Wednesday, November 29, 2006
can I just insert a toothpick?
Apparently lemon bars are done when the center doesn't jiggle when shaken. I ask you, when does a hot gelatinous substance not jiggle?
semantics
"What's going on up there?" I called, after already having threatened that the movie would be turned off if they felt inclined to continue fighting during the show.
"We're not fighting, Mom" came the reply.
"We're just bugging each other!" said the other one.
"We're not fighting, Mom" came the reply.
"We're just bugging each other!" said the other one.
neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dead of night
I was summoned at 6:30 a.m. to kill a mysterious bug upstairs. When I got up there it was gone, but the girls, both sitting on top of their little table, soon saw it moving towards the rug. A nice hairy centipede. Or maybe milipede. I empty out the trash can by turning it upside down, littering the contents onto the floor and put it over the ugly, helpless bug. I went down stairs, with baby in arms and grabbed the vacuum. There is nothing quite like the feeling of defending the world against many-legged creatures with a vacuum at the first light of dawn. Or even before the first light.
(By the way, if you're wondering if the household bug killing naturally falls to me I'll let you know that it does not. Ben is teaching early morning Seminary though-kind of like a daily sunday school for high schoolers- and so he was not at home. Alas, the task was left to me.)
(By the way, if you're wondering if the household bug killing naturally falls to me I'll let you know that it does not. Ben is teaching early morning Seminary though-kind of like a daily sunday school for high schoolers- and so he was not at home. Alas, the task was left to me.)
Monday, November 27, 2006
allysha 101
In the spirit of something I've read out there in the blogosphere about reaching your 100th post, and with the narcissism blogging affords us, I give you this: my 101st post (since yesterday was my 100th) with 101 things about me (everything you've always wanted to know...)
1. I prefer odd numbers to even.
2. Which is why I am doing this on my 101st post.
3. I like baths with or w/out bubbles.
4. I am the oldest of 11 kids.
5. That's 6 sisters,
6. and 4 brothers.
7. I am a BYU football fan, even when we don't do well.
8. I am an eternal optimist of goodness and morality
9. Which may explain why I'm disappointed when "Hollywood" couples break up.
10. I guess I am an idealist, but I'm a practical idealist.
11. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
12. W.S. Merwin is my favorite poet.
13. Occassionally I make the attempt to write poems myself.
14. The health care situtation in our country angers me.
15. I'd like to help start a non-profit org someday.
16. I have a gift of perspective.
17. But when I want to feel frustrated about something, it doesn't always seem like a nice gift.
18. On Thanksgiving I try to make a list of all my blessings.
19. Some of those things include good pens & paper.
20. I didn't get around to it this year.
21. I'm a sucker for nice blank notebooks.
22. I have a blank moleskine sitting in my drawer.
23. I don't know what to write in it.
24. Fall is my favorite season.
25. I love Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.
26. I own 6 seasons of The West Wing.
27. And I'm embarrassed by it.
28. Jane Austen is a favorite author.
29. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is a must read.
30. For awhile I majored in Modern Dance at BYU
31. My favorite ballet is Swan Lake.
32. Two works of art that have literally overwhelmed me when I saw them are:
33. St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's Moses.
34. Some day I will blog about Moses.
35. In my small travels I have learned that Paris is old
36. but Rome is ancient.
37. I'd like to be an ex-pat for awhile.
38. I like Irish accents.
39. When Ben & I were first married we'd talk in accents
40. or sing like we were living in a small operetta.
41. Is that odd?
42. I love words.
43. And forming complicated sentences. (Yes, sigh. I also like to diagram sentences.)
44. I'd like to get a Masters Degree someday
45. in writing,
46. or art,
47. or more generally, Humanities.
48. I think Ophelia had too many obnoxious men in her life.
49. I am always making plans to get back to Paris and Rome.
50. Someday it will happen.
51. I'm a White, for you color-code personality types.
52. I have one yellow trait and it's negative.
53. Most of my in-laws have tons of yellow, but we still like eachother.
54. According to the IQ test on tickle.com I am a "Visionary Philosopher."
55. So is Ben.
56. It took him about 1/4 of the time for him to complete the test.
57. I'm two years older than Ben.
58. I don't watch T.V.
59. Ben once refered to our movie collection as "puritan."
60. And it is.
61. Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" rips my heart out.
62. I love the trees in New York.
63. But sometimes they make me feel claustrophobic.
64. I am not a naturally good mother
65. but my kids are teaching me.
66. I took up painting a few years ago,
67. but these days I don't get to it very often.
68. I changed a dresser into a a desk (you know, saw, sander, paint, etc.)
69. Chris Botti's Christmas album December is superb.
70. I played the flute for 3 years in Jr. High.
71. I can still remember the B flat scale.
72. Boy am I glad not to be in Jr. High anymore.
73. I don't really like "traditional birthday cake"
74. unless it's white cake w/ chocolate frosting.
75. I don't really like to cook,
76. although I'm not horrible at it.
77. I have issues with Disney movies.
78. My prefered dressing is ranch,
79. unless there's a caesar salad around.
80. I boycott certain brands, stores, and products
81. on matters of principle.
