Some Random Thoughts

I've been thinking I should post more often just about random, everyday happenings.
**On Sunday our YW lesson was about traditions. The lesson suggests to use the opening from Fiddler on the Roof where Tevya (sp?) is talking about tradition. The MiaMaid counselor actually showed that part of the movie and Brooke said she had never seen the movie. So we borrowed it from my friend and watched it Sunday afternoon. We had no idea it was so long - at the intermission we thought it was over - good thing we kept the DVD playing so we could continue watching. After 2 1/2 hours Brooke said "This is a freakishly long movie." When I asked Taylor if he liked it, he said "No, there was too much singing!" Guess I should have told him it was a musical.
**I haven't said much about Brooke's volleyball this year. I don't take pictures because with my camera they don't turn out too well. She's played great this year and has really been a very consistent player on her team.
**What do you think of your 9th grade son getting a "C-" inn gym? I just found Justin's report card today - he never gave it to me. I'm not too happy with that kind of grade in an easy A class. I'm trying to decide what to do about that.
**The other day I walked in the kitchen and Jared and Kamryn were all set up with the haircut station (just like when I cut the boys hair - the folding chair in the very spot I use in the kitchen). Thank goodness it was just a giant care bear in the chair that was the victim for the haircut.
**When I asked Taylor about his soccer game last week (which I missed because I was at Brooke's volleyball tournament) he told me his team won 4-2. I told him that was great and his reply "They would have lost if it weren't for me." I asked him if he played goalie and he said no - defense the whole time because his coach said he's the best defender and his team can't handle the defense without him.

Shopping with Twins

Today I went shopping with Jared and Kamryn - I must have been out of my mind :)
Actually they were very good. We went to Ross and DSW (right next to each other) to return some things. That went okay - if you call Jared and Kamryn making it to the back of DSW while I am returning my shoes and I've just told them that they had to stay by me.
They were much better in Ross and stayed with me even after I returned my items and decided to look at some bedding.
Then we headed off to SuperWalmart. I never take them there. I usually only go there with a big helper to do a huge shopping or by myself.
They both wanted to get in the cart which was a huge blessing. Unfortunately there were no limo-length carts to be found so we had to use a regular cart. I bought some cheap basketballs and Jared sat on one of them the whole time. I think that really helped for some reason. I only had 3 things written down on my list but had a whole mental list that I figured I'd keep shopping for if they were good. We ended up filling the cart and they stayed happy - yeah! And the total only came to $200.00.

Proud Parent

I received this note in the mail the other day. What a great feeling to know that my daughter makes a teacher happy.

It's hard to read the note so for those that are interested this is what is says:
"I just wanted you to know that it is such a pleasure to have Brooke in my class. She is an excellent student who always gives her best. :) Mrs Bleak"

This is Brooke's art teacher.

(I really have no idea how to do this scanning thing. I need lessons.)

Integri "tea"

Just wanted to share what we did for Young Womens last night.
At the beginning of this year we adopted 8 grandma's in our ward. Each grandma has 2 grand-daughters (young women). The girls have heart attacked the grandma's and met with them to interview them about their lives.
Last night we had a tea party. We had discussion questions (slips of paper rolled up in a vase as the centerpiece) at each table about integrity. We had appetizers, muffins and white party punch for our "tea". To conclude we had a group discussion about our definition of integrity and some of the grandma's shared experiences where they showed integrity. To close, we played the Integrity song out of the I walk by Faith song book.
It was a successful activity and was very nice but didn't take a lot of work. Luckily we borrowed the decorations and some of the ideas from the RS Education day we just had last Saturday. The colors were yellow and purple and it looked very springy. My daughter even said it was the best activity we'd had in a long time. My only regret was I forgot to take pictures.

Tagged ... Again

I was tagged by Janice.
"Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages) 2. Turn to page 123. 3. Find the 5th sentence 4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog 5. Tag 5 people
The book I am currently reading Empire Falls by Richard Russo (a Michelle recommendation). "I could use some company."

