- What is your husband's name? Jared Spencer Palfrey
- How long have you guys been married? 8 years
- How long did you date? Well the whole story is a little "Jane Austen-esque", but althogether, around 2.5 years
- How old is he? 29...and very attractive
- Who is taller? Jared is 6ft tall...6 inches taller than me...but we have the same inseam, freakishly long torso's apparently run in his family.
- Who can sing the best? I say he can, he has always had such a distinctive singing voice, it's my favourite...but I have had more singing experience.
- Who is smarter? Jared. He loves to learn...more than anyone I've ever met, he is constantly reading and learning new things. I really admire that about him.
- Who pays the bills? I do that actual task of paying them...however, Jared works extraordinarily hard to provide for our family, and does a wonderful job of making life as comfortable as possible for us...and so he pays the bills.
- Who does the laundry? I do...and I have no complaints about it. Jared helps where he can, but the laundry is my territory, mistakes on ones clothes borders on unforgivable.
- Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? It changes frequently.
- Who mows the lawn? The landscapers...we live under a strata, we pay lots of money, and they hire landscapers to mow my lawn.
- Who cooks dinner? I do...I enjoy cooking and trying to new recipes. Jared's cooking skills begin and end with the phone...and a list of take out numbers.
- Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? Jared usually...he has a funny way of admitting it, but he is always the first to acknowledge his wrongness.
- Who kissed who first? This is an ongoing debate in our relationship...I say him...he says me...but it REALLY WAS him!
- Who wears the pants? We both do...we pick up each other's slack depending on what's going on in our lives...we recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses, where I'm weak, he's strong and I depend on him to wear the pants...but where he is weak and I am strong, then I wear the pants.
I tag Marcy, Susan P. and Debbie Jo :)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Tagged...7 Things
I am not going to tag anyone, because everyone I know with a blog has already been tagged...sorry. SO 7 things you may or may NOT know about me...here goes.
1. On my 16th birthday my girlfriends did a surprise group date for me...and set me up with my first date...with 2 different guys...on the same night, at the same event. That was awkward.
2. Also on my 16th birthday, I got my first kiss (my first cheek kiss) from Brother Lillie...I know...if you want more details, ask.
3. My first LIP kiss was when I was 17...and it was a little kiss...does that make me a late-bloomer?
4. Jared & I spent 18 months NOT talking and avoiding each other after the first time we met...come to think of it I think EVERYONE knows that one, haha.
5. I chew my nails when I'm stressed.
6. Jared is the first love of my life...my second love is Mr. Darcy.
7. When I was 16 years old I went to EFY in Idaho and got asked to the banquet at the end of the week by Donny Osmond Junior.
1. On my 16th birthday my girlfriends did a surprise group date for me...and set me up with my first date...with 2 different guys...on the same night, at the same event. That was awkward.
2. Also on my 16th birthday, I got my first kiss (my first cheek kiss) from Brother Lillie...I know...if you want more details, ask.
3. My first LIP kiss was when I was 17...and it was a little kiss...does that make me a late-bloomer?
4. Jared & I spent 18 months NOT talking and avoiding each other after the first time we met...come to think of it I think EVERYONE knows that one, haha.
5. I chew my nails when I'm stressed.
6. Jared is the first love of my life...my second love is Mr. Darcy.
7. When I was 16 years old I went to EFY in Idaho and got asked to the banquet at the end of the week by Donny Osmond Junior.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
In all things there MUST be opposition!
I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy General Conference every 6 months. It's a chance to hear the inspired words of our church leaders, our amazing Prophet, President Monson. An opportunity to receive council and guidance...and isn't it amazing how they always seem to touch on topics that directly affect SOMETHING we've been thinking about, or longing to change in our own lives? Things that we have meditated on, longed to receive answers to and just desired clarity about? I feel so resolved, all questions answered...time to make the extra effort to take one step upward, closer to the Savior.
The theme for me through this weekend of conference was that there MUST be opposition in all things. Sometimes I forget that this life is a test...and not just a test for me...but for everyone! It's really hard for me to keep this point in check because I demand a lot of myself. Why can't I have a perfectly clean home, with the dishes always done, and laundry always clean, folded and put away? Why can't I have a husband who can read my mind and take out the garbage without being asked? Why can't I have 5 PERFECT children who have a keen understanding of the gospel...who have all 13 Articles of Faith memorized...who know EVERY song in the Children's Songbook by heart, who NEVER hit, scream, fight, whine or get dirty? Why can't I be patient, never raise my voice, never be late, always have the most creative FHE's, the most delicious meals, the perfect body after 5 kids, time to exercise, time to read, time to sing, time to play the piano, have no debt, no bills, MORE money, a bigger house, newer cars, better clothes, LOTS of shoes? Why? Why?? WHY??? Because if my life was perfect, I would have no purpose in being here. On the one side, I would have no frustration, no stress, no despair, no fear, no agony, no envy...and on the flip side I would have no gratitude, no work ethic, no money or time-managing skills, no appreciation for my children, no appreciation for my husband, and no testimony. There must be opposition in all things...and along with this, there can be JOY in the JOURNEY! Just because we experience opposition doesn't mean we have to suffer through it...we are required to endure it...but endure it WELL! Why need I fear if I my Savior is steering my ship? He calmed the raging sea of Galilee...why not the raging seas that are in my life from time to time? All things are possible in the Lord, if I put my trust in Him...the oppositions I face will become learning experiences and will allow me to grow and progress.
