Another Post of Thanks

November is almost over. One more thanks since I missed the first Thursday.

I am thankful for my friends - both my IRL and Online friends. I don't have many friends, but the ones I have are worth their weight in gold. They are some amazing ladies and I don't know what I would do w/o them.

I also love my online ladies. Especially the Sparrows and LLLDS ladies. You are an awesome online support group and wonderful adult conversation

I also want to thank everyone who reads my blog, and especially those who take the time to comment. It's nice to know people think you are interesting enough to read.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and happy holiday season.

Girls Can Be FireFighters Too.

So last night the girls were playing firefighter. In the course of their play they stopped 1 fire from spreading, rescued 2 cats, and fixed a machine. And mom just could not stop grinning.

They are so fascinating to watch. I wonder what they'll be next time.

Black Friday

Today is the day that all reason and civility slumber on on while the consumer junkies head out to retailers everywhere in search of the great DEAL. People are nuts this time of year.

With the economy in the tank like it is, retailers are desperate for your dollar. Ads for 50% - 70% off flood the airwaves. The commercial that got me was the one for Khols. Lady gets out of bed, puts on a dress and 3 inch heels, knee length trench coat, hat and bag to shop at Kohls. I realize they are trying to put out the image they are a little more upscale, but really? Who dresses up to fight the maddness at 4am? Everytime they show video of shoppers on the news everyone is wearing jeans and sneakers. I did get my deal on line though - see - I do not get up at 4 am unless a child is crying or the house is on fire. I got the girls their Christmas dresses at Dillards at midnight for $18 each (Reg $30) Couldn't pass up that deal. I almost bought them last week, but waited - good on that wait.

Going out today has always been avoided at all cost in my family. The main reason is that since this is the day everyone is off from work and school, it's the day we set out all the Christmas decorations. For the last 20 yrs (when we moved in w/ my grandparents) it's an all weekend project. Mainly from my grandfathers Christmas village that he puts out every year. It's quite the scene.

When I started working most of my jobs that I've had I didn't have to work, but there were a few. I worked at a ski resort day care where I had to work the 4 day weekend. Typically the busiest weekend of the season. Then I worked at Circuit City for 3 yrs. THREE Black Fridays. I made a deal with my managers - I would stay until midnight or later helping cash out - if I didn't have to be there at 5am. It worked - I never had to open, and one year we were there until 1am counting out. Being on the receiving end of some mean and ill tempered customers - it killed any desire I had to shop Black Friday - at least at the big box stores. A couple of years ago we went to the Mall around dinner time that wasn't too bad, and we still got a few great deals.

All the maddness, but it's not the busiest shopping day of the season - that title belongs to the Saturday before Christmas - all those last minute procrastinators and those who realize they need to get a gift to great aunt Dotty who dropped off some fruitcake.

If you went out today, I hope you got some killer deals. We are hanging out watching PBS kids.

Happy Holidays!

Dinner Accomplished

So, my first solo Thanksgiving dinner turned out well. I admit I was worried at first when I opened up my turkey this morning and the innards were a block of ice. After pouring much cold water down it we were finally able to get it all out. Into the oven it went. I was thinking it wouldn't be done until after 5, but when I checked on it at 4:30 it was clearly done. Next - the mad sprint to get all the sides done. First was candied yams, then peel and cut the potatos and get them boiling. After that, the vegis are put on the stove to boil. Take out the yams, and put on the marshmallows and put them back in the oven. Stuffing and gravy round it off at end. Set table - take a picture and colapse. Mom is now too tired to enjoy dinner. Next if if/when we have a bigger kitchen I'll have D help me out, but our kitchen is so cramped we'd be stepping on each other. It's really the better option to have him watch the kids, while I scramble through the kitchen like . . . well, like a headless turkey. D reminded me how the headless turkeys turn out.

When it was all cleaned up and mom and dad are nearly in a coma from the tryptophan - the kids are buzzing around as if on speed. Note to self - tryptophan has the opposite effect on small children.

Lots of turkey left overs. Turkey sandwiches, turkey pot pie, turkey here, turkey there, turkey in our sleep. I think this is why we only do this once a year. Though I confess to cooking a boneless turkey breast a few times through out the year.

Only 27 shopping days until Christmas.

EEK!

