Grateful

I am grateful to have a growing family to do laundry for.

I am grateful to have been blessed with so much abundance that there is often a mess to clean up at the end of each day.

I am grateful to have children to wake up in the night with.

I am grateful to have a husband I like well enough to curl up next to on the couch at night.

I am grateful to have an abundance of food, the means and ability to provide my children with three meals a day.

I am grateful to have the financial means to go grocery shopping for the things my family needs and desires.

I am grateful that my three-year-old is smart enough to stop me in my tracks at least once a day.

I am grateful that my children have a sibling to learn and grow together with.

I am grateful to feel as big as a house today because it means I have a healthy little miracle developing inside of me.

I am grateful to have health insurance and access to wonderful doctors who assist me in keeping my family healthy. I am grateful to be able to access my children's pediatrician four times in a month if necessary to help my children be comfortable and healthy.

I am grateful to have dishes to wash and a family to clean up after.

I am grateful that Denten has a job that allows him to leave us each day and provide for our family.

I am keenly aware tonight that many do not have the abundance of blessings I have the opportunity to enjoy every day.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas!



Grandma Tam, thanks for our new jammies!



A few highlights...












Christmas at our house was fairly low-key and pretty wonderful, except for one little thing... during Grandma and Grandpa's visit, Grandma decided to get sick Sunday and quarentined herself to her bedroom for the next two days until we had to pack her up and send her home. That was a bummer, but we were so glad to have grandpa and Uncle Drew here to hang out with. We had lots of yummy food and lots of down time and I think I've finally gotten over the homesickness that comes with knowing all my family is together somewhere else as well as getting used to a quiet house again. I don't know if it's the holidays or the beginning of a new year, but I seem to get pretty reflective this time of year and am anxious for new beginnings.

We had a little family home evening Christmas Eve with Denten introducing a new tradition where we each had the opportunity to reflect on the past year and share an experience or scripture that demonstrates how we have seen the Savior's hand in our lives. Looking over the last year, it was hard to settle on just one, but between Coop's drama, it was a nice addition to Christmas.

After a hesitant start to Christmas morning, the magic kicked in and it was pretty fun to watch my children enjoy both the giving and the receiving of the day. We were very blessed and I am grateful to have had this week to spend with my little family. Mostly I'm grateful to have had Denten around more than usual this week, and the kids have been too! Hope your was terrific as well!

Strange...

So it's 8:30 on Christmas morning and Cooper is still sound asleep. Dead to the world. Obviously there is no anticipation keeping the kid awake, but even on a normal day this hour is unheard of! We're quite tempted to wake him, and I probably will, but he was so completely exhausted and grumpy last night that we don't want a repeat performance. I know there will probably be years I will be sorry I didn't appreciate this, but it's just a little strange to have Seneca scooting around, Denten and Grandpa reading on the couch and the rest of the house sacked out so late in the morning on Christmas morning! Anyway, hope you're enjoying your festivities, check in later!

the fog is clearing...

After being home-bound for three days, minus a quick trip to the UPS store to ship Christmas, I think we're finally ready to emerge.

Seneca is feeling much better and is back to her happy, easy-going self for the most part. We have discovered that she has a fancy for squash, much to her aunt linny's dismay, I'm sure. She has become quite the quick little scooter and can get across the room in record time. She especially likes to check out whatever Cooper is working on... today the tractors were delicious! We've also discovered that she has a bit of a strong will when it's time to sleep and she wants to be where the action is, except when it's 4:30 a.m. and there really is no action, but she thinks it's time to be awake anyway! Considering I'm not sleeping great right now, I'm happy to let her cry it out, but poor Denten is wondering if sleeping at the office these days would be a better alternative to coming home at night!

Cooper, hopefully, is past the worst of his cold and is being pretty good considering his lack of getting out and about these past few days. He's had fantastic bonding time with his tractors, trains and a few select Christmas movies and is thrilled about his new "sword" from aunt linny... I can't decide yet if I'm grateful for it, but he sure is! At least it doesn't hurt when I "accidentally" get wacked!



Lindsay also sent these completely cute shoes for Seneca... they are totally darling, I only wish they came in my size too!



