St. George

Feb 7-9, 2017

 

Parenting Fail

As we were waiting for AJ's final ortho consultation-

Too funny not to save for the future:

Aj: (ecstatic) "mom, I am worth 2 million dollars in this game!"

Mom: (genuine and lovingly) "Aj, you are worthless". 

Pause...

Mom: (shocked) "I MEAN PRICELESS!"

Aj: (containing laughter)"wow mom". 

Another new car

How often do we get to buy two cars in one year? Hopefully never again. But we are ecstatic about this new addition. A 2014 Pathfinder (w 10k miles!) platinum edition with a winter package (um- how have I ever lived without a heated steaming wheel?!) and a TON of non-essential awesomeness.

Welcome to the family.

weird

Sometimes it's just fun to be weird. 

Job

Many people complain about their jobs. Not enough money, too demanding on my time, coworkers... etc. Of course I have my complaints, but mostly it consists of: not-fulfilling-enough. However, afternoons like today are pretty much awesome. I'm listening to geography trivia while coloring. Kinda my favorite two things. #itdoesn'tgetmuchbetter

 

Off track with Carson

I have had so much fun being off track with my not-so-little baby boy!  Carson is such an enjoyable, delightful child full of humor, wit, sarcasm, and compassion, that I can not help but be full of life and love when I am around him.  Here are a few high lights of our time together this (our first of three for the 2017 school year) off-track:
October 26
Breakfast downtown to celebrate John's Birthday

October 26th @ the zoo. "Swag shots" with some "sick statues" according to the hipster Carson. He wanted to have all the zoo statues wear his fedora.  Silly boy. Glad Grandma and Grandpa were able to join us for this one!  They are always so fun to be around.

October 27th the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.  We were here three hours! THREE!  I thought we would be in and out in one hour, but this kid loves his sea creatures.  He examined each one so intensely.  It always interests me to see what grabs his attention.  The tide pool is always a fun spot, as well as the stingray pool.  This time, he was particularly interested in the worm looking things that you barely even notice.  He looked at those things for a good 10 minutes in their mundane tank.  Fascinated.

October 31.  Finally all of my "Off Track tasks are mostly done (sewing, laundry, cleaning, halloween (today), etc, etc, etc, ) and it is a good thing because on the way home from the awesome Castleberry Halloween Party, our car decided to fizz out!  So... with a broken car (serpentine belt is broken) and an empty fridge, I introduce my child to the modern convenience of freaky-fast sandwiches, TV trays, and Movie Marathons.  He chose the Divergent movies.  Although I felt really lazy and extremely unproductive, It was refreshing to see the empty laundry baskets.

We also got regular tasks done as well, but having these two along always makes the trip a little more.... interesting?

In fact, during a run-of-the-mill outing to Oraon Gygi, for the best boullion ever, and a few other items, he declared, "mom, I don't know why, but I really like shopping". 

But, after three weeks of sleeping in, lunching out, high-price adventures, I asked him what his favorite thing was (not including Halloween), and he responded, "The massage chair at R.C. Willey." The $4,000 one on display in the electronic department. He even tried convincing AJ to choose it for an after school activity instead of the Skate-Park. 

Good to know you're easy to please, Cars. Good to know. Next track off, we'll hit up IKEA and R.C.Willey and call it good. 

Now that we are back in school, life will resume a sense of normalcy and we can go on counting down until our next break. 

8 weeks. 

 

 

 

Sleep

I have never been a big fan of babies sleeping in my bed. Actually, I refused. When our first baby was born, Bj and I came up with a method that worked marvelously for three separate infants. It went a little something like this: 

Beside Bjs side of the bed would be our baby in the bassinet. He is a deep sleeper, and can basically fall asleep on command. So when the baby cried, needing a feeding, or whatever, I would nudge his sleeping form and he would make the initial contact. He would try the "one-hand-tap-on-the-back", the "binki re-insertion", the "rock the bassinet", all before gently cradling the whimpering miracle. I would then retrieve the inconsolable bundle, go to the family room, settle in to my rocker or recliner and nurse my Tylenol PM through to my offspring. Once they were contentedly drooling, I would go back to bed, pass the baby to BJ who would pat their back until they spewed across his chest or relieved their excess pressure. Then he would gently roll the baby back to the cozy bassinet. 

