Believe it or not, I'm famous.

Well, my brother-in-law Jase is because he created Jaseboards.  And because I allowed him to marry my baby sister, he is now my beloved brother-in-law and may have even named his firstborn daughter after yours truly, and so, by relation, I am FAMOUS.  muhahahah 

And yes, I realize that's a crazy long sentence.  And yes, I also realize I write "and" at the beginning of sentences a lot.  And if Mrs. Ricks from my seventh grade English class knew I was doing such hideous things with the precious English language, including using the vague word "a lot" (as she'd call it) she'd roll over in her grave.  If she is was were  passed away, that is.

Back to the matter at hand.  My famous bro-in-law, Jase is giving away two Jaseboards.  I've never heard of Jaseboards before.  But my kids and I were mesmerized by this video.  Danny too.  Now they want one.  each.  Go to freejaseboard.com and leave a comment in two sentences or less telling him why YOU deserve to win. 

And could you share this with your friends?    I can just see it now,

Honey, you know that blog that I'm always snorting over and read religiously?  Well, turns out she's famous!!  Crazy huh?  And now her brother-in-law Jase is giving away two Jaseboards.  Do you think by association I'm famous too?  like Nikki?  Do you think that will increase my chances of winning?

Annoying Pregnancy Symtom #1048

Clinical my foot.

I don't know what it is about this pregnancy, but I have been sweating like a pig.

It started a week before I found out I was pregnant.  I woke up in the night just dripping with sweat.

I thought for sure I was going through menopause.  I hadn't had a period since before the twins pregnancy, and at that point I was having crazy night sweats every night.

It just stinks.  literally.

Wow! It's been AGES since you saw my name in your reader.

So this is what's on my mind today.

1.  A four year old boy, who shall remain nameless, has had NUMEROUS accidents in his britches this last week.  And not just #1.  I am at my wit's end.  Advice?

Charlie pic taken from this post on Danny's blog.

2.  Charlie, the guinea pig, is warming up to us.  I think he can somehow sense that Gabbers and I are girls;  he seems to like us better than the menfolk.

3.  The weather has been so nice here that I feel like eating Luigi's Real Italian Ice every single day.  I also feel like lounging around in the backyard while my kids run wild screaming "HELP!" while they're playing and concerning the neighbors. 

4.  I have a couple projects I'm going to do this week.  Danny doesn't know about them.  I may be away from the blog working on them.  I will take pictures. 

5.  My babies are almost 7 months old.  I figured it was about time to create a 72-hour kit for them. 

6.  The kids had loads of goodies yesterday as I updated 72-hour kits.

7.  I think it's a really good idea to update your 72-hour kits when you Spring Ahead and Fall Behind.  Another good idea, if you're LDS, and still a good idea even if you're not, is to update them during General Conference weekend twice a year.  Then your kids can eat the goodies while listening to great talks, scriptures, and Mormon Tabernacle Choir hymns.

8.  I always think the word choir is spelled wrong.  And seeing as I've misplaced my spellcheck button, it may very well be spelled wrong. 

9.  I've been working on a new 100 things list.  But it's hard to find 100 things about me that you don't know. 

10.  This week is Parent-Teacher Conference week at the elementary school.  Because of this grand occasion, every day is a half-day.  Personally I think that the state of California is l-a-z-y in the education department.  The budget cuts are causing the schooling to be sub-par and they are always finding excuses to have holidays and minimum days.  This particular elementary school is the best in the county.  Well, other than Pookieville Academy.  We are strongly leaning toward Pookieville Academy for the little people for next year.  It may undergo a name-change though.

11.  Happy Birthday JoAnn!

Monday Musings- Journal Entry for my daughter

Yesterday in Relief Society we had a lesson about keeping our family history and journal writing.  We talked about memories we don't want to forget.  We laughed about memories that are no longer painful or embarrassing having faded with time.  I shared that I feel like my blog is my journal-- since I write in it pretty regularly about day-to-day life and crazy things my children do.

I've been thinking a lot this week about pictures of me with my children.  I recently received an email from my mom with pictures (which she got from my favorite cousin) of my grandmother as a young mother and then on into her later years.  My heart ached a little not ever having known my grandmother.  She passed away before I was born.

