Goddard Family

Why I don't blog

2012-01-26T15:47:00.003-05:00

I've been asking myself, why am I not blogging these days... and I'm not sure I have a good answer. But I have an answer none the less.

It's because...

1. I don't take pictures, and a blog without pictures is lame. And then there's the guilt, that I don't take pictures of my adorable children and the fun things we do.

2. Things are not changing much, life is good and happy and wonderful so what's there to write about?

3. It's because I keep my house spotless all the time and therefore, there's no time to blog... this one is a lie. I waste plenty of time in a day that could be spent blogging. And, my house is not spotless. It's covered in sand from the sand box, toys, books, fruit snack wrappers, and little shoes and socks. I promise I won't lie anymore.

4. I'm busy. While that is true, I found time today to take a nice hour long nap. It was one of those that you have to use a metaphorical pry-bar to get yourself awake. But boy, did that feel nice. The nap, not the pry-bar... that was actually almost painful.

5. I'm busy running, and recovering from running. This is actually true. I've got a marathon in a little more than a month and it seems my life is pretty consumed in preparation. I only run three days a week, but when you get into high mileage, that equates to about ten hours a week. That's like a part-time, part-time job. I'm excited for the day my runs only take half an hour instead of half a day.

So, that's me. That's why I'm not blogging. That's my excuse. But I'm going to try and do better. Maybe if I splurge and get a nice new camera I'll be more motivated to take pictures... and that could be my springboard back into the business. Scott'll love that one. :) "Honey, I need to spend lots of money to buy a new camera so I can be motivated to blog." I'll phrase it differently. It just might work. I'll use my PR skills and see what kind of spin I can put on the situation. Stay tuned.

We're still alive

2012-01-24T21:17:00.002-05:00

So yeah, we didn't fall off he face of the planet. We've just been busy. :) I'll resume writing blogs one of these days.

The first day of school!

2011-08-26T13:44:00.003-04:00

Jeff started his first day of kindergarten. He was super excited about it. Especially since he gets to ride his bike to school. I love that he is so close to us this year. I'm planning on spending lots of time in his classroom. It's so quiet having him gone all day long. Our favorite part of the day is after-school-snacks. We all love them... me too. :)

Swimming lessons

2011-08-20T15:03:00.003-04:00

Jeff and Nate did swimming lessons all summer long. I'm glad I did it. Even if it meant a lot of sweating. :)

Jeff can swim the length of the pool all by himself and do a freestyle and backstroke. He started out only able to do bubbles.

Nate can glide by himself and dive for things too. His favorite thing is to go off the diving board. He started the summer terrified to even put his toes in the water. I think we made some serious progress.

Getting ready for things

2011-08-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

We're getting ready for things at our house. Getting ready for school to start, getting ready for things to get back into a rhythm, getting ready for a little less chaos all day long. I know most people cry when they send their kids to school. I don't. I'm ready. And I'm pretty sure Jeff has been ready for quite some time. He is counting down the days (literally).

I think Nate will enjoy a little time with just me. And I think Gracie will like being able to nap when she is tired. We've been doing swimming lessons all summer and it seems lessons were scheduled right when Gracie wanted to sleep. I hope getting the kinks worked out in her schedule will help her.

So that's us.

Another Blog

2011-07-21T16:59:00.002-04:00

So, I've started another blog. I know, I know... as if one isn't enough to keep up with. ;) But the other blog is to keep track of my marathon training. I'll post every day, but it will really only be about my workouts. This blog will still be my family blog that talks about things that are really important.

So here is the link if you care to hear about my training.

In other news. I'm headed home for a few weeks. I'm excited to see my family and a few friends. It's been a year since I've been home, so it will be good to get back for a bit.

Things I'm looking forward to no the trip (in no particular order):
1. showing off my Texas tan to my sisters (who will envy the slightly more than opaque color of my legs)

2. Being on the farm

3. My ten-year class reunion (it really has been THAT long)

4. Seeing all my nieces and nephews and the rest of the family for that matter

5. Remembering what cool nights feel like

6. Seeing mountains

7. Watching my boys play with their cousins

8. Drinking the water on my parents' farm that comes fresh to us from our well

9. Seeing how I hold up in my running at higher altitudes

10. Playing in the grass with no fear of being attacked by fire ants (this one will be hard to get used to)

I choose this!

2011-06-25T14:18:00.004-04:00

I was reading this article the other day and came across this quote...

For young Mormon women, who face immense cultural pressure to stay home with children rather than pursue a career, blogging about their adventures in homemaking becomes a sort of creative outlet, a way of contributing to the larger world beyond the home.
-Emily Henderson

I started thinking about why I stay home with my kids. Do I do it because I feel like others will look down on me if I don't? Do I do it because I don' want a "real" job? Do I do it because I feel pressure to do it?

While I don't debate the idea that there is a lot of "cultural pressure" to be a stay-at-home mom, I have to say "pressure" isn't the reason I choose it.

I choose to be home with my kids because when I have thought about all the other things I could do (and I think about things a lot) I always come back to the fact that my kids need me.

They need me to make them breakfast. They need me to take them to swimming lessons. They need me to help them get bathed and dressed. They need me to read books to them. They need me to teach them to eat healthy things. They need me to teach them to be kind. They need me to give them some consistency in their lives.

While I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who are a better mother than I am, I can't get over the fact that these kids have been entrusted to ME. I'm their mommy. I have a love for them that no one else could duplicate. I can't even duplicate it for other people's kids (though I feel a little embarrassed to admit that).

Really, when I think deeply about it, I realize I need them. They teach me things I would struggle to learn without them. I learn things that help me to be more like my Savior Jesus Christ.

2011-05-05T13:16:00.002-04:00

Here's a few more photos of the cute kids in my life... minus Jeff. He's usually at school when I get the camera out. :) There's also a few shots of Gracie showing off her designer diapers. You don't just get pictures, but a report of the first week of cloth diapering... you'll have to go down to the end to read up on that because these kids need to be the first thing you see when you come to this blog.

Here's the report. I started out using these on both Nate and Gracie. I soon decided to potty train Nate. It only took one poopy diaper to make me decide on that. (Almost) three year old poop us way worse than new baby poop. I'm sorry for using the word "poop" so much, but let's be honest, that is my life these days. :)

So Nate is now in potty training mode (and using disposable during naps). Gracie uses cloth all day but we use a disposable at night. I'm not sure why. I think there's a part of me that thinks she might sleep longer if she has a super absorbency disposable diaper. So far, she still only sleeps for six hours at night (I know I shouldn't complain, it could be worse, but I just want to sleep more).

Here's what I have to say about diapering Gracie. It's easy. Especially since I made some cloth wipes (with homemade solution). The reason this makes it easier is because now I don't have to worry about what to do with a handful of poopy (there it is a gain) wipes when I change her diaper. Now I just change her the way I would with disposable, but it's all cloth. I toss it all in my wetbag and it's done.

Washing isn't too tricky either. Run my diapers and wipes through a rinse cycle then add soap and do a wash cycle with hot water. Dry the inserts and hang the covers. Done. Not too big of a deal at all.

I have had moments of thinking, "Why am I doing this?" But that was mostly after dealing with Nate's yucky diaper and I haven't really felt that way since then.

Gracie has only leaked once and it was more because I put the diaper on wrong than it was because the diaper failed. In fact, she hasn't had any blowouts with these, and she has some pretty explosive poops (last one, I promise).

That's the report thus far. I'll keep you updated on how things go over time. But for now... so far, so good.

I'm out,
Sadie

Gracie's Smiles

2011-05-02T22:27:00.003-04:00

Because some of you think there isn't enough Gracie on here... :) He she is, fresh after a bath and full of smiles. She melts my heart on a daily basis. :)

They Came!!!

2011-04-30T21:52:00.002-04:00

I've been tracking my package of cloth diapers for a week... they seemed to disappear a few times... and then they made it to my door!

I was so excited to see the package sitting on my doorstep when we got back from a race that we ran/biked in this morning. So happy!

So, here's what I can tell you so far. I expected that since the diapers were 1/3 of the cost of other similar diapers that they might be of lesser quality. NOT so! They are AWESOME! Not only are they cute fabrics that make my little girl look super cute, but they have extra snaps for the perfect fit. So far, I'm very happy with them. I'll keep the reviews coming and keep you informed on how we are getting along. I'll try and take some pictures of my sweet baby in her new digs. "Try" being the key word. :)

Over and out,
Sadie

Not here yet

2011-04-26T20:11:00.002-04:00

I know you are all just waiting and anticipating the next cloth diaper post... but you'll just have to wait. Mostly because I have to wait. My diapers started in Shanghai then went to New Jersey... and then they disappeared. I'm hoping they reappear on my front porch within the next few days. Probably some punk kid saw how cool they were and decided to steal them... I should have used the missionary technique and had the lady put a picture of the Savior on the package so it would reach me unscathed.

Size Matters

2011-04-20T08:12:00.000-04:00

One might ask, how often do I have to buy a new size of cloth diapers... like when I buy disposable, I can choose from size N, 1, 2, 3, 4... how do I do that with cloth?

The nice thing about the new generation of CDs is that you only have to buy once. They have a new way of snapping and folding that makes it so all you do to make a size 1 diaper is snap a few snaps. You want size 4 for your ginormous baby? All you have do do is undo a few snaps. Pretty simple. Just the way I like it.

Best,
Sadie

The first step

2011-04-19T14:22:00.002-04:00

I'm starting on a new adventure. One that means I'll be using cloth diapers. I'll document how things go here on my blog, because my friend Christine asked me to. So, if you're the type who prefers birth stories... I'm sorry. You'll only be getting diaper stories for a while.

So today I did two things to take a step forward in the cloth diaper (CD) experience.

First, I went to the fabric store and bought fabric, zippers, and thread to sew up some wet bags. These bags are used to put "wet" (aka, stinky, poopy, yucky) diapers in until you wash them. It is designed to hold in the smells and fluids. Naturally, you use cute fabric for such a bag to make you more optimistic about its contents.

You make these by doing one layer of a waterproof fabric (I used PUL from Jo Anne's) and another layer of the said, cute fabric. My friend recommended I make four bags. Two big "at home" bags and two small "travel" bags. You'll have one that is in the wash and one that is in use... theoretically...

I'll be working on sewing this today... after I blog, feed Gracie, and get the boys down for naps.

Second, I actually ordered my diapers! I did some research yesterday before making my purchase today and I learned a few things. There are MANY different options out there as far as the "system" you use.

Here's a few types...

"All in one" -these are a cover that has a pocket in it that you insert a liner into. These diapers you use once and wash the whole thing when you're done.

"liner and cover" - these are designed to reuse the cover for several diaper changes and inserting new liners each change.

Brands that are said to be "the best" are Fuzibunz, Flip, and Bum Genius. They are SUPER expensive initially, but over time they are worth it. I found an off brand that is supposed to be as good as Bum Genius. They are an "all in one". Instead of paying $265 for a twelve pack... I paid $78 for a 12 pack, with an additional 12 inserts. Cha-ching!!! I'll let you know if it was worth it. If you want to find out for yourself, check out sunbabydiapers.com :)

Until next time...

Sadie

Cloth Diapers

2011-04-18T17:19:00.006-04:00

So, I know this is going to shock many of you, but I'm seriously considering buying cloth diapers. I'm also going to stop shaving my legs, grow my hair out really long, start driving a 1960's VW van, and eat granola that I've made for every meal...

Okay, so not all of that. But I really am thinking I might do the whole cloth diaper thing. I'm still not sure what's gotten into me. I've NEVER had a desire to depart from my beloved disposable diapers. Okay, beloved might be a bit of an exaggeration. Still, it's never been something I've been remotely interested in doing, but I'm suddenly super excited about the idea.

My friend showed me the ones she's been using with her little girl and I think it might be a great way to save money as well as get in touch with my deep hippy self. The ones I'm looking at are the cheapest I've seen so far. If you feel the urge to check them out, they're at sunbabydiapers.com

If I decide to actually do it, and not just research it online, I'll let you know how it goes. :)

Blue Bell Fun Run

2011-04-12T14:26:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I ran in the Blue Bell Fun Run. There were two big reasons why I wanted to run this race.

1. I wanted to have a reason to start exercising as soon as possible after I had baby Gracie.

2. There's all you can eat ice cream at the end.

Interestingly enough, I learned two things from running in this race. I'll share them with you.

1. When I was pregnant with Jeff I got sick in the beginning and didn't exercise one bit. Once I got to feeling better, I was so stuck in not doing anything, that I just continued with the trend. After I had the baby, things went back to normal pretty easily and quickly (with regard to weight, not my sleep).

When I was pregnant with Nate I wasn't sick one bit. But, we were broke and I didn't have a car to leave the house... so I sat around. I again, didn't exercise one bit. After he was born, things went back to normal pretty quickly and easily (with regard to sleep, but not with the weight). I had to work very hard for many months to get back into shape.

