Dearest Corbin, you have rotten luck catching this tummy bug today, bug you won the jackpot when you scored Daddy.
I married a very good man.
Goodbye Butterflies
12 years ago
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The 3am badge of Parenthood
Aaron can handle vomit like a boss. Kid puke ain't got nuthin' on that guy. He cleaned up the bedding while I cleaned up the kid, and then he took him back to bed and was asked to "pwease sweep in my bed wiff me and howd da frow up bowl for me when I gets sick?" Aaron didn't even hesitate to say, "sure buddy, I'll sleep with you, come on let's go."
Saturday, August 17, 2013
End
Summer is coming to an end and I am in total denial. This week has been nothing short of perfect. Weather in the 60s and 70s, no humidity, just breezy perfection. Unheard of for this time of year in Arkie. We are soaking up every second. This week we hit up some parks and the library,
And played in a neighborhood wiffle ball game at the Fausts (seriously guys, best neighbors!!!)
We went to the county fair and blew our life savings on fried everythings and fresh squeezed lemonade,
loved the animals,
We toped the experience off with camel rides.
We went to back to school night and met teachers, then the girls and I had a date night to the mall.
Yesterday, we hit up Chuck e cheese. Thanks to coupons, the children played for an hour and a half and I didn't spend a cent.
In the evening, we took our little family over to our friend's house last night and enjoyed playing in their backyard a bit. i was super tired and grouchy and almost didn't wanna go (bedtime was much more enticing), but I'm glad we did because the kids had fun and we made some sweet memories.
Dear Summertime,
Lets be friends forever. Don't ever change. Today, you're perfect just the way you are.
XOXO,
Us
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
A Little Princess
Reese was invited to a princess party for the 8 year old girls at church, hosted by one of the young women.
As I helped her get ready, she and I both became very aware of how rarely she plays dress up or princesses anymore. If was a little sad to see that my Dolly has outgrown what was once a favorite pastime/obsession of hers. She still had a wonderful time at the party, obviously. But I can't believe how much my tiny princess, who once spent 2 weeks straight in a Snow White dress, has grown up!
The party was awesome, and the theme was how all the girls are princesses because they are daughters of our king. I'm thankful to sweet rylee for hosting such a fun party for the little princesses in our ward to remind them all of their individual worth.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Adventures in Unpacking
I canceled our storage unit to save us $60/month. I figure if we can't fit our stuff in this freaking huge house, then it must be stuff we don't need. The storage unit place was totally awesome and said that if I got everything out by the weekend, I wouldn't have to pay for August. Sweet!
But that meant I spent a day hauling everything out of our storage unit and into our garage, because our attic doesn't have boards down yet to store boxes up there. My neighbor brought her truck and helped me and unloading went soooo much faster! Yay for new friends to the rescue!
I decided this morning that if I'm going to haul all this stuff up to the attic, I should probably go through it and see what's really worth keeping. I tackled the bins of children's clothes today and at the end, this conversation happened.
Aaron: What is all this? What are you doing?
Me: I just sorted and purged the children's clothing from the storage unit and condensed 13 storage bins down to 4 1/2.
Aaron: Nice, that will make space in our garage that you've filled up with stuff.
Me: Hey! For every box of our CHILDREN'S clothing, YOU have a box of paper garbage, Mister Paper Hoarder.
Aaron: 13? No way, I'm not a hoarder and I don't believe that
...Did you count the boxes in my car already?
Friday, August 9, 2013
More Change
With our new ward came a new calling. I've been asked to serve as Primary President in the Sugar Creek Ward. It's exciting. Sunday was a little crazy with so many children at church and no counselors for the presidency, teachers, music leaders, or anyone really, but I have to hand it to the awesome people who stepped in to volunteer. For many reasons, we did not split the children into sunday school classes this week, but remained combined in the primary room for the 2nd and 3rd hour of church. I had a sharing time lesson planned, and grabbed a couple volunteers last minute to play lead the music. They did an amazing job. At one point, I counted 74 children in the primary room. That's a lot of small bodies to teach and entertain, but it happened and went better than I could've imagined it would. At one point, the room was silent and everyone was paying attention. It was only a short moment, but that little blip gave me the confidence to know I can do this calling well and that it can be great for everyone. I could feel at that moment that I was being blessed with spiritual gifts that made me able to captivate an audience of 74 children.
