I wanted to get a blessing the other night so Bill brought President Val Lewis over with him. When he came in Jessica said "what's your name?" and he said "My name is Val Lewis". So later on when he was getting ready to leave, Grandpa Bill asked Jessica "do you remember his name?" and she said "yes, it is Brand Newis". Huh? I asked her to repeat what she thought his name was and she said "Brand Newis, because he is brand new and has never been to my house before." Val Lewis meet your alter ego Brand Newis.
I love Return of the Jedi. I just watched the Princess Leah in the Gold Bikini scene which I know most boys only remember the gold bikini. But it is actually the scene in which Luke, Han and Chewie are going to be thrown into the sand pit and executed by Jabba the Hut. 3PO translates for Jabba and R2 is serving drinks to Jabba's cronies. Luke does the diving board dive thing and catches his light saber from R2 and they escape and Jabba and all his cronies and the entire Jabba ship goes kabloom while Luke, Han, Leah, Chewie and Lando escape in a sand machine. I love the idea of the Jedi. I love that they are born with special gifts and if they train themselves to use the force they can be the most powerful weapon against evil. I believe in the Jedi. Not in the sci-fi version but in character. There are some people just born with an extra spark of something that you can't quite define. Mike calls Katie his little Jedi. He feels a warrior spirit inside of her and we both feel she has a great mission to fulfill in her life and that she will literally fight evil. We've felt that for a long time. And we know she needs Jessica in order to fulfill her mission in life. We have always felt they were born together for a reason and that they need each other more than they will ever need anyone in their lives. We feel they will not be separated and that they are a balance, a yin and yang, two sides of a coin etc. Luke and Leah were twins too. Thus bringing me back to my original point. Twins AND Return of the Jedi rock.
Yoda just died...tear. But we know that Jedi's never really die. They just appear as holograms when you really need them. See, Obi Wan just showed up as a hologram to tell Luke that Yoda will always be with you.
How cool is Han Solo? Maybe the coolest hero ever? Anyone? Tap tap. Is this thing on?
I need to plan a romantic get away for Mike and I when he comes home. We want to go for 2 to 3 nights max. We want it to be relaxing and relatively close to home. We are going to Hawaii as a family in March so we want to keep this more low key. I was thinking a spa or some other bed and breakfast. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Luke just found out Leah is his sister. It seriously doesn't get better than this.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I think I'm Out of my Coma...
Today, about 1pm a beautiful Princess awoke from a long sleep in which she dreamed many dreams. Her children were handed off from Grandparent to Grandparent while she slumbered unaware of what was happening around her. Thanksgiving came and went. She posted a thankful blog post while very exhausted when she got up for a sec to get some water and tinkle. The princess is thankful to all around her who helped her during this time of slumber and she misses her prince desperately.
I get two infusions this week on Tuesday and Friday then two more the following week then we will evaluate where we are at. Good news is the infusions aren't painful and I didn't have any nausea. I also have no appetite except for crackers, all sorts of crackers. It's very strange. I got REALLY tired about 36 hours after the infusion and that lasted for 3 solid days. Hopefully as my bone marrow makes red blood cells and starts to kick in, I won't get as tired. I had a lot of muscle and bone/joint pain but again as I get more infusions hopefully these symptoms will get less and less. I am so thankful for our families and for my awesome girls who are happier to be with their Grandparents than they are to be with me. I LOVE them. I missed out on Thanksgiving dinner. I tried to go to my Mom and Dad's for dessert but I fell asleep on their bed while watching a cartoon with the girls. So my Dad drove me home. I was pretty out of it that day, Friday and Saturday was the worst. But today has been okay. I got the girls breakfast, got them cleaned up and ready for church. My in laws took them to church then they came back here and I made the girls grilled cheese sandwiches and bananas and didn't feel I needed to take a nap with them when they went down. THAT is a miracle. Because I've been sleeping any chance I can. I'm looking forward to spending some much needed time with them this evening.
Katie goes to see a surgeon tomorrow. She has a little DT issue. (That's code for "down there"-don't make me type it out people) Her DT skin grew together and now has to be surgically separated. She is fine now but once she starts having visits from her Auntie Flow (don't make me type that either) she would have major problems. So we will be taking care of it now. Pray for her. Who wants to have a DT operation? ugh.
I get my next infusion at 3pm on Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to tonight, Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday as strong days and hope with all my hoping that the symptoms will be less this time around because I have to have another infusion Friday which would put me down for the weekend for sure. I am doing a lot of holiday shopping online.
I feel like a total loser. When other people have to load your dishwasher and sweep your crumbs and wash your clothes and grocery shop and bathe your children, it's hard not to sink into deep sadness and have feelings of total failure in life. I am fighting those feelings as hard as I can but I must admit, they get the better of me at times. I think I must be a very "proud" person. I'm using proud in the biblical sense as a boasting, stubborn, egotistical trait. I think the Lord is teaching me that I am not as capable as I think I am. I thought I learned this through infertility. I learned that things don't happen on my time line, that I'm in control of nothing and that the Lord knows best for me what I need which is different from what I want most of the time. So I've been trying to think about what I'm supposed to be learning right now. I think I rely too heavily on Mike so I've been being taught some independence. I've also been reminded how much things are better when Mike and I are together and a team. I've come to better understand the love parents have for their kids. I've been embarrassed because others have seen me with no makeup, messed up hair, hairy legs, a messy house and at my very worse. This part is very hard for me. I cry in front of Mike only. I'm not from a family of criers and have never been a cryer. So to lose it in front of anyone else is super hard for me. I feel like this is affecting Jessica the most because she seems different some how. I feel less able to reach her. I hope with all my heart that this side effect is a temporary one. I think I just take a lot for granted that I should be thankful for. I'm going to try better.
I get two infusions this week on Tuesday and Friday then two more the following week then we will evaluate where we are at. Good news is the infusions aren't painful and I didn't have any nausea. I also have no appetite except for crackers, all sorts of crackers. It's very strange. I got REALLY tired about 36 hours after the infusion and that lasted for 3 solid days. Hopefully as my bone marrow makes red blood cells and starts to kick in, I won't get as tired. I had a lot of muscle and bone/joint pain but again as I get more infusions hopefully these symptoms will get less and less. I am so thankful for our families and for my awesome girls who are happier to be with their Grandparents than they are to be with me. I LOVE them. I missed out on Thanksgiving dinner. I tried to go to my Mom and Dad's for dessert but I fell asleep on their bed while watching a cartoon with the girls. So my Dad drove me home. I was pretty out of it that day, Friday and Saturday was the worst. But today has been okay. I got the girls breakfast, got them cleaned up and ready for church. My in laws took them to church then they came back here and I made the girls grilled cheese sandwiches and bananas and didn't feel I needed to take a nap with them when they went down. THAT is a miracle. Because I've been sleeping any chance I can. I'm looking forward to spending some much needed time with them this evening.
Katie goes to see a surgeon tomorrow. She has a little DT issue. (That's code for "down there"-don't make me type it out people) Her DT skin grew together and now has to be surgically separated. She is fine now but once she starts having visits from her Auntie Flow (don't make me type that either) she would have major problems. So we will be taking care of it now. Pray for her. Who wants to have a DT operation? ugh.
I get my next infusion at 3pm on Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to tonight, Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday as strong days and hope with all my hoping that the symptoms will be less this time around because I have to have another infusion Friday which would put me down for the weekend for sure. I am doing a lot of holiday shopping online.
