Six hands are far better than two hands. Tonight just as the temperature was dropping, we went out as a family and weeded the vegetable garden. I have been out of town so I couldn't tend to it for about ten days, and boy did it need it. We are no where near being finished, but we made a dent in the over growth. Thanks to Brian and Aidan for helping me.
Feeling the spirit is such a blessing. Sometimes you feel it in church and feel wonderful. Other times you are able to feel it in random places. He doesn't need to speak to you, but knowing he is with you is the best feeling ever.
Family time. Not extended family time, though that is wonderful, immediate family time. Just being able to sit down and enjoy a good movie together, that is fantastic.
Candy Land is a popular way to pass the time at our house. Thank you Milton Bradley.
Home teachers. We have been in this ward for over a year now, and today we had our first set of home teachers stop by for a visit. How wonderful they are!
"--Use me." Aidan learning to say excuse me. He knows when to say it and loves to say it for you if you forgot.
Grandparents. Aidan is blessed to have his grandparents and all but one great grandparent. And even better than that...he has many surrogate grandparents that love him, and he loves you. :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday Book Review: Playing for Pizza
This John Grisham novel was mildly entertaining. I find myself reading all of his books even though I know that they are all the same. He isn't an amazing author but all the same I enjoy them.
This novel goes against the Grisham style of being a young lawyer in the South. This novel is about a washed up NFL player that goes to Italy to play in an American football club. Everything about the players situation is crazy but he still wants the dream of being a super star in the NFL, instead he finds that he loves playing for this football and relishes his small celebrity.
I ended up skimming a lot of the book, too much football for me. But other than that, entertaining and a relatively quick read
Sunday recap: June 21-June 27
A quick overview of last weeks activities.
On Tuesday we headed down to St. George for a week long party. The trip down was fairly uneventful. Once we arrived we were able to visit with mom, dad, Jacob and Ezra. Ezra is growing so big and strong. That night Aidan and I went with everyone to go to dinner with Harrison, Jordan and Addison. It was a mexican food place called Peppers. Dinner was good, Brian stayed home and slept.
On Wednesday my mom and I went shopping. We went to Kid 2 Kid and Pebbles in my Pocket. Pebbles is a fantastic scrapbook store. I did in fact spend money here, but not at the kid store. Then we went home and relaxed.
On Thursday we woke up and visited for a while. We went to Olive Garden for lunch and then relaxed in the afternoon. Once it cooled down outside Brian, Aidan, my dad and I went out shooting guns. Fun stuff.
On Friday we relaxed and went to Wal-Mart. Then we returned home and waited for people to get there for the BBQ. Ryan and family came over before to visit. Then Bob and Virgie and Suzie and Reed arrived. Brandi, Tim, Charlie and Andrew came over too. And we can't forget Great Aunt Clarice. Dinner was yummy. Dad made dutch oven BBQ chicken and potatoes and for dessert we had peach cobbler. Yummy!!! Once everyone had time to eat and visit some of us finally went swimming. It was Aidan, Jake, dad and myself. Brian left so that he could go to work that night.
On Saturday we woke up early and we to see Ryan's girls (all 4!) get baptized. I cried like a baby! The baptism was spectular and the spirit was amazing. Then we all met up for a BBQ at a local park. This cool park had a splash pad. Aidan was nervous at first but them he loved it. It did help that his buddy Charlie was there to play in the water with him. Once the BBQ was over we headed back to the apartment and got ready to go swimming with Uncle Reed. We met him over at their condo. Jake, Aidan, Reed and I swam for a while and had a fun time. Then we returned home to eat some food and visit some more.
On Sunday morning Aidan and I woke up and got ready to go to church, the girls were getting confirmed. We were surprised to see that my dad was up and ready to go with us. The meeting was nice and wonderful. Grandpa Bob performed the confirmation and Uncle Reed stood in the circle with him. After the meeting we went back to relax at the apartment and then at 2PM we headed over to Brandi's new house for a BBQ to celebrate Kristen's 20th birthday! Great Scott I am getting old. I remember visiting her in the hospital just hours after being born! It was a good day for good food and relaxation. Then we went back to mom's apartment and relaxed. Later that night we went and had dinner at the fabulous Denny's restaurant. Then we went and visited with Jake.
Early Monday morning we headed out of dodge.
What a slow and relaxing week. I will say that I missed my sewing machine A LOT! But its all good.
On Tuesday we headed down to St. George for a week long party. The trip down was fairly uneventful. Once we arrived we were able to visit with mom, dad, Jacob and Ezra. Ezra is growing so big and strong. That night Aidan and I went with everyone to go to dinner with Harrison, Jordan and Addison. It was a mexican food place called Peppers. Dinner was good, Brian stayed home and slept.
On Wednesday my mom and I went shopping. We went to Kid 2 Kid and Pebbles in my Pocket. Pebbles is a fantastic scrapbook store. I did in fact spend money here, but not at the kid store. Then we went home and relaxed.
On Thursday we woke up and visited for a while. We went to Olive Garden for lunch and then relaxed in the afternoon. Once it cooled down outside Brian, Aidan, my dad and I went out shooting guns. Fun stuff.
On Friday we relaxed and went to Wal-Mart. Then we returned home and waited for people to get there for the BBQ. Ryan and family came over before to visit. Then Bob and Virgie and Suzie and Reed arrived. Brandi, Tim, Charlie and Andrew came over too. And we can't forget Great Aunt Clarice. Dinner was yummy. Dad made dutch oven BBQ chicken and potatoes and for dessert we had peach cobbler. Yummy!!! Once everyone had time to eat and visit some of us finally went swimming. It was Aidan, Jake, dad and myself. Brian left so that he could go to work that night.
On Saturday we woke up early and we to see Ryan's girls (all 4!) get baptized. I cried like a baby! The baptism was spectular and the spirit was amazing. Then we all met up for a BBQ at a local park. This cool park had a splash pad. Aidan was nervous at first but them he loved it. It did help that his buddy Charlie was there to play in the water with him. Once the BBQ was over we headed back to the apartment and got ready to go swimming with Uncle Reed. We met him over at their condo. Jake, Aidan, Reed and I swam for a while and had a fun time. Then we returned home to eat some food and visit some more.
On Sunday morning Aidan and I woke up and got ready to go to church, the girls were getting confirmed. We were surprised to see that my dad was up and ready to go with us. The meeting was nice and wonderful. Grandpa Bob performed the confirmation and Uncle Reed stood in the circle with him. After the meeting we went back to relax at the apartment and then at 2PM we headed over to Brandi's new house for a BBQ to celebrate Kristen's 20th birthday! Great Scott I am getting old. I remember visiting her in the hospital just hours after being born! It was a good day for good food and relaxation. Then we went back to mom's apartment and relaxed. Later that night we went and had dinner at the fabulous Denny's restaurant. Then we went and visited with Jake.
Early Monday morning we headed out of dodge.
What a slow and relaxing week. I will say that I missed my sewing machine A LOT! But its all good.
Aidan-isms
This week on vacation Aidan was full of words.
We needed to stop at a rest stop on the way down to St. George. We stopped at the one just north of Cedar City. Aidan asked me what we were doing. I said we were going to get the wiggles out. He got very excited and began to run around the grass and finally came back to me and said, "Mommy I no find the Wiggles. All gone."
On Saturday night Aidan and I went over to visit Jacob and his friend Jon. Aidan enjoyed played with these two. I ran back to my parents house to do some stuff. About 30 minutes later Jacob brought him back to my parents house because he and Jon were going to leave to get food. After about 20 minutes of being at my parents house with me Aidan asked me "Mommy I go play with Jake and boy. Fun. I go now." I said no because it was getting late. Sometime later I went to the rest room. When I came back out Aidan had opened the door and was sitting on the porch. I asked what he was doing and he responded "I go play with Jake but no find." I think the dark night sky scared him, thank goodness.
