spt: gift

tuesday, april 7: gift a family member
tuesday, april 14: gift a friend
tuesday, april 21: gift a neighbor, teacher, co-worker
tuesday, april 28: gift a total stranger


[tonight I found B&T having a sleepover & megan fast asleep]

Even though we hug & kiss and say goodnight after family prayers, almost every night they ask me to come see them in bed and we say goodnight again. I admit, most nights I'm exhausted and just want to hop in bed myself, but I go because it's one on one time I don't always get during the day, especially since they're in school.

We talk or read stories or I just give them another hug & kiss. Megan usually has instructions for me like, "please turn off the lights and shut my door, oh and get me a drink, oh and find my kitty." Tess and Bella, more than not, tell me about something that happened that day or something coming up their excited about.

I've learned over time to savor these moments. I use to do it for them because they ask me, a gift of time if you would, but really I think it's more of a gift they give to me. They share more of who they are with me during that brief time and am grateful they ask me to come.

I hope they never stop asking.

weekend

destination: St. George
goal: having a good time and arriving safely

We did both.


[hannah this is for you]

It was a fun relaxing weekend enjoying the slightly warmer weather. It wasn't as warm as I had hoped, but it wasn't snowing either so I'm not complaining. Let's just say it was looking like spring, as spring as it can in the desert, and I was happy about that.



The girls actually managed to go swimming outside even though it was only about 68 degrees. The pool was heated so as long as they didn't come out they seemed to be doing fine. I took the high road and watched for the sidelines.



No weekend away is complete without good old fashion hamburgers and fries...



oh and a goofy brother. You never leaved bored I'll tell you that.

I am happy to report I went on my first official 5 mile run and didn't stop once (I am struggling to constantly run on the treadmill). I won't lie, it was difficult at times, but it definitely showed me I can do it and I will when the time comes.



Most of Saturday and Sunday was spent sitting on the couch watching General Conference (tv broadcasted messages from the leaders of my faith). It was very uplifting as always and I found several talks that spoke to me on a personal level. I look forward to reviewing my notes and getting it on my blog sometime this week.





During the conference breaks the girls were outside enjoying the sun with popsicles and even managed to watch honey bees at work gathering pollen. Those purple bushes were swarming with bees and the buzzing sound was incredibly creepy. I'm actually surprised they went near it.



Adam and I had a great conversation on the way home about conference talks we loved, one thing I love about road trips with him is how we talk from door to door (makes the driving fly by). Poor Tess walked in the door crying, she said she didn't know how to be in the house anymore. It's always hard for me to get back into life after a vacation and I realized for the first time Tess is feeling it too.

Sorry for the photo overload, but I feel photo happy today...would you believe I actually got my computer back?

leaving town

I'm headed out today on a little getaway...in search of spring.

spt - eight ...a book

It's the smell that gets me every time. When the door opens and the distinct smell hits me, it has this calming effect on me. It makes me smile. Even when I wasn't a reader walking into a book store felt good to me.


[although "eight" is not a book i would read or am drawn to when i saw it on the shelf i knew i needed to use it for spt this month.]

I love the aisles of stacks and stacks of books, how easily you can get lost in there all afternoon.
I love the unique design of each cover (actually I dream of one day getting the opportunity of designing a book cover).
I love searching for the one book that could just be my new favorite.
I love selecting several books and finding a comfy place to browse through them.
I love the crispness of a brand new book and sifting through the pages, again taking in the smell.

I think part of the reason I am so fond of books & bookstores is because I associate them with Adam. Going to the bookstore has been a part of our routine since the time we were dating. Instead of dinner and a movie often we will do dinner and spend the rest of the evening at the bookstore. Having books in the home has, from the beginning, been important to him and so they became important to me. I thank him for having such a love of books and for sharing it with me, it's hard to imagine my life now without a book in my bag. We are both hoping this same effect will carry on to our girls that being surrounded by them, they too, will be drawn to them.

disproving a fear

I took this photo (I've got more I wish I could share I just don't have them loaded on the internet) of her last week, again upon request. I wonder if I've created a monster by having my camera in her face all her life, but I'm not complaining because I simply can't get enough of her chocolaty eyes...and the shape.