I feel like a total loser. When other people have to load your dishwasher and sweep your crumbs and wash your clothes and grocery shop and bathe your children, it's hard not to sink into deep sadness and have feelings of total failure in life. I am fighting those feelings as hard as I can but I must admit, they get the better of me at times. I think I must be a very "proud" person. I'm using proud in the biblical sense as a boasting, stubborn, egotistical trait. I think the Lord is teaching me that I am not as capable as I think I am. I thought I learned this through infertility. I learned that things don't happen on my time line, that I'm in control of nothing and that the Lord knows best for me what I need which is different from what I want most of the time. So I've been trying to think about what I'm supposed to be learning right now. I think I rely too heavily on Mike so I've been being taught some independence. I've also been reminded how much things are better when Mike and I are together and a team. I've come to better understand the love parents have for their kids. I've been embarrassed because others have seen me with no makeup, messed up hair, hairy legs, a messy house and at my very worse. This part is very hard for me. I cry in front of Mike only. I'm not from a family of criers and have never been a cryer. So to lose it in front of anyone else is super hard for me. I feel like this is affecting Jessica the most because she seems different some how. I feel less able to reach her. I hope with all my heart that this side effect is a temporary one. I think I just take a lot for granted that I should be thankful for. I'm going to try better.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Super Quick Shout of For my Thankfulness
Okay so iron infusions = getting hit over and over by a baseball bat all over your body. It hurts to bend my pinkie toe. I have a major headache and my body just hurts al over. HOWEVER, I could not let Thanksgiving go by with out listing the things we are thankful for.
Me:
My parents and all the help they've given me.
All the other people who have come out of the wood work to help me including my in laws, the rad chicks at church etc etc.
Moder day meds
My girls even though I feel that I am sucking hard as a mom
Finally, my sweet Mike over in Afghanistan who sprained his ankle playing football just like he did when we were seniors and I gave him rides home in my awesome 1977 Celica GT.
My family all of them because I know how blessed I am to have them.
Katie and Jessica are thankful for ALL the people in their family and that Daddy will be home after Christmas. They are also thankful for Ms. Bernadette their preschool teacher.
Me:
My parents and all the help they've given me.
All the other people who have come out of the wood work to help me including my in laws, the rad chicks at church etc etc.
Moder day meds
My girls even though I feel that I am sucking hard as a mom
Finally, my sweet Mike over in Afghanistan who sprained his ankle playing football just like he did when we were seniors and I gave him rides home in my awesome 1977 Celica GT.
My family all of them because I know how blessed I am to have them.
Katie and Jessica are thankful for ALL the people in their family and that Daddy will be home after Christmas. They are also thankful for Ms. Bernadette their preschool teacher.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The World Is My Cheerleader
Thanks to the world for shining on me today. I just really needed it. Yesterday I hit my breaking point. I was exhausted, playdough was not cleaned up and milk was spilled on the floor and the dinner from the night prior had to be thrown away because it was inedible and it spilled in my oven and the mess it made to make it was still in my sink and I just lost my ever lovin' mind. I called my in - laws and they dropped what they were doing and came over and watched the girls so I could go to bed and then my parents came over a few hours later and took the girls home so I could get a decent night's sleep. Katie had a cold since Wednesday and had been coming into my bed each night at 2:30 a..m. to chat until 5:30 a.m. then Jessica had been getting up at 6am and I am already at only about 10% of full functioning from the blood transfusion and the iron issues. However, when I woke up today to Mike's phone call and subsequent pep talk I felt much better. I had a full night's sleep. I had a great chat with my husband who explained that he didn't think I was a loser and that he was fine and we were fine and everything was gonna be okay. I showered. I washed all my bedding. My parents took the girls to get haircuts. I met my parents for lunch with the girls and brought them back to the house. They took full naps. A really great girl in my ward brought over a yummy dinner. I had a blessing. And then I talked to Mike again tonight. All in all, that's a pretty great day. Tomorrow I have my infusion. I feel more peace about it now than I did yesterday even though I am still scared. But it'll be okay in the end and I know these infusions are going to make me feel a lot better. And I even got A LOT of Christmas shopping done online. That really helps my mental state out a lot too.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and for their positive feelings. I feel very loved today.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and for their positive feelings. I feel very loved today.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tuesday is Infusion Day
I get my first iron infusion on Tuesday. It takes 3 hours to get. It will make me super sick. I am scared but hoping that I'm one of those rare people who don't get sick and who use the three hours for reflection and fixing some sort of world problem.
Thanksgiving is Thursday. I love Thanksgiving. It's usually a really big deal to me. This year, we are going out to dinner and everyone is trying really hard to pretend that it's no big deal and keeping it really low maintenance just in case I am in a fetal position throwing up my guts in the bathroom then I guess I won't feel bad or remember it's Thanksgiving. I am thankful that I have such amazing people around me who would cancel their entire holiday if I have a sick tummy. But I am determined to slap some lipstick and perfume on and go out to dinner with the group and dress my chicks up in their Paris outfits I got them months ago specifically for Thanksgiving. They even have berets. I LOVE their outfits. I will miss Mike. I find I am dreaming about him more and more these days. I am thinking about when he comes home a lot too. I guess it's because it's getting closer? It's weird. We've been married sixteen years and I can count on one hand the number of dreams I have had about him. But this past week, I have had three dreams just about him. We are on vacation, or hanging out or he is in some danger or I am in some danger and he is saving me.
I watched Iron Man this weekend. It made me think of what sort of super hero I would like to be and what sort of super powers I would want to have. First for me 100% for sure would be the ability to get ready instantly. Remember in Bewitched when Samantha would twinkle her nose and she would be showered, hair done, makeup on, dressed and ready to go? That would be the ultimate super power to have. I HATE getting ready. I used to love it before kids. The whole pampering ritual. Now, I HATE it. It's the most gigantic waste of time. The thought of how long it takes to blow dry my hair makes me sick.
Okay okay, the second super power I'd like to have is to be rich. They are all rich. Except for Super Man. And he could never get it all done and keep his apartment clean and grocery shop and stop trains. So I would take the money that Bruce Wayne has. I guess Spiderman isn't rich either. But he's my least favorite super hero so it's basically like he doesn't count.
Also, I would like to be able to be invisible. Especially if I couldn't have super power number one.
So basically I'd be a rich invisible woman who can put on lipstick instantly. Look out bad guys!
Right now, the girls are playing playdough and they are making Thanksgiving pies and making molds of owls. They are sooooooo busy. I always thought I'd have the type of kids that would be so chill and just want to take naps and cuddle with me and read and stuff. Instead, they are busy and loud (well I guess I could have predicted that one) and they have to do something at all times or they freak out. And they sleep good at night and nap okay but its' not like they would want to just take a nap just because it's a Sunday or anything.
These are my ramblings right now. It's going to be a rough couple of days. Wish me luck.
Thanksgiving is Thursday. I love Thanksgiving. It's usually a really big deal to me. This year, we are going out to dinner and everyone is trying really hard to pretend that it's no big deal and keeping it really low maintenance just in case I am in a fetal position throwing up my guts in the bathroom then I guess I won't feel bad or remember it's Thanksgiving. I am thankful that I have such amazing people around me who would cancel their entire holiday if I have a sick tummy. But I am determined to slap some lipstick and perfume on and go out to dinner with the group and dress my chicks up in their Paris outfits I got them months ago specifically for Thanksgiving. They even have berets. I LOVE their outfits. I will miss Mike. I find I am dreaming about him more and more these days. I am thinking about when he comes home a lot too. I guess it's because it's getting closer? It's weird. We've been married sixteen years and I can count on one hand the number of dreams I have had about him. But this past week, I have had three dreams just about him. We are on vacation, or hanging out or he is in some danger or I am in some danger and he is saving me.