82. Desserts with caramel and hot fudge are the best.
83. I like to organize,
84. though I'm not terribly brilliant at it.
85. I'm a good editor.
86. I like to play the piano,
87. but am a horrid accompanyist.
88. Politics interest me,
89. but I would never run for office.
90. I can listen to the same song over and over
91. if it's a good song.
92. And So It Goes by Billy Joel is one of those songs.
93. I can be lazy
94. and unmotivated.
95. And I often am.
96. I like cats.
97. I realize more and more that I am not too fond of dogs.
98. I have Merriam-Webster bookmarked
99. so that I can quickly double check my spelling on words like "realize."
100. I really am unbelievably blessed.
101. And I thank you for reading my silly blog.
1. I prefer odd numbers to even.
2. Which is why I am doing this on my 101st post.
3. I like baths with or w/out bubbles.
4. I am the oldest of 11 kids.
5. That's 6 sisters,
6. and 4 brothers.
7. I am a BYU football fan, even when we don't do well.
8. I am an eternal optimist of goodness and morality
9. Which may explain why I'm disappointed when "Hollywood" couples break up.
10. I guess I am an idealist, but I'm a practical idealist.
11. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
12. W.S. Merwin is my favorite poet.
13. Occassionally I make the attempt to write poems myself.
14. The health care situtation in our country angers me.
15. I'd like to help start a non-profit org someday.
16. I have a gift of perspective.
17. But when I want to feel frustrated about something, it doesn't always seem like a nice gift.
18. On Thanksgiving I try to make a list of all my blessings.
19. Some of those things include good pens & paper.
20. I didn't get around to it this year.
21. I'm a sucker for nice blank notebooks.
22. I have a blank moleskine sitting in my drawer.
23. I don't know what to write in it.
24. Fall is my favorite season.
25. I love Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.
26. I own 6 seasons of The West Wing.
27. And I'm embarrassed by it.
28. Jane Austen is a favorite author.
29. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is a must read.
30. For awhile I majored in Modern Dance at BYU
31. My favorite ballet is Swan Lake.
32. Two works of art that have literally overwhelmed me when I saw them are:
33. St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's Moses.
34. Some day I will blog about Moses.
35. In my small travels I have learned that Paris is old
36. but Rome is ancient.
37. I'd like to be an ex-pat for awhile.
38. I like Irish accents.
39. When Ben & I were first married we'd talk in accents
40. or sing like we were living in a small operetta.
41. Is that odd?
42. I love words.
43. And forming complicated sentences. (Yes, sigh. I also like to diagram sentences.)
44. I'd like to get a Masters Degree someday
45. in writing,
46. or art,
47. or more generally, Humanities.
48. I think Ophelia had too many obnoxious men in her life.
49. I am always making plans to get back to Paris and Rome.
50. Someday it will happen.
51. I'm a White, for you color-code personality types.
52. I have one yellow trait and it's negative.
53. Most of my in-laws have tons of yellow, but we still like eachother.
54. According to the IQ test on tickle.com I am a "Visionary Philosopher."
55. So is Ben.
56. It took him about 1/4 of the time for him to complete the test.
57. I'm two years older than Ben.
58. I don't watch T.V.
59. Ben once refered to our movie collection as "puritan."
60. And it is.
61. Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" rips my heart out.
62. I love the trees in New York.
63. But sometimes they make me feel claustrophobic.
64. I am not a naturally good mother
65. but my kids are teaching me.
66. I took up painting a few years ago,
67. but these days I don't get to it very often.
68. I changed a dresser into a a desk (you know, saw, sander, paint, etc.)
69. Chris Botti's Christmas album December is superb.
70. I played the flute for 3 years in Jr. High.
71. I can still remember the B flat scale.
72. Boy am I glad not to be in Jr. High anymore.
73. I don't really like "traditional birthday cake"
74. unless it's white cake w/ chocolate frosting.
75. I don't really like to cook,
76. although I'm not horrible at it.
77. I have issues with Disney movies.
78. My prefered dressing is ranch,
79. unless there's a caesar salad around.
80. I boycott certain brands, stores, and products
81. on matters of principle.
82. Desserts with caramel and hot fudge are the best.
83. I like to organize,
84. though I'm not terribly brilliant at it.
85. I'm a good editor.
86. I like to play the piano,
87. but am a horrid accompanyist.
88. Politics interest me,
89. but I would never run for office.
90. I can listen to the same song over and over
91. if it's a good song.
92. And So It Goes by Billy Joel is one of those songs.
93. I can be lazy
94. and unmotivated.
95. And I often am.
96. I like cats.
97. I realize more and more that I am not too fond of dogs.
98. I have Merriam-Webster bookmarked
99. so that I can quickly double check my spelling on words like "realize."
100. I really am unbelievably blessed.
101. And I thank you for reading my silly blog.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
sunday notes
The last function of reason is to recognize that there are an infinity of things which surpass it.