The most difficult part was not knowing the names of so many of the kids. I've working really hard this week to review the roster over and over again so that I will be able to know names and faces better on Sunday. I spent about 4 hours tonight creating individual class lists and typing everyone into a word doc that lists sorts them by age, and then finding their family contact in the online LDS tools directory and typing in the children's parent's names, phone numbers, birthdays, and addresses onto the word doc, so that each teacher can have a class list that has more information than just names on it. When I taught primary, I always found it helpful to have the parents names written down for me. My friend suggested adding birth dates and home addresses and phone numbers so that as a presidency we can suggest that the teachers call or mail the children cards on their birthdays and develop better relationships with the children. It was tedious work and I am only 90% done, but the end result will be something that helps primary run smoothly. And smooth is what the children will need to be able to feel the Spirit with all of the changes happening around them.
I've already had a few phone calls about the budget, snacks, cub scouts, and activities, and questions that I don't have any answers to. I do not have the best administrative/leadership skills, but I do love children. I think that love for the children, love for Jesus Christ, and love for sharing his Gospel are more qualifications than anyone really needs to have a successful primary program. I was originally given an estimate of 85 children, but when I got the updated roster for the new ward last night, I recounted and there are 113, with 3 more who will be in primary by the end of the year. 116 children! That's a lot of love. And love is going to be what carries me.
I am so blessed...and nervous.
An extra shout out to friends who helped build up confidence in my ability to do this, and to my Aaron. He has been going to the church by 7am for ward council and to print the programs and set up chairs for a very long time...years, possibly. Now that he is no longer assistant executive secretary and we meet for church 3 hours later than we used to, he is pretty exited to spend his Sunday mornings at home with his family. I have to say...I'm pretty excited for him, too. Getting 4 kids ready and out the door to be on time for 9am church was not an easy task for me and there were several sundays that Corbin was barefoot, or the girls had messy hair, mismatched outfits, etc. I rocked a lot of last minute ponytails last year and skipped on makeup (the one day I actually wear make up is sunday) when I decided it was more important to be on time to take the sacrament than to arrive late looking pretty. When I let things go, we made it there on time.
Aaron was eager to take his turn with the children on Sunday mornings. He got up early with the children and made them waffles, and I'm certain he would've sent the children into my room with breakfast in bed for me, had it not been fast sunday, because he is just that thoughtful. I left for ward council at 9am and he got everyone dressed. He held and soothed an overtired baby Soren all afternoon, and helped in primary for the 2nd and 3rd hours of church and then brought the children home and entertained them and helped me get dinner together quickly. I was at church from 9am-4:30pm last week and I did not worry about my children even once. I knew Aaron had everything under control, and he did. He is an amazing father. He is the best partner for me and supports everything I do. I've always known the spouses and families of bishopric members sacrifice a lot for their ward family, but I've never thought to thank the spouse of the primary or relief society president. Aaron has done more behind-the-scenes service in the last week than he will ever be credited for, so I'll thank him here and say right now that I could never do this calling without his support. By Sunday night, both of us were so exhausted we could barely crawl to bed to crash.
Back to primary, it's going to be great. I have submitted names for some great counselors and dedicated teachers who will bring great strengths to serve the children and I know that everyone will grow in faith and testimony from this opportunity.
And that's why I am still absent from this blog! I haven't forgotten, and refuse to quit. But I need a few more weeks to get our lives organized and enjoy the extra time with my children before they start school.
The most difficult part was not knowing the names of so many of the kids. I've working really hard this week to review the roster over and over again so that I will be able to know names and faces better on Sunday. I spent about 4 hours tonight creating individual class lists and typing everyone into a word doc that lists sorts them by age, and then finding their family contact in the online LDS tools directory and typing in the children's parent's names, phone numbers, birthdays, and addresses onto the word doc, so that each teacher can have a class list that has more information than just names on it. When I taught primary, I always found it helpful to have the parents names written down for me. My friend suggested adding birth dates and home addresses and phone numbers so that as a presidency we can suggest that the teachers call or mail the children cards on their birthdays and develop better relationships with the children. It was tedious work and I am only 90% done, but the end result will be something that helps primary run smoothly. And smooth is what the children will need to be able to feel the Spirit with all of the changes happening around them.