I watched Iron Man this weekend. It made me think of what sort of super hero I would like to be and what sort of super powers I would want to have. First for me 100% for sure would be the ability to get ready instantly. Remember in Bewitched when Samantha would twinkle her nose and she would be showered, hair done, makeup on, dressed and ready to go? That would be the ultimate super power to have. I HATE getting ready. I used to love it before kids. The whole pampering ritual. Now, I HATE it. It's the most gigantic waste of time. The thought of how long it takes to blow dry my hair makes me sick.
Okay okay, the second super power I'd like to have is to be rich. They are all rich. Except for Super Man. And he could never get it all done and keep his apartment clean and grocery shop and stop trains. So I would take the money that Bruce Wayne has. I guess Spiderman isn't rich either. But he's my least favorite super hero so it's basically like he doesn't count.
Also, I would like to be able to be invisible. Especially if I couldn't have super power number one.
So basically I'd be a rich invisible woman who can put on lipstick instantly. Look out bad guys!
Right now, the girls are playing playdough and they are making Thanksgiving pies and making molds of owls. They are sooooooo busy. I always thought I'd have the type of kids that would be so chill and just want to take naps and cuddle with me and read and stuff. Instead, they are busy and loud (well I guess I could have predicted that one) and they have to do something at all times or they freak out. And they sleep good at night and nap okay but its' not like they would want to just take a nap just because it's a Sunday or anything.
These are my ramblings right now. It's going to be a rough couple of days. Wish me luck.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thanksgiving 3 year old style
The Thanksgiving mini feast was Thursday at preschool. I was not feeling well due to this whole iron situation so my super hero parents took the girls for their feast. Gotta love the pilgrim hats. The boy w/Jessica is the boy she and Katie like the best. He's super cute.
It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year!
There is a secret about being a parent that they don't tell you before you have kids. It's called the FOOTIE PAJAMA SYNDROME. Whenever your kids have footie pajamas on, you are completely overpowered by their cuteness that you'll do anything and let them get away with so many things you would normally never let them do sans booties. And this is my last footie season. They only make them in 5T and the girls need the length once they are washed. So I am enjoying putting these delicious pajamas on them as soon as they come out of the dryer and then I hold them and smell them and cuddle them and when I go to cover them in the night they are warm and toasty and so cute I could EAT THEM WITH A SPOON. I love Footie Pajamas you guys.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tagged from Idaho
Marie I love you for tagging me. It makes me feel all warm and excited just like it did in the third grade when I actually GOT tagged. And you are cuter than that creepy Tommy Manazack that tagged me back then so I happy to respond.
7Things I Can Do
SleepWaste Time
Love My Girls
Avoid the outside world especially my phone
Shop online
Crush amazing amounts of ice in my teeth
Watch Dancing with the Stars and do the EXACT dance they are doing with the girls right at the same moment it's happening. It's a miracle.
7 Things I can't do
Dance
Be Fake and pretend I have my crap together when I know I am one expired milk carton away from leaving all this for fame in Hollywood.
Run
Tuck my shirt into my jeans
Sing
Organize and mail and pay the bills
Make really great spaghetti
No
You have no more chances
I love you
Thanks
7 Things I eat
Diet Coke
Shrimp Cocktail
Quesadillas
Tacos
Fruit
Salty snacks
ice
7 People to do this...
Amber
Heather
Kori
Jody
Cort
Auntie Lori
My Mom (she won't)
7 Things:
7Things I Can Do
SleepWaste Time
Love My Girls
Avoid the outside world especially my phone
Shop online
Crush amazing amounts of ice in my teeth
Watch Dancing with the Stars and do the EXACT dance they are doing with the girls right at the same moment it's happening. It's a miracle.
7 Things I can't do
Dance
Be Fake and pretend I have my crap together when I know I am one expired milk carton away from leaving all this for fame in Hollywood.
Run
Tuck my shirt into my jeans
Sing
Organize and mail and pay the bills
Make really great spaghetti
7 Things I say
Totally
Like
No WayNo
You have no more chances
I love you
Thanks
7 Things I eat
Diet Coke
Shrimp Cocktail
Quesadillas
Tacos
Fruit
Salty snacks
ice
7 People to do this...
Amber
Heather
Kori
Jody
Cort
Auntie Lori
My Mom (she won't)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iron Woman I am Not
We all know about Iron Man Triathlons right? I would like to address the term "Iron Man" with our class today. This term is meant to denote strength, endurance, unbreakability, speed and toughness. An IRON man is supposedly better than like a RUBBER man or a PLASTIC man or even a COPPER man. IRON men are the toughest.
Well this week I found out that my body contains no iron. My blood is iron less. This has happened to a certain extent in the past. It's why I've had two blood transfusions prior to last Monday's 4 units of fresh red stuff. However, upon further study, it has been discovered that it is not blood that I lack but iron. This explains a lot to me. I have for a long time felt very un-iron-man if you get my drift. Endurance has been a very big struggle for me. I chalked it up to two three year olds and a husband who works a ton and a husband who is gone to war and being away from family then being near family and the fact that I'm unorganized and lazy and I don't eat enough rare meat and spinach. Now I know that regardless of these things, I was eventually going to drop like a dirty sock. And now I have. Dropped that is. And then I laid there for days and days and slept and slept and probably smelled like a dirty sock when I finally emerged from my cave. Now I'm on day 2 of feeling more like myself. Which is great. However, if I do not have iron infusions of a big amount I will drop again and soon. So I will be getting iron infusions once each week for 8-12 weeks. It's VERY much like chemotherapy for those of you familiar with that except I should not lose my hair. But it will make me very sick and I will probably have a hard time with these little infusions. But they will make me stronger. So I will kick their ASS. I will load up with anti nausea meds and people magazines and Rocky 3 theme songs and get my Iron and get stronger. If I can shoot myself in the ass 115 days straight with a big ol needle filled with a hormone in oil and get it inside my muscle I can do this right? (That was during infertility)I'm going to get this iron and then there's no stopping me. I may even try and go watch a triathlon, if there's a beach near by and an umbrella drink. ha ha.
Well this week I found out that my body contains no iron. My blood is iron less. This has happened to a certain extent in the past. It's why I've had two blood transfusions prior to last Monday's 4 units of fresh red stuff. However, upon further study, it has been discovered that it is not blood that I lack but iron. This explains a lot to me. I have for a long time felt very un-iron-man if you get my drift. Endurance has been a very big struggle for me. I chalked it up to two three year olds and a husband who works a ton and a husband who is gone to war and being away from family then being near family and the fact that I'm unorganized and lazy and I don't eat enough rare meat and spinach. Now I know that regardless of these things, I was eventually going to drop like a dirty sock. And now I have. Dropped that is. And then I laid there for days and days and slept and slept and probably smelled like a dirty sock when I finally emerged from my cave. Now I'm on day 2 of feeling more like myself. Which is great. However, if I do not have iron infusions of a big amount I will drop again and soon. So I will be getting iron infusions once each week for 8-12 weeks. It's VERY much like chemotherapy for those of you familiar with that except I should not lose my hair. But it will make me very sick and I will probably have a hard time with these little infusions. But they will make me stronger. So I will kick their ASS. I will load up with anti nausea meds and people magazines and Rocky 3 theme songs and get my Iron and get stronger. If I can shoot myself in the ass 115 days straight with a big ol needle filled with a hormone in oil and get it inside my muscle I can do this right? (That was during infertility)I'm going to get this iron and then there's no stopping me. I may even try and go watch a triathlon, if there's a beach near by and an umbrella drink. ha ha.
Heart Thumps
Sometimes stuff happens in my day that makes my heart feel like somebody extracts it from my chest and dumps it on the floor. It's not always a bad feeling, sometimes it's just because I am overcome with emotion both good and bad. For example, here are my heart thump moments from today
Jessica and Katie got into bed with me and I laid in the middle and they both scooted over to me until we were one mass on tangled limbs and bodies and it was quiet and we just were.