Happy Thanksgiving

So this is my first Thanksgiving away from my family. There was that time in college when I was working at the Ski Resort that I had to work ON Thanksgiving day, but we celebrated the day before. So it's always been Thanksgiving with my parents and all my siblings. Even the last few years after my sisters got married They've always been by the house for some part of the feasting. My plan this year was to head out for Thanksgiving and hang out with everyone until just before Christmas, then fly back and have Christmas here in PA. But, plans change. We decided the time was right for us to buy a house. So all plane money is being set aside for the house. In the long run it's the best decision for our family, but it's hard being away.

So today, I'll make a turkey and have the usual fixings, albeit on a smaller scale. We'll eat on our schedule, take our time, have some pumpkin pie later, watch what ever we want . . . hmm, maybe this solo Thanksgiving isn't such a bad idea after all. ;) One thing we have to have is my grandmother's candied yams. It's made with apricots and brown sugar and of course marshmellows. Oh yeah - yams are in there too. They are so yummy they are better than candy. And the yams are good for you right?

I am going to tie this into my Thankful Thursday. I am Thankful for my family. I now sometimes we don't agree and things can be tense. But I can't imagine growing up without them. It's always fun to share and retell all the memories.

I hope my family knows how much I love and miss them. That old song is running through my head - "I'll be home for Christmas - if only in my dreams."

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A Tale of Two Laundry Baskets.

Last night I got all the laundry washed and put away, except for the girls clothes. Naomi puts hers away and I was going to help Sariah in the morning. So, I put their clothes in their baskets and put Naomi's in her room. I told Naomi that she didn't have to do it now, but that I would like it done tomorrow. She said she would AFTER naptime. I told her NO, that I would like it done in the morning. After much back and forth, both last night and this morning, she's finally in her room putting her clothes away.

The other basket with Sariahs clothes was left in my room. I know she got up to hang out with her sister, and Naomi came down complaing about it, so we told her to read her a story and that she has to go back to bed when she's done. Thrilled with the idea she ran off and we didn't hear a peep for either girl the rest of the night. When I went to bed, there in my room was Sariah's empty laundry basket. I went to her room and she tried to put all of her clothes away - not folded, nor neat, but she tried. Not a word nor argument she just did it.

It's not always like this - sometimes when I ask them to do something it's the other way around. I just thought it was so cute Sariah tried to do it all by herself.

Wordless Wednesday - A story in stills.

Two Peas in a Pod

Or should I say sleeping in a bed. When I went to bed last night I went in Naomi's room to turn off her light I found not one, but two little girls sound asleep.

I am beginning to think Sariah needs someone to snuggle up with to fall asleep. We are always chasing her out of her sisters bed. I'd be ok with it, but it drives Naomi crazy. She likes her alone quiet reading time before she falls asleep. Also when we move into the new house the big full sized air mattress Naomi is sleeping on won't fit in her new room if we want to add her dresser and night stand and still have room to walk. The rooms are pretty small. (My only complaint about the new house) So we are going to get her a twin bed.

I am not sure what we are going to do. Right now we just hang out in front of her door to keep her in her room. Last night we didn't because we didn't think we needed too. According to Naomi she asked to sleep with her and she said yes. She really is an awesome big sister. I guess we'll just play it by ear.

I am such a bad mom - I have no qualms taking pictures of my kids when they are sleeping.

Another Birthday Tucked Away

Spaghetti Dinner - $5
One Chocolate Cake - $10
Vanilla Ice Cream - $4
Presents Galore - ???
One happy 5 yr old - Priceless.

She had a nice birthday. Got some things she needed, a few things she wanted, and lots of books.

Happy Birthday Naomi Ann

You gave us a bit of a worry when you arrived on the scene. You had your cord wrapped around you and you were quite purple. But you were strong and pinked up quickly. Hated to be swaddled, your mom caught the ire from a nurse. But I knew as long as you were warm I wasn't going to restrict your movement.

A problem solver from the beginning, you tried to hold in your pacifier in until it was just too much work and you rejected them.

We didn't know what to make of you - you defied all the baby books. Always ahead of the game. Everyone was charmed by you. It seemed like no one could pass you by without comment. As you grew you continued to amaze us with your brilliance. You were spelling your own name long before most kids your age. You took to all things language. Puzzles were a breeze for you, and we were always wondering what you would do next.

You drove me crazy when you gave up naps much sooner then I would have prefer ed. I was up all the time with your baby sister, and I was so tired - I just wanted you to sleep. Like all children the walls were a perfect canvas for your art, countless hours were spent scrubbing the walls. Thank heavens for the Magic Erasure. Then there was fact you cut your own hair - not once - but twice. Sometimes you drove me nuts. But I will always love you.

