So our sweet little Audrey had surgery today! She was such a trooper. We are very proud of her. She had tubes put in her ears, allergy testing, and her adenoids taken out. The surgery went perfect and she seems to be recovering well. As you may imagine she is a little out of it (they gave her some pretty good drugs) and she is very sensitive...her brother and sister's are not allowed to go near her, without her freaking out. But other than that she is the same old Audrey.
It is amazing how your heart aches for your kids though...truly aches, real physical pain. When they brought her out of surgery and she looked so small and fragile I just wanted to cry...and I did a little!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
GUILTY!
On Thursday June 26th I went to court and was found GUILTY! Guilty of what you ask??? Well, a parking violation. Yes... I went to court over a parking ticket. It's a very long story so here ya go.
A month or so ago I was at my sister Kym's house. I had lost my car keys that day so I was using the valet key instead. After a little while I had Anna and Elizabeth go out to the car to grab the diaper bag. At the car Anna thought it would be funny to lock Elizabeth inside. Elizabeth proceeded to pull up the lock and open the door to get herself out. Well, apparently if you are on the inside of my car and pull the lock it makes my car alarm go off. It was blaring and I didn't have my car remote to turn it off. It would not turn off, I tried everything. We thought maybe if I drove the car around enough it would turn the alarm off. Needless to say, it didn't. I drove around with the alarm honking and all the people in the neighborhood coming out of their houses cussing me out. I rounded the block one more time hoping it would turn off, when all of a sudden there were two college kids standing in front of me in the middle of the road with their hands out saying, "Stop, Stop. This is a citizen's arrest." They thought I was stealing the van. Well, since they were in my way and I didn't want to hit them I pulled over. When I explained to them that I didn't steal the car and that I obviously couldn't get the alarm to go off they offered to help, (we were yelling of course...you couldn't hear a thing with the stupid horn blaring!)
They knew exactly what to do (which I thought was a little weird...had they stolen a car before???) They opened the hood and pulled the fuse out that operates the alarm. It turned off...woo hoo, no more horn honking. I hopped back in the car and tried to drive away, but the car wouldn't budge. The gear shift was locked. My car is so super cool, and new, and modern that it apparently knows when someone is trying to steal it. So when the alarm fuse was taken out the gear shift locked up and my car was immovable unless I had the engine key and the remote (I call it the clicker). So I left my car where it was, walked back to Kym's house, borrowed her car and drove down to Jeff's work to get his clicker. I was gone maybe 20 minutes and when I got back there was a ticket on the car... STINKER!!! It was for parking my car with the left tire against the curb. Can you believe it??? I was soooo... mad. I had to park it there, the cute college boys had stopped me there, the car had seized up, shoot, I didn't even know it was against the law to park with your left tire against the curb! The ticket was for 35 dollars and I was so ticked off I decided to take it to court. I mean wouldn't you? I certainly did not do anything wrong, I was a victim, a victim I tell you, and I was NOT going to pay 35 dollars for parking my car the wrong way!
So, Thursday was the big day. I was ridiculously nervous, my hands had not been that sweaty since my junior prom (I remember because my mom made me put powder in my white satin gloves to help dry them out). When Jeff and I sat down I noticed a very young officer and thought "wow, he looks like he is 18, it must be his first day on the job or something". I also heard him complaining to another officer that he was there for a "stupid parking ticket." Needless to say I felt like a shmuck, all I could think was...why didn't I just pay the 35 dollar fine??? Why oh why. It made me all the more nervous. There were quite a few people on the docket, all with some kind of traffic violation. One by one names were called and all of them were dismissed. The officer for each one had not appeared at court. Of course, mine was the only officer that day that decided to show. When the judge finally called my name I swear I could hear all the court officials snickering as they realized I was petitioning for a stupid parking ticket. I stood, I told my story (the best I could...I was freaking out on the inside) and the Judge said..."good story, you're still guilty, but good story. No fine, just pay the 20 dollar court fee."
So, was it worth it??? Heck yeah.... I only had to pay 20 dollars. I definitely felt vindicated. All of that anxiety saved me a whopping 15 dollars!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Too Funny
I got this from my friend Natalie's blog...and had to steal it!
Blogging 101 -What NOT to do!
#1. Don't get green with envy, Blenvy it's coined, while reading other's blogs. According to CJane, "It usually comes from reading a blog that emphasizes my insecurities." Well said blogger guru. I couldn't agree with you more.
Please remember that each post is just a moment of that person's day/week. Instead, just be happy that something amazing happened to your fellow blogger. Be inspired by them! If you really feel the need, use that insecurity to make a change in your own life and do something similar.