Just so that everyone knows, my parents and Jacob are virtually next door neighbors. They are separated by a large driveway and four apartment units.
Aidan loved playing with his cousin Ezra. He always wanted to hold him and give him kisses. And Ezra relished the fun attention. I think now that Aidan was so good around Ezra maybe I could be ready for another squirt.
One day we went swimming and Aidan started screaming "Zoe come play and swim" over and over again. On the ride home, Aidan wasn't as excited to get home to see his daddy as much as he was to go see Zoe. They are the very best friends.
We needed to stop at a rest stop on the way down to St. George. We stopped at the one just north of Cedar City. Aidan asked me what we were doing. I said we were going to get the wiggles out. He got very excited and began to run around the grass and finally came back to me and said, "Mommy I no find the Wiggles. All gone."
On Saturday night Aidan and I went over to visit Jacob and his friend Jon. Aidan enjoyed played with these two. I ran back to my parents house to do some stuff. About 30 minutes later Jacob brought him back to my parents house because he and Jon were going to leave to get food. After about 20 minutes of being at my parents house with me Aidan asked me "Mommy I go play with Jake and boy. Fun. I go now." I said no because it was getting late. Sometime later I went to the rest room. When I came back out Aidan had opened the door and was sitting on the porch. I asked what he was doing and he responded "I go play with Jake but no find." I think the dark night sky scared him, thank goodness.
Just so that everyone knows, my parents and Jacob are virtually next door neighbors. They are separated by a large driveway and four apartment units.
Aidan loved playing with his cousin Ezra. He always wanted to hold him and give him kisses. And Ezra relished the fun attention. I think now that Aidan was so good around Ezra maybe I could be ready for another squirt.
One day we went swimming and Aidan started screaming "Zoe come play and swim" over and over again. On the ride home, Aidan wasn't as excited to get home to see his daddy as much as he was to go see Zoe. They are the very best friends.
Friday Movie Review: Star Wars 5: The Empire Strikes Back
BORING!!! This is my third favorite Star Wars movie. I find it boring and slow. Brian has informed me multiple times that it is because I haven't gotten a firm grasp on the importance of this story in the Star Wars Universe. Nope sorry honey. The snowy planet is silly, I believe it is called Hoth, was lame for me. Luke getting his hand cut off by Vadar was lame. Lame Lame Lame.But on a side note. If you watch very closely John Ratzenberger is in this movie. He is on Hoth and he is a pilot. That is all the information you will get out me.
Who is John Ratzenberger you ask? He played Cliff on Cheers for years. And now he does at least one voice in all of the Pixar movies. In Cars, he voices Mack, Lighning McQueens driver. In Toy Story he voices Hamm, the pig. In the Incredibles he voices the Underminer. And so on and so on and so on.
Thursdays Nostaligia
I have no idea how old I am in this picture. But my head is finally catching up with my body. Not much else to comment about. Enjoy!
Wednesdays blessings
I am grateful for Rest stops while traveling. They give everyone and chance to have a change of scenery, go to the rest room, stretch, and get the wiggles out. Aidan loves rest stops and being able to run around.
I am grateful for Ezra Tiberius in my family. The situation surrounding his birth was sketchy and scary, but once he showed up we all fell in love with him. I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him this week. He is absolutely adorable!
I am grateful for Family. In my world there are a lot of people that are family that are actually friends, but if I consider you a friend, you get all the benefits of being family.
I am grateful for Hymns. This weekend I was reminded of a beautiful hymn that helped put my mind and soul at ease and I feel much better. "Be still my soul" is amazing!
I am still grateful for Birthdays. That might change the older I get, but as of now, I am grateful for my birthday and the extra love I feel on those days.
I am grateful for good communication. Good communication in a marriage is so important, just as it is important in your dealings with you neighbor, boy/girl friend, doctor, etc.
I am grateful for Ezra Tiberius in my family. The situation surrounding his birth was sketchy and scary, but once he showed up we all fell in love with him. I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him this week. He is absolutely adorable!
I am grateful for Family. In my world there are a lot of people that are family that are actually friends, but if I consider you a friend, you get all the benefits of being family.
I am grateful for Hymns. This weekend I was reminded of a beautiful hymn that helped put my mind and soul at ease and I feel much better. "Be still my soul" is amazing!
I am still grateful for Birthdays. That might change the older I get, but as of now, I am grateful for my birthday and the extra love I feel on those days.
I am grateful for good communication. Good communication in a marriage is so important, just as it is important in your dealings with you neighbor, boy/girl friend, doctor, etc.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesdays Book Review: I love you daddy
Sorry no pictures today. We are enjoying our vacation in St. George. But I didn't want to leave anyone hanging so today's book review will be on another Aidan favorite. Picture of the book will come later.
This book is by Sebstain Braun. It is a simple book that follows the day in the life of a baby bear and a daddy bear. It is filled with wonderful illustrations that Aidan adores. And these illustrations are so wonderful that Aidan has been reading the book to me, just based on these pictures. His favorite page is when the Daddy and the baby bear splash in the river.
We got this book from the Clearfield Library and recently returned it, so it should be available. It was simply delightful.
This book is by Sebstain Braun. It is a simple book that follows the day in the life of a baby bear and a daddy bear. It is filled with wonderful illustrations that Aidan adores. And these illustrations are so wonderful that Aidan has been reading the book to me, just based on these pictures. His favorite page is when the Daddy and the baby bear splash in the river.
We got this book from the Clearfield Library and recently returned it, so it should be available. It was simply delightful.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday recap: June 14-20
This week hasn't been very exciting at the Larson home. A quick review of the highlights.
We visited a lot with Bob and Virgie. Aidan loves to run about a the grass just outside their apartment. He loves to try and roll down this "hill." It reminds me of when I was a child and loved rolling down BIG hills, only to grow up and release it wasn't a hill just an unleveled piece of grass. One day Aidan will have the same realization, until then, have fun kiddo.
One day went to lunch with Bob and Virgie. Aidan was a bit restless, so Virgie busted out the hand puppet. I enjoyed this encounter far more than Aidan did. It also took me back to my childhood and Virgie's attempts to keep me happy during Sacrament meeting. Hand on the left is Virgie's and hand on the right is Aidan's.
This is what we have been doing a lot of this week. I imagine Aidan is in a killer growth spurt. All he wants to do is "cuddle" and "sleep with daddy." I love how his arm is draped around Brian. I love to cuddle like that too!
"Daddy, I need a cuddle." Aidan had just woke up from a two and a half hour nap and had slept 13 hours during the night, but nothing is better than a cuddle from daddy. I love how they put each other to sleep.
I didn't get any pictures but on Saturday night we had my Uncle Reed and Aunt Linda over for dinner. We had a good time. We made steak, popcorn shrimp, cranberry feta salad and an appetizer of a toasted french baguette with red pepper pesto. I am currently addicted to the simplicity of the red pepper pesto. YUM!
On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day. Aidan and I got Brian a deck of Magic cards, it is his new thing. We went and visited with Jeff and Bob. While visiting Bob we were able to have a nice relaxing visit with Kamala and Chris. Then I made an amazing dinner of "Denny's." I know, LAZY! But it was late and I didn't want to cook.
Oh, I nearly forgot! We also managed to see TOY STORY 3! Aidan loved it! He couldn't get enough of it. He sat and watched during the entire movie. The only time I remember him taking his eyes off the movie was when he told me he needed a drink. Good movie, go see it!
We visited a lot with Bob and Virgie. Aidan loves to run about a the grass just outside their apartment. He loves to try and roll down this "hill." It reminds me of when I was a child and loved rolling down BIG hills, only to grow up and release it wasn't a hill just an unleveled piece of grass. One day Aidan will have the same realization, until then, have fun kiddo.
