Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dainty Madelyn
I have fed Maddie yogurt before, but I decided to let her have a spoon and attempt it herself for the first time. To my surprise, when she got frustrated with the spoon, she didn't resort to her hands or dump it all over herself like Emma when she was learning. Nope, she very carefully drank it. 
What they need
Somedays I feel insufficient as a mother. Lately I have worried about things like colors, numbers, letters, physical skills, and other talents that Emma should be developing. It can be really overwhelming to think of the many things I need to teach her.
Then the other night I read The Family: A Proclamation to the World again. The phrase that really stood out to me was: "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."
I could dissect this and talk about all of the things I love in there, like the words "sacred" and "duty", but I love that when I read that, I feel like my role begins with those things, and that all of the little things I worry about will fall into place when I focus on these first.
My favorite example of this is my oldest brother, who truly disliked reading, and so struggled to learn how. My parents tried so hard to change his mind, and worried about him a lot. Then, when he was in second grade, they got very serious about reading scriptures each day as a family. Before they knew it, he could read! And they raised a family of nerds who all love to read more than anything else.:) And all they did was make a priority adjustment in their lives.
I missed several conference talks this weekend so I've been listening to them online as I can. I was cleaning the kitchen and had one going the other morning and looked over to see Emma mesmerized by President Monson as she thumbed through the Gospel Principles book that was left on the kitchen table. She truly makes me a better person everyday.
Then the other night I read The Family: A Proclamation to the World again. The phrase that really stood out to me was: "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."
I could dissect this and talk about all of the things I love in there, like the words "sacred" and "duty", but I love that when I read that, I feel like my role begins with those things, and that all of the little things I worry about will fall into place when I focus on these first.
My favorite example of this is my oldest brother, who truly disliked reading, and so struggled to learn how. My parents tried so hard to change his mind, and worried about him a lot. Then, when he was in second grade, they got very serious about reading scriptures each day as a family. Before they knew it, he could read! And they raised a family of nerds who all love to read more than anything else.:) And all they did was make a priority adjustment in their lives.
I missed several conference talks this weekend so I've been listening to them online as I can. I was cleaning the kitchen and had one going the other morning and looked over to see Emma mesmerized by President Monson as she thumbed through the Gospel Principles book that was left on the kitchen table. She truly makes me a better person everyday.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Communication
Emma gets frustrated sometimes when she is trying to communicate with me. She knows lots of words, but she can't always tell me what she wants. So she resorts to a scream or tugging on my arm or doing something she shouldn't to get my attention.
Over and over I have explained to her that she needs to SHOW me or TELL me what she wants, that I can't understand her other forms of "communication."
The other thing that is frustrating for me is when she knows what she wants and knows how to ask, but won't. She just refuses to say, "Please." How often do I hold a couple of pretzels in my hand, waiting for her to utter the magic word? But I have to do that, because I want her to learn.
This morning it hit me that Heavenly Father feels the same way. He knows what I want, what I need, stands there ready to give it to me, but I am too stubborn or too busy to ask. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened."(Matt. 7:7)
Over and over I have explained to her that she needs to SHOW me or TELL me what she wants, that I can't understand her other forms of "communication."
The other thing that is frustrating for me is when she knows what she wants and knows how to ask, but won't. She just refuses to say, "Please." How often do I hold a couple of pretzels in my hand, waiting for her to utter the magic word? But I have to do that, because I want her to learn.
This morning it hit me that Heavenly Father feels the same way. He knows what I want, what I need, stands there ready to give it to me, but I am too stubborn or too busy to ask. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened."(Matt. 7:7)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Yes, that's my closet.
And no, I can't believe I'm posting a picture of it on the internet for everyone to see. I also thought I'd take a picture of my closet to help you understand why it is so important for us to keep the clothing levels relatively low. Umm, yes, that is the "master closet". It is so tiny, and we share it. And we survive. It's actually good for us. What you can't see in the closet(should have done 2 angles) is the rolling drawer that I store extra things in, and I have a hanging shoe rack on the back of our bedroom door for all of my shoes. 
