Friday, January 06, 2017
Friday, January 23, 2015
The Kids
When we are just living everyday, crazy life it seems like there isn't much to say. But everyday I experience things I want to remember. By the next day, I can't remember a thing! I know I have missed so much lately because journaling has been on my mind. The kids are back into their busy schedules and work is actually stressful for both Bryce and I right now but I am trying to write more!
Brylin has had a lot harder time this year in middle school. As we were driving to school this morning we talked about how kids her age are on social media, packing around phones, and dating boys. She is 12! What the heck? And they wonder why her class is struggling in school and the teachers are too. They aren't mature enough to handle the emotions and responsibilities they are taking on. I actually think it is sad. I am proud of Brylin for making good friends and trying hard in school. Just the other day she told me she has a group of friends that were all talking about how they didn't swear (better than her parents). And, even though there is a boy she likes and the feeling is mutual, they both know they can't "date" and are friends. She is struggling a bit with her science project, but seriously? Pain. in. the. butt! I think it is interesting that it is getting the homework turned in or her music practiced that hurts her grades. The easy part is hard for her! As always, I have to threaten her life over chores most weeks but she actually did pretty good this week and has earned friend time today. Whew! The no is as hard on the parents as it is on the kids. Brylin is so talented on the piano and is getting really good!
Paisley is becoming more of a tween. She has always been a little bit more prissy and she still loves to do people's hair. Her hair straightener was obviously a good choice for Christmas. She deals with a lot more drama from friends at school. Just the other day I was proud of her for choosing to play with a friend that was crying because her best friend was mad at her and refused to play with her for a few days. Oh brother! This group of girls has been interesting! Paisley has also learned to love to read. She devours books lately! Her teacher has had nothing but good to report. She is a great student, she had to learn to raise her hand and not call out answers but I think it is just because she is excited to know the answers. She has struggled a bit more with her chores, basically she says she will do it and then doesn't! Grr! However, she is still a huge help with the little kids. She just seems to really enjoy taking care of and playing with little kids. Thank goodness! Paisley has worked really hard to be able to play the piano. While it is much harder for her and progresses more slowly, I am just as proud of her for trying so hard and sticking with it. She loves music and grooving, even if it isn't her talent to create it as easily.
Brant is so funny. He LOVES his new fish tank but after having a few fish go belly up, he is a worrywart about them. Every single day he has another reason a fish is going to die. I laughed the other day because he had told me for weeks a certain fish was dying. He as I woke him up he checked on them and said "It has been weeks and that fish is still alive?!" Really? I've told you for days it is fine! Yesterday he told me his puffer fish was toast. I went to check and it really was sitting on the bottom with it's tail curled funny. I thought he was right. I gave them some food and a few seconds later it rocketed to the top and ate. I swear it was sleeping?! Who knew? Brant is still obsessed with animals and often brings me imaginary animals he has hunted to hang on my imaginary walls. He will ask what kind I want too. (Truthfully none in real life!) He has struggled a bit getting accelerated reading points at school. We finally figured out he has to take tests before school starts. I help him read at night, he takes the list, Paisley gets him settled at the computer in his classroom and he has actually gotten over five points this week. Thank goodness! Brant is such a good boy and a good student. It made me so proud at his parent teacher conference when the teacher said if she ever has a son, she wants him to be just like Brant. He is really excited to get a brother but when we told them he said "Mom are you really excited and a little sad?" I said because you won't be my only boy?" He said "Ya." I meant it when I said "Brant you are so wonderful why wouldn't I want another one?" His eyes just danced.
