Just a random short memory today...
When I was really little I loved things like shrimp and caviar. As I got a little older I really didn't like fish. Unfortunately for me we ate fish more than I enjoyed. I remember my Dad cooking lobster and I had to run upstairs so I didn't hear them scream.
The memory I want to share however shows my stubborn side. One night we had fish for dinner. I really didn't want to eat the fish, but apparently my Dad was adamant that I finish what was on my plate. I sat at the kitchen table by myself FOREVER! I was so frustrated and I did not want to eat that fish. In my ridiculous little mind I decided that if I pour my orange juice on my fish I would not have to finish it. Yeah, that was not smart! When my Dad saw that he was even more adamant that I eat all of the fish on my plate. I am sure someone out there likes an orange flavoring on fish, but I am not one of them. I definitely had a hard time gagging that fish down, but eventually I succeeded.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Favorite Time of the Year (as a Child)
This is actually a really tough question!
As a child I loved the summers. We lived on a child friendly street. There were so many wonderful people to play with, but I spent most of my time with Tumpale, my best friend in Elementary School, and her family. I remember having a fabulous garden, a fantastic patio, a trampoline, sandbox and lot of green grass and trees. It was like a little paradise. I don't know how my mom ever got me in at night.
On top of that I loved playing softball. Almost every summer I played on a large city league. I made friends that would become even better friends when we ended up in middle school together. I enjoyed competing and having fun. I even remember practicing with my mom in the street in front of our house occasionally. I am glad we never broke a window.
I also loved the summer because they were filled with adventures. I loved going out to the lake with Nanny. I had a blast going to the cabin with Granny. There was never a dull moment when either of my Grandmas were involved!
Another time of the year that I loved was winter. My wonderful Aunt Amy took me skiing frequently while I was young. I loved being in the cold weather surrounded by snow. I loved going fast, but in control. I loved learning how to ski better. I loved the winter smell!
I am sure I loved the flowers in spring and the fun of Halloween (how can you not like a national birthday event), but I think summer and winter were the favorites!
As a child I loved the summers. We lived on a child friendly street. There were so many wonderful people to play with, but I spent most of my time with Tumpale, my best friend in Elementary School, and her family. I remember having a fabulous garden, a fantastic patio, a trampoline, sandbox and lot of green grass and trees. It was like a little paradise. I don't know how my mom ever got me in at night.
On top of that I loved playing softball. Almost every summer I played on a large city league. I made friends that would become even better friends when we ended up in middle school together. I enjoyed competing and having fun. I even remember practicing with my mom in the street in front of our house occasionally. I am glad we never broke a window.
I also loved the summer because they were filled with adventures. I loved going out to the lake with Nanny. I had a blast going to the cabin with Granny. There was never a dull moment when either of my Grandmas were involved!
Another time of the year that I loved was winter. My wonderful Aunt Amy took me skiing frequently while I was young. I loved being in the cold weather surrounded by snow. I loved going fast, but in control. I loved learning how to ski better. I loved the winter smell!
I am sure I loved the flowers in spring and the fun of Halloween (how can you not like a national birthday event), but I think summer and winter were the favorites!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Worst Childhood Winter Storm
Well growing up in Michigan we did have some pretty nasty snow storms. I remember that our power often went out, but since my brother was often ill in the winter we could not go without heat for very long. That means we got to use a generator to at least keep some things going. One of the times I can remember, we stayed in the kitchen and family room the whole time. We hung up sheets on all the open doorways to try to keep the heat in these two rooms. It was like a fun little chilly camp out, but I am sure it was not that fun for my parents.
The other storm that really sticks out happened when I was a Freshman at BYU. By this point my mom and brother lived in a trailer (intended for summer use). Over Christmas vacation while I was home we endured super cold weather and a LOT of snow. The pipes in the trailer would freeze, so we would go down to the closest bathroom/shower house (the trailer was parked in an outdoor resort-at least that is what Lake Chemung calls itself on their homepage) to shower. It was a very exciting time!
