2 large rocks, a plastic egg (what?! that's so weird), 6 small rocks, a spring, a weird white clip of some sort, a peach pit, a black bead, 4 beans, and 45 cents. Not bad!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Laundry Day Collection
I am always amazed and amused at the things that come out of the laundry. I don't clean out pockets, but that is something I may consider doing after this week's haul. After our usual 6 loads of laundry, here is what I found (I'm guessing that most of it came from Gibson's pockets - little boys find such enviable treasures!)...
2 large rocks, a plastic egg (what?! that's so weird), 6 small rocks, a spring, a weird white clip of some sort, a peach pit, a black bead, 4 beans, and 45 cents. Not bad!
2 large rocks, a plastic egg (what?! that's so weird), 6 small rocks, a spring, a weird white clip of some sort, a peach pit, a black bead, 4 beans, and 45 cents. Not bad!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Grave Robbers
Let me preface this post by telling you that I LOVE living by the cemetery. If I didn't have the knowledge of the Atonement and live in a place where the bulk of the people buried here have that same knowledge, I don't think I would enjoy it quite as much. But it is a truly peaceful and joyful place to be.
I love seeing families gather together and pay tribute to their loved ones. I especially love the funerals of public servants and military personnel. We have had 2 soldiers that died in Iraq buried there - one of them had a processional for over a mile up to the cemetery and hundreds of people gathered on the sidewalks and raised their hands to their hearts as his casket was driven up the street draped in the American flag. Scouts in full uniform from several stakes lined the road on both sides and held flags. It seemed like the entire city was silent - it is one of the most reverent experiences I have ever had. And when a former fire chief was buried, 2 of the fire trucks extended their ladders and came together to form an arch over the entrance of the cemetery - SO cool! Anyway, the cemetery is a beautiful place, and you really can't complain about noisy neighbors!
So, this may sound creepy but I assure you - it's not. Each Memorial Day, thousands of flowers are placed on graves by family members. A week later, the city cleans up all of the flowers and puts them in garbage bags to take to the dump. Anyone that knows about it can go there and pick up some of the bags and keep whatever is inside! I have gone over there for the past 3 years to gather mums for my yard. This year we picked up 6 huge bags and divided the booty between myself, my mom and sister, and 3 of my neighbors. It's always fun(ny) to drive through the cemetery and pick out the perfect bags. This year we got some really good things!
Here is my portion of the haul from this year's venture...
Most of the flowers in my yard have come from the cemetery, especially the mums. They come back bigger every year! Here is one of them from last year...
So if you still think it's creepy, just think of us as less "grave-robber" and more "dumpster-diver." It's better than throwing them in the garbage, right?!
I love seeing families gather together and pay tribute to their loved ones. I especially love the funerals of public servants and military personnel. We have had 2 soldiers that died in Iraq buried there - one of them had a processional for over a mile up to the cemetery and hundreds of people gathered on the sidewalks and raised their hands to their hearts as his casket was driven up the street draped in the American flag. Scouts in full uniform from several stakes lined the road on both sides and held flags. It seemed like the entire city was silent - it is one of the most reverent experiences I have ever had. And when a former fire chief was buried, 2 of the fire trucks extended their ladders and came together to form an arch over the entrance of the cemetery - SO cool! Anyway, the cemetery is a beautiful place, and you really can't complain about noisy neighbors!
So, this may sound creepy but I assure you - it's not. Each Memorial Day, thousands of flowers are placed on graves by family members. A week later, the city cleans up all of the flowers and puts them in garbage bags to take to the dump. Anyone that knows about it can go there and pick up some of the bags and keep whatever is inside! I have gone over there for the past 3 years to gather mums for my yard. This year we picked up 6 huge bags and divided the booty between myself, my mom and sister, and 3 of my neighbors. It's always fun(ny) to drive through the cemetery and pick out the perfect bags. This year we got some really good things!
Here is my portion of the haul from this year's venture...
Most of the flowers in my yard have come from the cemetery, especially the mums. They come back bigger every year! Here is one of them from last year...
So if you still think it's creepy, just think of us as less "grave-robber" and more "dumpster-diver." It's better than throwing them in the garbage, right?!
Wet 'N' Wild
Gibson LOVES getting wet in the sprinkler. By sprinkler I mean me holding the hose and squirting him. The drinking pictures are my favorite!!
Landscaping the Backyard Part 1
Well, four years after we moved here, we are finally getting around to doing our backyard! You can see from the pictures that it's pretty much a weedy wasteland back there, but not for long! Thanks to my grandparents, we are putting the sprinkler system and lawn in with leftovers from their yard that they are putting in right now. So I'll keep you updated on the progress, but here is what's up so far!
