great job...she is only seven. I was specific in my praise. And I felt so good about my role as a mom. I have wondered sometimes if I am really getting through to them, and if I can really continue to fulfill the needs of our ever growing family. But I saw today, a glimpse of what my consistent efforts are producing, and I was touched and grateful.
A little later I talked with the girls about how they felt about the day. I identified the feeling of the spirit confirming to them that they had made wonderful choices today, and complimented them on inviting that wonderful feeling into their hearts and into our home.
While I can't say that I enjoyed the way I felt today (and I really hope to be better tomorrow, as I have a full agenda of places to be), I am still very grateful for the love and service I received today at the hands of my beautiful children. Despite the pains of an ailing body, I felt true joy today. And it was worth it.
***Nephi was an ancient prophet, who we learn about in the Book of Mormon. In the church we use the King James version Bible (Old and New Testament) as well as the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ which contains records of ancient prophets who lived in the Americas. To understand a little more about The Book of Mormon, please see http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/the-book-of-mormon.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Our Handsome Little Son
At a recent trip to Sears, we got portraits of the three younger kids...and here are Number Four's.
It is so different having a boy. I have always believed that gender really is a part of who we are, but I think I was a little unprepared for how early that manifests itself. (I don't think any of the girls were ever so determined to get away at a photo shoot!)
To be honest, the only time I ever had a gender preference for one of our children, it was for Number Four. After three daughters, the thought of a son TERRIFIED me. It seemed so foreign, so I just wanted another girl. I am so grateful that I didn't get what I wanted.
Number Four is a dream baby. He is so fun, and so cheerful. He just lights up whenever any of us notice him. He is my most cuddly, but of course, he still loves to try and get away.
Ever fascinated by cars, trucks, balls, and anything electronic, he is a true boy. But fortuneately for me, he has a very sweet side too.
Number Four loves to play coy. He loves peekaboo. He loves food. He loves to wrestle with Number Three. He adores his daddy.
He is starting to look more and more like a little boy, and less and less like a baby. It makes me a little sad, though it is probably good for him, as he is on his way to being a big brother.
Number Four is starting to talk. He says mom, dad, and hi. He loves to sing do do-do-do, do do-do-do, do-do, uh, uh, uh, uh, from High School Musical "What I've Been Looking For." (We are all BIG HSM fans here.) He also loves to growl like a monster.
Number Four arrived at such a busy and crazy time in our lives, but I think he was a bright spot that we didn't know we needed. We are incredibly blessed to have him.
It is so different having a boy. I have always believed that gender really is a part of who we are, but I think I was a little unprepared for how early that manifests itself. (I don't think any of the girls were ever so determined to get away at a photo shoot!)
To be honest, the only time I ever had a gender preference for one of our children, it was for Number Four. After three daughters, the thought of a son TERRIFIED me. It seemed so foreign, so I just wanted another girl. I am so grateful that I didn't get what I wanted.
Number Four is a dream baby. He is so fun, and so cheerful. He just lights up whenever any of us notice him. He is my most cuddly, but of course, he still loves to try and get away.
Ever fascinated by cars, trucks, balls, and anything electronic, he is a true boy. But fortuneately for me, he has a very sweet side too.
Number Four loves to play coy. He loves peekaboo. He loves food. He loves to wrestle with Number Three. He adores his daddy.
He is starting to look more and more like a little boy, and less and less like a baby. It makes me a little sad, though it is probably good for him, as he is on his way to being a big brother.
Number Four is starting to talk. He says mom, dad, and hi. He loves to sing do do-do-do, do do-do-do, do-do, uh, uh, uh, uh, from High School Musical "What I've Been Looking For." (We are all BIG HSM fans here.) He also loves to growl like a monster.
Number Four arrived at such a busy and crazy time in our lives, but I think he was a bright spot that we didn't know we needed. We are incredibly blessed to have him.
Monday, January 28, 2008
President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away last night.
As members of the church, we understand that we lived with God before we came to earth. We each have a purpose for being here. And when we die, it is possible, because of our Savior Jesus Christ, to return to live with our Father in Heaven again.
Maybe because of this knowledge, I found that even though I will dearly miss President Hinckley's remarkable faith, leadership, encouragement, testimony, and love, I am just thrilled for him.
I can't imagine that a 97 year old body is all that comfortable to be in anymore. He so dearly loves his wife, and I am sure he has sorely missed her since her death. His mother died when he was so young. He was close to both his father and his step-mom, who was fantastic like his mother. And now he is with them all again, and I am sure countless others dear to him, free of the ailments of an aging mortal body.
I am grateful for the phenomenal influence the prophet has had on both the Church, and the world, and also on me. He always made me want to try a little harder, to be a little better, without guilt or frustration for where I am now. He simply made me feel like I could continue to progress and try harder to be like my Savior each day.
President Hinckley left a great legacy.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
An Unexpected Gift
Dave's parents came to visit in November for Savior of the World. They left a (large) pile of Christmas gifts, including a big huge heavy one for Dave.
We wondered what in the heck this thing could be for the several weeks until Christmas. Amazingly enough, I have finally outgrown my heavy peeking days, and I actually waited until Christmas Day to discover the surprise.