When I was pregnant with Gracie, I was determined not to have another pregnancy that kept me from being fit. In fact, I made Scott promise before we got pregnant that he would make sure I exercised every day. The first three months I was WAY too sick to do that. I was lucky to get out of bed at all, let alone do anything other than make my way to the couch. However, once I got past that stage I did my very best to be active. Once Gracie was born, I did my best to become active again as quickly as possible. I didn't want to waste any time getting into bad habits of becoming sedentary.

Back to the race...I didn't really "prepare" much for this race. I didn't run more than a few times. I did play basketball and walk, which I think helped. I fully anticipated that I would take 45 minutes to complete this race. And now... what I learned...

Our bodies are capable of more than we give them credit for. If we simply put one foot in front of the other, we will get somewhere, and it isn't nearly as hard as our minds try to tell us it will be.

2. I also learned that after running a 5K, you can't eat nearly as much ice cream as you think you can... so eat more before the race.

Thoughts on having a girl

2011-03-18T12:06:00.003-04:00

Here she is just thinking of what to tell me next!

I know I've mentioned this before, but I am so happy that we have a little girl in the family!

Sure, I love the clothes... LOVE the clothes. She looks so beautiful in pink. But it's more than that. It has more to do with dreaming about the days when we'll sit and talk about girl things. How she'll come home from dates and tell me all about how it went, what they ate, if she thought he was a nice boy or not...

It has more to do with talking than anything else. I love to talk. Most girls love to talk... and most boys, they just don't get it. For any who know my husband, might know that he isn't one to talk and talk and talk. In fact, he actually likes alone time (crazy, I know). He's a trooper, though, and since marrying me has learned to talk more, and has had much less alone time that he would probably like. When I asked him how he felt about it, he said knew new that was something he would have to give up if he married me. :)

So, while I absolutely love to talk to my husband, I wonder if he is secretly just as happy as I am that I'll have someone to talk to... other than him. Don't get me wrong, my boys can talk too, but there's just something about girl-talk that can't be replaced.

Scott's Marathon

2011-03-13T14:50:00.003-04:00

This weekend we took a little trip to Beaumont Texas. One place I can safely say we will never live. It's like the Newark of Texas. However, we will remember it as the place that Scott completed his first marathon! He did a great job. The boys (and girl) and I are so proud of him.

He had a lot stacked up against him... like not being able to train for ten days due to a fever, having a new born baby girl keep him up much of the night most nights, and having that same baby girl wake him up at 4 am on race day and not letting him go back to sleep.

Through it all, Scott didn't complain. He diligently ran in the early mornings or late nights even when it was hard. He worked so hard to make his running schedule easy on our family.

The boys loved cheering for Daddy, but I think they liked jumping in the jump house more. They ran around and were just plain silly most of the morning. We hope that Scott's example of making exercise a part of his life will inspire our children to also be healthy.

Congrats, honey, for doing such a great job! We love you and think it's so cool that we have a marathoner in the house!

Gracie Beth Goddard

2011-03-06T16:33:00.004-05:00

Here's grandma and the boys... and girl. :) Still getting used to that. Gracie doesn't look her best in this picture, so there's another one below that shows how adorable she can be.

Here's a picture of my mom with Gracie girl... she came to spend two whole weeks with us and it was so nice to have her here.

Why we named her the way we did...

Gracie... is just a name we really liked.

Beth... is my grandmother's first name. I grew up living close to her, and she taught me a lot of really important lessons in life. She taught me how to plant flowers, make dumplings, and feed baby lambs. She was an example of one who lives the gospel in plain and simple ways. There was nothing flashy about this woman. When she died, they pulled out her jewelry and discovered most of it could have been purchased at a dollar store. She just didn't put much into worldly treasures. She was quick witted, and quick to laugh. She was just a great woman, and that's why we named our baby girl after her.

Goddard... that's our last name and it's just tradition to give your child the same last name her parents have... :)

The birth of Gracie

2011-02-25T16:53:00.003-05:00

Quick disclaimer: If you don't like birth stories, you should probably not read this post. I love them, and I want this written down for my own record... so here it goes. :)

Three weeks till due date: 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, baby at 0 station
Two weeks till due date: 3 cm dilated, 70% effaced, baby at 0 station
One week till due date: 3 to 4 cm dilated, 70% effaced, baby at 0 station
The morning of my due date: 4 cm dilated, 80% effaced, baby very low (ie, +1 station)

On February 22 I woke up at about 4 am feeling some Braxton Hicks that were a little more convincing than any previous ones I had experienced. They weren't coming very often so I didn't worry about it much. I woke up and took a shower, getting ready for my doctor's appointment. At my appointment the doctor talked a little bit about getting induced, and I told him I was pretty sure today was the day, so he let it go... but wanted me to call him later to let me know if I had changed my mind. He was concerned that the baby was getting pretty big and didn't want me to have to worry about the possibility of having a c-section.

My contractions had more or less stopped, so Scott went to school. My mom, Nate, my friend and I all went for a little walk at about 9:30 am. I felt pretty good, and only had very minor contractions every 20 minutes or so. They didn't even make me stop walking. We walked about a mile and half. Then, Nate was tired of walking... and my back and sciatic nerve were too. My friend had recently had her baby and we talked about how this must be the putter labor. I thought, okay, I guess things will go nice and slow this time around.

I was still having a few contractions throughout the morning, and they were starting to get a little stronger and a little closer together... so I called Scott and told him it would be nice to have him home with me... just in case things started to speed up. He got home at about noon.

By the time Scott got home I was having a contraction about every 12 minutes. They weren't really painful and I would just breath through them without too much stress. I decided I wanted to have a distraction so we played our new favorite card game, Dominion, for several hours. My contractions slowly went from 12 minutes, to 8 minutes, to 6 minutes... and then to 4 minutes apart. By about 4:30 pm they were up to 4 minutes apart... but sometimes more and sometimes less. They only lasted about 30 seconds... so I was still not sure how "real" this all was.

Scott and I decided to go for a walk to see if that would change things at all. We went to the park and walked about a mile... but my contractions were getting much closer together... still not too strong. By this time they were sometimes as little as 2 minutes apart. I thought it might be a good idea to head back home...

When we got home, we decided that these contractions were getting pretty close together and it might be nice to think about when we would go to the hospital. So, we gathered up our little family and had a prayer, and drove the 1.1 miles down the road to the hospital.

On the ride there, they started to slow down, and I wasn't sure if we were possibly going too soon. Things really weren't painful at this point. I just had to focus a little bit and breath through them.

I should mention in here that Scott and I had decided to try for a natural birth this time around. After Nate's birth, I thought, you know, I think I can probably do this... We had both been reading the Bradley Method books (Scott's was the edition with no pictures). From everything I was reading, I was pretty confident I could do it, but I wasn't completely committed to it.

Okay, so back at the hospital. We get in our room and it seems that my contractions have pretty much stopped. "Oh, man... we came too early" were my thoughts. I got into my gown, they put in the hep lock (an alternative to being attached to an IV pole) and the nurse checked me to see what I was dilated to, this is really what I was waiting to hear... and I was at a 5. I was a little surprised that I wasn't dilated any bigger, but that's okay. We'll take it... we're half way there, right?

We got settled in at about 6 pm. Then things started to pick up. I wanted to walk around, because that seemed to be the position that was the easiest on my body. So, I paced around our room for a few contractions, and then all of a sudden they started getting really intense and really close together. Like every 2 minutes, only this time... I was feeling some pretty good "pressure".

I quickly went from pacing the room during the contraction to doing some kind of squatting-bum shaking dance on the side of the bed. That pressure I had been feeling earlier suddenly manifest itself on my tailbone and it felt like it a semi was driving back and forth over it. Somehow, the squatting-bum dance seemed to help. After about seven (maybe more, maybe less) of these and the thoughts that I was only at a 5... I told Scott I was going to wimp out and ask for the epidural. I felt so bad about it. He of course didn't put any pressure on me one way or another (seriously glad this guy is my eternal birth coach). It was about 7 pm by this time.

He went and told the nurse that (after ten minutes) my birth plan had changed and I wanted that epidural after all. They called for the anesthesiologist... and he took his dear sweet time. I asked the nurse to check me again, just in case things had progressed and I decided (again to change the birth plan) and not get the epidural after all. She checked and I was at an 8. This is the magic number that if you pass, you can't get an epidural.

It was at about this time that I started REALLY feeling it. Up till this point I could breath through the pain and somehow make it though. Now, they were so super intense. They wanted me to stay in bed so they could monitor me and all that jazz... I tried to most of the time, but a few times I jumped off the bed to do my new break moves. This was right before the epidural guy was going to put in the good stuff. He chewed me out a little bit and told me I had to hold very still and after I had the epidural in I couldn't pull any of those jumping-out-of-bed shenanigans.

He got to work and put the epidural in (and somehow I stayed sitting on the edge of the bed grabbing a hold of Scott's head in sort-of a headlock move. He said I could squeeze as hard as I wanted... and I did. I hesitate to put this in, but there was one point where Scott's ear was close to my mouth, and I almost bit him... not because I was mad at him, but because it was near my mouth and I probably should have had a stick to bite on like the movies. Thankfully, I decided to forgo the whole Mike Tyson thing and leave my poor sweetheart's ear alone.

The thought that the epidural was in and all would be well is the only thing that got me through the next ten minutes. I kept hoping things would stop hurting... but they didn't. It turns out, he missed whatever he was supposed to hit. Now that I had the epidural in, I had to stay in my bed... and I was determined to be a better patient. I would try and follow the rules. I was on my hand and knees doing my very best to imitate a moose's mating call. (I saw this comparison on another blog birth story and it just fits, so there's my giving credit where credit is due). I don't think I was "screaming" per say, but some might describe it that way. I was just breathing really heavy and sounds happened to be coming out too... or something like that.

At about 7:45 pm my moose imitation turned into me holding onto the back of the bed squatting and then... I wanted to push... so I did. I gave up on being a good patient. My poor nurse, I didn't like her much, but I didn't really make her job very easy either. She started frantically yelling to the Doctor, "She's pushing, she's pushing" (in a sort of, I can't make her stop, tone) and Scott said, "Good job, honey, you're doing great" (Love that guy).

The doctor asked what I was dilated to, and she informed him that she hadn't been able to really check me because I wouldn't lay on the bed long enough for her to see... again, I was not your ideal patient...

My doctor, who for the record, was awesome through everything asked if he could check me.. and I guess because I liked him better, I was obedient. I laid down just long enough for him to check me and then he said I could push if I wanted to. And my fondness for the guy grew.

I didn't waste any time. I pushed as hard as I could. I think maybe 5 times. The doctor knew I really didn't want an episiotomy so when I saw him glance at the scissors and kind of hesitate, I think I yelled at him to do it and get this baby out. Scott doesn't remember this part, so it could have just been in my head... I hope the moose call was also in my head...

After that, I pushed as hard as I could and out came the baby. They held her up and I could barely see part of the baby, and I called out, "It's a boy?!?"... No, it was a beautiful, healthy, baby girl with a full head of hair. They put her right up on my stomach and I loved her instantly. She cried and cried... and I loved to hear it. I couldn't believe how happy I was that she was a girl and that she was here. I knew I would have liked a girl, but over the past few days I've realized that I wanted her more than I let myself believe.

She was born at 7:55 pm weighing 8 lbs 7 oz, after only being in the hospital for about two hours. And to think I was worried that we had come too soon. My doctor had to stitch me up for a while, and had to use Novocaine since the epidural didn't work. It wasn't as bad as I had worried it would be. He did a great job, and I have to say, I have had the best recovery yet out of my three babies.

Scott and I were smitten with her from the beginning, and it is only growing. The boys love her too, and are practicing being "very soft".

That night I didn't sleep much. At about two in the morning I was laying awake in my bed thinking, "Wow, Heavenly Father has blessed me with the most wonderful little family I could possibly dream of having". At that moment, all I wanted to do was all be together, just our little family, and never leave each others sides. It is a wonderful, beautiful plan our Heavenly Father has prepared for us, and I'm thankful that I have a knowledge of it.

Serving

2011-02-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

It often turns out that as a mother of young children, most of the service I render... is to those small children.

Today, I had the opportunity to serve someone other than my children. A lady who I visit teach needed some help, and I was able to do it. Not only was I able to help her out today, but we were able to talk about feeling the Spirit. It lifted me.

There really is so much happiness to be found in doing (even the small things, as was my case) good for others. I'm thankful for the visiting teaching program that gives us opportunities to watch over and care for each other.

Often, I feel like I'm a sheep being taken care of, but today I got to be a little bit of a shepherd. And it was good.

The waiting game

2011-02-11T16:24:00.002-05:00

Well, we've entered that stage of pregnancy I like to call the waiting game. Things are ready to go, now all we can do is wait. This is also the phase of pregnancy that makes me feel little bit like a walking-time-bomb. I feel like I could go off at any moment. I blame this all on Jeff. He surprised us a month earlier than his due date, so now I'm in this phase a little longer than I think "normal" people. I just never know if I'm going to go early again or not.

