Family Update

Douglas has been in Idaho with his Uncle and grandparents for the last four days. He is on a plane heading home and I am so excited to see him. He has had a great time, but life is just not the same when he isn’t around. He went out to attend his Uncle Dewey’s graduation with his PhD. They have always been close friends and he really wanted to support him. It was nice for him to spend time in Burley with his grandparents as well. His grandma suffers with dementia and his grandpa does such a great job caring for her. So, he should be home in the next two hours and it will be nice to see him.
We had a fun weekend though. The kids were supposed to have a baseball game on Friday, but it was pouring rain all day and the game was canceled. I had already scheduled to have a sitter for Bennett, so I decided to have her come anyway and I took the kids to see the movie, “The Croods”. It was really cute and they enjoyed it. It was nice to spend time with just the older two kids. We got home and I let them sleep in my room. I had let them the night before too and let Paige sleep on the bed and Jackson slept on the floor. She was such a crazy sleeper though and I was awake so many times that I decided it was better to let Jackson sleep in the bed with me and Paige on the floor. We all slept much better that way!! I stayed up far too late working on some projects though and of course, every time I do that Bennett wakes up extra early. Ugh! So, I was awake much sooner than I would have liked to be. I tried to lay around for a bit, but finally decided it was better to just accept it and get up. So, I made the kids breakfast and we headed out. We went to the gym and the kids went to the child watch while I worked out. It is so nice to be able to have a little break during what I knew would be a long day! It was rainy again and we were destined to a lot of time in the house together, so I was looking for any option to get out!
After the gym I took the kids over to The Home Depot for their kid’s club activity. The first Saturday of each month the offer a craft for the kids and we try to take them. This month it was herb pots. They got to assemble, paint and decorate it. They had a fun time. I grabbed some paint samples while I was there so that I could test out some colors in the kitchen. We are finally going to tile the backsplash and I have finally committed to a color. That seems like a simple thing, but for me it is a huge commitment!
We got home and did a few things around the house. I decided to vacuum the family room and the vacuum (which I bought, for a lot of money, less than a year ago) was acting up again. So, I called the store where I bought it, explained what was going on and they told me I could bring it back. So, we loaded up again and headed to Kohl’s to return it and get a new one. Hooray! Maybe this one will actually suck things up.
I was not quite ready to head home so we decided to head to Five Guys and get burgers for dinner! The kids love Five Guys. Everybody ate well. Bennett had a hot dog and gobbled that down along with fries. He was in heaven. Funny little boy!
By the time we got home it was bedtime. The kids were going to sleep in the fort that they had built, but Paige was a little overtired, and emotional. It ended up being a better idea to just have her sleep in her bed and get a good night rest.
Today was a pretty good day. I made the kids scones and oatmeal for breakfast. They like peanut butter in their oatmeal. It is actually quite tasty.
I had to get some car work done, again this week. It isn’t such a pain to be without a car, but it is a major pain to arrange rides to and from the shop. I have to transport the car seats and, of course, it was raining both days. Paige’s door lock was broken and has been for a while so I finally decided to get it fixed so I can actually lock my car again. Once I got it in there they let me know that my brakes needed to be replaced (I suspected). So, two days and an empty wallet later and it is fixed. Hopefully that will do for a few months at least!
We had two days of sunshine last week which was nice. I was in need of sunshine! I went out to the garden one day and helped plant corn and leeks. Bennett doesn’t last too long at the garden. He has a hard time walking around with all the dirt mounds and starts to get frustrated. He is also starting to drop his morning nap, but isn’t quite ready to do it, so he is still tired in the morning when he doesn’t get a rest.
Speaking of Bennett, he is learning more and more every day. He is saying lots of words. Most I understand, but most other people wouldn’t. He likes to dance in his car seat when there is music on in the car. He loves snacks. He climbs on anything he can find. He makes sure no door is left open…can’t move to another room until all the doors in that room are shut. He gives slobbery, open mouth kisses and will come and snuggle you, if you ask. He still sucks his thumb and loves his blankie. He always takes his shoe off…just one…I have to stay vigilant so we don’t leave it in a store. He loves to find belly buttons. He is so much fun, busy, but fun.
Paige still loves riding her bike. I bought a seat for the baby so that he can ride on my bike and we can go on family bike rides.
Did I ever tell you about our anniversary? We had a fun 10 year anniversary. I made a nice dinner on the actual day. Rib eye steak, roasted red pepper and sun dried tomato orzo pasta, grilled asparagus, homemade rolls and German chocolate cheesecake for dessert. It was delicious. Paige helped me get out my china and silver and we set the table fancy schmancy. They kids loved celebrating with us.
We did go out to dinner the Saturday after. We went to a restaurant recommended by someone Douglas works with. It was a little fancier then what we usually do and I have to admit that we felt a little out of place. It was nice to be out without the kids, but I think in the future we will just keep things a little lower key. We headed over to Home Depot after to look at backsplash tiles for our kitchen.
Jackson got sent to the principal two weeks ago for telling some girl in class about voodoo dolls. He had seen it on a cartoon and asked Douglas about it. Douglas explained it and I guess in his free time he decided it would be a good idea to scare a kid in his class. He spent the afternoon with the principal. Of course, I had to have a consequence for him, but it was kind of silly too. His teacher has just not been a great fit for him. I talked to the vice principal for a long time. She is going to work closely with me to try and find a better fit for Jackson next year. His teacher this year is nice, but she has no time for kids that are free thinkers or question anything. And, that is Jackson. His teacher last year adored that about him. So, hopefully with a little bit of thought and planning, we can get Jackson set up in an environment where he can find more constructive things to do with his free time and a teacher that enjoys him, rather than finds him difficult. I am telling you, though, if things are as bad as they have been this year, I will pull him out and homeschool him. I can’t believe I am saying that, but Jackson deserves a better experience than what he has had this year. He has struggled with a few of the kids in the class too. They pick on him. I know he can be difficult and a know it all, but it breaks my heart that kids are unkind to him. Ugh. So, we will see how things go. Honestly, I think Jackson finishes his work so much quicker than all the other kids and doesn’t find constructive things to do while he waits.