It was a firepit! What an interesting gift...one we never would have thought to buy ourselves, but so much fun. Dave's parents were thoughtful enough to include firewood and the fixings for smores.
On the ONE day we have had this winter that wasn't just downright frigid (okay, I am exaggerating a tiny bit), we went out after dinner (and on the way to bed) and gave the firepit a try.
Everyone had a fabulous good time, roasting marshmallows and hanging out together, and Number Four even got to sample his first smore as well. The girls honestly could not have had a better time. They just loved it.
Thanks for the great gift!
PS As a random side note, we learned that Goo Gone does a phenomenal job as lighter fluid, so be careful where you store it!
PPS We look forward to using the firepit when the weather is less precipitous and we can sit on our comfy patio cushions as opposed to the folding chairs...but hey, winter is what it is (unfortuneately)!
We wondered what in the heck this thing could be for the several weeks until Christmas. Amazingly enough, I have finally outgrown my heavy peeking days, and I actually waited until Christmas Day to discover the surprise.
It was a firepit! What an interesting gift...one we never would have thought to buy ourselves, but so much fun. Dave's parents were thoughtful enough to include firewood and the fixings for smores.
On the ONE day we have had this winter that wasn't just downright frigid (okay, I am exaggerating a tiny bit), we went out after dinner (and on the way to bed) and gave the firepit a try.
Everyone had a fabulous good time, roasting marshmallows and hanging out together, and Number Four even got to sample his first smore as well. The girls honestly could not have had a better time. They just loved it.
Thanks for the great gift!
PS As a random side note, we learned that Goo Gone does a phenomenal job as lighter fluid, so be careful where you store it!
PPS We look forward to using the firepit when the weather is less precipitous and we can sit on our comfy patio cushions as opposed to the folding chairs...but hey, winter is what it is (unfortuneately)!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Peace and Quiet
So I mentioned in a recent post how marvelous my children are when they are sleeping. I thought I would show you just how peaceful and sweet unconscious is at our house.
Number One loves to be so cozy. She likes lots of animals at the foot of her bed, and Nicki (American Girl doll of the year 2007) in her bed next to her. She doesn't often sleep with any friends in arms, but has them close by, just in case.
Like Number One, Number Two has a stuffed animal collection at the foot of her bed. She doesn't yet have a doll bed of her own, so she has her dolls snuggled up together near the animals. She likes to have one animal in her arms, and is always ready to take flight, just in case.
Number Three generally doesn't choose soft things to sleep with. In fact, the softie dolls in her bed tonight are rare. She loves sleeping with books, usually 2-4 of them, and other uncozy items such as hard plastic dress-up shoes and toy phones. Recently, she has taken to having her doll bed sleep on her toddler bed with her. There are a couple of Barbies in there, I think. Sometimes I wonder how she gets any decent sleep like that.
Number Four is a bum-in-the-air tummy sleeper. No friends or pillows in his bed yet, as he is still too young. Sweet little darling though.
And now it is MY turn to find a spot in my bed, but no pictures.
Number One loves to be so cozy. She likes lots of animals at the foot of her bed, and Nicki (American Girl doll of the year 2007) in her bed next to her. She doesn't often sleep with any friends in arms, but has them close by, just in case.
Like Number One, Number Two has a stuffed animal collection at the foot of her bed. She doesn't yet have a doll bed of her own, so she has her dolls snuggled up together near the animals. She likes to have one animal in her arms, and is always ready to take flight, just in case.
Number Three generally doesn't choose soft things to sleep with. In fact, the softie dolls in her bed tonight are rare. She loves sleeping with books, usually 2-4 of them, and other uncozy items such as hard plastic dress-up shoes and toy phones. Recently, she has taken to having her doll bed sleep on her toddler bed with her. There are a couple of Barbies in there, I think. Sometimes I wonder how she gets any decent sleep like that.
Number Four is a bum-in-the-air tummy sleeper. No friends or pillows in his bed yet, as he is still too young. Sweet little darling though.
And now it is MY turn to find a spot in my bed, but no pictures.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Two
...is such a magical age. Honestly, I know all about the terrible two's, and three's, and ferocious four's and five's (still in them).
But I have really grown to love age two.
Their emerging sense of independence, having to buckle their own car seat even if it takes ten times longer, and wanting to say their own prayers, even if it is just "Heavenly Father. Amen." with the whole middle missing.
Their great desire to be like you, and their older siblings. How they want to wear make-up, or vacuum, or do dishes. They want to play with their older siblings' toys. And they think they are old enough to care for any child younger then they are.
That budding sense of humor may be my favorite part. When you ask how old they are, and they grin and answer, "six" or you ask if they are stinky, and they giggle and say, "No, Barbie is."
Number Three is so much fun. Yes, she whines and tantrums at me sometimes (at least less than the first two did), but she is just a blast.
She loves to growl and chase. She tells me "Mommy play with me," and "Mommy chase me." And so I do, just fascinated by her. I see glimpses of her phenomenal little imagination as she arranges the Little People adventures, or chooses dress up outfits, or tells me who she is pretending to be.
I love the world of pretend. And I wish that adulthood didn't shrink that world so much. What a glorious thing to get to be a mom and live it all over again, only differently this time, because the adventures are no longer yours. You just get to watch, and take part according to the director's wishes.
