climate blues

I absolutely abhor hot weather. Honestly, I really really dislike it which is why my children have been out to the park (located in our backyard) maybe 10 times this summer. I do not want to sit out there in the heat and watch them play while I fume about all the things I would like to get done inside the house. When I actually get them out of the house and try to go do something "fun" we all end up grumbling about how hot and sweaty we are. Let me tell you, my little family, when hot and sweaty is REALLY not pleasant. Oh... and that also is with myself included. I have decided recently that since my back door pretty much overlooks the playground in entirety, I would very much enjoy staying inside and doing the cleaning, while my children make a tornado welcome at the playground. I know that I suffer their cleanliness, but... a tub every night in exchange for the opportunity to clean some house? DONE! I love the fall and winter months much more than those pesky hot summer days where the bees hover over you if you even smell remotely of a bouquet.

My dream place to settle (if I ever attain the dream) would be somewhere where it is either 65-75 degrees everyday of the year with maybe 60 days of rain each year. That is at least a good rain per week. Either that or the summers range from 65-75 degrees with fairly mild winters that see enough snow for a couple snow days and to make a snow fort and snowman. That would be the life. Oh and I must mention the near to zilch population of flying bugs. I do not like sharing the outdoors with them.

I LOVE Christmas, and it can't come without snow. There have been far too many green Christmas' down here. I am ready to see some white come Christmas morning! Most of my favorite things are those that happen during fall and winter. There is hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, roasty fireplaces, snuggling on the couch with a warm blanket and awesome book, cozy socks, warm pjs, and jeans. I really miss that about my slightly "yankee" upbringing. I love having seasons that actually feel like the seasons should! Bring on the fall weather and let's have it stay!

Got good books?

I am in dire need of some FABULOUS childrens books that would keep the attention and feed the imagination of children 5 and under. My brain works HORRIBLY when it comes to remembering authors and book titles, most times our trip to the library consists of me browsing through the books and trying to pick ones that "look" entertaining. Having three small children does not allow for much time to actually READ the books before checking them out. Most trips include a short play time (while I pick out books), checking out, and dragging everyone home. This of course cuts down on the time they have to fight with other children (or for other children to try to fight with them). When they get a little older...... *dream*

Little man under the weather

My poor baby boy is feeling a bit under the weather. He has a little fever and has just felt awful the past few days. I, of course, am loving it up because that means he is easier to get to sleep while I cuddle with him. I hope that it is due to teething, the poor guy has only 2 teeth and is going to have a 1st birthday within the next two weeks! My girls had pretty much all of their teeth by the time they turned one!

Little man is so fun to watch. I LOVE to watch babies learn. So much joy comes from watching them crawl, learn how to hold things, learn how to stand on their own, try to walk, play, etc. Most of the joy in my life has come from watching my children learn.

We are just so happy to be his parents. The spirit that he brings to our home is wonderful. He has so much love, laughter, and curiosity to make the whole family feel appreciated.

BI-cycle

I taught my 5 year old how to ride a two wheeler by herself this morning. It has been a gradual process. In May we got her a bicycle with training wheels a little earlier than her birthday to coincide with a family trip. Anyway....she got pretty good at riding with training wheels. Shortly after getting our dog (in June)I realized the best way for me to enjoy walking the dog would be to take her on bike rides with us. Every morning we hop on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood. Since she has put so many miles into her bicycle these days, her training wheels are pretty beat up. They are so much so that most of the ride, I watch her balance on the tires and her training wheels don't touch the ground. This morning, I decided now was the time to take those babies off. Off they came, and on she rode! Stopping and starting is a little more involved, but she is catching on quickly. Wow... she beat me at riding a bike by about 2 years. GO MEL!

