Well - reason for sore throat has been determined. Strep, just as painful as I remember - although it's never been so bad as to be offered two shots before. I can't even think of the last time I got a shot! I should have asked for my pertussis booster while I was there!
Thankfully (?) my sweet husband is also sick so we have shared duties today - I took kids to school, he picked up Annie and took she and Emily to library. I came home twenty minutes later from Dr office to find him crashed on the bed, so I fed girls lunch and put Em down for a nap and will put a movie on for Annie that will allow me an hour nap as well.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my dr. If the shot doesn't work (works 3 out of 4 times), she also gave me prescription and one for the kids in case they get it in the next 48 hours. For some reason, I can't get sick at the beginning of the week. I have to wait until the end, so that if we need to go back because medicine isn't working, it would be an after-hours call.
She did give me a dirty look that I didn't come in two days ago. The nurse could even tell it was strep just by looking at it. I just hate paying the silly co-pay and then for a prescription if it will go away on its own! Oh well - maybe I will start answering my phone again tomorrow..if people are lucky! :)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unattended
This is what happens when you leave mischievous children unattended; the worst part is that it is Stephen's hot chocolate which I brought back from Utah and love completely and unconditionally! Unfortunately, I feel so horrible that I didn't even have the energy to get mad. Just took a picture and tossed them in the tub. I hate being sick...especially when my children aren't and haven't slowed down! I think we will do some early naps today and pray for Daddy to get home tonight instead of tomorrow. The sad thing is he also feels horrible and if he takes the day off tomorrow, he will be the one sleeping while I try to keep kids quiet. I know; woe is me. :) At least I have a bed to sleep on and PBS for kids to watch!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
And you're it!
8 Things About Me
I'm not one to do these things but I'm playing along. So y'all have to play along too. Joey Pauga tagged me so here is my post. Enjoy!
RULES
1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the six "8" items
3) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment
8 Favorite TV Shows
since i watch tv so much...
1. Mavs games
2. calliou (30 uninterrupted minutes of quiet time!!!)
3. cyberchase
4. dragon tales
5. COSBY SHOW!!!!
6. Murder She Wrote
7. Price is Right
8. Press Your Luck
8 Things I did Yesterday
1. went to temple
2. ran errands (bread store, Sprouts, Eye Care Associates)
3. swam at gym
4. made three loaves of pb and j sandwiches to stick in freezer
5. unloaded and reloaded dishwasher
6. thought about doing laundry
7. made dinner
8. did reverse trick-or-treating at nursing home (we gave them candy)
8 Things I look forward to
1. being skinny
2. Andy's retirement (no one said these had to be soon!)
3. canning more food
4. finding great deals on food
5. making sugar cookies for Christmas
6. running to school with Ben
7. playing volleyball
8. dates with my honey
8 Favorite Restaurants (this is a hard one!!!)
1. Chuy's in Austin
2. Olive Garden
3. Rudy's BBQ
4. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
5. Maggiano's
6. Cold Stone
7. Braum's
8. breakfast at Mom's house
8 Things on my wishlist
1. a few more kids
2. car to be paid off
3. cancer obliterated
4. people to embrace the Gospel and Christ as Savior
5. even hormones
6. my sister and family to live much much closer
7. everyone to be happy and look for ways to serve
8. help with dinner and bedtime each night
8 People to tag (this isn't my favorite part, but this blog has been really fun to think about!)
1. Kim R
2. Angie C
3. Autumn S
4. Tonia P (maybe double tags will help)
5. Kristie M
6. Sarah B
7. Nicole P (how fun to still be able to type that!)
8. Jamie - what is your last name? married to Travis!
I'm not one to do these things but I'm playing along. So y'all have to play along too. Joey Pauga tagged me so here is my post. Enjoy!
RULES
1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the six "8" items
3) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment
8 Favorite TV Shows
since i watch tv so much...
1. Mavs games
2. calliou (30 uninterrupted minutes of quiet time!!!)