On my last day there we got hit hard. I remember going out to my car and having to dig out the area around the doors just to get into the car. That was a little chilly in a skirt. I don't remember seeing that much snow from one storm before. A few of my friends actually had to a wait a few days to a week and a half to return to BYU because so many flights in the mid-west were cancelled. I don't know how I got lucky enough to get out on time.
The other storm that really sticks out happened when I was a Freshman at BYU. By this point my mom and brother lived in a trailer (intended for summer use). Over Christmas vacation while I was home we endured super cold weather and a LOT of snow. The pipes in the trailer would freeze, so we would go down to the closest bathroom/shower house (the trailer was parked in an outdoor resort-at least that is what Lake Chemung calls itself on their homepage) to shower. It was a very exciting time!
On my last day there we got hit hard. I remember going out to my car and having to dig out the area around the doors just to get into the car. That was a little chilly in a skirt. I don't remember seeing that much snow from one storm before. A few of my friends actually had to a wait a few days to a week and a half to return to BYU because so many flights in the mid-west were cancelled. I don't know how I got lucky enough to get out on time.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
When I Grow Up
What do I want to be when I grown up? I am sure I was asked this question a ton when I was a child, but I really don't remember the answers I provided. From my perspective now I guess I can think of a couple of things I might have said.
1-I imagine I would have often said I wanted to be a marine biologist (more specifically a trainer at Sea World). Our family use to make the short drive to Sea World Ohio about once a year. I loved watching the interaction the trainers had with the different animals. In fact I applied to go to college at University of Texas Galveston and was excited to do a semester at sea, but in the end landlocked BYU won out. To this day I still have a dream to swim with dolphins and see a manatee in the wild.
2-I might have said that I want to be an Olympic skier. My fabulous Aunt Amy spoiled me and took me skiing whenever we got the chance. She also got me some lessons with a great ski instructor. I loved to ski and really miss it these days! I even considered trying to do ski ballet since I probably would never be fast enough to race.
3-I am sure I occasionally told people that before a career I wanted to be a missionary. I remember I use to discuss at a young age with my best friend Jessiy where we would go when we were old enough. We had big dreams.
4-I am sure underneath everything I wanted to be a mom, but I don't know how often that was my only answer.
1-I imagine I would have often said I wanted to be a marine biologist (more specifically a trainer at Sea World). Our family use to make the short drive to Sea World Ohio about once a year. I loved watching the interaction the trainers had with the different animals. In fact I applied to go to college at University of Texas Galveston and was excited to do a semester at sea, but in the end landlocked BYU won out. To this day I still have a dream to swim with dolphins and see a manatee in the wild.
2-I might have said that I want to be an Olympic skier. My fabulous Aunt Amy spoiled me and took me skiing whenever we got the chance. She also got me some lessons with a great ski instructor. I loved to ski and really miss it these days! I even considered trying to do ski ballet since I probably would never be fast enough to race.
3-I am sure I occasionally told people that before a career I wanted to be a missionary. I remember I use to discuss at a young age with my best friend Jessiy where we would go when we were old enough. We had big dreams.
4-I am sure underneath everything I wanted to be a mom, but I don't know how often that was my only answer.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
School Play
I loved my elementary school. It actually closed last year which is super sad in my opinion, but I am not in charge of the Southfield School District. We had a fabulous/tough music teacher. Mrs. Mansfield taught us so many things and put on some amazing performances. In music class we would square or line dance most Fridays. My friend Jerrard and I loved that class period, but I know other classmates despised the dancing. We also learned to play the recorder in music class and a few other random instruments. My favorite part of music were the big productions Mrs. Mansfield put on. In 5th grade we did a DARE musical performance. We sang songs like Lean On Me and had speaking parts. In 5th grade (I believe) we also put on a patriotic performance (maybe for graduation). The ultimate performance in my opinion was in 2nd grade. I was so excited to be in 2nd grade and a part of the BIG musical performance for the year. That year we were doing a Disney themed production. We sang a bunch of classic Disney songs and everyone had a part to act out. The costumes were fabulous (at least to my 2 grade head). I was so excited for this performance because I was cast as Cinderella for the Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo song. When I was cast I was a little concerned because I knew I was going from rags to a ballgown on stage. I had no idea how that would happen, but in the end it was great. We started singing with me cleaning things on stage and a bunch of little mice (classmates) running around. Eventually the lights went out and I removed my brown rags dress (that was more like a robe) to reveal a pretty white gown, while the mice changed into horses. After a few minutes in the dark, a black light turned on and parts of the horse costumes glowed along with my pretty dress. I sure felt like the real Cinderella during that short performance!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Daily Life
For part of my history I want to include what life is like on an every day basis. This might not be overly exciting, but I think it will help me remember how we got everything done and stayed sane.
