Well, it took a while, but Parker's shoulder finally got healed up enough to go back to wrestling in practice. Then, on the 16th he came home from practice saying that he thought his finger was broken. I figured it was a new excuse to get him out of the next Dual, so I wasn't too concerned. Until the next morning when his joints were black and swollen.
Bad mom.
An x ray confirmed a fracture and he go put into a hard splint.
Fast forward one week. It was an early out day, so I took Reed to the Legacy Center to play basketball. Soon I received a text that her had hurt his finger. Yeah. The same finger- left pinky. He already had a doctor's appointment scheduled for the next day to deal with his allergies/asthma, so he had an x-ray. No break, but torn ligaments.
At that point I was ready to come home and break Colby's pinky to get it over with since I am kinda superstitious about how things come in threes. Colby is glad I restrained myself.
Fast forward three days. I was cleaning the bathrooms and needed some cleaner from the linen closet. I grabbed it and headed back to the bathroom with both dogs following me. Clark yelped and I didn't know why. I put down the cleaner and glanced back into the hall where I saw a lot of blood on the floor. This whole event took about 5 seconds. In an instant I knew what had happened- Clark's tail had been cut in the grate of the hallway nightlight. I followed the trail of blood and trapped him under my desk. Since I could see the bone of his tail, I knew it was bad. I called Ed and the vet and tried to stop the bleeding. Ed and I carted Clarkie to the vet where he got 6 stitches and a big tail bandage. We are hoping that everything grows back together, because if it doesn't, they will have to cut off his tail above the injury. That would make us all really sad because Lewis and Clark have awesome tails.
So, anyway. That was number three. Colby is safe. . . for now. At least from me breaking his finger!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Happy Chinese New Year!
This is a holiday that I have only recently begun to celebrate. As far as I am concerned, there can't be too many holidays! I have some items on display that were gifts. I love this red box and the horse it protects.
Here are some things that we will do to celebrate-
Wear red! It is the color of good luck!
Make lanterns. There are all sorts of ways to make them, but this technique is really easy. Just fold your paper in half and cut 1/2 inch strips beginning on the folded side, leaving about two inches intact at the top. Unfold, glue or tape together, and add some light on the inside.
Eat Chinese food. Yup. Panda Express is ok if you aren't adventurous!
Have Ming Kung Cakes. These little cookies are individually wrapped and are like a shortbread. They are very dry and crumbly, but a fun addition to a celebration.
Attend a festival. Lehi High School has a great Chinese program and they do a festival every year. We are planning to attend.
Give red envelopes. Any red envelope will do, although you can get special ones that are red with gold imprint at any Chinese market. Put some money in them and give them to children.
from about.com
Wear red! It is the color of good luck!
Make lanterns. There are all sorts of ways to make them, but this technique is really easy. Just fold your paper in half and cut 1/2 inch strips beginning on the folded side, leaving about two inches intact at the top. Unfold, glue or tape together, and add some light on the inside.
Attend a festival. Lehi High School has a great Chinese program and they do a festival every year. We are planning to attend.
Give red envelopes. Any red envelope will do, although you can get special ones that are red with gold imprint at any Chinese market. Put some money in them and give them to children.
from about.com
"Red envelopes are handed out to younger generations by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. At some companies, workers may also receive a year-end cash bonus tucked inside a red envelope. Red envelopes are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. When giving someone a red envelope, use both hands to present the red envelope to the recipient. Giving and receiving red envelopes, gifts, and even business cards is a solemn act. Therefore, red envelopes, gifts and name cards are always presented with both hands and also received with both hands.
The recipient of a red envelope at Chinese New Year or on his or her birthday should not open it in front of the giver."
And if you need a little laugh, I found these on Pinterest, but they were a little raunchy, so here is the cleaned up version.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Success! and Hard Work. . .
Here's the Success part:
I have been writing this blog for almost four years now. It's not flashy or exciting but it the story of us. I kind of consider it to be my journal or at least my personal history. It's always been my hope that someday one of my kids or grandkids will read it and think it's cool to have the stories and the pictures.
Every two years I have enough posts to print a book. I use www.blog2print.com because it is so amazingly easy. This year I decided to print two copies of the book. I ordered it on January 1 and the books just arrived.
Colby found the box and I let him and Parker open it. They each grabbed one and have been reading them for the last half hour! Clearly they know that I have a blog, but apparently they didn't realize that they were a huge part of it. So, success. The purpose is a good one.
Here's the Hard Work part:
I am taking a lit class from BYU Online. You know those reports that say brain function starts to decrease in your forties? Well, they are true. Holy heck. I was having a really hard time getting back into the swing of critiquing and writing. The first lesson took me about 40 hours to complete. There are 21 lessons and I have to be done by February 28! Here's the good news. . . I have finished 7 lessons now so in about 2 weeks I have done 7 lessons. And I am reading my two novels for lesson 8. It's getting easier so that must mean that I am getting smarter again. Hey! Another success!