#2. If people don't update their blog roll by adding your name under 'Friends & Family' don't get your feelings hurt. It's simply a nice gesture, forgotten. Seasoned bloggers rarely even look at their sidebar anymore - let alone update it frequently.
#3. Never ask yourself, "Is insert blogger's name mad at me? She doesn't comment on my blog."
I realize that there is probably an expectation of family and friends to read your blog. However, don't expect anyone to read your blog and don't fall into this negative thinking.
You've got to understand that every blogger is on a different commitment level. You have your newbies who are completely addicted and spend every possible moment blog-jogging. To the end of the spectrum of your more seasoned bloggers who have developed their routine and only take the time to read their top 10 favorites. It's hard to imagine, but some people get completely burned out and need to take breaks from reading others blogs now and then.
#4. Don't feel left out. Now that you have a more intimate look at your friends lives (in real life), they might post outings that you weren't invited to attend. Please do not let it eat at you, make you feel left out, or that you're not an important friend in that person's life.
Life is crazy, busy, and things happen spare of the moment. You don't know the whole story as to how the event got organized and why certain people where invited and you weren't. You are special and you are important to your friend! Just let it go, or better yet, plan a fun get together and be sure to invite her. You'll feel much better!
#5. Guilt is overrated. You will come across some AMAZING moms. Honestly, I've been blown away by so many of you and your creativity and dedication to your family. Again, don't feel guilty or envious of these genetically gifted women. Instead, be inspired to make some changes in your own family. Use their techniques and strategies to empower yourself.
#6. Keep it real. While posting on your own blog be sure to allow yourself to open up and not only share your glamorous side, but also your self portraits, your struggles, and your hopes and dreams. You will find that bloggers are some of the most unjudgemental, forgiving, and loving people you'll have in your life. Use this positive energy to help you get through the tough times as well as celebrate the good ones.
End Quote!
Have a fabulous day!
Blogging 101 -What NOT to do!
#1. Don't get green with envy, Blenvy it's coined, while reading other's blogs. According to CJane, "It usually comes from reading a blog that emphasizes my insecurities." Well said blogger guru. I couldn't agree with you more.
Please remember that each post is just a moment of that person's day/week. Instead, just be happy that something amazing happened to your fellow blogger. Be inspired by them! If you really feel the need, use that insecurity to make a change in your own life and do something similar.
#2. If people don't update their blog roll by adding your name under 'Friends & Family' don't get your feelings hurt. It's simply a nice gesture, forgotten. Seasoned bloggers rarely even look at their sidebar anymore - let alone update it frequently.
#3. Never ask yourself, "Is insert blogger's name mad at me? She doesn't comment on my blog."
I realize that there is probably an expectation of family and friends to read your blog. However, don't expect anyone to read your blog and don't fall into this negative thinking.
You've got to understand that every blogger is on a different commitment level. You have your newbies who are completely addicted and spend every possible moment blog-jogging. To the end of the spectrum of your more seasoned bloggers who have developed their routine and only take the time to read their top 10 favorites. It's hard to imagine, but some people get completely burned out and need to take breaks from reading others blogs now and then.
#4. Don't feel left out. Now that you have a more intimate look at your friends lives (in real life), they might post outings that you weren't invited to attend. Please do not let it eat at you, make you feel left out, or that you're not an important friend in that person's life.
Life is crazy, busy, and things happen spare of the moment. You don't know the whole story as to how the event got organized and why certain people where invited and you weren't. You are special and you are important to your friend! Just let it go, or better yet, plan a fun get together and be sure to invite her. You'll feel much better!
#5. Guilt is overrated. You will come across some AMAZING moms. Honestly, I've been blown away by so many of you and your creativity and dedication to your family. Again, don't feel guilty or envious of these genetically gifted women. Instead, be inspired to make some changes in your own family. Use their techniques and strategies to empower yourself.
#6. Keep it real. While posting on your own blog be sure to allow yourself to open up and not only share your glamorous side, but also your self portraits, your struggles, and your hopes and dreams. You will find that bloggers are some of the most unjudgemental, forgiving, and loving people you'll have in your life. Use this positive energy to help you get through the tough times as well as celebrate the good ones.
End Quote!
Have a fabulous day!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Summer Stuff
I've been promising everyone to share my ideas for keeping kids busy in the summer so here ya go... Some are my ideas, some are great websites...I'm sure I could have done better, and I bet you've heard of most of this stuff, but I think it has helped me to feel a little more prepared.
Here are a few basic rules that I've set up for myself.
