Today is one of those days where I just want to write and write, but I actually don't have anything of importance to say. I have had this need inside me for several days now, but I'm so involved in getting this medical assistance thing figured out and trying not to go into labor that I actually can't think of anything else.
The good news is that I got all my faxes sent. Hopefully the people who are supposed to fill out the forms and fax them back to the agency did that right away. I did add a note asking them to quickly do this for me.
You see? There it is, taking over my every thought process. I wonder what it is like to be a normal person who only has to worry about the upcoming birth and not about 5000 other things that are related to the upcoming birth, but that I shouldn't have to worry about at this stage. Hmmmm.
More good news... my new Visiting Teachers have asked to throw me a baby shower. I don't actually need anything (this is our third boy after all, and he's due just three days before Aiden's birthday. That should take care of everything), but I will never refuse free food and gifts. They asked me to make a list of what I would like or what I need. So the list is going to be nice and short: diapers, baby wipes, Diaper Genie refills, a Baby Bjorn, and a bassinette.
My mom called this morning with her flight info. I can't wait for her to get here. I just want someone here with me, helping me. I'm in so much pain and everything is such an effort, and I feel like I'm the worst mother to Aiden and Dallin right now because of it. My temper is very short and my energy low.
I really can't wait to be a normal human being again. Really. Just a few more months until I'll start feeling like a person. Bear with me folks. This is a hard journey for me.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Just Another Manic Monday
I had my appointment this morning. I found someone who not only could take both boys for me, but could drop Aiden off at preschool. I got a little lost, so I wasn't there 15 minutes early, like I should have been, but I found the office. I got there in time for my scheduled appointment. However, because I haven't yet been accpeted with medical assistance, I had to pay a huge amount of money for the visit. They reassured me that would be reimbursed when I am accepted. We shall see. I got all the paperwork filled out, and the nurse called me in. They hadn't gotten a hold of my doctor's office in Nevada yet, so they didn't have my records yet, so the nurse said the nurse practitioner thought it a good idea to just wait a week and reschedule. I have to have some kind of strep test done at 36 weeks. They said they don't want to do it too early, and they can't wait that long, either. However, since they'd just be doing a "how are you feeling" checkup, I already paid all that money, and I would have to come back next week and probably pay even more money (since I'm more than likely not going to get an acceptance letter for medical assistance yet), they suggested I not really have the appointment today and just reschedule for next week.
Fine, whatever. But I will be 36 weeks tomorrow, and I really, really think this baby is coming early! I would have at least like to have talked to the nurse practitioner about some of my birthing options and such, and I do know a lot of what's going on with my pregnancy, so why do you need all of my records right this second anyway? I know, I know. They need to look everything over and get it all straight, but still. What if the baby comes this week?? Mr. Universe's birthday is on Thursday. What a nice little present, right? Just kidding (mostly).
So I have all these faxes to send to different places and wait for responses and turn them in. Luckily the person who babysat for me this morning has a fax machine and has generously offered me to use it. Once Dallin wakes up from a nap, we shall do just that.
I'm so sick of this whole thing. I just want to be able to see a doctor, feel comfortable with that doctor, and have this baby already!! I'm sick of having to worry about money and where it is all going to come from and how much everything costs, especially the things you need (house, food, insurance... you get the picture).
The good news, however, is that I haven't had anymore "indications" of the baby coming. A couple of Braxton Hicks here and there, but nothing major. So the baby is still comfy and safe inside. While I may be completely miserable (and I can't believe how much I weigh! I have put on over 35 pounds for this pregnancy! My largest weight gain yet!! And I still have 4 more weeks!!), I know it's better for the baby to not be born yet. It's just not time. The baby will come when he's supposed to come, and I need to stop worrying!
Fine, whatever. But I will be 36 weeks tomorrow, and I really, really think this baby is coming early! I would have at least like to have talked to the nurse practitioner about some of my birthing options and such, and I do know a lot of what's going on with my pregnancy, so why do you need all of my records right this second anyway? I know, I know. They need to look everything over and get it all straight, but still. What if the baby comes this week?? Mr. Universe's birthday is on Thursday. What a nice little present, right? Just kidding (mostly).
So I have all these faxes to send to different places and wait for responses and turn them in. Luckily the person who babysat for me this morning has a fax machine and has generously offered me to use it. Once Dallin wakes up from a nap, we shall do just that.
I'm so sick of this whole thing. I just want to be able to see a doctor, feel comfortable with that doctor, and have this baby already!! I'm sick of having to worry about money and where it is all going to come from and how much everything costs, especially the things you need (house, food, insurance... you get the picture).
The good news, however, is that I haven't had anymore "indications" of the baby coming. A couple of Braxton Hicks here and there, but nothing major. So the baby is still comfy and safe inside. While I may be completely miserable (and I can't believe how much I weigh! I have put on over 35 pounds for this pregnancy! My largest weight gain yet!! And I still have 4 more weeks!!), I know it's better for the baby to not be born yet. It's just not time. The baby will come when he's supposed to come, and I need to stop worrying!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Just a Quick Word...
The baby is due in exactly ONE MONTH!!!
Just thought you'd all like to know. You may now return to your regular blogging.
Just thought you'd all like to know. You may now return to your regular blogging.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Random Friday
So I thought I was going into labor last night. It was not fun. I was in a lot of pain all over my body, having some really painful contractions, and feeling quite naseous. I was so scared because we aren't at all ready to have this baby yet. I told Ches I wanted a Priesthood Blessing, and he got a hold of a member of the bishopric. I was really comforted from the blessing, and I'm feeling a lot better. The Relief Society president called later and gave me a list of names to call either during the day, in the middle of the night, or whenever (she specified which) in case I DO go into labor. She had called around and got women who all live near me. Everyone is so helpful!! It made me feel a lot better, emotionally. I still think this baby is coming extra early, but I'd like him to wait a couple more weeks, if possible. Ches and I had just started to talk about what to do "if" the baby came early. We had no phone numbers for people to take the boys for us, no phone numbers for him to call in and get a sub at school... we don't even know what hospital we're going to yet! I have an appointment on Monday, and we'll see what the doctor (or rather, the nurse practioner) says then.
