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.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Musical Instrument
I am not the most musically inclined person.
Random preface, side note: This may be bad to write down, but when I was in middle school I think I had a bit of an identity crisis. It seemed like all the white people in my school were Jewish, which I knew I was not. All most all of the Christians were African American. I was so confused and at times I guess I just assumed I was black. The two things that reminded me I was not where 1-I could not jump and 2-I have no rhythm!
So with that said, music was never my forte in life.
I did have a wonderful music teacher in elementary school. She taught us tons of wonderful songs, put on musicals and other events for our parents to watch, had us line & square dance and taught us to play the recorder. The recorder was a fun beginning to my attempts at playing musical instruments.
During 5th grade I tried my hand at playing the violin. Our group of about 8 met in a closet in the elementary school. I quickly learned that I did not like the violin so I only played for 1 year.
During middle school I tried my hand at playing the clarinet. That was a much better fit for me. I really enjoyed my attempts at playing. We had a great band direct who helped us excel at band competitions throughout the state.
When the time came to enter high school I no longer played the clarinet. I can't remember if I was even in the band my 8th grade year. I do know for sure that I would rather play basketball, than embarrass myself in the marching band. I wish I was good at music because I think marching bands are fun and amazing. It would have been such a thrill to be involved. It also would have helped me socially because by the time I was a Senior my main friends that supported my standards were in the band.
Since high school I took a piano class at BYU. Once again the lack of rhythm compounded with my lack of coordination were a super challenge. I presevered and did ok in the class, but I don't think I will ever play the piano publicly.
Now a days, when I get a chance I enjoy sitting down at a piano and playing songs I am familiar with. I can read music, but I am only skilled enough to play the right hand notes for most songs. Maybe I will be one of those adults that eventually takes lessons and picks up a new skill of playing the piano.
Random preface, side note: This may be bad to write down, but when I was in middle school I think I had a bit of an identity crisis. It seemed like all the white people in my school were Jewish, which I knew I was not. All most all of the Christians were African American. I was so confused and at times I guess I just assumed I was black. The two things that reminded me I was not where 1-I could not jump and 2-I have no rhythm!
So with that said, music was never my forte in life.
I did have a wonderful music teacher in elementary school. She taught us tons of wonderful songs, put on musicals and other events for our parents to watch, had us line & square dance and taught us to play the recorder. The recorder was a fun beginning to my attempts at playing musical instruments.
During 5th grade I tried my hand at playing the violin. Our group of about 8 met in a closet in the elementary school. I quickly learned that I did not like the violin so I only played for 1 year.
During middle school I tried my hand at playing the clarinet. That was a much better fit for me. I really enjoyed my attempts at playing. We had a great band direct who helped us excel at band competitions throughout the state.
When the time came to enter high school I no longer played the clarinet. I can't remember if I was even in the band my 8th grade year. I do know for sure that I would rather play basketball, than embarrass myself in the marching band. I wish I was good at music because I think marching bands are fun and amazing. It would have been such a thrill to be involved. It also would have helped me socially because by the time I was a Senior my main friends that supported my standards were in the band.
Since high school I took a piano class at BYU. Once again the lack of rhythm compounded with my lack of coordination were a super challenge. I presevered and did ok in the class, but I don't think I will ever play the piano publicly.
Now a days, when I get a chance I enjoy sitting down at a piano and playing songs I am familiar with. I can read music, but I am only skilled enough to play the right hand notes for most songs. Maybe I will be one of those adults that eventually takes lessons and picks up a new skill of playing the piano.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
An Accomplishment in School
One of the most vivid accomplishments that I can remember in school came at Elementary School graduation. During the ceremony I was awarded a plaque for being the best female student in citizenship (I believe). I can't remember the exact name of the award, but I know it was the most prestigious of the awards given that day. I still wonder what I did to earn that award. Even at that age I knew I was different from pretty much every other kid in the school for more than one reason. I guess that was one of the first moments I realized that other people were watching me even when I had no idea. I think that continued to help build my desire to be a good example and follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Fond Memory of My Dad
My Dad was my hero! I was totally a Daddy's girl growing up. I don't have a ton of memories, but here are a few.
My Dad was a referee. I remember going to some of the games he worked and thinking he was so cool! He actually umpired at least one of my softball games in middle school. I didn't think he was so cool that day. He called me out on a pitch that looked terrible. How embarrassing! I am sure the other team thought it was weird that I road home with him.
A lot of my memories revolve around riding in his little blue truck. I always wanted that to be my truck in high school, but no such luck. Anyway, one day we were driving and he was drinking his trusty Mountain Dew. I was so nervous, but I decided I had to have a tough conversation with my Dad. Breaking the silence I said "Dad, I don't think you are suppose to drink and drive." (Or something to that effect.) I guess the drinking and driving campaign was pretty strong at that time. My Dad chuckled, but didn't make fun of me and then proceeded to explain what it really meant to drink and drive. He was pretty patient with my innocents.
With that patience he was also a tease. He use to come up to me and ask if I wanted to be baptized. It didn't matter what I said he would throw water on me. He also was pretty strict. I remember being grounded for getting a 2 (1 was the highest and 5 was the lowest) in citizenship and I think a C. He was pretty smart and wanted me to live up to the potential he knew I had.
