Cleaning house

Okay, let me just preface this post with the acknowledgement that , yes, I am a geek.

So, I read this book from the 50's about how to be a good homemaker. It talks a lot about making sure to be dressed and looking nice with just the right amount of makeup on when your husband leaves for work, and when he returns. I skipped most of that chapter. Poor Scott gets to leave the house kissing goodbye a mattey-haired, sweater-toothed, squinty-eyed wife. He comes home to the same girl who, if all went well that day, is more or less the same except she did get a shower and a tooth desweaterfication. If all went well that day, mind you.

I did like the chapter about housecleaning. Here's what I did. I sat in each room and just looked around and thought up anything and everything I could do to clean that room. I wrote each thing down. Then, I looked at the list and decided how often these things needed to be done. Daily, weekly, or monthly. Then I wrote down each of the chores on a card (orange:daily, green: weekly, blue: monthly) in very specific detail. Then I did a few math calculations to see how many weekly and monthly cards I need to do each day to get them all done. And then, viola, I had the perfect plan in case anything ever happened to me and the Relief Society sister's needed to know how to clean my house.

Okay, I will admit, I did think about that while I was working on this project but I'm also trying to do it myself. Scott wanted in on it so I gave him a daily chore that he graciously accepted. Now, I will never have to worry about taking out the trash again and if I ever have the desire to clean my house, I know where to start.

How do you keep up on all of the house-cleaning duties in your lives? I would love to hear success stories, failures, and words of encouragement.

Picture update

Jeff posing for GQ this morning before church. He loves getting all dressed up.

Nate playing in his jumper. He has a helmet he wears these days to round out his head, but he gets to take it off for an hour a day. This is that hour.

Scott and Jeff playing with Jeff's tractor he got for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Goddard.

Still playing with the tractor. You can see Scott is making tractor sounds by the way his mouth is shaped. You can also see that even though I do all I can to convince Scott to get rid of his "grandpa socks" he still loves them and wears them. Scott loves to play. I love to watch him have fun with our boys. He is such a kid at heart.

Crafty?

My friend Amie posted on her blog a project she did to fix up an old dresser for her little girl. It is super cute and if I knew how to make a link for you to check it out... I would. She made it look a little like a scrapbook page with all kinds of different stuff on it. Very girly. Very cute. Very crafty.

I decided I wanted to be crafty too. Before I tell you what I did, let me tell you how hard I tried to digitally document it so you could see it. I got out the camera, batteries were dead. I tried to put in new batteries from the junk drawer. They were dead too. I looked in my portable CD player for batteries. None. I tried to use the batteries out of the remote... not enough juice. I looked to see if there were batteries in Scott's alarm clock. Nope. I checked in one of Scott's calculators. Solar power. I checked in another calculator (he's got three). AAA instead of the needed AA. I tried to think of any batteries that I could use from some of Jeff's toys. However, he was asleep in his room with the toy box and that is where I drew the line. I was willing to sacrifice for you all. I was putting my best foot forward. I still wasn't willing to risk waking up my sleeping child. Sorry.

So, back to the crafty project I did. Our couch has this ruffle on the bottom that used to look nice. Before we moved and before the ruffle got torn in places, it looked good. I decided that I wanted to spice up my life with some craftiness. I got out the pliers and I ripped off the ruffle. Its gone now. I think I like the way it looks.

Does this count?

My new shoes

This past week has been tough for me. I haven't been able to go to the gym because I was sick, then because the boys were sick. (daycares don't like sick kids).

There were a couple of reasons it was hard on me.

1. Each day starts with feeding the boys breakfast, getting them dressed, then packing them into the car so we can head to the gym. If I don't, my morning is shot. I thrive on the feeling that I have big plans. It drives me. The gym is my jump start people, I need it. Not only is my morning a waste if I don't go, but the rest of the day just follows suit and my big motivator becomes getting a shower, rather than all the other worthwhile things I could do. Without the gym I get on hulu.com and watch "Friday Night Lights" all day.

2. I feel like I'm losing my battle with fat. (Ironically, I lost weight this week... can anyone explain that one?)

3. I have to be around people. I don't care who they are. If "they" is the lady at the front desk, so be it. Most days my friend Ruth goes to the gym too and we talk up a storm. I know it's a weakness to be so dependent on social interactions... but I could have worse problems, right?

Okay, okay... I'm getting to the purpose of my post. Scott (in all his infinite wisdom) recognized that I needed to get out. Saturday morning he told me to call up a friend and find something to do and let him take care of the kids (even though he was sick).