I wonder what it was like and is like for my mother to mother her own children without her mom around to call.  I call my mom or she calls me several times a week.  I am so glad I have a great relationship with her.  I cannot imagine not having this relationship.

As a child I looked up to my mom as the perfect example of what a mom should be.  She was of course, the one I saw every day growing up teaching us by her words and example.  All I ever wanted to be was a mom.  My earliest memories of wanting this calling of motherhood go back to being five years old when my youngest sister Rachel was born. 

My children are young enough to still think that I know everything and that I'm the perfect example of what a mom should be.    Gabbers has even said to me (with great enthusiasm), "When I'm a mommy, I will have a big bum like you!"

Yesterday before church, Bun exclaimed as I was bathing one of the babies, "Soon Gabbers will be a mommy too."

I thought his innocence was sweet but feared him going to church and telling someone that same thing.  So I said, "Well, yes, in about twenty more years she will be a mommy."

To which Danny overhearing in the background added, "Yes Bun, in about twenty years Gabbers will be allowed to go on a date."

I sometimes worry that I'm not as sensitive to the needs of my little girl as I should be.  She's tough and bossy and the ring leader most of the time.  Is it because that's how I am?  Or maybe it's because I have five boys. 

But Saturday she was brought to tears after Danny scolded her for being rude about the smell of eggs that her brothers were eating for breakfast.

She hates eggs.  She used to be allergic to them and it was a big deal to make sure she had no contact with them at all or anything baked with them.  I think because of that she has a negative opinion about eggs. 

Saturday morning as she ate her cereal she waved her hand in front of her face saying, "Ew yuck.  Those eggs are stinky."

So when Danny asked her about her tears, she choked them back saying she was just blinking too much and that her eyes were a little wet and she was drying them.

All of this in a not very direct, off on a crazy tangent sort of way brings me to, I hate to have my picture taken.  Even when I was doing pageants from ages 17-20 I have never felt pretty and never wanted to be captured on film.

I don't want my only daughter to feel that way.  I don't want my boys to feel that way either, but I think girls are more likely to feel doubtful or negative about their feelings. 

I want my daughter to know the joys and also the realities of motherhood.  I want her to embrace it and love it as I do.  I want her to know that if anyone tried to explain to me as a six year old girl that it was the hardest job ever I still would've chosen it and still wouldn't have known the reality of just how hard "the hardest job ever" truly is.  But it has the greatest benefits.

I want her to know that when she lets her kids down and doesn't make it to all the class parties like all the other moms, it doesn't mean she's a bad mom.  It means she's a busy mom trying to make sense of the madness and choose which things to selectively neglect (thanks Mom W. for that phrase).  Next time I will be ready, armed with the knowledge that class parties are very important to Gabbers and I should place it high on my list of mommy-priorities. 

Dear Gabbers,


You are so innocent and pure.  When I watch you sleeping at night, I think about the self-doubting moments you will likely experience in life.  My heart aches that I haven't been a better example of a woman loving herself.  Yes, I do love my job as mom.  My calling as mom is very important and I treasure it every day.  (some days more than others). 


I want you to know that even though you are looking forward to this stage in life yourself (and you ask me frequently "When will I be a mommy?"), right now you have a very great calling.  That calling is to be a daughter of God.  You ARE a daughter of God.  You have a divine calling and a responsibility.  You are of great lineage destined to do great things.


I am glad to see that you like people.  I am glad that when I drop you off at school that the other children run up and hug you because of your friendliness.  I am glad to see you like to have your picture taken and that you like to get all prettied-up.  I'm glad to see that you are pleased with the beauty of the world.  I love it when you pick wildflowers and bring them to me with a big smile on your face.  I love your drawings.  You have a beautiful imagination and a natural instinct to nurture others. 


Do not forget as you grow up in an unsure world, who you are and where you come from.  Remembering this will lift you up and help you endure the hardships.  And never forget, you are beautiful because you are YOU. 


Love,


Mommy

My goal for March:  Take more pictures of myself with my children.  It will be my birthday gift to myself and future generations. 

Good bye February! Hello March!

