I was thinking the other day about some of my embarrassing moments I have had in life. One most certainly always returns as if it were just yesterday.
It all happened on a sunny day with a lazy breeze. While preparing for a formal outing my mother kindly suggested that I pull on a slip on. Her reasoning? So no one would see the color of underwear I had on through the fabric of my skirt. I justified not using a slip, because I could tuck my blouse in just right to cover things up.
My problems developed shortly after my mother, friend and I had finished our outing and had left the building. Mom had went to get the car and was pulling up along side my friend and I when she kindly asked me to clean the front seat for my friend.
While leaning over to clean the seat I asked my mother a question I was sure she should have had a response for yet she didn't reply. I looked up to see why she had no response only to find her with a look of disbelief and shock froze upon her face.
When I turned to see what she could be such a distraction to her, I realized my view was impaired by my skirt being blown up to block out the view of the whole door! With embarrassment I quickly straightened and re-adjusted my skirt. Only to find my friend standing behind me with both hands over her mouth and a look of sheer terror upon her face. Behind her a gentleman was walking briskly into the building trying his best to shield his vision from the vision I had just presented.
I am quite sure I had looked something like a two-white-stemed flower with beautiful peach petals and a turquoise center. To this day I wish I had taken my mothers advise and worn a slip.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Humility 101
Well, if it wasn't clear to me before, it certainly is now. You may be wondering what I am talking about, well let me share.
I have been feeling a bit frumpy as I am sure most mothers do at one point or another. I am thirty pounds more than when I began having children, and my clothes no longer fit the way they should. In fact they fit but only in places the shouldn't. This became clear while dressing my two-year-old.
While on the floor with her and helping her with her shoes she pointed to my belly and said in the sweetest voice:
"Mommy, you look like a snowman!"
Now you would think I would know better than ask questions, but you will see that was my great mistake.
"Why do you think I look like a snowman?"
Pointing to the bottom roll and working her way up she sweetly says:
"There is the snowman belly, (second roll) there is his chest, and there is its two heads!"
All I can say to that is yikes! It sure is good to have the innocents of a young child around to keep you humble isn't it.
I have been feeling a bit frumpy as I am sure most mothers do at one point or another. I am thirty pounds more than when I began having children, and my clothes no longer fit the way they should. In fact they fit but only in places the shouldn't. This became clear while dressing my two-year-old.
While on the floor with her and helping her with her shoes she pointed to my belly and said in the sweetest voice:
"Mommy, you look like a snowman!"
Now you would think I would know better than ask questions, but you will see that was my great mistake.
"Why do you think I look like a snowman?"
Pointing to the bottom roll and working her way up she sweetly says:
"There is the snowman belly, (second roll) there is his chest, and there is its two heads!"
All I can say to that is yikes! It sure is good to have the innocents of a young child around to keep you humble isn't it.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Time
Isn't it just crazy how time flies? I remember when I was a kid it took what felt like 6 years for Christmas to role around! It was crazy! I was seven-years-old for a life time. Possibly even an additional half.
Here it is already towards the end of April! What is up with that! It seems like only a couple of months ago we moved into our home and here we are nearing our 1 year mark. Hmm.
I remember I used to have a conversation similar to this with the little old men who came and sat in my barbers chair back in the day. that was only 5 years ago...What!? It doesn't even seem that long ago. Any way the conversations would go something like this:
"Can you believe it is already the 4th of July?"
"Yeah, wait until you are my age, then time will really begin to fly."
When they would say that to me I would say something and we would go on about the weather, today's youth, whatever was happening in the news.
I was thinking about this recently though. I look at my children and step-children. They have already grown so much it is almost crazy! My 17 year old went through 5-6 pant sizes in one year and I wondered how we were ever going to keep up with him! I look at our 10 year old, he is becoming quite the not so little man himself these days. Then I look at my two little ones and think my almost three year old will be going to kindergarten in two years, she might even be potty trained by then ( I am crossing my fingers on that one with my whole heart!)
