Just Julia

Note: Last the best of all the game.

How do I love Julia?

Let me count the ways...1. She loves to snuggle with me in the mornings. And she fits so perfectly in my arms.

2. She is my buddy. She always wants to go with me. I will never be friendless as long as Julia is around.

3. She loves me to tuck her in at night. And she always gives me hugs and kisses. Even if I've not been very nice or patient.

4. She instantly forgives me (see above). And she doesn't hold a grudge. It's nice to know that I have her unconditional love. I'm glad she's an example to me. I hope to be better at this.

5. She is willing to try new things. Unlike her siblings. I can always count on Julia to try whatever I have made for dinner. Most of the time, she likes it! That doesn't mean she'll eat it again, but she tries it. And I appreciate that.

6. She leaves me notes and presents. Especially when she sees that I'm having a bad day.

7. She wants to help me with whatever I'm doing. Sometimes, I'm not very patient, but I know I always have a willing helper if I want it.

8. She is content to be a home-body. She doesn't constantly demand to play with friends, which I will forever be grateful for.

9. She loves to snuggle. (Did I already say that?) But really, she loves to snuggle. And I love to hold her. Soon, she'll be too big, so I think I better take advantage while I still can.

10. She completes our family. I needed her, and I'm so glad that Heavenly Father sent her to me. Love you, Little One.

Sam the Sweet

Note: #3 of 4. Just because I can.

Sam the Sweet

(I know it doesn't make sense on first thought, but really, he is very sweet underneath it all)

Oh, my Sam-O. What would I do without you? What can I do with you?

I love you so much, but you can make me so crazy at the same time. Just when I think you have finally done something so horrible that I'll be mad at you forever, you ask for a hug, or you climb on my lap, or you give me a present. How can anyone stay mad?

You are so full of energy, so full of life. You live every moment to the fullest, and you don't want anyone telling you that you can't do something. I believe that you will do great things in this life. I believe you will be an important person, to more than just your family.

You are a smart little cookie, and I think a lot of people underestimate you, including me at times. It amazes me when you read my books to me, or figure out really complex math problems, or memorize complete TV shows.

You are creative. You have an amazing imagination, and I love to see it come out when you play with Julia. I love when you share and encourage others. I've seen you do it, so I know you can. Especially with younger kids. It makes everyone happy.

I love your dimples. Kissable.

I love each of my children, but I had a special experience with you, Sam, when you were very small. Nothing can ever make me stop loving you. Nothing.

Olivia the Original

Note: second of four "why I love my kids" posts. Really, just letters to my kids. Or whatever.

Why I love Olivia:

You are beautiful. Don't ever let anyone make you feel you aren't. But what I really love is that you are beautiful on the inside, too. You are always so concerned with how everyone else is feeling. You want to be everyone's friend. You want everyone to be happy and content.
You are smart and funny. You always try your hardest, and you succeed. If you don't understand something, you aren't afraid to ask for help. You love to learn, and you do well in school. And you love to read (just like me).

You are a talented synchronized swimmer. I love to watch you. You are always happy in the water, and it shows in your swimming. You have such confidence in the water. I think you truly believe that nothing is impossible. You can accomplish anything you want, in any area of your life if you believe it is possible.

You are a patient big sister. I love that you will play with Julia and Sam, and that you will try to find ways to interact with them that make everyone happy. You are always willing to go along with crazy ideas because you are willing to put their happiness ahead of your own at times.

You always want to give me hugs and spend time with me. I appreciate this, even though sometimes I think I don't have the time or patience for it. Thanks for making me realize that we all need moments of closeness and that a hug makes almost any day just a little bit better. I love you so much, my B.

Dan the Man

Note: I have decided to spend a day reflecting on what I love about each of my children. So, starting with the oldest...

Dan the Man

• I love that you are so stinkin' cute! I know you probably don't want to hear you mom say that, but you are very handsome. (But I'm sorry you got my nose).

• I love that you are responsible. I know that when I leave you in charge nothing horrible will happen. That's not to say that stuff won't be messed up, dirty or that there won't be fights, but I know that when it's all said and done, everyone will be safe.
  