I watch how much your little sister looks up to you. She wants to be with you and do everything you do. remember your actions, for she will always be watching.

I don't know where life is going to take you. One day I think you'll be an engineer, the next I am wondering how much Harvard Law is going to cost us. And then out of the blue you announce you are going to be a missionary and then a mommy. I teared up that day. You will be the best missionary and mommy there will ever be.

I am so proud of you and all you've accomplished so far in your 5 years. Remember to be yourself and that mom and dad, and yes even that pesky little sister love you and will always be there for you.

Happy birthday sweety. I put together a collage from the last 5 years. It was hard to pin it down to 30 pictures.

Inductions - 5 yrs later

Five years ago I was scheduled for an induction. By baby decided that she wasn't going to come out and was nearly 2 weeks late. My doctor was going to have surgery after Thanksgiving and we were all done waiting. I was also no where close to being ready. I was barely 1 cm dialated, and she was still pretty high up. So Sunday at 8pm we arrived at the hospital. We checked in and they took all our info. It was a nice room, low lights - almost like home.

The got the IV going since I was GBS + and it was for the pitocin. I was asked what I wanted to do for pain? Now, I was told all sorts of horror stories about inductions. That they can take days, lead to a c-section etc. I don't think there was a complication I hadn't heard of. So I decided to wait on the epidural until I was further along. But, the pain was pretty intense so they asked if I wanted anything else? Now, I am very sensitive to opiates. I can't take them orally or by injection without throwing up and they don't work very well. So that family of drugs wasn't out of the question. The nurse suggested Demerol. It was a drug that kind of worked before on my so I said ok. BIG mistake. Not only didn't it help the pain, but I felt very loopy and agitated. A few hours later a very nice anethesiologist came in and made things feel all better. I was able to get some rest.

Early the next morning my doctor came in to break my water and check on my progress. I was maybe a 5. She said she'd come back this afternoon to check on me. She really thought I was going to be a while. I don't think she was back in her office 2 hours when they were calling her to come back. In the meantime the nurse suggested we try some "practice" pushing. We did a few when the nurse yelled stop! Aparently I am a REALLY good pusher and she was ready to come out. Everyone scrambled to get ready and then we all sat around and waited another 5 minutes for me to have a contraction. Three contractions later, she was out. Purple as can be, because she had the cord wrapped around her neck. But her 5 minute score was almost perfect - a NINE! Only her fingers and toes were blue.

Later I read to interesting things. 1 That in Europe Demerol is forbidden to laboring women. For the reasons I had problems with it. It makes mom loopy and doesn't help the pain. And 2 - if your baby has a lot of hiccups while in the womb, it's a symptom of being tangled up in the cord. Makes sense really.

The over all experience was nothing like all the horror stories, and I would have opted to do it again. But Sariah decided that she wasn't going to wait for the induction.

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith #20

One of the things I miss since I was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Primary is the adult lessons. The closest I get is a two minute message once a month to the group of children and teachers from the lesson manual Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. So, I decided that I alone am responsible for learning the lesson when I can't be in class. Today was my week to give the message during closing exercises. The lesson was on A Heart Full of Love and Faith: The Prophet’s Letters to His Family (The link is to the actual lesson if you want to read the whole thing)

As I was reading this. I was struck with the notion of letter writing. It seems to be a lost art thanks to text messaging and emails. I admit I've even stopped "writing" letters. Which is funny because that's how I met my husband was through letter writing. Though towards the end my letters went from hand written to typed. It just seemed easier to write and read that way. But in the early days of the Church (1830s) there was no telegraphs, no phones, no emails, no texting. The only way you could communicate with someone that was too far to walk or ride too in a day, was to send a letter. Joesph Smith was away from his family a lot. I asked the kids if they have dads that travel a lot or are some times away from them and their family? A few had dads that were far away some times. But they could keep in touch through emails or phone calls. Joesph missed his family a lot when he was away, either because he was doing missionary work or he was imprisioned. Today's lesson was his letters to his wife Emma.

Family members pray for, comfort, and strengthen one another.

To Emma Smith on January 20, 1840, from Chester County, Pennsylvania: “I feel very anxious to see you all once more in this world. The time seems long that I am deprived of your society, but the Lord being my helper, I will not be much longer. … I am filled with constant anxiety and shall be until I get home. I pray God to spare you all until I get home. My dear Emma, my heart is entwined around you and those little ones. I want you to remember me. Tell all the children that I love them and will come home as soon as I can. Yours in the bonds of love, your husband.”

