A little summer date night 2014

Sometimes Stewart has to work odd hours.  Sometimes he doesn't get home till late.  Sometimes it's several nights in a row that happens.  Sometimes when that happens the kids and I get a little stir crazy.  It's hard to get out of the house with three kids because.... wait- do I really even have to justify that statement?  ;)  On this particular night everyone was happy so we decided to take a walk and eat dinner at the Mexican restaurant in town. The kids all loved the food and behaved so well!  It was a nice little evening with the three of us, a happy time that I don't want to forget!  Even though most days are hard and there's a lot of stress and chaos, we do have those close to perfect days where everyone gets along and goes with the flow.  Love these kids so much!  Thankful for them and for Stewart who works so hard for us! 

Suples Strong

I've been training for my spartan race at an Awesome gym in Wendell-Suples.  Mitko Georgiev, a Bulgarian wrestler who trains the elite youth wrestlers in the Magic Valley, trained us using the Suples tools.  The first month I went to this gym once a week.  The second month I went 3 times a week.  I loved using all the different tools, working my body in different ways, and feeling like an athlete again!  The class ended up growing (We're missing 2 people in this picture) and it was fun to work out with such awesome ladies. My favorite things to do were dummy throws, slamming the ball, pulling the rope, the Hertz bands, somersaults over dummies, and starting to learn how to do head flips (I felt like just as I was getting it, our time was up).  Mitko has to go back to Bulgaria, but hopefully when he comes back next year we can train with him some more.

It  might sound silly, but Suples was an important part of my life at this point.  I was struggling (looking back it was more than I realized) with post-par tum depression and having someone push and encourage me, and having a team with me really pulled me out of that.  It's something I was trying to do on my own, but was not succeeding at.  I appreciate good people- like those in this picture- who can lift you up and make you feel like you're an Amazing person.  The workouts were SOO great, and prepared me for my spartan, but the experience saved me and brought me back to who I am.  I'm really going to miss it!

Riding With Stew

When Stewart and I were dating, I would often ride along with him as he was working.  Those were some of the funnest days.  We didn't really "do" anything, I just went along.  We talked a lot.  We held hands the whole time.  We listened to music and were silly (ok- I was silly and Stewart laughed at me).  Since we've had kids I haven't really had the opportunity to just ride along with him like we used to.  (I've attempted it a few times with kids, and it's just too much work!)

A few weeks ago my Mom agreed to watch all the kids for a day so I could ride along with Stewart to check his Boise dairies.  I took my camera and snapped a few shots of what a workday looks like for Stewart.  I love it!  Love you Stewart!

Yes, there is actually a sign that says this! (Actually there's two). 

 Cows.

 Cautious Bikers

 Farmers

 Sometimes it's even exciting.  At this dairy we pulled into, as we were pulling out, cows suddenly started coming out of this gate (into the road).  There was no on around so Stewart pulled over and  stopped any more cows from escaping.  I went and found someone who looked like they worked there and informed them the cows were getting out.  (Apparently these cows had already escaped once earlier that day).  Stewart was so cute helping herd them back to their home :)

This is what I imagined Stewart saying...

 "Don't make me take my hand out of my pocket!" (HA)

 "Get in there you Heifers"

 "Hmmm... What is gong on here....?"

 This is when the frost was amazingly beautiful.  I wish I would have made Stewart stop earlier so I could take some pictures.  (This is one I took while we were flying down the freeway) ;)

Church

Have you ever been to a church meeting where there is this family with two small kids, and for whatever reason, they can not be kept entertained.  The kids are running up and down the isle, screaming, and throwing a temper tantrum when a hand goes over their squawking mouth?  You've seen the people I'm talking about.  Yup.  We are those people.  Normally my kids are SO wound up during sacrament meeting.  I have literally tried EVERYTHING to keep them quiet, but we always end up roaming the halls as soon as the sacrament is over.  It's also become a tradition for the nearest mother {usually with grown children} to tell me "what worked for them", or to make snide remarks such as "your mommy is so much nicer than me.  I'd have smothered you by now"{in a baby voice, but totally true}.  So this Sunday was one worthy of a blog post.  That's right, these Bingham kids stayed in sacrament meeting, {mostly} in our pew, with minimal crying/screaming/laughing/shouting!  It was like a dream to actually be IN the chapel for once!

