Remember that line from the Ikea commercial? The lady says that to her two fighting children, and then she walks into this beautiful, clean, peaceful, quiet room and gives herself a time-out.
That's what I need today.
Faith hasn't stopped crying/whining since she got up this morning (at 6:30ish). Finally, she is taking her morning nap. And Michael is whiny too. He wants to wear THAT shirt (which is dirty, so we're doing laundry), and he doesn't want to eat THAT by himself, and he doesn't want to go to pre-school today, and he doesn't want THAT cup to drink out of, and WHY can't he jump on the bed while I'm folding the laundry?
Finally I left my two whining children and went into my room and shut the door. Although I do think my room is beautiful (mostly), it is, however, neither clean, peaceful, or quiet. My bed is piled with laundry to fold, and my kids come bang on the door (unlike the commercial).
Anyone want a couple of kiddos for the day?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Sickness
While we were down in Delta last week, Faith was running a little temperature. She was warm, but never really hot. Anyway, after we came home, on Friday and Saturday she definitely had a fever. I took her temperature Saturday morning, and it was 103.2, and she was so crabby.
By Sunday morning, her fever was gone, but she had broken out in a nasty rash all over her torso and neck. Lovely. I called the doctor's office today just to ask if something is going around, and I ended up taking her in for just about the shortest visit ever. The nurse said we should make sure it isn't strep, since that can result in rheumatic fever.
Well, it isn't strep. It's roseola, also known as sixth disease. The doctor took all of two minutes to check her out and make the diagnosis. There's nothing you can do for it. It's just a common illness that most kids get when they're little. Once the rash shows up, it isn't contagious anymore. But while the fever is on, it's highly contagious. So I'm sorry, Mandi, Callie, and Nikki, if your kids get this. It could take a couple of weeks to show up.
You can't really see the redness in this photo, but it's the best I could get.
By Sunday morning, her fever was gone, but she had broken out in a nasty rash all over her torso and neck. Lovely. I called the doctor's office today just to ask if something is going around, and I ended up taking her in for just about the shortest visit ever. The nurse said we should make sure it isn't strep, since that can result in rheumatic fever.
Well, it isn't strep. It's roseola, also known as sixth disease. The doctor took all of two minutes to check her out and make the diagnosis. There's nothing you can do for it. It's just a common illness that most kids get when they're little. Once the rash shows up, it isn't contagious anymore. But while the fever is on, it's highly contagious. So I'm sorry, Mandi, Callie, and Nikki, if your kids get this. It could take a couple of weeks to show up.
You can't really see the redness in this photo, but it's the best I could get.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Good Times
The kids and I have been down in Delta for the last couple of days. Mandi is here from Texas with her kids, so we went to spend some time with them. We had a "sewing bee" with all the girls. It was fun. I made a super-cute quilt for Faith. We'll probably be moving her into a twin bed around Christmas (she'll be 22-23 months, and Michael was 18 months when we moved him), so I was excited to make her quilt. Jeff will hate it, I'm sure, because it has a lot of bold flashy prints in it, but I love it.
On the way home today, we stopped at the Wendy's in Nephi for lunch. We saw a school bus there (Delta's baseball team on their way to a game). Michael rides a bus to pre-school, and he loves to see them. Then we saw about eight more school buses before we got home. Just a couple of miles from home, Michael suddenly pipes up from the back seat:
"I'm so happy! We're going to see Daddy, and I saw so much school buses, and my owie is all gone!"
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such simple requirements for happiness?
On the way home today, we stopped at the Wendy's in Nephi for lunch. We saw a school bus there (Delta's baseball team on their way to a game). Michael rides a bus to pre-school, and he loves to see them. Then we saw about eight more school buses before we got home. Just a couple of miles from home, Michael suddenly pipes up from the back seat:
"I'm so happy! We're going to see Daddy, and I saw so much school buses, and my owie is all gone!"
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such simple requirements for happiness?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The impulse buy
A couple of days ago, a lady in our ward asked me if I needed a set of bunkbeds. I don't yet, but someday I probably will. Anyway, I went over to her house and looked at them, and I bought them. They are some of the sturdiest bunkbeds I've ever seen, and they look brand new. They also have a dresser and another chest of drawers that match, and she included the mattresses. $300 for everything. I feel like I got a pretty good bargain. There are a couple of tiny chips and scratches in the dressers, but they aren't noticeable. It will be great kid furniture for our new house. When we get a new house.