As for me, my head is so full of pressure it's ready to explode and if I try to sleep I get that one-nostril-clogged-breathing problem, you know the one? Oh I miss the days of drowning in nyquil and not needing to worry that it will affect my unborn child or that I might need to be somewhat functional in the middle of the night... this, too, shall pass, yes? So I've spent my last few days sweeping, swiffering, mopping and vacuuming. The vanities, sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets are all sparkling and disinfected, the dusting is done, the laundry is down to one mere load to go before we're caught up, Christmas is wrapped and ready to go so let the in-laws arrive! Yes, that happens tomorrow and I just may crash when they get here, but I think we're all ok with that. I just may change out of the clothes I've been living in for the past two days and become somewhat presentable, you never know.

Denten has had a wonderful before-the-holiday rush at work and we've seen bits and pieces of him the past few days. It will be nice to have the week come to a close and have him around for a while.

A fairly mundane post, I realize, but that's my life right now. Grateful for the simplicity of it and the fact that it is possible for me to be a homebody when tasks and stuffy heads request such.

Weekend in Photos

I came home from Gourmet Group's cookie exchange and found this in my kitchen:



the little boy was asleep, but his dad was standing guard with strict instructions to not knock it over, or put it away. I wondered whose masterpiece it really was, but they were both so proud, it probably doesn't matter.

Seneca and her daddy



I think the fear of Santa is over this year...



And Senny just thought his beard was delicious!



It was a busy weekend that has resulted in Seneca feeling better, Cooper and I with colds and Dent trying to avoid it at all costs... goal: everyone healthy for Christmas!

This Child of Mine

ok, coop's latest.

playing with cars: he says, "hold on, folks!" Folks? really? do I
say that? Yesterday while on the freeway I had to brake suddenly and
he yells out, "hold on, folks!" I about hit the car anyway trying not
to laugh out loud.

"swallow, seneca. you need to swallow your medicine little senny."

He didn't hear what I said a few days ago and with all sincerety
looked up at me and said, "excuse me?" He was not being sarcastic,
just so polite, like, mom, please repeat that, I didn't hear you.

He's learned how to sing, "Santa Claus is coming to town" and this
morning we woke up to him 'playing' it on the piano and singing at the
top of his lungs, "you better not cry...." He was very thorough and
used each key on the piano at some point I'm sure.

When he does not agree with me, I am promptly informed that "that is
not a plan, mom" or "that not a good idea at all." I tell him it's
the best idea I've got, so it's the one we're going with- good grief!
He also likes to create his own "plan," and tells me, "it's my choice,
mom."

Who is this kid??

Miserable

Ear Infection: bummer
Double Ear Infection: double bummer
Double Ear Infection combined with teething (runny nose, congestion and coughing so much she can't keep anything down): one miserable little girl.
Amoxicillin and tylenol: worth every penny.

You know you've got a winner when she's attempting to be pleasant even through all the haze her head is in. She's a sweetheart, this one.

Expressing Gratitude. Subject: Cooper

Cooper,

I want to take a minute and let you know that I am grateful for you, for your little spirit and for the person you are becoming. I've noticed lately that you are a very sweet brother to your sister. You use a kind tone of voice with her and are very patient. I've noticed that you don't like it when she is sad and that you try to comfort her. The other night when she was having a hard time, you kept saying, "it's ok, Seneca," over and over in a sweet little voice trying to make her feel better. She is growing up a little and will continue to disrupt your little world, but as she does, I'm grateful for your love, kindness and patience with her.

I'm grateful that when you first wake in the morning or after your nap, you immediately come to find me. There are a few precious moments as you wake up that you will just sit with me, give me a hug and just be. Sometimes you are quiet and sometimes you will tell me about your dreams, but I love those few moments when you'll just sit and cuddle on my lap and let me simply hold you. I love that about you and hope that my hugs will always be worthy of your seeking.

I've noticed that you are very good at saying, "thank you." You express your gratitude freely and happily and I am proud of you for your attempts at being polite. You are also very good at remembering to ask to be excused before you get down after you eat. Your little, "scuse please, mom" is precious and I am grateful for a good boy who tries his best to remember to use his kind words.

I'm grateful for your exubrant spirit and your love for action. I'm grateful that you love being together so much that you often wait until the last possible minute before running to the bathroom. Your little, "aaahh!!" and jumping around is so funny. I'm grateful you are such a happy boy.

I've noticed that it is very important to you to be thought of as a big boy. You are in a big boy bed and have surrendered your baby 'bear' blanket. You wear big boy underwear and do not like to be called 'little.' I've noticed that you try extra hard when a task requires a 'big boy' effort. You are quick to correct me when I make the mistake of using the word little. It is not meant to insult you. I know you are a big boy and that you are growing up much to quickly. I'm grateful that you accept your role as big brother around here so willingly.

