What, Me Worry?

One thing you may or may not know about me is that I am a worrier. And a rule-follower. The combination of those two things sometimes makes it hard for me to try new things. Take, for instance, last week when we were in Morro Bay, California. D and the other boys, er ... men, decided to rent wet suits and go boogie boarding. That sounded like a lot of fun initially, and I agreed to join the fun.

But then I started thinking about danger, sharks, drowning, dangerous deadly currents, cold, and every bad thing I'd ever heard could happen in the ocean. I started to call out to D that, nevermind, I'd stay on the beach (wishing I had some guts). Luckily, D's mom who is the self-proclaimed Queen of Worrying, piped up. "It's perfectly safe," she said. "There are no sharks here. You should do it. I'll watch your kids." Which reminded me of my kids. Suddenly the thought occurred to me that, if I chose to follow my fears, not only would I have some sad regrets, but I would also be stuck in charge of my kids for 2-3 hours while D had a glorious time. That's a sure recipe for resentment. Also, I reasoned, if D's mom thinks it's safe, it surely must be.

So I swallowed my anxiety, squeezed into a wetsuit, and splashed out into the ocean. It was exhilarating--it always is when a small life mountain is scaled. (Also when kid-tending is avoided.) As we cleaned up afterwards, I noticed a small warning sign posted near the beach. Danger--sharks are known to visit these waters. Hmmm . . . it's a good thing I didn't see that earlier. I'm pretty sure I would have spent the afternoon sitting dry on the beach worrying about everybody else. As it was, I had a wonderful, almost worry-free, time.

Tell me I'm not alone!!

I've reached a new low. As I waited patiently for Chatterbox to finish up preschool, I heard the teacher say, "Remember how we talked about using a tissue?" I looked over to see C-box's stealthy little finger working its way from her nose to her mouth. I shook my head in that kids will be kids way and remarked to the mother next to me, "She won't stop picking her nose. She tells me, 'I love boogers, Mom'". Then I chuckled a you-know-what-I mean laugh.

But she didn't. Know what I mean, I mean. Her face froze in an I'm disgusted, I pity you, What do I say now, panicked look. Then she muttered, "I'm sorry" and laughed nervously.

Mortified, I helped my daughter gather her belongings and we rushed ourselves out of there. I kept asking myself on the long drive home, "Where did that conversation go wrong?" I finally realized that it was doomed from the get-go by my casual assumption that all children eat their boogies. I guess mine is actually an anomaly. She's gross. And I don't know what to do about it, but I'd better come up with a solution quickly or I will, apparently, be looked down upon for years to come.

Fellow mothers, I beg you to share your advice. How did you break your children of their booger-eating habit. Oh, wait, you probably have no idea because, and I am putting this in bold so I will get it through my head, most kids don't eat boogers! I think I'm in trouble.

Bargains to be had?

There are very few things for which I will drag myself out of bed at 4 am. Nursing a baby, running a marathon, and seeing President Hinckley speak are the only ones that readily come to mind. Shopping at Kohl's is not on the list. I hate that store. To me it is just another Mervyn's or Penney's but with higher prices (unless you are a Retired Person, in which case just shop there on Wednesdays and you're set!). And frankly, shopping at any store is not on that list. I tried the 5 am shopping extravaganza one year and struck out big time. I vowed never to give up my precious sleep for that cause again.

But there were a few items I really wanted to get my girls and they were cheap so ...

D and I took the kiddies around noon, stopped at Wendy's for a quick lunch on the way, leisurely strolled through Target where the power shoppers must have run out of steam. The item I wanted wasn't there--I didn't expect it to be--but rain checks were in full force, so I got 5 of them (my mother-in-law wanted 4 Leapfrog Word-Whammers which were 60% off). I also got a bike I've been eyeing for Smidget.

Then we drove a few blocks to Toys R Us, a store I loathe, but which lured me in with promises of huge savings. I was fully prepared for disappointment, but the Kid K'nex I wanted (50% off) were still on the shelf, and there was even a $14 butterfly scooter left (it appeared to be the only one). They have rain checks too, so I felt safe going later in the day. Surprisingly, everything I wanted was in stock, so it all worked out perfectly.

