Love-ly Party

Another girl and I hosted a Valentine's Party for some of the moms and kids in our ward. It was complete with heart-shaped chicken pot pies, a valentine exchange, and sugar cookies. We had a house full of rambunctious and rowdy boys and 2 baby girls. I think we were all glad to be doing something out of the usual. These wintery days have been getting to everyone.

Nursery

Who knew that as a mom your entire life would revolve around the institution of nursery? Mine certainly has the past few days.

During one very boring snow day, Hudson wanted to dress his baby up. Once we had her in a little homemade dress, he put sissy's pink snow boots on her and they were off to "church." At church they sang a few songs and colored. The doll didn't color or sing very well by her self, good thing Hudson's picking up on the pretending thing. He colored a beautiful picture for her. During the course of the day the picture got ripped. At day's end I requested it be thrown away to which he replied, "Idaho!' We've got a geographical genius on our hands. See for yourself.
Last night Dalanie entered nursery boot camp. She practiced drinking water from a cup and eating graham crackers. By the end of her first grueling session, she looked more like a drowned rat than a marine but she's right on track to be an eligible nursery participant in about a year.Lastly, I leave you with my heart collage. No real correlation between it and nursery other than I think it would look adorable in our baby room, nursery, upstairs.

Tagged

Nikkala tagged me awhile ago. For some reason, I find these questionaires hard to fill out. I suppose you won't find any of it interesting, but here it goes.

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 fellow bloggers.

10 years ago: I would have been causing all sorts of trouble as a junior in high school. I'm pretty sure it was around this time,(and the same kind of road conditions we are experiencing) that I swerved to miss a dog in Zena and slid off the road. From then on I vowed never to swerve to miss an animal. Maybe that's why I told Brent "just hit it!" and week ago when a dog wandered out in front of us.

5 things on my to-do list today: hmmmm. . . . only 5- 1. get kids bathed and dressed 2. aerobics 3. shower and drink lots of water 4. declutter and donate to DI 5. create a Valentines collage

Snacks I enjoy: toast and honey, M&M's

Things I would do if I were suddenly made a a billionaire: Become debt free, build a new house, build an events/catering center, travel, and save a good chunk.

3 of my bad habits: 1. wasting time on the computer (guilty as charged) 2. letting clothes sit in the dryer 3. leaving my cell phone in the diaper bag- so if you really need to get a hold of me, call my home phone

Jobs I have had: WEPCo, Lake Ag, Burley Golf Course, USU Grounds Crew, International Sports Specialists, Hillman Farm, Mom

Things people don't know about me: I have mellowed out a lot. I used to be a basket case. I am also a lot better at controlling my feelings (no violent outbursts anymore.)

You're IT if you feel so inclined.

Hudson-isms

This boy comes up with the funniest things lately.

Maybe it's because I'm his mom.

Maybe it's because we've been cooped up inside for the past week. But at any rate, I hope you find them as entertaining as I have.

"That grapesuit not good for me."

"I need some candy to make me feel better."

"Sis, I'm sorry. I be more tareful." (After several repeated offenses. In his mind sorry fixes everything, just like Mom's kisses.)

"Me do!"

"Where that ______ are?"

Now that I sit down to type them all up, my mind goes blank. I'll have to keep a better list.

My Buddy

This afternoon, I bundled Hudson up, strapped on his snowshoes, and sent him outside to play in the new snow. Two minutes later he was standing at the back door yelling, "Knock, knock, anybody home?" As soon as I opened the door, he started begging me to come out with him. I quickly conceded. There's just something about going outside and getting cold cheeks. I put on my snowshoes and we set out on our cross country expedition.

He's an animal. The snow drifts were deep and difficult to get through, but he plodded on. Maybe next time we'll have to go somewhere more challenging. I think I've found a snowshoeing buddy.This is his outdoor pulpit. He loves to stand behind it and talk to the snow. "See snow, that my house. Mom, your turn."

It's That Time

Calving season is in full swing.

We had 7 Super Bowl babies (quite surprised when we went out after the game), several sets of twins, and a lot of snow to contend with.