I learned something last week when I went through the closet. I have a LOT of clothes. And lots of them don't fit. I have several shirts, pants and skirts that are too small, and several that are too big(maternity). But I never part with them, especially the too small ones because "someday" I'll wear them.
Well, some of them are from high school. My body has changed a lot, and they probably never will fit. And I decided that if I DO fit into them, I deserve to BUY myself a new pair!! So this is the stack I gave to DI. I kept more than those between maternity, normal, and summer pants/capris. But I feel good about all the ones I kept, and I will likely get rid of even more later on. But I'm calling it good for now.
I learned something last week when I went through the closet. I have a LOT of clothes. And lots of them don't fit. I have several shirts, pants and skirts that are too small, and several that are too big(maternity). But I never part with them, especially the too small ones because "someday" I'll wear them.
Well, some of them are from high school. My body has changed a lot, and they probably never will fit. And I decided that if I DO fit into them, I deserve to BUY myself a new pair!! So this is the stack I gave to DI. I kept more than those between maternity, normal, and summer pants/capris. But I feel good about all the ones I kept, and I will likely get rid of even more later on. But I'm calling it good for now.
Day 1- Roadblock and Motivation
Dresser day! It is amazing how much STUFF I can fit in it! But I ran into a little roadblock- my husband's things. Do you sort through your husband's clothes? Because I'm not sure he would like that too much. Then again, he might not even notice! I also started on the closet and have 2 bags already! 1 of just garbage and 1 for DI. It already feels good.
So part of my motivation for our room is that it doesn't feel very welcoming. I've never done much decorating in there and I really want to. I finally have some ideas accumulated and plans to do the projects involved in my room transformation. But I want to get rid of all the STUFF first. I'm going to make this bedspread and these lamps(in a different color scheme, but this gives you an idea). I got the pics and tutorial HERE.
I also have a couple of fantastic ideas I got from Nate Berkus for my headboard and bookshelf. I seriously can't wait to get started but I need the clutter gone first!
PS- Husband came home and organized his dresser AND closet stuff on his lunch break. So now I have a head start on tomorrow! What a good man!
So part of my motivation for our room is that it doesn't feel very welcoming. I've never done much decorating in there and I really want to. I finally have some ideas accumulated and plans to do the projects involved in my room transformation. But I want to get rid of all the STUFF first. I'm going to make this bedspread and these lamps(in a different color scheme, but this gives you an idea). I got the pics and tutorial HERE.
I also have a couple of fantastic ideas I got from Nate Berkus for my headboard and bookshelf. I seriously can't wait to get started but I need the clutter gone first!
PS- Husband came home and organized his dresser AND closet stuff on his lunch break. So now I have a head start on tomorrow! What a good man!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kiss it good-bye
The clutter. I'm done. It's got to go. There is something about springtime that really makes me motivated, so I'm going to take the momentum and run with it. My friend and her links to THIS website are also inspiring me. I love the idea of doing a room a day until the house is done. And I'm not necessarily cleaning. If that happens, then great. My purpose here is to de-clutter and organize. So here is my list:
Week of 3/28
Master Bedroom Dresser X
Master Bedroom Closet X
Master Bedroom Bookshelf X
Master Bedroom Filing X
Master Bedroom Headboard/Under Bed X
Week of 4/4
Bathroom
Hall Closet
Pantry X
Kitchen Cupboards
Refrigerator/Freezer X
Week of 4/11
Living Room
Girls' Dresser X
Girls' Closet X
Business Stuff/Armoir
Business Filing X
Week of 4/18
Laundry Room X
Food Storage X
Armoir
Family Room
Playroom
Week of 4/25
Garage
Van
Car
Yes, I count our vehicles. They are one of my biggest weaknesses.
Also, my Mary Kay inventory needs to be sorted and organized, too. So I'll be having a massive sale. If there is anything you're looking for yourself or gifts(Mother's Day is coming up!), let me know and I'll find you something fantastic. :)
I'll keep you posted how this adventure goes! Starts tomorrow for me!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Scare
Thursday was my first Dr.'s appointment. The appointment kept getting re-scheduled and before I knew it I found myself walking in for the first time at 12.5 weeks.
