Sunday, April 03, 2011
Toledo Zoo
So, one cold, rainy Saturday morning Douglas and I were trying to think of something fun to do. I suggested the Zoo in jest and he said sure, so we packed up some lunches, rain gear and off we went. It is about a 45 minute drive and by the time we got there, the rain was really coming down. Douglas and I laughed and laughed. Who decides to go to the zoo on a rainy day anyway?? Well, we had a fun time in the end. They have a few indoor exhibits and I think there were only three other people at the zoo besides for us. I guess that is how memories are created, right??
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A few random pictures...
This little girl loves to help me cook. She can hear me in the kitchen from a mile away and comes running. She pulls out her stool, grabs her apron and is ready to bake!
My Grandma and Grandpa Walker came to visit. It is always nice to see them. We went to Nielson's custard to get a treat in true Walker fashion. We are always ready for a treat!!
Paige and her Great Grandma Walker.
Look at that cute, little face! So loveable.
Snow in St. George, before we knew what real snow was all about!
My Grandma and Grandpa Walker came to visit. It is always nice to see them. We went to Nielson's custard to get a treat in true Walker fashion. We are always ready for a treat!!
Paige and her Great Grandma Walker.
Look at that cute, little face! So loveable.
Snow in St. George, before we knew what real snow was all about!
Christmas 2009
Remember that I said I have some catching up to do?? Well, hang on....
I am sitting here on a lonely Sunday night. Douglas left for Indiana after Sacrament meeting and now it is quiet and sad here. I miss him when he is gone. Even for a short amount of time. I am grateful to have a spouse that I also consider my best friend. I know not everyone is that lucky. I just feel like he "gets" me (most of the time) and loves me no matter how grouchy I get. It is a nice feeling.
I get, what I like to call, the "Sunday Blues". I have for years. I just don't love Sunday nights. They seem to come every week though so I deal. Tonight I am sitting with a bag of Sweettarts Gummy Bunnies and the computer. The bunnies are yummy, except for the yellows which go straight in the trash. They taste like medicine. I think seasonal candy is made for me since I can't resist it. All candy tastes better when it is seasonally colored and shaped. Right? Too bad it seems there is always a holiday to celebrate. It takes a lot of willpower not to eat candy every day.
But, it is Sunday, so I need something to combat the blues.
Isn't it fun to look at old pictures of your kids. It is interesting how I remember the good things. Sometimes I almost forget how difficult Jackson was, for such a long time. He is such a delightful kids (most of the time). I am holding out hope for Paige. Haha! I tend to be a little emotional in general. I cry when I read the Friend to the kids. Tonight, Jackson chose this book, A Tree Named Steve, to read. I cried when I read it. It was sweet and touching. Sweet Jackson cries too. Paige tries to make herself cry. J is so tender. It makes me cry that he cries. Sometimes I try to hide that I am crying. It kind of embarrasses me, even in front of my kids. So, tonight I noticed Jackson hiding his face while we read. I asked him what was wrong. He told me he was hiding because he was crying. Oh man. I don't want him to feel like he can't cry in front of me. I guess I need to be better about it.
Paige loves to dress herself now and man, is she creative. She does a pretty good job matching, most of the time, but it is hard to step back and let her have that freedom. She feels so grown up when she does it. She is such a smart little girl. She always wants to keep up with J and tells me how to spell words (totally incorrectly) all the time. She loves preschool and is a good friend to the girls (she has no use for boys). She was the spotlight in primary today and quite proud of it. A couple great things from her paper were that when she grows up she wants to be a "princess" and that she is good at "skydancing". Man, that girl is funny. I made her a nightgown out of ballerina fabric which she LOVES. She had worn it 4 days in a row and spilt milk on it. There were many tears shed when I told her we would have to wash it and she couldn't wear it to bed. I went out the next day and got some fabric to make some more.
Well, I got a little off topic. I was going to post about Christmas 2009...here we go~
Jackson asked Santa for a spy kit. Santa was so nice as to include some disguises too.
Paigie got a pink kitchen which has gotten much use. Paige loves to set up meals for people. Oh, and the elves brought her Dora pjs. One happy girl.
She got a caboodle full of makeup which she used in a matter of 3 hours. Here she is applying some to her nana.
My dad video taped the event.
Mrs. Clause loves to put together stockings for D. She is very creative.
Who can it be?
Paige arranging the nativity.
Paige and her Grams. I love pictures like this...such treasures.
Andrew was visiting as well. Hooray!
J gave Paige Dora gloves and a Dora hat. This girl was obsessed with Dora!