Anyways, I could go on and on aobut that topic...but I will leave you with my testimony instead (and it's probably going to be long, sorry!). I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every day and every night, and many times a day in between I am thanking my Heavenly Father for restoring it. I have an unshakable faith in temple ordinances. I have felt the feeling of my family being temporary...and have felt the feeling of my family becoming eternal, and I testify, there are no words that can adequately express the difference between them. Night and day, dark and light...the cold of winter and the warmth of the sun. This gospel not only holds the Priesthood keys, but the keys to eternal joy and happiness. I am so grateful, so truly grateful for the life I have because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that through my Savior I can do all things...because all things are possible through Him. The Atonement is real, it was a necessary step in bringing us back into God's presence. I love the scriptures and love the temple with all my heart. I know we have a Prophet today, President Monson, who leads and guides us with the love of our Heavenly Father, who receives revelation and directs us in ways that will keep us on the path that leads to eternal life. I am filled with gratitude today...and hope that I will be filled with gratitude each and every day of my life. The church is true, and I am grateful to be a part of it!
The theme for me through this weekend of conference was that there MUST be opposition in all things. Sometimes I forget that this life is a test...and not just a test for me...but for everyone! It's really hard for me to keep this point in check because I demand a lot of myself. Why can't I have a perfectly clean home, with the dishes always done, and laundry always clean, folded and put away? Why can't I have a husband who can read my mind and take out the garbage without being asked? Why can't I have 5 PERFECT children who have a keen understanding of the gospel...who have all 13 Articles of Faith memorized...who know EVERY song in the Children's Songbook by heart, who NEVER hit, scream, fight, whine or get dirty? Why can't I be patient, never raise my voice, never be late, always have the most creative FHE's, the most delicious meals, the perfect body after 5 kids, time to exercise, time to read, time to sing, time to play the piano, have no debt, no bills, MORE money, a bigger house, newer cars, better clothes, LOTS of shoes? Why? Why?? WHY??? Because if my life was perfect, I would have no purpose in being here. On the one side, I would have no frustration, no stress, no despair, no fear, no agony, no envy...and on the flip side I would have no gratitude, no work ethic, no money or time-managing skills, no appreciation for my children, no appreciation for my husband, and no testimony. There must be opposition in all things...and along with this, there can be JOY in the JOURNEY! Just because we experience opposition doesn't mean we have to suffer through it...we are required to endure it...but endure it WELL! Why need I fear if I my Savior is steering my ship? He calmed the raging sea of Galilee...why not the raging seas that are in my life from time to time? All things are possible in the Lord, if I put my trust in Him...the oppositions I face will become learning experiences and will allow me to grow and progress.
Anyways, I could go on and on aobut that topic...but I will leave you with my testimony instead (and it's probably going to be long, sorry!). I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every day and every night, and many times a day in between I am thanking my Heavenly Father for restoring it. I have an unshakable faith in temple ordinances. I have felt the feeling of my family being temporary...and have felt the feeling of my family becoming eternal, and I testify, there are no words that can adequately express the difference between them. Night and day, dark and light...the cold of winter and the warmth of the sun. This gospel not only holds the Priesthood keys, but the keys to eternal joy and happiness. I am so grateful, so truly grateful for the life I have because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that through my Savior I can do all things...because all things are possible through Him. The Atonement is real, it was a necessary step in bringing us back into God's presence. I love the scriptures and love the temple with all my heart. I know we have a Prophet today, President Monson, who leads and guides us with the love of our Heavenly Father, who receives revelation and directs us in ways that will keep us on the path that leads to eternal life. I am filled with gratitude today...and hope that I will be filled with gratitude each and every day of my life. The church is true, and I am grateful to be a part of it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Lauryn
So, I haven't blogged in nearly 2 weeks...not for lack of things I could write about, but mostly because I simply haven't had the words for some reason. I think you could say I have had some "writer's block". I've never claimed to be an amazing writer by any means, the fact that anyone reads my blog is remarkable to me because I lead a very uninteresting life. I write things that are interesting to me, and try to run this blog like a journal so that I'm recording things that matter to me, but don't make much of an effort to make them interesting for everyone else. I don't include videos, or photos...there isn't a ton of humor or fanciful writing.
So I'm going to share a few things about the latest Palfrey...our baby girl Lauryn...and if anyone finds even an ounce of joy, humor, delight, or even just a smidge of interest, then fabulous! Since 99% of my life involves the people I live with, then that is where my interest lies, and therein lies 99% of my blog topics :D.
