When we moved here, we decided to leave our second car in Utah and sell it. It would cost about as much as it is worth just to bring it to Ohio. So, soon after moving in to our house, we needed to buy a second car for Michael to drive to work.
After deciding on a car, a 2004 Toyota Avalon, Michael and I buckled the big kids, S and Z, into the new car, and I got to drive it home. I was still unfamiliar with the area, and didn't know which road to turn on to get to our house. Michael had driven to and from work for a week already and knew where he was going. So, I followed him while he drove the van with the babies.
As we were driving along, I knew the turn was getting close, but I wasn't sure how close. Michael decided to pass a pick up truck. I was frustrated and didn't want to loose him, so I followed, but also yelled, "Michael!" As soon as I yelled, I realized I had two sets of ears listening, so added, "You're dad is silly."
To this, S replied, "Well, you married him!"
Monday, March 24, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
It Only Takes a Minute
Mom! Mom! Mom! As a stay-at-home mom, I think I sometimes get tired of that word.
"Mom! I'm hungry"
"Mom! I want to go somewhere."
"Mom, can we...."
"Mom, where is my toy?"
"Mom, I'm bored."
Or my favorite, "Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!" "What?" "Ummm....."
It is so easy for me to brush off whatever follows, "Mom!" As much as my kids think my day should be full of catering to their every whim, I do have other things I need or want to do. But sometimes, I have to remind myself to take a minute, stop what I'm doing, and sit down to play or read a story for 5 or 10 minutes in the middle of the afternoon. It doesn't take much time, and it makes my kids so happy! And it makes me happy too.
S made a tea party today. She used her imagination and gathered up all the nessesities. Two bean bag chairs an one box turned upside down all decoratd with pillows. Toy food for everyone (even if some of it wasn't really food, like the hacky sack on my plate). Stars from a stacking toy as decorations. Plates and cups. A serving bowl for the food and "cookies" (the cookie bowls were her shoes and the cookies were parts of her magnet paper doll). A "sign" to let me know it was a princess party. And my missing phone proped up in a toy boat so we could have a camera.
She went to so much work and was so proud. She and Z even took turns putting on a show. It would have been so easy to say, "Sorry sweetie, I'm working on something right now." But I didn't. I sat down for a few minutes and enjoyed a moment playing pretend with my kids. How thankful I am that I did.
Monday, March 17, 2014
My Talk on The Book of Mormon
I had someone ask for a copy of my talk, so I thought I'd post it here. I felt really drawn to the topic and learned a lot in preparation. Hope you learn something too!
My grandmother has macular degeneration and can't see much of anything. My mother visits Grandma every evening. Every other night they read the Book of Mormon. My mom has been reading the Isaiah chapters in Second Nephi. As she read, she realized that it was hard for her to understand them so, just listening to someone else read them would be even harder. So, she would try to stop every few verses and share a thought or an insight about what she had just read. My grandma would thank her because she was struggling with understanding. My mom commented on how amazing it was to get and understand these insights about the Savior that she had never caught on to before. Reading with a “specific plan” to help my grandma understand led to greater insight for both of them. They have both been members of the church their entire lives and they are still learning from the Book of Mormon. It proves that what Elder Packer said is true; “anyone, anywhere, could read the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration.”
Elder Packer talks about having different passages stand out to him at different times in his life. The Book of Mormon was written with all of us in mind. Its hard to imagine a book that can inspire such a variety of people in so many different ways, but it can, because it is true and Holy Ghost will come in to your mind and your heart as you read and tell you what you need to know. Elder Packer also says, “life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapters.”
When we first moved to Tooele, I would get up with Michael every morning around 5:00 am to make his lunch and send him off to work. The main reason I woke up that early, though, was so I would have some quiet time before my kids woke up to read the Book of Mormon. When I was in the habit of reading, I not only felt my testimony strengthen, but I had the ability to do more. I wrote in my journal. It was easier to be aware of others in the ward needing my help. I was in tune with the spirit. And as huge trials fell on my family, I was able to handle them. I was able to have the perspective I needed to listen to the Holy Ghost and do what I needed to do. I don't know that I would have had the strength to do the hard things required of me if I hadn't kept my spiritual tank full.
I will be the first one to admit that I have not always been good at reading my scriptures. But, when I make it a habit, I can see a change in my life, and in my attitude. When you hear an apostle tell you that reading the Book of Mormon can literally help with personal problems in your life, it can be hard to believe if you haven't experienced it. But it is true. You may or may not read a verse that gives you a sudden insight that you had never thought of before, but you will, for sure, have an increased measure of the spirit, which will help you push through whatever it is you are struggling with.