Bennett

I just need to write about this little guy. I tell Douglas all the time that he is my little ray of sunshine. He brings so much happiness to my life. I can't imagine life without him. Here are a few things about him that I want to always remember. At 17 months Bennett:

Signs a lot, but talks little. The only word I can make out is "baby".
Loves to play, "gonna get you." He runs away (usually walking backwards) laughing.
Still drools a ton.
Throws food on the floor when he is done. Drives me nuts!
Will come and nuzzle into you if you are laying on the floor.
Is a thumb sucker. Will get his blankie and turn it around and around in his hands before deciding on a spot to hold.
Does not sit still. Always wants to read books so will hand me a book, turn around and scoot into my lap, sit while I read a page and then is off to the next thing.
Loves to put thing into other things. Loves old cereal boxes, bags etc. Goes around collecting things. Then, usually will come and dump it all over the gate and into the kitchen.
Is a happy, little, spirit.
Loves to bathe.
Loves to empty out my cupboards.
Is an awesome eater. Will eat just about anything.

Moving

So, I think I have said this before, but this move has been hard on me. I have struggled to meet people that I really "click" with and that is really difficult for me. I need friends. I want people to hang out with, have girl's nights with, swap tending with etc. etc. and as of yet, there is no one here that fits that bill. What has been the toughest is the ward. As a general rule, most of my close friends in life have been from church. This ward is really interesting though. I have tried to pinpoint what it is and have come up with a few things. First, there is no energy in the ward. As far as I know, no one really ever does anything. That is so strange to me. Every ward I have ever been in there has been a strong social network, especially among the women. This ward definitely does not have that. It has made the transition even harder. I have tried to plan things, but there is no response. I think along with the energy is that the sisters in the ward are just not unified. There is no sisterhood among sisters. I am not sure how you get this to change. I am trying, I really am and I hope I can have some positive influence, but it seems to be a long running problem in the ward. I received a new calling as the enrichment leader and I am really hoping to get the sisters to come out for activities and hopefully start to improve this. It is requiring a lot of work because I feel like sisters are only going to come when they feel like something is really special and to make something seem that way requires fancy fliers, posters and enticements. So, wish me luck. I need it more than they might. Actually, that is not true, I have talked to a number of other women who feel the same.