Our baby Lauryn started crawling!! She's my latest crawler starting at 7.5 months of age...and I'm hoping that her "delayed" (delayed merely being relative to my other children of course - and delayed most definitely be a good thing!) physical abilities will continue into walking, running, climbing, jumping, falling out windows, etc. She is such a happy baby, she just oozes joy from every pore. When she is being fed her baby food...she is just a wiggly mess! She is SOOO excited about the food she just loses all control and kicks and wiggles and bounces...she scrunches up her nose and snorts and laughs and smiles uncontrollably! It makes it difficult to get the food INTO her mouth...but it's a lot of fun at feeding time. When she wakes up from her naps she is the same way...giggly, wiggly, scrunchy faced, edible ball of chubby cuteness. She is such a joyous addition to our family...so far. Many of you might remember Noah being the same happy baby...very mild and observant of all his surroundings...then one day...he became....A BOY!!! AHHHHH!!!! But there is hope for Lauryn, because she will never one day become a boy...she is most definitely a girl...and how does the saying go? "Thank heaven for little girls". Our decision to have Lauryn was one of the biggest decisions we ever made...took 3 visits to the temple seeking confirmation (which I pretty well got on the FIRST visit) to feel comfortable enough to do what we felt the Lord wanted for our family. The pregnancy started out great, everything was normal, and with 4 weeks left, after several doctor and hospital visits due to some concerns, the doctor put me on bedrest. Boy was I grateful for that to be over...sounds glamourous at first...but it gets old within 48 hours. I think the first words out of my mouth when Lauryn was born (AFTER I was over the shock of having ANOTHER girl) was,"I'm so grateful we had her". And now that she's here, like it is for all us mothers...life before them is soon forgotten, and things begin to feel like they were always here, always a part of our family. Confirmation of all things spiritual, that all good things come from God. I see evidence of my Heavenly Father in many things on a daily basis...but nothing is quite as convincing as our children, wouldn't you agree?
So I'm going to share a few things about the latest Palfrey...our baby girl Lauryn...and if anyone finds even an ounce of joy, humor, delight, or even just a smidge of interest, then fabulous! Since 99% of my life involves the people I live with, then that is where my interest lies, and therein lies 99% of my blog topics :D.
Our baby Lauryn started crawling!! She's my latest crawler starting at 7.5 months of age...and I'm hoping that her "delayed" (delayed merely being relative to my other children of course - and delayed most definitely be a good thing!) physical abilities will continue into walking, running, climbing, jumping, falling out windows, etc. She is such a happy baby, she just oozes joy from every pore. When she is being fed her baby food...she is just a wiggly mess! She is SOOO excited about the food she just loses all control and kicks and wiggles and bounces...she scrunches up her nose and snorts and laughs and smiles uncontrollably! It makes it difficult to get the food INTO her mouth...but it's a lot of fun at feeding time. When she wakes up from her naps she is the same way...giggly, wiggly, scrunchy faced, edible ball of chubby cuteness. She is such a joyous addition to our family...so far. Many of you might remember Noah being the same happy baby...very mild and observant of all his surroundings...then one day...he became....A BOY!!! AHHHHH!!!! But there is hope for Lauryn, because she will never one day become a boy...she is most definitely a girl...and how does the saying go? "Thank heaven for little girls". Our decision to have Lauryn was one of the biggest decisions we ever made...took 3 visits to the temple seeking confirmation (which I pretty well got on the FIRST visit) to feel comfortable enough to do what we felt the Lord wanted for our family. The pregnancy started out great, everything was normal, and with 4 weeks left, after several doctor and hospital visits due to some concerns, the doctor put me on bedrest. Boy was I grateful for that to be over...sounds glamourous at first...but it gets old within 48 hours. I think the first words out of my mouth when Lauryn was born (AFTER I was over the shock of having ANOTHER girl) was,"I'm so grateful we had her". And now that she's here, like it is for all us mothers...life before them is soon forgotten, and things begin to feel like they were always here, always a part of our family. Confirmation of all things spiritual, that all good things come from God. I see evidence of my Heavenly Father in many things on a daily basis...but nothing is quite as convincing as our children, wouldn't you agree?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Sad Day
Out of the love and respect I have for my husband I wanted to share a note he posted on facebook today...lots of you have read it, so I apologize if it's a "re-read" but I guess I wanted to add my feelings to it, so here it is:
Well it's late and I’m up working late again. It’s not terribly exciting what I do, fixing networks, rebuilding Raid Arrays, or inoculating viruses from computers or is that computers from viruses. Even my writing isn't that exciting. I’m not a writer, I’m not a poet. I do like writing music though as well as singing with my guitar. So perhaps I’m just a guitar playing singer song writer. Sounds alright to me. Anyways it's late. And I am just finishing up some work before bed comes and I looked at the date.
It’s September 17th.
Not a particularly special day to most. But to me it happens to be one. In about 3.5 hours, it will be 13 years since my mother died.
I remember it well and I won't go on about it but it was a Sunday morning. Mom was taken to the hospital a few hours in the day before. She was desperately ill. I remember what seemed to be a constant flow of morphine bottles going into her bedroom while she attempted a Hospice death. It didn't last. It was too hard to pretend you are happy to die I suppose.
Someone woke me up in the morning at around 6:30AM to tell me that she had died... death..... gone.................... It was a terrible morning.
I know that this is such old news to some and most are wondering why someone would put this on facebook. The only answer I have is that this is who I am now. I’ve had to deal with much more than this throughout my years and this sort of exposure has been the only vent I know.
I am cheerful by habit most of the time. But on September 17th I am trying to take a little time for myself.
I've written a few songs over the years, the one I have always tried not to ever perform is a song called Kiss Goodbye. It’s terribly sad. It’s about this day. Today, the day she left without a goodbye kiss. 13 years ago. A terrible Day.
I've decided to include this song however on my album. I've recorded it now in the studio; it's a slow song, a slow story.
For you all to know, she was an incredible woman. She came to every single one of my opening night performances, sick or not sick. She said a few times she wanted to come to more but her body wouldn't let her. She used to drive me into Vancouver for auditions in between her visits to St. Paul’s hospital. Even when she was sick and could barely speak through her morphine induced pain relief, she said she loved me, and she said she was proud of me.