I'm not counting on it happening every week, but hey- we're getting there baby!
(And never did I think there would be a time in my life that this would be such a huge accomplishment in my book!)  :)

Hello Friends

Hello Friends.  And family.  I just thought you'd enjoy a little hello from me to you.  Hope everything is well with you, and your families!

Have I mentioned that Brogan is full on walking now?  For about 2 weeks, he's been homo-erectus,  and like any good boy, he's destroying everything in his path.  Even though I've been working double time, I love that he's so excited to be getting around on his own!

Ether 12:3

"For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled-"

I was looking for "my favorite" scripture for a project my Mom is doing.  I don't really have a "favorite".  I think they're all good, and can all be interpreted different ways, depending on what you're in need of.  I flipped to Ether (my smart phone makes flipping around very easy), and just started reading.  For some reason this scripture really stood out to me.  Maybe it's because I've been thinking about my little brother on his mission, and the importance of the work he's doing.  Maybe it's because I need to share my testimony more often.  Whatever the reason, tonight this is my favorite scripture!

President's Day 2012

Today has been the best day ever.  SERIOUSLY.  It's President's day, and pretty close to everyone I know is going skiing.  Even Antonio went boarding today.  I thought that this was going to be just another boring day at home with the kids.  But with a little creativity, and a whole lot of cooperation from the kiddos, we've been able to turn this dull day into a super fun one!  

We started the day with "Occupy Living Room".  I think the kids were protesting nap time, but I don't think they know what they camped out for ;)

 Thanks to last summers' yard sales, and the DI, we have quite the collection of tents!

 Grandpa Jensen was here this morning helping Dad change a breaker, and he even joined the protest!

 Addison loved the tent setup.  In fact, she wanted to take her nap in the tents (an unsuccessful attempt, but valiant effort on her part).

Brogan woke up early, so he napped early (and for a surprisingly long time).  Stewart didn't leave for work till late morning, so Addison and I made a quick trip to the store to get a redbox.  We grabbed some soup and circus cookies for lunch while we were out.  (Addison loves to GO).  When we got back we shared soup, cookies, and lemonade while we watched 'Dolphin Tale'.  Wasn't a bad movie!  Addison was being so silly today.  Mostly just small things that made me giggle.  Like when I was getting stuff ready to eat our soup she kept saying "poop, poop Momma".  I thought she had to poop, but upon further investigation, she was just ready to eat some SOUP!  haha!  I tried to help her say soup, but it's still 'poop' to her.  Oh well.  She's cute.  I wish that I could've somehow recorded this whole day, with all the little cute things.  I hope that when my kids are in school, their days off will be spent just like today!

Finally In Our OWN Home!

Last Friday we made the big move across town, into our very first house!  Tim Bullers brought his crew of boys that work for him, his HUGE snowmobile trailer, and just two loads, and three hours later, we had just about everything moved out of our 800 sq foot trailer, into our huge new living room!  I seriously don't know what we would've done with all the help he brought (and on such short notice!)  We got the keys Thursday evening and talked with Tim that night at a basketball game.  Bright and early on Friday they all showed up, ready to work.  I'm still so impressed with those boys, and Tim!

So once we got all the boxes in the house, we ran into our first home-owners delights.  Our upstairs toilet leaked (into my kitchen cabinets).  Daddy to the rescue!  The boys headed out to Twin to buy a new toilet to install upstairs.  They came home with (and I quote) "The Cadillac of Toilets".  It was way too nice to put upstairs bathroom, so it went into our master (with the intent to put our old one upstairs).  My parent's didn't like the thought of putting a crappy toilet back into the house, so for their housewarming present they got us another "Cadillac" for upstairs.  (I truly have the best parents! They've been here around the clock for the past 3 days helping out!)

