Dearest blog,
I haven't forgotten you, I just haven't had time to post anything for a while. I will be back.
Happy spring everyone! I'm crossing my fingers it's finally here to stay. I actually got my front yard flower beds cleaned out yesterday. It was wonderful, but boy am I going to feel it today. It really stinks getting old!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
More answers
When you go to the grocery store, what is that one treat you have to avoid walking by?
I thought about this one the other day and didn't know what the answer was, then I went to the grocery store and realized the answer is "chips". I am not a big fan of candy and store baked goods, but salt is my thing so chips are definitely the hardest thing for me to pass by. I walked down the chip aisle yesterday and didn't even look at the chips as I went by them. I just walked through as quickly as I could.
Name 3-5 things you consider "extras" for yourself. Things that you always want, but feel like they aren't a necessity and tend to get swept under the rug when your kids go through a growth spurt and suddenly need 5 new pairs of pants.
This would have to be anything in the "pampering" category--pedicures, manicures, facials, now even hair highlights. Also, new technology items, particularly a printer/scanner/fax machine. Our printer is eons old, but it works and thus it hasn't been replaced with a new all-in-one model yet and won't be until it completely dies or my kids stop growing (I'm not sure which one will come first). Home decorations would also fit in this category, I went nearly a year-and-a-half without anything on my new large kitchen wall but finally broke down and fixed that. I've also wanted a small kitchen cabinet that will also go on that same wall in the kitchen, but it's a definite "extra" and will be safe at the store until I have money burning a hole in my wallet.
What is your idea of a romantic date?
Anything my husband plans with me in mind (knowing what I would want to do without asking). This would include taking care of the kids' needs so I wouldn't have to worry about that and then whisking me off for a night together. Overnight away would be even better!
Well, that's what I've got. Now I'd like your answers, Jeri Dawn, and anyone else who would like to participate. I also want to know:
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? What would you want to do there? Where would you recommend someone visit and what would you tell them to do there?
I thought about this one the other day and didn't know what the answer was, then I went to the grocery store and realized the answer is "chips". I am not a big fan of candy and store baked goods, but salt is my thing so chips are definitely the hardest thing for me to pass by. I walked down the chip aisle yesterday and didn't even look at the chips as I went by them. I just walked through as quickly as I could.
Name 3-5 things you consider "extras" for yourself. Things that you always want, but feel like they aren't a necessity and tend to get swept under the rug when your kids go through a growth spurt and suddenly need 5 new pairs of pants.
This would have to be anything in the "pampering" category--pedicures, manicures, facials, now even hair highlights. Also, new technology items, particularly a printer/scanner/fax machine. Our printer is eons old, but it works and thus it hasn't been replaced with a new all-in-one model yet and won't be until it completely dies or my kids stop growing (I'm not sure which one will come first). Home decorations would also fit in this category, I went nearly a year-and-a-half without anything on my new large kitchen wall but finally broke down and fixed that. I've also wanted a small kitchen cabinet that will also go on that same wall in the kitchen, but it's a definite "extra" and will be safe at the store until I have money burning a hole in my wallet.
What is your idea of a romantic date?
Anything my husband plans with me in mind (knowing what I would want to do without asking). This would include taking care of the kids' needs so I wouldn't have to worry about that and then whisking me off for a night together. Overnight away would be even better!
Well, that's what I've got. Now I'd like your answers, Jeri Dawn, and anyone else who would like to participate. I also want to know:
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? What would you want to do there? Where would you recommend someone visit and what would you tell them to do there?
Friday, March 11, 2011
My Mom
Today is my mom's birthday and as a present to her, I'd like to tell her and you why I love and admire her so much.
1. She's an amazing musician and she's instilled the love of music in me and thousands of others.
Since I can remember, my mom taught piano lessons. She tried to teach me but quickly realized it doesn't work to teach your own child, but she always made sure I had a good teacher and encouraged (in my younger years, I would have used the word "forced" here) me to practice. I love and am so grateful that I can play the piano now and enjoy sitting down to the piano, I inherited from her, to play this or that. I don't play nearly as well as she does (not even close actually) but I can play what I want to. I don't know if she's kept track of the total number, but she's taught thousands of students over the years. She usually had 60 students at a time and she always had a waiting list. Many people are indebted to her for the skills she taught them.