Katie woke up from her nap today crying. When I went into her room and gathered her up she said she was sad that it wasn't Valentines Day. I was totally confused. I said "honey, aren't you excited? Tomorrow is your Thanksgiving party at school, not Valentines Day." And her eyes were all filled with tears and she said "yeah, but if it was Valentines day tomorrow then Christmas would already happened and my Daddy would be home". ugh...well ya got me there kid.
Jessica and I napped together and the whole time she slept she wrapped her arms around my arm like it was her teddy bear and if I tried to move she tightened her grip. When she woke up I told her she could go out into the family room and play or she could stay in here with me and she just rolled over and into me like a spoon.
My Relief Society President came over tonight who is a mom of four boys I think and is super busy and has a ton of responsibility and was here with baked goods to offer her help to me during this time. I told her it was so hard for me to ask for help because I think of her life and how busy it is and I hate the idea that I'm adding to what she already has on her plate and she says it stresses her out more at night when she thinks that there are people in the ward that have needs that aren't being met or known about and she'd rather rock a baby or clean a house or visit somebody because it just made her LESS stressed out. And she meant it.
Tonight before bed Katie and I did Miss Mary Mac which is a clapping and singing game that I think my Grandma taught to me. While we sang it clapping our hands together, she on my lap we locked eyes as we sang and the joy and love I got back from her gaze during this silly little song about nothing was more moving to me than when I locked eyes with Mike during our wedding. (sorry mike) It was just one of those moments when my soul said to her soul "I KNOW YOU".
My cousins Jeff and Ali are having a little boy after experiencing sheer joy for the past two years with their little girl. They are awesome parents and my Auntie Lori is an awesome Grammie and my Uncle T is an awesome Papa and now they are going from pink to blue, from one to two and I am just so thrilled for all of them. Jeff is amazing at fishing like he could be pro easy and world famous and feed our whole family for EVER in the event of a disaster so I am so happy he will have a son to pass along fishing to like his Dad did for him. I know I know, I'm being sexist and their daughter Emi already has a fly rod but it's easier with a boy to pass on fishing than it is to a girl. So I am so happy for him and for all of them and I already have some custom onesies picked out.
These were my thump moments. Do you have them too?
Jessica and Katie got into bed with me and I laid in the middle and they both scooted over to me until we were one mass on tangled limbs and bodies and it was quiet and we just were.
Katie woke up from her nap today crying. When I went into her room and gathered her up she said she was sad that it wasn't Valentines Day. I was totally confused. I said "honey, aren't you excited? Tomorrow is your Thanksgiving party at school, not Valentines Day." And her eyes were all filled with tears and she said "yeah, but if it was Valentines day tomorrow then Christmas would already happened and my Daddy would be home". ugh...well ya got me there kid.
Jessica and I napped together and the whole time she slept she wrapped her arms around my arm like it was her teddy bear and if I tried to move she tightened her grip. When she woke up I told her she could go out into the family room and play or she could stay in here with me and she just rolled over and into me like a spoon.
My Relief Society President came over tonight who is a mom of four boys I think and is super busy and has a ton of responsibility and was here with baked goods to offer her help to me during this time. I told her it was so hard for me to ask for help because I think of her life and how busy it is and I hate the idea that I'm adding to what she already has on her plate and she says it stresses her out more at night when she thinks that there are people in the ward that have needs that aren't being met or known about and she'd rather rock a baby or clean a house or visit somebody because it just made her LESS stressed out. And she meant it.
Tonight before bed Katie and I did Miss Mary Mac which is a clapping and singing game that I think my Grandma taught to me. While we sang it clapping our hands together, she on my lap we locked eyes as we sang and the joy and love I got back from her gaze during this silly little song about nothing was more moving to me than when I locked eyes with Mike during our wedding. (sorry mike) It was just one of those moments when my soul said to her soul "I KNOW YOU".
My cousins Jeff and Ali are having a little boy after experiencing sheer joy for the past two years with their little girl. They are awesome parents and my Auntie Lori is an awesome Grammie and my Uncle T is an awesome Papa and now they are going from pink to blue, from one to two and I am just so thrilled for all of them. Jeff is amazing at fishing like he could be pro easy and world famous and feed our whole family for EVER in the event of a disaster so I am so happy he will have a son to pass along fishing to like his Dad did for him. I know I know, I'm being sexist and their daughter Emi already has a fly rod but it's easier with a boy to pass on fishing than it is to a girl. So I am so happy for him and for all of them and I already have some custom onesies picked out.
These were my thump moments. Do you have them too?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Grammie and Papa Camp
I need to type this just so it's recorded for the girls and so I remember to never let this happen again to me.
Since I've been sick and in bed for what seems like days and days, the girls have been with my Mom and Dad. They slept in their own beds for the first time in a week last night. While I've been slumbering away dreaming about escaping exploding buildings with Christian Slater, losing Jessica at Disneyland, hanging out doing various things with Mike, freezing on an Alaskan cruise and shopping for myself and all the clothes were sized 4T...my GIRLS have been at Grammie and Papa camp. I'm still exhausted, still unable to do much more than sit, sleep and well, that's it. It's even hard for me to talk if you can believe it. But Katie and Jessica's lives have been full of growth and learning.
Jessica: has learned to count to 100. Can sight read over 20 words and can sound out simple words like can, sit and if. Has learned the words to the songs Tisket and Tasket, I am three three three, Santa Claus is coming to town. She has mastered new games on her Leapster like Clifford, Nemo and Puppy Pal. Her drawing has improved and she is very aware of what time it is and will announce the time to you every five minutes or so. (she did not know any of this stuff a week ago) I've also noticed she's been a lot more service oriented to her sister like getting Sophie for Katie and doing things for others and trying to help. This is not Jessica's natural way of doing things so I know my Mom and Dad have encouraged her to do this and she's really enjoying the praise.
Katie: If she feels like it she can count to 100 but she really has to be in the mood. She can drink 100% out of a big girl cup and knows that when she gets milk on her upper lip it's called a "MOOSTASH" because milk comes from MOO cows. She can also sight read words and sound them out but I don't know how many or what they are because she has to be in the mood to do it. She can sing the same songs Jessica can if she's in the mood. But she will ALWAYS show you her type of Yoga which is a spastic combo of ballet and spinning and hopping on one foot and will also show you Mama's type of Yoga which is the traditional stretching, touching toes and various poses like downward dog. She also has learned to cheat. She and her sister have contests of who can stand on one foot the longest and Katie has learned to slightly touch her foot that is up to a chair or some other stable point and pretend she is not doing it. She is turning into a cry baby if she doesn't get her way but if she wins something she high fives everybody and life is a big party.
My parents are saints. They embody the meaning of family and service and love. They just took over because I could not. They did my grocery shopping, picked up my house, took my kids to the bouncey place, made them Grammie and Papa specials every morning for breakfast, took them to the mall (BRAVE) so they could ride the merry go round, let them nap with Papa and sleep with Grammie in the big bed every night. My Dad made me soup and my parents brought me dinner. They brought my babies so I could hug and kiss them and seemed to know just when to leave as I was getting too tired. I love my parents. I'm an only child. We aren't an I love you, lovey dovey type of family. But they really are my team and my friends and my mom and dad. I told them I could never repay them for what they've done for me. But I promised them that I would be there to do the same for Katie and Jessica one day. I'm so thankful for all the prayers and offers of help. I wish I was better at thinking and I wish my mind was clearer so that I could know what I needed. I'm sorry for that. I think in time, I'll be able to think clearer but I'm still in a fog.