  
• I love that you are smart. And that you know it's cool to be smart. I wish you would always try to do your very best and challenge yourself. But, I also know that you need time to just "hang" with friends and be a kid.

• I love that you are ambitious. And that you are a leader. If it were up to me, I would have discouraged you from running for Student Body President last year, because I didn't want you to be hurt if you didn't win. But you did win, and you have handled it wonderfully. I'm grateful that you haven't let it go to your head, that you are still friends with everyone and that you never make anyone feel badly because they maybe aren't as smart or popular as you are.

• I love that you are musical. And that you fill our house with music on a regular basis. I wish that you would always find joy in this, because it brings me joy, too. I'm so proud of the job you did in District Honor Orchestra. I wanted to stand up and make sure everyone knew that you were my son.

• I love that you are inquisitive. As much as I have dreaded the "mod"ing of your dart gun, it makes me proud to see what you can do. Now, just don't shoot your brother.

• I love that you like to play games and spend time with your family. Family is important, if for no other reason than that we will always love you no matter what. You are an important and vital part of us, and we would be lost without you. Love you, Dan.
  

Catch-up

Wow, where have the days gone? Here's a short recap of the last two weeks:

• The kids went back to school after spring break. Happy day.
• We planted a garden (tomatoes and strawberries). Sam wants to know when there will be strawberries to eat. If not today, tomorrow?
• Olivia tweaked her knee at practice on Tuesday (24th). Mom ignored her complaints.
• Dan started District Honor Orchestra practices. Thank goodness for carpools.
• Julia started synchro again. Yeah!
• Went to a RS take and bake. Still trying to work up the courage to serve it to my family. I'm not anxious to hear "what's that green stuff?"
• Olivia apparently really hurt her knee. Darn. Spent Friday at the doctor office and X-rays, then trying to find crutches (or as Sam wanted to call them: crotches).
• Brandon helped a couple of people move. Good man.
• We went out to dinner and a movie on Saturday. Ran into friends at Friday's, that was fun!
• Went to physical therapy with Olivia. Still trying to figure out the extent of injury and if she'll be able to swim at State (2 1/2 weeks away. Pray.)
• Sam has been home from school sick for a couple of days. Sad. But he likes to cuddle when he's sick. Happy.
• Been trying to get some sewing done, but it slow going with everything else that has happened.

I'm sure that there is more that has happened, but I can't recall. I think my brain is fuzzy. Or asleep. Or I've watched too many animated movies with Sam in the last couple of days. Or something...

Spring Break

Spring Break...

We had great plans.

Scheduled out the week full of fun things to do...

...and didn't do any of them.

We did:

Climb to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park

Doesn't Dan look so excited to be with his family? It was lots of fun to have him with us. Julia took lots of pictures of herself. Some were actually quite good. Some were a tad bit disturbing.

What else we did (but have no photographic proof of):

Swimming in the freezing cold pool (not me, of course)

Lots friends over lots of days.

Visited the library and checked out 1 book for every 5 movies (or something like that)

Played trains (thanks Travis!)

Extra synchro practices

Went to the movies (Bolt) Oh yeah, and Dan saw Knowing

Tried to go bowling, but too many senior citizens were present (no lanes available)

Played at the park

Slept in (at least I did, Sam and Julia still got up at 6:30)

We are all ready for school to start again tomorrow. At least, that's what I keep telling the kids. You know, subliminal messages: You love school, you want to go to school, you will not miss mom, you don't want to sleep in, you love school, you can't wait to have homework again, you love school.

I'm pretty sure it's working.

But I'll let you know tomorrow.

Silly Sudsy Siblings

Sometimes I forget that Sam and Julia are still little kids. They love to play together and usually come up with some pretty elaborate make-believe or some pretty amazing creative endeavors. Sometimes, though, they are just plain silly, as they were tonight. This was supposed to be a quick bath before bed, but turned into a heyday of bubbles and giggles. I even got a picture of their little bottoms (due to their insistence), but I'll hang onto that picture for future blackmail.