Channa! Oh miss Channa! I can NOT believe she will go to kindergarten next year. My heart is breaking! She is so sassy and some days I am so glad she gets to go to preschool to work out some of her emotional energy but everyday? NO! She is doing really well writing her name and is learning more of her letters. She loves to write random letters and take notes to her friends. She actually has a desire to learn which is huge for her. I have been really impressed lately with her coloring. All of a sudden she figured out how to color neatly, at first I thought it was one of the older girls pictures it was so good! I don't let Channa watch TV until nap time but she would watch it all day if I let her. She loves Curious George the most I think. She is still a nervous child when it comes to change or trusting things will be okay, but she doesn't throw as many tantrums. However, if you brush her hair, watch out. She gets super snarly hair and she cries! I just say no wailing! Her favorite hair style is side ponytails. Channa has been a great helper with Tycee, she helps me keep her out of trouble and loves to do things that help (except cleaning). She is also really snuggly and loving. She is adamant that she is Daddy and Mommy's girl. She is super excited for the baby and keeps talking about him being born on her birthday. I don't think she understands that means sharing her birthday forever!
Tycee! Oh that baby! She just started calling me "Mommy" instead of "Mama" yesterday and says it all day long. I love that she pats my back when I hold her. She actually talks a lot amid all of her jabber but you usually can't understand words. I love when I wake up in the morning to her singing "No, no, noooo" to the tune of "Let it Go!" She also sings it when she plays with a Barbie. She is obsessed with my phone and watching planet earth or Frozen on it. She will start going through my pockets or search down my shirt for it. She also loves to call Bryce. She says "HI, HI, HI" and then jabbers and giggles at him. She gets so mad if I have to hold it. She says "Bye" really well and loves to wave bye out the window to her dad. She is still a tender heart and gets scared easily. I seriously crack up at her flight response. If I yell to one of the kids or get excited for Daddy to be home she will take about 2 steps away from me and turn to run back panicked. Yesterday I told her my phone was downstairs and she went to the stairs. All of sudden she started her panic cry and stumbled back into the dining room so fast she fell over. Our biggest scaredy cat by far, and that is really saying something! I was playing with her and the dollhouse the other day and she told the dog to "stay" and said "shut it." She tries to say all the kids names and does pretty well! She calls Brant boo. She LOVES the fish, dogs, and cats. Both Tycee and Channa love to sing and dance in the kitchen. Tycee will point to the ipod and say "uh uh uh" (that is how she asks for anything) because she wants music on. And she will keep asking if she doesn't like the song you choose. I just started singing popcorn popping with her and she loves to do hand actions. Last Sunday at the end of sacrament I whispered it in her ear, it was perfect timing when she yelled "YAY" and clapped. Nobody knew it was the song not the end of the meeting! She is very expressive with yay, uh oh, whoa, wow, and NO! We love this girl! We can't get her to relinquish the bottle but since she started mostly drinking water at night she is ravenous during the day and eats really well, which also means she poops really well (much better than her previous plugged up problems). I am seriously so sad she goes to nursery next month and love watching her at church. I wish she could be my baby longer!
I have really enjoyed getting up with the kids to make a hot breakfast and pack lunches this year. Sad that it took me this long to just get up and do it! Nobody seems to miss the cereal everyday, and actually they got tired of it over Christmas break. I am usually grouchy in the mornings but I am trying to be more of a morning person! I often feel so blessed to live the life that we do. It has really struck me what a privilege it is to be the mother of each of our children. I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them by how I live each day with them. I read a quote in a store that has stuck with me it said something like "It is the things you do everyday not the once in awhile that counts." We have been following the bofm365 account on instagram and I think we have all really enjoyed reading and answering the questions together. When we see the temple we say "I spy the temple!" It use to be a competition to see who saw it first which became a fight. Then we decided we want everyone to keep their eye on the temple and one day go there. What a blessing eternal families are. I am so grateful for Bryce and the good life we share with these cute kids. Oh I love that man! I am so very blessed.
Brylin has had a lot harder time this year in middle school. As we were driving to school this morning we talked about how kids her age are on social media, packing around phones, and dating boys. She is 12! What the heck? And they wonder why her class is struggling in school and the teachers are too. They aren't mature enough to handle the emotions and responsibilities they are taking on. I actually think it is sad. I am proud of Brylin for making good friends and trying hard in school. Just the other day she told me she has a group of friends that were all talking about how they didn't swear (better than her parents). And, even though there is a boy she likes and the feeling is mutual, they both know they can't "date" and are friends. She is struggling a bit with her science project, but seriously? Pain. in. the. butt! I think it is interesting that it is getting the homework turned in or her music practiced that hurts her grades. The easy part is hard for her! As always, I have to threaten her life over chores most weeks but she actually did pretty good this week and has earned friend time today. Whew! The no is as hard on the parents as it is on the kids. Brylin is so talented on the piano and is getting really good!