She also had us sing together as a family and gave us so many opportunities to perform. I remember wondering if people got tired of hearing from us, but I'm glad she didn't worry about that and just had us sing, sing, sing. Now that I have my own family I realize how difficult it must have been for her to get the seven of us together to practice and to get us all to smile and have a good attitude. I've attempted getting my children to perform together a couple of times and have given up pretty quickly.
Because of her musical talent, she was also asked to play for all of the musicals the Stake put on--which were done every other year. This was a major time commitment so she would make a deal with the director that if she played her kids would get to be in the show. I had so little acting talent, but I had the opportunity to be a part of those shows, and even have a very short solo once, because of her and it was always so much fun. I do remember being an orphan child in one of the musicals, when I was really young, and they had to rat my hair and make me look all dirty (or they actually put dirt on me--I can't remember for sure) but I remember hating that.
People ask her to accompany them all of the time because she can play anything. At our family reunions she even plays the old time songs without a single stitch of music! Like I said, she's an amazing musician.
2. She had seven children!
Seriously, how did she do it. Even more unbelievable, she also agreed to have an Indian placement student join our family and she lived with us, during the school year, for seven years and then stayed for another year, after her senior year, to get her cosmetology degree. So my mom was a mother to eight children for many years. And with eight children she still helped with homework, taught piano, kept a clean house, always held a church calling, grew a garden, cooked meals, carted us all around, supported our sports and musical events and even did the PTA/Room Mom thing. Incredible! I have a tough time keeping up with my four children.
3. She can sew just about anything, beautifully.
My mom made most of my clothes until I was in junior high and they were cool. She also formed a 4-H club for me and my friends to teach us how to sew and cook (one more thing to add to the list of things she did with eight children). She's made many lovely blankets and quilts in her lifetime and has given several away to help others. My sister wanted her own style of prom dresses in high school, so she would draw a picture (basically design a dress) and my mom made them for her from her picture. I remember hearing the sewing machine humming, outside my bedroom door, late into the evening as she made pajamas and clothing for all of us kids at Christmas time. I've never felt as comfortable with sewing as her. I actually get so worried about cutting out the pattern wrong that most of the time I don't even start. In fact, she helped me pick out some material to make curtains for my bedroom, way before she left for the Netherlands, and I started sewing them but haven't finished them because I'm afraid I'm going to mess them up. Sorry Mom!
4. She starts many projects and actually finishes them.
One thing I have definitely not been able to master is my mom's stick-to-itiveness. I have started so many different projects in my life that have never gotten finished. This does not happen with my mom. If she starts something, she finishes it and it's always done well. Me, my mom and my sister, Traci, went to England, Ireland and Scotland in 2004. We had a great time and took many pictures of the sights and our experiences there. Within a month after we got home, my mom had scrapbooked the entire trip. I've made a few digital scrapbooks, but haven't even attempted to do one of that trip because there are so many pictures to tackle and I still have video as well that I was going to put on my computer and edit that I haven't done. She has also made some incredible quilts--some that have taken so much time, but she doesn't give up on them. She works and works until they are finished and can be displayed for everyone to enjoy. The most remarkable thing is, it takes quite a long time to piece the quilts she makes, but then she also hand quilts them all which takes forever. But she doesn't give up on them. It's astonishing to me. If I've needed to get a project done at my house, I've invited her to help mostly because I know she won't let me stop until it's finished.
5. Wow! Can she cook!
My mom is a great cook! I love to cook because of her and she's the one who taught me how. I remember the great Sunday dinners she made every week. They was always ready right after we got home from church, too, whether that was at 12:00, 2:00 or 4:00 p.m. She would get up as early as she needed to to have everything prepared and ready beforehand. She bottles fruit, makes homemade jam and puts up homemade pickles, which takes a lot of time, for us to enjoy throughout the year. She bakes rolls, cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies and many other treats that are to die for. The young adults in the Netherlands are getting a taste, literally, of the magic she can do with food as she cooks for them often. I wonder if they trully know how lucky they are to have her there.
6. She is committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and exhibits charity to her family, friends and neighbors.
My mom has served in so many different church callings in her life. She's served in the Primary (Presidency, Chorister and probably pianist), YW's and RS (Presidency, Homemaking Leader and Teacher); in the Library; as a Gospel Doctrine teacher; Visiting Teacher and others that I'm sure I don't remember. It's not important where you serve, but how, and I tell you what, she has put her all into every calling and has served the Lord with all her might, mind and strength. But as she did this, I don't remember feeling like she neglected her family in any way. We still came first.
