It's hard to remember a whole week, let alone a year, but here are the moments that stand out the most from this past year, in whatever order they occur to my brain:
10. Eating at La Caille on our 10th anniversary. Layne took me there the night that we got engaged. I was such an uncouth redneck that I didn't know that steak tartar was raw meat. I ordered it for an appetizer because whatever it was, it had to be better than the snails that Layne was eating. This time, I knew to order their French Onion Soup and Filet Mignon. I love their chocolate-dipped strawberries that look like they are wearing tuxedos!
9. 6 days in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Not a place I ever would have chosen to go on my own, but a free trip is a free trip! And, as it turns out, it is a beautiful city.
8. Yellowstone in the fall. We spent a few days in October with my parents and some of my sisters and their families. Seeing the bear next to the road was awesome. Finishing the ride from Old Faithful to West Yellowstone was even awesome-er. (My blog, I'll make up words if I want :-)
7. Disneyland with our friends. After a few times, we've got the 5 day Disneyland trip down to a science. We know where to stay, how to do it cheapest, what rides to hit first and where to eat. (Tortilla Jo's. Guacamole. Gooooood stuff.) This time, we went with friends who have kids the same age as ours and had another great trip.
6. Finishing my first century (100 mile) ride in June. You'll notice I said "finishing", not "riding". That part almost killed me. Layne just finished signing us up for it again. I had to go change my pants, as it scared the crap right out of me.
5. Realizing that I actually achieved 4 of the 5 New Year's Resolutions that I made last year. The fifth one (lose 20 pounds) I think that I actually achieved as well, as I gained, then lost, then gained, then lost the same 3 pounds over and over during the year. Thinking that way, I actually exceeded my goal, I'm sure. I never said that I couldn't gain them back as I went!
4. Mesquite / St. George trip in the spring. It was awesome to go see our friends who moved to Hurricane last year. Miss you, Gina!
3. Riding the Salt Lake Marathon bike race in April. This one WAS a blast to ride. Only 26 miles on closed roads in Salt Lake City. Anyone want to join me this year?
2. President Hinckley's funeral. Not a fun moment, but a very spiritually satisfying one for me.
1. Walking into my new kitchen with everything exactly as I wanted it! I still like scrubbing the sink and mopping the floor.
Happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
10 Reasons I've Gained 8 Pounds in 3 Weeks.
10. I haven't been to Pilates in 3 weeks. I feel my abs turning to Jello as we speak.
9. Jello. And potato salad. And that green pistachio stuff. All the salads, which I normally never make nor eat contributed to my diet delinquency.
8. Almond Toffee. Lots of it. Dang that sister-in-law!
7. Snowboarding. I know, you'd think that would burn calories, right? Not when I wrenched my knee within my first 30 minutes of trying, which has kept me off my bike trainer for a week. I know, I was only burning 500 calories a day doing it, but when you're eating like you're pregnant with triplets, every 500 calories helps.
6. Hersheys. Kisses, M&Ms, fudge, chocolate chips, Reeses peanut butter cups... they all have their place in my sad story.
5. Christmas punch. Nothing like drinking a full day's worth of calories in a single meal.
4. Christmas Ham. 1000 calories of honey-baked goodness. On a daily basis. (Seriously, when is the ham going to be gone? And does me eating more of it to get it gone faster really do me any good?)
3. Kid's stockings. You'd think I would have been smart like I was for Easter and filled their stockings full of stuff I hate, or at least stuff I can resist. Now they keep wondering why their stash of Christmas candy keeps disappearing. I say nothing. I always taught them not to speak with their mouths full.
2. Neighbors. They all want to see me fat again, I guess, as they keep bringing me tasty temptations and leaving them on my doorstep. One of these days, my REAL friends will bring me some carrot sticks and a rec center class schedule.
1. Cookies. They are everywhere. I haven't had them or made them for months, and now I'm stuffing them in my face like I'm afraid I may never get them again. Enough already. I give up.
9. Jello. And potato salad. And that green pistachio stuff. All the salads, which I normally never make nor eat contributed to my diet delinquency.
8. Almond Toffee. Lots of it. Dang that sister-in-law!
7. Snowboarding. I know, you'd think that would burn calories, right? Not when I wrenched my knee within my first 30 minutes of trying, which has kept me off my bike trainer for a week. I know, I was only burning 500 calories a day doing it, but when you're eating like you're pregnant with triplets, every 500 calories helps.
