There are two things you need to know about Landri.
1) The child wants to potty train. She cannot stand to be wet or messy. So, if she manages to poop without you knowing immediately, she brings her diaper to you. Or leaves it on the floor...lots of disgusting possibilities here.
2) Whenever someone else is asked to pray now, she squints her eyes, folds her arms and begins to ramble this 'prayer' as if trying to beat them to the punch line.
Today Lu was sitting on my lap and I kept thinking she was stinky. So, I clued in and asked her if she wanted to go potty. So we headed upstairs and I propped the stool in front of the toilet and sat down. She looked at me with her little devilish look...then quickly folded her arms and squinted her arms...and offered one of her prayers. All reverence was lost on me and I busted out laughing. I asked her if she needed help going potty...to which she replied, "yeahhhhhh....shhhhh." I realize that Heavenly Father probably hears some strange prayers...and since Landri doesn't speak very conherently...all hers are funny...but whatever she said, it worked!
I seriously need to get my bum moving and train this child...
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Loving the ride
Its amazing to me, and a little sad, that time seems to be inescapabley fast...Its like I've been on one of those whirly-twirly fair rides and the moment I get off I'm almost dizzy to see things kind of spinning past me. That's definitely how I feel lately, as I watch my kids ride their bikes to school...and I watch from the window with my last baby waving furiously to her brothers and sisters, blowing as many kisses their way as possible. Dizzy. Kind of sick to the stomach. How in the world did time manage to escape me?
This year 4 of my children are in school. Which...I'll not lie, is not all sadness. Part of me was skipping with excitement as summer vacation ticked to a close. But, part of me dreaded school on a different level than I have in the past. I LOVE my routine. I love to get up, clean my house and just have time to read books and play with Landri. I love to know when my kids will be home, have some general plan of what activities will claim our evenining...routine! My 3 older children were all excited for school to begin for social aspects. Eli was claiming excitment, but was terrified! He started baby talk, agreed with my stupid joke that he could sign up for preschool again so as to stay my baby one more year...started sucking his fingers when anxious. So, his fear soon became my own. I have been hugely surprised and impressed with his determination to be a good boy at school. 2 weeks in and his behavior chart has been 'green' every day. And...for some reason...its like the tummy-twisting Hammer ride....I'm a mess! Because I wanted him to be nothing but successful there...but my 'baby boy' is gone! Kindergarten is that threshhold for me when they're no longer mine to corrupt...because the bulk of their day is spent under someone elses's influence. And once it starts, time blurs so fast. Who would have thought my oldest was a 6th grader?
Some days are filled with craziness. No doubt about it. But some days, like today, my sweet Avery handed me a note in church that said, "I have a happy life. I have a loving family. And I know this church is true, and that is amazing!" and I was left wiping the tears of fulfillment, accomplishment and such joy from my cheeks. I am forever so thankful for the experiences of this life. Most importantly, I am most grateful for a perspective that I know only comes through my Savior, of which things are of value. There is a quote I read today that said that 'this is not the plan of pleasure, but the plan of happiness!'...and I just know for a certainty it is. We have to give up things...sometimes popularity, sometimes money, sometimes comfort...to ensure a life of real worth, a life of happiness. I am so grateful to watch my children grow and know that their mistakes forge their strengths...its impressive and overwhelming to see giants emerge from the tiny bodies that I grew...I'm grateful for motherhood.
While I can and forever will wish that time would slow...so that I could keep my children small and mine forever, I am so thankful that this is MY life.
This year 4 of my children are in school. Which...I'll not lie, is not all sadness. Part of me was skipping with excitement as summer vacation ticked to a close. But, part of me dreaded school on a different level than I have in the past. I LOVE my routine. I love to get up, clean my house and just have time to read books and play with Landri. I love to know when my kids will be home, have some general plan of what activities will claim our evenining...routine! My 3 older children were all excited for school to begin for social aspects. Eli was claiming excitment, but was terrified! He started baby talk, agreed with my stupid joke that he could sign up for preschool again so as to stay my baby one more year...started sucking his fingers when anxious. So, his fear soon became my own. I have been hugely surprised and impressed with his determination to be a good boy at school. 2 weeks in and his behavior chart has been 'green' every day. And...for some reason...its like the tummy-twisting Hammer ride....I'm a mess! Because I wanted him to be nothing but successful there...but my 'baby boy' is gone! Kindergarten is that threshhold for me when they're no longer mine to corrupt...because the bulk of their day is spent under someone elses's influence. And once it starts, time blurs so fast. Who would have thought my oldest was a 6th grader?