Thanks for reminding me that laughter is a GOOD thing!

Bragging

I just have to brag about my oldest for a moment. Yesterday, he auditioned for District Honor Orchestra. He did this last year also, and made it in. So he was pretty sure he would make it in this year. Not only did he make it, but he is 1st chair bass! He was pretty excited when he found out, and I think he should be. As he so *humbly* put it, "that means I'm the best bass player in the whole school district!" Way to go, Dan!

P.S. He even let me hug him!

Jrnimy

Brandon arrived home safe and sound from Germany earlier this week. He is still a little weird, though. He actually gets up at 4:00 in the morning and goes to work because he is awake. Hasn't he ever heard of rolling back over and going back to sleep? I guess he's getting stuff done at work, but the downside is that he is ready for bed at 8:30 at night. I hope his body figures this out soon.

Three of the four kids made posters for him (Dan chose not to participate). Sam's poster was quite entertaining. (I'm kicking myself that I didn't get a picture of it). He made sure that Dad knew he had been in "Jrnimy" and he also drew lots of noses. I'm not sure why. One was REALLY big, one had "blud" coming out of it, and their were lots of smaller ones as well. What's with the nose obsession? Who knows how the brain of Sam works, anyway?

Brandon had a good time, and managed to do a little sightseeing. And he brought home REAL German chocolate, yummy! Here's a few pictures (but I have no idea what they are for the most part, so just enjoy the European-ness of them!)

Ordering breakfast: apparently the woman didn't speak English and Brandon doesn't speak German.

The office. Worldwide headquarters of M+W Zander.

$160,000 watch. Who would pay that?!?

Ridiculously Disappointed

Brandon was supposed to come home late tonight. A couple of hours ago, the airline called to inform me that his flight from Washington D.C. to Phoenix was cancelled because of the weather. He will be coming home around noon tomorrow instead of tonight. I know it's only a half of a day longer, but I am ridiculously disappointed that I won't see him tonight. And the kids will be, too.Then again, am I sure I want this crazy guy around? Yeah, I guess I do. He is an amazing man, and having him gone has made me realize what I really have. I love him so much (craziness and all)I missed him.

It just wasn't the same without him here.

But it seems that I have missed him even more than I thought I did.

Otherwise, I would be taking this delay better. It feels like my already crappy day just got crappier. I think I need chocolate...

In Other News...

I've been super busy the last couple of weeks getting all the synchro suits, headpieces and glittering done. There was a big meet this last weekend, and I'm happy to report that I got everything finished in time (but I did pull a couple of LATE nighters in order to get it done). Final suit count this year (so far): 82

Olivia swam AWESOMELY! (Is that a word?). Her trio finished FIRST again (and by a much bigger margin), her duet improved to FOURTH place out of 19 duets (up from 8th place at the last meet). And her team improved from second to FIRST place this time!!!

In other news (because this isn't just about Olivia and synchro, right?), I took Brandon to the airport on Sunday morning for a weeklong trip to Germany. He is going to kick off something to do with Global Engineering Efficiency and because he is such an amazing man, he and his group were asked to start it off. I actually maybe know more about this, but I can't seem to make it all make sense in writing. Anyway, he will be missed a lot (but I am looking forward to having the bed to myself) I'm thinking I might make a big obnoxious sign and get balloons and stand in the airport and make a big scene next Monday. Sounds fun.

I had sick kids home all last week. I'm glad they are all back at school now. It's nice to have my days to myself once again.

This week, I am planning on doing a little cleaning and dejunking. And on that note, Olivia's team is having a rummage sale fundraiser on Saturday. If any of you are interesting in stopping by, it will be at Brimhall Jr. High on Saturday 2/28 from 7 am to noon.

I will also be getting ready for a Primary Activity Day on Friday afternoon. And maybe even seeing my parents, who might come to town for a funeral.

And I thought my life would be so boring when I was done sewing suits...