One day went to lunch with Bob and Virgie. Aidan was a bit restless, so Virgie busted out the hand puppet. I enjoyed this encounter far more than Aidan did. It also took me back to my childhood and Virgie's attempts to keep me happy during Sacrament meeting. Hand on the left is Virgie's and hand on the right is Aidan's.
This is what we have been doing a lot of this week. I imagine Aidan is in a killer growth spurt. All he wants to do is "cuddle" and "sleep with daddy." I love how his arm is draped around Brian. I love to cuddle like that too!
"Daddy, I need a cuddle." Aidan had just woke up from a two and a half hour nap and had slept 13 hours during the night, but nothing is better than a cuddle from daddy. I love how they put each other to sleep. I didn't get any pictures but on Saturday night we had my Uncle Reed and Aunt Linda over for dinner. We had a good time. We made steak, popcorn shrimp, cranberry feta salad and an appetizer of a toasted french baguette with red pepper pesto. I am currently addicted to the simplicity of the red pepper pesto. YUM!
On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day. Aidan and I got Brian a deck of Magic cards, it is his new thing. We went and visited with Jeff and Bob. While visiting Bob we were able to have a nice relaxing visit with Kamala and Chris. Then I made an amazing dinner of "Denny's." I know, LAZY! But it was late and I didn't want to cook.
Oh, I nearly forgot! We also managed to see TOY STORY 3! Aidan loved it! He couldn't get enough of it. He sat and watched during the entire movie. The only time I remember him taking his eyes off the movie was when he told me he needed a drink. Good movie, go see it!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Aidan-isms
I usually eat something boring for lunch like a bowl of tomato soup. Lately Aidan has been coveting my soup instead of his chicken nuggets that he usually requests. So I gave him some. He then proceeded to be very cautious and thoughtful while putting his crackers into his bowl and then he gobbled it all done. Enjoy the pics.
Yummy! Tomato soup in my tummy!
Well, at least some of it got into his tummy.
Late Thursday night, or early Friday morning (2AMish) Aidan woke up and came into my bedroom. I had just started to relax and go to sleep when he came into the bedroom and turned on the light. He then proceeded to climb into bed with me. At this point I was lucid so I asked him what he was doing. And I kid you not he says to me (I am awake by now). "Mommy my tummy hungry." I then asked if he was really hungry. He said "Yes hungry. Tummy wants pizza not toast, pizza. Mommy make now. Tummy so hungry." How can anyone say no to that. So I prepared him an english muffin style personal pizza. When I hand him his plate he looks up at me and says "Mommy tummy says tank you for pizza and no toast. Yumm!" Even though it was so early/late, he put a smile on my face.
Yummy! Tomato soup in my tummy!
Well, at least some of it got into his tummy.
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Late Thursday night, or early Friday morning (2AMish) Aidan woke up and came into my bedroom. I had just started to relax and go to sleep when he came into the bedroom and turned on the light. He then proceeded to climb into bed with me. At this point I was lucid so I asked him what he was doing. And I kid you not he says to me (I am awake by now). "Mommy my tummy hungry." I then asked if he was really hungry. He said "Yes hungry. Tummy wants pizza not toast, pizza. Mommy make now. Tummy so hungry." How can anyone say no to that. So I prepared him an english muffin style personal pizza. When I hand him his plate he looks up at me and says "Mommy tummy says tank you for pizza and no toast. Yumm!" Even though it was so early/late, he put a smile on my face.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday Movie Review: Star Wars 4: A New Hope
Brian has ALWAYS been a huge fan. Aidan is now a HUGE fan. Lucky for me, I don't mind them. I have seen them enough that I don't really even need to watch them to know what is going on. So that means lots of good time behind the sewing machine.Aidan requests this one by name "SSSPPPAAACCCEEE with good guy." Funny thing is he calls Darth Vadar the "good guy." We have tried to correct him but he thinks its a game now. Brian had some Burger King toys that he lets Aidan play with while we watch. They are little bobble heads of Darth Vadar and Boba Fett.
I am sure you have seen this movie but if not its worth a peak. Realize though that they are now 6 Star Wars movies. Episodes 1,2 and 3 are bad. I saw them each once and don't know if I can watch them again. Episode 4 is my second favorite movie. Any takers on which of the last two is my favorite?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursdays Nostaligia
Oh man! I don't remember when this was taken. I would guess 1985. I am on the far left sitting down on the grass with my brother Jacob on my lap. He was born in 1984. I know that we had a big party for my Great Grandma Eve's 80th birthday party, I think this was it. She was born in August, so it would make since. The party was held at my Great Uncle Garth's house in East Layton. Can you guess everyone in the picture? Many people are missing but can you name everyone?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesdays blessings
1. I am so grateful for extended family. This week we purchased a new couch. After much drama we finally got it and tried getting it into the basement, just Brian and I. I am pretty amazing, but not even my good looks could get that couch unstuck from the stairwell. So Brian went and got his brother Matt. Probably five minutes after his arrival my couch was placed into my basement. Lovely! Thank you Matt.
2. Random phone calls from people I love. We have a pretty weird sense of humor in my family, so it was wonderful to have my mom call to ask me why I haven't called her. Love you mom!
3. Full sentences and pronouncing phrases correctly. "Mommy, I'm coming." "Mommy, my tummy is hungry." "Daddy needs to carry you, me."
4. Aidan is trying to be a big boy and use his words. As he does this, I try and correct him on his incorrect usage of terms and words. This last week Aidan made me have a realization. We are always watching Star Wars. Aidan loves it! He has recently been calling Darth Vadar a "really good guy." I tried to explain to him that, no, Darth Vadar is a bad guy. Aidan told me one day "No mommy, all good guys, I like." After thinking about his silliness, I realized that he was right. At the end, Darth Vadar does become a good guy. He proves to Luke that he is a good guy, or at least for a moment he redeems himself.
5. We love the park. There is nothing better than playing at the park and running around and having fun.
6. Whoever invented board games is the bomb! Aidan and I always play Candy Land. He loves trying to "guess" the colors and find them on the board. Silly boy!
7. I love crafts. I am grateful for the creativity that I have found. I am sure you know that by now. But the one thing about crafts that I love is the feeling of grandeur after I complete any kind of craft. Let me explain. I need decorations for the 4th of July, but most everything is tacky. I went to Hobby Lobby to try and find something cute to hang up and use as a decoration and I realized that everything for this holiday is either cheesy and ugly or expensive and not worth it. At Hobby Lobby I did find a wreath for $17.00 that I liked. But upon further pondering, I put it back on the shelf. $17.00 for that?!?! I went home and devised a plan. I bought some crafty pieces and made my own wreath, similar in style but with my own flair. My price, for ALL materials, $4.00! Word up! Who doesn't love cheaper prices!
2. Random phone calls from people I love. We have a pretty weird sense of humor in my family, so it was wonderful to have my mom call to ask me why I haven't called her. Love you mom!
3. Full sentences and pronouncing phrases correctly. "Mommy, I'm coming." "Mommy, my tummy is hungry." "Daddy needs to carry you, me."
4. Aidan is trying to be a big boy and use his words. As he does this, I try and correct him on his incorrect usage of terms and words. This last week Aidan made me have a realization. We are always watching Star Wars. Aidan loves it! He has recently been calling Darth Vadar a "really good guy." I tried to explain to him that, no, Darth Vadar is a bad guy. Aidan told me one day "No mommy, all good guys, I like." After thinking about his silliness, I realized that he was right. At the end, Darth Vadar does become a good guy. He proves to Luke that he is a good guy, or at least for a moment he redeems himself.
5. We love the park. There is nothing better than playing at the park and running around and having fun.
6. Whoever invented board games is the bomb! Aidan and I always play Candy Land. He loves trying to "guess" the colors and find them on the board. Silly boy!
