I’m lucky

mellow saturday

saturdays with nothing scheduled are rare. well, work is always scheduled, but no other major commitments, which was nice. yard work, house work, swimming and groceries. denten laid flooring over the place in the living room where the former owners had taken their built-in shelf, so it's no longer concrete. I started removing carpet in the kid's bathroom. cleaned all bathrooms, vacuumed, swept, major family room clean-up, installed a hook-and-eye lock on beckham's door, read during nap time, denten cleaned out the water softener... hopefully that will help the hard water issue in the dishwasher. he and cooper swept pooled water off the roof after it rained. grateful there weren't leaks in the places we had the roof repaired, but bummed to find a new leak. grateful it's minor. found some yummy new things at trader joe's, actually planned meals for the week (miracle). getting job lists and schedules in place for when school starts next week... 7:45 is early to be at school, we've got to be on top of things! off to fold laundry and finish consuming my H2O for the night.

change of heart

That's the name of a book, not an actual condition I'm experiencing. Written by Jodi Picoult. Finished last night by me. Picoult's novels are interesting, usually revolving around some form of a controversial theme and each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the leading characters.

I learned about the belief that there were more gospels written than are contained in the King James version of the Bible. The thoughts contained in the Gospel of Thomas shaped some of the themes in this book. This story also revolved around a capital punishment case. It is interesting to see both the business and emotional sides to preparing to act out the death penalty. There were varying opinions on capital punishment among the different characters in the story and I don't believe the author was attempting to have her readers swayed one way or another, but I'm not a supporter.

I love that when I open a book, it has the potential to take me to a new place, teach me new things... things that may help me in my daily role as a mother, or things that have little to do with my daily tasks and offer reprieve from them. I'm always a little disappointed when it's finally over, but there are so many waiting for me! on to the next one...

reality check.

I'm grateful for the potential of a great summer storm. It keeps teasing, but hasn't fully unleashed.

I'm grateful for a swim staff that made cooper's summer so great that there were quiet heart-breaking tears as we left the pool and all the way home.

I'm grateful for options, even when they also seem like torture.

I'm grateful for quiet inspiration that teaches me what each of my children need, and that it is not the same for each one.

I'm grateful Beckham stayed on his bed tonight and did not attempt to come out once.

I'm grateful for sore muscles that indicate I'm getting stronger.

I'm grateful for access to good books that give me the opportunity to think about things other than my daily mothering tasks. Capitol punishment, how Christians and Jews view Christ differently and terminal illness... all in one book.

I'm grateful that the judge put a hold on vital pieces of Arizona's immigration law. I agree with her.

I'm grateful that the view out my window now includes lush, green grass. miracle.

I'm grateful that Denten will listen to me vent and work things out out loud, even when they are things we don't agree on.

I'm grateful that I have not had a police search helicopter circle above my home in four months. Sorry, Jackie.

I'm grateful that Seneca lets me brush her hair every night before bed. It's beautiful and I love doing that.

seneca is great.

Yesterday when we were in the pool, I heard Seneca tell Beckham, "I am a great swimmer." Beckham repeated it and said that he was also a great swimmer. Seneca agreed and off they went together.

This morning we're at the table during learning time. Beckham has been working on his colors this week. Seneca spent some time on her letters and then they both were coloring. Seneca is enthralled with coloring lately and is very focused during her work. She didn't look up when she told me, very matter-of-factly, "mom, I am great at coloring." I had to agree.

I suppose it could have sounded a little cocky, the way she was touting her abilities, but I hope that her confidence continues her whole life. She is going to encounter magazine covers and media outlets and unkind people who will attempt to make her think that she is less than great and if she can internalize the idea now that she is a Daughter of a King, and that means greatness, then it will allow her to soar right over all of the inadequacies that are inevitable coming at her as a female in this generation.

She's beautiful and strong and destined for amazing things. And I'm glad she knows it. And if you ask, she'll also tell you that she is a great reader. And she fully believes that.

water

My task this week, in addition to the regulars, is to consume 64 ounces of water daily. I am here to tell you that after two days of this attempt that it is not necessary for a 100 pound person to consume that much water on a daily basis in order to stay hydrated. Even in the desert. I have spent the last two days with a bloated stomach that wants to vomit water by 11:00 a.m. Seriouly, started gagging at one point. I barely made my ounces yesterday and yes, I was counting my ice cups. And in addition to feeling water-logged all day even my children noticed how much I was using the bathroom. Four times during the night last night. FOUR TIMES! And during the day it was ridiculous.