[Doesn't she look grown up in this photo? I can almost see what she'll look like as a teenager.]

This afternoon she jumped in the car as her happy cheerful self, but once we got in the house she was a mess. Crying about the most random of things and fighting with her sisters. She had only been home a few minutes and I already needed a break from her. After spending a few minutes in her room calming down, she confided in me that a girl at school called her rude. She was very distressed by the encounter and although I was sad for her, I admit, I was a little curious as to the reason. I love my Meg, but I know she can be a little much at times. I did my best at calming her and reminding her no matter what to always be kind.

I share this story because I was so impressed and grateful that she approached me about what was frustrating her. You could say it's a fear of mine that when my girls need someone to talk to they won't come to me. Apparently it's not really founded on anything concrete because time and time again I've had incidences, though never from Megan, when my girls have come to me with something on their mind. I know there will be a time when they are teenagers when maybe, just maybe, they'll be more reluctant, but I hope they will always know that I am here ready and willing to just listen.

creating=happiness

As I alluded in my post yesterday, I have been struggling for a few weeks now to find the purpose of the everyday monotony...the waking up, getting the kids off, house work, more kids stuff, dinner, and then going to bed exhausted. Today after being reminded once again of President Uchtdorf inspiring words I realized what it was I've been missing.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before....Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.

A couple of weeks ago it occurred to me I haven't done much creating since the Christmas season. I don't know why I've chosen not to find time for something that has, in the past, brought me great joy, but as I sat listening to these words this afternoon I realized what an important part creating has been to my happiness, and it no doubt plays a huge part in the reason I'm feeling the way that I am.

When I got home the lesson of creating hit more home when I saw Bella starting to write a new story in her new notebook (thanks akenheads) and Tess making pottery with her pottery wheel (more photos to share when I get my computer back). They looked happy and content and I knew it's what I needed to do to get me feeling like me again.

So I start off my week with a renewed commitment to my earlier goal to find time everyday, even if it's only 20 minutes, to create. I use to think it was something I enjoyed doing and now I understand I need those little break during the day to help rejuvenate me.

Does creating make you happy too?

mental photographs

I've been without my computer for a few days, I still am. Turns out I may be out my computer for a while now. How long? I have no idea. Yes, I do have another computer in the house I can use, but I don't have any of my programs so getting photos off my camera is out of the question, which makes blogging a little harder to do.

If I did have photos to post you would see...

Bella winning $10 at her friend birthday party Thursday afternoon. She got to spin a wheel of prizes, kind of like the one on the Price Is Right, with $10 being the grand prize. As it turns out she won the grand prize. The craziest thing is when she got up to spin the wheel I just knew she would win it.

Tess perform at her school Australia informance (it's an performance about a subject so they call it an informance). She's never the kid who belts out the songs, in fact, I always wonder if she's the one mouth singing the words, but she does loves to dance so it was enjoyable for me to see her in action.

a disaster of my house yesterday. I had three extra kids here and resigned myself, like you do, to the mess that will eventually ensue. All I asked is that the mess stay in the basement, which they were pretty good at honoring. It was a loud crazy day with a couple of fights, but I managed and left my house with a clean kitchen.

another family party for Bella where the adults talked the entire evening and I embarrassingly cried in front of them. I think it was as much a shock for me as it was for them. It has been a rough week emotionally...i guess it was bound to come out.

me savoring the moment I got into bed that night. Man, I can't believe how exhausted I am at the end of the day and wonder if I'm the only one. Am I the only one who craves bed after a long day?

me slowly waking up to a beautiful day and lingering in bed with a book. Love that.

for today

I realized this morning, as I bent down to pick up something off the kitchen floor, that Megan still sits on her knees to eat at the table. I stayed in my position just looking at her adorable toes, smiling, like time isn't moving as fast as I perceive. She still has cute little girl toes that you just want to eat up and we still have a little one that doesn't quite reach the table without giving herself a boost.

For once I felt like time was on my side...perhaps just for today.

she's nine.