So when I reach the ripe old age of the men who once sat in my chair, will I be able to look back with no regrets? I hope the children entrusted in my stewardship will know they are loved and important. I hope I will have accomplished everything I promised Heavenly Father I would and I hope where I fall short that I will turn to the Savior for His assistance. I hope I don't waste any more time than is necessary on the unnecessary.
Here it is already towards the end of April! What is up with that! It seems like only a couple of months ago we moved into our home and here we are nearing our 1 year mark. Hmm.
I remember I used to have a conversation similar to this with the little old men who came and sat in my barbers chair back in the day. that was only 5 years ago...What!? It doesn't even seem that long ago. Any way the conversations would go something like this:
"Can you believe it is already the 4th of July?"
"Yeah, wait until you are my age, then time will really begin to fly."
When they would say that to me I would say something and we would go on about the weather, today's youth, whatever was happening in the news.
I was thinking about this recently though. I look at my children and step-children. They have already grown so much it is almost crazy! My 17 year old went through 5-6 pant sizes in one year and I wondered how we were ever going to keep up with him! I look at our 10 year old, he is becoming quite the not so little man himself these days. Then I look at my two little ones and think my almost three year old will be going to kindergarten in two years, she might even be potty trained by then ( I am crossing my fingers on that one with my whole heart!)
So when I reach the ripe old age of the men who once sat in my chair, will I be able to look back with no regrets? I hope the children entrusted in my stewardship will know they are loved and important. I hope I will have accomplished everything I promised Heavenly Father I would and I hope where I fall short that I will turn to the Savior for His assistance. I hope I don't waste any more time than is necessary on the unnecessary.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Fetishes
Everyone has some sort of fetish. Some are all about cleanliness, some about hair, clothes, purses, shoes, ties, socks, (hoarding food) my list could go on for ever! For years I have prided myself in having no fetishes. I know you are going to tell me Pride comes before the fall. I know and I am shaking my head at the very thought.
A girl friend of mine was over and decided to help organize my personal space! This was welcome, because believe it or not I am not very organized. If you have seen my personal space you know how much it was needed and appreciated.
However, while she was going through things she mentioned I could probably throw out one of my shoe boxes. What!? The box is in perfect condition! I might need it someday to wrap a gift! (hopefully it will be returned to me)...(the box I mean.) I can organize my little things by putting them in boxes, you know pictures, stickers, gum, I don't know, I am grasping for ideas, but not that box.
Well how about the old clothing box? You could get rid of that right? Um, let me think about that on. No. Sorry, that one is perfect for storing cards, it might be the perfect size for a gift also (again, I hope the box is returned!)
There are a whole lot of miscellaneous boxes that went undetected.*phew*. I found them being tossed and saved them from their ill-fate. Why? Well, they were cute, I am sure I could find something to do with them too. (we wont mention that was well over 12 years ago when they were found, and you have probably guessed I have found no use for them.)
I have been saving diaper boxes. Luckily she hadn't come across these, and I have found a use for them. They are great for clothes my children have out grown. However, I am sure the extra boxes in the closet could be used by someone else, say for a move or something. I can say this because I still have kids in diapers.
By this point I am beginning to laugh at myself, By golly I have had a fetish all along! I am one of them! I have moved so many times with some of these (many) empty boxes. *I am shaking my head at the thought*. I guess it is time I go through my boxes and decide which ones need to go. I might start with the random ones I rescued twelve years ago.
A girl friend of mine was over and decided to help organize my personal space! This was welcome, because believe it or not I am not very organized. If you have seen my personal space you know how much it was needed and appreciated.
However, while she was going through things she mentioned I could probably throw out one of my shoe boxes. What!? The box is in perfect condition! I might need it someday to wrap a gift! (hopefully it will be returned to me)...(the box I mean.) I can organize my little things by putting them in boxes, you know pictures, stickers, gum, I don't know, I am grasping for ideas, but not that box.
Well how about the old clothing box? You could get rid of that right? Um, let me think about that on. No. Sorry, that one is perfect for storing cards, it might be the perfect size for a gift also (again, I hope the box is returned!)