I've been feeling GREAT these last few weeks. Since about seven months I've really struggled with sciatica. It has made it very hard to sleep and even walk at times... however, the last two weeks I've been feeling like a new person in that regard. I still have sciatic pain, but it's not to the point that I can't sleep at night.

In fact, the past couple of days I've forgone swimming (the only thing I've been able to do the past four months) and actually worked out a on the elliptical machine and the bike. It has felt great and afterwords, I can still walk! I think it's all because the baby is so low now, that she can't hit my sciatic nerve as much... at least, that's my theory.

We still don't really know if we are having a girl or a boy. We have thought all along that it is a girl... worse morning sickness and stuff like that. However, we have never had that confirmed with an ultrasound. They just can't see enough to tell us one way or another. I'm even less sure now that it's a girl because a friend of mine who had her ultrasound at the same place as me just found out what they said was definitely a girl, is actually a boy.

To be honest, it's kind of fun not really knowing for sure. I feel like when we are in labor, it will be even that much more exciting. Not to mention a little motivating.

Speaking of labor... I'm planning on going natural. If things go as smoothly as they did with Nate, I think it will be doable. I do, however, have a backup plan in place, just in case things are longer and more intense... similar to Jeff's birth. Scott and I have been "practicing" how we will get through contractions. I love to practice, because the book says he has to rub my back for me. :) It's been great. I've discovered that there is no one else I would rather be my coach than my Scotty. He's great. I kind of like him... a lot. :)

That's all for now...
Sadie

Things are looking up!

2011-02-07T14:54:00.002-05:00

Nate has slept two nights in a row without waking up coughing. He is also smiling and laughing again. I feel like we've got our little man back.

Jeff has his surgery scheduled for Thursday morning. As long as baby doesn't come before then, I think we'll be okay. Let's be honest, we'll be okay no matter what. Life has a way of working out.

So, thanks all for your thoughts, prayers, worry, and encouragement. I'll try not to be such a whiner in the future. :)

On another positive note, we've narrowed our name ideas down to about 20. The one we think will probably not work out... Carmaplane Cornair... That one came from an idea Scott had. We both say the first thing that comes to our minds and we combine them to make a name. I said caramel corn, and Scott said airplane. I don't think we'll use that method again, it didn't prove to be very productive.

How did you come up with your names for your kids?

Doctor's appointments

2011-02-05T18:43:00.003-05:00

My poor boys. Generally they are the most healthy energetic kids on the planet, but I've been to more doctor's appointments in the last week than I can even remember... one of them my own. I "could go any time", as my doctor puts it. I'm dilated to a one and 50% effaced (for anyone who likes numbers).

Here's the scoop on Jeff...

Scott and I started noticing that he was always talking super loud. He would also as us to repeat ourselves all the time and would sometimes ask us to "say it louder". We decided we should probably get his hearing tested. After an appointment with the audiologist, we learned that Jeff had fluid behind his eardrums that was causing him to have a tough time hearing. He said other than the fluid, Jeff's hearing wasn't compromised.

Thankful.

He sent a report to our pediatrician who then referred us to an ENT. At the appointment with the ENT he looked in Jeff's ears and told me that not only was there fluid in there, but it had been there long enough that it was now more like glue. He kept asking if anyone had looked inside the kids ears in the last six months... and yes, they had. He asked how many ear infections he had had... and I told him none to my knowledge. Apparently, I was wrong. The ENT wants us to get tubes put in his ears, and possibly get his adenoids out too. Not too bad.

Here's the scoop on Nate

A few weeks ago Nate started coughing, and had a fever for a few days. No big deal... I gave him some Motrin to bring down his fever and let him sleep all he wanted for a few days.

Fast forward two weeks. He still has a cough, only now he coughs ALL NIGHT LONG and vomits up gunk. I decide that this thing isn't going to "just run it's course" so I take him to the Doctor. She listens to his lungs and says that he is wheezing. She gives him a treatment with a nebulizer in her office to see if it helps... she feels it does so we get a prescription for Albuterol, a nebulizer, and an antibiotic because he also has an ear infection.

Fast forward three days. He's not getting any better, in fact, he seems to be getting worse. He throws up regularly now. Scott takes him back into the doctor and comes home with a pharmacy. Steroids, a different med for the nebulizer, a decongestant, and a laxative (that he'll take for the next month or longer... he's not doing so well on his regularity despite giving him prune juice).

The kid is on five different meds now and still doesn't seem to be getting any better. We've purchased a humidifier and propped up his bed so his head is elevated. He still has his three a.m. cough/vomit session each night and is super cranky all day long.

Today I started thinking about why his body isn't beating this thing, and my mind started to run away with me. I almost started sobbing thinking that he must have some kind of cancer or something. Mostly, I'm just exhausted and worried about this little guy. Baby number three will be here anytime now, and I hope by then Nate will be a healthy happy little man again.

Thanks for listening. I just needed to "let it all out". I think this blog is mostly for me. Sorry about that. I just use it as a place to put my thoughts and worries out there so they aren't pent up in my head. Not that there aren't plenty of people out there who listen to my sob stories when I have them, it's just nice to write them down too.

Thanks again.
Sadie

Rock Climbing

2011-01-18T09:51:00.003-05:00

Scott and our friend Mike decided to take their boys rock climbing at the A&M climbing gym. I just can't get over how cute they all look. Scott said Jeff was a little hesitant, but seemed to enjoy it. We'll have to keep going so he can start to like it as much as Scott and I do. :)

It's been a while

2011-01-09T09:46:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged in quite a while. We celebrated a wonderful Christmas holiday together as a family in Texas. This marks the 4th year in a row that we've celebrated on our own, and to be honest... we like it. I'm sure we would love being with a bunch of family too, but we've grown to like our special morning with just us.

Scott has been home with us for the past three weeks and it has been wonderful! We love having dad home. He's been working a little bit over the break, but mostly we get him. We get him for one more week. It'll be sad to see him off to full-time student/employee status again, but it's good to get back into the "normal" schedule again. Scott has also started teaching more piano lessons. He now has five students. It's a nice way to supplement the income. We've committed to save enough for a three month emergency fund, so this is a nice help.

I'm still teaching ESL to adults two nights a week. I love it. My students are awesome, and it's great to help them make progress in their language skills. My stomach is starting to look like a basketball, which means we're getting closer to the big day we welcome baby number three. We think it's a girl, but we're prepared for a surprise since the radiologist wasn't positive. In preparation, we've been making room for her. We gutted the boys closet and put in lots and lots of shelves and drawers. This made it so we could get rid of a bookshelf and a desk in our room. Now I'll have room for a chair (preferably a cushy rocking one) to nurse baby in at night. I'm happy I won't have to go downstairs in the middle of the night.

The boys are great! Of course there's plenty of tantrums, crying, screaming, fighting, and time outs... but that's just part of life and we work through it. :) There's also a lot of laughing, playing, asking questions, reading books, eating, and just plain having fun. I love my boys. They've been sick with colds for the past week and that means I get snuggle time that otherwise, doesn't happen. They just move too much. While I don't like to see them sick, I like cuddling with my boys.

And, that's the news on us. We love each other and are happy. That's the general overview.

Yoga and Swimming

2010-12-15T17:15:00.003-05:00

Well, over Thanksgiving weekend I decided it was probably time to retire my basketball shoes for a while. I've been struggling with sciatica quite a bit, and it culminated to the point that I was having a hard time even walking... so, I've changed things up a bit. Now, instead of basketball and running, I'm doing yoga and swimming.

I called up a friend and asked her to be my swimming buddy, thus ensuring that I actually go when I plan to go. So far, it has been absolutely wonderful! I feel like swimming is one thing I can actually do without really feeling pregnant. I feel weightless and normal again. I love it! I can actually push myself when I swim without much prego-effect.

So, even though I haven't been able to run the entire pregnancy, I'm happy to report that I'm still staying active... which was my biggest goal when we decided to have another baby.

The Kitchen Overhaul

2010-12-06T20:31:00.004-05:00

Over Thanksgiving, I conned my parents into helping us do a little work on our kitchen. We...

replaced counter tops

added some cupboards
and refinished our old cabinets

It was so great to have my parents here to help us. I think we would still be without a kitchen sink if it weren't for them. :) However, I'm a little worried they will never come visit us again, for fear that we'll make them work the whole time.

Here's a few pictures before and after... and a one of the good lookin' help. Sadly, my parents never stepped in front of the camera. But I promise, they were there.

First off, the cute boys. Boy they grow 'em really cute around these parts. :) I especially like the tall one.

The sink area before sporting lovely white counter tops.

And after, with the new counter top and dirty dishes to make you feel at home.

My massive amounts of counter space to work with... see that foot long space on the end, that's where I do all my food preparation. Seriously.

And now look at all that space, it's so wonderful! You get an even better look at it in the next shot.

This kitchen was built to have a side by side washer and dryer in it. Since we have a stackable, we had a ton of dead space in the kitchen that I desperately wanted to put to work. I decided to put in one more base cabinet and LOTS more counter space.

... and when I say "I", I really mean, "Scott and my dad". :) I supervised now and then, but really the credit goes to them for making me a very happy wife/daughter/mommy. :)

And this is the end of the lengthy blog about our kitchen "Overhaul" I hope you enjoyed your time and now have a longing for more counter space. I think I'll be satisfied for a few more years.

Jeff's amazing tower!!!

2010-11-19T14:53:00.003-05:00

Jeff and his accomplice, Nate.

A modern day Tower of Babel. From the top of the ceiling (fan) all the way to the floor.

I'm happy to report that both boys still speak English.
Just so you know, these are magnetic and Jeff magnetized them to the ceiling fan, it's actually just barely hanging above the floor. Not a very firm foundation, if you ask me. :)

Sick baby

2010-11-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

Today, I have a sick two-year-old. I think this is the worst age for it. He is too young to understand he needs to throw up into something (other than my carpet and couch) but old enough he's all over the house, so you never know where's he going to strike next.

The good part about having a sick boy, is that he will cuddle with me for more than three seconds. This is a rarity in my house. My boys usually don't sit still long enough to let me snuggle them.

Here's to a sick free tomorrow!

Fit Pregnancy

2010-11-15T16:06:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to keep running and playing basketball throughout this pregnancy in an effort to be more fit than I was with my first two babies. While I'm sure there's going to be some positives to this choice, it has also proved to be a little bit frustrating.

Why, you might ask... well, I'm used to putting effort into something and then slowly getting better at it. Right now, I'm putting effort into something but I am getting progressively worse. I'm slower, and less coordinated.

I know it's bound to happen, but when I didn't play/run at all with my first two babies, I didn't see the regression. I didn't notice how ugly it was getting. I definitely saw it when I tried to start back up again, but by that point I was on the upward battle and I would get better.

So, while it is a bit discouraging, I'm talking solace in the hope that labor will be easier and getting back into shape will be easier too. I'll let you know how it goes in about four months. :)

Prego

2010-11-08T17:16:00.003-05:00

So last night I was laying in bed trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in and it became very apparent to me that yes, I AM PREGO.

Why is it that I all of a sudden feel it? This morning, I could hardly tie my shoes, I haven't noticed it at all until today. Picking things up... it's getting ugly. I have felt semi-normal for most of my pregnancy, but all of a sudden it just feels different. Anyone else feel this way?

Just wondering. :)

It's a girl?

2010-11-03T06:26:00.003-04:00

We had an ultrasound yesterday (the second one to find out the gender) and the technician said,

"Well, I think it might be a girl, but I'm not convinced."

Which says to me... "Don't really believe me when I say this, you might have a girl, you might have a boy, and to be honest, you really don't have any better of an idea now what it is than you did four months ago when you suspected you were having a girl because you were so sick"

I'm really not all that bent out of shape about it, actually, I think it's funny. Scott has always wanted a surprise, but I'm too chicken to go through with it. So, I guess now he will get a semi-surprise and I will get to semi-know. It really is a win/win situation.

That being said, I'm going forward as if this really is a girl. I'm thinking up girl names, I'm collecting girl clothes, I'm even going to buy a few things (and keeping the tags on) so I feel like I'm making progress on preparing for this baby. I actually made a pink rag quilt for her a few months ago... so, we'll be prepared for a girl, and if it turns out to be a boy, we'll have clothes we just need to pull out of storage. And as for a name, we'll have to wing it. :)

Galveston

2010-09-26T17:03:00.002-04:00

We had a great time in Galveston. I LOVED it! The water was super warm and the weather was perfect. We thought we would do lot of things, but it turns out when the water's warm, there isn't much else you want to do other than body board. Since we happened to celebrate our anniversary on my birthday, I was extra spoiled. I love love love that tall skinny guy.

Speaking of Scott being skinny, here was a conversation Scott and I had a few days ago.

Me: So, I saw the scale was moved, did you weigh yourself?

Scott: Yep. (man of many words)

Me: So, how much did you weigh?