Since my move away from my family I know I am not really alone. I know that my family is always in my heart, and they are praying for us. I wish I could be there with them during the holiday season, but it didn't work out that way. But I am reminded of the song "I'll be home for Christmas. . . If only in my dreams."

The responsibility to teach our children is always with us.

To Emma Smith on November 12, 1838, from Richmond, Missouri, where he was being held prisoner: “Tell little Joseph he must be a good boy; Father loves him with a perfect love. He is the eldest and must not hurt those that are smaller than him, but comfort them. Tell little Frederick Father loves him with all his heart; he is a lovely boy. Julia is a lovely little girl. I love her also. She is a promising child. Tell her Father wants her to remember him and be a good girl. Tell all the rest that I think of them and pray for them all. … Little Alexander is on my mind continually. O my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember that I am a true and faithful friend to you and the children forever. My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever. Oh, may God bless you all, amen. I am your husband and am in bands and tribulation.”

My husband always tell the girls just before he leaves "I love you, and be good for your mother" It's sweet that fathers 170 yrs later still tell their children to be good for their mother. Our hearts our intwined forever - truely for better or for worse.

God is our friend, and we can trust Him in our times of adversity.

Some times this is hard you know? Remembering that we can trust God during those times when life is hard and we're down. Some times all it takes is a friend or family member to remind you that God is just a prayer away.

To Emma Smith on June 6, 1832, from Greenville, Indiana: “I have visited a grove which is just back of the town almost every day, where I can be secluded from the eyes of any mortal and there give vent to all the feelings of my heart in meditation and prayer. I have called to mind all the past moments of my life and am left to mourn and shed tears of sorrow for my folly in suffering the adversary of my soul to have so much power over me as he has had in times past. But God is merciful and has forgiven my sins, and I rejoice that he sendeth forth the Comforter unto as many as believe and humble themselves before him. … “I will try to be contented with my lot, knowing that God is my friend. In him I shall find comfort. I have given my life into his hands. I am prepared to go at his call. I desire to be with Christ. I count not my life dear to me [except] to do his will."

It's nice to remember that God is there during our times of adversary. It's easy to forget. It's also nice to know that God and family really aren't that far away. You only have to open the lines of communication.

Rivalry Weekend

Tradition in my family is all the guys getting together on a Saturday in November to watch the BIG GAME. Which game would THAT be you ask. U of U vs. BYU. Most of my family root for the Utes, except for my youngest sister who decided to be different and cheer for the Cougars. Yeah, we know she's "special".

My husband - not from Utah, nor anywhere in the west is a convert to this local tradition. When it was time to go back to school he went to the U and spent 4 yrs there getting his degree he was easily converted.

All gathered in front of the TV with chips and dips, soda and wings. It's a grand old affair, that quite frankly rather bores me. Except for that one year the Utes went undefeated - which made for the outcome a little more exciting. (Boo to Florida for taking Urban Meyer)

When we moved to PA I figured I wouldn't have to endure another year. After all we don't have cable and you can only watch the game if you've got Comcast cable. (The own the rights to the Mountain Network, and it's the only channel that will carry the game) HAHAHA! Turns out that just because we are on the east coast doesn't mean the LDS members here aren't interested in the game. So - I am a widow this evening. My dear husband has left us to hang out with the guys from our church, watching the game.

Go Utes!

Kids style

One of the things about my kids that I've noticed they don't have in common is their sense of style. Naomi developed a love of fashion, clothes and shoes from the time she could walk. She loved to look at clothes and pick out her own outfits. No matter what she came out with when i sent her to her room to get some clothes she always looked put together. Sariah's style on the other hand is more eclectic and random. You never know what she's going to put together. Sometimes mom will veto if we are going out. This is what she came out with yesterday. A skirt that's too small for her sister, but a little too big for her, one black and one white sock, slippers, a pink shirt and pink hoodie. When she switched to her boots later it actually looked kinda cute. I also took one of Naomi. She turns 5 on Monday, but everyday she reminds me of a teenager

Oh the weather outside was frightful

A fire right now would be delightful. And since we've no place to go, it can snow, it can snow, it can snow. But it has to stop and the roads cleared in time for D to come home from work.