Jackson's Baptism

This is an important enough event that I needed to get on it. It was a really special day. Leading up to it I would, on occasion, as Jackson if he was excited and I would get answers such as, "well, I want to do it because I know you want me to do it." or "no, I don't like people watching me" (yeah right). So, it was so great to wake up on Monday morning, his birthday and see him so excited. In the church, baptism at 8 is an important covenant, but also a right of passage in many ways. You become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a mom, it is a huge milestone and it seemed so far away for so long. How can I possible have an 8 year old. Where have the years gone?

My parents came in to town the week before and my mom was so helpful and generous as we got things pulled together. Everyone kept reminding me to keep it simple, yeah yeah, I know, but I am also not going to have a plain table up front. So, I planned to make a CTR banner, burlap pennant, flowers, and pictures. I went back and forth as to what to do for food, but finally decided on cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was nixed at the last minute after I made a trial run and felt like I was drinking liquid chocolate. I know that doesn't sound like a horrible thing, but it was too sweet for even my sweet tooth. We (me, my mom and DeEtte) decided at the last minute to get some milk and water and call it good. It was a good call.

George and DeEtte arrived on Saturday. It was a busy day. Douglas got called into work and had to leave as soon as he dropped his parents off at the house. He worked until four. Yuck. Luckily I had planned a sitter for the evening so the adults went out for Mexican food and Ted Drew's frozen custard. I am really lucky because our parents get along so well. They actually enjoy each other's company. Douglas and I comment often about how blessed we are that both of us like our "in-laws" so much. We laughed and laughed all evening. Good times. And the cheese dip wasn't too shabby either.

Speaking of which, I need to stop eating like a crazy woman.

Sunday was busy as well. I was running around trying to make sure I had everything checked off my list. Church was at 1pm and Bennett was in especially good form so I cut out early with my parents and DeEtte and we came home so he could nap. I knew he would be missing a nap the following three days too, so he needed it!

My mom and DeEtte set to work making the cinnamon rolls. I just sat back and watched. It was quite delightful. And, after many taste tests, I can assure you that they are both equally delicious. My mom put together a great dinner of flank steak, mango salad, asparagus and couscous. Also delicious. Not sure why I feel the need to spell out every meal, but I do. What can I say, I like food!

We watched Downton that night as well. Sad. Sad.

Monday started early. My mom so graciously ran out to get white unders (oops) and milk for the baptism. I got up and got ready and headed out to tackle everyone else. Can I say how awesome it is to have help? I could get used to having extra hands around that love my kids and want to help. I got ready and had to head out and get the programs printed. That went smoothly and we headed out to the stake center. There wasn't a whole lot to do, but I wanted to have enough time to get the things set up I had hoped for a take a few pictures. I think I was more nervous than anyone. I had made a CTR banner and and burlap pennant and hung those up front. I put some pictures of Jackson on the table and some flowers and my Christus from Jerusalem. DeEtte got all the food set up which was a big help. George kept Benny busy and my mom and dad helped me. When Jackson and Douglas arrived I helped J change into his white clothes.

I have two regrets from the baptism. First, I didn't take enough pictures and my flash wasn't firing which I knew I needed. Instead of fixing it, I just went forward. A lot of the pictures turned out blurry. Second, Jackson and my dad sang a song during the baptism and I didn't record it. That makes my heart hurt. What was I thinking. I am so bummed and mad at myself. Uggg.

We had a few families from the ward come and our next door neighbor and her girls. It was a nice turnout. DeEtte gave a really nice talk about baptism. Jackson and my dad sang, "When I Get Baptized". Jackson has a really nice voice. After the song Douglas baptized Jackson. It was a nice baptism. Douglas had practiced with J so he knew what to expect. J looked so happy. It was such a great moment for me as his mother.

I went in to help Jackson change after the baptism. When we came out my mom gave a talk about the gift of the Holy Ghost. Douglas confirmed Jackson a member of the church and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost on him. In the blessing he talked about how his intelligence is a gift from Heavenly Father and that it is a great gift and that the Holy Ghost will work with that gift and help him know right from wrong and when he is on the path back to Heavenly Father. He also talked about Christ's atonement and how he needs to use it to become more like Christ. It was a really beautiful blessing. I feel blessed to have a worthy priesthood holder as my husband.