She's also given of her time and talents to so many people through service. She's taken food to people; she's watched physically disabled children so their mother could have a break; she's made and given many items to the humanitarian effort; before the mission, she played the organ in the temple, one morning a week, and then stayed and did an endowment session; and she's supported my father in his many busy and time consuming callings. But the thing I admire the most about the spiritual side of my mom is the unconditional, pure love of Christ she shows others. Some people are difficult to get along with, but she gives everyone (especially in our family) the benefit of the doubt and is patient and loving with them. If I say something negative about someone, she will say something positive and help me look at them in a different light. She's not perfect, and I can't say she doesn't ever say a bad thing about others, but her patience and love is amazing and it takes a great deal of hurt before she will think badly about a person. I appreciate her example of this and I'm trying to be more like her, really I am.
She has a strong testimony of the gospel and is doing what her Heavenly Father has asked her to do by serving and sharing her testimony with His children in the Netherlands right now. She and my dad are having such a great experience. What a great example they are setting for me and my children.
So, Mom, since you're there and not here, I hope you'll accept this expression of my love and appreciation for you, as my birthday wish to you! There are so many more things that make you wonderful. Thanks for your great example and love for me. I remember times in school when we were asked who our role model was and without hesitation I would write, my mom. Most of the kids would put someone famous, but I always knew I wanted to be just like you. You're the best!!!! Happy, happy birthday!! I hope you have a great day!
Love you!!!!!
1. She's an amazing musician and she's instilled the love of music in me and thousands of others.
Since I can remember, my mom taught piano lessons. She tried to teach me but quickly realized it doesn't work to teach your own child, but she always made sure I had a good teacher and encouraged (in my younger years, I would have used the word "forced" here) me to practice. I love and am so grateful that I can play the piano now and enjoy sitting down to the piano, I inherited from her, to play this or that. I don't play nearly as well as she does (not even close actually) but I can play what I want to. I don't know if she's kept track of the total number, but she's taught thousands of students over the years. She usually had 60 students at a time and she always had a waiting list. Many people are indebted to her for the skills she taught them.
She also had us sing together as a family and gave us so many opportunities to perform. I remember wondering if people got tired of hearing from us, but I'm glad she didn't worry about that and just had us sing, sing, sing. Now that I have my own family I realize how difficult it must have been for her to get the seven of us together to practice and to get us all to smile and have a good attitude. I've attempted getting my children to perform together a couple of times and have given up pretty quickly.
Because of her musical talent, she was also asked to play for all of the musicals the Stake put on--which were done every other year. This was a major time commitment so she would make a deal with the director that if she played her kids would get to be in the show. I had so little acting talent, but I had the opportunity to be a part of those shows, and even have a very short solo once, because of her and it was always so much fun. I do remember being an orphan child in one of the musicals, when I was really young, and they had to rat my hair and make me look all dirty (or they actually put dirt on me--I can't remember for sure) but I remember hating that.
People ask her to accompany them all of the time because she can play anything. At our family reunions she even plays the old time songs without a single stitch of music! Like I said, she's an amazing musician.
2. She had seven children!
Seriously, how did she do it. Even more unbelievable, she also agreed to have an Indian placement student join our family and she lived with us, during the school year, for seven years and then stayed for another year, after her senior year, to get her cosmetology degree. So my mom was a mother to eight children for many years. And with eight children she still helped with homework, taught piano, kept a clean house, always held a church calling, grew a garden, cooked meals, carted us all around, supported our sports and musical events and even did the PTA/Room Mom thing. Incredible! I have a tough time keeping up with my four children.
3. She can sew just about anything, beautifully.
My mom made most of my clothes until I was in junior high and they were cool. She also formed a 4-H club for me and my friends to teach us how to sew and cook (one more thing to add to the list of things she did with eight children). She's made many lovely blankets and quilts in her lifetime and has given several away to help others. My sister wanted her own style of prom dresses in high school, so she would draw a picture (basically design a dress) and my mom made them for her from her picture. I remember hearing the sewing machine humming, outside my bedroom door, late into the evening as she made pajamas and clothing for all of us kids at Christmas time. I've never felt as comfortable with sewing as her. I actually get so worried about cutting out the pattern wrong that most of the time I don't even start. In fact, she helped me pick out some material to make curtains for my bedroom, way before she left for the Netherlands, and I started sewing them but haven't finished them because I'm afraid I'm going to mess them up. Sorry Mom!
