Yes, we have two children. Yes, we just figured out what Gianna needs to sleep through the night. No, we are not insane, although we may be a little sleep deprived.
Last night, Eric and I chose to stay up and spend time together. With his schedule and having two children, it makes it difficult to find time together and even harder to go out on a date. So, after we sent the kids to bed, we stayed up all night talking about any random little thing we so desired. It was really fun. Although I knew it came with a price (still having to be a functioning parent in the morning), we really needed the time to reconnect like this. It was like being a new couple all over again...sharing and learning new things about each other. I can't believe we actually stayed up all night (okay, so we decided to go to sleep about 5am and the kids woke at 8am)!
Eric let me catch a couple extra z's when the kids got up, but I only stayed in bed for another hour or so. I must say, it makes a HUGE difference in choosing to stay awake than to be forced to stay awake (because one child or another won't/can't sleep)!! And, although we can't/shouldn't do this very often, it was really nice to spend time, uninterrupted, as a couple in the sanctity of our own home. I mean, really, how often DOES a couple get to enjoy their home sans les enfants?
31 January 2009
29 January 2009
When Enough is Enough
How many times would you consider forgiving someone for running over your mailbox? We decided that 5 times is our max. Now we are turning it over to the law. We moved to this neighborhood (and cul-de-sac) and thought we were going to have better neighbors. Sadly, we have been greatly mistaken. Our neighbors "in the hood" were much better. We never had any vandalism there nor any attacks on our family (yes, I'm including Hannah in that terminology). We have now programmed the sheriff's number in our house phone so we don't have to go find it again. We've had to call on them at least 10 times we can recall since moving here in August of 2007.
I should also throw the disclaimer in there that we do have a really great new family that moved in a few months ago. Our only interactions with them thus far have been over broken mailboxes (their brick one was destroyed a couple weeks ago and they had to file a report). That being said, I do acknowledge hope of good relations with our neighbors!
I should also throw the disclaimer in there that we do have a really great new family that moved in a few months ago. Our only interactions with them thus far have been over broken mailboxes (their brick one was destroyed a couple weeks ago and they had to file a report). That being said, I do acknowledge hope of good relations with our neighbors!
27 January 2009
Exceeding Expectations
I delivered a completed (if you can call it that) genealogy to Mr. Paul Jarrett Monday evening (kind of turned into our FHE). I've been working for Mr. Jarrett for the past few months preparing his genealogy. He's an 82 year old gentleman who contacted the church searching for someone who could assist him in this work as he already needed to dedicate his time to writing his autobiography. When he discovered that not only had I completed his father's line, but his mother's line as well, he was amazed. I had exceeded his expectation.
Exceeding expectation could be a phrase to attribute to HIS life. We recently learned of an incredibly way in which he did just this. Last year, Mr. Jarrett and his son traveled back to his hometown in Pennsylvania. In doing this, he also made good on a debt he had incurred as a small child. During the depression, Paul was hospitalized due to tetanus. Since it was the depression, his parents were unable to pay the full bill. They paid what they were able, but left a $300 tab. When Paul returned from the war, his mother asked him that if he was ever able to get $300 together, that he pay that debt. Last year, he did just that. He got $300 together PLUS the interest that he estimated would have accrued over the 70-odd years since his hospitalization. He presented the hospital with a $10K check, to the shock and amazement of those individuals. How indicative of Mr. Jarrett's character to not only satisfy the promise he made to his mother, but also to those that took care of him in his childhood.
I thought this was something we could all learn from. In fact, it is something that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Although there is an expectation in our jobs, our church, our families, we can always exceed that expectation and go the extra mile. I recently learned where that phrase came from. During Roman rule, a Roman soldier could demand an individual to carry his pack for a Roman mile (a thousand paces or roughly 1.48 kilometers (1620 yards)). When Christ told us "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." (Matt 5:41), he was telling us that HIS expectation for us is to exceed man's expectation. In doing this, it is the only way to satisfy Christ's expectations for us. We can all do a little better, try a little harder, to fulfill the things Christ has asked of us.
