Tonight I was feeling badly for myself for being far away from Andrew (now on our fourth week . . . only two more to go) and trying to be a bit of a single parent. I was feeling the weight of all the changes and all the little things that still need to fall into place, when I came upon a button on my sister-in-laws blog which said "I read NieNie". I pushed the button/link and came upon a blog about the most amazing women who has been through an incredible amount. Stephanie Aurora Clark Nielson and her husband were in a airplane crash two years ago. Both were burned severely, with Stephanie having burns covering 80% of her body. They have four beautiful children. Stephanie celebrates each day of life, especially as a mother and as one who knows the Savior's love. I felt small and my "problems" began to be so insignificant. This time in our family's life will fade and soon become a memory . . . it is not something I will have to live with the rest of my life, through pain, rehabilitation, surgery, and the judgements of people around in every day life. It is so easy to get caught up with the "why me's", I've decided that life is just too short for those any more!
I watched a video that LDS.org put together about her and her family - it is very much worth viewing. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHDvxPjsm8E
By the way, I'm now an "I read NieNie" fan also - thank you Laura!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cole and Bugs!
Today Cole brought me five worms. I think the he would make a great night crawler catcher if it was a respectable profession! The other day Cole also brought me a "baby" slug and a "Big" slug. He told me that the slugs are very sticky.
This afternoon, Cole and Parker both came running into the house going on about a BIG bug with wings. Then they about ripped off my finger pulling me outside to come and see it. It turned out to be an enormous Horse Fly (they were not exaggerating!). The fly was simply walking around on some pavers and looked like it was in no kind of hurrying to fly off any where. I told the boys that they might want to leave it alone since Horse Flies can bite. Parker went running off stating that he wanted nothing to do with it; Cole kept watching it, but with a stick in hand. A few more minutes went by and Cole came and found me again. This time he proudly told me that he killed the fly (big smile on his face). After a pause of not knowing quite how to respond (I didn't want to burst his pleasure bubble), I told him that we shouldn't kill insects just to kill them. This was Cole's response, "Mommy, I kill the bad bugs! There are bad bugs and good bugs. Grasshoppers are good bugs!" I wanted to die laughing, but held it in - where does Cole come up with these things!
I love how Cole is so fascinated by the world around him right now! I honestly try to be so intrigued and excited about each worm that he brings in to show me. I'm just glad he is not bringing in snakes . . . yet! Each time I do the laundry and check pockets I wonder what things I might be finding in those pockets in the near future!
Cole also watched a kids show today where they talked about thermometers - now he wants to know more about how they work and what the red and blue on them are for. I'll have to make a big one for him that he can move a dial on for the temperature - that will have to wait until Pennsylvania . . . I'm still working on his calendar and weather bear! I'm not sure if I can keep up with this boy!
This afternoon, Cole and Parker both came running into the house going on about a BIG bug with wings. Then they about ripped off my finger pulling me outside to come and see it. It turned out to be an enormous Horse Fly (they were not exaggerating!). The fly was simply walking around on some pavers and looked like it was in no kind of hurrying to fly off any where. I told the boys that they might want to leave it alone since Horse Flies can bite. Parker went running off stating that he wanted nothing to do with it; Cole kept watching it, but with a stick in hand. A few more minutes went by and Cole came and found me again. This time he proudly told me that he killed the fly (big smile on his face). After a pause of not knowing quite how to respond (I didn't want to burst his pleasure bubble), I told him that we shouldn't kill insects just to kill them. This was Cole's response, "Mommy, I kill the bad bugs! There are bad bugs and good bugs. Grasshoppers are good bugs!" I wanted to die laughing, but held it in - where does Cole come up with these things!
I love how Cole is so fascinated by the world around him right now! I honestly try to be so intrigued and excited about each worm that he brings in to show me. I'm just glad he is not bringing in snakes . . . yet! Each time I do the laundry and check pockets I wonder what things I might be finding in those pockets in the near future!