I've been living in the old house surrounded by boxes for about 2 1/2 weeks now.  So first things first, I've been unpacking as fast as I can!  My AMAZING Mother, deserves pretty much ALL the credit for my swift unpacking.  When I don't know where things go (in the kitchen), she pretty much unpacked it all for me!  She helped clean the new house, and ALL of the old house! She even took a day off work to help me unpack and re-arrange the kids' rooms and clean!  I can get so far, but then I go into "basket-case" mode, and that's when she really steps in.  She's so awesome.  I seriously would still be so unorganized, and have many, many more boxes without her help!

Stewart has truly been a saint through this whole move.  When we had to postpone closing over and over, he was upset, but was still there for me.  Now that we've moved, he's been trying to fix water issues, heat issues, and every other issue that a new home-owner has, ON TOP of work and school.  Today he came home and helped me hang a whole bunch of stuff throughout the house.  Seriously- how'd I get so lucky to get such a great man!?!?

I will post pictures soon, but here's a few things that I'm SUPER extra excited about in this new house.

• Our new couches we got as soon as we moved in
• Our awesome new carpet (it was already in, but it's awesome)
• Our HUGE living room space (seriously- the best space EVER!)
• Cable!  We couldn't get a signal for our old internet (or the other company) because we have too many huge trees around our house, so we had to get Cable One.  It's comparatively cheaper to get the internet/phone/Cable bundle rather than the expensive cable alone.  So now we have a whole bunch of channels of real TV! (not that I missed it too much, but I know Stew missed ESPN)
• My awesome scrapbook room that is it's own designated space!! (I'm so excited!)

So if you're ever in town- don't be afraid to pop on by and see our new space!  As soon as I get a few more things up- I'll post some pictures!  We're IN!

When it rains...

... it pours.  Seriously, anything else going to bring me down today?  It's only 8:30.  We were supposed to close on our house two and a half weeks ago.  Hopefully today's the day.  If it's not, I'm going to cry (again).  My only sanity saver lately has been Jazzercise.  Seriously- I love it.  Love that I get a full hour of butt-bustin, hip shakin, movin and groovin, HARDCORE workout.  Love that I can go push my body to the limit, and get results.  Last week I hurt my shoulder, and I haven't had the same enthusiasm for my workout.  In fact I've been dreading it!  Over time I've worked my way up the weights and have been lifting 10 lbs for quite awhile now (a true sign of progress).  Today, I felt like a little weenie in class when I couldn't lift my arm above my head (I didn't even attempt to use weights)  (and oh, you bet I stood in the back).  So- I ask again- anything else today?  (and just for the record, diet?  what diet?)  (Stewart has been one dedicated dude though!  He's looking goo-ud!)

2011- A Wonderful Year

Happy New Year Everyone!  We rang in the New Year in Dietrich Idaho this year, with a great round of Napoleon (Wally Actually WON! -Guess this'll be a good year for him), and Stewart and I shared an awesome kiss as we watched the ball drop in Times square.  The kidlets snoozed away the New Year in their beds, and didn't notice any change in life (imagine that).  This time of year always makes me reflect on the year and wonder "what the heck did I accomplish this year?!"  It seems that my days meshed into each other, and time marched on whether I was organized and ready, or not.  All of my resolutions from last new years (awesome resolutions... things I REEEALLY needed to work on) are pretty much the ones I have for this year, meaning I didn't lose my baby weight, I didn't plan meals and cook regularly, I didn't clean like a dedicated house-wife, and I didn't have FHE every Monday night!  I found myself asking, "just what DID I do?"  Some accomplishments that I am very grateful for (and some pleasantly surprised by) that happened in 2011

