Now I'm not a horrible mom--I do document some of the events in my monkeys' lives.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
April 25, 2010
Bunny Magic
Since Easter this year was the same Sunday as General Conference and we stay home to listen to/watch/snooze through it online, there really wasn't a Sunday for the monkeys to wear their Easter garb. I dressed the boys in their shirts the Sunday before Easter but was too lazy to iron Merritt's dress that day so she wore her dress the Sunday after Easter. (Thanks, Mom, for ironing that horrible beast!) I was determined to take pictures since I don't know if Merritt will ever wear the dress again--it's the wrinkle monster from heck. The boys aren't in their official Easter shirts, but it's really all about the pretty dresses anyway, right? And this is as good as it got of Boy #2--he's definitely two.
Now I'm not a horrible mom--I do document some of the events in my monkeys' lives.
Now I'm not a horrible mom--I do document some of the events in my monkeys' lives.
October 26, 2009
On Second Oink
No, I did not subject the entire world to my ill children this weekend. We missed the Primary Program anyway and just hung out at home. Parker is at school today, though; it was his field trip to the pumpkin farm. And HRH Merr WILL be going to school tomorrow. I don't know what I'm going to do with her...
Watch this:
Watch this:
October 22, 2009
Oinked Too Soon
Parker and Spence had the cough but no fever, Merr had the fever but no cough. Took Spence and Merr to the doc today--we had to restrain HRH to obtain a nose swab--and we're all partakers of the pork plague! Merr's fever was mostly Monday and Tuesday so it's too late now for Tamiflu. Park and Jay went to school/work Tues and today. They should really stay home tomorrow but hey, they've already exposed everyone and Parker's got a field trip to see Beauty and the Beast (He gags every time he hears the name: "Gross, Mom!") that I paid $10 for, so just Merr's missing school. The Primary program (church program where the kids sing the songs they've learned all year and say something they've learned in class) is on Sunday so maybe we'll just go to that, infect everyone, and then skip out on the rest of church for the day. Jay's had a bit of a cough and sore throat and I've just had the sore throat. I looked at all of our noses closely and none have become porcine and no one's oinking. Yet.
October 7, 2009
We're Not the Jeffersons
Well, we moved! (Almost, but not really.) And to Phoenix, no less. Crazy, eh?
Jay told me a month or so ago about a job he was applying for--he's always applying and looking and scheming, so I thought nuthin' 'bout it. A week or so later, a phone interview. Whatever, I'm busy with diapers and dishes and important stuff like that. Then he tells me that he was flying to Phoenix the next week for an interview. What?! Phoenix, as in that dry desert out west, far from here, that has no water, trees or green grass? He flew out early on a Monday morning, got back late on a Tuesday night and said it went well. Holy snot, Batman! Phoenix? Then they tell him he's a finalist and they want to call references. Then they do a background check. In the meantime, I'm scoping out towns in the area, doing research online for the schools that are "Excelling" and start making calls to moving companies to get quotes. Serious, folks, serious. Can't make definite plans, or tell anyone important like his parents or my mom, until we know how soon they want us out there, what to do with this house, etc. Just waiting on an official offer...
So I'm excited, worried but mostly excited to make the move. What an adventure! And we can get a bigger house with maybe storage space and a garage we can put a car in and a wider driveway that we don't have to play leapfrog on. Bonus--lots more Mormons in Phoenix. Woo hoo! And how exciting would Phoenix be? What a big change. Then the offer finally comes in. What?! Seriously? We're supposed to move our entire lives--which we would totally do for the money, don't get me wrong--for that? With the cost-of-living difference, we'd be living poorer there than we are here! Our skinny driveway, one-car-garage/storage Cape Cod here would be $100 K more there, much less movin' on up in the world.
Very, very disappointed. Jay was excited at the job, the possibilities for advancing, I was excited for the adventure, maybe a newer minivan (I'm still dreaming of ya, Sienna!) and no snow. Bummer. No Dee-luxe apartment in the Sky-hi-hi.
More posts to come later. Maybe I'll even toss in a few pics of my posse for your viewing pleasure, including the further proof why you're a better mom than me.