6. Hersheys. Kisses, M&Ms, fudge, chocolate chips, Reeses peanut butter cups... they all have their place in my sad story.
5. Christmas punch. Nothing like drinking a full day's worth of calories in a single meal.
4. Christmas Ham. 1000 calories of honey-baked goodness. On a daily basis. (Seriously, when is the ham going to be gone? And does me eating more of it to get it gone faster really do me any good?)
3. Kid's stockings. You'd think I would have been smart like I was for Easter and filled their stockings full of stuff I hate, or at least stuff I can resist. Now they keep wondering why their stash of Christmas candy keeps disappearing. I say nothing. I always taught them not to speak with their mouths full.
2. Neighbors. They all want to see me fat again, I guess, as they keep bringing me tasty temptations and leaving them on my doorstep. One of these days, my REAL friends will bring me some carrot sticks and a rec center class schedule.
1. Cookies. They are everywhere. I haven't had them or made them for months, and now I'm stuffing them in my face like I'm afraid I may never get them again. Enough already. I give up.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa's Makeover
‘Twas the day before Christmas, and all through my house,
Every creature was stirring, each dog, kid, and mouse.
The kids ran amuck, fueled by excitement and candy
(About now, some Benedryl would come in quite handy!)
The presents are wrapped, well, most of the lot,
And I was sitting here wondering who I forgot.
I fought all the crowds in search of a deal,
I’ve fixed salads and cookies for the pre-Christmas meal.
The house is not clean, but not too dirty either
And I decided it was time to sit down for a breather.
When what to my dozy eyes should appear
But a cool looking sleigh pulled by 8 well-groomed reindeer.
The man that jumped out was no jolly old elf,
My jaw dropped when I saw him, in spite of my self.
He was dressed in Armani from his head to his toes,
Not a speck of ash could be seen on his clothes.
His skin was all tan, like a native Hawaiian
His muscles were flexed, without even tryin’.
His hair was dyed black, cut and gelled to perfection
It seems dear old Santa’s had a change of direction.
I cleared my throat and he looked over my way
He winked and I blushed, hey, what can I say?
The fat, red old Santa, this guy’s certainly NOT
I have to admit, this St. Nick sure is hot!
When I asked him what caused change in such a degree,
He admitted to watching reality t.v.
Seems that during the year, he let the elves all take over
And Santa flew to Hollywood for a serious makeover.
Even the gifts that he brought were just way too much
All Ipods and gift cards and cell phones and such.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
He filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
Then tossing his bangs like some super-cool skater,
He winked and he said “Hey Babe, Catch you later.”
My heart skipped a beat as up the chimney he flew,
And I ran to the window—trust me, you would have too.
And I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a wicked cool night!
Every creature was stirring, each dog, kid, and mouse.
The kids ran amuck, fueled by excitement and candy
(About now, some Benedryl would come in quite handy!)
The presents are wrapped, well, most of the lot,
And I was sitting here wondering who I forgot.
I fought all the crowds in search of a deal,
I’ve fixed salads and cookies for the pre-Christmas meal.
The house is not clean, but not too dirty either
And I decided it was time to sit down for a breather.
When what to my dozy eyes should appear
But a cool looking sleigh pulled by 8 well-groomed reindeer.
The man that jumped out was no jolly old elf,
My jaw dropped when I saw him, in spite of my self.
He was dressed in Armani from his head to his toes,
Not a speck of ash could be seen on his clothes.
His skin was all tan, like a native Hawaiian
His muscles were flexed, without even tryin’.
His hair was dyed black, cut and gelled to perfection
It seems dear old Santa’s had a change of direction.
I cleared my throat and he looked over my way
He winked and I blushed, hey, what can I say?
The fat, red old Santa, this guy’s certainly NOT
I have to admit, this St. Nick sure is hot!
When I asked him what caused change in such a degree,
He admitted to watching reality t.v.
Seems that during the year, he let the elves all take over
And Santa flew to Hollywood for a serious makeover.
Even the gifts that he brought were just way too much
All Ipods and gift cards and cell phones and such.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
He filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
Then tossing his bangs like some super-cool skater,
He winked and he said “Hey Babe, Catch you later.”
