Wednesday, November 5, 2008
first hint of holiday
Yes, I’ve let yet another week go by. This time, I blame it on sickness and spooks. Just a catch-up from two weekends ago:
Saturday, we ran errands and then went to Brian’s parents for the evening. We had chili for dinner and everyone – sans Brian and myself – watched the Alabama game. I don’t get into football if I’m not at the game. Brian’s just not into football. But, we had a good time with family. Nice togetherness. Good chili…
Sunday, we actually got to go to church as a family. Hooray! Brian didn’t have meetings that morning, which is a rarity. That Sunday was our ward’s Primary Sacrament Program – our nephew, Caulin’s, first. He was shooting us thumbs-ups and waving the whole time. But, he did such a good job signing and speaking. We are so proud of him! Hard to believe he is already 4-years old. Almost 5. Yikes...
After church, we had to high-tail-it to a family reunion. Here, Ammon got his first taste of his MawMaw’s yellow rice and peas. Yummy, yum, yum. After the reunion, we walked around outside for a bit before heading home. We all slept most of the afternoon. Much, much needed naps. This was the last day of documentation for our week-in-our-life album. Sad that this seemed to end so soon. This may be a more-than-once-a-year thing.
The whole week was busy and hectic. The first time in quite a while that Ammon and I had something to do every single day. And when I say “something to do”, I mean a reason to be up, showered, dressed, and have Ammon up, fed, dressed and ready for the day by 8:00am. I know people do this everyday and have more than one child. But, I am not one of those people.
Monday morning, I had to go visiting teaching. Brian’s mom was able to watch Ammon for me so that I could go. Ammon had such a good time playing with his Sissy. He was taking a nap when I got home, and I think he was a little upset that she wasn’t still here when he woke up.
That afternoon we ran some errands and went to pick out our pumpkins. This year, we bundled up and went to a pumpkin patch. Ammon loved it. I don’t know exactly what it was that he loved so much, but he had a good time. So much of a good time that he brought a little cold home with him. The first of many, I’m sure. Fun.
Tuesday, my visiting teacher came to see me. Ammon loves dear Sister Locke. He was taking a nap when she got here, and I ended up having to go and get him out of his crib. Apparently, he knew she was here and wasn’t about to miss her company.
My mom dropped in that night with the last piece of Ammon’s Halloween costume. She also brought her sewing machine so that I could get to work on Ammon’s Halloween basket. I stayed up far later than I should have – cutting out all the parts for his basket. I don’t do patterns. Heck, I don’t do sewing machines. But, I was bound and determined to make this work. Finally, I just got sick of looking at it and had to go to bed.
Wednesday, I had a meeting with some of my Relief Society counterparts. The meeting was almost 3 hours long – but, unlike other 3-hour meetings I have had in the past, this one was actually productive. Things are going so much better than they were before. Any small bit of improvement would have been a blessing – but there has been a complete, absolute, unquestionable, definite and total change made with the entire situation. We are happy, happy people now. No more thoughts of mutiny.
Ammon was good throughout the meeting – which was a surprise to me. He napped for a good, long time when we got home. This gave me the chance to finish his basket. I am beyond happy with how it turned out. It was more difficult than I thought it would be, but all is well. You can’t really tell in the photos above, but the inside of the basket liner is actually two layers of fabric – a black and white harlequin print on bottom, with a black sheer fabric on top with orange, fuzzy Halloween shapes and texts (i.e.: pumpkins, ghosts, stars, goodie bags, and “trick or treat”). I am actually going to use this same basket for Ammon at Easter time – and just make an Easter-ish liner. We’ll see how my homemade-tracing-paper-pattern holds up the second time around.
That night was our Trunk-or-Treat activity at church. We decided to make an appearance even though Ammon was still feeling a little under the weather. Ammon decided to be a ghost this year for Halloween. Brian and I usually dress up to the nines… this year we decided to opt for simple skeleton t-shirts courtesy of Old Navy. I’m so glad that we decided to go that night – so many people participated this year. We got to see most of our family there. Brian’s aunt, Bev, was a Dancing Queen à la ABBA. We got to meet our cousin, Shelby’s, boyfriend, Clay. Our nephew, Caulin, chose to dress up as an army man – our niece, Lainee, wanted to be Caillou… I don’t know how that turned out as Caillou is a boy. Anyway, Ammon had fun soaking everything up. He loaded up on lots of candy… candy that we will probably still be whittling away at next Halloween.
Thursday morning, Ammon and I ventured up to Enterprise. We started out with a visit to see my dad, then to my mom’s office. Ammon enjoyed crawling all over both places… trying to find a way into those “off limits” areas. We went to lunch with my mom and grandmother to Old Mexico. Ammon even got to sit in a big-boy-restaurant-highchair. His first time. And my, did he think he was a big boy. He also got to try his first Spanish rice and said "Hi" to our waiter.
After lunch, Ammon and I headed over to my grandmother’s house so that Ammon could eat his lunch. We also went next door to visit with the Waites, whom I have known my entire life. By mid afternoon we were on our way home, and all of a sudden, I felt sick. Within the space of 1 or 2 minutes, I couldn’t breath, had a horrendous headache and felt like I was swallowing razor blades. I have never had something get a hold of me so quickly – but this did, and it got me good. What an interesting week this was turning out to be.
That night, we decided to go and see Shelby’s last football game. Determined to actually stay and see her perform this time, we waited to show up until right at halftime. Of course, this time Ammon was perfect. We ended up staying for the last two quarters. I really enjoyed the game. Talk about my kind of football weather. None of that sweat-off-6-pounds kind of stuff for me. I’ll take the scarf-mittens-and-hot-chocolate kind of football games any day of the week.
When we got home, we carved our pumpkins. That is our tradition for Halloween Eve, if you will. I never made it around to getting a third pumpkin, so we only had two this year. Brian carved an Autobot (i.e.: the good Transformers) symbol on his pumpkin, and I did our traditional Thomas Family Jack-o’-lantern. They both turned out pretty good, I think. We, of course, watched Ghost Hunters a lot last week. This night was no different…
Speaking of the weather: You know it is cold when I suggest turning on the heat. I am a hot-natured person – I love the cold – and I relish the fall and winter months. I am the complete opposite of Brian in that regard. And it isn’t cold now, but there was one night last week that my teeth were rattling and I could not get warm. Needless to say, the heat isn’t on anymore. Brian could probably do with it, but I like it just fine the way it is.
