I'm weird. I freely admit that. Sometimes, I'm weirder than others. But I am most definitely weird! Sometimes that weirdness rubs off onto my kids and most of the time they don't realize they are being weird, but one day they will all too aware of their weirdness.
I quote movies and TV shows. Noodle does this a lot too, Lewlew does it some and Buddy just says "what does this remind you of?" and then tells me what movie he was thinking about.
"Friends" is highly quotable. As far as movies, "Steel Magnolia's" "The Help" "The Blind Side" "Fried Green Tomatoes" and almost any Disney movie. I realize two of these chick flicks are old. But it's awesome when someone knows what movie you're quoting.
For a couple of years, when I drop the kids off at school, I'd say my little mantra. "Have a good day, be safe, make wise choices, learn something!" The 'Learn Something' comes from the Blind Side and that was the one part that I liked to yell. It embarrassed Noodle. ;)
This year my favorite is, "Have a good day, be safe, make wise choices, Cross your ankles! I love ya!" The last 2 come from the movie "The Help". In the clip, Skeeter is going on her first date in a long time. They live in Mississippi so it's hot and humid and Skeeter's hair stays to it's natural curliness. Her mom ordered a machine to help straighten Skeeter's hair. They are both pretty surprised with the turn out. However, doing Skeeter's hair took longer than expected so she was running late. As she's running to get in the truck, her mom is yelling out dating tips. The part that I quote is at about second 50 to 1.00. Take a look.... (I think you'll have to click on the Youtube link to view it.)
The clip goes on to show that date - something Noodle quotes quite often and even to kids at school. ("Were you dropped on your head as an infant or are you always this way?" she substitutes "stupid.")
Anywho....nearly every morning I say my little mantra and the girls always join in at the cross your ankles part.
When we are in a store and Noodle knows I'm close she won't call out "Mom?" because she says there are too many mom's. So her new name for me is Sandrine. And believe it or not, it works. I hear "Sandrine???" and I know that's Noodle. :) That came from the "Friends" episode where Rachel and Ross are choosing names for their baby.
We are weird but I don't mind because we laugh, a lot, and if it takes being weird to have as much laughter as we have, then I'll take it!!
***Warning*** I'm feeling unrationaly over-emotional and sensitive right now. That may or may not affect a post on a subject that is near and dear to me. You have been warned.
If you're not familiar with the Fast and Furious franchise, shame on you. I'm kidding. If you're familiar with it the clip below shows Dom toasting to family. The camera pans to show everyone he's talking to, only one of them is he biologically related to, the others are the family he chooses, aka, his friends. It's one of my favorite scenes in all of these movies.
"Money will come and go, we know that. But the most important thing in life will always be the people in this room right here, right now. Salute mi familia."
I love this for so many reasons. First, I love F & F movies. I really do. I'm anxious to see the new one, but yet sad because Paul Walker won't be in it - but it's F&F, so I'll see it!
I love this clip because they are so close and have been for years. Yes, it's a movie - of course it looks good. But that's why I watch movies, to be entertained - not for true to life. Actually, Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Tyrone Gibson are (were) really good friends in real life. And I love that. I love that they have/had such an incredible bond. When Vin and Paul made the first movie, they started out by not getting along so well. But as time went on, they became super close. Yes, they had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, they were still tight. Still "brothers" - so much so that Vin named is last child after Paul and has commented several times that his twin brother looks more like Paul than him. They were brothers in the truest sense - something not everyone can understand.
For a lot of years I was raised as an only child by a single mom. I have one brother, who chose to live with our father when I was 10. So for 10+ years it was just me and my mom. I had a great group of friends my freshman year of high school who hung out at my house more than their own. My mom didn't mind. If everyone was at our house, at least she knew where I was and my friends parents knew where their kids were. It worked out great! Too bad our tight knit group didn't last. Shocker, right! My point is that I relied on my friends to be my siblings. I relied on my friends to be that confident that other families shared with their siblings.
I've had a lot of friends through the years. Some I have absolutely no idea where they are or what happened to them. Some I'm still in acquaintance with (thank you Facebook!) I am not close with any of my high school friends and I envy those who say they have been friends since high school or before. And I REALLY envy those who are close to their siblings. My brother and I tolerate each other - we are adults after all, but we are not close.
When I married I'd hoped I'd gained 3 sisters, but that is not the case. We are not friends. We don't chat and giggle often. We don't share experiences. We have common ground, but that's about it. They are not bad people. We just don't have much in common. Our thought processes are different. Don't get me wrong. Family get togethers aren't awkward or uncomfortable and we are all nice to each other and I even have some great conversations with them. But after we go our separate ways we likely won't speak until we see each other again.