• I gave birth to the sweetest little boy I could ever know.
• I had the opportunity to stay home and raise my two babies.  I was able to witness all of their "firsts" and was able to play and giggle, and sing and dance the days away, not a sitter.
• I fell in love all over again with my sweet husband Stewart. We spent more time this year working on heart-felt (and inexpensive) dates that we could surprise each other with.  What fun!
• I went to the circus for the first time!
• I met new friends, was able to get together for birthday lunches and girls nights, and shopping days!
• I coached an amazing set of young women, and got to be a part of wonderful growing experiences as a coach and as a person.
• I got to know my Mom SO much better, and was able to better appreciate her more fully.  I was able to seek advice, vent about silly things, and laugh so hard at silly things.
• I got to watch my younger siblings turn into wonderful young adults.  I got to send my little brother on a mission, and see my younger sister turn into a more confident, more beautiful daughter of God.  I got to see them both love my children, and treat them with such love and patience.  
• I had the opportunity to tighten a budget and pay off debts.  I had the opportunity to scrimp and save for a down-payment for a house, and have even seen that savings pay off!
• I was able to get to know my other mother Nancy, and my sis-in-law Lindy SO much better.  I have loved the time spent with them, and have felt like a daughter and sister to both of them.  
• I have had the opportunity to work with nursery children, and feel of their unconditional love.
• I have had the opportunity to strengthen my testimony of Jesus Christ, and learn so much through my small obstacles.
• I was lucky enough to have a strong body and mind, and not have any serious injury or illnesses.  
• I was pretty good about keeping up with the blog (aka my blournal).  I know for a fact, someday my kids will enjoy reading about all these good times!

2011 was a very good year for me.  I have never felt so blessed.  I truly have a Wonderful Life.  Sometimes I'm not grateful enough, and I don't love it enough.  Sometimes I get so caught up in what I think life should be like, I don't stop and take it all in.  In 2012, I am going to try harder to stop and take time to enjoy my babies, and let them be little.  I am so thankful for my family, my friends, and those of you who take part in my life!  I hope you all take the time to count your blessings, and make some new goals for the new year.  

Happy New Year Everyone!

Simply Bliss

just got back from an AWESOME trip to Twin with my sweet little family!  Went to trade my boots (for a different size) at Target, ended up shopping there forever, only to walk out with kids clothes and a turquoise paper towel holder (NEW KITCHEN HERE I COME!!!) then went to a fantastic Chinese dinner (where Brogan insisted on yelling around through the whole meal) then finished off the trip with a traditional trip to wal-mart, where I made Brogan laugh SO HARD by pushing him then chasing the cart.  Did it throughout the whole store.  (Love that kid and his giggle!) Over all- funnest trip to Twin with the kids and Stew, EVER!  Love them so much!

Phheeewwww! Tough day today! I feel like I need to just vent for a bit, but Stewart's already mad at me, and whatever I put on facebook will be criticized by my peers for being too negative (and at the same time I sorta want my kids to know someday, that it wasn't all puppies and fun dates). So I figured... hell- why not blog about it!

So we took the bars off of Addison's crib (now a toddler bed). It's been three nights. And tomorrow the first thing I'm going to do is put the bars back on. I seriously can't take it. Not that she just wants to sleep with us at 3:00 in the morning, but the fact that 1)she has not slept through the night since we took them off 2)she can't find her own to our room (no lights throughout the whole house 3)when she ends up in our bed, she sleeps ALL OVER ME! Not Stew- ME. (Even though Stewart will tell you how horrible he slept) 4)I'm the only one who hears her crying. Yep. And if I do manage to get Stewart awake to go get her, he has to wake up, (which takes forever) and go pee. By that time I'm so worried that Brogan will be awake I usually go get her myself.

Last night I put her to bed like usual. Read her 2 stories, said prayers, then put her in bed with a bottle, binki, and her bunny. (Don't hate on the bottle and binki- the girl is not even 2, and I like to choose my battles). Then I laid on the floor (like I do EVERY night. The only way I can get her to stay IN bed). 45 minutes later I snuck out of her room, and she was fine. Fast asleep. At 2:30 I heard her crying and screaming, and decided to let her tough it out. Until I heard her throw up (which she can make herself do). Yup. Love that. I can't just leave her in her throw up, so I got up, cleaned up the puke, changed her diaper and jammies, then did the whole night time routine over again. Every time I tried to get up- she cried. I ended up sleeping on Addison's floor for 3 hours. By the time I got back to bed she was screaming again- so I brought her to my bed (at which point Stewart wakes up and says -she was crying?) Um- yes- and I've been gone for 3 hours. HELLO!?!? So Addison is in bed with us and she starts burning up, and acting fussy. I took off her jammies, Stewart got her a cool washrag, and we cracked the window. At this point I was supposed to be getting up to go to Jazzercise (5:00) which I had a goal to do 5 days in a row this week. Ya- no way was I going to be able to make it through a whole day on such crappy sleep! So I slept in till the blessed hour of 8:00 (which is sleeping waaaay in for Brogan), then started my day with diapers, bottles, and breakfast.