In the new house news, we are finishing up a couple of projects around this house, and then we'll hopefully find a realtor by the end of the month. I told the bishop on Sunday that we would be putting our house up for sale. I didn't specifically ask to be released from my calling, but I did express to him that now that we've made this decision, it's really hard for me to be excited about my calling. We'll see what happens.
In the new house news, we are finishing up a couple of projects around this house, and then we'll hopefully find a realtor by the end of the month. I told the bishop on Sunday that we would be putting our house up for sale. I didn't specifically ask to be released from my calling, but I did express to him that now that we've made this decision, it's really hard for me to be excited about my calling. We'll see what happens.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Feeding the Ducks
We went to Beus Pond today after church and fed the ducks. It was fun. Michael was really cute. He kept telling the ducks where the bread was. Listen in the video, and you'll hear him say it. He was fun to watch.
And a photo. Michael has really loved swimming at the OAC, and he recently got some goggles so he can "go under water." He was SOOOOO excited to wear them to the pool for the first time. He insisted on wearing them all the way to the gym. Some of the looks we got from people on the way into the gym were hilarious. Most of them seemed amused by the excitement of a 3-year-old wearing goggles for his first time.
Isn't that photo hilarious? It's one of my favorites.
And a photo. Michael has really loved swimming at the OAC, and he recently got some goggles so he can "go under water." He was SOOOOO excited to wear them to the pool for the first time. He insisted on wearing them all the way to the gym. Some of the looks we got from people on the way into the gym were hilarious. Most of them seemed amused by the excitement of a 3-year-old wearing goggles for his first time.
Isn't that photo hilarious? It's one of my favorites.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Settle in for a long post
Washington DC was amazing. I'm so glad I was able to go. Thanks again to everyone who made it possible (Mom, Callie and Gary, Jeff, and of course, the Government - couldn't have done it without you).
I only had two full days there. So the first day, I started at the National Archives.
I saw this (Declaration of Independence):
and this (The Constitution. This is just the first page. I did see all four, but come on, you can't read it, and all the pages look pretty much the same in these photos):
I teared up when I saw these documents. I've been reading a book about the Founding Fathers and the basic principles and beliefs that they shared. It was especially touching to read about them while in this city and in these surroundings. What wisdom and foresight and inspiration they had.
Then I walked across the street to the Mall. Here is the Washington Monument. I didn't go up to the top. I just took photos.
As close as I got to the White House (apparently, you have to schedule tours with your Congressional representative, several months in advance):
Then I walked to the World War II Memorial:
We were there during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, so the trees were all blooming. It was beautiful.
Next I came to the Vietnam Memorial:
And then to the Lincoln Memorial.
A view of the Washington Monument from the terrace in front of the Lincoln Memorial:
Mr. Lincoln himself.
Next was the Korean War Memorial. This one was probably the most touching memorial to me. I think that seeing these statues of these soldiers helped to drive home what it means to fight.
More touching than the statues, though, was this wall. There are no names, only images of soldiers, nurses, camp scenes, and more, engraved in it. It's like seeing ghosts from the past, looking over the people whose reflections are mirrored in the shiny wall. I hope you can see that in this photo. Personally, I think this memorial is better done than any of the others.
Next stop was the World War I Memorial, which is actually just for those soldiers from Washington DC. I thought that was interesting. Is there another memorial somewhere that recognizes ALL World War I veterans?
More cherry blossoms:
View of the Washington Monument behind the blooming cherry trees. I was walking along the tidal basin toward the Jefferson Memorial and turned around for this view.
The Jefferson Memorial:
As close as I got to Capitol Hill:
After walking the Mall and visiting all of these monuments and memorials, I went to the Smithsonian Castle. Not terribly exciting. Then I went to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. That was pretty cool. They have rockets and planes and satellites and all kinds of cool stuff. But to be honest, I was worn out from my loooooong walk, and I felt like the ground was wobbling around, so I didn't spend a lot of time there. I got some lunch and then sat and read my book at the Navy Memorial until it was almost time to meet Jeff.
Jeff and I went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I didn't take any photos, because it's so dark in most of the museums that you can't really see anything anyway. But the museum was really cool. We spent a LOT of time in the exhibit about wars and politics.
Then we went back to the hotel and I bought some moleskin to treat my blistered feet.