7. I love crafts. I am grateful for the creativity that I have found. I am sure you know that by now. But the one thing about crafts that I love is the feeling of grandeur after I complete any kind of craft. Let me explain. I need decorations for the 4th of July, but most everything is tacky. I went to Hobby Lobby to try and find something cute to hang up and use as a decoration and I realized that everything for this holiday is either cheesy and ugly or expensive and not worth it. At Hobby Lobby I did find a wreath for $17.00 that I liked. But upon further pondering, I put it back on the shelf. $17.00 for that?!?! I went home and devised a plan. I bought some crafty pieces and made my own wreath, similar in style but with my own flair. My price, for ALL materials, $4.00! Word up! Who doesn't love cheaper prices!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday Book Review: Just go to bed
For one reason or another I haven't read a whole lot the last couple of weeks. Maybe it is lack of time, lack of follow through, or maybe its just because I am too lazy to write a review of them. :) I promise I will do better in the future.
The book review this week is one of Aidan's favorites. We read this book at all times of the day and he especially loves to read it at bed time. Brian's mom saved a bunch of Little Critter books from when Brian and his siblings were younger, and now we get to reap the benefits. Who doesn't love Little Critter books?
This book talks about the little critter that kept getting distracted and wouldn't go to bed. There is a lot of interaction between little critter and the daddy critter. Aidan refers to this book by name "GO TO BED!" Yep he YELLS for it. I enjoy this book too because we have made it our own, there is now a game involved. One page talks of the little critters actions, and the second page always has the daddy critter saying "go to bed." So I read the parts for the little critter and then I say "the daddy says..." and Aidan excitedly responds, sometimes yelling, "GO to BED!" Such fun at bedtime. :)
Aidan says that this books is "cool."
Monday, June 14, 2010
Molly Monday: crafts
I saw this project a couple of weeks ago on one of my mini craft blogs and thought about doing it. Well tonight during one of our movies I made it. I bought an old picture frame from DI for $1.00. I painted it with some black acrylic paint and then taped some scrapbook paper onto the frame backing. I wrote Project Board and drew some lines. Then I embellished it with some stickers I had floating around. Then I wrote on the board with dry erase markers. These markers will make it so that I can reuse this board many times.
Last February, Suzie mentioned to me that my Uncle Danny's wife likes Strawberry Shortcake and really admired some of the lap quilts that did for everyone for Christmas. Well, I finally found some cute (and inexpensive) material online and made her a quick lap quilt. SHHH don't tell anyone, but it will be her surprise Christmas present. 
My house is in need of some 4th of July decorations. The only problem is that most of the decorations are hideous, cheap looking and down right disrespectful. I was raised to solemnly respect the flag. The idea of hanging a flag on the wall for decoration scares me and saddens me. Mostly because, the general public doesn't respect the flag that they hang on the wall. So I have been looking for years. I saw some fake flowers on sale at the Wally mart and decided to give this a try. The basket was from Aidan's Easter basket. Nothing better than getting multiple uses out of stuff. :) The red and blue flowers came in a buddle for the discounted price of $3.00 each. The white ones were not discounted but cost $3.00. I cut the flowers down and rearranged them and there ya go, something for decoration.
I saw these on a website this week. They are called "I-spy bags." You make a little bean bag thing, make a window out of vinyl (Hobby Lobby a quarter yard was .50) and fill it with small pellets or rice and little trinkets.
Then on the back I just made a small card, listing everything in each bag. Aidan has had fun with these bags during the week, so at church on Sunday he will have a blast. Some of them look funny because vinyl is really hard to sew with a sewing machine. It likes to get stuck underneath the pressure foot.
I was able to finish another secret quilt this week. Remember the lovely purple patches I showed you last week? Well this week I decided to get clever and try and do some of that (I think its called) free motion quilting. Basically, instead of tying a quilt you sewing designs into the back of them. I finally felt good about this attempt. I think I am using the wrong needle attachment on my machine. More internet research to find out for sure. Can you see the heart?
In the middle of that purple quilt I decided to make a double heart. This one was a little easier to do because I used A LOT of pins to help me guide my needle. Kind of defeats the purpose for free motion quilting but until I feel comfortable with this technique I will be doing it incorrectly. Hope you had a fun week. Love ya!
Molly Monday: Luke 15:11-32 thoughts
I have been pondering these verse for a couple of days now. These verses are the story of the Prodigal Son. Please keep in mind, as you read this entry, that these thoughts are mine and mine alone. They may be entirely wrong and inaccurate but until someone helps me gain a better knowledge, these are my thoughts.
A short version of the prodigal son. There is a father, older brother and younger brother. The younger brother asks his father for his inheritance early and leaves and squanders it. Upon losing his inheritance he gets a job. Realizing that his job is horrific he decides to return home even if it is to work for his father. Upon his arrival home the father rejoices and throws a large feast to celebrate the return of the lost son. The older brother returns from the field and realizes what is going on and questions his father. After all the hard work the older brother has consistantly put into the family and the farm, why has he never received a feast. The father responds by saying something like you have always been faithful and you have experienced everything with me by my side. Through the years, I have understood it, that the older brother was a jealous angry person for not having received the same love and appreciation that this wayward son had received. I now think that I was wrong.
The last six months have been hard on me both emotionally and mentally (I can imagine in other ways but these two are the most prominent). I have cried and ached for my "younger sister." Did she take her inheritance and run? No. But she did decide that my family and my parents would be better off not to be in her life. I still am confused because I don't understand why, what brought this on, or why she cut off all ties with me in the way that she did. I have had six months of hard speculation constantly on my mind and I have only recently been able to decide that I can' t let her decisions effect me this way. Was it horrible? Yes. But should I continually have sleepless nights because I ache for her? After six months I can't do it anymore.
My thoughts have brought me to the prodigal son, over and over again. I think the older brothers reaction to the return of his younger brother is misunderstood. What about his feelings? He faithfully stayed with his father all those years. He experienced heart ache and pain and confusion about the younger brothers decision to leave. He probably felt the pain and sadness experienced by his father. No parent should have to endure the unknown, especially about a child. No parent should have to experience the heartache of a child rejecting them in such a harsh fashion.
I believe the older brothers reaction was not jealousy or bitterness. It was aprehension, confusion and protectiveness. After the duration of time that the "younger sister" decides to be gone is over. The older sister will rejoice, because she is around again. But that older sister will be forever changed by the years of hurt and sadness over the missing sister.
What are your thoughts? Am I wrong?
A short version of the prodigal son. There is a father, older brother and younger brother. The younger brother asks his father for his inheritance early and leaves and squanders it. Upon losing his inheritance he gets a job. Realizing that his job is horrific he decides to return home even if it is to work for his father. Upon his arrival home the father rejoices and throws a large feast to celebrate the return of the lost son. The older brother returns from the field and realizes what is going on and questions his father. After all the hard work the older brother has consistantly put into the family and the farm, why has he never received a feast. The father responds by saying something like you have always been faithful and you have experienced everything with me by my side. Through the years, I have understood it, that the older brother was a jealous angry person for not having received the same love and appreciation that this wayward son had received. I now think that I was wrong.
The last six months have been hard on me both emotionally and mentally (I can imagine in other ways but these two are the most prominent). I have cried and ached for my "younger sister." Did she take her inheritance and run? No. But she did decide that my family and my parents would be better off not to be in her life. I still am confused because I don't understand why, what brought this on, or why she cut off all ties with me in the way that she did. I have had six months of hard speculation constantly on my mind and I have only recently been able to decide that I can' t let her decisions effect me this way. Was it horrible? Yes. But should I continually have sleepless nights because I ache for her? After six months I can't do it anymore.