~Blaise Pascal
~Blaise Pascal
Friday, November 24, 2006
lived to tell
We got up before the sun. We faced down the crowds. We hunted through the aisles, searched the shelves and culled the bargains. And were polite at the same time. Yes, Ben and I each participated in a small way in this Black Friday thing. But actually, neither one of us was at the door when the stores opened. Ben went out around 7 a.m. and when he came home I left to check out some stuff I'd seen on the internet and wanted to check price and quality. Turns out the www was a better deal for what I was looking for, so I came home and shopped online. There were crowds, but not overwhelming. The worst was not having a shopping cart and frankly, that made things easier. I wasn't too impressed by the bargains over all. I mean I did get some good deals for Christmas, but actually the best thing was getting the Star Wars DVDs IV, V, & VI for 10 bucks each in their original un-1990s-retechnologized state (sorry George Lucas, Henry James maybe pulled off a "redo," but you did not. Actually doesn't Mr. Lucas remind you of an ewok?), so that was fun. Anyway, to all of you die-hard shoppers out there: May the day be productive, not too tiring, may you get the bargains you were looking for, and maybe some good surprises you weren't expecting, and may the force be with you.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
happy thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 100:1 - 5
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 100:1 - 5
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
bookended by insanity
Thanksgiving is sort of a holiday pushed aside. Snubbed by most but the grocery industry, and sandwiched between Halloween (buy these costumes! buy these costumes! don't forget the candy!) and Christmas (buy everything! buy everything! more than you can possibly afford!), Thanksgiving isn't really a darling of the commercial arena. Which is actually okay. Thank goodness for a holiday that isn't too marketable. However, Thanksgiving has been nudged into the position marking that, indeed, The Holidays are upon us.
I headed out this morning to pick up last minute things I need for the grand dinner tomorrow. You know, minor things, like the turkey. I was early enough that the lines haven't been too long. But I can feel the cashiers bracing. It's gonna be a long day ringing up the produce at the checkout counter. We will rush, rush, rush today to get ready (pre-cook those yams, make the pies tonight!), and then at a certain time tomorrow (probably at least 2 hours later than initially planned, darned turkey) everyone will sit down to gorge themselves, think of their blessings, and hopefully take a long nap. (After helping mom do the dishes, right? You nice people, you.)
But come Friday we'll be right back at it, and early too, to take advantage of what is apparently called "Black Friday" (aptly named for many reasons). Rush, rush, to the Christmas deals. I think the Italians really ought to start pushing pasta as a Thanksgiving meal of choice. You gotta carb up for the race and wrestle in the Target line tomorrow, folks! Forget the turkey! How about some nice turkey lasanga!
In anycase, between the rushing around, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Despite the chaos of life imposed or invited, take some time to sit down and count your blessings. Good. Now, get out there and get your turkey!
I headed out this morning to pick up last minute things I need for the grand dinner tomorrow. You know, minor things, like the turkey. I was early enough that the lines haven't been too long. But I can feel the cashiers bracing. It's gonna be a long day ringing up the produce at the checkout counter. We will rush, rush, rush today to get ready (pre-cook those yams, make the pies tonight!), and then at a certain time tomorrow (probably at least 2 hours later than initially planned, darned turkey) everyone will sit down to gorge themselves, think of their blessings, and hopefully take a long nap. (After helping mom do the dishes, right? You nice people, you.)
But come Friday we'll be right back at it, and early too, to take advantage of what is apparently called "Black Friday" (aptly named for many reasons). Rush, rush, to the Christmas deals. I think the Italians really ought to start pushing pasta as a Thanksgiving meal of choice. You gotta carb up for the race and wrestle in the Target line tomorrow, folks! Forget the turkey! How about some nice turkey lasanga!
In anycase, between the rushing around, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Despite the chaos of life imposed or invited, take some time to sit down and count your blessings. Good. Now, get out there and get your turkey!
Monday, November 20, 2006
let the wild rumpus start!
Pre-holiday cleaning has begun. We'll do what we can before Thursday. Then one more sweep through next week in preparation for decorations that will be going up. Hooray!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
eat this instead
After many tears shed this morning for various reasons the girls and I retired to the kitchen to make some chocolate chip cookies, a good remedy for many things, cranky children and impatient mother alike. As I was beating together the ingredients one of them said to me with anticipation "Is it time for a licking yet?"
Well, hopefully we won't reach that point, but the dough will be ready for tasting as soon as I stir in the flour.
Well, hopefully we won't reach that point, but the dough will be ready for tasting as soon as I stir in the flour.
Friday, November 17, 2006
shots all around
I hauled all of the kids to the pediatrician yesterday for flu shots. I'd been prepping the girls all week. I even gave them a quick pinch on their arms and told them it would feel kind of like that. They saw Ben and I get our shots a few weeks ago. We proudly showed off our band-aids and assured them that they, too, would soon be able to participate in the (almost) yearly ritual.
The baby cried for just a minute but because I was holding him, he calmed down quickly. My oldest went next. She felt the sting, stood there for a second and then burst into tears. Next up, the newly minted three year-old, who shook her head. The doctor was quick though, and deftly jabbed the needle into her arm. She then just sat there with her eyebrows furrowed, looking like she might growl at everyone.
