Trying to document frustration without whining...

PART ONE: THE CUTE PICTURE AND THE FRUSTRATION


This is my honey. (In the newspaper to boot! Isn't he cute?!)
He's been VERY, VERY, very, very, very, very, very, very.... I could go on... VERY, VERY busy lately. For months he's been attending public hearings/meetings around the state and at the capital working on this redistricting project at work. Now before anyone mad at the process jumps down his throat, he doesn't make any actual decisions regarding the maps- just draws them for the Legislature. Many, many late nights and weekends of work later... his wife has been counting down to the special session they were supposed to be finishing YESTERDAY.
And then...
...they couldn't agree on a map.
AAAARRRRGGGGG!
Lawmakers hemmed and hawed and did the democratic process (which I am usually a huge fan of) and postponed making a final decision for two more weeks. And this very pregnant wife cried. (note: I may or may not be extra emotional right now.) You have to understand. I in no way hold King accountable for the extra long hours he has to put in at work right now. He's got the know how for this big job and it has to get done. And since they're putting in all this time- they need to make sure its done right!!! But it would sure make me happy if the ones making decisions would HURRY UP AND MAKE UP THEIR MINDS!
Back to the story.
I attended my cousins wedding today and each time someone asked me where my hubby was my eyes welled up with tears and I started crying. I'm not a crier either! You see- with a little over four weeks to go in this pregnancy, I was hoping said baby would come two weeks early (like the previous two). But with pending big meetings in two weeks, baby may come- but we wouldn't have had the down time, rest time, family time I've been SO counting on (for MONTHS) BEFORE the baby comes. I know, I know. We'll get family time after, and its wishful thinking on my part planning that the baby will come early- who knows when she's really coming. And who knows. Maybe this project will be done, agreed on, and tied with a bow with a few days of rest to spare before she comes... but what if its not? What if I go into labor in the middle of a big meeting. I KNOW King will still be there for the birth, he'll still get time off after... but will we all be so tired that we're emotional wrecks- or is that just me these days?
I was telling all this to my dear grandmother this evening as she chucked at my tears (again) and my predicament with trying to be a patient parent. That second topic alone could take several posts of its own. Remind me to tell you about placing phone calls to King at work- knowing he's outrageously busy- to have him talk to his son (or daughter) before the tired mother loses ALL her temper with 3-year-old antics (or 1 year old as the case may be). Tangent- sorry.
Anyhow. After the chucking- which she says she can do because she's been there- she told me I needed to write this down in my journal, and this is as close as it gets to journaling these days. She said that even though I was frustrated, one day I could look back and laugh knowing how real the frustration, the pain, and the tears were- but one day I'd be able to see past it and laugh - hopefully. Maybe she was chucking at how pathetic and narrow minded I sound. I've thrown myself a sufficiently huge pity party by now.
So here's hoping she's right. I'll let you know if I laughed 20 years from now.

PART TWO: NO WHINING... except for what was already expressed...

While 3/4 of my brain has been stewing over the predicament above all day. A tiny part has been reminding myself that I am blessed. Very, very blessed. I'm working on a project right now to help me remember to count my blessings. It looks like a birthday calendar- a line for each day of the month/year, but its to record the best part of my days- the tender mercies and blessings I overlook on hard days like today. And since there's no time to start like the present, here's today's.
1) I got to go to a wonderful marriage today. I love going to Temple Sealings. I love thinking about the day I was married and how lucky I am to have King.
2) King has a job. And a good one. And a steady one. And he's earning TONS of comp. time with all the extra work he's doing. He informed me tonight he has 50 hours of work in for this week.... its only WEDNESDAY folks. I guess this means lots of time off when the baby comes and during the holidays- which will be wonderful.
3) This baby is healthy and coming soon. Maybe not as soon as I'd like- but soon. I can do this... I can do this...
4) My parents have been a big help this week. We've stayed at their place instead of traveling back and forth for wedding events- and they sure have been great with the kids. Helping change diapers, make meals, play with them.... its been good, no great.
5) I always feel better (mentally) after I sleep. And I'm going to sleep now- which is a really, really nice thought.