My Dad was a pilot. He flew Cessna airplanes out of an airport in Troy, MI. I got to go up with him a few times. It was amazing to watch how seriously he took his responsibility as a pilot. I don't think I ever saw him sweat so much as he did when he was flying airplanes. In the end it was a plane crash (he was not the pilot) that ended his life, but that didn't make me bitter toward flying. My Dad died young, but he died doing something he loved.
Another fond memory I have of my Dad is working at Meadowbrook. It was fun to watch him follow in FarFar's footsteps as he worked with customers and employees. The highlight of going to Meadowbrook with him, other than the pop and ice cream and other great food, was the ride home. As a young child, I had my Dad's undivided attention. I talked to him about all sorts of things that were important to me and he would listen. Some of our best conversations were about spiritual matters. Just the feelings I remember from that quiet time are worth so much!
The final memory to share comes from my first temple trip as a youth. My Dad was the Young Men's president at the time, so he was there too. My Dad was preforming the baptisms at the beginning (see link above for more info about temples). They were going to have another guy take his spot, but someone realized I still hadn't had a chance to be baptized. They told me to go before my Dad finished. My Dad was able to baptize me on behalf of those that have died. It was a great bonding moment that almost didn't happen. I am so glad he was a worthy priesthood holder! I love him so much! I miss him and hope that he is proud of his baby girl.
My Dad was a referee. I remember going to some of the games he worked and thinking he was so cool! He actually umpired at least one of my softball games in middle school. I didn't think he was so cool that day. He called me out on a pitch that looked terrible. How embarrassing! I am sure the other team thought it was weird that I road home with him.
A lot of my memories revolve around riding in his little blue truck. I always wanted that to be my truck in high school, but no such luck. Anyway, one day we were driving and he was drinking his trusty Mountain Dew. I was so nervous, but I decided I had to have a tough conversation with my Dad. Breaking the silence I said "Dad, I don't think you are suppose to drink and drive." (Or something to that effect.) I guess the drinking and driving campaign was pretty strong at that time. My Dad chuckled, but didn't make fun of me and then proceeded to explain what it really meant to drink and drive. He was pretty patient with my innocents.With that patience he was also a tease. He use to come up to me and ask if I wanted to be baptized. It didn't matter what I said he would throw water on me. He also was pretty strict. I remember being grounded for getting a 2 (1 was the highest and 5 was the lowest) in citizenship and I think a C. He was pretty smart and wanted me to live up to the potential he knew I had.
My Dad was a pilot. He flew Cessna airplanes out of an airport in Troy, MI. I got to go up with him a few times. It was amazing to watch how seriously he took his responsibility as a pilot. I don't think I ever saw him sweat so much as he did when he was flying airplanes. In the end it was a plane crash (he was not the pilot) that ended his life, but that didn't make me bitter toward flying. My Dad died young, but he died doing something he loved.
Another fond memory I have of my Dad is working at Meadowbrook. It was fun to watch him follow in FarFar's footsteps as he worked with customers and employees. The highlight of going to Meadowbrook with him, other than the pop and ice cream and other great food, was the ride home. As a young child, I had my Dad's undivided attention. I talked to him about all sorts of things that were important to me and he would listen. Some of our best conversations were about spiritual matters. Just the feelings I remember from that quiet time are worth so much!The final memory to share comes from my first temple trip as a youth. My Dad was the Young Men's president at the time, so he was there too. My Dad was preforming the baptisms at the beginning (see link above for more info about temples). They were going to have another guy take his spot, but someone realized I still hadn't had a chance to be baptized. They told me to go before my Dad finished. My Dad was able to baptize me on behalf of those that have died. It was a great bonding moment that almost didn't happen. I am so glad he was a worthy priesthood holder! I love him so much! I miss him and hope that he is proud of his baby girl.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A Fond Memory of My Mum
Another tough one! I love my Mom so much and I want to make sure I do her justice in writing.
I don't have a super good memory from my young days, but I do remember snuggling with my Mom when I was pretty young. I remember laying in her lap on the couch and showing her a cross stitch I made. She taught me how to do things like cross stitch, knit and sew. I don't think I was a very good student, but she was patient.
My Mom would always read to me. When I would wait for the bus or just before bed, she would always be reading to me. I think that is where I gained a thirst for books. My Dad use to tease us about the books we read (Ramona series, Babysitters Club and more), but we knew he was listening when he drove on trips or when we was home to hear it because he would use certain parts of the books to tease me and my friends.
Probably my most poignant memories of my Mom as I was growing up came from the trials we experienced. I remember driving to church with her after my brother died. She pulled over about three blocks away from our house and was pretty emotional. She expressed something along the lines of not being able to go to church. Then she seemed to take a deep breath and she pulled back on the road. She explained that church is where we needed to be and she had to go. What a great example!