I love hiding with Number Two. She is so still and quiet. And I love the loud revealing when the game is over, and the ensuing tickles and giggles that almost always follow.
I love watching her put things together, understanding more and more about how the world around her works, and how she relates to that world. I love her counting down, and then running full steam right at me. So far, we haven't made it past "three, two, five," but I love it.
I am so grateful to be able to have such a great group of kids, and I am grateful to be learning as a mom. Poor Number One has had to break me in. Like every mom, I often wish I would have known more earlier. I think the tantrum side of Number One and Number Two's age two was more overwhelming for me then, and I missed out on some of the real joy of two.
I was also in a much bigger hurry for the older girls to grow up. Number One knew her shapes and colors, could count to 10 or 20, and recognize all of the capital letters before she went to church nursery (18 months). I am just not in such a hurry this time. It is okay with me if Number Three doesn't have all of the pre-kindergarten skills by age 3.
Tantrums don't phase me so much anymore (unless it is past bedtime and I am tired). I can calmly respond, and give them the space to work through their new and stronger emotions, helping them figure it out once the worst of it is over.
I am enjoying this stage, and honestly, though I will be proud of Number Three when she can count to 10 perfectly, I will be a little sad, because it means I won't get to hear "three, two, five" anymore.
But I have really grown to love age two.
Their emerging sense of independence, having to buckle their own car seat even if it takes ten times longer, and wanting to say their own prayers, even if it is just "Heavenly Father. Amen." with the whole middle missing.
Their great desire to be like you, and their older siblings. How they want to wear make-up, or vacuum, or do dishes. They want to play with their older siblings' toys. And they think they are old enough to care for any child younger then they are.
That budding sense of humor may be my favorite part. When you ask how old they are, and they grin and answer, "six" or you ask if they are stinky, and they giggle and say, "No, Barbie is."
Number Three is so much fun. Yes, she whines and tantrums at me sometimes (at least less than the first two did), but she is just a blast.
She loves to growl and chase. She tells me "Mommy play with me," and "Mommy chase me." And so I do, just fascinated by her. I see glimpses of her phenomenal little imagination as she arranges the Little People adventures, or chooses dress up outfits, or tells me who she is pretending to be.
I love the world of pretend. And I wish that adulthood didn't shrink that world so much. What a glorious thing to get to be a mom and live it all over again, only differently this time, because the adventures are no longer yours. You just get to watch, and take part according to the director's wishes.
I love hiding with Number Two. She is so still and quiet. And I love the loud revealing when the game is over, and the ensuing tickles and giggles that almost always follow.
I love watching her put things together, understanding more and more about how the world around her works, and how she relates to that world. I love her counting down, and then running full steam right at me. So far, we haven't made it past "three, two, five," but I love it.
I am so grateful to be able to have such a great group of kids, and I am grateful to be learning as a mom. Poor Number One has had to break me in. Like every mom, I often wish I would have known more earlier. I think the tantrum side of Number One and Number Two's age two was more overwhelming for me then, and I missed out on some of the real joy of two.
I was also in a much bigger hurry for the older girls to grow up. Number One knew her shapes and colors, could count to 10 or 20, and recognize all of the capital letters before she went to church nursery (18 months). I am just not in such a hurry this time. It is okay with me if Number Three doesn't have all of the pre-kindergarten skills by age 3.
Tantrums don't phase me so much anymore (unless it is past bedtime and I am tired). I can calmly respond, and give them the space to work through their new and stronger emotions, helping them figure it out once the worst of it is over.
I am enjoying this stage, and honestly, though I will be proud of Number Three when she can count to 10 perfectly, I will be a little sad, because it means I won't get to hear "three, two, five" anymore.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
It's Amazing
As I posted recently, the older my children get, the dumber they seem to think that I am.
Yet, for some bizarre reason, despite their view of me as intellectually challenged, they think that I am Elastigirl, Wonder Woman, and every other super hero in one. I can get them each a drink, read a story, change a diaper, get them a clean shirt, get them each a different snack (2 of which would require a trip to the store), clean up their spills, look at their school projects, find their favorite toy, and make cookies SIMULTANEOUSLY!
If anyone knows a woman who can actually accomplish such a feat, please send her my way. I would love a day off.
Yet, for some bizarre reason, despite their view of me as intellectually challenged, they think that I am Elastigirl, Wonder Woman, and every other super hero in one. I can get them each a drink, read a story, change a diaper, get them a clean shirt, get them each a different snack (2 of which would require a trip to the store), clean up their spills, look at their school projects, find their favorite toy, and make cookies SIMULTANEOUSLY!
If anyone knows a woman who can actually accomplish such a feat, please send her my way. I would love a day off.
Answer
There is no right answer! Just whatever is agreed upon.
Of the 17 comments left on the blog, 7 came down clearly on the side of it being the responsibility of the baby-sitter to get themselves to the job, with the hiring family being responsible to take them home if it wasn't reasonable for them to get home on their own, with their own bike or car.
8 clearly came out to say that they had experienced, or felt it was the responsibility of the hiring family to provide transportation both ways.
And 2 comments reflected experience and/or an opinion, that it could go either way.