Jay told me a month or so ago about a job he was applying for--he's always applying and looking and scheming, so I thought nuthin' 'bout it. A week or so later, a phone interview. Whatever, I'm busy with diapers and dishes and important stuff like that. Then he tells me that he was flying to Phoenix the next week for an interview. What?! Phoenix, as in that dry desert out west, far from here, that has no water, trees or green grass? He flew out early on a Monday morning, got back late on a Tuesday night and said it went well. Holy snot, Batman! Phoenix? Then they tell him he's a finalist and they want to call references. Then they do a background check. In the meantime, I'm scoping out towns in the area, doing research online for the schools that are "Excelling" and start making calls to moving companies to get quotes. Serious, folks, serious. Can't make definite plans, or tell anyone important like his parents or my mom, until we know how soon they want us out there, what to do with this house, etc. Just waiting on an official offer...
So I'm excited, worried but mostly excited to make the move. What an adventure! And we can get a bigger house with maybe storage space and a garage we can put a car in and a wider driveway that we don't have to play leapfrog on. Bonus--lots more Mormons in Phoenix. Woo hoo! And how exciting would Phoenix be? What a big change. Then the offer finally comes in. What?! Seriously? We're supposed to move our entire lives--which we would totally do for the money, don't get me wrong--for that? With the cost-of-living difference, we'd be living poorer there than we are here! Our skinny driveway, one-car-garage/storage Cape Cod here would be $100 K more there, much less movin' on up in the world.
Very, very disappointed. Jay was excited at the job, the possibilities for advancing, I was excited for the adventure, maybe a newer minivan (I'm still dreaming of ya, Sienna!) and no snow. Bummer. No Dee-luxe apartment in the Sky-hi-hi.
More posts to come later. Maybe I'll even toss in a few pics of my posse for your viewing pleasure, including the further proof why you're a better mom than me.
July 15, 2009
Eight
More gray, less hair.
More weight, less perkiness.
More wrinkles, less tone.
More memories, less memory.
More responsibilities, less money.
More frustrations (3 in particular), more rewards (eternal).
More joys, more tough times, more sorrows, many more laughs.
And the picture was actually taken July 21st at our reception in Lexington, but you get the idea. And I look good in this one, so it's the one I'm using. And FYI, I really wish I still had that body--I look like a super-sized version today. Kids: they ruin your body, your mind, your home and your checkbook. But they're worth it, I guess, most of the time.
More weight, less perkiness.
More wrinkles, less tone.
More memories, less memory.
More responsibilities, less money.
More frustrations (3 in particular), more rewards (eternal).
More joys, more tough times, more sorrows, many more laughs.
July 14, 2001
More and less, I love you, Jay. I was lucky enough to find my best friend, catch him and keep him. I'm so happy I'm on this journey with you. Happy Anniversary (+1 day). I love you.
And the picture was actually taken July 21st at our reception in Lexington, but you get the idea. And I look good in this one, so it's the one I'm using. And FYI, I really wish I still had that body--I look like a super-sized version today. Kids: they ruin your body, your mind, your home and your checkbook. But they're worth it, I guess, most of the time.
April 12, 2009
April 11, 2009
My Life
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are often more dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey…delays, side tracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." –President Gordon B. Hinckley quoting Jenkins Lloyd Jones, "Big Rock Candy Mountains", Deseret News, 12 June 1973, A4
Thank you, Lord, for letting me have my ride.
Thank you, Lord, for letting me have my ride.
February 8, 2009
January 9, 2009
Jets from Heaven
Parker: "Mom, I think it's almost time for Bowen to come back."
Me: "Why do you say that?"
Parker: "Cause Grayson and Sterling came back and so Bowen will be coming back soon."
Me: "But Parker, Grayson and Sterling were only in China and Bowen's in heaven. It's not just a quick plane ride from heaven to come back."
Parker: "Yeah, but Grayson and Sterling are back and I think Bowen's coming back soon, too."
I wish my faith was as simple and pure as Parker's. I'm hoping it'll be soon, too.
Me: "Why do you say that?"
Parker: "Cause Grayson and Sterling came back and so Bowen will be coming back soon."
Me: "But Parker, Grayson and Sterling were only in China and Bowen's in heaven. It's not just a quick plane ride from heaven to come back."
Parker: "Yeah, but Grayson and Sterling are back and I think Bowen's coming back soon, too."
I wish my faith was as simple and pure as Parker's. I'm hoping it'll be soon, too.
December 10, 2008
I Love the Nightlife, I love to Boogie!
Legal Disclaimer: All events hereby described are true and somewhat accurate. Actual time may be varied due to the psychotic state of the observant/participant, but the events are real. (Dum dum dum)
First, a little background: Jay is currently taking two classes for his MBA with only one more next semester to finish and it's online! Reasons for the MBA: 1. Classes are free to employees of the University and 2. Being a student delays paying student loans. Win, win!