3. cyberchase
4. dragon tales
5. COSBY SHOW!!!!
6. Murder She Wrote
7. Price is Right
8. Press Your Luck
8 Things I did Yesterday
1. went to temple
2. ran errands (bread store, Sprouts, Eye Care Associates)
3. swam at gym
4. made three loaves of pb and j sandwiches to stick in freezer
5. unloaded and reloaded dishwasher
6. thought about doing laundry
7. made dinner
8. did reverse trick-or-treating at nursing home (we gave them candy)
8 Things I look forward to
1. being skinny
2. Andy's retirement (no one said these had to be soon!)
3. canning more food
4. finding great deals on food
5. making sugar cookies for Christmas
6. running to school with Ben
7. playing volleyball
8. dates with my honey
8 Favorite Restaurants (this is a hard one!!!)
1. Chuy's in Austin
2. Olive Garden
3. Rudy's BBQ
4. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
5. Maggiano's
6. Cold Stone
7. Braum's
8. breakfast at Mom's house
8 Things on my wishlist
1. a few more kids
2. car to be paid off
3. cancer obliterated
4. people to embrace the Gospel and Christ as Savior
5. even hormones
6. my sister and family to live much much closer
7. everyone to be happy and look for ways to serve
8. help with dinner and bedtime each night
8 People to tag (this isn't my favorite part, but this blog has been really fun to think about!)
1. Kim R
2. Angie C
3. Autumn S
4. Tonia P (maybe double tags will help)
5. Kristie M
6. Sarah B
7. Nicole P (how fun to still be able to type that!)
8. Jamie - what is your last name? married to Travis!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wish I had such a loving way with words...
This is an article from the LDS Church (the link is to the right) about all of the propositions that were voted on yesterday. Please take the time to read it all. I wish I could stay so calm while stating my beliefs! "Emotionally-charged" would probably describe me. This topic is a little bit too personal for me to discuss in my quiet voice. Obama I can learn to love and support; marriage for two people of the same sex I cannot.
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.
Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.
We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.
Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.
We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Halloween!!!
Well, apparently what I remember and actual events are quite different. My sweet little children were tired of trick-or-treating so quickly! I thought for sure the lure of more free candy would keep them going all night. I was wrong, and poor Emily has a huge scratch on her nose (she was tired and her candy was heavy and she fell on the concrete) because I made them continue even after they told me they were tired. But this is so fun, I said. I got over-ruled!
Two good witches and a princess that disappears and appears at doors.
It's so rare to have a picture of me with the kids; so I included two! That's what you get when you update the blog...
My sassy little cowboy was out of sorts that night. He wasn't so happy to have to do this! (like I forced him to trick or treat! okay - i really did. I love Halloween!!!)
We are family... (notice my little green plants that are supposed to fill in within the next year)
Two good witches and a princess that disappears and appears at doors.
It's so rare to have a picture of me with the kids; so I included two! That's what you get when you update the blog...
My sassy little cowboy was out of sorts that night. He wasn't so happy to have to do this! (like I forced him to trick or treat! okay - i really did. I love Halloween!!!)
We are family... (notice my little green plants that are supposed to fill in within the next year)
This is my very favorite part; the candy sorting!!! Emily just kept unwrapping candy, taking a few licks and then putting it back into her bucket. She was hilarious! I always knew what candy came from Em because it was all STICKY!!!
Happy Halloween! Here's to next year when we will have longer legs!!!
Happy Halloween! Here's to next year when we will have longer legs!!!Halloween Festival
We went to a Halloween festival at the rec center. Emily did EVERYTHING that Annie did except play in the super fun balloon room! I couldn't understand why she didn't want to go in. Emily was totally overloaded with the NEED for more candy! She didn't want to play the games; she just wanted the candy.
They both loved the petting area. Annie worked so hard to pet the chickens and finally got one!
What a beautiful princess and witch!
They both loved the petting area. Annie worked so hard to pet the chickens and finally got one!
What a beautiful princess and witch!
Pajamas
I love kids in pajamas!!! It is just about the cutest thing in the world! These blue jammies are ones that Andy's favorite college friend brought back from a trip to China for Ben. However, Ben has always been a bit big around the middle for them. I was so excited changes clothes for season to find they fit Annie. She was greatly enjoying showing them off and kept rubbing her hands all over them. Thanks Jason! We miss you and think about you a lot and still talk about you to our children!!! "The door is a jar." We spent many nights during grad school playing Settlers of Catan while he and I ganged up on Andy - and still lost!
And Emily is just about ready to jump off the table - not doing any other 'business.' :)
And Emily is just about ready to jump off the table - not doing any other 'business.' :)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Vocal Nodules
Well, for the past several weeks I have noticed Ben's voice is hoarse. I emailed the speech therapist that he is working with at school for articulation and asked about it. We met, discussed, and I called the pediatrician to get a referral for a pediatric ENT. This morning we went to see our favorite (Dr. Bauer if you ever need one!!!), and he had the same prediction as the speech therapist: vocal nodules.