Paisley is becoming more of a tween. She has always been a little bit more prissy and she still loves to do people's hair. Her hair straightener was obviously a good choice for Christmas. She deals with a lot more drama from friends at school. Just the other day I was proud of her for choosing to play with a friend that was crying because her best friend was mad at her and refused to play with her for a few days. Oh brother! This group of girls has been interesting! Paisley has also learned to love to read. She devours books lately! Her teacher has had nothing but good to report. She is a great student, she had to learn to raise her hand and not call out answers but I think it is just because she is excited to know the answers. She has struggled a bit more with her chores, basically she says she will do it and then doesn't! Grr! However, she is still a huge help with the little kids. She just seems to really enjoy taking care of and playing with little kids. Thank goodness! Paisley has worked really hard to be able to play the piano. While it is much harder for her and progresses more slowly, I am just as proud of her for trying so hard and sticking with it. She loves music and grooving, even if it isn't her talent to create it as easily.
Brant is so funny. He LOVES his new fish tank but after having a few fish go belly up, he is a worrywart about them. Every single day he has another reason a fish is going to die. I laughed the other day because he had told me for weeks a certain fish was dying. He as I woke him up he checked on them and said "It has been weeks and that fish is still alive?!" Really? I've told you for days it is fine! Yesterday he told me his puffer fish was toast. I went to check and it really was sitting on the bottom with it's tail curled funny. I thought he was right. I gave them some food and a few seconds later it rocketed to the top and ate. I swear it was sleeping?! Who knew? Brant is still obsessed with animals and often brings me imaginary animals he has hunted to hang on my imaginary walls. He will ask what kind I want too. (Truthfully none in real life!) He has struggled a bit getting accelerated reading points at school. We finally figured out he has to take tests before school starts. I help him read at night, he takes the list, Paisley gets him settled at the computer in his classroom and he has actually gotten over five points this week. Thank goodness! Brant is such a good boy and a good student. It made me so proud at his parent teacher conference when the teacher said if she ever has a son, she wants him to be just like Brant. He is really excited to get a brother but when we told them he said "Mom are you really excited and a little sad?" I said because you won't be my only boy?" He said "Ya." I meant it when I said "Brant you are so wonderful why wouldn't I want another one?" His eyes just danced.
Channa! Oh miss Channa! I can NOT believe she will go to kindergarten next year. My heart is breaking! She is so sassy and some days I am so glad she gets to go to preschool to work out some of her emotional energy but everyday? NO! She is doing really well writing her name and is learning more of her letters. She loves to write random letters and take notes to her friends. She actually has a desire to learn which is huge for her. I have been really impressed lately with her coloring. All of a sudden she figured out how to color neatly, at first I thought it was one of the older girls pictures it was so good! I don't let Channa watch TV until nap time but she would watch it all day if I let her. She loves Curious George the most I think. She is still a nervous child when it comes to change or trusting things will be okay, but she doesn't throw as many tantrums. However, if you brush her hair, watch out. She gets super snarly hair and she cries! I just say no wailing! Her favorite hair style is side ponytails. Channa has been a great helper with Tycee, she helps me keep her out of trouble and loves to do things that help (except cleaning). She is also really snuggly and loving. She is adamant that she is Daddy and Mommy's girl. She is super excited for the baby and keeps talking about him being born on her birthday. I don't think she understands that means sharing her birthday forever!