"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon."
~ Author Unknown

Homework

In a further attempt to convince certain people (you know who you are) that this blog is not just about Olivia, I give you the following snippet.

Sam was working on his homework last night, and this little story came up:

As Sam was working on finding synonyms for certain words in this story, I recalled a few months ago when Sam lost a tooth at school.
Did he bring it home in a ziploc baggie?
No.
In an envelope?
No.
In his pocket?
No.
It was in his SHOE!
It was gross.

Phase 2

Just so we all are clear on the fact that this blog is not just about Olivia, here's a funny snippet of life with Dan:

A week or so ago, we (Dan, Olivia, Brandon and me) were playing a game of Phase 10. It was pretty fun.

Dan, Olivia and I were on something like Phase 7, 8, and 9. Brandon was on Phase 2. And had been for about 8 turns.

Our scores were about 150 or so. His was something like 800.

After one round (still on Phase 2), he finally put his cards down and said he was done playing because "it's just painful to sit here".

So what does Dan do? Responds like this: "Then sit there, Dad" and points to another chair.

It was very funny. But maybe you had to be there.

Trio video

Here's the FIRST PLACE trio!!! Enjoy!

Payday

The good thoughts paid off! Thank you everybody!
Olivia had a FANTASTIC weekend! She did awesome in every event. I am so proud of her.
She finished SECOND in figures (yeah!!!), SECOND in team (yeah!!!), and FIRST in trio (YEAH, yeah, yeah!!!) Those were all in the 11-12 age group. She also finished 8th in the 13-15 age group in duet. (That was a HUGE accomplishment).
I'm not sure what she was most excited about. I'm excited about it all. And yes, she did beat the girl I was hoping she would beat--in ALL three events they both swam.

Think Good Thoughts

Olivia has a big synchro meet tomorrow and Sunday. Send your good thoughts her way! Actually, maybe you should think good thoughts for me (that I will be a good sport--but I REALLY want her to beat a certain girl.)

Suits

Some more suits:

Remember this one?

Here it is after being glittered...

Honky Tonk/Western Saloon/Cowboy (they can't decide what to call their routine).

The big star goes onto the back, too. One of the moms is going to put rhinestones on the straps and I think on the black. I'll try to get a finished picture tomorrow at the meet. This is Olivia's trio. I'm not totally happy with the end result. I don't know why. Everyone else likes it. Probably I'm just harder on myself than I should be.

I didn't get a picture of the Witch Doctor suits before I delivered them. They had this guy on them:

I'll try to get a picture tomorrow. They turned out really cute.

A morning in the life of Julia

7:00: Before she even wakes up, she murmurs in her sleep "I don't want to go to school". Then she wakes up and says it consciously.
7:05: Refuses to get dressed.
7:10: Refuses to eat breakfast.
7:15: Ties herself to her bed in the hopes that she won't have to go to school.
7:20: Still refuses to get dressed. Is presented with the choice of going to school dressed, in PJ's or in whatever state of undress she is currently in.
7:25: Still refuses to eat breakfast. Tries to hide under a blanket.
7:30: May or may not be dressed. Shoes and socks are another matter.
7:35: Siblings start getting anxious to be gone. There is much commotion in the house (and yelling)
7:40: Is invariably driven to school because otherwise everyone would be late.
7:45: Won't get out of car.
7:50: Is dragged into the front office by her mother (in her PJ's, mom, that is) and taken to her class.
7:55: Skips happily into school and enjoys herself the whole rest of the day. She loves school!

Question: Who is in charge of our mornings? And how do I get that control back?