Who knew that utility trailers made such great play-pens?! Georgia spent over an hour in ours just playing in the dirt. Doesn't she look like a little farm-girl?
Gibson and I hanging out while Lu does all the hard work with the trencher.
This was the hardest job - getting the trenching done. At least now it's over, and we can move on to the fun part!
Who knew that utility trailers made such great play-pens?! Georgia spent over an hour in ours just playing in the dirt. Doesn't she look like a little farm-girl?
Gibson and I hanging out while Lu does all the hard work with the trencher.
This was the hardest job - getting the trenching done. At least now it's over, and we can move on to the fun part!
Our beautiful new tree - the first (intentional) sign of life back there!
Our gigantic back patio (there used to be a swimming pool there that's been filled in). We have some great plants that I'm trying to keep alive that are leftover from G&G's yard. Gibson has loved having his tractor - he is getting 5 cents for every rock he hauls out of the yard.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
I Love My Sister
I really do!! I am sitting here reflecting on my day, which I spent almost entirely with her, and am feeling like the luckiest little sister in the world! Here is a list of the highlights of this fun and productive day...
9:00am - I call Jenell and see if she wants to go to Lowes to look at tile. YES!! she replies so I should pick her up from the elem. school where she just dropped of Jerik
9:20am - Jenell calls - where are you? that was 20 minutes ago! I'm coming, I just had to get Georgia dressed after I dropped Gibson off at Joy School
9:30am - Lowes: we look at tile and Jenell (the color expert) steers me in the perfect direction for my new kitchen floor, countertops, and backsplash. She is so smart, I'm so excited! Then on the way out, she just reaches out and grabs the perfect paint colors. She is SO smart, I'm SO excited!
10:45am - pick up Gibson, run to Albertson's to get Jackson some diapers (this is the last pack, she swears - he'll be potty trained before these run out)
11:00am - car full of whiny kids. We need a Diet Coke. Why not just get lunch? Wendy's. Park.
11:45am - 2 FULL days of preschool? let's go get information RIGHT NOW.
12:00pm - back at Jenell's house, why not plant a gazillion pansies? Jenell digs the hole, Brittney places the flowers (Britt's a wimp, can't use the tool). Jersey (the dog) eats the flowers. 7 times. Put her on a leash, she breaks her collar. What a pain. Why does she have a dog?!
1:30pm - let's go to the Home Depot and look at plants. We're going to have the best yards EVER!! This plant is only $5 - we spent more than that on lunch! Next time I need Wendy's, I'm going to Home Depot. This one or this one? That one. Definitely.
2:30pm - many many tired and cranky kids in the car. drop off Jenell and Jackson at home. let's go to the nursery tomorrow to look at more plants for our rockin' yards. see you in the morning?
3:30 pm - can I go to Jenell's house and meet the girl that's buying the book? Just go through the gate (push hard, there's a log behind it). The book is in the bedroom (ignore the mess). Don't take less than $25.00 (she's already getting a deal). Drive to find Jenell, give her $25.00. Dog's collar is broken again. Needs a new collar. Dogs are too expensive, maybe she'll get rid of the dog.
7:30pm - Jenell calls, but I miss it because Gibson sharted and made a caca mess that of course, I had to clean up because Lu was dry-heaving. (ok, he didn't dry-heave, or get mad - way to be strong, babe!)
9:30pm - I finally call Jenell back. She wants to know if Lu likes the tile. Are we still on for tomorrow? see you in the morning!
11:00pm - It hits me how grateful I am for Jenell and the amazing and talented person she is - she is my sister, but more importantly she's my friend. What a fun day we had!
I love you, Jenell!!
9:00am - I call Jenell and see if she wants to go to Lowes to look at tile. YES!! she replies so I should pick her up from the elem. school where she just dropped of Jerik
9:20am - Jenell calls - where are you? that was 20 minutes ago! I'm coming, I just had to get Georgia dressed after I dropped Gibson off at Joy School
9:30am - Lowes: we look at tile and Jenell (the color expert) steers me in the perfect direction for my new kitchen floor, countertops, and backsplash. She is so smart, I'm so excited! Then on the way out, she just reaches out and grabs the perfect paint colors. She is SO smart, I'm SO excited!
10:45am - pick up Gibson, run to Albertson's to get Jackson some diapers (this is the last pack, she swears - he'll be potty trained before these run out)
11:00am - car full of whiny kids. We need a Diet Coke. Why not just get lunch? Wendy's. Park.