In “Preach My Gospel” we read,
“Knowing that doubt, disbelief, and misinformation would remain
after centuries of darkness, our loving Heavenly Father brought forth
an ancient volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible, which
contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. The
volume of holy scripture provides convincing evidence that Joseph
Smith is a true prophet of God. This record is the Book of Mormon:
Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
We were given the topic “The
Restoration” to speak on today. When I read this paragraph, I knew
that I wanted to talk about the Book of Mormon today, because if the
Book of Mormon is true, and it is, then the restoration, all of it,
really happened. Then our church is true. Then Joseph Smith was a
prophet.
As I read several conference talks
focusing on the Book of Mormon, two major themes stood out to me. The
first is, the Book of Mormon truly is “A Testament of Jesus
Christ.”
Elder Callister of the Seventy said, “
Would you like to have emblazoned on your soul an undeniable witness
that the Savior descended beneath your sins and that there is no sin,
no mortal plight outside the merciful reach of His Atonement—that
for each of your struggles He has a remedy of superior healing power?
Then read the Book of Mormon.”
That is a pretty powerful statement. We
all know that our testimony is not a stagnant thing. It will grow or
diminish. According to that statement, our testimonies of our Savior
will grow to the point that we know our Savior has the remedy for all
of our struggles, no matter what, if we read the Book of Mormon. We
will know that there is nothing out of our Saviors reach to help us
with. That is a huge promise and a blessing that each of us can use.
Boyd K Packer said, “The central
purpose of the Book of Mormon is its testament of Jesus Christ. Of
more than 6,000 verses in the Book of Mormon, far more than half
refer directly to Him.
“So, 'we talk of Christ, we rejoice
in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write
according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what
source they may look for a remission of their sins.'”
Russell M Nelson said, “study of the
Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary
purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues
are incidental.”
Many other prophets and apostles have
told us that the focus of the Book of Mormon is Jesus Christ. As we
read, and focus on that topic, our testimonies of Christ will grow.
Our knowledge of Him and what He has done for us will grow. And our
relationship and ability to rely on Him will grow.
We have been counseled to “feast upon
the words of Christ; [with the promise that] the words of Christ will
tell you all things what ye should do.” That brings me to the
second topic that stood out to me. As we read the Book of Mormon with
a focus on Christ, we will know the will of our Father for us in this
day.
L. Tom Perry reminds us that The Book
of Mormon “is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men
for our blessing today. Those people never hat the book—it was
meant for us...God, who knows the end from the beginning, told
[Mormon] what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our
day.”
Jacob was told by Nephi that he “should
not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this
people.” The book of Mormon is not meant to be a history for us to
read, it is meant to be a book for our day, to guide us back to
Christ and to our Heavenly Father.
Elder Perry, later in the same talk,
outlines some of the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon. Some
of theme are, “the cause and effect of war and under what
conditions it is justified...[the] evils and dangers of secret
combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the
people..[the reality of Satan” and some of his methods. “It
advises us on the proper use of wealth.” And so much more. We are
advised on things of the world, but also of spiritual things, like
the “plain and precious truths of the gospel...the purpose and
principles of missionary work” and the “divinity of Jesus Christ
and [the reality] of His atoning sacrifice for all mankind.”
Many people reject the Book of Mormon
because they say they don't need it, they have the bible. Elder
Callister gives a great analogy explaining why we need both the Bible
and the Book of Mormon. If you are given a point on a piece of paper
and told to draw a line through that point, the possibilities of
where that line will point, end, etc... are endless. It is the same
way with the Bible. Many people have found many different ways to
interpret what the Bible teaches. Now if you are given two point on a
piece of paper and told to connect them, there is only way the line
can go. The Bible and Book of Mormon are those two points. They help
each other. They leave no room for interpretation. He uses the
example of baptism. Many faiths baptize in different ways. The Bible
states, speaking of Christ's baptism, “He went up straightway our
of the water.” “Could he have come up out of the water unless He
first went down into the water? Lest there be any discord on this
subject, the Book of Mormon dispels it with this straightforward
statement of doctrine as to the proper manner of baptism 'And then
shall ye immerse them in the water.'” There are multiple examples
where the Book of Mormon can clarify what we learn in the Bible.
So if we are going to gain a testimony
of Christ through reading the Book of Mormon which was written for us
can we just pick it up and read it? Though I think reading the Book
of Mormon, with good intent, is always a good idea, I love the
counsel that Elder Perry has given, “Let us show our commitment to
reading the Book of Mormon by approaching our study with a specific
plan.”
I have to admit that pretty much every
time I have read the Book of Mormon, my “specific plan” was to
get to the end and hopefully glean something from it. I have made
small plans like, “I'm going to finally get through Jacob 5 all in
one sitting.” But I've never had a “specific plan” for an
entire reading of the Book of Mormon. I had never really even thought
about it. Now that I have, I am going to try it. I'm going to decide
what my approach to studying will be as I read through the Book of
Mormon. I am going to focus on the references to my Savior. I am
going to try to find ways to draw closer to Him specifically, not
just read about a group of people that lived centuries ago.