Wonderful Day

Yesterday was a disaster. Capital D. Font Size 200. That bad. I'm not sure of all the contributing factors. Something about Lady not napping, Brother whining, too much crying by all parties (me included). All day long I thought to myself, "Why are we having three kids again?" Not my best mothering thought.
Today? Miracle.
Again, I'm not sure of all the contributing factors.
We did have an FHE lesson last night on communication... long story short, I say, "Remember the Whales" and Brother is supposed to stop interrupting, whining, yelling etc. He's allowed to say it to me when needed to. Maybe that was factor #1. Our communication today was bliss. There was almost no whining, no crying, no yelling. Ahhh. I'm pretty sure I can't give all the credit to one tiny lesson, but still.
Factor two? I got to go to my Stake's religion/Book of Mormon class ALL BY MYSELF. Lady is old enough to go to the nursery. I got to sit and soak up instruction for an hour and fifteen minutes with no distractions or interruptions. This might have seemed like such a huge blessing since I miss all the lessons at church. I'm currently playing the piano in Primary, and between that and children- its been a few years since I got to sit and listen to a lesson- not just read on my own. I l.o.v.e. hearing others points of view, insights etc. That was a HUGE blessing in my day.
Factor #3. Lady napped. Napped long. Its amazing what a bit of sleep does.
Factor 3.5 I slept better last night. The night before last an unnamed little one kicked my ribs and stomach all night long and I could never get comfortable. Last night someone must have told her a thing or two because I only woke up twice with leg cramps or uncomfortableness. Nice.
Factor #4. A friend I haven't seen in years is in town (from across the world) and is planning a visit Thursday! Hooray for old friends!! They always make you smile!
Factor #5. This should have been listed first. Last night after a horrific day I spent EXTRA long praying, pleading with Heavenly Father to bestow huge amounts of patience on my head. Not only for my sake, but for my children as well. Don't underestimate the power of asking. I love the quote (not quoted here) that talks about blessings waiting in store for us if we will only ask. Now, mind you, I ask for patience LOTS. Lots and lots. But I got an extra special portion today. It was lovely. And much appreciated.
Factor #6. I had such a good little helper for a son today. Where stubbornness ruled as king yesterday, today I had an angel. He helped unload the dishwasher, wash the floor, plant some new plants that unexpectedly (and wonderfully) arrived in the mail to replace ones that had died a few months ago. He helped with his sister, apologized when he'd bonk her, shared, cooperated. I could go on and on. The crowning moment for his day was probably our trip to DI. He found a tiny etch-a-sketch (remember those!) in good condition and I showed him how it worked. It didn't have a price tag on it- but he asked an employee (by himself!!) how much it cost. $.75. He had enough pennies- so he paid for it himself. He looked SO VERY proud of himself. He's been working hard to finish potty-training to earn those beloved pennies. It took every last one (and three of mine) but he did it. He clutched that tightly the whole way home and announced he was going to earn more pennies!! I'm so proud of him!
Long story short. Today was wonderful. I have felt so blessed today. There was nothing miraculous in and of itself- nothing I'd normally write home about. Nothing that was life changing in and of itself. Its just that I felt so many tender mercies of the Lord. I had quiet time to reflect and learn, time to enjoy playing with my children, time to rest, and time to work. It was the perfect balance. To top it off. King is finally on his way home and I'll get to spend the rest of the evening with him!

I hope your day was even half as lovely- and it still would have been a good day!

Summer Catch-up.

Over 360 pictures later, I realized I was a bit (...ok, a LOT) behind uploading my meager documentation of the summer.
So humor me as I peruse through some of my favorite pictures of our VERY crazy busy summer.

Thanks to a kind friend, we've been able to visit the zoo a million (ok, half dozen) times this summer. Brother thinks its neat to be as big as a (baby) gorilla.
Some trips I can't tell if Brother likes the dinosaur displays, the fake animals, or the actual animals better. Sister thinks everything barks or growls- and pretty much just goes around for the ride.
See what I mean?(See this joy- all from a fake horse...)

We've also taken trips to the dinosaur museum, the aquarium, camping excursions, and the latest Labor Day camping at Yellowstone with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle J. The park was suprisingly animal-less (we didn't see even ONE herd of buffalo, just a lone one here and there), but we did see an occasional animal, and enjoyed the scenery. If you ever want some free entertainment, ask brother about the geysers.Grandma and King helping the kids play on the rocks.
(I'm not sure how I didn't get any pictures of Grandpa...)Uncle J.Throwing rocks in the river.
(Who needs animals when you've got rocks and water?)Lady travels in style.And gets carried around to boot!The scenery.The kids. Whatever brother does, Lady must do also. We're going to have a duo-visit to the emergency room one of these days. I'm sure of it!King and Brother exploring the river.

Here's hoping you documented your summer better (or at least didn't get as behind as we did).

Failed Mother's Intuition

Anyone out there have spotty Mother's intuition.
It seems to me that if I hurry and rush my child to the Dr. there is NEVER anything serious wrong (like teething... seriously...). But if I try my best to treat what I see and wait things out, by the time I head to the Dr. one of two things happens:
Scenario 1) The fever/illness subsides the INSTANT I call the Dr. and then I'm left wondering if I should keep my appointment. 1/2 the time I show up and wonder how foolish I look.
Scenario 2) I go in, and it was something more serious I should have shown up for earlier. Like... scarlett fever. I'm currently apologizing to my daughter over that one. What I thought was eczema over-reacting was something quite different. Shows how well I'd do as a doc, ey?
Good grief.
I need my mothering instincts to hurry and reboot before baby #3 gets here!