I've already had a few phone calls about the budget, snacks, cub scouts, and activities, and questions that I don't have any answers to. I do not have the best administrative/leadership skills, but I do love children. I think that love for the children, love for Jesus Christ, and love for sharing his Gospel are more qualifications than anyone really needs to have a successful primary program. I was originally given an estimate of 85 children, but when I got the updated roster for the new ward last night, I recounted and there are 113, with 3 more who will be in primary by the end of the year. 116 children! That's a lot of love. And love is going to be what carries me.
I am so blessed...and nervous.
An extra shout out to friends who helped build up confidence in my ability to do this, and to my Aaron. He has been going to the church by 7am for ward council and to print the programs and set up chairs for a very long time...years, possibly. Now that he is no longer assistant executive secretary and we meet for church 3 hours later than we used to, he is pretty exited to spend his Sunday mornings at home with his family. I have to say...I'm pretty excited for him, too. Getting 4 kids ready and out the door to be on time for 9am church was not an easy task for me and there were several sundays that Corbin was barefoot, or the girls had messy hair, mismatched outfits, etc. I rocked a lot of last minute ponytails last year and skipped on makeup (the one day I actually wear make up is sunday) when I decided it was more important to be on time to take the sacrament than to arrive late looking pretty. When I let things go, we made it there on time.
Aaron was eager to take his turn with the children on Sunday mornings. He got up early with the children and made them waffles, and I'm certain he would've sent the children into my room with breakfast in bed for me, had it not been fast sunday, because he is just that thoughtful. I left for ward council at 9am and he got everyone dressed. He held and soothed an overtired baby Soren all afternoon, and helped in primary for the 2nd and 3rd hours of church and then brought the children home and entertained them and helped me get dinner together quickly. I was at church from 9am-4:30pm last week and I did not worry about my children even once. I knew Aaron had everything under control, and he did. He is an amazing father. He is the best partner for me and supports everything I do. I've always known the spouses and families of bishopric members sacrifice a lot for their ward family, but I've never thought to thank the spouse of the primary or relief society president. Aaron has done more behind-the-scenes service in the last week than he will ever be credited for, so I'll thank him here and say right now that I could never do this calling without his support. By Sunday night, both of us were so exhausted we could barely crawl to bed to crash.
Back to primary, it's going to be great. I have submitted names for some great counselors and dedicated teachers who will bring great strengths to serve the children and I know that everyone will grow in faith and testimony from this opportunity.
And that's why I am still absent from this blog! I haven't forgotten, and refuse to quit. But I need a few more weeks to get our lives organized and enjoy the extra time with my children before they start school.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
The Young Learners are back!
I opened registration for my little preschool class yesterday, and today I only have ONE spot left! I'm thrilled that parents and children are happy with my program and continue to come back each year, tell their friends, and basically do all of my advertising for me. This year us going to be great! I can't wait to teach again. Aaron said he could tell I missed teaching last year because I kept buying supplies for my "someday" classroom.
Fortunately for me, our new home came with my "someday classroom" built in! I couldn't be happier. I'm having fun imagining all the memories these children are going to make while growing and exploring in this magical little space.
My sister and I have always dreamed about opening our own school together that is totally value and discovery based. I can't believe I finally have my very own "imagination station" right inside my home.
Know someone who would be a great fit for the last available spot in my class? Send me their email address. Preschool is every Wednesday from 9-11:30 starting in September. Tuition is $55/month and registration is $25.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
How to roll like Meg Willardson
Ok, I know. I'm crazy late in posting anything. We just got internet on monday and I have a feeling I'll be playing catch up for a long time.
1) Our ward split on sunday and a new ward was created. We are now members of the newly formed Sugar Creek Ward. We will miss attending church with some of our very best friends in the Bella Vista Ward, but we're enthusiastic about serving in our new ward, meeting new friends, and the rapid growth of members in NWA. Someday we will have a temple here!
2) Our move. Have I written about how wonderful our friends are? We live in a good place with really good people. I see service everywhere I look. Our move was smooth and wonderful and we are still overwhelmed by the love and support we've felt from our friends.