I'm all for water, in fact we seldom drink anything else around here. I don't buy juice on a regular basis and we don't drink soda. We make sure the kids are drinking throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially when we're outside so much in the heat. I believe that water has healing properties, that it has a high vibration in our bodies and that it flushes toxins out of our our systems. However, I also believe that our bodies can tell us how much we need and mine started yelling yesterday!

As I increase my H2O consumption, I'm positive this is just as effective as any marketed "cleanse" out there! I'm also positive my stomach is going to be permanently pooched out as long as I keep pumping the fluid! I told Denten last night that it shouldn't be so hard seeing as I know that 8 glasses a day is the recommended amount, but he looked at me and said, "not for someone your size." I gotta say, I'm agreeing with him as my bathroom is being used twice as much as it normally does. I figure I'm getting rid of any toxins that were hanging out in my body and that my skin is going to look fantastic... unless water starts seeping out of my pores...

a girl can dream…

aren’t they absolutely fabulous?

I can almost smell the leather.

if these happened to arrive on my front porch, in say, a size 7… well then, I’m just not quite sure how I’d react.

well, I’d be completely gorgeous. I know that.

the color, the heel height, the grain of the leather, the style of the toe, the darling buckles… oh, mama.

perfection.

The Help.

You were right, you were all right. All of you who told me that this book was amazing were dead on. I have been enthralled with books this summer, but this one was a step above, so real and honest. Once I got into it I couldn't wait to see how it was all going to unfold and it did not disappoint. I was up late Friday night reading in bed and Saturday when I woke up early I grabbed my book and stayed right there in bed. Denten eventually got up and went for a run. I did actually get out of bed long enough to get my children cheerios and make a smoothie, but then I headed back to my bedroom. I was still there at 9:30 when Denten got home... I had to finish it! I finally did and then was sorry it was over.

I've had several thoughts about the implications of this book. I felt when I was reading it that it took place in a very different world, however it felt so real and current to me. I realize how unaffected I am by matters of prejudice. I realized that as open and accepting as my community seems, I don't know if I've ever really been able to put that to the test and as I read I longed for the opportunity to change things- that desire we have to make things better for those who we feel aren't getting a fair shake.

I think it's a powerful book that contains great and hilarious characters as well as the epitome of ruthlessness. I would absolutely be interested in whatever Stockett produces next.

another word for random, 'cause they just keep coming!

yesterday I mopped my entire house. with the big mop. even the rooms that aren't really used. it felt so good to have it done. and then denten walked through the laundry room and tracked something wet to the door. I acted like the world was ending and then we figured out that the washing machine was leaking. ok, that's ok. as long as you didn't mess up my clean floors... whew. and it wasn't really a leak, the hose just came off of the back. a quick fix and we were back in business.

denten worked outside all. day. long. yesterday. yard stuff, pool stuff, house stuff. it was super hot and he drank about five liters of water. the kids were in charge of picking up all the pine cones and oranges. they thought they were going to die. they came in a collapsed at the kitchen table thinking that a snack and the rest of the day off was in order. ha!

sunday naps are so wonderful. I was trying to think today why I have much better naps on sunday than any other day and I came to the conclusion that it is because first, denten is home so I don't subconsciously feel like I have to stay half awake in case one of the kids needs me and second, there aren't any obligations nagging at me that I should be doing instead of melting into my bed and floating off to never-never land. which is such a wonderful place to be.

there were 8 kids in our entire primary today. normally there are about 40. that's what summertime does to this ward... they just disappear and vacation until they have to come back to school.

I have a lot I need to get organized this week... home things, schedule things, school things... this week has the potential to be wonderful. I need to make it happen.

I made cookies tonight for the first time in a few months. I did a good job, they are yummy. My family appreciated the break from veggies. This week I must drink 64 oz. of water every day. Piece of cake considering all the ice I eat all day long, but Shellie thinks I need to drink it... phfff. Doesn't she know I already go to the bathroom twice during the night? How hydrated does she think I need to be?! Just kidding, I'll drink my water, ugh.

And so we don't end on a complaint, I'll document here that I'm grateful for my life right now. It's easy to fall into the trap of listing all the things I would change if I could, but we are completely blessed. I'm grateful this week that my children know they have an army of angels around them every day and that they call on them for help. We've seen their hands several times recently and I'm grateful that their little testimonies are growing.

oh, beckham.

He's two-and-a-half. Good thing he’s cute.