Back in the car I congratulated the girls on their bravery. The oldest declined this complement saying she had cried. I conceded that this was true, but pointed out she was inclined to cry about a lot of things (she is my most emotional and dramatic child). And it was brave just to get the shot. The growler spoke up from the back, not caring about the bravery of the event. Her comment explained her reaction perfectly. "I was mad that I got a flu shot."
The baby cried for just a minute but because I was holding him, he calmed down quickly. My oldest went next. She felt the sting, stood there for a second and then burst into tears. Next up, the newly minted three year-old, who shook her head. The doctor was quick though, and deftly jabbed the needle into her arm. She then just sat there with her eyebrows furrowed, looking like she might growl at everyone.
Back in the car I congratulated the girls on their bravery. The oldest declined this complement saying she had cried. I conceded that this was true, but pointed out she was inclined to cry about a lot of things (she is my most emotional and dramatic child). And it was brave just to get the shot. The growler spoke up from the back, not caring about the bravery of the event. Her comment explained her reaction perfectly. "I was mad that I got a flu shot."
Thursday, November 16, 2006
in which I attempt to be festive and domestic
The scent of pumpkin spices were in my head. (I'm ready for Thanksgiving and everything else!) It was also gray and depressing outside. Also they've been playing Christmas songs at my daughter's preschool and she was telling me which ones she liked. I am not normally one who listens to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but I gave in to the pressure being exerted by the blogosphere at large and pulled out the carols. I'd been listening to Harry Connick Jr. so I switched Redlight Bluelight to his first Christmas album and watched the kids get excited to hear Sleigh Ride! Inspired, I went into the kitchen and filled up a pan with warm water, threw in some cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, whole cloves and an orange sliced into circles and turned on the stove. Take that! gray, depressing day!
The festive part was done, and bubbling happily along. So I decided, since the kitchen for once was clean that I would attempt that pumpkin roll I've wanted to make since last year. And easy slide from festive to domestic, yes?
I looked at the ingredients. I had them all. It seemed doable. I didn't read the directions. Hmmm. I started pulling out everything I'd need. I like to do that when I bake, and then put away what I've just used. I realized I didn't have enough powdered sugar. Fortunately the wonderful Lindsey rescued me by letting me have her new bag. (Thanks.) I greased and floured the pan. Then I realized it might be a little bigger than what was called for. I pulled out my handy-dandy tape measure. (Yes, I keep a small tape measure around for occassions such as this.) It was too big. I pulled out my pan of the right size, but it's an airbake pan and I've never had success with it. Also it's a pain to wash. But in the spirit of following the recipe I decided I should use it. I washed off the other pan (see how efficient and clean I am?) and then greased and floured the airbake. Then I started making the batter. Which required me to whip egg yolks for five minutes (I only have a hand mixer) and then to beat egg whites (which I had some trouble getting. An egg separation expert I am not) while having my oldest entertain the baby who had just decided to wake up from his nap. It took forever for the egg whites to stiffen. When they did, barely, I dumped them into the mixture, all the while narrating this post in my mind. I knew it would have a happy ending and that the pumpkin roll would be divine. Yum. I might dare to take a few slices to Lindsey, cook extraordinaire.
But who knew that something with so many egg whites doesn't spread its self more evenly like a cake does when exposed to heat? That all the little reels and hills would set, making it an unsmooth surface. In my limited baking experience and rush to get to the baby, I did not. Oh well. Onto the cream cheese frosting. Whose powdered sugar I didn't sift. So it ended up with a little bit more sugar than necessary. Gritty cream cheese frosting. Ummmm! But it was the pan that damned me. I went to turn the pan over onto the sugar powdered dish towel. The two ends came off, one end in half. The middle bottom, barely underbaked, did not. It stuck. And I knew that I should have gone with my first instincts - the slightly larger, and more reliable pan. I'd had it. I banged on the back of the pan to no avail. My daughter looked at me with wide eyes. I looked at the previously clean kitchen and vowed never to bake again until a) I have some space b) I have some cooking equipment and c) something else, maybe hell freezing over.
I took the top third of the roll that had survived and rolled it up, let it cool, unrolled and filled it with frosting, rolled it back up and stuck it into the freezer. When Ben got home we tried it. He liked it, blessed man. I could taste the over-abundance of powdered sugar and was again disappointed. The remaining pumpkin part wasn't too bad actually. But live and learn, huh? When I make this again in ten years, it will surely be a better experience.
The festive part was done, and bubbling happily along. So I decided, since the kitchen for once was clean that I would attempt that pumpkin roll I've wanted to make since last year. And easy slide from festive to domestic, yes?
I looked at the ingredients. I had them all. It seemed doable. I didn't read the directions. Hmmm. I started pulling out everything I'd need. I like to do that when I bake, and then put away what I've just used. I realized I didn't have enough powdered sugar. Fortunately the wonderful Lindsey rescued me by letting me have her new bag. (Thanks.) I greased and floured the pan. Then I realized it might be a little bigger than what was called for. I pulled out my handy-dandy tape measure. (Yes, I keep a small tape measure around for occassions such as this.) It was too big. I pulled out my pan of the right size, but it's an airbake pan and I've never had success with it. Also it's a pain to wash. But in the spirit of following the recipe I decided I should use it. I washed off the other pan (see how efficient and clean I am?) and then greased and floured the airbake. Then I started making the batter. Which required me to whip egg yolks for five minutes (I only have a hand mixer) and then to beat egg whites (which I had some trouble getting. An egg separation expert I am not) while having my oldest entertain the baby who had just decided to wake up from his nap. It took forever for the egg whites to stiffen. When they did, barely, I dumped them into the mixture, all the while narrating this post in my mind. I knew it would have a happy ending and that the pumpkin roll would be divine. Yum. I might dare to take a few slices to Lindsey, cook extraordinaire.