Cole also watched a kids show today where they talked about thermometers - now he wants to know more about how they work and what the red and blue on them are for. I'll have to make a big one for him that he can move a dial on for the temperature - that will have to wait until Pennsylvania . . . I'm still working on his calendar and weather bear! I'm not sure if I can keep up with this boy!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Jack making himself at home!
New Backpacks = Like Daddy!
Saturday night the boys each got a new backpack - their first ones. They were so excited about them and could not wait to wear them. The best part was Sunday morning I could overhear Parker in his bed as he was waking up . . . he was talking all about his new backpack! When I went to get him out of bed, the first thing that he wanted, after taking out his blanket, doggy, and cat (something he does every morning), was to put on his red backpack. When the boys first got them, their response was, "now we are like daddy too!". Later, Sunday afternoon, the boys got on the computer to talk to/see daddy (love Skype), they showed Andrew their new packs and asked to see his also. So cute! I remember my first backpack, it was pink!
By the way, yes the backpacks have other names currently embroidered on them - they are the greatest deal. They are Pottery Barn backpacks that have been returned or never picked up once embroidered. Then this store in Utah sells them for around $7.00. All you have to do is un-stitch the embroidery, rub out the marks, and they look as good as new. Not bad for a high quality backpack!
By the way, yes the backpacks have other names currently embroidered on them - they are the greatest deal. They are Pottery Barn backpacks that have been returned or never picked up once embroidered. Then this store in Utah sells them for around $7.00. All you have to do is un-stitch the embroidery, rub out the marks, and they look as good as new. Not bad for a high quality backpack!
Eating Like a Cat
Parker has this thing with eating like a cat. Oft times he will put something on the floor so that he can get down and eat it cat-style. The other morning, after I just finished cleaning up the water mess from the boys in the bathroom, Cole ran into the bathroom with an empty box of cereal . . . the question on my mind, "where did the cereal go?!". As I walked out to the family room the evidence was in a neat pile on the floor, with Parker going down on the cereal like a cat! I'm not sure of the details that led up to the "spillage", but whatever the events, Parker was in cat heaven chowing away!
Cole had to join in the act because the camera was out! We did have a talk afterward about pouring cereal on the floor and how it is not appropriate!
Cole had to join in the act because the camera was out! We did have a talk afterward about pouring cereal on the floor and how it is not appropriate!
Nonut Faces
Cole and Parker love doughnuts - especially ones with white frosting. The funny thing is that they both call them "nonuts". It's one of those things I should correct them on, but get a laugh out of hearing each time. So, here are their latest nonut faces:
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Things You Can Make Out of Trash
About 3 weeks ago, Andrew and I noticed that Cole was using a stick in the backyard as a telescope. Not being very excited about Cole running around the yard with a stick poking in his eye, I suggested to Cole that we make a telescope.
First we unrolled some wrapping paper from the tube and cut that into appropriate lengths, and then Cole and I had the greatest time decorating his "telescope". We even went so far as to put a piece of plastic bag on the one end to make it look like glass. Cole has had a lot of fun with this telescope made from garbage - it has been even more fun for Andrew and I to watch him sit on the bridge in my parents backyard (what Cole has come to call his boat, and not just any boat, but his fire boat!) and spy through his telescope, looking for who knows what.
Well, the telescope gave Cole even more ideas. This past Sunday, Cole began asking to make binoculars . . . So, we thought about it and came up with a plan - and the plan began with raiding bathroom garbage cans in search of toilet paper tubes. Cole was very proud of the final product and couldn't wait to tell Andrew all about them.
It is amazing the great things that you can make out of another man's garbage (not that I would rifle through other people's garbage cans), and the great thing is that we didn't have to spend a dime!
By the way, mom, thanks for the wrapping paper tube . . . I don't think that I ever told you that we took one, grin! I did nicely roll the wrapping paper back up around itself and used a rubber band to secure it! (the paper towel tube was a bit too flimsy!)