Paige gave Uncle Drew some sour gummy worms.
I made Paige a tutu...also has received tons of wear. Now a days she puts it under her dresses to make them puffy.
Paige would run around yelling, "ballerina, ballerina." She was a little excited, or hyped up on sugar.
She got a BYU sweater from Uncle Drew. Go cougars.
Aprons from Grandma De.
Playmobils from Nana and Papa. We love these and usually my basement floor is covered in them!
Horsie Ride from Daddy.
I am sitting here on a lonely Sunday night. Douglas left for Indiana after Sacrament meeting and now it is quiet and sad here. I miss him when he is gone. Even for a short amount of time. I am grateful to have a spouse that I also consider my best friend. I know not everyone is that lucky. I just feel like he "gets" me (most of the time) and loves me no matter how grouchy I get. It is a nice feeling.
I get, what I like to call, the "Sunday Blues". I have for years. I just don't love Sunday nights. They seem to come every week though so I deal. Tonight I am sitting with a bag of Sweettarts Gummy Bunnies and the computer. The bunnies are yummy, except for the yellows which go straight in the trash. They taste like medicine. I think seasonal candy is made for me since I can't resist it. All candy tastes better when it is seasonally colored and shaped. Right? Too bad it seems there is always a holiday to celebrate. It takes a lot of willpower not to eat candy every day.
But, it is Sunday, so I need something to combat the blues.
Isn't it fun to look at old pictures of your kids. It is interesting how I remember the good things. Sometimes I almost forget how difficult Jackson was, for such a long time. He is such a delightful kids (most of the time). I am holding out hope for Paige. Haha! I tend to be a little emotional in general. I cry when I read the Friend to the kids. Tonight, Jackson chose this book, A Tree Named Steve, to read. I cried when I read it. It was sweet and touching. Sweet Jackson cries too. Paige tries to make herself cry. J is so tender. It makes me cry that he cries. Sometimes I try to hide that I am crying. It kind of embarrasses me, even in front of my kids. So, tonight I noticed Jackson hiding his face while we read. I asked him what was wrong. He told me he was hiding because he was crying. Oh man. I don't want him to feel like he can't cry in front of me. I guess I need to be better about it.
Paige loves to dress herself now and man, is she creative. She does a pretty good job matching, most of the time, but it is hard to step back and let her have that freedom. She feels so grown up when she does it. She is such a smart little girl. She always wants to keep up with J and tells me how to spell words (totally incorrectly) all the time. She loves preschool and is a good friend to the girls (she has no use for boys). She was the spotlight in primary today and quite proud of it. A couple great things from her paper were that when she grows up she wants to be a "princess" and that she is good at "skydancing". Man, that girl is funny. I made her a nightgown out of ballerina fabric which she LOVES. She had worn it 4 days in a row and spilt milk on it. There were many tears shed when I told her we would have to wash it and she couldn't wear it to bed. I went out the next day and got some fabric to make some more.
Well, I got a little off topic. I was going to post about Christmas 2009...here we go~
Jackson asked Santa for a spy kit. Santa was so nice as to include some disguises too.
Paigie got a pink kitchen which has gotten much use. Paige loves to set up meals for people. Oh, and the elves brought her Dora pjs. One happy girl.
She got a caboodle full of makeup which she used in a matter of 3 hours. Here she is applying some to her nana.
My dad video taped the event.
Mrs. Clause loves to put together stockings for D. She is very creative.
Who can it be?
Paige arranging the nativity.
Paige and her Grams. I love pictures like this...such treasures.
Andrew was visiting as well. Hooray!
J gave Paige Dora gloves and a Dora hat. This girl was obsessed with Dora!
Paige gave Uncle Drew some sour gummy worms.
I made Paige a tutu...also has received tons of wear. Now a days she puts it under her dresses to make them puffy.
Paige would run around yelling, "ballerina, ballerina." She was a little excited, or hyped up on sugar.
She got a BYU sweater from Uncle Drew. Go cougars.
Aprons from Grandma De.
Playmobils from Nana and Papa. We love these and usually my basement floor is covered in them!
Horsie Ride from Daddy.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Good News!!
Douglas called about an hour ago to tell me that he was driving back to spend Saturday and Sunday with us. Such good news. He will head back to Indiana on Sunday, return Wednesday night and leave for India Friday (where he will be for 10 days). This is good news indeed!!
A case of the sickies...