Tycee! Oh that baby! She just started calling me "Mommy" instead of "Mama" yesterday and says it all day long. I love that she pats my back when I hold her. She actually talks a lot amid all of her jabber but you usually can't understand words. I love when I wake up in the morning to her singing "No, no, noooo" to the tune of "Let it Go!" She also sings it when she plays with a Barbie. She is obsessed with my phone and watching planet earth or Frozen on it. She will start going through my pockets or search down my shirt for it. She also loves to call Bryce. She says "HI, HI, HI" and then jabbers and giggles at him. She gets so mad if I have to hold it. She says "Bye" really well and loves to wave bye out the window to her dad. She is still a tender heart and gets scared easily. I seriously crack up at her flight response. If I yell to one of the kids or get excited for Daddy to be home she will take about 2 steps away from me and turn to run back panicked. Yesterday I told her my phone was downstairs and she went to the stairs. All of sudden she started her panic cry and stumbled back into the dining room so fast she fell over. Our biggest scaredy cat by far, and that is really saying something! I was playing with her and the dollhouse the other day and she told the dog to "stay" and said "shut it." She tries to say all the kids names and does pretty well! She calls Brant boo. She LOVES the fish, dogs, and cats. Both Tycee and Channa love to sing and dance in the kitchen. Tycee will point to the ipod and say "uh uh uh" (that is how she asks for anything) because she wants music on. And she will keep asking if she doesn't like the song you choose. I just started singing popcorn popping with her and she loves to do hand actions. Last Sunday at the end of sacrament I whispered it in her ear, it was perfect timing when she yelled "YAY" and clapped. Nobody knew it was the song not the end of the meeting! She is very expressive with yay, uh oh, whoa, wow, and NO! We love this girl! We can't get her to relinquish the bottle but since she started mostly drinking water at night she is ravenous during the day and eats really well, which also means she poops really well (much better than her previous plugged up problems). I am seriously so sad she goes to nursery next month and love watching her at church. I wish she could be my baby longer!
I have really enjoyed getting up with the kids to make a hot breakfast and pack lunches this year. Sad that it took me this long to just get up and do it! Nobody seems to miss the cereal everyday, and actually they got tired of it over Christmas break. I am usually grouchy in the mornings but I am trying to be more of a morning person! I often feel so blessed to live the life that we do. It has really struck me what a privilege it is to be the mother of each of our children. I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them by how I live each day with them. I read a quote in a store that has stuck with me it said something like "It is the things you do everyday not the once in awhile that counts." We have been following the bofm365 account on instagram and I think we have all really enjoyed reading and answering the questions together. When we see the temple we say "I spy the temple!" It use to be a competition to see who saw it first which became a fight. Then we decided we want everyone to keep their eye on the temple and one day go there. What a blessing eternal families are. I am so grateful for Bryce and the good life we share with these cute kids. Oh I love that man! I am so very blessed.
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
An Ordinary Morning
I have been having an ordinary day and thought I might write about it. Bryce and I were talking the other day and even with some of the stressful decisions we are currently facing, we decided we have a pretty good life. At the moment, an adorable one year old was just feeding me her string cheese and jabbering in my ear. Does it get any better than that?
As the morning dawned we could hear the girls rustling downstairs, we knew the morning was looming. Thankfully they set their own alarm and get themselves dressed before coming upstairs. They don't disturb us until 7. Hallelujah! Especially considering Tycee was restless last night and I think I was up 5 times with in her in addition to both Channa and Brant coming in for something, I can't really remember what. Bryce stumbled into the shower and I into the kitchen to work on breakfast and lunches. I tried a new breakfast for us of fried eggs on a toasted, buttered english muffin with cheddar cheese. It was easy and they all liked it, score for mom! Brylin had mercy on me and made her own lunch. Paisley asked yesterday if she could eat the school's orange chicken for lunch so I just had to throw together a turkey sandwich and wash a few grapes for Brant. Bryce took Brylin to school and checked on a dog at the office before coming home to eat. I woke Brant and braided Paisley's hair. I wrote their names on their new basketballs so they could take them to school and finally lay back on the couch.
I was so grateful the little girls were still asleep and lay on the couch hoping for a tiny nap. I heard a cute baby Tycee voice. I made the ever vital decision to shamelessly give her a bottle of milk (we are trying to wean her and have only been giving her water) and climbed back in my bed. I heard Channa moving about but she was quiet. I snoozed for awhile before I heard Tycee yelling Mama...Mama...Dad...Dad...and then crying MAMA. I forced myself to wake up and went to get her. She pointed at the window and said "look" for the first time. I smiled and carried her over to look at the dogs. I swear she even tried to say "winnnow."