Scott: (told me his weight... I'm not sure how I would feel if he posted my weight on a blog, so I won't tell you his either. ;) )

Me: Wow, aren't you supposed to be gaining weight since you've been running and biking and swimming so much?

Scott: I read somewhere that the REAL runners look unhealthy because of how skinny they are.

Me: Oh boy. :)

Five Years

2010-09-23T16:14:00.003-04:00

This picture is a few weeks before we got engaged. We went boogie boarding on the Oregon Coast.

Scott and I are headed out of town this weekend. With the help of a few good young women and some great friends... we get to head to Galveston to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary!

I was thinking about the fun things we have done in the past few years to celebrate our lives together. Here's the breakdown.

1st anniversary- Quiznos subs in the park around the corner from Scott's parent's house. Simple, inexpensive, and just the two of us.

2nd anniversary- Spent the day in NYC (we lived just across the bridge) doing all the things I found online that we could do for free. Riding the ferry to Staten Island and back, going rock climbing in Central Park, and eating dinner at an outdoor cafe (not free)... a great day!

3rd anniversary- Kayaking the Delaware Water Gap for the day. Eating a picnic lunch along the river, getting rained on during the last mile of the trip... simply wonderful.

4th anniversary- Sea World water park. We acted like kids and enjoyed no lines since it was the off-season. I think we also caught a few shows. And... it was mostly free because we had tickets that were good from a few months earlier that we got to use until the end of the year.

5th anniversary- Staying in a hotel (yes our first overnight away anniversary) on the beach with a beachfront balcony. Eating at the Rainforest Cafe, and enjoying a nice mile long walk along the seawall on our way back to our hotel. Taking our little candle operated fondue pot for some strawberries to enjoy in our room back at the hotel. I think I'm even going to get some sparkling cider. Love that stuff. :) Then the next day, Scott has all the plans for us. We have all day to reminisce and enjoy the love we share.

After five years, I am very in love with my husband, much more than I could imagine when I told him I would marry him in the middle of a potato field. He is my best friend in the whole wide world. He is my confidant, my cheerleader, my everything. I am so happy he is mine forever and that we share something so special. I honestly can't imagine how I could ever be more in love with him than I am right now, and yet... I think I remember feeling that way every year we've been together.

Marriage is a beautiful, wonderful thing, and I'm so happy it's all a part of God's plan.

Baby #3

2010-09-16T16:20:00.002-04:00

We are going to have a baby in February. We're pretty excited about it. Today we went to the doctor to find out just what type of baby we will be welcoming into our home, alas, the little peanut was a bit shy. We'll schedule another ultrasound for a later date. I started out VERY sick, but after some prescription anti-nausea pills, life got much better. Now I'm feeling great, and anxiously awaiting the news to determine if I get to buy pink this time around, or fish out my box of boy clothes out of the closet.

That's the update!

Goodbye

2010-08-20T16:46:00.003-04:00

I kidnapped Scott to take him to Sonic during Happy Hour to get half price slushes. We had about 20 minutes to kill and this conversation ensued.

Scott: "We've got 20 minutes, what should we do?"

Me: (pulling over the van and putting it in park, deciding to be funny) "I know what we should do, let's kiss."

Scott: "Okay!"

* I take off my seat belt, lean over and kiss Scott a few times *

Jeff: "Bye, mom"

Apparently, in Jeff's mind, we only kiss when we say goodbye. We'll be sure to do a lot more kissing at non-goodbye moments from now on.

Pocatello Tri

2010-08-08T13:17:00.002-04:00

We did the second annual Cheney Family get-together yesterday. It consists of participating in the Pocatello Tri, sleeping, eating, and visiting. We had a blast. This year we also did a "mini-tri" for the grandkids. They loved it!

Here's the results!
Me- I ran the 5k leg of the race and my nephew did the bike and my neice did the swim. I was slow, but I never stopped, puked, or passed out. Success!

Scott- Ran the 5K in 24 minutes, biked 12 miles in 47 minutes (with a few extra spent going too far and finally turning around), and swam 500 yards in 16 minutes! He did AWESOME!!! He cut 12 minutes off his time from last year and was an overall stud!

Jeff- Ran the whole way smiling the entire time around the block (just a little under a 1/2 mile) and biked around the block enjoying every bit of it. We didn't let him do the swim because we had to jump in the car and drive to Utah and didn't want a sopping wet boy, but he did so great! I was so proud of him! All summer he has been begging to do a race, and would frequently tell me that he needed to practice running. He is such a fun little guy.

Nate- Ate six bananas, one ice cream bar, three pieces of watermelon, one yogurt, one sloppyjoes, several candies, chocolate milk, homemade ice cream and apple crisp, and who knows what else he got when I wasn't looking. His shirt was covered in all kinds of food mixed together. :) We hope to get him into the running soon... :) Right now, he is a food man. However, he's only two... so he's got time.

Hope you all had a fun weekend too!
Love,
Sadie

Red Light

2010-08-01T20:54:00.001-04:00

I'm not a writer, but I wrote this... and decided to post it. It is an experience I had in Boulder over the summer.

Red Light

I saw the sign first. In bold capital letters scrawled on a piece of cardboard it read, “FEED ME”. It caught me off guard. Most of the signs said something along the lines of “Out of work, anything helps” or “Lost my job, spare change please”.

Once the shock of the sign wore off, I looked at the boy holding it. His fingers were long and thin, and though I couldn’t see from where I sat comfortably in my minivan, I instinctively knew there was dirt under his fingernails. His arms were much the same, long, thin... seemingly the same diameter all the up to the shoulder showing no sign of muscles beneath the skin. They were either tan or dirty, probably both. The white shirt didn’t leave anything unseen. It showed evidence of lying on the ground, and being acquainted with dirt, not the garden variety. It was more of a dusty, tired kind of dirt that sat on you and weighed you down. It was obviously too big for him as it sagged on his boney shoulders.

His pants were the type an athlete would wear, the windbreaker variety. They seemed empty, lacking the body to fill them out. They just hung, blowing in the breeze. I didn’t notice shoes. I’m sure they were worn, but they didn’t impress me like the rest of his attire.

Then I saw his face. He seemed young, maybe a teenager. His eyes sunk deep into his face and seemed to almost bug out at the same time. His other features seemed to disappear when his eyes were visible. They became unimportant compared to the deep tired, hungry look of his eyes.

He noticed some people crossing the street and he made a motion with his hand, in his own way asking for a cigarette. They both shook their heads and blew out puffs of grey smoke into the air as they passed by him. He seemed undeterred, making the same motion to the people in the car in front of me. No response.

I finally came to myself and realized he was walking my way, and I was no longer just a spectator. I looked around the floor of my minivan, and spotted a small plastic bag of snow peas. I picked them up and held them to the window, wondering if he would take them, or say he only wanted money.
The dark eyes brightened and I quickly rolled down my window and held them out. The light changed, and the interaction was quick. In a congested nasally voice he said “thank you”, and then I suddenly saw that the teenage boy was really a woman, maybe in her forties, maybe even younger, just aged by her lifestyle. I realized my assumption was due to the overall lack of shape and curve that would indicate a woman’s body. She had none of that, just strait, long, thin lines.

She walked away, and instantly I wanted to cry.

Colorado

2010-06-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

We really are still alive. I know I haven't posted anything for a LONG time... sorry. We don't have internet and thus, you get nothing. It's really not my fault. :)

Updates...

Scott likes what he's doing and has been biking like a fiend. He bikes up this huge hill to work each morning and his legs are rock solid. I think he'll do pretty well in the tri this year.

Nate has learned how to dance like a robot. I don't know where he learned it, but he is really good. I'll have to try and catch it on camera. Cutest thing ever!

Jeff has been planning his birthday for the past two months and can't wait for Grandma and Grandpa Goddard to come for it. He is going to the "Mickey Place" aka Chucky Cheese and going bowling and getting legos. He's got a plan for everything. He also plays camping all day long until we actually go camping.

I've been busy building a bike, that I just finished and rode tonight for the first time. It's to replace the one that got stolen two weeks after we moved here. It isn't as nice, but it will be great to have.

That's us! Hope y'all are well!

Sadie

Retrospect

2010-05-26T11:08:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite things to do when I have a little spare time is to read my old journal entries. Usually it is just entertaining, especially when I read the ones form junior high and high school, but today it was more than that. Today I recognized how much the Lord has blessed us in the decisions we have made in the last three years.

I was reading from my entry I wrote about three years ago. We were living in New Jersey and Scott was working as an actuary. He had only been there for a few months before he realized that this was not the career for him. However, he decided that he was going to stick with it for a few years to prove to himself that he could do hard things.

While he was toughing it out, I was looking for a better option for us. I did lots of research. I checked out other companies that might be a better fit for us and I also started looking at graduate school options. We didn't even know what Scott would want to get his graduate degree in, but we started researching different schools and programs. We also wanted to buy a home, so that was factored into the equation too.

We researched, interviewed people, made lots of phone calls, made spreadsheets, looked at housing markets, talked to more people, made up mock budgets... just about everything you can do without actually DOING anything. It was all theoretical.

These were all the things we were doing two to three years ago. There wasn't a clear path that was obvious for us. However, today, looking back... I can see the guidance we received that has put us where we are now. The path had always been there, we just had to find it.

I by no means think we have arrived, I only know that we can be guided gently to where we need to be if we will be humble enough to trust that the Lord knows better than we do the path we should take.

I think it is not only good practice to make decision that have such a great impact on our lives, but it is also an adventure.

As of late...

2010-05-14T22:53:00.002-04:00

We're getting all geared up for our move. We'll be heading to Boulder, CO on the 20th, and we're pretty excited about it... except for one thing...

I get homesick when I leave this place. I got to take a great trip out to Idaho and Utah about a month ago and I had a great time. However, it was on that trip that I realized how homesick I get when I leave Bryan, Texas.

Okay, so yes, Scott was not with me most of the time, and that definitely played into it, but it was more than just Scott. It was that this is HOME.

This is the place where I have a schedule. Not the type of schedule that makes sure I feed my kids and all that (though I do feed my kids) but a schedule that lays out all the fun things I can plan on doing. Its the place I have a list of like 30 people who I could call during the day and say, "hey, I'm going to the park, d'you want to come?" and they would. And then while we were there, we'd see some of our other friends who had the same idea.

It's the place I'm social... which is where I'm comfortable.

I'm sure I'll love Boulder. I'm sure I'll meet some really cool people. I think I might even make a friend... but there will always be facebook and I'll always see what my gals in Bryan are doing and I'll get homesick.

To the Lovely Ladies of Bryan...

Love, Sadie

Romance gone wrong

2010-04-13T11:34:00.002-04:00

A conversation with hubby today.

Scott: I like your ears, they are so cute.

Me: Thanks, I actually like my ears too. It's my nose I don't like.

Scott: I like your nose too.

Me: If I were ever to have any kind of surgery, it would be to fix my nose.

Scott: (in compete innocence and sincerity) But if you changed your nose, how would I find you in a crowd?

Me: I'm convinced, it's my nose I'll fix.

Scott: No really, I love your nose, its so cute and small, and I like it...

In defense of my sweetheart, he really does like my nose... it was just too funny not to post.

Counting Calories

2010-04-01T14:29:00.002-04:00

I'm on day three of keeping track of everything that goes into my mouth. Even gum. I am amazed at how much I'm not eating because I know I'm accountable for it. As if watching my hips get bigger isn't keeping me accountable. I guess it's just instant accountability. :)

Anyway, I'm using this great website called sparkpeople.com. It's free, and to me is just as good as doing weightwatcher online. Maybe better. AND IT IS FREE! Seriously, can you beat that?

I'm loving it. At the end of the day I get a report that tells me how I'm doing. Like on the first day, I learned that I wasn't eating enough protein. So today, I'm eating more chicken. I'm also learning that I'm not drinking nearly enough water.

I really feel that this is helping me make some progress to becoming a healthier me. Food has been and still is my biggest weakness. I love to play, so getting exercise isn't too hard for me. It's not eating that cookie with sprinkles that's tough.

I know I've only been doing this for three days, but if I can do this, ANYONE can. So, I hope that progress continues to be with me. :)

Thanks for listening. Hope y'all have a wonderful Easter. I'll be counting how many jelly beans I eat.

Boulder, CO

2010-03-29T16:37:00.003-04:00

Above is the building Scotty will be working in. How cool is that?!

Scott and I are moving to Colorado for the summer. We are really excited about it. We'll only be there for ten weeks, then we'll be headed back to Texas.

Scott's going to be working in wind field research. He thinks it will be great for his career, and he's also excited to see if he likes it enough to focus his future research on this type of topic.

We are in the process of looking for housing, and so far, it's been a little tricky. Hopefully we'll get that all squared away soon.