Elder Packer stated that, “anyone,
anywhere, could read the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration.”
My grandmother has macular degeneration and can't see much of anything. My mother visits Grandma every evening. Every other night they read the Book of Mormon. My mom has been reading the Isaiah chapters in Second Nephi. As she read, she realized that it was hard for her to understand them so, just listening to someone else read them would be even harder. So, she would try to stop every few verses and share a thought or an insight about what she had just read. My grandma would thank her because she was struggling with understanding. My mom commented on how amazing it was to get and understand these insights about the Savior that she had never caught on to before. Reading with a “specific plan” to help my grandma understand led to greater insight for both of them. They have both been members of the church their entire lives and they are still learning from the Book of Mormon. It proves that what Elder Packer said is true; “anyone, anywhere, could read the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration.”
Elder Packer talks about having different passages stand out to him at different times in his life. The Book of Mormon was written with all of us in mind. Its hard to imagine a book that can inspire such a variety of people in so many different ways, but it can, because it is true and Holy Ghost will come in to your mind and your heart as you read and tell you what you need to know. Elder Packer also says, “life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapters.”
“My experience has been that a
testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather it grows, as Alma
said, from a see of faith.”
We don't know where life is going to
take us. We don't know what trial are ahead, but we do know that if
we are reading the Book of Mormon every single day, our testimonies
will be strong enough to endure those trials that will inevitably
come our way. Elder Nelson supports that by saying, “...this book
can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to
get rid of a bad habit? Do you wan to improve relationships in your
family? Do you wan to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book
of Mormon!”
When we first moved to Tooele, I would get up with Michael every morning around 5:00 am to make his lunch and send him off to work. The main reason I woke up that early, though, was so I would have some quiet time before my kids woke up to read the Book of Mormon. When I was in the habit of reading, I not only felt my testimony strengthen, but I had the ability to do more. I wrote in my journal. It was easier to be aware of others in the ward needing my help. I was in tune with the spirit. And as huge trials fell on my family, I was able to handle them. I was able to have the perspective I needed to listen to the Holy Ghost and do what I needed to do. I don't know that I would have had the strength to do the hard things required of me if I hadn't kept my spiritual tank full.
I will be the first one to admit that I have not always been good at reading my scriptures. But, when I make it a habit, I can see a change in my life, and in my attitude. When you hear an apostle tell you that reading the Book of Mormon can literally help with personal problems in your life, it can be hard to believe if you haven't experienced it. But it is true. You may or may not read a verse that gives you a sudden insight that you had never thought of before, but you will, for sure, have an increased measure of the spirit, which will help you push through whatever it is you are struggling with.
I know this gospel is true. I know the
Book of Mormon came from God. That Joseph Smith translated it. That
is was written for us, to help us in this day. I say these things, in
the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
An Eventful Sacrament Meeting
That kid in church, you know the one I'm talking about. That kid. The one who screams, "Don't spank me!" as you take her out of the meeting. The one who runs up the wheel chair ramp on Easter Sunday with his bunny ears flapping the whole way right in the middle of a talk. The one who blurts out something embarrassing like, "My dad swears when he gets mad" at the most inopportune time. You know the one. Years later you are sitting around with your family and say, "Remember the time so and so's kid took his shirt off during the Primary program!" and you all laugh about it. Well, that kid was my kid, I should say kids, today.
One of the joys of moving, and being LDS, is you get to speak in church. Today was the day for Michael and me. Knowing that my 4 kids would not sit still on the stand and not wanting to have to worry about loaning them out to other families, I decided we would just sit on the front row and go up when it was our turn. No big deal, right? We can each handle 4 kids for 10-15 minutes while the other speaks. Besides, Baby B usually sleeps, I will have fruit snacks, cars for the boys, and coloring books for S. I will speak first and have the kids during the end of the meeting, when they have had it. Micheal can handle it. We will be good.
It's my turn. I go up and start my talk. It's hard to ignore the craziness of the family in the first row, but I try. Suddenly, out of my peripheral vision, I see a little blond boy with a green bow tie. Z. Great. I have a helper. No biggy. I will just try to keep him right by me. I put my hand on the back of his head and hold him close to me. He decides to step away from the pulpit and up to the front where he can see better. It takes all my will power not to reach over and grab him. Unfortunately I would have to step away from the pulpit to do it, so I try to ignore him while Michael a look of, "get him please!!!' without communicating my frustration to the entire congregation. But I forgot, Michael in no way can read my mind. Men!
Z gets bored, I assume, and goes back. Good! We are good. I'm half way through my talk. We can do this!
Baby B is fussy. So is W. They must be out of fruit snack and don't want cars. Talk fast! When I'm done, I can deal. Suddenly my peripheral is again drawn to the stand. This time I see not one, but two strikingly familiar little people. S and Z. Seriously? S is WAY to old to be coming up here. I look right at them. They are both looking at the congregation with huge grins on their faces. This is fun! For them.