Exceeding expectation could be a phrase to attribute to HIS life. We recently learned of an incredibly way in which he did just this. Last year, Mr. Jarrett and his son traveled back to his hometown in Pennsylvania. In doing this, he also made good on a debt he had incurred as a small child. During the depression, Paul was hospitalized due to tetanus. Since it was the depression, his parents were unable to pay the full bill. They paid what they were able, but left a $300 tab. When Paul returned from the war, his mother asked him that if he was ever able to get $300 together, that he pay that debt. Last year, he did just that. He got $300 together PLUS the interest that he estimated would have accrued over the 70-odd years since his hospitalization. He presented the hospital with a $10K check, to the shock and amazement of those individuals. How indicative of Mr. Jarrett's character to not only satisfy the promise he made to his mother, but also to those that took care of him in his childhood.
I thought this was something we could all learn from. In fact, it is something that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Although there is an expectation in our jobs, our church, our families, we can always exceed that expectation and go the extra mile. I recently learned where that phrase came from. During Roman rule, a Roman soldier could demand an individual to carry his pack for a Roman mile (a thousand paces or roughly 1.48 kilometers (1620 yards)). When Christ told us "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." (Matt 5:41), he was telling us that HIS expectation for us is to exceed man's expectation. In doing this, it is the only way to satisfy Christ's expectations for us. We can all do a little better, try a little harder, to fulfill the things Christ has asked of us.
No Less a Woman
I thought I should add this as it does relate to my previous post.
It does NOT make you any less of a woman if you don't nurse. Some women are blessed to produce milk like cows while others are blessed to produce offspring like camels. Although I would like to be a 10 cow wife (or, rather, able to produce milk like 10 cows), I can't. I know there are a lot of people out there that believe that "any woman" can breastfeed their child. I've even been told that it's a matter of "really wanting" to do it. I proclaim loudly: "IT ISN'T AN ISSUE OF DESIRE!! IT'S A MATTER OF REALITY!" So, after a month, I've given in and acknowledged that like the desert, I'm dried up in that department. And no, I'm not going to go herbal crazy to try to squeeze out an ounce of milk per day, either.
Sorry if this offends anyone's delicate nature. No offense intended.
It does NOT make you any less of a woman if you don't nurse. Some women are blessed to produce milk like cows while others are blessed to produce offspring like camels. Although I would like to be a 10 cow wife (or, rather, able to produce milk like 10 cows), I can't. I know there are a lot of people out there that believe that "any woman" can breastfeed their child. I've even been told that it's a matter of "really wanting" to do it. I proclaim loudly: "IT ISN'T AN ISSUE OF DESIRE!! IT'S A MATTER OF REALITY!" So, after a month, I've given in and acknowledged that like the desert, I'm dried up in that department. And no, I'm not going to go herbal crazy to try to squeeze out an ounce of milk per day, either.
Sorry if this offends anyone's delicate nature. No offense intended.
How Many Licks to the Center of the Tootsie Pop?
Actually, it's more like "how many ounces 'til my baby's tummy pops?" Gianna and Emily may be sisters, but they are complete opposites already! Emily was consistent with everything and had her days/nights correct from the beginning. Gianna...no such luck. So, last night, she was awake in the early evening and on into the night. Seriously, she was wide awake for 4 or 5 hours straight. In that time period, she continuously sucked down a couple bottles. Yes, a couple. Or, perhaps a few. All in all, she didn't go down for bed until midnight and only after consuming 14+ ounces of formula!! She has been known to projectile spit up (or, as the English say, cheese) as well as performing the feat through her nose, so I was a bit concerned putting down this very full baby for the night. She did stay asleep for about 4.5 hours, but then wanted to be held from that point on. It made a very long night for me as I chose to let Eric get some needed rest while Gianna and I cuddled in the recliner in the living room. I think it'll be his turn tonight! ;)
25 January 2009
Sunday Skipping
Today is our Stake Conference. We're missing it. This is our 5th Sunday away from church (Gianna is only a month old, but was born on a Friday, so the Sundays have come faster). I will be so glad to get back to church and the fellowship with the saints! Missing Sundays is not fun. Not only is it an important benchmark for the week (trust me, as a stay-at-home mom without kids in school yet, it's about the only marker for a week), but it is important for our spiritual uplifting. We need the opportunity to meet and discuss the gospel so that our testimonies can grow and we can learn to look at things from different perspectives. I love discussing doctrine and the scriptures. My favorite time on my mission was when I served with a sister from Armenia. Because she was studying English, I had a fresh view of the actual words that were used. We studied the Gospel of St. John in depth during our time together. What powerful insights to a book that I had studied numerous times before!