Well, we got them good around the Shaw house. First, our carrier monkey, Jackson, brought it home. He was the first to succumb. He kept telling me that he wanted to stay home from school. I explained that if he stayed home, he stayed in bed. That kept him going to school for a few days. Finally, on Thursday, that sounded great to him. He laid around coughing, fevering etc. for two good days. Poor kid.
Then he got better and Paige started coughing.
I think the fact that Paige has asthmatic nighttime coughing anyway contributed to four of the most miserable nights that both of us have had forever. Really, I don't know that I have ever had such a horrible night with a child. She woke at 10:30pm one night and coughed, pretty much non stop, until 6am...no exaggeration. We went to the dr. twice to be told there was nothing he could give us. I can think of a few things I might have liked. Wow. It was bad.
Did I mention that Douglas was out of town the entire time? Of course. That is how it always seems to work out!!
We are on the mend now. I have a little cough, but I am hoping and praying it turns into nothing more that just that.
Here is a picture of J man in his bed wathing Jonny Quest. I was too delirious to consider taking a picture of Paige.
I do, also have to add, however, that I was in charge of the Relief Society birthday party right at the climax of Paige's illness. Good times.
Then he got better and Paige started coughing.
I think the fact that Paige has asthmatic nighttime coughing anyway contributed to four of the most miserable nights that both of us have had forever. Really, I don't know that I have ever had such a horrible night with a child. She woke at 10:30pm one night and coughed, pretty much non stop, until 6am...no exaggeration. We went to the dr. twice to be told there was nothing he could give us. I can think of a few things I might have liked. Wow. It was bad.
Did I mention that Douglas was out of town the entire time? Of course. That is how it always seems to work out!!
We are on the mend now. I have a little cough, but I am hoping and praying it turns into nothing more that just that.
Here is a picture of J man in his bed wathing Jonny Quest. I was too delirious to consider taking a picture of Paige.
I do, also have to add, however, that I was in charge of the Relief Society birthday party right at the climax of Paige's illness. Good times.
My cooking buddy...
Anne and I have been great friends for some time. We share the common interests of cooking, baking and eating. We have a food blog together that she updates and I think about updating. While I was in St. George, Jen Leach arranged a little luncheon where we all brought food to share and taste. It was so much fun and really made me homesick for my great friends in Santa Clara. Thanks for the fun time, and good eats friends!!
Now, I should mention that I got sicker than a dog while I was in St. George. I felt like garbage, so that is why I took not one picture with my friends...the entire time. I think I was in survival mode. Good thing Anne made me get in these pics!!
Now, I should mention that I got sicker than a dog while I was in St. George. I felt like garbage, so that is why I took not one picture with my friends...the entire time. I think I was in survival mode. Good thing Anne made me get in these pics!!
Paige
Paige loves toys. She will sit for hours and play. It is such a nice contrast to Jackson who will only play if you sit and play with him!
When we were in St. George in February I got under Grandma's house and dug out my old Barbies which used to be my mom's old Barbies. I loved Barbies when I was a kid. I loved dolls, dress ups, toys. Paige is a girl after my own heart. She spent a lot of time down in the room dressing those dolls. She loved it. I love that she loved it.
When we were in St. George in February I got under Grandma's house and dug out my old Barbies which used to be my mom's old Barbies. I loved Barbies when I was a kid. I loved dolls, dress ups, toys. Paige is a girl after my own heart. She spent a lot of time down in the room dressing those dolls. She loved it. I love that she loved it.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
cute little boy
Jackson was thrilled to announce that he had earned a pencil at school today. He told me that he had wanted to earn a pencil forever. He has really been working on his handwriting and lowercase letters and did a really nice job at school. He was so proud of himself. He told me, as we drove home, that he really, really wanted to earn it, so when Ms. Sangeorzan was choosing he was crossing his fingers under his desk hoping she would choose him.
So cute. I think my little boy is turning out to be a really amazing little guy!
So cute. I think my little boy is turning out to be a really amazing little guy!
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
I am so behind in writing. It gives you a little hint of how I feel about life right now. I am officially “over” winter and ready for some nice weather. Can’t wait to head to St. George and enjoy some beautiful weather!! It is such a hassle getting the kids all geared up to go outside. It takes so long!! And I am always cold!! Today I turned the heat up to 71* because I just can’t warm up.
Paige is at preschool and I am enjoying some quiet time at home to work and get a few things done. I try to use this time to work, but I haven’t gotten too much done yet. I put some bread in the oven so we can have grilled cheese for dinner and am trying to return a pile of emails and write some letters. There are always so many things to get done. It is hard to get to everything!!