Some days are filled with craziness. No doubt about it. But some days, like today, my sweet Avery handed me a note in church that said, "I have a happy life. I have a loving family. And I know this church is true, and that is amazing!" and I was left wiping the tears of fulfillment, accomplishment and such joy from my cheeks. I am forever so thankful for the experiences of this life. Most importantly, I am most grateful for a perspective that I know only comes through my Savior, of which things are of value. There is a quote I read today that said that 'this is not the plan of pleasure, but the plan of happiness!'...and I just know for a certainty it is. We have to give up things...sometimes popularity, sometimes money, sometimes comfort...to ensure a life of real worth, a life of happiness. I am so grateful to watch my children grow and know that their mistakes forge their strengths...its impressive and overwhelming to see giants emerge from the tiny bodies that I grew...I'm grateful for motherhood.
While I can and forever will wish that time would slow...so that I could keep my children small and mine forever, I am so thankful that this is MY life.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
my aha......
Nate took me for a date last weekend...and that in itself was f.a.b.u.l.e.s.s.
I was telling him on the way home that I'd met up with someone in SAMS club that day who'd made a funny face while asking me 'how Fairfield is?" Apparently its a joke or point of good fun that I've been honest that living here hasn't been Zion! Ahhh...well, it hasn't. But, it was in this moment of real, adult conversation with my good hubby that I had a little 'aha' moment.
I am ridiculously far from perfect.(that wasn't my aha moment....I'm well aware of that!) I in fact am forever worried that I've upset/offended someone, because I DON'T WANT TO! In my attempts to do what's best for my family and myself, I've made some choices that offend and bother others...which is never my intention. But when I came back to Fairfield I thought since I was in my 30's that I'd have a chance to put right some relationships that were strained in highschool....somehow convinced that I'd be instantly liked by some that I seemingly clashed with. And obviously it hasn't worked. And the friendships I counted on weren't quite what I thought. I realize now that is more my doing than not. Again, I mean no offense...but I am doing my best! So it was a difficult transition here....not because of anything anyone else did, but it was a period of growth for me. I've been looking for a silver lining, the 'reason' we knew we were supposed to move here. And I think I found it.
I am a slow learner. I usually take repeated lessons before it sinks in. I'd seen this message before, but when I was talking with Nate it just totally hit me. I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED TO BE HAPPY. It won't come from friends, things, fancy bathrooms or even clean toilets. It comes when I close the shades and snuggle up with the cutest, smartest, 6 people in the world. It comes entirely from knowing their mine forever. And it will NEVER be found in other places. So, again....'aha'.
I'm sorry that I'll have to disappoint my followers the next time that they ask how living in Fairfield is...because I am going to have to answer that its perfect.
As a sidenote....I am so thankful for the love of my life. He is so patient with me while I learn my lessons...so perfectly happy in his own skin that he can wait for me to get with it! I la-la-love him!!!
I was telling him on the way home that I'd met up with someone in SAMS club that day who'd made a funny face while asking me 'how Fairfield is?" Apparently its a joke or point of good fun that I've been honest that living here hasn't been Zion! Ahhh...well, it hasn't. But, it was in this moment of real, adult conversation with my good hubby that I had a little 'aha' moment.
I am ridiculously far from perfect.(that wasn't my aha moment....I'm well aware of that!) I in fact am forever worried that I've upset/offended someone, because I DON'T WANT TO! In my attempts to do what's best for my family and myself, I've made some choices that offend and bother others...which is never my intention. But when I came back to Fairfield I thought since I was in my 30's that I'd have a chance to put right some relationships that were strained in highschool....somehow convinced that I'd be instantly liked by some that I seemingly clashed with. And obviously it hasn't worked. And the friendships I counted on weren't quite what I thought. I realize now that is more my doing than not. Again, I mean no offense...but I am doing my best! So it was a difficult transition here....not because of anything anyone else did, but it was a period of growth for me. I've been looking for a silver lining, the 'reason' we knew we were supposed to move here. And I think I found it.
