New Years Resolutions? Blah!

All of this talk of New Year's Resolutions has got me going. I have so many this year, I don't even know where to start. I was thinking about them and realized that I'm just not motivated enough to do any of them. I really need to lose weight! I am the biggest I've ever been! Well, the non-pregnant me. I know I eat way too much and I snack like crazy. I was totally depressed during the month of December and lived off of Chocolate and sweets. I really really really want to lost weight, and have the motivation for a day, and then my aches and pains start and I feel tired and just give up on the idea. Then I was thinking about my next goal, and that's to be more patient with the kids. I think back to my mom and the other mom's in my life and don't remember them ever really yelling. I didn't start yelling until Sadee turned 2. And I realized the kids wouldn't listen for anything unless I yelled. But in all reality, they will if I keep being patient and just put them in time out over and over and over again. And those 2 things were as far as I got until I realized how awful I am at finishing the things I start. I get sicktracked very easily and have a hard time focussing when I get interrupted all the time. Of course I'm not complaining about the kids, because I love them to death. Sometimes I just wish they could go outside and play and let me get a few things done. When I was a kid, I stayed clear of my mom during the day and just wanted to do my chores so I could go play. But here in Plumas Lake, our kids rarely play with other kids. And if so, it's considered a "playdate." And it seems as though it has to be all planned out and whatever. Hopefully in our next neighborhood, the kids can just go outside and play with other kids, without making a big deal out of it. All I gotta say is I am so thankful for the childhood I had growing up, it was awesome! Anyway, while writing this, I have had literally 36 interruptions, and each time I lose track of my thought. So I would like to master that and learn to be able to focus on more than one thing at a time. I would also like to get organized better. But I won't even try that one until we live in our own home and can do whatever we want to it when it comes to shelving and what not. Anyway, so while looking at these things that I want to work on throughout the year, I noticed something was missing. Hmmm.... spiritual things? I do read my scriptures a few times a week, but that's not enough. I think if I focus on my spirituality, maybe the other things will fall into place more for me. And I'll have more motivation to do the things I need to do. I need to stop thinking that "I" have to do this and that and "I" need to overcome this or that. When I really need to be putting my faith in our Father in Heaven and Savior and ask them to help me overcome these things. I love New Years for the fact that it feels like a time of renewal, a new beginning, a fresh start. Jason pointed out to me though that we can have this feeling every week when we partake of the Sacrament. Of course I knew that. I used to thrive off of taking the Sacrament. But now I just pray to be able to feel the spirit or learn something or help someone while I'm at church. Anyway, this post probably makes no sense at all. I'm pretty much just rambling, and why? Oh, I've had 40 more interruptions while writing this. At least I know my kids love me and want to tell me every little thing they do. hahaha In all reality though, it'll probably take me another 45 years to "get it right" and master these things that I would like to master. I guess it's all about one little step at a time. But hey, if any of you want to come and show me how to do it, I'll let you! :-) I'm definitely a hands on learner.

NYE and the 1st Sunday!

Happy New Year!! This New Year's Even was an interesting one. We went to a friend's house who had decided to set the clocks 3 1/2 hours fast. She was tired and so were all of her kids. She didn't want to miss out on celebrating with them though. I thought it was a brilliant idea and will probably do the same thing until the kids get old enough to be able to stay up late. So at about 8:30pm, after a gingerbread house contest, and lots of little fireworks, we celebrated the New Year with lots of screaming and cheering and party horns. I'm sure the neighbors thought we were insane. And yes, we were, but we had happy kids the next day! ;-) We got home by 9pm and were able to see the fireworks on tv and we played some games together as a family and the kids went to bed. It was a lot of fun and totally different from our typical New Years Eve. Usually when midnight rolls around, everyone's so tired and I'm the only one cheering and screaming. So that was our New Years Eve.

And today was the BIG "1st Sunday of the year". In our church, it's a big deal when you're a kid because you get to move up and have a whole new primary teacher and class and it's just an exciting time. We also change our meeting time and are back to 9am instead of the 1pm from last year. This year, Sadee became a Sunbeam! That's right, she is out of nursery! But the awesome part about sunbeam's is that they continue to color and have snacks. Sadee was kinda scared at first and wouldn't even sit with her friends. So we sat with her. Then they started singing "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" and she was all better after that. She then gave me the thumbs up sign with a big smile on her face and said, "Mom, you can go to your class. I's a big girl." Then I said, "Ok, are you sure? You're not going to cry anymore?" And she said, "Mom, I's wasn't crying. Water was just coming out of my eyes silly mom." So I got up and left! I was so proud of her! Maci gave a talk in primary today too and she told me at dinner that her way of serving someone today was being very quiet and answering the questions for her new teacher. And Isaiah is now in Senior Primary. He said, "Mom, it was amazing! No one goofs off in Senior Primary. And no one was leaning back in their chair. Everyone listened! I loved it!" I could tell he felt so big and old being there. And Elijah goes into nursery in a month. So lots of new things happening at church. We also came out of the church to the gas station across the street being taped off as a crime scene. It was before church, but I didn't think much of it. Hey, we got to church in Linda, CA... what do you expect? Anyway, so i guess someone tried to rob the store this morning before church and shots were fired and someone was shot in the head. We're not sure about any other details. I just hope the person is ok that got shot. Crazy!