My thoughts have brought me to the prodigal son, over and over again. I think the older brothers reaction to the return of his younger brother is misunderstood. What about his feelings? He faithfully stayed with his father all those years. He experienced heart ache and pain and confusion about the younger brothers decision to leave. He probably felt the pain and sadness experienced by his father. No parent should have to endure the unknown, especially about a child. No parent should have to experience the heartache of a child rejecting them in such a harsh fashion.
I believe the older brothers reaction was not jealousy or bitterness. It was aprehension, confusion and protectiveness. After the duration of time that the "younger sister" decides to be gone is over. The older sister will rejoice, because she is around again. But that older sister will be forever changed by the years of hurt and sadness over the missing sister.
What are your thoughts? Am I wrong?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday Movie Review: Star Wars 5: Empire Strikes Back
BORING!!! This is my third favorite Star Wars movie. I find it boring and slow. Brian has informed me multiple times that it is because I haven't gotten a firm grasp on the importance of this story in the Star Wars Universe. Nope sorry honey. The snowy planet is silly, I believe it is called Hoth, was lame for me. Luke getting his hand cut off by Vadar was lame. Lame Lame Lame.But on a side note. If you watch very closely John Ratzenberger is in this movie. He is on Hoth and he is a pilot. That is all the information you will get out me.
Who is John Ratzenberger you ask? He played Cliff on Cheers for years. And now he does at least one voice in all of the Pixar movies. In Cars, he voices Mack, Lighning McQueens driver. In Toy Story he voices Hamm, the pig. In the Incredibles he voices the Underminer. And so on and so on and so on.
Thursdays Nostaligia
I have no idea how old I am in this picture. But my head is finally catching up with my body. Not much else to comment about. Enjoy!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Saturday: Aidan-isms
Instead of being something that is said by Aidan, this week it is something that he does. I don't know where he got this from but it is both cute and annoying. Every morning he has been waking up at 630AM, like clock work. He climbs out of his bed and wanders into my bedroom. At this point he will throw his empty sippy cup at my head and request more "cake" (chocolate milk). If I do not respond quick enough, he will climb onto the bed, using my braid as a help (think Rapunzel). Once he is on the bed he will find his sippy cup and proceed to punch (?) me in the face until I wake up and acknowledge his need for "cake" and then he will comfortably place himself on Brian's side of the bed and refuse to leave. Which is okay with me because I usually get the milk and then return to bed as a zombie.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday Movie Review: Planet 51
This movie is already a classic in our house. Aidan loves "space." So when we saw this movie at a Red Box we picked it up for a movie night. What a delightfully funny movie.An American astronaut gets stranded on a distant planet only to find that they are trapped in the 1950s. This movie has plenty of comedy in it for the young kids and even more for the adults. Not really heavy on plot but it is a kids movie and it is super silly.
I say go get it! Aidan saw the picture as I was typing this review and now he wants to watch it. Yeah, its that good. :)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursdays Nostaligia
I love when my Grandpa is singing this song. Every time he sings it he gets choked up. I love this video because not only is he singing, he is rocking my baby and Grandma is singing with him.
I took an audio copy of Grandpa singing this song with me into the mission field and I can't tell you how often I would listen and rewind, listen and rewind. I remember not caring very much about the subject of the song, just he closeness that hearing his voice brought me. And that feeling of closeness helped me through many a bad day, tough day, homesick day, etc. etc.
I love you Grandpa and Grandma.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesdays blessings
1. Years ago I often thought to myself "Sun, why are you so special. Everyone wants to get off work early and spend time under your blanket of warmth, why? I don't get it. It's bright, it's harmful, and it is down right cheery." Yep I really did think things like this while working at the theater. Now, my opinions have changed dramatically. This year I have finally figured it out. Maybe I knew it all along and was scared of it or maybe I was just denying knowledge I always had, but the sun's rays are a breath of fresh air. There is no better pick me up that a good dose of vitamin D. I have noticed myself getting headaches and sleeping too much, but if I go outside and let Aidan run around, bring a drink and a book, my headaches mysteriously disappear. Thank you sun for changing my mind. Maybe it was being stuck inside the basement all winter, but I love you sun.
2. This week has been a good week for "acquiring." Last Saturday Brian and I went and purchased a new sectional style couch for our basement. Two weeks ago Brian and I were sitting on it, not it a weird fashion or anything and then we heard POP! POP! The back bracing beams had popped apart. Now when you sit on it you need to be careful or you could fall into oblivion. This couch was a gift from some friends. It is/was a very comfortable couch that we are sad to see go, but I am very grateful for the time it spent in our basement. Because we were able to stall until the Memorial Day sales we were able to pick up an awesome sectional for about $600. The sale price was $500 but I INSISTED on making this micro fiber sectional easy to clean (can we say two year old!!!) so that came at a cost. Luck for me, Brian didn't argue with the additional price; I guess he lives with a two year old as well. :) Then we swapped furniture with Virgie. She asked if she could use the rocking chair again (Grandpa enjoys being able to rock himself to sleep in it), sure. In exchange for such chivilary she would give us her third dresser our of her room. This dresser was given to her from Reed, so this dresser has seen the rounds but it sure is a beauty. Pictures later this week. And it doesn't end there...then the Lincoln's offered us a second freezer for our little house. Yes! Done! SWEET!!! Then they mentioned wanting to get rid of a red recliner chair. Sure, we take anything in good condition. :) Thanks everyone for helping us decorate our little house. It might not be new, but its new to me and I am super excited!
3. I love resources. I love being able to figure out whatever I want and learn from them. I love cooking. But sometimes expenses don't let me go out to eat to get my specialty food, thanks to food network I make everything myself nowadays. If we are pressed for time we still eat out, but now if I have a craving or a penchant for something I just go into the bodega (food storage) and get my ingredients and then make it myself. Generally it turns out much better.
4. Aidan loves the sprinklers and I get a kick out of watching him run through them. Seriously, who doesn't love cheap entertainment? So cute.
5. I love gardening. I am not a big fan of the weeding part. But I get so excited to see the fruits of my labors, even if they are little tiny sprouts of leaves in the ground. Lovely. Cheap produce here we come! Canning party anyone?
6. I was scared of sewing machines for a very LONG time. That damn bobbin hated me, and I it! I couldn't figure it out to save my life. My sweet mother in law must have removed the curse because last year she successfully taught me how to thread a bobbin. And then my amazing husband taught me how to put it into the machine and sew with it. Learning this new trick has been both a blessing and a curse to Brian. Fabric sales are my new addiction, I have quite a large stockpile. I can't just sit and watch television anymore, I need to be at my craft table sewing something. Brian hasn't been able to enjoy television with out the constant hum of the sewing machine in over a year now. But even though it brings such oddity to my family room, I love it! I love making stuff with my hands and feeling the success at a project done. I get drunk with happiness when I can see...
7. how my PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE pays off. Some of projects are not very good but I am learning how to embrace all my mistakes and learn from them. So hears to becoming amazing at all things sewing machine.
2. This week has been a good week for "acquiring." Last Saturday Brian and I went and purchased a new sectional style couch for our basement. Two weeks ago Brian and I were sitting on it, not it a weird fashion or anything and then we heard POP! POP! The back bracing beams had popped apart. Now when you sit on it you need to be careful or you could fall into oblivion. This couch was a gift from some friends. It is/was a very comfortable couch that we are sad to see go, but I am very grateful for the time it spent in our basement. Because we were able to stall until the Memorial Day sales we were able to pick up an awesome sectional for about $600. The sale price was $500 but I INSISTED on making this micro fiber sectional easy to clean (can we say two year old!!!) so that came at a cost. Luck for me, Brian didn't argue with the additional price; I guess he lives with a two year old as well. :) Then we swapped furniture with Virgie. She asked if she could use the rocking chair again (Grandpa enjoys being able to rock himself to sleep in it), sure. In exchange for such chivilary she would give us her third dresser our of her room. This dresser was given to her from Reed, so this dresser has seen the rounds but it sure is a beauty. Pictures later this week. And it doesn't end there...then the Lincoln's offered us a second freezer for our little house. Yes! Done! SWEET!!! Then they mentioned wanting to get rid of a red recliner chair. Sure, we take anything in good condition. :) Thanks everyone for helping us decorate our little house. It might not be new, but its new to me and I am super excited!
