You may have already seen this, but this was so touching to me. What an incredible lesson on what it means to be a parent, and how to take our trials in stride. Great to watch after an afternoon of shopping with the girls who ran around like hoodlums and dropped a juice bottle that broke and spilled all over the floor in Smith's.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Food for Thought
Perhaps right now one of the biggest things going on is the H1N1 deal. I know there are many differing opinions about the flu this year and there has been tons of media coverage. What I have found is that there is quite a bit of research out there, a lot of which is not covered in the media. Now that I am a mom and have to make very important decisions regarding the health of my kiddos, I have been really trying to do research so I can make what I feel is an educated, objective decision. Before simply assuming the best preventative course of action to take, I highly suggest everyone to do their own research to make the best decision for them and their families. An example of many available:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx (This one has some VERY interesting info and especially numbers to consider)
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/13/what-is-the-real-cause-of-influenza-epidemics.aspx
http://www.nvic.org// (this one is a non-profit organization therefore has no ties to any one program or company)
Just something to think about. Something I'm learning about myself is I often play the "devil's advocate," if you will, and try to see all sides of the story.
If any of you out there have some other interesting information you would like to share, I would love to hear it!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx (This one has some VERY interesting info and especially numbers to consider)
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/13/what-is-the-real-cause-of-influenza-epidemics.aspx
http://www.nvic.org// (this one is a non-profit organization therefore has no ties to any one program or company)
Just something to think about. Something I'm learning about myself is I often play the "devil's advocate," if you will, and try to see all sides of the story.
If any of you out there have some other interesting information you would like to share, I would love to hear it!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Weekend Recap
We had such a fun weekend! 5 of Jacob's brothers and sisters came down for the weekend, and we had such a good time. I was spoiled having so many hands to help me out. You sisters are awesome! Who else would be so willing to do all my really gross projects, without me even asking? In fact, I really was hoping they wouldn't find my dirty little secrets. But those busy little bees just can's sit still. Let's go over the list: First, my fridge got cleaned out. No really, it was disgusting. They didn't even request gloves. Amazing. Then, my microwave got cleaned out. Sparkling, delightful. I like to peek into it just to see how nice it looks in there. Let's add to the list that I can now see out of my windows. Those Windex Warriors took care of those in no time flat. True love, however, is cleaning out the area where my washer and dryer have been. I don't think they even threw up after seeing all that soggy sticky dryer lint. Really, I don't live in filth, but having little kids is kind of like having a constant tornado swooping down in every crevice of my house wreaking havoc. Thank you so much for helping me with all those little projects I would just rather forget about!!
Okay, okay, I guess the boys deserve a little credit. After all, they did get our wood split and stacked, hauled washers and dryers up and down stairs, and did all sorts of random farm stuff. And here they thought they were going to have a vacation! Ha!
Saturday afternoon we headed up to do some shooting. The girls both had their first time shooting a gun (and a LOT of talks about how guns are very dangerous) and they both loved it. My little sharpshooters:
After shooting, we drove up to a better spot to start a fire and have a weenie roast. Nothing like gorging yourself on a big fat hot dog and following it up by a big scoop of bean dip, huh? We didn't even have room for s'mores. Aahh, that's the life. And then come home to a clean fridge!
The girls were in heaven with their Aunts and Uncles and I think each one took a turn as the favorite at some point over the weekend. The only down side to the weekend was Uncle Benson wasn't feeling well and stayed home. We missed you Uncle Bens! The ladies were spoiled with lots of love and attention. They especially love to rough house with the Uncles. You make a GREAT horse Uncle Karl!
Thanks so much for a fun weekend everybody! How about next weekend too?
Here's the girls with the first snow storm of the year. Kenna insisted on gearing up to go out and play, so we went on a search to roundup all the snow gear and got them all bundled up. Of course we had to follow it up with some hot chocolate.
And to top off the blog entry, what is better than a good old Halloween carnival put on by the Young Women? Not much! Here are the girls dressed up and ready to party. Fairy Kenna (complete with a hairdo of her own), and Ladybug Allie. Love it!
