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. =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)