But who knew that something with so many egg whites doesn't spread its self more evenly like a cake does when exposed to heat? That all the little reels and hills would set, making it an unsmooth surface. In my limited baking experience and rush to get to the baby, I did not. Oh well. Onto the cream cheese frosting. Whose powdered sugar I didn't sift. So it ended up with a little bit more sugar than necessary. Gritty cream cheese frosting. Ummmm! But it was the pan that damned me. I went to turn the pan over onto the sugar powdered dish towel. The two ends came off, one end in half. The middle bottom, barely underbaked, did not. It stuck. And I knew that I should have gone with my first instincts - the slightly larger, and more reliable pan. I'd had it. I banged on the back of the pan to no avail. My daughter looked at me with wide eyes. I looked at the previously clean kitchen and vowed never to bake again until a) I have some space b) I have some cooking equipment and c) something else, maybe hell freezing over.
I took the top third of the roll that had survived and rolled it up, let it cool, unrolled and filled it with frosting, rolled it back up and stuck it into the freezer. When Ben got home we tried it. He liked it, blessed man. I could taste the over-abundance of powdered sugar and was again disappointed. The remaining pumpkin part wasn't too bad actually. But live and learn, huh? When I make this again in ten years, it will surely be a better experience.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
health and beauty
So, Costco got in some special new kind of Aquafresh. The tube looks like a spaceship, all silvery shiney. It's an "extreme clean mint whitening experience." (Their words, not mine). Ben actually called me from Costco to make sure he should get this kind, knowing the special relationship I have with my toothpaste. But it was the only Aquafresh there. And it was still the cheapest.
I also bought some new facial scrub. It has those little microbeads in it. It seems to work well, although the other day I was debating if it is unearthing little facial blemishes, or causing them...the jury is out for now.
Here is the weird thing about these two products, which I started using on the same day, so maybe it's just me and my senses are totally out of wack. The toothpaste tastes and feels like I'm brushing my teeth with Halls mentholatum cough drops. Which is nice if you're a little congested, which I was, and it cleared me right up for a bit! But it's a little overwhelming in the early morning. It also isn't great as a sleep inducer at night. I sure feel like my teeth are clean though! And clean sinuses too! But moving on. The facewash smells exactly like the environmentally safe paint stripper I used a few years ago when redoing some furniture. Seriously. Exactly the same.
I'm brushing my teeth with cough drops and washing my face with paint stripper. Which may explain those blemishes.
I also bought some new facial scrub. It has those little microbeads in it. It seems to work well, although the other day I was debating if it is unearthing little facial blemishes, or causing them...the jury is out for now.
Here is the weird thing about these two products, which I started using on the same day, so maybe it's just me and my senses are totally out of wack. The toothpaste tastes and feels like I'm brushing my teeth with Halls mentholatum cough drops. Which is nice if you're a little congested, which I was, and it cleared me right up for a bit! But it's a little overwhelming in the early morning. It also isn't great as a sleep inducer at night. I sure feel like my teeth are clean though! And clean sinuses too! But moving on. The facewash smells exactly like the environmentally safe paint stripper I used a few years ago when redoing some furniture. Seriously. Exactly the same.
I'm brushing my teeth with cough drops and washing my face with paint stripper. Which may explain those blemishes.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
baby blogging
My sister, Stephanie, is due to have her first baby any day. Actually she was due last Thursday, but since those of you who've had babies know about that, we won't dwell on the pure mental exhaustion of going over your due date, not to mention the extreme physical exhaustion and uncomfortabilities and such, for her sake. We'll just nod our heads sympathetically and say "yeah, it sucks."
I'm excited for many a reason. Finally someone from my family will join me in this crazy club of motherhood. We've had some good bonding chats about "stuff" already. It will only get better. Also she's having a boy, so our little boys can grow up together and be buddies! Except that Steph and her husband will probably have children who will easily play in the NBA. Long-limbed tow-heads who enjoy every athletic challenge. And my kids will not. Play in the NBA. Both Ben and I have plenty of natural rhythm. And that could translate into sports, but we may be raising those more of a height for, say, soccer and not basketball. So these boys could be physical opposites. But I'm sure they'll love each other anyway.
So, my dad is out of town, having a jolly time (I'm guessing, despite the jetlag and quick-paced schedule) holding meetings in Denmark, the Ukraine, Germany and France (I am jealous). The plan was that Steph deliver about a week early so that my dad could be there to see the new babe. I even sent a few prayers over in that direction. I think my prayers must have been slightly circumvented but have now arrived and kicked in. My dad is due back at the end of this week. And I won't be surprized if the baby decides to accommodate his grandpa. Just not in the way we were hoping. And that tells you what kind of kid Steph's getting! A pleaser, after his own fashion.