So last night Jay's working on a paper in our basement until the wee hours of the morning. I'm good and turn off the light at 11:48 PM. Spencer fuses at 12:40, but I'm determined to have a good night's sleep before Christmas, dang it! I practice tough-love here on out. I stick in the paci, further crying, more paci stuffing and then quiet. Jay, aka Mr. Softie, can't stand the fussing so he turns off the monitor in the basement in order to not hear my cruelty. I go to bed. Sleep...then Spence fussing; "No, you will not be nursed! You're not hungry!" Shove the paci, grind my teeth and get in bed. Between 12:40 and 4ish, I'm up 4 times reacquainting him with his pacifier. Argh!
By the 4th time, Parker was awake and climbing in bed with me. "Where's Daddy? My tummy feels funny, like I'm hungry but not really hungry." "Yeah, whatever. Go to sleep." And Merritt joined up somewhere in here, too. I don't care, just lay there quiet so I can sleep, people! Turn over, more teeth gnashing and blanket tugging.
Then gag, gag, gag. Gag. Bleeeech! "Mommy!" Bleech, bleechhhh. "It won't stop." I jump up, try and turn on the light. Poor Merr's sitting there beside him, thinking "Yucky." I try to buzz Jay through the phone--no answer. "Parker, just keep barfing on the blankets; don't get up! Keep it on the sheets." Jaaaaay!
Jay had been taking an hour-long nap, so he's comatose and not much help at first. Parker's moved to the bathroom and stripped, Merritt's put back in her bed and I strip our bed. Jay, in his undies at 5 AM, is unwilling to go outsite to shake out the blankets. "That stuff won't shake off." "Yeah, but all the bits will be all over my washer and I'll have to pick them all out." "Just wash 'em, I'll pick out the bits." Yeah, right. Is it wrong to just throw away the blanket and sheets and get new ones? I hate picking barf bits out of my washer.
Parker's waiting for a shower and Jay starts shaving--at 5 AM! "I'm already up. Might as well shave before a shower." So they shower, Parker's dressed and put back in his bed. Jay works more on his paper, I think, and then comes to bed, maybe? By this point details are hazy.
Luckily, Spencer sleeps through all the chaos! Hooray! But as Parker whines a bit and climbs into bed, the monster stirs. Argh! It's 5 AM, my tough-love is broken and I nurse him. Merritt and Parker wind up in our bed, again, and Jay leaves for work somewhere around 10:30.
Moral of the story: when your child says his/her tummy hurts, don't just think it's gas or they need to poop. Merr taught us this on Sunday, 5 minutes before we might possibly been on time for church. Bleech! Believe them and move them immediately to a facility safe for hosing down.
How did you sleep last night?
Oh, and our recent family photos can be viewed at my Flickr site on the right, over there---->. And trust me, these were the best of the lot. Why do I have to include my kids in my family photos? Merr, especially, was not feeling it. Have a peek, if you wish, and get a gander at my new 'do. Funny, it looks similar to all of my other 'dos.
First, a little background: Jay is currently taking two classes for his MBA with only one more next semester to finish and it's online! Reasons for the MBA: 1. Classes are free to employees of the University and 2. Being a student delays paying student loans. Win, win!
So last night Jay's working on a paper in our basement until the wee hours of the morning. I'm good and turn off the light at 11:48 PM. Spencer fuses at 12:40, but I'm determined to have a good night's sleep before Christmas, dang it! I practice tough-love here on out. I stick in the paci, further crying, more paci stuffing and then quiet. Jay, aka Mr. Softie, can't stand the fussing so he turns off the monitor in the basement in order to not hear my cruelty. I go to bed. Sleep...then Spence fussing; "No, you will not be nursed! You're not hungry!" Shove the paci, grind my teeth and get in bed. Between 12:40 and 4ish, I'm up 4 times reacquainting him with his pacifier. Argh!
By the 4th time, Parker was awake and climbing in bed with me. "Where's Daddy? My tummy feels funny, like I'm hungry but not really hungry." "Yeah, whatever. Go to sleep." And Merritt joined up somewhere in here, too. I don't care, just lay there quiet so I can sleep, people! Turn over, more teeth gnashing and blanket tugging.