Years ago (2005 to be exact) I met who would eventually become my sister by choice. Val and I met at a Relief Society activity. (For those who don't belong to my church, Relief Society is a group in our church for women over the age of 18. The name dates back to the 1800's when the organization was first formed. It was to give relief to those in need. The needs for this women's group have changed through the years, but the name stuck. If you'd like more of an explanation, let me know. :) At this activity there was a lady showing us some "simple" yoga moves. I don't know about you, but I don't think I'm cut out for yoga. It just didn't work for me and Val thought it was hilarious - thus starting our friendship.
From there we started walking in the mornings and during that time we talked - a lot! And here we are, years later, still friends. I don't think I've been this good of friends with anybody for this length of time. Val is one of the best people I know and I continue to be grateful for her. She is a fine example of forgiveness and goodness, Christlike and humble, sweet and caring, thoughtful and kind. My life has been deeply blessed and overly enriched because of our friendship.
A few years ago, I met another friend. She describes us as kindred spirits and I couldn't agree more. Though Pam lives hundreds of miles away, I still consider her one of my best friends but I'm not gonna lie, I wish we were closer. When I talk with her it's as if there hasn't been weeks since we've talked and we talk and talk and talk - usually 2 hours or more! Sadly, we just don't talk that often. Over the past year, I feel us drifting and that makes me incredibly sad - so sad, it brings tears to my eyes to even consider it, much less type it! There is so much in life that ebbs and flows - even in friendship. And she and I are both mom's and are both busy with our won lives. I just wish I felt like I was a little higher up on her ladder of priorities. Because Pam is such an amazing person, so very Christlike, so considerate of others, so caring, so tender, so sensitive, so loving I KNOW she does not intentionally make me feel this way. I know that I am making this bigger than it is. I get that we rarely see each other. I get that she has a life at home, church, family. I get that I don't always get how much she has going on. I do. It's the same way with me. But because of all of this, I try to text every few days - but I feel like I'm bugging her. I feel like she answers with a "have to" reply. And that right there scares me to tears. I never want to be annoying. I want to be friends forever :)
I have a history of being "too much." I'm a giver - I give things and I'm happy to do it. I like to do things for others. I like making things for them. I'd rather watch people open gifts than open them myself. Because of this, I tend to give too much, do too much, be too much. I know that can be overwhelming to my friends. And I'm trying to be better, I really am. I don't do it because I want the same in return. I do it because that's who I am. It thrills me to no end when someone is thoughtful enough to send me a pressed penny (a total of $.51 before shipping) just because they know I collect them. I jump for joy inside when someone wears a bracelet or earrings (or whatever) I gave them and sends me a pic to let me know. That lets me know they like it and they thought enough of about me to let me know. I like the tiny things that let me know they like me. That this friendship isn't just coming from me. That they want it too.
Isn't that what we all want? Reaffirmation? Assurance? Security?
I am fortunate. I have great, amazing, special, kind loving friends. I have wonderful, kind acquaintances. There are those who don't have that. There are those who don't know what it's like to cry on a friends shoulder. There are those who don't know what it's like to call on a friend when you need. There are those who don't know what it's like to be the shoulder to cry on, the call when in need. I have. Friends are the family you choose and I'm glad I choose great ones!!!
It seems I've been hearing and reading a lot on homeschooling lately. I have a friend who home schools her 3 kids for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that her husband's slow time at work in winter. They felt they couldn't go on a vacation during school and it was hard for him to go during the summer. Plus she is super smart and organized. When she started, she ordered all kinds of books and materials to help her pull this off. She even had a wall in her dining room turned into a black board. Her oldest would be in the 4th grade if she were in public school. I'm sure she's smart enough to be in at least 5th grade now. They live in a city with neighbors very close and her kids are in sports so they get lots of interaction. But I know another lady (years ago) who lived way out of town on a farm. She had 8 kids or something and the only time they saw other people was on Sunday at church. For "fun" the kids would tend to the livestock. And some of her kids turned out just weird. Socially challenged.
Here's what I think: I would absolutely LOVE to home school my kids for the following reasons:
*I could give them one on one time with the subjects that are challenging them
*I could incorporate other "things" that public school doesn't have - like prayer, for example
*I could be in charge of our own field trips
*I could be in charge of exactly what they are learning.