I'm excited for many a reason. Finally someone from my family will join me in this crazy club of motherhood. We've had some good bonding chats about "stuff" already. It will only get better. Also she's having a boy, so our little boys can grow up together and be buddies! Except that Steph and her husband will probably have children who will easily play in the NBA. Long-limbed tow-heads who enjoy every athletic challenge. And my kids will not. Play in the NBA. Both Ben and I have plenty of natural rhythm. And that could translate into sports, but we may be raising those more of a height for, say, soccer and not basketball. So these boys could be physical opposites. But I'm sure they'll love each other anyway.
So, my dad is out of town, having a jolly time (I'm guessing, despite the jetlag and quick-paced schedule) holding meetings in Denmark, the Ukraine, Germany and France (I am jealous). The plan was that Steph deliver about a week early so that my dad could be there to see the new babe. I even sent a few prayers over in that direction. I think my prayers must have been slightly circumvented but have now arrived and kicked in. My dad is due back at the end of this week. And I won't be surprized if the baby decides to accommodate his grandpa. Just not in the way we were hoping. And that tells you what kind of kid Steph's getting! A pleaser, after his own fashion.
Monday, November 13, 2006
here today
I've always enjoyed remembering the good ol' times and anticipated with the best of them the events on the horizon. I like having things to look forward to. I think that nostalgia and anticipation are important parts of life. I know there have been times where a lot of my time was spent wandering through journal entries, real or the ones filed away in my mind's memory box, or just counting down the days until a certain occasion arrived. Not always the best use of a day, I admit.
It's good to learn how to be in the now. How to enjoy the little moments. Or the big moments. Having a family, I have to say, has grounded me, and made me see the importance of these things. But that doesn't mean past and future have gone out the window. Oh no. So while I am very aware that I am here. Right now. In this very present place. With the very present bed waiting to be made... There are a few things I am looking forward to and they are making today a little bit sweeter.
- The birth of my nephew
- Sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving
- The first good snow fall
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Ben finishing his thesis
- Christmas carols
- Wassail
- More Christmas stuff, but I won't go into detail (see a pattern here?)...
- A really good banana peach smoothie that I hope won't break my blender (it's not a very sturdy blender)
It's good to learn how to be in the now. How to enjoy the little moments. Or the big moments. Having a family, I have to say, has grounded me, and made me see the importance of these things. But that doesn't mean past and future have gone out the window. Oh no. So while I am very aware that I am here. Right now. In this very present place. With the very present bed waiting to be made... There are a few things I am looking forward to and they are making today a little bit sweeter.
- The birth of my nephew
- Sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving
- The first good snow fall
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Ben finishing his thesis
- Christmas carols
- Wassail
- More Christmas stuff, but I won't go into detail (see a pattern here?)...
- A really good banana peach smoothie that I hope won't break my blender (it's not a very sturdy blender)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Thursday, November 9, 2006
get out the confetti!
I'm getting sick, so I should be in bed but I just finished decorating. The night before birthdays at our house I pull out the crepe paper and some balloons. If I've done all the shopping, am feeling ambitious, or if there is a BYU football game going on that I need to listen to, I'll stay up and wrap the presents as well. It's a fun little tradition that we all look forward to.
My two year-old is turning three. Hooray! I don't know that the antics of that lovely age will immediately disappear tonight at midnight (besides she was born in the evening) but I do like three year-olds and am excited to have another one. This is the child who was speaking in sentences at 19 months, who loves to dance, who idolizes her older sister, but not enough to give into her demands all of the time or even most of the time. Her language development seems to have detracted from other areas. She is the most scatter-brained child I know. It's so funny. Last year we were having an ice cream cone at McDonalds and she started looking for her's frantically because she couldn't find it. Ben pointed out to her that she was still holding it. She is very polite and always says thank you, even if she's just thrown a tantrum. She my blue-eyed blond and I love her.
Peace. Or, I'm two years old...
But I'm turing three.
Happy Birthday Bella-babe!
My two year-old is turning three. Hooray! I don't know that the antics of that lovely age will immediately disappear tonight at midnight (besides she was born in the evening) but I do like three year-olds and am excited to have another one. This is the child who was speaking in sentences at 19 months, who loves to dance, who idolizes her older sister, but not enough to give into her demands all of the time or even most of the time. Her language development seems to have detracted from other areas. She is the most scatter-brained child I know. It's so funny. Last year we were having an ice cream cone at McDonalds and she started looking for her's frantically because she couldn't find it. Ben pointed out to her that she was still holding it. She is very polite and always says thank you, even if she's just thrown a tantrum. She my blue-eyed blond and I love her.
Peace. Or, I'm two years old...
But I'm turing three.
Happy Birthday Bella-babe!
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
weather report
Today is going to be a rainy, rainy day. While we probably won't get quite the same results as some, they are forcasting a chance for flooding. That said, it seems to me New York tends to be over-sensitive to the weather. So while it might be severe I have a sneaking suspicion that if these weather conditions were moved over to another state, the people there would do just fine. Also we live up on a hill and are adequately stocked with food provisions.
