Hero of the Day

I tried to get a picture, but my phone doesn't seem to like me enough to cooperate.

I put on a Scout/Activity Days to-do tonight. We had a Post-Derby party, watched 'Down and Derby' and had ice cream. I invited families, and got the moms (thank-you sisters!) and Zack. Zack belongs to the wonderful family I mentioned before. I felt a bit bad for him, a teen dragged along to watch movies with a bunch of kids. I'm sure he had other things he wanted to do. At the end of the night, Zack got right in there helping put the couches away. He put up all the electronics that the Bishop had set up for us. I know I would have messed that up had I touched it. He was a HUGE help. I've been dying to get him to babysit the boys (hoping he'd be less uncomfortable helping Shane in the potty than the girls would be) and get some "big-brother" time in as a bonus- if I could pick one out for my monsters, it'd be Zack.

It got me to thinking about something that happend years ago. We were at some church activity- I don't know if we were setting up or cleaning up, and one of the other brethren there helping said "The church would be lost without the STP to make everything happen." He went on to explain "STP' to be the "Same Ten People" or families. You know the ones (if you are one) that always are there to help set up, clean up, and eat last because they were helping organize, cook, or serve. Moving teams, wood cutting crews, whatever is needed, they're there. They show up to be in the ward choir no matter how sad it sounds, and their kids make up the youth programs- there every Sunday and Wednesday, even if it's a service project.
As a teen, there were times I didn't think much of being early to everything and staying late. Cooking and doing dishes when my friends were out socializing, or off at more interesting activities (like Prom).
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're probably not in the STP. As an adult, the more I think about it, the more I appreciate the things I learned by being "dragged" around. I learned how things happened- or didn't happen if you weren't there to make it. I learned the workings of the church- the practical stuff. I learned how to make work fun, and love it. I learned how much serving builds testimonies. I look back and remember everything and it strengthens my resolve.
I want to be a STP. I want my kids to know and do and be there, like Zack was there for me tonight. Thank you Patty and Brock for building such a wonderful young man. Most of all, Thank you Zack.

Hair Cut Day

Sorry the pictures are so fuzzy... it was a trick just to get them to stop running for a split second.

Brett's Mom has a story about when she cut his hair for the first time. He was two and had quite a collection of baby-soft curls. She insists that when she cut them off, it was like Jekyll and Hyde. The "terrible" hit his two's like a 2-ton truck.

I can't say that my boys have had such trasformations, but once I got thier shaggy mops under control, they refused to be!

Sir Yes Sir

Latey, I've been trying to teach Shane some respectful words, like 'yes sir'. We like to goof around and on this night, I asked him to salute- and showed him how.... this is what I got.

Favorites

There is one family here in Sitka that have been a immense blessing to our little circus. I could go on all day about all they've done for us, and how much I am impressed with thier children (and them). Instead, I'm only going to share this picture of the boys' favorite sitter.

(Actually I think it's a tie between him, his wife, and his children- they're eaqually loved by my monsters)

He might not think much of this picture- but all you moms out there know it's the most wonderful sight in the world!

Food

I'm sitting here eating dinner and thinking about comfort food. I LOVE comfort food. Things that are probably not good for you, but you just can't resist. The ultimate comfort food is different for each of us. Cheeseburgers, Biscuits and Gravy, Stroganoff, Oreos, Root Beer Floats, etc. For Brett, his favorite is Tuna and Pea Gravy on Toast. I am a sucker for Maccaroni with hotdogs moons- which is what I "made for the boys" tonight. What is it for you? The one food that makes everything better.

Chrome

Back in high school, I was really into studies on the effects of color on mood. I saw this article on MSN and had to share. I don't do this in my home, mostly because my husband doesn't believe in paint or color, but I do believe that it works...

We all have natural reactions to color—a clear blue sky can make you feel more peaceful; a bunch of daffodils, more optimistic. So it’s no surprise that the colors in your home can have an impact on your mood, too. Red, for instance, tends to be stimulating, and blue, calming. How pure and bright a shade is can come into play, too, as well as personal associations with the color. Here’s how you can tap into the power of color to feel happier, calmer, or more inspired—without a huge paint job.