December

Isaiah was exceptionally well behaved this month. And he was praying for Sadee to behave because he didn't want her to be on the naughty list. What a good kid. He also had his first piano recital! We were so proud of him! He did great and is loving playing the piano. He doesn't even complain about practicing. He was so lucky though because he was able to take his music up with him. Lucky!

Maci loves any holiday! She loves any reason to get with friends and family! Ii wonder where she gets that from? She was mommy's little helper and raking in the tally marks for doing things without being asked! She loved being able to color and make Christmas crafts all month long! She loves school and was so excited to bring home the guinea pigs!

Sadee is Sadee. She's cute as a button and speaks like a redneck. "Mom, did you give dem madarins to Bella?" "Mom, dem cars is fast like me." "I on the naughty list cause I punch dem bad guys." Now seriously, where did she learn to speak that way? I just shake my head and repeat her sentances on proper form. She's so funny! She's a great helper though!

Elijah loved Christmas! He loved everything about it. He loved sitting at my parents table and just poppin' in the homemade chocolates. He loved taking everything off of the tree that he could reach and putting it in whatever nook and cranny he could find. He loved putting the kids' manger scene figurines in his diaper. And of course, he had to make time for his daily ritual..... climbing on the table and seeing how close he can get to the edge without falling. :-)

The month of December was a great month though! I loved spending time with family. But I'm bummed that I missed seeing all of my Oroville friends, again! Guys, next year, there's gonna be a party at my house! ;-)

Malcolm

We have a dog! Yes, WE have a dog!! I have always sworn that we would never get a dog. Well, not until the kids were older. But Jason has wanted one ever since we got married. We could never have one though since we've always been renting. But since we'll be buying a house in a few months, Jason started looking for one. He found him too! His name is Malcolm. He is about a year and a few months old. Probably about the same age as Elijah. Malcolm was a rescued dog. They found him and he was put in the animal shelter. He had mange really bad as well. They realized his demeanor was really good, so they decided to send him to a foster family. The foster family was awesome and fed him and gave him his meds and trained him and put him up for adoption. Jason found him on the internet and instantly fell in love. I told him flat out no, but he kept persisting. So I told him that if he did extra chores for 2 weeks straight without me asking for his help or whatever, that he could have the dog. BUT, if he got the dog, he would have to take care of him. And that consists of him cleaning up after him (poop), taking him on walks, feeding him, bathing him, training him more, getting up in the morning to let him out, ect ect. So for 2 weeks straight, Jason did everything that he could do around the house. It was awesome! Laundry, cooking, cleaning, kids, and many many more things. And the best part is, he hasn't stopped doing a lot of the things. :-) So I told him that he needed to pray about having a dog to make sure it was right. I was very leary because I knew he was a big dog. Jason felt right about it so the foster parents brought Malcolm up here for a few hours to see how he reacted to us. When he first stepped through the door, we were taken back by his size. It was pretty intimidating. But we quickly found out how lovable he really is. He clicked with us all and the kids loved him too. So we got to keep him. He is crate trained and sleeps in his crate all night without making a peep. He is potty trained as well and only goes outside. The kids are able to do almost anything to him, except for jumping on him, that, he does not like. He is an American Bulldog/Shar pei and weighs 75 pounds. Since he's so big, you gotta be careful when you play with him because he will knock you down. He is a great asset to the family. We're thankful to have him here. He is a great watch dog as well. When we were in downtown Marysville waiting for Jason to get his hair cut, I usually sit in the car and lock the doors. But we brought Malcolm with us and actually got out and walked around downtown and I felt so safe. All of the crazy's left us alone and backed up once they saw Malcolm. I loved it! He is a lot of work, but Jason really has taken over the reigns in taking care of him. Malcolm loves Jason to death and literally follows him around everywhere. He loves being with people! Anyway, enough of me talking. Here are some pictures of him......