My heart skipped a beat as up the chimney he flew,
And I ran to the window—trust me, you would have too.
And I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a wicked cool night!
Confessions of a New Insomniac
I have been blessed with one great talent in life-- sleeping. Sure, I have other minor talents (I am great at vacuuming, although I should practice a little more, and I give killer shoulder rubs), but my main claim to fame is snoozing.
I get it from my dad. This inherited super-power means that no matter what is going on in my life, I'm always able to escape for 8 hours of dozy bliss. That is, until now.
I've lost my gift and I can't figure out why. For the last 3 weeks, I struggle a little to fall asleep, but eventually do. The problem is that I wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning and either can't get back to sleep at all, or I do that weird dream for 20 minutes, wake-up and think "what the heck was that all about?", then try to go back to sleep for an hour-thing, then start the cycle all over.
Layne tells me it is always that way for him. (You see, he is NOT a talented sleeper.) He, however, functions well on 5 hours of sleep a night. I, on the other hand, NEED 8. (This is a major reason why I am done having babies. I turn into a walking-migraine, psycho-hose-beast when I go more than a day or two with inadequate sleep.)
Which means, like the Hulk, I feel myself turning into said beast. Not good. Especially for Christmas Eve.
It starts by me saying some things out loud that probably shouldn't have even been in my head. Next, I start picking on Layne and the kids for things like making footprints in my freshly vacuumed carpet. (Why can't you just levitate to your bedrooms?) Pretty soon, I start foaming at the mouth.
I can't figure out what brought this on. I'm no more stressed out than usual. The only lifestyle change I can come up with is that I quit drinking caffeine about the same time I lost my power. Could that be???
I get it from my dad. This inherited super-power means that no matter what is going on in my life, I'm always able to escape for 8 hours of dozy bliss. That is, until now.
I've lost my gift and I can't figure out why. For the last 3 weeks, I struggle a little to fall asleep, but eventually do. The problem is that I wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning and either can't get back to sleep at all, or I do that weird dream for 20 minutes, wake-up and think "what the heck was that all about?", then try to go back to sleep for an hour-thing, then start the cycle all over.
Layne tells me it is always that way for him. (You see, he is NOT a talented sleeper.) He, however, functions well on 5 hours of sleep a night. I, on the other hand, NEED 8. (This is a major reason why I am done having babies. I turn into a walking-migraine, psycho-hose-beast when I go more than a day or two with inadequate sleep.)
Which means, like the Hulk, I feel myself turning into said beast. Not good. Especially for Christmas Eve.
It starts by me saying some things out loud that probably shouldn't have even been in my head. Next, I start picking on Layne and the kids for things like making footprints in my freshly vacuumed carpet. (Why can't you just levitate to your bedrooms?) Pretty soon, I start foaming at the mouth.
I can't figure out what brought this on. I'm no more stressed out than usual. The only lifestyle change I can come up with is that I quit drinking caffeine about the same time I lost my power. Could that be???
Monday, December 22, 2008
Holiday Observations
1. I'm getting a kick out of Mike's version of "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas." He thinks he's singing the right words, but here's what he's actually singing:
"Have a holly-jolly Christmas...
Yo-ho, the mistletoe (it's the pirate version, I guess)
Helping you and me
Somebody waits by it,
Hoping it is me."
Might be the only way the poor little guy's gonna get smooched.
2. Zoo lights. We had a blast Thursday night at the zoo, but when I got thinking about it, I think that we actually only saw 3 or 4 animals. Seriously, where were the penguins? You'd think they'd be loving this weather!
3. Snow. Snow. More snow. Layne cancelled clinic this afternoon (didn't want all of the old folks driving in the storm) so he came home early and we shoveled snow. For 3 hours. I haven't had such a good workout in I don't know how long. Everything hurts. Good point is that my new coat and boots were AWESOME.
4. I made my kids work pretty much all day long cleaning out the toy room and their bedrooms. We essentially spent the better part of a day finding stuff they could get rid of to make room for more stuff. Something's fishy here. . . Spoiled little boogers.
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks. I used to watch them when I was little (who can forget "Christmas, Christmas time is here. . ."?) I found the Chipmunks Christmas video the other day at the store. My kids love it. They also love How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the old versions of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. All of those shows are as old as the hills. Still good stuff for kids, though. (And still pretty annoying to parents, which I never realized until I was one.)