On Friday, I started out at Arlington Cemetery. Here is the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, his wife and two of his children:
Then his brother, Robert F. Kennedy:
The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This ceremony was interesting. I'm glad I got to see it once, but I have to say, I don't understand the lengths they go to. It seems more about pageantry and show, and less about sincerity. Okay, so some of you are now going to lambast me with other opinions. That's fine. I just thought it was overdone. I do, though, admire the meaning behind the ceremony and the symbolism of the soldier guarding the tombs.
The Tomb of the Unknowns:
A view of the cemetery.
The main gate to Arlington National Cemetery, which also houses a memorial to women soldiers. That memorial was really neat.
Jeff got out of class early on Friday, so I met him and we went to lunch in Chinatown (Ruby Tuesday - not very Chinese, but still tasty). Then we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. That was neat. This elephant is in the lobby:
A triceratops in the dinosaur exhibit:
The hope diamond. Jeff, this is what I want for Christmas (whatever - I'd just sell it).
After visiting the Natural History Museum, we went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I learned a lot about the Holocaust and what led up to it. It was very informative, and very moving. To be honest, I was concerned about how I would react there. My feelings are very near the surface when it comes to the horrible things people do to each other, and I was worried that I would spend the whole time crying or regretting that I had come. But I didn't, and I don't. Everyone should see that museum.
On Saturday, we went to find the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Jeff's uncle was a police officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Southern Utah on January 26, 2003. It was just after we got engaged, and I never met his uncle. His name was David Charles Jones, and we found his name on the memorial:
The names are engraved on a low wall that runs the perimeter of this plaza.
So that's it - the highlights of our trip. I am so glad I was able to go. I think I saw pretty much everything that I really wanted to see. If I go again, I'd include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a tour of the White House, and a visit to Capitol Hill.
I only had two full days there. So the first day, I started at the National Archives.
I saw this (Declaration of Independence):
and this (The Constitution. This is just the first page. I did see all four, but come on, you can't read it, and all the pages look pretty much the same in these photos):
I teared up when I saw these documents. I've been reading a book about the Founding Fathers and the basic principles and beliefs that they shared. It was especially touching to read about them while in this city and in these surroundings. What wisdom and foresight and inspiration they had.Then I walked across the street to the Mall. Here is the Washington Monument. I didn't go up to the top. I just took photos.
As close as I got to the White House (apparently, you have to schedule tours with your Congressional representative, several months in advance):
Then I walked to the World War II Memorial:
We were there during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, so the trees were all blooming. It was beautiful.
Next I came to the Vietnam Memorial:
And then to the Lincoln Memorial.
A view of the Washington Monument from the terrace in front of the Lincoln Memorial:
Mr. Lincoln himself.
Next was the Korean War Memorial. This one was probably the most touching memorial to me. I think that seeing these statues of these soldiers helped to drive home what it means to fight.
More touching than the statues, though, was this wall. There are no names, only images of soldiers, nurses, camp scenes, and more, engraved in it. It's like seeing ghosts from the past, looking over the people whose reflections are mirrored in the shiny wall. I hope you can see that in this photo. Personally, I think this memorial is better done than any of the others.
Next stop was the World War I Memorial, which is actually just for those soldiers from Washington DC. I thought that was interesting. Is there another memorial somewhere that recognizes ALL World War I veterans?
More cherry blossoms:
View of the Washington Monument behind the blooming cherry trees. I was walking along the tidal basin toward the Jefferson Memorial and turned around for this view.
The Jefferson Memorial:
As close as I got to Capitol Hill:
After walking the Mall and visiting all of these monuments and memorials, I went to the Smithsonian Castle. Not terribly exciting. Then I went to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. That was pretty cool. They have rockets and planes and satellites and all kinds of cool stuff. But to be honest, I was worn out from my loooooong walk, and I felt like the ground was wobbling around, so I didn't spend a lot of time there. I got some lunch and then sat and read my book at the Navy Memorial until it was almost time to meet Jeff.Jeff and I went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I didn't take any photos, because it's so dark in most of the museums that you can't really see anything anyway. But the museum was really cool. We spent a LOT of time in the exhibit about wars and politics.
Then we went back to the hotel and I bought some moleskin to treat my blistered feet.
On Friday, I started out at Arlington Cemetery. Here is the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, his wife and two of his children:
Then his brother, Robert F. Kennedy:
The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This ceremony was interesting. I'm glad I got to see it once, but I have to say, I don't understand the lengths they go to. It seems more about pageantry and show, and less about sincerity. Okay, so some of you are now going to lambast me with other opinions. That's fine. I just thought it was overdone. I do, though, admire the meaning behind the ceremony and the symbolism of the soldier guarding the tombs.