We got to web cam with Mike today which was great. He misses the girls so much and I know this has been really hard for him being away. I love him so much for his support and for his love for all of us. I know he is working so hard and is so tired and I know he wishes he could be here and so do I and just really need him to know when he reads this that I love him so much and I wouldn't ever pick anyone else to be married to and I just wish this time were over.
Since I've been sick and in bed for what seems like days and days, the girls have been with my Mom and Dad. They slept in their own beds for the first time in a week last night. While I've been slumbering away dreaming about escaping exploding buildings with Christian Slater, losing Jessica at Disneyland, hanging out doing various things with Mike, freezing on an Alaskan cruise and shopping for myself and all the clothes were sized 4T...my GIRLS have been at Grammie and Papa camp. I'm still exhausted, still unable to do much more than sit, sleep and well, that's it. It's even hard for me to talk if you can believe it. But Katie and Jessica's lives have been full of growth and learning.
Jessica: has learned to count to 100. Can sight read over 20 words and can sound out simple words like can, sit and if. Has learned the words to the songs Tisket and Tasket, I am three three three, Santa Claus is coming to town. She has mastered new games on her Leapster like Clifford, Nemo and Puppy Pal. Her drawing has improved and she is very aware of what time it is and will announce the time to you every five minutes or so. (she did not know any of this stuff a week ago) I've also noticed she's been a lot more service oriented to her sister like getting Sophie for Katie and doing things for others and trying to help. This is not Jessica's natural way of doing things so I know my Mom and Dad have encouraged her to do this and she's really enjoying the praise.
Katie: If she feels like it she can count to 100 but she really has to be in the mood. She can drink 100% out of a big girl cup and knows that when she gets milk on her upper lip it's called a "MOOSTASH" because milk comes from MOO cows. She can also sight read words and sound them out but I don't know how many or what they are because she has to be in the mood to do it. She can sing the same songs Jessica can if she's in the mood. But she will ALWAYS show you her type of Yoga which is a spastic combo of ballet and spinning and hopping on one foot and will also show you Mama's type of Yoga which is the traditional stretching, touching toes and various poses like downward dog. She also has learned to cheat. She and her sister have contests of who can stand on one foot the longest and Katie has learned to slightly touch her foot that is up to a chair or some other stable point and pretend she is not doing it. She is turning into a cry baby if she doesn't get her way but if she wins something she high fives everybody and life is a big party.
My parents are saints. They embody the meaning of family and service and love. They just took over because I could not. They did my grocery shopping, picked up my house, took my kids to the bouncey place, made them Grammie and Papa specials every morning for breakfast, took them to the mall (BRAVE) so they could ride the merry go round, let them nap with Papa and sleep with Grammie in the big bed every night. My Dad made me soup and my parents brought me dinner. They brought my babies so I could hug and kiss them and seemed to know just when to leave as I was getting too tired. I love my parents. I'm an only child. We aren't an I love you, lovey dovey type of family. But they really are my team and my friends and my mom and dad. I told them I could never repay them for what they've done for me. But I promised them that I would be there to do the same for Katie and Jessica one day. I'm so thankful for all the prayers and offers of help. I wish I was better at thinking and I wish my mind was clearer so that I could know what I needed. I'm sorry for that. I think in time, I'll be able to think clearer but I'm still in a fog.
We got to web cam with Mike today which was great. He misses the girls so much and I know this has been really hard for him being away. I love him so much for his support and for his love for all of us. I know he is working so hard and is so tired and I know he wishes he could be here and so do I and just really need him to know when he reads this that I love him so much and I wouldn't ever pick anyone else to be married to and I just wish this time were over.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Rick
It was my brother Rick's birthday yesterday. He's technically Mike's brother but we don't keep track of those things around here. I have NO energy to type all the great things about Rick but my favorite thing about him is that he brought Heather into my life. Sorry Rick, it may not be technically the best thing about you but it's my favorite. So Happy Birthday to Ricky Ricardo, hope it was a great one.
I'm alive
Jessica sick this past weekend. Took her to urgent care. She has bronchitus. Doc looked at me and said "you don't look so good either". Haw Haw Doc...you're super funny. Can I test your blood? He asks. "Sure whatever". Turns out I needed a blood transfusion. Go to the hospital. Got 4 units of blood. Was very aenemic. Did CAT scans, ultrasounds and took as much blood as they gave me I think. Now I'm home. Feeling like a bus ran me over. Sleeping non stop. Can't really think straight. Mind is fuzzy. Bye.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
8 thoughts on 8
I have been very hesitant to do a formal post regarding Prop 8. It passed in California. I voted yes on it. It states that the constitution of the state of California will be amended to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Here are 8 thoughts I have on this whole prop 8 subject and maybe some things you might want to know, or not...whatever. Clearing my throat, taking a deep breath and here we go.
- I have been embarrassed by the behavior of some people on both sides of this issue. I have seen both Yes and No supporters preach the same gospel of hate and intolerance, of fear and control. I wish in the deepest places of my heart that people could express joy and positive statements about their beliefs in politics, religion or how to BBQ chicken and would leave the other side alone. Tearing someone down just is NOT cool. For any reason.
- I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our church does not take many official positions on political issues. But the wording of this proposition forced us to take a stand because it defined marriage. The proposition did not speak to civil rights for any group, of laws or protection under those laws. It did not speak as to what will or won't be taught in our schools or where the law might lead us should the proposition fail or succeed. All it did was define marriage in a way that we believe. So we HAD to take a stand to support it. It's what we believe as a fundamental part of our doctrine. To not support this definition of marriage would be to in fact go against what we believe religiously.
- I do not believe in legislating religion or morality. I am pretty liberal. I believe in teaching people correct principles and letting them govern themselves. I believe in protecting the rights of free speech at all costs. For example, I don't believe in burning our flag. However, I will fight for the right of someone else to burn our flag because those freedoms that protect his right to burn that flag are the same freedoms that allow me to have this blog and declare that I am a Christian.
- As far as proposition 8 goes, I could not take my religion or God out of it because it was for those reasons and those reasons alone that I supported it.
- I would fight very hard against laws that would take Constitutional rights away from anyone. However, I believe marriage is a religious union. It is only in modern times that we attached legal weight to this union. It was created by God, it is ordained by God and I believe God intends it to exist between a man and a woman.
- I believe in civil unions for gay couples. I believe that their rights to declare each other as their legal life partner for medical, property and legal reasons should be protected by law. Some of the very best people I have ever known happen to be gay and I love them and I respect them and I would be very sad if my position on this issue hurt them in any way. These people in my life that I am referencing are amazing, generous and treated me with such kindess at times in my life that were the very darkest. I know they feel so rejected and hurt by the passing of this proposition and I know nothing I say would ever change that and for their saddness I feel genuine sorrow.
- Our church came out with a statement that is the whole reason behind this post. I want to BE SURE that my fellow church members AND those who are not of my faith are clear as to what the LDS church's stand is on this issue. We have been heavily criticized in the media for intolerance and hate and that is not what we are about. Here is the direct quote: the LDS church made a statement on November 5 clearly stating that the church believes that gay and lesbian couples should have equal rights. In the church's response (found here at ldsliving.org) is the following paragraph:
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neitherconstitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches. - I hate contention and fighting among good people in whom I have seen great love and compassion, tenderness and respect. Please do not spread that attitude of hate and please reach out to those people you know who do not know what we believe and be sure that they do. It's important.
Friday, November 7, 2008
I just KNOW the Secret Service will be pulling up at any moment...
I watched Prez Elect Obama give his first press conference today and they announced he was considering various individuals for all positions in his cabinet and will be making those announcements over the next few weeks. I got a tingly feeling and I thought..."maybe he will pick me for something."