This is what I woke up to this morning. The first snow fall of the season. It has been trying with flurries all week, but today it finally came down and stuck.

In the year that I've lived in PA I've learned that 2 inches of snow can shut down the city. Schools will close and bridges will be treacherous. This concept is completely foreign to me and I've lived in a state that gets lots of snow. Utah - home of the greatest snow on earth - for skiers. It's mostly fine powder. I've woken up to 8 inches of snow before and the city just goes on as usual albeit a little more carefully. The crazy thing is a dusting of powder is more dangerous then those 8 inches. It will melt quickly from the heat of the cars and turn to ice. A school closing in Utah, especially the Valley is practically unheard of. The snow in Pennsylvania is a very wet snow that will freeze into ice very quickly and when it snows there is a list of schools that are closed or have a late start time.

This first snowstorm we had after we moved in I was like - psst - this is nothing and wanted to run to the store. D on ther other hand who grew up in Virginia cautioned against it. So I didn't go out.

So today we'll stay inside and keep warm. In a few weeks we'll get that fireplace to snuggle up in front of when we move into the house. Until then, warm blankets and hot coco. Yum.

Update this afternoon. We are getting more snow. It's looking pretty miserable outside.

Thankful Thursday Nov 20th

Top 10 reasons I am Thankful for My Husband

10 - Gives the girls their bath
9 - Does the grocery shopping
8 - Sits in the hallway to keep the girls in bed at night
7 - Keeps track of the bills
6 - He's our daughters favorite "toy"
5 - Works so hard so I can stay home with the girls
4 - Supports me in my calling at church
3 - Takes care of me when I am sick so much during the year
2 - Does all the stuff I don't want to deal with from electronics to stupid companies.
1 - For being my best friend

I love you!

Wordless Wednesday - U of U Cheerleaders

Seeqpod

So a while back I was looking for music players for my blog. I tried a few, but the one I like the best is Seeqpod. It has most of the songs I am looking for and I like the player and the fact it DOES NOT auto start. I was on the other day looking for Christmas songs for my play list, when I noticed they had some new players. Their micro player allows you to select any one of your created play lists. This is great because now I don't have a whole bunch of different players on the side of my blog. Woo hoo - it was starting to look a little cluttered. The only down side is that it's still a little too big to fit all the way on the side of a blog. But the upside you can use the skip to get to the song you want. I also like the fact that if I add a song to my list it automatically updates it on my blog. I may have to create a few more playlists. LOL - well maybe not for a while.

Christmas Songs

When is the best time to start playing Christmas Songs? If you ask my husband he will tell you not until December 1st. I, however, disagree with him on this one. I think it's perfectly acceptable to mixing up your everyday listening with Christmas music right after Halloween, with nothing but Christmas music right after Thanksgiving straight on until the day after Christmas and tapering off until New Years Day.

Since my husband doesn't want Christmas songs in the house for a few more weeks, I've decided to put them on my blog. It's been an interesting hunt for songs. Seeqpod doesn't have all my favorites, but they've got a good selection.

It's a rather eclectic mix. From classical to contemporary, serious to silly, old to new, fast beat and slow. But, I've noticed that with a few songs I like the version I listened to as a kid. Like "White Christmas" It just HAS to be Bing Crosby. Then there are other songs well done by many famous artists, like "Santa Baby", that was sung by Eartha Kitt (originally) then by Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. I like Cyndi Lauper's version the best. One of my favorite parody's of "The 12 days of Christmas" is "The 12 Pains of Christmas". I was thrilled they had it, and included it on my list. I love duets and included two duets you wouldn't normally think of. Like Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan in "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and David Bowie and Bing Crosby in "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" If only Seeqpod had "Winter Wonderland" by Eurythmics, "Better do it Right" by Smash Mouth, and "'Zat you Santa Claus?" By Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and I'll be set.

I love Christmas music - now if I can only get my dear husband to love it as much as I do. ;)


SeeqPod - Playable Search

Socks

I don't get what goes on in the mind of small children. One of Sariah's favorite things is wearing socks on her hands. It doesn't matter if they match, or if they are hers.

Today she was hysterical. So D went upstairs to check on her and she was upset because she got one sock on her hand, but couldn't get the other one on. Once D helped her out she settled down and took a nap.

It is fun to watch their journey of self expression. From what they put on, to what they horde. You never know what they'll think of next

Dancing Bears and Painted Wings

If you have followed my blog since I started you'll remember my post in June about Naomi's dance recital. It's been five months and she still remembers it.

