Girl Friday

Yesterday my friend Cannwin posted a list. And you all know how much I love lists. Then I got an e-mail from BPC [Big Picture Classes] with a great "I" list. And the boys are currently working a list. Hmm. I think the universe is telling me it's time for another list :). Like I need an excuse. Here goes:

I was not going to post today.

I am going to the dentist.

I think I should take better care of my teeth so I don't have to make special trips to fix problems.

I wonder if that protective mouthwash really works...

I wish I could snap my fingers and have everything fly to it's place [like Mary Poppins].

I save everything. It's annoying. And counterproductive to my organizing wishes.

I always sit things down on the nearest surface and forget about them.

I can't imagine living in a clutter free home.

I believe it's possible

I promise to make more of an effort.

      

photos credits: Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart Living

I love the look of a clutter free home.

I do.

Shout Hooray!

Girlie had a birthday! She has graduated from a very sassy two to a very sassy three. No big surprise there. I've had a few things I've been meaning to get down about her at two. I'm having a really hard time getting things down lately. Hopefully I can remember... Girlie, I love how you giggle behind your hand when you know you're being silly. I think it's hilarious that you can't seem to remember that you just saw what's in the cupboard only five minutes previous. I love how you swim like a mermaid. So glad you enjoy the water. I love the faces you make at the camera. I have to hide my smiles when you lecture the boys. I get a kick out of your hand on your hip when you give instructions. I love how you are always wanting to put the eggs back on the nest so they can hatch. I love how you sing 'Good Night Ladies' to the chickens. I love that your nightlight is really a lightnight, that your favorite movie is, 'Howl's Movie Castle,' and that you love prunes. But I'm sad that your yellow boots are getting too small. Most of all, I love being your best best friend. *cake banner + flags created using Crystal Wilkerson's Sweet Summertime Paper Packs 1 + 2, and Crystal Wilkerson's Doodley Doo Birthday Brushes. Click the photo for product links.

Girl Friday

Re:5 Random Things 3 Months, 2 Weeks ago 1. Hello from the great state of Utah. 2. _________________ to be exact. 3. I'm mommy to four littles. Ages: 8, 6, 2, and 2.5 months. 4. I'm so excited to be a part of the team. I've never done anything like this before and have no idea what to expect. 5. I'm hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew . 6. I tend to do that. 7. I scrap digitally because I'm completely indecisive and change things at least 15 times before I'm done. 8. I am a paper junkie. 9. I rarely make a layout that I don't take the time to design a template to go with it. 10. Even though I know I'll probably never use it again. 11. My logic baffles me sometimes. 12. The weather here is currently cool + rainy and I love it. 13. I call it "permission to do nothing" weather. 14. It's when I curl up with a good book. 15. Mockingjay is currently waiting for me at the library. 16. I can't wait to read it. So...five things? 17. Sometimes I just don't know when to stop. *This was my list I posted for the JS Designer/Creative Team Forum getting to know you party. I've been meaning to share it for a while. I thought you might like it. And as you know... I like lists.

It's About That Time Again

I've been looking over my list. Seeing what I can cross off. Making exceptions. Giving myself a little slack. It's all good you know. No pressure when it comes to the list. That's what I tell myself. So, here it is. The official List of 33. I'm calling it good enough. I also added a few things I accomplished that weren't on the list. They more than make up for the things I never got around to.

1. expand my bookshelf
2. write a sentence a day
3. make a mix tape
4. paint tiny art
5. capture me
6. save 33 x $10 in an envelope
7. do something for someone they can't do themselves
8. try new recipes
9. feed people not living in my home
10. do a photo transfer with acetone I'm counting this as done. I followed the instructions but wasn't successful. Trying it was the point I think.
11. shoot ttv
12. get garden boots
13. take a dance class Zumba anyone?
14. embroider something Initials on a scripture bag weren't necessarily what I had in mind, but whatever.
15. take back the bookcase does covering it up count?
16. get photos taken in a photobooth [anybody know where I can find a photobooth?]
17. make + send postcards
18. learn to play lucky penny
19. get a photo gallery wrapped
20. spend a weekend w/B [and only B] I'm counting this too. Even though we had the baby with us. Should've done it before the baby was born...
21. make a baby book the book is made. It's just lacking the little details... like photos + words.
22. do random acts of kindness
23. explore the antique shop on the outskirts of Cedar.
24. make an artsy family video [anybody know how to do this?]
25. plant flowers
26. print photos
27. dress up. be brave
28. re-cover throw pillows
29. make a quilt
30. alter a shirt Percy Jackson's camp halfblood shirt will have to do.
31. go on a photo walk
32. save 33 lists Igot really close.
33. revisit "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life"