I called up Ruth and we decided to meet up that gym, then go get fitted for running shoes. Ruth ran and I walked (but we were on the treadmills so we could still talk, talk, talk). Just so you know, I only walked because I didn't want to start into a coughing fit that evokes gagging and ugliness.

We hung out in the sauna for a bit, then showered and headed out on the town. We went to this great store called "The Road Runner". IT'S AWESOME! To fit you for your shoes they have you take off your shoes and walk across this little pad thing that connects to a computer. It shows you what kind of an arch you have. Then they have you jog on the treadmill for 30 seconds while a video camera catches what your feet do in motion. That goes to the computer too. You look at it and see just what it is that you need.

Then the guy gets down to business and sells you shoes. Rick was our guy. He did a good job. I got a new pair of shoes! I'm really excited about it. So excited in fact, that last night I was running back and forth across our living room asking Scott how many times across it would take to run a mile. The craziness that poor lad has to endure. He sure knows how to pick 'em. :)

So, I know, this is a super long post about nothing more than a pair of shoes, but I'm really excited. Scott said I looked like a newly engaged girl who keeps looking at her new ring. Let me just say that those shoes make my feet look good.

Moral of the story, if you have a down week, get a new pair of shoes. They are much better than pants because they never make you feel fat.

Shred Gnar

shred the gnar

to shred the gnar originated in the early days of skateboarding. gnar shredding has become popular for many 'extreme sports' including skiing and snowboarding.

dude, lets go shred the gnar !
bro, i cant. last gnar session i tweaked my dome.
bummer.

Maybe it's because I worked with teenage boys with drug issues... but when I first read this phrase I thought it was drug related.

Who knows?

When studying for the GRE you have to learn lots of new vocabulary that you will probably never use again in your life, thus being quite useless. While at this time in my life, I am not studying for said test I still feel it important to learn new words/phrases. I came across one today that I have never heard of. Lets see who has. I'll post the answer in a few days. I'll also post what I thought it meant and where I came across it. Do your best, and don't cheat by looking it up. Here it is:

Shred gnar... that's right! What does this mean?

Gratitude

Scott and I have been very sick these past few days. Scott was hit with the stomach flu and I got a sinus infection accompanied by chills, fever, and nausea. To sum it up, we were both confined to our bed (literally, Scott crawled to get me some meds at one point and barely made it back.) Add two little boys to that... and lets just say it was tough.

When we finally hit our breaking point we made some calls. One friend brought us some crackers and ginger ale AND took Jeff from 4 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. the next day. Some other friends brought us soup and more crackers. Additionally other friends took Jeff again... and I haven't seen him yet.

To top it all of, one of the young men that goes to the same church as us called and asked us if we needed anything from the grocery store. We mentioned needing some rice cereal for Nathan. He wasn't quite sure what to get so he got two different kinds for us. He topped it off with a box of donuts for Jeff.

We have really been blessed by the kindness of those around us. I believe we are surrounded by angels. They may not be the same angels that announced Christ's birth, but they are there still. They are found in the people around us. May we all be angels for those around us and be instruments in Christ's hands.

My little pyro

Today I came into the living room to find Jeff with a mischievous smile on his face. He proceeded to show me the match he had in his hand (it was a strike-on-box type, they don't' sell "real" matches in New Jersey for fear all the green wet stuff will catch on fire). He took his match, ran over to the tree and held it to a Christmas light. I think he was a little disappointed when it didn't ignite. I was so proud. He got a little bit of his mom's blood. It took me back to the good 'ol days as a firefighter when we would use drip torches (diesel-gas mix in a can) to start fires that were prescribed. Ah... good memories.

Nathan Klyn

I know these picture are all pretty much the same, but this will give you an idea of what we see whenever Nathan is awake. Smiles. He smiles and smiles and even if he is tired and hungry if you smile at him you will get one in return. I think this last shot of him he is working on his hula dance.

One of my friends mentioned that I don't post enough of Nathan... so here you go. :) Hope you're satisfied Annie!

The Sauna

So, at the gym I go to there is a dry sauna. It is in the ladies dressing room and sometimes after a workout I will go in there and just relax or read a book. I just wear my gym clothes. Since my friend Ruth has been going to the gym with me, we have been having lots of fun trying out new classes, working our abs until we can't stand it, and playing racquetball left-handed (her right hand hurts her). The other day we decided to go into the sauna. So, in my gym clothes, I proceeded to walk into the sauna. Ruth just gave me this look like I was crazy. Later when I was telling my other friend Lisa about it, she said everyone at the gym must think I'm a homophobe. So apparently you don't go into a sauna fully clothed, you're supposed to just wear a towel and nothing else. Who knew? Not this Idaho farmgirl.