The only way to confirm this is with a little camera that goes in through your nose. Ben did INCREDIBLE!!!! Especially with the numbing nose spray (he is anti-anything to do with his nose; just ask the nurse he kicked with his cowboy boots after the flu shot!) that tasted horrible. I think it also helped that the nurse was young and blonde with a friendly smile. :)
So, we all watched the computer screen as the scope went in. I felt like I was part of Magic School Bus! As the camera went down into Ben's throat, Dr Bauer immediately confirmed that yes, Ben does have vocal nodules and pointed out where they were. Then he continued having Ben talk and take deep breaths.
He showed me where there were two 'large' bumps that looked like swollen gums in a mouth. To me they looked about 10 times the size of the vocal nodules, but they were closer to the camera and I really have no concept of spacial application - just ask Andy. :) This is what reflux looks like! Therefore, Ben has started a daily dosage of prevacid and we'll go back for a checkup.
(((Let me just say, prevacid is the most awesome heartburn drug in the world!!! I love it! With each pregnancy I got heartburn almost immediately. With Annie, the Dr gave me nexium but that did nothing compared to prevacid, so I requested my beloved prescription! It saved my life! And my family's as I was miserable to be around...)))
Ben has been complaining occasionally that his throat hurt, mainly when he was very hoarse and pretty drippy. A few times he has cried complaining that his chest was burning. Now, I feel like a horrible mother for not picking up the cues! Anyway, hopefully this will mend some of the pain and reduce some of the hoarseness as the throat (?) inflammation decreases. I'm also hoping Ben will stop waking up between midnight and 2 am - another fabulous side effect I had before the prevacid kicked in.
Anyway, that is what I have been dealing with today. Now I will email his speech teacher and we will look into what options there are to help Ben now. According to the Dr. there isn't much that can be done for kids with vocal nodules and hopefully he will outgrow it. However, if Ben really wants to work at it, he can learn to no further abuse his voice.
I did a little bit of researching on it and learned a little bit more than I already knew. The most interesting information was the descriptions of children that are prone to this condition. I thought this was funny:
"a loud, outgoing, enthusiastic, competitive personality with a tendency to “act out” emotionally (their parents can often remember them as terrible “terrible two’s” who tantrumed loud and long and who could whinge endlessly). Some babies just seem to be born loud and lovable, and grow into loud and lovable toddlers and children, some of whom are, unfortunately, 'at risk' for voice problems. "
add to that reflux, allergies, clearing his throat, dry nose, recess with other kindergartners, and Ben is a prime candidate!
The only way to confirm this is with a little camera that goes in through your nose. Ben did INCREDIBLE!!!! Especially with the numbing nose spray (he is anti-anything to do with his nose; just ask the nurse he kicked with his cowboy boots after the flu shot!) that tasted horrible. I think it also helped that the nurse was young and blonde with a friendly smile. :)
So, we all watched the computer screen as the scope went in. I felt like I was part of Magic School Bus! As the camera went down into Ben's throat, Dr Bauer immediately confirmed that yes, Ben does have vocal nodules and pointed out where they were. Then he continued having Ben talk and take deep breaths.
He showed me where there were two 'large' bumps that looked like swollen gums in a mouth. To me they looked about 10 times the size of the vocal nodules, but they were closer to the camera and I really have no concept of spacial application - just ask Andy. :) This is what reflux looks like! Therefore, Ben has started a daily dosage of prevacid and we'll go back for a checkup.
(((Let me just say, prevacid is the most awesome heartburn drug in the world!!! I love it! With each pregnancy I got heartburn almost immediately. With Annie, the Dr gave me nexium but that did nothing compared to prevacid, so I requested my beloved prescription! It saved my life! And my family's as I was miserable to be around...)))
Ben has been complaining occasionally that his throat hurt, mainly when he was very hoarse and pretty drippy. A few times he has cried complaining that his chest was burning. Now, I feel like a horrible mother for not picking up the cues! Anyway, hopefully this will mend some of the pain and reduce some of the hoarseness as the throat (?) inflammation decreases. I'm also hoping Ben will stop waking up between midnight and 2 am - another fabulous side effect I had before the prevacid kicked in.