It was a great system. It worked flawlessly (when he was on shift, I didn't mind doing it myself). 

When the kids were older, And would come in because of nightmares, they still would not be invited into our bed. We would offer comfort, and alternate endings to change the course of the dream then lie beside them in their bed until they were ok. If they were inconsolable we would drag their bedding into our room where they would sleep peacefully on the floor beside us (we never told them about the monsters that live under there). 

Same rule for sickness- ish. I do not handle vomit well so bj would be on clean-up, I would be on bedding change, we would give them Tylenol, a bowl, and a kiss on the head. They then had the option of their bed or our floor. 

 

Now that our kids are no longer nursing, need consoling for nightmares, or miss the toilet when sickness strikes, we rarely have to give them a sleeping choice. 

A few years ago, bj and I upgraded to a king sized mattress. Since then, if the circumstance is right, I will allow a child to sleep in Bj's spot when he is at work. We build a pillow barricade and they have their side and I have mine.  It's a peaceful arrangement that satisfies all. 

Until last night. 

When I went to bed after watching, "The Help" (great movie!), Carson was completely passed out, nestled into Bj's indentation. I put on pajamas (which I usually just sleep in my unders, but don't like to if my kids are in there), then built a pillow barricade, put in my ear-plugs (he's a quiet snorer) and sunk in to my new cool gel pillow. For about three seconds- when he cascaded our "pillowcade" and slung his heavy arm over my face. I reset our sleeping scenario, and tried again. This time I made it about 45 minutes before his foot found my ribcage. Reset, attack. Reset, attack. Finally after 4:00, I woke him up and began to lead him to his bed. He was startled and sleepily reached for my bed then asked, "what are you doing?".  I told him he needed to go to bed. He responded with a slurred, "I'm sleeping right there". (Pointing to my bed). I told him no and he asked, "Why?!".  And just as I started to explain he put up his hand (think, "talk to the hand") and spit out, "shhhhhh!!!", then stumbled into his bed and shut his eyes before he hit the pillow. 

I'm officially back to the whole "no kids in my bed" rule. 

I love them beyond words, but they need a well rested mother. 

Weight Loss

So, when someone has lost weight it reminds me of talking to someone who is pregnant. There is that stage where you are not sure if they are pregnant, and don't want to ask in case they have just been eating a little more heartily, or whatever.  You skirt around it by saying things like, "So... what's new with you?" Or, "how are your kids?".  But, when it is obvious, then it's ok to say things like, "when are you due", or "how far along are you?".  But you have to find the right way to say it so you don't leave the, already emotional mother feeling plummy and unattractive. 

Well, when someone has lost weight it's a delicate balance as well. The comment, "Holy cow! You have lost a ton of weight!" May feel like a compliment coming out of your mouth, but could be interpreted as, ("a ton? I haven't even changed pant sizes, how big did I look?"). But the more subtle inquiry, "have you been losing weight?", is a more tactful way of initiating a conversation about someone's  trimmed physical appearance. But once it's been said, no need to dwell... things like, "seriously, you look great!" Then 5 minutes later; "I just can't get over how skinny you are!", then 10 minutes after that, "have you had to buy a whole new wardrobe?!" Is going way too far. For me anyway. I have had a few of these experiences lately and sometimes they bolster me onward, and others, reaching for a bag of potato chips and the tv remote. 