A normal day starts off for me between 6 and 6:15am. I get up when Tyler does, kind of. I read my scriptures and some other Gospel book, newspaper or magazine. Sometimes I even shower before the children wake up. This has really changed my life! Since A. and M. sleep really well, I am able to get up and prepare myself spiritually. Back when I was getting interrupted night sleeps, I couldn't do this and I could sure tell the difference in my life.
M. and A. are generally up between 6:45 and 7:30am. I get them dressed and we eat breakfast. After breakfast it is time for morning chores. We make the kids bed's and brush their teeth. They are also responsible for putting their clothes in the dirty clothes basket or on their bed.
Next it is time to play while I get some things done around the house. (Monday=change the sheets, laundry and dust, Tuesday=vacuuming, Wednesday=kitchen and bathroom, Thursday=laundry including washing towels, and Friday=fun day!) I try to be done by snack time which is between 9:30 and 10:30am.
After snacks there is more time to play (on Tuesdays we go to playgroup) or read. Sometimes I count down the minutes till lunch time because I am to lazy or boring to do something fun. Other days we do crafts, play outside or go on a walk.
After lunch it is time for A.'s nap. M. has quiet time too. He can either watch some shows I record in the morning, play quietly or sometimes we just snuggle and hope he will fall asleep.
By the time quiet time is over Tyler is home from work or we are off to Scouts (Wednesday). Then there is more time to play and get ready for dinner. To be honest, my favorite dinners are those that are ready by 10am and I don't have much to do in the evening.
After dinner there is time to play with Tyler. On Monday nights we have our family night. Right now we are using the Gospel Art book for FHE. We talk about one picture each week and read some of the scriptures associated with it. Our favorite are the ones we can act out. M. wants to do those ones again and again.
Every night we read a column from the Book of Mormon. Some nights are tub nights for the little ones, so they are a little busier than other nights. Before bedtime the little ones have more chores to do. We have to pick up all our toys, make sure our clothes get in the laundry basket and brush their teeth.
Bedtime is around 7:30pm and as of right now M. and A. go to bed easily. Once they are there they stay there. That leaves me about 2-3 hours to exercise, do a craft, write in my journal or read. Tyler spend his evenings working on his school work.
Having this routine helps our family SO MUCH! I love that right now we don't have school to schedule around. Our days are pretty peaceful, borderline boring. I am looking forward to adding a run or walk to our mornings once it is warmer. That will free up even more time in the evening hours for my creativity to kick in and knock some projects off my long list.
A normal day starts off for me between 6 and 6:15am. I get up when Tyler does, kind of. I read my scriptures and some other Gospel book, newspaper or magazine. Sometimes I even shower before the children wake up. This has really changed my life! Since A. and M. sleep really well, I am able to get up and prepare myself spiritually. Back when I was getting interrupted night sleeps, I couldn't do this and I could sure tell the difference in my life.
M. and A. are generally up between 6:45 and 7:30am. I get them dressed and we eat breakfast. After breakfast it is time for morning chores. We make the kids bed's and brush their teeth. They are also responsible for putting their clothes in the dirty clothes basket or on their bed.
Next it is time to play while I get some things done around the house. (Monday=change the sheets, laundry and dust, Tuesday=vacuuming, Wednesday=kitchen and bathroom, Thursday=laundry including washing towels, and Friday=fun day!) I try to be done by snack time which is between 9:30 and 10:30am.