4. She starts many projects and actually finishes them.
One thing I have definitely not been able to master is my mom's stick-to-itiveness. I have started so many different projects in my life that have never gotten finished. This does not happen with my mom. If she starts something, she finishes it and it's always done well. Me, my mom and my sister, Traci, went to England, Ireland and Scotland in 2004. We had a great time and took many pictures of the sights and our experiences there. Within a month after we got home, my mom had scrapbooked the entire trip. I've made a few digital scrapbooks, but haven't even attempted to do one of that trip because there are so many pictures to tackle and I still have video as well that I was going to put on my computer and edit that I haven't done. She has also made some incredible quilts--some that have taken so much time, but she doesn't give up on them. She works and works until they are finished and can be displayed for everyone to enjoy. The most remarkable thing is, it takes quite a long time to piece the quilts she makes, but then she also hand quilts them all which takes forever. But she doesn't give up on them. It's astonishing to me. If I've needed to get a project done at my house, I've invited her to help mostly because I know she won't let me stop until it's finished.
5. Wow! Can she cook!
My mom is a great cook! I love to cook because of her and she's the one who taught me how. I remember the great Sunday dinners she made every week. They was always ready right after we got home from church, too, whether that was at 12:00, 2:00 or 4:00 p.m. She would get up as early as she needed to to have everything prepared and ready beforehand. She bottles fruit, makes homemade jam and puts up homemade pickles, which takes a lot of time, for us to enjoy throughout the year. She bakes rolls, cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies and many other treats that are to die for. The young adults in the Netherlands are getting a taste, literally, of the magic she can do with food as she cooks for them often. I wonder if they trully know how lucky they are to have her there.
6. She is committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and exhibits charity to her family, friends and neighbors.
My mom has served in so many different church callings in her life. She's served in the Primary (Presidency, Chorister and probably pianist), YW's and RS (Presidency, Homemaking Leader and Teacher); in the Library; as a Gospel Doctrine teacher; Visiting Teacher and others that I'm sure I don't remember. It's not important where you serve, but how, and I tell you what, she has put her all into every calling and has served the Lord with all her might, mind and strength. But as she did this, I don't remember feeling like she neglected her family in any way. We still came first.
She's also given of her time and talents to so many people through service. She's taken food to people; she's watched physically disabled children so their mother could have a break; she's made and given many items to the humanitarian effort; before the mission, she played the organ in the temple, one morning a week, and then stayed and did an endowment session; and she's supported my father in his many busy and time consuming callings. But the thing I admire the most about the spiritual side of my mom is the unconditional, pure love of Christ she shows others. Some people are difficult to get along with, but she gives everyone (especially in our family) the benefit of the doubt and is patient and loving with them. If I say something negative about someone, she will say something positive and help me look at them in a different light. She's not perfect, and I can't say she doesn't ever say a bad thing about others, but her patience and love is amazing and it takes a great deal of hurt before she will think badly about a person. I appreciate her example of this and I'm trying to be more like her, really I am.
She has a strong testimony of the gospel and is doing what her Heavenly Father has asked her to do by serving and sharing her testimony with His children in the Netherlands right now. She and my dad are having such a great experience. What a great example they are setting for me and my children.
So, Mom, since you're there and not here, I hope you'll accept this expression of my love and appreciation for you, as my birthday wish to you! There are so many more things that make you wonderful. Thanks for your great example and love for me. I remember times in school when we were asked who our role model was and without hesitation I would write, my mom. Most of the kids would put someone famous, but I always knew I wanted to be just like you. You're the best!!!! Happy, happy birthday!! I hope you have a great day!
Love you!!!!!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Personal History Quest
I want to help people publish their personal histories. I would love to sit down with a person, ask them questions about their childhood and beyond, record their answers and memories, then take that recording, transcribe it, collect some pictures and create a nice personal history book for them. I've thought about this for a while, but don't know how to let people know that I'm available and interested in helping them with it. I wouldn't be able to do it for free, but I wouldn't charge an exorbitant amount of money. Just enough to cover the cost of the materials and a little for my time.
Is there a market for this? Would someone want a personal history book to share with their families? Would you? I know I got a book about my Grandma and Grandpa George and I love reading about what they did, when I wasn't around to know them, and to see pictures of my mom when she was little.