As I changed a bursting poopy diaper and called for Channa, she came up the stairs explaining "I was just playing barbies. I didn't want to wake you up so you wouldn't be grumpy." She knows me too well.
As I was eating my breakfast finally Channa and Tycee ate grapes. Channa asked me to itch her back. She was covered in hives! What? She had what looked like a few bug bites after church and they were still there yesterday, but there were more and worse today, even on her forehead. Ugh!
As I dosed her with benadryl Tycee wanted banana. I sliced some in a cup and she yelled no and hit them away because she wanted it whole. Finally she took them, ate half and gave them back. I talked to Bryce about Channa and just as I hung up work called. I needed to print off some papers for them.
Channa asked to paint my nails as I was setting on the kitchen floor with the computer. She washed my old polish off and attempted a couple different colors, encompassing much of each nail and the skin around. She even got some in her eye, on her face, and in her hair. Finally she asked to do my hands instead. I worked with one hand, had her painting the fingers on the other hand, and watched as Tycee emptied my purse completely enraptured by receipts, and cards. And then she discovered my hidden stash of butter rum lifesavers so she fought to open them for about 5 minutes. Every time I asked if she wanted help she yelled "NO!" emphatically. She finally came close enough I made her scream by snatching them but giving her one back appeased her.
Tycee pointed and asked for something in the kitchen. I realized she was looking at the ipod and asked if she wanted music, she giggled and nodded yes. She has been dancing around, my favorite is when she stands and pops her leg like Elvis. I had intended to do housework but as I type this a cute 4 year old is asking me to paint her toes with flowers. First things first I guess. "Mom, please tell me you're done..." I guess I am. A messy house but a very, very good life.
As the morning dawned we could hear the girls rustling downstairs, we knew the morning was looming. Thankfully they set their own alarm and get themselves dressed before coming upstairs. They don't disturb us until 7. Hallelujah! Especially considering Tycee was restless last night and I think I was up 5 times with in her in addition to both Channa and Brant coming in for something, I can't really remember what. Bryce stumbled into the shower and I into the kitchen to work on breakfast and lunches. I tried a new breakfast for us of fried eggs on a toasted, buttered english muffin with cheddar cheese. It was easy and they all liked it, score for mom! Brylin had mercy on me and made her own lunch. Paisley asked yesterday if she could eat the school's orange chicken for lunch so I just had to throw together a turkey sandwich and wash a few grapes for Brant. Bryce took Brylin to school and checked on a dog at the office before coming home to eat. I woke Brant and braided Paisley's hair. I wrote their names on their new basketballs so they could take them to school and finally lay back on the couch.
I was so grateful the little girls were still asleep and lay on the couch hoping for a tiny nap. I heard a cute baby Tycee voice. I made the ever vital decision to shamelessly give her a bottle of milk (we are trying to wean her and have only been giving her water) and climbed back in my bed. I heard Channa moving about but she was quiet. I snoozed for awhile before I heard Tycee yelling Mama...Mama...Dad...Dad...and then crying MAMA. I forced myself to wake up and went to get her. She pointed at the window and said "look" for the first time. I smiled and carried her over to look at the dogs. I swear she even tried to say "winnnow."
As I changed a bursting poopy diaper and called for Channa, she came up the stairs explaining "I was just playing barbies. I didn't want to wake you up so you wouldn't be grumpy." She knows me too well.
As I was eating my breakfast finally Channa and Tycee ate grapes. Channa asked me to itch her back. She was covered in hives! What? She had what looked like a few bug bites after church and they were still there yesterday, but there were more and worse today, even on her forehead. Ugh!
As I dosed her with benadryl Tycee wanted banana. I sliced some in a cup and she yelled no and hit them away because she wanted it whole. Finally she took them, ate half and gave them back. I talked to Bryce about Channa and just as I hung up work called. I needed to print off some papers for them.