There are a whole lot of miscellaneous boxes that went undetected.*phew*. I found them being tossed and saved them from their ill-fate. Why? Well, they were cute, I am sure I could find something to do with them too. (we wont mention that was well over 12 years ago when they were found, and you have probably guessed I have found no use for them.)
I have been saving diaper boxes. Luckily she hadn't come across these, and I have found a use for them. They are great for clothes my children have out grown. However, I am sure the extra boxes in the closet could be used by someone else, say for a move or something. I can say this because I still have kids in diapers.
By this point I am beginning to laugh at myself, By golly I have had a fetish all along! I am one of them! I have moved so many times with some of these (many) empty boxes. *I am shaking my head at the thought*. I guess it is time I go through my boxes and decide which ones need to go. I might start with the random ones I rescued twelve years ago.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Strawberries
Well, I am feeling exceptionally great today! A friend of mine brought over tons of Strawberries this afternoon! Strawberries are such a delectable treat! There are so many delicious things you can do with them! As I cut the greens off and prepped the berries for the freezer I had a million ideas! So many ideas in fact that I began to think I shouldn't share them. If I did that we would not be able to share them in future days.
Catching myself in this train of thought I began to realize how truly blessed I am. I live in a country where I can buy strawberries, or any other momentary fetish quite easily.
I grew up in a family with not a whole lot. We had plenty of love from our parents, but when it came to money well, things were a bit tight. Finding an Orange in my stocking at Christmas was a treat always looked forward to. Fresh fruit was a treat. We would go to grandma and grandpa's to pick cherries from their trees, and munch them all along. Sometimes a neighbor would bring a bushel of fresh picked apples.
Mom tried to do a garden a couple of times, even letting us plant some popcorn(we wanted to sale it to the neighbor kids, fortunately for them it never grew much.)
Later finding myself on a mission I was spoiled and found myself developing a fond relationship with fruit! Everything in Brazil is bigger in size, tastier and always at an affordable price! Mangos quickly became my favorite!
Returning home, college is where I found myself. While there fruit sadly went to the back burner. Top Roman, mac'n'cheese, frozen burritos came to the front of my menu and once again fruit became a treat.
A couple years ago I married this wonderful guy who finds the importance of having fresh fruit around the house for children and ourselves to munch on top priority. We can usually find something on the counter or in a fridge drawer. We are not lacking. So why did I find myself wanting to hoard all of the strawberries? I'm not sure, but I guess I will have share them.
Catching myself in this train of thought I began to realize how truly blessed I am. I live in a country where I can buy strawberries, or any other momentary fetish quite easily.
I grew up in a family with not a whole lot. We had plenty of love from our parents, but when it came to money well, things were a bit tight. Finding an Orange in my stocking at Christmas was a treat always looked forward to. Fresh fruit was a treat. We would go to grandma and grandpa's to pick cherries from their trees, and munch them all along. Sometimes a neighbor would bring a bushel of fresh picked apples.
Mom tried to do a garden a couple of times, even letting us plant some popcorn(we wanted to sale it to the neighbor kids, fortunately for them it never grew much.)
Later finding myself on a mission I was spoiled and found myself developing a fond relationship with fruit! Everything in Brazil is bigger in size, tastier and always at an affordable price! Mangos quickly became my favorite!
Returning home, college is where I found myself. While there fruit sadly went to the back burner. Top Roman, mac'n'cheese, frozen burritos came to the front of my menu and once again fruit became a treat.
A couple years ago I married this wonderful guy who finds the importance of having fresh fruit around the house for children and ourselves to munch on top priority. We can usually find something on the counter or in a fridge drawer. We are not lacking. So why did I find myself wanting to hoard all of the strawberries? I'm not sure, but I guess I will have share them.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easy Jell-o Carmel Corn
I thought I would share a favorite family recipe! My daughter loves this because she can choose the color, and I like it because its has many variations! Here you go!
Jell-o Popcorn
1 c. sugar
1 c. white Karo
1 sml pkg Jell-o gelitin (you choice of flavor or color.)