I am a slow learner. I usually take repeated lessons before it sinks in. I'd seen this message before, but when I was talking with Nate it just totally hit me. I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED TO BE HAPPY. It won't come from friends, things, fancy bathrooms or even clean toilets. It comes when I close the shades and snuggle up with the cutest, smartest, 6 people in the world. It comes entirely from knowing their mine forever. And it will NEVER be found in other places. So, again....'aha'.
I'm sorry that I'll have to disappoint my followers the next time that they ask how living in Fairfield is...because I am going to have to answer that its perfect.
As a sidenote....I am so thankful for the love of my life. He is so patient with me while I learn my lessons...so perfectly happy in his own skin that he can wait for me to get with it! I la-la-love him!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Right of Passage
I don't understand the fascination with the toilet, but all of my children have dabbled, splashed and down-right partied in the toilet. And, with the progression of children, this seems to get nastier. Because I have a few 'un-named' children(it'd be easier to name the ONE that does) who never flush. This disgusts me! I just shudder to consider when kind of disease my kids will get from slurping pee(!!!???!!!).
When Avery was a babe I got her dipping the toilet paper and sucking it dry. And...she's still doing okay. So I suppose that the THREE times today I caught Landri in the toilet, all three times it was yellow, won't hurt her too badly. But I have now promised spanks for anyone who leaves a prize for Landri...harmful or not its still just nasty!
Seriously, what happened to my baby? She is full fledged toddler now. Climbing everything, emptying every cupboard, eating/drinking whatever we do(and apparently some extras!)...she snort giggles to entertain and she sneaks in a little bite when she kisses your cheek. Most of this I love...its just that some of these new things seem to be a right of passage...whether they're disgusting or not!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What's YOUR Perfect???
As noted by my earlier post, today is my grandma's birthday, which, I'm not gonna lie, has been a sad day. I was mulling over ideas for family home evening tonight(supposed to be last night but the NCAA b-ball tourney trumped)and wondering what to do.
The boys' hair is getting ridiculously long, so Nate and I forced them into getting it cut this evening. And while I'm watching the hair pile onto the floor, the PERFECT family home evening lesson hits me. In fact, I couldn't even propose it to Nate without snorting, and full on tears I was laughing so hard. Whether you agree or not, I don't care. This has been a private joke of ours our entire marriage. And let me say I adore this man. This BALD man. Enter t.o.p.i.c.
Easter is coming. In our faith, and I would assume most of Christianity, we celebrate Easter not for sugar and treats left by the Easter Bunny. But we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of this event every person who ever lived, and ever died, is promised the gift of resurrection when Jesus comes again. Because I'm already a bit blue today because I miss my grandma dearly, this seemed like the perfect fit. Are you wondering where the funny comes in?
There is a verse in the Bible that states that when we are resurrected that our body will be restored, and (paraphrasing) not one hair will be lost from our head...we'll be made perfect. So we discussed this topic with our children. We asked them if everyone will look the same? Will there be fat people? Will everyone be super-model pretty? NO! Because those things aren't important to God...so whatever he deems our perfect state will not be our 'dream body'! (DANGIT)
After the 'lesson' I had the kids come into the kitchen where I slathered Nate's head in elmer's glue...and the kids proceeded to "restore" Nate's head of hair, using the clippings from Kolbe and Eli.
Kenna, Ms. Germphobe...was grossed out. No help.
Avery and Eli dove right in.
Landri ate crackers in her high chair, though occasionally peeked suspciously at us.
Kolbe stared with one eyebrow arched the whole time. And I...I was the photographer.
I don't know if I honestly WANT his head of hair restored. I kinda like him as is. But, kudos to him for being the best sport ever...talk about a visual aid. I'm thinking my kids will never forget the real reason we celebrate Easter. Though....I AM a little scared to have them answer questions in Primary....
The boys' hair is getting ridiculously long, so Nate and I forced them into getting it cut this evening. And while I'm watching the hair pile onto the floor, the PERFECT family home evening lesson hits me. In fact, I couldn't even propose it to Nate without snorting, and full on tears I was laughing so hard. Whether you agree or not, I don't care. This has been a private joke of ours our entire marriage. And let me say I adore this man. This BALD man. Enter t.o.p.i.c.