More importantly though - I felt such a HUGE sense of accomplishment. Even more than I do with watching them take their first steps. I TAUGHT my daughter how to ride a two-wheeler! From the time I put into our walks in the morning, I was helping her learn how to ride without the assistance of training wheels. SO SO SO SO proud of her. I couldn't stop smiling as I watched her ride around the block. Her sense of accomplishment probably much matched mine as she wore a HUGE smile on that little face of hers as she showed her mom AND dad how she can ride a bike. Being able to say that her father was there to see her ride for the first time without training wheels is something that means so much to me. I am immensely grateful for that blessing.

I will snap a photo and post it soon.

Disappear for a day

Some days I just want to pull the covers up over my head and sleep. In doing that I give up my mommy responsibilities until I choose to wake up and conquer the day. The days that I wish I could do just that are:

* When it is over 100 degrees outside
* When the family has been up FEWER than 30 minutes and already there is fighting
* When you head to the gym and everyone and their brother seems to be cutting you off - WHILE ON THEIR CELL PHONES!
* When I vacuum the rug for the 5th time that day due to dog hair. (white on red.... not so good)
* When there is so much laundry to fold that it would take the better part of an hour and a half
* When your husband is deployed and if anything is going to get done, it is ALL up to you

Silhouette Giveaway!

There are a few blogs giving away Silhouettes within the next week. If you are desperate for some fun ways to spend those hours you'll have away from your children come September.... take a look at How Does She - they have a list of the VERY lucky host sites.

There are SO many different kinds of things you can do with a Silhouette. Check it out!

Good luck to all those who have entered. There will be at least half a dozen winners of Silhouettes this week. Below is a list of 6 ways to enter.

#1 #4
#2 #5
#3 #6

Dressing up

Julia came trotting into the back room at our friend's house wearing this:


Melanie came waltzing out in a Minnie Mouse getup - we didn't get a picture of that one...hmmm... the need for me to have a much smaller camera for moments like this is pretty much - NECESSITY right now!

Sidenote: this photo is courtesy of my friend's iphone.

Our Black Hole

We are going on about 3 weeks worth almost with this hole in my ceiling. It all started when the ceiling in my living room started to crack. Maintenance finally came out and determined (after creating the hole in my ceiling) that my duct was leaking. They sent out some contractors about a week later and they determined they think the leak is coming from the upstairs duct that is dripping directly onto the duct downstairs here. There is absolutely no insulation there and it's now been an open hole in my super pristine house for nearly a month. The contractors said that it would probably be about 2 weeks before they could get back and everything would take about 2 days. Did I mention that they are going to have to rip down a wall in my bedroom? Yeah... my room is a DISASTER!! My dear husband thinks that since no one is supposed to be in our room... that it doesn't really matter what it looks like. There are heaps of stuff that has been on his dresser pretty much since we moved here (I don't dare touch it - since I would get in trouble if I threw something away I thought was trash).

Loathe my phone

Pretty much since the day I got this phone (refurbished) I have had problems. So stinkin fed up with how crazy it gets and how quickly it will lose charge as well. In the past I have had pretty good experiences with LG's - this time... they crashed and burned! I have AT&T, any ideas on how to get a better phone (didn't check to see if I can upgrade yet) without having to also get the internet option?! I feel that I already pay too much for internet (THANKS local provider) and have super slow computers that take forever to load the stuff. Oh well..... I really am going to stop complaining!

My Best Friend's Wedding

I took a whirlwind trip to PA this past weekend to play my role as Matron of Honor for my best friend's wedding. (I am writing this while I listen to my three children fighting and screaming about who knows what downstairs) It was beautiful and I am so excited for the new Mr. & Mrs. Amoss. Here is my best friend:



ISN'T SHE GORGEOUS!!!



This is my favorite picture. All day long I was pretty much the shadow of the photographer - trying to get my own shots. Most of the time I was able to get some really good ones. This one cracked me up!!! My best friend with her "fish". (She was Mrs. Amoss by the time she got this picture taken)

And this is the speech I wrote for her on her wedding day (to which I made everyone cry apparently..... including her DAD! He said he didn't cry walking his daughter down the aisle, but he cried for my speech) Hmm... maybe I have a new profession in the making??? Nah, just got lucky this time I think.