I'm grateful that you love your dad and I enjoy watching you when he comes home. Your body fills with excitement as you hear the garage door open signaling his arrival. You like to hide from him and squeal when he comes through the door. You often request that he swing you up in the air or build a new train track with you. I've noticed that you love to play with your dad, tickle and wrestle and work outside and that that time should not be inturrupted prematurely. I'm very grateful that you love your dad so much.

I'm grateful that you have developed an appreciation for music. You enjoy instruments of all kinds, dancing and are great at learning new songs. You definately have an opinion about the kind of music you listen to and I'm grateful this is something you enjoy. I'm also grateful that you enjoy reading. Each night you will sit with us and listen to stories. Your favorites change occasionally and often I am tempted to suggest anything to get out of reading something for the twelfth time, but it is wonderful to watch you develop this love for books and stories. Sometimes during naptime when you should be sleeping, I'll find you in the rocking chair or on your bed looking at your books. You love a trip to the library and I'm grateful that you enjoy learning this way.

I've also noticed that you are very creative. Sometimes you will mimic things you have seen or heard, but often the things you come up with are entirely your own. A paperclip is a trumpet and makes great songs. The carpet is more often water and there are always creatures we must avoid as we cross it. Electrical towers at the power plant look like King Benjamin's tower and you have named your trains, "happy trains."

I'm grateful for your beautiful, healthy body. It is strong enough to jump, run, climb and play and yet still begs to be kissed all over. You have a very expressive face with shifty little eyes that give you away. You have a bright little mind that is capable of retaining so much right now. I feel a great responsibility to fill it with the things that will make you the kind of boy Heavenly Father wants you to be. I am also grateful for your developing testimony and knowledge of the gospel. You have a simple faith and an interest in the scriptures and I hope your love to go to church on Sundays stays with you forever.



I'm grateful for your silliness and the reminder it is to me to relax. Your personality has a goofy side to it and it is hilarious. You are a sweet, funny, opinionated little boy and I am very blessed to be your mother. I wanted to be a mom so badly and you certainly have been worth the wait. You will continue to challenge me around every turn, but as you often remind me, Heavenly Father and our angels are here to help us. You will always be my first miracle baby Coop, and I love you like crazy.

Just Us

This past weekend allowed time for much-needed house projects, Stake Conference and some great family time, just us. Cooper and Denten spent Saturday working on the yard and cleaning out the garage, including removing a few dead trees that we had hanging around. Saturday evening we had a baby-sitter come so we could enjoy a child-free adult session of Stake Conference, which we had never done before. We've decided that we need to make that a habit as we got so much more out of that meeting than we did on Sunday. Cooper was a pretty reverent kid sitting for two hours especially considering the chaos that surrounded us, but being able to focus completely on the speakers without any littles was a treat Saturday, combined with dinner just us and peppermint hot cocoa from Starbucks after...so yummy!



The clean-out Saturday provided us with wood that needed burning Sunday evening, so naturally I asked Denten who we were going to have come roast s'mores with us. I was disappointed initially when he said, "can't it just be us?" Well, sure, but boring. I am just a more is merrier kind of girl and find any opportunity to enjoy time with our friends, but Sunday evening just us was great. Give a three-year-old a fire, marshmellows and a stick and he's a happy camper.



Give a certain 6-month-old a reason to watch her brother, and so is she!



I'm glad Denten reminds me that sometimes the time with just us is necessary and just as fun as when we're surrounded by our great friends. This time of year is magical all the way around and it is so fun watching my children enjoy every bit.

ME. GO.

I'm taking one from Shellie...
The Game is on!!! And you're IT!

Describe ME in one word.... just ONE single word. Post your word, then add this to your own blog! See how many strange & interesting things everyone says about you. This is great fun if you're honest. You should know by now that I don't censor myself on my blog, so give it to me straight people.

This is also a special invitation for you blogging lurkers to make yourselves known. If your name begins with A, D or T, I am especially talking to you. Come on, it's not hard. Click comment, you only have to write one word!

Five for Friday- Good Things

1. Gray rainy days. Normally the sun would suit me a lot better, but a cozy home day with great long naps is also much appreciated. Especially if you have a three-year-old with a terrific imagination that stands at the window and tells you all kinds of stories about the crocodiles that would get you if you left the house. Can't take that chance! One of life's best inventions: online shopping. It provides the ability to shop multiple facets, compare, contrast and purchase all while in my comfy clothes and does not have to be timed around when any particular mother or child needs to eat or sleep.