3. I love resources. I love being able to figure out whatever I want and learn from them. I love cooking. But sometimes expenses don't let me go out to eat to get my specialty food, thanks to food network I make everything myself nowadays. If we are pressed for time we still eat out, but now if I have a craving or a penchant for something I just go into the bodega (food storage) and get my ingredients and then make it myself. Generally it turns out much better.
4. Aidan loves the sprinklers and I get a kick out of watching him run through them. Seriously, who doesn't love cheap entertainment? So cute.
5. I love gardening. I am not a big fan of the weeding part. But I get so excited to see the fruits of my labors, even if they are little tiny sprouts of leaves in the ground. Lovely. Cheap produce here we come! Canning party anyone?
6. I was scared of sewing machines for a very LONG time. That damn bobbin hated me, and I it! I couldn't figure it out to save my life. My sweet mother in law must have removed the curse because last year she successfully taught me how to thread a bobbin. And then my amazing husband taught me how to put it into the machine and sew with it. Learning this new trick has been both a blessing and a curse to Brian. Fabric sales are my new addiction, I have quite a large stockpile. I can't just sit and watch television anymore, I need to be at my craft table sewing something. Brian hasn't been able to enjoy television with out the constant hum of the sewing machine in over a year now. But even though it brings such oddity to my family room, I love it! I love making stuff with my hands and feeling the success at a project done. I get drunk with happiness when I can see...
7. how my PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE pays off. Some of projects are not very good but I am learning how to embrace all my mistakes and learn from them. So hears to becoming amazing at all things sewing machine.
Tuesday Book Review: Left to Tell
Don't click on the picture. It doesn't do anything. I borrowed this image from Amazon.com.
Brian's mom, Pat, recommended this book to me. She is a high school teachers aid, and the class that she helps in was reading it. Ever since I was "forced" into watching "Hotel Rwanda" I have tried learning as much as I could about the Rwandan holocaust. I have was fortunate enough to hear Paul R. speak at WSU (it is his experience that was depicted in Hotel Rwanda). Fantastic!
I enjoyed this book. I would not recommend it to the faint of heart. This is a memoir. And Immaculee's story is horrible. But very inspiring to see her use her faith in God to make her strong throughout this trial. Some of the horrible things that she experienced, she was able to overcome and forgive quickly due to her relationship with the Lord. She describes many sad events surrounding the war, but she also shares wonderful blessings that she experienced and saw during the war.
If you are interested read this book, but keep in mind that it is a memoir. I found myself sobbing on a regular basis. The book is less than 300 pages but it took me over a week to finish it because I was constantly crying. Excellent book.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Molly Monday: Stromboli and calzone recipes
My family loves these recipes and they are super easy to make. Enjoy.
Make a pizza crust using your favorite recipe.
My favorite crust recipe is:
I pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup luke warm water
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1.5 cups flour
In luke warm water add yeast. Allow yeast to activate. To tell if the yeast is activating it looks frothy. Add in oil, sugar and salt. Stir and let hang out for a spell (about a minute). Then slowly mix in flour. Flour amount is approximate. You want to add flour until it forms a dough. Gently knead until it is silky smooth looking. Put in a bowl and let rest. For Calzones and Strombolis I would allowed to rest for about 3 hours. It sounds like a long time but the longer you let it sit the fluffier your dough.
Calzones (a pizza turnover)
Divide dough into four parts and roll out individually. Add favorite pizza fixings into center of each dough circle. Fold over the dough and form into a turnover. Bake at a preheated over at 400 degrees. Cook about 15-22 minutes or until golden brown crust. Enjoy!
Stromboli (a deli meat turnover)
Divide dough into four parts and roll out individually. At your favorite deli meat and cheese into the center of dough. Fold over the dough and form into a turnover. Bake at a preheated over at 425 degrees. Coke about 8-12 minutes or until golden brown crust. Enjoy!
Super easy and super yummy!
Make a pizza crust using your favorite recipe.
My favorite crust recipe is:
I pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup luke warm water
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1.5 cups flour
In luke warm water add yeast. Allow yeast to activate. To tell if the yeast is activating it looks frothy. Add in oil, sugar and salt. Stir and let hang out for a spell (about a minute). Then slowly mix in flour. Flour amount is approximate. You want to add flour until it forms a dough. Gently knead until it is silky smooth looking. Put in a bowl and let rest. For Calzones and Strombolis I would allowed to rest for about 3 hours. It sounds like a long time but the longer you let it sit the fluffier your dough.
Calzones (a pizza turnover)
Divide dough into four parts and roll out individually. Add favorite pizza fixings into center of each dough circle. Fold over the dough and form into a turnover. Bake at a preheated over at 400 degrees. Cook about 15-22 minutes or until golden brown crust. Enjoy!
Stromboli (a deli meat turnover)
Divide dough into four parts and roll out individually. At your favorite deli meat and cheese into the center of dough. Fold over the dough and form into a turnover. Bake at a preheated over at 425 degrees. Coke about 8-12 minutes or until golden brown crust. Enjoy!
Super easy and super yummy!
Sunday recap: May 31-June 6
I tried all day yesterday to post something, but Google wouldn't let me. They said my site was down due to maintenance. Hmmmm...
This last week was busy and crazy, as I am beginning to feel all my weeks could be described.
Monday we woke up early so that we could go to breakfast with my cousins (the Lincoln clan, Brandon and his GF Katie). Breakfast on Memorial Day was craziness, but it is always fun to be around family. After breakfast we headed home to let Brian get some sleep, and Aidan and myself work in the yard. We added more to our garden and tried some repair work on some damaged veggies. Fingers crossed it all works out. Then we put stuff away and tried to make the backyard presentable for company. At 5PM Bob, Virgie, Suzie, Holly and Gary came over for a little BBQ. Suzie went crazy with yummy extras. Potato salad, relish tray, and her famous deviled eggs. Virgie brought her famous BBQ (or yummy sloppy joes) and shrimp salad. It was a good time by all the weather was pleasant and that was wonderful. Later that night Stephanie and Amy came over for a fun game of Phase 10.
Tuesday Aidan and I went to the day care. This was the day that Aidan barely survived. STRESSFUL!! I was in the classroom with the babies (in charge of the itty bitty babies 4 weeks to 9 months old...and there was 5 of them). Aidan flipped out and was a terror. He was throwing a tantrum and being unbearable for his teachers. Part way through the day he came over to be with me. At this point in the day I switched to the old infant side (12-23 months). Aidan wore my patience VERY thin that day. He was a bully! He would lash out, just because he could and be mean. We sent him back to his class but the lashing out worsened. He would knock kids down, spit on them, hit them, he even kicked a little girl. I had enough (as did his teachers). We put him in time out (the day care doesn't have a time out policy but his mommy does.). He lashed out some more kicking and screaming and hitting the wall. Finally I got him to settle down and then he acted up again. The next step was time out in a high chair away from the rest of the class. He wiggled and freaked out so much that the chair nearly tipped over. Luckily, this was about my time to leave, so we left. I was scheduled to work the rest of the week in the infant class. I talked with Brian and he took care of Aidan on Wed. and Thurs. (his days off) and then I found a replacement for Friday so I could be with Aidan.
