Tonight my daughter is having her first sleepover with someone outside the family. The girl that is sleeping over is the only other child that is living on our street right now. There are a couple other children that will be back soon, they are away visiting family, so we haven't met them yet.
My daughter had that little ray of sunshine in her eyes when she asked. I remember when I was young and I would have a sleepover. Half the time, I would end up back at home in middle of the night. I started to pretend that I was at home as I would doze off to sleep. That made the homesickness go away.
We had Family Home Evening tonight. It was on miracles. I know that miracles still happen today. I have seen them happen for myself and for others. Each of my children are a miracle. I was once told that I would not be able to have children without fertility treatments. I never had to have fertility treatments and I have four wonderful children.
I had made brownies and bought ice cream so we could have brownie sundaes for the treat. My daughter asked if she could invite her friend for the treat. I told her that she could. So, her friend came over for that. She was then invited to go running with my husband and children. I had her find out if her family wanted the rest of the brownies. When she asked if she could go running, she found out that they would take the brownies. The brownies were delivered on the way to the park.
It was at the park that I was asked if the friend could spend the night. I tried to think of several reasons why she shouldn't stay. In the end, I thought it would be nice for the girls to have this time to spend together and forge a good friendship.
As a mother, I have always wanted my children to have good friends. That is what enticed me to go with my children to find friends. They didn't want to go by themselves to see if there were children. I didn't really want them to, because I didn't know who lived around here. So, we went on the adventure together and found a child. You would think that in a neighborhood, there would be more than a few children. I think we doubled the child population here! I remember when we moved to NY in 1983, my family doubled the child population there. I realize now that the older neighbors probably weren't so excited!
Well, the children are off to bed. Morning will come early!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Things I Wish for Now That I Own a Home... And Blessings of Owning My Own Home
I have a small wish list since I now own a home. They are things you never really think about...
1. I wish it would rain for at least 10 minutes every morning and every evening, preferably around 7 am and 6 pm.
2. I wish that unpacking was a fun, joyous event.
3. I wish that my vacuum sucked better than it does... (this is the only thing I think I will ever wish sucked, and it doesn't).
4. I wish I had unlimited funds to decorate (okay, perhaps it is something I have thought about regularly in the past).
Blessings of owning my own home include:
1. Not needing to pay rent for months/years and getting nothing back (except security deposit) when I leave.
2. Being able to decorate the house as I choose.
3. My children being able to run around and make noise without worrying that it is imposing on someone else's solitude.
4. Having storage areas
5. Having extra room so when family visits they will not be crowded together.
6. Having a flat top stove so I don't have to clean drip trays :)
7. Being able to meet neighbors and knowing that I won't be leaving in a year or so.
1. I wish it would rain for at least 10 minutes every morning and every evening, preferably around 7 am and 6 pm.
2. I wish that unpacking was a fun, joyous event.
3. I wish that my vacuum sucked better than it does... (this is the only thing I think I will ever wish sucked, and it doesn't).
4. I wish I had unlimited funds to decorate (okay, perhaps it is something I have thought about regularly in the past).
Blessings of owning my own home include:
1. Not needing to pay rent for months/years and getting nothing back (except security deposit) when I leave.
2. Being able to decorate the house as I choose.
3. My children being able to run around and make noise without worrying that it is imposing on someone else's solitude.
4. Having storage areas
5. Having extra room so when family visits they will not be crowded together.
6. Having a flat top stove so I don't have to clean drip trays :)
7. Being able to meet neighbors and knowing that I won't be leaving in a year or so.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Freecycle.org
Just a plug for a great concept. Last I knew, it wasn't available in the Southern Tier of NY. I am living in UT now and I absolutely love it.
Today I was able to give some items away, completely free, to someone that could really use them. I have received things from Freecycle, but today was the first time I gave something away. It is nice to be able to receive items, but it was a much different feeling to give.
I think the payment is the appreciation that was given.
On Freecycle, I see things being offered daily. I see things being requested daily. I see things being received daily. I think that it would be a great idea for every community to adopt. It is an organized "FREE" community yard sale. People pick up the items, you don't have to deliver them to the recipient.
Today I was able to give some items away, completely free, to someone that could really use them. I have received things from Freecycle, but today was the first time I gave something away. It is nice to be able to receive items, but it was a much different feeling to give.
I think the payment is the appreciation that was given.