3) I have the best neighbors and neighborhood in the world. NO. CONTEST.
Seriously, guys. I won the prize, hit the jackpot, struck gold, whatever you wanna call it.
They are the best.
4) The chickens survived the move. Barely.
5) Corbin pooped in the toilet tonight for the FIRST TIME EVER. My life is forever changed and this is officially the best day ever.
6) My house has been a zoo since we moved here. Really. I have non-stop people in and out of here. I love it and I am exhausted but I love it so I don't care that I am exhausted.
7) Remember that 5am spin class I was rocking at the beginning of the summer? I went one time after our vacation. Then we moved. My body has ached since, I've lost 15 lbs since the day we returned from our trip, and I haven't exercised at all, save one sorry attempt at a run that I ended up walking most of. We have two flights of stairs in this house and I run up and down them a fazillion times a day. So if you're looking to boost your workout, take my advice: Stop exercising or cleaning your house. Live out of boxes, eat on microwave friendly food (on paper plates of course), and just climb a crazy amount of stairs all day long. Forget healthy diet and exercise, or showering. Showering is for losers who have time to breathe and do important things...like taking showers. Frozen Twinkies (they're back!), a load of cardboard boxes, and stairs all dang day long. That's where it's at.
8) I'm attempting to make the last few weeks of summer really count, and not be all about the move (much unlike this blog post). The house is in a place of no real sort of order, which drives me crazy, but order come later. We're hitting the library, parks, jump zone, the lake, walking trails, and friends houses as much as possible. If someone isn't here, we're there. The kids are so happy.
9) The girls are officially obsessed with American Girl Dolls.
10) Quincy came to me crying with a tick on her stomach. Not awesome. She got the tweezers, I removed it. And then we realized it was a freckle. Yep. I pulled a freckle off my kid today. Mother of the year!
1) Our ward split on sunday and a new ward was created. We are now members of the newly formed Sugar Creek Ward. We will miss attending church with some of our very best friends in the Bella Vista Ward, but we're enthusiastic about serving in our new ward, meeting new friends, and the rapid growth of members in NWA. Someday we will have a temple here!
2) Our move. Have I written about how wonderful our friends are? We live in a good place with really good people. I see service everywhere I look. Our move was smooth and wonderful and we are still overwhelmed by the love and support we've felt from our friends.
3) I have the best neighbors and neighborhood in the world. NO. CONTEST.
Seriously, guys. I won the prize, hit the jackpot, struck gold, whatever you wanna call it.
They are the best.
4) The chickens survived the move. Barely.
5) Corbin pooped in the toilet tonight for the FIRST TIME EVER. My life is forever changed and this is officially the best day ever.
6) My house has been a zoo since we moved here. Really. I have non-stop people in and out of here. I love it and I am exhausted but I love it so I don't care that I am exhausted.
7) Remember that 5am spin class I was rocking at the beginning of the summer? I went one time after our vacation. Then we moved. My body has ached since, I've lost 15 lbs since the day we returned from our trip, and I haven't exercised at all, save one sorry attempt at a run that I ended up walking most of. We have two flights of stairs in this house and I run up and down them a fazillion times a day. So if you're looking to boost your workout, take my advice: Stop exercising or cleaning your house. Live out of boxes, eat on microwave friendly food (on paper plates of course), and just climb a crazy amount of stairs all day long. Forget healthy diet and exercise, or showering. Showering is for losers who have time to breathe and do important things...like taking showers. Frozen Twinkies (they're back!), a load of cardboard boxes, and stairs all dang day long. That's where it's at.
8) I'm attempting to make the last few weeks of summer really count, and not be all about the move (much unlike this blog post). The house is in a place of no real sort of order, which drives me crazy, but order come later. We're hitting the library, parks, jump zone, the lake, walking trails, and friends houses as much as possible. If someone isn't here, we're there. The kids are so happy.
9) The girls are officially obsessed with American Girl Dolls.
10) Quincy came to me crying with a tick on her stomach. Not awesome. She got the tweezers, I removed it. And then we realized it was a freckle. Yep. I pulled a freckle off my kid today. Mother of the year!
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