Friday, Ammon and I spent most of the day trying to recuperate from our respective colds. We had a long night ahead of us, treat-or-treating and all. As soon as Brian got home from work, we all started getting ready to go. We loaded up and headed down to visit with Brian’s parents and grandparents. We headed straight to MawMaw and Granddaddy’s house where everyone was waiting for us. After a nice visit, we went to see Brian’s dad, Larry – and the almost-done-Chevelle.
That evening, after our visit to the Nub, we headed to Enterprise to see the rest of our family. We went to see my dad and grandparents first. We ate dinner with them – some yummy chili and homemade cookies – and had a nice visit. Ammon enjoyed crawling all over – especially maneuvering the step up to the kitchen from the den. We fed him his dinner there before going over to see my mom, grandmother and uncle. Ammon got a special Halloween treat from Great-Grandma Lois… some Cheerios! Ammon got his bath and then took to the floor. His great-grandma gave him some paper to crumple… one of his favorite past-times. We had a nice time with them, shared some dessert, and – for Brian’s sake – some Ghost Hunters.
All in all we had a very good week of Halloween fun – colds and all. As Ammon’s first birthday approaches with great momentum, I have had an even greater urge to soak up these special moments… these special firsts. Yes, it was a bit nippy outside when we went to get our pumpkins – but we did it. Yes, it was a bit hectic being “everywhere at once” Halloween night – but we did it. We want those experiences for Ammon. We want those experiences for us. We want those experiences for our family.
So we hope that you all had a very festive All Hallows’ Eve. We hope you had lots of spooks and candy and pumpkins and ghouls. We hope you enjoyed this first hint of holiday.
Saturday, we ran errands and then went to Brian’s parents for the evening. We had chili for dinner and everyone – sans Brian and myself – watched the Alabama game. I don’t get into football if I’m not at the game. Brian’s just not into football. But, we had a good time with family. Nice togetherness. Good chili…
Sunday, we actually got to go to church as a family. Hooray! Brian didn’t have meetings that morning, which is a rarity. That Sunday was our ward’s Primary Sacrament Program – our nephew, Caulin’s, first. He was shooting us thumbs-ups and waving the whole time. But, he did such a good job signing and speaking. We are so proud of him! Hard to believe he is already 4-years old. Almost 5. Yikes...
After church, we had to high-tail-it to a family reunion. Here, Ammon got his first taste of his MawMaw’s yellow rice and peas. Yummy, yum, yum. After the reunion, we walked around outside for a bit before heading home. We all slept most of the afternoon. Much, much needed naps. This was the last day of documentation for our week-in-our-life album. Sad that this seemed to end so soon. This may be a more-than-once-a-year thing.
The whole week was busy and hectic. The first time in quite a while that Ammon and I had something to do every single day. And when I say “something to do”, I mean a reason to be up, showered, dressed, and have Ammon up, fed, dressed and ready for the day by 8:00am. I know people do this everyday and have more than one child. But, I am not one of those people.
Monday morning, I had to go visiting teaching. Brian’s mom was able to watch Ammon for me so that I could go. Ammon had such a good time playing with his Sissy. He was taking a nap when I got home, and I think he was a little upset that she wasn’t still here when he woke up.
That afternoon we ran some errands and went to pick out our pumpkins. This year, we bundled up and went to a pumpkin patch. Ammon loved it. I don’t know exactly what it was that he loved so much, but he had a good time. So much of a good time that he brought a little cold home with him. The first of many, I’m sure. Fun.
Tuesday, my visiting teacher came to see me. Ammon loves dear Sister Locke. He was taking a nap when she got here, and I ended up having to go and get him out of his crib. Apparently, he knew she was here and wasn’t about to miss her company.
My mom dropped in that night with the last piece of Ammon’s Halloween costume. She also brought her sewing machine so that I could get to work on Ammon’s Halloween basket. I stayed up far later than I should have – cutting out all the parts for his basket. I don’t do patterns. Heck, I don’t do sewing machines. But, I was bound and determined to make this work. Finally, I just got sick of looking at it and had to go to bed.
Wednesday, I had a meeting with some of my Relief Society counterparts. The meeting was almost 3 hours long – but, unlike other 3-hour meetings I have had in the past, this one was actually productive. Things are going so much better than they were before. Any small bit of improvement would have been a blessing – but there has been a complete, absolute, unquestionable, definite and total change made with the entire situation. We are happy, happy people now. No more thoughts of mutiny.
Ammon was good throughout the meeting – which was a surprise to me. He napped for a good, long time when we got home. This gave me the chance to finish his basket. I am beyond happy with how it turned out. It was more difficult than I thought it would be, but all is well. You can’t really tell in the photos above, but the inside of the basket liner is actually two layers of fabric – a black and white harlequin print on bottom, with a black sheer fabric on top with orange, fuzzy Halloween shapes and texts (i.e.: pumpkins, ghosts, stars, goodie bags, and “trick or treat”). I am actually going to use this same basket for Ammon at Easter time – and just make an Easter-ish liner. We’ll see how my homemade-tracing-paper-pattern holds up the second time around.
That night was our Trunk-or-Treat activity at church. We decided to make an appearance even though Ammon was still feeling a little under the weather. Ammon decided to be a ghost this year for Halloween. Brian and I usually dress up to the nines… this year we decided to opt for simple skeleton t-shirts courtesy of Old Navy. I’m so glad that we decided to go that night – so many people participated this year. We got to see most of our family there. Brian’s aunt, Bev, was a Dancing Queen à la ABBA. We got to meet our cousin, Shelby’s, boyfriend, Clay. Our nephew, Caulin, chose to dress up as an army man – our niece, Lainee, wanted to be Caillou… I don’t know how that turned out as Caillou is a boy. Anyway, Ammon had fun soaking everything up. He loaded up on lots of candy… candy that we will probably still be whittling away at next Halloween.