Anyway, that is what I have been dealing with today. Now I will email his speech teacher and we will look into what options there are to help Ben now. According to the Dr. there isn't much that can be done for kids with vocal nodules and hopefully he will outgrow it. However, if Ben really wants to work at it, he can learn to no further abuse his voice.
I did a little bit of researching on it and learned a little bit more than I already knew. The most interesting information was the descriptions of children that are prone to this condition. I thought this was funny:
"a loud, outgoing, enthusiastic, competitive personality with a tendency to “act out” emotionally (their parents can often remember them as terrible “terrible two’s” who tantrumed loud and long and who could whinge endlessly). Some babies just seem to be born loud and lovable, and grow into loud and lovable toddlers and children, some of whom are, unfortunately, 'at risk' for voice problems. "
add to that reflux, allergies, clearing his throat, dry nose, recess with other kindergartners, and Ben is a prime candidate!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
SSSOOOOO EXCITING!!!
When we lived in Austin, Andy found the greatest apartment - just down the street from AMAZING Rudy's BBQ and Chuy's Mexican. We probably frequented those two establishments more often than we should have.
So, for about a year, we would drive to Denton to get some Rudy's (the sauce is the BEST in the entire world!!!), but last fall they opened one in Frisco! Yippeee!!!
There is a Chuy's downtown, but every time we have been there, the service has been horrible, the food tasting old, and just yucky dining experiences all the way around. Nothing like our love in Austin. HOWEVER, per a friend's sweet phone call yesterday, there is a Chuy's opening just a few minutes away from us in one short month!!! We are so excited and have such high hopes for more experiences like those in Austin (and San Antonio)!!!
So, for about a year, we would drive to Denton to get some Rudy's (the sauce is the BEST in the entire world!!!), but last fall they opened one in Frisco! Yippeee!!!
There is a Chuy's downtown, but every time we have been there, the service has been horrible, the food tasting old, and just yucky dining experiences all the way around. Nothing like our love in Austin. HOWEVER, per a friend's sweet phone call yesterday, there is a Chuy's opening just a few minutes away from us in one short month!!! We are so excited and have such high hopes for more experiences like those in Austin (and San Antonio)!!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Still Recovering
We had the FUNNEST weekend that we have had in a LONG time! Friday we pulled Ben from school a little bit early so we could go to the Texas State Fair!!! I haven't been since I went with a friend in 8th grade - almost shameful to admit! We had the BEST time! The kids were amazed with pretty much everything; we loved the food and had fabulous friends to show us around and keep us on track! We did everything we wanted to - except my dream - to see Jessica Simpson in concert; we left 30 minutes before she came on stage. :) (Just kidding; I've heard her sing before...granted, I was next to her in choir in 8th grade then..a lot happened in 8th grade, didn't it? That was my best year of school - or 11th grade...)
Okay - the Maases with Big Tex!
We saw the most amazing puppet/marionette show. This was our group waiting so patiently...I've never seen Emily so entranced before. She sat completely still on my lap the entire show, without food! It was just incredible!
Andy and I got a kick out of this pig and the fact that the piglets were basically bouncing up and down as they nursed. Each piglet looks small in the picture, but they were about 18 inches each and the mama was HUGE!!!
The kids all loved going through the 'working' farm. I loved there were signs telling the kids what to do and how to take care of each happening on the farm. It would have been great to go through a little bit slower, but it was the end of a busy day and there was a long line behind us!
Annie keeps wanting to go back to the Fairy; I explained it only comes around once a year - just like Christmas!
We got a few fair samplings and ate dinner on the grass. It was dusk and we tried to get a picture of all six kids. I've never taken a picture like this before, but they turned out great!
I just included this because I love this picture! So romantic; and if you couldn't tell, it's not Andy and I. :)
Emily fell asleep going with Andy looking for the fried banana split. He couldn't find it, but made it back in time to see the parade with us. We did do a small detour on the way back to the car to find his fried banana split - he'd waited patiently all day for it! It was really good to me, but Andy thought it had too much peanut butter. I'm just sad I didn't get the fried cheesecake, which was my fair food of choice, but when I went to get it, I made the mistake of watching the girl putting them in and pulling them out of the grease and about gagged... oh well!
