Heidi, our dear friend and interior decorator, and put the final touches on the basement. It is beautiful. Now we need to get new carpet and another couch and perhaps a coffee table.
Jess's preschool was cancelled, so he played with Kira (Heidi's daughter) for a good five hours while they were here. I adore that boy.
Johno came home and showed me all his school stuff. After lunch we sat down and his his homework. He's a good boy.
Piper had a tough day. Well, she was actually quite good, but for the major screaming fit she had. I think she was hungry, but something tipped her off (like me setting her down when she wanted to be carried) and, whoa. She wanted me to pick her up and when I did she would arch her back all the while screaming like I was torturing her. I finally went on autopilot for her safety and my sanity. I got her a sippy cup of milk and she screamed the whole time, I walked to the couch, she followed me screaming, I sat on the couch holding the milk while she screamed. Soon she reached out and began swigging away. This calmed her down and she and Jess happily ate dinner.
John and Johno were absent from dinner because John took Johno out to go target shooting. Johno came back beaming and excited to tell me he shot a real gun. Just joy on his face--it made my day.
John's really bored and burnt out with work. I wish I could do more to buoy him up. I hope our investments pan out so we can move on to other things next year. We've been very blessed so I will be content.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Oct 13, 2008
Today was pretty busy. I'm at the end of a nasty cold, but still in that linger stuffy phase that I don't like one bit. I had volunteered to go on Johno's first fieldtrip to Hee Haws farm, and John stayed home with the little ones so I could go. Sweet man of mine. I was in charge of Johno and four other kindergarteners. That was exhausting. I was constantly counting heads and calling out names of the wandering ones. BUT is really enjoyed being with Johno. What a kid. He is so bright and energetic. I am concerned somewhat because he has been saying that school is sooooo long. I really want him to enjoy school, but I think the best thing is to encourage him, but also listen to what he is saying. I can sometime prematurely dismiss the little thoughts an emotions that the kids have. When I stop and look at things through their eyes, I connect with them and they with me.
Johno: Johno's current love is all thing Lego. He says the only thing on his Christmas list will be Legos. He is currently saving his money to buy a set he saw at Costco. It is 40 bucks, but he is determined. I use a token system for good behavior. Then every week or so we trade the tokens in for quarters. They can earn tokens by doing extra chores or being extra nice to each other. They understand they have regular chores that don't get compensated, but it is nice to let them earn things they really want. When they get their allowance the first thing we have them do is pay their tithing and put some in savings. Johno paid his tithing for the first time on Sunday. I asked if he felt good when he did it and he responded with an emphatic "Yes!" I'm thrilled to my very core that he and Jess are enjoying each other's company lately. They do have "moments" if you will, but more and more they are interacting pleasantly.
Jess: He currently loves to draw and cut out his drawings. There are little white paper clippings all over our house, but his little hands and concentration are too darling to put an end to it. I do warn him that he will have to pick up "every piece of cut up paper". At this moment there is a pile next to my bed that I discovered--that's on his task list for tomorrow. He has become socially comfortable. He can play on his own just fine, but we have older kids now coming and asking if he can play. Johno is always okay if Jess tags along. Jess also likes the sandbox, Josiah's batman cape, and preschool. He is STILL phasing out of naps. It has been a year already! So about 5 or 6 at night is his meltdown moment. It's pretty mild. He claims to have nightmares, but I think he just really likes when John or I lay by him in his bed. I remember how comfortable and safe I felt when lying near my parents, so we don't begrudge him on this. He is satisfied with a few minutes so it isn't intrusive at all. I adore his whole soul.
Piper: She's a firecracker. She is somewhat obsessed with John. If he is in the house she wants to be on his hip. John is putty in her chubby little fingers. If it is only me and her, she just putters behind me. She likes to help with the dishwasher (by help I mean take things out that I just put in). Since she and I had colds, we stayed home while John and the boys when to visit his parents. She and I danced around the living room, played with toys, did the dishwasher thing. My favorite part was when I was eating some apple juice slush, she came and perched herself on my lap. She just sat there so content while I shared spoonfuls of juice with her. Every once in a while she would cock her head back and look at me with an expression of "Isn't this fun?". It really was. She is feisty when she needs to be, but I'm not too concerned. I know what to expect for the most part.
Tonight after dinner we had FHE. We talked about manners and did some role playing. First we did phone etiquette. John and I used our cell phones and called each other to use as an example. Then John and Jess went upstairs while Johno and I stayed downstairs. Johno called Jess and they had the cutest conversation. Then we worked on interrupting when people are talking. This is a pet peeve of John and mine. John and I will be talking and one of them will say "Mom! Mom! Moooooooooooooom!" so we practiced how to say "excuse me" and then wait until it is there turn. Then John had us play charades which was a lot of fun. We did some horsely rides and had a bath. I love my little family.