If you think people would be interested in this type of service, any ideas on how I'd get started? Please ask your friends and family for me (since I don't have many blog readers) and let me know what you and they think.
Is there a market for this? Would someone want a personal history book to share with their families? Would you? I know I got a book about my Grandma and Grandpa George and I love reading about what they did, when I wasn't around to know them, and to see pictures of my mom when she was little.
If you think people would be interested in this type of service, any ideas on how I'd get started? Please ask your friends and family for me (since I don't have many blog readers) and let me know what you and they think.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A friend's request
A friend of mine suggested, on her blog, that she would like answers to some specific questions in her friends' facebook profiles and blog posts to help her know and understand them all better. Since I don't do facebook, I thought I would answer a few of her questions here to give me something to blog about.
1. If you have had "one of those days" what do you like to do to wind down?
I think my favorite way to wind down is to sit in my chair in my bedroom and read (if I have a book I'm into at the moment) or to sit in that same chair and completely veg with the TV on. This only works if my kids aren't around to interrupt either one. If they are, I don't unwind I get more agitated by the interruptions and really want to hurt someone. So most of the time I don't actually attempt to do either until I know there isn't a chance for interruptions.
2. What are your favorite comfort foods?
Believe it or not--Oatmeal. It goes back to the times when we'd visit my Grandma Beckstrand when I was little. She made oatmeal every morning and I loved it. It wasn't something my mom made often because she didn't like it, but when I'd stay home from school because I wasn't feeling well, she would make it for me and it just seemed to make me feel better. So oatmeal is definitely the first thing that comes to mind.
I think mashed potatoes and gravy would have to be another one. I love 'em! They just say "Home cooking love" to me. If I can find a restaurant, and they are few and far between, that serves good mashed potatoes and gravy, it becomes one of my favorites because my family aren't fans so I don't make them often at home.
3. Name three meals that your family will always eat and what fruits and veggies will your kids consume.
My kids are getting pickier as they get older and they do not like me to try anything new, but they will eat chicken casseroles (swiss cheese chicken, poppy seed chicken, chicken enchilada casserole, and chicken broccoli divan--our favorites), enchiladas, and chicken, broccoli braid without a fuss. Oh, and we all love German pancakes too. When they are getting themselves something to eat, their favorites are quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches. I guess that's more than three, sorry.
As far as fruits and vegetables go, my kids like clementine oranges, grapes, strawberries (when I can afford to buy them), and they love watermelon, raspberries and peaches during the summer months. The only raw vegetable they will eat is carrots. They all also like heated up canned or frozen corn, peas and broccoli and of course corn on the cob in the summer. (This is making me yearn for summer!)
4. What is your idea of a night on the town? By yourself? With friends? Hubby? Where would you go? What Restaurants do you like?
My favorite thing to do is go out to eat because it means I don't have to decide what to make and even though I like to cook, someone else gets to cook for me for a change. Some of my favorite restaurants are Firehouse, Elements, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse, Taco Time (for a cheap date), and Costa Vida. Mike and I used to love to go to movies, but it's getting harder and harder to find ones that are clean and entertaining anymore so we like to go to the temple and out to eat now. I like to go to lunch with friends, but when I have a free evening I like to spend the time with Mike more than go with friends. I would even prefer going with him alone than with another couple even though we don't talk much during our time out. We're together and that's what counts. I love plays, musicals, and musical programs and would love to go to those more and would if I had the time and/or the money to do so. That will probably be something I do when my kids are grown and out of the house. Mike likes plays and musicals but doesn't enjoy going to see choirs or orchestras so he'll join me for some and I'll go on my own to others.
5. If you could have a fairy-god-mother right now, what would she do for you?
She would make it possible for me to quit working so I could spend my days (when my kids are in school) helping people and being at the temple. If I could have two wishes, it would be to be able to bake or cook all the tasty food and treats I wanted and eat as much as I could and not have to worry about the ill effects they have on my body. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted with no problem so maybe that's why it's extra hard now.
I've got to have some more time to think about the other questions before I answer them. It's been fun spending some time thinking about these answers. I think it's pretty normal to not want to share personal stuff about yourself and I definitely don't do it very often, but it's good to share our hearts with others to help them understand us--what makes us tick and act the way we do. Thanks, Jeri Dawn, for pulling me out and helping me share.
