Nie Nie Day

Today in the blogging world is the day when we unite to help a fellow blogger and friend who was in a horrible plane crash. BUT how can you help? Glad you asked.

Crafty bloggers everywhere are doing auctions today to benefit Nie Nie and her husband Christian in their recovery. I know of three blogs that are doing this.

Please check out my friend Trevlyn's blog here and bid, bid, bid. It is all for a great cause and I love Trevlyn's stuff.

Do you like jewelry? Glance at this auction.

Interested in BYU stuff - check out this.

Check out Design Mom for over 90 more blogs that are doing auctions today! GO SHOPPING with a purpose to spend a lot to support this great family.
Keep updated here:

Want to donate instead of auction? Go here:

Time Stood Still

Have you ever had a time in your life when time stood still? An event that made your whole world stop. I think we all have. There are moments in time that we all share like this. 9-11. Challenger. You get the idea.

Well, when these moments happen on a more personal level; it makes it harder to transition back to the "real world". Time stood still when I helped my dad move into his apartment (18 years ago) the day after he told us kids that my parents were separating. Time stood still when I had to pee in a kitchen strainer during a miscarriage (6 years ago) waiting for products of conception, or what I called my baby. Time stood still for a friend and her family today. I am sad. It is not my news to share. I just wanted to blog about this, so I would remember this day. My heart is breaking for them.

Is there a time in your life when TIME STOOD STILL?

Nursery here she comes!

At church the babies can start going to the nursery at 18 months. Well, today is that day. My baby is now officially 18 months! PARTY. Sweetie will now be with our family during the first hour of church, then we will be able to send her and ALL FOUR CHILDREN off to class. I will finally be able to listen to a lesson. I will finally be able to sit for a whole Sunday School class or RS lesson. (too bad I am subbing in the other nursery next week, darn!) THANK-YOU Sweetie for growing up so beautifully. Another milestone, check. Next stop - diaper free zone, maybe in a year or so.

On another note, my favorite sister-in-law is having a birthday today. Katie is positive, upbeat, forgiving and a kind person. I knew her in college when Travis and I dated. She loves me for who I am and that is like gold in my book.

Have a great birthday, Kate!

Through the faith of others...

Trials. Hardships. Growing experiences. Whatever you want to call them, make life hard. Life isn't easy. I have been blown away lately at the love, sense of community, and support that I read about in blogs of people I have never met. Here are some examples:

1. A friend in the ward has a 22 year old sister (Mary or MEP) with cancer. I am inspired by the brave and 'can do' attitude of this family. Mary, who I have never met, is so down to earth and I love reading her words of wisdom. Mary said, "I understand that me having cancer scares a lot of people. It is a little too real, like it could happen to them if it is happening to me. I get that. But come on. If you are going to try to pass me off as "one of my friends who has cancer" when in reality we aren't friends, then at least do some homework. Lymphoma is the 'best' cancer to have (if there is such a thing). It has a 95% cure rate. Pretty sure this is not the end of the road for me. My life is meant for much more than having cancer and dying without fulfilling something more meaningful in my life. I'm not going to die." I know Mary will be fine. I don't know how I know, but reading about her experiences touches me. Not in a pity kind of way, but in a - I hope I can be that brave - kind of way.




2. A family I have never met or heard of till 3 weeks ago lost their 15 month old girl in a drowning just this past June. This mother has turned her blog into an outlet for grief and I have learned much from her. I read her daily. I am still learning from her example.
   
   



3. 
   
   Last but not least, Nie Nie. A Mesa, AZ couple was in a plane crash and the husband and wife were burned but survived. Nie Nie/or Stephanie is burned over 80% of her body. I first read Nie Nie's blog a year or more ago as a recommendation from Trevlyn. Since the accident I have learned that she is married to Christian, a cousin of a family in my ward. This couple is in for a long haul of recovery and surgeries. This family is strong and rallying around each other during this time of need. Learn more here, here, here, and here. For donations go here:

   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   

   Why am I telling you about these stories? One, because it has been on my mind for a while (constantly for 3 weeks since I found example #2). Two, I think sharing stories like these help promote my faith and hopefully yours as well.