So, Paige has been such a pill lately. The other day we were cleaning their room. Not just picking up, but cleaning under the bed, organizing the shelves etc. Paige’s bed butts up to the built in bookshelf so we don’t put books on that shelf. Instead, she uses it as a hiding spot. Well, when I went to clean it out, lo and behold I find her little time out stash. She had a juice box, pack of gum (almost entirely eaten—gum wrappers everywhere!), Hershey kiss wrappers, Milk duds and smarties under there. Little stinker would get sent to her room and just climb in her hiding spot for a little snack. That is so typical of Paige. She is a little sneak…always doing things I ask her not to, sneaking snacks, getting into trouble. It makes me crazy. I feel like I can’t turn my back on her. I am hoping it is only a phase. She makes me laugh plenty, but frustrates me the rest of the time.
She is such a social little bug though. She loves preschool. She loves friends. She is a natural born leader and so creative. When she is playing with other kids, she comes up with fun ideas and they just do what she suggests. She spends most of her time in a costume and loves to set up tea parties and make me lunches with her play food. She is obsessed with watching TV these days. I have to really limit her because if she had her druthers she would be glued to it all day. The other toy she really loves is Magnatiles. They are magnetic building shapes. She plays with them everyday!
Jackson has been doing well in school. He got a star every day last week so he earned ice cream. I get to help in his class on Tuesdays and he is always so sweet to come up and hug me and give me kisses. He is smart as a whip too! I have been working on his handwriting with him. He tends to want to finish everything so fast and in the process, messy. He has actually been receptive to me helping him learn to write better which is surprising for him since he is so stubborn when I typically try to help him.
Both kids enjoy playing in the snow and go out after school to play together. Inevitably Paige ends up crying and without her hat and gloves on. J is typically nice to her, but as any sibling, knows how to push her buttons. Oh, she fights back too, but she is much more dramatic when she feels she has been wronged!!
Douglas is very busy with school. In fact, he will be home late the next three nights and gone all day Saturday and Sunday this week. Yikes!! Did I mention that he is heading to India for his school project next term? He will be there a week with his group. He will also spend time in Indiana and Minnesota. I guess it will sort of prepare me for being apart all summer which I am already dreading!! I think we will need to head to St. George for a few weeks to break things up!
I am keeping busy. I try to have energy, but the cold, dreary days are starting to catch up. I have been knitting a lot…hats, scarves, headbands etc. I am determined to make a little sweater soon. I am a little intimidated to take on such a big project, but I have to try it sometime! I have been trying to sew a little too. I tend to bake too often, but I blame that on the winter too! I am having a little get together with some friends this weekend. D and I am really trying to be more social this semester. I think I enjoy it more than he does. He is so tired when he gets home that I think he would be content doing nothing, but always humors me. We went to 5 Guys Burgers for my friend Beth’s birthday on Friday. It is new here in Ann Arbor so that was what she chose. It was tasty. I always love a good burger!
Well, I need to get a little work done before I get Paige and the afternoon craziness begins!!
Paige is at preschool and I am enjoying some quiet time at home to work and get a few things done. I try to use this time to work, but I haven’t gotten too much done yet. I put some bread in the oven so we can have grilled cheese for dinner and am trying to return a pile of emails and write some letters. There are always so many things to get done. It is hard to get to everything!!
So, Paige has been such a pill lately. The other day we were cleaning their room. Not just picking up, but cleaning under the bed, organizing the shelves etc. Paige’s bed butts up to the built in bookshelf so we don’t put books on that shelf. Instead, she uses it as a hiding spot. Well, when I went to clean it out, lo and behold I find her little time out stash. She had a juice box, pack of gum (almost entirely eaten—gum wrappers everywhere!), Hershey kiss wrappers, Milk duds and smarties under there. Little stinker would get sent to her room and just climb in her hiding spot for a little snack. That is so typical of Paige. She is a little sneak…always doing things I ask her not to, sneaking snacks, getting into trouble. It makes me crazy. I feel like I can’t turn my back on her. I am hoping it is only a phase. She makes me laugh plenty, but frustrates me the rest of the time.
She is such a social little bug though. She loves preschool. She loves friends. She is a natural born leader and so creative. When she is playing with other kids, she comes up with fun ideas and they just do what she suggests. She spends most of her time in a costume and loves to set up tea parties and make me lunches with her play food. She is obsessed with watching TV these days. I have to really limit her because if she had her druthers she would be glued to it all day. The other toy she really loves is Magnatiles. They are magnetic building shapes. She plays with them everyday!