Her body didn't last in the end; it died to the aids even with the treatments. What a terrible day.
I pause while I write this note here on the book of faces to hold my face and stave off complete tears. This has always been a hard day. Every year. I have often wanted it to get easier, but it doesn't. It just gets less complicated.
I love my family. My wife, my extended and my own little ones. And have often thought that my mom will get to meet them all someday in our future.
I wish I had some kind of joke or story that would make me feel better and perhaps you as well. Perhaps something like, what do you call a blonde with two brain cells, pregnant, or I know a guy named John Hancock. I mean those are pretty funny right.
But alas I must close.
It’s been 13 years. Long years. Too long.
I guess I'll say this to close, that if you still have a mother, or a father. That you should remember September 17th. Remember it as a day to remember what you have. I know I do. I think about all the wonderful blessings I have been given and how wonderful truly my children are, and what an amazing, loving, beautiful, caring, supporting, sexy wife I have. I think about those things as well on this day. About the things I love and have still. You should think of what you have, and give your mother a big hug. I have lost my mother but still have incredible substitutes like:
Wendy fleet
Angela palfrey
Angela palfrey
Laurel palfrey
Karen Obrien,
Elaine Noftle
Incredible women that I love and that for some reason love me as well.
I hope this message leaves you well. cuz I feel an H'load better than I did when I started.
Fowler
I just wanted to add how blessed I am to be married to a man who loved, and continues to love, his Mother as deeply as Jared. I never had the fortune of knowing his Mom before she passed away...I came along around 7 months after she passed, but so many people knew her...and every single one of them loved her. Ever since I met Jared, when he would introduce me to someone, be it friend, family or just acquaintance...I would hear over and over how wonderful Lois was. How she made others laugh, and feel so loved. That's how Jared is...boy am I glad he had a mother who blessed him with humour, and unconditional love...who raised him to KNOW he was so special and so talented. He passes those traits onto our children...and that is a blessing to both them and me. I love Lois...she gave me my husband, and all the beautiful things I love about him I know came from her. I have a secret hope that when the day comes...I hope Jared passes before me...because I don't want him to ever have to experience that depth of loss again in this life. However...I'm sure that most of us would prefer to pass together with our eternal companion...that's how my grandparents passed.
I love you Jared...and I thank your Mom for blessing you with all the traits that I fell in love with so many years ago...and continue to love every minute of every day, for this moment and for all eternity. I love you.
Well it's late and I’m up working late again. It’s not terribly exciting what I do, fixing networks, rebuilding Raid Arrays, or inoculating viruses from computers or is that computers from viruses. Even my writing isn't that exciting. I’m not a writer, I’m not a poet. I do like writing music though as well as singing with my guitar. So perhaps I’m just a guitar playing singer song writer. Sounds alright to me. Anyways it's late. And I am just finishing up some work before bed comes and I looked at the date.
It’s September 17th.
Not a particularly special day to most. But to me it happens to be one. In about 3.5 hours, it will be 13 years since my mother died.
I remember it well and I won't go on about it but it was a Sunday morning. Mom was taken to the hospital a few hours in the day before. She was desperately ill. I remember what seemed to be a constant flow of morphine bottles going into her bedroom while she attempted a Hospice death. It didn't last. It was too hard to pretend you are happy to die I suppose.
Someone woke me up in the morning at around 6:30AM to tell me that she had died... death..... gone.................... It was a terrible morning.
I know that this is such old news to some and most are wondering why someone would put this on facebook. The only answer I have is that this is who I am now. I’ve had to deal with much more than this throughout my years and this sort of exposure has been the only vent I know.
I am cheerful by habit most of the time. But on September 17th I am trying to take a little time for myself.
I've written a few songs over the years, the one I have always tried not to ever perform is a song called Kiss Goodbye. It’s terribly sad. It’s about this day. Today, the day she left without a goodbye kiss. 13 years ago. A terrible Day.
I've decided to include this song however on my album. I've recorded it now in the studio; it's a slow song, a slow story.
For you all to know, she was an incredible woman. She came to every single one of my opening night performances, sick or not sick. She said a few times she wanted to come to more but her body wouldn't let her. She used to drive me into Vancouver for auditions in between her visits to St. Paul’s hospital. Even when she was sick and could barely speak through her morphine induced pain relief, she said she loved me, and she said she was proud of me.
Her body didn't last in the end; it died to the aids even with the treatments. What a terrible day.
I pause while I write this note here on the book of faces to hold my face and stave off complete tears. This has always been a hard day. Every year. I have often wanted it to get easier, but it doesn't. It just gets less complicated.
I love my family. My wife, my extended and my own little ones. And have often thought that my mom will get to meet them all someday in our future.
I wish I had some kind of joke or story that would make me feel better and perhaps you as well. Perhaps something like, what do you call a blonde with two brain cells, pregnant, or I know a guy named John Hancock. I mean those are pretty funny right.
But alas I must close.
It’s been 13 years. Long years. Too long.
I guess I'll say this to close, that if you still have a mother, or a father. That you should remember September 17th. Remember it as a day to remember what you have. I know I do. I think about all the wonderful blessings I have been given and how wonderful truly my children are, and what an amazing, loving, beautiful, caring, supporting, sexy wife I have. I think about those things as well on this day. About the things I love and have still. You should think of what you have, and give your mother a big hug. I have lost my mother but still have incredible substitutes like:
Wendy fleet
Angela palfrey
Angela palfrey
Laurel palfrey
Karen Obrien,
Elaine Noftle
Incredible women that I love and that for some reason love me as well.