Here is my response:
I am reading A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. (book club selection for this month)
"I bet he got sick," I said, clutching Weaver's arm.

I tag Ashley, Cynthia, Susan, Amy, Michelle.

If You Give A Mom a Muffin

Check out this post on Susannah's blog. Whoever wrote that should publish it - it's so TRUE!!

Jury Duty

I received that infamous summons in the mail a couple of weeks ago.
It was for one of the worst weeks possible, of course.
I called last Friday after five to see if I had to go in - and I did, of course.
So, Monday morning I got up extra early to get in my exercise before getting ready and then took Trax downtown to the SL City Court. I felt like a real grown up for a day - commuting and going to work. It was fine for a day but I'm sure grateful I don't have to do that every day.
Justin stayed home from school to watch Jared and Kamryn (he volunteered and I figured he knows if he can afford to miss school or not).
I was called along with 43 other people to fill 8 jury spots - 4 jurors each for 2 trials. Pretty good odds of not getting picked. They split us up into two groups and my group went into the courtroom (after waiting almost two hours) to begin the jury selection process with the judge and attorney. The defendant was representing himself. He was charged with trespassing on a dwelling and public intoxication.
The judge asked the group several questions and if you answered yes then he further questioned you on that specific question. The only one that I answered yes to was "Do you for whatever reason, NOT drink alchohol?" I figure that was my go free card because I wasn't picked to be on the jury. I was relieved to not have to spend the rest of the day there but it also would have been interesting to hear the case. I'm so curious to know how it turned out. I was paid my $18.50 for going in and am now safe from jury duty for 2 years (except in a federal court).

What happens when you're on the phone!

This is what happens when you've been chatting on the phone.

I was talking to my mom and she asked where Jared was. I said I didn't know. She didn't ask about Kamryn because she could hear her singing right by me.

We continued talking and as we were finishing our conversation I said I better go check on the kids. The funny thing was she'd asked about Jared and I didn't know where he was so you would figure he would be the one getting in trouble - oh no!

I found Kamryn, still singing, under the kitchen table. I get down to see what she's doing under there and find her with blue hands!

She did not enjoy the washing it took to get the blue off and then she did it again later in the day with a red marker ( I guess she was giving "the rivalry" equal coverage, or maybe Justin gave her the red marker).

Another Tag!

I was personally tagged for this one so I guess I'll comply:

1.What is your most embarrassing moment?
I've told this one many times but probably never here on my blog. It was when I was waitressing at Marie Callender's 20 years ago (hard to believe it's been that long). I had a big tray of drinks to serve to a table full of business men in suits. I was walking up to the table and stopped behind one of the men who had his back to me and didn't realize I was there. I took off the first drink and it unbalanced the whole tray and it slipped and spilled all down the back of that guy. I felt so bad. I don't remember anything after that minute.

2.What is something that you think about and laugh at every time?
This blog entry on my sister's blog:
"This might seem like a weird thing to put in my blog but if I don't, I will forget it. I was sitting on the couch when Jaxon came home from school today. He came over and sat next to me and hugged me. Then he said "Mom, I love your boobs, they are so cozy." I got a good laugh out of that one. Later on when I told Dale about it, he said "Like father, like son". Sorry if this offends anyone!"
I laughed about it the whole day after reading it and still chuckle when I think about it.

3. What is you favorite season and why?
SUMMER!!! I love to be outside and be active and be tan.

4.Who is your hero?
My mom - she never complains and is always willing to help out with anyone, she never gossips or finds faults with others, she's easy going and kind. The list is much longer but I'll leave it at this for now.

5.What have you learned throughout your life that you would share as advice for others?
To have fun!

6.What is your favorite goofy thing that your spouse does which makes you fall in love all over again?
His laugh! I especially love watching him watch Kramer on Seinfeld.

7.What is your favorite book(s) of all time?
I don't think I could pick a favorite - I've read too many (and can't remember details).

8.What is one of your pet peeves?
Drivers who don't signal!