Channa asked to paint my nails as I was setting on the kitchen floor with the computer. She washed my old polish off and attempted a couple different colors, encompassing much of each nail and the skin around. She even got some in her eye, on her face, and in her hair. Finally she asked to do my hands instead. I worked with one hand, had her painting the fingers on the other hand, and watched as Tycee emptied my purse completely enraptured by receipts, and cards. And then she discovered my hidden stash of butter rum lifesavers so she fought to open them for about 5 minutes. Every time I asked if she wanted help she yelled "NO!" emphatically. She finally came close enough I made her scream by snatching them but giving her one back appeased her.
Tycee pointed and asked for something in the kitchen. I realized she was looking at the ipod and asked if she wanted music, she giggled and nodded yes. She has been dancing around, my favorite is when she stands and pops her leg like Elvis. I had intended to do housework but as I type this a cute 4 year old is asking me to paint her toes with flowers. First things first I guess. "Mom, please tell me you're done..." I guess I am. A messy house but a very, very good life.
Thursday, January 01, 2015
New Years
What a day! I told the kids they could all sleep in the family room if we got the house cleaned up. After 3 full weeks of sickness and the holidays that was a huge task! While we made progress, we are definitely not clean but they are all snuggled up downstairs anyway! Bryce had to work this morning so we slept in and then cleaned until 1. Brant was off duty after puking on our bedroom floor in the night. I have the best husband ever because even with a cold, he cleaned it up while I gagged into my pillow! Brant spent the day on the couch looking like a bucket. I worked the afternoon and picked up pizza on my way home. After dinner together, I played Farkle with the girls. One of my favorite moments of the day was playing peek a boo in Bryce's closet with Tycee! So cute! Of course my phone battery was dying so no picture! By about 10:30, the sick hubs and cute baby were done. I was proud of Tycee for not requiring a bottle at nap time or bed time! Wahoo! Bryce crashed on the bed while the rest of us partied downstairs watching Monsters University. Paisley straightened my hair. Channa showered me with hugs, and was so sweet saying things like "I just love you and dad so much I can't stop thinking about it!" Brant sat by me and then laid on my leg and said "You're the best mom ever." Brylin was just her happy self. It was such a fun relaxing night! And the baby was so active, I can't wait to have Bryce see if he can feel it move. Last night we used his work ultrasound and I could finally see its face, it was even sucking it's thumb! I sure love this sweet family. How grateful I am for the life we share. I am so blessed. Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Obedience
This fall when we had Stake Conference someone wasn't feeling well, I can't even remember who! But, I did not attend either the adult or the regular session. I remember Bryce attending with the girls but he wasn't able to attend the Saturday session either. On Sunday our Sunday school lesson focused on the goals our Stake President asked us to set. I knew the first one from years past but the other three were "new" to me!
1. Read the scriptures, ponder, and pray 24/7 (24 minutes 7 days a week)
2. Do missionary work
3. Pray to know who you can serve everyday
4. Write in you journal
I have really struggled with setting time aside for personal growth. I think it is so difficult to read or write anything with little people always on your coat tails! Working from home often leaves me distracted when I try to focus because between home and work there is always something to do! I have found if I set a timer when I read my scriptures, not so I know when I can be done, but so I know I don't need to worry about other things for that amount of time helps. For some reason it gives me license to not focus on my to do list while I read. However, the thing that really struck me was journal writing. I often think I will remember the cute things the kids do each day but I know from past experience I won't. The journal writing hit home to me. I love to go back and read about our past experiences. I really want to do a better job recording memories and am hoping to use our blog to do so. Who cares if it is not what people do anymore! I really don't care if anyone reads it today. Our kids and I will likely read it later, and that is what really matters! Yes, it is a new year and this sounds so much like a resolution but it's not. I believe one way I know I feel the Spirit is when it makes you want to be better, to be more obedient. And, obedience, brings forth blessings. We are already abundantly blessed but I look forward to actually being able to remember those blessings because I took the time to record them!
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