*My son's allergies and learning techniques (or lack thereof)
Here's why I could never do it:
*I am not smart enough
*My organizational skills are in the pooper
*I struggle sometimes even parenting my kids - I'm not sure I could teacher them as well
*My son's learning techniques (or lack thereof)
*My son NEEDS the social aspect that school offers.
*I'm not sure I have enough discipline. I sometimes struggle enforcing punishment - much less assignments
*I am not smart enough
*Space
*Besides it's kinda too late now with my son being in 5th grade this year. In order to prepare for college and learning in a class room setting I think kids should go to at least public high school. Plus there is no way no how I could teach anyone something like chemistry.
Buddy and Noodle started school on Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011, and they were nervous. This year they are attending a new school so they didn't know anyone. But they were ready! The day didn't turn out quite as I expected. The week didn't turn out as I expected. Actually so far, this school year hasn't turned out as I expected. But then, that's life.
Buddy is 10 and is in 5th grade. When he got home from school, we both had a talk. He didn't want to change. Change school, change summer routine, change anything. It was a very hard day for him. Tears came to my already wet eyes and when he finally could take no more, he broke down and said, "I've been wanting to do this all day." Then I cried harder. Then he asked why I was crying. I couldn't answer. Because my son is hurting and my heart is breaking. Because there is nothing I can do to make this easier. Because if I could I would take his place. Because I love him so incredibly much. Instead I just shrugged my shoulders. When we were done, I talked to him some more and told him how important change was and how it would get better and before he knew it, he would love the new school. Then I prayed with all my might that what I said was true.
Noodle is 8 and is in 3rd grade. Mister went with me to take the kids on their first day at a new school. So he chose to take Buddy to his designated line-up and I took Noodle. We were just a couple minutes early so I just stood back and let her stand in line by herself. Every so often she'd look back at me and wave or give me a thumbs up or the "I love you" sign. At one time when she looked at me, I saw her as 6 months old, sitting in her saucer, smiling her toothless smile. It was like those movies where the parents have a flashback as their kid is getting married or graduating or something. It totally happened to me. I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed. I was so glad I have sunglasses on. I would never want her to see me crying or it would make it tons harder on her. But for just one brief moment, I was transported back in time. How could 8 years have gone by so quickly?
This is Lewlew on Buddy and Noodle's first day. She doesn't start for 1 more week. Notice her outfit. The strips are actually "spirit sleeves" that she insisted on wearing. Not sure why she's wearing boots - it felt like it was 105. She promptly took them off when we got home.
This is Lewlew on her first day of Kindergarten; she's 5. She didn't get to go on the first day of kindergarten because she was sick, so her first day was really the second day of kindergarten. She's super excited! I on the other hand was not quite so excited. My baby is in kindergarten and she's not supposed to be my baby! It's like the end of an era. Only 2 or 3 tears were shed, but the feeling lasted a whole lot longer. (Maybe forever - I'll have to get back to you on that one!) Just yesterday she was small enough for me to carry. And last week she was still a baby. How can she possibly be 5 and going to kindergarten? Give me just a moment...WAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
A few weeks ago, we went to the Living Planet Aquarium. The kids had a blast!
First stop: Stingrays! Buddy and Noodle each pet them several times. We got there right before their afternoon snack so they were really active. (The stingray's snack, not the kids' :) Many times, the rays would come up on the side of the pool looking for food and getting pet instead. It was great. We played in the water for at least 1/2 hour.
Lewlew was content to just watch. She was having NO part in the petting.
Then we went to see my grandma. She's great! Her husband died a few months ago and but she seems to be doing well - staying busy - that's nothing new!
A couple of days later, we met Bestie in the Riverwoods for lunch. They had water shooters and the kids had a great time playing in the water.
Our last adventure before school starts. This was on a Friday and school started the following Tuesday! More on that later.
Last weekend we went camping. We love to go camping! We left early Thursday morning while Mister was working. When we got there, the kids jumped right in and helped me set up camp. Not being sarcastic - they really were a big help. I could not have set up the tent without them! We had fun but I can't even say what we did. We just did and the time went too fast! Bestie and Taylor came up Thursday afternoon. Then later, Mac, and Nana came up for dinner. Usually Bestie stays with us, but she hurt her back and didn't feel like she could sleep anywhere but her bed. She should have just brought it with her! So Thursday night, it was just me and the kids. A little nerve racking but not too bad.
