I don't know who this guy is, but he speaks truth... we all need a little perspective.
spend four minutes out of your life and watch this. LOVED IT!
Everything is amazing and nobody's happy
Can I get an Amen?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Why I love Caleb's newly expanded vocabulary...
I love having Caleb all to myself for a few hours every day. He is great entertainment. With his rapidly growing vocabulary, he is always surprising me. Take today for example....
me: Caleb? I love you.
Caleb: duh. I love me too.
Then, about ten minutes later:
Caleb [playing with a giraffe and a gorilla]: Gorilla, get on the giraffe.
gorilla: NO.
Caleb : Gorilla, get on the giraffe.
gorilla: NO.
Caleb: get on! We need to go the temple!
gorilla: NOOOOOOO! I don't want to see the temple!
Caleb: Fine. Time out forever.
See what I mean? Look to this almost three year old to tell you the total complete truth. and teach you about your eternal salvation.
(For the record, the gorilla repented, saw the light and he is currently on the giraffe's back making the trek to the temple.)
me: Caleb? I love you.
Caleb: duh. I love me too.
Then, about ten minutes later:
Caleb [playing with a giraffe and a gorilla]: Gorilla, get on the giraffe.
gorilla: NO.
Caleb : Gorilla, get on the giraffe.
gorilla: NO.
Caleb: get on! We need to go the temple!
gorilla: NOOOOOOO! I don't want to see the temple!
Caleb: Fine. Time out forever.
See what I mean? Look to this almost three year old to tell you the total complete truth. and teach you about your eternal salvation.
(For the record, the gorilla repented, saw the light and he is currently on the giraffe's back making the trek to the temple.)
Monday, February 23, 2009
it's time for a sound off...
about the "octo-mom". Unless you have been living in a cave with a terrorist or you are say, Briana, you know all about the story and you have a strong opinion about it. I do too. I have kept my opinion about this to myself for the most part. But after some prodding I have been convinced to sound off here.
I apologize for the offense that I likely may cause. This is MY opinion (meaning it doesn't need to be yours) and I have been called crazy before so feel free to label me after reading.
OK, so my opinion is, I don't get it. I don't get the big hairy deal. I don't get why we have to beat the woman up in the media about her decision to have children. Firstly, I come from a family of 7. I survived. I thrived. I had everything I really needed (I never did get that pony though). My father was an FBI agent. He was low on the totem pole for years which means he went wherever whenever. My mom took care of the seven of us splendidly. (there was an unfortunate incident with the fish and a bottle of Windex but I have forgiven her for her lack of attentiveness with the younger ones).
This woman chose to have children. Lots of them. Six. She had a job and was raising them with help from her parents. (wanna know a secret? my mom helps me and so does my mother in law. and I only have 3 1/2 kids!) This woman wanted one more baby. She knew her chances of all of the embryos taking was VERY SLIM. (just ask the thousands of woman going that route and being disappointed again and again.) But guess what? They took. All of them. Plus a couple multiplied! So low and behold here she is 14 children later, being blasted by the media and society on a daily basis for what? Choosing motherhood?
I am not stupid (most of the time). I get that it's not the smartest thing to choose parenthood without a spouse there to support you. I am 150% sure I couldn't handle my life without mine. But if my husband were to be gone tomorrow, I would hate to hear people saying that I have no right to my children because I was a single parent. My point is, at what point do we decide who is fit to be a mother and to exactly how many children?
I resent the fact that the media is making her seem like a crazy person because she chooses to have a large family.
I also resent the fact they keep asking how is she going to take care of 8 babies alone? Duh. No one can. And every other parent of multiples has a support system of neighbors, friends, and their church there to help (ever seen Jon and Kate plus 8?). Why is she so different?
I also resent the fact people keep saying how will she afford this? Let me tell you if I or most people I know were to be given 8 babies at once I would in no way be able to support them either. I have seen parents of quads and more talk about how if it weren't for the financial help of friends, strangers and companies they wouldn't have made it either. Why are they so acceptable to society?
I also resent the fact people are up in arms about how the tax payers will be paying for her children. Let me just say I would much rather pay for her children than I would say like a 250,000$ redecorating allowance for the white house (if ikea is good enough for the me, it ought to be good enough for the president, right?) or $400,000 in new vehicles for congressmen, or how about billions of dollars for under performing CEO's of companies that drove our country to the financial predicament we are in?