And, for more statistical data...of the 79 unique visitors that stat counter recorded had visited my blog any time on Monday, or today before 3:30, 17 left comments. Now of course, it is possible that a few of the visitors were repeats of the same person, but I find it interesting that so many people visited, and didn't want to comment. Maybe you find that interesting too.
Thank you to those of you who did comment. I now feel justified in feeling the way I do, and yet I also respect the opinion of those who feel differently. I think so long as the arrangement works for both the baby-sitter and the hiring family, it is great. As it stands at our house, if Dave and I are going to go out, the chances of his being home and available to assist me in picking up the baby-sitter in advance is 1 in 100, thus, it really works best for me to have someone that can get themselves here at least most of the time.
Finally, I find it intriguing how some people view the baby-sitter as doing a favor, and others view it more as a job. I think for me, it all depends on the compensation, and the difficulty of the kids, and my opinion on whether it is a favor or a job would be assessed on a case by case basis.
Though I am clearly biased, I think my children are fabulous and entertaining. And judging by the number of teenage girls that have volunteered to baby-sit for us, I think they appear that way to the baby-sitting candidates as well.
Now, I know that bedtime is a pain no matter how cute the kids are (for parents too!), but aside from that issue, baby-sitting at our house is a great job. As far as I can tell, we pay well. Our kids are generally well behaved, and are a lot of fun to be with.
We usually stay out about 2 hours after bedtime. We don't pay less for the time the kids are asleep (of course), and in fact, we tell our baby-sitters they can watch movies, or TV, or whatever, and eat any food or ice cream they can find while they are here. So, for the last 2 hours or so of the job, they get to hang out, with no one to bug them, eat treats, play the wii, or read, or do homework, or watch TV, and get paid pretty well.
That sounds like a great job to me.
Which reminds me...I forgot to tell our new baby-sitter that the pantry was open game! Oh well, next time. And yes, there will be a next time.
Of the 17 comments left on the blog, 7 came down clearly on the side of it being the responsibility of the baby-sitter to get themselves to the job, with the hiring family being responsible to take them home if it wasn't reasonable for them to get home on their own, with their own bike or car.
8 clearly came out to say that they had experienced, or felt it was the responsibility of the hiring family to provide transportation both ways.
And 2 comments reflected experience and/or an opinion, that it could go either way.
And, for more statistical data...of the 79 unique visitors that stat counter recorded had visited my blog any time on Monday, or today before 3:30, 17 left comments. Now of course, it is possible that a few of the visitors were repeats of the same person, but I find it interesting that so many people visited, and didn't want to comment. Maybe you find that interesting too.
Thank you to those of you who did comment. I now feel justified in feeling the way I do, and yet I also respect the opinion of those who feel differently. I think so long as the arrangement works for both the baby-sitter and the hiring family, it is great. As it stands at our house, if Dave and I are going to go out, the chances of his being home and available to assist me in picking up the baby-sitter in advance is 1 in 100, thus, it really works best for me to have someone that can get themselves here at least most of the time.
Finally, I find it intriguing how some people view the baby-sitter as doing a favor, and others view it more as a job. I think for me, it all depends on the compensation, and the difficulty of the kids, and my opinion on whether it is a favor or a job would be assessed on a case by case basis.
Though I am clearly biased, I think my children are fabulous and entertaining. And judging by the number of teenage girls that have volunteered to baby-sit for us, I think they appear that way to the baby-sitting candidates as well.
Now, I know that bedtime is a pain no matter how cute the kids are (for parents too!), but aside from that issue, baby-sitting at our house is a great job. As far as I can tell, we pay well. Our kids are generally well behaved, and are a lot of fun to be with.
We usually stay out about 2 hours after bedtime. We don't pay less for the time the kids are asleep (of course), and in fact, we tell our baby-sitters they can watch movies, or TV, or whatever, and eat any food or ice cream they can find while they are here. So, for the last 2 hours or so of the job, they get to hang out, with no one to bug them, eat treats, play the wii, or read, or do homework, or watch TV, and get paid pretty well.
That sounds like a great job to me.
Which reminds me...I forgot to tell our new baby-sitter that the pantry was open game! Oh well, next time. And yes, there will be a next time.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Question
In every place I have ever lived before, the "standard" baby-sitting arrangement was that the baby-sitter would get a ride to the home, and one of the parents would take her home afterward. Obviously, there were exceptions here and there, but this was what was expected, both when I was a girl growing up and baby-sitting occasionally, and in the places I have lived previously while a mom.
Here, the standard expectation seems to be that the family hiring the baby-sitter provides transportation both ways. It seems completely strange to me, and hard. When I am trying to get ready to go somewhere, and settle my kids, and get dinner, and make sure everything is stable at home, the LAST thing I want to do is load everyone in the car to go pick up the baby-sitter. And I guess, I feel like it is a job. If you worked at Subway, you wouldn't expect your manager to pick you up and drop you off. But seriously, here people seem to think I am strange for viewing baby-sitter transportation in this way.
Actually, we have another baby-sitter in our area that we like, but after her mom explained the transportation expectation to me, I decided I needed to find someone else. And the new one worked out very well. She is such a cute girl. And can get a ride here, at least most of the time. And, will be able to drive herself within the next month...so we have a winner.