On Friday, Bestie and Mister Bestie came up afternoon and played games with us. Early evening, Mister, Mac and Kimball came up for dinner. Then everyone left except for Mister. On Saturday, we got up, had breakfast took down camp and came home before it started raining.
We had performances on this rock by Lewlew,
S'mores - Bestie's recipe,
we played in the fire, A LOT,
And had a really great time! Can't wait to go again! We took Maggie, but I don't know where she was for this picture. Probably Hooverizing the camp - making sure she inhaled every single morsel available!
I love that they are holding hands. A couple of years ago, "Yacky" was Lewlew best friend. We went to the cabin and she played and played with "Yacky." It was great. I love to see the older cousins inner acting with my kids. I hope they'll always be great friends.
This is Maddie age 11, Kylie age 17, Katie age 12, Noodle age 8 and Lewlew in front age 5.
Kylie was about 6 or 7 when I married Mister. I can still remember how cute she was in her dress at our reception. Katie was just a few months old when I married Mister. Maddie was born just 5 1/2 months before Buddy. I saw her come into the world and knew I'd never be able to do that. Thank goodness for C-sections!
Please stop growing up. You're all getting too big! Wahhhhhhhh!
This is Buddy. He's 10. This is Zach. He's 15. I can't believe Zach is the same age as Lewlew is now when Buddy was born. Stop growing up, will you!!!!
Mister's sister took some great pictures of the kids for my MIL's birthday. We were on location about 90 minutes and she took 500 pictures. Yep, seriously, 500. And they were all great, but here are the ones we chose to use for our kids yearly pictures.
The cousins weren't coordinating and I really did try to not color coordinate my kids, but it goes against my grain. So here's how it turned out!
I absolutely love this one. She's such a poser and her eyes! Never change, Lewlew.
My beautiful Noodle. She's quite the poser too. And she also has great eyes with eye lashes that go on forever! Never grow up!
Then there's this clown! Love him!
You handsome fellow - never grow up!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
My mom took the day off last Friday, so we took the kids to the Discovery Park. We love that park. It's different from the standard parks. There's a lot more to do and see and play.
For those of you who know Buddy, this was amazing. This was the first time I've seen him do the monkey bar things and I was astonished! This just isn't him. I don't know when he learned, but he went across several times. He made me proud!
Of course Noodle wasn't to be out done. But I've seen her do this for a while now. She's a daredevil and will try almost anything. She's very determined. When she set her mind to cross the monkey bars - she did. She makes me proud!
This is how Lewlew did the monkey bars. I was surprised to see her swing out beyond the step. But she did. She's in between Buddy and Noodle when it comes to bravery and daredevil things. She made me proud!
Then all three of them tackled this mini merry go round. They had a lot of fun on this one!
They are standing/sitting on this disk thing, and then they spin it with the top disk thing. They got it going pretty fast at one point. They really had fun. Glad no one fell off! They made me proud.
So much pride is not good. What to do, what to do??? They make me happy!
Summerfest was last weekend so Mister and I decided to brave the crowds and heat to take the kids. What am I saying. We've gone almost every year and have loved it!
First stop - Ferris Wheel. Buddy and Lewlew rode with me....
Noodle rode with Mister. We all love the Ferris Wheel. But it also has the longest line. So now that we have that out of the way on to bigger and better rides!
Ahhhh, the Tilt-A-Whirl! I love that all of us fit in 1 car. Probably not next year, but it's fun to be in 1 car.
The Tilt-A-Whirl was a little much for Buddy, so he and I sat out the Sizzler. Poor Lewlew got a little smashed by Noodle, but had fun, nonetheless!
And of course there's the booths and the food and drinks that outrageously priced. But who like Fair food anyway? The warm perfectly fried funnel cakes, the cold and refreshing sno cones, the homemade root beer, cream soda, cherry soda, orange soda, the one of a kind Navajo Taco's. Ya, no one likes those, right???
All in all we all had a great time but glad it's over for another year.
