Sums it up

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The best quote of the day was overheard during the annual 'Great Candy Trade-off' A kid started, parent not welcome tradition that begins immediately after trick or treating on Emily's bedroom floor and ends when all the candy is inspected, sorted & traded. Cherry heads are hot items and snickers this year are CHEAP. Negotiation skills are paramount and don't try and cheat.

This was Savanna's first year involved in the trade and as Tim was trying to run an especially hard bargain for a prize of Savanna's I overheard

"BACK OFF, MAN...."

Yep, she can hold her own.

It's all about the presents...(or presidents if you are Ethan)

Mike got a Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera for his birthday yesterday, but that wasn't his best birthday present ever. Six years (and 1 day) ago he got this:

(chunka lunka...can you believe those cheeks?)

A 10 pound 1 oz birthed with no epidural bundle of happiness. My hardest in ways but best in ways delivery, the only baby that Mike got to cut the cord for and the one he had to work the hardest at. (breathe...don't forget to breathe...don't bug her....no she doesn't want an epidural...I don't think she's really in a joking mood right now...yeah, yeah I think she is in pain...)

This is the birth that when I face hard things I think back on and say...if I can give birth to a 10 lb, back facing, pitocin inducing, non-epidural baby I CAN do anything.

I guess it's appropriate to have the 'CAN'T Do Attitude post changed to a CAN DO attitude post in such proximity to Savanna and Mike...because they are two people that really have shown me what it means to Just Do It!

Happy birthday to my best friend, my companion of 15 years and 'over the hill' 40 year old sweetheart. (That part was for Emily you can see her gagging over in the corner)
AND to my bestest , sweetest, enthusiastic for life 6 year old.

(Photoshop help from Kim Hill--THANKS!)

Take THAT--It CAN be done!

The Can't Do Attitude...

I just love the CAN'T do attitude...not. Yesterday I ordered some donuts for the two birthdays we have at our house today (more on that later.) Since our day was filled to the brim instead of making a cake I decided donuts and apple cider was the way to go. BUT, I thought it would be fun to still have the birthday wish involved so I requested the bakery (that daily decorates hundreds--ok probably 10's of cakes every single day...and now on Sundays) to simply pipe the words Happy Birthday Mike and Happy Birthday Savanna on two chocolate Covered Bismarks.

This was the response I got:

Bakery Clerk: *DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS STRESS LOOK* "We can't do that."
Me: "What do you mean? You decorate cakes every day."
Bakery Clerk: "We can't decorate donuts."
Me: "Can't you think outside of the box here for me?"
Bakery Clerk: " Still with a stunned look on her face...we CAN'T do that" *Shaking her head*

Really? You CAN'T do that? Prime example of a Can't do attitude.

Yesterday I read in the paper about a local elementary that is apart of a program called 'No Excuses University'. The idea is that the kids get invested in the idea of going to college and own it. And that no excuse from them is legitimate to not reach their educational goals.

This combined with the can't do attitude of the poor bakery clerk got me thinking. What things am I using the 'CAN'T DO Attitude' on. Embarrassingly, I could come up with 3 biggies almost immediately...and I have to tell you that was uncomfortable. I'm not sure I'm ready to share my excuseful personal issues--yet. But I am definitely on the path to changing my attitude.

I also thought of the 3 middle school girls I hiked with to the top of Maylin's Peak last week. They were searching for excuses...any...every excuse not to make it to the top. I encouraged, cajoled, supported, helped them all the way...up on top they slumped in a heap without even looking at the view (You can see the picture in my header). I noticed they had still not moved when it was time to go so I told them they HAD to come see the view or I would not let them go back down. With much encouragement I lured them to the overlook and was thrilled when the first word out of their mouths was an awed, 'WOW!'

Score one for a Can DO attitude.

Playing Catch Up

BUSY...is the keyword for last week and this. And probably the next..so here are some bullet points.

*Savanna's glasses lasted all of 2 days...2 DAYS before they were broken. Thank goodness for Shopko and their awesome warranty. Please pray we don't have to use it again.

*We got pumpkins AND carved them. Had all of Mike's family over for a party and I spent the whole time at the Dr. with Tim. The doctor was almost giddy that he did NOT have swine flu. Double ear infections here we come.