Aside from those reasons, I really miss being able to partake of the sacrament. It may not appear as much to those who don't believe. However, there is great symbolism in the ordinance. I have to take a greater responsibility while I am away from church. Although I can repent and do my best to be like Christ in my daily activities, I need and hunger for the opportunity to refresh my spirit in partaking of the bread and water that represent Christ's sacrifice for me as well as my covenant and willingness to serve and follow Him.
Aside from those reasons, I really miss being able to partake of the sacrament. It may not appear as much to those who don't believe. However, there is great symbolism in the ordinance. I have to take a greater responsibility while I am away from church. Although I can repent and do my best to be like Christ in my daily activities, I need and hunger for the opportunity to refresh my spirit in partaking of the bread and water that represent Christ's sacrifice for me as well as my covenant and willingness to serve and follow Him.
22 January 2009
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
I think Emily seriously loves Caleb. She knew he was gone to Vegas and was a good waiting girl (I think she's practicing for later in life). She didn't talk about him until the day he was coming home...and I'm not sure how she actually knew it because I was sure not to say anything so I didn't start a fight about Caleb coming over. Anyway, as you can see, she doesn't have a problem kissing this boy!!
It reminds me of a sister of mine, not to mention any names, Rachel, who liked to kiss a little boy named Bryan. Ah, the days of innocence!
Seriously, though, I am grateful that we have such good friends and they are back in town...even if Emily can't keep her hands off their son. =)
16 January 2009
White Vs. Black
Okay, now you know how politically correct some of you are, based on your initial response to that title. It actually has nothing to do with people and everything to do with chocolate.
Yesterday was Mama's (Eric's mom's) birthday. We forgot (just as I forget EVERYONE'S birthday, so don't feel left out...I'm equal in forgetting about everyone and that makes it fair), so after we took her to her physical therapy appointment, Emily and I came home to make cookies for her (the Eric Boyd family doesn't do cake, although the rest of his extended family does). I've kind of gotten burnt out on our PB cookies, so I made chocolate chip cookies. We had both white and regular ("black" if you ask Emily) chocolate chips, so I reserved some dough for my white chocolate chip cookies. I should have made 1/2 white and 1/2 dark cookies because both Emily and Eric have decided that they like the white chocolate chips better. Eric liked them so much that he said we don't have to do the regular choco. chips anymore and then took the baggy of white chip cookies with him to work.
Little by little, I will convert the world to boycott regular chocolate!! AH-hahahaha!!!
Yesterday was Mama's (Eric's mom's) birthday. We forgot (just as I forget EVERYONE'S birthday, so don't feel left out...I'm equal in forgetting about everyone and that makes it fair), so after we took her to her physical therapy appointment, Emily and I came home to make cookies for her (the Eric Boyd family doesn't do cake, although the rest of his extended family does). I've kind of gotten burnt out on our PB cookies, so I made chocolate chip cookies. We had both white and regular ("black" if you ask Emily) chocolate chips, so I reserved some dough for my white chocolate chip cookies. I should have made 1/2 white and 1/2 dark cookies because both Emily and Eric have decided that they like the white chocolate chips better. Eric liked them so much that he said we don't have to do the regular choco. chips anymore and then took the baggy of white chip cookies with him to work.
Little by little, I will convert the world to boycott regular chocolate!! AH-hahahaha!!!
11 January 2009
The Concept of Death
At what age does a child become aware of the concept of death?
Last night we were watching a movie where one of the characters dies at the end...and not in a gory way, either. Emily was all concern about "'Erella" (the pretty heroine who ends up dying). Eric told her that she was hurt, not wanting to explain anything more as Emily IS only two years old and doesn't need to understand that concept yet.