Energy: red and violet
These two stimulating colors boost your energy level by causing your body to pump out more adrenaline. One British study found that when evenly matched Olympic athletes competed, those wearing red won significantly more than their blue-wearing opponents. These high-energy colors are especially good in home offices, entryways, small sitting rooms, or staircases. (Avoid them in the bedroom and bathroom, where you want to relax. You may want to skip these colors in the kitchen, too, because energizing hues can boost your appetite.) If you want to feel inspired but not wired, add just a touch here and there—a red-leather magazine caddy or even a big bunch of fresh red or purple flowers.

Happy: green and yellow
Want to feel more upbeat? Bring in the colors of sunshine and spring fields. In a study, adults reported feeling happier around these two colors. Soft or pale yellows are ideal for playrooms and children’s rooms. Add a new rug. Or paint just the ceiling to create a sunny feel. Green is an especially good pick to brighten rooms with mostly neutral tones.

Calm: blue
Most of us choose blue as our favorite color, and it’s really no wonder. Blue is a very soothing hue—it’s the color of the sky and the sea—and we can all use soothing touches of it in our hectic lives. It was found that people who were faced with difficult tasks felt less anxious after they saw something blue. Because the color is relaxing, you can feel free to use it more liberally than happy or energizing colors—it will work well in any room where you long to feel less stressed. Be sure to stick with soft, muted blues, though; the brighter, stronger shades, such as French blue, can actually have a stimulating effect. Try adding a touch of this serene shade where you need it most: near your bill-paying station, perhaps.

The Day the Music Died

*I so wish I had time (and grey matter) to figure out how to put music onto my blog, but whatever brain I had was absorbed by my children in utero. I hope there will be some left for future kids.*

The wreckage of a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza was scattered across a small area of snow-covered cornfield outside of Clear Lake, Iowa. Three passengers — Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, a.k.a. “The Big Bopper” — were ejected from the plane and died on impact, as did the pilot, 21-year-old Roger Peterson.

That happened on Feb. 3, 1959, exactly 50 years ago this Tuesday.

It was the most infamous plane crash in rock and roll history, aided somewhat in that distinction by Don McLean’s wistful ballad, “American Pie,” in which he referred to the event as “the day the music died.”

I'm Running Away!

Today has been one of those days when I want to hide in my room with the door locked.

WHO'S KIDS ARE THESE?!

I really, really wish I could have said 'not mine' today.

They seem to only be truely monsterous at church on Sunday. Some think they're tired (if they would stay in bed before midnight, they wouldn't be), or hungry (I can't afford that much milk- nor do I produce that much for Austin... they have to make do with food sometimes), or just want Mommy (what if Mommy doesn't want them?). Someone suggested that the absence of Brett might trigger thier frustration (it sure triggers mine, but if he would stay in bed after midnight, he wouldn't be just falling asleep at 8 am).

We were 45 minutes late for church today. Sitting in the foyer, I was trying to help a friend with a Primary something, Shane and Austin were both fussing for milk in thier preferred forms (apparently, the 8 minute trip out there was simply too long to go without it). Shane fussed about Primary, so Aussie and I go in until he adjusts (which he doesn't do until he gets his milk). Austin is disrupting everything and everyone (except the choruster who gets a kick out of watching him lead music). I got Austin out, and he found his way into the adult Sunday School class and gave them all an impromptu mini-concerto on the piano (said the brother who brought him back to me). It was time for RS by the time I got it all sorted out.
Austin is trouble incarnate when it comes to the women's meeting. He steals the chalk from the chalk board, books from peoples' hands, pens and pencils from the tables, pounds on the windows (and the piano if he can), climbs on chairs, dumps out his food... he won't sit with anyone, won't stay in one place, won't play with the toys I or anyone else provides, talks and laughs during the spiritual parts and cries at the slightest dissapointment. Today, I finally got him to sleep- drool was dribbling down my shoulder. I asked the Bishop to hold him while I cleaned up the cereal he'd spread everywhere. The second the switch was made and my hand left his back completely... he woke up screaming. And kept it up until I'd finished the chore and had him back in my arms. Bishop was a wonderful sport (he has a grand-baby the same age).
I still had the usual going home stuff to deal with- neither one wanting to get into the car, Austin flipping out over his car seat, the crying for milk (yes, again), the cold car. Then, once we get home, there's the not wanting to go inside (even though it's cold and raining and the ground is covered in slush- or maybe because it's cold and raining and the ground is covered in slush), not wanting to take off thier coats, but not wanting the coats on either (same with the shoes)- diapers, milk, movies, get off the cat, leave the dog's face alone... I can't hold you and get all the things your demanding at the same time... don't wake up the neighbors- or Dad...