** Wednesday update, And lastly, because people around us all the time are going through hard things; divorce, transplants, stress fractures, loss of a child; just to name a few. We all need to help in whatever way we can. My heart breaks for these friends and blog friends who are hurting. Trials SUCK but through our faith in Heavenly Father and His plan we can find comfort and answers that we need. I don't know how to put into words the feelings that I feel. Sorrow, sadness, awe in the way people handle their hardships so gracefully, inspiration from the examples of faith, the feelings I have are mixed and hard to put into words. I hope you check out the links from above and are inspired in some way from their examples of faith.

Perspective

So I have been complaining - as usual - to my mom, my friends, etc. You know the kind of complaining you do when you really should be finding a life for yourself. Anywho, I realized today that when my sister blogged about the A/C not working at my mom's house since Saturday and I even talked to my mom Sunday night. My mom never once mentioned that she was in a hot and sticky house with no A/C!!! I sat the whole time on the phone and complained about not being on a friend's blog roll and my family not being invited to birthday parties and me not relating to the "Young Moms" anymore- I realize NOW that I need to get a life!


I really need to gain some perspective about my "woes". I mean there was a time last year that Travis lost his job. During that time do you think I was thinking about blog rolls and birthday parties? Nope. I was NOT! Why do I need to wait for "hard times" before I finally learn my lesson. I want to not have to learn things the hard way (at least not all the time).

Here is to a new week of gaining PERSPECTIVE! Wish me luck.

My 3 little pigs and my Big Bad Wolf!

We have these felt masks...

that we like to play around with. It is funny to watch the kids act out classic stories with these masks. Notice the "classic" song that my 3 little pigs sing in this video with the big bad wolf. Can you say guitar hero?

Princess said she didn't want to be a piggy. Who can blame the girl? She wanted to be the big, bad wolf. SCARY! What do the teenage years hold?
We lost one of the bear masks, so we substituted with a bear puppet. Golden Locks is my favorite.

Sweetie was playing with the puppet bucket while we were busy with the masks. Here she is:

I teach a little piano on the side...

I started teaching piano this week after taking a short break. I have 17 students. I lost 5 from last year, but I picked up 2 new ones. I NEED TO TEACH. I keeps me happy. I love having a schedule. I love working with kids. I love the way I have to plan dinner ahead of time. I love mostly the routine. I finally feel settled into the school year. YEA! It only took 2 weeks.

One of my friends ask me if I love my job (job is used in the loosest terms, because I am a wife and mom first). I didn't know how to answer her. I didn't think that I loved it. I thought that it was just something that I did, but then I missed it too much last week. So, I decided that I do love it.

Things to do after homework is done

Watch T.V.- Mom of the year - I know.

Princess is looking at the screen and Oldest finally noticed me right when I snapped the photo.

Blow bubbles - the easy way - just pull the trigger and shoot!
Yes! Even the kindergartener has homework.

OMGosh!

So yesterday I told you about Sweetie getting shots. She had a rough day(remember the screaming), but I think she survived. Because she is my fourth child, I know I am in for a few more years of tantrums. Yippee for me.

Today is a new day, at least I thought it was. On my way to the store for food, Sweetie decided to throw another tantrum in the car. This is becoming a sad pattern. THEN - I realized that I was going to the store to make a dinner for a friend who had a baby last week. (Congrats Jennifer!) I was helping celebrate the birth of a wonderful new spirit on the earth, and the reality of having a baby was in my rear view mirror screaming. The irony of the moment made me laugh, again.

Bedtime at the Nut House

We like to ROCK OUT right before bed.

Sweetie with the mic/ jump rope.
RHM playing the guitar behind the back.
Princess and RHM rockin'.