Now, I've met Barack Obama and even went pee one time with his wife, just the two of us, arm in arm on our way to the ladies room, talking while tinkling, lipstick refreshing together and back into the throws of a busy cocktail reception. So technically, I am not UNKNOWN to the Obamas. It's not outside the realm of possibility that our next President could call upon me to do my duty and serve my country as an integral member of his team.
So I'm thinking of what he might ask me to do.
I can't be anything where I get to know national secrets because I would fold like a bad hand of poker if I was ever threatened with torture. Especially if it was torture by dentistry. I would sing like a bird.
Is there a job like Secretary and Special Advisor to the President on weekly sale flyers and new products at Target?
I could totally be their event planner. I could plan a State Dinner you guys, I really could. And I would plan way funner post-dinner games than they have now and I would get a better band. The Marine Band is great don't get me wrong - but Cold Play is better. And I have a feeling Barack would be down with a better band.
I probably could swing it as Press Secretary as long as I didn't have to keep a lot of secrets. I blame my big mouth on torture, but really I just like to spill the beans.
Let me know what you guys think and I'll let you know if I get a knock on my door even before the Press is notified because you know...the whole unable to keep a secret thing.
Thanks for your time,
Undersecretary to the Secretary of Nap Time
Now, I've met Barack Obama and even went pee one time with his wife, just the two of us, arm in arm on our way to the ladies room, talking while tinkling, lipstick refreshing together and back into the throws of a busy cocktail reception. So technically, I am not UNKNOWN to the Obamas. It's not outside the realm of possibility that our next President could call upon me to do my duty and serve my country as an integral member of his team.
So I'm thinking of what he might ask me to do.
I can't be anything where I get to know national secrets because I would fold like a bad hand of poker if I was ever threatened with torture. Especially if it was torture by dentistry. I would sing like a bird.
Is there a job like Secretary and Special Advisor to the President on weekly sale flyers and new products at Target?
I could totally be their event planner. I could plan a State Dinner you guys, I really could. And I would plan way funner post-dinner games than they have now and I would get a better band. The Marine Band is great don't get me wrong - but Cold Play is better. And I have a feeling Barack would be down with a better band.
I probably could swing it as Press Secretary as long as I didn't have to keep a lot of secrets. I blame my big mouth on torture, but really I just like to spill the beans.
Let me know what you guys think and I'll let you know if I get a knock on my door even before the Press is notified because you know...the whole unable to keep a secret thing.
Thanks for your time,
Undersecretary to the Secretary of Nap Time
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Costume Pictures
Finally, I have downloaded some pictures. The first group are of our trip to Utah. The DVD Sleeping Beauty came out the day before we got there and Auntie Amber put together a fun princess Sleeping Beauty party the first morning we were there and the girls all dressed up in Princess stuff and Cayden dressed up as the Prince in his suit. It was so cute. He and the girls cuddled on the couch, everybody had their babies and Cayden and Katie had their thumbs and it was a magical morning. I'm not sure what happened to all my pix of the rest of my trip because my camera won't let me download them.
The second group is of Halloween. Katie was a ballerina elephant and Jessica was a ballerina zebra. I made their tutus and all the glitter and adornments to the animal costume. Look out Martha. First we have a few of the Halloween carnival at the Meekers Ward and then we have the girls preschool costume parade and Halloween party. I loved their costumes. It POURED RAIN on Halloween so we all cuddled in my big bed with a Care Bears Halloween movie. I don't have pictures of that.
The second group is of Halloween. Katie was a ballerina elephant and Jessica was a ballerina zebra. I made their tutus and all the glitter and adornments to the animal costume. Look out Martha. First we have a few of the Halloween carnival at the Meekers Ward and then we have the girls preschool costume parade and Halloween party. I loved their costumes. It POURED RAIN on Halloween so we all cuddled in my big bed with a Care Bears Halloween movie. I don't have pictures of that.
HOLIDAY DEALS
I am not known as a bargain hunter or shopper. I admire my friend Jody the most of anyone in the world in regards to this. When she was my neighbor on Andrews AFB I saved the most money of my life when we went shopping. I would go to buy something and she would roll her eyes take it out of my basket and explain to me how I could get it for cheaper and better. She dressed her son in Gap and OshKosh and she always looked fabulous and she never spent money. Mike LOVED when I lived near Jody. I'm sad to say I have gone back to my non frugal ways. I blame my Dad really who is famous for picking up the most expensive shoes or home fixture and who loves to buy stuff. Expensive stuff. So I have a genetic thingymajig that throws me off the scent of a bargain. Now, I'm NOT AS BAD as some people I know. I get my hair cut for a reasonable price, my favorite store is Target and I buy 80% of my kids stuff off season on sale.
But there's one place that I am proud to say that I go each year at this time and I get the best deals. It's called the DOLLAR STORE. Now here are the reasons you need to get your holiday hoopdie on at the dollar store. First, by Thanksgiving they will be out of Christmas gift bags. The gift bag is one of the dollar store secrets. Gift bags go anywhere between $2.50 at Target and up to $5.oo at Hallmark. At the dollar store they are a buck. And they are super cute and have cute adornments like buttons or silk flowers and great handles made out of sheer ribbon and they are as nice as the other places that sell gift bags for way more. And if you get there before Thanksgiving, you can get big ones that will hold entire outfits for Grandma or large toy items. They have big bundles of tissue paper also for a buck. I choose to buy my wrapping paper elsewhere. But I buy bags to hold the Christmas cookies or fudge I will give to people, I buy candy canes to put out and I buy ceramic mugs to stuff with bags of homemade hot cocoa mix. I bought tacky decorations for Mike's plywood shack in the desert and I bought ring pops for the girls. When I presented the ring pops and showed them how to wear them like a ring Katie exclaimed "It's SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL" and Jessica said "It is like a TREASURE." That was so worth a dollar. Remember, go to your dollar store now for great holiday items that you have to buy anyway.
But there's one place that I am proud to say that I go each year at this time and I get the best deals. It's called the DOLLAR STORE. Now here are the reasons you need to get your holiday hoopdie on at the dollar store. First, by Thanksgiving they will be out of Christmas gift bags. The gift bag is one of the dollar store secrets. Gift bags go anywhere between $2.50 at Target and up to $5.oo at Hallmark. At the dollar store they are a buck. And they are super cute and have cute adornments like buttons or silk flowers and great handles made out of sheer ribbon and they are as nice as the other places that sell gift bags for way more. And if you get there before Thanksgiving, you can get big ones that will hold entire outfits for Grandma or large toy items. They have big bundles of tissue paper also for a buck. I choose to buy my wrapping paper elsewhere. But I buy bags to hold the Christmas cookies or fudge I will give to people, I buy candy canes to put out and I buy ceramic mugs to stuff with bags of homemade hot cocoa mix. I bought tacky decorations for Mike's plywood shack in the desert and I bought ring pops for the girls. When I presented the ring pops and showed them how to wear them like a ring Katie exclaimed "It's SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL" and Jessica said "It is like a TREASURE." That was so worth a dollar. Remember, go to your dollar store now for great holiday items that you have to buy anyway.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Election Day Minute By Minute (well not really)
7:14 a.m. Girls come bouncing in my room to wake me up because they are dying to get to the polling station and vote. Not really. They bounced in my room, announced they had to pee and wanted to snuggle and watch cartoons.
8:30 I tell them to stay in bed and watch one more cartoon so I can pick up my bedroom for the house cleaner Little Luz who is coming at noon.
9:00 Cereal. Mike calls and tells me Happy Election Day but not Happy Democrat Day because he's still a Republican even though he voted for Obama and he wants to make sure I know that and this election isn't starting some crazy trend of us being politically united. He tells me to fill out my sample ballot before I go. I ask him what sample ballot? And he yells at me to open the damn mail instead of sticking it in a box because there is important stuff in there like my sample ballot and they probably won't let me vote today unless I find it. I tell him I'll take my chances.