One of the first things I though of when we found out that we would be in Boulder for the summer was that I'd have a chance to train at a high altitude before the triathlon in August. In Texas we are at 343 feet. Ouch, that would have hurt me going to Idaho for a race, but now that we'll be at 5430 feet for a few months before the race. :)

And, the mountains!!! Texas doesn't have 'em, and I can't wait to be at the foot of the Rockies for a nice cool (compared to Texas) summer. :)

The man I married

2010-03-26T17:36:00.005-04:00

There are some quiet moments in my life, when I start to think about things. I get pretty involved in my thoughts and it's sort of like a conversation I have... with myself. So, here was my conversation last night.

Me: How did I get so lucky in the man I married?

Me2: I don't know, but he's pretty much amazing.

Me: You are so right. Have I told you all the things I just love about him?

Me2: I'd love to hear all about it. I kind of like him too.

Me: He is gentle, kind, selfless, thoughtful, clean, smart, funny...

Me2: Oh, don't forget talented, patient, forgiving, fun-loving...

Me: Yeah, he is all that too, and hard working, committed, loyal, and so very good looking.

This conversation continued, but I won't post it all here. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel very, very blessed that Scott is my husband. He makes marriage and family a thing of pure beauty and joy.

Male bonding

2010-03-22T17:56:00.003-04:00

Today I asked Jeff what the next baby in our family should be. (This is not an announcement). I asked if it should be a brother or a sister. He said, "sister"... and then I asked him what he wanted to name her. He said, "Mom". :)

I just love the fact that my little boy likes me enough to want to name is sister after me. :) I hope that this mom-liking will continue for a very long time. However, this leads me to mention a concern I've had.

It's just natural that boys don't really bond... with much of anyone it seems. Girls bond. They BOND! Girls have kindred spirits, and bosom buddies, and people they open up their hopes and dreams to.... and boys... play sports. At least, as far as I can tell, that's how they bond. Either sports or video games. I think they call it male bonding.

Okay, now back to the concern. How will I have an open, strong, healthy relationship with my sons as they get older? I realize it wont be like a mother/daughter relationship, but I still want to be really close to them... especially if I am blessed with all boys. (However, Scott said if the next one is a boy we'll trade him out for a girl with a family who has all girls. He is dying for a girl.)

So, is there hope for me? Is it at all possible I'll have a son who will come home from school and tell me all about his day and what makes him happy, and which girls he likes, and how he is going to ask someone out for Prom?

Before and during pictures

2010-03-11T14:07:00.006-05:00

Here are a ton of before/during pictures of our new-to-us condo. As you can see, the flooring DESPRATLY needed to change. We also put in new appliances, but you can't see how bad the older ones were by these pictures. We also decided to put in a brick patio.

I know in most of these pictures Scott is the one working, but I was usually there helping him. In fact, the big pile of bricks was moved solely by me. It took eight hours. With two kids... I feel I can watch him work for a while now. :) Really though, having a home of our own is so fun because I get to watch Scott work on it. I don't know why, but it is so attractive. Especially when he's under the sink. :)

Oh, and the boys like the new place too. Jeff still calls it either the camping house (we let him set up his tent the first few nights we lived in it) or, he calls it the broken house. I don't know why? It's mostly put together. :)

Still working on it

2010-03-07T13:07:00.003-05:00

When we were looking into buying the condo, and it looked like things weren't going to work out, my sister (in an effort to make me feel better) said this, "Just think how much time you'll have to do things as a family since you'll be renting and not have to worry about taking care of a house". To which I said, "Jen, it's a tiny 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo with a tiny patio area... how much work could it be?"

The answer, A LOT!!!

It seems like we just can't keep up with all the little projects we've got going. Here's the list:

Vinyl tile laid (done)
Baseboards put on
Brick patio laid
Finish inside of storage shed
Build shelves inside storage shed
Install more cabinets in kitchen
Frame in mirror in bathroom
Re-caulk tub
Build raised garden bed

Notice how only one thing is checked off. Yeah, me too. :)

Jen was right, but... we still took a weekend to go camping. Even though we had lots to do here, we just couldn't pass up the good weather and good friends.

And, thankfully, my sweetheart likes to be a handyman. It's a good thing, because this is only the first of many lists. :)

Receiving Service

2010-02-14T15:28:00.002-05:00

We closed on our condo on Friday at 2 pm. Saturday morning at 8:30 am we started scraping up old linoleum and pulling up carpet. Everything was going so quickly until... we got to the downstairs bathroom floor. This is a space of no more than 4 feet by 4 feet. We still only have about half of it done, and that is after about 6 hours of working on it. I worked on it, Scott worked on it, Jared (a friend from church in his suit) worked on it. It's still haunting me.

On the up side, we have been overwhelmed by help from those around us. We have had multiple people watch the boys, and offer to watch the boys. We had dinner delivered to us last night as we worked into the wee hours of... okay, 11:55. But still, that's late for me. One friend and new neighbor brought over an ivy plant as a house warming gift.

Today, in Elder's Quorum they started getting volunteers to help us move on Saturday. They are also doing a blood drive, so they were instructed to give blood after moving the heavy furniture. :)

I was telling Scott today how hard it is for me to accept so much help without feeling guilty. I accept it, because we need it and because I know how good it makes me feel when others let me help them, but it is hard. I know I'll be spending the next five years trying to pay everyone back for their generosity.

One wise friend told me to not keep score, but to just pay it forward. So, I guess that's what I'll do.

Any of you ever been on the receiving end of service and have a hard time with it?

February

2010-02-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

I love February! There are a few reason I love it...

1. February is a short month which means there are fewer days in which to spend money, thus making it easier to stay on budget.

2. It is the month we get to celebrate LOVE. In high school, I really hated Valentines day, but now that I've got a cute hubby to be in love with, I like it a lot better. There is no sitting in class third hour loathing the girl next to me because she got flowers from a secret admirer and I didn't. Actually, now that I think about it, one year I did... but then it turned out the flowers were from the father of the only other Sadie I have ever met. I only got flowers from a secret admirer because of a mistake, which was not all that romantic.

3. February is the month that we can start to think about spring and how great it will be when it gets here. Thankfully, now that we live in Texas, I can think about how much sooner spring will be here.

4. In February the parking lot at the gym isn't so packed with cars (like it is in January) since people are starting to fall of the "get into shape" band wagon.

And there you have it, a few reason I love February! Hope you all enjoy the month as much as I plan to.

Cheers,
Sadie

Does this count?

2010-01-28T12:38:00.002-05:00

One of my goals for the new year was to lose those pesky ten pounds that I've been aching to see go. I decided April 10th would be good date to shoot for... but...

I did it early! Okay, so what if I've had the flu for four days and those ten pounds will probably be back in about three short hours as my body rehydrate. Ten pounds is ten pounds.

It still counts, right?

in sickness or in health

2010-01-26T19:01:00.003-05:00

I've been sick these past few days. It is some kind of stomach virus that last too long, in my opinion. If I do anything other than lay in bed, I feel horrible. Insert two rowdy boys into this and you can guess what my house looks like.

I think I got it from my dad, but when I'm sick... I'm a total wimp. I just want to cry half the time and other half I sleep.

Well, this morning when I was still laying in bed, in self-pity, Scott decided to stay home and take care of me. All day he's been doing laundry, changing diapers, cleaning the house (that was destroyed under my watch), and supplying me with crackers, soup, and Gatorade. I have literally laid in bed the entire day while he has taken care of everything.

I'm just so thankful for a husband who sticks with me even when I'm sick. Especially since I'm such a baby about it.

Thanks, Babe! You're the best!

the floor debate

2010-01-21T16:45:00.002-05:00

Scott and I are in the process of buying a small condo. The flooring in the kitchen and bathroom (and I'm adding dining room) has to be replaced. It's a big debate on which type of floor to use. Here's the ideas and the pros and cons (in my mind) for each. Please offer any advice you might have.

Tile
Pros- looks nice, is durable, and will help with resale
Cons- expensive, more work to install, and I hate cleaning it

Laminate
Pros- easy to install, cheap, can look really nice
Cons- prone to water damage, a little noisy when you walk on it

Bamboo
Pros- cheap, not too hard to install, looks pretty nice
Cons- can scratch, no the easiest option to install, could go out of style

Linoleum
Pros- super cheap, super easy to install, super cheap
Cons- tears easily, a little out of style, no my favorite look

I go back and forth everyday on which one we should use. I think right now my top choices are the laminate or the bamboo... let me know what you think.

2010-01-16T15:27:00.002-05:00

I started my weeks training schedule and realized there are too few days in the week. Between all the sports I want to play and all the training for triathlon season that I need to do, there just isn't enough time to quench my thirst to play.

I recently took a color personality test and was reminded that I am very much a yellow person. By the looks of my schedule, I don't think that will be changing anytime soon. The desire to play is just too much...

Monday

6 to 7 am - basketball
8:30 to 10:30 am - racquetball

Tuesday
6 to 7 am - swimming
10 to 10:30 am - yoga

Wednesday
6 to 7 am - basketball
8:30 to 10:30 am - running and weights
8:30 to 10 pm - volleyball

Thursday
6 to 7 am - swimming
10 to 10:30 am - yoga

Friday
8:30 to 10:30 am - running and weights

Saturday
8 to 9:30 am - biking

I know I should be finding more time to run and bike... but I just can't give up the playing yet. Now all I've gotta do is learn how to control my appetite and I might be able to kick free from those pesky 10 pounds I've decided to lose.

Lately

2010-01-07T23:55:00.003-05:00

Things that have occupied my time recently:

reading- about millionaires, Ironman finishers, and the best American short stories
sports- basketball, bowl games, ultimate frisbee, biking, running, and racquetball
cooking- cafe rio burritos, Hawaiian pizza, and pasta

That's the basics. I haven't been much for blogging lately, but I am still alive and as happy as ever.

Tis the Season

2009-12-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

It's been a great day here in Texas. Here's what made it so good...

missionary work

We have some great elders here who are working very hard to teach many people about Jesus Christ. They called us last night and asked us to pick up Steve, one of those people, and bring him to church.

What Steven said after church made my day. It is what is inspiring me to share the gospel with others.

"Sitting there, feeling that powerful feeling... I felt like I was in heaven. It was amazing listening to people talk about how Jesus Christ has changed their lives. I want to be that person. I want to stand up and tell everybody my story."

He also spent much of the ride home talking to his wife on his cell phone (who is in California right now) telling her about how amazing the day was.

Tis the season,
to share the gospel of happiness and peace.

normal?

2009-12-08T13:35:00.004-05:00

So, I'm all geared up and my gym bag is packed with all the essentials. Conditioner, makeup, hair wax, deodorant, ipod, earphones...

The kids are in the car and I get to the gym. I'm determined to run my three miles today and work hard. I get on the treadmill and things are going great. I feel good. I'm increasing my pace. My body seems to think that running is a good thing.

Then it happens. The gym lady comes up and tells me my son won't stop crying. I stop the treadmill and go in to check on him. He's just fine... until I try and leave. The kid is going through some kind of attachment disorder or something. He's been doing the same things with nursery.

Any quick fixes?

Thanksgiving and things

2009-11-30T13:58:00.002-05:00

We had a lovely thanksgiving. Scott's parents and two of his sisters came into town to celebrate with us. We cooked and baked and mashed and chopped... and I think we had a pretty good spread. It was a ton of fun working with Scott for the mass production. I think we're a pretty good team at things other than changing diapers and putting kids to bed...

My favorite part of the weekend with family here was playing games at night after the boys went to bed. I won at one of the games, but I can't remember the name of it. I like winning, but I don't think that was why I liked it so much. I just like spending time with those I love.

Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.

I'm a teacher

2009-11-19T22:12:00.002-05:00

I never thought I would ever become a teacher. In grade school when all the other girls said they wanted to be teachers when they grew up... all I could think about was playing outside with a horse and a dog.

Even in college, I never really considered being a teacher. I admire teachers, but I never thought of it as a good fit for me.

Today, I discovered that I love teaching. I started a job last week, and I am now a teacher. I teach a GED prep course to adults (most of them older than 3o) who want to improve their education and finally get that diploma.

I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm. It is perfect for our schedule, and I love it! I am thankful that the Lord would bless us with a job that will help us make ends meet as Scott is in grad school, as well as give me an awesome opportunity to help people achieve their goals.

Homemade Ice Cream

2009-11-09T19:07:00.002-05:00

About a year ago, I begged Scott for an old fashioned (actually has the wooden bucket) ice cream maker. I think there are a few reasons...

1. I absolutely love ice cream! L O V E I T!!! I can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2. It reminds me of those Sunday afternoons at my Grandma Cheney's house when lots of Cheneys could be found eating, talking, and enjoying good stories. And in the background, we could all hear the ice cream maker working hard to provide a tasty desert for us.

As much as I love ice cream, I think I love that memory more. I love remembering my Grandma and the wonderful woman she was and the wonderful family she raised.

Tonight, we're making homemade ice cream, and I hope, that maybe just a little bit... I am becoming a little bit like my Grandma.