We were completely wiped out by the end of the day! But, lucky me got to leave at 5:30 Saturday morning to do produce shopping downtown! I'm so glad I went because we found an awesome deal on blueberries ($5 for 12 1/2 pints), so I got 24. I also found a 25 pound box of pears for $3. They were really ripe and the store was just trying to move them because they were all brown. I was so irritated I didn't get two boxes when I got home!!!
Okay - the Maases with Big Tex!
We saw the most amazing puppet/marionette show. This was our group waiting so patiently...I've never seen Emily so entranced before. She sat completely still on my lap the entire show, without food! It was just incredible!
Andy and I got a kick out of this pig and the fact that the piglets were basically bouncing up and down as they nursed. Each piglet looks small in the picture, but they were about 18 inches each and the mama was HUGE!!!
The kids all loved going through the 'working' farm. I loved there were signs telling the kids what to do and how to take care of each happening on the farm. It would have been great to go through a little bit slower, but it was the end of a busy day and there was a long line behind us!
Annie keeps wanting to go back to the Fairy; I explained it only comes around once a year - just like Christmas!
We got a few fair samplings and ate dinner on the grass. It was dusk and we tried to get a picture of all six kids. I've never taken a picture like this before, but they turned out great!
I just included this because I love this picture! So romantic; and if you couldn't tell, it's not Andy and I. :)
Emily fell asleep going with Andy looking for the fried banana split. He couldn't find it, but made it back in time to see the parade with us. We did do a small detour on the way back to the car to find his fried banana split - he'd waited patiently all day for it! It was really good to me, but Andy thought it had too much peanut butter. I'm just sad I didn't get the fried cheesecake, which was my fair food of choice, but when I went to get it, I made the mistake of watching the girl putting them in and pulling them out of the grease and about gagged... oh well!
We were completely wiped out by the end of the day! But, lucky me got to leave at 5:30 Saturday morning to do produce shopping downtown! I'm so glad I went because we found an awesome deal on blueberries ($5 for 12 1/2 pints), so I got 24. I also found a 25 pound box of pears for $3. They were really ripe and the store was just trying to move them because they were all brown. I was so irritated I didn't get two boxes when I got home!!! So, home by 7:20 to sort the food. Started some pear sauce in the crockpot. Andy went to play in the regional volleyball tournament (a disappointing loss in the first game). Then my mom and sister came to take the kids to Owen's Farm! I went along and we had such a fun time!!!
Look at that stud cowboy!
Waiting for the barrel ride to start...
Emily got terrified as soon as they started the motor for the ride, so Grandma rescued her! She didn't quite love the hay ride until the 2nd time around.
This was so sweet. Ben and Annie got along SO WELL this weekend; it really made my heart happy! They just love to be outside and are such cheerful little kids!
A 'good' picture - at least it's symmetrical. :)
We came home from the farm, put Emily down for a nap and then the adults (minus Andy) went to get my birthday present from my parents! Off to Bruce Miller Nursery, where the most patient kindest man looked at my little sketch and walked us around the nursery showing me examples of plants that would work in my sad completely empty planters. Yes, that would be VERY patient because for every suggestion, I had to get confirmation from mom or Jamie. An hour later, we were out of there with 92 plants for me, 16 for mom and 4 for Jamie. 
My beautiful treasures. Can I tell you how much I love canning?!? Had I been more confident in the canning process, I would have been like a gal at church who also happened upon the pears and bought THREE boxes and made pear butter all day... next time! (the pink cans are also pear sauce - like applesauce but made with pears - but I used red hots instead of cinnamon to flavor them. YUMMY!!!!)
And yes, I am so tired right now and still paying for my incredibly busy, but FUN!!!, weekend! Good night...
Look at that stud cowboy!
Waiting for the barrel ride to start...
Emily got terrified as soon as they started the motor for the ride, so Grandma rescued her! She didn't quite love the hay ride until the 2nd time around.
This was so sweet. Ben and Annie got along SO WELL this weekend; it really made my heart happy! They just love to be outside and are such cheerful little kids!
A 'good' picture - at least it's symmetrical. :)
We came home from the farm, put Emily down for a nap and then the adults (minus Andy) went to get my birthday present from my parents! Off to Bruce Miller Nursery, where the most patient kindest man looked at my little sketch and walked us around the nursery showing me examples of plants that would work in my sad completely empty planters. Yes, that would be VERY patient because for every suggestion, I had to get confirmation from mom or Jamie. An hour later, we were out of there with 92 plants for me, 16 for mom and 4 for Jamie.Side note - we also got some dried molasses to spread on the grass. According to a friend (and several websites) it is incredible at keeping fire ants off the yard. It's also nitrogen free (all organic or natural ingredients). So, if you live in Texas and are super frustrated and tired of fire ants moving all around your yard, go buy some dried molasses!