Baby Buddies

Squdge on left, Tater on right

Bun & Gabbers

Bun & Gabbers feeding ducks

Bun, Gabbers, Pookie, Ham at “Duck Park” 

  Gabbers shrieking, “They’re hissing!”

Pookie was so peaceful and happy at the water’s edge feeding the ducks.

Gabbers (second from right) and friends selling Girl Scout Cookies at the commissary



My Homemake Monday tip is linked to an old post found for homemade reusable nursing pads.  I'm trying not to have more than two posts in one day.  ;)  Moderation in all things, right?

And you know what?  I'm featured today at 11th Heaven's Homemaker Mondays.  Go see!

It's all in my head.

I have had the same headache for three weeks now.  It dims a little throughout the day with Motrin or Tylenol.  A couple days ago I started getting dizzy.  Last night I had a black spot in my vision.  No idea what's going on.  Maybe a slow death by mold . . .

This post took an unexpected turn. Rant turned Memory-ville

I don't usually like my photo taken when I'm sick.  That's not entirely true.  I don't usually like my photo taken at all.  And my house is no different.  Thank you Google images for this photo (seeing as my house was uncooperative). 

I'm convinced our house is making us sick.  This house we're living in on base was built in the 1950's.  It has single-paned windows that every morning drip because of condensation and cause MOLD underneath them, mold that I scrub at and wipe away on a very regular basis.  It's so dusty, that the morning of the big party, I swept multiple times and vacuumed multiple times in the living room before finally just mopping.  Even with the backdoor closed and shoes off, it was accruing dust at any alarming rate.

We sneeze.  We itch.  We have bags under our eyes.

But I don't want to move unless they (the infamous they) move us.  I'm not even sure if they have a new house available.  The new four-bedroom houses on base are 2100 sq. ft with a two-car garage.  This house is 1400 square feet with a mouse living in our single-car garage.  I know because he leaves his turds on my freezer (my freezer that I wipe down at least weekly and de-turd on a more regular basis).  *sneeze*  But if they do have a four bedroom house available, did move us and did not require us to clean for an inspection, I would jump at it.  Except I'd miss my backyard. 

(I can't believe I was only 29 weeks 5 days in this picture.  I was HUGE.)

Our backyard saved us during the twins' pregnancy.  I sat on my couch, opened the backdoor, and let the kids run in and out all summer long.  They climbed the tree, kicked balls over the fence, squealed when the neighbor's dogs would bark, buried dead lizards, dug deeper into mole hills, and layed lazily in the tall grass of the corner that they call their "garden."  Our backyard saved ME six days post-partum.  Come back tomorrow to read the final chapter of the The Twin Birth Story. 

Umm honey, you're looking a little chunky there. alternate title: Random nonsense on an unseasonally warm Monday afternoon

Danny asked me the other day, "Do you actually do any of those crunches?"  Nice huh?  Then in his defense he said, "It's just that I never see you do them."  I explained to him that I just barely added it back to my sidebar and I usually do them as soon as I see a comment so I don't have to do a whopping 25 crunches all at once.  And I definitely do not do crunches in front of him so he can see me huff and puff away before reaching a meager 10. 

My plan is to surprise him one day with a suddenly slim and svelte Nikki.  Where did this gorgeous trim wife come from?  I can almost hear him say.  Have you been working out?  You'd never guess you had six babies in the last 7 1/2 years. 

Perhaps it may sound something more akin to this:

"Honey, why are you walking slumped over?  Were you trying to do stomach crunches again?  Don't you know I love you even in your grand stage of life?  You have an excuse," he says as he tries desperately to make slightly loose skin around his waist look like pudgy love handles.  "It's just late night snacks with me.  You have six kids to show for it."

"Nah," I say, "I was fat before having kids.  Pass the hot cheetos please."

Monday Preggo Musings and Word Count

I can't see my feet anymore. I thought about scrubbing them today in the shower and decided, "Who cares?" The soap and water that pass my feet while I'm showering should be sufficient enough for them, right?