Two Things Everyone Should Do
Okay, so this last week there are two things that I did that I think that everyone should do:
The first is learn to pull a trailer behind a truck (yes, mine was a bit extreme being a 20 foot trailer that weighed around 7,000 lbs.). I gained a lot respect for other people pulling heavy loads, especially the 18 wheeler+ truck drivers. I had to learn to turn very wide, begin stopping way before needing to stop, and that you should only go as fast as you feel comfortable going, not as fast as the haul can go. Although this experience did get me one step closer to realizing my dream of learning to drive an 18 wheeler (I have always wanted to pull a Jake Brake!), I learned to respect incredibly those hauling great loads around. Yes, I may be impatient and want to get around them, but they are trying to hold a lot more balloons in their hands then I am and I need to give them that respect. In the end, hauling the trailer and driving the truck was actually fun, even after the night before when I was in tears not wanting to do it! By the way, for those wondering, I pulled the 20 foot trailer from Phoenix to Provo. I have yet to learn to back a trailer - that, I am sure, would be a whole blog entry on it's own.
The second lesson, if you haven't been to Primary in a while, go! Yes, you may be thinking noisy, annoying children, but, as sappy as it sounds, that is where the Spirit dwells in a chapel. I had not been back to Primary since I taught the 7 and 8 year olds over five years ago. Sunday I went to help referee Cole in Sunbeams. I was quickly reminded why my Primary calling was the best calling I have ever had. Yes, two of Cole's classmates were trying to lick each other's tongues and yes the Music Leader looked like he wanted to pull all his hair out, but to hear the kids singing way too loud and with all the feeling they have and hearing their innocent answers to questions is truly something else. To see the smiles on the kids faces - verses the frowns and boredom looks on the faces in Sunday School - made me feel the true spirit as to what the Gospel is all about. I am actually looking forward to next Sunday when I get to go to Primary again. Maybe this time I will even get to color . . . if anything, I know it will be entertaining! (I hope this didn't sound too sappy, I did not intend it that way - grin!)
The first is learn to pull a trailer behind a truck (yes, mine was a bit extreme being a 20 foot trailer that weighed around 7,000 lbs.). I gained a lot respect for other people pulling heavy loads, especially the 18 wheeler+ truck drivers. I had to learn to turn very wide, begin stopping way before needing to stop, and that you should only go as fast as you feel comfortable going, not as fast as the haul can go. Although this experience did get me one step closer to realizing my dream of learning to drive an 18 wheeler (I have always wanted to pull a Jake Brake!), I learned to respect incredibly those hauling great loads around. Yes, I may be impatient and want to get around them, but they are trying to hold a lot more balloons in their hands then I am and I need to give them that respect. In the end, hauling the trailer and driving the truck was actually fun, even after the night before when I was in tears not wanting to do it! By the way, for those wondering, I pulled the 20 foot trailer from Phoenix to Provo. I have yet to learn to back a trailer - that, I am sure, would be a whole blog entry on it's own.
The second lesson, if you haven't been to Primary in a while, go! Yes, you may be thinking noisy, annoying children, but, as sappy as it sounds, that is where the Spirit dwells in a chapel. I had not been back to Primary since I taught the 7 and 8 year olds over five years ago. Sunday I went to help referee Cole in Sunbeams. I was quickly reminded why my Primary calling was the best calling I have ever had. Yes, two of Cole's classmates were trying to lick each other's tongues and yes the Music Leader looked like he wanted to pull all his hair out, but to hear the kids singing way too loud and with all the feeling they have and hearing their innocent answers to questions is truly something else. To see the smiles on the kids faces - verses the frowns and boredom looks on the faces in Sunday School - made me feel the true spirit as to what the Gospel is all about. I am actually looking forward to next Sunday when I get to go to Primary again. Maybe this time I will even get to color . . . if anything, I know it will be entertaining! (I hope this didn't sound too sappy, I did not intend it that way - grin!)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thought for the Day:
What do you do when your son proudly shows you that he cleans his ears with YOUR electric toothbrush? . . . Thanks Cole!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Boys Will Be Boys
Here are simply some fun pictures from yesterday. The boys have really enjoyed my parent's backyard. Each day they get to do some of their favorite things outside - running, chasing, and wrestling.