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
"Have a holly-jolly Christmas...
Yo-ho, the mistletoe (it's the pirate version, I guess)
Helping you and me
Somebody waits by it,
Hoping it is me."
Might be the only way the poor little guy's gonna get smooched.
2. Zoo lights. We had a blast Thursday night at the zoo, but when I got thinking about it, I think that we actually only saw 3 or 4 animals. Seriously, where were the penguins? You'd think they'd be loving this weather!
3. Snow. Snow. More snow. Layne cancelled clinic this afternoon (didn't want all of the old folks driving in the storm) so he came home early and we shoveled snow. For 3 hours. I haven't had such a good workout in I don't know how long. Everything hurts. Good point is that my new coat and boots were AWESOME.
4. I made my kids work pretty much all day long cleaning out the toy room and their bedrooms. We essentially spent the better part of a day finding stuff they could get rid of to make room for more stuff. Something's fishy here. . . Spoiled little boogers.
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks. I used to watch them when I was little (who can forget "Christmas, Christmas time is here. . ."?) I found the Chipmunks Christmas video the other day at the store. My kids love it. They also love How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the old versions of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. All of those shows are as old as the hills. Still good stuff for kids, though. (And still pretty annoying to parents, which I never realized until I was one.)
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Just When You Think Your Kids are Boring. . .
I know, I know, what fool would think that? I confess, I did the other night. We went to a family party on Monday. My mom has 9 brothers and sisters and, well, lets just say they have some good stories to tell. Some involve bows and arrows and b.b. guns. Some involve chalk on walls and jumping out of planes. Some involve the police.
As I sat there listening and laughing, I turned to Layne and said, "Man, this makes our kids sound boring." Dumb move. Way to call down cosmic karma.
Last night when I was at church meetings, Layne heard giggling and then strange thumping. This is what he saw:
Mike and Doug were ticked off that the junior high kids had slid all of the snow off the hill at the park. They devised a way to try out Doug's new sled.
Who could really blame them? If there wasn't a big GLASS display case at the bottom of the stairs, it would have been fine. Yeah, right. Kind of reminds me of the time I was babysitting the Oakman twins and found one of them pushing the other one down the stairs, IN A SUITCASE. They just wanted to try what they'd seen on a Samsonite commercial on t.v.
Lest I be tempted to think that my children are perfect, I am "blessed" with moments like these. . .
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Where the heck are the deals?
I keep hearing on the news that the stores are in trouble and that they are slashing prices in order to get people to buy stuff.
I keep going to the stores in search of said deals, but I haven't found anything news worthy. Well, except for a coat for Em that was on clearance for $11.74, but that's about it.
That means one of three things:
1. Trickery. The stores are just claiming to have great deals in order to get my moolah. Wouldn't put it past them.
2. I don't know how to shop. Can't be that. If you knew my mother, you'd know that I was taught from an early age how to be a bargain shopper. I think I've said this before-- in my family, if the gift you get someone was a great deal, a big part of the present is to tell them how much you paid for said present. We like the bargain part as well as the gift itself.
3. I'm too good of a shopper. I'm already so good at finding deals that it just seems normal out there to me.
I don't know which one of these things it is, but I know I'm not impressed. I hope that I'm just about done. So does Layne.
I keep going to the stores in search of said deals, but I haven't found anything news worthy. Well, except for a coat for Em that was on clearance for $11.74, but that's about it.
That means one of three things:
1. Trickery. The stores are just claiming to have great deals in order to get my moolah. Wouldn't put it past them.
2. I don't know how to shop. Can't be that. If you knew my mother, you'd know that I was taught from an early age how to be a bargain shopper. I think I've said this before-- in my family, if the gift you get someone was a great deal, a big part of the present is to tell them how much you paid for said present. We like the bargain part as well as the gift itself.
3. I'm too good of a shopper. I'm already so good at finding deals that it just seems normal out there to me.
I don't know which one of these things it is, but I know I'm not impressed. I hope that I'm just about done. So does Layne.
Monday, December 15, 2008
2 Weeks Off The D.C.!
I've hit my 2 weeks of caffeine freedom today. This is the longest I've gone without a drop in I don't know how long.