*****
I found Ovation here in the States!! Yay!! I've been craving those yummy dark chocolate covered mint sticks since I was pregnant with Dallin and it was Christmas time. Everytime we go to Calgary for Christmas, Ovation is one of our staples that buy right away. They taste so good, and make great logs and decorations in the family gingerbread house building competition (do you guys still do that? It's been a while since we've been up. Sorry).
Anyrate, we saw them with all the candy/chocolates in Wal-Mart, so of course I picked up a box. They taste like Christmas. It made me happy.
*****
So, Tom Cruise has been dumped by Paramount because of his crazy off-screen antics. I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Cruise anymore (I think he has gone a bit off the rocker!!), but that is just of him personally. I still love his acting. I love most of the movies he is in. Just because he's completely nuts isn't going to stop me from seeing Tom Cruise movies. Why exactly do people care???
It's kind of like the Mel Gibson thing, to me. I mean, people think he's gone a bit nuts himself, and this latest episode of drunk driving and anti-Semetic slurs certainly haven't helped the public views of him as a person, but he is still a great actor and movie-maker. Are people honestly going to suddenly stop seeing Mel Gibson movies because of stuff he said when he was completely smashed, and of which he has publicly apologized for on a number of occasions AND has gone into rehab? I won't stop seeing Mel Gibson movies.
There are stars our there who have done crazier things. Or more offensive things. No one seems to care. Major awards have been given to a man who alledgedly raped a girl, then he ran away to another country so he wouldn't have to face prosecution. He is still in "exhile", but he still makes movies, people love to see his movies, actors love to act in his movies, and he is given awards. Spike Lee is quite controversial, yet that doesn't stop people from going to his movies. He has made many racial remarks in anger, yet people just seem to blow it off (I personally think because he isn't white. White people make racist commentes, but people of color "never" do. Just a generalization here, folks. Don't jump down my throat, okay?).
When it comes down to it, what do people really care about an actor's personal life? If you are going to see a movie, you really don't care. You just want to see a good movie. Also, why am I even discussing this, if people don't care? What do I care???? Obviously, for some morbid reason that I can't explain, I do care. But I'm still gonna see Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson movies.
*****
When you are reading a book, do you actually read the dedications and acknowledgements? I do. It's so often just a list of names that mean nothing to me, the casual reader, but every now and then you get to read a really interesting line. I think my favorite is one that Maeve Binchey (author of "Circle of Friends", "Tara Road", and so, so many others) wrote about her husband in "Nights of Rain and Stars":
"For dear good Gordon, who has been such a supportive and kind person that nobody would believe it if I were to write him into a book! Thank you with all of my heart."
Now, if you are a big Maeve Binchey fan (like I am... I've read everything she has written... most of them several times!), you'll understand this comment. If not, well, I love this author, so I just want to encourage you to read some of her books and then you'll get it. I recommend all of her more recent novels ("Scarlet Feather", "Quentins", "Tara Road") as well as a couple of my favorite older ones ("Light a Penny Candle", "The "Copper Birch", "Circle of Friends"). Oh, and don't judge "Circle of Friends" by the movie. I like the movie (hello!! Chris O'Donnell! I love him!! Oh yeah, and Minnie Driver's pretty awesome, too), but the book is so, so much better. Has a different and much better ending, too.
*****
I think I'm going to spend Saturday morning pulling weeds out of our front yard. The front yard is all rocks and desert plants, but because of all the rain we have all these green patches of weeds. I hate that stigma that goes along with renters. You know it, right? You can tell who renters are by the state of their yard. Renters just don't care for their yards as much as homeowners do. Well, we may not own this house, but I still take pride in where and how I live. So I'm going to make it look like we own the place. So there.
*****
Aiden is at preschool and Dallin is taking a nap. I should be taking a nap. But my bed is covered in clean clothes that I should fold. I think I'll just go lie down on the couch and rest for a while. That would be good.
*****
Now I'm stretching to come up with good stuff to write. Am I turning into Karen??? Heck that wouldn't be such a bad thing, huh?
*****
Quote of the day:
I learned there are troubles
Of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead
and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat.
I'm all ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with me!
--Dr. Suess (from "I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew")
*****
I found Ovation here in the States!! Yay!! I've been craving those yummy dark chocolate covered mint sticks since I was pregnant with Dallin and it was Christmas time. Everytime we go to Calgary for Christmas, Ovation is one of our staples that buy right away. They taste so good, and make great logs and decorations in the family gingerbread house building competition (do you guys still do that? It's been a while since we've been up. Sorry).
Anyrate, we saw them with all the candy/chocolates in Wal-Mart, so of course I picked up a box. They taste like Christmas. It made me happy.
*****
So, Tom Cruise has been dumped by Paramount because of his crazy off-screen antics. I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Cruise anymore (I think he has gone a bit off the rocker!!), but that is just of him personally. I still love his acting. I love most of the movies he is in. Just because he's completely nuts isn't going to stop me from seeing Tom Cruise movies. Why exactly do people care???
It's kind of like the Mel Gibson thing, to me. I mean, people think he's gone a bit nuts himself, and this latest episode of drunk driving and anti-Semetic slurs certainly haven't helped the public views of him as a person, but he is still a great actor and movie-maker. Are people honestly going to suddenly stop seeing Mel Gibson movies because of stuff he said when he was completely smashed, and of which he has publicly apologized for on a number of occasions AND has gone into rehab? I won't stop seeing Mel Gibson movies.
There are stars our there who have done crazier things. Or more offensive things. No one seems to care. Major awards have been given to a man who alledgedly raped a girl, then he ran away to another country so he wouldn't have to face prosecution. He is still in "exhile", but he still makes movies, people love to see his movies, actors love to act in his movies, and he is given awards. Spike Lee is quite controversial, yet that doesn't stop people from going to his movies. He has made many racial remarks in anger, yet people just seem to blow it off (I personally think because he isn't white. White people make racist commentes, but people of color "never" do. Just a generalization here, folks. Don't jump down my throat, okay?).
When it comes down to it, what do people really care about an actor's personal life? If you are going to see a movie, you really don't care. You just want to see a good movie. Also, why am I even discussing this, if people don't care? What do I care???? Obviously, for some morbid reason that I can't explain, I do care. But I'm still gonna see Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson movies.