Okay, okay, I guess the boys deserve a little credit. After all, they did get our wood split and stacked, hauled washers and dryers up and down stairs, and did all sorts of random farm stuff. And here they thought they were going to have a vacation! Ha!
Saturday afternoon we headed up to do some shooting. The girls both had their first time shooting a gun (and a LOT of talks about how guns are very dangerous) and they both loved it. My little sharpshooters:
After shooting, we drove up to a better spot to start a fire and have a weenie roast. Nothing like gorging yourself on a big fat hot dog and following it up by a big scoop of bean dip, huh? We didn't even have room for s'mores. Aahh, that's the life. And then come home to a clean fridge!
The girls were in heaven with their Aunts and Uncles and I think each one took a turn as the favorite at some point over the weekend. The only down side to the weekend was Uncle Benson wasn't feeling well and stayed home. We missed you Uncle Bens! The ladies were spoiled with lots of love and attention. They especially love to rough house with the Uncles. You make a GREAT horse Uncle Karl!
Thanks so much for a fun weekend everybody! How about next weekend too?
Here's the girls with the first snow storm of the year. Kenna insisted on gearing up to go out and play, so we went on a search to roundup all the snow gear and got them all bundled up. Of course we had to follow it up with some hot chocolate.
And to top off the blog entry, what is better than a good old Halloween carnival put on by the Young Women? Not much! Here are the girls dressed up and ready to party. Fairy Kenna (complete with a hairdo of her own), and Ladybug Allie. Love it!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Mom's Lesson
Being completely frank, little children are a lot of work. A lot. Around the clock, throughout the weekends, and even on holidays- go figure. And to continue with our frank little discussion, it isn't always easy. Stress builds as quickly as my laundry pile does. But then, thank goodness, there are moments that really make it worth it. Like when my girls dance for me when listening to their primary songs, or let out a giggle that seems to come up from their toes. Or especially when I am the one who gets to learn a lesson from my girls. This was the case yesterday. Let me set up the scenario for you:
Jacob's brothers Seth and Daniel came down for the weekend (We had a lot of fun with you! Considering they went with Jacob and the Teachers on an overnighter down the narrows in Zions and we only saw them for just a bit). I wanted to have a nice Sunday lunch and then let them get on their way back up the state. Well, the rolls were raising perfectly on the table and were about ready to go in the oven, when I caught Allie on the table punching them down. She got to about half of them. "ALLLLLIE! NOOOOOO!," I said (rather gruff) and I snatched her off the table. Well, Allie felt bad and started to cry. After all, I can only imagine what a fun little game it must be to punch down roll dough when you're two. In her cute little mind she was probably thinking, "hey mom, look what I can do!" Of course when you are the mommy running around trying to get everything ready and your rolls get pretty much ruined, it's not so much a fun little game. So, in all the commotion, Kenna stands her ground in the kitchen, shakes her finger at me and says with all the bravado of a soon-to-be 4-year-old, "Mom! Jesus tells us that we shouldn't get mad!" She gave me a good stare down. I had to let out a sigh, because really, she's right. I got down on my knees, gave her a hug, and said, "you're right Kenna, thank you for reminding me." It seemed to be a very simple moment, but it was so touching to me. I have really been trying hard lately to work on not getting angry so easy, and to speak softly. I have learned in so many situations that it really makes all the difference when it comes to dealing with people, and I know it especially makes a difference in the home. But back to the 'kids are a lot of work' I started out with, it isn't always easy to keep my cool. In fact, I could often easily get to a pretty good boil! But, thanks to the simple spirit of my little girl, the Lord gave me a very strong reminder. Really, the rolls still tasted good. They were just, well, ugly. In the end, rolls don't mean a whole lot, but the confidence of my two year old does. Sometimes you just have to let it roll. He he, no pun intended. I pray the Lord will continue to guide me in my efforts to as I try to do a little better each day.