Jackson has been doing well in school. He got a star every day last week so he earned ice cream. I get to help in his class on Tuesdays and he is always so sweet to come up and hug me and give me kisses. He is smart as a whip too! I have been working on his handwriting with him. He tends to want to finish everything so fast and in the process, messy. He has actually been receptive to me helping him learn to write better which is surprising for him since he is so stubborn when I typically try to help him.
Both kids enjoy playing in the snow and go out after school to play together. Inevitably Paige ends up crying and without her hat and gloves on. J is typically nice to her, but as any sibling, knows how to push her buttons. Oh, she fights back too, but she is much more dramatic when she feels she has been wronged!!
Douglas is very busy with school. In fact, he will be home late the next three nights and gone all day Saturday and Sunday this week. Yikes!! Did I mention that he is heading to India for his school project next term? He will be there a week with his group. He will also spend time in Indiana and Minnesota. I guess it will sort of prepare me for being apart all summer which I am already dreading!! I think we will need to head to St. George for a few weeks to break things up!
I am keeping busy. I try to have energy, but the cold, dreary days are starting to catch up. I have been knitting a lot…hats, scarves, headbands etc. I am determined to make a little sweater soon. I am a little intimidated to take on such a big project, but I have to try it sometime! I have been trying to sew a little too. I tend to bake too often, but I blame that on the winter too! I am having a little get together with some friends this weekend. D and I am really trying to be more social this semester. I think I enjoy it more than he does. He is so tired when he gets home that I think he would be content doing nothing, but always humors me. We went to 5 Guys Burgers for my friend Beth’s birthday on Friday. It is new here in Ann Arbor so that was what she chose. It was tasty. I always love a good burger!
Well, I need to get a little work done before I get Paige and the afternoon craziness begins!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Family Canoe Trip
Here's to warmer times :)!! This was back in September!!
The Huron River is very close to the house and they have an awesome park with walking and running trails, play grounds and canoes. We went one afternoon and had a jolly fun time!!
The Huron River is very close to the house and they have an awesome park with walking and running trails, play grounds and canoes. We went one afternoon and had a jolly fun time!!
First Day of School
Better late than never. I will get this thing up to date!
I think the first day of school is so exciting. I was excited for Douglas and Jackson. Their first day was the same day and I think I had butterflies with them. I was a little nervous about Jackson in all day kindergarten, but it has been so awesome for both of us :). The school has a lot of extras so it takes up time in the day and makes it fun for J. They have art, PE, Music, Computers, Library etc. I have been able to volunteer every Tuesday which is fun for both of us. Jackson stops to kiss me every time he walks by. I don't stop him, because I know it will stop soon enough and I want to enjoy his sweetness before he is too cool for mom!
J chose his own shirt...red, of course and wanted Aebleskivers for breakfast.
He had a little rough start in school with getting used to obeying Ms. Sangeorzan and the she is in charge, but he has settled into things now and most days are good days. Hooray. He is a sharp kid and loves learning. He also loves playing! I signed him up for soccer in the fall, but he wasn't really interested (to his credit, it was run really lame). I think I will give him a year off and try again in 1st grade. I think we will try karate this spring and swimming.
It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through the year. Even harder to believe that we are more than 1/4 way through business school. Yikes!!
It is so hard to watch the kids grow up so fast, but it is really exciting too. I love to see who they are becoming. Five has been such a redeeming age for Jackson. I worried from 2-5 about what I had gotten into with him. He was busy, a fib teller, defiant, you know, all the normal stuff that makes parents crazy. This past year with him has been nice though. He is a sweet, lovable boy. Granted, he has his moments, but they are fewer and farther between and to that I say, Yay!!
I think the first day of school is so exciting. I was excited for Douglas and Jackson. Their first day was the same day and I think I had butterflies with them. I was a little nervous about Jackson in all day kindergarten, but it has been so awesome for both of us :). The school has a lot of extras so it takes up time in the day and makes it fun for J. They have art, PE, Music, Computers, Library etc. I have been able to volunteer every Tuesday which is fun for both of us. Jackson stops to kiss me every time he walks by. I don't stop him, because I know it will stop soon enough and I want to enjoy his sweetness before he is too cool for mom!
J chose his own shirt...red, of course and wanted Aebleskivers for breakfast.
He had a little rough start in school with getting used to obeying Ms. Sangeorzan and the she is in charge, but he has settled into things now and most days are good days. Hooray. He is a sharp kid and loves learning. He also loves playing! I signed him up for soccer in the fall, but he wasn't really interested (to his credit, it was run really lame). I think I will give him a year off and try again in 1st grade. I think we will try karate this spring and swimming.