I've "quit" a couple of times before. In the last year, as a matter of fact, but it was a half-hearted effort. It was more like I quit drinking it at home, because I would still drink it when I was out. I never really got off it that way, as you can imagine, and it was pretty easy to slip back into old habits.
Seriously, I've not had a drop for 2 weeks. I've lusted after it, but my self control amazingly has held out. Weird enough, I can't seem to sleep. I know, it's supposed to have the opposite effect, but my body never reacts normally to drugs.
So, like the drug addict I am, I'm counting the clean days and hoping to stick it out. . .
I've "quit" a couple of times before. In the last year, as a matter of fact, but it was a half-hearted effort. It was more like I quit drinking it at home, because I would still drink it when I was out. I never really got off it that way, as you can imagine, and it was pretty easy to slip back into old habits.
Seriously, I've not had a drop for 2 weeks. I've lusted after it, but my self control amazingly has held out. Weird enough, I can't seem to sleep. I know, it's supposed to have the opposite effect, but my body never reacts normally to drugs.
So, like the drug addict I am, I'm counting the clean days and hoping to stick it out. . .
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Gifts of Christmas
I had to teach a lesson last Sunday about the best gifts of Christmas. It was based on a talk by President Hunter. It really got me thinking about some of the wonderful gifts I've been given so far this year. I can't send thank-you cards for most of these, so I thought I'd mention them here.
Thank you to all of the people who put lights on their houses. Christmas lights are my favorite part of the season, I think. I love to drive around at night and admire how people decorate their houses. So, I know that it's a pain to get them up there, but thank you. All of you. (Except the people who have the giant blow-up Santa riding a Harley. My jury's still out on that one.)
Thank you to my mom and dad for watching my kids tonight so that Layne and I could go and do some "elfing". You are awesome.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who have made our Christmas season fantastic so far. All of the people who arranged and ran the Santa parade at the Star Mill were great. The Creche exhibit that we saw in Midway was fantastic and must have taken thousands of hours of work, as did the hundred or so gingerbread houses in the gingerbread exhibit. All of the volunteers at Temple Square were so friendly. My family has had a wonderful time because a lot of people cared enough to give a little of their time.
Thank you to my fifteen year old cousin who watched all of my kids an all of my sister's kids (8 in all) last week while we went to a movie. That was brave. Better yet, when we came home, they were all sitting quietly watching a movie on the couch. She's a magician. Shaylie, will you come live at my house?
Thank you to whoever ended up cleaning up the party at Layne's mom's house on Tuesday night. I felt really bad leaving the mess to go to a meeting.
Thank you to my friend who made me a beautiful star for Christmas and wrote me a card that was just a beautiful to go with it. You are amazing.
These are just a few of the things I've thought of so far, but I'm going to pay much more attention to the intangible gifts I'm given every day during this season and try to bestow a few of my own...
Thank you to all of the people who put lights on their houses. Christmas lights are my favorite part of the season, I think. I love to drive around at night and admire how people decorate their houses. So, I know that it's a pain to get them up there, but thank you. All of you. (Except the people who have the giant blow-up Santa riding a Harley. My jury's still out on that one.)
Thank you to my mom and dad for watching my kids tonight so that Layne and I could go and do some "elfing". You are awesome.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who have made our Christmas season fantastic so far. All of the people who arranged and ran the Santa parade at the Star Mill were great. The Creche exhibit that we saw in Midway was fantastic and must have taken thousands of hours of work, as did the hundred or so gingerbread houses in the gingerbread exhibit. All of the volunteers at Temple Square were so friendly. My family has had a wonderful time because a lot of people cared enough to give a little of their time.
Thank you to my fifteen year old cousin who watched all of my kids an all of my sister's kids (8 in all) last week while we went to a movie. That was brave. Better yet, when we came home, they were all sitting quietly watching a movie on the couch. She's a magician. Shaylie, will you come live at my house?
Thank you to whoever ended up cleaning up the party at Layne's mom's house on Tuesday night. I felt really bad leaving the mess to go to a meeting.
Thank you to my friend who made me a beautiful star for Christmas and wrote me a card that was just a beautiful to go with it. You are amazing.
These are just a few of the things I've thought of so far, but I'm going to pay much more attention to the intangible gifts I'm given every day during this season and try to bestow a few of my own...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Annual Pilgrimage
Last night we made our annual trek to Temple Square to see the lights and displays. We had to guilt my mom and dad into going, but of course it wouldn't be the same without them. Two of my sisters buggered out (you know who you are), but the rest of us had a very nice time.