Thursday morning, Ammon and I ventured up to Enterprise. We started out with a visit to see my dad, then to my mom’s office. Ammon enjoyed crawling all over both places… trying to find a way into those “off limits” areas. We went to lunch with my mom and grandmother to Old Mexico. Ammon even got to sit in a big-boy-restaurant-highchair. His first time. And my, did he think he was a big boy. He also got to try his first Spanish rice and said "Hi" to our waiter.
After lunch, Ammon and I headed over to my grandmother’s house so that Ammon could eat his lunch. We also went next door to visit with the Waites, whom I have known my entire life. By mid afternoon we were on our way home, and all of a sudden, I felt sick. Within the space of 1 or 2 minutes, I couldn’t breath, had a horrendous headache and felt like I was swallowing razor blades. I have never had something get a hold of me so quickly – but this did, and it got me good. What an interesting week this was turning out to be.
That night, we decided to go and see Shelby’s last football game. Determined to actually stay and see her perform this time, we waited to show up until right at halftime. Of course, this time Ammon was perfect. We ended up staying for the last two quarters. I really enjoyed the game. Talk about my kind of football weather. None of that sweat-off-6-pounds kind of stuff for me. I’ll take the scarf-mittens-and-hot-chocolate kind of football games any day of the week.
When we got home, we carved our pumpkins. That is our tradition for Halloween Eve, if you will. I never made it around to getting a third pumpkin, so we only had two this year. Brian carved an Autobot (i.e.: the good Transformers) symbol on his pumpkin, and I did our traditional Thomas Family Jack-o’-lantern. They both turned out pretty good, I think. We, of course, watched Ghost Hunters a lot last week. This night was no different…
Speaking of the weather: You know it is cold when I suggest turning on the heat. I am a hot-natured person – I love the cold – and I relish the fall and winter months. I am the complete opposite of Brian in that regard. And it isn’t cold now, but there was one night last week that my teeth were rattling and I could not get warm. Needless to say, the heat isn’t on anymore. Brian could probably do with it, but I like it just fine the way it is.
Friday, Ammon and I spent most of the day trying to recuperate from our respective colds. We had a long night ahead of us, treat-or-treating and all. As soon as Brian got home from work, we all started getting ready to go. We loaded up and headed down to visit with Brian’s parents and grandparents. We headed straight to MawMaw and Granddaddy’s house where everyone was waiting for us. After a nice visit, we went to see Brian’s dad, Larry – and the almost-done-Chevelle.
That evening, after our visit to the Nub, we headed to Enterprise to see the rest of our family. We went to see my dad and grandparents first. We ate dinner with them – some yummy chili and homemade cookies – and had a nice visit. Ammon enjoyed crawling all over – especially maneuvering the step up to the kitchen from the den. We fed him his dinner there before going over to see my mom, grandmother and uncle. Ammon got a special Halloween treat from Great-Grandma Lois… some Cheerios! Ammon got his bath and then took to the floor. His great-grandma gave him some paper to crumple… one of his favorite past-times. We had a nice time with them, shared some dessert, and – for Brian’s sake – some Ghost Hunters.
All in all we had a very good week of Halloween fun – colds and all. As Ammon’s first birthday approaches with great momentum, I have had an even greater urge to soak up these special moments… these special firsts. Yes, it was a bit nippy outside when we went to get our pumpkins – but we did it. Yes, it was a bit hectic being “everywhere at once” Halloween night – but we did it. We want those experiences for Ammon. We want those experiences for us. We want those experiences for our family.
So we hope that you all had a very festive All Hallows’ Eve. We hope you had lots of spooks and candy and pumpkins and ghouls. We hope you enjoyed this first hint of holiday.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
it is time
It’s no lie that I don’t get into politics with people. I just don’t. Sure… to myself and close family I share my opinion. I do care about my country. I do care about how our country’s policies and affairs affect me and mine. I have seen this video several times since last week… and like it so much. It is aimed at Catholic voters, but I feel its message can apply to us all despite our religious persuasion. So, whatever your political views… employ your right to vote. Let your voice be heard. Don’t just vote… vote responsibly.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
we { heart } fall
Here are a selection of pictures from our fall family photo shoot. I ended up having to take these myself (with the exception of just a few)... without my tripod. Don't ask me how I did it... it's magic.
Enjoy.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
time well spent
It isn’t already Thursday, is it? Has it been a week since I really delved into the happenings here on Woodburn Drive? Well, Father Time has gotten the better of me once again. And really, nothing has been going on. Apart from last weekend, anyway.
I received several comments late last week that were all posed with the intention of finding the answer to: “What was I doing up so late?!” Well, truth be told, I am in deed a night owl. I always have been. But that isn't the reason I was up late last week. I can tell you the real reason now. I was working on my mother-in-law’s birthday gift. I ran into one of those Great-Wall-of-China-sized-hiccups, hence the late hour. And – now that the gift is given – I thought I would share it with all of you.
Tuesday was spent, for the most part, preparing for my Enrichment meeting. I managed to get everything done. I am receiving some true help now… and I am so grateful. Inspiration is coming to me in ways it never did before. And, best of all, our activity went off without a hitch. We were able to assemble 18+ freezer meals for emergencies that may arise in our ward. Everything went splendidly. Hooray for that. My lesson/talk on compassionate service went well, I thought – and I didn’t loose my voice. I did cry through the whole thing. I really don’t know why. And why is it that we don’t cry when practicing at home, but we do in front of a herd of people? So glad it’s all over. So glad it went well.
We have been having a string of dreary days lately. I am not complaining, as I like overcast weather. But, I will not deny that it has put a damper on my mood and level of energy. I would love to tackle some of those Christmas projects. I would love to read a book. But… I just can’t find the motivation. So instead, I am building tall towers for a little boy to knock down. I am rolling a ball for him to chase. I am cleaning up mess after mess, and changing diaper after diaper. I have the motivation to do these things, so I am doing them. And I find this a blessing in disguise, because while I am building that tower and changing that diaper, I am also prioritizing my to-do list. Perfecting the method behind my madness. This way, I don’t jump head first into something and then realize, all too late, that I have no idea what I’m doing. And… It will all get done. It always does.