Yes. I have lost some of my excess "insulation". Some people are going to ask me about it, and my preferred conversation begins with, "what have you been doing...". And to put it out there, this is the gist of what I have been doing to lose weight:

My friend Amie gave me a Fitbit on my birthday this past March, which is also the day we got home from our highly active L.A. adventure. I weighed myself that morning and decided the time had come to take control, but I wasn't sure what to do. After a delicious birthday breakfast with Amie, where she gave me the fitness tracker, I went home, read the instructions (I always read instructions), and have rarely been seen without it since. With my goal set at the American Heart Association recommended 10,000 steps per day, I have met the goal, on average, about 2.5 times per week, and get close to 8,000 about 6 times per week. This is my number one contribution to my weight loss. 

Second, breakfast. I am a big believer in a nutrient packed breakfast.  My go-to morning meal since March 29, has been a veggie, egg white, omelette, with a multi-grain English muffin.  Occasionally I'll toss in some cheese or bacon crumble, but for the most part it's a medley of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, squash and onions, all of which are diced and frozen together. All I have to do is scoop about 1 cup in a buttered (yes, actual butter) sautée pan. I cook them until the moisture has reduced then crack the eggs right over the top, keeping the yolk in the shell to be discarded. Covering the pan steams the top layer of egg finishing it nicely. Then, if I'm feeling it, I add spinach, (also chopped and frozen) cheese and bacon, or ham if I've got it.   

Since the gift of the Fitbit I have been more conscientious of my caloric intake but have refused myself, nothing.  I still binge on popcorn when I go to the movies.  I still eat 2 red lobster biscuits whenever we make them. But instead of eating two tamales on Thursday at Cafe rio, I order two, and ask for extra lettuce and a small side of dressing for a "side salad", and the rice and beans in side dishes so I can eat them with my second tamale the next day. Little changes like this, in accompaniment with the 10,000 step attempt and low calorie yet deliciously filling breakfast, has been the change I needed to shed some of my excess. The hardest part is finding time to walk (I won't go in to my allocation of time, but I have to get creative sometimes). Some days I run a little just to get it done faster, but I really, really hate running, so I try and avoid it. 

That's it. 

That's the gist. 

I don't go in to that much detail when people ask me about it, especially if they are making me feel like I was previously an after school special. But I am happy with my progress and hope I can keep up my fitness and eating habits throughout the baking season. 

 

Creativity Fizzle

I feel like I have hit my creative climax and am starting a rapid decline to fizzling out, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. For such a long time one my most "prized" characteristics was my creativity. I won't say I am no longer creative, but I just lack the drive hat I once had. I still enjoy my creative outlets, well... outlet: Card Group. I've been part of this group or another for probably 10-12 years and even though the cards are still fun to make, and I'm still enjoying the creative process, my focus is more what others would enjoy rather than what I enjoy making. It sounds somewhat "noble" when I say it like that, but this was suppose to be something for me (here is the selfish beast...) this outlet was about me making time for things I like and I want to do and giving myself the break that I deserve.  I am ok with the redirecting of "me-time" but feel a little guilty filling the "me-time" with Netflix instead of developing a talent or investing my time in something that will encourage long lasting and rewarding results. 

Oh well. 

That's enough of that. 

Here are my contributions for this session:

Yes... that is a puffy Pokémon sticker. Carson was over the moon when he saw it, I knew he would be, but it was a serious struggle with my creative side to stoop to making a Pokémon card. I will redeem myself. 

Next time. 

 

Beautiful Rage Walk

November 1-

I had to laugh. When Ash realized our car was broken and she would have to walk the 2.3 miles to guitar (with me) she threw her guitar on her back and stomped, literally stomped, about 1/2 a mile before she simmered down enough to have a conversation. Once the lid was on her boil, she was all smiles and stories telling me about her classes at school and the happenings in her life. I love spending time with this young woman and marvel at the wonder that she is. She is so passionate about her interests and puts so much thought and energy into the things that she does. I am so pleased that she still includes me in her life stories and isn't embarrassed to walk side by side with me in public. 

While she was in her lesson I arranged a ride home for her (thanks Lynette!!) while I continued to the pond at Herriman Cove before I wound my way back home. It was a beautifully overcast fall afternoon and I couldn't have asked for better walking weather. 