*****
When you are reading a book, do you actually read the dedications and acknowledgements? I do. It's so often just a list of names that mean nothing to me, the casual reader, but every now and then you get to read a really interesting line. I think my favorite is one that Maeve Binchey (author of "Circle of Friends", "Tara Road", and so, so many others) wrote about her husband in "Nights of Rain and Stars":
"For dear good Gordon, who has been such a supportive and kind person that nobody would believe it if I were to write him into a book! Thank you with all of my heart."
Now, if you are a big Maeve Binchey fan (like I am... I've read everything she has written... most of them several times!), you'll understand this comment. If not, well, I love this author, so I just want to encourage you to read some of her books and then you'll get it. I recommend all of her more recent novels ("Scarlet Feather", "Quentins", "Tara Road") as well as a couple of my favorite older ones ("Light a Penny Candle", "The "Copper Birch", "Circle of Friends"). Oh, and don't judge "Circle of Friends" by the movie. I like the movie (hello!! Chris O'Donnell! I love him!! Oh yeah, and Minnie Driver's pretty awesome, too), but the book is so, so much better. Has a different and much better ending, too.
*****
I think I'm going to spend Saturday morning pulling weeds out of our front yard. The front yard is all rocks and desert plants, but because of all the rain we have all these green patches of weeds. I hate that stigma that goes along with renters. You know it, right? You can tell who renters are by the state of their yard. Renters just don't care for their yards as much as homeowners do. Well, we may not own this house, but I still take pride in where and how I live. So I'm going to make it look like we own the place. So there.
*****
Aiden is at preschool and Dallin is taking a nap. I should be taking a nap. But my bed is covered in clean clothes that I should fold. I think I'll just go lie down on the couch and rest for a while. That would be good.
*****
Now I'm stretching to come up with good stuff to write. Am I turning into Karen??? Heck that wouldn't be such a bad thing, huh?
*****
Quote of the day:
I learned there are troubles
Of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead
and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat.
I'm all ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with me!
--Dr. Suess (from "I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew")
Thursday, August 24, 2006
The Act of Selflessness
I have this friend that I have known since the 5th grade. I was the new kid, and she was put in line in front of me to help me find my way. She had on these really cool tie-dye, hightop, Converse shoes, so I complimented Sam on her shoes. We became best friends and within the week we were inseperable. I moved away as soon as school was out that year, but we have stayed in contact off and on over the years. We still email and IM every now and then.
Sam is now married with a stepson and two boys she has given birth to. She sounds very happy in her life and in her faith. Several months ago, when I was breaking the news of my surprise pregnancy, Sam let me know that she, too, was pregnant. I was soooo excited. Our boys are the same age (within months... except for the older stepson, but he's about the age of my nephew, I think), and I thought how cool that would be that we would continue to have kids the same age. However, she burst my bubble a little bit.
This wasn't her baby. She is being a surrogate mother for another woman she knows.
At first I was stunned. I had heard of surrogate pregnancies, but I never actually knew anyone to do that. After a moment of some confusion on my part, I got really excited again. You see, I know think Sam is the most selfless person I know.
Being pregnant, for me, is NO picnic. It isn't for most women. Sure, some say they feel best when they are pregnant, and maybe they do. If you are one of those women, well, good for you. I, however, hate being pregnant with every ounce of my being. I love having my kids, but I hate the 9 months leading up to the big event. Anyrate, back to my friend Sam.
Pregnancy is so hard on a woman's body, and yet Sam doesn't care. She is doing this for a friend. To have this little being inside of you for so long, this being that you can feel move around, that you hear a hearbeat, that you can see really clear pictures of their face, hands, feet, beating heart... to have all that and know that you are not taking home this little being. Wow. I always feel for those that give up their babies for adoption. That must be the most curageous thing in the world. And now Sam isn't just going through all of this to give the baby up to some stranger in another part of the country or something, but she is giving this baby to the rightful parents... close friends. How amazing is that?
I have gotten a couple of emails lately from Sam. Baby Kaitlyn (she already has a name!!) and Sam are doing great. Both are happy and healthy. There is only 9 more weeks until Baby Kaitlyn enters this world. That is the good news.
Kristin (Kaitlyn's mom) has cancer. Apparantly this isn't the first time, but it's not at all good timing. Kristin is about to go into surgery and have a hysterectomy to remove the cancer. The doctors are hoping to save Kristin's ovaries, but not really counting on it. They want the cancer removed completely.
I don't know Kristin, and I haven't seen Sam since we were 8th graders, but this is a hard time for them. They are asking for prayers for Kristin and for the continued good health of Baby Kaitlyn and of Sam. None of you have any connection to these people, but maybe you could pray for them, too? More prayers wouldn't hurt, that's for sure!
I am so proud to know Sam. I hope I can learn from her example of true friendship and selflessness. Sam is one of my heroes.
Sam is now married with a stepson and two boys she has given birth to. She sounds very happy in her life and in her faith. Several months ago, when I was breaking the news of my surprise pregnancy, Sam let me know that she, too, was pregnant. I was soooo excited. Our boys are the same age (within months... except for the older stepson, but he's about the age of my nephew, I think), and I thought how cool that would be that we would continue to have kids the same age. However, she burst my bubble a little bit.
This wasn't her baby. She is being a surrogate mother for another woman she knows.
At first I was stunned. I had heard of surrogate pregnancies, but I never actually knew anyone to do that. After a moment of some confusion on my part, I got really excited again. You see, I know think Sam is the most selfless person I know.
Being pregnant, for me, is NO picnic. It isn't for most women. Sure, some say they feel best when they are pregnant, and maybe they do. If you are one of those women, well, good for you. I, however, hate being pregnant with every ounce of my being. I love having my kids, but I hate the 9 months leading up to the big event. Anyrate, back to my friend Sam.
Pregnancy is so hard on a woman's body, and yet Sam doesn't care. She is doing this for a friend. To have this little being inside of you for so long, this being that you can feel move around, that you hear a hearbeat, that you can see really clear pictures of their face, hands, feet, beating heart... to have all that and know that you are not taking home this little being. Wow. I always feel for those that give up their babies for adoption. That must be the most curageous thing in the world. And now Sam isn't just going through all of this to give the baby up to some stranger in another part of the country or something, but she is giving this baby to the rightful parents... close friends. How amazing is that?