1. Try not to sleep in.
I think one of the hardest parts of summer is when your schedule gets out of whack...so I'm planning on getting up at the same time. If the kids sleep in, great, it'll give me more quiet time, but I know I need to make sure I'm up and dressed and ready to go...I always feel better if I am dressed and showered with make up on first thing in the morning.
2. Daily exercise.
I'm going to get the kids involved with walks every day (as long as it's not too hot). My kids can get lazy in the summer. I found one website that had this great idea about doing a coin walk. Where you go out the front door and flip a coin...heads you turn left, tails you turn right, and see where you end up.
3. Menus with planned snack times.
I don't want the kids to eat all day long, so I have set up specific snack times that I am going to post on the pantry door.
4. Chores are a necessity.
I have their chore charts ready to go and they will have to have them done before they are allowed to do any of the fun stuff.
5. Summer Reading and Daily Homework
Nothing elaborate, I have some hooked on phonic activities and some work books for Anna, and I want to have reading time everyday. There is a great summer reading program at my library for kids of all ages.
6. One and a half hour of TV or other electronics a day.
I haven't decided if this is too much...what do you think?? I don't want them to turn into TV zombies. But I figure this is how long most movies are so they can choose to watch a movie in the evening or play on the computer for a half an hour and then watch a favorite show. I don't know though??? Maybe they can have a NO TV day once a week.
7. You don't have to have something creative everyday.
I think it's important for kids to use their imagination. Jeff and I are always amazed when we tell the kids "No TV" that they always figure out cool stuff to do. So I know they have it in them. I definitely plan on having crafts and game ideas ready, but I don't think I need to plan a craft every day.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas...
For the first day of summer vacation I am going to give each of the kids (even Audrey) a summer journal with a new fancy pen (dollar store). I'm going to let them decorate the journal. I thought it would be cool if they could write down all the fun and crazy things they do this summer. They can paste in pictures of what we have done and I can help the little ones journal their days.
I also plan on giving them each a disposable camera. I'm going to tell them they can take pictures of whatever they want but if they use all the film in one day that is all the pictures they can take, or they can take one really cool picture a day and the camera will last half the summer. I want to teach them a little bit about taking pictures and what makes good pictures, etc.
Anna and Elizabeth are super excited about doing cooking days. I got the kids aprons and we're going to cook a new fun thing once a week. I thought it would be fun to get some index cards and recipe boxes and let them make their own recipe boxes with their favorite foods.
I've made plans with a couple of friends to go on a field trip once a week. We're going to go to places like the zoo, library, beach, fire house etc.
So, there you have it. Here are some of the websites I've found. Let me know what you decide to do, and if I've missed anything super cool, I need to plan for!
http://www.funattic.com/game_summer.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/summer-crafts-to-wear/
http://babyparenting.about.com/od/summerfun/Summer_Fun.htm
http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerplay.htm
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerfunwaterplay.htm
Here are a few basic rules that I've set up for myself.
1. Try not to sleep in.
I think one of the hardest parts of summer is when your schedule gets out of whack...so I'm planning on getting up at the same time. If the kids sleep in, great, it'll give me more quiet time, but I know I need to make sure I'm up and dressed and ready to go...I always feel better if I am dressed and showered with make up on first thing in the morning.
2. Daily exercise.
I'm going to get the kids involved with walks every day (as long as it's not too hot). My kids can get lazy in the summer. I found one website that had this great idea about doing a coin walk. Where you go out the front door and flip a coin...heads you turn left, tails you turn right, and see where you end up.
3. Menus with planned snack times.
I don't want the kids to eat all day long, so I have set up specific snack times that I am going to post on the pantry door.
4. Chores are a necessity.
I have their chore charts ready to go and they will have to have them done before they are allowed to do any of the fun stuff.
5. Summer Reading and Daily Homework
Nothing elaborate, I have some hooked on phonic activities and some work books for Anna, and I want to have reading time everyday. There is a great summer reading program at my library for kids of all ages.
6. One and a half hour of TV or other electronics a day.
I haven't decided if this is too much...what do you think?? I don't want them to turn into TV zombies. But I figure this is how long most movies are so they can choose to watch a movie in the evening or play on the computer for a half an hour and then watch a favorite show. I don't know though??? Maybe they can have a NO TV day once a week.
7. You don't have to have something creative everyday.
I think it's important for kids to use their imagination. Jeff and I are always amazed when we tell the kids "No TV" that they always figure out cool stuff to do. So I know they have it in them. I definitely plan on having crafts and game ideas ready, but I don't think I need to plan a craft every day.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas...