[few months old spring 2000]

I remember the day she was born.
I remember I didn't sleep very well in anticipation of getting a call from the dr.
I remember being terrified not knowing what to expect...delivery and becoming a mother.
I remember when they put this tiny person on my stomach for the first time, I was amazed she was mine.


[spring 2001]

I remember this shy little girl who didn't want to leave my side.
I remember her crying a lot.
I remember her first word was "du" aka "dude".
I remember learning this new life together.


[fall 2001, photo by Jill]

I remember her teddy bear never left her side.
I remember how much she loved winnie the pooh.
I remember reading "Goodnight Moon" and "Will You Still Love Me" over and over again.
I remember she knew the alphabet by name by 18 months.
I remember not knowing that was early.


[birthday 2003]

I remember at 3 her hair was finally filling in.
I remember 3 was the age she tried going down the slide for the first time.
I remember all she ate was peanut butter and honey sandwiches.
I remember my mom was the one who finally got her potty trained.
I remember how much she loved Blues Clues.
I remember how much she disliked swimming.


[spring 2004]

I remember everything she did was so methodical.
I remember wondering if she was autistic (I was not the only one).
I remember getting her tested and was relieved when they told me she wasn't even on the spectrum.
I remember her reciting movies after only seeing them once.


[fall 2004]

I remember how sad she was to leave her sisters and go to kindergarten.
I remember how hard it was for me to watch her walk into the big world without me.
I remember witnessing her blossom into the bright chatty little girl I know today.
I remember how picky she was about food.
I remember how she loved to communicate with notes. Still does.


[june 2005]

I remember she's always being keenly aware of her emotions and how she's feeling.
I remember how she needed time to herself.
I remember how much her look changed when she got her big teeth.
I remember how much she loved hello kitty.


[fall 2006]

I remember how beautifully she sang in church last year and how amazed I was by her voice.
I remember watching her fears recede as her prayers where answered.
I remember each of her stuffed animals and how important they are to her.


[birthday 2007]

She has the most beautiful uniquely gray eyes.
She's one of the most generous people I know. She told me recently she stayed in from recess to help a friend clean up his desk. When I asked her about it she said, "I'm always willing to help when I can."
She enjoys being funny.
She loves reading.
She love hamburgers and really wants to try 5guys.
She watches shows like Everyday Italian and Nova by choice.
She loves animals and wants to be a vet.


[Sept 2008]

She will talk your ear off if you let her.
She loves to write and makes up stories. Her teacher expects her to be the next Judy Blume. (can you imagine a writer coming from me?...go Bella).
She has the biggest heart and will do anything for her sisters.
She soaks up everything she hears.
She has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.
She finally wants to learn to ride a bike so she can ride to school and save the earth by not driving so much. (her words).
She is dying to see the Disney Earth movie coming out next month.



She loves music and dance.
She loves the song Mr. Roboto.
She loves getting a compliment.
She is beautiful in every way imaginable and at times I can't believe she's mine. Actually, I'm keenly aware that she's mine for a reason and thank God she was brought to our family.
She teaches me a lot about life.
She loves with her whole heart and I do believe she sees people from the inside out.

Happy Birthday my sweet Bella! I hope this year will better than the last and that your dreams will continue to come true.

four for one

Today is a music day.
I know it probably sounds crazy, but I don't listen to music everyday. Some days I need the quiet, other days I crave the noise. Today just happens to be one of those days where I need something. Right now I'm listening to the Weepies, Adele, and Jem.

She said

[as of saturday. it looks slightly better now...slightly.]

Me: "Tess, have you seen my red marker?" (said while fumbling through my studio looking for marker)
Tess: "Maybe you could find it if you cleaned off your desk."
What can you say to that, especially since that has been my advice to her?
Me: "touche'!" (is that how you spell it? I never took french.)

Spring snow


It's officially spring as of Saturday and it couldn't look further from that outside. Big snowflakes have been falling since last night and my world is covered in white. While I'm not to happy about it, I want 70 degrees again, it does look beautiful. I'm enjoying it like it's the last time I'll see it until November comes around. Hopefully that will be the case.