2. A patient husband. Whew, don't underestimate those! It took me a while to have the Christmas spirit hit me this year. I've been much too focused on how much everything is costing and frustrated with the inability to make decisions about certain gifts. After a little chat last night, I'm definately in a better frame of mind today and am starting to look forward to the magic morning when people I love get to unwrap their surprises! He's great about other stuff too, this one. Like helping me still feel attractive when the "waddling" phase of pregnancy is settling in for the long haul.

3. Friends who serve each other selflessly, offering always the right advice, lending whatever the current project demands, planning terrific parties and making me feel loved on so many levels. Here's some of our crew this week at the zoo.



4. Happy kids. Having Seneca's enormous smile greet me whenever I see her lights up my world. She is completely pleasant and is enjoying her crazy brother more and more lately.



Speaking of him, he's been pretty sweet himself, excited about the impending holiday season, completely enamored with Christmas lights, stories, music and of course the Polar Express. From attempting to master Christmas songs to simply barreling me over with hugs, he's a keeper this week. Not that this photo adequately displays this...



5. Whoppers. Yep, the malted chocolate candy. I inherited a weakness for this particular novelty from my mother and this time of year they are much too readily available!

One final note: my sister Katelyn has joined the blogging world (Wahoo!!) so check her out on my sidebar. Believe me, she's way more interesting than I am, so after you become a faithful follower, please still check in with me once in a while! I have the greatest sisters...

love, logic and catching the spirit

Friday I took advantage of an opportunity to attend a Love and Logic seminar presented by Jim Fay here in Phoenix. I was introduced to Love and Logic parenting a while ago and while I agreed with the concepts and pinciples, I have stuggled a bit with both implementation and consistency. Looking forward a few months, I can see my hands pretty occupied with two babies and would love to know that when I speak to Cooper, that he hears me, and perhaps might even respond appropriately. I know this to be possible; I also know that the reason it doesn't happen quite yet is because of the way I occasionally deliver my messages. Cooper, perhaps like many children, responds according to how he is addressed. When my frustration is apparent to him, he reacts to it and the situation quickly becomes less than desireable. When I deliver instructions in a calm and pleasant manner, amazingly he is a calm and pleasant little boy.

I have a weakness. Shocking, I know. That is that I tend to talk to much. Again, I know you're flabbergasted. I am easily sucked into thinking I can reason and explain things to a child and somehow be perfectly understood. This works occasionally when we are both in a calm and rational frame of mind, but trying to rationalize with a little boy who is either already upset, or has a one-track zone going on is simply not productive. Getting back to that other issue I struggle with, control, means that I would love to jump in and prevent mistakes from being made and assist in everything going smoothly. What I have been reminded of this week is that when I allow him to make his own mistakes and own his own problems, he learns much quicker than from receiving a lot of blah blah blah from his mother. It has been amazing to hand a problem back to him and watch him solve it- he's smarter than either of us have given him credit for and his self-confidence grows as he figures out something himself. There will be a few tough lessons along the way, I'm sure, but the fact is that if I allow them to be his lessons, then they will be internalized and remembered and that's the valuable part of being a parent. I think the reason this resonates with me is that this is how our Heavenly Father teaches us. We make mistakes and we learn from them- he had the option of implementing a plan where we were forced to make the right choice all the time, but he knew that wasn't how we would learn. I'd rather have Cooper make mistakes now when the consequences are less significant than when he is older and the results of his actions have a much larger impact.

On another note, I am finally catching the Christmas spirit. I always look forward to this time of year, yet always feel overwhelmed by it as well. It took a few days to work up the motivation to get Autumn put away and pull Christmas out of the closet, but it was so fun to have Cooper help me unpack all the decorations and see him get so excited over everything. The thing that finally did it, however, was getting our tree yesterday. We are real Christmas tree people. I have considered changing that every year, but we haven't caved yet. I remembered yesterday why. It's the smell. It's a smell that can not be duplicated and I love it. It is Christmas time, like it or not, when your living room smells like a fresh noble fir tree. Getting Christmas cards worked out and choosing appropriate gifts for everyone are activities that seem much more bearable, even enjoyable once you jump into the swing of things. I just may need a reminder now and then to keep this season simple as to not lose the magic that makes this time so special.