Romance

Last night I got a babysitter and met up with Scott at work. We took a quick train ride into the city (NYC) and met up with some friends. We went ice skating, visited the tree at the Rockefeller Center, and looked at the windows at Saks 5th Ave. I have to say, it was the epitome of romance. Oh yeah, we also got dinner and cheesecake. The weather was incredible, and the company was even better. There is nothing I love more than spending time with my guapo!

Gooding

I got my camera back a few weeks ago, but I have been a big slacker getting anything posted. Here is the photo journal from our stay in Gooding Idaho. The wonderful place I grew up.


These are the apples drying that I made.

Using this machine.

Jeff was a pro.

This is the quilt I made (with mom's help).

We used this machine.

And this one too. It quilts it for you so you don't have to. My kind of quilting. :)

We stayed at this farm house (aka, my home in Gooding).

With this farmer (aka my dad). And yes, he has on both a ball cap as well as a cowboy hat. Its the new style in Gooding these days. So if you go visit, make sure you wear both or you just wont fit in.

So we all had to wear this farmer/cowboy hat.

Even Jeff.
Now that we are home and potty training. Jeff likes to wear this hat.

Another gym post

I know, I know... I already wrote about the gym. But this is something I have to get off my chest.

I have this thing when I go to the gym. I like to think of myself as a confident fit girl. But lets be honest... I am anything but fit right now which naturally makes me a little self conscience (as I believe most women are). The thing that makes me even more self conscious is all the skinny women at the gym. People, where are all the not-so-fit-and-attractive looking folks? I think I saw one fat guy at the gym the entire time I was there today. I mean honestly, can't fat people work out too?

The next thing that makes me a little self conscious is that I don't really know what I'm doing. I actually have to read the instructions on a lot of the machines. I try to make it look like I'm not. Sometimes I scope out the room to make sure no one else is watching before I look at the little diagrams and stuff. I don't know why, but I want people to think I am totally knowledgeable on the whole working out thing. I really don't even know what kinds of exercising I should be doing to reach my goals. Heck, I don't even really know what my goals are. All I know is that I love going to the gym everyday (for the past two days). It just feels good, even though I don't fit in.

So, where I don't know so much... anybody want to share the secrets to fitness and skinniness and getting into the "in" crowd at the gym. (Just joking on that last part). Once they see my mad yogalaties skills tomorrow morning, I'm bound to have all kinds of people want to be my friend. By the way, what are yogalaties?

The Gym

So, I have been inspired by my friend Christine who is a gym fanatic. She has gone to the gym almost every day for the past two years. Seriously!

I've decided to try and follow in her footsteps. I got a one week free trial at a gym nearby that has free babysitting. I had to wait until Nathan was six months old to go (he's still only 5 1/2) but he is so big and happy that they cleared him. :)

The first day I had my backpack filled with all my stuff, a diaper bag filled with all the kids stuff, Nathan in a car seat, and Jeff running along side of me. I actually got a pretty good workout just getting into the building. I think I'm going to try and downsize my "stuff". Its just that I shower there and fix my hair because, hey free babysitting. If I were to bring the kids home and try and grab a shower and a fix my hair, forget it!

All in all it is a great thing. I get a break from the kids and I get in some great exercise. The kids get a break from me, and they also get to learn how to interact (read, hold their own) with other kids. I love it. I'm sore, but I love it!

Thanks Christine!

Mess!

As a parent, I always worry if I'm doing things right. Do I give my child enough attention? Do I give him guidance that will help him turn out to be a decent human being? Well folks, here is a success story for you.

Jeff and I were at the store on Wednesday doing a little last minute grocery shopping. I had Nathan with me too so once we got the groceries in, Jeff had no place to sit in the cart. So he had to walk along side the cart and hang on (help me push) the cart. As we were walking out of the store Jeff yells, "Mom! Mess!" "Oh no! Mess!" He proceeded to run over and pick up a dropped receipt and put it in the garbage. A lady coming out of the store saw the whole thing. I'll admit, I couldn't have been more proud.

I was pretty impressed with myself until Scott made the comment later, " You know, with parents like us he might just turn out to be pretty OCD". I decided that wouldn't be too bad, as long as he is OCD about folding laundry, washing dishes, sweeping floors and stuff like that.