She made my day


We spend most of the day together yesterday while the other girls played chess with their dad. She told me lots of things like the meaning of the word "crush". Apparently it's when two people kiss. Should I be afraid that she knows this word even if she got it wrong? Then she told me she loves me because I take care of her, and that I'm good at it. It felt important for me to hear and definitely saw it as a tender mercy from above.

a crazy week comes to an end & a winner

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only are we picking up Adam at 6:30 this evening, but this crazy week of mine, which included violin, dance, RS enrichment (this is where the majority of my week went), book club, lunch with friends, recitals, dr. appointment, watching my niece, and kindergarten preview...is almost over. I have nothing to do tomorrow and I'm going to savor every minute. Now I've just got to think of something to keep my girls occupied while we wait.

Thanks for all your comments and for playing along with this months giveaway. I so enjoy the process of what I might share with all of you. Now for the winner.........

Congratulations TX Girl!
I'll get the book sent out to you early next week :)

PS in case you're interested how I choose the winner, I put in the number of comments at random.org and it randomly generate a number. It's easy peasy.

proud momma

You have these moments as a parent when you're super proud of your children...tonight just happens to be one of those night. Both Megan and Bella had their violin recital and they did a fabulous job. They were by no means perfect, but marvelous just the same. I'm beginning to understand that an instrument is not only good for discipline and developing the mind, but it's also a great lesson in how hard work pays off.

Here are videos from tonight. I know it's probably only something a family member would enjoy seeing, and since Adam missed it, he's still out of town, this is for him. I wish he could have seen the way they shined when it was over and how they laughed on the way to get ice-cream.


Megan's started in the fall of 2008. PS I wasn't thinking when I filmed this. I didn't realize I couldn't rotate my video or else I'm too dumb to figure it out. Aragh!


Bella started in January 2005

march giveaway

Right now I feel like I'm running faster than I have strength. In fact, I'm not quite sure how I'm doing all that I'm doing, but I'm grateful that I am. I'm really glad I have this brief moment before dance to post my giveaway because yesterday I actually had an SPT, but not time to post it. Sigh! I hate when I'm this busy.

So without further ado, this month I'm giving away a small 4x5.5 inch book I sewed together and bound with ribbon. Let's just say it's my ode to spring.



To enter just leave a comment and I'll announce the winner Friday.

Have a great day!

miscellany

We went to lunch, learned to play checkers, went to see Coraline 3D, had game night, enjoyed the spring like weather, and played outside. Phew! It was a full weekend and we definitely made the most of it together because we are down one at the moment. Adam has gone away on business and won't be back until Friday night. I told him it was probably the perfect time to leave because it's a really busy week, there is something going every night. I remember when my girls were little (pre-school), Adam going out of town felt like a little break for me. I shifted into low gear and took everything a little slower...I didn't make dinner and eased up on the household duties. Adam laughs at me and tells me it can be like that all the time if I want, but I don't. I want to have dinner ready & a clean house for him to come home to. I wouldn't appreciate living in low gear, it's just nice to have every once in a while. Of course, these days it seems like every once in a while doesn't exist. Life seems to be moving at such a fast pace sometimes I feel I can't keep up with it unless I'm running.

Speaking of running, my first full week is behind me and I feel like I'm improving. I still wake up some mornings and think, ugh...today is a running day, but afterward I feel amazing. Thanks for all the nice thoughtful comments & emails from last Saturday's post. You've inspired me and given me hope. I feel like it can be done.



I'm hoping Bella will be inspired by Helen Keller. We went to the library this afternoon so she could pick out a biography to do a report on and Helen Keller is who she chose. On the way home she asked, "Mom, has Helen Keller said anything remarkable because we have to share at least one quote?" I got a good chuckle as I assured her there would be plenty of good quotes to choose from. It was cute to see her excitement, she got started reading the minute we came home.

Lastly, I'm making a few preparations for a green day tomorrow. I usually don't do much for this holiday, but admittedly I'm feeling it this year. Apparently, I'm not the only one. Tess told me her class set a trap for a leprechaun just in case he came to school and Megan's going to go on a leprechaun hunt tomorrow. Do you have anything fun planned?

2 hour makeover. The cost $0!