On Freecycle, I see things being offered daily. I see things being requested daily. I see things being received daily. I think that it would be a great idea for every community to adopt. It is an organized "FREE" community yard sale. People pick up the items, you don't have to deliver them to the recipient.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Feeding Herself
My baby never ceases to amaze me. Today she was being awfully quiet so I went to check on her. She had been playing with her older siblings. When I came from the family room to the kitchen, this is what I saw:
my baby was eating a cookie. It was a cookie that my sister brought home for me last night, quite large, and very tasty. It was completely chocolate. I had broken it into pieces to get the middle of it, which looked like it had a melted Hershey's kiss.
Somehow. she had managed to get it to the floor, still in the box. She was enjoying each bite she took. After watching her enjoy the cookie for a few minutes, and having my children take pictures, I decided it was time to bathe her. She was quite the chocolatey mess, something I would like to someday say about myself!
my baby was eating a cookie. It was a cookie that my sister brought home for me last night, quite large, and very tasty. It was completely chocolate. I had broken it into pieces to get the middle of it, which looked like it had a melted Hershey's kiss.
Somehow. she had managed to get it to the floor, still in the box. She was enjoying each bite she took. After watching her enjoy the cookie for a few minutes, and having my children take pictures, I decided it was time to bathe her. She was quite the chocolatey mess, something I would like to someday say about myself!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
How Old ARE You?
I went to Wal-Mart today, it isn't an unusual occurrence in my life. In fact, I have been doing that quite regularly since my move. I need to buy things that didn't make the packing cut, or things that I need that I have no clue where to find. Of course, I find it shortly after purchasing a duplicate.
Well, today's trip consisted of a high chair, some fruits and vegetables, some washcloths, a bath rug, a bath towel, and a few other odds and ends. My two daughters and my sister joined me for the shopping trip. My ten month-old was in her car seat, which rested on the part of the cart where children usually sit. My 8 year-old was wondering around trying to find something at the checkout stand to buy.
I was minding my own business, talking to my baby girl and my sister. The female cashier asked me how old the baby was. I answered her truthfully. She then asked me, "How old ARE you?" Once again, I answered truthfully, saying I am 38. The line of questions began... I didn't know where the questions were coming from, or what the purpose was. I would guess the cashier was early to mid-twenties.
The next question was, "So, did you wait until you were older to have children?" To which I answered, "I waited until I was married, I didn't get married until I was 27, then I had my first baby when I was 29."
The following question, "How many children do you have?" To which I answered, "I have four children, two boys, two girls."
Then she volunteered that she had her first baby when she was 19 and that she has 2 daughters, her baby will be 5 months soon. She said that in some ways it is smart to wait until you are older to have children, because we know what is going on. I'm not sure I know what is going on all the time, but I know that I know more than when I was younger, so I agreed.
After I finished paying for all my stuff, I was kind of dumbfounded. I think that what I learned is that I should always expect the unexpected. The cashier was being friendly, in her own way. I could not imagine carrying on that line of questions with a stranger.
The other thing I have always known, is that I am proud of my age and getting older. I have always said that it beats the alternative!
Well, today's trip consisted of a high chair, some fruits and vegetables, some washcloths, a bath rug, a bath towel, and a few other odds and ends. My two daughters and my sister joined me for the shopping trip. My ten month-old was in her car seat, which rested on the part of the cart where children usually sit. My 8 year-old was wondering around trying to find something at the checkout stand to buy.
I was minding my own business, talking to my baby girl and my sister. The female cashier asked me how old the baby was. I answered her truthfully. She then asked me, "How old ARE you?" Once again, I answered truthfully, saying I am 38. The line of questions began... I didn't know where the questions were coming from, or what the purpose was. I would guess the cashier was early to mid-twenties.
The next question was, "So, did you wait until you were older to have children?" To which I answered, "I waited until I was married, I didn't get married until I was 27, then I had my first baby when I was 29."
The following question, "How many children do you have?" To which I answered, "I have four children, two boys, two girls."
Then she volunteered that she had her first baby when she was 19 and that she has 2 daughters, her baby will be 5 months soon. She said that in some ways it is smart to wait until you are older to have children, because we know what is going on. I'm not sure I know what is going on all the time, but I know that I know more than when I was younger, so I agreed.
After I finished paying for all my stuff, I was kind of dumbfounded. I think that what I learned is that I should always expect the unexpected. The cashier was being friendly, in her own way. I could not imagine carrying on that line of questions with a stranger.
The other thing I have always known, is that I am proud of my age and getting older. I have always said that it beats the alternative!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The New House
As I mentioned previously, my husband was busy packing and signing closing papers on a house while I was back east. We had located the house that we wanted to buy before I headed out. He was blessed to sign the closing papers on July 31, which was 5 days after we were supposed to. Thankfully the family we bought the house from signed the papers to extend the closing date. It was quite stressful having that out of our hands.