Things I did that were not on the list: Added another little person to our family Made new friends Reconnected with old friends Made scripture bags Made a doll bottled lots of soup bottled some salsa Made apple pie Learned to make bread Made lots of pizza Made calzones too. Made [and enjoying very much] homemade yogurt Practiced saying no. Became a teacher Finished the happy banner + hung it up Enjoyed the happy baner every day since. Wondered if *B* would like me to take down the happy banner Made juice - lots and lots of juice Made pumpkin muffins Converted entirely to whole wheat pancakes Reminded myself how to crochet Crocheted a few baby bear hats + one large bear hat Crocheted a hair bow Planted a garden Pulled lots of weeds with a very large belly in the way Made the JS Creative Team Sold a few pieces of art Made a few sets of baby legs Played volleyball anyone else have something to add to my list?

Monday Monday

So, yesterday was 10.10.10 and I tried and tried to think of something fun to do to commemorate the occasion. The boys even wanted to play along. That's as far as that went. Today I decided to celebrate late with three lists of 10. Here you go: 10 things I did on 10.10.10

1. washed my hair
2. wore mascara
3. arrived late to church
4. looked up to see Elder Holland sitting on the stand
5. decided our family should just have a bench in the hallway so as not to be so disruptive in our comings and goings [late + girl to the potty + diaper changes + feeding + crying, etc]
6. gave assurance to a new mom
7. taught a lesson on repentance
8. cut out bats
9. supervised a bat painting session
10. took a picture of the little man so I can finally get thank you cards printed

10 surfaces with paint on them:

1. her hands
2. her feet
3. her legs
4. her hair
5. my hair
6. the wood floor
7. the carpet
8. the couch
9. the toilet
10. the bathroom counter + faucet + hand towel

10 things I'm thankful for:

1. little people
2. who want to do crafts
3. happy singing
4. good nights sleep
5. understanding husbands
6. PBS Kids
7. "gum bears"
8. clean panties
9. breezy windows
10. baby swings

I had considered doing a photo walk of 10 things I'm grateful for, but I'm to lazy busy to even put much thought into that [honestly, the only reason I even posted this is because I started it while nursing and now I'm typing without looking at the screen because the girl is sitting on the table right in front of me. I guess she needs some love]. Today I am way behind on my super secret project. Way behind

Off to make lunch.

Today I...

1. taste tested my first attempt at homemade yogurt. The girl declared it yummy. The mommy thinks it needs some work. I'll share more on that when I've got it figured out. Until then I've used this and this for guidance.
2. Have permission to drop the guilt over the messy house.
3. *B* and I came to an understanding that I've got a lot to do in the next nine days.
4. Am trying to work but it's not really working.
5. Have a lesson on repentance floating around in the back of my mind.
6. The littlest man is crying.
7. The girl is into everything you can imagine and more.
8. Today I was announced a member of the Creative Team at Jessica Sprague!
9. Am feeling a bit overwhelmed.
10. But excited all the same.

List #8: ING

WAKING : up three times last night. and that after going to bed a bit past midnight. finally deciding that it just wasn't worth it to try and sleep anymore. getting up at 6:30 and going for a walk. all by myself. READING : as is typical of me, currently have multiple books I'm sampling [at the moment that number happens to be six]. Some actual delving going on in a few. The Hunger Games I am slowly reading to *B*, Toss the Guilt and Catch the Joy I am enjoying small tastes of here and there. How to Win Friends and Influence People was recommended by a member of our bishopric as a possible help to get through raising my kids. It's the one that gets picked up when I'm feeding the little man. Gospel Principles. There is actual delving going on here as I'm a newly called RS teacher and it's killing me. really. The Parenting Breakthrough. I guess this one shouldn't be on the list yet because I've only skimmed the begining. Then decided that I need to finish with these others first so as to give it it's proper respect and attention. Next up: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for bookclub. It's been on my list for quite a while. WEARING : Black t-shirt and Gray sweat shorts. a bun in my hair. I'm very dressed up today. DRINKING: water. lots of water. and occasionally a rootbeer flavored italian soda [I cooked me up some rootbeer flavored syrup for just this purpose]. they're yummy. CAPTURING : sweet little faces and happy moments. WATCHING : This awesome video: The Day Money Actually Grew On A Tree. I love it! WORKING: on getting the little man to sleep so I can get started on a baby name order due saturday. I'm also hyperfocused on fine tuning/developing a couple of brilliant ideas I had recently. More on that later. CALLING : to make VT appointments. If I remember that is. I always remember while they're at work. Never once they get home. REMEMBERING : to make VT appointments. hopefully. ENJOYING: the coolness that is slowly sneeking into the air.