He climbed out of his crib 17 times at naptime. Ok, maybe not 17, but enough that it would have driven me crazy, so I left. He doesn't want to stay on the big boy bed, but he doesn't want to sleep in his crib either. I came home to find him sneaking around in Seneca's room... she was sound asleep.

I said, "don't touch the sunscreen, I'll help you in a minute." A few minutes later I hear a scream. He pointed the nozzle right at his face and sprayed... lots of sunscreen right into his eye. Good grief.

I said, "use your walking feet, please." He ran, tripped and smacked his forehead on the pool deck. Bummer. New goose egg for church.

I said, "your bike does not come in the pool fence, or we're done outside." He proceeds to walk out of the fence, get on the bike and ride right in. We were done. He was not happy.

I said, "you're welcome to help, but don't touch the pan. It's hot. It will burn you." "ok, I won’t." "OWWW!!! It's hot!!" Well, yes, I just told you that.

How many times does he have to learn the hard way that I am very wise and he should just listen to me? Mom? How many?? I'm afraid to know that answer because I remember my mom saying the same things to me over and over and over. And I was much older than two-and-a-half.

more dancing-on-the-dock pics to come.

today.

a great time spent with great friends. I am very grateful for good girlfriends and good friends for my kids.

grateful for a functioning vehicle.

super naps and good reading time.

a new bug guy came today. I really liked him. I should call the company and tell them he's great.

a lazy evening, kids played great together.

dad arrived just before bedtime and got mauled by everyone.

headed to bed with my book.

no title, just ramblings

This morning I snuck a run in before the littles thought they were going to starve to death from not eating breakfast.  Actually, only Seneca thinks she is going to starve.  It's actually quite pathetic.  After cleaning up, we headed to Barnes & Noble to find a favorite book for a birthday present this week.  I could spend way too much time there.  Seneca promptly found “Purplicious” and laid down smack in the middle of the children’s section on her tummy and began reading.  Beckham chose train books and art books to keep himself occupied.  Cooper managed the troops while I looked for what I wanted.  New books smell so good.  There were several I wanted to take home with me, but walked out with just one, making note of the others for our next stop.  I need to remember to go back there more often.  The kids are so happy to explore new books and play with the trains, I could have a good half an hour reading!

Next stop was the library.  Again, I found way too many that I wanted, when I already have some at home waiting for me.  And library books come with urgency, “read me, next!  I’m due soon!”  We’ll see if I can get through the one I’m in now and three more before they really yell at me!  The library had a checkers table, a game Coop is totally into right now, thanks to Gram and McCall.  We checked out the pieces and played a round.  I kept fighting my urgency to hurry, reminding myself I had no where to rush off to.  Sometimes I need to relax!  Seneca took up her place on the reading couch and began reading out loud.  Reading, you ask?  Well, yes, she thought she was, as did a few others who sat down to listen.  She was conducting her own story time while I looked for books for the kids.

After the library, we ventured down the street to the temple for a picnic and gander through the visitor’s center.  It was cloudy, but still bloody hot and sticky.  We sat on a bench and ate our snacks (found new salt and cracked pepper rice cakes that were a hit) and talked about the temple and whose house it is and what we need to do to go inside someday.  Seneca wants to get married, immediately.  There was a wedding party doing pictures our front and all of them thought the dress on the bride was meant for a princess!  When we were ready for some A/C, we went to check out the visitor’s center.  “Mountain of the Lord” was just starting, so we sat in but the little guy didn’t last long.  I took him out to look at pictures of Jesus while the other’s watched the movie, but apparently they didn’t last much longer and came out, going the other direction and left the building.  After Bex and I visited the Christus statue we went to find the others, who were long gone and nowhere to be seen.  Normally panic would have set in, but the temple was right in front of me and I was certain that no one wandering these grounds right now were going to swipe my children and run away.  We found them shortly and went back in to visit Jesus one more time. 

Home for naps and quiet time.  Cooper watched a new math movie we found at the library.  He watched it armed with the remote control so he could pause and solve the problems with his pencil and paper.  His idea, not mine.  The other two conked out and I found my bed and “The Help.”  I’m loving it and can’t get enough.  It’s totally interesting to me, although I find myself thinking in ol’ mammy language sometimes.  Snacks were raw broccoli with pesto ranch (it’s vegetable week in fitness challenge) and now Cooper has sheets of newspaper spread out over the entire house.  It appears there is method to his madness, but I’m not sure. 