I have gotten a couple of emails lately from Sam. Baby Kaitlyn (she already has a name!!) and Sam are doing great. Both are happy and healthy. There is only 9 more weeks until Baby Kaitlyn enters this world. That is the good news.
Kristin (Kaitlyn's mom) has cancer. Apparantly this isn't the first time, but it's not at all good timing. Kristin is about to go into surgery and have a hysterectomy to remove the cancer. The doctors are hoping to save Kristin's ovaries, but not really counting on it. They want the cancer removed completely.
I don't know Kristin, and I haven't seen Sam since we were 8th graders, but this is a hard time for them. They are asking for prayers for Kristin and for the continued good health of Baby Kaitlyn and of Sam. None of you have any connection to these people, but maybe you could pray for them, too? More prayers wouldn't hurt, that's for sure!
I am so proud to know Sam. I hope I can learn from her example of true friendship and selflessness. Sam is one of my heroes.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Pictures Uploaded
I uploaded several pictures of the boys on Flickr today, for those of you who are my contacts or whatever. If you are not on my list and want to be, send me a quick email, and I'll add you! My boys are pretty dang cute, and there are some good photos. (No, I'm not a proud mama or anything!!)
Monday, August 21, 2006
Aiden Is Just Soooooo Punny!!
Aiden's favorite subject of late has been space and the galaxy and all that goes with it (planets, stars, rockets, etc.). The other night we were at a friend's house for dinner and a swim in the pool. Aiden had me as the rocketship, and would say things like "Let's fly to Saturn!" He would hang onto my neck and I would swim to different parts of the pool with him.
At one point Aiden asked, "Mom, what's on the moon?"
"Moon rocks."
"Mom, and space rocks."
"Yes, Aiden, and space rocks."
"And space sand."
"Yes, Aiden, I'm sure there is space sand on the moon, too."
"Yeah, Mom. And the space sand is outta this world!!"
At one point Aiden asked, "Mom, what's on the moon?"
"Moon rocks."
"Mom, and space rocks."
"Yes, Aiden, and space rocks."
"And space sand."
"Yes, Aiden, I'm sure there is space sand on the moon, too."
"Yeah, Mom. And the space sand is outta this world!!"
Friday, August 18, 2006
Random Friday
That's right folks! It's the return of Random Friday. It's been a busy few weeks, so I apologize for not giving you what you want. Well, I don't know if you want it, but I'll give it anyway. It's my blog, dang it. I can write whatever I want. You don't like it, leave.
Wait. Don't leave. I like readers and comments!! Don't leave!!! I'm sure we can find something here that you would like to read! I promise!!
*****
Moving to a whole new city is hard. You have to figure out new gorcery stores, where the best bargains are, which street goes in which direction, and what radio stations are best to listen to.
When we lived here five years ago, I had one station that I loved so much, I never switched the radio. Not even during commercial breaks. I don't remember what that station was even called, and I haven't found it yet. Mr. Universe set all the stations in our van, and there are really only a couple that I really like. It's frustrating to me. I like one kind of music, he likes another. Of course, we have two little boys, begging for their own stuff. I'm surprised I even get to listen to the radio!!
*****
Last night we had an Enrichment Meeting. The theme was "Chocolate... Not just a breakfast food." We had "Chef Tara" come in and demonstrate how to make some really yummy chocolate treats, then of course we got to eat all the treats. It was soooooo good! We made chocolate cups with chocolate mousse and a chocolate ganache, which was poured over either pound cake or chocolate cake (I had mine with the chocolate cake). In the Great Cooking Spirit (Chef Tara's favorite phrase!!), Tara also showed us some different things you can do with the ganache, mousse, and the chocolate cups, and she showed us some "plateing" ideas. (That would be the fancy presentations that you are able to go to a fancy restaurant and have this dessert and pay an arm an a leg for.)
Chef Tara has a food blog, which you can find here. Check it out. She was really good, super nice, and a lot of fun.
*****
Julia's kids seem to take after her so well. Apparantly my kids feel that they shouldn't be outdone by the Goofy kids' antics, so we have a few episodes that make my boys look very abused.
The other day Aiden was playing on his bed as I changed Dallin's diaper. Aiden suck his pillow over his head and was jumping around, laughing the whole time, until he fell against the wall. His face struck the edge of the window sill, and right away I could see a long, purple line going down his cheek. After a bit of comforting, I noticed his cheek was starting to really swell, so he got to hold an ice pack on his face. The swelling went down without any problems, but he still has a huge bruise across his cheek. Each day it gets better, but Ches says that with his new buzz cut and the bruise combined, Aiden looks like a little bully.
This morning I was helping the kids out of the van. Normally Aiden grabs a hold of my arm and jumps out, but something happened and I didn't have him like I thought. My hands were too full. So Aiden thought he was secure and jumped. He landed face down on the concrete. Poor kid! His knee is completely black and blue, and luckily he only got one little scratch, so I put an all-magical Batman Band-Aid on his knee, gave him a cup of milk, and lots of hugs, kisses, and apologies. When I took him to preschool about a half hour later, he was totally fine.
So yes, we are trying to catch up to Julia's kids. I don't know why they feel the need of this competition! It's certainly not necessary, but competition happens, I guess.
*****
In our new ward (church congregation), the new rule is that you can't move in unless you are a musician. We have many musicians (of all ages) in the ward already, then we moved in. The next week we got a newlywed couple, and she is here to start her doctoral program in music ed. We have another guy I heard about that is also getting his doctorate in music, and he and his wife (who I guess teaches at BYU) split what weekends they spend where. Or something like that. So, yeah. The new "rule" is that you can't move into the ward unless you are a musician. Sounds fair to me! ;)
*****
Guess what? I only have like 4 weeks or something left until this baby comes. WO-HOOOOOO!!!!
I better get the house unpacked so we have a place to put the baby.
Oh, and still no names. Sorry. Although I keep calling him Rupert (sorry Mom, but I can't even use Xerxes as a joke. Too horrible). We'll tell you for sure once he comes.