List #7: Today I Am Happy

1. because I was privileged to hear "elk" bugling in the cool morning air outside my window [*A* does a great elk impersonation. Seriously, it's impressive I hope the neighbors don't mind].
2. because the windows are open and there is cool fresh air coming in.
3. because I was able to get out and walk/slow jog in the wee morning hours.
4. because I've got a gallon sized baggie full of frozen grapes in my freezer and still more on the vines waiting for me to get them taken care of.
5. because the boys have decided on halloween costumes and they are pretty basic.
6. because it's almost autumn people. I love autumn.
7. because I'm slowly working my way through the ridiculous amounts of photos on my computer.
8. because the table re-finishing project is finally back in progress.

9. because I rock at throwing random things together to make a meal.

List #6: Guiltiest Pleasures

1. dark chocolate milky way
2. rainy-day reading
3. pretty paper
4. a new box of crayons
5. an extra game of volleyball
6. starting a new project

No. 11

shoot ttv [through the viewfinder] of an old camera that is. It's an Argus 75. I love it. There is actually a tube contraption that you make and position between the viewfinder of the Argus and the lens of the digital camera, but I decided to just go ahead without it [as it's likely that I will never actually make the contraption]. Looking through the viewfinder of the argus produces a whole new point of view. I saw things that I didn't expect. I saw things I wouldn't have normally looked at. I decided I like looking through the viewfinder of the Argus. But not necessarily through the viewfinder via my digital. I think I'm going to buy some film. I'll add that to the list for next year.

So, my review of ttv photography [without a contraption] is this:

+ it looks really neat because you get cool flecks and "noise" on you photo.

+ it looks really neat because the colors and lighting get altered a bit.

+ it looks really neat with rounded corners and black borders

- it's awkward to get a good shot because you have to hold both cameras at the same time.

- holding both cameras is impossible.

- the shots you can take are limited to what you have on hand to position the Argus.

So, that's it. It's awkward, but I like the way it looks. I might re-visit this one with a contraption.

Just A Few Things

I really need to put more focus and effort into. Elsie had this challenge up on her blog and I thought I should put these out there too. Accountability and all that. You know how it is.

1. Eat 2-3 fruits and 4+ veggies daily. Instead of candy. It's a myth that candy will give you energy and keep you awake. A myth I tell you. And yet I just keep right on disillusioning myself.

2. Sleep when they sleep. Even if that means going to bed at 7:30 p.m. Even if it means not cleaning the house. Even if it means missing out on my alone time. Yeah, even then.

3. More water. More water. More water. Do you think that if I drink more water this infernal headache will finally go away? More water I say.

4. Put something away. Anything. That nursing pad on the table? Put it away. And while you're at it, put away your cereal bowl too.

And then go take a nap. Because they're sleeping right now dang it.

5 - Four - 3 - 2 - 1

5: the number of laundry baskets of clean clothes that need my attention at this very moment. One could say, "at least they're clean." But I like baskets of clean clothes less than I like baskets of dirty clothes. Clean clothes say, "no worries. I'm clean. It's okay to walk away." And then they proceed to jump out of the baskets onto the floor and soon I'm picking up clothes and smelling them to see if they're clean or not. Sometimes that game goes a little sour. Baskets of dirty clothes, on the other hand, call out to me: "hey! don't you walk away from me. you'll regret it tomorrow when you have to wear that shirt with spit up on it. Hey! I'm talking to you!" I can deal with one basket of dirty. I have a hard time with multiple baskets of clean. FOUR: little people in my home. This I would say is by far the most significant number in this particular list. Honestly, four feels quite a lot like three except for one thing. Four feels like a lot less sleep and one enormous headache. I'm not sure why. Maybe the lack of sleep. Maybe the fact that I'm playing the highly ineffective game of keeping the motor running on sugar. Really I just don't know, but I am liking our little number four. I'm liking him quite a lot. 3: new blogs I've enjoyed this morning... Wild Olive, Zakka Life, and Chez Beeper Bebe. 2: days left until school starts. Really? Really. 1: minute left of computer time for me. I've really got to get something done today. Really.