We were wrong because she already does. She informed US that "Erella" died. Eric looked at me and I looked at him. Neither of us has any memory of teaching her this word or concept, yet she already understands it and we couldn't lessen the fact that this character did in fact die and wasn't "just hurt." For some reason, knowing our toddler understands this concept in some way made us both sad. Somehow, there is a little less innocence in our daughter because of this. She's growing up, and we realize she is supposed to, but does she have to grow up that fast?
Last night we were watching a movie where one of the characters dies at the end...and not in a gory way, either. Emily was all concern about "'Erella" (the pretty heroine who ends up dying). Eric told her that she was hurt, not wanting to explain anything more as Emily IS only two years old and doesn't need to understand that concept yet.
We were wrong because she already does. She informed US that "Erella" died. Eric looked at me and I looked at him. Neither of us has any memory of teaching her this word or concept, yet she already understands it and we couldn't lessen the fact that this character did in fact die and wasn't "just hurt." For some reason, knowing our toddler understands this concept in some way made us both sad. Somehow, there is a little less innocence in our daughter because of this. She's growing up, and we realize she is supposed to, but does she have to grow up that fast?
08 January 2009
Roll Over, Roll Over
Yesterday I put Gianna on a blanket on the floor for the first time. My idea was that while she got some "tummy time" she could also see faces. We all got down on the floor with her. We weren't there very long before Gianna rolled over. In fact, we couldn't even keep her on her tummy because she kept turning over. Ironically, she would flip over so she could see the TV better. Guess what was on? Spongebob Squarepants! I have two of them! Emily and Gianna like to watch Spongebob!!
Her other trick is to spin herself in a circle on the floor. This baby is another one on the move and going to keep me on my toes!
Her other trick is to spin herself in a circle on the floor. This baby is another one on the move and going to keep me on my toes!
05 January 2009
Combo Topics
First, I had to post this picture of Emily holding Gianna. It took a few days for Em to get interested, but now she loves to hold Gianna (as long as she doesn't cry, then it's immediately "get this thing off of me!") and to try to get her to hold her finger.
We also took a picture of these two girls side by side and to show how baggy even newborn clothes are on Gianna.
Here's my other topic. Actually, it's a question, or a couple questions. What relationships do dreams have with reality? What actually causes a headache? Sound like those two are unrelated? WRONG! This has happened a couple times in the past few weeks. I go to sleep, dream of eating chocolate, then wake up with a terrible headache. If I was tempted to try chocolate again, I am NOT anymore!! I can't even dream of it/think of it without having symptoms, so no thank you to the Chocolate Fiend!
04 January 2009
Enter to Win
Hey, I just wanted to FYI any of you that shop at Kroger to go to $5 Dinners (link on my blog list) and enter for a $25 gift card. You just enter your first and last name as well as your email, plus post a comment about "promoting" the giveaway. That's it.
Psychotic Dog
For over a month, we've had a psychotic dog. Hannah kept walking through the house backwards. We couldn't figure out what had happened. She just acted scared or something. I had an epiphany yesterday and we trimmed her toenails. Guess what?? No more psychotic dog!! I have to remember to keep up on her toenails now that I can bend over again and semi-wrestle her to do it (she does NOT like her feet to be messed with). I had no idea that her toenails could be such a problem for her, but it makes sense!
02 January 2009
Superhero
We woke up this morning to discover that Emily has superpowers. She informed us that she is a superhero. Her special powers fluctuate between being "fast" and being "frong" (strong). It's hilarious to see her flex her muscles or throw her arms back before taking off.
I remember being little and having my own mother tie my blanket around my shoulders and playing superheros with my siblings. It was always a trick to try to get the blanket to stay on and not come undone (don't want it to become a choking hazard!) while fighting evil forces.
It's really fun to watch Emily's imagination grow by leaps and bounds!
I remember being little and having my own mother tie my blanket around my shoulders and playing superheros with my siblings. It was always a trick to try to get the blanket to stay on and not come undone (don't want it to become a choking hazard!) while fighting evil forces.
It's really fun to watch Emily's imagination grow by leaps and bounds!
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