Motherhood takes over. I pause and say, "Just a minute." Yep. That's what I said. I then herded my children off the stand. We are good now, right?
A moment later I can no longer ignore the front row. I just have to see how Michael is doing. No one is there. My bag is there. The car seat is there. My family is not there. A moment later Michael walks in all alone. Great! What has he done to my children?
I stay calm and finish my talk. There is a hymn before it is Michael's turn to speak. I ask him what happened to the kids. People just took them, was the response. Okay. Who? ? ? ? Baby B is over there, with a nice lady I have never met. The big kids are in the nursery playing with toys while being supervised by a very nice young woman. While W is walking the halls with another young woman.
I gather them up, all except Baby B who fell asleep. I can handle this. I then realize I forgot the coloring books, but there are still three bags for fruit snack! I am saved! Until W downs them in nothing flat. Z drives his cars, sound effects and all, on the chairs. S pulls out Michael's notebook and spills the contents, but starts to draw and is great. W wants more to eat. Go figure. I don't have anything. So he whines. But, somehow, we make it through. I'm sure Michael gave a great talk, but I really don't know. Mainly I'm just glad we made it through church without yelling at any kids while in the meeting. And, years from now, we can be the story that brings a smile to some family's face.
One of the joys of moving, and being LDS, is you get to speak in church. Today was the day for Michael and me. Knowing that my 4 kids would not sit still on the stand and not wanting to have to worry about loaning them out to other families, I decided we would just sit on the front row and go up when it was our turn. No big deal, right? We can each handle 4 kids for 10-15 minutes while the other speaks. Besides, Baby B usually sleeps, I will have fruit snacks, cars for the boys, and coloring books for S. I will speak first and have the kids during the end of the meeting, when they have had it. Micheal can handle it. We will be good.
It's my turn. I go up and start my talk. It's hard to ignore the craziness of the family in the first row, but I try. Suddenly, out of my peripheral vision, I see a little blond boy with a green bow tie. Z. Great. I have a helper. No biggy. I will just try to keep him right by me. I put my hand on the back of his head and hold him close to me. He decides to step away from the pulpit and up to the front where he can see better. It takes all my will power not to reach over and grab him. Unfortunately I would have to step away from the pulpit to do it, so I try to ignore him while Michael a look of, "get him please!!!' without communicating my frustration to the entire congregation. But I forgot, Michael in no way can read my mind. Men!
Z gets bored, I assume, and goes back. Good! We are good. I'm half way through my talk. We can do this!
Baby B is fussy. So is W. They must be out of fruit snack and don't want cars. Talk fast! When I'm done, I can deal. Suddenly my peripheral is again drawn to the stand. This time I see not one, but two strikingly familiar little people. S and Z. Seriously? S is WAY to old to be coming up here. I look right at them. They are both looking at the congregation with huge grins on their faces. This is fun! For them.
Motherhood takes over. I pause and say, "Just a minute." Yep. That's what I said. I then herded my children off the stand. We are good now, right?
A moment later I can no longer ignore the front row. I just have to see how Michael is doing. No one is there. My bag is there. The car seat is there. My family is not there. A moment later Michael walks in all alone. Great! What has he done to my children?
I stay calm and finish my talk. There is a hymn before it is Michael's turn to speak. I ask him what happened to the kids. People just took them, was the response. Okay. Who? ? ? ? Baby B is over there, with a nice lady I have never met. The big kids are in the nursery playing with toys while being supervised by a very nice young woman. While W is walking the halls with another young woman.
I gather them up, all except Baby B who fell asleep. I can handle this. I then realize I forgot the coloring books, but there are still three bags for fruit snack! I am saved! Until W downs them in nothing flat. Z drives his cars, sound effects and all, on the chairs. S pulls out Michael's notebook and spills the contents, but starts to draw and is great. W wants more to eat. Go figure. I don't have anything. So he whines. But, somehow, we make it through. I'm sure Michael gave a great talk, but I really don't know. Mainly I'm just glad we made it through church without yelling at any kids while in the meeting. And, years from now, we can be the story that brings a smile to some family's face.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Change
Life is full of change. As I stated in my very first post on this blog, our plan and Heavenly Father's plan for us aren't usually the same. But His plan never changes. He knows what is best for us. Knowing that, doesn't make changing your plans to fit His any easier.
Today marks a big closing of a chapter for my family; probably mostly for me. We sold our house. We are no longer home owners. I feel so blessed to have been able to sell it quickly and with out too much fuss. At the same time I'm really sad.
It's been almost 4 years ago that I went house hunting with my Dad. Michael had to work, so S and I flew to Utah from Arizona where we were living at the time. Dad drove around with us and the realtor all day so we could narrow down the search. That way, when Michael flew up, I could have a few houses for him to look at.