Then gag, gag, gag. Gag. Bleeeech! "Mommy!" Bleech, bleechhhh. "It won't stop." I jump up, try and turn on the light. Poor Merr's sitting there beside him, thinking "Yucky." I try to buzz Jay through the phone--no answer. "Parker, just keep barfing on the blankets; don't get up! Keep it on the sheets." Jaaaaay!
Jay had been taking an hour-long nap, so he's comatose and not much help at first. Parker's moved to the bathroom and stripped, Merritt's put back in her bed and I strip our bed. Jay, in his undies at 5 AM, is unwilling to go outsite to shake out the blankets. "That stuff won't shake off." "Yeah, but all the bits will be all over my washer and I'll have to pick them all out." "Just wash 'em, I'll pick out the bits." Yeah, right. Is it wrong to just throw away the blanket and sheets and get new ones? I hate picking barf bits out of my washer.
Parker's waiting for a shower and Jay starts shaving--at 5 AM! "I'm already up. Might as well shave before a shower." So they shower, Parker's dressed and put back in his bed. Jay works more on his paper, I think, and then comes to bed, maybe? By this point details are hazy.
Luckily, Spencer sleeps through all the chaos! Hooray! But as Parker whines a bit and climbs into bed, the monster stirs. Argh! It's 5 AM, my tough-love is broken and I nurse him. Merritt and Parker wind up in our bed, again, and Jay leaves for work somewhere around 10:30.
Moral of the story: when your child says his/her tummy hurts, don't just think it's gas or they need to poop. Merr taught us this on Sunday, 5 minutes before we might possibly been on time for church. Bleech! Believe them and move them immediately to a facility safe for hosing down.
How did you sleep last night?
Oh, and our recent family photos can be viewed at my Flickr site on the right, over there---->. And trust me, these were the best of the lot. Why do I have to include my kids in my family photos? Merr, especially, was not feeling it. Have a peek, if you wish, and get a gander at my new 'do. Funny, it looks similar to all of my other 'dos.
October 9, 2008
Too Tired for Tag
My obscene OLDER sister, Jessica, tagged me, even though I'm way too tired to chase anyone else around to tag back. So I'll just be "IT" forever. Anyhow, here's my taggy answers to the hard-hitting questions:
Five Favorite Places I've Ever Lived:
1. Our little house here, right now, full of monkeys and dirty socks and poopy panties.
2. Our little newlywed duplex in Lexington, KY were Parker was made and born.
3. Provo, UT, where I had a blast, felt too cool for words and met all my peeps.
4. The tobacco farm on Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY. Every kid should grow up on a farm.
5. My nanny & papaw's house, Winchester, KY. I was there often enough growing up to call it home.
Five Favorite Snacks:
1. Ice cream--Chocolate made with Special Dark at Bruster's
2. A big basket of fresh, RIPE strawberries, straight from the farm and not the grocery
3. Bread-crusty, yeasty, homemade bread, preferably not from my kitchen
4. Chocolate Cake-moist, big piece with homemade icing
5. Dove Dark Chocolate
Five Favorite Jobs:
1. Computer Tech for Fayette County Schools (easy, nice hours)
2. Public Librarian (loved my co-workers and the wacky public)
3. Temp at UK (summers home from BYU)
4. Substitute Teacher (no planning, crack the whip and keep 'em quiet)
5. Mom?
If I had a million dollars:
First, I'd buy my dream house with a big kitchen, butler's pantry and plenty of storage and a garage we could actually park cars in. Second, I'd get Jay his dream car (which changes frequently) and me a shiny red five-speed Jaguar (two-door!) and a new Toyota Sienna, loaded, for hauling the monkeys around when I had to. Third, I'd pay off Jay's student loans and then Mom's debts and take care of Jay's parents and then save the rest for missions and college and orthodontic work when the monkeys are older.
Five Things I Love:
1. Tickling and snuggling my monkeys
2. NAPPING!!
3. Holding hands and smooching my honey
4. Shopping, most especially thrift stores & yard sales
5. EATING
Five Places I Loved Visiting:
1. Savannah, GA--I'd move there in a heartbeat. Beautiful!
2. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, DC, etc.
3. Nauvoo and Carthage
4. Las Vegas, Baby!
5. Pensacola Beach, FL
Five People I Tag:
Umm, see intro above. Over and out.