Brent spent the majority of last night pulling calves. He's been an OBGYN on call lately.

Keeping Good On My Promise

When we were planning our kitchen, I told my husband that I needed more counter space than my tiny kitchen afforded if he ever wanted me to make him cinnamon rolls. I dreaded making anything that require to be rolled out since I had to use my kitchen table. For weeks after, I'd be using a butter knife to retrieve gunk that had been rolled into the leaf cracks.

He was good on his promise so I've tried to keep my end of the deal.

After finding out that school had been canceled yesterday, (it doesn't even effect me, but I still get happy when there's a snow day) I decided it was a perfect day for cinnamon rolls. My helper was soon at my side tasting the dough. After his approval, we got the dough rolled out.

Pomerelle

For the past few winters, Brent has been trying to get me to go skiing. Well, a pregnancy later and we finally did it. Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the kiddos. I can't believe that I grew up so close to Pomerelle and never took advantage of it. They have been getting tons of snow. The day before they had to close because of all of the snow (something like 70 some inches in 72 hours.) There was tons of powder. As a first time skiier I even enjoyed the conditions.

The Waiting Place

For the past few days, I've been hanging out in the most useless place--

"The Waiting Place… for people who are just waiting. Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go, or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for the wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.” Oh, the Places You’ll Go By Dr. Seuss

I spent the entire day yesterday waiting for UPS to deliver a certified letter that I had to sign for. After several phone calls and many visits to their website trying to track down my letter I was given the ambiguous response, "It will be there sometime between now and 9:30 pm." Well, 9:30 came and went and still no letter.

On top of that, our family has been trying go and visit my parents. We were all ready to leave when then the wintery snow conditions prevented us from going.

So here were are, another day. Still waiting. But this time only until 11:00 am when we can go and pick the letter up directly at UPS and then head out to Burley. Weather permitting of course.

President Hinckley

President Hinckley
1910-2008

Prophet.
Example.
Friend.

I looked to President Hinckley for guidance, strength, and optimism. He was all of that as the living prophet. His passing surprised me, at 97 years of age I began to think that he was invincible. Instead of grief and a troubled mind, I find peace in his passing and my knowledge of the gospel. He was a great man.

Time Flies When You're Growing Up

Lanie Lou

Half a year old and never been kissed. Alright, that's a joke. She gets a lot of lovin'. I mean those cheeks scream "Kiss me!"

Accomplishments from the past while:
-eating solid food; applesauce is a favorite
-rolling over a few times unassisted from Brother
-kicking and splashing in the tub
-enjoying freedom during diaper changing
-jabbering early in the morning
-sitting up, albeit slumped over

Feng Shui Imbalance

Over the past while, something has been out of whack. I seem to get irritated easily and have been a walking grump bucket. At first I was blaming it on the weather and singing my winter woes. (My dear husband is good at reminding me that I only want what I don't have. Because in a couple of months, my tune will change and I'll be whining about the wind and having to mow my lawn. But this time I promise, "I will be good and not complain, if only Thou wilt only remove this cold. Amen.")

At any rate, here's my own verse of complaints for the season:

1. It's cold- and there is no need for these subzero temperatures! The temperatures are holding us hostage in our own house. Which leads to another condition I suffer from- Cabin Fever, Stir Crazy, I am Going CRAZY syndrome.

2. My hands are cracked and bleeding. I know most people use lotion, but I'm telling you--IT DOES NOT WORK! The easiest solution would be to quit washing my hands; but since I'm the sole hygiene consultant for 3 of the bums that get changed around here and the head chef, it's not much of an option. My lips crack open too, but that's only a minor inconvenience.

3. The roads have been an ice sheet for the past month and you can't drive over 35 mph on them. So if I have to slow it down, I figure that there's no point in going anywhere-which only feeds the fire of #1.


But then it dawned on me.

I am not going mad.

I do not need to schedule a shrink or balance my hormones.