Money saved, crazy crowds avoided. I have conquered.

Turkey Trot

D and I awakened early this Thanksgiving morning, donned our running clothes and bib numbers, met up with Mark and Elisabeth (she's pregnant and was our moral support), and drove 20 miles to the site of our Turkey Trot 5K. It was chilly--about 45 degrees--but clear and the sun was just flashing through the trees. We lined up on the 100 yard long starting line with the other 1000 or so runners. When 8:00 a.m. came, we were off. I've had much frustration with my mental state during my recent training. Namely, getting myself on the treadmill and, once there, keeping myself running beyond 2 miles. I've done it, but not willingly. So this race was a little tough for me. Add to that the surprise of the course--it was trail running with LOTS of hills . . . up and down, up and down, way up, way down. (None of this was mentioned in the vague "information" flier.) This was definitely the most challenging course I've run as far as terrain goes. Going into it, I really hoped to beat my 5K PR of 26:33, but early on I started to have my doubts about that possibility. I didn't enjoy most of the race. I felt exhausted about 50 yards into it and wanted to stop at mile 1 and mile 2. But I kept going as hard as I could and came in at 25:45, so I felt great about that. D and Mark were ahead of me and came in a couple of minutes prior to my finish, so their run was a good one too. I am so thankful for a healthy body and the ability to push it physically. And now, for some turkey! Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Cozy and comfortable

At Chatterbox's recent well-check, the doctor asked her a few questions to test her ability to comprehend and verbalize abstract concepts. Being shy, she answered the first two questions with simple responses.

Where is your mom when she is tired? "In bed." What does your dad do when he is hungry? "Eats." When the third question came, though, she replied quickly and with enthusiasm. She knew the answer to this one. What do you do when you're cold? asked the doctor. Her eyes lit up and she wrapped her arms around herself and smiled as if imagining it: "I snuggle up with my cozy blanket." I suppressed a chuckle. I know just where my little one gets her affinity for coziness and comfort: from me.

Here are a few things that make me feel cozy--

• sipping and savoring a mug of hot chocolate
• the spicy scent of a wood burning fire in the fireplace and the sound of it crackling (we have one in our house this year and are enjoying it immensely)
  
• enveloping myself in a massive flannel quilt
• cuddling with my sweetheart
• wearing an oversized hooded sweatshirt and fuzzy socks
• holding my girlies on my lap and reading books
• sitting in the darkness with a lit Christmas tree and James Taylor or Sarah McLachlin's Christmas albums playing
  
• snuggling with a new baby. I need one!!
  

Oh Happy Day

Whew! D had a birthday today. If you are a faithful reader, you may be thinking, "Didn't she just post about a birthday?!" Why yes, yes I did . . . because I have a child and a husband with birthdays one week apart. Not well-planned, I will add as a sidenote, though I know many people have it much, much worse. So enough complaining.

D is finally the same age as me. We do this little dance every year where, for three interminable months, I am his elder and I get to hear the same old jokes, over and over ad nauseum. Finally that will abate and I can have 9 months of same-aged peace. Ah---

One last piece of valuable information from the birthday festivities: I was sick of cakes and wanted to do something easy (but of course, still nice) for D's big 3-1. His dad reminisced about a "cake" he'd had 14 years ago that was essentially Cool-Whip and ice cream sandwiches layered. Since D is a big fan of the ice cream sandwich, I decided to give it a shot. It was a roaring success. My brother-in-law, after a five minute conversation about me making it said, "Did you seriously make this?" That's how good it was. :)

The recipe, with my tweaking, is this:
1 1/2 smaller sized containers of Cool-Whip (or one larger one), 2 candy bars (3 Musketeers), hot fudge, 24 ice cream sandwiches (not Fat Boy).

In a 9x13 pan, spread Cool-Whip until it covers the bottom. Tightly fit ice cream sandwiches to form a layer. Spread another round of Cool-Whip, drizzle hot fudge, sprinkle 3 Musketeers. Fit another ice cream sandwich layer. Keep this in the freezer. Just before serving, add another round of Cool-Whip, fudge, and candy.