Whirlwind

I'm cheating and basically copying my family email. The lack of any humor and wit is due to a lack of brain cells and energy. Why am I so tired? Read on.
Hey family (and anyone else who reads this...)
I keep trying to think of interesting things to say... I'm drawing a blank. So in boring form- here's our last week, or month, or so.
1) I am home from: A reunion, girls camp, and a week at Mom's visiting! King also got back from the same reunion, scout camp, and then another week of meetings for work in San Antonio! The temperature during the day was something like 107 all week. Blah. I'm so glad he's home. If you're wondering, the reunion was awesome. Great food, great company, great planning, great time. The weather cooperated and we borrowed an air mattress so camping for three days wasn't bad. The river went down so I didn't have to panic QUITE so much about my kids accidentally drowning when I turned my head. All were safe and much fun was had. Girls camp was a riot. I really can't explain all that went on. We stayed at a home next to Bear Lake- it was more like Girl's Retreat! We had GREAT food, lots of entertaining skits, service projects, scavenger hunts, time at the lake etc. Scout camp-as far as I've heard- was good- I just don't know many details. King headed to meetings while I visited my sister. She's in town from Thailand of all places- so it was GREAT to see her!
2) Grandma had a cousin get-together and dinner Monday evening so we drove down. My sister helped organize a lot. It was great food and great company. We ate and played games. Nothing extraordinary- just extraordinary people.
3) Sis and I went to Thanksgiving Point Tuesday with our kids (and her sister in laws kids- whom I also know and love). I should post pictures on the blog.... after a Sunday afternoon nap. My two kiddos loved riding the horses and seeing the animals. A's little boy loved it so much he kept saying, "I'm on a horse." for about a minute straight. No joke. "I'm on a horse, I'm on a horse, I'm on a horse..."
4) We went to the my sister's inlaw's pool this week and Brother discovered freedom in a life jacket! Until that day he'd only put his face in once- once he discovered the life jacket REALLY would hold him up (and after having me by his side for a few minutes) he was jumping off the diving board, off the side, going down the slide etc. It was fun to see his happy grin and exuberance!!!
5) We visited with Mom and J a bit more and then came home to our house. We sure have been gone a lot the last 2-3 weeks. Brother asked, "Are we going to our house? Can we stay there lots of days?" Sure thing, Bud. (To which he replies, "My name's not Bud! It's ... !!")
6) We got another sister's package in the mail! She made A and I matching blankets for our babies (since they're coming within a few months of each other!) This will be a first for my kids - to have a cousin on this side close in age!! The blankets can be girl or boy- blues/turquoises. I love it!! You've got talent A!
7) King is home, our house is clean, I have MOST of my piles from before reunions and camp picked up!! And I even reorganized a couple cupboards to boot! I love organizing! Ahh- so nice. I'm trying to get things organized to start joy-school in just a few weeks! I think Brother will love it and I'm so excited about the curriculum and the kids!
8) We had two Rowley families over for dinner and games last night. It was fun to have them here. I love that we have enough space to entertain and the kids can play downstairs while we play in the dining room (and can still hear what they're doing!). I love that they can play out back and I'm not too worried about them! Leif grilled up great chicken and everyone else brought sides then we made monkey (apples included) bread for dessert. Delish!
Well- now that you read that dull report. I'll see if any wit comes back after I nap!!
...
After said email, I got a nap!! And still no wit...
And THAT is our whirlwind of a life the last few weeks. Thank heavens for settling down!
PS: We had family pictures taken with the Rowleys! I think they turned out great- even if Little Lady won't smile for the camera!

Stubborn

I was talking to my sister yesterday about how 3 year olds seem exponentially more stubborn than 2 year olds. (Does anyone else have that problem?) They choose when they'll listen, when they'll be potty trained, when they'll be happy, sad, clownish, or good etc. (In other words, we have good days, and we have crazy ones...)
She came up with the worst come-back ever. "Sound familiar?" (That's what she said. Ouch.)
So then I thought, was I REALLY that stubborn? I don't think so! I don't remember... but then again, I've been accused of having temporary and selective memory.
So now I'm trying to remind myself of that sadly-probably-true line from a wiser one than I. "Sound familiar?" And when the three year old ignores me in preference of his favorite toys or playing swords, I chant in my head, "sound familiar?" And when he doesn't want to take a nap because he's "not tired" I tell myself, "sound familiar?"

Are we sure it was me who taught him to be so stubborn...?