I have been writing this blog for almost four years now. It's not flashy or exciting but it the story of us. I kind of consider it to be my journal or at least my personal history. It's always been my hope that someday one of my kids or grandkids will read it and think it's cool to have the stories and the pictures.
Every two years I have enough posts to print a book. I use www.blog2print.com because it is so amazingly easy. This year I decided to print two copies of the book. I ordered it on January 1 and the books just arrived.
Colby found the box and I let him and Parker open it. They each grabbed one and have been reading them for the last half hour! Clearly they know that I have a blog, but apparently they didn't realize that they were a huge part of it. So, success. The purpose is a good one.
Here's the Hard Work part:
Yup. I actually need these stylin' reading glasses. I have them everywhere!
I am taking a lit class from BYU Online. You know those reports that say brain function starts to decrease in your forties? Well, they are true. Holy heck. I was having a really hard time getting back into the swing of critiquing and writing. The first lesson took me about 40 hours to complete. There are 21 lessons and I have to be done by February 28! Here's the good news. . . I have finished 7 lessons now so in about 2 weeks I have done 7 lessons. And I am reading my two novels for lesson 8. It's getting easier so that must mean that I am getting smarter again. Hey! Another success!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Why did I wait???
Why do I wait so long? It's not like it's hard!!! I can't even remember the last time I had it done. . .
I am talking about having my carpets cleaned, of course.
Every 6 months or so I see the ZEROREZ truck at my neighbor Laura's house and I feel guilty that I am so neglectful of my carpets. That all changed on Christmas day when my silly pups opened and ate a box of brownie mix on my beautiful purple carpet. What a mess. I was able to vacuum most of it out once it dried from the licking, but it clearly needed to be cleaned.
I used to have a Bissell carpet cleaner. It was handy to have when the kids were younger. I was never sure that it really worked all that well, but it at least spread the stains out. After watching my cleaning guy today, I am not going to buy a new one.
For $114 I got my Family Room, Living/Dining Rooms and Master Bedroom cleaned. Honestly, I don't think the MB had EVER been cleaned. What an amazing difference! In addition to the carpets being clean, I washed down the walls and the baseboards, so everything is super clean and shiny. Ahhhh. . . I can breathe!
Since it was about 50 degrees out today, can I count this as spring cleaning?
* (not a paid advertisement) My cleaning guy, Dallin, did a great job and was polite and professional. I highly recommend Zerorez.
I am talking about having my carpets cleaned, of course.
Every 6 months or so I see the ZEROREZ truck at my neighbor Laura's house and I feel guilty that I am so neglectful of my carpets. That all changed on Christmas day when my silly pups opened and ate a box of brownie mix on my beautiful purple carpet. What a mess. I was able to vacuum most of it out once it dried from the licking, but it clearly needed to be cleaned.
I used to have a Bissell carpet cleaner. It was handy to have when the kids were younger. I was never sure that it really worked all that well, but it at least spread the stains out. After watching my cleaning guy today, I am not going to buy a new one.
For $114 I got my Family Room, Living/Dining Rooms and Master Bedroom cleaned. Honestly, I don't think the MB had EVER been cleaned. What an amazing difference! In addition to the carpets being clean, I washed down the walls and the baseboards, so everything is super clean and shiny. Ahhhh. . . I can breathe!
Since it was about 50 degrees out today, can I count this as spring cleaning?
* (not a paid advertisement) My cleaning guy, Dallin, did a great job and was polite and professional. I highly recommend Zerorez.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The W's and the L's
I just had a heartbreaking conversation with my middle son. He's been a little "off" all day. Probably tired because he has 6am practices for his sport. But not like most days. Ed and I both noticed it and were walking on eggshells.
Tonight the bomb detonated. It was 7:30pm and I announced that it was time for FHE. One of my goals for 2012 is to make sure that I am teaching my children the things they need to survive happily in this world. One of those things is to have a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that sticks in good times or bad. I want my children to know that I have a testimony of the Gospel and I hope that I can help them along the path of gaining their own.
Anyway, long story short, I was ready for FHE. Handouts and everything. One son was gone at his FHE group, and the other three our of four of us were ready to dig in. But first we had a battle. It was ugly. It was hurtful. It was frustrating. For all of us. Finally things calmed down and the three of us discussed prayer while the one listened.
There was still some storming after our discussion was over, but once it settled, I was able to stand quietly in my son's room and ask if there was anything I could do to help. The answers were not all that welcoming, but I stayed.