I was gone for two hours last night and when I came home Adam had transformed our house (I have no idea how he did it on his own). I like to think I know something about design, but I know absolutely nothing about interior design. Nothing. I feel completely lost when it comes to interiors so I'm grateful Adam has an eye and with little effort can make a huge difference.




[He switched places with the couch and chairs and added the console table. For those of you who don't know what it looked liked before, trust me it looks way better.]

Remember when I told you last week that Adam came home and took our couch? Well, he came home the next day with a hideous couch as a replacement (apparently I didn't have say). He tried to convince me that it was more comfortable, but I hate it. Or I did. It seems like this new change has made the sore thumb that was the couch in my living go away. It's still not what I would have chosen, and am shocked he did, but at least now I don't notice it nearly as much.



He finally found a place for the console table he bought for pennies back in February 08. It's been down in the basement collecting kid junk, but because of the new arrangement it fits perfectly in the room.



Then I went into our bedroom and saw that he had done some more changes in there. Our bedroom has a sitting room off to the side and it's always just been wasted space. We always had two chairs and a bookcase, but it never really felt like it fit. Well, he worked his magic again and it now feels like my bedroom is complete, that the extra space has a purpose.

It was such a shock for me to come home to, I had no idea he was going to spend his night this way, but oh so delightful. I thanked him incessantly for making our home feel more like the way I want it to, while he sighed with relief because he thought I wouldn't like what he did. I like it so much the changes I want to make, new drapes and a hutch (all of which cost money), are in the back of my mind for future longings.

I love simple makeovers, especially when I don't have to do the work and they don't cost any money.

my 2 month addiction

During March and April I have just come to accept that my hand will be dipping into the candy dish several times a day. I admit, I have a problem. These chocolaty treats are perfect for popping which makes them dangerous to have around. My only saving grace is that they're only around for a few months. So I indulge while I can and thank Cadbury for making me smile daily.

challenge reminder

I'm sitting here at dance like I do every Wednesday waiting for Tess and Bella's class to get over. I usually sit here for two hours, but I have "activity days" tonight so I'm not staying the entire time. These two hours, though long, actually fit nicely into our schedule. It gives me time to read and the girls time to do their homework. Case in point, last week we didn't come because I wasn't feeling well and I totally spaced making sure they finished their homework. Apparently Wednesday evenings have a purpose.


[laptop camera]

When I left the house this afternoon I couldn't find my book so I brought a laptop along thinking I would read some blogs, however, Bella seemed to have the same problem with her book and didn't bring anything else to do while she waits for Tess' class to get over. So instead of being occupied, she's reading over my shoulder making it difficult to concentrate. She's actually laughing as she reads the words I'm typing now. She loves reading over my shoulder, but unfortunately I'm not a fan. Does that drive you crazy too?

Ok, so onto the real reason I started this post, after all if Bella's hanging out I should hang out with her.


[Thursday, february 12]

I wanted to remind everyone who wanted to participate in the 12of12 challenge that tomorrow is the 12th. So get your cameras ready and enjoy capturing your day.

spt - 4+4=8

My sweet Tess is really hard on herself and never thinks she can do anything good because a) she's a bit of a perfectionist, and b) she falls into the womanly trap and compares herself to others. Due to her insecurities every chance we get Adam and I compliment her like crazy on her strengths. I think it's also particularly hard for her to really see what she can do because so many of her talents aren't something you can show off at a talent show. For example, compassion. Tess has this innate gift to feel and sympathize with others that I haven't seen in anyone before. It's a beautiful thing for me, as a mother, to watch and learn from.

Yesterday I ran into the school to sign up for SEP conferences and bumped into Tess' teacher who told me what an excellent job she's doing in math. In fact, she was the first one done with her assignment and is showing a great understanding for the subject. Later, when I saw Tess in the hall she was all aglow when I asked her about it. I could tell this meant a lot to her because she has struggled with other subjects and again, it was something she could actually share.


[fyi this is a glimpse at my new hair color from last weeks spt. it's not as dark as I wanted it to be.]