The Oldest decided to play a little Jesse McCartney while we waited for Princess to get out of the shower for family prayer. Then once she got out, we had to let her have a few dances, too. It was a fun night. Hard to settle down after that kind of commotion.

(Can you tell I have a hard time picking just one photo for one event? My friend has a photo a day blog and I could never do it. One, I am not a photographer. Two, how do you pick just one photo to represent that day? Too hard.)

Terrible 2's EARLY or shot terror? You be the judge.

So, today I took the younger two to the Doctor for well check-ups.

It started well. RHM got his measurements. Then Sweetie had her measurements, too! Then they waited for the doctor. So cute. They really get along.

The doctor came. Everyone is healthy and strong.

Then came the shots. RHM - had 3 and he didn't like the tiny drop of blood he saw. Sweetie had 3 shots, too! She just hated the whole thing. She even cried when her leg was cleaned with alcohol. Poor baby. The nurse felt bad, so she gave both of them a sucker. Yum.

Then the terrible two fit began. She was in the van and finished her sucker - THEN she started screaming for RHM's sucker. It was so comical to me, I tried to take a picture of her screaming while I was driving. Not safe, but it is a funny shot.

The screaming continued, so I pulled over and decided to video the exchange.

If you notice in the video, Sweetie is screaming because she wants RHM to give her HIS sucker. She stops screaming immediately after RHM finished his sucker. I kept laughing at the scene. I know I should feel bad for the cute little one who just had 3 shots in her legs, but I thought it was funny. I also thought, "Is this what my future holds? More two year old fits at 18 months (well, almost 18 months)!!!" I can't believe how young these fits start.

Back to the story - I was almost home and Sweetie had calmed down. There was no more sucker to scream about, so life was good. Then when I got her out of the car, she started to scream over an empty water bottle. She really wanted the water bottle with water in it and she wanted it NOW! I tried to get her to come inside, but the Two Year Old Fit was in full swing. I couldn't resist taping it one more time (I know I am bad)-

I did pick her up and get her water bottle right after this. She then had a great lunch and went down for a nap. No worries. I am not a bad mom. Really. You should know that she kept crying till the water bottle was full of water - she didn't stop just because I pick her up. SHE HAS ME WRAPPED!

I love my kids. I feel bad that they got shots today. Poor babies. I just hope the throwing a fit thing is about the shots and not a more permanent behavior in my household.

Inspiring at 33...

I am 33. AND I wish I was able to do what this 33 year old female did in gymnastics. Don't get me wrong - I don't want to be a gymnast. I just want to not let my age hold me back. I want to believe that I can do anything no matter how old I am. She inspires me even more than 41 year old Dara Torres (swimming - if you didn't know this, you need to watch more Olympics!).

She is not the cutest,

but look at those arms. WOW!

Her arms are inspiring, but her age is what I am taking note of. Oksana took the silver medal in the vault in her 5th Olympics. WOW!

Anything is possible.

I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can...

Did you ever get the feeling...

that you were forgetting something? I have had that feeling since I went to bed last night. Hmm. I wonder what it is. Oh well! I am having a relaxing Saturday swimming and watching Olympics. I wonder if I was supposed to do something important.

When was the last time you got this feeling? And - what did you forget?

Things I learned the first week of school...

1. I don't get anything done after 3:45 p.m. when they walk in the door.
2. I miss teaching piano (I miss the schedule and seeing kid improve their talents.)
3. My Sweetie likes to take 2 naps a day - who knew? All summer she took one nap a day, but she also slept in till 9 am. Now she is up at 7:20 at the latest to help me drive the kids to school.
4. Working on the parent organization has a lot of things to do at the beginning on the year. Last year I worked on this same committee, but this year with the school construction going on in the back field it feels BUSIER! For one, we had to find a new place for the computer and the file cabinet. I think our computer will find a home in the copy room TODAY. We really need access to it.
5. I love the Olympics, but I watch too much TV. I started dragging the stationary bike into the TV room, so I didn't feel so guilty watching 8 hours of TV! CRAZY! At least TiVO makes the 8 hours into 5 hours. I LOVE TiVO!