After snacks there is more time to play (on Tuesdays we go to playgroup) or read. Sometimes I count down the minutes till lunch time because I am to lazy or boring to do something fun. Other days we do crafts, play outside or go on a walk.
After lunch it is time for A.'s nap. M. has quiet time too. He can either watch some shows I record in the morning, play quietly or sometimes we just snuggle and hope he will fall asleep.
By the time quiet time is over Tyler is home from work or we are off to Scouts (Wednesday). Then there is more time to play and get ready for dinner. To be honest, my favorite dinners are those that are ready by 10am and I don't have much to do in the evening.
After dinner there is time to play with Tyler. On Monday nights we have our family night. Right now we are using the Gospel Art book for FHE. We talk about one picture each week and read some of the scriptures associated with it. Our favorite are the ones we can act out. M. wants to do those ones again and again.
Every night we read a column from the Book of Mormon. Some nights are tub nights for the little ones, so they are a little busier than other nights. Before bedtime the little ones have more chores to do. We have to pick up all our toys, make sure our clothes get in the laundry basket and brush their teeth.
Bedtime is around 7:30pm and as of right now M. and A. go to bed easily. Once they are there they stay there. That leaves me about 2-3 hours to exercise, do a craft, write in my journal or read. Tyler spend his evenings working on his school work.
Having this routine helps our family SO MUCH! I love that right now we don't have school to schedule around. Our days are pretty peaceful, borderline boring. I am looking forward to adding a run or walk to our mornings once it is warmer. That will free up even more time in the evening hours for my creativity to kick in and knock some projects off my long list.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Favorite Book (Youth)
When I was Elementary School we read the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. I didn't realize it until I was in my late twenties, but I love historical fiction books, so no wonder I enjoyed this book as a child. 
This a fabulous read for children and adults alike. Just recently I suggested reading it for a book group I attend. I am so glad I picked it up again because I forgot pretty much everything about the book and only remember liking it, but not why. Once I started reading again, I realized my youthful enjoyment might have stemmed from the fact that the main character and I share the same last name (although spelled differently.) As I continued to read I fell in love with the story of goodwill and love.
WWII brought a LOT of sadness and destruction, so it is WONDERFUL to read about the more noble side of the war. Although this story is fiction it is based on a country that tried to save their friends and neighbors. I can't imagine coming together like that as a country, but I am so glad they did.
This book also instilled some pride in my heritage. My FarFar is from Sweden and I have always LOVED all things Swedish. It is great to read the note at the end of the book that explains how Swedish scientist helped save many lives by discovering something to help throw the dogs of a person's scent.
If you get a chance pick up this book and read it!
This a fabulous read for children and adults alike. Just recently I suggested reading it for a book group I attend. I am so glad I picked it up again because I forgot pretty much everything about the book and only remember liking it, but not why. Once I started reading again, I realized my youthful enjoyment might have stemmed from the fact that the main character and I share the same last name (although spelled differently.) As I continued to read I fell in love with the story of goodwill and love.
WWII brought a LOT of sadness and destruction, so it is WONDERFUL to read about the more noble side of the war. Although this story is fiction it is based on a country that tried to save their friends and neighbors. I can't imagine coming together like that as a country, but I am so glad they did.
This book also instilled some pride in my heritage. My FarFar is from Sweden and I have always LOVED all things Swedish. It is great to read the note at the end of the book that explains how Swedish scientist helped save many lives by discovering something to help throw the dogs of a person's scent.
If you get a chance pick up this book and read it!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Stitches
I am totally ok with neglecting this blog every now and then, but I decided to jump back into action and share another personal history story. The question this week is: "Did you ever need stitches?" This could take all week to answer since I am a little accident prone, but I will try to limit it to just 3 interesting...maybe ridiculous stories.
1-This story is all based on hearsay because I don't think I was 2 yet. My uncle Bill (I thought about making up a name to spare his reputation, but that is no fun) was around 12. One night while we were at his house, he was spinning me around. In the process he tripped and fell and bit my head. Lucky for him my Poppy lived about 30 minutes away. My parents took me over to Poppy's house and he stitched me up in his basement office. Unfortunately I still have a scar on my head. I think about this often when I wonder why I can't style my hair in more creative fashions. It is frustrating to have a bald spot, but I guess having a unique story behind it makes it easier to cope with.