I decided today that I should get out my Christmas decor (since it takes so long to put out with the kiddos around- I might as well be a step ahead- because there's no point in getting it out the week before Christmas just to put it all away again). All day while I was trying to put the garland above my cupboards, Brogan just kept crying and crying! And he's got a pair of lungs! He's changed his cry to a scream these days, and the only way to get him to stop is to pick him up. He just wants me to play with him 24/7. Which, most days- it's all that seems to get done. But today- I needed to get the stuff out, and the clutter cleaned up (because between that and the crying kids- I was going insane!) As the day dragged on, Addison felt worse and worse. I could tell because she'd come snuggle me wherever I was, no matter what I was doing. At one point, I was holding Brogan on my lap on the floor, and Addison crawled onto me (in front of him) and tried to push him out of my arms. I tried to set him down and it was like setting of an alarm! So I picked him back up and he started pulling Addison's hair. She started crying, which made Brogan start crying, which almost made me start crying! I was holding BOTH of them, and they were STILL crying!!!!! By the time Stewart got home, I could barely cope anymore. We were supposed to go to pack meeting, but I told him I wasn't going with both kids, but he'd have to take one. He was good about taking Brogan (I knew if there were people to play with him, and new space to crawl around he'd be fine), and he was. Addison spent the rest of the night in my arms. She fell asleep at about 7:00 and I attempted to put her in bed (which only pissed her off). I finished picking up the toys, and got the boxes out of my kitchen/living room. When Stewart got home from pack meeting I felt officially defeated.

Addison isn't going to bed tonight (hence the late night rant). I can't sleep (because of all this pent up frustration), so I folded a bunch of clothes and picked up a bunch of crap in our room. We tried to let Addison cry it out tonight- but she lasted a good 45 minutes before I went in there and played good cop/bad cop with her. that didn't work. So now Stew is in there laying on the floor next to her bed (which seems to be the only option of putting her to bed). I'm pretty sure that first thing in the morning, those damn bars are going back on the bed. I can't handle this crappy night/crappy day/crappy attitude thing. It's killing me.

So that's my rant. Stewart is a great dad and an amazing husband (so don't think he's worthless), I've just had a tough day. I just needed to be able to vent, and in this case it'll make good reading for Addison some day (the little stinker!).

Thankful~Day~2

~Day 2~

I am SO thankful for my kiddos! I'm not sure what I'd do without them! Sometimes I think that we were crazy to have kids so fast, and so close together. Then other times I don't think that until people tell me so. Often I struggle with the world's opinion of how we've started our family. This October our Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) held it's semi-annual General Conference. During this conference we are spoken to by a living Prophet and his Apostles. It seemed like each talk was written just for me. I especially loved the talk given by Niel L. Anderson entitled "Children". I cried through the whole thing, but the following paragraph, really gave me a comforting feeling.

Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family. My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: “[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.” She then adds:

“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling.

You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps.

It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in.

It is what God gave you time for.”⁷

I love my babies, and am so glad that I have the opportunity to fill my time raising them (no matter how tired or crazy they make me!)

{I think} they are close to the same age in these pictures. They look a lot alike {more than I realized}. I think Addison is my clone (with Stew's eyes), and Brogan looks just like his daddy (with my eyes). Both are so happy, and good babies! I LOVE them!

Laughter...

...they say is the best medicine. Well I'm a believer. Both of my kids are SO silly! I spend so much of my time laughing with them. I remember years ago, my Mom told me that when my oldest brother Jason was a baby she'd just lay on the floor and laugh and laugh with him. I thought she must've just been one of those weird crazy ladies! But now that I have two hoodlems of my own, I understand, and often find myself doing the same! I hope my kids will never lose their ability to laugh, and always have their tickle spots.

Brogan got to ride home from Uncle Jon's farewell dinner. (Grandma forgot the car seats). He laughed all the way home!