So, it is Thursday… and I can’t really remember the ins and outs of this week… even though I have it all written down somewhere and on my camera… and our behinds are ding dong tired. But, we’ve had full hearts even if our days may have been a little on the empty side. Time well spent, if I do say so myself.
I received several comments late last week that were all posed with the intention of finding the answer to: “What was I doing up so late?!” Well, truth be told, I am in deed a night owl. I always have been. But that isn't the reason I was up late last week. I can tell you the real reason now. I was working on my mother-in-law’s birthday gift. I ran into one of those Great-Wall-of-China-sized-hiccups, hence the late hour. And – now that the gift is given – I thought I would share it with all of you.
As you can probably see, it is a collage of photos spanning Brian’s entire life – up through his mission. I then included a photograph from Ann’s sealing to Larry, our wedding picture, our family photograph pre-Ammon, Ammon’s baby picture, and our most recent family photograph. I also included the following text (ever so slightly modified) from the Julie De Azevedo song, Angels:
The angels carried her through the fire and the rain. And the angels carried her from the end of her rope to the end of her day. And the angels sang to her, when she thought no one was there. Looking back, it’s clear – she was touching heaven all those years.
The angels have carried her through the minutes and the days. And the angels have carried her to a strong and wise and noble place. And the angels still sing to her, and I join them in their praise.
The angel that carried me until I saw the light of day, is the angel that carried me through the years of laughter, joy and pain. And the angel, she sang to me, so I knew someone was there. Looking back, it’s clear – I was touching heaven all those years.
Those words are not only touching, but fitting, I think. I am very happy with the end result, considering. I have a bad habit of letting one little mess-up get the best of me… causing more mess-ups. First off, I had to scour the world via the internet for scrapbooking hinges. I ran out of time and finally ended up dismantling another project. I mistakenly adhered a piece of vellum backwards… which wouldn’t have been an issue if there hadn’t have been words on it. Five minutes before I needed to get ready to leave, I sat on the other pane of glass that goes with the floating frame I used. Yes – I sat on it. But, Ann treasures it… and that is all that matters to me. I did find from working on this project that Ammon is the spittin’ image of his daddy. More so than I had ever before thought. I was using photographs I had never seen before… and the resemblance is uncanny.
Friday night, we delivered Ann’s gift. We were going to go out for dinner at Tampico’s with her and Larry… but, a downed power line wiped the electricity out of that half of Graceville. We ended up at The Circle Grille. Yummy. It has been a long time – as in years – since Brian and I have been there. There’s not much like a good ole’ cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. Ammon, of course, was the star of the restaurant…
We went back to Ann and Larry’s and spent the evening there. Ammon enjoyed the larger crawl space. Brian talked his mom into putting Transformers in for he and Ammon to watch on the big television (with its 60+ inches and souped-up sound system you feel like you’re at the movies). They were in heaven…
Saturday was – at its best points – exhausting. I don’t really even remember what happened. Isn’t that sad? I do remember that we had planned on going to our ward’s Fall Festival… but didn’t. I remember being upset that Ammon would be missing his first Fall Festival. I remember having a slight meltdown at that proposition. But, we did get some errands done… mostly things for my Relief Society Enrichment meeting on Tuesday.
My mom met us at our house that night. I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off – getting every little thing ready for Brian and Ammon for the next day, and packing up my things for that night and Sunday. My mom and I had a special trip planned, and I was staying at her house Saturday night.
Mom and I drove back to Enterprise late Saturday night. And… we didn’t get any sleep. Or at least I didn’t. Mom was trying to straighten out Grandma’s-plane-ticket-fiasco until almost 2:00 Sunday morning. By the time I finally went to bed, I couldn’t go to sleep. I tossed and I turned until I was so wound up in my blanket that I couldn’t move. I don’t know how much of it had to do with it being my first night without Ammon… maybe more than I thought it would. But, before I knew it, the clock read 4:30. And it was time to get ready for that special trip…
Wicked. Again. Hooray. And, yes… I wore my red shoes.
The angels carried her through the fire and the rain. And the angels carried her from the end of her rope to the end of her day. And the angels sang to her, when she thought no one was there. Looking back, it’s clear – she was touching heaven all those years.
The angels have carried her through the minutes and the days. And the angels have carried her to a strong and wise and noble place. And the angels still sing to her, and I join them in their praise.
The angel that carried me until I saw the light of day, is the angel that carried me through the years of laughter, joy and pain. And the angel, she sang to me, so I knew someone was there. Looking back, it’s clear – I was touching heaven all those years.
Those words are not only touching, but fitting, I think. I am very happy with the end result, considering. I have a bad habit of letting one little mess-up get the best of me… causing more mess-ups. First off, I had to scour the world via the internet for scrapbooking hinges. I ran out of time and finally ended up dismantling another project. I mistakenly adhered a piece of vellum backwards… which wouldn’t have been an issue if there hadn’t have been words on it. Five minutes before I needed to get ready to leave, I sat on the other pane of glass that goes with the floating frame I used. Yes – I sat on it. But, Ann treasures it… and that is all that matters to me. I did find from working on this project that Ammon is the spittin’ image of his daddy. More so than I had ever before thought. I was using photographs I had never seen before… and the resemblance is uncanny.
Friday night, we delivered Ann’s gift. We were going to go out for dinner at Tampico’s with her and Larry… but, a downed power line wiped the electricity out of that half of Graceville. We ended up at The Circle Grille. Yummy. It has been a long time – as in years – since Brian and I have been there. There’s not much like a good ole’ cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. Ammon, of course, was the star of the restaurant…
We went back to Ann and Larry’s and spent the evening there. Ammon enjoyed the larger crawl space. Brian talked his mom into putting Transformers in for he and Ammon to watch on the big television (with its 60+ inches and souped-up sound system you feel like you’re at the movies). They were in heaven…
Saturday was – at its best points – exhausting. I don’t really even remember what happened. Isn’t that sad? I do remember that we had planned on going to our ward’s Fall Festival… but didn’t. I remember being upset that Ammon would be missing his first Fall Festival. I remember having a slight meltdown at that proposition. But, we did get some errands done… mostly things for my Relief Society Enrichment meeting on Tuesday.