Jacob's brothers Seth and Daniel came down for the weekend (We had a lot of fun with you! Considering they went with Jacob and the Teachers on an overnighter down the narrows in Zions and we only saw them for just a bit). I wanted to have a nice Sunday lunch and then let them get on their way back up the state. Well, the rolls were raising perfectly on the table and were about ready to go in the oven, when I caught Allie on the table punching them down. She got to about half of them. "ALLLLLIE! NOOOOOO!," I said (rather gruff) and I snatched her off the table. Well, Allie felt bad and started to cry. After all, I can only imagine what a fun little game it must be to punch down roll dough when you're two. In her cute little mind she was probably thinking, "hey mom, look what I can do!" Of course when you are the mommy running around trying to get everything ready and your rolls get pretty much ruined, it's not so much a fun little game. So, in all the commotion, Kenna stands her ground in the kitchen, shakes her finger at me and says with all the bravado of a soon-to-be 4-year-old, "Mom! Jesus tells us that we shouldn't get mad!" She gave me a good stare down. I had to let out a sigh, because really, she's right. I got down on my knees, gave her a hug, and said, "you're right Kenna, thank you for reminding me." It seemed to be a very simple moment, but it was so touching to me. I have really been trying hard lately to work on not getting angry so easy, and to speak softly. I have learned in so many situations that it really makes all the difference when it comes to dealing with people, and I know it especially makes a difference in the home. But back to the 'kids are a lot of work' I started out with, it isn't always easy to keep my cool. In fact, I could often easily get to a pretty good boil! But, thanks to the simple spirit of my little girl, the Lord gave me a very strong reminder. Really, the rolls still tasted good. They were just, well, ugly. In the end, rolls don't mean a whole lot, but the confidence of my two year old does. Sometimes you just have to let it roll. He he, no pun intended. I pray the Lord will continue to guide me in my efforts to as I try to do a little better each day.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Taylie Update
Let's not be mistaken folks, there are MANY good things about the world we live in. Goodness is in the hearts of people, and this past weekend it has been proven tenfold. As you read in my last post, there was a wonderful little fundraiser for sweet little Taylie who is battling cancer. Over the weekend, there were a total of 358 posts in behalf of Taylie. The deal was to double the number of posts and write a check in that amount. Add it all up and that makes $716. The generous donor decided he wanted to "kick it up a notch" and double it again to bring the total to $1432.00. Yes, you read correctly! My heart is smiling. To see people who are so willing to help out a stranger is...well, there really isn't a word to describe it. THAT is what I like to read about in the news. THAT is what is at the heart of America. THAT is what it means to give charity. Not to give, necessarily, but to love. Love as our Savior does. Hopefully it's only a beginning.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Small and Simple Things
As Alma is teaching his son, Helaman, he gives him a beautiful piece of advice: "..by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 36:6). Albeit a short piece of scripture, it has such a beautiful and profound meaning. I have been given an opportunity to turn this scripture into action by serving another, and am passing the same opportunity on to you.
My good friend Kylene has come up with a GREAT idea to help a family with a little girl named Taylie who has cancer. This is a young family with some beautiful little girls (sounds familiar, huh?) and could use some financial help on their medical journey. Here's how it works: all you have to do is post the link to Taylie's website (found here) on your blog, and then go over and let my friend Kylene know by posting a comment on her blog, found here. No blog? No prob! Post a link on your Facebook page. Perhaps you are one who has figured out the whole Twitter thing. Go ahead and post away you little tweets. Just be sure to finish off by letting Kylene know. So where's the money, you ask? A very generous donor will give $2 to Taylie's family for every person who posts Taylie's link. It takes just a brief minute and your "small thing" could end up spreading and helping "great things come to pass." THANK YOU! May God bless us all as we serve Him by serving others.