I guess I am just wondering who in the crap are we to judge who is fit to be a mom and who is not? Who has enough money and who doesn't? how many kids should someone have? It sounds like a dangerous and very hypocritical road to travel down. And I think that maybe, just maybe, if we looked at ourselves a little more instead of others, we would find plenty of stuff to be concerned with and we could avoid blasting one another and judging others for their life decisions. Call me crazy.
(really go ahead, I said you could...)
I apologize for the offense that I likely may cause. This is MY opinion (meaning it doesn't need to be yours) and I have been called crazy before so feel free to label me after reading.
OK, so my opinion is, I don't get it. I don't get the big hairy deal. I don't get why we have to beat the woman up in the media about her decision to have children. Firstly, I come from a family of 7. I survived. I thrived. I had everything I really needed (I never did get that pony though). My father was an FBI agent. He was low on the totem pole for years which means he went wherever whenever. My mom took care of the seven of us splendidly. (there was an unfortunate incident with the fish and a bottle of Windex but I have forgiven her for her lack of attentiveness with the younger ones).
This woman chose to have children. Lots of them. Six. She had a job and was raising them with help from her parents. (wanna know a secret? my mom helps me and so does my mother in law. and I only have 3 1/2 kids!) This woman wanted one more baby. She knew her chances of all of the embryos taking was VERY SLIM. (just ask the thousands of woman going that route and being disappointed again and again.) But guess what? They took. All of them. Plus a couple multiplied! So low and behold here she is 14 children later, being blasted by the media and society on a daily basis for what? Choosing motherhood?
I am not stupid (most of the time). I get that it's not the smartest thing to choose parenthood without a spouse there to support you. I am 150% sure I couldn't handle my life without mine. But if my husband were to be gone tomorrow, I would hate to hear people saying that I have no right to my children because I was a single parent. My point is, at what point do we decide who is fit to be a mother and to exactly how many children?
I resent the fact that the media is making her seem like a crazy person because she chooses to have a large family.
I also resent the fact they keep asking how is she going to take care of 8 babies alone? Duh. No one can. And every other parent of multiples has a support system of neighbors, friends, and their church there to help (ever seen Jon and Kate plus 8?). Why is she so different?
I also resent the fact people keep saying how will she afford this? Let me tell you if I or most people I know were to be given 8 babies at once I would in no way be able to support them either. I have seen parents of quads and more talk about how if it weren't for the financial help of friends, strangers and companies they wouldn't have made it either. Why are they so acceptable to society?
I also resent the fact people are up in arms about how the tax payers will be paying for her children. Let me just say I would much rather pay for her children than I would say like a 250,000$ redecorating allowance for the white house (if ikea is good enough for the me, it ought to be good enough for the president, right?) or $400,000 in new vehicles for congressmen, or how about billions of dollars for under performing CEO's of companies that drove our country to the financial predicament we are in?
I guess I am just wondering who in the crap are we to judge who is fit to be a mom and who is not? Who has enough money and who doesn't? how many kids should someone have? It sounds like a dangerous and very hypocritical road to travel down. And I think that maybe, just maybe, if we looked at ourselves a little more instead of others, we would find plenty of stuff to be concerned with and we could avoid blasting one another and judging others for their life decisions. Call me crazy.
(really go ahead, I said you could...)
Friday, February 20, 2009
anxiously awaiting
Warning: This is one of those posts where I keep it real. Beware.
Some people do pregnancy very well. They get this glow about them. They are in a constant state of awe and excitement. They are happier and healthier than they normally are. They start planning from day one. They are productive and pleasant.
This is not me.
And it's especially not me when the pregnancy comes as a surprise. (I have had a couple of those.) I become emotional wreck. (if any of you are in need of proof, please see my husband. He will gladly tell you ALL you need to know.) There is no glow to be had. I am in a constant state of tired and sick and worry. Normal daily tasks (let's say making dinner, for example) become insurmountable to me. I don't know why it is the way it is, but that is me. This, my friends, is why pregnancy and I are not pals.
But there comes a time in the pregnancy (it varies with every one) where the fog clears. I can see through the sickness and the fatigue and the worries of "how am I going to do this again?", and I become excited. But this pregnancy, for some reason, has gone on and on without this moment.
Until today.
Today, as I showered (I do that frequently because I am a fan of good hygiene. Oh, and you are welcome for the visual.), I looked down at my stomach which has been in a constant state of lopsided lately (this child clearly likes the right side of my body; the left side must contain some kind of poison). Anyway, I was looking at the lopsided mass, and it finally hit me:
a crashing wave
of love
and excitement
and happiness
and gratitude
for this little dude who is bound to be one of the cutest people alive. (I have a perfect track record for making children of that nature.)