A day in the life of me

Here's what my day has been like for way too long now:
7:30: Send kids off to school (I have gotten up and made breakfast and made sure they were wearing clean clothes since school started again in January. This is a huge step for me)
8:00: Check my email while I eat breakfast (usually something not very good for me)
8:30: Head to my dungeon (which is really a very bright yellow bedroom with a good view, but it feels like a dungeon). Sew, sew, unpick, sew, glitter, sew, design, sew, etc.
2:00-ish: Remember that I haven't eaten lunch. Eat something not very good for me.
2:45: Kids come home, take off their shoes and socks and leave them lying right in the middle of the living room. Empty backpacks and leave it in the middle of the living room. Then they fight, watch TV, play, fight, eat, fight, etc.
Meanwhile, I am sewing in the dungeon.
4:00 on most days: Take Olivia to swimming. Try suits on girls, learn the latest changes to routines and suits that I still have to make, etc.
5:00: come home and wonder what on earth we are going to have for dinner since Brandon most likely won't be home and I haven't been to the grocery store for about 2 months now.
7:00ish: Back to the dungeon for more late night sewing, glittering or whatever until I am too tired to think straight. Unfortunately, I have worked with a tired brain before and it usually ends up with more unpicking the next day.
11:00 or later: Go to bed.

Now, here's the thing. I have earned a good chunk of money sewing suits, but I'm starting to wonder if it's worth it. I'm not very good at balancing things in my life. It's all or nothing. I do this a lot. For instance, when I read a book, that's ALL I do. Read. Until I'm done. Now it's SEW. Until I'm done. But then, after I'm done, what will I do? (I also think that I do this in part to avoid things I don't like: cleaning, cooking, laundry, discipline, etc.)

I'm starting to think that my brain is a one-track brain and is incapable of focusing on more than one thing. But then, sometimes I think that I am very good at multi-tasking. I have come to the conclusion, for now, that when I find something that makes me happy in any form, I overdose on it. I think I am addicted to creating suits. I like to see something I have designed, created, embellished and loved end up being loved by the girl who it was created for. I guess deep down, I also like hearing praise over my creations. Just today, somebody said I was "famous". I don't think that's true, but I can't help but hope that at the coming swim meet, somebody will ask "who made all of those fabulous suits?"

In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn't matter to me that something I have made is important, what should matter to me is that someone I have raised is important. Right now, I'm having a hard time separating my "working self" from my "mom self". I am impatient with my children, I don't want to cook or clean for them, I let discipline and homework slide, and many other aspects of my life and theirs so that I can create something "fabulous". Shouldn't the "fabulous" that I'm creating be in my own life? Shouldn't the house, kids, husband and self come before everything else, and least sometimes? How do I make myself take time for something other that what my one-track brain has decided is most important in this moment? Where do I find the patience to tuck Sam in for the fourth time tonight? What I really want to do is yell and scream at him because he is kicking the wall, it's 9:39, and he's really tired. How do I become a good mom, and not just a good seamstress? Why is it that I can be really good at some things, and really, really bad at others? (and those are usually the more important things)

BTW, these are all rhetorical questions, I don't expect anyone to answer, or to give me a pep talk. This post is just more about self discovery than anything else.

I have a good friend who chooses one word to focus on for a whole year. Something to think about, work on, try to do better, etc. I have thought a lot about this in the last few weeks. I thought, "Okay, I'll do it too." So what word did I come up with for myself? I was thinking TRY. But then I thought that was pretty lame, because it would be an easy out. After all, I was only TRYING, and if I failed, at least I TRIED, right? So I was never brave enough to share this word with anyone (except my sister, who laughed with me about it). Tonight, I was reading this friend's blog and I saw that someone else had chosen the word BALANCE for her word. I knew right away that that's what my word and my focus needs to be. BALANCE. In everything. In what I do with my time, in what I eat, in what my priorities are, in my physical balance (I'm starting to feel old and decrepit), in dealing with my kids, in taking care of myself, in EVERYTHING. So, Adrian, I am officially choosing a word. I'm going to go write it on my mirror and try (ha ha) to have more BALANCE in everything I do. I even started by going back into Sam's room and lying down with him for a few minutes until he calmed down and we could talk about why he was so upset. (He's just really tired). So, I successfully balanced being a mom with being a blogger. Good for me. Pat on the back. Tomorrow, I will start working on the mom/swimsuit maker dilemma. A little balance at a time will be okay. At least it's something. And that's all I'm going for right now. I have a whole year to get this perfected.