I grew up in a small community. Our entire county did not have a stop light. 5 towns consolidated to make a middle school and high school. So suffice it to say, the extra curricular classes were limited. But I've never been a huge "go to school" person. Because I kept my grades up, my mom gave me 1 "free day" every 9 weeks, meaning she would excuse me from school and I could do whatever I wanted. I usually saved these for the last month of school. We never, ever, NEVER, EVER, went to school after Memorial Day. Never. Ever. Really. Back when I was in school, we had Labor Day off if we started before Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break and Spring Break. We may have had MLK and President's Day off, but I'm not 100% sure. But never did we go to school after Memorial Day - I've already stated that. Well fast foreword a few years. My kids are in school in a different state. They always start before Labor Day, have some break in October, Thanksgiving and Christmas Break, MLK, President's Day, something in March, Spring Break and then sometimes Memorial Day - meaning they are supposed to go back to school after Memorial Day. WHAT?!?!? Are you kidding me?? For some reason this year it's bugging me more than ever. I just cannot wrap my head around sending my kids back to school after Memorial Day. It's so wrong to me! I'm not a fan of the last week of school anyway - I know no matter when the last day of school is, there will always be a "last week of school" but really. It's such a waste of time! All it is is busy work and I really hate busy work. (It seems that's all Noodle has had the past couple months - busy work and I have a real problem with that. Her teacher isn't challenging her and she's getting bored. Not a good thing!) Here's the schedule for the last week of school: Monday - Off, Memorial Day, Tuesday - Thursday regular hours. Friday 8:00 to 9:15 or some ridiculous thing. So here's my question. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being really really bad) how bad would it be if I kept my kids home on possibly Wednesday, but for sure Thursday and Friday of the last week of school because we are going camping? Give me your honest answer. Thank you for your time!
This is how our Spring Break has gone so far: "Mom....", cooking, cleaning, "Mom....."cooking cleaning, "Mom....", cooking cleaning.... Not necessarily in that order. Little stinks, why do they have to eat?
Our ward had a neighborhood luau. I went to the dollar store and found all kinds of luau stuff. We had fun dressing up...
The lai bugged Buddy's neck, so he wore it like this.
Lewlew had been playing in the water, so she just kept her swim suit on and wore a grass skirt with it. It worked. Noodle's top had a hibiscus on it and then we added lai and a flowered headband.
Over the 4th of July weekend, we went to our family cabin. All of Bret's sister's were there - it was great!! Most of the weekend we just hung out, ate, watched movies, worked on a puzzle, read, but on Friday (7/3) we went to the North Provo River Falls. It was SO pretty. The falls were incredible. The kids had a blast playing in the freezing cold water and throwing rocks.
This is just one part of the falls.
This is Hubs's parents. Mary celebrated her 60th birthday on the 4th of July and Eric celebrated his 62nd on the 5th of July. Click on my "brag blog" to see the quilt I made for Mary's birthday. (I don't know how to do the "here" thing.)
Here is Mandi, Hubs, Taina and Gina. Taina is the oldest, then Gina, Bret and then Mandi. Don't ask me why they didn't stand in order :)
Here are the cute ones. Notice the wet spot on Buddy's shirt and Lewlew's rolled up pants!
Several years ago, a good friend of mine told me that her kids (she has 3 - a boy and then 2 girls) would play very well together as long as one of them was taken out of the equation. It didn't matter which one. But the 3 of them couldn't play all together without soon fighting. I remember advising her jokingly that she should have had just 1 more. But because she was Mrs. Fertile Mertal, she had her tubes tied. (And plus she was very content with 3 kids.) Now, I haven't talked to her lately about it and her kids are getting older so maybe they are getting along better. But here I am, some time later and I am in the same predicament. (Too bad I can't take my own advise.) Does/did this ever happen to any of you who have 3 kids or came from a family of 3 kids? Any solutions, suggestions? It's so frustrating to have your kids arguing or bickering. How can I effectively keep peace in my home??
We had performances on this rock by Lewlew,
S'mores - Bestie's recipe,
we played in the fire, A LOT,
And had a really great time! Can't wait to go again! We took Maggie, but I don't know where she was for this picture. Probably Hooverizing the camp - making sure she inhaled every single morsel available!
The cousins weren't coordinating and I really did try to not color coordinate my kids, but it goes against my grain. So here's how it turned out! 
Of course Noodle wasn't to be out done. But I've seen her do this for a while now. She's a daredevil and will try almost anything. She's very determined. When she set her mind to cross the monkey bars - she did. She makes me proud!
This is how Lewlew did the monkey bars. I was surprised to see her swing out beyond the step. But she did. She's in between Buddy and Noodle when it comes to bravery and daredevil things. She made me proud!
Then all three of them tackled this mini merry go round. They had a lot of fun on this one!
This is Hubs's parents. Mary celebrated her 60th birthday on the 4th of July and Eric celebrated his 62nd on the 5th of July. Click on my "brag blog" to see the quilt I made for Mary's birthday. (I don't know how to do the "here" thing.)