10:00 I sing Santa Claus is coming to town multiple times for the girls because Jessica isn't behaving at all today and I want to maximize as many days as possible of using Santa as leverage to get her to do what I tell her to do.
11:00 Jessica goes to time out for like the forth time this morning. I chalk it up to her practicing civil disobedience and her right to be heard on election day. But my house is not a democracy so this behavior is not going to fly thus the clocking time in time out.
12:00 We leave before Little Luz gets to our house. We stop at Jimboys and get a Quesadilla for a snack for the girls even though we are having Mexican tonight. I pick up my vacuum cleaner at my Mom and Dads.
12:30 I drop off the girls at preschool and they discover their teacher is sick and they have a sub. Jessica is very unhappy about this because she LOVES like in hero/idol worships her teacher. I do not care. I sign them in and hit the road.
12:32 I debate about possibly not voting because I need to get my nails filled.
12:40 I arrive at the polling place and it is uncrowded and I have to wait for like 5 minutes. I take this as a sign that I am being blessed for doing my civic duty and think about what color is going to go on my nails while I am in the booth. I get distracted and almost vote for Ralph Nader. Not really.
12:45 I vote for my O'Boyfriend or as my Grandma calls him "BAMIT" because she can never remember his name and I vote Yes on 8 and a few others and I get choked up because I am so moved by the little gymnasium and the volunteers and the Styrofoam cups of coffee and bake sale going on. It's all so Americana and I'm proud to be a part of it.
1:00 I get my nails done and read about 5 chapters of the Gold Coast by Nelson Demille. One of my favorite authors and books of all time. I've read it 2 times but I'm rereading it because the sequel just came out after 20 years. It's the best of Demille's books with the exception of Night Fall or North Country and well, he really knows how to spin a tale. I get a french manicure in case you were wondering.
2:00 I go to the doctors because I get bronchitis every Fall and I got what I thought could be bronchitis this past weekend and I wanted to be proactive rather than get sick all winter like last year plus I wanted to talk to her about my major anxiety levels since the whole scary neighborhood beer bottle busting people in my backyard incident. She told me to get a gun and that she could give me a referral to a good dealer in town where she registers hers. Ummmm....I was looking for some Xanex Doc. Do people really have gun dealers in 2008? I think an alarm and Xanex are still my best bet given 2 three year olds and the fact that I have ANXIETY.
2:45 I run into Ulta and throw more support at our fledgling economy by buying a new eyeliner brush and some Buxom lip gloss.
3:30 Pick up girls from school. Have an in depth conversation with a 7 year old about the advantages/disadvantages about the Leapster 2.
4:00 go to mom and dads. Have snack. Mom packs toiletry bag to come back to my house so we can have a girl party while we get ready for dinner. Not really. I just wanted company and help getting the girls ready.
5:00- 6:00 we all primp, do our hair, make up and get gussied up for our dinner on the town.
6:20 I show up to pick up Grandma Bea for dinner. I bang on her door and ring her door bell and call her on my cell phone and bang on her windows for 10 minutes while I am debating whether or not to call the Fire Department because I am sure she has fallen while trying to get ready for dinner. Her neighbor Nadine who I am sure just watches out the curtain all day nosing into the neighbors business comes running out of her house after I've been knocking for like 2 minutes telling me to bang on the door and demanding to know who I am. "It's Amy Nadine. Isabel's Granddaughter." "who?" "AMY, ISABEL'S GRANDDAUGHTER." "You need to bang harder and call her." "I'M CALLING HER ON MY CELL" "Who are you and what are you doing?" Oh brother. I just keep banging and ringing and calling and starting to worry.
6:34 Gram comes to the door. She had been on the phone with my Aunt who is upset about the election and was simultaneously watching her Spanish Soap Opera and lost track of the time. I tell her I've been out here for a long time and she acts like it's my fault that Nadine called her to tell her "someone" was outside trying to get in her house. ugh.
7:00 We arrive at Ernestos for dinner with my awesome cousin Susan who just married awesome Kevin and who my girls worship and adore because she was the bride/princess and they LOVE her and she is so beautiful. She is also nicer than she is pretty and she's the prettiest person I know in real life. So you can guess how nice she is. My girls run in and tell Susan hi and that they love her. Kisses, hugs all around. I wish my extended family lived closer.
7:30 My carnitas arrive and I remind myself why I love living in California. They cook the pork with oranges and cinnamon and onion.
8:00 John McCain comes on the television at the bar to concede the Presidency. The restaurant got quiet and they turned up the volume so all could hear. It was a great speech. He is a great American and looks so tired. I find myself sad for John McCain even though I am happy about the outcome. The cut to Sarah Palin tearing up and my carnitas almost come up on me.
8:30 Hugs, kisses and good-byes all around and we head home.
8:50 I pick up my previously ordered groceries at our local grocery store that has online shopping and the guy brings all of it out to my van and I don't even have to get out of the car. I am so thankful to be alive and parenting in 2008 and not in 1908 because I do not have to bake bread, churn butter, milk cows or chop wood. Or sew. And they have carnitas in 2008. And a great new Presdient. Life is good.
8:55 I talk to my mother in law about Prop 8 and her election day activities of volunteering at a yes on 8 working station and I am proud for her work and for getting involved in the community.
9:20 Katie's Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for this bedtime. Please bless Daddy on his trip to come home soon. And Heavenly Father, please help me not to cry. And help me not to pout. And Heavenly Father, I am going to tell you why. Because Santa Claus is coming to my town. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen." I silently pray Jessica is listening and am glad for whoever made this whole Santa thing conditional on good behavior.
9:30 I watch Obama's speech on you tube. He's a great speaker you guys. And he's going to be President. Mike calls me to tell me Happy Election Day again and that he's happy about the outcome and he loves me. We laugh about life, the kids and share just a moment of togetherness while the house is quiet and the kids are asleep and I miss him the very most.
10:00 My Dad comes over because I realize I have no Ambien CR and I can't sleep without it since the whole incident. I go to Walgreens and rush back. I love you Dad.
11:00 I talk to Susan to tell her how glad I was to see her, we chat about the election again and Grams and life and I just love Susan and I'm so glad she's my cousin.
12:03 Here I sit, election day is over and I'm going to bed.
8:30 I tell them to stay in bed and watch one more cartoon so I can pick up my bedroom for the house cleaner Little Luz who is coming at noon.
9:00 Cereal. Mike calls and tells me Happy Election Day but not Happy Democrat Day because he's still a Republican even though he voted for Obama and he wants to make sure I know that and this election isn't starting some crazy trend of us being politically united. He tells me to fill out my sample ballot before I go. I ask him what sample ballot? And he yells at me to open the damn mail instead of sticking it in a box because there is important stuff in there like my sample ballot and they probably won't let me vote today unless I find it. I tell him I'll take my chances.
10:00 I sing Santa Claus is coming to town multiple times for the girls because Jessica isn't behaving at all today and I want to maximize as many days as possible of using Santa as leverage to get her to do what I tell her to do.
11:00 Jessica goes to time out for like the forth time this morning. I chalk it up to her practicing civil disobedience and her right to be heard on election day. But my house is not a democracy so this behavior is not going to fly thus the clocking time in time out.
12:00 We leave before Little Luz gets to our house. We stop at Jimboys and get a Quesadilla for a snack for the girls even though we are having Mexican tonight. I pick up my vacuum cleaner at my Mom and Dads.
12:30 I drop off the girls at preschool and they discover their teacher is sick and they have a sub. Jessica is very unhappy about this because she LOVES like in hero/idol worships her teacher. I do not care. I sign them in and hit the road.