I also remember going on a lot of family vacations growing up. We drove every where. There were many trips to Disney World, one to a house boat in Georgia, other to Apple Valley, Ohio, French Lick, Indiana, Mackinaw Island, Nauvoo, Palmayra and a bunch to Chicago so she could attend the temple. She was amazing at driving those many, many miles by herself. She was also the queen of finding random places along the route to stop. I don't know how she found them pre-internet. (I still can't find random things when I use the internet.) I loved these vacations and hope I can take my family on some good ones as they grow up!
Hum...what else...My Mom was a big support of my athletics. I can remember a time when she played softball with me in the street when we lived on Dartmouth. It was fun to have a Mom that wasn't afraid to have fun and get dirty with you! She also got me hooked on family bike rides. She would hook up a trailer and pull my two brothers and I would ride behind them.
As I got older my Mom supported my decision to go to BYU. It was weird when we packed up my stuff and drove across the country and then she and my brother left me at the campus. When they got back to Michigan they packed up my Nanny's house (where we had been living) and ended up living in Nanny's "summer" trailer through a tough winter. They later joined my Nanny down in Arizona. When I came home for Christmas and other times, she always tried to make me feel comfortable. She would give up her bedroom, so that I could have my "own" room as opposed to the couch in the living room. I always felt bad, but she would not have it any other way!
I think I made my Mom proud when I left on my mission to England. I remember being at the airport and Burns started to get teary eyed. That made me a little emotional, but before any tears were shed my Mom said something to the effect of "Don't start." That might sound harsh, but knowing our family it just fits with the eternal perspective we have. 18 months apart is nothing compared to the time we have until we see my Dad and brothers again. I am so glad we know we will see them again. My Mom has been amazing at helping our family understand that!
The final things that have made my Mom proud are my marriage to Tyler and having her grandchildren. She thinks I got a pretty good deal with Tyler and I couldn't agree more! Then to add Matyas and Amaya to the mix, has made her SUPER happy! She and Matyas are the best of friends. They love to play trains together and procrastinate bedtime for hours when we visit. My Mom is so amazing with little ones and it really shows in her relationship with my children!
There is so much more I could say, but I will leave it at this for now!
Love you Mom!
I don't have a super good memory from my young days, but I do remember snuggling with my Mom when I was pretty young. I remember laying in her lap on the couch and showing her a cross stitch I made. She taught me how to do things like cross stitch, knit and sew. I don't think I was a very good student, but she was patient.
My Mom would always read to me. When I would wait for the bus or just before bed, she would always be reading to me. I think that is where I gained a thirst for books. My Dad use to tease us about the books we read (Ramona series, Babysitters Club and more), but we knew he was listening when he drove on trips or when we was home to hear it because he would use certain parts of the books to tease me and my friends.
Probably my most poignant memories of my Mom as I was growing up came from the trials we experienced. I remember driving to church with her after my brother died. She pulled over about three blocks away from our house and was pretty emotional. She expressed something along the lines of not being able to go to church. Then she seemed to take a deep breath and she pulled back on the road. She explained that church is where we needed to be and she had to go. What a great example!
I also remember going on a lot of family vacations growing up. We drove every where. There were many trips to Disney World, one to a house boat in Georgia, other to Apple Valley, Ohio, French Lick, Indiana, Mackinaw Island, Nauvoo, Palmayra and a bunch to Chicago so she could attend the temple. She was amazing at driving those many, many miles by herself. She was also the queen of finding random places along the route to stop. I don't know how she found them pre-internet. (I still can't find random things when I use the internet.) I loved these vacations and hope I can take my family on some good ones as they grow up!Hum...what else...My Mom was a big support of my athletics. I can remember a time when she played softball with me in the street when we lived on Dartmouth. It was fun to have a Mom that wasn't afraid to have fun and get dirty with you! She also got me hooked on family bike rides. She would hook up a trailer and pull my two brothers and I would ride behind them.
As I got older my Mom supported my decision to go to BYU. It was weird when we packed up my stuff and drove across the country and then she and my brother left me at the campus. When they got back to Michigan they packed up my Nanny's house (where we had been living) and ended up living in Nanny's "summer" trailer through a tough winter. They later joined my Nanny down in Arizona. When I came home for Christmas and other times, she always tried to make me feel comfortable. She would give up her bedroom, so that I could have my "own" room as opposed to the couch in the living room. I always felt bad, but she would not have it any other way!
I think I made my Mom proud when I left on my mission to England. I remember being at the airport and Burns started to get teary eyed. That made me a little emotional, but before any tears were shed my Mom said something to the effect of "Don't start." That might sound harsh, but knowing our family it just fits with the eternal perspective we have. 18 months apart is nothing compared to the time we have until we see my Dad and brothers again. I am so glad we know we will see them again. My Mom has been amazing at helping our family understand that!The final things that have made my Mom proud are my marriage to Tyler and having her grandchildren. She thinks I got a pretty good deal with Tyler and I couldn't agree more! Then to add Matyas and Amaya to the mix, has made her SUPER happy! She and Matyas are the best of friends. They love to play trains together and procrastinate bedtime for hours when we visit. My Mom is so amazing with little ones and it really shows in her relationship with my children!
There is so much more I could say, but I will leave it at this for now!
Love you Mom!
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