Fire

2009-11-01T14:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we went to Houston and had a busy day of tutoring, going to the temple and getting a first class tour of the fire station. My cousin's husband Mike is the fire chief and two of their kids, Erica and Aaron are firefighters in the same station. Our friends Lee and Sherrie and their two kids got to come too.

We got the royal treatment. We got a tour of the station, including the "fire house" where all the firefighters hang out. We also got to spray water all over the parking lot with the big hose. Erica dressed up in her fire outfit for us to see... and the best part... we got to ride in the fire engine with the lights going and the siren blasting!!! It was way cool, for the kids as well as the parents.

This morning, the excitement continued. I was cooking some hot cereal on the stove and then had to run upstairs to make sure Jeff was getting ready for church. A few minutes later Scott came in and told me he had... caught on fire. What!?! Yeah, really. He had his back to the stove and it felt so good and warm, he just stood there for a minute. Before he knew it the back of his shirt had caught on fire.

Thankfully, our fire training the day before must have paid off... or maybe it was all the time in grade school we learned about how to deal with fire...

Anyhow, Scott did what he was supposed to do. He did the "stop, drop, and roll". And people, it actually works! Aside from burning his shirt, undershirt, and part of his pants... Scott only has a little blister on his pinkie. I have no idea how that happened.

We are thankful today that everything turned out so well... and ... it gave me something to blog about. :)

Marriage

2009-10-24T12:40:00.003-04:00

I got to go to my little brother's wedding on Thursday. It was great. Bride and Groom looked very handsome and happy to be starting their lives together. And of course, it made me remember my own wedding.

Scott and I have been married for four years. I was terrified. The kind of terrified that makes you lose ten pounds and throw up on a regular basis. I have no idea why. Scott has obviously been a superb choice. Maybe I was afraid that after a few months I wouldn't like him anymore. Maybe I was afraid after a few days, he wouldn't like me anymore.

Thankfully, we still like each other. In fact, we like each other a lot. I can't think of anyone I would rather spend my time with than Scott. I think that's a pretty amazing thing. We meet, get to know each other, and before we know it we are married and our lives revolve around each other. The very fact that two people fall in love, get married, and build beautiful families together is simply a miracle in my mind.

It was wonderful to witness one such miracle this week.

Try something new

2009-10-08T09:10:00.003-04:00

I never played volleyball in junior high or high school. I either played soccer or ran cross country during that season. I'm not sure why, but I never really had any interest in playing volleyball. Maybe I thought it was too much of a sissy sport or something. Maybe it had something to do with it being a no-contact sport as well as all the cheers they did between plays...

Despite my previous ideas about volleyball, I have now become a huge fan. I've been playing on our ward volleyball team in our stake volleyball season. Week one, it was fun. Week two, fun. Week three, AWESOME!!!

What made the difference? My friend, who played for BYU-Hawaai, taught me how to play. She taught me how to serve, bump, set, and spike. Now I love it!

I remembered that this same sort of phenomenon happened to me in college when I started playing flag football. All of a sudden, I loved watching football games because I understood it. Previously, football had always made little sense to me. Why do they start and stop so much? They say go, dog pile, then start over again. Again, and again, and again...

Both of these things taught me something, when we take time to learn a little bit about something we don't necessarily like, we might end up loving it.

While I'm pretty sure this is true in many cases, I still don't think I'll ever get all that into watching paint dry.

What do you have under your driver's seat?

2009-09-24T17:23:00.002-04:00

I decided to clean out the van after a week of it becoming the catch-all. What did I find? Here's a list to entertain ya...

sippy cup with stale water
balloon
pieces of sticker all over the place
plastic fire engine tires
small nails
sippy cup with now yogurtfied milk
measuring tape
stuffed animal
coupons
shoes
watch (been missing that one for a week)
boards for decorating
sewing machine
diapers and wipes in a grocery sack
long lost diaper bag
pistol (aka, a gun... aka, a killing device...)

Yikes! WHAT!?! Scott and I don't own a gun. We don't even have fake toy not real gun. I'm terrified of guns. I looked again... yep, still a gun under my seat.

We just bought our van from a guy in Utah and apparently he forgot a little something when he cleaned it out to sell it. Apparently the guys at Toyota didn't notice it either when they shampooed the carpets. Apparently we didn't notice it when we became VERY familiar with our van as we traveled for a week from Utah to Texas. Apparently Scott didn't see it as he stuffed our shoes into every crevice of our van that wasn't occupied by kids. Apparently... okay, I'll stop. :)

I didn't touch it. I didn't even want to look at it all that much. I hate guns, unless my older brother or my dad is there to make sure I don't accidentally point it at myself. I know, I'm an adult... but I still don't trust myself.

I called my dad as soon as I could to see what I should do. Thankfully he's coming to visit in a week so he can take it out of my minivan and find it a new home that won't make me cringe every time I hit the breaks. So glad he's coming.

I know Scott and I could probably get it out of the car and into the house, but I think the only thing more scary than a gun in my van is a gun in my bedroom.

So, clean out your car. you might be surprised what's waiting for you under the driver's seat.

Texas A&M Football

2009-09-21T11:53:00.002-04:00

Saturday night Scott and I went to our first Texas A&M football game. If you have never been to one of these, it is an experience!

We got there late (ten minutes before kickoff) so we missed some of the festivities. They actually start getting the crowd ready with lots of activities an hour before the game starts.

We got there just in time to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Oh Texas." I've got to learn the words to "Oh Texas" before we go to the next game. They also sing the "Aggie Fight Song" which everyone knows and sings as loud as they can. The words consist of claiming that Aggies are the only true Texans and that T.U. (aka, University of Texas) is going to have it's mascot's horns sawed off. I've got to learn that one too. The best part about the fight song is that at one point the entire crowd (thousands of people, seriously) put arm around shoulder and sway back and forth singing the song. I stood next to the most die hard Texas A&M grandma who was not bashful about making sure I was loyal to the Aggies.

During half-time the Cadet Marching Band performed and they have all kinds of cool formations. Absolutely amazing!!! I almost cried... really. I know, I'm lame.

There are all kinds of yells, woops, and hand gestures that you have to do at certain times. If the refs do something you don't, you put your hands together and hiss. It all seems pretty crazy, but don't ever mention that to an Aggie fan, they are the most loyal I have ever seen.

We had a few Utah State friends sitting by us, at one point they were cheering and I seriously thought they might take 'em out back and string 'em up to a tree. They take their football very seriously.

All in all, it was a great night. Our Aggies didn't play too well, but you would never know that by the support of the crowd. In the end, Texas A&M only be Utah State by like eight points. At least they beat them so I still have something over my little brother (who is starting at Utah State next semester).

How to say no

2009-09-16T13:37:00.003-04:00

I'm trying to learn how to say no. I'm also trying to learn how to say no without lying. I know this sounds like a simple thing... but its really hard for me.

Now before you start thinking, "Wow, who knew Sadie was compulsive liar?" Please let me shed some light on the situation.

I moved into a new neighborhood that is... let's just say, a rough part of town. From what I can gather, most of the people in my area are on public assistance. Many people are home during the day, and do not have jobs. I don't know all the circumstances of these people, but I just know that there isn't a lot of money for many of my neighbors.

There is one neighbor in particular that asks daily for one thing or another. Don't get me wrong. I like to give. I like to help others out. However, I'm trying to decide at what point I need to say "no".

It started with dish soap, then my phone (this one is several times a day), laundry soap, a gallon of milk, money (another daily one), a ride somewhere, a pot, a cigarette... there is always something.

I've decided I will let her use my phone when she asks. It doesn't cost me anything. I've decided I will not give her money. Beyond that, I still don't know what to do. I don't carry cash anymore, thus allowing me to say (in truth) that I don't have any money to give her.

I've tried not answering the door, but she is very persistent (knocking and ringing the bell several times). I start to think that maybe there is an emergency and I could be the reason why her son dies... I know, not too rational, but I'm a mom and I think of these things.

So, here cyberworld, is a question I need help answering. How do I say "no". And please, keep in mind that I am trying to reconcile the story of The Good Samaritan into this whole equation. I'm a people-pleaser... and I'm trying not lie. Let the advice roll in...

Super Yummy Recipe

2009-09-10T11:50:00.002-04:00

I emailed this out to some people, and then I decided I should post it on here. It is THAT good! I went to a game night with another few families and this was one of the deserts that was shared. It was love at first sight. Easy, fast, yummy. My criteria for cooking. :)

I haven't actually taken the time to make this lovely dish, as my time has been spent trying to tie up all the loose ends of our recent move. Man, there are so many things to take care of... like internet, phone, vehicle registration, new drivers license, vehicle inspection... and of course all the other regulars, diapers, baths, laundry, dishes, dinner... and of course, DESSERT!

Eclairs in pan
Crust
Bring to a boil
1 cube of margarine
1 cup of water
When butter is melted remove from heat and add1 cup of flour
Mix in (by spoon) 4 eggs***
Stir in eggs 1 at a time
Spread dough into a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes @ 400 degrees.Let cool completely (I put it in the fridge to help that process)

Filling
Mix these ingredients and spread over top of crust
1 8oz. cube of cream cheese (use beaters to whip this up before you add the pudding, prevents lumps)
41/2 cups of milk
3 small pudding mixes (vanilla or chocolate)
After the pudding has set up pretty well top with 8oz. of cool whip.

Drizzle top with chocolate
Melt together
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
2 Tbs. margarine
3 Tbs. milk
mix with
1 cup of powdered sugar

Blast from the past #1

2009-09-08T14:55:00.004-04:00

We took the scenic route from Utah to Texas. Our route included Southern Utah/Four Corners area. It was incredible and I wish we had a better camera to show you neat it was.
This is a beautiful view of the are we drove through near the four corners area. We are on top of a very tall platuae looking down on all of these "mini" grand canyons. They didn't look too mini me.Scott and Jeff, just feet from the edge of this very tall plateau. At about this time I started having a little "mini" panic attack to go along with our "mini" grand canyon. Please note that Scott has a very strong grip on Jeff's hand/arm as per my request. Thanks honey. :)
This is the road we took to get down off the very big plateau to get down into the valley. It is a gravel road that is like a 20% grade. Okay, so I'm not exactly sure what the grade is, but its super steep. We took it nice and slow. The road is so well known (among the locals) it even has a name. It's called the Mokee Dugway. And don't quote me on the the spelling of that. Becuase I know its not right. I just don't have the energy to look it up right now. It it all out of me to learn how to spell plateau.

Scott's first day as a PhD Student

2009-08-31T08:44:00.004-04:00

Here's my sweetheart ready to head off to his first day of classes as a grad student at Texas A&M. He's really excited! He's just really subtle about expressing himself. I'm very proud of him, I figure he's humble enough for the both of us, so I can be proud. :)

We also learned last night, that now if he sees someone with any kind of ailment, he can say, "Wow, you really should get that checked out, I should know, I'm studying to be a doctor." I can't imagine Scott ever doing that, but I think it's pretty funny.

Sad post...

2009-08-28T11:09:00.003-04:00

Scott and I bought a washer and dryer. We feel like the "real deal" now. We have our own appliances. :) To get them, we had to drive out to this guys' house that was out in the country. I was driving and Scott was directing me where to go.

I saw on the road ahead something on the road. I couldn't really tell what it was because it blended into the road. It almost looked like a piece of garbage blowing in the breeze... and then I got closer.

I realized that it was a turtle making it's way across the highway. However, I realized too late. I swerved a little bit (as much as you would for a squirrel that can run), but it wasn't enough. Turtles are slow creatures, just like in the book the "Tortoise and the Hare." The poor little guy didn't have a chance. I hit him square on with my right tire. I realized he wasn't all that small, perhaps the size of a dinner plate.

I felt so bad, I just wanted to stop and cry. To make matters worse, we had to come back down the same road and I had the view all of the carnage. Poor little turtle, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever see a turtle in the wild, let alone crossing the street. Who knew turtles crossed roads in Texas.

We made it to Texas

2009-08-26T18:08:00.002-04:00

We are here! It took us a long time, but we made it. I don't have much time to write, but I just wanted to post a little bit of our most recent happenings.

We live in the ghetto. Really! Who knew Texas had them. We hear sirens, domestic disputes, alarms, etc. throughout the day and night. Two blocks over and the area seems nice, but we are in the heart of the hood.

I'll be honest, I'm a little worried, but I haven't heard gunshots, so I think we'll be okay. :)

Scott had orientation for his graduate program today. He was pretty excited and nervous when I dropped him off at the building this morning. He had his book bag on and I felt like I was dropping off my little boy on his first day of school... except that my little boy is 27 and 6'3. Still, it was hard to say goodbye.

Jeff is enrolled in a two day pre-school that my friend puts on in her house. We weren't planning on doing it at first, but Jeff begged to go to school all morning since he knew that's what daddy was doing... so he starts on the 31st.

I'm just trying to get all the ins and outs of moving squared away. Phone, Internet, insurance, gym membership... you know, all the important stuff. :)

Nate refuses to use shoes. He hates them. If I put them on him he cries the entire time. He crawls instead of walks (which defeats the purpose).