*Hiked 6 miles with Emily & Tim's school. Have a fantastic photo, but I'm still trying to figure out how to share it. Only lost one girl down the mountain. Really it was a miracle she was not more hurt.

*This week we celebrate 2 birthdays and multiple 'other' parties for school, dance and Halloween. Hoping we make it to everthing.

The glasses have arrived...

And she's darn cute in them if I do say so myself.

How Many Times...

In the last couple of weeks have I thought in my mind. I should blog about that. Then I create the wonderfully word crafted post {in my mind} , smile, then am on my way again, only to have a blank mind when I sit down to the computer. So no word wizardry going on here...but I feel I need to break the blog ice again so I can get in another rhythm going. So randomness here I come.

Some favorite sayings of Ethan over the last two weeks.

'YEAH FOR ME!' Then I say 'Yeah for You!' and he says 'No, MOM, YEAH FOR ME' Yeah you are right. This conversation happens after every successful restroom trip. And I've been hearing it a lot so 'Yeah for me!'

Ethan's been a bit clumsy lately but he is also tough so when he falls down he'll say "Wow...that was kinda scary." Pick himself up and walk away. Only to get two steps turn around and run to me with tears in his eyes for a hug. I love that he is 'big and brave' but that he also needs his Mommy's hugs.

Can I bottle this age? I know only too well that it is only fleeting. Here's to remembering that--always.

Savanna cracked me up a few days ago too. She was looking through a scrapbook I made for her when she pointed to a picture of her and laughed. Then she said, "That was back when I loved you Mom." [Thanks I think] So I said, "Do you love me now" 'No', she answered. I said, 'Well I still love you.' A little while later she came back with a different picture and said, 'I love you as much as I did in this picture, but not as much as I love Daddy because we have the same birthday.' Whew glad to be back on the loved list...but totally understand how priorities work. :)

I went on an awesome Field Work with Tim on Tuesday and I'm going on a 6 mile hike with the 6-9th graders tomorrow. So I DO have some cool pictures to share...just not ready yet.

I thought I was going to get a pirate for halloween...

but instead I got a X-Ray Vision Super Hero!

A couple of weeks ago Savanna's Kindergarten teacher mentioned she had a lazy eye and had I noticed it. Uh, yes I'll be accepting the mother of the year award sometime...never...for not ever even once noticing that she had a lazy eye. If I knew she had a lazy eye I would have whipped it into shape, made it do exercises, learn to be responsible...oh wait, yeah I wouldn't have done that. But it doesn't matter because I didn't even know!

The eye doctor, his nurse/tech and all those professionals tried to tell me it was OK that I didn't know...but then they proceeded to ask me questions like...How long has it been going on? Uh...two weeks--as far as I know. Does it bother her? Uh....No...never mentioned it before? Does she have double vision? Uh...how would I know that anyway? So, yes I felt like a loser Mom--especially when I found out that my suspected cure for the problem would be a temporary patch to get that other eye pulling its share...was so not even close. My little sweet near and farsighted super hero will soon have her own special {prescription} power BIFOCALS. YES BIFOCALS. She's 5...well almost 6 and she'll have BIFOCALS. When the doctor said, 'You seem surprised about this'. I had to agree.
And when Savanna worried that the kids would tease her about her magnificent sun glasses I told her to tell them:

I just went to the super hero store and now I have X-Ray Vision!

Prayers for Amy

Amy, who has commented on here occasionally is my sister-in-law Brooke's sister. Is that clear as mud for you? Anyway, she is pregnant, due in December but is at the hospital because her baby is in extreme distress. I'm sure she wouldn't mind some extra prayers her way if that is your style. If you read this Amy, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

ETA: Sadly, Brooke called me this morning. After an emergency delivery, the baby had only a very brief stay here. If you like you can leave Amy a message here. Prayers of comfort for Amy and her family.

4828 Days...

Is how long we have been a diaper changin' household. Yep for the last 13 years, 2 months and 12 days we have had at least 1 sometimes 2 kiddos in diapers. That is well over 20,000 diapers if you were to average 4 per day.

I'm sorry Kimberly-Clark, but the days of us single handedly keeping you in the black are OVER!