I was supposed to water the lawn last night, but I forgot so I turned it on this morning, intending to turn it off before we left.  That didn’t happen.  Oops.  It was on until 2:30 this afternoon… I guess we’ll see if the issue really is that it needed more water!  The laundry room has been my afternoon project, putting away the last bits of our trip, pushing laundry through and clearing the island.  I’m determined that someday that fabulous island will be used for more than folding laundry and collecting junk…

Dinner tonight must include many veggies… shall I throw them in eggs?  or pasta?  They both actually sound delicious to me.  And for the record, Morning Star veggie patties are not as delicious as this month’s Real Simple said they were.  I had such a good one (twice) in McCall that I thought I could duplicate it.  bummer.  And while we’re talking about food (are you still reading?)  we tried V8 Fusion this week and my bottle was gone in a day and a half… and we are not normally juice people.  It was way too sweet for me, but my kids devoured it. 

My kids keep asking for dad.  He’s their favorite.  He says, “of course.”  He’s kind of my favorite, too. 

in my head.

1. whew. mccall has been blogged. told you there were a lot of photos. I still haven't learned to do that well... I realize multiple posts for one vacation is excessive, but it will be easier if I ever get around to scrapping this event that the photos are already there for me!

2. I've got visiting teaching on the docket this morning and then need to pick up a few things for the boys' rooms. Beckham went to the bathroom in the toilet twice yesterday- he's so ready to be potty-trained, I've got to get it together! first step is to get him out of the crib, so we're working on getting his bed up this week.

3. Our backyard has greened up nicely the last week. Extra water did the trick, except in a few really dead places. Dent has been working in the yard after work and it's coming together. He's off to Supai for the rest of the week. Cooper said maybe we should move there if that's where dad has to work.

4. This work trip snuck up on me and I had the thought that I don't really have a plan if he weren't to come home. Yes, this is morbid. What if the helicopter went down and I needed to go see him... who would I call? This would not have been an issue in our previous neighborhood. There was an army there that would take care of my kids. I could call Emily, but she's about to have a baby... really, any day. Em, have you had a baby yet?? I could call my visiting teacher- that's what they are there for, right? There are women in the ward I would trust, undoubtedly, but they don't know us super well and have their own busy lives. I could call one of the girls home from college that has stayed with my kids before. I suppose we've been pretty independent thus far over here. I'm sure the helicopter will fly just fine, but I feel like I need a tentative plan if for some reason I had to leave quickly. Note to self: keep the house clean in case someone needs to come in and take over!

5. I've been dreaming about different places in my house and what to do to improve them. I've got a few fun ideas, now just a little time and moola would come in handy! Tile in the kids bathroom is next on the list... have I mentioned that before, because it's been next on the list for a long time! I think I finally found what I want- miracle. I have an idea for one of the walls in our house but I think it will require a few trips to thrift and/or antique shops. I've never been a thrift store shopper, but it's a good reason to go exploring.

6. I sleep incredibly well in my own bed, especially when I'm super tired. I'm kind of hoping for another nighttime lightening storm... those are very cool in this house. the lightening lights up the whole place, I love it.

have a lovely day.

mccall 2010: smiles in the tube

she’s just telling him to hold on tight.

see that smile on seneca’s face?  you’d be amazed how quickly it turned to horror when she was told her turn was over. 

mccall 2010: a morning at brundage

ride the lift up, hike down… a kids’ kind of hike!

look closely, can you see the lake back there?

my vibram footprint

mccall 2010: afternoons on the beach

 

some days when we got off the boat, they weren’t in their swimming suits.  that didn’t stop anybody.

  

senny and grandpa

and lest you think playing in the sand is just for children, you should have seen the inordinate amount of time these two spent trying to catch the guppies in the water.  here they are fashioning a trap…

beach beauty award goes to tessa, hands down. 

mccall 2010: ice cream alley

 

mccall 2010: the ski… and the wipe-outs

 

the old man still has it.

 

until he decided to skip his body across the lake…

 

don’t worry.  he recovered.  and found his swim suit.

the husband, who has improved immensely since joining the family.  denten wins the prize for skiing the longest.  his quote as he climbed the swim deck the last day, “man, I love that.”

the sister, who always has both the best faces and choice words when entering the ice water.

she wins the prize for being the best skiing sibling, although she claims she skied like a pansy this week.  reason unspecified on this blog at this time.

 

the brother-in-law, who provided numerous crashes behind the boat.

          

the other sister, who I used to be better than…

 

and finally, my son, who made this process as dramatic as his mother used to.  maybe next year, he says…

 

yes, the goggles were necessary and the negotiations in the water significant.