Five Favorite Places I've Ever Lived:
1. Our little house here, right now, full of monkeys and dirty socks and poopy panties.
2. Our little newlywed duplex in Lexington, KY were Parker was made and born.
3. Provo, UT, where I had a blast, felt too cool for words and met all my peeps.
4. The tobacco farm on Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY. Every kid should grow up on a farm.
5. My nanny & papaw's house, Winchester, KY. I was there often enough growing up to call it home.
Five Favorite Snacks:
1. Ice cream--Chocolate made with Special Dark at Bruster's
2. A big basket of fresh, RIPE strawberries, straight from the farm and not the grocery
3. Bread-crusty, yeasty, homemade bread, preferably not from my kitchen
4. Chocolate Cake-moist, big piece with homemade icing
5. Dove Dark Chocolate
Five Favorite Jobs:
1. Computer Tech for Fayette County Schools (easy, nice hours)
2. Public Librarian (loved my co-workers and the wacky public)
3. Temp at UK (summers home from BYU)
4. Substitute Teacher (no planning, crack the whip and keep 'em quiet)
5. Mom?
If I had a million dollars:
First, I'd buy my dream house with a big kitchen, butler's pantry and plenty of storage and a garage we could actually park cars in. Second, I'd get Jay his dream car (which changes frequently) and me a shiny red five-speed Jaguar (two-door!) and a new Toyota Sienna, loaded, for hauling the monkeys around when I had to. Third, I'd pay off Jay's student loans and then Mom's debts and take care of Jay's parents and then save the rest for missions and college and orthodontic work when the monkeys are older.
Five Things I Love:
1. Tickling and snuggling my monkeys
2. NAPPING!!
3. Holding hands and smooching my honey
4. Shopping, most especially thrift stores & yard sales
5. EATING
Five Places I Loved Visiting:
1. Savannah, GA--I'd move there in a heartbeat. Beautiful!
2. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, DC, etc.
3. Nauvoo and Carthage
4. Las Vegas, Baby!
5. Pensacola Beach, FL
Five People I Tag:
Umm, see intro above. Over and out.
October 6, 2008
My Greatest Blessings
After being chastened by the counsel in General Conference on gratitude and nagged by Jay to post more pictures, here's my greatest blessings.
Jay--
My best friend, my supporter, my expert back-scratcher. Jay is a hard worker and a great dad. He always helps me out with the kids and loves playing with them. With all three newborns, Jay got up at every cry to bring me the baby and then would put he/she/it back in bed after feeding. He laughs at my jokes and even thinks I'm beautiful. What a catch!
Parker--
My first-born and initial experiment in this motherhood thing. Parker is too much like me, tender-hearted and sensitive. He's a good helper and adores Spencer, his "little buddy." He loves to learn and is excited by trying new things.
Merritt--
Miss Sassafras is my princess. She's strong, determined and I have no doubt will get what she wants in life. Merritt always wants to help, especially in the kitchen and with Spencer. Her giggle always gets me smiling and she's got Daddy wrapped around her finger. She's a great sharer, always willing to split a treat or toy with Parker.
And Spencer--
He's so loving and cuddly. Spencer loves to be held and snuggled and we all love him to bits! He's always smiling and happy and brings such a sweet spirit into our home.
Hopefully I'll get pictures up later this week of our "vacation" this summer. And here's two more pictures of Park and Merr from this summer, one at the start of our trip to Jay's hometown for the 4th of July and the second is an average day of dress-up and silliness.
And don't forget my Flickr pictures (on the right, over there ----->) for other pictures of my little monkeys.
Jay--
My best friend, my supporter, my expert back-scratcher. Jay is a hard worker and a great dad. He always helps me out with the kids and loves playing with them. With all three newborns, Jay got up at every cry to bring me the baby and then would put he/she/it back in bed after feeding. He laughs at my jokes and even thinks I'm beautiful. What a catch!
Parker--
My first-born and initial experiment in this motherhood thing. Parker is too much like me, tender-hearted and sensitive. He's a good helper and adores Spencer, his "little buddy." He loves to learn and is excited by trying new things.
Merritt--
Miss Sassafras is my princess. She's strong, determined and I have no doubt will get what she wants in life. Merritt always wants to help, especially in the kitchen and with Spencer. Her giggle always gets me smiling and she's got Daddy wrapped around her finger. She's a great sharer, always willing to split a treat or toy with Parker.
And Spencer--
Hopefully I'll get pictures up later this week of our "vacation" this summer. And here's two more pictures of Park and Merr from this summer, one at the start of our trip to Jay's hometown for the 4th of July and the second is an average day of dress-up and silliness.