Which leads me to the question...How do you view baby-sitting transportation? I thought I would do a very unscientific poll of my blog readers. Please leave a comment expressing how you think the baby-sitter transportation should be arranged, and/or how it is done in your area. I would really like to know. Thanks!
Here, the standard expectation seems to be that the family hiring the baby-sitter provides transportation both ways. It seems completely strange to me, and hard. When I am trying to get ready to go somewhere, and settle my kids, and get dinner, and make sure everything is stable at home, the LAST thing I want to do is load everyone in the car to go pick up the baby-sitter. And I guess, I feel like it is a job. If you worked at Subway, you wouldn't expect your manager to pick you up and drop you off. But seriously, here people seem to think I am strange for viewing baby-sitter transportation in this way.
Actually, we have another baby-sitter in our area that we like, but after her mom explained the transportation expectation to me, I decided I needed to find someone else. And the new one worked out very well. She is such a cute girl. And can get a ride here, at least most of the time. And, will be able to drive herself within the next month...so we have a winner.
Which leads me to the question...How do you view baby-sitting transportation? I thought I would do a very unscientific poll of my blog readers. Please leave a comment expressing how you think the baby-sitter transportation should be arranged, and/or how it is done in your area. I would really like to know. Thanks!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Last Night...
was WONDERFUL! We had a baby-sitter, and when we got home the kids were all asleep. I adore my children, but let me tell you, they are especially adorable when unconscious.
Dave and I went to the temple. It was ward** temple night, and 20-25 people from our ward were there. It was nice to see people that we knew.
Afterwards, we decided to live it up! We went to TGIFridays, and it was so fun. Our server Vlad was honestly the best server we have had in a super long time. We split one of those meals that comes with the appetizer, entree, and dessert, and he had the entree split onto two plates. Not to mention the fact that he is from Siberia, which means he wasn't as freezing as I was. These midwestern winters are brutal for a girl from California. Did I mention weather.com says it is -2 at our house right now, and that the "feels like" temperature is -19? And our heater can only keep it at 62 degrees at best when it is this cold?
Anyway, the night was really enjoyable for us. We got home and our super new baby-sitter seemed to have everything under control. Apparently she had had a little trouble with Number Two, but overall things had gone well. She did comment that Number Two was very intelligent for a five year old, and I think she still liked her, so that was positive.
She went to grab her shoes so I could take her home, and they were nowhere to be found! I know she had left them by the front door. We searched, and searched and searched. No luck. Dave and I (and the baby-sitter) of course had our suspicions as to the culprit.
Of course, who else could it be?
I tried to wake her up, and got a glimpse or two of that famous Number Two grump face captured recently by Barb at Sears. I could not wake her.
Dave was more persistent, and finally, he was able to rouse her enough to see her smirk when she rediscovered how clever she had been at hiding the shoes.
He asked her where the shoes were, and she again flashed the sly grin. He asked if it was a secret where they were, and she grinned again. Eyes still closed of course, as she was only semi-conscious. After much perseverence, she murmured that they were under Number One's bed, and went back to sleep.
Fortuneately, our new baby-sitter has a great sense of humor. She took it quite well.
But here is the interesting part, and an example of why I am ever challenged at knowing how to parent this darling daughter of mine: When asked why she hid the shoes, Number Two said it is because she didn't like the way that the baby-sitter had done some things, and that she wanted her to stay until morning so Number Two could teach her how to do it differently.
What a deep thinker. There is always so much more going on beneath the surface with this child. I am often at a loss trying to understand what she really thinks, and what really motivates her. She has such a good heart, but she thinks so out of of the box, that sometimes other people can't see her for the great little girl she is. While I don't want to dampen her creativity, I am continually striving to help her find her way, so that she can be both her creative self, and a successful part of her family and community.
And to show that she had other cute expressions at the photo shoot:
That is our darling Number Two!
**In case you aren't up with the LDS lingo...ward is a word that refers to congregation. The church has divided up the world with geographic boundaries. If you want to know which ward you are in, you can actually type in your address on the church's website, and it will tell you. You meet together for services and for other activities from time to time. Wards are grouped into stakes. The Savior of the World production we were in last fall was done on a stake level.
Dave and I went to the temple. It was ward** temple night, and 20-25 people from our ward were there. It was nice to see people that we knew.
Afterwards, we decided to live it up! We went to TGIFridays, and it was so fun. Our server Vlad was honestly the best server we have had in a super long time. We split one of those meals that comes with the appetizer, entree, and dessert, and he had the entree split onto two plates. Not to mention the fact that he is from Siberia, which means he wasn't as freezing as I was. These midwestern winters are brutal for a girl from California. Did I mention weather.com says it is -2 at our house right now, and that the "feels like" temperature is -19? And our heater can only keep it at 62 degrees at best when it is this cold?
Anyway, the night was really enjoyable for us. We got home and our super new baby-sitter seemed to have everything under control. Apparently she had had a little trouble with Number Two, but overall things had gone well. She did comment that Number Two was very intelligent for a five year old, and I think she still liked her, so that was positive.
She went to grab her shoes so I could take her home, and they were nowhere to be found! I know she had left them by the front door. We searched, and searched and searched. No luck. Dave and I (and the baby-sitter) of course had our suspicions as to the culprit.