And suddenly all my sickness, and my fatigue and heartburn and charlie horses and massive weight gain and slight craziness didn't really matter. Because I know that this little baby will be worth it ten times over. Just like the other little ones with which I have been gifted.
This is just a long drawn out way to say I am no longer slightly depressed about the remaining days of pregnancy, but instead, anxiously awaiting He Who Cannot Be Named.
P.S. I am also anxiously awaiting (but not holding my breath for) that pregnancy glow that has eluded me all these years. It would be really helpful for lighting the way during all those night time trips to the bathroom.
Some people do pregnancy very well. They get this glow about them. They are in a constant state of awe and excitement. They are happier and healthier than they normally are. They start planning from day one. They are productive and pleasant.
This is not me.
And it's especially not me when the pregnancy comes as a surprise. (I have had a couple of those.) I become emotional wreck. (if any of you are in need of proof, please see my husband. He will gladly tell you ALL you need to know.) There is no glow to be had. I am in a constant state of tired and sick and worry. Normal daily tasks (let's say making dinner, for example) become insurmountable to me. I don't know why it is the way it is, but that is me. This, my friends, is why pregnancy and I are not pals.
But there comes a time in the pregnancy (it varies with every one) where the fog clears. I can see through the sickness and the fatigue and the worries of "how am I going to do this again?", and I become excited. But this pregnancy, for some reason, has gone on and on without this moment.
Until today.
Today, as I showered (I do that frequently because I am a fan of good hygiene. Oh, and you are welcome for the visual.), I looked down at my stomach which has been in a constant state of lopsided lately (this child clearly likes the right side of my body; the left side must contain some kind of poison). Anyway, I was looking at the lopsided mass, and it finally hit me:
a crashing wave
of love
and excitement
and happiness
and gratitude
for this little dude who is bound to be one of the cutest people alive. (I have a perfect track record for making children of that nature.)
And suddenly all my sickness, and my fatigue and heartburn and charlie horses and massive weight gain and slight craziness didn't really matter. Because I know that this little baby will be worth it ten times over. Just like the other little ones with which I have been gifted.
This is just a long drawn out way to say I am no longer slightly depressed about the remaining days of pregnancy, but instead, anxiously awaiting He Who Cannot Be Named.
P.S. I am also anxiously awaiting (but not holding my breath for) that pregnancy glow that has eluded me all these years. It would be really helpful for lighting the way during all those night time trips to the bathroom.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
slice of life
I loved the extra day off yesterday.
my kids needed to see friends.
I needed to see friends.
I needed a day off of scraping ice off my van and warming the sliding doors so they would function.
It was good.
The weekend was lovely. Despite the fact I got NOTHING of my list from the husband.... sigh. For some reason he didn't take it very seriously. There is always next year. I did get a VERY qualified babysitter (thanks jen... and elton!) a VERY fancy dinner (complete with valet parking!!) and I did get some VERY good laughter in. (Like picking up a mini van from valet parking... it is a must do.)
Today I get to volunteer in Hailey's class, marvel at the incredibly angelic behavior she demonstrates in class, then pick up the carpool of six screaming kindergartners and then head over to my doctor appointment. today I will have blood drawn after drinking this:
The nasty syrupy crap that you must guzzle withing five minutes and it makes you want to vomit. As I was lamenting the fact I must be subjected to this torture, my doctor said I do have another choice:
I ask you, WHY CHOOSE DOOR NUMBER ONE?
Life would be so good if all decisions were this easy.
my kids needed to see friends.
I needed to see friends.
I needed a day off of scraping ice off my van and warming the sliding doors so they would function.
It was good.
The weekend was lovely. Despite the fact I got NOTHING of my list from the husband.... sigh. For some reason he didn't take it very seriously. There is always next year. I did get a VERY qualified babysitter (thanks jen... and elton!) a VERY fancy dinner (complete with valet parking!!) and I did get some VERY good laughter in. (Like picking up a mini van from valet parking... it is a must do.)
Today I get to volunteer in Hailey's class, marvel at the incredibly angelic behavior she demonstrates in class, then pick up the carpool of six screaming kindergartners and then head over to my doctor appointment. today I will have blood drawn after drinking this:
The nasty syrupy crap that you must guzzle withing five minutes and it makes you want to vomit. As I was lamenting the fact I must be subjected to this torture, my doctor said I do have another choice:
I ask you, WHY CHOOSE DOOR NUMBER ONE?Life would be so good if all decisions were this easy.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Dear Husband,
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and with it, the 10Th anniversary of the day you made your wisest life decision to ask for my hand in marriage. While V day has never been much of a fuss for us, I decided this year to be a little higher maintenance and expect a gift.