Funny isn't it how things can change so fast. A week ago I was lamenting, and then 3 days ago the switch flipped.

What, you might ask, made all the difference? SPIDER-MAN.

If you know me at all you know I'm NOT a fan of marketing super-heros to kids who aren't old enough to watch the movies. I actually despise it. I do all in my power to not buy things that are related--my mini boycott if you will. But, YES, I broke my resolve. You see a certain 3 year old while never seeing the movie is a HUGE fan. (Thanks to a buddy of his.) He knows the web slinging poses and everything. Friday, Mike suggested we buy him some Spider-Man underwear. I told Ethan if he could stay dry for a day, he could wear them, by Sunday afternoon it was all over. The switch flipped. I'm not naive enough to think we are completely out of the woods yet, but out of 5 kids I've never seen someone so invested in the cause.

So grudgingly, I offer my sincere thanks to the Super-Hero in red and blue.

Spider-Man you are MY hero today.

RUINED.... *SOB*

This is what

• 8 Pairs of Pants
• 8 shirts
• a few odd socks
• A sweater
• and a pair of shorts

Looks like now after its intimate time spent with a single broken black crayon in the dryer.


After I figure out how I stuffed all that in one load you will find me over in the corner crying.

*SOB*

A Comedy of Errors Transcontinental Railroad Style

A trip with Sierra to Gold Spike National Historic Site revealed that even in 1869 people had bad days.

You see it was really a comedy of errors that all came together on May 10, 1869 to bind the nation together from one end to the other.

• Originally the meeting of the rails was scheduled for May 8, 1869.
  

• Neither engine present in the famous joining of the rails photo was actually the scheduled train for the occasion.

• Coming from the East the scheduled Union Pacific train that carried the railroad's Vice President Thomas Durrant was delayed in Wyoming by 400 laid off workers waiting for back wages. The workers chained the train in place and refused to budge until they received their pay. After the delay, heavy rains in the Weber River weakened a bridge enough that the engineer would not cross with the engine. Instead he gently gave each passenger car a push across the unstable bridge. On the other side Engine #119 came from Ogden, UT to their rescue.

• Coming from the West the Central Pacific Railroad train carrying Leland Stanford was delayed when workers failed to notice a green flag on the first of two trains traveling together. The green flag signaled that another train followed behind. However, workers did not heed the flag and a log tumbled on to the track. The second Engine (called the Antelope) hit the log and was severely damaged. Leland Stanford had to transfer to the first train at the next station to continue on to Promontory.

• It took some effort to decide where the meeting spot for the railroads should be. Each side wanted to get as much money from the government as possible as they were paid per mile of track on a scale that took into account difficulty and terrain. Because of that before Promontory was chosen each company prepared and graded parallel land for track for 250 miles.

• Once at Promontory they prepared to celebrate the joining of the rails. Unfortunately all those in charge had somehow forgotten to bring an American Flag to fly at the occasion. After asking those attending the festivities if anyone had a flag they finally found a small regiment of soldiers that was attending and someone had a flag in his knapsack. However, the flag only had 20 stars. In 1869 there were 37 states. The 20 star flag only flew for one year in 1818 before another state was added. This flag, no doubt an heirloom, was 51 years old! Still today at the Historic Site they fly the 20 star flag to reflect what happened that day.

(I love this photo...all the kids and tourists moved out of the way so I was able to get just the locomotives and their engineers. All in period costume. It's a bit hard to see in this picture, but I think I might print this one LARGE for Ethan's room.)

INTERESTING FACTS:

1. There were 4 spikes 'tapped' into place at the Gold Spike Ceremony--2 Gold, 1 Silver & one Gold and Silver Spike
2. The replicas of the Locomotives are painted in the same colors and manner as the originals. Engine #119 has a pictures of Johnny Appleseed on it.
3. The Jupiter (Central Pacific Railroad) was a wood burning locomotive and Engine #119 (Union Pacific Railroad) was a coal burning locomotive.
4. None of the ceremonial spikes are at the Gold Spike National Historic Site. They are housed in other collections in California and New York.
5. I 'think' I have a relative that was there. Peggy can you help me out here? Is it true or just a rumor?

P.S. I had so much fun photographing yesterday I just had to share one more.