Yesterday in church I could NOT get comfortable until I slipped off my sandals and sat with my left foot tucked under my right thigh-- kind of like half cross-legged in a pew. Then my right foot could just barely touch the ground with my toes and started to lose feeling until I found relief in placing my foot on Danny's foot. He sure has shiny black shoes. I love that every Monday in the Air Force he has to wear his blues with his shiny black shoes. So since he has to wear the shoes for Monday, he wears them on Sunday too. Where was I? Oh yes. I had a long stretchy skirt on that covered all signs of immodesty. I felt like the twins were having a fist fight. Occasionally my bladder was a casualty and I found the need to bolt out of Sunday School to the bathroom to piddle out approximately 1 teaspoon. I was so grateful to have the diaper bag with me in Sunday School because when the "I'm starving to death!" pangs hit me, I munched on Goldfish and Fruit Snacks. I really REALLY wanted to drink the Ensure I had in there, but didn't think I could do that on the sly in the chapel. Maybe if I had a straw . . .

So, I have been gaining weight! I am up three pounds over my first appointment weight. And I am super excited about it because I'm hoping it makes for nice robust baby boys-- not just back fat. Speaking of back fat, you know the small of your back? I swear my small of my back is getting thicker. I like to speculate it is just to keep the boys from busting out of me before the right time.

I've been alternating between sleeping in the recliner (which is right next to my bed) and my bed. I have to get up to use the bathroom about three or four times a night and it is MUCH easier to get up from the recliner. I find I have a lot of round ligament pain when I lay back down in bed after using the bathroom. But, the main thing I don't like about sleeping in the recliner is it seems to give me much more painful carpal tunnel symptoms versus when I sleep in my bed. So sometimes I sleep in my bed for a third of the night and in the chair two-thirds. But I miss my pillow when I sleep in the chair. It doesn't work out very well.

If you are the first person to tell me how many words in this post, you win a pair of beaded socks in the color and size of your choice.



P.S. The title and the P.S. don't count for the word count. But, it happens to be the same number as what post number this is. muhahaha! Sheesh I'm bored.

We are not homeless.

I am well beyond the soccer ball or basketball stage. It is OBVIOUS I swallowed a beach ball. I had a dear friend say to me once, "Twins! I always wanted twins. It's like two for the price of one." And may I just say in response to that, not that she reads my blog, I'm sure she doesn't, but in my own personal opinion of course since all pregnancies are different, it is not the price of one. It may be the same length of time as one, but you definitely pay for two. Or at least I do.


To clarify from previous post's comments, I don't have any new stretchmarks. I have stretchmarks that have long since faded from my pregnancy with Pookie. I just don't have any new ones. And I'm expecting to get some. I'm only 22 weeks and 6 days and feeling like a beached whale. I'm bound to get larger. But the funny thing is, I'm one pound less than I was at my first appointment. But I am definitely large with life. Two more days until my long-awaited ultrasound.

Yes, I have been homeschooling Pookie. I'm not sure if this is that path that we will continue on when the twins are born. I might send Gabbers to Kindergarten at the school on base and continue to homeschool Pookie next year. We'll see.

We are not homeless anymore. We have decided home-buying isn't for us right now. We accepted a 4-bedroom home on base. It is tiny compared to our home in North Dakota. This past Thursday our household goods were delivered. It looks like we need to have a major yard sale.

I can't wait to get organized. I've been trying desperately to get the kitchen in order and hopefully fill my freezer before I end up on bed rest. But the freezer is hidden somewhere in the stomach of the garage right now behind dozens of boxes of books and food storage and out of season clothes. This morning I decided I was going to make bread since it's been since March since I've baked any. It was a little worrisome when I realized I haven't yet unpacked my measuring spoons and have no idea where they are. I hope it still turns out.

Happy Memorial Day to you all! I'll try to find the power cord to update some pics of our chaotic home, growing children, and of course, the ever-growing belly.

Dear Journal, Monday Musings

Dear Journal,

This past weekend I got a multitude of good mail. I received cards from two dear friends: Laura at The Peanut Patch my bloggy friend, and my friend Anne-Marie, an Air Force friend who moved away. Both were wonderfully uplifting and encouraging cards. Thank you so much!