I think I am going to take advantage of this weather and do a quick clean up around the house (ignoring my bedroom, which could probably stand to be flooded out, but the baby is napping in there right now, so no cleaning, and probably no flooding either, please) and then we are going to keep it low key. Books and stories, maybe a movie and some popcorn with the kids, maybe a nice bath for mom, or better yet, a nice little nap on the couch. Perhaps some cookies will get made. Or at least the cookie dough (I am a sucker for cookie dough).
Well, that sounds probably a little too picturesque. Really I will try to get things picked up while negotiating fights about Polly Pocket dolls, debate whether or not I really want to stick the girls in front of a movie because that often makes them more grumpy at which point I will put them in the bath so they can play in a confined space (water always makes kids happier) while I carry around the baby who has a cold and a hard time napping and get my shower in once they've gone to bed. The cookie dough is maybe the only reality here. But it's a dang good reality!
Happy Wednesday, everybody!
I think I am going to take advantage of this weather and do a quick clean up around the house (ignoring my bedroom, which could probably stand to be flooded out, but the baby is napping in there right now, so no cleaning, and probably no flooding either, please) and then we are going to keep it low key. Books and stories, maybe a movie and some popcorn with the kids, maybe a nice bath for mom, or better yet, a nice little nap on the couch. Perhaps some cookies will get made. Or at least the cookie dough (I am a sucker for cookie dough).
Well, that sounds probably a little too picturesque. Really I will try to get things picked up while negotiating fights about Polly Pocket dolls, debate whether or not I really want to stick the girls in front of a movie because that often makes them more grumpy at which point I will put them in the bath so they can play in a confined space (water always makes kids happier) while I carry around the baby who has a cold and a hard time napping and get my shower in once they've gone to bed. The cookie dough is maybe the only reality here. But it's a dang good reality!
Happy Wednesday, everybody!
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
season 4, episode 6: Election Night
This evening in honor of Election Day I think I may watch Jed Bartlet get re-elected to a second term. This doesn't necessarily reflect my views or wishes of what will happen as the real ballots are counted tonight. I'm actually not sure what I hope will happen. I mean, sad to say, both parties seem more intent on getting and keeping power than actually doing something. And as a definite Independent, I'm not saying that I would without question vote for the man, should he really be running. Unless we were voting on coolness of staff. In any case, if he was still on television I'd watch.
P.S. If I wanted to be more election specific, season 2 episode 3: The Midterms would probably be more appropriate, but not as fun (presidential elections are always more fun. That said, this particular election going on right now, is pretty dang interesting), because nothing changes. Everybody gets to say "God Bless America" though. But either way, I say "God Bless America."
P.S. If I wanted to be more election specific, season 2 episode 3: The Midterms would probably be more appropriate, but not as fun (presidential elections are always more fun. That said, this particular election going on right now, is pretty dang interesting), because nothing changes. Everybody gets to say "God Bless America" though. But either way, I say "God Bless America."
Monday, November 6, 2006
monday, monday
I remember distinctly thinking on Sunday when I posted that I had something good to say for today. But what that thought was and where it went only the wind and the moon doth know. And neither of them are telling me. It was probably profound, and even life-changing for a few of you, and for that I apologize. But I think you'll manage alright. You are all capable people.
But as far as a subject for a post? Well. The baby did get his cast off today! I called the doctor to ask if I could (gasp!) take it off myself because he had been doing legs lifts with both legs, a sure sign, I thought, that the fractured femur was healed. She said I could come in and she would look at it, just to make sure. So we did, and he did and now I don't have to go to another appointment Wednesday morning! Hooray! The poor guy didn't get much of a chance to nap today though, so the sweetheart is conked out in a deep and castless sleep.
And we drove out to the Newark Airport to visit with my dad who had a 12 hour layover on his way to Denmark. The girls were so excited to see Grandpa! They saw him through the glass doors of the hotel and ran right in and up to him to get a big hug. It was a sweet reunion. I noticed several of the employees looking over and smiling. We all had lunch (lunch at a hotel is such a rip-off. I mean, decent food, but the hamburger was not worth $12) and some nice to time to chat. It was nice to see my dad.
So there you go. My Monday in a nutshell. Oh, I also got the girls' room picked up. And maybe my profundities will be back tomorrow.
But as far as a subject for a post? Well. The baby did get his cast off today! I called the doctor to ask if I could (gasp!) take it off myself because he had been doing legs lifts with both legs, a sure sign, I thought, that the fractured femur was healed. She said I could come in and she would look at it, just to make sure. So we did, and he did and now I don't have to go to another appointment Wednesday morning! Hooray! The poor guy didn't get much of a chance to nap today though, so the sweetheart is conked out in a deep and castless sleep.
And we drove out to the Newark Airport to visit with my dad who had a 12 hour layover on his way to Denmark. The girls were so excited to see Grandpa! They saw him through the glass doors of the hotel and ran right in and up to him to get a big hug. It was a sweet reunion. I noticed several of the employees looking over and smiling. We all had lunch (lunch at a hotel is such a rip-off. I mean, decent food, but the hamburger was not worth $12) and some nice to time to chat. It was nice to see my dad.