This behavior is unlike Aidan and I hated seeing my boy act like this. Brian and I have talked and we think that he is freaking out because of my time spent at the day care. It has been during this time that he has showed signs of regressing. He refuses to go potty in the potty, he requests diapers. He refers to himself as a baby. He has had tantrums demanding his bottle (What!?). And refuses to walk anywhere (carry you?). I am not scheduled at the day care for a while and probably wont go back for a while, not until we figure out what is up with Aidan.
Wednesday I subbed at the day care. Aidan and Brian had a very fun bonding day. I don't think that the two of them have been completely alone together since Aidan was a wee babe. :) Boring day. Brian grilled burgers and we relaxed in the sun.
Thursday I went to the day care. Aidan and Brian had another fun bonding day. After I got off work we met up with Suzie, Holly and Gary. It was Gary's 11th birthday so we decided to go to Applebee's for dinner. Yummy. Then we dropped Brian off at home so that he could sleep and Aidan and myself went over to visit with the Lincoln's and part of the Roth clan. Can I just say I love family. Nothing specific happened but family is fun.
Friday Aidan and I decided to go and run some errands. We didn't get very far. We got distracted by the smell of popcorn and the allure of Shrek 500. I had to go and pick up some mail from the theater (weird huh). Then we attempted more errands and found that Aidan didn't want to go on more errands unless he could be held in my arms. I have no desire to try and grocery shop around Wal-Mart, while pushing a cart and holding and screaming child; so we left. This made him more mad and he freaked out. I couldn't take him home because Brian was in desperate need for sleep so we went and found Bob and Virgie at a local diner. Aidan had a tantrum for about 20 minutes. Everyone tried to help to no avail. Finally I just let him do his own thing and melt for a while. I did my best to ignore the actions while keeping him safe. After about 15 minutes he relaxed. And then he was my happy pleasant Aidan. What the heck is up with these tantrums? Many people inside the resturant (we were outside some large windows) complemented me on my "patience" for they would have "spanked him senseless." Trust me boys and girls, I thought about it. But what would that have proven? Mom can lash out not Aidan? But all in all I decided against my first impulse to spank because I probably would have gone above and beyond any limits that should have been in place. I was incensed! I am proud of myself for not resulting to the obvious, but am saddened by Aidan behavior. I hope we can both survive it. I don't like it.
Saturday we hung out at home and then ran errands all over town. Fun! Sometimes. Then we came home and relaxed. Boring huh?
Sunday we went to church and then went and visited with Bob and Virgie for a bit. We then had a relaxing day at home. I made a turkey on Saturday so we had faux Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!
Boring and yet eventful week. Ta-da.
This last week was busy and crazy, as I am beginning to feel all my weeks could be described.
Monday we woke up early so that we could go to breakfast with my cousins (the Lincoln clan, Brandon and his GF Katie). Breakfast on Memorial Day was craziness, but it is always fun to be around family. After breakfast we headed home to let Brian get some sleep, and Aidan and myself work in the yard. We added more to our garden and tried some repair work on some damaged veggies. Fingers crossed it all works out. Then we put stuff away and tried to make the backyard presentable for company. At 5PM Bob, Virgie, Suzie, Holly and Gary came over for a little BBQ. Suzie went crazy with yummy extras. Potato salad, relish tray, and her famous deviled eggs. Virgie brought her famous BBQ (or yummy sloppy joes) and shrimp salad. It was a good time by all the weather was pleasant and that was wonderful. Later that night Stephanie and Amy came over for a fun game of Phase 10.
Tuesday Aidan and I went to the day care. This was the day that Aidan barely survived. STRESSFUL!! I was in the classroom with the babies (in charge of the itty bitty babies 4 weeks to 9 months old...and there was 5 of them). Aidan flipped out and was a terror. He was throwing a tantrum and being unbearable for his teachers. Part way through the day he came over to be with me. At this point in the day I switched to the old infant side (12-23 months). Aidan wore my patience VERY thin that day. He was a bully! He would lash out, just because he could and be mean. We sent him back to his class but the lashing out worsened. He would knock kids down, spit on them, hit them, he even kicked a little girl. I had enough (as did his teachers). We put him in time out (the day care doesn't have a time out policy but his mommy does.). He lashed out some more kicking and screaming and hitting the wall. Finally I got him to settle down and then he acted up again. The next step was time out in a high chair away from the rest of the class. He wiggled and freaked out so much that the chair nearly tipped over. Luckily, this was about my time to leave, so we left. I was scheduled to work the rest of the week in the infant class. I talked with Brian and he took care of Aidan on Wed. and Thurs. (his days off) and then I found a replacement for Friday so I could be with Aidan.
This behavior is unlike Aidan and I hated seeing my boy act like this. Brian and I have talked and we think that he is freaking out because of my time spent at the day care. It has been during this time that he has showed signs of regressing. He refuses to go potty in the potty, he requests diapers. He refers to himself as a baby. He has had tantrums demanding his bottle (What!?). And refuses to walk anywhere (carry you?). I am not scheduled at the day care for a while and probably wont go back for a while, not until we figure out what is up with Aidan.
Wednesday I subbed at the day care. Aidan and Brian had a very fun bonding day. I don't think that the two of them have been completely alone together since Aidan was a wee babe. :) Boring day. Brian grilled burgers and we relaxed in the sun.
Thursday I went to the day care. Aidan and Brian had another fun bonding day. After I got off work we met up with Suzie, Holly and Gary. It was Gary's 11th birthday so we decided to go to Applebee's for dinner. Yummy. Then we dropped Brian off at home so that he could sleep and Aidan and myself went over to visit with the Lincoln's and part of the Roth clan. Can I just say I love family. Nothing specific happened but family is fun.
Friday Aidan and I decided to go and run some errands. We didn't get very far. We got distracted by the smell of popcorn and the allure of Shrek 500. I had to go and pick up some mail from the theater (weird huh). Then we attempted more errands and found that Aidan didn't want to go on more errands unless he could be held in my arms. I have no desire to try and grocery shop around Wal-Mart, while pushing a cart and holding and screaming child; so we left. This made him more mad and he freaked out. I couldn't take him home because Brian was in desperate need for sleep so we went and found Bob and Virgie at a local diner. Aidan had a tantrum for about 20 minutes. Everyone tried to help to no avail. Finally I just let him do his own thing and melt for a while. I did my best to ignore the actions while keeping him safe. After about 15 minutes he relaxed. And then he was my happy pleasant Aidan. What the heck is up with these tantrums? Many people inside the resturant (we were outside some large windows) complemented me on my "patience" for they would have "spanked him senseless." Trust me boys and girls, I thought about it. But what would that have proven? Mom can lash out not Aidan? But all in all I decided against my first impulse to spank because I probably would have gone above and beyond any limits that should have been in place. I was incensed! I am proud of myself for not resulting to the obvious, but am saddened by Aidan behavior. I hope we can both survive it. I don't like it.
Saturday we hung out at home and then ran errands all over town. Fun! Sometimes. Then we came home and relaxed. Boring huh?
Sunday we went to church and then went and visited with Bob and Virgie for a bit. We then had a relaxing day at home. I made a turkey on Saturday so we had faux Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!
Boring and yet eventful week. Ta-da.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Aidan-isms
"I super hero guy!" He likes to play like he is a super hero. Last week I made him a cape and a mask. I didn't like the mask much so yesterday I made a new one. Aidan runs around the house pretending to be super hero guy. He even told me the other day that I was the "bad guy." I have also been referred to as the "yucky guy." Silly boy, he has no idea. *insert evil laugh here*
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday Movie Review: Candleshoe
This is a movie from my childhood. Bob and Virgie had it on BETA! And when the BETA machine died, so did my opportunity for watching it, until the other day. I found this movie at the LIBRARY! Oh how I love the library!This movie takes place in the 1970s. Jodie Foster plays a hooligan for LA that is taken to England to try and portray a long lost heir to a potential fortune. She is quickly able to win over the heart of the heartbroken grandmother, for she has never stopped searching for her granddaughter. The problem the fortune was hidden somewhere on the estate of Candleshoe. Jodie Foster needs to keep up appearances with her new "grandmother" and still search for the treasure. This movie is good fun! Brian had never seen it before I made him watch it, and he enjoyed it. Aidan even sat through it.