Some variations I'd like to try: crushed mint grasshopper cookies instead of candy bar with peppermint candy crushed and sprinkled on top for Christmas; caramel ice cream topping instead of candy bar. You could get very creative and if you do, please let me know. It's only fair.

Gratitude

I've been wanting to write a post on gratitude, but whenever I start to mentally enumerate my blessings, it all seems pretty straightforward. I mean I'm sure we are all immensely grateful for our families, whether those include a spouse, children, parents or siblings. And of course I then add to that how lucky I feel to have a roof over our heads, food to eat, hot water to shower with, chocolate to munch (just threw that in to see if you're paying attention!) . . . I mean these are the things I am profoundly grateful for--every moment--but I don't think any of you want to read about them. :)

I am also full of thanks for the direction my life has headed, and I attribute that to the sacrifices and dedicated teachings of my parents. Their examples of faith have carried me through times of weakness and doubt. These words, spoken in an April talk by Bonnie Parkin, remind me of the link between gratitude and faith.

Luke chapter 17 records the experience of the Savior when He healed 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, "Your gratitude has made you whole"? Instead, He said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."

The leper's expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of his faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgment of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.

(Read the whole talk here.)
Our family has seen the Lord's hand in our lives throughout the past few months through the words and support of friends we miss and through the windows He has opened. He is directing our family. We don't know how or when this time of uncertainty will end for us, but we are grateful all along the way for the small and large blessings that rain upon us, especially our associations with you (you know who you are).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ode to Costco

When cupboards fall to leanness and I frown
My pantry quickly fills again with ease
I empty massive boxes, break them down
And use the food for meals that surely please.
I love your spacious halls; your shelves that reach the sky
They’re stocked with items from my dreams and wishes.
It feels that nothing ever will run out
And yet, some days a treasure or two I’ll spy
A toy for Christmas, a sparkling set of serving dishes
But if I wait to buy it, next time you’ll be without.

O, Costco, land of abundance, land of cheer
I visit you at least three times a week
I feel so blessed to have your presence near
For years you’ve been too far for me to seek
Most everything about you fills my heart with ardor
But one thing mars the sparkle of your shine
Your parking lot distends with varying wheels
And makes my trips the teensiest bit harder
I park my ride, unbuckle kids--they start to whine
I lug them, midst the protests and the angry squeals.

It’s worth it, dearest soul, to enter in your gates
I flash my card, its red stripe triumphant gleams
On fortunate days a cookie table waits
And samples line the aisles, as in my dreams
Too often I have bought more than my budget says I should
I fight to resist, but prices are just right!
I love the cheese plates, chicken, milk and bread,
Dino nuggets, canned corn, salad bags. If only I could
Buy it all! But pushing one colossal cart takes all my might.
O Costco, thanks to you my family gets fed.

How my life has changed

We celebrated Chatterbox's 4th birthday yesterday. I determined that I am, officially, a Slacker Mom, as I cut every corner possible to make this day easy for myself. (I also am a Wimpy Mom, because I was still worn out!) We had a small get together with the Poulsens and Barberichs (minus dads who were working), Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Mark and Aunt Elisabeth. I bought some easy appetizers at Costco for that. Instead of homemade anything, we bought some pencils at the dollar store for C-box to distribute at preschool. I did make the cakes, because I figured that was the least I could do. Plus, I couldn't stomach the cost (or the cake, actually) if I bought it.

Anyway, with the party over, today I thought back to how my life has changed since this precious little girl made her debut.

• Bathroom habits--Where once I could go when and where I needed to, and spend as much time as I needed, I now find myself in painful agony holding it because, hey, that's the more appealing alternative to hauling little ones in a public restroom with me. If we're at home, I rush around getting them settled, fed, and quiet so that I can sneak away and steal a minute or two for myself in the necessary. But it's like there's a button on the seat; no sooner am I on it than I hear tiny voices--"Mom? Where are you?"
• Romance--It's actually hard to dust this memory off, it's so buried, but I am pretty sure there was a time in our lives where we could spontaneously decide to go out to eat or to a movie and be on our way within 5 minutes. I also recall (foggily) enjoying frequent meals in cozy, candlelit restaurants with ambiance. Now it seems our spot of choice must include a toy with the meal.
• Radio and music--Four years ago, I felt smarter. I listened to NPR every morning while driving to work. I also had pretty up-to-date taste in music. Now I'm thrilled (THRILLED) with the latest Laurie Berkner cd we gave C-box for her birthday because I could. not. handle. one more round of Barney, Mickey, Wiggles, old Laurie Berkner, or Raffi. Yes, we are in the car a lot.