9. Where has been your favorite place to travel and why?
A tie between the Disney Trip where we go to Disney World and then on the Disney Cruise
and
Playa del Carmen in Mexico (south of Cancun)

10. Add a question of your own! -- "What is one item on your "bucket list?"
To run a marathon.

**I tag - Cynthia, Stephanie Ward, Susan, Amy and any others who would like to play**

"Big Beds"

On Monday I decided to make some big changes in Jared and Kamryn's room.
Since Kamryn was sleeping in "panties" I felt like she needed to be able to go to the bathroom without trying to climb out of her crib.
So I took apart both cribs and set up 2 toddler beds. We already had one and then borrowed one from my brother and sister-in-law. Luckily they are almost exactly alike - that is an important thing for almost 3 year olds.
Jared and Kamryn were very excited about their new "big beds." The hardest thing for Kamryn was she thought since she was in her bed (playing) she could have her binky (yes, they still have those, yikes!)


They went to bed great on Monday night - no getting out of bed and right to sleep - that's how it is when they are really tired and don't take naps anymore.
Kamryn is a very restless sleeper - I found out that night. She fell out of bed more than once and was in Jared's bed at one point.
The 2nd night went a little better and she only fell out once. They are still in their beds when I go in there in the morning. I know that won't last too long but I'll enjoy while it lasts.

Potty Training

Kamryn is smiling because she is officially potty trained!!! (well mostly)

We started on Tuesday with wearing big girl panties. She changed her panties every time she went potty that day - I think she couldn't decide which princess she liked best.

She had a couple of accidents on Tuesday and Wednesday. She didn't really seem to get it and I was doing the thing I swore to never do - me be the one potty trained and always asking her if she needed to go potty. Thursday I was ready to give it up because she didn't really seem ready. We went back to diapers that day but on Friday she was insistent on wearing panties again and went the whole day with only one accident. And then on Saturday, while Justin was tending, she overcame the big obstacle of pooping in the potty. We were so proud of her and she got to get her present today - a DVD of Piglet's Big Movie.

I just hope we continue to do well. One down, one to go (that won't be anytime soon).

Taylor's science fair

Taylor with his science project for the 4th grade science fair. He wasn't sure he was going to participate in the fair or just write a science report. On Monday of the same week as the fair he decided he wanted to do an experiment. We really simplified the scientific method and did more of a project. His question was "Who runs faster - 4th grade boys or girls?" He figured the boys would run faster. He was right.

Visitors

These ladies came to visit me and meet my family last week. The woman in the middle is Ginger Meyette and she was my 5th grade teacher. The woman next to her is Linda, Ginger's partner. Ginger - Mrs. Avery to me - was the one of the greatest teachers ever. We've been in contact ever since I was in 5th grade. I tended her two little kids when I was a young teenager and then we've kept in contact by sharing Christmas letters.
They live in Denver and were in Utah visiting friends. I wondered if it would be weird to visit with someone I hadn't seen or talked to in over 25 years but it wasn't. It was really fun to visit with them and get to know them better. Jared and Kamryn took right to them and showered them with attention and toys.

Easter Pictures

Here are some Easter pictures from the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Doesn't Jared make Justin look even taller than he really is?

All dressed in spring colors for the Easter party.

Justin and Jared dying eggs at my sister's house.

Brooke helping Kamryn hunt for eggs.