No, I am really quite normal. It's just my overflowing garbage that has been causing such Feng Shui havoc. Long story short, we didn't have it out to the curb (or where curbing would be if you had curbing out here on rural country roads) in time last week. So for the past week I have cramming all of our refuse onto the top of our already full garbage.

No worries. I took it out to the road last night. Now I plan to wait for the squeal of the brakes and hum of the hydraulics as the garbage truck empties my overworked receptacle. I'm just hoping it takes Oscar the Grouch with it.

Holding Down the Fort

I have always been somewhat independent or stubborn, whatever you like to call it. I figure if I get myself into a pickle, I can usually get myself out. During the summer this is especially true as Brent is plenty busy with the farm to run home and jumpstart my lawnmower or fix my chainsaw.

I don't know why it has taken me until now to realize that my resourcefulness screams Redneck.

Let's take yesterday for instance. We have had a pesky woodpecker knocking on our roof lately. Finally, I couldn't take the annoyance any longer. I shoved my feet into my Sorrels, pulled my coat over my pajamas and reached for the shotgun. I loaded a shell and headed for the backyard. Before logic caught up with my emotions, I had the gun pointed at our roof. The woodpecker took flight and the barrel followed his path. I pulled the trigger-- shattering the cold, winter silence with a loud KERBAM. Although I missed the target, I think that little woodpecker will think twice before he returns. After all, a gun does mean business.

And if that isn't enough to convince you that "I might be a Redneck . . . if," I decided to take my son and nephew on a ride. All was well until the 4-wheeler sunk through the crusty top layer of snow, up to it's axles. I got off and tried pushing it. Since I couldn't talk either boy into pushing the throttle while I heaved on the lifeless beast, we made little progress. Both boys began crying but I wasn't about to admit defeat, so I pushed, pulled, and drug them back to the house to get a shovel.

With shovel in hand, I set out alone to rescue the ATV and my pride. After some intense shoveling I was able to free the 4-wheeler from the hold of the snow, but the tires still spun in the powdery snow. It took a series of unorthodox heaving and pushing from my hips and stomach (remember, I had to reach and pull the throttle while I tried to push--no easy or pretty task) before I was able to get the machine on solid ground. At times I thought how much easier it would be to wait until Brent got home, but realized the satisfaction of doing it myself was worth the extra exertion.

Hmm. And to think my son has the same genes. Sure keeps life interesting.

We Have A Winner

Congratulations Heather! You're the winner of my "Making Me Happy/Pay It Forward " giveaway. You can look forward to a package in your mail in the near future.

Temple Open House

We went with some friends last night to the Rexburg Temple Open House. During the day, I was preparing Hudson for the evening's event. We were talking about how the temple is Jesus' house and that He wants us to be happy. Hudson quickly requested a verse of the Sunbeam song. Afterward he asked if Jesus had a car. Would anyone like to explain to a 2 year old how Jesus gets from point A to point B?

I was quite impressed with the entire open house experience. It's amazing how well it's orchestrated and how many people they move through the temple.

It is beautiful.

As we walked into the Celestial Room Hudson saw the gigantic chandelier and commented "Mom, that makes me happy!" (as only he can say it) They ask that you not talk in that room, so of course he takes advantage of the silence. He wanted to climb on the furniture and as soon as I went to get him, he let out a squeal of glee as he thought things had turned into a game of tag. Talk about sweating bullets. As our tour concluded, the guide invited us to enjoy the refreshments back at the Stake Center. Suddenly Hudson wanted nothing more to do with the temple. He was ready for his treat.

But as we were driving away he said he wanted to go back to the temple and started crying.

I guess even a little rambunctious boy can feel that the temple is a special place.

Quick Reminder

Remember-- I'm having my first official giveaway and you're not too late to enter. It's really quite easy, go here and let me know what's making you happy. Okay now, run on over and drop me a line. You've got until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday

Today my Mom celebrates a big day. She's turning 50. I'm not quite sure how she feels about it, but I think it's great. When I'm fifty I hope I'm as amazing as she is. Here are a few reasons why my mom rocks.