Of course, who else could it be?
I tried to wake her up, and got a glimpse or two of that famous Number Two grump face captured recently by Barb at Sears. I could not wake her.
Dave was more persistent, and finally, he was able to rouse her enough to see her smirk when she rediscovered how clever she had been at hiding the shoes.
He asked her where the shoes were, and she again flashed the sly grin. He asked if it was a secret where they were, and she grinned again. Eyes still closed of course, as she was only semi-conscious. After much perseverence, she murmured that they were under Number One's bed, and went back to sleep.
Fortuneately, our new baby-sitter has a great sense of humor. She took it quite well.
But here is the interesting part, and an example of why I am ever challenged at knowing how to parent this darling daughter of mine: When asked why she hid the shoes, Number Two said it is because she didn't like the way that the baby-sitter had done some things, and that she wanted her to stay until morning so Number Two could teach her how to do it differently.
What a deep thinker. There is always so much more going on beneath the surface with this child. I am often at a loss trying to understand what she really thinks, and what really motivates her. She has such a good heart, but she thinks so out of of the box, that sometimes other people can't see her for the great little girl she is. While I don't want to dampen her creativity, I am continually striving to help her find her way, so that she can be both her creative self, and a successful part of her family and community.
And to show that she had other cute expressions at the photo shoot:
That is our darling Number Two!
**In case you aren't up with the LDS lingo...ward is a word that refers to congregation. The church has divided up the world with geographic boundaries. If you want to know which ward you are in, you can actually type in your address on the church's website, and it will tell you. You meet together for services and for other activities from time to time. Wards are grouped into stakes. The Savior of the World production we were in last fall was done on a stake level.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Today Was SO Much Better
So Monday and Tuesday were so rough...I didn't even get the post I had written yesterday up until tonight! I was having a little trouble figuring out how to do images. I am good now on that. In fact, I was able to add images to my post giving updates on the kids, so be sure to scroll down and see them in front of our Christmas tree. I think they are pretty darn cute!
Today was better. I got more of the stars filled in on my new-fandangled chore chart, including one for cleaning the master bath. Looks so nice in there Dave even commented on it. (And yes, I know if I am admitting that he noticed, I am admitting it looked less than stellar before.)
The chore charts are actually working quite well for all of us. I made one for Dave and I and each of the girls, with different items. They are colorful and beautiful (with pictures so the non-readers can still figure out what to do). We even have sparkly stars to mark them off.
And its silly how motivating they are! I have yet to get my star for "lights out by 10," but hopefully someday.... The girls have been doing a 15 minute clean-up everyday like they used to, remembering morning prayer (which used to be forgotten too often), and making their beds, and Number One even vacuumed the family room today! Plus, she has been reading her scriptures and practicing her piano faithfully each day.
Tonight we had a little family adventure. Our poor tired Davin dozed on the train at just the wrong moment tonight...missing his stop. Because he was on an express train, the train didn't stop again until the end of the line...at a station 25 minutes from our house and out in la-la-land. He could have waited until after 8 to take another train back, but since they girls really wanted to see him, and they hadn't for a few days, we jumped in the van and went to his rescue.
Number Three fell asleep two minutes after we left, but the big girls and Number Four had a blast. To make it a super memorable trip, I drove us through Baskin Robbins on the way home. Number One and Number Two couldn't have been happier. In fact, Number Two said something to the effect that this was the best day ever. And coming from her, that sure means something!
Today was better. I got more of the stars filled in on my new-fandangled chore chart, including one for cleaning the master bath. Looks so nice in there Dave even commented on it. (And yes, I know if I am admitting that he noticed, I am admitting it looked less than stellar before.)
The chore charts are actually working quite well for all of us. I made one for Dave and I and each of the girls, with different items. They are colorful and beautiful (with pictures so the non-readers can still figure out what to do). We even have sparkly stars to mark them off.
And its silly how motivating they are! I have yet to get my star for "lights out by 10," but hopefully someday.... The girls have been doing a 15 minute clean-up everyday like they used to, remembering morning prayer (which used to be forgotten too often), and making their beds, and Number One even vacuumed the family room today! Plus, she has been reading her scriptures and practicing her piano faithfully each day.
Tonight we had a little family adventure. Our poor tired Davin dozed on the train at just the wrong moment tonight...missing his stop. Because he was on an express train, the train didn't stop again until the end of the line...at a station 25 minutes from our house and out in la-la-land. He could have waited until after 8 to take another train back, but since they girls really wanted to see him, and they hadn't for a few days, we jumped in the van and went to his rescue.
Number Three fell asleep two minutes after we left, but the big girls and Number Four had a blast. To make it a super memorable trip, I drove us through Baskin Robbins on the way home. Number One and Number Two couldn't have been happier. In fact, Number Two said something to the effect that this was the best day ever. And coming from her, that sure means something!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Motherhood is not for Wussies
Some weeks as a mom are just hard!
Yesterday was a day of horrible timing. Dave just barely missed the bus (for the second time since he started) so I had to drive him to the station right after we got Number One to school. Number Two was really sick, so I was feeling pretty sad for her.