We then sang a closing song and George said the closing prayer.

And...the cinnamon rolls were a major hit. They were delicious. In fact, Jackson ate so many that he was too sick to eat a burger at Five Guys (his choice) after. He went back to the car and laid down because he felt so yucky. Poor boy! All of the rest of us enjoyed it though!! Yum. There is nothing quite like a good burger!

Unfortunately, George and DeEtte had to leave in the afternoon, so we came home and opened gifts. We gave J some scriptures, a journal and pocket knife. His grandparents gave him some money, a scripture cover, a baseball mitt and a couple of balls, and an art kit. His sister gave him a Skylander character. He was a pretty happy boy!

I tried to talk J out of a birthday cake because we had been eating so much junk, but he was not interested in that! HA! So, I made him a smores cake...It was delicious. It had a graham cracker crust, hershey bar and marshmallow cream middle and graham cracker on top. Yum. So, we ended the day with cake and a round of Bean Boozled. Bean Boozled is a jelly belly game where there are two flavors for each color...so black is either licorice or skunk spray, reddish is either raspberry or canned dogfood. So, you spin a turner and then grab a jelly bean of that color. You have no idea whether it will be good or gross. And, the gross ones are gross!!!

So, that about sums up the day. It is still hard to believe that I have a child who is baptized. I can't wait to see where Jackson's life takes him!!

And here are a few pictures from the day:

Entry table

Table inside

Jackson and his mom (me!)


The family


The priesthood holders (or soon to be) George, Douglas, my dad and Jackson





Jackson and my dad singing




All of the family, DeEtte, George, Mom, Dad, and the rest of us.


The best grandmas with their grandkids!


The most fantastic mother in law!


Hmmm...not really sure. I think Douglas was showing Paige how to pose :).


The birthday loot!


The dog had no use for Bennett until feeding time. Bennett learned that he could lean over with a piece of food in his hand and the dog would just right up and eat it out of his hand. I don't know how much food Bennett actually ate that night.


It took two tries, but he got the candles out!


Cute kids...Jackson shared a pair of pjs with Paigie girl.


The cinnamon roll crew. Beautiful ladies!


Almost done!


Nothing like playing basketball in your Sunday best!

I read a great article today about how we need to stop focusing on all the things we don't do and instead focus on the "little drops of awesome"...the small things in life that we do well. The article really resonated with me, so I am making a goal/resolution, what ever you want to call it, to focus on what I do do, and not where I think I fail. I started today. Here are a few I came up with:

I'm awesome because I put makeup on AND fixed my hair in something other than a pony tail.
I'm awesome because I washed my sheets.
I am awesome because I walked Paige to the bus, kissed her and blew Jackson a kiss (he was already on the bus) to make up for the rough morning he and I had.
I am awesome because I finished washing, folded AND put away all the laundry (miracle).
I am awesome because I cleaned up the kitchen, vacuumed and mopped the floor.
I am awesome because I went to Kohls and Target and returned some things and found some cute and cheap trees for the kids next Christmas.
I am awesome because I made homemade black bean soup and cornbread for dinner.
I am awesome because I snuggled my kids into bed tonight.
I am awesome because I did my gospel study today.
I am awesome because I edited Bennett's birthday pictures.
I am awesome because I got all of the trash and recycling from the last two weeks taken out.
I am awesome because I hung all the hooks on my new coat holder.

It sounds really braggy to put it all in writing, but on a usual day, I would not have focused on ANY of that stuff. It would have been all about my failures and the things I wanted or felt like I should have done. I hope this is something that I can keep up. It really did a lot to boost my spirits today to feel like I was not a failure.

It's been a while!

The kids start back at school tomorrow. I was sad that their break was so short until today and now I am ready to have them back. My house is in a state of disarray and they get bored, watch too much tv, argue. It is good for them to have some structure. Jackson has been struggling with some of his classmates and it makes me wish I could rescue him from it, but Douglas reminds me that it is good for him?? and it will help him learn to get along with people better. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his classroom to see what is going on. I am not thrilled with his teacher and I feel like she makes mountains out of molehills. He told me that she made some comment about him having a "big head". Maybe she said it in jest, but it still really bugged me when he told me that. I need to have a conference with her and discuss a few things. I think Jackson ends up with a lot of downtime in class and I don't know if he finds many productive things to do. 