Oh my Hail...

This is what we woke up to on Monday morning. IT WAS LOUD. I thought our roof was going to collapse. On the plus side, it did get the kids out of bed on time.

Learning to not be the crazy, psycho, potty-training Mom

I'm slow. I have to learn a lesson over and over and over (and over and over) before it really sinks in. You see, I am a TERRIBLE potty-training Mom. At least in the sense of getting it done and getting it done fast. Not a one of my kids has been out of diapers before the age of 3 and all have them have been at least 3 1/2. ( I think Savanna may have slipped in at 3 yrs and 5 months.) Each experience of potty training has been pure torture~certainly for me and in all honestly certainly for the poor child involved. You see, strangely, (can you see the sarcasm dripping) I get really uptight when I have to clean up bodily function messes. I have been known to yell, cry, scream, throw things. Eeek that is really bad andI'm very sorry for doing it.

I often thought before I had kids that the worst part of being a parent would be potty training and I was RIGHT. Yep I said it I WAS RIGHT! It sucks.

I have read the books, viewed the methods tried to apply just about everyone of them at one point or another, and it still stinks...literally and figuratively. I have friends that have had kids just up and got rid of diapers at 16 months one day and went on their merry little way with nary a mess to follow. To them I say, while I love you...I hate you. ;) No not really, I guess you probably have to deal with other not so fun issues like keeping clean underwear in drawers and knowing where all the restrooms are in any given 5 mile radius.

I have had looks, whispers all out shock at my 'too old' unpotty trained kids. To them I say...do you want a crack at it?

So through it all, I ask myself. Why is this so hard for me? Am I just potty training impaired? Am I lazy? Are my kids lazy? Well maybe, the jury is still out, but while they are debating I have decided that I really can't face becoming the crazy, psycho, potty-training Mom again so I MUST do something different. But what can you do different when you've tried all the 'things to try?" There is only one answer...

ATTITUDE

And much to my chagrin that doesn't mean the attitude of my sweet, stubborn three year old. Unfortunately the only attitude I can change is my own.


And on that note...I'll leave you with my potty training gratitude list:

1. Home Depot! Ethan is about a third of the way through his sticker potty chart and the reward at the end is a trip to Home Depot to buy a tool with Dad. I sure hope they don't pick out a $300 drill.
2. Pink Pull-UPs. At least they gave me a laugh. We were out of pull ups the other night and Mike managed to scrounge up one last princess pull-up from Savanna's day. When I went to help Ethan put it on he balked. He was a boy and a BOY DOES NOT WEAR PINK PULL-UPS. I told him he did if that's all we had. So the next day I decided to go PINK. When I got them home explaining that all the boy pull-ups were mysteriously 'out of stock' so I had to get pink I hoped he would go directly to the bathroom, do not pass go and well...go. But alas his reply was "I like princesses" Grr...
   
3. TWO stickers. For the last week Ethan has had one success a day. He felt it quite unnecessary to be successful more than that. "Ethan time to go to the potty" "No, Mom, I already did today..." So today, we set a goal to get TWO stickers. YEAH FOR ETHAN FOR MEETING HIS GOAL.
4. Finding success amidst many failures. Just like in life you can look at the bad things that happen or you can focus on the good. My tenure as crazy, psycho, potty-training Mom has included WAY too many bad thing episodes. Today I am committing to focus on the good.
   

(Please reassure me that he will be done before Kindergarten!)

If you do that one more time, you will go to bed with no homework!

Did I just say that....really?

It seems the best form of discipline for Savanna lately is to take away her homework privileges. That is NOT ALLOWING her to do her homework.


Her least favorite day is Friday...because no homework for a whole weekend.

Her most favorite day is Monday...because there is 5 glorious homework days ahead.

Is there something wrong here?

A new blog on the block...

Emily has started her own blog. It might just be a mother's view, but I think she's a pretty good writer. She would love you to stop by and visit, but since she is still under age I thought it would be a good idea to keep it a private blog. SO....if you would like to be invited please respond below. We are just trying to keep out the weirdos from say Kazakhstan or places such so even if you don't really know Emily, but respond to my blog on occasion you are welcome to visit. Just respond below and she'll send you an invite.