We are all healthy and happy and HOT! It is warm in Texas... what everyone said was true. But we love it!

Mr. Nathan Klyn

2009-08-16T12:50:00.002-04:00

My baby is walking. I don't know how it happened. I'm pretty sure just a week ago he was a teeny tiny baby that slept 95% of the time. Now, all of a sudden, he turned into a little boy. I don't like it one bit. In fact, I'm going to put a stop to it right now!

I never really thought I would be this type of mom. With Jeff, I was so eager for every single milestone and was reading the book in advance to see what cool things he would be doing next. I just couldn't wait for him to be doing this or that.... but with Nate, it's totally different. While I really do enjoy seeing him do new things, I can't get over how fast it is all happening. I feel like time is a movie on super speed and I keep sleeping through the good parts. I just want to rewind and see him again in all his baby glory.

Just so you know what this boy is up to... he walks, throws EVERYTHING (with a pretty good arm, I might add), says lots of things including "ya", folds his arms, and also proudly flexes his muscles while making a grunting sound. I should really try and get that one on video, it's really cute.

I feel so blessed to have "baby Nate" in our lives. I guess we're going to have to work on a new name for him. I am amazed that I have been entrusted with two beautiful boys. There is much joy in motherhood.

Still alive

2009-08-08T10:48:00.003-04:00

Well, I know I've been out of the blog world for a bit, but here is a quick update of the things we have been doing.

-picked up dad from the airport
-went to a family reunion in Eden Utah
-went water skiing
-went to Rexburg for BYU-Idaho ambassador training
-chopped off my hair (thanks Jing)
-went to Pocatello for the triathlon my family did (we had matching blue shirts, so much fun)
-came back to Sandy for a family reunion dinner
-enjoyed my mother-in-law's awesome Sunday dinner
-stained my in-law's deck
-took the boys swimming
-ran two miles uphill pushing Jeff in a stroller
-went rock climbing with my sister-in-law Gina
-took the boys to Thanksgiving Point to play on Noah's ark
-took the boys swimming again, this time to a place with a water slide (so fun)
-went rock climbing again (this time with Mike and Michelle)
-and how here I am blogging about it

We've had a great time on our vacation. And we still have more to come! These extended vacations that you get when you are unemployed are pretty cool. No stress about going back to work. :) Just anticipation about starting life at Texas A&M.

As a side note, I thought this was funny. Scott emailed his professor at TAMU to ask if he needed to register for classes (school starts in like three or four weeks) and he emailed back and to Scott it was "too early to worry about that". Sheesh! These Texans are laid back people. :)

2009-07-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

I did it! I bought a minivan!

Right now it's in the shop getting the AC fixed (not going to go without that in Texas). We're also getting it detailed so when I get it back it will be all shiny and new and wonderful!

So, it's not all that new. It's a 2000. It's actually older than our other car. However, the price was right, it had leather seats (a must in my opinion when you have kids) and it will hold all of our camping stuff without the kids having to hug a cooler for the whole drive to our destination.

Cherries

2009-07-15T00:51:00.004-04:00

First you wash them.

Then you put them in a bottle.

Then you give them a bath in hot water for 25 minutes.

Then you admire all 66 quarts of them.

Then you go blog about it to show all your friends how domestic you can be when you really put your mind to it.

This is what I'm doing

2009-06-30T11:43:00.002-04:00

I might not post for a while, we will be finishing up the final touches on cleaning the house, going on a camping trip, flying home, then spending some time with family, then going to Texas to get everything moved into our little home there. I'll try to post while I'm at home. There should be lots of tractors and farmers to post then.

Texas A&M

2009-06-24T22:08:00.004-04:00

It just hit me. I'm moving in less than six days. I don't know how this snuck up on me so quickly. I've been ignoring it for so long, I guess I just got really good at it.

I haven't posted about our move because Scott made me promise I wouldn't until he had talked to his boss at work to let them know he was leaving. Something about how he had shown the blog to some co-workers and didn't want his leaving to be made known by way of blog. I gave him a hard time for quite a while, because this is where I talk about all the stuff that's going on in my life. I guess since I haven't been able to blog about it, I never really let myself believe we were leaving.

So, this is the official blog post. Scott and I are moving away from New Jersey to live in Texas. Scott will start a PhD program in statistics. He doesn't like it when I say "PhD". He would rather I say "grad school" so it doesn't sound prideful. But I have to say, I'm pretty proud of my husband. And since I had to wait so long to write this post, I'll just say things how I want to. :)

We're heading to Idaho and Utah for some family time before we head down to Texas. By the end of August we should be moved into our little home (which I'm still looking for) enjoying the blazing heat and humidity of College Station.

Give us a call if you want to come roast marshmallows over the sidewalk.

Country girl

2009-06-15T11:54:00.002-04:00

I drove into the Bronx on Friday to look at a car for my little brother. It was a great deal... online. When I actually got there, it turned out the car didn't even exist but was only a ploy to get people like me to come in and find my dream car that cost three times the amount I intended to spend. I didn't fall for it.

This post is actually about my experience before I got to the car dealership. I got lost in the Bronx, with a GPS. Well, not technically lost, I just couldn't find where I wanted to be. Is that lost?

Anyway, while I was driving around trying to find said location, I drove through a neighborhood just as school was getting out. I spent a lot of time in traffic and stopped at red lights, so I had a lot of time to observe these kids. As I watched them running down (and through) the streets, dodging cars, getting on buses, catching trains... all I could think about was how they just didn't know what they were missing.

These poor kids didn't have a horse to go home and ride. No dog to greet them as they got off the school bus. No cats with kittens hidden in haystacks that needed to be found. No lone chicken that lost feathers to the dog on a regular basis. They didn't have motorcycles and old pickups to take out into the desert. They didn't have rivers to swim in (sure there's rivers, but don't touch those with a ten foot pole). No caves to explore. They didn't have room to roam and discover new beautiful things in the countryside around them. These kids just didn't even know what the rest of the world had to offer. If only they could have the childhood I was blessed to have.

Then it hit me, these kids probably could care less about all the stuff I loved as a child. They probably thrive on the city and all its cityness. The honking horns, the ambulances and fire trucks that are always on there way to someplace. The people selling things on the side of the street. The sounds of brakes that are worn out from stopping at so many stop lights. All the noise that relentlessly reverberates off the tall buildings. They probably didn't even mind the garbage and dirty feeling of the streets. And people say "there's always something to do in the city."

I'm just glad I grew up on a farm, in the sticks, with nothing to do.

New Hampshire (day two)

2009-06-07T14:40:00.003-04:00

This was a really cool gorge that is so narrow that there is no walkway up it, so they built a wood one attached to the side of the cliff. It was beautiful and we made the two mile hike with both boys. Jeff walked most of the way and Nate rode in his fifteen-dollar umbrella stroller the whole way. That stroller is worth its weight in gold.

New Hampshire

2009-06-07T14:29:00.003-04:00

We rode a coal burning steam engine to the top of Mount Washington (the tallest peak in New England). It take you strait up the mountain and at one point you are on a 37 % grade (most steep roads are at about 7%). It is deemed by the Guineas Book of World Records as the most treacherous train ride in the world. Once at the top, you can see for miles and miles and miles. Jeff was enchanted the entire time. He would have gone for another three hour ride if we would have let him. It was so beautiful to see things from that perspective. Scott and I decided right then and there that we are going to hike the Appalachian Trail, which starts in Georgia and ends in Maine (depending on which way you go).

Maine

2009-06-07T14:24:00.002-04:00

We had a great day in Maine at the beach. Jeff never let his feet get wet, but had a lot of fun throwing random objects into the ocean. Nate was more adventurous, he would have gone for a swim if we had let him.

Boston

2009-06-07T14:17:00.005-04:00

We spent a morning in Boston. We visited the Children's museum there. They have all kinds of fun things for kids to do and learn. It was great! Scott and I were both pretty sick, so after that we just decided to drive to our campsite in Maine and take it easy.

Because they're cute...

2009-06-01T12:29:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T08:45:00.002-04:00

In a nutshell, this was our weekend...

Friday, camped out in the back yard with our new tent. The boys loved it, Scott loved it, I loved it. So much fun to pretend to be camping. Can't wait for our New England camping trip next week.

Saturday, spent the day at home cleaning, playing with the boys, and then cleaning up after the playing.

Sunday, enjoyed church and met some new friends. Had said friends over for dinner, then had other friends over for the night to play Settlers. They stayed the night so we would have a jump-start on our Memorial Day plans. We talked till midnight (which is late for a girl who usually goes to bed at 9:30).

Monday, we woke up early and went out to breakfast. Then we went to a cemetery. We didn't plan on it, but the cemetery was on the route for the parade so we taught Jeff how to say "more candy!" We'll be eating that stuff for months. After the parade it was nap time, then a BBQ with some of our friends, which included a baseball game. Then back home to plant the garden and have another BBQ with our neighbors.

It was a fun filled weekend and I'm pooped. We all cried when Scott went to work today, but in a week we'll be out camping again, so we'll survive. Life is so much more fun when he's around.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Jeff's new skills

2009-05-17T20:16:00.002-04:00

Jeff never ceases to surprise me. Today, I was getting ready for church and I heard him in the other room singing "I am a child of God." The line he loves to sing over and over again is, "help me find the way." I was so touched by his sweet singing and the wonderful spirit that filled the air.

A few minutes later he called to me, "Mom, watch!" This is his new favorite phrase. I went into his room expecting to find another amazing new thing that he had learned how to do. I was taken back when he showed me that he could make himself burp. He was very proud of himself and I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't a good thing to do.

Boys.

Education

2009-05-11T22:23:00.003-04:00

I've had this inner battle. I want to get my master's degree. I'm not sure what in, but I know I want to get it. There are a few reasons why.

1. I feel that having graduate level education will influence my kids to seek high learning.

2. I want to create a career option for myself in case anything were to happen to Scott that would put me in a position to provide well, without working crazy hours or moving far away from my family.

One program I've been thinking about is physical therapy. I love the medical field, I love working with people, and I love normal schedules.

Here's where the inner battle begins. When? Do I go for it as soon as possible and get prepared now? Do I sacrifice time with my children to do it? Do I put it off until I'm done having children, and perhaps jeopardize the time now to prepare? Do I do it now while my brain is still somewhat functioning? When?

Any advice on the matter?

5 things

2009-05-08T12:55:00.002-04:00

5 things I was doing five years ago
Staying in Rexburg over the summer to get in a semester of classes
Meeting my husband for the first time
Loving the summer weather in Rexburg
Getting to know some fun Sun birds that lived in Scott apartment complex
Having lots of fun working in the PR office at BYU-Idaho

5 things on my to do list today
Going with the missionaries to visit a lady who lives near me
Playing with Jeff outside
Getting laundry folded and put away
Working on moving stuff
Mailing a running workout to my sister so she can start training for the family triathlon

5 things I would do with a million dollars
Buy a modest home in College Station, Texas
Help family in need
Invest
Save
Buy a few things, but not enough that anyone could tell we had a million bucks.

5 places I have lived
Gooding
Rexburg
California
Utah
New Jersey

5 jobs I have had
Lifeguard
Firefighter
Public Relations Special Projects
Public Relations writer
At risk youth surrogate parent

5 things I want to be doing in 5 years
Watch Scott graduate with a PhD in Stats and get his dream job
Be involved in my kids schools
Be running races and triathlons regularly
Be involved in my community
Finding ways to help those around me

5 people I tag
Jinger
Amie
Annie
Amy
Erin

Wasp

2009-04-30T17:13:00.002-04:00

Scott and I agree on most things in life, but there is one thing we have always disagreed on, and after today, I'm afraid it will become even more of a problem.

When there is a spider or a bee or some kind of bug in the house we have different approaches. I find the biggest shoe that has the flattest tread (you see if the tread is too deep them the thing can get away, or worse get on you and bit/sting/or otherwise harm)you. Scott however, looks for a cup or a Tupperware to catch the bug/spider/bee and take it outside to return it to the beautiful world in which we live.

Today, there was a wasp in our house. For some dumb reason I thought instead of squishing it, I should "save" it. Dumb, dumb, dumb idea.

I grabbed a Tupperware and the lid. Do a little catch and release... I thought. It was flying around in the window in our room (which is huge, like five feet by 15 feet). Catching it was pretty easy. I just covered it with the tuppy while standing on the couch. Then it got tricky. I didn't have the guts to try and put the lid on. Scott usually has a piece of paper that is flat so you just slide it over the top. The pesky thing wouldn't fly into the container, it kept trying to find a way out.

I stood there on the couch, with my Tupperware and the wasp with no apparent way to end this ordeal. For 10 minutes! I was too scared to try and uncover it and squish it. By this time he was attaching the Tupperware with his poky tail. He was hitting it so hard I could hear it tap. Yikes!