We came home (by way of Brahms), mom and Jamie left, and we planted all the grass/flowers in my beds. I still need 5 bushes, but they will come a little bit slower! Then I made dinner (will starting another batch of pear sauce), and put the kids in bed. Andy mowed, spread the molasses, went to Lowe's and set up my front sprinklers in the flower bed, and then went to work in the garage while I started on my next project: canning the rest of the pears. I love them!!! So beautiful and easy! Even though the outsides were brown and yucky, the pears tasted fabulous and I didn't throw even one away - 110 pears for $3!!! Then I started to make jam from the raspberries I'd purchased the day before. Apparently they don't last very long... Still cooking jam - at 11:30 at night...
My beautiful treasures. Can I tell you how much I love canning?!? Had I been more confident in the canning process, I would have been like a gal at church who also happened upon the pears and bought THREE boxes and made pear butter all day... next time! (the pink cans are also pear sauce - like applesauce but made with pears - but I used red hots instead of cinnamon to flavor them. YUMMY!!!!)
And yes, I am so tired right now and still paying for my incredibly busy, but FUN!!!, weekend! Good night...Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Family...isn't is about time?
A few weeks ago my sister and her family were here. For the first time, we did an adults-only dinner and had so much fun! (and apparently copying pictures from snapfish don't have the highest quality...sorry)
My Can of Worms
For my 200th post, we are going to do some topics that have become 'hot' as of late.
1. Prop 8 in California. VOTE YES!!! Please don't let a word be re-defined! If homosexuals want a word for their union, make up one - or go read Frindle; it's a great book! Don't change a word that was given by God.
2. drumroll please....yes, I will be voting for John McCain in just under 3 weeks. While I think both he and Barack would do fine for the economy, overseas, etc (both would have great advisers and choose qualified leaders. They might come at it from different sides of the issue, but overall both want the same goal. If all else fails, Congress can call a few emergency sessions...), McCain more supports my values (not totally, but MORE) which are much harder to over-turn later.
There was the most incredible article in the October Ensign called Abortion, an Assault on the Defenseless. In high school I had to do a pro/con research paper on a 'hot topic' and chose abortion - trying to find my stand. One girl from my basketball team was pregnant and decided to place the baby with a family and another girl's dad was the go-to guy for unwanted pregnancies. Besides the fact that family members and close friends have chosen adoption, this has always been a sensitive topic for me. Elder Nelson starts the article with the following:
"With that understanding and reverence for life, we deplore the loss of life associated with warfare. The data are appalling. In World War I, more than 8 million military fatalities occurred. In World War II, more than 22 million servicemen and women died. Together, these two wars, covering portions of 14 years, cost the lives of at least 30 million soldiers worldwide. That figure does not include the millions of civilian casualties.
These data, however, are dwarfed by the toll of another war that claims more casualties annually than did World War I and World War II combined. Worldwide reports indicate that more than 40 million abortions are performed per year."
"This matters greatly to us because the Lord has repeatedly declared this divine imperative: “Thou shalt not kill.” Then He added, “Nor do anything like unto it.” Even before the fulness of the gospel was restored, enlightened individuals understood the sanctity of human life. John Calvin, a sixteenth-century reformer, wrote, “If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, … it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fœtus in the womb before it has come to light.”
Man-made rules have now legalized that which has been forbidden by God from the dawn of time! Human reasoning has twisted and transformed absolute truth into sound-bite slogans that promote a practice that is consummately wrong."
He continue on with:
"Nearly all legislation pertaining to abortion considers the duration of gestation. The human mind has presumed to determine when “meaningful life” begins. In the course of my studies as a medical doctor, I learned that a new life begins when two special cells unite to become one cell, bringing together 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes. In a marvelous process involving a combination of genetic coding by which all the basic human characteristics of the unborn person are established, a new DNA complex is formed. A continuum of growth results in a new human being. Approximately 22 days after the two cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At 26 days the circulation of blood begins. To legislate when a developing life is considered “meaningful” is presumptive and quite arbitrary, in my opinion."