Addison the gnome making Daddy laugh!

Brogan loves bath time! He splashes and laughs and just enjoys the whole thing!

Addison is nuts about binkis! Silly Girl!

Brogan laughing with Great Grandpa Funk!

Addison "sewing". (She kept tangling the thread around the footer. She thought it was so cool!)

Addison and I were both wearing headbands one night. Addison didn't want Brogie to be left out, so she brought him his own. He didn't mind.

Learning Experience

I am coaching JV volleyball this year. So far this season has seen it's share of up and downs (although lately it seems to just be downs). My team is a really great group of girls. I mean tremendous. I see a TON of potential in them (like state winning potential). They work well together, they (usually) have positive attitudes, and we have a LOT of fun together. This past summer Gooding High school has been remodeling a bit, which has thrown us off a number of times. At one point we were barely allowed in the gym (some rumor floated around about asbestos, but I don't know that as a fact). Our gym too received a face lift. We got a brand new floor, a brand new AC system (what a treat!), and we were supposed to be getting new bleachers. The floor not being ready threw us off. There were times we had to practice around the AC guys (who were still making adjustments to the system) (which I'm not sure is ever turned on), and the current issue is the new bleachers. For whatever reason, the bleachers were not scheduled to be delivered until the middle of our season. Awesome. All of our home games have been played with bystanders watching from their floor seats on one side of the gym. It actually hasn't been so bad, and I was surprised at how minimal the complaints were. Of course, the bleachers got sent to the wrong place, so now they were not supposed to be in till the end of our season. When the bleachers finally arrived the contractors promised to work double time until they were installed (which would not take more than a week, just in time for our last home game). Hopefully our bleachers are in THIS week. If not- I just might end up killing someone. It has been a long two weeks.

I am quickly learning that JV Volleyball (while many demean it's merits) is a big deal (not that I didn't believe this before). I am learning how to take a beating, and how to (attempt) to keep my composure through it all. I am learning what is acceptable to "take" and what I will never stand to be treated like again. I am learning who I can and can't trust, and who has my back in sticky situations. I am thankful to be guided by such a wonderful Varsity coach, and to have such a supportive coach in the C-Team position. I am not weak. Never again will I allow anyone to belittle my faith and beliefs, or to tell me that I should not be a coach. I LOVE these girls I coach, and I would do anything to see them succeed; not only on the court, but in the classroom, and more importantly in life. I make sacrifices as a coach, and I do it because I love the sport and love what it can teach to our youth. I believe that athletics is never only about a game. I believe that through athletics we teach our kids life lessons and skills. I hope that someday my kids have a coach who puts them through hard things. I know that by making decisions as young people, THAT is how they will learn and grow. I was forced to make all sorts of decisions in high school. I may not have always made the right decisions, but I learned from each decision I made, and I'm glad my coaches, teachers, and advisors cared enough about me to put me through hard things. I am strong. I will not be affected by the things that are said to me in anger, no matter how deep my wounds. I will learn from this experience, and become stronger.

"No on can make you feel inferior without your consent"

~Eleanor Roosevelt

I Will Never Forget

the morning of September 11, 2001. I was in 6th grade. I remember I was in my room getting ready for school, listening to Brad and Jackie on my alarm clock radio. I heard them talking about the Twin Towers, but I had no idea what the towers even were. On the way to school my Mom tried to explain to me what the Twin Towers were and why this was a big deal, but I still didn't quite understand it all. Band was my first class, and I remember we missed an announcement because we were warming up. It was hard to remember everything until that point, because I still didn't realize the severity of it all. Travis Vitek walked into the class and said "Mr. Randall, someone crashed another plane into the other tower." Mr. Randall thought he was joking. He went to the office, and came back totally serious. We started talking about about it more, and we listened to the radio. I still wasn't sure why this was such a big deal. My next class was math with Mrs. Floyd. She had a TV in her room. She told us we were going to spend the whole class period watching the news. At first I thought this was so lucky for us- we wouldn't even have homework! Then she turned on the TV and I remember distinctly, seeing it for the first time. I remember my eyes welling up, and the pit in my stomach as I watched over and over those planes crashing into the towers. The seriousness of it all hit me flat in the face during that second hour of sixth grade. Mrs. Floyd talked with us about it. I remember putting my head on my desk and thinking about all those innocent people. I thought a lot about all those people who lost their loved ones so unexpectedly. I thought how hard that would be for me as a sixth grader, if my Mom or Dad were in one of those buildings. I thought about all the people who were still waiting. Waiting to know if their loved ones were alive or dead. I thought a lot about the people who had done this. How could someone DO this to innocent people? People they had never even met! I don't remember much else about that day, ten years ago. I'm sure we watched the news throughout the rest of our classes, and talked with other teachers. I'm sure the lunchroom was still noisy, and I still went to volleyball practice. I don't remember every fine detail, but I remember the feelings I had when I realized what had been done to our country, and I will never forget. Never.