Finally, a discussion. My son was injured in his first match in December. Despite his pain, he has not missed one practice. He has had a great attitude. He's worked hard. But now he wants to quit. He is frustrated that he isn't getting any better and that time is running out and that he is a liability to the team and it's not really woth continuing and what does it matter if you are an Iron Man if you can't win a mthc. That's about how the concerns tumbled out. The thing he said that really bothered me was that nothing matters except the W's and L's. (Wins and Losses, for those of you who are not immersed in sports like I am. . .) I HATE that whole sports mentality. It is so NOT true. But how do you explain that to a teenager who is hurting physically and mentally?
I tried to explain that there are all sorts of circumstances that hinder athletes and teams from reaching their full potentials. Injuries, bad coaching, bad draws, physical size and many other factors all have part in winning and losing. The one thing that can give you an advantage is a good attitude. My examples were lost because he was just too upset to listen and think.
I didn't talk much, but I hung around for a long time. I guess I did OK because while I was writing this he came out of his room. I made some Muddy Buddies and we hung out for a little while. Later, when this day is behind us, we will revisit this topic. With a Gospel twist.
I am so grateful that life is NOT all about the W's and the L's. If it really was that way, I think we would all give up. What a blessing that we only have to do our best and give our all- and the Savior makes up the difference. I hope I can help my son understand that blessing. . .
Tonight the bomb detonated. It was 7:30pm and I announced that it was time for FHE. One of my goals for 2012 is to make sure that I am teaching my children the things they need to survive happily in this world. One of those things is to have a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that sticks in good times or bad. I want my children to know that I have a testimony of the Gospel and I hope that I can help them along the path of gaining their own.
Anyway, long story short, I was ready for FHE. Handouts and everything. One son was gone at his FHE group, and the other three our of four of us were ready to dig in. But first we had a battle. It was ugly. It was hurtful. It was frustrating. For all of us. Finally things calmed down and the three of us discussed prayer while the one listened.
There was still some storming after our discussion was over, but once it settled, I was able to stand quietly in my son's room and ask if there was anything I could do to help. The answers were not all that welcoming, but I stayed.
Finally, a discussion. My son was injured in his first match in December. Despite his pain, he has not missed one practice. He has had a great attitude. He's worked hard. But now he wants to quit. He is frustrated that he isn't getting any better and that time is running out and that he is a liability to the team and it's not really woth continuing and what does it matter if you are an Iron Man if you can't win a mthc. That's about how the concerns tumbled out. The thing he said that really bothered me was that nothing matters except the W's and L's. (Wins and Losses, for those of you who are not immersed in sports like I am. . .) I HATE that whole sports mentality. It is so NOT true. But how do you explain that to a teenager who is hurting physically and mentally?
I tried to explain that there are all sorts of circumstances that hinder athletes and teams from reaching their full potentials. Injuries, bad coaching, bad draws, physical size and many other factors all have part in winning and losing. The one thing that can give you an advantage is a good attitude. My examples were lost because he was just too upset to listen and think.
I didn't talk much, but I hung around for a long time. I guess I did OK because while I was writing this he came out of his room. I made some Muddy Buddies and we hung out for a little while. Later, when this day is behind us, we will revisit this topic. With a Gospel twist.
I am so grateful that life is NOT all about the W's and the L's. If it really was that way, I think we would all give up. What a blessing that we only have to do our best and give our all- and the Savior makes up the difference. I hope I can help my son understand that blessing. . .
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Year End Wrap Up
Ed
Favorite Colors: Orange, Brown, Purple
Favorite Food: "Ed's Burrito" at Winger's
Hobbies: Fairview! and LHS Boosters
Best Event of the Year: Our summer trip to Illinois and Indy
Kaye
Favorite Colors: Bright Apple Green, Orange
Hobbies: Photoshop, Blogging
Best Events of the Year: Watching Colby march in Lucas Oil Stadium, Parker earning his Eagle, the LHS Band getting picked to go to Washington, DC, Getting a new Dodge Challenger
Worst Event of the Year: Losing my wedding and engagement rings
Age- 18
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Mexican
Best Friends: Danaca Moore, Paul Struthers, Brayden Roberts
Hobbies: Band!
Best Event of the Year: Marching with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps
Parker
Age: 15
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Cinnamon Rolls
Favorite Movie: Warrior
Best Friends: Max Inman, Chandler, Dalton Rice
Hobbies: Hunting, Wrestling
Best Event of the Year: Trip to Pecatonica, IL, Earning my Eagle, Getting my Driver's Permit
Worst Event of the Year: Separated Shoulder
Reed
Age: 14
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Tepanyaki Noodles
Favorite Movie: War Horse
Favorite Book: Hunger Games
Best Friend: Spencer Yates
Hobbies: Baseball and Gaming
Best Events of the Year: Being on the Red Sox for Baseball Season, Mom being at home
Worst Event of the Year: My team was pretty crappy
I Want to Remember: Turning 14 and getting ordained as a Teacher on Christmas Day
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