And because I am springing this on you last second and I understand you are a busy guy (I am so understanding; just one of the many reasons you probably adore me so much.), I have taken the liberty of making a list right here for you (thoughtful, I know, another quality I have in abundance.).
#1 - A house. Not a big one, just a normal average, run of the mill house with a garage, bath tub and kitchen. I'm not picky (again with the great qualities!).
#2 - A cool remote like the one in the movie Click that fast forwards time. Not years or anything just a matter of months, like say, three so I can have this nameless child (or He-Who-Cannot-Be Named) already.
#3 - Pretty much one of everything at our local Ikea. Because I pledge my allegiance to foreign and cheaply made furniture at cheap prices (I am loyal... does the quality list never end?).
#4 - A spot on the show Biggest Loser. Because I think it would be just a kick to let the world see exactly how fat and weak I really am. It's either that or I would like to loose massive amounts of weight in a very short time completely uninterrupted (patience, unfortunately is not a reason you love me.).
#5 - A very responsible, nice young girl who wants nothing more to do with her time than to babysit our children for free ALL THE TIME. (This gift is really for you cause I know how much you love spending time with your favorite person on the planet: moi.)
#6 - One of them new fangled digital televisions with the flat screen. Or just one without a chip in the screen that distracts me because it always looks like a bug or a very unsightly blemish on some one's face (I am just too observant for my own good sometimes.).
#7 - My very own Target. But without the annoying employees that constantly ask you, "Can I help you find something?" but really they want nothing more than for you to go your way and not ask them a thing. Ever. Because they really don't know anyway.
This is just a small, but humble sampling of ideas. I have many more where that came from (I have a large brain). I just thought it would be a good idea for you to show me just how much you love me this year.
love your sweet, thoughtful, but not at all serious wife,
mel
p.s. Although the gift thing was a joke I do have a suggestion for you. In lieu of flowers, just send a dozen 2 liters of diet coke with lime instead. It would be much appreciated. I could use a little more caffine and acid in my diet I think.
And because I am springing this on you last second and I understand you are a busy guy (I am so understanding; just one of the many reasons you probably adore me so much.), I have taken the liberty of making a list right here for you (thoughtful, I know, another quality I have in abundance.).
#1 - A house. Not a big one, just a normal average, run of the mill house with a garage, bath tub and kitchen. I'm not picky (again with the great qualities!).
#2 - A cool remote like the one in the movie Click that fast forwards time. Not years or anything just a matter of months, like say, three so I can have this nameless child (or He-Who-Cannot-Be Named) already.
#3 - Pretty much one of everything at our local Ikea. Because I pledge my allegiance to foreign and cheaply made furniture at cheap prices (I am loyal... does the quality list never end?).
#4 - A spot on the show Biggest Loser. Because I think it would be just a kick to let the world see exactly how fat and weak I really am. It's either that or I would like to loose massive amounts of weight in a very short time completely uninterrupted (patience, unfortunately is not a reason you love me.).
#5 - A very responsible, nice young girl who wants nothing more to do with her time than to babysit our children for free ALL THE TIME. (This gift is really for you cause I know how much you love spending time with your favorite person on the planet: moi.)
#6 - One of them new fangled digital televisions with the flat screen. Or just one without a chip in the screen that distracts me because it always looks like a bug or a very unsightly blemish on some one's face (I am just too observant for my own good sometimes.).
#7 - My very own Target. But without the annoying employees that constantly ask you, "Can I help you find something?" but really they want nothing more than for you to go your way and not ask them a thing. Ever. Because they really don't know anyway.
This is just a small, but humble sampling of ideas. I have many more where that came from (I have a large brain). I just thought it would be a good idea for you to show me just how much you love me this year.
love your sweet, thoughtful, but not at all serious wife,
mel
p.s. Although the gift thing was a joke I do have a suggestion for you. In lieu of flowers, just send a dozen 2 liters of diet coke with lime instead. It would be much appreciated. I could use a little more caffine and acid in my diet I think.
Friday, February 6, 2009
slightly depressed
Yes I am. For several reasons. Which I will grace you with now. I know you read my blog to see what I will whine about next, and well, I aim to please so here you go....