I hope this message leaves you well. cuz I feel an H'load better than I did when I started.
Fowler
I just wanted to add how blessed I am to be married to a man who loved, and continues to love, his Mother as deeply as Jared. I never had the fortune of knowing his Mom before she passed away...I came along around 7 months after she passed, but so many people knew her...and every single one of them loved her. Ever since I met Jared, when he would introduce me to someone, be it friend, family or just acquaintance...I would hear over and over how wonderful Lois was. How she made others laugh, and feel so loved. That's how Jared is...boy am I glad he had a mother who blessed him with humour, and unconditional love...who raised him to KNOW he was so special and so talented. He passes those traits onto our children...and that is a blessing to both them and me. I love Lois...she gave me my husband, and all the beautiful things I love about him I know came from her. I have a secret hope that when the day comes...I hope Jared passes before me...because I don't want him to ever have to experience that depth of loss again in this life. However...I'm sure that most of us would prefer to pass together with our eternal companion...that's how my grandparents passed.
I love you Jared...and I thank your Mom for blessing you with all the traits that I fell in love with so many years ago...and continue to love every minute of every day, for this moment and for all eternity. I love you.
Monday, September 1, 2008
My Brother Joel
So my brother Joel is a composer, and I have looked up to him my whole life. Well my super cool brother has entered the Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song competition! And might I say that I think his particular composition is seriously one of the best on there! Now I know I'm biased, but I also KNOW that Joel has spent his whole life, from his first waking moments watching and loving HNIC! So I know that his composition was written with a whole life's worth of fond hockey experiences...so I would have to say he knows what he's doing, and it shows! His theme song is AWESOME! So go to this link http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/327204?sort=upload+DESC+DESC&filetype=2%2C3&moderationstatus=1&offset=12 and sign up so you can rate him...and leave LOTS of comments!! We really want him to win, not just because he's my brother, but because his song is the BEST!! And invite all the people you know to check it out and rate! Enjoy the song! Oh and be patient, both on my blog and the HNIC website the song takes a minute to start playing, but it's worth the wait!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
King Meister Burger Burger Meister
So if any of you can guess why I gave this particular post this particular title by the time you're done reading the post...I will give you a cyber-high-five!
Today was IT! The LAST STRAW! I was DONE...WELL done...on the verge of burned to a crisp with trying to get my kids to PICK UP THEIR TOYS! I had HAD IT! Get my point? I HATE TOYS!
So with all the poking, prodding, nagging, begging and pleading that I've been doing, I gave my kids ONE LAST CHANCE to get their toys put away. At 10:30am they marched up to the room to start. I was going to give them ONE HOUR to get it clean, and then I would be joining them in their room with a....GARBAGE BAG!!
So as the hour progressed, I could hear them moving around...every once in a while I would call out to them,"Hey! How's it going in there?" which was responded with an enthusiastic,"GREAT!". I thought, this is great...the THREAT of putting their toys in the garbage was enough to get them to clean their room! I was quite pleased with myself!
Then it happened...at 11:30am I started marching up the stairs...garbage bag in hand (just in case) but hopeful that the job had been well done. When Hannah heard me coming up the stairs, she tore out of the room to stop me at the top of the stairs and said,"NO NO NO! We're ALMOST done!" But I didn't buy it.
I walked around the panicked 7 year old and made my way into the HORROR!!! I don't think they had even picked up a single toy! So, I calmly got on the ground and started picking things up one by one and putting them in the garbage bag. My DH Jared even got in on the fun, and started getting the girls to pick up stuff as fast as they could, because only the stuff that was still on the floor was going to end up in the garbage bag. Well let me tell you...by their reaction you would've sworn that they were bleeding from their eyes. The "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth" doesn't even suffice.
Poor Abigail, she was so distraught...but life lessons must be learned, and keeping a tidy room is one of them. I am the mother of 5 children and CANNOT have a brood of lazy bums...sorry if anyone disagrees, but it's the way it goes in a large family.
So as I was putting toys in the garbage bag, the girls were desperately scrambling to grab their most prized possessions...their stuffies. Abbi had her arms overflowing with things, and when she saw that I was reaching for Lily's pink piggie on the floor (Lily's most favorite toy) she threw everything in her arms aside, screamed "NOOOOOOO!" and DOVE for the little pink pig. I mean, she literally DOVE....on her belly, sliding across the floor with a look of such desperation on her face, you would've thought that she was diving for an oasis in a desert after days of nothing to drink...THAT kind of desperation...and it was like it was happening in slow motion. What a good sister...but she didn't get there in time! It made it's way to the garbage bag, and at this point everyone was melting down.
Now I don't get pleasure out of my children's sorrows, in fact, I consider myself to be rather compassionate...but today enough was enough. Actually...the devil in me was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face...just because I was NOT expecting the dramatics that this little lesson received.
So now the toys are in a garbage bag, that is sitting tied up in my room...and each and EVERY toy will have to be earned back...I HATE TOYS...and thems the breaks kid!
Today was IT! The LAST STRAW! I was DONE...WELL done...on the verge of burned to a crisp with trying to get my kids to PICK UP THEIR TOYS! I had HAD IT! Get my point? I HATE TOYS!