For the first day of summer vacation I am going to give each of the kids (even Audrey) a summer journal with a new fancy pen (dollar store). I'm going to let them decorate the journal. I thought it would be cool if they could write down all the fun and crazy things they do this summer. They can paste in pictures of what we have done and I can help the little ones journal their days.
I also plan on giving them each a disposable camera. I'm going to tell them they can take pictures of whatever they want but if they use all the film in one day that is all the pictures they can take, or they can take one really cool picture a day and the camera will last half the summer. I want to teach them a little bit about taking pictures and what makes good pictures, etc.
Anna and Elizabeth are super excited about doing cooking days. I got the kids aprons and we're going to cook a new fun thing once a week. I thought it would be fun to get some index cards and recipe boxes and let them make their own recipe boxes with their favorite foods.
I've made plans with a couple of friends to go on a field trip once a week. We're going to go to places like the zoo, library, beach, fire house etc.
So, there you have it. Here are some of the websites I've found. Let me know what you decide to do, and if I've missed anything super cool, I need to plan for!
http://www.funattic.com/game_summer.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/summer-crafts-to-wear/
http://babyparenting.about.com/od/summerfun/Summer_Fun.htm
http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerplay.htm
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerfunwaterplay.htm
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Congratulations Ben and Cyndi!--Correction
Evidently, Ben did not vomit in the corner of the hospital room while Cyndi was delivering...I must have made that up in my head. But he may have thrown up in a car if he was my cousin Melissa's husband. She delivered her baby boy on the same day as Cyndi, June 6th, but in HER CAR!!!!! Holy Cow! Congratulations Melissa and Lorin. I hope mommy and baby are doing well...can you imagine...in HER CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying to hear the details of that story!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Congratulations Ben and Cyndi!
Ben and Cyndi had their baby this morning! I think it was around 2:00am. They called me around 3:00am so the details seem a little foggy. This is what I know...it was a girl, she weighed 7lbs, 4oz, 19 and something inches long, and she is very healthy and happy. This little tid-bit blows me away....SHE DID IT WITHOUT ANY DRUGS. When she got to the hospital she had the baby within like 45 minutes. Way to go Cyndi! I think Ben said he vomited in the corner (he's very squeamish). I could be wrong about that last detail...it was the middle of the night. (hee hee)
They hadn't decided on a name yet. I think it is between Lucy and Lori. Anyways...Congratulations. I cannot wait to meet my new niece.
They hadn't decided on a name yet. I think it is between Lucy and Lori. Anyways...Congratulations. I cannot wait to meet my new niece.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Busy Week
It has been a busy week for us. Elizabeth had her Kindergarten graduation yesterday and today was Dallin's pre-K graduation. Tomorrow is Anna's 4th grade award ceremony. I cannot believe this year is over. It is just unbelievable to me that Dallin will be in Kindergarten in the fall and Anna will be going into her last year of elementary school. Crazy huh? Tuesday is the last day of school, but today is the last full day, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday they have half days. So far I have come up with some pretty cute ideas to keep them happy and occupied this summer. I'll have to post about that next!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Refining My Palate
It is interesting how your tastes change as you get older. Lately I have really been expanding my food horizons. One of the most noticeable changes is my newly discovered passion for chocolate. I was never much of a chocolate fan. I liked it in things...cookies, candy bars, but never by itself. Well, lately I crave chocolate, and not just any chocolate it has to be dark...the darker the better. I am still trying to eat healthy so I'm not binging on chocolate or anything but a little piece of dark chocolate makes me unbelievably happy! My friend Maria introduced me to this dark chocolate from the local health store called Dagoba.....it is sooooo good! My favorites are the Chocolate and Lavender Bar and the Chocolate with Rosemary and mint. I have also fallen in love with Ginger... My friend Ethel brought me some Ginger and Lemon Scones from Trader Joe's and I immediately fell in love with them.
Another change in my diet is that I refuse to buy anything with Trans Fats or High Fructose Corn Syrup. This can be very challenging because EVERYTHING is made with these two ingredients. Especially the High Fructose Corn Syrup. I try to buy a lot of organic stuff, but it is getting harder to do this because the cost of food is getting out of control. It does not seem fair that the cheapest food is the food that is the most unhealthy.
Another change in my diet is that I refuse to buy anything with Trans Fats or High Fructose Corn Syrup. This can be very challenging because EVERYTHING is made with these two ingredients. Especially the High Fructose Corn Syrup. I try to buy a lot of organic stuff, but it is getting harder to do this because the cost of food is getting out of control. It does not seem fair that the cheapest food is the food that is the most unhealthy.
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