Johno: Johno's current love is all thing Lego. He says the only thing on his Christmas list will be Legos. He is currently saving his money to buy a set he saw at Costco. It is 40 bucks, but he is determined. I use a token system for good behavior. Then every week or so we trade the tokens in for quarters. They can earn tokens by doing extra chores or being extra nice to each other. They understand they have regular chores that don't get compensated, but it is nice to let them earn things they really want. When they get their allowance the first thing we have them do is pay their tithing and put some in savings. Johno paid his tithing for the first time on Sunday. I asked if he felt good when he did it and he responded with an emphatic "Yes!" I'm thrilled to my very core that he and Jess are enjoying each other's company lately. They do have "moments" if you will, but more and more they are interacting pleasantly.
Jess: He currently loves to draw and cut out his drawings. There are little white paper clippings all over our house, but his little hands and concentration are too darling to put an end to it. I do warn him that he will have to pick up "every piece of cut up paper". At this moment there is a pile next to my bed that I discovered--that's on his task list for tomorrow. He has become socially comfortable. He can play on his own just fine, but we have older kids now coming and asking if he can play. Johno is always okay if Jess tags along. Jess also likes the sandbox, Josiah's batman cape, and preschool. He is STILL phasing out of naps. It has been a year already! So about 5 or 6 at night is his meltdown moment. It's pretty mild. He claims to have nightmares, but I think he just really likes when John or I lay by him in his bed. I remember how comfortable and safe I felt when lying near my parents, so we don't begrudge him on this. He is satisfied with a few minutes so it isn't intrusive at all. I adore his whole soul.
Piper: She's a firecracker. She is somewhat obsessed with John. If he is in the house she wants to be on his hip. John is putty in her chubby little fingers. If it is only me and her, she just putters behind me. She likes to help with the dishwasher (by help I mean take things out that I just put in). Since she and I had colds, we stayed home while John and the boys when to visit his parents. She and I danced around the living room, played with toys, did the dishwasher thing. My favorite part was when I was eating some apple juice slush, she came and perched herself on my lap. She just sat there so content while I shared spoonfuls of juice with her. Every once in a while she would cock her head back and look at me with an expression of "Isn't this fun?". It really was. She is feisty when she needs to be, but I'm not too concerned. I know what to expect for the most part.
Tonight after dinner we had FHE. We talked about manners and did some role playing. First we did phone etiquette. John and I used our cell phones and called each other to use as an example. Then John and Jess went upstairs while Johno and I stayed downstairs. Johno called Jess and they had the cutest conversation. Then we worked on interrupting when people are talking. This is a pet peeve of John and mine. John and I will be talking and one of them will say "Mom! Mom! Moooooooooooooom!" so we practiced how to say "excuse me" and then wait until it is there turn. Then John had us play charades which was a lot of fun. We did some horsely rides and had a bath. I love my little family.
Tagged
I was tagged by dear Crystal (who I desperately need to have a GNO with), and so I am supposed to come up with 7 quirks about myself. I'm sure there are quirky things about me, but because I deem them normal this will take some work. Hmmmm . . .
1. I love our cozy house, but there is absolutely no storage space so I easily get a claustrophobic sensation. So I l-o-v-e to purge unnecessary items. I love pulling into the D.I. drive through and handing over my garbage bags full of stuff I don't have to waste time deciding what to do with anymore. I love when the Multiple Sclerosis ladies call me and ask if I have any donations, because they drive right up and take it all away. I guess the quirky part about this is that when I have successfully organized a room or a closet, I will put the kids to bed, get a bowl of ice-cream, or some other unneeded caloric addition to my day, and sit in the space that is organized. My closet, the toy room, the laundry room. Why? Probably because I know that it may not last long (especially the toy room).
2. My most favorite drink? Ice-water. The finer the ice the better. Some day we will have one of those magic refrigerators where the ice come s through the door and filters the nastiness out of Lehi water.
3. I love a good grandpa sweater. You know what I'm talking about: over sized, tan, wool, pockets at the bottom--it would match right up to high-waisted trousers and maybe a bow-tie (I don't wear those) . I just washed my current one yesterday and look forward to wearing it tomorrow. John is a lucky man to have such a trophy wife.
4. I may be one of the only people you know that actually like the orange, peanut-shaped marshmallows. I believe they are called Circus Peanuts. "Gross" is what you're thinking, but I care not.
5. I can't be completely at ease in my day until every one's hair is combed. Even if I know we are not going anywhere, it will drive me crazy if they have bed head. I put together a hair combing kit (pencil box with a mini water sprayer, gel, comb, and hairspray) for my closet downstairs and in my car .