It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through the year. Even harder to believe that we are more than 1/4 way through business school. Yikes!!
It is so hard to watch the kids grow up so fast, but it is really exciting too. I love to see who they are becoming. Five has been such a redeeming age for Jackson. I worried from 2-5 about what I had gotten into with him. He was busy, a fib teller, defiant, you know, all the normal stuff that makes parents crazy. This past year with him has been nice though. He is a sweet, lovable boy. Granted, he has his moments, but they are fewer and farther between and to that I say, Yay!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cold Winter Day
I sort of hate that I have to come up with titles for all my posts.
It snowed all day today. It is so beautiful. Paige was at preschool when it started which made me really nervous. I saw the snow piling up and the street covering and I started to worry about whether it would be horrible to drive and get her. I left extra early and it was really no big deal. Once I fixate on something, though, I have a hard time letting it go. I really dislike driving in the snow and feel very uncomfortable doing it.
Paige is so happy to be in preschool. As I drove her over I would look back and she had a permagrin. It is so rewarding to do something for your children that makes them happy. Quite the antithesis to what I get after slaving over a hot stove to make them dinner only to get gripes about why I don't make what they like. I asked Jackson what exactly it is that he "likes" to which he responded, "I don't know". Nice. Typically I have a firm rule that if you complain about my food you are excused until you can come back with a good attitude and so graditude (at least faked) for what I made, but I was truly curious what it is that he would "like". Now I know...he likes whatever I didn't make.
Jackson always begs me to play wii with him. This is good in theory except that I get so competitive. I have to try so hard not to get mad when he get in my way and makes me die. It is really hard some times. How sad is that? It is really sweet, though, that his real reward involves me playing with him.
When I volunteer in his class on Tuesday morning I think he comes to give me a hug and kiss at least 10 times. Very sweet and I know it won't last much longer which makes my heart ache a bit. He is growing up so fast. I already mourn the loss of his innocence and he is still so innocent. It is just a matter of time though and that is sad.
He came home yesterday telling me all about MLK and how he fought peacefully for freedoms. He informed me that he wasn't going to hit Paige anymore, but peacefully deal with their problems. Haha...I will believe that when I see it. Glad to see that he is listening and absorbing things in school.
Without being totally braggy, but braggy none the less, Jackson is by far the smartest kid in his class. Having spent the entire year in the room each week, it is very interesting and rewarding to watch him. He is quick at learning and understands abstract ideas. He is a great reader. It makes me so very proud of him. I hope he develops a love for learning too.
Miss P is a firecracker as always. She can be so sweet, but boy can she be feisty too. Wowzers. Don't cross her! She sat down a few months ago and wrote her name out on paper. I was amazed. I have never taught her to do that. She just watches her brother and learns while he does.
She spends 90% of her life in costume. Her favorite is to put one of the Costco princess dresses on with a tutu underneath to make it nice an poofy.
She loves to play in the snow, help me cook, and put on dance performances. She is a girl through and through and can put together some pretty sweet outfits!
Off to bed. Douglas started class again and since he gets up much earlier than I do, I try to be nice and get to bed early-ish. We always try to go to bed together. It is a nice tradition.
It snowed all day today. It is so beautiful. Paige was at preschool when it started which made me really nervous. I saw the snow piling up and the street covering and I started to worry about whether it would be horrible to drive and get her. I left extra early and it was really no big deal. Once I fixate on something, though, I have a hard time letting it go. I really dislike driving in the snow and feel very uncomfortable doing it.
Paige is so happy to be in preschool. As I drove her over I would look back and she had a permagrin. It is so rewarding to do something for your children that makes them happy. Quite the antithesis to what I get after slaving over a hot stove to make them dinner only to get gripes about why I don't make what they like. I asked Jackson what exactly it is that he "likes" to which he responded, "I don't know". Nice. Typically I have a firm rule that if you complain about my food you are excused until you can come back with a good attitude and so graditude (at least faked) for what I made, but I was truly curious what it is that he would "like". Now I know...he likes whatever I didn't make.
Jackson always begs me to play wii with him. This is good in theory except that I get so competitive. I have to try so hard not to get mad when he get in my way and makes me die. It is really hard some times. How sad is that? It is really sweet, though, that his real reward involves me playing with him.