Easter is coming. In our faith, and I would assume most of Christianity, we celebrate Easter not for sugar and treats left by the Easter Bunny. But we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of this event every person who ever lived, and ever died, is promised the gift of resurrection when Jesus comes again. Because I'm already a bit blue today because I miss my grandma dearly, this seemed like the perfect fit. Are you wondering where the funny comes in?
There is a verse in the Bible that states that when we are resurrected that our body will be restored, and (paraphrasing) not one hair will be lost from our head...we'll be made perfect. So we discussed this topic with our children. We asked them if everyone will look the same? Will there be fat people? Will everyone be super-model pretty? NO! Because those things aren't important to God...so whatever he deems our perfect state will not be our 'dream body'! (DANGIT)
After the 'lesson' I had the kids come into the kitchen where I slathered Nate's head in elmer's glue...and the kids proceeded to "restore" Nate's head of hair, using the clippings from Kolbe and Eli.
Kenna, Ms. Germphobe...was grossed out. No help.
Avery and Eli dove right in.
Landri ate crackers in her high chair, though occasionally peeked suspciously at us.
Kolbe stared with one eyebrow arched the whole time. And I...I was the photographer.
April 5th....
Gram,
I'm still a bit ticked off at you. We secretly always planned that I would be back here, and that we'd waste endless days shopping and drinking diet coke(ugh, you'd have diet pepsi)...and even though it doesn't seem like an adult thing to say, I'm still feeling kinda ripped. Do you have any idea how many times I instinctively think "oh I should just call gramma quick." ? I even have called the farm jus to let it ring....don't know what I would do if someone would actually answer it. And here I am with NO ONE to drink diet coke with, or shop with...and it isn't right. Sure, I have picked up the slack on the drinking AND shopping, but it isn't the same. I just miss you desperately. I wear Clinique makeup just because it makes me remember you...I touch the shirt you were wearing the last time I saw you almost every day, as it hangs in my closet. I still remember how you forced $40 bucks in my hand that last morning....telling me to 'stuff it' when I tried to say I was fine. Mom let me look in your purse the other day...I loved it. Its just as you left it....which made me smile. Except it must have been time for a trip to the ATM because you have minimal cash. Which is really unlike you, considering how many hands were constantly outstretched! Maybe you'd just been hit by the grandkids... I miss having someone to back me up no matter what my stance was. You never cared...you just fought with me! Man I miss you.
I know that the only reason that I can even survive you bailing out on me early is because we're gonna make up for it one day. I can't wait to see you again. I like to think that you are near me often...I hope its true. But I KNOW the first part is. Its just another reason I'm excited for Easter.
I'm still a bit ticked off at you. We secretly always planned that I would be back here, and that we'd waste endless days shopping and drinking diet coke(ugh, you'd have diet pepsi)...and even though it doesn't seem like an adult thing to say, I'm still feeling kinda ripped. Do you have any idea how many times I instinctively think "oh I should just call gramma quick." ? I even have called the farm jus to let it ring....don't know what I would do if someone would actually answer it. And here I am with NO ONE to drink diet coke with, or shop with...and it isn't right. Sure, I have picked up the slack on the drinking AND shopping, but it isn't the same. I just miss you desperately. I wear Clinique makeup just because it makes me remember you...I touch the shirt you were wearing the last time I saw you almost every day, as it hangs in my closet. I still remember how you forced $40 bucks in my hand that last morning....telling me to 'stuff it' when I tried to say I was fine. Mom let me look in your purse the other day...I loved it. Its just as you left it....which made me smile. Except it must have been time for a trip to the ATM because you have minimal cash. Which is really unlike you, considering how many hands were constantly outstretched! Maybe you'd just been hit by the grandkids... I miss having someone to back me up no matter what my stance was. You never cared...you just fought with me! Man I miss you.
I know that the only reason that I can even survive you bailing out on me early is because we're gonna make up for it one day. I can't wait to see you again. I like to think that you are near me often...I hope its true. But I KNOW the first part is. Its just another reason I'm excited for Easter.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Comes with a WARNING!!!!!
But, as an optismist, I see some silver lining...at least it 'happens'! Apparently we don't have enough cooties at our house, so its time for another round....
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