I was just barely too late to get back to Number Three in the bath after dressing Number Four and running more ibuprofen to Number Two. In the meantime, Number Three had gone Number Two...in the tub.
And as my sister always says, when you are having these glorious lessons in Young Women's (church organization for girls ages 12-18) about motherhood, where is the barf and poop lesson?
So, I am dry heaving into the sink, trying to run my hands under cold water, while intermittently grabbing the floating grossness from the tub (with paper towels) and tossing it into the toilet, wondering if things can get any worse.
I was too late getting back down to help Number Three carry a bowl with broth in it, which she dumped on the floor. (Fortuneately, our awesome tile hides stains and spills quite well...unfortuneately, as a consequence, it doesn't get cleaned as throughly and as often as it should.)
I was too late getting back to poor tired Number Four, stuck in the exersaucer while I scrubbed the tub and rebathed Number Two.
I was too late to stop Number Three from plopping berry yogurt on the carpet.
And I wonder why I feel like I can never get anything done!
Number One came home needy. Actually, they were all super needy yesterday, and the usual group dynamics just weren't working for me. I can usually time meals, snacks, baths, etc. at the same time for everyone, and it simplifies things. For some reason yesterday, they were all on different agendas.
Today wasn't much better.
So tonight I was determined to get things done and get to bed by 10. But, the kids conspired against me with some serious bedtime struggles...WAY worse than usual. And when rocking Number Four he thrashed his head into my upper lip so hard I shrieked, and now I look like I've had a lip injection. It doesn't look too bad, actually, just a little OC for me.
I'm convinced that there is NO job more difficult than that of the mom. Only the tough can survive. But the tricky part, is staying tough and soft all at the same time. Because at the end of the day, if I haven't been able to feel that mom love for my kids, then I am missing the joy in the journey, and robbing them of the most precious gift I have to give them: a mother's love that they don't only know I have for them, but that they feel in their hearts.
Yesterday was a day of horrible timing. Dave just barely missed the bus (for the second time since he started) so I had to drive him to the station right after we got Number One to school. Number Two was really sick, so I was feeling pretty sad for her.
I was just barely too late to get back to Number Three in the bath after dressing Number Four and running more ibuprofen to Number Two. In the meantime, Number Three had gone Number Two...in the tub.
And as my sister always says, when you are having these glorious lessons in Young Women's (church organization for girls ages 12-18) about motherhood, where is the barf and poop lesson?
So, I am dry heaving into the sink, trying to run my hands under cold water, while intermittently grabbing the floating grossness from the tub (with paper towels) and tossing it into the toilet, wondering if things can get any worse.
I was too late getting back down to help Number Three carry a bowl with broth in it, which she dumped on the floor. (Fortuneately, our awesome tile hides stains and spills quite well...unfortuneately, as a consequence, it doesn't get cleaned as throughly and as often as it should.)
I was too late getting back to poor tired Number Four, stuck in the exersaucer while I scrubbed the tub and rebathed Number Two.
I was too late to stop Number Three from plopping berry yogurt on the carpet.
And I wonder why I feel like I can never get anything done!
Number One came home needy. Actually, they were all super needy yesterday, and the usual group dynamics just weren't working for me. I can usually time meals, snacks, baths, etc. at the same time for everyone, and it simplifies things. For some reason yesterday, they were all on different agendas.
Today wasn't much better.
So tonight I was determined to get things done and get to bed by 10. But, the kids conspired against me with some serious bedtime struggles...WAY worse than usual. And when rocking Number Four he thrashed his head into my upper lip so hard I shrieked, and now I look like I've had a lip injection. It doesn't look too bad, actually, just a little OC for me.
I'm convinced that there is NO job more difficult than that of the mom. Only the tough can survive. But the tricky part, is staying tough and soft all at the same time. Because at the end of the day, if I haven't been able to feel that mom love for my kids, then I am missing the joy in the journey, and robbing them of the most precious gift I have to give them: a mother's love that they don't only know I have for them, but that they feel in their hearts.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Update on the Kids
So, we didn't send out Christmas cards this year. We will be doing Valentine's Day cards instead.
In the meantime though, I thought I ought to provide a little update on each of the kids. It's about time.
Number Four:
Our handsome little son just yesterday discovered that he really can crawl on all fours. Amazingly quick in the army crawl, Number Four has begun to show us what it is like to have a boy. At 11 months old, he loves cars, trucks, balls, and things that move. He takes great interest in all things electronic, and really gets upset if Dave won't share his Blackberry. Number Four makes such funny faces, and loves to turn his head to the side to show his coy and flirty side, especially with strangers. He stands up for himself well against his three other mothers, and takes great pleasure trying to hold his own in wrestling matches with Number Three.
Number Three:
What a crack-up! She loves to argue with me, "No, you silly!" "No, I love YOU!" She is a the most natural born homemaker yet to join the family. Number Three loves to nurture and watch over everyone, and she keeps us organized too. She actually LIKES to put her shoes in the shoe bin. Number Three has mastered the forward roll at gymnastics, which she absolutely loves. Her speech is finally catching up with her physical abilities too. I think my favorite thing about Number Three is her natural gift of happiness. She is such a joy.