On Saturday, several men from my church came and helped load our stuff out of the storage unit into the UHaul and then unload it into our new house. We have a TON of stuff to do. We have to unpack all of our stuff. Thankfully, the men brought the heavy stuff in. We have a couch in our family room, beds in the bedrooms, desks and dressers where they should be.
As I look around, I see a lot of boxes. I know that eventually they will be empty, and I look forward to that day. I am thankful to know that this is likely the last time I will move for a long time.
My children have been very helpful. They enjoy unloading boxes and discovering what is in each one. It is almost like Christmas. My 4 year-old found a box full of whiffle balls today. He had a blast with those.
It is wonderful to have doubled our space 2 1/2 times over. It is nice to be able to put things away and not have the clutter associated.
On Saturday, several men from my church came and helped load our stuff out of the storage unit into the UHaul and then unload it into our new house. We have a TON of stuff to do. We have to unpack all of our stuff. Thankfully, the men brought the heavy stuff in. We have a couch in our family room, beds in the bedrooms, desks and dressers where they should be.
As I look around, I see a lot of boxes. I know that eventually they will be empty, and I look forward to that day. I am thankful to know that this is likely the last time I will move for a long time.
My children have been very helpful. They enjoy unloading boxes and discovering what is in each one. It is almost like Christmas. My 4 year-old found a box full of whiffle balls today. He had a blast with those.
It is wonderful to have doubled our space 2 1/2 times over. It is nice to be able to put things away and not have the clutter associated.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Fastest Four Weeks
This year I went back east to visit family and friends. We left Utah on Independence Day. We meaning myself and my four children. We were dropped off at the Salt Lake City Airport and spent the next 9 hours either on a plane or in an airport. It never fails to amaze me how flying to Buffalo can mean a stop in Washington DC. I love DC, but it is a bit further east than Buffalo.
My children were amazing on the flights. We flew with only one DS. The children shared it well. They read or just talked when it wasn't their turn. My daughter, being the outgoing child she always has been, made a friend at the airport during a layover. Her friend's name is Nina. She ended up flying the second leg of the flight with Nina and her mother. That made her time in the airport and the flight go quicker.
We arrived in Buffalo a little before 9 pm. We hadn't checked any bags, so we hurried to roadway to be picked up. It was wonderful to see my mom, sister and bro-in-law waiting for us. We hoped to make it to my hometown in time to see the fireworks. My bro-in-law adjusted the carseat for my baby and off we went. My three older children with them, and myself and my baby with my mom. On the way home, we had to make a pitstop at a Burger King for potty time.
We missed the fireworks by about 10 minutes. We met the rest of the family at a local ballpark. My sister had bought the lantern balloons (whatever they are called, as seen on "Tangled"). They set them off up in to the air one at a time. I wondered if some of them would clear some electric lines and trees, but they all did. It was amazing to watch them lift off. It was beautiful. They flew away into the sky, where they would turn into little lights and then fade away.
During those four weeks, we got to watch some softball games, and tournaments. We were going to participate in a kickball tournament but it ended up being the last day we would all be together. There was a UHaul that had to be packed, as my sister and her family were moving to WY the next day.
We spent many hours in the backyard on the swings. We would laugh and talk like old times. Any time we get together, it is a good time. Dad grilled some food, which is always delicious. We watched the birds. The squirrels came around to scare me. I have a horrible fear of them. They are fine if they stay 10 feet or more away from me.
My baby warmed up to the family within 48 hours. She took an instant liking to her Uncle Bob. I warned him before I gave her to him that she will probably cry. Not a peep out of her mouth. She was content. I was amazed.
The children got to get re-acquainted with some of their friends. My son got to see his closest friend several times, for which I am thankful. The children spent a lot of time with their cousins. I miss those times.
My older brother came into town for a visit for a few days before he had to go down to Pittsburgh for a conference. We got to watch all the boys play in a softball tournament together. That was awesome. The next day we went up to the Rock. It is where my dad grew up. It is a special place to our family. My poor baby was a little sweat ball by the time we finished the hike, since she was in a baby carrier. On the way home, we stopped and got a few buckets of ice cream, as tradition would have it.
My mom, two younger brothers, my sister, her son, my kids and I all went to Palmyra, NY, to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. We got to visit the Joseph Smith Home and walk through the Sacred Grove. We went up and walked around the Palmyra Temple as well. It was a wonderful time.
I was blessed to get to visit with some of my dear friends. I saw some of them at church and some stopped by my parents' house to see me. I enjoyed getting to visit with each of them.