She's an awesome grandma. Although she lives 2 hours from us, she is an active player in my children's lives. She likes to send Hudson things in the mail and plan activities and reasons for us to get together. She's the fun, active Grandma that kids dream about having. Check her out giving Hudson "Swedish" kisses.She's extremely resourceful and makes the best of every situation. (Like when she had four little girls in one bedroom.) The sky is her limit. If there's a will or a vision, there's a way. Because of her can do attitude she has a beautiful yard, unique home (constructed largely by her two hands,) and wood working business. Consequently, we have been blessed by her talents. She helped me paint through the night while we were renovating our home and helped construct a super cool shelving unit in our mud room.She is motivated to stay fit and healthy. She exercises every weekday morning at 5:30 am with her friend. I've been involved with one of these said exercise experiences and they're pretty impressive women. They push each other and work hard. She also crossed start and finish line of the Turkey Trot 5K running.
I remember times growing up when we didn't always get along and Dad would say "It's because you're so much a like." I hope it's still true and that I can be just like you. Happy Birthday Mom!

Pay It Forward

Since I was the winner of Nikkala's Pay It Forward I decided I'd better educate myself and find out just what all this PIF giveaway was all about.

If you need a little enlightening yourself, check this description out.

So against my better judgement, I'm going to combine my Making Me Happy giveaway and have a double duty giveaway. You can comment here or there to be entered to win.

I don't want this to be all about winning because quite frankly- you might not find the prize to be nearly as "happy" as I do.

I've been inspired by this quote "Some pursue happiness, others create it." So go out there (or in so many cases stay home) and create some happiness today! In that way we can all be involved in Paying It Forward.

Making Me Happy Give Away

Since I still haven't gotten a new memory stick for my camera, I am without pictures to inspire a post so here goes a happy list.
1. Our public library - Maybe I don't get out much, but I love the great resource it's been for me as a mom. They have all sorts of themed boxes for kids (complete with games and puppets,) movies/dvds galore, stamp sets, and church help books (like every single Finch Family book ever published.) I just checked out one full of FHE games. . . now for that laminator that I've always wanted.

2. Which brings me to #2. Our ward library because they have a laminator. It is available for personal use as long as you pay for the laminating film. Hooray. They're open on Tuesdays, so next time Brent has mutual- I might load up the car with all my projects that are still in need of lamination and get busy.3. Seeing all the pink and red valentines paraphernalia in the stores. It causes me dream of sugar cookies, cupcakes, and dipping anything in chocolate.

4. The aerobics class I have been going to since it quickly puts and end to all of my "sweet dreams" and reminds me of the importance to eat better and take care of myself. I especially enjoy the times that we do interval workouts. Its rigorous and cruel, but it's great having and entire gym full of women sweating with you.

5. Visiting teaching. I just got new assignments and am looking forward to making new and improving on existing friendships.6. Oriental Trading. If you think they're only good at school carnival prizes, think again. They have some cool craft and hobby supplies. More specifically their buttons. I seriously can't keep my hands off them. Their bright colors and funky shapes are sure to make anyone happy.

7. People that will stand up to Mr. Hudson and not let him bully them around. And Miss Dalanie has got this ticket. Ever since I have bathed them together, I've had to police the water to make sure Hudson wasn't giving sissy the ancient water torture. As of late it's been a different story. Dalanie has become a crazy splasher (like leave-no-water-in-the-tub kind of splasher) and quite frankly, Hudson can't stand that Dalanie doesn't pay any attention to his commanding "STOP!!" Bath time has now been put to an abrupt halt by him crying and begging to get out. You go girl!

8. Blog give aways. And since I've actually never hosted such an event before (drum roll) I have decided to end my boring blogging streak. It's easy to enter, just leave a comment about what makes you happy. You've got a week so get busy.

Winter Fun

The sky has been gray for so long I can 't remember what it looks like blue. The moisture is always welcome, but I'm getting ready for the sun to come out and play. During our random trip to Logan, Uncle Chris went out and played in the snow with Hudson. He loved it and is still talking about his "Frosty." There's something about rosy cheeks and cold fingers that make me want to sit down to a bowl of Campbells soup for dinner.