2-When I was in 7th grade we got out of school early. While my mom was on the phone I decided to make myself lunch. I pulled out a tuna fish snack pack. When I opened the pop top lid it slipped and cut my thumb open. It bleed a lot so I went to interrupt my mom's phone conversation. It took a little convincing and actually showing her the blood before she got over being frustrated at me for bothering her while she was on the phone (yeah...I use to interrupt her way to often).
She took me to a plastic surgeon that my Poppy had trained and that was a HUGE blessing. The surgeon had to cut down my finger a little further to find my tendon and sew that back together first. Yes, I cut my tendon with a tuna fish can lid. Had we gone to the ER there is a chance they would not have gone looking for the tendon and I would have lost my ability to move my thumb.
There was a low point of this stitches experience. I was in a half cast on my thumb down to the middle of my arm for about 6 weeks. This happened right as softball season was about to start. I was a pretty cranky 7th grader during that missed softball season. My poor mom...bless her heart for putting up with me.
3-Although I LOVE softball, I am not the most coordinated player. During 9th and probably 10th grade I hit about 3 or 4 pitches off my fingers instead of the bat. That does not feel good. I guess it also shows that I am a succor for the inside pitch.
The last time I did this was in practice one Saturday morning. I felt the pain immediately and stepped away from the plate and threw my helmet at the base of the dugout fence. (One friend that I played 2 sports with said that is the only time she ever saw me mad.) I was so frustrated with myself that this had happened again, that I initially didn't notice how bad it was. When I finally looked down at my hand it was not just swollen, but it was bleeding. The impact had been so great that I popped my finger opened and it had to be stitched closed.
1-This story is all based on hearsay because I don't think I was 2 yet. My uncle Bill (I thought about making up a name to spare his reputation, but that is no fun) was around 12. One night while we were at his house, he was spinning me around. In the process he tripped and fell and bit my head. Lucky for him my Poppy lived about 30 minutes away. My parents took me over to Poppy's house and he stitched me up in his basement office. Unfortunately I still have a scar on my head. I think about this often when I wonder why I can't style my hair in more creative fashions. It is frustrating to have a bald spot, but I guess having a unique story behind it makes it easier to cope with.
2-When I was in 7th grade we got out of school early. While my mom was on the phone I decided to make myself lunch. I pulled out a tuna fish snack pack. When I opened the pop top lid it slipped and cut my thumb open. It bleed a lot so I went to interrupt my mom's phone conversation. It took a little convincing and actually showing her the blood before she got over being frustrated at me for bothering her while she was on the phone (yeah...I use to interrupt her way to often).
She took me to a plastic surgeon that my Poppy had trained and that was a HUGE blessing. The surgeon had to cut down my finger a little further to find my tendon and sew that back together first. Yes, I cut my tendon with a tuna fish can lid. Had we gone to the ER there is a chance they would not have gone looking for the tendon and I would have lost my ability to move my thumb.
There was a low point of this stitches experience. I was in a half cast on my thumb down to the middle of my arm for about 6 weeks. This happened right as softball season was about to start. I was a pretty cranky 7th grader during that missed softball season. My poor mom...bless her heart for putting up with me.
3-Although I LOVE softball, I am not the most coordinated player. During 9th and probably 10th grade I hit about 3 or 4 pitches off my fingers instead of the bat. That does not feel good. I guess it also shows that I am a succor for the inside pitch.
The last time I did this was in practice one Saturday morning. I felt the pain immediately and stepped away from the plate and threw my helmet at the base of the dugout fence. (One friend that I played 2 sports with said that is the only time she ever saw me mad.) I was so frustrated with myself that this had happened again, that I initially didn't notice how bad it was. When I finally looked down at my hand it was not just swollen, but it was bleeding. The impact had been so great that I popped my finger opened and it had to be stitched closed.
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