6. I don't love shopping (and don't have much time to do so), but I do love thrift stores (i.e. Kid-to-Kid, garage sales, D.I.). There is something about finding something (be it a toy or clothes), cleaning it up and actually using it for the fraction of the price. I bought Piper some really cute name-brand sweaters at Kid-to-Kid for 3 and 4 bucks. Some of my favorite jeans are second hand. I do shop regular retail, but it is not as exciting.
7. Whenever I pick up someone from the airport, I always ask what movie they watched on their flight. I don't even watch that many movies, but I'm always curious. I'm not exactly sure why.
So there you go. Probably pretty boring stuff, but that was the best I could come up with.
1. I love our cozy house, but there is absolutely no storage space so I easily get a claustrophobic sensation. So I l-o-v-e to purge unnecessary items. I love pulling into the D.I. drive through and handing over my garbage bags full of stuff I don't have to waste time deciding what to do with anymore. I love when the Multiple Sclerosis ladies call me and ask if I have any donations, because they drive right up and take it all away. I guess the quirky part about this is that when I have successfully organized a room or a closet, I will put the kids to bed, get a bowl of ice-cream, or some other unneeded caloric addition to my day, and sit in the space that is organized. My closet, the toy room, the laundry room. Why? Probably because I know that it may not last long (especially the toy room).
2. My most favorite drink? Ice-water. The finer the ice the better. Some day we will have one of those magic refrigerators where the ice come s through the door and filters the nastiness out of Lehi water.
3. I love a good grandpa sweater. You know what I'm talking about: over sized, tan, wool, pockets at the bottom--it would match right up to high-waisted trousers and maybe a bow-tie (I don't wear those) . I just washed my current one yesterday and look forward to wearing it tomorrow. John is a lucky man to have such a trophy wife.
4. I may be one of the only people you know that actually like the orange, peanut-shaped marshmallows. I believe they are called Circus Peanuts. "Gross" is what you're thinking, but I care not.
5. I can't be completely at ease in my day until every one's hair is combed. Even if I know we are not going anywhere, it will drive me crazy if they have bed head. I put together a hair combing kit (pencil box with a mini water sprayer, gel, comb, and hairspray) for my closet downstairs and in my car .
6. I don't love shopping (and don't have much time to do so), but I do love thrift stores (i.e. Kid-to-Kid, garage sales, D.I.). There is something about finding something (be it a toy or clothes), cleaning it up and actually using it for the fraction of the price. I bought Piper some really cute name-brand sweaters at Kid-to-Kid for 3 and 4 bucks. Some of my favorite jeans are second hand. I do shop regular retail, but it is not as exciting.
7. Whenever I pick up someone from the airport, I always ask what movie they watched on their flight. I don't even watch that many movies, but I'm always curious. I'm not exactly sure why.
So there you go. Probably pretty boring stuff, but that was the best I could come up with.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Oct 1st 2008
Here it goes:
* Woke up on time. Piper usually wakes up at 6-ish so we let her come in our bed for the last hour or so. She drinks a bottle and drifts in and out of sleep. I absolutely love it. I can't have kids in my bed all the live long night, but that last hour is sweetness. When she decided to wake up she crawls all over me and John. I think she picks the sleepiest parent to tackle. She would tickle John, crawl over his shoulder and gabber. At one point she straddled his neck so her little tushi was in his face. I was a very entertained observer.
* I got Johno all gussied up. It was picture day. He looked just so dapper in his clothes. I walked him down to the bus stop.
* I Jess and Pi fed and ready. We needed to deliver the Activity Day fliers ASAP because we were having an activity today.
* We headed to Macey's to get the cursed canning jars. They were out except for the 1/2 gallon size. I got those just to find out they are too tall for the canning steamer I borrowed from Ann. Peaches are in the box. Tick tick tick.
* I got Piper down for her first nap. While Jess watched a show I lazily sorted through laundry in my room while watching something lame.
* Jess and I had a rematch of Candyland. He won again.
* We picked up Johno. Jess was playing a game called Hyperdash on the front lawn. Johno asked if he could play and sort of ended up taking over the game. Within about minutes time Jess was in tears an Johno was all up in a twist. I ended the game right then and sent them to cool off on their beds. On the way in Jess apologized to Johno which Johno quickly rejected. I let Jess come out very soon after because he attempted a genuine apology. Johno got to stay put. When Johno was release we had a short chat and moved on with the day.
* We had lunch. Noodles and peaches.
* We really wanted to decorate for Halloween, so I decided to look in the garage attic for our one little Halloween box. I got our ladder and hoisted myself up. I could see it up there but it was far out of reach and I was barely tall enough to peek in. Johno was coaching me from below and trying to keep Piper from climbing up the ladder. I finally stepped on the open garage door and hung on to a 2x4. Johno was saying "Mom, you should come down". Well, I was to the point where that box was coming down whole or in pieces (lucky we both came down safely).