I didn't take my super-cool camera (wish I would have.) And, I was a total dork mother and forgot the bag of hats, gloves and scarves I had so carefully prepared. Luckily, it wasn't too cold, so no one lost any digits to frostbite.
Here are a few of the snapshots I got with my point-n-shoot:
I didn't take my super-cool camera (wish I would have.) And, I was a total dork mother and forgot the bag of hats, gloves and scarves I had so carefully prepared. Luckily, it wasn't too cold, so no one lost any digits to frostbite.
Here are a few of the snapshots I got with my point-n-shoot:
Always have to watch the nativity scene...
Dad, Emalee and my beautiful mother.
Layne, Doug and Mike. Layne was trying to smile, but he was having an "I hate people" moment. Besides the traffic and no parking problems of downtown, there were a few Young Men/Women groups at Temple Square who kept stopping and blocking up the whole sidewalk. Clueless.
This was a pretty good shot, but could have been really cool with my Nikon.
My parents and family. I swear, my kids are going to think I never went anywhere with them because I am never in the pictures.
The camera doesn't do justice to this picture. The full moon was shining between the lit branches of this tree-- it was fantastic. You'll have to trust me on that one, 'cause this shot kind of stinks.
I love this reflecting pool with the nativity in the middle. Last night was the first time we've been up there for years when someone wasn't getting proposed to right there. Almost as public and embarrassing as the billboard at the Jazz game.
Reflecting pool again... I remember going to Temple Square with my family as a kid. There was always more snow and we wore our sexy moon boots. Seems like there were more lights back then...
Definitely feels like Christmas now.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
They Start Young
Friday night, Layne took the boys to a Utah Flash game with some of their boy cousins. (Imagine a mini-van full of 6 boys and 2 dads. Crazy.)
Their dads took them to Sonic afterward for a shake. Apparently there was a cute girl making the food on the other side of the door. All of the boys-- ages 2 to 10 started FLIRTING and dancing for this girl.
We girls met them there and found this humiliation going on. They all say they hate stinky girls, but they were trying their best to get this one to laugh! I wish I wouldn't have been too embarrassed to go and see exactly HOW cute this girl was. And maybe apologize to her for my young Romeos. . .
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Canned Santa
I hope that you can see what this picture is showing-- it is "Canned Santa Claus". I took this picture at an antique shop and it made me laugh. Seriously, what the heck is canned Santa Claus?
The back of the can says that this way you can have Santa all year round. What IS this stuff? What do you do with it? I can see it now:
"What did you have for lunch today, Mom?"
"I had a Santa-salad sandwich. It was delicious."
Don't think it goes over well.
Christmas Saturday
Just a few fun pics from a great day. We went to the Star Mill to see Santa come in on a fire engine (where the heck are the reindeer?) and then we drove to Midway to see the Creche exhibit. There are great pics to be taken at the Star Mill!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Old Tricks
My boys have been having a hard time staying in bed for the last few weeks. We put them down and then hear the pitter-patter of ever-growing feet right above our heads for up to an hour afterward.
Last night, I pulled out the big guns. I told the little stinkers that if I heard them out of bed for anything besides going to the bathroom (and only that if absolutely necessary), I was going to have to call Santa.
Their eyes got big and Doug asked me how I know Santa's number and I told him that all parents know it. I could see Mike's head spinning with the ideas of what he could add to his list if he had the Big Man's direct line, and he asked "when do I get his number?"
I told him I would pass it on the day that he had a baby of his own. He looked at me like I was an idiot and reminded me that boys don't HAVE babies. Duh, Mom.
I corrected myself and told him that I'd give it to him the day his WIFE had a baby. That satisfied them both and they went right to bed. And stayed there.
This morning, Mike got himself up at 7:00, got dressed, practiced the piano, did his reading for school, and made his bed before I even came downstairs.
It's so awesome when the tricks my mom used on me work on my kids! I've been waiting for years to use that one. At least I didn't have to get the phone and pretend to dial a number like my mom did...
Last night, I pulled out the big guns. I told the little stinkers that if I heard them out of bed for anything besides going to the bathroom (and only that if absolutely necessary), I was going to have to call Santa.