Okay - I'll end with this and hopefully just figure out how to do a silly link to the article!
"Relatively few abortions are performed for the special circumstances to which I have referred. (rape, incest, mother's life, child not able to survive on own) Most abortions are performed on demand to deal with unwanted pregnancies. These abortions are simply a form of birth control.
Elective abortion has been legalized in many countries on the premise that a woman is free to choose what she does with her own body. To an extent this is true for each of us, male or female. We are free to think. We are free to plan. And we are free to do. But once an action has been taken, we are never free from its consequences."
I think the human body is incredible!!! I've been thinking a lot lately about pre-earth life, life here, and the life that will follow and what it might be like. All the spirits waiting to come to earth need bodies!
Anyway - McCain will support this much more than Obama - and yes, I've researched and read and listened to debates!
Here is the link!!! :)
1. Prop 8 in California. VOTE YES!!! Please don't let a word be re-defined! If homosexuals want a word for their union, make up one - or go read Frindle; it's a great book! Don't change a word that was given by God.
2. drumroll please....yes, I will be voting for John McCain in just under 3 weeks. While I think both he and Barack would do fine for the economy, overseas, etc (both would have great advisers and choose qualified leaders. They might come at it from different sides of the issue, but overall both want the same goal. If all else fails, Congress can call a few emergency sessions...), McCain more supports my values (not totally, but MORE) which are much harder to over-turn later.
There was the most incredible article in the October Ensign called Abortion, an Assault on the Defenseless. In high school I had to do a pro/con research paper on a 'hot topic' and chose abortion - trying to find my stand. One girl from my basketball team was pregnant and decided to place the baby with a family and another girl's dad was the go-to guy for unwanted pregnancies. Besides the fact that family members and close friends have chosen adoption, this has always been a sensitive topic for me. Elder Nelson starts the article with the following:
"With that understanding and reverence for life, we deplore the loss of life associated with warfare. The data are appalling. In World War I, more than 8 million military fatalities occurred. In World War II, more than 22 million servicemen and women died. Together, these two wars, covering portions of 14 years, cost the lives of at least 30 million soldiers worldwide. That figure does not include the millions of civilian casualties.
These data, however, are dwarfed by the toll of another war that claims more casualties annually than did World War I and World War II combined. Worldwide reports indicate that more than 40 million abortions are performed per year."
"This matters greatly to us because the Lord has repeatedly declared this divine imperative: “Thou shalt not kill.” Then He added, “Nor do anything like unto it.” Even before the fulness of the gospel was restored, enlightened individuals understood the sanctity of human life. John Calvin, a sixteenth-century reformer, wrote, “If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, … it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fœtus in the womb before it has come to light.”
Man-made rules have now legalized that which has been forbidden by God from the dawn of time! Human reasoning has twisted and transformed absolute truth into sound-bite slogans that promote a practice that is consummately wrong."
He continue on with:
"Nearly all legislation pertaining to abortion considers the duration of gestation. The human mind has presumed to determine when “meaningful life” begins. In the course of my studies as a medical doctor, I learned that a new life begins when two special cells unite to become one cell, bringing together 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes. In a marvelous process involving a combination of genetic coding by which all the basic human characteristics of the unborn person are established, a new DNA complex is formed. A continuum of growth results in a new human being. Approximately 22 days after the two cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At 26 days the circulation of blood begins. To legislate when a developing life is considered “meaningful” is presumptive and quite arbitrary, in my opinion."
Okay - I'll end with this and hopefully just figure out how to do a silly link to the article!
"Relatively few abortions are performed for the special circumstances to which I have referred. (rape, incest, mother's life, child not able to survive on own) Most abortions are performed on demand to deal with unwanted pregnancies. These abortions are simply a form of birth control.
Elective abortion has been legalized in many countries on the premise that a woman is free to choose what she does with her own body. To an extent this is true for each of us, male or female. We are free to think. We are free to plan. And we are free to do. But once an action has been taken, we are never free from its consequences."
I think the human body is incredible!!! I've been thinking a lot lately about pre-earth life, life here, and the life that will follow and what it might be like. All the spirits waiting to come to earth need bodies!
Anyway - McCain will support this much more than Obama - and yes, I've researched and read and listened to debates!