I also received my new apron I ordered from Smockity Frocks blog. It is the Roses and Gingham apron and ADORABLE! Bun was especially excited for me to have a new apron. He said, "You got a new apron?! Now you can make us something!" Gabbers was a little disappointed that this does not necessarily mean she gets my "old" Strawberries and Gingham apron.

I received a book I ordered from Amazon or eBay or something. The book is called When you're expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads. I had ordered it when I was expecting triplets. But since I'm still expecting twins, it still applies. This is the best book on having and surviving and thriving in a multiples pregnancy. I felt like my doctor, as wonderful as he is, wasn't qualified to give me instructions on having multiples. I had asked him if I should have more calcium or something. Should I take more vitamins? Drink more water? His reply was to eat whatever I could keep down. But I felt like I really needed more than that. This book talks about how important it is to gain weight and in my case to eat 8 servings of dairy, 10 grain, 4 vegetables, 7 fruits, 2 eggs, 3 servings of meat, and 6 servings of fats, oils, and nuts EVERY DAY. And on top of all that to drink eight 16 oz. glasses of water a day too! It details the direct result of heavier twins that go closer to term.

I decided it was worth a try. When I read it I nearly puked at the thought of that much food- since I can't even eat a whole apple or banana in one sitting. But there were lots of tips and great advice on how to fit the food into my day- and night.

Last night before bed I made a milkshake out of vanilla ice cream, a banana, dash of cinnamon and whole milk. I shared it with the kids and they thought I was the best mom in the whole world!

In the middle of the night when I had to check on Hammie who was having a nightmare, I decided to get a glass of milk since I was up. That kept my nausea in check through the morning. Then Pookie woke me up saying, "You promised to make me a big breakfast." So this morning I made French toast out of a couple loaves of whole wheat bread I made last week and fried them in bacon grease. I was able to keep my best mom in the whole world title. The kids were so excited about the French toast since it had been probably 6 or more months since I last made it. They weren't hardly interested in bananas or other fruit that went along with the "big breakfast." I made an extra loaf and flash froze it on cooling racks in the freezer for a future breakfast.

I'm feeling pretty good about myself this morning. Danny has been gone one day so far. I just have to think about one day at a time instead of an overwhelming 5 weeks.

Monday Musings migraines and movies

At precisely 10:20 a.m. I was slammed with the most excruciatingly painful, throbbing, head-splitting, migraine. I have a few guesses.

1. My period started yesterday. I often have hormone-induced migraines. But it's been nearly four months since I've had a period thus obliterating any previous memory of monthly migraines.

2. This weekend I consented and Danny signed us up for Netflix. As a few of you may recall, we made a family decision shortly after Christmas to give up television, DVDs, rentals, and sell or donate our VCR's, dvd-players, dozens of dvds and videos, and even try to sell our entertainment center-- which has not yet sold by the way. blah, blah, blah. So anyway, we started Netflix-- just for me and Danny mostly because the kids do MUCH better with no t.v. or like one or two very safe, kiddie, boring, shows a month. ANYWAY, we watched probably 432 episodes of "The Office" last night on the instant viewing option of Netflix. Maybe that's why my head hurts-- not because of "The Office" nohoho, but because of staying up all hours overdosing on it. maybe. A little moderation would do me some good.

In regards to giving up watching shows together and renting them for our family, I have noticed a few things.

1. I am fatter. No seriously. I thought I'd lose weight by having more time to exercise. Nope. I used to watch dvd's while walking on the treadmill. Mostly they were dvd's of conference, but I still I would get on and walk. Also the kids would watch a show occasionally while I walked thus making it possible to get on the treadmill and exercise when Danny wasn't home. And we have, and very much most recently since the move, been renting dvds and watching them on our one puny t.v. we have left. But Danny always brings me home a treat from the Shoppette with the dvd that he's rented. He's such an enabler. I love him.

2. I have fallen way behind on my goal of crocheting two leper bandages a month. In fact, I think I've only completed two leper bandages since February! I would crochet leper bandages while watching a movie with Danny alternating with crocheting...

3. Socks. So sorry Connie. I just need to get a bigger pair of socks for baby girl smockity because I'm sure she won't fit into these 0-6 month size. But I've fallen behind in my sock-beading addiction.

4. The best one though... my kids sleep better. They go to bed at a decent hour and sleep in long enough to get good sleep.