*****
Dallin's newest favorite activity? Sweeping. He will find a broom and start sweeping the floor for us, saying in a high pitched voice, "Seep seep seep!!"
*****
Quote of the day:
It is never too late to give up your prejudices.
--Henry David Thoreau
Wait. Don't leave. I like readers and comments!! Don't leave!!! I'm sure we can find something here that you would like to read! I promise!!
*****
Moving to a whole new city is hard. You have to figure out new gorcery stores, where the best bargains are, which street goes in which direction, and what radio stations are best to listen to.
When we lived here five years ago, I had one station that I loved so much, I never switched the radio. Not even during commercial breaks. I don't remember what that station was even called, and I haven't found it yet. Mr. Universe set all the stations in our van, and there are really only a couple that I really like. It's frustrating to me. I like one kind of music, he likes another. Of course, we have two little boys, begging for their own stuff. I'm surprised I even get to listen to the radio!!
*****
Last night we had an Enrichment Meeting. The theme was "Chocolate... Not just a breakfast food." We had "Chef Tara" come in and demonstrate how to make some really yummy chocolate treats, then of course we got to eat all the treats. It was soooooo good! We made chocolate cups with chocolate mousse and a chocolate ganache, which was poured over either pound cake or chocolate cake (I had mine with the chocolate cake). In the Great Cooking Spirit (Chef Tara's favorite phrase!!), Tara also showed us some different things you can do with the ganache, mousse, and the chocolate cups, and she showed us some "plateing" ideas. (That would be the fancy presentations that you are able to go to a fancy restaurant and have this dessert and pay an arm an a leg for.)
Chef Tara has a food blog, which you can find here. Check it out. She was really good, super nice, and a lot of fun.
*****
Julia's kids seem to take after her so well. Apparantly my kids feel that they shouldn't be outdone by the Goofy kids' antics, so we have a few episodes that make my boys look very abused.
The other day Aiden was playing on his bed as I changed Dallin's diaper. Aiden suck his pillow over his head and was jumping around, laughing the whole time, until he fell against the wall. His face struck the edge of the window sill, and right away I could see a long, purple line going down his cheek. After a bit of comforting, I noticed his cheek was starting to really swell, so he got to hold an ice pack on his face. The swelling went down without any problems, but he still has a huge bruise across his cheek. Each day it gets better, but Ches says that with his new buzz cut and the bruise combined, Aiden looks like a little bully.
This morning I was helping the kids out of the van. Normally Aiden grabs a hold of my arm and jumps out, but something happened and I didn't have him like I thought. My hands were too full. So Aiden thought he was secure and jumped. He landed face down on the concrete. Poor kid! His knee is completely black and blue, and luckily he only got one little scratch, so I put an all-magical Batman Band-Aid on his knee, gave him a cup of milk, and lots of hugs, kisses, and apologies. When I took him to preschool about a half hour later, he was totally fine.
So yes, we are trying to catch up to Julia's kids. I don't know why they feel the need of this competition! It's certainly not necessary, but competition happens, I guess.
*****
In our new ward (church congregation), the new rule is that you can't move in unless you are a musician. We have many musicians (of all ages) in the ward already, then we moved in. The next week we got a newlywed couple, and she is here to start her doctoral program in music ed. We have another guy I heard about that is also getting his doctorate in music, and he and his wife (who I guess teaches at BYU) split what weekends they spend where. Or something like that. So, yeah. The new "rule" is that you can't move into the ward unless you are a musician. Sounds fair to me! ;)
*****
Guess what? I only have like 4 weeks or something left until this baby comes. WO-HOOOOOO!!!!
I better get the house unpacked so we have a place to put the baby.
Oh, and still no names. Sorry. Although I keep calling him Rupert (sorry Mom, but I can't even use Xerxes as a joke. Too horrible). We'll tell you for sure once he comes.
*****
Dallin's newest favorite activity? Sweeping. He will find a broom and start sweeping the floor for us, saying in a high pitched voice, "Seep seep seep!!"
*****
Quote of the day:
It is never too late to give up your prejudices.
--Henry David Thoreau
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I gave Aiden a haircut today. For the first time. I don't know how to cut hair, actually, so this was a big deal.
Many years ago (in our first year of marriage), Mr. Universe thought it would be a good idea to buy a nice set of hair clippers and I would learn how to cut his hair. That way we could save a little money. Not much, but a little, anyway. The first time I tried to cut his hair, he kept telling me what I was doing wrong. I was getting frustrated, and I didn't want to give him an absolutely horrible haircut, so finally I gave up. I went to our neighbors and asked the wife if she knew how to cut hair.
"No way!" she replied. "I tried to cut Matt's hair and he got all upset so I won't do it. " We then enlisted Matt to come over and finish off the Mr. Universe's haircut. I have not attempted to cut his hair since. He doesn't mind getting the $8 cheap hair cut (most of the time!), so that's what we do instead.
About two years ago, when we had first moved to Reno, we decided that if we worked together, we could cut Aiden's hair. Aiden was always really good when we took him, but doing it by ourselves turned out to be a very traumatic experience. Ches and I ended up yelling at each other, the haircut was horrible, and we took Aiden to a "professional" to fix it. He likes going to the "hair cutting store" (as he calls it) and being a big boy. When he does well, they give him a balloon. He loves that. So I'll spend a few bucks to get that done.
Aiden's hair has been growing and growing, and he has really needed a haircut. Because of this heat, I thought he might like a nice buzz cut, and I know I can do that! Well, I'm pretty sure. I finally convinced Aiden to let me try, and if he didn't like it, I would take him to the hair cutting store to get it fixed.
This morning, Aiden asked for the hair cut. I buzzed his head. I was so nervous, but I couldn't let that show! Well, Aiden is very pleased with the new 'do, but I don't like it. I miss his longer hair already. He almost looks bald because all the darker, redder hair was cut off and he's back to being mainly a blonde. Combine that with his really light eyebrows and his pale skin, and I think he looks a little freaky. Oh well. It's only hair, and his grows fast!! In about a week or two it should be more normal looking.
Oh, and Ches doesn't yet know I did this. Boy is he going to be in for a shock when he gets home from work! I'm trying to decide if I dare to Dallin's hair now.
Note: I took some pictures, but the camera battery died. Once I find the other batteries, I will add the pictures to this post.