Spring Break

Spring break is over and we're all sad about that. It's never long enough. I think I would really like being on the year round schedule and having breaks throughout the year. I enjoy my kids being out and 3 days wasn't long enough.
We didn't go anywhere this year and just enjoyed being home and taking it easy.
We spent Thursday taking 4 kids to the dentist. Justin refused to go because he wanted to hang out with his friends. He missed out on going to Mountain Mike's pizza with us - it was pizza buffet and was delicious. I highly recommend the place, especially their dessert pizza. We met my sister and her family there and then we hung out at their house after.
Thursday night was book club, which is always a great night out.
Friday I took Brooke shopping for some new spring clothes. She's lucky she's so thin and can find such cute clothes.
At night, Paul and I went out to dinner at Iggy's with friends in our ward and then played Catch Phrase after.
Saturday we did an easter egg hunt at my sister's house with all the cousins. Justin drove us up to Kaysville and did a great job on the freeway. I was definitely a little more relaxed on the drive home than on the way there. Now he's only got 36 hours to go.
On Sunday I taught all of our Young Women an Easter lesson. The lesson went very well, better than I expected it would and all the credit goes to the girls! They shared such beautiful thoughts about the Savior.
After church we did our usual scripture treasure hunt for baskets and then had a delicious dinner.
On Monday, Brooke and I went with our friends and took their "adopted" grandma out to lunch. For FHE, we had fun playing outside in the beautiful weather and then had a lesson on money and finance.
Now it's back to school and the real world.

A must read!

If you need a good laugh, one that will make you cry, pop over to this blog for one of the funniest things I have ever read.

An unusual FHE

Last night we had a rather unusual Family Home Evening. We've always been a little laid back on our Monday night gatherings. Lately it's been more of a challenge because Brooke has volleyball practice and doesn't get home until at least 7:30 or later. By the time we finished with dinner it was 8:00 and we only had about a half hour to do something. We didn't have anything planned and were just winging it. Paul made the suggestion that everyone take a turn choosing a song off an iPod (we have 7 in our house, embarrassing to admit) and then we'd talk about music and how it affects us. The kids were all over this idea. The hard part was choosing just one song.
Justin went first and chose Waiting for the Sun by this band.
Then I went and chose Sweet Escape by this chic.
Brooke picked How Far We've Come by Matchbox Twenty.
Paul picked The Load-Out by Jackson Browne.
Then Taylor chose Walk the Line by Live. (We heard Daughtry do it on American Idol).
And we even helped Jared and Kamryn pick a couple of songs - Dancing Queen by ABBA and Under Pressure by Queen.
It turned out to be a fun evening and we enjoyed hanging out together. We could have gone hours choosing songs. Sometimes just being together is the most important thing that happens during FHE.

I don't really recommend this

Last week I mentioned to Justin that Jared and Kamryn wanted to go find him at school and he asked me why I didn't let them.
So the next day when they asked again I said we could go and find them.
We loaded up in the car and went to Rite Aid and bought the felt tip pens that Brooke needed for art and then went to the school. We got there just before the kids lunch hour. It was a little scary for Jared and Kamryn when the masses of teenagers came out of their classrooms heading to lunch.
When Brooke and Justin saw us they turned red and wanted to hide. They wondered why we were there. When I handed Brooke her art pens she asked me what she was supposed to do with them since she was going to lunch and I told her to hang onto them and be grateful that I brought them.
Then we told Justin that the kids came to find him and wanted to sit by him at lunch and he asked why. I reminded him of our conversation the day before and he said he'd just been kidding.
So I decided to continue the torture and walked to the lunchroom with the little kids and sat down with some of the Young Women in our ward. At least they were happy to see me and talked to me. Of course, I wasn't their mother so it was cool to talk to me.

The latest 2 year old argument

This was the latest conversation between Jared and Kamryn, heard yesterday two different times:
Jared: I'm two
Kamryn: I'm two
Jared: NO, I'm 2!
Kamryn: I'm two
Jared: NO! I'M TWO!!
Kamryn: I'm two
Jared: NO!!!! I'M TWO!!!!
Finally I stepped in and said "you're both two" to which Jared said
"NO, I"M 2!"

When this conversation began again in front of their dad and Justin it also included this:
Kamryn: It's my birthday
Jared: NO, it's my birthday.

Do you think he has issues?

"Look at me Mom!"

This is what I heard Kamryn calling from her room and this is how I found her.

Both she and her brother know how to climb in their cribs but haven't figured out how to climb out. She just sits on the side railing and waits for me to come get her. I figure I don't have too long until she does figure it out and then I'll really be in trouble.