The movie is highly recommended! It stars Jodie Foster, Helen Hayes (the brillant stage and film actress) and David Niven (the first James Bond? or was he?). If you liked Goonies you will enjoy this fun movie!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Nostalgia Thursdays
This picture was taken in 1988. I was 9 years old. STOP! Don't do the math! I remember these matching outfits Kellie and I had on, different colors. I remember my mom wore the coolest shirt ever! I also remember my mom wore her black leather, high heeled cowboy boots. They were sweet! I also remember that on this day we took a picture of us with my maternal great grandma Eve Whitesides, paternal grandmother Betty Armga and maternal grandmother Virgie Arnold. I wonder where that photo went? I will need to search for it.Please don't giggle at the hairdo. My mom loved it and loved it on me. How could she be so cruel? Just kidding. But this picture should be an example of what you could be doing to your children. :) Avoid fashion fads and stay consistent with tried and true fashions and hair styles.
I love you mom. And why does Kellie always look so darn cute in these kind of pictures?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesdays blessings
1- BBQ grills
2-Good sports
3- diapers
4- ancestry/family
5- quiet drives
6- comments
7- The Atonement
More information:
1- BBQ grills mean so much to me. They mean that I have less dishes in the sink.
They mean that I am off the hook for dinner that night: Brian is the grillmaster.
They mean good food and usually good company.
2- Good sports when playing any game is important. With out them you wouldn't be
able to play games and essentially have a good time. So to all those out
there you are good sports, thank you. And to those out there that are sore losers (me), relax it's just a game! :-)
3- Diapers. I have found that with Aidan and potty training it is like Chutes and Ladders, two steps forward and five steps back, one step forward and slide all the way back to the beginning!For whatever reason Aidan no longer wants to try. I feel that he is regressing in a lot of things lately. Asking for a bottle, wanting to be held all the time, wanting to be carried everywhere, refusing to go to the bathroom. So to make sure I don't traumatize him, we will be starting over, back to
diapers we go. I am grateful for diapers always being one stop away from us, at the store.
4- With Memorial Weekend having recently come and gone, it gave me a chance to reflect on my family. I went to the cemetery to place flowers on my brother's grave, my aunt's grave and my great grandparents grave. We went with my Bob and Virgie. I so enjoying hearing stories of my ancestors. Then on Monday we were able to go and have breakfast with the Lincoln's, sans Aunt LuAnn, Brandon and Katie. I don't remember having any kind of deep conversation but it is truly wonderful to be in the presence on loved ones, just sharing the same space is awesome.
5- I have found that for my extreme emotions (very happy, very sad, very angry) two things tame my emotions. The one thing that is my favorite of the two is taking a quiet drive. I usually drive with no real purpose (though in the end I find one), relax and feel rejuvenated. Thank goodness for the mountains and good weather!
6- Nothing makes me happier than to see reader comments on my blog. I am a silly goose, but comments brighten my day.
7-The Atonement. I think that says it all. I am EXTREMELY grateful for the atonement and the knowledge that helps me wake up and start another day. I am not a perfect person, perfect mother, perfect wife, perfect daughter, etc. but through the atonement I know that I can repent, make something better, and try again without the constant reminders of utter failure. Thank you Lord for this blessing in my life!
2-Good sports
3- diapers
4- ancestry/family
5- quiet drives
6- comments
7- The Atonement
More information:
1- BBQ grills mean so much to me. They mean that I have less dishes in the sink.
They mean that I am off the hook for dinner that night: Brian is the grillmaster.
They mean good food and usually good company.
2- Good sports when playing any game is important. With out them you wouldn't be
able to play games and essentially have a good time. So to all those out
there you are good sports, thank you. And to those out there that are sore losers (me), relax it's just a game! :-)
3- Diapers. I have found that with Aidan and potty training it is like Chutes and Ladders, two steps forward and five steps back, one step forward and slide all the way back to the beginning!For whatever reason Aidan no longer wants to try. I feel that he is regressing in a lot of things lately. Asking for a bottle, wanting to be held all the time, wanting to be carried everywhere, refusing to go to the bathroom. So to make sure I don't traumatize him, we will be starting over, back to
diapers we go. I am grateful for diapers always being one stop away from us, at the store.
4- With Memorial Weekend having recently come and gone, it gave me a chance to reflect on my family. I went to the cemetery to place flowers on my brother's grave, my aunt's grave and my great grandparents grave. We went with my Bob and Virgie. I so enjoying hearing stories of my ancestors. Then on Monday we were able to go and have breakfast with the Lincoln's, sans Aunt LuAnn, Brandon and Katie. I don't remember having any kind of deep conversation but it is truly wonderful to be in the presence on loved ones, just sharing the same space is awesome.
5- I have found that for my extreme emotions (very happy, very sad, very angry) two things tame my emotions. The one thing that is my favorite of the two is taking a quiet drive. I usually drive with no real purpose (though in the end I find one), relax and feel rejuvenated. Thank goodness for the mountains and good weather!
6- Nothing makes me happier than to see reader comments on my blog. I am a silly goose, but comments brighten my day.
7-The Atonement. I think that says it all. I am EXTREMELY grateful for the atonement and the knowledge that helps me wake up and start another day. I am not a perfect person, perfect mother, perfect wife, perfect daughter, etc. but through the atonement I know that I can repent, make something better, and try again without the constant reminders of utter failure. Thank you Lord for this blessing in my life!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday Book Review: Corduroy and Bimbos of the Death Sun
I have decided to allow Aidan to have a book review this week (and probably every week). We found our copy of this book at DI for $.50! Sweet deal! Who didn't love reading Corduroy as a child? This book is about a little stuffed bear at a department store who has lost a button on his pants. The book tells of his adventure as he goes throughout the store looking for his lost button and trying to find a home to go to.
Wonderful book. Aidan says "book cool, COOL!" We have been reading this book every night (sometimes twice). :)
My book review...
This book I did not search out nor did I expect to read it. Brian's dad, Jeff, is an avid reader. He found this book at a paperback exchange and read it, was entertained by it and recommended it to Brian. Brian brought it home and is sat on my counter for about two weeks. Well one day I was desperate for some easy reading. You know the days I am referring too. Nothing planned, bad weather outside, nothing on television. You are just needing a quick read, nothing intense or deep just something to kill a couple of hours.
This book is a joke on all this nerdy. The premise of the book is mildly entertaining.
"Bimbos of the Death Sun" is a murder mystery that takes place at a science fiction convention. The author introduces us to a large number of characters, and I mean characters. First we have the Dr. James O. Mega, a science professor at the local college that wrote a little unknown science fiction novel that was asked to be a guest speaker at the convention. Know one has ever heard of him or his novel. Everyone makes the joke that he is Dr. Omega throughout the book. Get it? Nerds. Well Dr. Omega was asked to speak at this conference because the original key note speaker, Appin Dungannon, is a temperamental miserable author that writes some of the most beloved science fiction books of the day. Why is he so miserable? Because he is writing fantasy novels and having all the freaks of the world worship him and his silly books. Dungannon made sure to insult and make enemies around every corner and so when he ends up dead on the cusp of finishing the final chapter of his fantasy series everyone at the convention is a suspect. But the question becomes who would kill him, when everyone has reason to do it?
The book was ridiculous and short. Not normally my kind of read, but entertaining enough for me to finish it. It makes fun of everything you can imagine about a science fiction convention complete with Star Wars characters, Star Trek characters, and Dungeons and Dragons characters.
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