Teeth

At the risk of you over-analyzing our front teeth next time you visit, I'll tell you. Our family seems to have a bit of an issue with teeth.
King and I have the SAME messed up front tooth. His was a wrestling accident from high school (it turned black and had to be crowned) and mine is a trophy from falling out of a tree (it didn't turn black, just discolored and died). Our children seem to want to follow the trend- as unfashionable as it may seem.
Last week Little Lady was racing around my parent's home when she slipped and fell on the tile. Now she's just like us. Times two. She's now chipped BOTH her front teeth. One is just a corner chipped off, the other is a slightly bigger corner. Good thing they're baby teeth. I'll see if I can take a picture after she wakes up. If not, you're bound to see it in pictures over the next five years.

The kids

Little Lady deems us the meanest people ever. We put the crib tent on. She forgives us in the off-hours between bedtimes and naps. But every time we put her back in her crib... death by looks!
Brother and I had a conversation that went like this:
(Background- he thinks his toy screwdrivers are swords. And sticks are swords... and pencils are swords... you get the idea.)

Brother: Mom! I'm fighting bad guys with my swords.
Me: How do you know who's the bad guy and who's the good guy?
Brother: I'm the good guy, and you're Lemuel. (We play Nephi, Sam, Laman and Lemuel a lot around here...)
Me: No, really. How do you know? How can you tell if they're a bad guy?
Brother: They fight the good guys.
Me: Ok. Then how do you know who the good guys are?
Brother: They fight the bad guys!

Glad we've got that all figured out.

Update on howling child...

She was howling because:
1) She climbed out of the crib for the first time. (NOOO!!!!!!)
2) She was poopy- can't blame her there.
3) She was tangled in my mom's surger thread.....
It's probably a good thing I checked on her.

Things I should have posted about by now...

I've been busy- AND I've been taking pictures.
I just haven't downloaded them, or looked at them, or edited any, or written about our fun times, or, or, or...
So in a VERY small nutshell, here's the last month or so of our lives:
Numero Uno:
Our trip.
Leif and I dropped the kids at my mom's and took a long-awaited trip by ourselves! I believe its a first for us since we've had kids!
First we drove up to Logan, ate great food and went to the temple. Next we headed to Jackson Hole, went white-water rafting, went to see the Bar J Wranglers, window-shopped, and ate more great food. Then we drove to Cokeville, went horsebackriding, ate good food, and finally came home after 3 days away. Ahh. It was so much fun! I think I gained 10 pounds that trip alone.. Pictures to come...maybe.
Dos:
The busy weekend.
The weekend after we got home was extremely busy. Family was moving out of our house while we skipped on the work and went to a sealing of a Rowley brother. He and his wife finally got to adopt a precious little boy! We had a family day at the zoo, went to the sealing the next morning, had great meals and good times, and some family pictures. Again... hopefully you'll see some proof soon.
Thres:
The 4th of July and the balloon launch.
The following Monday was the 4th of July. We took Brother and Sister to the annual balloon launch in Provo. Seeing that brother LOVES hot-air balloons, this was a BLAST. We got to stand in the middle of the field and watch them blow up the balloons all around us and then watch them all take off! The rest of the holiday was spend doing...
Quatro:
Projects around the house.
What did we do? King and my dad installed a water filter- since nobody likes the taste of our water! Six dollars later I wondered why we didn't think of that idea 3 years ago! Brother moved to his own room, complete with a big bed! And we organized and cleaned throughout the house!
Finally:
5 years and counting!
King and I have officially been married five wonderful, wonderful years! I can hardly believe its BEEN five years! Considering that some people on our trip thought we were young enough to BE newly weds, we must have looked like infants then! We sure have learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and life since we've been married. I'm grateful for King EVERY DAY of my life. He. Is. Wonderful. Not only is he the given: wonderful husband, wonderful dad, but he is a kind soul. He is a hard worker. He is a faithful, true, holder of the Priesthood. He loves God. He puts others first. He is teaching me to be patient with others! He is serving others CONSTANTLY. He is incredibly patient with me! He is so helpful around the house and with the kids- even when he's pulling long hours at work (like he has been!). I love him so very, very much. Last night to celebrate we took the kids to their (and my) first drive-in movie. Double feature: Cars 2 and the green lantern. The first was good, but green-lantern is nothing great. Oh well. That's completely irrelevant to the topic. We had fun piling the pillows in the back of the van, eating popcorn and licorice, and hanging out together. A distant friend of ours passed away earlier this week leaving a wife and two young children. It has really made me think about how wonderful my life is. How much I take for granted. Our health, each day and activity together, the fun times we get as a family, etc. I am so thankful for my wonderful little family. None of this would be possible without my wonderful husband.
Cutting the sappy short- my youngest is howling because she doesn't want to nap... I should go check on her.
See ya!