So, they will still be VERY limited in their viewing.

Anyhow, it seems the prescription strength-motrin and Mountain Dew soda are working on evicting my migraine. Hooray! It was the one lone can of Mountain Dew in the house. So I hope this is my only migraine this month.

Sunbeams

I found this story on my friend's blog. I looked around to try to find the original source, but couldn't quite pinpoint it. I hope you enjoy it.

Sunbeams
I work part-time as a teacher of family doctors. The program provides training on psychiatric disorders and emphasizes the importance of emotional support. The new doctors are given plenty of time in clinic to visit with their patients and learn about their challenges.

One of our interns who has never lived in Utah, and knows nothing about Mormons, is still struggling to understand the cultural climate here. Last week he was interviewing a new patient and stumbled on what he thought was a raging psychosis.

Doctor: “Well, Mrs. Olsen, we’ve talked about your high blood pressure and your medications. Are you experiencing any particular stress in your life?”

Patient: “Oh, yes! It’s the Sunbeams. They’re driving me crazy.”

Doctor (very surprised): “The sun beams?”

Patient: “Yes. I’ve never had trouble with them before, but this group won’t sit still. They bounce all over the room, and run out the door and down the hall.”

Doctor (reaching for a pen): “Have you told anyone about this?”

Patient: “Of course. I told the president.”

Doctor: “Really! What did the president tell you?”

Patient: “She said Sunbeams are like that. I’m just going to have to learn to deal with them.”

Doctor (concerned that he may be missing something): “I know people who are sensitive to sun beams. Do they cause you a rash or anything?”

Patient (confused): “A rash? No.”

Doctor: “What’s the biggest problem they’re creating?”

Patient: “It’s the noise. They just won’t quit talking.”

Doctor (astonished): “The sun beams are talking to you?”

Patient: “Well, yes. But mostly they talk to each other.”

Doctor (scribbling furiously in the chart): “I see. Can anyone else hear them talking?”

Patient (after a moment of stunned silence): “You’re not LDS, are you?”

Spring Cleaning

Today is Monday. It's a beautiful 25 degrees outside and headed up into in the low 40's today. That's carwashing weather here in the Frozen North. I'm going to be spring cleaning today.

What is your favorite spring cleaning job?

Monday Musings- Linkage

I have had so much fun today yesterday playing around with my blog. Now I'm pooped. And it's after midnight.

So here are some links for you:

Tips for New Bloggers -- very VERY helpful site. I learned lots of new tricks.

Wal-Mart FREE samples page -- FREE samples to be found here and they update too- so save the link.

StatCounter -- a way to keep tabs on your blog or web site's visitors.

Starfall.com -- "Where children have fun learning to read!" (direct quote from their site) -- my kids love this site and call it "The Reading Game."

Typing Test -- This is addictive. My highest so far is 84 words per minute on this test.

Neighbor Jane Payne -- This is my favorite site. I have learned sooooo much from Jane. There are lesson ideas, gift giving ideas, scrapbooking retreats, recipes, homekeeping tips, etc. Jane's site reminds me of Martha Stewart without the jail time. Here is an excerpt from her home page.

"Ever need a no-fail recipe or someone to listen—something a good neighbor offers?

I had a fine neighbor like that . . . Gene. She was forty years older than me and knew everything. When I was ten and supposed to fix supper, I rode my bike to her house and she taught me how to make meatloaf. When our baby was sick and dehydrated, I called Gene and she told me how to keep liquids down her. I could conquer anything as long as I knew Gene was home."

You can subscribe to her weekly email newsletter for $14.97/year! That's less than 30 cents per issue. The great thing about it being an email newsletter is there are no page fillers and ads. You can keep it in your inbox for as long as you need and read and re-read Jane's words of encouragement.

Okay, she's seriously not paying me to advertise for her. I just love Jane so much and know you will too!

Go check out these helpful links!

*WARNING* graphic post

Bun is being held hostage in the high chair. It's sad really. But I'm not about to venture out into the bitter cold to buy a carpet shampooer. I'm sure that's what would happen if I set him free.

The baby is being held hostage in the walker. It's locked so he can't get far.