My mom met us at our house that night. I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off – getting every little thing ready for Brian and Ammon for the next day, and packing up my things for that night and Sunday. My mom and I had a special trip planned, and I was staying at her house Saturday night.
Mom and I drove back to Enterprise late Saturday night. And… we didn’t get any sleep. Or at least I didn’t. Mom was trying to straighten out Grandma’s-plane-ticket-fiasco until almost 2:00 Sunday morning. By the time I finally went to bed, I couldn’t go to sleep. I tossed and I turned until I was so wound up in my blanket that I couldn’t move. I don’t know how much of it had to do with it being my first night without Ammon… maybe more than I thought it would. But, before I knew it, the clock read 4:30. And it was time to get ready for that special trip…
Wicked. Again. Hooray. And, yes… I wore my red shoes.
Our trip to Atlanta was uneventful and we arrived safely. For my mom’s sake I won’t mention the humorous moments regarding the red parking lot, etc.. We arrived at the Fox a couple of hours early and enjoyed walking down the sidewalks; taking in the brisk, chilly air; lounging around the lobby and soaking in all that atmosphere. They don’t call it the Fabulous Fox Theatre for nothing. Walking up that grand staircase, thinking of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh at the premiere of Gone With the Wind. Sitting in the Ladies’ Salon, thinking to yourself, “When has a bathroom been so delightful?!” Just entering the auditorium – an indoor Arabian courtyard with a sky full of flickering stars and magically drifting clouds – brings with it sheer awe. It doesn’t matter how many times you go there, you are still swept away by its presence and beauty. Grandeur beyond imagination.
To quote a review, “My fellow Ozians: There are times when the world could use an infusion of green. There are times when our spirits are gravity-laden. There are times when the soul needs escapism. These are times for Broadway’s Wicked.” And it – of course – was spectacular. One of those “must sees”. As my mom and I were talking about on the way home – this production affects you like none other. Changes you, in a way. Teaches a value. Shows a point. Just more to love.
The show itself didn’t differ a whole lot from when we saw it in Orlando in April. There, of course, were subtle differences. I noticed a lot that I missed the first time. There are still things that need to be caught. And, we didn’t have our dear family with us this time. We missed you, gals. I know I was thinking about you. But, I’m glad for the opportunity. Glad that Mom and I could go. Glad that we could live in the moment for that day. So often we find ourselves dancing through life, just skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth… it is nice to slow down every once in a while… escape to a different world… and fly.
Brian and Ammon survived Sunday with flying colors. Ammon was good in church and even sat with our sister-in-law while Brian went to sit up on the stand. Brian had to sit up there because our Bishop was there by himself. I'm surprised Ammon didn't pitch one of those fits. I'm told that Ammon giggled when Brian got up to say the prayer. How funny.
After church, they went down to Brian's parents' house. They also visited Mama and Daddy Kindig (the parents of Brian's best friend, Brad) for a bit. I'm sorry that I missed that visit, too.
Monday was mostly a catch-up day for me. Catch up on rest. Catch up on putting things away. Yadda yadda yadda. Brian was a big help… he helped do the laundry so I could take a break. He always helps with Ammon in the afternoons. That’s their time… and I’m grateful for the break.
I did start the documentation for our week-in-our-life album Monday. It is proving to be quite the daunting task. Carrying a camera around with you all day long (and actually using it) is more difficult than it sounds. And, I don’t think this is the best week to be doing this – this week is not our “usual” week. But, nevertheless, it is getting done. To no avail, I am getting photographs of those not so normal things. I will probably look back at them all on Sunday and say, “Next week would be better.” Who knows? I did decide, however, to just share the finished project with all of you… rather than pictures from each day. Such a wiser idea. I have gained something from this experience, though. I am seeing where changes need to be made. I am seeing where progress needs to be made. And, I find that I am trying harder to be better. Be better at so many things. I continue to fall short – but then again, I don’t know many perfect people. This project has – as I knew it would – show me those gaps in productivity and lack of fulfillment. And, as I am documenting this week for all to see… I am hoping to truly learn from my missteps.
To quote a review, “My fellow Ozians: There are times when the world could use an infusion of green. There are times when our spirits are gravity-laden. There are times when the soul needs escapism. These are times for Broadway’s Wicked.” And it – of course – was spectacular. One of those “must sees”. As my mom and I were talking about on the way home – this production affects you like none other. Changes you, in a way. Teaches a value. Shows a point. Just more to love.
The show itself didn’t differ a whole lot from when we saw it in Orlando in April. There, of course, were subtle differences. I noticed a lot that I missed the first time. There are still things that need to be caught. And, we didn’t have our dear family with us this time. We missed you, gals. I know I was thinking about you. But, I’m glad for the opportunity. Glad that Mom and I could go. Glad that we could live in the moment for that day. So often we find ourselves dancing through life, just skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth… it is nice to slow down every once in a while… escape to a different world… and fly.
Brian and Ammon survived Sunday with flying colors. Ammon was good in church and even sat with our sister-in-law while Brian went to sit up on the stand. Brian had to sit up there because our Bishop was there by himself. I'm surprised Ammon didn't pitch one of those fits. I'm told that Ammon giggled when Brian got up to say the prayer. How funny.
After church, they went down to Brian's parents' house. They also visited Mama and Daddy Kindig (the parents of Brian's best friend, Brad) for a bit. I'm sorry that I missed that visit, too.
Monday was mostly a catch-up day for me. Catch up on rest. Catch up on putting things away. Yadda yadda yadda. Brian was a big help… he helped do the laundry so I could take a break. He always helps with Ammon in the afternoons. That’s their time… and I’m grateful for the break.
I did start the documentation for our week-in-our-life album Monday. It is proving to be quite the daunting task. Carrying a camera around with you all day long (and actually using it) is more difficult than it sounds. And, I don’t think this is the best week to be doing this – this week is not our “usual” week. But, nevertheless, it is getting done. To no avail, I am getting photographs of those not so normal things. I will probably look back at them all on Sunday and say, “Next week would be better.” Who knows? I did decide, however, to just share the finished project with all of you… rather than pictures from each day. Such a wiser idea. I have gained something from this experience, though. I am seeing where changes need to be made. I am seeing where progress needs to be made. And, I find that I am trying harder to be better. Be better at so many things. I continue to fall short – but then again, I don’t know many perfect people. This project has – as I knew it would – show me those gaps in productivity and lack of fulfillment. And, as I am documenting this week for all to see… I am hoping to truly learn from my missteps.