My good friend Kylene has come up with a GREAT idea to help a family with a little girl named Taylie who has cancer. This is a young family with some beautiful little girls (sounds familiar, huh?) and could use some financial help on their medical journey. Here's how it works: all you have to do is post the link to Taylie's website (found here) on your blog, and then go over and let my friend Kylene know by posting a comment on her blog, found here. No blog? No prob! Post a link on your Facebook page. Perhaps you are one who has figured out the whole Twitter thing. Go ahead and post away you little tweets. Just be sure to finish off by letting Kylene know. So where's the money, you ask? A very generous donor will give $2 to Taylie's family for every person who posts Taylie's link. It takes just a brief minute and your "small thing" could end up spreading and helping "great things come to pass." THANK YOU! May God bless us all as we serve Him by serving others.
Friday, October 2, 2009
September from beginning to end
Okay, okay. It's been a while. Combine the fact that September went by entirely too fast and our internet was out for a bit- I just am now updating. But, here is our September update.
A group of 4 of us in my ward are doing a rotating preschool for our little 3-going-on-4-year-olds. I took the first week when we started in September. It went well, and the little kiddos seem to really enjoy it. Let's just say an hour and a half with 4 little kidlets plus Allie is quite the whirlwind! But, so far it's been a success and Kenna really enjoys it. Everybody make the letter A!
Mom and Dad Otte came down for Labor Day weekend and we had a blast! They spoiled us with a trip down to St. George for dinner and then to go see "Aida" at the Tuacahn. The show was great, we loved it. Also many thanks to them for getting me jumpstarted on my peaches and pears. Also a BIG shoutout to another mysterious generous donor of a new outdoor camp cooker I can do my bottling on. You know who you are! THANK YOU! We are so blessed with such loving parents. (Didn't get a picture, darnit)
We headed up to Salt Lake for the State Fair. Always such a fun trip. I had a cold that kept me kind of foggy, but we still loved it. Kenna and Allie both showed a heifer and thought they were on top of the world. We pulled up a trailer full of cedar posts for Dad Israelsen, took the heifers back to Logan, then after unloading filled right back up again with pigs and a horse. The girls and I stayed in Salt Lake with my sister Steph, so Jacob just came by with the LOAD to pick us up.
***This is a little addition to the original post, but I just HAVE to add a little tidbit here. The picture of Kenna is with Aunt Marlene, and I must say that Aunt Marlene is just looking so darn cute! She is such an incredible person and a GREAT Aunt, the girls sure love her. She will make someone a mighty fine catch, I must say. Any single men out there go ahead and line up, but you must know she is prime so only the best of the best will get her! Sorry Mar, couldn't help myself- I just love that picture.
We spent a Saturday up the mountain getting wood for our fireplace. Can't believe it's that time of year again. We'll be stoking up the fireplace before we know it. Kenna and Allie had a great time "hiking" and playing in the dirt.
The other day, Allie decided to take her sweet self outside, let the dogs out, then follow them across the field and over to the neighbors cul-de-sac, all while Jacob and I were in the back of the house talking thinking all was well in Zion. We went out to check on the girls only to find the gate open and Allie missing. Thanks to a good neighbor who captured her and won't be calling us in to child protective services.
Allie's new thing is chewing gum (can I just say I have a GREAT BIG aversion to seeing or touching chewed gum, even my own child's, so this one is borderline for me). Well, while in the grocery store the other day, Allie seemed a bit stuffy. I wasn't sure why until she looked up and I could see a big white unidentifiable chunk up her nose. Far up her nose. I figured I'd have to take care of that when we got home. Well, the little darling took care of it herself when she sneezed and out flew a booger covered wad of gum she had decided to shove up her nose. Happy Halloween y'all. If that doesn't gross you out, nothing will. This child is giving me a whole new adventure, that's for sure.
We headed back up north AGAIN for a quick trip to Logan for Grandpa Floyd's 90th birthday party. It was fun to see most of the Israelsen family and celebrate with Grandpa. It was a quick trip, but worth it. Kenna cuddled right in to Grandpa Floyd and loved it. Allie of course was mostly interested in the goldfish.