Number Two:
What a personality! Number Two keeps me on my toes. She has an amazing ability to collect treasures (trash) like used napkins, rings from milk gallons, used disposible bathroom cups, and recycle them into art projects and clothing and accessories for her stuffed animals. We expect to see her art displayed in a modern art museum someday. Number Two has an AMAZING little voice, though she sings best without a noticeable audience. I especially appreciate her vocal talent in Primary, where I am the chorister. She is the first one in the family to respond to Number Four when he needs something and consequently, she has a very special little bond with the baby brother.
Number One:
Seven going on 17! Number One is currently obsessed with American Girl stuff. She loves to read the books, and has the whole world collection of the 2007 doll, Nicki. Number One is maturing in so many ways, serving her younger siblings is a far more grown-up manner. Of course, the maturing does include pre-pre-teen mood swings, but with three daughters, I am sure we have loads more of this to experience! Number One continues to excell in school, and I have been working with her teacher (and even some with the principal) to find more ways to challenge her academically. We found a fabulous piano teacher this year, and Number One has really been enjoying her lessons.
And the real Number One:
Dave is enjoying his work as the big city attorney. He works for a stellar firm with high quality people. We make the most of his time home, and feel grateful when he is gone that he does have such a great job that allows us to be paying back our debts while I stay home with the kids. Dave bought me (or was it him??? :) a Wii for Christmas, and has somehow managed to find the time to become a pro bowler and tennis player (and maybe even baseball...I don't keep track). The big girls love to play on the Wii too, though the competitive spirit they often brings calls for an premature end to their games when I as the Contention Referree step in. We are working on that. This last week Dave and celebrated 10 years from the day we met. And as fate would have it, the movie we ended up watching the first night we met was on TBS! Too bad I was too tired to stay up for it.
So there is the family update, almost as the Christmas card letter you didn't get. For those of you I know that have blogs, keep them updated as I check them when I can. For those of you who don't, please send me an email here and there to let me know how you are doing.
Now off to put on the mom hat again. I have one home sick from school today and two others ready for my attention again. When I get an extra minute I will get back on and see if I can add a picture of each of the kids to this post.
In the meantime though, I thought I ought to provide a little update on each of the kids. It's about time.
Number Four:
Our handsome little son just yesterday discovered that he really can crawl on all fours. Amazingly quick in the army crawl, Number Four has begun to show us what it is like to have a boy. At 11 months old, he loves cars, trucks, balls, and things that move. He takes great interest in all things electronic, and really gets upset if Dave won't share his Blackberry. Number Four makes such funny faces, and loves to turn his head to the side to show his coy and flirty side, especially with strangers. He stands up for himself well against his three other mothers, and takes great pleasure trying to hold his own in wrestling matches with Number Three.
Number Three:
What a crack-up! She loves to argue with me, "No, you silly!" "No, I love YOU!" She is a the most natural born homemaker yet to join the family. Number Three loves to nurture and watch over everyone, and she keeps us organized too. She actually LIKES to put her shoes in the shoe bin. Number Three has mastered the forward roll at gymnastics, which she absolutely loves. Her speech is finally catching up with her physical abilities too. I think my favorite thing about Number Three is her natural gift of happiness. She is such a joy.
Number Two:
What a personality! Number Two keeps me on my toes. She has an amazing ability to collect treasures (trash) like used napkins, rings from milk gallons, used disposible bathroom cups, and recycle them into art projects and clothing and accessories for her stuffed animals. We expect to see her art displayed in a modern art museum someday. Number Two has an AMAZING little voice, though she sings best without a noticeable audience. I especially appreciate her vocal talent in Primary, where I am the chorister. She is the first one in the family to respond to Number Four when he needs something and consequently, she has a very special little bond with the baby brother.
Number One:
Seven going on 17! Number One is currently obsessed with American Girl stuff. She loves to read the books, and has the whole world collection of the 2007 doll, Nicki. Number One is maturing in so many ways, serving her younger siblings is a far more grown-up manner. Of course, the maturing does include pre-pre-teen mood swings, but with three daughters, I am sure we have loads more of this to experience! Number One continues to excell in school, and I have been working with her teacher (and even some with the principal) to find more ways to challenge her academically. We found a fabulous piano teacher this year, and Number One has really been enjoying her lessons.
And the real Number One:
Dave is enjoying his work as the big city attorney. He works for a stellar firm with high quality people. We make the most of his time home, and feel grateful when he is gone that he does have such a great job that allows us to be paying back our debts while I stay home with the kids. Dave bought me (or was it him??? :) a Wii for Christmas, and has somehow managed to find the time to become a pro bowler and tennis player (and maybe even baseball...I don't keep track). The big girls love to play on the Wii too, though the competitive spirit they often brings calls for an premature end to their games when I as the Contention Referree step in. We are working on that. This last week Dave and celebrated 10 years from the day we met. And as fate would have it, the movie we ended up watching the first night we met was on TBS! Too bad I was too tired to stay up for it.
So there is the family update, almost as the Christmas card letter you didn't get. For those of you I know that have blogs, keep them updated as I check them when I can. For those of you who don't, please send me an email here and there to let me know how you are doing.
Now off to put on the mom hat again. I have one home sick from school today and two others ready for my attention again. When I get an extra minute I will get back on and see if I can add a picture of each of the kids to this post.
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