When I volunteer in his class on Tuesday morning I think he comes to give me a hug and kiss at least 10 times. Very sweet and I know it won't last much longer which makes my heart ache a bit. He is growing up so fast. I already mourn the loss of his innocence and he is still so innocent. It is just a matter of time though and that is sad.
He came home yesterday telling me all about MLK and how he fought peacefully for freedoms. He informed me that he wasn't going to hit Paige anymore, but peacefully deal with their problems. Haha...I will believe that when I see it. Glad to see that he is listening and absorbing things in school.
Without being totally braggy, but braggy none the less, Jackson is by far the smartest kid in his class. Having spent the entire year in the room each week, it is very interesting and rewarding to watch him. He is quick at learning and understands abstract ideas. He is a great reader. It makes me so very proud of him. I hope he develops a love for learning too.
Miss P is a firecracker as always. She can be so sweet, but boy can she be feisty too. Wowzers. Don't cross her! She sat down a few months ago and wrote her name out on paper. I was amazed. I have never taught her to do that. She just watches her brother and learns while he does.
She spends 90% of her life in costume. Her favorite is to put one of the Costco princess dresses on with a tutu underneath to make it nice an poofy.
She loves to play in the snow, help me cook, and put on dance performances. She is a girl through and through and can put together some pretty sweet outfits!
Off to bed. Douglas started class again and since he gets up much earlier than I do, I try to be nice and get to bed early-ish. We always try to go to bed together. It is a nice tradition.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Checking in...
I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and down about life this past week. It could very well just be the after the holiday blues. I just feel so inadequate sometimes. That, along with having a sore throat again just put me into a bit of a funk. Oh well, hopefully it will pass soon.
Paige started preschool today. With the money you have sent we are able to pay for it and she is as pleased as punch. She is such a social little thing. I walked her into class today and showed her around. I then asked if she wanted me to stay or leave and she quickly told me I can leave. The teachers told me that she acted as if she had always been a part of the group...talking to everyone, putting on dance shows. She makes me laugh and she makes me proud.
Then we get home and she whines and demands...she will point her finger at me and scold me when she doesn't like what I am doing...oh the joys of a three year old.
J has been delightful this week. I forgot to set my alarm last night and we woke today 15 minutes before J had to be at school. We all worked together though and he was able to dress, eat, get a lunch made and get to school on time. Thank heavens Douglas was here to help! Jackson has been happy and on Tuesday he wanted to surprise me so he went around and collected all the trash on his own (his chore that day). He also wanted to clean his room and surprise me the other day. It is so nice when he is in good spirits.
The snow is coming down. It is beautiful and so far the cold doesn't bother me too much, though I really need to get more thermal garments and warm socks!! We are planning to go to the temple Saturday and I am hoping they have a distribution center by the temple. If not, I will have to order online, though I have heard the shipping is really slow.
I am so thrilled for Holly and Christian. I will go out next Thursday and take newborn photos of their little guy. It will be nice to have time to spend with everyone without the responsibility of the kids. Douglas will stay here (he has no class fridays) and will try to study when he can. It will be tough, but he is always supportive and I think he is really hoping to find more balance this semester. Let's hope.
I am constantly torn as to whether I want to run my business anymore. I love it, but it really adds a lot of stress and anxiety in my life, which spills over into how I parent. I feel that I am doing something wrong if I don't work. But, I know I am not. I am just so much happier when I can focus on being a mom and running a house. I need to give it some real prayer and thinking. Maybe I will just do what comes, when it does and not look for work. I don't know.
Sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer. I try not to be this way. It affects the whole house when I am. Douglas and I started Weight Watchers again and I feel grouchy about not being able to eat comfort food :). I have the happy thought of knowing I am heading out to visit soon. The kids are thrilled and it will be such a nice time.
Paige started preschool today. With the money you have sent we are able to pay for it and she is as pleased as punch. She is such a social little thing. I walked her into class today and showed her around. I then asked if she wanted me to stay or leave and she quickly told me I can leave. The teachers told me that she acted as if she had always been a part of the group...talking to everyone, putting on dance shows. She makes me laugh and she makes me proud.
Then we get home and she whines and demands...she will point her finger at me and scold me when she doesn't like what I am doing...oh the joys of a three year old.
J has been delightful this week. I forgot to set my alarm last night and we woke today 15 minutes before J had to be at school. We all worked together though and he was able to dress, eat, get a lunch made and get to school on time. Thank heavens Douglas was here to help! Jackson has been happy and on Tuesday he wanted to surprise me so he went around and collected all the trash on his own (his chore that day). He also wanted to clean his room and surprise me the other day. It is so nice when he is in good spirits.