Here is the link!!! :)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Little things that bug
1. pillows that aren't completely in their cases
2. toilet paper rolls turned upside down
3. mornings when one child is up at 5:15 and the others sleep until 7:15
4. 7am phone calls - when there is no emergency and the caller hangs up before caller id works
5. 15 free minutes, knowing I am supposed to be doing something but having no remembrance of what it was!
Alas, my list could continue, but then it wouldn't be little things that bug - just big ones...
And yes, all of these things have happened today and it's only 8am. Hopefully the rest of the day will turn out a little bit brighter...
2. toilet paper rolls turned upside down
3. mornings when one child is up at 5:15 and the others sleep until 7:15
4. 7am phone calls - when there is no emergency and the caller hangs up before caller id works
5. 15 free minutes, knowing I am supposed to be doing something but having no remembrance of what it was!
Alas, my list could continue, but then it wouldn't be little things that bug - just big ones...
And yes, all of these things have happened today and it's only 8am. Hopefully the rest of the day will turn out a little bit brighter...
Monday, October 6, 2008
Quote of the Day
The nice thing about egotists is that they don't talk about other people. - Lucille S. Harper
Another please?
This weekend felt much too much like a vacation. Can I please have another one? We had Dad home ALL DAY Sunday and did our maiden s'mores on the fire pit last night, so it really felt like we were away on a trip. Next Sunday we will have him home all day also with Stake Conference. It will be just like another holiday! Conferences are definitely inspired events...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Day at the Beach
Well, you can obviously tell I was tired last night - this was Annie's 3rd birthday party. The theme was "A day at the beach" because she LOVES to play in the sandbox and anything to do with water. Since Ben's party was very busy, I tried to keep this a little bit more simple.
Well, one of the balloons got caught in the skylight, so my sister and two nieces tried to get it. No such luck!
So, they got the play in the sand and in the little kid pools. Then we had snowcones and cupcakes. It was a lot more fun than I make it sound, but I am really tired tonight...
Yes, everyone smiling except the beautiful birthday girl!
What a cutie! I love my little Annie...
Well, one of the balloons got caught in the skylight, so my sister and two nieces tried to get it. No such luck!
So, they got the play in the sand and in the little kid pools. Then we had snowcones and cupcakes. It was a lot more fun than I make it sound, but I am really tired tonight...
Yes, everyone smiling except the beautiful birthday girl!
What a cutie! I love my little Annie...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Another Arboretum Day!
We haven't been to the Arboretum in a few months because it has been soooo hot! But now the pumpkins are out, and I love FALL!!!! Even though we constantly sought shade and I got sunburned on our 85 degree Texas heat! As soon as we got there, Annie had an accident, so she spent the day showing off her hot pink boots!
Playing in the hay-maze. My sweet Emily is getting SOOOOOO big! And yes, that is a scratch on her nose, not a piece of dirt on your screen.
We went with an old friend and her family. Annie was the big girl, so when Emily and Gavin couldn't find their way out, Annie came to the rescue!
This was the closest I could get to a sisters' shot. They were NOT in the mood for posing!
Guess what I am about to do...
Didn't go quite as I had planned...
I was constantly telling Annie to look with her eyes and smell with her nose, but not to touch with her hands. She LOVES to pick flowers! However, she is setting a good example here for Gavin.
There were a few leftover goldfish, so they sat by the pond and feed the fish!
It was such a fun and beautiful day - made even better by the company! Hope everyone had such a pleasant day!
Playing in the hay-maze. My sweet Emily is getting SOOOOOO big! And yes, that is a scratch on her nose, not a piece of dirt on your screen.
We went with an old friend and her family. Annie was the big girl, so when Emily and Gavin couldn't find their way out, Annie came to the rescue!
This was the closest I could get to a sisters' shot. They were NOT in the mood for posing!
Guess what I am about to do...
Didn't go quite as I had planned...
I was constantly telling Annie to look with her eyes and smell with her nose, but not to touch with her hands. She LOVES to pick flowers! However, she is setting a good example here for Gavin.
There were a few leftover goldfish, so they sat by the pond and feed the fish!
It was such a fun and beautiful day - made even better by the company! Hope everyone had such a pleasant day!you've had a birthday - shout horray!
today was my sister's birthday! emily found the waiting bowl of powdered sugar and ben and annie quickly joined her.
happy birthday!!!
yes, we counted out each and every candle so the cake would be right.
we love you aunt jamie!!!!
happy birthday!!!
yes, we counted out each and every candle so the cake would be right.
we love you aunt jamie!!!!
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