So there you go. My Monday in a nutshell. Oh, I also got the girls' room picked up. And maybe my profundities will be back tomorrow.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
sunday notes
...the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God.
-Boyd K. Packer
-Boyd K. Packer
Friday, November 3, 2006
mourn with me for a moment, will you?
If the time must change, then it must. I guess. I used to be a big fan of the October switch, giving me an hour longer to sleep in, but no more. My kids are grumpy from staying up later and getting up at the same time, which is now officially "earlier". So I've "moved" their bedtime back by a 1/2 hour. It's a compromise until the sun starts getting up a little later in the morning, because he is the reason, along with their already programed bodies that they are now getting up cheerfully at 6 a.m. and not 7. So really they are going to bed about the same time as before. I just have more time in the evenings to myself. And less time in the morning to sleep in.
BUT. The real tradegy is this: I've lost an hour of sunlight. Which didn't bother me in Utah because I was on the end of a time zone. But here in New York I'm at the brand spankin' beginning and so the sun is setting way. too. early. Sunset today is at 4:49 p.m. Yes. 4:49, people!!!! It gets worse, of course, and it drives me crazy. Look, I realize that there are people who live in portions of the world where it gets dark and stays that way for about 6 months. Believe me, they have my deepest sympathies. Also those who live on the most easterly part of Maine, because they loose a lot of light as well. More than we do. But I'm just saying. It's a good thing Christmas comes at the darkest part of the year because I don't think I would survive without the extra lighting.
BUT. The real tradegy is this: I've lost an hour of sunlight. Which didn't bother me in Utah because I was on the end of a time zone. But here in New York I'm at the brand spankin' beginning and so the sun is setting way. too. early. Sunset today is at 4:49 p.m. Yes. 4:49, people!!!! It gets worse, of course, and it drives me crazy. Look, I realize that there are people who live in portions of the world where it gets dark and stays that way for about 6 months. Believe me, they have my deepest sympathies. Also those who live on the most easterly part of Maine, because they loose a lot of light as well. More than we do. But I'm just saying. It's a good thing Christmas comes at the darkest part of the year because I don't think I would survive without the extra lighting.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
let your light so shine
My mother is an amazing person who is literally wearing out her life in the service of the Lord, her family, and her fellowman. She is someone who knows the meaning of sacrifice, and if she has been afraid of it, she has gone ahead and sacrificed anyway. She is truly a woman of God. Following the example of the Savior she has carried many burdens on others' behalf. Her light does cause those in her path to glorify their Father in Heaven. If I have any hope of being like her I will strive for it. For now, I will walk behind her, learn at her feet and hope some of her faith and goodness rub off on me, or that it's some how genetic. She will probably be embarrassed that I wrote this, but I wanted to pay her a small tribute in this way.
just call me oscar
When I get tired, really tired, I am not a happy person to be around. Especially if you happen to be my child. My buttons are most easily exposed and pushed by my children in this unhappy state. The night before Halloween I was up with some vicious stomach bug intent on evacuating anything in my body that wasn't anchored down. And I haven't completely recovered. I have managed to eat a few things but not enough to keep up with a nursing baby and the kids. So yesterday I was a grump. Actually I was down right jerky. Really. A complete jerk at times, to my children. This always seems to happen when I am actually trying to make a conscious effort to be a kind and loving mother. Not that I always get sick, but something completely derails me and I am left feeling like my best efforts are kind of a joke and my poor children and consigned to a life with a sub-par mother.
On top of this I am, of course, hosting preschool this week. Today is my final day. Thank goodness. I'm surprised I made it through Tuesday, which was, Halloween, which was the day after the night of sickness. And the kids were a little crazy hyper because it was Halloween. But also, we had some fun because, again, it was Halloween. Not that I haven't had any fun doing this. I have. But you know, it takes some energy. Anyway, I managed to pull together a lesson last night after putting the kids to bed at 6:30. And I am really hoping that everyone shows up late today. And please, when you do arrive a bit tardy with your child in tow, please don't apologize. I may be inclined to say sweetly "I actually prefer it when every one shows up late." And if I do say that, just know, that I am not being sarcastic and also, it's nothing personal. I'm being completely honest and it's because I am a little bit tired.
On top of this I am, of course, hosting preschool this week. Today is my final day. Thank goodness. I'm surprised I made it through Tuesday, which was, Halloween, which was the day after the night of sickness. And the kids were a little crazy hyper because it was Halloween. But also, we had some fun because, again, it was Halloween. Not that I haven't had any fun doing this. I have. But you know, it takes some energy. Anyway, I managed to pull together a lesson last night after putting the kids to bed at 6:30. And I am really hoping that everyone shows up late today. And please, when you do arrive a bit tardy with your child in tow, please don't apologize. I may be inclined to say sweetly "I actually prefer it when every one shows up late." And if I do say that, just know, that I am not being sarcastic and also, it's nothing personal. I'm being completely honest and it's because I am a little bit tired.
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