1. If you have had "one of those days" what do you like to do to wind down?
I think my favorite way to wind down is to sit in my chair in my bedroom and read (if I have a book I'm into at the moment) or to sit in that same chair and completely veg with the TV on. This only works if my kids aren't around to interrupt either one. If they are, I don't unwind I get more agitated by the interruptions and really want to hurt someone. So most of the time I don't actually attempt to do either until I know there isn't a chance for interruptions.
2. What are your favorite comfort foods?
Believe it or not--Oatmeal. It goes back to the times when we'd visit my Grandma Beckstrand when I was little. She made oatmeal every morning and I loved it. It wasn't something my mom made often because she didn't like it, but when I'd stay home from school because I wasn't feeling well, she would make it for me and it just seemed to make me feel better. So oatmeal is definitely the first thing that comes to mind.
I think mashed potatoes and gravy would have to be another one. I love 'em! They just say "Home cooking love" to me. If I can find a restaurant, and they are few and far between, that serves good mashed potatoes and gravy, it becomes one of my favorites because my family aren't fans so I don't make them often at home.
3. Name three meals that your family will always eat and what fruits and veggies will your kids consume.
My kids are getting pickier as they get older and they do not like me to try anything new, but they will eat chicken casseroles (swiss cheese chicken, poppy seed chicken, chicken enchilada casserole, and chicken broccoli divan--our favorites), enchiladas, and chicken, broccoli braid without a fuss. Oh, and we all love German pancakes too. When they are getting themselves something to eat, their favorites are quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches. I guess that's more than three, sorry.
As far as fruits and vegetables go, my kids like clementine oranges, grapes, strawberries (when I can afford to buy them), and they love watermelon, raspberries and peaches during the summer months. The only raw vegetable they will eat is carrots. They all also like heated up canned or frozen corn, peas and broccoli and of course corn on the cob in the summer. (This is making me yearn for summer!)
4. What is your idea of a night on the town? By yourself? With friends? Hubby? Where would you go? What Restaurants do you like?
My favorite thing to do is go out to eat because it means I don't have to decide what to make and even though I like to cook, someone else gets to cook for me for a change. Some of my favorite restaurants are Firehouse, Elements, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse, Taco Time (for a cheap date), and Costa Vida. Mike and I used to love to go to movies, but it's getting harder and harder to find ones that are clean and entertaining anymore so we like to go to the temple and out to eat now. I like to go to lunch with friends, but when I have a free evening I like to spend the time with Mike more than go with friends. I would even prefer going with him alone than with another couple even though we don't talk much during our time out. We're together and that's what counts. I love plays, musicals, and musical programs and would love to go to those more and would if I had the time and/or the money to do so. That will probably be something I do when my kids are grown and out of the house. Mike likes plays and musicals but doesn't enjoy going to see choirs or orchestras so he'll join me for some and I'll go on my own to others.
5. If you could have a fairy-god-mother right now, what would she do for you?
She would make it possible for me to quit working so I could spend my days (when my kids are in school) helping people and being at the temple. If I could have two wishes, it would be to be able to bake or cook all the tasty food and treats I wanted and eat as much as I could and not have to worry about the ill effects they have on my body. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted with no problem so maybe that's why it's extra hard now.
I've got to have some more time to think about the other questions before I answer them. It's been fun spending some time thinking about these answers. I think it's pretty normal to not want to share personal stuff about yourself and I definitely don't do it very often, but it's good to share our hearts with others to help them understand us--what makes us tick and act the way we do. Thanks, Jeri Dawn, for pulling me out and helping me share.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Heather's 14!
It's Heather's birthday today!! As I think back, I remember pretty much everything about her beginning was rough. I had her three weeks early because I got really sick and had a horrible cough and literally coughed her out. The memories of the labor and delivery are even a little hazy because of how sick I was. If I remember right, I woke Mike up around 4:15 a.m. and she was born around 7:00 a.m. When I got to the hospital they gave me an antibiotic IV to help me get better and I ended up having an illergic reaction to it and got a rash all over my body. Mike also had either food poisoning or the stomach flu that morning so he kept making trips to the bathroom. It was all very interesting. She was healthy, though, so all was good. Then at three months we noticed that her head had a big flat spot on the back of it. I took her to the doctor and they realized she had "tortacolis" which is when the muscles on one side of the neck do not develop properly and prevent the neck from being able to hold the head up properly. So, because she could not straighten her head, whenever she was in her swing or car seat her head was always in the same spot and thus the flat spot. Our doctor sent us to see a specialist at Primary Children's Hospital and when she saw Heather she also noticed that she had "hip displasia" (spelling??) We began seeing a physical therapist, here in Logan, who worked with her and showed us how to do exercises at home to stretch the muscles in her neck, she got a helmet that she wore every day for 2 months to help reshape her head and a hip brace that she had to wear at night for about a month. We went to physical therapy once a week and I took her to Primary Children's every other week to have the helmet checked and reshaped (this was done with three kids under the age of 4). When I think about it, I can't believe I was able to do it, but it all paid off. The doctors were very pleased with her progress. They had told us if we didn't get things fixed right, she may have problems walking or doing any other physical activity. So at age three when she started doing ballet, gymnastics and tumbling, I was amazed at how flexible she was and that she had no limitations. I'm very grateful to the doctors who helped her and to my Heavenly Father for blessing us through the whole thing.