Tuesday was spent, for the most part, preparing for my Enrichment meeting. I managed to get everything done. I am receiving some true help now… and I am so grateful. Inspiration is coming to me in ways it never did before. And, best of all, our activity went off without a hitch. We were able to assemble 18+ freezer meals for emergencies that may arise in our ward. Everything went splendidly. Hooray for that. My lesson/talk on compassionate service went well, I thought – and I didn’t loose my voice. I did cry through the whole thing. I really don’t know why. And why is it that we don’t cry when practicing at home, but we do in front of a herd of people? So glad it’s all over. So glad it went well.
We have been having a string of dreary days lately. I am not complaining, as I like overcast weather. But, I will not deny that it has put a damper on my mood and level of energy. I would love to tackle some of those Christmas projects. I would love to read a book. But… I just can’t find the motivation. So instead, I am building tall towers for a little boy to knock down. I am rolling a ball for him to chase. I am cleaning up mess after mess, and changing diaper after diaper. I have the motivation to do these things, so I am doing them. And I find this a blessing in disguise, because while I am building that tower and changing that diaper, I am also prioritizing my to-do list. Perfecting the method behind my madness. This way, I don’t jump head first into something and then realize, all too late, that I have no idea what I’m doing. And… It will all get done. It always does.
So, it is Thursday… and I can’t really remember the ins and outs of this week… even though I have it all written down somewhere and on my camera… and our behinds are ding dong tired. But, we’ve had full hearts even if our days may have been a little on the empty side. Time well spent, if I do say so myself.
sweet sorrow
Have you ever just needed a good cry? Sometimes it is therapeutic. When you have lots of emotions and thoughts running through your mind, it is a nice release. And I needed that release yesterday. So, while Ammon was taking his afternoon nap, I curled up on the couch under a nice fuzzy blanket – tissue in hand – and watched Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet.
I watched it all the way through. But the water didn’t run. Usually, I’m crying before it even gets started … because I know what is coming. I cry when Romeo is writhing on the floor of Friar Laurence's cell after killing that rascal Tybalt. I cry when Balthasar rides past the man with Friar Laurence’s letter on the road to Mantua. I cry when Romeo and Balthasar again ride past the man with Friar Laurence’s letter on their way back to Verona. I cry as Romeo dies just as Juliet’s fingers start to twitch with life.
That tragic last line, “For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo” didn’t do it for me yesterday. This was even more maddening than the depressing notions running through my mind. Just as I was about to give up hope, I remembered something. This whole scenario suddenly reminded me of an Everybody Loves Raymond episode. Of course. One in which Debra requests some alone time after Ray walks in on her bleaching the peach-fuzz on her upper lip (which Ray sees as a Snidely Whiplash-esque moustache). Ray spies on her during her alone time and sees her crying. He goes through a whole day trying to figure out why. Finally, after confessing to seeing her, Debra tells Ray, “I was just in the mood and I made myself cry.” Ray asks incredulously, “How do you do that?!” “I just take my mascara off and sometimes I put on a sad song and I make a crying face and it just comes out!”, she says. Of course, now Ray thinks Debra is a little nutty (enter Brian). Trying to get him to see her side of things, Debra asks Ray, “Haven’t you ever just felt like crying?” Ray: “Yeah, when something happens, you know, when I slam my finger in a car door. I mean, I’m a human being, but I don’t like to cry. I don’t schedule time to cry!”
Anyway, Ray – of course – loses the battle, is unable to prove his point, and the story is over. But the tag scene at the end of the episode is where I’m trying to get to. Ray decides to try out Debra’s theory … unsuccessfully. Just like me. And laughter proved to be the best medicine – yet another time.
So, to shed a little light on this most depressing of tales … here’s that little clip from Alone Time. Enjoy. So much for singing the blues.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
who the heck am i?
Remember that Twilight character quiz I posted a bit ago? Well, I really wanted Brian to take the male version of it… but I was hesitant. First of all, he would laugh in my face. Second of all, he would give me that “Why?” look. Third of all… he wouldn’t be an Edward. Of this I was certain. He would be a Carlisle. Which is perfectly fine… I like Carlisle, too.
Well, that Brian of mine surprised me once again. He saw that post and got me talking about it. I told him that I already knew who he would be so there was no point in him taking the quiz. Of course, he shocked me with, “Well, I want to do it.”.
So he did. Even though he had no idea what any of it was about. And, sure enough, he is a Carlisle. Surprise, surprise.
Afterwards, I decided to take the quiz again. Just for kicks and giggles. I remembered buzzing through the questions/answers the first time… just answering with the first thing that came to my mind. This time, I decided to really sit and think about the questions… and then give the best answer after a lot of thought. Well, this time I turned out to be an Esme rather than a Bella.
You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and appreciate the kind way you always handle things.
I don’t mind being an Esme. Really, when I first did this quiz I thought I would be an Esme (…or an Alice…). And it is proof – once again – that Brian and I are a perfect fit. Esme is Carlisle’s wife. Funny, no?
So, I guess I am on the fence, personality speaking. One point in either direction and my character changes. Because, truth be told, I do share similarities with both. It just lends fuel to that question, “Who the heck am I?”.