I'm always nervous at my first Dr.'s appointment. In November 2007, I went to my first Dr.'s appointment at 9 weeks, spent an hour talking to the PA and getting excited about my first pregnancy, walked in for my ultrasound to see my baby for the first time, and was shocked to see the baby at only 5 weeks with no heartbeat. It was an emotional experience.
I felt the same anxiety with my first appointment with Emma and Madelyn. I just brace myself so that it will never hurt that badly again.
But I felt pretty confident with this pregnancy. Still nervous, I was eager to hear that heartbeat so I could relax. After 45 minutes of the appointment, he searched for the heartbeat. All he could find was my heartbeat(I apparently have very strong blood vessels). He said that my heartbeat could just be too loud so it was hard to hear the baby's. Or maybe I wasn't as far along as we thought. But that I should schedule an ultrasound within a couple of days to make sure everything was ok.
Our awesome ultrasound tech(and mother-in-law) got us in only a couple of hours later that day. That first pregnancy I was sent away for 2 weeks to "wait it out". So this was a huge relief to be able to know so soon.
As he began the ultrasound, so many thoughts were running through my head. But in seconds a perfect baby with a perfect heartbeat became apparent. We hadn't planned on finding out what we were having, but there was no missing that it is a BABY BOY.
The baby was pretty calm until Jared brought Emma and Madelyn into the room. Then he couldn't stop kicking and waving and spinning. Those three kids have a special bond that I can't quite explain. It is humbling.
Some people think we are crazy. Or irresponsible. Or just plain naive. But I say we are part of a miracle. Truly it is a miracle that babies are ever formed at all, let alone that they continue to grow and develop as they should throughout the pregnancy. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with this baby. Are we excited it's a boy? Of course! But we walked into that room preparing to hear that we had lost the baby and walked out finding out he is healthy. We would not care one bit whether it was a girl or boy.
Sometimes almost losing something reminds you of how much you want it. No, need it in your life. I'm particularly grateful right now for this sweet spirit that is preparing to come into our home.
I'm always nervous at my first Dr.'s appointment. In November 2007, I went to my first Dr.'s appointment at 9 weeks, spent an hour talking to the PA and getting excited about my first pregnancy, walked in for my ultrasound to see my baby for the first time, and was shocked to see the baby at only 5 weeks with no heartbeat. It was an emotional experience.
I felt the same anxiety with my first appointment with Emma and Madelyn. I just brace myself so that it will never hurt that badly again.
But I felt pretty confident with this pregnancy. Still nervous, I was eager to hear that heartbeat so I could relax. After 45 minutes of the appointment, he searched for the heartbeat. All he could find was my heartbeat(I apparently have very strong blood vessels). He said that my heartbeat could just be too loud so it was hard to hear the baby's. Or maybe I wasn't as far along as we thought. But that I should schedule an ultrasound within a couple of days to make sure everything was ok.
Our awesome ultrasound tech(and mother-in-law) got us in only a couple of hours later that day. That first pregnancy I was sent away for 2 weeks to "wait it out". So this was a huge relief to be able to know so soon.
As he began the ultrasound, so many thoughts were running through my head. But in seconds a perfect baby with a perfect heartbeat became apparent. We hadn't planned on finding out what we were having, but there was no missing that it is a BABY BOY.
The baby was pretty calm until Jared brought Emma and Madelyn into the room. Then he couldn't stop kicking and waving and spinning. Those three kids have a special bond that I can't quite explain. It is humbling.
Some people think we are crazy. Or irresponsible. Or just plain naive. But I say we are part of a miracle. Truly it is a miracle that babies are ever formed at all, let alone that they continue to grow and develop as they should throughout the pregnancy. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with this baby. Are we excited it's a boy? Of course! But we walked into that room preparing to hear that we had lost the baby and walked out finding out he is healthy. We would not care one bit whether it was a girl or boy.
Sometimes almost losing something reminds you of how much you want it. No, need it in your life. I'm particularly grateful right now for this sweet spirit that is preparing to come into our home.
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