Once A Year

there is a designated girls weekend. Also known as Fathers and Sons. Usually I have big plans. Bigger plans than I could ever accomplish. This year it came incognito. I was taken unaware. It was never announced over the pulpit. This year I've gone to bed at 12:00+ the last three nights. Two of the nights are completely my fault, but for last night I am blaming Primerica. As you can probably imagine, I am exhausted. But I won't admit it. I'm in complete denial. I keep thinking, "I should be accomplishing something great tonight. It's my night. Probably the last that will be mine. So, this is how it is going so far:

Zip over to pick up dinner at Cafe Rio [shredded chicken burrito enchilada style with a side of guacamole anyone?]. Usually I save half for lunch the next day, but wow... the girl is a great eater. She was exhausted and I knew if I played my cards right we would have an early bedtime. So after dinner we hopped in the shower. Had a few bedtime stories and she fell asleep during I am a child of God [7:00 p.m]. Since then I have been trying to figure out how to customize the new page tabs that are right under my blog header. It's not going so well and I'm not sure I'll leave them there. I gave up and decided to upload the photos on my camera so I could share a few things before I forget. I've also been eating pretzel M&Ms. They're pretty good, but they don't seem to register. I would sit down with a small bowl of a designated amount if I were you. Here's my list of possibles:

1. watch New Moon and eat a bowl of ice cream
2. finish the scripture bag that was supposed to be for *A*s birthday since he keeps asking about it.
3. cut squares for the levi quilt that is coming due very quickly. very quickly.
4. start the doll the I plan to make for *E* for her birthday [thought I have decided that as much as I want to cut into the extremely cute fabrics I've got at the ready for this project [It will have various fabrics on random parts of her body much like this rabbit, I will not begin until I've finished with the scripture bags. I won't.
5. cave in and order the baby journal/book It's done. I when I went to the site to grab the link and decided to just go for it [of course, I would start with the last thing on the list. It's so typical of me]. I keep telling myself that I could put together a similar kit myself, but that would be making things harder than they need to be since it just isn't flowing right now and it needs to be. putting together a baby book is on the list. nothing seems to be flowing right now. I seem to have entered the last stages of the cerebral/placental shift.

Or... I could just turn in early. my pregnant body is calling out for just that. It would be a first for Fathers and Sons weekend.

*A* lost his first tooth on Tuesday and again with the flakey toothfairy. Seriously, is my brain so addled that I can't remember the significant first lost tooth ever of this adorable little man? Yes, apparently it is. When he showed me the tooth in the morning, "Mom, look. But no money." he said [our toothfairy doesn't take the teeth... she knows that the kids have much more fun inspecting them regularly than she would stressing about how to keepsake them]. I began internally kicking myself repeatedly and told him what a bummer it is to have a flakey toothfairy. The second night I followed them down to bed and stuck a dollar with my toothbrush so I would be sure to get it taken care of. All was forgiven. The morning after the third night I watched him get up out of bed and cracked up when I saw him take his tooth out from under his pillow. He looked at me with a sheepish smile and shrugged his shoulders. I said, "it was worth a try wasn't it?" He was really hoping he could re-use that tooth for a second visit.

So, that settles it. Don't ever hire our toothfairy.

We Just Keep On

keeping on. Trying to recover from bouts of the yuck. The girl is currently enjoying a diet of popsicles and ice cream. She has sores in her mouth [also known as stomatitis] and won't eat anything else. The doctor says it's just her body's reaction to the virus [cold] she has. She is one sad little cookie. I am also trying to recover from the yuck but it's not going so well as my sleep has been so rudely and so frequently interupted the last week or so. I'm sure it will come sooner or later. Other snippets:

1. I have a library book that is a week over due. No, make that 10 days. This never happens. It must be that 33 day Book of Mormon challenge I've got myself on. I'm sure the other three library books I have will be over due soon as well.
2. I'm almost finished putting together our 2007 family book. I'm trying to finish it before the free paper upgrade from Blurb expires on May 4th. I'd better get it wrapped up [if you have a book ready to publish let me know and I'll hook you up with the free code].
3. A volleyball friend of mine had twin boys and I had no money so I decided to finally bust out the pattern I found on the internet for baby bear hats and give it a go. I had to re-work the first one five times because I was using a chunky yarn and the hats were coming out *A* sized [which he liked very much, by the way]. But I finally got them to what I thought was baby sized or close enough. Turns out they were more like 3 month old baby sized, which is just about right for my babies, but not so much for little 5 pounders. But who knew they were only five pounds? Not me.
4. As a result of #3, I am now obsessed with baby bear hats. Our Y.W. are having a camp fund raising dinner and they asked for donations for an auction. Naturally I signed up to donate two baby bear hats. Plus, I have two friends having babies this month. And, of course, our own little #4 coming in July. It's a good thing they only take a couple of hours. If you were wondering, I think I have the hats to an approximate newborn size. Just right for showing off in the hospital. Because who doesn't want a baby that looks like this? Now all I need is a newborn...

I think that one will be taken care of much sooner than I am ready for. Seriously.

More Questions

from Tollipop's hypothetical Friday. I would love to know what you would choose... 1. Would you rather never have to wait in another line (on foot), or would you rather always have the right of way at intersections...meaning no more red lights (via automobile)? I say, "Down with red lights!" 2. Would you rather have the power to read people's thoughts, or would you like the ability to communicate with animals? (Sorry, that's borderline creepy...let's not say complete access to someone's mind, but more just an incredibly heightened awareness and perception of what people are feeling and thinking.) I would go with the heightened awareness on this one. I'm totally clueless in most situations. One time in college this guy asked me if I wanted to ride with him to a fundraiser luau for the football team and I said that'd be great but I was going to drive a few friends. Could they ride with us. He said that was okay. I brought a boy [a couple of other girls too, but the problem turned out to be the boy]. I totally missed it until someone clued me in a few weeks later. Sheesh. 3. Would you like the ability to see a mile underground, or would you like the ability to see a mile underwater? "Seeing a mile underwater would be cool. But then again, maybe, just maybe, "there's gold in them thar hills." 4. If you could wander in and out of the plot of any book, what would it be? For some reason "Ender's Game" popped into my head. I'm sure I can think of something better though... Chronicles of Narnia. Pride and Prejudice. The Bible. 5. Would you rather have a secret garden full of all sorts of lovely growing things, with a cozy bench and a perfect patch of sunlight, and the power to bring anyone, anyone at all, to that place for a visit, or would you rather discover a secret corner in a library, a place no one else knows about or could ever find, with a huge, comfy cushion, a stack of wonderful books, and a window that allowed you a changing view of anywhere in the world (you simply had to ask)? Oh, to have a secret garden and to invite my Grandmas for a bit of cake. 6. Would you rather have an endless bar of the most scrumptious chocolate, or a perennial loaf of fresh bread (with no consequences, either way)? Bread. Bread of any variety I choose with whichever spread I desire. And warm. Always warm.

A Little Q & A

over at Tollipop. Here are my answers: 1. the ability to speak ten languages of my choice would go nicely with no. 5. 2. the ability to render my surroundings utterly clean. I like to play around in the kitchen, not so big on the cleaning thing. I get sidetracked too easily. 3. underwater breathing. although, if I we could change the seeing for miles into the ability to see where your children are for miles it would be the hands down winner. 4. Would you like to be able to throw a killer, missile-guided pass with the football or be a fearless, no-splash, champion diver? Hmm... that's a tough one. Does looking great in a bathing suit go with the diving? [wink] 5. Oh, to be able to wander the world. Although, if I could time travel would I also be able to wander the world? Maybe I want to change this to time travel. I could go and come back like I was never gone. Nice. 6. I'll keep this one relatively simple. I would love to just spend the day with my husband. 7. I would want to be a visitor of the Sermon on the Mount.

When Her Eyes Are Closed

she is invisible. She will only eat her food if she is on the front porch [or on my lap]. She can be found with buttons in her hands and pockets. There is not a single pencil in our house with an intact eraser. She also eats crayons. She loves to sing "Follow the Prophet." If you say, "gimme five!" she will say, "up high, down low, up high, down low..." She turns her bibs around like capes. When Daddy leaves she says, "bye-bye, love you, have a good day!" and then blows him a kiss.