So with all the poking, prodding, nagging, begging and pleading that I've been doing, I gave my kids ONE LAST CHANCE to get their toys put away. At 10:30am they marched up to the room to start. I was going to give them ONE HOUR to get it clean, and then I would be joining them in their room with a....GARBAGE BAG!!
So as the hour progressed, I could hear them moving around...every once in a while I would call out to them,"Hey! How's it going in there?" which was responded with an enthusiastic,"GREAT!". I thought, this is great...the THREAT of putting their toys in the garbage was enough to get them to clean their room! I was quite pleased with myself!
Then it happened...at 11:30am I started marching up the stairs...garbage bag in hand (just in case) but hopeful that the job had been well done. When Hannah heard me coming up the stairs, she tore out of the room to stop me at the top of the stairs and said,"NO NO NO! We're ALMOST done!" But I didn't buy it.
I walked around the panicked 7 year old and made my way into the HORROR!!! I don't think they had even picked up a single toy! So, I calmly got on the ground and started picking things up one by one and putting them in the garbage bag. My DH Jared even got in on the fun, and started getting the girls to pick up stuff as fast as they could, because only the stuff that was still on the floor was going to end up in the garbage bag. Well let me tell you...by their reaction you would've sworn that they were bleeding from their eyes. The "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth" doesn't even suffice.
Poor Abigail, she was so distraught...but life lessons must be learned, and keeping a tidy room is one of them. I am the mother of 5 children and CANNOT have a brood of lazy bums...sorry if anyone disagrees, but it's the way it goes in a large family.
So as I was putting toys in the garbage bag, the girls were desperately scrambling to grab their most prized possessions...their stuffies. Abbi had her arms overflowing with things, and when she saw that I was reaching for Lily's pink piggie on the floor (Lily's most favorite toy) she threw everything in her arms aside, screamed "NOOOOOOO!" and DOVE for the little pink pig. I mean, she literally DOVE....on her belly, sliding across the floor with a look of such desperation on her face, you would've thought that she was diving for an oasis in a desert after days of nothing to drink...THAT kind of desperation...and it was like it was happening in slow motion. What a good sister...but she didn't get there in time! It made it's way to the garbage bag, and at this point everyone was melting down.
Now I don't get pleasure out of my children's sorrows, in fact, I consider myself to be rather compassionate...but today enough was enough. Actually...the devil in me was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face...just because I was NOT expecting the dramatics that this little lesson received.
So now the toys are in a garbage bag, that is sitting tied up in my room...and each and EVERY toy will have to be earned back...I HATE TOYS...and thems the breaks kid!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sheesh!
Well it's been a while since my last post...and I would like to say that it's because my life has been so BUSY with EXCITEMENT that I just didn't have the time to spare to sit and write. In fact, NOTHING exciting has really happened...but I really didn't have time to sit and write...due to having 5 children. The only time I have to post is at night after the kids are asleep and my thoughts are not going to be interrupted, but lately I've just been so tired that I have not been able to stay awake long enough to type a single letter.
Anyways...I don't have a whole lot to post tonight, but with all my motherly woes of trying to keep up with 5 children under the age of 7...a house that always seems to get the better of me, and a heat wave that is all but suffocating, I will leave you with a couple links to 2 beautiful articles from this month's Ensign. I found these articles uplifting and encouraging. I love feeling new resolve to improve in all the facets of my life, and try hard not to be discouraged by my challenges. These articles really helped me to feel validated, but also gave me a little boost to do better. I hope you feel the same way as you read them. Here are the links!
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ec6de97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=6b8de97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
I am not sure how to attach links but if these don't show up as links on my blog...just highlight, copy & paste in your browser and hit enter...that should work! Enjoy!
Anyways...I don't have a whole lot to post tonight, but with all my motherly woes of trying to keep up with 5 children under the age of 7...a house that always seems to get the better of me, and a heat wave that is all but suffocating, I will leave you with a couple links to 2 beautiful articles from this month's Ensign. I found these articles uplifting and encouraging. I love feeling new resolve to improve in all the facets of my life, and try hard not to be discouraged by my challenges. These articles really helped me to feel validated, but also gave me a little boost to do better. I hope you feel the same way as you read them. Here are the links!
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ec6de97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=6b8de97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
I am not sure how to attach links but if these don't show up as links on my blog...just highlight, copy & paste in your browser and hit enter...that should work! Enjoy!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
THAT smile...and friends for dinner!
Tonight we had our dear friends, the Buchanan's (or the Buchanigans as I lovingly call them sometimes) over for dinner. I had woken up this morning excited for dinner because the day before I had prepared a roast like I never had before. I chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, garlic and onions, and coated my roast in these incredible flavors and scents. I stuck the roast in a ziploc bag, and let it absorb all the yummy goodness overnight! I mentioned to Jared that I wanted to invite the Buchanan's over for dinner because we hadn't had them over in such a long time. I would see them at church, and would ask them then.
This morning in the rush to get ready for church, I took the roast out of the ziploc (smelled INCREDIBLE!) and put it straight into the crockpot to cook away while we were out at church all day. I was very excited to ask our friends for dinner!
When I got to church, and went inside, I saw Marcy...and she gave me THAT smile. Too many people around to talk about THAT smile...but I know THAT smile. You probably know THAT smile too...THAT smile that means "something is up, and I NEED to talk to you". So all through the first few minutes of our sacrament meeting my curiosity was piqued...I really wanted to know what was UP! Then it happened. Something I like to call "the expected unexpected". Sean got called as the 2nd counselor in our Bishopric. I immediately started weeping...my poor friend. My heart just went out to her, the sacrifice that this new calling would entail...but OH the blessings their faithfulness will bring. I have nothing BUT confidence in them as a family...they are solid...like 2 big rocks, and 3 little pebbles, haha.