Last night during FHE we had stations with different activities that we rotated around and one of those activities just happened to be math (Bella put this FHE together and did the math station just for Tess). When it was Tess' turn for math we sat and played with the flashcards for about two rounds. I admit, I was impressed by how quickly she went through the cards and so happy to see her enjoying the learning process.

Tess I hope you know how proud I am of you and not because you're so good at math, but because I can see in your countenance how you shine when you believe in yourself. You are better than you give yourself credit. Remember, we have all come to this earth with different strengths and weaknesses for a reason. Use your strengths to better yourself and others, and accept your weaknesses as a vehicle for growth. I love you. Never, ever change.

13 miles, I can do this....right?

Can you tell by my title that I'm experiencing some doubt?


[circa 1980]

The dream all started with my dad. When I was a little girl he ran marathons and I remember going to the races with my family and watching for him. When we saw him coming we would run along side him for as long as we could, we were so excited. Since that time, somewhere in my mind, I've often thought about running a marathon too, but once I grew up and realized what a marathon was I sort of put my dream of running in the far far places of my brain because in reality do I really wanted to run for four hours? I was doubtful.

More recently I've followed many of your stories, via your blogs, from training to the actual race and have been so inspired that those desires to run from my childhood started to creep back and I've wanted to have a similar experience.

So last fall I told my sister-in-law Robyn (who inspired me so much last summer when she ran her first marathon) I was going to train to run a 1/2 marathon, let's be honest a marathon just seemed a bit too much for me...baby steps, and wondered if she would not only run with me, but help me train. She immediately sent me to Runners World to get a program going because I hadn't run in a very long time. I did a really good job at sticking to my goal, but I was still a bit hesitant to sign up for the 1/2 marathon in April and kept telling myself maybe I should just run a 10k...6 miles is good enough.

A couple of weeks ago at our family party Robyn told me about a 1/2 marathon in June we should do. My mind was racing...June, how far away is June? A race around the lake sounds beautiful, but could I really do this? 13 miles isn't so far, is it? Ya, I could do it. It's June. I've got loads of time. So I said, "Yes, let's do it. We'll make a weekend out of it." Immediately I was terrified.

So I am committed and with a plan in hand (thanks robyn) I start my training Monday. Last night Jill, I'm sure after seeing my hesitation, asked me why I wanted to do it? A part of me thinks I am crazy, but I want to prove to myself that I can because I never really thought I could. I can do this is apparently going to be my motto for the next 14 weeks.

Have you run a marathon or a 1/2 marathon?
Do you have any words of encouragement?

planting seeds

This morning Adam and I had the opportunity to take our girls to the open house of the LDS Draper temple before it's dedication on March 22nd. "LDS temples, for those who may not know, are considered sacred houses of the Lord. After temples are formally dedicated, only adult members of the LDS church who are living high moral standards and Christian principles can be admitted." -quote from robyn's blog. Temples are also a place where promises (covenants) are made with God and marriages are performed to seal families together for eternity.


[i didn't realize we really wouldn't be able to walk on the grounds so a quick photo before we got back on the bus.]

Because of this very unique situation, it's not every day that a temple is built close by, it was really important to both Adam and I to give our girls the chance to see the inside of the temple and share with them why it's so important to us, and why we chose to get married there. It's definitely a blessing I pray my girls will choose for themselves when the time comes.

I remember when I was a little girl going through the LDS Jordan River temple before it's dedication and being overwhelmed by all the beautiful rooms and how big it was. I remember thinking, I want to get married in a temple, but I don't think I really understood the gift I had, to be born into a family that was sealed together, until my brother died. Then I saw more fully the magnitude of this blessing and was determined to have it in my own life with my husband and children. With all the bad things that can happen in this life that I often find myself worrying about, death to be more precise, if I take a moment to put this life into perspective and look at the big picture I know that whatever comes our way, assuming that we live righteously, Adam, Bella, Tess, and Megan will be mine forever and ever. I just can imagine a better gift than that and thank God daily for it.

Have a great weekend.

today: new snow & his birthday

I woke up this morning to six inches of snow and instead of crying, like I thought I would, I was so awed by the clear sky and dawn light that I immediately went outside. My neighbors must have thought me crazy roaming around my yard at 7 am in the bitter cold, but it actually felt really good on my sinuses to breathe in the cold air.