First I want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone here. I know that you being here today means more to Erin than you’ll ever know. Thank you to all the bridesmaids and family members that have helped with the wedding preparations that I couldn’t living two states away. Most of all, thank you Erin for allowing me the great honor to serve as your Matron of Honor on the most important day of your life.

Erin and I met in High School. I was the bitter teenager whose parents moved and forced me to attend my junior and senior years in a new school. I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t make any friends. Boy was I wrong. On my first day in English, I noticed a girl in a tye-dyed field hockey shirt sitting behind me. She had a huge smile on her face. Anyone who knows Erin knows that she has ALWAYS been full of life. She talked with me and made me feel welcome. Actually, I think she was the first person that had talked to me, and this was one of the last classes of the day. I had almost gone an entire day without a single person saying hello. Regardless of what others say and do, Erin is the first to welcome a new face and pull them under her wing. That is exactly what she did with me.

The first time we hung out was a result of a misunderstanding. She was talking to me about making cookies. I thought she was asking me to make some cookies for her. Although I hadn’t ever made cookies all on my own, I found myself saying, “Well, sure…. I guess I could make you some cookies….” Laughter filled the air and she said she was inviting me over to make some cookies. That’s pretty much how our friendship took off.

We were in quite a few classes together those last two years of High School. We always had a blast in English and just loved torturing our poor Trig teacher, Mr. Shuman. She was involved in Field Hockey and Student Council (which is proof of how friendly and likeable she is) as well as track during the spring. With Erin at my side, I made it through my last two years of high school with many great memories.

Outside of school, we enjoyed spitting awful tasting jelly bellies out of the window of her buick, learning squirrel calls, and scaring children on bicycles when I poked my head out of her car wearing a pair of goggles on my face.

Becoming a teacher has been a dream come true for Erin. I don’t think that there could be a better profession for her. Everything about Erin screams Teacher. She is nurturing, patient, kind, and has a great outlook on life. Words cannot express how proud I am of her. She is going to bless the lives of the children she teaches. All it takes is one fabulous teacher to inspire a young child to be a teacher. I guarantee that the new Mrs. Amoss will be that inspirer.

In thinking about this speech, the word that kept coming to mind was loyal. Erin truly is loyal to those in her life, but even more so I feel that she is devoted. She has always been devoted to everything in her life. She has never done half of a task, but rather always sees it thru. It is because of the great qualities that she has that will make her a wonderful wife and future mother. Brian – she will always do her part in being your life companion. She chose to spend the rest of her life with you – that is exactly what she’ll do. Just as she has never let anyone down in her life, make sure that you don’t let her down. Thank you for bringing her the happiness that I know she deserves.

Please raise your glasses to my best friend, Erin. A true gem that I know everyone in this room cherishes. Brian, may you keep her as happy as she has made all of us just by being a part of our lives. May your marriage see more happiness than sorrow, and may your love grow deeper each day for the rest of your lives. Here’s to Erin and Brian Amoss.


That wasn't exactly how I said it, and I made a lot of edits to it before the reception. I'm pretty proud of myself.

Cannery Trip

We had a great trip to the cannery today. We were really able to get a lot of canning done. As always, it was done pretty quick and I look forward to the next time we get to go. If only the traffic in this state wasn't so crummy! It seemed like it took us forever to get there and to get home because there was so much going on on the roads. I wish I would have gotten a picture of us all in our hair nets and aprons. Unfortunately it was very poorly attended. Only 3 of our youth showed up. Tisk tisk!