Quiet Drive

My children are absolutely perfect and never make any mistakes.  They never frustrate me to the point of insanity.  They are always asking for ways to help and make my life easier.  Clean rooms, obedient behavior, there are rainbows sprouting from every glistening light bulb in our house.
 My life is perfect.
This is the mantra I was spouting as I put myself in time out today.  (Although I do admit that I prefer to have these conversations with an accent, today I chose Irish.)

Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done.  From the day I realized I was pregnant I was suddenly granted a myriad of complex emotions and no guide on how to combat them.  I am constantly being pushed to my limit in good ways and bad.  I have never felt more joy, disappointment, love, and frustration in my entire life than in the past 15 years.

My family has recently joined digital forces in the form of the iPhone app, "Little Alchemist" that simply combines two elements to create a new one.  For example Earth + air = dust.  Earth + fire = lava.  Mud+fire=brick,  =wall, =house, =building, =city, =sea, =boat, =pirate... anyway...  Some elements are created with random items such as Human and energy = wizard, or wood and fabric = tent.  This reminds me of parenting.  How I find myself with two elements such as tired + stressed and I somehow get witch, or compliant + energetic = wetting my pants on the tramp.  There are so many elements involved in raising a family that are unpredictable and obscure, yet strangely satisfying and fulfilling.   Especially at this time in my life where I am working full time, going to school full time, have an active calling in YW, kids that are in soccer, swimming, parkour, guitar, ukulele, piano, and a husband who is gone for two complete days every week.  So when I have a combination of elements such as misbehaving children+ husband at work +++ it is no wonder that my outcome ends up being a silent ride up Butterfield canyon looking at beautiful fall leaves, wild turkeys, and baby deer.

Really,
My life is perfect.

Mostly.

Lunch Date

Mom and I met up for a funeral, (RIP Gloria Peterson) and decided to grab some lunch afterward.  I am so, SO blessed to be the daughter of this woman.  She is the epidemy of motherhood, love, charity and friend.  I look forward to every moment I have with her and am always eager to soak up her goodness.  Thanks for you, mom.

Oh, how I have changed

August 12, 2016

This beautiful bride is getting married tomorrow. And she is spending her pre-wedding night at my house.  Other than the beautiful event she has planned all I can think about is how much my life has changed in the past decade. Old Lizz would have been in over the top Hostess-mode.  She would have draped sheer white fabric around the mirrors.  Fresh flowers on the dresser, mints on the pillows, chilled water in the fridge, a mani-pedi scheduled, along with a cucumber mask and relaxing music to get a good nights rest.  Breakfast would have been a well-planned, yet light and fare feast.  Fruits, juices, a couple pastry's along with mini quiche.  However, this Lizz did a quick change of the sheets, olive garden (which she beat me to the check) and last minute wedding assignments before crashing.  Breakfast was a single breakfast casserole (items purchased the night before) thrown in the oven on my way out the door to carson's soccer game. It's like I don't even exist anymore!  Oh well.  She left in one piece.  That's about all I can do.

Yw camp 2016

July 5-8 2016

Ashlyn has watched and helped me for hours upon hours as I served as the YW camp director in our ward.  Now that I am no longer the director, she finally is old enough to go!  She has been looking forward to it since she was ten years old and was first exposed to it.  

She really loves sticking her tongue out in pictures... she gets that from her daddy.  I was glad that she still wanted me to come.  She is at that age where she doesn't need mom around so much, and wants her around even less.  When I told her I wouldn't go if she would rather have the experience without me, she insisted that i come.  I'll admit, her positive attitude about me going set my heart a-flutter.  I absolutely love being with my kids.  Any of them.  At any time.  This girl is my world, and I am so glad that I am still part of hers.