Many years ago (in our first year of marriage), Mr. Universe thought it would be a good idea to buy a nice set of hair clippers and I would learn how to cut his hair. That way we could save a little money. Not much, but a little, anyway. The first time I tried to cut his hair, he kept telling me what I was doing wrong. I was getting frustrated, and I didn't want to give him an absolutely horrible haircut, so finally I gave up. I went to our neighbors and asked the wife if she knew how to cut hair.
"No way!" she replied. "I tried to cut Matt's hair and he got all upset so I won't do it. " We then enlisted Matt to come over and finish off the Mr. Universe's haircut. I have not attempted to cut his hair since. He doesn't mind getting the $8 cheap hair cut (most of the time!), so that's what we do instead.
About two years ago, when we had first moved to Reno, we decided that if we worked together, we could cut Aiden's hair. Aiden was always really good when we took him, but doing it by ourselves turned out to be a very traumatic experience. Ches and I ended up yelling at each other, the haircut was horrible, and we took Aiden to a "professional" to fix it. He likes going to the "hair cutting store" (as he calls it) and being a big boy. When he does well, they give him a balloon. He loves that. So I'll spend a few bucks to get that done.
Aiden's hair has been growing and growing, and he has really needed a haircut. Because of this heat, I thought he might like a nice buzz cut, and I know I can do that! Well, I'm pretty sure. I finally convinced Aiden to let me try, and if he didn't like it, I would take him to the hair cutting store to get it fixed.
This morning, Aiden asked for the hair cut. I buzzed his head. I was so nervous, but I couldn't let that show! Well, Aiden is very pleased with the new 'do, but I don't like it. I miss his longer hair already. He almost looks bald because all the darker, redder hair was cut off and he's back to being mainly a blonde. Combine that with his really light eyebrows and his pale skin, and I think he looks a little freaky. Oh well. It's only hair, and his grows fast!! In about a week or two it should be more normal looking.
Oh, and Ches doesn't yet know I did this. Boy is he going to be in for a shock when he gets home from work! I'm trying to decide if I dare to Dallin's hair now.
Note: I took some pictures, but the camera battery died. Once I find the other batteries, I will add the pictures to this post.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
What's In A Name?
Growing up, my parents were kind of formal people. In some ways. When it came to things like friends coming over... they were really relaxed and would let whoever come over whenever. In the types of friends and activities I was involved in... again, they were fine with whatever I chose, just as long as they knew who I was with and where and what time I'd be home.
In other ways, my parents were very formal. You could not call our house after 9 pm because my parents were asleep in bed, and if anyone called, it meant someone had died. We were allowed to go to or have sleepovers, but pretty much only on Friday nights. NEVER on a school night, and ALMOST NEVER before church. We were to dress a certain way (no looking sloppy, and definitely dress up for church!!), act a certain way (always polite), and talk a certain way (again, curteous and polite). The biggest way my parents were formal is what we, as kids, were allowed to call adults.
Obviously we called our parents Mom and Dad. Our grandparents were all Grandma So-and-do or whatever, and aunts and uncles were always Aunt Marisa and Uncle Tony. Never just Marisa or Tony. Our parents' closest friends were known to us as Aunt This or Uncle That. Our friends parents were to be called Mr. and Mrs. Whatever. At church, my Young Women leaders went by their first names to the other girls, but I still had to call them Sister Whatever. People from church were always Brother or Sister Whatever. No first names. It was considered inappropriate by my parents for children (even 18 year old "children") to address an adult by their first name.
In fact, I had to make sure to introduce my mom in such a way that my friends would know my parents' position on this: "This is my mom, Mrs. B----". She was never called Valerie by my friends. Sooooo not allowed.
I think my parents really liked it when we moved to the South and where people are a bit more formal in how they address adults. When you answered a question, it was "Yes, sir" and "No, ma'am". If there was an adult that you may have been more familiar with, we refered to them as "Miss Lucinda" (that was my color guard coach, in fact, which was wierd because her husband was my band teacher, so he was still Mr. C----, but she was Miss Lucinda, not Mrs. C-----).
When I got married, I didn't know what to call my in-laws for the longest time. I would avoid calling them anything. I felt uncomfortable calling them by their first names, but to call them Mr. and Mrs. S---- was just too formal! I already had two sets of parents, so Mom and Dad didn't seem like an option. It was probably in the second year or so before I could start calling my in-laws by their names. I'm still uncomfortable with it (thanks to this upbringing), but it gets easier each year.
To this day, I don't know what to call anyone who is significantly older than me. At church I use the old standby: "hello, Brother Smith! How are you today?" However, I get confused, especially with people Mr. Universe works with. They are collegues, so does that mean first names are okay? But the teacher in the next classroom is older than my mom, so I guess I'll stick with Mrs. Jones.
You see my dilemna? Maybe I'll just call everyone Bob, regardless of who they are. That way, there will be no problems in MY side of the arena.
In other ways, my parents were very formal. You could not call our house after 9 pm because my parents were asleep in bed, and if anyone called, it meant someone had died. We were allowed to go to or have sleepovers, but pretty much only on Friday nights. NEVER on a school night, and ALMOST NEVER before church. We were to dress a certain way (no looking sloppy, and definitely dress up for church!!), act a certain way (always polite), and talk a certain way (again, curteous and polite). The biggest way my parents were formal is what we, as kids, were allowed to call adults.
Obviously we called our parents Mom and Dad. Our grandparents were all Grandma So-and-do or whatever, and aunts and uncles were always Aunt Marisa and Uncle Tony. Never just Marisa or Tony. Our parents' closest friends were known to us as Aunt This or Uncle That. Our friends parents were to be called Mr. and Mrs. Whatever. At church, my Young Women leaders went by their first names to the other girls, but I still had to call them Sister Whatever. People from church were always Brother or Sister Whatever. No first names. It was considered inappropriate by my parents for children (even 18 year old "children") to address an adult by their first name.
In fact, I had to make sure to introduce my mom in such a way that my friends would know my parents' position on this: "This is my mom, Mrs. B----". She was never called Valerie by my friends. Sooooo not allowed.