A few facts about Heather:
A few facts about Heather:
- Heather has always been so sweet and caring of others. I have had so many people tell me how nice and kind she is either to themselves or their children. She is an extremely loving person. She can't stand it when someone is being hurt or picked on and she'll stick up for them without caring a hoot about what people might think or say about her. She is kind and forgiving to people who are unkind to her and she really can't understand how anyone could treat people that way. And if she thinks or knows someone is upset with her, it tears her apart. She has find out why and rectify the situation as quickly as possible. She is a sweetheart and a great example to me of sharing the pure love of Christ with others.
- She likes to be busy and she is a doer. She's done ballet, gymnastics, cheer, tumbling, piano, volleyball, tap and jazz dance, student council and her favorite thing ever--basketball. She hates to sit around and if there's a project that needs to be done, she'll do it. She loves to plan things and carry them out.
- Heather loves animals--especially dogs. This is very unfortunate for her since I will not even consider getting one. The only thing she wanted for Christmas was a dog but that just coul
dn't happen because I won't allow dogs in the house and there is no place in our newly landscaped yard for a dog run. She's looking forward to the day when she is old enough to move out, to a place that allows pets, and get a dog of her very own. We've gotten her so many stuffed dogs, even a life size one, over the years I can't believe she isn't appeased, but I guess it has to poop and pee on your floors, chew up your furniture and bark non-stop to make her happy. - She is a very spiritual person. She bears her testimony often and sticks up for what she knows is right. Just the other day an older girl was swearing and Heather called her on it and told her she shouldn't say those words. The girl asked her, "Heather have you ever sworn?" Heather told her she hadn't so she said, "Why don't you just say one swear word right now. I won't tell anyone." Heather said she wouldn't and walked away. The girl wasn't offended and she knew where Heather stood on the matter and I'm sure she'll respect that in the future.
- She is our social butterfly. She has many friends. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "So-and-so is my favorite person ever!" When I tell her she just said that about another "so-and-so" she says, "I know, but I just love her or him because . . . " and she gives me a reason why they are the greatest person alive. She loves to be with her friends. It doesn't really matter what they are doing as long as they are together.
- She's her cousin Alyssa's best friend (Alyssa's 5) and many other children love her too. She is a great babysitter and loves to be with kids.
Her second trip to Disneyland. Because the "big kids" were off riding the big rides, she got to spend some quality time with Mom and Dad.
Heather and her friend Abby. In Kindergarten, they were the same shape and size, had the same hair color, they both took ballet and their moms even bought them the same clothes without knowing it.
It was crazy!!
Heather and her forever friend Sadie, even though Sadie played barbershop on her hair when she was two.
Ariel has always been her favorite princess!
Crazy girl!
Christmas dance with her friends
I'll never understand why they like to take pictures like this of themselves
Student-Faculty game at MLMS. She's quite the baller!
Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!
We love you!
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Life of a Farmer or Rancher's Wife
A few things I would insist on still having if I moved into that kind of lifestyle, would be: a microwave, a gas stove, a Kitchenaid or Bausch mixer, hot running water, a hand mixer, a dishwasher and, funny enough, an ice maker. So I guess I'm not wanting to go back in time, necessarily, I just want to be able to slow my life down, get my kids to want to work hard and have pride in what they do and to be able to cook to my hearts content and not have any of the food go to waist.
Since I have the day off, I think I'll start baking now. So don't be surprised if some food comes your way because, unlike my grandmother, it will go straight to my hips if I eat it all and I don't have enough mouths at my ranch to put it all away.
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