After a lot of looking, it was pretty easy to narrow down the search. I had about 5 houses to show Michael, but really only liked 2 of them. I wanted him to see what the options were, though. So he came. We looked. He agreed. Two houses. Now which one to buy. In the end, we picked the move in ready, mostly finished, 2300 sq ft home. It had fun colors. A nice yard with a fence. A laundry room and play room. 3 baths, and 3 bedrooms. We figured we could raise a family in this house. It would be a good house for young kids and for teenagers. So, in one weekend we found and put an offer in on our first house.
Looking back, I realize it was a whirlwind decision, but a good one none the less. We made that home ours. We only lived there for 3.5 years, but it feels like a life time. We moved in with one kid and left with 4. We came for Michael to be the newbie at a job he didn't really know much about, and left because someone wanted to give him a promotion and pay for us to move so he could work for the. We came never having before stepped foot in Tooele, UT, and left with lots of "local favorites" in mind for our next visit. We came not knowing anyone, and left wising we could take dozens of friends and neighbors with us. We came a young couple, not knowing much about life, and left knowing a little bit more.
Tooele was our dream. It was the job that would take us closer to family. It was where we saw ourselves for a long time to come. But it wasn't what Heavenly Father saw for us. He saw it as a stopping place on our road to wherever we will end up. It was place we needed to live so we could learn some much needed life lessons. Now we need to learn something else, somewhere else.
I know that we haven't been in Tooele for a while, but now that our home is no longer our home, I feel that finality. As I reflect, I feel so blessed. I'm thankful I can look back with happiness, sadness, and a knowledge that I get to move on. Though I didn't get to stay in that home as long as I wanted to, I know there are more homes, more friends, and more experience to be had. That is how I am able to move on. But, just for today, I'm going to look back and be a little sad.
Today marks a big closing of a chapter for my family; probably mostly for me. We sold our house. We are no longer home owners. I feel so blessed to have been able to sell it quickly and with out too much fuss. At the same time I'm really sad.
It's been almost 4 years ago that I went house hunting with my Dad. Michael had to work, so S and I flew to Utah from Arizona where we were living at the time. Dad drove around with us and the realtor all day so we could narrow down the search. That way, when Michael flew up, I could have a few houses for him to look at.
After a lot of looking, it was pretty easy to narrow down the search. I had about 5 houses to show Michael, but really only liked 2 of them. I wanted him to see what the options were, though. So he came. We looked. He agreed. Two houses. Now which one to buy. In the end, we picked the move in ready, mostly finished, 2300 sq ft home. It had fun colors. A nice yard with a fence. A laundry room and play room. 3 baths, and 3 bedrooms. We figured we could raise a family in this house. It would be a good house for young kids and for teenagers. So, in one weekend we found and put an offer in on our first house.
Looking back, I realize it was a whirlwind decision, but a good one none the less. We made that home ours. We only lived there for 3.5 years, but it feels like a life time. We moved in with one kid and left with 4. We came for Michael to be the newbie at a job he didn't really know much about, and left because someone wanted to give him a promotion and pay for us to move so he could work for the. We came never having before stepped foot in Tooele, UT, and left with lots of "local favorites" in mind for our next visit. We came not knowing anyone, and left wising we could take dozens of friends and neighbors with us. We came a young couple, not knowing much about life, and left knowing a little bit more.
Tooele was our dream. It was the job that would take us closer to family. It was where we saw ourselves for a long time to come. But it wasn't what Heavenly Father saw for us. He saw it as a stopping place on our road to wherever we will end up. It was place we needed to live so we could learn some much needed life lessons. Now we need to learn something else, somewhere else.
I know that we haven't been in Tooele for a while, but now that our home is no longer our home, I feel that finality. As I reflect, I feel so blessed. I'm thankful I can look back with happiness, sadness, and a knowledge that I get to move on. Though I didn't get to stay in that home as long as I wanted to, I know there are more homes, more friends, and more experience to be had. That is how I am able to move on. But, just for today, I'm going to look back and be a little sad.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Moms Have Bad Days Too
I am a stay at home mom with 4 kids ages 5 and under. As such, sometimes I have a bad day. Sometimes I pull laundry out of the basket just to discover my favorite skirt, one of the few that makes me feel pretty, has been destroyed by my son's overalls. Sometimes I don't want to get dressed because all I have are clothes that are too big or too small, and I don't want to get rid of either because I may one day get pregnant again and need the big clothes, and I hold on to the hope that one day I will loose 20 (or 30, or 40) pounds and fit in to my pre-children clothes. Sometimes I go do something I think is so great just to come home and find 3 kids needing a diaper change, dirty dishes in the sink, and who knows what else. Sometimes I just don't feel challenged; the hardest decision I have to make in a day is what to make for dinner. Sometimes I just don't like being a stay at home mom.