11:45am - 2 FULL days of preschool? let's go get information RIGHT NOW.
12:00pm - back at Jenell's house, why not plant a gazillion pansies? Jenell digs the hole, Brittney places the flowers (Britt's a wimp, can't use the tool). Jersey (the dog) eats the flowers. 7 times. Put her on a leash, she breaks her collar. What a pain. Why does she have a dog?!
1:30pm - let's go to the Home Depot and look at plants. We're going to have the best yards EVER!! This plant is only $5 - we spent more than that on lunch! Next time I need Wendy's, I'm going to Home Depot. This one or this one? That one. Definitely.
2:30pm - many many tired and cranky kids in the car. drop off Jenell and Jackson at home. let's go to the nursery tomorrow to look at more plants for our rockin' yards. see you in the morning?
3:30 pm - can I go to Jenell's house and meet the girl that's buying the book? Just go through the gate (push hard, there's a log behind it). The book is in the bedroom (ignore the mess). Don't take less than $25.00 (she's already getting a deal). Drive to find Jenell, give her $25.00. Dog's collar is broken again. Needs a new collar. Dogs are too expensive, maybe she'll get rid of the dog.
7:30pm - Jenell calls, but I miss it because Gibson sharted and made a caca mess that of course, I had to clean up because Lu was dry-heaving. (ok, he didn't dry-heave, or get mad - way to be strong, babe!)
9:30pm - I finally call Jenell back. She wants to know if Lu likes the tile. Are we still on for tomorrow? see you in the morning!
11:00pm - It hits me how grateful I am for Jenell and the amazing and talented person she is - she is my sister, but more importantly she's my friend. What a fun day we had!
I love you, Jenell!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A little reminder
This post is entirely for my own benefit, and for use as a public confession and reminder to myself why I love my kids. So here goes...
I'm having a particulary challenging morning with my kids, and to be honest (warning - weak mother moment coming) I'm having a hard time liking them right now. So, because I have given myself a mommy time-out, I am going to make a list of the things my kids do that I love. And I'm going to keep writing until I have enough love to leave this room and deal with them again!
Gibson
1. Knows how to spell his first name, and spells it all the time.
2. Will insist he didn't eat the cookie even though his face is smeared with chocolate.
3. Loves to draw and read books.
4. Always says he's sorry.
5. Has the cutest smile and laugh.
6. Wants to learn how to cook, and loves being in the kitchen.
7. Asks his daddy every day how work was, and if he made any sales.
8. Says the cutest prayers and blesses every single person in our entire family. Individually.
9. Tries hard to be quiet when I'm working.
10. He dances - but only when he's "in the mood."
11. He's a big boy, but he still wants me to kiss his owies.
12. He tells me I look pretty, even when I don't.
13. He says things like "What the..." and "That was awkward."
14. He wants to be a drummer like Uncle Dill, muscle-y like his cousin Ephraim, and a salesman like his dad.
Georgia
1. She has great hair - if it's down, she shakes her head back and forth so it touches her face.
2. She is an amazing sleeper - she sleeps all the time.
3. When I go to get her out of her crib, she pretends she's still sleeping. Then when I get really close she smiles and then laughs. She thinks she has me fooled every time.
4. Sometimes when she's in trouble she doesn't cry she just pouts. She closes her eyes and every now and then looks at you very sadly. She's very still, but then snaps out of it like nothing ever happened.
5. She loves wearing shoes, especially the ones that tap when she walks.
6. She has the funniest run - she trots and bounces and flails her arms - it's hilarious.
7. She's obsessed with M&Ms.
8. She closes her eyes for prayers whenever food is put in front of her, so we have to pray - even at restaurants. She won't eat until we pray.
9. She dances all the time, and loves the music turned up in the car.
10. She loves giving kisses.
11. She likes to jump off the couch, play with big dogs, wrestle, drink out of a straw, go down slides by herself, jump on the trampoline, climb onto high furniture, and ride motorcycles.
Ok, I feel better. Thanks for letting me vent!
I'm having a particulary challenging morning with my kids, and to be honest (warning - weak mother moment coming) I'm having a hard time liking them right now. So, because I have given myself a mommy time-out, I am going to make a list of the things my kids do that I love. And I'm going to keep writing until I have enough love to leave this room and deal with them again!