Anyway, I wasn't planning on starting out with that. Whew...We had a really nice Christmas. The kids didn't get out of school until the Friday before Christmas, so I felt like it was a little of a rush to get anything fun done before the big day. Douglas and I got a sitter on Friday night so that we could go and pick up some last minute Christmas things...stocking stuffers etc. On the way, we decided that we were going to get Paige a different Santa gift. She had asked for something early on, but soon after decided that she wanted a Barbie cruise ship. I kept thinking she would go back to the original plan, but she was not budging. I was feeling anxiety about the whole things and so we finally decided to just go with it and get the Barbie cruise ship. So, we ran to Costco and picked one up. Luckily they were marked down too!! She was THRILLED on Christmas morning. Just how she should have been! Jackson had asked for a new handheld gaming system, but they are expensive and we felt like he really didn't need a new one, so he got the #2 thing on his list...an "atomic coaster" which is a big roller coaster that he builds himself. He was happy with it and still working on building it. Bennett got a little push bike. His feel don't quite reach the floor yet, but he likes to be pushed on it and will push it around by the handlebars.

We had a nice Christmas eve and had our next door neighbors and the missionaries come over for dinner. We had a nice, quiet evening with really yummy food! The kids found the PJ's that the elves left for them and got dressed up for the night. Jackson had told us early in the day that he wanted to go to bed then so he could wake up and have it be Christmas. Kids make Christmas so much more magical.

Christmas day was busy with laundry and packing, We left early on the 26th to drive out to George and DeEtte's house to visit. It was a little crazy and I left my house in shambles, which I hate to do, but it couldn't be avoided. I am still recovering! We left early that morning and drove to Georgia. Little did we know that there were some major storms and our trip got extended by a good three hours. It was pretty miserable for the first half of the trip. We finally stopped for lunch, along with all the other drivers on the road, at McDonalds. It was PACKED. It took over an hour just to order and get our food. The line for the bathroom was out the door. The weather was horrible all the way into the parking lot. We finally decided to just eat in the car, so we packed by up and got on the freeway. The weirdest thing was that the other side of the freeway was clear. There was snow on the sides, but no snow on the road at all. It really was bizarre because just 100 feet behind the roads were horrible. We are still not sure what made the difference, but boy, were we glad. The rest of the trip was smooth sailing and we arrived just in time for smoked turkey and all the fixins. Douglas' older sisters and brother Dave were all there with their families which was so much fun!

We had a pretty relaxing time in Georgia. One day we took the kids to the kids museum for the morning. Jackson has pretty much outgrown it and Bennett was all over the place, until I realized they had a toddler area. He loved the kiddie shopping carts and pushed them all around. After the museum we all went to lunch at The Varsity, which is a really old fast food place. 

The rest of the time I ran a few errands (found jeans for Jackson for $10 a pair...he was in desperate need!!), took Paige on the carousel at the mall and the American Girl Doll store, and just sat around and enjoyed not doing much. I ate too much and moved too little. Now that we are home, I need to get serious about eating better! Every Christmas season I tell myself that I am going to be better and I start out that way, but by the end of the holiday season, junk food is more or less my breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DeEtte got the stomach flu while we were there and then our niece Mia got it. Inevitable, Sunday morning, as we were packing to leave, Bennett started throwing up. We put him down for a nap and hemmed and hawed as to whether we should just go, or wait for him to improve. We decided to go, and with little food on the trip besides crackers and applesauce, he did fine. We are so glad we left when we did because that night both Jackson and Paige got sick, all night long and then next morning Douglas got it. It didn't last long, luckily, but it was messy while they had it. I thought Bennett had gotten over his, but Tuesday morning he threw up after his milk and had diarrhea and today it was more of that. Yuck!! And, I have no more good diapers. I bought some cheapies while I wait for my shipment to arrive and let me tell you, there is a huge difference!!

We had a great snowstorm on Monday and it covered everything in a blanket of white. The kids were so excited to go play in it, but I made them wait until yesterday. They enlisted the 12 year old girl next door and played outside all morning long. Then, Douglas took them sledding in the afternoon. They loved it. I stayed behind because Bennett wasn't feeling great. Since we weren't able to celebrate the new year the night before because of all the sickies, we had banana splits, played games and the kids slept by the fire.They loved it.