Just being cute brothers! 
This is one of my favorite pictures of the day!
Don't let Parker fool you . . . he does a fair amount of the take downs when wrestling is in full swing.
. . . And they all came tumbling down!
Someone always gets hurt - and it's usually Parker!
Parker flying - Parker loves to pretend that he is flying all over the place. If you pick him up to carry him somewhere, oft times he will "fly there". He cracks me up!
Summer evenings in the backyard! . . . the only thing they are missing is daddy!
Adventures With My Boys - Worms
Today my boys discovered worms. They had a lot of fun through out the day searching for them with their tools. Cole was kind enough to bring a couple of the worms in to show me. He had all kinds of questions about the worms: What do the worms eat? Where do they sleep? What do they drink? And, where do their parents live?
The first photo is of Cole proudly displaying one of his catches, which he was good enough to return its home.
The second picture is of the boys searching for worms in my parents backyard. Don't you just want to join in the fun? What we miss out on as "adults".
The first photo is of Cole proudly displaying one of his catches, which he was good enough to return its home.The second picture is of the boys searching for worms in my parents backyard. Don't you just want to join in the fun? What we miss out on as "adults".What I Want This Blog To Be
Random may be the best word for describing what I want this blog to be. I simply want this to be a catch-all for how I feel, what my family is up to, my varied interests, on and on. I may have been an English major, but I oft times do not spell things correctly or express myself in the best way (usually I'm too wordy) - if you can look past all of that, then maybe this glimpse of my life will be a bit entertaining.
About me - I love to laugh! You can tell when I am happy and not stressed because I will be humming or singing some thing (funny thing, Cole does this same thing). I like to cook, I just do not like the clean up. I am not a photographer by any name sake, but I love to take pictures and I love to just go out and see what I can catch through the lens - be it people (usually my kids), flowers, animals, oddities, colors, etc. (When I took my second photography class at BYU, my classmates deemed my photos as Hallmark cards). I like to notice the small things going on around me - from leaves changing colors, the clouds in the sky, the way my kids look when they are sleeping, to how things look differently just after it has rained. I like to make things, yes, even crafty things, it is an outlet for me. I love to read, but not what my husband likes to read. I love learning about just about anything - history, science, farming, people and cultures, you name it. I love the stars, what would night time be like with out them! I am a dreamer and believe that rainbows, four leaf clovers, and rain when it is sunny are all magical to those who want them to be (yes, I still wish on stars!). My favorite color is red, but sometimes that changes to green. I like having friends, but I never let them get too close to me. I love playing the piano, even though I can't really play (yes, I still want to take more lessons). I like the water, but I am not a good swimmer. I do not like crying in front of others and will go hide if I can (you can ask Andrew how many times he has found me hiding in the closet crying). I like being loved for simply being me!
About me - I love to laugh! You can tell when I am happy and not stressed because I will be humming or singing some thing (funny thing, Cole does this same thing). I like to cook, I just do not like the clean up. I am not a photographer by any name sake, but I love to take pictures and I love to just go out and see what I can catch through the lens - be it people (usually my kids), flowers, animals, oddities, colors, etc. (When I took my second photography class at BYU, my classmates deemed my photos as Hallmark cards). I like to notice the small things going on around me - from leaves changing colors, the clouds in the sky, the way my kids look when they are sleeping, to how things look differently just after it has rained. I like to make things, yes, even crafty things, it is an outlet for me. I love to read, but not what my husband likes to read. I love learning about just about anything - history, science, farming, people and cultures, you name it. I love the stars, what would night time be like with out them! I am a dreamer and believe that rainbows, four leaf clovers, and rain when it is sunny are all magical to those who want them to be (yes, I still wish on stars!). My favorite color is red, but sometimes that changes to green. I like having friends, but I never let them get too close to me. I love playing the piano, even though I can't really play (yes, I still want to take more lessons). I like the water, but I am not a good swimmer. I do not like crying in front of others and will go hide if I can (you can ask Andrew how many times he has found me hiding in the closet crying). I like being loved for simply being me!
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