The Tomb of the Unknowns:
A view of the cemetery.
The main gate to Arlington National Cemetery, which also houses a memorial to women soldiers. That memorial was really neat.
Jeff got out of class early on Friday, so I met him and we went to lunch in Chinatown (Ruby Tuesday - not very Chinese, but still tasty). Then we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. That was neat. This elephant is in the lobby:
A triceratops in the dinosaur exhibit:
The hope diamond. Jeff, this is what I want for Christmas (whatever - I'd just sell it).
After visiting the Natural History Museum, we went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I learned a lot about the Holocaust and what led up to it. It was very informative, and very moving. To be honest, I was concerned about how I would react there. My feelings are very near the surface when it comes to the horrible things people do to each other, and I was worried that I would spend the whole time crying or regretting that I had come. But I didn't, and I don't. Everyone should see that museum.On Saturday, we went to find the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Jeff's uncle was a police officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Southern Utah on January 26, 2003. It was just after we got engaged, and I never met his uncle. His name was David Charles Jones, and we found his name on the memorial:
The names are engraved on a low wall that runs the perimeter of this plaza.
So that's it - the highlights of our trip. I am so glad I was able to go. I think I saw pretty much everything that I really wanted to see. If I go again, I'd include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a tour of the White House, and a visit to Capitol Hill.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Washington DC
I'm in DC for a few days. Jeff had to come to take a class for work, and since the hotel and his airfare is paid (thanks, U.S. Government), and since our anniversary is on Sunday, we decided to make this an anniversary trip. Callie has the kids for a few days (thank you, thank you, thank you).
I arrived on Wednesday, after three flights. It was a looooooong day. The flight out of Salt Lake was terrible - so bumpy. It was the worst I remember being on (except for the one between Portugal and Cape Verde where we flew through a lightning storm and our plane was struck by lightning. I swear, the ONLY reason we stayed in the sky is because there were missionaries on that flight.)
I hate to fly. I get that same feeling that I get when I watch a horror movie. You know, like something awful is about to happen, but you just don't know when. I seriously spend the entire take-off time praying that I will feel peace in my heart and know that things will be okay. I know it's irrational. Jeff thinks it's hilarious. But I do. It doesn't make me enjoy flying, but it does help me feel peace. That, and I'm convinced that God will not allow me to die until I've accomplished my greatest challenge - helping Michael learn how to eat.
What will I do once he eats? How will I calm my nerves then?
Anyway. Washington DC is fantastic. I'm so glad I came. Yesterday I went to the National Archives, the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials. Then I went to the Smithsonian Castle and the Air and Space Museum. Then I met Jeff when he got out of class, and we went to the National Museum of American History (way cool). Today I'm going to Arlington National Cemetery, then to the National Museum of Natural History, and then meeting Jeff (he gets out of class early today). We have tickets to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Then I don't know what else we'll do.
I've taken tons of photos, but since I don't have my camera dock, I'll have to wait till I get home to upload them. That will be a long post.
I arrived on Wednesday, after three flights. It was a looooooong day. The flight out of Salt Lake was terrible - so bumpy. It was the worst I remember being on (except for the one between Portugal and Cape Verde where we flew through a lightning storm and our plane was struck by lightning. I swear, the ONLY reason we stayed in the sky is because there were missionaries on that flight.)
I hate to fly. I get that same feeling that I get when I watch a horror movie. You know, like something awful is about to happen, but you just don't know when. I seriously spend the entire take-off time praying that I will feel peace in my heart and know that things will be okay. I know it's irrational. Jeff thinks it's hilarious. But I do. It doesn't make me enjoy flying, but it does help me feel peace. That, and I'm convinced that God will not allow me to die until I've accomplished my greatest challenge - helping Michael learn how to eat.
What will I do once he eats? How will I calm my nerves then?
Anyway. Washington DC is fantastic. I'm so glad I came. Yesterday I went to the National Archives, the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials. Then I went to the Smithsonian Castle and the Air and Space Museum. Then I met Jeff when he got out of class, and we went to the National Museum of American History (way cool). Today I'm going to Arlington National Cemetery, then to the National Museum of Natural History, and then meeting Jeff (he gets out of class early today). We have tickets to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Then I don't know what else we'll do.
I've taken tons of photos, but since I don't have my camera dock, I'll have to wait till I get home to upload them. That will be a long post.
Monday, April 6, 2009
General Conference with a 3-year-old
Michael has learned who President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf are. He looks for their faces in each new issue of the Ensign, and gets especially excited when he sees all of them together.