I call this "the expected unexpected" because it is no surprise that Sean was given this calling...he just fits the bill. Sean was expected...the timing was the UNEXPECTED. So immediately following sacrament meeting, I found Marcy across the chapel and went over and hugged her. We both cried, because we both have small children and busy husbands, but Marcy was starting a new adventure in UNFAMILIAR territory. One I couldn't relate to, and would have to work THAT much harder to be a friend...what are friends for anyway? Reconfirmation of why we live here, right Marce?
Anyways, I thought it was great that we had planned to ask them for dinner, timing-wise with Sean receiving his new calling it worked out great. So we had the fabulous roast dinner, complete with potatoes, carrots, corn, gravy and Marcy's FABU asian salad. And we topped it off with chocolate cake iced with ganache and sweet strawberries. It was NOT weight watcher's friendly in the LEAST...but that's a WHOLE other issue that I would frankly rather not talk about :P After dinner Jared tested his blood sugar...I won't post what it was, but let's just say it didn't fall into the desired realm of somewhere between 4 and 7. Sean tested his next for fun...and we decided we would all do it to see who had the lowest blood sugar. So Jared was in 4th place (unfair disadvantage of being an unmedicated diabetic...poor Jib), Sean in 3rd with 5.7, Marce in 2nd with 5.5 (I THINK, correct me if I'm wrong), and I came in 1st place with 4.7.
We had a great visit, the kids had lots of fun wreaking havoc (the good kind of havoc). It's a great thing to relax on a Sunday afternoon with good friends, good food, good kids and good conversation. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends in the Buchanan's...and look forward to many many more dinners like tonight's.
This morning in the rush to get ready for church, I took the roast out of the ziploc (smelled INCREDIBLE!) and put it straight into the crockpot to cook away while we were out at church all day. I was very excited to ask our friends for dinner!
When I got to church, and went inside, I saw Marcy...and she gave me THAT smile. Too many people around to talk about THAT smile...but I know THAT smile. You probably know THAT smile too...THAT smile that means "something is up, and I NEED to talk to you". So all through the first few minutes of our sacrament meeting my curiosity was piqued...I really wanted to know what was UP! Then it happened. Something I like to call "the expected unexpected". Sean got called as the 2nd counselor in our Bishopric. I immediately started weeping...my poor friend. My heart just went out to her, the sacrifice that this new calling would entail...but OH the blessings their faithfulness will bring. I have nothing BUT confidence in them as a family...they are solid...like 2 big rocks, and 3 little pebbles, haha.
I call this "the expected unexpected" because it is no surprise that Sean was given this calling...he just fits the bill. Sean was expected...the timing was the UNEXPECTED. So immediately following sacrament meeting, I found Marcy across the chapel and went over and hugged her. We both cried, because we both have small children and busy husbands, but Marcy was starting a new adventure in UNFAMILIAR territory. One I couldn't relate to, and would have to work THAT much harder to be a friend...what are friends for anyway? Reconfirmation of why we live here, right Marce?
Anyways, I thought it was great that we had planned to ask them for dinner, timing-wise with Sean receiving his new calling it worked out great. So we had the fabulous roast dinner, complete with potatoes, carrots, corn, gravy and Marcy's FABU asian salad. And we topped it off with chocolate cake iced with ganache and sweet strawberries. It was NOT weight watcher's friendly in the LEAST...but that's a WHOLE other issue that I would frankly rather not talk about :P After dinner Jared tested his blood sugar...I won't post what it was, but let's just say it didn't fall into the desired realm of somewhere between 4 and 7. Sean tested his next for fun...and we decided we would all do it to see who had the lowest blood sugar. So Jared was in 4th place (unfair disadvantage of being an unmedicated diabetic...poor Jib), Sean in 3rd with 5.7, Marce in 2nd with 5.5 (I THINK, correct me if I'm wrong), and I came in 1st place with 4.7.
We had a great visit, the kids had lots of fun wreaking havoc (the good kind of havoc). It's a great thing to relax on a Sunday afternoon with good friends, good food, good kids and good conversation. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends in the Buchanan's...and look forward to many many more dinners like tonight's.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Date Night.? YEAH RIGHT!!
I NEED A DATE WITH MY HUSBAND!!! And I know I'm not the only one! The more kids you have, the more skilled a sitter needs to be, and this poses many problems. First of all, we need someone who is at least 16 years old...someone who has had adequate babysitting experience in sitting larger numbers of children. Someone who can "lay down the law" so to speak, when my son decides to starts hitting his sister with his hockey stick with glee in his eyes like if he hits her hard enough, candy just might explode from her like a pinata. (He really isn't THAT bad, he just desperately needs another boy around to help him exert that extra aggression with a little play wrestling...and heaven KNOWS I'm not going to provide him a brother! I never get out on dates with 5 kids...with 6 I may as well get comfy and start counting the days until Hannah is old enough to sit (actually, I already am! approx. 1460 days).
I love the time alone with my husband. No one makes me laugh or have a better time out than he does...only one problem...the ENTIRE time we're out, we talk about our kids...and that is what is making us laugh and have a good time! But that's okay, because we had these kids for a reason...and it's not because we don't find them terribly enjoyable and entertaining. Aside from the occasional scrapping and screaming, we essentially have a variety show in our house on a daily basis, and it is FUN!