The snow is coming down. It is beautiful and so far the cold doesn't bother me too much, though I really need to get more thermal garments and warm socks!! We are planning to go to the temple Saturday and I am hoping they have a distribution center by the temple. If not, I will have to order online, though I have heard the shipping is really slow.
I am so thrilled for Holly and Christian. I will go out next Thursday and take newborn photos of their little guy. It will be nice to have time to spend with everyone without the responsibility of the kids. Douglas will stay here (he has no class fridays) and will try to study when he can. It will be tough, but he is always supportive and I think he is really hoping to find more balance this semester. Let's hope.
I am constantly torn as to whether I want to run my business anymore. I love it, but it really adds a lot of stress and anxiety in my life, which spills over into how I parent. I feel that I am doing something wrong if I don't work. But, I know I am not. I am just so much happier when I can focus on being a mom and running a house. I need to give it some real prayer and thinking. Maybe I will just do what comes, when it does and not look for work. I don't know.
Sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer. I try not to be this way. It affects the whole house when I am. Douglas and I started Weight Watchers again and I feel grouchy about not being able to eat comfort food :). I have the happy thought of knowing I am heading out to visit soon. The kids are thrilled and it will be such a nice time.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Happy New Year
I am excited for a new year. I like new beginnings. I like to start over. I have lots of great aspirations that hopefully will come to fruition this year. Here they are:
1. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and do some of my own designing. I already signed up for an online course that begins Tuesday and I am really excited. I love learning new things.
2. Read the Book Of Mormon. I can't tell you the last time I finished it. I seem to get to Enos and start over. I am almost to Enos now so I am well on my way. I feel like my spirituality has slipped since I had kids and I want to improve on that. I also notice that I am a lot more patient when I am focusing on these things. I pray for patience a lot and I know that I am blessed with it when I am allowing the Spirit into my life.
3. Send out birthday cards (on time). This has been a goal for the last two years and I don't think I made it out of January. I will be better this year!!
4. Be more frugal and spend less money (kind of a necessity). This is so hard for me. I like my projects, but I have so many things I can already do that I really need to focus on those things and start spending less. This also means that I need to keep up on my budget. Boo. I mean YAY!
5. Get back to my fighting weight. This way I can possibly consider having another child. I know, that sounds lame, but I don't want to start out heavier than usual. It will just be that much harder afterwards.
6. Focus more on my business. As much as I have loved not working, I miss it too and we can really use the income. I just want to control it more and not feel like I have to say yes or fit people in. I think part of that is gaining more confindence in my work. This is a constant struggle for me.
7. Be more organized. This includes paying bills on a scheduled date and dedicating a day each week to update Quickbooks. I am a horrible bookeeper, but I am hoping this is the year to improve that. I also want to figure out how to keep my office neater. Any suggestions?
I think this is it for now. Glad to write them out. Now, I gotta get busy. Glad going to bed earlier isn't one of them because I would be off to a bad start!
1. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and do some of my own designing. I already signed up for an online course that begins Tuesday and I am really excited. I love learning new things.
2. Read the Book Of Mormon. I can't tell you the last time I finished it. I seem to get to Enos and start over. I am almost to Enos now so I am well on my way. I feel like my spirituality has slipped since I had kids and I want to improve on that. I also notice that I am a lot more patient when I am focusing on these things. I pray for patience a lot and I know that I am blessed with it when I am allowing the Spirit into my life.
3. Send out birthday cards (on time). This has been a goal for the last two years and I don't think I made it out of January. I will be better this year!!
4. Be more frugal and spend less money (kind of a necessity). This is so hard for me. I like my projects, but I have so many things I can already do that I really need to focus on those things and start spending less. This also means that I need to keep up on my budget. Boo. I mean YAY!
5. Get back to my fighting weight. This way I can possibly consider having another child. I know, that sounds lame, but I don't want to start out heavier than usual. It will just be that much harder afterwards.
6. Focus more on my business. As much as I have loved not working, I miss it too and we can really use the income. I just want to control it more and not feel like I have to say yes or fit people in. I think part of that is gaining more confindence in my work. This is a constant struggle for me.
7. Be more organized. This includes paying bills on a scheduled date and dedicating a day each week to update Quickbooks. I am a horrible bookeeper, but I am hoping this is the year to improve that. I also want to figure out how to keep my office neater. Any suggestions?
I think this is it for now. Glad to write them out. Now, I gotta get busy. Glad going to bed earlier isn't one of them because I would be off to a bad start!
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