Friday, October 17, 2008
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
happy days
I guess I need to apologize for the lengthy posts that have populated this blog of late. I’m really trying to post every, or at least every other, day… so I don’t have so much to say. The main reason for this is that my memory is pretty shoddy. I believe the experts call this mommy-brain. And really, this blog isn’t meant to be just a play-by-play of our days. That was its original purpose – we wanted, and still do want, to share Ammon with our loved ones that we don’t see often. But it has evolved into a place for me to document my thoughts, my musings, and my conundrums – more or less my observations on our daily happenings. Really our life is pretty dull when you think about the lives of others. I remember saying to myself after reading Twilight for the first time, “Gosh… and how boring is my life?”. So a play-by-play of our day would be pretty monotonous to most. But, I have to admit, that even though my life is boring – it is far from uninteresting. Interesting things happen to me on a daily basis. Humorous, comical, unlucky, and otherwise head-scratchingly perplexing things just happen upon me. It has always been that way. I cannot go anywhere, do anything or go on any adventure without something happening along the way. Not everyone can boast the same list of stories that I can. Not everyone can tout the same list of comparable memories. And I am somewhat grateful for all of that. So, while I may have been terrified, embarrassed, aggravated, or delirious at the actual time… I can look back on my life experiences and let out a well-deserved chortle.
While I may not be going from one majestic exploit to another; while I may not be exploring the catacombs of a castle or the heart of a pyramid; while I may not be touring a grand cathedral or the Sistine Chapel… all of which are goals of mine – I do lead an interesting life. Even if I am the only one who thinks so. Brian’s life has always been the same way. So we are a perfect pair. Double the trouble I always say – and we have yet to be disappointed. I have a lifetime to dream about Da Vinci and Michelangelo and wreaking havoc on a whole new continent – today my majestic exploit is chasing a certain 10-month old.
And, truth be told, the main reason that the last few posts have been on the time-consuming side has nothing to do with a full day… but everything in the world to do with a full head. I’ve had thoughts that have needed to get out – and all I could do, was sit down and write. Because really, I can only talk to Ammon for so long before he starts giving me that is-this-what-adulthood-is-like face. And just think of all the juicy snippets I have to look back on when I sit down to write my memoir…
So what have we been up to the last couple of days here on Woodburn Drive? Besides dealing with a cranky, teething, obstinate boy? Not much. Yesterday was just an unfortunate day for poor Ammon. His hunger strike continued and he again chose to forgo his afternoon nap. By lunchtime he added another scratch and bump to his catalog of injuries. He received his first flea bite (we are thanking our Heavenly Father on bended knee that he doesn't appear to have his father's allergies). He learned how to unplug the television – and by doing so also unplugged the DVD player, VCR and surround sound system – and became very, very upset when he learned that this is something we do not do (i.e.: new goose egg).
We did have a very good afternoon, though. We went to visit Brian’s best friend and his wife, Brad and Millie, in the hospital. They just had their second baby boy… and what a sweet cheesecake crumb he is with that mop of hair and those luscious cheeks. Ammon, however, has had his fill of newborns for the week. In fact, while I was holding sweet little Eli yesterday, I was stroking his cheek and Ammon grabbed my arm and snatched it away. Oh, the joys of jealousy. Ever since, Ammon has been very, very clingy.
The cold medicine or the afore-mentioned mommy-brain are really starting to get to me. We had chicken pillows last night for dinner – which means crescent roll dough. I rummage through our still unorganized refrigerator, thoroughly examine my crescent roll dough so that I can use the one with the closest expiration date, and open it up. Do I stop to wonder why the can is smaller than all the other crescent roll dough cans? Do I stop to wonder why the dough is puffing out of the opening? Do I stop to wonder why the label says “Biscuits”? No. No. And another no. Now, I had double the dough to fiddle with. I can’t really use biscuit dough (or at least I didn’t have the patience or interest in figuring out how) for chicken pillows, so I had to open another can.
So, because of the dough problem… I had to make biscuits as well. I use my Pampered Chef stones for just about everything I cook in the oven. This means, my chicken pillow were baked on my round stone. I didn’t want to wait until after dinner, when my stone was cleared off, to bake those darn biscuits. I didn't think to just use one of my many other stones. No, I used a cookie sheet. Our oven is unpredictable, so I set my timer for two minutes less than the minimum bake time. When I opened the oven I didn’t find six nice, fluffy biscuits. Instead, I found six black, charred little rocks. Brian attempted to eat the insides. I, however, did not. Lesson #3,694: When Pampered Chef stone is otherwise engaged – be patient. I have learned my lesson. A lesson that really didn’t need to be learned, but nevertheless…
So, because of the rock problem… Brian had to let some water soak in the cookie sheet while doing dishes last night. Apparently it was such a problem that it had to sit there overnight. I found it this morning. Wet bread. One of my top ten can’t-stand-its. Yuck. Just looking at it makes me gag. You don’t want to be around when I have to touch it… like I did today. I had to use a lot of paper towels… like I do when picking up a dead bug so I don’t feel it crunch.
I had the strangest dream last night. Well, all my dreams are weird, but I actually remember this one. I dreamed that we were on some strange-excuse-for-a-road-trip. We were in some Podunk place… just think eating-squirrels-while-wearing-Daniel-Boone-hats and you’ll be up to speed. Brian and I had three children, but Ammon was the youngest… and about the same age that he is now. I remember freaking out because I didn’t know if the other two – clearly between the ages of three and six – were able to eat hamburgers. Brian went to get potato chips and left me in the woods with some strange Robin Hood-ish people. He came back and told me that he took so long because he met Jason and Grant (of Ghost Hunters fame) there and got caught up in a juicy conversation about EVPs (electric voice phenomenon). They wanted him to go on an investigation with them sometime soon. Can anyone tell what things we have been watching all night? And do you see what I mean by interesting?
Today has been a happy day… besides the wet bread thing. The original plan for this morning was to go to the park. But, life had other ideas for me and Ammon. We ended up going to our friends’, the Mitchells, house to drop off/pick up some things. We then ran all over town looking for one little thing that shouldn’t be so hard to find. Something good did come from it though, as we now own the new Indiana Jones movie. And you know I am all smiles about that.
And – the best news of the day, by far – Ammon ate lunch! He chomped down a whole jar of apples and bananas, a whole jar of peas, and finished that jar of chicken-and-something… which we have been working on for a few days now. The key is to give him something to play with. A habit that I do not want to indulge – but, if it gets him to eat, what the heck. I’ve also run out of songs to sing during mealtime (the other key to the mint)… today I resorted to Jingle Bells.
We are all feeling better today it seems. Brian is pretty much over the funk he had a while back. I still have a lingering ticklish-something in my throat. Ammon appears, at present, to be doing so-so.
