It was one of those days...not for me, but for Lauren. It's what you impossibly hope that your kids never have to feel-alone, ostracized, or as she put it- embarrassed. But we've all been there, and we all get through it. Lauren's had a substitute teacher since the middle of December whom she has not enjoyed too much. Today the sub tells that class that they're going to share with the class how they celebrated the Super-Bowl. The Super-Bowl- are you kidding me? All hands go up and the sharing starts. It sounded like Pepsi and chips were the highlights, oh, and the game. Lauren was humiliated since we were traveling home from spending the weekend with grandparents and completely missed it. I, of course start naming classmates who I venture probably didn't see the game after all, but she insisted she was the only one.
I didn't mean to laugh, but that was my first reaction. She doesn't ever watch sports of any kind on TV. Poor girl, she felt like she'd missed a really important rite of passage. I tried to downplay the whole event, telling her the only party I ever went to was when my roommate- a fanatical Broncos fan hosted one in our apartment. I guess my own attitude about the Super-Bowl affected my answer because I couldn't care less about it. I have no problem with it, it doesn't interest me too much. No mention of it in Chloe's class. I just felt bad that she felt so crummy about it, maybe we'll host our own "Hooray-this-over-rated-sporting-event-is-over" party. And next time I think it's probably safe to assume that if it didn't take place at school, everyone probably didn't participate. Are we the only weirdos who didn't watch yesterday?
Super- what??
need to waste 3 minutes?
Take this creativity quiz, I fall into the 'Hands On' category which was surprisingly accurate. How about you? 
more winter...
I'm trying to feel happy about the snow, after the holidays I'm ready for spring, walks outside, and gardens. But, being a farmer's daughter I'm always glad for anything wet. The kidlets are outside making massive snowmen as I write. While waiting to pick them up at school I witnessed several boys "snowman tipping." (Maybe I just made that up :) I thought it was a bit comical until the girls got into the van. Lauren and Chloe were disgusted and appalled since all three second grades had helped make two huge ones and the duties were protecting them from being knocked over during recess. (What would I have done with twin boys?! Surely they would have been part of the tipping rather than building...I digress) I assured them, their snowmen were safe in our yard. Plus, I could not believe there had been no snow pictures yet this season, it's time I suppose. Can't wait until Ivy is big enough to join us, I admit I still do like to make snowmen. Not much of a skier or snowboarder, but I do make good snowpeople!
So glad for the little things this week-
-Ivy only waking once at night- ahh those precious zzz's
-a new President! I caught part of the Inauguration events.
-seven Etsy shop sales this month, dusting off the trusty Bernina
-a long weekend with Cody and the kids home
-working out twice- and WOW-feelin' out of shape
-these big brown eyes
I guess you have to look at the good things, just now I hear the girls bickering. Those good moments come and go so fast! Happy weekend!
bits of life...
It's probably not terribly appetizing to show you our yummy gnocchi supper last night followed by a picture of Ivy bathing, but that's what you get today!
I love to try new foods and dishes and it makes it even better when the family LIKES the new dish, which was the case here. I'm not sure where to find gnocchi here in Idaho Falls, maybe we'll have to try making some, either way, a big thanks to Lina and Lans for the yummy idea and recipe.
It was a hit!
Those smiles in the tub are hard to catch, Ivy usually cries getting in and then getting out, that cold air I guess. Once she's in though it's enjoyable for all. I always look forward to when my babes can bathe in the 'real' tub. You'd think after three kids I'd have these infant tubs figured out, but I'm not a big fan. I can hardly believe she's two months old, I realized how much she's really grown seeing a newborn at church yesterday, wow, the first year is incredible.
And a huge hooray for Noah who is potty-trained! He was so much easier than the girls, I'm sure being that he was just one rather than two, but he really took the initiative, which I didn't expect.
Well, just a few tidbits, blogging has been a bit slow, just too many other things... have a great day!
Whew...
The past month in a word- whew! It was full of fun, busyness, and big events for our family. First off this little shot of Ivy smiling, I tell you, I've never had a kid who smiled so readily or so soon. When well rested and fed she's so fun to make faces at. Lauren probably gets the most smiles from her, although just tonight she gave a a few giggles to Cody, so adorable. Seeing this picture I can forgive her for nights where she's up every couple hours, almost. :) She still sleeps best in my arms or the pouch as Noah calls it. "No Mom, don't wear the pouch, put Ivy in her bed!" He knows there's no rough boy play when the pouch is in place, and he does love to wrestle and get wild. Thank goodness for Dads who can take the abuse right?