Speaking of today...


[may 2006]

It's Adam's birthday. Happy birthday love! I convinced him to come back to the house after his workout to get his gift (he leaves so early we never get to see him off). Lucky him, he was able to come home to 4 girls singing happy birthday, a massage (my gift to him), and this sweet card from Bella. Not even I got a card like that from them, it's so sweet how much they adore him.

What more can I say about this man that I haven't already shared on my blog. I am and will forever be grateful to have him in my life. He is the best father and husband I could have dreamed of and I am the woman I am today because of him. Adam, thank you for always listening, for loving me and my crazy, and for making me laugh along the way. Happy Birthday. I luv.

taking a sick day

- As I laid in bed all day listening to the wind push against my door and the chairs move around on my porch it occurred to me that my killer sinus pain and congestion is due to allergies, not because I'm sick. Oh well, I'm taking a sick day anyway because let's face it, I feel like I am.

- Adam came home this afternoon to offer lunch and take my couch away. Apparently it was exactly what he's been looking for to go in his new office so now I have an empty space in my living room. I'm wondering how long it's going to be there.

- Tess came home, saw the missing couch and asked if she could please vacuum where the couch had been. Eh, yes please. After a while of hearing the vacuum running I could hear Megan and Tess giggling as they, I imagine, sucked up each others clothes. Don't I remember doing that as a kid?

- I've been able to read most of today and am almost finished with Run. Hopefully by the end of the night I'll be done and able to move on to The Middle Place.

- I was able to talk with my good friend Eryn this afternoon. I found out she'll be spending the majority of the summer here so I'm looking forward to all the time we'll have to catch up.

- Lori and I are officially going to see Keane in concert on May 12th. I'm really looking forward to not only going to see Keane, but going with Lori. What can I say, she's good concert company.

spt - eight

Tomorrow I'm going to become an espresso.


Apparently I thought of this challenge more as a photo challenge and less of a SP challenge, don't as me why. So unless you can see my reflection...can you see my reflection? No. I'll have to do better next week.

And it only cost me Eight dollars and change to do it. I haven't colored my hair by myself in years, but I didn't want to pay someone Eighty dollars to dye my hair when all I wanted was a little shine and to cover up some of those ever growing grays. The best part, I don't have to leave my house or bother to make an appointment...at least that's what it tells me on the box. Seriously, is that necessary info?

floating

My mom, who was born on leap year, told me today in response to me asking her what day she preferred to celebrate her birthday on, "I'm 61 years old and I still don't know what day to celebrate." Every 4th year she has her actual birthday, but I think all the other years she feels like she's floating in between days. Some cards/calls come on the 28th and other come on the 1st. Even us kids (my siblings and I) all call her on different days. I can totally understand why she would feel like she's floating.



Regardless of what day we celebrate my girls are so thrilled to celebrate with her. I think they believe it's exciting to have a birthday on leap year, well, I guess that's what I thought. Apparently Bella has finally clued into how unfair it must be to only get a birthday every 4 years. This afternoon while they made cards to go along with the gift I caught sight of Bella's card and couldn't help but laugh. She wrote, "I feel bad for you that you were born on leap year..." Ah, sweet Bella and her tactful ways. I thought it was so funny and know my mom will get a kick out of it too.

It's crazy to think being a leap year baby was almost my fate. My mom was telling me how excited the doctor was to think he would deliver a baby on leap year whose mother was born on leap year as well. Lucky for me I came when I did and I think I owe my mom for it. Apparently she was willing me to come because she didn't want me to grow up feeling like I was "floating". Thank you for that. I don't know though, we do have the biggest bash ever when she does get a birthday so I wonder, does it out way the other years?

Mom Happy 15 1/4 Birthday!...or is that 61? I never know which, and there we go again...floating. Love you.

sunday stand out

Usually at church there is always something, even a very small thing, where I think that is the reason why I came today.

Here are two things that stood out to me today...

"The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner”
-President Hinckley Apr. 1996

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Phillipians 4:13