- I am slightly depressed about the fact that this family had all the cousins under one roof and we tried to take pictures and NOT ONE turned out (from my crap camera at least. The best I got was this girl cousins pic. (the daisy in Hailey's hand was there to represent our sweet angel cousin Maisie and was actually supposed to be seen. Oh and the kids were supposed to be looking at the camera and smiling. Oh and you weren't supposed to see the red wall. Oh and the shot was not meant to be blurry.)
-I am slightly depressed about the fact that pretty much no one is blogging. And yes I mean you. I mean where did you go people? Doesn't anybody love me anymore? (don't answer that.)
- I am slightly depressed about winter. and cold. and snow. and that I live in the midst of those things.
- I am slightly depressed about friends. One certain one felt it necessary to go back to work and make her life even more crazy busy... sniff. Another thought it would be cool to brag on her blog about going to Hawaii TWICE in the next few months. (heartless, i know).
- I am slightly depressed about taking pictures that I really think will turn out cute but some kind of extremity, let's say toes, has to go and get in the way.
- I am slightly depressed that money doesn't grow on trees.
- And finally I am slightly depressed that there are still 100 days left in my pregnancy. I don't love pregnancy; luckily, my kids have been worth the crappy 9 months so far... keeping my fingers crossed for the next one.
This brings me to a small tip. If you think there is a good chance you will have ugly or bratty children, my advice is to skip the pregnancy thing. You would only feel cheated in the end.
So go on, let me hear something that will wipe away the depression. You're up...
- I am slightly depressed about the fact that this family had all the cousins under one roof and we tried to take pictures and NOT ONE turned out (from my crap camera at least. The best I got was this girl cousins pic. (the daisy in Hailey's hand was there to represent our sweet angel cousin Maisie and was actually supposed to be seen. Oh and the kids were supposed to be looking at the camera and smiling. Oh and you weren't supposed to see the red wall. Oh and the shot was not meant to be blurry.)
-I am slightly depressed about the fact that pretty much no one is blogging. And yes I mean you. I mean where did you go people? Doesn't anybody love me anymore? (don't answer that.)- I am slightly depressed about winter. and cold. and snow. and that I live in the midst of those things.
- I am slightly depressed about friends. One certain one felt it necessary to go back to work and make her life even more crazy busy... sniff. Another thought it would be cool to brag on her blog about going to Hawaii TWICE in the next few months. (heartless, i know).
- I am slightly depressed about taking pictures that I really think will turn out cute but some kind of extremity, let's say toes, has to go and get in the way.
- I am slightly depressed that money doesn't grow on trees.
- And finally I am slightly depressed that there are still 100 days left in my pregnancy. I don't love pregnancy; luckily, my kids have been worth the crappy 9 months so far... keeping my fingers crossed for the next one.
This brings me to a small tip. If you think there is a good chance you will have ugly or bratty children, my advice is to skip the pregnancy thing. You would only feel cheated in the end.
So go on, let me hear something that will wipe away the depression. You're up...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
dictatorship
We live under the rule of one person in this house. It's not dad (trust me, he's a push over). it's definitely not mom (she gets no respect...sniff). It's not big brother. it's not big sister. We live in oppression. In absolutism. Our resident tyrant? Caleb. He dictates when we go out, where we go and how long we go for. He dictates the mood of our house, the cleanliness of said dwelling, and our general sanity. But most of all, he dictates how we spend our time.
For example, this evening's after showers past time?
Sitting on pillows criss-cross style, watching him poop in the toilet.
He announced to us after he showered that he was going to use the potty. Jonas set him on it and began to leave the room. He protested violently. He demanded Jonas to fetch a pillow and to "sit his bum down". Jonas obliged. Soon it wasn't enough to have a one man audience. He hurriedly beckoned to Hailey to come hither and do the same. She obeyed her ruler's command. I was then summoned to join the throngs of adoring pupils. I cheered along with the crowd as we were commanded to. The Tyrant was given much praise and 2 starbursts for a successful mission on the toilet. We were then allowed to disperse.
Until next time...
For example, this evening's after showers past time?
Sitting on pillows criss-cross style, watching him poop in the toilet.
He announced to us after he showered that he was going to use the potty. Jonas set him on it and began to leave the room. He protested violently. He demanded Jonas to fetch a pillow and to "sit his bum down". Jonas obliged. Soon it wasn't enough to have a one man audience. He hurriedly beckoned to Hailey to come hither and do the same. She obeyed her ruler's command. I was then summoned to join the throngs of adoring pupils. I cheered along with the crowd as we were commanded to. The Tyrant was given much praise and 2 starbursts for a successful mission on the toilet. We were then allowed to disperse.
Until next time...
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