Now she's teaching it to her sister. Sariah will twirl and dance around the house trying to sing the song Once Upon a December from Disney's Anastasia. Naomi has to be reminded that Sariah is still little and can't so all the steps, but she seems to enjoy trying. I wish I could get it recorded, but like all children, they stop doing it when they see you filming them.

In a couple of years (when she's 4) we'll get her into dance as well. And if they both enjoy it, I'll be the dance mom instead of the soccer mom.

Friday Favorites

So, in trying to come up with things to blog about I am going to try Friday Favorites. I started using this on Naomi's hair about 18 months ago and I really love it. She's got such fine hair that tangles pretty easily and it really does help. Now that Sariah's hair is so long I use it on her hair too.

Thankful Thursday

Thought I'd do this this month in honor of Thanksgiving. Every Thursday. Ok - I know I missed last week.

I am thankful for my daughters. Whose light and life brighten my day. They are much more then I could have ever hoped for.

Naomi was almost my Thanksgiving gift 5 yrs ago. And I am thankful for her help, smile, and intellect.

Sariah - my little cuddle bug. Her eyes could light up a room. She is so strong and determined. Even though I wish she'd take a nap on her own, I like our snuggle time until she falls asleep.

Wordless Wednesday

Fall Fashion

The text in order because it's too small to read.

The wind-blown leaves turn
Dancing the golden sunlight
across the tired floor.
- Matt Dimmic

Autumns Glow

There is something about autumn
That brings out such earthiness
Gold leaves adorn bushes and trees
Like an artist with a brilliant brush

Once the leaves dry on the trees
Then the wind begins to blow
Its a special time of year for me
Because I love autumn so

The cold dry air it seems
Prepare the leaves to fall
Mother Natures special time
Yes, its the best of all

What a dazzling way to end
The year as winter nears
The way leaves let loose
And drop like natures tears

Oh yes, I love those golden days
Dreamy with autumns glow
It makes me smile because I do
Love the season of autumn so!

Marilyn Lott

Autumn

The splendor of nature is a beautiful thing to behold,
especially, during autumn.
I can imagine looking out upon a dusty,
gravel road lined with maple trees
covered with golden, red and burnt-orange leaves.
Each leaf seems to be a masterpiece.
Walking down the unpaved road
scattered with round, grey pebbles
I would be struck with awe at the splendor
and beauty surrounding me.
Autumn ... is such a lovely time.

Pamela B. Robinson

Nap time - or My Funny Little Caterpillar

It's that time again when freedom trumps the body's need for sleep. When there is no need for sleep because you can now get out of your crib, or you've moved into a big kid bed.

We've been dealing with this in our home for the last few months. Sariah has decided that even though it's against her better interest naps are just not for her. When Naomi hit this stage we tried everything to get her to nap. And just having a new baby I desperately needed her to sleep. I thought I was going to loose my mind. We even tried holding her to see if that would get her to sleep. It was a long struggle and she would not be held to sleep. She was like that from birth - never one to be swaddled. Even got chewed out by a nurse because she wasn't at the hospital. Sariah on the other hand. At first it didn't work - I think it was more me - having been jaded by my experience with Naomi. But I tried again. Sometime she fights it, but not nearly with as much vigor nor does it last as long, and as soon as she stops squirming she's out cold in minutes.

Ever since birth she's loved to be swaddled and enjoyed it until we weaned at 18 mos. I would put a blanket down on the middle of my bed, put her in the middle of it, covered us both up and nursed her. When she was done I would get up and wrap her tightly and put her back to bed. I am thinking that the none mos or so was more her just eventually falling asleep and that she's never really given up the need to be wrapped up when she sleeps. She's always been able to keep the covers on her way more often then Naomi ever did. She's also never fallen out of bed either. Naomi did that A LOT.

So, my baby is a caterpillar wrapped tightly in her cocoon when she sleeps. Silly kid.

My Little Lawyer

So, we've been trying to teach Naomi that when you play Candyland you should take the card from the top. Instead she flips through the cards trying to find the card she wants. Well, over the weekend we got a new one, the old being tattered and the box torn up. When we opened a new one Naomi immediately found the directions. She pointed out that the directions does not say it has to picked from the top.