* We didn't get the chance to decorate after all.
* I had to prepare for Activity Days.
* Madison came to babysit while I taught Activity Days. It was a very fun lesson. I wrote about it on my other blog.
* John came home and made frozen pizzas because he and Johno were headed to Literacy Night at the school.
* The Thompson stopped by and John and kids hung outside while they talked chickens and the suffering economic crisis.
* John had a work emergency, so he had to leave (humph) and I was on my own to put the kids to bed.
* I coaxed them upstair for baths. But right before that I saw them from the top of the stairs. Johno and Jess were running from Piper who was delightedly "scaring" them. The squeals were halted me and I enjoyed the scene before me.
* I got Piper out of the tub while the boys continued on. When I came in they were having a wet paper towel war. I enjoyed the moment once more because they were as delighted laughing as if they were at Disneyland. But then again I was exhausted so were trucked on through pjs, snack, brushing teeth, using the restroom and reading books.
* We ran through our scripture.
* I put Piper down to sleep.
* Got the boys a drink of water.
* Read in the scriptures. The main thought that lingered was repenting with a full purpose of heart. I think that goes for any good act we do. If I am going to serve, I need to do it selflessly and void of all whineyness.
* Ate a big bowl of ice-cream. Probably too big.
* Woke up on time. Piper usually wakes up at 6-ish so we let her come in our bed for the last hour or so. She drinks a bottle and drifts in and out of sleep. I absolutely love it. I can't have kids in my bed all the live long night, but that last hour is sweetness. When she decided to wake up she crawls all over me and John. I think she picks the sleepiest parent to tackle. She would tickle John, crawl over his shoulder and gabber. At one point she straddled his neck so her little tushi was in his face. I was a very entertained observer.
* I got Johno all gussied up. It was picture day. He looked just so dapper in his clothes. I walked him down to the bus stop.
* I Jess and Pi fed and ready. We needed to deliver the Activity Day fliers ASAP because we were having an activity today.
* We headed to Macey's to get the cursed canning jars. They were out except for the 1/2 gallon size. I got those just to find out they are too tall for the canning steamer I borrowed from Ann. Peaches are in the box. Tick tick tick.
* I got Piper down for her first nap. While Jess watched a show I lazily sorted through laundry in my room while watching something lame.
* Jess and I had a rematch of Candyland. He won again.
* We picked up Johno. Jess was playing a game called Hyperdash on the front lawn. Johno asked if he could play and sort of ended up taking over the game. Within about minutes time Jess was in tears an Johno was all up in a twist. I ended the game right then and sent them to cool off on their beds. On the way in Jess apologized to Johno which Johno quickly rejected. I let Jess come out very soon after because he attempted a genuine apology. Johno got to stay put. When Johno was release we had a short chat and moved on with the day.
* We had lunch. Noodles and peaches.
* We really wanted to decorate for Halloween, so I decided to look in the garage attic for our one little Halloween box. I got our ladder and hoisted myself up. I could see it up there but it was far out of reach and I was barely tall enough to peek in. Johno was coaching me from below and trying to keep Piper from climbing up the ladder. I finally stepped on the open garage door and hung on to a 2x4. Johno was saying "Mom, you should come down". Well, I was to the point where that box was coming down whole or in pieces (lucky we both came down safely).
* We didn't get the chance to decorate after all.
* I had to prepare for Activity Days.
* Madison came to babysit while I taught Activity Days. It was a very fun lesson. I wrote about it on my other blog.
* John came home and made frozen pizzas because he and Johno were headed to Literacy Night at the school.
* The Thompson stopped by and John and kids hung outside while they talked chickens and the suffering economic crisis.
* John had a work emergency, so he had to leave (humph) and I was on my own to put the kids to bed.
* I coaxed them upstair for baths. But right before that I saw them from the top of the stairs. Johno and Jess were running from Piper who was delightedly "scaring" them. The squeals were halted me and I enjoyed the scene before me.
* I got Piper out of the tub while the boys continued on. When I came in they were having a wet paper towel war. I enjoyed the moment once more because they were as delighted laughing as if they were at Disneyland. But then again I was exhausted so were trucked on through pjs, snack, brushing teeth, using the restroom and reading books.
* We ran through our scripture.
* I put Piper down to sleep.
* Got the boys a drink of water.
* Read in the scriptures. The main thought that lingered was repenting with a full purpose of heart. I think that goes for any good act we do. If I am going to serve, I need to do it selflessly and void of all whineyness.
* Ate a big bowl of ice-cream. Probably too big.
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