Gibson
1. Knows how to spell his first name, and spells it all the time.
2. Will insist he didn't eat the cookie even though his face is smeared with chocolate.
3. Loves to draw and read books.
4. Always says he's sorry.
5. Has the cutest smile and laugh.
6. Wants to learn how to cook, and loves being in the kitchen.
7. Asks his daddy every day how work was, and if he made any sales.
8. Says the cutest prayers and blesses every single person in our entire family. Individually.
9. Tries hard to be quiet when I'm working.
10. He dances - but only when he's "in the mood."
11. He's a big boy, but he still wants me to kiss his owies.
12. He tells me I look pretty, even when I don't.
13. He says things like "What the..." and "That was awkward."
14. He wants to be a drummer like Uncle Dill, muscle-y like his cousin Ephraim, and a salesman like his dad.
Georgia
1. She has great hair - if it's down, she shakes her head back and forth so it touches her face.
2. She is an amazing sleeper - she sleeps all the time.
3. When I go to get her out of her crib, she pretends she's still sleeping. Then when I get really close she smiles and then laughs. She thinks she has me fooled every time.
4. Sometimes when she's in trouble she doesn't cry she just pouts. She closes her eyes and every now and then looks at you very sadly. She's very still, but then snaps out of it like nothing ever happened.
5. She loves wearing shoes, especially the ones that tap when she walks.
6. She has the funniest run - she trots and bounces and flails her arms - it's hilarious.
7. She's obsessed with M&Ms.
8. She closes her eyes for prayers whenever food is put in front of her, so we have to pray - even at restaurants. She won't eat until we pray.
9. She dances all the time, and loves the music turned up in the car.
10. She loves giving kisses.
11. She likes to jump off the couch, play with big dogs, wrestle, drink out of a straw, go down slides by herself, jump on the trampoline, climb onto high furniture, and ride motorcycles.
Ok, I feel better. Thanks for letting me vent!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We Won!!
It's official - and it's BIG!! Let me start from the beginning (it's a short story, I promise)...
Ever since we bought our house, there has only been one thing about it that has been difficult to deal with - the kitchen. It is very small, has very little counter space, and the lighting is terrible. But, we deal with it because a new kitchen would cost oodles of $ that we don't have. Whenever I get discouraged or bored, I think of ways to make our house amazing, and thanks to my dad - who is a home designer - I can really get creative. Fast forward to February...
At the end of February, I was feeling like redoing the kitchen (on paper, not in reality). My dad came over and sketched out a few possibilities, and we really REALLY got excited about the prospects of an amazing new open concept living room, dining room, kitchen area. Luckily, the home remodeling show was going on that weekend, so I got a babysitter and went with my parents. We found countertops and flooring that I love, but searched and searched for the perfect cabinet color and style. Then we turned a corner and "Aaahhhh" (that's a choir singing) there it was! The kitchen of my dreams. I took my mom over and said, "This is it! It's perfect!" The sales rep said, "Oh, you like this kitchen? Would you like to enter to win it?" I entered, of course, but left feeling defeated since I've never won anything in my life. Nothing. Fast forward to this morning...
I got a call from Gold Medallion's sales manager, and...WE WON!!!! The kitchen of my dreams - well, just the cabinets - but wooohooo! So, now we get to start tearing out walls, flooring, and the existing cabinets. It's going to be a HUGE project, but so worth it! I'm so excited!!
Ever since we bought our house, there has only been one thing about it that has been difficult to deal with - the kitchen. It is very small, has very little counter space, and the lighting is terrible. But, we deal with it because a new kitchen would cost oodles of $ that we don't have. Whenever I get discouraged or bored, I think of ways to make our house amazing, and thanks to my dad - who is a home designer - I can really get creative. Fast forward to February...
At the end of February, I was feeling like redoing the kitchen (on paper, not in reality). My dad came over and sketched out a few possibilities, and we really REALLY got excited about the prospects of an amazing new open concept living room, dining room, kitchen area. Luckily, the home remodeling show was going on that weekend, so I got a babysitter and went with my parents. We found countertops and flooring that I love, but searched and searched for the perfect cabinet color and style. Then we turned a corner and "Aaahhhh" (that's a choir singing) there it was! The kitchen of my dreams. I took my mom over and said, "This is it! It's perfect!" The sales rep said, "Oh, you like this kitchen? Would you like to enter to win it?" I entered, of course, but left feeling defeated since I've never won anything in my life. Nothing. Fast forward to this morning...
I got a call from Gold Medallion's sales manager, and...WE WON!!!! The kitchen of my dreams - well, just the cabinets - but wooohooo! So, now we get to start tearing out walls, flooring, and the existing cabinets. It's going to be a HUGE project, but so worth it! I'm so excited!!
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