August 20, 2008
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Please tell me it's not just me! I've come to dread Sunday mornings. It's the most awefull, painful and agonizing time of my whole week! I swear we'd stop going to church if I didn't need the chance to repent of all my sins so much. Jay's got 7 AM meetings so he's long gone and not handy when I'm trying to get myself ready (A major feat, let me tell you. Like trying to get this 3-baby-bearing, C-section-scarred, jiggly goo of a gut restrained in pantyhose or my whole-body girdle. Makes me shudder even now.) as well as three monkeys! It's like herding cats, I tell ya.
Parker whining "I don't want to go to church" and staring blankly at his toast. Eat it already! And then wrestling Merritt into her dress--I'm literally down on the floor, holding her down and doing up snaps, buttons, zippers and then shoving her feet into the socks and shoes. "You WILL wear this adorable dress and matching hair bow and you'll be beautiful while you're at it! NO, don't lay down or sit on the couch or roll all around on the floor. You'll wrinkle!" And of course, by now my hair has dried with spikes on the left and limp lumps on the right and then Spencer starts crying. Great! Now I've got to nurse him, make sure I'm not leaking like a faucet, dress him--"Please don't spit up, please don't spit up, please--Dang it! You've spit up all over your adorable romper and cute shoes! Well, you'll just have to look stained and stink like curdled cheese 'cause we're late."
And so I slap some makeup on (Yes, my face does intentionally look like war paint,) slip on my "Mom" church shoes (When did I get so old that I've started picking dressy shoes based on comfort and not style?), strap everyone in (after chasing Merritt around the van 3 times,) back out and hit the truck parked opposite my driveway. "Oh well, I'm in a hurry and any fool would know not to park directly across from a driveway and it's only a little scratch and a ding and a...anyway, I'm leaving." And I floor it.
I kid you not about the dented truck. And this Sunday, during the Indy 500 to church ("We're getting there in time for the sacrament, by golly.") Parker asked me, "Mom, is it fast Sunday?" (Note to self: have a FHE about fasting.) "No, honey, it's not fast Sunday." Before I could launch into a hurried explanation of fasting, while watching out for cops and yellow lights, he said "Then why do you have to drive so fast?"
Hmm, good question. Isn't the point of going to church to feel peaceful and open to the Spirit? How come someone's always crying on the way to church and most likely it's me? Yeah, we might make it in time for the sacrament, slipping in during the last verse of the sacrament hymn, but am I spiritually ready for it? We're all grumpy, with hurt feelings and we're supposed to be ready to be spiritually fed.
So I'm changing my ways (I mean it this time.) I think it's more important that we get to church in an attitude of reverence and peace than make it on time. So we'll drive at a legal pace, cross my fingers that the hymns are long and pray that Jay gets a new calling.
The end.
Parker whining "I don't want to go to church" and staring blankly at his toast. Eat it already! And then wrestling Merritt into her dress--I'm literally down on the floor, holding her down and doing up snaps, buttons, zippers and then shoving her feet into the socks and shoes. "You WILL wear this adorable dress and matching hair bow and you'll be beautiful while you're at it! NO, don't lay down or sit on the couch or roll all around on the floor. You'll wrinkle!" And of course, by now my hair has dried with spikes on the left and limp lumps on the right and then Spencer starts crying. Great! Now I've got to nurse him, make sure I'm not leaking like a faucet, dress him--"Please don't spit up, please don't spit up, please--Dang it! You've spit up all over your adorable romper and cute shoes! Well, you'll just have to look stained and stink like curdled cheese 'cause we're late."
And so I slap some makeup on (Yes, my face does intentionally look like war paint,) slip on my "Mom" church shoes (When did I get so old that I've started picking dressy shoes based on comfort and not style?), strap everyone in (after chasing Merritt around the van 3 times,) back out and hit the truck parked opposite my driveway. "Oh well, I'm in a hurry and any fool would know not to park directly across from a driveway and it's only a little scratch and a ding and a...anyway, I'm leaving." And I floor it.
I kid you not about the dented truck. And this Sunday, during the Indy 500 to church ("We're getting there in time for the sacrament, by golly.") Parker asked me, "Mom, is it fast Sunday?" (Note to self: have a FHE about fasting.) "No, honey, it's not fast Sunday." Before I could launch into a hurried explanation of fasting, while watching out for cops and yellow lights, he said "Then why do you have to drive so fast?"