Finally, I ignored them both for a second, snagged Brett's super Maverick mug (50+ oz) from the cupboard and made a GIANT "cup" of berry tea. I only got a few sips before the boys were fussing for some (they've drank half of it already), but those few sips seem to have given me just enough to keep going. Though locking myself into my bedroom still sounds like a good idea- I can (hopefully) survive until midnight when I can.

Anyone want to borrow a couple boys?

Please?

Poor Little Man *frank discussion of bodily functions*

I think it's hilarious how parenthood cancels out so many social rules. As soon as you get preggo or the baby arrives, the boundries for discussing bodily functions with family and friends disappears- especially when those functions belong to your little bundle of joy (and toxic waste).

It's funny sometimes, the words that kids come up with to name body parts and functions. For example, Shane has no idea what a stomach is.. it's his belly. His head isn't just a head, it's his 'noggin-head'. When he was potty training he came up with a code word for #2- 'rock bums'. He tried to drag Brett to the potty this morning- Brett passed gas and Shane was convinced (and rather concerned) that Daddy was doing rock-bums and needed to hurry. It was priceless.

But, not to pun, the term rock-bums has turned around to bite us in the bums. Austin was having trouble getting things out. I chalked it up to weaning and diet changes. A WIC appointment discovered that he wasn't gaining weight like he should have been. As we discussed his eating habits, I realized he hadn't been nursing as much, but he also hadn't been eating like he usually did either (the vaccum was clogged). I watched him over the next few days, where he'd just been doing a bit of extra straining before- he was now getting down on all fours, turning red in the face, backing himself across the room as he pushed, and taking breaks between efforst to come to me in tears for comfort. And only getting out bits half the size of a Hershey Kiss! Talk about ROCK-bums.
I took him to the doctor of course. Our new doc is really great- she's on the SAR team with Brett. And she said we had to get on this right away before it gets so bad he's afraid to go. Stool softeners and laxative suppositories were her perscription- for the next MONTH. I didn't think much of it- whatever I have to do to help him feel better. HA.
Going by the suppository schedule (every other day), we've been doing this for almost 2 weeks. I don't know if I can keep it up. Suppositories are never fun- for anyone. Today I had to get Brett to help me hold him down to get it to stay. Not long after, when the thing took effect... Austin was back on all 4s. I couldn't take his tears anymore- I made Brett take him into the other room and give him a blessing. Austin bawled when Brett took him away from me, but when they came back, he was calm and cuddling Brett. They're asleep on the couch together now.
The second part of the regime seemed to be the easy stuff. The Colace liquid stool softener I found was straightforward. 5 or 6 dropper-fulls every day. Austin loves Tylenol and Motrin, so I didn't forsee the difficulties. Like the screaming fits. The gagging at the first drop. The muocus that thickens and makes him choke and spit up. (Sorry if this is way nasty- it's way sad too.) I've tried hiding it in food, juice (which he's not supposed to have), eggnog, even soda- he detects it every time. When I force it down him, he cries and flings himself around for an hour afterward, protesting his treatment.
I know I have it really good. I thank the Lord every day that I have such healthy boys and the ability to take care of them fully. But this is breaking my heart to do.
I keep on, but I'm calling the doc on Monday to see if we can come up with another way. The goal was to make sure he didn't become afraid of #2. I'm afraid of it, and he's terrified of the medicine and #2.
Poor little man...

Champion of the Voiceless

Little boys can be so funny. Ours can be down-right nutters!