She loved her first year at camp.  She strengthened some friendships with some of the girls in our ward, made some fun crafts, did some fun activities, and had an absolute blast.  She said her favorite part of camp was the zip line.  Heber Valley Girls Camp has an obstacle course that is an incredible experience.  Not only do they get to do things they wouldn't get to do anywhere else, but they connect everything to a spiritual level that the girls can accept or ignore, depending on their state of mind.  I am glad I got to spend the last day with her and hope we have more YW camp moments in the future.

Love ya sis!!

Crash

July 4, 2016

Story coming soon...

Summer School

July 1, 2016

This is my life now.  At least I have a dependable laptop, an adorable table, lovely trees, and a spill-proof water bottle.  Actually, its weird that I have water in this picture.  I usually have a diet coke as my companion.  It gets me through.

Mother-Daughter Date

Mom and I have been talking about getting together for lunch when I go off track, since I started working in your round of school… Six years ago. I think today may be the first time we have actually done it. And we also went to the Utah Pioneer Museum.  I absolutely love spending time with my mom.  She is one of the most incredible people I know and I hope I can turn out to be half the person she is.  

(Oh, yeah, this bottom picture is of a man walking his cat on a leash.  Just had to remember this)

Mother's Day 2016

May 8, 2016

I've been wanting a little table just like this for years! For Mother's Day, this was the item of the day. BJ and I explored every local store that would possibly have a little bistro table to satisfy my carnal desire, and Lowe's pulled through.  Bj was willing to get whatever one I wanted, Even if what I wanted was totally impractical and would have to be moved every time we mowed the lawn.  Thankfully, what i wanted was this simple (though very heavy) blue tiled table that fits perfectly on our patio.  I was so giddy about  being able to spend some time outside while I do homework, eat breakfast, or just sip a diet coke and read a book!  Bj even helped pick out a couple decorative chair pillows.  

It doesn't get much better than this right here.

BYU Women's Conference

April 28 2016

It's not that she's famous, but who else's mom was asked to speak at BYU's women's conference... In one of the largest available venues... With the incredibly talented Hilary Weeks? 

That's right. 

My mom. 

Mom and Hilary talked about living your life with humor.  A topic they are both passionate about and shared flawlessly.  They were speaking to a full house.  There couldn't have been two better presenters.  

After they were done (the two of them took an hour total) Mom's supporters walked down the street to the pizza place for a celebratory lunch.  It took us longer to get there than anticipated because mom had created a following.  Apparently lunch would be a celebrity lunch instead of celebratory.  

Actually, it would be a celebrity weekend.  The rest of the conference mom was stopped everywhere she went to compliment her on a job well done.  Her message really was inspiring and applicable to every human on the planet.  Female, Male, Young and old.  Just find a way to laugh.

Speaking of laughter, these bathroom signs posted around the conference made me laugh.  I just had to include them in my montage.

38

Happy Birthday to me! 

Another one for the books! I am 38 and still absolute love celebrating my birthday. I'll be the first to admit how spoiled I am. Not only did I get spoiled the week preceding today while in Cali, (and even a little earlier than that with an early gift from a friend in the form of an entertainment armoir!) but all day long as well. 

My morning started at Kneaders for breakfast with Amie (she had never tried their French toast?!) who absolutely SPOILED me, while motivated me to exercise all at the same time;). Then when I got home Bj had taken the kids shopping and to his parents to pick up LuLu. So while I waited for them I read a book (Selection, by Kiera Cass) in the silence of my home. When they finally got back, ash went and wrapped a gift, which I quickly ripped open, and was so impressed that they remembered I wanted it... Apple TV (with a voice activated remote!... Didn't know I wanted that, but love it!!) SPOILED! Another wonderful surprise was a soothing foot massage by AJ! 

Spoiled:)

Robintinos in Bountiful was my dinner choice and my parents were able to meet us there, and as usual, they spoiled me!  

It was the most low key birthday that I've had in a while and couldn't have been more pleased. I felt spoiled with love from so many people through dropped off treats, kind cards, phone calls, media & text messages, and was once again reaffirmed that growing older is an incredible blessing and I'm positively overwhelmed with the astounding circumstances that surround my life.