Hmm, good question. Isn't the point of going to church to feel peaceful and open to the Spirit? How come someone's always crying on the way to church and most likely it's me? Yeah, we might make it in time for the sacrament, slipping in during the last verse of the sacrament hymn, but am I spiritually ready for it? We're all grumpy, with hurt feelings and we're supposed to be ready to be spiritually fed.
So I'm changing my ways (I mean it this time.) I think it's more important that we get to church in an attitude of reverence and peace than make it on time. So we'll drive at a legal pace, cross my fingers that the hymns are long and pray that Jay gets a new calling.
The end.
August 16, 2008
My Dad
Have you ever hurt yourself bad before? Like really, really stub your toe or break an arm or even have two C-sections to bring new, scrawny beings into the world? And the pain is so sharp and deep that it steals your breath and you gasp at the shock to your body, how unexpected it is. I mean all you were doing was making the bed or trying to rescue a kitten or fulfill the commandment to go forth and multiply. And then WHACK! You're stumbling, coughing, trying not to lose it and cry like your toddler.
No phone call in the middle of the night is good. Well, it was 6 AM, but I was deep asleep and knew instantly it wasn't good. Mom said "I think Daddy's dead." WHAT? "I think your dad just died." And the denial, packing quick, waking up sleeping babies and the anxious hour-long drive. No, it can't be. And then the call on the road--yep, he's gone. Don't bother going to the hospital, just come straight to Mom's house.
My dad died suddenly on May 30th, 2007. He'd been suffering from a muscle disease and couldn't walk well or hold things well and steps were virtually impossible. But despite the mobility issues, he was in good health. Then he gets up one morning, talking to Mom and he's gone. The doctor signed off as a heart attack, but I truly think it was a blood clot since he got such little exercise and movement.
Man, life is so hard sometimes! It's been a rough year on all of us, especially my mom. The weekends are the worst and she's usually at either my house or my sister's. It's just too quiet and empty at home. She's said that this second year is harder than the first year, and she's right. Sometimes, when I'm in the middle of changing a diaper or wiping a dirty face or tickling a chubby tummy, I think of him and just lose my breath. I miss him.
But I know, without a doubt, that he's in a better place. He can walk freely and feels good. And although it's sad that Parker said he can't remember what Bowen looks like and Merritt won't remember him and Spencer won't even know him, we'll all be reunited one day. And we'll run to each other and hug and talk about all the things that have happened since we were last together. And we'll rejoice that we all made it.
With Spencer being a scheduled c-section, I got to pretty much pick a date. So Spencer was born on my dad's birthday, April 30th, as a gift and tribute to him. And Spencer has Dad's middle name: Thomas.
We love you, Dad. And we miss you a lot.
No phone call in the middle of the night is good. Well, it was 6 AM, but I was deep asleep and knew instantly it wasn't good. Mom said "I think Daddy's dead." WHAT? "I think your dad just died." And the denial, packing quick, waking up sleeping babies and the anxious hour-long drive. No, it can't be. And then the call on the road--yep, he's gone. Don't bother going to the hospital, just come straight to Mom's house.
My dad died suddenly on May 30th, 2007. He'd been suffering from a muscle disease and couldn't walk well or hold things well and steps were virtually impossible. But despite the mobility issues, he was in good health. Then he gets up one morning, talking to Mom and he's gone. The doctor signed off as a heart attack, but I truly think it was a blood clot since he got such little exercise and movement.
Man, life is so hard sometimes! It's been a rough year on all of us, especially my mom. The weekends are the worst and she's usually at either my house or my sister's. It's just too quiet and empty at home. She's said that this second year is harder than the first year, and she's right. Sometimes, when I'm in the middle of changing a diaper or wiping a dirty face or tickling a chubby tummy, I think of him and just lose my breath. I miss him.
But I know, without a doubt, that he's in a better place. He can walk freely and feels good. And although it's sad that Parker said he can't remember what Bowen looks like and Merritt won't remember him and Spencer won't even know him, we'll all be reunited one day. And we'll run to each other and hug and talk about all the things that have happened since we were last together. And we'll rejoice that we all made it.
With Spencer being a scheduled c-section, I got to pretty much pick a date. So Spencer was born on my dad's birthday, April 30th, as a gift and tribute to him. And Spencer has Dad's middle name: Thomas.
We love you, Dad. And we miss you a lot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