Their eyes got big and Doug asked me how I know Santa's number and I told him that all parents know it. I could see Mike's head spinning with the ideas of what he could add to his list if he had the Big Man's direct line, and he asked "when do I get his number?"
I told him I would pass it on the day that he had a baby of his own. He looked at me like I was an idiot and reminded me that boys don't HAVE babies. Duh, Mom.
I corrected myself and told him that I'd give it to him the day his WIFE had a baby. That satisfied them both and they went right to bed. And stayed there.
This morning, Mike got himself up at 7:00, got dressed, practiced the piano, did his reading for school, and made his bed before I even came downstairs.
It's so awesome when the tricks my mom used on me work on my kids! I've been waiting for years to use that one. At least I didn't have to get the phone and pretend to dial a number like my mom did...
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Day 2 of the No-Caffeine Plan
Anybody read through this month's Ensign? There's a big old article on the dangers of caffeine addiction. The short story of it is that I read it, then felt guilt.
I've quit drinking caffeine at least 1376 times. My problem is this-- without caffeine, I fall asleep at 8:00 pm. Layne hates it when I quit-- he says I'm boring. You see, I inherited a genetic trait from my dad-- when I sit down at night, I fall asleep. It doesn't matter if I'm watching a movie, a tv show or playing a game. When it hits dark, my eyelids fall.
When I drink a diet coke or diet D.P. during the day, the caffeine keeps me awake until 10:30 or 11:00. That's about when Layne is ready to turn in, so it has always worked well. Until I read the Ensign. And felt the guilt.
So now I've quit. Again.
My head hurts.
I was too tired to get up at 6:00 this morning and exercise.
I want to sleep. All the time.
Layne will be sad when I fall asleep after dinner.
But I don't feel guilt.
I can't wait for a few days to pass so that I can forget the Ensign and wake up again.
Or maybe I can find some other way to stay awake. Any ideas?
I've quit drinking caffeine at least 1376 times. My problem is this-- without caffeine, I fall asleep at 8:00 pm. Layne hates it when I quit-- he says I'm boring. You see, I inherited a genetic trait from my dad-- when I sit down at night, I fall asleep. It doesn't matter if I'm watching a movie, a tv show or playing a game. When it hits dark, my eyelids fall.
When I drink a diet coke or diet D.P. during the day, the caffeine keeps me awake until 10:30 or 11:00. That's about when Layne is ready to turn in, so it has always worked well. Until I read the Ensign. And felt the guilt.
So now I've quit. Again.
My head hurts.
I was too tired to get up at 6:00 this morning and exercise.
I want to sleep. All the time.
Layne will be sad when I fall asleep after dinner.
But I don't feel guilt.
I can't wait for a few days to pass so that I can forget the Ensign and wake up again.
Or maybe I can find some other way to stay awake. Any ideas?
Monday, December 01, 2008
Super Cyber Monday
So, I've found my shopping groove. I had an hour or so before Layne got home from work and I jumped online to see if there was anything to the whole "Cyber Monday" thing. My opinion: it rocks.
While sitting on my couch, watching my sons play with their Fisher Price nativity set (tell me again why Baby Jesus is on top of the manger?), I purchased most of the rest of the presents I've been looking for. Most everyone had free shipping and killer deals. I got what I wanted and it will be delivered to my door in 5-7 business days.
Best of all, this shopping trip did not require that I wake up a 4 o'clock in the morning, I didn't get bruised by anyone's elbows, and I could simultaneously check the prices from JCPenney, Kohl's, Sears and Walmart at the same time.
Dual Wii Lightsaber controllers: $19.99. Really cool present for Layne: $37.88. Shopping with no shoes and no crazy shoppers: priceless.
While sitting on my couch, watching my sons play with their Fisher Price nativity set (tell me again why Baby Jesus is on top of the manger?), I purchased most of the rest of the presents I've been looking for. Most everyone had free shipping and killer deals. I got what I wanted and it will be delivered to my door in 5-7 business days.
Best of all, this shopping trip did not require that I wake up a 4 o'clock in the morning, I didn't get bruised by anyone's elbows, and I could simultaneously check the prices from JCPenney, Kohl's, Sears and Walmart at the same time.
Dual Wii Lightsaber controllers: $19.99. Really cool present for Layne: $37.88. Shopping with no shoes and no crazy shoppers: priceless.
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