Yesterday we turned on the Sunday morning session of General Conference, and Michael was excited to see President Monson conduct.
"Look! It's President Monson!" as he bounces from the knees, which is what he does when he's excited. "Where's President Uchtdorf and President Eyring?" I explained that they were there, but it was President Monson's turn to speak, and I'm sure we would see the others in a little while.
Every time a new speaker got up, we would have the following conversation:
Michael: Who's that?
Me: That's Elder ______.
Michael: I don't like him.
Me: I do.
Michael: I only like President Monson and President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Exact conversation, every time. Then, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang, he asked who they were. I talked to him about the choir, and pointed out the director.
Michael: Who's that?
Me: His name is Mack Wilberg. He helps the choir to sing pretty.
Michael: He does?
Me: Yup, see how he's waving his arm around? That tells the choir when to sing, so they all sing together and it sounds pretty.
Well, for the rest of the day, every time he heard music (even in the car AFTER conference, driving to and from my grandparents' house) he kept asking, "Who helps them sing pretty?" And I'd answer, "Mack Wilberg." Poor kid. Now he's going to think that Mack Wilberg is the name of every chorister he ever sees.
And side note: when President Uchtdorf spoke and when President Monson closed the Sunday morning session, Michael sat down and watched very closely until they were finished.
Now, if only he liked the other general authorities.
Yesterday we turned on the Sunday morning session of General Conference, and Michael was excited to see President Monson conduct.
"Look! It's President Monson!" as he bounces from the knees, which is what he does when he's excited. "Where's President Uchtdorf and President Eyring?" I explained that they were there, but it was President Monson's turn to speak, and I'm sure we would see the others in a little while.
Every time a new speaker got up, we would have the following conversation:
Michael: Who's that?
Me: That's Elder ______.
Michael: I don't like him.
Me: I do.
Michael: I only like President Monson and President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Exact conversation, every time. Then, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang, he asked who they were. I talked to him about the choir, and pointed out the director.
Michael: Who's that?
Me: His name is Mack Wilberg. He helps the choir to sing pretty.
Michael: He does?
Me: Yup, see how he's waving his arm around? That tells the choir when to sing, so they all sing together and it sounds pretty.
Well, for the rest of the day, every time he heard music (even in the car AFTER conference, driving to and from my grandparents' house) he kept asking, "Who helps them sing pretty?" And I'd answer, "Mack Wilberg." Poor kid. Now he's going to think that Mack Wilberg is the name of every chorister he ever sees.
And side note: when President Uchtdorf spoke and when President Monson closed the Sunday morning session, Michael sat down and watched very closely until they were finished.
Now, if only he liked the other general authorities.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Magic Lives On!
Today, Michael used the magic broom, and found the television remote. THAT was a trick, since we've been looking EVERYWHERE for it for at least a couple of weeks.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Magic Broom
Michael discovered the magic broom today. He dropped one of his Sweet Tarts, and it rolled under the oven. I looked under to see if it was close enough to the edge for me to reach it, and it wasn't. I also thought I saw something else interesting under there, so I asked Michael to get me the broom.
Using the broom handle, I got out the missing Sweet Tart, along with some puzzle pieces that mysteriously disappeared about the time Faith started crawling. Michael was amazed that the puzzle pieces came out. We put the broom away and went on to the next thing.
Later, I was in the living room, and Michael came running in with one of my flip flops. He was so excited, and he said, "Look, Mom! I found your flip flop!" I asked where it had been, and he said, "Under your bed! Come see!" I followed him into my room, and there was the broom sticking out from under my bed. Smart kid, huh?
Yeah, except that I don't think he realizes that the broom didn't make those things appear. He spent a while sticking the broom under various pieces of furniture, trying to find more treasures.
Using the broom handle, I got out the missing Sweet Tart, along with some puzzle pieces that mysteriously disappeared about the time Faith started crawling. Michael was amazed that the puzzle pieces came out. We put the broom away and went on to the next thing.
Later, I was in the living room, and Michael came running in with one of my flip flops. He was so excited, and he said, "Look, Mom! I found your flip flop!" I asked where it had been, and he said, "Under your bed! Come see!" I followed him into my room, and there was the broom sticking out from under my bed. Smart kid, huh?
Yeah, except that I don't think he realizes that the broom didn't make those things appear. He spent a while sticking the broom under various pieces of furniture, trying to find more treasures.
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