Two bags of popped popcorn, or 1 big bowl air popped, your pick.
Once you have your bowl of popcorn popped, set aside. In small sauce pan combine the sugar, Karo, and Jell-o. Over med/high heat stir constantly until it comes to a boil, and you cant see the grainy texture if sugar/Jell-o. Pour over your prepared popcorn and stir until well covered. Then enjoy! I have to admit this is a bit sticky, but the kids love it!
Jell-o Popcorn
1 c. sugar
1 c. white Karo
1 sml pkg Jell-o gelitin (you choice of flavor or color.)
Two bags of popped popcorn, or 1 big bowl air popped, your pick.
Once you have your bowl of popcorn popped, set aside. In small sauce pan combine the sugar, Karo, and Jell-o. Over med/high heat stir constantly until it comes to a boil, and you cant see the grainy texture if sugar/Jell-o. Pour over your prepared popcorn and stir until well covered. Then enjoy! I have to admit this is a bit sticky, but the kids love it!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Time-out for Mommy
It finally came to it! Giving myself a time-out the other day was the only reasonable action. You may be wondering from what, well, I will share. From potty-training! I had one of those days where there was more wet and stinky than dry. In other words, starting the day off with 2 packages of panties and ending with only 1/2 a package of clean was more than bothersome to me! That would be an understatement!
I had read in a book that if you have the child being trained take off their own dirties and care for it they will learn to stay clean. This technique worked really well for several weeks. My problems began coming forth while on vacation. The first week was a breeze! By week two however we had a great change in attitude, and by time we had returned home there was a lack in desire of being the big girl.
The last straw for me was when I walked into the bathroom and there was brown art work all over the toilet seat, bowl, my rug, and the floor. Not only was it the last straw for me but for the trainee as well. I was beginning to think seriously that corporal punishment might need to apply.
To be honest with you that is the point where I decided I needed to put myself in a time-out. Reminding myself that "you never see kids in kindergarten with diapers" and then reminding myself she is only two. these were the things I had to pound into my mind for a couple days.
Well, we are back at it, yesterday went well, we only went through 2 pairs of panties! yes, we are back on track. I have to remind myself that my child is unique. With that uniqueness comes timing, and it isn't always on my time table.
I had read in a book that if you have the child being trained take off their own dirties and care for it they will learn to stay clean. This technique worked really well for several weeks. My problems began coming forth while on vacation. The first week was a breeze! By week two however we had a great change in attitude, and by time we had returned home there was a lack in desire of being the big girl.
The last straw for me was when I walked into the bathroom and there was brown art work all over the toilet seat, bowl, my rug, and the floor. Not only was it the last straw for me but for the trainee as well. I was beginning to think seriously that corporal punishment might need to apply.
To be honest with you that is the point where I decided I needed to put myself in a time-out. Reminding myself that "you never see kids in kindergarten with diapers" and then reminding myself she is only two. these were the things I had to pound into my mind for a couple days.
Well, we are back at it, yesterday went well, we only went through 2 pairs of panties! yes, we are back on track. I have to remind myself that my child is unique. With that uniqueness comes timing, and it isn't always on my time table.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Apologies vs. Time-out...
Apparently I now have a two-year-old going on who knows what! Who ever knew that parenting could be so exciting! (exciting could easily be replaced with embarrassing, frustrating, entertaining, it seems every situation presents another adventure.)
Tonight my two-year-old chose a time-out over an apology. What is up with that? She later informed me that she would rather go to bed than say she was sorry. I tell you it is a good thing they are still cute at this age.
Besides that, how do you keep yourself from laughing, especially when you are trying to teach someone so stubborn? I'm learning. I am told by time I get this parenting thing down, I will be a grandmother. Was I like this?
Tonight my two-year-old chose a time-out over an apology. What is up with that? She later informed me that she would rather go to bed than say she was sorry. I tell you it is a good thing they are still cute at this age.
Besides that, how do you keep yourself from laughing, especially when you are trying to teach someone so stubborn? I'm learning. I am told by time I get this parenting thing down, I will be a grandmother. Was I like this?
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