I think my parents really liked it when we moved to the South and where people are a bit more formal in how they address adults. When you answered a question, it was "Yes, sir" and "No, ma'am". If there was an adult that you may have been more familiar with, we refered to them as "Miss Lucinda" (that was my color guard coach, in fact, which was wierd because her husband was my band teacher, so he was still Mr. C----, but she was Miss Lucinda, not Mrs. C-----).
When I got married, I didn't know what to call my in-laws for the longest time. I would avoid calling them anything. I felt uncomfortable calling them by their first names, but to call them Mr. and Mrs. S---- was just too formal! I already had two sets of parents, so Mom and Dad didn't seem like an option. It was probably in the second year or so before I could start calling my in-laws by their names. I'm still uncomfortable with it (thanks to this upbringing), but it gets easier each year.
To this day, I don't know what to call anyone who is significantly older than me. At church I use the old standby: "hello, Brother Smith! How are you today?" However, I get confused, especially with people Mr. Universe works with. They are collegues, so does that mean first names are okay? But the teacher in the next classroom is older than my mom, so I guess I'll stick with Mrs. Jones.
You see my dilemna? Maybe I'll just call everyone Bob, regardless of who they are. That way, there will be no problems in MY side of the arena.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Five More Minutes, Mom
My kids have redone their sleeping and napping schedules since we've moved to Arizona. It's really not too bad. They're both in bed by 8:30 or 9 pm every night. I can now just put Dallin in his crib and he'll go to sleep (I used to rock him to sleep every night. Insane, yes, but I enjoy a little bit of cuddle time with my babies! Anyrate, the rocker doesn't fit in their new room, and the living room is too high-traffic to put him to sleep). Dallin has regular naps at 10 am every morning, and by about 2 or 3 in the afternoon both he and Aiden are ready to crash. So... what do I have to complain about??
They get up by 6 am. That's right. BY 6 am. Six-Freakin'-o'Clock in the bloody early morning.
Did you know that I am not a morning person?
In high school, I had my own alarm clock, but I was always pushing the snooze button. I had early-morning Seminary, and since my dad was the teacher, it wasn't like I could skip class or anything. I kinda had to be there (which is fine. I really enjoyed it... once I got to class that is). My mom often had to come in and get me up, and I'd immediately get in the shower, then fall asleep with my head leaned up against the shower wall. I did this every morning. That is why my showers were over 30 minutes long. Because I was sleeping in the shower.
In college I was able to get myself up (I had somehow learned a bit more responsibility), but I was grumpy as heck until I had fully woken up. I just don't like mornings.
After I got married, I specifically didn't take Percussion Techniques one semester because it was a 7:30 am class, and I didn't want anything earlier than my 8:30 am class. Ches took Percussion Tech that semester, however, and loved it. The next semester it was scheduled to be at 8:30, so I signed up (it was required for my major, after all!). The first day of class, the TA says to us, "We have a scheduling conflict with the other TA. So, are any of you busy at 7:30 in the morning?"
"Yes!" I replied probably a bit too emphatically, "I'm sleeping at that time!"
Needless to say, the class was changed to 7:30 am, and no one in the class could understand why I was constantly about 2 minutes late, grumpy, and just couldn't hit the crash cymbals like they wanted. Crash cymbals and 7:30 am just don't go together. Especially when you don't drink coffee (which people in that particular music department seemed to be highly addicted to! Another post for another time).
Weekends I reserve for sleeping in. Too bad no one else I have ever lived with agreed with this reservation. Back to living at home... if I slept in past 8 or 8:30, but dad would try several times to wake me up, finally just pulling all my blankets off the bed and tossing them across the room. I can't sleep without blankets on. I look back and think, why didn't I just start sleeping naked? That would have put a stop to that really quickly!! Oh well. When you're 16 and sleepy, you don't have a whole lot of rational thoughts.
Back to college... I had a roommate one summer who would wake up at (literally) the crack of dawn, singing in a loud, high-pitched voice, and throwing open every curtain and/or set of blinds in the apartment. I could have killed her. Don't ask me how I didn't. Maybe because it was a Church school, and I was "trying to be like Jesus" or something. One particular Sunday morning, all of us in the apartment were sick... except for her. We had spent the previous day at Lagoon (a kind of theme-park in Utah), but it had rained all stinkin' day long. So the five of us sick roommates said we were staying in bed and skipping church. Happy Crazy Singing Roommate of course was fine and went to church. When she came home at lunch time, she found the entire apartment still dark, and the five of us sleeping all over the living room (because, you know, misery loves company or something). She immediately opened the shades, started singing, then said, "Oh, and I invited some boys over for dinner. They'll be here in about 10 minutes."
It really was a struggle to not kill, or at least seriously maim, the girl right there on the spot. We all picked up our pillows and blankets, dragged our pajama-clad bodies into one of the bedrooms, locked the door, and slept the rest of the day in two twin beds.
I really don't like mornings. I understand you can get a lot more done if you just get up and go, but seriously... that's when I feel like sleeping! I can stay up all night and be fine, but once morning arrives, you'd better be nice to me. I hate mornings.
My kids have taken after Mr. Universe, however. They love mornings. Why do I have to be the oddball in the family??
They get up by 6 am. That's right. BY 6 am. Six-Freakin'-o'Clock in the bloody early morning.
Did you know that I am not a morning person?
In high school, I had my own alarm clock, but I was always pushing the snooze button. I had early-morning Seminary, and since my dad was the teacher, it wasn't like I could skip class or anything. I kinda had to be there (which is fine. I really enjoyed it... once I got to class that is). My mom often had to come in and get me up, and I'd immediately get in the shower, then fall asleep with my head leaned up against the shower wall. I did this every morning. That is why my showers were over 30 minutes long. Because I was sleeping in the shower.
In college I was able to get myself up (I had somehow learned a bit more responsibility), but I was grumpy as heck until I had fully woken up. I just don't like mornings.
After I got married, I specifically didn't take Percussion Techniques one semester because it was a 7:30 am class, and I didn't want anything earlier than my 8:30 am class. Ches took Percussion Tech that semester, however, and loved it. The next semester it was scheduled to be at 8:30, so I signed up (it was required for my major, after all!). The first day of class, the TA says to us, "We have a scheduling conflict with the other TA. So, are any of you busy at 7:30 in the morning?"