I started to wonder how long I would be there. I realized I needed help. I needed a piece of paper, or someone with more courage than I had. I resorted to my two-year-old. I had nowhere else to turn to. He was in his room taking a nap. Which must have been a pretty good one because no matter how much I yelled, he didn't come.

I started wondering if my landlords would be back soon. I heard a diesel coming up the road and hoped it was them. Nope. UPS man... and then he stopped. He had a package for us!!! He could be my hero and save the day. I don't know how this is possible, but he came up, set the package down, and didn't even see me standing there in the window looking like a fool. I was too embarrassed to yell at him through the window to direct him to the back door (because the front was locked) so he could help me. I watched as he walked away and then it started.

My heart started racing, I started thinking I would be there for the rest of my life. I think it was some kind of mini-panic attack. I got resourceful. I thought maybe if I tap the Tupperware really quickly on the window I could get him to fly back in so I could put the lid on. I didn't work. Instead he got half way out and was stuck as I pushed the Tupperware against the window again. I didn't waste any time. I finished the job. I didn't like doing it, but it had to be done. My baby was crying, I was practically crying. This episode had to come to and end.

And now, I'm here to tell you that unless you are trained in the art of "catch and release" debugging... just squish it.

new shampoo

2009-04-22T07:37:00.003-04:00

I got this really cool shampoo in the mail the other day. I was excited to try it out because it was the kind you use on dry hair. Cool, huh. You don't have to use water or anything. It seemed like a pretty novel idea.

I started thinking about how this would change the nature of showers in my life. Then I started thinking, this water-free shampoo might not work into my life as easily as I might have expected. I mean, I really like to shower using water and having that fresh wet hair feeling when I get out. I don't know if I would feel truly clean if my hair weren't wet when I got out of the shower. Plus, how in the heck does this stuff work? How do you get it out of your hair if you don't use water?

These were are the things running through my head as I was getting ready to get into the shower. I decided to have a look at the instructions. Yes, I read those, even on the shampoo bottles. The first thing the directions said to do was to apply ample amount of shampoo to WET hair. WHAT? I thought this shampoo was for dry hair?

And then it hit me. Dry hair. As in, the overall condition of you hair, not how you use the shampoo. Huh, that was a blonde (p.s. I just had to look up how to spell this because it just wasn't looking right for some reason) moment for me. I'll make sure and not tell anyone so there's nothing incriminating out there about me. But then, I couldn't think of anything to write about on my blog.

Teaching Jeff

2009-04-14T17:09:00.002-04:00

So, I've decided Jeff needs a little more structure in his life. We've decided to have "school." We have it most days, though I can't claim that we have it everyday. I'm still not structured enough for that. Today we did the letter "B". (So you can tell, I've only been at this for enough days to be at this letter in the alphabet.)

Here's a few things I've learned.

- Jeff hates to sit still for longer the three minutes
- Jeff loves to cut things up with scissors, but only to make confetti
- Jeff can only take a 30 minutes session of "school" (or maybe that's me)

All in all, its fun and I'm learning just as much as he is.

Pre-school

2009-04-06T14:57:00.002-04:00

So, I'm totally a planner. I like to plan out the next ten years of my life, and more. I don't know why. I just do. So, I've been thinking a lot about preschool for Jeff. I know he's only two, but he's going to be three in July and that means that he only has two year more until he starts kindergarten (which totally blows my mind, for the record).

I've heard lots of debate and differing opinions on weather kids should go to preschool or not. I'm still not sure how I feel about the issue.

I'd like to get more information. Do you think preschool is necessary or not? And why to you think the way you do?

I never went to preschool, though I did go to kindergarten twice. I think I turned out okay, but then, I think most eccentric people think they are normal too. I say this like I'm not eccentric, but maybe I am, I'm just in denial... sorry. So, what do you think? Preschool or no?

Bedtime with Jeff

2009-03-31T08:39:00.003-04:00

Scott and the boys and I were driving home from a church activity Sunday night. It was bed time so I decided to prep Jeff by talking about it so he would be ready to hit the hay when we got home. This is the conversation that ensued...

Me: Jeff, guess what, it's bedtime. We'll go home, change into your pj's and then you get to go night night.

Jeff: Uh, no... I no want it.

Me: (Thinking singing about it might be a better approach, started singing a song about going to bed) When we get home we go night night, night night, night night. When we go home we go night, night, night.

Jeff: (In his own singing voice) No, no, no, no, no, no!

The kid cracks me up.

P.S. I think we will be getting a minivan in Utah this summer. Thanks for all the impute. If you know of anyone who is selling a minivan for a good deal, let me know. :)

Minivans

2009-03-19T16:20:00.003-04:00

Confession: Sometimes I think about getting a minivan.

For as long as I have imagined being a soccer mom, having a minivan has never been a part of the dream. I've always seen myself with a cool Jeep or SUV that makes me look cool. Because, cool mom's drive cool cars... right?

So here is my most recent thought on the idea, and this could all change, but here it is anyway.

As far as I can tell, minivans are more comfortable, minivans have more room, minivans have more ease of loading and unloading, minivans get better gas mileage... you get the picture. So why, can't minivans be cool? It seems like the uncool thing to do would be to get a car that is way over priced and lacks all of the basics that minivans offer.

So, tell me what you think. Are minivans cool or uncool? Or rather, will you still continue to be my friend if I buy a minivan?

Are you there?

2009-03-10T13:06:00.002-04:00

A conversation with my dad earlier this week...

Dad: So, how are things going?

Me: Oh well... (rambling for about two minutes, then a pause so I can get an "uh huh" so I know I haven't lost the connection because then I would have to repeat myself to make up for ten minutes of time where I was talking into a lost call... but that's never happened to me...)

Me: (waiting, to get the "uh, huh." then I decide he must be really intent on listening to me ramble.)

Me: (rambling for three minutes, then the pause for the "uh huh"...)

Dad: (crickets chirping...)

Me: Dad, are you there? Hello? (I check the phone, nope, no lost call...) Dad?!?

Dad: (absolute silence)

Me: HEY! Can you hear me?

Dad: Oh, really? (his response obviously has nothing to do with what I was talking about, but it is also obvious he is trying to play it cool...)

Me: Dad, did you fall asleep?

Dad: (Laughing like crazy) Well, I laid my head on the couch and... (more laughing..)

I know I may not always be super exciting to talk to... but his is a new low. :)
It's okay Dad, I won't tell anyone.

The Beach

2009-03-07T20:23:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's right. We went to the beach today. I know my last post was that we went sledding... weather is a crazy thing. We went to the Jersey Shore to visit an aquarium that is right on the boardwalk. It was awesome. The perfect family fun day! We spent some time in the aquarium looking at fish and taking part in the Dr. Seuss birthday party, and we spent a lot of time outside on the beach. It was a beautiful day! I even got a little too much sun. We still had to avoid little bits of snow here and there. :)

Sledding

2009-03-03T12:12:00.002-05:00

We had a great time sledding yesterday. We got one last good snow storm and school was canceled. I called up some friends and we got together for a great day out on the hill. We all went down the hill (even Nate) and it was great. There is something about sledding that brings out the inner child. I felt like a kid again, instead of a frumpy grumpy mom. I've decided I need to get out and do things like this with my boys more often. It keeps me young. Included in these pictures are lot of my wonderful friends here in New Jersey. It was a great day with great people!

Life is good

2009-03-02T08:04:00.002-05:00

I've been a big-time whiner lately. I'm sorry. Life really is good. I'm going to count my blessings...

1. Scott. He's such a wonderful husband, friend, daddy, and all that other stuff. He really is great! He's number one, because he's my best blessing. :)

2. Jeff and Nate. They are wonderful boys with so much personality. They teach me how to be more selfless.

3. Family. My first family, and my in-laws are just incredible. They are great people who are supportive and thoughtful. Plus, they're just really cool people. I would have more fun spending an afternoon with my fam than any other group of people.

4. Our New Jersey Family. We have made some incredible friends here who are more than just friends. They really have become like family.

5. Scott's job. In these times of financial struggle, I have a love/hate relationship with Scott's job. Mostly love. Even though I would much rather have Scott home spending all his time with me, I am happy that he can provide for us. While, we're not making millions, it provides the things we need.

6. Health. Aside from the occasional illness, we are all healthy. We can run and walk and play. And today, go sledding.

7. Our faith. Our lives have meaning and direction because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We can go through tough experiences and know that it will all be okay. We know God knows us and loves us. We also know He has a plan for us. And that puts everything else in perspective.

The dumbest thing I've ever done... to this point.

2009-02-27T08:04:00.002-05:00

About three weeks ago...
Mike, a friend from church, asked if I would take a computer for him. He had been working on it for another friend in the ward, Blanca, and we live close to them. So it made sense that we take it and save him an hour-long trip to deliver it. I was busy trying to keep my boys from terrorizing the church so I just gave him my car keys and he put the computer in our trunk. I promptly forgot about the whole thing.

About two weeks ago...
I was cleaning out the trunk of our car. Whenever I clean the house, I take all the things we are getting rid of and put it in the trunk so we can deliver it to someone who would like to have it. We don't have DI (a thrift store that I love) here, so I don't have a quick and easy drop off point. I have to find someone who wants my stuff... or throw it away.

Scott was getting a little tired of having things fall out of our trunk whenever he opened it and was begging me to find homes for the stuff. I decided since I hadn't found homes yet, I would just start throwing stuff away. There were some toys (which had already been through at least two families) that I chucked. The bags of clothes I kept, because I knew on Sunday my friend would take them for me. Then I came across our old computer. These were my thoughts: "Huh, I thought we already got rid of this. I guess it must have only made it this far. No worry, I'll just throw it out." At about this point my landlord came out and offered to take it to the dump for me. "Great!" I thought, Scott is going to be so proud of me for finally getting rid of all of this stuff."

About five days ago...
My friend Blanca called me and asked if she could come pick up her computer. I told her I didn't know where it was. I hadn't seen it in the car and wasn't sure what happened to it. I called Mike and asked him where he had put it and what it looked like. He started to describe it (I don't know why I needed a description) and things started clicking in my mind. It took a full hour for me to figure out that I had sent my friend's computer to the dump.

I think I went through all the phases people go through when they lose a loved one. It finally ended with a gnawing stomach ache and a gut wrenching phone call, followed by more stomach pains. As it turns out, this computer had many many family pictures on it. It still hurts me to think about it.

My friend Ruth, who I vented and cried to about this whole episode, helped me to see some good in this. She said, "two good qualities that you have just worked against each other." So I guess its good that I tried to help Balnca and Mike... and I guess its good that I tried to keep my car clean... I just have to make sure that the combination doesn't get me into trouble next time.

And that... is the dumbest thing I have ever done... to this point in my life.

A conversation with the nurse

2009-02-26T09:04:00.002-05:00

I called Jeff's orthopedic surgeon (broken arm doctor) this morning and this is the conversation we had.

Me: Hi, my son got his cast wet last night in the tub and I was wondering if we should get it replaced, or something.

Nurse: Well, how wet did it get?

Me: Uhm... so when I lifted his arm up, water poured out of his cast.

Nurse: Uncontrollable laughter, and more laughter... okay, we can see him tomorrow at 9:45.

I have seriously, had the craziest week! I have another story, that I am still hesitant to tell. It's still a little too fresh. Maybe in a few days. It tops all of the dumb things I have done to this point in my life... and that's saying something.

It continues...

2009-02-21T08:20:00.002-05:00

So when I wrote my post yesterday, I thought we were done. I thought I had faced my weakness head on, conquered, and was done. I was wrong.

Last night Jeff still had a fever and was pretty cuddly. He just wanted to be held. So, I picked him up and started walking to his room where we have a rocker. Just before I sat down, Jeff threw up all over me, him, the floor and anything else within five feet. I had to seriously focus. There were two things I had to do. First, I had to not puke too. Second, I had to make sure Jeff didn't feel bad for throwing up on me.

I set him down, took off my outer shirt, and then... he stood there and kept throwing up. He would cry between each time. I found myself patting him on the back telling him, "It's okay, you're almost done. Don't worry, we'll clean it up in a minute" As I rubbed his back and encouraged him I realized, I was doing just what Scott does for me when I get sick.

He is such a good man, and last night I realized just how much he does for me. You see, through all of this, Scott has been away. When I talked to him on the phone he felt so bad. He kept saying, "You shouldn't have to do this alone. I'm so sorry I'm not there."

To be honest, I wasn't alone. Since I couldn't leave the house, but I still needed things for Jeff (like soda and pedialyte), my friend Birgit went to the store for me and picked up the items I needed. Later, my other friends Karen and Bruce called to say there were picking up dinner for me. I feel so blessed.

As a side note, if you have a sick two year old he doesn't quite understand the concept of waiting to throw up in the toilet rather than all over his blankets and bed... you can do what I did last night. I made Jeff's bed in the tub. I know, your thinking... this girl is crazy. But seriously, it was perfect. I didn't have to worry about a thing, just the blankets. He didn't end up throwing up, but if he had... I would have been ready.

I promise, no more puke posts.