Brian is home now, and I’m off to work on that project that has a deadline of Friday – can we have a loud and boisterous, “Yikes!”. I’ve got to pull out everything in the storage space under our stairs. Always a sure-fire good time. I have no idea what’s for dinner, but I do know what flick I will be watching this evening. I want my own indestructible fedora. There’s your idea for my Christmas present…
While I may not be going from one majestic exploit to another; while I may not be exploring the catacombs of a castle or the heart of a pyramid; while I may not be touring a grand cathedral or the Sistine Chapel… all of which are goals of mine – I do lead an interesting life. Even if I am the only one who thinks so. Brian’s life has always been the same way. So we are a perfect pair. Double the trouble I always say – and we have yet to be disappointed. I have a lifetime to dream about Da Vinci and Michelangelo and wreaking havoc on a whole new continent – today my majestic exploit is chasing a certain 10-month old.
And, truth be told, the main reason that the last few posts have been on the time-consuming side has nothing to do with a full day… but everything in the world to do with a full head. I’ve had thoughts that have needed to get out – and all I could do, was sit down and write. Because really, I can only talk to Ammon for so long before he starts giving me that is-this-what-adulthood-is-like face. And just think of all the juicy snippets I have to look back on when I sit down to write my memoir…
So what have we been up to the last couple of days here on Woodburn Drive? Besides dealing with a cranky, teething, obstinate boy? Not much. Yesterday was just an unfortunate day for poor Ammon. His hunger strike continued and he again chose to forgo his afternoon nap. By lunchtime he added another scratch and bump to his catalog of injuries. He received his first flea bite (we are thanking our Heavenly Father on bended knee that he doesn't appear to have his father's allergies). He learned how to unplug the television – and by doing so also unplugged the DVD player, VCR and surround sound system – and became very, very upset when he learned that this is something we do not do (i.e.: new goose egg).
We did have a very good afternoon, though. We went to visit Brian’s best friend and his wife, Brad and Millie, in the hospital. They just had their second baby boy… and what a sweet cheesecake crumb he is with that mop of hair and those luscious cheeks. Ammon, however, has had his fill of newborns for the week. In fact, while I was holding sweet little Eli yesterday, I was stroking his cheek and Ammon grabbed my arm and snatched it away. Oh, the joys of jealousy. Ever since, Ammon has been very, very clingy.
The cold medicine or the afore-mentioned mommy-brain are really starting to get to me. We had chicken pillows last night for dinner – which means crescent roll dough. I rummage through our still unorganized refrigerator, thoroughly examine my crescent roll dough so that I can use the one with the closest expiration date, and open it up. Do I stop to wonder why the can is smaller than all the other crescent roll dough cans? Do I stop to wonder why the dough is puffing out of the opening? Do I stop to wonder why the label says “Biscuits”? No. No. And another no. Now, I had double the dough to fiddle with. I can’t really use biscuit dough (or at least I didn’t have the patience or interest in figuring out how) for chicken pillows, so I had to open another can.
So, because of the dough problem… I had to make biscuits as well. I use my Pampered Chef stones for just about everything I cook in the oven. This means, my chicken pillow were baked on my round stone. I didn’t want to wait until after dinner, when my stone was cleared off, to bake those darn biscuits. I didn't think to just use one of my many other stones. No, I used a cookie sheet. Our oven is unpredictable, so I set my timer for two minutes less than the minimum bake time. When I opened the oven I didn’t find six nice, fluffy biscuits. Instead, I found six black, charred little rocks. Brian attempted to eat the insides. I, however, did not. Lesson #3,694: When Pampered Chef stone is otherwise engaged – be patient. I have learned my lesson. A lesson that really didn’t need to be learned, but nevertheless…
So, because of the rock problem… Brian had to let some water soak in the cookie sheet while doing dishes last night. Apparently it was such a problem that it had to sit there overnight. I found it this morning. Wet bread. One of my top ten can’t-stand-its. Yuck. Just looking at it makes me gag. You don’t want to be around when I have to touch it… like I did today. I had to use a lot of paper towels… like I do when picking up a dead bug so I don’t feel it crunch.
I had the strangest dream last night. Well, all my dreams are weird, but I actually remember this one. I dreamed that we were on some strange-excuse-for-a-road-trip. We were in some Podunk place… just think eating-squirrels-while-wearing-Daniel-Boone-hats and you’ll be up to speed. Brian and I had three children, but Ammon was the youngest… and about the same age that he is now. I remember freaking out because I didn’t know if the other two – clearly between the ages of three and six – were able to eat hamburgers. Brian went to get potato chips and left me in the woods with some strange Robin Hood-ish people. He came back and told me that he took so long because he met Jason and Grant (of Ghost Hunters fame) there and got caught up in a juicy conversation about EVPs (electric voice phenomenon). They wanted him to go on an investigation with them sometime soon. Can anyone tell what things we have been watching all night? And do you see what I mean by interesting?
Today has been a happy day… besides the wet bread thing. The original plan for this morning was to go to the park. But, life had other ideas for me and Ammon. We ended up going to our friends’, the Mitchells, house to drop off/pick up some things. We then ran all over town looking for one little thing that shouldn’t be so hard to find. Something good did come from it though, as we now own the new Indiana Jones movie. And you know I am all smiles about that.
And – the best news of the day, by far – Ammon ate lunch! He chomped down a whole jar of apples and bananas, a whole jar of peas, and finished that jar of chicken-and-something… which we have been working on for a few days now. The key is to give him something to play with. A habit that I do not want to indulge – but, if it gets him to eat, what the heck. I’ve also run out of songs to sing during mealtime (the other key to the mint)… today I resorted to Jingle Bells.
We are all feeling better today it seems. Brian is pretty much over the funk he had a while back. I still have a lingering ticklish-something in my throat. Ammon appears, at present, to be doing so-so.
Brian is home now, and I’m off to work on that project that has a deadline of Friday – can we have a loud and boisterous, “Yikes!”. I’ve got to pull out everything in the storage space under our stairs. Always a sure-fire good time. I have no idea what’s for dinner, but I do know what flick I will be watching this evening. I want my own indestructible fedora. There’s your idea for my Christmas present…
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