On those days I don't want to be told that what I'm feeling is wrong. Its not. It's not right, but its not wrong either. It just is. I can be angry. I can be sad. I can even cry if I want to. Its fine! If I talk to you on those days, I don't want you to try to change my mind. I just want to vent and know that what I am feeling is normal. I want to know that I'm not the only mom that sometimes wishes I had something more intellectually stimulating in my life than Super Why.
On those days, I find something to do. Something that will help me think through my frustrations. I usually try to talk to my husband or mom. Often I will go to another room and cry for a few minutes. Then, to really think through things, I do something physical. I run, or clean, or drive, or wash dishes (which happens to be what I did when I thought up this post), or I write about it in my journal or on my blog. Anything that is by myself and doesn't distract me.
While thinking, I realize that, yes, no one thanks me for wiping their bum once again. No one thanks me for finally taking their bottle away. No one thanks me for sweeping the floor for the third time today. No one thanks me for the monotonous things that I do day in and day out. But, that's okay. I chose this. I chose to get married. I chose to be a mom. I chose to stay home with my kids. I made the decision that I wanted to do those things day in and day out. And if I could change it would I? No way! I love my family. I realize that I'm not perfect either. My husband does a lot of thankless things too. Is he still important? Of course, and so am I.
So, I make a decision. I decide to start doing something for myself again. Just a few minutes every day. I can exercise, write, make something, read a book, etc.... Whatever it is, I do it. I challenge myself as best I can. If the kids are crying, ignore them (as long as it isn't serious, of course). Then I can keep doing those things day in and day out. All the while, I can feel thankful that I got to choose this. Not all moms get the choice. I do. I chose. And I wouldn't change it for anything.
If you are having a bad day. Have it. Cry. Be angry. Then do something. Make a resolve to change it. Then move on. That is the more important part. Let your anger or sadness happen, but don't let it take over. Make some realizations, then do better. Feel better. Be better. And keep going!
On those days I don't want to be told that what I'm feeling is wrong. Its not. It's not right, but its not wrong either. It just is. I can be angry. I can be sad. I can even cry if I want to. Its fine! If I talk to you on those days, I don't want you to try to change my mind. I just want to vent and know that what I am feeling is normal. I want to know that I'm not the only mom that sometimes wishes I had something more intellectually stimulating in my life than Super Why.
On those days, I find something to do. Something that will help me think through my frustrations. I usually try to talk to my husband or mom. Often I will go to another room and cry for a few minutes. Then, to really think through things, I do something physical. I run, or clean, or drive, or wash dishes (which happens to be what I did when I thought up this post), or I write about it in my journal or on my blog. Anything that is by myself and doesn't distract me.
While thinking, I realize that, yes, no one thanks me for wiping their bum once again. No one thanks me for finally taking their bottle away. No one thanks me for sweeping the floor for the third time today. No one thanks me for the monotonous things that I do day in and day out. But, that's okay. I chose this. I chose to get married. I chose to be a mom. I chose to stay home with my kids. I made the decision that I wanted to do those things day in and day out. And if I could change it would I? No way! I love my family. I realize that I'm not perfect either. My husband does a lot of thankless things too. Is he still important? Of course, and so am I.
So, I make a decision. I decide to start doing something for myself again. Just a few minutes every day. I can exercise, write, make something, read a book, etc.... Whatever it is, I do it. I challenge myself as best I can. If the kids are crying, ignore them (as long as it isn't serious, of course). Then I can keep doing those things day in and day out. All the while, I can feel thankful that I got to choose this. Not all moms get the choice. I do. I chose. And I wouldn't change it for anything.
If you are having a bad day. Have it. Cry. Be angry. Then do something. Make a resolve to change it. Then move on. That is the more important part. Let your anger or sadness happen, but don't let it take over. Make some realizations, then do better. Feel better. Be better. And keep going!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Mr. Independent
Z is 3 years old and loves to do things all by his self. Most of the time, whatever he is doing involves food and either dumping it, eating it or a combination of the two. For example, he will pull out the Raisin Bran, dump it on the floor, and eat the raisins. To his credit, he is usually willing to share his spoils with his little brother and, once in a while, with his big sister.
Though his independence usually includes food, he does often expand his horizons. That is what happened just the other night.
It had been a long day. Kids were up late and having a hard time going to sleep. S is usually really good and will not get out of bed. Z goes down pretty well as long as he hasn't had any sort of nap (5 minutes of sleeping is too much of a nap for him). Unfortunately, he fell asleep for a few minutes that day. W isn't going to sleep if Z is awake. And Baby B goes to be when I do. So, 3 of my 4 kids were wide awake and ready to play. I figured as long as Z was in his room and not making a ruckus, then why worry about him. He will go to bed eventually, right?!?