12:32 I debate about possibly not voting because I need to get my nails filled.
12:40 I arrive at the polling place and it is uncrowded and I have to wait for like 5 minutes. I take this as a sign that I am being blessed for doing my civic duty and think about what color is going to go on my nails while I am in the booth. I get distracted and almost vote for Ralph Nader. Not really.
12:45 I vote for my O'Boyfriend or as my Grandma calls him "BAMIT" because she can never remember his name and I vote Yes on 8 and a few others and I get choked up because I am so moved by the little gymnasium and the volunteers and the Styrofoam cups of coffee and bake sale going on. It's all so Americana and I'm proud to be a part of it.
1:00 I get my nails done and read about 5 chapters of the Gold Coast by Nelson Demille. One of my favorite authors and books of all time. I've read it 2 times but I'm rereading it because the sequel just came out after 20 years. It's the best of Demille's books with the exception of Night Fall or North Country and well, he really knows how to spin a tale. I get a french manicure in case you were wondering.
2:00 I go to the doctors because I get bronchitis every Fall and I got what I thought could be bronchitis this past weekend and I wanted to be proactive rather than get sick all winter like last year plus I wanted to talk to her about my major anxiety levels since the whole scary neighborhood beer bottle busting people in my backyard incident. She told me to get a gun and that she could give me a referral to a good dealer in town where she registers hers. Ummmm....I was looking for some Xanex Doc. Do people really have gun dealers in 2008? I think an alarm and Xanex are still my best bet given 2 three year olds and the fact that I have ANXIETY.
2:45 I run into Ulta and throw more support at our fledgling economy by buying a new eyeliner brush and some Buxom lip gloss.
3:30 Pick up girls from school. Have an in depth conversation with a 7 year old about the advantages/disadvantages about the Leapster 2.
4:00 go to mom and dads. Have snack. Mom packs toiletry bag to come back to my house so we can have a girl party while we get ready for dinner. Not really. I just wanted company and help getting the girls ready.
5:00- 6:00 we all primp, do our hair, make up and get gussied up for our dinner on the town.
6:20 I show up to pick up Grandma Bea for dinner. I bang on her door and ring her door bell and call her on my cell phone and bang on her windows for 10 minutes while I am debating whether or not to call the Fire Department because I am sure she has fallen while trying to get ready for dinner. Her neighbor Nadine who I am sure just watches out the curtain all day nosing into the neighbors business comes running out of her house after I've been knocking for like 2 minutes telling me to bang on the door and demanding to know who I am. "It's Amy Nadine. Isabel's Granddaughter." "who?" "AMY, ISABEL'S GRANDDAUGHTER." "You need to bang harder and call her." "I'M CALLING HER ON MY CELL" "Who are you and what are you doing?" Oh brother. I just keep banging and ringing and calling and starting to worry.
6:34 Gram comes to the door. She had been on the phone with my Aunt who is upset about the election and was simultaneously watching her Spanish Soap Opera and lost track of the time. I tell her I've been out here for a long time and she acts like it's my fault that Nadine called her to tell her "someone" was outside trying to get in her house. ugh.
7:00 We arrive at Ernestos for dinner with my awesome cousin Susan who just married awesome Kevin and who my girls worship and adore because she was the bride/princess and they LOVE her and she is so beautiful. She is also nicer than she is pretty and she's the prettiest person I know in real life. So you can guess how nice she is. My girls run in and tell Susan hi and that they love her. Kisses, hugs all around. I wish my extended family lived closer.
7:30 My carnitas arrive and I remind myself why I love living in California. They cook the pork with oranges and cinnamon and onion.
8:00 John McCain comes on the television at the bar to concede the Presidency. The restaurant got quiet and they turned up the volume so all could hear. It was a great speech. He is a great American and looks so tired. I find myself sad for John McCain even though I am happy about the outcome. The cut to Sarah Palin tearing up and my carnitas almost come up on me.
8:30 Hugs, kisses and good-byes all around and we head home.
8:50 I pick up my previously ordered groceries at our local grocery store that has online shopping and the guy brings all of it out to my van and I don't even have to get out of the car. I am so thankful to be alive and parenting in 2008 and not in 1908 because I do not have to bake bread, churn butter, milk cows or chop wood. Or sew. And they have carnitas in 2008. And a great new Presdient. Life is good.
8:55 I talk to my mother in law about Prop 8 and her election day activities of volunteering at a yes on 8 working station and I am proud for her work and for getting involved in the community.
9:20 Katie's Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for this bedtime. Please bless Daddy on his trip to come home soon. And Heavenly Father, please help me not to cry. And help me not to pout. And Heavenly Father, I am going to tell you why. Because Santa Claus is coming to my town. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen." I silently pray Jessica is listening and am glad for whoever made this whole Santa thing conditional on good behavior.
9:30 I watch Obama's speech on you tube. He's a great speaker you guys. And he's going to be President. Mike calls me to tell me Happy Election Day again and that he's happy about the outcome and he loves me. We laugh about life, the kids and share just a moment of togetherness while the house is quiet and the kids are asleep and I miss him the very most.
10:00 My Dad comes over because I realize I have no Ambien CR and I can't sleep without it since the whole incident. I go to Walgreens and rush back. I love you Dad.
11:00 I talk to Susan to tell her how glad I was to see her, we chat about the election again and Grams and life and I just love Susan and I'm so glad she's my cousin.
12:03 Here I sit, election day is over and I'm going to bed.
Monday, November 3, 2008
This is way cuter than that political crap I just posted below...
Katie's Prayer Tonight:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this bedtime. Please bless my Daddy he'll be safe on his trip. Please bless that we will have a good bedtime and not get out of our beds and play. And Heavenly Father I love you and I know you love me and you can always count on me. And please help Santa to bring you a present after Christmas time and help my sister Jessica not to be wild during prayers so we can have treats and get to best friends with Mama all three of us. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. And bless Snow White.
And my heart melts and I agree to let them stay up and play until midnight or whatever they want because they are just that cute.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this bedtime. Please bless my Daddy he'll be safe on his trip. Please bless that we will have a good bedtime and not get out of our beds and play. And Heavenly Father I love you and I know you love me and you can always count on me. And please help Santa to bring you a present after Christmas time and help my sister Jessica not to be wild during prayers so we can have treats and get to best friends with Mama all three of us. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. And bless Snow White.
And my heart melts and I agree to let them stay up and play until midnight or whatever they want because they are just that cute.
I promise lots of pictures tomorrow...
Well here we are on the eve of a historic election. No matter what the outcome, history will be made tomorrow. Will we have the first African American President? Will we have the first female Vice President? Will traditional marriage be upheld? Will farm animals get some respect? Propositions will be passed or defeated, people will be out of a job or hired and little old ladies will sit for hours at voting poll stations all over the country because they come from a generation of volunteers. The mix of tradition, the process of voting, the ideals of democracy in action, the concept of one voice making a difference, standing up and being heard versus the modern issues facing this election like same sex marriage and green energy production make me scratch my head in wonderment. Whatever your political thoughts, I hope for one thing for our country. I hope tomorrow, we let our voices be heard and we vote. Blue state, red state, purple state whatever...your voice matters. Thousands of people before you have sacrificed their very lives for the privilege you have to cast your vote. My husband is away serving our country so that in some small way, that privilege will hopefully be preserved. I am so proud to be a citizen of this country and participate in the democratic process. When you look at the rest of the world, especially as women, we are so very lucky.
So on that note, Yay Barack, Yay for Proposition 8 and let's end our dependence on foreign oil. Go America!!!
So on that note, Yay Barack, Yay for Proposition 8 and let's end our dependence on foreign oil. Go America!!!
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