28 days flew by. There were many people that I wanted to see, that I didn't get to. One day quickly became the next, and one week, quickly became 4. Time flies when you are having fun, right!?
On Sunday, July 29, my little brother and my sister and her family, moved out of New York. My brother was headed to Washington State, and as mentioned before, my sister was headed for Wyoming. They drove out west and took my two older children for the trip. They arrived here on Tuesday.
My two younger children and I flew out of Buffalo and arrived in Salt Lake on August 1. It was a good flight. I had never flown during a storm. It was quite amazing to see the lightning below us. It was late, so my children slept through it. There was at least an hour of turbulence, so that was for the best.
I came home to a new house. My husband closed on a house while I was on vacation. He packed up most of the apartment and did a great job. I did some packing before I left. Now we face the task of unpacking. I plan on this being our last move. I really hope that this is the house that I grow old in, that this is the house that the children call home, even when they no longer live here. My parents' house will always be home to me.
My children were amazing on the flights. We flew with only one DS. The children shared it well. They read or just talked when it wasn't their turn. My daughter, being the outgoing child she always has been, made a friend at the airport during a layover. Her friend's name is Nina. She ended up flying the second leg of the flight with Nina and her mother. That made her time in the airport and the flight go quicker.
We arrived in Buffalo a little before 9 pm. We hadn't checked any bags, so we hurried to roadway to be picked up. It was wonderful to see my mom, sister and bro-in-law waiting for us. We hoped to make it to my hometown in time to see the fireworks. My bro-in-law adjusted the carseat for my baby and off we went. My three older children with them, and myself and my baby with my mom. On the way home, we had to make a pitstop at a Burger King for potty time.
We missed the fireworks by about 10 minutes. We met the rest of the family at a local ballpark. My sister had bought the lantern balloons (whatever they are called, as seen on "Tangled"). They set them off up in to the air one at a time. I wondered if some of them would clear some electric lines and trees, but they all did. It was amazing to watch them lift off. It was beautiful. They flew away into the sky, where they would turn into little lights and then fade away.
During those four weeks, we got to watch some softball games, and tournaments. We were going to participate in a kickball tournament but it ended up being the last day we would all be together. There was a UHaul that had to be packed, as my sister and her family were moving to WY the next day.
We spent many hours in the backyard on the swings. We would laugh and talk like old times. Any time we get together, it is a good time. Dad grilled some food, which is always delicious. We watched the birds. The squirrels came around to scare me. I have a horrible fear of them. They are fine if they stay 10 feet or more away from me.
My baby warmed up to the family within 48 hours. She took an instant liking to her Uncle Bob. I warned him before I gave her to him that she will probably cry. Not a peep out of her mouth. She was content. I was amazed.
The children got to get re-acquainted with some of their friends. My son got to see his closest friend several times, for which I am thankful. The children spent a lot of time with their cousins. I miss those times.
My older brother came into town for a visit for a few days before he had to go down to Pittsburgh for a conference. We got to watch all the boys play in a softball tournament together. That was awesome. The next day we went up to the Rock. It is where my dad grew up. It is a special place to our family. My poor baby was a little sweat ball by the time we finished the hike, since she was in a baby carrier. On the way home, we stopped and got a few buckets of ice cream, as tradition would have it.
My mom, two younger brothers, my sister, her son, my kids and I all went to Palmyra, NY, to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. We got to visit the Joseph Smith Home and walk through the Sacred Grove. We went up and walked around the Palmyra Temple as well. It was a wonderful time.
I was blessed to get to visit with some of my dear friends. I saw some of them at church and some stopped by my parents' house to see me. I enjoyed getting to visit with each of them.
28 days flew by. There were many people that I wanted to see, that I didn't get to. One day quickly became the next, and one week, quickly became 4. Time flies when you are having fun, right!?
On Sunday, July 29, my little brother and my sister and her family, moved out of New York. My brother was headed to Washington State, and as mentioned before, my sister was headed for Wyoming. They drove out west and took my two older children for the trip. They arrived here on Tuesday.
My two younger children and I flew out of Buffalo and arrived in Salt Lake on August 1. It was a good flight. I had never flown during a storm. It was quite amazing to see the lightning below us. It was late, so my children slept through it. There was at least an hour of turbulence, so that was for the best.
I came home to a new house. My husband closed on a house while I was on vacation. He packed up most of the apartment and did a great job. I did some packing before I left. Now we face the task of unpacking. I plan on this being our last move. I really hope that this is the house that I grow old in, that this is the house that the children call home, even when they no longer live here. My parents' house will always be home to me.
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