Austin has a funny little habit. He loves to put Paco's scoop of food into his dish... and sit down and share a bit or two with his furry friend. Lately, Paco's been on a 'diet' of sorts and hasn't taken kindly to Austin's company. So instead of sharing, Austin saves a few peices for himself, and plants himself elsewhere to snack. Today that spot was in the middle of thier inflatable jumper. Paco's metal scoop cup clutched in his hands, Austin was having a blast chowing down on his dog food... then Shane walked in the room.

They started wrestling over the cup, yelling at each other and pushing. It took my 100 proof mommy voice to get Shane to let go and come to me for an explaination. I could have talked myself hoarse trying to speak over and under his crying and outrage. Shane was convinced that Austin was commiting the utmost of crimes. Taking Paco's cup and eating his food?!?!?!?!? Shane is as stubborn as both Brett and I combined sometimes. "No Way, Mommy!" is his preferred objection.
There was no peace in this house until Austin surrendered the cup and remaining food to Shane.
What an activist! What a nutter! What a cutie!

Psychosis, Neurosis, and Me

Brett loves to joke about his stress and anxiety quirks...
We are often amused at the nutter kids we have...
Most of my oddness is a little more subtle. Like color organizing M&Ms.
Right now, one of my compulsions is all set to drive Brett insane. Our trip to visit his family and ski (for Brett's birthday) is set for March 9th. I've already started packing.
I know it's insane to start so early, but I can't help it. As soon as the date is set, I start making lists and organizing luggage. Austin has enough clothes that I can pack most of his stuff without worry- so I stated that this morning. Luck favors the prepared, right?
Shane and I are not as materially commfortable (get it, material... clothes.. ah ha ha hee hee). So I'll probably have us "living out of a suitcase" at least a week before we actually leave.
Brett, too, could easily pack most everything he needs and not really notice the clothing loss. But he won't until the day before travel. Drives me insane.
What chance do our kids have wth two nut-jobs like us for parents?!

Paranioa

Ever have one of those days (or weeks) where it seems like everyone and everything is out to get you...?

I was hoping to get the pictures I promised loaded and posted... but I can't find the cables or the adapter cards anywhere. So, they are trapped on my camera.

I was hoping to get farther in my spring cleaning. (Yes, I know it's no where near spring, but I'm hoping that if I can just get everything cleaned up and organized then it will be easier keeping it that way. Wishful thinking, I know, but a girl can dream) I need to get the living room floor clean so I have room to clear out under the stairs. The boys are determined NOT to let that happen. I tried to turn on the vaccum, but the cord had come unplugged somehow... Shane say me puzzling and piped up with one of his favorite sayings "whooosh, that was a close one!"
I know he doesn't like the vaccum, but come on! The floor is covered in the barley he's been playing in (like rice) and the bits of food Austin seems to shed where ever he goes- ewww.

Meahwhile, Brett's been sleeping all day long after studying all night. He failed a pre-test (for the first time EVER in his Coast Gaurd career) and has until the end of February to pass it now. Plus, it disqualifies him from taking the Service-Wide exams this go-round (the test they have to take for a chance at promotion.) Needless to say, Brett's in a wonderful mood and is lots of fun to be around. (If you hear later that I've been struck by lightening, you'll know why- the Lord doesn't like liars ;p )

I saw this on my friend Lisa's blog - thought it was interesting.
Copy it and bold what you have done in your life!

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland
8. climbed a mountain (well, I call it a mountain...)
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. seen in person the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch-hiked
23. taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping (I almost made it a New Years resolution though...)
27. run a marathon
28. ridden in a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or a sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise (if you count the Alaska ferry as a cruise???)
33. seen niagra falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michaelangelo's david
41. sung karaoke (not well and only in front of family)
42. seen the old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. received a prestigious award
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistine chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. got flowers for no reason
64. donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guards in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle (definately a goal for this year- even if I have to steal the thing...er, um, maybe not)
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating (I didn't kill it - but I prepared it and cooked it)
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone's life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person
96. swam in the great salt lake
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. learned to play an instrument