I'm joking, of course. While those luxuries are occasionally pined for, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my sweet, gentle, brainy, compassionate daughter. She is heaven-sent and her presence solidifies my faith in God and my devotion to my family. It's hard to remember life without her. Happy birthday, sweet one.

And thanks to all of you who mailed cards, called, or sent happy thoughts our way. We love our dear friends and family and miss you! See more pics on our website.

It's right about now ...

...that I'm giddy about living in California and NOT MICHIGAN. (You can't see me but I'm grinning stupidly.) To the poor souls who are about to be on ice for several months, I truly apologize for this post, and I know that Amy is sticking out her tongue at me as we speak, but it was her blog that alerted me to my fortunate state today. (Watch out, I'm about to rub it in a little.) In honor of the Month of Gratitude (aka November), here are some things I am thankful for today:

• Chatterbox threw on her flip-flops to
• practice riding her bike outside (no training wheels, people!) during which
  
• I took the trash and recycling out comfortably barefoot and
• removed my jacket because I was hot. Also, my
• utilities bill has dropped from $150 during the hottest month to $80 since we
• don't have to turn on the heat!

In case you aren't perceptive enough to pick up my theme here (and if the purple highlighting didn't help) it's been gorgeous weather all week--mid to high 70's. I will grudgingly admit that we are unseasonably warm, though, and that the temperatures are about to drop quite a bit. Darn it all, it's gonna be in the 60's next week. Brrrr.

Thanks for the inspiration, Ame!

Made me smile

Smidget spent over 20 minutes decorating her face today. She was very particular about the stickers not touching each other until they were on her face. Even funnier was how content she was to walk around with a face full of stickers the rest of the evening. She keeps us laughing.

The Enormous Crocodile

Jackpot! I've been trying out different chapter books on Chatterbox, who turns 4 next week. Our first attempt was Charlotte's Web, which was tremendously successful. Our second was Runaway Ralph, which just wasn't up her alley. (Boys might like it, though.) We didn't finish it. After a couple of weeks of slacking, I headed back to the library, determined to find the perfect chapter book--fun, surprising, engaging . . . and above her reading level. When I happened upon the Roald Dahl section, I almost squealed with glee. But which book to start with? That was the conundrum. Well, I hereby officially recommend The Enormous Crocodile. What a smashing hit!

Technically, it's not a chapter book. It's longer than your regular picture book, but with no chapter breaks. Quentin Blake's illustrations are delightful, but Roald Dahl's humor is the main course. And if you're going to read it, here's a little tip--make sure you do voices for the animals. You might as well go all out, right? Halfway through the book, Smidget (who we didn't even know was paying attention) chimed in with a deep-throated "Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho!" which I had just read from the crocodile. C-box and I erupted in giggles. We finished it quickly, and now C-box is hitting up every adult who comes over for another read.

Disclaimer: Please read it through yourself before reading it to your child. It's possible some kids might not catch the humor and exaggeration, and it could be scary. I leave the decision of its appropriateness for your own child entirely up to you.

Read the teaser here.

Moving Right Along

I loved celebrating Halloween in October, but upon reflection, I am thinking that 3 weeks of Halloween decorations, craft projects, songs and stories (not to mention parties and candy) would have been plenty. I am so very ready to move on. The problem with Halloween is that it's in October, so as soon as the month starts you are anticipating it. But it isn't until October 31st, so really you end up anticipating it for 31 days. Ugh. Too much, I say. Here are a few photos captured from this Halloween. You can see more at our family website. Just shoot me an email if you've lost the link or password.