I am not looking forward to January. I have kind of been struggling with a little depression the past two months and January doesn't seem to promising for this. I try to stay busy. I try to get enough sleep and the rest, I guess I will deal with as it comes. I am yet to meet someone I really gel with and that it hard. I am trying, but I have to admit that sometimes I feel like I don't want to try anymore. I have learned though that friends don't just fall in your lap, you have to work really hard for them. It is hard being lonely though and I often yearn for my Santa Clara days that were so comfortable. Given the opportunity, both of us would move back in a heartbeat, but that is not what life is providing us right now. So, I guess I will try and bloom where I am planted and we will see how that goes.

Douglas and I spent some time trimming out the entry way while he was off over the Christmas break. That was fun and it looks great. I still need to paint it, but can't muster up the desire/energy to do it yet. Jackson turns eight next month and I am excited to plan for his baptism. I need to go out and find him a little suit and take some pictures so I can make an invitation. We will have both sets of grandparents there, but I think that is it. That is okay though. I like to be surrounded by people I know and feel comfortable with. I want to put together a few "crafty" things for it, but I have a tendency to plan things and not always execute them!

I also want to make some bedding for Bennett's crib. Poor kid still has pink liners in all the baskets. I thought I had kept the original blue ones, but they are no where to be found. I don't know if this project will materialize. How nice would it be if money grew on trees??

I also plan to finish organizing the basement. Man, that has been such a chore. Yikes. I finally got my pantry and dishes organized down there and just yesterday organized all of my holiday decor. I am trying to carve out a little crafting "nook" so I can easily work on projects, sew etc. It is kind of cold down there right now, but I figure it is manageable with my space heater. There are no outlets down there right now, so Douglas will figure that out for me. We shall see. I would like to have a place where I can easily be creative.

Paige turns 5

I was telling J that sometimes it seems that they were just babies yesterday. He takes it so literally, but really, it is hard to believe that Paige is 5! She has such a big personality. She loves girlie things, pink, clothes, skirts and dresses, helping me cook, working in the garden, picking flowers for vases, doing art, watching TV, playing with friends. She can be the sweetest, snuggliest little girl, when she wants to be ;)! I am glad she is my daughter and it will be so fun to see who she becomes!

We planned a fun tea party for her 5th birthday. Between primary, the neighborhood and preschool, the invite list was really long. Good thing we have a big yard! I scoured thrift stores for tea cups and saucers. I made a whole bunch of tulle pom poms. It was really fun getting everything put together for the party. I definitely spent more than I should have, but I could have easily spent a LOT more!

Her birthday morning. She chose Abelskievers (of course) as her breakfast.



Opening her gift. She wanted a hair salon barbie and she was happy when she got it!


Mary was so helpful at the party. A few times in the morning before the party, Paige went over to make sure Mary hadn't forgotten. When she wasn't there one of the times she told Dennis, "Well, I guess you can come if Mary isn't here". Haha! Mary finally got home and Paige offered to help her pick out a dress. How kind!







Alouise Wade, Camille Lamoreaux

Sabrina Shobe and Paige

Emma Shobe, Grace Jackson, Vivian Jackson

Cute banner my cousin Jenny made us!

planting flowers in their decorated flower pots.






Camille, Audrey Nelson, Ava (preschool pal) and Paige


Mary was so helpful with planting the flowers. I couldn't have done it alone!





Party crew. We got a few siblings too!





Trying to play a game. The kids didn't really get it....

Chaos, I mean, opening gifts. It was crazy.



Look at my scowly eyebrows. No wonder I have wrinkles.

Jackson's school field trip!

I was so happy to be able to go on one of Jackson's field trips. This was a "walking" field trip to Bob Evans, so I was able to take Bennett with me, which made it possible. I can't remember where Paige was, but I was glad to get to spend some time with J.



This guy came too! Such a good baby.

Mrs. Seals was such a great teacher!



They got pancakes and "juice" (pink lemonade).


Some of Jackson's friends, Niloy, Adam and J.



The whole class!

Crazy town.

 p.s. I did not pick out Jackson's outfit.