I never

That's What It's All About

I've been so cranky lately {you can probably blame it on the fact that I AM a woman}, {and that I've recently been spoiled and have been allowed to do fun "kid-like" activities that I haven't had to pack a diaper bag to}. Seriously, I have been so spoiled lately! I went to Michael Buble', went white water rafting with some of my Varsity VB girls, got spoiled to a super awesome date night to Canyon Crest, and other majorly fun awesome things like that. So I know I have NO reason to be cranky, but some times I just can't help it. This past week I have been so impatient with my kids, with my volleyball girls, and even with Stewart! Today in nursery I was a bit short with the kids, but really did my best not to be "mean". {I do have to tell you about my recent nursery "pee-mopping" adventure}. This evening while Stewart was gone to a scout meeting I had the chance to start cleaning the house {the home teachers were supposed to come, but I REALLY haven't been in the mood to clean}. So instead I decided that I would lay on the floor and play. I had so much fun with my kiddos! Brogan laughed and giggled, and Addison climbed all over me {like the little monkey she is!}. Not to say that I did a 180 in the attitude department, but it was nice to be able to remember what it's all about. I sure love those two kids and I really hope that I can have the patience they deserve from me.

Gender

SO- Have ya read the articles about the Parents in Canada who are keeping their baby's gender a secret? I know this probably shouldn't bother me as much as it does, but it has REALLY been bothering me today! I can NOT shake these thoughts and concerns out of my head! {So I figure I'll vent about them here on my "blounal" :) -how do you like that word I made up?}

These parents in Canada are not sharing the gender of their child because they want the baby to be able to express himself freely. They also feel that parents these days do too much micromanaging and "hovering" over our children, and that children need to be able to make decisions for themselves. (Did I mention that this baby is only 4 months old?) In the article it also talks about the two older brothers. They are allowed to wear whatever they want, keep their hair however they like, and even have whichever earing in whichever ear they like. As a result the oldest boy likes to wear dresses, paint his toes pink, has 2 braids down his back, and wears one pink ear ring. Ok- I'm all for letting my kids wear whatever color of clothing they want, but when does this stop? Hello- if your little boy shows up to kindergarten wearing a dress, he's gonna get picked on. That's just the way the world works, and I believe it's called culture! Just because the rest of us are normal {and by normal I mean in tune with our culture} why are we expected to embrace this?

The only people who know the gender are the two older brothers, the parents, and two midwives. {What a secret for those 2 little boys to keep!!!} Even if they act like it's no big deal now, just wait a few years when people start asking and harassing them about it! {Have ya ever kept a secret for someone before, and at some point, you had to take a lot of crap to keep that secret, but you kept it anyways because you were expected to? Sure you can appear to shrug off almost anything, but what's really going on inside?} Some day these boys will need some serious therapy!

And the baby! {Did I mention he's only 4 months old?!?!} What the hell has the world come to?!? Now we're letting infants make decisions for themselves are we? This poor kid is going to have the time of his life "deciding" what gender he wants to be {I can't even decide what to make for dinner!!!! I can't even imagine making a choice THIS phenomenal!} Are we not supposed to first TEACH our kids, then let them make decisions based on what they've been taught? And what happens if this kid grows up and decides he hates being different. He just wanted to be "normal" all along. {Boy- that would be the biggest (undoable) mistake you could make as a parent!} I don't think this is fair to the child. I can't imagine putting such a huge responsibility in the hands of my 1 year old {let alone my 3 month old!} When Addison goes to kindergarten she will have her own set of battles to fight. Why would I ever throw her choice of gender on top of that? Can you imagine this kid's first day of school? The boys will beat him up, and the girls won't play with him. Can you imagine his first basketball game {or volleyball game if he chooses to be a girl}. Imagine the locker room scene that will be when he whips out a different set of parts than all the girls. {Gee- glad we let him choose that awkward situation}!