Allie has learned to crawl out of her crib (yes, she's part monkey in so many ways), so we've had to switch things up a bit. Kenna's bedroom is now the official bedroom, and Allie's room has been converted into the toy room. I really like having all the toys in one spot and keeping the bedroom for sleeping, but getting the girls to sleep together in the same bed has been a challenge! They talk and giggle, and Allie loves pushing the boundaries on her new found freedom. We have yet to discover exactly how it will turn out. Wish us luck.
And last but not least, what more to life is there than discovering all the really cool things you can do with your feet?
A group of 4 of us in my ward are doing a rotating preschool for our little 3-going-on-4-year-olds. I took the first week when we started in September. It went well, and the little kiddos seem to really enjoy it. Let's just say an hour and a half with 4 little kidlets plus Allie is quite the whirlwind! But, so far it's been a success and Kenna really enjoys it. Everybody make the letter A!
Mom and Dad Otte came down for Labor Day weekend and we had a blast! They spoiled us with a trip down to St. George for dinner and then to go see "Aida" at the Tuacahn. The show was great, we loved it. Also many thanks to them for getting me jumpstarted on my peaches and pears. Also a BIG shoutout to another mysterious generous donor of a new outdoor camp cooker I can do my bottling on. You know who you are! THANK YOU! We are so blessed with such loving parents. (Didn't get a picture, darnit)
We headed up to Salt Lake for the State Fair. Always such a fun trip. I had a cold that kept me kind of foggy, but we still loved it. Kenna and Allie both showed a heifer and thought they were on top of the world. We pulled up a trailer full of cedar posts for Dad Israelsen, took the heifers back to Logan, then after unloading filled right back up again with pigs and a horse. The girls and I stayed in Salt Lake with my sister Steph, so Jacob just came by with the LOAD to pick us up.
***This is a little addition to the original post, but I just HAVE to add a little tidbit here. The picture of Kenna is with Aunt Marlene, and I must say that Aunt Marlene is just looking so darn cute! She is such an incredible person and a GREAT Aunt, the girls sure love her. She will make someone a mighty fine catch, I must say. Any single men out there go ahead and line up, but you must know she is prime so only the best of the best will get her! Sorry Mar, couldn't help myself- I just love that picture.
We spent a Saturday up the mountain getting wood for our fireplace. Can't believe it's that time of year again. We'll be stoking up the fireplace before we know it. Kenna and Allie had a great time "hiking" and playing in the dirt.
The other day, Allie decided to take her sweet self outside, let the dogs out, then follow them across the field and over to the neighbors cul-de-sac, all while Jacob and I were in the back of the house talking thinking all was well in Zion. We went out to check on the girls only to find the gate open and Allie missing. Thanks to a good neighbor who captured her and won't be calling us in to child protective services.
Allie's new thing is chewing gum (can I just say I have a GREAT BIG aversion to seeing or touching chewed gum, even my own child's, so this one is borderline for me). Well, while in the grocery store the other day, Allie seemed a bit stuffy. I wasn't sure why until she looked up and I could see a big white unidentifiable chunk up her nose. Far up her nose. I figured I'd have to take care of that when we got home. Well, the little darling took care of it herself when she sneezed and out flew a booger covered wad of gum she had decided to shove up her nose. Happy Halloween y'all. If that doesn't gross you out, nothing will. This child is giving me a whole new adventure, that's for sure.
We headed back up north AGAIN for a quick trip to Logan for Grandpa Floyd's 90th birthday party. It was fun to see most of the Israelsen family and celebrate with Grandpa. It was a quick trip, but worth it. Kenna cuddled right in to Grandpa Floyd and loved it. Allie of course was mostly interested in the goldfish.
Allie has learned to crawl out of her crib (yes, she's part monkey in so many ways), so we've had to switch things up a bit. Kenna's bedroom is now the official bedroom, and Allie's room has been converted into the toy room. I really like having all the toys in one spot and keeping the bedroom for sleeping, but getting the girls to sleep together in the same bed has been a challenge! They talk and giggle, and Allie loves pushing the boundaries on her new found freedom. We have yet to discover exactly how it will turn out. Wish us luck.
And last but not least, what more to life is there than discovering all the really cool things you can do with your feet?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