But heaven KNOWS at the end of the day, when the house is quiet, and their bodies have stilled for the night (hopefully)...there is just something so nice about turning off "mommy" for a time, and just being "Angie". And there is no one who makes me feel more like "Angie" than my husband. Thanks Jib...I love you.
I love the time alone with my husband. No one makes me laugh or have a better time out than he does...only one problem...the ENTIRE time we're out, we talk about our kids...and that is what is making us laugh and have a good time! But that's okay, because we had these kids for a reason...and it's not because we don't find them terribly enjoyable and entertaining. Aside from the occasional scrapping and screaming, we essentially have a variety show in our house on a daily basis, and it is FUN!
But heaven KNOWS at the end of the day, when the house is quiet, and their bodies have stilled for the night (hopefully)...there is just something so nice about turning off "mommy" for a time, and just being "Angie". And there is no one who makes me feel more like "Angie" than my husband. Thanks Jib...I love you.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
K, not EVERY blog will be this heavy!
Tonight I had a reflexology treatment from the dear Pauline, and boy is she good! I'm so relaxed right now I'm not sure how much of a post I'll be able to type with my eyes open.
Today was a day like many others, filled with the tasks of a stay-at-home Mom. Life is so busy, everyday trying to figure out what to do with my time that will optimize my role in both temporal and spiritual ways. Having days where I feel so run-down with tasks combined with the emotions of raising 5 beautiful children in a world that just has a way of taking all things good and pure and tainting them, and then trying to make us believe it's still good and pure. There is definitely a heavy price that comes with being an LDS mother...the weight of the knowledge we bear, and applying that knowledge to the nurturing of our little ones.
I've come to realize in recent weeks, that through the Lord we can accomplish those things which are of greatest and deepest importance to us. For me, time is important...time to play with my kids, time to clean SOME things in my house (not everything), time to read my scriptures for myself and to my children, time to say my prayers, time to visit teach, time to practice piano, time to prepare FHE lessons. Impossible by myself...possible with the Lord.
I think we fill our time with nonsense. We need to get back to the bare bones of raising a family. Instilling values, morals. Blessing our children with confidence and courage. Teaching them to fight for the little guy. Be a good sport! Play nicely and be kind! Control our tempers a little better so our children can learn to control theirs. Teach them to work, and to contribute...to serve! Our society is just riddled with ridicule, anger and envy...poisonous venom. I need to do better at this...and many, MANY other things.
I am optimistic though! I have faith in other words. I am surrounded by amazing, strong women who constantly teach me things that help me stay grounded, that give me perspective. My Mother being the most prevalent example. She is so level, and wise. She encourages me to do what is right for my family, and not be concerned with comparing myself to others. She's a smart lady...I need to start putting some action to my listening skills!
I am a good Mom...and I am a good wife...I love my husband and children...and that's gotta count for something right? I am happy, and I think that counts for more.
Today was a day like many others, filled with the tasks of a stay-at-home Mom. Life is so busy, everyday trying to figure out what to do with my time that will optimize my role in both temporal and spiritual ways. Having days where I feel so run-down with tasks combined with the emotions of raising 5 beautiful children in a world that just has a way of taking all things good and pure and tainting them, and then trying to make us believe it's still good and pure. There is definitely a heavy price that comes with being an LDS mother...the weight of the knowledge we bear, and applying that knowledge to the nurturing of our little ones.
I've come to realize in recent weeks, that through the Lord we can accomplish those things which are of greatest and deepest importance to us. For me, time is important...time to play with my kids, time to clean SOME things in my house (not everything), time to read my scriptures for myself and to my children, time to say my prayers, time to visit teach, time to practice piano, time to prepare FHE lessons. Impossible by myself...possible with the Lord.
I think we fill our time with nonsense. We need to get back to the bare bones of raising a family. Instilling values, morals. Blessing our children with confidence and courage. Teaching them to fight for the little guy. Be a good sport! Play nicely and be kind! Control our tempers a little better so our children can learn to control theirs. Teach them to work, and to contribute...to serve! Our society is just riddled with ridicule, anger and envy...poisonous venom. I need to do better at this...and many, MANY other things.
I am optimistic though! I have faith in other words. I am surrounded by amazing, strong women who constantly teach me things that help me stay grounded, that give me perspective. My Mother being the most prevalent example. She is so level, and wise. She encourages me to do what is right for my family, and not be concerned with comparing myself to others. She's a smart lady...I need to start putting some action to my listening skills!
I am a good Mom...and I am a good wife...I love my husband and children...and that's gotta count for something right? I am happy, and I think that counts for more.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Musings...
So I've done it...I've started a blog. I've been pondering over this whole blogging concept for quite some time now...and just today saw that my cousin started a blog...and lots of my friends have blogs...and at General Conference we were encouraged to start blogging as a form of journaling. So this is my purpose in starting this blog, is to share, keep record, inspire, be inspired, teach, learn, vent, relate and hopefully tell some funny stories along this journey.
I am really excited to do this! My loving hubby is a techy so he will be THRILLED to see me doing this. It will be great to be able to put all my experiences down so as not to forget them...this memory of mine needs as much help as it can get!
So hold onto your knickers friends, because you have entered the world of my musings! I hope you enjoy! This should be interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)