I would like to say that I miss my kids, but I already knew I would miss my kids (you thought I was going to say something else - He he). I am glad RHM loves kindergarten. My Princess and Oldest seem to like school, but they don't LOVE IT anymore. The Oldest is bored at recess and needs something to do - maybe games. The construction on the field is a downer to my 5th grader. You see, he has been looking forward to that back field for years and the back part of campus is for 5th - 8th graders. Oh well, Oldest, at least next year you get a building!

Negative Self Talk

Do you do this? Do you talk to yourself in your head - negatively? Do you compare yourself to others - esp. other women, other mothers, other people in your life?

Most women do it. Let me offer a thought -

STOP!

Just DON'T do it!

NEVER doubt who you are and that you are special. You don't need to be like Sue, Jane, or Loren. You just need to be happy being YOU!

Everyone who has children or comes from a family with siblings knows that each child is different and each child/sibling has their own gifts, abilities and talents.

IT IS THE SAME WITH US!

Every man, woman, and child on the earth is different and we need to STOP COMPARING OURSELVES to others.

You are good enough and gosh darn it, people like you!

Pleeeeease!

Sweetie is learning to "say please".

Watch close she does it in the first 5 seconds.

Too bad all she does is shrug her shoulders and make a high pitch noise (sounds like "eee").

I am sure she will open her mouth - just like when she screams - later in life.

He was born in a bathtub.

And today he turns 5!

Happy birthday, my little red-head. It is hard to believe that my birth center baby is in kindergarten this year. He was my favorite birth. I had a C-section with Princess (my #2 child) because she was breech. I felt like all of my rights were taken away from me - and they were. So, 4 1/2 years later, I reclaimed my rights as a woman and had a V-back in the the birth center with a mid wife. It was the best! (sounds dramatic but that is how I feel.) To be honest, the only reason I know that RHM is mine, is that he was the only baby born in the birth center that day - no chance of a switch.
Moving on to modern day...RHM had a last minute friend lunch today before school. I wanted to do something to make his day special, but we were only having a "family" party this year. So we had a Mac'n cheese lunch with jumbo cookies with 2 friends. We were hoping for one more friend, but I called too much at the last minute. DARN! (missed ya Tessa) We also missed a friend who is in all day kindergarten. (so sad, Nate)
Then he read a book to his sister. Too cute!
Then he played outside. He showed me his favorite trick. He actually has lots of tricks.

We had pancakes for dinner (birthday boy choice) and then he wanted a polka dotted cake with pink frosting for dessert. Strange, yet true.

Eating. YUMMY! It always amazes me how quiet the table gets when food is in front of their faces.

Then he opened presents. He loved all of them. This was his favorite.He isn't good yet, but practice makes perfect, right? And yes, he is wearing pants in 100* heat. When it gets below 80*, he wears a jacket. He is a Phoenix baby.

First Day of School - 2008

Can you believe that kids grow up?

I know it sounds silly, but I didn't think it could happen. I remember my mom being my age and having 4 kids. I always wanted to be a mom and my dream came true. I love my kids. My third child, RHM, is going to kindergarten today. He is in P.M. (yes, we still have 1/2 day). I will miss my boy, but he is ready to go! (update with PM kinder coming later)

Dad and his school age kids. SO PROUD!

Wondering where Sweetie is? Ta-Da! (look in the window)

Oldest and his teacher. 5th grade. WOW!
Princess and her teacher. 4th grade.

Oldest had this teacher last year and we love her!

Here are some extra shots from the morning:

Princess' flower hair. She is so cute and she doesn't even know it.

RHM playing and waiting patiently for P.M. kindergarten to start!

HE IS READY TO GO!

RHM and the principal

RHM and the Assistant Principal (and my friend).

Beauty, Army boy, and RHM right before class.