Dreams

I sometimes get in a sentimental mood and really enjoy watching stories of success and fulfilled dreams. Not quite sure if it's because I feel that I have a lack of fulfilled dreams or lack of success. Honestly, my attitude on life is probably the one that needs adjusted. ANYWHO....watching those stories/dreams makes me think about the Lord's hand in things. There must have been a lot going on at that time to help these things happen. I know that there are many of those stories out there in the world, many that haven't been told. Most of the stories that I have are sports related. Do you think the Lord enjoys sports? Do you think that He even cares who wins? Today in one of the files of my million file mind, I decided that He does. There are great leaders in this world that have a lot of life lessons they can teach. In sports, there is a lot to learn - and some of life's lessons are best taught on the field/ice/water/court. Being part of that process must be an amazing experience. Just think about our founding Fathers! Wow, one can only imagine how strong the spirit was at that time, in those meeting places, on those battlefields. This is a wonderful land, a Promised Land, a land where dreams are made and fulfilled.

Welcome Back IKE!

I have a lot to be grateful for today. Today was the homecoming of my husband's FORMER ship (another thing I am grateful for). A good friend of mine's husband is unfortunately still stuck on that ship. The great news is that he was reunited with them today. I know what it is like to finally have the missing member of your family home again. I know there are thousands of others that are also home with their families tonight that haven't been since new year's day. Welcome back and we are grateful for your safe return. JTBJM Enjoy your daddy/husband/family time!!!

Furthering Education

One of my hubby's big goals while he is on shore duty is to complete a college degree. He is well on his way to getting started. I think he is only a few credits away from an associates degree.... all from just taking clep tests and the credits he gets from his military training. In the excitement of helping him get a good plan for himself that will be fruitful and will work with our family's goals.....I have revisited the option to finish a degree myself. A few years ago when I got online to BYU-I to see if I could attain an online degree through them, they didn't have one available. When I checked the other day, they finally have one! I attended college 7 years ago with the intent of getting a degree in health science. My only option for an online degree through them is one in University Studies. I know, it isn't glamorous, but it will fulfill the need for me to have a degree of some sort in the event of an emergency situation. It will also provide me the option on continuing to further my education in other areas and attaining my dream - becoming a personal trainer. I am continuing to research my options, but am very hopeful all will work out and who knows... maybe my husband and I can do school together!

It's on

Me and the hubby started a little weight loss challenge today. I'm gearing up to win (hopefully). Since my hubby has a million and one things he wants (the list is constantly getting longer and being edited) that usually add up to a million and one dollars..... it's tough trying to appease those wants. In my desperation to not only help him get healthier/stay healthy after getting off the boat, I thunk up a challenge. You see, on a boat of the size he was on, you are ALWAYS walking FLIGHTS of stairs. Up, down, up, down, down, up...etc. Since he is now on shore duty, he doesn't have all those steps to climb. He walks to work and that helps a little (we are pretty close) he needs that swift kick in the pants. Not to mention, I need the same. It's tough to continue to work hard with weight loss when you know you still have a child to bear in the future. At times I really want to be done with childbearing so that I can just work the weight off and keep it that way. OH WELL. One day I will be done with childbearing. Unfortunately, today is not that day.

I will let you know who wins in the end (not that you care) and show pictures of the prize. My husband's prize is going to go along with the 2nd amendment, mine is still a bit undecided.

Happy Birthday #1!

Ok, so I am a horrible mom and #1's birthday was Saturday. She turned 5. We threw a little shindig (and I mean little) but we had great fun. Hello Kitty was the theme of choice this year.

I can't believe that it has been 5 years since she joined our family. She has become such a wonderful girl. #1 is always willing to lend a hand, is usually compassionate, tries hard to learn, all almost to a fault. Sometimes she is a little too hard on herself. I see a lot of me in her. Hopefully she doesn't turn out to be like her mother, or we'll all be in trouble. We are so proud of you #1 and look forward to the years ahead.

WHOOPS!

There were a couple days that I definitely forgot to post something for. First being the 19th- my best friends birthday! Erin, hope your day ended well, glad we could talk on the phone for a little! My best friend is just that, the best! I am so blessed to have her in my life. Her brother chose to get married that day as well. He is the closest I have to a brother and I wish them both the best. Congratulations and enjoy that honeymoon!