You know I probably wouldn't be so steamed about this whole thing if I wasn't scared to death of how it will affect the rest of the world, a world that my kids are just barely starting out in. A world that is destined to get MUCH worse before it gets better. I thought I had it rough in the dating scene. When Addison goes on her first date she won't have to ask questions like "where ya from, what do you like to do?" Her first question will be, "so you say you're a boy, I just want to be sure you genitalia match before this goes any further." It makes me worried sick to even think about the way MY kids will have to adapt to these "genderless" people. {And you'd better believe that my kids will be expected to accept and embrace it, the way I have been expected to openly accept gays}.

I just don't understand people. Life is fairly simple. You're born (either a boy or a girl {duh}), you grow up, get married, have children, live and die. Along the way life hands us a complete set of problems. Aren't these problems enough to be concerned about? Why do people have to complicate the simple things? And why do parents feel that kids need more responsiblity, more choices, more complicated problems? Let your kids be kids! I hope that the only worries my little kidos will have is how much longer they get to play outside, or when I'll make them take a nap. I would never wish for my kids' lives to be more complicated or difficult than they will already be.

SO-

Sorry about the little rant, but this is my "blournal", and these are my thoughts & opinions. I just hope I'm not the only one who feels this way!

Today

May 19, 2011

{A bit all over the place, but hey- what do you expect for 1:15 in the morning?}

• This is what Addison's hair looked like this morning. {and she totally rocked it!} :)

• We spent a TON of time outside today. I love to be outside, but I think Addison loves it more. She loves our kitty Roger {even though she's a mean little kitty}. She loves to sit in the chairs we have on our porch. She also loves the horse across the road. She often tries to sneak over to see it without us {naughty}. After a few good spankings, she's starting to learn that it's not okay to go over there without Mom or Dad. On some of the nicer days I've been going outside when the kids go down for a nap. I usual put on a pair of shorts, bring out my sudoku book, the radio and my phone and just enjoy the sunshine while the kids sleep. On this particular day I was all prepared before the kids went down for naps. Of course Addison had to do exactly what I was going to do. :)

• I got almost all of my flowers planted in my pots. Hopefully I'll have some time tomorrow to finish them. Addison helped a lot. She liked to use the garden trowl to scoop dirt OUT of the pots. :)

Brogan was tuckered out at the end of today!

• Grandma brought us lunch today. Along with lunch she brought some special circus cookies for Addison. That girl sure knows how to make a mess with food! She managed to get it all over her hands and face. I clicked a picture, then washed her up {like any good mean mom would do} :)

• Our trees are in full bloom and they are beautiful! They smell good, look good, and they have attracted SO many bees!

• I got Addison this sandbox a few weeks ago. I've been on the lookout for good outside toys for cheap and found this bad boy at DI for $6! {SCORE}. She loves to play in the sand, but she won't actually get IN the box. {what a girl!}

• Tonight me and Stewart spent some time looking at Craigslist together. It was actually quite fun to look at some of the stuff people put on there, and it was hilarious the number of people who wanted big bucks for their "very nice, no stains, good condition" couches. Most of them looked like they were from the 60's. It was kind of a good way to spend our "after the kids are in bed" time, just laughing at the silly people on craigslist :).
• The other day I found this note on my calendar on the fridge. (Don't worry- he didn't erase any plans on it, I still had April up there). He is such a sweetie!

• Stewart is taking me on a date tomorrow. He won't tell me where we're going, but we need a babysitter. {I'm totally excited!} It's been too long since we've been on a "date" date. I'll be sure to take my camera and fill you in on all the details! {Have I mentioned before what a great husband I have?}