Michael and I were in our room watching a show. Michael goes down stairs to get something. Upon returning, he informs me that Z is sitting on the couch watching a show. Okay. And you just let him stay? I wonder. Yep. He is being quiet. Why not? Is the general idea of the reply I get. I decide I'd better go get him. It is, after all, way past bed time. I do not want him up all night, or that close to the kitchen without being supervised.
Down the 16 creeky stairs. Sit by Z. "What are you doing?" Z replies, while starring at the television, "I'm just watching Strawberry Shortcake." Well, glad we got that cleared up! Oh, and nice movie choice son.
Needless to say, his movie was cut short.
Sometimes I am glad he is so independent, other times I just wish he would stay in bed!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
I Sat Still!
One of the many joys of moving is finding new doctors, particularly a new pediatrician. Three of my 4 kids were due for their well child checks (5 years, 18 months, and 3 months). So, I asked around and found a pediatrician that had good reviews from my new friends. I made appointments for all four kids (the lady at the front desk said the doctor likes to see all of the kids so if anything happens later, he has records for them) yesterday. Michael had the day off, and I figured it would be nice to have his help.
Before going in, I informed Z and S that they would not be needing shots this time around. They are both up to date on immunizations, so this was going to be an easy check up for them. This is where the problem began.
Getting to the office was an adventure in and of itself. We couldn't find the hospital where the office is located. When we called and asked for an address, the lady said it wouldn't help us. After trying to get an address and failing (multiple times), we asked what street the building was on. 19th. Great. We finally found it. Addresses were created for a reason. Just saying.
Anyway, we finally got to the office. We filled out the "new patient" paper work. We were taken back. Got heights and weights. S had to pee in a cup ("That is really gross," she informed me. "Yes it is!"). So far, so good. Nothing to traumatic.
Then the doctor comes in. First thing he does is hands me three papers. My children are required to get tested for led in their blood. Its just a quick finger poke. No big deal. Just go to the front desk in the hospital on our way out. I brush it off. Something to worry about later.
Next, he goes through each child, asking questions about development, eating habits, etc... He gets to W, who is 18 months, and asks how much milk he drinks. Some how, I don't even know how it happened, the doctor discovers W still takes a bottle. Yes, I'm that mom! Doctor gives me a look of shock and disgust. "My patients do not take a bottle after 12 months." Well, I wanted to respond, "your patients are probably not #3 of 4 ages 5 and under!!! This mama will do what she needs to to get some sleep!" But I didn't. Instead, Michael was given strict instructions of how to wean W off his bottle. Lets just say, its going to be a long few weeks.
Next, each child is examined. The doctor is quick, but thorough. Great! We will be out of here with no issues in no time!
Next come the shots. The doctor grabs a nurse to help. He tells Michael to pick up S and hold her while he does a finger prick. Great! I we are getting the led level tested now, I think. This will help us get home quick. Prick. Wail! Sucker. Crying. Repeat with Z. Now W gets a shot in the shoulder. Crying for a second, then fine. Baby B gets 4 shots, then an oral immunization. She's good once there is liquid in her mouth. S and Z are still wailing.
Lets pack up and go.
Nurse comes in while we are getting Baby B dressed. There are a few papers to sign. Oh, and don't forget the led blood level test. What? The other test was for iron. Crap! My children are currently hysterical over the first finger prick.
Papers signed. Head down the hall to the front desk. Sign in. Lots more paper work. Nice lady gives the kids pictures to color. Kids run down the halls. Finally we herd kids in to the lab (I am reminded a lot of the idea of herding cats). Who's first? S is going to be the worst, so lets get her done. I hold her on my lap. The tech says he wants to show her something. She is no fool! "Is he going to shot me?!?" she cries over and over again. "Nope!" Its just a poke, I think. She will not open her hand. I have never seen such a grip! This girl has a strong hand! After much prying by the tech and myself, he gets a poke in. Dang it! She moved. Try again. All the while, she is screaming about being "shot." Zach stares at us in silent horror. Second poke. Got it! Tech squeezes drops of blood into a small container. It is taking forever! A drop at a time. He finally finishes. S is hysterical. But she gets a sucker and a sticker. The sticker says, "I held still!" When Michael read it to her, she said, "No I didn't!" She is right.
Z's turn. I put him on my lap. He is crying about not wanting to get shot. Tech has to put S's info on her vial of blood and get the labels for Z's. Please hurry! Tech is finally ready. Z does not grip his hand! Thank goodness! One poke. Fill the vial a drop at a time. He wants a cherry sucker. Sucker in mouth. Crying stops. At least his crying. Baby B is starving by now. It has almost been 2.5 hours since we got to the hospital, and we ran errands before that. With only W left (Baby B is too small to have to get her blood tested), I volunteer to feed B while Michael holds W.