Gabbers is being harassed every three minutes by, "Are you feeling okay? Do you need to use the bathroom?"

Me? What am I doing? Other than blogging, I'm currently washing my eleventy-fourth load of puked-on and pooped-on laundry and figuring out a way to make a completely plastic living area where you could take a squeegee and slide all the poop and puke right out the door and then sanitize the house with wipes. Because wipes are happy. They ensure cleanliness. I like wipes.

Danny and Pookie? Oh, they're on their way to the Pediatric Ophthalmologist another state away for Pookie's follow up from his eye surgery.

And my period started. But that's good news. Because I'm not sure I could handle being pregnant today. It also means I can take a motrin and not worry about harming a potential fetus. I've been up since 4:15 a.m. So, this post probably doesn't make a lot of sense. Or it's offensive. Or both. I may just delete it later.

Monday Musings

I have nothing new to say today. So here are some links for you.

Go to Danny's blog and read this about Bun's midnight adventures.

Rachel, I found this YouTube link for the Batman commercial.

Cristtin wrote this very thought-provoking post.

A new life for Pookieville

So, I was wondering if y'all would like to see regular bloggy updates? I was thinking of making a schedule like Neighbor Jane Payne to provide you some daily reading from Pookieville.

Here are some ideas for regular categories of what to post.

Monday Musings-- Whatever randomness pops into my head or sad stories lamenting on our severe weather (a subject that seems to pop up regularly).

Tackle it Tuesday-- Procrastination things I'm working on one project at a time to keep me sufficiently humbled and so you all don't think I'm perfect.

Works for Me Wednesday-- Things that work for me that might work for you too.

Pictures of my kids and pictures of things my kids have destroyed created. Because even though you may not be a proud grandma or grandpa of the Pookieville residents, I know you want to see them.

Frugal tips, recipes, OAMC

Kiddie Kwips. I'll probably post the Kiddie Kwips in a post before they get added to the sidebar so you know there's a new one.

What would you like to see? Come on. You can comment. My stomach's not flat yet.

Monday Musings

The following is the first paragraph in Wikipedia's definition of Labor Day.

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the "working man". It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894.

On this day of rest, I got to sleep in until 9 a.m. (with a baby attached to me who leaked through his ill-applied cloth diaper onto my beloved sheets)and then later was lovingly brought a peeled boiled egg (that I boiled a few days ago) that was seasoned with salt and pepper while I was checking my email. Dinner is already made (from my OAMC day about 10 days ago) and just has to be heated through in the oven.

I sliced the loaf of bread I had previously baked and was grateful for its sliceable consistency and not having to bake it today-- which is a VERY humid day. (My bread struggles when it's really humid out.) The kids were very grateful for the bread as they fought over who would get the first piece.

I think I'm feeling so grateful and relaxed simply because Congress in 1894 declared it a "holiday." It's like Friday evenings, you can stay up later than the rest of the week. And Sunday afternoons means you have permission to nap.

Monday Musings

1. I've been here in Happy Valley, Utah now since June 15th. 

2. Four weeks from today Danny will ride Greyhound down to join us and then will drive us back to the Frozen North. 

3. My blog has been sadly neglected and so have my pending ducky towel orders. 

4. I was hoping to lose weight here and instead I've gained 3 1/2 pounds. 

5. I tried to go running today with the kids and the super-stroller. I wouldn't describe the movement as running as I desperately pushed the stroller with all four kids on it in the 95 degree heat. But I think it was a couple miles. :) 

6. Two small 16.9 oz. bottles of water are not enough for one dehydrated mama and three little kids out in the 95 degree heat. 

7. Three little kids and one dehydrated mama inhaled the leftover watermelon in less than thirty seconds. I don't even like watermelon. But this one was unusually tasty. 

8. Pookie has taken to calling the baby "Abe." 

9. Bun has been sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night. 

10. Yesterday morning I awoke to find Bun asleep at the foot of the bed. I guess he passed out before he made it all the way up to the pillow. 

11. With some prompting, Ham will now smile. 

12. Pookie, G, and Bun's favorite outdoor activities are playing in the irrigation water during Papa's turn and picking raspberries from Papa's terrace.