A year ago we were talking about one of her favorite books. "Duck for President" By Doreen Cronin. I told her farmer Brown was in charge. We argued a bit then she ran to her bedroom and came back with her book, and turned to the page that clearly said "Duck was officially in charge." That proved her point, even though I explained that Duck had turned the farm back over to farmer Brown so that he could run for Governor. In the mind of a three year old that was all that mattered to her. Duck was officially in charge.

She's loves to back up her arguments with the evidence as she can see and comprehend it. Watch out Harvard Law here she comes.

Folding

So I told Naomi to put her clothes away, only this time actually fold them. Usually she just throws them in the drawers, but with some order to them. Socks and undies on top, next drawer is for PJs, then shirts, and the bottom drawer is for pants. She emptied her entire top drawer and made sure everything was neatly folded and put in place. I went to grab a pair of panties for her and opened the drawer to this. Pretty good for a 4 yr old.

Why I Voted for Barack Obama?

The election season is over and done - it seems like it's been going on forever. Obama was never my first, second, or even third choice candidate, he was my 4th string. I was more in line with Dennis Kucinich, I was charmed by Edwards, and crushed to learn of his infidelity, then Sen. Clinton - I really wanted a woman president, and I thought she would do well, despite her baggage. In the end Obama beat them all. I admit I am a democrat first. To me their platform is more align with my beliefs and while I liked McCain 8 yrs ago, I felt he stepped too far to the right and I lost a lot of respect for him, I was not going to vote for McCain. A few days ago the bulletin board I frequent there was a movement to write why you are supporting Obama and to stay positive. This is what I wrote.

For our Children

• Because children deserve to grow up in a country where everyone has access to affordable healthcare
• Because children deserve an education from preschool to college
• Because children do not need to fear the unknown
• Because children need not fear growing up just to be sent off to war.
• Because children should have their parents make all their medical decisions and not the government
• Because children need healthy parents free from financial distress.
• Because children should grow up in a country that is respected internationally
• Because children need to grow up in a culture free of racism and bigotry.
• Because children should learn compassion amd empathy for their fellow being
• Because children need to see that you can grow up in difficult circumstances and become President of the United States.

I wish Obama the best during the next 4 years and I will pray for him and his family. I think it's a job that needs a lot of prayers.

Election Day

It's my 5th election. Yep that really dates me. My first is when Clinton ran for office. It's always good for your ego when the guy you voted for in your first election wins.

• Today is the last day I will have to mute/ignore all the ugly attack ads on TV.
• Today we will be glued to the TV watching the returns come in.
  
• Today we will hope there is a winner declared before we've gone to bed.
• Today we will walk down to the polling place with our children so they they will learn early the importance of voting.

I hope everyone who read this today has gone out to vote. All votes do count. Even though the Electoral College decides the president, local elections are won by mere votes.

Happy Election Day!

Resturants

So I admit we go out to eat WAY more then we should. So we've been to many places and some are definitely better for children then others. Of course your fast food places are pretty good for kids, and the casual atmosphere aren't going to garner disapproving glares should your child act up, but after a while adults want a more adult menu.

One of the best things restaurants have done is provide a coloring sheet and crayons. Just about everyone has them from IHOP to Red Lobster, but if they are too busy children get bored quickly. Though the quality of the crayons aren't that great, even the greatest pressure yields little color or they break easy. Which considering they are free and will most likely be tossed at the end of the meal they aren't bad. However Bob Evans a family style breakfast lunch and dinner place provide Crayola. Those you take home w/ you.

Marco Polo, here in Harrisburg has THEE best Chinese food I've ever had, but their restaurant is not even remotely kid friendly, no crayons and the vases on the tables are far too tempting for little fingers to play with. If I remember right Jasmine's in Salt Lake didn't have crayons either. Must be a thing w/ Chinese restaurants.

We recently went to a Mexican restaurant that had the right idea in the lobby. They had a few toys and books to keep small children entertained while they waited. More places should adopt that idea

The TGIFriday's in Salt Lake understood that kids get antsy waiting for their food and offered the option of bringing their food asap. Mimi's Cafe is probably the best for children. Not only do they provide the standard coloring sheet but they provide at no charge Cheerios and orange slices for the kids upon being seated.

The kids drive us crazy almost every time we go out, but we still do. We must be masochistic. But, one of our resolutions for 2009 is to drastically reduce our dining out and since we are moving into a kitchen that will have more counter space then we've ever had before I hope to do more gourmet. And I've seen websites that provide restaurant recipes. Great food and not have to worry about your child bothering the people next to you sounds like a great idea.