Michael and W sit in the chair of doom. He is just as quiet as can be. He has no idea what is about to happen. He holds out his finger for the tech like its no big deal. He doesn't even scream when he gets poked. Then the tech has to squeeze W's finger. W does not like that. He cries and wiggles, but is nothing compared to his older siblings. Done. He doesn't really like the band aid, but he will leave it since there is a sucker. Drool from the sucker splatters on the floor, but W is so happy, so who cares?!?
We finally leave. The nice check in lady stops what she is doing as we pass so she can smile and admire our sticky, tear stained clan, covered in stickers that declare, "I sat still!"
Before going in, I informed Z and S that they would not be needing shots this time around. They are both up to date on immunizations, so this was going to be an easy check up for them. This is where the problem began.
Getting to the office was an adventure in and of itself. We couldn't find the hospital where the office is located. When we called and asked for an address, the lady said it wouldn't help us. After trying to get an address and failing (multiple times), we asked what street the building was on. 19th. Great. We finally found it. Addresses were created for a reason. Just saying.
Anyway, we finally got to the office. We filled out the "new patient" paper work. We were taken back. Got heights and weights. S had to pee in a cup ("That is really gross," she informed me. "Yes it is!"). So far, so good. Nothing to traumatic.
Then the doctor comes in. First thing he does is hands me three papers. My children are required to get tested for led in their blood. Its just a quick finger poke. No big deal. Just go to the front desk in the hospital on our way out. I brush it off. Something to worry about later.
Next, he goes through each child, asking questions about development, eating habits, etc... He gets to W, who is 18 months, and asks how much milk he drinks. Some how, I don't even know how it happened, the doctor discovers W still takes a bottle. Yes, I'm that mom! Doctor gives me a look of shock and disgust. "My patients do not take a bottle after 12 months." Well, I wanted to respond, "your patients are probably not #3 of 4 ages 5 and under!!! This mama will do what she needs to to get some sleep!" But I didn't. Instead, Michael was given strict instructions of how to wean W off his bottle. Lets just say, its going to be a long few weeks.
Next, each child is examined. The doctor is quick, but thorough. Great! We will be out of here with no issues in no time!
Next come the shots. The doctor grabs a nurse to help. He tells Michael to pick up S and hold her while he does a finger prick. Great! I we are getting the led level tested now, I think. This will help us get home quick. Prick. Wail! Sucker. Crying. Repeat with Z. Now W gets a shot in the shoulder. Crying for a second, then fine. Baby B gets 4 shots, then an oral immunization. She's good once there is liquid in her mouth. S and Z are still wailing.
Lets pack up and go.
Nurse comes in while we are getting Baby B dressed. There are a few papers to sign. Oh, and don't forget the led blood level test. What? The other test was for iron. Crap! My children are currently hysterical over the first finger prick.
Papers signed. Head down the hall to the front desk. Sign in. Lots more paper work. Nice lady gives the kids pictures to color. Kids run down the halls. Finally we herd kids in to the lab (I am reminded a lot of the idea of herding cats). Who's first? S is going to be the worst, so lets get her done. I hold her on my lap. The tech says he wants to show her something. She is no fool! "Is he going to shot me?!?" she cries over and over again. "Nope!" Its just a poke, I think. She will not open her hand. I have never seen such a grip! This girl has a strong hand! After much prying by the tech and myself, he gets a poke in. Dang it! She moved. Try again. All the while, she is screaming about being "shot." Zach stares at us in silent horror. Second poke. Got it! Tech squeezes drops of blood into a small container. It is taking forever! A drop at a time. He finally finishes. S is hysterical. But she gets a sucker and a sticker. The sticker says, "I held still!" When Michael read it to her, she said, "No I didn't!" She is right.
Z's turn. I put him on my lap. He is crying about not wanting to get shot. Tech has to put S's info on her vial of blood and get the labels for Z's. Please hurry! Tech is finally ready. Z does not grip his hand! Thank goodness! One poke. Fill the vial a drop at a time. He wants a cherry sucker. Sucker in mouth. Crying stops. At least his crying. Baby B is starving by now. It has almost been 2.5 hours since we got to the hospital, and we ran errands before that. With only W left (Baby B is too small to have to get her blood tested), I volunteer to feed B while Michael holds W.
Michael and W sit in the chair of doom. He is just as quiet as can be. He has no idea what is about to happen. He holds out his finger for the tech like its no big deal. He doesn't even scream when he gets poked. Then the tech has to squeeze W's finger. W does not like that. He cries and wiggles, but is nothing compared to his older siblings. Done. He doesn't really like the band aid, but he will leave it since there is a sucker. Drool from the sucker splatters on the floor, but W is so happy, so who cares?!?
We finally leave. The nice check in lady stops what she is doing as we pass so she can smile and admire our sticky, tear stained clan, covered in stickers that declare, "I sat still!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)