Christmas was so much fun here. Cody redeemed us after I spilled the beans about Santa last year- what's a Mom to do? Anyway, the girls were believing again in Santa this year. Mainly because of some silly website Cody found Christmas Eve that tracks where in the world Santa has been spotted. If it's on the internet it must be true I'm sure. It's funny how I'm always surprised at what I think their favorite gift will be and then what it actually is. The girls have been playing a lot with their digital pets and cameras. The Wii has been a big hit too, don't think Cody could survive without some gaming system around. I'm still pretty inept at video games, but maybe I'll get there. The girls have him to thank for their abilities there!
Yesterday Lauren and Chloe were baptized and confirmed. It was such a beautiful morning. We just had a small crowd with family. I knew I'd be emotional about the whole affair and I was. Chloe said the night before that she didn't feel as excited as she should and I was suggesting she might feel more of a quiet and calm excitement rather than I-won-a-million-bucks excitement. But when they were changing into the white clothing she started jumping up and down telling me how excited she was. We have a new stake presidency and they did a great job. The president even retrieved some batteries from his truck for me for our dying camera. Sometimes it's hard to pull it all together and get out the door with everything I need, any moms relate?! As I went back to help them change into their white dresses I was overcome with thankfulness, for the choice they made, for the beautiful, helpful, kind daughters they've become, and mostly that I'm their Mom and have the opportunity to share all their milestones with them. My hope is that one day I'll be helping them change into their white dresses at the temple when they're married. But that can wait, they're already growing up so fast. I'm so proud of each of them!
So I think I'm ready to kick off a new year, thinking of some resolutions, trying to keep it simple and doable. Happy 2009 to you and your families!
white dresses...
Six white dresses to be exact. Lots of good stuff happening here lately. Sweet Ivy- I can't type her name without putting some adjective before it :) - was blessed this past Sunday. Grandma Yost made her dress, it turned out just beautiful and must have taken quite a while. She used the same fabric I used to make Lauren and Chloe's baptism dresses. The last three white dresses came on Sunday when Grandma Yost gave Lauren and Chloe their birthday presents. She used the beaded bodice part of her wedding dress to create two white dresses for two American Girl dolls, Molly and Felicity. They were so excited and just adore them. They have wanted one for about two years. It was a special gift to help them remember their baptisms and how special this birthday is. I'm so thankful to have three daughters and be able to celebrate all these special days with them. I just realized last night that now I'll be able to sew dresses for one more little girl- Ivy. I'm also thankful for my Mom who loves these girls almost as much as I do, thanks for your help! Happy eight years Lauren and Chloe!
fun nights and not so fun nights...
First things first, little Ivy. She's the boss of my life now it seems and I'm loving it most of the time :) Between her feedings, Noah's nap and other factors it's hard to get out the door and around town to get anything done. I have to post a humongous thank you to Cody who has almost completed our Christmas shopping by himself. I think he really enjoys it and it's been a huge help to have him out and about rather than me with the kids. Ivy HATES her carseat, so this week I've nearly perfected holding her with one hand and dragging my cart behind with the other. From what I've noticed lately though, I'm not the only mom out there who has to gear herself up to do errands, and that's o.k. ! And when I happen to need both arms this lifesaver has been the best money I've spent as far as babies go for quite a while. I highly recommend it, Ivy loves being toted around and usually dozes off.
We celebrated 31 years of me on the 1st. Cody had the day off and we had lunch together then he graciously offered to go grocery shopping so I wouldn't have to with Ivy. (Remembering nursing Noah in the bathrooms mid-way through has made me a little hesitant to take Ivy yet.) A sweet lady brought us dinner then we had cake. I guess at some point in your life you realize that getting kitchen appliances for gifts isn't a bad thing, I'm there. My new waffle iron is the best, we're all enjoying it. This was just a silly picture of Noah. Don't be alarmed, the gray goop he's licking up is blueberry muffin batter. He's always drags his step-stool in chanting "batter, batter" when he knows something yummy is being mixed. Noah caught a bit of a cold last week and by yesterday I figured he should be on the upside of feeling better, but wasn't. He went to bed and woke up about 2 with labored breathing and a bad cough. We were pretty concerned so Cody took him to the hospital. He's recovering from croup for the next few days. It's tough to know with kids how bad it really is. It was a bit scary though when he was crying and so upset because he wasn't getting enough air. His discharge papers said no strenuous activity, it hasn't been strenuous, but he's been active :) I guess that means he's feeling a little bit better. I'm thankful, it was a stressful night. Looking forward to a low-key weekend, making gingerbread cookies tomorrow with the kids...