So, should I be worried or will he turn out okay?

Robbed

So, you are probably wondering why you haven't been getting any cute pictures to see on this blog. Here is the story to explain it all...

I have lived in New Jersey (thought by many to be one of the most criminal-stricken states in the union) for over a year now. I don't lock my door during the day when I leave (I do now), I don't always lock my car if it is parked in front of the house (I do now), and I am not afraid to go out with my kids by myself for a walk (still not).

But all of that has changed. My car got broken into. The thief stole my portable dvd player, my digital camera, my makeup, and my scriptures. Ouch. When I first realized what happened, I just wanted to cry because I felt so violated. Why would anyone do that?

I had never had anything like this happen in the last year and half that I have lived here. Why now? I'll tell you why... its because I got robbed in the wonderful, peaceful, safe state of Utah!!! That's right. A year and a half in Jersey, not theft. One night in West Jordan, Utah... and I get hammered.

Thankfully, the story doesn't end too badly. The wonderful West Jordan Police saved the day. They caught the guy and got my stuff back. Now I just have to send them a check to cover shipping and they will send it all back to me.

The moral of the story... Lock your doors (even in Utah), don't steal, and always report crimes to the Police because they just might be able to catch the crook!

I'm home

Ever since I "grew up" and moved out of my parents house I have always wondered where home is. If I listen to the the cliche saying "Home is where the heart is" I just get confused. I've been thinking about this and wondering just how I decide what to call home.

Is it the place I spent the majority of my life? Is it the place where I spent my childhood. Is it the place where I became an independent person and started making all of my own decisions? Is it the place I like the best? Is it the place where I live now?

I'm sure most of you have been smart enough to figure out where you belong, but I think I just barely figured it out. I've narrowed it down to two possible solutions. Help me choose which it is.

1. Home is where Scott (insert your spouses name) is...
2. Home is where my bed is...

What's your vote?

In either case... I'm finally home from my vacation!

Great things about my vacation: saw lots of family and friends, showed my kids off to people I care about, spent some good times relaxing with Scott and the boys.

Not so great things: I got robbed of my digital camera, portable DVD player and makeup stuff. I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to.

All in all... a great trip!

Here are a few pictures of the fun we are having.

Jeff was superman for Halloween. It took a long time to convince (read: pin down) Jeff to put his cape on. Here is his version of flexing his muscles.

Trick-or-treating. I love this picture. It shows off the beautiful Idaho sky. You can see my hair cut too.

Jeff watching his new friend eat some lunch.

Jeff fell in love with this cat. He packed him around all day long. The poor kitty didn't even protest, scratch, or run for its life. Sadly... the cat is missing. Perhaps he is too scared to come back while he sees Jeff around.

Still in Idaho

Jeff, Nate, and I are still in Idaho. Scott had to go home on the 25th. It was a sad sad day. The boys and I will be here in Idaho/Utah until November 11th and we have had a great time! We have spent a ton of time with family, some time with friends... and no time on blogging. :)

We are having so much fun we haven't had time to post. But if I remember to take pictures, I'll post them when I get home or if things slow down at all.

If you live in Rexburg, Gooding, or Salt Lake/Provo call me so we can see if see if we can get together to see each other. That's assuming I know who you are. :)

If you don't have my number, email me and I will give it to you. sadie_goddard@yahoo.com

Ode to Idaho... and Utah too!

I love Idaho! There are so many great things about it. Here are a few...

-Lots of my family and friends live there

-BYU-Idaho is located there (the best place to go to college, ever)

-There's lots of wide open spaces and you can see for miles and miles

-You can ride your neighbor's horse because your dad gives him (your neighbor) hay

-There are lots of tractors, trucks, and the sort

-You can see the stars almost every night of the year

-People take life and nice easy pace

-The UPS guy knows you and will give you your package if he sees you in town instead of driving all the way out to your house.

-The mail lady gives you suckers if you meet her at the mailbox (and are six years old or less)

-Dogs are out on the loose and not caged up in a house or in a back yard

-Dogs don't wear clothes

-Everyone waves at you if you drive your dad's beat up pickup

These are just a few of the reasons that came to mind.

I like Utah too. Its nice. I just don't give my heart to it the way I do Idaho. One of the perks of Utah... Cafe' Rio!

We're visiting soon. Oct 15 to Nov 11. I'll try to keep up on my blog... but no promises. :)