20th - Another good friend's birthday. Happy birthday Cheryl! It was also Father's Day. I want to thank the wonderful fathers in my life, my father, husband, grandfathers, and many others who have influenced me for the better and been a wonderful example.

21st - $0.99 Rita's Italian ice day! In commemoration of the first day of summer, Rita's was having a sale on their regular size Italian ice. We stopped by for a treat and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Keela

So.... we got a dog. Yeah, I know. Finally took the jump and got a dog. The girls have been asking forever and since things weren't going as well as we wanted with getting a new car (basically, we haven't gotten one yet because we can't figure out what we want) that we decided to do the dog first.

We headed to the SPCA after Sissy's graduation on Friday, saw Keela and J said he really liked her. So, we interacted with her, things went well and so we said we wanted to adopt. Off we flew to the nearest Petsmart to get her the necessities and then we picked her up Saturday. She is such a great dog. I think she has come to accept us as her family and I hope she loves us a lot. She seems to. I love the exercise too. J and I take turns walking her. He usually gets the evening walk, I get the morning. No sleeping in for me ever I guess! Oh well. Maybe we will switch again once J starts work. This morning I took her for a 3 mile walk. She did great. Running with her isn't too easy, she keeps swerving back and forth. Until she gets used to it I think it might be slow going.

Her first day here, she fell asleep on the couch for a bit and Sissy put a blanket over her to keep her warm. It was the cutest thing.

 

Moving On..... aka Graduation

Sissy (little momma) "moved on" from Pre-K on the 11th. I tried to get some good pictures of her teachers, but.... most came out fuzzy.

The children sang a few songs, got their certificates and we all got to munch on some cake (at 10 in the morning).


This is Ms. Padgett - Sissy's Pre-K teacher. Ms. Barnes was her assistant for part of the year, as was Ms. Reid. I wasn't able to get great pictures of either of them though. We loved all of her teachers and feel that they were all very kind, loving, and HUGE helps in helping Sissy to learn a lot this year!

A Surprise

It has been a little while since I blogged. Mostly because we have had so much going on and I have had so little time on the computer. First.... J surprised me by coming home early. Some of our best friends here surprised me by bringing my husband home Friday night! He told me he wouldn't be home until the 7th and lo and behold, he shows up on the 4th!

Our time with him so far has been spent going to the zoo (and finally riding the train), looking for cars, running errands, looking for dogs, more errands, watching movies, and hanging around. Let me tell ya, we are never more lazy than when Daddy first comes home. But... the laziness is most definitely under the category of "quality time" as well. =)

J showed up very late on the 4th, some of my friends kidnapped my kids to give me a chance to "clean house". They all knew my husband was about to pop through the door. I come home, get ready to start cleaning, and the doorbell rings. I go to it thinking it is my friend, Stephanie picking some stuff up for the kids overnight and there is J staring at me - mustache and all! I couldn't believe it! Naturally, the kids didn't see him that night, so we planned a dinner for the following day with our friends so that Jeremiah could sneak up and surprise them. little momma was HILARIOUS! She looks at him, says... "Hi Daddy...." then it clicks. (Wait... Daddy isn't supposed to be home....) "DADDY!!! Did mommy pick you up??" While this was going on, destructo girl was already not paying attention, we had to turn her focus on him before she noticed, got a huge smile on her face and said, "Daddy!!" and smothered him with hugs. Little Man wasn't really sure what to do. He was already a little tired, he sat with J for a little while before he went to sleep.

We talked this past Sunday at church. Since our stake has stake conference this Sunday (Father's Day) we celebrated it on the 13th. Our topic was Fathers and the primary children sang. J had me tearing up a little bit when he thanked our Home Teachers and Friends for helping to make his job easier by knowing his family was taken care of. It is very nice knowing that you have people to call to ask for help in any way when your spouse is away.