"Yes!" I replied probably a bit too emphatically, "I'm sleeping at that time!"
Needless to say, the class was changed to 7:30 am, and no one in the class could understand why I was constantly about 2 minutes late, grumpy, and just couldn't hit the crash cymbals like they wanted. Crash cymbals and 7:30 am just don't go together. Especially when you don't drink coffee (which people in that particular music department seemed to be highly addicted to! Another post for another time).
Weekends I reserve for sleeping in. Too bad no one else I have ever lived with agreed with this reservation. Back to living at home... if I slept in past 8 or 8:30, but dad would try several times to wake me up, finally just pulling all my blankets off the bed and tossing them across the room. I can't sleep without blankets on. I look back and think, why didn't I just start sleeping naked? That would have put a stop to that really quickly!! Oh well. When you're 16 and sleepy, you don't have a whole lot of rational thoughts.
Back to college... I had a roommate one summer who would wake up at (literally) the crack of dawn, singing in a loud, high-pitched voice, and throwing open every curtain and/or set of blinds in the apartment. I could have killed her. Don't ask me how I didn't. Maybe because it was a Church school, and I was "trying to be like Jesus" or something. One particular Sunday morning, all of us in the apartment were sick... except for her. We had spent the previous day at Lagoon (a kind of theme-park in Utah), but it had rained all stinkin' day long. So the five of us sick roommates said we were staying in bed and skipping church. Happy Crazy Singing Roommate of course was fine and went to church. When she came home at lunch time, she found the entire apartment still dark, and the five of us sleeping all over the living room (because, you know, misery loves company or something). She immediately opened the shades, started singing, then said, "Oh, and I invited some boys over for dinner. They'll be here in about 10 minutes."
It really was a struggle to not kill, or at least seriously maim, the girl right there on the spot. We all picked up our pillows and blankets, dragged our pajama-clad bodies into one of the bedrooms, locked the door, and slept the rest of the day in two twin beds.
I really don't like mornings. I understand you can get a lot more done if you just get up and go, but seriously... that's when I feel like sleeping! I can stay up all night and be fine, but once morning arrives, you'd better be nice to me. I hate mornings.
My kids have taken after Mr. Universe, however. They love mornings. Why do I have to be the oddball in the family??
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Playing Catch-Up
Hello, internets! I have missed you all so much, you don't even know. This is a major addiction for me.
Well, we are in Arizona and in our house. We are partially unpacked (I can't do a whole lot, and Mr. Universe is at work during the day, so it's a slow process). We were here for an entire week before we were able to get our phone and internet hooked up. We also just got the cable hooked up, so now I can watch the news and stuff ("Stuff" meaning "Treasure Hunters" and "Last Comic Standing", of course). I felt soooo cut off without a phone or internet, but it was also a nice, quiet week. We didn't have phone service for an entire hour before I got a nice telemarketing call: a recorded message for lazer hair removal. That was a new one on me.
I can't fill you all in on everything right now... and I don't know if I'll ever go into much detail about the whole experience. Let's just say I don't recommend moving a long distance when you are this pregnant. It was crazy go nuts the whole drive. We never made it to Proud Mum's house, and I'm still sad about that. I was really looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Mum, and Little Red!! However, we made it to our new home safely, and when we pulled up to the house, there were already a few people waiting to help us unload the truck. More people came within a few minutes. It was so nice!!
Aiden started preschool this past Monday and he loves it. I mean really loves it. He is so smart and well-behaved. I couldn't be more proud. He has tasks to learn each month, as well as several poems and nursery rhymes to memorize and then recite in front of the entire class. He did his first recitation yesterday morning, and he's still proud of himself. He's growing up so fast!!
Okay, we are going garage-saleing now, so I will be back to my normal, odd self shortly. And I'm trying to catch up on what everyone else has been up to this past week! Ahh, so much to do. ;)
Well, we are in Arizona and in our house. We are partially unpacked (I can't do a whole lot, and Mr. Universe is at work during the day, so it's a slow process). We were here for an entire week before we were able to get our phone and internet hooked up. We also just got the cable hooked up, so now I can watch the news and stuff ("Stuff" meaning "Treasure Hunters" and "Last Comic Standing", of course). I felt soooo cut off without a phone or internet, but it was also a nice, quiet week. We didn't have phone service for an entire hour before I got a nice telemarketing call: a recorded message for lazer hair removal. That was a new one on me.
I can't fill you all in on everything right now... and I don't know if I'll ever go into much detail about the whole experience. Let's just say I don't recommend moving a long distance when you are this pregnant. It was crazy go nuts the whole drive. We never made it to Proud Mum's house, and I'm still sad about that. I was really looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Mum, and Little Red!! However, we made it to our new home safely, and when we pulled up to the house, there were already a few people waiting to help us unload the truck. More people came within a few minutes. It was so nice!!
Aiden started preschool this past Monday and he loves it. I mean really loves it. He is so smart and well-behaved. I couldn't be more proud. He has tasks to learn each month, as well as several poems and nursery rhymes to memorize and then recite in front of the entire class. He did his first recitation yesterday morning, and he's still proud of himself. He's growing up so fast!!
Okay, we are going garage-saleing now, so I will be back to my normal, odd self shortly. And I'm trying to catch up on what everyone else has been up to this past week! Ahh, so much to do. ;)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Moving Update
Hello my friendly Bloggers...
We leave tomorrow morning (That would be Thursday morning) for Phoenix. We're taking a couple of days to get there, and then we won't have our internet hooked up until the 11th, so don't really expect to hear from me. Unless I take Ches' laptop and go to one of those places with free wireless or something.
Everything is going well. We pack the truck tonight! Yay! I will see Proud Mum tomorrow night! Woot!! I will be in a house in two days!! HOOOOOORAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!
See ya'll later!
We leave tomorrow morning (That would be Thursday morning) for Phoenix. We're taking a couple of days to get there, and then we won't have our internet hooked up until the 11th, so don't really expect to hear from me. Unless I take Ches' laptop and go to one of those places with free wireless or something.
Everything is going well. We pack the truck tonight! Yay! I will see Proud Mum tomorrow night! Woot!! I will be in a house in two days!! HOOOOOORAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!
See ya'll later!
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